GB2552335A

GB2552335A - Curtain track

Info

Publication number: GB2552335A
Application number: GB1612469.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eamonn O'loughlin Thomas
Original assignee: Capricorn Blinds Ltd
Current assignee: Capricorn Blinds Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-19
Filing date: 2016-07-19
Publication date: 2018-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-19
Also published as: GB2552335B; GB201612469D0

Abstract

A curtain track 300 for use with both internal 110 (fig. 5A, not shown) and external gliders 210 (fig. 4B, not shown). The curtain track comprises an internal channel 303 arranged, in use, to retain one or more internal gliders and external rails 311 arranged, in use, to have one or more external gliders attached. The channel may be of varying width such that a first portion 305 of the channel is wide enough to accommodate the head 114 (fig. 5C, not shown) of an internal glider and a second portion 307 is too narrow for the head of the glider to pass through. The rails may be outwardly-directed and arranged on either side of the channel. In use, the curtain track is especially suited to use with curtains for cubicles such as those in hospitals or changing rooms and allows the use of both main types of standard glider on the same track, facilitating replacement of the curtain.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Capricorn Blinds Ltd

Unit 21, Parkgate, Stratford Road, Shirley, SOLIHULL, West Midlands, B90 3GG, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Thomas Eamonn O'Loughlin (51) INT CL:

A47H 1/04 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2381438 A CN 204071633 U

FR 002333113 A1 US 4166306 A

US 20110000630 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA47H

Other: EPO INTERNAL (WPIAP, EPODOC) (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Barker Brettell LLP

100 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, BIRMINGHAM, B16 8QQ, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Curtain track

Abstract Title: Curtain rail for internal and external gliders (57) A curtain track 300 for use with both internal 110 (fig. 5A, not shown) and external gliders 210 (fig. 4B, not shown). The curtain track comprises an internal channel 303 arranged, in use, to retain one or more internal gliders and external rails 311 arranged, in use, to have one or more external gliders attached. The channel may be of varying width such that a first portion 305 of the channel is wide enough to accommodate the head 114 (fig. 5C, not shown) of an internal glider and a second portion 307 is too narrow for the head of the glider to pass through. The rails may be outwardly-directed and arranged on either side of the channel. In use, the curtain track is especially suited to use with curtains for cubicles such as those in hospitals or changing rooms and allows the use of both main types of standard glider on the same track, facilitating replacement of the curtain.

311

10,0

1/6

Figure 1A -PRIOR ART

Figure IB - PRIOR ART

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 2A

134

PRIOR ART

Figure 2E

300

2/6

340

Figure 4A

311

3/6

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

300

4/6

Figure 5C

610 ~^>|i

620

600

650

Figure 6A Figure 6B

710 720

Figure 6C

730

LP

700

Figure 7A Figure 7B Figure 7C

Figure 7D

5/6

800 s

Figure 10

6/6

1100

X

1200 Figure 11

1300

311

CURTAIN TRACK

The invention relates to curtain tracks, and more specifically to curtain tracks suitable for cubicles, for example in a hospital or changing room.

Curtains, blinds, screens or the like are generally attached to a curtain track using gliders which are clipped or hooked on to the curtain and attached to the track so that they slide along the track. Curtains with integral gliders are also known, for example disposable curtains with gliders welded to the top.

There are two main types of track - tracks with an internal channel, as shown in Figure 1A, and tracks with external rails, as shown in Figure IB.

Tracks 100 of the type with an internal channel 103 are arranged to be used with gliders which have a head which is retained within the channel and a shank connected to, or integral with, the head portion which can also be connected to the curtain, e.g. by means of a hook. This type of glider is referred to as an internal glider. Examples of internal gliders 110, 120, 130 are shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 2E. The head 114, 124, 134 of each internal glider 110, 120, 130 is held within the channel 103 as it is too wide to fit between inwardly-directed lips, steps or protrusions 102 in the channel. The head 124 may have wheels 125 attached thereto so that the glider 120 can roll along the lips or protrusions 102 in the channel 103. Alternatively, the head 114, 134 may simply be wider than the gap between the lips or protrusions and slide within the channel 103. The shank 106 extends out of the channel 103 via an opening 150 of the channel 103, between the lips or protrusions, and has a curtain attachment means 108 which may be, for example, an eyelet, hook, loop or clip.

