U.S. patent application number 10/099063 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-18 for fastening device.
Invention is credited to Ho, Stanley.
Application Number | 20030172502 10/099063 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28039504 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030172502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ho, Stanley |
September 18, 2003 |
Fastening device
Abstract
Claimed and disclosed is a fastening device. More specifically,
claimed and disclosed is a sound-emitting fastening device that
engages a shower curtain to a curtain rod. The sound emitting
fastening device comprises a sound-emitting member and a coupling
member comprising a first end connected to said sound-emitting
member, and a second end adapted to slidably and removably couple
to a substantially fixed object.
Inventors: |
Ho, Stanley; (Warren,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FROMMER LAWRENCE & HAUG
745 FIFTH AVENUE- 10TH FL.
NEW YORK
NY
10151
US
|
Family ID: |
28039504 |
Appl. No.: |
10/099063 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/716 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 2023/003 20130101;
Y10T 24/51 20150115; A47K 3/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/716 |
International
Class: |
A47H 013/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sound-emitting coupling device, comprising: a sound-emitting
member; and a coupling member comprising a first end connected to
said sound-emitting member, and a second end adapted to slidably
and removably couple to an object.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said sound-emitting member is
housed in a decorative housing in the shape of an animal, a person,
an object or a caricature.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said sound-emitting member is
motion-activated.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein said sound-emitting member is
activated by a mercury switch.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein said sound-emitting member is
pressure-activated.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said sound-emitting member is
battery-powered.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein said sound-emitting member
comprises a printed circuit board.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein said second end of said coupling
member is substantially S-shaped.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein said second end of said coupling
member is formed substantially in the shape of a curved hook.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein said second end of said coupling
member comprises an element adjacent to said sound emitting member
for supporting a shower curtain by said device.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein said second end of said coupling
member is adapted to slidably and removably couple to a shower
curtain rod.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is adapted to be
mounted to a wall.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein said second end of said coupling
member is formed in a shape adapted to engage said object.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein said first end of said coupling
member is connected to said sound emitting member in fixed
engagement.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein said first end of said coupling
member is connected to said sound emitting member in threaded
engagement.
16. A sound-emitting coupling device, comprising: a sound-emitting
member housed in a decorative housing; and a coupling member
comprising a first end connected to said decorative housing, and a
second end to slidably and removably couple to a substantially
fixed object, wherein said second end is further adapted to
removably receive a shower curtain.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein said sound-emitting member is
motion-activated.
18. The device of claim 16, wherein said decorative housing is
formed in the shape of an animal a person, an object or a
caricature.
19. The device of claim 16, wherein said substantially fixed object
is a shower curtain rod.
20. A decorative, sound emitting fastening device for hanging a
sheet material onto a substantially fixed object, comprising: a
motion-activated sound-emitting member housed in a decorative
housing; and a coupling member comprising a first end connected to
said decorative housing and comprising an element positioned
adjacent to said first end thereof for removably supporting a
shower curtain, and a second end formed substantially in the shape
of a hook and adapted to slidably and removably couple to said
substantially fixed object.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein said sound-emitting member is
activated by a mercury switch.
22. The device of claim 20, wherein said substantially fixed object
is a shower curtain rod.
23. A sound-emitting fastening device for connecting a shower
curtain to a rod, comprising: a motion-activated sound-emitting
member housed in a decorative housing; and a coupling member
comprising a first end connected to said decorative housing and
comprising an element positioned adjacent said first end for
removably supporting said shower curtain, and a second end formed
substantially in the shape of a hook and adapted to slidably and
removably couple to said rod.
24. A kit, comprising: one or more sound-emitting devices for
connecting a shower curtain to a rod, each sound emitting fastening
device comprising: a motion activated sound emitting member housed
in a decorative housing; an insulating element adapted to be
removably inserted into said decorative housing to prevent
activation of said sound emitting member; and a coupling member
comprising a first end connected to said decorative housing, and an
element positioned adjacent said first end for removably supporting
said shower curtain and a second end formed substantially in the
shape of a hook and adapted to slidably and removably couple to
said rod.
25. The kit of claim 24, wherein said insulating material is
removed to allow actuation of said sound emitting member after
deployment thereof.
26. The kit of claim 25, wherein said insulating material may be
reinserted into said decorative housing at any time to prevent
activation of said sound emitting member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a sound-emitting fastening
device. More specifically, the present invention teaches and
discloses a shower curtain connector that has a sound-emitting
member attached thereto. The fastening device can be sized and
colored as desired and can be made from any material that is sturdy
and affords a degree of rigidity. Thus, it can be made from any
plastic, resin, metal, synthetic or natural material, and/or part
plastic and part metal. Therefore, it can withstand repeated use by
a user using it on a daily basis without breaking or cracking and
at the same time it is sturdy enough that it is capable of holding
up a sheet material such as shower curtain.
[0002] The invention further relates to a sound-emitting fastening
device wherein the sound-emitting member is motion-activated such
that when the sheet material or shower curtain is moved, the
sound-emitting member emits a sound, such as a tone or music. The
sound-emitting member is housed in a decorative housing in a myriad
of shapes and sizes.
[0003] The invention further relates to sound-emitting fastening
devices wherein the sound emitting member comprises any such member
that emits sound in response to pressure activation. Such a sound
emitting member comprises an electronic sound emitting member that
has a pre-programmed noise, word, phrase, music, or other desired
audio signal or sound. Optionally or alternatively, the invention
comprises to such fastening devices wherein the sound emitting
member can records and plays back a noise, word, phrase, music, or
other desired audio signal or sound.
[0004] Further optionally or alternatively, the invention relates
to such fastening devices wherein the sound emitting member can
includes a VOX--a voice activated (or sound activated) switch--for
instance, a switch that activates the play and/or recordation of
the noise, word, phrase, music, or other desired audio signal or
sound. Also optionally or alternatively, the sound emitting member
includes another or a different switch or other switches, such as a
light sensitive switch; for instance, a switch that allows the
sound emitting member to be activated when there is light and not
activated when there is no light (so, for example, if the fastening
device is in a relatively dark setting, such as a bathroom at
night, the sound-emitting member will not emit a sound when used,
but it will do so when there is light, such as during the day).
[0005] And, even further still, the invention relates to such
fastening devices wherein the sound emitting member includes or is
a transmitter; for instance, instead of or in addition to emitting
an audio signal, the device emits a signal in response to pressure
activation; e.g., the signal comprises an IR or other suitable
signal. A remote receiver is also provided that receives the signal
and performs a function, such as emitting a noise, word, phrase,
music or other desired audio signal or sound. The remote receiver
receives signals and perform a particular function, e.g., emit a
particular noise, word, phrase, music or other desired audio signal
or sound, for each particular signal. (Thus, "sound emitting
member" includes any or all of the foregoing; and, "sound" emitted
by the "sound emitting member" includes audio sound and/or the
transmission of a signal that is other than audio, e.g., somewhere
in the electromagnetic spectrum such as an IR, infra-red or RF
radio frequency signal.)
[0006] The sound emitting member preferably generate a sound that
is consistent with the sound that would be made by the shape
depicted on the sound emitting member housing. Thus, when the sound
emitting member is activated, the fastening device entertains the
young and old when in the shower or bathroom. For example, if the
sound emitting member is shaped like a cow, it emits a "moo" sound
when the sound emitting member is activated. Thus, the invention
relates to fastening devices that are also entertaining.
[0007] Further, the ability of the sound emitting member to emit a
sound when activated assists those who are blind or visually
impaired. For instance, by emitting a sound when the sound emitting
member is activated, a blind or visually impaired person receives
sound or audio confirmation that the person is in the bathroom, is
near the bathtub, or is near the location where the sound-emitting
member is located.
[0008] Alternatively and/or additionally, the sound-emitting device
plays music; for example, a "cow" could play "Hey Diddle Diddle",
or be otherwise shaped and emit music (e.g., be shaped like a
baseball bat and play "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" or be shaped
otherwise, e.g., like a musical instrument, and play a portion of a
song, melody or tune).
[0009] Even further still, the invention relates to such a
fastening device wherein there is a VOX, and in response to a sound
such as that of the flow of water in a sink or the flush of a
toilet, the sound emitting member emits a sound, such as a phrase,
e.g., "remember to wash hands" or "remember to brush teeth." When
activated thereafter, it emits a different sound such as a phrase,
e.g., "good job" or "pick up the towel."
[0010] Accordingly, the invention relates to fastening devices that
are educational tools, e.g., promote good sanitary or other
behavior and/or teach a word and/or assist those who are blind or
visually impaired and/or that are entertaining.
[0011] Various documents may be mentioned in this text; and, each
herein mentioned document and each document cited or referenced in
each herein mentioned document, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Shower curtain rings have been in existence for a long time
and they come in all shapes and sizes and are made from all
different kinds of material. Ultimately, all of these shower
curtain rings serve the same purpose of causing the shower curtain
to remain in an upright and vertical position while in use, thus
keeping water confined to the interior of the bathtub and providing
a vertical barrier between a bathtub and the rest of the bathroom
environment. Over the years, various shower curtain rings having
different shapes and made from different materials have been
introduced into the market, but no matter what the new design is,
the "newly-developed" shower curtain rings always require a user to
assemble the shower curtain by either standing within the bathtub
or on the edge of the bathtub, hovering over the edge of the
bathtub to first line up the apertures in the shower curtain, then
threading the shower curtain rings through the apertures, and then
securing the shower curtain rings holding the shower curtain to the
shower curtain rod. In short, whenever a user sets up a shower
curtain over a bathtub using conventional shower curtain rings, he
or she inevitably, must complete hanging the shower curtain by
attaching the assembly of the shower curtain rings first to the
shower curtain then to the rod. Contrary to the known conventional
shower curtain rings, the fastening device of the present invention
can be utilized anywhere without requiring the user to stand over
the bathtub when installing a shower curtain. Once the fastening
devices are secured to the shower curtain, a user can assemble the
shower curtain by hanging each of the fastening devices on a
rod.
[0013] With respect to shower curtain rings, reference is made to
the following:
[0014] Cheng, U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,597 B1 issued Feb. 20, 2001,
relates to a hanger ring assembly for a curtain. More specifically,
it relates to a curtain with a hanger ring assembly for mounting
onto a supporting rod which includes a sheet material and a
plurality of hanger units. The sheet material has a plurality of
hanger openings formed along a top edge, and a plurality of edge
gap each extending from the top edge to an upper portion of the
respective hanger opening. Each of the opening portions defines a
section of connecting tab adjacent to the respective edge gap. Each
of the hanger units includes a hanger ring which has a ring slit
separating two ends thereof and defines a section of ring tab
adjacent to the ring slit. Each of the hanger rings is attached to
one side of the respective opening portion and coaxially extended
around the respective hanger opening with the ring slit of the
respective hanger ring staggering with the edge gap of the
respective opening portion. The connecting tabs of the opening
portions of the sheet material are detachably overlapped with the
ring tabs of the hanger rings respectively. Each of the hanger
units further includes a connecting device for selectively
connecting each of the ring tabs with the respective connecting
tabs. Thus, the hanger ring assembly according to Cheng attached a
curtain directly to a supporting rod without any connectors.
[0015] Klotz, U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,672 issued May 30, 2000, relates
to a shower curtain closure assembly for semi-permanent securement
of an edge of a curtain to a wall of a shower enclosure. The
closure assembly includes a clamping structure which comprises a
mounting bar for permanent securement to a wall of a shower
enclosure. The mounting bar includes a wall attachment surface for
attachment to a wall of a shower enclosure and a first clamping
surface. The mounting bar further includes a plurality of first
fastener receiving holes. Supported on the mounting bar is an
adjustable clamp including a second clamping surface which is
disposed adjacent to the first clamping surface. The adjustable
clamp includes a plurality of second fastener receiving holes. The
first fastener receiving holes of the mounting bar are aligned with
the second fastener receiving holes of the adjustable clamp. A
plurality of threaded fasteners are disposed such that a threaded
fastener engages each of the aligned first and second holes for
securing the adjustable clamp to the mounting bar. A first curtain
edge is disposed between the first and second clamping surfaces.
The fasteners may be selectively tightened from a first position
where the adjustable clamp is loosely secured to the first clamping
surface such that the first curtain edge may be easily disposed
between the first and second clamping surfaces, to a second
waterproof position where the fastener is under tension and applies
a compressive clamping force on the first and second clamping
surfaces as well as the intervening first curtain edge. The
compressive clamping applied to the first curtain edge by the
fastener in the second position exceeds the shear strength of the
curtain such that a force which exceeds the shear strength of the
curtain applied to the curtain first edge will result in the
tearing of the curtain before the release of the edge of the
curtain from the position between the first and second clamping
surfaces.
[0016] Eberhardt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,642 issued Apr. 20, 1999,
relates to a hook and loop hanger for a shower curtain and a liner.
More specifically, it relates to a flexible elongated combination
shower curtain and liner hanger device with reinforced apertures in
an upper region for hanging the hanger element from a shower rod by
hooks. The lower region of the hanger device has loop strips in
both sides for fastening of the shower curtain and the shower liner
to a horizontal rod by hook strips on their upper edges. The hanger
device can be clear or colored to match the color of the shower
curtain and shower liner.
[0017] Herrera, U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,954 issued Aug. 4, 1998,
relates to a shower curtain ring whereby each ring includes a body
member that encircles the shower curtain rod, the body member
having a first end and a second end; a first end locking member
which is attached to the first end of the body member and includes
a male locking protrusion, where the male locking protrusion
comprises a central body portion and a horizontal bar having an
enlarged outer tip, the horizontal bar being attached to the
central body portion; and a second end locking member which is
attached to the second end of the body member and includes a female
locking receptacle, the female locking receptacle being adapted to
receive and hold the male locking protrusion. The upper edge of the
shower curtain is held between the male locking protrusion and the
female locking receptacle of each shower curtain ring, whereby the
curtain is deformed and held between the male locking protrusion
and the female locking receptacle without any part of the shower
curtain ring passing through the shower curtain.
[0018] Steiner, U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,504 issued Jun. 3, 1998,
relates to a shower curtain rib apparatus for use with a
conventional bathtub shower curtain which prevents the curtain from
being drawn into the shower enclosure when the shower is in use.
The apparatus has a plurality of semi-rigid ribs which are
vertically oriented and connected to the shower curtain rod. The
lower end of the ribs are secured to the tub and the outer surface
of the curtain is secured to the ribs, thus preventing the curtain
from moving inward. By securing the ribs so that they bow outward,
the shower enclosure can be enlarged.
