IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO CURTAIN RETAINING MEMBERS

Abstract: An edge portion (4) of a shower curtain (1) is held by a retaining member (5). This retaining member (5) is attached to an existing wall surface by a layer of adhesive material (6) provided on the rear surface of the member (5). Flexible tapered skirts (7) at the sides of the member (5) are thus pressed against the wall surface to create a substantially waterproof seal and a smooth transition to the body of the retaining member (5). A mouth (8) is formed in the retaining member (5) by arms (9). This mouth (8) opens out inwardly to form the internal space (10). A mounting strip (11) of a semi-flexible nature is pressed into the mouth (8) so as to trap the free edge (4) of the curtain (1). The arms (9) are relatively rigid so that the curtain (1) is held very securely in place. The mounting strip (11) can readily be removed in order to release the curtain (1) as required.

Description: Improvements relating to Curtain Retaining Members There is a need to provide a secure means of retaining the edge of a curtain particularly for a shower curtain used to retain water within a showering area. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a curtain edge retaining member comprising an elongated mounting strip for securing to a wall surface and defining a groove with a substantially rigid internal wall surface and forming a mouth opening onto the front face of the mounting strip and a flexible retaining strip dimensioned to fit within the groove along the length thereof with a tolerance sufficient only to enable the thickness of a curtain to be trapped within the groove by the retaining strip, with the curtain projecting through the mouth of the groove. By use of such a member the edge of the curtain can be held in position adjacent to a wall surface thus preventing water from escaping along that edge of the curtain. In the preferred arrangement the groove will open out inwardly from the mouth which is defined by a relatively thin wall section on at least one side of the entry mouth, thus providing an adequate space in the interior of the curtain at the outer end of the entry mouth, the oui opening being similar in width to the thickness of the retaining strip. The retaining strip itself is preferably of a general oblong cross-section. The curtain edge can readily be secured in place by pushing the retaining strip into place to trap the curtain edge. If required, the curtain can then be released by easing the retaining strip out of the groove in the mounting strip. As an alternative the groove can be formed to have a restricted mouth opening for receipt of the curtain with the retaining strap being designed to slide into the enlarged section of the groove, from one end of the mounting strip. Preferably in this arrangement, the retaining strip and the enlarged section of the groove are of circular cross- section. Ideally the base of the mounting strip is formed with flexible tapered skirts at both sides. This provides a smooth transition from the wall surface to the pro ecting mounting strip portion and helps to create a waterproof barrier where the member is attached to a wall. The preferred form of securing means is a layer of adhesive material provided on the rear face of the mounting strip. The invention may be performed in various ways and one preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is an illustration of a shower curtain held at one edge by a retaining member of this invention; Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-section through the retaining member illustrated in Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a cross-section through an alternative form of curtain retaining member of this invention. Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 a shower curtain 1 supported slidably by rings 2 on a curtain pole 3 has a edge portion 4 held by a retaining member 5. This retaining member is attached to an existing wall surface by pressing a layer of adhesive material 6 provided on the rear surface of the member 5 into contact with the wall. Flexible tapered skirts 7 at the sides of the member 5 are thus pressed against the wall surface to create a substantially waterproof seal and a smooth transition to the body of the retaining member 5. A mouth 8 is formed in the retaining member by arms 9. This mouth opens out inwardly to form the internal space 10. A mounting strip 11 of a semi-flexible nature is pressed into the mouth 8 so as to trap the free edge 4 of the curtain 1. The arms 9 are relatively rigid so that the curtain is held very securely in place. The mounting strip 11 can readily be removed in order to release the curtain as required. In the alternative arrangement shown in Figure 3, the groove 10A in the retaining member 5A is of a generally circular cross-section and has a restricted mouth 12 through which the folded end of the curtain 1 will project. The end of the curtain is wrapped round a flexible mounting strip 11A of circular cross-section and this combination is then slid into the groove 10A from one end of the retainin ^ member 5A. Again the main body of member 5A is relatively rigid and provided with flexible tapered skirts 7 at the sides. The retaining member 5 can be constructed to any desired length (and indeed can be cut to any length as necessary). Whilst the device is intended generally for use with shower curtains it will be appreciated that the retaining member can be used for fixing the edges of curtains or similar items in other situations.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A curtain edge retaining member comprising an elongated mounting strip for securing to a wall surface and defining a groove with a substantially rigid internal wall surface and forming a mouth opening onto the front face of the mounting strip, and a flexible retaining strip dimensioned to fit within the groove along the length thereof with a tolerance sufficient only to enable the thickness of a curtain to be trapped within the groove by the retaining strip, with the curtain projecting through the mouth of the groove. 2. A member as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the groove opens out inwardly from the mouth, which is defined by a relatively thin wall section on at least one side of the entry mouth, the mouth opening being similar in width to the thickness of the retaining striop. 3. A member as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the retaining strip is of a generally oblong cross-section. 4. A member as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the groove has a restricted mouth opening for receipt of the curtain and the retaining strap is designed to slide into the enlarged section of the groove, from one end of the mounting strip. 5. A member as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the retaining strip and the enlarged section of the groove are of circular cross-section. 6. A member as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the base of the mounting strip is formed with flexible tapered skirts at both sides. 7. A member as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein securing means in the form of a layer of adhesive material is provided on the rear face of the mounting strip. 8. A curtain edge retaining member substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: THOMAS NIGEL GWYN, THOMAS, NIGEL, GWYN
Applicants: PROSHIELD LTD, PROSHIELD LIMITED
Application year: 1993
Main classification: A47K3
IPC codes: A47K3