Fold or pleat fixing arrangement for curtains or drapes

An arrangement for fixing folds or pleats of curtains or drapes which includes a retaining plate member and a fold clasp member which can be elastically locked together with the retaining plate member. The fold clasp member has arranged on a front side thereof at least two mutually aligned fold clamping devices defined by webs which are spaced from one another so as to define a fold or pleat receiving slot. One of the clamping devices projects at a further distance from the front surface of the fold clasp member than the other of the clamping devices. Centrally arranged locking devices are provided on the retaining plate member with elastically deformable wings being provided on both sides of the locking devices, which wings extend with outer longitudinal sides into the proximity of the retaining plate member. Cooperating rows of tooth-like projections are provided along longitudinal edges of both the retaining plate member and the fold clasp member with the tooth-like projections of the fold clasp member being disposed between adjacent tooth-like projections when the retaining plate member and the fold clasp member are brought into a locking position.

The present invention relates to an arrangement for fixing folds or pleats 
in curtains and drapes which includes vertically extending webs open at 
the top and bottom ends thereof with at least one fold or pleat of the 
drapery material being introduced into at least one slot of the fold 
fixing arrangement and being held therein under an elastic clamping 
action. The slot is formed between two webs with barb-like projections 
being arranged at the two webs, which projections extend in a direction of 
a respective fold or pleat receiving slot. 
Drape or curtain fold fixing devices have been proposed, for example, in 
German Pat. No. 2,227,199 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,001, which devices are 
formed as integral elements, thereby having the general advantage of being 
of a relatively simple structure. However, a shortcoming of the proposed 
devices resides in the fact that the folds or pleats are held only at 
their bases. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,223,148, another device for fixing folds or pleats in 
curtains or drapes is proposed wherein the folds or pleats are retained in 
a one-piece retaining element which is constructed of a hard elastic 
synthetic resin with spaced webs extending from a top and bottom of the 
retaining element being provided and defining therebetween fold receiving 
slots. The inserted fold or pleat is held under an elastic clamping action 
in the respective slots with the slots having an inner circularly enlarged 
closed portion at an inner side thereof so that the folds or pleats can be 
retained at bases thereof by means of a holding bar having a circular 
cross-section. 
In the last-mentioned proposed fixing device, the webs, fashioned as hollow 
elements, must have a sufficient elasticity so that the circular holding 
bars can be introduced together with the doubled-up layer of fabric from 
the front through the slots. However, this elasticity is disadvantageous 
in that the holding bar can also be pulled out of the slot with the same 
amount of force by which the curtain fabric with the holding bar is 
pressed into the slot. A further disadvantage resides in the fact that the 
relatively large width of the slot at its inner end requires a 
correspondingly large spacing between individual adjacent slots so that 
the total retaining element becomes relatively large and bulky. This 
latter disadvantage, in turn, results in a retaining element which cannot 
be utilized to achieve a closely gathered fold arrangement. Additionally, 
due to the fact that the fixation of the folds is not very secure, there 
is a danger that the retaining element will detach itself from the fabric 
during the washing or drycleaning of the curtain or drape. 
In U.S. Pat. No. 1,149,628, a device for fixing folds or pleats of curtains 
is proposed wherein downwardly projecting claws are provided on a holding 
ring which is adjustable in the diameter and is guided along a cylindrical 
curtain rod. A single claw is arranged on a side facing the back of the 
curtain with the single claw having forwardly projecting barbs. Two 
parallel extending, finger-like claws with rearwardly projecting barbs are 
arranged on the side facing the front of the curtain with the curtain 
fabric being held at various points by means of the claws. 
One shortcoming of the last-mentioned proposed device resides in the fact 
that, due to the two forward finger-like claws, a fold extending toward 
the front at right angles to the curtain can be readily withdrawn or 
pulled out. Furthermore, this conventional fixing device is merely capable 
of holding a simple T-fold. Another disadvantage of this conventional 
fixing device resides in the fact that a formation of a so-called "head" 
at the curtain, that is, the formation of a part at the curtain projecting 
upwardly beyond the holding fixture, is impossible. Also, this 
conventional arrangement is unsuitable for holding more sensitive drapery 
fabrics since the fabric is apt to tear when a load is exerted due to the 
point-like mounting at the barbs of the claws. Furthermore, the forwardly 
disposed finger-like claws are visible when forming a forwardly projecting 
fold, thereby resulting in an esthetically unattractive arrangement. 
