US20160255981A1

US20160255981A1 - Fastener-less Bracket System

Info

Publication number: US20160255981A1
Application number: US15/059,882
Authority: US
Inventors: Karen Rae
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-04
Filing date: 2016-03-03
Publication date: 2016-09-08

Abstract

A fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod. The fastener-less bracket system includes at least one end bracket having a wall holding portion that can be inserted between a molding member and a generally planar surface, such as a wall. Each end bracket further includes a curtain rod retaining portion extends outward from the wall holding portion and is integrally connected thereto, wherein the curtain rod retaining portion can support and removably secure to a curtain rod. In some embodiments, the fastener-less bracket system further includes at least one support mounting bracket having a wall holding portion that can be inserted between a molding member and a generally planar surface, and a curtain rod retaining portion that can receive a curtain rod therein. The support mounting brackets are positioned between a pair of end brackets in order to support the weight of a curtain rod attached therebetween.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/127,875 filed on Mar. 4, 2015. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mounting brackets. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bracket system for mounting a curtain rod to a support surface without the use of fasteners.
Many attempts have been made to provide mounting brackets for supporting curtain rods, shades, blinds, valances, and the like. Typically, these brackets are fastened to the wall in a number of positions depending upon the structure of the bracket and the hanging elements. However, many of these mounting brackets and corresponding hanging elements have various drawbacks and deficiencies. For example, users are required to utilize fasteners to hang or otherwise mount the brackets to a wall. These fasteners include screw fasteners that must be drilled or threaded into the wall or molding, permanently damaging the surface and leaving unsightly markings on the wall.
Conventional curtain rods are difficult to mount level and require considerable time, effort, and equipment to do so properly. These curtain rods also require the measurement and placement of brackets that need to be fastened to a wall or other surface. In order to be have the appearance of being level, the brackets need to be horizontally and vertically level with the wall or window, and with each other bracket. Further, bracket mounting locations are often positioned in difficult to access locations that require the use of multiple tools, such as measuring tapes, marking tools, fasteners, and drills.
Interior decorators, home owners, and other individuals may require accurate and convenient means of installing and hanging curtains, curtain rods, drapes and the like. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod in order to prevent causing damage to the support surface by leaving holes and other unsightly markings on the molding member and wall. It would be further desirable to provide a system for mounting a curtain rod with support mounting brackets that assists with the supporting of curtains, curtain rods, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of mounting brackets now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod wherein the same can be utilized for hanging curtain rods and the like from walls.
The present invention relates to a fastener-less bracket system comprising at least one end bracket configured to be insertable between a molding member and a generally planar surface, such as a wall, wherein the end bracket comprises a curtain rod retaining portion extending outward from and integrally connected to a wall holding portion, wherein the wall holding portion is supported horizontally via an arm portion.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fastener-less bracket system comprising at least one support mounting bracket having a wall holding portion that can be inserted between a molding member and a generally planar surface, and a curtain rod retaining portion that can receive a curtain rod therein.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod having a curtain rod that is selectively extendable.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod having a support mounting bracket comprising a protruding member that assists with the support of a curtain rod and the like.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod having an end bracket with a wall holding portion comprising a first and second opposing side that terminates in a point.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the support mounting brackets of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the support mounting bracket of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the fastener-less bracket system. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used to hang curtains, drapes, and the like from walls without the need to drill or otherwise create holes in the wall. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a fastener-less bracket system for mounting and hanging a curtain rod 10 comprising at least one end bracket 11 having a curtain rod retaining portion 12 integrally connected to a wall holding portion 14 via an arm portion 13. The wall holding portion 14 of the end bracket 11 is configured to be insertable between a molding member and a generally planar surface, such as a wall, wherein the curtain rod retaining portion 12 of the end bracket 11 is configured to support a curtain rod 16. In the shown embodiment, the wall holding portion 14 is a generally flat panel that may be positioned between the molding and the wall by sliding the end bracket 11 against the wall until the wall holding portion 14 engages the molding and wall.