[0019] Perez, U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,407 issued Jul. 29, 1997, relates
to a shower curtain loop that is permanently attached to the shower
curtain on one side, preferably by stitching. The other end of the
loop fastens to the curtain with hook and loop fasteners, which
facilitate the removal of the curtain and loops from a shower
curtain rod. The loop is reinforced with a rigid, flexible member
which runs along the length of the loop. This member, which is
preferably made of plastic, provides rigidity to the loop so that
the loop can easily traverse a curtain rod when the curtain is
opened or closed.
[0020] Bindman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,742 issued Nov. 29, 1994,
relates to a click-lock ring for use in hanging shower curtains
designed in the form of a split ring wherein one end of the split
ring contains a stepped anchoring recess formed from two
cooperating lateral openings for receiving a locking head formed at
the other end of the split ring. The ring is produced by injection
molding a flexible plastic material in a cam-free mold.
[0021] Schechter et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,551 issued Oct. 18,
1994, relates to a scent-releasing shower curtain ring. More
specifically, it relates to a curtain ring having a
fragrance-releasing material mounted on its inner diameter. The
material is selected so that the fragrance will only be released
when the consumer opens or closes the curtain, that is, only when
the material is rubbed against the curtain rod.
[0022] Angerman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,884 issued Aug. 23, 1994,
relates to a shower curtain ring which has a flexible body adapted
to encircle a curtain rod and close by frictionally interengaging
end members. One of the end members includes an elongated part
which is received through an opening along the top edge of the
curtain. A flange on the end of the elongated part retains the
curtain even when the end members are not engaged.
[0023] Bindman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,052 issued May 10, 1994,
relates to a shower curtain ring package. More specifically, it
relates to a unitary totally transparent package of shower curtain
rings comprising a stack of ring-like articles, each of which
articles has at least one predetermined discontinuity therein, said
discontinuities being aligned one with the other in a manner
whereby each of the articles in the stack is congruently aligned
with the other; a cylindrical transparent PVC cap element disposed
tightly over the uppermost ring-like article in intimate contact
therewith; an elongated tubular transparent polyvinyl chloride
plastic sleeve enveloping the stack of rings from top to bottom and
being shrunken into intimate contract with the outer surfaces of
each of said rings and said cap to provide a package having a
corrugated appearance and providing visual access to the inner and
outer portions of said entire stack of rings.
[0024] Irizarry, U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,422 issued Sep. 11, 1990,
relates to a shower curtain operating mechanism for opening and
closing a shower curtain without grabbing on the curtain material.
A pull cord system is incorporated into a conventional shower
curtain assembly so that the curtain can be opened or closed with
minimum stress on the curtain material.
[0025] Each of these patents provides a method of attaching a
shower curtain to a rod or securing the shower curtain to the
bathtub or inner wall of the bathtub. However, none of these
patents claims or discloses, teaches or suggests a fastening device
comprising a sound-emitting member.
[0026] A patent relating to dispensers that emit sound is U.S. Pat.
No. 6,315,163. This patent relates to a sound emitting and
dispensing device comprising a pressure-activated dispenser. The
pressure-activated device has a top end with means for a user to
apply pressure and engage the dispenser and dispense therefrom and
a bottom end. The device according to the present invention also
has a pedestal including a bottom end for sitting on a surface and
a top end having means for optionally and removably receiving the
bottom end of the pressure-activated dispenser, and a
pressure-activated sound emitting member positioned in the meals
for optionally removably receiving the bottom end of the
pressure-activated dispenser. The pressure-activated dispenser is
optionally removably connected to the pedestal and the
pressure-activated sound emitting device is positioned beneath and
in direct contact with the dispenser such that when the
pressure-activated dispenser is so connected to the pedestal and
pressure is applied to the top end of the dispenser, the sound
emitting device is activated. However, this patent neither claims,
discloses, teaches or suggests a fastening device comprising a
sound-emitting member.
[0027] Thus, it is believed that heretofore the present invention
has not been taught or suggested.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Therefore in accordance with the invention, a novel
fastening device is provided.
[0029] Further, in accordance with the invention, a sound-emitting
coupling device is provided, comprising a sound-emitting member;
and a coupling member comprising a first end connected to said
sound-emitting member, and a second end adapted to slidably and
removably couple to a substantially fixed object.
[0030] Additionally, in accordance with the invention, a
sound-emitting coupling device is provided, comprising a
sound-emitting member housed in a decorative housing; and a
coupling member comprising a first end connected to said decorative
housing, and a second end adapted to slidably and removably couple
to a substantially fixed object, wherein said second end is further
adapted to removably receive a shower curtain.
