FORMING CURTAINS

Abstract

A curtain system is assembled from a plurality of flexible curtain segments each having a length, and a width substantially shorter than the length. The segments are connected to a bar shaped light transmissive curtain segment carrier having an elongate body through which is formed a plurality of apertures, a plurality of the apertures spaced relative to each other and sized to frictionally retain, without a fastener, a gathered width of a curtain segment with sufficient force to prevent passage of the curtain segment through the aperture due to gravity.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of related U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/728,120, filed Nov. 19, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to flexible curtains, dividers, or partitions, and more particularly to suspended fabric curtains.

BACKGROUND

Curtains or drapes are large panels of material, typically cloth or fabric, which may be hung to block or deter passage of light, wind, precipitation, heat or sound for example. A variety of curtain styles are available depending on the setting and required function of the curtain such as flat panel, tab top, grommet, sash, and thermal curtains. Hanging curtains often require custom fitting, requiring extensive measurements as well as ordering custom built fixtures in order to support the curtains. Even with pre-made standard sizes, the hanging of curtains can take a significant amount of time and labor. Fixtures for hanging curtains are available in a variety of styles ranging from simple adjustable rods, such as those commonly found in bathrooms, to substantially more complex and ornate devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a curtain system, comprises a plurality of flexible curtain segments each having a length, and a width substantially shorter than the length; and a curtain segment carrier having an elongate body through which is formed a plurality of apertures, a plurality of the apertures spaced relative to each other and sized to frictionally retain a gathered width of a curtain segment with sufficient force to prevent passage of the curtain segment through the aperture due to gravity.

In various embodiments thereof, the carrier is an elongate bar, and the plurality of apertures are linearly aligned; the curtain system further includes a hanger connectable to the carrier, the hanger configured to connect to a structure when the curtain system is installed upon the structure; the carrier is connectable to an aperture of the carrier; the spaced apertures are circular or oval and have a width substantially less than a width of a curtain segment; the carrier is flexible and can be bent to conform to a desired non-linear configuration; the carrier is one of partially opaque or transparent, and transmits light; the curtain segments transmit light; and the curtain system further includes at least one clip attachable to a curtain segment proximate an aperture through which the curtain segment is passed, to further secure the curtain segment within the aperture.

In yet further embodiments thereof, the curtain system further includes a light connected to the carrier, the light positioned to transmit light through the carrier; curtain segments are retained by the carrier without a requirement of a fastener; the carrier is fabricated with a resilient material; the curtain system further includes a resilient material disposed within one or more apertures; the curtain system further includes a clip connected to at least one curtain segment, the clip configured to spread material of the curtain segment proximate an aperture through which the curtain segment is passed; the carrier is formed into a ring shape; the carrier is bent sideways to form a curved shape; the curtain system further includes at least one slot, each of the at least one slot forming an opening extending from within an aperture to an exterior of the carrier, whereby a curtain segment is passable into the aperture through the slot; and the at least one slot is wedge shaped.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, a curtain system comprises a plurality of flexible curtain segments each having a length, and a width substantially shorter than the length;

• • a bar shaped light transmissive curtain segment carrier having an elongate body through which is formed a plurality of apertures, a plurality of the apertures spaced relative to each other and sized to frictionally retain, without a fastener, a gathered width of a curtain segment with sufficient force to prevent passage of the curtain segment through the aperture due to gravity.

A method of the disclosure of forming a curtain comprises connecting a bar shaped curtain segment carrier having an elongate body through which is formed a plurality of apertures, a plurality of the apertures spaced relative to each other, to a supporting structure; and gathering and passing a plurality of flexible curtain segment each into an apertures, the apertures sized to frictionally retain, without a fastener, the gathered width of a curtain segment with sufficient force to prevent passage of the curtain segment through the aperture due to gravity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a curtain system in accordance with the disclosure, without curtain segments present;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the curtain system of FIG. 1, with curtain segments, light sources, and hangers present;

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-section view of the curtain system of FIG. 1, taken along line A-A;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the curtain system of FIG. 1 including additional securing members;

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a planar ring shaped embodiment of a curtain system in accordance with the disclosure, showing a single curtain segment installed;

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a sideways ring-shaped embodiment of a curtain system in accordance with the disclosure, showing a single curtain segment installed;

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a segment of a curtain system of the disclosure, showing a flexible carrier supporting curtain segments;

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of an angled carrier section, in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 9 depicts the carrier section of FIG. 8, further including supporting tabs and an alternative aperture configuration;

FIG. 10 depicts a curtain system of the disclosure, including a plurality of curtain segments forming a curtain section, the system installed within a large structure; and

FIG. 11 depicts a carrier of the disclosure, provided with wedge shaped slots through which curtain segments may be passed to be installed within the carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that the systems and methods described below can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present subject matter in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the concepts.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as “connected,” although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

A curtain hanging system of the disclosure includes a plurality of curtain segments, a carrier having a plurality of apertures through the carrier, at least one curtain segment receivable through each aperture, each aperture configured to hold the received curtain from a frictional force between the wall of the aperture and the outward pressure of a gathered or bunched curtain segment, and a hanger attachable to the carrier for securing the carrier to a surface. A method of hanging curtains is further described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a curtain system 100 includes a series of elongate curtain segments 110, a carrier 120, and a hanger 130. Included in carrier 120 is a series of apertures 122 pre-drilled, molded, cast, or otherwise formed within carrier 120. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, carrier 120 is a sturdy and elongate support having a plurality of apertures 122 disposed in a spaced apart configuration, for example in a substantially spaced apart linear arrangement. Apertures 122 are sized to receive an end of curtain segment 110 therethrough. Intervals between apertures 122 are illustrated as substantially constant throughout carrier 120, however it should be appreciated the distance between apertures 122 may also have variable spacing, or may be formed in patterns or groups.

Aperture 122 is sized relative to a curtain segment 110, or vice versa, so that when curtain segment 110 is bunched or gathered along its width, to form a bundle having a predetermined thickness, segment 110 may be passed through aperture 122 and then be permitted to expand and frictionally engage carrier 120 within aperture 122, to be thereby retained within aperture 122. Curtain segment 120 is further secured by expanding to a width greater in size than aperture 122 both above and below carrier 120, whereby a force is required to displace segment 110 relative to carrier 120. Some curtain segment 110 material may exhibit resiliency when bunched, thereby exerting additional force against interior walls 176 of aperture 122 when gathered and compressed within aperture 122. Similarly, aperture 122 can include a resilient material 178, as illustrated for aperture 122A of FIG. 6. Alternatively or additionally, carrier 120 can be composed of a resilient material.

Thus, in accordance with the disclosure, curtain segments 110, and therefore an entire curtain section 160, can be supported by the carrier without a fastener. Accordingly, no pins, hooks, links, clips, snaps or other such discrete fastener is required in order to attach and suspend segments 110 to carrier 120. While clips can be used within system 100, as described herein, they are not required in order to carry out a curtain system of the disclosure.

Carrier 120 may be constructed or molded from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, glass, cement, wood, acrylic, and composite materials. The materials of carrier 120, in some embodiments, may be opaque, semi-opaque, semi-transparent, or at least substantially transparent in order to facilitate a particular desired illumination effect by transmitting light therethrough, and/or along its length. Exemplary lighting is shown in FIG. 1, including any or all of a lighting element 124 disposed above one or more of curtain segments 110, or disposed within (124A), partially within, or disposed upon (124B) a surface of carrier 120. Lighting element 124 may be fastened to support 120, or may be supported on another structure. Each lighting element 124/124A/124B may be individually filtered to provide variable colored lighting in order to create an aesthetic or functional illumination effect.

Curtain segments 110, depending on the selected fabric, may conduct or further transmit illumination provided by lighting element 124. It should be understood that curtain segment 110 may be made, constructed, or woven from any known or to be developed fabric or material suitable for creating curtains, partitions, or other hanging dividers. In many locales, the fabric or material must be fire retardant. Lights of same or varied color can be positioned to shine through or along carrier 120 and curtain segments 110, to produce decorative or entertaining lighting effects.

Hanger 130 is provided for affixing carrier 120 to a surface 132, for example a surface of a building or temporary edifice. In the illustrated embodiment, carrier 130 is a clip or fastener attachable to an end aperture 122 at a first end of hanger 130 and securable to surface 132 at a second end of hanger 130. Hanger 130 may be made from the same or different material as carrier 120. Hanger 130 may also be attached to carrier 120 at areas separate from, or cooperative with aperture 122. For example, hanger 130 may include two opposing surfaces for interposing carrier 120 therebetween. Hanger 130 also may include an adhesive material for securing hanger 130 to carrier 120, surface 132, or both.

In addition to hanger 130, carrier 120 may be further held at a height or distance from support 120 through strings, rods, wires, or brackets, and can be used in combination with a pulley system (not shown) attached to carrier 120. The pulley system can be attached to an aperture 122, or another location upon support 120, to facilitate hanging carrier 120 from a ceiling or other surface 132 which is difficult to access. A thin wire support system can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, while enabling movement of carrier 120, such as rotation of the embodiment of FIG. 5, depending on the positioning of the wire system.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, curtain segment 110 is held within aperture 122 by frictional forces alone from at least a portion of the walls of aperture 122. The opening to aperture 122 is sufficiently wide to receive an end of curtain segment 110 through the aperture, while sufficiently narrow to assert frictional contact against curtain 122, thereby pinching or pressing the curtain within aperture 122 in order to maintain its position. Aperture 122 may be substantially cylindrical, or may have an oval, polygonal, triangular, star shaped, rectangular, or any other shape. As a result of the frictional force applied from a sufficiently narrow diameter of aperture 122, curtain segment 110 has a bunching effect immediately proximate the ends of aperture 122 exterior of carrier 120. This bunching effect permits a splaying of the curtain, resulting in both an effective partition as well as an ornamental effect. The splaying effect may be further adjusted by providing apertures 122 in any of the aforementioned variety of shapes, in addition to or in the alternative to the circular shape illustrated. Additional shapes of apertures 122 further adjust the aperture wall surface area contacting curtain segment 110, thereby varying the frictional forces applied to curtain segment 110. It should be understood that carrier 120 may have apertures of 122 of a single shape or a variety of shapes.

While a relatively short amount of curtain segment 110 has been pulled through aperture 122 relative to a total length of curtain segment 110, in the drawings, a relatively shorter or substantially longer segment may be pulled through in a desired application. Moreover, a length may be passed through an aperture 122 of one carrier 120, and then passed through another aperture 122 of another carrier 120, creating a wider variety of decorative effects or providing additional screening, protection, privacy, or other utility.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, one or more apertures 122 may further include at least one constricting device, such as a reducing washer 126, or clip 126A (collectively clip 126), positioned proximate an aperture 122 for clipping or pinching a received curtain segment 110. Clip 126 permits curtain segments 110 formed from material less susceptible to retention by the frictional forces of aperture 122, such as slippery material or curtains formed from less dense material than would otherwise be tightly gathered by aperture 122, to be adequately secured or maintained within aperture 122 by support 120. Although shown above support 120, clip 126 can be provided at a bottom surface of carrier 120, clip 126 supported within aperture 126 or otherwise fastened to support 120. In this manner, clip 126 may also be used for further adjusting the direction, shape, or profile of the hanging portion of curtain segment 110. The leftmost curtain is illustrated with a wavy broken line to emphasize that curtain segments 110 can be of any length.

With reference to FIGS. 5-7, it may be seen that carrier 120 may be fabricated using a flexible or non-rigid material, and can be bent to assume various non-linear forms using flexible material, or may be fabricated in such non-linear shapes using rigid material. As can be seen in FIG. 5, carrier 120 forms a flat ring shape. Only a single curtain segment 110 is illustrated, for clarity; it should be understood that any number of apertures 122 can be provided with a curtain segment 110.

In FIG. 6, carrier 120 is an elongated element turned sideways relative to the earth and bent into an enclosed ring shape form, although semi-circular or non-closed configurations can be similarly formed. As in FIG. 5, only a single curtain segment 110 is shown, with the protruding portion 110A extending through aperture 122 at a like sideways angle, at least initially. The carrier 120 of this embodiment may be hung from a wire or other suspension or affixing system. In an embodiment, the embodiment of FIG. 6 can be suspended from a pivoting, rotatable, or twistable member, thereby permitting rotation and other movements of carrier 120 and received curtain segments 110, thus providing other functional and aesthetic effects, as described further herein. Examples of usage include, for example, a ring shape, such as shown, encircling a pillar or other such non-moveable object, or a semi-circle, suspended behind a chair, desk, or displayed object.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flexible carrier bent to form portions which can be affixed to rest at varying elevations, thus permitting hanging of received curtain segments 110 at a variety of elevations. This can be effective over or adjacent to ramps, stairs, stages, and other uneven surfaces.

In FIG. 8, carrier 120 bent, stamped, cut, or otherwise formed to define an angle which is adapted to be placed within a corner, or to form a corner of a partition, using suspended curtain segments 110. It should be understood that a variety of angles, formations, arrangements, and designs are contemplated by forming carrier 120 with flexible and or rigid material in any combination of the embodiments described herein. For example, an angular carrier 120 segment, similar to that of FIG. 8 or 9, may be formed by bending a section of carrier 120 sideways, as shown and described with respect to FIG. 5.

In an embodiment, once carrier 120 is formed into a desired design, shape, or pattern, flexible carrier 120 may be then hardened, through known or to be developed hardening methods, for example UV curing, in order to transform a flexible carrier 120 into a rigid carrier 120, having a non-linear arrangement. Alternatively, carrier 120 may be flexible or bendable in order to permit a user to manipulate or bend carrier 120 as desired when installing curtain system 100, and the shape maintain by fastening carrier to a supporting structure in the desired configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates a carrier 120 similar to the carrier of FIG. 8, and further including fastener clips or tabs 134 connected to or extending from carrier 120. Tab 134A includes a mounting aperture 136 within tab 134A, through which a screw, bolt, wire, clip, tie-wrap, or other fastener may be passed to secure carrier to an available support structure, or to another carrier 120. Tab 134B is provided with an aperture 122 which can be used for mounting, or alternatively for receiving a curtain segment 100 as described herein. As may be seen in FIG. 9, apertures 122 do not need to be the same size, enabling artistic or decorative effects using a mix of curtain fabrics. In an embodiment, carrier 120 may be provided without apertures 122, there being provided apertures 122 only upon tabs 134. Alternatively, as shown, apertures can be provided on carrier 120 so that a combination of apertures 122 on carrier 120 and fasteners 134 can be used to hang curtains segments 110. A carrier 120 can include apertures 122 of different size as well as mounting apertures 136.

Curtain system 100 as described herein may be used in a variety of industries and applications including, for example, party events; entertainment events and venues; window coverings and room separations in buildings and homes; architectural applications; manufacturing barriers; welding protection; and privacy and health barriers in medical applications. System 100 may also be utilized in decoration of both interior and exterior settings. Non-limiting examples are shown in FIGS. 8-28.

With reference to FIG. 10, an exemplary installation of a curtain system 100 of the disclosure is shown within a building 158, for example within a warehouse, office, living room, bedroom, or other dwelling or structure. Curtain segments 110 form an extended curtain section 160. In this manner, an area can be quickly decorated, or an unfinished or undecorated space can be rendered attractive or suitable for a variety of uses. Access to a door 162 or other object can be facilitated by retracting one or more curtain segments 110, and retaining the retracted segments with a binder 164, for example a loop of fabric similar to that of curtain segments 110.

A wire, rod, or other elongated support 170 can be attached at one end to building 158, for example to a ceiling or other structure of building 158, and the other end can be connected to carrier 120, for example through one or more of aperture 120 or mounting aperture 136, or passed about an exterior of carrier 120. Alternatively or additionally, one or more mounting brackets, for example an L-bracket 172, can be attached to a surface of building 158, and can be directly connected to carrier 120, for example with a nut and bolt, or can be attached to carrier 120 using a wire, rod, or other elongated fastener.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment of a carrier 120 includes a notch or slot 180 extends from an interior of an aperture 122 to an exterior of carrier 120. In this manner, a curtain segment 110 can be inserted into an interior of aperture 122 through slot 180 sideways, as opposed to endwise as with a closed aperture, and may thus be inserted along any portion of its length. Once inserted, curtain segment 110 is frictionally secured as described elsewhere herein.

Slot 180 is illustrated to be sufficiently wide to readily and rapidly admit passage of curtain segment 110 material or fabric, in at least a partially bunched, wadded, or gathered state, and is wedge shaped to gather and compress the material so that it may enter aperture 122 and then re-expand to be retained within aperture 122 with a predetermined force. Slot 180 can be wedge shaped, as shown, or can be rectilinear, or have any other shape. Further, a wider slot can facilitate entry of curtain segment 110, but where the slot intersects aperture 122, some gripping force is lost. Thus, a compromise between ease of insertion and holding force can be determined based upon the materials used and the relative thickness and frictional characteristics of the material of curtain segment 110, and the thickness and frictional characteristics of carrier 120. In an embodiment, slot 180 can approximate the width of a flattened panel of the material of curtain segment 110, and thus material of curtain segment 110 must be inserted serially in a flattened state, without bunching.

The system according to the present disclosure provides a curtain for privacy, decoration, or protection, that is relatively quick and easy to install relative to the prior art, and which can be simply configured and reconfigured at the installation location. Further, as the system according to the present disclosure can rely on friction to secure a curtain segment, a safety release feature is provided. Specifically, if a curtain becomes caught or tangled with a person or an object, the friction curtain segment mounting force can be overcome (before failure of the curtain material and/or failure of the carrier) so that the curtain falls harmlessly. With prior art systems, in which the curtain is more fixedly attached to its mounting hardware, there is a greater possibility for injury, for example entanglement, tripping, or other hazard which could otherwise be avoided by removing one or more segments 110 in accordance with the disclosure.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. There are many different features to the present disclosure and it is contemplated that these features may be used together or separately. Thus, the disclosure should not be limited to any particular combination of features or to a particular application of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure might occur to those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure are to be included as further embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A curtain system, comprising:

a plurality of flexible curtain segments each having a length, and a width substantially shorter than the length; and

a curtain segment carrier having an elongate body through which is formed a plurality of apertures, a plurality of the apertures spaced relative to each other and sized to frictionally retain a gathered width of a curtain segment with sufficient force to prevent passage of the curtain segment through the aperture due to gravity.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier is an elongate bar, and the plurality of apertures are linearly aligned.

3. The system of claim 2, further including a hanger connectable to the carrier, the hanger configured to connect to a structure when the curtain system is installed upon the structure.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the carrier is connectable to an aperture of the carrier.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the spaced apertures are circular or oval and have a width substantially less than a width of a curtain segment.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier is flexible and can be bent to conform to a desired non-linear configuration.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier is one of partially opaque or transparent, and transmits light.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the curtain segments transmit light.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one clip attachable to a curtain segment proximate an aperture through which the curtain segment is passed, to further secure the curtain segment within the aperture.

10. The system of claim 1, further including a light connected to the carrier, the light positioned to transmit light through the carrier.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein curtain segments are retained by the carrier without a requirement of a fastener.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier is fabricated with a resilient material.

13. The system of claim 1, further including a resilient material disposed within one or more apertures.

14. The system of claim 1, further including a clip connected to at least one curtain segment, the clip configured to spread material of the curtain segment proximate an aperture through which the curtain segment is passed.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier is formed into a ring shape.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier is bent sideways to form a curved shape.

17. A curtain system, comprising:

a plurality of flexible curtain segments each having a length, and a width substantially shorter than the length; and

a bar shaped light transmissive curtain segment carrier having an elongate body through which is formed a plurality of apertures, a plurality of the apertures spaced relative to each other and sized to frictionally retain, without a fastener, a gathered width of a curtain segment with sufficient force to prevent passage of the curtain segment through the aperture due to gravity.

18. A method of forming a curtain, comprising:

connecting a bar shaped curtain segment carrier having an elongate body through which is formed a plurality of apertures, a plurality of the apertures spaced relative to each other, to a supporting structure; and

gathering and passing a plurality of flexible curtain segment each into an apertures, the apertures sized to frictionally retain, without a fastener, the gathered width of a curtain segment with sufficient force to prevent passage of the curtain segment through the aperture due to gravity.