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Title:
IMPROVEMENTS IN/OR RELATING TO HANGING SYSTEMS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2007/136278
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The application relates to a curtain assembly and components for a curtain assembly. The assembly has a track and a series of hangers and/or hanger assemblies on the track. Most of the hangers can translate on a locus of the track. A pendent flexible sheet as a curtain is supported directly, or via a band, from the hangers and/or hanger assemblies. There are also links of at least some adjacent hangers and/or hanger assemblies, as pairs. The links being able to control a maximum spacing of each pair of hangers on the track. The undulations of the curtain in a direction parallel to the track locus are wave like with a hanger and/or hanger assemblies between the wave peaks.

Inventors:
STEWART CRAIG DAVID (NZ)
Application Number:
PCT/NZ2007/000118
Publication Date:
November 29, 2007
Filing Date:
May 18, 2007
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
STEWART CRAIG DAVID (NZ)
International Classes:
A47H13/00; A47H23/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2005034695A12005-04-21
WO1991000706A11991-01-24
Foreign References:
GB2413260A2005-10-26
BE1009135A31996-12-03
GB2052248A1981-01-28
US4390055A1983-06-28
Other References:
DATABASE WPI Week 200613, Derwent World Patents Index; Class P27, AN 2006-121719, XP008093154
DATABASE WPI Week 200226, Derwent World Patents Index; Class P27, AN 2002-201415, XP008093155
DATABASE WPI Week 199712, Derwent World Patents Index; Class A84, AN 1997-126532, XP008093156
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ADAMS, Matthew, D et al. (6th Floor Huddart Parker BuildingPO Box 94, Wellington 6015, NZ)
Download PDF:
Claims:

CLAIMS:

1. A hanging assembly adapted to support at least one pendent flexible sheet ("first sheet"), between, a condensed condition, where said pendent flexible sheet is formed vertically into a wave-shape when viewed from above, and an expanded condition, where said pendent flexible sheet is in a wave-shape of greater pitch than in said condensed condition, said hanging system comprising or including, a support track, a plurality of hangers or hanger assemblies ("hangers") each adapted directly or indirectly to connect to, and at least most to translate on, said support track, in a manner allowing pivoting relative to said support track of each of said hangers about a substantially vertical axis, a band to support said at least one pendent flexible sheet, or a said hangers being adapted to attach or being attached to said at least one pendent flexible sheet directly, or indirectly via a band, at the transitions between peaks of said wave-shape and troughs of said wave shape, wherein two adjacent said hangers either side of a said trough form a pair of hangers, and a first control means located between and linking hangers of spaced pairs of hangers, thereby to control the maximum spacing apart of hangers of each pair, the maximum relative spacing hangers of said pair of hangers is defined by at least by said first control means separate to any connection formed by said at least one dependent flexible sheet between hangers of said pair of hangers.

2. A hanging assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first control means is a first tensile connection extending between each hanger of said pair of hangers.

3. A hanging assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first tensile connection is positioned outward toward said peak from the location of pivoting of each hanger of said pair of hangers.

4. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein there is a second control means as a second tensile connection between hangers of said pair of hangers. 5. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said plurality of hangers each include a bearing surface to bear against said at least one

pendent flexible sheet at least when said at least one pendent flexible sheet is in said expanded condition.

6. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 or 5 wherein second control means pivots hangers of said pair of hangers inward toward each other and toward to said trough of said wave shape when in or toward said expanded condition.

7. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said plurality of hangers hang from a translation means ("glide") on said support track.

8. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said at least one pendent flexible sheet hangs from said plurality of hangers.

9. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein there is a second said at least pendent flexible sheet ("second sheet") hanging from said plurality of hangers.

10. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein each of said plurality of hangers includes a plurality of attachment hooks.

11. A . hanging assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein said at least one pendent flexible sheet hangs from at least one of said plurality of attachment hooks.

12. A hanging assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein there are a plurality of apertures on said at least one pendent flexible sheet to receive at least some of said plurality of attachment hooks.

13. A hanging assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein said plurality of apertures are located on an inward surface of said at least one pendent flexible material that faces said plurality of hangers.

14. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 12 or 13 wherein said at least one pendent flexible sheet hangs from said attachment hooks via a band attached to said at least one pendent flexible sheet, said band having said plurality of apertures.

15. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein said plurality of attachment hooks is upwardly directed.

16. A hanging assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein said plurality of apertures are downwardly opening pockets or sleeves to receive said upwardly directed attachment hooks.

17. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein said plurality of hangers in cross section is bent out of plane in a gentle "s" or wave shape to match the transition from said peak to said trough.

18. A hanging assembly as claimed in claim 17 wherein hangers of said pair of hangers are mirror images of each other.

19. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18 wherein said at least one pendent flexible sheet hangs from two of said plurality of attachment hooks.

20. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 19 wherein there are further said attachment hooks for hanging a diird said at least one pendent flexible sheet ("third sheet"). 21. A hanging assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein said third layer lies in between said first sheet and said second sheet.

22. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 21 wherein said second tensile connection is formed by at least said band.

23. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 21 wherein said second tensile connection is formed by said at least one pendent flexible sheet.

24. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 21 wherein said second tensile connection is formed from both said tape and said at least one pendent flexible sheet.

25. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24 wherein the length of said first control means between hangers of said hanger pair can be adjusted.

26. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 25 wherein said first tensile connection is a flexible cord having location points located along its length.

27. A hanging assembly as claimed in claim 26 wherein selection of said location points and engagement of said first tensile connection with said hangers of said hanger pair allows said length adjustment.

28. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 26 of 27 wherein said flexible cord engages in a narrowed receiving aperture in said hanger.

29. A hanging system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein said location points engage against said hanger at least when said first tensile connection is tensioned.

30. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 29 wherein said first tensile connection can be selectively removed from said hanger.

31. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32 wherein there is a third control means acting between adjacent hanger pairs. 32. A hanging assembly as claimed in claim 31 wherein said third control means is a third tensile connection.

33. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 33 or 34 wherein said third control means acts between said pairs of adjacent hangers.

34. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 33 or 34 wherein said third control means acts between the translation means each of said adjacent hangers is attached to.

35. A hanging assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 34 wherein said hanger has a connecting hook that engages an eye in said glider, said connecting hook bent out of the main plane of said hanger to allow increased rotation of said hanger relative to said slider.

36. A hanger or hanger assembly ("hanger") for location between at least one pendent flexible sheet (e.g. a curtain or a band thereof) and a support track, the hanger having, a region or component adapted for attachment of said hanger to said support rail, said region or component allowing, either directly or indirecdy, said hanger to translate along said rail, and to allow pivoting of said hanger relative to said support track, a plurality of band or sheet engaging portions to engage and retain said at least one pendent flexible sheet directly to said hanger, or indirecdy via said band, and a connection for a link to allow a connection to be made to an adjacent hanger,

wherein either said region or component is adapted to pivot relative to the support track or there is a pivot or articulation between said region or component and said engaging portions.

37. A hanger as claimed in claim 36 wherein said region or component adapted for attachment is a downwardly directed connection hook.

38. A hanger as claimed in claim 37 where in said downwardly directed connection hook or a part thereof is bent out of the main plane of said hanger.

39. A hanger as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 38 wherein said downwardly directed connection hook is adapted to engage with an eye of a slider in or on said support track.

40. A hanger as claimed in any one of claims 36 to 39 wherein said hanger is bent in a shallow "s" shape.

41. A hanger as claimed in claim 40 wherein said adjacent hanger is a mirror image of said hanger. 42. A curtain assembly comprising or including, a track, a series of hangers and/or hanger assemblies ("hangers") on said track, at least most of which can translate on a locus of said track, a pendent flexible sheet as a curtain supported directly ,or via a band, from said hangers and/or hanger assemblies, and links of at least some adjacent said hangers and/or hanger assemblies, as pairs, said links being able to control a maximum spacing of each pair on said track, whereby the undulations of the curtain in a direction parallel to the track locus are wave like with a said hanger and/ or hanger assembly between wave peaks. 43. A curtain assembly as claimed in claim 42 wherein said hangers have no ability to pivot of themselves until engaged to or with said track.

44. A curtain assembly as claimed in any one of claims 42 or 43 wherein said hanger is a moulded unitary hanger.

45. A curtain assembly as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 44 wherein said hanger has a downwardly pointed connection hook bent out of plane of said hanger, or a part thereof, to engage an eye of a slider or glide of said track.

46. A curtain assembly as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45 wherein said hanger has a shallow "s" shape.

47. A curtain assembly as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 46 wherein each member of said pair of hangers is a mirror image of the other member. 48. A curtain assembly as claimed in any one of claims 42' to 47 wherein said pendent flexible sheet is suspended from sheet engaging portions on each of said plurality of hangers.

49. A curtain assembly as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 48 wherein there is a second said pendent flexible sheet forming a second layer to said curtain. 50. A curtain assembly as claimed in claim 49 wherein there is a third layer interposed between said first and second layers.

51. A curtain assembly as claimed in claim 50 wherein said first, second or third layers are functional.

52. A curtain assembly as claimed claim 51 wherein said function is as a thermal resistant barrier.

53. A curtain assembly as claimed claim 51 wherein said function is as ballistic protection layer.

54. A curtain assembly as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 53 wherein said first, second or third layers are further fastened together. 55. A curtain assembly as claimed in any one of claims 49 to 54 wherein said first and second layers are suspended from said sheet engaging portions as upward directed attachment hooks on an upper portion of said hanger.

56. A curtain assembly as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 55 wherein said third layer is suspended from said sheet engaging portions as upward directed attachment hooks, on a lower portion of said hanger.

57. A kit or combination suitable to support a curtain or similar pendent flexible sheet, from a track, said kit or combination comprising or including, a plurality of hangers or hanger assemblies ("hangers") adapted to translate on and, at least in part, pivot relative to said track, a band or sheet, whether the curtain itself or to be attached to the curtain, engageable by each of said hangers in series, and

a link for pairing some adjacent hangers so as to control spacing of the two hangers of a pair, and/or and, optionally the track.

58. A band adapted to be located between a pendent flexible sheet and a hanger, the band having, an elongate substantially planar shape, with a plurality of pockets spaced along its length said plurality of pockets or sleeves opening perpendicularly of to the elongate axis of said elongate substantially planar shape, said band can engage said hanger to enable hanging of said pendent flexible sheet therefrom.

59. A hanging system as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

60. A curtain-like construction hung substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. 61. A hanger as herein described with reference to any one of more of the accompanying drawings.

62. A band substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

Description:

"IMPROVEMENTS IN/OR RELATING TO HANGING SYSTEMS" The present invention relates to hanging systems for curtains and similar fabric or planar sheet materials including hanging multiple layers, and in particular though not solely to hanging systems for forming an aesthetically pleasing fold as a wave or similar shape in such materials.

There are known in the art several methods for hanging curtains and the like planar materials.

The simplest of these is by attaching hooks at periodic intervals to the curtain. These hooks are attached to a rail or similar. The folding of a curtain out of plane can be achieved by a draw cord in the top section of the curtain to bunch the curtain. This is a disadvantage, as the user must, by hand, set the amount of cord pulled through. Thereafter the user must arrange the bunching to be evenly dispersed across the length of the area the curtain is to cover. This can be difficult and time consuming to achieve. Other systems rely on pre-stitching a curtain or fabric material at intervals to create the bunching. This has the disadvantage that the curtain material must be pre-manufactured for the correct area to be covered and the bunching required. This method also requires bunching and stitching.

Further, it is often required to have a curtain of multiple layers of fabric. The difficulty in the prior art is that the layering must occur prior to hanging of the curtain and is usually achieved by stitching or other permanent means. Subsequent separation, e.g. for cleaning, is difficult.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a improvements in or relating to hanging systems for curtains and similar sheet materials, including

hanging multiple layers of such materials, that at least goes someway to overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art or that will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

In a first aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a hanging assembly adapted to support at least one pendent flexible sheet ("first sheet"), between, a condensed condition, where said pendent flexible sheet is formed vertically into a wave-shape when viewed from above, and an expanded condition, where said pendent flexible sheet is in a wave-shape of greater pitch than in said condensed condition, said hanging system comprising or including, a support track, a plurality of hangers or hanger assemblies ("hangers") each adapted to connect to, and translate on, said support track, in a manner allowing pivoting relative to said support track of each of said hangers about a substantially vertical axis, said hangers being attached to said at least one pendent flexible sheet directly, or indirectly via a band, at the transitions between peaks of said wave-shape and troughs of said wave shape, wherein two adjacent said hangers either side of a said trough form a pair of hangers, and said hangers are attached toward an edge of said at least one pendent flexible sheet, and a first control means located between and linking hangers of said pair of hangers, wherein the maximum relative spacing hangers of said pair of hangers is defined at least by said first control means separate to any connection formed by said at least one dependent flexible sheet between hangers of said pair of hangers.

Preferably said hangers are attached toward an edge of said at least one pendent flexible sheet.

Preferably said first control means is a first tensile connection extending between each hanger of a pair of hangers.

Preferably said first tensile connection is positioned outward toward said peak from the location of pivoting of each hanger of said pair of hangers. Preferably said second control means is a second tensile connection extending between each hanger of a pair of hangers.

Preferably each of said plurality of hangers each includes a bearing surface to bear against said pendent flexible sheet at least when said pendent flexible sheet is in said expanded condition.

Preferably said second control means pivots said two hangers inward toward each other and toward to the trough of said wave shape when in or toward said expanded condition.

Preferably said plurality of hangers each hang from said support track.

Preferably said plurality of hangers hang from a translation means ("glide") on said support track. Preferably said at least one pendent flexible sheet hangs from said plurality of hangers.

Preferably said support track is a curtain rail.

Preferably said at least one pendent flexible sheet is a flexible planar material (e.g. fabric or a sheet of material) that in use forms at least in part to said wave shape.

Preferably there is a second said at least one pendent flexible sheet ("second sheet") hanging from said plurality of hangers.

Preferably said at least one pendent flexible sheet and said second pendent flexible sheet each hang from said plurality of hangers in a multilayer construction. Preferably each hanger includes a plurality of attachment hooks.

Preferably each sheet of said multilayer construction hangs from at least one of said plurality of attachment hooks.

Preferably each said at least one pendent flexible sheet hangs from at least one of said plurality of attachment hooks via a tape. Preferably said tape is attached to a top edge of said at least one pendent flexible sheet.

Preferably there are a plurality of apertures to receive said attachment hooks on said at least one pendent flexible sheet.

Preferably said plurality of apertures are directed inward from a surface of said at least one pendent flexible material that faces said plurality of hangers.

- A -

Preferably said at least one pendent flexible sheet hangs firom said attachment hooks via a band attached to said at least one pendent flexible sheet, said band having said plurality of apertures.

Preferably said plurality of attachment hooks are upwardly directed. Preferably said plurality of apertures are downwardly opening pockets to receive said upwardly directed attachment hooks.

Preferably each of said plurality of hangers is substantially planar in form.

Alternatively each of said plurality of hangers is curved in a gende "s" or wave shape. Preferably said one pair member of said pair of hangers is a mirror image of the other.

Preferably said plurality of attachment hooks are in a linear array in the plane of said hanger.

Preferably said attachment hooks are equally spaced in said linear array. Preferably said at least one pendent flexible sheet hangs from two of said plurality of attachment hooks on said hanger.

Preferably there are further said attachment hooks for hanging a third said at least one pendent flexible sheet ("third sheet").

Preferably said third layer lies in between said at least one pendent flexible sheet and said second pendent flexible sheet of said multilayer construction.

Preferably said band is attached by sewing.

Preferably said second tensile connection is formed by at least said band.

Preferably said second tensile connection is formed by said pendent flexible sheet. Preferably said second tensile connection is formed from bodi said tape and said pendent flexible sheet.

Preferably the length of said first control means between hangers of said hanger pair can be adjusted.

Preferably said first tensile connection is a flexible cord having location points located along its length.

Preferably said location points and engagement of said first tensile connection with said hangers of said hanger pair allows said length adjustment.

Preferably said flexible cord engages in a narrowed receiving aperture in said hanger. Preferably said location points engage against said hanger at least when said fkst tensile connection is tensioned.

Preferably said first tensile connection can be selectively removed from said hanger.

Preferably there is a third control means acting on adjacent hangers of two hanger pairs.

Preferably said third control means is a third tensile connection.

Preferably said third control means acts between said adjacent hangers.

Alternatively said third control means acts between the translations means each of said adjacent hangers is attached to. Preferably said pendent flexible sheet functions as a curtain, drape or similar.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a hanger or hanger assembly ("hanger") for location between at least one pendent flexible sheet (e.g. a curtain) and a support track, the hanger having, a region or component adapted for attachment of said hanger to said support rail, said region or component allowing, either directly or indirectly, said hanger to translate along said rail, and to allow pivoting of said hanger relative to said support track, a plurality of band or sheet engaging portions to engage and retain said at least one pendent flexible sheet directly to said hanger, or indirectly via said band, and a connection for a link to allow a connection to be made to an adjacent hanger, said connection separate to any connection formed between said hanger and said adjacent hanger by said at least one pendent flexible sheet or band, the arrangement being such that either said plurality of band or sheet engaging portions as a group can rotate relative to said region or component or said region or component can rotate on such a said support track.

Preferably said region of component adapted for attachment is a downwardly directed connection hook.

Preferably said downwardly directed connection hook or a part thereof is bent out of the main plane of said hanger. Preferably said downwardly directed connection hook is adapted to engage with an eye of a slider in or on said support track.

Preferably said hanger is bent in a shallow "s" shape.

Preferably said adjacent hanger is a mirror image of said hanger.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a hanger for engaging and retaining at least one pendent flexible sheet (e.g. a curtain) comprising or including, a plurality of sheet engaging portions such that in use a first layer of said at least one pendent flexible sheet can be attached to one set ("first set") of said sheet engaging portions of said hanger, and a second layer of said at least one pendent flexible sheet can be attached to a second set of said sheet engaging portions of said hanger to form a multilayer curtain.

Preferably said hanger is arranged with another hanger to form a hanger pair.

Preferably there is a plurality of said hanger pairs.

In another aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in a hanging system for at least one pendent flexible sheet, to support said pendent flexible sheet between, a condensed condition, where said pendent flexible sheet is formed vertically in a wave-shape, and an expanded condition, where said pendent flexible sheet is in a wave-shape of greater pitch than in said condensed condition, said hanging system comprising or including, a plurality of hangers able to connect to, and translate on, a support track, in a manner allowing pivoting of each said hanger about a substantially vertical axis, wherein two hangers as a pair are attached, (i) toward an edge of said pendent flexible sheet, and

(ii) each intermediate of two adjacent peaks of a wave-shape, one each on either side of a trough intermediate said two adjacent peaks, wherein the maximum relative spacing of said two hangers of said pair is defined by a first control means acting between said two hangers of said pair, and the relative angle of said two hangers of said pair is controlled by a second control means acting between said two hangers, to control and form an aesthetically pleasing wave shape in said pendent flexible sheet.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a hanging system to form and control a wave shape in at least one pendent flexible sheet ("first layer") to provide a curtain to move between retracted and extended conditions, comprising or including, a plurality of hangers able to connect ("said connection") to, and translate on, a support track, between said retracted condition and said extended condition, said connection allowing pivoting of each of said plurality of hangers about a substantially vertical axis, said at least one pendent flexible sheet is suspended from said plurality of hangers, wherein said plurality of hangers are arranged in pairs, and connected to said at least one pendent sheet in the transition area from an apex of one wave form to an adjacent wave form apex, the translation and pivoting of each hanger of said pair relative to the other hanger of said pair to pre-form and control said wave shape, is controlled by a first and a second control means.

