GB2514463A

GB2514463A - A Curtain drawing truck

Info

Publication number: GB2514463A
Application number: GB1404712.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Musa Kabiri
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-16
Filing date: 2014-03-17
Publication date: 2014-11-26
Also published as: GB2512052A; GB201404712D0; GB201304876D0

Abstract

A curtain drawing truck for opening and closing curtains comprises a elongate housing 100 having a long axis. The housing contains a drive wheel 7 operated by a motor 11 and a friction arm 26 that in use clamps the drive wheel to the road or rail such that the curtain driving truck is driveable along the curtain rod. The operation of the truck may be controlled remotely by a wireless or SMS device. In use the truck pushes or pulls a curtain hanging from the curtain rod or rail so as to draw the curtain open or closed.

Description

A Curtain Drawing Truck

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a curtain displacement apparatus, more particularly but not exclusively a curtain drawing truck in the form of a elongate housing 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 is 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 motorised curtains have been developed which allow curtains to open and close automatically along a rail. However, this can often require installing multiple pieces of equipment in particular a specialist rail which may be expensive.

Prior Art

There have been attempts to develop devices suitable for automatically opening and closing (drawing) curtains.

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.

Granted United States patent US 6 736 184 (Eaton) discloses a motorised reel system for a window covering comprising: a reel-system case having a case length for extending intermediate oppositely disposed sides of a window.

Granted United States patent US 6 983 784 (Anderson et al) discloses a control system for a covering for an architectural opening comprising an elongated headrail having an elongate slot along a bottom portion and operating means operatively associated with carriers for moving the carriers along the length of the headrail. The operating means hangs downward through the slot.

Further examples of prior art devices are taught for example in the following publications: KR1O-2013-0002718 (Ima C Ltd & Park Sang Mm); JP-A- 11342088 (Creative Factory Posshu KK), JP-A-09327373 (Peakomu); US-Al- 2012/173024 (Saam i), WO-Al -2012/004530 (Somfy); JP-A-2005095364 (Konda Hiroatsu); and US-Al -5676189 (Arbor).

The prior art devices are either not adapted to draw a curtain automatically horizontally and/or require a special curtain rod.

Also existing similar devices are capable of operating with one particular rail or track profile and so cannot be used when a curtain system is changed.

In light of the foregoing prior art, there is a need for a curtain drawing device arranged to draw curtains hanging from existing curtain rods so as to be generally useful with existing hanging curtains.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is a curtain drawing truck which in use opens and closes a curtain suspended from a rail or rod comprises: a driver which, in use, is in frictional contact with the rail or rod; a motor provides a drive force to the driver on receipt of a drive signal; and a clamp urges the driver against the rail or rod so as to ensure sufficient frictional force exists therebetween, whereby the truck is driveable along the rail or rod by the driver.

Preferably the exterior is formed from an elongate housing arranged to house internally the driver, motor, and clamp.

Preferably the housing has a mouth to provide clear space though the housing is from side to side so as to receive which is capable of fitting a wide range of rails and rods. Thus preferably the housing has an opening or mouth for receiving a range of sizes of rails and rods.

Preferably the driver is in the form of a wheel arranged in the housing with a portion of its rim in the mouth. Preferably wherein the driver is in the form of a wheel which in use presents a portion of its rim in the vicinity of the opening or mouth so as to engage the rail or rod. And preferably the wheel comprises an axle fixed to the housing elongate housing and aligned transverse to the elongate axis of the housing so that the rim traverses the clear space through the housing and is moveable toward the side pivot axis and to the long axis.

Preferably the mouth or opening is located closer to a proximate end of the elongate housing than to a distal end that is distal from the proximate end along the elongate housing. Preferably the wheel is located intermediate the mouth or opening and the proximate end of the housing. Therefore advantageously the opening or mouth is preferably located at an end of the housing so that when, in use, the centre of gravity of the truck is at a point located intermediate a distal end of the housing and the mouth or opening.

This aids the elongate housing to hang between folds of the curtain, since with the housing hanging by the mouth from a curtain rod or rail the elongate axis of the housing is vertical and fits between the vertical folds of the curtain.