[0031] Further in accordance with the invention, a decorative sound
emitting fastening device for hanging a sheet material onto a
substantially fixed object is provided, comprising a
motion-activated sound-emitting member housed in a decorative
housing; and a coupling member comprising a first end connected to
said decorative housing and comprising a element for removably
supporting a shower curtain, and a second end substantially in the
shape of a hook and adapted to slidably and removably couple to
said substantially fixed object.
[0032] Additionally in accordance with the invention, a
sound-emitting fastening device for connecting a shower curtain to
a rod is provided, comprising a motion-activated sound-emitting
member housed in a decorative housing; and a coupling member
comprising a first end connected to said decorative housing and
comprising an element for removably supporting said shower curtain,
and a second end substantially in the shape of a hook and adapted
to slidably and removably couple to said rod.
[0033] Further in accordance with the invention, a kit is provided
comprising one or more sound-emitting devices for connecting a
shower curtain to a rod, each sound emitting fastening device
comprising: a motion activated sound emitting member housed in a
decorative housing; an insulating element adapted to be removably
inserted into said decorative housing to prevent activation of said
sound emitting member; and a coupling member comprising a first end
connected to said decorative housing, and an element positioned
adjacent said first end for removably supporting said shower
curtain and a second end formed substantially in the shape of a
hook and adapted to slidably and removably couple to said rod.
[0034] In another embodiment, the sound emitting member is housed
in a decorative housing that is sculpted to resemble an animal,
such as a member in the fish family (e.g., goldfish, tropical
fish), or a member in amphibian family (e.g., frog, toad,
salamander), or a member in the reptile family (e.g., crocodile,
alligator, turtle, tortoise), a member of the bird family (e.g.,
duck, goose, crow, rooster, chicken) or a member in the mammal
family (e.g., cow, cat, dog, sheep, lamb, rabbit, hare).
Advantageously, the sound-emitting member is housed in a decorative
housing in a form selected from the group consisting of: a dog, a
cat, a rooster, a duck, a dolphin, a cow, a tiger, a rabbit, a
dragon, a snake, a horse, a sheep, a monkey, a pig, an insect
(e.g., bee, fly, ladybug, ant, butterfly) and a seal; or, the
sound-emitting member is housed in a decorative housing in the form
of a plant or of an inanimate object, such as a tree, a mountain,
and a flower, an electrical appliance, a locomotive or train, a
car, an airplane, a jet, a space shuttle, a truck, a car (or
generally, transportation means), a volcano, a building or
structure (e.g., a house a building or structure such as the Eiffel
Tower, etc.), a sport equipment (bat, ball, hockey stick, etc),
furniture, or any and all other inanimate object, animate object,
animal, etc. For instance, the sound-emitting member is housed in a
decorative housing that can be shaped like a caricature of a famous
person or character, such as a snow man or Santa Claus, and the
sound emitting member can emit a quote or phrase from that person
or character (e.g., a "Clint Eastwood" or "Dirty Harry" or "George
Bush" fastening device that emits the phrase "Read My Lips" when
activated, or a "Bugs Bunny" fastening device that emits the phrase
"What's Up Doc?" when activated, or a Santa Claus fastening device
that emits a sound like "Ho Ho Ho" and the like). And thus, the
sound emitting member advantageously produces a sound that is
consistent with the appearance of the sculptured fastening
device.
[0035] In this text, the terms "comprising", "comprise",
"comprises" and the other forms of "comprise" can have the meaning
ascribed to these terms in U.S. Patent Law and can mean
"including", "include", "includes" and other forms of
"include".
[0036] These and other objects and embodiments of the invention are
provided in, or are obvious from, the following detailed
description of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] In the following detailed description of the invention,
reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, incorporated
herein by reference, wherein:
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
fastening device constructed in accordance with the invention
whereby the fastening device supports a sheet material at one end
and slidably and removably attached to a substantially fixed object
at a second end;
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional elevational view of the
first embodiment of the fastening device;
[0040] FIG. 3 shows a rear cross-sectional elevational view of the
first embodiment of the fastening device;
[0041] FIG. 4 shows a rear cut-away elevational view of the first
embodiment of the fastening device;
[0042] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
fastening device constructed in accordance with the invention
whereby the fastening device supports a sheet material at one end
and slidably and removably attached to a substantially fixed object
at a second end;
[0043] FIG. 6 shows a perspective of a third embodiment of a
fastening device constructed in accordance with the invention
whereby the fastening device supports a sheet material at one end
and slidably and removably attached to a substantially fixed object
at a second end;
[0044] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional plan view of a the third
embodiment of the fastening device whereby the backside of the
fastening device is affixed onto a wall and the second end of the
fastening device slidably removably supports an object;
[0045] FIG. 8 shows a rear elevational cutaway view of the third
embodiment of the fastening device;
[0046] FIG. 9 shows a rear elevational view of the third embodiment
of the fastening device; and
[0047] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a
fastening device constructed in accordance with the invention
whereby the fastening device supports a sheet material at one end
and slidably and removably attached to a substantially fixed object
at a second end.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] Reference is made to all of the Figures herein as preferred
embodiments. FIG. 1 shows a fastening device 100 having a sound
emitting member 120 in a sculptured housing in the shape of a
rooster and a fastening member 140. Sound emitting member 120 is
attached to a first end 130 of fastening member 140. A second end
150 of fastening member 140 is slidably and removably coupled to a
curtain rod 160. A shower curtain 170 defining an aperture 180 is
supported by an element 190 of fastening member 140, wherein
element 190 is positioned adjacent to sound-emitting member
120.