In yet a further aspect the present invention is a curtain assembly comprising or including, a track, a series of hangers and/or hanger assemblies on said track, at least most of which can translate on a locus of said track, a curtain supported from said hangers and/or hanger assemblies, and

a link of at least some adjacent said hangers and/of hanger assemblies, as a pair, said link able to control relative to the track a maximum spacing of a said pair on said track, whereby the undulations of the curtain in a direction parallel to the track locus are wave like with a said hanger and/or hanger assembly between wave peaks.

Preferably said at least one pendent flexible sheet is suspended from sheet engaging portions on each of said plurality of hangers.

Preferably there is a second said at least one pendent flexible sheet forming a second layer to said curtain. Preferably there is a third layer interposed between said first and second layers.

Preferably said curtain can be separated into its constituent layers at least by disengaging said first and second layers from said sheet engaging portions of said hanger.

Preferably one of said first, second or third layers are functional. Preferably said function is as a thermal resistant barrier.

Preferably said function is as a ballistic protection layer.

Preferably said constituent layers are further fastened together.

Preferably said fastening is by a plurality of selectively releasable connections.

Preferably said plurality of selectively releasable connections is any one or more of:

1. domes, and/or

2. hook and loop fasteners, and/or

3. buttons.

Preferably said further fastening is around the periphery of said layers to each other.

Preferably said at least one pendent flexible sheet is substantially planar in form.

Preferably said sheet engaging portions are upward directed attachment hooks.

Preferably said first and second layers are suspended from said attachment hooks on an upper portion of said hanger.

Preferably said third layer is suspended from said attachment hooks on a lower portion of said hanger.

Preferably there are between 2 and 6 said attachment hooks.

Preferably there are 4 said attachment hooks on said upper portion. Preferably there are 2 said -attachment hooks on said lower portion.

Preferably said attachment hooks are arranged substantially in the plane of said hanger.

Preferably there are two said attachment hooks for each of said first, second and third layers. Preferably said first layer attaches to its two said attachment hooks from one side of said hanger.

Preferably said second layer attaches to its two said attachment hooks from the other side of said hanger.

Preferably said third layer attaches to its two said attachment hooks from the underside of said hanger.

Preferably said first layer attaches to the first and third attachment hooks on said upper portion and said second layer attaches to the second and fourth attachment directed hooks of said upper portion.

Alternatively said first layer attaches to the first and fourth attachment hooks of said upper portion and said second layer attaches to the second and third attachment hooks of said upper portion.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a hanging system for pendent flexible material to support said pendent flexible material between a retracted condition, where said pendent flexible material is folded vertically in a wave shape of shortened pitch, and an extended condition where said pendent flexible material is extended or drawn into a wave shape of greater pitch, comprising or including, a plurality of hangers able to connect ("said connection") to, and translate on, a support track, between said retracted condition and said extended condition, said connection allowing pivoting of each of said plurality of hangers about a

substantially vertical axis, said pendent material being suspended from said plurality of hangers, wherein said plurality of hangers are arranged in pairs ("hanger pair"), and connected to said pendent material in the transition area from one adjacent wave form apex to the next, the translation and pivoting of each hanger of said pair relative to the other pair hanger to pre-form and control said wave shape, is controlled by first and second control means, said first control means determines the maximum distance that each hanger of said hanger pair can translate relative to one another in said extended condition, dius determining the maximum pitch of said wave shape,- said second control means connecting between each hanger of said hanger pair to pivot said each of the hangers inward toward each other when extended and toward to the apex of said wave shape, to control and form a wave shape in said pendent material.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a kit or combination suitable to support a curtain or similar pendent flexible sheet, from a track, said kit or combination comprising or including, a plurality of hangers or hanger assemblies ("hangers") adapted to translate on and, at least in part, pivot relative to said track, a band or sheet, whether the curtain itself or to be attached to the curtain, engageable by each of said hangers in series, and a link for pairing some adjacent hangers so as to control spacing of the two hangers of a pair, and/or and, optionally the track.

Preferably there said band or sheet forms a further connection for controlling mutual angular disposition of the hangers of a pair of adjacent hangers engaged or to be engaged therewith..

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a band adapted to be located between a pendent flexible sheet and a hanger, the band having,

an elongate substantially planar shape, with a plurality of pockets spaced along its length said plurality of pockets or sleeves opening perpendicularly of to the elongate axis of said elongate substantially planar shape, said band can engage said hanger to enable hanging of said pendent flexible sheet therefrom.

