US20120036628A1 - Systems for moving shower rods - Google Patents
Systems for moving shower rods Download PDFInfo
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- US20120036628A1 US20120036628A1 US13/283,658 US201113283658A US2012036628A1 US 20120036628 A1 US20120036628 A1 US 20120036628A1 US 201113283658 A US201113283658 A US 201113283658A US 2012036628 A1 US2012036628 A1 US 2012036628A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rod
- coupled
- pair
- sliding
- shower
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/28—Showers or bathing douches
- A47K3/38—Curtain arrangements
Definitions
- Well known examples of bathroom layouts generally have a shower configuration that includes a bathtub and a hanging shower curtain.
- the bathtub is enclosed on three sides by walls with the shower curtain substituting a fourth wall.
- a curved shower rod facilitates increasing the shower space by curving a shower liner away from the shower space. As a result, the space within the shower area is increased.
- the Curved shower rod also facilitates decreasing the amount of bathroom space outside of the shower.
- a rotatable shower rod system may be provided.
- the system may include a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, the pair of mounting brackets includes a stationary portion; a rotatable portion rotatably coupled to the stationary portion, the rotatable portion rotates to at least one of a first position and a second position about an axis of rotation; and a cover coupled to the stationary portion; and a curved rod extending between the pair of mounting brackets.
- a slidable shower rod system may be provided.
- the system may include a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, the pair of mounting brackets may include a wall mount; a sliding assembly coupled to said wall mount, the sliding assembly may include a stationary portion; a first sliding portion slidably coupled to the stationary portion; and a second sliding portion slidably coupled to the first sliding portion; and a rod coupled to the pair of mounting brackets such that the rod may extend between the pair of mounting brackets, the pair of mounting brackets facilitate sliding the rod to at least one of a first position and a second position.
- a means for moving a shower rod may be provided.
- the means may include a means of moving a rod between at least one of a first position and a second position using a pair of mounting brackets; and a means of coupling the rod to the pair of mounting brackets.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotatable shower rod system
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the rotatable shower rod system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 a is a front view of a rotator mount assembly that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 b is a perspective side view of the rotator mount assembly shown in FIG. 3 a;
- FIG. 3 c is a perspective side view of the rotator mount assembly shown in FIG. 3 a;
- FIG. 4 a is a front view of a stationary portion that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 b is a perspective view of the stationary portion shown in FIG. 4 a;
- FIG. 5 a is a front view of a rotatable portion that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 b is a perspective front view of the rotatable portion shown in FIG. 5 a;
- FIG. 5 c is a perspective rear view of the rotatable portion shown in FIG. 5 a;
- FIG. 6 a is a side view of a rod insert that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 b is a top view of the rod insert shown in FIG. 6 a;
- FIG. 7 is a top view of a rod and the rod insert shown in FIG. 6 b;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a swivel collar that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rod coupled to the swivel collar that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rod coupled to the rotatable mount assembly that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the rod coupled to the rotatable mount assembly shown in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 a is a perspective view of an alternative insert that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 12 b is a perspective view of an insert body assembly of the insert shown in FIG. 12 a;
- FIG. 12 c is a perspective view of a coupling end of the insert shown in FIG. 12 a;
- FIG. 13 is an illustration of an alternative rod that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 14 is an illustration of another alternative rod that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 15 a is a perspective view of an alternative cover that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 15 b is a perspective view of a cover body portion of the cover shown in FIG. 15 a;
- FIG. 15 c is a perspective view of a cover cap that may be used with the cover shown in FIG. 15 a;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative shower rod system
- FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the system shown in FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 18 a is a top view of a wall mount that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 18 b is a side view of the wall mount shown in FIG. 18 a;
- FIG. 18 c is an end view of the wall mount shown in FIG. 18 a;
- FIG. 19 a is a side view of a sliding assembly that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 19 b is an end view of the sliding assembly shown in FIG. 19 a;
- FIG. 20 a is a top view of a first chassis cover that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 20 b is a side view of the first chassis cover shown in FIG. 20 a;
- FIG. 21 a is a top view of a second chassis cover that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 21 b is a side view of the second chassis cover shown in FIG. 21 a;
- FIG. 22 a is a side view of a cover plate that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 16 ;
- FIG. 22 b is an end view of the cover plate shown in FIG. 22 a.
- FIG. 23 is a front view of a liner that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 16 .
- the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”
- the embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the term “embodiments of the invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotatable shower rod system 100 .
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of rotatable shower rod system 100 .
- system 100 may include a curved rod 102 , a pair of mounting bracket assemblies 104 , a shower liner 106 , and a plurality of liner fasteners 108 .
- Each mounting bracket assembly 104 may include a rotator mount assembly 110 (shown in FIGS. 3 a - 3 c ) and a cover 112 .
- each mounting bracket assembly 104 may be coupled to a support structure, such as a shower wall (not shown).
- Mounting bracket assemblies 104 may be coupled to opposite facing walls such that one mounting bracket assembly 104 is positioned substantially opposite from the other mounting bracket assembly 104 , wherein curved rod 102 may extend therebetween. Curved rod 102 may be rotatably coupled to each mounting bracket assembly 104 , as described in more detail below. Liner 106 may be slidably coupled to curved rod 102 using the plurality of liner fasteners 108 . In the exemplary embodiment, mounting bracket assemblies 104 facilitate rotating curved rod 102 from a first position 107 to a second position 109 , as described in more detail below.
- FIG. 3 a is a front view of rotator mount assembly 110 that may be used with mounting bracket assembly 104
- FIG. 3 b is a perspective side view of rotator mount assembly 110
- FIG. 3 c is another perspective side view of rotator mount assembly 110
- Rotator mount assembly 110 may include a stationary portion 116 and a rotatable portion 118 that may be rotatably coupled thereto. As a result, rotatable portion 118 may rotate with respect to stationary portion 116 about an axis of rotation 120 , as described in more detail below.
- FIG. 4 a is a front view of stationary portion 116 and FIG. 4 b is a perspective side view of stationary portion 116 .
- Stationary portion 116 may have a plurality of mounting holes 122 defined therein to enable stationary portion 116 to be coupled to the wall using a plurality of mounting fasteners (not shown).
- stationary portion 116 may include a first plate 124 , a second plate 126 and a sidewall 128 extending generally axially therebetween.
- First plate 124 may have a substantially circular shape and may include a center-hole 130 defined therein.
- stationary portion 116 may have a substantially oval shape and/or any polygonal shape that enables system 100 to function as described herein.
- Second plate 126 may have a substantially semi-circular shape and may be coupled to sidewall 128 such that a cavity 132 is defined between first plate 124 , second plate 126 and sidewall 128 . Cavity 132 may be configured to receive at least a portion of rotatable portion 118 , as described in more detail below. Alternatively, second plate 126 may have a substantially oval shape and/or any polygonal shape that enables system 100 to function as described herein. Second plate 126 may also have a semi-circular notch 134 defined therein, which enables rotatable portion 118 to rotate about axis of rotation 120 , as described in more detail below. Alternatively, notch 134 may be any shape that enables system 100 to function as described herein.
- First plate 124 may also include a protrusion 136 that may extend away from first plate 124 towards second plate 126 , wherein protrusion 136 may extend partially into cavity 132 . Moreover, protrusion 136 may be positioned substantially opposite second plate 126 . In the exemplary embodiment, protrusion 136 may include a first contact surface 138 and a second contact surface 140 to facilitate stopping the rotation of rotatable portion 118 , as described in more detail below. Stationary portion 116 may also include a plurality of locking slots 144 that facilitate coupling cover 112 to stationary portion 116 .
- FIG. 5 a is a front view of rotatable portion 118
- FIG. 5 b is a perspective front view of rotatable portion 118
- FIG. 5 c is a perspective rear view of rotatable portion 118
- rotatable portion 118 may be a substantially circular shaped disk that includes a first, or front surface 146 and a second, or rear surface 148 .
- rotatable portion 118 may have any shape that enables system 100 to function as described herein.
- front surface 146 may have a coupling member 150 that may be coupled thereto, wherein coupling member 150 may extend away from front surface 146 .
- Coupling member 150 may have a substantially semi-circular shape and an aperture 152 defined therein and extending through coupling member 150 .
- coupling member 150 may be oriented such that coupling member 150 is substantially aligned with a bisection line 154 of rotatable portion 118 , wherein bisection line 154 may substantially bisect rotatable portion 118 along a diameter of rotatable portion 118 .
- Rear surface 148 may include a cam 156 that may extend away from rear surface 148 and may be positioned substantially near an outer edge of rotatable portion 118 . Moreover, cam 156 may be aligned such that bisection line 154 may substantially bisect cam 156 . As a result, cam 156 and coupling member 150 may be oriented such that cam 156 and coupling member 150 are substantially aligned along bisection line 154 . Cam 156 may include a first cam surface 158 and a second cam surface 160 . As described in more detail below, first and second cam surfaces 158 and 160 may contact first and second contact surfaces 138 and 140 , respectively, of protrusion 136 .
- Rear surface 148 may also include a rotating pin 164 that may extend generally axially away from rear surface 148 along axis of rotation 120 .
- rotating pin 164 may be positioned in the center of rotatable portion 118 .
- rotating pin 164 may be sized and oriented such that rotating pin 164 may be inserted within center-hole 130 of stationary portion 116 to facilitate rotatably coupling rotatable portion 118 to stationary portion 116 .