[0049] As is further shown in FIG. 2, sound emitting member 120 is
attached to first end 130 of fastening member 140 while first end
130 of fastening member 140 is pictured as being permanently fixed
to sound emitting member 120, it may be removably coupled thereto,
such as by a pressure fit, threading engagement or the like. Second
end 150 of fastening member 140 is slidably and removably coupled
to curtain rod 160 and is preferably formed in a shape adapted to
be coupled to curtain rod 160. Shower curtain 170 defining aperture
180 is supported by element 190 of fastening member 140 passing
through aperture 180, wherein element 190 is positioned adjacent to
sound-emitting member 120. Fastening device 100 also comprises a
mercury switch (not shown) housed in sound emitting member 120. An
element 110 prevents activation of sound emitting member 120. An
insulating element 110 prevents activation of sound emitting member
120, preferably by preventing electrical contact of at least two
portions of the sound emitting member.
[0050] Referring next to FIG. 3, a cut-away view of sound emitting
member 120 of fastening device 100 is shown and comprises a printed
circuit board 191. The power supply of sound emitting member 120 is
made of at least one, and preferably a plurality of, batteries 192.
An insulating element 110 prevents activation of sound emitting
member 120, preferably by preventing electrical contact of at least
two portions of the sound emitting member. Printed circuit board
191 is programmed with a myriad of sounds and/or music and/or
spoken language. Printed circuit board 191 is typically configured
with circuitry and components to produce the desired motion- or
pressure-activated effect known to a skilled artisan. The power
supply of the sound emitting member includes at least one battery
and, preferably includes three to four batteries.
[0051] FIG. 4 shows another cut-away view of sound emitting member
120 of fastening device 100. A sound amplifier 193 is housed in
sound emitting member 120 and covered by a back plate 194. An
insulating element 110 prevents activation of sound emitting member
120, preferably by preventing electrical contact of at least two
portions of the sound emitting member. A printed circuit board (not
shown) is programmed with a myriad of sounds and/or music and/or
spoken language. The printed circuit board is typically configured
with circuitry and components to produce the desired motion- or
pressure-activated effect known to a skilled artisan. The power
supply of the sound emitting member includes at least one battery
and, preferably includes three to four batteries.
[0052] Referring next to FIG. 5, a fastening device 200 constructed
in accordance with a second embodiment is shown and includes a
sound emitting member 220 positioned in a sculptured housing in the
shape of a cat and a fastening member 240. Sound emitting member
220 is attached to a first end 230 of fastening member 240. Second
end 250 of fastening member 240 is slidably and removably coupled
to a curtain rod 260. A shower curtain 270 defining an aperture 280
is supported by an element 290 of fastening member 240, wherein
element 290 is positioned adjacent to sound-emitting member 220. An
insulating element 210 prevents activation of sound emitting member
120, preferably by preventing electrical contact of at least two
portions of the sound emitting member.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows a fastening device 300 constructed in
accordance with a third embodiment of the invention and having a
sound emitting member 320 in a sculptured housing in the shape of a
snow man and a fastening member 340. Sound emitting member 320 is
attached to a first end 330 of fastening member 340. A second end
350 of fastening member 340 is slidably and removably coupled to an
item 360. Sound emitting member 320 is activated by actuation of a
pressure activation rod 370.
[0054] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of fastening device 300.
Fastening device 300 is affixed onto wall a 380 by one or more
fixing members 390. Sound emitting member 320 is attached to first
end 330 of fastening member 340. Second end 350 of fastening member
340 is slidably and removably coupled to item 360. Sound emitting
member 320 is activated by actuation of a pressure activation rod
370.
[0055] FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of fastening device 300 showing a
power supply 391. Power supply 391 includes four batteries 392.
[0056] FIG. 9 shows a rear view of fastening device 300 having one
or more fixing members 390.
[0057] FIG. 10 shows a fastening device 400 constructed in
accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, and having a
sound emitting member 420 in a sculptured housing in the shape of a
clown and a fastening member 440. Sound emitting member 420 is
attached to a first end 430 of fastening member 440. A second end
450 of fastening member 440 is slidably and removably coupled to an
item 460. Sound emitting member 420 is activated by actuation of a
pressure activation rod 470.
[0058] It is contemplated that in the context of this invention,
the terms "fastening" and "coupling" are interchangeable.
[0059] The fastening device can be sized and colored as desired and
can be made from any material that is sturdy and afford a degree of
rigidity. Thus, it can be made from any plastic, resin, metal,
synthetic or natural material, and/or part plastic and part metal.
Therefore, it can withstand repeated use by a user using it on a
daily basis without breaking or cracking and at the same time it is
sturdy enough that it is capable of holding up a sheet material
such as shower curtain.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the sound-emitting fastening
device comprises a coupling member comprising a first end connected
to a sound-emitting member, and a second end adapted to slidably
and removably couple to an object. The coupling member may be made
of any material known in the art that affords strength and rigidity
to the fastening device. Preferably, the coupling member is
substantially S-shaped, most preferably in the shape of a curved
hook. Of course, the coupling member may be shaped in any
appropriate shape for being supported by and engaging a
substantially stationary object.
[0061] The coupling member is adapted to couple, engage, fasten
support or hold any object capable of being hung. Such objects
include, without limitation, sheets, drapery, shower curtains, oven
mitts, towels, bathrobes, shirts, pants, and the like. In one
embodiment, the sound-emitting fastening device has attached
thereto a fixing member, such as, for example, double-sided tape,
that allows for the sound-emitting fastening device to be affixed
onto, without limitation, kitchen walls, bathroom walls, hampers,
doors refrigerators, cabinets, appliances, computer terminals and
the like.
[0062] In a further preferred embodiment, the sound-emitting
fastening device comprises an element adjacent to the
sound-emitting member for supporting a shower curtain by the
device. Preferably, the element is formed integral with and made of
the same material as the coupling member.
[0063] The sound-emitting member may be motion-activated such that
when the shower curtain or other object hanging therefrom is moved,
the sound-emitting member emits a sound, such as a tone or music.
In a preferred embodiment, the sound-emitting member is activated
by a switch, most preferably by a mercury switch. The switch
according to the present invention can assume a very simple
structure. For example, a pair of contact elements are disposed
while the distance there between is varied, and a ball member,
preferably made of mercury, rolls along a path defined between the
contact elements upon tilting of a switch body, thereby closing and
opening connection between the contact elements. Such switches are
commonly known in the art.
[0064] The sound emitting member typically has a printed circuit
board programmed with a myriad of sounds and/or music and/or spoken
language. The printed circuit board is typically configured with
circuitry and components to produce the desired motion- or
pressure-activated effect known to a skilled artisan. The power
supply of the sound emitting member includes at least one battery
and, preferably includes three to four batteries.
[0065] The sound-emitting member may be housed in a decorative
housing in a myriad of shapes and sizes. Further still, the
sound-emitting member may be housed in a decorative housing made of
a myriad of materials such as, for example, ceramics, plastics,
glass, polymers, metals or combinations thereof.
[0066] Preferably, the sound emitting member may be housed in a
decorative housing that is sculpted to resemble an animal, such as
a member in the fish family (e.g., goldfish, tropical fish), or a
member in amphibian family (e.g., frog, toad, salamander), or a
member in the reptile family (e.g., crocodile, alligator, turtle,
tortoise), a member of the bird family (e.g., duck, goose, crow,
rooster, chicken) or a member in the mammal family (e.g., cow, cat,
dog, sheep, lamb, rabbit, hare). Advantageously, the sound-emitting
member is housed in a decorative housing in a form selected from
the group consisting of: a dog, a cat, a rooster, a duck, a
dolphin, a cow, a tiger, a rabbit, a dragon, a snake, a horse, a
sheep, a monkey, a pig, an insect (e.g., bee, fly, ladybug, ant,
butterfly) and a seal; or, the sound-emitting member is housed in a
decorative housing in the form of a plant or of an inanimate
object, such as a tree, a mountain, and a flower, an electrical
appliance, a locomotive or train, a car, an airplane, a jet, a
space shuttle, a truck, a car (or generally, transportation means),
a volcano, a building or structure (e.g., a house a building or
structure such as the Eiffel Tower, etc.), a sport equipment (bat,
ball, hockey stick, etc), furniture, or any and all other inanimate
object, animate object, animal, etc. For instance, the
sound-emitting member is housed in a decorative housing that can be
shaped like a caricature of a famous person or character, such as a
snow man or Santa Claus, and the sound emitting member can emit a
quote or phrase from that person or character (e.g., a "Clint
Eastwood" or "Dirty Harry" or "George Bush" fastening device that
emits the phrase "Read My Lips" when activated, or a "Bugs Bunny"
fastening device that emits the phrase "What's Up Doc?" when
activated, or a Santa Claus fastening device that emits a sound
like "Ho Ho Ho" and the like).
[0067] Further still, the sound emitting member may be any such
member that emits sound in response to pressure activation. Such a
sound emitting member can be an electronic sound emitting member
that has a pre-programmed noise, word, phrase, music, or other
desired audio signal or sound. Optionally or alternatively, the
sound emitting member can record and playback a noise, word,
phrase, music, or other desired audio signal or sound.
