EP1989981A2

EP1989981A2 - A device for restraining a curtain

Info

Publication number: EP1989981A2
Application number: EP08251650A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Guy Rackham
Original assignee: Lennan-Purnell Christopher Alan; Rackham Mark
Current assignee: Rackham Mark
Priority date: 2007-05-09
Filing date: 2008-05-09
Publication date: 2008-11-12
Also published as: GB0708926D0; GB2449091A

Abstract

A device for restraining a curtain, the device comprising an element which, in use, presses against a surface of the curtain, thereby applying a fore to the curtain in a direction which is transverse to the axis of the curtain rail from which the curtain is suspended.

Description

The invention relates to a device for restraining a curtain, in particular, a shower curtain.
A problem with shower curtains is that they tend to billow inwards, towards the person taking a shower. The reason for this is that the hot water in the shower heats up the air inside the shower compared to the temperature of the air in the room, and the resulting temperature difference leads to a small pressure differential that causes the shower curtain to move inwards. This makes the shower space cramped, and, as the curtain itself is often covered in colder water, is uncomfortable. Moreover, because the curtain is wet, it tends to stick to the person taking a shower. This is particularly unpleasant when the shower curtain is not clean.
It is an object of the invention to seek to mitigate this problem.
The invention provides a device for restraining a curtain, the device comprising an element which, in use, presses against a surface of the curtain, thereby applying a force to the curtain in a direction which is transverse to the axis of the curtain rail from which the curtain is suspended.
The term 'curtain rail' as used herein is intended to mean any device from which a curtain can be suspended. It therefore covers curtain tracks as well as curtain poles.
If a force is applied to a curtain in a direction which is transverse to the axis of the curtain rail, the device will push the curtain in that direction, so pushing it away from a person standing adjacent to the curtain, for example in a shower.
The device may comprise means for urging the element against the surface of the curtain. This will ensure that the force which has been applied to the curtain is maintained.
The means for urging the element against the surface of the curtain may comprise a counterweight.
The means for urging the element against the surface of the curtain may comprise a spring.
The element may be a flex spring.
The device may comprise a cantilever spring.
The device may be attached anywhere in the vicinity of the curtain which will allow the element to press against the curtain. A convenient place for attaching the element is the curtain rail, and so the device may comprise means for attaching the device to the curtain rail.
The device may comprise means for removeably attaching the device to the curtain rail. The device may then be carried around with the user for use in various showers.
The attaching means may comprise a hook.
The element may be shaped such that it presses against an area of the curtain which extends in the direction parallel to the axis of the curtain rail. This will ensure that the curtain is pushed away from a person standing adjacent to the curtain over a wider area.
The element may comprise a T-shaped member.
The invention will now be illustrated by way of example with reference to the following drawings of which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention In use;
Figure 2 shows a side view of the device shown in Figure 1 (flexed position shown in dotted lines);
Figure 3 shows a plan view of the device shown in Figure 1; and
Figure 4 shows an end view of the device shown in Figure 1.

The device shown in the drawings is substantially T-shaped, comprising an elongate member 1 and a cross bar 2, which is positioned at one end of the elongate member 1, and is substantially perpendicular to that member.
The elongate member 1 comprises a counterweight 3 at the end opposite to the cross bar 2. The counterweight 3 consists of a spherical ball.
Two hooks 4 are attached to the elongate member 1 about a quarter of the way from the end of the elongate member 1 that is closer to the counterweight 3. The two hooks 4 are attached on one side of the elongate member 1, at an acute angle to each other, so that, when the device is viewed from one end, the two hooks 4 together form a V shape.
The elongate member 1 comprises a first part 5 and a second part 6. The first part 5 extends from the counterweight 3 to the hooks 4. The second part 6 extends from the hooks 4 to the cross bar 2. The elongate member 1 tapers on going from the first part 5 to the second part 6.
The elongate member 1 is made from a flexible material so that the second part 6 of the elongate member 1 can flex. Any suitable flexible material may be used such as a plastics material. The counterweight 3 may be made from a different material than the rest of the device. For example it may be made of a metal.
In use, the user stands adjacent to a curtain 7 which is suspended from a curtain rail 8. He draws the curtain 7. He holds the device up to the drawn curtain 7 such that it is substantially perpendicular to the drawn curtain 7, with the cross bar 2 closest to the curtain 7. The device should be orientated such that the cross bar 2 is substantially parallel to the axis of the curtain rail 8 and the two hooks are positioned on top, closest to the curtain rail 8. The user then pulls down the second part 6 of the elongate member 1 so that the second part 6 is flexed, and places the flexed second part 6 against the surface of the curtain 7 which faces him such that the second part 6 forms an inverted T shape. Following this, he suspends the device from the curtain rail 8 using the hooks 4, and releases the second part 6 of the first elongate element 1. The second part 6 is urged against the surface 9 of the curtain 7 which faces the user by spring action, thereby applying a force to the curtain 7 in a direction which is transverse to the axis of the curtain rail 8. Thus, the curtain 7 is held away from the user.
From the above, it can be seen that the device acts as a cantilever spring, with the hooks 4 forming the fulcrum of the spring. The force which is applied to the curtain 7 may be adjusted by adjusting the weight of the counterweight 3 and the position of the hooks 4.
In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate member 1 is flexible. In an alternative embodiment, the first elongate member 1 is not flexible, and the second part 6 of the elongate member 1 is curved. In this embodiment, the device relies on the counterweight 3 alone to urge the second part 6 against the curtain. There is no spring action.
Once the device has been installed, it may remain in place other than for cleaning. When the curtain is drawn open, the device will collapse within the curtain, and allow the curtain to be bunched up without causing too much of an obstruction.
Alternatively, the device may be removed after use, and carried around with the user for use in other showers, as and when required.
If the device is for use in a hotel or other environment where it is not to be removed, the device may be marked with the owner's brand name as a deterrent to unauthorized removal. A suitable place for such marking would be on the counterweight.

Claims

A device for restraining a curtain, the device comprising an element which, In use, presses against a surface of the curtain, thereby applying a fore to the curtain in a direction which is transverse to the axis of the curtain rail from which the curtain is suspended.
A device according to claim 1, the device further comprising means for urging the element against the surface of the curtain.
A device according to claim 2, wherein the means for urging the element against the surface of the curtain comprises a counterweight.
A device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the means for urging the element against the surface of the curtain comprises a spring.
A device according to claim 4, wherein the element is a flex spring.
A device according to claim 5, wherein the device comprises a cantilever spring.
A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises means for attaching the device to the curtain rail.
A device according to claim 7, wherein the device comprises means for removeably attaching the device to the curtain rail.
A device according to claim 8, wherein the attaching means comprises a hook.
A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the element is shaped such that it presses against an area of the curtain which extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the curtain rail.
A device according to claim 10, wherein the element comprises a T-shaped member.