Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Panel hangers – travelers and/or tracks – With flexible panel attaching means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-18
2001-05-01
Mah, Chuck Y. (Department: 3626)
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Panel hangers, travelers and/or tracks
With flexible panel attaching means
C016S087200, C016S0950DW, C016S09600D
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223389
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a curtain carrier configured for use with a traverse rod. More particularly, the present invention relates to a curtain carrier that includes a fabric retaining mechanism for securing a curtain tab to a guide that slides along a track formed in the traverse rod.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In general, traverse rods and carrier assemblies for curtain suspension mechanisms for use with traverse rods are well-known. Traverse rods offer the convenience of a pull cord or a baton draw to open and close the curtains. The prior art carrier assemblies include curtain support sliding elements which are configured to slide inside a track formed in the traverse rod. The curtain carrier assemblies are often in the form of “C”-shaped rings which wrap around the front of the rod. Attached to each of the rings is a downwardly projecting link which includes a hole to receive a standard curtain hook. This curtain hook suspension system is not easily adapted for use with other types of curtains such as tab curtains. Another problem exists in that there is not any “standard” for tab dimensions to ensure that a single suspension system will support curtains with differently-sized tabs. Therefore, it is difficult to configure traverse rods to suspend tab curtains.
In the prior art, tab curtains are usually suspended with metal curtain rods or wood poles which do not have any type of pull cords or baton draws, thereby relegating tab curtains to be used almost exclusively as decorative panels. Thus, consumers must grab the edge of the curtain and drag it across the metal curtain rod or wood pole. In the case of a metal rod, there is an exposed edge where the telescoping sections of the rod meet. When the edge of the curtain is pulled across this exposed edge, the curtain is often stopped and damaged.
It is therefore desirable to provide a curtain tab carrier which is configured for use with a standard traverse rod. Additionally, it is desirable to provide a carrier designed to accommodate different curtain tab dimensions. Finally, it is desirable to provide a fabric retaining mechanism which easily secures and releases the curtain tabs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A curtain tab carrier assembly in accordance with one aspect of the present invention comprises a rod which includes a top portion and a channel. The assembly further comprises a carrier which includes a guide configured to slidably engage the channel, a loop member extending over the top portion of the rod, and a fabric retaining mechanism.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for suspending a curtain having a tab comprises the steps of sliding a guide onto a rod including a top portion and a channel, placing an end of the rod through an opening of the tab and positioning the tab over a loop extending over the top portion of the rod. The loop extends from a carrier and the carrier includes a fabric retaining mechanism. The method of the present invention further comprises the step of retaining a portion of the tab top within the fabric retaining mechanism.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a curtain tab carrier assembly comprising a rod including a top portion and a channel, and a fabric carrier including a guide configured to slidably engage the channel, support means extending over the top portion of the rod for supporting a curtain tab, and retaining means for retaining a portion of the tab.
Other principal features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2706827 (1955-04-01), Lindner
patent: 3314100 (1967-04-01), Znamirowski
patent: 3342247 (1967-09-01), Graber et al.
patent: 3370819 (1968-02-01), Kenney
patent: 3881217 (1975-05-01), Bytheway, Jr.
patent: 3881218 (1975-05-01), Palmer
patent: 3951195 (1976-04-01), Salzmann
patent: 4581788 (1986-04-01), Baumann
patent: 4881588 (1989-11-01), Mdsen
patent: 5903957 (1999-05-01), Le Manchee
Grosz John W.
Hurth Ronald G.
Saylor Walter K.
Schwartz William J.
Walsh Michael J.
Foley & Lardner
Mah Chuck Y.
Newell Operating Company
LandOfFree
Curtain tab carrier does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Curtain tab carrier, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Curtain tab carrier will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2552325