U.S. patent application number 16/665253 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-29 for shower curtain ring.
The applicant listed for this patent is CORE PACIFIC, LLC. Invention is credited to Patrick GWEN.
Application Number | 20210120994 16/665253 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004440601 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-29 |
![](/patent/app/20210120994/US20210120994A1-20210429\US20210120994A1-2021042)
United States Patent
Application |
20210120994 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GWEN; Patrick |
April 29, 2021 |
SHOWER CURTAIN RING
Abstract
The device for supporting a shower curtain includes a support
rod with a first curvature, a hook attached to the support rod, and
a sheath body with a second curvature. The sheath body can be
opened and closed independent from the support rod. The first
curvature matches the second curvature so that the support rod is
at least partially housed within the sheath body. The sheath body
further includes a plurality of notches radially arranged according
to the second curvature. The invention further includes a plurality
of wheel cams with each wheel cam being rotatably mounted around
the support rod and positioned within a corresponding notch of the
sheath body. When installed on a curtain rod, the wheel cams
contact the surface of the curtain rod so that wheel cams can roll
over any ridge or junction on the curtain rod.
Inventors: |
GWEN; Patrick; (Houston,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CORE PACIFIC, LLC |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004440601 |
Appl. No.: |
16/665253 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 13/04 20130101;
A47H 13/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47H 13/02 20060101
A47H013/02; A47H 13/04 20060101 A47H013/04 |
Claims
1. A device for supporting a shower curtain, comprising: a support
rod with a first curvature, said support rod having a first support
rod end, and a second support rod end opposite said first support
rod end; a hook means attached to said second support rod end; a
sheath body with a second curvature, said sheath body being
comprised of a first sheath portion attached to said first support
rod end, and a second sheath portion in hinged connection with said
first sheath portion, wherein said first sheath portion has a first
sheath locking end, and a first sheath hinged end opposite said
first sheath locking end, wherein said first sheath portion is
comprised of a plurality of notches, each notch being radially
arranged along said first sheath portion, wherein said second
sheath portion has a second sheath locking end, and a second sheath
hinged end opposite said second sheath locking end, and wherein
said second sheath portion is comprised of a slot aligned with said
support rod so as to pass said support rod through said second
sheath portion; and a plurality of wheel cams, each wheel cam being
rotatably mounted around said support rod and positioned within a
corresponding notch of said first sheath portion, wherein said
sheath body has an opened configuration with said first sheath
locking end separated from said second sheath locking end, and
wherein said sheath body having a closed configuration with said
first sheath locking end removably fastened to said second sheath
locking end.
2. The device for supporting, according to claim 1, wherein said
hook means comprises: an attachment rod being made integral with
said second support rod end and extending radially outward from
said support rod; and a first hook portion being made integral with
said attachment rod.
3. The device for supporting, according to claim 2, further
comprising: a second hook portion 36 being made integral with said
attachment rod.
4. The device for supporting, according to claim 3, wherein said
second hook portion is arranged on a side of said attachment rod
opposite said first hook portion.
5. The device for supporting, according to claim 1, wherein said
first sheath hinged end is in hinged connection with said second
sheath hinged end.
6. The device for supporting, according to claim 1, wherein said
slot extends from said second sheath hinged end to said second
sheath locking end.
7. The device for supporting, according to claim 1, wherein each
wheel cam has a respective wheel surface aligned with each other so
as to define a contact curvature.
8. The device for supporting, according to claim 1, further
comprising: a mounting means for said first sheath portion to said
support rod. being radially arranged along said first sheath
portion
9. The device for supporting, according to claim 8, wherein said
mounting means for said first sheath portion to said support rod is
position between respective notches.
10. The device for supporting, according to claim 1, further
comprising: a fastening means 60 for said first sheath locking end
to said second sheath locking end.
11. A method for preparing a shower for use, comprising the steps
of: setting a curtain rod in place; installing said device,
according to claim 1, on said curtain rod; wherein the step of
installing comprises the steps of: placing said sheath body in said
opened configuration; passing said curtain rod between said first
sheath locking end and said second sheath locking end; and placing
said sheath body in said closed configuration so as to encircle
said curtain rod with said sheath body; and installing a curtain on
said hook means.
12. The method, according to claim 11, wherein said curtain is
comprised of a plurality of holes, and wherein the step of
installing said curtain comprises the step of passing said hook
member through a corresponding hole of said curtain.
13. The method, according to claim 11, further comprising the step
of: rolling said wheel cams along said curtain rod so as to place
said curtain relative to said curtain rod.
14. The method, according to 13, wherein said curtain rod is
comprised of a ridge, and wherein the step of rolling said wheel
cams further comprises the step of driving over said ridge so as to
place said curtain relative to said curtain rod.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] See Application Data Sheet.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC
OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM
(EFS-WEB)
[0004] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT
INVENTOR
[0005] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to a curtain ring. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a device with a
component to attach to a curtain rod and another component to
support the curtain. The present invention further relates to a
curtain ring that passes over a junction in the curtain rod.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under
37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98
[0007] Conventional shower curtains are intended to be temporary.
The constant exposure to moisture and frequent opening and closing
of the shower curtain can quickly wear on a shower curtain. The
assembly to support a shower curtain must be durable to withstand
the frequency of shower curtain replacement.
[0008] Curtain rings are known mechanical devices. Shower curtain
rings are specialized type of curtain ring to be easily opened and
closed. A shower curtain ring must attach to a curtain rod and
support a replaceable curtain. Some known shower curtain rings are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,954, issued to Herrera on 4 Aug.
1998, U.S. Pat. No. 7,003,848, issued to Ho on 28 Feb. 2006, U.S.
Pat. No. 9,788,675, issued to Hodgdon on 17 Oct. 2017, and US
Publication 20120291243, published for Baines on 22 Nov. 2012.
[0009] Prior art curtain rings encounter problems with some types
of curtain rods. In particular, there are curtain rods that are
comprised of two telescoping tubular members so as to adjust to any
length needed for installation. One telescoping tubular member fits
within another telescoping tubular member with a larger diameter so
as to create a ridge at the junction of the two tubular members.
The ridge is formed by the thickness of the telescoping tubular
member with the larger diameter. That ridge is an obstacle to
sliding curtain rings back and forth along the curtain rod. The
curtain rings must pass over this ridge in order to open and close
the curtain. The curtain rings pass over this ridge in both
directions. Sliding the curtain ring from the larger diameter to
the smaller diameter does not impede the movement of the curtain
ring, but sliding the curtain from the tubular member with the
smaller diameter to the tubular member with the larger diameter
will impede movement. Additional force is required to overcome the
ridge. The additional force is applied by pulling the curtain
harder, putting more wear on the curtain and curtain rod. Prior art
curtain rings are smooth rings or rings with beads or protrusions.
These prior art solutions attempt to reduce the extra force needed
for the curtain to pull the ring over the ridge by incorporating
surfaces with less friction, such as smooth surfaces or reducing
surface area of the ring in contact with the curtain rod.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
for supporting a shower curtain on a curtain rod.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide
embodiments of a shower curtain ring.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide
embodiments of the device for supporting a shower curtain with
separate components for connecting to the curtain rod and
connecting to the shower curtain.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide
embodiments of the device for supporting a shower curtain to
further reduce the force needed to pass over a ridge on the curtain
rod.
[0014] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide embodiments of the device for supporting a shower curtain
with wheel cams to roll over any ridge on the curtain rod.
[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide embodiments of the device for supporting a shower curtain
with a sheath to align the wheel cams to roll over any ridge on the
curtain rod.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention include a device for
supporting a shower curtain, such as a curtain ring. The device has
separate components to engage the curtain rod and shower curtain.
There is not a single ring to attach to the curtain rod and hold
the shower curtain. The device includes a support rod with a first
curvature, a hook attached to the support rod, and a sheath body
with a second curvature. The sheath body can be comprised of a
first sheath portion and a second sheath portion in hinged
connection with the first sheath portion. The sheath body attaches
to the curtain rod. The hook attaches to the curtain. The sheath
body has an opened configuration so that the curtain rod can be fit
into the sheath body and a closed configuration with the sheath
body locked around the curtain rod.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first sheath portion is comprised
of a plurality of notches. Each notch is radially arranged along
the first sheath portion. There can be a plurality of wheel cams,
and each wheel cam is rotatably mounted around the support rod and
positioned within a corresponding notch of the first sheath
portion. The wheel cams contact the curtain rod so that the wheel
cams roll along the curtain rod. Instead of sliding a smooth
surface or bead protrusion, the wheel cams roll tangent to the
cylindrical surface of the curtain rod.
[0018] Other embodiments include the first curvature matching the
second curvature so that the support rod is housed within the first
sheath portion. The support rod is curved, and the first sheath
portion is also curved to match so that the support rod fits inside
the first sheath portion. The second sheath portion can be
comprised of a slot aligned with the support rod so as to pass the
support rod through the second sheath portion. As the sheath body
moves between the opened and closed configuration, the support rod
can pass through the second sheath portion.
[0019] Additional versions of the invention include the hook being
a single hook portion or double hook portion. The hook can extend
generally downward radially from the support rod, while still being
made integral with the support rod.
[0020] The method for preparing a shower for use includes
assembling the curtain rod, the device as the curtain ring, and the
shower curtain. The method includes setting a curtain rod in place,
installing the device on the curtain rod, and installing a curtain
on the hook. The step of installing the device comprises the steps
of: placing the sheath body in the opened configuration, passing
the curtain rod between a first sheath locking end and a second
sheath locking end, and placing the sheath body in the closed
configuration so as to encircle the curtain rod with the sheath
body. The step of installing the curtain comprises passing the hook
member through a corresponding hole of the curtain. In some
embodiment, the method further includes rolling the wheel cams
along the curtain rod so as to place the curtain relative to the
curtain rod. When the curtain rod has a ridge, the step of rolling
the wheel cams further comprises the step of driving the wheel cams
over the ridge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the
device for supporting a shower curtain according to the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment
of the device for supporting a shower curtain according to the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the
device for supporting a shower curtain with the sheath body in the
closed configuration.
[0024] FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the
device for supporting a shower curtain with the sheath body in the
opened configuration.
[0025] FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the
device for supporting a shower curtain installed on a curtain
rod.
[0026] FIG. 6 is another upper perspective view of an embodiment of
the device for supporting a shower curtain installed on a curtain
rod with a ridge.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] FIGS. 1-4 show embodiments of the device 10 for supporting a
shower curtain, according to the present invention. The device 10
is a type of curtain ring with a component to engage the curtain
rod and a different component to engage the shower curtain. The
separate components allow easier handling and installation of the
device 10 on the curtain rod. There is not a single component that
must be manipulated to attach to the curtain rod and hold the
shower curtain at the same time.
[0028] Embodiments of the device 10 include a support rod 20 with a
first curvature 20A, a hook means 30, a sheath body 40, and a
plurality of wheel cams 50. The support rod 20 has a first support
rod end 22, and a second support rod end 24 opposite the first
support rod end 22. The hook means 30 is attached to the second
support rod end 24. The sheath body 40 with a second curvature 40A
can be comprised of a first sheath portion 42 attached to the first
support rod end 22, and a second sheath portion 44 in hinged
connection with the first sheath portion 42.
[0029] FIGS. 1-4 show that the first sheath portion 42 has a first
sheath locking end 42A, and a first sheath hinged end 42B opposite
the first sheath locking end 42A and that the second sheath portion
44 has a second sheath locking end 44A, and a second sheath hinged
end 44B opposite the second sheath locking end 44A. The first
sheath portion 42 is also comprised of a plurality of notches 46.
FIGS. 1-4 show an embodiment with three notches. Other numbers of
notches are also possible. Each notch 46 is radially arranged along
the first sheath portion 44. The first sheath portion 42 has the
second curvature, so the notches 46 are radial to that second
curvature 40A. The second sheath portion 44 is also comprised of a
slot 48 aligned with the support rod 20 so as to pass the support
rod 20 through the second sheath portion 44, as in FIGS. 3-4.
[0030] The sheath body 40 has an opened configuration with the
first sheath locking end 42A separated from the second sheath
locking end 44A as shown in FIG. 3. The sheath body 40 has a closed
configuration with the first sheath locking end 42A removably
fastened to the second sheath locking end 44A. The support rod 20
passes through the slot 48 as the sheath body 40 transitions
between the opened configuration and the closed configuration.
FIGS. 3-4 show the slot 48 extending from the second sheath hinged
end 44B to the second sheath locking end 44A.
[0031] The opened configuration corresponds to the device 10 being
installed on a curtain rod. The device 10 is opened to fit the
curtain rod because the separation between the first sheath locking
end 42A and the second sheath locking end 44A. The closed
configuration corresponds to the device 10 locked on the curtain
rod. The device 10 encircles the curtain rod, and the first sheath
locking end 42A and the second sheath locking end 44A are locked
together. The first sheath hinged end 42B is in hinged connection
with the second sheath hinged end 44B. The first sheath locking end
42A is removably fastened to the second sheath locking end 44A.
Embodiments include a fastening means 60 for friction fit, snap
fit, adhesive, magnet engagement between the first sheath locking
end 42A and the second sheath locking end 44A. Various structures,
including locking shoulders, protrusions, and male/female
connectors may be placed on the first sheath locking end 42A and
the second sheath locking end 44A, respectively. FIGS. 3-4 show a
fastening means 60 with snap fit engagement by a protrusion 62 on
the first sheath locking end 42A snapping into an indentation 64 on
the second sheath locking end 44A.
[0032] FIGS. 3-4 also show that the support rod 20 is housed in the
first sheath portion 42, while the support rod 20 passing through
the second sheath portion 44. The first sheath locking end 42A is
attached to the first support rod end 22. In this embodiment of
FIGS. 3-4, the second curvature 40A matches the first curvature 20A
so that the support rod 20 fits into the first sheath portion 42.
The first curvature 20A and the second curvature 40A are also
compatible with the curtain rod so that the device 10 is around the
curtain rod.
[0033] Embodiments of the hook means 30 are shown in FIGS. 1-2.
FIG. 1 shows an attachment rod 32 being made integral with the
second support rod end 24 and extending radially outward from the
support rod 20. The support rod 20 has a first curvature 20A, so
the attachment rod 32 extends radially from that first curvature
20A. The attachment rod 32 is generally downward from the sheath
body 40, since the shower curtain will be hanging down from the
device 10. FIG. 1 shows a first hook portion 34 being made integral
with the attachment rod 32. FIG. 2 shows the embodiment with an
additional second hook portion 36 being made integral with the
attachment rod 32. FIGS. 2-4 show the second hook portion 36 being
arranged on a side of the attachment rod 32 opposite the first hook
portion 34.
[0034] The wheel cams 50 are shown in FIGS. 1-6. Each wheel cam 50
is rotatably mounted around the support rod 20 and positioned
within a corresponding notch 46 of the first sheath portion 42.
Each wheel cam 50 can be radially arranged along the first sheath
portion 42 in a respective notch 46. The notches 46 on the first
sheath portion 42 are arranged along the second curvature 20A, so
the wheel cams 50 in the notches are also radial to that second
curvature. FIGS. 1-2 show that each wheel cam 50 has a respective
wheel surface 52 aligned with each other so as to define a contact
curvature 52A. The contact curvature 52A is compatible with a
curtain rod. The wheel cams 50 can roll over any ridge or junction
on a curtain rod. The wheel cams 50 rotate on the support rod 20 so
that any size wheel cam can drive or roll over a ridge or junction.
There is only the wheel surface 52 contacting the curtain rod,
instead of an entire thickness of smooth ring or tops of beads of a
beaded ring or banded ring.
[0035] Embodiments also include a device 10 with a mounting means
58 for the first sheath portion 42 to the support rod 20. FIGS. 3-4
show the mounting means 58 being radially arranged along the first
sheath portion 42. Again, since the first sheath portion has the
second curvature, the mounting means 58 can match that second
curvature 40A. In particular, the mounting means 58 for the first
sheath portion to the support rod 20 can be between notches 46,
alternating with the notches 46. The structures corresponding to
the mounting means 58 include threaded screws and holes, adhesives,
bolts, or other connectors, as indicated in FIGS. 3-4.
[0036] Embodiments of the present invention include the method for
preparing a shower for use. The method is shown in FIGS. 5-6 for
the assembly of the shower curtain onto the device 10 of the
present invention and assembly of the device 10 on the curtain rod.
The method includes setting a curtain rod 1 in place, such as in a
shower enclosure. The curtain rod 1 is extended or retracted to
fit. In the embodiment of an adjustable curtain rod 1, telescoping
tubular members are twisted in one direction to extend and twisted
in the opposite direction to retract. The next step is installing
the device 10 on the curtain rod 1, which includes placing the
sheath body 40 in the opened configuration, passing the curtain rod
between the first sheath locking end 42A and the second sheath
locking end 44A, and placing the sheath body 40 in the closed
configuration. The device 10 is now encircling the curtain rod 1.
The wheel cams 50 are aligned and contacting the surface of the
curtain rod. Next, the curtain 2 is installed on the hook means
30.
[0037] As seen in FIG. 6, the curtain 2 can be comprised of a
plurality of holes 3. The step of installing the curtain comprises
the step of passing the hook member 30 through a corresponding hole
3 of the curtain 2.
[0038] The method for preparing the shower for use further
comprises rolling the wheel cams 50 along the curtain rod 1 so as
to place the curtain 2 relative to the curtain rod 1. The curtain 1
now moves with a device 10 so that the user can set the position of
the curtain 2 for use to block water from spraying out of the
shower or for use to create an opening for a user to enter the
shower. In some embodiments, the curtain rod 1 has a ridge 4. The
ridge 4 is usually an obstacle to a prior art curtain ring. In the
present invention, the method includes driving the wheel cams 50
over the ridge 4 so as to place the curtain 2 relative to the
curtain rod 1. The ridge 4 no longer inhibits the placement of the
curtain 2.
[0039] The present invention provides a device for supporting a
shower curtain on a curtain rod. In some embodiments, the device is
a shower curtain ring with separate components for connecting to
the curtain rod and connecting to the shower curtain. In
particular, the device has a sheath body to lock to the curtain rod
and a hook means to hang the shower curtain. The different
components can be manipulated separately for easier assembly. All
of the devices can be locked onto the curtain rod. Then, the
curtain can be hung from the devices. The devices do not have to
re-opened to hang the curtain or opened for both attaching to the
curtain rod and hanging the curtain.
[0040] Additionally, the device of the present invention further
reduces the force needed to pass over a ridge on the curtain rod.
The smooth surface of a ring is the prior art curtain ring that
must be yanked in order to pass over a ridge on the curtain rod.
That ridge is a common feature of many curtain rods. The
telescoping tubular members are widely available and used, so
curtain rings must be able to account for this disruptive feature.
Although prior art curtain rings disclose reducing the contact
between the ring and the ridge, the ring must still be yanked with
force to pass the ridge. Less force than the smooth ring and the
full contact with the thickness of the ring is needed by reducing
contact surfaces. However, there is still a relatively large amount
of force to yank even beaded or banded rings. The present invention
further reduces the amount of force needed to pass a ridge on the
curtain rod. Instead of overcoming friction, the present invention
can roll over ridge. Less force is required to roll, rather than
yanking. There is less force and less chance of damage from
relatively violent motions to jump a ring over a ridge. Embodiments
of the present invention disclose wheel cams, a particular mounted
relationship and arrangement of the wheel cams, and alignment to
the curtain rod. The wheel cams can roll over any ridge for
placement of the curtain.
[0041] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is
illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the
details of the illustrated structures, construction and method can
be made without departing from the true spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *