EP3047763B1

EP3047763B1 - Curtain accessory

Info

Publication number: EP3047763B1
Application number: EP14826724.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Koui Tachikawa; Kazuto Yamagishi; Sigeharu MATSUO; Masaya Yamaguchi; Tatsuya Egami; Takenobu EBATO; Yoshihiro Takayama; Tadashi Okamura
Original assignee: Tachikawa Corp; Tachikawa Blind Manufacturing Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tachikawa Corp; Tachikawa Blind Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-18
Filing date: 2014-07-16
Publication date: 2021-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2034-07-16
Also published as: EP3047763A1; CN105555171B; EP3047763A4; CN105555171A; US20160270578A1; WO2015008799A1

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a curtain accessory for bunching a curtain.

Background Art

DE 20 2011 001 422 U1 and JP 2006-130130 A both disclose a tassel for bunching a curtain. The tassel is provided with magnetic coupling means at both of its ends for closing the tassel.
JP 2007-177440 A discloses an endless operation cord for operating a horizontal-type blind. The ends of the operation cord are coupled together by means two fitting members molded onto the ends of the cord.
A tassel hook, on which a tassel for bunching a curtain is hooked, is typically fixed, as disclosed in JP 11-169284 A . Also, loop strings are typically attached to both edges of a tassel band of a curtain in such a manner that the loop strings are prevented from slipping off the tassel main body, as disclosed in JP 2012-165993 A .
JP 2007-252459 A discloses tassel hook for an electric curtain that is operated by remote control. The tassel hook is configured to self-release the tassel cord hooked on the tassel hook, when the curtain is operated manually or by remote control while the tassel cord is hooked.

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

However, the conventional technologies disclosed in the above Literatures have room for improvement in the following respects.
For the tassel hook disclosed in JP 11-169284 A , a tassel holder thereof is fixed and therefore does not come off even when a strong force is applied thereto. Accordingly, when a tassel is hooked on this tassel hook and forms a loop, a foreign object may be caught on the loop, causing a safety problem.
For the tassel disclosed in JP 2012-165993 A , the loop strings are fixed to the tassel main body and therefore does not become detached even when a string force is applied thereto. Accordingly, when the tassel is hooked on a tassel hook using these loop strings and forms a loop, a foreign object may be caught on the loop, causing a safety problem.
The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing, and an object thereof is to provide a technology that improves the safety of a curtain accessory for bunching a curtain.

Solution to Problem

The present invention provides a curtain accessory for bunching a curtain as defined in the claims. The curtain accessory includes a tassel, a tassel hook, and a tassel auxiliary part for ensuring safety when attaching the tassel to the tassel hook. A coupling mechanism is disposed on the tassel auxiliary part. The coupling mechanism is configured in such a manner that, when a load applied to the tassel exceeds a predetermined value, the coupling mechanism is decoupled, as well as can be recoupled after being decoupled. In the present description, the term "curtain accessory" may refer to an single member, such as a tassel alone, a tassel hook alone, or a tassel auxiliary part alone, or may refer to two members, such as a combination of a tassel hook and a tassel auxiliary part, or may refer to three members, such as a combination of a tassel, a tassel hook, and a tassel auxiliary part. The term "decoupled" includes the meaning that a specific area in a member is relatively rotated, or deformed and thus a tassel is allowed to drop off a tassel hook, as in seventh and eighth embodiments. In this case, the term "recoupled" means that the relatively rotated or deformed area is restored to its original state and thus the tassel hook is allowed to hold the tassel again.
According to this configuration, when the load applied to the tassel exceeds the predetermined value, the tassel is decoupled. Thus, a curtain accessory having high safety can be obtained.
Various embodiments of the present invention are described below. The embodiments below can be combined with each other.
Preferably, the tassel auxiliary part is provided with a circular part, and the coupling mechanism includes a separation part configured to separate the circular part to make the circle noncircular.
Preferably, the coupling mechanism includes a separation part configured to separate the tassel or the tassel auxiliary part from the tassel hook by a pulling force.
Preferably, the tassel auxiliary part includes an insertion part into which a looped tassel cord of the tassel can be inserted, and the separation part includes a clip configured to sandwich the tassel hook.
Preferably, the coupling mechanism is covered by a hiding member or a decoration member.
Preferably, a looped tassel cord to which the tassel auxiliary part is locked is disposed on one edge of the tassel, the looped tassel cord being configured in such a manner that the looped tassel cord cannot be hooked on the tassel hook, and another looped tassel cord to be hooked on the tassel hook is disposed on another edge of the tassel.
Preferably, the curtain accessory further includes holding means configured to hold at least one or a part thereof of the members consisting of the tassel, the tassel hook, and the tassel auxiliary part, the at least one member or the part thereof being prevented from falling down when the coupling mechanism is coupled, so that the at least one member or the part thereof is prevented from falling on a floor even when the coupling mechanism is decoupled.
Preferably, the coupling mechanism has a fitting structure.
Preferably, the fitting structure is a rotating fitting structure and is configured in such a manner that the fitting structure can be refitted after decoupled by rotating the fitting structure manually.
Preferably, the coupling mechanism is configured to be decoupled when the load applied to the tassel exceeds 2kgf.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, a curtain accessory having high safety can be obtained.

Fig. 1 includes diagrams showing the structure and use aspect of a tassel auxiliary part of a first embodiment which can be attached to an existing tassel hook or a tassel.
Fig. 2 includes diagrams showing a mechanism in which application of a predetermined load to the tassel auxiliary part of the first embodiment separates a separation part of the tassel auxiliary part, unloops the looped tassel auxiliary part, and detaches one tassel cord of the tassel from the tassel hook.
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a separation part of a tassel auxiliary part of a modification 1 of the first embodiment.
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a separation part of a tassel auxiliary part of a modification 2 of the first embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a tassel auxiliary part of a modification 3 of the first embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a modification 4 of the present embodiment in which a fall prevention collar 160 is disposed on a tassel auxiliary part 100.
Fig. 7(a) is a diagram showing an appearance of a clip-type tassel auxiliary part of a second embodiment, and Figs. 7(b) and 7(c) are diagrams showing the inner structure and operation of this tassel auxiliary part.
Fig. 8 shows a tassel auxiliary part of a third embodiment, in which Fig. 8(a) shows a state in which the tassel auxiliary part is attached to a tassel cord; and Figs. 8(b) and 8(c) are an enlarged sectional view or perspective view of a coupling part of the tassel auxiliary part.
Fig. 9 includes diagrams showing a configuration (not forming part of the present invention) in which a separation part that can be separated by a predetermined pulling force is disposed on a looped tassel cord of a tassel of a fourth embodiment, in which Fig. 9(a) is an overall view of the tassel; and Fig. 9(b) is an enlarged sectional view of the separation part disposed on the tassel cord.
Fig. 10 includes diagrams showing a mechanism (not forming part of the present invention) in which when a predetermined pulling force is applied to the separation part disposed on the looped tassel cord of the tassel of the fourth embodiment, the tassel cord is unlooped, and the tassel hangs down.
Fig. 11 includes diagrams showing a separation part built-in type tassel of a modification 1 of the fourth embodiment (not forming part of the present invention).
Figs. 12(a) to 12(c) are diagrams showing a mechanism (not forming part of the present invention) in which when a predetermined pulling force is applied to a separation part disposed on a looped tassel cord of a tassel (a string-type modification having a knot) of a modification 2 of the fourth embodiment, the tassel cord is unlooped, and the tassel hangs down or falls, and Fig. 12(d) shows a modification including a relatively elongated separation part.
Fig. 13 includes diagrams showing a mechanism (not forming part of the present invention) in which when a predetermined pulling force is applied to a separation part disposed on a looped tassel cord of a tassel (a string-type modification in which a separation part is disposed in a decoration member) of a modification 3 of the fourth embodiment, the tassel cord is unlooped, and the tassel hangs down or falls.
Fig. 14 includes diagram showing the configuration of a tassel hook of an embodiment 5-1 (not forming part of the present invention) in which a separation part which can be separated by a predetermined pulling force is disposed between a protruding shaft and a hooking part.
Fig. 15 includes diagrams showing the configuration of a tassel hook of an embodiment 5-2 (including a modification incorporating a holding cord that prevents a protruding shaft from falling when the protruding shaft is separated) (not forming part of the present invention) in which a separation part which can be separated by a predetermined pulling force is disposed between a base and protruding shaft.
Fig. 16 includes diagrams showing the configuration of a tassel hook of a sixth embodiment (vertical slide-type modification) (not forming part of the present invention) in which a separation part which can be separated by a predetermined pulling force is disposed between a base and a mount.
Fig. 17 includes diagrams showing the configurations of a base and a mount of the tassel hook (vertical slide-type modification) of the sixth embodiment (not forming part of the present invention) using perspective views.
Fig. 18 includes diagrams showing an aspect in which a tassel hook of a seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention) is used with an existing tassel.
Fig. 19 is a structure diagram showing the structure of an existing tassel.
Fig. 20 includes structure diagrams showing a balance-type displacement mechanism of the tassel hook of the seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention).
Fig. 21 includes structure diagrams showing a balance-type displacement mechanism of a tassel hook of a modification 1 the seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention).
Fig. 22 includes sectional views showing the configuration of a tassel hook of a modification 2 of the seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention), in which Fig. 22(a) shows a state before a load exceeding a threshold is applied to a rotating hook 203; Fig. 22(b) shows a state after the load exceeding the threshold is applied to the rotating hook 203; and Fig. 22(c) shows a state after the load on the rotating hook 203 is removed.
Fig. 23 shows the configuration of a base 202 of the modification 2 of the seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention), in which Fig. 23(a) is a rear view; Fig. 23(b) is an A-A sectional view in Fig. 23 (a); Fig. 23(c) is a front view; and Fig. 23(d) is a bottom view.
Fig. 24 shows the configuration of a rotating hook 203 of the modification 2 of the seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention), in which Fig. 23(a) is a rear view; Fig. 23(b) is a left side view; and Fig. 23(c) is a front view.
Fig. 25 is a rear view showing a state in which the rotating hook 203 is attached to the base 202 in the modification 2 of the seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention).
Fig. 26 includes perspective views showing the configuration of a tassel hook of a modification 3 of the seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention), in which Fig. 26(a) shows a state before a load exceeding a threshold is applied to a rotating hook 203; and Fig. 26(b) shows a state after the load exceeding the threshold is applied to the rotating hook 203.
Figs. 27(a) and 27(b) are perspective views showing a state in which the rotating hook 203 is detached from a base 202 in the modification 3 of the seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention).
Fig. 28(a) is a perspective view showing a state in which locking members 31a and 31b and a coil spring 35 are detached from the rotating hook 203 in the modification 3 of the seventh embodiment, and Fig. 28(b) is a rear view of the tassel hook of the modification 3 of the seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention).
Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the locking members 31a and 31b of the modification 3 of the seventh embodiment (not forming part of the present invention).
Fig. 30 includes structure diagrams showing a hinge-type displacement mechanism of a tassel hook of an eighth embodiment (not forming part of the present invention).
Fig. 31 includes diagrams showing an aspect in which the tassel hook of the eighth embodiment (not forming part of the present invention) is used with an existing tassel.
Fig. 32 includes structure diagrams showing a hinge-type displacement mechanism of a tassel hook of a modification 1 of the eighth embodiment (not forming part of the present invention).
Fig. 33 includes structure diagrams showing the hinge-type displacement mechanism of the tassel hook of the modification 1 of the eighth embodiment (not forming part of the present invention).

Description of Embodiments

Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Like elements are given like reference signs throughout the drawings and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

Fig. 1 includes diagrams showing the structure and use aspect of a tassel auxiliary part 100 of the present embodiment which can be attached to an existing tassel hook 200 or a tassel 300. Fig. 2 includes diagrams showing a mechanism in which application of a predetermined load to the tassel auxiliary part 100 of the present embodiment separates a separation part 114 of the tassel auxiliary part 100, unloops the looped tassel auxiliary part 100, and detaches one tassel cord of the tassel 300 from the tassel hook 200.
As shown in Fig. 2(a), a curtain accessory 1000 of the present embodiment is an accessory for bunching a curtain 1100. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the curtain accessory 1000 includes three members: the tassel 300, tassel hook 200, and tassel auxiliary part 100. As will be discussed later, the tassel auxiliary part 100 is an auxiliary part for ensuring safety when the tassel 300 is attached to the tassel hook 200.
Note that a set of the three members need not necessarily be sold as the curtain accessory 1000. That is, the curtain accessory 1000 only has to include at least one (e.g., the tassel auxiliary part 100) of the three members. Since the tassel auxiliary part 100 shown in Fig. 2(a) can be attached to an existing tassel hook or tassel, it may be sold alone as the curtain accessory 1000.
In the curtain accessory 1000 of the present embodiment, a coupling mechanism [e.g., the separation part 114 shown in Fig. 1(a)] is disposed on at least one (e.g., the tassel auxiliary part 100) of the three members, or between adjacent members (a specific example will be described later). As shown in Fig. 2(b), the coupling mechanism (e.g., the separation part 114) is decoupled when a load applied to the tassel 300 becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value. This coupling mechanism (e.g., the separation part 114) is configured in such a manner that it can be recoupled after decoupled.
In the curtain accessory 1000 of the present embodiment, the tassel 300 or tassel auxiliary part 100 is provided with a circular part [e.g., a loop formed by a cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part 100 shown in Fig. 1(a)]. The coupling mechanism includes the separation part 114 that separates the circular part [e.g., the loop formed by the tassel auxiliary part 100 shown in Fig. 2(a)] to make the tassel auxiliary part 100 noncircular [e.g., the tassel auxiliary part 100 in the shape of a linear string shown in Fig. 2(b)].
In the curtain accessory 1000 of the present embodiment, the coupling mechanism is preferably a separation part 114 having a fitting structure, as shown in Fig. 1(b). The separation part 114 in Fig. 1(b) consists of a male member (first coupling member) 115 and a female member (second coupling member) 116 molded from a synthetic resin. The female member 116 is formed in a tubular shape and has a locking groove 117 circumferentially formed on the inner peripheral surface of the front end thereof.
The female member 116 has, in the base end thereof, an insertion hole 118 into which a cord 111a can be inserted. The cord 111a is attached to the female member 116 by inserting an end of the cord 111a into the insertion hole 118 from the base end side of the female member 116, mounting a swaging member 119 on the end of the cord 111a, and swaging the swaging member 119 so that it contacts a peripheral portion of the insertion hole 118 in the female member 116, as shown in Fig. 1(b). Thus, the end of the cord 111a is held in the female member 116.
The male member 115 is attached to an end of a cord 111b by outsert molding. Specifically, the male member 115 is formed by performing outsert molding on the single cord 111b at predetermined intervals. Also, by cutting the cord 111b at the front end of the molded male member 115, the cord 111b having the male member 115 attached to an end thereof and having a predetermined length is formed. The other end of the cord 111b is attached to the female member 116, as described above.
The front end of the male member 115 is formed with a diameter that allows the front end can be fitted into the front end of the female member 116. A protrusion 120 engageable with the locking groove 117 is circumferentially formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the male member 115.
When the front end of the male member 115 is fitted into the front end of the female member 116, the protrusion 120 is elastically engaged with the locking groove 117. In this state, when a force equal to or more than a predetermined value (preferably, more than 2kgf) is applied to the male member 115 and female member 116 in a direction in which both are separated from each other, the male member 115 and female member 116 are detached from each other.
As seen above, the tassel auxiliary part 100 includes the cord 111, whose ends are connected by the separation part 114. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part 100 forms a loop and indirectly locks the tassel 300 to the tassel hook 200. In this state, for example, if a dweller or the like is caught on the tassel 300 or if undue force is applied to the tassel 300 through the curtain, a pulling force 500 is applied to the tassel auxiliary part 100. Thus, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the male member 115 and female member 116 of the separation part 114 are detached from each other, so that the tassel auxiliary part 100 is unlooped (noncircular) and falls on the floor.
The tassel auxiliary part 100 including the separation part 114 configured thus can produce the following effects.

(1) For example, if a dweller or the like is caught on the tassel 300 or if undue force is applied to the tassel 300 through the curtain, a force equal to or more than a predetermined value is applied to the male member 115 and female member 116 of the separation part 114 of the tassel auxiliary part 100 in a direction in which both are separated from each other. Thus, the male member 115 and female member 116 are detached from each other. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the dweller or the like from being injured when caused on the tassel 300.
(2) The tassel auxiliary part 100 can be attached to an existing tassel hook 200 or tassel 300. Thus, the safety of the curtain accessory can be improved cheaply and easily without having to buy a new tassel hook 200 or tassel 300 or perform additional construction.

The separation part 114 need not necessarily have the structure shown in Fig. 1(b) and may have any other structure. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a separation part of a tassel auxiliary part of a modification of the first embodiment. That is, the separation part 114 of the tassel auxiliary part 100 may be a coupling part 16 having a fitting structure as shown in Fig. 3. The fitting structure of the coupling part 16 is a type of rotating fitting structure. For this reason, the members of the coupling part 16 can be refitted together after detached from each other by rotating them manually.
As shown in Fig. 3, the coupling part 16 consists of a first coupling member 27 and a second coupling member 28. In the first coupling member 27, a first fitting part 29 is formed on one end of a cord 19 from a synthetic resin. The first fitting part 29 has, on the front end thereof, a fitting protrusion 30 having a bale-shaped cross-section obtained by cutting off both sides of a round shank in parallel. The fitting protrusion 30 has, on the front end thereof, swelled portions 31 having a diameter swelled in the long axis direction of the bale shape. Troughs 32 are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of both sides in the long axis direction of the swelled portions 31 in the axis direction of the first fitting part 29. The front end corners of the swelled portions 31 are chamfered edges 33.
In the second coupling member 28, a second fitting part 34 is molded on one end of a coupling cord 23 similar to the cord 19 from the same material as the first fitting part 29. The second fitting part 34 has a hemispherical base end and a front end having a fitting hole 35. The fitting hole 35 has a bale-shaped opening into which the swelled portions 31 of the fitting protrusion 30 can be inserted. The deep section of the fitting hole 35 is formed in a circle having a diameter that allows the fitting protrusion 30 to rotate in the fitting hole 35. Accordingly, locking portions 37 configured to engage with the swelled portions 31 are formed at the opening of the fitting hole 35 so as to be line-symmetrical. The opening edge of each locking portion 37 is gouged out to form an arc so that the base end of the fitting protrusion 30 can rotate.
The first fitting part 29 and the second fitting part 34 thus configured are fitted together by inserting the swelled portions 31 of the fitting protrusion 30 into the fitting hole 35 and then rotating the first fitting part 29 in either direction. Thus, the swelled portions 31 are locked to the locking portions 37 and held in the fitting hole 35. This holding force is set such that when the typical curtain 1100 is bundled and locked by the tassel 300, the fitting protrusion 30 and fitting hole 35 are prevented from being detached from each other by a pulling force (preferably, less than 1kgf) acting on the tassel auxiliary part 100 against a minimum holding force required to keep the curtain bunched. Only when a large pulling force which is larger than a normal pulling force and is equal to or more than a predetermined value (preferably, more than 2kgf) acts on the cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part 100, the opening of the fitting hole 35 is enlarged by the resiliency of the synthetic resin. Thus, the swelled portions 31 are pulled out of the fitting hole 35, detaching the fitting protrusion 30 from the fitting hole 35.
The fitting structure of the coupling part 16 is a type of rotating fitting structure. That is, the base end of the fitting protrusion 30 can be rotatably supported on the arc-shaped surfaces of the locking portions 37. For this reason, the fitting protrusion 30 is fitted into the fitting hole 35 by inserting the swelled portions 35 of the fitting protrusion 30 into the fitting hole 35 and then rotating the swelled portions 31 by 90 degrees. As a result, it is possible to reduce the operation force for fitting the fitting protrusion 30 into the fitting hole 35, as well as to obtain a sufficient holding force to hold the fitting protrusion 30 in the fitting hole 35. Also, owing to the chamfered edges 33 formed on the front end of the fitting protrusion 30, the fitting protrusion 30 can be easily fitted into the fitting hole 35. Since fitting the fitting protrusion 35 into the fitting hole 35 requires only a small operation force, the fitting protrusion 30 which is detached can be refitted into the fitting hole 35 without having to use a tool. Accordingly, if the coupling part 16 is decoupled, a dweller can easily restore it to the original state. That is, after the fitting protrusion 30 and the fitting hole 35 of the coupling part 16 are detached from each other, the fitting protrusion 30 can be refitted into the fitting hole 35 by rotating the fitting protrusion 30 in the fitting hole 35. Thus, the looped tassel auxiliary part 100 can be easily reconstructed.
The first and second coupling members 27 and 28 are attached to the cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part by forming hollow spaces in both ends of the cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part, inserting the coupling cords 19 and 23 of the first and second coupling member 27 and 28 into the spaces, and sewing together the outer covering of the cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part and the cords 19 and 23.

The separation part 114 need not necessarily have the structure shown in Fig. 1(b) or Fig. 3 and may have any other structure. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a separation part of a tassel auxiliary part of a modification 2 of the present embodiment. That is, the separation part 114 of the tassel auxiliary part 100 may be a coupling part 16 having a fitting structure as shown in Fig. 4. The fitting structure of the coupling part 16 is also a type of rotating fitting structure. For this reason, the members of the coupling part 16 can be refitted together after detached from each other by rotating them manually. This structure also can produce effects similar to those of the structure shown in Fig. 3.
As shown in Fig. 4, in the coupling part 16, two first coupling members 41 having the same structure are coupled together via a tubular second coupling member (second fitting part) 42. As shown in Fig. 4, each first coupling member 41 is fixed to one end of a cord 14 and has a fitting protrusion 45 taking the shape of a round shank, on the front end thereof as a male member. As shown in Fig. 4, swelled portions 46 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the fitting protrusion 45 so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center of the round shank. Troughs 47 having a semicircular cross-section are formed between the swelled portions 46. As shown in Fig. 4, rotation-restriction portions 48 are formed on the base end of the fitting protrusion 45 so as to protrude in radial directions of the round shank and to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center of the round shank. The rotation-restriction portions 48 are formed in positions circumferentially spaced from the troughs 47 by 45 degrees with respect to the center of the round shank.
The second coupling member 42 is molded into a tubular shape from the same synthetic resin as the first fitting part 41, as a female member having a fitting hole. As shown in Fig. 4, openings 49a and 49b on both sides of the second coupling member 42 are each formed in a bale shape into which the front end including the swelled portions 46, of the corresponding fitting protrusion 45 can be inserted. The opening portions 49a, 49b are shaped such that orientations of the respective bale shapes are mutually rotated by 90 degrees with respect to the center of the tube. The second coupling member 42 has therein a circular hole having a diameter which allows the front ends of the fitting protrusions 45 to rotate. Formed at opening edges in the short-axis direction of the bale shape of the opening portion 49a are locking portions for preventing the swelled portions 46 from coming out of the circular hole. Formed at opening edges in the short-axis direction of the bale shape of the opening portion 49b are locking portions for preventing the swelled portions 46 from coming out of the circular hole.
One of the first coupling members 41 and the second coupling member 42 are coupled together by inserting the fitting protrusion 45 of the first fitting part 41 into the opening 49a of the second coupling member 42 and then rotating the first fitting part 41 clockwise relative to the second coupling member 42. Similarly, the other first coupling member 41 and the second coupling member 42 are coupled together by inserting the fitting protrusion 45 of the first fitting part 41 into the other opening portion, 49b, of the second coupling member 42 and rotating the first fitting part 41 by 90 degrees for positioning. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4, the first coupling members 41 are coupled together via the second coupling member 42.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a tassel auxiliary part 100 of a modification 3 of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, a curtain accessory 1000 of the present modification may include both a tassel 300 and a tassel auxiliary part 100. In the present modification, the separation part 114 described in the first embodiment is disposed on the tassel auxiliary part 100.
As shown in Fig. 5, the tassel 300 has, on one edge thereof, a looped tassel cord having the tassel auxiliary part 100 locked thereto. The looped tassel cord is configured such that it cannot be hooked on the tassel hook 200. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the looped tassel cord is almost covered by a hiding member 152, and a small exposed portion thereof is narrower than the hooking part of a tassel hook. Accordingly, the looped tassel cord cannot be hooked on the tassel hook 200. On the other hand, the tassel 300 has, on the other end thereof, another looped tassel cord 150 to be hooked on the tassel hook 200.
Since the tassel auxiliary part 100 shown in Fig. 5 is provided with the tubular hiding member 152 for covering a looped tassel cord, the tassel auxiliary part 100 alone can be locked to the tassel hook 200. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent a dweller from mistakenly hooking the looped tassel cord to which the tassel auxiliary part 100 is connected, on the tassel hook 200 and thus to effectively increase the safety.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a modification 4 of the present embodiment in which a fall prevention collar 160 is disposed on a tassel auxiliary part 100. Since the tassel auxiliary part 100 further includes the fall prevention means (e.g., the fall prevention collar 160) that after a first coupling member 115 and a second coupling member 116 forming a separation part are decoupled, prevents the tassel auxiliary part 100 from falling from a tassel hook (a section of a shaft 144 of the tassel hook is shown), the decoupled members can be easily restored to their original state.

Figs. 7(a) is a diagram showing an appearance of an unlooped (clip-type) tassel auxiliary part 130 of a second embodiment. Figs. 7(b) and (c) are diagrams showing the internal structure and operation of the clip-type tassel auxiliary part 130 of the second embodiment. A curtain accessory 1000 of the present embodiment is the tassel auxiliary part 130. A coupling mechanism of the tassel auxiliary part 130 includes a separation part (e.g., a first clip 132 and a second clip 134 shown in Fig. 7) that separates the tassel auxiliary part 130 from an adjacent another member (e.g., the shaft 144 of the tassel hook whose section is shown in Figs. 7(b) and 7(c)) by a pulling force. Note that in Figs. 7(b) to 7(c), the upper and lower parts of a base 142 of the tassel hook are omitted.
As shown in Fig. 7, the tassel auxiliary part 130 includes an insertion part 138 into which a looped tassel cord 150 of a tassel 300 can be inserted. The separation part of the tassel auxiliary part 130 includes clips (first clip 132 and second clip 134) for sandwiching the shaft 144 of the tassel hook [whose sections are shown in Fig. 7(b) and 7(c)].
In the tassel auxiliary part 130, the two clips, 132 and 134, are coupled together so as to be relatively rotatable about a rotating shaft 136 (metal pin inserted). The tassel auxiliary part 130 includes a cam mechanism that causes the two clips, 132 and 134, to continue to hold the tassel hook 200 (a section of the shaft 144 of the tassel hook is shown), as shown in Fig. 7(b), as well as elastically deforms the clips 132 and 134 so that the clips can be detached from the tassel hook 200 by a predetermined load, as shown in Fig. 7(c).
This cam mechanism includes a cam 146 disposed on an end adjacent to the rotating shaft 136, of the first clip 132 and a wall 148 disposed in a position in contact with the cam 146, of the second clip 134. According to this cam mechanism, the cam 146 of the first clip 132 opens while pressing the wall 148 of the second clip 134. Note that the first clip 132 and second clip 134 themselves also have some elasticity.
Owing to these mechanisms, when a load equal to or more than a predetermined value is applied to the tassel 300, a pulling force larger than usual is applied to the tassel auxiliary part 130 through the insertion part 138, into which the tassel cord 150 is inserted. As a result, due to the elasticity of the cam mechanism and the clips themselves, the first clip 132 and second clip 134 are opened, so that the tassel auxiliary part 130 is separated from the adjacent tassel hook 200.
The first clip 132 and second clip 134 are provided with guide edges 140a and 140b, respectively. Since the shaft 144 of the tassel hook is guided by the guide edges 140a and 140b, the shaft 144 can be easily inserted into the inside of the clips even manually when restoring the tassel auxiliary part 130 to its original state.
A smaller slit than the tassel cord 150 may be formed in the insertion part 138 so that the looped tassel cord 150 can be inserted into the insertion part 138 through the slit from a side of the tassel auxiliary part 130. This configuration is advantageous in that the tassel auxiliary part 130 can be easily attached to an existing tassel.
Although will not be described in detail, the curtain accessory 1000 of the present embodiment may be the tassel 300 (not shown in Fig. 7). In this case, the coupling mechanism may be a clip structure (a separation part including a first clip 132 and a second clip 134) disposed on one edge of the tassel 300. This clip structure also can produce effects similar to those of the clip structure disposed on the tassel auxiliary part 130.

Fig. 8(a) shows a tape 154 provided with two tassel cords 150 to be sewed on both edges of a tassel 300, as a curtain accessory 1000 of a third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8(a), the string of one of the two tassel cords 150 is separated, and the separated portions are jointed together by a tassel auxiliary part 100. Specifically, the tape 154 is separated between the two tassel cords and then the tassel cords are sewed on both edges of the tassel 300; respective base portions of the two tassel cords 150 disposed on the tape 154 are woven into the tape 154; while one of the two tassel cords 150 is not separated at any midpoint thereof, the other tassel cord 150 is separated at a midpoint thereof; and a separation part 16 is inserted between the separated portions of the tassel cord 150.
Fig. 8(b) is an enlarged view of the separation part 16 in Fig. 8(a). In the present embodiment, cords 19 and 23 connected to a first coupling member 27 and a second coupling member 28, respectively, forming the separation part (coupling part 16) of the tassel auxiliary part 100 are fixed to the tassel cord 150 by inserting and sewing these cords into the cores of both edges of the tassel cord 150. The cords 19 and 23 may be fixed by heat welding rather than sewing.
As shown in Fig. 8(b), the tassel cord 150 is endless since both ends thereof are coupled together by the coupling part 16. The tassel cord 150 is formed by covering a core 86a formed of polyester, nylon, or the like with a woven polyester covering cord 86b. Use of the core 86a ensures the linearity of the tassel cord 150, as well as ensures the durability thereof in the extension direction. A cord having no core 86a may be used, or a twisted cord may be used in place of the woven cord.
Fig. 8(c) is an enlarged view of the structure of the separation part (coupling part 16) of the tassel auxiliary part 100 in Fig. 8(a). In the present embodiment, the first coupling member 27 and second coupling member 28 forming the separation part (coupling part 16) of the tassel auxiliary part 100 are formed of a resin of the same type and are coupled together by a snap structure, which is a type of fitting structure. The first coupling member 27 is provided with a fitting protrusion 30 having a swelled portion 31 formed therearound. On the other hand, the second coupling member 28 has a fitting hole 35 having a shape into which the fitting protrusion 30 can be inserted and a trough 32 having a shape into which the swelled portion 31 can be inserted, around the fitting hole 35.
The first fitting part 27 and the second fitting part 28 thus configured are coupled together by inserting the swelled portion 31 of the fitting protrusion 30 into the fitting hole 35. Thus, the first fitting part 31 is engaged with the trough 32 and held in the fitting hole 35. This holding force is set such that when the a typical curtain 1100 is bunched and locked by the tassel 300, the fitting protrusion 30 and fitting hole 35 are prevented from being detached from each other by a normal pulling force working on the tassel auxiliary part 100 inserted into the one tassel cord (note that the tape 154 is separated between the two tassel cords 150 shown in Fig. 8(a), and the two tassel cords 150 are sewed on both edges of the tassel 300). Only when a large pulling force which is larger than a normal pulling force and is equal to or more than a predetermined value acts on the tassel auxiliary part 100, the opening of the fitting hole 35 is enlarged by the resiliency of the synthetic resin. Thus, the swelled portion 31 is pulled out of the trough 32, detaching the fitting protrusion 30 from the fitting hole 35.

Fig. 9 includes diagrams showing a configuration in which a separation part 114 which can be separated by a predetermined pulling force is disposed on looped tassel cords 310a and 310b of a tassel 300 of a fourth embodiment. Fig. 10 includes diagrams showing a mechanism in which when a predetermined pulling force is applied to the separation part 114 disposed on the looped tassel cord 310b of the tassel 300 of the present embodiment, the tassel cord 310b is unlooped and thus the tassel 300 hangs down.
As shown in Fig. 9(a), a curtain accessory 1000 of the present embodiment is not a tassel auxiliary part 100 as shown in the first embodiment but a tassel 300 itself. The tassel 300 has circular parts (looped tassel cords 310a and 310b) on both edges of a tassel main body 302, as well as has, as a coupling mechanism, a separation part 114 that separates and unloops one (looped tassel cord 310b) of the circular parts. Fig. 9(b) is an enlarged view showing the structure of the separation part 114. The structure of the separation part is similar to the structure shown in Fig. 1(b) and has been described in the first embodiment in detail and therefore will not be described repeatedly.
Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing the configuration in which a curtain 1100 is bunched and locked to a tassel hook 200 by the tassel 300. As shown in Fig. 10(a), the tassel 300 including the tassel cord 310b connected by the separation part 114 forms a loop as a whole and thus bunches the curtain 1100 and locks it to the tassel hook 200. In this state, for example, if a dweller is caught on the tassel 300, a pulling force 500 is applied to the tassel cord 310b disposed on one edge of the tassel 300. Thus, as shown in Fig. 10(b), a male member 115 and a female member 116 of the separation part 114 are detached from each other, and the tassel 300 is unlooped (noncircular) and hangs down toward the floor.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a modification 1 of the fourth embodiment in which a separation part 114 of a tassel 300 is of built-in type. In the present modification, as shown by an internal structure diagram in Fig. 11(a), the tassel 300 is provided with a tassel cord 310b whose base portion alone is fixed by a seam 308 inside a tassel main body 302 (decoration member, hiding member), and the separation part 114 is disposed at a midpoint of the tassel cord 310b. As shown in Fig. 11(b), when the tassel 300 is seen from outside, the separation part 114 disposed on the tassel cord 310b is hidden behind the tassel main body 302. When a pulling force equal to or more than a predetermined value is applied to the tassel cord 310b of the tassel 300, the separation part 114 is separated, and the looped tassel cord 310b is unlooped, as shown in Fig. 11(c). This configuration can improve the design of the tassel 300.

There are various modifications of the shape of the tassel 300. Fig. 12 shows a tassel 300 of a modification 2 of the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the tassel 300 does not include a cloth tassel main body 302 and has a shape in which tassel cords 310a and 310b are horizontally separated by a knot 304 in the center. In this case, a separation part 114 may be disposed at a midpoint of the looped tassel cord 310b.
Fig. 12 includes diagrams showing a mechanism in which when a predetermined pulling force is applied to the separation part 114 disposed on the looped tassel cord 310b of the tassel 300 (a string-type modification having a knot) of the present embodiment, the tassel cord 310b is unlooped and thus the tassel 300 hangs down or falls.
Assume that a string-type tassel 300 having a knot as shown in Fig. 12(a) is used and that a curtain 1100 is opened in a state in which a tassel cord 310a not provided with a separation part 114 is hooked on a tassel hook 200, as shown in Fig. 12(b). In this case, even when a predetermined pulling force is applied to the separation part 114 and thus a tassel cord 310b is unlooped, a tassel cord 310a would remain looped and therefore the tassel 300 would not fall from the tassel hook 200. Thus, the decoupled tassel 300 can be easily restored to its original state.
On the other hand, assume that the curtain 1100 is opened in a state in which the tassel cord 310b provided with the separation part 114 is hooked on the tassel hook 200, as shown in Fig. 12(c). In this case, if a predetermined pulling force is applied to the separation part 114, the tassel cord 310b would be unlooped and thus the tassel 300 would fall from the tassel hook 200.
The separation part 114 may have a relatively elongated shape, as shown in Fig. 12(d).

Fig. 13 shows a modification 3 in which a tassel 300 of the present embodiment is provided with a decoration member (hiding member) 306. A coupling mechanism (separation part 114) disposed on a tassel cord 310 of the tassel 300 is covered by the decoration member (hiding member) 306. In the tassel 300, the connected, looped tassel cord 310 is passed through a through hole formed in the decoration member (hiding member) 306 in the center and separated horizontally. While a separation part 114 is disposed at a midpoint of the connected, looped tassel cord 310, it is hidden in the through hole formed in the decoration member (hiding member) 306. This configuration can improve the design of the tassel 300.
Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a mechanism in which when a predetermined pulling force is applied to the separation part 114 disposed on the looped tassel cord 310 of the tassel 300 (a string-type modification in which the separation part 114 is disposed in the decoration member 306) of the present modification, the tassel cord 310 is unlooped, and the tassel 300 hangs down or falls.
Assume that the string-type tassel 300 including the decoration member 306 shown in Figs. 13(a) to 13(b) is used. If a predetermined pulling force is applied to the separation part 114, the pulling force is transmitted to the separation part 114 present in the through hole in the decoration member 306. This is because the tassel cord 310 is a connected structure. Thus, as shown in Fig. 13(c), the tassel cord 310 would be unlooped, and the tassel 300 would fall from the tassel hook 200. As seen above, use of the string-type tassel 300 having the decoration member 306 can increase the safety without impairing design.

Fig. 14 in diagrams showing the configuration of a tassel hook 200 of the present embodiment in which a separation part 114 which can be separated by a predetermined pulling force is disposed between a protruding shaft 204 and a hooking part 206. A curtain accessory 1000 of the present embodiment is a tassel hook 200, and the tassel hook 200 includes, as a coupling mechanism, a separation part 114 that separates the tassel hook 200 into multiple parts by a pulling force.
As shown in Figs. 14(a) and 14(b), the tassel hook 200 includes a base 202 which is to be fixed to a fixing standing surface 400 of a wall, window frame, or the like. The tassel hook 200 also includes a protruding shaft 204 protruding from the base 202. The tassel hook 200 also includes the hooking part 206 which is supported by the protruding shaft 204 and on which a tassel 300 or tassel auxiliary part 100 [in Fig. 14(b), a cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part 100] is to be hooked. The separation part 114 is disposed between the protruding shaft 204 and hooking part 206.
As shown in Figs. 14(b) and 14(c), the upper side of the protruding shaft 204 is inclined so as to be lowered toward a trigger (the contact between the upper side of the protruding shaft 204 and the inner surface of the hooking part 206) disposed on the separation part 114. Thus, when the tassel 300 or tassel auxiliary part 100 (in Fig. 14(b), the cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part 100) contacts the trigger (the contact between the upper side of the protruding shaft 204 and the inner surface of the hooking part 206) and applies a pulling force 500 thereto, the separation part 114 is decoupled.
Fig. 14(d) is a vertical sectional view of the separation part 114. Fig. 14(e) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the tassel hook 200. As shown in these figures, a cylindrical cavity having a ceiling of the hooking part 206 is fitted into a cylindrically swelled front end 210 of the protruding shaft 204 while sliding it from above. Thus, the hooking part 206 and protruding shaft 204 are coupled together in the separation part 114. As a result, as shown in Fig. 14(c), the hooking part 206 and protruding shaft 204 are decoupled in the separation part 114.
The holding force of the separation part 114 is set such that when the typical curtain 1100 is bunched and locked by the tassel 300, the hooking part 206 and protruding shaft 204 are prevented from being decoupled by a typical pulling force working on the trigger (the contact between the upper side of the protruding shaft 204 and the inner surface of the hooking part 206) through a cord 111 of a tassel auxiliary part 100. Only when a large pulling force which is larger than a normal pulling force and is equal to or more than a predetermined value acts on the trigger (the contact between the upper side of the protruding shaft 204 and the inner surface of the hooking part 206), the hooking part 206 expands due to the elasticity thereof or the cylindrically swelled front end 210 of the protruding shaft 204 contracts, and the cylindrical cavity having a ceiling of the hooking part 206 is detached from the front end 210, thereby decoupling the hooking part 206 and protruding shaft 204.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tassel hook 200 of the present embodiment in which a separation part 114 which can be separated by a predetermined pulling force is disposed between a base 202 and a protruding shaft 204 (including a modification incorporating a holding cord 218 that prevents the protruding shaft 204 from falling when the protruding shaft 204 is separated).
As shown in Figs. 15(a) and 15(b), the tassel hook 200 includes a base 202 to be fixed to a fixing standing surface 400 of a wall, window frame, or the like. The tassel hook 200 also includes a protruding shaft 204 protruding from the base 202. The tassel hook 200 also includes a hooking part 206 which is supported by the protruding shaft 204 and on which a tassel 300 or tassel auxiliary part 100 [in Fig. 15(b), a cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part 100] is to be hooked. Note that unlike in Figs. 14(a) and 14(b), the separation part 114 is disposed between the base 202 and protruding shaft 204. Further, the separation part 114 is configured in such a manner that it couples the base 202 and protruding shaft 204 together using the rotating fitting structure thereof and, after decoupled, can be recoupled by rotating it manually. For example, forms similar to the male forms 30 and 31 corresponding to the female forms 35 and 37 in Fig. 3 may be disposed on the base or protruding shaft.
As shown in Figs. 15(b) and 15(c), when the tassel 300 or tassel auxiliary part 100 [in Fig. 15(b), the cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part 100] contacts the upper side of the protruding shaft 204 or the inner surface of the hooking part 206 and applies a pulling force 500 thereto, the pulling force is also applied to the separation part 114, decoupling it. Note that in Figs. 15(b) and 15(c), the entire protruding shaft 204 serves as a trigger and therefore the upper side thereof need not be inclined.
As shown in Figs. 15(c), 15(d), and 15(e), the tassel hook 200 includes, as holding means, the holding cord 218 that holds the protruding shaft 204 and hooking part 206, which are prevented from falling on the floor when the separation part 114 is coupled, so that the protruding shaft 204 and hooking part 206 are prevented from falling on the floor even when the separation part 114 is decoupled. The tassel hook 200 also includes an accommodation part 219 that can accommodate the holding cord 218, which is redundant in normal times (when the separation part 114 is restored). As shown in Fig. 15(d), a slit is formed in a lower portion of the protruding shaft 204, and the accommodation part 219 can accommodate the redundant holding cord 218 through the slit. Note that by disposing the accommodation part 219 in the base, the base may be allowed to accommodate the holding cord 218.
That is, a holding cord 218 that holds the base 202 so that the base 202 is prevented from falling on the floor even when the separation part 114 is decoupled is disposed between the base 202 and protruding shaft 204. Both ends of the holding cord 218 are inserted into holes formed in the base 202 and protruding shaft 204 and fixed by knots 220 that are present on the both ends and are larger than the diameters of the through holes. Thus, even when the separation part 114 is decoupled, the protruding shaft 204 or hooking part 206 does not fall on the floor. As a result, the protruding shaft 204 and hooking part 206 can be easily restored to their original state after the separation part 114 is decoupled.

Fig. 16 includes diagrams showing the configuration of a tassel hook 200 of the present embodiment (vertical slide-type modification) in which a separation part 114 which can be separated by a predetermined pulling force is disposed between a base 202 and a mount 230. Fig. 17 includes diagrams showing the configurations of the base 202 and mount 230 of the tassel hook 200 of the present embodiment (vertical slide-type modification) using perspective views.
As shown in Figs. 16(a) to 16(c) and 17(a) to 17(c), the tassel hook 200 includes the mount 230 to be mounted on a fixing standing surface 400 of a wall, window frame, or the like using a screw or the like corresponding to a mounting hole 401 shown in Fig. 17(c). The tassel hook 200 also includes the base 202 to be locked to the mount 230. As shown in Fig. 16(c), the base 202 covers the mount 230 so that the mount 230 is not exposed in normal times. The tassel hook 200 also includes a protruding shaft 204 protruding from the base 202. The tassel hook 200 also includes a hooking part 206 which is supported by the protruding shaft 204 and on which a tassel 300 or tassel auxiliary part 100 [in Figs. 16(b) and 16(d), a cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part 100] is to be hooked. The separation part 114 is disposed between the base 202 and mount 230.
As shown in Figs. 16(a) to 16(c), 17(a), and 17(b), the mount 230 includes a small protrusion 234 for locking a base, as a base locking part for locking the base 202. The mount 230 also has a slide groove 232 for sliding the base 202 approximately vertically. In these diagrams, the slide groove 232 is inclined in such a manner that a lower portion thereof is more distant from the fixing standing surface 400. As shown in Fig. 16(b), a protruding shaft 240 (directing to the inside of the base) can be inserted into the slide groove 232 through an opening on an upper slope. The slide groove 232 is formed in such a manner that the upper opening is wide in front-back direction; a vertically middle portion thereof is upright; and the width between the vertically middle portion and the wall surface is approximately the same as the diameter of the protruding shaft 240 inserted into the inside of the base. A lower portion of the slide groove 232 is inclined toward the front, has the small protrusion 234 on an upper portion thereof, and forms a holding portion whose front-back width is narrower than the protruding shaft 240 directing to the inside of the base.
Thus, as shown in Figs. 16(c) and 16(d), when the tassel 300 or tassel auxiliary part 100 [in Figs. 16(c) and 16(d), the cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part 100] contacts the protruding shaft 204 or hooking part 206 and applies a force thereto, the protruding shaft 240 inserted into the inside of the base extends over the small protrusion 234, and the base 202 slides downward along the slide groove 232, thereby decoupling the separation part 114. Since the slide groove 232 is inclined in such a manner that a lower portion thereof is more distant from the fixing standing surface 400, it is possible to prevent the ceiling of the base 202 from colliding with the mount 230 and being caught thereon.
In seventh and eighth embodiments described below, a tassel hook including a displacement mechanism is disclosed as a coupling mechanism.
Specifically, the tassel hooks of these embodiments are tassel hooks to which a tassel bunching a curtain is to be locked, and each include a displacement mechanism for displacing the structure of the tassel hook. The displacement mechanism is configured such that when a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the tassel hook through the tassel, it displaces the structure of the tassel hook to unlock the tassel. The displacement mechanism is also configured such that after unlocking the tassel, it can restore the displaced structure to its original state so that the tassel can be locked thereto.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an aspect in which a tassel hook 200 of the present embodiment is used with an existing tassel 300. As shown in Fig. 18(a), the tassel hook 200 is a tassel hook 200 on which a tassel 300 bunching a curtain (not shown) is to be locked. The tassel hook 200 is fixed to a fixing standing surface 400 of a wall or the like. The tassel hook 200 includes a base 202 to be fixed to the fixing standing surface 400 and a rotating hook 203.
The tassel 300 for bunching a curtain (not shown) is locked to the tassel hook 200. One looped tassel cord, 310b, of the tassel 300 is hooked on the rotating hook 203. The tassel 300 as a whole has a two-loop structure and is locked to the tassel hook 200.
In this state, for example, if a dweller or the like is caught on the tassel 300, a pulling force 500 is applied to the tassel cord 310b disposed on one edge of the tassel 300, as shown in Fig. 18(a). If the load applied to the rotating hook 203 through the tassel cord 310b exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 2kgf), the structure of the tassel hook 200 is displaced (in a displacement direction 702), as shown in Fig. 18(b). Thus, the tassel 300 is unlocked (in an unlocking direction 704), and the tassel 300 falls toward the floor.
Fig. 19 is a structure diagram showing the structure of the existing tassel. Circular parts (looped tassel cords 310a and 310b) are disposed on both edges of the tassel 300. A knot 304 of the tassel cords 310a and 310b is disposed in the center of the tassel 300. A pendant 305 is disposed below the knot 304 in the center of the tassel 300. To bunch a curtain (not shown) and lock it to the tassel hook 200 using the tassel 300, the other tassel cord, 310a, is also hooked on the rotating hook 203 of the tassel hook 200. Thus, the entire tassel 300 forms one loop and can lock the curtain (not shown) to the tassel hook 200.
Fig. 20 includes structure diagrams showing a counter balance-type displacement mechanism 800 of a tassel hook 200 of the present embodiment. The tassel hook 200 includes the balance-type displacement mechanism 800 that displaces the structure of the tassel hook 200. The displacement mechanism 800 is configured to, when the load applied to the tassel hook 200 through the tassel 300 exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 2kgf), displace the structure of the tassel hook 200 to unlock the tassel 300. The displacement mechanism 800 is also configured in such a manner that, after unlocking the tassel 300, it can restore the displaced structure to the original state so that the tassel 300 can be locked to the tassel hook 200.
As shown in a perspective view of Fig. 20(a), a side view of Fig. 20(b), and a rear view of Fig. 20(c), the displacement mechanism 800 includes a hooking part 213 disposed on one end of a rotating hook 203 and energizing means (weight 209) disposed on the other end of the rotating hook 203. The displacement mechanism 800 is disposed on a base 202 and has an opening hole 207 into which the rotating hook 203 can be inserted. The opening hole 207 has a larger width than the rotating hook 203. The displacement mechanism 800 is disposed in the opening hole 207 of the base 202 and includes a rotating mechanism 215 that rotatably supports the rotating hook 203 between the hooking part 213 and energizing means (weight 209).
As shown in a rear view of a base of Fig. 20(d), a side view of a rotating hook of Fig. 20(e), and a rear view of a rotating hook of Fig. 20(f), the rotating mechanism 215 includes bearings 217a and 217b disposed in the opening hole 207 of the base 202 and rotating shafts 227a and 227b disposed between the hooking part 213 of the rotating hook 203 and the energizing means (weight 209).
The bearings 217a and 217b are disposed so as to be opposite to the side wall of the base 202. The rotating hook 203 is attached to the base 202 by engaging the rotating shafts 227a and 227b of the rotating hook 203 with the bearings 217a and 217b from the rear of the base 202.
As shown in Fig. 18, the tassel hook 200 thus configured normally maintains a state in which the hooking part 213 stands by the weight 209. When the downward load applied to the hooking part 213 through the tassel 300 exceeds a threshold (e.g., 2kgf), the rotating hook 203 is rotated in the rotating mechanism 215, and the hooking part 213 is displaced downward. Thus, the tassel 300 is detached from the hooking part 213 and falls toward the floor. As seen above, there is obtained a tassel hook 200 that has a simple configuration but allows the tassel 300 to come off and fall down by a predetermined load, that is, has high safety in an emergency.
After unlocking the tassel 300, the displacement mechanism 800 of the tassel hook 200 can automatically restore the displaced structure to its original state so that the tassel 300 can be locked to the tassel hook 200 again. The tassel hook 200 is advantageous in that it has high safety in an emergency, as well as after preventing a trouble in an emergency, can be restored to its original state and used repeatedly.

Fig. 21 is a structure diagram showing a balance-type displacement mechanism of a tassel hook of a modification 1 of the present embodiment. In the modification 1, as shown in Fig. 21(a), a receiver 237a in contact with a tassel cord 310b, of the base 202 is formed in an R shape along the perimeter of a cross-section of the tassel cord 310b. A receiver 237b of a hooking part 213 of a rotating hook 203 is also formed in an R shape along the perimeter of a cross- section of the tassel cord 310b. Thus, the receiver 237a can receive approximately half the load with the tassel cord 310b handing down.
As shown in Fig. 21(b), the lower end of R of the receiver 237a is provided with a protrusion 239a. Such a shape allows the tassel cord 310b to be more easily hooked. Further, the receiver 237a of the base 202 and the protrusion 239a can receive half or more the load of the tassel 300 in normal times. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 21(c), a protrusion 239b is disposed on a lower portion of the weight 209 and thus the protrusion 239b of the weight 209 is hooked on the lower edge of an opening hole 207 formed in the base 202.
This modification is an improved structure for keeping the tassel cord 310b held in the receivers 237a and 237b. That is, the displacement mechanism 800 is configured to reliably keep the tassel 300 locked without rotating the rotating hook 203 until the load applied to the tassel hook 200 through the tassel 300 exceeds the predetermined value (e.g., 2kgf).

Next, referring to Figs. 22 to 25, a modification 2 of the seventh embodiment will be described. The modification 2 has a configuration similar to that of the modification 1 of the seventh embodiment and therefore the difference therebetween will be mainly described.
In the modification 2, a tassel hook 200 consists of a base 202 and a rotating hook 203. Rotating shafts 227a and 227b disposed on both side surfaces of the rotating hook 203 are supported by a pair of bearings 217a and 217b disposed so as to be opposite to the side wall of the base 202. Thus, the rotating hook 203 is rotatably supported by the base 202. The base 202 is fixed to a fixing standing surface 400, for example, by inserting screws (not shown) into mounting holes 219a and 219b and then screwing the screws into the fixing standing surface 400.
The base 202 has a protrusion 13 on a bottom wall 17 thereof. If the downward load applied to the hooking part 213 is equal to or less than a threshold, when a protrusion 239b disposed on a lower portion of a weight 209 of the rotating hook 203 contacts the protrusion 13, the rotating hook 203 is prevented from rotating. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 22(a), when a force in the direction of an arrow X is applied to a tassel cord 310b, the tassel cord 310b applies a component force to the hooking part 213. Thus, a torque using the rotating shafts 227a and 227b as the rotation center is applied to the hooking part 213 and thus a torque in the direction of an arrow Y1 is applied to the weight 209. When the protrusion 239b and protrusion 13 are disengaged from each other due to this torque, the rotating hook 203 is rotated as shown in Fig. 22(b) and thus the tassel cord 310b comes out of the hooking part 213. In the present embodiment, slits 15 are formed on both sides of the protrusion 13 on the bottom wall 17 and thus the force required to move the protrusion 13 downward is reduced, and the threshold of the load required to start to rotate the rotating hook 203 is lowered. This threshold can also be set as appropriate by changing the thickness of the bottom wall 17 or changing the shapes of the protrusion 13 and 239b. The slits 15 need not necessarily be formed.
When the tassel cord 310b comes out in the state shown in Fig. 22(b), the load applied to the hooking part 213 is lost, and the rotating hook 203 is rotated in the direction of an arrow Y2 by the self weight of the weight 209. Thus, as shown in Fig. 22(c), the rotation of the rotating hook 203 stops with the protrusion 239b in contact with the protrusion 13. When the hooking part 213 is pressed with a finger or the like in the direction of an arrow Z in Fig. 22(c) in this state, the protrusion 239b extends over the protrusion 13 and is restored to the state in Fig. 22(a).

Next, referring to Figs. 26 to 29, a modification 3 of the seventh embodiment will be described. The modification 3 has a configuration similar to that of the seventh embodiment, but it mainly differs therefrom in that it includes a rotation regulation mechanism using a locking member. The difference will be mainly described below.
In the modification 3, as shown in Fig. 26, a tassel hook 200 consists of a base 202 and a rotating hook 203. As shown in Figs. 27 and 28, rotating shafts 227a and 227b are disposed on both side walls 32a and 32b of a rotating hook 203. The rotating shafts 227a and 227b are supported by a pair of bearings 217a and 217b disposed so as to be opposite to the side wall of the base 202 and thus the rotating hook 203 is rotatably supported by the base 202. The base 202 and receiver 237b are designed so that there is no gap therebetween in a normal use state shown in Fig. 26(a) and thus the tassel cord 310b is prevented from being caught.
As shown in Fig. 28(a), through holes 37a and 37b are formed in both side walls 32a and 32b of the rotating hook 203. Heads 45a and 45b of locking members 31a and 31b are inserted into the holes 37a and 37b. As shown in Fig. 29, the locking members 31a and 31b include bases 41a and 41b and heads 45a and 45b that protrude from the bases 41a and 41b and have approximately semi-spherical ends. The bases 41a and 41b are tubular and can hold both ends of a coil spring 35 disposed between the locking members 31a and 31b. As shown in Fig. 28(b), the coil spring 35 energizes the locking members 31a and 31b so as to press the locking members 31a and 31b against the side walls 32a and 32b in a state in which the heads 45a and 45b of the locking members 31a and 31b are inserted into the through holes 37a and 37b. The bases 41a and 41b have a larger size than the through holes 37a and 37b. Thus, when the bases 41a and 41b are pressed against the side walls 32a and 32b, the locking members 31a and 31b are held on the rotating hook 203.
As shown in Fig. 28(b), the heads 45a and 45b of the locking members 31a and 31b are housed in engaging recesses 33a and 33b. When no load is applied to the rotating hook 203, the rotation of the rotating hook 203 is hampered.
As shown in Fig. 26(a), when a force in the direction of an arrow X is applied to the tassel cord 310b, the tassel cord 310b moves along the slope of the receiver 237b toward the hooking part 213 (note that this movement is rare; typically, the tassel cord 310b falls into the trough between the receiver 237b and hooking part 213 by the self-weight of the tassel 300 and lies therein; however, the description will be made on the above assumption for the sake of convenience) and contacts the hooking part 213. Thus, (note that typically, the load is applied to the hooking part 213 immediately), a torque using the rotating shafts 227a and 227b as the rotation center is applied to the hooking part 213. The heads 45a and 45b of the locking members 31a and 31b have approximately semi-spherical ends. Accordingly, when the heads 45a and 45b contact the inner wall surfaces of the engaging recesses 33a and 33b, forces in directions in which the coil spring 35 shrinks [in the directions of arrows Z in Fig. 28(b)] are applied to the locking members 31a and 31b. Thus, when the torque applied to the hooking part 213 exceeds the threshold, the heads 45a and 45b and the engaging recesses 33a and 33b are disengaged from each other. As shown in Fig. 26(b), the rotating hook 203 is rotated in the direction of an arrow Y1 shown in Fig. 26(a), and the tassel cord 310b is detached from the hooking part 213.
By, after the tassel cord 310b is detached, rotating the rotating hook 203 in a reverse direction and thus re-engaging the heads 45a and 45b with the engaging recesses 33a and 33b against the energizing force of the coil spring 35, the tassel hook 200 can be restored to the state shown in Fig. 26(a).
In the configuration of the present modification, the threshold at which the rotation of the rotating hook 203 is started can be easily adjusted by changing the strength of the coil spring 35. If the threshold is set on the basis of the engagement between the protrusion 239b and protrusion 13 as in the modification 2, the threshold may be changed due to the wear of the protrusion, or the like during repeated use. On the other hand, in the present modification, the semi-spherical heads 45a and 45b are pressed into the engaging recesses 33a and 33b by the energizing force of the coil spring 35 and thus a change in threshold due to wear is less likely to occur.
The rotating hook 203 may be energized by a torsion spring, like in a modification 1 of an eighth embodiment (to be discussed later). In this case, the locking members 31a and 31b can be removed.
The heads 45a and 45b may be formed integrally with the rotating hook 203 so that the heads are elastically engaged with the engaging recesses 33a and 33b.

Fig. 30 includes structure diagrams showing a hinge-type displacement mechanism 800 of a tassel hook 200 of the present embodiment. The tassel hook 200 includes a base 202 to be fixed to a fixing standing surface 400, a protruding shaft 204 protruding from the base 202, and a hooking part 206 which is supported by the protruding shaft 204 and on which a tassel 300 is to be hooked. The tassel hook 200 includes a flat spring-type displacement mechanism 800 that displaces the structure of the tassel hook 200.
As shown in a side view of Fig. 30(a) and a perspective view of Fig. 30(d), the displacement mechanism 800 includes a hinge 235 that connects the protruding shaft 204 and hooking part 206 and elastic means (flat spring 229) that holds the protruding shaft 204 and hooking part 206 in such a manner that the protruding shaft 204 and hooking part 206 form an angle in a predetermined range at the hinge 235.
As shown in a side sectional view of Fig. 30(b) and a side sectional view of Fig. 30(c), one end of the elastic means (flat spring 229) is inserted into a recess 233b of the protruding shaft 204 with an allowance 231b left, and the other end thereof is inserted into a recess 233a of the hooking part 206 with an allowance 231a left. By leaving the allowances 231a and 231b as described above, the entire flat spring 229 is stored in the recesses 233a and 233b even when the angle of the hinge 235 is increased. Thus, the flat spring 229 is prevented from inhibiting an increase in the angle of the hinge 235, and the displacement mechanism 800 operates smoothly in an emergency.
The displacement mechanism 800 is configured to, when the load applied to the hooking part 206 through the tassel cord 310b exceeds the predetermined value (e.g., 2kgf), increase the angle of the hinge 235 so that the tassel cord 310b slides in a movement direction 900 of the tassel cord and falls, as shown in Fig. 30(f). Since an upper side 205 of the hinge 235 has no recess in the displaced state, the tassel cord 310b is prevented from being caught on a recess and thus failing to fall.
Fig. 31 includes diagrams showing an aspect in which the tassel hook 200 of the present embodiment is used with an existing tassel 300. For example, if a dweller is caught on the tassel 300 with one looped tassel cord, 310b, hooked on the hooking part 206 of the tassel hook 200, a pulling force 500 is applied to the tassel cord 310b disposed on one edge of the tassel 300, as shown in Fig. 31(a).
If the load applied to the hooking part 206 of the tassel hook 200 through the tassel cord 310b exceeds the predetermined value (e.g., 2kgf), the structure of the tassel hook 200 is displaced (in the displacement direction 702), as shown in Fig. 31(b). Thus, the tassel 300 is unlocked (in the unlocking direction 704), and the tassel 300 falls toward the floor. After the tassel 300 falls, the structure of the tassel hook 200 is restored to the original state by the energizing force of the elastic means (flat spring 229), allowing the tassel hook 200 to hold the tassel 300 again.

Figs. 32 and 33 are structure diagrams showing a hinge-type displacement mechanism 800 of a tassel hook 200 of a modification of the present embodiment. In this modification, as shown in a side view of Fig. 32(a) and a front view of Fig. 32(b), a torsion spring is used as elastic means in place of the flat spring 229. The torsion spring is also called a coil spring and includes a coil 236 and two arms 234a and 234b.
In this modification, as shown in a side sectional view of Fig. 32(c), the coil 236 of the torsion spring is wound about a rotating shaft 238 disposed in the center of a hinge 235. The arm 234b of the torsion spring is housed in an arm housing space 232b disposed in a hooking part. On the other hand, the arm 234a of the torsion spring is housed in an arm housing space 232a disposed in a protruding shaft 204.
In this modification, when the load applied to the hooking part 206 through a tassel cord 310b exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 2kgf), the angle of the hinge 235 is increased, and the tassel cord 310b slides in a tassel cord movement direction 900 and falls, as shown in a side sectional view of Fig. 32(d) and a front view of Fig. 32(e). Since an upper side 205 of the hinge 235 has no recess in the displaced state, the tassel cord 310b is prevented from being caught on a recess and thus failing to fall.
In particular, it is necessary to form, in the hinge 235, a gap for ensuring the rotation angle between both arms on the front end of the protruding shaft 204 and the base edge of the hooking part 206. Tapered surfaces 334a and 334b as shown in Figs. 33(a) and 33(b) are formed so that the tassel cord 310b is prevented from falling into the gap.
While the embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, solely the first three embodiments are illustrative of the present invention. Various configurations other than those described above can be employed.
In the embodiments, some typical examples have been described as the fitting structure of the separation part 114 used in the coupling mechanism. However, those fitting structures are not limiting, and any type of known fitting structure may be used. For example, various types of fitting structures described in WO2011/136235 can be suitably used. Even when those fitting structures are used, the safety of a curtain accessory can be improved as in the embodiments.
While, in the embodiments, the tassel hook 200 is separated into multiple portions by a pulling force, other configurations may be employed. The tassel auxiliary part 100 or tassel 300 may be separated into multiple portions. For example, the looped cord 111 of the tassel auxiliary part 100 shown in Fig. 1(a) may be a cord that is a single cord around the center but forms loops on both sides and is provided with a separation part 114 disposed at the center and separated into multiple portions by a pulling force. Also, the tassel cord 310 of the string tassel 300 including the decoration member 306 shown in Fig. 13(b) may be a cord that is a single cord in the through hole of the decoration member 306 and is provided with a separation part 114 disposed in the through hole and separated into multiple portions by a pulling force.
While, in the embodiments, there has been described the configuration in which the fall of the protruding shaft 204 from the base 202 is prevented by disposing the holding cord 218 for holding the protruding shaft 204 to prevent it from falling on the floor, between the base 202 and protruding shaft 204, other configurations may be employed. For example, there may be employed a configuration in which the fall of the base 202 from the mount 230 is prevented by disposing a holding cord 218 for holding the base 202 to prevent it from falling on the floor, between the mount 230 and base 202. For another example, there may be employed a configuration in which the fall of the hooking shaft 206 from the protruding shaft 204 is prevented by disposing a holding cord 218 for holding the hooking part 206 to prevent it from falling on the floor, between the protruding shaft 204 and hooking part 206.
While, in the embodiments, the coupling mechanism is configured to be decoupled if the load applied to the tassel 300 exceeds 2kgf, which is the predetermined value, other configurations may be employed. For example, the coupling mechanism may be configured to be decoupled if the load applied to the tassel 300 is equal to or more than one of 2kgf, 2.5kgf, 3kgf, 3.5kgf, 4kgf, 4.5kgf, and 5kgf, or exceeds one thereof.

Reference Signs List

14:: cord
16:: coupling part
19:: cord
23:: cord
27:: first coupling member (male member)
28:: second coupling member (female member)
29:: first fitting part (male fitting part)
30:: fitting protrusion
31:: swelled portion
32:: trough
33:: chamfered edge
34:: second fitting part (female fitting part)
35:: fitting hole
37:: locking portion
41:: first coupling member (male member)
42:: second coupling member (female member)
45:: fitting protrusion
46:: swelled portion
47:: trough
48:: rotation regulation part
49a, 49b:: opening
86a:: core
86b:: covering cord
100:: tassel auxiliary part
111, 111a, 111b:: cord
114:: separation part
115:: first coupling member (male member)
116:: second coupling member (female member)
117:: locking groove
118:: insertion hole
119:: swaging member
120:: protrusion
130:: tassel auxiliary part
132:: first clip
133:: bent portion
134:: second clip
136:: rotating shaft
137:: another wall
138:: insertion part
139:: cam mechanism
140a, 140b:: guide edge
142:: tassel hook base (upper and lower parts are omitted)
144:: tassel hook shaft (cross-section)
146:: cam
148:: wall
150:: tassel cord
152:: hiding member
154:: tape
160:: fall prevention collar
200:: tassel hook
202:: base
203:: rotating hook
204:: protruding shaft
205:: upper side
206:: hooking part
208:: direction in which hooking part is detached
209:: weight
210:: front end
212:: fitting recess
213:: hooking part
214:: fitting protrusion
215:: rotating mechanism
216:: rotating fitting structure
217a, 217b:: bearing
218:: holding cord
219a, 219b:: mounting hole
220:: knot
227a, 227b:: rotating shaft
229:: flat spring
230:: mount
231a, 231b:: allowance
232:: slide groove
233a, 233b:: recess
234:: small protrusion for locking base
234a, 234b: 234a:: tapered surface
235:: hinge
237a, 237b:: receiver
239a, 239b:: protrusion
240, 240a, 240b:: protruding shaft inserted into inside of base
250:: direction in which base is fitted into base
260:: slide direction of base
300:: tassel
301:: seam
302:: tassel main body
303:: area in which no seam exists
304:: knot
305:: pendant
306:: decoration member (hiding member)
308:: seam
310, 310a, 310b:: tassel cord
332:: spring end insertion opening
400:: fixing standing surface
401:: mounting hole
500:: pulling force
600:: foreign object entry direction
702:: displacement direction
800:: displacement mechanism
900:: tassel cord movement direction
1000:: curtain accessory
1100:: curtain

Claims

A curtain accessory (1000) for bunching a curtain (1100), comprising
a tassel (300) and

a tassel hook (200),

characterized in that it further comprises

a tassel auxiliary part (100, 130) for ensuring safety when attaching the tassel (300) to the tassel hook (200), wherein

a coupling mechanism is disposed on the tassel auxiliary part (100, 130), wherein

the coupling mechanism is configured in such a manner that, when a load applied to the tassel (300) exceeds a predetermined value, the coupling mechanism is decoupled, as well as can be recoupled after being decoupled.
The curtain accessory (1000) of Claim 1, wherein
the tassel auxiliary part (100, 130) is provided with a circular part (111), and

the coupling mechanism comprises a separation part (16, 114) configured to separate the circular part (111) to make the circular part (111) noncircular.
The curtain accessory (1000) of Claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a separation part configured to separate the tassel (300) or the tassel auxiliary part (100, 130) from the tassel hook (200) by a pulling force.
The curtain accessory (1000) of Claim 3, wherein
the tassel auxiliary part (100, 130) comprises an insertion part (138) into which a looped tassel cord (150) of the tassel (300) can be inserted, and

the separation part comprises a clip (132, 134) configured to sandwich the tassel hook (200).
The curtain accessory (1000) of Claim 2, wherein
a looped tassel cord (111) to which the tassel auxiliary part (100, 130) is locked is disposed on one edge of the tassel (300),

the looped tassel cord (111) being configured in such a manner that the looped tassel cord (111) cannot be hooked on the tassel hook (200), and

another looped tassel cord (150) to be hooked on the tassel hook (200) is disposed on another edge of the tassel (300).