Curtain lowering apparatus and method

A curtain lowering apparatus directed to cleaning and maintaining a curtain suspended above a floor, the apparatus having a first, not-lowered position at a height “H” above the floor, and a second, lowered position of H−L above the floor, the apparatus comprising: a curtain rod attached to at least two curtain rod rings, the curtain suspended from the curtain rod; at least two apparatus rod supports, the rod supports directed to support the at least two curtain rod rings; a drive unit configured to drive at least two drive cables, with respective drive cables routed through respective apparatus rod supports and respective drive cables further connected to respective curtain rod rings; wherein the curtain rod is alternately maintained at the first, not-lowered position and at the second, lowered position.

FIELD OF INVENTION AND BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the current invention relate to curtains and draperies and their maintenance and specifically to a curtain lowering apparatus and method directed to cleaning and maintaining curtains.

In the specification and claims which follow, the terms “curtain” “drapes”, and “draperies” are used interchangeably and having the same meaning to refer to any decorative window and/or wall covering, usually made from a wide variety of fabrics, as known in the art.

Curtains are used widely in private homes as well as in public and business settings such as, but not limited to: hotels; convention centers; offices; stages; and schools. Reference is currently made toFIG.1, which is a pictorial representation of an exemplary prior art curtain3, positioned before and covering a window4. Window4is shown in the current figure for illustration purposes, only. It should be understood that window4, itself, is not an integral part of the curtain nor an integral part of embodiments of the current invention. Curtain3is suspended from curtain rod5which is held into position with two or more curtain rod supports6, as known in the art. As shown in the current figure, curtain rod5is located above window4, with the curtain rod located a distance “H” above a floor7. Depending on where and in what application/location curtain3is suspended, distance H may typically vary from over about 2 m in most homes and up to 3-8 meters or more in some public locations.

Even in clean locations, curtain3must be removed and/or cleaned from time to time, as known in the art. A curtain cleaning process typically entails climbing a step stool or ladder a height equivalent to H above the floor to remove the curtain from the curtain rod for curtain laundering and/or dry cleaning and subsequently climbing again to height H above the floor to reattach the cleaned curtain onto the rod. In some settings, the curtain cleaning process may not entail removing the curtain from the curtain rod; however, in most cases additional equipment and/or climbing close to height H above the floor is necessary.

Clearly, such climbing, curtain removal and reattaching, and/or introduction of additional equipment make the curtain cleaning process not only difficult, but expensive and having associated risks, as described below.

In an article written by Ben Yakas, published in Gothamist on 1 Oct. 2011, entitled “Teen Fatally falls from Apartment Window in Curtain Hanging Accident”, https://gothamist.com/news/teen-fatally-falls-from-apartment-window-in-curtain-hanging-accident. Ben Yakas describes how Yohan Hernandez, a 14-year old Bronx boy slipped while hanging curtains in his 5th floor apartment and fell out the window to his death. Yohan Hernandez was standing on a chair installing curtains when the tragic accident occurred.

In an article published in Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN) on 6 Jul. 2017, https://www.ishn.com/articles/106830-000-falls-from-ladders-annually-97-percent-occur-at-home-or-on-farms, it is cited that according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, every year 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries and approximately 300 of these incidents prove to be fatal. In 2007 alone, more than 400 people died as a result of falls on or from ladders or scaffolding. Ladder-related injuries per 100,000 people rose almost 27 percent during a 16-year study period—97.3 percent occurred in non-occupational settings, such as homes and farms. More than 2.1 million people needed to be hospitalized, about twice the overall admission rate for consumer-product related injuries. The study concluded that given the 50 percent increase in ladder-related injuries during the study period, the relatively high likelihood of hospital admission, and the predominance of injuries in non-occupational settings, increased efforts are needed to prevent ladder-related injuries.

Citing information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Economics Daily, https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/fatal-injuries-from-ladders-down-in-2020-nonfatal-ladder-injuries-were-essentially-unchanged.htm, in an article from 25 Apr. 2022, entitled: “Fatal injuries from ladders down in 2020; nonfatal ladder injuries were essentially unchanged”, it is noted that in 2020, there were 161 fatal work injuries from which ladders were the primary source. This was a 5.8-percent decline from 2019 (171 deaths). There were 105 deaths specifically from movable ladders in 2020 and 5 deaths from fixed ladders.

