Window Panel With Fabric-Displaying Securement

Abstract

A securement means to secure and display a fabric in a form of a panel to be used as a window treatment, shower curtain, etc. is provided. The securement means can include an arrangement of securements that allow for suspension of the panel from a support unit. The arrangement can include sets of securement with predefined spacings that may generate a natural tendency to form a plurality of pleats in an even and consistent manner. The securement means can further include a lead-in securement. The lead-in securement can be positioned to have a predefined spacing between it and a lateral side of the panel that the lead-in securement is most proximal to. Any of the spacings can further allow the panel to be suspended from the support unit without the panel interfering with a window treatment positioned behind the panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a securement means to secure and display a fabric, and in particular a securement means for securing and displaying a window treatment fabric.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A common form of a window treatment is a drape or a curtain. The curtain can typically include a panel of fabric that depends from a rod or track of a window unit or a rod or track attached to a window opening. The curtain can depend from the rod or track by a securement means, such as a grommet for example. Some curtains fold or bunch-up when depending from the rod or track to form at least one pleat in the fabric. This pleat may be desired and can be used to provide utilitarian, artistic, or other aesthetic effects. Generally, the securement means is structured so as to allow for generation and adjustment of the pleating. However, the pleating facilitated by existing securement means can tend to be unstable (i.e., easily disr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a securement means to secure and display fabric in a way that creates pleating in a non-sloppy manner. The securement means includes an arrangement of securements that allow for suspension of a panel of fabric from a support unit. The securement means can also include a lead-in securement positioned to have a predefined spacing between it and the distal edge of the panel. This predefined spacing can prevent interference with window treatments or other window accessories. The securement means can facilitate generating pleating with a desired effect and a more stable appearance. It can also make it easier for users to hang the panel and add additional window treatments. The securement means can also bring more of the main fabric to the front, or face, of the window treatment.

Problems solved by technology

Prior art systems consist of panels with grommets spaced evenly across the panel, which can lead to poor hanging quality and / or generating pleating that is unstable and / or sloppy.

Prior art systems are also limited to panels with large spacing between the distal edge of the panel and the lead-in grommets.

This “projection” of the panel at the lateral sides can lead to difficulty for users when attempting to layer additional panels or other window treatments, such as blinds or sheers for example, behind the panel.

Additional problems may occur when attempting to manipulate (e.g., glide) the panel to an open position and / or closed position without freely interrupting the blinds or sheers that are positioned behind the panel.

For example, the projection of prior art system panels can generate a large protrusion (e.g., at least 2.5 inches or more) towards the rear (e.g., towards the sheer placed behind the panel), which may cause undesired bunching due to unwanted contact between the panel and the sheer.

This may further lead to difficulty when attempting to open and close the panel.

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