GB2512052A

GB2512052A - A Curtain Displacement Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2512052A
Application number: GB1304876.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Musa Kabiri
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-16
Filing date: 2013-03-16
Publication date: 2014-09-24
Also published as: GB2514463A; GB201404712D0; GB201304876D0

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a hinged curtain displacement apparatus 1comprising a drive wheel 5, a clamp and an internal control mechanism. The drive wheel is arranged to progress in use along a curtain track, pole or rail. The control mechanism allows remote activation, for example by mobile device, wall switch, alarm clock or remote controller.

Description

A CURTAIN DISPLACEMENT APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a curtain displacement apparatus, more particularly but not exclusively a curtain displacement apparatus for opening and closing curtains.

Background

It is commonplace for windows to be covered by curtains in order to prevent people being able to look into a property, shutting out daylight and for the purposes of conserving heat Usually curtains may be opened and closed by movement along a pole, rail or track so that they may be cleared away from the window when not required, for example to let light in.

Typically the curtain is drawn by hand so that a user pulls the curtain in the direction they want it to be moved. In some situations the curtain may become snagged on the rail or may be difficult to move which can lead to damage of the curtains and inability for them to be readily moved.

Some motored curtains have been developed which allow the curtain to open and close electronically along a rail however this can often require instalment of multiple pieces of equipment in particulara specialist rail which may be costly.

PriorArt Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 2011 203 749 (KLOTZ et al) discloses a drive assembly.for driving a window shade of a vehicle, in particular a roller blind for a rear window of a vehicle, comprising: at least two one-piece arms, first ends of which are pivotally coupleable to a window shade, and a driving means, in particular a motor, for linearly sliding pivotally mounted second ends of said one-piece arms arranged such that said one-piece arms may push or pull a window shade across a window of a vehicle.

Granted United States patent US 6 736 184 (EATON) discloses a motorized reel system for window covering comprising: a reel-system case having a case length for extending predeterminedly intermediate oppositely disposed sides of a window; a reel motor on a motor mount proximate a first end of the reel-system case; a reel housing on the first end of the reel-system case; a shaft housing on a second end of the reel-system case; a reel having a first end and a second end; the first end being coupled collinearly to the reel motor; external threads on a predetermined end of the reel; internal threads in a threaded housing in which the external threads are rotated; a reel slide in a bearing housing having an internal periphery in which an external periphery of the reel is in rotational and slidable contact; the threaded housing being proximate a predetermined end of the reel-system case; the bearing housing being proximate' an end of the reel-system case that is oppositely disposed from the threaded housing; and the threaded, housing and the bearing housing being selected predeterminedly from the reel housing and the shaft housing.

Granted United States patent US 6 983 784 (ANDERSON et al) discloses a control system for a covering for an architectural opening wherein the covering includes a plurality of vertically oriented covering segments adapted to be moved horizontally between an extended position wherein the segments are distributed across the architectural opening and a retracted position wherein the segments are horizontally stacked adjacent at least one side of the opening, said control system comprising in combination: an elongated headrail having an elongated slot along the bottom thereof extended across such architectural opening, a plurality of carriers suspending said covering segments and supported within said headrail for movement along the length of the headrail, and operating means operatively associated with said carriers for moving the carriers along the length of the headrail, said operating means hanging downwardly through said elongated slots for access to an operator of the control system.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a curtain displacement apparatus comprising a drive wheel, a clamp and an internal control mechanism; wherein the drive wheel is arranged to progress in use along a curtain track, and wherein the clamp is arranged to clamp a curtain end in proximity to the drive wheel, and wherein the control mechanism allows remote activation.

In preferred embodiments the apparatus is comprised in a single housing, allows transfer between and use on a plurality of curtain tracks, rails or poles.

In this way a curtain may be controlled from a separate unit or controller, in preferred embodiments such as a wall switch controller or portable remote controller. Said controller may be incorporated into existinO hardware, for ixample a fascia with wireless connectivity capability may be installed onto an existing or purpose made wall-mounted switch box, and/or may be software based for wherein a cellphone may be utilised as a controller after wireless pairing.

In some further embodiments in addition or the alternative said controller is an alarm clock, or timer, wherein a user may be awoken by the timer, for example by an alert and the controller may transmit instructions to the apparatus via the mechanism to open the curtains as a further awakening step.

Ideally said controller domprises an alarm clock wherein the alarm clock may be an application on a mobile device for example a smartphone or computer.

Said timer and mechanism cooperation may further extend to snooze or delay facilities, wherein the curtains may be partially or repeatedly opened or closed according to states of the alarm. Ideally the velocity and/or style of opening by the mechanism may be synchronised with or controlled by the controller in addition or the alternative, wherein different alarms may be programmed according to user preference, for example to include gradual or hasty opening of the curtains.

This allows the curtains to be opened by the timer, and in preferred embodiments remote manual control or override may be also facilitated by wireless connectivity between a controller and the mechanism.

Ideally therefore there is provided an apparatus comprising: a device displaceable along an elongate member by means of a motorised drive wheel so as to push or pull a curtain along said elongate member, such as a track or pole, wherein the device is arranged to be remotely controlled by at least one controller, wherein said controller transmits a signal to a receiver housed in the device to move the device and thereby the curtain along the elongate member.

In this way the device may move along the member when the signal is received by the device so as to open and close curtains positioned onthe elongate member.

In preferred embodiments two devices are used or a device and a stop, wherein in preferred embodiments the devices will cease movement on mutual engagement, or engagement with the stop.

It may be envisaged that the elongate member is a pole or rail which supports curtains such as material curtains, for example net or fabric, or vertical blinds which form curtains. Advantageously the device may be fitted to an existing pole or rail therefore converting a manual curtain arrangement to a motorised appératus without requirement to change the curtains or curtain fittings.

In preferred embodiments therefore the devices contain motors, so as to drive the drive wheels, wherein said motors are independent and consequently allow aftermarket fitting to a plurality of curtain arrangements. Ideally said motors may be powered by batteries, rechargeable batteries, or hardwiring.

Typically the device is situated in use between two curtain connectors which connect the curtain to the member, such as rings, so that the device serves to push or pull the connectors which are attached to the curtain along the member thereby opening or closing it. Therefore one device is provided for one curtain and typically a pair is provided for a set of curtains.

Preferably the device may be shaped and dimensioned, for example the device may be substantially rectangular in shape, so as to discretely fit to the member behind the curtain. Typically the device may have rounded edges and corners so as not to become snagged on the curtain. Ideally the device ends that come into contact with the connectors may have a flat portion, or may be substantially flat, so as to evenly push the connectors along the member.

In preferred embodiments the device includes a channel which traverses the device from end to end for accepting the member. Preferably the channel is revealed or opened by displacing a portion of the device in order for the device to be placed about the member and the portion secured about it, for example by inclusion of a hinge andlor break point.

Ideally the channel is dimensioned to match the member shape so if for example the member is round the channel will be round of near equal diameter. Typically the channels diameter is slightly larger than that of the member so as enable it to travel readily along the member.

Typically the device may include a hinged portion which enables a first portion to be displaced from a second portion so as to be readily positioned around the member, the portions then being brought together thereby closing the device. Preferably the device may include a button or catch which is used to lock the device in the closed position and to release the first portion from the second portion so as to allow it to be positioned around the member.

Ideally the device top may be dimensioned to match the shape of the member so as not to be visible, or so as to be discrete when in place.

Ideally the channel is associated with the motorised drive wheel so as to enable the drive wheel with the member in use, which enables movement of the member.

Preferably the drive wheel includes at least one roller in parallel alignment with the member which in use is contiguous with the member. In this way as the roller rotates it moves along the member and therefore moves the device along the member.

In preferred embodiments the device is positioned on the member so as to have at least one drive wheel or roller situated above the elongate member and capable of full unimpeded movement along the member, typically wherein for example a small overhang comprises a guide wheel. Additionally the device may include at least one roller located below or to the sides of the member to enable smooth movement. It may be envisaged that only if there is more than one roller only one may be driven and the others may be free rolling to aid or guide movement.

Typically the roller is activated or acts in concert with a drive wheel powered by a motor which provides turning force to rotate the drive wheel. Preferably the motor is capable of both clockwise and anticlockwise rotation so as to be able to drive the device in both directions along the member.

Ideally the motor is powered by at least one battery housed within the device.

Typically the motor is positioned in the device's bDttom or lowermost section in use thereby providing the majority of mass at the bottqm enabling the device to readily hang onto the member without rotating around the member due to gravity. In this way the weight of the motor aids the top roller to remain proximate the member due to mass in the device bottom weighing it down urging the top portion onto the member.

Ideally the roller and/or drive wheel positioned above the member and motor positioned below the member may be connected by means of a band so that as the motor turns it drives the band which in turn causes the roller to rotate. Preferably the band is removable so that the band may be removed in order to position the device about the elongate member and then replaced when the device is in position.

In some embodiments the band may be located at the device rear so that is dOes not need to be removed in order to position the device about the member.

* Advantageously bands of different diameters may be used depending upon the diameter of the member so as to adapt tightness at which the drive wheel or rollers connect with the member and to ensure the drive wheel or roller touches the member * so as to enable movement. It may be envisaged that in some embodiments roller sizes in particular may also be varied so as to accommodate different sized members without requirement for a different device, In some embodiments the motor may directly drive the drive wheel and roller(s).

In preferred embodiments the roller(s) are dimensioned to provide a recess in which the member sits in use so as to prevent deviation and to ensure smooth continuous movement.

In some embodiments two substantially parallel drive wheels or rollers may be provided at a distance which allows the member to sit centrally between both so as to locate the member and aid straight movement.

Preferably the rollers are coated in or formed from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or silicon so as readily grip to the elongate member.

In preferred embodiments the device houses the receiver that is capable of receiving signals from the controller so as to activate movement of the device along the elongate member. Ideally the device houses a printed circuit board (PCB) so as connect the Components.

Preferably the controller communicates with the receiver by wireless means such as radio frequency (RF), infra red or Bluetooth (Trade Mark). In this way a wireless signal may be transmitted to the receiver in order to initiate or halt opening and closing of the curtains. It may be envisaged that the curtain aid may also be operated by sending signal through wireless internet or mobile network providers.

Ideally more than one type of controller may be provided to activate the device so that more than one type of controller may be used to operate the devices. For example the controller may be in the form of a wall mounted switch which can be toggled between two positions SO OS to either open or close the curtains. Additionally in some embodiments a light switch may be combined with the device switch so that for example as the lights are switched on the curtains are closed.

Alternatively or additionally the controller may be a handheld device capable of transmitting signals to the receiver for example a remote control such as a television remote control or smartphone. It may be envisaged that the remote control is synchronised with the device so that the receiver may recognise signals sent from the controller.

In preferred embodiments the controller is associated or combined with a timer so as trigger the receiver to move the device along the elongate member at predetermined times. For example in such preferred embodiments the controller is an alarm clock which can be programmed to a desired time wherein the alarm may be activated and the curtains may open or close at the same time or near to the same time, such as the curtains opening first so as to rouse a sleeping user and then an audible alarm one minute later to fully wake them.

In said embodiments a snooze facility may be synchronised with the curtains opening and an audible alarm, wherein for example the curtains open may trigger an extendable snooze period.

In yet further embodiments increasing volume or incidence of the alarm may be accompanied by repetitive movements of the devices.

In preferred embodiments the curtain aid includes a stop process so as to deactivate the motor once the curtain has been opened or closed to the desired position.

Preferably the device includes, cooperates with or comprises a stop which when reached deactivates the motor. The stop may be a button which is depressed on contact, or may comprises a sensor or point that is triggered within predetermined ranges. Typically the slops are mounted on or in relation to the device's ends so as to be located where they will come into contact or in the vicinity of a buffer wherein the buffer is either -the member end, such as at a mounting bracket, or wall -a central member mounting bracket -another device When one of the above mentioned buffers is encountered by the stop movement is ceased so as to prevent the motor remaining active when the device has nowhere further to travel. Advantageously this will also serve to conserve battery life of the device by preventing unnecessary running of the motor.

In some embodiments the device may be pre-programmed so as to operate for a predetermined period of time, which time is sufficient to open or close the curtains therefore removing requirement for stops.

Furthermore in such embodiments the motor may preferably cut out after a predefined period of time in which the curtain would usually be fully opened or closed, so that if the curtain became jammed on the rail the motor would cut out after for example 30 seconds to prevent it burning out.

in other embodiments the button or switch on the controher may be operated to initiate and cease movement thereby allowing curtains to be part-opened or -closed.

In the alternative or addition the controller includes a pause option to allow partial opening or closing of curtains wherein movement can be paused at any point during movement.

It may be envisaged that in embodiments when the device is not in use that the roller is disengageable so as to roil freely when force is applied so that curtains may be manually moved along the member without use of the device.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 show top and bottom views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an opened isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a switch controller for the apparatus; And Figure 7 shows an isometric view of an alarm clock controller for the apparatus.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the device is separable into two parts 1 and 2, hinged at a hinge 9 and clipping together with deformable tabs 3 into slots. A button 4 disengages the tabs 3.

The drive wheel 5 engages with the top roller 7 via a traction band 6 and teethed cogs 10, and is driven by a motor 11. A local activation or communication button 12 is provided.

The member (not shown) runs against two pads 8, wherein said pads provide minimal resistance.

The DC motor's shaft is attached to the drive wheel 5 that is parallel in use to the width of the curtain pole (not shown). The drive wheel 5 has a rubber tyre on its outer circumference that with touch the pole and allow greater traction to glide on the pole.

The drive wheel 5 is also be stabilised with a curved mounting bracket to constantly maintain momentum and traction during movement. The housing also includes electrical components such as batteries, receiver circuit, decoder and motor driver.

The motor 11 will have the functionality of driving the DC motor both forwards and backwards.

The wireless working of the invention will be a radio frequency transmitter and receiver circuit attached to the motor wherein the transmitter will be housed in the alarm clock similar to as shown in Figure 7. A manual activation or control switch is situate elsewhere such as shown in Figure 6.

The alarm clock will serve as a standard digital alarm clock with a radio frequency transmitter that transmits signals when authorised or selected by the user.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore! the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to! falling within the scope of the invention. £11

Claims

Claims 1. A curtain displacement apparatus comprising a drive wheel, a clamp and an internal control mechanism; wherein the drive wheel is arranged to progress in use along a curtain track, and wherein the clamp is arranged to damp a curtain end in proximity to the drive wheel, and wherein the control mechanism allows remote activation.
2. A curtain displacement apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a single housing arranged in use to be transferrabie between tracks poles or rails.
3. A curtain displacement apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the mechanism is capable of activation and control from a separate controller comprising a wall switch.
4. A curtain displacement apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the mechanism is capable of activation and control from a separate controller comprising a portable remote controller.
5. A curtain displacement apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the mechanism is capable of activation and control from a separate controller comprising an alarm clock.
6. A curtain displacement apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the alarm clock is operable in a mobile device.