U.S. patent application number 11/412867 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-15 for decorative curtain hanger.
Invention is credited to Calvin Junetieh Liu.
Application Number | 20070261330 11/412867 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38683778 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070261330 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Calvin Junetieh |
November 15, 2007 |
Decorative curtain hanger
Abstract
The decorative curtain hanger device is in an omega-shaped
configuration that securely suspends one or more panels such as a
shower curtain and a liner on a hanging fixture such as a curtain
rod. The decorative curtain hanger shape allows quick and easy
attachment and detachment of the curtains as well as simple and
speedy engagement and disengagement of the hanging fixture.
Additionally, the ornamental device allows decorative stickers to
be attached as well as allowing the sticker of be exchange without
the need to replace the entire curtain hanging device to accomplish
a decoration change. Similarly, the style and shape of the
ornamental device can be changed without the need to replace the
entire curtain hanging device.
Inventors: |
Liu; Calvin Junetieh; (South
Riding, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Calvin J. Liu
26004 Talamore Dr.
South Riding
VA
20152
US
|
Family ID: |
38683778 |
Appl. No.: |
11/412867 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/235 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 13/04 20130101;
A47H 2023/003 20130101; A47H 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/235 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/00 20060101
E04H001/00 |
Claims
1. A curtain hanging device for use with a curtain rod, comprising:
(a) a rod-engaging section and a pair of curtain-hanging sections,
said curtain hanging device, having a frame shape resembling the
Greek letter omega; and (b) an ornamental device comprising a means
to connect said ornamental device to the curtain hanging
device.
2. The curtain hanging device according to claim 1, wherein the
curtain-hanging sections are capped by end-balls.
3. The curtain hanging device according to claim 1, wherein the
ornamental device has a pair of prongs formed on the back of said
ornamental device, said prongs form a socket.
4. The ornamental device according to claim 3, wherein said pair of
prongs each has a fixed diameter hole near the terminal end of each
prong for engaging the end-ball of the curtain hanging device.
5. The ornamental device according to claim 1, wherein said
ornamental device is a disk, oval, or polygonal shape.
6. The ornamental device according to claim 5, wherein said shape
is a disk.
7. The ornamental device according to claim 1, wherein the front
face of the ornamental device receives decorative stickers.
8. The ornamental device according to claim 7, wherein the front
face is rimmed.
9. A curtain hanging device for use with a curtain rod, comprising:
(a) a rod-engaging section and a pair of curtain-hanging sections,
said curtain hanging device, having a frame shape resembling the
Greek letter omega; (b) a curtain grasper located on the interior
side of the curtain-hanging sections; and (c) an ornamental device
comprising a means to connect said ornamental device to the curtain
hanging device.
10. The curtain grasper according to claim 9, wherein said curtain
grasper comprises a pair of base plates and a plurality of prongs,
each base plate is located on opposite sides of the curtain-hanging
sections of the curtain hanging device.
11. The curtain grasper according to claim 9, wherein the base
plate of one side has the plurality of prongs arranged in three
columns and one column of prongs is longer than either flanking
column; and the opposing side base plate has three columns of equal
size.
12. The curtain grasper according to claim 9, wherein said prongs
on one side are arranged to interlock with the prongs on the
opposite side.
13. The curtain hanging device according to claim 9, wherein the
curtain-hanging sections are capped by end-balls.
14. The curtain hanging device according to claim 9, wherein the
ornamental device has a pair of prongs formed on the back of said
ornamental device, said prongs form a socket.
15. The ornamental device according to claim 14, wherein said pair
of prongs each has a fixed diameter hole near the terminal end of
each prong for engaging the end-ball of curtain hanging device.
16. The ornamental device according to claim 9, wherein said
ornamental device is a disk, oval, or polygonal shape.
17. The ornamental device according to claim 16, wherein said shape
is a disk.
18. The ornamental device according to claim 9, wherein the front
face of the ornamental device receives decorative stickers.
19. The ornamental device according to claim 18, wherein the front
face is rimmed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a panel hanger,
more specifically to an omega shaped curtain hanging device with
ornamentation.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Traditionally, a piece of water-proof panel, hereinafter
referred to as a shower curtain, is used to block water from
spilling outside of a shower structure such as a bathtub. When two
panels are used, a perforated water-proof panel, hereinafter called
a liner, is hung inside the bathtub while another perforated fabric
panel, hereinafter called a curtain, is hung outside the bathtub
for decorative purposes. The fixture on which curtains are hung is
called curtain rod and is conventionally circular in
cross-section.
[0005] In general, a curtain hanging device has a rod engaging
means at the upper part of its body and a curtain engaging means at
the lower part of its body. Some curtain hanging devices also have
ornamental means for decorative purposes. Typically, the top edge
of a panel, whether it is a shower curtain, a liner, or some other
curtain, has a plurality of equally spaced apertures such as slots
or eyelets which allow the panel to be hung or suspended from a
plurality of curtain or panel hanging devices that engage a fixed
rod. In aggregate, the panel hanging devices suspend the panel or
panels from the rod in movable fashion.
[0006] Curtain hanging devices come in numerous shapes, sizes, and
construction materials. Such shapes, sizes and construction
materials are well known in the art. Recently, attempts have been
made to improve either the curtain hanging devices' function in
terms of ease of use and/or their esthetic in terms of visual
impression.
[0007] Straps, rings and hooks are common commercially available
curtain hangers. Each device has its own advantages and
disadvantages. Use of curtain straps, which are functionally akin
to shower curtain rings since both have nearly identical
construction in their upper bodies, requires that lower bodies of
curtain straps must either be sewn onto the curtain or attached to
the curtain in some way by using special hardware. This additional
process or step adds to the cost and time of manufacture. Straps,
on the other hand, generally do not require the purchase of a
separate hanging device. Straps differ from rings and hooks in the
manner that the curtain hangs from the fixed rod. U.S. Pat. No.
5,651,407 issued to Perez describes a curtain strap.
[0008] Curtain rings are similarly structured as straps combining
rod engaging means and the curtain engaging means; the curtain ring
suspends a curtain and engages a curtain rod. Curtain rings are
difficult to engage and disengage from both the curtain and the
rod, especially when this task has to be performed overhead while
standing on a slippery surface. A number of curtain rings are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 345,904; 686,124; 722,370; 1,034,630;
1,811,619; 2,320,308; 2,711,555; 3,772,734; 4,010,503; 4,308,637;
4,750,243; 5,339,884; 5,367,742; D350,279 and D404,639.
[0009] Most curtain hooks comprise a large rod engaging hook at the
upper part of the body permitting the curtain hook to rest on a
curtain rod and a curtain engaging means or a hook at the lower
part of the body for hanging. Compared to curtain rings, curtain
hooks are easy to use and simple to manufacture. When engaging a
curtain, however, the weight of the curtain tends to cause the
curtain to slip off the curtain hanging hook. Similarly, the rod
engaging hook can slip off the curtain rod when the curtain is
moved on the rod. A number of curtain hooks are described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 2,320,003; 6,530,120; D253,276; D344,670; D439,141;
D458,536 and D484,027.
[0010] One attempt at solving the problem of the curtain hook
falling off the curtain rod is described in U.S. Pat. No. D465,996
issued to Suero, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. D465,996 describes the addition
of two short pegs attached to the rod engaging hook, which are in
turn compressed into two mating grooves on a curtain rod. One
drawback with this solution is that this configuration inhibits
smooth movement of the curtain hook on the grooved curtain rod.
[0011] To accommodate a curtain and a liner at the same time, some
curtain hooks are constructed with two curtain hanging hooks at the
lower part of their bodies. Typically, these curtain hooks upper
body fastening means are a single large rod engaging hook. However,
there still remains the problem of the hook slipping off the
curtain rod. U.S. Pat. Nos. D436,024; D459,201; D489,249 and
D505,614 describe curtain hooks with two curtain hanging hooks.
[0012] CA Pat. No. 2,316,100 issued to Lauk describes a different
approach to solving the problem of hanging two curtains or panels
simultaneously. CA Pat. No. 2,316,100 describes a shower curtain
hook with two depending lower-body engagement hooks. However,
Lauk's suggested arrangement seems to double the problems
associated with the engagement and disengagement of the panels or
curtains.
[0013] In addition to having a functional purpose, certain curtain
hanging devices may also have an ornamental or decorative function.
Generally, such decorative or ornamental functions are permanently
affixed in some fashion to the curtain hanging device. When a
different theme or artistic design is desired, one has to change
the entire suite of curtain hanging devices.
[0014] A ball joint or a ball-and-socket connection is a common
mechanical device. As demonstrated in U.S. Pat. No. 1,330,912
issued to Short, a ball joint has been cleverly used as a part of a
shift lever assembly for changing speed in motor vehicle gear
boxes. A ball-and-socket connection can be adapted to construct a
changeable, rotatable and tiltable decorative article that overcome
the problems associated with curtain hangers such as those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,230,003; 2,805,457 and D484,027.
These structures are complex and cumbersome to use.
[0015] Thus, there remains a need to produce a curtain hanging
device that is simpler to use, more cost effective to manufacture,
and less likely to inadvertently disengage either the rod or the
panels or panels which are to be hung. Furthermore, there exists a
need for a decorative or ornamental device which can easily be
changed without the need to replace the entire curtain hanging
device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a curtain
hanging device in an omega-shaped configuration that securely
suspends one or more panels such as a shower curtain and a liner
from a hanging fixture such as a curtain rod and that affords quick
and easy attachment and detachment of the panels as well as simple
and speedy engagement and disengagement of the hanging fixture.
[0017] Additional features and advantages of the invention are set
forth in the description which follows, and in part are apparent
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention
will be realized and attained by the curtain hanging device
particularly pointed out in the written description and the claims
hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0018] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described,
the curtain hanging device for use with a curtain rod has a molded
body in the shape of an omega. The omega shaped curtain hanging
device has a rod-engaging section or ring and a pair of
curtain-hanging sections or hooks at opposite ends of the
rod-engaging section. Each of the curtain-hanging sections may be
capped by a ball. Each end ball and an ornamental device form a
ball-and-socket apparatus. Such apparatus accommodates a decorative
or ornamental object.
[0019] One objective of the invention is to provide for a curtain
hanging device with two curtain-hanging hooks to simultaneously
receive one or more panels.
[0020] Another objective of the invention is to provide an
ornamental device that can be exchanged without the need to replace
the entire curtain hanging device.
[0021] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an
ornamental device having a ball-and-socket configuration.
[0022] Another objective of the invention is to provide for an
ornamental device having a disk with a socket-like apparatus on the
back for engaging the end ball of the curtain hanging device.
[0023] Another objective of the invention is to provide for an
ornamental device having a socket integrally formed as part of the
ornamental device back.
[0024] Another objective of the invention is to provide an
ornamental device that permits quick, easy and inexpensive
decorative variations and modifications
[0025] Another objective of the invention is to provide for a
curtain hanging device to hang a curtain lacking pre-formed slots
or apertures for inserting the curtain-hanging section.
[0026] It is to be understood that both the forgoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide explanation of the
invention as claimed.
[0027] The accompany drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification. These drawings illustrate
several embodiments of the invention and together with the
description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a curtain hanging device
resting on a curtain rod and an ornamental device in accordance
with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is front view of the curtain hanging device of FIG. 1
without the ornamental device mounted thereon;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a front view of the ornamental device with a
decorative feature on the face;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a side view of the ornamental device;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a top view of the ornamental device;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the
curtain hanging device showing the curtain-grasping device between
the ends;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a close up of the front view of the
curtain-grasping device;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the
curtain hanging device detailing the curtain-grasping device at the
bottom of the curtain hanging device; and
[0036] FIG. 9 is a close up of the side view of the
curtain-grasping device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The present invention is directed to a curtain hanging
device in an omega-shaped configuration that securely suspends one
or more panels such as a shower curtain and a liner on a hanging
fixture such as a curtain rod and that affords quick and easy
attachment and detachment of the panels as well as simple and
speedy engagement and disengagement of the hanging fixture.
[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiment
of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by
reference number 10. Referring to FIG. 1, the curtain hanging
device 10 is in an omega shaped configuration. The upper body of
the curtain hanging device is a section of a ring 11 that has two
rod-engaging or retaining sections 12 projected downwardly and
inwardly toward the central axis 17 (FIG. 2). In this
configuration, there is a gap 15 formed between lower ends of the
two rod-engaging sections 12. The gap 15 width is slightly smaller
than the diameter of the curtain rod 16. From the gap 15, the two
rod-engaging sections are respectively connected to two outwardly
and upwardly protruding curtain-hanging sections 13. The free ends
of the curtain-hanging sections are then capped by two bulbous
objects called end-balls 14 that, as a connection means, are to
receive the socket 27 (FIGS. 4 and 5), a corresponding connection
means, of the decorative device 20, and to prevent the curtain from
falling off the curtain hanging section 13. The curtain hanging
sections 13 are angled upwards and along with the bulbous end ball
14, curtain panels will hang securely on the curtain hanging device
as it engages the curtain rod 16. Preferably the ring 11, the
rod-engaging sections 12, the curtain-hanging sections 13 and the
end-balls 14 are constructed as a single unit such as an injection
molded plastic article. However, it will be easily understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art that the numerous suitable
materials are available as well as a number of manufacturing
methods.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a front view of the curtain hanging device 10
depicting the ring 11, the rod-engaging sections 12, the
curtain-hanging sections 13 and the end-balls 14.
[0040] FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate the ornamental device 20 front side
or face 21 as a circular disk with a raised rim 22 capable of
receiving a decorative sticker 23.
[0041] FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 illustrate side views of the ornamental
device 20. Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, the rear side
or the back 24 of the ornamental device has two integrally formed
parallel flat prongs 25, each with a circular hole 26 (FIGS. 1 and
4). The distance between the two prongs is slightly less than the
diameter of the end-balls 14 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Thus, the back of the
ornamental device resembles a male electrical plug and acts like a
socket 27 (FIGS. 1 and 5.). When an end-ball 14 is united with the
socket 27 of the ornamental device, a ball-and-socket structure is
created. This socket structure of the ornamental device 20 is an
open-hole ball joint wherein the edges of the holes 26 grip and
apply tension to the end-ball 14 of the curtain hanging device 10
(FIGS. 1 and 2). This ball and socket arrangement allows the
ornamental device to rotate and tilt about the end-ball. The
ornamental device may be shaped as a round disk, but other shapes
such as hexagons, other polygonal shapes or ovals as well as
various sizes may be used. Such shapes and sizes are well known to
those in the art.
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the curtain
hanging device in a front view. In particular, FIG. 6 depicts a
curtain grasper 30 located between the two curtain-hanging sections
13 where the gap 15 (FIGS. 1 and 2) exists between the lower ends
of the rod-engaging section 12. This curtain grasper is
particularly useful for engaging or hanging curtains lacking a slot
or an aperture for the curtain-hanging section 13 to enter but may
also be used to hang curtains with slots. The curtain grasper 30
has two base plates 31 and a plurality of interlocking prongs 32.
The prongs 32 may lock the curtain material between the base plates
31 when hanging a slot less curtain. Alternatively, the prongs may
pierce the fabric.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a detailed illustration of the curtain grasper in
a front view. As can be seen from the close up, the prong 32
arrangement is an interlocking arrangement.
[0044] FIG. 8 depicts the alternative embodiment of a curtain
hanging device in a side view. As can be seen in this view the
curtain grasper 30 has base plates 31 that are oval shaped.
[0045] FIG. 9 is detailed illustration of the curtain grasper
showing the prong 32 arrangement on the base plate 31. The
plurality of the prongs is arranged such that one plate has a
central column containing more prongs than either of the flanking
columns while the other plate has three columns of equal number of
prongs. Additionally, the rows of prongs on one plate will be
arranged to abut with the opposing side prongs to form the
interlocking grasping device. It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the prongs may be arranged in various
shapes and sizes and still remain within the scope of the present
invention.
[0046] In one embodiment, the curtain hanging device is attached to
a curtain rod by aligning the gap 15 with the top of the curtain
rod 16 and then pushing the curtain hanging device 10 down to
engage the rod (FIG. 1). The curtain hanging device is disengaged
by reversing the procedure. To hang a curtain on the curtain
hanging device the curtain-hanging sections 13 are pushed through
the preformed apertures at the top of the curtain. Again by
reversing the process the curtain is disengaged from the
curtain-hanging section.
[0047] To decorate a hanging curtain, a decorative sticker 23 is
applied to the face 21 of the ornamental device 20 (FIG. 3) and
then the prongs 25 of ornamental device 20 are pushed against an
end-ball 14 of the curtain hanging device 10 until the two prongs
straddle the end-ball (FIG. 1). The holes 26 on the prongs 25 that
grip the end-ball 14 are under tension and thus exert a compressive
clamping force to hold the ornamental device 20 in place yet allow
the ornamental device to rotate and to tilt about the end-ball.
Pulling the ornamental device's socket 27 away from the end-ball
will disengage the socket and the ball.
[0048] Stickers, which are to be used on the faces of the
ornamental devices of the present invention, can be fabricated in
differently colored designs (a group of flowers, an assortment of
animals, an assembly of flags, etc.). Optionally, a variety of
objects, such as shampoo, may be hung on the inside hook to be
available while showering, and other objects, such as a towel, may
hang on the outside hook to be available after the shower.
[0049] In an alternative embodiment as exemplified by FIGS. 6-9,
the curtain hanging device has a curtain grasper for engaging a
curtain without slots or apertures. In this embodiment, the curtain
hanging device is attached or removed from a curtain rod as
described above. To hang a curtain the interlocking curtain grasper
is separated and the upper edge of the curtain is placed between
the opposing prongs. The two sides are then pushed together with
the curtain fabric remaining between the prongs thereby locking the
curtain between the opposite prongs of the curtain grasper.
[0050] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the curtain hanging
device of the present invention without departing from the spirit
or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present
invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention
provided that they come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *