Abstract:
An improved curtain rod assembly is provided that obviates limitations and problems with conventional assemblies. In particular, the improved curtain rod assembly utilizes complementary locking and key components which allow for a secure, robust, and reversible connection between a curtain rod and an associated finial. As such, assembling the curtain rod assembly does not require the use of screws, nails, or other items which may permanently damage the curtain rod assembly, limit the longevity or usefulness of the curtain rod assembly, or present a danger to the user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/315,185, entitled, “Curtain Rod Assembly,” which was filed Mar. 30, 2016. The entire contents and disclosures of this patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The embodiments of the present invention relate generally to improvements in technology related to assembly hardware, and more particularly, to assembly hardware for assembling curtain rods with finials, which may be decorative or ornamental in nature. In addition, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved curtain rod assembly, and more importantly, to an improved curtain rod assembly that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In a number of technical areas, product assembly is not performed until an end user has purchased and taken home a number of discrete parts. In some fields, the end product is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, while in other fields, the end product is required to be load-bearing after assembly. In some cases, the end product is required to have both aesthetic and load-bearing qualities. 
         [0004]    One such end product is an assembled curtain rod system. Curtains are generally a cloth or other material designed to function as a barrier, such as a drape or a shower curtain. The barrier may be designed to obscure light, water, or airflow. The curtain is generally hung from a rod, with the rod being hung from or attached to a wall or other surface. To successfully hang a curtain, a curtain rod assembly comprising several pieces may be utilized. 
         [0005]    Conventional curtain rod assemblies may be cumbersome to install. Conventional curtain rod assemblies are not particularly robust or reliable, causing frustration for the end-user, who may be tasked with reassembling the curtain rod assembly or rehanging the curtain rod after each reassembly and reinstallation. 
         [0006]    As part of a curtain rod assembly, curtain rod finials may be attached to the ends of the curtain rod, which may function as decorative end caps for the curtain rod. Among the frustrations experienced by the end-user is the frequent falling of curtain rod finials to the ground. For example, a curtain rod finial is often loosely fastened to the curtain rod, which may be accomplished simply by pushing the finial into or onto the curtain rod, with the rod being hollow or solid. In another example, the finial may be connected to the curtain rod using screws and holes that, over time, become unusable or dysfunctional as a result of repeated screwing and unscrewing or deterioration of the constituent parts or materials. For example, the threads of the screws and holes may become worn and no longer provide a good hold for the finial to remain installed with the curtain rod. Additionally, screws may be arranged such that a pointed or other end of a screw may be exposed within or external to the finial or the rod, which poses a hazard to both the end-user and especially to any children which may be present. Furthermore, if the finial disassociates from the rod, the end-user may have to dodge falling debris in the form of the finial or associated parts to avoid injury. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods that integrate improved curtain rod assembly components that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of related art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Systems and methods are provided to assist with creating a secure, robust, and reliable curtain rod assembly. The curtain rod assembly focuses on providing a simple, easy to use system of complementary components which provide a locking mechanism between the curtain rod and, e.g., an associated finial. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure and particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0009]    To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the improved curtain rod assembly includes a system for assembling the curtain rod assembly utilizing complementary locking and key components which allow for a secure, robust, and reversible connection between a curtain rod and an associated finial. 
         [0010]    Further, additional advantages may be provided by allowing for a variety of finial designs to be added and removed from a curtain rod without damaging the curtain rod or finial with hardware as is required by conventional systems of curtain rod assemblies. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a conventional curtain rod assembly. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a curtain rod finial according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    According to the various embodiments, the curtain rod assembly and constituent parts, which may include a curtain rod, curtain rod cap, tension ring, finial, and other components may be made of a variety of suitable materials, including, e.g., wood, plastic, composite, various metals and alloys, etc. In addition, the curtain rod assembly described herein in various embodiments may be arranged as numerous shapes and sizes depending on the intended application, e.g., size of shape of a window, curtain weight, etc. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Definitions 
       [0021]    Where the definition of terms departs from the commonly used meaning of the term, applicant intends to utilize the definitions provided below, unless specifically indicated. 
         [0022]    It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of any subject matter claimed. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as “include”, “includes,” and “included,” is not limiting. 
         [0023]    For purposes of the present invention, the term “comprising,” the term “having,” the term “including,” and variations of these words are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
         [0024]    For purposes of the present invention, directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” etc., are used merely for convenience in describing the various embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention may be oriented in various ways. For example, the diagrams, apparatuses, etc., shown in the drawing figures may be flipped over, rotated by 90° in any direction, reversed, etc. 
         [0025]    For purposes of the present invention, a value or property is “based” on a particular value, property, the satisfaction of a condition, or other factor, if that value is derived by performing a mathematical calculation or logical decision using that value, property or other factor. 
