Patent Application
20070251651
This invention relates generally to window treatments, and, in particular, to a finial for a window treatment having an improved configuration.
Finials for use with window treatments are well known, and typically comprise a decorative member formed of, for example, wood, plastic, or metal. The finial is typically secured to a frame from which a window treatment is suspended. One example of a common finial consists of a decorative wood member with a threaded screw projecting from a base end of the finial. The screw is threadingly received in the end of a rod from which drapes, curtains or other window treatments are hung.
It would be desirable to provide a finial for a window treatment that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain embodiments.
The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to provide a finial for a window treatment with increased flexibility and portability, allowing a user to quickly and easily change the finial used on a particular window treatment, adapting to changing styles, new designs, or seasons, for example.
In accordance with a first aspect, a finial for a window treatment includes a decorative member. A connecting member is secured to the decorative member and is configured to removably secure the decorative member to, and support the decorative member from, a fabric portion of a window treatment.
In accordance with another aspect, a finial for a window treatment includes a decorative member formed of a lightweight material. A connecting member is secured to the decorative portion and is configured to removably secure the decorative member to a fabric portion of a window treatment.
In accordance with a further aspect, a finial for a window treatment includes a decorative member having a first recess formed therein and formed of a foam material. A connecting member includes a base portion secured in the first recess with adhesive and a pair of pins extending outwardly from the base portion. A pair of ribs is positioned on an exterior surface of the base portion.
Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a lightweight finial that can be removably secured to a window treatment. In particular, certain embodiments of a finial for a window treatment provide a user with the ability to easily and efficiently secure a finial to the fabric portion of a window treatment in a removable manner. This is highly advantageous since it allows the user to quickly change the finial for any number of reasons including the availability of new designs and styles or to provide a festive holiday look for a particular season.
These and additional features and advantages disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain embodiments.
The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to provide a representation of the invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the finial depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Finials as disclosed herein would have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.
The present invention may be embodied in various forms. An embodiment of a window treatment 10 is shown in
Finial 12, seen in
In the illustrated embodiment, connecting member 16 includes a pair of pins 18 extending outwardly from decorative member 14. In use, as seen in
Decorative member 14 may be formed of a lightweight or ultra-lightweight material, thereby allowing the weight of finial 12 to be supported from fabric portion 19 of window treatment 10 by way of pins 18. In certain embodiments, decorative member 14 is formed of a rigid foam material, e.g., polystyrene or urethane. In other embodiments, decorative member 14 can be formed of plastic, e.g., hollow plastic, latex foam, natural foams such as soy or rice, or any combination thereof. For example, decorative member could have a foam interior core with a plastic exterior cover. Such a plastic cover can be clear or have any desired color. Other suitable materials for decorative member 14 to provide a very light finial that can easily be supported by pins 18 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
One embodiment of connecting member 16 is seen in
Base portion 20 may be secured within first recess 22 with adhesive 24 or simply held in place by friction-fit with decorative member 14. It is to be appreciated that other fastening means may be used to secured base portion 20 to decorative member 14, and other suitable fastening means will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
In certain embodiments, base portion 20 may include one or more projections such as ribs 26. Ribs 26 serve to increase the surface area of base portion 20, thereby improving the securing of base portion 20 to decorative member 14.
The securing of finial 12 to window treatment 10 is shown in
In certain embodiments, as seen in
Another embodiment of connecting member 16 is seen in
Another embodiment of connecting member 16 is seen in
In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and description of various embodiments, those skilled in this area of technology will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims.
