HEADER TAPE ARRANGEMENT FOR A CURTAIN

Abstract

The invention provides a header tape arrangement for a curtain. The arrangement is for causing a wave effect in the curtain. The arrangement has a base strip for attaching to the curtain, adjacent to and along an edge of the curtain. The base strip has a rear side for facing the curtain and a front side opposite the rear side. The arrangement includes a first strip having a plurality of spaced apart first attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip, and a plurality of first pocket segments defined between the first attaching segments. Each of the first pocket segments having marked a pair of spaced apart first fastening points. The first pocket segments may be folded and the pairs of first fastening points may be brought and fastened together in pairs so as to cause the wave effect when the base strip is attached to the curtain.

Claims

1. A header tape arrangement for a curtain, the header tape arrangement being for causing a wave effect in the curtain, the header tape arrangement comprising: a base strip for attaching to the curtain, adjacent to and along an edge of the curtain, the base strip having a rear side for facing the curtain and a front side opposite the rear side; and, a first strip having: a plurality of spaced apart first attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip; and, a plurality of first pocket segments defined between the first attaching segments, each of the first pocket segments having a pair of spaced apart first fastening points, wherein the first pocket segments are folded and the pairs of first fastening points are fastened so as to cause the wave effect when the base strip is attached to the curtain.

2. A header tape arrangement according to claim 1, wherein fastening the pairs of first fastening points creates and maintains a first loop portion in each of the first pocket segments, the first loop portions being adjacent to the base strip.

3. A header tape arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each pair of first fastening points is fastened together by sewing.

4. A header tape arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first strip is attached to the base strip along and adjacent to a lower edge of the base strip.

5. A header tape arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first strip is formed from a continuous strip of material.

6-7. (canceled)

8. A header tape arrangement according to claim 1, the header tape arrangement comprising a second strip having: a plurality of spaced apart second attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip; and, a plurality of second pocket segments defined between the second attaching segments, each of the second pocket segments having a pair of spaced apart second fastening points, wherein the second pocket segments are folded and the pairs of second fastening points are fastened so as to cause or maintain the wave effect when the base strip is attached to the curtain.

9. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein fastening the pairs of second fastening points creates a second loop portion in each of the second pocket segments, the second loop portions being adjacent to the base strip.

10. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein each of the second pocket segments is adjacent to one of the first pocket segments.

11. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein a spacing between the second fastening points in each pair of second fastening points is less than a spacing between the first fastening points in each pair of first fastening points.

12. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein a length of the second pocket segments is less than a length of the first pocket segments.

13. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the second strip is attached to the base strip along and adjacent to an upper edge of the base strip.

14. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the first strip is spaced apart from the second strip.

15. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein each of the second attaching segments defines a hook segment therein that is not attached to the base strip.

16. A header tape arrangement according to claim 13, wherein a length of the hook segment is less than that of the respective second pocket segment.

17. A header tape arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the hook segment is adjacent to an end of the respective second pocket segment.

18. A header tape arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the hook segment is a first.

19-24. (canceled)

25. A method of assembling a header strip arrangement on a curtain to cause a wave effect in the curtain, the header tape arrangement comprising: a base strip having a rear side and a front side opposite the rear side; and, a first strip having: a plurality of spaced apart first attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip; and, a plurality of first pocket segments defined between the first attaching segments, each of the first pocket segments having a pair of spaced apart first fastening points, the method comprising: attaching the base strip to the curtain such that the rear side of the base strip faces the curtain and the base strip extends adjacent to and along an edge of the curtain; folding each of the first pocket segments to create respective first loop portions therein so as to cause the base strip and the curtain to adopt a wave pattern; and, fastening each of the pairs of first fastening points to maintain the first loop portions and the wave pattern.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic rear view of a curtain having a header tape arrangement according to an aspect of the invention attached to an upper edge of the curtain;

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a schematic front view of a portion of the header tape arrangement of FIG. 1 in greater detail, in particular illustrating multiple pleat sections of the header tape arrangement;

[0055] FIG. 3 shows a schematic front view of a single one of the pleat sections of the header tape arrangement of FIG. 2; and,

[0056] FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of the header tape arrangement of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] FIG. 1 shows a schematic rear view of a curtain 10 or other piece of material that forms a screen, for example in front of a window (not shown). The curtain 10 is to be suspended from a curtain pole 12 attached to a wall above the window. In particular, the curtain 10 is connected at its top end or upper edge 14 to rings that glide along the curtain pole 12 by a number of spaced apart curtain hooks 16. The rings are movable back and forth along the curtain pole 12 so as to open or close the curtain 10. Typically, two such curtains or widths 10 will be hung on a single curtain pole or rail 12.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows that the curtain 10 has a header tape arrangement 20 attached thereto. In particular, the header tape arrangement 20 includes a base strip 22, a first strip 24 and a second strip 26. The header tape arrangement 20 is attached to the curtain 10 adjacent to and along the upper edge 14 of the curtain 10, extending along substantially the length of the curtain 10. The header tape arrangement 20 is formed from translucent synthetic woven tape, and is described in detail below.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows a portion or segment of the header tape arrangement 20, also referred to simply as the tape 20. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a front side of the tape 20. The base strip 22 has a front side 28 and a rear side (not shown) opposite the front side 28. The first strip 24 is attached to the front side 28 of the base strip 22 and extends along the length of the base strip 22, substantially parallel thereto. The second strip 26 is also attached to the front side 28 of the base strip 22 and extends along the length of the base strip 22, substantially parallel thereto. The first and second strips 24, 26 therefore extend along their lengths substantially parallel to each other.

[0060] The height 30 of the base strip 22 is greater than the height of the first strip 24 or of the second strip 26. Indeed, the height 30 of the base strip 22 is greater than the combined heights of the first and second strips 24, 26. In the described embodiment, the height of the first strip 24 is greater than that of the second strip 26.

[0061] The first strip 24 is attached to the base strip 22 such that there is a prescribed distance or gap between the lower edge 32 of the base strip 22 and the lower edge 34 of the first strip 26. In the described embodiment, the prescribed distance is 5 mm; however, any suitable gap may be used. The base strip 22 is attached to the curtain 10 along this gap, in particular by sewing the base strip 22 to the curtain 10.

[0062] Similarly, the second strip 26 is attached to the base strip 22 such that there is a prescribed distance or gap between the upper edge 36 of the base strip 22 and the upper edge 38 of the second strip 26. Again, in the described embodiment the prescribed distance is 5 mm; however, any suitable gap may be used. Also again, the base strip 22 is attached to the curtain 10 along this gap by sewing. The second strip 26 is also spaced apart from the first strip 24 to leave a gap therebetween.

[0063] The first strip 24 is a continuous strip of material attached to the base strip 22 at regular intervals. In particular, the first strip 24 has a plurality of first attaching segments, intervals or portions 40. In the described embodiment, the first attaching segments 40 are attached to the front side 28 of the base strip 22 by bonding; however, any suitable attaching method may be used, for example stitching or sewing.

[0064] The first attaching segments 40 are of equal size and are equally spaced along the length of the first strip 24. The first attaching segments 40 define a plurality of first pocket segments 42 of the first strip 24 positioned between the first attaching segments 40. The first pocket segments 42 are not attached or joined to the base strip 22, and so a hole, aperture or pocket is formed between each first pocket segment 42 and the base strip 22. In FIG. 2, two such first pocket segments 42 are shown; however, in the described embodiment the continuous first strip 24 has four first pocket segments 42 in total across a standard with of curtain fabric or a flat length of, for example, 1280 mm. Any suitable number of first pocket segments may be defined in different embodiments.

[0065] Each of the first pocket segments 42 has a pair of spaced apart first fastening points 44a, 44b. In the described embodiment, the first fastening points 44a, 44b are in the form of vertical markings across substantially the entire height of the first strip 24. The markings may instead be another form of indicator, e.g. an indentation or perforation. The first fastening points 44a, 44b may equally be a single point or a region rather than a line marking. The purpose of the pairs of first fastening points 44a, 44b will be described below.

[0066] The second strip 26 is a continuous strip of material attached to the base strip 22 at regular intervals. In particular, the second strip 26 has a plurality of second attaching segments 46. The second attaching segments 46 are attached to the front side 28 of the base strip 22 by any suitable method, e.g. adhesive bonding.

[0067] The second attaching segments 46 are equally spaced along the length of the second strip 26. The second attaching segments 46 define a plurality of second pocket segments 48 of the second strip 26 positioned between the second attaching segments 46. The second pocket segments 48 are not attached or joined to the base strip 22, and so a pocket is formed between each second pocket segment 48 and the base strip 22.

[0068] The second strip 26 has the same number of second pocket segments 48 that the first strip 24 has first pocket segments 42, i.e. in the described embodiment the continuous second strip 26 has four second pocket segments 48, two of which are shown in FIG. 2. Each second pocket segment 48 is adjacent to a respective one of the first pocket segments 42. Furthermore, the respective centre points of these first and second pocket segments 42, 48 are adjacent thereto in the vertical direction.

[0069] Each of the second pocket segments 48 has a pair of spaced apart second fastening points 50a, 50b. The second fastening points 50a, 50b are in the form of vertical markings across substantially the entire height of the second strip 26. The purpose of the pairs of second fastening points 50a, 50b will be described below.

[0070] The second strip 26 also has a number of hook pocket segments 52. In particular, each of the second attaching portions 46 of the second strip 26 define two such hook pocket segments 52, one adjacent or near to each end of each second attaching portion 46. Specifically, the second strip 26 is not attached or joined to the base strip 22 at the hook pocket segments 52 so that a gap or pocket is defined between each hook pocket segment 52 and the base strip 22. The purpose of the hook pocket segments 52 is described below.

[0071] FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the header tape arrangement 20. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a single one of the first pocket segments 42 of the first strip 24 and a single one of the second pocket segments 46 of the second strip 26. In the described embodiment, the length 54 of each of the first attaching segments 40 is 40 mm, the length of each of the first pocket segments 42 is 280 mm, the length or distance 56 between each pair of first fastening points 44a, 44b is 140 mm, and the length 58 between one of the first attaching segments 40 and the adjacent first fastening point 44a, 44b is 70 mm. Any suitable lengths for the above may be used.

[0072] The length of each of the first attaching segments 40 is less than the length of each of the second attaching segments 46. The length of each of the first pocket segments 42 is greater than the length of each of the second pocket segments 48. The distance between each pair of first fastening points 44a, 44b is greater than the distance between each pair of second fastening points 50a, 50b. The length of each of the hook pocket segments 52 is less than that of each of the second pocket segments 48.

[0073] In the described embodiment, the length 60 of each of the hook pocket segments 52 is 15 mm, the distance 62 between each hook pocket segment 52 and an end of the respective second attaching segment 46 is 5 mm, and the distance 64 between one of the second attaching segments 46 and the adjacent second fastening point 50a, 50b is 37 mm. Any suitable lengths for the above may be used.

[0074] A method of assembling the header tape arrangement 20 on the curtain 10 so as to cause a wave effect in the curtain 10 is now described. As mentioned above, firstly the tape 20 is attached adjacent to and along the upper edge 14 of the curtain 10. In particular, the tape 20 is sewn along the upper and lower edges 32, 36 of the base strip 22 so as to attach the tape 20 to the curtain 10.

[0075] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and additional reference to FIG. 4, each of the first and second pocket segments 42, 48 are to be folded and then fastened so as cause the wave effect or pattern. In particular, FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of part of the tape arrangement 20 after the first and second pocket segments 42, 48 have been folded and fastened, as is now described. A first one of the first pocket segments 42 is folded or pinched so as to bring together the pair of first fastening points 44a, 44b therein. By folding the first pocket segment 42 in this manner, a first folded or loop portion 66 is created by the material of the first pocket segment 42 between the pair of first fastening points 44a, 44b, as shown in FIG. 4. In particular, the pair of first fastening points 44a, 44b is brought together in such a way that the first loop portion 66 extends from the first fastening points 44a, 44b towards the base strip 22. Specifically, a tip or peak 68 of the first loop 66 faces and/or abuts the base strip 22.

[0076] Folding the first pocket segment 42 in this manner to bring together the first fastening points 44a, 44b causes the base strip 22 to adopt the curved or wavy shape in that particular region, as shown in FIG. 4. As the base strip 22 is attached to the curtain 10 then the curtain 10 also adopts the curved or wavy shape in that particular region. The pair of first fastening points 44a, 44b are then fastened together to maintain the first loop 66 and to maintain the curved shape of the base strip 22 and the curtain 10 in this region. In the described embodiment, the pair of first fastening points 44a, 44b are fastened or fixed together by sewing along the marker lines; however, any suitable fastening method may be used, for example, gripping means such as snappy tags, or hook and loop means such as Velcro®.

