Patent Application
20140131298
An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to an adjustable tension rod, and more particularly, to an adjustable tension-mounted curved shower curtain rod assembly.
Adjustable length tension rods for use as curtain or shower curtain rods are generally known. These tension rods typically include a single straight rod having a first straight shaft that telescopingly receives a second straight shaft, wherein the first and second shafts house a long threaded stud. Curved shower curtain rods, however, typically require the use of screws, bolts, and the like in order to permanently fix the curved rod to support surfaces through. This results in curved shower curtain rods being more complex to install and the risk of permanently damaging the support surfaces upon removal of the curved rod.
It is therefore desirable to provide an adjustable curved shower curtain rod that is mounted between opposing support surfaces by a tension rod mechanism, thereby providing for simpler installation of the rod and reducing, if not eliminating, the risk of damage to the support surfaces upon removal of the curved rod.
Briefly stated, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an adjustable rod assembly comprising a first tube having a first arcuate portion, a second tube having a second arcuate portion, a third tube of a generally straight configuration, a fourth tube of a generally straight configuration, a first end support, a second end support, and a tension rod mechanism fixedly secured within the third tube for rotational movement therewith. A first end of the first tube is telescopingly received within the third tube and a second end of the first tube is telescopingly received within the second tube. The third tube is rotatable relative to the first tube and is rotatably secured within the fourth tube. The fourth tube is secured to the first end support and the second tube is secured to the second end support. The tension rod mechanism has a threaded portion configured to extend from an interior of the third tube to an interior of the first tube.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of installing an adjustable rod assembly. The steps of the method comprise providing an assembled adjustable rod assembly by: (i) providing a first tube having an arcuate portion and first and second opposing ends, a second tube having an arcuate portion and first and second opposing ends, a third tube having first and second opposing ends, a first end support and a second end support; (ii) telescopingly inserting the second end of the first tube in the first end of the second tube and telescopingly inserting the first end of the first tube in the second end of the third tube; and (iii) pivotably securing the second end of the second tube to the second end support and rotatably securing the third tube to the first end support. The steps further comprise: b) positioning the assembled adjustable rod assembly between two opposing support surfaces, c) adjusting a length of the assembled adjustable rod assembly such that a respective rear surface of each of the first and second end supports is proximate a respective one of the opposing support surfaces, and d) rotating the third tube about a longitudinal axis thereof until the respective rear surface of each of the first and second end supports directly contacts a respective one of the opposing support surfaces and the assembled adjustable rod assembly applies a compressive force against the opposing support surfaces.
In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an adjustable rod assembly comprising a first tube having a first end, a second end and a first arcuate portion; a second tube having a first end, a second end and a second arcuate portion; a third tube of a generally straight configuration having a first end and a second end; a fourth tube of a generally straight configuration having a first end and a second end; first and second end supports; and a tension mechanism including a rod with a connector and a threaded portion. The second end of the first tube is telescopingly received within the first end of the second tube. The first end of the first tube is telescopingly received within the second end of the third tube and the third tube is rotatable relative to the first tube. The first end of the third tube is rotatably and telescopingly received within the second end of the fourth tube. The first end of the fourth tube is pivotably secured to the first end support and the second end of the second tube is pivotably secured to the second end support. The connector of the tension mechanism is fixedly secured within the first end of the third tube and rotatably secured within the fourth tube. The threaded portion of the tension mechanism is rotatably secured within the first tube by a threaded bushing. Rotation of the third tube in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the third tube causes the first tube and fourth tube to move away from each other, while rotation of the third tube in a second opposite direction about the longitudinal axis of the third tube causes the first tube and fourth tube to move toward each other.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
In the drawings:
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” “bottom” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “first,” “second,” “third” and “fourth” designate an order of operations in the drawings to which reference is made, but do not limit these steps to the exact order described. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device and designated parts thereof. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals and characters indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in
With particular reference to
The generally curved rod 12 comprises a first, inner tube 14 having an arcuate portion and a second, outer tube 16 having an arcuate portion. The first, inner arcuate tube 14 has a first end 14a and a second end 14b. The second, outer arcuate tube 16 has a first end 16a and a second end 16b. The second end 16b of the second tube 16 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed apertures 17 (only shown in
The first and second tubes 14,16 are both preferably generally cylindrical in shape with a circular cross section. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any other suitable cross-sectional shape may be used, including oval, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like. Preferably, the outer diameter of the first tube 14 is at least slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second tube 16, such that first tube 14 is telescopingly received within the second tube 16 in a reasonably tight fit. More particularly, in an assembled position of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the second end 14b of the first tube 14 is telescopingly positioned or received within the first end 16a of the second tube 16. Accordingly, the first and second tubes 14, 16 of the curved rod 12 are telescopingly configured.
Referring to
In order to adjust the length of the curved rod 12, a user must first place the pin 80 in the second, retracted position, such as by pushing the pin 80 inwardly toward the first tube 14. Next, the user adjusts the curved rod 12 to the desired length by moving the telescoping first and second tubes 14, 16 toward each other to reduce the length of the curved rod 12 or away from each other to increase the length of the curved rod 12. Once the desired length is achieved and the pin 80 is aligned with one of the plurality of apertures 82, the pin 80 automatically transitions to its first, relaxed position, to which it is biased, by pass through the aperture 82 of the second tube 16 with which it is aligned. The engagement between the pin 80 of the first tube 14 and one of the apertures 82 of the second tube 16 ensures that the curved rod 12 maintains the desired length when secured between opposing support surfaces.
Referring to
Preferably, the rivet 84 is provided at a position along a length of the outer tube 16, such that the resulting overall length of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10 is sufficient to span a distance of 60 inches. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the rivet 84 may be provided at any position along the length of the outer tube 16, depending upon the desired overall lengths of the curved rod 12 and the adjustable curved rod assembly 10.
Referring to
The inner diameter of the rotatable tube 30 is at least slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first tube 14 of the curved rod 12, such that the first end 14a of the first tube 14 is configured to pass through the open second end 30b and at least slightly into the rotatable tube 30. Accordingly, in the assembled position of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the first end 14a of the first tube 14 is telescopingly positioned or received within the second end 30b of the rotatable tube 30 (see
Preferably, the rotatable tube 30 and the first end 14a of the first tube 14 of the curved rod 12 are each at least partially hollow, such that a tension mechanism 20 can be fitted therein (see
Specifically, referring to
The rod 22 comprises a threaded portion 28 and a connector portion 60. The threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 is defined by the portion of the rod 22 having an external thread pattern. Preferably, at least one part of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 is flexible. More preferably, the entirety of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 is flexible. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a portion or the entirety of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 may alternatively be generally rigid.
The connector portion 60 of the rod 22 preferably comprises a connector 62. At a distal tip of the connector 62, a locking pin 64 is integrally formed with the connector 62. However, it will be understood that the locking pin 64 may be formed as a separate component which is secured to the connector 62 by any conventional means. The locking pin 64 protrudes outwardly away from a surface of the connector 62 and the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22.
In one embodiment, as shown in
In the assembled position of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the first end 14a of the first tube 14 is telescopingly positioned within the interior of the rotatable tube 30, the connector portion 60 of the tension mechanism 20 is fixedly secured within the first end 30a of the rotatable tube 30 and at least a portion of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 extends into and is rotatably secured within the first end 14a of the first tube 14. More preferably, the connector 62 of the rod 22 is fixedly secured within the first end 30a of the rotatable tube 30 and at least a portion of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 extends from an interior of the rotatable tube 30 to an interior of the first end 14a of the first tube 14. Accordingly, rotation of the rotatable tube 30 about the longitudinal axis L1 thereof, relative to the first tube 14, also causes rotation of the rod 22 of the tension mechanism 20 relative to the first tube 14.
In one embodiment, at least a portion of an interior surface of the first end 14a of the first tube 14 preferably includes a threaded portion which is configured to threadingly engage the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 to rotatably secure the rod 22 within the first tube 14. In another embodiment, the interior of the first end 14a of the first tube 14 includes a threaded bushing or nut 70 configured to threadingly engage the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 to rotatably secure the rod 22 therein. The threaded bushing 70 is preferably fixedly secured within the first end 14a of the first tube 14. More preferably, the threaded bushing 70 is positioned substantially a distal-most tip of the first end 14a of the first tube 14. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the threaded bushing 70 may be positioned at some other location within the first tube 14, as long as the location allows extension and collapse of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10 to the desired length.
The threaded bushing 70 is preferably made from a metal, such as cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, aluminum, chrome or nickel or alloys or combinations thereof, but may also be constructed using wood, plastic, acrylic, or a like strong, lightweight material or a combination of materials. The threaded bushing 70 may be secured within the first tube 14 by any conventional means, such as a flange connection, a dimple connection, adhesives, welds and the like. Preferably, the threaded bushing 70 is secured within the first end 14a of the first tube 14 by a flange 15 which extends circumferentially from the threaded bushing 70 around the distal-most tip of the first end 14a of the first tube 14.
Preferably, an exterior surface of the threaded bushing 70 is in direct contact with an interior surface of the first tube 14. An interior surface of the threaded bushing 70 is preferably defined by a centrally located and threaded through-hole 72. The thread pattern of the through-hole 72 corresponds to or complements that of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22. The centrally located through-hole 72 of the threaded bushing 70 also includes an inner diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22. Accordingly, in the assembled position of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 is positioned within the centrally located through-hole 72 of the threaded bushing 70, such that the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 rotates within the threaded bushing 70.
Preferably, rotation of the rotatable tube 30 causes the first tube 14 and the rotatable tube 30 to move axially relative to each other. More particularly, rotation of the rotatable tube 30 in a first direction about the longitudinal axis L1 thereof preferably causes the first tube 14 and the rotatable tube 30 to move axially away from each other, thereby extending the overall length of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10. Rotation of the rotatable rod 30 in the first direction, and more particularly movement of the threaded portion 28 within the threaded bushing 70 as the rotatable rod 30 is rotated in the first direction, is preferably limited by the second stop piece 26.
Rotation of the rotatable tube 30 in a second direction, opposite the first direction, about the longitudinal axis L1 thereof preferably causes the first tube 14 and the rotatable tube 30 to move axially toward each other, thereby reducing the overall length of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10. Rotation of the rotatable rod 30 in the second direction, and more particularly movement of the threaded portion 28 within the threaded bushing 70 as the rotatable rod 30 is rotated in the second direction, is preferably limited by the first stop piece 24.
Referring to
The inner diameter of the coupler 46 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rotatable tube 30, such that the rotatable tube 30 can be positioned within an interior of the coupler 46. More particularly, in the assembled position of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the first end 30a of the rotatable tube 30 is telescopingly position and received within the second end 46b of the coupler 46. Preferably, the rotatable tube 30 is rotatably secured within the coupler 46, such that the rotatable tube 30 is freely rotatable relative to the coupler 46.
In one embodiment, the preferred structural configuration of the rotatable tube 30 and the coupler 46 is achieved by rotational engagement of the locking pin 64 and the aperture or groove 48a of the intermediate wall of the coupler 46. More particularly, in one embodiment, the first end 30a of the rotatable tube 30, in which the connector 62 of the tension mechanism 20 is fixedly secured, is positioned within the second end 46b of the coupler 46 until the locking pin 64 of the connector 62 passes through the aperture 48a of the intermediate wall 48. Preferably, at least a portion of the locking pin 64 has a diameter which is at least slightly larger than that of the aperture 48a, such that once the locking pin 64 is positioned within the aperture 48a (e.g., by snapping the locking pin 64 into position), the locking pin 64 is frictionally engaged by the aperture 48a and is not easily detached or removed from the aperture 48a.
