Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SHOWER CURTAIN BAR
BACKGROUND
[0001] Shower curtains, like shower doors, are used to hold water flowing from
a
showerhead fixture in a shower enclosure (e.g., shower stall, tub). Typically
a shower rod
is used to hang the shower curtains. The shower rod, as the name would
suggest, is a
cylindrical tube having a circular cross section. The shower rod extends
across an opening
in the shower enclosure. The shower rod may be permanently affixed to the
shower
enclosure walls using some type of mount. Alternatively, the shower rod could
be
designed to provide tension so that it may be temporarily affixed to the
walls. A spring
bracket or other means may provide the tension. The shower curtains are hung
on the rods
typically with hooks. The hooks slide on the rod and the shower curtain moves
with the
hooks to allow access to the enclosure.
[0002] A problem with the typical shower rod is that the cylindrical shape may
make it apt to rotate either within the mount or while in tension on the wall.
Due to the
construction of the typical rod and the circular cross section there is
typically little or no
flexibility in the rod. Accordingly, the rod may rotate or shift under the
weight of the
shower curtain or with continued movement when opening and closing the
curtain.
Additionally, if a bathroom door was opened and hit the rod the rod would not
give and the
round cross section of the typical rod can mar the door. Moreover, the impact
of the door
can affect the integrity of the rod or its' mounting. For example, a spring
tension rod may
fall if enough tension is lost when the rod either is moved or rotates when
hit by a door.
Also, the mounts used to hold the rod may loosen as they absorb the shock of a
door hitting
the rod.
[0003] The limited flexibility also inakes installation of the rod more
complicated,
as the rod cannot be flexed to fit into a mount. Another problem with
installation of a rod
is that due to the circular cross section of the rod, the edge of the rod
needs to be parallel to
the wall or receiving portion of the mount. If the walls are not parallel or
if the rod or
mounts are not installed level, the edge may not be parallel and there will be
less surface
area in contact with the wall or mount. For a spring loaded rod this may
result is less
surface area providing the tension and a less stable connection. In addition,
a rod cannot
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easily be installed in shower enclosures not having two parallel walls due to
the circular
cross section. That is, the mount and the edge of the rod need to be at the
same angle so
that the mount can receive the rod. For a spring-loaded rod, the edge would
have to be
formed to have a specific angle that aligned with the walls.
[0004] Additionally, a rod cannot easily be formed to other shapes that may be
desirable. For example, it may be desirable to have a shower rod that conforms
to the
curvature of a tub. However, due to its' circular cross section the rod would
require
straight ends surrounding a curved portion so that the rod could be received
by a mount.
Such a configuration of different portions is not desirable and may not be
ascetically
pleasing. Additionally, if the rod needs to be shortened or the amount of arc
needed to be
reduced it would require cuts to each end of the rod so as to maintain the arc
in the middle.
Moreover, unless the straight portions were of significant length, the length
of the curved
rod could not be shortened too much without eliminating the straight portions.
[0005] Furthermore, using a shower rod doesn't allow a curtain to lay flat.
Rather,
if the rod is fed through a shower curtain seem the roundness of the rod will
bulge through
the curtain. Alternatively, if hooks are used, the curtain may be folded or
pleated where
the hooks are located. Moreover, the round cross section may cause friction
with some
fastening systems.
[0006] Accordingly, there is need for an apparatus to hang shower curtains
that is
not apt to rotate, is flexible, does not require an edge to be parallel to the
wall or mount,
can be formed to different shapes and or sizes, can easily be modified, and
provides an
aesthetically pleasing look (e.g., allows the curtain to lay flat).
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SUMMARY
[0007] A shower curtain bar is provided to hold shower curtains. The shower
bar
has a rectangular cross section with a flat front face. The rectangular cross
section means
that the bar is not apt to rotate. The flat front face helps prevent objects
(e.g., doors) from
being marred if they make contact with the bar. The shower bar may be made of
a flexible
but strong material so that the bar can be flexed to aid in installation while
supporting the
weight of the shower curtains. For example, the exact formation of the bar can
change to
support installations with non-parallel walls. The flexibility may also absorb
contact from
a door. The bar may be made of aluminum, plastic or other materials that
provide the
flexibility, strength and rectangular cross section (e.g., flat front face).
The bar may be
extruded, or it may be injected, poured, stamped or machined.
[0008] The bar may be a single piece or may be multiple pieces that are
connected
together. For the multi-piece bar, the pieces may have either male and/or
female ends that
can be connected together. The pieces may have groove(s) formed therein and a
brace or
coupling may be placed in the groove(s) of each piece of the bar to secure the
bar together.
[0009] The bar may be supported using mounting brackets. The brackets may be
formed as mirror images of one another so only a single mount can be used to
secure both
ends. The mounting brackets may be permanently attached or removably attached
to walls.
The mounting brackets may have a groove formed therein for receiving the bar.
The grove
may be larger than the bar to provide additional flexibility in installation.
The mounting
bracket may include a set screw that can be used to help hold the bar in
place. The
mounting brackets may be mounted to the walls using screws that can be
inserted into
holes that are formed therethrough.
[0010] The mounting brackets may include one or more suction cups to removably
secure the bracket to the wall without requiring any modification to the wall.
The
mounting brackets may also include a handle to hold that can also be used to
force the air
out of the suction cup and thus provide a vacuum sealed connection to the
wall. The
mounting bracket may include fingers to be received within grooves in the bar.
The
fingers may be angled, and the angle may be changeable.
[0011] According to one embodiment, the shower bar may be curved for certain
installations. For example, the shower bar may be curved (arced) to follow an
arc of a tub
(e.g., edge between tub portion and platform portion). The curved shower bar
enables a
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shower curtain hanging therefrom to drape within the outer edge of the bathtub
thus
keeping the water within the tub while at the same time providing use of the
entire tub.
The curved shower bar has a particular arc and depth to it depending on the
specifications
of the tub that it is used with. The arc and depth can be modified by cutting
a single edge
of the bar.
[0012] The shower bar can be used with shower curtains that use hooks or with
Hookless shower curtains, such as those described in US Patent 5,186,232. The
shower
bar enables the shower curtains to lay flat against the bar. The shower bar
may include
designs on the face of it to improve aesthetic appearance.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The features and advantages of the various embodiments will become
apparent from the following detailed description in which:
[0014] FIGs. lA-B illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of an
example
shower bar, according to one embodiment;
[0015] FIGs. 2A-B illustrate top views of example shower bar installations
between parallel and perpendicular walls respectively, according to one
embodiment;
[0016] FIGs. 3A-C illustrate top views of example curved shower bar
installations
between parallel, perpendicular and single walls respectively, according to
one
embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates the end of several example bars that are made up of
separate pieces that are connected together, according to one embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a front and back perspective view of an example
mounting
bracket receiving a shower curtain bar, according to one embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary mounting bracket,
according to one embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example partially hollow
mounting bracket, according to one embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example extended mounting
bracket, according to one embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates an example mounting bracket, according to one
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates an example mounting bracket, according to one
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates an example shower configuration using a multi-piece
curved shower bar and suction cup mounting brackets, according to one
embodiment; and
[0025] FIGs. 12A-C illustrate various types of curtains installed on an
example
shower bar, according to one embodiment.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] FIG. lA illustrates a perspective view of an example shower bar 100.
The
bar 100 has a rectangular cross section that eliminates problems associated
with rotation in
standard shower rods that have circular cross sections. Moreover, the
rectangular cross
section provides a flat exterior surface that may prevent damage (marring) to
a bathroom
door if it hits the shower bar 100. The bar 100 has a length 110, a height 120
and a width
(depth) 130 associated with it. The length 110 is dictated by size of space
that it is to be
installed in (e.g., size of opening of shower enclosure). The height 120 and
the depth 130
of the bar 100 may be selected so as to provide the necessary support as well
as an
aesthetically pleasing look. It should be noted that it is possible that the
height 120 and
depth 130 may vary based on the length 110 of the bar 100. According to one
embodiment, a top edge 140 of the bar 100 may be rounded. The rounded edge 140
may
enable the shower curtains to lie flat against the shower bar 100 and provide
a cleaner
aesthetic look. The rounded edge 140 may provide a smooth surface for shower
curtain
holders (e.g., hooks, grommets), a shower curtain, drapes, or other items to
slide on.
[0027] As illustrated, the example shower bar 100 has a height 120 of 1 inch
and a
depth 130 of 1/8th inch. However, the bar 100 is in no way intended to be
limited by the
illustrated dimensions as variations of these parameters are well within the
scope of the
various embodiments described herein.
[0028] FIG. IB illustrates several cross-sectional views of the bar 100. The
bar
100 may be solid 150, hollow 160 or partially hollow 170 (hollow but with
supports 180 to
provide more strength or rigidity). The supports 180 in the partially hollow
bar 170 may
extend horizontally, vertically, diagonally or some combination thereof
(illustrated as being
horizontal). The type of cross section that is used depends on several factors
including at
least some subset of the dimensions (e.g., thickness) of the bar 100, the
material used in
making the bar 100, how flexible the bar 100 needs to be, type of mounting
mechanism
used to secure the bar 100, where the bar 100 is to be installed, how much
weight the bar
100 needs to support, whetlier the bar 100 is a single piece or multiple
pieces, and cost.
[0029] The bar 100 may be made of a lightweight, relatively strong, and/or
flexible
material. Lightweight materials may be used for ease of installation and
transport.
Relatively strong materials may be used so the bar 100 can support the weight
of shower
curtains as well as possibly a shower liner and/or an individual leaning on
them. The
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flexible material may allow the bar 100 to be flexed during installation to
make installation
easier. The flexible material may also enable the bar 100 to flex when a door
bangs into
the bar 100 so as to not damage the door or the bar 100 or to put undue stress
on the
components holding the bar 100 (e.g., act as a safety bumper). The flexible
material may
also enable the bar 100 to be easily removed from a mounting mechanism. For
example,
the bar 100 may be removed from a mounting mechanism on one side and be flexed
in
such a fashion as to allow for easy installation or removal of shower curtain
holders (e.g.,
hooks, grommets), a shower curtain, drapes, or other items. The bar 100 may be
made of a
material that can be cut (e.g., with a hack saw) if the length of the bar 100
needs to be
shortened.
[0030] The bar 100 may be molded (e.g., extrusion, injection, poured).
Alternatively, the bar 100 may be stamped, machined, or fabricated via other
methods that
are now known by those skilled in the art or are later discovered. The
material may be an
aluminum material such as a variation of the 6000 series of aluminum.
According to one
embodiment, the bar 100 may be made of 6021 aircraft aluminum that provides a
flexible
but yet strong bar 100. The material may be plastic (e.g., PVC, acrylic, ABS).
The
material may also be carbon fiber, fiber glass, graphite, wood or other
materials that are
now known by those skilled in the art or are later discovered that would
provide a bar
having the strength, flexibility, and weight parameters defined above. The bar
100 may
have an anodized finish applied to provide enhanced exterior surface
protection.
[0031] The bar 100 may be straight and be connected in between walls of a
shower
enclosure (e.g., shower stall, tub). The walls may be parallel and form the
sides of the
shower enclosure or may be perpendicular walls that are the walls of a corner
shower.
Alternatively, the shower enclosure may be any shape with the bar 100 being
placed within
an opening to the shower enclosure (between walls at opposite sides of the
opening).
[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates an example shower bar 200 (e.g., 100 of FIG. 1)
installed between two parallel walls 210 and FIG. 2B illustrates an example
shower bar
250 (e.g., 100) installed between two perpendicular walls 260.
[0033] The bar may also be curved. The curvature of the bar may follow (or
reasonably follow) the curvature of a tub. Utilizing a curved shower bar in a
tub enclosure
may enable shower curtains to drape substantially along an edge of the tub,
which may
enable an individual to utilize the entire tub while at the same time
maintaining water
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within the tub. Moreover, a curved shower bar may provide additional room when
it is
used as a third wall between two perpendicular walls. A curved shower bar may
also be
used when only a single wall is available with which to mount the shower bar.
Furthermore, a curved shower bar may look aesthetically pleasing.
[0034] FIG. 3A illustrates a curved shower bar 300 (e.g., 100) between two
parallel
sidewalls 310. A shower opening (distance between sidewalls) 320 will be some
length.
For example, a typical tub may have an opening of approximately 60 inches. The
shower
bar 300 is curved so that it extends from each of the sidewalls 310 at an
angle 330. At a
center point 340 of the shower opening 320 (and the shower bar 300), the
shower bar 300
may be extended a maximum distance 350 (e.g., 8 and 1/2 inches). The curved
shower bar
300 has an overall length that takes into account the opening 320, the angle
330 (arc of the
bar 300), and the maximum distance 350. The shower opening 320 and the
curvature of
the tub will dictate the arc (angle) 330, the maximum distance 350, and
accordingly the
overall length of the shower bar 300. The bar 300 may have a continuous radius
of
curvature (e.g., 58 inches). According to one embodiment, the curved shower
bar 300 can
be made to fit certain standard sized shower enclosures.
[0035] As illustrated, the example shower bar 300 is designed to fit a tub
that has
an opening 320 of approximately 60 inches (from wall to wall) and has an edge
that
extends out a maximum distance 350 of approximately 8 and 1/2 inches.
Accordingly, the
angle 330 may be approximately 30 degrees and the overall length may be
approximately
63 inches. However, the invention should in no way be construed to be limited
to the
embodiment illustrated. As previously mentioned, variations of these
parameters are well
within the scope of the current invention. As one of ordinary skill in the art
would
recognize, specifications of the bar 300 (e.g., amount of curvature (arc),
length) are
dependent on size and shape of the shower enclosure.
[0036] The bar 300 may come prefabricated in an arc shape to closely follow
the
edge of a tub. The bar 300 may come in one of several prefabricated shapes
that
correspond to different tub sizes and shapes. According to one embodiment, the
arc 330
and maximum distance 350 can be changed by shortening the overall size of the
bar 300.
For example, by cutting a'/z inch off of either end of the bar the maximum
distance 350
may be reduced by 1 inch. According to one embodiment, the bar 300 may come
with a
predetermined radius and be adjusted to fit the specific application for which
it is to be
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installed. According to one embodiment, the bar 300 may come straight and be
bent to the
specific application for which it is installed.
[0037] The curved bar 300 is not limited to being installed between parallel
walls.
Rather, the curved bar 300 may be installed between an opening in
perpendicular (or near
perpendicular) walls. Furthermore, if the arc of the bar 300 is large enough
it is possible
that the bar 300 may be installed on one wall with the arc of the bar 300
forming the
remainder of the shower area. Alternatively, the shower enclosure may be any
shape with
the bar 300 being placed within an opening of the shower enclosure (between
walls at
opposite sides of the opening).
[0038] FIG. 3B illustrates an example curved shower bar 360 connected to two
perpendicular walls 370. The curved bar 360 provides an individual taking a
shower with
additional room over a straight bar connected at the same points. FIG. 3C
illustrates an
example curved shower bar 380 connected to a single wall 390. The curved bar
380
enables a shower curtain to be hung in tubs or shower enclosures that only
have a single
wall for mounting without the need for supports from the ceiling.
[0039] So far, the bar has been discussed as a single piece. However, the bar
is
clearly not limited thereto. In fact, for packaging and shipping it may be
advantageous to
have a bar that is made up of smaller pieces that are assembled together. For
example, the
bar may come as two pieces that are put together. The two pieces may be
secured together
by various means. For exainple, pieces of the bar may have male or female
formed ends
that can be connected or snapped together.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates ends of several example multi-piece bars that that
may be
connected together. A split bar 400 may include a first side 410 having a slot
420 formed
therein (a female end) and a second side 430 having a shaft 440 extending
therefrom (a
male end). A split bar 450 may include a first side 460 having a plurality
(e.g., 2) of slots
470 formed therein and a second side 480 having a plurality (e.g., 2) of
shafts 490 formed
therein in alignment with the plurality of slots 470 in the first side 460.
Alternatively, the
first side 460 could have some slots 470 and some shafts 490 (e.g., slot 470
on top and
shaft 490 on bottom) with the second side 480 having an opposite alignment of
slots 470
and shafts 490 (e.g., shaft 490 on top and slot 470 on bottom).
[0041] The slots 420, 470 may extend a portion of the first side 410, 460
(e.g.,
enough to except the shaft 440, 490) or may extend through the first side 410,
460. The
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shafts 440, 490 may be formed as part of the second side 430, 480 or may be a
separate
piece that is installed in a slot (e.g., 420, 470) in the second side 430,
480.
[0042] If the shaft 440, 490 is a separate piece that is installed in a slot
in the
second side 430, 480 the second side 430, 480 may have a slot that extends a
portion of the
second side 430, 480 or through the second side 430, 480. That is, the first
side 410, 460
and the second side 430, 480 may be symmetrical with the shaft 440, 490 being
installed
within one or both of the sides. The shaft 440, 490 may be secured to the slot
420, 470
permanently (e.g., welding, gluing, press fit). Alternatively, the shaft 440,
490 may simply
be inserted in a slot 420, 470 and possibly be removed from the slot 420, 470.
According
to one embodiment, the shaft 440, 490 may come as a separate piece (e.g., a
brace) that is
installed within each of the slots 420, 470 during installation. The shaft
440, 490 may be
made of a sturdy material that will provide support for the connection. The
shaft 440, 490
may extend a large enough distance into each slot 420, 470 so that it is not
likely to fall out
and can provide support for the connection of the two sides. However, the
shaft 440, 490
should not be too long as to make it complicated to install in the slot 420,
470 or to
possibly inhibit the flexibility or arc of a bar.
[0043] The bar may be connected to the walls using various means. For example,
a mounting bracket may be used to secure the bar to the wall. The mounting
bracket may
include a groove to receive the bar. The mounting bracket may include a shaft
(or shafts)
that is connected to a slot (or slots) within the bar. Conversely, the
mounting bracket may
include a slot (or slots) to receive a shaft (or shafts) from the bar. The
mounting bracket
may be connected to the wall in a permanent or semi-permanent manner with
screws, nails,
glue, VELCRO or other means.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a front and back perspective view of an example
mounting
bracket 500 receiving a shower curtain bar 510 (e.g., 100, 400). The mounting
bracket 500
may include a receiving face 520, a mounting face 530, an exterior (front)
face 540, an
interior (inner) face 550, an upper face 560 and a lower face 570. The
receiving face 520
includes a groove (hidden by the bar 510 as illustrated) formed therein for
receiving the bar
510. The mounting face 530 abuts against a wall (e.g., sidewalls of the
shower/tub) and
provides a connection point between the mounting bracket 500 and the wall.
According to
one embodiment, the mounting bracket 500 may be screwed to the wall.
Accordingly, the
mounting bracket 500 may include hole(s) 580 for allowing screws to pass
through and
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secure the mounting bracket 500 to the wall. The holes 580 may extend from the
inner
face 550 through the mounting bracket 500 and exit the mounting face 530.
[0045] The receiving face 520 and the mounting face 530 may be parallel to one
another. The upper and lower faces 560, 570 may be parallel to one another.
The front
face 540 may be perpendicular to the receiving face 520 and the mounting face
530. The
mounting face 530 may be longer that the receiving face 520. The interior face
550 may be
angled to connect an inner edge of the receiving face 520 to an inner edge of
the mounting
face 530. The holes 580 may be formed on the angled interior face 550 so as to
be closer
to the wall. However, the shape and configuration of the mounting bracket is
in no way
intended to be limited to that illustrated. For example, the receiving face
520 and the
interior face 550 may be a single face so that the mounting bracket 500 was
pyramid
shaped (a triangular bisection). Additionally, the mounting bracket 500 need
not be
screwed to the wall but could be connected in numerous manners that are
permanent, semi-
permanent (removable) or temporary. For example, the mounting bracket 500
could be
connected to the wall with nails, tape, glue, or VELCRO , etc.
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary mounting bracket
600
(e.g., 500). The mounting bracket 600 includes a receiving face 610 (e.g.,
520), a
mounting face 620 (e.g., 530), a front face 630 (e.g., 540), a slanted
connection face 640
(e.g., 550), and rear face 650. In this embodiment, the receiving face 610 and
the mounting
face 620 are parallel and the front face 630 and the rear face 650 are
parallel. The rear face
650 is shorter than the front face 630 and the receiving face 610 is shorter
than the
mounting face 620 and the slanted face 640 connects the two shorter faces
(rear 650 and
receiving 610). This embodiment provides a symmetrical exterior.
[0047] The receiving face 610 has a groove 660 formed therein for receiving a
shower bar. The groove 660 is illustrated as being perpendicular to the
receiving face 610
and parallel to the front face 630 so as to receive a straight bar. If the bar
was curved, the
groove may be angled (e.g., slanted toward the slanted face 640). The slanted
face 640 has
a hole 670 formed therein that extends through the mounting bracket 600 and
exits the
mounting face 620. The hole 670 may receive a screw 680 to secure the mounting
bracket
600 to a wall. The hole 670 includes a wide portion 672 and a narrow portion
674, and has
a ledge 676 formed between the two. The screw threads can pass all the way
through the
hole 670 into the wall while the head of the screw may pass through the wide
portion 672
but can not pass throw the narrow portion 674 so it comes to rest on the ledge
676. This
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embodiment allows the screw to be counter sunk (or recessed) within the
slanted face 640.
According to one embodiment, filler caps (not illustrated) may be provided
that fit within
the holes 670 to cover the screw head. The filler caps can be used as a water
seal and
aesthetic finish.
[0048] According to one embodiment, a set screw (not illustrated) is included
that
can be used to hold the bar within the groove 660. The set screw could be
placed on an
upper or lower surface (not illustrated) of the mounting bracket 600.
Alternatively, the set
screw may be placed in the front face 630 or the inner face 640.
[0049] According to one embodiment, the bar may be adjusted within the groove
660. The grove 660 may have a width and height that is wider and longer then
the width
and height of the bar to accommodate any necessary adjustments and/or so that
the bar
need not be inserted at an exact angle. For example, if the walls to which the
mounting
bracket 600 connect are not level the groove 660 may not be perfectly
straight. If the
shower walls to which the mounting brackets 600 are to be connected are not
parallel the
grooves 660 in each mounting bracket 600 may not be at the same angle. If the
mounting
brackets 600 were not installed at the same height and/or depth the bar would
enter each
groove 660 at a different angle.
[0050] The mounting bracket 600 may be made of a sturdy material capable of
supporting the bar. The mounting bracket 600 may be made of a lightweight
material. For
example, the mounting brackets 600 may be made of white metal such as zinc
powder.
Alternatively, the mounting brackets 600 may be made of plastic (e.g., PVC,
acrylic, ABS).
The material may also be carbon fiber, fiber glass, graphite, wood or other
materials that
are now known by those skilled in the art or are later discovered that would
provide the
strength and weight parameters defined above. The mounting bracket 600 may be
molded
(e.g., injection, poured). Alternatively, the mounting bracket 600 may be
stamped,
machined or fabricated via other methods that are now known by those skilled
in the art or
are later discovered. The mounting bracket 600 may be plated and/or lacquered.
The
mounting bracket 600 may be designed so the same bracket can be used to
support either
end of the shower bar (e.g., the left and right brackets are identical). The
mounting
brackets 600 may be solid with the only open area in the bracket being the
groove and the
holes or may be partially hollow.
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[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example partially hollow
mounting bracket 700. The mounting bracket 700 may include a mounting face 710
having an exterior surface 720, groove walls 730, screw hole walls 740, and
structural
supporting features 750. A partially hollow bracket 700 may be light weight
while still
providing the necessary support. The mounting bracket 700 may also include a
set screw
hole 760 for installing a set screw 770. The set screw hole 760 may enable the
set screw
770 to enter the grove and secure the bar in place. The partial hollow
mounting bracket
700 is in no way limited to the illustrated embodiment. Rather as one skilled
in the art
would recognize, numerous variations of a partially hollow mounting bracket
700 would be
within the scope of the current invention.
[0052] A curved shower bar that extends out and away from a mounting bracket
(e.g., 500, 600, 700) inay act a lever arm and act to pull the mounting
bracket away from
the wall. In order to counter this, the mounting brackets may extend along the
mounting
wall to provide additional surface area for contact. The added surface area
provides
additional support to hold the bar in place minimize the bar and/or bracket
rotation.
[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example extended mounting
bracket 800. The mounting bracket 800 includes a groove 810 formed in a
receiving face
and mounting holes 820 formed in a slanting face much like the mounting
brackets
discussed with respect to FIGs. 5 through 7. The mounting bracket 800 includes
an
extension portion 830 that also provides a mounting surface. Within the
extension portion
830 is another mounting hole 820 so that the mounting bracket 800 can be
mounted at
another point (three points are illustrated). It should be noted that the
invention is not
limited to the number of mounting holes 820 that are used to connect the
mounting bracket
800 to the wall with screws or bolts. In fact, the mounting holes 820 and
screws/bolts are
not needed to connect the mounting bracket 800, as other means could be used
(e.g., glue,
VELCRO ).
[0054] As previously mentioned, the mounting bracket connects to shower walls.
The shower walls may be drywall, tile, masonry board, and/or a tub insert. The
mounting
brackets may be bolted to the wall using toggle bolts, molly bolts, anchors or
other
connection apparatus. Many of the connection apparatus require that a
relatively large hold
be drilled in the wall so that the connection apparatus (e.g., toggle bolt)
can be inserted
through the hole and then open within the wall to hold in place. If the shower
wall is a tub
insert, the large hall probably extends through the insert into the wall
behind the insert so
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that the wall can provide support, as the tub insert is likely a thin material
that can't
provide the support for the mounting brackets itself. Bolting the mounting
brackets to the
wall behind the tub insert is likely to create stresses on the insert.
According to one
embodiment, inserts (e.g., polypropylene) can be used to provide support for
the tub insert.
[0055] FIG. 8 also illustrates the use of exemplary bolts (or screws) 840 and
fastening inserts 850 to mount the mounting bracket 800 to a tub insert. The
fastening
inserts 850 may have an exterior diameter the size of the hole that needs to
be drilled in the
tub insert, may be as long as the gap between the tub insert and the wall, and
have a hole
formed therein for receiving the screw (or bolt) 840. The fastening inserts
850 may act as a
mechanical surface that distributes loads and resists rotational forces, thus
reducing stress
on the tub insert. Moreover, the fastening inserts 850 may provide a guide for
the bolt 840.
The fastening inserts 850 may be separate pieces that are inserted over the
bolt 840 during
installation. Alternatively, the fastening inserts 850 may be mounted to the
mounting
brackets 800.
[0056] Connecting the mounting bracket to the mounting surface (e.g., walls,
tiles,
tub inserts) in permanent fashion (e.g., screws) requires some installation
skill (e.g.,
drilling holes, installing toggle bolts). If the installation is not performed
correctly or if the
mounting brackets are not closely aligned and thus need to be taken down and
reinstalled
one may be left with damaged walls. Accordingly, a mounting bracket that is
simple to
install and/or reinstall and that can be installed (or secured) to a mounting
surface without
requiring any modifications to the surface (e.g., no holes) is desirable so
that one with
limited mechanical aptitude can install the shower bars.
[0057] According to one embodiment, a mounting bracket includes a suction cup
for connecting to the walls. As one of ordinary skill in the art knows,
suction cups stick to
the wall best if all the air between the suction cup and the wall is removed.
One manner to
do this is to squeeze the suction cup against the wall. However, while this
method may
create an initial suction capable of sticking to the wall all of the air is
not normally
removed thus leading to the eventual slippage of the suction cup from the
wall.
Accordingly, a manner in which to remove the air is desirable. There are
multiple ways to
remove the air from a suction cup. For example, a finger pump may be used to
allow one
to press the pump with their finger in order to remove the air from between
the suction cup
and the wall. A suction cup may come with a switch or latch that when turned
in one
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direction allows air to exist between the suction cup and the wall but when
flipped in the
other direction forces out the air therebetween and creates a vacuum seal.
[0058] FIG. 9 illustrates an example mounting bracket 900. The mounting
bracket
900 includes a suction cup 910 for securing it to the wall. Mounted to the top
of the
suction cup 910 is an arm 920 for securing the mounting bracket 900 to the
bar. The arm
920 may be secured to the suction cup 910 in numerous manners. For example,
the suction
cup 910 may have a threaded bolt extending therefrom and the arm 920 may have
a hole in
alignment with the threaded bolt and be placed over the threaded bolt and then
held in
place using a nut (e.g., fly nut). The arm 920 may extend from the suction cup
910 and
then be angled to accept the bar. An angled portion 930 of the arm 920 may
have fingers
940 (e.g., 2) that are used to insert into a slot (or slots) in the bar. If
the bar is a flat bar, the
arm 920 may be rotated by 90 degrees so that the angled portion 930 is
perpendicular (or
nearly perpendicular) to the wall. If the bar is curved, the arm 920 will be
rotated the
appropriate angle (e.g., 30 degrees) necessary to receive the bar. It should
be noted that a
device for removing the air (e.g., pump, latch) is not included in FIG. 9 for
ease of
illustration.
[0059] A single suction cup as illustrated in FIG. 9 may not be sufficient to
provide
a secure connection. For example, a curved shower bar that extends out and
away from the
mounting bracket 900 may act a lever arm and act to pull the mounting bracket
(suction
cup) away from the wall. In order to counter this, a second suction cup may be
added to
the mounting bracket or an elongated suction cup that extends away from the
bar may be
utilized.
[0060] FIG. 10 illustrates an example mounting bracket 1000. The mounting
bracket 1000 includes two suction cups 1010, a mounting arm 1020, and a
pressure handle
1030. The suction cups 1010 are used to secure the bar to the wall. The
pressure handle
1030 is used as a handle to carry the mounting bracket 1000. In addition, the
pressure
handle 1030 is the device used to remove the air between the suction cups 1010
and the
wall and create a vacuum tight hold. When the pressure handle 1030 is in one
configuration (e.g., down) there is no pressure between the suction cups 1010
and the wall
but when the handle 1030 is rotated to the other configuration (e.g., up) the
air is forced out
creating the vacuum tight hold. To install the mounting bracket 1000 a user
would grasp
the handle 1030 and place the bracket 1000 against the wall. Once the bracket
1000 was at
the approximate desired location the handle 1030 is bent up thus securing the
bracket 1000
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to the wall. If it is determined that the bracket 1000 is not in the correct
location the handle
1030 is bent down to remove the bracket 1000 and the bracket 1000 is moved to
the correct
location.
[0061] The mounting arm 1020 is used to secure the bar to the mounting bracket
1000. The arin 1020 is secured to both suction cups 1010. The arm 1020 extends
past one
of the suction cups 1010 and then is angled away from the wall so as to
receive the bar. An
angled portion 1040 includes mating features 1050. The mating features 1050
may be
aligned with slots in the bar so that they can be mated accordingly. According
to one
embodiment, the angled portion 1040 may be hinged to the arm 1020 so that the
degree of
the angle can be manipulated.
[0062] FIG. 11 illustrates an example shower configuration using a multi-piece
curved shower bar 1100 and suction cup mounting brackets 1150. The curved
shower bar
1100 is made up of two pieces 1105. Each of the pieces 1105 is formed with two
grooves
1110 running therethough. The two pieces 1105 are connected to one another
using two
braces 1115. The braces 1115 are inserted into a groove 1110 on one piece and
then the
other piece is inserted over the remaining portion of the brace 1115. The
braces 1115
support the connection of the two pieces 1105.
[0063] Each of the suction cup mounting brackets 1150 include two suction cups
1155, an arm 1160 connected between the suctions cups 1155, and a pressure
handle 1165
connected between the two suction cups 1155. The suction cups 1155 are used to
secure
the mounting brackets 1150 to walls 1190 of the shower (parallel walls as
illustrated). The
pressure handle 1165 is used to hold the bracket 1150 and to fasten it to the
wall by turning
the handle 1165 in a direction that will create a pressurized connection
between the suction
cups 1155 and the wall 1190. The arm 1160 has an angled portion 1170 that
extends
toward the bar 1100. The amount of angle is based on the arc of the bar 1100.
According
to some embodiments the amount of angle may be modified. The angled portion
1170
includes fingers 1175 that can be inserted in the groves 1110 in the bar 1100.
[0064] Installing the shower bar is simple as the mounting bracket can easily
be
secured to a wall and the bar can be flexed to fit on the mounting bracket or
within a
certain space (e.g., tub opening). Moreover, in the case of multi-piece bars
it is easy to flex
the bars to connect with one another (e.g., using brace). The basic steps for
installing the
bar are (a) securing the mounting brackets to the wall; (b) securing the
pieces of the bar
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together if a multi-piece bar, and (c) securing the bar to the mounting
brackets. The steps
need not be performed in any particular order. For example, the bar may be
installed on
the mounting brackets prior to securing the mounting brackets on the wall or
the mounting
brackets may be secured and then the bar may be installed on the brackets. If
the bar is
multiple pieces the bar may be put together before of after mounting to the
mounting
brackets.
[0065] Removing the bar is simple as well. The basic steps for removing the
bar
are (a) removing the bar from the mounting brackets, (b) removing the mounting
brackets
from the wall; and (c) separating the pieces of the bar if a multi-piece bar.
The steps need
not be performed in any particular order. For example, the bar may be removed
from the
mounting brackets prior to removing the mounting brackets from the wall or the
mounting
brackets may be removed prior to removing the bar from the brackets. If the
bar is
multiple pieces the bar may be separated before of after removing from the
mounting
brackets.
[0066] If the shower curtains or hardware (e.g., brackets, grommets, hooks)
need to
be removed or installed once the bar is in place, the entire bar may be
removed or a single
end may be removed. Removing only a single end requires less work and also
enables one
of the mounting brackets to aid in holding the bar up so that the shower
curtains or the
hardware can be easily inserted or removed. In order to remove one end you may
either
flex the bar and remove it from the bracket or remove the bracket from the
wall and then
separate the bracket from the bar. Once the shower curtains or hardware are
removed or
installed the end of the bar can be reattached to the mounting bracket (and
the mounting
bracket can be reinstalled if necessary).
[0067] The removable mounting brackets of FIGs. 9-11 were discussed with
respect to supporting a bar such as that disclosed in FIGs. 1-4. It should be
noted that the
mounting brackets could be used to hold other objects as well (e.g., standard
shower rods,
non-flexible bars). While these other objects may not provide the benefits of
the bar (e.g.,
flexibility, flat surface) the mounting brackets could still provide an easy
to install/remove
feature. In order to support rods, the fingers of the mounting brackets may be
replaced
with either a rod that was slid into an opening in the rod or a circular
opening that accepted
the rod.
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[0068] As previously mentioned, the flat surface of the shower bar enables the
bar
to accommodate all types of shower curtains. Moreover, any type of fastening
systems
(e.g., grommets, hooks) can be used with the shower bar. In fact, the flat bar
and curved
upper end provides less friction than a standard shower bar so that shower
curtains and/or
fasteners slide easier on the shower bar. Moreover, using the shower bar
enables the
shower curtains to lay flat. When the shower curtain lays flat it gives the
shower curtain a
much cleaner and nicer look (e.g., the look of drapes).
[0069] FIGs. 12A-C illustrate various types of shower curtains being connected
to
an example shower bar 1200. FIG. 12A illustrates a shower curtain 1210 hanging
from the
shower bar 1200 using standard hooks (rings) 1212. The hooks 1212 are inserted
over the
bar 1200 and connect to the shower curtain 1210 via eyelets 1214 formed in the
shower
curtains 1210. The hooks 1212 may come in any number of sizes and shapes
(circular,
oblong, pear shaped). The hooks may be fully enclosed with one end connecting
to the
other via some sort of snap or clip, likely at the eyelet. Alternatively, the
hooks may be
open with one end having a large end (possibly decorative) that will not go
through the
eyelet and the other end having a loop that goes around the shower bar.
According to one
embodiment, the hooks 1212 may be an integral part of the shower curtains
(e.g., stitched
or glued in the shower curtain) so that the eyelets would not be required.
[0070] FIG. 12B illustrates a shower curtain 1220 that has a pocket 1222
formed
therein. The bar 1200 is inserted into the pocket 1222 to hold the shower
curtain 1220.
The pocket 1222 may be a single pocket that extends across the whole shower
curtain 1220
or may be a series of pockets (if the packets are small enough they in effect
become straps).
The pocket 1222 may be permanent (e.g., stitched) in which case the bar would
need to be
inserted threw the shower curtain 1220 and then installed. Alternatively, the
pocket 1222
may be disconnectable (e.g., snap, VELCRO ) so that the shower curtain 1220
could be
installed on the bar 1200 while the bar 1200 is in place.
[0071] FIG. 12C illustrates a shower curtain 1230 (e.g., Hookless shower
curtain
covered by US Patent 5,186,232) that has loops 1232 formed therein and has
slits 1234
formed between alternating pairs of loops 1232. The shower curtain can be
installed over
the shower bar 1200 by popping the loops 1232 connected by the slit over the
shower bar
1200 so that the loops 1232 are now connected around the shower bar 1200.
After
installation is complete, the shower bar will be in front of every other set
of loops and
behind every other set of loops 1232. In an alternative embodiment, the loops
1232 may be
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formed in a back layer of the shower curtain 1230 and a front layer (e.g.,
valance) may
cover the back layer so that you do not see the bar 1200.
[0072] According to one embodiment, the bar may come in decorative colors or
have decorative designs formed thereon.
[0073] The various embodiments above were described with respect to bars and
brackets that are used to hold shower curtains in a shower enclosure
environment. The
invention is not limited thereto but could be used in any number of other
environments
(e.g., to hold curtains, drapes, or valances for windows or doors). For
example, a curved
bar and suction cup-mounting bracket could be used to install window
treatments in a bay
window where the arc of the bar traversed the arc of the bay window. The
suction cup
mounting could also be used to easily install the bar and associated materials
(e.g.,
curtains), for example, in hospitals to separate adjacent beds.
[0074] The many features and advantages of the various embodiments are
apparent
from the detailed specification. Thus, the appended claims are intended to
cover all such
features and advantages of the various embodiments that fall within the true
spirit and
scope of the various embodiments. Furthermore, since numerous modifications
and
variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the various
embodiments to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described.
Accordingly, all appropriate modifications and equivalents may be included
within the
scope of the various embodiments.
[0075] Although the various embodiments have been illustrated by reference to
specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
various changes
and modifications may be made which clearly fall within the scope. It is
intended that the
embodiments be protected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims.
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