AU2021106850A4

AU2021106850A4 - Blind-type Curtain and a Connector for a Blind-type Curtain

Info

Publication number: AU2021106850A4
Application number: AU2021106850A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gavin Taylor
Original assignee: Kilmallock ACT Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Kilmallock ACT Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-24
Filing date: 2021-08-24
Publication date: 2021-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-24

Abstract

BLIND-TYPE CURTAIN AND CONNECTOR FOR A BLIND-TYPE CURTAIN Abstract A blind-type curtain (10) including a first curtain blind (16.1) and a second curtain blind (16.2) detachably attachable to the first curtain blind (16.1.). Each curtain blind comprises (i) a single light transmitting curtain part (18), and (ii) two woven block-out curtain parts (20.1, 20.2) connected to the light transmitting part (18). A single block-out curtain part (20.1, 20.2) is disposed on opposite sides of the single light transmitting curtain part (18). The first and second curtain blinds (16.1, 16.2) are attached via connector (14). X2 G'U FIGURE12

Description

X2

FIGURE12

G'U BLIND-TYPE CURTAIN AND CONNECTOR FOR A BLIND-TYPE CURTAIN FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a blind-type curtain and a connector for a blind-type curtain.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Curtains are lengths of material, typically fabric, which are suspended from above windows or doors and are normally movable along a curtain rail for opening and closing. There are two main curtain types namely (i) light transmitting types, which allow external light to pass through the curtain, and (ii) block-out types which at least partially or completely block out external light. For a particular application a user is generally required to select between either a light transmitting-type curtain or a block-out type curtain. When a block-out type curtain is required, where a light transmitting-type curtain is in fact used, there is the inconvenience that the light transmitting-type curtain is to be removed and a block-out type curtain installed.

[0003] When a blind, instead of a curtain, is installed to solve the above problem, a light transmitting state or a block-out state can be provided, such state being controlled by adjusting a rotation angle of the blind slats. The blind, however, does not have the aesthetic pleasing features associated with a curtain. There is the further problem with both blinds and curtains in that they are to be removed form a rail in their entirety in order to be washed, repaired, or replaced when contaminated or damaged.

OBJECT

[0004] It is an object of the present invention substantially to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the problems associated with curtains and blinds or at least to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

[0005] In a first aspect there is disclosed a blind-type curtain including:

a first curtain blind;

a second curtain blind detachably attachable to the first curtain blind, wherein the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind each comprises (i) a single light transmitting curtain part, and (ii) two woven block-out curtain parts connected to the light transmitting curtain part, a single block-out curtain part being disposed on opposite sides of the single light transmitting curtain part; and a connector operatively adapted to detachably attach an operative upper part of the first curtain blind to an operative upper part of the second curtain blind, the connector including a first connector element for operative location on a block-out curtain part of the first curtain blind and a second connector element for operative location on a block-out curtain part of the second curtain blind, wherein the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind are operatively adapted to pivot about vertical axes so as to be located in an open curtain state, a closed block-out state and a plurality of light transmitting states between the open curtain state and the closed block-out state, wherein in the open curtain state (i) the first curtain blind viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind and the light transmitting curtain part of the first curtain blind defining a curved portion of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind, and (ii) the second curtain blind viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the second curtain part and the light transmitting curtain part of the second curtain blind defining a curved portion of the U shaped configuration of the second curtain blind, wherein in the block-out state the first and second curtain blinds are configured so that the light transmitting curtain part and one of the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind overlap with one of the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind, and wherein the first connector element includes a first magnet and the second connector element includes a second magnet adapted for operative attachment to the first magnet so as to secure the first connector element to the second connector element and thus to secure connector to the blind-type curtain.

