US20120223039A1

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Info

Publication number: US20120223039A1
Application number: US13/411,457
Authority: US
Inventors: Keith Malmstadt; John Vink
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-02
Filing date: 2012-03-02
Publication date: 2012-09-06

Abstract

A curtain rod assembly comprising: a first end unit, a middle unit, and a second end unit. The first end unit and the second end unit are substantially identical and have a body with a first and second end, and an outer surface. Each one of the first ends has a face with a connecting rod guide. The first and second ends of the middle unit have faces with a connecting rod guide. A threaded connecting rod is screwed into the center of the connecting rod guide. If more than one middle unit is desired, then only one end will have a threaded connecting rod. The units have a plurality of partial mating transverse decorative elements on each one of the ends and on each outer surface. The transverse decorative elements help form a uniform appearance when each unit abuts another unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/448,630, filed Mar. 2, 2012, entitled Curtain Rod Assembly, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is directed towards the field of curtain rods and more particularly to a wooden curtain rod which can be formulated form a number of different components.

2. Background Art

The use different curtain rods is well known in the art. Typically, curtain rods comprise an elongated member that is extended between two or more supports. A plurality of hooks or other members are slidably positioned on the elongated member. A curtain is coupled to the hooks at discrete location. Thus, the curtain hangs on the hooks that are slidably coupled to the curtain rod.

Typically, the curtain rod comprises a metal member, a plastic member or a wooden member (or combinations of the foregoing). Such curtain rods typically have a substantially consistent cross-sectional configuration along the length thereof. The curtain rods that are formed from moldable materials, or stampable materials may include transverse carvings and shapes therealong. Also, longitudinal carvings and shapes may be disposed along the length of the curtain rod.

Problematically, with wooden curtain rods, it is difficult and costly to provide transverse surface configurations in the form of carvings and shapes. First, lathes are utilized to impart transverse surface configurations onto wooden rods, however, curtain rods are typically substantially longer than the operating length of a lathe. In addition, to maintain integrity of a curtain rod, it is difficult to join a plurality of different wooden portions to assemble a curtain rod of a desired length from the wooden portions. Often bowing, especially about joints, is of large concern.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a wooden curtain rod having transverse surface configurations.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a curtain rod that has sufficient strength when formed of a plurality of different components.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a wooden curtain rod which includes multiple components wherein it is difficult to discern the joints where the different components are coupled together to form the resulting member.

These objects as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed to a curtain rod assembly that provides the appearance of being formed from a single elongated wood member. In fact, the curtain rod is formed from a plurality of different components that are joined end to end.

In one aspect of the invention, the invention is directed to a curtain rod assembly comprising a first end unit, a middle unit and a second end unit. The first end unit has a body with a first end and a second end. Each one of the ends has a partial mating transverse decorative element. Additionally, at least one transverse decorative element is disposed between the first end and the second end of the first end unit. A middle unit has a body with a first end and a second end. Each of the ends has a partial mating transverse decorative element. At least one transverse decorative element is disposed between the first end and the second end of the middle unit. The second unit has a body with a first end and a second end. Each of the ends has a partial mating transverse decorative element. Additionally, at least one transverse decorative element is disposed between the first end and the second end of the second end unit.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the transverse decorative elements of the first end unit, the second end unit and the middle unit, and, the first joined transverse decorative element and the second joined transverse decorative element, are disposed along the curtain rod in a substantially equally spaced apart orientation.

In another preferred embodiment, the curtain rod mimics the structure of a bamboo culm. In particular, each of the transverse decorative elements of the first end unit, the second end unit and the middle unit, and the first joined transverse decorative element and the second joined transverse decorative element define nodes. And, the structure therebetween defining internodes.

In some such embodiments, the nodes and the internodes comprise a substantially cylindrical configuration with the nodes having a node radius and the internodes having an internode radius. The node radius is larger than the internode radius.

In another such embodiment, the nodes comprise a central region of a first diameter and opposing ridge regions of a second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter.

In another such preferred embodiment, the nodes are spaced apart substantially equally along the length thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, the at least one transverse decorative element of each of the first end unit, the second end unit, and the middle unit comprise at least two transverse decorative elements.

In another preferred embodiment, the at least two transverse decorative elements are substantially spaced apart from each other and the first and second ends substantially uniformly.

In another preferred embodiment, the middle unit comprises a plurality of middle units coupled end to end.

Preferably, each of the first end unit, the second end unit and the middle unit are substantially identical in length.

In a preferred embodiment, the first end unit is coupled to the middle unit through a threaded connecting rod that extends through an axis that defines a center of the second end of the first end unit and the first end of the middle unit. The second end unit is coupled to the middle unit through a threaded connecting rod that extends through an axis that defines a center of the second end of the middle unit and the first end of the second end unit.

In some preferred embodiments, the second end of the first end unit includes a face which matingly abuts a face at the first end of the middle unit. The face contact precludes bowing thereabout.

In some such embodiments, the second end of the middle unit includes a face which matingly abuts a face at the first end of the second end unit. The face contact precludes bowing thereabout.

Preferably, the curtain rod assembly comprises a wood material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is an exploded perspective view of the curtain rod assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of an exemplary curtain rod assembly of the present disclosure with multiple units coupled together; and

FIG. 3 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of a curtain rod assembly of the present invention, showing, in particular, a curtain hanging therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

Curtain rod assembly

10, as shown inFIG. 1, as comprising an elongated member which includes various designs (surface configurations) which are transversely disposed along the length thereof. These surface configurations provide a uniform appearance that is aesthetically pleasing, and that further hides the nature of the curtain rod as comprising a plurality of joined components. In the embodiment depicted, the curtain rod assembly depicts, or loosely mimics, a bamboo culm, having alternating nodes and internodes transversely disposed along the assembly. In such a configuration, the nodes include a central region of a first diameter and opposing ridge regions of a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The second diameter is also larger than diameter of the internodes.

It will be understood that thecurtain rod assembly10 is modular in that it is formed from a plurality of elongated units (as will be described) that are joined together end to end. Additionally, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to a bamboo culm that is shown, but that a number of transverse decorative elements are contemplated for use. It will be understood that the disclosure is not limited to any particular configuration of the transverse decorative elements.

With continuing reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, thecurtain rod assembly10 comprises a plurality of separate units that are joined end to end, such as,first end unit12, amiddle unit14, and asecond end unit16. It is contemplated that each of the units comprises a wood material, such as, for example, a solid pine member. Other woods, such as oak, basswood, maple, among others are contemplated for use. It is additionally contemplated that multiple wood materials may be laminated or bonded together to form a single sold member. It is also contemplated that the member may be cored out to reduce the weight thereof. With reference toFIG. 3, acurtain100 can be hung from a plurality ofhook members102 that are coupled to thecurtain rod assembly10. Additionally,curtain rod assembly10 can be coupled to an outside structure, such as a wall with hangers and the like.

Thefirst end unit12 has an elongatedbody20 made from wood with afirst end30, a second end32, and anouter surface34. Thefirst end30 has a face50 and a first partial mating transversedecorative element52. The face50 is circular and flat in configuration. The face50 is where a connectingrod guide80 is positioned. The first partial mating transversedecorative element52 will mate with another partial mating transverse decorative element on a middle unit14 (described below) forming a transverse decorative element that is substantially indistinguishable from transversedecorative element52.

The connectingrod guide80 that is positioned on the face50 has a plurality ofholes100 on its surface. Theholes100 are where the plurality ofrod guide fasteners110 screw in to attach the connectingrod guide80 to the face50 of thefirst end30.