Another holding device for curtains or drapes is proposed in German Pat. 
No. 2,255,328 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,696, wherein a hook is attached to a 
holding means with the aid of lugs having spherical heads, which lugs 
project from a plate of the hook with the spherical heads of the lugs 
being introduced into corresponding openings of the holding means. 
The aim underlying the present invention essentially resides in providing a 
drapery or curtain fold or pleat fixing device by means of which forwardly 
projecting folds or pleats are securely and accurately fixed in their 
shape without the folds or pleats becoming entirely inherently rigid in a 
zone of fixation. 
According to advantageous features of the present invention, an elastic 
fold clasp which can be locked together with a retaining plate is provided 
with the elastic fold clasp having arranged on a front side thereof at 
least two, mutually aligned, spaced-apart, fold clamping means formed by 
webs with at least one of the fold clamping means projecting approximately 
over a distance corresponding to a depth of the folds or pleats to be 
fixed, whereas the other fold clamping means projects by a markedly 
smaller distance. The fold clasp can be locked to the retaining plate at a 
spacing therefrom by means of centrally disposed locking elements with 
elastically deformable wings extending with their outer longitudinal sides 
into the proximity of the retaining plate on both sides of the locking 
elements. Moreover, the fold clasp carries or has arranged thereon in a 
zone of longitudinal sides thereof, toothlike projections with the 
retaining plate carrying or having arranged thereon further tooth-like 
projections with both tooth-like projections being operatively associated 
with one another when the fold clasp is locked in the retaining plate. 
By virtue of the above-noted advantageous features of the present 
invention, it is possible to hold folds or pleats to be fixed in an 
extensively projecting fold clamping means extending only over a small 
zone of the total height of the fold or pleat forming device so that the 
folds or pleats are fixed in a position over their entire depth. 
Additionally, in accordance with another feature of the present invention, 
only the base of one or several folds is held in the other fold clamping 
means so that the folds can spring apart without changing their position 
relative to the pleat or fold fixing device. 
Moreover, according to the present invention, at the transition from an 
unfolded zone of the curtain or drape to the folds or pleats, a double 
layer of fabric is fixed firmly between the fold clasp and the retaining 
plate, whereby also the outer layer of fabric of the externally lying 
folds is accurately fixed in position at the same time. At this position, 
the curtain or drapery proper is borne by the fold or pleat fixing 
arrangement. The thicker and/or the heavier the curtain or drapery fabric, 
the wider the elastically formable wings of the fold clasp extend with an 
elastic action so that the clamping force between the fold clasp and the 
retaining plate is proportionately stronger. Due to the construction 
provided by the present invention, the entire fold or pleat fixing device 
lies on the back of the curtain and is not visible from the front side 
thereof. 
Advantageously, according to a further feature of the present invention, 
the fold clasp has a cross-section of approximately the shape of a 
cylindrical segment and at least one pair of elastic webs with outwardly 
projecting lugs having abutment surfaces are provided on the inside of the 
fold clasp, which elastic webs cooperate with contact surfaces of 
associated locking apertures arranged on the retaining plate. 
Furthermore, according to the present invention, a hook having at least one 
row with at least two projecting pins which can be introduced into 
corresponding openings in the retaining plate is arranged on the fold or 
pleat fixing device whereby the present invention is adaptable to the 
so-called American suspension system. To ensure an absolutely secure but 
detachable hanging action, the hook is provided with a bracket mounted to 
a plate with a free end of the bracket being connectable to the retaining 
plate in the manner of a safety pin. 
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a drapery 
or curtain fold or pleat fixing arrangement which avoids, by simple means, 
the shortcomings and drawbacks encountered in the prior art. 
Another object of the present invention resides in providing a drapery or 
curtain fold or pleat fixing arrangement which is simple in construction 
and therefor inexpensive to manufacture. 
A further object of the present invention resides in providing a drapery or 
curtain fold or pleat fixing arrangement which ensures an absolute 
securing or fixing of the folds or pleats when the curtain or drapes are 
hanging, removed from a curtain or drapery rod, washed or cleaned, and/or 
transported. 
Yet another object of the present invention resides in providing a drapery 
or curtain fold or pleat fixing arrangement wherein the thicker and/or 
heavier the curtains or drapes, the greater the clamping force exerted 
between the clamping elements. 
A still further object of the present invention resides in providing a 
drapery or curtain fold or pleat fixing arrangement which is readily 
attachable to the top of curtains or drapery material and which accurately 
fixes the folds or pleats in place. 
Still another object of the present invention resides in providing a 
drapery or curtain fold or pleat fixing arrangement which is readily 
adaptable to the so-called American suspension system.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used 
throughout the various views to designate like parts and, more 
particularly, to FIGS. 11 and 12, a curtain or drape fold or pleat fixing 
arrangement is provided which includes a retaining plate generally 
designated by the reference numeral 1 having a fold clasp generally 
designated by the reference numeral 2 detachably mounted on a front side 
thereof and a hook generally designated by the reference numeral 3 
detachably mounted to a backside of the retaining plate 1. 
As shown most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the retaining plate 1 has a flat, 
oblong, rectangular shape and is provided, on its front side or surface 4, 
with at least two rows of tooth-like projections generally designated by 
the reference numeral 5 with the respective rows being arranged in 
proximity to an associated lateral edge 6, 7. The rows of tooth-like 
projections 5 extend parallel to each other and to a line of symmetry 8 of 
the retaining plate 1. Each of the tooth-like projections are shaped as a 
triangular pyramid having one lateral face 9 disposed away from an 
associated lateral edge 6 or 7 and extending vertically upwardly from a 
front side or surface 4 of the retaining plate 1 with two other lateral 
faces 10, 11 extending at a shallow or slight inclination toward an 
associated outer edge. 
One row of apertures 12 is arranged on both sides of and parallel to the 
line of symmetry 8. The rows of apertures 12 are disposed at an equal 
spacing or distance from the line of symmetry 8 and extend between and 
parallel to the rows of tooth-like projections 5. The apertures or 
openings 12 each include a cylindrical section 13 located toward the front 
side or surface 4 of the retaining plate 1, a subsequent cylindrical 
section 14 of a smaller diameter than the cylindrical section 13 disposed 
within the interior of the retaining plate 1, and a truncated cone section 
16 flaring toward a backside or surface 15 of the retaining plate 1. 
An annular contact shoulder 17, oriented toward the front side or surface 4 
of the retaining plate 1, is formed at the transition between the 
cylindrical section 13 and the smaller diameter cylindrical section 14. 
Three locking openings generally designated by the reference numeral 18 are 
provided along the line of symmetry 8 with each locking opening 18, as 
viewed from above, having an approximately rectangular cross-section and 
extending through the retaining plate 1 from the front side or surface 4 
to the backside or surface 15. The locking openings 18 include a 
rectangular section 19 arranged in the interior of the retaining plate 1 
with the rectangular section including spaced vertically extending lateral 
surfaces 20 which are adjoined by spaced surfaces 21 which flare toward 
the front side or surface 4. Toward the backside or surface 15 of the 
retaining plate 1, the lateral surfaces 20 of the rectangular section 19 
are adjoined by contact surfaces 22 so as to define a widened section 23 
which opens toward the backside or surface 15. 
As shown most clearly in FIGS. 3-5, the hook 3 includes a plate generally 
designated by the reference numeral 24 having an elastically deformable 
bracket 26 attached to a top side 25 of the plate 24 with the bracket 26 
being bent toward the rear or backside or surface 28 of the plate 24 in a 
downward direction. The bracket 26 is provided with a tapered section 27 
in a zone of its free end thereof. An upwardly open box generally 
designated by the reference numeral 29 is arranged in a lower zone of the 
backside or surface 28 of the plate 24 with the box 29 facing the bracket 
26 and being attached to the plate 24. One side wall 30 of the box 29 is 
provided with a recess 31 in a zone of the backside or surface 28 of the 
plate 24. 
By bending the bracket 26 toward the backside or surface 28 of the plate 
24, with a simultaneous slight lateral deformation, the tapered section 27 
of the bracket 26 is guided beyond an edge 30' of the side wall so that 
the tapered section 27 can be inserted through a recess into an interior 
29' of the box 29. When a load on the bracket 26 is relieved, the tapered 
section 27 contacts a rear wall 32 of the box 29 and is fixed laterally 
between the side wall 30 and an opposite wall 33 by virtue of the elastic 
expansion of the bracket 26. Thus, the hook 3 can be closed in the manner 
of a conventional safety pin. 
Two rows of vertically projecting pegs are arranged on a front side or 
surface 34 of the plate 24 with each peg 35 terminating in an elastically 
deformable spherical head 36. The two rows of pegs 35 with heads 36 are 
spaced from each other at a distance a, which distance corresponds to the 
spacing or distance between the two rows of apertures 12 in the retaining 
plate 1. Two adjacent pegs 35 with heads 36 in respective rows are spaced 
at a distance b which corresponds to the spacing or distance between two 
adjacent apertures or openings 12 in the retaining plate 1. 
The diameter of the pegs 35 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the 
narrow cylindrical sections 14 in the retaining plate 1, whereas the 
diameter of the spherical heads 36 is somewhat larger than the diameter of 
the narrow cylindrical sections 14 in the retaining plate 1 and is 
somewhat smaller than the diameter of the wide cylindrical sections 13 in 
the retaining plate 1. 
To connect the hook 3 and retaining plate 1 to each other, the heads 36 are 
pressed into the truncated cone-shaped sections 16 whereby the heads 36 
are subjected to a slight elastic deformation so that they can be forced 
through the narrower sections 14 of the retaining plate 1. Upon being 
pressed through the narrow sections 14, the heads 36 expand elastically in 
the wide cylindrical section 13 so as to engage behind the contact 
shoulders 17, thereby establishing a very firm connection between the hook 
3 and the retaining plate 1, which connection can be disengaged when 
expending a maximum amount of force. By virtue of the provision of a 
relatively large number of apertures or openings 12 in each row of the 
retaining plate 1, the hook 3 can be attached at various different 
vertical levels of the retaining plate 1. 
As shown most clearly in FIGS. 6-10, the fold clasp 2 includes an 
elastically deformable clasp section 37 of an oblong shape which is 
approximately rectangular in cross-section in a top view. As seen in 
cross-section (FIG. 10), the clamping element 37 has approximately a 
configuration of an annular cylindrical segment and is constructed 
symmetrically to a plane of symmetry 38. Elastic webs 40, 41 are provided 
on an inside surface or side 39 of the curved clasp section 37 with the 
webs respectively projecting in pairs and being provided with outwardly 
projecting barbs 42, 43 arranged in a free end zone of the webs 40, 41. 
The barbs 42, 43 each comprise inclined faces 44 extending away from the 
inside surface or side 39 toward each other and abutment surfaces 45 
facing the inner surface or side 39. Three pairs of webs 40, 41 are 
arranged at the same mutual spacing c as the locking openings 18 in the 
retaining plate 1 with the length of webs 40, 41 being somewhat smaller 
than the length of the locking openings 18. 
To lock the fold clasp 2 to the retaining plate 1, the clasp 2 and plate 1 
are pressed against each other so that the inclined surfaces contact the 
introduction surfaces of the retaining plate 1. If a mutually opposed 
force is exerted, the webs 40, 41 are thereby moved elastically toward one 
another, that is, toward the plane of symmetry 38 by virtue of the free 
space 46 provided between the webs 40, 41. After the barbs 42, 43 have 
been pushed through the narrowest section 19 in the retaining plate 1, the 
webs 40, 41 again elastically spring back into their open positions so 
that abutment surfaces 45 of the barbs 42, 43 engage the contact surfaces 
22 of the retaining plate 1, whereby the fold clasp 2 and the retaining 
plate 1 are firmly locked together. 
A release of the locking action between the retaining plate 1 and fold 
clasp 2 is only possible by bending the webs 40, 41 together again so that 
the barbs 42, 43 can be pulled out through the narrow section 19 of the 
retaining plate 1. 
One row of tooth-like projections 49, fashioned or constructed identically 
to the tooth-like projections 5, is disposed along the respective 
longitudinal sides 47, 48 of the clasp section 37. A spacing d is provided 
between the two rows of projections 49, which spacing is the same as the 
spacing provided between the rows of tooth-like projections 5 of the 
retaining plate 1. The individual projections 49 are arranged so as to 
pass between two adjacent tooth-like projections 5 of the retaining plate 
1 during a locking of the fold clasp 2 to the retaining plate 1. Thus, 
each of the projections 49 comprise lateral faces 50 facing each other and 
located in parallel to the plane of symmetry 38. 
The length of the webs 40, 41, on the one hand, and the curvature of the 
clasp section 37, on the other hand, is selected so that when the fold 
clasp 2 is locked together with the retaining plate 1, there is still a 
space between the respective tips of the projections 5 or 49 and the 
associated front side or surface 4 of the retaining plate 1 or the 
longitudinal edges 47, 48 of the fold clasp 2. 
Two fold clamping means generally designated by the reference numerals 52, 
53 are arranged at a spacing from each other on the front surface or side 
51 of the clasp section 37. The clamping means 52, 53 respectively include 
two pairs of webs 54, 55 arranged at a spacing from each other with the 
webs 54, 55 being provided at the free end zones thereof with tooth-like 
projections 56, 57, respectively, which are oriented toward each other. 
The tooth-like projections 56, 57 are provided on outside surfaces thereof 
with insert faces 58, 59 which are inclined toward a front surface or side 
51 of the clasp section 37. The projections 56, 57 on a side located 
toward the front surface or side 51 of the clasp section 37 is provided 
with lateral faces 60, 61, respectively, which extend approximately 
vertically to the plane of symmetry 38. Thus, the tooth-like projections 
56, 57 are likewise fashioned as barbs. The webs 54 of the fold clamping 
means 52 project outwardly to a greater extent from the front side or 
surface 51 than the webs 55 of the fold clamping means 53. 
To form and fix in position four forwardly projecting folds or pleats 63, 
64, 65, 66 at the top edge of a curtain or drapery 62, the folds or pleats 
are formed while gathering the fabric of the curtain or drapery 62 
appropriately and, as shown most clearly in FIG. 13, the three fold bases 
67, 68, 69, located between the two middle folds 64, 65 and at the 
transition to the two outer folds 63, 66 are pushed between the webs 54 of 
the fold clamping means 52 while correspondingly expanding the clamping 
means 52 so as to reach a portion of the front surface or sides 51 of the 
fold clasp 2 located between the webs 54. 
After relieving a load on the webs 54, the webs 54 return into elastic 
mutual contact and retain the fabric of the curtain or drapery firmly by 
means of the tooth-like projections 56 so that the fabric of the curtain 
or drapery 62 can no longer be withdrawn or pulled out without bending 
apart the webs 54. 
Simultaneously therewith or subsequent thereto, as shown in FIG. 12, the 
middle fold or pleat base 68 of the folds or pleats is pushed between the 
webs 55 of the smaller upper fold clamping means 53 and is then secured 
against withdrawal or pulling out by virtue of the webs 55 returning into 
elastic mutual contact by means of the tooth-like projections 57 after the 
load on the webs 55 is relieved. Thereafter, the fabric of the curtain or 
drapery 62 is folded over the longitudinal sides 47, 48 of the fold clasp 
2 so that respective double layers of fabric 70, 71 are located between 
longitudinal edges 47, 48 and the webs 40, 41. Then the fold clasp 2 is 
locked together with the retaining plate 1 in the manner more fully 
described hereinabove, whereby the two double layers of fabric 70, 71, 
each forming an outer fold base, are firmly secured against being 
withdrawn or pulled out from between the retaining plate 1 and the fold 
clasp 2. 
The thicker and/or the heavier the fabric of the curtain or drapery 62, the 
higher the locking forces in the fold clamping means 52, 53 and between 
the clasp section 37 of the fold clasp 2 and the retaining plate 1 since 
the webs 54, 55 and the elastic wings 72, 73 of the clasp section 37 are 
elastically deformed in dependence on the thickness of the fabric. 
As noted hereinabove, the hook 3 can be attached to the retaining plate at 
any desired level and thereafter the entire curtain or drape 62 may be 
securely but detachably attached by means of the hook 3 to a curtain rod 
so that the fold or pleat fixing arrangement is versatile and usable in 
the so-called American suspension system. 
As shown most clearly in FIG. 1, aligned lugs 75, 76 oriented toward each 
other are arranged at end pieces 74 provided at the upper end of the 
retaining plate 1. By means of the lugs 75, 76, attachment to a rolling or 
sliding suspension means is possible in a manner set forth more clearly 
in, for example, Offenlegungsschrifts Nos. 24 53 460 and 25 42 963 and 
commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 631,197, now U.S. Pat. 
No. 4,125,143, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference 
to the extent necessary in understanding the present invention. 
It is furthermore possible by means of the present invention to attach 
pre-fabricated curtains or draperies, that is, curtains or draperies 
firmly joined to the pleat or fold fixing device of the present invention, 
by hanging or suspending the device on a carrying device such as described 
in greater detail in, for example, Offenlegungsschrift No. 25 53 834 and 
commonly assigned copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 745,984, now 
abandoned, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference to 
the extent necessary in understanding the present invention. By virtue of 
the utilization of the afore-mentioned carrying devices, the mounting 
and/or removing of the curtain or drapery and/or the washing, cleaning, 
transportation and storage of the curtains or drapes is greatly 
facilitated. 
The retaining plate 1, fold clasp 2 and the hook 3 are each fashioned or 
constructed in one piece and consist of a hard elastic thermoplastic 
synthetic resinous material. Preferably, the retaining plate 1, the fold 
clasp 2 and the hook 3 are suitably manufactured of an alkai- and 
light-resistant synthetic resin such as, for example, a polyamide. As can 
be seen from the drawings, the fold or pleat fixing device is long as 
compared to its width so that all fold bases can be gathered relatively 
densely; however, a sufficient fixation and holding length is nevertheless 
available. 
In order to give the folds or pleats 63-66 of the curtain or drapery a 
satisfactory rigidity, that is, to render the folds or pleats 63-66 
sufficiently dimensionally stable, as shown in FIG. 12, a reinforcing band 
77 consisting of knit or woven fabric is also arranged in the fold fixing 
arrangement at the same time the folds or pleats 63-66 are being produced. 
In order to provide a clearer illustration of the invention, the band 77 is 
shown in FIG. 12 as merely being provided at the lateral zones of the fold 
or pleat fixing device; however, the band 77 closely contacts the rear 
side of the fabric and also extends along the folds or pleats 63-66 on 
their respective inner sides. Preferably, a reinforcing band 77 will 
normally be of such a width that it extends from the top edge of the 
curtain or drapery to below the lower fold clamping means. However, 
particularly in the case of a curtain, the reinforcing band 77 can simply 
be a lining fabric attached to its back. Normally, such a reinforcing band 
77 will be attached to the curtain or drapery by sewing. 
While we have shown and described only one embodiment in accordance with 
the present invention, it is understood that the same is not limited 
thereto, but is susceptible of numerous changes and modifications as known 
to one having ordinary skill in the art, and we therefor do not wish to be 
limited to the details shown and described herein, but intend to cover all 
such modifications as are encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.