Partition Apparatus and System

Abstract

An extendable rod has a head that captures a partition curtain and holds the curtain near a surface such as a ceiling or wall. The head has an outer surface (e.g., an upper surface when the head is abutting a ceiling) that has a deformable gripping surface. The lower surface of the head is metallic and relies upon magnetic force to capture the curtain in place on the head. In a first embodiment the lower surface has downwardly depending flanges on opposite ends. In another embodiment, the downwardly depending flanges form a three-sided seat for receiving a magnet. The curtain is draped over the upper surface of the head and is wrapped over the lower surface. A magnet or magnets are placed onto the lower surface, inward of the flange or seat, capturing the curtain and holding it in place on the head. The rod is then extended so that the upper surface of the head bears against the ceiling or other surface and such that there is no structure between the head and the ceiling except the curtain. The magnets hold the curtain securely in place, which allows for simple installation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to apparatus used to create partitions in rooms and the like, and more particularly, to a partition rod system that fixes partition curtains or walls in place.BACKGROUND[0002]Temporary partitions are often used to isolate or separate portions of a building or room. Temporary partitions act as a barrier to dust, odors, noise and the like are often used in new construction and remodeling. For example, home remodeling generally generates dust, noise and odors such as those from paint. In order to minimize intrusion of dust and the like into areas of the home that are not being remodeled, temporary partitions may be used to isolate work area. Temporary partitions similarly are found useful in many different environments.[0003]There are many different types and styles of partitions, ranging from a simple plastic sheet fastened to a ceiling with nails, to relatively sophisticated commercially available systems that include spring-loaded e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]A first illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises an extendable rod having a pivotal head with an upper surface that captures the partition curtain material between the head and a surface such as a ceiling or wall. The head has an outer surface (e.g., an upper surface when the head is abutting a ceiling) that has a rubber gripping surface. The lower surface of the head is metallic and has downwardly depending flanges on opposite ends. The curtain is draped over the upper surface of the head and is wrapped over the lower surface. A magnet or magnets are placed onto the lower metallic surface, inward of the flange, capturing the curtain and holding it in place on the head. The head is then extended so that the upper surface bears against the ceiling. The magnets hold the curtain securely in place, which allows for simple installation, and because the curtain is actually pressed against the ceiling, the partition is effectively free of openings and thus acts as an efficient barrier.

Problems solved by technology

For example, home remodeling generally generates dust, noise and odors such as those from paint.

Other available systems are not capable of capturing the curtain material securely enough to the head to prevent the curtain from inadvertently becoming detached from the head, in which case the partition falls down.

Still other systems are not capable of exerting enough pressure between the floor and ceiling to insure that the pole stays in place, especially when bumped by a worker or some equipment.

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