FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention is related to curtains and devices for pleating and hanging a curtain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Curtains are a typical means for providing privacy and blocking sunlight, commonly found in the windows of homes, offices, and other buildings. Interior designers and individuals decorating their homes often desire to install or adjust curtain arrangements for aesthetic purposes. A common curtain arrangement is to hang the curtain in such a way as to produce regularly recurring folds, or pleats, in the curtain.
Pleats may be formed in a curtain in a labor-intensive and time-consuming manner that involves sewing folds in the upper edge of the curtain, or stitching various types of pleat curtain headings to the upper edge of the curtain. Alternatively, curtains may be purchased that have pleats professionally pre-sewn in place using special equipment; however, this hampers the flexibility and creativity of the person preparing a custom window treatment to her or his own personal taste by limiting the curtain design to the available selection of pre-sewn curtains. What is needed is a device that will enable application of pleats to non-pleated curtains in a fast and easy manner without requiring professional-level processing or advanced machinery, or further machine or hand sewing.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus in the form of a curtain pleating system is disclosed providing a less time-consuming and labor-intensive means for producing pleats in a curtain. A method of using the system and resulting pleated curtain structures is also disclosed. According to an embodiment of the invention, the location of pairs of openings are marked on the curtain fabric. A template, which may be optionally provided, can assist in such marking. A flexible stiffener or a pleat cover, optionally provided, is attached to the curtain. Openings are cut through the stiffener or cover, if used, and the curtain fabric. The curtain fabric can be bent or folded to bring each pair of openings to face one another and a pleat-forming member, for example, a rod, engages fasteners through each pair of openings. The pleat-forming members and fasteners hold the curtain in a series of recurring pleat-shaped curves. The curtain, having pleats formed therein, may be hung by hooking the pleat-forming members to a curtain rod. Other embodiments provide additional mechanisms and methods for holding formed pleats of a curtain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upper edge of a curtain with a stiffener, pleat-forming members and hangers installed according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2A is a plan view of a template with holes placed over an edge of a curtain which may be used according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2B is a plan view of a template with marking material placed over an edge of a curtain according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2C is a plan view of a pleat-cover overlaying an edge of a curtain.
FIG. 2D is a plan view of a pleat-cover having holes therein overlaying an edge of a curtain.
FIG. 3A is a pleat-forming member with washer-screw fasteners according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3B is a pleat-forming member with washer-nut fasteners according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3C is a pleat-forming member with pop-in bead fasteners according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3D is another pleat-forming member with washer-nut fasteners according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3E is another pleat-forming member with washer-screw fasteners according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3F is another pleat-forming member with washer-screw fasteners according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3G is another pleat-forming member with capped-pin fasteners according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3H is a pleat-forming member with clamp fasteners according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3I is a pleat-forming member with spring-clamp fasteners according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3
j is a pleat-forming member having a projection which fits into the opening of a fastener according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3K is a pleat-forming member having an enlarged diameter and threaded holes for receiving fasteners according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3L is another pleat-forming member having a supportive base and threaded holes for receiving fasteners according to another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4A is an example of a decorative pleat-forming member having an integral hooking element according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4B is a second example of a decorative pleat-forming member having an integral hooking element according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a decorative pleat-forming member installed in a curtain.
FIG. 5A is an example of a pleat-forming member having an integral hooking element configured to receive screw fasteners.
FIG. 5B is an example of a pleat-forming member having an integral hooking element configured to receive capped-pin fasteners.
FIG. 6 is an example of a hole-punching device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use them, and it is to be understood that structural, logical or procedural changes may be made.
Referring to FIG. 1, a system according to an embodiment of the invention includes a stiffener 30, a set of pleat-forming members 40, a set of fasteners 50 and optionally a set of hangers 60 and a template 10 (FIG. 2A). When the stiffener 30, pleat-forming members 40, fasteners 50 and hangers 60 are installed on a curtain 15, as shown in FIG. 1, the curtain 15 is held in a series of pleat-formations and may be hung on a curtain rod.