         [0026]    For purposes of the present invention, it should be noted that to provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein are not qualified with the term “about.” It is understood that whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to the actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value. 
       Description 
       [0027]    While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention. 
         [0028]    Systems and methods are provided to assist with creating a secure, robust, and reliable curtain rod assembly. The disclosed curtain rod assembly focuses on providing a simple, easy to use system of complementary components which provide a locking mechanism between the curtain rod and, e.g., an associated finial. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure and particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0029]    Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods that integrate improved curtain rod assembly components that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of related art. 
         [0030]    To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the improved curtain rod assembly includes a system for assembling the curtain rod assembly utilizing complementary locking and key components which allow for a secure, robust, and reversible connection between a curtain rod and an associated finial. The embodiments of the present invention are generally directed towards systems and methods that provide for an improved curtain rod assembly featuring complementary locking components configured to actuate and interlock without a need for additional tools. The embodiments may include a biasing element to maintain a lock once the complementary elements are engaged. Further, additional advantages may be provided by allowing for a variety of finial designs to be added and removed from a curtain rod without damaging the curtain rod or finial with hardware as is required by conventional systems of curtain rod assemblies. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a conventional curtain rod assembly. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , one example of a conventional curtain rod assembly is illustrated as system  100 . System  100  includes one end of a curtain rod  110 , a finial  111 , and a finial adapter assembly  112 . End face  114  of curtain rod  110  may be configured to receive an end cap or cover  115 . The cover  115  may be configured to receive a screw  116 , either through a central hole provided in cover  115 , or as the screw penetrates a solid cover  115 . The screw  116  for securing the end cap may be a double-ended screw having a wood-screw thread on a first end  118  and a machine-screw thread on a second end  119  opposite the first end  118 . The finial  111  may be connected to screw  116  by an adapter such as bushing  120 , which may include an attachment point  121  for finial  111  to attach to bushing  120 . Conventional curtain rod assemblies may also involve a screw oriented transverse to an axis  117  of the curtain rod  110 , such that the screw goes through the curtain rod and a fitted end of a finial to secure the finial to the curtain rod. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , an improved curtain rod assembly is illustrated as system  200 . System  200  includes a curtain rod  210  and a desired finial  211 . To attach the finial  211  with the curtain rod  210 , system  200  includes a curtain rod end cap  213  and a complementary finial attachment component  214 . A combination of end cap  213  and finial attachment component  214  may be considered a connection apparatus  212 . In the example embodiment, end cap  213  may be configured with a key component  216 , illustrated here as a raised tab. Finial attachment component  214  is designed to be complementary in shape to end cap  213 . As embodied, finial attachment component  214  is illustrated with a locking component  215  configured and illustrated as an approximately L-shaped groove configured to be complementary to and accept the raised tab  216 . As such, the embodiment is configured to have end cap  213  slide into finial attachment component  214 , with finial attachment component  214  similarly being configured to slide into finial port  217 . As illustrated, however, end cap  213  may only slide into finial attachment component  214  in a configuration where key component  216  is correctly paired with an opening corresponding to L-shaped groove  215 . Otherwise, the key component  216  may prevent insertion of the end cap into finial attachment component  214 . Once slid into place with the key component  216  in the correct alignment, the L-shaped groove  215  of the finial attachment component  214  may allow a user to twist finial  211  such that tab  216  moves circumferentially within L-shaped groove  215  until reaching the end  220  of the groove  215 . The groove  215  may include a corresponding locking port  218 . Locking port  218  serves to retain key component  216  in position such that after key component  216  has passed a location of locking port  218 , end cap  213  and finial attachment component  214  may be considered to be stable and substantially secured together thereby achieving an assembled locked position. 
         [0035]    Disassembly requires the user to disengage the key component  216  from the locking port  218  by counter rotating end cap  213  thereby urging key component  216  past locking port  218  along L-shaped groove  215 . Continued rotation and manipulation of key component  216  removes key component  216  from L-shaped groove  215  thereby removing the end cap  213  from within the finial attachment component  214  in a disassembled unlocked position. 
         [0036]    Similar to the relationship between end cap  213  and finial attachment component  214 , there may be a complementary relationship between the finial attachment component  214  and finial port  217 . For example, finial attachment component  214  and finial port  217  may share a complementary threaded relationship, a lock and key relationship, or optionally, finial attachment component  214  may be installed within port  217 . 
         [0037]    The key component  216  and complementary locking component  215  are illustrated as exemplary and non-limiting. In this and other embodiments presented herein, other equivalent complementary locking systems according to the spirit of the invention are envisioned. For example, a spiral or other shape may be utilized as the locking component  215 . Moreover, instead of a simple raised tab, key component  216  may be configured as a hook, an L-shaped protrusion, or another shape capable of functioning as a key component. Similarly, any set of complementary shapes and structures such that key component  216  and locking component  215  are configured to engage and, ideally, lock. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment of the curtain rod assembly is illustrated as system  300 . System  300  includes a curtain rod  310 , a finial  311 , and a finial attachment component  314 , a connector, which may be similar to finial attachment component  214  of  FIG. 2 . In this alternative embodiment, the curtain rod  310  is provided with a key component  316  configured as a raised tab. The connector  314 , like the finial attachment component  214 , is configured to be disposed between the curtain rod  310  and the finial  311 . The connector  314  is configured to be complementary to both the finial  311  and the curtain rod  310  in shape and design, being configured to fit within finial port  317  and receive curtain rod  310 . The connector  314  may be configured to engage and/or lock with the finial  311  in addition to engaging curtain rod  310 . By placing the locking component  316  directly on the curtain rod, the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  obviates the need for a separate end cap like element  213  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . However, finial attachment component  314  may be configured with an approximately L-shaped groove  315  configured as a locking component. Locking component  315  may be configured to accept the raised tab  316  similar to  FIG. 2  which combines the curtain rod  310  with connector  314  to form connection apparatus  312 . Groove  315  may be configured with a corresponding locking port  318  designed and adapted to complement key component  316 . Locking port  318  may be designed to interact with key component  316  in a similar fashion as described with respect to locking port  218  and key component  216 , described in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0040]    As discussed above regarding  FIG. 2 , the key component  316  and complementary locking component  315  are illustrated as exemplary and non-limiting. In this and other embodiments presented herein, other equivalent complementary locking systems according to the spirit of the invention are envisioned. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , a system  400  may include a curtain rod  410  and a finial  411 . Curtain rod  410  may be configured to have a key component  416 , which may be a raised tab or other similar element. Finial  411  may be configured with a finial port  417  configured as an opening to accept an end of curtain rod  410 . In an alternative embodiment, finial port  417  is configured to include locking component  415  as an integral aspect of the finial port  417  such that finial  411  and curtain rod  410  may be combined into a connection apparatus  412 . In fabricating the finial  411 , the body of finial  411  may be embodied as a solid structure or a hollow structure in addition to having port  417  at an end. Further, the locking component  415  may be arranged within finial port  417  close to the aperture as illustrated. In an alternative embodiment, the locking component  415  may be arranged deep within the finial body  411  such as when the finial is configured as a hollow structure. The embodiment including a hollow finial body  411  may be hollow in the sense of a passage in which curtain rod  410  may enter, or the finial body  411  may be a hollow shell structure. Locking component  415  may be designed as a notch or groove or other suitable structure, with a preferred embodiment designed as an L-shaped groove, as illustrated. System  400  may also include a locking port similar to locking port  218  that may interact with key component  416  similarly to the system described in  FIG. 2 , such that a locked assembly position may be achieved. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0044]    In  FIG. 5 , a system  500  is illustrated as having a curtain rod  510  and a finial  511  having a finial body  511 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , finial body  511  is arranged as a solid structure with a central aperture  519 , which may be ornamental in design. In  FIG. 5 , curtain rod  510  is configured with a key component  516  and finial  511  includes a locking component  515  arranged within finial port  517  such that finial  511  and curtain rod  510  may be combined into a connection apparatus  512 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , curtain rod  510  may be inserted directly into finial port  517  with key component  516  aligned appropriately with locking component  515 , locking component  515  having a complementary configuration such that key component  516  may be considered as a guide for the curtain rod  510  to be inserted into finial  511 . Locking component  516  may be configured as a notch or groove, illustrated as an L-shaped groove in  FIG. 5 , with the L-shape being exemplary and non-limiting. System  500  may also include a locking port similar to locking port  218  that may interact with key component  516  similarly to the system described in  FIG. 2 , such that a locked assembly position may be achieved. Aperture  519  may be ornamental or may be functional, such as providing the user with a location from which to apply torque to the finial  511  or curtain rod assembly  500 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0046]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , system  600  may include a curtain rod  610 , a finial  611 , and a finial attachment component  614 , a connector which may have similar aspects to finial attachment component  214 . In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , curtain rod  610  may be configured with a key component  616  and finial attachment component  614  may be configured with an attachment port  617  into which the curtain rod may be inserted subject to alignment between the key component  616  and a locking component  615  arranged within the finial attachment component  614 . In turn, the finial attachment component  614  may be configured to fit snugly within the finial  611  as the finial attachment component  614  may be configured to be complementary to the shape of the finial  611 . As such, curtain rod  610  may be combined with finial attachment component  614  via key component  616  to form connection apparatus  612 . To accomplish the intended goal of serving as a connection component between the curtain rod  610  and the finial  611 , the finial attachment component  614  may be configured as having a first section  619  including the connector port  617  and locking component  615  and a second section  620  configured to match and be complementary to the finial  611 . For example, section  620  may comprise a long tube complementary to a hollow interior body shape within finial  611 . The finial  611  may be configured to include a decorative or ornamental aspect as illustrated. Like previous embodiments, the key component  616  and the locking component  615  are configured to engage one another such that correctly aligning and maneuvering the finial attachment component  614  will allow full engagement between the curtain rod  610  and the finial  611 . System  600  may also include a locking port similar to locking port  218  that may interact with key component  616  similarly to the system described in  FIG. 2 , such that a locked assembly position may be achieved. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  illustrates a curtain rod finial according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  provides an illustrated enlarged view of a curtain rod finial according to an exemplary embodiment. A locking component  715  is disposed within a finial port  717  of finial  711 . In this embodiment, locking component  715  is configured with locking port  718  such that engagement with a key component (not shown) may be fastened securely. Such a key component may be arranged to function similarly to the systems  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 . As discussed previously, finial  711  may be configured as a solid structure which is filled or a hollow structure allowing deeper insertion of the curtain rod. A hollow structure, with the increased depth aspect, may be configured with a more complicated or longer locking component  715  to provide added security and stability. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates a curtain rod assembly according to yet another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0050]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a system  800  illustrates a curtain rod  810  which may be provided with key component  816 , exemplarily embodied herein as a raised tab. Finial attachment component  814 , a connector, is provided with a locking component  815  configured to be complementary to key component  816 . As illustrated, locking component  815  may include locking port  818  as an additional feature to ensure secure fit between curtain rod  810  and finial attachment component  814 . Finial attachment component  814  may be placed on the end of curtain rod  810 , but must ensure alignment between locking component  815 , illustrated here as an L-shaped groove, and key component  816 . As illustrated, correct alignment would be achieved by the short leg  822  of the L-shaped groove being aligned with key component  816  as finial attachment component  814  is moved laterally, that is along an axis  824  of the curtain rod  810 . Correct engagement would then be possible by turning finial attachment component  814  circumferentially, illustrated as  825 , such that the key component slides circumferentially up into the long leg  823  of the L-shaped groove  815 . As illustrated in system  800 , curtain rod  810  may also be provided with a biasing element  821 , illustrated herein as a spring, which may then be relied upon to ensure that key element  816  resides behind locking port  818  in an engaged and assembled configuration, e.g., at location  826 . System  800  may also include a locking port similar to locking port  218  that may interact with key component  816  similarly to the system described in  FIG. 2 , such that a locked assembly position may be achieved. 
         [0051]    Thus, as illustrated, the embodiments described herein overcome many of the problems facing current curtain rod assemblies and users limited thereby. In particular, the lack of screws or other sharp objects which may injure the user is an instant benefit both in the reduced risk of injury to the user as well as the increased robustness of the system, as installation, changing, or removal of the curtain rod assembly does not rely on screws, etc., that may become stripped, bent, or otherwise ineffective over time. 
         [0052]    According to the various embodiments, the curtain rod, curtain rod cap, tension ring, finial, and/or other components may be made of a variety of suitable materials (e.g., wood, plastic, various metals, etc.). In addition, the curtain rod assemblies described herein may take on numerous shapes and sizes depending on their intended application (e.g., size and shape of window, curtain weight, etc.). For example, common curtain rod diameters may include about 1″, 1¼″, 1½″, and 1¾″. 
         [0053]    The curtain rod cap may be made out of a variety of materials. In some instances, a strong plastic type material may be preferred. In addition, it may be configured to fit over or plug the corresponding curtain rod. The curtain rod cap may include one or more round and/or flat circular notches or locking tips. In some embodiments, the curtain rod cap may be affixed to the curtain rod with a strong adhesive or tension spring. Alternatively, the locking tips may be integrally formed as part of the curtain rod. 
         [0054]    The tension ring may be composed of a variety of materials. In some instances, a strong plastic type material may be preferred. Within the tension ring, an “L-shaped” groove may be formed along an inner surface. For example, the L-shaped groove may traverse approximately or about ¼ the diameter of the tension ring. The L-shaped grove may also include a locking bump that is configured to engage with the locking tip described above. When engaged, the locking tip and locking bump may snap together. 
         [0055]    The finial may incorporate numerous aesthetic designs. For example, the finial may include an open end configured to receive the tension ring. Here, the tension ring may snap into the hallow area, or otherwise be affixed to the finial. In some instances, the L-shaped groove discussed above may be integrally formed within an inner surface of the finial. 
         [0056]    The embodiments described herein are especially advantageous because they can be used in combination with already existing curtain rods. The curtain rod cap, tension ring, and finials described herein can be affixed to any curtain rod. In addition, the components may be precast. 
         [0057]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the curtain rod assembly of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.