U.S. patent application number 11/436783 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for dual hook hanger for shower curtain and liner.
This patent application is currently assigned to Creative Bath Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to George Schmidt.
Application Number | 20060260040 11/436783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37446902 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060260040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmidt; George |
November 23, 2006 |
Dual hook hanger for shower curtain and liner
Abstract
A hanger for shower curtains is molded unitarily from a resin
material. The hanger includes a base configured for support on a
shower curtain rod. Inner and outer arms extend from inner and
outer ends of the base. A hook is formed on the free end of the
inner arm and curves away from the outer arm. A hook is formed on
an inner surface of the outer arm and curves towards the inner arm.
The outer arm is longer than the inner arm, but the outer hook is
at a position on the outer arms substantially opposed to the hook
on the inner arm. A decorative shower curtain can be suspended from
the outer hook and a shower liner can be suspended from the inner
hook.
Inventors: |
Schmidt; George;
(Douglaston, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CASELLA & HESPOS
274 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10016
US
|
Assignee: |
Creative Bath Products,
Inc.
Central Islip
NY
`
|
Family ID: |
37446902 |
Appl. No.: |
11/436783 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60682064 |
May 18, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/558 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/558 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/08 20060101
A47K003/08; A47K 3/14 20060101 A47K003/14 |
Claims
1. A hanger for a decorative shower curtain and a waterproof liner,
the hanger being formed unitarily from a resin material and having
a curved base, inner and outer arms extending from the base, an
inner hook formed on an end of the inner arm remote from the base
and curving away from the outer arm, and outer hook extending from
a surface of the outer arm opposed to the inner arm and curving
towards the inner arm.
2. The hanger of claim 1, wherein the resin material is
polycarbonate.
3. The hanger of claim 1, wherein the outer arm is wider than both
the outer hook and the inner arm.
4. The hanger of claim 3, wherein the outer arm has free end remote
from the base, the outer hook projecting from a location on the
outer arm between the base and the free end of the outer arm.
5. The hanger of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer hooks have
convexly curved outer surfaces substantially opposed to one
another.
6. The hanger of claim 5, wherein the inner and outer hooks are
spaced from one another by distances less than an outside diameter
of a shower curtain rod.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent
Appl. No. 60/682,064, filed May 18, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a hanger for suspending a shower
curtain and a liner from a shower curtain rod.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Showers and baths typically have a horizontal rod that
extends between the vertical walls at the entrance to the shower or
bath. A shower curtain then is suspended from the rod to minimize
the amount of water that will be sprayed from the shower to
surrounding areas of the bathroom. A single waterproof sheet is
sufficient to perform the primary function of a shower curtain.
However, the single waterproof sheet generally is not very
decorative and may not coordinate with the decorative scheme
existing elsewhere in the bathroom. Accordingly, most homeowners
use a decorative shower curtain and a less decorative waterproof
liner. The decorative shower curtain need not be formed from a
waterproof material and can be formed from a material that will
coordinate with curtains, towels and other accessories in a
bathroom. The decorative shower curtain and the waterproof liner
each are formed with a plurality of spaced apart apertures along
their top edge. Shower curtain hangers then are mounted slidably on
the shower curtain rod and are connected with the apertures in the
decorative shower curtain and the waterproof liner.
[0006] Shower curtain hangers are available in many different
forms. For example, some shower curtain hangers are made from a
resilient metal formed to define a releasable clasp that is
structurally similar to the clasp of a conventional safety pin. The
metal hanger has a circularly generated portion that extends
through an arc of more than 180.degree., but less than 360.degree..
Thus, the arc has two opposed ends. A linear member extends from
one end of the arc and a generally J-shape member extends from the
other end of the arc. The J-shaped member defines the hook for
supporting the decorative shower curtain and the waterproof linear.
The J-shape member also has a recess dimensioned and configured for
releasably receiving the linear member. Hangers of this type can be
mounted over the shower curtain rod. The decorative shower curtain
and the waterproof liner then are suspended from the hook. The
entire hanger then is flexed so that the linear member can be
snapped into engagement with the free end of the J-shape hook, in
much the same manner that a safety pin is closed.
