FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention broadly relates to a device that draws back curtains, draperies, or the like from a window opening, and, more specifically, to a floating holdback device that draws back drapes from a window opening at various positions without wall-mounted accessories.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Accessories for holding back curtains, drapery or hanging panels are well known. Specifically, drapery holdbacks are both functional and decorative devices used to draw back drapes from a window opening. These devices allow the maximum amount of sunlight into a room when the drapes are open, while adding a decorative touch to the window treatment and the room's decor.
One type of drapery holdback is a tieback. Tiebacks are rope-like devices in which two opposing ends of the tieback are wrapped about a hanging drape and tied or joined together. Once the tieback is secured around the drape, it is removably attached to a wall-mounted hook.
One problem with the tieback type is that a user is limited to only one fixed position in which they can draw back drapes from a window opening. Thus, the user is unable to adjust the position of the drape to give the room a desired amount of sunlight. Another problem with tiebacks is the awkwardness of searching for the wall-mounted hook hidden behind the hanging draperies to attach the tieback and the cumbersome task of tying the tieback consistently around the drapes every time you draw the drapes from the window.
Another type of drapery holdback is the hardware mounted drapery holdback. Generally, this type of holdback is used as a mounted hook or holder that is positioned on the wall, a short distance from a window. Similar to the tieback type device, the wall-mounted holdback limits the drapery fabric to be drawn back to a single fixed location behind the holdback to keep it in place. Wall-mounted drapery holdbacks are secured to the wall to keep the drapes looking the same regardless of who draws the drapes back from the window. However, once mounted, a wall-mounted holdback cannot be easily transferred from one room to another.
Another problem with these previous holdbacks is the process of positioning and mounting one or two holdbacks uniformly onto the wall. The task is quite time consuming and requires a certain level of skill to install the holdbacks correctly. If the wall-mounted hardware is not installed correctly, due to the weight of the drapery fabric resting on the mounted hook, the hardware will become unfastened and eventually become dislodged from the wall.
Thus, there is a long-felt need for a drapery holdback device that draws back drapes from a window opening without the need of wall-mounted accessories. There is also a long-felt need for a drapery holdback that draws back drapes from a window opening at various positions and not just to one fixed position. There is also a long-felt need for a drapery holdback that is aesthetically pleasing and simple to secure around and remove from hanging drapes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention broadly comprises a drapery holdback device including a flexible body having a first ply and a second ply. The body also includes a first end and a second end, a first magnet fixedly secured between the first and second plies proximate the first end, and a second magnet fixedly secured between the first and second plies proximate the second end. The flexible body is adapted to wrap about a drape and draw back the drape from a free hanging position when the first magnet is magnetically engaged to the second magnet through a thickness of the drape.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a device that draws back a drape from a free hanging position without using wall-mounted accessories.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device made of fabric that draws back drapes from a window without using wall-mounted accessories and complements the fabric of the drapes in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device that draws back drapes from a window opening at various positions and not just to one fixed location.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device that is not permanently mounted to one window area but can be easily transported and used in various rooms.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the drapery holdback device of the present invention shown wrapped about a drape;
FIG. 2
a is a front elevational view of the drapery holdback shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the device drawing back the drape at a first distance from a window;
FIG. 2
b is a view of the present invention similar to FIG. 2a showing the drapery holdback drawing back the drape at a second distance from a window;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the drapery holdback device taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 illustrating a first end having a first magnet magnetically engaged to a second magnet at the second end through the drape;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drapery holdback device shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the device in a folded position with the magnets engaging one another;
FIG. 5
a is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating the drapery holdback device in an unfolded position revealing one magnet;
FIG. 5
b is a view of the present invention similar to FIG. 5a showing the drapery holdback device revealing the north pole of a first magnet facing a first ply and the south pole of the second magnet facing the first ply;
FIG. 6
a is a perspective view of the drapery holdback device illustrating the south pole of the first magnet facing the first ply and the north pole of the second magnet facing the first ply;
FIG. 6
b is a perspective view of the drapery holdback showing the north pole of the first magnet facing the first ply and the north pole of the second magnet facing the first ply;
FIG. 6
c is a view similar to FIGS. 6a and 6b showing the south pole of the first magnet facing the first ply and the south pole of the second magnet facing the first ply;
FIG. 6
d is a perspective view of the drapery holdback shown in FIG. 6b illustrating a flexible body of the device being twisted;
FIG. 7
a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the drapery holdback device;
FIG. 7
b is a view of the second embodiment of the present invention similar to FIG. 7a showing the drapery holdback device revealing two magnets;
FIGS. 8
a and 8b are perspective views of a third embodiment of the drapery holdback device;
FIG. 9
a is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a drapery holdback device having a flexible body being comprised of braided rope;
FIG. 9
b is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a drapery holdback device having a flexible body being comprised of linked chain;
FIG. 10
a is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10
b is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and,
FIG. 10
c is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of drapery holdback device 10 holding drape 16 away from window 20. The drapery holdback device or floating holdback device, hereafter referred to as device 10, is seen to comprise flexible body 11 including first end 12a and first magnet 14a being secured proximate to the first end; and second end 12b and second magnet 14b being secured proximate to the second end. The first and second ends are structured and arranged to magnetically attract each other. As seen in FIG. 1, flexible body 11, having first surface 18, is operatively arranged to gather at least a portion of a drape within middle portion 13 when flexible body 11 is wrapped about drape 16 and first magnet 14a is magnetically engaged to second magnet 14b through a thickness of drape 16.
It should be appreciated that device 10 is adapted to draw back drapes from a window opening at various positions without the use of wall-mounted accessories. For example, FIG. 2a shows a front view of device 10 being suspended from drape 16 and holding drape 16 away from window 20 at first length D1. As best seen in FIG. 2a, substantially half of device 10 is noticeable when the device is suspended from the drape. By noticeable, we mean that when the drapery holdback is wrapped about the drape, second half portion of first surface 18b, second end 12b and second magnet 14b face outward and away from window 20 or wall and can be seen, while first end 12a, first magnet 14a and a first half portion of the first surface face inward and toward window 20 or wall and cannot be seen. FIG. 2b, which is similar to the view of FIG. 2a, illustrates device 10 holding drape 16 away from window 20 at second length D2. This is particularly advantageous because a pair of drapes, curtains, or the like can be drawn back to various positions according to a user's preference and not just to one fixed position. In other words, drapes can be pulled back to a plurality of positions, e.g., from a free hanging position to being totally pulled away from a window opening.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 illustrating a first end having a first magnet being magnetically engaged, through a thickness of a drape, to a second end having a second magnet. Specifically, flexible body 11, having first surface 18 and second surface 19, forms inner loop 15 when first end 12a and second end 12b are joined together. Preferably, flexible body 11 is adapted to wrap about drape 16, gathering at least portion of drape 16a within inner loop 15 when first magnet 14a is magnetically engaged to second magnet 14b through thickness of drape 16b. Specifically, inner loop 15 comprises second surface 19a-b that faces inward and comes in contact with portion of drape 16a; thus, the surface is not visible when device 10 is wrapped about drape 16, while second half portion of first surface 18b and first half portion of first surface 18a face outward and can be seen by a passerby. In the present embodiment, first surface 18 and second surface 19 include matching patterns and/or colors; however, first surface 18 and second surface 19 can include a variety of patterns and/or colors to complementarily coordinate with the fabric of the drape. By pattern, we mean a decorative design that is not limited to a single color, but can include multiple colors and designs such as, for example, plaid, striped, checkered, or the like. In one embodiment, first surface 18 can include one particular pattern and/or color, while second surface 19 can include an entirely different pattern and/or color. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because it enables a user to change the appearance and/or the decor of a room by flipping the drapery holdback to expose either the first surface having a first pattern and/or color or the second surface having a second pattern and/or color.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 illustrating device 10 arranged in a folded position in which flexible body 11 forms inner loop 15 when first end 12a and second end 12b are joined together. It is should be understood that the flexible body of device 10 enables the device to enfold about a hanging drape or portion of a drape permitting first end 12a and second end 12b to magnetically engage each other through a thickness of the drape. It should also be understood that device 10 may be made of any flexible material such as, for example, plastic, leather, suede, denim, rubber, or the like. Preferably, flexible body 11 is a made of a cloth/fabric. This is particularly advantageous because the floating holding device can be made of a fabric material that complementarily coordinates with the fabric of a drape, curtain, or hanging panel from which the device is being suspended.
FIG. 5
a is a perspective view of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the drapery holdback device arranged in an unfolded position. Specifically, flexible body 11 is folded about its longitudinal axis forming first ply 24 and second ply 25 in which a middle pocket is formed between first ply 24 and second ply 25. First magnet 14a is fixedly secured between first ply 24 and second ply 25 proximate first end 12a and second magnet 14b is fixedly secured between first ply 24 and second ply 25 proximate second end 12b. It should be understood that any suitable means to secure magnets between the first and second plies can be used. Preferably, first ply 24 and second ply 25 are stitchedly secured 22 along its edges to conceal and retain first and second magnets 14a and 14b, respectively. However, for illustrative purposes first ply 24 has been shown as being unstitched and lifted up proximate second end 12b to reveal magnet 14b. FIG. 5b further illustrates device 10 where flexible body 11 is seen to comprise first end 12a having first end layer 26a and second end layer 26b forming first end pocket 23a; and second end 12b having second end layer 27a and second end layer 27b forming second end pocket 23b. Preferably, magnet 14a and magnet 14b are fixedly secured within first end pocket 23a and second end pocket 23b, respectively. Specifically, magnets 14a and 14b are secured within respective end pockets 23a and 23b by a stitching means for stitching around the shape of the magnets. The stitched end pockets 23a and 23b ensure that respective magnets 14a and 14b are aligned where their opposite polarized ends are directed toward the same direction and do not flip over within the end pockets. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, north pole N1 of first magnet 14a faces first ply 24 and south pole S2 of second magnet 14b faces first ply 24. Similarly, south pole S1 of first magnet 14a faces second ply 25 and north pole N2 of second magnet 14b faces second ply 25.
FIGS. 6
a, 6b, and 6c further illustrate the various arrangements of the magnet poles, similarly shown in FIG. 5b. For example, FIG. 6a illustrates north pole N1 of first magnet 14a facing second ply 25 and south pole S2 of second magnet 14b facing second ply 25. FIG. 6b illustrates device 10 comprising first magnet 14a having north pole N1 and south pole S1 and second magnet 14b having north pole N2 and south pole S2. First and second magnets 14a and 14b are arranged between first and second plies 24 and 25 such that north pole N1 of first magnet 14a faces first ply 24 and south pole S2 of second magnet 14b faces second ply 25. This magnet arrangement requires flexible body 11 to be twisted at least once when the opposing poles are magnetically engaged. FIG. 6c illustrates first magnet 14a and second magnet 14b being arranged between respective first and second plies 24 and 25 such that north pole N1 of first magnet 14a faces second ply 25 and south pole S2 of second magnet 14b faces first ply 24. This magnet arrangement requires flexible body 11 to be twisted at least once or 180° when the opposing poles are magnetically engaged. For example, FIG. 6d illustrates device 10 having the same magnet arrangement according to FIG. 6c; however, flexible body 11 has at least one twist T1 enabling south pole S1 of first magnet 14a to face the same direction as north pole N2 of second magnet 14b. The twisting effect is particularly advantageous because it adds an inherent aesthetically pleasing style to the floating holdback device when first magnet 14a and second magnet 14b are magnetically engaged through a thickness of a drape for gathering at least a portion of the drape around the flexible body to draw back the drape from a free hanging position. It should be appreciated that the arrangement of the magnetic poles with respect to the flexible body may be modified without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the holdback device can be made in the form of a flexible magnetic strip including a top surface having a north pole and a bottom surface having a south pole. The flexible body is adapted to twist 180° positioning a portion of the south pole of the bottom surface to face the same direction as a portion of the north pole of the top surface. This configuration enables the body to be wrapped about a drape and the opposing poles to magnetically attract through the drape. Additionally, the poles of the magnetic strip can be arranged similar to that of a refrigerator magnetic, such that the strip would be constructed with alternating north and south poles, horizontally arranged on the same surface of the plane. When either the top or bottom surfaces are folded together, the magnets will alternately repel and/or attract each other as they are perpendicularly moved a few millimeters; thus, enabling the opposing ends of each surface to magnetically engage each other without twisting the flexible body.
In one embodiment at least one end may include a magnet and the opposing end may have an element comprised of a conducting ferromagnetic material such as, for example, iron, nickel, cobalt, and other alloys. In a preferred embodiment, first end 12a having first magnet 14a and second end 12b having second magnet 14b have sufficient magnetic strength to magnetically engage each other through a thickness of a drape, where the device is adapted to suspend from the drape without being attached to a substantially vertical surface. Specifically, first and second magnetic ends 16a and 16b are adapted to magnetically engage through various types of fabric window treatments such as, for example, curtains, lace, sheers, drapery, or the like. The magnetic strength of each magnet is strong enough to magnetically engage through curtains, which are made of lightweight fabrics and most often are unlined or draperies, which tend to be lined, and are sewn of heavier fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the magnet strength of each magnet is greater than 1995 gauss and less than 2100 gauss. Preferably, the magnet strength of each magnet is 2060 gauss. It should be apparent that the required strength of the magnets is dependent upon the thickness and the material of the drape or hanging panel and may vary accordingly. In a preferred embodiment, magnets 14a and 14b are oriented magnets (also known as “Anisotropic magnets”). These types of magnets are preferred because they have a preferred direction in which they should be magnetized, thus making them much stronger than unoriented magnets (also known as “Isotropic magnets”), which can be magnetized in any direction. More preferably, magnets 14a and 14b are rare earth magnets. Specifically, of the rare earth type magnets, Neodymium-Iron-Boron and Samarium Cobalt type magnets are preferred. In a preferred embodiment, magnets 14a and 14b are disk shaped; however, in accordance with the invention, the magnets may be any shape such as, for example, rectangular, circular, oval, or the like. It should be understood that the size of the magnets can vary based upon the length and width of the floating holdback device. Specifically, the diameter of the magnets is approximately 2 cm and the thickness of the magnets is approximately 3 mm.
FIGS. 7
a and 7b show another embodiment of the floating holdback device. In this embodiment device 30 is seen to comprise flexible body 31 including first end 32a, second end 32b, and middle portion 33. Each end 32a and 32b includes first and second magnets 34a and 34b, respectively. Specifically, first magnet 34a is fixedly secured proximate first end 32a and second magnet 34b is fixedly secured proximate second end 32b. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7b, a portion of flexible body 31 is folded about a first horizontal axis proximate first end 32a forming first end pocket 35a having first and second first end layers 36a-b. A portion of flexible body 31 is folded about a second horizontal axis proximate second end 32b forming second end pocket 35b having first and second first end layers 38a and 38b. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 7a first and second first end layers 36a and 36b are stitchedly secured 39 along its edges to conceal and retain first magnet 34a and first and second first end layers 38a and 38b are stitchedly secured 39 along its edges to conceal and retain second magnet 34b. However, for illustrative purposes first and second first end layers 36a and 36b proximate first end 32a and first and second first end layers 38a and 38b proximate second end 32b have been shown as being unstitched and lifted up to reveal magnets 34a and 34b, respectively.
FIG. 8
a is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention illustrating device 50 including first ply 55a and second ply 55b in which a middle pocket is formed between first ply 55a and second ply 55b. First magnet Ma and second magnet 54b are fixedly secured between first ply 55a and second ply 55b. FIG. 8b further illustrates device 50 having first end 52a, second end 52b, and middle portion 53. First magnet 54a being stitchedly secured proximate first end 52a and second magnet 54b being stitchedly secured proximate second end 52b. Preferably, first ply 55a and second ply 55b are stitchedly secured 56 along its edges and around the magnets to conceal and retain first magnet 54a and second magnet 54b.
While FIGS. 1 through 8 show the floating holdback device having a flexible body comprised of an integral strip or strips of material, it should be understood that the particular form and shape of the flexible body may be modified without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In alternative embodiments, in accordance with the invention, the flexible body may be any form, such as braided rope, linked chain, beaded rope, or the like. For example, FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating device 60 having flexible body 61 including first end 62a and first magnet 64a being fixedly secured proximate to the first end; and second end 62b and second magnet 64b being fixedly secured proximate to the second end. Flexible body 61 is seen to include middle portion 63 being comprised of braided rope 65. FIG. 9b is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention illustrating device 70 having flexible body 71 including first end 72a and first magnet 74a being fixedly secured proximate to the first end; and second end 72b and second magnet 74b being fixedly secured proximate to the second end. Flexible body 71 is seen to include middle portion 73 being comprised of linked chain 75.
While FIGS. 1 through 9 show the floating holdback device having magnets being fixedly secured proximate to respective ends, by a stitching means, alternatively, FIG. 10a illustrates device 80 having a separate sewn-in pocket 84b to secure magnet 83b proximate second end 82b.
FIG. 10
b illustrates a seventh embodiment of device 90 including flexible body 91 having first end 92a, second end 92b, and middle portion 95. In the alternative embodiment, flexible body 91 includes single ply 94 of a magnetic strip of material in which magnetic sheet 93a is secured to first end 92a and magnetic sheet 93b is secured to second end 92b.
Alternatively, FIG. 10c illustrates device 100 including flexible body 101 having first end 102a and second end 102b. In this embodiment, flexible body 101 includes single ply 104 of material in which first magnet 103a is fixedly secured to the outer surface of flexible body 101 proximate first end 102a, and second magnet 103b is fixedly secured to the outer surface of flexible body 101 proximate second end 102b. While FIGS. 1 through 10b show the floating holdback device comprising magnets having a disk-shape, it should be understood that the particular shape of the magnet may be modified without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, FIG. 10c illustrates magnets 103a and 103b being square shaped. However, the magnets may be any shape such as, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or the like.
Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20120138245
