BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to structural components of household products, and in particular to structural components made from metal for providing strength to the products without adding bulk to the products and/or for providing an improved aesthetic appearance to the products.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are countless household products such as those used in a kitchen, a bathroom or elsewhere in living quarters, which are made using structural components. The products vary from supporting devices such as hooks or other devices from which objects are hung or otherwise suspended, containers and other storage devices, devices for holding cleaning implements and kitchen utensils, various types of paper holders, bathroom implements of all sorts, mechanical office devices, kitchen devices of all types, etc. It is important that these devices are consistently strong, that they do not sway, that they remain stable when in use and enable objects with which they are used to remain stable, and that the devices are generally easily mobile and not so heavy as to preclude easy movement of the devices, and it is also desirable that the products are aesthetic. Many of the products are partly or entirely formed of metal rods or wires which are usually cylinders that are circular in cross section. Many of these products have stems, hooks, rims, reinforcing bands and the like, and these are often cylindrical or made of sheet metal.
This situation was addressed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/006,835 filed Jan. 7, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention addresses the same issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An important object of the invention is to provide structural components such as rods or wires which are neither cylinders nor parallelepipeds (and lack throughout their length circular or rectangular cross-sections, respectively), and have aesthetic shapes while providing strength to the products in which they are incorporated.
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved, strong and aesthetically appearing structural component for household products.
Another object is to provide an improved, elongated structural component for household products which are sturdy, aesthetic in appearance and have a discontinuous cross section. (As used herein, a discontinuous cross section of an elongated product means a cross section taken at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the elongated product, the outline or perimeter cross section being composed of at least one of the following characteristics: a combination of at least one curve and at least one straight line; a combination of straight lines which do not form a convex polygon (all of the interior angles are less than 180°, so all of the vertices point “outwardly” away from the center); a combination of curves with at least one of the curves curving in a different direction from at least one of the other curve or curves; or a combination of at least two curves which meet at at least one corner, i.e., at least one generally sharply curved intersection.)
It is an object of the present invention to provide utilitarian products having structural components, and in particular utilitarian products having structural components which provide strength and stability to the products while having an aesthetic appearance.
Another object of the present invention is to provide household products made of structural components which are described above, and which products are strong, stable and not so heavy or bulky by reason of the structural components as to preclude easy mobility of the products, and which are aesthetic in appearance.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a utilitarian product at least partially made from metal components which is strong, stable and attractive.
Still a further object is the provision of a household product made of components rendering the product sturdy, stable and mobile, and which can be produced using economical methods of manufacture.
These and other objects will become apparent from the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention to follow and from the appended claims.
The foregoing objects are achieved according to a preferred embodiment of the invention by the provision of an elongated structural component having a discontinuous cross section, and household products made with such a structural component. According to one preferred embodiment, the structural component has an elongated structural component including three curved sections merging at sharp corners. It is composed of a flattened, multi-curved (along its longitudinal axis) metal rod or wire showing in cross section (or having a profile) of two curvilinear end portions on opposite sides of a curvilinear central portion. (The term “rod or wire” as used herein relates to the size of the structural component—a rod design is of a larger size than a wire, although the invention is not restricted by size. The terms “wire” and “rod” may be used interchangeably.) The end portions have opposing, oppositely-curved walls connected respectively by one of a pair of oppositely-curved end walls. The oppositely-curved walls are connected by a generally curved end wall to form part of an oval in cross section, and each of said end-positioned ovals is on opposite sides of the curvilinear central portion. The curvilinear central portion has oppositely-curved sections; the oppositely-curved sections merge with the oppositely-curved sections of the end portions to give the appearance of three merged ovals intersecting at sharp corners, the curved sections having linearly-spaced axes connected by a major axial line, and a uniform minor diameter perpendicular to the major axial line. The merged ovals make the multi-curved metal rod flattened (the major axis is longer than the minor diameter). The multi-curved rod or wire has opposing relatively wide surfaces perpendicular to the minor diameter and the respectively curved end walls form relatively narrow surfaces. The invention includes household products incorporating the foregoing flattened, multi-curved metal rod or wire.
Other preferred embodiments are metal rods or wires having other profiles or cross sections and the household products that include these rods or wires. In another embodiment, a rod or wire is provided which is similar to the foregoing rod or wire, but essentially cut in half so that one surface in cross section is flat and the other surfaces in cross section are end portions which are parts of half ovals (or circles) merged into the opposite ends of a half of an oval. Another embodiment is a structural component whose cross section is in essence a pair of compressed ovals merged on the ends of a larger oval. The major axes of the compressed oval are perpendicular to the major axis of the central, larger oval. In the latter embodiment, the rod or wire is symmetrical about the perpendicular planes including the respective axes. Another embodiment is similar to the preceding embodiment, where the length-to-width ratio is increased. An embodiment similar to the preceding embodiments but having a higher length-to-width ratio is disclosed. An additional embodiment has a cross section similar to a figure eight, where the narrowest portions come close to each other, but do not intersect. There is another embodiment having a symmetrical cross section about perpendicular planes, which is composed of some regular and some irregular curves which merge together at curved intersections. Another one of the preferred embodiments is a rod or wire having a cross section having relatively long, opposing concave portions which are symmetrical about one axis, and relatively short, opposing convex portions connecting concave portions, which are symmetrical about an axis perpendicular to the foregoing one axis. In another embodiment, the cross section has flat side surfaces which are inclined from a position relatively close to the longitudinal axis to opposing regions relatively far from the axis. In the latter embodiment, there is symmetry about perpendicular planes extending through the respective axes. There is a similar embodiment where, in cross section, opposing straight side portions extend from a plane relatively far from an imaginary plane bisecting opposite flat ends of the rod or wire to a position closer to the imaginary plane, and then outwardly to the respective flat ends. According to another preferred embodiment, in its cross section, flat lines are inclined from opposing positions at the center of the rod or wire relatively far from the plane symmetrically dividing the rod or wire, to an opposing position relatively close to the foregoing plane, from which the respective lines are inclined to positions away from the plane to opposing end portions defined by flat lines. There is another preferred embodiment having opposing crenellated lines with intermittent opposing merlons. There is also another preferred embodiment where in cross section the rod or wire has the appearance of opposing sine waves. Still another preferred embodiment has a cross section with merged circles having longitudinal axes in a common plane. Another preferred embodiment which in essence is half if the embodiments discussed above, having in cross section opposing flattened ovals on opposite ends of an oval, where the respective major axes of the end portions are perpendicular to the major axis of the middle oval, except that in the present embodiment the back of the halves is flat. A further preferred embodiment is a rod or wire with a cross section in the nature of the letter “Y.”
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, the preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-curved rod as an embodiment of the present invention, which also forms part of a utilitarian product according to the invention.
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are cross-sectional, top and front views of the multi-curved rod shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an over-door supporting double hook according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an over-door pair of double hooks according to another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing a pair of double hooks.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of the invention showing an over-door double quadruple door rack.
FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are front, side and top views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a double-hook over-door rack according to a still other embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a key rack according to a further embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mug holder according to another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a standing spoon rest according to still another embodiment of the invention, and FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are side, front and bottom views, respectively, of the standing spoon rest shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fruit bowl according to another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a utensil holder according to a further embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cookbook holder according to another embodiment of the invention, and FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are side, top and bottom views thereof, respectively.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a letter holder and key rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a paper towel stand according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wine rack according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a banana hanger according to a further embodiment of the invention, and FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D are respectively a rear view, a side view, a top view and a bottom view of the foregoing banana hanger.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a suction basket which is another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another inventive rod or wire, and FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are respectively cross-sectional, top and front views thereof.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a rod or wire according to the invention, and FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C are cross-sectional, top and front views thereof, respectively.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of that shown in FIGS. 19, 19A-19C, and FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C are cross-sectional, top and front views thereof, respectively.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a further modified embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, and FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C are respectively cross-sectional, top and front views thereof.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a rod or wire pursuant to the invention, and FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C are cross-sectional, top and front views thereof, respectively.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of yet a further embodiment of a rod or wire according to the invention, and FIGS. 23A-23C are respectively cross-sectional, top and front views thereof.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of the inventive wire or rod, and FIGS. 24A-24C are cross-sectional, top and front views thereof, respectively.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the inventive wire or rod, and FIGS. 25A-25C are respectively cross-sectional, top and front views thereof.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of yet a further embodiment of the invention, and FIGS. 26A-26C are cross-sectional, top and front views thereof, respectively.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a rod or wire pursuant to another embodiment of the invention, and FIGS. 27A-27C are respectively cross-sectional, top and front views thereof.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of an inventive rod or wire pursuant to the invention, and FIGS. 28A-28C are cross-sectional, top and front views thereof, respectively.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of yet still an additional rod or wire as a further embodiment of the invention, and FIGS. 29A-29C are respectively cross-sectional, top and front views thereof.
