GB2495635A - Shower and like curtain storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device A for the deployment and storage of a curtain or the like comprises an openable and closable housing 60 having a panel 60B accommodating an elongate curtain or like support movable from a first, stored or collapsed position within the housing to a second erected or deployed configuration outside the housing and a biasing or like urging mechanism 61 for moving the elongate curtain support from the first configuration to the second configuration. The biasing mechanism may be a piston. The piston may act to urge the elongate support to the second, erected position and also to the first collapsed configuration when it subtends less than a preset angle, such as 15º, to the vertical. The housing may comprise one or more panels, one of which 70B may be movable with the elongate support and one of which 72 may be hingedly attached to the housing in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. In use, the device is especially suited for use with a shower curtain or screen.

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR STORING A SCREEN ELEMENT

The invention relates to a storage device for storing, particuLarly but not exclusively, a curtain or the like, for use particuLarLy but not excLusively, in the instance of said curtain not being used /drawn.

It is known from the prior art to provide permanent fixed curtain track(s) or poLe(s) around selected environments such as a hospital bed or changing area or sleeping compartment or a selected area in a caravan or boat or a cubicle or the like so as to provide a defined path aLong which a curtain may be drawn. Thus in a drawn position the curtain provides relative seclusion to an individuaL within said environment. The curtain, when drawn provides a barrier to vision and/or a physicaL barrier to a specific environment or environmental factors. In use, the curtains may be manually or automatically pulled around said selected environment along permanentLy fixed track(s) so as to provide privacy or prevent water splashes in the instance of the curtain being a shower curtain. When not in use the curtains are pulled to one side/end of the track and simply stay hanging in view untiL they are required again. EffectiveLy the curtain(s) become part of the scenery.

Preventing water splashes to carpets/floors from an issuing shower head, said shower head being provided integral or attached to a bathroom waLl is typically achieved by provision of a hanging shower curtain which curtain moves aLong a fixed predetermined path and hangs around or over a bath edge. Alternatively fixed gLass or perspex or plastics portions can be attached to the wall and/or bath so as to contain splashes to the inside. However, all of these splash prevention measures are plainly visible even when a shower is not in use. Furthermore, a person bathing may find it neither convenient nor comfortabLe to be hampered with a screen or curtain, and may inadvertently damage/tear/knock/break said splash prevention devices.

Furthermore, it is known to use partition boards or screens to provide separation between environments. Screens/partitions may be fixed, moveable or, if flexible, concertinaed so that in an extended position they form an elongate surface which provides separation. However, when not in use such separating devices are difficult to dismantle and store and typically remain in situ and in view.

A more primitive form of providing a secluded environment is to use a simpLe hook or the like and to affix said hook in a soLid surface. One end of a curtain may be attached to that hook and the provision of a second hook in an opposite solid surface, permits another end of a curtain to be attached thereto, thus providing a partition. However, the curtain when unhooked still remains in view, may crease and collect dust/dirt.

A problem associated with the prior art is that when the curtain is not in use the curtain is simpLy pushed to one side/end of a track or pole or hung at one end where it remains until it is required for use. This means that the curtain remains hanging and permanentLy in view and can be considered to be unattractive and/or untidy.

Furthermore the presence of the curtain itself may interfere with surrounding activities, for example during medical emergencies/ward-rounds, doctors and/or nurses can be caught up in a hospital bed-curtain and the curtain can be caught upon passing objects with a resulting tendency to damage and/or tear the curtain.

A hanging curtain can be considered a fire risk in the confined space of a boat, caravan, camper-van or the Like. Additionally, a permanent track fixture attracts dust and is difficult to clean by virtue of its height and can thus be considered unhygienic, especially in a hospital environment. AdditionalLy, screens and/or partition boards are bulky and cumbersome and may not easiLy be stored or readily concealed.

A storage device to address the above issues was disclosed in W008/032095.

However, the device was difficult to open up to its working configuration, especially for those less physically able or strong.

The device of the present invention efficientLy utitises space avaiLabLe for storage purposes, and can easiLy be opened and cLosed without too great an input from the user.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a hygienic, convenient, safe tidy curtain storage device.

It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a discrete storage device for storing a curtain when not in use which is easiLy openabLe and cLoseabLe.

In its broadest aspect, the invention provides a noveL storage device for storing a curtain or the Like when not in use, said storage device comprising an assisted openabLe housing means and a coLLapsibLe moveabLe support means for supporting a curtain means. To assist the user, means are provide to move the support means between an open and coLLapsed position. In the instance of said curtain being stored, said curtain is ideaLLy puLLed towards the housing means across the support means into a defined space and subsequentLy said support means is coLLapsed and foLded into a storage position, said housing means is ideaLLy cLosed so as to conceaL said curtain means and support means therein.

Reference herein to curtain is intended to incLude any suitabLe barrier to vision and/or spLashes and is not intended to Limit the scope of the appLication.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a storage device comprising; an openabLe and cLoseabLe housing means wherein said housing means is suitabLy sized and shaped and adapted so as to accommodate at Least one movabLe support means comprising an eLongate member suitabLy sized and shaped and adapted so as to accommodate a curtain means whereby said support means can be moved between at Least two positions, a first coLLapsed position where said support means is housed in said housing means and a second erected position where said support means is positioned outside of said housing means so that said curtain can hang therefrom and wherein the storage device incLudes means to urge the support means between the first and second positions.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said housing means comprises a pLuraLity of paneLs, ideaLLy said paneLs are substantiaLLy fLat and eLongate and are suitabLy connected together, ideaLLy at right angLes, so that in the instance or providing two eLongate paneLs said housing means is substantiaLLy "L" shape in cross-section or is provided as two separate paneLs suitabLy positioned thereapart and in the instance of providing three eLongate paneLs said housing means is substantiaLLy "U" shape in cross-section and in the instance of providing a four eLongate paneLs said housing means is substantiaLLy square or obLong in cross-section. One of said paneLs, or front paneL is preferabLy operabLy attached to and moveabLe with the support means. The action of the moving means on the support means or on the front paneL causes both to move together to the first or second position. AdvantageousLy, the front paneL is of two sections, a first upper section providing support for the support means and a second Lower section, openabLe to aLLow passage of the curtain means.

Preferably, the device incLudes a piston to urge the support means to the first and second positions, as required. Further preferabLy, the piston acts to urge the support means to the first position when the support means subtends Less than a preset angLe with a verticaL axis. Yet further preferabLy said angLe is 150 to the verticaL.

ConvenientLy, the Lower portion of the front paneL engages the housing means through a push-fit, cLick-f it mechanism or the Like to ensure the proper storage configuration is maintained.

It wiLL be appreciated by those skiLLed in the art of providing a housing means that the shape and configuration of said housing means can be circuLar, square, pentagonaL, hexagonaL, or the Like in cross-section, the exact configuration of which is not intended to Limit the scope of the appLication.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said housing means comprises at Least one additionaL surface. IdeaLLy said surface is suitabLy positioned at an uppermost terminaL or a lowermost terminal portion of said housing means, and even more ideaLLy said housing means is provided with two additionaL surfaces, one at an uppermost and the other at a Lowermost terminaL position of said housing means.

It wiLL be appreciated by those skiLLed in the art of providing a storage device for a curtain means that a singLe eLongate paneL may provide concealments, however, it may be preferabLe to provide two or three or four paneLs as to provide a box-Like structure with optionaL upper and Lower terminaL surfaces in order to more fulLy conceaL and compLeteLy/seaLingLy house a screen eLement or curtain means therein, the number of eLongate paneLs and additionaL terminaL surfaces or said housing means is not intended to Limit the scope of the appLication.

In a preferred arrangement the housing is eLongate and has a substantiaLLy cLosed cross-section of any suitabLe shape and has terminating end portions to more fuLLy encLose the storage space.

In a most preferred arrangement, the housing means comprises at Least two eLongate paneLs so as to provide a box-Like structure adapted to conceaL a screen eLement when it is not in use.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention at Least one paneL of the housing is provided with a hinge, the paneL being further preferabLy pivotalLy attached about said hinge to a terminating end portion, so that in use the hinged panel Lies in a pLane perpendicuLar to the LongitudinaL axis of the housing and when not in use is swung into a position cLosing the storage space.

IdeaLLy at Least one stop member, typicaLLy LockabLe, is provide, so as to determine the degree of movement or swing and thus the orientation of said paneL or said support when at rest or extended.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention at Least one paneL of said housing means is proved with at Least one hinge, suitabLy positioned aLong the Length of said paneL.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention at Least one paneL of said housing means is provided with a handLe means so as to faciLitate opening and cLosing of said panel, ideaLLy said paneL is hinged.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said housing means is formed of aLuminium and in a stiLL yet further embodiment is suitabLy covered with an appropriate materiaL ideaLLy a decorative materiaL such as tiLes or paint or waLLpaper or the Like so as to be commensurate with the aesthetic appearance of the surface to which said housing means is attached to, or associated with, or integraL with, or recessed into.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said housing means and/or said support means are constructed of suitabLe materiaL so as to be robust, rust-proof and durabLe, ideaLLy said housing means and/or said support means is/are constructed of pLastics or the Like and even more ideaLLy said pLastics is pre-formed or extruded or mouLded.

The curtain means is optionaLLy formed of a pressed, acrylic materiaL.

AdvantageousLy, the support is articuLated and incLudes at Least one articuLated joint.

ConvenientLy, the support comprises at Least one hoLLow receiving means and at Least one supporting member wherein said receiving means is suitabLy sized and shaped so as to receive the supporting member when inserted therein, said receiving means and said supporting member being moveabte teLescopicaLLy.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention the support is secured at one end to a portion of paneL of the housing or is attached to, or associated with, or integraL with an upper portion of said housing means ideaLLy a rear paneL thereof, and most ideaLLy, the support uppermost terminaL surface thereof. IdeaLLy, the support is directLy attached to a waLl surface. The position and nature of the attachment of said support means is variabLe and is not intended to Limit the scope of the appLication.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said supporting member comprises a Lightweight, hoLLow poLe comprising a predetermined Length of robust, rust-proof, durabLe materiaL, said Length being such that said pole may be conceaLed within the housing when not in use. IdeaLLy said poLe is of a Length being marginaLLy shorter than that of an eLongate paneL of a housing means so that said rod or poLe may be conceaLed or housed within said housing means when in a coLLapsed and stored position.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said receiving means is reLeasabty engageabte to said supporting member, one of said receiving means or supporting member carrying a LockabLe engagement means to Lock the receiving means and support member in their in use configuration. Upon insertion of said supporting member into said receiving means, said engagement means is activated in one direction so as to permit insertion therein whiLst not permitting retraction thereof without reLease of said engagement means. It wiLL be appreciated that the engagement means may be any type of one way press Lock means that is known in the art and is not intended to Limit the scope of the appLication.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention, the support is adapted for association with a hinged paneL of the housing so that when the paneL and support are moved from the storage position to the operationaL position, the support moves concurrently with the panel into a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Ideally said panel Lies in a pLane parallel to the surface to which said housing is attached when in a collapsed position and, in contrast when erected said hinged panel lies in a plane perpendicular to said surface thus swinging said support means between these two positions.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said support means is hinged between two opposing paneLs of said housing means suitabLy positioned thereapart.

In this particular embodiment of the invention it wiLl be appreciated that the support means pivots about one of its ends. It will also be appreciated that the exact nature of the hinging mechanism is not intended to limit the scope of the application and maybe a fLush or butt or pivoted hinge or any other type of hinge which is known to use so as to provide pivotal movement about a selected point.

Conveniently, the support facilitates the movement therealong of a screen element comprising a fLexible materiaL adapted to hang from the support so as to provide a physical and/or optical barrier when said screen element is in its operationaL position.

Optionally, a curtain means including a rigid member along its leading edge to enable the leading edge to retain its shape and to assist a user in furLing and unfurLing a curtain. The member is further formed of a metal, wood or pLastics materiaL of low elasticity. The member is yet further optionally held within a pocket formed in the material of a curtain.

Advantageously, the supporting member is adapted to include attachment means so that a suspended screen eLement or curtain may be drawn therealong. Ideally, associated with said screen element or curtain means there is provided a pLurality of attachment means adapted so as to permit attachment of said curtain means to said support, so that in the instance of said curtain means being provided in a stored position said curtain means is gathered to one side and housed within said housing means and, in use, said where support is provided in an extended position said support permits movement thereatong of said curtain means, ideaLLy said curtain means or screen eLement is sLidabLy moved thereaLong so as to provide a barrier to vision and/or spLashes or the Like when in a drawn position.

It wILL be appreciated by those skiLLed in the art of providing a suspended/hanging curtain that the curtain may be adapted to provide a channeL through which a supporting member is threaded or aLternativeLy said curtain can be cLipped to said supporting member or aLternativeLy said supporting member is suitabLy adapted so as to provide a track or the like, the exact configuration of said curtain and/or said supporting member is not intended to Limit the scope of the appLication.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention, the support carries a screen eLement comprising a bLind which in use, is unfurLed to a seLected position.

AdvantageousLy, the support carries a screen eLement comprising a spLash-proof shower curtain or an opaque curtain. Thus, the storage eLement is convenientLy used for preventing spLashes from a shower unit to a seLected environment.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said storage device is provided attached to, or associated with, or integraL with a bath or the Like.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention said Lowermost terminaL surface and/or said panels of said housing means are of commensurate depth dimensions to that of a bath edge/rim.

According to the invention, said storage device as hereinbefore described, is provided as a kit of components parts.

The invention wiLt now be described by way of exampLe onLy with reference to the foLLowing figures in which Figures ito S reLate to a prior at device, wherein:-Figure 1 represents a front perspective view of a bath and integraL shower unit in the instance of a curtain being stored in said storage device.

Figure 2 represents a front perspective view of a bath and shower unit in the instance of a support means being attached to an underside of a paneL, in an extended position.

Figure 3 represents a front perspective view of a bath and shower unit in the instance of a support means being independent of a paneL in an extended position.

Figure 4 represents a front cross-sectional perspective view of the support means.

Figure 5A represents a plan cross-sectionaL view of a storage device.

Figure SB represents a pLan cross-sectionaL view of an aLternative embodiment of a storage device.

Figure SC represents a pLan cross-sectionaL view of an aLternative embodiment of a storage device.

Figure 5D represents a pLan cross-sectionaL view of an aLternative embodiment of the storage device.

Figure SE represents a pLan cross-sectionaL view of an aLternative of a storage device.

Figure 5F represents a pLan cross-sectionaL view of an aLternative embodiment of a storage device.

Figures 6A to 6E illustrate a storage device suitable for use over a conventional bath.

Figures 7A to 7D illustrate a storage device suitable for use as part of a wet-room or as a room divider.

With reference now to Figure 1 there is shown a bath 1 and attached at one end there is shown a shower unit 2. It wiLl be appreciated that shower unit 2 in this particular embodiment of the invention is shown attached to a rim 9 of bath 1, however shower unit 2 may be directLy attached to wall 3. In either instance of shower unit positioning there is provided a storage device (A) for containing a shower curtain therein. The storage device (A) comprises a housing means 4, which housing means 4 is itself provided with substantiaLly flat elongate panels 7, 8. The panel 8 is a side panel, with the distance which it projects from the waLl being commensurate with the width of the bath rim 9. A hinge 6 is provided on the paneL 7 to connect the paneL 7 with an uppermost terminal surface 7A. Furthermore, the panel 7 is provided with a handle means 5 for opening/closing said panel 7. In this particular example it wilL be apparent that a shower curtain is housed within the storage means 4 and thus in this particuLar instance the curtain is in a stored position and concealed from view.

In use, (with reference to Figure 2) the panel 7 is opened by applying sufficient pressure to the handLe means 5 so as to reLease said panel 7. Said panel swings in an upward direction so as to expose the support means 6 attached therebeneath.

The interior space 11 of the storage device 4 is suitably sized and shaped to accommodate a curtain means which hangs downwardly (not shown) from the receiving means 12. Engagement of the supporting member 10 in the receiving means 12 results in a continuous track being formed which permits said curtain means to slide aLong supporting member 10 to a terminal end bA. The terminal end bOA is of a greater cross-sectional diameter than the supporting member 10 50 as to prevent a curtain means from sliding all the way off.

The storage device 4 thus comprises essentially an elongate box defined by panels 7, 8, 13 and 14 with terminal uppermost surface 7A and terminaL Lowermost surface 7B. It will be appreciated that where a curtain means comprises a roLler blind, said roller blind is attached to or associated with the supporting member 10 and in use will be pulled downwards so as to provide a screen to prevent splashes reaching beyond the bath rim 9.

In order to assist the user in furling and unfurting the curtain, the leading edge of the curtain is made rigid. There are a number of ways by which the rigidity can be achieved. For example, the edge can be formed of a rigid material such as pLastic materiaL of low elasticity, metaL or wood. AdditionalLy, or alternativeLy the strip can be heLd within a pocket of material. The rigidity aLlows a person, in use, to grasp the rigid element of the curtain and for the force exerted by the user on the curtain to be spread along the Lengths of the curtain thereby minimising the risk of tearing the curtain.

Typically, at least one stop member (not shown) is provided so as to determine the position of the extended supporting member (10) and most ideaLly locking means are associated therewith so that the supporting member 10 can be securely, but reversibly, held in an extended position when in use.

The storage device 4 depicted in Figure 3 comprises an elongate box formed of panels 7, 8, 13 and 14. In this embodiment the panel 7 is hinged along its length and is provided with hinges 6A and 6B. The panel 7 is opened and closed in a door-like fashion and the supporting member 10 is provided independent of attachment to a panel, and in a coLlapsed position is pivoted so as to be housed within the storage device 4.

Thus it is apparent that the storage device essentialLy comprises an elongate box in which a curtain means or roLLer blind or any other means to prevent splashes in a bathroom, may be housed. Said curtain means when not in use is consertinaed/foLded so as to be accommodated and suspended from the receiving means 12 and the supporting member 10 is disengaged from said receiving means 12 and pivoted or removed so as to colLapse and be housed within the storage device. In use, the supporting member 10 is engaged in the receiving means l2soas to provide a path aLong the length of supporting member 10.

The curtain means can incLude antibacteriaL agents or antifungaL agents which prevent or hinder the growth of such organisms on the curtain means, particuLarLy when the curtain means is in the stored position. A typicaL materiaL from which to form the curtain means is a pressed acryLic.

Referring now to Figure 4 there is shown an expLoded view of a further exampLe of a prior art device in which an articuLated version of said support means is shown.

Other methods of hingeing or jointing or pivoting may be appropriate. In this particuLar exampLe, the storage device 4 comprises eLongate paneLs 13, 14, 17 and 18 and an uppermost terminaL surface 7A to which surface is attached by attachment means 16, receiving means 12. Furthermore, supporting member 10 is adapted so as to provide an engaging means 15. The engaging means 15 is resiLientLy biased and empLoys a one way push Lock mechanism, so that insertion of the supporting member 10 into the receiving means 12 depresses the engaging means 15 in one way direction onLy so that said supporting member may not be retracted without manuaL depression of said engaging means.

The member 10, in this example, is provided within a frame with side-supports 20A and 20B. The side-supports 20A and 20B are adapted to provide a recess 18 suitabLy sized and shaped to accommodate a motion-Limiting cross-support 17 therethrough, whereby insertion of the supporting member 10 into the receiving means 12 permits Limited movement of the cross-support 17 in said defined recess 18 andl9 in a sLidabLe motion untiL said cross-support 17 is Located in the recess portion 19: cross-support 17 is then engaged.

Curtain means (not shown) whiLst not in use is stored aLong region (X) of receiving means 12 and upon compLetion of the insertion procedure, said curtain means is transferred onto supporting member 10 and support means C provides a continuous support for said curtains means to be drawn aLong to a terminaL end 1OA thus providing an effective barrier to spLashes.

It wiLL be appreciated that the number of paneLs and position of paneLs of housing means 4 is not intended to be Limiting and with reference to Figure 5A there is shown a singLe paneL 13 attached to a waLL 22 from which projects the receiving means 12 of a support means.

Referring to Figure 5B there is shown a singLe paneL 8 which protrudes a seLected distance so that Line (Y) is marginaLLy greater than the protrusion of receiving means 12.

Referring to Figure 5C there are shown three paneLs 8, 13 and 14 which comprise housing means 4 for housing receiving means 12. Protrusion of paneLs 14 and 18 are greater than that of the protrusion distance of receiving means 12. Three paneLs 14, Sand 7 can aLso be provided to house receiving means 12.

Referring now to Figure SD there is shown a pair of paneLs (13 and 18) partiaLLy conceaLing the receiving means 12.

Referring now to Figures SE and 5F there are shown storage devices which comprise four paneLs substantiaLLy box-Like in structure, and in the instance of Figure SE paneL 7 is pivoted by hinges 6 so as to move upwardLy in direction (7); in the instance of Figure 5F paneL 7 is provided with hinge 6so as to open in a door Like fashion.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, shown in Figures 6 and 7, means are provided to faciLitate and/or controL the opening or cLosing of the device. Such means can be for exampLe a doubLe action piston or strut which acts to cushion the storage or depLoyment of the curtain and aLso if required the movement of a paneL.

A smoother operation of the components can therefore be obtained and the risk of damage to the components reduced.

Referring to Figures 6A and 6E these iLLustrate a storage device 60 in accordance with the invention which is suitabLe for use in simiLar fashion to the prior art device in Figure 1, over a bath unit. Figure 6A shows a front eLevation of the device 60 in the cLosed position. The typicaL height for the device 60 in this appLication is around 1400mm, aLthough this can be chosen to suit the bathroom Layout. In order to faciLitate instaLLation and provide a corrosion resistant device, the outer casing is formed from aLuminium. To improve the aesthetic appearance, the aLuminium can be poLished or powder-coated.

As the side eLevation Figure 6C shows, the outer casing of the device 60 is in two parts 60A, 60B. The rear casing part 60A is usuaLLy secured to a waLL using standard fixing means. The front casing part 60B is hingeabLy attached to the rear casing part 60A at the top, by a hinge of standard type known in the art. In one embodiment, each part 60k 60B has a pLastic end piece having fingers which interLock with the fingers of the other part. A hinge rod passes through the fingers aLLowing reLative pivoting movement of the two parts.

In order to faciLitate the pivoting action to bring the device to the open position of Figures 6B and 6D, a piston 61 is provided in the upper region of the device 60, which piston 61 Links the rear and front casing parts 60A, 60B. The piston 61 is ideaLLy made of corrosion resistant materiaL such as grade 316 steeL. The piston 61 is pivotaLLy mounted at a first end 61A to the rear casing part 60A and at a second end 61B to the front casing part 60B.

The piston 61 has two functions in reLation to opening and cLosing the device 60.

FirstLy, on opening the device 60, the piston 61 exerts a force which acts to pivot the front casing part towards the horizontaL position. This therefore assists the user in using the device, particuLarLy where the user cannot easiLy exert an upward force on the front casing part 60B. Moreover, once the front casing part 60B is in the horizontaL position and the supporting means 10 engaged in the receiving means 12, the piston 61 acts to provide additionaL support to that part 6DB. It wiLL be appreciated that the action of the engagement of the supporting means 10 and receiving means 12 takes pLace automaticaLLy as the front casing part 6DB is raised.

On cLosing the device, foLLowing use, the piston 61 acts to dampen and smooth the motion of the front casing part 603 towards the rear casing part 60A. This ensures that the front casing part 6DB does not move too quickLy which couLd put a user's fingers at risk of being trapped. In addition, once the front casing part 6DB has reached a position such that it is at an angLe of around 150 to the rear casing part 60A, the piston 61 acts to cLose the device 60 automaticaLLy. If desired, the angLe at which the piston 61 acts to cLose the device 60 can be set at other suitabLe vaLues.

To ensure that the two casing parts of the device 60 are secured to each other when not in use, the bases of the two casing parts 60A, 6DB are heLd together by a securing means such as a cLip, friction fit or, push fit mechanism (not iLLustrated).

Referring now to the device 70 shown in Figures 7A to 7D, the device 70 is suitabLe for use as part of a wet-room. It is aLso suitabLe to be used as a room divider to provide a partition, for exampLe in a hospitaL ward, doctors surgery or the Like.

The technicaL features such as the piston 71, the casing parts 70A, 7DB are as described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 6. The height of the device 70 is however usuaLLy greater than that of the device 60, typicaLLy being around 1500-2000mm, especiaLLy around 1900mm. The curtain can be from 800- 1200mm in width. The Length of the front casing part 7DB is however around 1200mm, as in the device 60.

In the base section of the device 70 is a bottom section 72, approximateLy 700mm in height, hingeabLy mounted to the device 70, by means of the hinges 73.

The bottom section 72, when open, aLLows a curtain, of Length 1900mm, suspended in the device 70 to be puLLed across and to hang properLy from the supporting member 10 mounted within the front casing part 70B. This is achieved without the requirement for the front casing part 70B to be of the same Length as the height of the curtain, which wouLd put undue strain on the support for the front casing part 70B.

The invention as hereinbefore described has inventiveLy and eLegantLy overcome the probLems associated with the prior art and has provided a noveL storage device for housing a curtain when not in use, so as to improve safety and aesthetic appeaL to any environment in which said storage device is instaLLed.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLaIms 1. A storage device (60) comprising; an openabLe and cLoseabLe housing means (60A, 60B) wherein said housing means is suitabLy sized and shaped and adapted so as to accommodate at Least one movabLe support means (10) comprising an eLongate member suitabLy sized and shaped and adapted so as to accommodate a curtain means whereby said support means (10) can be moved between at Least two positions, a first coLLapsed position where said support means is housed in said housing means and a second erected position where said support means is positioned outside of said housing means so that said curtain can hang therefrom and wherein the storage device (60) incLudes moving means (61) to urge the support means between the first and the second positions.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A device according to cLaim 1, wherein the moving means comprises a piston (61).</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A device according to cLaim 2, wherein the piston (61) acts to urge the support means to the first position when the support means subtends Less than a preset angLe with a verticaL axis.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A device according to cLaim 3, wherein said angLe is 150 to the verticaL.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A device according to any one or more preceding cLaim, wherein the housing means comprises eLongate paneLs.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A device according to cLaim 5, wherein one of said paneLs (60B) is movabLe with and to which the support means is operabLy attached.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A device according to cLaim 6, wherein the Lower portion of the movabLe paneL engages the housing means through a push-fit, cLick-fit mechanism or the Like to ensure the proper storage configuration is maintained.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A device according to any preceding cLaim, wherein the housing means comprises at Least two eLongate paneLs (60A, 60B) so as to provide a box-Like structure adapted to conceaL the curtain means when not in use.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A device according to cLaims 6 to 8, wherein the moveabLe paneL of the housing is provided with a hinge (60C), the paneL being pivotaLty attached about said hinge to a terminating end portion, so that in use the hinged paneL Lies in a pLane perpendicuLar to the LongitudinaL axis of the housing and when not in use is swung into a position cLosing the storage space.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A device according to cLaim 9, wherein the device incLudes a second hinged paneL (72), directLy beneath said first moveable hinged paneL to form, when closed a singLe paneL surface.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A device according to cLaim 10, wherein the hinge (73) of the second hinged paneL Lies in a pLane paraLLeL to the LongitudinaL axis of the housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A device according to any preceding cLaim, wherein said housing means is formed of aLuminium.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A device according to cLaim 12, wherein the aLuminium is powder coated.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A device according to any preceding cLaim, wherein the curtain means is formed of a pressed acryLic materiaL.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A storage device substantiaLLy as herein described with reference to and as iLLustrated in Figures 6 and 7.</claim-text>