US20090038761A1 - Drapery hardware - Google Patents
Drapery hardware Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090038761A1 US20090038761A1 US12/287,295 US28729508A US2009038761A1 US 20090038761 A1 US20090038761 A1 US 20090038761A1 US 28729508 A US28729508 A US 28729508A US 2009038761 A1 US2009038761 A1 US 2009038761A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- curtain
- support
- coupling means
- drapery hardware
- rail
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47H—FURNISHINGS FOR WINDOWS OR DOORS
- A47H13/00—Fastening curtains on curtain rods or rails
- A47H13/14—Means for forming pleats
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47H—FURNISHINGS FOR WINDOWS OR DOORS
- A47H5/00—Devices for drawing draperies, curtains, or the like
- A47H5/02—Devices for opening and closing curtains
- A47H5/04—Devices with lazy-tongs
Definitions
- the present invention relates to drapery hardware, particularly railings upon which curtains or drapes hang.
- curtain arrangement over a window in a domestic situation utilise either a rail with a number of sliders each attached to an edge of the curtain or a pole threaded through a series of grommets.
- Curtains are usually then arranged to have a plurality of pleats when hanging from the rail or pole.
- Proposed solutions to the problem of irregular pleating include the use of a tape sewn across the back of a curtain in a pleated state, or using plastic tabs to extend from one eyelet to another, providing a spacing/limiting function.
- drapery hardware for mounting a curtain, including a support means and curtain coupling means extending therefrom to be coupled with, alternately, the peaks and troughs of a pleat in the curtain.
- two supports e.g. rails, tracks, poles or combinations thereof in parallel
- drapery hardware consisting of a first and second curtain support (e.g. rail, track or pole) adapted to receive a curtain coupling means such that the curtain is coupled alternately to both the first and second curtain support.
- first and second curtain support e.g. rail, track or pole
- first and second curtain supports are fixed together in spaced relation.
- first and second curtain supports may be spaced apart by an adjustable means to increase or decrease the gap between them.
- the first and second support may be two parallel curtain rails or a curtain rail and a curtain pole.
- the second broad aspect also translates to a method of installing a curtain, including:
- a second way of achieving the broad intention of consistent pleats involves providing a single support rail with specialised couplers that extend out in alternate directions to connect to a curtain at peaks and troughs of the pleat.
- drapery hardware consisting of a main support (e.g. rail, track or pole) adapted to receive a plurality of curtain coupling means, wherein a curtain coupling means extends from the support in an alternate direction from an adjacent curtain coupling means.
- main support e.g. rail, track or pole
- the curtain coupling means will include an extended strut protruding outwardly from its hanging axis (and, in use, generally perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the main support), with a connector means at its distal end for coupling with a curtain.
- adjacent curtain coupling means are alternatively arranged to extend in the opposite outward (preferably perpendicular) direction from each other relative to the support.
- each curtain coupling means is slidably mounted on/in the main support.
- the connector means for attaching to a curtain may be a clip, ringlet or other suitable mechanism.
- the curtain coupling means may be linked together by a spacing element.
- the spacing element may be flexible or rigid.
- the resultant curtain appearance according to the invention is a pleated construction that, in plan view, zigzags between the curtain coupling means.
- the curtain will then have more consistent pleats in the drawn position and be packed more compactly and neatly in the un-drawn position, letting more light into a room.
- a curtain installed according to the invention also moves more freely (i.e. is easier to draw) than a conventionally installed curtain of the same weight, because it effectively has twice as many connection points to the curtain support. This extra support corresponds to less force required to move the curtain.
- FIG. 1 is an end elevation view of drapery hardware according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of drawn and un-drawn curtains from FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a front and back elevation view respectively according to the first embodiment
- FIGS. 4 to 6 are end elevation views of drapery hardware according to further embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a spacing system for use with the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the spacing system from FIG. 7 installed in a rail;
- FIG. 9 is a general view of an embodiment according to the third aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 10 is an exploded view of components of a curtain coupler according to the third aspect.
- FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of the coupler from FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a general view of a further embodiment according to the third aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 13 is an exploded view of components of a curtain coupler according to the third aspect
- FIG. 14 is an end elevation view of the coupler from FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15 is a general view of a further embodiment according to the third aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 16 is an exploded view of components of a curtain coupler according to the third aspect
- FIG. 17 is an end elevation view of the coupler from FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 18 is a general view of a further embodiment according to the third aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 19 is an exploded view of components of two curtain couplers according to the third aspect.
- FIG. 20 is an end elevation view of the couplers from FIG. 19 ;
- FIGS. 21 to 24 illustrate alternative slider designs for use with the invention
- FIG. 25 illustrates alternative back slider designs
- FIG. 26 illustrates a back slider in place similar to FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 27 illustrates an improved slider design for use in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 20 ;
- FIG. 28 illustrates a pleat spacing means for use with the invention.
- FIG. 29 illustrates a rail spacing means for use with the invention.
- FIG. 2 The basic principle of the invention is best shown by FIG. 2 .
- a pair of curtain supports, pole 11 and rail 12 are arranged in parallel against a wall (usually above a window in a building).
- a curtain 13 is arranged to be coupled alternatively between the pole 11 (via rings 21 ) and rail 12 (via gliders 15 ) to provide a zigzag plan view. Coupling to supports 11 and 12 controls both the front and rear side of the pleats in curtain 13 .
- curtain arrangement is described as either a “zigzag” shape or with “peaks and troughs”. These are interchangeable and simply refer to the pleated nature desirable in curtains.
- the curtain coupler is a slider 15 that includes a choice of holes 15 a and 15 b for coupling (via a conventional hook element, not shown) to the curtain. These holes correspond to the thickness of pole 11 . In a standard 16-19 mm pole the upper hole 15 a would be used. In a standard 28 mm pole, the lower hole 15 b would be used. These ensure that the curtain pleats are evenly connected at the same height between the first and second supports.
- Slider 15 also includes a bead control cord lock 15 c at its distal end. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 this receives a bead cord 26 that performs a spacing function for the pleat. Spacing in this way further improves the consistency of pleat desired by the invention.
- FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate alternative embodiments of the double rail system for use in hanging a curtain according to the invention.
- slider 15 includes a clip 15 d at its distal end for connection to a curtain. Jutting from a rear side of slider 15 is a cord lock 15 c so that, when a bead cord is installed (like FIGS. 2 and 3 ) it will be neatly hidden from view behind the curtain.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 A similar arrangement of slider is seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- further improvements to this embodiment include mounting it directly to a ceiling (rather than attached by bracket 19 to wall W), and installing a lighting effect.
- the slim profile of the embodiment of FIG. 6 when installed with a curtain, makes the curtain appear to be almost “floating” as only the thin edge 1 la is visible from most positions in a room.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a “twist & lock” spacing element that can be installed with a rail 12 ( FIG. 8 ) in a sideways (compared to downward of the previous Figures) facing position on a wall.
- the spacing element 30 can be introduced to a slot 14 in rail 12 and then twisted to prevent it from being withdrawn out of the slot 14 .
- Bead cord 26 then maintains element 30 at regular spacing as shown in FIG. 8 .
- FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate an embodiment of the invention that uses only a single rail, in contrast to the dual parallel rails described hereinbefore.
- Rail 31 includes a slot 32 to receive a curtain coupling element 33 in the usual way.
- the functionality of the invention is found in the coupler element 33 itself.
- coupler 33 is a slider design with a head 34 adapted to engage and be maintained within slot 32 , a downwardly extending body 35 and a perpendicularly extending strut 36 .
- a connector means 37 At a distal end of strut 36 is a connector means 37 , which may be a clip or simply a hole to receive a hook or other curtain connector known in the art.
- strut 36 may not be exactly perpendicular, so long as it generally extends outwardly from the hanging axis.
- a bead lock 38 is found at the body end of strut 36 to receive a bead cord 26 thereby performing a spacing function.
- peaks P and troughs T of a curtain 13 are alternately connected by a coupler 33 to the rail 31 . This maintains curtain 13 in a pleated state with regular height (defined by the length of strut 36 ) and width (by virtue of bead cord 26 ).
- Rail 31 can be of conventional design or with new features or shapes.
- FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate a similar embodiment of rail/coupler to FIGS. 9 to 11 except that the spacing means is internal to the rail 31 (and hidden out of view).
- a rigid spacing element 39 slides within a clip 40 on top of head 34 of coupler 33 .
- a stop 41 at a distal end of element 39 catches on the clip 40 of an adjacent coupler 33 to prevent further movement.
- the spacing elements 39 are stacked in a staggered manner but expand to a fully extended spacing as illustrated in FIG. 12 when the curtain 13 is drawn closed.
- FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate an alternative embodiment wherein the rail 31 has a triangular cross section shape. Otherwise the sliding movement of couplers 33 within slot 32 is the same as previously described.
- a bead cord 26 spans alternate couplers 33 which have a bead lock 38 at a distal end of the strut 36 . This ensures the bead cord is kept toward the rear of the curtain only and more hidden from view compared to FIG. 9 .
- Coupler 33 can be dimensioned to fit within existing rails or modified to operate with poles.
- head 34 can be replaced by a ring to be threaded onto a curtain pole.
- FIGS. 18 to 20 show a further embodiment featuring a triangular rail 31 and sliding spacer elements 39 as in FIG. 12 . It otherwise operated in the same way.
- FIGS. 21 to 24 show alternative forms of slider 15 .
- each (rear) slider includes a “G-shaped” bead lock 15 d that allows a bead cord 26 to be installed from the side, as opposed to threaded through a key hole 15 c as illustrated in earlier embodiments (e.g. FIG. 1 ). This allows for additional versatility in the installation process.
- Sliders 15 still include a hole 15 a for receiving a curtain hook 42 .
- FIGS. 21 to 24 The various rail types are illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 24 , including the “C and J” style side mounted tracks in FIG. 24 , which is also detailed in FIG. 26 .
- FIG. 26 is equivalent to FIG. 8 except that it includes a back slider 43 (performing function of spacing element 30 in FIG. 8 ) with a G-shape bead lock 15 d.
- slider 43 is arranged to slide freely on track 12 and the slider in FIG. 25 b is arranged to clip into the back of the track 12 .
- FIG. 27 illustrates a slider for use with the “single rail” embodiment shown by FIGS. 9 to 20 . It was found that using a single configuration of slider (e.g. as in FIG. 10 ) was unsatisfactory because the connector means 37 would be visible from the front side of the curtain 13 when installed either side of a pleat. To address this FIG. 27 shows a swan neck glider that extends in a (returning) curve to a position behind the curtain when installed. As such, the connector means 37 and curtain hook ( 42 ) are all attached to one side of the curtain only. This attachment side is not visible from within the room where the curtain is installed.
- alternate sliders e.g. as in FIG. 10 and FIG. 27 respectively
- FIG. 28 illustrates a general view of a pleat spacing mechanism 44 .
- This is a scissor type collapsible structure that controls the curtain pleats to be of identical size as a curtain is drawn.
- the scissor type mechanism is preferably coupled to a glider 33 which is in turn coupled to the curtain 13 .
- FIG. 29 shows one example of an arrangement to adjust the spacing between support rails 11 , 12 . This requires bridging pieces 25 pivoted at each end. Such an arrangement works best when the rails are of the same type (as opposed to a pole and rail as in FIG. 2 ), but any combination is possible.
- Rails and poles are usually of a metal (or for poles—wood) construction. Sliders are injection moulded for economy from plastics.
- the present invention provides an elegant solution to the problem of untidy, inconsistent pleats in curtains mounted on rails, tracks, poles or anything similar.
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- Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)
Abstract
Drapery hardware for mounting a curtain, including a support means and curtain coupling means extending therefrom to be coupled with, alternately, the peaks and troughs of a pleat in the curtain. The invention can be performed by either a single rail, track or pole with a specialised coupler or a dual track system.
Description
- THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF INTERNATIONAL PATENT APPLICATION PCT/GB2007/001310, FILED APR. 5, 2007, WHICH CLAIMS PRIORITY OF UK PATENT APPLICATION NO. 0607213.6 FILED APR. 10, 2006 AND UK PATENT APPLICATION NO. 0615373.8 FILED AUG. 2,2006.
- The present invention relates to drapery hardware, particularly railings upon which curtains or drapes hang.
- The two most common types of curtain arrangement over a window in a domestic situation utilise either a rail with a number of sliders each attached to an edge of the curtain or a pole threaded through a series of grommets. Curtains are usually then arranged to have a plurality of pleats when hanging from the rail or pole.
- Maintaining consistent pleats when drawing a curtain across the window is sometimes a problem. It is desirable to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance, i.e. a regular spacing of pleats.
- Proposed solutions to the problem of irregular pleating include the use of a tape sewn across the back of a curtain in a pleated state, or using plastic tabs to extend from one eyelet to another, providing a spacing/limiting function.
- Both of these solutions involve an additional operation to be performed during manufacture of the curtain and are a permanent part of the curtain. Furthermore, these solutions are not particularly suited for use with existing curtains in a home.
- In a first broad aspect of the invention there is provided drapery hardware for mounting a curtain, including a support means and curtain coupling means extending therefrom to be coupled with, alternately, the peaks and troughs of a pleat in the curtain.
- This broad intention of the invention, to achieve the result of consistent pleats, can be realised in several different ways. The first involves arranging two supports (e.g. rails, tracks, poles or combinations thereof in parallel) with sliding curtain couplers in each, and alternately connecting a curtain to a coupler from each support at the peaks and troughs of a pleat.
- In other words, in a second broad aspect of the present invention there is provided drapery hardware consisting of a first and second curtain support (e.g. rail, track or pole) adapted to receive a curtain coupling means such that the curtain is coupled alternately to both the first and second curtain support.
- Preferably the first and second curtain supports are fixed together in spaced relation. However, in one form the first and second curtain supports may be spaced apart by an adjustable means to increase or decrease the gap between them.
- Preferably the first and second support may be two parallel curtain rails or a curtain rail and a curtain pole.
- The second broad aspect also translates to a method of installing a curtain, including:
-
- installing a first curtain support and a second curtain support parallel with the first;
- installing a curtain on the supports via coupling means alternately between the first and second supports.
- It will be clear that this method can be modified to retrofit an existing curtain support by incorporating a second support in parallel and then hanging a curtain alternately between both.
- A second way of achieving the broad intention of consistent pleats involves providing a single support rail with specialised couplers that extend out in alternate directions to connect to a curtain at peaks and troughs of the pleat.
- Accordingly in a third broad aspect of the present invention there is provided drapery hardware consisting of a main support (e.g. rail, track or pole) adapted to receive a plurality of curtain coupling means, wherein a curtain coupling means extends from the support in an alternate direction from an adjacent curtain coupling means.
- The main support need only be of a conventional design, however, the curtain coupling means will include an extended strut protruding outwardly from its hanging axis (and, in use, generally perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the main support), with a connector means at its distal end for coupling with a curtain.
- Accordingly, adjacent curtain coupling means are alternatively arranged to extend in the opposite outward (preferably perpendicular) direction from each other relative to the support.
- Preferably each curtain coupling means is slidably mounted on/in the main support. The connector means for attaching to a curtain may be a clip, ringlet or other suitable mechanism.
- In one form the curtain coupling means may be linked together by a spacing element. The spacing element may be flexible or rigid.
- The resultant curtain appearance according to the invention is a pleated construction that, in plan view, zigzags between the curtain coupling means. The curtain will then have more consistent pleats in the drawn position and be packed more compactly and neatly in the un-drawn position, letting more light into a room.
- A curtain installed according to the invention also moves more freely (i.e. is easier to draw) than a conventionally installed curtain of the same weight, because it effectively has twice as many connection points to the curtain support. This extra support corresponds to less force required to move the curtain.
-
FIG. 1 is an end elevation view of drapery hardware according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a plan view of drawn and un-drawn curtains fromFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front and back elevation view respectively according to the first embodiment; -
FIGS. 4 to 6 are end elevation views of drapery hardware according to further embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a spacing system for use with the invention; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the spacing system fromFIG. 7 installed in a rail; -
FIG. 9 is a general view of an embodiment according to the third aspect of the invention; -
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of components of a curtain coupler according to the third aspect; -
FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of the coupler fromFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a general view of a further embodiment according to the third aspect of the invention; -
FIG. 13 is an exploded view of components of a curtain coupler according to the third aspect; -
FIG. 14 is an end elevation view of the coupler fromFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is a general view of a further embodiment according to the third aspect of the invention; -
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of components of a curtain coupler according to the third aspect; -
FIG. 17 is an end elevation view of the coupler fromFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 18 is a general view of a further embodiment according to the third aspect of the invention; -
FIG. 19 is an exploded view of components of two curtain couplers according to the third aspect; -
FIG. 20 is an end elevation view of the couplers fromFIG. 19 ; -
FIGS. 21 to 24 illustrate alternative slider designs for use with the invention; -
FIG. 25 illustrates alternative back slider designs; -
FIG. 26 illustrates a back slider in place similar toFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 27 illustrates an improved slider design for use in the embodiment ofFIGS. 9 to 20 ; -
FIG. 28 illustrates a pleat spacing means for use with the invention; and -
FIG. 29 illustrates a rail spacing means for use with the invention. - The basic principle of the invention is best shown by
FIG. 2 . A pair of curtain supports,pole 11 andrail 12, are arranged in parallel against a wall (usually above a window in a building). Acurtain 13 is arranged to be coupled alternatively between the pole 11 (via rings 21) and rail 12 (via gliders 15) to provide a zigzag plan view. Coupling tosupports curtain 13. - Throughout the description, the curtain arrangement is described as either a “zigzag” shape or with “peaks and troughs”. These are interchangeable and simply refer to the pleated nature desirable in curtains.
- In
FIG. 1 the curtain coupler is aslider 15 that includes a choice ofholes pole 11. In a standard 16-19 mm pole theupper hole 15 a would be used. In a standard 28 mm pole, thelower hole 15 b would be used. These ensure that the curtain pleats are evenly connected at the same height between the first and second supports. -
Slider 15 also includes a beadcontrol cord lock 15 c at its distal end. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 this receives abead cord 26 that performs a spacing function for the pleat. Spacing in this way further improves the consistency of pleat desired by the invention. -
FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate alternative embodiments of the double rail system for use in hanging a curtain according to the invention. InFIG. 4 slider 15 includes aclip 15 d at its distal end for connection to a curtain. Jutting from a rear side ofslider 15 is acord lock 15 c so that, when a bead cord is installed (likeFIGS. 2 and 3 ) it will be neatly hidden from view behind the curtain. - A similar arrangement of slider is seen in
FIGS. 5 and 6 . - With reference to
FIG. 6 in particular, further improvements to this embodiment include mounting it directly to a ceiling (rather than attached bybracket 19 to wall W), and installing a lighting effect. - The slim profile of the embodiment of
FIG. 6 , when installed with a curtain, makes the curtain appear to be almost “floating” as only thethin edge 1 la is visible from most positions in a room. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a “twist & lock” spacing element that can be installed with a rail 12 (FIG. 8 ) in a sideways (compared to downward of the previous Figures) facing position on a wall. Thespacing element 30 can be introduced to aslot 14 inrail 12 and then twisted to prevent it from being withdrawn out of theslot 14. -
Bead cord 26 then maintainselement 30 at regular spacing as shown inFIG. 8 . -
FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate an embodiment of the invention that uses only a single rail, in contrast to the dual parallel rails described hereinbefore. -
Rail 31 includes aslot 32 to receive acurtain coupling element 33 in the usual way. The functionality of the invention is found in thecoupler element 33 itself. As best shown inFIGS. 10 and 11 ,coupler 33 is a slider design with ahead 34 adapted to engage and be maintained withinslot 32, a downwardly extendingbody 35 and aperpendicularly extending strut 36. At a distal end ofstrut 36 is a connector means 37, which may be a clip or simply a hole to receive a hook or other curtain connector known in the art. - It will appreciated that
strut 36 may not be exactly perpendicular, so long as it generally extends outwardly from the hanging axis. - A
bead lock 38 is found at the body end ofstrut 36 to receive abead cord 26 thereby performing a spacing function. - When installed for use the peaks P and troughs T of a
curtain 13 are alternately connected by acoupler 33 to therail 31. This maintainscurtain 13 in a pleated state with regular height (defined by the length of strut 36) and width (by virtue of bead cord 26). -
Rail 31 can be of conventional design or with new features or shapes. -
FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate a similar embodiment of rail/coupler toFIGS. 9 to 11 except that the spacing means is internal to the rail 31 (and hidden out of view). - In this embodiment a
rigid spacing element 39 slides within aclip 40 on top ofhead 34 ofcoupler 33. Astop 41 at a distal end ofelement 39 catches on theclip 40 of anadjacent coupler 33 to prevent further movement. In this way, when the curtains are “open” (tightly bunched pleats) thespacing elements 39 are stacked in a staggered manner but expand to a fully extended spacing as illustrated inFIG. 12 when thecurtain 13 is drawn closed. - The construction of such a spacer system is well known in the art of vertical blinds. It has the advantage over a bead cord of being hidden within
rail 31, although it would also be possible to hide a bead cord arrangement within rail 31 (by mounting a bead lock on head 34) to achieve a similar result. -
FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate an alternative embodiment wherein therail 31 has a triangular cross section shape. Otherwise the sliding movement ofcouplers 33 withinslot 32 is the same as previously described. - As shown in
FIG. 15 abead cord 26 spansalternate couplers 33 which have abead lock 38 at a distal end of thestrut 36. This ensures the bead cord is kept toward the rear of the curtain only and more hidden from view compared toFIG. 9 . -
Coupler 33 can be dimensioned to fit within existing rails or modified to operate with poles. For example,head 34 can be replaced by a ring to be threaded onto a curtain pole. -
FIGS. 18 to 20 show a further embodiment featuring atriangular rail 31 and slidingspacer elements 39 as inFIG. 12 . It otherwise operated in the same way. -
FIGS. 21 to 24 show alternative forms ofslider 15. Generally each (rear) slider includes a “G-shaped”bead lock 15 d that allows abead cord 26 to be installed from the side, as opposed to threaded through akey hole 15 c as illustrated in earlier embodiments (e.g.FIG. 1 ). This allows for additional versatility in the installation process.Sliders 15 still include ahole 15 a for receiving acurtain hook 42. - The various rail types are illustrated in
FIGS. 21 to 24 , including the “C and J” style side mounted tracks inFIG. 24 , which is also detailed inFIG. 26 .FIG. 26 is equivalent toFIG. 8 except that it includes a back slider 43 (performing function of spacingelement 30 inFIG. 8 ) with a G-shape bead lock 15 d. - Referring to
FIG. 25 a,slider 43 is arranged to slide freely ontrack 12 and the slider inFIG. 25 b is arranged to clip into the back of thetrack 12. -
FIG. 27 illustrates a slider for use with the “single rail” embodiment shown byFIGS. 9 to 20 . It was found that using a single configuration of slider (e.g. as inFIG. 10 ) was unsatisfactory because the connector means 37 would be visible from the front side of thecurtain 13 when installed either side of a pleat. To address thisFIG. 27 shows a swan neck glider that extends in a (returning) curve to a position behind the curtain when installed. As such, the connector means 37 and curtain hook (42) are all attached to one side of the curtain only. This attachment side is not visible from within the room where the curtain is installed. - In use, alternate sliders (e.g. as in
FIG. 10 andFIG. 27 respectively) cooperate to improve the appearance of the installed curtain. - It may be possible to utilise a conventional slider alternately with a specialised slider (
FIG. 10 or 27) of the invention to achieve the pleated effect of the invention. In this way only every second slider extends laterally from the support means (rail 31). However, this arrangement may result in unbalanced stresses on the coupling means. -
FIG. 28 illustrates a general view of apleat spacing mechanism 44. This is a scissor type collapsible structure that controls the curtain pleats to be of identical size as a curtain is drawn. The scissor type mechanism is preferably coupled to aglider 33 which is in turn coupled to thecurtain 13. -
FIG. 29 shows one example of an arrangement to adjust the spacing between support rails 11, 12. This requires bridgingpieces 25 pivoted at each end. Such an arrangement works best when the rails are of the same type (as opposed to a pole and rail as inFIG. 2 ), but any combination is possible. - All components are made from available materials and processes. Rails and poles are usually of a metal (or for poles—wood) construction. Sliders are injection moulded for economy from plastics.
- The present invention provides an elegant solution to the problem of untidy, inconsistent pleats in curtains mounted on rails, tracks, poles or anything similar.
- It should be noted that a significant unforeseen advantage of the invention is that curtains draw more easily when they have double the hanging connection points of conventional designs. As such, the disadvantage of heavy fabric curtains (being “heavy” and resistant to being drawn) is mitigated.
- A method of installing or retrofitting curtains to achieve the result of the invention will be readily apparent to a skilled man when consulting the foregoing description. Existing curtains may need to be fitted with additional fixing points for a slider (coupler) but otherwise can be retrofitted quite easily.
Claims (15)
1. Drapery hardware for mounting a pleated curtain, including a support means and curtain coupling means extending therefrom adapted to couple to both the peaks and the troughs of pleats in the curtain.
2. The drapery hardware of claim 1 , wherein the coupling means couples to the curtain alternately between peaks and troughs.
3. The drapery hardware of claim 1 , wherein the support means is a first and second curtain support each adapted to receive the curtain coupling means.
4. The drapery hardware of claim 1 , wherein the support means is a rail, track or pole or combination thereof.
5. The drapery hardware of claim 3 , wherein the first and second curtain supports are fixed in spaced-apart relation.
6. The drapery hardware of claim 3 , wherein the first and second curtain supports are spaced apart by an adjustable means to increase or decrease the gap between them.
7. The drapery hardware of claim 1 , wherein the support means is a single rail, track or pole adapted to receive a plurality of curtain coupling means, each extending to couple to the peaks and the troughs of pleats in the curtain.
8. The drapery hardware of claim 1 , further comprising a pleat spacing means.
9. The drapery hardware of claim 8 , wherein the pleat spacing means is a scissor type structure associated with the coupling means.
10. A drapery hardware according to claim 1 , further including a curtain coupled to the coupling means at both peaks and troughs of pleats in the curtain.
11. A curtain coupling means including a coupler to couple with a curtain support and a strut extending outwardly from its hanging axis, with a connector at a distal end of the strut for coupling with a curtain.
12. The curtain coupling means of claim 11 , wherein the coupler is a slider or grommet to couple with a rail, track or pole.
13. The curtain coupling means of claim 11 , wherein the distal end of the strut has a return or curve back section to enable it to connect with the back of a curtain.
14. A method of installing a curtain, comprising:
installing a first curtain support and a second curtain support parallel with the first; and
installing a curtain on the supports via coupling means alternately between the first and second supports.
15. A method of installing a curtain according to the method of claim 14 , wherein the first curtain support is already in place.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0607213.6 | 2006-04-10 | ||
GB0607213A GB0607213D0 (en) | 2006-04-10 | 2006-04-10 | Drapery hardware |
GB0615373A GB0615373D0 (en) | 2006-08-02 | 2006-08-02 | Drapery hardware |
GB0615373.8 | 2006-08-02 | ||
PCT/GB2007/001310 WO2007116215A1 (en) | 2006-04-10 | 2007-04-05 | Drapery hardware |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2007/001310 Continuation WO2007116215A1 (en) | 2006-04-10 | 2007-04-05 | Drapery hardware |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20090038761A1 true US20090038761A1 (en) | 2009-02-12 |
Family
ID=38169312
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/287,295 Abandoned US20090038761A1 (en) | 2006-04-10 | 2008-10-07 | Drapery hardware |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090038761A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2004025A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2009533120A (en) |
TW (1) | TW200808235A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007116215A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100065230A1 (en) * | 2008-09-15 | 2010-03-18 | Shirley Hibbs | Spacing cable |
CN108477963A (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2018-09-04 | 常熟万泽智能科技有限公司 | A kind of Intelligent electric curtain |
JP2019069239A (en) * | 2014-11-07 | 2019-05-09 | 立川ブラインド工業株式会社 | Curtain rail device |
US10583004B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2020-03-10 | University of Pittsburgh — Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education | Retrievable self-expanding non-thrombogenic low-profile percutaneous atrioventricular valve prosthesis |
US11129711B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2021-09-28 | University of Pittsburgh—of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education | Double component mandrel for electrospun stentless, multi-leaflet valve fabrication |
US11746590B2 (en) | 2017-01-25 | 2023-09-05 | Hunter Douglas Inc. | Vertical cellular drape for an architectural structure |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2388061A (en) * | 1944-10-20 | 1945-10-30 | Isserstedt Siegfreid Gordon | Curtain suspending means |
US2901037A (en) * | 1956-05-03 | 1959-08-25 | Miksak | Apparatus for hanging draperies |
US2918245A (en) * | 1956-05-16 | 1959-12-22 | Kenney Mfg Co | Curtain rod support bracket |
US3296651A (en) * | 1964-12-16 | 1967-01-10 | Baker Drapery Studio | Drapery support |
US3312273A (en) * | 1966-05-19 | 1967-04-04 | Richard L Adam | Drapery traversing apparatus |
US3497905A (en) * | 1967-12-11 | 1970-03-03 | August S Pflum | Combination drapery support |
US3695489A (en) * | 1972-01-12 | 1972-10-03 | Robert M Kirche | Drapery support apparatus for rufflette and shirred draperies |
US5439042A (en) * | 1992-10-28 | 1995-08-08 | Ohanesian; Harout D. | Vertical blinds with curtain attachment |
US6076588A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 2000-06-20 | Hunter Douglas Inc. | End cap for headrail in a covering for an architectural opening |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH544532A (en) * | 1972-09-29 | 1973-11-30 | Baumann Fritz | Device for hanging and guiding curtains, drapes or ribbons |
-
2007
- 2007-04-05 EP EP07732354A patent/EP2004025A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-04-05 WO PCT/GB2007/001310 patent/WO2007116215A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-04-05 JP JP2009504809A patent/JP2009533120A/en active Pending
- 2007-04-09 TW TW096112330A patent/TW200808235A/en unknown
-
2008
- 2008-10-07 US US12/287,295 patent/US20090038761A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2388061A (en) * | 1944-10-20 | 1945-10-30 | Isserstedt Siegfreid Gordon | Curtain suspending means |
US2901037A (en) * | 1956-05-03 | 1959-08-25 | Miksak | Apparatus for hanging draperies |
US2918245A (en) * | 1956-05-16 | 1959-12-22 | Kenney Mfg Co | Curtain rod support bracket |
US3296651A (en) * | 1964-12-16 | 1967-01-10 | Baker Drapery Studio | Drapery support |
US3312273A (en) * | 1966-05-19 | 1967-04-04 | Richard L Adam | Drapery traversing apparatus |
US3497905A (en) * | 1967-12-11 | 1970-03-03 | August S Pflum | Combination drapery support |
US3695489A (en) * | 1972-01-12 | 1972-10-03 | Robert M Kirche | Drapery support apparatus for rufflette and shirred draperies |
US5439042A (en) * | 1992-10-28 | 1995-08-08 | Ohanesian; Harout D. | Vertical blinds with curtain attachment |
US6076588A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 2000-06-20 | Hunter Douglas Inc. | End cap for headrail in a covering for an architectural opening |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100065230A1 (en) * | 2008-09-15 | 2010-03-18 | Shirley Hibbs | Spacing cable |
JP2019069239A (en) * | 2014-11-07 | 2019-05-09 | 立川ブラインド工業株式会社 | Curtain rail device |
US10583004B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2020-03-10 | University of Pittsburgh — Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education | Retrievable self-expanding non-thrombogenic low-profile percutaneous atrioventricular valve prosthesis |
US11129711B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2021-09-28 | University of Pittsburgh—of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education | Double component mandrel for electrospun stentless, multi-leaflet valve fabrication |
US11771555B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2023-10-03 | University of Pittsburgh—of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education | Retrievable self-expanding non-thrombogenic low-profile percutaneous atrioventricular valve prosthesis |
US11746590B2 (en) | 2017-01-25 | 2023-09-05 | Hunter Douglas Inc. | Vertical cellular drape for an architectural structure |
CN108477963A (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2018-09-04 | 常熟万泽智能科技有限公司 | A kind of Intelligent electric curtain |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2009533120A (en) | 2009-09-17 |
EP2004025A1 (en) | 2008-12-24 |
TW200808235A (en) | 2008-02-16 |
WO2007116215A1 (en) | 2007-10-18 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |