DRAPERY HARDWARE
Drapery hardware wherein a slider (10) is adapted for sliding movement in a track (11) of a curtain pole (12). The slider includes a clip or cradle (18) for attachment to an eyelet ring (M) of a curtain for the purposes of creating a smoother drawing action of the curtain.
The present invention relates to drapery hardware, particularly improvements in the hanging of curtains hung on a pole threaded through a series of eyelets.
BACKGROUND ARTThere are many methods for hanging curtains on a pole or track. One such method, with a particularly distinctive style, is to form holes at an upper edge of the curtain, usually with a series of metallic rings which provide eyelets through which a pole can be threaded.
A problem with these existing curtain eyelet designs is that the curtains do not necessarily pleat uniformly or smoothly on the pole. Friction between the metal ring and the curtain pole can inhibit drawing of the curtains which is often performed by a user at a much lower level than the curtains are actually hung, i.e. ground level compared to adjacent a ceiling where the pole is situated. This can result in frustration at tugging the curtains to an open or closed drawn position.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention seeks to overcome problems in the prior art by generally improving “drawability” of a curtain, i.e. to make the action as smooth as possible.
In one broad aspect of the invention there is provided a slider adapted for sliding movement in a track of a curtain pole capable of supporting an eyelet or ring of a curtain and maintaining the eyelet or ring at a distance from the pole.
In this way any friction between the material of the eyelet/ring against the curtain pole is avoided because the slider prevents direct contact. The term “at a distance” can be interpreted as any position where the substantive ring or eyelet is kept generally out of contact with the substantive pole, i.e. there is a space preventing substantive contact, except via the slider.
The slider preferably includes an attachment element for attachment to an eyelet of a curtain.
In a preferred form the attachment element is a cradle, clip or other suitable means to releasably connect with a curtain eyelet. The slider may further include a collar for contact with the surface of the track.
In a modification of the invention the slider is integrally formed with the eyelet to be incorporated into the curtain.
Preferably the slider is in the form of or is able to slide by virtue of a peg extending normal to the eyelet which is adapted for sliding movement in the track. The peg can extend from the collar.
Preferably the slider includes a flange, extension or carriage which prevents withdrawal of the peg from the track. The flanges may extend from opposing sides such that the slider can be inserted into the track in one orientation and then twisted to prevent withdrawal in a second, offset, orientation. In one form the flanges extend in the opposite plane to the U-shaped cradle.
In an alternate form the peg is of sufficient length to be held in place in the track by the dimensions of the eyelet. In other words, the eyelet surrounds the pole with a greater diameter than the pole and the peg extends into the track to a distance that is approximately the same or greater than the difference between the respective eyelet and pole diameters. In this form it is likely that the sliders will be threaded onto the track whereas, in the form where extensions are provided, sliders can be added to the track in situ.
Preferably the slider includes a receiving means (e.g. notch or clip) for a bead cord that operates as a spacing means between eyelets, i.e. to set a maximum extension between the pleats of a curtain.
The slider of the invention can be utilised with eyelets formed within a curtain or, alternatively, curtain rings from which the curtain hangs. Either arrangement can have problems with drawability which the invention seeks to overcome.
Referring to
Track 11 preferably includes opposing ridges or shelves 14 that divide upper 15 and lower 16 cavities with a through-channel 17 communicating therebetween.
Features of a first slider 10a are best shown by
A second slider 10b shown in
Each slider 10a and 10b optionally includes a receiving means in the form of a notch 24 to, in use, receive a bead cord 25 of the type illustrated by
As is known in the art, a bead cord 25 is often used to provide a spacing function for pleats on a curtain (or sometimes as a drawstring). In the present invention bead cord 25 is hidden within pole 12 in use and, particularly, upper cavity 15. As such it provides a spacing function but is otherwise invisible to a user when installed.
The advantage of the invention is clear from
In a further embodiment illustrated by
The curtain pole 12 and sliders 10 can be sold separately or as a set ready for installation. As mentioned, the process of drawing the curtain can be automated by motorising the movement of carriage 21 as is generally known in the art. Furthermore, the use of a bead cord 25 or equivalent mechanism provides for a consistent pleat appearance when the curtain is drawn closed over a window or door frame.
Claims
1. A slider adapted for sliding movement in a track of a curtain pole capable of supporting an eyelet or ring of a curtain and maintaining the eyelet or ring at a distance from the pole.
2. The slider of claim 1 wherein the slider includes an attachment element for supporting the eyelet or ring
3. The slider of claim 2 wherein the attachment element is a U-shape cradle or clip to releasably connect with a curtain eyelet.
4. The slider of claim 1 including a contact surface, wider than the track, upon which the slider can slide.
5. The slider of claim 4 wherein the contact surface is a collar.
6. The slider of claim 1 wherein the slider includes a peg extending normal to the eyelet adapted for sliding movement in the track.
7. The slider of claim 6 wherein the peg includes a flange, extension or carriage which prevents withdrawal of the slider from the track.
8. The slider of claim 6 wherein the peg is of sufficient length to be held in place in the track by the dimensions of the eyelet in relation to the pole.
9. The slider of claim 1 including a receiving element for a bead cord that operates as a spacing means between eyelets.
10. A curtain ring or eyelet including an integrally formed slider according to claim 1.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 9, 2009
Publication Date: Sep 22, 2011
Inventor: Ivor Seddon (London)
Application Number: 13/128,482
International Classification: A47H 15/04 (20060101);