In a further aspect still the present invention consists in a hanging system as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a curtain-like construction hung in accordance with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a hanger as herein described with reference to any one of more of the accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein the term "(s)" following a noun includes, as might be appropriate, the singular or plural forms of that noun.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification means 'consisting at least in part of, that is to say when interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Where used in this specification the term wave or wave-shape refers to a series of undulations, forming a repeating shape, regular or otherwise having peaks and troughs, and includes smooth and sharp undulations, for example sharp folds, sinusoidal shapes. The term pitch refers to the distance between two adjacent peaks or troughs of a wave. Where used in this specification the term "curtain" means any material that is able to hang and be bent out of plane due to its flexible nature, for example fabric, plastic or rubber sheeting, foams etc.

Where used in this specification the term "gather" whether as a noun or otherwise refers to provision of a means to allow any bunching, pleating, folding or similar of a material.

Where used in this specification the term "band" or "tape" means a thin planar form, whether on its own or in conjunction or integral with other parts and or a curtain or other sheet form.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereby:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a hanger,

Figure 2 shows a side view of the same hanger,

Figure 3 shows an end view of the hanger of Figure 1, Figure 4 shows a plan view of the same hanger,

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a support track on which the hangers and pendent flexible sheet can translate, a pair of curtains in the condensed condition is shown,

Figure 6 shows a similar view to that of Figure 5 with the exception that the curtain is in the extended condition,

Figure 7 shows a perspective front view of the curtain in the extended condition,

Figure 8 shows close up Detail 8 from Figure 7, showing the outer layer, inner layer and in-between (third) layer displaced off to show the material, tape and attachment hooks of the hanger,

Figure 9 shows a close up pair of hangers and multilayer construction including attachment of the attachment hooks to the tape and tape to the pendent flexible sheet,

Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the hanger, where the body of the hanger is curved out of the vertical plane to help impart the wave-shape to the pendant flexible material,

Figure 11 shows a front view of the hanger of Figure 10,

Figure 12 shows a plan view of the hanger of Figure 10,

Figure 13 shows a cross section through a support track and a translation means as a rail and slider in the rail, at a) in a downward eye orientation with the hanger (6) attached and b) in an outward or vertical eye orientation,

Figure 14 shows a tensile connector that can be used for the first or second control means, and

Figure 15 shows a close up of the hanger pairs engaged with the pockets, in this case on a tape, the curtain as the flexible material is removed for clarity. The hanging system uses a plurality of hangers (6). The hanger (6) in turn has a plurality of attachment hooks (23). In the preferred embodiment these attachment hooks are upwardly direcdy when the hanger (6) is attached to die support track (7). However in odier embodiments tiiey may be downwardly directed widi a catch or other ways of retaining. Other ways of engaging material portions known in the art may be used in other less preferred embodiments e.g. they may be material engaging portions such as Velcro™ or similar or other hook or attachment systems that can be utilized.

The hangers (6) may be made from any resilient material, such as plastic (eg polycarbonate or polyethylene or similar) or metal, and may be formed by any process, such as moulding, stamping or forging.

In one form the hanger (6) is substantially planar in shape in the main body of the hanger (6). In the preferred embodiment the hanger (6) is curved in a shallow "s" form as shown in Figure 10 and Figure 15. Each pair of hangers (8A) and (8B) is made from hangers (6) that are a mirror image of each other, i.e. one is an "s" curve in one direction, the other in the other. The "s" of the hanger is aligned to the transition from the peak to the trough.

The attachment hooks (23) may be shaped as per Figures 1 through 4 to allow ease of insertion or attachment to the pendent material. Specifically they have a rounded cross-section to present a thinner tip when being engaged with the pendant flexible sheet and its layers. The features of this will be explained in further detail below.

In addition the hanger (6) has an attachment point (38) to the support track (7). In the preferred embodiment the attachment point (38) is a downwardly directed hook that a translation means (21) can be engaged by. The translation means (21) in turn slides in the support track (7). There are systems in the art known that can achieve this interconnectivity.

It is an advantage of the current invention that the hangers (6) and system in general can attach to a pre-existing support track (7) and its translation means (21). For example the translation means (21) can be the sliders and glides in a curtain rail.

Normally such translation means (21) have eyes (39) that are outwardly or downwardly presented from the support track (7) and the translation means has a rebated shape such that it can be retained in the support track (7) and still slide thereon. In the preferred embodiment the eyes of the translation means present downwardly.

The attachment point (38) is a long downwardly pointed connecting hook (41) bent out of the major plane of the hanger (6), in a "goose neck" fashion. The out of plane bend serves several functions. This out of plane bend should not be confused with the "s" or out of plane bend of the body of the hanger.

The long downwardly pointed hook (41) of the attachment point allows easy connection and retention of the hanger (6) with the translation means (21) of the support track (7).

The out of plane bend of the connecting hook (41) predisposes the hanger (6) to a particular line of pivoting (24).

Additionally the out of plane bend allows a greater degree of freedom of rotation of the hanger when moving from the condensed state to the expanded state. Because the hanger can rotate more freely with the out of plane bend hook it isolates the translation means (21) from the rotation. Other forms of isolation to connect the hanger and the slide are also possible. For example, a hanger assembly that integrates the slide in die track, and has a pivoting connection between the hanger and the slide. This isolation prevents the translation means (21) from twisting and therefore binding in the support track (7). This enables the translation means (21) to stay in

the lowest friction orientation in the support track (7) thus allows easy opening (condensed state) and closing (expanded or extended state) of the curtain.

The hanger (6) also has a narrowed receiving aperture (18) at or toward the upper portion of the hanger (6). In the preferred embodiment this narrow receiving aperture (18) is a gap extending upwards from a circular hole. In the preferred embodiment this narrowed receiving aperture (18) is clearly to one side of the line of pivoting (24) of the hanger (6). In the preferred embodiment this narrowed receiving aperture (18) is outward from the line of pivoting (24) of a pair of hangers. Again this will be explained in more detail below. The attachment of the curtain material layers to the hangers will now be described. A first layer attachment will be described and thereafter the second layer attachment. At or toward the top edge (27) of the curtain (35) a band or tape (26) is attached, the band or tape (26) is preferably attached by sewing to the curtain. However any other method known in the art is acceptable. The band may be made or any suitable material and may be woven, moulded or formed or several components joined together, for example by thermal welding.

In the preferred form of the present invention the tape (26) is attached to the inward facing surface (28) of the curtain layer. Inward in this manner is defined as the surface facing the other layer that forms part of the multi-layer curtain (17) or is that surface which faces or which is behind the curtain, e.g. that surface that does ■ = not face a room.

On the tape (26) there are a plurality of apertures (29). In the preferred embodiment the plurality of apertures (29) are in fact a plurality of downwardly opening pockets (30). The advantage of this will be seen shortly. However in other embodiments they may be upwardly or downwardly opening or both. The spacing of the plurality of apertures (29) most importantly is matched to the spacing of the attachment hooks (23) of the hanger (6). If there is a second or inner layer (16) present then this also has a similar construction to the first or outer layer (15). The only difference being that the plurality of apertures (29) on the tape (26) are offset in relation to those of apertures on the tape of the first or outer layer (15) by the

distance between two adjacent attachment hooks (23) on the hanger (6). The reason for this will become apparent.

In other forms of the invention the plurality of apertures (29) may be formed in the pendent flexible sheet itself, for example when the sheet is formed, eg woven. Whilst a multilayer set up has been described here there just as easily may be only one layer. The hangers to achieve this may be the same, or have a reduced number of hooks. The hanger (6) mounted at the transition (9) works by having at least one mounting to the curtain, (further curtain to be hung), and at least one bearing point or surface against the curtain. This enables the hanger (6) to impart the forces for pivoting to the curtain. In an embodiment this is simply one attachment hook (23) to die tape at the outward side of the hanger. The stiffness of the hanger (6) then causes the inward side of the hanger to bear on the curtain.

In the preferred embodiment there are two attachments to the curtain via two attachment hooks (23). The inward of the two attachment hooks (23) acting as the bearing surface or point also. The attachment hooks (23) have retention lips (40) on the surface facing away from the sheet or band they engage to, as shown in Figure 15.

The assembly of the hanging system will now be described. A pair of hangers (6) is connected by a first control means (11). In the preferred embodiment the first control means (11) is in fact a tensile connection. Such a tensile connection may be via a cord or similar or by a flexible connection with a hinge or other inherently flexible connection. The first control means attaches to each of the hangers (6) of the pair at the narrow receiving portion (18). As earlier stated this narrower receiving portion is outward from the line of pivoting of the hanger pair. Outward is defined here as the outer section of the hanger (6) when it is pivoted to face towards the other hanger of the pair.

In other embodiments the first tensile control means may operate between the translation means (21). For example the first tensile control means may lie within the support track (7) between the translation means (21). In this way the first control means still controls the spacing of the hangers (6) of the hanger pair (8) but may be hidden in the support track (7).

In the preferred embodiments the first control means (11) as a tensile connection is a cord with multiple location points (44) spaced along its length. In the preferred embodiment these are plastic balls moulded onto a cord along the length of the cord. However, any way of providing multiple location points can be used. For example, a knotted cord with the knots and cord engaging and the narrowed receiving aperture (18). The lengdi of the first tensile connection is preferable the same for each of the pairs of hangers (6). This length sets the maximum pitch of the wave form of the resulting curtain (35), when in the extended condition as shown in Figure 6. The pitch (5) of one wave shape (4) is controlled by this length.

However due to the multiple stopping locations (44) along the length of the cord, the first tensile member can be adjusted in length to change die pitch of the wave form created in the curtain.

A second control means (12) attaches and draws together the hanger pair so that in the extended condition of the curtains (17) the hanger pair pivots about the line of pivoting (24) so that the pair faces towards each other. It is this second tensile connection in conjunction widi the first tensile connection that determines the shape of the wave shape (4) when in die extended condition.

Each hanger (6) of a member pair is connected via the attachment hooks (23) to the tape (26) of the layer which is to be hung. It is to be noted that in preferred embodiments the attachment hooks (23) are shaped so as to ease and speed up the assembly of the hanger to the tape and its attached layer. When a multi-layer curtain (17) is being assembled then the outer layer (15) is attached via a first set of the plurality of apertures (29) on its tape (26) to a first set of two attachment hooks (31) on the hanger. The second or inner layer (16) is likewise attached via a set of plurality of apertures (29) to a second set of attachment hooks (32) on the hanger (6).

The specific order of members of the attachment hook sets is not important. For example the first and third attachment hooks (23) on the hanger (6) may engage with the first layer (15) and the second and fourth attachment hooks forming a second set (32) may be used. In other embodiments the first and fourth attachment

hooks (23) of the hanger (6) may form the first set and the second and fourth attachment hooks (23) may form the second set (32) on the hanger. Accordingly each of the attachment hooks on that set may be shaped for which ever attachment order is chosen. The second member of the hanger pair is attached in a likewise . fashion but is a mirror image assembly of the first member. Therefore a pair of hangers (6) is formed. The remainder of the curtain (35) has pairs of attachment hooks assembled in a similar fashion at a regular distance along the top edge (27). In preferred embodiments there may be two such curtains (35) one on the left hand side and one on the right hand side for example of the region area to be closed via a curtain.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention the hanger (6) may have a third set of two attachment hooks (23) as a set (33). This third set is dependent from the under side of the hanger (6). Thus in total there are six attachment hooks (23) on the hanger (6) four in a linear array which are upwardly directed and further two which dependent from the under side of the hanger. This third set (33) is also upwardly directed. This third set (33) therefore allows a third layer (34) to be hung from the hanger (6). The third layer (34) has again a plurality of apertures (29) which are spaced at regular intervals to match the spacing of the attachment hooks (23) of the third set (33) on the hanger (6). This third layer (or any other layer for that matter) can be a functional layer.

The function can be for thermal barriering of the curtain system or may be as a ballistic protection layer. Thermal barrier materials are known in the art as are ballistic protection materials. For example a layer of flexible kevlar material may lie between the outer layer (15) and inner layer (16). In the event of shrapnel or other high velocity debris coming into contact with the curtain from one side then they will be prevented from passing through to the other side of the curtain due to the properties of the ballistic material in the functional layer (34). There may be additional weighting of the curtain (35) to prevent the curtain from blowing up due to the force of impact or velocity of wind behind any flying shrapnel. The application of a ballistic layer may find favour in those areas that require such

protection for example areas where hostilities or terrorist activities may or could occur.

Around the periphery (37) of the layers there can be selectively releasable connections (36) to retain the layers to each other. Such selectively releasable connections can be Velcro™, or hook and loop, buttons or other connection systems known in the art.

The above hanging system and multiple layer curtain provides, due to the pivoting action and control means of the hangers, an aesthetically pleasing wave form (2) in a curtain (35). This wave form is a regular wave form when the curtain (35) is in the extended condition and due to the ability of the hangers to pivot about the vertical axis then the curtain (35) is naturally pre-disposed to concertina and fold when in the condensed condition. When the curtain is being extended the first and second tensile control means as well as shaping the wave form 4 spread the tension across the entire length of the curtain and the result is that the tension is equally spaced across the length of the extended curtain thus resulting in a regular wave form of one end to the other. The attachment of the hangers (6) at or toward the top edge (27) of the curtain (35) is at the transition (9) from one peak (10a) to a trough (10b) of the wave form (4). The pair of hangers (25) are arranged on neighbouring transitions about a trough (10b) on the inner surface of the layers. This is shown in close up in Figure 9 whereby a pair of hangers (25) is shown engaged to an outer layer (15) and an inner layer (16) via tapes and attachment hooks (26) and (23) respectively. The transition zone (9) is clearly identified. The first control means (11) is shown and the second control means (12) is shown then formed by the tape (26) and layers (15 and 16). The effect of the second control means is as the member pairs are spread apart it angles the member pairs inward toward each other. Such angle inward toward each other is facilitated by pivoting of the hanger (6) about the line of pivoting (24). In effect the first and second control means, when they are tensile connections act either side of the line of pivoting and act antagonistically to each other, i.e. they both tension the other one when the curtain is in or moving toward the extended condition.

A third control means (46) in one embodiment lies between adjacent sets or pairs of hangers. This has the effect, similar to the first control means of controlling the pitch of the wave-shape. In the preferred form of this embodiment the third control means runs between sliders in the support track (7).

The hangers (6) attach to the support track (7) via attachment point (38) on the hanger (6) which engages with the translation means (21).

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.