Abstract:
A solar-powered automatic curtain opener comprises a housing, sensors, a motor, a pair of extendable rods, and a photovoltaic power supply. The housing provides an enclosure for various electrical components of the apparatus including the motor and battery. The sensor automatically actuates the motor based upon ambient light conditions which extends or retracts the rods to selectively open or close a curtain as appropriate. The motor is powered by a battery charged via a photovoltaic cell assembly. When ambient light conditions below a desired threshold are detected, stored energy is utilized in order to close the curtain assembly. The motor is further operable by a user to selectively open or close the curtain. In one embodiment, the housing further comprises a receiver which allows a user to remotely control the open or closed state of the curtains via a corresponding remote control assembly.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/390,204 filed on Oct. 6, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for opening and closing window curtains, and in particular, to an autonomously functioning solar-powered apparatus for opening and closing window curtains. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Windows are valuable structures due to the fact that the enhance interior spaces with views, ambient light which saves on energy costs, and the ability to expose an interior space to the environment during periods of nice weather. The primary downside of windows is that they limit privacy. Thus, most windows are equipped with window curtains to provide privacy. 
     Curtains are often opened during the day to provide ambient light and a view, and closed at night when indoor lighting is utilized. In these cases, each curtain must be opened or closed by a user at least twice a day. However, depending on location, this may also require the user to climb over furniture, walk around tables, and reach over obstacles. This is particular problematic for users of limited or diminished physical capabilities. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide a curtain manipulating apparatus. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,953; U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,922; U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,442; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,156. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more disadvantages. Many such apparatuses do not provide a significant range of user adjustability or control. Many such apparatuses cannot be manually operated from a remote position. Many such apparatuses are not adapted to be easily installed, removed, adjusted, replaced, and powered. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which window curtains can be adjusted automatically without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a readily transportable and autonomously functioning curtain manipulating apparatus providing a range of powered manual and automatic operation. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to enable a user to adjust the positioning of a curtain in a difficult to reach location within a home or building by providing automatic adjustment of the position of the curtain based upon selectable ambient conditions in order to mitigate the necessity of adjusting the curtains on a daily basis. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a powered adjustment means for individuals with physical ailments which inhibit such tasks. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to be transportable and functional without connection to an external power supply. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable both automatic and manual adjustment of existing curtains upon a window based upon ambient conditions or user input. The apparatus comprises a housing which contains a motor assembly and a plurality of electrical and electronic components. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to engage perimeter edges of the curtains with a pair of opposing telescoping arm assemblies. The arm assemblies are driven by the motor assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a transmission and couplings which translate rotational motion of the motor assembly into linear motion in order to extend and retract the pair of telescoping arm assemblies based upon input to a sensor assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise each arm assembly of a spring clip comprising a removable clamp fastener for gripping a portion of the curtain. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to removably attach the apparatus to a window or similar surface using a suction cup located on a rear panel of the housing. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to sustain continual automatic operation of the apparatus by comprising a solar panel located on the rear panel of the housing. The solar panel faces the exterior of the window and provides power to the electrical components of the apparatus. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a control knob which enables the user to control the operational mode of the apparatus. The control knob is comprised of a multi-positional electrical knob which enables the user to choose a desired setting such as a normal mode which activates the arm assembly when the solar cell detects incoming light, a remote mode which enables the user to activate the assembly with a remote controller, a manual mode which enables a user to manually deploy the arm assembly, or a backwards mode which enables the arm assembly to be activated when the solar cell does not detect incoming light. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the transmission of a reel and guide assembly which provides linear motion to a pair of cord couplings fixed to distal ends of each of the pair of telescoping arm assemblies. Each section of the telescoping arm assembly further comprises an integral spring mechanism which biases each portion of the arm assembly towards an outwardly extended state such that the motor assembly may be actuated in order to provide an inward linear motion to the cord coupling and pull the telescoping sections of the arm assemblies inwardly against the force of the spring mechanism. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an integral rechargeable battery which provides electrical power to the motor assembly, the control circuit, and the sensor assembly. The solar cells provide variable electrical current which is passed through a voltage regulator in order to provide a recharging current to the battery. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the sensor assembly of an electronic assembly which provides an input signal to the control circuit based upon ambient or user controlled conditions including a photo sensor, an RF receiver, and a manual actuator. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the photo sensor of a photoelectric sensor disposed along the rear panel the housing and adapted to provide an input signal to the control circuit based upon the ambient light level of the outdoors. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a manual actuator comprised of a capacitor which enables the apparatus to be actuated by a user touching the housing. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the remote controller of a handheld device having a transmitter and a plurality of buttons for operating the apparatus. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring the apparatus, fastening the apparatus to a set of curtains and a window, adjusting the control knob to a desired setting, controlling the telescoping arm assembly to deploy and retract based upon the setting, and utilizing the apparatus to open and close curtains in a powered and automated manner. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a motorized curtain opening and closing apparatus  10  depicting a closed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is another environmental view of the motorized curtain opening and closing apparatus  10  depicting an open state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the motorized curtain opening and closing apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the motorized curtain opening and closing apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the motorized curtain opening and closing apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the motorized curtain opening and closing apparatus of line A-A (see  FIG. 5 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an electronic block diagram of the motorized curtain opening and closing apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a remote controller  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the remote controller  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 10 
                 curtain opening and closing apparatus 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                 window 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 curtain 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 housing 
               
               
                   
                 21a  
                 front panel 
               
               
                   
                 21b  
                 side panel 
               
               
                   
                 21c  
                 top panel 
               
               
                   
                 21d  
                 rear panel 
               
               
                   
                 21e  
                 bottom panel 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 motor assembly 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 suction cup 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 battery 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 manual actuator 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 solar cell 
               
               
                   
                 27 
                 control knob 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 voltage regulator 
               
               
                   
                 29 
                 receiver 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 telescoping arm assembly 
               
               
                   
                 32a  
                 first telescoping section 
               
               
                   
                 32b  
                 second telescoping section 
               
               
                   
                 32c  
                 third telescoping section 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 photo sensor 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 transmission 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 coupler 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 spring mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 39 
                 spring clip 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 control circuit 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 sensor assembly 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 indicia 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 adhesive 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 remote controller 
               
               
                   
                 61 
                 first button 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 second button 
               
               
                   
                 63 
                 battery compartment 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 remote battery 
               
               
                   
                 65 
                 transmitter 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 signal 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 9 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a curtain opening and closing apparatus (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  to enable a user to adjust curtains  12  hanging over a window  11 . The apparatus  10  is intended to provide various benefits to a user over existing methods of opening, closing, and retaining curtains  12  upon a window  11 . The apparatus  10  allows the user to adjust the positioning of a curtain  12  in a difficult to reach location within a home or building. The apparatus  10  also provides for automatic adjustment of the position of the curtain  12  based upon selectable ambient conditions in order to mitigate the necessity of adjusting the curtains  12  on a daily basis. The apparatus  10  further provides for powered curtain  12  adjustment to individuals with physical ailments which inhibit such tasks. The apparatus  10  enables households to save on energy costs and provides a security feature to homes or buildings. The apparatus  10  is transportable, is easily installed, and has no electrical cords. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting a closed state and  FIG. 2 , another environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting an open state, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  is designed for automatic and manual adjustment of existing curtains  12  upon a window  11  based upon ambient conditions or user input. The apparatus  10  comprises a durable rectangular housing  20  which securely contains a motor assembly  22  and a plurality of electrical and electronic components. The motor assembly  22  motions of a pair of opposing telescoping arm assemblies  30  which are further removably attachable to opposing inner perimeter edges of the curtains  12 . The motor assembly  22  is actuated by a sensor assembly  42  which receives input from ambient conditions, a remote controller  60 , or by a manual actuator  25 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10 ,  FIG. 4 , a rear perspective view of the apparatus  10 , and  FIG. 5 , a top perspective view of the apparatus  10 , are disclosed. The rectangular housing  20  provides a protective enclosure to the motor assembly  22 , a battery  24 , at least one (1) solar cell  26 , at least one (1) voltage regulator  28 , a control circuit  40 , a sensor assembly  42 , and associated mechanical fasteners and electrical connectors. The housing  20  further encloses a transmission  34  and couplings  36  which translate rotational motion of the motor assembly  22  into linear motion in order to extend and retract the pair of telescoping arm assemblies  30  based upon input to the sensor assembly  42 . 
