GB2555708A

GB2555708A - Improvements in and relating to curtains

Info

Publication number: GB2555708A
Application number: GB1714657.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Williams Peter; Derek Cartwright Stephen
Original assignee: Sir Jacob Behrens & Sons Ltd
Current assignee: Sir Jacob Behrens & Sons Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-14
Filing date: 2017-09-12
Publication date: 2018-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2037-09-12
Also published as: GB201615647D0; GB2555708B; GB201714657D0

Abstract

A curtain 100 comprises a sheet 20 having first 22 and second 24 opposed surfaces and first 26 and second 28 opposed edges. The curtain comprises a first fold 30A, formed in the sheet 20, wherein the first fold folds a first part 22A of the first surface towards a second part 22B of the first surface. The first fold extends between the first and second edges. The curtain 10 comprises a coupling member 40A, arranged to couple with a hook 1000A, wherein the coupling member is proximal the first fold. The curtain may further comprise a second fold 50B formed in the sheet, wherein the second fold folds a first part of the second surface 24A towards a second part 24B of the second surface.The curtain may comprise a plurality of alternately formed and equispaced first and second folds. The curtain may comprise a polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene (PP). The coupling member may be a loop comprising the thermoplastic polymer and may be coupled to the sheet by welding. The curtain may comprise a plurality of coupling members. The curtain is suitable for use in hospitals.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Improvements in and relating to curtains Abstract Title: Disposable curtain comprising folded sheet (57) A curtain 100 comprises a sheet 20 having first 22 and second 24 opposed surfaces and first 26 and second 28 opposed edges. The curtain comprises a first fold 30A, formed in the sheet 20, wherein the first fold folds a first part 22A of the first surface towards a second part 22B of the first surface. The first fold extends between the first and second edges. The curtain 10 comprises a coupling member 40A, arranged to couple with a hook 1000A, wherein the coupling member is proximal the first fold. The curtain may further comprise a second fold 50B formed in the sheet, wherein the second fold folds a first part of the second surface 24A towards a second part 24B of the second surface.The curtain may comprise a plurality of alternately formed and equispaced first and second folds. The curtain may comprise a polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene (PP). The coupling member may be a loop comprising the thermoplastic polymer and may be coupled to the sheet by welding. The curtain may comprise a plurality of coupling members. The curtain is suitable for use in hospitals.

Fig. 1 \

100

1/5

Fig. 1

2/5

Fig. 2

3/5

100

Fig. 3

4/5

1000C

1000A

1000E

50A

Fig. 4

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CURTAINS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to curtains, particular though not exclusively to curtains for use as disposable hospital window curtains, and to curtain assemblies.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

A curtain track assembly typically comprises a track or rail, carrying curtain gliders, to which a curtain is mounted by curtain hooks. Alternatively, a curtain may be provided with gliders attached to hooks and the curtain can thus be connected to the track as the gliders are connected to the track. Various configurations of track are known including straight, L and U shapes and combinations thereof. Tracks may be side mount or top mount, for example. Typically one or both ends of the track abut a wall.

For hygiene reasons it is desirable to use disposable curtains in hospitals. Disposable curtains may be removed and replaced periodically and/or frequently, for example at intervals of 3, 6, 9 or 12 months, depending on hygiene requirements. However, many hospital window curtains are washable curtains with curtain tracks configured for such curtains. The use of disposable curtains for cubicles is known and the known approach taken to replacing washable window curtains with disposable window curtains is to install cubicle type disposable curtains.

Installation of disposable curtains may be costly and/or disruptive. For example, incompatibilities between replacement curtains and existing curtain tracks and/or gliders may require replacement of the existing curtain tracks, increasing cost and/or disruption. Additionally, incompatibilities between replacement curtains and existing curtain tracks and/or gliders may require a wide assortment of replacement curtains and/or gliders to be stocked, increasing cost and reducing efficiency.

