GB2489485A

GB2489485A - A curtain glider with deformable retaining means for attachment to a slotted curtain track

Info

Publication number: GB2489485A
Application number: GB201105382A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Derek Cartwright; Peter John Williams
Original assignee: Sir Jacob Behrens & Sons Ltd
Current assignee: Sir Jacob Behrens & Sons Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-30
Filing date: 2011-03-30
Publication date: 2012-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2031-03-30
Also published as: GB201105382D0; GB2489485B

Abstract

A curtain glider 10 adapted to attach to a curtain and to connect to a slotted track or rail such that it is free to slide along the track. The curtain glider 10 comprises resiliently deformable retaining or attachment means adapted to retain the glider in connection with the slotted track. The retaining means is adapted such that the deformation of the retaining means in a manner which would allow the curtain glider to be pulled back out through the slot of a slotted track is restricted.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CURTAIN GLIDERS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to curtain gliders, particular though not exclusively to curtain gliders for use with disposable hospital cubicle curtains, and to curtain assemblies and curtain track assemblies.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

For hygiene reasons it is known to use disposable curtains in hospital cubicles. A curtain assembly for a hospital cubicle comprises a track or rail to which a curtain is mounted by curtain gliders. Various configurations of track are known including straight, "L" and "U" shapes and combinations thereof Typically one or both ends of the track abut a wall. A number of known tracks have a means to allow curtain gliders to be readily slidably connected to the track and subsequently removed from the track. A curtain can be provided with gliders attached to it and the curtain can thus be connected to the track as the gliders are connected to the track.

A number of companies offer "slot" track and this known type of curtain track assembly has a track comprising a slot in which curtain gliders are arranged to slide. At one end the track comprises a loading section comprising an enlarged opening to allow curtain gliders to be introduced into the slot and slidably connected to the track, the gliders are then moved into the slot such that retaining parts of the glider rest on and run along the track on opposed sides of the slot. A blocking member is then positioned to obstruct the enlarged opening such that the curtain gliders are retained in the slot. To detach the gliders from the track the blocking member is positioned to expose the enlarged opening and the gliders are moved from the slot to the opening where they exit the slot.

With such a curtain assembly both the attachment and detachment of the gliders is performed with the curtain attached to the gliders. In the case of detachment this can be highly convenient as the curtain simply has to be allowed to drop from the track. However, the attachment can be onerous as the enlarged opening is often located close to a wall and often over furniture or medical equipment which can make access difficult. Lifting a curtain into place and attaching it can thus be difficult and unduly time consuming.

There are also known anti-ligature gliders for curtain assemblies. One known type are arranged to be slidably connected to a slotted track. Such gliders have deformable retaining parts which are arranged to rest on and run along the track on opposed sides of a slot. When a downward force is applied to a curtain the deformable retaining parts of the gliders are caused to deform allowing them to be pulled through the slot and the gliders and thus curtain to be disconnected from the track. Owing to the deformable nature of the retaining parts such gliders can also be connected to the track by pushing the retaining parts through a slot of a slotted track. However, the ability to disconnect gliders from a track is undesirable for applications such as hospital cubicle curtains when curtains are often pulled firmly and quickly and where inadvertent detachment would be an annoyance and potential hazard.

Accordingly, the present invention aims to address at least one disadvantage associated with the prior art whether discussed herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a curtain glider adapted to 1 5 attach to a curtain and to connect to a slotted track such that it can slide along said track, wherein said curtain glider comprises a retaining means adapted to retain the glider in connection with a slotted track and wherein the retaining means is adapted to deform such that the retaining means can be pushed through a slot of a slotted track and wherein the glider is adapted such that deformation of the retaining means in a manner which would allow the retaining means to be pulled back out through a slot of a slotted track is restricted.

Suitably, the glider comprises friction reducing means to minimise friction between the glider and the track.

Suitably, the glider is adapted such that it can be used with two or more sizes of slotted tracks which have distinct sizes of slot width.

Suitably, the retaining means comprises a retaining member adapted to rest on a track.

Suitably, the retaining means comprises two retaining members.

The retaining means may comprise only one retaining member. Suitably, the retaining means comprises a plurality of retaining members. The retaining means may comprise three or more retaining members. The retaining means may for example comprise three or four retaining members. Suitably, the retaining means comprises no more than four retaining members.

The retaining means may for example comprise no more than, two, three or four retaining members.

Suitably, the retaining means comprises retaining members adapted to rest on a track on either side of a slot. Suitably, the or each retaining member comprises a retaining wing.

Suitably, the glider comprises two retaining wings. Suitably, the retaining means is adapted to click into place when pushed through a slot of a slotted track.

Suitably, the glider comprises retaining wings adapted to rest on a track on either side of a slot. Suitably, the glider comprises a first retaining wing adapted to rest on a track on a first side of a slot. Suitably, the glider comprises a second retaining wing adapted to rest on a track on a second side of a slot. Alternatively, the glider may comprise a single retaining wing adapted to rest on a track on both sides of a slot. The glider may for example comprise an annular retaining wing.

Suitably, the or each retaining wing is resiliently deformable. Suitably, the or each retaining wing is flexible. Suitably, the or each retaining wing is adapted to deform by flexing in order to allow the retaining means to be pushed into a slot of a slotted track. Suitably, the glider is adapted to restrict deformation of the or each retaining wing which would allow the retaining 1 5 means to pulled out of said slot of said slotted track.

The glider may be adapted such that, in use, deformation of the retaining means which would allow the retaining means to pulled out of a slot of said slotted track is prevented. The glider may be adapted such that, in use, deformation of the retaining means which would allow the retaining means to pulled out of said slot of said slotted track is resisted but not prevented.

The glider may be adapted such that, in use, deformation of the retaining means which would allow the retaining means to pulled out of said slot of said slotted track is restricted but not prevented. The glider may be such that if a large enough pulling force is applied to the glider the retaining means will deform such that the retaining means can be pulled out of said slot of said slotted track however the glider may be adapted such that such a pulling force must be greater than the pushing force which is needed to cause the retaining means to deform such that the retaining means can be pushed through a slot of a slotted track.

Suitably, the glider is adapted such that the glider can be easily connected to a slotted track by pushing a retaining means of the glider into a slot of the track and such that it the glider is difficult to disconnect from the track by pulling the retaining means from the slot.

Suitably, the glider is adapted such that the force required to cause the retaining means to deform in such a way that it can be pulled from a slot of a slotted track is at least 10% greater than the force required to cause the retaining means to deform in such a way that it can be pushed into a slot of a slotted track. Suitably, the glider is adapted such that the force required to deform the retaining means such that it can be pulled from a slot of a slotted track (hereafter the "removal force") is at least 20% greater than the force required to deform the retaining means such that it can be pushed into a slot of a slotted track (hereafter the "installation force!!). The glider may be adapted such that the removal force is at least 30% greater than the installation force! for example at least; 40%; 50%; 60%; 70%; 80; 90%; 100%; 110%; 120%; 130%; 140%; 150%; 160%; 170%; 180%; 190; or200% greater.

Suitably, the glider comprises a retaining wing which is adapted to deform by flexing such that a free end thereof moves downwardly and toward the glider body when the retaining means is pushed into a slot of a sJotted track. Suitabiy, in use, once introduced into the sJot said retaining wing returns to its non-deformed configuration and may thus rest on a track.

Suitably, the glider is adapted such that deformation of said retaining wing such that said free end thereof moves upwardly and toward the glider body is restricted. The retaining means may thus be restricted from being pulled out of said slot of said slotted track. Suitably, the glider comprises two such retaining wings.

Suitably, the glider comprises two retaining wings with each having a free end adapted to 1 5 overlie a track in use. Suitably, each retaining wing is resiliently deformable, suitably resiliently flexible. Suitably, the glider is such that in a non-deformed configuration the linear distance (span) from the free end of the first wing to the free end of the second wing is greater than the width of the slot. Suitably, in use, the retaining wings must be caused to deform to reduce the span of the wings such that it is no more than that of the slot so as to allow the retaining means to be pushed into the slot of the slotted track. Once located into the slot the retaining wings suitably return to their non-deformed configuration in which their span is greater than the width of the slot thus maintaining the retaining means and thus the glider in connection with the track.

Suitably, the glider comprises a retaining wing extending from a glider body. Suitably, the glider comprises retaining wings extending from opposed sides of a glider body. Suitably, the glider comprises a first retaining wing extending from a first side of a glider body and a second retaining wing extending from an opposed second side of said glider body.

Suitably, the glider comprises two retaining wings which are adapted to deform by flexing such that free ends thereof move downwardly and towards one another and towards the glider body when the retaining means is pushed into a slot of a slotted track. Suitably, in use, once introduced into the slot said retaining wings return to their non-deformed configuration and may thus rest on a track. Suitably, the glider is adapted such that deformation of said retaining wings such that said free ends thereof move upwardly and towards one another and towards the glider body is restricted. The retaining means may thus be restricted from being pulled out of said slot of said slotted track.

Suitably, the glider comprises limit means to limit the deformation of a retaining wing so as to restrict the retaining wing from being deformed in a way which would allow the retaining means to be pulled out of the slot of a slotted track. Suitably, the limit means comprises an abutment for restricting deformation of a retaining wing. Suitably, the limit means comprises an abutment to limit upward flexural deformation of a retaining wing, in use. Suitably, the abutment does not limit downward flexural deformation of said retaining wing.

Suitably, the glider comprises limit means to limit the deformation of the retaining wings so as to restrict the retaining wings from being deformed in a way which would allow the retaining means to be pulled out of the slot of a slotted track. Suitably, the limit means comprises an abutment for each retaining wing which is adapted to restrict deformation of said retaining wing. Suitably, said abutments limit upward flexural deformation of the retaining wings, in use.

Suitably, the abutments do not limit downward flexural deformation of said retaining wings.

Suitably, the glider comprises limit means comprising an abutment adapted to abut a retaining wing in use. Suitably, the glider comprises limit means comprising an abutment adapted to obstruct the path of a retaining wing when said wing is deformed in use. The abutment may comprise a part of the glider body carrying the retaining wing.

Suitably, the glider comprises a glider body having two branches with each branch having a retaining wing extending there from. Suitably, the body comprises a first branch from which a first retaining wing extends and a second branch from which a second retaining wing extends.

Suitably, the branches are spaced apart from one another at the locations from which the retaining wings extend. Suitably, the branches are joined to one another at one end and free at the other.

Suitably, each branch comprises a portion carrying a retaining wing and portions extending from either end thereof which connect the branch to the remainder of the body. Each branch may have a generally "n' shaped form when the glider is viewed from either side. Suitably, the "feet" of the "n" are collectively considered as one end of the branch and the "top" of the "n" is considered as the other, free, end of the branch. The portion carrying the retaining wing may also carry limit means, suitably an abutment, for restricting deformation of the retaining wing.

Suitably, each branch comprises a cross bar portion carrying a retaining wing and post portions extending downwardly from either end of the cross bar portion and which connect the branch to the remainder of the body. The cross bar portion may also carry an abutment for restricting deformation of the retaining wing carried by said cross bar portion. Alternatively, or in addition the cross bar portion may act as a limit means, suitably as an abutment, for restricting deformation of the retaining wing. Suitably, the post portions of two branches connect to the remainder of the body such that together they have a generally "U" shaped form when the glider is viewed from the front or rear.

Suitably, the cross bar portion has a width which is greater than the width of the post portions where said widths are suitably measured in a side to side direction of the glider.

Suitably, the glider comprises a retaining wing which comprises a foot part for resting on a track, in use, and a leg part connecting the foot part to a branch of the glider body. Suitably, the glider comprises two such retaining wings. Suitably, the leg part is adapted to extend upwardly from the foot part in use. Suitably, the leg part is connected to a cross bar portion of a branch of the glider body. Suitably, the leg part is adapted to extend downwardly from the cross bar portion in use. Suitably, the retaining wing has a generally "L" shaped form.

Suitably, the free end of the foot is adapted to rest on a track and the end of the foot from which the leg extends is adapted to overlie a slot when the glider is connected to a slotted 1 5 track in use. Suitably, the leg is adapted to extend substantially vertically in use when the retaining means is in a non-deformed state.

Suitably, glider comprises a retaining wing having an underside surface adapted to extend substantially horizontally in use when the retaining means is in a non-deformed state.

Suitably, the glider comprises a retaining wing having a foot part having an underside surface adapted to extend substantially horizontally in use when the retaining means is in a non-deformed state. Suitably, the glider comprises two such retaining wings.

Suitably, glider comprises a retaining wing having an upper surface adapted to extend at an angle to the horizontal with a decline towards a free end of the wing in use when the retaining means is in a non-deformed state. Suitably, the glider comprises a retaining wing having a foot part having an upper surface adapted to extend at an angle to the horizontal with a decline towards a free end of the wing in use when the retaining means is in a non-deformed state.

The foot part may have a triangular cross section. Suitably, the glider comprises two such retaining wings.

The construction of the retaining wing may be such that it provides means to limit deformation of the retaining means in a way which would allow the retaining means to be pulled out of a slot of a slotted track. The retaining wing may have a foot part having a flat underside surface which is connected to a branch of a body by a leg part which extends vertically from the foot when the foot part is resting on a track in use. Fulling down on the glider may apply a force to the foot part which in turn is directed to the leg part and then into the branch such that deformation of the retaining wing is minimal until a relatively large force is applied. In contrast the construction of the retaining wing may be such that a relatively small force is required to deform the retaining means in a way which allows the retaining means to be pushed through a slot of a slotted track. The retaining wing may have a foot part having a sloping upper surface which is connected to a branch of a body by a leg part. The surface slopes such that there is a decline towards the free end of the wing. Pushing the glider up into a slot of a slotted track may apply a force to the foot part which may cause it to try to rotate about its join to the part and this may result in flexural deformation of the foot part and in turn the leg part of the retaining wing.

Suitably, at least one branch, preferably each branch, is adapted such that, in use, it can only locate in a slot of a slotted aperture longitudinally. Rotation of the glider within the slot may thus be restricted by the configuration of the branch(es).

Suitably, a first side of the body comprises a first branch from which a first retaining wing extends and an opposed second side of the body comprises a second branch from which a second retaining wing extends.

Suitably, the branches are spaced apart such that, in use, a first branch lies on a first side of a centre line of a slot of a slotted track and a second branch lies on a second side of said centre line.

Suitably, the first and second branches are arranged to move relative to one another.

Suitably, the first and second branches are arranged to flex relative to one another. Suitably, at least one branch is resiliently deformable. Suitably each branch is resiliently deformable.

Suitably, at least one branch is resiliently flexible. Suitably each branch is resiliently flexible.

Suitably, the branches are adapted such that free ends thereof may be caused to move relative to one another, for example towards one another. Suitably, the branches are adapted such that the locations of said branches from which the retaining wings extend may be caused to move relative to one another, for example towards one another. The glider may thus be adapted such that the ends of the wings which are fixed to the body may be caused to move relative to one another, for example towards one another.

Suitably, the retaining wings are adapted to move relative to one another so as to allow the end to end distance (span) of the retaining wings to be varied. Suitably, the branches are adapted to move relative to one another so as to allow the end to end distance (span) of the retaining wings to be varied. Suitably, the branches are adapted to move such that the span of the wings can be varied by movement of the branches in addition to any variance of the span provided for by movement of the wings.

Suitably, the movement of the branches relative to one another may assist the glider to slide past any sections of a track where the slot has a restricted, non standard width, for example a location where the track has been damaged.

Suitably, the movement of the branches relative to one another may facilitate the use of the glider with tracks having different slot widths. Suitably, the movement of the branches relative to one another may faciJitate the use of the glider with tracks having varying sJot widths.

Slotted tracks with which the glider is adapted to be used may comprise aluminium tracks.

Aluminium and thus the track may expand within a warm hospital environment causing the slot width to change depending on the temperature. When tracks are bent to form an "U' or "U" shaped track the slot size may change at the bend. The branches of the glider may thus be adapted to flex relative to one another to accommodate changes in slot width.

Suitably, the glider is adapted to be used with two or more sizes of slotted tracks having slot widths which vary from one another by between 0.1mm and 3mm, for example by between 0.5mm and 2mm. The glider may be adapted to be used with track having a slot width of between 5.0mm and 7.5mm for example track having a slot width of around: 5.5mm; 6.0mm or 7.1mm.

Suitably, the glider is adapted to be used with a first size of slotted track and with a second size of slotted track wherein the second size of slotted track has a slot width at least 0.5mm greater than that of the first size of slotted track. The second size of track may for example have a slot width which is at least 1 mm greater than that of the first size of track.

Suitably, the glider is adapted to be used with a first size of slotted track and with a second size of slotted track wherein the second size of slotted track has a slot width which is no more than 3mm greater than that of the first size of slotted track. The second size of track may for example have a slot width which is no more than 2mm greater than that of the first size of track.

Suitably, the body of the glider comprises a shoulder adapted to locate below a track in use.

Suitably, the body comprises shoulder sections adapted to locate below a track in use.

Suitably the body comprises two shoulder sections. Suitably, the body comprises a first shoulder section on a first side thereof and a second shoulder section on a second side thereof.

Suitably, the glider is such that, in use, the branches extend through the slot of the slotted track such that part of the body of the glider hangs below the track.

Suitably, the body is adapted such that parts thereof which may contact the track in use are provided with rounded surfaces so as to minimise friction if they contact the track in use.

The body may be adapted such that parts thereof which may contact the track in use are provided with rounded surfaces in order to assist continuous movement of the glider within the slot of the track. The rounded surfaces may prevent the glider jamming or locking in the track.

Locking may reduce the effectiveness of the curtain glider and thus a curtain to which it is attached and could cause either or both of the curtain and glider to be damaged.

Suitably, the body comprises a rounded shoulder. Suitably, the body comprises two rounded shoulder sections.

Suitably, the body comprises a shoulder having a convex surface adapted to face the 1 5 underside of a track in use. Suitably, the body comprises two shoulder sections each having a convex surface adapted to face the underside of a track in use. The body may comprise shoulder sections having surfaces having the form of parts of a sphere.

The shoulder may be adapted to minimise friction in use if the glider is slid along the track in such a way that the shoulder is brought into contact with the track.

Suitably, each branch comprises one or more surfaces adapted, in use, to face a side of a slot of a slotted track. Suitably, each branch comprises two portions each having a surface adapted, in use, to face a side of a slot of a slotted track. Suitably, each of said surfaces is rounded.

The branches may be adapted to minimise friction in use when the glider is slid along the track and they contact the slot sides.

Suitably, the glider comprises a glider portion adapted to slidably connect to a slotted track and an attachment portion adapted to attach to a curtain.

Suitably the attachment portion is movably coupled to the glider portion. Suitably, the attachment portion is rotatably coupled to the glider portion. The attachment portion may be pivotally coupled to the glider portion. The attachment portion may be slidably coupled to the glider portion. The attachment portion may be permanently attached to the glider portion.

Suitably, the attachment portion is permanently attached to the glider portion in such a way that they may move, suitably rotate, relative to one another. Alternatively, the attachment portion may be fixedly attached to the glider portion. The attachment portion may be bonded to the glider portion.

The attachment portion may be coupled to the glider portion by a snap-fit coupling.

The attachment portion is suitably attached to a curtain by a snap-fit attachment. The attachment portion suitably comprises an attachment part which can be attached to a securement part and which securement part is secured to a curtain. Suitably, the securement part comprises plates each having an aperture therein and which sandwich a curtain there between such that apertures of the curtain and plates substantially align. Suitably, the attachment part of the attachment portion is adapted to pass through an aperture the securement part to attach the attachment portion to the curtain in use. Alternatively, the attachment part may be bonded to a curtain and/or to a securement part.

Suitably, the glider comprises a body which is wider above a retaining wing than it is below the retaining wing. Suitably, the glider comprises a body having branches carrying the retaining wings and each branch is wider, suitably in a direction going towards the free end of the wing, above the retaining wings than it is below the retaining wings. This may allow more lateral movement of the hook when it is engaged in the track than would otherwise be the case and may helps to prevent the glider locking in the track.

The glider may comprise any feature as described in relation to the second and/or third aspect.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a curtain glider adapted to attach to a curtain and to connect to a slotted track such that it can slide along said track, wherein said curtain glider comprises a retaining means adapted to retain the glider in connection with a slotted track and wherein the glider comprises friction reducing means to minimise friction between the glider and the track.

Suitably, said friction reducing means comprises convex surfaces and/or rounded edges on those parts of the glider which can contact parts of a slotted track when the glider is slid along a slotted track in use.

Suitably, said friction reducing means comprises convex surfaces and/or rounded edges on those parts of the glider which can contact a side of a slot of a slotted track when the glider is slid along a slotted track in use.

Suitably, said friction reducing means comprises convex surfaces and/or rounded edges on those parts of the glider which can contact internal edges and/or faces of a slotted track when the glider is slid along a slotted track in use.

Suitably, said glider comprises a shoulder or shoulder sections adapted to face the underside of a track in use and said friction reducing means comprises a convex and/or rounded surface on said shouJder or shoulder sections which can contact the underside of a siotted track when the glider is slid along a slotted track in use in such a way that brings the shoulder into contact with a track.

Suitably, the uppermost, in use, part of the glider has convex surfaces and/or rounded edges.

This may assist to prevent the glider locking inside the track in use.

Suitably, the glider comprises a body having branches having convex surfaces and/or rounded edges. Suitably, each branch comprises a cross bar portion having an uppermost surface which is convex and/or has rounded edges. Suitably, each branch comprises post portions at either end of a cross bar portion and which post portions have an outwardly facing face which is convex and/or has rounded edges.

The glider may comprise any feature as described in relation to the first aspect and/or third aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a curtain glider adapted to attach to a curtain and to connect to a slotted track such that it can slide along said track, wherein said curtain glider comprises a retaining means adapted to retain the glider in connection with a slotted track and wherein the glider is adapted such that it can be used with two or more sizes of slotted tracks which have distinct sizes of slot width.

Suitably, the body comprises a first branch from which a first retaining wing extends and a second branch from which a second retaining wing extends.

Suitably, the movement of the branches relative to one another may facilitate the use of the glider with tracks having different slot widths. The glider may for example be adapted to be used with track having a slot width of between 5.0mm and 7.5mm for example track having a slot width of around: 5.5mm; 6.0mm or 7.1mm. The glider may be adapted such that the branches can be squeezed together to allow the retaining means to enter a track having a narrow slot width. The glider may be adapted such that the branches can be squeezed together to allow the retaining means to enter a slot having a width of less than 6.0mm. The glider may be adapted such that the branches return to their non-deformed state once the retaining means has entered the slot.

Suitably, in an non-deformed state the width of the glider measured in a side to side direction between parts of the branches above the wings is greater than the width of the glider measured in a side to side direction between parts of the branches below the wings. Thus, once the retaining means has been located into a slot the retaining means may be able to return to a non-deformed configuration and sufficient clearance may be available between the part of the branches below the wings and the sides of the slot so as to allow free travel of the glider along a track.

The glider may comprise any feature as described in relation to the first and/or second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a curtain assembly comprising a curtain having a plurality of curtain gliders according to the first and/or second and/or third aspect attached thereto.

Suitably, the curtain is folded such that the curtain gliders are adjacent to one another to assist simultaneous insertion of the retaining means of the gliders through the slot of a slotted track.

The curtain assembly may comprise means to hold the gliders in position adjacent to one another until they are connected to the slotted track so as to assist their simultaneous connection to the track.

Suitably, the curtain comprises a disposable curtain. The curtain may comprise a fabric curtain.

Suitably, the curtain comprises a curtain glider attached to every slat or to every other slat of a slatted curtain.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a curtain track assembly comprising a slotted track and curtain gliders according to the first and/or second and/or third aspect and/or a curtain assembly according to the fourth aspect.

Suitably, the curtain track assembly comprises a curtain. Suitably, the curtain track assembly comprises a disposable curtain. Suitably, the curtain track assembly comprises a curtain assembly according to the fourth aspect.

Suitably, the slotted track comprises an un-loading section adapted to allow gliders to be disconnected from the track. Suitably, the curtain track assembly is such that gliders can only be disconnected from the track at the unloading section.

Suitably, the slotted track comprises a track section comprising track parts on either side of a slot. Suitably, said slot has a substantially uniform width. Suitably, the curtain track assembly is such that gliders can be connected to the track at the track section of the track.

Suitably, the slotted track comprises: (i) a track section comprising track parts on either side of a slot, which slot has a substantially uniform width; (ii) an un-loading section which comprises an aperture through which the retaining means of the gliders can exit; and (iii) a closure member for closing said aperture of the un-loading section.

Suitably, the un-loading section comprises an aperture having a width which is greater than the width of the slot.

Suitably, the unloading section comprises an aperture in the underside of the track through which the retaining means of the gliders can exit. Suitably, the unloading section comprises an aperture which is a continuation of a slot of the slotted track but which has a larger width than said slot. The aperture may thus comprise an enlarged opening of a slot of a slotted track.

Suitably, the un-loading section is located at an end of the track.

In some configurations of curtain track it is required that one end of the track is not fixed to a wall. An end stop may be used to stop the curtain sliding off the tracks. The un-loading section may thus comprise an open end of a track and said open end may be closed by an end stop. Said end stop may be removed to allow gliders to be removed from the track by being slid off the end of the track.

Suitably, the curtain track assembly comprises curtain gliders according to the first aspect.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a curtain track assembly comprising a slotted track and curtain gliders, wherein the slotted track comprises (i) a track section along which said gliders can slide and (ii) an un-loading section and wherein the gliders are adapted such that they can be connected to the track at the track section but can only be removed from the track at the un-loading section.

Suitably, the track section comprises track parts on either side of a slot which has a substantially uniform width.

Suitably, the un-loading section comprises an aperture through which the retaining means of the gliders can exit. Suitably, the assembly comprises a closure member for closing said aperture of the un-loading section.

Suitably, each curtain glider comprises a retaining means adapted to retain the glider in connection with the track section and the retaining means is adapted to deform such that the retaining means can be pushed through a slot of the track section. Suitably, the glider is adapted such that deformation of the retaining means in a manner which would allow the retaining means to be pulled back out through a slot of the track section is restricted. Suitably, the gliders may thus only be detached from the track at the unloading section.

Suitably, the curtain track assembly comprises a curtain attached to the gliders. Suitably, the curtain comprises a disposable curtain.

The curtain track assembly may comprise any feature as described in relation to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and/or sixth aspect.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a glider portion of a curtain glider, which glider portion is adapted to be coupled to an attachment portion to form a glider according to the first and/or second and/or third aspect and wherein said glider portion is adapted to connect to a slotted track such that it can slide along said track and wherein said glider portion comprises a retaining means adapted to retain the glider in connection with a 1 0 slotted track.

The glider portion may comprise any feature as described in relation the first and/or second and/or third aspects.

According to an eight aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting a curtain assembly to a slotted curtain track wherein the curtain assembly comprises a curtain and gliders according to the first aspect and the method comprises pushing retaining means of the gliders through the slot of the slotted track to connect them to the track.

Suitably, the method further comprises disconnecting a curtain assembly from the track by sliding the gliders to an un-loading section of the track. Suitably, said unloading section comprises an aperture connected to the slot which has a wider opening than the slot such that gliders may exit the slot via it. Alternatively, the unloading section may comprise an open end of a track which may be closed by a removable end stop.

The method may comprise any feature as described in relation to any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and/or seventh aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a curtain glider; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a glider portion of a curtain glider; Figure 3 is a front elevation of a glider portion of a curtain glider; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a of a glider portion of a curtain glider; Figure 5 is a side elevation of a glider portion of a curtain glider; Figures 6A-6D are simplified front views showing connection of a curtain glider to a slotted track; Figure 7 is a perspective view showing disconnection of a curtain glider from a slotted track with an attachment portion of the glider omitted for clarity; Figure 8 is a side elevation of a curtain assembly; Figure 9 is a cutaway view of the glider portion of Figure 2; Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a glider portion; Figure 11 is an isometric view of an attachment portion of a glider; Figure 12 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a glider portion of a glider; Figure 13 is a font view showing connection of a glider to a track; Figure 14 is a font view showing connection of a glider to a track having a narrow slot width; and Figure 15 is a view showing disconnection of a glider from an open end of a track.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

As best illustrated by Figure 1 a curtain glider 10 comprises glider portion 20 adapted to slidably connect to a curtain track and an attachment portion 30 adapted to attach to a curtain.

The glider comprises retaining means comprising retaining wings 40 which extend from branches 50 of a body 60 of the glider 10. The retaining wings 40 are adapted to rest on a track and retain the glider in connection with a track in use. The retaining wings 40 can deform by flexing and limit means comprising abutments 70 are provided to restrict said deformation.

The branches 50 of the body 60 are adapted to extend through the slot of a slotted track in use such that with the retaining wings 40 resting on the track part of the body 60 is suspended below the track. The body 60 of the glider 10 has shoulder sections 80 which are adapted to face the underside of a track in use.

The glider portion 20 further comprises a coupling means comprising an aperture 90 at the base of the body through which a coupling means comprising a coupling part 100 of the attachment portion is located.

The coupling part 100 of the attachment portion 30 comprises a coupling head 101 split into two halves lOla, bib, and which is located on the end of a stem 110 of the attachment portion 30.

The attachment portion further comprises an attachment part 120 by which it is adapted to be attached to a curtain. The attachment part 120 comprises a plate 121 having an aperture 122 into which a securement part 130 is located so as to attach the curtain to the glider 10 in use.

The construction of the glider portion 20 can be better understood by reference to Figures 2 to 5, however further details of the connector portion 30 will first be discussed.

The coupling part 100 comprises a head which is split into two halves lOla, bib. A space is provided between the two halves lOla, lOIb to allow them to be squeezed together. The coupling part 100 is coupled to the glider portion 20 by pushing the coupling part into the aperture 90 which causes the head halves lOla, lOib to be squeezed together allowing them to fit through the aperture. Once through the aperture 90 the head halves lOla, lOib move apart and the coupling part 100 is then too large to exit the aperture 90 and the attachment portion 30 and glider portion 20 are thus held coupled to one another. The glider portion 20 and attachment portion 30 are coupled such that they can rotate relative to one another.

As best shown by Figure 11, the attachment part 120 of the attachment portion 30 comprises a plate 121 having an aperture 122. To attach a curtain the plate 121 is located on one side of a curtain having an aperture such that the aperture 122 aligns with the aperture of the curtain.

The attachment part 120 further comprises securement clips 123 for forming a snap fit connection with a securement part. As illustrated by Figure 8 which shows a curtain assembly 300, a securement part 130 comprises plates 131 (only one shown) on either side of a curtain 301. The plates 131 (only one shown) have apertures 132 aligned with an aperture in the curtain 301 and are welded to one another around the aperture sandwiching the curtain 310 between the plates 131. The clips 123 of the attachment part 120 pass through the aperture 132 and secures the attachment part 120 to the securement part 130.

As best shown by Figures 3 to 5 a glider portion 20 of the glider 10 comprises retaining wings which extend from branches 50 of a body 60 of the glider 10. The glider has a first retaining wing 40a on a first side thereof and a second retaining wing 40b on a second side thereof.

Each retaining wing 40 is adapted to deform by flexing. This flexing allows the retaining wings to move relative to one another and allows the distance between the free ends 41a, 41b of the retaining wings to be varied. This variance in the end to end distance (span) of the retaining wings 40 allows the retaining wings to be pushed through a slot of a slotted track to connect the glider 10 to a slotted track in use.

The glider 10 is adapted such that, in use, when it is located adjacent a slotted track such that the retaining wings 40 abut the under side of track on either side of the slot and then pushed upwards the retaining wings 40 deform by flexing downwardly until their span is reduced to the 1 5 width of the slot allowing them to pass through the slot. The retaining wings then return to their non-deformed configuration such that they rest on the upper side of the track on either side of the slot.

To restrict the retaining wings 40 from deforming by flexing in a manner which would allow the glider 10 to be pulled from the slotted track the glider 10 has limit means comprising abutments 70 which restrict said deformation. The abutments are located such that, in use, they lie above the retaining wings 40. The abutments 70 thus limit the upward flex of the retaining wings 40 such that the span of the retaining wings 40 can not be substantially reduced by pulling down on the glider 10. The abutments 70 are adapted to maintain the span of the retaining wings such that it is greater than the width of the slot when the glider 10 is pulled on with the retaining wings resting on a slotted track. The glider may thus be held in connection with the track.

The body 60 of the glider 10 comprises a first branch SOa from which the first wing 40a extends and a second branch SOb from which the second wing 40b extends. Each branch 50 comprises a portion (cross bar portion) 51 from which a wing 40 extends and portions (post portions) 52, 53 at either end thereof which connect the branch 50 to the remainder of the body 60. Each branch thus has a generally n' shaped form. The two branches 50a, SOb, are spaced apart from one another with a gap between them to allow them to flex relative to one another.

As well as being provided for by the flexing of the retaining wings 40, variance in the distance between the ends 41a, 41b of the retaining wings is also provided for by flexing of the branches 50a, SOb relative to one another. Each retaining wing 40a, 40b has an end 42a, 42b which is connected to the respective branch 50a, SOb. When the branches SOa, SOb are flexed towards one another the ends 42a, 42b of the retaining wings thus move towards one another.

This movement can also cause the ends 41a, 41 b of the retaining wings to move towards one another.

Each wing 40a, 40b, comprises a foot part 43 and a leg part 44. Each foot part 43 has an underside face 45 which extends substantially horizontally in use when in a non-deformed state and an upper face 46 which extends at an angle to the horizontal in use when in a non-deformed state such that its slopes downwardly towards the end 41a, 41b.

The flexing of the branches 50 may assist connection of the glider 10 to a slotted track by meaning less deformation of the retaining wings 40 is required in order for them to be able to be pushed through a slot of a slotted track. The flexing of the branches 50 may allow the glider 10 to be used with slotted tracks having different slot widths and may allow smoother 1 5 running on tracks which have variances in slot width, for example slightly damaged tracks.

The branches 50 of the body 60 are adapted to extend through the slot of a slotted track in use such that with the retaining wings 40 resting on the track part of the body 60 is suspended below the track. In order to reduce friction the parts of the branches 50 which pass through the slot are provided with rounded edges and have a convex surface.

Other surfaces of the body 60 of the glider 10 which may contact a track in use have surfaces which are convex and/or have rounded edges to reduce friction and minimise jamming or locking of the glider 10 when slid along a track.

The body 60 of the glider 10 has shoulder sections 80 which are adapted to face the underside of a track in use. A first shoulder section BOa is provided on a first side of the glider and a second shoulder section is provided on a second side. Both shoulder sections 80a, 80b have convex surfaces in order to reduce friction if the glider is pulled in such a way that they are brought into contact with the underside of a track in use.

The cross bar portion 51 of each branch 50 of the body has a convex upper surface and the corners where the post portions 52, 53 join the cross bar portion are rounded on their outer face. The post portions 52, 53 and the part of the remainder of the body which they join also have a convex outer surface. The abutments 70 also have a rounded form.

Figures 6A-6D and 7 illustrate a curtain track assembly 200 and the connection and disconnection of a glider 10 from a slotted track 210.

It should be noted that Figures 6A-6C and Figure 7 are simplified to illustrate the main features of connection and not all features of the glider 10 are shown. Both the connection and disconnection of the glider 10 to the track 210 are preferably performed with a curtain attached to the glider but the curtain is omitted from the Figures for ease of representation.

As best shown by Figure 7 the slotted track 210 comprises a track section 220 comprising track parts 221a, 221 b on either side of a slot 222. The track 210 also comprises an unloading section 230 having an aperture 231 which can be closed by a blocking member 232. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) the unloading section may comprise an open end of a track which can be closed by a removable end stop.

As shown by Figures 6A-60 a glider 10 is connected to a track 210 by first locating it below a track section 220 of the track 210 such that the retaining wings 40a, 40b are aligned with the underside of the track parts 221a, 22lbon either side of the slot 222 (Figure 6A).

The glider 10 is then pushed up against the underside of the track 210 such that the wings 40a, 40b are caused to deform by flexing downwardly. This reduces the span (linear distance) between the ends 41a, 41b of the retaining wings 40a, 40b such that it is the same as the width of the slot 222 allowing them to enter into the slot 222 (Figure 6B). As the retaining wings 40a, 40b are deformed they also exert a force on the branches 50a, 50b and the branches 50a, SOb can thus flex towards one another which can assist the entry of the retaining wings 40a, 40b into the slot 222.

Once they have passed through the slot 222 the retaining wings 40a, 40b return to their non-deformed configuration and a retaining wing 40a, 40b rests on track parts 221a, 221b on either side of the slot 222 (Figure 60). The abutments (not shown in Figure 60) restrict the retaining wings 40a, 40b from flexing upwardly and thus pulling downwardly on the glider 10 can not cause the span between the ends of the retaining wings 40a, 40b to be reduced to that of the slot 222 width. Accordingly, the glider 10 is held in slidable connection with the slotted track and the retaining wings 40a, 40b can not be pulled out of the slot in normal use.

Figure 6D illustrates how the wings 40a, 40b act to restrict the glider 10 from being detached from the track section 220 of the track 210. As the glider 10 is pulled downwardly the wings 40a, 40b deform but the limit means of the glider provided by the portions of the branches 50a, SOb above the wings restricts the wings from deforming enough to allow the glider to be pulled out of the slot of the track section 210. If excessive pulling force is applied it may be possible to pull the glider from the track but that force is much greater than that needed to push the glider into connection with the track and is also greater than the force that will be applied to the glider in normal use.

Figure 7 illustrates the disconnection of a glider 10 from a slotted track 210. The track 210 is provided with an unloading section 230 at the end of a track section 220. The unloading section comprises an aperture 231 through which the glider 10 can exist whilst its retaining wings are in a non-deformed configuration. The aperture 231 is obstructed by a blocking member 232 in normal use of the track assembly 200 but this is moved to expose the aperture 231 to allow gliders 10 to be disconnected from the track 210. The glider 10 is simply slid along the track section 220 until it reaches the aperture 231 where it drops from the track 210.

Figure 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a glider portion of a glider. The glider portion 420 comprises retaining means comprising an annular retaining wing 440 which extends around a branch 450 of a body 460 of the glider portion 420. The retaining wing 440 is adapted to rest on a track and retain the glider in connection with a track in use. The retaining wing 440 can deform by flexing and limit means comprising a disc shaped abutment 470 located above the wing 440 is provided to restrict said deformation in an upward direction.

The branch 450 of the body 460 is adapted to extend through the slot of a slotted track in use such that with the retaining wing 440 resting on the track part of the body 460 is suspended below the track. The body 460 of the glider portion 420 has a frusto conical shoulder 480 which is adapted to face the underside of a track in use.

The glider portion 420 further comprises a coupling means comprising an aperture 490 at the base of the body 460 through which a coupling means of an attachment portion (not shown) of the glider is connected.

Figure 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a glider portion of a glider. The glider portion 520 is substantially the same as that of Figure 1. The glider portion 520 comprises retaining means comprising retaining wings 540 which extend from branches 550 of a body 560 of the glider portion 420. The retaining wings 540 are adapted to rest on a track and retain the glider in connection with a track in use. The retaining wings 540 can deform by flexing and limit means comprising abutments 570 located above the wings 540 are provided to restrict said deformation in an upward direction. In the non deformed state the linear distance (span) between the free ends of the wings is 10.3mm.

The branches 550 of the body 560 are adapted to extend through the slot of a slotted track in use such that with the retaining wings 540 resting on the track part of the body 560 is suspended below the track. In a non deformed state the arms have a side to side width (x) of 5.5 mm above the wings and a side to side width (y) of 50mm below the wings. The body 560 of the glider portion 520 has a shoulder 580 which is adapted to face the underside of a track in use.

The glider portion 520 further comprises a coupling means comprising an aperture 590 at the base of the body 560 through which a coupling means of an attachment portion (not shown in Figure 12) of the glider is connected.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the deformation of the retaining wings 540 and branches 550 as a glider 510 is connected to tracks of different widths.

Figure 13 shows the glider 510 being pushed into the slot of a track 600 having a slot width of 6.0mm. The side to side width of the branches 550 above the wings is 5.5mm such that they pass through the slot without the need to deform. The wings 540 have a span which is wider than the slot so they are caused to deform as they are pushed into the slot. Once through the 1 5 slot the wings 540 return to their non deformed configuration (not shown) and hold the glider 510 in connection with the track 600.

Figure 13 shows the glider 510 being pushed into the slot of a track 700 having a slot width of 5.1mm. The side to side width of the branches 550 above the wings 540 is 5.5mm such that they must be squeezed together to cause them to deform in order that they can pass through the slot. The wings 540 have a span of 10.3mm which is wider than the slot so they are also caused to deform as they are pushed into the slot (not shown). Once through the slot the wings 540 return to their non deformed configuration and hold the glider 510 in connection with the track 600. The side to side width of the branches 550 below the wings 540 is 5.0mm such that they fit in the slot in a non-deformed state, thus once the wider part above the wings 540 has been pushed through the slot the branches 550 return to their non deformed configuration (not shown).

Figure 15 shows disconnection of a glider 510 from an open end of a track 600. The glider 510 comprising the glider portion 520 of Figure 12 coupled to an attachment portion 530 (part of attachment portion not shown). The glider 510 is shown at the end of a slotted track 600 with the wings 540 resting on the track, the body 560 has been partially removed from connection with the track and sliding the glider 510 further to the left out of the open end of the track will disconnect it from the track. To prevent the glider 510 exiting the open end of the track 600 during normal use the track 600 is provided with an end stop (not shown) to obstruct the opening.

It will be appreciated that preferred embodiments of the present invention may provide curtain gliders, curtain assemblies and/or curtain track assemblies which may be convenient to use and which may facilitate quick and easy connection and disconnection of curtain gliders to a slotted track.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A curtain glider adapted to attach to a curtain and to connect to a slotted track such that it can slide along said track, wherein said curtain glider comprises a retaining means adapted to retain the glider in connection with a slotted track and wherein the retaining means is adapted to deform such that the retaining means can be pushed through a slot of a slotted track and wherein the glider is adapted such that deformation of the retaining means in a manner which would allow the retaining means to be pulled back out through a slot of a slotted track is restricted.
2. A glider according to claim 1, wherein, the glider comprises friction reducing means to minimise friction between the glider and the track.
3. A curtain glider adapted to attached to a curtain and to connect to a slotted track such 1 5 that it can slide along said track, wherein said curtain glider comprises a retaining means adapted to retain the glider in connection with a slotted track and wherein the glider comprises friction reducing means to minimise friction between the glider and the track. C1)

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4. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider is adapted such that it can be used with two or more sizes of slotted tracks which have distinct sizes of slot width.
5. A curtain glider adapted to attach to a curtain and to connect to a slotted track such that it can slide along said track, wherein said curtain glider comprises a retaining means adapted to retain the glider in connection with a slotted track and wherein the glider is adapted such that it can be used with two or more sizes of slotted tracks which have distinct sizes of slot width.
6. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider is adapted such that the glider can be easily connected to a slotted track by pushing a retaining means of the glider into a slot of the track and such that it the glider is difficult to disconnect from the track by pulling the retaining means from the slot.
7. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means comprises a retaining member adapted to rest on a track.
8. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means comprises two retaining members.
9. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means comprises retaining members adapted to rest on a track on either side of a slot.
10. A glider according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the or each retaining member comprises a retaining wing.
11. A glider according to claim 10, wherein the or each retaining wing is resiliently deformable.
12. A glider according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the or each retaining wing is adapted to deform by flexing in order to allow the retaining means to be pushed into a slot of a slotted track.
13. A glider according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the glider is adapted to restrict deformation of the or each retaining wing which would allow the retaining means to pulled out of said slot of said slotted track. c\J
14. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider comprises a retaining wing y) which is adapted to deform by flexing such that a free end thereof moves downwardly 0 20 and toward the glider body when the retaining means is pushed into a slot of a slotted (0 track.
15. A glider according to claim 14, wherein in use, once introduced into the slot said retaining wing returns to its non-deformed configuration and may thus rest on a track.
16. A glider according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the glider is adapted such that deformation of said retaining wing such that said free end thereof moves upwardly and toward the glider body is restricted.
17. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider comprises two retaining wings with each having a free end adapted to overlie a track in use and wherein the glider is such that in a non-deformed configuration the linear distance (span) from the free end of the first wing to the free end of the second wing is greater than the width of the slot.
18. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider comprises a retaining wing extending from a glider body.
19. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider comprises retaining wings extending from opposed sides of a glider body.
20. A glider according to any of claims 10 to 19, wherein the glider comprises limit means to limit the deformation of a retaining wing so as to restrict the retaining wing from being deformed in a way which would allow the retaining means to be pulled out of the slot of a slotted track.
21. A glider according to claim 20, wherein the limit means comprises an abutment for 1 0 restricting deformation of a retaining wing.
22. A glider according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the limit means comprises an abutment to limit upward flexural deformation of a retaining wing, in use and wherein the abutment does not limit downward flexural deformation of said retaining wing.
23. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider comprises a glider body having two branches with each branch having a retaining wing extending there from. r
24. A glider according to claim 23, wherein the branches are spaced apart from one another 0 20 at the locations from which the retaining wings extend and wherein, the branches are joined to one another at one end and free at the other.
25. A glider according to claim 23 or 24, wherein each branch comprises a cross bar portion carrying a retaining wing and post portions extending downwardly from either end of the cross bar portion and which connect the branch to the remainder of the body.
26. A glider according to claim 25, wherein the cross bar portion also carries an abutment for restricting deformation of the retaining wing carried by said cross bar portion.
27. A glider according to claim 26, wherein the cross bar portion acts as a limit means for restricting deformation for the retaining wing.
28. A glider according to any of claims 23 to 27, wherein at least one branch, is adapted such that, in use, it can only locate in a slot of a slotted aperture longitudinally.
29. A glider according to any of claims 23 to 28, wherein a first side of the body comprises a first branch from which a first retaining wing extends and an opposed second side of the body comprises a second branch from which a second retaining wing extends and wherein the branches are adapted such that free ends thereof may be caused to move relative to one another.
30. A glider according to any of claims 23 to 29, wherein the glider comprises a retaining wing which comprises a foot part for resting on a track, in use, and a leg part connecting the foot part to a branch of the glider body.
31. A glider according to claim 30, wherein the leg part is connect to a cross bar portion of a branch of the glider body.
32. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider comprises a retaining wing having an underside surface adapted to extend substantially horizontally in use when the retaining means is in a non-deformed state.
33. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider comprises a retaining wing having an upper surface adapted to extend at an angle to the horizontal with a decline towards a free end of the wing in use when the retaining means is in a non-deformed state. C1)

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34. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means comprises a (0 retaining wing and the construction of the retaining wing is such that it provides means C\I to limit deformation of the retaining means in a way which would allow the retaining means to be pulled out of a slot of a slotted track.
35. A glider according to claim 34, wherein the retaining wing has a foot part having a flat underside surface which is connected to a branch of a body by a leg part which extends vertically from the foot when the foot part is resting on a track in use and wherein pulling down on the glider applies a force to the foot part which in turn is directed to the leg part and then into a branch such that deformation of the retaining wing is minimal until a relatively large force is applied.
36. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider is adapted to be used with two or more sizes of slotted tracks having slot widths which vary from one another by between 0.1mm and 3mm.
37. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider is adapted to be used with a first size of slotted track and with a second size of slotted track wherein the second size of slotted track has a slot width at least 0.5mm greater than that of the first size of slotted track.
38. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein a body of the glider comprises a shoulder adapted to locate below a track in use.
39. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein a body of the glider comprises shoulder sections adapted to locate below a track in use.
40. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider is such that, in use, branches extend through the slot of the slotted track such that part of the body of the glider hangs below the track.
41. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is adapted such that parts thereof which may contact the track in use are provided with rounded surfaces so as to minimise friction if they contact the track in use.
42. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein a body of the glider comprises a shoulder having a convex surface adapted to face the underside of a track in use. rcv1)
43. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein a body of the glider comprises two 0 20 shoulder sections each having a convex surface adapted to face the underside of a track in use.
44. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider comprises a glider portion adapted to slidably connect to a slotted track and an attachment portion adapted to attach to a curtain.
45. A glider according to claim 44, wherein the attachment portion is movably coupled to the glider portion.
46. A glider according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the attachment portion is permanently attached to the glider portion in such a way that they may move relative to one another.
47. A glider according to any of claims 44 to 46, wherein the attachment portion is coupled to the glider portion by a snap-fit coupling.
48. A glider according to claim 44 to 47, wherein the attachment portion is attached to a curtain by a snap-fit attachment.
49. A glider according to any of claims 44 to 48, wherein the attachment portion comprises an attachment part which can be attached to a securement part and which securement part is secured to a curtain.
50. A glider according to claim 49, wherein the attachment part of the attachment portion is adapted to pass through an aperture in the securement part to attach the attachment portion to the curtain in use.
51. A glider according to any preceding claim, wherein the glider comprises a body which is wider above a retaining wing than it is below the retaining wing.
52. A curtain assembly comprising a curtain having a plurality of curtain gliders according to any preceding claim.
53. A curtain assembly according to claim 52, wherein the curtain is folded such that the curtain gliders are adjacent to one another to assist simultaneous insertion of the retaining means of the gliders through the slot of a slotted track. r54. A curtain assembly according to claim 52 or 53, wherein the curtain comprises a 0 20 disposable curtain.C\I 55. A curtain track assembly comprising a slotted track and curtain gliders according to any of claims 1 to 51 and/or a curtain assembly according to any of claims 52 to
54.56. A curtain track assembly according to claim 55, wherein the slotted track comprises an un-loading section adapted to allow gliders to be disconnected from the track.57. A curtain track assembly according to claim 56, wherein the curtain track assembly is such that gliders can only be disconnected from the track at the unloading section.58. A curtain track assembly according to any of claims 55 to 57, wherein the slotted track comprises a track section comprising track parts on either side of a slot and wherein the curtain track assembly is such that gliders can be connected to the track at the track section of the track.59. A curtain track assembly according to any of claims 55 to 58, wherein the slotted track comprises: (i) a track section comprising track parts on either side of a slot, which slot has a substantially uniform width; (ii) an un-loading section which comprises an aperture through which the retaining means of the gliders can exit; and (iii) a closure member for closing said aperture of the un-loading section.60. A curtain track assembly according to claim 59, wherein the un-loading section comprises an aperture having a width which is greater than the width of the slot.61. A curtain track assembly according to claim 59 or 60, wherein the unloading section comprises an aperture in the underside of the track through which the retaining means of the gliders can exit.62. A curtain track assembly comprising a slotted track and curtain gliders, wherein the slotted track comprises (i) a track section along which said gliders can slide and (ii) an un-loading section and wherein the gliders are adapted such that they can be connected to the track at the track section but can only be removed from the track at the un-loading section.63. A curtain track assembly according to claim 62 wherein the gliders comprise gliders according to any of claims I to 51. C1)0 20 64. A glider portion of a curtain glider, which glider portion is adapted to be coupled to an (0 attachment portion to form a glider according to any of claims I to 51 and wherein said C\I glider portion is adapted to connect to a slotted track such that it can slide along said track and wherein said glider portion comprises a retaining means adapted to retain the glider in connection with a slotted track.65. A method of connecting a curtain assembly to a slotted curtain track wherein the curtain assembly comprises a curtain and gliders according to any of claims 1 to 51 and wherein the method comprises pushing retaining means of the gliders through the slot of the slotted track to connect them to the track.66. A method according to claim 65, wherein the method further comprises disconnecting a curtain assembly from the track by sliding the gliders to an un-loading section of the track.67. A curtain glider substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.68. A curtain assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.69. A curtain track assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.70. A method substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings. c\J r C1) (0 c\J