TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for pleating curtains. Particularly, the invention concerns improvements in the hanging of curtains from a pole, rail or like mounting means so that a consistent pleat configuration is achieved.

BACKGROUND ART

There are many methods for hanging curtains on a pole, rail or track. Most methods seek to hang the curtain such that it will "bunch up" or form a series of pleats so the curtain can be drawn easily between an open and closed state. However, a problem with many existing methods is that the curtains do not necessarily pleat uniformly or smoothly when hanging from a pole/track, etc. For example, friction between components, i.e. a slider and track, can inhibit drawing and result in frustration for the user. Furthermore, curtains are simply not configured or "set up" so that a consistent pleat is assured.

In the prior art, WO2007116215 describes drapery hardware for mounting a curtain. This document suggests the use of parallel rails/tracks which can ultimately mount a peak or trough of a curtain pleat to ensure some consistency. Also described is a sliding device with an extending arm for connection with a peak or trough of a curtain, wherein the sliding devices are arranged with arms extending in alternate directions along the length of the track (thereby avoiding the requirement for parallel tracks). While this solution provides some utility, it does not suggest a universal system for ensuring a consistent pleat regardless of the type of hanging arrangement for the curtain. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention seeks to provide a method and apparatus for pleating curtains which is simple to implement and applicable to a variety of curtain hanging types.

In a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method for mounting a curtain on a mounting pole, rail, track or the like, as outlined by claim 1. The method includes the steps of: measuring a full width of the curtain; determining a number of attachment points; and characterised by the use of a measuring tool that is marked with a predetermined distance, based on the width of the curtain, in order to evenly locate a series of attachment means to an edge of the curtain at the predetermined distance.

Preferably, the series of attachment means are then attached to a corresponding number of mounting devices associated with the pole, rail, track or the like. According to the invention, the use of a tool incorporated into the mounting method takes the guesswork out of arranging a curtain prior to mounting and ensuring, once mounted, it has a consistent pleat arrangement.

In an associated aspect of the invention according to claim 5 there is provided a curtain measuring tool for use with the method of the invention, the measuring tool including a side marked with a distance corresponding to a predetermined spacing of attachment means to be evenly located on a curtain.

Preferably, there are a plurality of markings, on either the same side, a reverse side or both of the curtain measuring tool, each corresponding to a different predetermined spacing of attachment means as dictated by the width of a curtain.

In a preferred embodiment the tool features a slidable element, slidable relative to a main body portion such that a predetermined spacing can be set. In one form the main body includes a window through which an extending part of the slidable element is visible wherein there are a series of markings relating to the predetermined distance at an edge or on a surface of the window.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a curtain ring including a first connection means for attachment to a curtain and a separate second connection means for receiving a spacing cord.

Preferably the first connection means extends downwardly, in use toward the curtain to which it will attach, and the second connection means extends laterally (sideways) from the ring.

Preferably the second connection means is adapted to receive, and be secured to, a length of cord. The adaption may be a slit, groove clip or similar structure. Preferably the second connection means includes a cradle or two opposing walls for accommodating a bead of the length of cord. In one form the bead may be held by an interference or snap- fit between the walls.

In a third broad aspect of the invention there is provided a curtain mounting device for being received by a pole, track, rail or the like, including an attachment portion, wherein the attachment portion includes a through-hole located adjacent an elongate slot/channel. The through-hole is adapted to receive a leading portion of a pin hook therethrough and the elongate channel accommodates a portion of the pin hook in its intended orientation. In practice, a curtain hook (e.g. of the conventional type) is able to be threaded into the through-hole, located to achieve its intended orientation, and wherein a leg of the curtain hook is maintained within the slot of the attachment portion.

It is the broad intention of the invention to achieve a result of consistent pleats in a mounted curtain by use of a method and associated apparatus that will cause the curtain to be attached to its mounting means at locations between the peaks and troughs of pleats in the curtain. According to a fourth aspect, it is envisaged the invention encompasses use of a curtain hanging device, attached to a curtain at locations between the peaks and troughs of pleats in the curtain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1A to ID illustrate implementation of a method according to the invention utilising a measuring tool;

Figures 2A to 2D illustrate a further implementation of the method, particularly showing a sequence of steps for hanging a curtain on a mounting rail;

Figures 3A to 3C illustrate a variation of mounting device, utilising the same method of hanging a curtain according to Figures 2A to 2D;

Figures 4A to 4C illustrate a further variation analogous to earlier embodiments; Figures 5A to 5D illustrate the use of a curtain ring implementing the method of the invention;

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the use of a slider incorporating similar features as the curtain ring from Figures 5A to 5D;

Figure 7 illustrates an alternative slider configuration; and

Figure 8 illustrates an alternative measuring tool according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, i.e. a method and apparatus for pleating curtains, is intended to be supplied as a set of a conventional curtain hanging means (e.g. a track, pole, rail or the like) in combination with a plurality of mounting devices to slide within or on the hanging means. The set may be further supplied with a plurality of attachment devices (e.g. curtain hooks of the conventional variety) and/or the curtain itself. It is noteworthy that a pleat system set up according to the invention is generally intended to include a greater number of rings/sliders for a given length of rail/track than is standard in the art. As is well known, in order to hang a curtain 11 it is first necessary to place hooks 12 or equivalent attachment devices into an attachment surface 13, usually located at an edge of the curtain. However, according to the invention the total number of attachment points upon surface 13 must first be determined. This is achieved by measuring with a suitable measuring means 14 a full width of the curtain 11 as represented in Figure 1A.