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a curtain comprising: a sheet having first and second opposed surfaces and first and second opposed edges;

a first fold, formed in the sheet, wherein the first fold is arranged to fold a first part of the first surface towards a second part of the first surface and wherein the first fold extends between the first and second edges; and a coupling member, arranged to couple with a hook, wherein the coupling member is proximal the first fold.

Suitably, the curtain comprises a disposable curtain. Suitably, the curtain comprises a window curtain. Suitably, the curtain comprises a disposable window curtain.

Since the coupling member, arranged to couple with the hook, is proximal the first fold formed in the sheet, the hook may extend away from the curtain. In this way, the curtain may be suitable to replace an existing curtain on an existing side or top mount curtain track adjacent a window. In this way, existing curtains may be more readily replaced, since replacement of the existing curtain track may not be required.

Suitably, the first fold is formed in the sheet mechanically and/or thermally. For example, the first fold may be formed by pressing the sheet with a weighted and/or heated press or knife. That is, the first fold may provide a discontinuity, a crease, a ridge or a bend in the sheet. The first fold may plastically and/or permanently deform the sheet. The first fold may be permanent or semi-permanent. That is, unfolding the first fold may require mechanical and/or thermal treating of the sheet. That is, the first fold may be maintained during use. The first fold may be linear or substantially linear.

Suitably, the first fold is formed such that it biases first and second parts of the first surface to lie at an angle of between 0 and 180 degrees relative to one another.

In an example embodiment, the sheet is a quadrilateral, for example, a square, a rectangle. The first and second edges may be parallel. First and second opposed ends of the sheet may be mutually parallel and/or transverse to the first and second edges. The first fold may be transverse to the first and/or the second edges of the sheet. The first fold may be parallel to the first and/or the second ends of the sheet.

The coupling member may be spaced apart from the first fold, by up to 10 mm. The coupling member may be adjacent to the first fold. The coupling member may be at the first fold, for example, aligned, inline, or coincident with the first fold.

The coupling member may be spaced apart from the first edge, by up to 50 mm, for example by up to 10 mm. The coupling member may be proximal the first edge. The coupling member may be adjacent to the first edge. The coupling member may be at the first edge.

A plurality of coupling members may be arranged proximal the first fold, for example, at different spacings from the first edge. In this way, a position of the curtain relative to a curtain track may be adjusted, for example.

In an example embodiment, the coupling member comprises a perforation, for example through the sheet. The perforation may extend between the first and the second surfaces, for example, from the first surface to the second surface. In this way, the coupling member may be readily formed in the sheet. The coupling member may comprise an eyelet, for example a ring or annulus, arranged around the perforation. In this way, the sheet may be reinforced around the perforation.

In an example embodiment, the coupling member comprises a loop, for example a band or ribbon. The loop may be formed in the sheet. Additionally and/or alternatively, the loop may be coupled to the sheet, for example, mechanically coupled, adhesively coupled, stitched and/or welded to the sheet. For example, the loop may be coupled to the second surface. The loop may extend across the first fold. The loop may be transverse to the first fold. For example, the loop may be coupled to the second surface on opposed sides of the first fold.

In an example embodiment, the coupling member comprises a fixing, coupled to the sheet, for example, mechanically coupled, adhesively coupled, stitched and/or welded to the sheet. For example, the fixing may be attached through the sheet. The fixing may be coupled to the hook and/or the fixing may comprise the hook. For example, the fixing may be integrally formed with the hook. For example, the fixing may comprise a small fixed hook, a large fixed hook or a U-shaped fixed hook. In this way, the curtain may be directly coupled to curtain track, for example.

In an example embodiment, the first fold extends from the first edge towards the second edge. In this way, the first fold is arranged to fold the first edge. In an example embodiment, the first fold extends from the second edge towards the first edge. In this way, the first fold is arranged to fold the second edge. In an example embodiment, the first fold extends from the first edge to the second edge. In this way, the first fold is arranged to fold the first and second edges.

In an example embodiment, the curtain comprises:

a second fold, formed in the sheet, wherein the second fold is arranged to fold a first part of the second surface towards a second part of the second surface and wherein the second fold extends between the first and second edges.

Suitably, the second fold is formed in the sheet as described above in relation to the first fold.

In an example embodiment, the second fold extends from the first edge towards the second edge. In this way, the second fold is arranged to fold the first edge. In an example embodiment, the second fold extends from the second edge towards the first edge. In this way, the second fold is arranged to fold the second edge. In an example embodiment, the second fold extends from the first edge to the second edge. In this way, the second fold is arranged to fold the first and second edges.

Suitably, the second fold is spaced apart from the first fold by a section of the sheet. The second fold may be parallel to the first fold. The coupling member may be relatively more proximal the first fold than the second fold. In an example embodiment, the coupling member is arranged distal the second fold.

Suitably, the curtain comprises a plurality of first folds. Suitably, the curtain comprises a plurality of second folds. Suitably, the curtain comprises a plurality of first folds and a plurality of second folds.

Suitably, the plurality of first folds and the plurality of second folds are formed alternately in the sheet. Suitably, the curtain is a pleated curtain.

In an example embodiment, the curtain comprises a pleated curtain. In an example embodiment, the curtain is a pleated curtain.

Suitably, the curtain comprises a sheet having alternate first and second folds which form pleats defining panel sections therebetween. Suitably, said panel sections are substantially uniform in size.

The plurality of first folds and the plurality of second folds may be regularly spaced. The plurality of first folds and the plurality of second folds may be equispaced. A spacing between the first fold and the second fold may be in a range 0.05 to 0.20 m. A spacing between the first fold and the second fold may be in a range 0.075 to 0.14 m, for example 0.10 m. For a spacing below this range, the curtain may tend to concertina in due to, for example, elasticity due to the first fold and the second fold and/ or residual stresses in the sheet. For a spacing above this range, the curtain may tend to interfere with external features, such as a window or window sill, and/or sag. However, a preferred spacing range may be dependent on, for example, a thickness of the sheet and/or a forming process of the first fold and the second fold.

In an example embodiment, the curtain comprises a plurality of coupling members, as described above. In an example embodiment, the number of the plurality of coupling members is the same as a number of the plurality of first folds. In this way, a coupling member of the plurality of coupling members is arranged proximal each first fold of the plurality of first folds. In an alternative example embodiment, the number of the plurality of coupling members is less than a number of the plurality of first folds. In this way, a coupling member of the plurality of coupling members is arranged proximal some of the plurality of first folds. In an example embodiment, the curtain comprises a plurality of coupling members, wherein the plurality of coupling members are arranged proximal alternate first folds of the plurality of first folds. That is, coupling members may be provided for or at every other first fold. Alternatively, coupling members may be provided for only every third, fourth or more first fold. Alternatively, coupling members may be arranged proximal each of the first folds.

Suitably, the sheet is folded towards each of its ends and attached to itself such that the curtain has a double thickness at its ends. Suitably, the sheet is folded and attached to itself such that each end panel of the curtain has a double thickness. Suitably, the sheet is folded and stitched toward each of its ends such that a first part of the second surface faces and abuts a second part of the second surface.

Suitably, the curtain comprises a pleated curtain having panels with a width W between folds and coupling members are located no more than 0.2W from first folds, for example no more than 0.1W from first folds.

Suitably, the curtain comprises a pleated curtain having panels with a width W between first and second folds and coupling members are located no more than 0.2W from the first folds, for example no more than 0.1 W from the first folds.

Surprisingly, it has been found that a pleated curtain having a coupling member located proximal the first folds may be suitable for use to replace curtains, for example non-pleated curtains, without the need to replace a curtain track.

In an example embodiment, the curtain is arrangeable in use in: a first configuration, wherein the first fold is arranged to fold the first part of the first surface to abut the second part of the first surface; and a second configuration, wherein the first fold is arranged to fold the first part of the first surface to space apart from the second part of the first surface.

