Combination spring tension rod and mounting brackets for window coverings

Abstract

A combination spring loaded rod and mounting brackets for window coverings is provided. A pair of mounting brackets are adapted to connect with opposite ends of the spring loaded rod. The spring loaded rod is extended and positioned such that bearing surfaces of the mounting brackets extend beyond the window frame. When released, the spring exerts a force through the bearing surfaces such that the rod and brackets are held in place.

1 . A bracket assembly for use with a spring tension rod for hanging window coverings, each of the bracket assembly comprising: 
 a mounting section defining a bearing surface facing in a first direction;    and    a rod interface coupled to the mounting section and facing in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, the rod interface adapted to connect with one end of a spring tension rod, wherein the rod interface is arranged relative to the bearing surface to position the rod interface spaced away from a window frame in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second directions when the bearing surface is borne against a surface of the window frame.    
   
   
       2 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising: an elbow section coupled to the mounting section and defining the rod interface.  
   
   
       3 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the mounting section and the elbow section are separate parts.  
   
   
       4 . A bracket assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein the mounting section has a male attachment mechanism received in a female receptacle end of the elbow section.  
   
   
       5 . A bracket assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein the mounting section and the elbow section are integrally formed as a one-piece structure.  
   
   
       6 . A bracket assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the mounting section further comprises a rectangular tang extending inward in the first direction relative to the bearing surface and generally perpendicular to the bearing surface.  
   
   
       7 . A hardware assembly for mounting window coverings, the hardware assembly comprising: a spring tension rod having a pair of opposite rod ends and a longitudinal rod axis; and a pair of mounting brackets, one each coupled to one of the opposite ends of the spring tension rod, each of the mounting brackets including, a rod interface connected to a respective one of the opposite ends of the spring tension rod; and a bearing surface coupled to the rod interface and extending radially outward relative to the rod axis, wherein the mounting brackets are rotationally aligned with one another about the rod axis, and wherein the bearing surfaces of the respective mounting brackets face generally inwardly opposite one another to bear against opposed surfaces of a window frame.  
   
   
       8 . A hardware assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein the spring tension rod is length adjustable.  
   
   
       9 . A hardware assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein each rod interface is provided on a corresponding elbow section of each mounting bracket.  
   
   
       10 . A hardware assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein each bearing surface is provided on a corresponding mounting section of each mounting bracket.  
   
   
       11 . A hardware assembly according to  claim 10 , wherein the elbow section and mounting section of each mounting bracket are discrete parts assembled to one another.  
   
   
       12 . A hardware assembly according to  claim 11 , wherein the mounting section of each mounting bracket includes a male attaching mechanism received in a female receptacle of the respective elbow section.  
   
   
       13 . A hardware assembly according to  claim 11 , wherein the elbow section and the mounting section of each mounting bracket in combination include a snap-in detent when assembled.  
   
   
       14 . A hardware assembly according to  claim 7 , further comprising: a fastener opening provided through a portion of the bearing surfaces of each of the mounting brackets for receiving a fastener when installing each mounting bracket.  
   
   
       15 . A method of mounting a spring tension rod for hanging window coverings over a window, the method comprising the steps of: providing a spring tension rod having a rod axis and opposed ends biased away from one another and compressible toward one another; attaching a pair of mounting brackets, one to each of the compressible ends of the spring tension rod, each of the mounting brackets having a rod interface connected to a respective one of the opposite ends of the spring tension rod, and a bearing surface coupled to the rod interface and compressing radially inward relative to the rod axis; rotationally aligning the pair of mounting brackets with one another about the rod axis; extending the spring tension rod opposed ends and mounting brackets away from one another; placing the bearing surfaces adjacent corresponding surfaces of a window frame with the spring tension rod spaced inward toward the window frame; and releasing the spring tension rod such that the bearing surfaces are borne against the surfaces of the window frame.  
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 15 , further comprising the step of: length adjusting the spring tension rod at some point prior to the step of extending.