Abstract:
A towel rack assembly comprising a mounting bracket, post or rod, a connecting module securely affixed to said mounting bracket and at least one control arm or rod securely or adjustably affixed to the connecting module, wherein a towel with a unique sleeve disposed at one end of the towel can be threadable mounted on the control arm or rod.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/387,640, filed on Sep. 29, 2010, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates generally to a new assembly for hanging new, fresh or used bath towels, rugs, kitchen towels, sponges, gym mat, beach mat, floor mat, etc. by use of a spaced rods and threaded loops disposed at least at one end of each product. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Background Art 
         [0005]    Conventional ways for hanging bath towels, etc. has been to fold them over a towel bar leaving little or no space for additional towels. This is inconvenient for people of the same family or multiple hotel guests who share the same single towel bar. Undesirably, these towels get crumped up and do not dry properly or mixed up as to whose towel is it. 
         [0006]    The present disclosure overcomes the disadvantages of conventional towel racks by providing a system for properly drying towels without crumpling or confusion regarding ownership. In addition, the present disclosure provides for the hanging of multiple towels in confined areas. 
         [0007]    The primary concept of the present disclosure is to reclaim the space located above a current towel bar, or in some instances (like in an outside pool area) create a place where one can hang his or her towel, along with towels of others, thereby avoiding the use of hanging excess towels on chairs, chaise lounges, door knobs, or the floor. See  FIGS. 1 and 2  for conventional hanging of towels and rugs or floor mats, respectively. 
         [0008]    One of the advantages of the present disclosure is in water and energy saving, as well has health advantages due to the reduction in the spread of germs. 
         [0009]    The present disclosure also provides many additional advantages, which shall become apparent as described below. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    A novel towel rack assembly comprising bracket, module and at least one control arm or rod adjustably affixed to the module, wherein a towel with a unique sleeve disposed at one end of the towel can be threadable mounted on the control arm or rod. 
         [0011]    A towel rack assembly comprising a mounting bracket, post or rod, a connecting module securely affixed to the mounting bracket and at least one control arm or rod securely or adjustably affixed to the connecting module, wherein a towel with a unique sleeve disposed at one end of the towel can be threadable mounted on the control arm or rod. The assembly further comprises at least one stationary hook. 
         [0012]    The control arm or rod is longitudinally adjustable about the connecting module. Alternatively, the control arm is horizontally or reciprocally adjustable about the connecting module. 
         [0013]    The connecting module comprises a spring actuator that returns each the horizontally or reciprocally adjustable control arm or rod back to its original starting position. 
         [0014]    The assembly further comprises a counter to monitor days or number of uses of a towel mounted on the control arm or rod. 
         [0015]    The plurality of control arms or rods are securely affixed to the connecting module in a descending step fashion, wherein the control arm or rod closest to the mounting bracket would be at a higher plane than the control arm or rod disposed furthest from the mounting bracket. 
         [0016]    The connecting module further comprises a storage compartment. Moreover, the connecting module further comprises an actuator which moves the connecting module to assist in loading of a towel on the control arm or rod. 
         [0017]    The assembly further comprises a threadable, removable towel disposed about the control arm or rod. The assembly further comprises a towel bar extender arm affixed to the connecting module or mounting bracket. Preferably, the threadable, removable towel comprises a hollow mounting sleeve disposed about one end of the towel, wherein the hollow sleeve is threadable about the control arm or rod 
         [0018]    The assembly wherein the mounting rod is a shower curtain rod. 
         [0019]    The control arm or rod preferably comprises a first component that is removably affixed to the connecting module and a second component that is removably affixed to the first component, wherein the second component is able to withstand up to about 10 to about 15 pounds of pressure. Optionally, the control arm or rod is reciprocally disposed about the connecting module to allow for movement of the control arm or rod upon inadvertent contact with a user. Alternatively, the connecting module comprises at least one stub, wherein the control arm or rod is replaceable affixed to the stub. 