In this way, the curtain may be arranged in the first configuration, which may be conveniently termed a folded configuration, for packaging, storage or transport, for example, thereby reducing a size or volume or bulk of the curtain and hence packaging, storage or transport costs. Additionally and/or alternatively, the curtain may be arrangeable in the first configuration in use, for example, when the curtain is open. In this way, the curtain may folded into the first configuration, thereby increasing an amount of light admitted through a window, for example.

In this way, the curtain may be arranged in the second configuration, which may be conveniently termed an unfolded configuration, for use, thereby increasing an occlusion of the window, for example.

Suitably, the curtain comprises first and second folds.

In an example embodiment, the curtain is arrangeable in use in:

the first configuration, wherein the second fold is arranged to fold the first part of the second surface to abut the second part of the second surface; and the second configuration, wherein the second fold is arranged to fold the first part of the second surface to space apart from the second part of the second surface.

In an example embodiment, the curtain is arrangeable in use in:

the first configuration, wherein the first fold is arranged to fold the first part of the first surface to abut the second part of the first surface and wherein the second fold is arranged to fold the first part of the second surface to abut the second part of the second surface; and the second configuration, wherein the first fold is arranged to fold the first part of the first surface to space apart from the second part of the first surface and wherein the second fold is arranged to fold the first part of the second surface to space apart from the second part of the second surface.

In an example embodiment, the curtain comprises a polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer. In an example embodiment, the sheet comprises a polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer. In an example embodiment, the coupling member comprises a loop and the loop comprises the polymeric composition comprising the thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may be a homopolymer ora copolymer.

Polymeric compositions comprising thermoplastics may be readily formed, for example by extrusion, moulding or injection moulding, to provide the described sheet. Such polymeric compositions may have appropriate mechanical properties suitable for use as curtains. Such polymeric compositions may have appropriate chemical properties suitable for resistance to the environment. For example, such polymeric compositions may be resistant to chemicals, such as cleaning materials. In this way, the curtain may be cleaned, for example, wiped. In addition, such polymeric compositions may be stabilised for resistance to UV light and/or ozone, for example. Such polymeric compositions may be of relatively low cost and/or environmental cost, such that the curtain may be relatively more affordably disposed after a relatively short use, for example, 3 months to 12 months.

The thermoplastic polymer may be selected from a group consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), aliphatic or semi-aromatic polyamides, polylactic acid (polylactide) (PLA), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polycarbonate (PC), polyether sulfone (PES), polyetherimide, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (PMP) and polybutene-1 (PB-1), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

In an example embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene (PP). PP may be recycled, for example.

The polymeric composition may comprise additives, such as fillers and/or colourants. The polymeric composition may be treated, for example, with a flame or fire retardant. In this way, the curtain may conform with industrial safety standards, such as BS5867 Part 2 Type C.

The polymeric composition may be treated, for example, with antimicrobial compositions, such as antifungal, antimildew and/or antibacterial compositions. In this way, a cleanliness or hygiene of the curtain may be increased.

In an example embodiment, the sheet comprises an impermeable sheet, for example a film or a membrane. In an example embodiment, the sheet comprises a permeable sheet. For example, the sheet may comprise a textile, a non-woven textile or a woven textile. The permeable sheet may comprise perforations, such as formed by punching.

In an example embodiment, the first surface and/or the second surface is untextured. For example, the first surface may be smooth, without discernible texture. In this way, the sheet may be readily cleaned. In an example embodiment, the first surface and/or the second surface is textured. For example, the first surface may be patterned, with discernible texture, for example due to rolling and/or embossing. In this way, an appearance of the sheet may be improved.

Sheets or membranes may be cut to size and may be relatively flexible or drapable. In this way, the curtain may be provided according to a standard size or standard sizes and cut, for example, according to a window size. This may reduce a number of sizes of curtain to be manufactured, transported and/or stored, for example, increasing manufacturing, transportation and/or storage efficiencies and/or reducing wastage. For example, the curtain may be provided having a standard width and/or drop. The curtain may have a width of between 0.5m and 5m, for example between 0.5m and 3.0m. The curtain may have a length of between 0.5m and 5m, for example between 0.5m and 3.0m.

The sheet may have a mass per unit area in a range of 0.05 to 0.25 kgm'², for example 0.110 kgm². The sheet may have a thickness in a range 0.050 to 0.250 mm, for example 0.1 mm.

The curtain may comprise sheets comprising a polymeric composition as described above coupled by adhesive coupling or welding, such as solvent or thermal welding, for example.

The curtain may comprise a sheet having a mass per unit area of between 0.05 kgm'²and 0.35 kgm'², for example off between 0.10 kgm'² and 0.30 kgm'². In an example embodiment, the sheet comprises a polypropylene sheet, having a mass per unit area of 0.110 kgm'².

The curtain may comprise a label. The label may be a non-peelable label, such as an audit label or a message label. The label may be a writeable label. The label may be coupled to the curtain, for example, mechanically coupled, adhesively coupled, stitched and/or welded to the sheet. The curtain may comprise a plurality of such labels.

The curtain may comprise a tieback, arrangeable to tend to maintain the curtain in the first configuration. For example, the tieback may comprise a popper tieback. The tieback may be coupled to the curtain, for example, mechanically coupled, adhesively coupled, stitched and/or welded to the sheet.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a curtain assembly comprising a curtain according to the first aspect and one or more hooks.

Suitably, the curtain assembly comprises a disposable window curtain.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a curtain track assembly comprising a curtain according to the first aspect, one or more hooks, one or more gliders and a track.

Suitably, the curtain track assembly comprises a disposable window curtain.

The hook and the glider may be provided integrally.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a curtain, the apparatus comprising:

means for forming a first fold in a sheet, the sheet having first and second opposed surfaces and first and second opposed edges, wherein the first fold is arranged to fold a first part of the first surface towards a second part of the first surface and wherein the first fold extends between the first and second edges; and means for providing a coupling member, wherein the coupling member is arranged to couple with a hook, wherein the coupling member is proximal the first fold.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing features of the curtain according to the first aspect.

The means for forming the first fold may comprise a press, a knife, a weighted knife.

The coupling member may comprise a loop, as described herein, and the means for providing the coupling member may comprise a welder for welding the loop to the sheet. The coupling member may comprise a perforation, as described herein, and the means for providing the coupling member may comprise a punch.

The sheet may be provided on a roll and the apparatus may comprise means for cutting the sheet.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a curtain, the method comprising:

providing a sheet having first and second opposed surfaces and first and second opposed edges;

forming a first fold in the sheet, wherein the first fold is arranged to fold a first part of the first surface towards a second part of the first surface and wherein the first fold extends between the first and second edges; and providing a coupling member, wherein the coupling member is arranged to couple with a hook, proximal the first fold.

The method may comprise steps to provide features of the curtain according to the first aspect.

The step of forming the first fold in the sheet may comprise pressing the sheet, for example, using a press, a knife, a weighted knife.

The coupling member may comprise a loop, as described herein, and the step of providing the coupling member may comprise welding the loop to the sheet. The coupling member may comprise a perforation, as described herein, and the step of providing the coupling member may comprise perforating the sheet.

The sheet may be provided on a roll and the method may comprise cutting the sheet.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing a curtain according to the first aspect, the method comprising:

removing an existing curtain from an existing curtain track; and fitting the curtain to the existing curtain track.

Suitably, the curtain comprises a disposable curtain. In this way, an existing curtain may be more readily replaced with the disposable curtain, since replacement of the existing curtain track is not required.

Suitably, the method comprises installing a window curtain.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a window assembly comprising:

a window;

a curtain track; and a curtain according to the first aspect.

Suitably, the curtain track is installed adjacent the window. Suitably, the curtain track is located within 20 mm of the window.

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 plan view of a curtain according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 2 is a front elevation view of a part of the curtain of Figure 1, in use;

Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of a part of the curtain of Figure 1, in use;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part of the curtain of Figure 1, in use;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a curtain according to an alternative exemplary embodiment; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a part of the curtain of Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a curtain assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The curtain assembly 100 comprises a curtain 10, according to an exemplary embodiment, and a hook 1000A.

The curtain 10 comprises a sheet 20 having a first and second opposed surfaces 22 & 24, respectively, and first and second opposed edges 26 & 28, respectively. The curtain 10 comprises a first fold 30A, formed in the sheet 20, wherein the first fold 30A is arranged to fold a first part 22A of the first surface 22 towards a second part 22B of the first surface 22. The first fold 30A extends between the first and second edges 26 & 28. The curtain 10 comprises a coupling member 40A, arranged to couple with the hook 1000A, wherein the coupling member 40A is proximal the first fold 30A.

Since the coupling member 40A, arranged to couple with the hook 1000A, is proximal the first fold 30A formed in the sheet 10, the hook 1000A tends to extend away from the curtain 10. In this way, the curtain 10 may replace an existing curtain on an existing side or top mount curtain track adjacent a window. In this way, existing curtains may be more readily replaced, since replacement of the existing curtain track is not required.

The sheet 20 is rectangular, having dimensions of 1m (width) by 0.5m (length). The first and second edges 26 & 28, respectively, are mutually parallel. First and second opposed ends 27 & 29, respectively, of the sheet 20 are mutually parallel and transverse to the first and second edges 26 & 28. The first fold 30A is transverse to first and second edges 26 & 28 of the sheet 20. The first fold 30A is parallel to the first and second ends 27 & 29 of the sheet 20.

The coupling member 40A is located at the first fold 30A. The coupling member 40A is adjacent to the first edge 26. The coupling member 40A comprises a loop 42A, coupled to the sheet 20 by welding to the sheet 20. The loop 42A is coupled to the second surface 24 of the sheet 20. The loop 42A extends across the first fold 30A, transverse to the first fold 30A. The loop 42A is welded to the second surface 24 on opposed sides of the first fold, at welds 44A & 44B. The first fold 30A extends from the first edge 26 to the second edge 28.

The curtain 10 comprises a second fold 50A, formed in the sheet 20, wherein the second fold 50A is arranged to fold a first part 24A of the second surface 24 towards a second part 24B of the second surface 24 and wherein the second fold 50A extends between the first and second edges 26 & 28, respectively. The second fold 50A extends from the first edge 26 to the second edge 28. The second fold 50A is spaced from the first fold 30A by a section of the sheet 20. The second fold 50A is parallel to the first fold 30A.

The curtain 10 comprises five (i.e. a plurality of) first folds 30A - 30E and four (i.e. a plurality of) such second folds 50A - 50D. The plurality of first folds 30A - 30E and the plurality of second folds 50A - 50D are formed alternately in the sheet. That is, the first fold 30A lies between to two second folds 50A & 50B of the plurality of second folds 50A - 50D. That is, the curtain 10 is a pleated curtain. The plurality of first folds 30A - 30E and the plurality of second folds 50 are regularly spaced. The plurality of first folds 30 and the plurality of second folds 50 are equispaced. A spacing between the first fold 30A and the second fold 50B is 0.10 m. Such a spacing may minimise concertina effects or sagging or interference with external features in use.

The curtain 10 comprises three (i.e. a plurality of) coupling members 40A, 40C & 40E, as described above. The plurality of coupling members 40A, 40C & 40E are arranged proximal alternate first folds 30A, 30C & 30E of the plurality of first folds 30A - 30E. That is, coupling members 40A, 40C & 40E are provided for first folds 30A, 30C & 30E and no coupling members are provided for first folds 30B & 30D.

The curtain 10 comprises a polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer. The sheet 20 comprises the polymeric composition comprising the thermoplastic polymer. The coupling member 40A (i.e. the loop 42A) comprises the polymeric composition comprising the thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene (PP).

The polymeric composition comprises additives, such as fillers and/or colourants. The polymeric composition is treated with flame retardant such that the curtain 10 conforms with industrial safety standard BS5867 Part 2 Type C.

The sheet 20 comprises an impermeable sheet (a film or a membrane). The first surface 22 and the second surface 24 are untextured i.e. smooth, without discernible texture. The sheet 20 has a mass per unit area of 0.110 kgm². The sheet has a thickness of about 0.1 mm.

The curtain 10 comprises two non-peelable labels 60A & 60B, adhesively coupled to the second surface 24 of the sheet 20, proximal the first and second ends 27 & 29 of the sheet 20, respectively. The labels 60A & 60B are writeable audit labels.

The curtain 10 comprises a tieback 70, arrangeable to tend to maintain the curtain 10 in a first configuration, as described below. The tieback comprises a band 72, welded to the sheet 10, and a popper fastener 74. The tieback 70 (i.e. the band 72) comprises the polymeric composition comprising the thermoplastic polymer.

Figures 2-4 show the curtain assembly 100 in use. The curtain 10 is arrangeable in a first configuration, wherein the first fold 30A is arranged to fold the first part 22A of the first surface 22 to abut the second part 22B of the first surface 22; and a second configuration, wherein the first fold 30A is arranged to fold the first part 22A of the first surface 22 to space apart from the second part 22B of the first surface 22.

Figures 2 & 3 show a part of the curtain 10 arranged in the first configuration, which may be conveniently termed a folded configuration. Particularly, the first fold 30A is arranged to fold the first part 22A of the first surface 22 to abut the second part 22B of the first surface 22 and the second fold 50A is arranged to fold the first part 24A of the second surface 24 to abut the second part 24B of the second surface 24.

The band 72 of the tieback 70 is fastened around the sheet 10 using the popper fasteners 74, so as to tend to maintain the curtain 10 in the first configuration.

In this way, the curtain 10 may be arranged in the first configuration for packaging, storage or transport, for example, thereby reducing a size or volume or bulk of the curtain and hence packaging, storage or transport costs. Additionally and/or alternatively, the curtain 10 may be arranged in the first configuration in use, for example, when the curtain is open. In this way, the curtain 10 may folded into the first configuration, thereby increasing an amount of light admitted through a window, for example.

Figure 4 shows a part of the curtain 10 arranged in the second configuration, which may be conveniently termed an unfolded configuration. Particularly, the first fold 30A is arranged to fold the first part 22A of the first surface 22 to space apart from the second part 22B of the first surface 22 and the second fold 50A is arranged to fold the first part 24A of the second surface 24 to space apart from the second part 24B of the second surface 24.

In this way, the curtain 10 may be arranged in the second configuration, thereby increasing an occlusion of the window, for example.

Figures 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment of curtain assembly 200. The curtain assembly 200 comprises a curtain 210, and hooks 2000. The curtain 210 corresponds generally to curtain 10 but has coupling members 240 arranged proximal each of first folds 230 in the sheet 220 and the sheet 220 is folded toward each of its ends 227, 229 and attached to itself such that the curtain 210 has a double thickness at its ends 217,219.

The curtain 210 comprises a sheet 220 having a first and second opposed surfaces 222, 224, and first and second opposed edges (only upper edge 226 shown).

The curtain 210 comprises first folds 230A, 230B, 230C, 230D, 230E which each extend between the first and second edges. The curtail 210 further comprises second folds 250A, 250B, 250C, 250D, 250E, 250F which each extend between the first and second edges. The plurality of first folds 230A-E and the plurality of second folds 250A-F are formed alternately in the sheet 220.

Located proximal each of the first folds 230A-E are coupling members 240A, 240B, 240C, 240D, 240E for coupling with the hooks 2000. Each coupling member 240A-E comprises a loop 242 welded to the second surface 224 either side of the respective first fold.

The sheet has first and second opposed ends 227, 229. At each of the end second folds 250A, 250F the sheet 220 is folded such that the second surface 224 of the sheet contacts itself either side of said fold 250A, 250F and the sheet 220 is stitched to itself to give double thickness ends 217, 219 of the curtain 210. The curtain 210, thus has a plurality of panels 260 with the end panels being double thickness.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may provide curtains, curtain assemblies and/or curtain track assemblies which may facilitate replacement of curtains, reducing cost and/or disruption.

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

CLAIMS:

1. A curtain comprising:

a sheet having first and second opposed surfaces and first and second opposed edges; a first fold, formed in the sheet, wherein the first fold is arranged to fold a first part of the first surface towards a second part of the first surface and wherein the first fold extends between the first and second edges; and a coupling member, arranged to couple with a hook, wherein the coupling member is proximal the first fold.

2. A curtain according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member is proximal the first edge.

3. A curtain according to any previous claim, wherein the coupling member comprises a perforation, a loop or a fixing.

4. A curtain according to any previous claim, wherein the curtain is arrangeable in:

a first configuration, wherein the first fold is arranged to fold the first part of the first surface to abut the second part of the first surface; and a second configuration, wherein the first fold is arranged to fold the first part of the first surface to space apart from the second part of the first surface.

5. A curtain according to any previous claim, wherein the curtain comprises:

6. A curtain according to any previous claim, wherein the curtain comprises a plurality of first folds.

7. A curtain according to claim 6, wherein the curtain comprises a plurality of second folds.

8. A curtain according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of first folds and the plurality of second folds are formed alternately in the sheet.

9. A curtain according to any of claims 7 to 8, wherein the plurality of first folds and the plurality of second folds are equispaced.

10. A curtain according to any previous claim, wherein the curtain comprises a polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer.

11. A curtain according to claim 10, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene (PP).

12. A curtain according to any of claims 10 to 11, wherein the coupling member comprises the loop and the loop comprises the polymeric composition comprising the thermoplastic polymer.

13. A curtain according to claim 12, wherein the coupling member is coupled to the sheet by welding.

14. A curtain according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the polymeric composition is treated with a fire retardant.

15. A curtain according to any of claims 6 to 14, wherein the curtain comprises a plurality of coupling members.

16. A curtain according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of coupling members are arranged proximal alternate first folds of the plurality of first folds.

17. A curtain according to claims 15, wherein the coupling members are arranged proximal each of the first folds.

18. A curtain according to any previous claim, wherein the curtain comprises a label.

19. A curtain according to any previous claim, wherein the curtain comprises a tieback.

20. A curtain according to any previous claim, wherein the sheet is folded toward each of its ends and attached to itself such that the curtain has a double thickness at its ends.

21. A curtain according to claim 20, wherein the sheet is folded and stitched toward each of its ends such that a first part of the second surface faces and abuts a second part of the second surface.

22. A curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain comprises a pleated curtain comprising a plurality of first folds and a plurality of second folds, formed mechanically and/or thermally in the sheet, and a plurality of coupling members.

23. A curtain according to any preceding claim, wherein the curtain is a disposable window curtain.

24. A curtain assembly comprising a curtain according to any of claims 1 to 23 and one or more hooks.

25. A curtain track assembly comprising a curtain according to any of claims 1 to 23, one or more hooks, one or more gliders and a track.

26. An apparatus for manufacturing a curtain according to any of claims 1 to 23, the apparatus comprising:

27. A method of manufacturing a curtain according to any of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising:

28. A method of installing a curtain according to any of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising:

29. A window assembly comprising: a window;

a curtain track; and a curtain according to any of claims 1 to 23.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1714657.2 Examiner: Miss Cassandra Fraser