U.S. patent application number 16/917174 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-30 for tension rod storage kit.
The applicant listed for this patent is Umbra LLC. Invention is credited to Eugenie De Loynes, Christopher Snell.
Application Number | 20210401212 16/917174 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004938674 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210401212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
De Loynes; Eugenie ; et
al. |
December 30, 2021 |
TENSION ROD STORAGE KIT
Abstract
A tension rod storage kit, comprising a tension rod, a tray and
an optional pouch, and a plurality of attachment means for securing
the kit to two parallel walls and, optionally, to one wall
perpendicular to both of the parallel walls.
Inventors: |
De Loynes; Eugenie;
(Toronto, CA) ; Snell; Christopher; (Toronto,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Umbra LLC |
Buffalo |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004938674 |
Appl. No.: |
16/917174 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 1/102 20130101;
A47H 1/022 20130101; A47K 3/001 20130101; A47H 1/18 20130101; A47K
3/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47H 1/022 20060101
A47H001/022; A47K 3/38 20060101 A47K003/38; A47H 1/102 20060101
A47H001/102; A47K 3/00 20060101 A47K003/00 |
Claims
1. A tension rod storage kit, comprising: a tension rod having a
first end and a second end; a first suction cup having a male
threaded member threadably secured to said first end of said
tension rod; a second suction cup having a male thread member
threadably secured to said second end of said tension rod; a first
C-shaped clip arranged to clamp onto said rod, said clip having a
first threaded partial through-bore therein; a second C-shaped clip
arranged to clamp onto said rod, said clip having a second threaded
partial through-bore therein; a shelf having a first and second
aperture therein; a third suction cup having a male threaded member
operatively arranged to pass through said first aperture of said
tray and threadingly engage said first threaded partial
through-bore of said first C-shaped clip to secure said tray to
said tension rod; a fourth suction cup having a male threaded
member operatively arranged to pass through said second aperture of
said tray and threadingly engage said second threaded partial
through-bore of said second C-shaped clip to secure said tray to
said tension rod; a first suction cup former positioned between
said third suction cup and said tray and arranged to receive the
male threaded member of the third suction cup and to bend said
third suction cup into a more concave shape; and, a second suction
cup former positioned between said fourth suction cup and said tray
and arranged to receive the male threaded member of the fourth
suction cup and to bend said fourth suction cup into a more concave
shape.
2. The tension storage rod kit recited in claim 1 wherein said
tension rod comprises: a first tube having a first end and a second
end; a second tube having a diameter less than said first tube,
said second tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said
second tube is threadably secured internally to said first tube;
and, an internal spring. [revise with tension rod information from
Khodi]
3. The tension rod kit recited in claim 1 further comprising: a
third suction cup former positioned between said first suction cup
and said tension rod first end and arranged to receive the male
threaded member of the third suction cup and to bend said third
suction cup into a more concave shape.
4. The tension rod kit recited in claim 1 further comprising: a
fourth suction cup former positioned between said second suction
cup and said tension rod second end and arranged to receive the
male threaded member of the fourth suction cup and to bend said
fourth suction cup into a more concave shape.
5. A tension rod kit comprising: a tension rod having a first end
and a second end, comprising a first suction cup at said first end
operatively arranged to secure said rod to a first surface and a
second suction cup at said second end operatively arranged to
secure said rod to a second surface which is parallel to said first
wall, said first suction cup having a first contact surface, said
second suction cup having a second contact surface, wherein said
first and second contact surfaces are parallel to one another, said
kit further comprising a storage tray removably securable to said
tension rod, said storage tray operatively arranged to be securable
to a third surface via a third suction cup, said third surface
arranged substantially perpendicular to said first and second
surfaces.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to storage devices
and, more specifically, to a tension rod storage kit especially
useful in a bathroom in a shower stall or proximate a bathtub.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention addresses the well-known problem of storage
of items, primarily in a bathroom, either in a shower stall or
proximate a bathtub. While tension rods are generally known, they
are limited in their load bearing capacity.
