US20080295974A1

US20080295974A1 - Method and apparatus for producing pleats in curtains and pleated curtains and hanging said curtains using said apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20080295974A1
Application number: US12/078,185
Authority: US
Inventors: Marilyn Stern
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-31
Filing date: 2008-03-27
Publication date: 2008-12-04

Abstract

A method and apparatus for pleating curtains are described. The apparatus may be provided as a system which includes pleat-forming members and associated fasteners. A curtain is bent into a series of pleats which are secured in position by pleat folding members and associated fasteners. The curtain may then be hung on a curtain rod by a hanging element which couples the pleat-forming members to a curtain rod. The hanging element may form an integral part of the pleat-forming member.

Description

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/806,505, filed May 31, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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 40 a-40 g, 40 j-40 l and fasteners 50 a-50 g, 50 j-50 l for engaging with the pleat-forming members 40 a-40 g, 40 j-40 l. FIGS. 3H-3I show example embodiments of a pleat-forming member having attached clamps 50 h, 50 i 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 50 a-50 g, 50 j-50 l 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 40 a having opposed supportive bases 44 a and a threaded hole 43 a for receiving a screw 53 a and washer 52 a (collectively fastener 50 a) which may be used to secure the stiffener 30 and curtain 15 to the end of the pleat-forming member 40 a 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 44 a.
FIG. 3B shows a pleat-forming member 40 b having threaded ends 42 b for receiving and attaching to washers 52 b, 55 b and nut 51 b (collectively fastener 50 b) which may be used to secure the end of the pleat-forming member 40 b. The stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used, and curtain 15 material is compressed between washers 52 b, 55 b.
FIG. 3C shows a pleat-forming member 40 c having an accompanying pop-in bead fastener 50 c which passes through a curtain opening to engage with pleat forming member 40 c. The pop-in bead fastener 50 c includes a projection 47 that fits within an opening 45 in the pleat-forming member 40 c. 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 40 d having attached supportive bases 54. An appropriate fastener 50 d for member 40 d could include a nut 51 d and a washer 52 d. This embodiment functions similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3B.
FIG. 3E shows a pleat-forming member 40 e having non-threaded ends 42 e that include a threaded hole 43 e. The illustrated fastener 50 e includes a screw 53 e and two washers 52 e, 55 e for securing the pleat-forming member 40 e to the curtain 15 and stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used.
FIG. 3F shows a pleat-forming member 40 f having threaded holes 43 f for receiving a screw 53 f. In this embodiment, the screw 53 f is inserted through washer 52 f, through the curtain, and stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used, and through the washer 55 f.
FIG. 3G shows a fastener 50 g including a capped-pin 53 f and washers 52 g, 55 g. In this embodiment, the curtain (not shown) need not include holes, as the capped pin 53 f may be driven directly through the curtain and stiffener 30 or pleat cover 35, if used, and inserted into the pleat forming member 40 g. Pleat-forming member 40 g includes a channel 43 g which snugly receives capped-pin 53 f and secures it in place when inserted. Preferably, channel 43 g is of a diameter that applies sufficient pressure to capped pin 53 f 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 53 f such that capped pin 53 f may be inserted or removed by a user as required.
FIG. 3H shows a pleat-forming member having attached clamp fasteners 50 h for securing an integral pleat-forming member 40 h 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 50 h and pleat-forming member 40 h. The clamps 50 h 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 59 h shut and sliding a holding mechanism 56 h down into place to secure the clamp shut. Other clamping structures, such as a spring-clamp 50 i having clamp jaws 59 i shown attached to pleat-forming member 40 i in FIG. 3I may also be used as clamps. A user squeezes tabs 58 i on spring clamp 50 i to open clamp jaws 59 i, which are then attached to the curtain, and then releases the tabs 58 i when the jaws 59 i are properly positioned on the curtain.
Additional alternative fastener embodiments are shown in FIGS. 3J-3L. FIG. 3J shows a pleat-forming member 40 j having a projection 47 j that fits within an opening 45 j of a fastener 50 j. This embodiment is essentially an inverse of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C.
FIG. 3K shows a pleat-forming member 40 k having an enlarged diameter such that the ends of the pleat-forming member 40 k provide supportive bases for fastener 50 k. In this embodiment, only one washer 52 k is needed for securing the pleat-forming member 40 k to a curtain and stiffener, or pleat cover 35, if used. The enlarged pleat-forming member 40 k provides an opposing supportive base for the fastener 50 k.
FIG. 3L shows a pleat-forming member 40 l having a supportive base 54 l on either end. In this embodiment, fasteners 50 l are inserted through holes in the curtain, stiffener, or pleat cover and secured within a threaded hole 43 l.
Any of the above described pleat-forming members 40 a-40 l 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 40 a-40 e and may use fasteners 50 a-50 e 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 40 b and fastener 50 b combination (FIG. 3B), then washer 55 b 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 52 b and nut 51 b 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 40 a and fastener 50 a (FIG. 3A), or to 40 c and 50 c (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 50 g and washers 52, 55 (FIG. 5A) and screw fastener 50 f 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 53 f 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.

Claims

1. A curtain pleat-producing system, comprising:

a set of pleat-forming members; and

fasteners for securing the ends of the pleat-forming members to a curtain such that a pleat-forming member, when attached to a curtain and secured by the fasteners, holds the curtain in a pleat-shaped formation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pleat-forming members comprise rods.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a template for designating locations for attachment of the pleat-forming members on the curtain.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the template comprises a pattern on tissue paper.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the template comprises a material having openings through which the curtain may be marked.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the template includes a marking material thereon such that the marking material may be transferred onto the curtain.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the marking material may be transferred to the curtain through the application of heat.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a hanger unit adapted to be attached to a pleat-forming member for hanging the curtain.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the hanger unit is integral to the pleat-forming member.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pleat cover for folding over an edge of the curtain.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the pleat cover is comprised of fabric.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a stiffener.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the stiffener is comprised of stiff, woven fabric.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the stiffener is comprised of stiff, non-woven fabric.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising grommets for bolstering openings in the curtain and stiffener.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the fasteners comprise capped pins for insertion through the curtain and into the pleat-forming members.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the fasteners further comprise washers for supporting the curtain on either side when the capped pins are installed.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein each pleat-forming member includes opposed supportive bases.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the fasteners comprise screws for insertion through the curtain and into the pleat-forming members.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the fasteners further comprise washers for supporting the curtain on either side when the screws are installed.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the fasteners comprise clamps for attachment in a curtain with a pair of clamps being attached to opposite end of a pleat-forming member.

22. The system of claim 1, further comprising a hole-punching device for punching holes in said curtain.

23. A method of producing a pleat in a curtain, comprising:

folding the curtain into a pleat shape; and

securing the ends of a pleat-forming member to the curtain with fasteners such that the pleat-forming member holds the curtain in said pleat shape.

24. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

designating locations for attachment on the curtain; and

securing ends of said pleat folding member to said locations.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising folding a pleat-cover over an edge of the curtain prior to folding said curtain and securing ends of said pleat-folding member to said pleat cover and curtain.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising designating the locations using a template comprising a material having openings, through which said locations can be marked.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the securing step comprises:

creating holes in the curtain at the locations for attachment; and

inserting screws through the holes, where the screws are received into the ends of the pleat-forming members.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein the securing step comprises:

inserting capped pins through the curtain and into using ends of the pleat-forming members.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein the securing step comprises:

clamping the curtain into the folded pleat formation using clamps attached to the ends of the pleat-forming members.

30. A curtain pleat-producing system, comprising:

hangers comprising a hooking portion and a pleat-forming portion, said pleat-forming portion; and

fasteners for securing ends of the pleat-forming portion such that the pleat-forming portions, when installed in the curtain and secured by the fasteners, hold the curtain in a series of pleat-shaped formations.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the fasteners comprise capped pins for insertion through the curtain and into the pleat-forming portion of the hangers.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the fasteners further comprise washers for supporting the curtain on either side when the capped pins are installed.

33. The system of claim 30, wherein the fasteners comprise screws for insertion through the curtain and into the pleat-forming portions of the hangers.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the fasteners further comprise washers for supporting the curtain on either side when the screws are installed.

35. The system of claim 33, wherein the hooking portion comprises at least one open hook.

36. The system of claim 33, wherein the hooking portion comprises a closed hook.

37. A curtain having pleats formed therein, comprising:

a pleat forming member comprising a body separated by opposite ends, where the opposite ends are attached to the curtain;

fasteners attached to the ends of said pleat-forming member, wherein said fasteners secure the attachment of the pleat-forming member to the curtain and thereby hold the curtain in a pleat shape; and

a hanger member configured to attach to the body of the pleat-forming member and hang the curtain from a curtain rod by coupling the pleat-forming member to the curtain rod.