AU730277B2 - Vertical drapes - Google Patents

Description

WO 99/11899 PCT/AU98/00712 1 VERTICAL DRAPES Technical Field The present invention relates to window furnishings and in particular relates to vertical drapes.

Background of the Invention Vertical drapes are a popular form of covering/furnishing for windows and glass doors. When vertical drapes are drawn across a window/door, the vertical drapes can be rotated in unison between a fully open position allowing light to pass between the individual drapes and a closed position where adjacent drapes overlap and lie flush against lo each other so as to cover the window surface and restrict light passing therethrough and thereby provide privacy to the room.

With the currently available vertical drapes, however, a significant gap remains between adjacent drapes when the drapes are closed, such that full privacy is not afforded, especially at night when light emitting from the room through the gaps enables a person standing outside to see into the room. Such currently available vertical drapes are depicted in Figures 1 and 2. Each vertical drape or slat 1 has a lower section 2 folded over onto the remainder of the drape 1 and stitched horizontally thereto to form an open sided pocket 3. A weight 4 is inserted into the pocket 3 to stabilise the drape in the event of any breeze tending to blow the drapes out of vertical alignment and whilst the drapes are being rotated or drawn across the window. The weight 4 extends across the width of the drape, and has an eyelet 5 secured to each side edge thereof. Each eyelet 5 protrudes from the corresponding side edge of the drape end and receives a stabilising line 6 which passes through corresponding eyelets 5 of each drape so as to help keep the weights in position in the pockets and to further stabilise the lower end of the drapes and keep them in an adjacent relationship to each other.

The weights 4 are rigid, typically being made of plastics or metallic material. When the drapes are rotated to the closed position, as depicted in Figure 1 and 2, adjacent drapes 1 overlap by a distance A (see Figure which is typically about 17 mm for a PCT/AU98/00712 Received 26 March 1999 2 standard 127 mm wide drape. As the weights 4 extend across the entire width of each drape 1, they also overlap. The rigid weights 4, which add to the thickness of the drape 1 at the bottom end thereof, consequently result in a gap being formed between the drapes immediately above the weights as shown in Figure 2. The pliable material drapes 1 tend to gradually close the gap some distance above the weights 4, but the gap created toward the bottom of the drapes 1 is sufficient to adversely affect the privacy afforded by the closed drapes, especially at night time.

A similar gap typically exists toward the top of the drapes 1, as a result of the rigid hanger 7 by which each drape 1 is suspended. The hanger 7, which is typically lo formed of a rigid plastics or metallic material, is held in a pocket 8 formed by folding and stitching an upper section of the drape 1 onto the remainder of the drape 1 in a similar manner to the pocket 3 at the bottom of the drape 1. The hanger 7 has a loop 7a projecting from a central region thereof out of the pocket 8 for suspending the drape 1.

The hanger 7 extends to, or adjacent to, the edges of the pocket 8 to give the drape some rigidity. On closing the drapes as depicted in Figures 1 and 2 the hangers 7 of adjacent drapes 1 overlap, with the thickness of the hangers 7 and the double thickness of drape material resulting in a gap between the drapes below the hangers 7. Whilst this gap will typically not be as large as that caused by the bulkier weights 4, it can still prevent complete privacy.

Object of the Invention It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the above disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention There is disclosed herein a vertical drape comprising: an elongate strip of material adapted to hang vertically, a weight secured to said elongate strip adjacent a bottom end thereof, said weight having a width selected such that opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said AMENDED SHEET (Article 34) (IPEA/AU) PCT/AU98/00712 Received 26 March 1999 3 weight by a distance substantially equal to or greater than a design overlap distance between adjacent said vertical drapes.

Preferably said opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said weight by at least 17 mm.

The weight is preferably mounted on a lower section of said elongate strip extending upwardly from said elongate strip bottom end.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mass of the weight is selected to avoid the requirement for stabilising lines. The weight preferably has a mass of between 60 and 120 grams, more preferably approximately 80 grams.

The strip of material is preferably adapted to hang vertically by means of a rigid hanger mounted on said elongate strip toward a top end thereof, said hanger having a width less than that of said elongate strip such that opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said hanger.

Preferably, said opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said hanger by a distance substantially equal to or greater than said design overlap distance between adjacent said vertical drapes.

Preferably, said opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said hanger by at least 12 mm, and more preferably by at least 17 mm.

The lower section may have a reduced width as compared to the remainder of said elongate strip such that said opposing sides extend laterally beyond said lower section.

The weight may include an eyelet protruding from a lower edge of said weight and adapted to receive a stabilising line for stabilising said elongate strip. The weight may include two said eyelets.

The weight may include two stabilising line attachment means on opposing sides of said weight and each adapted to receive a stabilising line for stabilising said elongate strip, said elongate strip having two holes passing therethrough each associated with a said attachment means for receiving a said stabilising line. Each of said associated holes is preferably located within a design overlap region of said elongate strip in a position preventing overlap, in use, with a corresponding hole of an adjacent said drape.

AMENDED SHEET (Article 34) (IPEA/AU) WO 99/11899 PCT/AU98/00712 4 Each attachment means may comprise an eyelet, or alternatively may comprise a stanchion, each said stabilising line being equipped with a C-clip adapted to engage the corresponding said stanchion.

Alternatively, each said attachment means may comprise a reinforcing eyelet secured to the associated said hole, each said stabilising line being equipped with a C-clip adapted to engage the corresponding said reinforcing eyelet.

The weight may be suspended from said elongate strip bottom end, and may be comprised of a plurality of discrete weights each suspended from said elongate strip bottom end.

Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a two adjacent prior art vertical drapes.

Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the prior art vertical drapes of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front elevation view of two adjacent vertical drapes according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the vertical drapes of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a vertical drape according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a vertical drape according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a vertical drape according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a vertical drape according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a vertical drape according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a vertical drape according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

WO 99/11899 PCT/AU98/00712 Figure 11 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a vertical drape according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a vertical drape according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a vertical drape according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments A vertical drape according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongate strip 11 of material adapted to hang vertically, here by way of a 1o hanger 17 having a loop 17a at the top of the elongate strip 11. A weight 14 is secured to the elongate strip 11 adjacent the bottom end of the elongate strip 11, here being mounted on a lower section of the elongate strip. The weight 14 has a width less than that of the elongate strip 11 such that opposing sides 18, 19 of the elongate strip 11 extend beyond the weight 14.

As shown in Figure 3, the opposing sides 18, 19 of the elongate strip 11 extend beyond the weight 14 by a distance slightly greater than the design overlap distance A by which adjacent drapes overlap when rotated to the closed position. The overlap distance A is typically about 17 mm for a standard 127 mm wide drape or slat. The weights 14 consequently do not overlap and the material of the elongated strip 11 at the opposing edges 18, 19 is free to hang vertically without bulging as a result of the thickness of the rigid weights. As depicted in Figure 4, no accentuated gap is created between adjacent drapes. Even if the weights 14 do slightly overlap, the corresponding edges of the adjacent elongate strips, which are typically highly pliable, will largely cover any gap the overlapping weights 14 tend to create. It is preferable that the weights 14 are thin, typically being fabricated of sheet metal or a dense plastics material, to reduce any possible gaps if there is some overlap. As well as increasing privacy, reduction of the gap between adjacent drapes will also reduce direct sunlight passing through gaps between the drapes.

WO 99/11899 PCT/AU98/00712 6 To further ensure increased privacy, the design overlap distance A of the drapes may be increased, within reason. Again, it is preferred that the weights 14 do not encroach on any increased width design overlap region. The design overlap distance A can, however, be reduced to some degree and still provide increased privacy as compared s to drapes with the standard overlap distance and standard full width weights.

For embodiments of the vertical drape which utilise stabilising lines, rather than having eyelets protruding from the sides of the weight 14 as per the prior art, eyelets may be provided protruding from the lower edge of the weight 14 as depicted in Figures 3 and 5. The eyelets 15 receive the stabilising lines 16 for stabilising the elongate strips 11.

lo The prior art weights have a mass typically of the order of 45 grams, and the weights 14 of the present invention may have a similar mass to provide a similar degree of stability.

It has been found, however, that increasing the mass of the weight 14, within reason, will typically increase the stability of the elongated strips 11 and may reduce the need for two stabilising lines 16. A weight 14 with a mass in the order of 60 to 120 grams is preferable, with a mass of approximately 80 grams being particularly preferable.

Consequently, one eyelet 15 and one stabilising line 16 may be sufficient to provide stability of the elongated strips 11. Such a configuration is depicted in Figure 6. A heavier duty track for mounting the drapes may be required when heavier weights 14 are employed.

A particularly preferred embodiment is depicted in Figure 7. The weight 14 is fully secured in a pocket 13' which is stitched both horizontally and vertically, thus a major function of the stabilising lines, which is to help keep the weight in position in the pocket, is automatically taken care of. Furthermore, by increasing the mass of the weight 14, sufficient stability may be provided to the elongated strips 11 to obviate the requirement for any form of stabilising lines at all. A weight 14 having a mass of the order of grams should be sufficient to provide the necessary stability for this arrangement.

Omission of the stabilising lines provides a more attractive appearance and will avoid any possible tangling of stabilising lines.

WO 99/11899 PCT/AU98/00712 7 Figure 7 also depicts an advantageous modification to the lower corners Ila of the elongate strip 30 to round the same so as to reduce the possibility of the edges of adjacent elongate strips catching. A similar modification can also be made to the upper corners of the elongate strip.

In another alternative embodiment as depicted in Figure 8, the eyelet 15 may be provided protruding from the upper edge of the weight 14, with a stabilising line 16 passing through the eyelet 15 and an associated hole 20 provided through the elongate strip 11. This configuration with the eyelets 15 protruding from the upper edge of the weight 14 will be appropriate when the bottom of the drape rests adjacent the floor or in a 1o reveal, so that the stabilising line(s) 16 will not be obstructed.

If desired, provision may be made for two stabilising lines 16 toward the upper edge of the weight 14 as depicted in Figure 9. Here as an alternative to eyelets, stanchions 27 are secured to the weight 14, with mating C-clips 28 being secured to the stabilising lines 16. The stanchions may protrude to the side as in Figure 9, or may more preferably protrude upwardly beyond the weight upper edge from adjacent to and within the sides of the weight to ensure they do not impinge on the overlap region. The C-clips 28 are passed through holes 20 provided in the elongate strip 11 and clipped onto the stanchions 27. It is preferred that the holes 20 are provided in the overlap region. The holes 20 will then be overlapped by material of the adjacent elongate strip 11 when the drapes are closed, thereby ensuring the holes 20 do not compromise privacy. The holes 20 should be sized and positioned to ensure that they are not overlapped by the holes 20 of the adjacent elongate strip 11 when the drapes are closed. For a standard overlap length of 17 mm, and for a hole diameter of 5 mm this can be achieved by placing the holes 20 adjacent the inner edge of the overlap region, providing for a horizontal offset distance of up to 7 mm separating the holes of adjacent elongate strips when in the closed position. To further ensure that the adjacent holes will not overlap, they may be vertically offset as well as horizontally offset. Provision of smaller holes 20 will also further ensure that they do not overlap, however the holes must clearly be of sufficient size to enable the stabilising line 16 (and C-clip 28, if used) to pass therethrough.

WO 99/11899 PCT/AU98/00712 8 To avoid the need for stanchions 27 protruding form the weight 14 when utilising C-clips 28, the holes 20 may be provided with reinforcing eyelets 29 sized such that the C-clips 28 may be clipped onto the inner periphery of the reinforcing eyelets as depicted in Figure 10. This enables the weight 14 to be completely sealed within the pocket 13'.

The weight 14 may be mounted on the elongate strip 11, as shown in Figure 5, by folding a lower section 12 of the elongate strip over onto the remainder of the elongate strip 11 to form a pocket 13 in a similar manner to that of the prior art. The weight 14 is mounted centrally in the pocket 13, and the pocket 13 will typically be stitched around the weight 14 to secure the same within the pocket 13.

The weight may alternatively be mounted on the elongate strip 11 by securing the same in a pocket 13' of reduced cross section formed by folding a reduced width flap 21 extending from the bottom of the elongate strip 11 onto the remainder of the strip, the pocket 13' being stitched around the weight 14. With the reduced cross section pocket 13', only a single thickness of material is provided in the overlap area at the opposing edges 18, 19 of the elongate strip 11. The opposing edges 18, 19 are hence thinner and more pliable and further prevent any gaps being created immediately above the lower region carrying the weights 14. The reduced section pocket 13' need not be formed by folding a flap 21 extending from elongate strip, but may comprise a separate piece of material stitched onto the elongate strip 11. Rather than stitching a flap or separate piece of material over the weight 14, a flap or piece of material may be plastic welded to the elongate strip 11, or joined thereto by any conventional means. Further, the weight 14 could simply be bonded directly to the elongate strip 11 without the need for a flap or separate piece of material to encase the weight 14.

Whilst providing for only a single thickness of material in the overlap area at the opposing edges 18, 19 of the elongate strip 11 adjacent the weight 14, it may be further advantageous to provide for no overlapping material adjacent the weights. Such provision is made with the embodiment depicted in Figure 11. The weight 14 is mounted on the elongate strip with a reduced width pocket 13', and the opposing edges 18,19 of the elongate strip 11 are trimmed back to adjacent the pocket 13' from the bottom of the strip WO 99/11899 PCT/AU98/00712 9 to the top of the pocket 13', thereby forming a reduced width lower strip section 22. As a result, no material of adjacent drapes overlaps at the lower strip section. Drapes with reduced width lower strip sections as described will be most appropriate where drapes are installed on windows with the drapes having sufficient length such that the weights are located below the window sill and hence any gap created between adjacent drapes at the bottom end as a result of the reduced width section will not affect privacy.

A further alternative embodiment is depicted in Figure 12, wherein the weight 14' is mounted on the bottom of the elongate strip 11 by suspending the weight 14' therefrom.

Again the weight 14' is of a reduced width, preferably such that it does not impinge on lo the overlap region between adjacent drapes. By suspending such a weight 14' from the bottom end of the elongate strip 11 there will be nothing overlapping between adjacent drapes in the region of the weights 14', as per the embodiment of Figure 11. The weight 14' is preferably suspended by means of two lengths of thread 23 towards opposing sides of the weight 14'. Apertures 24 reinforced with eyelets and preferably having a diameter of 5 mm or less are positioned approximately 90 mm apart so as to allow for the 17 mm overlap of a standard 127 mm wide elongate strip. The apertures 24 are preferably spaced approximately 5 mm from the base of the elongate strip to prevent a tear out type failure of the strip 11. More than two apertures 24 and threads 23 could be provided to further secure the weight 14' to the strip, perhaps with the weight 14' being laced to the elongate strip through a series of apertures. Metallic rings or similar could be used to mount the weight instead of thread 23.

Corresponding apertures 25 are provided in the weight 14' to secure to the threads 23. The threads may be arranged such that the weights are suspended a distance of the order of 5 mm below the bottom end of the elongate strip 11.

Provision is made for stabilising lines to pass through, or be attached to the suspended weights, with the stabilising lines here passing through apertures 26 provided on opposing sides of the weight 14' as depicted in Figure 12. The stabilising line attachments may, however, be positioned anywhere on the weight 14', and may comprise separate eyelets attached to the weight rather than apertures in the weight. Furthermore, WO 99/11899 PCTIAU98/00712 by increasing the mass of the weight 14, sufficient stability may be provided to the elongated strips 11 to obviate the requirement for any form of stabilising lines at all. A weight 14 having a mass of the order of 80 grams should be sufficient to provide the necessary stability for this arrangement.

As per the other embodiments, the weight 14' is preferably flat, but need not be so.

It is also preferably formed of metallic material, but may also suitably be formed of plastics material. The weight 14' need not be rectangular in form as depicted, but may be any of various shapes.

Rather than using a unitary weight depending from the bottom end of the elongate lo strip, the weight 14' may comprise more than one discrete weight 14a' each suspended from the bottom end of the elongate strip, as depicted in Figure 13. The outermost weights should be disposed inwardly of the overlap region so as to ensure no gap is created between adjacent drapes when closed. Here discrete spherical weights 14a' have been employed, however discrete flat weights and other shapes are also envisaged, so long as the total mass of the weights is sufficient for their purpose, preferably totalling at least about 45 grams and more preferably of the order of 80 grams. Again, provision should be made for stabilising lines to be secured to the weights in an appropriate manner.

Here eyelets 15 are secured to the discrete weights 14a' for receiving the stabilising lines.

Similarly to the weight 14, the rigid hanger 17, mounted toward the top of the elongate strip 11, here also has a width less than that of the elongate strip 11, such that opposing sides 18, 19 of the elongate strip 11 extend beyond the hanger 17 (see Figure 3).

The opposing 18, 19 sides preferably extend beyond the hanger 17 by a distance at least equal to the design overlap distance between adjacent drapes, which is typically approximately 17 mm for standard width drapes. This will result in adjacent hangers 17 not overlapping, with the opposing edges 18, 19 being free to hang vertically toward the top of the elongate strip 11 thereby preventing any accentuated gap.

As per the weights 14, the hangers 17 may slightly overlap whilst still reducing any gaps between adjacent drapes due to the typically pliable nature of the free opposing sides 18, 19 of the elongate strip 11 and further due to the minimal vertical height of the WO 99/11899 PCT/AU98/00712 11 hangers 17. Having the opposing sides 18, 19 of the elongate strip 11 extend only 12 mm beyond the end of the hanger 17 has been shown to produce a satisfactory result.

The hangers 17 are preferably mounted on the elongate strip 11 in a pocket 23 which does not extend across the entire width of the elongate strip 11, thereby ensuring thin and pliable opposing edges 18, 19 formed of one thickness of material only. The pocket 23 is typically formed by either folding a flap of material over the hanger 17 or stitching a separate piece of material over it.

Reducing the width of the hanger 17 to prevent overlap will reduce the rigidity of the hanger, and it is thus preferred that the hanger 17 is fabricated from metallic material lo rather than plastics material to ensure that it remains sufficiently rigid. A suitably rigid plastics material could, however, alternatively be employed. Whilst prior art hangers are of varying height, typically about 8 mm high, it is preferred that the reduced width hangers are at least 10 mm high to further ensure sufficient rigidity.

Claims (19)

1. A vertical drape comprising: an elongate strip of material adapted to hang vertically, a weight secured to said elongate strip adjacent a bottom end thereof, said weight having a width selected such that opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said weight by a distance substantially equal to or greater than a design overlap distance between adjacent said vertical drapes.

2. The vertical drape of claim 1 wherein said opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said weight by at least 17 mm.

3. The vertical drape of claim 1 wherein said weight is mounted on a lower section of said elongate strip extending upwardly from said elongate strip bottom end.

4. The vertical drape of claim 1 wherein the mass of said weight is selected to avoid the requirement for stabilising lines.

The vertical drape of claim 4 wherein said weight has a mass of between and 120 grams.

6. The vertical drape of claim 5 wherein said weight has a mass of approximately grams.

7. The vertical drape of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said strip of material is adapted to hang vertically by means of a rigid hanger mounted on said elongate strip toward a top end thereof, said hanger having a width less than that of said elongate strip such that opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said hanger.

8. The vertical drape of claim 7 wherein said opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said hanger by a distance substantially equal to or greater than said design overlap distance between adjacent said vertical drapes.

9. The vertical drape of claim 7 wherein said opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said hanger by at least 12 mm. The vertical drape of claim 9 wherein said opposing sides of said elongate strip extend beyond said hanger by at least 17 mm.

AMENDED SHEET (Article 34) (IPEA/AU) PCT/AU98/00712 Received 26 March 1999 13

11. The vertical drape of claim 3 wherein said lower section has a reduced width as compared to the remainder of said elongate strip such that said opposing sides extend laterally beyond said lower section.

12. The vertical drape of claim 1 wherein said weight includes an eyelet protruding from a lower edge of said weight and adapted to receive a stabilising line for stabilising said elongate strip.

13. The vertical drape of claim 12 wherein said weight includes two said eyelets.

14. The vertical drape of claim 3 wherein said weight includes two stabilising line attachment means on opposing sides of said weight and each adapted to receive a lo stabilising line for stabilising said elongate strip, said elongate strip having two holes passing therethrough each associated with a said attachment means for receiving a said stabilising line.

The vertical drape of claim 14 wherein each of said associated holes is located within a design overlap region of said elongate strip in a position preventing overlap, in use, with a corresponding hole of an adjacent said drape.

16. The vertical drape of claim 15 wherein each said attachment means comprises an eyelet.

17. The vertical drape of claim 15 wherein each said attachment means comprises a stanchion, each said stabilising line being equipped with a C-clip adapted to engage the corresponding said stanchion.

18. The vertical drape of claim 15 wherein each said attachment means comprises a reinforcing eyelet secured to the associated said hole, each said stabilising line being equipped with a C-clip adapted to engage the corresponding said reinforcing eyelet.

19. The vertical drape of claim 1 wherein said weight is suspended from said elongate strip bottom end. The vertical drape of claim 19 wherein said suspended weight is comprised of a plurality of discrete weights each suspended from said elongate strip bottom end. AMENDED SHEET (Article 34) (IPEA/AU)