Suspension system for curtains and the like, with height adjustment

Abstract

 A system is described by means of which it is possible to carry out the hanging and suspension of a curtain at a pre-established height in terms of the space where it is applied, in a simple and quick manner and without the need to use external devices. The system provisions for a curtain assembly compost of an upper suspension band, prepared so as to be suspended from any conventional support element, and a curtain body prepared so as to be hung from said upper suspension band. The upper suspension band includes several longitudinal retaining strips, made from pressing fitting material, that are parallel to each other and occupy successive different heights, and the curtain body also includes a retaining strip, likewise with a pressing fitting material, formed along its upper edge, and capable of pressing fitting, freely, to any of the strips of the stated upper suspension band, previously chosen in terms of the height that it occupies.

Description

Object of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspension system for curtains and the like, with height adjustment, that contributes essential characteristics of novelty and appreciable advantages compared to the known means and used for the same purposes in the current state of the art.

[0002] More particularly the invention proposes the development of a system by means of which it is possible to carry out the installation of a curtain in the desired place in a quick and simple manner with simultaneous adjustment of the height between the upper line of suspension and the floor or other lower surface, without the need for additional operations to adapt the height. The system provisions for the use of an upper band or strip, prepared so as to fit to a curtain rail or between a support element, provided with several longitudinal strips superimposed in height of a material suitable for pressing fitting, for associating with a longitudinal complementary portion of the same material included next to the upper edge of the curtain body.

[0003] The application field of the invention is comprised in the industrial sector involved in the manufacture and the mounting of textile complements, especially to the industry related to the mounting of curtains and other spatial cover elements.

Background and Summary of the Invention

[0004] The spatial cover elements of the curtain type, both on a domestic level and equally on an industrial level are widely known by everyone in general at the present time. Elements normally based on textile materials, with a multiplicity of shapes, textures and decoration are being dealt with that combined suitably with the furnishings or the decoration of the environment, collaborate towards the improvement of the appearance of the place in which they are applied and provide an environmental 'warmth' that is difficult to achieve with other types of elements.

[0005] As known, the curtain elements consist of flat bodies, substantially flexible, of a woven material or the like, that is intended for hiding certain openings or spaces such as the window openings, some passageways, etc. These curtain bodies are normally suspended from a support element such as a bar, a rail or other with similar characteristics, in such a way that the user can draw the body of the curtain in one direction or another for the purpose of completely hiding a space to be protected, or equally to leave it totally or partially uncovered.

[0006] It is also well known that usually the construction of dwellings keeps to some approximately standardised measurements in regard to certain construction parameters. Hence, in regard to the vertical distance, between the ceiling and the floor, seen in a room of any building, there is usually little variation from one building to another. Therefore in terms of the approximate keeping of the height in buildings, the height of curtains has had to be standardised, even giving them an excessive height that allows these height variations to be absorbed in the different buildings, in addition to those which can also occur as a result of the type of support being used. Consequently, it is usual to find curtain models in the market that are already prepared so that the user can adapt them to his/her particular case, in such a way that it is not excessively difficult to guarantee any non-expert user can successfully adjust the curtain to the required height.

[0007] In order to carry this operation out to adjust the height, the conventional curtains include a portion that incorporates a thermo-fixable material on the bottom part of same. In this way, when the user has decided on the most suitable height for a curtain, it is sufficient to just fold the excess portion inwards, marking it and holding it in place with the help of some suitable means, and then proceeding to carry out the ironing operation, in such a way that the heat provided by the iron is sufficient to cause the self-fixing of the folded portion and thus leaving the curtain at the planned height.

[0008] However, even though this operation seems simple even for people not skilled in the art, in practice it has been demonstrated that, on one hand, it is not error free, and on the other hand, it requires a significant amount of time to be given to carry out the previous operations of hanging, measurement, marking, the subsequent taking down, and then final ironing.

[0009] Taking into account the afore described situation, it is a clear fact that the users would like to have some system for the curtain hanging and for the height adjustment, that is simple, quick and convenient to use, and that in addition allows the user to adjust the height and reposition the curtain in the event of any error having been made during the hanging.

[0010] The aim of the present invention consists precisely of providing a system for the hanging and suspension of curtains that remedies the commented disadvantages and that provides the user with the advantages that are considered as desirable. This aim has been completely achieved by the system of the present invention, whose main characteristics are included in the characterising part by the annexed claim 1.

[0011] In essence, the system proposed by the invention consists of the provision of an upper positioning band or strip, with a finish level according to the curtain body, that is sized, made and prepared for associating with the suspension means, both when dealing with a bar or equally when dealing with a rail or the like. Said upper positioning band includes, a retention means on its inner face constituted by several longitudinal strips of a pressing fitting material, whose strips are of a predetermined width and are extended along the total length of the band.

[0012] As for the curtain body, it is made in the usual manner, with the colours, decoration and finishes that are required, it likewise includes an extended strip of a predetermined width on the complete length of the upper edge that is a retaining or pressing fitting material, of the same type that, and is complementary to that used in the longitudinal strips of the upper positioning band. In this way, it is sufficient to apply the retaining portion of the curtain's upper edge to any of the strips of the upper band, and simultaneously apply a suitable pressure so that the retention of both elements is brought about, thus the curtain body stays joined to the upper suspension band. As will be understood, choosing a strip from the upper band that is at a greater or lesser height, the curtain body will leave its lower edge at a greater or lesser distance from the floor, in accordance with the suitability and the wishes of the user.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the material for the formation of the retaining strips of the upper strip or band and the upper edge of the curtain body consist of strips of Velcro^™.

A Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] These and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be shown more clearly from a detailed description that follows of a preferred embodiment of same, given solely by way of being illustrative and not by way of limitation, with reference to the drawings that are attached, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a rear elevational schematic view of a first version of the elements of the upper band and the curtain body constituting a curtain assembly.

Figure 2 shows an elevational schematic view of both curtain elements of Figure 1, interengaged, and

Figure 3 is an elevational schematic view, of the upper band and curtain body elements of the curtain in accordance with a second version of the curtain assembly.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment

[0015] As afore mentioned, the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention system is carrying out in the following with the help of the annexed drawings, by means of which, the same numerical references are used to refer to equal or similar parts. Hence, paying attention in the first place to the representation of Figure 1, an elevational view of a curtain assembly can be seen, it includes the system of the invention, compost of two separate elements, namely an upper suspension band or strip element, marked in general with reference number 1, and a curtain body element marked in general with reference number 2. Both elements have a flexible nature, constructed from materials normally used for these types of articles, such as a textile material or another suitable material.

[0016] The first element of the upper band 1 (shown in the figure from the inside face, this means, the side that is not seen), constitutes the suspension portion of the curtain, and to that effect, the version that has been shown in the drawing includes a variable number of holes 3 of any type and material (metal, plastic or wood), equally spaced along a line that is close and parallel to the upper longitudinal edge of the suspension band 1. Lower down on the inner face of same and below the position of the line of holes 3, band 1 is fitted with several longitudinally superimposed strips, 4, 5, 6, ..., with a pre-established width, formed integrally with said band and extending in a longitudinal direction of same occupying successive parallel and separate positions between each other at pre-determined distances. These strips 4, 5 and 6 constitute retaining strips on being constituted by a pressing fitting material such as Velcro^™ or the like.

[0017] In the same way, element 2 that constitutes the curtain body is provided with a strip 7 that is superimposed and extends along the complete length of the edge, next to the upper edge of the outer face (visible face), having a pre-determined width that is generally greater than the width of strips 4, 5 and 6 incorporated by the upper suspension band 1, and likewise achieved with the use of a retaining material that can be pressing fitted, such as Velcro ™ or the like.

[0018] In accordance with the version of the assembly shown in Figure 1, it can be understood that the hanging and suspension operations of same, with the corresponding height adjustment in line with the characteristics of the place of use, are extremely simple and quick to carry out. In order to do this it is sufficient only to apply curtain body 2 onto the upper suspension band 1, facing the surface of upper edge strip 7 of the curtain body 2 to one or more of strips 4, 5 and 6 of the upper suspension band 1, Manually applying proper pressure onto both superimposed strips, and in so doing causing the associating of the curtain body 2 thanks to the retaining characteristics of the material used in the construction of said strips. Logically, it depends on which of the strips 4, 5 or 6 of the upper suspension band 1, the strip 7 of the curtain body is applied, said curtain body will be located at a greater or lower height, allowing for the dimensional adjustment to the existing space in the room or application place. This situation is shown in Figure 2, wherein the curtain body 2 has been fixed on the upper suspension band 1 by facing strip 7 of the curtain body to the intermediate strip 5 of said band 1. As can be understood, if the chosen position is not the most correct according to the preferences and needs of the user and the application place, an inverse operation of separating the curtain body 2 from the upper suspension band 1 can be carried out, by means of simply pulling on the retention zone, and once again sticking strip 7 onto any of the strips 4, 5 or 6 of the upper band 1 after having adjusted the correct height. With a curtain assembly as shown in Figure 2, the hanging or suspension operation is carried out in the usual manner in the current state of the art, by inserting a support rail (not shown) through the holes 3 of the upper band 1.

[0019] In accordance with the afore state, the width of strip 7 of the upper edge of the curtain body 2 usually has a size that is substantially greater than the width of strips 4, 5 and 6 of said upper suspension band 1. Therefore, the distance 'd' for the separation between the lowest strip 6 on the upper suspension band 1 and the lower edge of said band, must correspond with a minimum pre-established value, for that purpose, in the event of the curtain body 2 being suspended from the lowest positioning strip 6, the portion of width 'd' is sufficient to hide all of the remaining width of strip 7, in such a way that when the curtain assembly is hung and in use, an external observer is prevented from being able to see part of the strip 7 below the lower edge of upper suspension band 1, with the consequent adverse aesthetic effects that this would mean.

[0020] An alternative modified version has been shown in figure 3 of a curtain assembly wherein unlike the representation shown in figure 1, the upper suspension band 1', equally provided with strips 4, 5 and 6 of pressing retaining material, is of the type that uses a rail fitted to the ceiling or other similar surface for the hanging. In order to do this band 1' includes a multiplicity of hooks 8, provided in parallel alignment and close to the upper edge of band 1'. These hooks 8 are of the conventional type and replace the holes 3 of band 1' in terms of the different type of hanging element being used. The rest of the system is identical to that already described, and the effective suspension of the curtain body 2 in regard to the upper suspension band 1' is carried out in the same way as has been explained in regard to figures 1 and 2, by application of strip 7 of the curtain body 2 onto one or more strips 4, 5 and 6 of upper band 1' that have been previously selected in terms of the final height desired for the suspending of curtain body 2.

[0021] The above description has been carried out by way of being illustrative taking a conventional curtain model of the most widely sold types in the market as an example. However, it must be understood that the invention is not specific to one type of curtain, and that the same system is likewise applicable, without the need for conceptual changes or modifications, to other models and versions of curtains, such as curtain panels, blinds, bathroom curtains, etc., regardless of the material and the size in which they are made.

[0022] In a like manner, even though the invention has been described in its specific application to the case of curtains, it must also be taken into account that this fact must not be interpreted in a restrictive sense as the versatile characteristics of the assembly allow it to be applied to other industries in which an effective suspension of a cover element has to be carried out in regard to another that supports it.

[0023] It must be clarified that the afore statements in regard to such terms as "upper" or "lower" must be considered in regard to the operational position occupied by the differing elements when the curtain is suspended and in position of use.

[0024] It is not considered as being necessary to make the contents of this present description more extensive so that a skilled person in the art can understand its scope and the advantages that arise from same, likewise how to carry out the practical embodiment of its aim.

[0025] In spite of the above, and given that the description made corresponds solely to an example of a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that multiple modifications and variations of detail can be introduced into its essentiality, likewise understood within the scope of the invention, and that in particular things such as shape, size or manufacturing materials or any others that do not alter the invention can affect its characteristics in accordance with that which has already been described and in accordance with that which is defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A suspension system for curtains and the like, with height adjustment, by means of which the user can quickly and easily carry out an adjustment of the position at which the height of the curtain is to be left, characterised in that it consists of a curtain assembly that is constituted by an upper suspension band element (1; 1'), and a curtain body element (2), implemented in such a way that the stated upper band element (1;1'), provided with holes (3) or hooks (8), as appropriate for its hanging from a conventional support element that is used, aligned in regard to the proximity and in parallel with the upper edge, it is likewise provided on its inner face (the unseen face), with several superimposed retaining strips (4, 5 and 6) with a pressing fitting material, extended along the entire length of the strip, these strips being of a pre-established width, parallel to each other and with a height separation at predetermined distances, whilst the curtain body (2) likewise includes a retaining strip (7) on its external face (the visible face) and next to its upper edge, likewise a material capable of pressure fitting, by preference with a width that is greater than the strips (4, 5 and 6) of the upper suspension band (1;1'), with a bond that is releasable from any of the stated strips (4, 5, 6) of said upper band (1:1') previously chosen in terms of the required final height for the curtain body (2).

2. A system according to claim 1, characterised in that the distance ('d') between strip (6) of the lowest position of the upper suspension band (1; 1') and the lower edge of this same band is sufficient to completely hide the width of the strip (7) of the upper edge of the curtain body (2), in the event of choosing said strip (6) as the suspension strip.

3. A system according to claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the retaining material chosen for the construction of the strips (4, 5 and 6) of the upper band (1; 1') and for the upper edge strip (7) of the curtain body (2) is Velcro^™.

Drawing