Curtain apparatus

Abstract

A retrofittable curtain apparatus capable of being installed onto existing curtain tracks comprising a curtain and curtain carriers. The apparatus may comprise a pair of latches on either side to facilitate simple installation onto the curtain track by clamping the apparatus to the track. A pair of switches located on either side of the apparatus allows a user to activate the apparatus by tugging on the curtain, pulling it taut over the switch thereby actuating it. The apparatus comprises an internal assembly of efficiently arranged gears and motors that produce a substantially small horizontal form factor, allowing for use with wave fold curtains.

1 . A retrofittable curtain apparatus adapted to be attached to a curtain track comprising:
 an outer body, a drive wheel, and a track attachment assembly;   an internal assembly adapted to couple rotational energy from an internal motor to the drive wheel;   wherein the attachment assembly engages the apparatus to the curtain track; and   wherein the apparatus is adapted to be driven along the curtain track.   
     
     
         2 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a vertical dimension is substantially greater than a horizontal dimension of the outer body. 
     
     
         3 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the internal assembly comprises a plurality of vertically adjacent gears affixed to the internal motor;
 wherein the gears transfer the rotational energy from the internal motor to the drive wheel. 
 
     
     
         4 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus is attached to the curtain track between a pair of curtain carriers located on the track. 
     
     
         5 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the attachment assembly engages the apparatus to the curtain track through a clamping force. 
     
     
         6 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of switches located adjacent to a base of the outer body;
 wherein the switch may be actuated to control an operation of the apparatus. 
 
     
     
         7 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the attachment assembly comprises a plurality of wheels that engage the curtain track. 
     
     
         8 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the attachment assembly comprises a plurality of latches;
 wherein the attachment assembly is adapted to provide a clamping force when the latches are in an engaged state. 
 
     
     
         9 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 7  further comprising a plurality of pull tabs affixed to the plurality of latches;
 wherein the pull tabs pull the attachment assembly downwards to provide a clamping force between the apparatus and the curtain track when the plurality of latches are engaged. 
 
     
     
         10 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a magnetic field sensor;
 wherein upon detection of a predetermined magnitude of a magnetic field a movement of the apparatus along the track is halted. 
 
     
     
         11 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  comprising an energy source to provide power to the internal motor;
 wherein the internal energy source is capable of being recharged. 
 
     
     
         12 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein an operation of the internal motor may be controlled through a wireless operation. 
     
     
         13 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the driving wheel engages the curtain track vertically. 
     
     
         14 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the driving wheel engages the curtain track horizontally. 
     
     
         15 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the motor is a worm drive motor. 
     
     
         16 . The curtain apparatus of  claim 1  wherein its width is less than 55 mm.