Nested Curtain Rod Return Bracket for Multi-Curtain Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current curtain rod bracket systems require additional hardware to support multiple curtains, which can be impractical due to limited window trim or wall space, increasing installation difficulty and cost, and often compromise on decorative finials and effective window coverage.

Innovation Solution

A curtain rod return bracket design featuring inner and outer legs with a mounting portion, allowing for adjustable curtain rod placement and support of multiple curtains while maintaining decorative finials, with options for cylindrical and flat rods, and accommodating telescoping rods for adjustable lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an additional bracket is used to hold a second curtain in place, then multiple curtains can be supported, but the installation complexity and cost increase, and the limited window trim or wall space cannot accommodate another bracket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to support multiple curtainsVSAvoidnumber of brackets and hardware required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed with a universal structure that can support multiple curtains using the same bracket type. The bracket includes an inner leg with a rod support and an outer leg with a finial, creating a configuration that can accommodate multiple curtains without requiring additional different types of brackets or hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket design allows one bracket structure to be nested within or alongside another bracket of the same type, with the inner leg and outer leg creating a nested configuration that supports multiple curtains in a space-efficient manner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a ferrule with a flat headed stud is used on the rod ends, then the bracket can support the rod, but decorative finials cannot be used and the curtain cannot extend to cover the bracket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod support stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with decorative finials and curtain coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is segmented into an inner leg that supports the rod and an outer leg that provides the finial mounting surface. This segmentation allows the rod support function and decorative finial function to coexist without interference, as each function is performed by a separate structural element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner leg acts as an intermediary between the rod and the outer leg, allowing the rod to be supported while maintaining an open configuration that permits decorative finials to be mounted on the outer leg and allows curtains to extend beyond the bracket structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the curtain is extended to cover the bracket, then the side portions of the window can be covered, but the bracket structure interferes with the curtain's ability to reach the window trim

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurtain coverage of window sidesVSAvoiddistance from rod to window trim

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The nested configuration of the inner and outer legs creates a compact bracket structure that minimizes the space occupied by the bracket itself, allowing the curtain to extend further toward the window trim without being blocked by a protruding bracket structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11272801B2Curtain rod return bracket

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 KENNEY MANUFACTURING CO

AI summary

A curtain rod return bracket is provided and includes a first bracket inner leg, a second bracket inner leg, a bracket outer leg and a bracket mounting portion, wherein the first bracket inner leg and bracket outer leg are associated with the bracket mounting portion such that a first space exists between the bracket inner leg and the bracket outer leg, and wherein the first bracket inner leg and the second bracket inner leg are configured such that a second space exists between the first bracket inner leg and the second bracket inner leg.