US3861738A

US3861738A - Curtain draw assembly

Info

Publication number: US3861738A
Application number: US388820A
Authority: US
Inventors: Keith B Whitney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-08-16
Filing date: 1973-08-16
Publication date: 1975-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 1992-01-21

Abstract

A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle to movably suspend a set of curtains at an open, closed or selected intermediate position. A transverse unit is constituted as a pair of integrally connected tubular rods defining adjacent enclosed channels coextensive with the length of the traverse unit. The traverse unit is adapted to conform to interior bends and curves of the vehicle. A closed loop draw cord is threaded through the channels and has loop ends extending from each end of the traverse unit. One loop end is trained about a drive pulley to linearly draw the draw cord. The other loop end is trained about an idler pulley. One of the tubular rods has a downwardly open slot coextensive with the length of the rod. Hanging elements, as hooks, engage the draw cord and depend through the slot for supporting a curtain.

Description

United States Patent [19] Whitney [111 3,861,738 1 Jan. 21, 1975 CURTAIN DRAW ASSEMBLY [76] Inventor: Keith B. Whitney, c/o Keith Whitney, Inc., 130 S. 8th St., Edina, Minn. 55402 22 Filed: Aug. 16, 1973 211 App]. No.2 388,820

[52] US. Cl. 296/138, 160/331 [51] Int. Cl B60j 1/00 [58] Field of Search 296/138; 160/330, 331, 160/23 R, 265, 345, 352, 273

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,595,669 8/1926 Kurner 160/331 X 2,043,981 6/1936 Bickel 160/331 X 2,245,411 6/1941 Oatman 296/146 2,468,453 3/1949 Mallentjer.... 160/331 2,786,522 3/1957 Weber 160/345 2,798,194 7/1957 Cantin 160/331 X 3,051,232 8/1962 Lamb 160/368 R 3,091,286 5/1963 Madsen 160/331 Primary ExaminerRobert B. Reeves Assistant ExaminerJoseph J. Rolla [57] ABSTRACT A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle to movably suspend a set of curtains at an open, closed or selected intermediate posi' tion. A transverse unit is constituted as apair of integrally connected tubular rods defining adjacent enclosed channels coextensive with the length of the traverse unit. The traverse unit is adapted to conform to interior bends and curves of the vehicle. A closed loop draw cord is threaded through the channels and has loop ends extending from each end of the traverse unit. One-loop end is trained about a drive pulley to linearly draw the draw cord. The other loop end is trained about an idler pulley. One of the tubular rods has a downwardly open slot coextensive with the length of the rod. Hanging elements, as hooks, engage the draw cord and depend through the slot forsup PATENTED JANZI I975 SHEET 1 OF 2 CURTAIN DRAW ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION windows in order to attain privacy, for example, in

camping vehicles, station wagon automobiles, vans, and the like. Such curtains typically are freely suspended from a rod and are manually movable to the desired position. Traverse rods of the prior art are not us able in such vehicles due to the inability of such rods to negotiate curves and bends in the vehicle. For example, see US. Fat. No. 2,786,522 to Weber; US. Pat. No. 3,155,149 to Ford; and US. Pat. No. RE-26,269 to Ford. These structures present relatively complex mechanisms which are not susceptible of being conformed to wall irregularities or right angle turns. There is a need for a curtain draw assembly for. installation in a vehicle that is conformable to the interior curves and bends of the vehicle and which may be operated from a single remote station. At the same time, it is desirable to have a less complex curtain draw assembly that is conveniently and economically manufactured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a draw assembly for curtains for installation in the interior of vehicles, such as camping vehicles, station wagon automobiles and vans; although the draw assembly of the invention finds utility in any small space where the traverse unit must conform to bends, curves, bumps, and the like. The curtain draw assembly includes an elongated traverse unit having mutually integral, parallel, first and second tubular rods defining enclosed channels coextensive with the length of the rods. A closed loop draw cord is threaded through the first and second channels and has loop ends extending outward at either end of the traverse unit. One loop end engages a drive pulley and the other loop end is trained about an idler pulley. The traverse unit is installed inside a vehicle or other confined space, and is longitudinally shaped to conform to the curves and bends of the interior wall of the vehicle. One of the channels has a downwardly open slot. A plurality of curtain suspending members or hooks have eyelets which surround that portion of the draw cord which is located in the channel having the downwardly open slot. The lead hook is securely fastened to the draw cord while the following hooks are freely supported in surrounding relation to the draw cord. The hook eyelets which surround the draw cord are smaller in transverse dimension than the slot in the channel, but are larger than the slot in the plane of the eyelet. Upon actuation of the drive pulley, the lead hook fixed to the draw cord draws the curtain in the direction of movement of the draw cord. The dual channel traverse unit keeps the portions of the draw cord located in the respective channels separate to avoid entanglement.

In a preferred embodiment, two curtain draw assemblies are used in cooperation with a common drive means to cover the desired expanse of the vehicle interior. A tension developing assembly at the idler pulley of each curtain draw assembly permits movement of the draw cord of one assembly while the other is stopped as by having reached the desired location.

An object of the invention is to provide a draw assembly for curtains for installation in a vehicle or other confined space. A further object is to provide such an assembly having a traverse unit conformable to bonds and curves and the like according to the interior shape of the vehicle. A further object is to provide such a curtain draw asembly easily operable by the vehicle operator to quickly effect opening and closure of the curtains. A still further object is to provide such an assembly which can be economically and conveniently manufactured. Other objects of the invention will become apparent upon the following description.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a top plan view of a pair of cooperating curtain draw assemblies of the present invention installed in a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a curtain draw assembly installed in the vehicle of FIG. I with portins of the traverse unit broken away for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the drive unit of the curtain draw assemblies shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the drive unit of FIG. 3 taken along the line 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top plan view of the tension developing unit of the curtain draw assemblies of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view of a portion of traverse unit as seen in th upper left hand corner of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a A vehicle 10, as a van, having a generally rectangular interior and equipped with a pair of cooperating curtain draw assemblies l2, 13 according to the present invention. A first curtain draw assembly 12 has a traverse unit 14 including a longitudinal section 15 extending from the interior right-rear corner of the vehicle 10, forwardly along the right side of the vehicle. Section 15 joins at an elbow 16 a lateral section 18 extending across the front of the vehicle to the front-left corner. Traverse unit 14, as shown in fragmentary section in FIG. 2, includes a pair of parallel, tubular rods each defining an enclosed channel, a first or upper rod 19 being vertically spaced from a parallel second or lower rod 20. Upper and lower rods 19, 20 are integrally connected by a web 22. Fasteners, as screws 23, fasten the traverse unit 14 at web 22 to the side wall 24 of the vehicle in proximity to the ceiling thereof.

Upper rod 19 defines an enclosed upper channel 26 coextensive with the length of upper rod 19, while lower rod 20 similarly defines an enclosed lowerchannel 27 coextensive with the length of lower rod 20. The upper and

lower channels

26, 27 are open at the respective ends of traverse unit 14. Elbow I6 is provided to negotiate the right angle turn of traverse rod 14, and is connected to

sections

15 and 17 in suitable fashion to obtain a smooth continuous interior wall for the upper and

lower channels

26, 27. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the abutting ends of elbow l6 and longitudinal section 15 are provided with mating

interior notches

28, 29 defining an interior cylindrical cavity. A cylindrical plug 31 having the same interior diameter as channel 26 is force-fitted in the interior cylindrical cavity defined by the

notches

28, 29 to hold the elbow l6 and the section 15 in abutting relationship. Other means could be provided, as by suitable bonding or the like.

Sections and 17 of traverse unit 14 are linear and, it may be seen, may be easily manufactured by extruding aluminum or plastic or the like. The sections are formable from a malleable material whereby they are easily made to conform to bends and curves in the vehicle wall, whereas for abrupt or right angle turns, sections or elbows such as the elbow 16, are used.

An endless loop draw cord 32 is threaded through the upper and

lower channels

26, 27 of traverse unit 14, and has loop ends extending outward of either end of the traverse unit 14. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the loop end of cord 32 emerging from the end of traverse unit 14 located rearwardly of the vehicle is trained about an idler pulley 33. A bifurcated brace 35 connected to the web 22 of traverse rod 14 carries a pulley pin 36 of pulley 33. Idler pulley 33 is connected to the vehicle wall be means of a tension developing unit. A bracket 37 has a pair of arms 39 which engage the pulley pin 36. A pair of tension springs 40 are connected to the opposite end of bracket 37. The opposite ends of tension springs 40 are connected by suitable means, as an eye 41, in proximity to the rear wall of the vehicle. The tension developing unit regulates slippage of the cord 32 over the pulley 33 and maintains tension in the assembly. A suitable casing 43 shrouds the ends of the springs 40 for aesthetic considerations.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the loop end of draw cord 32 emerging from the forward end of traverse unit 14 passes around a pair of vertically aligned guide pulleys 44 to negotiate a right angle turn. The loop end then extends from guide pulleys 44 and is trained about a drive pulley 45 mounted on a power unit 47, as will be.

more fully explained. Guide pulleys 44 are rotatably mounted on arms 46 extending from power unit 47. Drive pulley 45 is adapted for powered rotation to move draw cord 32 through the upper and

lower channels

26, 27 of traverse unit 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, lower channel 27 of lower rod is provided with a downwardly open slot 48 coextensive with the length of traverse unit 14. A plurality of curtain suspending elements or hooks 49 surround draw cord 32 and depend through the slot 48. As best seen in FIG. 4, each hook 49 has an eyelet 51 surrounding the draw cord 32, a shank 52 depending through the slot 48, and a hook portion 53 located exterior of the channel 27. Referring again to FIG. 2, the upper edge of a curtain 55 has a plurality of supporting loops 56. Hooks 49 successively engage the curtain loops 56 to support the curtain 55. A lead hook 49A fixedly engages the curtain loop 56 immediately adjacent the leading edge of curtain 55. Lead hook 49A is secured to draw cord 32 for movement with draw cord 32 as by crimping the eyelet 51 snugly to cord 32. The remaining hooks 49 are freely suspended from rod 20 capable of sliding movement relative thereto. The eyelets 51 of the hooks 49 have an outside diameter larger than the width of slot 48 whereby cord 32 and hooks 49 are maintained in lower channel 47. The eyelets are smaller in transverse dimension than the slot for easy insertion of the eyelets in the channel.

Upper channel 26 is provided with an upwardly open slot 54, as shown in FIG. 4, symmetrical to slot 48 whereby the sections of traverse unit 14 are symmetrically fabricated and usable with either rod in the lower position.

The trailing edge of curtain 55 is fixed in proximity to the right-rear corner of vehicle 10 or near the casing 43. Curtain 55 is of sufficient width to extend the length of traverse unit 14. It may be seen that upon movement imparted to draw cord 32 by drive pulley 45, curtain 55 is drawn along the length of traverse rod 14. Rotation of drive pulley 45, as shown in FIG. 4, in a counter-clockwise direction, draws the curtain 55 to a closed position as lead hook 49A pulls the leading edge of curtain 55 whereby the curtain shrouds the interior walls and windows of the vehicle, for example, the window 57, as shown in FIG. 2. Rotation of drive pulley 45 in the opposite or clockwise direction opens the curtain 55. Lead hook 49A pushes the curtain 55 along the length of traverse unit 14 to the right-rear corner of vehicle 10 where it is bunched for storage.

The second curtain draw assembly 13, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a traverse unit 59 having a lateral section 60 extending from the interior right-rear corner of vehicle 10 across the rear wall thereof. Section 60 joins at an elbow 61 a longitudinal section 63. Longitudinal section 63 extends along the left side of vehicle 10 to a position adjacent the power unit 47 located at the left front corner of the vehicle.

Traverse unit 59 is identical in cross section construction to traverse unit 14, having upper and lower

tubular rods

64, 65, as shown in FIG. 4, integrally connected bya web 67 and defining upper and

lower channels

68, 69 coextensive with the length of the traverse unit 59. An endless loop draw cord 71 is threaded through the upper and

lower channels

68, 69 and has loop ends extending outboard of the ends of traverse unit 59. The forward loop end of draw cord 71, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, engages a drive pulley 72 mounted on drive unit 47. The rear loop end, as shown in FIG. 5, engages an idler pulley 73. idler pulley 73 is rotatably mounted on a pulley pin 75 supported between opposing legs of a bifurcated brace 76 connected to the web 67 of traverse unit 59. A bracket 77 has a pair of arms 78 which engage pulley pin 75. A pair of tension springs 79 are connected to the opposite end of bracket 77. The opposite ends of tension springs 79 are connected to the eye 41 in proximity to the rear wall of the vehicle.

Lower channel 69 of rod is provided with a downwardly open slot, indicated at 81 in FIG. 4, coextensive with the length of traverse unit 59. A plurality of hooks 82 surround draw cord 71 and depend through slot 81 as previously described. A lead hook 82A is fixed to draw cord 71 as by crimping. Lead hook 82A may optionally function to hold the ends of draw cord 71 together so as to make it endless. The remaining hooks 82 are freely suspended from the rod 65 and are capable of sliding movement relative thereto. Lead hook 82A engages a curtain loop 83 located adjacent the leading edge of a curtain 84. As previously described, powered rotation of drive pulley 72 is functional to cause curtain 84 to move back and forth along the traverse unit 59.

Power unit 47 is mounted by suitable fasteners as bolts 86 to the left wall of the vehicle l0'adjacent the front thereof in proximity to the vehicle operators station 87. Spacers 88 space the power unit 47 away from the wall whereby the drive pulleys 45, 72 are located between the power unit 47 and the vehicle wall. Power unit 47 includes an electric motor 89 mounted on a gear housing 90. Motor 89 receives electrical power from the vehicle battery or other suitable source (not shown). Drive

shafts

92, 93 extend from the drive pulleys 45, 72, respectively, into gear housing 90. Suitable conventional gearing, as is known in the art, is provided in gear box 90 for the simultaneous rotation of

drive shafts

92, 93 in opposite directions upon actuation of motor 89. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, internally of gear housing 90,

drive shafts

92, 93 are provided with circular meshing gears 94, 95. Rotation of the drive pulley 72, as by direct drive from motor 89 on drive shaft 93, effects opposite rotation of drive shaft 92 and drive pulley 45 through the meshing gears 94, 95. Usual and preferred motor controls or switches 96, 97 mounted adjacent the motor 89 are provided to drive motor 89 in the desired direction.

Stop means may optionally be provided in association with the curtain draw assemblies to stop forward movement of the curtain when it has reached the desired location. As an example, in FIG. 3 there is shown a stop means comprised as a stop element or bar 50 mounted on the interior wall of vehicle proximate to drive pulley 72, and projected into the path of lead hook 82A of draw curtain assembly 13. Bar 50 will engage and stop lead hook 82A to stop curtain 84 when the leading edge of curtain 84 has reached a location adjacent drive pulley 72.

In use, when the

curtains

55, 84 are in an open configuration, they are bunched in the right rear corner of the vehicle 10, the plurality of

hooks

49, 82 being crowded together on the draw cords 32, 71, respectively. The rear edges of the curtains may be overlapped to conceal the interior right rear corner of the vehicle. Alternatively, it may be seen that the

curtains

55, 84 could be constituted as a single elongated curtain. The operator, desirous of closing the curtains, operates the appropriate switch control of motor 89 to actuate motor 89 to effect powered rotation of drive pulley 72 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 4. The lower portion of draw cord 71 is drawn forwardly along traverse unit 59, drawing curtain 84 along with it. At the same time, through the interconnecting gears 94, 95, drive pulley 45 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 4. Drive pulley 45 draws the lower portion of draw cord 32 forwardly of the vehicle, drawing the curtain 55 along with it.

When the

curtains

55, 84 are drawn to a fully closed orientation or a desired intermediate orientation, the operator stops the motor 89. If one curtain reaches the closed position before the other, for example the curtain 84, then stop bar 50 stops the curtain 84 from further movement and the draw cord 71 slips on drive pulley 72. Curtain 55 continues to travel along traverse rod 14 until it finally reaches the closed position.

To again open the curtains, the operator reverses the motor 89 and the curtains are drawn back to the open configuration, bundled in the right-rear corner of the vehicle 10.

While there have been shown and described an electric motor 89, it is apparent that a manual motor could be provided, as of the hand crank variety. Additionally, it is apparent that a single drive pulley having dual sheaves could be used if one of the loop ends engaging the drive pulley were given a half-twist.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle having a plurality of upright walls situated in adjoining angular relation to each other, said assembly including:

a first traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vahicle, having a first elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channel coextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubular rod de fining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length of the second tubular rod;

said first and second tubular rods of said first traverse unit being parallel and integrally connected to each other and having a configuration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relation to at least two of said adjacent walls;

said first and second channels being open at either end of said first traverse unit;

a first endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel and said second channel and having first and second loop ends extending outward of either end of said first traverse unit;

a drive means having at least one drive pulley rotatably mounted proximate to one end of said first traverse unit;

one loop end of said first draw cord engaging said drive means for powered movement of said first draw cord;

a first idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate to the other end of said first traverse unit;

the other loop end of said first draw cord being trained over said first idler pulley;

said second tubular rod on said first traverse unit having a downwardly open slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length of said tubular rod;

a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideably surrounding the first draw cord located in the second channel of the second tubular rod of the first traverse unit and having a portion depending through said slot adapted to freely suspend a first curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said first draw cord;

a second traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vehicle, having a first elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channel coextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubular rod defining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length of the second tubular rod;

said first and second tubular rods of said second traverse unit being parallel and integrally connected to each other and having a configuration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relationship to at least two of said adjacent walls;

a second endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel and said second channel of the second traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending outward of either end of said second traverse unit;

one loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive means for simultaneous powered movement of said second draw cord with said first draw cord;

a second idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate to the other end of said second traverse unit;

the other loop end of said second draw cord being trained over said second idler pulley;

said second tubular rod on said second traverse unit having a downwardly open slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length of said tubular rod; and

a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideably surrounding the second draw cord located in the second channel of the second tubular rod of the second traverse unit and having a portion depend.- ing through said slot adapted to freely suspend a second curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said second draw cord, whereby operation of the drive means is effective to simultaneously extend and retract a first and second curtain relative to said side walls.

2. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first traverse unit is an extruded member.

3. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said drive means includes an electric motor operable to selectively rotate said drive pulley.

4. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first idler pulley is connected to a tension spring, said tension spring adapted to be connected to the vehicle wall.

5. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first tubular rod and said second tubular rod of said first traverse unit are connected by a web, said second tubular rod being located vertically beneath said first tubular rod.

6. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first traverse unit has a plurality of sections joined together by at least one elbow to negotiate right angle turns within said vehicle.

7. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said curtain hanging elements are constituted as books, each having an eyelet for surrounding a draw cord, said eyelets having a diameter larger than the width of said slots and a transverse dimension smaller than the width of said slots, a shank for extending through a slot, and a hook portion adapted to engage a curtain loop on a curtain, one of said hooks being a lead hook on each draw cord secured to the draw cord, the remaining hooks being slideably movable relative to the cord.

8. A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle of the type having parallel, longitudinal side walls and front and rear walls situated in adjoining, angular relation to the side walls, includmg:

a first traverse unit installed along a first side wall and a first end wall;

said first traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at the juncture of the end wall and side wall;

said first traverse unit also having integral parallel upper and lower tubular rods defining upper and lower channels coextensive with the length of the traverse unit and open ended at each end of the traverse unit;

a first endless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lower channels of the first traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending from the ends of the traverse unit;

said lower tubular rod being provided with a coextensive, downwardly open slot open to said channel;

a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideably surrounding said draw cord in said lower rod channel and having a portion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freely suspend a first curtain, and one of said curtain suspending elements being fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord;

said eyelets on said draw cord having a diameter larger than the width of said slot and a transverse dimension smaller than the width of said slot;

a first idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall;

one of said loop ends of said first draw cord operatively engaging the firstidler pulley;

drive means adapted to drive said first draw cord through the upper'and lower channels of said first traverse unit to extend and retract a first curtain relative to said first side wall and end wall;

the other loop end of said first draw cord operatively engaging said drive means;

a second traverse unit installed along the other side wall and the other end wall;

said second traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at the juncture of the end wall and the side wall;

said second traverse unit having integral parallel upper and lower tubular rods defining upper and lower channels coextensive with the length of said,

second traverse unit and open ended at each end of said second traverse unit;

a second endless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lower channels of the second traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending from the ends of the traverse unit;

said lower tubular rod of said second traverse unit being provided with a coextensive downwardly open slot open to the lower channel;

a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideably engaging said second draw cord in said lower rod channel and having a portion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freely suspend a second curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements being fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord;

a second idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall;

one of said loop ends of said second draw cord engaging the second idler pulley;

the other loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive means whereby said second draw cord is simultaneously movable with said first draw cord upon actuation of the drive means to simultaneously extend and retract a second curtain relative to the other side wall and rear wall upon extension and retraction of a first curtain relative to the first side wall and rear wall; and

said first traverse unit and said second traverse unit having overlapping portions in proximity to the drive means.

9. The draw assembly of claim 8 wherein: said drive means includes a first drive pulley, one loop end of said first draw cord engaging the first drive pulley; a second drive pulley, one loop end of said second draw cord engaging said second drive pulley; power means for selective powered rotation of one drive pulley; and gear means operably associating the first and second drive pulleys whereby upon rotation of one drive pulley in one direction, the other pulley rotates in an opposite direction.

10. The draw assembly fo claim 9 wherein: said power means includes an electric motor.

11. The draw assembly of claim 8 including: tension spring assemblies connecting said idler pulleys to the vehicle walls.

Claims

1. A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle having a plurality of upright walls situated in adjoining angular relation to each other, said assembly including: a first traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vehicle, having a first elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channel coextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubular rod defining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length of the second tubular rod; said first and second tubular rods of said first traverse unit being parallel and integrally connected to each other and having a configuration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relation to at least two of said adjacent walls; said first and second channels being open at either end of said first traverse unit; a first endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel and said second channel and having first and second loop ends extending outward of either end of said first traverse unit; a drive means having at least one drive pulley rotatably mounted proximate to one end of said first traverse unit; one loop end of said first draw cord engaging said drive means for powered movement of said first draw cord; a first idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate to the other end of said first traverse unit; the other loop end of said first draw cord being trained over said first idler pulley; said second tubular rod on said first traverse unit having a downwardly open slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length of said tubular rod; a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideably surrounding the first draw cord located in the second channel of the second tubular rod of the first traverse unit and having a portion depending through said slot adapted to freely suspend a first curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said first draw cord; a second traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vehicle, having a first elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channel coextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubular rod defining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length of the second tubular rod; said first and second tubular rods of said second traverse unit being parallel and integrally connected to each other and having a configuration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relationship to at least two of said adjacent walls; said first and second channels being open at either end of said first traverse unit; a second endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel and said second channel of the second traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending outward of either end of said second traverse unit; one loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive means for simultaneous powered movement of said second draw cord with said first draw cord; a second idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate to the other end of said second traverse unit; the other loop end of said second draw cord being trained over said second idler pulley; said second tubular rod on said second traverse unit having a downwardly open slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length of said tubular rod; and a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideably surrounding the second draw cord located in the second channel of the second tubular rod of the second traverse unit and having a portion depending through said slot adapted to freely suspend a second curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said second draw cord, whereby operation of the drive means is effective to simultaneously extend and retract a first and second curtain relative to said side walls.

7. The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said curtain hanging elements are constituted as hooks, each having an eyelet for surrounding a draw cord, said eyelets having a diameter larger than the width of said slots and a transverse dimension smaller than the width of said slots, a shank for extending through a slot, and a hook portion adapted to engage a curtain loop on a curtain, one of said hooks being a lead hook on each draw cord secured to the draw cord, the remaining hooks being slideably movable relative to the cord.

8. A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle of the type having parallel, longitudinal side walls and front and rear walls situated in adjoining, angular relation to the side walls, including: a first traverse unit installed along a first side wall and a first end wall; said first traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at the juncture of the end wall and side wall; said first traverse unit also having integral parallel upper and lower tubular rods defining upper and lower channels coextensive with the length of the traverse unit and open ended at each end of the traverse unit; a first endless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lower channels of the first traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending from the ends of the traverse unit; said lower tubular rod being provided with a coextensive, downwardly open slot open to said channel; a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideably surrounding said draw cord in said lower rod channel and having a portion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freely suspend a first curtain, and one of said curtain suspending elements being fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord; said eyelets on said draw cord having a diameter larger than the width of said slot and a transverse dimension smaller than the width of said slot; a first idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall; one of said loop ends of said first draw cord operatively engaging the first idler pulley; drive means adapted to drive said first draw cord through the upper and lower channels of said first traverse unit to extend and retract a first curtain relative to said first side wall and end wall; the other loop end of said first draw cord operatively engaging said drive means; a second traverse unit installed along the other side wall and the other end wall; said second traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at the juncture of the end wall and the side wall; said second traverse unit having integral parallel upper and lower tubular rods defining upper and lower channels coextensive with the length of said second traverse unit and open ended at each end of said second traverse unit; a second endless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lower channels of the second traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending from the ends of the traverse unit; said lower tubular rod of said second traverse unit being provided with a coextensive downwardly open slot open to the lower channel; a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideably engaging said second draw cord in said lower rod channel and having a portion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freely suspend a second curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements being fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord; a second idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall; one of said loop ends of said second draw cord engaging the second idler pulley; the other loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive means whereby said second draw cord is simultaneously movable with said first draw cord upon actuation of the drive means to simultaneously extend and retract a second curtain relative to the other side wall and rear wall upon extension and retraction of a first curtain relative to the first side wall and rear wall; and said first traverse unit and said second traverse unit having overlapping portions in proximity to the drive means.