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention showing another rod or wire, and FIGS. 30A-30C are cross-sectional, top and front views thereof, respectively.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of yet still a further embodiment of a rod or wire according to the invention, and FIGS. 31A-31C are respectively cross-sectional, top and front views thereof.
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a rod or wire having a Y profile according to an additional embodiment of the invention, and FIGS. 32A-32C are respectively a cross-sectional view, a top view and a side view thereof.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a shower hook according to the inventions, and FIGS. 33A-33D are respectively a cross-sectional view, a top view, a bottom view and a side view thereof.
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a hammered profile rod or wire according to the invention, and FIGS. 34A-34C are cross-sectional, top and side views, respectively thereof.
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a matrix profile rod or wire according to the invention, and FIGS. 35A, 35B and 35C are respectively cross-sectional, side and top views thereof.
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a dimpled rod or wire according to the invention, and FIGS. 36A-35C are respectively cross-sectional, side and top views thereof.
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a rib profile rod or wire according to the invention, and FIGS. 37A-37C are cross-sectional, side and top views thereof.
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a fluted rod or wire according to the invention, and FIGS. 38A-38C are cross-sectional, side and top views thereof.
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a bumped profile rod or wire according to the invention, and FIGS. 39A-39C are cross-sectional, side and top views thereof.
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a fluted rod or wire according to the invention, and FIGS. 40A-40C are respectively cross-sectional, side and top views thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention in its preferred form comprises a rod or wire, and implements made in whole or in part of the rod or wire, where the rod or wire has in cross section various perimeters or outlines which are discontinuous. These perimeters or outlines are created by different surfaces on the rod or wire. The perimeters are not circumferences (so the rod or wire is not cylindrical), nor rectangles nor squares (so the rod or wire is not a parallelepiped). The perimeters can consist only of a plurality of curves with at least two of the curves going in different directions than the rest of the curves, curves and straight lines or only straight lines with at least some of the straight lines going in different directions. The cross sections of the rods or wires according to the invention having the foregoing characteristics are referred to herein as “discontinuous cross sections.” The various implements discussed herein that incorporate the rods or wires with the discontinuous cross sections are generally kitchen and bathroom items. None of the intersections of different types of surfaces are sharp intersections having corners defined by lines, but rather are at least slightly curved to avoid stress concentrations and sharp edges at the respective intersections.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flattened, multi-curved rod or wire 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the wire 10 shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are top and side views thereof. Rod or wire 10 is composed, of two end portions 12 and 14, on opposite sides of a central portion 16. Each of portions 12, 14 and 16 are defined by curved surfaces or walls whose discontinuous cross section is made up of opposing pairs of curvilinear lines 12′, 14′ and 16′ which merge with the adjacent curvilinear lines at linear intersections 18, 20, 22 and 24. End portions 12 and 14 preferably each approach the form of elliptic cylinders (or regular cylinders) having longitudinal axes 26 and 28, except for the respective portions which merge with central portion 16. Central portion 16 is also like an elliptic cylinder (which could be nearly cylindrical) except on its opposite parts which merge into respective portions 12 and 14. Central portion 16 has a longitudinal axis 30.
Longitudinal axes 26, 28 and 30 lie in the same imaginary plane 38, and as shown in FIG. 1A are in vertical alignment. Portions 12, 14 and 16 have minor diameters 32, 34 and 36 (assuming portions 12, 14 and 16 are ellipses), and these minor diameters are equal. The height-to-width ratio for this embodiment is preferably in the range of 3 to 8.5, giving the multi-curved rod appearance of a flattened, multi-curved rod. In a preferred form, rod 10 has a height of 0.50 inches. Any manufacturing process capable of producing stainless steel multi-curved rods 10 can be used (assuming rod 10 is to be made from stainless steel), and the cold extrusion process is a particularly appropriate form of manufacture.
Rod or wire 10 is symmetrical about imaginary plane 38. Imaginary plane 38 extends through axis 30 about a plane 40 perpendicular to plane 38 which includes axes 26, 28 and 30.
Multi-curved rod or wire 10 has a number of advantageous features. It can be manufactured using conventional extruding equipment with appropriately designed and manufactured dies. Rod or wire 10 is particularly strong, resisting bending by forces applied in the imaginary plane incorporating the parallel longitudinal axes of portions 12, 14 and 16. Rod or wire 10 can be bent using conventional metal bending equipment by forces applied transversely to the foregoing imaginary plane to many different configurations, and the bent rod is stiff enough to maintain those configurations—particularly if it is a tough metal such as stainless steel. Rod or wire 10, whether bent or unbent, can be bonded with other material in making desired products. If rod or wire 10 is made from stainless steel, it can be welded to other steel components to fabricate a desired product.
Rod or wire 10 has an aesthetic appearance. Its flattened, gently curved exterior provides a pleasing appearance having symmetry and suggesting strength. The curves on rod or wire 10 yield an aesthetically pleasing appearance when rod or wire 10 is straight or bent, and further provides an attractive appearance when used with other metallic or non-metallic pieces.
Various items incorporating a multi-curved flattened rod or wire made from metal are discussed below. Also as explained later, there are alternative rods or wires that are part of the present invention. These are various forms of housewares which are strong in use, effective in function and aesthetic in appearance.
Referring first to FIG. 2, an over-door double hook 50 is shown in perspective. Over-door double hook 50 includes an over-the-door bracket 52, which is a bent sheet-metal piece having a middle portion 54 for sitting on top of a door, and side portions 56 and 58 which slide on opposite sides of a door and maintain bracket 52 on the door even if forces having transverse components to side portions 56 and 58 are applied. A stem 58, which is composed rod or wire 10, is attached, usually welding in spots such as by MIG welding (MIG welding will be referred to hereinafter, but other forms of attachment, for example different types of spot welding, fall within the scope of the invention), to side portion 56 and extends from portion 56 in a direction parallel to portion 56. Stem 58 is of an appropriate length to render a bent double hook 60 properly accessible.
Double hook 60 is attached to stem 58 by an appropriate attaching method, such as MIG welding. Double hook 60 is made from a single rod or wire 10 and has a lower hooked portion 62 and an upper hooked portion 64. Hooked portions 62 and 64 have respective ends on which are disposed spherical pieces 66 and 68 which are attached to portions 62 and 64 by welding or some other appropriate means. Double hook 60 is made from a straight rod or wire 10 which has been bent by an appropriate bending device to create the shape as shown. Stem 58 and hook 60 are composed of rod or wire 10 and include end portions 12 and 14 and a central portion 16. The rod or wire 10 forming double hook 60 is preferably larger than rod or wire 10 forming stem 58 to make double hook 60 more useful.
FIG. 3 shows a similar over-door quadruple hook 70 having an over-door bracket 72, a stem 74 having a forwardly disposed lower stem portion 76, which is connected to stem 74 by a bridge portion 78. A pair of double hooks 80 and 82, each being virtually identical in configuration to a single hook 60 is shown as attached to lower stem portion 76. The details of hooks 80 and 82 are not set forth, reference being made to the description of hook 16 in FIG. 2. Hooks 80 and 82 are attached to metal supports 84, 86 and 88 which are each attached in a parallel fashion, lying in imaginary planes generally perpendicular to lower stem portion 76 and attached thereto by an appropriate means, such as MIG welding, and to which are attached hooks 80 and 82 also by an appropriate method such as MIG welding. Hooks 80 and 82, stem 74 and lower stem portion 76 are all made from rods or wires 10, each having a central portion 16 and end portions 12 and 14 Rods or wires 10 of double hooks 80, 82 are preferably of larger size than the rod or wire 10 forming stem 74. Spherical pieces 89 form the ends of each of the four hook portions of double hooks 80 and 82. The foregoing products, including those discussed below, can have any appropriate finish such as polished chrome.
A similar wall-mount quadruple hook 90 is shown in FIG. 4. Quadruple hook 90 has a pair of double hooks 92 and 94 which are similar to or the same as double hooks 80 and 82 in FIG. 3, and double hook 60 in FIG. 2, and reference is made to the description of the foregoing hooks for a description of hooks 92 and 94. Hooks 92 and 94 are attached to a support bracket 96, which is preferably made from bent metal and has inwardly bent, planar portions 98 and 100 (“inwardly” meaning bent towards a wall to which they are or would be attached), a forwardly-based portion 102 integral with portions 98 and 100, and having recessed screw holes 104 and 106 for holding respective screws which are used to attach double hook 90 to a wall. Double hooks 92 and 94 are composed of rod or wire 10, in turn composed of central portion 16 and end portions 12 and 14, each rod or wire bent as shown. The ends of the four hooks of each of double hooks 92 and 94 are capped with spherical pieces 108. Double hooks 92 and 94 have respective flat central portions 95 and 97, from which are bent respective upper curved hooks 99 and 101 and respective lower curved hooks 103 and 105.
An over-door, double-quadruple hook rack 110 is shown in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 5A-5D. Over-door, double quadruple hook rack 110 is very similar to over-door quadruple hook 70 shown in FIG. 3, and includes essentially a pair of over-door double-quadruple hooks 112 and 114, which are connected together by horizontal connecting pieces 116, 118 and 120 which are integral with support pieces 122, 124 and 126 at one end and 122′, 124′ and 126′ at the other end, the latter being parallel with each other. Identical parts from FIG. 3 are given the same numbers as were used in FIG. 3, but those associated with over-door double-quadruple hooks 114 are given the prime (′) designation. Each of the over-door quadruple hook 112 and 114 is identical to over-door quadruple hook 70 and reference is made thereto for a description of the latter over-door quadruple hooks 112 and 114. Stems 74, 74′ are made from rods or wires 10 having a central portion 16 and end portions 12, 14. Connecting pieces 116, 118 and 120, and support pieces 122, 124, 126, 122′, 124′ and 126′ are made from cylindrical rods, but they could be made from rod or wire 10 if so desired.
FIG. 6 shows an over-door rack 130, which is composed of two over-door double hooks 132 and 134, which are essentially identical to over-door double hook 50 shown in FIG. 2, and a double hook 142 explained below. A description of over-door double hooks 132 and 134 can be found in the description of over-door double hook 50 described earlier. As explained earlier, double hooks 132, 134 are made from rods or wires 10, bent as shown. Over-door double hooks 132 and 134 are parallel to each other and are connected together by means of three cylindrical support rods 136, 138 and 140. Cylindrical support members 136, 138 and 140 are disposed on the forward side of the stems forming part of over-door double hooks 132 and 134, to which they are attached by an appropriate means, such as MIG welding. The hooks forming part of over-door double hooks 132 and 134 are attached to support members 136, 138 and 140 by such appropriate means, such as MIG welding. An additional double hook 142, not connected to a rod, is connected to support members 136, 138 and 140 by appropriate means, such as MIG welding. Hook 142 is virtually identical to hook 60 shown in FIG. 2, and reference is made to the description of hook 60 for a description of single hook 142.
A key rack 150 is shown in FIG. 7. Although key rack 150 is referred to as a “key rack,” it could be used for hanging any appropriate thing such as belts, aprons, towels, or any similar items. Key rack 150 includes a support member 152 made from a rod or wire 10 having the same configuration as described in FIGS. 1 and 1A-1C, support member 152 including a pair of tabs 154 and 156 which are flat, and have screw holes 158 for receiving screws for attaching key rack 150 to a wall or other support surface. A series of hooks 160 having a profile of the letter “J” are attached to support member 152 by an appropriate means, such as MIG welding. Each hook 160 is made from a rod 10 as discussed above, having a central portion 16 and end portions 12 and 14. Hooks 160 are preferably mounted identically on member 152. Each hook 160 has a stem portion 162 and a bent portion 164. Bent portions 164 of hook 160 are in alignment when support member 152 is in a horizontal position.
FIG. 8 shows a mug holder 170 according to the invention. Mug holder 170 includes a toroidal base 172 made from a bent rod or wire 10 having the appearance of a circle, with portions 12, 14 and 16 facing vertically when mug holder 170 is on a horizontal base. Spherical feet 176 are equiangularly attached to toroidal base 172 and act as feet for engaging the ground or other support surface to hold base 172 in a horizontal position (when the ground is horizontal). Support members 178 are attached to the underside of base 172 at the respective opposite ends of support members 178 and curve inwardly from their ends towards the center of base 172, but are each disposed outwardly from the axis of base 172 by the same distance. Support members 178, also made from rod or wire 10, are attached, such as by MIG welding, to the underside of base 172. Support members 178 are also made from bent rods or wires 10, although in this case, as in the case of base 172, are bent in the imaginary plane having the respective axes of portions 12, 14 and 16 of rod or wire 10.
Vertical support member 180 is a unitary piece made from rod or wire 10, having vertically-oriented, parallel stems 182 which are connected at their uppermost part by a curved connecting portion 184. The bottom of each stem 182 is an end piece 186 in the form of a “J,” which is attached respectively to support members 178 by an appropriate means, such as MIG welding. The bends of the various parts of vertical support member 180 are in a direction transverse to imaginary planes incorporating the axes of portions 12, 14 and 16 of rod 10 from which vertical support member 180 was made. The free ends of the “J”-shape portions 186 are attached by such means as MIG welding to support members 178 in order to hold vertical support member 180 in a vertical position. A set of branches 188 are disposed between each of stems 182 to which they are attached by an appropriate means, such as MIG welding. Each branch 188 is bowed slightly upwardly, having an upwardly bent main portion 190. The opposite free ends 192 of each of branches 188 are curved upwardly to form a gentle hook. Branches 188 are also made from rods 10 bent as described, with the flattened portions facing generally vertically as shown.
One or more mugs are hung by their respective handles which receive one of branches 188. It can be seen that a handle of each mug is slid over an end 192 of a branch 188 to hold mug M stationary and in place.
FIGS. 9 and 9A, 9B and 9C show a utensil holder 200 for holding utensils such as stirring implements, spatulas, large spoons and forks, and the like. Utensil holder 200 comprises a combination utensil rest and leg component 202 which is made from rod or wire 10. Component 202 includes a pair of parallel sides 204 which are facing generally radially with respect to an approximate longitudinal axis of holder 200 (as explained below), with the imaginary plane incorporating the parallel longitudinal axes of each portion 12, 14 and 16 of rod or wire 10 with sides 204 being perpendicular to a radius extending from a base or bowl 221 (discussed below). Sides 204 merge with respective bends 205, which in turn merge with a utensil rest portion 210. The bottom of each of sides 204 is twisted outwardly away from the aforementioned approximate axis of holder 200 to form feet 206 which are attached respectively to a sphere 208 for contacting the ground. Another sphere 208 is provided on another foot (discussed below) for contacting the base surface to render utensil holder 200 stable.
Utensil rest portion 210 interconnects sides 204 and is integral with the respective sides 204, and forms a resting location for the utensils. It can be seen that component 210 is twisted in several directions so that portions 12 and 14 are generally vertically disposed with respect to each other to provide a flat surface against which utensils can rest.
A circular wire ring 218, in the geometric form of a torus, is attached by an appropriate means, such as MIG welding, to the inside surfaces of sides 204 in a horizontal position when holder 200 is located on the horizontal ground base. A leg 219, also made from rod or wire 10, is attached such as by MIG welding to wire ring 218, and it has a foot 220 bent from the generally straight portion thereof, to which sphere 208 is attached such as by welding. An appropriate dish or bowl 221 having a rim 222 large enough to overhang ring 218 to suspend dish or bowl 221 from ring 218 is provided. Dish or bowl 221 can easily be removed from ring 218 so that it can be washed or otherwise cleansed. Dish or bowl 221 is preferably made from glass or an appropriately hard plastic.
Turning next to a fruit bowl 230, which is shown in FIG. 10, it can be seen that fruit bowl 230 is composed in part of concentric rings 232 and 234 which are axially offset and which are connected by a set of support bands 236. A wire ring 238, which is concentric with and generally coplanar with ring 232, is provided in the base of bowl 230 and is held in place by the lower, inward ends of vertically inclined bands 236 to which ring 238 is attached such as by MIG welding. Bands 236 are preferably attached to the underside of ring 238.
Ring 232 is made from rod or wire 10 and has been bent by an angle of an appropriate amount, such as 25 interior degrees from the vertical, to provide a circular, resting edge for fruit bowl 230. The circular edge is defined by portion 12 of rod or wire 10 as shown. Upper ring 234 can either be horizontal so that the imaginary axis incorporating the axes of portions 12, 14 and 16 of rod or wire 10 is generally parallel to the horizontal ground or can be tilted to provide an imaginary flow surface into bowl 230.
Fruit bowl 230, like the other embodiments described herein, is preferably made from stainless steel plated with polished chrome. Of course, many other platings are possible.
A round utensil holder 250 is shown in FIG. 11. Utensil holder 250 comprises a cylindrical, tubular base ring 252 and a concentric axially spaced upper cylindrical, tubular ring 254. Interconnecting rings 252 and 254 are a series of bent, generally vertically disposed wire columns 256. An intermediate ring 258, concentric with rings 252 and 254 but disposed therebetween, is provided. Cylindrical wire columns 256 are attached to the inside of upper ring 254, are bent outwardly from ring 254, and then bent inwardly to go on the inside of ring 258 and on the inside of lower ring 252. Wire columns 256 are attached by an appropriate means, such as MIG welding, to each of rings 254, 258 and 252. Each of rings 252, 258 and 254 are made from rod or wire 10, and they each are disposed so that portions 12, 14 and 16 are disposed one over the other to form parts of imaginary cylinders which would be perpendicular to a horizontal ground surface. They can conveniently be of the same size for both appearance purposes and for ease of manufacturing.
Attached to the underside of lower ring 252 is a set of three equiangularly placed spheres 260 which serve as support legs or feet for holder 250. Three spherical feet 260 are shown since these provide a stable support for holder 250. A mesh base 262, horizontal to the ground surface when the holder is resting on the ground surface, is attached along its periphery to the inner surface of ring 252. Mesh base 262 could be MIG welded to the inner surface of tower ring 252 or could sit on a circular shelf defined by an inwardly extending bent out shoulder of lower ring 252.
Utensil holder 250 is aesthetic, sturdy and easy to use. Utensils U are stood on base 262 and lean against rings 254 and 258.
FIGS. 12, 12A, 12B and 12C depict a cookbook holder 270 according to the invention. Cookbook holder 270 includes a book support piece 272 which is composed of a unitary piece of rod or wire 10 which has in part parallel, straight support legs 274 which are connected by a bridge piece 276 by means of bent corner portions 275. The free portions of legs 274 are bent portions 278, and on the free ends of which are spheres or globes 280 which can be MIG welded in place. A rearwardly (relative to bent portions 278) bent band 282 is attached by welding or the like to each of legs 274 and it, along with bridge 276, provides a support for the spine of a cookbook. The unitary piece defining each of legs 274, bridge 276 and feet 278 are made from the rod or wire 10, and the flat face (the surfaces of central portion 16 and end portions 12, 14) of the foregoing unitary piece is facing the binder of a cookbook when it is resting in cookbook holder 270 to provide a wide support therefore.
Attached to unitary piece 272 is a stand 284. Stand 284 includes a pair of parallel legs 286, connected by an integral crosspiece 288 via a pair of corner portions 289. Legs 286 are attached, such as by MIG welding, to the rearward surface of unitary piece 272. Stand 284 is a unitary member and the forwardly facing flat surfaces face the rearward flat surfaces of unitary piece 272. Whereas the flat surfaces of feet 278 engage the ground surface, portion 12 of rod 10 of which stand 284 is made engages the ground. Each component of cookbook holder 270 is made from rod or wire 10, each component being bent as shown to provide a stable and attractive support for a cookbook.
Referring next to FIG. 13, a mail center 290 is shown. Mail center 290 includes an upper rim 292, which when viewed from the top is generally in the shape of a rectangle having rounded forward corners with a slightly forwardly-curved forward rim wall 300. Upper rim 292 is made from rod or wire 10, and its flat faces are in a vertical position when mail center 290 is secured to a vertical surface. Attached to rim 292 by an appropriate means, such as MIG welding, is a series of depending hooks 294, also made from rod or wire 10. Hooks 294 include stem portions 296 and curved segments 298 from which keys K, or any other device having an appropriate hanging element for being secured to a segment 298, could be supported.
Rim 292 has forward rim wall 300, side walls 302 and back wall 304. Depending from forward rim wall 300 and back wall 304 are a series of U-shaped cylindrical wire forms 306. Another U-shaped cylindrical wire form 308 is also provided whose upstanding end portions 310 are connected to side walls 302 of rim 292. Wire form 308 is connected by MIG welding or the like to side walls 302 of rim 292 and form the end and bottom portions of a basket 310 as shown. Several pieces of mail or other documents M are shown disposed in mail center 290. A set of tabs 312 are provided on the back part of mail center 290, such as affixed to back wall 304, and appropriate screw holes 314 are provided so that mail center 290 can be secured to a wall or other vertical support surface. The various components of mail center 290 are preferably attached together by MIG welding.
Hooks 294 have their flat faces in imaginary planes generally parallel to a horizontal ground surface to provide a relatively broad surface from which items can be hung. Each component of mail center 290 is advantageously made from stainless steel having a polished chrome finish, although many other finishes are available.
FIG. 14 shows a paper towel stand 320. Paper towel stand 320 incorporates a ring 322 which is made from rod or wire 10, with ring 322 standing on its edge, with portions 12, 14 and 16 being vertically oriented when towel stand 320 is on a horizontal ground base. Ring 322 has two free ends 323 and 325. Located equiangularly on the underside of ring 322 are three spherical feet 328 which are attached, such as by MIG welding, to portion 14 of ring 322 and are supporting feet for towel holder 320. In order to support the base of a rolled packet of towels, a cross bar 330 is provided across ring 322, whose end portions are attached to ring 322 by an appropriate means, such as MIG welding, the end portions being located about 180° from each other. An integral support piece 332 is comprised of oppositely extending horizontal base supports 334 and 336, which are 90° from cross bar 330. Horizontal base supports 334 and 336 help support the base of a roll of paper towels and from which extend upwardly is a pair of oppositely-disposed and oppositely-bent, generally vertical rods 338 and 340 which are outwardly bent and extend between opposite portions of the roll of the paper towel package to hold it in place. The bases of rods 338 and 340 are generally located in the center of ring 322. Upper portions 338 and 340 are connected by a bridge piece 342 which is small enough to allow a paper towel ring to slide over it and which extends above the paper towel ring to provide a handle for carrying the paper towel holder with a roll of paper towels installed thereon. Integral support piece 332 is made from rod or wire 10, which is bent as shown to have the flattened portion in a horizontal position at base supports 334, 336, and vertical rods 338, 340 are disposed in a generally offset vertical position with bridge piece 342 being in generally offset horizontal position. Support piece 332 terminates at one end in an upwardly-bent spike or retainer 324 disposed between ends 323 and 325 of ring 322. Retainer 324 has a free end 326. The other end of support piece 332 is attached by MIG welding or the like to the inside of ring 322.
Towel stand 320 is strong and aesthetically pleasing. Each component is made from rod or wire 10 (other than feet 328), and it functions well and is pleasing to look at.
A wine rack 350 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 15. Wine rack 350 includes a pair of parallel, undulating bottle holders 352 composed of a series of sequentially disposed rounded portions 354 for holding a bottle B. Each undulating section 354 terminates at its opposite ends in a rounded portion 356. A cylindrical rod 358 extends between the opposing pairs of rounded portion 356 to which it is welded in place and serves to connect undulating rods together; rods 358 are further connected to integral opposing legs 360 which terminate in feet 362. Legs 360 are of sufficient length to raise undulating portions 352 above the ground base when feet 362 engage the ground base. Undulating rods 352 are made from rod or wire 10, and the flattened portion faces upwardly when wine rack 350 is on a horizontal surface engaging the respective bottles.
Wine holder 350 can be made using conventional manufacturing processes. Undulating portions 352 can be made with conventional bending processes to bend respective rods or wires 10.
Referring next to FIGS. 16 and 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D, a banana hanger 370 is shown. Banana holder 370 includes a circular (i.e. toroidal) base 372, which is made from rod or wire 10, where the flattened positions are in a generally horizontal plane when banana hanger 370 is positioned horizontally on a ground base. Four spherical feet 374 are attached to base 372 by some appropriate means, such as MIG welding. A pair of curved bands 376 and 378, also made from rod or wire 10, span across circular base 372 on opposite sides of the central axis of base 372 by an equal amount. Bands 376 and 378 are connected such as by MIG welding at their respective ends to base 372 and are curved towards—but spaced from—the central axis of base 372. The presentation of bands 376, 378 is the same as base 372, with the flattened faces being in a generally horizontal plane. An upstanding banana support 380 composed of parallel, curved rods or wires 381 extends upwardly from the midpoint of band 378. Support 380 also has an undulating configuration, but being bent outwardly (away from band 376) at section 382 from the longitudinal axis of circular base 372. Upstanding banana support 380 has a free, horizontally disposed upper bridge end 384 having a vertical hole (defined by U-shaped upper bridge end 384) extending therethrough. A hook assembly 386 extends through the latter hole and having an upper connecting member 388 for holding a hook 390 connected thereto in place. Upper connecting member 388 can have a threaded screw hole for receiving the threaded end of hook 390.
Section 382 is bent far enough back from the longitudinal axis of circular base 372 to enable the stable hanging of a bunch of bananas B to be suspended from hook 390 without engaging banana support 380. Furthermore, section 382 is so curved as to render it stable whether or not a bunch of bananas is hung on it. This is because the center of gravity is within base 372.
Other than feet 374 and hook assembly 387, banana hanger 370 is made entirely from rod or wire 10. Banana hanger 370 is strong and sturdy in both function and appearance, and pleasing to observe. It can be fabricated using conventional manufacturing processes and techniques.
A suction basket 420 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 17. Suction basket 420 includes a generally rectangular-shaped rim 422 having a pair of parallel, opposing front portion 424 and rear portion 425 which are connected by crosspieces 426. Rim 422 is bent from a single piece of metal and welded together to form a closed unit. A series of U-shaped cylindrical wire forms 430 each having opposing vertical, straight legs 432 connected at their bases by crosspieces 434, respectively, are welded to or otherwise attached to parallel opposing front portion 424 and rear portion 425 of rim 422. Other U-shaped wire forms 436, each having parallel opposed vertical legs 438, connected respectively by crosspieces 440 to define the bottom of suction basket 420, are also connected equidistantly from each other, and generally equidistant from the adjacent leg 432 of the wire form 430 closest to the respective wire forms 436. Wire forms 430 and 436, and rim 422, collectively define the container portion of suction basket 420. Suction basket 420 is advantageously attached to the interior side surface of a sink. The attaching device is a pair of suction cups 442, each having an attaching protrusion 444 which is connected by a neck to the rest of the respective suction cup 442.
A suction cup-receiving member 446 for each suction cup comprises a cylindrical wire formed into a rectangular shape having a neck-receiving orifice therein and is welded to each of a pair of legs 432. Protrusion 444 of each of a pair of suction cups 442 is inserted through respective orifices 447 in each of members 446 to attach suction cups 442 to the remainder of suction basket 420.
The foregoing embodiments of the present invention each comprise a flattened multi-curved rod 10 composed basically of a pair of elliptic cylinders merged into opposite curved end portions of a larger elliptic cylinder, with their respective longitudinal axes being in a common plane. There are other rods or wires having different cross-sectional shapes, more particularly having other discontinuous cross sections, which are described below, and which could be used with the various products shown in FIGS. 2-17.
Referring to FIGS. 18 and 18A, 18B and 18C, a rod or wire 510 is shown. In this and the remaining discussion, the same identification number will be given to the three-dimensional illustration of the respective rods or wires as well as to the outline or perimeter of a cross section. Rod 510 can be seen to in essence be one-half of rod or wire 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A-1C. However, the maximum thickness of rod 510 would be essentially the same as that for rod or wire 10, especially when it would have to withstand forces that may be applied to it. Rod or wire 510 has a central portion 516, and end portions 512 and 514 which are merged into central portion 516. As shown in FIG. 18A, the discontinuous cross section of rod or wire 510 includes an essentially flat surface 511 and end portions 512 and 514 on opposite sides of central portion 516. Each of end portions 512 and 514 is part of the cross section of partial elliptic cylinders in that they have generally round surfaces which meet the curved surface of central portion 516 at lines 518 and 520. Each of end portions 512 and 514 and central portion 516 have longitudinal axes 526, 528 and 530, which are all in the same plane as shown in FIG. 18A.
As indicated earlier, rod or wire 510 is usually secured to a utilitarian product of which it forms a part, and if rod or wire 510 is either steel or chrome-plated steel attached to a metal member, MIG welding is oftentimes a good procedure for attaching rod or wire 510 to the utilitarian product. Rod or wire 510 is both strong and attractive in appearance. As was true with rod or wire 10 discussed above, rod or wire 510 is strong, able to resist bending forces applied transversely to it, and has a strong resistance to bending forces in a plane parallel to the common plane of axes 526, 528 and 530. Rod or wire 510 can have heights in its preferred form on the order of 0.36 inches, 0.625 inches or 0.80 inches, with the height-to-width preferred ration as mentioned earlier. Rod or wire 510 could be used in any of the implements shown in FIGS. 2-17 in place of, or partly in place of, rod or wire 10.
Another rod or wire 560 is shown in FIG. 19, with a cross sectional, a top view and a side view shown respectively in FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C. Rod 560 has a discontinuous cross section and has two end portions 562, 564 which are on opposite sides of a central portion 566. End portions 562 and 564 are symmetrical with central portion 566, and merge with central portion 566 along gently curved surfaces which define gently curved lines 568, 570, 572 and 574 in cross section as shown in FIG. 19A. End portions 562 and 564 are not portions of cylinders, but rather are portions of “flattened” cylinders in the form of partial elliptical cylinders whose major dimension is approximately 2.83 times the minor dimension of the elliptical cylinder. In the cross section shown in FIG. 19A, end portions 562 and 564 appear as parts of ovals until they merge with lines 568, 570, 572 and 574. With respect to the end portions, it should be noted that the major dimension of portions 562 and 564 is perpendicular to the major dimension of central portion 566. The ratio of the minor dimension to the major dimension is approximately 0.38. Of course, these dimensions could be varied without detracting from the strength or the aesthetic appearance of rod or wire 560. Rod or wire 560 does have an aesthetic appearance, provided by its gently curved exterior surface, and the relationship of end portions 562, 564 to central portion 566. Rod or wire 560 has a longitudinal central axis 576 (with rod or wire 560 positioned as shown) which lies in a plane 577 shown in FIG. 19A about which the upper and lower halves of rod or wire 560 are symmetrical. End portions 562 and 564 have longitudinal axes 578 and 580, respectively. Axes 576, 578 and 580 lie in a plane 581 which is perpendicular to plane 577, and the left and right parts of rod or wire 560, as shown in FIG. 19A, are symmetrical thereabout. Rod or wire 560 could be attached to utilitarian products in the same manner as was rod or wire 10, and rod or wire 560 could replace entirely or partly rod or wire 10 shown in FIGS. 2-17.
It should be noted that the various curved portions shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A-19C could be varied somewhat while maintaining the overall configuration of rod 560. This is shown, for example, in rod or wire 590 shown in FIG. 20, which has a more compressed central portion (about a plane corresponding to plane 581 in FIG. 19A) than central portion 566 of rod or wire 560, and rod or wire 600 is shown in FIGS. 21, and 21A-21C, which is even further compressed over rod 590 of FIGS. 20 and 20A-20C. Rod 560 has a width-to-height ratio of about 0.36, rod 590 has a width-to-height ratio of about 0.29, and rod 600 has a width-to-height ratio of about 0.23 in preferred forms.
Another rod or wire 610 is shown in FIGS. 22 and 22A-22C. These are perspective, cross-sectional, top and side views, respectively. Rod 610 is symmetrical in configuration and has two relatively enlarged end portions 612 and 614 on opposite sides of a narrow portion 616. Rod 610 can be described as having a cross section in the form of a figure “8” but without the opposite sides crossing each other but rather coming close together at narrow portion 616 and then proceeding outwardly toward the opposite end. End portions 612 and 614 are partly cylindrical in nature and give the appearance of having been stretched out apart from the narrow portion 616. Each of the curves in rod 610 is smooth and continuous, and has a graceful appearance. The cross section is discontinuous because the curves go in different directions. End portions 612 and 614 have longitudinal central axes 626 and 628, as does central portion 616 at axis 630, all of which are in a common plane 634 as shown in FIG. 22A. A plane 632 shown in FIG. 22A includes axis 630, about which the upper and lower halves of rod or wire 610 are symmetrical. Plane 634 is perpendicular to plane 632, and the left and right sides of rod or wire 610 (as shown in FIG. 22A) are symmetrical about plane 634.
The use of rod 610 and the manner of attachment to the utilitarian product are basically the same as those for rods 10, 510, 560, 580 and 590. As shown in FIG. 22A, rod or wire 610 has a discontinuous cross section since various curves have different axes of rotation.
FIGS. 23 and 23A-23C disclose another rod or wire 660 composed of various curved portions. Rod or wire 660 has central axis 662, opposing enlarged portions having respective longitudinal axes 664, 665, and opposing end enlarged portions having longitudinal axes 666, 667, respectively. A plane 668 shown in FIG. 23A includes axis 662, and a plane 670 including axes 662, 664, 665, 666 and 667. Planes 668 and 670 are perpendicular to each other, and rod or wire 660 is symmetrical about both planes.
Rod or wire 660 has (as shown in FIG. 23A) a perimeter 671. Perimeter 671 has its narrowest portion formed by curves 673 around horizontal plane 668 (as shown in FIG. 23A), and curves gently outwardly to its widest portion 675. Each of the corresponding curves on both sides of planes 668 and 670 are given the same numbers. Perimeter 671 curves gently from portions 675 towards vertical plane 670 to a narrower portion 677 and then outwardly wider to a portion 679. The curve between each of portions 679 is generally a semicircle 681, and that portion of rod or wire 660 is basically half of a cylinder.
Rod or wire 660 is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, and can be used in many utilitarian pieces to add strength to them and/or to make the rod or wire 660 more attractive. The cross section has a discontinuous cross section because the curves go in different directions. The cross section of rod or wire 660 can be described as having a central waist 673 which gently bulges outwardly to wide portions 675, from which it gently contracts inwardly to a narrow waist 677, and to wide sections 679 having semi-circles 681 between portions 679.
Another rod or wire 700 is shown in FIG. 24, with cross-sectional, top and side views shown in FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C. Rod or wire 700 has a central longitudinal axis 702 falling in a horizontal plane 704 (according to the orientation of rod or wire 700 in FIG. 24A), and a vertical central plane 706; planes 704 and 706 divide rod or wire 700 into symmetrical portions. Considering the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 24A, rod or wire 700 is composed of a pair of oppositely disposed, curved, equally concave surfaces 708, 708′, which are symmetrical about vertical plane 706 and about horizontal plane 704. Concave surfaces 708, 708′ are closest to each other at longitudinal central axis 702 and horizontal plane 704. Concave surfaces 708, 708′ are connected by oppositely disposed, equally curved convex surfaces 710 and 710′. Convex surfaces 710 and 710′ are symmetrical about horizontal plane 704. Convex surfaces 710 and 710′ meet concave surfaces 708 and 708′ at equally curved transitions 712, 714, 716 and 718, respectively. Rod or wire 700 is discontinuous because it has curves going in different directions.
Rod or wire 700 can be incorporated in many utilitarian household items, adding strength and beauty to them. If made of metal, they can be welded to other metal parts. They can be bent and twisted as can other rods or wires discussed herein.
FIGS. 25 and 25A-C illustrate another rod or wire 730 according to the invention in perspective, cross-sectional, top and side views, which like the rods or wires disclosed herein can be used in various inventive utilitarian products. Rod or wire 730 is composed of various straight portions which converge at round portions. The description as follows considers rod or wire 730 as shown in the figures having top and bottom portions and side portions. Rod or wire 730 has a central longitudinal axis 732, a vertical plane 738 (as rod or wire 730 is oriented in FIG. 25A) perpendicular to longitudinal axis 732 and dividing rod or wire 760 into symmetrical halves, and a horizontal plane 736 including axis 732 and also dividing rod or wire 730 into symmetrical halves. A flat top portion 734, parallel with horizontal plane 736, is opposite to and parallel with a flattened bottom surface 740 (again considering rod or wire 730 as shown in the drawings). A flat side surface 742 extends from a curved portion 744 which merges top portion 734 with side portion 742, from a position relatively widely spaced from vertical plane 738 inwardly to a curved portion 746 which is closer to vertical plane 738 than is curved section 744. Another flat inclined surface 748 is in effect a mirror image of flat surface 742 and extends from curved portion 746, which is a transition between flat sides 742 and 748, to a curved portion 750. Curved portion 750 is the merging surface between flat bottom surface 740 and side surface 748 and is disposed at a relatively large spaced position from vertical plane 7384 than is curved portion 736. Side portions 742 and 748 are symmetrical around horizontal plane 736. The same orientation applies to the left-hand part of rod or wire 730 as shown in FIG. 25A and corresponding parts are given corresponding numbers with a prime (“′”) indication. Rod or wire 730 can be made out of metal, and is strong, readily manufacturable and attractive in appearance. Rod or wire 730 can be bent or twisted and welded to other parts of utilitarian objects. It can provide strength and durability to such projects and render them attractive in appearance. It can be attached to other metal products by such known processes as MIG welding. Rod or wire 730 has a discontinuous cross section due to the different directions of the straight lines and to the presence of straight lines and curves.
Referring next to FIG. 26, a rod or wire 760 is shown. Cross-sectional, top and side views are shown in FIGS. 26A-26C. Wire or rod 760 is similar to wire or rod 730, with each half on opposite sides of an imaginary central plane 770 as explained below. Rod or wire 760 is composed of opposing intermediate portions 761, 762, which are symmetrical about imaginary plane 770 described below, and outer opposing portions 763, 764. Portions 761-764 respectively have central longitudinal axes 765-768, and rod or wire 760 has a central longitudinal axis 769. The longitudinal central axis 769 and axes 765-769 are included in vertical central plane 771. Planes 770 and 771 are perpendicular. Stated differently, wire or rod 760 has an upper portion 773 above horizontal plane 770 and a lower portion 775 below horizontal plane 770. Upper portion 773 is composed of portions 761 and 763, and lower portion 775 is composed of portions 762 and 764. Portions 773 and 775 are symmetrical about horizontal plane 770. Wire or rod 760 has an upper flat surface 777 and a lower flat surface 778 which are parallel to horizontal plane 770 and equidistant therefrom. Upper portion 773 has an inclined flat side surface 780 which extends from imaginary horizontal plane 770 to a curved surface 781 relatively close to vertical plane 771, which merges surfaces 780 and upper and outwardly inclined (relative to vertical plane 771) flat surface 782. Flat surface 782 merges with a curved surface 783, which connects flat surface 782 and upper flat surface 777. Another flat surface 784 extends from horizontal plane 770 and curved intersection 785 to a curved portion 786 which is identical in shape and location to curved portion 781 in relation to horizontal plane 770 and vertical plane 771. Flat surface 787 extends from curved portion 786 to curved portion 788, whose distance from imaginary planes 770 and 771 is the same as curved surface 783. Curved surface 788 merges surfaces 787 and 778. The surfaces on the left portion of vertical plane 771, as shown in FIG. 27A, are identical in size and location, and distance from the respective planes 770 and 771 as are the corresponding parts to the right side of vertical central axis 766, and are given a prime (“′”) designations.
Rod or wire 760 can be bent or twisted as noted with the other rods or wires discussed herein as inventive embodiments of the invention and can be used with inventive utilitarian products to which they add strength and/or attractiveness. Rod or wire 760 has a discontinuous cross section as a result of the straight lines going in different directions and to the presence of straight lines and curves.
Another embodiment of the wire or rod according to the invention 800 is shown in FIG. 27, with cross-sectional, top and side views shown in FIGS. 27A-27C. Wire or rod 800 has a longitudinal central axis 802, a horizontal plane 804 (with rod or wire 800 disposed as shown in the drawings) and a vertical plane 806 including axis 802 and perpendicular to imaginary plane 804. Considering rod or wire 800 oriented as shown in FIGS. 27 and 27A-27C, it has a flat upper surface 808 and an opposing flat lower surface 810, each of which is parallel to horizontal plane 804.
Wire or rod 800 has an inclined flat surface 812 which runs between a curved transition surface 814 located relatively far from vertical central axis 806 to a curved surface 816, which is relatively close to vertical curved axis 806. Another flat surface 818 is inclined from curved portion 816 to a curved portion 820 which is relatively far from vertical axis 806 than is curved portion 816. Curved portion 820 serves as a merging surface between inclined flat surface 818 and an inclined flat surface 822, the latter being symmetrical with flat surface 818. Flat surface 822 proceeds to a curved transition portion 824 which is symmetrical with curved portion 816 about horizontal plane 804. An inclined flat surface 826, symmetrical with flat surface 812 extends from curved surface 824 to a curved surface 828 which serves as a transition between flat bottom surface 810 and flat surface 826.
Wire or rod 800 can be seen to be composed of identical symmetrical portions 803 and 805 which are symmetrical about horizontal central plane 804 and vertical central axis 806. The surfaces on the right side of vertical axis 806 are symmetrical with the surface on the right side of vertical plane 806, and are given the same numbers with a prime (“′”) designation. Rod or wire 800 has a discontinuous cross section because it is composed of straight lines going in different directions, and because it is composed of straight lines and curves. Rod or wire 800 has the advantages discussed with respect to the other inventive rods or wires disclosed herein, in that it is strong, can be bent to form many items and is attractive to view.
Another inventive rod or wire 860 is shown in perspective form in FIG. 28. Rod or wire 860 is shown in cross section and in a top view and a side view in FIGS. 28A-28C, respectively. Rod or wire 860 is in the form of an opposed crenellated form having on one face a series of merlons 862 which are separated by a set of crenels 864. Rod or wire 860 is shown having five merlons 862 separated by four crenels 864 on one face, and an opposing set of merlons 862′ separated by a set of crenels 864′, respectively. Rod or wire 860 has a top surface 866 and a bottom surface 868, shown with the orientation of rod or wire 860 in FIGS. 28 and 28A-28C. Wire or rod 860 has a central longitudinal axis 870, a central horizontal plane 872 including longitudinal axis 870, and a central imaginary vertical plane 874 which includes longitudinal axis 870 and is perpendicular to horizontal plane 872 (the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are used assuming rod or wire 860 is in the orientation shown in FIGS. 28 and 28A-28C). Rod or wire 860 is strong and attractive, and when made out of metal can be MIG welded to other metal components of utilitarian articles according to the invention. Wire or rod 860 can be bent or twisted as required in the construction of the various inventive utilitarian products. Rod or wire 860 has a discontinuous cross section because it includes straight lines going in different directions and is composed of straight lines and curves.
A wavy rod or wire 900 is shown in FIG. 29 with cross-sectional, top and side views shown in FIGS. 29A-29C. The wavy opposing portions of rod or wire 900 are shown as having the shape of a sine wave, with opposing faces 902 and 902′ which are spaced from each other by equal distances throughout the length of rod or wire 900. Considering FIGS. 29A-29C it can be seen that, in this orientation, rod or wire 900 has a flat top surface 904 and an opposing flat bottom surface 906. The cross-sectional width of each top surface 904 and bottom surface 906 are the same, which define the equal distances that separate opposing faces 902 and 902′. Rod or wire 900 can be made out of metal and can be attached to other metal components of utilitarian products according to the invention for adding strength and/or attractiveness to the utilitarian product. A number of “waves” or parts of waves can be incorporated in accordance with this embodiment of the invention. Rod or wire 900 is shown as having a full or nearly full wavelength when the embodiment is considered as in the form of a sine wave. Other lengths and other wavy patterns can be used as well. The cross section of rod or wire 900 is discontinuous as can be seen in FIG. 29A. It includes going in different directions, and is composed of curves and straight lines.
A perspective view of another rod or wire 930 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 30. Cross-sectional, top and side views are shown in FIGS. 30A-30C. Rod or wire 930 has the appearance of four parallel cylinders which are merged together and whose longitudinal axes lie in a common imaginary plane. Although they are not really cylinders, they will be described as such. Hence, rod or wire 930, viewed as shown in FIGS. 30 and 30A-30C, comprise a top cylinder 932, a second cylinder 934, a third cylinder 936 and a bottom cylinder 938 (the orientation is based on rod or wire 930 being disposed as shown in FIGS. 30 and 30A-30C). The latter cylinders are merged together by connecting regions 940, 942 and 944, shown in cross section as merging circles. Each of the cylinders has a central longitudinal axis, these being designated as 948, 950, 952 and 954. Each of the latter axes lie in a common central vertical plane 956 dividing rod or wire 930 into symmetrical halves, which is perpendicular to the respective central horizontal planes 958, 960, 962 and 964 of cylinders 932, 934, 936 and 938. Rod or wire 930 can be made out of metal, is strong and attractive, and can add beauty and/or strength to utilitarian products according to the invention which have as a component rod or wire 930. Rod or wire 930 has a discontinuous cross section since its curves go in different directions. The height in its preferred forms of rod or wire 930 is 0.50 inches or 0.60 inches.
Another embodiment similar to those shown in FIGS. 19 and 21 is shown in FIG. 31 and FIGS. 31A-31C. In this embodiment, a rod or wire 970 is shown which is very much like one of the curved portions of rod or wire 560, having a curved middle section 972, an upper section 974 and a lower section 976 when rod or wire 970 is considered as shown in FIGS. 31 and 31A-31C, which show rod or wire 970 in perspective, cross-sectional, top and side views, respectively. Rod or wire 970 has a flat rear portion 978, which could render it easier to attach to other components of utilitarian products according to the invention. The relative portions of the different components of rod or wire 970 could be changed, as well as the shape of the respective curves. As in the other embodiments, rod or wire 970 can be made out of metal, and can be bent, twisted and applied to the utilitarian product to add strength and/or attractiveness to the product. Rod or wire 970 has a discontinuous cross section since it has straight lines and curves, and the curves go in different directions. Its height can in preferred forms be 0.36 inches, 0.625 inches and 0.80 inches.
FIG. 32 shows another rod or wire 980 having three arms 982, 984 and 986 which are separated from each other by 120° and have a Y profile as shown in FIG. 32A. As both FIGS. 32 and 38 reveal, arms 982, 984 and 986 are separated from each other by gentle, equal curves 988, 990 and 992.
The rod or wire 980 is shown on an inventive shower hook 1000 made from rod or wire 980, shown in FIGS. 33 and 33A-33D. As explained above and with particular eference to FIG. 32A, rod or wire 980 has three equiangular arms 982, 984, 986 separated by 120° from each other, each being of equal length and thickness T. Arms 982, 984 and 986 are equally curved at their intersections 988. 990 and 992 and have equal curves at their respective free ends 994. Arms 982 and 984 define the width W of the rod or wire 980 in the product (in this case, shower hook 1000) of which rod or wire 980 is a part, and arm 986 is a spine as shown in FIGS. 33 and 33A-33D. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness T of each of arms 982, 984, 986 is 0.11 inches, and the width W is 0.31 inches.
Shower hook 1000 is shaped like an “S” as shown in FIG. 33 and can be referred to as an S-hook. S-hook 1000 has a shower curtain-receiving curved part 1002 and an open shower rod-receiving loop 1004. In use, a shower curtain has a series of holes along its upper end portion, each shower curtain hole receiving a shower hook 1000. A sphere or other enlarged portion 1006, which should be larger than the holes in the shower curtain, prevents the shower curtain from slipping off of S-hook 1000.
Shower rod-receiving loop 1004 has a free end portion 1008 which wraps slightly around the space within loop 1004 to help prevent shower hook 1000 from slipping off a shower rod. Arms 982 and 984 have rod-engaging surfaces 996, 998 for engaging a curved curtain rod on opposite sides of the curtain rod to hold the shower hook 1000 stable on the rod. Arm 986 adds rigidity to rod or wire 980 to assist in preventing unwanted bending of hook 1000.
The sizes of different parts of shower hook 1000 can vary for many reasons. Some of the dimensions which are preferred are an overall height H of 3.09 inches, a depth D of 2.24 inches, and an opening O between end portion 1004 and a straight portion 110 extending between shower curtain-receiving part 1002 and shower rod-receiving loop 1004, in the amount of 1.06 inches. Sphere 1006 has a diameter d of 0.50 inches.
Rod or wire 980 is strong, aesthetic and can be used for many products used in many different places, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens and households generally. Rods or wires 980 can be the only components of the products incorporating a rod or wire 980 or can be used with other components made, for example, from plastic, glass, ceramic, metal and natural materials such as different varieties of wood. Rod or wire 980 is very strong when made from steel, which could be finished such as by being chrome plated.
Rod or wire 980 has a discontinuous cross section. Rod or wire 980 in cross section has both curves and straight lines, and the curves go in different directions.
The invention further includes other types of rods or wires used for making many types of products, such as those shown in FIGS. 2-17. Turning to FIGS. 34 and 34A-34C, a hammered profile wire 1020 is shown. Rod or wire 1020 has slightly curved upper and lower faces 1022 and 1024 (as shown in the drawings), when oriented as shown in FIGS. 34 and 34A, and outwardly curved side surfaces 1026 and 1028 which meet top and bottom surfaces at curved intersections 1030, 1032, 1034 and 1036. Covering all of the surfaces of rod or wire 1020 are indentations 1038 which are irregular in position and irregularly shaped to form an unusual and interesting surface of rod or wire 1020. A rod or wire 1020 can be used as can the other rods or wires described herein. Indentations 1038 can be made in various ways, such as by blasting rod or wire 1020 with hard pellets such as sand or other metal, chemically such as by an acid, or other means.
Another rod or wire 1050 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 35 and 35A-35C. Rod or wire 1050 has generally flat or slightly outwardly curved top and bottom surfaces 1052 and 1054, respectively (as shown in the drawings), and opposite, slightly outwardly-curved side surfaces 1056 and 1058. Side surfaces 1056 and 1058 merge with top and bottom surfaces 1052 and 1054, respectively, at curved surfaces 1060, 1062, 1064 and 1068. A series of rows 1070 and 1072 of equally-shaped indentations 1074 and 1076 are disposed on side surface 1056, and a series of rows 1078 and 1080 of indentations 1082 and 1084 on side surface 1058. The respective indentations 1074, 1076, 1082 and 1084 in each of rows 1070 and 1072, 1078 and 1080 are equally shaped, and the respective indentations 1074 and 1076 in the respective rows 1070 and 1072 are in alignment with indentations 1082 and 1084 in rows 1078 and 1080. Indentations 1074, 1076, 1082 and 1084 provide an attractive appearance to rod or wire 1050 and, in some instances, may be useful in providing surfaces for traction to enable grasping of rod or wire 1050 in some instances.
A still further rod or wire 1090 is shown in FIGS. 36 and 36A-36C. Rod or wire 1090 is a medium dimpled, profiled wire having enlarged upper and lower portions 1092 and 1094 (as viewed in the drawings), symmetrically disposed about a central portion 1096. Central portion 1096 has opposing sides 1098 and 1100, and extending along the respective sides 1098 and 1100 are respective rows of equidistant dimples 1101. This configuration renders rod or wire 1090 both useful and attractive. It can be used in the same general manner as have been the other rods or wires discussed in this application.
Turning to FIGS. 37 and 37A-37C, a medium-wide rib profile rod or wire 1110 is shown. Rod or wire 1100 has on one side an enlarged top and bottom portion 1102 and 1104 (as shown in the drawings), respectively, and an intermediate portion 1106 disposed between upper and lower portions 1102 and 1104, respectively. Rod or wire 1110 has a flat back portion 1108. Upper and lower portions 1102 and 1104, respectively, merge into central portion 1106 with curved portions 1109 and 1111. Upper and lower portions 1102 and 1104, respectively, have curved back portions 1114 and 1116 which merge into back portion 1108. A series of outwardly extending ribs 1118 extend along the front portion 1106 and provide both an attractive appearance and a strengthening feature to rod or wire 1110. Ribs 1118 are identical, and their upper portions and lower portions are in alignment with their adjacent side portions touching each other. The provision of flat portion 1108 enables rod or wire 1110 to be attached to a wall or other surface without any gap between rod or wire 1110 and that wall or wire.
Rod or wire 1110 is attractive and practical in use. It can be bent as can the other rods or wires to form useful products such as those shown in FIGS. 2-17.
FIGS. 38 and 38A-38C show a line or fluted profile rod or wire 1130 which has generally flat top and bottom surfaces 1132 and 1134, which are connected by opposing side surfaces 1136 and 1138 in the orientation in the foregoing figures. A set of parallels and aligned portions 1139, 1140, 1141, 1142 and 1143 of what are referred to here as merged cylinders which are sequentially in contact and extend lengthwise along side surface 1136, and a set of corresponding opposing portions 1139′, 1140′, 1141′, 1142′ and 1143′ extend along the length of side surface 1138. The foregoing pairs of portions need not be portions of cylinders, but could be portions of any other curved solids having such cross sections as for example parts of ellipses. The curved portions intersecting the respective side surfaces 1136 and 1138 are curved so that there is a smooth transition from the respective sides 1136 and 1138 and top bottom surfaces 1132 and 1134 by respective curved portions 1139, 1139′, 1143 and 1143′. The respective curved portions are separated by respective fluted or curved surfaces 1144, 1145, 1146 and 1147 on side surface 1136, and by fluted or curved surfaces 1144′, 1145′, 1146′ and 1147′ respectively. Line profile rod or wire 1130 has a discontinuous surface because it has curves going in different directions, and it includes flat and curved surfaces. Rod or wire 1130 is attractive in appearance and can be bent to produce various products such as those discussed herein. Rod or wire 1130 can be made from various products such as steel and can be chrome plated or have other surface covering or treatment.
A bumped profile rod or wire 1150 is shown in FIGS. 39 and 39A-39C. Rod or wire 1150 has identically curved upper and lower portions 1152 and 1154 which respectively merge into a central portion 1156 located therebetween using the orientation shown in the drawings. Upper and lower portions 1152 and 1154 have equal and relatively large diameters or lengths when measured across their widest sections (perpendicular to central portion 1156) when viewed in cross section than has central portion 1156. Portions 1152 and 1154 are symmetrically located with respect to central portion 1156. Rod or wire 1150 has opposite side surfaces 1158 and 1160. Extending in a single row is a set of aligned bumps or portions 1162 on a central part of side surface 1158 midway between upper portion 1152 and lower portion 1154. An opposing set of bumps or protrusions 1162′ extend from side surface 1160. Bumps or protrusions 1162 and 1162′ can have any shape such as a portion of a sphere. Rod or wire 1150 has a discontinuous surface because of flat surfaces 1164 and 1164′ of respective side surfaces 1158 and 1160 and the curved outer surfaces of upper and lower portions 1152 and 1154, and because the curved portions go in different directions (the curved portions comprise the base of bumps or protrusions 1162 and 1162′ and the curves of the exterior parts of the cross sections of upper and lower portions 1152 and 1154). Rod or wire 1150 is aesthetic in appearance, is attractive when incorporated in various products such as the household products reviewed herein, and can be bent when made of many materials such as chrome plated steel, nickel or the like to help to make those products.
A perspective view of another rod or wire 1180 is shown in FIG. 40, with cross sectional, top and side views shown in FIGS. 40A-40C. Rod or wire 1180 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 30 and 30A-30C. Rod or wire 1180 is generally composed of three merged parallel cylinders (which referred to herein as cylinders) comprising a top cylinder 1182, a middle cylinder 1184 and a third cylinder 1186, considered as oriented in the foregoing figures. The latter cylinders 1182, 1184 and 1186 are merged together by the connecting portions or flutes 1188 and 1190. Cylinders 1182, 1184 and 1186 have longitudinal axes 1192, 1194 and 1196. These axes lie in a central common vertical plane 1198 as shown in FIG. 40A. Plane 1198 divides rod or wire 1190 into identical, symmetrical halves. Horizontal planes 1200, 1202 and 1204 are each perpendicular to plane 1198 and incorporate respective longitudinal axes 1192, 1194 and 1196. Although described as cylinders, the respective components need not necessarily have as cross sections parts of circles, and could have other curved perimeters. Rod or wire 1180, like rod or wire 930, can be made out of metal, such as stainless steel, which can be chrome plated or otherwise colored or surface treated, or some other appropriate metal such as nickel. Rod or wire 1180 is attractive, can be bent to form the various products discussed herein and others, and has a discontinuous cross section since it has circles going in different directions. Furthermore, rod or wire 1130 has a top section 1208 and a bottom section 1210 which can be flat, which if so further renders rod or wire 930 having a discontinuous cross section, since it would have both curved lines and straight lines. Rod or wire 1180 in its preferred form has a height of 0.35 inches.
The inventive rods or wires discussed herein add strength and/or attractiveness to the respective products of which they form a part. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 18-32 and 40 preferably have a height in the range of 0.25 inches to 0.80 inches, and the embodiments shown in FIGS. 35-39 have heights of about 0.36 inches and widths of about 0.36 inches. The following is a list of some of the products upon which the rods or wires disclosed herein can be used: soap dishes, tumblers, toothbrush stands, soap pumps, boutique boxes, cans for household use, towel ladders, canisters, bowl brushes and stands therefor, towel holders, toilet paper roll reserves, toilet bowl brushes, toilet tissue stands, over-door towel racks, shower caddies, rectangular baskets for bathrooms, corner baskets, shelves, tube-tier shelves, hooks for hanging clothes, hooks for holding razors, toothbrush holders, razor holders, hooks for bathroom implements, mirror frames, shower organizers, towel bars, squeegees, clock casings, toilet plungers, plunger housings, magazine stands, combination magazine and tissue stands, corner shelves, toilet tissue holders, towel rings, over-door tower racks, shower hooks, shower curtain rods, sink cradles, sink centers, soap caddies, sponge caddies, soap and sponge caddies, sink trays, sink grids, towel stands, wall mount paper towel holders, napkin holders, trivets, fruit bowls, wire baskets, cabinet bars, wire racks, banana hangers, book holders, mug holders, utensil holders, coasters, coaster holders, spoon rests, flatware organizers, double towel bars, over-cabinet bag holders, over-cabinet baskets, over-cabinet hooks, magnetic clips, memo centers, pencil cups, household bins, basket handles, racks, racks with hooks, over-the-door hooks, over-the-door racks with hooks, hooks for supporting other hooks, hooks for supporting loops, hooks and loops, adhesive hooks, trays, brush holders, picture frames, CD/DVD holders, CD holders, DVD holders, merchandisers, soap savers, picture stands, jewelry displays, drawer organizers and keep chain storage racks.
The invention has been described in detail above with particular emphasis on the preferred embodiments, but variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.
Patent Application
20130244031