     The housing  20  is comprised of a six-sided enclosure preferably fabricated from a durable plastic or similar material. The housing  20  includes an arcuately shaped bottom panel  21   e  to enhance the overall shape of the housing  20  for decorative purposes, yet it is known that the bottom panel  21   e  can also have various other shapes and is not considered a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The housing  20  also includes a pair of opposing side panels  21   b  which provide support to and enable the telescoping arm assemblies  30  to pass through. The arm assemblies  30  include a variable length cylindrical structure telescopically extending perpendicularly outward from the surface of the housing  20 . The length of each telescoping arm assembly  30  is controlled by actuation of the motor assembly  22  to drive an attached coupling  36 . Each telescoping arm assembly  30  further includes a first cylindrical telescoping section  32   a , a second cylindrical telescoping section  32   b , and a third cylindrical telescoping section  32   c  (also see  FIG. 6 ). The second telescoping section  32   b  includes an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the first section  32   a  and the third telescoping section  32   c  includes an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the second section  32   b . In this manner, the sections  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c  can be motioned relative to each other in order to adjust the overall length of the telescoping arm assembly  30  to open or close the curtains  12 . While the apparatus  10  is illustrated as having three (3) sections, it is understood that other telescopically adjustable arm configurations may be provided to accommodate varying sizes, designs, and intended applications, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     An exterior surface of each third telescoping section  32   c  further includes a spring clip  39 . The spring clip  39  includes a removable clamp fastener for gripping a portion of the curtain  12 . The spring clip  39  includes upper and lower jaw portions which are pivotingly connected by a spring hinge biased towards a closed position. It is understood that other fasteners such as alligator clips, adhesives, string ties, or hook and loop straps may be utilized to provide equal benefit to a user, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The spring clips  39  fasten to an inner perimeter edge of the curtains  12  and they also assist in supporting the apparatus  10 . 
     A rear panel  21   d  upon the housing  20  includes a suction cup  23  which provides an attachment means for the housing  20  to the window  11  and also assists in supporting the apparatus  10 . The suction cup  23  is illustrated as being positioned at an intermediate location with the solar panel  26  encompassing the suction cup  23 , yet other locations and amount of suction cups  23  can vary without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The suction cup  23  is attached to the rear panel  21   d  via adhesive, fasteners, or the like. The solar cell  26  includes a photovoltaic cell located along an outer rear panel  21   d  of the housing  20 . The solar cells  26  are oriented facing towards the outside of a window  11  in order to intercept incoming light (also see  FIG. 6 ). 
     A top panel  21   c  of the housing  20  includes a control knob  27  (also see  FIG. 7 ) which enables the user to choose a desired mode. The control knob  27  is comprised of a multi-positional electrical knob which enables the user to choose a desired setting. Various electrical switching devices can be utilized to manipulate the apparatus  10  without limiting the scope of the invention. The control knob  27  can be positioned into a normal mode which activates the arm assembly  30  as the solar cell  26  detects incoming light, a remote mode which enables the user to activate the assembly with a remote controller  60  (see  FIGS. 8 and 9 ), a manual mode which enables a user&#39;s touch upon a manual actuator  25  on the housing  20  to deploy the arm assembly  30 , or a backwards mode which enables the arm assembly  30  to be activated when the solar cell does not detect incoming light. 
     A front panel  21   a  of the housing  20  provides a surface area for placement of various indicia  50 . The indicia  50  is depicted as a cross for illustration purposes only it is known that other logos, shapes, or the like can be utilized as desired by the uses décor or wants without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The indicia  50  is adhered to the front panel  21   a  with an adhesive backing. The indicia  50  is preferably packaged with the apparatus  10  to enable the user to place the indicia  50  upon the apparatus  10  as desired, but can also be purchased separately from the apparatus  10 . 
     The front panel  21   a  of the housing  20  also exposes a receiver  29 . The receiver  29  can be located upon various positions upon the housing  20  without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The receiver  29  receives a signal  66  which is transmitted from a remote controller  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a sectional view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 7 , an electrical block diagram of the apparatus  10 , are disclosed. The motor assembly  22  includes at least one (1) reversible electrical motor powered by the integral battery  24 . The motor assembly  22  is rigidly affixed within the housing  20  with the motor rotating about an axis perpendicular to a front surface of the housing  20 . The transmission  34  which translates the rotating motion of the motor into proportioned bidirectional linear motion of the pair of couplings  36 . In a preferred embodiment, the transmission  34  includes a reel and guide assembly which provides linear motion to a pair of cord couplings fixed to distal ends of each of the pair of telescoping arm assemblies  30 . 
     Each telescoping arm assembly  30  also comprises a pair of integral spring mechanisms  38 , one (1) located within the first telescoping section  32   a  and one (1) located within the second telescoping section  32   b , which biases the telescoping arm assembly  30  outwardly extended state (see  FIG. 6 ). An interior end surface of the third telescoping section  32   c  provides integral attachment to a cord coupling  36  which is securely attached to the spool and guide transmission  34  driven by the motor assembly  22 . The spool provides a winding or unwinding of the cord coupling  36  by rotating of the motor assembly  22 . The guide assembly includes a plurality of rigid sections which redirect the motion of the cord coupling  36  relative to the motor assembly  22  in order to appropriately engage and move the telescoping arm assemblies  30 . The motor assembly  22  may be actuated in order to provide an inward linear motion to the cord coupling  36  in order to pull the first  32   a , second  32   b , and third  32   c  telescoping sections inward against the force of the spring mechanism  38 . As the motor assembly  22  rotates in an opposite direction, the cord coupling  36  is unwound from the spool and outward force from the spring mechanism  38  causes the telescoping arm assemblies  30  to extend outward. 
     The integral battery  24  includes a compact chemical cell battery which provides electrical power to the motor assembly  22 , the control circuit  40 , and the sensor assembly  42 . The battery  24  is a rechargeable chemical battery which is connected to the solar cells  26  via the voltage regulators  28 . The solar cells  26  provide variable electrical current which is passed through the voltage regulator  28  in order to provide a recharging current of appropriate voltage to the rechargeable battery  24 . 
     The control circuit  40  includes a printed circuit board (PCB) located on the interior of the housing  20  having on-board electronic components necessary for the operation of the apparatus  10  such as, but not limited to: microprocessors, memory chips, relays, embedded software, input and output signal capabilities (I/O), driver circuits, wiring connections, and multi-conductor cables which provide connection and communication with sensor assembly  42 . The control circuit  40  receives input signals from the sensor assembly  42  such as a signal  66  from the remote controller  60 . The control circuit  40  enables the motor assembly  22  to activate extending and returning of the telescoping arm assemblies  30 . The control circuit  40  also enables the apparatus  10  to function backwards as desired by the user input from the control knob  27 . 
     The sensor assembly  42  includes an electronic assembly which provides an input signal to the control circuit  40  based upon ambient or user controlled conditions in order to control the motor assembly  22 . The sensor assembly  42  includes a photo sensor  33 , an RF receiver  29 , and a manual actuator  25 . The photo sensor  33  includes a photoelectric sensor disposed along a rear panel  21   d  the housing  20  adapted to provide an input signal to the control circuit  40  based upon the ambient light level of the outdoors. In this manner, the control circuit  40  may be programmed with a pre-set light level that is compared to a light intensity signal generated and transmitted by the solar cell  26  to automatically open and close attached curtains  12 , such as at dawn and dusk. The RF receiver  29 , depicted as being located upon the front panel  21   a  of the housing  20 , capable of receiving user-generated input signals from a corresponding remote control  60 , thus allowing a user to override the positioning of the curtains  12  as desired. The manual actuator  25  is comprised of a capacitor which enables the user touching the housing  20  to complete the circuit send the signal to the control circuit  40  for activation of the telescoping arm assembly  30 . It is understood that other sensor and control array combinations such as an integral keypad, motion sensors, proximity sensors, sound sensors, or the like may be utilized to provide a range of actuating signals suitable to various users, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  is utilized by mounting it within a window  11  well. The user then attaches each half of the curtain  12  to the apparatus  10  with the spring clips  39 . 