Once the width of the curtain is known, a specified number of hooks can be decided, e.g. by referring to a table, an example of which is provided below.

curtain curtain curtain curtain curtain group group group group group

hooks hooks hooks hooks hooks

A on each B on each C on each D on each

curtain curtain curtain curtain E on each curtain20cm 8 1 15cm 8 1 10cm 8 185cm 14 125cm 1045cm 10 255cm 18 135cm 10 190cm 14 130cm 1050cm 10 260cm 18 140cm 10 215cm 16 155cm 1275cm 12 285cm 20 165cm 12 220cm 16 160cm 1280cm 12 290cm 20 170cm 12

05cm 14 315cm 22 195cm 14

10cm 14 320cm 22 200cm 14

35cm 16 345cm 24 225cm 16

40cm 16 350cm 24 230cm 16

60cm 18 245cm 18

70cm 18 250cm 18

95cm 20 275cm 20

00cm 20 280cm 20

25cm 22 305cm 22

30cm 22 310cm 22

55cm 24 335cm 24

60cm 24 340cm 24

Table 1

In the example table, the width of a curtain is determined to the nearest 5 cm. However, alternatives and revisions could be made to these figures that still fall within the scope of the invention described herein. For example Figure 8 illustrates a measuring tool that incorporates a table of curtain widths determined to the nearest 2 cm. In such a case a measuring tape 14 may be supplied with a measurement scale only marked in 2cm increments. From the measured width of curtain 11 Table 1 (or an equivalent) is consulted to obtain a group or "distance code", e.g. A, B, C, D or E. These codes correspond to gradations on the surface of a measuring tool 15, illustrated by Figures IB to ID. It will be noted in Figure 8 that the "distance code" is a "chart number" provided on measuring tool 15, e.g. a numeral rather than a letter.

By way of example, if the width of the curtain were 120 centimetres, this would cause a user to determine that eight curtain hooks should be applied to the edge of the curtain and that, for further reference when using the measuring tool 15, code "A" should be selected.

As a preliminary step, referring to Figure IB, a first hook 12 is located into the attachment surface 13 at a specified distance 16 in from the side edge of the curtain. This specified distance 16 can be marked on a first side (indicated as "side 1" in Figure IB) of the measuring tool 15 for convenience and in order to ensure consistency if a user is "setting up" multiple curtains.

The measuring tool 15 is then flipped over ("side 2" in Figure 1C) and the edge 17 of the measuring tool 15 is aligned with the first hook 12 and a second hook 12' can be located on the attachment surface 13 at the alignment with marking "A" on the measuring tool 15, as prompted by Table 1. Alternatively a marking may indicate an equivalent to the edge 17 as illustrated.

Figure ID illustrates location of a third hook 12", using the same procedure as described above. The above steps for inserting a hook 12 can be repeated along the width of the curtain until all of the predetermined number of hooks are used. In the example, there will be eight hooks along the 120 centimetre width of the curtain.

Figures 2A to 2D illustrate a next step in the hanging method for a curtain 11 as prepared according to Figures 1A to ID. Specifically, a first hook 12 is threaded into an eyelet or like receiving means 18a in a mounting device 18, e.g. a slider, hanging from a curtain rail, track 19 or the like. Sliding hanging devices 18 of this type are well known in the art.

Referring to Figure 2B, the curtain 11 is folded back on itself to form a peak P of a pleat and the second curtain hook 12' (visible in Figure 2A) is attached to a second slider 18. It is noteworthy that the first and second sliders face each other within the pleat.

Referring to Figure 2C, the curtain 11 has been folded back again toward the "front" of the rail 19 and a third curtain hook 12" is attached to a third slider 17, thereby securing a trough T of the pleat. The process is then repeated until a pleated curtain is achieved according to Figure 2D, with a series of peaks P and troughs T respectively. It is noteworthy that the rail 19 and its downwardly extending sliders 18 are positioned equally between the peaks and troughs and, specifically, are not connected at a peak or trough itself, in the way described by WO2007116215.

Figures 3B and 3C illustrate hanging of a curtain 11 that has also been set up with curtain hooks/attachment means according to the method described with reference to Figures 1A to ID. However, this curtain is hung from a sideways facing track 19 utilising a slider component (Figure 3A) 20 with an eyelet 21 of adjustable height/extension. The glider, received by rail 19, also incorporates a spacer cord 22 for additional control of the wavelength Λ in the pleat of the curtain. It is also noteworthy that the curtain hooks 12 are attached in a sideways facing configuration in alternating directions as seen in Figure 3B. In other words, the pin hooks 12 are hooked to the connector surface 13 such that like sides of the hooks face each other in alternating configuration over the width of the curtain. In other words a next adjacent hook is arranged in mirrored configuration to the previous hook. This ensures consistency and conformance in the size and shape of the multiple pleats across the width of the curtain.

Figures 4A to 4C illustrate a variation of the glider type 20 illustrated by Figures 3A to 3C. The arrangement is mostly identical, except that the rail 19 has a track aperture 23 in the downward direction which receives a mating flange 24 or slider at the top of the glider

20. The function of the hooks 12 and their orientation, attaching to a respective eyelet

21, is otherwise the same. Figures 5A to 5D illustrate a further variation utilising a curtain pole 25, supporting a series of rings 26. The curtain 11 itself is otherwise set up according to the method shown in Figures 1A to ID (or it could be manufactured with attachment points pre- installed). Ring 26, as best seen in Figures 5A and 5C, includes a downwardly extending attachment means or stem 27 which is adapted to receive a curtain hook or equivalent component. Stem 27 includes a through-hole 28 and an adjacent channel or slot 29 which receives and secures a hook 12. In the illustrated form the slot 29 is open, although it could merely be a groove which accommodates a portion of a pin hook 12.

As best seen in Figure 5C, a leading point of hook 12 is threaded through hole 28 and, by virtue of an inherent curve in the hook 12, is turned back and located within the slot 29. In this way, the downwardly extending "legs" 30 of the stem 27 hold hook 12 in a more- or-less vertical position that further improves consistency and overall conformance between the pleats. It will be apparent from Figure 5B that the hooks 12 are arranged in alternating/mirrored directions the same as previously described with reference to Figures 3B and 4B.

Ring 26 includes the additional feature of a side mounted attachment means 31 that may be in the form of a hook, clasp, clip, latch etc. In essence, this feature provides a receiving means for securing a bead 22a of a spacing cord 22, spanning between subsequent rings 26, although a bead is not necessarily present it the desired spacing. The spacer cord 22 is best illustrated in Figures 5B and 5D which, as mentioned in connection with the previous embodiment of Figures 3B, 3C and 4C provides the ability to regulate the wave length Λ of the pleats. Dependent on the nature of the set of components supplied for any given curtain application, the bead cord 22 could be marked with a regular distance across its length so that it can be quickly installed between subsequent rings or sliders etc. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the use of a glider that incorporates a stem 27 substantially similar in operation to that described above with reference to ring 26. The glider includes a flange 24 able to be received within a track or rail etc., further including a through-hole 28 for receiving a curtain hook (12) and downwardly extending legs 30 that form a slot or groove 29 therebetween which, in use, accommodates a limb of a hook 12 to maintain it in a tidy vertical direction.

Figure 7 illustrates a variation of a slider for use with a sideways mounted rail 19. Accordingly a flange/slider 24 is received by a channel 23 provided by rail 19. A connection means 27 is included for receiving a hook 12 as previously described (via a through hole 28), as is a cord or bead connector 31 which is able to capture a cord 22 for spacing purposes and/or a bead incorporated in the cord.

Figure 8 illustrates front and rear views of a further embodiment of the measuring tool 15 which may include a pictorial representation 32 of the method steps on at least one side and/or a table 33 of guidance measurements. In this implementation of the method a width of the curtain is first measured and from this a "chart number" is obtained which is related to evenly spacing out hooks/connection points along an edge of the curtain. However, an exact number of hooks needed is not specified. The chart number is then read at a window 34 and a corresponding marking 35 is identified against which an edge of a slidable element 36 is moved. In the illustrated embodiment element 36 extends within tool 15 and is visible through the window 34 at a location corresponding to chart number "6". This will have been based upon a curtain width of e.g. 186, 216, 246 cm etc. Element 36 defines a distance X between its edge and an edge 17 of the measuring tool 15. Distance X is the required distance between hooks 12 that must be used in order to end up with an even distribution across the curtain.

The width of slidable element 36 may correspond to the recommended distance in from the edge of curtain, i.e. specified distance 16 illustrated in Figure IB. Text provided on element 36 could read "use this guide for the two end pin hooks; hook 3mm below the top of the curtain."

Accordingly, a measuring tool 15 of Figure 8 provides all the required information for setting up a curtain for consistent pleating according to the invention. To summarise the steps of implementing a method utilising a measuring tool as illustrated:

Use the guidance provided by slidable element 36 to insert a pin hook at an edge of the curtain;

Measure the curtain along its width;

Slide the tab 36 to an indicated position based on the measured width read from table 33;

Preferably mark a series of predetermined distances (X) across the curtain width using a pencil or tailor chalk;

Apply pin hooks at the marked places

Connect sliders (e.g. at eyelets 28, 18a etc) in an alternating/mirrored pattern to result in peaks and troughs (Figures 2A to 2D etc). INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The methodology of the present invention is generally intended to be provided in a user guide or the like in combination with components that can implement the method. All components are able to be manufactured from available techniques and materials suitable for the application.