RETRACTABLE CURTAIN PANEL WITH TRACK GUIDE

BACKGROUND

Traditional window curtain installations are configured to provide for both functional and aesthetic purposes. In a conventional curtain, one functional goal is to reduce light impinging upon dwelling areas or other interior spaces coming from exterior windows. Other functions include providing for removal of the shading portions of the curtain to allow more light as desired. In some examples, this can be accomplished by winding a curtain around a roller operated by hand via a draw cord. An operator can raise or lower a curtain depending upon, for example, a desired amount of light. In other examples, the roller can be operated via a motor to raise and lower the curtain, covering exterior facing windows to any desired degree.

Typically, consumers select curtains based not only on the functional aspects provided, but also based on the aesthetic of the curtain. In some situations the physical layout of a space (e.g., a building home or office) dictates the shape and configuration of a given curtain. Traditional curtain designs can fail to incorporate non-traditional materials, and are often limited to conventional installation settings. Conventional settings include, for example, installation over vertically installed windows and/or sliding glass doors. Traditional curtains typically employ gravity to assist in the normal operation of the curtain. These traditional installations can fail to address operation outside of conventional parameters, and further can fail to address non-conventionally shaped openings.

SUMMARY

Accordingly there is provided a retractable curtain assembly for installation in non-conventional spaces. In one embodiment, the retractable curtain assembly is configured for operation of a curtain on a slope. The curtain can be manipulated between an open position where the curtain is recessed and the opening on which the curtain is installed is visible and a closed position wherein the curtain is extended to cover the opening. The curtain can also be manipulated to occupy various positions between the open and closed positions. A track guide coupled to a track insert can be configured to hold the curtain in place during operation, enabling transition between the closed and open position where the assembly operates on a slope. The track guide and track insert can be constructed and arranged to mate with structures on the curtain. In one example, a zipper edge on the curtain travels in a channel structure constructed on the track insert. The zipper edge is configured to hold the curtain within the track insert while allowing the curtain to move between the open and closed position. The track insert can be configured to maintain tension within the curtain allowing movement of the curtain along a sloped plane without deflection of the curtain. In some examples, the track insert can be fixed within the track guide. In other examples, the track insert can be configured to ride within a channel defined in the track guide. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the channel in the track guide can be constructed to permit some movement of the track insert within the channel defined in the track guide. Permitting movement of the track insert within the track guide can relieve tension in the curtain and assist in operation. In some settings, wind on the curtain can increase tension until the curtain binds and cannot be moved. In some examples, allowing some play in the track insert within the channel defined by the track guide prevents binding conditions.

According to one aspect, a curtain assembly is provided. The curtain assembly comprises a curtain selectably moveable between an open position and a closed position, a track guide that defines a plane of operation of the curtain as it moves between the open position and the closed position, and a track insert coupled to the track guide, wherein the curtain is moveably coupled to the track insert, wherein the track insert defines a channel of operation at which the track insert and the curtain are moveably coupled, and wherein the curtain travels along the channel of operation during transition between the open and the closed position. According to one embodiment, the curtain assembly further comprises a connection portion of the curtain constructed and arranged with an end portion having a width greater than the channel of operation and a travel portion having a width less than the width of the channel of operation at which the track insert and curtain are moveably coupled. According to one embodiment, the end portion is comprised of a plurality of teeth connected to a side of the curtain, and the plurality of teeth define the width greater than the width of the channel of operation.

According to one embodiment, the curtain assembly further comprises a bottom rail constructed and arranged to provide tension within the curtain to maintain a shape of the curtain within the plane of operation. According to one embodiment, the curtain assembly of claim 1 further comprises at least one stiffener elements constructed and arranged to maintain a shape of the curtain within the plane of operation. According to one embodiment, the curtain is a fabric curtain. According to one embodiment, the plane of operation is defined on a slope. According to one embodiment, the slope is greater than 10 degrees. According to one embodiment, the slope is greater than 20 degrees. According to one embodiment, the slope is greater than 30 degrees. According to one embodiment, the slope is greater than 40 degrees.

Tension on the curtain can be provided between opposed tracks and configured to insure the curtain remains disposed between the tracks over the entire length of the curtain's operation. Conventional curtains and curtain assembly fail to operate properly when installed on a sloping surface. Conventional curtains are typically configured for vertical motion alone. Angling the operation of a traditional curtain results in the curtain dragging against the installed surface, failing out of any curtain track, assuming the curtain is able to operate at all. According to one embodiment, the retractable curtain assembly can even be installed in horizontal positions in which some conventional curtain assemblies cannot function.

Still other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and embodiments, are discussed in detail below. Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other embodiment in any manner consistent with at least one of the objects, aims, and needs disclosed herein, and references to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an alternate embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “one embodiment” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of such terms herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. The accompanying drawings are included to provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings, together with the remainder of the specification, serve to explain principles and operations of the described and claimed aspects and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. Where technical features in the figures, detailed description or any claim are followed by references signs, the reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the figures, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence are intended to have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. The figures are provided for the purposes of illustration and explanation and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example curtain assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example track assembly includes a track guide, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example curtain assembly in a side view installed and operable along a slope, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example curtain assembly constructed and arranged to cover irregularly shaped openings, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example track assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example curtain assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example expandable bottom rail according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8A illustrates an example weld strip, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8B illustrates an example curtain with adhered weld strip, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an example roll tube for used in curtain assemblies, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment incorporating some aspects of the present disclosure. Curtain assembly 100 can be configured to operate over sloped surfaces, including windows, and/or other openings. Curtain assembly 100 includes mounting brackets 102 for installing a roll tube 104 having a curtain 108 over, for example, a window. In some examples, the curtain 108 is made of fabric. In other examples, the fabric curtain can be made of natural fibers, and in others can be constructed of artificial fibers. In some other examples, the curtain can be constructed of a blend of natural and artificial fibers. According to one embodiment, the fabric curtain is a flat sheet of fabric wound around the roll tube 104. Rotation of roll tube 104 causes curtain 108 to transition between an open (recessed) and a closed (extended) position. The rotation of roll tube 104 can be controlled via a drawn string (not shown), or in some embodiments curtain assembly 100 can include motors for rotating roll tube 104 (not shown). The curtain 108 may include fabric stiffeners 106 to provide rigidity. Fabric stiffeners 106 can be constructed of various materials, including metal bands fixed to one or more sides of the curtain. Co-pending application Ser. No. 12/911,807, entitled ARCHITECTURAL APPARATUS AND METHOD, filed on Oct. 26, 2010, incorporated by reference herein by reference in its entirety, describes examples of banding constructed about fabric curtains that provide rigidity and support for the curtains of various curtain assemblies. In some embodiments, the fabric stiffeners 106 can be omitted.

The curtain 108 is constructed to ride within guide tracks 114 during operation. Guide tracks 114 include track inserts (not shown in FIG. 1) configured to mate with curtain 108. In some embodiments, curtain 108 is constructed with zipper edges 110. Zipper edges 110 resemble one half of a conventional zipper structure. Zipper edge 110 includes teeth which can be constructed of various materials including metal or plastic. The teeth of zipper edge 110 ride within a channel defined by the track insert. Referring to FIG. 2, track assembly 200 illustrates an example of teeth 202 of a zipper edge, configured to mate with a track insert 204. Track insert 204 defines a channel 206 in which a portion of the curtain or a portion of a zipper edge 110 may move freely during transitions between opened and closed positions of a curtain assembly. The teeth 204 and the channel 206 are constructed and arranged to prevent the curtain from coming free of the track insert 204. The track assembly shown in FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section view of one of the track guides shown in FIG. 1 at 114. Returning to FIG. 1, zipper edges 110 can be constructed to provide rigidity in the curtain 108. In some embodiments, as curtain 108 deflects from a plane of operation defined between the track guides 114, opposing pressure will be exerted on the curtain 108 by virtue of the teeth 202 disposed in the track insert 204 on either side of the curtain 108.

According to one embodiment, curtain 108 is attached to a bottom rail 112. Bottom rail 112 is constructed and arranged to assist in the operation of the curtain assembly between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, bottom rail 112 can include weights at 120. The weights are configured to assist in unwinding the curtain 108 from the roll tube 104 into a closed position and to provide resistance as the curtain 108 is wound around roll tube 104 towards an open position. In some embodiments, the weights at 120 are optional. In horizontal implementations, for example, weights at 120 provide little or no assistance in operation of the curtain assembly. In some embodiments, bottom rail 112 includes wheels assemblies (not shown) at both ends of the bottom rail 112. The wheel assemblies guide the bottom rail 112 within the track guides 114. The wheel assemblies can be constructed to reduce friction during normal operation of the curtain assembly. In some embodiments, bottom rail 112 can define a tubular structure in which weights can be placed. In other embodiments, bottom rail 112 defines an elliptical structure to which curtain 108 can be attached. In another example, curtain 108 can form a pocket at the base of the curtain in which bottom rail 112 can be located.

Optionally, bottom rail 112 can be attached to tension cables 116 and tension boxes 118. Tension cables 116 and tension boxes 118 can be configured in conjunction with weights 120 to assist in operation of the curtain 108 between open and closed positions. In some embodiments, tension cables 116 and 118 can be used instead of weights at 120. The tension boxes 118 exert a force on the bottom rail 112 pulling the bottom rail 112 towards the tension boxes through tension cables 116.

Mounting brackets 102 at the end of the roll tube 104 mate with mounting structures (not shown) that can be installed on a given surface. In one example, mounting brackets 102 are positioned for installation at the top of a window. In some settings, mounting brackets 102 can be positioned within a frame of a window. Track guides 114 can be installed below and/or adjacent to the mounting brackets 102. Track guides 114 can be installed on the side edges of a window frame. In some embodiments, track guides can be installed adjacent to a window frame so that the curtain assembly can cover the window and the frame.

Returning to FIG. 2, shown is an example track assembly which includes a track guide 208. Track guide 208 defines a first channel 210 constructed and arranged to house a portion of track insert 204. Track insert 204 is moveably coupled to track guide 208. A portion of track insert 204 is positioned within the first channel 210 and at least a portion of a yoke of the track insert 204 is positioned within a second channel 217 defined by a first 218 and second flange 220 of the track guide 208. Track insert 204 includes a first 222 and second cap 224 portion that are constructed to hold the track insert 204 in the first channel 210 and second channel 217. The first 222 and second 224 cap portions operate in conjunction with a base portion 226 of the track insert 204 to hold the track insert in place. In some embodiments, the track insert 204 can include compressible portions 228.

In some examples, the compressible portions 228 can be constructed of felt, sponge material, rubber, bristles or other compressible material. The compressible portions 228 can be configured to permit side to side movement of track insert 204 in the second channel 217. According to some embodiments, the capability of side to side movement assists in the operation of the curtain assembly. During periods of increased pressure on the curtain (e.g., 108 in FIG. 1) compressible portions 228 can be compressed relieving tension in the curtain and insuring the curtain does not become bound in place during operation.

When a curtain is moved between the open and the closed positions or anywhere in between the portion of the curtain or the portion of the zipper edge will move freely in channel 206. Additionally, a bottom rail 230 of the curtain assembly is also configured to move freely within a third channel 212 defined by the track guide 208. A wheel assembly 232 assists in free movement of the bottom rail 230 in the third channel 212. The wheel assembly 232 may comprise a single wheel and an axis connecting the wheel to the bottom rail 230. In other embodiments, different configurations can be employed including, for example, ball bearing structures, or other structures that are configured to reduce friction between the bottom rail 230 and the track guide 208 as the bottom rail 230 and/or curtain move within the third channel 212. According to one embodiment, the third channel 212 can include housing structures 234. In one example, housing structures 234 are constructed and arranged to include bristles at 236 which also can be configured to maintain the position of bottom rail 230 within the third channel 212 during operation of a curtain assembly. In one alternative, housing structures 234 can be constructed and arranged with felt strips at 236 instead of bristles. Other compressible materials can also be employed at 236 to guide and control movement of the bottom rail 230 during operation of a curtain assembly. In some implementations housing structures 234 and bristles 236 can be omitted.

According to some embodiments, track guide 208 further defines a fourth channel 214. The fourth channel 214 is constructed and arranged to provide greater structural integrity to track guide. In some embodiments, track guide 208 can be fabricated from aluminum and various structures can be constructed, e.g., fourth channel 214, to provide for a desired strength for track guide 208. In some embodiments, the fourth channel can be omitted. In other embodiments different materials can be used to mold, cast, and/or extrude a track guide and a fourth channel 214 can be included as necessary to establish a desired strength for the track guide 208. In one example, the track guide 208 can be constructed of steel. In another example, the track guide 208 can be constructed of plastic.

The material selected and the dimensions of track assembly 200 can vary depending upon a given installation site. Materials can be selected based on aesthetic as well as based on structural considerations. In one example, the dimensions of the track guide can be 1.44 inches at 252, 0.67 inches at 254, 0.79 inches at 256, 1.255 inches at 258, 1.93 inches at 572, and 0.47 inches at 260. In other embodiments, different dimension can be employed. Further, different material used to construct the track guide 208 can require different dimensions and/or permit smaller installation dimensions.

Shown in FIG. 3, is an example curtain assembly 300, illustrated in a side view, installed and operable along a slope. Dashed line 301 illustrates a hypothetical plumb line drawn from the top of the installation position. In some settings, the installation slope shown by angle 312 follows an irregularly shaped structure, for example a slopping wall, window, etc. In some embodiments, the curtain assembly can be installed and be operable in a horizontal position, e.g., where angle 312 is 90 degrees from line 301. The curtain assembly is mounted to the structure to be covered (e.g., window, frame, opening) via mounting brackets at 302. The mounting brackets are coupled to a roll tube 304 around which a curtain 306 is wound. Typically, the curtain assembly is configured for installation in an interior of a building, house or other residential structure. In some embodiments, the curtain 306 can be constructed of a flat panel of cloth and/or fabric. In one example, the curtain comprises a single flat panel wound around roll tube 304. In other examples, the fabric can be woven from artificial and/or natural fibers. Optional curtain stiffeners (not shown) can be employed to maintain the flat shape of the curtain during operation. Further, stiffeners can be required when covering windows, as air flow through open windows can tend to distort the shape and appearance of a fabric and/or cloth curtain.

In other embodiments, tension provided by opposite track guides, e.g., 310, to which the curtain is attached, can maintain the shape and appearance of the curtain 306 during operation and in any fixed position. Further, weight provided by bottom rail 308 can also provide tension within the curtain 306 that maintains the shape and appearance of the curtain 306. The weight of bottom rail 308 can be adjusted based on the tension desired in the curtain 306 and an installation slope at which curtain assembly 300 is installed. Bottom rail 308 and curtain 306 are guided within track guide 310 during operation of the curtain assembly between an open position, where curtain is wound around roll tube 304 and a closed position where curtain 306 is unwound from roll tube 304 to cover the opening on which curtain assembly 300 is installed. Curtain 306 is configured to be moveable to occupy any position along track guide 310 based on rotation of roll tube 304. In some embodiments, the rotation of roll tube 304 can be accomplished via a draw string mechanism (not shown) or other motorized structures (not shown) for rotating roll tube 304 in both directions. In other embodiments, curtain 304 can be configured to be in an equilibrium state when not moving, but configured to tend towards a direction of motion when operated, for example, by hand. In some embodiments, springs can be installed in roll 304 to balance the weight applied by bottom rail 308, so that curtain 306 can be easily manipulated by hand.

According to another aspect, a retractable curtain assembly is provided for installation in openings having angled sides, including angled top, bottom, and side edges. Conventional curtains are installed about or abutting windows to cover rectangular openings. Traditionally, windows or other exterior openings are configured with squared or nearly squared edges which present rectangular or squared spaces. Squared and rectangle openings can be covered during the operation of conventional curtains. Operating curtain assemblies within and/or over irregularly shaped openings presents difficulties that some conventional curtains cannot overcome. According to one embodiment, a retractable curtain assembly is configured to provide complete coverage of an opening as the dimensions of the opening change. In one particular embodiment, the curtain assembly is configured to cover a trapezoidal window. According to another example, a variable length bottom rail can be configured to expand and contract during the transition between an open and closed position of a curtain to insure proper coverage of the trapezoidal window. In another embodiment, the variable length bottom rail is configured to ride within a track guide. In one example, the variable length bottom rail is connected to a wheel assembly that is constructed and arranged to fit within a channel defined in the track guide. During transitions between an open and closed position, the wheel assembly is configured to exert pressure on the variable length bottom rail, causing the variable length bottom rail to expand or contact lengthwise to fit within the opening defined by the track guide.

According to one aspect, a curtain assembly is provided. The curtain assembly comprises a curtain selectably moveable between an open position and a closed position connected to a variable length bottom rail, a track guide that defines a side of a plane of operation of the curtain as it moves between the open position and the closed position, the variable length bottom rail constructed and arranged to vary in length as a distance between a pair of track guides varies, and a wheel assembly moveably coupled to the track guide, wherein the variable length bottom rail is coupled to the wheel assembly, and the wheel assembly is configured to exert force on the variable length bottom rail causing the variable length bottom rail to expand and contract in response to changing distances between the pair of track guides during transition between the open and the closed position. According to one embodiment, the curtain assembly of claim 1 further comprises at least one stiffener elements constructed and arranged to maintain a shape of the curtain within the plane of operation. According to one embodiment, the curtain is a fabric curtain. According to one embodiment, the plane of operation is defined on a slope. According to one embodiment, the slope is greater than 10 degrees. According to one embodiment, the slope is greater than 20 degrees. According to one embodiment, the slope is greater than 30 degrees. According to one embodiment, the slope is greater than 40 degrees.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a curtain assembly 400 incorporating some aspects of the present disclosure. Curtain assembly 400 is constructed and arranged to cover irregularly shaped openings, for example windows, frames, doors, etc. The irregular shapes can include trapezoids, triangles, partial ellipses, etc. According to some embodiments, the curtain assembly can be installed over such irregular openings even where the opening is constructed on a sloped surface, window, and/or other opening, requiring the curtain assembly to operate on a sloped plane, as shown in FIG. 6.

The curtain assembly 400 includes mounting brackets 402 for installing a roll tube 404 having a curtain 408 that covers, for example, a window. In some examples, the curtain 408 is made of fabric. In other examples, the fabric curtain can be made of natural fibers, and in others can be constructed of artificial fibers. In some other examples, the curtain can be constructed of a blend of natural and artificial fibers. According to one embodiment, the fabric curtain 408 is a flat sheet of fabric wound around the roll tube 404. Rotation of roll tube 404 causes curtain 408 to transition between an open (recessed) and a closed (extended) position. The rotation of roll tube 404 can be controlled via a drawn string (not shown) or in some embodiments curtain assembly 400 can include motors for rotating roll tube 404 (not shown). The curtain 408 may include fabric stiffeners 406 to provide rigidity. Fabric stiffeners 406 can be constructed of various materials, including metal bands fixed to one or more sides of the curtain. In some embodiments, the fabric stiffeners 406 can be omitted.

According to one embodiment, curtain 408 is attached to a bottom rail 412. Bottom rail 412 is constructed and arranged to assist in the operation of the curtain assembly 400 between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, bottom rail 412 includes a wheel assembly 420 and stabilizer pins 422 at both ends of the bottom rail 412. The wheel assemblies 420 guide the bottom rail 412 within the track guides 414. The stabilizer pins 422 ride within the track guides 414A-B and insure the bottom rail 412 does not rotate during operation. The wheel assemblies 420 can be constructed to reduce friction during normal operation of the curtain assembly. Further, the wheel assemblies 420 mate with an internal channel constructed within the track guides 414A-B. As the wheel assemblies 420 travel in the channels constructed in the track guides 414, the change in distance between the wheel assemblies 420 results in an operational force applied to the bottom rail 412. The operational force applied to the bottom rail 412 causes the bottom rail 412 to change in length as the bottom rail is moved along the track guide 414. The change in length required depends upon the structure in which the curtain assembly is installed. Dashed line 450 illustrates a hypothetical plumb line drawn from mounting bracket 402. The angle of the slope 452 can vary depending upon the installation site. Further, track guides 414A-B are illustrated with only one track guide 414A showing a sloped installation. In other embodiments, both track guides can be installed at angles relative to respective plumb lines. Further curtain assembly 400 can be configured to operate over and/or within a variety of structures having differently sloping sides, top, and/or bottom edges. In some other embodiments, not only may structure have irregularly shaped edges, top, and/or bottom sides, requiring the track guides to be sloped, but the plane of operation of the curtain itself may also be sloped. An example of a curtain assembly showing a sloped plane of operation is illustrated in FIG. 6.

Returning to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the bottom rail 412 is constructed of a first portion 424 and a second portion 426, which move laterally relative to each other as the bottom rail is operated up and down within track guide 414. The opening shown at 428 expands and contracts based on the movement of bottom rail 412. Not shown in FIG. 4 is a sleeve that surrounds the first 424 and second portion 426 of the bottom rail to cover the opening 428 during operation of the curtain assembly 400. The sleeve is constructed to provide a surface for the curtain 408 during the telescoping of bottom rail 412.

In some embodiments, the bottom rail 412 can define a tubular structure in which weights can be placed. In other embodiments, the bottom rail 412 defines an elliptical structure to which curtain 408 can be attached. In another example, curtain 408 can form a pocket at the base of the curtain in which the bottom rail 412 can be located. In one embodiment, stabilizer bars 430 and 432 can be constructed within the bottom rail 412. In one example, either one or both stabilizer bars 430-432 can be fixed to one side of the bottom rail 412. The first portion 424 and the second portion 426 of the bottom rail 412 are configured to slide over stabilizer bars 430-432 as the bottom rail 412 expands and contracts in length during operation of the curtain assembly 400.

Optionally, bottom rail 412 can be attached to tension cables 416 and tension boxes 418 to assist in moving the curtain assembly 400 between the open and closed positions. The tension cables 416 and tension boxes 418 can be configured in conjunction with weights at 410 to assist in operation of the curtain 408 between the open and closed positions. Tension boxes 418 exert a force on bottom rail 412 through tension cables 416 towards the closed position of curtain 408.

In some embodiments, the bottom rail 412 can include weights at 410. The weights 410 are configured to assist in unwinding the curtain 408 from the roll tube 404 into a closed position and to provide resistance as the curtain 408 is wound around roll tube 404 towards an open position. The weights 410 can be attached to stabilizer bars 430-432. In some alternatives, the weights 410 can be disposed within the bottom rail 412. In some embodiments, the weights at 410 are optional. In horizontal implementations, for example, weights at 410 provide little or no assistance in operation of the curtain assembly. In some embodiments, tension cables 416 and 418 can be used instead of weights at 410.

Mounting brackets 402 at the end of the roll tube 404 mate with mounting structures (not shown) that can be installed on a given surface. In one example, mounting brackets 402 are positioned for installation at the top of a window. In some settings, mounting brackets 402 can be positioned within a frame of a window. The track guides 414A-B can be installed below and/or adjacent to the mounting brackets 402. The track guides 414A-B can be installed on the side edges of a window frame and configured to follow non-traditional shapes. In some examples, the covered structure may define a trapezoid, a triangle, etc. In some embodiments, the track guides can be installed adjacent to a window frame so that the curtain assembly can cover both the window and the frame.

Shown in FIG. 5, is an example track assembly 500. Track assembly 500 is a cross section view of a track guide 508 and other structures which illustrate a portion of a curtain assembly including a curtain attached to roll tube and a bottom rail. The curtain assembly is configured to operate between an open and closed position by rotation of the roll tube, during which operation a bottom rail 530 rides along the track guide 508, with the bottom rail 530 expanding and contracting in length as necessary. According to some embodiments, the track guide 508 is installed at a slope relative to a second track guide (not shown). The slope of track guide 508 results in a variable distance between the track guide 508 and the second track guide requiring the bottom rail 530 to expand and/or contract as the bottom rail 530 travels the length of the track guide 508 and the second track guide.

The track guide 508 includes a first channel 510 constructed and arranged to house a wheel assembly 504. The wheel assembly 504 is moveably coupled to the track guide 508 within the first channel 510. During operation of the curtain assembly (e.g., the raising and lowering of a curtain and attached bottom rail) the wheel assembly 504 rides within the first channel 510 as the bottom rail moves with the curtain. According to one embodiment, the wheel assembly 504 is constructed of paired wheels 550 and 551 connected by a first rod 552 about which the wheels 550-551 rotate. The first rod 552 is connected to a second rod 554 which is connected to one end of the bottom rail 530 at a bottom rail end 556. The connection between the second rod 554 and the bottom rail end 556 can include welds or additional structures to secure the second rod 554 to the bottom rail end 556. In one embodiment, second rod 554 can be configured to extend through a hole in the bottom rail end 556, and locking structures 558 and 560 can be configured to hold the second rod 554 in place against bottom rail end 556. In one example, second rod 554 can include threaded portions and locking structures 558 and 560 can be configured to mate with the threaded portions of the second rod 554. In one alternative, the second rod 554 can be attached directly to the bottom rail 530, and the locking structures 558-560 can be omitted. In one example, the second rod 554 can be welded directly to bottom rail end 556. In another alternative, the second rod 554 can include a threaded portion to which the bottom rail end 556 mates.

In one example, the second rod 554 extends through a second channel 517 defined by the track guide 508 between a first 518 and second flange 520 of the track guide 508. The second rod 554 rides within the second channel as the bottom rail 530 travels in the track guide 508. The wheels 550 and 551 of the wheel assembly 504 ride against the first 518 and second flange 520, during operation of the bottom rail 530. As the distance between the track guide 508 and a second track guide increases a force is applied to the bottom rail 530 through the wheel assembly 504 and a respective wheel assembly housed within the second track guide. The force applied to the bottom rail 530 causes its expansion and/or contraction. For example, as shown above with respect to FIG. 4, the bottom rail 412 expands and contracts in length as the curtain assembly 400 is operated between the closed and open position—causing the distance between wheel assemblies at 420 to decrease and increase respectively.

When a curtain is moved between the open and the closed positions or anywhere in between the bottom rail 530 is also configured to move freely within a third channel 512 defined by the track guide 508. According to one embodiment, the third channel 512 can include housing structures 534. In one example, housing structures 534 are constructed and arranged to include bristles at 536 which can be configured to maintain the position of bottom rail 530 within the third channel 512 during operation of a curtain assembly. In one alternative, housing structures 534 can be constructed and arranged with felt strips at 536 instead of bristles. Other compressible materials can also be employed at 536 to guide and control movement of the bottom rail 530 during operation of a curtain assembly. In some implementations housing structures 534 and bristles 536 can be omitted. In some implementations, the housing structures and compressible material at 536 can be configured to dampen sound during operation of a curtain assembly.

According to some embodiments, the track guide 508 further defines a fourth channel 514. The fourth channel 514 is constructed and arranged to provide greater structural integrity to the track guide. In some embodiments, the track guide 508 can be fabricated from aluminum and various structures can be constructed, e.g., fourth channel 514, to provide for a desired strength for track guide 508. In some embodiments, the fourth channel can be omitted. In other embodiments different materials can be used to mold, cast, and/or extrude a track guide and a fourth channel 514 can be included as necessary to establish a desired strength for the track guide 508. In one example, the track guide 508 can be constructed of steel and/or stainless steel. In another example, the track guide 508 can be constructed of plastic.

The material selected and the dimensions of track assembly 500 can vary depending upon a given installation site. Materials can be selected based on aesthetic as well as based on structural considerations. In one example, the dimensions of the track guide can be 1.44 inches at 562, 0.67 inches at 564, 0.79 inches at 566, 1.255 inches at 568, 1.93 inches at 572, and 0.47 inches at 570. In other embodiments, different dimension can be employed. Further, different material used to construct the track guide 508 can require different dimensions and/or permit smaller installation dimensions.

Shown in FIG. 6, is an example curtain assembly 600, illustrated in a side view, installed and operable along a slope. Dashed line 601 illustrates a hypothetical plumb line drawn from the top of the installation position. In some settings, the installation slope shown by angle 612 follows an irregularly shaped structure, for example a slopping wall, window, etc. In some embodiments, the curtain assembly can be installed and operable in a horizontal position, e.g., where angle 612 is 90 degrees from line 601. The curtain assembly is mounted to the structure to be covered (e.g., window, frame, opening) via mounting brackets at 602. The mounting brackets are coupled to a roll tube 604 around which a curtain 606 is wound. Typically the curtain assembly is configured for installation in an interior of a building, house or other residential structure. In some embodiments, the curtain 606 can be constructed of a flat panel of cloth and/or fabric. In one example, the curtain comprises a single flat panel wound around roll tube 604. In other examples, the fabric can be woven from artificial and/or natural fibers. Optional curtain stiffeners (not shown) can be employed to maintain the flat shape of the curtain during operation. Further, stiffeners can be required when covering windows, as air flow through open windows can tend to distort the shape and appearance of a fabric and/or cloth curtain.

Further, weight provided by bottom rail 608 can also provide tension within the curtain 606 that maintains the shape and appearance of the curtain 606. The weight of bottom rail 608 can be adjusted based on the tension desired in the curtain 606 and an installation slope at which curtain assembly 600 is installed. Bottom rail 608 and curtain 606 are guided within track guide 610 during operation of the curtain assembly between an open position, where curtain is wound around roll tube 604 and a closed position where curtain 606 is unwound from roll tube 604 to cover the opening on which curtain assembly 600 is installed. Curtain 606 is configured to be moveable to occupy any position along track guide 610 based on rotation of roll tube 604. In some embodiments, the rotation of roll tube 604 can be accomplished via a draw string mechanism (not shown) or other motorized structures (not shown) for rotating roll tube 604 in both directions. In other embodiments, curtain 604 can be configured to be in an equilibrium state when not moving, but configured to tend towards a direction of motion when operated, for example, by hand. In some embodiments, springs can be installed in roll tube 604 to balance the weight applied by bottom rail 608, so that curtain 606 can be easily manipulated.

Shown in FIG. 7 is an example embodiment, of an expandable bottom rail 700. The expandable bottom rail 700 can be used in conjunction with various curtain assemblies, and in particular, curtain assemblies installed on, about, and/or within irregularly shaped openings. The expandable bottom rail 700 is configured to accommodate curtain assemblies having variable distances between track guides into which the expandable bottom rail can be installed.

FIG. 7A shows an exploded view of bottom rail 700. Bottom rail 700 includes wheel assemblies 702 coupled to the bottom rail 700 at each end of the bottom rail. A connector section at 703 can include springs which allow the connection section to flex slightly in response to pressure. For example, increased pressure from wind through an open window on a curtain can cause some conventional curtain assemblies to bind, rendering the assembly inoperable. Providing flexible connection sections at 703, for example, permits easy operation of a given curtain assembly even under increased pressure conditions. The wheel assemblies 702 are constructed and arranged to ride within channels defined by track guides that frame a given curtain assembly. The bottom rail 700 can include stabilization pins. In some embodiments each end the bottom rail 700 can include a pair of stabilization pins at 704. The stabilization pins are configured to prevent the bottom rail 700 from rotating during operation of a curtain assembly. In some embodiments, additional stabilization pins can be employed. In other embodiments, one stabilization pin on each end of the bottom rail can be used.

According to one embodiment, tubes 708 and 710 are fixed to one end 706 of the bottom rail 700. In other embodiments, either tube can be fixed to the end 706 of the bottom rail. In still other embodiments, each tube can be fixed to opposite ends of the bottom rail. And in some implementation, one or more tubes can be employed in bottom rail 700. In some examples, at least one of the one or more tubes can be fixed to an end of the bottom rail. Tubes 708 and 710 can be constructed with wheels at 718 to facilitate the movement of a first section 712 and a second section 714 of the bottom rail 700 relative to each other. During operation of a curtain assembly with sloped track guides, the distance between the track guides increase and decreased over the length of the track guides. Accordingly, expandable bottom rail 700, increase and decrease in length based on the distance between the track guides. The increase and decrease in length occurs based on the lateral movement of the first 712 and section sections 714 relative to each other guided by tubes 708 and 710. One or the other of the first 712 and second 714 sections of the bottom rail 700 can include mating structures not shown for receiving the tubes 708 and 710. In one example, channels can be defined within the first section 712 for receiving tubes 708 and 710. The tubes 708 and 710 can slide freely in the defined channels to permit the first 712 and 714 second section of the bottom rail to move. Movement of the first and second section increase and decreases the space between the first and second sections shown at 716 based on the distance between track guides of a given curtain assembly.

Shown in FIG. 7B is bottom rail 700 with an additional structure, sleeve 750. Sleeve 750 covers the first and second sections of the bottom rail, providing a uniform surface for a curtain of a given curtain assembly. In some embodiments, the bottom rail 700 can be inserted within a pocket defined the by the curtain, and in other embodiments, the curtain be attached to the bottom rail. In some examples, sleeve 750 can be fixed to one or the other of the first 712 and second sections 714 of the bottom rail. In one example, sleeve 750 is fixed to second section 714 at 752.

Shown in FIG. 8A is an example of a weld strip 804 used to attach teeth 806 to a curtain 802. When viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 8B, teeth at 852 have a greater width than weld strip 854 and curtain 856. The greater width provided by teeth 852 allows the teeth to be moveably coupled to a channel in a track insert, for example, track insert 204 and channel 206 shown in FIG. 2.

Shown in FIG. 9 is an example of a roll tube for use in curtain assemblies. In the illustrated embodiment, the roll tube is constructed with an inner tube 902 having a smaller circumference than paired outer tubes 904-905. Edge portions 906 and 908 are defined by portions of the inner tube 902 which extend beyond paired outer tubes 904-905. Edge portions 906 and 908 provide space for a portion of a curtain with greater width (e.g. zipper edge 110, FIG. 1) to wind around roll tube 900 during operation of a curtain assembly from a closed position to an open position. The smaller circumference edge portions 906 and 908 provide space, for example, for the zipper edge to be wound around the roll tube without the thickness of the zipper edge impeding operation of the curtain assembly. Other configurations of the roll tube can be employed, wherein a recessed portion is configured on each side of the roll tube to receive a zipper edged of the curtain assembly during winding of the curtain around the roll tube. In some examples the roll tube can be constructed of a single tube with varying thickness at the edges to form edge portions. In other examples, multiple pieces can be assembled to construct a roll tube with edge portions for receiving a zipper edge. In yet other examples, a single interior roll tube can be coupled to a tube on each edge wherein an exposed portion of the edge tubes define edge portions of smaller circumference for receiving, for example, a zipper portion of a curtain. In another embodiment, a roll tube can be configured with an interior recessed portion that is configured for used in multiple curtain installations. The roll tube can be installed to operate two curtains in a curtain assembly. Multiple curtains can be wound on a single roll tube with each curtain having its own track guides. In an interior portion, two single track guides can be used each opening towards one of the adjacent curtains. In one embodiment a dual track guide can be used. The dual track guide can be constructed with dual structures facing the adjacent curtains so the single dual track guide can assist in the movement of multiple curtains positioned between the multiple curtains. For example, the structures describes above with respect to FIG. 2, are repeated with one set of structures opening towards one of a pair of adjacent curtains and the other set of structures opening towards the opposite direction.

One should appreciate that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing”, “involving”, and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

RETRACTABLE CURTAIN PANEL WITH TRACK GUIDE

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CPC

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)