- a portion of rotatable portion 118 may be inserted within cavity 132 such that cam 156 is oriented generally opposite cavity 132 .
- rotating pin 164 may be inserted within center-hole 130 to facilitate rotatably coupling rotatable portion 118 to stationary portion 116 .
- Semi-circular notch 134 enables rotatable portion 118 , and more specifically coupling member 150 , to rotate about axis of rotation 120 , and more specifically rotating pin 164 , without contacting second plate 126 .
- rotatable portion 118 may rotate about rotating pin 164 such that cam 156 may contact either first contact side 138 of protrusion 136 with first cam surface 158 or second contact side 160 with second cam surface 160 .
- protrusion 136 facilitates stopping the rotation of rotatable portion 118 at either first position 107 or second position 109 .
- rotatable portion 118 may rotate between about 0° to about 180°.
- rotatable portion 118 may rotate between about 3° to about 177°.
- rotatable portion 118 may rotate between about 5° to about 175°.
- system 100 may include a rod insert 166 that may include a coupling end 168 , a fastener 170 and a body 172 extending therebetween, wherein rod insert 166 may be hingedly coupled to coupling member 150 of rotatable portion 118 .
- FIGS. 6 a is a side view of rod insert 166
- FIG. 6 b is a top view of rod insert 166 .
- body 172 may have a substantially cylindrical shape and an elongated slot 174 defined within body 172 .
- coupling end 168 may include a pair of flanges 176 extending away therefrom, wherein flanges 176 may each have an aperture 178 defined therein.
- Apertures 178 of each flange 176 may be oriented such that the two apertures 178 are substantially aligned with one another.
- fastener 170 may be a threaded member such as, but not limited to, a screw that facilitates coupling rod insert 166 to rod 102 .
- Rod insert 166 may also have an insert centerline axis 179 that extends generally axially through the center of rod insert 166 .
- rod insert 166 may be inserted within curved rod 102 .
- curved rod 102 may be an elongated rod that may have a substantially cylindrical shape and may also be substantially hollow such that an internal passageway (not shown) may be defined therein.
- the ends of curved rod 102 may include an opening defined therein.
- the end of curved rod 102 may have a pair of apertures 180 define therein, wherein apertures 180 may be oriented such that one aperture 180 is positioned substantially opposite of the other aperture 180 .
- rod insert 166 may be inserted within curved rod 102 such that apertures 180 may be substantially aligned with elongated slot 174 of rod insert 166 .
- a pin 182 may be inserted through apertures 180 and through elongated slot 174 such that rod insert 166 may be slidably coupled to rod 102 .
- rod insert 166 facilitates adjusting the length of rod 102 such that a plurality of rods having a variety of lengths may be adjusted using rod insert 166 to fit the specific dimensions of a user's bathroom.
- rod insert 166 facilitates stabilizing rod 102 as rod 102 is moved between first position 107 and second position 109 .
- curved rod 102 may include a swivel collar 186 coupled thereto.
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective side view of swivel collar 186
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective side view of rod 102 coupled to swivel collar 186 .
- swivel collar 186 may have a generally spherical shape and may have a passage 188 defined therethrough that extends along a passage centerline axis 190 , wherein passage 188 may be sized such that rod 102 may be inserted therethrough.
- passage centerline axis 190 may be substantially parallel to a swivel collar centerline axis 191 that may be position on a line that bisects swivel collar 186 along a diameter of swivel collar 186 . Moreover, passage centerline axis 190 may be positioned such that passage centerline axis 190 is not co-axial with swivel collar centerline axis 191 . As a result, passage 188 may be offset from swivel collar centerline axis 191 such that passage 188 generally does not extend through the center of swivel collar 186 .
- passage 188 may be positioned substantially close to one side of swivel collar 186 .
- passage 188 may extend through the center of swivel collar 186 .
- swivel collar 186 facilitates orienting curved rod 102 at an angle with respect to axis of rotation 120 of rotator mount assembly 110 .
- swivel collar 186 may include a pair of slots 192 defined within a sidewall of passage 188 to facilitate receiving a portion of insert pin 182 , wherein insert pin 182 may be inserted within apertures 180 of rod 102 such that at least a portion of insert pin 182 may extend away from rod 102 .
- slots 192 facilitate receiving the extended portion of pin 182 therein.
- coupling end 168 of rod insert 166 may be coupled to coupling member 150 of rotatable portion 118 to facilitate coupling curved rod 102 to mounting bracket assembly 104 .
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of curved rod 102 coupled to rotatable mount assembly 110 and
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of curved rod 102 coupled to mounting bracket assembly 104 .
- Coupling end 168 may engage coupling member 150 such that coupling member 150 may be positioned between flanges 176 .
- apertures 178 of coupling end 168 may be substantially aligned with aperture 152 of coupling member 150 such that an insert pin (not shown in FIG. 11 ) may be inserted through apertures 178 and aperture 152 to facilitate hingedly coupling rod insert 166 to rotatable portion 118 .
- swivel collar 186 facilitates orienting rod insert 166 , and more specifically the end of rod 102 , at an angle ⁇ with respect to axis of rotation 120 .
- insert centerline 179 of rod insert 166 may be oriented at angle ⁇ with respect to axis of rotation 120 of rotator mount assembly 104 .
- angle ⁇ may have a range between about 6° to about 36°.
- angle ⁇ may have a range between about 16° to about 26°.
- angle ⁇ may be about 21°.
- cover 112 may be coupled to stationary portion 116 using locking slots 144 .
- cover 112 may include a first opening 194 , a second opening 196 and a pair of locking flanges 198 that extend radially inward from an inner surface (not shown) of cover 112 , wherein locking flanges 198 may be positioned substantially near second opening 196 .
- Locking flanges 198 may engage locking slots 144 of stationary portion 116 to facilitate coupling cover 112 to stationary portion 116 to form rotatable mount assembly 104 .
- first opening 194 may have a diameter (not shown) that may be sized such that the diameter of first opening 192 may be configured to receive the diameter of swivel collar 186 .
- mounting bracket assembly 104 may include a motor 200 that may be operatively coupled thereto using a rotating shaft 202 .
- motor 200 may facilitate rotating rod 102 between first position 107 and second position 109 .
- curved rod 102 may be coupled to rotator mount assemblies 104 such that curved rod 102 extends therebetween.
- Liner 106 may be slidably coupled to rod 102 .
- the user may rotate curved rod 102 to first position 107 to facilitate increasing the space within the shower area.
- the curved portion of curved rod 102 may curve generally away from the shower area.
- liner 106 may also curve away from the shower area to facilitate increasing the space within the shower.
- the user may physically move curved rod 102 to first position 107 .
- motor 200 may rotate curve rod 102 to first position 107 by rotating rotatable portion 118 .
- Rotatable portion 118 may rotate about axis of rotation 120 until first cam surface 158 contacts first contact surface 138 of protrusion 136 .
- protrusion 136 and more specifically first contact surface 138 facilitates preventing the rotation of rotatable portion 118 and facilitates positioning curved rod 102 in first position 107 .
- Curved rod 102 may also be moved from first position 107 to second position 109 to facilitate increasing the bathroom space, which also facilitates decreasing the shower space.
- the user may physically move curved rod 102 such that rotatable portion 118 rotates about axis of rotation 120 from first contact surface 138 towards second contact surface 140 .
- motor 200 may rotate curved rod 102 to second position 109 by rotating rotatable portion 118 .
- curved rod 102 may be generally positioned in second position 109 .
- curved rod 102 may be oriented such that curved rod 102 may curve towards the shower area and away from the bathroom area.
- liner 106 may also curve towards shower area and away from the bathroom area. As such, the space within the shower area is facilitated to be reduced and the space in the bathroom area is facilitated to be increased.
- FIGS. 12 a - 12 c are perspective views of an alternative insert 210 .
- Components of insert 210 may be substantially similar to components of rod insert 166 , and like components are identified with like reference numerals.
- FIG. 12 a is a perspective view of insert 210
- FIG. 12 b is a perspective view of an insert body assembly 212
- FIG. 12 c is a perspective view of coupling end 168 .
- Insert 210 may include a coupling end 168 that may be coupled to insert body assembly 212 .
- coupling end 168 may include a pair of flanges 176 , such that coupling end 168 may be a knuckle joint.
- coupling end 168 may also include a fastener 170 coupled thereto using a retaining nut 214 .
- fastener 170 may be a threaded member such as, but not limited to, a screw.
- insert body assembly 212 may include a first insert body 216 and a second insert body 218 .
- First insert body 216 may have a substantially cylindrical shape and a first center passageway 220 extending therethrough that may be substantially coaxial with a first center axis 222 (shown in FIG. 12 b ) of first insert body 216 .
- first insert body 216 may include a first face 224 that may be oriented at an angle that is substantially oblique with respect to first center axis 222 of first insert body 216 .
- Second insert body 218 may also have a substantially cylindrical shape and a second center passageway 226 that is substantially coaxial with a second center axis 228 (shown in FIG.
- first passageway 220 and second passageway 226 may be aligned such that first passageway 220 and second passageway 226 are substantially coaxial.
- Second insert body 218 may also have a second face 230 that is substantially similar to first face 224 .
- second face 230 may be oriented at an angle that is substantially oblique with respect to second center axis 228 of second insert body 218 .
- first and second faces 224 and 230 may be oriented such that first and second faces 224 and 230 are slidably coupled to each other.
- Insert 210 is formed by coupling first and second insert bodies 216 and 218 to coupling end 168 .
- fastener 170 may be inserted through first passageway 220 and second passageway 226 such that first face 224 is slidably coupled to second face 230 .
- Retaining nut 214 may be coupled to second insert body 218 such that a portion of fastener 170 may be coupled to retaining nut 214 .
- retaining nut 214 may be threadably coupled to fastener 170 .
- fastener 170 may rotate with respect to retaining nut 214 such that first insert body 216 may be coupled to second insert body 218 .
- Tightening fastener 170 facilitates sliding first insert body 216 with respect to second insert body 218 along first and second faces 224 and 230 , such that an overall circumference (not shown) of insert 210 is increased, which facilitates coupling insert 210 within rods that may have hollow openings of various circumferences.
- Insert 210 facilitates stabilizing the rotation of rod 102 from first position 107 to second position 109 during pivoting. Moreover, insert 210 facilitates adjusting a length of rod 102 by varying the distance insert 210 may be inserted into rod 102 . As a result, insert 210 facilitates adjusting the length of rod 102 to enable rod 102 to fit varying sized shower and tub walls.
- FIGS. 13 is an illustration of an alternative curved rod 236 .
- Components of curved rod 236 may be substantially similar to components of rod 102 , and like components are identified with like reference numerals.
- Curved rod 236 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and may have a substantially arcuate shape. Alternatively, curved rod 236 may have a cross-sectional shape of any type of shape.
- Curved rod 236 may also have a plurality of apertures 180 defined near the ends of curved rod 236 . In one embodiment, a pair of apertures 180 may be defined in each end of curved rod 236 . Moreover, the pair of apertures 180 may be oriented such that one aperture 180 is positioned substantially opposite the other aperture on curved rod 236 to facilitate slidably coupling a pin (not shown) to curved rod 236 .
- FIG. 14 is an illustration of an alternative curved rod 240 .
- Components of curved rod 240 may be substantially similar to components of rod 102 , and like components are identified with like reference numerals.
- Curved rod 240 may have a substantially a-shape. Specifically, curved rod 240 may include a first end portion 242 , a second end portion 244 and an arcuate portion 246 extending therebetween. First and second end portions 242 and 244 may be substantially straight. Moreover, first and second end portions 242 and 244 may have an opening (not shown) such that insert 166 may be coupled within each opening. Curved rod 240 may also have a plurality of apertures 180 defined near the ends of curved rod 240 .
- a pair of apertures 180 may be defined in each end of curved rod 240 . Moreover, the pair of apertures 180 may be oriented such that one aperture 180 is positioned substantially opposite the other aperture 180 on curved rod 240 to facilitate slidably coupling a pin (not shown) to curved rod 240 .
- FIGS. 15 a - 15 c are perspective views of an alternative cover 250 .
- FIG. 15 a is a perspective view of cover 250
- FIG. 15 b is a perspective view of a cover body portion 252
- FIG. 15 c is a perspective view of cover cap 254 .
- cover 250 may include cap body portion 252 and cover cap 254 coupled thereto.
- Cap body portion 252 may have a substantially conical shape extending along a centerline axis (not shown).
- Cap body portion 252 may also have a first end, or rod end opening 256 and a second end, or mounting end opening 258 .
- rod end opening 256 may have a diameter (not shown) that is substantially smaller than a diameter of mounting end opening 258 .
- cover cap 254 may include an aperture 260 defined therein, wherein aperture 260 has a diameter (not shown) that is substantially smaller than the diameter of rod end opening 256 .
- Aperture 260 may be sized to receive rod 102 therein.
- cover 250 facilitates covering rotator mount assembly 110 .
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative shower rod system 300 .
- system 300 may be a sliding system wherein a rod 302 may slide towards and away from a shower area to facilitate increasing the usable shower space while the shower is in use and facilitate increasing the bathroom space when the shower is not in use.
- System 300 may include a pair of sliding brackets 304 and rod 302 extending therebetween.
- rod 302 may be substantially straight.
- any known shower rod may be used with system 300 .
- rod 302 may be extendable.
- System 300 may also include a liner 306 and a plurality of liner fasteners 308 that facilitate slidably coupling liner 306 to rod 302 .
- sliding brackets 304 facilitate sliding rod 302 from a first position 307 to a second position 309 , as described below in more detail.
- first position 307 of rod 302 and more specifically liner 306 is positioned a distance (not shown) away from the shower area.
- first position 307 of rod 302 facilitates increasing the space of the shower area.
- second position 309 of rod 302 and liner 306 is positioned a distance that is closer to the shower area than first position 307 .
- second portion 309 of rod 302 facilitates increasing the bathroom space and facilitates decreasing the shower space.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded view of sliding bracket 304 .
- Each sliding bracket 304 may include a wall mount 310 , a sliding assembly 312 , a right, or first chassis cover 314 , a left, or second chassis cover 315 (shown in FIGS. 21 a - 21 c ), and a cover plate 316 .
- a motor 311 may be coupled to sliding brackets 304 to facilitate sliding rod 302 between first position 307 and second position 309 .
- wall mount 310 may have a substantially rectangular shape, as shown in FIGS. 18 a - 18 c.
- FIG. 18 a is a top view of wall mount 310 , FIG.
- FIG. 18 b is a side view of wall mount 310 and FIG. 18 c is an end view of wall mount 310 .
- Wall mount 310 may include a top wall 320 , a bottom wall 322 , a rear wall 324 and a side wall 326 .
- Wall mount may also include a top front wall 328 that may be coupled to top wall 320 , and a bottom front wall 330 that may be coupled to bottom wall 322 .
- a space (not shown) may be defined between top front wall 328 and bottom front wall 330 .
- Wall mount 310 may also include a top flange 332 and a bottom flange 334 that each extend away from top wall 320 and bottom wall 322 respectively.
- a front cavity area 336 may be generally defined between top and bottom front walls 328 and 330 , and top and bottom flanges 332 and 334 .
- a rear cavity area 338 may be defined between rear wall 324 and top and bottom flanges 332 and 334 .
- sliding assembly 312 may be coupled within rear cavity area 338 and cover plate 316 may be coupled within front cavity area 336 .
- Wall mount 310 may also have a plurality of mounting apertures 340 defined within rear wall 324 to facilitate coupling wall mount 310 to. a bathroom wall using plurality of fasteners (not shown).
- sliding assembly 312 may include a stationary portion 344 , a first sliding portion 346 and a second sliding portion 348 .
- Stationary portion 344 may be coupled to wall mount 310 using any coupling means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.
- first sliding portion 346 may be slidably coupled to stationary portion 344 and second sliding portion 348 may be slidably coupled to first sliding portion 346 .
- Second sliding portion 348 may have a plurality of attachments apertures 340 defined therein that facilitate coupling first and second chassis covers 314 and 315 to sliding assembly 312 , as described in more detail below.
- FIGS. 20 a and 20 b are illustrations of first chassis cover 314 .
- FIG. 20 a is a top view of first chassis cover 314
- FIG. 20 b is a side view of first chassis cover 314 .
- First chassis cover 314 may include a body portion 352 that has a front surface 354 , a rear surface 356 , a first end 358 and a second end 360 .
- a plurality of fasteners 362 may be coupled to rear surface 356 and extend away therefrom. Fasteners 362 facilitate coupling first chassis cover 314 to sliding assembly 312 , and more specifically second sliding portion 348 .
- a first rod socket 350 may be coupled to front surface 354 and may be position substantially near second end 360 .
- First rod socket 350 may have a substantially conical shape and include a first opening 364 that may have a first diameter (not shown) that may be sized to receive an end of rod 302 .
- first rod socket 350 may include a rod stabilizer 366 coupled therein.
- rod stabilizer 366 may have a substantially conical shape and may be positioned opposite first opening 364 .
- FIGS. 21 a and 21 b are illustrations of second chassis cover 315 .
- Components of second chassis cover 315 may be substantially similar to components of first chassis cover 314 , and like components are identified with like reference numerals.
- FIG. 21 a is a top view of second chassis cover 315
- FIG. 21 b is a side view of second chassis cover 315 .
- Second chassis cover 315 may include a body portion 352 that has a front surface 354 , a rear surface 356 , a first end 358 and a second end 360 .
- a plurality of fasteners 362 may be coupled to rear surface 356 and extend away therefrom. Fasteners 362 facilitate coupling second chassis cover 315 to sliding assembly 312 , and more specifically second sliding portion 348 .
- a second rod socket 370 may be coupled to front surface 354 and may be position substantially near second end 360 .
- Second rod socket 370 may have a substantially conical shape and include a second opening 372 that may have a second diameter (not shown) that may be sized to receive an end of rod 302 .
- second rod socket 370 may include a second rod stabilizer 374 coupled therein.
- second rod stabilizer 374 may have a substantially conical shape and may be positioned opposite opening 372 .
- first and second rod sockets 350 and 370 facilitate coupling a standard rod to system 300 .
- first opening 364 of first rod socket 350 may be sized to receive one end of rod 302 .
- rod 302 may include a smaller end (not shown) and a larger end (not shown).
- First rod socket 350 may be sized to receive the smaller end therein.
- first rod stabilizer 366 may be coupled to the smaller end of rod 302 and facilitate stabilizing rod 302 .
- second opening 372 of second rod socket 370 may be sized to receive the larger end of rod 302 .
- second rod stabilizer 374 may be coupled to the larger end of rod 302 and facilitate stabilizing rod 302 .
- first diameter of first opening 364 of first rod socket 350 may be substantially smaller than the second diameter of second opening 372 of second rod socket 370 .
- FIG. 22 a is a side view of cover plate 316 and FIG. 22 b is an end view of cover plate 316 .
- cover plate 316 may be sized and shaped to substantially fit within front cavity area 366 of wall mount 310 .
- FIG. 23 is a front view of a liner 306 .
- Liner 306 may include a plurality of apertures 380 that may be coupled to a plurality of liner fasteners 308 (shown in FIG. 16 ).
- Liner 306 may also include an extension portion 382 which facilitates extending the width (not shown) of liner 306 .
- Liner 306 may also include an attachment mechanism 384 that may be positioned substantially near the top of liner 306 and substantially near the side edges of liner 306 .
- Attachment mechanisms 384 may be coupled to sliding brackets 304 .
- attachment mechanisms 384 facilitate anchoring a portion of liner 306 to sliding brackets 304 , which prevents water from splashing out when rod 302 is in first position 307 , as described in more detail below.
- System 300 may be assembled by coupling a pair of wall mounts 310 to the wall.
- One wall mount 310 may be couple to one wall and another wall mount 310 may be coupled to an opposite wall such that the pair of wall mounts 310 may be positioned substantially opposite one another.
- Rod 302 may extend between the pair of wall mounts 310 .
- Sliding assembly 312 may be coupled to wall mount 310 , and more specifically, sliding assembly 312 may be coupled within rear cavity area 338 of wall mount 310 .
- First and second chassis covers 314 and 315 may be coupled to second sliding portion 348 of sliding assembly 312 .
- fasteners 362 may be coupled to attachment apertures 340 defined on second sliding portion 348 .
- Cover plate 316 may be coupled to wall mount 310 , and more specifically, cover plate 316 may be slidably coupled within front cavity area 336 to facilitate covering first and second chassis covers 314 and 315 .
- rod 302 may be coupled to sliding brackets 304 such that rod 302 extends therebetween.
- Liner 306 may be slidably coupled to rod 102 using liner fasteners 308 .
- extension portions 382 of liner 306 may be coupled to sliding brackets 304 to facilitate preventing water from splashing out of shower area when rod 302 is in first position 307 .
- the user may physically move rod 302 from second position 309 to first position 307 to facilitate increasing the space within the shower area.
- motor 311 may slide rod 302 to first position 307 .
- first and second chassis covers 314 and 315 may be coupled to second sliding portion 348 which may slide with respect to first sliding portion 346 .
- first sliding portion 346 may slide with respect to stationary portion 344 and wall mount 310 .
- first position may be positioned a distance (not shown) away from second position 309 wherein the distance may be substantially equal to the combined lengths (not shown) of first and second sliding portions 346 and 348 .
- rod 302 and liner 306 facilitate increasing the shower area when rod 302 is in first position 307 .
- the user may physically move rod 302 from first position 307 to second position 309 , which facilitates increasing the bathroom space and facilitates decreasing the shower space.
- motor 311 may move rod 302 from first position 307 to second position 309 .
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
- Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)
- Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
Abstract
A rotatable shower rod system may be provided. The system may include a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, the pair of mounting brackets includes a stationary portion; a rotatable portion rotatably coupled to the stationary portion, the rotatable portion rotates to at least one of a first position and a second position about an axis of rotation; and a cover coupled to the stationary portion; and a curved rod extending between the pair of mounting brackets.
Description
- This application claims priority to 60/976387, filed Sep. 28, 2007 entitled SHOWER ROD ROTATOR BRACKET and 60/976394 filed Sep. 28, 2007 entitled SHOWER ROD SLIDING BRACKET, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- Well known examples of bathroom layouts generally have a shower configuration that includes a bathtub and a hanging shower curtain. In such well known examples, the bathtub is enclosed on three sides by walls with the shower curtain substituting a fourth wall.
- In an effort to increase an abode's livable space, many home designers and developers will sacrifice bathroom space to facilitate increasing the livable space. This is especially well known in condominiums or guest areas of a house. Condominium bathrooms are generally small such that the square footage of the livable space is increased. Moreover, the guest areas of a house, such as a guest bathroom, are typically smaller than the master bathroom and other more frequently used areas of the house to facilitate increasing the size of those more frequently used areas. As a result, such guest bathrooms generally have smaller shower areas than users would prefer.
- Users of smaller shower areas may wish to increase the size of their shower area. One known example of increasing the shower area is to use a curved shower rod. Such shower rods facilitate increasing the shower space by curving a shower liner away from the shower space. As a result, the space within the shower area is increased. However, the Curved shower rod also facilitates decreasing the amount of bathroom space outside of the shower.
- In one aspect, a rotatable shower rod system may be provided. The system may include a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, the pair of mounting brackets includes a stationary portion; a rotatable portion rotatably coupled to the stationary portion, the rotatable portion rotates to at least one of a first position and a second position about an axis of rotation; and a cover coupled to the stationary portion; and a curved rod extending between the pair of mounting brackets.
- In another aspect, a slidable shower rod system may be provided. The system may include a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, the pair of mounting brackets may include a wall mount; a sliding assembly coupled to said wall mount, the sliding assembly may include a stationary portion; a first sliding portion slidably coupled to the stationary portion; and a second sliding portion slidably coupled to the first sliding portion; and a rod coupled to the pair of mounting brackets such that the rod may extend between the pair of mounting brackets, the pair of mounting brackets facilitate sliding the rod to at least one of a first position and a second position.
- In yet another aspect, a means for moving a shower rod may be provided. The means may include a means of moving a rod between at least one of a first position and a second position using a pair of mounting brackets; and a means of coupling the rod to the pair of mounting brackets.
- Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotatable shower rod system; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the rotatable shower rod system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 a is a front view of a rotator mount assembly that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 b is a perspective side view of the rotator mount assembly shown inFIG. 3 a; -
FIG. 3 c is a perspective side view of the rotator mount assembly shown inFIG. 3 a; -
FIG. 4 a is a front view of a stationary portion that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 b is a perspective view of the stationary portion shown inFIG. 4 a; -
FIG. 5 a is a front view of a rotatable portion that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 b is a perspective front view of the rotatable portion shown inFIG. 5 a; -
FIG. 5 c is a perspective rear view of the rotatable portion shown inFIG. 5 a; -
FIG. 6 a is a side view of a rod insert that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 b is a top view of the rod insert shown inFIG. 6 a; -
FIG. 7 is a top view of a rod and the rod insert shown inFIG. 6 b; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a swivel collar that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rod coupled to the swivel collar that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rod coupled to the rotatable mount assembly that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the rod coupled to the rotatable mount assembly shown inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 a is a perspective view of an alternative insert that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12 b is a perspective view of an insert body assembly of the insert shown inFIG. 12 a; -
FIG. 12 c is a perspective view of a coupling end of the insert shown inFIG. 12 a; -
FIG. 13 is an illustration of an alternative rod that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 14 is an illustration of another alternative rod that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 15 a is a perspective view of an alternative cover that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 15 b is a perspective view of a cover body portion of the cover shown inFIG. 15 a; -
FIG. 15 c is a perspective view of a cover cap that may be used with the cover shown inFIG. 15 a; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative shower rod system; -
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the system shown inFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 18 a is a top view of a wall mount that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 18 b is a side view of the wall mount shown inFIG. 18 a; -
FIG. 18 c is an end view of the wall mount shown inFIG. 18 a; -
FIG. 19 a is a side view of a sliding assembly that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 19 b is an end view of the sliding assembly shown inFIG. 19 a; -
FIG. 20 a is a top view of a first chassis cover that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 20 b is a side view of the first chassis cover shown inFIG. 20 a; -
FIG. 21 a is a top view of a second chassis cover that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 21 b is a side view of the second chassis cover shown inFIG. 21 a; -
FIG. 22 a is a side view of a cover plate that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 22 b is an end view of the cover plate shown inFIG. 22 a; and -
FIG. 23 is a front view of a liner that may be used with the system shown inFIG. 16 . - Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
- As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the term “embodiments of the invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotatableshower rod system 100.FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of rotatableshower rod system 100. In the exemplary embodiment,system 100 may include acurved rod 102, a pair of mountingbracket assemblies 104, ashower liner 106, and a plurality ofliner fasteners 108. Each mountingbracket assembly 104 may include a rotator mount assembly 110 (shown inFIGS. 3 a-3 c) and acover 112. Moreover, each mountingbracket assembly 104 may be coupled to a support structure, such as a shower wall (not shown). Mountingbracket assemblies 104 may be coupled to opposite facing walls such that one mountingbracket assembly 104 is positioned substantially opposite from the other mountingbracket assembly 104, whereincurved rod 102 may extend therebetween.Curved rod 102 may be rotatably coupled to each mountingbracket assembly 104, as described in more detail below.Liner 106 may be slidably coupled tocurved rod 102 using the plurality ofliner fasteners 108. In the exemplary embodiment, mountingbracket assemblies 104 facilitate rotatingcurved rod 102 from afirst position 107 to asecond position 109, as described in more detail below. -
FIG. 3 a is a front view ofrotator mount assembly 110 that may be used with mountingbracket assembly 104,FIG. 3 b is a perspective side view ofrotator mount assembly 110 andFIG. 3 c is another perspective side view ofrotator mount assembly 110.Rotator mount assembly 110 may include astationary portion 116 and arotatable portion 118 that may be rotatably coupled thereto. As a result,rotatable portion 118 may rotate with respect tostationary portion 116 about an axis ofrotation 120, as described in more detail below. -
FIG. 4 a is a front view ofstationary portion 116 andFIG. 4 b is a perspective side view ofstationary portion 116.Stationary portion 116 may have a plurality of mountingholes 122 defined therein to enablestationary portion 116 to be coupled to the wall using a plurality of mounting fasteners (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment,stationary portion 116 may include afirst plate 124, asecond plate 126 and asidewall 128 extending generally axially therebetween.First plate 124 may have a substantially circular shape and may include a center-hole 130 defined therein. Alternatively,stationary portion 116 may have a substantially oval shape and/or any polygonal shape that enablessystem 100 to function as described herein.Second plate 126 may have a substantially semi-circular shape and may be coupled tosidewall 128 such that acavity 132 is defined betweenfirst plate 124,second plate 126 andsidewall 128.Cavity 132 may be configured to receive at least a portion ofrotatable portion 118, as described in more detail below. Alternatively,second plate 126 may have a substantially oval shape and/or any polygonal shape that enablessystem 100 to function as described herein.Second plate 126 may also have asemi-circular notch 134 defined therein, which enablesrotatable portion 118 to rotate about axis ofrotation 120, as described in more detail below. Alternatively, notch 134 may be any shape that enablessystem 100 to function as described herein.First plate 124 may also include aprotrusion 136 that may extend away fromfirst plate 124 towardssecond plate 126, whereinprotrusion 136 may extend partially intocavity 132. Moreover,protrusion 136 may be positioned substantially oppositesecond plate 126. In the exemplary embodiment,protrusion 136 may include afirst contact surface 138 and asecond contact surface 140 to facilitate stopping the rotation ofrotatable portion 118, as described in more detail below.Stationary portion 116 may also include a plurality of lockingslots 144 that facilitatecoupling cover 112 tostationary portion 116. -
FIG. 5 a is a front view ofrotatable portion 118,FIG. 5 b is a perspective front view ofrotatable portion 118 andFIG. 5 c is a perspective rear view ofrotatable portion 118. In the exemplary embodiment,rotatable portion 118 may be a substantially circular shaped disk that includes a first, orfront surface 146 and a second, orrear surface 148. Alternatively,rotatable portion 118 may have any shape that enablessystem 100 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment,front surface 146 may have acoupling member 150 that may be coupled thereto, whereincoupling member 150 may extend away fromfront surface 146. Couplingmember 150 may have a substantially semi-circular shape and anaperture 152 defined therein and extending throughcoupling member 150. In one embodiment,coupling member 150 may be oriented such thatcoupling member 150 is substantially aligned with abisection line 154 ofrotatable portion 118, whereinbisection line 154 may substantially bisectrotatable portion 118 along a diameter ofrotatable portion 118. -
Rear surface 148 may include acam 156 that may extend away fromrear surface 148 and may be positioned substantially near an outer edge ofrotatable portion 118. Moreover,cam 156 may be aligned such thatbisection line 154 may substantially bisectcam 156. As a result,cam 156 andcoupling member 150 may be oriented such thatcam 156 andcoupling member 150 are substantially aligned alongbisection line 154.Cam 156 may include afirst cam surface 158 and asecond cam surface 160. As described in more detail below, first and second cam surfaces 158 and 160 may contact first and second contact surfaces 138 and 140, respectively, ofprotrusion 136.Rear surface 148 may also include arotating pin 164 that may extend generally axially away fromrear surface 148 along axis ofrotation 120. In one embodiment, rotatingpin 164 may be positioned in the center ofrotatable portion 118. Moreover, rotatingpin 164 may be sized and oriented such thatrotating pin 164 may be inserted within center-hole 130 ofstationary portion 116 to facilitate rotatably couplingrotatable portion 118 tostationary portion 116. - During assembly of mounting
bracket assembly 104, a portion ofrotatable portion 118 may be inserted withincavity 132 such thatcam 156 is oriented generally oppositecavity 132. Moreover, rotatingpin 164 may be inserted within center-hole 130 to facilitate rotatably couplingrotatable portion 118 tostationary portion 116.Semi-circular notch 134 enablesrotatable portion 118, and more specifically couplingmember 150, to rotate about axis ofrotation 120, and more specifically rotatingpin 164, without contactingsecond plate 126. During operation,rotatable portion 118 may rotate about rotatingpin 164 such thatcam 156 may contact eitherfirst contact side 138 ofprotrusion 136 withfirst cam surface 158 orsecond contact side 160 withsecond cam surface 160. As a result,protrusion 136 facilitates stopping the rotation ofrotatable portion 118 at eitherfirst position 107 orsecond position 109. In one embodiment,rotatable portion 118 may rotate between about 0° to about 180°. In another embodiment,rotatable portion 118 may rotate between about 3° to about 177°. In yet another embodiment,rotatable portion 118 may rotate between about 5° to about 175°. - As shown in
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b,system 100 may include arod insert 166 that may include acoupling end 168, afastener 170 and abody 172 extending therebetween, whereinrod insert 166 may be hingedly coupled tocoupling member 150 ofrotatable portion 118.FIGS. 6 a is a side view ofrod insert 166 andFIG. 6 b is a top view ofrod insert 166. In one embodiment,body 172 may have a substantially cylindrical shape and anelongated slot 174 defined withinbody 172. Moreover,coupling end 168 may include a pair offlanges 176 extending away therefrom, whereinflanges 176 may each have anaperture 178 defined therein.Apertures 178 of eachflange 176 may be oriented such that the twoapertures 178 are substantially aligned with one another. Further,fastener 170 may be a threaded member such as, but not limited to, a screw that facilitatescoupling rod insert 166 torod 102. Rod insert 166 may also have aninsert centerline axis 179 that extends generally axially through the center ofrod insert 166. - As shown in
FIG. 7 ,rod insert 166 may be inserted withincurved rod 102. In the exemplary embodiment,curved rod 102 may be an elongated rod that may have a substantially cylindrical shape and may also be substantially hollow such that an internal passageway (not shown) may be defined therein. As a result, the ends ofcurved rod 102 may include an opening defined therein. Further, the end ofcurved rod 102 may have a pair ofapertures 180 define therein, whereinapertures 180 may be oriented such that oneaperture 180 is positioned substantially opposite of theother aperture 180. In the exemplary embodiment,rod insert 166 may be inserted withincurved rod 102 such thatapertures 180 may be substantially aligned withelongated slot 174 ofrod insert 166. In such an embodiment, apin 182 may be inserted throughapertures 180 and throughelongated slot 174 such thatrod insert 166 may be slidably coupled torod 102. As a result,rod insert 166 facilitates adjusting the length ofrod 102 such that a plurality of rods having a variety of lengths may be adjusted usingrod insert 166 to fit the specific dimensions of a user's bathroom. Moreover,rod insert 166 facilitates stabilizingrod 102 asrod 102 is moved betweenfirst position 107 andsecond position 109. - Turning to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , in the exemplary embodiment,curved rod 102 may include aswivel collar 186 coupled thereto.FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective side view ofswivel collar 186 andFIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective side view ofrod 102 coupled to swivelcollar 186. In the exemplary embodiment,swivel collar 186 may have a generally spherical shape and may have apassage 188 defined therethrough that extends along apassage centerline axis 190, whereinpassage 188 may be sized such thatrod 102 may be inserted therethrough. In one embodiment,passage centerline axis 190 may be substantially parallel to a swivelcollar centerline axis 191 that may be position on a line that bisectsswivel collar 186 along a diameter ofswivel collar 186. Moreover,passage centerline axis 190 may be positioned such thatpassage centerline axis 190 is not co-axial with swivelcollar centerline axis 191. As a result,passage 188 may be offset from swivelcollar centerline axis 191 such thatpassage 188 generally does not extend through the center ofswivel collar 186. Rather, in the exemplary embodiment,passage 188 may be positioned substantially close to one side ofswivel collar 186. Alternatively,passage 188 may extend through the center ofswivel collar 186. In the exemplary embodiment,swivel collar 186 facilitates orientingcurved rod 102 at an angle with respect to axis ofrotation 120 ofrotator mount assembly 110. - In one embodiment,
swivel collar 186 may include a pair ofslots 192 defined within a sidewall ofpassage 188 to facilitate receiving a portion ofinsert pin 182, whereininsert pin 182 may be inserted withinapertures 180 ofrod 102 such that at least a portion ofinsert pin 182 may extend away fromrod 102. As a result,slots 192 facilitate receiving the extended portion ofpin 182 therein. - As shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11 ,coupling end 168 ofrod insert 166 may be coupled tocoupling member 150 ofrotatable portion 118 to facilitate couplingcurved rod 102 to mountingbracket assembly 104.FIG. 10 is a perspective view ofcurved rod 102 coupled torotatable mount assembly 110 andFIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view ofcurved rod 102 coupled to mountingbracket assembly 104. Couplingend 168 may engagecoupling member 150 such thatcoupling member 150 may be positioned betweenflanges 176. Moreover,apertures 178 ofcoupling end 168 may be substantially aligned withaperture 152 ofcoupling member 150 such that an insert pin (not shown inFIG. 11 ) may be inserted throughapertures 178 andaperture 152 to facilitate hingedlycoupling rod insert 166 torotatable portion 118. - As shown in
FIG. 10 ,swivel collar 186 facilitates orientingrod insert 166, and more specifically the end ofrod 102, at an angle θ with respect to axis ofrotation 120. Specifically, insertcenterline 179 ofrod insert 166 may be oriented at angle θ with respect to axis ofrotation 120 ofrotator mount assembly 104. In one embodiment, angle θ may have a range between about 6° to about 36°. In another embodiment, angle θ may have a range between about 16° to about 26°. In yet another embodiment, angle θ may be about 21°. - In the exemplary embodiment, cover 112 may be coupled to
stationary portion 116 using lockingslots 144. In one embodiment, cover 112 may include afirst opening 194, asecond opening 196 and a pair of lockingflanges 198 that extend radially inward from an inner surface (not shown) ofcover 112, wherein lockingflanges 198 may be positioned substantially nearsecond opening 196. Lockingflanges 198 may engage lockingslots 144 ofstationary portion 116 to facilitatecoupling cover 112 tostationary portion 116 to formrotatable mount assembly 104. In one embodiment,first opening 194 may have a diameter (not shown) that may be sized such that the diameter offirst opening 192 may be configured to receive the diameter ofswivel collar 186. - In one embodiment, mounting
bracket assembly 104 may include amotor 200 that may be operatively coupled thereto using arotating shaft 202. In such an embodiment,motor 200 may facilitaterotating rod 102 betweenfirst position 107 andsecond position 109. - During operation
curved rod 102 may be coupled torotator mount assemblies 104 such thatcurved rod 102 extends therebetween.Liner 106 may be slidably coupled torod 102, In the event a user (not shown) is using the shower, the user may rotatecurved rod 102 tofirst position 107 to facilitate increasing the space within the shower area. Specifically, whencurved rod 102 is positioned infirst position 107, the curved portion ofcurved rod 102 may curve generally away from the shower area. As a result,liner 106 may also curve away from the shower area to facilitate increasing the space within the shower. - In one embodiment, the user may physically move
curved rod 102 tofirst position 107. Alternatively,motor 200 may rotatecurve rod 102 tofirst position 107 by rotatingrotatable portion 118.Rotatable portion 118 may rotate about axis ofrotation 120 untilfirst cam surface 158 contactsfirst contact surface 138 ofprotrusion 136. As a result,protrusion 136 and more specificallyfirst contact surface 138, facilitates preventing the rotation ofrotatable portion 118 and facilitates positioningcurved rod 102 infirst position 107. -
Curved rod 102 may also be moved fromfirst position 107 tosecond position 109 to facilitate increasing the bathroom space, which also facilitates decreasing the shower space. Specifically, the user may physically movecurved rod 102 such thatrotatable portion 118 rotates about axis ofrotation 120 fromfirst contact surface 138 towardssecond contact surface 140. Alternatively,motor 200 may rotatecurved rod 102 tosecond position 109 by rotatingrotatable portion 118. Oncesecond cam surface 160 contactssecond contact surface 140 ofprotrusion 136,curved rod 102 may be generally positioned insecond position 109. As a result,curved rod 102 may be oriented such thatcurved rod 102 may curve towards the shower area and away from the bathroom area. More specifically,liner 106 may also curve towards shower area and away from the bathroom area. As such, the space within the shower area is facilitated to be reduced and the space in the bathroom area is facilitated to be increased. -
FIGS. 12 a-12 c are perspective views of analternative insert 210. Components ofinsert 210 may be substantially similar to components ofrod insert 166, and like components are identified with like reference numerals. Specifically,FIG. 12 a is a perspective view ofinsert 210,FIG. 12 b is a perspective view of aninsert body assembly 212 andFIG. 12 c is a perspective view ofcoupling end 168.Insert 210 may include acoupling end 168 that may be coupled to insertbody assembly 212. In one embodiment,coupling end 168 may include a pair offlanges 176, such thatcoupling end 168 may be a knuckle joint. Moreover,flanges 176 may have a pair ofapertures 178 defined therein. Moreover,coupling end 168 may also include afastener 170 coupled thereto using a retainingnut 214. In one embodiment, for example,fastener 170 may be a threaded member such as, but not limited to, a screw. - In the exemplary embodiment, insert
body assembly 212 may include afirst insert body 216 and asecond insert body 218.First insert body 216 may have a substantially cylindrical shape and afirst center passageway 220 extending therethrough that may be substantially coaxial with a first center axis 222 (shown inFIG. 12 b) offirst insert body 216. Moreover,first insert body 216 may include afirst face 224 that may be oriented at an angle that is substantially oblique with respect tofirst center axis 222 offirst insert body 216.Second insert body 218 may also have a substantially cylindrical shape and asecond center passageway 226 that is substantially coaxial with a second center axis 228 (shown inFIG. 12 b) ofsecond insert body 218. In one embodiment,first passageway 220 andsecond passageway 226 may be aligned such thatfirst passageway 220 andsecond passageway 226 are substantially coaxial.Second insert body 218 may also have asecond face 230 that is substantially similar tofirst face 224. Specifically,second face 230 may be oriented at an angle that is substantially oblique with respect tosecond center axis 228 ofsecond insert body 218. Moreover, first andsecond faces second faces -
Insert 210 is formed by coupling first andsecond insert bodies coupling end 168. Specifically,fastener 170 may be inserted throughfirst passageway 220 andsecond passageway 226 such thatfirst face 224 is slidably coupled tosecond face 230. Retainingnut 214 may be coupled tosecond insert body 218 such that a portion offastener 170 may be coupled to retainingnut 214. In one embodiment, for example, retainingnut 214 may be threadably coupled tofastener 170. During operation,fastener 170 may rotate with respect to retainingnut 214 such thatfirst insert body 216 may be coupled tosecond insert body 218. Tighteningfastener 170 facilitates slidingfirst insert body 216 with respect tosecond insert body 218 along first andsecond faces insert 210 is increased, which facilitatescoupling insert 210 within rods that may have hollow openings of various circumferences. -
Insert 210 facilitates stabilizing the rotation ofrod 102 fromfirst position 107 tosecond position 109 during pivoting. Moreover, insert 210 facilitates adjusting a length ofrod 102 by varying thedistance insert 210 may be inserted intorod 102. As a result, insert 210 facilitates adjusting the length ofrod 102 to enablerod 102 to fit varying sized shower and tub walls. -
FIGS. 13 is an illustration of an alternativecurved rod 236. Components ofcurved rod 236 may be substantially similar to components ofrod 102, and like components are identified with like reference numerals.Curved rod 236 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and may have a substantially arcuate shape. Alternatively,curved rod 236 may have a cross-sectional shape of any type of shape.Curved rod 236 may also have a plurality ofapertures 180 defined near the ends ofcurved rod 236. In one embodiment, a pair ofapertures 180 may be defined in each end ofcurved rod 236. Moreover, the pair ofapertures 180 may be oriented such that oneaperture 180 is positioned substantially opposite the other aperture oncurved rod 236 to facilitate slidably coupling a pin (not shown) tocurved rod 236. -
FIG. 14 is an illustration of an alternativecurved rod 240. Components ofcurved rod 240 may be substantially similar to components ofrod 102, and like components are identified with like reference numerals.Curved rod 240 may have a substantially a-shape. Specifically,curved rod 240 may include afirst end portion 242, asecond end portion 244 and an arcuate portion 246 extending therebetween. First andsecond end portions second end portions insert 166 may be coupled within each opening.Curved rod 240 may also have a plurality ofapertures 180 defined near the ends ofcurved rod 240. In one embodiment, a pair ofapertures 180 may be defined in each end ofcurved rod 240. Moreover, the pair ofapertures 180 may be oriented such that oneaperture 180 is positioned substantially opposite theother aperture 180 oncurved rod 240 to facilitate slidably coupling a pin (not shown) tocurved rod 240. -
FIGS. 15 a-15 c are perspective views of analternative cover 250.FIG. 15 a is a perspective view ofcover 250,FIG. 15 b is a perspective view of acover body portion 252 andFIG. 15 c is a perspective view ofcover cap 254. In the exemplary embodiment, cover 250 may includecap body portion 252 andcover cap 254 coupled thereto.Cap body portion 252 may have a substantially conical shape extending along a centerline axis (not shown).Cap body portion 252 may also have a first end, orrod end opening 256 and a second end, or mountingend opening 258. In one embodiment, rod end opening 256 may have a diameter (not shown) that is substantially smaller than a diameter of mountingend opening 258. In the exemplary embodiment,cover cap 254 may include anaperture 260 defined therein, whereinaperture 260 has a diameter (not shown) that is substantially smaller than the diameter ofrod end opening 256.Aperture 260 may be sized to receiverod 102 therein. Moreover, cover 250 facilitates coveringrotator mount assembly 110. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternativeshower rod system 300. In the exemplary embodiment,system 300 may be a sliding system wherein arod 302 may slide towards and away from a shower area to facilitate increasing the usable shower space while the shower is in use and facilitate increasing the bathroom space when the shower is not in use.System 300 may include a pair of slidingbrackets 304 androd 302 extending therebetween. In the exemplary embodiment,rod 302 may be substantially straight. As a result, any known shower rod may be used withsystem 300. In one embodiment,rod 302 may be extendable.System 300 may also include aliner 306 and a plurality ofliner fasteners 308 that facilitateslidably coupling liner 306 torod 302. Moreover, slidingbrackets 304 facilitate slidingrod 302 from afirst position 307 to asecond position 309, as described below in more detail. In the exemplary embodiment,first position 307 ofrod 302 and more specificallyliner 306 is positioned a distance (not shown) away from the shower area. As such,first position 307 ofrod 302 facilitates increasing the space of the shower area. Moreover,second position 309 ofrod 302 andliner 306 is positioned a distance that is closer to the shower area thanfirst position 307. As a result,second portion 309 ofrod 302 facilitates increasing the bathroom space and facilitates decreasing the shower space. -
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of slidingbracket 304. Each slidingbracket 304 may include awall mount 310, a slidingassembly 312, a right, orfirst chassis cover 314, a left, or second chassis cover 315 (shown inFIGS. 21 a-21 c), and acover plate 316. In one embodiment, amotor 311 may be coupled to slidingbrackets 304 to facilitate slidingrod 302 betweenfirst position 307 andsecond position 309. In the exemplary embodiment,wall mount 310 may have a substantially rectangular shape, as shown inFIGS. 18 a-18 c. Specifically,FIG. 18 a is a top view ofwall mount 310,FIG. 18 b is a side view ofwall mount 310 andFIG. 18 c is an end view ofwall mount 310.Wall mount 310 may include atop wall 320, abottom wall 322, arear wall 324 and aside wall 326. Wall mount may also include a topfront wall 328 that may be coupled totop wall 320, and a bottomfront wall 330 that may be coupled tobottom wall 322. A space (not shown) may be defined between topfront wall 328 and bottomfront wall 330.Wall mount 310 may also include atop flange 332 and abottom flange 334 that each extend away fromtop wall 320 andbottom wall 322 respectively. As a result, afront cavity area 336 may be generally defined between top and bottomfront walls bottom flanges rear cavity area 338 may be defined betweenrear wall 324 and top andbottom flanges assembly 312 may be coupled withinrear cavity area 338 andcover plate 316 may be coupled withinfront cavity area 336.Wall mount 310 may also have a plurality of mountingapertures 340 defined withinrear wall 324 to facilitatecoupling wall mount 310 to. a bathroom wall using plurality of fasteners (not shown). - Turning to
FIGS. 19 a and 19 b, in the exemplary embodiment, slidingassembly 312 may include astationary portion 344, a first slidingportion 346 and a second sliding portion 348.Stationary portion 344 may be coupled towall mount 310 using any coupling means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, first slidingportion 346 may be slidably coupled tostationary portion 344 and second sliding portion 348 may be slidably coupled to first slidingportion 346. Second sliding portion 348 may have a plurality ofattachments apertures 340 defined therein that facilitate coupling first and second chassis covers 314 and 315 to slidingassembly 312, as described in more detail below. -
FIGS. 20 a and 20 b are illustrations offirst chassis cover 314. Specifically,FIG. 20 a is a top view offirst chassis cover 314 andFIG. 20 b is a side view offirst chassis cover 314.First chassis cover 314 may include abody portion 352 that has afront surface 354, arear surface 356, afirst end 358 and asecond end 360. A plurality offasteners 362 may be coupled torear surface 356 and extend away therefrom.Fasteners 362 facilitate couplingfirst chassis cover 314 to slidingassembly 312, and more specifically second sliding portion 348. Moreover, afirst rod socket 350 may be coupled tofront surface 354 and may be position substantially nearsecond end 360.First rod socket 350 may have a substantially conical shape and include afirst opening 364 that may have a first diameter (not shown) that may be sized to receive an end ofrod 302. Moreover,first rod socket 350 may include arod stabilizer 366 coupled therein. In the exemplary embodiment,rod stabilizer 366 may have a substantially conical shape and may be positioned oppositefirst opening 364. -
FIGS. 21 a and 21 b are illustrations of second chassis cover 315. Components of second chassis cover 315 may be substantially similar to components offirst chassis cover 314, and like components are identified with like reference numerals. Specifically,FIG. 21 a is a top view of second chassis cover 315 andFIG. 21 b is a side view of second chassis cover 315. Second chassis cover 315 may include abody portion 352 that has afront surface 354, arear surface 356, afirst end 358 and asecond end 360. A plurality offasteners 362 may be coupled torear surface 356 and extend away therefrom.Fasteners 362 facilitate coupling second chassis cover 315 to slidingassembly 312, and more specifically second sliding portion 348. Moreover, asecond rod socket 370 may be coupled tofront surface 354 and may be position substantially nearsecond end 360.Second rod socket 370 may have a substantially conical shape and include asecond opening 372 that may have a second diameter (not shown) that may be sized to receive an end ofrod 302. Moreover,second rod socket 370 may include asecond rod stabilizer 374 coupled therein. In the exemplary embodiment,second rod stabilizer 374 may have a substantially conical shape and may be positioned oppositeopening 372. - In the exemplary embodiment, first and
second rod sockets system 300. For example,first opening 364 offirst rod socket 350 may be sized to receive one end ofrod 302. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment,rod 302 may include a smaller end (not shown) and a larger end (not shown).First rod socket 350 may be sized to receive the smaller end therein. Once the smaller end ofrod 302 has been inserted withinfirst rod socket 350,first rod stabilizer 366 may be coupled to the smaller end ofrod 302 and facilitate stabilizingrod 302. Further,second opening 372 ofsecond rod socket 370 may be sized to receive the larger end ofrod 302. Once the larger end ofrod 302 has been inserted withinsecond rod socket 370,second rod stabilizer 374 may be coupled to the larger end ofrod 302 and facilitate stabilizingrod 302. As a result, the first diameter offirst opening 364 offirst rod socket 350 may be substantially smaller than the second diameter ofsecond opening 372 ofsecond rod socket 370. -
FIG. 22 a is a side view ofcover plate 316 andFIG. 22 b is an end view ofcover plate 316. In the exemplary embodiment,cover plate 316 may be sized and shaped to substantially fit withinfront cavity area 366 ofwall mount 310. -
FIG. 23 is a front view of aliner 306.Liner 306 may include a plurality ofapertures 380 that may be coupled to a plurality of liner fasteners 308 (shown inFIG. 16 ).Liner 306 may also include anextension portion 382 which facilitates extending the width (not shown) ofliner 306.Liner 306 may also include anattachment mechanism 384 that may be positioned substantially near the top ofliner 306 and substantially near the side edges ofliner 306.Attachment mechanisms 384 may be coupled to slidingbrackets 304. As a result,attachment mechanisms 384 facilitate anchoring a portion ofliner 306 to slidingbrackets 304, which prevents water from splashing out whenrod 302 is infirst position 307, as described in more detail below. -
System 300 may be assembled by coupling a pair of wall mounts 310 to the wall. Onewall mount 310 may be couple to one wall and anotherwall mount 310 may be coupled to an opposite wall such that the pair of wall mounts 310 may be positioned substantially opposite one another.Rod 302 may extend between the pair of wall mounts 310. Slidingassembly 312 may be coupled towall mount 310, and more specifically, slidingassembly 312 may be coupled withinrear cavity area 338 ofwall mount 310. First and second chassis covers 314 and 315 may be coupled to second sliding portion 348 of slidingassembly 312. Specifically,fasteners 362 may be coupled toattachment apertures 340 defined on second sliding portion 348.Cover plate 316 may be coupled towall mount 310, and more specifically,cover plate 316 may be slidably coupled withinfront cavity area 336 to facilitate covering first and second chassis covers 314 and 315. - During
operation rod 302 may be coupled to slidingbrackets 304 such thatrod 302 extends therebetween.Liner 306 may be slidably coupled torod 102 usingliner fasteners 308. Moreover,extension portions 382 ofliner 306 may be coupled to slidingbrackets 304 to facilitate preventing water from splashing out of shower area whenrod 302 is infirst position 307. In the event a user (not shown) is using the shower, the user may physically moverod 302 fromsecond position 309 tofirst position 307 to facilitate increasing the space within the shower area. Alternatively,motor 311 may sliderod 302 tofirst position 307. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, first and second chassis covers 314 and 315 may be coupled to second sliding portion 348 which may slide with respect to first slidingportion 346. Moreover, first slidingportion 346 may slide with respect tostationary portion 344 andwall mount 310. As a result, first position may be positioned a distance (not shown) away fromsecond position 309 wherein the distance may be substantially equal to the combined lengths (not shown) of first and second slidingportions 346 and 348. As such,rod 302 andliner 306 facilitate increasing the shower area whenrod 302 is infirst position 307. - Once the user is finished with the shower, the user may physically move
rod 302 fromfirst position 307 tosecond position 309, which facilitates increasing the bathroom space and facilitates decreasing the shower space. Alternatively,motor 311 may moverod 302 fromfirst position 307 tosecond position 309. - The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
- Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims (11)
1-10. (canceled)
11. A slidable shower rod system comprising:
a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, said pair of mounting brackets comprising:
a wall mount;
a sliding assembly coupled to said wall mount, said sliding assembly comprising:
a stationary portion;
a first sliding portion slidably coupled to said stationary portion; and
a second sliding portion slidably coupled to said first sliding portion; and
a rod coupled to said pair of mounting brackets such that said rod extends between said pair of mounting brackets, said pair of mounting brackets facilitate sliding said rod to at least one of a first position and a second position.
12. A slidable shower rod system in accordance with claim 11 , wherein said rod is extendable.
13. A slidable shower rod system in accordance with claim 11 further comprising a liner slidably coupled to said rod, said liner comprises a first extension portion coupled to one of said pair of mounting brackets and a second extension portion coupled to another of said pair of mounting brackets.
14. A slidable shower rod system in accordance with claim 11 further comprising at least one chassis cover coupled to said second sliding portion, said at least one chassis cover comprises:
a rod socket coupled to said at least one chassis cover, said rod socket comprises a body, a cavity defined by said body and a rod stabilizer coupled within said cavity, said rod socket facilitates coupling said rod to said at least one chassis cover and facilitates stabilizing said rod.
15. A slidable shower rod system in accordance with claim 14 , wherein said rod stabilizer comprises a substantially conical shape.
16. A slidable shower rod system in accordance with claim 11 further comprising a motor coupled to at least one of said first sliding portion and said second sliding portion, said motor facilitates sliding said rod to at least one of said first position and said second position.
17. A slidable shower rod system in accordance with claim 11 further comprising a cover plate slidably coupled to said wall mount.
18. A means for moving a shower rod, said means comprising:
a means of moving a rod between at least one of a first position and a second position using a pair of mounting brackets; and
a means of coupling the rod to the pair of mounting brackets.
19. (canceled)
20. A means for moving a shower rod in accordance with claim 18 further comprising a means for sliding the rod between at least one of a first position and a second position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/283,658 US20120036628A1 (en) | 2007-09-28 | 2011-10-28 | Systems for moving shower rods |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US97639407P | 2007-09-28 | 2007-09-28 | |
US97638707P | 2007-09-28 | 2007-09-28 | |
US12/285,059 US8069508B2 (en) | 2007-09-28 | 2008-09-29 | Systems for moving shower rods |
US13/283,658 US20120036628A1 (en) | 2007-09-28 | 2011-10-28 | Systems for moving shower rods |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/285,059 Division US8069508B2 (en) | 2007-09-28 | 2008-09-29 | Systems for moving shower rods |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120036628A1 true US20120036628A1 (en) | 2012-02-16 |
Family
ID=40506537
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/285,059 Active 2029-07-09 US8069508B2 (en) | 2007-09-28 | 2008-09-29 | Systems for moving shower rods |
US13/283,658 Abandoned US20120036628A1 (en) | 2007-09-28 | 2011-10-28 | Systems for moving shower rods |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/285,059 Active 2029-07-09 US8069508B2 (en) | 2007-09-28 | 2008-09-29 | Systems for moving shower rods |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8069508B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2200491A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101902944B (en) |
CA (1) | CA2701456A1 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1150424A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009042233A1 (en) |
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US20120167368A1 (en) * | 2010-12-29 | 2012-07-05 | Fridge Electric, Llc | Shower rod mounting bracket |
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USD693209S1 (en) | 2011-08-05 | 2013-11-12 | Zenith Products Corporation | Pair of shower rod end caps |
US8827587B2 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2014-09-09 | Zenith Products Corporation | Tension rod mechanism with opposing threads |
US8851305B2 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2014-10-07 | Zenith Products Corporation | Unidirectional tension rod mechanism |
US8869999B2 (en) | 2012-02-06 | 2014-10-28 | Zenith Products Corporation | Curtain rod end cap and cover |
US8925122B2 (en) * | 2012-04-18 | 2015-01-06 | David B. Kitfield, JR. | Fully articulable shower curtain rod |
US8960456B2 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2015-02-24 | Zenith Products Corporation | Molded tension rod mechanism with single lock nut |
US8978228B2 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2015-03-17 | Zenith Products Corporation | Adjustable rod assembly |
US9107529B2 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2015-08-18 | Zenith Products Corporation | Adjustable tension-mounted curved rod assembly |
USD746667S1 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2016-01-05 | Zenith Products Corporation | Pair of end caps for a curtain rod |
US9271592B2 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2016-03-01 | Zenith Products Corporation | Adjustable tension-mounted curved rod assembly |
US9554674B2 (en) | 2013-10-08 | 2017-01-31 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower rod mounting assembly |
USD777564S1 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2017-01-31 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Carton divider |
US9676543B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2017-06-13 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door glass pane packaging assembly |
US9743810B2 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2017-08-29 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door guide assembly |
US9907415B2 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2018-03-06 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Article divider assembly |
USD821124S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2018-06-26 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door display |
US10070739B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2018-09-11 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door assembly display |
US10098508B1 (en) | 2014-10-10 | 2018-10-16 | Tracy Switzer | Resettable breakaway shower rod system |
USD839031S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2019-01-29 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door display |
US11439255B2 (en) | 2012-05-30 | 2022-09-13 | Liberty Hardware Mfg Corp. | Shower door assembly display and retail |
US11889958B2 (en) | 2019-04-17 | 2024-02-06 | House of Atlas, LLC | Rotating shower rod |
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US11317752B2 (en) | 2019-12-30 | 2022-05-03 | Delta Faucet Company | Shower/tub wall including a bracketless curtain rod |
US11478101B2 (en) * | 2020-01-09 | 2022-10-25 | Hunter Douglas Inc. | Adjustable mount assembly for mounting a covering rod relative to an architectural structure and related mounting system |
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US11624472B1 (en) * | 2021-08-06 | 2023-04-11 | Art Guild, Inc. | System for supporting an elongated member |
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USD691029S1 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2013-10-08 | Zenith Products Corporation | Shower rod with end caps |
USD696573S1 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2013-12-31 | Zenith Products Corporation | Curtain rod end caps |
US8851305B2 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2014-10-07 | Zenith Products Corporation | Unidirectional tension rod mechanism |
US8960456B2 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2015-02-24 | Zenith Products Corporation | Molded tension rod mechanism with single lock nut |
US8827587B2 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2014-09-09 | Zenith Products Corporation | Tension rod mechanism with opposing threads |
US20120167368A1 (en) * | 2010-12-29 | 2012-07-05 | Fridge Electric, Llc | Shower rod mounting bracket |
US8739324B2 (en) * | 2010-12-29 | 2014-06-03 | Universal Commerce, Llc | Shower rod mounting bracket |
USD691031S1 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2013-10-08 | Zenith Products Corporation | Pair of shower curtain rods |
USD691030S1 (en) | 2011-08-05 | 2013-10-08 | Zenith Products Corporation | Curtain rod with end caps |
USD693209S1 (en) | 2011-08-05 | 2013-11-12 | Zenith Products Corporation | Pair of shower rod end caps |
US8869999B2 (en) | 2012-02-06 | 2014-10-28 | Zenith Products Corporation | Curtain rod end cap and cover |
US8925122B2 (en) * | 2012-04-18 | 2015-01-06 | David B. Kitfield, JR. | Fully articulable shower curtain rod |
US11439255B2 (en) | 2012-05-30 | 2022-09-13 | Liberty Hardware Mfg Corp. | Shower door assembly display and retail |
US9131795B2 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2015-09-15 | Zenith Products Corporation | Adjustable tension-mounted curved rod assembly |
US8978228B2 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2015-03-17 | Zenith Products Corporation | Adjustable rod assembly |
US9271592B2 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2016-03-01 | Zenith Products Corporation | Adjustable tension-mounted curved rod assembly |
US9107529B2 (en) | 2012-11-14 | 2015-08-18 | Zenith Products Corporation | Adjustable tension-mounted curved rod assembly |
US9554674B2 (en) | 2013-10-08 | 2017-01-31 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower rod mounting assembly |
USD746667S1 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2016-01-05 | Zenith Products Corporation | Pair of end caps for a curtain rod |
USD821124S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2018-06-26 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door display |
US12144441B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2024-11-19 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door assembly display |
US11641956B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2023-05-09 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door assembly display |
USD903387S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2020-12-01 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door display |
US9676543B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2017-06-13 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door glass pane packaging assembly |
US10070739B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2018-09-11 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door assembly display |
USD839031S1 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2019-01-29 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door display |
US11254489B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2022-02-22 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door glass pane packaging assembly |
US10329082B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2019-06-25 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door glass pane packaging assembly |
US11089887B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2021-08-17 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door assembly display |
US11058237B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2021-07-13 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door assembly display |
US10098508B1 (en) | 2014-10-10 | 2018-10-16 | Tracy Switzer | Resettable breakaway shower rod system |
USD777564S1 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2017-01-31 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Carton divider |
US10743681B2 (en) * | 2015-03-13 | 2020-08-18 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Article divider assembly |
US10413094B2 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2019-09-17 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Article divider assembly |
US9907415B2 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2018-03-06 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Article divider assembly |
US10280666B2 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2019-05-07 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door guide assembly |
US10024093B2 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2018-07-17 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door guide assembly |
US9743810B2 (en) * | 2015-07-31 | 2017-08-29 | Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp. | Shower door guide assembly |
US11889958B2 (en) | 2019-04-17 | 2024-02-06 | House of Atlas, LLC | Rotating shower rod |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2701456A1 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
CN101902944A (en) | 2010-12-01 |
EP2200491A4 (en) | 2015-03-25 |
EP2200491A1 (en) | 2010-06-30 |
HK1150424A1 (en) | 2011-12-30 |
WO2009042233A1 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
US8069508B2 (en) | 2011-12-06 |
CN101902944B (en) | 2012-10-03 |
US20090083905A1 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |