Track and Curtain System

Abstract

A modular track system for hanging a curtain, the track system consisting of modules or sections with attachments and accessories designed to adjust to varying environments and specifications. Track shape and length are adjusted by specifying various combinations of the specialized components created as part of the system. Complementing the track system is a curtain with integrated loop fasteners which allows the curtain to be attached and removed without removing the track. The system further preferably includes a side support for use in attached the track to a fixed support in the environment, and a guiderail on the side of the track on one or more track sections, the track and curtain all being coordinated to form an efficient and improved curtain hanging system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 852,874 filed Mar. 28, 2013 (pending), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 290,989 filed Nov. 5, 2008 (patented—U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,275), which is a continuation of PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US2007 / 025328 filed Dec. 11, 2007, which claims all rights of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 874,637 filed Dec. 13, 2006 (“the '637 application”), and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 964,101 filed Aug. 9, 2007. The priority of all of those prior applications is claimed, all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a track system and associated curtain for use as a room divider or to create an enclosed space. In preferred embodiments, the invention can be used as a hospital privacy curtain system, or in related applications.BACKGROU...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a modular track and curtain system that can easily accommodate different facility requirements. The track system has adjustable attachments and accessories that can be customized for different environments. The curtain can be easily attached and removed without removing the track, and it can be designed in different lengths, widths, and configurations. There is also a loading zone on the track that allows for horizontal insertion of the curtain and limits ring rotation. This makes it easier to install the curtain and reduces the cost of the system. Overall, this system solves the shortcomings of previous modular track and curtain systems.

Problems solved by technology

Because of the track, the rollers, and the moving parts, the noise of the curtain sliding along the aluminum track is very disturbing to patients.

Yet, the movement of the curtain along the track not only disturbs the patient in the bed surrounded by the curtain, but also the patient in the adjoining bed (which is a problem in general, and particularly so if that second patient was sleeping).

Furthermore, maintenance, repair and laundering of these systems is highly inefficient.

Particularly considering the large number of hooks and rollers and small parts, it is time consuming to maintain and repair the system and its parts, and to reattach the curtain.

Yet, the number of moving parts only increases the likelihood of breakage, of the curtain disengaging from the track, of the disengagement of the hooks from the grommets, and so forth.

The curtains themselves consist of a single, continuous, lengthy stretch of material (usually greater than 24 feet, and often 30 feet long) and are heavy as a result.

Due to that length and size, they must be sent out to a costly commercial laundering facility.

Moreover, the design of the system and the curtain's weight make it difficult to handle the curtain, with it being particularly cumbersome to hang or change it.

As there are approximately two grommets per linear foot, the mounting or removal of the curtain (whether for maintenance, repair, cleaning, or replacement purposes) is a considerable chore that usually requires the efforts of two maintenance workers.

The utility and aesthetics of the system are also severely lacking.

Also, the movement of the curtain is often not smooth or stable along the track, and can jam up when there is interference with the moving parts.

The curtain can also get tangled as the hooks catch each other and / or sections of the curtain fabric.

The use of the chains, rollers and hooks also results in a configuration where the curtain hangs a significant distance below the track, leaving a relatively large gap through which unwanted light can enter.

For all practical purposes, curtains in that system cannot be layered one on top of the other, even if desired.

Also, the upper edge of the curtain is sloppy in appearance—whether spread or stacked.

Additionally, the products are usually custom created for the installation, creating long lead times and high prices for the institution.

The system is also relatively costly due to the complicated ring system, the multiple parts, the use of the grommets, and the attendant higher labor involved.

Likewise, most parts of those systems are metal, which are inherently noisier, may tarnish, and can be relatively expensive in cost.

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