In an article by Peter Simeonov, published on 13 Mar. 2017 in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://blogs.cdc.goviniosh-science-blog/2017/03/13/ladder-safety-month/, Simeonov notes how each year in the U.S., more than 500,000 people are treated and about 300 people die from ladder-related injuries. The estimated annual cost of ladder injuries in the U.S. is $24 billion, including work loss, medical, legal, liability, and pain and suffering expenses. Data analysis from three surveillance systems in 2011 showed that workers who are male, Hispanic, older, self-employed, work in smaller establishments, and work in construction, maintenance, and repair experience higher rates of falls from ladders. It is evident from these numbers that ladder-related falls are a serious problem and that there is a need to reduce the resulting injury and death.

In addition to references hereinabove identifying substantial risks associated with climbing, readily-available internet and anecdotal information identify that the average cost to clean curtains is nearly $250, while “high end” work can cost up to $600.

There is therefore a need for an apparatus and method for lowering and subsequent raising of curtains, associated with their cleaning and maintenance, that is not only cost effective (meaning costing less than ordering periodic curtain cleaning) but that can significantly reduce and nearly eliminate risks associated with ladder and stepstool climbing to remove and reattach curtains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a curtain lowering apparatus directed to cleaning and maintaining a curtain suspended above a floor, the apparatus having a first, not-lowered position at a height “H” above the floor, and a second, lowered position of H−L above the floor, the apparatus comprising: a curtain rod attached to at least two curtain rod rings, the curtain suspended from the curtain rod; at least two apparatus rod supports, the rod supports directed to support the at least two curtain rod rings; a drive unit configured to drive at least two drive cables, with respective drive cables routed through respective apparatus rod supports and respective drive cables further connected to respective curtain rod rings; wherein the curtain rod is alternately maintained at the first, not-lowered position and at the second, lowered position. Preferably, the drive unit includes: a first drive motor having a drive axle defining a drive axis, which has a first end and a second end, upon which drive axle elements are axially configured; and an electronics and communication unit, with the first drive motor, the drive axle, and the electronics and communications unit configured within an enclosure. Most preferably, the electronics and communications unit is connected to the first drive motor and the electronics and communications unit is configured to receive commands to lower and raise the curtain. Typically, the drive axle elements include: spacers located at the first end and at the second end; and an equal number of: bias springs; spools, drive discs; and friction pads; all of which are located between the spacers. Preferably, the enclosure has an opening through which the drive cables pass. Most preferably the drive unit is configured to maintain a level configuration of the curtain rod, substantially parallel to the floor, as the curtain rod is raised.

Typically, the drive unit is configured to raise and lower a total load representing the combined weight of: the curtain, the curtain rod; rod-curtain rings; and drive cables. Most typically, the equal number of: bias springs; spools, drive discs; and friction pads is 2 with a total load less than 14 kg and with two curtain rod rings. Preferably, the equal number of: bias springs; spools, drive discs; and friction pads is 3 with a total load ranging from 14 to 60 kg and with 3 curtain rod rings. Most preferably, an alternative configuration of the drive unit includes a second drive motor.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a curtain lowering apparatus directed to cleaning and maintaining a curtain suspended above a floor, the apparatus having a first, not-lowered position at a height “H” above the floor, and a second, lowered position of H−L above the floor, the method comprising the steps of: suspending the curtain, which is attached to at least two curtain rod rings, from the curtain rod; configuring at least two apparatus rod supports to support the at least two curtain rod rings; configuring a drive unit to drive at least two drive cables, with respective drive cables routed through respective apparatus rod supports and the respective drive cables further connected to respective curtain rod rings; whereby the curtain rod is alternately maintained at the first, not-lowered position and at the second, lowered position. Preferably, the drive unit includes: a first drive motor having a drive axle defining a drive axis, which has a first end and a second end, upon which drive axle elements are axially configured; and an electronics and communication unit, with the first drive motor, the drive axle, and the electronics and communications unit configured within an enclosure. Most preferably, the electronics and communications unit is connected to the first drive motor and the electronics and communications unit is receives commands to lower and raise the curtain.

Typically, the drive axle elements include: spacers located at the first end and at the second end; and an equal number of: bias springs; spools, drive discs; and friction pads; all of which are located between the spacers. Most typically, the enclosure has an opening through which the drive cables pass, and the drive unit maintains a level configuration of the curtain rod, substantially parallel to the floor, as the curtain rod is raised. Preferably, the drive unit raises and lowers a total load representing the combined weight of: the curtain, the curtain rod; rod-curtain rings; and drive cables. Most preferably, the equal number of: bias springs; spools, drive discs; and friction pads is 2 when there is a total load less than 14 kg and with two curtain rod rings. Typically, the equal number of: bias springs; spools, drive discs; and friction pads is 3 with a total load ranging from 14 to 60 kg and with 3 curtain rod rings. Preferably, an alternative configuration of the drive unit includes a second drive motor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the current invention relate to curtains and draperies and their maintenance, and specifically to a curtain lowering apparatus and method directed to cleaning and maintaining curtains.

Reference is currently made toFIGS.2and3, which are pictorial representations of the exemplary prior art curtain3ofFIG.1, having a curtain lowering apparatus10in a first, not-lowered position (FIG.2) and in a second, lowered position (FIG.3), in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Apart from the differences described below, curtain3, curtain rod5, floor7, and height H are identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown inFIG.1and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove. InFIG.3, the curtain rod is located a height “H”−“L” above floor7, with “L” representing the distance the rod is lowered.

Curtain lowering apparatus includes: apparatus rod supports6a; curtain rod rings16; a drive unit17; and drive cables18. As can be seen schematically by comparingFIGS.2and3, curtain lowering apparatus10serves to lower the curtain from the first position to the second position by distance L (or to raise the curtain from the second position to the first position). Lowering and raising the curtain is achieved by drive unit17driving drive cables18which run through apparatus rod supports6a, and which connect to curtain rod rings16, through which curtain rod5passes—all as seen in the figures and as further described hereinbelow. Although drive cables18are schematically shown inFIGS.2and3as having an arcuate routing, it is to be understood that the drive cables typically have a taut configuration (i.e., bearing a load, as described hereinbelow) and that the cables are further supported and/or drive unit is mounted in an alternate position to enable the taut configuration.

Drive unit17is commanded by a remote-control unit or optionally as a wired control unit, as known in the art, not shown in the figures. Optionally or additionally, drive unit17is commanded by voice commands, such as, but not limited to: Amazaon Alexa and Apple Siri—as known in the art.

Additionally shown inFIG.2is an indication of side-sectional view A-A, which is referred to hereinbelow inFIG.7.

Reference is currently made toFIG.3A, which is a pictorial representation of an alternate curtain lowering apparatus10a, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Alternate curtain lower apparatus10ais mounted directly from a ceiling7a. Apart from the differences described below, curtain3, curtain rod5, floor7, and heights L and H are identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown inFIG.3and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove.

Alternate curtain lowering apparatus10aincludes: apparatus rod supports6b; curtain rod clips16a; drive unit17; and drive cables18. Similar to curtain lowering apparatus10as shown inFIGS.2and3, alternate curtain lowering apparatus10aserves to lower the curtain from the first position to the second position by distance L (or, alternatively, to raise the curtain from the second position to the first position). Lowering and raising the curtain is achieved by drive unit17driving drive cables18which run through apparatus rod supports6b, and which connect to curtain rod clips16a, through which curtain rod5passes. In the current figure/configuration, curtain rod5may have a rectangular/rail cross-section configuration, as known in the art, allowing the curtain rod to be raised in close proximity to the ceiling and to apparatus rod supports6b. Additionally, apparatus rod supports6bare mounted directly to the ceiling, as shown inFIG.3A, as opposed to apparatus rod supports6a, as shown inFIGS.2and3. Drive unit17mounted onto the ceiling and is likewise commanded by a remote-control unit or optionally as a wired control unit, as known in the art, not shown in the figures.

Elements of alternate curtain lowering apparatus10aand curtain lowering apparatus10may be used interchangeably, with regard to ceiling mounting and/or routing of the drive cables and/or location of the drive unit, mutatis mutandis. Similarly, references hereinbelow and in the claims which follow to apparatus rod supports6aand to curtain rod ring16are to be understood to be interchangeable with and to apply equally to apparatus rod supports6band to curtain rod clips16a, mutatis mutandis.

Reference is currently made toFIG.4, which is a detailed view of drive unit17, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Drive unit17has an enclosure19having a cover (not shown in the figure). The drive unit is shown in the current figure without the cover and without the drive cables (refFIGS.2and3)—all for purposes of clarity. Drive unit17includes: a first drive motor20, which is mechanically mounted onto a drive motor support21(which is mechanically connected to enclosure19), and a drive axle22having a first end22aand a second end22b. Drive axle22defines a drive axis23and all drive axle elements shown to the left of drive motor21in the current FIG. are axially configured upon drive axis23. Drive unit17further includes: spacers23; located at first end22aand second end22bof drive axle22; bias springs24; spools26; drive discs28; respective friction pads30; and an opening33in enclosure19. Opening33is configured to allow passage of drive cables18(refFIGS.2and3). In the current figure there are three each of bias springs24, spools26, drive discs28, and friction pads30, as discussed further hereinbelow.

Drive unit17further includes an electronics and communications unit35, which is mounted within enclosure19and is electrically-connected to drive motor23. The electronics and communications unit receives power from a mains source (not shown in the current figure) or optionally from an on-board power source, such as, but not limited to batteries. Electronics and communications unit35serves to receive remote or optional wired commands to lower and raise the curtain by activating the drive motor to rotate drive axle22and thereby to alternately spool/collect the drive cables onto spools26within the enclosure (thereby raising the curtain) or to unspool/release the drive cables from spools26and from the enclosure (thereby lowering the curtain). Bias springs24, spools26, drive discs28, and respective friction pads30are configured on the drive axle to spool or unspool the drive cables in a clutch-like configuration, as known in the art.

One important aspect of drive unit17is that it serves to maintain a level configuration (i.e., a configuration substantially parallel to the floor) of curtain rod5, as the curtain rod is raised, by collecting/spooling and maintaining a substantially uniformly taut configuration of the drive cables. Maintaining the uniformly taut configuration is accomplished by taking advantage of the clutch-like configuration described hereinabove of the bias springs, the spools, the drive discs, and the respective friction pads when the drive cables are collected/spooled, as further described hereinbelow. When all of curtain rod rings16are raised and contact respective apparatus rod supports6aat substantially the same instant, then the level configuration (corresponding to the uniformly taut configuration of the drive cables) is maintained, and the respective drive cables are no longer spooled.

However, whenever at least one drive cable18is collected, and respective curtain rod ring16is resultantly raised—but the respective curtain rod ring does not contact its respective apparatus rod support6a—then spooling of the respective drive cable continues, until curtain rod ring16contacts its respective apparatus rod support6a. When curtain rod ring16contacts its respective apparatus rod support6a, a tension of the respective drive cable momentarily increases, thereby providing a force stronger than that of the respective bias spring24. When the stronger force acts upon respective bias spring24, the respective bias spring disengages the respective friction pad from the respective drive disc—thereby yielding affecting the clutch-like configuration noted hereinabove.

The configuration of drive unit17shown inFIG.4, with first drive motor20, and three sets of bias springs24, spools26, drive discs28, and friction pads30, is suitable to raise and lower a total load of up to approximately 14 kg. In the specification which and claims, which follow hereinbelow, the expression “total load” is intended to mean the combined weight of: curtain3, curtain rod5, rod-curtain rings16, and drive cables18, as shown inFIGS.2,3, and3A.

Drive unit17may be configured modularly with regard to the total load, as described hereinbelow. An optional or alternative exemplary configuration of drive unit17includes first drive motor20, and two sets of bias springs24, spools26, drive discs28, and friction pads30—to raise and lower a total load under 14 kg with a curtain configuration having two curtain rod rings16. An additional optional or alternative exemplary configuration of drive unit17includes first drive motor20and a second drive motor (not shown in the figure), and two or more sets of bias springs24, spools26, drive discs28, and friction pads30—to raise and lower a total load ranging from 14 to 60 kg for a curtain configuration having two or more curtain rod rings16.

Reference is currently made toFIG.5, which shows two isometric representations of one of curtain rod rings16, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. One of curtain rod rings16includes: a first housing ring41having a generally circular shape; a second housing42configured to fit and to slide in an arcuate track41awithin first housing41; a second housing extension43having an optional spring retention hole43atherein; and a first housing extension44having an optional spring retention hole44atherein.

Curtain rod ring16has a normally-closed configuration (as shown in the figures) when it is in position, serving to retain the curtain rod (as shown inFIGS.2and3hereinabove), with the curtain rod ring being biased to the normally-closed configuration by bias springs (not shown in the figure). Coil springs, as known in the art, may be configured within arcuate track41or coil or leaf springs may be configured between two spring retention holes43aand44ato serve as the bias springs. Opening curtain rod ring16to an open configuration (such as when installing the curtain rod ring onto the curtain rod or when removing the curtain rod ring from the curtain rod) is accomplished by grasping and pressing the two housing extensions towards one another to displace second housing42within arcuate track41and thereby open the curtain rod ring.

Reference is currently made toFIGS.6A and6B, which are, respectively, a detailed isometric view of one of apparatus rod supports6aand of an apparatus rod support cover65, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Apart from the differences described below, apparatus rod supports6aare identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown inFIGS.2and3hereinabove.

Referring toFIG.6A, one of apparatus rod supports6aincludes a support bracket52, which is mounted to a wall (not shown in the figures) and which has at least two wall-mounting holes53therein and a bracket arm54, with bracket arm54extending substantially perpendicularly from the wall, as known in the art, and terminating at a bracket arm end54a. Configured upon bracket arm54are: a first wire spool55, mounted upon a first wire spool spacer55a, and two wire spools pairs56, with each of the two wire spool pairs having a double-spool configuration and with the two wire spool pairs and the first wire spool mounted coaxially upon respective wire spool axes57extending vertically and perpendicularly from bracket arm54—as shown inFIG.6A.

An alternate configuration of one of apparatus rod supports6a(not shown in the current figures) includes only one wire spool pair56, with the wire spool pair having a double-spool configuration and with the wire spool pair and the first wire spool mounted coaxially upon respective wire spool axes57as described hereinabove.

Additionally configured upon the bracket arm are a last wire spool58, mounted at bracket arm end54aand coaxially with last wire spool axis59, the last wire spool axis being oriented substantially perpendicularly to bracket arm54and perpendicularly to wire spool axes57. Last wire spool58, two wire spool pairs56, and first wire spool55are respectively oriented to guide the drive cables (not shown in the figure—but as shown inFIGS.2and3and as further discussed hereinbelow). At least two slot-depressions61are formed in bracket arm54to receive and retain apparatus rod support cover65. At least 2 extensions69to rod support cover65serve to engage in the at least two slot depressions to retain the rod support cover.

Reference is currently made toFIG.7, which is a detailed side sectional view A-A ofFIG.2, showing details of one of apparatus rod supports6aand one of drive cables18, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Apart from the differences described below, apparatus rod support6ais identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown inFIGS.2,3, and6Ahereinabove and curtain rod ring16is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown inFIGS.2,3, and5hereinabove. In the current figure, drive cable18is shown having a typical wiring configuration, initiating from drive unit17(shown inFIG.4), spooled once around first wire spool55, then around two wire spool pairs56, and then over last wire spool58and connected to curtain rod16. The typical wiring configuration of the drive cable enables smooth and efficient raising and lowering of the curtain, as described hereinabove regardingFIGS.2,3, and4.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention and as defined in the appended claims.