PULL-UP CURTAIN STRUCTURE

Abstract: A raisable curtain structure (1) comprising: a rail (2); at least one curtain (3) which is attached to the rail using a releasable connection (4); and an operating mechanism provided with one or more cords (8) for raising and/or lowering the curtain, which curtain is provided with an opening or a hatch (6) for passage of the cords. A curtain for use in the above stated curtain structure, which curtain is adapted for releasable connection to a rail and is provided with an opening or a hatch in the region of the releasable connection.

Description: PULL-UP CURTAIN STRUCTURE The invention relates to a raisable curtain structure comprising: - a rail; - at least one curtain which is attached to the rail using a releasable connection; and - an operating mechanism provided with one or more cords for raising and/or lowering the curtain, which curtain is provided with an opening or a hatch for passage of the cords. The invention also relates to a curtain for use in the above stated curtain structure, which curtain is adapted for releasable connection to a rail and is provided with an opening or a hatch in the region of the releasable connection. The raisable curtain structure according to the invention is exceptionally suitable as window covering. Owing to the releasable connection the curtain is easy to replace with another. When the curtain is in need of replacement due to wear or when the user desires a curtain with a different colour or a different pattern, the user can then remove the old curtain from the curtain structure and attach a new curtain according to the invention thereto. According to the invention the curtain can be attached quickly to the rail using the releasable connection, wherein the cords of the operating mechanism can be pulled through the opening or the hatch of the curtain. Particularly due to the choice of an opening or a hatch for passage of the cords the curtain, and therewith the curtain structure according to the invention, can be manufactured at low cost. In a first preferred embodiment the curtain comprises a cloth and the opening or the hatch is a buttonhole in the cloth. The releasable connection is preferably formed.using velcro. This embodiment can be manufactured at very low cost . The curtain can be adapted to any interior by a suitable choice of the cloth. The use of a buttonhole enables simple do-it-yourself mounting for any user. Since the cords extend through the buttonhole at the front of the curtain, they are always situated within reach of the user and thereby enable convenient operation of the curtain structure. For the purpose of elucidation the invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the annexed figures, in which: figure 1 shows a schematic view of the curtain structure according to the invention; figure 2 shows the view of figure 1 in more detail and partly in cross-section. Figures 1 and 2 show a raisable curtain structure 1 according to the invention which serves as window covering. Rail 2 forms the support structure of the raisable curtain structure. Curtain 3 is attached to rail 2 using a releasable connection 4. The releasable connection 4 is preferably formed by velcro 4. Other constructions known in the professional field can of course also be used for the releasable connection, such as hooks and eyes etc. The curtain structure 1 is provided with a per se known operating mechanism which comprises cords 8 for raising and/or lowering curtain 3. A known locking mechanism 5 serves for locking of cords 8 in a determined position. Any support structure with operating mechanism known in the field can serve as rail in the raisable curtain structure according to the invention. Curtain 3 is provided on the front at the height of rail 2, i.e. in the region of the releasable connection, with an opening or a hatch 6 for passage of cords 8. Different materials can be applied for curtain 3, such as cloth and paper. Curtain 3 preferably comprises so-called curtain material and opening or hatch 6 is formed by a hemmed opening in the .curtain material, also designated a buttonhole. Curtain 3 preferably comprises an embellishment with which opening or hatch 6 can be concealed from view. An example of such an embellishment is a flounce or border 13. In the shown preferred embodiment the curtain 3 is provided with a number of folds 11 running in transverse direction of the curtain. These folds are preferably equidistant. On the rear side of curtain 3 are arranged guide means in the form of eyes 10 for guiding cords 8 in longitudinal direction of curtain 3. A weighting 8 fixed in per se known manner at the bottom of curtain 3 ensures that curtain 3 hangs as straight as possible under the influence of the force of gravity. Figure 2 shows more clearly that the cords 8 of the operating mechanism extend through apertures 12 in the underside of rail 2. Cords 8 are of course connected to the weighting 9. When curtain 3 is raised, the curtain will come to lie in folded position on the weighting 9. This is shown schematically in figure 1. Eyes 10 are preferably arranged on every alternate fold 11, i.e. on the even numbered folds and not on the odd numbered folds, or vice versa. The invention is of course not limited to the shown and described embodiment but also comprises all embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, other constructions known in the field for raising and/or lowering the curtain can be used instead of the shown construction of cords 8 in combination with guide means 10 and folds 11. If desired, the curtain can be pleated and have folds in longitudinal direction, whereby the curtain according to the invention bears a great resemblance to the usual hanging curtains known in practice. *****

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Raisable curtain structure comprising: - a rail; - at least one curtain which is attached to the rail using a releasable connection; and - an operating mechanism provided with one or more cords for raising and/or lowering the curtain, which curtain is provided with an opening or a hatch for passage of the cords. 2. Raisable curtain structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curtain comprises a cloth and wherein the opening or the hatch is a buttonhole in the cloth. 3. Raisable curtain structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the releasable connection is formed using velcro. 4. Raisable curtain structure as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 , wherein the curtain is provided with a number of preferably equidistant folds running in transverse direction of the curtain and with guide means for guiding the cords in longitudinal direction of the curtain. 5. Raisable curtain structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the guide means are arranged in the region of the folds, preferably on every other fold. 6. Curtain for use in the curtain structure as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, which curtain is adapted for releasable connection to a rail and is provided with an opening or a hatch in the region of the releasable connection. 7. Curtain as claimed in claim 6, wherein the curtain comprises a cloth and wherein the opening or the hatch is a buttonhole in the cloth. 8. Curtain as claimed in claim 6 or 7 , which curtain is provided with a number of preferably equidistant folds running in transverse direction of the curtain and with guide means for guiding the cords in longitudinal direction of the curtain. 9. Curtain as claimed in claim 8, wherein the guide means are arranged in the region of the folds, preferably on every other fold. *****

Inventors: VAN DER MEIJDEN HANS MARTIN, VAN DER MEIJDEN, HANS, MARTIN
Applicants: DUTCH TRADING DUTRA B V, MEIJDEN HANS MARTIN V D, DUTCH TRADING DUTRA B.V., VAN DER MEIJDEN, HANS, MARTIN
Application year: 1998
Main classification: A47H5
IPC codes: A47H5, A47H13, E06B9