         [0020]    Alternatively, the mounting bracket is a magnet. Still yet another embodiment, provides for the mounting bracket to be connected to a supporting base, such that that assembly is a stand-alone assembly. The mounting bracket is a pole disposed centrally within the supporting base and wherein the connecting module is adjustably affixed to the pole, such that the connecting module provides for the control arm or rod to expand to the open position via a push button actuator. 
         [0021]    A towel rack assembly for hanging on a door, wherein the assembly comprises at least one door bracket, a support bracket, a plurality of flat towel support brackets mounted perpendicular to the support bracket, a rear bracket and a front bracket. The assembly further comprising a plurality of stationary hooks are mounted to the front bracket. The support bracket comprises first and second ends, and a center portion which is off-set from the first and second ends. 
         [0022]    A towel rack assembly, wherein the assembly comprises: a base portion, a vertical support member, a support bracket, a plurality of flat towel support brackets mounted perpendicular to the support bracket, a rear bracket and a front bracket, wherein the vertical support member is secured to rear bracket. The flat towel supports are shorter in length than the rear and front brackets. The flat towel support further includes a plastic tip disposed about the open end thereof. 
         [0023]    Further objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood by reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a conventional towel folded over a towel rack; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a conventional method of airing out floor mats or rugs on a deck; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is an embodiment according to the present disclosure wherein a bathroom wall rail includes multiple height adjustable towel racks capable of receiving threadable towels thereon and which include a counting dial on the side of the towel rack for alerting users as to how long the towels have been used; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is another embodiment wherein the threadable towel assembly of the present disclosure is affixed to a conventional towel bar, thereby expanding towel holding capability upon increased number of users; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is still another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the threadable towel assembly is affixed to a shower curtain rod; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6(   a ) depicts a wall mounting bracket used with the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6(   b ) is an exploded view of three control arms or rods that can be affixed to a bracket module; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  ( c ) shows the control arms or rods affixed to the bracket module of  FIG. 6(   b ); 
           [0032]      FIG. 6(   d ) shows control arms or rods affixed to the bracket module at varying heights, wherein the lowest is the first rod and the last rod closest to the door, etc. is the highest; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6(   e ) depicts control arms or rods having floor mats mounted thereon; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6(   f ) depicts the towel rack system of  FIG. 6(   e ), wherein the bracket module has been mounted to the wall bracket of  FIG. 6(   a ); 
           [0035]      FIGS. 7(   a )-( g ) demonstrate various products threadably mounted about a control arm or rod, e.g., a bath towel, kitchen/shop rag, kitchen sponge, gym mat, beach mat and floor mat; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  depicts the control arms or rods, a module and mounting bracket affixed to a base portion so that it can be a stand-alone system; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 9(   a )-( c ) depicts yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure of a threadable system beach or pool stand, wherein  FIG. 12(   a ) depicts a base and center pole to which adjustable modules can be mounted,  FIG. 12(   b ) depicts an adjustable module that opens up when a user thread a towel into one of the control arms or rods, and  FIG. 12(   c ) depicts an individually adjustable module that adjusts via a push button; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  also depicts a stand alone base and center pole with a plurality of adjustable modules affixed thereto; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  depicts a threadable towel, rag or carpet according to the present disclosure; and 
           [0040]      FIGS. 12(   a )-( c ) show threadable towels according to the present disclosure having preprinted identification labels thereon; 
           [0041]      FIGS. 13(   a )-( c ) depict a threadable end of a control arm or rod according to the present disclosure, wherein (a) is a top view, (b) is a profile view and (c) is a side view; 
           [0042]      FIG. 14  shows a threadable end of a control arm or rod according to  FIGS. 13(   a )-( c ) above prior to insertion into the hollow mounting sleeve of a towel; 
           [0043]      FIG. 15   a  depicts a combination rack according to yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure having a pair of adjustable control arms or rods and a plurality of stationary hooks; 
           [0044]      FIG. 15   b  is a pivoting actuator device used with the rack of  FIG. 15   a;    
           [0045]      FIG. 15   c  depicts a front view of pivoting actuator device parts A and B as shown in  FIG. 15   b;    
           [0046]      FIGS. 16   a - b  depict yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure, wherein  FIG. 16   a  is a top planar view showing the indentations wherein the individual control arms or rods maybe mounted, and  FIG. 16   b  is a side view of  FIG. 16   a;    
           [0047]      FIGS. 17   a - b  depict another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a flat drying unit for hanging on a door is shown; and 
           [0048]      FIGS. 18   a - b  depict another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a flat drying unit pedestal is shown. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0049]    The present disclosure can best be described by reference to the drawings, wherein  FIG. 3  is an embodiment according to the present disclosure wherein a bathroom wall rail or bracket  1  includes multiple height adjustable towel rack assemblies  3  capable of receiving threadable towels  5  thereon and which include a counting dial (not shown) on the side of the towel rack assembly  3  for alerting users as to how long the towels  5  have been used. This embodiment can be used in bathrooms, wherein the bracket is made of, for example, metal with a metallic or porcelain cover. This would allow for the placement of modules  7  that can be adjusted to the height of the individual users. This embodiment also reclaims space above or below the current towel bars that is not being used, creating obvious efficiencies in space utilization. The counting dial is optionally mounted on the side of each towel rack assembly  3  to remind users of how long the towel has been in use, thereby providing certain hygiene capabilities. 
         [0050]    Wall bracket  1  can have either right or left leaning modules  7 , wherein modules  7  can be, for example, one with control arms or rods (which preferably are designed in step fashion, such that the rod closer to the wall would be at a higher plane than the rod furthest from the wall) that can be used to hand a threadable towel  5  thereon. Alternatively, modules  7  can include storage compartments for storing shampoo, underwear, deodorant, etc. 
         [0051]    Optionally, module  7  can include a small actuator disposed near the lower part of the module  7 , which when turned ‘on’ will move the top of module  7  to the outside, which would then make it easier to load consumer items, such as towels or kitchen rags, onto the control arm or rod. Module  7  includes a spring actuator that brings it back to the starting position once the user loads the item. 
         [0052]      FIG. 4  depicts a threadable, removable towel assembly  11  affixed to a conventional towel bar  13 , thereby expanding towel holding capability upon increased number of users. Assembly  11  comprises a module  15 , control arms or rods  17 , and towel bar extender arm  19 , which connects assembly  11  to towel bar  13 . Threadable towels  21  are positioned on control arms or rods  17 , and conventional towel  23  is hung over towel bar  13 . Assembly  11  can be attached either to the right or left side of towel bar  13 . This way temporary visitors can hand their threadable towels  21 . When the visit is over, the homeowner can remove towel assembly  11 , leaving only the original towel bar  13 . Optionally, this towel bar extender arm  19  could be adapted to hang assembly  11  to a tree (on a camping site) or to the outside of a building (i.e., a sports venue). 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  depicts still another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the threadable towel assembly  25  is affixed to a shower curtain rod  27  via connector  29 . Threadable towel assembly  25  includes module  31  and control arms or rods  33 , wherein threadable towel  35  are positioned on control arms or rods  33 . Assembly  25  can be adjustable, such that it can be positioned either parallel or perpendicular to shower curtain rod  27 . Preferably, rods  33  which are disposed closest to shower curtain rod  27  are position higher than rods  33  which are disposed furthest from curtain rod  27 . 
         [0054]      FIGS. 6(   a )-( f ) depicts a wall mounting bracket  41  to which module  43  with control arms or rods  45  are affixed. Control arms or rods  45  preferably include two components, i.e., a first component that is a metal post having a screw end portion to the outside that affixed rods  45  to module  43 , and a second component made up of metal, plastic or wood that screws onto the first component and is able to withstand up to 10-15 pounds of pressure. This is a safety feature which should a user attempt to load more than 15 pounds, the second component of control arm or rod  45  would simple detach from the first component, thereby preventing damage to module  43  or bracket  41 . 
         [0055]    Alternatively, a glow-in-the-dark bumper is disposed between adjacent rods  45  to assist in preventing users from accidentally bumping into module  43 . Also, rods  45  can be designed to move sideways within module  45 , wherein if a user were to accidentally bump into rods  45 , movement sideways would mitigate the trauma that one would experience. 
         [0056]    An adjustable threadable towel assembly is shown in  FIGS. 6(   a )-( f ), which comprises: a bracket  41 ; a module  43  with a set of three (3) beginning stubs  47 , wherein a rod  45  is screwed or other affixed to each respective stub  47 . Ideally, control arms or rods  45  should be affixed in a progressively lower fashion, such that the rod  45  closest to the wall is higher than the rod furthest away from the wall.  FIGS. 6(   e ) and ( f ) show an assembly having towels or mats  49 . Alternatively, modules  43  are adjustable to the outside, thereby making it easier to load towels thereon. Optionally, a hydrometer can be used to determine the optimum number of towels which should be loaded to a threadable towel assembly when humidity levels change. Furthermore, a manual or automated towel counter made be added to the assembly to monitor the number of times a particular towel has been in use. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 7(   a )-( g ) show various varieties of objects that can be loaded on control arm or rod  51 , e.g., bath towels, kitchen/shop rags, kitchen sponges, gym mats, beach mats and floor mats. Each of the aforementioned items would be modified to include a novel hollow mounting sleeve (see  FIG. 14) , which is capable of hanging one of the aforementioned items by affixed the hollow sleeve to one end of the product to be mounted and then threading the hollow sleeve onto the control arm or rod  51 , so that the product can be hung straight to dry or store. It is important when a plurality of rods  51  are in close proximity to one another that they be properly spaced to allow for proper drying. 
         [0058]    Preferably, control arm or rod  51  is a slim rod that is used to thread the hollow sleeve of one of the aforementioned consumer products to allow it to be properly hung and/or organized. The hollow sleeve as shown in  FIG. 14  may be formed by tape or strips of tape with on hollow side and another side that would be attached o one of the aforementioned consumer products. For instance in some towels, the hollow sleeve can be a mesh type material like the one used on gym clothes, or any other material that can be that can be placed in a dryer without melting. Basically, the material for the tape or strips of tape would depend upon the particular application, e.g., mesh would be appropriate for bath towels and a flexible or rigid material could be used on a mat. 
         [0059]      FIG. 8  depicts control arms or rods  83 , a module  85  and mounting bracket  87  affixed to a base portion  89  so that it can be a stand-alone system. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 9(   a )-( c ) depicts yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure of a threadable system beach or pool stand  91 , wherein  FIG. 9(   a ) depicts a base  93  and center pole  95  to which adjustable modules  97  can be mounted,  FIG. 9(   b ) depicts an adjustable module  97  that opens up when a user thread a towel into one of the control arms or rods, and  FIG. 9(   c ) depicts an individually adjustable module  99  that adjusts via a push button. Module  97  opens up when a user tries to thread a towel onto one of the control arms or rods by pushing it to the outside. Thereafter, it will automatically go back into place, using a soft spring on a hinge. Module  99  is adjustable by the users simply applying pressure to a push button. Module  99  has individual control arms or rods  101  onto which towels are loaded. The one closest to the inside is typically at a higher plane than the one closest to the outside, in a step fashion. 
         [0061]      FIG. 10  also depicts a stand alone base  103  and center pole  105  with a plurality of adjustable modules  107  affixed thereto. 
         [0062]    Alternatively, very thin mesh-type plastic strip separators can be inserted between the control arms or rods, so that if these assemblies are put to work in places where it is to windy (such as beach, decks or the like) the towels will not touch one another. 
         [0063]      FIG. 11  shows the threadable side of with a tape sewn to the back side of the towel.  FIGS. 12(   a )-( c ) show threadable towels  111  each having preprinted identification labels disposed thereon.  FIG. 12   a  shows an identification label  113  disposed in a parallel position over the threadable hollow end  115  of towel  111 .  FIG. 12   c  shows an identification label  117  disposed sideways across the threadable hollow end  115 .  FIG. 12   c  shows an identification label  119  disposed over the edge of threadable hollow end  115  according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The purpose of the identification labels is due to the proliferation of towels in a bathroom, pool, or kitchen, thus the preprinted satin labels or plain satin tape that can be written on with a pen marker can be either ironed on or sewn on to towels  111  to make it easier to identify a towel belonging to a particular user. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 13(   a )-( c ) depict a threadable end  121  of a control arm or rod according to the present disclosure, wherein ( a ) is a top view, ( b ) is a profile view and ( c ) is a side view.  FIG. 14  shows threadable end  121  of a control arm or rod according to  FIGS. 13(   a )-( c ) above prior to insertion into the hollow mounting sleeve  123  of towel  125 . The benefit of this design for the end of the control arm/rod would be that it would be easier for the users to load their products (e.g., towels, beach or gym mats) that had not had the ends of their hollow sides rigidified (i.e., with little plastic strips or liquid plastic), because threadable end  121  of the control arm/rod would be flat which would make it very easy to thread the towel  125 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 15   a  shows a combination rack according to yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure having a pair of adjustable control arms or rods  145  and a plurality of stationary hooks  147 .  FIG. 15   b  is a pivoting actuator device  146  used with the rack of  FIG. 15   a . Pivoting actuator device  146  allows for the rack to pivot downward to avoid the breaking off of the bracket, especially when more than about 40 pounds are placed thereon.  FIG. 15   c  depicts a front view of pivoting actuator device parts A and B as shown in  FIG. 15   b.    
         [0066]      FIGS. 16   a - b  depict yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure, wherein  FIG. 16   a  is a top planar view showing the indentations  161  within mounting bracket  163  wherein the individual control arms or rods (not shown) maybe mounted, and  FIG. 16   b  is a side view of  FIG. 16   a.    
         [0067]      FIGS. 17   a - b  depict another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a flat drying unit  201  for hanging on a door  203  is shown. Flat drying unit  201  comprises a pair of door brackets  205 , a single support bracket  207 , a plurality of flat towel support brackets  209  mounted perpendicular to support bracket  207 , a rear bracket  211  and a front bracket  213  having a plurality of clothing hooks  215  disposed thereon. 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 17   b , each flat towel support bracket  209  has first and second ends  217 ,  219 , respectively, and a center portion  221  which is off-set from first and second ends,  217 ,  219 . This contouring allows the whole width of a towel (not shown) to be set to dry, without touching the edges of the door frames or the drying unit  201  getting in the way of closing door  203 . 
         [0069]      FIGS. 18   a - b  depict another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a flat drying unit pedestal  231  comprising a base portion  233 , a vertical support member  235 , a single support bracket  237 , a plurality of flat towel support brackets  239  mounted perpendicular to support bracket  237 , a rear bracket  241  and a front bracket  243 , wherein vertical support member  235  is secured to rear bracket  241 . Also shown are towels  245  disposed about flat towel supports  239 , respectively. As shown, in  FIG. 18   b , magnets  251  are disposed in the back portion of rear bracket  241 . 
         [0070]    Magnetic  251  and mounting screws  254  are not visible and are disposed at the same level so that one dons not interfere with the other. Each flat towel supports  239  is shorter in length than rear and front brackets  241 ,  243 , and each support  239  include a plastic tip  253  on the open end thereof. 
         [0071]    While I have shown and described several embodiments in accordance with my invention, it is to be clearly understood that the same may be susceptible to numerous changes apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, I do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described but intend to show all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims.