Abstract:
A window treatment holding system having an elongated pocket member defining a pocket profile, or structure, in which a bracket is received in a snap-fit arrangement. The system is capable of generally concealing the mechanical portion of a window treatment and includes the bracket being designed to carry the head rail of a conventional horizontal or vertical blind, or a drapery rod or channel. The pocket member can be of a variety of configurations and can be fastened over a window, in the ceiling, fastened to the wall or window frame adjacent the window, or incorporated into the window mullion head. Various pocket profiles are provided, some designed to be concealed from view, and others having decorative external portions for providing an aesthetically appealing appearance. The pocket member could be molded or extruded as a part of a window frame or the window mullion head. Also, the pocket profile can be created using a pocket adapter and snapped into place in a conventional mullion cavity.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/126,020, filed Mar. 25, 1999, entitled “Window Treatment Holder System.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a system for mounting and retaining window treatments, such as horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, draperies, shades, shutters, sliding fabric panels, etc. 
     When installing window treatments in a new or existing structure, several options are available. With regard to installing horizontal blinds, for example, dedicated brackets provided by the manufacturer are generally fastened, such as with screws or other fasteners, to window frame or to wall or ceiling portions surrounding the corresponding window. Similarly, when installing draperies, drapery rods may also be directly fastened to window frame or to wall or ceiling surfaces surrounding the window with dedicated brackets using conventional fasteners. 
     Other installation conditions are common. One option involves the construction of an oversized pocket or soffit for concealing the upper portion of the window treatment. This pocket is typically built into the structure using wallboard, studs, etc. Another option is the use of a prefabricated pocket, which can be structured of metal such aluminum. 
     Another option is the use of a channel member, which also can be structured of metal such as aluminum, which may be provided by a manufacturer of the window treatment and which is configured specifically for that manufacturer&#39;s product. 
     Some of the foregoing options may be expensive, labor intensive to install, and/or of limited use for different types of window treatments. 
     Master Recessed Systems has offered pocket structures for holding venetian blinds, draperies and vertical blinds. Note in particular U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,678,636 and 3,708,927, both of which issued to Cohen. Note also U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,951,197 and 4,023,235, both of which issued to Cohen, et al. Concerning existing window treatment holders, other window treatment manufacturers offered brackets that twist into place using a tool and which hold window treatments, such as horizontal blinds, in place. 
     Other patented devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,102, issued to Debs which describes a support for a venetian blind, and also U.S. Pat. No. 3,715,776, issued to Tanaka, which discloses a curtain box. Australian Patent Document Nos. 54,837/90 and 57,823/73 disclose related devices. 
     Even in view of the foregoing devices, there still exists a need for advancements in window treatment holding systems. A particular need exists for a system which is easily installed with a minimal number of fasteners, and which finds more universal application among various types of window treatments produced by various manufacturers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide a window treatment holding system which can be used to install multiple types of window treatments produced by various manufacturers. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a window treatment holding system which can be incorporated in the top of the window mullion, mounted overhead, or surface mounted. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a window treatment holding system having a pocket member which finds widespread applicability for use in retaining various types and styles of window treatments. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a window treatment holding system having brackets tailored for specific window treatments, such brackets being usable in a particular embodiment of a pocket member constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide brackets which position the window treatment within a pocket member. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide means for a given pocket configuration to allow various types of products to be installed using appropriate brackets of the present invention. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a method of using a window treatment holding system constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     Generally, the present invention includes an elongated pocket member defining a pocket profile, or structure, in which a bracket is received in a snap-fit arrangement. The bracket is designed to carry the head rail of a conventional horizontal or vertical blind, or a drapery rod or channel. 
     The pocket member can be of a variety of configurations and can be fastened over a window, in the ceiling, fastened to the wall or window frame adjacent the window, or incorporated into the window mullion head. Numerous pocket profiles are provided, some of which are designed to be concealed from view, and others having decorative external portions for providing an aesthetically appealing appearance. The pocket member is fixed to the desired location using conventional fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets or the like, or, in certain applications, could be molded or extruded as a part of a window frame or the window mullion head. Also, the pocket profile can be provided by a pocket adapter and snapped into place in a conventional mullion cavity. 
     The brackets also come in numerous designs, some of which are shown in the figures provided herewith. The brackets are “snapped” or “twisted” into place within a pocket member, allowing for a window treatment to be snapped into the pocket/bracket system. Alternately, the brackets can be attached to a window treatment head prior to its insertion into the pocket member. Neither screws, bolts nor other fasteners or tools are necessary in order to couple the window treatment to the pocket. Further, the brackets are preferably designed such that the window treatments may be removed or adjusted once coupled with the pocket member. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing, as well as other objects of the present invention, will be further apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, when taken together with the accompanying specification and the drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window treatment holding system constructed in accordance with the present invention, and illustrates a pocket member and bracket of the present invention holding a conventional set of horizontal blinds; 
     FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a window treatment holding system constructed in accordance with the present invention, illustrating an alternate embodiment pocket member and an alternate embodiment bracket of the present invention holding a conventional set of vertical blinds; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a pocket member and bracket constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a pocket member constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a bracket constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a pocket member constructed in accordance with the present invention having unitary decorative molding defined therein; 
     FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a pocket member constructed in accordance with the present invention having a separate decorative molding member attached hereto; 
     FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment pocket member of the present invention in use with a horizontal blind; 
     FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the pocket member of FIG. 9 in use with a vertical blind set; 
     FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a pocket member installed together with a bracket supporting a vertical blind; 
     FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a pocket member and bracket of the present invention, where the pocket member is installed and the bracket is supporting a vertical blind set; 
     FIG. 13A is a view of an alternate embodiment pocket member, and FIG. 13B is a side elevational view of a splicing member of the present invention illustrating use of the splicing member for adjoining adjacent pocket members; 
     FIGS. 14A is a view of the pocket member of FIG. 13A, and FIG. 14B is a side elevational view of a hanger member for use therewith; 
     FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the pocket member of FIG.  13  and bracket of the present invention in use with an S-fold drapery and track; 
     FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the pocket member of FIG.  13  and bracket of the present invention illustrating holding a cellular shade; 
     FIG. 17 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment pocket member for use in mounting on a wall; 
     FIG. 18 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment pocket member for use with a ceiling board or tile; 
     FIG. 19 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment pocket member of the present invention for use with a vertical board, panel, or tile member; 
     FIGS. 20A,  20 B,  20 C, and  21  are various views of the bracket of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the pocket member of FIG.  13  and bracket of the present invention in use with a roll shade; 
     FIG. 23 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment pocket member of the present invention for use with a ceiling tile installation; 
     FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the pocket member of FIG.  13  and bracket of the present invention supporting a vertical blind set, the pocket member being attached to the face of a mullion and overhead, and additionally supporting a ceiling tile or panel; 
     FIG. 25 is a sectional view of pocket members and brackets of the present invention illustrating the mounting of a drapery set, a horizontal blind set, and a vertical blind set; 
     FIGS. 26A-26D are a series of views showing the steps of using the window treatment holding system of the present invention and involves inserting brackets of the present invention into a pocket of the present invention and then attaching the window treatment to the brackets; 
     FIG. 27 is a view showing use of the window treatment holding system of the present invention and involves attaching brackets of the present invention to a window treatment and then inserting the brackets into a pocket; 
     FIGS. 28A and 28B are a series of views showing the steps of removing a window treatment and bracket from a pocket of the present invention; 
     FIG. 29 is a sectional view of a pocket adapter constructed in accordance with the present invention for insertion into a cavity and for receiving a bracket constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 30 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment bracket of the present invention constructed of a band of resilient material; 
     FIGS. 31A and 31B are a sectional view and a bottom plan view, respectively, of an alternate embodiment bracket of the present invention which can be twisted into place on a window treatment; and 
     FIGS. 32A-32E illustrate plan and side elevational views of a two-piece bracket constructed in accordance with the present invention for use in a pocket of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The accompanying drawings and the description which follows set forth this invention in its preferred embodiment. However, it is contemplated that persons generally familiar with window treatments will be able to apply the novel characteristics of the structures illustrated and described herein in other contexts by modification of certain details. Accordingly, the drawings and description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of this invention, but are to be understood as broad and general teachings. 
     Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like elements or features throughout the various views, the window treatment holding system of the present invention is indicated generally in the figures by reference character  10 . 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two of the fundamental configurations of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates window treatment holder system  10  supporting a set of horizontal blinds H. Pocket member, generally  12 , defines an elongated channel  14  for receipt of a bracket, generally  16 . It is to be noted at the outset that the configuration of pocket member  12  and bracket  16  can be varied significantly, while still not departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Bracket  16  is preferably made of a flexible, resilient material such as plastic, although it is to be understood that metal, wood, or some other suitable material having sufficient resiliency and structural integrity could also be used. Bracket  16  includes downwardly extending arms  18 ,  20 , each having a barb  22  at the end thereof. Each barb  22  receives and supports inwardly turned upper flange portions  24 ,  26  of a head rail  27  of blinds H. Outer arms  28 ,  30  are provided, and arm  28  rests on ledge  32  of pocket member  12 . Ledge  32  and a ledge  34  are formed by flanges  36 ,  38  of pocket member  12 . 
     Pocket member  12  is preferably formed of extruded aluminum, although it is to be understood it could be fabricated in some other suitable manner and of some other material, such as another metal besides aluminum. Pocket member  12 , for example, could be potentially extruded or molded of plastic, if desired. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, bracket  16  includes an elongated flexible catch member  40  which has a lower edge portion  42  which rests on ledge  34  when bracket and blinds H have been installed in pocket member  12 . 
     When it is desired to hang blinds H, bracket  16 , because it is flexible, is snapped onto head rail  27  such that barbs  22  engage flanges  24 ,  26  of head rail  27 . Stops  44 ,  46  limit upward movement of head rail  27 , once barbs  22  have engaged flanges  24 ,  26 . Bracket  16  is then inserted into pocket channel  14 , and flexible catch is simultaneously pressed inwardly toward head rail  27  such that the lower edge  42  thereof clears flange  38  and edge  42  rests on ledge  34 . Once this occurs, flexible catch  40  is released, and bracket  16 , and accordingly, head rail  27  and blinds H, are securely held within pocket member  12 . If it is desired to remove blinds H, flexible catch  40  is depressed to the extent necessary that lower edge  42  clears flange  38 , thereby releasing bracket  16  from pocket member  12 . Although the present invention discloses numerous pocket and bracket configurations herein, the basic operation of the pocket and bracket designs of the present invention operate substantially the same as that just discussed. 
     Turning now to FIG. 2, alternate embodiments of the pocket member and bracket of the present invention will be discussed. In this embodiment, pocket member  12 A includes substantially the same inner “pocket structure,” as discussed above, i.e., the pocket structure including a channel  14  provided with support ledges  32 ,  34  formed by inwardly extending flanges  36 ,  38 , respectively. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, pocket member  12 A includes rearwardly extending flanges  50 ,  52  which engage in an interlocking relationship with a bracket, generally  54  mounted on a wall W. Bracket  54  includes a lower barbed portion  56  which engages a corresponding barbed portion  58  of flange  52  in a snap fit relationship. Upper flange  50  includes a hook portion  60  which engages with a corresponding hook portion  62  of bracket  54 . On the other end of pocket member  12 A, a recess  64  is provided in which a support member  66  has a lip  68  for supporting a ceiling panel or tile, generally T. Support member  66  includes a hook portion  70  which corresponds with a hook portion  72  of pocket member  12 A. Support member  66  also includes a barbed edge  74  which is received in a barb/groove combination  76  defined in a flange  78  of pocket member  12 A. It is noted that pocket member  12 A can be securely retained to bracket  54  by the snap fit interaction of barbs  56  and  58 . Likewise, support member  66  is retained on pocket member  12 A by the snap fit arrangement of barb  74  with barb/groove combination  76 . 
     Bracket  16 A includes a flexible catch  40 A and snaps into place within pocket member  12 A upon a vertical blind V head rail  27 A being received by upstanding flexible arms  80 ,  82 . Arms  80 ,  82  have at their extreme end inwardly curved catches  84 ,  86 , respectively, which engage outwardly extending lip portions  88  of head rail  27 . The lower end of catch  84  and the lower end of leg  90  of bracket  16 A rest on ledges of the pocket structure of pocket member  12 A. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a pocket member  12 B having a front portion  92  and a rear upstanding portion  94  which can be used to attach pocket member  12 B to a wall using conventional fasteners (not shown). Bracket  16 A refers to a family of brackets, and in FIG. 3 bracket  16 A has been modified to eliminate cavity  95  (FIG.  2 ), and is provided in pocket member  12 B, but as compared with FIG. 2, the bracket  16 A is reversed, with the catch  40 A being adjacent the front  92  of pocket member  12 B, instead of the rear. Because bracket  16 A is asymmetric, reversing of the bracket  16 A, as shown in FIG. 6, allows for the distance between the window treatments, such as vertical blinds V from the wall W or window (not shown) to be varied for clearance, aesthetic, or other purposes. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates pocket member  12 C, which is similar to pocket member  12  and includes the basic pocket structure discussed above. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates bracket member  16  prior to insertion into a window treatment and also prior to insertion into pocket member  12 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates bracket member  16 A prior to insertion into a window treatment and prior to insertion of bracket  16 A into pocket member  12 . 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a pocket member  12 D having a decorative crown molding profile  100  being integral therewith. In this embodiment, the pocket member and crown molding  100  could be extruded, or otherwise formed, as a single unit, thereby improving efficiency of construction and also providing increased aesthetic possibilities. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates pocket member  12 E having a separate crown molding member  102  attachable thereto. Crown molding  102  includes a hook portion  104  which engages hook portion  106  of pocket member  12 E. The lower end of molding  102  includes a flange  108  which rests upon flange  110  of member  12 E. Pocket member  12 E also includes a channel  112 , formed by legs  114  and  116  which can receive a joining, or splicing, member  118  (FIG. 13) when the plurality of pocket members  12 E are to be joined together in an end to end relationship. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a pocket member  12 F having a channel  120  for receipt of a wall board member B, and the basic bracket  16  to support horizontal blinds H from the glass G of a window. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates pocket member  12 F being used with bracket  16 A in order to hold a set of vertical blinds V. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates pocket member  12 G which is similar to pocket member  12 F, except from the front portion thereof a lower flange  122  extends which supports a ceiling panel wallboard or tile T. Also, an upper flange  124  extends above lowered flange, together, flanges  122 ,  124  form a channel for securely holding the tile T. In this embodiment the window treatment holder system  10  is substantially concealed within the ceiling of the structure. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates pocket member  12 H, which is similar to pocket member  12 G, except member  12 H includes a channel  127  in the front portion thereof for receipt of a joining member  118 , and also includes a barb  126  on an L-shaped ledge  128  for supporting the edge of a ceiling panel, such as wallboard, sheetrock, etc. or tile T. FIG. 13A illustrates a sectional view of pocket member  12 I having a joining member, or splices,  118  in channels  112  and  127  thereof, and FIG. 13B illustrates splice  118  in isolation. 
     FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate pocket member  12 H with a hanger member  130  provided in channel  127  thereof for supporting the forward end of pocket member  12 H from above. 
     FIG. 15 illustrates pocket member  12 H with a bracket  16 A which has been modified to provide a wider recess between arms  80  and  82  in order to accept a track, generally T, for S-fold draperies  132  the draperies  132  and track T being of conventional design. 
     FIG. 16 illustrates a pocket member  12 H and a bracket  16 A which has been modified such that legs  80  and  82  engage with grooves  132  in the head rail  134  of a conventional cellular shade  136 . 
     FIG. 17 illustrates a pocket member  12 I, which is similar to pocket member  12 H, except that pocket member  12 I includes an upstanding rear flange  138  for allowing the rear portion of pocket member  12 I to be attached to a wall by the driving of fasteners through flange  138 . 
     FIG. 18 illustrates a pocket member  12 J having a rear wall attachment flange  140  and a channel  142  formed on the front portion thereof by an outwardly extending flange  144  which includes a channel  146  for receipt of a leg  148  of an L-shaped edge member  150 . Member  150  could provide an interface between the edge of a ceiling panel, such as wallboard, sheetrock, etc., or tile T and pocket member  12 J, with the interaction of leg  148  and channel  146 , being an interference fit. 
     FIG. 19 illustrates a pocket member  12 K having a channel  152  in the forward portion thereof for receipt of a vertical wall panel (not shown). Channel  152  is expandable by virtue of a fascia member  154  having legs  156 ,  158  receivable in channel  160  of pocket member  12 K through an interference fit. 
     FIGS. 20A-20C and  21  illustrate various views of a bracket member  16 A which is similar to bracket  16 A of FIG. 2, except that chamber  95  found in bracket  16 A is eliminated. 
     FIG. 22 illustrates pocket member  12 L, having a bracket  16 C therein configured for holding a rail  161  of a conventional roll shade, generally S. Bracket  16 C includes a flexible catch  40 C and a flexible catch  41 C, one being provided at each end of bracket  16 C for releasably fastening roll shade within pocket member  12 L. Bracket  16  further includes flexible arms  162  for engaging grooves  163  of rail  161 . 
     FIG. 23 illustrates a pocket member  12 M having outwardly extending flanges  164  and  166  for supporting the edges of ceiling tile panels (not shown). 
     FIG. 24 illustrates installation of a pocket member  12 H having a bracket  16 A holding a set of vertical blinds V. 
     FIG. 25 is a composite figure illustrating a pocket member  12 M with a bracket member such as bracket member  16 A holding a set of draperies. Also illustrated in FIG. 25 is a pocket member  12 I having a bracket  16  supporting horizontal blinds H. Finally, FIG. 25 illustrates a pocket member  12 N which is formed integrally with the upper window frame. A bracket member such as a bracket  16 A is used to support vertical blinds V. 
     FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate a method of installing a window treatment, such as horizontal blinds, into a pocket member constructed in accordance with the present invention. The method includes installing a bracket into the pocket member and then snapping the headrail of the blinds into the bracket. 
     FIG. 27 illustrates another method of installing a window treatment, such as horizontal blinds referenced in FIGS. 26A-26D, into a pocket member. The method includes first installing one or more brackets onto the window treatment and then, inserting the window treatment into the pocket member and snapping the headrail of the blinds into the bracket. 
     FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate a method of removing and window treatment/bracket combination from a pocket. Removal steps include depressing the resilient tab, such as catch, or tab,  40 A of bracket  16 A, such that it clears a ledge of the pocket member to allow withdrawal of the bracket and window treatment from the pocket. 
     FIG. 29 illustrates an additional element of the resent invention. Pocket adapter  168  can be inserted and snapped into place within a cavity  170  of a conventional mullion member  172 . Once in place, pocket adapter  168  provides a pocket profile in accordance with the present invention, having its own cavity  174  and support ledges  176   a  and  176   b.    
     Pocket adapter  168  includes resilient arm  178  and lips  180 ,  182  for engaging groove  184  and landing  186 , respectively of mullion  172  and may also include an elbow portion  188  for engaging recess  190  of mullion  172 . A bracket, such as bracket  16 A, is readily receivable in adapter  168  and includes tracks  191  for supporting a window treatment such as a vertical blind set V. 
     Although one embodiment of pocket adapter  168  has been shown in use with one particular style of mullion, it is to be understood that pocket adapter  168  could be changed and reconfigured as necessary to work in a variety of other mullion designs. 
     FIG. 30 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a bracket of the present invention. In this embodiment, bracket  16 D is formed of one or more bands of flexible, resilient material, such as a band of spring steel, plastic, etc. Bracket  16 D performs the same function as other brackets described herein in retaining a window treatment to a pocket. 
     Bracket  16 D could be stamped and bent into the shape illustrated in FIG. 30, or into a variety of other acceptable shapes (not shown) for snap-fit insertion into a pocket member. Bracket  16 D includes a generally S-shaped leg  192  terminating in a catch or tab  194 . Catch  194  engages a ledge of the pocket member, and bracket  16 D includes an angled leg  196  for engaging another ledge of the pocket member. Further, bracket  16 D includes tabs  198 ,  200  for engaging recesses  202  of a conventional window treatment, and tabs  203   a  and  203   b  for limiting upward movement of the window treatment, which may include a vertical blind set as V shown in FIG.  30 . 
     Release of bracket  16 D from the pocket would be accomplished by depression of catch  194  such that catch  194  clears the ledge of the pocket member. 
     FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate a sectional and bottom plan view of a further alternate embodiment of the present invention. Bracket  16 E is configured to allow for the headrail of a conventional window treatment to be twisted into place onto bracket  16 E. Bracket  16 E includes downwardly extending L-shaped tracks  204 ,  206  having angled end portions  208 ,  210 , respectively, which allow for the bracket  16 E to be twisted into place in the headrail of a window treatment, such as vertical blinds V shown in FIG.  30 . Once twisted into place, tracks  204 ,  206  engage with flanges  212 ,  214 , respectively to retain the window treatment to the pocket. 
     FIGS. 32A-32E include sectional and plan views of yet another alternate embodiment. In this embodiment, bracket  16 F is comprised of two portions  216 ,  218  which connect to one another in an interlocking relationship. Portion  218  includes a tongue  220  which is received in passages  222   a  and  222   b  of portion  216  and once received therein, interlocks the portions  216 ,  218  together. Tongue  220  include a channel  224  which receives a crossmember  226  of portion  216  in an interlocking relationship. Once locked together, the portions  216 ,  218  form bracket  16 F which resembles and functions as do the other brackets disclosed herein to releasably support a window treatment in a pocket member of the present invention. 
     From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention provides a versatile window treatment holding system which can find widespread applicability with substantially all major categories of window treatment types and a wide variety of window frames and mullions. 
     While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitution of equivalent features or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.