[0077] Once the first one of the first pocket segments 42 has been folded and fastened, the corresponding or adjacent second pocket segment 48 is folded or pinched in a similar manner so as to bring together the pair of second pair of fastening points 50a, 50b therein. This creates a second folded or loop portion 70, as shown in FIG. 4. The second loop portion 70 extends from the second fastening points 50a, 50b towards the base strip 22, and a tip or peak 72 of the second loop 70 faces and/or abuts the base strip 22. The second loop 70 is smaller than the first loop 66.

[0078] Folding the second pocket segment 48 in this manner to bring together the second fastening points 50a, 50b acts to maintain and strengthen the curved or wavy shape of the base strip 22 and curtain 10 created by folding the first pocket segment 42 in that particular region. The second fastening points 50a, 50b are then fastened together in a similar manner to the first fastening points 44a, 44b to maintain the second loop 70.

[0079] The method continues on to the next first pocket segment 42, which is folded and fastened before the corresponding second pocket segment 48 is folded and fastened. This process continues until each of the first and second segments 42, 48 have been folded and fastened. This creates a wave effect or pattern in the curtain 10 with pleats of equal length and height, i.e. equal size. As mentioned above, in the described embodiment four pleats per width of fabric are created in the curtain 10.

[0080] Curtain hooks are engaged with or inserted into the hook pockets formed by the hook pocket segments 52 and coupled to the curtain pole 12 so as to hang the curtain 10 either before or after the wave pattern has been formed. The curtain 10 is preferably hung just touching or just off the floor. Once the curtain 10 is hung it may be pulled back into its pleats. The pleats may be adjusted so that they continue in an even manner down the full length of the curtain from top to bottom. The curtain 10 may be tied up with narrow strips of lining or plastic for a period of time, e.g. 2-3 days, which helps set the curtain 10 into its pleats to create a wave effect that lasts over time when used with a suitable fabric.

[0081] Examples of various possible approximate dimensions associated with the single curtain 10 having the tape arrangement 20 is shown in the table below.

TABLE-US-00001 Number of Number of Number of Size of flat widths per Finished width hooks needed pleats created curtain needed Pole Size (cm) curtain of curtain (cm) per curtain per curtain (cm) Up to 120 2 128 16 8 256 120-180 3 192 24 12 384 180-245 4 256 32 16 512 245-310 5 320 40 20 640 310-375 6 384 48 24 768

[0082] The curtain 10 needs double the fullness, i.e. the amount of extra fabric needed across its width.

[0083] Many modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the tape arrangement 20 includes two strips, namely the first and second strips 24, 26, overlying and attached to a base strip. In different embodiments, only a single strip may overlie and be attached to a base strip, the single strip being pinched together at spaced apart pockets so as to cause a wave effect in the base strip and attached curtain. Indeed, in different embodiments, more than two strips may be attached to a base strips and be used to create the wave pattern.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, hooks are engaged with the hook pocket segments 52 and with the curtain pole 12 so as to hang the curtain 10 after each of the first and second pocket segments 42, 48 have been folded and fastened. In different embodiments, the curtain 10 may be suspended from the curtain pole 12 prior to the first and second pocket segments 42, 48 being folded and fastened to cause the wave effect.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, a first one of the first pockets segments 42 is folded and fastened followed by the corresponding, adjacent second pocket segment 48, before moving on to the next pair of first and second pocket segments 42, 48. In different embodiments, this order may be different. For example, all of the first pocket segments 42 may be folded and fastened followed by all of the second pocket segments 48, or vice versa. Alternatively, a first one of the second pockets segments 48 may be folded and fastened followed by the corresponding, adjacent first pocket segment 42, before moving on to the next pair of first and second pocket segments 42, 48.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the pairs of first and second fastening points 44a, 44b, 50a, 50b are shown or indicated on the first and second pocket segments 42, 48, respectively; however, in different embodiments the fastening points need not be indicated. Instead, a user may use their judgement to adjust and fasten the pocket segments at appropriate points depending on the size of pleats that are needed so as to create loop portions.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, each of the first and second strips 24, 26 are continuous strips of material; however, in different embodiments this need not be the case. For example, for one or both of the strips each of the pocket segments may be formed from discrete pieces of material attached at each side to the base strip to define the pockets. That is, each of the first and second strips may be formed from a plurality of discrete pieces of material to form the pocket segments instead of a single, continuous piece of material along the strip as in the above-described embodiment.