Patent Application
20060043246
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of window hangings and coverings and more particularly to a specialized curtain hanging fixture.
2. Description of the Related Art
Buildings that include windows and similar accesses are designed to admit light, air and sound, while permitting those inside to view the outside world from the comfort and security of the indoors. However, in residential use, windows have become very important aspects of a home's decor and architectural design. As such, window treatments have evolved from simple, functional adornments, to provocative, fashion setting additions, and include various combinations of both function and aesthetics.
When used in this disclosure, references to curtains, draperies, window treatments and the like, are meant to be interchangeable, and the omission of a specific term for a window treatment, or hanging, is not meant to exclude that type of window treatment.
Curtains, draperies and the like, perform a number of important functions. For example, curtains may be hung such that the window frame itself is covered by the curtain. This helps to limit drafts at the many framing intersections between the window, the window frame, and the building structure. Additionally, it may be desirable to cover the sight of the window frame; and a well placed curtain is capable of covering the entire frame. The frame may be discolored, or not match other elements that make up the interior design of the structure or dwelling place.
Window treatments also perform the function of covering the window opening. If the window is made of glass, a curtain may be used to block or partially diffuse light that enters the building. Further, the curtain may be used to ensure the privacy of those within the structure by covering the viewable portion of the window.
In addition to the many functions they perform, window treatments may be designed to act as an aesthetic addition to the overall appearance of the structure, or a specific area within the structure. It is also possible for a curtain be placed on, near, or around a non-window item to create a certain look. Mirrors, photographs and other pictures may be used as a type of faux window, and in this instance, the “window” treatment is used primarily for aesthetic value. Whether for a true, or faux window, the window treatment will most often be chosen to add aesthetic value to the area.
It should be apparent then, that there is a need to change out window treatments in conjunction with the various functions the treatments perform. Cleaning is a required task that in turn creates the need for accessing a window treatment. If a curtain is cleaned in place, the person cleaning it must still access the top portion, which is normally not accessible while standing on the floor. What is needed is some form of device that will allow the person access to the top portion of the window treatment easily and safely.
If the person cleaning the curtain chooses instead to remove the curtain for cleaning, the problem becomes accessing the curtain rod in order to remove it from the wall. The typical person will rely on some secondary device to provide the necessary reach. Often, the device comes in the form of a ladder, step stool, or even a chair. The problem with this is that the person ascending the device is normally alone, with no spotter or other assistance. Add to the equation the fact that the person ascending the device may be physically limited in some manner, a potentially dangerous evolution becomes even more so.
The popularity of changing window treatment styles only increases the need for removing curtains and the need for climbing onto a potentially unsafe device to effect removal. The changing of the seasons may provide the need to change the window treatment style. People in colder climates may choose a heavier curtain material in the winter to help alleviate heating problems. The purchase of a new furniture item may also necessitate the need for a curtain change. New home owners often find no curtains remaining upon entering their new home, or they wish to add their own personalized style to the home, which includes changing window treatments.
As alluded to, there exist many difficulties and dangers in removing curtains. A standard telescoping curtain rod must be lifted upward before it can be released from its brackets which add to the difficulty. Someone removing the curtain with the aid of a ladder, stool or chair now must contend with the additional weight of the curtain rod, and the curtain itself, while balancing their own weight. It should be apparent then, that removing or accessing the top portion of a window treatment can be a dangerous, if not cumbersome ordeal.
Therefore, what is needed is a curtain hanging fixture that provides a means to access the top portion of the window that does not require the use of a secondary height increasing device, such as a chair, ladder, or stool.
It is also required that a window treatment be accessed, or removed by a single person.
What is also required is a curtain hanging fixture that is easy and quick to operate, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
What is further required is a curtain hanging fixture that is structurally unobtrusive.
What is also required is a curtain hanging fixture that will not aesthetically clash with the existing components of the window and surrounding area.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a curtain hanging fixture that provides a means to access the top portion of the window that does not require the use of a secondary height increasing device, such as a chair, ladder, or stool.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a curtain hanging fixture wherein the window treatment may be accessed, or removed by a single person.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a curtain hanging fixture that is easy and quick to operate, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a curtain hanging fixture that is structurally unobtrusive.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a curtain hanging fixture that will not aesthetically clash with the existing components of the window and surrounding area.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be substituted therefore without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention.
