Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Adjustable Tension-Mounted Curved Rod Assembly
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S.
Patent Application No.
13/676,800 filed November 14, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to an
adjustable tension
rod, and more particularly, to an adjustable tension-mounted curved shower
curtain rod
assembly.
[0004] Adjustable length tension rods for use as curtain or shower
curtain rods are generally
known. These tension rods typically include a single straight rod having a
first straight shaft that
telescopingly receives a second straight shaft, wherein the first and second
shafts house a long
threaded stud. Curved shower curtain rods, however, typically require the use
of screws, bolts,
and the like in order to permanently fix the curved rod to support surfaces
through. This results
in curved shower curtain rods being more complex to install and the risk of
peimanently
damaging the support surfaces upon removal of the curved rod.
[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide an adjustable curved shower
curtain rod that is
mounted between opposing support surfaces by a tension rod mechanism, thereby
providing for
simpler installation of the rod and reducing, if not eliminating, the risk of
damage to the support
surfaces upon removal of the curved rod.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly stated, one embodiment of the present invention is
directed to an adjustable
rod assembly comprising a first tube having a first arcuate portion, a first
end, a second opposing
end, and at least one planar surface extending from at least the second end of
the first tube
toward the first end of the first tube. The adjustable rod assembly further
comprises a second
tube having a second arcuate portion, a third tube of a generally straight
configuration, a fourth
tube of a generally straight configuration, a first end support, a second end
support, and a tension
=rod mechanism fixedly secured within the third tube for rotational movement
therewith. The
first end of the first tube is telescopingly received within the third tube
and the second end of the
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first tube is telescopingly received within the second tube. The third tube is
rotatable relative to
the first tube and is rotatably secured within the fourth tube. The fourth
tube is secured to the
first end support and the second tube is secured to the second end support.
The tension rod
mechanism has a threaded portion configured to extend from an interior of the
third tube to an
interior of the first tube.
[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
method of installing an
adjustable rod assembly. The steps of the method comprise providing an
assembled adjustable
rod assembly by: (i) providing a first tube having an arcuate portion, first
and second opposing
ends, and a planar surface extending from at least the second end toward the
first end; (ii)
providing a second tube having an arcuate portion, first and second opposing
ends, and at least
one aperture formed between the first and second opposing ends; (iii)
providing a third tube
having first and second opposing ends; (iv) telescopingly inserting the second
end of the first
tube in the second tube and telescopingly inserting the first end of the first
tube in the third tube;
(v) providing a first end support and a second end support; and (vi) pivotably
securing the second
end of the second tube to the second end support and rotatably securing the
third tube to the first
end support. The steps further comprise: b) positioning the assembled
adjustable rod assembly
between two opposing support surfaces, c) adjusting a length of the assembled
adjustable rod
assembly such that a respective rear surface of each of the first and second
end supports is
proximate a respective one of the opposing support surfaces, d) inserting a
fastener through the at
least one aperture of the second tube until a distal end of the fastener
engages a portion of the
planar surface of the first tube; and e) rotating the third tube about a
longitudinal axis thereof
until the respective rear surface of each of the first and second end supports
directly contacts a
respective one of the opposing support surfaces and the assembled adjustable
rod assembly
applies a compressive force against the opposing support surfaces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[00081 The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of a preferred
embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in
conjunction with the
appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings
an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however,
that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown.
[0009] In the drawings:
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[0010] Fig. lA is a left perspective view of an adjustable curved tension-
mounted rod
assembly in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
10011] Fig. 1B is an enlarged perspective view of one end of the
adjustable curved tension-
mounted rod assembly shown in Fig. 1A;
[0012] Fig. 1C is an exploded perspective view of the one end of the
adjustable curved
tension-mounted rod assembly shown in Fig. 1A;
[0013] Fig. 2A is a front elevational view of an adjustable curved
tension-mounted rod
assembly in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] Fig. 2B is a top plan partial cross-sectional view of the
adjustable curved tension-
mounted rod assembly taken along line B-B of Fig. 2A;
[0015] Fig. 2C is an enlarged top plan cross-sectional fragmentary view
of the adjustable
curved tension-mounted rod assembly taken about area 2C of Fig. 2B;
[0016] Fig. 3 is an enlarged elevational cross-sectional view of a fourth
tube of the adjustable
curved tension-mounted rod assembly shown in Fig. 1A;
[0017] Fig. 4 is a left perspective cross-sectional view of an adjustable
curved tension-
mounted rod assembly in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] Fig. 4A is an enlarged left perspective cross-sectional view of
the adjustable curved
tension-mounted rod assembly taken about area A of Fig. 4;
[0019] Fig. 5 is a left perspective view of an adjustable curved tension-
mounted rod
assembly in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] Fig. 5A is an enlarged partial perspective view of a portion of
the adjustable curved
tension-mounted rod assembly taken about area A of Fig. 5;
[0021] Fig. 5B is an enlarged perspective view of the tension mechanism
20 of the adjustable
curved tension-mounted rod assembly shown in Fig. 5;
[0022] Fig. 5C is a front cross-sectional view the first tube of the
adjustable curved tension-
mounted rod assembly shown in Fig. 5; and,
[0023] Fig. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the one end of
the adjustable
curved tension-mounted rod assemblies shown in Figs. 1A, 2A, 4 or 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is
not limiting. The words "right," "left," "top," "bottom" and "lower" designate
directions in the
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drawings to which reference is made. The words "first," "second," "third" and
"fourth"
designate an order of operations in the drawings to which reference is made,
but do not limit
these steps to the exact order described. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly"
refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the
device and designated
parts thereof Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a," "an" and
"the" are not limited to
one element, but instead should be read as meaning "at least one." The
terminology includes the
words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
[0025] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals and
characters indicate like
elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1A-1C a presently preferred
embodiment of an
adjustable curved tension-mounted rod assembly in accordance with the present
invention. With
reference initially to Fig. 1A, the adjustable curved tension-mounted rod
assembly preferably
functions as an adjustable curved curtain rod assembly, generally designated
10.
[0026] With particular reference to Figs. 1A-2B, the adjustable curved
rod assembly 10 can
be secured between two opposing support surfaces (not shown), such as bathroom
walls. The
adjustable curved rod assembly 10 can be used as a shower curtain rod, or as a
standard curtain
rod. The adjustable curved rod assembly 10 comprises a generally curved rod 12
that may be
positioned and maintained between two opposing support surfaces or walls.
[0027] The generally curved rod 12 comprises a first, inner tube 14
having an arcuate portion
and a second, outer tube 16 having an arcuate portion. The first, inner
arcuate tube 14 has a first
end 14a and a second end 14b. The second, outer arcuate tube 16 has a first
end 16a and a
second end 16b. The second end 16b of the second tube 16 is provided with a
pair of
diametrically opposed apertures 17 (only shown in Fig. 2B). The first and
second tubes 14, 16
are preferably made from a metal, and more preferably a non-corrosive metal,
such as cold-rolled
steel, stainless steel, aluminum, chrome or nickel or alloys or combinations
thereof, but may also
be constructed using wood, plastic, acrylic, or a like strong, lightweight
material or a
combination of materials. The first and second tubes 14, 16 may also be coated
with any type of
known coating for applying a non-corrosive finish to the curved rod 12.
[0028] The first and second tubes 14,1 6 are both preferably generally
cylindrical in shape
with a circular cross section. However, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that any
other suitable cross-sectional shape may be used, including oval, square,
rectangular, hexagonal,
octagonal, and the like. Preferably, the outer diameter of the first tube 14
is at least slightly
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smaller than the inner diameter of the second tube 16, such that first tube 14
is telescopingly
received within the second tube 16 in a reasonably tight fit. More
particularly, in an assembled
position of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the second end 14b of the
first tube 14 is
telescopingly positioned or received within the first end 16a of the second
tube 16. Accordingly,
the first and second tubes 14, 16 of the curved rod 12 are telescopingly
configured.
[00291 Referring to Figs. 2A-2B, in one embodiment, the first tube 14
preferably includes a
spring-loaded pin 80 is configure to project from an exterior surface of the
first tube 14.
Specifically, the spring-loaded pin 80 preferably has a first, relaxed
position, in which the pin 80
projects outwardly away from the exterior surface of the first tube 14, and a
second, retracted
position, in which the pin 80 is retracted or pushed inwardly toward the
exterior surface of the
first tube 14. The pin 80 is preferably biased toward the first, relaxed
position. The second tube
16 is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 82, each of a
sufficient size so as to be
configured to receive the pin 80. More particularly, the diameter of each
aperture 82 is
preferably of a sufficient size so as to allow the pin 80 to pass
therethrough.
[0030] In order to adjust the length of the curved rod 12, a user must
first place the pin 80 in
the second, retracted position, such as by pushing the pin 80 inwardly toward
the first tube 14.
Next, the user adjusts the curved rod 12 to the desired length by moving the
telescoping first and
second tubes 14, 16 toward each other to reduce the length of the curved rod
12 or away from
each other to increase the length of the curved rod 12. Once the desired
length is achieved and
the pin 80 is aligned with one of the plurality of apertures 82, the pin 80
automatically transitions
to its first, relaxed position, to which it is biased, by pass through the
aperture 82 of the second
tube 16 with which it is aligned. The engagement between the pin 80 of the
first tube 14 and one
of the apertures 82 of the second tube 16 ensures that the curved rod 12
maintains the desired
length when secured between opposing support surfaces.
[0031] Referring to Figs. 4-4A, in another embodiment, the second tube 16
preferably
includes a protrusion 84 which extends from an interior surface of the second
tube 16 toward an
interior of the second tube 16. The protrusion 84 is preferably a rivet 84
which acts as a travel
stop for the first tube 14, such that the position of the rivet 84 is
determinate of the overall length
of the curved rod 12. Specifically, once the first end 14a of the first tube
14 contacts the rivet 84,
the first tube and second tubes 14, 16 cannot move any further toward each
other to reduce the
length of the curved rod 12. Thus, the curved rod 12 has afpre-determined
maximum length
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which is attained by moving the telescoping first and second tubes 14, 16
toward each other until
the first end 14a of the first tube 14 contacts the rivet 84. It will be
understood by those skilled
in the art that while the preferred embodiment includes a rivet 84 as a travel
stop, any appropriate
travel stop structure may be used. For example, the interior of the second
tube 16 may be
provided with a welded pin, a welded protrusion, a protruding rib, and the
like, as long as the
interior of the second tube 16 includes some structure which contacts and
prevents further
movement of the first tube 14.
[0032] Preferably, the rivet 84 is provided at a position along a length
of the outer tube 16,
such that the resulting overall length of the adjustable curved rod assembly
10 is sufficient to
span a distance of 60 inches. However, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that the
rivet 84 may be provided at any position along the length of the outer tube
16, depending upon
the desired overall lengths of the curved rod 12 and the adjustable curved rod
assembly 10.
[0033] Referring to Figs. 5-5C, in another embodiment, one side of the
first tube 14 is
formed as a generally flat or planar surface 86. More preferably, a portion of
the periphery of the
first tube 14 extending from at least the first end 14a toward the second end
14b is formed as a
planar surface 86. Most preferably, the planar surface 86 extends from the
first end 14a
completely to the second end 14b of the first tube 16. As such, the first tube
14 preferably has a
D-shaped cross-section (see Fig. 5C). The second tube 16 is preferably
provided with at least
one aperture 88 of a sufficient size so as to be configured to receive a
fastener 90, preferably a
rotatable fastener 90, therethrough. More particularly, the diameter of the
aperture 88 is
preferably of a sufficient size so as to allow the fastener 90 to pass at
least partially therethrough
and engage a portion of the planar surface 86 of the first tube 14. As such,
the planar surface 86
of the first tube 14 is preferably positioned within the second tube 16 so
that the planar surface
86 of the first tube 14 faces the aperture 88 of the second tube 16.
[0034] The fastener 90 can be any fastener capable of fastening the first
tube 14 to the
second tube 16 to prevent relative movement of the tubes 14, 16. Preferably,
the fastener 90 is a
set screw, and more preferably a thumb set screw. However, it will be
understood that the
fastener 90 may alternatively be a clamp, a locking pin, a bolt, peg, dowel,
nail, and the like.
While it is preferred that the second tube 16 be provided with only one
aperture 88 and one
fastener 90 for ease of manufacturing, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that the
second tube 16 may be provided with a plurality of apertures 88 and/or
fasteners 90.
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[0035] In order to adjust the length of the curved rod 12 according to
the embodiment of
Figs. 5-5B, the user adjusts the curved rod 12 to the desired length by moving
the telescoping
first and second tubes 14, 16 toward each other to reduce the length of the
curved rod 12 or away
from each other to increase the length of the curved rod 12. Once the desired
length of the
curved rod 12 is achieved, the user inserts the fastener 90 through the
aperture 88 of the second
tube 16 until a distal end of the fastener 90 engages the first tube 14 and,
more particularly, until
the distal end of the fastener 90 engages the planar surface 86 of the first
tube 14. The
engagement between the fastener 90 and the planar surface 86 of the first tube
14 ensures that the
curved rod 12 maintains the desired length when secured between opposing
support surfaces.
[0036] Referring to Figs. 1A-1C, the adjustable curved rod assembly 10
further comprises a
third tube 30 which is preferably generally cylindrical in shape with a
circular cross section and
which preferably has a generally straight configuration. The third tube 30 is
preferably a
rotatable tube 30 having a first end 30a and a second end 30b. More
preferably, the first and
second ends 30a, 30b of the rotatable tube 30 are open ends. The rotatable
tube 30 is preferably
made from a metal, and more preferably a non-corrosive metal, such as cold-
rolled steel,
stainless steel, aluminum, chrome or nickel or alloys or combinations thereof,
but may also be
constructed using wood, plastic, acrylic, or a like strong, lightweight
material or a combination
of materials. The rotatable tube 30 may also be coated with any type of known
coating for
applying a non-corrosive finish to the tube 30. More preferably, the rotatable
tube 30 is made
from the same material as the first and second tubes 14, 16 of the curved rod
12.
[0037] The inner diameter of the rotatable tube 30 is at least slightly
larger than the outer
diameter of the first tube 14 of the curved rod 12, such that the first end
14a of the first tube 14 is
configured to pass through the open second end 30b and at least slightly into
the rotatable tube
30. Accordingly, in the assembled position of the adjustable curved rod
assembly 10, the first
end 14a of the first tube 14 is telescopingly positioned or received within
the second end 30b of
the rotatable tube 30 (see Fig. 2C). Further, in the assembled position of the
adjustable curved
rod assembly 10, the longitudinal axis Li of the rotatable tube 30 is
preferably generally aligned
with the longitudinal axis L2 of the first end 14a of the first tube 14. As
such, in the assembled
position of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the rotatable tube 30 is
preferably freely
rotatable relative to the first tube 14 of the curved rod 12 positioned
therein.
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[0038] Preferably, the rotatable tube 30 and the first end 14a of the
first tube 14 of the curved
rod 12 are each at least partially hollow, such that a tension mechanism 20
can be fitted therein
(see Figs. 1C and 2C). More specifically, the tension mechanism 20 is fixedly
secured within an
interior of the rotatable tube 30, and more preferably within the first end
30a of the rotatable tube
30, such that the tension mechanism 20 is configured to rotate with the
rotatable tube 30. U.S.
Patent No. 5,330,061, which is assigned to Zenith Products Corp. and is
incorporated herein by
reference, describes a preferred embodiment of a tension mechanism of the type
for use in the
adjustable curved rod assembly 10.
[0039] Specifically, referring to Fig. 2C, the tension mechanism 20 of
the adjustable curved
rod assembly 10 is preferably a tension rod mechanism 20 comprising a rod 22
having a first end
22a, a second end 22b, a first stop piece 24 and a second stop piece 26. The
first stop piece 24 is
provided at the first end 22a of the rod 22, while the second stop piece 26 is
positioned in
between the first and second ends 22a, 22b. The first and second stop pieces
24, 26 may be
shaped differently, as shown in Fig. 2C, or alternatively may have
substantially identical
structures. As will be discussed more fully herein, the first and second stop
pieces 24, 26 define
the limits to which the overall length of the adjustable curved rod assembly
10 can be adjusted.
[0040] The rod 22 comprises a threaded portion 28 and a connector portion
60. The threaded
portion 28 of the rod 22 is defined by the portion of the rod 22 having an
external thread pattern.
Preferably, at least one part of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 is
flexible. More preferably,
the entirety of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 is flexible. However, it
will be understood
by those skilled in the art that a portion or the entirety of the threaded
portion 28 of the rod 22
may alternatively be generally rigid.
[0041] The connector portion 60 of the rod 22 preferably comprises a
connector 62. At a
distal tip of the connector 62, a locking pin 64 is integrally formed with the
connector 62.
However, it will be understood that the locking pin 64 may be formed as a
separate component
which is secured to the connector 62 by any conventional means. The locking
pin 64 protrudes
outwardly away from a surface of the connector 62 and the threaded portion 28
of the rod 22.
[0042] In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2C, the threaded portion 28 of
the rod 22
extends from the first end 22a of the rod 22 and the first stop piece 24 to
the second stop piece
26. In this embodiment, the connector portion 60 preferably extends from the
second stop piece
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26 to the second end 22b of the rod 22, with the connector 62 defining the
second end 22b of the
rod 22.
[0043] In the assembled position of the adjustable curved rod assembly
10, the first end 14a
of the first tube 14 is telescopingly positioned within the interior of the
rotatable tube 30, the
connector portion 60 of the tension mechanism 20 is fixedly secured within the
first end 30a of
the rotatable tube 30 and at least a portion of the threaded portion 28 of the
rod 22 extends into
and is rotatably secured within the first end 14a of the first tube 14. More
preferably, the
connector 62 of the rod 22 is fixedly secured within the first end 30a of the
rotatable tube 30 and
at least a portion of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 extends from an
interior of the rotatable
tube 30 to an interior of the first end 14a of the first tube 14. Accordingly,
rotation of the
rotatable tube 30 about the longitudinal axis Li thereof, relative to the
first tube 14, also causes
rotation of the rod 22 of the tension mechanism 20 relative to the first tube
14.
[0044] In one embodiment, at least a portion of an interior surface of
the first end 14a of the
first tube 14 preferably includes a threaded portion which is configured to
threadingly engage the
threaded portion 28 of the rod 22 to rotatably secure the rod 22 within the
first tube 14. In
another embodiment, the interior of the first end 14a of the first tube 14
includes a threaded
bushing or nut 70 configured to threadingly engage the threaded portion 28 of
the rod 22 to
rotatably secure the rod 22 therein. The threaded bushing 70 is preferably
fixedly secured within
the first end 14a of the first tube 14. More preferably, the threaded bushing
70 is positioned
substantially a distal-most tip of the first end 14a of the first tube 14.
However, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the threaded bushing 70 may be
positioned at some
other location within the first tube 14, as long as the location allows
extension and collapse of the
adjustable curved rod assembly 10 to the desired length.
[0045] The threaded bushing 70 is preferably made from a metal, such as
cold-rolled steel,
stainless steel, aluminum, chrome or nickel or alloys or combinations thereof,
but may also be
constructed using wood, plastic, acrylic, or a like strong, lightweight
material or a combination
of materials. The threaded bushing 70 may be secured within the first tube 14
by any
conventional means, such as a flange connection, a dimple connection,
adhesives, welds and the
like. Preferably, the threaded bushing 70 is secured within the first end 14a
of the first tube 14
by a flange 15 which extends circumferentially from the threaded bushing 70
around the distal-
most tip of the first end 14a of the first tube 14.
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[0046] Preferably, an exterior surface of the threaded bushing 70 is in
direct contact with an
interior surface of the first tube 14. In the embodiment of Figs. 5-5B, one
side of the bushing 70
is formed as a generally flat or planar surface 92. As such, the bushing 70
preferably has a D-
shaped cross-section. More preferably, a portion of the periphery of the
bushing 70 extending
along a length thereof is formed as an exterior planar surface 92 configured
to engage and mate
with the interior of the planar surface 86 of the first tube 14.
[0047] An interior surface of the threaded bushing 70 is preferably
defined by a centrally
located and threaded through-hole 72. The thread pattern of the through-hole
72 corresponds to
or complements that of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22. The centrally
located through-hole
72 of the threaded bushing 70 also includes an inner diameter that is
substantially equal to the
outer diameter of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22. Accordingly, in the
assembled position
of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the threaded portion 28 of the rod
22 is positioned
within the centrally located through-hole 72 of the threaded bushing 70, such
that the threaded
portion 28 of the rod 22 rotates within the threaded bushing 70.
[0048] Preferably, rotation of the rotatable tube 30 causes the first tube
14 and the rotatable
tube 30 to move axially relative to each other. More particularly, rotation of
the rotatable tube
30 in a first direction about the longitudinal axis Li thereof preferably
causes the first tube 14
and the rotatable tube 30 to move axially away from each other, thereby
extending the overall
length of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10. Rotation of the rotatable rod
30 in the first
direction, and more particularly movement of the threaded portion 28 within
the threaded
bushing 70 as the rotatable rod 30 is rotated in the first direction, is
preferably limited by the
second stop piece 26.
[0049] Rotation of the rotatable tube 30 in a second direction, opposite
the first direction,
about the longitudinal axis LI thereof preferably causes the first tube 14 and
the rotatable tube 30
to move axially toward each other, thereby reducing the overall length of the
adjustable curved
rod assembly 10. Rotation of the rotatable rod 30 in the second direction, and
more particularly
movement of the threaded portion 28 within the threaded bushing 70 as the
rotatable rod 30 is
rotated in the second direction, is preferably limited by the first stop piece
24,
[0050] Referring to Figs. 1B-1C and 3, the adjustable curved rod assembly
10 further
comprises a fourth tube 46 which is preferably generally cylindrical in shape
with a circular
cross section and which preferably has a generally straight configuration. The
fourth tube 46 is
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preferably a generally cylindrical coupler 46. The coupler 46 has a first end
46a and a second
end 46b. In one embodiment, the coupler 46 preferably includes at least one
generally closed
interior and intermediate wall 48 at a position between the opposing first and
second ends 46a,
46b. Preferably, the interior and intermediate wall 48 includes an aperture or
groove 48a
centrally formed therein. More preferably, the interior and intermediate wall
48 includes a
centrally-located aperture 48a formed therethrough. The first end 46a of the
coupler 46
preferably includes a pair of diametrically opposed apertures 50.
[0051] The inner diameter of the coupler 46 is slightly larger than the
outer diameter of the
rotatable tube 30, such that the rotatable tube 30 can be positioned within an
interior of the
coupler 46. More particularly, in the assembled position of the adjustable
curved rod assembly
10, the first end 30a of the rotatable tube 30 is telescopingly position and
received within the
second end 46b of the coupler 46. Preferably, the rotatable tube 30 is
rotatably secured within
the coupler 46, such that the rotatable tube 30 is freely rotatable relative
to the coupler 46.
[0052] In one embodiment, the preferred structural configuration of the
rotatable tube 30 and
the coupler 46 is achieved by rotational engagement of the locking pin 64 and
the aperture or
groove 48a of the intermediate wall of the coupler 46. More particularly, in
one embodiment,
the first end 30a of the rotatable tube 30, in which the connector 62 of the
tension mechanism 20
is fixedly secured, is positioned within the second end 46b of the coupler 46
until the locking pin
64 of the connector 62 passes through the aperture 48a of the intermediate
wall 48. Preferably,
at least a portion of the locking pin 64 has a diameter which is at least
slightly larger than that of
the aperture 48a, such that once the locking pin 64 is positioned within the
aperture 48a (e.g., by
snapping the locking pin 64 into position), the locking pin 64 is frictionally
engaged by the
aperture 48a and is not easily detached or removed from the aperture 48a.
[0053] Such an engagement between the tension mechanism 20 and the
coupler 46 secures
the tension mechanism 20 to the coupler 46 in a stable manner, while
simultaneously enabling
both the rotatable tube 30 and the tension mechanism 20 to rotate relative to
the coupler 46 and
the first tube 14 of the curved rod 12, as necessary for adjustment of the
overall length of the
adjustable curved rod assembly 10 and the generation of a tensile or
compressive force which
holds the adjustable curved rod assembly 10 in place between opposing
supporting surfaces.
More particularly, rotation of the rotatable tube 30 in the first direction
about the longitudinal
axis Li thereof preferably causes the first tube 14 and the coupler 46 to move
axially away from
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each other, thereby extending the overall length of the adjustable curved rod
assembly 10 to
create the needed tension against the opposing support surfaces. Conversely,
rotation of the
rotatable tube 30 in the second, opposite direction, about the longitudinal
axis Li thereof
preferably causes the first tube 14 and the coupler 46 to move axially toward
each other, thereby
reducing the overall length of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10.
[0054] The coupler 46 is preferably made from a metal, and more
preferably a non-corrosive
metal, such as cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, aluminum, chrome or nickel
or alloys or
combinations thereof, but may also be constructed using wood, plastic,
acrylic, or a like strong,
lightweight material or a combination of materials. The coupler 46 may also be
coated with any
type of known coating for applying a non-corrosive finish to the coupler 46.
More preferably,
the coupler 46 is made from the same material as the first and second tubes
14, 16 of the curved
rod 12 and the rotatable tube 30.
[0055] The adjustable curved rod assembly 10 further comprises a first
end support 32 and a
second end support 34. Each of the first and second end supports 32, 34 is
configured to be
removably mounted to a respective support surface (not shown) of the two
opposing support
surfaces. The coupler 46 is secured to the first end support 32 and the second
tube 16 of the
curved rod 12 is secured to the second end support 34. More preferably, the
first end support 32
receives the first end 46a of the coupler 46 in a stable manner. The second
end support 34
receives the second end 16b of the second tube 16 in a similarly stable
manner.
[0056] The first end and second end supports 32, 34 are preferably made
from a lightweight,
high strength material, such as aluminum or steel, but could be made of other
materials, such as a
polymeric material, chrome or nickel, or alloys or combinations thereof, but
may also be
constructed using wood, plastic, acrylic, or a like strong, lightweight
material or a combination
of materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Preferably, first and
second end supports 32, 34 are made from the same material as the first and
second tubes 14, 16
of the curved rod 12, the rotatable tube 30 and the coupler 46.
[0057] The first end support 32 is preferably a mirror image of the
second end support 34.
For convenience in the description and clarity in the drawings, only the first
end support 32 is
described in detail and completely labeled in the drawings with the
understanding that the second
end support 34 includes similar features.
12
CA 02853005 2014-06-02
[0058] Referring to Figs. 1B-1C, the first end support 32 includes a base
plate 36 having a
first, rear face 36a and an opposing second, front face 36b. Preferably, a
resilient pad 38 is
secured to the rear surface 36a of the base plate 36 and is configured to
directly contact one of
the opposing support surfaces to support the adjustable curved rod assembly 10
above a ground
surface when the assembly is installed. The resilient pad 38 may be made of a
rubber (natural or
synthetic), foam, an elastomeric plastic or any other resilient material
having a sufficiently high
coefficient of friction to ensure secure mounting of the adjustable curved rod
assembly 10
between the two opposing support surfaces.
[0059] A first flange 40 and a second flange 42 extend generally
perpendicularly from the
front face 36b of the base plate 36 of the first end support 32. The first and
second flanges 40,
42 are spaced apart from each other so as to form a support space 44
therebetween. A first
aperture 40a is formed in the first flange 40 and a second aperture 42a is
formed in the second
flange 42. Preferably, the first and second apertures 40a, 42a are generally
aligned or in registry
with each other.
[0060] With respect to the first end support 32, a first fastener assembly
comprising a first
fastening pin 52 and a first fastening pin end 54 is preferably utilized to
secure the coupler 46
within the support space 44 formed between the first and second flanges 40,
42. Specifically, in
the assembled position of the adjustable curved rod assembly 10, the first end
46a of the coupler
46 is positioned within the support space 44, such that the apertures 50 of
the first end 46a of the
coupler 46 are aligned or in registry with the first and second apertures 40a,
42a of the first and
second flanges 40, 42. The first fastening pin 52 and the first fastening pin
end 54 are then
inserted through the first and second apertures 40a, 42a of the first end
support 32 and the
apertures 50 of the coupler 46. The first fastening pin 52 may be secured
within the first
fastening pin end 54 by any known conventional mechanisms, such as
corresponding thread
patterns, an adhesive, friction fit, an interference fit and the like. As
such, the coupler 46, and
more particularly the first end 46a of the coupler 46, is pivotably secured to
the first end support
32. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
coupler 46 may
alternatively be fixedly secured to the first end support 32.
[0061] In the assembled position of the adjustable curved rod assembly
10, the second end
16b of the second tube 16 is similarly pivotably secured to the second end
support 34 by a
second fastening assembly comprising a second fastening pin 52 and a second
fastening pin end
13
CA 02853005 2014-06-02
,
54 engages the first and second apertures 40a, 42a of the second end support
34 and the apertures
17 of the second end 16b of the second tube 16. As such, pivotal movement of
the second tube
16 of the curved rod 12 is enabled.
[0062] One or both of the first and second end supports 32, 34 may
optionally be provided
with a cover 33, and more particularly a decorative cover 33. In one
embodiment, as shown in
Fig. 6, the decorative cover 33 may be secured to the first end support 32,
and more particularly
the base plate 36 of the first end support 32, by at least one fastener 94. It
will be understood
that, though not depicted, the decorative cover 33 may be secured to the
second end support 34,
and more particularly the base plate 36 of the second end support 34, by at
least one fastener 94
in a similar manner.
[0063] The fastener 94 cooperates with a first aperture 96 formed in the
decorative cover 33
and a first indentation 98 formed in the base plate 36, respectively. More
particularly, the
aperture 96 is preferably formed in an upper end 33a of the decorative cover
33 and the
indentation 98 is preferably formed in an upper end 36c of the base plate 36.
[0064] The indentation 98 is preferably a raised region of the rear face
36b of the base plate
36. The indentation 98 is preferably formed of an angled or inclined surface
100 and two
opposing lateral sidewalls 102 extending transversely therefrom toward the
base plate 36. The
angled surface 100 and the lateral sidewalls 102 define a cavity 104
configured to receive the
fastener 94 therein.
[0065] The aperture 96 and the cavity 104 of the indentation 98 are
preferably aligned or in
registry with each other, and more preferably, are axially aligned with the
first and second
apertures 40a, 42a of the first and second flanges 40, 42 and the apertures 50
of the coupler 46.
To assemble the decorative cover 33 on one of the end supports 32, 34, the
user first assembles
the first tube 14, second tube 16, rotatable tube 30 and coupler 46, as
described in more detail
hereinafter. Then, the decorative cover 33 is positioned over the end support
32, 34, such that
the aperture 96 of the decorative cover 33 and the cavity 104 of the
indentation 98 of the base
plate 36 are in registry with each other and generally axially aligned with
the first and second
apertures 40a, 42a of the first and second flanges 40, 42 and with the
apertures 50 of the coupler
46. Finally, the user inserts the fastener 94 through the aperture 96 of the
decorative cover 33
until a distal end of the fastener 94 engages the indentation 98, and more
preferably the angled
14
CA 02853005 2014-06-02
surface 100 of the indentation 98. Preferably, a proximal end of the fastener
94 remains
generally flush with an exterior surface of the decorative cover 33.
[0066] The fastener 94 can be any fastener capable of fastening the
decorative cover 33 to an
end support 32, 34 to prevent relative movement. Preferably, the fastener 94
is a set screw, and
more preferably a thumb set screw. However, it will be understood that the
fastener 94 may
alternatively be a clamp, a locking pin, a bolt, peg, dowel, nail, and the
like.
[0067] In one embodiment, the base plate 36 further includes a second
indentation 98 formed
at a bottom end 36d thereof, and more particularly 180 , from the first
indentation 98 formed at
the upper end 36c of the base plate 36. Similarly, the decorative cover 33
preferably includes a
second aperture (not shown) formed at a bottom end 33b thereof, 180 from the
first aperture 96
formed at the upper end 33a of the decorative cover 33. A second fastener 94
is preferably
received through the second aperture and in the cavity 104 of the second
indentation 98 to secure
the decorative cover 33 to the end support 32, 34.
[0068] Each decorative cover 33 further includes a third aperture 106,
preferably located in
the geometric center thereof, which is configured to receive the first end 46a
of the coupler 46 or
the second end 16b of the second tube 16 therethrough.
[0069] In use, to obtain an assembled adjustable curved rod assembly 10:
the second end 14b
of the first tube 14 is positioned within the first end 16a of the second tube
16 of the curved rod
12, such that the first and second tubes 14, 16 are telescopingly configured;
the first end 14a of
the first tube 14 of the curved rod 12 is positioned within the second end 30b
of the rotatable
tube 30 such that the first tube 14 and the rotatable tube 30 are
telescopingly configured and the
rotatable tube 30 is freely rotatable relative to the first tube 14; the
connector portion 60 of the
rod 22 of the tension mechanism 20 is fixedly secured within the first end 30a
of the rotatable
tube 30 and at least a portion of the threaded portion 28 of the rod 22
extends from the rotatable
tube 30 into the first tube 14 where it is rotatably secured therein by the
threaded bushing 70; the
first end 30a of the rotatable tube 30 is rotatably secured within the second
end 46b of the
coupler 46 such that the locking pin 64 of the connector 62 is positioned
within the aperture 48a
of the intermediate wall 48 of the coupler 46; the first end 46a of the
coupler 46 is pivotably
secured to the first end support 32; and the second end 16b of the second tube
16 of the curved
rod 12 is pivotably secured to the second end support 34.
CA 02853005 2014-06-02
[0070] If decorative covers 33 are desired, the first end 46a of the
coupler 46 and the second
end 16b of the second tube 16 are inserted through the apertures 106 of
respective covers 33
prior to being secured to the first and second end supports 32, 34,
respectively.
[0071] In the assembled adjustable curved rod assembly 10, while one end
of the assembly
10 (i.e., the second end 16b of the second tube 16) is pivotably secured to
the second end support
34, the other end of the assembly 10 is rotatably secured to the first end
support 32. More
particularly, while the coupler 46 is pivotably secured to the first end
support 32, the rotatable
tube 30 remains rotatable relative to the first end support 32. Thus, the
rotatable tube 30 is
rotatably secured to the first end support 32
[0072] To install the assembled adjustable curved rod assembly 10 in a
bathtub or shower
stall (not shown), the assembly 10 is positioned between the opposing support
surfaces of the
stall and the length of the curved rod 12 is adjusted until the initial
desired length is achieved.
As described above, the length of the curved rod 12 is adjusted by sliding the
first and second
tubes 14, 16 either toward or away from each other until the desired length is
achieved.
[0073] The initial desired length of the curved rod 12 is dependent upon
the distance between
the opposing support surfaces and is achieved when the rear face 36a of the
base plate 36 (or the
resilient pad 38 attached thereto) of each end support 32, 34 is proximate a
respective opposing
support surface. More preferably, the initial desired length of the curved rod
12 is achieved
when the rear face 36a of the base plate 36 or (the resilient pad 38 attached
thereto) of each end
support 32, 34 directly contacts or almost directly contacts a respective
opposing support surface
at generally the same height, such that the first and second tubes 14, 16 are
generally horizontal
in the mounted configuration.
[0074] In the embodiment of Figs. 2A-2B, once the desired length is
achieved, the spring-
loaded pin 80 is received within a cooperating hole 82. The engagement between
the pin 80 of
the first tube 14 and a hole 82 of the second tube 16 ensures that the curved
rod 12 maintains the
desired length when secured between opposing support surfaces. In the
embodiment of Figs. 4-
4A, the overall length of the curved rod 12 that can be achieved is limited by
engagement of the
rivet 84 and the first end 14a of the first tube 14 contacts the rivet 84. In
the embodiment of
Figs. 5-5B, once the desired length is achieved, the fastener 90 is inserted
through the aperture
88 of the second tube 16 until a distal end of the fastener engage a portion
of the planar surface
86 of the first tube 14.
16
CA 02853005 2014-06-02
[0075] Finally, once the assembled adjustable curved rod assembly 10 is
properly positioned
between the two opposing support surfaces, the rotatable tube 30 can be
manually rotated by a
user to generate a tension or compressive force to be exerted by the
adjustable curved rod
assembly 10 upon the opposing support surfaces, such that the assembly 10 is
maintained
between the two opposing surfaces without the use of fasteners or adhesives.
Specifically, when
the assembled adjustable curved rod assembly 10 is positioned between the two
opposing
surfaces, the user manually rotates the rotatable tube 30 about its
longitudinal axis Ll, thereby
adjusting the overall desired length of the rod assembly 10, until the rear
surface 36a of the base
plate 36 or (the resilient pad 38 attached thereto) of each end support 32, 34
directly contacts a
respective opposing support surface and a compressive or tensile force,
generated by the tension
mechanism 20, is applied or exerted against the opposing support surfaces. A
compressive or
tensile force is also generated and exerted between the threads of bushing 70
and the threads of
threaded portion 28 to maintain the position of bushing 70 along the threaded
portion 28. As
such, the adjustable curved rod assembly 10 is maintained between the two
opposing surfaces
without the use of fasteners or adhesives.
[0076] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes could be
made to the
embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept
thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments disclosed,
but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the
present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
17
