NL2027520B1

NL2027520B1 - Support structure and connector for a curtain

Info

Publication number: NL2027520B1
Application number: NL2027520A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Kelder Kees-Jan
Original assignee: Vako B V
Priority date: 2021-02-08
Filing date: 2021-02-08
Publication date: 2022-09-09
Also published as: GB2604035B; DE102022102560A1; GB2604035A; NL2027520A

Abstract

The invention relates to a support structure for a curtain, comprising at least one support element and at least two connectors connected with said support element, 5 wherein each connector is configured to be interconnect with a connector of an adjacent support structure in order to fasten adjacent support structures to each other.

Description

Support structure and connector for a curtain The invention relates to a support structure for a curtain. The invention also related to a connector configured for use in such support structure. The invention further relates to an assembly of such support structure and a curtain.

Vertical oriented window blinds are popular for various reasons. A popular example is a blind-type curtain which comprises a plurality of vertically oriented curtain blinds comprising a light transmitting curtain part and blackout curtain parts provided on both sides of the light transmitting curtain part. Multiple of such curtain blinds can be connected in an adjacent configuration such that full (window) covering can be obtained. Typically the blackout curtain parts of such curtain are configured to be connected to an adjacent curtain and to a curtain rail by means of multiple connectors which are attached to the black out curtain part. Such curtain blind configuration is known in the art. For example, GB 2549637 B describes a connector for a blind-type curtain for a plurality of curtain blinds comprising a light transmitting curtain part and blackout curtain parts provided on both sides of the light transmitting curtain part. The connector is provided on the blackout curtain parts to fasten adjacent blackout curtains parts to each other. In this manner, the curtain can be adapted to various different states, such as a light transmitting state and a blackout state. The connector according to the prior art comprises two complementary connector parts which are configured for co-action thereby clampingly enclosing parts of the curtain blind. An upper side of the connector parts is provided with coupling members configured for coupling to another connector part and for coupling to a curtain rail, for the latter the document shows the presence of a hook member. A lower side of the complementary connector parts is configured for connecting the connector part itself to the curtain. The complementary connector parts are provided with respectively protruding spikes and spike coupling holes for obtaining a sufficient connection with the curtains and each other. As each connector part is connected to at least a single layer of a curtain the spikes need to be configured that they can co-act with the spike coupling holes through the intervention of at least two (single) layers of the adjacent curtains which are to the connected. The use of the curtain configuration using connectors as described in GB 2549637 B has a benefit that is relatively easy to wash, repair or replace a curtain when it is contaminated or damages. A drawback of the connector parts according to the prior art is that they are relatively difficult to align. The connector parts are to be connected with the curtain part which is time consuming and prone to aligning errors. Further, there is a considerable risk of damaging of the fabric of the curtain by the applied spikes.

Hence, it is a goal of the present invention to provide a solution for at least one of the abovementioned problems or to at least provide an alternative to the system of the prior art.

The invention provides thereto a support structure for a curtain, comprising: - at least one substantially longitudinal support element which is configured to be attached to a curtain, and - atleast two connectors connected with or connectable to said support element, preferably such that the at least two connectors are positioned substantially in line with another over the length of the support element, and wherein each connector is configured to be interconnect with a connector of an adjacent support structure in order to fasten adjacent support structures to each other.

The support structure according to the present invention has several benefits over the known solution of the prior art. Where it is known in the prior art to apply two separate connector parts which need to be attached directly to the curtain, the support structure according to the present invention provides a completely different solution. The support structure according to the present invention provides basically an attachment for the curtain which enables easier connection and alignment of the connectors. The use of a support element for a curtain is known and these support elements are applied frequently as for most curtain fabrics it is desired to provide additional support at an upper region of the curtain. The support element provides typically a protective function for the curtain thereby preventing damage caused by the suspension arrangement to which the curtain is to be attached. The support element may also positively contribute to the characteristics of the pleats of the curtain. That the least two connectors according to the present invention are connected with the support element such that the at least two connectors are positioned substantially in line with another over the length of the support element provides the benefit for the user that the alignment step of aligning the connectors can be omitted.

The user only needs to attach the support structure to the curtain, which means that in practice the user only needs to attach the support element to the curtain.

Due to the substantially longitudinal configuration of the support element, aligning of the support element and the curtain to which it is to be attached is relatively easy.

The support element is typically configured to be attached to an upper (distal) end of the curtain, in particular, the upper end of the curtain which is to be attached to the curtain rail.

As indicated above, when the connectors are yet attached to the support element, no aligning thereof is to be done anymore.

The support structure according to the present invention is basically a pre-assembled curtain attachment, and could also be referred to as such.

The use of a combination of at least one support element and at least two connectors is a creative but relatively simple and effective solution to the problems identified with prior art configurations.

In practice, it is found that users are tempted to use adhesive tape to optimize aligning of the connector parts and the curtain.

However, the use of adhesives or adhesive tape may leave residues on the curtain and it will still not ensure consistent aligning of the manual step of connecting the connector parts.

The support structure according to the present invention will not experience this drawback.

The support structure according to the present invention is typically configured to be attached to a vertical oriented curtain (part). Non- limiting examples of curtains which could be applied are a (vertical) curtain blind, a sheer, sheer blind and/or shades.

The at least two connectors are preferably positioned substantially in line with another over the length of the support element.

Hence, the at least two connectors are positioned in a colinear manner.

The orientation of the at least two connectors with respect to the support element is defined when the support element is in an extended orientation, for example when positioned upon a substantially flat surface.

The support element is preferably substantially pliant.

Hence, the support element is preferably substantially flexible.

The support element can be configured to provide a supportive function for the curtain for example in order to enhance the ability of the curtain to form pleats.

It is beneficial if the support element is substantially pliant as this can contribute to controlled formation of pleats in the curtain.

The support structure, and in particular the support element, is preferably adapted to the dimension of the curtain to which it is to be attached.

For example,

the longest dimension (length direction) of the support element substantially equals the width of the (vertical) curtain which is to be attached to the support element. In a preferred embodiment, the support element is substantially rectangular. The support element can for example be present in a band, strip and/or tape configuration. Such configuration is rather practical as it enables easy handling and/or attachment to the curtain. It also enables easy alignment of the connectors in relation to the support element. Additionally, the support element having such configuration can stylishly combination with a curtain which is beneficial from aesthetic point of view. It is further beneficial if the support element is substantially flat. Typically, the support element comprises a front side and a rear side. A substantially flat support element will also positively contribute to the co-action between the support element and the connectors and/or the curtain to which it is to be attached. it is conceivable that the support element is on at least one side provided with a coating layer. The coating layer is preferably a thermoplastic coating layer. The coating layer is preferably configured to enable the support element being attached to a curtain by means of thermoplastic welding and/or heat sealing. Thermoplastic welding is a relatively easy process which is time and cost efficient. It further provides a rather permanent connection between the support structure and the curtain which is not sensitive for disengagement such as the mechanical connection between the connectors and the curtain which is seen in the prior arts. For example, the coating layer could comprise any of the following non- limiting materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly{ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastics. In a preferred embodiment, the coating layer is applied to a front side of the support element and the connectors are attached to a back side of the support. In this configuration, the connectors will not negatively affect the process wherein the support element is connected to the curtain.

In a beneficial embodiment of the support structure, the support element is made of a non-woven material, in particular a non-woven polyester. Such non-woven support element is relatively easy to handle and has beneficial material properties for the specific use. Further, the use of a non-woven material is beneficial for commercial reasons as the material is relatively cheap. However, any known materials to be used as support element for use in combination with a curtain can be applied.

A non-woven support element is found to be suitable be used in combination with a coating layer configured to enable the support element being attached to a curtain by means of thermoplastic welding and/or heat sealing. 5

Preferably, the at least two connectors are attached to the same side of the support element.

Typically, the at least two connectors are attached at or near an upper side of the support element.

The at least two connectors can for example be attached at or near an circumferential edge of the support element.

The at least two connectors are typically positioned at a predetermined distance of another.

In a further preferred embodiment of the support structure, at least one connector, and preferably all connectors is/are made via injection moulding.

Hence, at least one connector can be made of an injection moulded plastic.

Injection moulding is a relatively simple and cheap production method.

It is beneficial if at least one and preferably all connector(s) is/are substantially flexible.

This will positively contribute to the handling of the support element, for example in case thermoplastic welding is to be applied.

Preferably, at least one connector is made of a single piece.

At least one connector can be attached to the support element by means of ultrasonic welding.

Preferably, all connectors are attached to the support element by means of ultrasonic welding.

Applying ultrasonic welding ensure that a relatively solid and reliable connection between the connectors and the support element will be obtained.

Hence, such connection is not sensitive for disengagement such as the mechanical connection between the connectors and the curtain which is seen in the prior arts.

In this manner a relatively solid and firm connection between the support element and the connector(s) can be obtained in a relatively simple manner.

Preferably, at least one, and more preferably each connector is configured to be interconnected with a connector of an adjacent support structure by means of at least one snap connection.

In this way, a relatively simple, preferably releasable, connection between adjacent connectors can be obtained.

It is beneficial if at least one, and preferably each connector comprises at least one coupling member and at least one counter coupling member.

The coupling member and counter coupling member could for example comprise respectively a protruding part and a recess.

Non-limiting examples of coupling members and counter coupling members are shown in the figures. In a preferred embodiment, the connector comprises a series of coupling members and counter coupling members. Such embodiment may provide a more reliable mechanical connection between adjacent connectors. lt is for example possible that a connector comprises a first coupling member, a first counter coupling member, a second coupling member, a second counter coupling member and/or a third coupling member and a third counter coupling member. It is beneficial if the connectors comprises multiple pairs of coupling members and counter coupling members wherein at least one pair of a coupling member and counter coupling member is different from another pair of a coupling member and counter coupling member. Further, it is preferred if at least one connector comprises a hook member configured for coupling the connector to at least part of a curtain rail. The hook member can for example be used to connect the support structure, and thus the curtain in case attached, to a suspension construction of the curtain. The hook member can also for example be an eye, ring or any alike element configured for coupling the connector to at least part of a curtain rail. Hence, the hook member can also be referred to as suspension member and/or mounting member.

Preferably, at least part of at least one connector, and preferably at least part of each connector is substantially flat. It is beneficial if at least one side of the connector(s) is substantially free of protrusions. This will enable easier attachment between the connector(s) and the support element. Preferably, a lower region of the connector(s} is substantially free of protrusions. In such embodiment, the upper region of the connector is typically configured to be interconnect with a connector of an adjacent support structure in order to fasten adjacent support structures to each other. The upper region can for example be provided with coupling members and/or counter coupling members. At least part of the connector being substantially flat may enable that the connector is suitable for ultrasonic welding. In a beneficial embodiment of the support structure, the at least two connectors are substantially identical. Hence, in such embodiment, each connector is configured to be interconnector with any other connector. This is efficient for the production of the connectors itself but also for the production of the support structure. Where the connector parts described in the prior art are complementary, this provided an extra risk of misalignment or incorrect placement of a connector part. In case the connectors applied are substantially identical. At least one connector can for example be substantially mirror symmetrical.

The connectors are typically provided at the upper region of the support element. Hence, a lower region of the connectors is attached to an upper region, or upper edge of the support element. Further, it is preferred that at least one connector, and preferably each connector, is provided at the outer (distal) regions of the support element, in particular seen from a longitudinal perspective of the support element. In case a curtain is applied having two blackout curtain parts which enclose a light transmitting curtain part, the connectors are positioned upon the support element such that in combination with a curtain, they are positioned in the region of the blackout curtain parts. Typically, the middle region of the support element is free of connectors. The invention also relates to a connector configured for use in a support structure according to any of the previous claims. The connector can be any of the described embodiments of the support structure according to the present invention.

The invention further relates to a kit of parts comprising at least one substantially longitudinal support element and at least two connectors which are configured for use in a support structure according to the present invention. The invention also relates to an assembly of at least one support structure according to the present invention and at least one curtain. The invention will be further elucidated by means of non-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figures, in which: - figure 1a shows an exploded view of a possible embodiment of a support structure according to the present invention; - figure 1b shows the support structure as shown in figure 1a in an assembled configuration; - figure 2a shows a support structure according to the present invention and a curtain which can be mutually connected;

- figure 2b shows an assembly of the support structure and curtain as shown in figure 2a; - figure 3a shows multiple assemblies of support structures according to the present invention and curtains; - figure 3b shows the assemblies as seen in figure 3a wherein they are attached so a suspension rail; - figure 3c shows a detailed view of the assembly as seen in figure 3b and the suspension rail 11; and - figures 4a-4d shows a possible embodiment of a connector according to the present invention.

Within these figures, similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features.

Figure 1a shows an exploded view of a possible embodiment of a support structure 1 according to the present invention. Figure 1b shows the support structure 1 as shown in figure 1a in an assembled configuration. The support structure 1 shown in the figures comprises a support element 2 and two connectors 3. The support element 2 is substantially longitudinal and substantially flat. The support structure 2 is typically relatively bendable and/or pliant. The connectors 3 are connected with (figure 1b) or connectable to (figure 1a) said support element 2. Figure 1b shows that the connectors 3 are connected such that said connectors 3 are positioned substantially in line with another over the length of the support element 2. Each connectors 3 is configured to be interconnect with a connector 3 of an adjacent support structure 2 in order to fasten adjacent support structures 2 to each other. This is shown in more detail in figures 3a-3c. The connectors 3 are both attached to a back side 2B of the support element 2. The connectors 3 further comprise a hook member 4 configured for coupling the connector 3 to at least part of a curtain rail. The front side 2A of the support element 2 is preferably provided with a coating layer which enables and/or facilitates bonding with a curtain. Figure 1a shows that part of the support element 2 is flipped backwards in order to show the back side being provided with a coating layer.

Figure 2a shows a support structure 1 and a curtain 10 which can be mutually connected. Figure 2b shows an assembly of the support structure 1 as shown in figures 1a and 1b and part of a curtain 10. The curtain 10 shown comprising a light transmitting curtain part 10B which is enclosed by two blackout curtain parts 10A. It can be seen that in the present configuration the connectors 3 are positioned such that they substantially overlap with the blackout curtain parts 10A.

Figure 3a shows multiple assemblies of support structures 1 according to the present invention and curtains 10. Figure 3b shows the assemblies as seen in figure 3a wherein they are attached so a suspension rail 11. Figure 3c shows a detailed view of the assembly according to the present invention and the suspension rail 11. It can be seen that the support elements 2 provide a supportive function for the curtain 10. The support elements 2 being substantially pliant enable the support elements 2 to have a substantial role for the pleats to be formed. Figure 3a shows that the connectors 3 are attached to a back side of the support element 2, and that the curtain 10 is attached to a front side of the support element 2. The hook members 4 enable that the support structures 1 are attached to the suspension rail 11. In the non-limiting shown embodiment, the suspension rail 11 is at least partially hollow and encloses a receiving space wherein a displaceable suspension members 12 are positioned. The support structures 1 can be (releasably) attached to the suspension members 12.

Figures 4a-4d shows a possible embodiment of a connector 3 according to the present invention. The connector 3 substantially equals the connector 3 as shown in the previous figures. Figure 4a shows a rear side 3B of the connector 3. Figure 4b shows a side view, figure 4c shows a front side 3A of the connector 3 and figure 4d shows a perspective view. The connector 3 shown is substantially flat. And as can be seen in figure 4b, the rear side 3B of the connector 3 is free of protrusions. The connector 3 is configured to be interconnected with a connector 3 of an adjacent support structure, in particular by means of a snap connection. The connector 3 comprises thereto multiple coupling members 5A and counter coupling members 5B which are configured to be interconnected. In the shown embodiment, the connector 3 comprises multiple pairs of coupling members 5A and counter coupling members 5B. The shown, non-limiting embodiment in fact shows four pairs of coupling members 5A and counter coupling members 5B wherein two different coupling pairs are present. Each coupling pair comprises a protruding part 5A and a recess 5B. The recesses 5B are configured to receive at least part of a protruding part 5A. The connector 3 further comprises a hook member 4 configured for coupling the connector 3 to at least part of a curtain rail. The connector 3 shown is substantially mirror symmetrical. The connector 3 is preferably substantially flexible and can for example be made via injection moulding.

It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which are illustrated and described here, but that countless variants are possible within the framework of the attached claims, which will be obvious to the person skilled in the art. In this case, it is conceivable for different inventive concepts and/or technical measures of the above-described variant embodiments to be completely or partly combined without departing from the inventive idea described in the attached claims. The verb 'comprise’ and its conjugations as used in this patent document are understood to mean not only ‘comprise’, but to also include the expressions ‘contain’, ‘substantially contain’, ‘formed by’ and conjugations thereof. Terms of relative position, such as “upper” and “lower”, or “vertical” and “horizontal” as used in this patent document are, for clarity reasons only, based on a conventional orientation of the assembly according to the invention when connected to a (vertically) curtain or window covering in its actual function, regardless of the actual orientation of the assembly. Where it is referred to a curtain, it can also be referred to a window covering.

Claims

Conclusions

Claims 1. Supporting structure for a curtain, comprising: - at least one substantially elongate support element which is adapted to be attached to a curtain, and - at least two connectors connected to said support element, which are connected in such a way that the at least two connectors are in are substantially aligned with each other along the length of the support member, and wherein each connector is adapted to be interconnected with a connector of an adjacent support structure to interconnect adjacent support structures.

2. Support structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support element is substantially flexible.

3. Support structure as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the support element is substantially rectangular.

4. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element is substantially flat.

A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element is provided on at least one side with a coating layer, in particular a thermoplastic coating layer.

6. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element is manufactured from a non-woven material, in particular a non-woven polyester.

7. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two connectors are mounted on the same side of the support element.

8. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connector is manufactured from an injection molded plastic.

9. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connector is connected to the support element by means of ultrasonic welding.

A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connector is designed to be connected to a connector of an adjacent support structure by means of at least one click connection.

11. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connector comprises at least one coupling member and at least one counter-coupling member.

12. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connector has a hook member arranged for coupling the connector to at least a part of a curtain rail.

13. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of at least one connector is substantially flat.

14. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two connectors are substantially identical.

15. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connector is mirror-symmetrical.

A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connector is provided on an outer zone of the support element.

17. Connector adapted for use in a support structure according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. Kit of parts comprising at least one substantially elongate support element and at least two connectors which are adapted for use in a support structure according to any of claims 1-16.

19. Assembly of at least one support structure according to any of claims 1-16 and at least one curtain.