U.S. patent application number 10/117242 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-09 for axially fastened, illuminated, moisture resistant, fixture standoff.
Invention is credited to Arendt, Steven Phillip, Goodlett, Phillip Roe.
Application Number | 20030189127 10/117242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28674155 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030189127 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arendt, Steven Phillip ; et
al. |
October 9, 2003 |
Axially fastened, illuminated, moisture resistant, fixture
standoff
Abstract
An illuminated rod standoff has a base with a recessed surface
mountable to a wall, and an axially positioned fastener oriented
normal to the recessed surface. The fastener engages a cap which
centers a cylindrical sidewall resting on the recessed surface
within a close-fitting peripheral edge. The cap closes an open end
of the sidewall and provides, at mutual right angles, a pair of cap
engagement features, one fixed to the fastener, thereby holding the
cap securely to the cylindrical sidewall and the cylindrical
sidewall to the base. The other feature receives a towel or tissue
rod. A lamp is mounted on the base for transmitting light through
the transparent cylindrical sidewall and the cap for illuminating a
space.
Inventors: |
Arendt, Steven Phillip;
(Newport Beach, CA) ; Goodlett, Phillip Roe;
(Tustin, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patent Law & Venture Group
Suite K-105
3151 Airway Ave.
Costa Mesa
CA
92626
US
|
Family ID: |
28674155 |
Appl. No.: |
10/117242 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/598.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 33/004 20130101;
A47K 10/10 20130101; A47K 2201/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/598.5 |
International
Class: |
B65H 075/18 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An illuminated standoff apparatus comprising: a base having a
recessed surface, the recessed surface providing: i) a means for
enabling the base to be mounted to a wall surface, and ii) a
fastener oriented normally thereto, the fastener providing cap
engagement means; a light transmissive cylindrical sidewall resting
on the recessed surface within a close-fitting peripheral edge; a
light transmissive cap adapted with a rim engaged within the
cylindrical sidewall for closure thereof, the cap providing, at
mutual right angles, first and second cap engagement means, the
first cap engagement means engaging the fastener, thereby holding
the cap securely to the cylindrical sidewall and the cylindrical
sidewall to the base; the second cap engagement means fixed to a
holding means enabled for receiving a bathroom utility element; and
a means for illumination mounted on the base for transmitting light
through the cylindrical sidewall and the cap for illuminating a
space.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base mounting enabling
means is plural screw holes.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cap engagement means of the
fastener is a stud with internal threaded end.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical sidewall and
the cap are made of transparent glass.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical sidewall and
the cap are made of translucent glass.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical sidewall and
the cap are made of a glass having a non-planar surface.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rod is adapted for hanging
a towel thereupon.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rod is adapted for hanging
a tissue roll thereupon.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the peripheral edge is
rectangular.
10. An illuminated standoff apparatus comprising: a base having a
recessed surface, the recessed surface providing: i) a means for
enabling the base to be mounted to a wall surface, and ii) a
fastener oriented normally thereto, the fastener providing cap
engagement means; a light transmissive cylindrical sidewall resting
on the recessed surface within a close-fitting peripheral edge; a
light transmissive cap adapted with a rim engaged within the
cylindrical sidewall for closure thereof, the cap providing, at
mutual right angles, first and second cap engagement means, the
first cap engagement means engaging the fastener, thereby holding
the cap securely to the cylindrical sidewall with a first one of
two moisture excluding gaskets therebetween, and the cylindrical
sidewall to the base with a second one of the two moisture
excluding gaskets therebetween; the second cap engagement means
fixed to a holding means enabled for receiving a bathroom utility
element; and a means for illumination mounted on the base for
transmitting light through the cylindrical sidewall and the cap for
illuminating a space.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the base mounting enabling
means is plural screw holes.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cap engagement means of
the fastener is a stud with internal threaded end.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cylindrical sidewall and
the cap are made of transparent glass.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cylindrical sidewall and
the cap are made of translucent glass.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cylindrical sidewall and
the cap are made of a glass having a non-planar surface.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the rod is adapted for
hanging a towel thereupon.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the rod is adapted for
hanging a tissue roll thereupon.
18. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the peripheral edge is
rectangular.
19. An illuminated standoff apparatus comprising: a base mountable
to a wall surface; a light transmissive cylindrical sidewall and
cap engaged with the base; a fastening means securing the
cylindrical sidewall, cap and base to the wall surface; the cap
engaging a holding means enabled for receiving a bathroom utility
element; and a means for illumination mounted on the base for
transmitting light through the cylindrical sidewall and the cap for
illuminating a space.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to bathroom fixtures and
more particularly to such fixtures having lighting features.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] The following art defines the present state of this
field:
[0005] Murphy, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 381,734 describes a submersible
fish attracting light design.
[0006] Larson et al., U.S. Pat No. 2,217,688 describes a
combination of spaced wall brackets adapted to be secured to a side
wall of a vehicle, a baggage rack unit, means for removably
supporting the unit on the brackets, each of the brackets being in
the form of a box housing, extending throughout substantially the
entire width of the rack unit and being of relatively deep cross
section and supported from the wall at vertically spaced points to
make the brackets cantilevers of sufficient strength to carry the
baggage rack load, a source of light within each bracket, the major
portion of the bottom wall of the housing being light
transmitting.
[0007] Woolley, U.S. Pat. No. 2,827,555 describes a combination
lighting and rail fixture for clothes closets and the like,
comprising an elongate frame having front and rear portions and
means at its ends adjoining said rear portion for attaching it to a
support; and glass envelope carried by the frame at its ends and
extending substantially coextensive therewith; and elongate, opaque
shade having a substantially U-shaped cross section, said shade
extending substantially coextensive with and partially enclosing
said light-producing means and being arranged to block some of the
light therefrom; and a garment rail having a relative large surface
per unit length, connected with the frame and extending
substantially coextensive therewith, said rail being spaced from
and located below the said light-producing means and being located
wholly below said frame and accessible in a horizontal direction
from the front of the fixture said rail having a diameter
commensurate with the diameter of the said tubular glass envelope,
and being adapted to receive and support garment hangers by which
light colored garments hung thereon may reflect light from the
light-producing means upward.
[0008] Nestrock, U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,689 describes a grab bar or
handrail system that not only incorporates its own spaced
directional illumination sources but also its complete electrical
cabling. Thus, installation of the system requires virtually no
special electrical cabling or conduit within the wall, such ducting
being limited to that required for a single end connection, or to
bridge a discontinuity in the handrail, as where the wall is
interrupted for a doorway, window, or the like opening.
Illumination sources are provided within and as part of each
supporting bracket, and individual electrical connection thereof to
the supply cabling is made adjacent each support and within the
grab bar. Provision is made for automatic transfer from house
voltage supply to standby storage supply, in the event of power
failure, thus assuring the maximum safety that constant
illumination can provide.
[0009] Wojski, U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,553 describes a lighted curtain
hardware assembly for a wall having an opening therein having a
curtain support hardware device. The hardware device is mountable
adjacent the opening, such as a window or door, for supporting a
curtain in front of and adjacent the opening without visually
obstructing the opening. The hardware device has a light mounted
thereon. Electrical means are included for providing electricity to
the light to provide an attractive lighted decoration to the window
or door and adjacent wall.
[0010] Hixon, U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,024 describes a multipurpose
toilet tissue dispenser comprising: a housing having a front wall
and including means for holding a roll of toilet paper; means for
holding a night light assembly; a pencil holder; and means for
holding an air freshener, the apparatus further including means for
attaching the housing to a bathroom wall, the means for holding a
roll of toilet paper including a generally semi-cylindrical shaped
recess positioned in the front wall and a spindle for holding a
roll of toilet paper, the spindle being releasably coupled within
the recess, the spindle holding and permitting rotatable dispensing
of toilet tissue when desired by a user.
[0011] McCall, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 6,00,658 describes a toilet paper
dispenser in which a roll of toilet paper is supported on a
rotatable spindle with a music box activated by rotation of the
spindle. The toilet paper dispenser is equipped with an aromatic
fragrance dispenser which is automatically activated by rotation of
the spindle.
[0012] Von Schenk, U.S. Pat No. 6,056,233 describes a cover system
for toilet paper to protect the toilet paper from dispersal by
children and pets comprising a wall-mounted plastic casing
completely covering upper and lower rolls of paper. The upper and
lower rolls are covered by respective upper and lower swivelable
covers, each having a safety latch system. Each safety latch system
includes a pair of button-releasable latches with one button on
each side of the casing and each cover may be released only by
pushing both such buttons at the same time. The covers are light
permeable and night lights may be mounted to the inside of the
casing or as part of each holder going through each toilet paper
roll.
[0013] Schroder, EP 0851170 Al describes a curtain rod in the form
of a tube in holders. In at least one end of the rod, or elsewhere
within the rod, there is a holder for a bulb or other light. A lead
runs from the bulb holder to the outside of the rod. The holder may
be externally threaded to fit into an internal thread in the rod
end. The bulb holder may have a connection device, from which a
lead passes through a slit in the wall of the tubular rod. It may
be possible to screw a lampshade onto the external thread of the
bulb holder.
[0014] The prior art teaches illumination in a curtain rod, tissue
rod, grab bar, fish attracting bar, and in an assembly for
supporting a tissue roll. The prior art also teaches illumination
of filials on a curtain rod, in a closet fixture and mounted on an
undersurface of standoffs for holding a luggage rack. However, the
prior art fails to teach illumination means mounted within a
structural standoff for bathroom fixtures. This is most likely
because the structural standoff typically is not robust enough to
be made of glass or other transparent material. However, the
present invention is a solution to this need providing illumination
and structural strength in a standoff that requires only a single
fastener to assemble. This fulfills the needs described and
provides further related advantages as further described in the
following summary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention teaches certain benefits in
construction and use which give rise to the objectives described
below.