[0003] For example, Umbra's Tension Rod Shelf discloses a vertical
tension rod arranged to frictionally secure to the floor and
ceiling that comprises a plurality of storage shelves, see
https://www.umbra.com/products/tension-rod-shelf.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,000 (Samelson) discloses a tension rod
with suction cups that are mounted to each respective end of the
tension rod.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 10,485,383 (Worden et al.) discloses a
tension-mounted pole that comprises a plurality of shelves
vertically positioned along the tension-mounted pole. The tension
pole is arranged between a floor and ceiling, e.g., the base of a
bathtub and the ceiling.
[0006] There is a long-felt need for a tension rod storage device
that includes additional support means beyond the tension rod
itself. The abovementioned patents all rely solely on the tension
rod's force to secure shelves or hanging articles and fail to
disclose additional attachment means to accommodate heavier loads
placed on a tension rod. What is needed, then, is a tension rod
storage kit that solves this problem and provides a means of
storing items above floor level in a shower stall or above a
bathtub.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention broadly comprises a tension rod
storage kit, comprising a tension rod having a first end and a
second end, a first suction cup fixedly secured to the first end of
the tension rod, a second suction cup fixedly secured to the second
end of the tension rod, a first C-shaped clip arranged to clamp
onto the rod, the clip having a first threaded partial through-bore
therein, a second C-shaped clip arranged to clamp onto the rod, the
clip having a second threaded partial through-bore therein, a shelf
having a first and second aperture therein, a third suction cup
having a male threaded member operatively arranged to pass through
the first aperture of the tray and threadingly engage the first
threaded partial through-bore of the first C-shaped clip to secure
the tray to the tension rod, a fourth suction cup having a male
threaded member operatively arranged to pass through the second
aperture of the tray and threadingly engage the second threaded
partial through-bore of the second C-shaped clip to secure the tray
to the tension rod, a first suction cup former positioned between
the third suction cup and the tray and arranged to receive the male
threaded member of the third suction cup and to bend the third
suction cup into a more concave shape, and, a second suction cup
former positioned between the fourth suction cup and the tray and
arranged to receive the male threaded member of the fourth suction
cup and to bend the fourth suction cup into a more concave
shape.
[0008] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
storage solution device for a shower stall or bathroom that
provides increased stability.
[0009] A secondary object of the present invention is to provide a
tension rod storage kit that includes a tension rod and a storage
tray with multiple suction cup securement means to enhance load
bearing capacity.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
tension rod storage kit that includes a tension rod and a storage
tray and optionally also includes a storage pouch which is
removable attachable to the tension rod.
[0011] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of
the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of
the drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which
corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in
which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tension rod storage kit
of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of the tension rod storage kit shown
in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the tension rod storage kit shown
in FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a left elevational view of the tension storage rod
shown in FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a right elevational view of the tension storage
rod kit shown in FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of the tension storage rod kit shown in
FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the tension storage rod kit shown
in FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the storage tray of the
invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the storage tray of
the invention shown in FIG. 1, shown with both tray suction cups
attached;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the storage tray of
the invention shown in FIG. 1, shown with both tray suction cups
attached;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the storage tray of
the invention shown in FIG. 1, shown with both tray suction cups
removed;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a front view of the storage tray of the invention
shown in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the storage tray of the invention
shown in FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 14A is a left side exploded view of the storage tray,
second C-shaped clip, and the second tray suction cup, of the
invention shown in FIG. 4;
[0027] FIG. 14B is a front view of the second C-shaped clip shown
in FIG. 14A;
[0028] FIG. 14C is a left side sectional view of the second
C-shaped clip taken generally along line 14C-14C in FIG. 14B;
[0029] FIG. 14D is a front sectional view of the second C-shaped
clip taken generally along line 14D-14D in FIG. 14C;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a left side exploded view of the storage tray,
second C-shaped clip, and the second tray suction cup, of the
invention shown in FIG. 14A;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a top view of the second tray suction cup of the
invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a side view of the second tray suction cup shown
in FIG. 16;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the second tray suction cup
shown in FIG. 16;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of the second tray suction
cup and second tray suction cup former shown in FIGS. 16 and 17,
taken generally along line 19-19 in FIG. 16;
[0035] FIG. 20A is a bottom perspective view of the second tray
suction cup of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 20B is a bottom perspective view of the second suction
cup former of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 21A is a top perspective view of the second tray
suction cup shown in FIG. 20A;
[0038] FIG. 21B is a top perspective view of the second suction cup
former shown in FIG. 20B;
[0039] FIG. 22A is a side sectional view of the second tray suction
cup and second suction cup former, shown in the process of
attaching to a surface, which view is taken generally along line
19-19 in FIG. 16;
[0040] FIG. 22B is a side sectional view of the second tray suction
cup and second suction cup former, shown in the process of
attaching to a surface, which view is similar to that of FIG.
22A;
[0041] FIG. 22C is a side sectional view of the second tray suction
cup and second suction cup, shown fully attached to a surface,
which view is similar to that of FIGS. 22A and 22B;
[0042] FIG. 23 is a front partial cross-sectional view of the
tension rod of the invention shown in FIG. 1; and,
[0043] FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of area 24 in FIG. 23 to
illustrate spring 96 and pin 98.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood
that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects. It should
be appreciated that, although the tension rod storage kit of the
present invention finds particular application in a shower stall,
bathroom or proximate a bathtub, that the invention likely has
applications in other locations as well. For example, the invention
could be used anywhere where a tension rod could provide a storage
solution, such as in a closet or workshop, etc. As is well known, a
key benefit of a telescoping tension rod is that it may be adjusted
to be secured to two parallel walls of varying space
therebetween.
[0045] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not
limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications
described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of
the claims.
[0046] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It
should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar
or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice
or testing of the example embodiments.
[0047] It should be appreciated that the term "substantially" is
synonymous with terms such as "nearly," "very nearly," "about,"
"approximately," "around," "bordering on," "close to,"
"essentially," "in the neighborhood of," "in the vicinity of,"
etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in
the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the
term "proximate" is synonymous with terms such as "nearby,"
"close," "adjacent," "neighboring," "immediate," "adjoining," etc.,
and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the
specification and claims.
[0048] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of storage tension rod kit 10. Storage tension rod kit 10 comprises
tension rod 20, first suction cup 21, second suction cup 22, tray
30, storage pouch 40, and a plurality of hooks: first rod hook 23,
second rod hook 24, and third rod hook 24. Tension rod 20 comprises
large diameter tension rod tube 26 and small diameter tension rod
tube 28. Small diameter tension rod tube 28 is configured to
threadably engage large diameter tension rod tube 26 internally. As
seen in the drawing the tray and pouch are removably secured to the
tension rod, as are the hooks.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a front view of storage tension rod kit 10. This
view clearly shows the rod hooks and the pouch suspended from the
tension rod.
[0050] FIG. 3 is a rear view of storage tension rod kit 10. Tray 30
comprises first tray suction cup 31 and second tray suction cup 32.
First tray suction cup 31 is threadably attached to tray 30 through
first tray aperture 33, engaging first C-shaped clip 83 (shown in
FIGS. 9, 12-14). Second tray suction cup 32 is threadably attached
to tray 30 through second tray aperture 34, engaging a second
C-shaped clip 84 (shown in FIGS. 9, 12-14). This view broadly
illustrates that the present invention, in a preferred embodiment,
provides four separate attachment means for the storage device: two
suction cups at opposite ends of the tension rod and two suction
cups at the rear of tray 30. (It should be appreciated that the
tray could be securable to a surface, such as a wall, via a single
suction cup, or via more than two suction cups.)
[0051] FIG. 4 is a left elevational view of storage tension rod kit
10 showing tray 30, first suction cup 21, and pouch 40.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a right elevational view of the storage tension
rod kit 10 showing tray 30, second suction cup 21, and pouch
40.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a top view of storage tension rod kit 10. Tray 30
has a plurality of tray drainage holes 35 arranged on tray 30 top
surface. These drainage holes obviously function to drain water
from the tray when the storage unit is installed in a shower stall.
The tray also includes larger apertures 35' and 35'' (shown in FIG.
9) which function both as drainage apertures and also as apertures
that may hold items frequently used in a bathroom, such as a razor,
toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of storage tension rod kit 10. This
view illustrates more clearly how tray 30 is secured to the tension
rod.
[0055] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of storage tension rod kit 10
tray 30. This view illustrates more clearly the plurality of tray
drainage holes 35 in tray 30.
[0056] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of tray 30. Tray 30
further comprises tray wall 27, first large tray aperture 35',
second large tray aperture 35'', first C-shaped clip 83, first
C-shaped clamp 83', first tray aperture 33, second C-shaped clip
84, second C-shaped clamp 84', second tray aperture 34. First
C-shaped clip 83 is threadably secured through first tray aperture
33. Second C-shaped clip 34 is threadably secured through second
tray aperture 34. These clamps/clips function to secure the tray to
the tension rod.
[0057] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of tray 30. Tray 30 has a
plurality of reinforcement dividers on its rear surface of tray
wall 27; first reinforcement divider 85, second reinforcement
divider 86, third reinforcement divider 87, and fourth
reinforcement divider 88. First tray suction cup 31 and second tray
suction cup 32 are threadably secured through first tray aperture
33 and second tray aperture 34, respectively, and are discussed
further infra. The plurality of reinforcement dividers add
additional strength to tray 30 and assist with making flush contact
to a surface that the tray suction cups adhere to.
[0058] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of tray 30 without first
tray suction cup 31 and second tray suction cup 32, shown in FIG.
10. First tray aperture 33 and second tray aperture 34 have an
elongated shape, allowing tray 30 to be slideably adjustable when
adhered to a surface.
[0059] FIG. 12 is a front view of tray 30 showing first C-shaped
clamp 83' and second C-shaped clamp 84' of first C-shaped clip 83
and second C-shaped clip 84, respectively (shown in FIG. 13). First
C-shaped clamp 83' and second C-shaped clamp 84' are operatively
arranged to frictional attach to tension rod 20. In a preferred
embodiment, first C-shaped clamp 83' and second C-shaped clamp 84'
frictionally clamp to large diameter rod tube 26. In an alternative
embodiment, first C-shaped clamp 83' and second C-shaped clamp 84'
may be configured to attach to either large diameter rod tube 26 or
small diameter rod tube 28.
[0060] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the storage tension rod kit 10
tray 30. First C-shaped clip 83 and second C-shaped clip 84
comprise first C-shaped clip female threaded partial through-bore
83'' and second C-shaped clip female threaded partial through-bore
84'', respectively. C-shaped clip female threaded partial
through-bore 83'' and second C-shaped clip female threaded partial
through-bore 84'' are operatively arranged to accept and threadably
secure a male thread member that is fixedly secured to first tray
suction cup 31 and second tray suction cup 32 (illustrated in FIGS.
14A-14D).
[0061] The following description should be read in view of FIGS.
1-13 described supra, in addition to FIGS. 14A-14D. FIG. 14A is a
left side exploded view of tray 30, second C-shaped clip 84, and
second tray suction cup 32. Second tray suction cup includes
threaded portion 39. Second tray suction cup former includes
central aperture 69 (shown in FIGS. 16, 20B, 20D, and 22A-22C).
Central aperture 69 of the second suction cup former is operatively
arranged to accept threaded portion of second tray suction cup 39
to threadably engage second C-shaped clip 84. FIG. 14B is a front
view of second C-shaped clip 84. FIG. 14C is a left side sectional
view of second C-shaped clip 84 taken generally along line 14C-14C
in FIG. 14B, showing second C-shaped clip female threaded partial
through-bore 84'' that is operatively arranged to threadably engage
threaded portion 39 of the second tray suction cup. FIG. 14D is a
front sectional view of second C-shaped clip 84 taken generally
along line 14D-14D in FIG. 14C.
[0062] FIG. 15 is a left side exploded view of tray 30, second
C-shaped clip 84, and second tray suction cup 32. Threaded portion
39 of second tray suction cup 32 is shown passing through second
tray aperture 34 (shown in FIG. 13) and arranged to threadably
engage second C-shaped clip 84, described in further detail
supra.
[0063] The following description should be read in view of FIGS.
16-19. FIG. 16 is a top view of second tray suction cup 32. FIG. 17
is a side view of second tray suction cup 32 and second tray
suction cup former 38. Threaded portion 39 of the second tray
suction cup 32 is shown passing through central aperture 69 of the
second suction cup former (shown in FIGS. 16, 20B, 20D, and
22A-22C). Second tray suction cup 32 includes outer circular
surface 61. FIG. 18 is a bottom view of second tray suction cup 32.
Outer circular surface 61 of second tray suction cup 32 is arranged
to make contact and adhere to a surface, e.g., a shower or bathtub
wall. FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of second tray suction cup
32 and second tray suction cup former 38 taken generally along line
19-19 in FIG. 16. Inner raised disk portion 65 of second tray
suction cup 32 is arranged to contact the inner surface of second
tray suction cup former 38 and is discussed in further detail in
view of FIGS. 20A-22C, infra.
[0064] The following description should be read in view of FIGS.
20A-21B. FIG. 20A is a bottom view of second tray suction cup 32.
FIG. 20B is a bottom view of second tray suction cup former 38.
Second tray suction cup former 38 includes inner first annular
surface 67, inner second annular surface 68, central aperture 69,
cup portion 71, outer frustroconical surface 74, outer raised first
rib 75, outer raised second rib 76, outer raised third rib 77,
first outer channel 78, and second outer channel 79.
[0065] FIG. 21A is a top perspective view of second tray suction
cup 32. Second tray suction cup 32 includes threaded portion 39,
outer circular surface 61, inner annular surface 62, inner raised
circular rib 63, outer raised circular rib 64, inner raised disk
portion 65, and inner channel 66.
[0066] FIG. 21B is a top perspective view of second tray suction
cup former 38. Second tray suction cup former 38 includes central
aperture 69, outer first annular surface 72, outer second annular
surface 73, and outer frustroconical surface 74.
[0067] The following description should be read in view of FIGS.
20A-22C and in further view of the above description of FIGS.
20A-21B. These views illustrate how the suction cup former
functions in combination with the suction cup to attach the tray to
a surface. In these views, clip 84 has been removed for clarity,
but it should be appreciated that clip 84 would threadably secure
to threaded portion 39, and rotating clip 84 in a clockwise
direction would pull the suction cup rightwardly, thereby "forming"
the suction cup. Once fully formed into its most concave position
the suction force of the cup is maximized.
[0068] FIG. 22A is a side sectional view of second tray suction cup
32 and second tray suction cup former 38 taken generally along line
19-19 in FIG. 16. In this view the suction cup is shown flush
against a wall surface and has not yet been "formed".
[0069] FIG. 22B is a side sectional view of second tray suction cup
32 and second tray suction cup former 38, taken generally along
line 19-19 in FIG. 16, shown as clip 84 (not shown) has begun to be
rotated about threaded portion 39, thereby pulling suction cup 32
into a more concave position.
[0070] Finally, FIG. 22C is a side sectional view of second tray
suction cup 32 and second tray suction cup former 38, taken
generally along line 19-19 in FIG. 16 shown as clip 84 (not shown)
has been fully rotated about threaded portion 39, thereby pulling
suction cup 32 into its maximum concave position.
[0071] To ensure second tray suction former 38 is secured to second
tray suction cup when threaded portion 39 of second tray suction
cup 32 is inserted through central aperture 69 of second suction
cup former 38, the plurality of channels and ridges, mentioned
supra, of both second tray suction cup 32 and second tray suction
cup former 38 interlock. In view of FIGS. 22A-22C the following
description may also be referred to as the interlocking portions of
second tray suction cup 32 and second tray suction cup former 39.
Outer raised third rib 77 of second suction cup former 38 is
operatively arranged to contact outer circular surface 61 of second
tray suction cup 32. Outer raised first rib 75 of second suction
cup former 38 and outer raised second rib 76 second suction cup
former 38 form first inner channel 78 of second suction cup former
38. Outer raised second rib 76 of second suction cup former 38 and
outer raised third rib 77 of suction cup former 38 form second
inner channel 79 of second suction cup former 38. Inner raised
circular rib 63 of second tray suction cup 32 and outer raised rib
64 of second tray suction cup 32 form inner channel 66 of second
tray suction cup 32. First inner channel 78 of second suction cup
former 38 is operatively arranged to accept inner raised circular
rib 63 of second tray suction cup 32. Second inner channel 79 of
second suction former 32 is operatively arranged to accept outer
raised circular rib 64 of second tray suction cup 32. Inner channel
66 of second tray suction cup 32 is operatively arranged to accept
outer raised second rib 76 of second suction cup former 38. Inner
second annular surface 68 of second suction cup former 38 contacts
the top surfaces of outer raised circular rib 64 of second tray
suction cup 32 and inner raised circular rib 63 of second tray
suction cup 32 when second tray suction cup 32 and second tray
suction cup former 38 are interlocked. It should be appreciated
that first tray suction cup 31 and first tray suction cup former 36
are structurally and functionally identical to the second tray
suction cup and the second tray suction cup former described
above.
[0072] As threaded portion of second tray suction cup 39 is
threadably tightened within second C-shaped clip female partial
through-bore 84'' (illustrated by FIG. 15), inner raised disk
portion of second tray suction cup 65 and inner annular surface of
second tray suction cup 62 are pulled in the direction of outer
frustroconical surface of second suction cup former 74 and inner
first annular surface of second tray suction cup former 67. The
interlocked portions of second tray suction cup 32, described
supra, remain securely interlocked and do not move when threaded
portion of second tray suction cup 39 is tightened. In FIG. 22B,
second tray suction cup 32 is partially tightened, creating second
tray suction cup vacuum chamber 101 between the bottom surface of
second tray suction cup and surface 99, e.g., a shower or bathtub
wall. In FIG. 22C, second tray suction cup 32 is fully tightened,
creating a maximum vacuum and maximum suction force between the
bottom surface of the second tray suction cup and surface 99, e.g.,
a shower or bathtub wall, increasing the adherence to said surface.
It should be appreciated that first suction cup 21 and second
suction cup 22 may comprise suction cup formers that may be
identical to second tray suction cup former 38 and interact
together in accordance with the above described manner.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 23, this drawing shows tension rod 20,
large diameter tension rod tube 26, and small diameter tension rod
tube 28. Large diameter tension rod tube 26 further comprises
second threaded rod insert 94 that is operatively arranged to
threadably accept a threaded member of second suction cup 22 and
tension rod spring 96, fixedly secured internally to the internal
portion of second threaded rod insert 94. Small diameter tension
rod tube 28 further comprises first threaded rod insert 92 that is
operatively arranged to threadably accept a threaded member of
first suction cup 21 and pin 98, that is fixedly secured to tension
rod spring 96. Both large dimeter tension rod tube 26 and small
diameter tension rod tube 28 have bushing 95 that lines the inner
wall of each respective tube. Large diameter tension rod tube 26
twists and rides along spring 96 until it reaches the end of spring
96. Spring 96 is coiled at that end to keep pin 98 from disengaging
from the spring.
[0074] FIG. 24 is a partial internal view of tension rod 20 shown
in FIG. 23. Pin 98 is fixedly secured to small diameter tension rod
tube 28.
[0075] It should be appreciated that the embodiment as shown is
only one of a number of possible embodiments of the claimed
invention.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0076] 10 tension rod storage kit [0077] 20 tension rod [0078] 21
first suction cup [0079] 22 second suction cup [0080] 23 first rod
hook [0081] 24 second rod hook [0082] 25 third rod hook [0083] 26
large diameter tension rod tube [0084] 27 wall of tray 30 [0085] 28
small diameter tension rod tube [0086] 30 tray [0087] 31 first tray
suction cup [0088] 32 second tray suction cup [0089] 33 first tray
aperture [0090] 34 second tray aperture [0091] 35 plurality of tray
drainage holes [0092] 35' first large tray aperture [0093] 35''
second large tray aperture [0094] 36 first tray suction cup former
[0095] 37 threaded portion of first tray suction cup [0096] 38
second tray suction cup former [0097] 39 threaded portion of second
tray suction cup [0098] 40 storage pouch [0099] 41 outer circular
surface of first tray suction cup [0100] 42 inner annular surface
of first tray suction cup [0101] 43 inner raised circular rib of
first tray suction cup [0102] 44 outer raised circular rib of first
tray suction cup [0103] 45 inner raised disk portion of first tray
suction cup [0104] 46 inner channel of first tray suction cup
[0105] 47 inner first annular surface of first suction cup former
[0106] 48 inner second annular surface of first suction cup former
[0107] 49 central aperture of first suction cup former [0108] 51
cup portion of first suction cup former [0109] 52 outer first
annular surface of first suction cup former [0110] 53 outer second
annular surface of first suction cup former [0111] 54 outer
frustroconical surface of first suction cup former [0112] 55 outer
raised first rib of first suction cup former [0113] 56 outer raised
second rib of first suction cup former [0114] 57 outer raised third
rib of first suction cup former [0115] 58 first outer channel of
first suction cup former [0116] 59 second outer channel of first
suction cup former [0117] 61 outer circular surface of second tray
suction cup [0118] 62 inner annular surface of second tray suction
cup [0119] 63 inner raised circular rib of second tray suction cup
[0120] 64 outer raised circular rib of second tray suction cup
[0121] 65 inner raised disk portion of second tray suction cup
[0122] 66 inner channel of second tray suction cup [0123] 67 inner
first annular surface of second suction cup former [0124] 68 inner
second annular surface of second suction cup former [0125] 69
central aperture of second suction cup former [0126] 71 cup portion
of second suction cup former [0127] 72 outer first annular surface
of second suction cup former [0128] 73 outer second annular surface
of second suction cup former [0129] 74 outer frustroconical surface
of second suction cup former [0130] 75 outer raised first rib of
second suction cup former [0131] 76 outer raised second rib of
second suction cup former [0132] 77 outer raised third rib of
second suction cup former [0133] 78 first outer channel of second
suction cup former [0134] 79 second outer channel of second suction
cup former [0135] 83 first C-shaped clip [0136] 83' first C-shaped
clamp [0137] 83'' first C-shaped clip female threaded partial
through-bore [0138] 84 second C-shaped clip [0139] 84' second
C-shaped clamp [0140] 84'' second C-shaped clip female threaded
partial through-bore [0141] 85 first reinforcement divider [0142]
86 second reinforcement divider [0143] 87 third reinforcement
divider [0144] 88 fourth reinforcement divider [0145] 92 first
threaded rod insert [0146] 94 second threaded rod insert [0147] 95
bushing [0148] 96 tension rod spring [0149] 98 pin [0150] 99 wall
surface [0151] 101 second tray suction cup vacuum chamber
* * * * *
References