WO2025207678A1

WO2025207678A1 - Curtain bracket systems and methods of use

Info

Publication number: WO2025207678A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/021403
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paula DAHER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-03-25
Filing date: 2025-03-25
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-25
Also published as: US20250295258A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a curtain bracket system designed for easy installation and adjustable support for hanging curtains. The bracket is comprised of a hollow cubical or rectangular piece that forms a stable base, with various supporting structures to securely hold a rod or curtain in place. The system features a mounting face, preferably utilizing hook and loop tape adhesives for a tool-free setup and potential repositioning without damage to the supporting wall. The system is versatile in that it accommodates rods and curtains of different sizes and varying weights. This curtain bracket system simplifies the installation process and promotes aesthetic integration with home decor.

Description

Curtain Bracket Systems and Methods of Use

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[1] The present disclosure relates generally to a curtain bracket system and methods of using the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to one or more curtain bracket systems that may be advantageously used with a mounting adhesive capable of supporting the weight of a curtain or a rod on the front of a bracket.

[2] Current curtain bracket systems often pose several challenges to users, including cumbersome installation procedures. Traditional brackets may require complex assembly or precise alignment, leading to frustration and potential errors during setup. Moreover, conventional brackets often necessitate drilling holes into walls, which can be timeconsuming and may cause damage to surfaces. Furthermore, existing brackets may lack versatility in accommodating various types of curtains or rods, limiting their functionality and adaptability to different window treatments. This limitation can restrict users' options and hindertheir ability to achieve desired aesthetics or functionality in their living spaces.

[3] There are a number of potential solutions to the aforementioned problems; however, previous attempts to address the challenges of installation difficulty and limited versatility have often fallen short. Some solutions aimed to simplify installation by introducing tools or mechanisms to streamline the process, yet they still required intricate steps or precise measurements, failing to provide a truly user-friendly experience. Others attempted to enhance versatility by incorporating adjustable components or alternative mounting options, but these adaptations often sacrificed stability or aesthetic appeal.

[4] Therefore, what is needed is a curtain bracket system and method of using the same having all of the further described features and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[5] The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.

[6] In one aspect, a bracket is disclosed that includes several features. In this aspect, the bracket comprises a hollow piece that has four sides. Additionally, from this hollow piece extends a planar piece. Furthermore, in this aspect, one of the four sides of the hollow piece is equipped with a mounting face, facilitating attachment of the bracket to a supporting surface.

[7] In another aspect, a bracket system is disclosed that provides an assembly for mounting a curtain panel to a wall. In this aspect, the system incorporates a bracket, which is made up of a hollow piece defined by four sides. Further, the bracket integrates a planar piece which projects outwardly from the hollow piece. Additionally, in this aspect, the bracket is equipped with a mounting face situated on one of the four sides of the hollow piece. It is through this arrangement that the curtain panel can be effectively and securely mounted to the wall, utilizing the bracket. [9] In yet another aspect, a method for installing a curtain bracket system is disclosed. In this aspect, the method includes the initial step of attaching either a hook tape or a loop tape to a mounting face of a bracket. This is followed by attaching the corresponding opposite piece, being the loop tape if the hook tape was first used, or vice versa, directly to a wall. Once both pieces of the tape system are in place, the mounting face of the bracket is pressed against the wall, enabling the hook and loop tapes to engage with each other and thereby securing the bracket to the wall. The final step in this aspect involves hanging at least one curtain panel directly from the bracket, or adding a rod from which the curtain(s) can be hung.

[10] These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[11] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket according to the present disclosure.

[12] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of an embodiment the bracket and a hook and loop tape adhesive according to the present disclosure.

[13] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of another embodiment a bracket according to the present disclosure. [14] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of another embodiment of the bracket and a hook and loop tape adhesive according to the present disclosure.

[15] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a curtain bracket system mounted over a window frame according to the present disclosure.

[16] FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a curtain bracket system mounted to a wall and a curtain using hook and loop tape adhesives according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[17] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present disclosure may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and/or the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

[18] Furthermore, in the context of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that relative terms, including, but not limited to, "front," "rear," "left," "right," and the like are used only as descriptors for convenience and to aid in the description of the curtain bracket system and its components. These terms are not intended to demarcate an absolute direction or orientation. Instead, they serve to provide a clearer understanding of the positions and relationships between various parts of the curtain bracket as viewed from the wall mounting portion, or the "rear" of the bracket. The use of these relative terms should not be construed to limit the components of the bracket to any specific orientation or configuration. [19] Generally, the present disclosure concerns a curtain bracket system that may be advantageously used with a mounting adhesive capable of supporting the weight of a curtain and/or a rod on the front of a bracket. In some embodiments, the mounting adhesive may be a hook and loop tape adhesive attached to at least one mounting face on a bracket. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the curtain bracket system disclosed herein may be designed for ease of use, allowing individuals without extensive DIY skills to install curtains over their window by simply pressing an adhesive against a wall.

[20] In one embodiment, the bracket may comprise a hollow cubical or rectangular piece that serves as the central structure, providing stability and support for either or both of a curtain or a rod. The bracket may include a front piece extending from a larger rear hollow piece, wherein the front piece is designed to support the rod. The rear of the hollow piece may include a planar surface for interfacing with a mounting adhesive. The mounting adhesive may facilitate the bracket's easy attachment to a plaster wall or other vertical surface, preferably adjacent to a window.

[21] In one embodiment, the bracket may feature indentations on the rear mounting face and a curved piece attached to the front piece. The curved piece may securely hold the curtain rod in place, preventing unwanted movement and ensuring the rod stays level. The indentations may demarcate the location for application of the mounting adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the indentations may protrude no more than one-eighth of an inch (1/8") from the surface of the hollow piece. [22] In another embodiment, the bracket may include dual mounting faces, one on the rear and the other on the front of the bracket. This feature may provide versatility in the installation, allowing the bracket to be positioned in multiple orientations to accommodate different window or room configurations. In one embodiment, the dual mounting faces allow the bracket to facilitate the hanging of a curtain panel using only mounting adhesives, without a supportive curtain rod.

[23] In some embodiments, the mounting adhesives may be hook and loop tape, which may be attached to one or more mounting faces on the bracket. This adhesive approach may allow for a clean, non-invasive installation process, eliminating the need for drilling or the use of other tools. It may also permit easy removal or repositioning of the bracket, which can be particularly advantageous in rental properties or when quick adjustments are needed.

[24] The curtain bracket systems disclosed herein may be used to support a variety of curtain rods and curtains of different weights and sizes. In some embodiments, the bracket may be constructed from a plastic material. Surprisingly, it was found that when the plastic bracket is paired with a hook and loop tape adhesive, even with a seemingly modest loadbearing capacity of twenty pounds (2Olbs), the bracket is capable of supporting the weight of most rods and curtains. For example, even metal rods and heavier blackout curtains may be sufficiently supported.

[25] Conventional knowledge in the art suggests that brackets made of more robust materials, like metal, installed using screws or nails would be necessary to support the weight of a rod and one or more curtain panels. However, the tensile strength of the plastic used in manufacturing the bracket may enable the bracket to maintain its structural integrity under the weight of a rod and curtains, while also being light enough to not significantly contribute to the overall load on the mounting adhesives. This combination of material properties and adhesive strength is what may allow only a hook and loop tape adhesive to stably mount the curtain bracket system to a wall.

[26] Turning now to FIG. 1, which depicts a left side perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket 1. The bracket 1 comprises a hollow rectangular piece 2, which forms the primary and largest structural component of the bracket. This hollow rectangular piece 2 is designed to provide a lightweight yet sturdy framework to support various loads associated with curtain systems. The front piece 3 is positioned at the lower segment of the bracket 1 and is fashioned to support a curtain rod when the bracket 1 is in use. The front piece 3 is planar and extends perpendicularly away from the hollow rectangular piece 2.

[27] A curved piece 4 is adjacent to the front piece 3. The curved piece 4 extends outward and curves upward parallel to the hollow rectangular piece 2. In this way, the bracket 1 is designed to hold a curtain rod securely on the front piece, in between the curved piece 4 and the hollow rectangular piece 2. In this embodiment, the hollow rectangular piece 2, the front piece 3, and the curved piece 4 are integrally formed together, contributing to the overall stability of the bracket 1.

[28] The rear side of the hollow rectangular piece 2 has a set of indentations 5 encompassing a mounting face 6, which is defined between the set of indentations 5. The indentations

5 demarcate the boundaries of the mounting face 6, where an adhesive mounting tape or strip may be placed. The indentations 5 may also lie flush to a wall when the bracket 1 is installed and may thus prevent lateral movement when force is applied to the bracket 1, such as a curtain or rod traversing over the front piece 3.

[29] The mounting face 6 is planar, which ensures a stable interface for applying an adhesive mounting tape or strip, allowing the bracket 1 to be mounted against a mounting surface, such as a wall. The front face 7 is positioned on the side of the hollow rectangular piece 2 that is opposite to the mounting face 6. Aside from providing additional structural support for the bracket 1, the front face 7 may serve as an aesthetic feature, potentially being visible when a curtain is drawn back.

[30] The front of the curved piece 4, which may also be visible when a curtain is drawn back, comprises an aperture 8. In this embodiment, the aperture 8 traverses from one side of the bottom portion of the curved piece 4 to the other, as shown by FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The purpose of the aperture 8 is to remove material and reduce the weight of the bracket 1.

[31] FIG. 2 illustrates a right side view of the bracket 1 being used in conjunction with a mounting adhesive system. In this embodiment, the bracket 1 is configured to be attached to a wall 9. This is facilitated by connecting hook tape 10, which is adhered to the wall 9, to loop tape 11, which is adhered to the mounting face 6 of the hollow rectangular piece 2.

[32] The loop tape 11 is positioned between the indentations 5 protruding from the top and bottom of the bracket 1 on the rear side of the hollow rectangular piece 2. In this embodiment, the loop tape 11 is co-planar with the surface of the indentions facing the wall. This way, when the hook and loop tape 10, 11 are compressed, the indentations 5 may touch the wall 9, which may serve to mitigate any inadvertent shifting of the bracket 1 by a curtain rod, providing a secondary method of stabilization.

[33] Once formed, the bond between the hook and loop tape 10, 11 is strong, yet removable upon the application of sufficient force at the proper vector. For example, in this embodiment, the connection between the hook and loop tape 10, 11 may be capable of withstanding up to 20lbs of vertical force applied parallel to the front face 7 of the hollow rectangular piece 2. Such load bearing capacity may surprisingly be enough to support the weight of any curtain and rod combination cradled by the front piece 3 in between the curved piece 4 and front face 7.

[34] Alternatively, significantly less than 20lbs of lateral force applied either at an obtuse or acute angle to the front face 7 or parallel to the front piece 3 would disengage the hook tape 10 from the loop tape 11. This allows the bracket 1 to easily be attached and removed from the wall 9 as desired, thus simplifying the installation process, eliminating the need for tools, and reducing the likelihood of wall damage.

[35] FIG. 3 provides a left side perspective view of another embodiment of the bracket 1. This embodiment features a hollow cubical piece 12 that serves as the primary structure of the bracket 1. The hollow cubical piece 12 offers a compact and efficient support structure for curtains that are hung with only mounting adhesives, such as hook and loop tape, adhesive strips, and the like. The hollow cubical piece 12 ensures that the bracket 1 maintains its form while minimizing the overall weight, an essential feature for long-term durability and usability. [36] In this embodiment, to facilitate the mounting of curtains without a rod, the bracket 1 is equipped with two sets of indentations, one on the rear side 5 and the other on the front side 5' of the hollow cubical piece 12. Both sets of indentations 5, 5' encompass a mounting face where an adhesive mounting tape or strip may be attached. The mounting face 6 on the rear side of the hollow cubical piece 12 is defined between indentations 5, and has a rectangular surface area. This rectangular shape is formed by the rear side mounting face 6 extending downward beyond the bottom of the hollow cubical piece 12. This exposes a rear surface 13 of the mounting face 6, which extends away from the hollow cubical piece. The rear surface 13 may provide additional structural integrity to the hollow cubical piece 12 and is generally concealed from view when the bracket 1 is properly mounted.

[37] The rear surface 13 is parallel to the front side mounting face 6', which is defined between indentations 5'. The front side mounting face 6' has a square surface area less than the rectangular surface area of the rear side mounting face 6. This is because the rear side mounting face 6 is sized to receive an adhesive tape or strip for mounting the entire bracket 1 to a wall; whereas, the front side mounting face 6' is only configured to be attached to a single curtain panel. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 1 may be mounted to a wall using the rear side mounting face 6, with the rear surface 13 pointing towards the floor. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment and as will be described further below, the front face 6' is used for a hook tape, and a stationary curtain (i.e., not traversing or decorative) is then attached to the hook by an attached loop tape on a rear side of the curtain. However, it should be understood that the bracket 1 may be mounted in a variety of different orientations, without straying from the scope of the present disclosure.

[38] FIG. 4 depicts a right side view of the bracket 1 comprising a hollow cubical piece 12 being mounted to a wall 9 using a hook and loop tape adhesive. As previously described, the larger rear side mounting face 6 of the hollow cubical piece 12 is used to mount the bracket 1 to the wall 9, so hook tape 10 is secured between the rear side indentations 5, such that the mounting side of the hook tape 10 is co-planar with the surface of the indentations 5 facing the wall 9. On the other hand, the smaller front side mounting face 6' is meant to be attached to a curtain, and thus does not yet have any mounting adhesives attached to it, leaving space available between the front side indentations 5'.

[39] Notably, a hook tape 10 is attached to the rear side mounting face 6 of the bracket 1, as opposed to a loop tape 11. In this embodiment, the loop tape 11 is secured to the wall 9 and configured to engage with the hook tape 10 on the hollow cubical piece 12. This demonstrates the versatility of the system, as the mounting faces 6, 6' on the front and rear of the bracket 1 are capable of accepting any properly sized mounting adhesive (e.g., hook tape, loop tape, adhesive strips, etc.).

[40] When properly mounted, the larger rear side mounting face 6 of the hollow cubical piece 12 is firmly attached to the wall by a mounting adhesive, and both the rear surface 13 of the mounting face 6 and the front side mounting face 6' are directed away from the wall 9. This configuration provides the most structural support for the bracket 1, reinforcing its stability when mounted. [41] FIG. 5 presents a perspective view of a curtain bracket system, where at least one bracket 1 is mounted above a window frame, demonstrating a practical application of the present disclosure in a typical home setting. In this embodiment, two brackets are used to support a rod 14 from which at least one curtain panel 15 is hung.

[42] As shown by the prominently visible bracket 1, both brackets feature a front piece 3 that is used to support the curtain rod 14 vertically. The curved piece 4 ensures that the rod 14 is not permitted to move transversely and fall forward off the front piece 3 when a curtain 15 is hung from it. However, the curved piece 4 does not prevent lateral movement of the rod 14, and the curtains 15 are also able to traverse laterally. The front piece 3 supports the weight of the rod 14 and curtains 15.

[43] Regardless of whether hook and loop tape or adhesive strips are utilized, a method of installing the aforementioned curtain bracket system starts by attaching the mounting adhesives to a designated area on the back of each bracket and ensuring they are firmly in place. After this, the wall surface should be cleaned to ensure it's free of dust and debris for optimal adhesive contact. The points on the wall where the brackets will be attached should also be measured and marked. In a preferred embodiment, these points will be spaced apart at a distance equal to or slightly greater than the width of the window frame. This ensures that the rod has adequate support and the curtains can be draped over the entire window.

[44] The next step of the method involves attaching mounting adhesives to the wall at the marked points. If hook and loop tape is used as the mounting adhesive, the hook tape should be affixed to the wall, corresponding to the loop tape on the brackets, or vice versa. Alternatively, if adhesive strips on the brackets are used for mounting, the wall may not need separate adhesives. Once the mounting adhesives are applied at the desired locations, the brackets may be pressed onto the wall.

[45] With the brackets either connected to the wall via two separate mounting adhesives or adhered directly by individual adhesive strips, the rod may be mounted on the front pieces of each bracket, extending from one bracket to the other. Finally, at least one curtain panel can be hung on the rod, and more curtain panels may be hung as desired. This last step may be performed before or after the rod is placed on the brackets.

[46] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a bracket system, where a curtain panel 15 is affixed to a wall 9 using only a bracket without the assistance of a rod. In this embodiment, the bracket used comprises a hollow cubical piece 12 as its core structural element. This provides support for the curtain 15, which is secured to the front side mounting face 6' of the hollow cubical piece 12.

[47] The curtain 15 is secured to the bracket with a loop tape 11' the is integrally attached to the top of the curtain 15, using methods that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The loop tape 11' is secured to a hook tape 10' that is adhered to the hollow cubical piece 12 in between the bracket's front side indentations 5', such that the rear side of the loop tape 11' is co-planar with the front surfaces of the indentations 5' when the hook tape 10' and loop tape 11' are compressed. In this way, the indentations 5' demarcate the proper location for any mounting adhesive attached to the front side mounting face 6', reducing the chances for misalignment. [48] The rear side mounting face 6 also has indentations 5 demarcating the location for adhering a loop tape 11. The loop tape 11 is attached to a hook tape 10 on the wall 9, which secures the hollow cubical piece 12 in place. When the hook tape 10 and loop tape 11 are compressed, the adhesive side of the hook tape 10 is co-planar with the wall-facing surface of the rear side indentations 5, allowing these indentations to lie flush with the surface of the wall 9. The hook and loop tape adhesives allow for a secure yet nonpermanent installation, enabling easy adjustment or removal as needed without damaging the wall (9).

[49] The method of installing the curtain 15 with integral loop tape 11', which will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the present disclosure, facilitates easy attachment to the wall 9 without using a rod. Thus, this system offer a user-friendly alternative to traditional mounting methods, thereby simplifying the installation process and introducing a level of flexibility and convenience for the user.

[50] While several variations of the present disclosure have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A bracket comprising: a hollow piece, the hollow piece having four sides; a planar piece extending from the hollow piece; and a mounting face on one of the four sides of the hollow piece.

2. The bracket of claim 1 wherein the hollow piece is a hollow rectangular piece.

3. The bracket of claim 1 further comprising a curved piece extending from the planar piece.

4. The bracket of claim 1 wherein the hollow piece is a hollow cubical piece.

5. The bracket of claim 1 further comprising two indentations located on one of the four sides of the hollow piece.

6. The bracket of claim 5 further comprising a mounting face in between the two indentations.

7. The bracket of claim 6 further comprising a mounting adhesive on the mounting face.

8. The bracket of claim 7 wherein the mounting adhesive comprises at least one of a hook tape, a loop tape, or an adhesive strip.

9. The bracket of claim 1 further comprising an aperture on the planar piece.

10. The bracket of claim 1 wherein the planar piece extends from the hollow piece perpendicularly to a front face of the four sides.

11. The bracket of claim 1 wherein the planar piece extends from the hollow piece parallel to a front face of the four sides.

12. A bracket system comprising: a bracket; a curtain panel; and a wall the bracket comprising a hollow piece, the hollow piece having four sides; the bracket further comprising a planar piece extending from the hollow piece the bracket further comprising a mounting face on one of the four sides of the hollow piece; and wherein the curtain panel is mounted to the wall by the bracket.

13. The bracket system of claim 12 wherein the hollow piece is at least one of a hollow rectangular piece or a hollow cubical piece.

14. The bracket system of claim 12 further comprising a rod supported by the planar piece, wherein the curtain panel hangs from the rod.

15. The bracket system of claim 12 wherein the planar piece is a front piece extending from the hollow piece perpendicularly to a top side of the four sides.

16. The bracket system of claim 15 further comprising a curved piece connected to the front piece, the curved piece preventing a rod from which the curtain panel hangs.

17. The bracket system of claim 12 wherein the curtain panel is mounted to the wall by the bracket without using a rod.

18. The bracket system of claim 12 wherein the bracket is mounted to the wall by a hook and loop tape adhesive system.

19. A method for installing a curtain backet system, the method comprising: attaching one of a hook tape or a loop tape to a mounting face of a bracket; attaching an opposite one of the hook tape or the loop tape to a wall; pressing the mounting face of the bracket against the wall to engage the hook tape and the loop tape, thereby mounting the bracket to the wall; and hanging a curtain panel from the bracket.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising placing a rod on the bracket and hanging the curtain panel from the rod, wherein the hook tape engaged with the loop tape supports a weight of the bracket, a weight of the rod, and a weight of the curtain panel.