U.S. patent application number 11/035821 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-20 for adjustable rod mounting system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lido Designs. Invention is credited to Gavriel Lavi, Gregory M. Weiss.
Application Number | 20060156465 11/035821 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36682268 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060156465 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lavi; Gavriel ; et
al. |
July 20, 2006 |
Adjustable rod mounting system
Abstract
A novel adjustable rod mounting system including a rod having at
least one hollow end and at least one attachment plug being
attached to a support structure and extending into the hollow end.
The attachment plug is configured to be attached to a support
structure, and extend within the at least one hollow end.
Inventors: |
Lavi; Gavriel; (Larchmont,
NY) ; Weiss; Gregory M.; (Long Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN LLP
P.O BOX 10500
McLean
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
Lido Designs
Valencia
CA
LAVI INDUSTRIES
|
Family ID: |
36682268 |
Appl. No.: |
11/035821 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/558 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 61/003 20130101;
A47K 3/38 20130101; A47B 96/1441 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/558 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/08 20060101
A47K003/08; A47K 3/14 20060101 A47K003/14 |
Claims
1. A rod assembly configured to be secured between first and second
support structures comprising: an expandable rod having first and
second hollow ends; a first attachment plug configured to extend
within the first hollow end; means for attaching the first
attachment plug to the first support structure; a second attachment
plug configured to extend within the second hollow end; and means
for attaching the second attachment plug to the second support
structure.
2. The rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the means for
attaching the first attachment plug is selected from the group
consisting of a mechanical fastener, a nail, a bolt, a screw, an
adhesive, and prongs.
3. The rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the expandable
rod is expanded by way of a twisting action.
4. The rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the expandable
rod is expanded by way of a spring.
5. The rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the expandable
rod is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of
plastic, wood, steel, tin, aluminum, metal, and a combinations
thereof.
6. The rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first
attachment plug is formed from a material selected from the group
consisting of plastic, wood, steel, tin, aluminum, metal, and a
combinations thereof.
7. The rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first
attachment is equipped with a collar.
8. The rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the expandable
rod is comprised of first and second rod portions, and further
wherein the first and second rod portions are positioned with
respect to each other by a positioning means selected from the
group consisting of a screw mechanism, an internal friction
mechanism, a spring, and a metal tab on the first rod portion which
fits into a corresponding opening on the second rod portion.
9. A rod assembly configured to be secured between first and second
support structures comprising: a first tube having first and second
ends, the first tube being equipped with a first plurality of
threads on the inside of the second end, wherein the first end of
the first tube is hollow; a second tube having first and second
ends, wherein the second end of the second tube is hollow, and
further wherein the first end of the second tube extends into the
second end of the first tube; a second plurality of threads secured
to an exterior of the second hollow tube for extendably coupling
with the first plurality of threads; a first attachment plug
configured to extend within the first end of the first tube; means
for attaching the first attachment plug to the first support
structure; a second attachment plug configured to extend within the
second end of the second tube; and means for attaching the second
attachment plug to the second support structure.
10. The rod assembly according to claim 9, wherein the means for
attaching the first attachment plug is selected from the group
consisting of a mechanical fastener, a nail, a bolt, a screw, an
adhesive, and prongs.
11. The rod assembly according to claim 9, wherein the expandable
rod is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of
plastic, wood, steel, tin, aluminum, metal, and a combinations
thereof.
12. The rod assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first
attachment plug is formed from a material selected from the group
consisting of plastic, wood, steel, tin, aluminum, metal, and a
combinations thereof.
13. The rod assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first
attachment is equipped with a collar.
14. A rod assembly configured to be secured between first and
second support structures comprising: a first tube having first and
second ends, the first end of the first tube being hollow and the
second end of the first tube having a first internal diameter; a
second tube having first and second ends, the first end of the
second tube having a first external diameter and the second end of
the second tube being hollow, wherein the first end of the second
tube extends into the second end of the first tube and further
wherein the first internal diameter and the first external diameter
are such that the second end of the first tube frictionally engages
the first end of the second tube; a first attachment plug
configured to extend within the first end of the first tube; means
for attaching the first attachment plug to the first support
structure; a second attachment plug configured to extend within the
second end of the second tube; and means for attaching the second
attachment plug to the second support structure.
15. The rod assembly according to claim 14, wherein the means for
attaching the first attachment plug is selected from the group
consisting of a mechanical fastener, a nail, a bolt, a screw, an
adhesive, and prongs.
16. The rod assembly according to claim 14, wherein the expandable
rod is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of
plastic, wood, steel, tin, aluminum, metal, and a combinations
thereof.
17. The rod assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first
attachment plug is formed from a material selected from the group
consisting of plastic, wood, steel, tin, aluminum, metal, and a
combinations thereof.
18. The rod assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first
attachment is equipped with a collar.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to utility poles designed
to be positioned in a generally horizontal arrangement, and more
specifically to an adjustable rod for use with first and second
interior fittings which are attached to vertical posts or
walls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There is a need to provide, in private homes, hotels,
hospitals, rehabilitation centers and elsewhere, generally
horizontal utility poles or support structures which may be used to
hang clothes, shower curtains and the like. There is also a need to
provide such structures in a manner which is aesthetically pleasing
and does not consume unnecessary space.
[0003] Temporary horizontal support devices are known in the art.
One type of support device is held in place by friction. While such
friction-fit support devices are typically fairly easy to install
and remove, they are also less reliable and, over time, have a
tendency to slip or fall down. Friction-fit support devices may be
stable for a longer period of time if they are equipped with larger
end pieces. However, such end pieces are less aesthetically
appealing. Furthermore they only serve to prolong the support
device's ability to stay horizontal. Even support devices having
larger end pieces have a tendency to slip and fall over time if
they are held up solely by friction.
[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,061, to Geltz, discloses a
spinning shower rod assembly. This shower rod assembly is
telescoping, and utilizes a flexible threaded rod. One end of the
threaded rod is braced against one support, while the second end
engages threads within a hollow tube. Over time, it is expected
that this shower rod will slip and fall.
[0005] If the horizontal pressure is too low in a friction-fit
device, the support may not be capable of supporting the weight of
the articles which are hung on it (clothes, shower curtains, etc.).
Similarly, if the horizontal pressure is too high, the support may
damage the surfaces against which its ends abut. This is especially
true in the case of drywall surfaces where, if the longitudinal
pressure is too high, the end of the structure abutting against the
drywall may cause it to buckle and/or be crushed. On occasion,
certain users have difficulty positioning the support with
sufficient pressure to support the weight of the articles which are
hung on it.
[0006] Some utility poles known in the art fit in to separate
braces which may be independently affixed to walls or other support
structures, thus obviating the concern about slipping over time.
However, such braces typically have a circumference which is larger
than the circumference of the utility pole. Thus, such a
configuration may not be aesthetically appealing.
[0007] It would be advantageous to have a horizontal support which,
when installed, provides the necessary lateral support during use
without risk of damaging wall surfaces, and is aesthetically
appealing to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first end of the rod and
attachment plug according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first end of the rod and
attachment plug according to an alternate embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention as it would appear when installed between two
generally vertical supports.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] A novel adjustable rod mounting system has been discovered,
whereby a adjustable rod may be attached to opposing support
structures through the use of two attachment plugs. Each such
attachment plug is attached to a support structure, and then
inserted within a hollow end of an adjustable rod. Since the
attachment plugs are attached to the walls, and then inserted
within the rod, this allows for a virtually invisible or hidden
attachment to the wall. Furthermore, since the rod is supported by
the attachment plugs, users do not have to worry about positioning
the support with sufficient horizontal pressure to support the
weight of the articles which are hung on it.
[0012] The rod may or may not be permanently affixed to the
attachment plugs. Such affixation may be achieved by any means
known in the art, including pressure and gluing. If the horizontal
rod is not permanently affixed to the attachment plugs, the user
may readily remove the horizontal rod. This may be desirable in
many instances. For example, a user may require a drying rod in the
laundry room or a bathroom, but want to remove the rod when it is
not in use. The relatively small attachment plugs will not present
an eyesore when the rod is not present.
[0013] The rod may be formed in two or more pieces, and may be
formed from any material known in the art having sufficient
strength to be used as a support rod. By way of example, and not of
limitation, the rod may be formed from plastic, wood, steel, tin,
aluminum, other metals, or combinations thereof. Similarly, each
attachment plug may be formed from any material known in the art
having sufficient strength to support the rod and whatever is hung
from the rod. By way of example, and not of limitation, each
support plug may be formed from plastic, wood, steel, tin,
aluminum, other metals, or combinations thereof.
[0014] The multiple sections of the rod are configured so that they
lock into place with respect to one another. As used herein, `lock`
refers to a snug fit, so that the individual sections do not
readily slide with respect to each other. The locking may be
achieved by any means that is known in the art. By way of example,
and not of limitation, such locking may be achieved by a screw
mechanism, an internal friction mechanism, a spring, or a metal tab
on a first rod portion which fits into a corresponding opening on a
second rod portion.
[0015] As shown herein, the attachment plugs are generally circular
in shape. In those instances where it is desirable that the support
rod not rotate, the attachment plugs may have a different geometric
shape, and the corresponding hollow end of the rod may be
configured to slide over such shape. By way of example, and not of
limitation, the attachment plug may be oval, quadrangular,
triangular, trapezoidal, or have a non-traditional geometric shape.
Such a configuration may be preferred when using a rod which may be
extended by movement of a hinge.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
mounting system according to the present invention. A first end of
the rod 10 is configured to fit over attachment plug 12. In this
embodiment, the attachment plug 12 may be attached to a vertical
support (not shown) through use of a screw 14. Screw 14 should be
of sufficient length so that it may extend through attachment plug
12 and into the vertical support a sufficient distance to provide
support for the weight of the rod plus any articles which are hung
from the rod. In one embodiment of the invention, attachment plug
12 is equipped with threads that are appropriately sized for the
chosen screw.
[0017] The utility pole or rod 10 according to the present
invention has first and second hollow ends. In one embodiment of
the invention, the rod is adjustable in length. Such adjustment may
be telescopic in nature. For example, the adjustment may be
performed by twisting two segments of the same rod in opposite
directions so that internal threads or other screw mechanism allow
the rod to expand in length. Alternatively, the expansion may be
caused by spring or by any other means known in the art.
[0018] Each attachment plug may be attached to its vertical support
in many different ways. By way of example, and not of limitation,
an attachment plug may be attached using a mechanical fastener.
Such mechanical fasteners may include, but are not limited to,
tacks, nails, bolts and screws. The attachment plugs may be
attached by an adhesive such as glue. Alternatively, the attachment
plugs may be designed to fit into pre-drilled holes. By way of
example, and not of limitation, the attachment plugs may include
prongs which are configured to fit into the European Standard 32 mm
hanging system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first end of the
rod and attachment plug according to one embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the attachment plug 20 is equipped with a
plurality of prongs 22 designed to fit with the European Standard
32 mm hanging system.
[0019] The circumference of attachment plug 16 is just slightly
smaller than the interior circumference of the rod 10, so that the
rod 10 fits snugly on the attachment plug 16.
[0020] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1, the
attachment plug 12 is equipped with a collar 16. Similarly, in FIG.
2, the attachment plug 20 is equipped with a collar 16. Collar 16
serves to prevent the rod 10 from hitting, and possibly scratching
or otherwise damaging the supporting surface. Collar 16 may have a
circumference that is smaller, larger or the same as the exterior
circumference of the rod 10. It may be preferable for the collar 16
to have a circumference that is approximately the same as the
exterior circumference of the rod 10, as this makes the fitting
virtually invisible, leaving an impression that is pleasing to the
eye.
[0021] Still further alternatively, the attachment plugs may be
attached to the vertical support using a plurality of attachment
means. For example, an attachment plug may be first glued, then
screwed in place. One of ordinary skill in the art will realize
that there may be other means for attaching the attachment plugs to
the vertical supports, and such means are within the scope of this
invention.
[0022] Means known in the art to provide enhanced stability when
affixing items to softer surfaces may be employed in association
with the present invention. By way of example, and not of
limitation, countersunk screws may be used to affix the attachment
plug 12 to a vertical support.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention as it would appear when installed between two
generally vertical supports 30. As may be seen, in this embodiment
of the invention rod 10 is composed of a first segment 32 and a
second segment 34. As indicated by the arrows, the rod 10 may be
expanded by rotating the first segment 32 relative to the second
segment 34. If it is desired to remove the rod 10, a user may
simply rotate the first segment 32 relative to the second segment
34 in the opposition direction.
[0024] As discussed above, the horizontal rod according to the
present invention is equipped with two hollow ends. In one
embodiment of the invention, the entire rod is hollow. In an
alternate embodiment of the present invention, the rod may be only
partially hollow. In a still further alternate embodiment of the
present invention, the rod (with its two hollow ends) may be
equipped with an internal expansion mechanism such as is known in
the art.
[0025] While the present invention is particularly suitable for use
as a closet rod or a shower rod, those of ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate that the present invention may be used in a variety
of different configurations. Furthermore, while the present
invention has been described with respect to a generally horizontal
configuration, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that
the present invention may be positioned in a vertical configuration
or, if the attachment plugs are appropriately angled, in an angular
configuration.
[0026] While the description above refers to particular embodiments
of the present invention, it will be understood that many
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such
modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the
present invention.
[0027] The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the
scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims,
rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *