SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRIVACY

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a privacy system, a privacy curtain, and a method for creating privacy. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a privacy curtain which is releasably couplable with a bracket fastener.

BACKGROUND

Drawable privacy curtains are commonly used in various facilities to surround a given area. In healthcare facilities, the privacy curtains are often used to surround or enclose patients to ensure privacy. Privacy curtains are generally hung from or on a track system via one or more carriers that can slide within or over the track system. Most carriers use conventional hooks to hang or hold the privacy curtain. However, in the existing art, when the privacy curtain is drawn around the patient to ensure privacy, it is not possible to secure the curtain to a wall or other surface to prevent the curtain from inadvertently being inadvertently drawn open. Thus, the patient's privacy may not be fully protected from bystanders who might look around the outer extents of the curtain. In another scenario, wherein the system is used in a shower or other wet setting, if the curtain is inadvertently drawn open, excess water can leak or spray past the outer extents of the curtain.

In view of the above, a need exists in the art for a privacy system that is releasably couplable with a bracket fastener to prevent the curtain from being inadvertently drawn open.

SUMMARY

The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the systems and methods particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to systems and methods for creating privacy.

Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter described below provides various non-limiting examples of an improved privacy curtain system, privacy curtain, and method of creating privacy in which the privacy curtain can be releasably coupled to a wall or other surface having a mounting bracket.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a privacy system is provided. The system includes a mountable bracket having at least one bracket fastener; and a curtain having a top edge portion, a bottom edge portion, a first side edge portion, and a second side edge portion, the first side edge portion having a least one curtain fastener. The at least one curtain fastener is configured to be releasably couplable to the at least one bracket fastener. Additionally, the privacy system includes a mountable bracket having a least one bracket fastener which is releasably couplable to a curtain which has a top edge portion, a bottom edge portion, a first side portion, and a second edge portion wherein the first side edge portion has at least one curtain fastener.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a privacy system includes a support having a track and a carrier having a track interface, wherein the track interface can slidably engage the track and the curtain interface releasably couples with the top edge portion of the curtain. The track interface can slidably engage with the track in a rolling manner. Additionally, the track interface can also have wheels. Additionally, the support can be made from cubicle track.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the curtain fastener can be a male snap and the bracket fastener can be a corresponding female snap. Alternatively, the curtain fastener can be a female snap and the bracket fastener can be a corresponding male snap.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the top edge portion of the curtain can include a plurality of holes such that a support is configured to pass through the plurality of holes in the top edge portion.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the top edge portion of the curtain can be mechanically coupled to the support by a plurality of hooks.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the mountable bracket can further include a curtain tie back which is configured to secure the curtain to the bracket fastener.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the privacy system can further include a second mountable bracket having a least one bracket fastener which is releasably couplable to a second curtain which has a top edge portion, a bottom edge portion, a first side portion, and a second edge portion wherein the first side edge portion has at least one curtain fastener.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a method for creating privacy includes providing a privacy system including a mountable bracket having at least one bracket fastener which is releasably couplable to a curtain having a top edge portion, a bottom edge portion, a first side edge portion, and a second side edge portion, the first side edge portion having a least one curtain fastener, a support having a track having a length, and a carrier having a track interface and a curtain interface, wherein the track interface slidably engages the track and the curtain interface releasably couples with the top edge portion of the curtain, mounting the bracket on a wall, mounting the track such that it extends outwardly from the wall, coupling the curtain interface of the carrier with the top edge portion of the curtain, and releasably coupling the curtain fastener to the bracket fastener.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a method for creating privacy can include designating a space as a private space and extending the curtain along the length of the track to separate the private space from the non-private space. Additionally, the private space can be in the corner of a room.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a privacy curtain includes a top edge portion, a bottom edge portion, and two side edges portions, the first side edge portion having a least one curtain fastener which is configured to be releasably configured to a bracket fastener mounted on a wall.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the top edge of the privacy curtain can be releasably coupled to a carrier which slidably engages with a track. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the curtain fastener of the privacy curtain can be a male snap. Alternatively, the curtain fastener of the privacy curtain can be a female snap. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the top edge portion of the privacy curtain can include a plurality of holes such that the support is configured to pass through the plurality of holes in the top edge portion. In another embodiment, the top edge portion of the curtain can be mechanically coupled to the support by a plurality of hooks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a privacy system including a mountable bracket, a curtain which is releasably couplable to the mountable bracket, and a sliding track, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2A illustrates a support, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2B illustrates a track, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2C illustrates a carrier having a track interface and a curtain interface, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2D illustrates a carrier having a track interface and a curtain interface, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2E illustrates a curtain and a carrier having a curtain interface, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2F illustrates a carrier being engaged with a track, a carrier stop, a carrier gate, and a small box, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3A illustrates a privacy system having a curtain that couples to a support without additional hardware, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3B illustrates a privacy system having a curtain that couples to a support with a plurality of hooks, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 illustrates a privacy system including a mountable bracket with a curtain tie back configured to secure the curtain to the bracket fastener, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 illustrates a privacy system including two mountable brackets, two curtains which are each releasably couplable to one of the mountable brackets, and two tracks, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting a method for creating privacy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, which embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The examples and embodiments described below are merely exemplary, and should not be taken in any way to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting example of a perspective view of a privacy system according to certain embodiments. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates privacy system 1000 having a mountable bracket 102 having at least one bracket fastener 104, and a curtain 110 which is configured to be releasably coupled to the at least one bracket fastener 104 via at least one corresponding curtain fastener 108. Although the system is shown with one bracket 102, any suitable number of brackets 102 can be included, for example, two, three, four, five or six. Likewise, although bracket 102 is shown with two bracket fasteners 104, any suitable number of bracket fasteners can be disposed on each bracket 102, for example, one, three, four, five, six. Curtain 110 is shown with two curtain fasteners 108, any suitable number of curtain fastener 108, which can correspond to the number of bracket fasteners. The mounting bracket 102 can be made to be permanently or temporarily mounted on a wall 100. For example, the mounting bracket can have one or more grommets 106 for screws to pass through in order to mount the mounting bracket 102 to the wall 100. Further, the mounting bracket 102 can be made from, but is not limited to, vinyl, aluminum, plastic, Velcro °, a magnetic strip, or combinations thereof. The curtain can include a top edge portion 112, a bottom edge portion 114, a first side portion 116, and a second side portion 118, wherein the curtain fasteners 108 can be located on the first side portion 116.

The bracket fasteners 104 and curtain fasteners 108 can be configured to releasably engage with each other so as to secure the first side portion 116 of the curtain 110 to the wall 100 while the privacy system is in use. When the fasteners 104, 108 are engaged, the first side portion 116 is prevented from inadvertently sliding along a track 122 (described in greater detail below) and leaving an open gap between the curtain 110 and the wall 100. Accordingly, this can prevent bystanders from seeing around the outer extents of the curtain 110. Additionally or alternatively, this can prevent water from splashing between the wall 100 and the curtain 110 if the curtain 110 is used as a shower curtain or in a similar setting. In accordance with he disclosed subject matter, the bracket fasteners 104 and curtain fasteners 108 can be corresponding male and female snaps. For example, the curtain fastener can be the male snap and the bracket fastener can be the female snap. Alternatively, the curtain fastener can be the female snap and the bracket fastener can be the male snap. The snaps can be made from brass or stainless steel, or any other type of metal. As another example, the snaps can be non-metal materials, such as plastic. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the bracket and curtain fasteners can use non-snap connectors, such as magnets or screws, or any other type of connector.

As further shown in FIG. 1 for purpose of illustration and not limitation, the privacy system can include a support 120 with a track 122 and a carrier 124. The carrier 124 can include both a track interface and a curtain interface such that carrier 124 can slidably engage with the track 122 and releasably couple with the curtain 110. As such the carriers 124 enable the curtain 110 to slide along the length of the track 122 when the curtain 110 is pulled in the direction of the track 122 in order to draw the curtain 110 open or closed. In that regard, FIG. 1 depicts the system with a “closed” curtain 110. Track 122 can be linear, curved, irregularly shaped, or any suitable shape or combination. For example, the track can include two linear portions and a curved portion between, such that the curtain can “close” more than one side of a square or rectangular space.

The curtain 110 can be composed of a single material or a combination of materials. For example, the curtain 110 can be fabricated with nylon, polyester, polypropylene, vinyl, non-vinyl, linen, any other known curtain material, or any combination thereof. The curtain material can include a water-resistant coating or covering, for example, for use in a shower environment. The fabric of the curtain 110 can be fire retardant, recyclable, and/or antimicrobial. The curtain 110 can become dirty or soiled, for example, when used in a healthcare facility or environment. Accordingly, the one or more materials included within the curtain 110 can allow the curtain 110 to be removed and cleaned or washed. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, translucent or partially opaque material can be used. For example, curtain 110 can be made from an opaque material on the bottom portion and a mesh, transparent, or translucent material on the top portion. Such a configuration can be advantageous in embodiments where the support is mounted to the ceiling and the curtain is floor-length, because the bottom portion can protect the privacy of the patient while the top portion allows light to pass through.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the second side edge portion 118 can be coupled to a vertical support, which can facilitate the sliding of the curtain 110 along the track 122. To that end, the vertical support can provide a means to pull the second side edge 118 of the curtain. Furthermore, the second side edge portion 118 of the curtain 110 can be either permanently or releasably coupled to the vertical support. For example, the vertical support can include fasteners similar to the bracket fastener 104 and accordingly the second side edge portion 118 of the curtain 110 can be coupled to the vertical support by curtain fasteners 108. Accordingly, curtain fasteners 108 can be coupled to either the bracket fasteners coupled to a wall or the vertical support.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a non-limiting example of a support 200 including a track 202. The support 200 can be constructed from cubicle track. However, it will be understood by those having skill in the art that a support 200 with a track 202 can be any suitable support and track. The support 200 can be made from extruded aluminum, or it can be made by milling, casting, molding, additive processes, or any other manufacturing processes. Furthermore, any other material can be used to form the support 200 and the track 202.

Referring to FIGS. 2C and 2D, for purpose of illustration and not limitation, a carrier 204 which has both a track interface 206 and a curtain interface 208 is provided. The track interface 206 of the carrier 204 can be configured to slidably engage with the track 202 of the support 200. For example, the carrier 204 slidably engages by rolling along the track using wheels 210. However, any suitable sliding engagement can be used. Furthermore, the curtain interface 208 of the carrier 204 can be configured to releasably couple with the top edge portion of the curtain 210, as shown in FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 2E. This can be achieved by a hook, which engages with a corresponding hole 212 and which can be reinforced with a grommet 214 in the top edge portion of the curtain 210, but can also be achieved with clamps, snaps, or any other suitable connecting means. By connecting the curtain 216 to the support via a sliding carrier 204, the system allows the user to draw the curtain 216 in any direction along the support 200 so as to open or close the privacy system. The carrier 204 can be made of nylon, nickel-plated steel, stainless steel, or any other suitable material. The carrier 204 can be made from several materials; for example, the wheels 210 and axle 232 can be made from nylon, the hook or curtain interface 208 means can be made from stainless steel, and wheels 210 and axle 232 can be connected to the hook with a nickel-plated steel chain 214.

As explained above, the carriers can slide, roll, glide, or otherwise move within or over the track system. Carriers can be manually moved within or over the track system by a user; additionally or alternatively, the carriers can be automatically moved using one or more mechanical or electronic mechanism. A user, for example, can be a patient, a health professional, such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse, or any other employee or visitor of the healthcare facility in which the privacy curtain is located. Carriers can be used to connect, hang, or hold the privacy curtain. In some non-limiting embodiments, the carrier can include a hook, chain, loop, clip, wire, tab, or any other connector used to hang or hold the privacy or cubicle curtain.

FIG. 2F depicts a completed support-track-carrier assembly 234 with a carrier stop 218, carrier gate 220, and small box 222. The end of the support furthest from the wall can be equipped with a carrier stop 218, which can be configured to prevent the carriers 204 from rolling beyond the end of the support 200. Similarly, the end of the support 200 nearest the wall can be equipped with a carrier gate 220. When the small box 222 is screwed into the carrier gate 220, the carrier gate 220 functions similarly to the carrier stop 218 in that it prevents the carriers 204 from rolling beyond the end of the support 200. However, when the small box 222 is removed from the support-track-carrier assembly 234, carriers 204 can be added or removed to the assembly.

The support 200 can be mounted to a ceiling or any other horizontal surface. Where a ceiling is a tile ceiling, the support can be screwed into a ceiling mounting bracket which is behind or level with the ceiling tiles and which is further secured to the ceiling with ceiling wires. Alternatively, if the ceiling is sheetrock, the support 200 can be screwed into a wood block or hat channel on the backside of the sheetrock or secured to the sheetrock with an anchor or toggle bolt. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the support 200 can be suspended from the ceiling.

FIG. 3A illustrates a non-limiting example of a perspective view of a privacy system according to the disclosed subject matter. In particular, FIG. 3A illustrates privacy system 300 that can include one or more of the features described above, such as mountable bracket 302 having at least one bracket fastener 304, and a curtain 306 which is configured to be releasably coupled to the at least one bracket fastener 304 via at least one corresponding curtain fastener 308. A support 310 can mechanically couple to the curtain 306 without additional hardware. Particularly, a plurality of holes 312 can be provided along the top portion of the curtain 306 and the support 310 can pass through the plurality of holes 312. The curtain 306 can thereby be configured in a repeated S-shape pattern. The support 310 can be made from extruded aluminum, or it can be made by milling, casting, molding, additive processes, or any other suitable manufacturing processes. Furthermore, any suitable material can be used to form the support 310. The holes 312 in the curtain 306 can be reinforced with grommets made from aluminum, steel, brass, nickel, or any other suitable metal or non-metal material.

FIG. 3B illustrates a non-limiting example of a perspective view of a privacy system according to the disclosed subject matter. In particular, FIG. 3B illustrates privacy system 314 that can include one or more of the features described above, such as mountable bracket 302 having at least one bracket fastener 304, and a curtain 306 which is configured to be releasably coupled to the at least one bracket fastener 304 via at least one corresponding curtain fastener 308. Support 310 can mechanically couple to the curtain 306 using a plurality of hooks 316. For example, a plurality of holes 312 can be located along the top portion of the curtain 306 such that the hooks 316 simultaneously engages with the holes 312 and the support 310 in order to hang the curtain 306 from the support 310. The hooks 316 can be S-shaped, O-shaped, teardrop-shaped, or any other suitable shape. Further, if the hook is a closed loop, such as an O-shape or teardrop-shape, the hook 316 can releasable or non-releasable. The hooks 316 can be made from aluminum, steel, brass, nickel, or any other suitable metal or non-metal material. The holes 312 in the curtain 306 can be reinforced with grommets made from aluminum, steel, brass, nickel, or any other suitable metal or non-metal material.

FIG. 4 depicts a fabric tieback 400 which can be configured to secure the curtain 402 to the bracket fastener 404 when the privacy system is not in use. In this way, a user can prevent the curtain from inadvertently sliding along the track and can keep the curtain 402 drawn open. In some configurations, the tieback 400 can be screwed to the mountable bracket 404 through a grommet 406 in the tieback. The free ends of the tieback 408, 410 can then be wrapped around the curtain 402 and secured to one another in order to prevent the curtain 402 from being drawn closed. It will be appreciated by those having skill in the art that the tieback can be connected to the mountable bracket in other manners, for example with a snap. Similarly, the free ends of the tieback can be connected with a snap, Velcro °, or with any other connection method.

FIG. 5 depicts a privacy system including a second mountable bracket and a second curtain, the second mountable bracket having at least one bracket fastener and the second curtain having at least one curtain fastener such that the curtain fastener is releasably couplable to the bracket fastener. The second mountable bracket and the second curtain can include similar characteristics to the first mountable bracket and first curtain. In the privacy system depicted in FIG. 5, the first curtain 500 and second curtain 502 are drawn open, but are arranged to form a private “room” 504 within the greater room 506 when drawn closed. However, one having skill in the art will recognize that there are other ways in which the two curtains 500, 502 can be configured or arranged. For example, the first and second curtains 500, 502 can be parallel to each other. Although only two curtains are shown, any suitable number of curtains can be used. Additionally or alternatively, a single curtain can be used with curtain fasteners 508 on both a first side portion 116 and a second side portion 118, such that the first side portion 118 can be releasably coupled to brackets 102 coupled to a first wall and the second side portion 118 can be releasably coupled to brackets 102 coupled to a second wall.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method for creating privacy 600 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. The method begins at step 602, where the method can include providing a privacy system. The privacy system can include a mountable bracket having at least one bracket fastener, a curtain having a top edge portion, a bottom edge portion, a first side edge portion, and a second side edge portion, wherein the curtain fastener is configured to be releasably couplable to the bracket fastener. The privacy system can also have a support wherein the support has a track with a length. The privacy system can further have a carrier having a track interface and a curtain interface, wherein the track interface slidably engages the track and the curtain interface releasably couples with the top edge portion of the curtain. At step 604, the method can include mounting the bracket on a wall. At step 606, the method can include mounting the track such that it extends outwardly from the wall. At step 608, the method can include coupling the curtain interface of the carrier with the top edge portion of the curtain.

Additionally, the method 600 can include releasably coupling the curtain fastener to the bracket fastener. The method 600 can further include designating a space as a private space and drawing the curtain along the length of the track to separate the private space from non-private space. Furthermore, method can include designating the corner of a room as the private space.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the method can repeat one or more steps of the method of FIG. 6, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular steps of the method of FIG. 6 as occurring in a particular order, this disclosure contemplates any suitable steps of the method of FIG. 6 occurring in any suitable order. Moreover, although this disclosure describes and illustrates an example method for creating privacy including the particular steps of the method of FIG. 6, this disclosure contemplates any suitable method for creating privacy including any suitable steps, which can include all, some, or none of the steps of the method of FIG. 6, where appropriate. Furthermore, although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular components, devices, or systems carrying out particular steps of the method of FIG. 6, this disclosure contemplates any suitable combination of any suitable components, devices, or systems carrying out any suitable steps of the method of FIG. 6.

The features, structures, or characteristics of certain embodiments described throughout this specification can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, appearance of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements may be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover, although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter may be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.

In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalent.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRIVACY

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