CURTAIN ASSEMBLIES HAVING IMPROVED INSULATING CHARACTERISTICS AND RELATED METHODS

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/728,556, which was filed on December 5, 2024. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/728,556 is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/728,556 is hereby claimed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to room partitions and, more particularly, to curtain assemblies having improved insulating characteristics and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Curtain partitions typically include one or more layers of fabric or flexible sheet material hung from a ceiling, or some other overhead structure, to divide a room or open space within a building into separate zones. Compared to permanent rigid walls, curtain partitions are less expensive to install and/or easier to reconfigure when adapting a space to changing spatial and/or functional needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example interior space of a building (e.g., a warehouse, etc.) having an example curtain assembly constructed in accordance with teachings disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, top view of an example panel of the curtain assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the example panel of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of the example panel of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the panel of FIG. 2 shown in an example non-installed position.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view of the panel of FIG. 2 shown in an example installed position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the curtain assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partial, enlarged view of an upper portion of the example panel of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a partial, enlarged view of a lower portion of the example panel of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are partial, top views of the example curtain assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a partial, top view of another example curtain assembly having example panels disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 is a partial, top view of another example enclosure having the example panels disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example method of installing an example curtain assembly disclosed herein.

FIG. 13 is a partial, perspective view of a known curtain assembly.

In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Curtain partitions can be used in workspace separation applications, washdown applications, temperature separation applications and/or sound reduction applications, as well as many other applications. Curtain partitions are usually constructed using a vinyl coated fabric that encases an insulating or sound reducing material for temperature-controlled and/or sound-controlled applications.

In temperature-controlled applications, a curtain partition may include a core of insulation for reducing (e.g., minimizing) heat transfer between adjacent zones (e.g., partitioned areas). Insulated curtains can include insulation to maintain a certain temperature difference from one side of the curtain to the other. An R-value rating is typically used as a measure of resistance level to heat flow that a material exhibits, or as a measure of temperature conduction. Insulated curtains can have different styles or thickness of insulation to gain a desired R-value to maintain a certain temperature difference between opposite sides of the curtains.

Typical insulation is a pad of batting or foam. Insulated partitions usually have an outer layer of flexible sheet material to contain and protect a less durable core of insulation. Insulated curtains can include an insulating material (e.g., a flexible polyester batting) that is enclosed by a vinyl fabric. The insulating material can have various layers including a single layer of batting (e.g., a 15-degree temperature delta curtain with an R-value of 3), a two-layer batting (e.g., a 35-degree temperature delta curtain with an R-value of 6), or a four-layer batting (e.g., a 40-degree temperature delta and an R-value of 10). A four-layer batting can be a dual or back-to-back assembly of a two-layer batting. However, stacking of layers of insulation increases a thickness of the curtain. Additionally, adding several layers of insulation increases a thickness and/or weight of a curtain or partition, which can be difficult to manage or handle during installation and/or during transportation.

Curtain partition walls typically include a plurality of panels that couple in a side-by-side orientation (e.g., to form a partition wall or enclosure). To enable a side-by-side connection, known panels employ edge connectors that overlap with each other when positioned in a side-by-side orientation, leaving a non-insulated gap across the overlapping connection. For example, FIG. 13 illustrates a known curtain partition or assembly 1300 where an outer fabric material of a first panel 1302 couples to an outer fabric material of a second panel 1304 adjacent the first panel 1302. To enable panel-to-panel fabric overlap connection, the panels 1302, 1304 employ touch-and-hold fasteners 1306 (e.g. Velcro®) on side edges (e.g., vertical edges) of the fabric. Typically, a hook portion (e.g., a first portion) of a touch-and-hold fastener is coupled (e.g., sewn) to a side edge 1308 (e.g., a left-side edge) of the first panel 1302 and a loop portion (e.g., a second portion) of the touch-and-hold fastener is coupled (e.g., sewn) to a side edge 1310 (e.g., a right-side edge) of the second panel 1304. The touch-and-hold fastener connects or couples adjacent panels 1302, 1304 to each other along the side edges 1308, 1310 (e.g., vertical, or lateral edges) of the fabric such that the panels are connected in a direct side-by-side manner. However, in order to enclose or encase the insulation layer within a fabric and attach (e.g., sew) the touch-and-hold fastener to the fabric via an overlapping connection, insulation of the panels 1302, 1304 is spaced roughly or approximately two-and-half inches (2.5 inches) away from the side edges 1308, 1310 (e.g., vertical, or outermost edges) of the fabric in a side-by-side manner. For example, the area between a dot-dash line 1309 of the first panel 1302 and a dot-dash line 1311 of the second panel 1304 does not include insulation when coupled to each other. As a result, when the adjacent panels 1302, 1304 are connected or coupled together, a non-insulated gap 1312 is formed between the adjacent panels 1302, 1304. In some examples, the non-insulated gap 1312 can be approximately three-and-half inches wide (e.g., a 3.5 inch gap) along a full height (e.g., a vertical length) of the panels. Thus, the non-insulated gap 1312, is provided by the overlapping side edges 1308, 1310 and the fasteners 1306. As used herein, a non-insulated gap is an area that does not have insulation material. The lack of insulation along the side edges 1308, 1310 (e.g., the vertical edges) of the panel (e.g., the non-insulated gap 1312) causes a potential for a greater R-value loss at this connection point or side edges. In other words, in view of the absent insulation, touch-and-hold fasteners of adjacent panels decreases an overall thermal efficiency performance (e.g., an R-value rating) of the curtain partition or wall as a whole.

Additionally or alternatively, known curtains or partition panels extend from ceiling to floor to separate or divide a room to establish different zones in a larger area. However, an insulated portion of a panel is typically spaced from a floor (e.g., by approximately 1 to 3 inches) to accommodate for measurement errors (e.g., in a vertical direction or height). Such additional space along a bottom edge of the panel is typically accounted for with a removable uninsulated vinyl fabric sweep. The sweep can be trimmed as needed or used to assist in anchoring a curtain to a floor or other structure. However, because the insulation does not extend to the floor (e.g., does not directly engage the floor), such panels can experience thermal loss, affecting an overall thermal efficiency performance of a panel or curtain assembly (e.g., an R-value loss in the uninsulated area). As a result, the lack of insulation along a bottom edge of the panel decreases a thermal efficiency (e.g., an R-value rating) of the curtain or wall. Such absence of insulation along the bottom edge of the panel can be exacerbated with a higher R-value rated curtain or larger temperature difference from one side of the curtain to the other. Frost and/or condensation buildup could be greater along the bottom edge because of the lack of insulation material along the bottom edge. Thus, panels that lack insulation along vertical or side edges and/or along a bottom edge of a panel have reduced or lower R-value ratings.

Example curtains disclosed herein employ a plurality of interconnected panels to create a curtain assembly or room partition. In comparison to known curtains and/or panels, example curtains disclosed herein provide improved insulation performance and, thus, greater R-value ratings. To achieve improved insulation performance, example curtains disclosed herein employ panels that have insulation material along joints or lateral edges (e.g., vertical or side edges) of adjacent panels and/or along a bottom edge of the panels. Thus, example panels disclosed herein reduce (e.g., eliminate) gaps of non-insulated areas that are typically provided by known panels.