[0068] Further optionally or alternatively, the sound emitting
member may include a VOX--a voice activated (or sound activated)
switch--for instance, a switch that can activate the play and/or
recordation of the noise, word, phrase, music, or other desired
audio signal or sound. Also optionally or alternatively, the sound
emitting member can include another or a different switch or other
switches, such as a light sensitive switch; for instance, a switch
that allows the sound emitting member to be activated when there is
light and not activated when there is no light (so, for example, if
the fastening device is in a relatively dark setting, such as a
bathroom at night, the sound emitting member will not emit a sound
when used, but it will do so when there is light, such as during
the day).
[0069] And, even further still, the sound emitting member may
include or may comprise a transmitter; for instance, instead of or
in addition to emitting an audio signal, the device emits a signal
in response to pressure activation; e.g., the signal may be an IR
or other suitable signal; and, there may be a remote receiver that
receives the signal and performs a function, such as emitting a
noise, word, phrase, music or other desired audio signal or sound.
The remote receiver may receive signals and perform a particular
function, e.g., emit a particular noise, word, phrase, music or
other desired audio signal or sound, for each particular signal.
(Thus, "sound emitting member" may include any or all of the
foregoing; and, "sound" emitted by the "sound emitting member" may
include audio sound and/or the transmission of a signal that is
other than audio, e.g., somewhere in the electromagnetic spectrum
such as an IR, infra-red or RF radio frequency signal.) The sound
emitting member can generate a sound that is consistent with the
sound that would be made by the shape depicted on the sound
emitting member housing. Thus, when the sound emitting member is
activated, the fastening device can entertain the young and old in
the shower or bathroom. For example, if the sound emitting member
is shaped like a cow, it can emit a "moo" sound when the sound
emitting member is activated. Thus, the invention relates to
fastening devices that can be entertaining.
[0070] Further, the ability of the sound emitting member to emit a
sound when activated assists those who are blind or visually
impaired; for instance, by emitting a sound when the sound emitting
member is activated, a blind or visually impaired person can have
sound or audio confirmation that the person is in the bathroom or
near the bathtub or near the location where the sound-emitting
member is located.
[0071] Alternatively and/or additionally, the sound-emitting device
can play music; for example, a "cow" could play "Hey Diddle Diddle"
, or be otherwise shaped and emit music (e.g., be shaped like a
baseball bat and play "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" or be shaped
otherwise, e.g., like a musical instrument, and play a portion of a
song, melody or tune). Further, the sound-emitting member can
remind a child in the shower to "scrub behind your ears."
[0072] Even further still, it is contemplated that the fastening
device comprises a VOX, and in response to a sound such as that of
the flow of water in a sink or the flush of a toilet, the sound
emitting member emits a sound, such as a phrase, e.g., "remember to
wash hands" or "remember to brush teeth"; and, when activated
thereafter, it can emit a different sound such as a phrase, e.g.,
"good job" or "pick up the towel."
[0073] Accordingly, it is contemplated that the fastening devices
can be educational tools, e.g., promote good sanitary or other
behavior and/or teach a word and/or assist those who are blind or
visually impaired and/or that are entertaining.
[0074] Further, a kit is provided comprising one or more
sound-emitting devices for connecting a shower curtain to a rod,
each sound emitting fastening device comprising: a motion activated
sound emitting member housed in a decorative housing; an insulating
element adapted to be removably inserted into said decorative
housing to prevent activation of said sound emitting member; and a
coupling member comprising a first end connected to said decorative
housing, and an element positioned adjacent said first end for
removably supporting said shower curtain and a second end formed
substantially in the shape of a hook and adapted to slidably and
removably couple to said rod. Preferably, the insulating material
is removed to allow actuation of said sound emitting member after
deployment thereof. Further, the insulating material may be
reinserted into said decorative housing at any time to prevent
activation of said sound emitting member. The insulating material
may be made of any material known to a skilled artisan including,
for example, plastic.
[0075] While the invention has been described with respect to use
as a connector and/or a fastening device to connect between a sheet
material and a substantially fixed object, it is to be understood
the invention can be used to connect between two sheet materials or
any two objects. It is further to be understood that the fastening
device of the present invention can be made from any method, such
as injection molding, blow-molding or any conventional method and
can be made from any material synthetic or natural in any colors.
The material and object to be fastened and connected by the present
invention are not necessarily limitations of the invention.
[0076] It is to be further understood that any utilitarian
description herein of any component of the fastening device of the
present invention, i.e. any feature thereon, is not to be construed
as a statement that the appearance of any component of the
invention is functional in nature or dictated by function. Surface
ornamentation or configuration of the fastening device or any
components thereof, for example, the exterior of the fastening
device, such as the coupling means or the attachment means or any
portion thereof, are attributable to ornamental considerations.
[0077] Having thus described in detail the preferred embodiments of
the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention
defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular
details set forth in the above description, as many apparent
variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit
or scope of the present invention.
* * * * *