In the shown embodiment, the curtain rod retaining portion 12 comprises a rod having a proximal end that extends perpendicularly from the wall holding portion 14 and a distal end having a curtain rod fastening mechanism thereon. In the shown embodiment, the curtain rod retaining portion 12 of the end bracket 11 is a ball-detent mechanism 12A having a spring 15 having a first end and a second end, wherein a ball 18 is affixed to the first end and the second end is affixed to a fixed region of the end bracket 11. The curtain rod retaining portion 12 includes an aperture 19 disposed toward the top of the end bracket 11 configured to allow the ball 18 to extend and retract through the aperture 19. The spring 15 is biased outward through the aperture 19 of the end bracket 11, whereby the ball 18 may be compressed into the curtain rod retaining portion 12.
In one use, a curtain rod 16 is configured to engage with the curtain rod retaining portion 12. In the shown embodiment, the curtain rod 16 is a tubular member having a circumference slightly greater than the circumference of the curtain rod retaining portion 12, wherein each distal end of the curtain rod 16 is configured to receive a curtain rod retaining portion 12 of the end bracket 11 when connected. The curtain rod 16 includes an aperture 17 configured to be aligned with the ball 18 of the curtain rod retaining portion 12 and dimensioned to partially receive the ball 18 therethrough. The curtain rod 16 is positioned to receive the curtain rod retaining portion 12 and manipulated until the ball 18 of the curtain rod retaining portion 12 and aperture 17 are aligned. As the curtain rod 16 is positioned over the ball detent 12A, the ball 18 is compressed downward to allow for the coupling of the curtain rod 16 and curtain rod retaining portion 12. The once aligned, the spring 15 urges the ball detent 12A into engagement with the curtain rod 16 that is provided with an aperture 17 configured for receiving the ball 18, thereby securing the end bracket 11 to the curtain rod 16.
The arm portion 13 of the end bracket 11 is configured to prevent the curtain rod retaining portion 12 and the curtain rod 16 secured thereto from resting on the molding when the wall holding portion 14 is inserted between the molding and the wall. In the shown embodiment, the wall holding portion 14 is a generally flat panel and the arm portion 13 is disposed towards the upper end of the wall holding portion 14. The wall holding portion 14 is configured to be positioned between molding and a generally planar surface, such as a wall. The arm portion 13 provides a distance between the wall holding portion 14 and the curtain rod retaining portion 12, wherein some embodiments, a received curtain rod 16 will not contact the molding positioned there beneath. In the shown embodiment, the spacing member 13 provides approximately three inches of space between the distal end of the curtain rod 16 retaining portion and the wall holding portion 14. The space created by the spacing member 13 protects the molding (not shown) from contacting the curtain rod 16. The arm portion 13 may also provide structural support of the curtain rod retaining portion 12 by acting as a brace.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. The end bracket 11 supports a curtain rod 16 and curtains 23 by securing the wall holding portion 14 of the end bracket 11 between a molding member 20 and the wall 21. In the shown embodiment, the end bracket 11 is used in conjunction with the curtain rod 16 to hang a curtain 23 from the molding member 20 over a window frame 29. The molding member 20 is typically an ornamental wooden or plastic board fastened to the wall 21 surrounding windows, doors, or adjacent to floors or ceilings via screw or nail fasteners. Since the molding member 20 is fastened to the wall 21 and the curtain rod retaining portion 14 is secured between the molding member 20 and wall 21, the molding member 20 provides sufficient support to hold the end bracket 11 in position.
The curtain rod 16 may comprise one or more elongated sections 24, 25. In the illustrated embodiment, a first elongated section 24 is adjustably secured to a second elongated section 25 so as to allow the curtain rod 16 to extend into an extended configuration and retract into a retracted configuration. This telescopic arrangement of the elongated sections 24, 25 provides for adjustment of the linear length of the curtain rod 16. The first end 26 of the curtain rod 16 comprises the second elongated section 25 and the second end 27 of the curtain rod 16 comprises the first elongated section 24. The elongated sections 24, 25 are fastened to one another via any suitable fastener, such as a twist lock mechanism. The fastener allows a user to select the desired curtain rod 16 length. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated sections 24, 25 are tubular members comprising a circular cross-section, however in alternative embodiments, the elongated sections 24, 25 may comprise any suitable cross-sectional shape. The curtain rod 16 may also have a lockseam construction.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In the shown embodiment, the curtain rod retaining portion of the end bracket 11 comprises an upstanding prong 12B configured to be received by a curtain rod or an aperture of a curtain rod. The end bracket 11 having the upstanding prong 12B may also be used to support lockseam curtain rods, flat curtain rods, and the like. In alternative embodiments, the upstanding prong 12B may have different shapes, such as a rounded tip, or a sharp tip.
In the shown embodiment, the arm portion 13 is positioned between the upstanding prong 12B and the wall holding portion 14, wherein the arm portion 13 rests substantially flush with the molding member 20. Further, the arm portion 13 provides a distance between where a received curtain rod is located and the wall 21. The molding member 20 is fastened 28, or otherwise secured to the wall 21, and the wall holding portion 14 is positioned between the molding member 20 and the wall 21. Thus, the end bracket 11 is supported by the molding member 20 and wall 21, preventing unwanted rotation or movement of the end bracket 11 and received curtain rod.
In the shown embodiment, the wall holding portion 14 comprises a upper first end 40 and a lower second end 41, wherein the wall holding portion 14 is tapered which reduces in size from the lower second end 41 to the opposing upper first end 40. The tapered wall holding portion 14 allows the wall holding portion 14 to be insertable between the space between the molding and the wall. In addition the tapered wall holding portion 14 enables mounting to moldings and walls of varying sizes. In an alternative embodiment, the wall holding portion 14 is tapered which reduces in size from the first end 40 to the lower second end 41. Thus, in this embodiment, the wall holding portion 14 is wedged and frictionally engages the molding and wall to securely mount the end bracket 11.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of present invention. In the shown embodiment, the wall holding portion 14 of the end bracket 11 is triangular-shaped and includes a first side 30 and an opposing second side 31 that are angled inward until the sides 30, 31 terminate in a locus point 32 deposed at the lower end 41. In alternative embodiments, the point 32 may be curved, beveled, or have any suitable shape. The point 32 enables users to more easily fit the wall holding portion 14 between the molding member 20 and wall 21. It should be understood that end brackets 11 having the wall holding portion 14 with a point, may have an upstanding prong 12B, or any other curtain rod retaining portion 12 and arm portion 13 shape.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. In the shown embodiment, the fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod 10 comprises two support mounting brackets 111 positioned between two end brackets 11, 11A wherein the curtain rod retaining portions 12 of the end brackets 11 and the support mounting brackets 111 are supporting a curtain rod 16. The support mounting brackets 111 comprise a wall holding portion (not shown) and a U-shaped channel 112 configured to receive and support a portion of the curtain rod 16. The wall holding portion of the support mounting bracket includes a planar panel adapted to be removably positioned between the wall 21 and the molding 20 affixed to the wall 21 such that the support mounting brackets 111 are secured to the wall 21 without fasteners. The wall holding portions 14 of the end brackets 11 are inserted between a molding member 20 and the generally planar surface, such as a wall 21, without requiring fasteners to damage the wall 21 or molding 20. Further, the curtain rod 16 is in a telescoping arrangement with a first elongated section 24 and a second elongated section 25. The telescopic curtain rod 16 enables the user to select the desired length thereof, wherein the fastener-less wall holding portions of the support mounting brackets 111 and the fastener-less wall holding portions 14 of the end brackets 11 allow a user to conveniently space the support mounting brackets 111 and the end brackets 11 along the length of the molding 20 as desired.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an exploded view of one embodiment of the support mounting bracket of the present invention. In some embodiments, the fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod further includes at least one support mounting bracket 111 insertable between a molding member 20 and a generally planar surface, such as a wall, window, or window frame 29. The support mounting brackets 111 may also be positioned adjacent to at least one of the end brackets (not shown). The support mounting bracket 111 assist with the hanging curtain rods and comprise a U-shaped channel 112 in which a portion of a curtain rod 16 can rest, wherein the U-shaped channel 112 integrally connected to a wall holding portion 114 via an arm portion 113. The arm portion 113 of the support bracket 111 is configured to lay atop the molding member 20 and the wall holding portion 114 is configured to rest between the molding member 20 and a generally planar surface, such as the window frame 29. In one embodiment, the wall holding portion 114 includes a protruding member 115 configured to removable affix the support mounting bracket 111 to a generally planar surface, such as a wall, window, window frame 29, and the molding member 20.
In the shown embodiment, the U-shaped channel 112 is a curved member configured to support and receive a cylindrical curtain rod 16 therein. In an alternative embodiment, the U-shaped channel 112 is configured to support and receive curtain rods 16 having any suitable cross-sectional shape. The support mounting brackets 111 are especially useful for assisting with the support of longer and heavier curtain rods 16 that have a tendency to deflect to a greater extent than shorter and lighter curtain rods. However, it should be understood that the support mounting brackets 111 may be used in conjunction with, or independently of the end brackets.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the support mounting bracket of the present invention. The support mounting bracket 111 comprises a U-shaped channel 112 integrally connected to a wall holding portion 114 via an arm portion 113. In the shown embodiment, the wall holding portion 114 further includes a protruding member 115 that is disposed towards the distal end of the wall holding portion 114 and generally orthogonal thereto. In the shown embodiment, the protruding member 115 is a J-shaped member that is configured to abut the underside of a surface, such as a wall 21 or window, and prevent unwanted movement of the support mounting bracket 111. However, the protruding member 115 may have any suitable shape that allows for the engagement with a fixed surface. In use, the support mounting bracket 111 may slide onto the molding member 20 from either end or may be positioned against the wall 21 without the molding member 20, and have the molding member 20 fastened to the wall 21 when the support mounting bracket 111 is positioned therebetween.

Claims

I claim:

1) A fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod comprising:

an end bracket having a curtain rod retaining portion integrally connected to a wall holding portion via an arm portion;

wherein the wall holding portion comprises a planar panel adapted to be removably positioned between a wall and a molding affixed to the wall such that the end bracket is secured to the wall without fasteners;

wherein the curtain rod retaining portion is configured to receive a curtain rod thereon.

2) The fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod of claim 1, wherein:

the arm portion is configured to prevent the curtain rod retaining portion from resting on the molding when the wall holding portion is positioned between the wall and the molding.

3) The fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod of claim 1, wherein:

the curtain rod retaining portion is an upstanding prong adapted to engage with an aperture on a curtain rod.

4) The fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod of claim 1, wherein:

the curtain rod retaining portion comprises a ball-detent fastener therein.

5) The fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod of claim 1, wherein:

the curtain rod comprises a first elongated section and a second elongated section that provides for telescopic linear adjustment of the curtain rod.

6) The fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod of claim 1, wherein:

the wall holding portion of the end bracket is tapered from a first upper end to an opposing lower second end.

7) The fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod of claim 1, wherein:

the wall holding portion of the end bracket further comprises a first side and an opposing second side that terminates in a point.

8) The fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one support mounting bracket having a wall holding portion and a U-shaped channel, wherein the U-shaped channel is configured to support a portion of a curtain rod;

wherein the wall holding portion of the at least one support mounting bracket comprises a planar panel adapted to be removably positioned between the wall and the molding affixed to the wall such that the support mounting bracket is secured to the wall without fasteners.

9) The fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod of claim 8, wherein:

the portion of the curtain rod being supported is towards a middle of the portion of the curtain rod.

10) The fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod of claim 8, wherein:

the wall holding portion of the support mounting bracket further comprises a protruding member configured to removably affix the end bracket to a planar surface.

11) The fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod of claim 10, wherein:

the protruding member is J-shaped and configured to contact the molding and the wall.