GB2412691A

GB2412691A - Curtain retention device for energy conservation

Info

Publication number: GB2412691A
Application number: GB0501665A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harold Freed
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-03-31
Filing date: 2005-01-27
Publication date: 2005-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-27
Also published as: GB0407249D0; GB0501665D0; GB2412691B

Abstract

A curtain retention device including a first element 10 that may be clipped or clamped to a radiator 11 located under a window, and a second element 12 that is movable relative to the first element between an inoperative position, in which the curtains 15 are open and the device does not project significantly above the radiator, and an operative position, in which the second element holds the curtains against movement away from the window. The flow of convection air rising from the radiator is directed into the room as opposed to between the curtains and the window. Less heat is wasted and energy required to heat the room is reduced. Also the amount of water condensation on the window is reduced. The second element may be pivotally connected to the first element and may comprise a horizontal bar 13 that is pivotally connected to a link 14 with the first element.

Description

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to energy conservation and is concerned with the provision of a novel method of conserving energy. The invention is also concerned with the provision of improved means for conserving energy.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of conserving energy that includes:- a) providing a curtain retention device that includes a first element and a second element that is movable relative to the first element between an inoperative position and an operative position, b) mounting the curtain retention device on a radiator that is disposed adjacent a window having a curtain or curtains that can be moved between open and closed positions, c) locating the second element of the curtain retention device in its inoperative position when the curtain or curtains is or are open, and d) moving the second element of the curtain retention device into its operative position when the curtain or curtains is or are closed, thereby ensuring that the curtain or curtains is or are held against movement away from the window.

By ensuring that the curtain or curtains is or are held against movement away from the window, the flow of convection air rising from the radiator is directed, so far as possible, into the room in which the radiator is located as opposed to flowing into the space between the curtain(s) and the window. The wastage of thermal energy is therefore minimized. As less heat is wasted, the energy required to heat the radiator and thus the room can be reduced, with consequent energy and cost-savings. At the same time, the amount of water that condenses on the window may be reduced.

The first element of the curtain retention device may be so designed that it can be clipped or clamped to the top of a radiator and the second element is preferably arranged for pivotal movement relative to the first element.

Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a means for conserving energy in the form of a curtain retention device comprising a first element and a second element, the first element being so designed that it can be clipped or clamped to a radiator and the second element being movable relative to the first element, when the first element is clipped or clamped to a radiator located adjacent a window, between an inoperative position in which it does not project significantly above the top of the radiator and a second position in which it does project significantly above the top of the radiator and, when the curtain or curtains at that window is or are closed, serves to hold the curtain(s) against movement away from the window.

The second element of the curtain retention device is preferably mounted on the first element for pivotal movement relative thereto between its inoperative and operative positions, the second element including an elongated bar that extends horizontally when the second element is in its operative position, the horizontal bar being arranged to rest against the curtain or curtains when the curtain or curtains is or are closed.

The second element may comprise two parts, namely the horizontal bar and a link that pivotally interconnects the horizontal bar and the first element.

Brief Descrintion of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a first form of curtain retention device mounted on a radiator and acting to hold a curtain against movement away from a window, Figure 2 shows the curtain retention device of Figure 1 in its inoperative condition, Figure 3 shows a second form of curtain retention device mounted on a radiator and in a condition such that it can act to hold a curtain against movement away from a window, and Figure 4 shows the curtain retention device of Figure 3 midway between its operative and inoperative conditions.

Descrintion of the Preferred Embodiments Figures 1 and 2 show a curtain retention device that includes a first element 10 that can be clipped or clamped to the top of a radiator 11, and a second element 12 pivotally mounted on the first element 10. The second element 12 includes a horizontal bar 13 and a link 14. The length of the link 14 is approximately half the length of the horizontal bar 13. The pivotal connections between the link 14 and the bar 13 and between the link 14 and the first element 10 are frictional connections such that the components of the curtain retention device will tend to remain in the positions into which they have been moved.

The radiator 11 is disposed next to a window and the arrangement is such that, when the curtains 15 at the window are open, the second element 12 is in its lowered or inoperative position, as shown in Figure 2, in which the horizontal bar 13 and the link 14 are substantially flush with (and located behind) the top of the radiator 1 1.

When the curtains are drawn, the second element 12 of the curtain retention device is moved into the position shown in Figure 1, in which the horizontal bar 13 rests against the curtains 15 and serves to prevent movement of the curtains 15 away from the window. The flow of convection air rising from the radiator 11 will thus be kept in front of the curtains 15 and heating of the space between the window and the curtains 15 will be minimised. A significant energy and cost saving is thus obtained. In addition, if the window is not double-glazed and would, therefore, be likely to attract water of condensation, the degree of condensation will be substantially reduced.

The embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 is similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 2 and differs therefrom in that the length of the link 14 is significantly less than half the length of the horizontal bar 14. The same energy and cost savings will be obtained.

Claims

Claims: 1. A method of conserving energy that includes: a) providing a

curtain retention device that includes a first element and a second element that is movable relative to the first element between an inoperative position and an operative position, b) mounting the curtain retention device on a radiator that is disposed adjacent a window having a curtain or curtains that can be moved between open and closed positions, c) locating the second element of the curtain retention device in its inoperative position when the curtain or curtains is or are open, and d) moving the second element of the curtain retention device into its operative position when the curtain or curtains is or are closed, thereby ensuring that the curtain or curtains is or are held against movement away from the window.
2. A method of conserving energy as claimed in Claim 1, in which the first element of the curtain retention device is so designed that it can be clipped or clamped to the top of a radiator and in which the second element is arranged for pivotal movement relative to the first element.
3. A method of conserving energy substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
4. A means for conserving energy in the form of a curtain retention device comprising a first element and a second element, the first element being so designed that it can be clipped or clamped to a radiator and the second element being movable relative to the first element, when the first element is clipped or clamped to a radiator located adjacent a window, between an inoperative position in which it does not project significantly above the top of the radiator and a second position in which it does project significantly above the top of the radiator and, when the curtain or curtains at that window is or are closed, serves to hold the curtain(s) against movement away from the window.
5. Energy conserving means as claimed in Claim 1, in which the second element of the curtain retention device is mounted on the first element for pivotal movement relative thereto between its inoperative and operative positions.
6. Energy conserving means as claimed in Claim 5, in which the second element of the device includes an elongated bar that extends horizontally when the second element is in its operative position, the horizontal bar being arranged to rest against the curtain or curtains when the curtain or curtains is or are closed.
7. Energy conserving means as claimed in Claim 6, in which the second element comprises two parts, namely the horizontal bar and a link that pivotally interconnects the horizontal bar and the first element.
8. Energy conserving means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.