1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to merchandising of curtain rods and more particularly to a hanger for mounting a curtain rod on a conventional display of the type consisting of one or more horizontally extending prongs.
2. Description of Prior Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
Curtain rods of various types, such as those consisting of a cylindrical shaft of fixed length made of wood or metal, and two-section metal tension rods of adjustable length, are well known in the art. They are utilized for various purposes, such as supporting clothes hangers in closets, hanging window treatments of a variety of different kinds adjacent window frames, as well as for suspending shower curtains and shower curtain liners within bathtub enclosures. Fixed length curtain rods are available with plain ends designed to be supported by brackets fixed to walls. Variable length tension rods are provided with pressure pads or suction cups designed to be situated between opposing vertical surfaces. Often, the curtain rods are available with enlarged decorative ends, known as finials. The finials may carry the pressure pads or suction cups when used on tension rods.
Because such curtain rods are by nature long and narrow, they are difficult to display in a satisfactory manner at retail. They may be arranged upright in some sort of an open container on the store floor or may be placed horizontally on a rack or shelf. However, neither of those options is considered to be optimum from a merchandising point of view.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inexpensive and reusable display hanger designed to releasably engage the end of a curtain rod and to suspend the curtain rod from a conventional single or double prong display bracket in a manner which makes it easy for a potential consumer to examine and choose a curtain rod for purchase.
The hanger of the present invention includes two parts. The first part takes the form of a collar made of resilient material such as plastic that can releasably engage the curtain rod in a “snap-fit†fashion proximate the end thereof. The second part includes two spaced openings, one to receive the curtain rod end and the other capable of receiving one or two prongs from a conventional display bracket. To insure that the hanger will not accidentally dislodge from the display as it swings, the parts are pivotally connected together.
It is, therefore, a prime object of the present invention to provide a display hanger for merchandising curtain rods at retail.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a display hanger for a curtain rod which can be used with single or double prong display brackets.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a display hanger for a curtain rod which permits the rod to pivot relative to the display bracket.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a display hanger for a curtain rod that is inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a display hanger for a curtain rod that is esthetically pleasing.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a display hanger for a curtain rod that can be used with curtain rods having ends with finials or irregular shapes.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a display hanger for a curtain rod that is reusable.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a hanger is provided for mounting a curtain rod on a display prong. The curtain rod has an end. The hanger includes a body and means connected to the body for engaging the rod. The body has a first opening adapted to receive the curtain rod end and a second opening adapted to be engaged by a prong of the display, to mount the curtain rod on the display.
The first opening is spaced from the second opening.
The curtain rod end may include a part, such as a finial, with an exterior surface having a contour. The first opening has a shape substantially corresponding to that contour.
The hanger includes means for connecting the body and the rod engaging means. Preferably, those means are pivotal connecting means.
The rod engaging means preferably takes the form of means for releasably engaging the cylindrical portion of the rod. It preferably includes a collar. The collar is formed of resilient plastic and comprises an arcuate member with spaced ends.
The second opening includes at least one recess. The prong of the display is adapted to be received in the recess. Preferably more than one recess is provided to accommodate displays with two spaced prongs. Most preferably, three recesses are provided such that single prong and double prong displays can be accommodated.
The hanger is preferably made of plastic.
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