Preferably the wheel is located intermediate the mouth and the proximate end of the housing. Advantageously the weight acting through the centre of gravity pulls the wheel down onto the top of the curtain rod in use.

Preferably the truck comprises a motor arranged provide torque to the drive wheel wherein the motor is fixed to the housing inside the housing intermediate the mouth and the distal end. Preferably the motor is linked to the drive wheel by a drive belt that traverses across the mouth. Preferably a battery arranged to provide power to the motor where the battery is fixed to is the housing and located intermediate the mouth and the distal end.

Preferably the clamp comprises a swing-arm fixed to the housing by a pivot means wherein the swing-arm has a end stop arranged to swing in the mouth about the pivot means towards the driver. Preferably the end stop is arranged to swing about an axis transverse to the axle of the drive-wheel.

Preferably the end stop comprises a freely rotatable roller arranged to contact the curtain rod when clamped. Preferably the end stop comprises a slippery surface arranged to contact the curtain rod when clamped.

Preferably the swing arm comprises a release lever arranged to protrude from an aperture in the housing and wherein the pivot means is located intermediate the release lever and the end stop. An advantage of the present invention as a curtain drawing apparatus is due to it being a truck in the form of an elongate housing clampable to a curtain rod and driveable along the curtain rod so as to automatically draw open and draw closed a curtain hanging on the curtain rod.

There is no need for a special rail or curtain. The mouth accepts curtain rods, curtain rails, and curtain poles on any shape. The end stop and drive wheel clamp any shape of curtain rod, rail, or pole between them.

By operating the release lever, the end stop is caused to swing on the swing arm. A user may by use of the release lever unclamp the end stop from its clamping position against the curtain rod. The unclamped curtain rod is thereby removeable from the mouth of the elongate housing to be released from the truck.

Also by operating the release lever, the end stop is caused to swing on the swing arm and a user may clamp the end stop against a curtain rod in the mouth. The curtain rod is thereby clamped between the end stop and the is drive wheel.

The user therefore by operating the release lever and gripping the elongate housing is allowed to transfer the truck between a plurality of curtain racks, rails, or poles. With the present invention there is no need for a special curtain or curtain hangers. The elongate housing is clamp-able to any curtain rack, rail, or pole. The truck draws any curtain hanging from a curtain rack, rail, rod, or pole as the truck is driven along it.

Since the truck is in the form of an elongate housing, the elongate housing is naturally urged hang with the long axis vertical.

Since the portion the mouth is closer to the proximate end, the centre of gravity of the elongate housing is intermediate the mouth the distal end of the elongate housing so that the distal end of the elongate housing is urged by gravity to hang below the curtain rod.

Preferably the curtain drawing truck comprises an internal control mechanism; wherein the drive wheel is arranged to progress in use along a curtain track, and wherein the end stop is arranged to clamp a curtain rod against the drive wheel, and wherein the control mechanism allows remote activation.

Preferably the elongate housing is contained in a single housing. Preferably housing is thin walled like a shell so as to provide space inside the elongate housing components of the curtain drawing truck including the swing-arm, pivot, drive wheel, motor, and belt.

In this way a curtain may be drawn by the truck as controlled from a separate unit or controller in communication with the internal control mechanism.

Examples of the separate unit or controller are a wall switch controller or portable remote controller. Said controller may be incorporated into existing is hardware, for example 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 examples of the controller, it comprises an alarm clock or timer.

Advantageously a person may be awoken by the timer, for example by an alert and the controller may transmit instructions to the internal control mechanism operate the truck to draw open the curtains as a further awakening step. Ideally said controller comprises 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.

In an alternate embodiment the controller such as the alarm clock or timer is built into the truck itself.

Preferably the controller comprises a light sensor arranged to detect ambient light in communication with the internal control mechanism. A user may thereby set the truck to draw the curtain a predetermined time after the ambient light sensor detects a predetermined light level. Advantageously the is truck automatically draws the curtains open a predetermined time after dawn and draws them closed a predetermined time after sunset.

Ideally therefore there is provided a curtain drawing truck comprising: a elongate housing displaceable along an elongate member, such as a curtain rod or rail, 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 curtain rod or rail when the signal is received by the device so as to open and close curtains positioned on the curtain rod or rail.

Preferably there is a system comprising a truck described herein that includes a programmable controller and a receiver for receiving a signal, such as a short message signal, (SMS) or infra-red signal transmitted from a remote device, such as a mobile communication device or hand held remote device In preferred embodiments two curtain drawing trucks are used or a curtain drawing truck and a stop, wherein in preferred embodiments the curtain drawing trucks will cease movement on mutual engagement, or engagement with the stop.

It may be envisaged that the curtain rod or rail 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 truck may be fitted to an existing pole or rail by inserting the pole or rail into the mouth of the elongate housing and clamping the pole or rail between the drive-wheel and end stop.

Advantageously therefore a curtain driving truck according to the present is invention is clamp-able to a curtain rod converting a manual curtain arrangement to a motorised apparatus without requirement to change the curtains or curtain fittings.

In preferred embodiments therefore the curtain driving truck contains a motor, so as to drive the drive wheels. Ideally said motors may be powered by batteries, rechargeable batteries, or hardwiring.

Typically the curtain driving is situated in use between two curtain connectors which connect the curtain to the curtain rod or rail, for example the curtain connectors are curtain hangers such as curtain rings, so that the curtain driving truck serves to push or pull the connectors which are attached to the curtain along the curtain rod or rail thereby opening or closing it. The elongate housing shaped form of the curtain driving truck is advantageous as the slim elongate housing hangs vertically and unobtrusively fits between the curtain hangers and the folds of the curtain. Therefore one curtain driving truck is provided for one curtain and typically a pair is provided for a set of curtains.

Preferably the curtain driving truck may be shaped and dimensioned, for example the elongate housing may be substantially rectangular in shape, so as to discretely fit to the curtain driving truck behind the curtain and/or between the folds of the curtain. Typically the elongate housing has rounded edges and corners so as not to become snagged on the curtain. Ideally the elongate housing surfaces that come into contact with the curtain hangers or curtain connectors may have a flat portion, or may be substantially flat, so as to evenly push the connectors along the curtain rod or rail.

Advantageously the curtain driving truck elongate housing form comprises a mouth which traverses the elongate housing forming an opening in the elongate housing for accepting the curtain rod or rail. Preferably the mouth is placed about the curtain rod or rail and the truck secured to the rod or rail by clamping the rod or rail intermediate the end stop or drive wheel by hinge is action of the swing-arm about the pivot.

Ideally the mouth is dimensioned to engulf the curtain rod or rail shape so if for example the curtain rod is round the mouth accommodates the rod diameter. The mouth opening is larger than the thickness of the curtain rod so as enable the curtain rod or rail to travel readily along the curtain rod or rail.

Typically the elongate housing 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 curtain rod or rail, the portions then being brought together thereby closing the them via hinge action. Preferably the elongate housing may include a button or catch which is used to lock the elongate housing in the closed position and to release the first portion from the second portion so as to allow it to be positioned around the curtain rod or rail.

Ideally the curtain drawing truck may be dimensioned to match the shape of the curtain rod or rail so as not to be visible, or so as to be discrete when in place.

Ideally the mouth is associated with the motorised drive wheel so as to enable the drive wheel with the curtain rod or rail in use, which enables movement of the curtain drawing truck.

Preferably the drive wheel includes at least one wheel rim in parallel alignment with the curtain rod or rail which in use is contiguous with the curtain rod or rail. In this way as the drive wheel rotates it moves along the curtain rod or rail and therefore moves the curtain drawing truck along the curtain rod or rail.

In preferred embodiments the curtain drawing truck is positioned on the curtain rod or rail so as to have at least one drive wheel or roller situated above the curtain rod or rail and capable of full unimpeded movement along the curtain rod or rail, typically wherein for example a small overhang comprises a guide wheel. Additionally the curtain drawing truck may include at least one roller pressed by the end stop below or to the sides of the curtain rod or rail 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 curtain rod or rail.

Ideally the motor is powered by at least one battery housed within the device, or by via an external electrical wire connected to the truck, or by a solar cell fixed to the truck.

