Concealed Mounting Bar for Hanging Fixed Drapery Panels to Eliminate Buckling Below the Buckram or Header

Abstract

The device is a drapey panel mounting bar designed so the mounting hardware remains concealed behind a stationary drapery panel. This invention addresses a common issue of the center of gravity of the drapery panel being pushed away from the mounting hooks, causing the drapery hooks or fasteners to pivot toward the wall. The device prevents this pivoting by providing features that maintain the vertical alignment of the drapery mounting hooks or fasteners, thereby preventing buckling below the buckram. The device introduces two key features that distinguish it from previous designs. Firstly, it incorporates a bumper or shoulder designed to push against the lower part of the hook, ensuring its vertical alignment. Secondly, the device features a mounting channel designed to create a friction fit for the mounting hooks, allowing the installer to precisely position the hooks horizontally, thereby controlling the positioning of the folds in the drapery panel.

Description

ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application for a utility patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 606,384.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to interior decoration, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a drapery panel hanging apparatus that is operable to mount an item such as but not limited to a drape adjacent, or in front of, a window wherein the body of the present invention facilitates secure mounting to the wall using a concealed bar.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for a drapery panel hanging apparatus that is configured to facilitate the hanging of drapes and the like adjacent or in front of a window frame wherein the mounting of the drapery panel apparatus is concealed or hidden behind the drapes and the like.

[0004] Furthermore, when the hanging drapery panels are mounted, the apparatus provides the support to the drapery panel fastener or hook necessary to eliminate buckling or wrinkling below the buckram thereby allowing the drapery panel to hang straight.

[0005] Additionally, the device allows for the precise spacing between drapery pleats while keeping the drapery panel fasteners or hooks in place.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Windows such as those which are found in residential and or commercial settings are often provided with drapery panels. The term drapery panel is used herein to include pleated curtains, pleated draperies, pleated fabric panels, and the like. Drapery panels can be made from any type of fabric, natural hide, or man-made materials.

[0007] Drapery panels are a form of window treatment and complete the overall appearance of the house. Drapery panels help accent the room and appearance of the room. The present invention relates to drapery panels and specifically to hanging the drapery panels.

[0008] When installing or hanging drapery panels using existing hidden rear-mounted hardware or a rod, the buckram or header of the drapery panel pivots around the hanging hooks and tilts forward due to the forward projection of the drapery panel's center of gravity resulting from the rear mounting, which makes it impossible for the drapes to hang perfectly straight and creates buckling or wrinkling immediately below the header or buckram of the drapery panels.

[0009] The device is designed to hang drapery panels such that the drapery hooks or fasteners are supported by the shoulder feature of the device eliminating the pivoting of the buckram or header around the hooks and thereby eliminating the buckling or wrinkling immediately below the buckram or header.DESCRIPTION

[0010] Device for the hanging of drapery panels specially intended for applications where it is considered desirable to mount the hardware in the rear of, or behind the drapery panels, rather than above the drapery panel, including, but not limited to, applications where it is considered desirable for mounting hardware to be concealed or hidden from view. The device of various lengths is constructed from durable materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, wood, or composite materials, chosen for their strength and longevity, and has a channel or track to allow for the easy insertion of the drapery panel hooks and a ledge which creates a shoulder that fixes the hanging hook in the vertical position and prevents the buckram from pivoting around the hanging hooks thereby preventing buckling or wrinkling below the buckram or header.

[0011] The device is typically 12″, 18″, and 24″ long, but it can be made in any size. Although it can be made with various materials, composite material offers the best value.

[0012] The channel is specifically engineered to accept the most popular metal or plastic drapery fasteners or hooks. The channel allows for the precise positioning of the drapery hook to provide even spacing between the pleats of the drapery panel.

[0013] The device shoulder or bumper supports the drapery panel fasteners or hooks from pitching forward, thereby eliminating the wrinkling of the draperies near the header or buckram.

[0014] The device is installed or mounted behind the drapery panels using appropriate-sized screws and anchors, if necessary, that proceed through the device and into the wall or ceiling.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available hanging devices. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a method to hang drapery panels so that buckling in the buckram or header is eliminated when using concealed or hidden hardware.

[0016] The device incorporates a channel and shoulder design which is along its length. The shoulder is positioned to support or push against the lower part of the mounting hook or fastener. This feature ensures that the fastener or hook remains vertical, preventing the drapery panel from buckling below the buckram.

[0017] The device incorporates a mounting channel with friction fit along the top length for the mounting hooks or fasteners to be inserted therein. This allows the installer to select the exact horizontal positioning of each fastener, providing control over the positioning of the folds in the drapery panel. The friction fit of the channel prevents the drapery fastener or hook from moving or sliding once it is in place.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The invention is a device that is installed and concealed behind the drapery panel. Mounting hooks or fasteners are securely attached to the mounting channel allowing the installer to adjust the horizontal positioning of each hook or fastener along the mounting channel. The friction fit of the mounting channel allows for precise horizontal positioning of the mounting fasteners, giving the installer control over the desired configuration of the folds in the drapery panel. The shoulder design feature of the device ensures that the fasteners remain vertical, preventing buckling of the drapery panel below the buckram.OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Concealed Installation: The device remains hidden behind the drapery panel, maintaining a clean and unobtrusive appearance.

[0020] The device offers a novel solution for the hidden mounting of drapery panels, addressing common issues associated with concealed hardware installation of drapery panels.

[0021] The device's unique features are designed to prevent below buckram or header buckling and allow for precise positioning of the drapery folds. This invention provides enhanced functionality and aesthetics for a wide range of fixed drapery panel applications.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The device relates generally to a support apparatus for mounting fixed drapery panels to a wall or ceiling adjacent to a window.

[0023] The device is installed behind the drapery or drapery panel assembly. Once installed, the device allows for controlled manipulation of the drapery panel fabric, enabling precise folding, pleating, or gathering according to user preferences. It also ensures uniform distribution of fabric folds, creating a polished and tailored look for the drapery.PRIOR ART

[0024] In the prior art, concealed hardware drapery panels are hung on support rods by using metal hooks. These hooks have one end shaped to engage a support rod, and the other end of the hook is attached to the upper edge of the buckram, which is the reinforced band of material at the top of a drapery panel. Typically, metal hooks or fasteners are attached by inserting the sharpened end of the metal hook, and plastic hooks are attached by sewing or fixing the hook to the band of material using a suitable fastener. This method of concealed hardware does not address or eliminate buckling below the buckram or header.

[0025] The applicant has invented a device to suspend drapery panels using concealed hardware that eliminates buckling below the buckram or header.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0026] The prevention of buckling below the buckram is the subject of U.K. Pat. No. GB2,235,863. This patent illustrates a drapery hanger featuring a plate and hooks to be inserted directly into the drapery material. The plate has holes through which “S” shaped hooks can be inserted, which are then hung onto a curtain rail or other drapery support bracket.

[0027] The prior art (see U.S. Pat. No. 2,412,608A) for hanging panels using concealed hardware typically involves a header built into the window frame with a T slot and a fastener or clip to secure the drapery panel to the built-in header. However, this prior art does not prevent the pitching of the buckram around the fasteners or clips, which allows for buckling in the fabric below the buckram or header.BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE PRIOR ART

[0028] While there is existing prior art that addresses the issue of sagging or buckling beneath the drapery heading or buckram, the previous solutions lack ease of use. The prior art is limited to “S” style hooks and rods or headers with T slots built into the window frame. Additionally, the prior art is only used along a portion of the curtain heading, the leading and trailing edges. It does not address buckling along the entire length of the drapery panel. Additionally, the locations of the hooks are not adjustable, so the prior art is unable to provide for easy gathering and shaping of the drapery fabric when hanging.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 2,364,275 shows a drapery support constructed in such a way as to allow drapes to be hung either over the window or along the wall adjacent to a window.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] To better understand the advantages of the invention, a more detailed description of the invention will be provided by referencing specific illustrated embodiments in the appended drawing(s). Please note that the drawings are not drawn to scale and are only intended as schematics representations, not to depict specific parameters of the invention. The drawing(s) represent the typical embodiments of the invention and does not limit its scope. The accompanying drawing(s) will be used to describe the invention in more detail, where:

[0031] FIG. 1: Perspective view of the top and side according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 2: Perspective view demonstrating how a plastic drapery hook or fastener is used with the device.

[0033] FIG. 3: Perspective view demonstrating how a metal drapery hook is used with the device.

[0034] FIG. 4: Perspective view of drapery panels hanging without using our device, illustrating the buckling or wrinkling below the header or buckram of the drapery panel.

[0035] FIG. 5: Perspective view of drapery panels hanging using our device thereby eliminating the buckling or wrinkling below the header or buckram of the drapery panel.

[0036] FIG. 6: Front view of the device showing the mounting brackets used to secure the device to the wall before hanging the drapery panels.

[0037] FIG. 7: Side view of the device showing the mounting brackets used to secure the device to the wall before hanging the drapery panels.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 displays the device, with #1, the channel at the top. The channel is intended for inserting drapery fasteners or hooks. The #2, or ledge, creates the shoulder or bumper, which provides support, #4, to prevent the drapery hooks from pitching forward. The Length, #3, of the device can be created in any size necessary to fit the location of the drapery panel.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates the plastic drapery panel hook or fastener, #6, inserted into channel, #7, of the device. The bumper or shoulder, #5, prevents the drapery hook from tilting or pitching forward, preventing buckling or wrinkling below the header or buckram of the drapery panel.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a metal drapery panel hook or fastener #10 inserted into the device channel #8, with the device shoulder or bumper #9 preventing the fastener #10 from pitching or tilting forward. This prevents buckling or wrinkling below the header or buckram of the drapery panel.

[0041] FIG. 4 demonstrates drapery panels hanging on the current art without the use of our device and the wrinkling or buckling of the buckram or header #11 of the drapery panels.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows drapery panels hanging using our device and how our device eliminates the wrinkling or buckling below the buckram or header #12 of the drapery panels.

[0043] FIG. 6 exhibits how the device is mounted on a wall by using screws #13 and angle brackets #14.

[0044] FIG. 7 displays a side view of the device using screws #16 and angle brackets #15 to mount the device to the wall.

Claims

1. A device for hanging fixed drapery panels from the rear or behind the drapery panel, allowing the hardware to be hidden and providing for the elimination of all buckram buckling and providing for the control of the horizontal sliding of hooks to allow the horizontal fixing of drapery panel pleats. The device is comprised of a body, said body having the shape of a bar or rail with a channel or track in the top portion of the device along with a ledge creating a shoulder shape on the front of the bar.

2. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said channel or track is used to hang various types of metal or plastic drapery panel fasteners or hooks that are attached to the drapery panels.

3. A device, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the channel or track in the top of the device is of a precise thickness to restrict the horizontal sliding of the hooks and fasteners to be able to fix the position of each hook or fastener which restricts sliding such that even spacing between the pleats of the drapery panel can be achieved and maintained.

4. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ledge or shoulder is used to support various types of drapery panel hooks or fasteners and prevents rotation or pitching of the drapery hooks or fasteners, thereby preventing the buckling or wrinkling below the header or buckram of the drapery panel after hanging.

5. A device, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the shoulder or ledge is of a precise width that vertically stabilizes the hooks or fasteners that are attached to the drapery panel buckram or header.

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