Patent Publication Number: US-2022225813-A1

Title: Split curtain having magnets along the leading edges to provide improved closure and/or in a row to provide improved stacking

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to curtains, and more particularly provides a split curtain having magnets at least along the leading edges to provide improved closure and/or in a row to provide improved stacking. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Curtains and/or drapes are often used to cover a window or doorway to provide privacy and/or darkness to a room, such as a bedroom or living room. When using a split curtain and/or drape, a gap between the adjacent panels can disturb the quiet enjoyment of the room, either by causing loss of privacy or by allowing the light to interfere. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with some embodiments, the present invention provides a split curtain, comprising a left panel having a left head portion configured to cooperate with a supporting structure and having a left leading edge; a right panel having a right head portion configured to cooperate with the supporting structure and having a right leading edge; a plurality of left magnets disposed along the left leading edge of the left panel at left vertical positions; and a plurality of right magnets disposed along the right leading edge of the right panel at right vertical positions, the right vertical positions being substantially the same as the left vertical positions. 
     The plurality of left magnets and the plurality of right magnets may be spaced apart by approximately 11″. Each of the left magnets and each of the right magnets may be disposed within an enclosure. The enclosure may be made of plastic. The enclosure may be water tight. The enclosure may include a pocket. The pocket may include a retention structure. The left head portion and the right head portion may be parts of the same fabric. The left head portion and the right head portion may be individual portions. The split curtain may further comprise a third panel having a third head portion, a third leading edge, and a plurality of third magnets disposed along the third leading edge, the third leading edge configured to cooperate with a second leading edge of the right panel, the right panel further having a plurality of second magnets disposed along the second leading edge. The left panel may include a plurality of magnets on a second edge opposite the left leading edge, and the right panel may include a plurality of magnets on a second edge opposite the right leading edge. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, the present invention provides a method, comprising maneuvering a left panel and a right panel to bring a left leading edge of the left panel into contact with a right leading edge of the right panel, the left panel having a left head portion configured to cooperate with a supporting structure and having a plurality of left magnets disposed along the left leading edge at left vertical positions, the right panel having a right head portion configured to cooperate with the supporting structure and having a plurality of right magnets disposed along the right leading edge at right vertical positions, the right vertical positions being substantially the same as the left vertical positions; and maneuvering the plurality of left magnets of the left panel at the left vertical positions to contact the plurality of right magnets of the right panel at the right vertical positions, so that the plurality of left magnets engage with the plurality of right magnets. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, the present invention provides a method comprising affixing a plurality of left magnets to a left leading edge of a left panel at left vertical positions, the left panel having a left head portion configured to cooperate with a supporting structure; and affixing a plurality of right magnets to a right leading edge of a right panel at right vertical positions, the right vertical positions being substantially the same as the left vertical positions, the left panel having a right head portion configured to cooperate with the supporting structure. 
     The plurality of left magnets and the plurality of right magnets may be spaced apart by approximately 11″. Each of the left magnets and each of the right magnets may be disposed within an enclosure. The enclosure may be made of plastic. The enclosure may be water tight. The enclosure may include a pocket. The pocket may include a retention structure. The left head portion and the right head portion may be parts of the same fabric. The left head portion and the right head portion may be individual portions. The method may further comprise attaching a plurality of third magnets along a third leading edge of a third panel having a third head portion; and attaching a plurality of second magnets along a second leading edge of the right panel, the third leading edge of the third panel configured to cooperate with the second leading edge of the right panel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a split curtain in an open position, having magnets at least disposed along the leading edges of the left and right panels, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a split curtain in a partially closed position, with some magnets along the leading edges of the left and right panels engaged, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates split curtain in a partially closed position, with some magnets along the leading edges of the left and right panels engaged, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a split curtain in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a portion of the split curtain of  FIG. 4  in a closed position with the magnets along the leading edges of the left and right panels engaged, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a portion of the split curtain of  FIG. 4  in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a left panel of a split curtain having magnets along its leading edge, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a right panel of a split curtain having magnets along its leading edge, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a back side of a right or left panel of a split curtain, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a magnet, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an enclosure for receiving and/or enclosing a magnet, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a split curtain during manufacture, having magnets along the leading edges of the left and right panels, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a left panel of a split curtain, having magnets affixed to its leading edge, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a left panel of a split curtain, having magnets removably disposed in pockets affixed along its leading edge, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a left panel in a closed position, having magnets disposed in a row to provide improved stacking when the left panel is in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a left panel in an open position, having magnets disposed a row engaged, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates bidirectional panels, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use various embodiments of the invention. Modifications are possible. The generic principles defined herein may be applied to the disclosed and other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles, features and teachings herein. 
     The term “curtain” herein refers to all versions of hanging, fabric-based coverings including drapes, screens, traditional curtains, etc. A curtain herein includes coverings that extend or do not extend to the floor, coverings over a doorway, window, room portion and/or other area or item, and/or coverings made of cloth, fiberglass, plastic, screening material, sheer material, light-blocking material and/or the like. A curtain herein includes curtains with any pleat design (e.g., inverted pleats, ripple folds, tailored pleats, pinch pleats, etc.) and any head configuration (e.g., rod pocket, grommets, cubicle, goblet, etc.). 
     The term “split curtain” herein refers to curtains having two or more panels. The two or more panels may be maneuvered in different (e.g., opposite) directions to open or close a space between leading edges of the panels. A split curtain may include two panels, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, a split curtain may include three or more panels. A split curtain may be maneuvered manually or automatically (e.g., powered). 
     Each panel of a split curtain includes a head portion, namely, the upper portion of the curtain that cooperates with a support structure, e.g., a rod or rail, which may be an integral device or multiple devices, and which is often attached to the wall or other surface. Each panel of a split curtain includes at least one leading edge, namely, an edge that may be maneuvered to cooperate with an adjacent panel. Split curtains having three or more panels will have middle panels with left and right leading edges that each cooperate with a different adjacent panel. Each panel of a split curtain has a front face (the face that is typically directed towards the main living space) and a rear face (the face that is typically directed away from the main living space). It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the front and rear face is a matter of design choice. Users may position the curtains to face either direction. It will be further appreciated that a left panel may have a “left” leading edge that is actually on the right side of the panel, and a right panel may have a “right” leading edge that is actually on the left side of the panel. A center panel will have two leading edges, namely, a center left leading edge and a center right leading edge. 
     A split curtain has an “open” position and a “closed” position. The open position refers to the position when the leading edges of adjacent panels have been separated. The closed position refers to the position when the leading edges of adjacent panels are brought together to block the item it is covering, e.g., door, window, closet, area, item, etc. Split curtains having three or more panels may have multiple open and closed positions between adjacent panels. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a split curtain  100  in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments. The split curtain  100  includes left and right panels  110  and  112 . Each of the left and right panels  110  and  112  of the split curtain  100  includes a head portion  104  that cooperates with a support structure, in this case, a rod  102  attached to the wall  114 . The left and right panels  110  and  112  suspend from the rod  104 . The left panel  110  includes a left leading edge  106 . The right panel  112  includes a right leading edge  108 . As shown, the left and right panels  110  and  112  have been maneuvered to separate the left leading edge  106  of the left panel  110  from the right leading edge  108  of the right panel  112 . 
     The split curtain  100  includes magnets (not shown) along the left and right leading edges  106  and  108  of the left and right panels  110  and  112 . The magnets positioned on the left leading edge  106  of the left panel  110  are configured to magnetically engage with the magnets on the right leading edge  108  of the right panel  112 , so that the left and right leading edges  106  and  108  can create a tighter, more stable seal therebetween. When the split curtains are maneuvered to the closed position, the split curtain  100  may provide improved privacy, light-protection and/or insect protection. Further, they may not separate by a light breeze. 
     Although not shown, the left and right panels  110  and  112  may have magnets on both the left and right edges of the panel to form bidirectional panels, so that any panel can be used on the left side or on the right side, and so that any number of panels can be used. An example of bidirectional panels is shown in  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the split curtain  100  in a partially closed position, with some magnets (not shown) engaged, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the upper portion of left leading edge  106  of the left panel  110  is magnetically engaged with the upper portion of the right leading edge  108  of the right panel  112 . By applying a little force, a user can separate the left and right leading edges  106  and  108  and can maneuver the split curtain  100  to an open position. 
     The magnets can be positioned within each of the left and right panels  110  and  112  with north and south poles facing in opposite directions. Accordingly, the left leading edge  106  and right leading edge  108  may magnetically engage by the back faces or by the front faces of the left and right panels  110  and  112 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the magnets within each of the left and right panels  110  and  112  can be positioned with north and south poles facing the same direction. Accordingly, the left leading edge  106  and right leading edge  108  may magnetically engage in an overlapping manner, e.g., with the left leading edge  106  on top of the right leading edge  108  or with the right leading edge  108  on top of the left leading edge  106  (as shown). Magnetic pole direction may be curtain-specific or by user preference (e.g., by repositioning removable or reversible magnets within pockets). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a split curtain  400  in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments. In  FIG. 4 , the split curtain  400  includes a screen-type material and is being used as a screen door. The split curtain  400  includes an integral, fixed head portion  402  across the entire split curtain  400 . That is, the integral, fixed head portion  402  does not allow the head portion  402  of the left panel  404  to be maneuvered away from head portion  402  of the right panel  406 . In some embodiments, the head portion  402  may be formed from a single piece of fabric. In some embodiments, the head portion  402  of the left panel  404  may be sewn together with the head portion  402  of the right panel  406 . In some embodiments, the head portion  402  of the left panel  404  may be removably disengaged from the head portion  402  of the right panel  406 , e.g., by a button or hook-and-loop fastener. 
     The split curtain  400  includes magnets (not shown) at least along the left and right leading edges  408  and  410  of the left and right panels  404  and  406 . When in the closed position, the split curtain  400  may provide improved insect protection. A person can separate the left and right leading edges  408  and  410  of the left and right panels  404  and  406  to pass through the split curtain  400 , and after passing through can position the left and right leading edges  408  and  410  back together to cause the magnets to reengage. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a portion of the split curtain  400  in a closed position, with the magnets (not shown) along the left and right leading edges  408  and  410  of the left and right panels  404  and  406  engaged, in accordance with some embodiments. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a portion of the split curtain  400  in an open position, with the magnets (not shown) along the left and right leading edges  408  and  410  of the left and right panels  404  and  406  disengaged, in accordance with some embodiments. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a left panel  700  of a split curtain, in accordance with some embodiments. The dimensions of the left panel  700  as shown are 84″ tall by 38″ wide, although any other dimensions are possible. The left panel  700  includes a head portion  702  that includes grommets  704  configured to cooperate with a supporting structure, e.g., rod  102 . The dimension of the head portion  702  as shown is 4″ tall, although any other dimension is possible. The left panel  700  includes a front face  710  and a left leading edge  706 . As shown, the left leading edge  706  is equipped with seven magnets  708 , equally spaced along the left leading edge  706 , although any number of magnets  708  is possible. The top magnet  708  is positioned directly below the head portion  702 . The bottom magnet  708  is positioned above a bottom hem, which may be 2″ tall, although any other dimension is possible. Based on the dimensions of the example panel of  FIG. 7 , each magnet  708  is spaced apart by approximately 11″-13″. In other embodiments, the number of magnets  706  and space therebetween may be different, e.g., approximately 11″. For example, there could be as few as one magnet  706 , perhaps positioned at the vertical center of a leading edge. There could be two magnets, one positioned at the vertical center and one at the bottom. There could be any number of magnets  708  so that they are spaced apart at a greater or lower distance. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a right panel  800  of a split curtain, in accordance with some embodiments. The dimensions of the right panel  800  as shown are 84″ tall by 38″ wide, although any other dimensions are possible. The right panel  800  includes a head portion  802  that includes grommets  804  configured to cooperate with a supporting structure, e.g., rod  102 . The dimension of the head portion  802  as shown is 4″ tall, although any other dimension is possible. The right panel  800  includes a front face  810  and a right leading edge  806 . As shown, the right leading edge  806  is equipped with seven magnets  808 , equally spaced along the right leading edge  806 , although any number of magnets  808  is possible. The top magnet  808  is positioned directly below the head portion  802 . The bottom magnet  808  is positioned above a bottom hem, which may be 2″ tall, although any other dimension is possible. Based on the dimensions of the example panel of  FIG. 8 , each magnet  808  is shown to be spaced apart approximately 11-13″. In other embodiments, the number of magnets  806  and space therebetween may be different, e.g., approximately 11″. For example, there could be as few as one magnet  806 , perhaps positioned at the vertical center. There could be two magnets, one positioned at the vertical center and one at the bottom. There could be any number of magnets  808  so that they are spaced apart at a greater or lower distance. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a back side  902  of a panel  900  of a split curtain, in accordance with some embodiments. The backside  902  includes a wash label  904 . In some embodiments, the backside includes backing. In some embodiments, the backing encases the magnets. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a magnet  1000 , in accordance with some embodiments. The magnet  1000  may be an example of magnet  708  and/or  808 . The magnet  1000  may be sufficiently slim enough to fit within a leading edge hem of a panel. In some embodiments, the magnet  1000  is about 1″ in height, about ¼″ in width, and about ¼″ thick. In other embodiments, the magnet may be taller (e.g.,  2 ″ in height) or shorter (e.g., ½″ or ¼″ in height), wider (e.g., ½″) or narrower, thicker (½″) or thinner (⅛″). Other dimensions are possible. In some embodiments, the magnet  1000  may be a rare earth magnet. In some embodiments, each magnet  1000  within the leading edge of a panel need not be identical. 
     Each magnet  1000  may be affixed to the panel using any attachment mechanism, e.g., glue, stitching, clips, clamps, placement into pockets, placement into enclosures that are affixed to the panels, etc. Each magnet  1000  may be visible on the backside of the panel or may be encased within a hem, backing, enclosure or covering. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an enclosure  1100  for receiving and/or enclosing a magnet  1000 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the enclosure  1100  may made from plastic and/or rubber. In some embodiments, the enclosure  1100  may be made from any fabric. The enclosure  1100  may be used to affix the magnet  1000  to the curtain. The enclosure  1100  may be used to reduce or prevent moisture or water from contacting the magnet  1000 . In some embodiments, the enclosure  1100  may be water tight. In some embodiments, the enclosure  1100  prevents water from contacting the magnet  1000  during a wash cycle. In some embodiments, the enclosure  1100  is a pocket to enable a user to insert and remove a magnet  1000  therefrom, e.g., before washing. In some embodiments, the enclosure may have a retaining structure, e.g., button, glue, flap, or snap, to assist in retaining the magnet within the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure  1100  may be visible on the backside of the leading edge of a panel. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a split curtain  1200  during manufacture, in accordance with some embodiments. Split curtain  1200  includes a left panel  1202  and a right panel  1204 . The left panel  1202  includes a left head portion  1206 . The right panel  1204  includes a right head portion  1208 . The left head portion  1206  and/or right head portion  1208  may include a rod pocket, grommets, cubicles, goblets, and/or other supporting mechanism. The left panel  1202  may include a column of magnets  1220  along its left leading edge  1224 . Each of the magnets  1220  may be affixed to the left panel  1202  along the left leading edge  1224  by an attachment mechanism  1222 , e.g., stitching, glue, clips, clamps and/or the enclosure  1100 . The right panel  1204  may include a column of magnets  1210  along its right leading edge  1226 . Each of the magnets  1210  may be affixed to the right panel  1204  along the right leading edge  1226  by an attachment mechanism  1218 , e.g., stitching, glue, clips, clamps and/or the enclosure  1100 . To support magnetic engagement, the left magnets  1220  may be positioned at left vertical positions that are substantially the same as the right vertical positions of the right magnets  1210 . 
     In some embodiments, the left and right panels  1202  and  1204  may include left and right flaps  1214  and  1214 , which can be folded rearwards and stitched to the back face to sandwich the magnets  1220  and  1210  within a vertical hem. In some embodiments, there may be no left and right flaps that sandwich the magnets  1220  and  1210 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a left panel  1202 , in accordance with some embodiments. The left panel includes the column of magnets  1220  stitched within the left leading edge  1224  by stitching  1302 . The right panel  1204  may be a mirror image of the left panel  1202 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a left panel  1200  of a split curtain having a column of pockets  1402  along its left leading edge  1224 , in accordance with some embodiments. Each pocket  1402  may be configured to receive a magnet  1000 . In some embodiments, the pocket  1402  may be configure to remain open, so that the user can insert and remove magnets  1000  therefrom. In some embodiments, the use can reverse the magnetic pole direction of a column of magnets  1000  to change the engagement pattern from same side to overlapping. In some embodiments, the enclosure may have a retaining structure, e.g., button, glue, flap, or snap, to assist in retaining the magnet within the enclosure. In some embodiments, the pockets  1402  may include glue or a glued flap to enclose the magnet therein, possibly in a water-tight enclosure. 
     As indicated above, some split curtains may have three or more panels. Accordingly, middle panels may have magnets disposed along both its left and right leading edges so that each of the left and right leading edges cooperates with the adjacent panels. 
     Although the embodiments herein have been described using magnets, embodiments herein may use alternative panel-coupling devices, such as buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a left panel  1500  suspended on a rod  1502  and in a closed position, in accordance with some embodiments. The left panel has magnets  1506  along a horizontal row  1504  to provide improved stacking when the left panel is maneuvered to an open position. The magnets  1506  may be disposed on the back face of the left panel  1500  or between the front face and a backing. The magnets  1506  may be within enclosures, e.g., enclosures  1100 . In some embodiments, there may be two magnets  1506  within each pleat, e.g., at the ⅓ and ⅔ positions. The magnets  1506  may be disposed in a switching pattern of north and south poles so that the pleats bunch together to a tie back position. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the left panel  1500  in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments. The magnets  1506  along the horizontal row  1504  engage with one another to generate the appearance of a tie back. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates bidirectional panels  1700 A and  1700 B, in accordance with some embodiments. The bidirectional panels  1700 A and  1700 B may be identical, so that either panel  1700 A or  1700 B can be used on the left side, on the right side, or in the center. As shown, the bidirectional panel  1700 A includes a head portion  1702 A, a column of magnets  1704 A along the left edge  1706 A and a column of magnets  1708 A along a right edge  1710 A. Similarly, the bidirectional panel  1700 B includes a head portion  1702 B, a column of magnets  1704 B along the left edge  1706 B and a column of magnets  1708 B along a right edge  1710 B. Accordingly, either panel  1700 A or  1700 B may have one or more leading edges and either panel  1700 A or  1700 B may be on the left, right or center. In some embodiments, the bidirectional panel  1700 A includes a column of pockets (instead of magnets  1704 A) along the left edge  1706 A and a column of pockets (instead of magnets  1708 A) along a right edge  1710 A, and the bidirectional panel  1700 B includes a column of pockets (instead of magnets  1704 B) along the left edge  1706 B and a column of pockets (instead of magnets  1708 B) along a right edge  1710 B. Magnets can be inserted into one or more of the pockets as needed, e.g., only on the leading edges or only in one or more selected pockets of the column of pockets on the leading edges. 
     The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is by way of example only, and other variations and modifications of the above-described embodiments and methods are possible in light of the foregoing teaching. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. The present invention is limited only by the following claims.