EP0420441A2 - Schienensystem für Vorhänge - Google Patents

Schienensystem für Vorhänge Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0420441A2
EP0420441A2 EP90309913A EP90309913A EP0420441A2 EP 0420441 A2 EP0420441 A2 EP 0420441A2 EP 90309913 A EP90309913 A EP 90309913A EP 90309913 A EP90309913 A EP 90309913A EP 0420441 A2 EP0420441 A2 EP 0420441A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
track member
track
curtain
track system
catch
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP90309913A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0420441A3 (en
Inventor
Peter John Bolton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MCKECHNIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS Ltd
Original Assignee
MCKECHNIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by MCKECHNIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS Ltd filed Critical MCKECHNIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS Ltd
Publication of EP0420441A2 publication Critical patent/EP0420441A2/de
Publication of EP0420441A3 publication Critical patent/EP0420441A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47H—FURNISHINGS FOR WINDOWS OR DOORS
    • A47H15/00—Runners or gliders for supporting curtains on rails or rods
    • A47H15/02—Runners
    • 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
    • A47H5/032—Devices with guiding means and draw cords
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47H—FURNISHINGS FOR WINDOWS OR DOORS
    • A47H1/00—Curtain suspension devices
    • A47H2001/003—Constructional details common to rods or rails
    • A47H2001/006—End-stops, i.e. devices preventing the curtain falling off the end of the rail or rod

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a curtain track system of the kind comprising a track member, a pair of master gliders mounted upon the track member and a cord operable in use to move the master gliders in opposite directions on the track member whereby in use curtains supported on the track member can be moved between their closed and open positions and vice versa.
  • Such systems are known in the art and traditionally the cord is a plain cord which extends around rollers at the opposite ends of the track member.
  • the master gliders are coupled to the upper and lower runs of the cord so respectively that when the cord is operated the gliders will move in opposite directions.
  • the track system is capable of being used for straight runs or in situations where the track is concave. It is not suitable for use when the track is convex.
  • One embodiment of the coupling device uses a C-­shaped member to embrace the cord whilst another uses a specially shaped plastics strap which has a support portion to engage a master glider and which has to be wrapped around the cord and locked to itself to secure it to the cord.
  • Both of these embodiments are improvements on the other embodiments, but suffer from disadvantages.
  • the operating member of the first embodiment is behind the track and thus could be difficult to operate close to a wall. Although not wholly surrounding the cord it could be difficult to engage it with the cord in a groove.
  • the second embodiment is also likely to be difficult to engage with the cord in a groove, in view of the confined space behind the track and its small size and locking arrangement.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a curtain track system in a simple and convenient form, which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned.
  • a curtain track system comprising a flexible track member defining a pair of spaced channels extending along the length thereof, a pair of master gliders mounted on the track member, and a ball chain having respective lengths thereof retained in the channels, the master gliders being coupled to respective lengths of ball chain, so that, in use, the ball chain is operable to move the master gliders in opposite directions on the track member, whereby curtains supported on the track member, in use, can be moved between their closed and open positions and vice versa.
  • the expression 'ball chain' covers the conventional arrangement of a multiplicity of regularly spaced spherical members secured along an elongated constant cross-section member, as well as equivalent arrangements where the members are other than spherical and/or regularly spaced.
  • the material of all the arrangements can be metal/plastics in any combination.
  • the track system comprises a flexible, plastics track member 10 of elongated form and upon which can be mounted curtain runners or gliders 11.
  • the track member is fitted with end caps 12 to prevent the runners sliding off the track in use and each end cap is of hollow construction and is provided with an integral spigot 13 which can be engaged in a central longitudinal groove 14 formed in the rear surface of the track member.
  • the groove 14 has overhanging portions 15 which besides locating the spigots 13 also serve to enable the track member to be secured to a number of support brackets 16, (only one shown).
  • the end cap At its end from which the spigot 13 projects, the end cap is open and of such a size that it can be engaged about the end portion of the track member.
  • the internal surfaces which define the opening into which the end of the track member extends are provided with ribs (not shown) which engage with the track member.
  • the end cap has in its upper surface an aperture 17 through which can be passed a grooved roller 18, which has integral pins 19 extending from its opposite sides to locate in grooves 20 formed in the opposite internal side faces of the end cap.
  • the grooves extend to about half the depth of the end cap and have narrowed portions intermediate their ends to prevent the roller falling out of the cap.
  • the upper and lower surfaces of the end cap At its closed end, remote from the spigot, the upper and lower surfaces of the end cap are provided with locations 21 to locate a runner 11, which then forms an end runner of the curtain.
  • Each support bracket which is of plastics material, comprises a body 22 which is formed with an aperture or apertures for the reception of screws whereby it can be secured to a batten or the like.
  • the body defines a limb 23 which extends substantially at right angles and in the upper-surface of which adjacent the free end is a groove 24.
  • the upper one of the overhanging portions 15 of the track member can be located in the groove so as to provide support for the track member.
  • each catch comprises a pivotal tab 26 engageable by the fingers of the user, the tab being pivotable about an axis indicated at 26A.
  • the tab 26 is integrally formed with a clip portion 27 having a lower edge 28, which can engage behind the lower overhanging portion 15 of the track member, and a stop surface 29. Extending integrally from the rear of the tab 26 is an elongated retaining member 30 which has a hook 31 at its free end.
  • the catch In the drawing the catch is shown in its inoperative position. In this position the tab 26 is tilted forward and the clip portion 27 is hidden from view behind a front wall 32 of the bracket limb 23, its stop surface 29 engaging an undersurface of wall 32, and some resistance to movement being provided by an upstanding low rib 33 on surface 29 engaging against the rear of wall 32.
  • the hook 31 is clear of an upper rear edge or lip 34 of a transverse web of the limb 23, with which it can engage, as will be explained.
  • the rib 33 thus holds the catch in its inoperative position.
  • the upper overhanging portion 15 of the track member can be located in the groove 24 with spaced lower front parts 35 of the limb 23 engaging on the lower overhanging portion 15.
  • the catch 25 is of plastics material and a first pair of spaced recesses on the underside of the limb 18, behind the parts 35, receive respective pivot pegs 36 of the catch to form a hinge on axis 26A.
  • the pivoting causes the clip portion 27 to swing downwardly from behind wall 32 so that its edge 28 lies below and in front of the lower overhanging portion 15, thereby preventing disengagement of the track member from the bracket in a forward direction.
  • Locking of the bracket in its operative state is accomplished by pivoting the clip portion 27 fully rearwardly until the hook 31 snaps over the edge 34 of the limb 23, the surface of the hook 31 being curved to facilitate the snap-fit.
  • the engagement of the hook 31 tends to draw the pegs 36 on the catch into the recesses on the support member body to ensure positive location of the catch.
  • the rear face of the track member is also provided with a further pair of longitudinal channels 37. These are disposed on opposites sides of the groove 14 and are narrower in width.
  • the channels 37 are also provided with overhanging portions so as to retain in the channel a cord in the form of a ball chain 38.
  • each end cap 12 carries a grooved roller 18 and each end cap also defines openings above and below its spigot 13, through which the ball chain 38 can pass. The openings are aligned with the channels 37 respectively.
  • the chain 38 extends wholly around the roller 18 at one end of the track member, but at the other end only the upper run 38A of the chain passes around the roller before it is passed through an opening in the underside of the end cap along with the lower run of the chain 38B from the lower channel.
  • the upper and lower runs 38A, 38B of the chain are secured to upper and lower master gliders 39, 40 respectively of plastics material.
  • the lower master glider 40 comprises a plastics material, generally C-­ shaped body portion 41 with upper and lower lips 42, 43 respectively.
  • the portion 41 can slidably or snap fittedly engage on the track member for sliding movement therealong, with the lips 42, 43 lying over respective upper and lower rear surfaces of the track member.
  • a slot 44 extends continuously from the free end of the lower lip 43, through the lower end limb and a short way up the main limb of the master glider.
  • Respective lower surfaces of the slotted end limb have recesses, one of which 45 is shown.
  • the outer surface of the main limb has in its two spaced limbs, formed by the slot 44, respective recesses 46, 47 above respective cam parts 48, 49 extending to the lower end of the main limb.
  • the body portion 41 carries a plastics material, pivotal operating member 50 in the form of a beam which has a pair of integral pins, one of which 51 is shown, locating in the recesses 45.
  • the other pin similarly locates in the other recess of the slotted end limb.
  • the beam is bent at right angles and then further bent at right angles to form a tab 52 which, in use, can engage the ball chain between adjacent balls thereof.
  • the inner end of the tab is provided with a 'vee' notch 53 in which, in use, is received the cord or the like which extends between the balls of the ball chain.
  • the member 50 has an operating lever portion 54 extending integrally from its said twice bent end, the portion 54 tapering down in thickness towards its free end.
  • the portion is of a length to extend beyond the front of the body portion 41, where it has a transversely enlarged end grip part 55.
  • the junction of the narrower part of the lever in the slot 44 and the wider end part 55 defines respective part circular section shoulders 56, 57 and these engage in the recesses 46, 47 respectively in the unlocked or inoperative state of the master glider lever. In this state the tab 52 is pivoted rearwardly and downwardly from the Figure 3 position.
  • the master glider To lock the master glider to the ball chain, it is engaged on the track member and slid along it until the 'vee' notch is aligned as required with the cord between adjacent balls of the ball chain. Downward pressure is then applied to the grip part 55 from the lower front part of the track system. Sufficient pressure will cause the shoulders 56, 57 to move out of recesses 46, 47 and across the cam parts 48, 49 until they snap past them as the 'vee' notch engages the ball chain cord lightly against the inner surface of the front face of the track member, the grip part 55 then being loosely held below the cam parts.
  • the upper master glider can be of the same form as the lower master glider, being simply inverted so that the 'vee' notch engages cord in the upper channel 37.
  • manufacture's wording or a logo on the master gliders will normally determine that one is an upper one and the other a lower one.
  • Figure 1 shows an arrangement where the upper master glider 39 is incorporated into a plastics material overlap arm 58 of conventional form having aligned upper and lower locations 59 for mounting runners or gliders 11 in a similar manner to locations 21.
  • the upper master glider 39 is of identical form to the lower master glider as regards its structural parts and their function.
  • the grip part 55 of course extends above the track member but is still operable from the front of the system.
  • both the brackets 16 and master gliders 39, 40 are operable from the front of the track member, thus overcoming difficulties through lack of space rearwardly of the track member with prior art arrangements.
  • Figure 4 shows an alternative form of support bracket 16A. It is similar in construction and operation to the bracket 16, but differs in that its catch solely has a tab 26A and clip portion 27A.
  • the two component parts are of plastics material and a second pair of recesses (only one 60 shown) and pins (only one 61 shown) on the limb 23A and catch 25 respectively provide retention by snap-fit in the operative or locked position of the bracket, as shown in Figure 4.
  • FIG. 5 there is shown a modified master glider 39A. It is of similar form to both of the master gliders 39, 40 (without the overlap arm), and is shown as an upper master glider. It differs from gliders 39, 40 in having a pressure pad 62 and an integral leaf spring element 63 which biases the beam 50A in the clockwise direction as illustrated in the drawing. Depression of the pressure pad 62 against the action of the spring 63 frees the tab from the chain thereby enabling the glider to be moved to the desired position before releasing the pad to re-engage the glider with the chain.
  • FIG. 6 shows an alternative form of master glider, an upper one 64 being shown.
  • the upper master glider 64 comprises a plate like body defining a pair of spaced projections 65 on one face.
  • the projections 65 extend into the upper channel 37.
  • Also defined on the face of the body are a pair of clip portions 66 which engage behind the overhanging portions of the channel to retain the glider in position.
  • the spacing between the projections 65 and the clip portions 66 is such as to accommodate a ball of the ball chain, when the glider is located in position in the channel.
  • the body of the glider 64 extends upwardly so as to locate in use, between and be engageable with, a pair of the runners 11 fastened to one curtain.
  • the lower glider is of like construction but in this case the body extends downwardly and is located in the lower channel 37 and moves with the lower run of the ball chain. In use movement of the chain will again result in movement of the master gliders in opposite directions.
  • the master gliders 39, 40 and ordinary runners 11 can be engaged on the track member.
  • the master gliders are positioned at opposite ends of the track member respectively with a selected number of runners 11 between each master glider and the end cap.
  • each end cap has a runner at its location 21, runners are at locations 59 on the overlap arm and an end runner 11 is to the left of the master glider 40.
  • the master gliders, originally in their inoperative positions, are then secured to the ball chain by pushing down their grips 55, so as to lie as close as possible to their respective associated end caps as the runners will allow and with the 'vee' notch between adjacent balls of the ball chain.
  • the track member can be secured to a number of suitably spaced support brackets 16 attached directly or indirectly to a wall or ceiling. All that is required is that the track member is presented up to the brackets in their inoperative positions, engaged in the grooves 24, and the tabs 26 then forced rearwardly to lock the track member to the brackets.
  • the brackets in no way interfere with the ball chain and pulling of this in one direction draws the master gliders and thus the curtains together, and pulling in the opposite direction moves the curtains and master gliders apart.
  • a double end cap for joining two sections can be provided, the double end cap having respective spigots at its opposite ends and defining two adjacent openings for a pair of rollers and ball chains.

Landscapes

  • Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)
EP19900309913 1989-09-23 1990-09-11 Curtain track system Withdrawn EP0420441A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8921550 1989-09-23
GB898921550A GB8921550D0 (en) 1989-09-23 1989-09-23 Curtain track system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0420441A2 true EP0420441A2 (de) 1991-04-03
EP0420441A3 EP0420441A3 (en) 1991-09-04

Family

ID=10663545

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19900309913 Withdrawn EP0420441A3 (en) 1989-09-23 1990-09-11 Curtain track system

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0420441A3 (de)
GB (2) GB8921550D0 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2169630A1 (es) * 1999-07-13 2002-07-01 Rielchyc S L Mecanismo para el accionamiento de una cortina de estor.
US20150208843A1 (en) * 2014-01-29 2015-07-30 Icp Medical, Llc Curtain system adapter

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB532087A (en) * 1939-08-17 1941-01-16 Frederick Arnold Luckman Johns Improvements in brackets for supporting curtain rails
CH417881A (de) * 1963-10-29 1966-07-31 Franz Dipl Ing Tesar Einrichtung zum Öffnen und Schliessen von Vorhängen
GB1112523A (en) * 1966-05-11 1968-05-08 Mono Curtain Rail Company Ltd Curtain rail and bracket assemblies
GB1363270A (en) * 1971-12-23 1974-08-14 Antiference Ltd Apparatus for supporting movable screens such as curtains
GB1427623A (en) * 1973-01-30 1976-03-10 Swish Prod Curtain or drape suspension arrangements
DE2844466A1 (de) * 1978-10-12 1980-04-24 Maerklin & Cie Gmbh Geb Kuppelglied der enden einer kugelkette als zugstrang eines auf rollen verschiebbaren vorhanges
US4355677A (en) * 1981-08-17 1982-10-26 Madsen Harold L Drapery hanger and manipulator
DE8204999U1 (de) * 1982-02-23 1982-08-12 K.Bratschi, Silent Gliss, 3074 Muri, Bern Vorhangeinrichtung mit vorhangschiene und schnurzug

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2169630A1 (es) * 1999-07-13 2002-07-01 Rielchyc S L Mecanismo para el accionamiento de una cortina de estor.
US20150208843A1 (en) * 2014-01-29 2015-07-30 Icp Medical, Llc Curtain system adapter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9019859D0 (en) 1990-10-24
GB2236473B (en) 1992-08-19
EP0420441A3 (en) 1991-09-04
GB2236473A (en) 1991-04-10
GB8921550D0 (en) 1989-11-08

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