Such an engagement between the tension mechanism 20 and the coupler 46 secures the tension mechanism 20 to the coupler 46 in a stable manner, while simultaneously enabling both the rotatable tube 30 and the tension mechanism 20 to rotate relative to the coupler 46 and the first tube 14 of the curved rod 12, as necessary for adjustment of the overall length of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10 and the generation of a tensile or compressive force which holds the adjustable curved rod assembly 10 in place between opposing supporting surfaces. More particularly, rotation of the rotatable tube 30 in the first direction about the longitudinal axis L1 thereof preferably causes the first tube 14 and the coupler 46 to move axially away from each other, thereby extending the overall length of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10 to create the needed tension against the opposing support surfaces. Conversely, rotation of the rotatable tube 30 in the second, opposite direction, about the longitudinal axis L1 thereof preferably causes the first tube 14 and the coupler 46 to move axially toward each other, thereby reducing the overall length of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10.
The coupler 46 is preferably made from a metal, and more preferably a non-corrosive metal, such as cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, aluminum, chrome or nickel or alloys or combinations thereof, but may also be constructed using wood, plastic, acrylic, or a like strong, lightweight material or a combination of materials. The coupler 46 may also be coated with any type of known coating for applying a non-corrosive finish to the coupler 46. More preferably, the coupler 46 is made from the same material as the first and second tubes 14, 16 of the curved rod 12 and the rotatable tube 30.
The adjustable curved rod assembly 10 further comprises a first end support 32 and a second end support 34. Each of the first and second end supports 32, 34 is configured to be removably mounted to a respective support surface (not shown) of the two opposing support surfaces. The coupler 46 is secured to the first end support 32 and the second tube 16 of the curved rod 12 is secured to the second end support 34. More preferably, the first end support 32 receives the first end 46a of the coupler 46 in a stable manner. The second end support 34 receives the second end 16b of the second tube 16 in a similarly stable manner.
The first end and second end supports 32, 34 are preferably made from a lightweight, high strength material, such as aluminum or steel, but could be made of other materials, such as a polymeric material, chrome or nickel, or alloys or combinations thereof, but may also be constructed using wood, plastic, acrylic, or a like strong, lightweight material or a combination of materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Preferably, first and second end supports 32, 34 are made from the same material as the first and second tubes 14, 16 of the curved rod 12, the rotatable tube 30 and the coupler 46. One or both of the first and second end supports may optionally be provided with a decorative cover 33.
The first end support 32 is preferably a mirror image of the second end support 34. For convenience in the description and clarity in the drawings, only the first end support 32 is described in detail and completely labeled in the drawings with the understanding that the second end support 34 includes similar features.
Referring to
A first flange 40 and a second flange 42 extend generally perpendicularly from the front face 36b of the base plate 36 of the first end support 32. The first and second flanges 40, 42 are spaced apart from each other so as to form a support space 44 therebetween. A first aperture 40a is formed in the first flange 40 and a second aperture 42a is formed in the second flange 42. Preferably, the first and second apertures 40a, 42a are generally aligned or in registry with each other.
With respect to the first end support 32, a first fastener assembly comprising a first fastening pin 52 and a first fastening pin end 54 is preferably utilized to secure the coupler 46 within the support space 44 formed between the first and second flanges 40, 42. Specifically, in the assembled position of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the first end 46a of the coupler 46 is positioned within the support space 44, such that the apertures 50 of the first end 46a of the coupler 46 are aligned or in registry with the first and second apertures 40a, 42a of the first and second flanges 40, 42. The first fastening pin 52 and the first fastening pin end 54 are then inserted through the first and second apertures 40a, 42a of the first end support 32 and the apertures 50 of the coupler 46. The first fastening pin 52 may be secured within the first fastening pin end 54 by any known conventional mechanisms, such as corresponding thread patterns, an adhesive, friction fit, an interference fit and the like. As such, the coupler 46, and more particularly the first end 46a of the coupler 46, is pivotably secured to the first end support 32. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the coupler 46 may alternatively be fixedly secured to the first end support 32.
In the assembled position of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the second end 16b of the second tube 16 is similarly pivotably secured to the second end support 34 by a second fastening assembly comprising a second fastening pin 52 and a second fastening pin end 54 engages the first and second apertures 40a, 42a of the second end support 34 and the apertures 17 of the second end 16b of the second tube 16. As such, pivotal movement of the second tube 16 of the curved rod 12 is enabled.
In use, to obtain an assembled adjustable curved rod assembly 10: the second end 14b of the first tube 14 is positioned within the first end 16a of the second tube 16 of the curved rod 12, such that the first and second tubes 14, 16 are telescopingly configured; the first end 14a of the first tube 14 of the curved rod 12 is positioned within the second end 30b of the rotatable tube 30 such that the first tube 14 and the rotatable tube 30 are telescopingly configured and the rotatable tube 30 is freely rotatable relative to the first tube 14; the connector portion 60 of the rod 22 of the tension mechanism 20 is fixedly secured within the first end 30a of the rotatable tube 30 and at least a portion of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 extends from the rotatable tube 30 into the first tube 14 where it is rotatably secured therein by the threaded bushing 70; the first end 30a of the rotatable tube 30 is rotatably secured within the second end 46b of the coupler 46 such that the locking pin 64 of the connector 62 is positioned within the aperture 48a of the intermediate wall 48 of the coupler 46; the first end 46a of the coupler 46 is pivotably secured to the first end support 32; and the second end 16b of the second tube 16 of the curved rod 12 is pivotably secured to the second end support 34.
In the assembled adjustable curved rod assembly 10, while one end of the assembly 10 (i.e., the second end 16b of the second tube 16) is pivotably secured to the second end support 34, the other end of the assembly 10 is rotatably secured to the first end support 32. More particularly, while the coupler 46 is pivotably secured to the first end support 32, the rotatable tube 30 remains rotatable relative to the first end support 32. Thus, the rotatable tube 30 is rotatably secured to the first end support 32
To install the assembled adjustable curved rod assembly 10 in a bathtub or shower stall (not shown), the assembly 10 is positioned between the opposing support surfaces of the stall and the length of the curved rod 12 is adjusted until the initial desired length is achieved. As described above, the length of the curved rod 12 is adjusted by sliding the first and second tubes 14, 16 either toward or away from each other until the desired length is achieved and the spring-loaded pin 80 is received within a cooperating hole 82. The engagement between the pin 80 of the first tube 14 and a hole 82 of the second tube 16 ensures that the curved rod 12 maintains the desired length when secured between opposing support surfaces.
The initial desired length of the curved rod 12 is dependent upon the distance between the opposing support surfaces and is achieved when the rear face 36a of the base plate 36 (or the resilient pad 38 attached thereto) of each end support 32, 34 is proximate a respective opposing support surface. More preferably, the initial desired length of the curved rod 12 is achieved when the rear face 36a of the base plate 36 or (the resilient pad 38 attached thereto) of each end support 32, 34 directly contacts or almost directly contacts a respective opposing support surface at generally the same height, such that the first and second tubes 14, 16 are generally horizontal in the mounted configuration.
Finally, once the assembled adjustable curved rod assembly 10 is properly positioned between the two opposing support surfaces, the rotatable tube 30 can be manually rotated by a user to generate a tension or compressive force to be exerted by the adjustable curved rod assembly 10 upon the opposing support surfaces, such that the assembly 10 is maintained between the two opposing surfaces without the use of fasteners or adhesives. Specifically, when the assembled adjustable curved rod assembly 10 is positioned between the two opposing surfaces, the user manually rotates the rotatable tube 30 about its longitudinal axis L1, thereby adjusting the overall desired length of the rod assembly 10, until the rear surface 36a of the base plate 36 or (the resilient pad 38 attached thereto) of each end support 32, 34 directly contacts a respective opposing support surface and a compressive or tensile force, generated by the tension mechanism 20, is applied or exerted against the opposing support surfaces. A compressive or tensile force is also generated and exerted between the threads of bushing 70 and the threads of threaded portion 28 to maintain the position of bushing 70 along the threaded portion 28. As such, the adjustable curved rod assembly 10 is maintained between the two opposing surfaces without the use of fasteners or adhesives.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
