Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for the manufacture of weighted ribbons are disclosed, and which weighted ribbons are for use in association with curtains and in other applications.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present disclosure relates, generally, to curtain weights, and, more particularly, to selectable length weighted ribbons, and individual dumplings separable therefrom, together with an associated method of manufacture therefor, and which weighted ribbons and/or dumplings may be used in association with curtains and in other applications.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Curtain weighting systems are often used in venues wherein it is important that a curtain hang straight. For example, such weighting systems are most preferably used in situations where the sweeping motion of bi-parting curtains, as they open and close (whether activated manually or by motorized means), must be smooth and pleasant in accord with visual and sensory expectations of, for example, a theater audience.  
         [0003]     Curtain weighting systems may further be used in industrial applications, wherein it is important that a curtain be returned quickly and accurately to a closed position. An example of such an application is an industrial loading dock door comprising a vinyl or plasticized curtain of uniform or segmented design, or a screen, wherein forklifts, pallet-moving equipment, or the like, repeatedly traverse the door and curtain arrangement.  
         [0004]     Curtain weighting systems are additionally beneficial to ensure that folds and wrinkles may smooth or hang out faster. This is especially true with regard to theater curtains and other curtains used in public facilities, where the fabrics for such curtains have been treated with flame retardants (as required under local fire code for public safety), but where typical flame retardant treatments, especially those used in association with cotton fabrics, render impractical the use of steaming or ironing processes for removal of fold lines and wrinkles. Specifically, steaming or ironing processes can degrade or destroy the flame retardant compound, creating an unsafe condition, and/or can bring the flame retardant to the surface of the fabric, thereby leaving a white residue on the fabric surface and thus ruining the curtain. Of course, steaming or ironing, in general, may also cause the fabric to shrink from its finished size. Accordingly, curtain weighting systems may beneficially contribute to the smooth appearance of such curtains, while avoiding the consequences of adverse steaming and ironing processes.  
         [0005]     Curtain weighting systems may be applied to curtains, either in horizontally or vertically disposed arrangement, most often within a hem, depending upon the user&#39;s application. Individual weights are sometimes placed within a pocket formed adjacent a lower margin of the curtain, or near or within a hem, or are pinned to an appropriate area near the curtain margin. Such prior art curtain weighting systems are of varying designs, most typically of a corded or chained arrangement. Exemplars of such designs may be seen with reference to United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2003/0056333 to Boyle, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,577,307 and 3,673,045 to Baier et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 3,259,151 to Schmitz. Some systems comprise weighted pins, as may be seen with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 1,936,198 to Kirsch, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,828,678 to Peterman et al.  
         [0006]     Other systems, such as may be seen with reference to  FIG. 2  herein (Crown Novelty Works Corp., Holly Springs, Miss., USA), comprise a plurality of individual lead weights, sewn or otherwise glued to a strip of backing material, the backing material typically being of cotton. This strip bearing the plurality of lead weights is then surrounded by facing strips, again typically of cotton material, and closed by sewing along the top and bottom lengths of the strips (as shown in  FIG. 2 ).  
         [0007]     It will be immediately recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the above-referenced systems typically utilize lead weights due to their ease of puncturing during sewing processes. However, it is well known that lead is a hazardous material, and may cause or contribute to chronic conditions such as kidney damage, nervous system damage, hypertension, and reproductive system damage. Furthermore, when lead is heated to high temperatures, such as might be experienced during a fire, toxic decomposition products are released, and explosion dangers are possible if placed in contact with water. For these reasons, lead is not a preferred weighting material for use in private or public applications, and it has thus become increasingly difficult to secure domestic supplies of lead for fabrication of the required weights.  
         [0008]     It will also be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that such prior art weighting systems are often less than optimally conducive to mechanical division from strip form into separate weight units, or into selected lengths. This is because cutting between the weights leaves, at best, an unfinished fabric edge that may unravel without end. At worst, cutting the strip between weights leaves open the individual segment at one or both ends, thus exposing the leaden weight therewithin. Most often, both circumstances occur.  
         [0009]     Further disadvantageously, the components of such prior art weighting systems are sewn or stitched together according to well-known, single-line seams. This manner of construction may further contribute to the unraveling of fabric edges, together with exposure and/or loss of the internal leaden weights. Yet additionally, such prior art systems are often not flame retardant and are not typically subject to flame testing.  
         [0010]     Thus, it is clear that there is an unmet need for a weight system, with associated methods of fabrication and use of such a weight system, that avoids the use of leaden weights; that allows for convenient, safe, and secure separation of a larger “roll stock” of weighted ribbon into smaller selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon, or into individual weight segments; that provides for securely fused edges or seals, even upon separation of a larger “roll stock” of weighted ribbon into smaller selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon, or into individual weight segments; that avoids the use of sewn or stitched seams as a structural component of the weighted ribbon; that is pretreated to provide flame retardant characteristics or is inherently flame retardant; and that is convenient and safe to fabricate and to use.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the system and method of the present invention overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and meet the recognized need for such a system and method by providing a fire retardant, polymer strip or “ribbon,” preferably of woven, fusible, polyester fabric, which is v-folded to form a closed-end along the longitudinal length of the ribbon, and to thus provide a trough-like structure for the receipt of uniformly dimensioned weights therewithin. The weights preferably are formed of galvanized or stainless steel (and are lead-free), each of which is inserted into the ribbon in a spaced array, and preferably at specific intervals. The polymer ribbon is then preferably ultrasonically or heat sealed (or fused) at least between each weight to form a plurality of individual weight segments along the ribbon&#39;s length, each individual weight segment otherwise called a “dumpling.” Yet additionally, a longitudinal seal is formed through the length of the entire ribbon (via ultrasonic or heat sealing), preferably just below the abutting top edges of the trough-like or v-folded ribbon. As such, each individual weight is maintained, captured or otherwise encapsulated within side seals, a top seal, and a closed-end.  
         [0012]     More specifically, and with regard to the side seals, ultrasonic or heat sealing technology is used to form double seals between each weight, such that individual weight dumplings, or selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon, can be separated from a larger “roll stock” of such weighted ribbon by cutting through an unsealed section defined by, and disposed between, any of the double seals. Alternatively, ultrasonic or heat sealing technology is used to form a single fused section (i.e., a broad-single-seal) of substantial width in its lateral dimension between each weight, such that the weighted ribbon may be cut within the broad-single-seal to similarly provide individual weight dumplings, or selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon, from a larger “roll stock” of such weighted ribbon.  
         [0013]     In either of the double-seal or broad-single-seal embodiments, individual weight dumplings and/or selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon may be cut from a larger “roll stock” of such weighted ribbon without causing dysfunctional fraying and/or unraveling of the woven ribbon material proximate the cut(s), and thus exposure of the weight(s) within the ribbon trough. In sum, the double-seals and the broad-single-seals provide a digitally-defined point, region or section for transverse division or cutting of the weighted ribbon into discrete lengths (or “loose” dumplings), and thus prevent loss of any weight(s) adjacent to such a transverse cut or division of the weighted ribbon. Yet additionally, the double-seals and the broad-single-seals provide a fray-reduction element or fray stopping point when the weighted ribbon is cut to provide discrete lengths (or “loose” dumplings).  
         [0014]     The preferred weight is relatively thin and flat, and of uniform width and height, in order that the finished ribbon and/or dumpling products lie flat and unobtrusively against the curtain or fabric member with which it is to be used. In the preferred embodiment, the unit ribbon weight, or, alternatively, the unit dumpling weight, is selected by providing a relatively thicker or thinner weight, the width and height dimensions being otherwise preferably unaffected.  
         [0015]     In use, a preselected length or precut section of weighted ribbon, or an individual dumpling, is sewn or otherwise affixed to a curtain or other fabric material member in a location consistent with the intended use. This location may be within a formed hem, in a seam, at a fabric margin, or otherwise at the user&#39;s discretion.  
         [0016]     In addition or as an alternative to sewing, the manner of affixing the weighted ribbon or dumpling to a curtain or other fabric member may also be via cooperating hook and loop fasteners, cooperating mechanical snap means, cooperating button and hole means, adhesives, adhesive tapes, or the like.  
         [0017]     Thus, and uniquely advantageous to the present invention, the weight system described herein avoids the use of leaden weights; allows for convenient, safe, and secure separation of a larger “roll stock” of weighted ribbon into smaller selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon, or into individual weight segments (i.e., individual weight dumplings); provides for securely fused edges or seals, even upon cutting or separation of a larger “roll stock” of weighted ribbon into smaller selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon, or into individual weight dumplings; avoids the use of sewn or stitched seams as a structural component of the weighted ribbon; is pretreated to provide flame retardant characteristics or, alternatively, is inherently flame retardant; and is convenient and safe to fabricate and to use.  
         [0018]     Accordingly, one feature and advantage of the system and method of the present invention is the ability to avoid the use of leaden weights.  
         [0019]     Another feature and advantage of the system and method of the present invention is to allow for convenient, safe, and secure cutting or separation of a larger “roll stock” of weighted ribbon into smaller selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon, or into individual weight segments (i.e., dumplings).  
         [0020]     Another and further feature and advantage of the system and method of the present invention is to provide for securely fused edges or seals, even upon cutting or separation of a larger “roll stock” of weighted ribbon into smaller selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon, or into individual weight dumplings.  
         [0021]     Another and still further feature and advantage of the system and method of the present invention is to avoid the use of sewn or stitched seams as a structural component of the weighted ribbon.  
         [0022]     Another feature and yet still further advantage of the system and method of the present invention is to provide flame retardant characteristics.  
         [0023]     Another feature and further advantage of the system and method of the present invention is to provide a system incorporating a preferred weight that is relatively thin and flat, and of uniform width and height, in order that the finished ribbon and/or dumpling products lie flat and unobtrusively against the curtain or fabric member with which it is to be used.  
         [0024]     Another feature and further advantage of the system and method of the present invention is that the unit ribbon weight, or, alternatively, the unit dumpling weight, may be selected by providing a relatively thicker or thinner weight, the width and height dimensions being otherwise preferably unaffected.  
         [0025]     Another feature and further advantage of the system and method of the present invention is to provide a weighting system that is convenient and safe to fabricate and to use.  
         [0026]     These and other features and advantages of the system and method of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reading the following Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]     Accordingly, the system and method of the present invention will be understood best through consideration of, and with reference to, the following drawings, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Invention referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various drawings designate like structure, and in which:  
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary curtain carrying a section of weighted ribbon according to the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  depicts a prior art curtain weight strip construction, and shows a partial sectional view thereof (Crown Novelty Works Corp., Holly Springs, Miss., USA);  
         [0030]      FIG. 3  depicts a portion of a weighted ribbon according to the present invention, and shows a partial sectional view thereof;  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  depicts an individual weight dumpling according to the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 5  depicts the structure of individual weights for use in association with the present invention, and further depicts varying thicknesses thereof for selected use;  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of a curtain member carrying a horizontally disposed section of weighted ribbon in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view of a curtain member carrying a vertically disposed section of weighted ribbon in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of a curtain member, viewed from an edge thereof, showing a section of weighted ribbon of the present invention affixed in simple form to the curtain member;  
         [0036]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of a curtain member, viewed from an edge thereof, showing a section of weighted ribbon of the present invention affixed within a hem of the curtain member;  
         [0037]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view of a curtain member, viewed from an edge thereof, showing a section of weighted ribbon of the present invention affixed within a doubled hem of the curtain member;  
         [0038]      FIG. 11  depicts a portion of a weighted ribbon according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, and shows a partial sectional view thereof;  
         [0039]      FIG. 12  depicts an individual weight dumpling according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 13  depicts a portion of a weighted ribbon according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, and shows a partial sectional view thereof;  
         [0041]      FIG. 14  depicts a portion of a weighted ribbon according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, and shows a partial sectional view thereof;  
         [0042]      FIG. 15  depicts an individual weight dumpling according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and,  
         [0043]      FIG. 16  depicts an individual weight dumpling according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0044]     It is to be noted that the drawing Figures presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the claimed invention to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0045]     In describing preferred and alternate embodiments of the system and method of the present disclosure illustrated in the drawing Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The claimed invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.  
         [0046]     In that form of the preferred embodiment of the system and method of the present invention chosen for purposes of illustration,  FIG. 1  shows curtain C carrying a section of weighted ribbon  10  according to the present invention.  
         [0047]     As best seen with reference to  FIG. 3 , weighted ribbon  10  provides a fire retardant, polymer strip or “ribbon”  20 , preferably of an ultrasonically-sealable and/or heat-sealable (i.e., fusible), woven polyester fabric. Of course, ribbon  20  may be of any other suitable heat-sealable and/or ultrasonically-sealable woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, mesh fabrics (either woven or non-woven), films, and/or woven/non-woven fabric and film composites (including mesh fabric and film composites), such as those formed from, but not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyolefin.  
         [0048]     Ribbon  20  is preferably v-folded to provide a closed-end  22  along the length of ribbon  20 , and to thus form a trough  24  for the receipt of uniformly dimensioned weights  30  therewithin. Trough  24  preferably comprises sides  24   a  and  24   b , and top edges  24   c ,  24   d . Weights  30  preferably are formed of galvanized or stainless steel or other suitable non-staining metals (and are lead-free), each of which are positioned within trough  24  of v-folded ribbon  20 , and preferably at specific intervals or any other selected spaced array.  
         [0049]     Polymer ribbon  20  is preferably ultrasonically or heat sealed (fused) to form longitudinal seal  40 , proximate the abutting top edges  24   c ,  24   d  of trough  24 , and to further form transverse double seals  50 , to thus provide a plurality of individual weight segments  60  along the length of ribbon  20 , each individual weight segment  60  otherwise called a “dumpling.” Transverse double seals  50  preferably extend from closed-end  22 , through longitudinal seal  40 , and to top edges  24   c ,  24   d  of trough  24 . As such, each individual weight  30  within weighted ribbon  10  is maintained, captured or otherwise encapsulated within respective “side” seals  50 , a “top” longitudinal seal  40 , and a “bottom” closed-end  22 .  
         [0050]     Specifically, between each weight  30  are formed transverse double seals  50 , such that “loose” individual weight dumplings  60  (see,  FIG. 4 ), or desired sections or lengths of multi-weight ribbon  10 , can be separated by cutting through the unsealed sections  52  between any selected double seals  50 . Alternatively, and with reference to  FIG. 14 , ultrasonic or heat sealing technology is used to form a transverse single seal or fused section  150  (i.e., a broad-single-seal), of substantial width in its lateral dimension, between the individual weight segments  60 , such that weighted ribbon  10  may be cut within the broad-single-seal  150  to similarly provide “loose” individual weight dumplings  60  (see,  FIG. 15 ), or selected sections or lengths of multi-weight ribbon  10 . Broad-single-seals  150  also preferably extend from closed-end  22 , through longitudinal seal  40 , and to top edges  24   c ,  24   d  of trough  24 . As such, each individual weight  30  within weighted ribbon  10  is maintained, captured or otherwise encapsulated within respective “side” seals  150 , a “top” longitudinal seal  40 , and a “bottom” closed-end  22 .  
         [0051]     In either of the double-seal  50  or broad-single-seal  150  embodiments, such loose individual weight dumplings  60  and/or selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon  10  may be cut from a larger “roll stock” of such weighted ribbon  10  without causing endless fraying and/or unraveling of the woven ribbon  20  proximate the cut(s), and thus exposure and/or loss of weight(s)  30  within trough  24 . Specifically, double-seals  50  and broad-single-seals  150  provide a digitally-defined point, region or section for transverse division or cutting of weighted ribbon  10  into discrete lengths (or “loose” dumplings), and thus prevent loss of any weight(s)  30  adjacent to such a transverse cut or division of weighted ribbon  10 . Yet additionally, and most fundamentally, seals  50 ,  150  provide a fray-reduction element or fray stopping point when ribbon  10  is cut to provide discrete lengths (or “loose” dumplings).  
         [0052]     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the preferred weight  30  is substantially square in shape, relatively thin and flat, and of uniform width and height, in order that the finished ribbon  10  and/or dumpling  60  products lie flat and unobtrusively against the curtain C or fabric member with which it is to be used. In the preferred embodiment, the unit ribbon weight, or, alternatively, the unit dumpling weight, is selected by providing a relatively thicker or thinner weight, as best seen in comparison of the several weights  30  depicted within  FIG. 5 , the width and height dimensions being otherwise preferably unaffected.  
         [0053]     As a non-limiting exemplary disclosure, weights  30  are approximately 1.05 inches wide×1.10 inches high, the only variable being the thickness thereof, as best seen with continuing reference to  FIG. 5 . A preferred thickness range for typical curtain applications is between approximately 0.070-0.100 inches. Within this thickness range, weights  30  will fall between approximately 10-28 grams each for galvanized steel materials.  
         [0054]     It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that further adjustment of weight per unit length of weighted ribbon  10  may also be made by increasing or decreasing the spacing between weights  30 , so that a greater or fewer number of weights  30  of preselected thickness are thusly disposed within weighted ribbon  10  per unit length. Yet additionally, the unit weight may be further affected by alternating, or even varying, thicknesses of weights  30  along the length of weighted ribbon  10 .  
         [0055]     In use, a preselected or precut section of weighted ribbon  10 , or an individual dumpling  60 , is sewn, as via thread  70 , or otherwise affixed to curtain C or other fabric material member in a location and direction consistent with the intended use. As best seen with reference to  FIGS. 6-10 , this location may be within a formed hem H, in a seam, at a fabric margin, or otherwise at the user&#39;s discretion.  
         [0056]     For example, depicted in  FIG. 8  is a section of curtain C, viewed from an edge thereof, showing a section of weighted ribbon  10  affixed in simple form to the curtain member. Similarly,  FIG. 9  depicts a section of curtain C, viewed from an edge thereof, showing a section of weighted ribbon  10  affixed within a hem H of the curtain member. Still further,  FIG. 10  shows a section of curtain C, viewed from an edge thereof, showing a section of weighted ribbon  10  affixed within a doubled hem H of the curtain member.  
         [0057]     In addition or as an alternative to sewing, the manner of affixing the weighted ribbon  10  or dumpling  60  to the curtain or other fabric member may also be via cooperating hook and loop fasteners, cooperating mechanical snap means, cooperating button and hole means, adhesives, adhesive tapes, or the like.  
         [0058]     Thus, and uniquely advantageous to the present invention, the weight system described herein avoids the use of leaden weights; allows for convenient, safe, and secure separation of a larger “roll stock” of weighted ribbon  10  into smaller selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon  10 , or into individual weight dumplings  60 ; provides for securely fused edges or seals, even upon cutting or separation of a larger “roll stock” of weighted ribbon  10  into smaller selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon  10 , or into individual weight dumplings  60 ; avoids the use of sewn or stitched seams as a structural component of weighted ribbon  10 ; is pretreated to provide flame retardant characteristics or, alternatively, is inherently flame retardant; and is convenient and safe to fabricate and to use.  
         [0059]     In the alternate embodiments of  FIGS. 11-13 ,  16 , weighted ribbon  10  is formed by v-folding ribbon  20 , along its length, to provide closed-end  22 , and thus trough  24  for the receipt of uniformly dimensioned weights  30  therewithin. Advantageously in these embodiments, sufficient width of ribbon  20  is provided such that one or both of sides  24   a ,  24   b  of trough  24  may be reflexively folded over (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of weighted ribbon  10 ), such that one or both of top edges  24   c ,  24   d  of trough  24  resides adjacent side  24   a  (or side  24   b ) of trough  24 , preferably proximate to closed-end  22 . In this construction, longitudinal seal  40  becomes unnecessary, inasmuch as transverse double seals  50  (or transverse broad-single-seals  150 , as shown in  FIG. 13 ) would provide sufficient bond strength to form an integral construction of each segment of weighted ribbon  10 . With this construction, cutting between double seals  50  would provide a dumpling  60  of the general form depicted in  FIG. 12 . Similarly, cutting between broad-single-seals  150  would provide a dumpling  60  of the general form depicted in  FIG. 16 .  
         [0060]     In a further alternate embodiment, ribbon  20  of the present invention may be fabricated to include use of a supplemental binding or sealing material or agent, in order to increase or enhance the strength of seals  40 ,  50 ,  150 .  
         [0061]     Generally, the several embodiments of weighted ribbon  10  of the present invention may be manufactured pursuant to the following method: providing ribbon  20  formed of a woven, fusible fabric; folding ribbon  20  along its longitudinal length to provide closed-end  22  and to thus define trough  24  having sides  24   a ,  24   b  and top edges  24   c ,  24   d ; providing a plurality of weights  30 ; disposing each weight  30  of the plurality of weights in spaced array within trough  24 ; closing trough  24  to maintain the plurality of weights  30  therewithin; and, forming, in ribbon  20 , at least one transverse seal  50  or  150  between each weight  30  disposed within trough  24 . The at least one transverse seal  50  or  150  provides for a digitally-defined section for transverse division of weighted ribbon  10  into discrete lengths (of either selected lengths of multi-weight ribbon  10  and/or individual weight dumplings  60 ), without loss of a weight  30  adjacent to a transverse division of the weighted ribbon  10 , and without substantial fraying of ribbon  20  proximate a transverse division.  
         [0062]     More specifically, the step of forming, in ribbon  20 , at least one transverse seal comprises the step of forming, in ribbon  20 , a transverse double seal  50  between each weight  30  disposed within trough  24 , and wherein transverse double seal  50  comprises an unsealed region  52  therebetween, and wherein unsealed region  52  constitutes the digitally-defined section for transverse division of weighted ribbon  10  into discrete lengths. Alternatively, the step of forming, in ribbon  20 , at least one transverse seal comprises the step of forming, in ribbon  20 , a transverse broad-single-seal between each weight  30  disposed within trough  24 , and wherein the transverse broad-single-seal constitutes the digitally-defined section for transverse division of weighted ribbon  10  into discrete lengths. In either instance, the at least one transverse seal  50  or  150  between each weight  30  extends from closed-end  22  substantially to top edges  24   c ,  24   d  of trough  24 , and wherein the at least one transverse seal  50  or  150  between each weight  30  serves as a fray-reduction and/or a fray-stopping element upon transverse division of weighted ribbon  10 .  
         [0063]     The step of closing trough  24  comprises the step of forming longitudinal seal  40  proximate top edges  24   c ,  24   d  of trough  24 . Alternatively, the step of closing trough  24  comprises the step of reflexively folding over at least one of sides  24   a ,  24   b  of trough  24  such that at least one of top edges  24   c ,  24   d  of trough  24  resides adjacent a side  24   a  or  24   b  of trough  24 , preferably proximate closed-end  22 .  
         [0064]     Applications for the weighting systems of the present invention, whether of ribbon or dumpling type, may include stage curtains, such as main curtains, valences, borders, legs, rear stage curtains, mid-stage curtains, lambrequins, tormentors, cycloramas, sharkstooth scrims, back-drops, bounce drops, Lenos, Kabuki curtains, masking curtains, and the like. Similarly, the weighting systems of the present invention may be used in association with plastic or vinyl sheeting for industrial applications. Additionally, the weighting systems of the present invention may be used in awnings, sails, shades, draperies, divider curtains, exhibit curtains, wraparound masking for tables and displays, trade show booth masking, cubicle curtains in hospitals and health care facilities, home theater curtains, casements, shears, black-out curtains, linings, and the like.  
         [0065]     Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited by the following claims.