     The user may then select an actuating means for opening and closing the curtains  12  based upon the selection of the control knob  27  which controls the control circuit  40  and sensor assembly  42  to provide automatic or manual operation as desired. When the apparatus  10  is initially actuated, the motor assembly  22  is activated to motion the telescoping arms  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c  outward from the center of the window  11  to pull the curtains  12  open. While the curtain  12  is open, the solar cells  26  receive sunlight and convert it to stored energy to recharge the battery  24 . When the sensor assembly  42  is signaled due to ambient or user provided controls, the telescoping arm assemblies  30  are retracted in order to pull the curtains  12  closed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a front perspective view of the remote controller  60  and  FIG. 9 , a rear perspective view of the remote controller  60 , are disclosed. The remote controller  60  is comprised of a generally rectangular hand-held device fabricated from a durable plastic. The remote controller  60  encompasses internal electronic components such as a remote battery  64  and a transmitter  65  (see  FIG. 7 ). With the control knob  27  set at the remote control setting a user can depress a first button  61  which transmits a signal  66  through the transmitter  65  to open the curtain  12  or extend the telescoping arm assembly  30 . The user can also depress a second button  62  to transmit a signal  66  through the transmitter  65  to close the curtain  12  or retract the telescoping arm assembly  30 . The buttons  61 ,  62  are located on a front surface of the remote controller  60  and are preferably comprised of push buttons, yet other switches can be utilized without limiting the scope of the remote controller  60 . A rear surface of the remote controller  60  comprises a battery compartment  63  which enables the user to access the remote battery  64  from common replacement needs. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; fastening the apparatus  10  to a desired set of curtains  12  by attaching each spring clip  39  to an inner perimeter edge of the curtains  12 ; engaging the suction cup  23  on the rear panel  21   d  with the window  11 ; placing a desired indicia  50  upon the front panel  21   a  of the housing  20  as desired; adjusting the control knob  27  to a desired setting; enabling the telescoping arm assembly  30  to deploy and retract as desired based upon the desired setting; and, utilizing the apparatus  10  to open and close curtains  12  in a manner which is effortless. 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  with the remote controller  60  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; fastening the apparatus  10  to a desired set of curtains  12  by attaching each spring clip  39  to an inner perimeter edge of the curtains  12 ; engaging the suction cup  23  on the rear panel  21   d  with the window  11 ; placing a desired indicia  50  upon the front panel  21   a  of the housing  20  as desired; adjusting the control knob  27  to the remote controller setting; inserting a remote battery  64  into the battery compartment  63  of the remote controller  60  as needed; depressing the first button  61  to deploy the telescoping arm assembly  30  as desired; depressing the second button  62  to retract the telescoping arm assembly  30  as desired; and, utilizing the apparatus  10  to open and close curtains  12  in a manner which is effortless. 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  with the manual actuator  25  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; fastening the apparatus  10  to a desired set of curtains  12  by attaching each spring clip  39  to an inner perimeter edge of the curtains  12 ; engaging the suction cup  23  on the rear panel  21   d  with the window  11 ; placing a desired indicia  50  upon the front panel  21   a  of the housing  20  as desired; adjusting the control knob  27  to the manual setting; touching the exterior surface of the housing  20  to deploy the telescoping arm assembly  30  as desired; touching the exterior surface of the housing  20  again to retract the telescoping arm assembly  30  as desired; and, utilizing the apparatus  10  to open and close curtains  12  in a manner which is effortless. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles and practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.