Modular Quick Load Curtain System

Abstract

The curtain system may comprise a first portion of a hanger tube that interfaces with a hanger, wherein the hanger interfaces with a guide assembly; a basket that interfaces with a second portion of the hanger tube; and a first portion of a glide that is received into the basket, wherein a second portion of the glide interfaces with a curtain.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/423,565, entitled “Quick Load Curtain System” filed on Nov. 8, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

This application generally relates to curtain supports, and more particularly, to a modular quick load system for supporting curtains in the healthcare industry.

BACKGROUND

Subsequent to the 2020-2022 pandemic, healthcare facilities are often losing money and are typically experiencing severe staffing challenges as well as supply chain challenges. As such, healthcare facilities are usually focused on cutting costs, while maintaining best practices to ensure patient safety.

The curtain is one of the top high-risk touchpoints in the patient zone. However, due to the higher U.S. ceilings in healthcare facilities, cubicle track curtain systems are typically mounted in high locations. The cleaning, maintenance and exchanging of curtains may be very time consuming and dangerous because staff often need to stand on tall ladders and risk injury. Moreover, the use of ladders is typically very time-consuming (e.g., requiring 60+ minutes to exchange), which significantly hampers room turnover time and patient bed availability.

Healthcare facilities are increasingly looking for “no-ladder” curtain exchange solutions that will allow staff to quickly exchange curtains (both periodic as well as isolation room/ISO). An ISO room exchange involves those rooms where a patient has been diagnosed with MRSA, C.diff, VRE, covid-19 etc. After a patient is discharged from an ISO, the healthcare facility typically triggers a “terminal clean” protocol which requires staff to disinfect and scrub down the room, including the removal of any existing curtains. In fact, studies show that if a room is not thoroughly decontaminated following the release of an infectious patient, chances are 95% that the next patient occupying the room will contract that same infection, namely healthcare associated infections/HAIs.

No ladder and recyclable curtain solutions typically provide labor and product cost savings. A “No ladder” solution involves bringing down the curtain from the ceiling so that staff will typically not require a ladder to exchange a curtain anymore. Bringing the curtain down from the ceiling often minimizes labor for facilitating patient room turnover to just a few minutes compared to the previous 60+ minutes.

The current U.S. “no ladder” solutions are typically available in 3 options, wherein each option provides certain benefits. The solution may include suspended drops/rods which fully eliminate the need for ladders. Another solution may include a suspended track which also fully eliminates the need for ladders. A further solution may include a snap mesh. The U.S. code requirements include the top of the curtain starting 18 inches from the ceiling. As such, some healthcare facilities include a snap mesh above the top of the curtain. The snap mesh includes varying heights of mesh that come down from the ceiling with the curtain panel snapping to the bottom of the mesh, such that the curtain panel falls below the mesh. However, the snap mesh solution still requires the use of ladders about every 6-12 months to remove and clean the snap mesh.

Different types of curtains may provide different cost savings. For example, recyclable curtains may provide a 90% savings over fabric curtains. Recyclable curtains eliminate laundering costs and offer “just in time” purchasing to minimize inventory on-hand requirements. Moreover, recyclable curtains may offer a superior, and more hygienic, solution as the curtains are non-porous and made from non-woven polypropylene (the same medical grade material as face masks, medical gowns, surgical drapes, etc.).

The current U.S. “no ladder” solutions have some disadvantages. In particular, the curtains are typically provided in standardized sizes, which are often narrow curtain widths requiring multiple panels to get snapped together. While each curtain panel may be relatively inexpensive, the need for multiple panels to cover an area causes the system to be very expensive. For example, a snap mesh curtain panel may sell for $12 each, but the snap mesh panel may be just 66 inches wide, so 4 panels may be required to fill a typical U.S. 14 feet track resulting in a $48 expense for that track. Additionally, the snap mesh portion to bring the curtain down may cost $1.50 per track. Moreover, the staff having to install 4 separate panels and then snap the panels together (both vertically and horizontally) may be a very inefficient process. Additionally, different size mesh sections may be needed (including different heights or widths), depending on the ceiling height.