Tracks 200 of the type with external rails 202 are arranged to be used with gliders which slot around the track, each glider having two contact portions 214, 224, one arranged to rest on each rail 202. This type of glider is referred to as an external glider. Examples of external gliders 210, 220 are shown in Figure 2C and Figure 2D. As for internal gliders, the contact portions 214, 224 may have wheels arranged to roll along the rails in some cases. The shank 106 extends from the track 200 and has a curtain attachment means 108 which may be, for example, an eyelet, hook, loop or clip.

Other shapes and designs are known, for example with the shank 106 extending at 90° from the head 134 or contact portions 224, such that the opening to the channel 103/the rails 202 may extend at 90° to the hanging curtain, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the shank 106 may be a flexible linkage such as a chain.

Standard curtain gliders 110, 120, 130, 210, 220 have a shank width of less than around 6 mm. Standard internal curtain gliders 110, 120, 130 have a head portion 114, 124, 134 wider than around 6 mm and narrower than 20 mm. Internal curtain gliders 120 having wheels usually have a wider head portion, within this range, than those internal gliders 110, 130 without wheels. Standard external curtain gliders 210, 220 are arranged to fit on rails 202 which have a total width (from the outermost point of the rail on one side of to the outermost point of the rail on the other side) of around 20 to 40 mm, and often around 25 mm. The external gliders, at their widest point, are generally between 30 to 70 mm across, and often around 50-55 mm across, so as to go around the track. The contact portions of each glider are directed inward to rest on the track.

The drawings are provided to indicate the key features.

Curtains need replacing from time to time. In hospitals and for other large-scale users of curtained cubicles, the cost can be significant.

Curtains may have integral gliders - e.g. welded to the top of the curtain, or may be arranged to have gliders attached to them. If the cheapest curtains have external gliders, or the cheapest gliders are external gliders, but the tracks in place are designed for internal gliders, or vice versa, the tracks additionally need to be replaced or modified to take the other glider type. This adds expense. In addition, the known way of modifying an internal glider track to take external gliders is the insertion of a polymeric strip into the channel to block the channel and provide rails. Converting the track is therefore time-consuming and requires an additional, separate component. The strip must then be removed to allow internal gliders to be used again.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a curtain track suitable for use with internal gliders and external gliders. The curtain track comprises:

an internal glider attachment means arranged, in use, to have one or more internal gliders attached thereto; and an external glider attachment means arranged, in use, to have one or more external gliders attached thereto.

Advantageously, the curtain track allows the use of both of the main types of standard gliders with the same track. Users therefore have a free choice of curtains and/or gliders when using a track according to the invention, instead of having to replace the track or narrow buying choices. Further, a curtain track according to the invention allows a single track to fulfil both purposes, instead of going to the additional trouble and expense of installing two separate tracks, one for internal gliders and one for external gliders. The single track providing both functions also reduces the space taken as compared to having two separate tracks.

In at least some embodiments, the internal glider attachment means comprises a channel. The channel is arranged, in use, to have a head of an internal glider inserted and retained therein. The channel may have a width that varies such that a first portion of the channel is wide enough to accommodate the head of an internal glider and a second portion, between the first portion and an opening of the channel, is too narrow for the head of an internal glider to pass therethrough.

Advantageously, internal gliders can therefore be maintained within and smoothly slid along the channel.

At least one of the first portion of the channel and the second portion of the channel may have a width that varies.

Advantageously, this may provide easier forced removal of external gliders (e.g. opening up the glider so as to pull it off the track), a smoother sliding movement of internal gliders, and/or improved aesthetics.

The external glider attachment means may comprise two outwardly-directed rails arranged, in use, to have one or more external gliders slidably attached thereto.

Advantageously, external gliders can therefore be maintained on and smoothly slid along the track.

In embodiments with two rails and a channel, one of the two rails may be on one side of the channel and the other of the two rails may be on the other side of the channel. Further, the rails may be symmetrical about the channel.

Advantageously, having one rail on either side of the track permits a curtain hung with external gliders to hang in at least substantially the same plane as a curtain hung with internal gliders. Further, a mixture of glider types could be used for the same curtain whilst still allowing it to smoothly slide along the curtain track in one plane.

Further, the symmetry of the design may improve aesthetics and facilitate connection of track sections. Advantageously, a curtain or the likes can therefore be hung in the same plane with either kind of glider, as the shanks of internal or external gliders hang in the same plane.

In embodiments with rails, each rail may have a contact surface arranged, in use, to slidably receive a contact portion of the one or more external gliders. The contact surface of one rail may be at least substantially on the same plane as the contact surface of the other rail.

Advantageously, for standard, symmetrical external gliders, this may allow a curtain to be hung symmetrically with respect to the curtain track.

In use, the curtain track may be arranged at least substantially horizontally and the contact surface of each rail may be the upper surface of each rail and may be at least substantially horizontal and in at least substantially the same horizontal plane as the upper surface of the other rail.

Advantageously, a curtain may therefore be hung vertically.

The curtain track may have a support portion arranged to strengthen or support the glider attachment means. In embodiments with a channel, the support portion may be arranged, in use, to be above the channel, connected to or integral with the walls of the channel, and at least substantially the same length as the channel.

In embodiments with a channel with an opening, the curtain track may comprise an elongate element and the channel may extend at least substantially the full length of the elongate element.

The opening may be arranged, in use, to be on the lower side of the curtain track. In such embodiments, the channel may have two walls which extend upwards from the opening to define the channel of the internal glider attachment means, the walls defining the first and second portions of the channel, the second portion being below the first portion in use and narrower than the first portion. The skilled person would understand that other orientations of the track can be used.

Advantageously, a single-piece component can therefore provide the internal glider attachment means.

The first portion of the channel may be adjacent to the second portion of the channel.

Advantageously, a relatively simple shape can therefore be used to obtain the desired function, although a more intricate shape can be used if desired.

The curtain track may have one or more inwardly-directed protrusions, arranged, in use, to reduce the width of the channel in the vicinity of the inwardly-directed protrusions.

Advantageously, these protrusions may reduce the chance of the head of an internal glider escaping from the channel if tilted at an angle.

Two inwardly-directed protrusions may be provided, one on the inner surface of each wall, and each inwardly-directed protrusion may be at least substantially on the same horizontal plane as the other inwardly-directed protrusion.

Advantageously, symmetry avoids any left- or right-handedness of the track, so allowing track sections to be connected in two orientations.

The or each inwardly-directed protrusion may be sloped or curved.

Advantageously, slopes or curves may help to avoid weak points which can occur at sharp corners, and/or may reduce the chance of scratching or otherwise damaging a curtain glider.

The walls may be at least substantially vertical (at least substantially perpendicular to the opening of the channel) in the second portion of the channel.

Advantageously, this may provide space for the attachment of external gliders around the opening of the channel and/or reduce possible tilt angles of the internal gliders.

The walls may be sloped in at least part of the first portion of the channel.

Advantageously, this may provide improved support to some shapes of internal glider head as compared to walls parallel to those in the second portion, and/or may improve aesthetics.

The channel may further comprise a first outwardly-directed protrusion on one side of the opening and a second outwardly-directed protrusion on the other side of the opening. Each outwardly-directed protrusion may have an at least substantially upward-facing surface (in the orientation referred to above) and may form one of the two rails of the external glider attachment means.

Advantageously, a single-piece component can therefore provide the curtain track for both internal and external gliders, as the walls of the channel which serves as the internal glider attachment means also provide the rails of the external glider attachment means.

There now follows by way of example only a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1A and IB are schematic cross-sectional views of prior art curtain tracks;

Figures 2A to 2C are side views of prior art gliders suitable for use with curtain tracks;

Figures 2D and 2E are cross-sectional views of prior art gliders suitable for use with curtain tracks;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a curtain track according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of the curtain track of Figure 3, as used with an external glider;

Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views of the curtain track of Figure 3, as used with an internal glider;

Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of the curtain track of Figure 3, as used with an internal glider;

Figures 6A to 6C are cross-sectional views of curtain tracks according to embodiments of the invention, in which the external glider attachment means is varied;

Figures 7A to 7C are cross-sectional views of curtain tracks according to embodiments of the invention, in which the internal glider attachment means is varied;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a curtain track according to an embodiment of the invention, shown with a wheeled internal glider;

Figures 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views of curtain tracks according to embodiments of the invention, in which the rails of the external glider attachment means is varied;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the curtain track shown in Figure 3, showing the channel walls;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a curtain track of an alternative embodiment in which the head of an internal glider is arranged to be supported at the same level as the contact portions of an external glider;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a curtain track of an alternative embodiment in which the head of an internal glider is arranged to be supported below the level at which the contact portions of an external glider are supported, in the orientation shown; and

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a curtain track of an alternative embodiment in which the channel is substantially triangular in cross-section.

In the figures, like reference numerals are used for like features. Similar reference numerals with a different prefix indicate equivalent features in different embodiments.

The curtain track 300 has an elongate shape and is arranged to be able to have both internal gliders and external gliders attached to it.

The track 300 has an internal glider attachment means 303 that is arranged to receive internal gliders and an external glider attachment means 311 that is arranged to receive external gliders.

The internal glider attachment means has a channel 303. The channel has an opening 350 along the length of the curtain track. The shape of the channel 303 is defined by two walls 301a, 301b. In use, internal gliders 110, 120 slide along the channel 303, with the head 114, 124 of each glider retained inside the channel and the shank 106 extending out of the opening 350 of the channel.

The channel 303 has a first portion 305 (defined by sections 305a and 305b of the walls 301a and 301b, respectively) which is wide enough to accommodate heads 114, 124 of the internal gliders. In the embodiment shown, at its widest point the first portion 305 has an outer width of 20 mm (i.e. width including the width of both walls) and an inner width of 16.5 mm (i.e. width excluding the walls - channel width).

The channel 303 has a second portion 307 (defined by sections 307a and 307b of the walls 301a and 301b, respectively) with a width that is wider than the shanks 106 of the gliders but narrower than the heads 114, 124 of the internal gliders. In the embodiment shown, the second portion has a substantially constant inner width of 8 mm, and a height of 7 mm. The height of the second portion 307 is arranged to be less than the distance between the underside of an internal glider head and the internal glider attachment means. The outer width of the second portion 307 is 13 mm except in the vicinity of the rails (see below). The skilled person will appreciate that the dimensions listed here are provided for reference only, and are not to be taken as limiting.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first portion 305 of the channel 303 is adjacent to the second portion 307 and the second portion 307 is adjacent to the opening of the channel. In alternative embodiments, the shape may be different - for example, the channel 303 may widen again such that the opening is wider than either or both of the first and second portions 305, 307.

In the embodiment being described, the second portion 307 of the channel has straight sides which are parallel to the length of the track. In alternative embodiments, the sides may be curved or sloped. Each side forms a part of one wall of the channel. The skilled person would understand that, provided that a section of the channel 303 is narrower than the head of a glider 110, 120 such that the glider cannot fall out of the channel, the second portion may take any shape.

In the embodiment being described, the first portion 305 of the channel 303 has two distinct regions 306, 308. Region 306 has straight sides which slope outward, so causing the width of the first portion 305 to vary in region 306, and joins the second portion 307 at its narrowest point. Region 38 has straight sides which are parallel to the length of the track, so providing a constant width for the first portion 305 in region 308, and joins region 306 on the far side of region 306 from the second portion 307. In alternative embodiments, the sides 305a, 305b may be stepped or curved, or may be parallel to the length of the track for all of the first portion 305 such that the width is constant. The skilled person would understand that, provided that the first portion 305 can accommodate the head of a glider 110, 120, the first portion may take any shape.

In the embodiment being described, each wall 301a, 301b of the channel 303 includes one side of the first portion 305 (305a or 305b, respectively) and one side of the second portion 307 (307a or 307b, respectively), the other wall 301b, 301a including the other side of each portion 305, 307.

In the embodiment being described, the channel 303 is symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the length of the track 303. In alternative embodiments, one wall of the channel may be sized or shaped differently from the other wall such that the channel 303 is not symmetrical.

In the embodiment being described, there is a protrusion 309 on each wall of the channel 303. The protrusions are located where the first portion 305 meets the second portion 307. The protrusions 309 are inwardly-directed so as to reduce the width of the channel 303. The protrusions 309 are coplanar and define the narrowest point of the channel 303. In alternative embodiments, no protrusions, or only one protrusion, may be provided. In alternative or additional embodiments, more protrusions may be provided and/or the protrusions may not be coplanar. In additional or alternative embodiments, one or both of the protrusions 309 may be at a different location, e.g. part way along the wall 305a, 305b of the first portion 305, or part way along the wall 307a, 307b of the second portion, instead of at the join between the first portion 305 and the second portion 307.

In the embodiments shown, the channel has a width of around 8 mm and the protrusions 309 reduce the width of the channel to 6 mm at its narrowest point. Each protrusion 309 therefore extends around 1 mm into the channel 303. The skilled person would appreciate that other dimensions may be used.

The skilled person would understand that the presence of one or more protrusions 309 may reduce the chance of an internal glider 110, 120, 130 slipping out of the channel 303 if the glider is tilted or twisted.

The external glider attachment means has a pair of rails 311. The rails 311 extend along the length of the curtain track. The rails each have a contact surface 313 arranged, in use, to receive the contact portions 214 of the external gliders 210. In use, the contact portions 214 slide along the rails. In the embodiment shown, each rail 311 extends 6 mm from the outer surface of the channel walls, such that the tip-to-tip distance across the rails 311 is 25 mm, with a channel outer width of 13 mm.

In the embodiment being described, one of the rails 311 is located on one side of the channel 303 and the other rail 311 is located on the other side of the channel.

The skilled person would understand that location of one rail 311 on either side of the opening 350 allows a curtain or the likes to be hung in the same plane with either kind of glider, as the shanks of internal 110, 120, 130 or external 210, 220 gliders hang in the same plane. Further, in embodiments in which the rails 311 are symmetrical about the opening 350, the symmetry of the design may improve aesthetics and facilitate connection of track sections.

In this way, a curtain can be hung in the same place irrespective of the type(s) of glider 110, 120, 130, 210, 220 used with or attached to the curtain. A variety of different gliders may be used with a single curtain (for example when a user has run out of one batch of gliders) whilst still allowing the curtain to be hung on and drawn along the same track.

In the embodiment being described, the rails 311 project outwards from the walls of the channel 303 and are located adjacent to the opening 350.

In the embodiment being described, each rail 311 is continuous with the wall 307a, 307b on the corresponding side of the opening 350. The walls 307a, 307b bend or curve outwards to form the rails 311. In the embodiment being described, the walls bend at substantially 90° from the sides of the channel 303 to form the rails 311. Each rail 311 may therefore be thought of as a part of the wall 307a, 307b which forms the channel 303.

In the embodiment being described, the contact surface 313 of each rail 311 is flat and extends from the channel walls perpendicularly. In alternative or additional embodiments, the contact surface 313 may be sloped or curved, and may be angled differently with respect to the track. Figure 9B shows an example in which each rail 911 is sloped upwardly in the orientation shown.

In alternative or additional embodiments, each contact surface 313 may have a protrusion or curved or angled portion 917 at or near an outer end of the rail arranged, in use, to grip the contact portions 214 of the external gliders, as shown for the curtain track 900 in Figure 9A. This may decrease the likelihood of a glider being pulled off, but may also reduce the range of styles of external glider for which the track is suitable.

In the embodiment being described, the rails 311 are symmetrical. In alternative embodiments, one rail may be sized or shaped differently from the other.

In the embodiment being described, the track 300 has a support portion 315. The support portion may improve the weight-bearing ability of the curtain track and/or reduce the likelihood of the attachment means getting bent or damaged, and may be referred to as a strengthening portion. In particular, the strengthening portion may reduce the chance of the track crumpling when bent into the appropriate shape for a cubicle. The support portion may also facilitate attachment of the curtain track to a wall, other support, and/or other section of curtain track, or the likes. The support portion 315 extends along the length of the track 300.

In the embodiment being described, the entire track 300 is formed as a single piece. This adds to its strength and facilitates installation of the track.

In the embodiment being described, the support portion 315 is located on the far side of the channel 303 relative to the opening 350; this is vertically above the opening in the orientation shown. In other embodiments, different relative positions may be used.

In the embodiment being described, the support portion 315 is integral with the walls 301a, 301b of the channel. In alternative embodiments, the support portion 315 may be provided separately and connected to the track 300.

In the embodiment being described, the support portion 315 has a cuboid crosssection, is hollow and is made from the same material as the track (which is aluminium, in the embodiments being described). The skilled person would appreciate that other shapes and materials may be used - for example, the support portion may not be hollow and may be made of a different material from the track. In the embodiment being described, the hollow support portion 315 is arranged to receive connectors (not shown) to allow easy attachment to adjoining track portions without spoiling the line of the track/aesthetics and without requiring an external connector and bolt.

In the embodiment being described, the support portion 315 has a central indentation 340 on the face furthest from the opening 350 of the channel 303. The indentation 340 extends along the length of the curtain track 300 and is arranged to facilitate alignment of the track 300 with certain connectors and brackets. The central indentation 340 assists in aligning a connector or bracket with the centre of the track 300.

Bar 317 separates the support portion 315 from the glider attachment means 303, 311. In the embodiments shown, the bar 317 is substantially perpendicular to the walls of the channel 303 and continuous along the length of the track 300. The bar 317 strengthens the track 300, in particular reducing the risk of crumpling when the track 300 is bent into shape, e.g. for a corner of a cubicle. The skilled person would appreciate that a bar 317 may not be needed when the support portion 315 is not hollow. Alternatively, supports of another form may be provided, such as struts within the hollow support portion 315, which may be parallel to the bar 317 or angled.

In use, internal gliders 110, 120, external gliders 220, or a mixture of gliders of the two general types, may be attached to the track 300 in such a way as to slide along it. The same track 300 can therefore be used irrespective of glider type.

The skilled person would understand that many different track designs and modifications of the specific track design 300 discussed above are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

For example, if the track 800 is to be used with internal gliders with wheels 120, the first 305 and second 306 portions may be shaped so as to provide internal rails 811 for the glider. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, in the orientation shown there is a horizontal step in the otherwise vertical wall where the first portion 305 meets the second portion 307. The step in each wall is at least substantially level with the step in the other wall to allow smooth rolling of the internal glider 120. The skilled person would understand that the stepped channel 303 could be used with sliding or wheeled internal gliders 110, 120, but may be particularly advantageous for wheeled gliders.

Figure 6 shows some alternative shapes for the external glider attachment means. The rails of the track 600 may be asymmetrical, for example such that one is longer than, and protrudes further from the channel than, the other. The rails of the track 610 may be part way up the walls of the channel instead of being level with or adjacent to the opening 650. The rails of the track 620 may not be substantially oblong in crosssection, and/or the contact surface of each rail may not be the longest cross-sectional length. The tracks 600, 610, 620 may or may not have an (additional) support portion not shown in the figures.

Figure 7 shows some alternative shapes for the internal glider attachment means. The first portion 305 may have sloping and/or curved walls such that its width varies, a shown for tracks 700, 710 and 720. Alternatively, the walls of the first portion may be parallel to the height of the channel, in the orientation shown, making the first portion of constant width, as shown for track 730. The opening of the channel may be wider than the second portion 307, as shown for track 700. The tracks 700, 710, 720 may or may not have an (additional) support portion not shown in the figures.

Further, instead of the rails of the external glider attachment means being provided on either side of the internal glider attachment means, both rails may be on the same side of the internal glider attachment means, or above or below it. The two attachment means may be adjacent and linked by a strut, support portion or the likes. The skilled person would understand that such a track may be more bulky and less aesthetically pleasing than the embodiments depicted in the figures, and potentially more expensive to make due to the additional materials required, but may nevertheless fulfil the intended function of providing a track suitable for use with both internal and external gliders.

Figures 11 to 13 illustrate further track cross-sections falling within the scope of the invention. In the tracks 1100, 1200, 1300 shown in these figures, the second portion 307 of the channel 303 is substantially eliminated - in the tracks 1100, 1300 of

Figures 11 and 13, the second portion 307 has only the height of the rails 311.

In particular, Figure 11 illustrates a track design 1100 in which the rails 311 extend inward and outward with respect to the channel walls, such that a portion of each rail 311 extends into the channel 303 and provides the ledge on which the heads of internal gliders can rest.

By contrast, Figure 12 illustrates a track design 1200 in which the rails 311 are above the channel 303, and at least in part provided by the top surface of the channel.

Figure 13 illustrates a track design 1300 in some ways more similar to the track design 300 described above, but in which the second portion 307 is not clearly differentiated from the first portion 305 - rather the walls of the channel 303 slope inward over most of the height of the channel. The channel 303 of track 1300 may provide a relatively close fit for the head of an internal glider. Advantageously, this may prevent or reduce tilting of gliders. However, it may also limit the range of internal gliders for which the track 1300 can be used, as, for example, wheeled internal gliders may be unlikely to fit.

Claims

1. A curtain track suitable for use with internal gliders and external gliders, the curtain track comprising:

2. The curtain track of claim 1 wherein the internal glider attachment means comprises a channel arranged, in use, to have a head of an internal glider inserted and retained therein, the channel having a width that varies such that a first portion of the channel is wide enough to accommodate the head of an internal glider and a second portion between the first portion and an opening of the channel is too narrow for the head of an internal glider to pass therethrough.

3. The curtain track of claim 2 wherein at least one of the first portion of the channel and the second portion of the channel has a width that varies.

4. The curtain track of any preceding claim wherein the external glider attachment means comprises two outwardly-directed rails arranged, in use, to have one or more external gliders slidably attached thereto.

5. The curtain track of claim 4 as it depends on claim 2 or claim 3 wherein one of the two rails is on one side of the channel and the other of the two rails is on the other side of the channel.

6. The curtain track of claim 4 or claim 5 wherein each rail has a contact surface arranged, in use, to slidably receive a contact portion of the one or more external gliders which is at least substantially on the same plane as the contact surface of the other rail.

7. The curtain track of any of claims 4 to 6 wherein, in use, the curtain track is arranged at least substantially horizontally and the contact surface of each rail is the upper surface of each rail and is at least substantially horizontal and in at least substantially the same horizontal plane as the upper surface of the other rail.

8. The curtain track of claim 2 or of any of claims 3 to 7 as dependent on claim 2 further comprising a support portion arranged, in use, to be above the channel, connected to or integral with walls of the channel, and at least substantially the same length as the channel.

9. The curtain track of claim 2 or of any of claims 3 to 8 as dependent on claim 2 wherein the curtain track comprises an elongate element and the channel extends at least substantially the full length of the elongate element, wherein the opening is arranged, in use, to be on one side of the curtain track;

and the channel has:

two walls which extend away from the opening to define the channel of the internal glider attachment means, the walls defining the first and second portions of the channel, the second portion being closer to the opening than the first portion in use and narrower than the first portion.

10. The curtain track of claim 9 wherein the first portion of the channel is adjacent to the second portion of the channel.

11. The curtain track of claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising one or more inwardlydirected protrusions, arranged, in use, to reduce the width of the channel in the vicinity of the inwardly-directed protrusions.

12. The curtain track of claim 11 wherein two inwardly-directed protrusions are provided, one on the inner surface of each wall, and wherein each inwardly-directed protrusion is at least substantially on the same plane as the other inwardly-directed protrusion.

13. The curtain track of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the or each inwardly-directed protrusion is sloped or curved.

14. The curtain track of any of claims 9 to 13 wherein the walls are at least substantially perpendicular to the opening in the second portion of the channel.

15. The curtain track of any of claims 9 to 14 wherein the walls are sloped in at least 5 part of the first portion of the channel.

16. The curtain track of claim 9 as dependent on claim 5 wherein the channel further comprises a first outwardly-directed protrusion on one side of the opening and a second outwardly-directed protrusion on the other side of the opening, wherein each

10 outwardly-directed protrusion forms one of the two rails of the external glider attachment means.

17. A curtain track substantially as described herein, with reference to Figures 3 to 10.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1612469.5 Examiner: Mr Alastair Cort