[0016] An illuminated rod standoff has a base with a recessed
surface mountable to a wall, and an axially positioned fastener
oriented normal to the recessed surface. The fastener engages a cap
which centers a cylindrical sidewall resting on the recessed
surface within a close-fitting peripheral edge. The cap closes an
open end of the sidewall and provides, at mutual right angles, a
pair of cap engagement features. One of these features is fixed to
the fastener, thereby holding the cap securely to the cylindrical
sidewall and the cylindrical sidewall to the base. The other
feature receives a towel or tissue rod. A lamp is mounted on the
base for transmitting light through the transparent cylindrical
sidewall and the cap for illuminating a space or for decorative
purposes. Clearly, the prior art teaches the use of illumination in
conjunction with utility items such as curtain rods and bathroom
fixtures. The usefulness of such items is well regarded. The
benefit of placing illumination within the standoffs for a bathroom
fixture such as a towel rod or toilet paper roll rod is that the
electrical components of an illumination circuit are secure from
rough handling and from moisture.
[0017] A primary objective of the present invention is to provide
an apparatus and method of use of such apparatus that provides
advantages not taught by the prior art.
[0018] Another objective is to provide such an invention capable of
illumination of one or more wall mounted standoffs for a towel or
tissue roll rod.
[0019] A further objective is to provide such an invention capable
of being assembled with a single axially oriented fastener.
[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention.
In such drawings:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of the preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof as assembled, and
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view thereof showing a two standoff
combination.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The above described drawing figures illustrate the invention
in at least one of its preferred embodiments, which is further
defined in detail in the following description.
[0026] The present invention is an apparatus enabled for being
illuminated and comprises a base 10 preferably made of a wood,
metal, plastic or glass substance, and having a recessed surface 20
as shown in FIG. 1. The recessed surface 20 provides a means for
enabling 30 the base to be mounted to a wall surface (not shown),
such as the two mounting holes shown. The surface 20 also provides
a fastener 40 oriented normally to it, as shown. The fastener 40
provides a cap engagement means 44. A light transmissive
cylindrical sidewall 50 rests on the recessed surface 20 within a
close-fitting peripheral edge 22. A rubber gasket 24 is fitted to
each of a top and bottom edges of the sidewall 50 as shown in FIG.
1. A light transmissive cap 60 is adapted with a rim 62 engaged
within the cylindrical sidewall 50 for closure of the sidewall.
With the base 10, sidewall 50 and cap 60 assembled, the rubber
gaskets 24 maintain a water tight assembly. The cap 60 provides, at
mutual right angles, first 64 and second 66 cap engagement means.
The first cap engagement means 64 engages the cap engagement means
44 with screw 42, thereby holding the cap 60 securely to the
cylindrical sidewall 50 and the cylindrical sidewall to the base 10
as clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The second cap engagement means
66 is fixed to a horizontally oriented rod 70 for removably holding
a bathroom utility element such as a towel (FIG. 3) or roll of
tissue (not shown). A means for illumination, such as light bulb 80
is mounted on the base 10 and provides a light through the
cylindrical sidewall 50 and the cap 60 for illuminating a space
such as a bathroom or toilet and may be useful as a night-light or
for decoration.
[0027] Preferably, the cap engagement means 44 of the fastener 40
is a stud with internal threaded end.
[0028] Preferably, the cylindrical sidewall 50 and the cap 60 are
made of transparent glass which may be translucent or transparent
and may have a non-planar exterior surface such as is shown in the
figures, and has preferably facetted surfaces as shown. The rod 70
may be adapted by length and diameter for hanging a towel or a
tissue roll thereupon. The entire structure of the standoff may be
square, rectangular, round or oval, etc. as desired, including the
peripheral edge 22, the cylindrical sidewall 50, the cap 60 and the
base 10. It is noted that these three parts are inter-engaging and
self-centering so that only one axial fastener is required to
assemble the invention, hold it in tight mechanical and hydraulic
closure and provide support for the towel or roll fixture. Lamp 80
may be powered by a battery mounted within the apparatus or from
the base 10 to which the lamp is attached by a current carrying
wire from an external power source.
[0029] The illuminated standoff apparatus in another embodiment
comprises the base 10 mountable to a wall surface, the light
transmissive cylindrical sidewall 50 and cap 60 engaged with the
base 10 in any manner known in the art, including integrally, and a
fastening means of any type well known in the art, securing the
cylindrical sidewall 50, cap 60 and base 10 to the wall surface.
The cap engages a holding means 70, such as the rod shown or a
hook, etc. enabled for receiving a bathroom utility element such as
a towel or tissue roll; and a means for illumination, such as bulb
80, mounted on the base 10, or elsewhere in within the sidewall 50,
for transmitting light through the cylindrical sidewall and the cap
60 for illuminating a space such as the interior of a bathroom.
[0030] While the invention has been described with reference to at
least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by
those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto.
Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in
conjunction with the appended claims.
* * * * *