Detachable hospital curtain

Abstract

A curtain panel suitable for use in a hospital or patient facilities or in surgical settings. The curtain panel comprises a bottom panel removably attached and suspended from a top panel. The top panel may be suspended from a rail or similar mechanism by suspension means such as hooks or rings. The curtain panels may be of various lengths, and a plurality of curtain panels may be used together to form a complete or partial wall or enclosure. The top panel may comprise a mesh or mesh-like fabric or substance so as to allow air, light, and / or water to pass through. The bottom panel may be opaque to provide privacy, and may be flame resistant and / or antibacterial. The bottom panel may be single-use or disposable, or may be reusable. In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom panel is manufactured from sturdy material able to withstand frequent washings or cleanings.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 751,529, filed Dec. 19, 2005, by David Alexander, and is entitled in whole or in part to that filing date for priority. The specification and drawings of Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 751,529 are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The invention relates generally to hospital curtains. More specifically, the invention relates to a detachable, ventilating enclosure for use with a supporting structure or railing to define an enclosure of the type utilized for hospital beds, surgical facilities, or the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The use of curtains or a device to create an individual cubicle or space around a hospital bed to provide privacy to patients is well known. Typically, the curtain is suspended from a rail or similar support mechanism located on or near the ceiling, and then moved along the rail or support mechanism to close or open,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the bottom panel further may comprise pleats, which may be located at the upper edge or bottom edge, or both, and may face one side or both. In one exemplary embodiment, the top panel extends down far enough for a person of average height to reach the fastening means while standing on the floor, thus enabling the convenient and safe detachment of the bottom panel from the top panel. Easy removal and replacement of the bottom panel for cleaning and other purposes is thereby promoted.

Problems solved by technology

Curtains in the prior art are expensive to manufacture, difficult to launder, and increase the risk of infection.

One noted problem is that removal of prior curtains for cleaning often requires the nurse or individual removing the curtain to stand on a chair or similar piece of furniture to reach the top of the curtain and detach the curtain from the rail or support mechanism.

Replacement of a curtain panel has a similar problem.

This can be dangerous to the individual doing the removing and any patient nearby.

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