ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING SHADES
`
`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`Inventors: James Geiger
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority benefit of, U.S.
`
`design patent applications Ser. No. 29,402,928 and No. 29,402,931, each of which was filed 29
`
`September 2011 , and each of which is incorporated fully herein.
`
`The present invention relates to fastening devices such as mounts, brackets, bracket
`
`assemblies, and mounting systems for the installation of motorized shades and shade systems.
`
`FIELD
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Cunent brackets and mounts for roller window shades and shade systems are typically
`
`bulky, visible, and may detract from the aesthetics of the shade system. Hence, there remains a need
`
`for improved assembly for mounting shades and shade systems, including motorized shades.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present embodiments provide for a system of fastening devices, e.g., mounts, brackets,
`
`and assemblies for installing roller window shades.
`
`In one embodiment, the fastening device system comprises two one-piece, disk-shaped
`
`mounting brackets, one for each end of a shade tube, wherein the mounting brackets are configured
`
`such that, in use, the outer circumference of the brackets are visible; the mounting means being
`
`largely hidden within the bracket or by the shade. In a particular embodiment, the fastening system
`
`is designed for use with motorized shades, wherein one mounting bracket is configured to key the
`
`shade motor, and one mounting bracket is configured to receive the idler pin.
`
`Another embodiment provides for a two-piece "invisible mount" fastening device
`
`comprising a mounting plate and a bracket, each configured to receive a means to secure the bracket
`
`to the mounting plate; and, optionally, a securing means. In use, the bracket surrounds the mounting
`
`plate, obscuring it from view. In one embodiment, the fastening device is configured to receive two
`
`ends of opposing shade tubes (i.e., a shade coupler). In another embodiment, the bracket is
`
`Lutron Electronics Co. EX1010
`U.S. Patent No. 10,294,717
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`configured with a "key" projection. In yet another embodiment, the bracket is configured to receive
`
`an idler pin.
`
`Yet another embodiment provides for a system for mounting at least two tube shades
`
`comprising the mounting bracket system (i.e., two disk-shaped mounting brackets) and at least one
`
`"invisible mount" two-piece shade coupler fastening device. In a particular embodiment, at least
`
`one of the shades is motorized.
`
`Another embodiment provides for a system for mounting at least two tube shades,
`
`comprising at least three two-piece "invisible mount" fastening devices. In a particular embodiment,
`
`at least one of the shades is motorized and the system comprises a motor mount fastening device, a
`
`idler mount fastening device, and at least one shade coupler.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Fig. 1 shows a view of an example fastening device having a mounting plate, a bracket, and
`
`a set screw. Dashed lines indicate the direction of screws used to secure the mounting plate to a
`
`flat surface (e.g., a window casing or wall).
`
`Fig. 2 shows the example embodiment of Fig. 1, with the bracket fitting over and around the
`
`mounting plate and the set screw inserted partially into the bracket.
`
`Fig. 3 shows a view of the installed embodiment of Fig. 1, wherein the outer circumference
`
`of the fastening device is visible, and the mounting plate is not visible, and the set screw is flush
`
`with the bracket.
`
`Fig. 4 present three configurations of an embodiment of the bracket, mounting plate, and set
`
`screw embodiment, wherein the bracket is further configured as a Coupler, a Motor Wall Mount, or
`
`a Wall Mount Idler.
`
`Fig. 5 presents a view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the mounting
`
`plate slide into and is hidden within the bracket.
`
`Fig. 6 shows various views of a one-piece idler mount disk-shaped mounting bracket.
`
`Fig. 7 shows various views of a one-piece motor mount disk-shaped mounting bracket.
`
`Fig. 8 shows the mounting brackets of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 in use on a shade, depicted by
`
`dashed lines.
`
`2
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`Fig. 9 is a photograph of an embodiment of the fastening device configured as a Coupler,
`
`installed with two tube shades. Note that the set screw is obscured by the shade, leaving a clean,
`
`simple bracket in view.
`
`Fig. 10 is a photograph of a one-piece idler mount disk-shaped mounting bracket installed
`
`with a tube shade.
`
`Fig. 11 is a depiction of two tube shades assembled with the fastening devices of some
`
`embodiments of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`The present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and expression
`
`of design elements, etc., described herein and as such may vary. The terminology used herein is for
`
`the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
`
`present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.
`
`As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms include the plural reference and vice
`
`versa unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "or" is inclusive unless modified, for
`
`example, by "either." For brevity and clarity, a particular quantity of an item may be described or
`
`shown while the actual quantity of the item may differ. Other than in the operating examples, or
`
`where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing measurements used herein should be understood
`
`as modified in all instances by the term "about," allowing for ranges accepted in the art.
`
`All patents and other publications identified are expressly incorporated herein by reference
`
`for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the methodologies described in such
`
`publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are
`
`provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this
`
`regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such
`
`disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or
`
`representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the
`
`applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of
`
`these documents.
`
`Unless defined otherwise, all technical tenns used herein have the same meaning as those
`
`commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although
`
`any known methods, devices, and materials may be used in the practice or testing of the invention,
`
`the methods, devices, and materials in this regard are described herein.
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`The present invention provides for improved means for mounting window shades (roller
`
`shades), including motorized shades, in which the portion ofthe mounting means (i.e., the "mount",
`
`"mounting plate", or "mounting bracket") affixed to the supporting structure (e.g., the window
`
`casing, walls, columns, etc.) are hidden from view by the structure of the bracket or mounting
`
`bracket. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket is a one-piece, disk-shaped device, having
`
`recessed apertures to receive means to secure the mounting plate, and further configured either to
`
`connect to the shade motor or clutch; or to hold a shade idler pin or pin. The disk-shape is selected
`
`for aesthetic reasons: to harmonize visually with the round nature of the shade tube, but other
`
`shapes of mounting plates are possible.
`
`Another embodiment of the invention provides for a bracket, a mounting plate, and,
`
`optionally, a connecting means, whereby the bracket and mounting plate are configured such that, in
`
`use, the bracket fits over the mounting plate, being secured together by a connecting means, such
`
`that the mounting plate is hidden by the bracket. Optionally, the connecting means can be
`
`positioned on the body of the bracket at a location that will be hidden by the shade tube. The
`
`connecting means that secures the bracket to the mounting plate can comprise a pin and cam
`
`assembly, a set screw, a rod and spring, etc., as will be illustrated further by non-limiting
`
`embodiments herein.
`
`The fastening devices of the present invention can be made of any material suitable for
`
`being manufactured and capable of bearing the weight of shades, such as motorized shades. Such
`
`materials include metals, metal alloys, ceramics, and the like. The fastening devices can be
`
`manufactured by conventional processes.
`
`Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of
`
`which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the
`
`like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to explain the present invention by
`
`referring to the figures.
`
`An example embodiment of a fastening device for securing roller window shades to the
`
`desired wall, window casing, and the like, is shown in Fig. 1. The embodiment includes a bracket
`
`(1), mounting plate (2) and a set screw (3). The mounting plate (1) has one side or end (4) adapted
`
`to abut a flat surface, and a peg (6) projects from the opposite side. The mounting plate (2) also
`
`bears two apertures (5) through which fastening means (e.g., screws) can be inserted as indicated by
`
`the dashed lines to secure the mounting plate to a flat surface. The peg (6) bears a screw bore (7)
`
`4
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`that passes through the entire peg, and has an internally threaded surface for receiving the set screw.
`
`The bracket (1) is configured with an opening (8) to receive the mounting plate (2), and is
`
`configured to abut a flat surface (12). The bracket (1) also bears a screw bore (9) that passes through
`
`the entire body (i.e., width) of the bracket, for receiving the set screw. In the particular embodiment
`
`shown in Fig. 1, the bracket has an opening (1 0) for receiving one end of each of two opposing
`
`shade tubes, which tubes may interlock within the opening (10). The particular embodiment also
`
`has a bearing ( 11) within the opening ( 1 0), which allows the tubes to spin freely, minimizing
`
`friction and wear. Further regarding the bearing, this can be any appropriately sized commercially
`
`available bearing that, when the bracket is so configured, snaps into place. The bearing can be metal
`
`or ceramic, for example.
`
`In use, the mounting plate (2) is secured to a flat surface using screws or other appropriate
`
`fastening means that are inserted through the apertures (5) in the mounting plate (2) in the direction
`
`indicated by the dashed lines of Fig. 1. Once this the mounting plate (2) is secured, the bracket (1) is
`
`inserted over the mounting plate (2), such that the flat surfaces ( 4, 12) align, and the screw
`
`bores (7, 9) align. A view of this is shown in Fig. 2, which also shows the set screw (3) partially
`
`inserted into the bracket (1) screw bore (9). Once the bracket (1) is in place, the set screw (3) is then
`
`secured through the bore holes (7, 9) of the bracket (1) and peg (6). Note that the end (12) of the
`
`bracket and the flat surface (4) of the mounting plate align to create a flat surface that will evenly
`
`abut a complementary flat surface. Also note that, in this embodiment, the outer dimensions of the
`
`mounting plate (2) fit in the interior of the receiving portion (8) of the bracket (2) in hand-in-glove
`
`fashion. The length ofthe set screw (3) is about equal to the width ofthe bracket (1), such that when
`
`fully inserted, the set screw (3) joins the peg (6) with both sides of the bracket (1), and the set
`
`screw (3) has no protruding surfaces. Moreover, in this particular embodiment, the screw bore (9) is
`
`placed close to the opening for the tube (10), such that when the shade tubes are inserted into the
`
`fastening device, the screw bore is hidden from view by the shade. Once this fastening device is
`
`mounted on the flat surface, the outer circumference (13) is visible from the side view; the
`
`mounting plate (2) being obscured from view. A perspective view of the embodiment affixed to a
`
`horizontal, flat surface, is shown in Fig. 3, which demonstrates that the mounting plate (2) is no
`
`longer visible once the bracket (1) is in place and secured with the set screw (3). See also Fig. 9.
`
`Fig. 4 presents three embodiments of the fastening device, in which the brackets have been
`
`configured to serve as a Coupler (see Figs. 1-3); or as a mount for the motor side of a motorized
`
`5
`
`

`

`Attomey Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`shade tube (Motor Wall Mount); or as a mount for the end of the tube opposite the motor (Wall
`
`Mount Idler). More specifically, the Motor Wall Mount includes a "keying portion" or "key" (430)
`
`that, in use, provides a structure against which the motor can torque. The Wall Mount Idler has a
`
`hole ( 431) into which an idler pin can fit. The means connecting the bracket to the mounting plate in
`
`these embodiments comprises a rod (46) that projects into the bracket, the rod including a groove
`
`(47) that receives a set screw. Alternatively, the rod can be configured as a pin to receive a set screw
`
`configured as a cam (i.e., a pin and cam or "knock down" assembly).
`
`Fig. 5 presents an alternative fastening device in which the bracket (51) slides over the
`
`mounting plate (52). More specifically, mounting plate (52) has two apertures (55) through which
`
`means are inserted to secure the mounting plate (52) to a flat surface. The mounting plate (52) is
`
`configured to have flanged portion ( 516) that fits the complementary base ( 517) of the bracket (51).
`
`Thus, in use, after the mounting plate (52) is secured to a flat surface, the bracket (51) slides over
`
`the mounting plate (52), and hides it from view. The bracket (51) is further secured by a fastening
`
`means inserted through the slot ( 518).
`
`The fastening device comprising a bracket that covers the mounting plate provides an
`
`aesthetically pleasing mount, in that the means securing the bracket to the structure are invisible.
`
`Moreover, this device can be secured to vertical or horizontal spaces, thus providing elegant
`
`flexibility in window shade installations.
`
`Another embodiment of the invention provides for a fastening device system for securing a
`
`motorized shade, in which the mounting bracket for each end of the shade tube is a single piece
`
`rather than a mount and bracket assembly. More specifically, Fig. 6 shows views of an idler mount
`
`disk-shaped mounting bracket (620) having one side configured to bear against a flat surface (621)
`
`and one side having a projection (622) having a bore configured to receive an idler pin (623). The
`
`idler mount (620) further comprises two apertures (655) through which fastening means (e.g.,
`
`screws) are inserted to secure the flat surface ofthe idler mount (621) to the appropriate flat surface
`
`wall, window casing, etc. The apertures (655) are configured (i.e., recessed) such that, in use, the
`
`means affixing the mount to the wall (or casing, etc.) are not visible. Hence, in use, the outer
`
`circumference (613) ofthe idler mount is visible. See also Fig. 10, Fig. 11. The fastening device
`
`system of this embodiment further comprises a motor mount disk-shaped mounting bracket having
`
`one side configured to bear against a flat surface and one side having a projection configured as a
`
`key to engage the motor. Fig. 10. More specifically, Fig. 7 shows views of a motor mount disk-
`
`6
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1 099
`
`shaped mounting bracket (720) having one side configured to bear against a flat surface (e.g., a
`
`wall, window casing) (721) and one side having a projection that provides a key (7 40) against
`
`which the shade motor can torque. The apertures (755) are configured (i.e. , recessed) such that, in
`
`use, the means affixing the mount to the wall (or casing, etc.) are not visible. Hence, in use, the
`
`outer circumference (713) of the motor mount is visible. See also Fig. 11. This system is
`
`advantageous in window casings or between pillars, where the mounting bracket is secured to a
`
`vertical surface.
`
`A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a fastening device system
`
`comprising the single-piece, disk shaped idler and motor mounts and the fastening device
`
`comprising the mounting plate and bracket. As shown in Fig. 11, this system is useful when using
`
`two shade tubes, with the motor mount and idler mount at the outer ends of the two shades, and the
`
`fastening device configured as a coupler in between, maintain the connection of the two shade in
`
`communication with the motor. This embodiment can be adapted to secure a number of shades, by
`
`using the required number of coupler fastening devices.
`
`In used, low voltage wiring is done behind the motor mounting bracket or motor
`
`bracket/mounting plate fastening device. A wire is brought through the window casing (or
`
`appropriate structure), then the mount or bracket located adjacent to the wire. The wire is strung to
`
`behind the far (hidden) corner of the bracket and connections made behind the bracket such that the
`
`wiring is covered by the bracket.
`
`The fastening devices and systems of the present embodiments are also suitable for use with
`
`non-motorized window shades; the particular embodiment selected to complement the structure at
`
`the ends of the non-motorized shade tubes.
`
`When the disk-shaped mounting brackets are installed in a window casing, there is little
`
`room for error because the disk is relatively thin. Hence, installers can use mock shade tubes to
`
`perfect the installation, then order shades to match the tube length. Once the shades arrive, the mock
`
`tubes are removed from the motor, the motor and idler are installed in the shade, and the
`
`installation completed.
`
`7
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`CLAIMS
`
`1. A fastening device for mounting a roller window shade comprising
`
`a mounting plate having one side adapted to bear against a flat surface and second side
`
`opposite the first side having peg projecting therefrom, and two apertures configured to receive
`
`fastening means for securing the mounting plate disposed on either side of the peg, and wherein the
`
`peg has a screw bore extending through the peg for receiving a set screw, wherein the screw bore
`
`has an internally threaded surface;
`
`a bracket having one end adapted to bear against a flat surface, the bracket configured to fit
`
`over the mounting plate and receive the peg, the bracket having a screw bore extending
`
`therethrough for receiving a set screw; and
`
`optionally, a set screw having a length equal to or less than the width of the bracket;
`
`wherein the bracket and mounting plate are configured such that when the bracket is fitted
`
`over the mounting plate, the screw bores of the mounting plate peg and bracket are aligned to
`
`receive a set screw; and
`
`wherein the mounting plate and bracket are configured such that when the mounting plate
`
`abuts a flat surface and bracket is placed over the mounting plate, the bracket obscures the view of
`
`the mounting plate.