The current U.S. rod solution may also have certain disadvantages. A current rod solution may be very expensive (e.g., $90 per curtain panel) and require 10 rods per panel (e.g., $9 per rod). 75% of all U.S. tracks are typically in the range of 14 feet-18 feet and require 3 panels, which translates into 30 rods per track at $270, along with 3 curtain panels at $29 each ($87 total) for an overall total cost of $357 per track. Based on a quarterly periodic curtain exchange and 10% ISO exchanges, a hospital will typically exchange 20 curtains per year. In fact, during the pandemic, the daily ISO exchanges in the U.S. were at 30%+. As a result, a hospital per bed may incur a cost of $580 to maintain these exchanges. Moreover, the rods are often overengineered and frequently require replacement at $90 per curtain panel. Furthermore, these rods can range anywhere from 2 feet-3 feet in height and end up “splaying” at the ceiling, making it almost impossible for hospital staff to operate as they need to be pulled around large curved tracks.

As such, a need exists for a modular curtain system that replaces the use of the mesh and allows more flexibility with the curtain products.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a curtain system may comprise a first portion of a hanger tube that interfaces with a hanger, wherein the hanger interfaces with a guide assembly; a basket that interfaces with a second portion of the hanger tube; and a first portion of a glide that is received into the basket, wherein a second portion of the glide interfaces with a curtain.

The second portion of the glide may include a snap button, wherein the snap button retains a grommet of the curtain. The second portion of the glide may include a cover, wherein the cover hides the internal components of the glide. The hanger may comprise a loop. The hanger may comprise a G-shape. A spacer cord may be between the hanger tube and another hanger tube. The spacer cord may be connected to a collar around the hanger tube. The basket further may comprise a gate lock. The gate lock may comprise at least one of a protrusion, block, fence or fingers. The basket may be received within the second portion of the hanger tube. The hanger may be received within the first portion of the hanger tube. The basket may comprise a post having a spring element to retain the post within the second portion of the hanger tube. The hanger may comprise a post having a spring element to retain the post within the first portion of the hanger tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements. Each of the various Figures and components may be in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the modular quick load system, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows exemplary spacer cords attached to each of the hanger tubes, in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments, and as set forth in the FIGS. 1 and 2, the system may include modular components. The system may replace the use of mesh material above the curtain. The modular quick load system may include one or more different sized components to allow the total length of the system to adjust depending on the features of the room, the size of the mesh material being replaced and/or the curtain. For example, by adjusting the size of the hanger tube 25, the same size curtain can be installed under ceilings of different heights, while maintaining a consistent distance from the bottom of the curtain to the floor. The quick load glide 13 also enables staff to quickly load the system with replacement curtains.

The system may include a quick retrofit of the rods that are installed on existing tracks. The increased panel size allows for less rods, which results in a greater cost savings. In various embodiments, the system may include any number of curtain panels. For example, the system may include a curtain that comprises a single panel to fit existing tracks. A medium curtain fits a 13 feet-15 feet track. The use of a single panel solution provides significant cost reduction to a healthcare facility over current rod solutions (e.g., 75% cost reduction). The single panel solution may also reduce fabric waste. For example, in the current solution on an 11 feet track, 5 feet of additional fabric is wasted due to the standardized size 108 inch panel. Moreover, the one panel solution provides for significant labor cost reduction because the installer only needs to install 1 panel, instead of 3 panels as in the past. Furthermore, the single panel solution eliminates the need for snapping to connect the multiple panels.

Using the prior curtain systems, a healthcare facility may replace 20 panels at $580 per bed/per year. With this new system, a healthcare facility may only need to replace 7 panels at $189 per bed/per year. As such, a 1,000-bed hospital may save about $391,000 in annual curtain purchases with the new system. Moreover, the new system using a 14 feet track may only require 20 rods versus 30 rods as with prior systems. The extra rods may be re-used in other locations in the healthcare facility, for additional cost savings. The reduction in rods results in a hospital saving $130 per bed. As such, a 1,000-bed hospital may save $130,000 with the reduction in rods by using this new system.

In various embodiments, and as set forth in FIG. 1, the system may connect to (or may interface with) an existing guide assembly 5. The guide assembly may interface with, and translate along, a track. The guide assembly 5 may include, for example, a track glide 7 (or track roller), a chain 9 and/or a hook 11.

In various embodiments, and with continued reference to FIG. 1, the system may include a glide 13, a basket 20, a hanger tube 25 and/or a loop hanger 30. The components discussed herein may be any material and any shape. Any of the components may interface with, be received into, or connect to (permanently or removably) any other component.

The glide 13 may include any device that includes a first end that connects to (or interfaces with) the curtain and a second end that connects to (or interfaces with) the basket 20 or the hanger tube 25. The basket 20 may be optional, so the glide 13 may interface in any manner with the hanger tube 25. In such a case, for example, the second end of the glide 13 may be cylindrical such that the second end may be reciprocally received into the hanger tube 25, or the hanger tube 25 may be reciprocally received into the second end of the glide 13. Alternatively, the second end of the glide 13 may snap onto the hanger tube 25.

In various embodiments, and with continued reference to FIG. 1, the second end of the glide 13 may include a “T” like configuration, such that the top of the T is received into the basket 20. In various embodiments, the basket 20 may include a gate lock configured to restrict movement of the glide 13 within the basket 20 or to ensure that the glide 13 does not inadvertently exit from the basket 20. The gate lock may be in the form of a protrusion, block, fence or any other device that restricts movement of the glide 13. The gate lock may be one piece or multiple “fingers” of any size that restrict the movement of the glide 13. The gate lock may be attached to any portion of the basket 20. The gate lock may be removably attached to the basket 20. The gate lock may be any size. The gate lock may be provided in multiple sizes, such that different sizes may be selected and installed into the basket 20, depending on the size and geometry of the gate lock. The gate lock may retract to allow the glide 13 to be slid out of the basket 20. In various embodiments, the front of the gate lock may be perpendicular to the side of the basket 20, while the back of the gate lock may be angled. The angled back of the gate lock may allow for more space to remove the glide 13 after the glide 13 is lifted over the gate lock. The user only needs to slightly tilt (or angle) the glide 13 to remove the glide 13 from the basket 20.

The first end of the glide 13 may include any device or material that is configured to interface or connect the first end of the glide 13 to the curtain. For example, the first end of the glide 13 may include one or more snap buttons (e.g., removable), wherein one or more grommets from the curtain is secured between the snap button and the face of the glide 13. The other face of the glide 13 may include one or more snap buttons to hold another grommet. The other face of the glide 13 may include a cover to hide the openings in the back of the glide 13.

In various embodiments, and with continued reference to FIG. 1, the basket 20 may include a cylindrical post on the top portion that is received (e.g., removably) into the hanger tube 25. The cylindrical post may include one or more spring type elements (e.g., cuts in the surface). The spring elements may be squeezed inward to insert into the hanger tube 25, then the springs expand out against the inside surface of the hanger tube 25 or expand into holes in the hanger tube 25 to restrict the cylindrical portion from exiting the hanger tube 25. The basket 20 and the hanger tube 25 may include magnetic material such that magnetic forces help to hold the basket 20 and the hanger tube 25 together. In another embodiment, the basket 20 may include a bar above the basket. The bar may be received (e.g., removably) into a channel at the bottom of the hanger tube 25. The bar and channel may each include a magnetic material to retain the bar within the channel.

In various embodiments, and with continued reference to FIG. 1, the hanger tube 25 may be any width, circumference or length. The hanger tube 25 may be customized depending on the need. For example, if the ceilings are higher up or different heights, then the hanger tube 25 may need to be longer or a custom length, such that the curtains are the same distance above the floor, regardless of the ceiling height. The top of the hanger tube 25 may receive a hanger 30. The hanger 30 may include a cylindrical post on the bottom portion of hanger tube 25 that is received into hanger tube 25. The cylindrical portion may include one or more spring type elements (e.g., cuts in the surface). The spring elements may be squeezed inward to insert into the hanger tube 25, then the springs expand out against the inside surface of the hanger tube 25 or expand into holes in the hanger tube 25 to restrict the cylindrical portion from exiting the hanger tube 25. The hanger 30 and the hanger tube 25 may include magnetic material such that magnetic forces help to hold the hanger 30 and the hanger tube 25 together. The hanger 30 may include a loop hanger, a C-shaped hanger or a G-shaped hanger. The type of hanger 30 may depend on the type of guide assembly 5 that interfaces with the hanger 30, or the hanger 30 may interface directly with the track.

In various embodiments, and as set forth in FIG. 2, the system may also include one or more spacer cords 35. The spacer cords 35 may be connected near or at the top of the hanger tube 25. A collar 40 may be used to connect the spacer cords 35 to the top of the hanger tubes 25. The collar 40 may be a snap-on collar 40, wherein the collar 40 is in a “C” configuration such that the opening of the C receives the hanger tube 25 and one or more spacer cords 35 are connected to the collar 40. The collar 40 may rotate, which may also help to avoid clumping of the hanger tubes 25 together and facilitate maintaining distance between the hanger tubes 25. The first end of the spacer cord 35 may connect to a first hanger tube 25, and the second end of the spacer cord 35 may connect to a second hanger tube 25. The spacer cords 35 being connected between the hanger tubes 25 prevents staff from pulling a first hanger tube 25 too far away from a second hanger tube 25. The spacer cords 35 may be equidistant to the bottom of the hanger tubes 25 (where the glide 13 attaches to the curtain). The spacer cords 35 may reduce or eliminate “splaying” (or spreading out) of the hanger tubes 25 at the ceiling. The reduction of splaying (or bunching up) provides a smooth operation, for example, when staff pull the curtain through a large L-shaped or U-shaped track.

The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component may include a singular embodiment. Although specific advantages have been enumerated herein, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.

In the detailed description herein, references to “various embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to ‘at least one of A, B, and C’ or ‘at least one of A, B, or C’ is used in the claims or specification, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Although the disclosure includes a method, it is contemplated that it may be embodied as computer program instructions on a tangible computer-readable carrier, such as a magnetic or optical memory or a magnetic or optical disk. All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described various embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present disclosure, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for”. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Claims

1. A curtain system comprising:

a first portion of a hanger tube that interfaces with a hanger, wherein the hanger interfaces with a guide assembly;

a basket that interfaces with a second portion of the hanger tube; and

a first portion of a glide that is received into the basket, wherein a second portion of the glide interfaces with a curtain.

2. The curtain system of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the glide includes a snap button, and wherein the snap button retains a grommet of the curtain.

3. The curtain system of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the glide includes a cover, and wherein the cover hides the internal components of the glide.

4. The curtain system of claim 1, wherein the hanger comprises a loop.

5. The curtain system of claim 1, wherein the hanger comprises a G-shape.

6. The curtain system of claim 1, further comprising a spacer cord between the hanger tube and another hanger tube.

7. The curtain system of claim 6, wherein the spacer cord is connected to a collar around the hanger tube.

8. The curtain system of claim 1, wherein the basket further comprises a gate lock.

9. The curtain system of claim 8, wherein the gate lock comprises at least one of a protrusion, block, fence or fingers.

10. The curtain system of claim 1, wherein the basket is received within the second portion of the hanger tube.

11. The curtain system of claim 1, wherein the hanger is received within the first portion of the hanger tube.

12. The curtain system of claim 1, wherein the basket includes a post having a spring element to retain the post within the second portion of the hanger tube.

13. The curtain system of claim 1, wherein the hanger includes a post having a spring element to retain the post within the first portion of the hanger tube.

14. A curtain system comprising:

a first curtain rod, a second curtain rod and a third curtain rod;

a first spacer cord connecting between the first curtain rod and the second curtain rod; and

a second spacer cord connecting between the second curtain rod and the third curtain rod.