One or more templates may be provided to mark the locations of pairs of openings in the stiffener 30 and/or curtain 15 through which pleat-forming members 40 are installed. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate embodiments of suitable templates 10, 10′. Templates 10, 10′ are illustrated as having a rectangular shape but may be provided in other shapes and are not to be limited to the shape illustrated in the drawings. The templates 10, 10′ may include measurement markings or lines (not shown) to aid the user in achieving precise placement of the templates 10, 10′ and may be constructed of cloth, cardboard, paper, tissue paper, plastic or any other suitable material. The templates 10, 10′ may be provided in various embodiments to facilitate marking the locations of pairs of openings in the curtain 15 and/or the stiffener 30. A variety of templates may be provided for enabling the creation of different sizes of pleats.
As shown in FIG. 2A, an example template 10 includes openings 20 through which a user may mark attachment locations in the curtain 15 or stiffener 30, for example, using a pen or a marker. After inscribing the attachment location marks in the curtain 15, template 10 may be removed and the user may cut openings or punch holes in the curtain 15 and/or stiffener 30 in accordance with the inscribed marks.
FIG. 2B illustrates a second example template 10′ according to a second embodiment. Template 10′ includes marking substance 20′ for marking attachment locations on the curtain 15. For example, in one embodiment marking substance 20′ comprises colored wax, which melts upon application of heat. The user employing this embodiment aligns the template 10′ on the curtain 15 and applies an iron or similar heating tool to alter marking substance 20′ to transfer to the curtain 15 appropriately attachment location marks in curtain 15.
The stiffener 30 may be used to provide the pleat framework and holds the curtain 15 in the desired shape. Preferably, the stiffener 30 is flexible to allow easy attachment to a curtain and bending to form the pleats. Any number of suitable materials having a sturdy but flexible constitution may be used for construction of the stiffener 30, including but not limited to cardboard, plastic, buckram, or stiff, woven or non-woven fusible or non-fusible fabric. The stiffener 30 should be attached to a hanging side of a curtain 15, as shown in FIG. 1. The stiffener 30 may be attached in various ways, for example but not limited to, sewing, gluing, fusing by heat application or stapling. The stiffener 30 may include openings which are in accord with the markings 20, 20′ of the template 10, 10′, or the stiffener 30 may be constructed of a material through which the user may easily create openings.
In one embodiment, the template 10, 10′ and stiffener 30 may be combined into a single element which may be attached to the curtain 15, having openings or indicators of proposed opening placements included therein.
In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 2C, stiffener 30 may be replaced by or covered with a pleat cover 35 folded over an edge of the curtain. Pleat cover 35 may comprise a woven or non-woven fabric or other suitable covering material. The pleat cover 35 may be created at a predetermined length equal to length of a curtain so that its ends are aligned with the end of the curtain 15 when installed, or may be created having a longer length to be cut by the user to the appropriate length. Attachment location marks may be placed on the pleat cover 3 using a template in the manner described above relating to the stiffener 30. FIG. 2D shows a pleat cover 35 including attachment location marks or holes 25 similar to those described regarding stiffener 30. In yet another embodiment stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35 can be omitted and a curtain itself can be folded directly into pleats or have a folded over portion at an upper end to provide more body to pleats formed there.
After the stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used, is installed, or an upper section of the curtain is folded over, if used, the curtain 15 is bent into a series of pleat-shaped or S-shaped formations by bringing each attachment location to face an opposing attachment location 32. Opposite ends of each pleat-forming member 40 may be placed facing a pair of attachment locations 32. FIGS. 1, 3A-3G and 3J-3L show the pleat-forming members 40 as rods having ends which engage holes created at the attachment locations in the stiffener 30 and/or pleat cover 35 and curtain 15. A fastener 50 is attached to the ends of the rods 40 through the holes, thereby securing the stiffener 30 and the curtain 15 in the series of pleat-shaped formations, as shown in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3A-3G and 3J-3L show various example embodiments of pleat-forming members 40a-40g, 40j-40l and fasteners 50a-50g, 50j-50l for engaging with the pleat-forming members 40a-40g, 40j-40l. FIGS. 3H-3I show example embodiments of a pleat-forming member having attached clamps 50h, 50i for holding pleats formed in a curtain in place. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the pleat-forming member/fastener combinations illustrated and that the invention encompasses any and all equivalent devices capable of securing the curtain 15 in pleat-shaped formations and providing a support base from which the curtain 15 may be hung.
Fastener embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A-3G and 3J-3L include washers and/or supportive bases. The fasteners 50a-50g, 50j-50l function by pressing a washer tightly against another washer or a supportive base, compressing the curtain 15 and stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used, in between the washers and thereby distributing the force (due to the weight of the curtain) that is applied to the opening in the curtain over a greater area. This helps prevent the curtain 15 from tearing around the openings 32 (FIG. 1) when hung.
FIG. 3A shows a pleat-forming member 40a having opposed supportive bases 44a and a threaded hole 43a for receiving a screw 53a and washer 52a (collectively fastener 50a) which may be used to secure the stiffener 30 and curtain 15 to the end of the pleat-forming member 40a such that the curtain 15 and stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used, are prevented from expanding back to a flat position, thus preserving the pleats in the curtain 15. The stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used, and curtain 15 material is compressed between washer 52 and the supportive base 44a.
FIG. 3B shows a pleat-forming member 40b having threaded ends 42b for receiving and attaching to washers 52b, 55b and nut 51b (collectively fastener 50b) which may be used to secure the end of the pleat-forming member 40b. The stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used, and curtain 15 material is compressed between washers 52b, 55b.
FIG. 3C shows a pleat-forming member 40c having an accompanying pop-in bead fastener 50c which passes through a curtain opening to engage with pleat forming member 40c. The pop-in bead fastener 50c includes a projection 47 that fits within an opening 45 in the pleat-forming member 40c. This embodiment may be easily constructed of plastic and facilitate a quick installation of the pleat-producing kit.
FIG. 3D shows a pleat-forming member 40d having attached supportive bases 54. An appropriate fastener 50d for member 40d could include a nut 51d and a washer 52d. This embodiment functions similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3B.
FIG. 3E shows a pleat-forming member 40e having non-threaded ends 42e that include a threaded hole 43e. The illustrated fastener 50e includes a screw 53e and two washers 52e, 55e for securing the pleat-forming member 40e to the curtain 15 and stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used.
FIG. 3F shows a pleat-forming member 40f having threaded holes 43f for receiving a screw 53f. In this embodiment, the screw 53f is inserted through washer 52f, through the curtain, and stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used, and through the washer 55f.
FIG. 3G shows a fastener 50g including a capped-pin 53f and washers 52g, 55g. In this embodiment, the curtain (not shown) need not include holes, as the capped pin 53f may be driven directly through the curtain and stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used, and inserted into the pleat forming member 40g. Pleat-forming member 40g includes a channel 43g which snugly receives capped-pin 53f and secures it in place when inserted. Preferably, channel 43g is of a diameter that applies sufficient pressure to capped pin 53f when inserted to secure the pin from being forced out by the opposing pressure of the curtain 15, yet accommodates forcible removal of capped pin 53f such that capped pin 53f may be inserted or removed by a user as required.
FIG. 3H shows a pleat-forming member having attached clamp fasteners 50h for securing an integral pleat-forming member 40h to the curtain. In this embodiment, no holes need be formed in the curtain, and stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used. The curtain need only be folded into the pleat shape which is held in place by the clamps 50h and pleat-forming member 40h. The clamps 50h are illustrated as common clothing clamps, for example, found on clothes hangers. These types of clamps are well known and may operate by way of pressing the clamp jaws 59h shut and sliding a holding mechanism 56h down into place to secure the clamp shut. Other clamping structures, such as a spring-clamp 50i having clamp jaws 59i shown attached to pleat-forming member 40i in FIG. 3I may also be used as clamps. A user squeezes tabs 58i on spring clamp 50i to open clamp jaws 59i, which are then attached to the curtain, and then releases the tabs 58i when the jaws 59i are properly positioned on the curtain.
Additional alternative fastener embodiments are shown in FIGS. 3J-3L. FIG. 3J shows a pleat-forming member 40j having a projection 47j that fits within an opening 45j of a fastener 50j. This embodiment is essentially an inverse of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C.
FIG. 3K shows a pleat-forming member 40k having an enlarged diameter such that the ends of the pleat-forming member 40k provide supportive bases for fastener 50k. In this embodiment, only one washer 52k is needed for securing the pleat-forming member 40k to a curtain and stiffener, or pleat cover 35, if used. The enlarged pleat-forming member 40k provides an opposing supportive base for the fastener 50k.
FIG. 3L shows a pleat-forming member 40l having a supportive base 54l on either end. In this embodiment, fasteners 50l are inserted through holes in the curtain, stiffener, or pleat cover and secured within a threaded hole 43l.
Any of the above described pleat-forming members 40a-40l may also be configured as adjustable length telescoping members having structure for holding the adjustable length member at an adjusted position to allow for creating pleats of different sizes.
The system according to the invention may optionally include grommets 65 (FIG. 1) for insertion within the openings 32 (FIG. 1) for bolstering the same, and also optionally may include a standard device for installing the grommets (not shown). The use of grommets 65 would provide an alternative supportive frame for the openings in the curtain 15, decreasing the risk of unwanted tears forming in the curtain 15 around the holes. A kit that includes grommets 65 could include a pleat-forming member 40′ and fastener 50′ as shown in FIG. 3B, omitting washers 52, 55.
The system according to the invention may further optionally include a hole punch device for punching holes in the template, stiffener, curtain, or pleat cover described above. The hole punching device may be any of various conventional hole punching devices, for example, hole punching device 100 illustrated in FIG. 6, and will not be described further here.
Referring back to FIG. 1, pleat-forming members 40 in the form of rods are shown installed, providing support segments from which the curtain 15 may be hung. Hanging devices 60 are used to hang the curtain 15 from a curtain rod (FIG. 4C) and may be optionally provided. The hanging devices 60 are illustrated as C-shaped rings for convenience only, hanging devices 60 of different shapes may be used, including but not limited to S-shaped hooks, J-shaped hooks, linked-rings, single rings, rings with insertion slots, rope/wire loops or the like.
Hanging device 60 and a pleat-forming member 40 may be combined into a singles element. FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B each show an embodiment of a combined hook/pleat-forming member 70, 70′. FIG. 4A shows a figure of a basketball player, for example, suitable for use in hanging a curtain in a child's room. FIG. 4B shows an candy-cane figure, for example, suitable for use during Christmas holiday seasons. Other decorative embodiments may be used. The combined hook/pleat-forming member 70, 70′ includes a hanging section 75, 75′ for hanging the curtain 15 from a rod and a pleat-forming section 80, 80′ having opposed ends 82, 82′ for passing through holes in the stiffener 30 and curtain 15, as shown in FIG. 4C. Hooking section 75, 75′ is illustrated as a hook-shaped element, but may be constructed as any of the hanging devices 60 described above or in any equivalent manner. Pleat-forming section 80, 80′ may be constructed in accordance with the above description of pleat-forming members 40a-40e and may use fasteners 50a-50e or any other suitable structure for fastening the pleat-forming section 40 to the stiffener/curtain openings.
For example, if the pleat-forming section of the combined hook/pleat-forming section 70, 70′ were equivalent to the pleat-forming member 40b and fastener 50b combination (FIG. 3B), then washer 55b would allow additional compression of the pleats and prevent the pleats from expanding along the pleat-forming section 70, 70′ axis of the combined hook/pleat-forming section 70, 70′. Washer 52b and nut 51b would be used in combination to secure the stiffener 30 and curtain 15 to the end of pleat-forming sections 80, 80′ so that the stiffener 30 and curtains 15 are prevented from expanding back to a flat position, thus preserving the pleats in the curtain 15. Similarly, if the combined hook/pleat-forming section 70, 70′ were equivalent to the pleat-forming member 40a and fastener 50a (FIG. 3A), or to 40c and 50c (FIG. 3C), then their function and structure would be as discussed previously for these respective pleat-forming member/fastener combinations. FIGS. 5A and 5B, for example, show non-decorative embodiments of combined hook/pleat-forming sections 70 using the capped pin fastener 50g and washers 52, 55 (FIG. 5A) and screw fastener 50f and washers 52, 55 (FIG. 5B).
FIG. 5C shows an embodiment of a combinable hook/pleat-forming section 85. In this embodiment, a separable pleat-forming section 80 is installed within a closed hooking section 87, compared to the open hooking sections shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Pleat-forming section 80 may be any of the above described pleat-forming sections. Closed hooking section 87 may optionally include additional structural bases 90 to further bolster the pleat-forming section 80 and supportive bases 88 for a selected fastener embodiment. Screw fasteners 53f and washer 55 are shown, however, any of the above described fasteners and associated end structure of the pleat forming member may be used in conjunction with this embodiment.
While embodiments have been described in detail, it should be readily understood that embodiments of the invention are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather the embodiments can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described.
Patent Application
20080295974