`
`2. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the bracket has a receiving portion configured to receive
`
`an idler pin of a motorized shade tube.
`
`3. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the bracket has a key portion configured to engage a
`
`key of a motorized shade tube.
`
`4. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the bracket has a tube-receiving bore extending
`
`therethrough, configured to receive one end of each of two shade tubes.
`
`5. The fastening device of claim 4, wherein the tube-receiving bore further comprises a bearing.
`
`6. The fastening device of claim 1, further comprising two screws configured to secure the
`
`mounting plate against a flat surface.
`
`8
`
`

`

`Attomey Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`7. A fastening device system for mounting a roller window shade comprising:
`
`two disk-shaped mounting brackets, each having one side configured to bear against a flat surface
`
`and one side having a projection configured to hold an end of a tube shade,
`
`wherein each ofthe mounting brackets has two recessed apertures therethrough constructed and
`
`arranged to receive means to secure the mounting bracket to a flat surface;
`
`wherein, in use, the outer circumferences of each disk-shaped mounting bracket is visible and the
`
`fastening means is obscured by the bracket.
`
`8. The fastening device system of claim 7, wherein the projection of at least one ofthe mounting
`
`brackets is configured as a key to engage a tube shade clutch or tube shade motor.
`
`9. The fastening device of claim 7, wherein the projection of at least one the mounting brackets is
`
`configured to receive a tube shade pin or a motorized tube shade idler pin.
`
`I 0. The fastening device system of claim 7, 8 or 9, adapted to mount more than one window shade
`
`by further including the fastening device of claim 4 or claim 5.
`
`11. A system for mounting at least two window shades, one of which is motorized, comprising the
`
`fastening devices of claims 2, 3 and 4.
`
`12. A fastening device for mounting a roller window shade comprising
`
`a mounting plate having one side adapted to bear against a flat surface and second side
`
`opposite the first side having projection therefrom, and two apertures configured to receive
`
`fastening means for securing the mounting plate to a flat surface, and wherein the projection is
`
`configured to insert into a bracket and receive a connecting means;
`
`a bracket having one end adapted to bear against a flat surface, the bracket configured to fit
`
`over the mounting plate and receive the projection from the mounting plate, the bracket further
`
`having an aperture for receiving a connecting means;
`
`wherein, in use, a connecting means connects the bracket to the mounting plate;
`
`9
`
`

`

`wherein the mounting plate and bracket are configured such that when the mounting plate
`
`abuts a flat surface and bracket is placed over the mounting plate, the bracket obscures the view of
`
`the mounting plate.
`
`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`13. The fastening device of claim 12, further comprising connecting means for connecting the
`
`bracket to the mounting plate.
`
`14. The fastening device of claim 12, wherein the mounting plate projection is a pin configured to
`
`receive a cam connecting means.
`
`15. The fastening device of claim 12, wherein the mounting plate projection is configured to receive
`
`a screw connecting means.
`
`16. The fastening device of any one of claims 12-15, wherein at least one bracket is configured to
`
`key a shade tube.
`
`17. The fastening device of any one of claims 12-15, wherein at least one bracket is configured to
`
`receive a pin from a shade tube.
`
`18. The fastening device of any one of claims 12-15, wherein at least one bracket is configured to
`
`receive the one end of each of two opposing tube shades.
`
`19. A system for mounting at least two window shades, one of which is motorized, comprising the
`
`fastening devices of claims 16, 17, and 18.
`
`10
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1099
`1~
`
`Fig. 1
`
`13
`Fig. 2
`
`11
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 649634099
`
`
`
`Fig. 4
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`Atmmey Docket No. 64963~ § 099
`
`wigssti;%,ii§é
`
` §
`
`§
`
`e
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig? 7C
`
`Fig. 713
`MMW/Mgmwwwmwmmwwwwj
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 64963—1099
`
`
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`Attorney Docket No. 64963-1099
`
`
`
`16
`
`16
`
`