Title:
SUSPENSION CLIP FOR TEXTILES OR THE LIKE
United States Patent 3737943
Abstract:
A suspension clip for curtains or the like, made in one piece from plastic material having a sliding member for sliding in a rod track or the like, and a clamping member for gripping the curtain material. The clamping member comprises a series of thin pins or hooks which are locked together by a cooperative locking means, preferably in the form of push button members. The plastic material is formed to substantially similar branches which are joined together at their head portions, and these two branches are locked together by the push button members so that the pins or hooks engage the curtains and the suspension head is free to slide in grooves, slots or the like in a curtain rod or the like.
US Patent References:
Clothespins
Urich - June 1961 - 2988314
Drapery carrier
Ault et al. - August 1958 - 2848735
DEVICES FOR SUPPORTING PLANTS
Olson - February 1970 - 3494072
Self-securing curtain hanger
Gershen - February 1951 - 2542077
Clothespins
Urich - June 1961 - 2988314
Drapery carrier
Ault et al. - August 1958 - 2848735
DEVICES FOR SUPPORTING PLANTS
Olson - February 1970 - 3494072
Self-securing curtain hanger
Gershen - February 1951 - 2542077
Application Number:
05/156312
Publication Date:
06/12/1973
Filing Date:
06/24/1971
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
24/3.120
International Classes:
A47H13/04; A47H13/06; A47H13/00; E05D13/02
Field of Search:
16/87.2,87.4,87.6,93D-96D 24/255SL,245FF,137,255GP,73PF,73AS,73GS,73CH,73CP,25.13R,248R
Primary Examiner:
Zugel, Francis K.
Assistant Examiner:
Aschenbrenner, Peter A.
Claims:
I claim
1. A suspension clip for curtains or the like, comprising a suspension head formed as a sliding member and a clamping portion below said suspension head, said clip being of one-piece integral plastic construction and comprising two generally similar elongate branches connected by a thin strip portion forming a hinge between said two branches such that the two branches can be pivoted about the hinge into abutting engagement to clamp a curtain edge or the like between the two branches in said clamping portion, the cooperating branches of said clamping portions having a number of projecting members for positively but releasably engaging a curtain edge or the like when brought together, mutually engageable locking means formed on the abuttable faces of said branches below said suspension head, said suspension head comprising two matable head halves located respectively at opposite ends of said narrow strip and each having a spherical surface portion and being larger than its immediately adjacent clamping portion such that the head halves stand proud from their immediately adjacent clamping portions to form, when brought together, an enlarged suspension head having spherical surface portions for insertion into a groove or slot in the lower surface of a curtain supporter or the like for free horizontal sliding movement therein.
2. A suspension clip, as claimed in claim 1, wherein apart from said locking means, said two branches are substantially mirror images of each other.
1. A suspension clip for curtains or the like, comprising a suspension head formed as a sliding member and a clamping portion below said suspension head, said clip being of one-piece integral plastic construction and comprising two generally similar elongate branches connected by a thin strip portion forming a hinge between said two branches such that the two branches can be pivoted about the hinge into abutting engagement to clamp a curtain edge or the like between the two branches in said clamping portion, the cooperating branches of said clamping portions having a number of projecting members for positively but releasably engaging a curtain edge or the like when brought together, mutually engageable locking means formed on the abuttable faces of said branches below said suspension head, said suspension head comprising two matable head halves located respectively at opposite ends of said narrow strip and each having a spherical surface portion and being larger than its immediately adjacent clamping portion such that the head halves stand proud from their immediately adjacent clamping portions to form, when brought together, an enlarged suspension head having spherical surface portions for insertion into a groove or slot in the lower surface of a curtain supporter or the like for free horizontal sliding movement therein.
2. A suspension clip, as claimed in claim 1, wherein apart from said locking means, said two branches are substantially mirror images of each other.
Description:
The present invention relates to a suspension clip of the kind intended for suspending textiles, preferably curtains or the like. Said suspension may be provided from the lower surface of a grooved curtain board or the like, the suspension clip in that case comprising a head portion and below this a clamping portion to which the curtains or the like can be attached by clamping effect. The clip, however, can also be shaped for suspension on runways, rods or the like, its head portion being adapted accordingly.
A large number of suspension devices are previously known. Thus, it is known to produce said devices in one piece from plastic material or the like. It is, furthermore, known to provide the cooperating clamping surfaces with pins, teeth or the like for engagement with the textile, and it is known to provide locking members which hold the clamping surfaces together.
The object of the invention is to provide a suspension clip which by combining of three features known per se forms a new and most advantageous device. Each of the known suspension clips have had considerable disadvantages or deficiencies. The clip according to the invention completely eliminates these disadvantages or deficiencies. The textiles are not damaged by the suspension clip, only being penetrated by a comparatively large number of thin pins and simultaneously being effectively compressed by the clamping surfaces. For releasing the textiles, the clamping hold is easily released, and a suitable suspension on a runway, a rail or in a groove adapted to the suspension clip is achieved. Nevertheless, said clip can be produced in one piece in a very unexpensive manner by mass production.
These advantages are achieved by a suspension clip of the above mentioned kind which is characterized by the combination of the following features known per se: That said clip is formed in one piece from plastic material or some other resilient material and consists of two, essentially equal branches or elongated halves, joined together at their headportions by a thin strip portion; that the outer portions of said branches on both sides facing each other are provided with a comparatively large number of thin pins or hooks or similar engaging members; that these sides within the portion engaging the curtain or the like are provided with cooperating locking means, preferably in the form of push button members; and that the head portions of said halves together from a body adapted for suspension and are freely slidable horizontally in grooves in the lower surface of a curtain board, or on runways or the like, from which curtains or the like are to be suspended.
Such a clip including all portions and details of the one piece body can be produced by moulding in one single operational step. After moulding said body is bent at said joining strip portion, which then forms a resilient hinged joint, to be used as a suspension clamp according to the invention, the head portion of said clip simultaneously being shaped for suspension as mentioned.
The present invention will be better understood from the following description of some embodiments shown in the drawing.
FIG. 1 shows a suspension clip according to the invention in the shape it has after moulding.
FIG. 2 shows the clip bent into a clamping position, ready for suspension of e.g. a curtain.
FIG. 3 shows the clip of FIG. 2 in its locked clamping position.
FIG. 4 shows a modified embodiment of the clip.
FIG. 5 shows another modification.
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show an embodiment where the joining strip portion also forms the suspension means, FIG. 6 showing the moulded blank, and FIGS. 7 and 8 showing said blank being bent into a position ready for used.
The clip according to FIGS. 1-3, as will be seen, is formed in one piece of two branches or equal elongated halves A and B, which are joined together by a narrow strip portion C. The halves are joined together at their head portions 1, which in the present case are formed as approximate semi-spheres having an inner hollow space 6. When the branches A and B are bent towards each other, as shown in FIG. 3, the head portions form a spherical body adapted for insertion into a groove in the lower surface of a curtain board or the like so as to form slides in said grooves in a manner known per se.
Said head portions 1 continue as branch portions 2 provided with a cooperating locking member. In the shown example said locking member consists of a button shaped projection 3 on one branch and an opening or recess 3' in the other branch. When said branches are urged towards each other they will interlock by a push button effect.
The surfaces of said branches or halves A and B facing each other are provided with pins or hooks 4, which will engage a curtain or the like when the portions A and B are interlocked, as indicated by dashed lines 7 in FIGS. 2 and 3. The free ends 5 of the branches A and B are preferably formed with surfaces inclined away from each other, as shown in the drawing, to make it easier to part said portions when suspended curtain or the like is to be released.
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment with an annular head portion 1' of the clip. This embodiment is suitable for suspending curtains or the like on a runway on which annual members can slide. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment with a button-shaped head portion 1" of the clip. Grooves 6 slidable on a rail are thus achieved. The rail is preferably C-shaped so that the lower portion of the groove 6 slides on the lower edge of the opening of the C-rail, whereas the upper portion 6' slides on the upper opening edge.
In the FIGS. 6-8 an embodiment is shown, where the strip portion C is made so long as to form a loop C' when the clip branches are bent towards each other. Said loop C' can slide on a rod like said annular member according to FIG. 4 or it can be used as a suspension loop.
It will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawing are only meant to illustrate the inventive idea, and that said idea can be modified in many ways within the scope of the invention. Thus the head portion of the clip can have some other shape, e.g. a hook shape or the like. The locking members 3,3' as well could be exchanged by other embodiments forming cooperating locking members for the branches, so that the clip is effectively held together in an interlocked position by snap effect.
By the combination of features proposed according to the invention devices fully satisfying all demands on such suspension members are achieved. By the hinged joint, the locking member and engaging surfaces arranged as stated, it is also possible to suspend a curtain with very small distance between the top edge of the curtain and the suspension rail. Thus a very attractive suspension is achieved without disfiguring intermediate spaces.
With a spherical sliding head the suspension clip can be mounted across the rail, so that folds can be suspended behind the curtain and the suspension is completely concealed.
If the head portions are annular members with a hinged joint as shown and described the annular member can be opened and curtains or the like can thus be suspended on a runway without the necessity of taking the runway down.
A large number of suspension devices are previously known. Thus, it is known to produce said devices in one piece from plastic material or the like. It is, furthermore, known to provide the cooperating clamping surfaces with pins, teeth or the like for engagement with the textile, and it is known to provide locking members which hold the clamping surfaces together.
The object of the invention is to provide a suspension clip which by combining of three features known per se forms a new and most advantageous device. Each of the known suspension clips have had considerable disadvantages or deficiencies. The clip according to the invention completely eliminates these disadvantages or deficiencies. The textiles are not damaged by the suspension clip, only being penetrated by a comparatively large number of thin pins and simultaneously being effectively compressed by the clamping surfaces. For releasing the textiles, the clamping hold is easily released, and a suitable suspension on a runway, a rail or in a groove adapted to the suspension clip is achieved. Nevertheless, said clip can be produced in one piece in a very unexpensive manner by mass production.
These advantages are achieved by a suspension clip of the above mentioned kind which is characterized by the combination of the following features known per se: That said clip is formed in one piece from plastic material or some other resilient material and consists of two, essentially equal branches or elongated halves, joined together at their headportions by a thin strip portion; that the outer portions of said branches on both sides facing each other are provided with a comparatively large number of thin pins or hooks or similar engaging members; that these sides within the portion engaging the curtain or the like are provided with cooperating locking means, preferably in the form of push button members; and that the head portions of said halves together from a body adapted for suspension and are freely slidable horizontally in grooves in the lower surface of a curtain board, or on runways or the like, from which curtains or the like are to be suspended.
Such a clip including all portions and details of the one piece body can be produced by moulding in one single operational step. After moulding said body is bent at said joining strip portion, which then forms a resilient hinged joint, to be used as a suspension clamp according to the invention, the head portion of said clip simultaneously being shaped for suspension as mentioned.
The present invention will be better understood from the following description of some embodiments shown in the drawing.
FIG. 1 shows a suspension clip according to the invention in the shape it has after moulding.
FIG. 2 shows the clip bent into a clamping position, ready for suspension of e.g. a curtain.
FIG. 3 shows the clip of FIG. 2 in its locked clamping position.
FIG. 4 shows a modified embodiment of the clip.
FIG. 5 shows another modification.
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show an embodiment where the joining strip portion also forms the suspension means, FIG. 6 showing the moulded blank, and FIGS. 7 and 8 showing said blank being bent into a position ready for used.
The clip according to FIGS. 1-3, as will be seen, is formed in one piece of two branches or equal elongated halves A and B, which are joined together by a narrow strip portion C. The halves are joined together at their head portions 1, which in the present case are formed as approximate semi-spheres having an inner hollow space 6. When the branches A and B are bent towards each other, as shown in FIG. 3, the head portions form a spherical body adapted for insertion into a groove in the lower surface of a curtain board or the like so as to form slides in said grooves in a manner known per se.
Said head portions 1 continue as branch portions 2 provided with a cooperating locking member. In the shown example said locking member consists of a button shaped projection 3 on one branch and an opening or recess 3' in the other branch. When said branches are urged towards each other they will interlock by a push button effect.
The surfaces of said branches or halves A and B facing each other are provided with pins or hooks 4, which will engage a curtain or the like when the portions A and B are interlocked, as indicated by dashed lines 7 in FIGS. 2 and 3. The free ends 5 of the branches A and B are preferably formed with surfaces inclined away from each other, as shown in the drawing, to make it easier to part said portions when suspended curtain or the like is to be released.
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment with an annular head portion 1' of the clip. This embodiment is suitable for suspending curtains or the like on a runway on which annual members can slide. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment with a button-shaped head portion 1" of the clip. Grooves 6 slidable on a rail are thus achieved. The rail is preferably C-shaped so that the lower portion of the groove 6 slides on the lower edge of the opening of the C-rail, whereas the upper portion 6' slides on the upper opening edge.
In the FIGS. 6-8 an embodiment is shown, where the strip portion C is made so long as to form a loop C' when the clip branches are bent towards each other. Said loop C' can slide on a rod like said annular member according to FIG. 4 or it can be used as a suspension loop.
It will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawing are only meant to illustrate the inventive idea, and that said idea can be modified in many ways within the scope of the invention. Thus the head portion of the clip can have some other shape, e.g. a hook shape or the like. The locking members 3,3' as well could be exchanged by other embodiments forming cooperating locking members for the branches, so that the clip is effectively held together in an interlocked position by snap effect.
By the combination of features proposed according to the invention devices fully satisfying all demands on such suspension members are achieved. By the hinged joint, the locking member and engaging surfaces arranged as stated, it is also possible to suspend a curtain with very small distance between the top edge of the curtain and the suspension rail. Thus a very attractive suspension is achieved without disfiguring intermediate spaces.
With a spherical sliding head the suspension clip can be mounted across the rail, so that folds can be suspended behind the curtain and the suspension is completely concealed.
If the head portions are annular members with a hinged joint as shown and described the annular member can be opened and curtains or the like can thus be suspended on a runway without the necessity of taking the runway down.