Compression mount for window coverings

Abstract

A compression mount assembly is provided for securing a window covering to a window frame by compression forces between vertical sides of the window frame on opposite sides of the window. A housing is coupled to the window covering and a slide translates linearly within a cavity in the housing away from the housing to abut the side of the window frame. A driver, such as a spring, is located between the slide and the housing to urge the slide away from the housing. A trigger is provided which holds the slide adjacent the housing, until the trigger is activated by pushing a button to release the slide from the housing and allow the slide to translate away from the housing. A fixed end cap is provided for an end of the window covering opposite the compression mount assembly and for abutting against an opposite side of the window frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for mounting a window covering to a window frame, including the steps of:
 placing a compression mount assembly adjacent at least one end of a top rail of the window covering, the compression mount assembly having a housing with a cavity therein, the housing adapted to be coupled to an end of the top rail of the window covering, a slide sized to fit within the cavity and adapted to translate within the cavity, the slide having an inner side opposite an outer side with the inner side located within the cavity, the outer side adapted to abut a side of a window frame, a driver located between the housing and the slide, the driver adapted to apply a force tending to push the slide out of the cavity;   pushing the slide into the cavity of the housing so that a length of the top rail and the compression mount assembly is at least as small as a width of the window frame;   locating the top rail where desired for mounting adjacent the window frame;   allowing the driver to push the slide out of the housing partially and at least indirectly into contact with the window frame for mounting the window covering to the window frame; and   wherein said placing step is preceded by the step of cutting the top rail to a length between ends of the top rail similar to a width of the window frame, minus a clearance amount.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said allowing step includes the slide contacting the window frame indirectly through a cap on an end of the slide opposite the inner side. 
     
     
         3 . A method for mounting a window covering to a window frame, including the steps of:
 placing a compression mount assembly adjacent at least one end of a top rail of the window covering, the compression mount assembly having a housing with a cavity therein, the housing adapted to be coupled to an end of the top rail of the window covering, a slide sized to fit within the cavity and adapted to translate within the cavity, the slide having an inner side opposite an outer side with the inner side located within the cavity, the outer side adapted to abut a side of a window frame, a driver located between the housing and the slide, the driver adapted to apply a force tending to push the slide out of the cavity;   pushing the slide into the cavity of the housing so that a length of the top rail and the compression mount assembly is at least as small as a width of the window frame;   locating the top rail where desired for mounting adjacent the window frame;   allowing the driver to push the slide out of the housing partially and at least indirectly into contact with the window frame for mounting the window covering to the window frame; and   wherein said placing step includes the step of sliding the compression mount assembly into an end of a tube forming the top rail.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said allowing step includes the slide contacting the window frame indirectly through a cap on an end of the slide opposite the inner side. 
     
     
         5 . A method for mounting a window covering to a window frame, including the steps of:
 placing a compression mount assembly adjacent at least one end of a top rail of the window covering, the compression mount assembly having a housing with a cavity therein, the housing adapted to be coupled to an end of the top rail of the window covering, a slide sized to fit within the cavity and adapted to translate within the cavity, the slide having an inner side opposite an outer side with the inner side located within the cavity, the outer side adapted to abut a side of a window frame, a driver located between the housing and the slide, the driver adapted to apply a force tending to push the slide out of the cavity;   pushing the slide into the cavity of the housing so that a length of the top rail and the compression mount assembly is at least as small as a width of the window frame;   locating the top rail where desired for mounting adjacent the window frame;   allowing the driver to push the slide out of the housing partially and at least indirectly into contact with the window frame for mounting the window covering to the window frame; and   removing the window covering by urging the top rail toward the window frame which is abutting the slide until the slide is returned into the cavity somewhat.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said allowing step includes the slide contacting the window frame indirectly through a cap on an end of the slide opposite the inner side. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  including the further step of repositioning the window covering by repeating said placing step, said pushing step, said locating step and said allowing step.