US3861738A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Curtain draw assembly
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-08-16
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Granted: 1975-01-21
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Expires: 1993-08-16
Abstract
Abstract A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle to movably suspend a set of curtains at an open, closed or selected intermediate position. A transverse unit is constituted as a pair of integrally connected tubular rods defining adjacent enclosed channels coextensive with the length of the traverse unit. The traverse unit is adapted to conform to interior bends and curves of the vehicle. A closed loop draw cord is threaded through the channels and has loop ends extending from each end of the traverse unit. One loop end is trained about a drive pulley to linearly draw the draw cord. The other loop end is trained about an idler pulley. One of the tubular rods has a downwardly open slot coextensive with the length of the rod. Hanging elements, as hooks, engage the draw cord and depend through the slot for supporting a curtain.
Inventors
- 👤 Keith B Whitney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:16
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60P; B60P3/00; B60P3/32; B60P3/36; B60J; B60J1/00; B60J1/20; B60J1/2011
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
618 words
A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle having a plurality of upright walls situated in adjoining angular relation to each other, said assembly including: a first traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vehicle, having a first elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channel coextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubular rod defining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length of the second tubular rod; said first and second tubular rods of said first traverse unit being parallel and integrally connected to each other and having a configuration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relation to at least two of said adjacent walls; said first and second channels being open at either end of said first traverse unit; a first endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel and said second channel and having first and second loop ends extending outward of either end of said first traverse unit; a drive means having at least one drive pulley rotatably mounted proximate to one end of said first traverse unit; one loop end of said first draw cord engaging said drive means for powered movement of said first draw cord; a first idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate to the other end of said first traverse unit; the other loop end of said first draw cord being trained over said first idler pulley; said second tubular rod on said first traverse unit having a downwardly open slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length of said tubular rod; a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideably surrounding the first draw cord located in the second channel of the second tubular rod of the first traverse unit and having a portion depending through said slot adapted to freely suspend a first curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said first draw cord; a second traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vehicle, having a first elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channel coextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubular rod defining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length of the second tubular rod; said first and second tubular rods of said second traverse unit being parallel and integrally connected to each other and having a configuration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relationship to at least two of said adjacent walls; said first and second channels being open at either end of said first traverse unit; a second endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel and said second channel of the second traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending outward of either end of said second traverse unit; one loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive means for simultaneous powered movement of said second draw cord with said first draw cord; a second idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate to the other end of said second traverse unit; the other loop end of said second draw cord being trained over said second idler pulley; said second tubular rod on said second traverse unit having a downwardly open slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length of said tubular rod; and a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideably surrounding the second draw cord located in the second channel of the second tubular rod of the second traverse unit and having a portion depending through said slot adapted to freely suspend a second curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said second draw cord, whereby operation of the drive means is effective to simultaneously extend and retract a first and second curtain relative to said side walls.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
618 words
A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle having a plurality of upright walls situated in adjoining angular relation to each other, said assembly including: a first traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vehicle, having a first elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channel coextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubular rod defining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length of the second tubular rod; said first and second tubular rods of said first traverse unit being parallel and integrally connected to each other and having a configuration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relation to at least two of said adjacent walls; said first and second channels being open at either end of said first traverse unit; a first endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel and said second channel and having first and second loop ends extending outward of either end of said first traverse unit; a drive means having at least one drive pulley rotatably mounted proximate to one end of said first traverse unit; one loop end of said first draw cord engaging said drive means for powered movement of said first draw cord; a first idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate to the other end of said first traverse unit; the other loop end of said first draw cord being trained over said first idler pulley; said second tubular rod on said first traverse unit having a downwardly open slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length of said tubular rod; a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideably surrounding the first draw cord located in the second channel of the second tubular rod of the first traverse unit and having a portion depending through said slot adapted to freely suspend a first curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said first draw cord; a second traverse unit attachable to the interior of a vehicle, having a first elongated tubular rod defining a first elongated channel coextensive with the first tubular rod, and a second elongated tubular rod defining a second elongated channel coextensive with the length of the second tubular rod; said first and second tubular rods of said second traverse unit being parallel and integrally connected to each other and having a configuration to be situated in adjacent, parallel relationship to at least two of said adjacent walls; said first and second channels being open at either end of said first traverse unit; a second endless loop draw cord threaded through said first channel and said second channel of the second traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending outward of either end of said second traverse unit; one loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive means for simultaneous powered movement of said second draw cord with said first draw cord; a second idler pulley rotatably mounted proximate to the other end of said second traverse unit; the other loop end of said second draw cord being trained over said second idler pulley; said second tubular rod on said second traverse unit having a downwardly open slot open to said second channel and coextensive with the length of said tubular rod; and a plurality of curtain suspending elements slideably surrounding the second draw cord located in the second channel of the second tubular rod of the second traverse unit and having a portion depending through said slot adapted to freely suspend a second curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements fixedly engaging said second draw cord, whereby operation of the drive means is effective to simultaneously extend and retract a first and second curtain relative to said side walls.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first traverse unit is an extruded member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said drive means includes an electric motor operable to selectively rotate said drive pulley.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first idler pulley is connected to a tension spring, said tension spring adapted to be connected to the vehicle wall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first tubular rod and said second tubular rod of said first traverse unit are connected by a web, said second tubular rod being located vertically beneath said first tubular rod.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said first traverse unit has a plurality of sections joined together by at least one elbow to negotiate right angle turns within said vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
94 words
The draw assembly of claim 1 wherein: said curtain hanging elements are constituted as hooks, each having an eyelet for surrounding a draw cord, said eyelets having a diameter larger than the width of said slots and a transverse dimension smaller than the width of said slots, a shank for extending through a slot, and a hook portion adapted to engage a curtain loop on a curtain, one of said hooks being a lead hook on each draw cord secured to the draw cord, the remaining hooks being slideably movable relative to the cord.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
596 words
A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle of the type having parallel, longitudinal side walls and front and rear walls situated in adjoining, angular relation to the side walls, including: a first traverse unit installed along a first side wall and a first end wall; said first traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at the juncture of the end wall and side wall; said first traverse unit also having integral parallel upper and lower tubular rods defining upper and lower channels coextensive with the length of the traverse unit and open ended at each end of the traverse unit; a first endless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lower channels of the first traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending from the ends of the traverse unit; said lower tubular rod being provided with a coextensive, downwardly open slot open to said channel; a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideably surrounding said draw cord in said lower rod channel and having a portion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freely suspend a first curtain, and one of said curtain suspending elements being fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord; said eyelets on said draw cord having a diameter larger than the width of said slot and a transverse dimension smaller than the width of said slot; a first idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall; one of said loop ends of said first draw cord operatively engaging the first idler pulley; drive means adapted to drive said first draw cord through the upper and lower channels of said first traverse unit to extend and retract a first curtain relative to said first side wall and end wall; the other loop end of said first draw cord operatively engaging said drive means; a second traverse unit installed along the other side wall and the other end wall; said second traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at the juncture of the end wall and the side wall; said second traverse unit having integral parallel upper and lower tubular rods defining upper and lower channels coextensive with the length of said second traverse unit and open ended at each end of said second traverse unit; a second endless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lower channels of the second traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending from the ends of the traverse unit; said lower tubular rod of said second traverse unit being provided with a coextensive downwardly open slot open to the lower channel; a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideably engaging said second draw cord in said lower rod channel and having a portion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freely suspend a second curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements being fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord; a second idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall; one of said loop ends of said second draw cord engaging the second idler pulley; the other loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive means whereby said second draw cord is simultaneously movable with said first draw cord upon actuation of the drive means to simultaneously extend and retract a second curtain relative to the other side wall and rear wall upon extension and retraction of a first curtain relative to the first side wall and rear wall; and said first traverse unit and said second traverse unit having overlapping portions in proximity to the drive means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
596 words
A draw assembly for curtains adapted for mounting interiorly of a vehicle of the type having parallel, longitudinal side walls and front and rear walls situated in adjoining, angular relation to the side walls, including: a first traverse unit installed along a first side wall and a first end wall; said first traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at the juncture of the end wall and side wall; said first traverse unit also having integral parallel upper and lower tubular rods defining upper and lower channels coextensive with the length of the traverse unit and open ended at each end of the traverse unit; a first endless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lower channels of the first traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending from the ends of the traverse unit; said lower tubular rod being provided with a coextensive, downwardly open slot open to said channel; a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideably surrounding said draw cord in said lower rod channel and having a portion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freely suspend a first curtain, and one of said curtain suspending elements being fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord; said eyelets on said draw cord having a diameter larger than the width of said slot and a transverse dimension smaller than the width of said slot; a first idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall; one of said loop ends of said first draw cord operatively engaging the first idler pulley; drive means adapted to drive said first draw cord through the upper and lower channels of said first traverse unit to extend and retract a first curtain relative to said first side wall and end wall; the other loop end of said first draw cord operatively engaging said drive means; a second traverse unit installed along the other side wall and the other end wall; said second traverse unit having a curved elbow portion at the juncture of the end wall and the side wall; said second traverse unit having integral parallel upper and lower tubular rods defining upper and lower channels coextensive with the length of said second traverse unit and open ended at each end of said second traverse unit; a second endless loop draw cord threaded through the upper and lower channels of the second traverse unit and having first and second loop ends extending from the ends of the traverse unit; said lower tubular rod of said second traverse unit being provided with a coextensive downwardly open slot open to the lower channel; a plurality of curtain suspending elements having eyelets slideably engaging said second draw cord in said lower rod channel and having a portion depending through said slot, said elements adapted to freely suspend a second curtain, one of said curtain suspending elements being fixed relative to a portion of said draw cord; a second idler pulley attached to a vehicle wall; one of said loop ends of said second draw cord engaging the second idler pulley; the other loop end of said second draw cord engaging said drive means whereby said second draw cord is simultaneously movable with said first draw cord upon actuation of the drive means to simultaneously extend and retract a second curtain relative to the other side wall and rear wall upon extension and retraction of a first curtain relative to the first side wall and rear wall; and said first traverse unit and said second traverse unit having overlapping portions in proximity to the drive means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
84 words
The draw assembly of claim 8 wherein: said drive means includes a first drive pulley, one loop end of said first draw cord engaging the first drive pulley; a second drive pulley, one loop end of said second draw cord engaging said second drive pulley; power means for selective powered rotation of one drive pulley; and gear means operably associating the first and second drive pulleys whereby upon rotation of one drive pulley in one direction, the other pulley rotates in an opposite direction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The draw assembly fo claim 9 wherein: said power means includes an electric motor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The draw assembly of claim 8 including: tension spring assemblies connecting said idler pulleys to the vehicle walls.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-20 | 1978-07-22 | 1979-01-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-20 | 1982-07-22 | 1983-01-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-20 | 1986-07-22 | 1987-01-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |