Patent Application
20160245636
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to tool accessories and, more particularly, to a telescopic rod with attachable end pieces for measuring window space for window treatments.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The structure and design of bay windows in buildings is well known. Due to the protruding nature of such windows, however, a problem which still exists is that it is often difficult to obtain accurate measurements of each angled or curved surface in order to establish the appropriate size for blinds or shades. Thus, there remains a need for a window measurement apparatus that can be selectively extended and retracted to enable to both measure wider spans and more narrow areas. It would be helpful if such a window measurement apparatus included a plurality of selectively attachable end plates for use in measurements. It would be additionally desirable for each of such attachable end plates to correspond in size and shape to a specific sized headrails to increase the precision of the measurement.
The Applicant's invention described herein provides for a window measurement apparatus adapted to allow a user to selectively extend its length to measure a bay window space. The primary components in Applicant's a window measurement apparatus are a plurality of telescoping rods and attachable end plates. When in operation, the window measurement apparatus enables a more efficient and precise method of measuring spaces for blinds and window treatments in a bay window, thereby eliminating the guesswork typically involved in the same. As a result, many of the limitations imposed by prior art structures are removed.
A window measurement apparatus for measuring bay windows spaces. The window measurement apparatus comprises an extendable rod member and various attachable end plates. The extendable rod member has a first rod section slidably nested in a second rod section, which itself is slidably nested in a third rod section, thereby enabling the extendable rod member to telescopically extend and retract longitudinally between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. Each end of the extendable rod member includes an end plug that has a fastener hole for receiving a conventional elongated fastener, thereby enabling any one of the attachable end plates can be attached to the ends of the extendable rod member.
In accordance with the same, the extendable rod member provides a rod means for measuring in bay window spaces and the attachable end plates each define an end means integral with the extendable rod member for accounting for headrail size.
It is an object of this invention to provide a window measurement apparatus that can be selectively extended and retracted to enable to both measure wider spans and more narrow areas.
It is another object of this invention to provide a window measurement apparatus that includes a plurality of selectively attachable end plates for use in measurements.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a window measurement apparatus that includes attachable end plates that correspond in size and shape to specific sized headrails to increase the precision of the measurements for various styles of blinds and window treatments.
These and other objects will be apparent to one of skill in the art.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular
The first rod section 11 is sized to nest in the second rod section 13, and the second rod section is sized to nest in third rod section 15. The assembled extendable rod member 10 defines the first rod section 11 slidably nested in the second rod section 13 and the second rod section slidably nested in the third rod section 15, thereby enabling the extendable rod member 10 to telescopically extend and retract longitudinally between a fully extended position, as illustrated by
The distal end of the first rod section 11 relative to the second rod section 13 includes a small end plug 12 that measures ¾ of an inch in one embodiment and includes a first fastener hole 12′ for receiving a conventional elongated fastener (not shown). Similarly, the distal end of the third rod section 15 relative to the second rod section includes a large end plug 16 that measures 1¼ inches in one embodiment and includes a second fastener hole 16′ for receiving a conventional elongated fastener (not shown). Through these fastener holes 12′, 16′, various attachable end plates can be attached to both ends of the extendable rod member 10.
Referring now to
The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
