Drapery center transmission lug coupler

Abstract

A coupler for a drapery rod system that is configured to connect a pair of adjacent drapery rods and facilitate either independent rotation of the pair of rods in one configuration while facilitating rotation in unison in another configuration. In one arrangement, the coupler includes a lug connected to a bracket positioned at the middle of the adjacent drapery rods. The lug includes an axle extending a length between opposing ends and includes a bearing housing connected to each side of the axle. In one configuration a drapery rod is connected to each end of the axle and its respective bearing housing, which facilitates independent rotation of each rod. Another configuration, a coupler is connected to each side of axle, outside the bearing housing, which facilitates rotation of the adjacent rods in unison. In this way, the coupler facilitates installation of adjacent rods that may rotate independently or in unison.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 754,052 which was filed on Nov. 1, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein fully by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]This disclosure relates to window coverings. More specifically and without limitation, this disclosure relates to a rotating drapery rod system.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]Architectural coverings, such as curtains, shades, draperies and the like are old and well known in the art and are frequently used to provide privacy and to limit the amount of light that is permitted to pass through a window and into a room or building. There are countless types, forms and designs of architectural coverings known in the art. The term architectural covering is used to describe any and all of these types, forms and designs including blinds, shades, draperies, and the like.[0004]One form of architectural covering of particular interest in this ap...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a coupler for a drapery rod system that allows adjacent drapery rods to rotate either independently or in unison. The coupler includes a lug and a bracket positioned in the middle of the rods, with an axle and bearing housing connected to each end. When a drapery rod is connected to each end of the axle, the coupler allows for independent rotation of each rod. When a coupler is connected to each side of the axle, outside of the bearing housing, the rods can rotate in unison. This allows for more flexibility in the installation of the rods.

Problems solved by technology

One problem associated with using a drapery rod system is when they are used to cover an elongated area, such as a bank of windows.

In these applications, using a single elongated drapery rod can be impracticable as long drapery rods can be difficult to ship, they can be difficult to get into a house, they can be difficult to fit in an elevator, they can sag or go out-of-round, they can be overly expensive, among other problems and challenges.

Alternatively, using multiple independent drapery systems can be undesirable as well.

This is because using multiple independent drapery rod systems can be expensive, as each independent drapery rod system has its own motor, control system, power source or power connection, brackets, among other redundant features.

In addition, using multiple independent drapery rod systems can pose control issues.

That is, the multiple independent drapery rod systems may not operate in unison with one another.

In addition, installing multiple independent drapery rod systems can pose problems.

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