[0006] In a second aspect there is disclosed a blind-type curtain including:

a first curtain blind; a second curtain blind detachably attachable to the first curtain blind, wherein the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind each comprises (i) a single light transmitting curtain part, and (ii) two woven block-out curtain parts connected to the light transmitting part, a single block-out curtain part being disposed on opposite sides of the single light transmitting curtain part; and a connector operatively adapted to detachably attach an operative upper part of the first curtain blind to an operative upper part of the second curtain blind, the connector including a first connector element having a first magnet, wherein the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind are operatively adapted to pivot about vertical axes so as to be located in an open curtain state, a closed block-out state and a plurality of light transmitting states between the open curtain state and the closed block-out state, wherein in the open curtain state (i) the first curtain blind viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind and the light transmitting curtain part of the first curtain blind defining a curved portion of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind, and (ii) the second curtain blind viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the second curtain part and the light transmitting curtain part of the second curtain blind defining a curved portion of the U shaped configuration of the second curtain blind, wherein in the block-out state the first and second curtain blinds are configured so that the light transmitting curtain part and one of the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind overlap with one of the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind, and wherein the first or second curtain blind includes at least one curtain magnet, the first magnet of the first connector element operatively adapted to be attached to the at least one curtain blind thus to secure the connector to the blind-type curtain.

[0007] In a third aspect there is disclosed a blind-type curtain including:

a first curtain blind;

a second curtain blind detachably attachable to the first curtain blind, wherein the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind each comprises (i) a single light transmitting curtain part, and (ii) two woven block-out curtain parts connected to the light transmitting part, a single block-out curtain part being disposed on opposite sides of the single light transmitting curtain part; and a connector operatively adapted to detachably attach an operative upper part of the first curtain blind to an operative upper part of the second curtain blind, the connector including a first connector element for operative location on a block-out curtain part of the first curtain blind and a second connector element for operative location on a block-out curtain part of the second curtain blind, wherein the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind are operatively adapted to pivot about vertical axes so as to be located in an open curtain state, a closed block-out state and a plurality of light transmitting states between the open curtain state and the closed block-out state, wherein in the open curtain state (i) the first curtain blind viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind and the light transmitting curtain part of the first curtain blind defining a curved portion of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind, and (ii) the second curtain blind viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the second curtain part and the light transmitting curtain part of the second curtain blind defining a curved portion of the U shaped configuration of the second curtain blind, wherein in the block-out state the first and second curtain blinds are configured so that the light transmitting curtain part and one of the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind overlap with one of the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind, and wherein the first connector element defines a series of first projections and the second connector element includes a series of first recesses complemental to the series of projections, the series of projections operatively adapted to snap-engage the series of first recesses so to secure the first connector element to the second connector and thus securing the connector to the blind type curtain.

[0008] In an embodiment the first connector element includes a series of second recesses operatively adapted to be snap-engaged by a series of complemental second projections of the second connector element.

[0009] Preferably the light transmitting curtain part of the first and second curtain blind each has a thickness less than that of its respective block-out curtain parts.

[0010] Preferably the light transmitting curtain part of the first and second curtain blinds each includes a woven net.

[0011] Ina fourth aspect there is disclosed a connector for ablind-type curtain including a first curtain blind and a second curtain blind detachably attachable to the first curtain blind, the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind each comprising (i) a single light transmitting curtain part, and (ii) two woven block-out curtain parts connected to the light transmitting part, a single block-out curtain part being disposed on opposite sides of the single light transmitting curtain part, the connector including a first connector element for operative location on a block-out curtain part of the first curtain blind and a second connector element for operative location on a block out curtain part of the second curtain blind, wherein the first connector element includes a first magnet and the second connector element includes a second magnet adapted for operative attachment to the first connector element so as to secure the connector to the blind-type curtain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment blind-type curtain;

[0014] Figure 2 is atop view of a portion of the blind-type curtain of Figure 1 in an open curtain state;

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a curtain blind of the blind-type curtain of Figure 1;

[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connector for use in the blind-type curtain of Figure 1;

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first connector element of the connector of Figure 4;

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second connector element of the connector of Figure 4;

[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a curtain blind of a second embodiment blind-type curtain;

[0020] Figure 8 are side views of first and second connector elements of embodiment connectors;

