US20070227678A1

US20070227678A1 - Double drawstring curtain assembly

Info

Publication number: US20070227678A1
Application number: US11/395,440
Authority: US
Inventors: Anna Buechin
Original assignee: Umbra LLC
Current assignee: Umbra LLC
Priority date: 2006-03-31
Filing date: 2006-03-31
Publication date: 2007-10-04

Abstract

A dual drawstring curtain assembly comprising a first hanging cloth that has a first drawstring attached to the first hanging cloth at a first corner. The first drawstring is also slidingly attached at a first attachment point proximate to the perimeter of the first hanging cloth opposite the first corner. A second drawstring is attached at one end of the first hanging cloth at a second corner that is opposite the first corner. The second drawstring is also slidingly attached at a second attachment point proximate to the perimeter of the first hanging cloth opposite the second corner.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a curtain assembly, and more particularly to a dual layer curtain assembly with two drawstrings and rings attached to an opaque curtain that enable the opaque curtain to be positioned in multiple configurations in relation to a translucent curtain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Window treatments using multiple layers of fabric to provide varying levels of privacy and light control have been used in the area of home decor for years. One prime example of the layered window treatment technique is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,210 (Isoda). That patent discloses a multilayered curtain comprising three separate layers, each of varying thickness, integrally fixed at one end and hung down from a single supporting member. The layers can be drawn to one side separately to control the amount of light and privacy. Drawing and retaining the curtains sideways requires tassel bands, and hooks to hold the tassel bands. Using tassel bands or other curtain tiebacks would require hooks to be installed in the woodwork around the window, leading to additional time and expense. The damage caused to woodwork or walls by installing hooks or nails to hold the curtain tiebacks deter many from using such curtain systems. Furthermore, the multilayered curtain system disclosed by Isoda is limited in the number of positions that the curtain system can be placed.
Various shades with an integral drawstring system, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,845 (Palmer) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,610 (Phillips et al.), have the ability to provide privacy or offer a dual shade that can both block light or just provide privacy, respectively. Window shades, however, are not capable of providing the same aesthetic visual affect of a curtain window treatment. The dramatic appearance provided by a curtain drawn to one side or to the middle is not possible with a window shade.
Thus, there is a long-felt need to provide a curtain assembly with a integral drawstring system that can enables the curtain to be positioned in numerous arrangements. Furthermore, the curtain assembly can have two integral layers where one layer blocks light and provides privacy, and a second layer provides privacy while still enabling light to enter the window it covers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly comprises a dual drawstring curtain assembly comprising a first hanging cloth that has a first drawstring attached to the first hanging cloth at a first corner. The first drawstring is also slidingly attached at a first attachment point proximate to the perimeter of the first hanging cloth opposite the first corner. A second drawstring is attached at one end of the first hanging cloth at a second corner that is opposite the first corner. The second drawstring is also slidingly attached at a second attachment point proximate to the perimeter of the first hanging cloth opposite the second corner.
The curtain assembly can have the first drawstring slidingly attached at a plurality of points on the first hanging cloth on a diagonal path between the first corner and the first attachment point. The second drawstring can also be slidingly attached at a plurality of points on the first hanging cloth on a diagonal path between the second corner and the second attachment point. In an alternative embodiment, a second hanging cloth is fastened at one end to the first hanging cloth.
The curtain assembly can further comprise a second hanging cloth that is fastened at one end of the first hanging cloth. In some aspects, a pocket at the fastened end that is suitable for receiving a curtain rod. Preferably the first hanging cloth is opaque and the second hanging cloth is translucent. In some aspects, the first drawstring is slidingly attached to the first hanging cloth with rings attached to the first hanging cloth. The second drawstring can be slidingly attached to said first hanging cloth with rings that have been attached to the first hanging cloth. In both instances the rings can be plastic. The drawstring assembly can further comprise a first drawstring clasp slidingly engaging the first drawstring, and a second drawstring clasp can be implemented to slidingly engage the second drawstring.
In some aspects, the curtain assembly can be arranged to let in light, but still provide privacy by opening the opaque curtain with the drawstring. In some aspects, the opaque curtain can be arranged in numerous positions without any external curtain accessories.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a dual drawstring curtain assembly with an integral drawstring system that can draw the curtain to the left, right or middle.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a dual drawstring curtain assembly that has a dual drawstring that is integral to the assembly.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a dual drawstring curtain assembly with dual curtains that can provide privacy and/or light blocking capabilities.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a curtain assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the curtain assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the translucent curtain removed;
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the curtain assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the opaque curtain drawn to the right side and the translucent curtain hanging downward;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the curtain assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the opaque curtain drawn in from both sides to the middle of the assembly;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a ring and a segment of a drawstring of the present invention taken generally from section 5 shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a clasp and segment of a drawstring of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical cross section view of the clasp shown in FIG. 6 taken generally at line 7-7;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper right corner of the curtain assembly taken generally from section 8 shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description below, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, and their derivatives, should be interpreted from the perspective of one viewing the curtain assembly shown in FIG. 1.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
In accordance with the present invention and with reference to FIG. 1, a curtain system 10 is provided including curtain 12 and curtain 14 which are fastened together at one end at seam 32. Curtain 12 is preferably constructed of an opaque fabric that is capable of blocking light. Curtain 14 is preferably constructed of a translucent or sheer fabric that can provide privacy, but is still capable of permitting light to pass through its surface. The point at which the two curtain are fastened is preferably at the top of curtains 12 and 14 wherein a pocket 46 (shown in FIG. 8), which is capable of receiving a curtain rod 36, is preferably formed. Pocket 46 can be various sizes or shapes, but in the preferred embodiment the pocket is roughly 3″ wide, and has an opening on each end of the curtains. Both curtains can be used to form pocket 46 or a single curtain can be used. If one curtain is used to form pocket 46, it would advantageous to use the thicker curtain, i.e., opaque curtain 12.
In a preferred embodiment, drawstring 18 runs diagonally across the upper portion of curtain 12, fastened at corner 30 on the upper left hand corner of curtain 12, proximate to seam 32 and terminating at ring 20 g. Drawstring 18 continues along a diagonal path terminating proximate to the perimeter of curtain 12 opposite corner 30. It is preferable that drawstring 18 terminates at a point proximate to the middle of the perimeter of curtain 12 where is it secured by ring 20 g. In some aspects, drawstring 18 is also secured at no less than one point along the diagonal path on curtain 12 by ring 20 d. Additional rings 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 e and 20 f can be used along drawstring 18 to secure it along the diagonal path starting at corner 30 and ending proximate to the perimeter of curtain 24 at ring 20 g, opposite corner 30. Slidingly engaged to drawstring 18 is clasp 22.
In some embodiments, drawstring 16 runs diagonally across the upper portion of curtain 12, starting at the upper right hand corner 28 where it is fastened proximate to seam 32. Drawstring 16 continues diagonally across curtain 12 where it terminates at ring 20 m proximate to the perimeter of curtain 12, opposite corner 28. Rings 20 h, 20 i, 20 j, 20 d, 20 k, 20 l, and 20 m are shown securing drawstring 16 to curtain 12 along a diagonal path. Using multiple rings in this fashion enables drawstring 16 to slide and adjust smoothly and prevents the drawstring from catching or unevenly drawing curtain 12. While it is preferable that drawstring 16 be secured to curtain 12 at multiple positions along the diagonal path, it is entirely within the spirit and scope of the invention to attach drawstring 16 only at corner 28 proximate to seam 32, and at ring 20 g proximate to the perimeter of curtain 12, opposite corner 28. Numerous other attachment points for drawstring 16 on curtain 12 are contemplated by the invention and in no way is curtain assembly 10 limited to only the disclosed arrangements of drawstring 16 and rings 20. For example, rings 20 can be eliminated and another attachment means can be implemented, such as securing drawstring 16 to curtain 12 with a loop of fabric, threading, metallic rings, etc., but rings 20 should in no way be limited to these alternative attachment means.
In a preferred embodiment, rings 20 are disposed on curtain 12 roughly 5-7″ apart vertically, and 5-7″ apart horizontally. However, this arrangement is given to adjustment and variation based on the size of the curtain and the intended decorative effect and the positions disclosed are only one of many possible arrangements within the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, the drawstrings can be attached lower or higher to curtain 12 than as depicted in FIGS. 1-4, which would necessitate that the rings be attached at positions dissimilar from the preferred locations described above.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of curtain assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 with the sheer curtain 14 removed. Opaque curtain 12 is shown with drawstring 16 and drawstring 18 attached to curtain 12 with rings 20 a-m. Slidingly engaging drawstrings 16 and 18 are clasps 24 and 22, respectively. In some aspects, an end piece 26 is attached at the end of drawstrings 16 and 18 to prevent the loss or inadvertent removal of clasp 22 and 24 from drawstrings 16 and 18. End pieces 26 can be attached to drawstrings 16 and 18 in various ways which can include but are not limited to: tying a knot at the end of the drawstrings, using an adhesive to attach the end piece 26, or melting the drawstring to end piece 26. Drawstring 16 is preferably fastened at corner 28 and then attached intermittently to curtain 12 with rings 20 along a diagonal path that terminates at a longitudinal perimeter of curtain 12. Ring 20 m is disposed at the terminus of the diagonal path of drawstring 16. Drawstring 18 is preferably fastened at corner 30 and then further attached intermittently to curtain 12 with rings 20 along a diagonal path that terminates at a longitudinal perimeter of curtain 12. Ring 20 g is disposed at the terminus of the diagonal path of drawstring 18. Rings 20 a-m preferably have a diameter large enough to enable drawstrings 16 and 18 to slide freely through.
Curtain assembly 10 hangs freely from curtain rod 36 that has been inserted through pocket 46 which is a loop formed from fabric at the end of curtain 12 being folded and secured at seam 32. The loop can be formed from the end of curtain 12. Hem 34 is distal to seam 32 and rod 36 and is at the lower portion of curtain assembly 10 which is proximate to the floor when curtain assembly 10 is installed in the intended manner. In the arrangement shown, clasps 22 and 24 are slidingly engaged with drawstrings 16 and 18. In the position shown, drawstrings 16 and 18 are not drawn up, which enables curtain 12 to hang freely down toward the ground.
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of curtain assembly 10 with the opaque curtain 12 drawn to the left side. In order to draw curtain 12 to the left side clasp 22 is disengaged from drawstring 18 and is slid up drawstring 18. As shown, clasp 22 is slid up drawstring 18 and the space between rings 20 e, f and g is eliminated as these rings are drawn next to each other. Clasp 22 is reengaged with drawstring 18 at the desired curtain position. Clasp 22 secures curtain 12 in the chosen position until such time that clasp 22 is disengaged from drawstring 18. Curtain 12 can be drawn up and to the left side toward corner 30 at varying levels. In the arrangement shown, curtain 12 is drawn up and to the middle of curtain assembly 10. In some aspects, curtain 12 may drawn very close to corner 30, or it only be slightly drawn in. The interaction of rings 20 a, b, c, d, e, f, g, drawstring 18 and clasp 22 enables curtain 12 to be positioned at numerous positions. Although the opaque curtain 12 is drawn to the side, curtain 14 is preferably not adjustable and is designed to hang freely downward. Curtain 14 is preferably a translucent material that permits light to be transmitted through it, but opaque enough to obscure the view through the window which it covers. A translucent curtain 14 as described provides privacy, yet enables light to enter the room. In some aspects, curtain 14 may be pulled away from the window or include an adjustment means similar to the adjustment means included with curtain 12 (not shown).
Curtain 12 can be drawn to the right side in an equally vast number of positions using the interaction of drawstring 16, clasp 24, and rings 20 h, i, j, d, k, l and m. To draw curtain 12 to the right, clasp 24 is disengaged from drawstring 16 and slid up the drawstring toward corner 28. The space between rings 20 h, i, j, d, k, l and m is decreased as clasp 24 is slid up drawstring 16. Curtain 12 can be positioned in a number of positions as clasp 24 is slid up drawstring 16. After selecting a position for curtain 12, clasp 24 is reengaged with drawstring 16 at the desired position on the drawstring. With clasp 24 engaging drawstring 16 curtain 12 will remain in the selected position until clasp 24 is disengaged and repositioned.
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of curtain assembly 10 with curtain 12 drawn in from both sides to the middle of the assembly. In some aspects, it may be preferable to draw curtain 12 in from both sides to create a dramatic effect where curtain 12 is gathered in the middle. In such instances, clasp 22 is disengaged from drawstring 18 and slid toward corner 30 while still remaining on drawstring 18 and clasp 24 is disengaged from drawstring 16 and slid toward corner 28 while still remaining on drawstring 16. Curtain 14 is shown hanging freely downward to provide privacy by obscuring the view through the window it covers.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of ring 20 and a segment of a drawstring of the present invention taken generally as section 5 shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 1-4 show multiple rings attached to curtain assembly 10 labeled 20 a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, and m. Ring 20 d is shown shared by both drawstring 16 and 18 and is positioned in the center of curtain 12 in the preferred embodiment. Alternatively, ring 20 d could be eliminated just as any single ring 20 could be. In some aspects, drawstrings 16 and 18 are only slidingly attached to curtain 12 using a pair of rings 20 on opposite sides of the perimeter of curtain 12 (not shown). Rings 20 are the preferred attachment means and the number can fluctuate depending on the style and weight of the curtain chosen. In some aspects, a single ring may be sufficient to practice the invention. However, in other situations it may be preferable that numerous rings 20 be implemented, perhaps more than the number depicted in FIGS. 1-4. Rings 20 are preferably constructed of a hard plastic material. Other suitable material can include metals, wood, ceramic, cloth, etc., but rings 20 are not limited to these suggested alternative materials. Rings 20 are attached to curtain 12 by threading 44. Other alternative attachment means for rings 20 can include, but is not limited to: inserting ring 20 through fabric loops in curtain 12, using an adhesive, or using a plastic or metallic staple. Rings 20 should be a diameter sufficient to accept drawstrings 16 and 18 and provide ample room for the drawstrings to freely slide inside the rings. In some aspects, it may be preferable to have rings 20 that are very small or transparent to provide a curtain assembly 10 that elegantly hides its functional drawstring elements. In other aspects, it may preferably to use rings 20 that are fabricated in bright colors or that are oversized. Thus, adjustments in size, color, material, or texture of rings 20 are all within the spirit and scope of the invention. The positioning of rings 20 on curtain 12 is also malleable and those potential changes are also considered within the spirit and scope of the invention.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of clasp 22 and a segment of drawstring 18 of the present invention. Clasps 22 and 24 are identical and the sole difference is in the placement of clasp 22 on drawstring 18 and clasp 24 on drawstring 16. Thus, showing clasp 22 as opposed to clasp 24 is arbitrary and not the result of any decision to show unique features of clasp 22 over clap 24. All of the components, features, and methods described as belonging to clasp 22 are also descriptive of clasp 24. The relationship between clasp 24 and drawstring 16 is similar to the relationship between clasp 22 and drawstring 18 described below.
Button 38 fits within an aperture in the top of the main housing of clasp 22. Button 38 is pushed inward to release drawstring 18, and clamped onto drawstring 18 when clamp 22 is remitted to resume its natural starting position (fully extended). Drawstring 18 is shown threaded through aperture 40 disposed on each side of the housing of clasp 22, and also is threaded through a throughbore 38 a in button 38. When button 38 is in its resting state spring 42 forces button 38 through the aperture in the top of the housing of clasp 22. A flange on button 38 presses against the clasp housing and prevents button 38 from being forced from the housing of clasp 22 by spring 42. In its resting state, clasp 22 clamps down on drawstring 18 that is threaded through the clasp. Drawstring 18 is trapped between the lower portion of throughbore 38 a and the corners 38 b and 38 c of the clasp housing. Clasp 22 is configured to prevent drawstring 18 from sliding through the clasp when in the resting or closed state. Securing drawstring 18 inside clasp 22 enables a user to position curtain 12 at any position desired. When pressed inward, button 38 compacts spring 42, allowing drawstring 18 to be slid through clasp 22 and clasp 22 can be slid along drawstring 18.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical cross section view of clasp 22 shown in FIG. 6 taken generally at line 7-7. Revealed in greater detail in the cross section is throughbore 38 a that runs through button 38. Throughbore 38 a in button 38 enables the drawstring 18 to be threaded through clasp 22 and through aperture 40 disposed on each side of the housing of clasp 22. Positioned beneath button 38 is spring 42 providing an upward force that serves to push button 38 upward, which clamps drawstring 18 between the lower portion of throughbore 38 a and corners 38 b and 38 c of the housing of clasp 22. Pressing button 38 inward, with slight pressure from a finger or thumb, relieves the pressure from spring 42 on button which is operatively arranged to clamp drawstring 18. When button 38 is pressed downward, clasp 22 is enabled to slide freely along drawstring 18. The button can be pressed with a finger or thumb. The pressure from spring 42 that clamps clasp 22 on drawstring 18 can be reinstituted at any point along drawstring 18 by removing the finger or thumb that has pressed button 38 down. After the pressing force on button 38 is removed spring 42 again forces button 38 to clamp drawstring 18 inside clasp 22. Although the drawings depict a clasp that is spring loaded, alternative clasping mechanisms are considered within the spirit and scope of the invention. In some embodiments, curtain assembly 10 does not need a clasping mechanism and a knot can be tied in drawstrings 16 and 18, or the drawstrings can be wrapped around an exterior structure to hold curtain 12 in the drawn back position.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper right corner of curtain assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1. Curtain 12 is shown attached to curtain 14, with drawstring 16 attached to curtain 12 at corner 28. Drawstring 16 is shown in dotted lines under curtain 14 and terminating proximate to seam 32 where it is attached proximate to corner 28 by stitching. Drawstring 18 is similarly arranged and attached the opposite corner 30. It should be appreciated that the fastening of drawstrings 16 and 18 to curtain 12 can be accomplished in various other ways which include, but are not limited to using an adhesive or stapling drawstrings 16 and 18 proximate to corners 28 and 30, respectively. Seam 32 defines the bottom of pocket 46 which is formed by folding the top portion of either curtain 12 or 14, or both onto itself. After the top portion of curtains 12 and 14 are folded, the top edge of the curtains that was wrapped is fastened at seam 32. To form pocket 46, it is preferable to use at least curtain 12, but either or both curtains can be used. Pocket 46 provides a tunnel running the length of the upper portion of curtain assembly 10 in which curtain rods like 36 can be inserted. The fabric that forms pocket 46 can be changed in order to meet a particular style. For instance, in some aspects pocket 46 can be loops of fabric attached to the top edge of curtain assembly 10. Other variations to pocket 46 are considered within the spirit and scope of the invention as well.
Drawstring 16 is free to be manipulated and moved around at any point after the attachment point at corner 28. Drawstring 18 has a similar arrangement that enables it to be similarly moved and adjusted at any point after the attachment point at corner 30. Attaching drawstrings 16 and 18 in this way enables the drawstrings to adjust curtain assembly 10 in various ways.
Thus, it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed. Although the invention is described by reference to a specific preferred embodiment, it is clear that variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A dual drawstring curtain assembly, comprising:

a first hanging cloth;

a first drawstring attached at one end to said first hanging cloth at a first corner, said first drawstring is slidingly attached at a first attachment point proximate to a perimeter of said first hanging cloth opposite said first corner;

a second drawstring attached at one end to said first hanging cloth at a second corner that is opposite said first corner, said second drawstring is slidingly attached at a second attachment point proximate to a perimeter of said first hanging cloth opposite said second corner.

2. The curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein said first drawstring is slidingly attached at a plurality of points on said first hanging cloth on a diagonal path between said first corner and said first attachment point.

3. The curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein said second drawstring is slidingly attached at a plurality of points on said first hanging cloth on a diagonal path between said second corner and said second attachment point.

4. The curtain assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second hanging cloth fastened at one end to said first hanging cloth.

5. The curtain assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pocket at said fastened end that is suitable for receiving a curtain rod.

6. The curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein said first hanging cloth is opaque.

7. The curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein said second hanging cloth is translucent.

8. The curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein said first drawstring is slidingly attached to said first hanging cloth with rings attached to said first hanging cloth.

9. The curtain assembly of claim 6, wherein said rings are plastic.

10. The curtain assembly of claim 1, wherein said second drawstring is slidingly attached to said first hanging cloth with rings attached to said first hanging cloth.

11. The curtain assembly of claim 10, wherein said rings are plastic.

12. The curtain assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first drawstring clasp slidingly engaged with said first drawstring.

13. The curtain assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second drawstring clasp slidingly engaged with said second drawstring.