Patent ID: 12185859

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein is a suspension system for curtains such as ripple fold curtains. The system includes a new channel rod design that includes a hooking extension adapted to be stabilized by a hooking portion of a new bracket clip. The extension is therefore provided with greater stability as compared to the extension included in the channel rod of the '234 Design Patent. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that attaching the new channel rod to the bracket clips provided herein is easier than attaching the prior art rod (FIG.9) to a bracket using channel bolts.

One of the bracket clip designs of the present disclosure is adapted to attach to a wall bracket, and the other is part of a ceiling bracket. The wall bracket can be vertically adjusted after the suspension assembly has been mounted to a wall. This can be particularly useful in achieving a consistent height of the bottom of the curtain along the length of the wall without having to completely remove and replace the wall brackets.

The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or “comprising” may be used in the present description. As used herein (including the specification and/or the claims), these terms are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not as precluding the presence of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or a group thereof as would be apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art. Thus, the term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification that include the term “comprising”, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

The term “and/or” can mean “and” or “or”.

One or more of the terms “vertical”, “vertically”, “horizontal”, “horizontally”, “top”, “bottom”, “upwardly” and “downwardly” are used throughout this specification. It will be understood that these terms are not intended to be limiting. These terms are used for convenience and to aid in describing the features herein.

Turning to the figures,FIG.1Adepicts a channel rod2according to one aspect andFIGS.2A and2Bdepict a mounting bracket200for supporting the channel rod2when in use. As shown inFIG.1A, the channel rod2includes a substantially U-shaped channel5that opens downward (i.e. towards the floor) when installed. The channel rod2also comprises a façade, or external cover portion6on a front end thereof, which serves to provide the channel rod2with a desired aesthetic appearance when viewed in the general direction of perspective line P. In one aspect, the cover portion6may have a curved appearance, as shown inFIGS.1A and1Bto make the channel rod2appear to have a tubular appearance. In another aspect, the cover portion6may have a square or triangular shape to result in the channel rod2having a different aesthetic appearance. It will thus be understood that the cover portion6described herein may have any aesthetic shape.

Generally, and as commonly known in the art, the channel rod2may be formed as an extrusion so as to be provided as a unitary structure. Such extrusion may be of any known material.

The open end of the U-shaped channel5comprises a track11formed by opposed rails3. The track11is adapted to slidably receive and support curtain track carriers (such as shown at57inFIGS.6B-6E). As known in the art, such carriers typically include fasteners or hooks from which a curtain or the like may be suspended. The channel rod2further comprises a hook slot9and an inner engagement protrusion13. Hook slot9is adapted to engage a hooked end210of the support hook245of the mounting bracket200, as shown inFIG.2A, when the rod and bracket are engaged, or connected together. To further assist the engagement between the channel rod2and mounting bracket200, the engagement protrusion13or the channel rod2is adapted to fit into a slot235in clamping portion240of the mounting bracket200. The engagement between the channel rod2and the mounting bracket200is illustrated inFIG.6AandFIG.7.

In one aspect, the bottom surface220or the slot235and the bottom surface15of the engagement protrusion13can be parallel with respect to the floor and/or ceiling, when in use. In another aspect, the bottom surfaces may be provided in an angular relationship so as to form a positive engagement to aid in preventing the channel rod2from moving away from the mounting bracket200. Such an arrangement is shown inFIGS.1A and2A. As can be seen, the bottom surfaces220and15are correspondingly angled or slanted so that, when the rod2and mounting bracket200are engaged, the protrusion13(and thereby the rod2) is urged into the slot235. As will be understood, such an arrangement would be preferred so that, when mounted, the rod2and bracket200are maintained in engagement.

Turning toFIG.7, a ceiling-mounted suspension assembly70is depicted wherein mounting bracket200and channel rod2are shown in an engaged arrangement, such as would be when in use. As discussed below, flange270of the mounting bracket200is adapted to be affixed to a ceiling. It will be understood that in a typical installation, a number of mounting brackets would used, the number being dependent upon, inter alia, the desired span of the channel rod2and/or the weight of the curtain being suspended. Thereafter, the channel rod2is secured to the mounting brackets to form a suspension assembly70.

In suspension assembly70, bottom surface250of support hook245contacts top top surface7of the channel5. As discussed above, for engaging the channel rod2to the mounting bracket200(i.e. after the brackets are secured to the ceiling), the rod2is manipulated to engage the hooked end210of the mounting bracket200into the hook slot9of the channel rod2. In so doing, and as illustrated inFIG.7, the channel rod2may preferably be provided with a backing surface, or stop8, which limits the travel of the support hook245. In this way, the end of the support hook245can aid in supporting or stabilizing the cover portion6while also providing support for the rod2and any curtains suspended therefrom. Support hook245is depicted as a curved hook; however, it will be understood that support hook245can be L-shaped, or shaped in any way that does not compromise its function. Since the hook245extends upwardly, the rod2can remain supported even when it is not fully clipped in (i.e. when engagement protrusion13is not secured in slot235), which can facilitate adjustment of the rod as compared to the rod of the '234 Design Patent which must be clipped in to be supported.

Clamping portion240of the mounting bracket200comprises a biasing member260which abuts overhang295. Overhang295biases member260towards the engagement protrusion13, thereby biasing slot235against engagement protrusion13. As shown inFIG.2A, to further enhance this biasing effect, the overhang295may be provided at an angle sloping towards the member260so as to more securely engage such member. Clamping portion240and lower arm290comprise openings241and291, respectively. A fastening means such as a screw can extend from opening241into opening291, thereby fastening clamping portion240against lower arm290of the mounting bracket200. In one aspect, the opening241may be of an elongate shape, so as to allow the clamping portion240to slide with respect to lower arm290so as to facilitate the installation process. The opening291is adapted to retain the fastening means in place with respect to the lower arm290as the clamping portion240travels. Once in the desired position, the clamping portion240can be secured to the lower arm290by tightening the screw.

The mounting bracket200can be attached to a ceiling by screwing upper surface270to the ceiling via one or more openings275illustrated inFIG.2B. Preferably, two such opening are provided to ensure an adequate degree of securing force.

In another embodiment of the ceiling mount200, overhang295and biasing member260are not included. In such case, the interaction between sloped surface247of the clamping portion and the fastening means (e.g. a screw) may be sufficient to urge the clamping portion toward engagement protrusion13. In other words, as the fastening means is tightened, the interaction between such means and the sloped surface247would serve to urge the clamping portion240in a direction towards the channel rod2. It will also be understood that both of the above-mentioned urging means (i.e. the biasing member260and the sloped surface247) may be used together, as shown in the figures.

Continuing withFIG.1A, channel rod2may optionally comprise linkage apertures4a-4c, collectively referred to as apertures4, which serve to allow axially adjacent channel rods together in an end-to-end manner. For establishing the connection, the apertures4may be provided with fastening means, such as screws or pins or the like (not shown). The ends of the fastening means are received within opposing apertures of the adjacent channel rods when the rods are urged together. As will be understood, such fastening means would aid in preventing separation of the adjacent connecting rods either in the axial and/or transverse directions. The fastening means may be reversibly or irreversibly connected to the respective apertures4. As known in the art, end caps (not shown) are used to provide the ends of the channel rod2with a finished appearance. Where desired, the caps used with the rod described herein may be secured to the rod2by connecting with fastening means provided in the apertures. It will be understood that in such cases, the cap would also preferably include corresponding apertures or may be integrally formed with one or more fastening means that engage the apertures at the end of the rod2.

In the above discussion, reference has been made to a ceiling suspension system. The following discussion will relate to a wall mount system.FIG.4depicts a wall plate30, with apertures32, and a retaining pin23. A retaining washer27may optionally be provided. Wall plate30comprises a first side100adapted for placement against any planar surface, such as a wall. The wall plate30comprises a second side102opposite the first side100and comprising a track101that is generally vertically oriented when in use. The track101is formed by a pair of opposed and spaced apart retaining walls34extending away from and generally perpendicular to the second side102. The retaining walls34can, in one aspect, be positioned parallel to each other. Alternatively, the retaining walls34can also be arranged at an angle to each other such that the track101is provided with a generally wedge-shaped form. Retaining walls34further include flanges38extending from the ends of the retaining walls opposite to the second side102. The flanges extend toward each other as shown inFIG.4. As will be understood from the present description, the flanges38serve to partially close the track formed by the walls34. Second side102further comprises a base37extending perpendicular to the second side102and extending between the retaining walls34. The base37serves to generally close the bottom of the track101formed by the walls34, as shown inFIG.4.

The track101formed by the walls34and the base37is adapted to receive a car20as shown inFIG.3. More specifically, while the car20(as discussed further below) is permitted to be slidably received within the track101, its movement is restricted by the opposed walls34, the flanges38, and the base37.

The base37comprises an opening or hole39which serves to position the retaining pin23. Retaining pin23comprises a first, or upper, threaded portion31, adapted to be received within a correspondingly threaded opening22in the car20(FIG.3). The retaining pin23further comprises a second or lower end extension35adapted to extend through the hole39. As will be understood, the diameter of the extension35is smaller than the diameter of threaded portion31, whereby only the extension35of the pin23is permitted to pass through the opening39. In a preferred aspect, a washer27or the like may be provided to aid in preventing the pin23from passing through the opening39.

The extension35is also rotatably received within the opening39. In one aspect, the end of the extension35is preferably adapted to receive a tool (such as a screwdriver, Allen key, wrench, or the like) that can be used to rotate the retaining pin23when received within the opening39, as will be described below. As will also be understood, the washer27may also serve to facilitate rotation of the pin23when the extension35is received there-through and through the opening39(as shown inFIG.5A).

FIG.3. depicts the aforementioned car20, which is adapted to be slidably received within the track101provided on the wall plate30. In one aspect, the car20can be completely received within the track101provided in the wall plate30. In another, preferred aspect, as shown inFIG.3andFIG.5A, the car20comprises opposed grooves24for receiving the ends of the flanges38forming the track101. As will be understood, in such arrangement, the car20is positively engaged with the track101and thereby with the wall plate30. The body of the car20further includes a threaded opening22there-through for threadingly engaging the threaded portion31of the retaining pin23.

The car20further includes a protrusion25, which may be generally cylindrical in shape, and projections26. Car20is discussed in greater detail with respect toFIGS.5A-5D, which are described in more detail below.

FIGS.5A-5Dillustrate a vertically adjustable wall mount assembly40according to one aspect.FIG.5Ais a perspective view of the wall mount assembly40, which comprises a car20, a wall plate30, and a retaining pin23, as described above. Turning toFIG.5C, there is shown an opening36in extension35, which is adapted to receive a tool which can impart rotational forces on the extension35, thereby rotating retaining pin23, as described above. As the retaining pin23rotates, the threading on threaded portion31translates the rotational force to the threading provided within aperture22of the car20. Since the car20is constrained within the track101, this force, in turn results in linear motion of car20within the track101, toward or away from the base37. The retaining pin23does not move vertically with respect to the base37since extension35is not threaded and spins freely within aperture39. The car20can move vertically away from the base37within the limit provided by the retaining pin23, and vertically toward the base37until it is stopped by the base37. It will be understood that other means of limiting the movement of the car20may be included, such as further flanges, protrusions etc. within or associated with the track101. For example, further flanges may be provided in the track to limit movement of the car20in a direction away from the base37.

FIG.5Dillustrates the engagement between the grooves24of the car20and the flanges38of the track101.

As will be understood, the ability vertically move the car20within the track101allows for the car20to be adjusted with respect to its vertical position after the assembly40is mounted to a wall.

FIGS.6A-6Edepict a wall-mounted suspension system50comprising the components described above. Turning toFIG.6A, depicted is an exploded view of the wall-mounted suspension system50comprising vertically adjustable wall mount assembly40, a faceplate42having an opening41, a connecting member43, a housing44, a channel rod clip46(FIG.8) and channel rod2. The opening41is adapted to receive the protrusion25provided on the car20and may optionally also be adapted to positively engage projections26of car20and flanges69of connecting member43. Although not necessary, the insertion of projections26and flanges69into opening41can help to prevent rotation of the components with respect to each other. Channel rod clip46and connecting member43are removably insertable into housing44. Connecting member43can be held firmly in housing44by inserting a fastening means such as a screw through hole53(shown inFIG.6E). Connecting member43includes an aperture that is adapted to receive protrusion25therein. In a preferred aspect, the protrusion25is secured in place once received within the aperture of the connecting member43using any type of fastening means, such as a screw, pin, etc.

Although housing44is depicted as being square or rectangular, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that housing44can be tubular or can have a number of other shapes.

FIGS.6B-6Edepict wall-mounted suspension system50in a fully assembled state, wherein the suspension system50further comprises an optional end cap59and a curtain track carrier57. It can be appreciated that in the front view ofFIG.6D, only channel rod2, faceplate42, end cap59and part of track carrier28are visible. Channel rod2is adapted to slidably receive a plurality of curtain track carriers57in the conventional manner.

Turning toFIGS.6E,8A and8B, the channel rod clip46connects to channel rod2in the same manner as ceiling bracket200. Channel rod clip46is similar in structure to ceiling mount200. Similar elements therefore have the same reference numbers used when discussing ceiling mount200, but with the prefix “1” added. The channel rod clip46comprises an extension49adapted to be slidably received within housing44. The extension49can be retained within the housing44using, for example, a screw, pin, etc. extending through the hole52. The channel rod clip46may optionally include a rib60, which is provided to engage the interior surface of the housing44. The channel rod clip46comprises a main support arm61having a hole62extending therethrough, similarly to the lower arm290of ceiling bracket200. The hole62is adapted to receive a fastening means such as a screw that extends through hole1241. The fastening means can be accessed via hole51, shown inFIG.6E. The remaining components function in substantially the same manner as discussed with respect toFIGS.2A,2B and7.

As noted above, after the system has been assembled and the wall plate30has been screwed into a wall, via apertures32, the car20is able to move vertically, along with the faceplate42, with respect to wall plate30. This, in turn, vertically moves the entire suspension assembly with respect to wall plate30. Such vertical movement can be achieved via a user extending a tool such as a screwdriver through faceplate opening48into opening36, and subsequently rotating the retaining pin23in a given direction.

It will be appreciated that the vertically adjustable wall mount and faceplate can be oriented such that the extension35is accessible from the top of the faceplate depending on the preferences of the user. The vertically adjustable wall mount and faceplate can also be oriented such that the extension35is accessible from the sides of the faceplate, thereby facilitating horizontal adjustment of the wall mount in a plane parallel to the wall. In such case, the rotational movement of the pin23would still result in vertical translation of the car20, but the car would be provided with threading on a side thereof, for example. It will be appreciated that other known mechanisms can be used to vertically move the car20with respect to the wall plate30.

Although the above description includes reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any examples provided herein are included solely for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Any drawings provided herein are solely for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the description and are not intended to be drawn to scale or to be limiting in any way. The scope of the claims appended hereto should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the above description but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the present specification as a whole. The disclosures of all prior art recited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.