[0007] Waterproof liners often are replaced due to discoloration
caused by water stains, soap accumulation or mold. Thus, the
hangers must be opened to remove the old waterproof liner and to
mount the new waterproof liner. Homeowners also may want to remove
the decorative shower curtain periodically for laundering or as
part of a redecoration of the bathroom. Removal of the decorative
shower curtain also requires all the hangers to be opened and then
requires the waterproof liner to be removed to access the
decorative shower curtain. The waterproof shower curtain liner must
be removed even though it may not require replacement. A homeowner
will want to keep a bathroom functional while a decorative shower
curtain is removed for laundering. Hence, the homeowner will have
to remount waterproof liner for temporary use while the decorative
shower curtain is being laundered. The homeowner then will have to
remove the waterproof liner again and remount both the decorative
shower curtain and the liner after the laundering has been
completed. The presence of the decorative shower curtain and the
waterproof liner complicates the opening and closing of these
hangers. Additionally, these various opening and closing steps must
be carried out for each hanger while stretching to the elevated
height of the shower curtain rod.
[0008] Plastic shower curtain hangers often are used in place of
the above-described metallic hangers. Plastic shower curtain
hangers can be manufactured inexpensively and can be provided in
colors that coordinate with the color scheme of a bathroom. Many
plastic shower curtain hangers are in the form of a split ring with
a curved portion and opposite free ends. One free end includes an
opening and the other free end has a projection that can be snap
fit releasably into the opening. Hangers of this type have the same
problems as the above-described metallic shower curtain hangers.
Additionally, it is often difficult to snap these hangers into
their closed position and to bias the closed hangers back into the
open position.
[0009] In view of the above problems, many shower curtain hangers
do not need to be opened or closed. For example, many shower
curtain hangers are formed into a generally S-shaped or C-shaped to
define two curved hooks. One curved hook is used for slidable
mounting on the shower curtain rod, while the other curved hook is
use to suspend both the decorative shower curtain and the
waterproof liner. The hook mounted on the shower curtain rod often
is not dimensioned and configured for holding the hook on the rod.
Thus, the hooks will disengage from the shower curtain rod as the
shower curtain is moved before and after showering. Additionally,
these S-shaped or C-shaped hangers have the above-described
problems of mounting both a decorative shower curtain and the
waterproof liner on the same hook.
[0010] Some shower curtain hangers have been formed with two
separate hooks generated in opposite directions and used
respectively for mounting the decorative shower curtain and the
waterproof liner. More particularly, the hook for the waterproof
liner will open into the shower while the hook for the decorative
shower curtain will open outwardly from the shower. The hooks and
the apertures through the decorative shower curtain generally are
considered to be unattractive. The above-described two-hook hangers
leave the apertures of the decorative shower curtain and the hooks
passing therethrough exposed outwardly in the bathroom. Thus, these
known shower curtain hangers can detract from the overall aesthetic
appearance of the bathroom. Furthermore, some hangers of this type
have the potential for accidental disengagement from shower curtain
rod.
[0011] In view of the above, it is an object of the subject
invention to provide a shower curtain hanger that is easily
mountable on the shower curtain rod.
[0012] It is another object of the subject invention to provide a
shower curtain hanger that permits easy mounting and easy removal
of the decorative shower curtain and the waterproof liner.
[0013] It is a further object of the subject invention to provide a
shower curtain hanger that conceals the apertures along the top
edge of the decorative shower curtain and the hooks passing there
through.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The invention relates to a shower curtain hanger with a
generally U-shaped base for slidable mounting on a shower curtain
rod. Inner and outer arms extend from the base and have free ends
remote from the base. The inner arm includes an inner hook
generated in a direction to extend away from the outer arm. The
outer arm includes an outer hook that is generated to extend
towards the inner arm. Thus, the inner and outer hooks are
generated in substantially the same direction. The outer arm may
include an aperture cover that extends further from the base than
the outer hook. The aperture cover preferably is larger than the
outer hook and larger than the aperture in the typical decorative
shower curtain. Hence, the cover will aesthetically conceal outer
hook. The cover can take any desired aesthetically attractive
shape.
[0015] The shower curtain hanger preferably is formed unitarily
from a resin material, and most preferably from a resin material
that exhibits resiliency. For example, a preferred embodiment of
the shower curtain hanger is formed unitarily from
polycarbonate.
[0016] The inner and outer hooks preferably are disposed at
approximately equal distances from the base of the shower curtain
hanger. Additionally, the inner and outer hooks preferably are
formed arcuately and extend through arcs of at least about
180.degree.. As a result, the hooks have convex force generating
surfaces that will bias the inner and outer arms away from one
another as the shower curtain hanger is being mounted to shower
curtain rod. More particularly, the inner and outer hooks of the
shower curtain hanger can be urged against the cylindrical shower
curtain rod. Pushing forces against these convex arcuate surfaces
will cause the inner and outer arms to deflect away from one
another as the shower curtain rod is move between the arms. The
inner and outer arms will return resiliently towards an undeflected
condition when the shower curtain rod passes the outer hook. The
outer hook partly closes the opening between the inner and outer
arms.
[0017] The decorative shower curtain and the waterproof shower
curtain liner can be mounted or removed independently. Thus, for
example, the decorative shower curtain can be exchanged as part of
a seasonal redecoration or can be laundered while keeping the
waterproof liner in place. As a result, the shower is maintained in
functional condition while the decorative shower curtain is being
laundered. Additionally, the location and orientation of the outer
hook makes accidental disengagement of the shower curtain hanger
from the rod virtually impossible. Nevertheless, an intentional
separation of the shower curtain hanger from the rod can be carried
out easily in view of the resilient characteristics of the resin
material from which the shower curtain hanger is formed. Still
further, the extension of the outer arm beyond the outer hook
ensures an aesthetically desirable concealment of the aperture in
the shower curtain and the engagement of the outer hook with the
decorative shower curtain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shower curtain hanger in
accordance with the subject invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the shower curtain
hanger.
[0020] FIG. 3 is top plan view of the shower curtain hanger.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the shower curtain
hanger from the right side in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the hanger being mounted on
the shower curtain rod.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the hanger fully mounted on
the rod.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 4, but
showing an alternate shower curtain hanger in accordance with the
subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] A shower curtain hanger in accordance with the subject
invention is identified generally by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 1-6.
The hanger 10 is formed unitarily from resin, and preferably from
polycarbonate. Polycarbonate exhibits sufficient strength and color
retention. Additionally, the polycarbonate is resilient and
deflectable. Thus, portions of the hanger 10 can be deflected
repeatedly and will resilient return substantially to their
original position.
[0028] The shower curtain hanger 10 includes a generally
semi-cylindrically generated base 12 with an inside diameter "d"
approximately equal to the outside diameter of the shower curtain
rod. The semi-cylindrical base has a width WB sufficient to support
the hanger 10 stably on the shower curtain rod. In a typical
embodiment, the width WB of the base 12 will be in a range of
0.3-0.8 inch.
[0029] Inner and outer arms 14 and 16 extend from substantially
diametrically opposite positions on the semi-cylindrically
generated base 12 and are aligned approximately parallel to one
another. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer arm 16 many
converge slightly towards the inner arm 14. The inner arm 14 has
width WI approximately equal to the width WB of the base 12 as
shown most clearly in FIG. 5. Additionally, the inner arm 14 has a
thickness TI and a length LI both of which are shown in FIG. 4. The
thickness TI and the length LI of the inner arm 14 are selected to
make the inner arm 14 easily deflectable away from the outer arm
16.
[0030] The outer arm 16 has free end 18 remote from the base 12, an
inner surface 20 facing generally towards the inner arm 14 and an
outer surface 22 facing away from the inner arm 14. The inner
surface 20 is substantially smooth and either planar or slightly
concave. The outer surface 22 is smooth, but in the illustrated
embodiment defines a more pronounced convex shape than the inner
surface 20. With this shape, the outer arm 16 reaches a maximum
thickness TO at a location approximately aligned with the free end
of the inner arm 14. The outer arm 16 has a generally tear drop
shape in front and rear elevational views, as shown in FIGS. 2 and
5. The tear drop shape of the outer arm 16 defines a maximum width
WO at locations approximate aligned with the free end of the inner
arm 14, as shown most clearly in FIG. 5. In the illustrated
embodiment, the maximum width WO of the outer arm 16 is more than
three times the width WI of the inner arm 14. The outer arm 16
defines a length LO that exceeds the length LI of the inner arm 14,
as shown most clearly in FIG. 4.
[0031] An inner hook 24 is formed on the end of the inner arm 14
remote from the base 12. The inner hook 24 curves away from the
outer arm 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner hook 24 has a width
approximately equal to the width WI of the inner arm 14. However,
the extreme end of the inner hook 24 is tapered slightly to
facilitate insertion of the free end of the inner hook 24 into and
through the aperture in a waterproof shower curtain liner. The
inner hook 24 includes a generally cylindrically curved convex
outer surface 26, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0032] An outer hook 28 is formed on the inner surface 20 of the
outer arm 16 at a location spaced from the free end 18 of the outer
arm 16. The outer hook 28 curves towards the inner arm 14 and is
disposed so that the inner and outer hooks 24 and 28 are
approximately equally spaced from the base 12. The outer hook 28
includes a convex arcuate outer surface 30 that is substantially
opposed to the convex outer surface 26 of the outer hook 24. As
shown in FIG. 6, the outer hook 28 has a width approximately equal
to or slightly narrower than the width WI of the inner arm 14 and
the inner hook 24. As shown in FIG. 4, portions of the inner and
outer hooks 24 and 28 near the free ends thereof are substantially
parallel to the respective inner and outer arms 14 and 16. Thus,
neither the inner hook 24 nor the outer hook 28 has a closed hook
shape, and both the inner hook 24 and the outer hook 28 can be
mounted easily to the mounting apertures in the decorative shower
curtain or a waterproof shower curtain liner.
[0033] The hanger 10 is used by urging the convex outer surfaces 26
and 30 of the inner and outer hooks 24 and 28 against the convex
outer surface of a shower curtain rod SCR as shown in FIG. 7.
Forces generated by these convexly curved surfaces against one
another will cause the inner and outer arms 14 and 16 to deflect
away from one another, thereby permitting further advancement of
the hanger 12 over the shower curtain rod SCR. Sufficient movement
in this direction will cause the shower curtain rod SCR to clear
the outer hook 28. As a result, the inner and outer arms 14 and 16
will resiliently return towards the unbiased condition shown in
FIG. 8 to hold the shower curtain rod between the arms 14 and 16
and between the base 12 and the outer hook 28. The outer hook 28
will substantially prevent an unintended separation of the hanger
10 from the shower curtain rod SCR. However, an intentional
separation of the hanger 10 from the shower curtain rod SCR can be
achieved very easily merely by manually deflecting the inner arm 14
away from the outer arm 16.
[0034] The decorative shower curtain DSC can be mounted easily on
the outer hooks 28 merely by passing the free end of the outer
hooks 28 through the respective mounting apertures in the
decorative shower curtain DSC as shown in FIG. 8. The waterproof
liner WPL can be mounted similarly on the inner hooks 24 as shown
in FIG. 8. The order of mounting the decorative shower curtain and
the shower curtain liner can be varied. Additionally, either the
decorative shower curtain or the shower curtain liner can be
removed from the hangers 10 independently. As shown most clearly in
FIG. 2, the width WO of the outer arm 16 ensures that the mounting
aperture in the shower curtain C is concealed from view, thereby
adding significantly to the aesthetic attractiveness of the hanger
10.
[0035] An alternate shower curtain hanger in accordance with the
subject invention is identified generally by the numeral 10A in
FIG. 9. The shower curtain hanger 10A has a base 12A and inner and
outer arms 14A and 16A. The base 12A of the hanger 10A differs from
the base 12 shown in the first embodiment. More particularly, the
base 12A of the hanger 10A defines a larger diameter than the base
12 and extends through a larger arc. In the embodiment of FIGS.
1-8, the inner leg 14 substantially aligned with the portion of the
inner hook 24 closest to the outer leg 26. However, in the
embodiment of FIG. 9, the inner leg 14A substantially aligns with
the part of the inner hook 24A farthest from the outer leg 16A.
This configuration provides a more secure trapping of the shower
curtain rod within the hanger 10A. The other functional advantages
described above with respect to the first embodiment apply to the
embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0036] The invention has been described with respect to a preferred
embodiment. However, various changes can be made without departing
from the scope of the invention as defined the appended claims. For
example, materials other than polycarbonate can be use for the
hanger 10. Additionally, the outer arm 16 can have shapes other
than the tear drop shape shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. For example, the
outer arm 16 can be molded to resemble a flower, a fish, a star or
the like.
* * * * *