Modular bracket system for window treatment

Abstract

A bracket system for window dressing includes two brackets configured to be attached to an architectural member, such as a window well, a wall or a ceiling and receive the ends of window dressings. The brackets have edges adapted to receive a fascia designed to hide the window dressing. Preferably, the fascia has a front wall designed to snap onto the brackets and is sized so that it extends above the brackets to provide a neater and cleaner look. The fascia may be L-shaped with a vertical and a horizontal member and the brackets may be configured so that the horizontal member attaches either to the top or to the bottom of the brackets.

1 . A bracket system for mounting one of a first and a second window dressing on an architectural surface, said first window dressing terminating with a least a respective first end having a first configuration, said second window dressing terminating with a least a respective first end having a second configuration, said bracket system comprising:
 a bracket arranged and constructed to be mounted on the architectural surface, and having each having a base that is oriented substantially vertically when mounted;   a first plate sized and shaped for selective attachment to said bracket, said first plate being adapted to receive said first end with said first configuration; and   a second plate sized and shaped for selective attachment to said bracket, said second plate being adapted to receive said first end with said second configuration; wherein said bracket is adapted to support said first window dressing when said first plate is attached to said bracket, and   wherein said bracket is adapted to support said second window dressing when said second plate is attached to said bracket.   
     
     
         2 . The bracket system of  claim 1  wherein said bracket includes two side panels disposed in parallel to each other and said plates are formed with a dimension larger than a distance between said side panels, each of said plates forming an interference fit with said side panels when inserted between said side panels. 
     
     
         3 . The bracket system of  claim 2  wherein each said plate includes a flat portion essentially parallel to said base when the respective plate is attached to said bracket. 
     
     
         4 . The bracket system of  claim 1  wherein each plate is formed with an aperture having a size and shape selected to receive the respective first end. 
     
     
         5 . The bracket system of  claim 4  wherein each plate has a respective flat section with said respective aperture. 
     
     
         6 . The bracket system of  claim 1  wherein only one of said plates fit into said bracket at a time. 
     
     
         7 . The bracket system of  claim 6  wherein each said plate forms an interference fit with said bracket. 
     
     
         8 . A bracket system for supporting an end of window dressings, the end having one of a first and a second configuration, comprising:
 a bracket having a base;   a first plate including a plate element adapted to engage the end having said first configuration; and   a second plate having another plate element to engage the end having said second configuration;   wherein said first plate is inserted into said bracket to support window dressings having ends with said first configuration; and   wherein said second plate is inserted into said bracket to support window dressings having ends with said second configuration.   
     
     
         9 . The bracket system of  claim 8  wherein said bracket includes a plurality of lateral panels disposed at a panel distance from each other, said plates having a dimension larger than said panel distance for selectively engaging said lateral walls and forming an interference therewith thereby attaching the plate to the bracket. 
     
     
         10 . The bracket system of  claim 9  wherein the respective plate is permanently attached to said bracket. 
     
     
         11 . The bracket system of  claim 8  further comprising an adapter selectively attached to one of said plate, said adapter being configured to engage a window dressing end having a configuration incompatible with said plate. 
     
     
         12 . A method of customizing a bracket system for a window dressing having an end formed in one of several end configurations, comprising the steps of:
 providing two identical brackets having a flat base;   selecting a first plate compatible with one end configuration;   attaching said first plate to one of said brackets;   selecting a second plate compatible with another end configuration; and   installing said second plate into the other bracket.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising selecting an adapter if one of said plates is not compatible with one of said end configurations, said adapter being compatible and attaching said adapter to one of said first and second plates. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said plates are press fit into said respective brackets.