Curtain-blind

Abstract

A curtain-blind system has hangers which hang multiple sections thereof. Each section has a first surface, a second surface, a first connector clamping the first surface, and a second connector clamping the second surface. The first connector is releasably hung on a first hanger and the second connector is releasably hung on a second hanger. The sections are arranged side-by-side on respective hangers with the first connector of one section being independently releasable from an adjacent section whilst remaining clamped to the first surface. A hanger has a head portion received in a head-rail and a hanger portion depending below the head portion. The hanger portion is configured to releasably hold independent connectors of first and second sections such that the sections are hung adjacently on the hanger portion in a side-by-side arrangement.

Claims

1. A curtain-blind system comprising, a plurality of hangers, a plurality of curtain-blind sections, each section comprising, a first surface, a second surface, a first connector on the first surface, a second connector on the second surface, wherein the first connector is releasably hung on a first hanger of the plurality of hangers, and wherein the second connector is releasably hung on a second hanger of the plurality of hangers, and wherein the curtain-blind sections are arranged side-by-side on the plurality of hangers in use to define the curtain-blind system with the first connector of one curtain-blind section being independently releasable from an adjacent curtain-blind section whilst remaining on the first surface, wherein each of the plurality of curtain-blind sections are releasable from its adjacent curtain-blind sections and wherein one connector of each adjacent curtain-blind section being releasably hung on a common hanger of the plurality of hangers.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second connector of said one curtain-blind section is also independently releasable from an adjacent curtain blind section whilst remaining on the second surface.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of curtain-blind sections each comprise a third surface located between the first and second surfaces.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the third surface comprises a light-permeable material, relative to the first and second surfaces.

5. The system according to claim 4, where the curtain-blind system is moveable between a light condition and a dark condition, wherein in the light condition, light is unobstructed by the first and second surfaces from traversing through the third surface.

6. The system according to claim 5, where in the dark condition, at least a portion of a first or second curtain-blind section is over-lapping with at least a portion of the first or second surface of an adjacent curtain-blind section such as to obstruct light from traversing through the curtain-blind system.

7. The system according to claim 1, comprising a head-rail for mounting the plurality of hangers.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of hangers are slidable along a longitudinal length of the head-rail.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of hangers comprise an axis in which they are rotatable about.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the rotation of the hangers moves the curtain-blind system between a light condition and a dark condition.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first connector is comprised of a first and second plate, wherein the first surface of the one curtain-blind section is clamped between the first and second plate.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the second connector is comprised of a first and second plate, wherein the second surface of the curtain-blind section is clamped between the first and second plate.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first and second plates comprise complementary engagement members.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the complementary engagement members comprises a pin, a protrusion, a clip, a magnet or a slot.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the first or second plate comprise an attachment member for attaching to one of the plurality of hangers.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the attachment member comprises a handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Workable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a curtain-blind section.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a connector portion of a curtain-blind section.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of a hanger.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a hanger.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a schematical top-view of a curtain-blind system in a light and dark condition.

(7) FIG. 6 shows a 3D view of a curtain-blind system in a light and dark condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

(8) FIG. 1 shows a curtain-blind section 100 to be used in a curtain-blind system. The curtain-blind comprises first 10, second 20 and third 30 surfaces. The first 10, second 20 and third 30 surface may take the form of elongate strips of material attached together in side-by-side arrangement along their long edges.

(9) The first and second 20 surfaces may comprise an opaque material, such as a light-impervious or blackout material. A plurality of material layers may be used.

(10) The third surface 30 is located between the first and second surfaces and is more light permeable (relative to the other surfaces). The material of the third surface may differ from the first and second surfaces and may be translucent.

(11) The third surface 30 may comprise webbing or a mesh material and is joined or integrally manufactured with the first two surfaces by methods that will be known to the skilled person.

(12) The first surface is clamped by a first connector 40 along a top edge. Similarly, the second surface is clamped by a second connector 50.

(13) A connector is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. It should be appreciated that the first and second connectors are identical in this example, although they could be different if required.

(14) The first plate 41, 51 of the connector comprises a plurality of engagement members (three in this example) in the form of protrusions 43, 53 that locate into complementary apertures 44, 54 in the second plate 42, 52 such that they are retained in position once inserted. The first plate further comprises a handle 45, 55 attachment means that protrudes from the top edge. The handle may be shaped to define an eye formation, or other similar formation, by which the connector can be hung in use.

(15) The curtain-blind section is arranged by locating the first and second surfaces in between their respective connectors, and clamping the plates together. The protruding members pierce through the material of their respective surfaces, and engage with the apertures on the second plate.

(16) An example view of a hanger 60 is shown in FIG. 3. The hanger is substantially J-shaped such that it has a hook 61 which is suitable for receiving the handle 45, 55 of the first 40 and/or second 50 connectors.

(17) The structure supporting the hook 61 (e.g. at the end opposing the hook) comprises a head structure 62 and a neck portion 63 interposed between the head structure 62 and hook 61. that the head structure 62 is receivable in a head rail (not shown) and allows the hanger 60 to be slidable along the head-rail. The head-rail may have a slot/channel therein such as to retain the head portion 62 and may have an elongate opening (i.e. extending along the length of the channel) allowing the neck 63 and hook 61 to protrude beyond the slot whilst supported by the head structure 62.

(18) The hanger 60 (e.g. the head/support structure 62 thereof) also comprises an actuator that allows the hanger to be rotated in response to an action by a user. The neck portion 63 and/or hook 61 may be selectively rotatable by the actuator. The actuator portion may comprise one or more aperture to receive an actuation member. Alternatively the actuator could be driven by a rack and pinion type arrangement.

(19) The actuation of the hangers can be driven by a manual input or by a motor, e.g. with user controls. In the manual actuation examples, the manual actuator may comprise a cord/string, a chain or a rigid elongate member, such as a wand. The actuation system allows control of the angular orientation (i.e. rotation control) of the hangers and/or the spacing of the hangers along the head-rail.

(20) Various alternatives are possible and any such means that are common in the art will beknown to the person skilled in the art.

(21) FIG. 4 shows another example view of a hanger that is substantially identical to the one shown in FIG. 3 with the only difference being that the hanger comprises first and second hooks, such as to form an anchor shape. The two hooks are arranged back-to-back or side-by-side. The two hooks may share a common stem portion.

(22) The hooks could be curved in form or perpendicular. A single hook could receive one or two handles 45, 55 of the connectors, i.e. holding one or two curtain-blind surfaces on each hook, depending on the desired implementation. The hooks could be wider to receive twohandles 45, 55 side-by-side if desired.

(23) FIGS. 5 & 6 show a schematical top-view and 3D view respectively of the light (a) and dark (b) conditions of the curtain-blind system. The system comprises a plurality of curtain-blind sections in a side-by-side arrangement. In the light condition, the first and second surfaces are substantially parallel to the direction of light, minimizing the surface area of the impermeable surfaces for light contact. The light-permeable third surface extends between the first and second surfaces, as such the light is substantially unencumbered from traversing through the curtain-blind system

(24) In the dark condition the curtain-blind sections are angled such that the first surface of one curtain blind section at least partially overlaps the second surface of an adjacent curtain-blind section. Light therefore cannot transverse through the curtain-blind system in the dark condition.

(25) Operation

(26) In use, the curtain-blind system will resemble the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. The curtain-blind system is predominantly considered as a window treatment/cover and as such is considered for use in relation to window frames, although it will be understood that this is non-limiting and may be used in other openings such as door frames.

(27) In the light condition, shown in FIG. 6(a), the light transverses through the light permeable third surface into a room. An actuator is then used to move the curtain-blind system into the dark condition shown in FIG. 6(b). The actuator may be a pullcord or similar (not shown), the mechanism of which will be known to the skilled person.

(28) The curtain-blind may be also put into a drawn condition in which the drawstring is pulled, actuating the plurality of hangers to slidably move within the head-rail.

(29) To assemble the curtain blind system, the plurality of hangers are slid into the head-rail at an open-end which is then sealed. The head-rail is then mounted within a door or window frame. The first and second surfaces of each curtain-blind section are clamped by a first or second connector respectively. This can be performed at a safe height to mitigate the chances of falling from a chair or a ladder when installing the system.

(30) The handles of the curtain-blind sections can be releasably attached to the hangers, specifically the hooks thereof. Where the hanger comprises a single attachment, such as the J-shaped hanger shown in FIG. 3, the second connector of each curtain-blind section should be first located on a hanger in turn. The first connector of a given curtain-blind section can then be located onto the adjacent hanger which is already holding the second connector of the adjacent curtain-blind section, thereby resulting in the arrangement shown in FIG. 6. In the event of needing to remove an individual curtain-blind section, the first connector can be removed immediately and independently of the second connector of the adjacent curtain-blind section that is on the same hanger. To remove the second connector, the first connector of the opposing adjacent hanger has to be removed in order to gain access thereto. Once done, the curtain-blind section can then be removed. Hence, individual sections can be easily removed and replaced with minimal or no interference with the other curtain-blind sections in the system, thereby making it easier and more convenient to use.

(31) When using a hanger comprising two attachments, such as the dual hook hanger shown in FIG. 4, each curtain-blind section can be both mounted and dismounted from the curtain-blind system independently from both the adjacent curtain-blind sections.

(32) Using the system described herein, multiple successive curtain-blind sections can simply be added and/or removed as desired to form the overall curtain-blind.