The second end32 of thebody20 has a face54, which is also flat and circular in configuration. The second end32 defines one of the ends of the curtain rod. Face54 remains exposed as it is an end piece. As such, it may be substantially planar. It is contemplated that certain end features are coupled to face54 to provide a decorative end to the curtain rod (such as a bulb, an acorn or otherrounded element57,FIG. 2). The second end32 also has a second partial mating transversedecorative element56. The second partial mating transversedecorative element56, in this case, does not mate with another partial mating transverse decorative element.

Theouter surface34 of thebody20 has a plurality of central transversedecorative elements58. In this particular configuration the central transversedecorative elements58 are in the form of nodes and the space between the nodes are internodes. This gives thecurtain rod assembly10 an overall appearance of a bamboo culm. It will be understood that thecurtain rod assembly10 is not limited to this particular configuration and can take on the form of various transversely disposed designs (both circumferential and designs which define helixes or other structures that are both transverse and longitudinal).

It will be understood that thecurtain rod assembly10 can include a number ofmiddle units14 to accommodate curtains and windows of various sizes. Each of themiddle units14 can be substantially identical. The disclosure is not limited to any particular number ofmiddle units14. Themiddle unit14 has an elongatedbody22 made from wood that has afirst end36, asecond end38, and anouter surface40. In the embodiment shown, thefirst end36 and thesecond end38 are substantially identical in configuration. Multiplemiddle units14 can be coupled in an end to end configuration.

Thefirst end36 has aface60 and a first partial mating transversedecorative element62. Theface60 is flat and circular in configuration. The first partial mating transversedecorative element62 mates with another partial mating transverse decorative element on thefirst end unit12 or thesecond end unit16. If more than onemiddle unit14 is involved, the first partial mating transversedecorative element62 can also mate with another partial mating transverse decorative element on the othermiddle unit14.

A connectingrod guide82 is positioned on theface60 of thefirst end36 of themiddle unit14. The connectingrod guide82 has a plurality ofholes102 positioned on its surface. A plurality of connectingrod guide fasteners112 attach the connectingrod guide82 to theface60 when they are screwed into theholes102.

In the embodiment shown, a threaded connecting

rod

84,88 respectively are on each one of the ends of themiddle unit14. When multiplemiddle units14 are used, only one end will require the threaded connecting rod,84 or88. As shown inFIG. 1, the threaded connectingrod84 is positioned within the center of the connectingrode guide82. The threaded connectingrod84 connects with the connecting

rod guide

80 or90 on either thefirst end unit12 or thesecond end unit16.

Thesecond end38 of thebody22 is substantially identical to thefirst end36 of thebody22. Thesecond end38 has a face64 and a second partial mating transversedecorative element66. The face64 is flat and circular in configuration. The second partial mating transversedecorative element66 mates with another partial mating transverse decorative element on thefirst end unit12 or thesecond end unit16. If more than onemiddle unit14 is involved, the first partial mating transversedecorative element66 can also mate with another partial mating transverse decorative element on the othermiddle unit14.

A connectingrod guide86 is positioned on the face64 of thesecond end38 of themiddle unit14. The connectingrod guide86 has a plurality ofholes104 positioned on its surface. A plurality of connectingrod guide fasteners114 attach the connectingrod guide86 to the face64 when they are screwed into theholes104.

As mentioned earlier, in the embodiment shown, a threaded connecting

rod

84,88 respectively are on each one of the ends of themiddle unit14. When multiplemiddle units14 are used only one end will require the threaded connecting rod,84 or88. As shown inFIG. 1, the threaded connectingrod88 is positioned within the center of the connectingrode guide86. The threaded connectingrod88 connects with the connecting

rod guide

80 or90 on either thefirst end unit12 or thesecond end unit16. The positioning of the threaded connecting rod is at the center of the cylindrical configuration of the various units, so that the axis of the threaded connecting rod substantially corresponds to the central axis of the unit. In such an embodiment, the joints between the units have the best chance of mimicking the decorative elements therebetween.

Theouter surface40 of thebody22 has a plurality of central transversedecorative elements68. In this particular configuration the central transversedecorative elements68 are in the form of nodes and the space between the nodes are internodes. This gives thecurtain rod assembly10 an overall appearance of a bamboo culm. It will be understood that thecurtain rod assembly10 is not limited to this particular configuration and can take on the form of various transversely disposed designs.

In many embodiments, thefirst end unit12 and thesecond end unit16 are substantially identical in shape and in configuration. Thesecond end unit16 has an elongatedbody24 made from wood with afirst end42, asecond end44, and anouter surface46. Thefirst end42 has aface70 and a first partial mating transversedecorative element72. Theface70 is circular and flat in configuration. Theface70 is where a connectingrod guide90 is positioned. The first partial mating transversedecorative element72 will mate with another partial mating transverse decorative element on amiddle unit14 forming a uniform look to the overall structure. Thus, even though thecurtain rod assembly10 is not formed from one solid piece of wood it is difficult to discern that it is so formed, much less where the particular joints are positioned.

The connectingrod guide90 that is positioned on theface70 has a plurality ofholes106 on its surface. Theholes106 are where the plurality ofrod guide fasteners116 screw in to attach the connectingrod guide90 to theface70 of thefirst end42.

Thesecond end44 of thebody24 has a face74, which is also flat and circular in configuration. Thesecond end44 defines the opposite end of the curtain rod. While nothing is shown as being attached to face74, it is contemplated as with the first end of the curtain rod, a finishing element may be coupled to the face or otherwise covering the face. Thesecond end44 also has a second partial mating transversedecorative element76. The second partial mating transversedecorative element76 does not mate with another partial mating transverse decorative element.

Theouter surface46 of thebody24 has a plurality of central transversedecorative elements78. In this particular configuration the central transversedecorative elements78 are in the form of nodes and the space between the nodes are internodes. The nodes include a central region and opposing ridge regions which are of larger diameter than either the central region or the internodes. The joint between units mimics the central region of the nodes, and, this reduced diameter further disguises the joint. This gives thecurtain rod assembly10 an overall appearance of a bamboo culm. It will be understood that thecurtain rod assembly10 is not limited to this particular configuration and can take on the form of various transversely disposed designs.

To assemble thecurtain rod assembly10, thefirst end30 of thefirst end unit12 having the connectingrod guide80 installed, connects with thefirst end36 or thesecond end38 of themiddle unit14, depending on which one of the ends has the threaded connecting

rod

84 or88. In the embodiment shown, the connectingrod guide80 on thefirst end30 of thefirst end unit12 connects with the threaded connectingrod84 on thefirst end36 of themiddle unit14. The threaded connectingrod84 screws in to the connectingrod guide80. At this point thefirst end unit12 is connected to themiddle unit14. The connection point forms a node when the first partial mating transversedecorative element52 of thefirst end unit12 meets with the first partial mating transversedecorative element62 of themiddle unit14.

Next, thesecond end38 of themiddle unit14 connects with thefirst end42 of thesecond end unit16. It will be understood that this is only one particular configuration of thecurtain rod assembly10. Thecurtain rod assembly10 has the ability to connect as manymiddle units14 together as desired. In that case, eachmiddle unit14 will only have one

end

36 or38, respectively with a threaded connecting rod,84 or88. In the embodiment shown, the threaded connectingrod88 on themiddle unit14 screws into the connectingrod guide90 on thesecond end unit16. The second partial mating transversedecorative element66 on thesecond end38 of themiddle unit14 meets with the first partial mating transversedecorative element72 on thefirst end42 of thesecond end unit16 and forms a node. The node has two rounded edges that are raised with a smaller channel in between. When themiddle unit14 is connected to the second end unit, thecurtain rod assembly10 is now assembled and has the appearance of a bamboo culm with nodes and internodes. It is to be understood that the bamboo culm is only one of the many transverse decorative designs available.

In the embodiment shown, each one of the faces has an area of approximately 1385 mm². Each one of the connecting rod guides has an area of approximately 490 mm². The area of the face surrounding the connecting rod guide is about 894 mm². The connecting rod guides are sunken into the face and the large hole in the center of the connecting rod guides are threaded in order to engage the threaded connecting rod. The threaded connecting rod can be tightly screwed into the connecting rod guide, forming a tight connection. This helps thecurtain rod assembly10 to have a uniform appearance. Specifically, with the connecting rod guides being sunken into the surface, the threads extend beyond the faces and allow continued tightening. Coupled with a substantially large contact area where two abutting faces meet, the two structures insure that there is a strong contact over a substantial surface area that circumscribes the sunken in connecting rod guides. Such a structure minimizes sagging, or bowing, of the resulting curtain rod about the joint.

Finally, thecurtain rod assembly10 appears to be one uniform piece of wood. One cannot tell that thecurtain rod assembly10 is comprised of thefirst end unit12, one or a plurality ofmiddle units14, and asecond end unit16. It will be noted that the curtain rod assembly must include onefirst end unit12 and onesecond end unit16. The first end unit, themiddle unit14, and the second end unit are all capable of supporting at least fifty pounds, making thecurtain rod assembly10 quite strong. Additionally, the curtain rod does not exhibit sagging, and especially does not exhibit sagging about the joints, thereby providing the appearance of that it is formed from a single unitary piece of material.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A curtain rod assembly comprising:

a first end unit having a body with a first end and a second end wherein each one of the ends has a partial mating transverse decorative element, and at least one transverse decorative element is disposed between the first end and the second end of the first end unit;

a middle unit having a body with a first end and a second end wherein each of the ends has a partial mating transverse decorative element and at least one transverse decorative element is disposed between the first end and the second end of the middle unit; and

a second end unit having a body with a first end and a second end wherein each of the ends has a partial mating transverse decorative element, and at least one transverse decorative element is disposed between the first end and the second end of the second end unit;

2. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 1 wherein each of the transverse decorative elements of the first end unit, the second end unit and the middle unit, and, the first joined transverse decorative element and the second joined transverse decorative element, are disposed along the curtain rod in a substantially equally spaced apart orientation.

3. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the curtain rod mimics the structure of a bamboo culm, with each of the transverse decorative elements of the first end unit, the second end unit and the middle unit, and the first joined transverse decorative element and the second joined transverse decorative element defining nodes with the structure therebetween defining internodes.

4. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 3 wherein the nodes and the internodes comprise a substantially cylindrical configuration with the nodes having a node radius and the internodes having an internode radius, with the node radius being larger than the internode radius.

5. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 4 wherein the nodes comprise a central region of a first diameter and opposing ridge regions of a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter.

6. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 5 wherein the nodes are spaced apart substantially equally along the length thereof.

7. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one transverse decorative element of each of the first end unit, the second end unit, and the middle unit comprise at least two transverse decorative elements.

8. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 7 wherein the at least two transverse decorative elements are substantially spaced apart from each other and the first and second ends substantially uniformly.

9. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the middle unit comprises a plurality of middle units coupled end to end.

10. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 1 wherein each of the first end unit, the second end unit and the middle unit are substantially identical in length.

11. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the first end unit is coupled to the middle unit through a threaded connecting rod that extends through an axis that defines a center of the second end of the first end unit and the first end of the middle unit, and the second end unit is coupled to the middle unit through a threaded connecting rod that extends through an axis that defines a center of the second end of the middle unit and the first end of the second end unit.

12. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 11 wherein the second end of the first end unit includes a face which matingly abuts a face at the first end of the middle unit, wherein the face contact precludes bowing thereabout.

13. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 12 wherein the second end of the middle unit includes a face which matingly abuts a face at the first end of the second end unit, wherein the face contact precludes bowing thereabout.

14. The curtain rod assembly ofclaim 1 comprises a wood material.