For instance, example curtains or partitions disclosed herein include panels having edge-to-edge insulated areas. As used herein, a panel has two large, opposed surfaces (e.g., a rear face and a front face). A rectangular or square panel also has four sides joining the front and rear faces. The sides may be a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side. Adjacent sides of the rectangular panel meet and are joined at corners of the panels. To provide edge-to-edge insulated areas, example curtains or panels disclosed herein employ example overlap fasteners or flexible connectors provided on side edges (e.g., vertical, or lateral edges, left and right edges, etc.) of the panels. To provide the overlap fasteners, example panels disclosed herein employ flaps (e.g., flexible flaps) of fabric extending from the side edges of the panels for carrying a first portion (e.g., a hook portion or touch portion) of a touch-and-hold fastener (e.g., a flexible connector of flap connector which projects or extends outward from the side edge and may be referred to as a “projecting” or “dangling” connection). In some examples, each side edge of an example panel disclosed herein includes a single flap (e.g., only one flap). A face (e.g., a front face or rear face) of the panels include a second portion of a touch-and-hold fastener (e.g., a hook portion or hold portion). The second portion of the fastener may be mounted on the surface of the face of the panel (e.g., a patch or tab that substantially does not move). As such, the second (e.g., patch) portion may be a fixed connector). Thus, example panels disclosed herein employ a movable, bendable or foldable connector (e.g., a flexible or flap connector) and a panel face surface connector (e.g., a panel-face or fixed connector). Such example flap and surface connectors disclosed herein enable insulation of adjacent panels to abut at a seam formed between adjacent panels. In this manner, the sides abut one another in a surface-to-surface manner. Additionally, a flexible flap or terminating edge of a first panel overlaps a side edge of a second panel adjacent to the first panel. In this manner, the flexible edge of the first panel extends across an insulated portion of the adjacent second panel. For instance, the flexible edge of the first flap extends across the insulated portion of the adjacent second panel to remove or eliminate a non-insulated gap (e.g., the non-insulated gap 1312 of FIG. 13) between the adjacent panels. In comparison to the known curtain assembly 1300 of FIG. 13, the curtain assemblies disclosed employ one flap (e.g., a single flap) on each side ends of the panels to connect the panel to an adjacent panel. The flap connector provides a more secure connection as well as allowing various connection angles to be achieved. A square edge can be achieved without any additional sewing or fabric.

Additionally, example panels disclosed herein employ an insulation layer encased or enclosed within a fabric. The insulation layer includes a first portion and a second portion different than the first portion. Specifically, the first portion of the example panels disclosed herein include a bottom edge having a first length or height from an upper end of the insulation layer, and the second portion of the bottom edge has a second length or height from the upper edge of the insulation layer that is different (e.g., shorter than) the first length. In other words, the insulation layer disclosed herein has a first length along a side or vertical edge and a second length along a side or vertical edge that is different from (e.g., less than) the first length. In this manner, the first portion of the insulation layer can be folded toward the second portion such that at least a portion of the first portion of the insulation layer folds underneath a bottom edge or bottom surface of the second portion of the insulation layer. As a result, tucking or folding the first portion of the insulation layer under the second portion accommodates for measurement inaccuracies or errors and provides insulation along a bottom edge of the panel when the panel is fastened to a floor (e.g., of a building). Thus, the dual-length insulation layers disclosed herein reduce (e.g., eliminate) a gap between a bottom surface of the insulation layer and a floor of a warehouse or building, thereby increasing an R-rating value of example panels disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a partial, perspective view of an example curtain assembly 100 in accordance with teachings disclosed herein. The curtain assembly 100 is a partition or an enclosure 102 positionable within an interior 104 of a building 106 for dividing or separating a first area 110 (e.g., a first zone) from a second area 112 (e.g., a second zone). More specifically, the curtain assembly 100 of the illustrated example is a temperature-controlled enclosure that is configured to reduce heat transfer between the first area 110 defined at an exterior (e.g., a front face) of the enclosure 102 and the second area 112 defined at an interior (e.g., a rear face) of the enclosure 102. Thus, the curtain assembly 100 is a temperature-controlled or insulated enclosure within the interior 104 of the building 106 configured to reduce heat transfer between the first area 110 and the second area 112.

In the illustrated example, the first area 110 and the second area 112 are maintained at different temperatures. For example, the first area 110 can have a first temperature that can be generally greater than a second temperature of the second area 112. For example, the first area 110 of the illustrated example is configured to have ambient room temperature conditions and the second area 112 of the illustrated example is configured to have freezing temperature conditions. For example, the second area 112 of the illustrated example can be configured as a freezer (e.g., a freezer temperature range between 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 0 degrees Fahrenheit). In some examples, the second area 112 can be configured as a cooler (e.g., a refrigerator temperature range between 33 degrees Fahrenheit and 65 degrees Fahrenheit). A door 114 is provided to enable ingress and egress from within the enclosure 102. In some examples, the door 114 can include insulated door panels that slide along a track between an open position and a closed position. In other examples, other types of doors may be employed.

The example curtain assembly 100 of the illustrated example includes a plurality of panels 120 (e.g., interconnected panels 120a-120c) to create the enclosure 102 and/or a curtain assembly 100. For example, a plurality of panels 120 shown in FIG. 1 are coupled together to define and/or form a first wall 122 of the enclosure 102. The enclosure 102 of the illustrated example includes the plurality of panels 120 that couple together to form a four-wall enclosure. In some examples, the panels 120 can be configured to provide an enclosure having a square shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an oblong shape, and/or any other desired shape. The panels 120 of the illustrated example are coupled together along respective side edges of the panels 120 and extend between a ceiling structure 124 (e.g., a track, a joist, a frame, etc.) of the building 106 and a floor 126 (e.g., a floor structure, beam, tile, cement, etc.) of the building 106. The panels 120 of the illustrated example include insulation to maintain a certain temperature difference between the first area 110 and the second area 112. In some examples, the curtain assembly 100 of the illustrated example can achieve an R-rating value of approximately 14 or greater. As described in greater detail below, to provide an R-rating value of 14 or greater, the curtain assembly 100 of the illustrated example provides insulation between the ceiling structure 124 and the floor 126, and between the lateral edges of the panels 120.

Although the curtain assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a temperature-controlled enclosure for temperature-control applications, the curtain assembly 100 can be configured for use in other applications. For instance, the example curtain assembly 100 disclosed herein can be configured for a variety of applications including, for example, workspace separation applications, washdown applications, sound reduction applications and/or any other applications. In some examples, the panels 120 and/or the curtain assembly 100 can be used in vehicles (e.g., trailer beds), offices and/or any other structure. In some examples, the curtain assembly 100 and/or the panels 120 can be configured without an insulating material(s). For instance, the panels 120 can be configured to include sound-proof material and/or other material(s).

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, top view of an example panel 120 of FIG. 1. The panel 120 of the illustrated example includes a pliable cover 202 that encases an insulating material or insulation assembly 204. For example, the pliable cover 202 can be made of polyester, vinyl, fabric, cloth, rubber, combinations thereof and/or any other material(s). As used herein, the term, “pliable” refers to a material that can be folded over onto itself and then unfolded without permanent deformation to the material. The panel 120 of the illustrated example defines a front or first face 206 (e.g., a front surface), a rear or second face 208 (e.g., a rear surface) opposite the first face 206, a first side face 210 (e.g., a first side surface or lateral face, a side edge), and a second side face 212 (e.g., a second side surface or lateral face, a side edge) opposite the first side face 210. The panel 120 of the illustrated example also includes a top or upper face 213 (e.g., an upper side or surface) and a lower face (e.g., a bottom side or surface) opposite the upper face 213. Thus, the first face 206 and the second face 208 are surrounded by four side faces (e.g., the upper face 213, the lower face, the right side face 212 and the left side face 210).

Additionally, the panel 120 of the illustrated example includes a first flap connector 214, a second flap connector 216, a first surface connector 218 and a second surface connector 220. The first flap connector 214 and the first surface connector 218 are provided adjacent the first side face 210 of the panel 120 and the second flap connector 216 and the second surface connector 220 are provided adjacent the second side face 212 of the panel 120 opposite the first side face 210. Specifically, the first flap connector 214 extends, dangles, and/or projects (e.g., away) from the first side face 210 and is positioned adjacent to the first face 206 of the panel 120 and the first surface connector 218 is positioned on the second face 208 of the panel 120 opposite the first face 206. Similarly, the second flap connector 216 extends, dangles, and/or projects (e.g., away) from the second side face 212 and is positioned adjacent to the second face 208 of the panel 120 and the second surface connector 220 is positioned on the first face 206 of the panel 120. In other examples, both flap connectors 214, 216 are adjacent to one of the first face 206 or the second face 208 and both surface connectors 218, 220 are on the opposite one of the first face 206 or the second face 208. In the illustrated example, the first face 206 of the panel 120 is oriented toward the first area 110 and the second face 208 of the panel 120 is oriented toward the second area 112 when the panel 120 is coupled with the curtain assembly 100 of FIG. 1.

In the illustrated example, the first flap connector 214 extends past (e.g., projects away from) the first side face 210 of the panel 120 and the second flap connector 216 extends past (e.g., projects away from) the second side face 212 of the panel 120. In other words, the panel 120 has a first width 222 between the first side face 210 and the second side face 212, and a second width 224 between an outermost edge 226 of the first flap connector 214 and an outermost edge 228 of the second flap connector 216 that is greater than the first width 222. In this manner, the first flap connector 214 extends past a first side 230 (e.g., a first vertical edge) of the insulation assembly 204 and the second flap connector 216 extends past a second side 232 (e.g., a second vertical edge) of the insulation assembly 204. For instance, the first flap connector 214 extends outwardly relative to the first side 230 of the insulation assembly 204 and/or the first side face 210 of the panel 120 and the first surface connector 218 extends inwardly relative to the first side 230 of the insulation assembly 204 and/or the first side face 210 of the panel 120. Likewise, the second flap connector 216 extends outwardly relative to the second side 232 of the insulation assembly 204 and/or the second side face 212 of the panel 120 and the second surface connector 220 extends inwardly relative to the second side 232 of the insulation assembly 204 and/or the second side face 212 of the panel 120. In the illustrated example, a top view of the panel 120 has a Z-shaped profile. In examples where both flap connectors 214, 216 are adjacent the same face (e.g., either the first face 206 or the second face 208), the top view of the panel 120 has a T-shaped profile. In some examples, regardless of whether the panel 120 has a Z-shaped profile or a T-shaped profile, the first flap connector 214, the first side face 210, and the first surface connector 218 have a Z-shaped profile. Likewise, the second flap connector 216, the second side 232 and the second surface connector 220 have a Z-shaped profile.

The first flap connector 214 of the illustrated example includes a first flap 234 of the pliable cover 202 having a first portion 236 (e.g., a hook portion) of a hook-and-loop fastener. The second surface connector 220 includes a second portion 238 (e.g., a loop portion) of a hook-and-loop fastener. Similarly, the second flap connector 216 of the illustrated example includes a second flap 240 of the pliable cover 202 having a first portion 242 (e.g., a loop portion) of a hook-and-loop fastener. The first surface connector 218 includes a second portion 244 (e.g., a hook portion) of a hook-and-loop fastener. In the illustrated example, the panel 120 includes only a single flap (e.g., the first flap connector 214) on the first side face 210 of the panel 120 and a single flap (e.g., the second flap connector 216) on the second side face 212.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the example panel 120 of FIG. 2. The pliable cover 202 (e.g., a fabric) of the illustrated example includes a first sheet 302 and a second sheet 304. The first sheet 302 is coupled to the second sheet 304 to define a cavity 306 to receive the insulation assembly 204. The first sheet 302 includes a first end 308 (e.g., a side edge) and a second end 310 (e.g., a side edge) opposite the first end 308, and a first or outer surface 312 and a second or inner surface 314 opposite the first surface 312. The first surface 312 defines the first face 206 of the panel 120 of FIG. 2. The second sheet 304 includes a third end 316 (e.g., a side edge) and a fourth end 318 (e.g., a side edge) opposite the third end 316, and a third or outer surface 320 and a fourth or inner surface 322 opposite the third surface 320. The third surface 320 defines the second face 208 of the panel 120 of FIG. 2. The second surface 314 of the first sheet 302 and the fourth surface 322 of the second sheet 304 are oriented toward each other and/or toward the insulating assembly 204. In other words, the second surface 314 and the fourth surface 322 define the cavity 306.

To encase the insulation assembly 204, the first end 308 of the first sheet 302 is coupled to the second sheet 304 at a first connection point 324 and the third end 316 of the second sheet 304 is coupled to the first sheet 302 at a second connection point 326. The first connection point is offset (e.g., inwardly) relative to the fourth end 318 of the second sheet 304 and the second connection point 326 is offset (e.g., inwardly) relative to the second end 310 of the first sheet 302. Specifically, the first connection point 324 is located between the third end 316 and the fourth end 318 of the second sheet 304 and/or adjacent the second side 232 (FIG. 2) of the insulation assembly 204. The second connection point 326 is located between the first end 308 and the second end 310 of the first sheet 302 and/or adjacent the first side 230 (FIG. 2) of the insulation assembly 204. The first connection point 324 provides the second flap 240 for receiving the first portion 242 (e.g., a first connector) of the second flap connector 216 and the second connection point 326 provides the first flap 234 for receiving the first portion 236 (e.g., a first connector) of the first flap connector 214. The first flap 234 and the second flap 240 of the illustrated example are flexible or movable relative to the insulation assembly 204. In other words, the first flap 234 and the second flap 240 can rotate or bend relative to the insulation assembly 204. Additionally, the first flap 234 and the second flap 240 of the illustrated example are devoid of insulation material (e.g., the insulation assembly 204). In the illustrated example, to provide the first connection point 324 and the second connection point 326, the first sheet 302 is coupled to the second sheet 304. For example, the first end 308 of the first sheet 302 can be sewn or attached to (e.g., the fourth surface 322 of) the second sheet 304. Likewise, the third end 316 of the second sheet 304 can be sewn or attached to (e.g., the second surface 314 of) the first sheet 302. In some examples, the first sheet 302 and the second sheet 304 can be coupled via, for example, adhesive, thermal welding, stitches, and/or any other fastener(s) or manufacturing process(es).

In some examples, the first and second flaps 234, 240 can be connected to the first and second sheets 302, 304 in different manners than what is shown in FIG. 3. For instance, in some examples, the first flap 234 can extend from (e.g., be connected to) the third end 316 of the second sheet 304. Additionally or alternatively, the second flap 240 can extend from (e.g., be connected to) the first end 308 of the first sheet 302. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, each of the sheets 302, 304 defines two sides of the panel 120. However, in other examples, one of the sheets 302, 304 can extend around and/or define three sides of the panel 120 while the other sheet 302, 304 extends along and/or defines only one side of the panel 120. In some examples, a single sheet extends all the way around (e.g., along all four sides) of the panel 120.

FIG. 4 is a perspective, partial cut-away view of the example panel 120 of FIGS. 1-3. The insulation assembly 204 is enclosed or encased by the pliable cover 202 (e.g., between the first sheet 302 and the second sheet 304). The insulation assembly 204 of the illustrated example is batting 402. Specifically, the batting 402 is a polyester batting. In some examples, the insulation assembly 204 can include, but is not limited to, foam, fiberglass, wool, glass, foil, a combination thereof, and/or any other insulation material(s). The insulation assembly 204 of the illustrated example includes a first insulation layer 406 and a second insulation layer 408 (e.g., dual layer insulation). The first insulation layer 406 of the illustrated example is the same as the second insulation layer 408 (e.g., both layers are polyester batting). However, in some examples, the first insulation layer 406 can be a first material (e.g., polyester) and the second insulation layer 408 can be a second material (e.g., foam) different from the first material. In some examples, the insulation assembly 204 can include more than two layers. For example, the insulation assembly 204 can include three layers, four layers, five layers, six layers, etc. In some examples, the insulation assembly 204 can include other layers or materials to facilitate manufacturing of the panel 120 and/or a thermal performance of the panel 120. In the illustrated examples, both insulation layers 406, 408 have the same thickness. In other examples, the first insulation layer 406 is thicker than the second insulation layer 406. In other examples, the second insulation layer 408 is thicker than the first insulation layer 408.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the panel 120 of FIGS. 1-4 shown in an example non-installed position 502. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view of the example panel 120 of FIGS. 1-4 shown in an example installed position 504. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the pliable cover 202 wraps around or encloses the insulation assembly 204. The pliable cover 202 of the illustrated example includes an upper flap 506 (e.g., an upper hem) and a lower flap 508 (e.g., a lower hem). The upper flap 506 and the lower flap 508 of the illustrated example are formed by the pliable cover 202 (e.g., a vinyl fabric). For example, the upper flap 506 is formed by joining an upper edge 506a of the first sheet 302 (e.g., an upper horizontal edge between the first end 308 and the second end 310) and an upper edge 506b of the second sheet 304 (e.g., an upper horizontal edge between the third end 316 and the fourth end 318). The lower flap 508 is formed by joining a lower edge 508a of the first sheet 302 (e.g., a lower horizontal edge between the first end 308 and the second end 310) and a lower edge 508b of the second sheet 304 (e.g., a lower horizontal edge between the third end 316 and the fourth end 318). In the illustrated example, the upper flap 506 is at an upper end 510 (e.g., the upper face 213) of the panel 120 and the lower flap 508 is at a lower end 512 (e.g., a lower face) of the panel 120. The upper flap 506 and the lower flap 508 of the illustrated example are non-insulated. However, in some examples, inner surfaces and/or outer surfaces of the upper flap 506 can include an insulating material(s).

The insulation assembly 204 of the illustrated provides a height differential 514 at or adjacent to the lower end 512 of the panel 120. For example, the first insulation layer 406 has a first height 516 (e.g., a vertical height) and the second insulation layer 408 has a second height 518 (e.g., a vertical height) different than the first height 516. In the illustrated example, the first height 516 is greater than the second height 518. For example, the first height 516 is between a first upper end 520 (e.g., a top edge or surface) of the first insulation layer 406 and a first bottom end 522 (e.g., a bottom edge or a bottom surface) of the first insulation layer 406. The second height 518 is between a second upper end 524 (e.g., a top edge or surface) of the second insulation layer 408 and a second bottom end 526 (e.g., a bottom edge or surface) of the second insulation layer 408. As a result of the height differential 514, a gap 528 is formed (e.g., within the cavity 306 of the pliable cover 202) underneath the second bottom end 526 of the second insulation layer 408. In some examples, the height differential 514 associated with the gap 528 can be approximately between one inch and 12 inches. In some examples, the height differential 514 associated with the gap 528 can be less than one inch (e.g., ½ an inch) or more than 12 inches (e.g., 13 inches, 24 inches, etc.). In some examples, the first height 516 is substantially equal to the second height 518 such that there is no height differential 514. In some such examples, the first insulation layer 406 does not extend underneath the second insulation layer 408.

By providing the first height 516 of the first insulation layer 406 different than the second height 518 of the second insulation layer 408, a portion 530 (e.g., a bottom edge) of the first insulation layer 406 can be folded, bent or otherwise at least partially repositioned underneath the second bottom end 526 (e.g., a bottom surface, a lower end, etc.) of the second insulation layer 408 as shown, for example, in FIG. 5B. Specifically, the portion 530 is positioned at least partially within the gap 528 and/or underneath the second bottom end 526 of second insulation layer 408. In other words, in the non-installed position 502 of FIG. 5A, a bottom surface of the first insulation layer 406 is oriented toward the floor 126, and in the installed position 504 of FIG. 5B, the bottom surface (e.g., the first bottom end 522) of the first insulation layer 406 is oriented in a direction away from the floor 126 (e.g., toward the second insulation layer). Stated differently, at least the portion 530 of the first insulation layer 406 can be repositioned relative to the second insulation layer 408 to at least partially fill the gap 528 and/or to engage at least a portion of the bottom surface (e.g., the second bottom end 526) of the second insulation layer 408. In this manner, the first insulation layer 406 can be folded, bent, or otherwise repositioned underneath the second insulation layer 408 to accommodate for height variations and/or measurement errors between the ceiling structure 124 and the floor 126 of the building 106. Additionally, the portion 530 (e.g., the folded portion) of the first insulation layer 406 can provide insulation extending to, and/or engaged with, the floor 126 to increase a thermal efficiency rating or performance of the panel 120. Thus, the lower end 512 (e.g., a bottom surface or a bottom end) of the panel 120 in engagement (e.g., direct contact) with the floor 126 provides insulation (e.g., via the first insulation layer 406) and does not have any non-insulated gaps or spaces along the lower end 512 (e.g., a bottom edge) of the panel 120 in contact with the floor 126. In other words, a bottom or lower end 512 (e.g., a bottom edge) of the panel 120 does not lack insulation material.

To direct or reposition the portion 530 of the first insulation layer 406 toward and/or underneath the second insulation layer 408, the lower flap 508 of the illustrated example can be moved (e.g., pulled) to cause the portion 530 of the first insulation layer 406 to flex, deform or otherwise reposition underneath the second insulation layer 408. For example, the lower flap 508 can be pulled away from the panel 120 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second face 208 of the panel 120. For example, the lower flap 508 at the lower end 512 of the panel 120 is configured to be repositionable between a pendant position in which the lower flap 508 extends in a direction substantially parallel relative to the first face 206 and/or the second face 208 of the panel 120 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A) and an extended position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first face 206 and/or the second face 208 of the panel 120. As used herein, substantially perpendicular means within 5 degrees of exactly perpendicular and substantially parallel means within 5 degrees of exactly parallel. The lower flap 508 is to cause the portion 530 of the first insulation layer 406 to deform or fold under at least a portion of the second insulation layer 408 when the lower flap 508 is positioned (e.g., pulled) from the pendant position of FIG. 5A to the extended position of FIG. 5B. Moving and/or pulling the lower flap 508 to the extended position imparts a force against the portion 530 of the first insulation layer 406 in a direction at least parallel relative to an upper surface of the floor 126. In some examples, the lower flap 508 is a sweep or separate part (e.g., a piece of fabric) that can be coupled (e.g., attached) to the lower end 512 and/or the lower flap 508 (e.g., a lower hem) of the panel 120 (e.g., the fabric cover) via a fastener (e.g., a touch-and-hold fastener, stitches, adhesive, etc.). In some such examples, the sweep and the fabric cover are different materials. For instance, the sweep can be plastic, metal and/or any other material(s).

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional, side view of the curtain assembly 100 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 6, the panel 120 separates the interior 104 of the building 106 of FIG. 1 into the first area 110 and the second area 112. The panel 120 is coupled to the ceiling structure 124 of the building 106 via the upper flap 506 and coupled to the floor 126 of the building 106 via the lower flap 508. In some examples, the panel 120 is not attached to the floor 126 (e.g., affixed to the floor 126 beyond merely being in contact with the floor) and is only coupled to (e.g., affixed to) the building via the upper flap 506. The panel 120 provides insulation between the ceiling structure 124 and the floor 126 (e.g., in a vertical direction) and between respective ones of the panels 120 (e.g., in a horizontal direction) to reduce or restrict heat transfer between the first area 110 and the second area 112. In the illustrated example, the panel 120 provides insulation from the upper flap 506 to the bottom hem and/or lower end 512 of the panel 120 in engagement with the floor 126. As a result, the panel 120 of the illustrated example does not form an uninsulated gap or edge adjacent to the lower end 512 (e.g., the bottom edge) of the panel 120 in engagement with the floor 126. An uninsulated gap 602 (e.g., a small uninsulated gap) can form between the upper ends 520, 524 of the insulation assembly 204 and the ceiling structure 124 or upper flap 506 of the panel 120. The uninsulated gap 602 is negligible when determining thermal efficiency performance of the panel 120 and/or curtain assembly 100. In other words, the uninsulated gap 602 does not impact an R-rating classification of the panel 120 and/or curtain assembly 100. In some examples, an insulation material external to the pliable cover 202 can be provided (e.g., on an exterior of the fabric cover) to insulate the uninsulated gap 602. In some examples, the panel 120 can be hung from a track (e.g., via rollers) and/or other structures of the building 106, the ceiling structure 124 and/or temporary ceilings of the enclosure 102.

FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of the upper end 510 of the example panel 120 of FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 7, the panel 120 is coupled to the ceiling structure 124 via a fastener 702. Specifically, the fastener 702 of the illustrated example is a mounting angle or a first mounting bracket 704 (e.g., an L-bracket, an anchor, a 2 inch by 2 inch mounting angle, etc.). Specifically, a first portion or leg 706 of the first mounting bracket 704 is coupled to the ceiling structure 124 (e.g., via a hook-and-loop fastener, one or more screws, an adhesive, etc.) and the upper flap 506 of the panel 120 is coupled to a second portion or leg 708 of the first mounting bracket 704 (e.g., via a hook-and-loop fastener, one or more screws, an adhesive, etc.). The first mounting bracket 704 suspends or hangs the panel 120 from the ceiling structure 124.

FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged view of the lower end 512 of the example panel 120 of FIG. 6. In the illustrated example of FIG. 8, the panel 120 is coupled to (e.g., structurally affixed to) the floor 126 via a fastener 802. Specifically, the fastener 802 of the illustrated example is a mounting angle or a second mounting bracket 804 (e.g., an L-bracket, an anchor, a 2 inch by 2 inch mounting angle, etc.). Specifically, a first portion or first leg 806 of the second mounting bracket 804 is coupled to the floor 126 (e.g., via a hook-and-loop fastener, one or more screws, an adhesive, etc.) and a second portion or a second leg 808 of the second mounting bracket 804 provides a guide or stop for the panel 120. The lower flap 508 of the panel 120 is pulled to deform the portion 530 of the first insulation layer 406. The lower flap 508 is positioned under the first leg 806 of the second mounting bracket 804 such that the lower flap 508 is positioned between the first leg 806 of the second mounting bracket 804 and the floor 126. A fastener is received by the first leg 806 to couple the lower flap 508 and the second mounting bracket 804 to the floor 126. In some examples, a portion 810 of the lower flap 508 extending past the first leg 806 (e.g., an outermost end of the lower flap 508) can be folded toward the second leg 808 of the second mounting bracket 804 and a fastener can be employed to couple the portion 810 and the second leg 808 of the second mounting bracket 804. In some examples, the lower flap 508 is coupled to the floor via a releasable fastener (e.g., an adhesive strip, double-sided adhesive, a hook-and-loop fastener, etc.) instead of and/or in addition to the second mounting bracket 804. In some examples, the first leg 806 of the second mounting bracket 804 extends up to or beyond the end of the lower flap 508. In some examples, the lower flap 508 is attached (e.g., affixed) to the floor 126 (e.g., via a hook-and-loop fastener, one or more screws, an adhesive, etc.) without the second mounting bracket 804. As mentioned above, in some examples, the lower flap 508 is not attached (e.g., affixed) to the floor 126 but merely rests on the floor.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are partial top views of the example curtain assembly 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, a first panel 120a of the plurality of panels 120 is coupled to a second panel 120b of the plurality of panels 120 and a third panel 120c of the plurality of panels 120. In the illustrated example, the first side face 210a of the first panel 120a abuts or engages a second side face 212b of the second panel 120b. The second side face 212a of the first panel 120a abuts or engages a first side face 210c of the third panel 120c.

Thus, the first insulation assembly 204a and the second insulation assembly 204b are provided along a first seam 902 (e.g., a vertical seam) between the first and second panels 120a, 120b and between the upper ends 510 of the respective first and second panels 120a, 120b and the lower ends 512 of the respective first and second panels 120a, 120b. Likewise, the first insulation assembly 204a and the third insulation assembly 204c are provided along a second seam 904 (e.g., a vertical seam) between the first and third panels 120a, 120c, and between the upper ends 510 of the respective first and third panels 120a, 120c and the lower ends 512 of the respective first and third panels 120a, 120c.

Additionally, a first flap connector 214a of the first panel 120a couples to a second surface connector 220b of the second panel 120b. Specifically, the first flap connector 214a extends across the first seam 902. The first flap connector 214a can be bent or turned relative to the first face 206a and/or 206b to couple to the second surface connector 220b of the second panel 120b. Similarly, a second flap connector 216b of the second panel 120b couples to a first fixed connector 218a of the first panel 120a. Specifically, the second flap connector 216b extends across the first seam 902. In this manner, the first flap connector 214a of the first panel 120a at least partially extends across a first face 206b of the second panel 120b and the second flap connector 216b of the second panel 120b at least partially extends across the second face 208a of the first panel 120a. Each of the first flap connector 214a of the first panel 120a and the second flap connector 216b of the second panel 120b are offset or extend (e.g., are laterally spaced in the horizontal direction) in a direction away from the first seam 902. In the illustrated example, the first insulation assembly 204a of the first panel 120a abuts against the second insulation assembly 204b of the second panel 120b to eliminate any uninsulated gaps along the first seam 902. In other words, the first panel 120a and the second panel 120b do not have any uninsulated spaces or gaps between the first insulation assembly 204a and the second insulation assembly 204b.

Likewise, a first flap connector 214c of the third panel 120c couples to a second surface connector 220a of the first panel 120a. Specifically, the first flap connector 214c extends across the second seam 904. Similarly, a second flap connector 216a of the first panel 120a couples to a first fixed connector 218c of the third panel 120c. Specifically, the second flap connector 216a extends across the second seam 904. As a result, the first flap connector 214c of the third panel 120c at least partially extends across the first face 206a of the first panel 120a and the second flap connector 216a of the first panel 120a at least partially extends across the second face 208c of the third panel 120c. Each of the first flap connector 214c of the third panel 120c and the second flap connector 216a of the first panel 120a are offset or extend (e.g., laterally spaced in the horizontal direction) in a direction away from the second seam 904. In the illustrated example, the first insulation assembly 204a of the first panel 120a abuts against a third insulation assembly 204c of the third panel 120c to eliminate any uninsulated gaps along the second seam 904. In other words, the first panel 120a and the third panel 120c do not have any non-insulated spaces or gaps between the first insulation assembly 204a and the third insulation assembly 204c.

When the panels 120a-c are coupled together, the first face 206a of the first panel 120a is substantially flush mounted relative to the first face 206b of the second panel 120b and/or the first face 206c of the third panel 120c. Additionally or alternatively, the second face 208a of the first panel 120a is substantially flush mounted relative to the second face 208b of the second panel 120b and/or the second face 208c of the third panel 120c. Thus, when coupled together, the panels 120a-c form a substantially smooth transition along the seams 902, 904 and/or between the panels 120a-c. In other words, the first faces 206a, 206b 206c and/or the second faces 208a, 208b, 208c are substantially devoid of discontinuities. Thus, the panels 120a-120c provide a substantially straight wall. Additionally, the first panel 120a, the second panel 120b and/or the third panel 120c are substantially devoid of non-insulated areas in a horizontal direction between the panels 120a-120c (e.g., from the first side face 210b of the second panel 120b to the second side face 212c of the third panel 120c) when the first panel 120a is coupled to the second panel 120b and the third panel 120c.

As mentioned above, in some examples, both flaps 214, 216 can be adjacent the same face (e.g., either the first face 206 or the second face 208) of the panel 120. In such examples, adjacent instances of the panels 120 are coupled by reversing the direction with which the first and second faces 206, 208 face. That is, the first face 206 of one panel 120 is positioned substantially flush with the second face 208 of an adjacent panel 120 so that the flaps 214, 216 and corresponding fixed connectors 218, 220 of the adjacent panels 120 can be attached together.

FIG. 10 is a partial, top view of another example curtain assembly 1000 having example panels 120 disclosed herein. That is, in some examples, the panels 120 in FIG. 10 are the same as the panels 120 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-9B. In the illustrated example, the panels 120 are coupled to define an enclosure 1004. The enclosure 1004 of the illustrated example includes a first panel 120a, a second panel 120b, a third panel 120c and a fourth panel 120d defining an interior area 1006. To cover a gap 1008 formed between a corner 1010 of adjacent panels 120, the example curtain assembly 1000 includes a corner connector 1012 (e.g., a flap or sheet of material). The example corner connector 1012 extends and/or couples to adjacent panels 120. The corner connector 1012 of the illustrated example is a flexible material or fabric. (e.g., a vinyl fabric, cloth, a pliable material, etc.) that can be shaped or conformed to cover the gap 1008 between the respective panels 120. In this example, the corner connector 1012 have an arcuate or circular shape (e.g., a radius of curvature). The corner connector 1012 of the illustrated example can include fasteners (e.g., hook and loop fasteners) to couple to the second flap connectors 216 and the first surface connectors 218 of the panels 120. Additionally, the first flap connectors 214 of the panels 120 couple to the second surface connectors 220 of adjacent panels 120. In some examples, the corner connector 1012 includes a piece of insulation material that at least partially fills the gap 1008 at the corner 1010 of adjacent panels 120. In other examples, the corner connector 1012 is limited to a flap or sheet of material that extends between the outer surfaces of the adjacent panels 120 with the area of the gap 1008 remaining empty (e.g., filled with air).

Although the panels 120 are shown in FIG. 10 to be positioned at 90 degree angles relative to one another, any other angle is possible. In some examples, the width of the corner connector 1012 differs depending on the angle between the adjacent panels 120. In other examples, the width of the corner connector 1012 is large enough to span the distance between the panels 120 at any suitable angle with the amount of bend or curvature in the connector 1012 depending on the particular angle at which the panels 120 are positioned.

For example, the enclosure 1004 of the illustrated example includes a first corner connector 1012a extending across a first corner 1010a defined by the first panel 120a and the second panel 120b, a second corner connector 1012b extending across a second corner 1010b defined by the second panel 120b and the third panel 120c, a third corner connector 1012c extending across a third corner 1010c formed between the third panel 120c and the fourth panel 120d, and a fourth corner connector 1012d extending across a fourth corner 1010d formed between the fourth panel 120d and the first panel 120a. Specifically, the first corner connector 1012a couples to the second flap connector 216a of the first panel 120a (e.g., at a first end) and couples to the first fixed connector 218b of the second panel 120b (e.g., at a second end). The first flap connector 214b of the second panel 120b couples to the second surface connector 220a of the first panel 120a.

The second corner connector 1012b couples to the second flap connector 216b of the second panel 120b (e.g., at a first end) and couples to the first fixed connector 218c of the third panel 120c (e.g., at a second end). The first flap connector 214c of the third panel 120c couples to the second surface connector 220b of the second panel 120b.

The third corner connector 1012c couples to the second flap connector 216c of the third panel 120c (e.g., at a first end) and couples to the first fixed connector 218d of the fourth panel 120d (e.g., at a second end). The first flap connector 214d of the fourth panel 120d couples to the second surface connector 220c of the third panel 120c. The fourth corner connector 1012d couples to the first surface connector 218a of the first panel 120a (e.g., at a first end) and couples to the first flap connector 216d of the fourth panel 120d (e.g., at a second end). The first flap connector 214a of the first panel 120a couples to the second surface connector 220d of the fourth panel 120d.

FIG. 11 is a partial, top view of another example curtain assembly 1100 having the example panels 120 disclosed herein. That is, in some examples, the panels 120 in FIG. 11 are the same as the panels 120 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-9B. In this example, the curtain assembly 1100 provides a partial enclosure or divider. A first panel 120a of the curtain assembly 1100 is pushed against a second panel 120b such that a portion 1106 of the first insulation assembly 204a of the first panel 120a and/or a portion 1108 of the second insulation assembly 204b of the second panel 120b compress, deform, or smash together to provide a tight seal along a seam 1110 between the first panel 120a and the second panel 120b. Additionally, a corner connector 1012 (e.g., a corner flap, flexible fabric, etc.) can be provided to cover a space or gap 1008 between the first face 206a of the first panel 120a and the first face 206b of the second panel 120b.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example method of installing an example curtain assembly disclosed herein. For example, the method 1200 of FIG. 12 can be used to install the example curtain assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-9B, the curtain assembly 1000 of FIG. 10 and/or the curtain assembly 1100 of FIG. 11. To facilitate discussion of the example method 1200, the example method 1200 will be described in connection with the example curtain assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-9B. While an example manner of installing the example curtain assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-9B has been illustrated in FIG. 12, one or more of the steps and/or processes illustrated in FIG. 12 may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way.  Further still, the example method of FIG. 12 may include processes and/or steps in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated in FIG. 12 and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated processes and/or steps.  Further, although the example methods are described with reference to the flowcharts illustrated in FIG. 12, many other methods, or processes of installing curtain assemblies disclosed herein may alternatively be used.

The method 1200 begins by coupling a panel of a curtain assembly to a structure. (block 1202). For example, the panel 120 of FIGS. 1-9B is attached to the ceiling structure 124 via the first mounting bracket 704 and the upper flap 506.

Next, a first base edge of a first insulation layer is positioned under a second base edge of a second insulation layer adjacent to the first insulation layer. (block 1202). For example, referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the first bottom end 522 of the first insulation layer 406 of the first panel 120a is folded or positioned under the second bottom end 526 of the second insulation layer 408. To move the first bottom end 522 of the first insulation layer 406 under the second bottom end 526, the lower flap 508 is pulled or repositioned away from the second insulation layer 408. With the panel 120 hanging or suspended from the ceiling structure 124, for example, the lower flap 508 is positioned under the second insulation layer 408 and pulled or moved in a direction perpendicular to and/or away from the second face 208 of the first panel 120a. The lower flap 508, after pulled in the direction away from the second insulation layer 408, causes at least the portion 530 of the first bottom end 522 of the first insulation layer 406 to deform, fold, collapse, and/or otherwise move under the space or gap 528 below the second bottom end 526 of the second insulation layer 408. In this manner, the first insulation layer 406 engages or is positioned against the floor 126 of the building 106. For instance, although the pliable cover 202 is between the first insulation layer 406 and the floor 126, the first insulation layer 406 is compressed or pushed against the floor 126 to provide a seal (e.g., an insulated seal) along the lower end 512 of the first panel 120a. In some examples, block 1204 is omitted. That is, in some examples, the first insulation layer 406 is not positioned below the bottom end 526 of the second insulation layer 408.

A lower edge of the first panel is attached to a second structure. (block 1206). For example, referring to FIG. 8, the lower flap 508, in the pulled position, can be positioned on the floor 126 and the second mounting bracket 804 can be mounted to the floor 126 or other structure of the building 106. For example, a portion of the lower flap 508 can be captured between the first leg 806 of the second mounting bracket 804 and the floor 126. In some examples, the lower flap 508 can be positioned against the second leg 808 of the second mounting bracket 804 and secured to the second leg 808 via, for example, a fastener. In some examples, the lower end 512 of the first panel 120a is not secured to the floor 126. In some examples, the lower flap 508 is secured or attached to the floor 126 without the second mounting bracket 804.

With a first panel installed, a second panel of a curtain assembly is positioned adjacent to the first panel such that a first side edge of the second panel abuts against a first side edge of the first panel. (block 1208). For example, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second panel 120b is positioned adjacent to the first panel 120a such that the first side face 210 of the first panel 120a abuts or engages the second side face 212 of the second panel 120b. In examples where both flaps 214, 216 are on the same surface of the panels 120a, 120b, the panels are positioned such that the first side face 210 of the first panel 120a abuts or engages the first side face 210 of the second panel 120b.

A second upper edge of the second panel is attached to the first structure. (block 1210). For example, the second panel 120b is attached to the ceiling structure 124 via the first mounting bracket 704 and the upper flap 506 of the second panel 120b.

Next, a third base edge of a third insulation layer is positioned under a fourth base edge of a fourth insulation layer adjacent to the third insulation layer. (block 1212). For example, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first bottom end 522 of the first insulation layer 406 of the second panel 120b is folded or positioned under a second bottom end 526 of the second insulation layer 408 of the second panel 120b. To move the first bottom end 522 of the first insulation layer 406 under the second bottom end 526 of the second insulation layer 408, the lower flap 508 of the second panel 120b is pulled or repositioned away from the second insulation layer 408. For instance, with the second panel 120b hanging or suspended from the ceiling structure 124, the lower flap 508 is positioned under the second insulation layer 408 and pulled in a direction away from the second panel 120b to cause at least a portion 530 of the first insulation layer 406 to deform, fold, collapse, and/or otherwise move under a gap 528 underneath a second bottom end 526 of the second insulation layer 408 of the second panel 120b. In this manner, although the pliable cover 202 of the second panel 120b is between the first insulation layer 406 and the floor 126, the first insulation layer 406 is compressed or pushed against the floor 126 to provide a seal (e.g., an insulated seal) along the lower end 512 of the second panel 120b. In some examples, block 1212 is omitted.

The lower edge of the second panel is attached to a second structure. (block 1214). For example, referring to FIG. 8, the lower flap 508, in a pulled position, can be positioned on the floor 126 and a second mounting bracket 804 can be mounted to the floor 126 or other structure of the building 106. In some examples, the lower flap 508 can be positioned against a second portion or second leg 808 of the second mounting bracket 804 and secured to the second leg 808 via, for example, a fastener (e.g., a screw). In some examples, the lower end 512 and/or the lower flap 508 of the second panel 120b is not secured to the floor 126. In some examples, the lower flap 508 can be secured or attached to the floor 126 without the second mounting bracket 804.

Next, a first flap of the first panel is coupled to the second panel such that the first flap overlaps a first seam formed on a first side of the first panel and the second panel. (block 1216). For example, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first flap connector 214b of the second panel 120b attaches to the second surface connector 220a of the first panel 120a. The first flap connector 214b of the second panel 120b is positioned across the first seam 902 between the first panel 120a and the second panel 120b.

A second flap of the first panel is coupled to the second panel such that the second flap overlaps the seam on a second side of the first panel and the second panel opposite the first side. (block 1218). For example, the second flap connector 216a of the first panel 120a attaches to the first fixed connector 218b of the second panel 120b. The second flap connector 216a of the first panel 120a is positioned across the first seam 902 on the second faces 208a, 208b of the first panel 120a and the second panel 120b.

The panel 120 disclosed herein can be manufactured in any suitable manufacturing process(es). For instance, an example method of manufacturing the panel 120 includes positioning the insulation assembly 204 (e.g., the first insulation layer 406 and the second insulation layer 408) along with batting or other materials between the first sheet 302 of the pliable cover 202 and the second sheet 304 of the pliable cover 202. The first sheet 302 and the second sheet 304 can be trimmed to a desired size along the upper end 510 and the lower end 512 of the first and second sheets 302, 304 and trimmed to a desired size along the first and second ends 308, 310 and the third and fourth ends 316, 318. The first end 308 of the first sheet 302 can be coupled to the second sheet 304 at the first connection point 324 to form the second flap 240 and the third end 316 of the second sheet 304 can be coupled to the first sheet 302 at the second connection point 326 to form the first flap 234. For example, the first end 308 of the first sheet 302 can be fastened or joined to the second sheet 304, and the third end 316 of the second sheet 304 can be fastened or joined to the first sheet 302 via stitches, sewing, adhesive, touch-and-hold fasteners, plastic welding and/or any other fastener(s) or manufacturing process(es).

The upper ends 510 of the first and second sheets 302, 304 can be joined or coupled to define the upper flap 506, and the lower ends 512 of the first and second sheets 302, 304 can be joined or coupled to define the lower flap 508. For example, the upper ends 510 and/or the lower ends 512 of the first sheet 302 and the second sheet 304 can be fastened or joined via stitches, sewing, adhesive, touch-and-hold fasteners, plastic welding and/or any other fastener(s) or manufacturing process(es).

The touch-and-hold fasteners are coupled to the panel 120. For example, the first portion 236 of the touch-and-hold fasteners is coupled to the first flap 234 to provide the first flap connector 214a. A second portion 238 of the touch-and-hold fastener is coupled to the first face 206 of the panel 120 to provide the second surface connector 220. A first portion 242 of the touch-and-hold fastener is coupled to the second flap 240 to provide the second flap connector 216. A second portion 244 of the touch-and-hold fastener is coupled to the second face 208 of the panel 120 to provide the first surface connector 218. The portions 236, 238, 242, 244 of the touch-and-hold fasteners can be coupled to the pliable cover 202 via, for example, stitching, sewing, adhesive, plastic welding and/or any other manufacturing process(es). In some examples, the portions 236, 238, 242, 244 of the touch-and-hold fasteners can be coupled to the first sheet 302 and the second sheet 304 prior to the joining the upper ends 510 (e.g., edges) of the first and second sheets 302, 304, the lower ends 512 of the first and second sheets 302, 304, the first end 308 of the first sheet 302 and/or the third end 316 of the second sheet 304.

Although the example curtains disclosed above have certain features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for a particular feature of one example curtain disclosed herein to be used exclusively with that example. Instead, any of the features of the example curtains described above and/or depicted in the drawings can be combined with any of the other example curtains disclosed herein, in addition to or in substitution for any of the other features of those examples. One example’s features are not mutually exclusive to another example’s features. Instead, the scope of this disclosure encompasses any combination of any of the features.

“Including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including” are open ended. The term “and/or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and/or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” object, as used herein, refers to one or more of that object. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements, or actions may be implemented by, e.g., the same entity or object.  Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and the inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. 

As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term “above” describes the relationship of two parts relative to Earth. A first part is above a second part, if the second part has at least one part between Earth and the first part. Likewise, as used herein, a first part is “below” a second part when the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part. As noted above, a first part can be above or below a second part with one or more of: other parts therebetween, without other parts therebetween, with the first and second parts touching, or without the first and second parts being in direct contact with one another.

As used in this patent, stating that any part (e.g., a layer, film, area, region, or plate) is in any way on (e.g., positioned on, located on, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part, indicates that the referenced part is either in contact with the other part, or that the referenced part is above the other part with one or more intermediate part(s) located therebetween.

As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and/or relative movement between those elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and/or in fixed relation to each other. As used herein, stating that any part is in “contact” with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and/or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and/or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly within the context of the discussion (e.g., within a claim) in which the elements might, for example, otherwise share a same name.

As used herein, “approximately” and “about” modify their subjects/values to recognize the potential presence of variations that occur in real world applications. For example, “approximately” and “about” may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and/or other real world imperfections as will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately” and “about” may indicate such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of +/- 10% unless otherwise specified herein.

Example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to panels are disclosed herein.  Further examples and combinations thereof include the following:

Example 1 includes an insulation layer and a cover to encase the insulation layer. The cover has a first face, a second face, a first side edge and a second side edge, the first face opposite the second face, and the first side edge opposite the second side edge. A first flexible connector extends away from the first side edge of the panel adjacent at least one of the first face or the second face and a second flexible connector extends away from the second side edge of the panel adjacent at least one of the first face or the second face. The cover includes a first surface connector positioned on at least one of the first face or the second face of the panel adjacent the first side edge, the first side edge extending between the first surface connector and the first flexible connector. The cover includes a second surface connector positioned on the first face of the panel adjacent the second side edge, the second side edge extending between the second surface connector and the second flexible connector.

Example 2 includes the panel of example 1, where the insulation layer includes a first insulation layer and a second insulation layer, a portion of a first lower edge of the first insulation layer to be repositionable underneath a second lower edge of the second insulation layer.

Example 3 includes the panel of any one of examples 1 or 2, where the first flexible connector is one portion of a hook-and-loop fastener and the first surface connector is a corresponding other portion of the hook-and-loop fastener.

Example 4 includes the panel of any one of examples 1-3, where the first flexible connector is adjacent the first face, the second flexible connector is adjacent the second face, the first surface connector is on the second face, and the second surface connector is on the first face.

Example 5 includes the panel of any one of examples 1-4, where the cover includes a first sheet coupled to a second sheet, the first sheet including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the second sheet including a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end.

Example 6 includes the panel of any one of examples 1-5, where the first sheet includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and the second sheet includes a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side, the first side of the first sheet defines the first face of the panel, the fourth side of the second sheet defines the second face of the panel, and the second side of the first sheet and the third side of the second sheet are oriented toward the insulation layer.

Example 7 includes the panel of any one of examples 1-6, where the third end of the second sheet is coupled to the second side of the first sheet offset relative to the first end of the first sheet to provide a first flap, the first flap to support the first flexible connector.

Example 8 includes the panel of any one of examples 1-7, where the second end of the first sheet is coupled to the third side of the second sheet offset relative to the fourth end of the second sheet to provide a second flap, the second flap to receive a connector to provide the second flexible connector.

Example 9 includes the panel of any one of examples 1-8, where the insulation layer includes a first insulation layer and a second insulation layer, at least a portion of the first insulation layer to be at least partially below an end of the second insulation layer.

Example 10 includes the panel of any one of examples 1-9, where the first flexible connector is to couple to a first surface connector of a first adjacent panel and the second flexible connector is to couple to a second surface connector of a second adjacent panel.

Example 11 includes the panel of any one of examples 1-10, where the cover has a Z-shaped profile.

Example 12 includes an apparatus including a first insulation layer having a first height, a second insulation layer have a second height, the first height greater than the second height, a portion of a first lower edge of the first insulation layer being repositionable underneath a second lower edge of the second insulation layer when the apparatus is installed in a building, and a cover encasing the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer.

Example 13 includes the apparatus of example 12, where the cover includes a lower flap at a lower surface of the apparatus, the lower flap repositionable between a pendant position in which the lower flap extends in a direction substantially parallel relative to a face of the apparatus and an extended position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the face of the apparatus.

Example 14 includes the apparatus of any one of examples 12 or 13, wherein the lower flap is to cause the portion of the first insulation layer to deform or fold under at least a portion of the second insulation layer when the lower flap is repositioned from the pendant position to the extended position.

Example 15 includes the apparatus of any one of examples 12-14, where the cover of the apparatus includes a first flexible connector and a first fixed connector on a first face of the apparatus, the cover including a second flexible connector and a second fixed connector on a second face of the apparatus opposite the first face of the apparatus.

Example 16 includes the apparatus of any one of examples 12-15, where the first insulation layer, the second insulation layer, and the cover are part of a first panel, the apparatus including a second panel on a first side of the first panel and a third panel on a second side of the first panel opposite the first side, the first flexible connector to couple to the second panel adjacent the first panel, the first fixed connector is to receive a third flexible connector from the second panel, the second flexible connector to couple to the third panel, and the second fixed connector is to receive a fourth flexible connector from the third panel.

Example 17 includes a method of installing a curtain assembly including coupling an upper portion of a first panel to a ceiling structure, positioning at least a portion of a first lower edge of a first insulation layer under a second lower edge of a second insulation layer adjacent the first insulation layer, and coupling a first lower portion of the first panel to a floor structure.

Example 18 includes the method of example 17, where the positioning of the at least the portion of the first lower edge under the second lower edge includes pulling a lower flap from underneath the first panel in a direction substantially perpendicular relative to a rear face of the first panel.

Example 19 includes the method of any one of examples 17 or 18, further including positioning a second panel adjacent the first panel, coupling the second panel to the ceiling structure, positioning at least a portion of a third lower edge of a third insulation layer under a fourth lower edge of a fourth insulation layer of the second panel, and coupling a second lower portion of the second panel to the floor structure.

Example 20 includes the method of any one of examples 17-19, further including coupling a first flexible connector of the first panel to a first fixed connector of the second panel, and coupling a second flexible connector of the second panel to a second fixed connector of the first panel such that the first flexible connector of the first panel overlaps the fourth insulation layer of the second panel and the second flexible connector of the second panel overlaps the first insulation layer of the first panel.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.