Typically the motor is positioned in the device's bottom or lowermost section in use thereby providing the majority of mass at the bottom enabling the device to readily hang onto the curtain rod or rail without rotating around the curtain rod or rail due to gravity. In this way the weight of the motor aids the drive wheel to remain pressed against the curtain rod or rail due to mass in the curtain drawing truck weighing it down urging the drive wheel rim onto the curtain rod or rail.

Advantageously the elongate housing form of the curtain driving truck having a mouth nearer the proximate end of elongate housing than the distal end and the motor and battery arranged in the section of the elongate housing between the mouth and the distal end, causes the center of gravity of the elongate housing to be intermediate the mouth and the distal end. The elongate housing is therefore urged by gravity to hang longitudinally vertical between the folds of the curtain with the distal end hanging below the proximate end.

Preferably the drive wheel is arranged with its axle intermediate the mouth and the proximate end of the elongate housing. Thus the weight of the motor and battery pulls the rim of the drive wheel down against the top of the curtain rod or rail thereby maximizing the traction of the drive wheel on the curtain rod or rail.

Ideally the drive wheel is positioned above the curtain rod or rail and motor positioned below the curtain rod. Preferably the motor comprises pulley connected by means of a band to the drive wheel so that as the motor turns the pulley and drives the band which in turn causes the drive wheel to rotate.

Preferably the band is removable so that the band may be removed in order to position the elongate housing about the elongate curtain rod or rail and then replaced when the elongate housing is in position on the curtain rod or rail.

In some embodiments the band may be located at the elongate housing rear so that is does not need to be removed in order to position the elongate housing about the curtain rod or rail.

Advantageously bands of different diameters may be used depending upon the diameter of the curtain rod or rail so as to adapt tightness at which the drive wheel connect with the curtain driving truck and to ensure the drive wheel touches the curtain rod or rail so as to enable movement. It may be envisaged that in some embodiments drive wheel sizes in particular may also be varied so as to accommodate different sized curtain rod or rails without requirement for a different device.

In some embodiments the motor may directly drive the drive wheel and rollers.

In preferred embodiments a pair of drive wheels arranged face to face, and the pair are arranged to provide a recess in which the curtain rod or rail sits in use so as to prevent deviation and to ensure smooth continuous movement.

is In some embodiments two substantially parallel drive wheels are provided at a distance which allows the curtain rod or rail to sit centrally between both so as to locate the curtain rod or rail and aid straight movement.

Preferably the drive wheels are coated with a rim in or formed from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or silicon so as readily grip to the curtain rod or rail.

In preferred embodiments the curtain drawing truck houses the receiver that is capable of receiving signals from the controller so as to activate movement of the device along the elongate curtain rod or rail. Ideally the curtain drawing truck 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 drawing truck 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 curtain drawing truck so that more than one type of controller may be used to operate the curtain drawing trucks. For example the controller may be in the form of a wall mounted switch which can be toggled between two positions so as to either open or close the curtains. Additionally in some embodiments a light switch may be combined with the curtain drawing truck 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 is control is synchronised with the receiver in the curtain drawing truck so that the receiver may recognize 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 curtain drawing truck along the elongate curtain rod or rail 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 curtain drawing trucks.

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 curtain drawing truck 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 stops are mounted on or in relation to the curtain drawing truck'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 curtain rod or rail end, such as at a mounting bracket, or wall -a central curtain rod or rail mounting bracket -another curtain drawing truck 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 curtain drawing truck has nowhere further to travel. Advantageously this will also serve to conserve battery life of the curtain drawing truck by preventing unnecessary running of the motor.

In some embodiments the curtain drawing truck 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 controller 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 curtain drawing truck is not in use that the drive wheel is disengageable so as to roll freely when force is applied so that curtains may be manually moved along the curtain rod or rail without use of the curtain drawing truck.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Brief Description of the Figures

is Figure 1 shows an operational view of the curtain truck on a curtain rod suspending a curtain.

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the curtain drawing truck according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4a and Figure 4b each show the right and left side view respectively of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 5a and Figure Sb each show top and bottom views respectively of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows an opened isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a switch controller for the apparatus; Figure 8 shows an isometric view of an alarm clock controller for the apparatus; Figure 9 shows an isometric view from the rear of a second embodiment of the curtain drawing truck according to the present invention; Figure 10 shows an isometric view from the front of the second embodiment shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a side view of the second embodiment; is Figure 12 shows a rear view of the second embodiment; Figure 13 shows a front view of the second embodiment; Figure 14 shows an isometric view looking toward the distal end with a portion of the housing cutaway to reveal internal components of the second embodiment; Figure 15 shows an isometric view looking toward the proximate end with a portion of the housing cutaway to reveal internal components of the second embodiment; and Figure 16 shows a schematic view with the housing cutaway to show internal components of a third embodiment of the curtain drawing truck according to the present invention.

Figure 17 shows an external side view revealing the exterior of the housing according to the third embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to figure 1 there is shown a curtain 300 hanging by curtain rings from a curtain rail 200. A curtain drawing truck 100 with an exterior formed by an elongate shell also hangs from the curtain rail. The elongate shell is relatively narrow in width and relatively long in length so that it hangs from the curtain rod 200 in the long vertical grooves between the folds of the hanging curtain 300.

With reference to the figures 2 to 8 there is shown a first embodiment of the curtain drawing truck.

is The first embodiment 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. Figure 2 shows the truck 100 with the two parts 1 and 2 closed together. The two parts 1 and 2 act as hinged jaws. In use the hinged jaws close around a curtain rod or rail. The jaws open a mouth to engulf the curtain rod or rail and close to clamp the truck onto the curtain rod or rail.

Figure 3, Figure 4a, Figure 4b, Figure 5a, and Figure 5b each show respective side, rear, front, top, and bottom views of the first embodiment with the jaws closed. Figure 3 shows a clear space passing through the truck from one side to the other. In use the curtain rod, not shown in Figure 3, passes through the clear space.

Figure 6 shows parts 1 and 2 swung open about the hinge. The parts 1 and 2 therefore open as jaws which form an open mouth to accept a curtain rod.

To clamp the truck to the curtain rod, open parts 1 and 2 are placed around the curtain rod. The curtain rod is thereby inserted into the open mouth formed by the open jaws. To clamp the truck to curtain rod, hinged parts 1 and 2 are swung closed about the hinge.

With parts 1 and 2 swung open, internal parts are revealed inside the housing as shown in Figure 6. A motor 11 is housed in part 2 and fixed to part 2. The motor comprises pulley 5 to transfer torque from the motor to a drive wheel 7.

The drive wheel 7 is housed within part 1 and fixed to part 1.

The drive wheel 7 is adapted to roll along the curtain rod when pads 1 and 2 are swung closed with the curtain rod clamped in the open space between them.

The pulley 5 engages with the drive wheel 7 via a traction band 6 and teethed cogs 10, and is driven by a motor 11.

As shown in Figure 3b, a local activation or communication button 12 is provided on the exterior of the housing by which an operator can turn the motor 11 off and on.

With the truck clamped on the curtain rod and the motor turned on the drive wheel drives the truck along the rod.

As shown in Figure 6, parts 1 and 2 are shells forming the housing. A portion of the shell is cutout of part 1 forming a rim. The rim is dimensioned to partially surround a curtain rod. Two pads 8 are attached to the rim. When the truck is in use on a curtain rod or rail, the curtain rod or rail (not shown) runs against two the pads 8. The pads are made from a material having a low friction surface wherein said pads provide minimal resistance movement of the truck 100 along the curtain rod 200.

The motor 11 has a shaft that is attached to the pulley 5 that is parallel in use to the width of the curtain pole (not shown). The pulley 5 has a rubber tyre on its outer circumference that in use touches the pole and allows greater traction to drive the truck along the pole. In use the pads 1 and 2 swing together with the curtain rod between them. The curtain rod is thereby clamped between the drive wheel 7 and the rubber tyre on the pulley 5. Thus the pulley acts a secondary drive wheel since both the drive wheel 7 and the pulley 5 tyre contact that the curtain rod and drive the truck 100 along the curtain rod 200 when the motor is turned on 200.

The pulley 5 is also stabilised with a curved mounting bracket to constantly maintain momentum and traction during movement.

The truck housing formed by part 2 also includes electrical components such as batteries, receiver circuit, decoder and motor driver. Preferably these pads are housed in part 2. With the weight of these components in part 2, part 2 is is urged by gravity to hang below the drive wheel 7 mounted in part 1. Thus the drive wheel 7 rides along the top of the curtain rod or rail and is pressed down onto the curtain rod so as to provide great traction for the drive wheel 7 on the curtain rod 200.

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

The wireless working of the invention will be. The truck housing houses a radio frequency transmitter and receiver circuit attached to the motor 11. A transmitter in an external device shown in Figures 7 and 8 will be housed in for example an alarm clock similar to as shown in Figure 8. Therefore the truck can be operated wirelessly and remotely by the external device shown in Figures 7 and 8 or locally and manually activation by the button 12 shown on the housing in Figure 4b.

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.

With reference to the figures from Figure 9 to Figure 15 there is shown a second embodiment of the curtain drawing truck.

As shown in Figure 9 the curtain drawing truck 100 has an elongate housing to house internal components. The second embodiment differs from the first in that the second is not divided into pad 1 and part 2 connected by a hinge.

The second embodiment therefore does not have a pad 1 and pad 2 that close around the rod like jaws.

As shown in Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 11 the second embodiment has a is mouth 22 formed by an opening in the housing that extends from side to side.

Thus in use a curtain rod is insertable into the mouth 22 and extends out the sides of the housing.

In the second embodiment the truck is an elongate object formed by a single housing that houses the internal components. The elongate housing fits unobtrusively between the folds of a hung curtain as the elongate housing hangs down from a curtain rod.

The elongate housing has two ends 36, 38 the define length of the elongate housing. The mouth 22 is located closer to proximate end 36 than to distal end 38.

Figures 14 and 15 show an internal view of the housing. In these figures a portion of the housing is shown cutaway to reveal internal components of the truck 100.

An aperture 24 is evident in a side of the housing in Figures 12, 14 and 15.

The elongate housing also has an aperture 24. As shown in Figures 14 and the aperture 24 is located closer to the proximate end 36 than to the distal end 38.

The truck comprises a swing arm 26 comprising a release lever 28 and a end stop 30 wherein the end stop and release lever are separated by a pivot means which is a circular opening to accept a pin 32 as shown in Figures 14 and 15. The swing arm 26 is housed inside the housing and fixed to the housing via the pivot means so as to rotate about the pivot means. The swing arm is arranged inside the housing so that the release lever 28 protrudes out of the housing through the aperture 24 and the end stop 30 can swing in the mouth 22 about the pin 32.

is The pin 32 is a pivot for the swing-arm and fixed to the inside of the housing.

The pin 32 is connected to the swing-arm 26 intermediate the end stop 30 and the release lever 28. The pivot 32 permits the swing-arm 26 to swing about a pivot axis transverse to the elongate axis of the elongate housing of the truck 100, the pivot axis is also parallel to an axis that goes though the mouth 22 and through the sides of the housing. Thus the pivot axis for the swing-arm is parallel to the length of the curtain rod when it is in mouth 22.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, a drive wheel 7 is arranged with a portion of its rim 17 in the mouth 22. The drive wheel 7 comprises an axle 34 fixed to the elongate housing 100. The axle 34 is aligned transverse to the pivot axis and to the long axis. Thus as in the first embodiment of the curtain driving truck shown in Figures 2 to 6; in the second embodiment of the curtain driving truck, the drive wheel 7 includes at least one wheel rim 17 in parallel alignment with the curtain rod or rail when in use. And when in use the rim 17 is contiguous with the curtain rod or rail. In this way as the drive wheel 7 rotates it moves along the curtain rod or rail 200 and therefore moves the curtain drawing truck 100 along the curtain rod or rail.

The curtain rod 200 is insertable into the mouth 22 in the elongate housing and clamped between the rim 17 of the driving wheel 7 and end stop 30. In the position wherein the curtain driving truck is clamped to the curtain rod or rail, the curtain driving truck is driveable along the curtain rod. Thus the truck pushes or pulls a curtain hanging from the curtain rod or rail so as to draw the curtain open or closed.

The truck 100 comprises a grasping means such as a hook, ring, magnet, or the like to grasp the curtain or a curtain ring so as to aid drawing the curtain as the truck moves along the curtain rod.

The length of the elongate housing 100 along its long axis is defined by the distance between a proximate end 36 and a distal end 38. The mouth 22 that is receives the curtain rod or rail is also located closer to the proximate end.

The axle 34 of the drive wheel 7 is located intermediate the mouth 22 and the proximate end 36. The distance from the mouth 22 to the distal end 38 of the housing is longer than the length between the mouth 22 and the proximate end 26. As a result the centre of gravity of the housing is located between the mouth and the distal end 38 so that when the elongate housing is clamped to a curtain rail or rod, the distal end 38 hangs below the curtain rod.

The axle 34 of the drive wheel is located intermediate the through-hole 20 and the proximate end 36, and the rim 17 of the drive wheel 7 invades the open space of the mouth 22.

Because the distal end 38 hangs below the curtain rod, the rim 17 of the drive wheel 7 is weighed down onto the top of the curtain rod or rail 200 thereby maximizing the traction of the drive wheel rim 17 against the curtain rod 200.

A motor 11 arranged to provide torque to the drive wheel where the motor is located intermediate the through-hole 20 and the distal end 38. Thus the mass of the motor 11 which is a significant fraction of the mass of the entire curtain driving truck encourages the centre of gravity of the elongate housing to be intermediate the through-hole and the distal end, so that advantageously the weight of the motor pulls the rim 17 of the wheel down against the top of the curtain rod thereby maximizing the traction of the drive wheel against the curtain rod.

The motor is linked to the drive wheel 7 by a drive belt 6, otherwise known as a traction band 6. The drive belt traverses past the mouth 22 from the side of the mouth nearer the distal end to the side nearer the proximate end 36 and thereby also traverses across the swing-arm 26..

is A battery 40 is arranged to provide power to the motor 11. The battery is located intermediate the through-hole 20 and the distal end 38. Thus the mass of the battery 40 which is a significant fraction of the mass of the entire curtain driving truck encourages the centre of gravity of the elongate housing to be intermediate the mouth 22 and the distal end 38, so that advantageously the weight of the battery 40 pulls the rim 17 of the wheel down against the top of the curtain rod thereby maximizing the traction of the drive wheel 7 against the curtain rod.

A resilient element 42 is connected to the release lever 28 and there resilient element is also connected to the housing. The resilient element urges the end stop 30 towards the rim 17. The resilient element urges the swing arm 26 to rotate around the pivot 32 so as to clamp the curtain rod or rail between the end stop 30 and the rim 17 of the drive wheel 7. The resilient element is connected to the housing 100 intermediate the mouth 22 and the distal end 38 or it is connected to the elongate housing 100 intermediate the mouth 22 and the proximate end 36. The resilient element may be, but is not limited to being, a coil spring, leaf spring, a rubbery chunk, or the like flexible and springy element.

A portion of the length of the elongate housing intermediate the mouth 22 and the distal end 38 is shaped for a hand grip. The elongate housing is thus easily handled maneuvered to place the mouth over the curtain rod or rail.

The end stop 30 comprises a freely rotatable roller arranged to contact the curtain rod 20 when the truck 100 is clamped to the rod. An example of this roller is a ball bearing held by the end stop or a roller wheel held by the end stop in parallel alignment with the curtain rod or rail when in use. Thus the roller wheel engages the bottom of the curtain rod or rail and allows the drive wheel to drive the truck along the rail with a minimum of friction. Alternatively the end stop 30 comprises a slippery surface arranged to contact the curtain is rod when clamped.

Figures 16 and 17 show a third embodiment of the curtain driving truck.

Figure 17 shows an external side view revealing the exterior of the housing.

Figure 16 shows a cutaway view through the housing.

A housing 105 comprises a mouth 22 arranged to receive a curtain rod or rail.

A drive wheel 7 comprising a rim 17 is arranged so that rim invades the mouth 22. The wheel is orientated so that its axle is transverse to the elongate axis of the housing.

The mouth 22 is formed by a rim in the housing cuts into the sides of the housing and provides a space through the housing from side to side. A curtain rod 200 is insertable into the mouth 22 so that the curtain rod 200 extends through the sides of the housing.

The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that in the third embodiment the drive wheel 7 is located intermediate the mouth 22 and the distal end 38 of the housing. Rather than rely on the weight of the truck 100 to weigh the rim 17 down on the curtain rod 200, the third embodiment utilizes the resilient element 42 to press the end stop 30 against the curtain rod 200 and thereby clamp the curtain rod between the rim 17 of the drive wheel and the end stop 30.

Otherwise the third and second embodiments are the similarly arranged with a swing-arm comprising a end stop 30 and a release lever 28 separated by a pivot means 33 between them. The pivot means being a circular hole in the swing-arm to accept pivot pin 32 connected which is connected to the housing.

The curtain driving truck 100 is ideal for a system comprising a curtain hanging from a curtain and curtain drawing truck as described herein by any is embodiment clamped to the curtain rod.

Various components of the first, second, and third embodiment are constructed and arranged similarly such as the motor 11, motor pulley 5, drive wheel 7, drive wheel rim 17, drive wheel axle 34, and so forth.

The invention has been described by way of examples only. 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 claims.

Claims

Claims: 1. A curtain drawing truck which in use opens and closes a curtain suspended from a rail or rod comprises: a driver which, in use, is in frictional contact with the rail or rod; a motor provides a drive force to the driver on receipt of a drive signal; and a clamp urges the driver against the rail or rod so as to ensure sufficient frictional force exists therebetween, whereby the truck is driveable along the rail or rod by the driver.
2. A truck according to claim 1 wherein the exterior is in the form of an elongate housing arranged to house the driver, motor and clamp.
3. A truck according to claim 2 wherein the housing has an opening or mouth for receiving a range of sizes of rails and rods.
4. A truck according to claim 3 wherein the driver is in the form of a drive wheel which in use presents a portion of its rim in the vicinity of the opening or mouth so as to engage the rail or rod.
5. A truck according to claim 4 wherein the drive wheel is supported on an axle fixed to the housing and aligned transverse to an elongate axis of the housing.
6. A truck according to any of claims 3, 4 or 5 wherein the mouth or opening is located closer to a proximate end of the housing than to a distal end and the centre of gravity of the truck is at a point located intermediate the distal end of the housing and the mouth or opening.
7. A truck according to claim 6 when dependent on either claim 4 or 5 wherein the drive wheel is located intermediate the mouth and the proximate end of the housing.
8. A truck according to claim 7 where the motor is linked to the drive wheel by a drive belt or chain.
9. A truck according to claim 8 is arranged to receive a battery for providing power to an electric motor and other components.
10. A truck according to any preceding claim wherein the clamp comprises a swing-arm fixed to the housing by a pivot means wherein the swing-arm is arranged to swing in the opening or mouth about the pivot means towards the driver.
11. A truck according to claim 10 wherein the swing-arm comprises an end stop and is arranged to swing about an axis transverse to the axle of the is drive-wheel.
12. A truck according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the end stop comprises a roller arranged to contact the curtain rod when clamped.
13. A truck according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the end stop comprises a low frictional material arranged to contact the curtain rod when clamped.
14. A truck according to any of claims 10 to 13 wherein the swing arm comprises a release lever arranged to protrude from an aperture in the housing and wherein the pivot means is located intermediate the release lever and the end stop.
15. A truck according to any of claims 10 to 14 comprising a resilient element connected to the swing arm so as to urge the end stop toward the driver.
16. A truck according to any of claims 6 to 15 wherein a portion of the length of the elongate housing intermediate the opening or mouth and the distal end is in the form of a hand grip.
17. A truck according to claim 2 to 17 wherein housing includes a receiver for receiving a signal from a remote controller.

18 A truck according to any preceding claim comprising a controller and light sensor/photodiode wherein the controller is arranged to automatically operate the motor on receipt of a signal from the light sensor/photodiode.

19 A system comprising a truck according to any preceding claim that includes a programmable controller and a receiver for receiving a signal, such as a short message signal, (SMS) or infra-red signal transmitted from a is remote device, such as a mobile communication device or hand held remote device.20. A system comprising a curtain hanging from a curtain rod or rail and curtain drawing truck according to any preceding claim clamped to the curtain rod or rail.19. A curtain drawing truck substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.