US20240315497A1

US20240315497A1 - Towel Bar

Info

Publication number: US20240315497A1
Application number: US18/612,819
Authority: US
Inventors: David K. Huang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-03-23
Filing date: 2024-03-21
Publication date: 2024-09-26

Abstract

The present invention is a towel bar that can be used as a traditional towel bar extender or an additional towel bar over solid shower walls. An objective of the present invention to provide users with a product that can be used as a traditional towel bar extender, as well as an additional towel bar over solid shower walls, without the use of additional tools or permanent installation. Dual bar embodiments of the present invention improve the air flow to accelerate the drying of wet towels and prevent moldy odors. Longer reach embodiments of the present invention bring the towel lower so young children can reach them, eliminating the need to continue drilling the bathroom walls with permanent towel bars at different heights to adjust for the growing heights of children.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to towel bars. Particularly, the present invention is a towel bar that can be used as a traditional towel bar extender or an additional towel bar over solid shower walls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Towel bars are a common fixture in bathrooms used to hang towels for thorough drying when wet. Towel bars further allow a user to organize towels and make efficient use of drying cloths, bathroom space, and kitchen space. Towel bars can be used to hang decorative towels or clothing.
Existing towel bars are designed to hang one or two towels at a time. There are no easy and instant options for people who do not necessarily want to, or are unable to, install an additional towel bar. For example, some towel bars may take up too much space and are unsuitable for cramped bathrooms. Some towel bars are designed to only hang over bathroom doors, limiting the towel bar's compatibility to certain doors only. Other towel bars require tools to install permanently into a wall or structure.
Renters currently make up nearly 50% of the world. A large number of renters do not or cannot drill into the walls of their rental units. Many renters are intimidated by the tools and skills needed to install permanent fixtures. Additionally, many people live alone and only need an extra towel bar for short periods of time while a guest is visiting.
An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a product that can be used as a traditional towel bar extender, as well as an additional towel bar over solid shower walls, without the use of additional tools or permanent installation. The present invention seeks to be simple, user-intuitive, and to blend in with traditional household fixtures.
Another objective of the present invention is to increase the capacity of a towel bar apparatus. Larger capacity can increase the space and air flow between wet towels, accelerating drying and preventing moldy odors. While a guest is visiting, users can employ the present invention for additional space to hang towels or other garments.
Another objective of the present invention is to be portable. Embodiments of the present invention are fit for travel, can be collapsible or foldable, and can be used on-the-go. Because the present invention does not require drilling or permanent fixation to use, users can non-invasively attach the present invention while visiting others or while staying at hotels.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a towel bar that can accommodate young children. Existing towel bars can be fixed too high for young children to use. The present invention can provide a lower reaching towel bar, allowing young children to reach and use said towel bar. Because the present invention does not require drilling or permanent fixation to use, the present invention can be adjusted for the growing heights of children.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a towel bar that can be used as an extender to a traditional towel bar, as well as an additional towel bar over solid shower walls. The present invention is simple, user intuitive, and expandable. In addition to towels, the present invention can hang other objects such as clothing, clothing hangers, floor mats, vanity mirrors and lights, decorative elements, shower supplies, and organizers. The present invention can be manufactured with a plurality of materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, chrome, or oil bronzed metal. Said materials can have finishes in paint, molded color, anodized, natural, brushed nickel, or brushed aluminum.
Embodiments of the present invention complement various fixtures used in typical apartment buildings, hotels, or rental units. Other embodiments complement modern to vintage and antique designs.
Dual bar embodiments of the present invention improve the air flow to accelerate the drying of wet towels and prevent moldy odors. Users can employ these embodiments for even more additional space to hang towels or other garments.
Longer reach embodiments of the present invention bring the towel lower so young children can reach them, eliminating the need to continue drilling the bathroom walls with permanent towel bars at different heights to adjust for the growing heights of children. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a chain component which can affect the height at which the present invention hangs.
Travel size embodiments of the present invention can fold flat to nearly the size of a plastic coat hanger. These embodiments may employ telescoping and hinged sleeve components to extend or collapse the size of the towel bar apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a right perspective view of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a right perspective view of the present invention attached to a towel bar;

FIG. 2A is a top right perspective view of a dual-bar embodiment of the present invention attached to a towel bar;

FIG. 2B is a bottom left perspective view of a dual-bar embodiment of the present invention attached to a shower wall;

FIG. 3 is a depiction of the longer reach embodiment of the present invention attached to a towel bar and attached to a shower wall;

FIG. 4 is a left perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention using chains attached to a towel bar;

FIG. 5 is a model depiction of a plurality of different embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a right elevational view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the present invention is a towel bar comprising two hooks 101, two stopping arms 102, and a bar 103/104. The present invention can be hung onto an existing towel bar fixed to a bathroom wall. The present invention can be hung over a solid shower wall. The hooks 101 of the present invention are designed to latch onto an existing towel bar or over a solid shower wall. The stopping arms 102 of the present invention hang beneath the hooks and contact the wall.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises telescoping tubing. The telescoping tubing allows for the adjustment of length of the bar. In this embodiment, said bar comprises an inner sleeve 103 and outer sleeve 104. The inner sleeve 103 slides within the outer sleeve 104. During use, the present invention can be extended in size using said telescoping tubing. Outside of use, the present invention can be collapsed and folded for storage.
As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, an embodiment of the present invention further comprises a second bar 205/206. In FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the bar and second bar are shown with telescoping tubing. Said tubing comprises the inner sleeve of the first bar 203, the outer sleeve of the first bar 204, the inner sleeve of the second bar 205, and the outer sleeve of the second bar 206. The second bar 205/206 is used to hang additional towels or garments, improving air flow to accelerate the drying of wet towels and preventing moldy odors. The second bar 205/206 can be angled lower to the ground to allow shorter users to interact with the present invention easier.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the second bar (304 or 307/308) is angled downwards to allow shorter users to interact with the invention easier. FIG. 3 depicts both an embodiment of the present invention wherein the bars (303 and 304) do not have telescoping tubing and an embodiment of the present invention wherein the bars (305/306 and 307/308) do have telescoping tubing. FIG. 3 further depicts the present invention's ability to be hung on existing towel bars or shower walls.
As shown in FIG. 4 , an embodiment of the present invention comprises chain components 404 which can affect the height at which the present invention hangs towels or garments. Said chains 404 connect the hooks 401 to the stopping arms 402 and the bar 403. Said chains 404 can allow shorter users to interact with the present invention easier.
FIG. 5 depicts a plurality of embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can be produced in a plurality of shapes depending on the needs of the user, considering height, length, portability, and ornamental aesthetic.
As shown in FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the present invention further comprises silicone covers 607. Said covers 607 are added to the present invention's hooks 601 to prevent damage to existing towel bars. Said covers 607 further increase the grip strength of the present invention for added stability.
As shown in FIG. 6 , an embodiment of the present invention further comprises silicone caps 608. Said caps 608 are added to the present invention's arms 602 to prevent damage to walls. Said caps 608 further increase the grip strength of the present invention for added stability.
As shown in FIG. 7 , the present invention comprises a hook 701, a stopping arm 702, and a bar 703. Said hook 701 can hook onto an existing towel bar or top of a shower wall as a fulcrum point. Said stopping arm 702 relies on gravity to swing downward until it rests against a surface to stop the present invention from rotating further.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A towel bar apparatus comprising:

two hooks;

two stopping arms; and

a bar.

2. The towel bar apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a second bar.

3. The towel bar apparatus of claim 2,

wherein said second bar is angled downwards to hang towels or objects at a shorter height.

4. The towel bar apparatus of claim 1, said bar further comprising:

an inner sleeve; and

an outer sleeve.

5. The towel bar apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of covers,

wherein said covers envelop said hooks.

6. The towel bar apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of caps,

wherein said caps envelop said stopping arms.

7. The towel bar apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a chain;

wherein said chain connects said hooks to said bar and said stopping arms.

8. A towel bar apparatus comprising:

two hooks;

two stopping arms;

a bar; and

a second bar.

9. The towel bar apparatus of claim 8,

10. The towel bar apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

an inner sleeve of said bar;

an outer sleeve of said bar;

an inner sleeve of said second bar; and

an outer sleeve of said second bar.

11. The towel bar apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a plurality of covers,

wherein said covers envelop said hooks.

12. The towel bar apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

a plurality of caps,

wherein said caps envelop said stopping arms.

13. The towel bar apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a plurality of caps,

wherein said caps envelop said stopping arms.

14. The towel bar apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a chain;

wherein said chain connects said hooks to said bar, said second bar, and said stopping arms.

15. A towel bar apparatus comprising:

two hooks;

two stopping arms;

a bar;

a second bar; and

16. The towel bar apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

an inner sleeve of said bar;

an outer sleeve of said bar;

an inner sleeve of said second bar; and

an outer sleeve of said second bar.

17. The towel bar apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a plurality of covers,

wherein said covers envelop said hooks.

18. The towel bar apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

a plurality of caps,

wherein said caps envelop said stopping arms.

19. The towel bar apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a plurality of caps,

wherein said caps envelop said stopping arms.

20. The towel bar apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a chain;