Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TRACKLESS EXTENDABLE CURTAIN
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a curtain, and in particular
to
a trackless extendable curtain.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Panel curtains are becoming increasingly popular ovying to both
changing style trends and improvements in manufacturing technology. These
curtains
consist of an array of suspended panels, with each panel being similar in both
appearance and function to an unwound roller blind. Panel curtains are often
used for
their aesthetical appeal, and can offer a unique style of window coverage
different
from that provided by conventional forms of window covering, including
standard
fabric curtains, roller blinds, or vertical or horizontal blinds. As such,
panel curtains
often find use in settings such as galleries and designer homes, where their
unique
style often compliments a designer window or a glass wall and often
contributes to the
overall aesthetic effect of the building interior. Panel curtains are also
used in
applications in which a series of roller blinds is preferred over a standard
curtain, but
where the roller blinds cannot be accommodated above the window due either to
an
aesthetic preference or to a lack of mounting space for the roller blind
mechanisms.
[0003] Several curtains comprising sliding panels have been previously
disclosed. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,911,991 to Malferrari discloses an
overhead track supporting a plurality of sliding modular segments each
carrying a
curtain panel. To draw the curtain closed, the sliding segments are moved
along the
track so as to provide an array of panels covering the window. A mechanism is
provided to enable a relative movement between adjacent panels such that, when
pulled to provide covering, the panels can be moved along the track in unison.
[0004] U.K. Patent No. 2,416,983 to Chuang discloses an overhead track
supporting a connected series of support bracket, where each bracket carries a
curtain
panel. The brackets are each connected to the track by a sliding member that
guides
the sliding motion of the connected supports along the track. Window coverage
is
provided by sliding the brackets along the track so as to form a curtain
consisting of
an array of panels. The support brackets are laterally offset such that the
panels stack
in an overlapping relationship when the curtain is drawn closed.
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[0005] Another form of curtain used in certain applications is the telescoping
curtain, in which a curtain rod supporting a curtain is able to extend or
retract in a
telescoping manner. Here, the telescoping rod comprises a set of
concentrically-
connected tubular segments mounted at one end which can elongate to form a
cantilever rod. As with a conventional curtain rod, the telescoping rod can
support a
suspended curtain slidably connected to the rod by a plurality of curtain
rings.
Retracting the curtain rod involves sliding the series of segments into a
nested
configuration that occupies a smaller volume. This feature of retractability
can be
desirable in environments in which an otherwise protruding curtain rod might
pose a
safety hazard, as with a shower curtain rod in a child's bathroom, or which
would
otherwise obstruct the movement of furniture or people within the room, such
as with
a privacy curtain for a patient's quarters in a hospital. The concealability
of a
telescoping curtain can also find applications where an otherwise permanently-
mounted curtain rod or track would be undesirable for aesthetic or style
reasons.
[0006] Several designs of telescoping curtain rods have been disclosed. For
example, U.K. Patent No. 2,222,069 to James et al. discloses a rod for a
shower
curtain or towel comprising a mountable first section of a tube and a second
section in
the form of a bar or tube that is slidably mounted in the first section so
that the rod is
extensible. The first section can be integrated with a base plate so that the
rod can be
mounted onto a wall or similar surface.
[0007] U. S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0218717 to van den
Bosch discloses a shower telescoping panel support having a telescoping shower
curtain rod that has one end pivotably affixed to a mounting or support
bracket. The
rod is rotatable about a y-axis through a horizontal plane by means of a
hinge, which
allows the rod to assume any of a variety of positions within the plane. The
ability of
the rod to telescope allows its second end to be connected to an opposite wall
of the
shower within the hinged plane of motion.
[0008] However, while telescoping curtains and panel curtains are l nowwn, no
design combines the advantages of both into a single curtain design. Such a
design
would integrate the aesthetic and functional benefits of a stackable panel
curtain with
the structural benefits of a telescoping curtain, where the support assembly
would
remain concealed when the curtain is retracted.
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[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel
trackless extendable curtain.
Summary of the Invention
[00010] As fully described herein, the telescoping panel assembly disclosed is
novel and combines the structural advantages of a telescoping curtain, such as
variable length and space saving ability, with the aesthetic benefits of a
panel curtain.
[00011] An attractive feature of one of the embodiments described herein is
the
ability of the unit to be readily assembled by the user to fit a window of any
size
without using any tools. This embodiment relies on a second support bracket
that can
be held against a wall and/or ceiling through the use of a support pole. This
obviates
the need to permanently affix the bracket to either the wall or ceiling, which
typically
would require the user to drill through drywall or concrete, for example, to
insert
mounting fasteners such as screws. Another attractive feature of this same
embodiment is the use of a greater number of extendable segments, which
increases
the maximum extendable length of the assembly to provide coverage for very
wide
wyindowys. In aspects of the invention, the number of extendable segments may
be up
to 4, 5, 6, or more.
[00012] Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided a telescoping panel
assembly comprising a coaxial arrangement of telescoping segments, at least
one of
the segments supporting at least one associated panel, and at least one of the
segments
configured to be mountable to a support surface.
[00013] In another aspect, there is provided a telescoping panel support
comprising a coaxial arrangement of telescoping segments, at least one segment
configured to support at least one associated panel, and at least one of the
segments
configured to be mountable to a support surface.
[00014] In still another aspect, there is provided an assembly kit for a
telescoping panel comprising a plurality of nestable segments, at least one
segment
being configured to support at least one associated panel, at least one of the
segments
configured to be mountable to a support surface, wherein said segments are
connectable to form a coaxial arrangement of telescoping segments.
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[00015] In another aspect, there is provided a telescoping panel assembly
comprising at least two coaxial arrangements of telescoping segments, said at
least
two arrangements being adjacently connected, at least one of the segments
supporting
at least one associated panel, and at least one of the segments configured to
be
mountable to a support surface.
[00016] In still another aspect, there is provided a telescoping panel support
comprising at least two coaxial arrangements of telescoping segments, said at
least
two arrangements being adjacently connected, at least one segment configured
to
support at least one associated panel, and at least one of the segments
configured to be
mountable to a support surface.
[00017] In another aspect, there is provided a telescoping panel assembly
comprising a coaxial arrangement of six telescoping segments, each segment
supporting an associated panel, an outermost segment having a first bracket
attachable
to a second bracket, the second bracket being configured to be mountable to a
to a
wall or a ceiling and having gripping features on an upper surface for
gripping the
ceiling, the second bracket also having a receptacle for a support pole, and a
spool
assembly attached to the bottom of each panel for storing a portion of the
panel.
[00018] In still another aspect, there is provided a telescoping panel support
comprising a coaxial arrangement of six telescoping segments, each of the
segments
configured to support an associated panel, an outermost segment having a first
bracket
attachable to a second bracket, the second bracket being configured to be
mountable
to a wall or a ceiling and having gripping features on an upper surface for
gripping the
ceiling, and the second bracket also having a receptacle for a support pole.
[00019] In another aspect, there is provided an assembly kit for a telescoping
panel comprising six nestable segments connectable to form a coaxial
arrangement of
telescoping segments, each of the segments configured to support an associated
panel,
an outermost segment having a first bracket attachable to a second bracket; a
second
bracket configured to be mountable to a wall or a ceiling, the second bracket
having
gripping features on an upper surface for gripping the ceiling and having a
receptacle
for a support pole; a support pole; six panels; and six spool assemblies, each
of the
assemblies being attachable to a bottom of a panel for storing a portion of
the panel.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
[00020] Embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[00021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel assembly in a
collapsed state;
[00022] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel assembly of
Figure 1 in an extended state;
[00023] Figure 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a telescoping panel
support forming part of the telescoping panel assembly of Figures 1 and 2;
[00024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the telescoping panel support in an
extended state;
[00025] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a segment and a panel retainer clip
forming part of the telescoping panel support of Figure 3;
[00026] Figures 6a and 6b are side elevation views of a panel and the panel
retainer clip of Figure 5,
[00027] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the telescoping panel
support
with a plurality of retainer clips and panels;
[00028] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the telescoping panel
support
with a plurality of bearings;
[00029] Figures 9a and 9b are perspective views of the telescoping panel
support and a pulley system;
[00030] Figures 1 Oa and I Ob are perspective views of the telescoping panel
support and a hydraulic cylinder;
[00031] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the telescoping panel support
together vyith a mounting subassembly;
[00032] Figures 12 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel support of an
alternative embodiment in a collapsed state;
[00033] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel assembly of an
alternative embodiment in an extended state;
[00034] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the telescoping panel
support of Figure 12,
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[00035] Figures 15a and 15b are exploded and cross-sectional views of a
segment of the telescoping panel support of Figure 12 with a mounting
subassembly;
[00036] Figures 16a, 16b, and 16c are perspective views of a telescoping panel
assembly of an another alternative embodiment;
[00037] Figures 17a and 17b are perspective views of a telescoping panel
assembly of still another alternative embodiment;
[00038] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional side view of a telescoping panel
support
of another alternative embodiment;
[00039] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel assembly
comprising the telescoping panel support of Figure 18;
[00040] Figures 20a to 20e are various views of a telescoping panel support
and
an accompanying bracket for use with another alternative embodiment of the
telescoping panel assembly;
[00041] Figures 21a to 21c are front and cross sectional side views of a spool
assembly for use with telescoping panel assembly of Figure 20;
[00042] Figures 22 is a perspective view of a support pole for use with the
telescoping panel assembly of Figure 20; and
[00043] Figures 23a and 23b are perspective views of the telescoping panel
aseembly of Figure 20 in the collapsed and extended states, respectively.
Detailed Description of the Embodiments
[00044] The present invention provides a novel telescoping panel assembly that
combines the structural advantages of a telescoping curtain with the aesthetic
benefits
of a panel curtain.
[00045] Turning now to Figure 1, a telescoping panel assembly is shovtn and is
generally identified by reference numeral 16. In the embodiment shown, the
panel
assembly comprises a coaxial arrangement of telescoping segments 20, 22, 24
and 26.
Segment 20 is sized to receive segments 22, 24, and 26 in a concentrically-
nested
manner when the arrangement is in a collapsed state, as is depicted in Figure
1.
Segment 20 is also configured to be mountable on a support surface, and in the
embodiment shown segment 20 is mounted on a wall 30 adjacent to window 32.
From each segment is suspended an associated panel 38.
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[00046] Figure 2 shows the telescoping panel assembly in an extended state.
The segments 22, 24, and 26 are extendable in a telescoping manner from
segment 20
so as to form a cantilever of connected segments, with each segment supporting
a
panel 38. When in this extended state, the plurality of panels 38 effectively
forms a
curtain and thereby provides coverage of window 32.
[00047] Here, it will be appreciated that "telescoping manner" refers to fact
that
segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 are essentially concentric and essentially
tubular,
connected parts, such that segments 22, 24, and 26 can be made to extend
slidably
from segment 20 to effectively form a cantilever of connected segments, and
can be
made to retract into segment 20 to thereby reduce the effective size of the
assembly.
It will also be here appreciated that "cantilever" refers to ability of
segments 20, 22,
24, and 26 to effectively form, in an extended state, a beam of connected
segments
having a first end supported by segment 20 and a second unsupported, free end.
[00048] Figure 3 shows a perspective, cross-sectional view of a telescoping
panel support, which forms part of the telescoping panel assembly of Figure 1,
shown
here in the collapsed state. The telescoping panel support comprises segments
20, 22,
24, and 26. The cross sectional view shows how the segments 22, 24 and 26 are
concentrically nested within segment 20 when the arrangement of segments is in
the
collapsed state. The telescoping panel support is an aspect of the assembly
but that
does not have any panels attached thereto.
[00049] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the telescoping panel support in
an extended state. Connected inner segments 22, 24, and 26 have been extended
in a
telescoping manner from segment 20. Also shown are a plurality of top linear
bearings 40 that are positioned between segments 20, 22, 24, and 26,
respectively.
Top linear bearings 40 operate with other linear and ball bearings, further
described
below, to facilitate the telescoping motion of connected segments 22, 24, and
26 from
segment 20 by reducing the friction therebetwween.
[00050] Segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 may be constructed of any material as is
desired as understood by one of skill in the art. For example, the segment may
be
constructed of aluminum or other metal or metal alloy, or may be constructed
of a
plastic, of a composite material, or of any combination thereof. In a
preferred
embodiment, segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 are constructed of plastic,
specifically one
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from the groups of polyyinylcarbonate ("PVC") or acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene
("ABS").
[00051] Panel 38 may be constructed of a variety of materials, including
fabrics
of natural or synthetic fibres or blends thereof. Panel 38 may also be in the
form of
sheets constructed of at least one of a plastic, a composite material, a metal
or metal
alloy, a glass, or any combination thereof.
[00052] Turning now to Figure 5, segment 20 is shown to comprise a retainer
slot 60 shaped to accommodate a retainer clip 68 used to support panel 38.
Retainer
clip 68 and panel 38 can be readily inserted into and removed from retainer
slot 60 by
a sliding motion so as to enable panel 38 to be maintained as necessary, such
as for
cleaning, repair, or replacement. In the embodiment shovtn, retainer clip 68
comprises a longitudinal clip capable of supporting panel 38 by a clamping
action.
[00053] Figure 6 shows this clamping action in further detail, in which the
retainer clip 68 and panel 38 are shovtn together in both a clamped (Figure
6a) and an
unclamped (Figure 6b) state. Retainer clip 68 is inserted into retainer slot
60 by a
sliding action which induces the clamping action, allowing panel 38 to be
retained.
[00054] Alternatively, the panels may be affixed to the segments by any of a
variety of mechanical methods or fasteners known in the art including, but not
limited
to, hooks, snaps, or hook-and-loop materials such as VelcroTM or a similarly
functioning material. Alternatively, the retainer clip and retainer slot
combined may
be integrally formed with each of the segments.
[00055] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping panel support in
a
collapsed state showing how retainer slots 60, 62, 64, and 66 are laterally
offset in
each of segments 20, 22, 24, and 26, respectively. This offset allows panels
38 to
overlap when the plurality of connected segments 20, 22, 24, 26 is in a
collapsed or a
partially-extended state.
[00056] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping panel support in
a
collapsed state showing a plurality of bearings. In the embodiment shown, the
plurality of bearings comprises both linear bearings and ball bearings. The
linear
bearings comprise top linear bearings 40 and side linear bearings 42. The ball
bearings include a plurality of front-side ball bearings 44, a plurality of
bottom-side
ball bearings 46, and a plurality of back-side ball bearings 48. The bearings
are
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positioned between segments 20, 22, 24 and 26 and facilitate the extension of
the
connected segments in a telescoping manner. The linear bearings 40 and 42
serve the
purposes of both connecting segments 20, 22, 24, and 26, thereby making
extension
of these segments in a telescoping manner possible, and of acting as a
facilitator for
this motion by reducing the sliding friction between the segments. The set of
ball
bearings serves the purposes of both maintaining a constant lateral spacing
between
segments 20, 22, 24, 26 during extension and retraction, and of facilitating
the sliding
motion by further reducing the sliding friction.
[00057] In the present embodiment, the telescoping panel assembly also
comprises an extension mechanism, which allows a user to extend or retract the
assembly. The extension mechanism may comprise a draw, a wand, a pulley
system,
a hydraulic cylinder, a motorized device, or any combination thereof, or any
of a
variety of extension mechanisms known in the art.
[00058] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the telescoping panel support
with a pulley system. In this figure, the telescoping panel support has been
made
semi-transparent to reveal the pulley system within. The pulley system enables
a user
to extract and retract the plurality of connected inner segments 22, 24 and
26, and
operates in a similar manner to conventional pulley systems for other window
coverings, such as those typically used with conventional vertical blinds. The
pulley
system comprises a draw string 70 which is wound around pulley 72, and which
in
turn is connected to action string 74. Pulley 72 is rotatable mounted on
segment 20,
while action string 74 is connected to segment 20 and to segment 26 through
the
interiors of segments 22 and 24. When the telescoping panel support is in a
collapsed
state, as shown in Figure 9a, segments 22, 24, and 26 can be telescopically
extended
by pulling draw string 70, which rotates pulley 72 and in turn extracts
segment 26
from segment 20 via action string 74. Because segments 22, 24, and 26 are
connected, the extraction of segment 26 will result in the successive
extraction of
segments 24 and 22 in turn as each segment reaches the end of its respective
length of
travel. The extraction of segments 22, 24, and 26 results in the telescoping
panel
support being in an extended state, as shown in Figure 9b.
[00059] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the telescoping panel support
comprising a hydraulic cylinder 80. In this figure, the telescoping panel
support has
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been made semi-transparent to reveal the hydraulic cylinder 80 within. The
hydraulic
cylinder 80 allows the plurality of connected inner segments 22, 24 and 26 to
be
extracted from or retracted into segment 20. Hydraulic cylinder 80 is of the
double-
acting telescopic variety, and is positioned horizontally in the middle hollow
space
within the interior of segments 20, 22, 24, and 26. Hydraulic cylinder 80
comprises a
barrel base 82, connected to segment 20, and a plunger tip 84, connected to
segment
26. When the telescoping panel support is in a collapsed state, shown in
Figure 10a,
connected inner segments 22, 24, 26 can be telescopically extended by
extending
hydraulic cylinder 80, which extracts segment 26 via plunger tip 84 from
segment 20
assisted by an opposing force from barrel base 82. Because segments 22, 24,
and 26
are connected, the extraction of segment 26 will result in the successive
extraction of
segments 24 and 22 in turn as each segment reaches the end of its respective
length of
travel. The extraction of segments 22, 24, and 26 results in the support
assembly
being in the extended state, as shown in Figure I Ob.
[00060] In one embodiment, an equalizer can be used in conjunction with
segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 to enable the segments 22 and 24 to move in unison
vyith
segment 26, such that the distance travelled by each of segments 22, 24, and
26
relative to each adjacent segment is equal. This unified motion has aesthetic
appeal,
as panels 38 will be extracted equal amounts when the arrangement is in a
partially-
extended state. If no equalizer is used, segments 22, 24, and 26 extend and
retract
from segment 20 in an independent manner.
[00061] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel support
together
with a mounting subassembly. In the present embodiment, the mounting
subassembly
comprises a first bracket 90, affixed to segment 20, and a second bracket 92
that is
mechanically compatible with first bracket 90. In the embodiment shown, first
bracket 90 is longitudinally mounted over a substantial portion of segment 20,
and
comprises an essentially "C-shaped" cross section. Second bracket 92 comprises
an
essentially "T-shaped" cross section, and can be inserted into first bracket
90 by a
sliding action. Second bracket 92 is also shown here to comprise a plurality
of spirit
levels 94, which facilitate the mounting of segment 20 to wall 30 in a
horizontal
manner. Second bracket 92 also comprises a plurality of screw holes 96 which
enable
this segment to be affixed to a wall.
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[00062] In operation, a user extends the arrangement from a collapsed state,
depicted in Figure 1, by pulling on draw string 70 in a first direction, which
causes
pulley 72 to rotate in a first direction, thereby pulling action string 74 in
a first
direction. As action string 74 is connected to segment 26, the pulling of
action string
74 extracts segment 26 from a nested position within segment 20. An equalizer
enables segments 22 and 24 to move in unison with segment 26, such that the
distance
travelled by each segment relative to each adjacent segment is equal. As such,
segments 22, 24, and 26 extend telescopically from segment 20. This motion is
facilitated by linear bearings 40 and 42 and ball bearings 44, 46, and 48
positioned in
between segments 20, 22, 24, and 26. At the end of the length of travel of
each of the
segments, which is a function of the lengths of linear bearings 40 and 42, the
arrangement of segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 is in the extended state. Each
segment
supports a panel 38 suspended therefrom, each of which is supported by a
retainer clip
68 inserted in a retainer slot. In the extended state, the array of panels 38
effectively
forms a curtain providing coverage of window 32, as shovyn in Figure 2. To
close the
panel assembly, a user pulls draw string 70 in a second direction, causing
pulley 72 to
rotate in a second direction and thereby pulling action string 74 in a second
direction,
causing segments 22, 24, and 26 to collapse into segment 20 in a telescoping
manner.
The lateral offset of retainer slots 60, 62, 64, and 66, each associated with
segments
20, 22, 24, and 26, respectively, allows the plurality of panels 38 to overlap
when the
assembly is in the collapsed state, as shovyn in Figure 1.
[00063] In an alternative embodiment, more than one of the segments can be
configured to be mountable. In one such form, the mountable segment would be
the
innermost segment, and would therefore be surrounded by the other segments of
the
arrangement when the arrangement is in the collapsed state. In another form,
the
mountable segment would be neither the innermost nor the outermost segment,
but
instead an intermediate one. In this form, the other segments would extend
from the
mountable segment in both directions.
[00064] Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of a telescoping panel
support, in which segments 120, 122, 124, and 126 have a substantially
cylindrical
cross-section. The cross-sectional view shows how the segments 122, 124 and
126
are concentrically nested within segment 120 when the arrangement of segments
is in
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the collapsed state. Segment 120 is shovyn to be configured to be mounted to a
support surface.
[00065] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the telescoping panel support
embodied in Figure 12, shown here in an extended state and with panels 38.
Connected inner segments 122, 124, and 126 have been extended in a telescoping
manner from segment 120. In the embodiment shown, each of segments 120, 122,
124, and 126 supports an associated panel 38 suspended therefrom.
[00066] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping panel support
embodied in Figure 12 in a collapsed state showing a plurality of bearings. In
this
embodiment, the plurality of bearings comprises ball bearings 142 positioned
between
segments 120, 122, 124, and 126. Bearings 142 facilitate the extension of the
segments 120, 122, 124, and 126 by reducing the sliding friction
therebetwyeen, and by
maintaining a constant lateral spacing between the segments during telescopic
extension and retraction. Although not depicted in Figure 14, segments 120,
122,
124, and 126 may also be fitted with catches so as to define the limits of
sliding travel
of each of the segments during extension and retraction.
[00067] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping panel support
embodied in Figure 12 together with a mounting subassembly. In this
embodiment,
the mounting subassembly comprises a first bracket 190 affixed to segment 120,
and a
second bracket 192 that is mechanically compatible with first bracket 190. In
the
embodiment shown, first bracket 190 is longitudinally mounted over a
substantial
portion of segment 120, and comprises an essentially "T-shaped" cross section.
Second bracket 192 comprises a slot 198 having a "C-shaped" cross section
shaped to
accommodate first bracket 190, which can be inserted into second bracket 192
by a
sliding action. Also shown is a cap 199 used to cover the ends of second
bracket 192
so as to conceal the ends of slot 198, thereby improving the aesthetic appeal
of second
bracket 192. Second bracket 192 also has a rounded profile so as to be
stylistically
consistent with the cylindrical shape of segments 120, 122, 124 and 126.
[00068] Segments 120, 122, 124, and 126 may be constructed of aluminum or
other metal or metal alloy, or may be constructed of a plastic, of a composite
material,
or of any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, segments 120, 122,
124,
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and 126 are constructed of plastic, specifically one from the groups of
pohyyinylcarbonate ("PVC") or acrvlonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS").
[00069] Although the above embodiments have been described as comprising a
plurality of bearings, where the bearings are positioned between the segments
and are
at least one of the forms of linear and ball bearings, other forms of bearing,
or other
friction reducing mechanisms known in the art, such as rollers, may be used.
Alternatively, the apparatus can comprise no bearings at all. In this latter
form, the
sliding friction between the segments may be reduced by inserting strips or
pads of a
low friction material, such as a Teflon TM , or any low friction material l
noun in the
art, between the segments. Alternatively, the segments themselves may be
constructed from a low friction material, such as a TeflonTM, or any low
friction
material known in the art.
[00070] In one embodiment, the telescoping panel support can extend in both a
first and a second direction, as is shown in Figure 16. Here, a telescoping
panel
assembly is mounted on a wall 230 between windows 232 and 236, as shovyn in
Figure 16a. The telescoping panel support comprises segments 220, 222, and
224,
and can also extend in a first direction, so as to provide coverage of window
232, and
can extend in a second direction, so as to provide coverage of window 236. In
one
form of this embodiment, all of the segments of the telescoping panel support
can
extend in both the first and the second directions, as is shown in Figures 16b
and 16c.
As such, segment 220, 222, and 224 of the telescoping panel support can be
described
as being "open-ended". In another form, only certain segments of the
telescoping
panel support can extend in both the first and second directions. In yet
another form,
certain segments of the telescoping panel support can extend in the first
direction
only, and the remaining segments can extend in the second direction only.
[00071] In another embodiment, the telescoping panel assembly can comprise
two telescoping panel supports, with both supports providing combined support
for a
single plurality of panels, as shown in Figure 17. In this figure, one
telescoping panel
support comprises segments 320, 322, and 324, while the other telescoping
panel
support comprises segments 321, 323, and 325. One form of this embodiment is
shown in Figure 17a, in which a plurality of panels 338 is supported at both
ends by
two telescoping panel supports, where the telescoping supports are mounted on
a
13
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WO 2009/129604 PCT/CA2009/000465
vertical wall so as to provide coverage of window 332. Another form is shown
in
figure 17b, in which a plurality of panels 338 is supported at both ends by
two
telescoping panel supports, in which the telescoping supports are mounted on a
ceiling 331 above wall 330 so as to provide coverage of a skylight window 334.
[00072] In another embodiment, the telescoping panel assembly can comprise
two telescoping panel supports adjacently connected, as shovtn in Figure 18.
Here,
one telescoping panel support comprises segments 420, 422, 424, and 426.
Segment
420 is adjacently connected to a second telescoping panel support, which
comprises
segments 421, 423, 425, and 427. Segment 420 is also configured to be
mountable
and comprises a first mounting bracket 490 designed to interface with second
mounting bracket 492, allovying the assembly to be mounted on wall 430. In one
form of the embodiment, shown in Figure 19, a telescoping panel assembly
comprising adjacently-connected first and second telescoping panel supports is
mounted on a wall 430 between windows 432 and 436. The panel assembly
associated with the first telescoping panel support is extendable in a
telescoping
manner in a first direction so as to provide coverage of window 432, while the
panel
assembly associated with the second telescoping panel support is extendable in
telescoping manner in a second direction so as to provide coverage of window
436.
In another form of the embodiment, a first and a second telescoping panel
support that
are adjacently connected can be mounted on a wall adjacent to a wyindowy.
Here, the
panel assemblies associated with both the first and second telescoping panel
supports
are extendable in the same direction only. In another related embodiment, the
telescoping panel assembly can comprise more than two adjacently-connected
telescoping panel supports.
[00073] Still another embodiment of the telescoping panel assembly is shown
in Figures 20 to 23. Figure 20 shows a telescoping panel support used with the
telescoping panel assembly of the present embodiment, which comprises segments
520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529 each having a substantially cylindrical cross
section,
as shown in Figure 20a. The cross-sectional view shows how the segments 522,
524,
526, 528, 529 are concentrically nested within segment 520 when the
arrangement of
segments is in the collapsed state. Segment 520 is shown to be configured to
be
mounted to a support surface.
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WO 2009/129604 PCT/CA2009/000465
[00074] Figure 20b is a side cross-sectional view of the telescoping panel
support of the present embodiment in a collapsed state showing a plurality of
retainer
slots 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, and 569, each of which is associated with a
respective
segment 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529. Each of retainer slots 560, 562,
564, 566,
568, and 569 is configured to retain at least one respective panel (not
shown). Also
shovyn in Figure 20b is a plurality of bearings. Here, the plurality of
bearings
comprises ball bearings 544 housed in channels between segments 520, 522, 524,
526,
528, and 529. Ball bearings 544 facilitate the extension of the assembly of
segments
520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529 by reducing the sliding friction
therebetwyeen, and by
maintaining a constant lateral spacing between the segments during telescopic
extension and retraction.
[00075] The mounting subassembly used with the telescoping panel support of
the present embodiment is shovtn in Figures 20b and 20c. The mounting
subassembly
comprises a first bracket 590, affixed to segment 520, and a second bracket
592,
which is shovtn in a front elevation view in Figure 20c. First bracket 590,
which is
mechanically compatible with second bracket 592, is longitudinally mounted
over a
substantial portion of segment 520 and comprises an essentially "T-shaped"
cross
section. Second bracket 592 comprises a slot 598 having a "C-shaped" cross
section
shaped to accommodate first bracket 590, which is inserted into second bracket
592
by a sliding action. Second bracket 592 comprises a plurality of bottom screw
holes
591 that allows first bracket 590 to be affixed to second bracket 592 by means
of
screws (not shown). Second bracket 592 is configured to be mounted to either a
vertical surface, such as a wall, or to a horizontal surface, such as a
ceiling.
Consquently, second bracket 592 comprises a plurality of first screw holes 593
that
allows second bracket 592 to be affixed to a wall by means of screws (not
shown),
and second bracket 592 also comprises a plurality of second screw holes 595
that
allows second bracket 592 to be affixed to a ceiling by means of screws (not
shown).
Second bracket 592 may thus be affixed to a wall, to a ceiling, or to both.
Second
bracket also has gripping features on an upper outer surface that prevent
slippage at
the interface between second bracket 592 and a ceiling. These gripping
features
include a plurality of rear gripping teeth 586, a set of forward gripping
teeth 587, and
a gripping surface 588. Gripping surface 588 is typically a sheet or pad of
rubber, but
CA 02731394 2011-01-20
WO 2009/129604 PCT/CA2009/000465
may be any material that prevents slippage between second bracket 592 and a
ceiling.
Second bracket 592 also comprises a tapped bore 597 configured to engage an
upper
end of a support pole, and a spirit level 594 for assisting in the level
mounting of
second bracket 592 to a wall or to a ceiling.
[00076] Figure 20d shows cross-sectional views of segments 520 and 522.
Segment 520 has a plurality of inner channels 543 that are each sized to
accommodate
a plurality of ball bearings 544. On its outer surface, segment 522 has a
plurality of
corresponding outer grooves 545, each of which are positioned to correspond
with a
respective inner channel 543 on the inner surface of segment 520. Similarly,
segment
522 also has a plurality of inner channels 543, each of which corresponds with
a
respective outer groove 545 on an outer surface of segment 524 (not shown).
Figure
20e is a side view of an inner surface of segment 520, showing the "racetrack"
shape
of inner channel 543, around which a plurality of ball bearings 544 are free
to roll for
facilitating the sliding motion of segment 522 relative to segment 520.
[00077] Figures 21a, 21b, and 21c show side and cross-sectional views of a
spool assembly 550 for use with the telescoping panel support of the present
embodiment. Spool assembly 550 is fitted generally to the bottom of panel 538
and
comprises an inner cylinder 552 around which an excess length of panel 538 is
wound. A housing 554 surrounds inner cylinder 552, and has a slot 553 to
accommodate panel 538. Housing 554 may be made of a clear plastic material,
such
as acrylic, or may be made of any suitable material known in the art. A
winding
mechanism comprising both a knob 556 and a winding device (not shown) is
positioned at one end of the cylinder 552. In use, spool assembly 550 allows a
user to
store any excess length of panel 538, as desired, by using a winding mechanism
to
wind a bottom portion of panel 538 around inner cylinder 552 contained within
housing 554. Spool assembly 550 thereby allows the panel 538 to be custom-
fitted to
a window of any size, such as for example a window that is shorter than panel
538,
and obviates the need for cutting or otherwise permanently shortening panel
538.
[00078] Figure 22 shows a perspective view of a support pole 555 for use with
the telescoping panel support of the present embodiment. Support pole 555
comprises
an upper shaft 557 and a lower shaft 559. Upper and lower shafts 557 and 559
are
connected by means of a compression coupler 561, which is itself coupled to a
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WO 2009/129604 PCT/CA2009/000465
compressively-biased spring 563 housed within lower shaft 559. Turning
compressive coupler 561 allows the length of support pole 555 to be either
extended
or shortened, depending on the turning direction. Also shovtn in the figure is
base
565 coupled to the bottom of lower shaft 559, and a threaded member 567 sized
to
engage tapped bore 597 located on the underside of second bracket 592. In use,
support pole 555 serves as an optional and adjustable support for second
bracket 592,
and any telescoping panel assembly attached thereto. Support pole 555 may also
be
used for the situation in which second bracket 592 is not permanently affixed
to either
a wall or a ceiling by means of fastening screws or otherwise, which typically
would
require a user to drill into drywall or concrete. Use of support pole 555
therefore
provides a non-permanent means of supporting the telescoping panel assembly of
the
present embodiment to the user, allowing the user to readily move the assembly
to
another location as desired in a facile manner and without incurring visible
damage to
the wall or ceiling. It may be appreciated that spool assembly 550 and support
pole
555 together allow the telescoping panel assembly of the present embodiment to
be
set-up in a quick and easy fashion to provide coverage for a window of any
size and
without the need for tools.
[00079] In operation, the telescoping panel assembly 516, shown in Figures 23a
and 23b, is installed by a user by first positioning second bracket 592
against either a
wall 530 or against a ceiling, or both. The user may affix second bracket 592
permanently to wall 530 or to the ceiling using screws, as described above.
Alternatively, second bracket 592 may be held against the corner formed
between
wall 530 and the ceiling by using support pole 555, without requiring any
tools to drill
holes for screws, or otherwise. Support pole 555 has an adjustable height, as
described above, and comprises a base 565 contacting a floor. Once second
bracket
592 is mounted, first bracket 590, which is connected to segment 520, is
inserted into
second bracket 592, and is then fastened to second bracket 592 using screws,
as
described above. At this point, the telescoping panel support assembly
comprising
segments 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529, with each segment supporting a
respective panel 538, is in a mounted state. The length of each panel 538 can
then be
adjusted as desired using a spool assembly 550, which is attached to the
bottom of
each panel 538, by winding a portion of panel 538 into the assembly. Once the
length
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WO 2009/129604 PCT/CA2009/000465
of each panel 538 has been adjusted as desired, the telescoping panel assembly
516 is
ready for use. A user then extends the arrangement from a collapsed state,
depicted in
Figure 23a, by any means known in the art, such as by a wand, a draw, a pulley
system, or a hydraulic cylinder. An equalizer may be used to enable segments
522,
524, 526, and 528 to move in unison with segment 529, such that the distance
travelled by each segment relative to each adjacent segment is equal. Segments
522,
524, 526, 528, and 529 extend telescopically from segment 520 by means of a
sliding
motion. This sliding motion is facilitated by ball bearings 544 rolling
through inner
channels 543 and outer grooves 545 within the segments. At the end of the
length of
travel of each of the segments, the arrangement of segments 520, 522, 524,
526, 528,
and 529 is in the extended state. Each segment supports a panel 538 suspended
therefrom, each of which is supported by a retainer clip inserted in a
retainer slot. In
the extended state, shown in Figure 23b, the array of panels 538 effectively
forms a
curtain providing coverage of window 532. When in the collapsed state, as
shown in
Figure 23a, the lateral offset of retainer slots 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, and
569, each
associated with segments 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529, respectively,
allows the
plurality of panels 538 to overlap.
[00080] The segments of the telescoping panel assemblies and telescoping
panel supports embodied above may be constructed of aluminum or other metal or
metal alloy, or may be constructed of a plastic, of a composite material, or
of any
combination thereof In a preferred embodiment, the segments are constructed of
plastic, specifically one from the groups of polyyinylcarbonate ("PVC") or
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS").
[00081] The panels of the telescoping panel assemblies embodied above may
be constructed of a variety of materials, including fabrics of natural or
synthetic fibres
or blends thereof. The panels may also be in the form of sheets constructed of
at least
one of a plastic, a composite material, a metal or metal alloy, a glass, or
any
combination thereof.
[00082] While the above embodiments describe telescoping panel supports
comprising either three or four connected segments, any number of segments may
be
used within a single telescoping panel support, such that coverage can be
provided for
an area of any size as necessan'.
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WO 2009/129604 PCT/CA2009/000465
[00083] While the above embodiments describe telescoping panel supports
comprising segments each supporting an associated panel, any number of the
segments of a telescoping panel support may support, or may be configured to
support, an associated panel.
[00084] While the above embodiments describe telescoping panel supports as
comprising segments each supporting one associated panel, any number of panels
may be supported from any given segment of a telescoping panel support.
[00085] While the above embodiments describe the telescoping panel assembly
as being mounted on a wall or ceiling, it may be appreciated that the assembly
may be
mounted on any surface.
[00086] While the above embodiments describe the telescoping panel supports
as comprising segments having a substantially square, rectangular, or circular
cross-
section, any cross sectional shape may be used for the segments.
[00087] While the above embodiments describe the telescoping panel
assemblies as providing coverage of a wwindoww, wwindows, or skylight windows,
it may
be appreciated that the above-described telescoping panel assemblies may
provide
coverage of a door, an entrance, a wall, a wall section, a ceiling, or a
ceiling section.
The above-described panel assemblies may also be mounted such that the
arrangement of telescoping segments extends into the interior volume of a
room, so as
to serve as a room divider, as a screen for a room, or as a curtain, such as
for a
shower.
[00088] While the above embodiments describe the telescoping panel
assemblies as being mounted indoors, it may be appreciated that the above-
described
telescoping panel assemblies may alternatively be mounted outdoors.
[00089] While the above embodiments describe the telescoping panel
assemblies, the product may be sold or manufactured in any form, including as
a
telescoping panel assembly, as a telescoping panel support, as an assembly kit
for a
telescoping panel.
[00090] Although embodiments have been described above with reference to
the accompanying drawings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that
variations and
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof
as
defined by the appended claims.
19
