Disposable curtain system, a hook attachment and a quick-release system therfor and method

Abstract

Disclosed is a disposable curtain system, a hook attachment and a quick-release system therefor and method. The disposable curtain system is for use in health care facilities to maintain a clean environment. The disposable curtain system includes: a hook attachment; an extension, operatively attached to the hook attachment; and a quick-release, operatively attached to the extension and adapted to be attached to a curtain. The quick-release includes; an extension attachment; and a curtain attachment, wherein at least one of the curtain attachment and the extension attachment has a neck and a head and the other of the curtain attachment and the extension attachment has at least one of a cradle or receiver for receiving the head.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A disposable curtain system comprising:
 a hook attachment;   an extension, operatively attached to the hook attachment; and   a quick-release, operatively attached to the extension and adapted to be attached to a curtain, wherein the quick-release includes;
 an extension attachment; and 
 a curtain attachment, wherein at least one of the curtain attachment and the extension attachment has a neck and a head and the other of the curtain attachment and the extension attachment has at least one of a cradle or receiver for receiving the head. 
   
     
     
         2 . The disposable curtain system of  claim 1  wherein, the at least one of the cradle or the receiver for receiving the head includes a slot having a width for allowing the neck to slide therein, but not allow the head to go therethrough. 
     
     
         3 . The disposable curtain system of  claim 1  wherein the hook attachment includes an opening having a width adapted for different hook sizes. 
     
     
         4 . The disposable curtain system of  claim 1  wherein the hook attachment includes an opening for the extension such that the extension may surround the hook so that the weight on the extension is supported by the hook. 
     
     
         5 . The disposable curtain system of  claim 1  wherein the hook attachment includes two parts that snap around the hook. 
     
     
         6 . The disposable curtain system of  claim 1  wherein the extension is a coated or sheathed cable. 
     
     
         7 . The disposable curtain system of  claim 1  wherein the extension includes a loop on a first end and a swaged ball on the opposite end. 
     
     
         8 . The disposable curtain system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one of the cradle or receiver is in a housing, said at least one of a cradle or receiver having a first portion of an opening for receiving the head and second portion of the opening for holding the head, wherein said first and second portions are at different angles; and wherein said openings have a slot through the openings for receiving the neck. 
     
     
         9 . A hook attachment for use with a disposable curtain system comprising:
 a housing, said housing including:
 a first opening defined therein and shaped for attaching a hook therethrough; and 
 a second opening defined therein and shaped for attaching an extension therethrough, wherein a lower portion of said first opening intersects with an upper portion of said second opening such that the weight of the extension may be supported by the hook within the housing. 
   
     
     
         10 . The hook attachment for use with a disposable curtain system of  claim 9  wherein the housing includes a first part and a second part and a locking mechanism for attaching the first part to the second part. 
     
     
         11 . The hook attachment for use with a disposable curtain system of  claim 10  wherein when the first part is attached to the second part, the first opening is angled such that the hook may not be removed without detaching the first part from the second part. 
     
     
         12 . A quick-release system for use with a disposable curtain system comprising:
 an extension attachment; and   a curtain attachment, wherein at least one of the curtain attachment and the extension attachment has a neck and a head and the other of the curtain attachment and the extension attachment has at least one of a cradle or receiver for receiving the head.   
     
     
         13 . The quick-release system for use with a disposable curtain system of  claim 12 , wherein the curtain attachment includes the neck and the head on a first side and a curtain engagement on the other side and wherein a lower portion of the head proximate the neck rests in the cradle or receiver when in use. 
     
     
         14 . The quick-release system for use with a disposable curtain system of  claim 13 , wherein the curtain attachment includes a protruding alignment member on a first side and a receiving alignment member on a second side. 
     
     
         15 . The quick-release system for use with a disposable curtain system of  claim 14 , wherein the protruding member has a geometric shape that matches the receiving alignment member. 
     
     
         16 . The quick-release system for use with a disposable curtain system of  claim 13 , wherein the protruding member is triangular that matches the receiving alignment member which is a triangular opening. 
     
     
         17 . The quick-release system for use with a disposable curtain system of  claim 12 , wherein the extension attachment includes a housing and the at least one of the cradle or the receiver for receiving the head in the housing is within the housing, said at least one of the cradle or said receiver having a first portion of an opening for receiving the head and second portion of the opening for holding the head, wherein said first and second portions are at different angles; and wherein said openings have a slot through the openings for receiving the neck. 
     
     
         18 . The quick-release system for use with a disposable curtain system of  claim 12 , wherein the extension attachment includes a housing, said housing having a magnet; and a swaged ball holder. 
     
     
         19 . The quick-release system for use with a disposable curtain system of  claim 12 , wherein the extension attachment includes a housing, said housing having at least one protrustion for alignment on a first side and at least one indention for alignment on an opposite side of the housing. 
     
     
         20 . A method for attaching a disposable curtain system comprising:
 providing a hook attachment;   providing an extension, operatively attached to the hook attachment;   providing a quick-release, having an extension attachment operatively attached to the extension;   attaching a curtain attachment of the quick-release to the curtain, wherein at least one of the curtain attachment and the extension attachment has a neck and a head and the other of the curtain attachment and the extension attachment has at least one of a cradle or receiver for receiving the head; and   inserting the head into an opening in the second portion of the quick-release and allowing the head to drop into the cradle or receiver.