FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to construction fixtures and methods for their use, and more particularly, to a header attachment fixture and methods for its use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Window dressings, such as drapes and shades are typically supported from a header in front of the window from above or near their top. If there is no need or desire for a window dressing to be movable horizontally, it can be attached in front of the window by permanently fastening it at some point above the window. However, if it is desired to allow the window dressing to move horizontally, it is generally necessary to permit the window dressing to move along the header that supports it in front of the window.
Currently, there are fixtures that can be attached to the two vertical casement pieces in order to support a header bar placed above them and in front of the window. It is noted that the header bar supports the window dressing in manners well known to those in the relevant arts. However, these fixtures are not strong enough to support headers carrying heavy window dressings and/or window dressings that cover wide windows. Also, as it is typically desirable to support window dressing very near to, or at the top of, the window, current fixtures are not suitable because they do not provide enough horizontal or vertical clearance for the header bar to be installed in place. The fixtures that do exist typically require some type of attachment to the window frame. Such attachments too often void any warranties that may come with the windows.
Many modern windows have circular or arched portions above the vertical casement pieces such that the horizontal extent of these circular or arched portions is less than the horizontal separation of the two casement pieces. Consequently, currently available window dressing fixtures are not suitable for satisfactorily supporting the window dressings in these modern windows because there is typically not enough clearance to install the header bar.
Attempts to support window dressings in the circumstances described above may result in unsightly or mechanically deficient attachments.
It is therefore desirable to have a window dressing fixture that can be easily installed at any point between window casement pieces while providing very good support to heavy window dressings.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
According to one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for supporting an item between two window casement pieces. The apparatus includes two attachment pieces and a header support piece. Each of the two attachment pieces is respectively attached to a distinct one of the two window casement pieces. The header support piece is placed between and attached to each of the two attachment pieces. Each of the two attachment pieces has a fastener portion for attaching the attachment piece to a window casement piece, and a fixture for attaching the attachment piece to the header support piece. Accordingly, the fastener portion is substantially hidden from view outside the header support piece.
According to another aspect, the invention is a method for supporting an item between two window casement pieces. The method includes the steps of a) attaching two attachment pieces, each for respective attachment to a distinct one of the two window casement pieces, b) placing a header support piece between each of the two attachment pieces, and c) attaching the header support piece to each of the two attachment pieces. Each of the two attachment pieces has a fastener portion for attaching the attachment piece to a window casement piece, and a fixture for attaching the attachment piece to the header support piece. Accordingly, the fastener portion is substantially hidden from view outside the header support piece.
According to a third aspect, the invention is an apparatus for supporting an item between two window casement pieces. The apparatus includes means for attaching two attachment pieces, each for respective attachment to a distinct one of the two window casement pieces, means for placing a header support piece between each of the two attachment pieces, and means for attaching the header support piece to each of the two attachment pieces. Each of the two attachment pieces has a fastener portion for attaching the attachment piece to a window casement piece, and a fixture for attaching the attachment piece to the header support piece. Accordingly, the fastener portion is substantially hidden from view outside the header support piece.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a first embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 3-5 are further close-up views of the first embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 6-8 are close-up views of a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a close-up view of a third embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a close-up view of a fourth embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are close-up views of a fifth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a sixth embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 14 and 15 are close-up views of a seventh embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 16 and 17 are close-up views of a eighth embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 18 and 19 are close-up views of a ninth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 20 is a close-up view of a tenth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 21 is a close-up view of an eleventh embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 22 is a view of a twelfth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 23 is a close-up view of a thirteenth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 24 is a close-up view of a fourteenth embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 25-27 are close-up views of a fifteenth embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 28 and 29 are close-up views of a sixteenth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 30 is a view of a seventeenth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 31 is a view of an eighteenth embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the invention. The apparatus 40 is shown placed within the opening of a window 42 or other such aperture which is surrounded by structural elements including casement pieces 44 and 46. The casement pieces 44 and 46 are generally parallel to one another, and are typically vertical, although they need not be in the application of the various aspects of the present invention. The window 42 includes an upper portion 48 which represents a narrowing of the lower portion 50 of the window 42.
FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 includes dimensions that are to be interpreted as dimensions for a heavy-duty application of the invention, but are not definitive. Those skilled in the relevant arts know how to choose other appropriate dimensions, which depend upon the application of the invention. The apparatus 40 includes a header support piece 60 and two attachment pieces, such as end bracket 62. As shown in FIG. 2A, which is a side view, the header support piece 60, which is typically a tube having a rectangular cross-section, has two ends 64 and 66. End 66 is attached to casement piece 46 (and end 64 can likewise be attached to casement piece 44). Each end of one side of the header support piece 60, usually the side facing the window, has a slot 68 of sufficient length and height cut through one face of the rectangular tube. Each end of the same side of the header support piece 60 also has a cut-out 70 below the slot 68 down to the bottom of the rectangular tube. The width of the cut-out 70 will be described subsequently. FIG. 2B shows a side view of an end bracket 62, FIG. 2C shows another side view of the end bracket 62, and FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the end bracket 62. The end bracket 62 can be regarded as an attachment 25 piece having at least two legs. One of the legs 72 is fastened to the casement pieces 44 and 46 with appropriate fasteners placed through the holes 74 (see FIGS. 2C and 2D). The end bracket 62 has a second leg 76 that is perpendicular to, and above, the first leg 72. If desired, the end bracket 62 can also have a third leg 78 that is parallel to the second leg 74. The third leg 78 has a hole 80. The apparatus 40 is installed by first attaching the two end brackets, 62 at appropriate places on the casement pieces 44 and 46, using appropriate fasteners, such as screws. Next, the header support piece 60 is attached to the two end brackets 62 from the side away from the window 42 by simultaneously passing the second legs 76 from the two end brackets 62 through the respective slots 68. Once the second legs 76 are fully within the internal volume of the header support piece 60, it can be lowered onto the second legs, which will then support the header support piece 60 (and any items, such as window dressings, that may be placed on the header support piece 60). The width of the cut-out 70 is sufficiently wide to allow the end brackets 62 and the heads of the fasteners that are holding the end brackets 62 to pass. Since the outside face of the rectangular tube is not cut and because the rectangular tube covers the end brackets 62, this installation is very neat as seen from the side away from the window. (Of course, if desired, the header support piece 60 can be installed so that the slots 68 and the cut-outs 70 face away from the window 42.) When the end brackets 62 have the third leg 78, an appropriate fastener can be applied to hold the third leg 78 of each of the end brackets 62 against the lower surface of the header support piece 60. The weight of the header support piece 60, and any items it may be carrying, is borne by the second legs 76 and, if present, the third legs 78.
FIGS. 3-5 are further close-up views of the first embodiment of the invention. (They are substantially identical to FIGS. 2B, 2C, and the left-hand portion of FIG. 2A, respectively.) FIG. 3 is a side view of an end bracket 62, FIG. 4 is an inside view of an end bracket 62, and FIG. 5 is a view of the back side of the header support piece 60 after it has been installed on the end brackets 62.
FIGS. 6-8 are close-up views of a second embodiment of the invention. They correspond to FIGS. 2B, 2C, and the left-hand portion of FIG. 2A, respectively, and represent a heavy duty embodiment of the end brackets 62 (here termed end brackets 62′). Aside from the portions of end brackets 62 described above, the end brackets 62′ include an extension portion 82 which is integral with, and parallel to, the leg 72, and extends inwardly from the leg 72. The extension portion 82 allows for additional strength and fasteners to hold the end brackets 62′ in place.
FIG. 9 is a close-up view of a third embodiment of the invention. This view looks axially along the header support piece 60—toward a casement piece 44. In this embodiment, an attachment piece 90 is made from an L-bracket having one leg attached to the casement piece 44 and the other leg attached to the header support piece 60. A first portion 92 of the attachment piece 90 encloses a majority of the perimeter of the header support piece 60, and a second portion 94 encloses the remainder of the perimeter of the header support piece 60. The first portion 92 is typically attached to the casement piece first using appropriate fasteners. The header support piece 60 is then put in place and the second portion 94 is then attached, fully enclosing the perimeter of the header support piece 60 at both of its ends. Although FIG. 9 shows the first portion 92 below the second portion 94, if desired, the first portion 92 can be placed above the second portion 94. Alternatively, the first portion 92 can be placed closer to (or farther from) the window 42 than the second portion 94. Also, although FIG. 9 shows the header support piece 60 to have a rectangular cross section, it could have a wide variety of other cross-sections, including convex cross-sections.
FIG. 10 is a close-up view of a fourth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the attachment is made by using extension pieces 100 made from a material (such as metal, nylon, or composite) which has been fitted with holes (not shown) that allow the extension pieces 100 to be attached to a casement piece 46. The extension pieces 100 therefore extend inwardly toward the other casement piece. The back side of the header support piece 60 is fitted with grooves 102 that allow the header support piece 60 to be pushed toward the window 42 until the extension pieces 100 are contained within the interior volume of the header support piece 60. At that point, the header support piece 60 can be attached to the extension pieces 100 using an appropriate fastener, such as a bolt 104 and nut 106. At both ends of the header support piece 60, the bolt 104 extends through the header support piece 60 and both of the extension pieces 100.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are close-up views of a fifth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, an extension piece 110 can be attached to the casement piece 44 using appropriate fasteners, such as screws. The axial cross-section of the extension piece 110 will fit within the internal volume of the header support piece 60. The back side of the header support piece 60 has a cut-out 112 that allows the header support piece 60 to be pushed over the extension piece 110 without interference. Once in position, the header support piece 60 can be bolted in position using a fastener such as a bolt 114 and nut 116. The bolt 114 passes through both the header support piece 60 and the extension piece 110.
FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a sixth embodiment of the invention. This view looks axially along the header support piece 60 toward a casement piece 44. In this embodiment, an attachment piece 120 is made from an L-bracket having one leg attached to the casement piece 44 and the other leg attached to the header support piece 60. The attachment piece 120 is welded to the header support piece 60 and then attached to the casement piece first using appropriate fasteners. Although FIG. 13 shows the attachment piece 120 to have a rectangular cross-section, it could have a wide variety of other cross-sections, including convex cross-sections.
FIGS. 14 and 15 are close-up views of a seventh embodiment of the invention. A flanged collar 130 can be made from L-bracket or other appropriate structural material. The flanged collar 130 is dimensioned to slide along the outside of the header support piece 60. To install them, two copies of the flanged collar 130 are placed on the header support piece 60 which is then moved into position so that the flanged collars 130 can be fastened to the casement pieces 44 and 46 using appropriate fasteners.
FIGS. 16 and 17 are close-up views of an eighth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, steel pins or screws (or the like) 140 are screwed into the casement pieces 44 and 46. One copy of a sliding piece 142 is formed from composite or nylon material for each end of the header support piece 60. The sliding piece 142 has holes 144 formed in its outer axial end 146. The spacing and location of the holes 144 is the same as for the steel pins or screws 140. The sliding piece 142 also has adjustment screw holes 148 formed one side, and the header 15 support piece 60 has an adjustment slot 150 formed in each end to align with the adjustment screw holes 148. The header support piece 60 also has cut-outs 149 formed in its side wall at both ends. The outer dimensions of the sliding piece 142 allow the sliding piece 142 to just fit inside the header support piece 60. To assemble this structure, after the steel pins or screws 140 are placed in the casement pieces 44 and 46, the two copies of the sliding piece 142 are placed in the header support piece with appropriate orientation. The header support piece 60 is then pushed past the steel pins or screws 140 through the cut-outs 149 until the steel pins or screws 140 are aligned with the holes 144. Then the sliding pieces 142 are slid outwardly until they engage the steel pins or screws 140. They are then held in position by means of fasteners placed through the adjustment slot 150 into the adjustment screw holes 148.
FIGS. 18 and 19 are close-up views of a ninth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the attachment pieces 160 have flanges 162 that allow them to be attached to the casement pieces 44 and 46 using appropriate fasteners, such as screws. The attachment pieces 160 can extend away from the casement pieces 44 and 46 and toward each other as much as desired. The remaining distance between the two attachment pieces 160 is filled by the header support piece 60. The embodiment also uses one or more sliding pieces 162 that can be used to make up the variance due to the larger diameter of the attachment pieces 160 to allow even alignment of the window covering brackets.
FIG. 20 is a close-up view of a tenth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment can be applied to any of the embodiments described heretofore. The header support piece 60 has outer dimensions that just match the inner dimensions of the two end pieces 170. The end pieces 170 can be attached to the casement pieces 44 and 46 in any manner described above or in any other manner that would be known by those skilled in the relevant arts.
FIG. 21 is a close-up view of an eleventh embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the header support piece 60 is attached to the casement pieces 44 and 46 by means of small L-brackets 180 that are screwed or otherwise attached to the header support piece 60.
FIG. 22 is a view of a twelfth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment shows how molding pieces 190 covering both of the casement pieces 44 and 46 can be removed, and then the casement pieces 44 and 46 can be notched with notches 192 that are the size of the outer dimension of the header support piece 60. The header support piece 60 can then be attached to the casement pieces 44 and 46 and the molding pieces 190 reattached to provide a built-in look.
FIG. 23 is a close-up view of a thirteenth embodiment of the invention. The attachment 210 includes an L-bracket 212 that is attached to the casement pieces 44 and 46. The attachment 210 also includes a hinged extension 214. The hinged extension 214 includes a hole 216. The header support piece 60 is attached to the hinged extension 214 by means of an appropriate fastener placed through the hole 216. The header support piece 60 is then moved into place by the action of the hinged extension 214.
FIG. 24 is a close-up view of a fourteenth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, each end of the header support piece 60 is filled with a filler block 220. Each end of the header support piece 60 also has one or more elongated holes 222 which allow holes to be formed (drilled) in the filler block 220 toward the casement pieces 44 and 46. The header support piece 60 can then be held in place by means of screws (or other appropriate fasteners) inserted through the holes formed in the filler block 220 into the casement pieces 44 and 46.
FIGS. 25-27 are close-up views of a fifteenth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 26 is a side view of the back side of the header support piece 60, while FIG. 27 is a side view of the front side of the header support piece 60. In this embodiment, the attachment 230 is screwed or otherwise attached to the casement pieces 44 and 46. The cross section of the attachment 230 includes an L-shape whose lower leg extends from the back side of the header support piece 60 to the front side of the header support piece 60. The header support piece 60 is then attached to the attachment 230 by means of fasteners 232 (such as screws) which are driven from the front side of the header support piece 60 toward the back side of the header support piece 60.
FIGS. 28 and 29 are close-up views of a sixteenth embodiment of the invention. The attachment 240 has sharpened spikes 242 (or other penetrating elements) formed in one end and a notch 244 formed in one side. The outer dimensions of the attachment 240 allow it to fit and slide within the interior volume of an end of the header support piece 60. The header support piece 60 has a hammer slide slot 246 and possibly one or more holes 248 formed on the back side of each end. To install the attachments 240, the header support piece 60 is cut to the appropriate length and the attachments 240 are placed within the two ends of the header support piece 60. While holding the header support piece 60 in the desired place, a punch or similar device is inserted through the hammer slide slot 246 and hammered toward the casement piece 44 or 46. The sharpened spikes 242 are thereby driven into the casement pieces 44 and 46. The attachments 240 are then held in place by means of screws or other fasteners that are placed through the header support piece 60 (through the holes 248, if they are formed in the header support piece 60) and into the attachments 240.
FIG. 30 is a view of a seventeenth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the window 42 has a rounded upper portion 250 that extends above the header support piece 60. If the header support piece 60 needs additional support (perhaps because of the weight of the window covering, or due to the length of the header support piece 60), the support can be provided by tension in a member 252 (such as a rod, cable, or the like) that is attached to the frame of the window above the header support piece 60. Rods, if used, can be welded or threaded, or have a turnbuckle, for adjustment. Similarly, cables, if used, can be welded or threaded, or have a turnbuckle, for adjustment.
FIG. 31 is a view of an eighteenth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the window 42 has a squared-off upper portion 260 that extends above the header support piece 60. If the header support piece 60 needs additional support (perhaps because of the weight of the window covering, or due to the length of the header support piece 60), the support can be provided by tension in a member 262 (such as a rod, cable, or the like) that is attached to the frame of the window above the header support piece 60. Rods, if used, can be welded or threaded, or have a turnbuckle, for adjustment. Similarly, cables, if used, can be welded or threaded, or have a turnbuckle, for adjustment.
While the foregoing is a detailed description of the embodiment of the invention, there are many alternative embodiments of the invention that would occur to those skilled in the art and that are within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention should be determined by the following claims.
Patent Application
20170332819
