GB2610267A

GB2610267A - Blackout curtain apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2610267A
Application number: GB2209165.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Jinks Dale
Original assignee: Lightseal Ltd
Current assignee: Lightseal Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-30
Filing date: 2022-06-22
Publication date: 2023-03-01
Also published as: GB202209165D0; GB202109438D0

Abstract

Apparatus 1 for reducing or preventing light entering a room in conjunction with a curtain. The apparatus comprises one or more clips 2 adapted to be wall mounted. Each clip comprises a flexible surround 3 creating a duct 4 therein, through which the curtain can be passed and which includes a bendable arm 5 on one side 6 of the surround and a collapsible region 7 in the body of the surround. The bendable arm has a crooked region 10 along its length and a head 11 at the terminal end of the arm such that when the arm is bent across the surround the crooked region cooperates with the collapsible region of the surround, causing it to collapse inwards to grip the curtain. Each clip may comprise a base plate adapted to be fixed to the wall, and the collapsible region of the surround is opposite the base plate. In the gripping position the crooked region of the bendable arm is located in the collapsible region in the body of the surround.

Description

Blackout Curtain Apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a novel blackout curtain apparatus.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel apparatus in the form of a wall mounted clip that prevents light from entering a bedroom via the vertical gap between a blackout curtains and a wall. The invention also relates to a method of preventing light from entering a bedroom via the vertical gap between a blackout curtains and a wall.

Background to the Invention

Studies have shown that light in a room, e.g. a bedroom, caused by increasing levels of external artificial illumination may contribute to poor sleep in adults. Early sunrise during summer months is also a major cause of irregular sleep patterns in young children and adults.

There are numerous devices available that seek to cover windows, doors, and the like to prevent light from entering into a room Blocking light from entering a room is often desirable for a variety of reasons such as improved sleep in the absence of light.

There are commercially available "blackout curtains" that seek to block or blackout as much light as possible.

This can be avoided with the introduction of room darkening equipment such as the Light seal.

Examples of commercially available products that attempt to address the problem of light leakage include the BlindSidesTm light blocker. BlindSidesThl light Nocker is described in UK Patent application No. 2525186 and comprises a blackout blind for use with roller blinds. The BlindSidesTM light blocker comprises a planar barrier configured to prevent transmission of light and consist of a an arm for hooking onto a roll of a roller blind; and a structural support rigidly connected to the arm and supporting the planar barrier, such that, when the planar barrier hangs in a vertical plane.

Other examples of commercially available products include Liedeco® lateral guide rail available from Liedeco GmbH, Unter Aue 8, 37318 Uder, Germany. The Liedeco0 lateral guide rail comprises a plastic self-adhesive mounting for roller blinds that is mounted directly onto a window sash The fabric of the roller blind is guided through the lateral guide to aid in preventing light entering from the sides.

US Patent No. 5,524,689 describes a two panel drapery filing comprising magnetic sealing strips positioned within vertical channels at the edge of each panel UK Registered Design No. 6100139 describes a wall mount clip which uses a bungee cord or strap to create a seal which travels between a top and bottom clip located on a curtain. However, this method of securing the curtain edge is unsatisfactory in that, inter dia, it fails to fully block all light from coming through. In addition, using a cord introduces a potential hazard, especially if the clip is used in a child's bedroom.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved apparatus for blocking light from entering a room around curtains and the like, and without requiring a difficult manipulation of the curtain, blind or other window covering.

Summary of the Invention

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for reducing or removing light entering a room in conjunction with a curtain, wherein said apparatus comprises one or more clips, adapted to be wall mounted, said one or more clips comprising: a flexible surround, creating a duct therein, through which the curtain can be LS passed; said flexible surround including a bendable arm on one side of the surround and a collapsible region in the body of the surround; wherein the bendable arm is provided with a crooked region along its length and a head at the terminal end of the arm; such that when the arm is bent across the surround the crooked region cooperates with the collapsible region of the surround, causing it to collapse inwards to grip the curtain According to a particular aspect of the invention the apparatus comprises two or more clips as herein described. The use of two or more clips is advantageous in that, inter alict, with a first clip positioned adjacent the top of a curtain and a second clip positioned adjacent the bottom of the curtain and below the level of the window, the curtain can be pulled taught such that there is no gap between the curtain and the wall; and light can no longer pass through.

When two or more clips are present, due to the pressure and grip exerted by the opposing heads, sufficient tension is created in the curtain material to keep the material tightly pressed against the wall. This arrangement means that it is not necessary to use a connecting a cord between the two heads, as in the prior art design.

The clip will generally include a base plate, which is adapted to be fixed to a wall. For example, the base plate may be provided with one or more apertures suitable for screw fixing the clip to a wall. Alternatively, the base plate may be suitably sized to enable a hook and loop type fastener (e.g. Velcrorm) to be used, such as a CommandTm strip.

The collapsible region of the surround will generally be positioned on a side of the surround opposing the base plate, such that, in use, when the base plate is located on a wall, the collapsible region is on the outside of the surround, away from the wall.

In use, when the crooked region of the bendable arm is located in the collapsible region in the body of the surround, i.e. in the gripping position, the head at the terminal end of the arm is hinged so that that head can form a substantially planar abutment with the wall.

The surround is rendered collapsible by being provided with at least three live hinges at the collapsible region and at each corner of the surround adjacent the collapsible region. A live hinge or living hinge is a thin flexible hinge typically thinned or cut to allow the adjacent rigid pieces to bend along the line of the hinge.

In particular aspect of the invention the arm will be of sufficient length such that when it is in its bent formation it extends beyond the surround Such an arrangement is advantageous in that the head of the arm can increase pressure onto the wall without compromising the hinge function.

Desirably, the head is substantially wedge shaped in order to maximise the flat surface are that can abut the wall In a further embodiment the head may comprise the shape of an elongate hammer in order to increase the surface area and grip onto the curtain and/or wall.

The wall abutting face of the head may optionally be provided with flexible surface layer, e.g. a silicon or rubber layer or the like. The use of such a flexible surface layer may improve the grip onto the curtain and/or wall.

The apparatus herein described is advantageous, inter cilia, because: The clips are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and very subtle as the main body is hidden beneath the curtain fabric with only the securing arm is visible The clips are easily removed by sliding them up and off the wall mounted screw heads.

The apparatus is suitable for both a child's nursery and/or an adult's bedroom Clips can be manufactured in various colours to match the blackout curtain or decoration.

The apparatus can be taken away when visiting friends/family/holidays, and mounted to the wall using self-adhesive pads as a temporary measure.

Current products associated with this problem are bulky, impractical and ugly.

The apparatus is safe for children's bedrooms, in that there are no cords or straps and does not present a choking hazard The apparatus is very cost effective, due to single injection moulded piece which uses live hinges. This lowers manufacturing costs, and allows a low and affordable retail price.

The apparatus is described herein as a clip for use in conjunction with a curtain However, it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the clip may be suitably used with a variety of window coverings. Therefore, the term curtains should not be construed narrowly and should include curtains (in its conventional meaning), blinds, e.g. roller blinds, drapes, screens, window shields and the like, or any other light blocking window covering.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of reducing the quantity of light passing around the side of a curtain, said method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus comprising one or more clips as herein described, passing the curtain through the duct of the flexible surround of each of the one or more clips; fastening the one or more clips to a wall; bending the bendable arm of each clip such that the crooked region of the arm cooperates with the collapsible region of the surround, causing it to collapse inwards and grip the curtain, thereby substantially reducing the quantity of light passing around the side of the curtain.

It will be understood that the method described herein does not need to be followed sequentially. For example, the curtain may be passed through the duct of the surround before fastening the clip to a wall or vice versa.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a clip in the open/ unlocked position; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a clip in the closed/ locked position; Figure 3 is a plan view of a clip in the open/ unlocked position; Figure 4 is a plan view of a clip in the closed/ locked position; Figures 5 (a) and (b) are schematic representations of a clip in the closed/ locked position; Figure 6 is a side view of a clip in the open/ unlocked position; Figure 7 is an image of two clips in situ on a curtain; and Figures 8 (a) and (b) are comparative images of light transmission around a curtain without the clips (Figure 8(a)) and with the clips located on the curtain (Figure 8(b)).

In the figures herein the following numbering has been used: 1 apparatus 2 clip flexible surround 4 duct bendable arm 6 one side 7 collapsible region 8 live hinge 9 corner crooked region 11 head 12 terminal end 13 curtain Referring to Figures 1 to 4 apparatus (1) for reducing or removing light entering a room in conjunction with a curtain (not shown), wherein said apparatus (1) comprises a clip (2), said clip (2) comprising a flexible surround (3) creating a duct (4) therein.

The flexible surround (3) is provided with a bendable arm (5) on one side (6) of the surround (3). The flexible surround (3) is provided with a collapsible region (7) in the body of the surround (3). Collapsible region (7) comprises a live hinge (8a). The surround (3) is also provided with live hinges (8b) and (8c) at each corner (9a) and (9b) of the surround (3) adjacent the collapsible region (7).

The bendable arm (5) is provided with a crooked region (10) along its length and a head (11) at the terminal end (12) of the arm (5) In use, when the arm (5) is bent across the surround (3) the crooked region (10) cooperates with the collapsible region (7) of the surround (3), causing it to collapse inwards to grip the curtain (not shown), by bending at each of live hinges (8a, 8b and 8c).

Referring to Figures 5(a) and 5(b) the apparatus (1) is shown in collapsed/gripping form in which the crooked region (10) cooperates with the collapsible region (7). The head (11) at the terminal end (12) of the arm (5) extends slightly beyond the surround (3) so that, in use, downwards pressure onto the wall (not shown) is increased. In Figure 5(a) the front arm is slightly extended to increase downwards pressure (as indicated by the downwards arrow) into the wall, without compromising hinge function. The wedge shaped head increases the flat surface area. In Figure 5(b) the rectangle shaped silicone/rubber layer on the face of the head improves grip onto the curtain. The elongated "hammer" is designed to increase surface area and grip onto the curtain. The diameter of the holes may be increased to allow use of a screwdriver.

Referring to Figure 6 the apparatus (1) is shown comprising three live hinges (8a, 8b and 8c) Referring to Figure 7 the apparatus (1) is shown in situ gripping a curtain (13).

Referring to Figures 8(a) and 8(b)* in Figure 8(a) a curtain (13) is shown without the apparatus (1), illustrating the usual ingress of light, and in Figure 8(b) the reduction in the ingress of light when the apparatus (1) is in use.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for reducing or removing light entering a room in conjunction with a curtain, wherein said apparatus comprises one or more clips, adapted to be wall mounted, said one or more clips comprising: a flexible surround, creating a duct therein, through which the curtain can be passed; said flexible surround including a bendable arm on one side of the surround and a collapsible region in the body of the surround; wherein the bendable arm is provided with a crooked region along its length and a head at the terminal end of the arm; such that when the arm is bent across the surround the crooked region cooperates with the collapsible region of the surround, causing it to collapse inwards to grip the curtain.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 which comprises two or more clips 3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the clip includes a base plate.4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the base plate is adapted to be fixed to a wall Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the base plate is provided with one or more apertures suitable for screw fixing the clip to a wall.Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the collapsible region of the surround is positioned on a side of the surround opposing the base plate.7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the collapsible region of the surround is positioned on a side of the surround opposing the base plate, such that, in use, when the base plate is located on a wall, the collapsible region is on the outside of the surround, away from the wall.8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, in use, in the gripping position, crooked region of the bendable arm is located in the collapsible region in the body of the surround 9. Apparatus according to claim 8 where, in use, in the gripping position, when the crooked region of the bendable arm is located in the collapsible region in the body of the surround, the head at the terminal end of the arm is hinged so that that head forms a substantially planar abutment with the wall 10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the arm is of sufficient length such that when it is in its bent formation it extends beyond the 20 surround.11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the head is substantially wedge shaped.12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the head comprises the shape of an elongate hammer.13 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wall abutting face of the head is provided with flexible surface layer.14 Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the flexible surface layer is a silicon or rubber layer, or the like 15 A method of reducing the quantity of light passing around the side of a curtain, said method comprising the steps of providing an apparatus comprising one or more clips as herein described, passing the curtain through the duct of the flexible surround of each of the one or more clips; fastening the one or more clips to a wall; bending the bendable arm of each clip such that the crooked region of the arm cooperates with the collapsible region of the surround, causing it to collapse inwards and grip the curtain, thereby substantially reducing the quantity of light passing around the side of the curtain.16 Apparatus or a method as herein described with reference to the accompanyingdescription and drawings.