[0021] Figure 9 are side views offirst and second connector elements of a further embodiment connectors;

[0022] Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a range of embodiment first and second connector elements; and

[0023] Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a range of embodiment first and second connector elements.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment blind-type curtain, generally indicated with the reference numeral 10, located in an open curtain state. The blind-type curtain 10 includes at least a first curtain blind 16.1 attached to a similar second curtain blind 16.2. The embodiment first and second curtain blinds 16.1. and 16.2 are identical and are shown in Figure 3. The first and second curtain blinds 16.1 and 16.2 are detachably attached via a connector 14. Although the description below focuses on the operation of the first and second curtain blinds 16.1, 16.2, it will be noted that the blind-type curtain 10 includes a plurality of curtain blinds which are detachably attached with further connectors 14.

[0025] Each first curtain blind 16.1 and second curtain blind 16.2 respectively comprises (i) a single light transmitting curtain part 18, and (ii) two woven block-out curtain parts 20.1, 20.2 connected to the light curtain transmitting part 18. A single block-out curtain part 20.1, 20.2 is disposed on opposite sides of the single light transmitting curtain part 18. In this specification the term block-out encompasses fabrics that provide a partial block-out and fabrics which provide a complete block out. The first curtain blind 16.1 and the second curtain blind 16.2 are operatively adapted to pivot about vertical axes via the connector 14 so as to be located in an open curtain state, depicted in Figures 1 and 2, a non-illustrated closed block-out state and a plurality of light transmitting states between the open curtain state and the closed block-out state.

[0026] In the open curtain state the first curtain blind 16.1 viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts 20.1, 20.2 of the first curtain blind 16.1 defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind 16.1 and the light transmitting curtain 18 part of the first curtain blind 16.1 defining a curved portion of the

U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind 16.1. Further, the second curtain blind 16.2 viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts 20.1, 20.2 of the second curtain blind 16.2 defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the second curtain part 16.2 and the light transmitting curtain part 18 of the second curtain blind 16.2 defining a curved portion of the U-shaped configuration of the second curtain blind 16.2. In the non-illustrated block-out state the first and second curtain blinds 16.1, 16.2 are configured so that the light transmitting curtain part 18 and one of the block-out curtain parts 20.1, 20.2 of the first curtain blind 16.1 overlap with one of the block-out curtain parts 20.1, 20.2 of the second curtain blind 16.1 to create a block-out effect.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the block-out curtain part 20.2 of the first curtain blind 16.1 is attached to the block-out curtain part 20.1 of the second curtain blind 16.2 via detachable connector 14. Also, the block-out curtain part 20.2 of the second curtain blind 16.2 of the first curtain blind unit 12.1 is attached to the block-out curtain part 20.1 of another first curtain blind 16.1. This pattern is repeated for the length of the blind-type curtain 10.

[0028] The connectors 14 enable the first curtain blind 16.1 and the second curtain blind 16.2 to pivot about vertical axes so as to be located in the open curtain state of Figures 1 and 2 and a non illustrated closed block-out state. The blind-type curtain 10 is adapted to be located in a plurality of light transmitting states between the open curtain state and the closed block-out state via operation of the connectors 14.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3 the light transmitting curtain part 18 of thefirst and second curtain blinds 16.1, 16.2 each has a thickness less than that of its respective block-out curtain parts 20.1, 20.2. The light transmitting curtain parts 18 of the first and second curtain blinds 16.1, 16.2 each includes a woven net. In the embodiment blind-type curtain 10 block-out curtain parts 20.1, 20.2 of the first and second curtain blind 16.1, 16.2 are woven together with the light transmitting curtain parts 18.

[0030] Figure 4 show one of the connectors 14. Referring also to Figures 5 and 6, the connector 14 includes a first connector element 24 detachably attachable to a second connector element 26. In use a portion of a fabric of a curtain blind will be sandwiched between the first and second connector element 24, 26. The first and second connector element 24, 26 are attached to a stem 28. The stem 28 is pivotally connected to a rail engaging element 30. In use the rail engaging element 30 engages a non-illustrated rail when the blind-type curtain 10 is to be installed. The rail engagement element 30 will also provide for longitudinal movement of the blind-type curtain along a curtain rail, similar to a conventional curtain.

[0031] Figure 5 shows the first connector element 24. The first connector element 24 is of oblong configuration and includes a first loop member 31 to facilitate attachment to the stem 28. The first connector element 24 further includes a first magnet 32. The first magnet 32 is operatively associated with a second magnet 34 of the second connector element 26, shown in Figure 6. In use thefirst magnet 32 engages the second magnet 34 to secure thefirst connector element 24 to the second connector element 26 thereby to secure the connector 14 to a portion of fabric of the first and second curtain blinds 16.1, 16.2. Specifically, the first and second connector elements 24, 26 serve to attach adjacent block-out curtain parts of the first and curtain blinds 16.1, 16.2.

[0032] Having curtain blinds which are detachably attached provides that a single soiled curtain blind can be removed from the blind-type curtain without having to remove the entire blind-type curtain. The result is that only the soiled curtain blind can be cleaned. Further, having a blind type curtain with the above described curtain blinds enables a person to pass through a blind-type curtain with relative ease.

[0033] Although not shown it is envisaged that a curtain blind unit may comprise more than two curtain blinds.

[0034] Figure 7 shows curtain blind 16.3 for a non-illustrated curtain blind. In this embodiment two magnets 40 are secured via stiffening tape 42. The magnets can be engaged respectively by the first magnet 32 of the of the first connector element 24 so as to secure the connector 14 to the curtain blind 16.3.

[0035] Figure 8 shows a connector 14.1 including a first connector element 50 operatively adapted to be secured to a second connector element 52. In this embodiment thefirst connector element 50 includes a first series of protrusions 54 which are complemental to a series offirst recesses 56 of the second connector element 52. The first series of protrusions 54 are operatively adapted to snap engage the first series of recesses 56 to secure the first connector element 50 to the second connector element. The first connector element 50 further includes a second series of recesses 58 which are complemental to a series of second protrusions 60 of the second connector element 52. The second series of protrusions 60 are adapted to snap-engage the second series of recess 58. The first connector element 50 further includes a number of openings 62 which are adapted to be snap-engaged by a number of corresponding clips 64 on the second connector element 52.

[0036] Figure 9 shows a further embodiment connector 14.2 including a first connector element operatively adapted to be secured to a second connector element 52. The first connector element 50 includes a first series of protrusions 54 which are complemental to a series of first recesses 56 of the second connector element 52. The first series of protrusions 54 are operatively adapted to snap-engage the first series of recesses 56 to secure the first connector element 50 to the second connector element 52. The first connector element 50 further includes a second series of recesses 58 which are complemental to a series of second protrusions 60 of the second connector element 52. The second series of protrusions 60 are also adapted to snap-engage the second series of recesses 58. The first connector element 50 further includes a number of openings 62 which are adapted to be snap-engaged by a number of corresponding clips 64 on the second connector element 52.

[0037] It will be appreciated that the first series of protrusions 54 of the first connector element and the first series of recess 56 of the second connector element 52 could take a range of forms. Examples of such different forms are illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.

[0038] Although the invention is described above in relation to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms.

KEY TO REFERENCE NUMERALS

Blind-type curtain

16.1 First curtain blind

16.2 Second curtain blind

18 Light transmitting curtain part

20.1 Block-out curtain part

20.2 Block-out curtain part

24 First connector element

26 Second connector element

28 Stem

Rail engaging element

31 Loop member

32 First magnet

34 Second magnet

Magnets

42 Stiffening tape

First connector element

52 Second connector element

54 First series of protrusions

56 First series of recesses

58 Second series of recesses

Second series of protrusions

62 Opening

64 Clips

Claims

1. A blind-type curtain including:

a first curtain blind;

a second curtain blind detachably attachable to the first curtain blind, wherein the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind each comprises (i) a single light transmitting curtain part, and (ii) two woven block-out curtain parts connected to the light transmitting curtain part, a single block-out curtain part being disposed on opposite sides of the single light transmitting curtain part; and

a connector operatively adapted to detachably attach an operative upper part of the first curtain blind to an operative upper part of the second curtain blind, the connector including a first connector element for operative location on a block-out curtain part of the first curtain blind and a second connector element for operative location on a block-out curtain part of the second curtain blind,

wherein the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind are operatively adapted to pivot about vertical axes so as to be located in an open curtain state, a closed block-out state and a plurality of light transmitting states between the open curtain state and the closed block-out state,

wherein in the open curtain state (i) the first curtain blind viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind and the light transmitting curtain part of the first curtain blind defining a curved portion of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind, and (ii) the second curtain blind viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the second curtain part and the light transmitting curtain part of the second curtain blind defining a curved portion of the U shaped configuration of the second curtain blind,

wherein in the block-out state the first and second curtain blinds are configured so that the light transmitting curtain part and one of the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind overlap with one of the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind, and wherein the first connector element includes a first magnet and the second connector element includes a second magnet adapted for operative attachment to the first magnet so as to secure the first connector element to the second connector element and thus to secure connector to the blind-type curtain.

2. A blind-type curtain including:

a first curtain blind;

a second curtain blind detachably attachable to the first curtain blind, wherein the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind each comprises (i) a single light transmitting curtain part, and (ii) two woven block-out curtain parts connected to the light transmitting part, a single block-out curtain part being disposed on opposite sides of the single light transmitting curtain part; and

a connector operatively adapted to detachably attach an operative upper part of the first curtain blind to an operative upper part of the second curtain blind, the connector including a first connector element having a first magnet,

wherein in the block-out state the first and second curtain blinds are configured so that the light transmitting curtain part and one of the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind overlap with one of the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind, and wherein the first or second curtain blind includes at least one curtain magnet, the first magnet of the first connector element operatively adapted to be attached to the at least one curtain blind thus to secure the connector to the blind-type curtain.

3. A blind-type curtain including:

a first curtain blind;

wherein in the open curtain state (i) thefirst curtain blind viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind and the light transmitting curtain part of the first curtain blind defining a curved portion of the U-shaped configuration of the first curtain blind, and (ii) the second curtain blind viewed from a longitudinal end has a substantially U-shaped configuration with the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind defining opposing legs of the U-shaped configuration of the second curtain part and the light transmitting curtain part of the second curtain blind defining a curved portion of the U shaped configuration of the second curtain blind,

wherein in the block-out state the first and second curtain blinds are configured so that the light transmitting curtain part and one of the block-out curtain parts of the first curtain blind overlap with one of the block-out curtain parts of the second curtain blind, and wherein the first connector element defines a series of first projections and the second connector element includes a series of first recesses complemental to the series of projections, the series of projections operatively adapted to snap-engage the series of first recesses so to secure the first connector element to the second connector and thus securing the connector to the blind type curtain.

4. A blind-type curtain according to claim 3, wherein thefirst connector element includes a series of second recesses operatively adapted to be snap-engaged by a series of complemental second projections of the second connector element.

5. A connector for a blind-type curtain including a first curtain blind and a second curtain blind detachably attachable to the first curtain blind, the first curtain blind and the second curtain blind each comprising (i) a single light transmitting curtain part, and (ii) two woven block-out curtain parts connected to the light transmitting part, a single block-out curtain part being disposed on opposite sides of the single light transmitting curtain part, the connector including a first connector element for operative location on a block-out curtain part of the first curtain blind and a second connector element for operative location on a block-out curtain part of the second curtain blind, wherein the first connector element includes a first magnet and the second connector element includes a second magnet adapted for operative attachment to the first connector element so as to secure the connector to the blind-type curtain.

Kilmallock (ACT) Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant Meyer West IP