Patent Publication Number: US-8522373-B2

Title: Apparatus for mounting curved rod

Description:
The invention relates generally to mounting methods and systems and, more particularly, to an apparatus for mounting a curved rod. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is known to use a shower curtain to prevent water from escaping a bath and/or shower unit (e.g., a bath tub, a shower stall or a combination thereof), hereinafter “bath/shower unit,” while a user is showering. To support the shower curtain, a shower rod is typically mounted across an opening to the bath/shower unit. The shower rod is mounted horizontally across the opening and the shower curtain is hung from the shower rod, for example, using rings or hooks. As necessary the shower curtain can be opened or closed by sliding the rings or hooks along the shower rod. When the shower curtain is closed, the shower curtain acts as a barrier to keep water that would otherwise travel outside the bath/shower unit in the bath/shower unit where it can flow out a drain. 
     Shower rods traditionally have been straight. However, the use of curved shower rods has become more common. Curved shower rods allow the shower curtain to curve away from the bath/shower unit and, thus, provide a greater volume in the bath/shower unit. In particular, the amount of space (e.g., shoulder and elbow room) available to the user in the center of the bath/shower unit can be increased. 
     Bath/shower units come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The bath/shower unit itself or opposing walls near the bath/shower unit form a pair of mounting surfaces between which the curved shower rod is installed. Because of the variation in the sizes and/or shapes of the bath/shower units and/or the spacing between the nearby walls, the longitudinal distance that the curved shower rod must span varies, often varying over an inch or more. 
     Thus, installation of the curved shower rod often requires careful selection of a curved shower rod having an appropriate length or modification to an overall length of the curved shower rod for it to properly fit between the mounting surfaces. As the length of the curved shower rod changes or is otherwise modified to fit between the mounting surfaces, an angle that the curved shower rod forms with the mounting surface changes (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , a curved shower rod  100  has a length L 1  and fits between a pair of mounting surfaces  102 . The distance D 1  between the mounting surfaces  102  is larger than the distance L 1 . A bath/shower unit  104  is disposed between the mounting surfaces  102 . Mounting assemblies  106  can be used to secure each end  108  of the curved shower rod  100  to the mounting surfaces  102 . The ends  108  of the curved shower rod  100  approach the mounting assemblies  106  (fixed to the mounting surfaces  102 ) at an angle θ 1 . The mounting assemblies  106  have structure for interfacing with the curved shower rod  100  at the angle θ 1 . 
     The curved shower rod  100  with the length L 1  will not, however, fit between a pair of mounting surfaces  110  (see  FIG. 1B ). In particular, a distance D 2  between the mounting surfaces  110  is less than the length L 1 . Accordingly, another curved shower rod  112  having a length L 2  that will fit between the mounting surfaces  110  must be used. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the curved shower rod  112  having the length L 2  fits between the mounting surfaces  110 . A bath/shower unit  114  is disposed between the mounting surfaces  110 . Mounting assemblies  116  can be used to secure each end  118  of the curved shower rod  112  to the mounting surfaces  110 . The ends  118  of the curved shower rod  112  approach the mounting assemblies  116  (fixed to the mounting surfaces  110 ) at an angle θ 2 . The mounting assemblies  116  have structure for interfacing with the curved shower rod  112  at the angle θ 2 . 
     Because the length L 2  of the curved shower rod  112  differs from the length L 1  of the curved shower rod  100 , the approaching angle θ 2  of the curved shower rod  112  differs from the approaching angle θ 1  of the curved shower rod  100 . As a result, different mounting assemblies  106  and  116  are used to install the curved shower rods  100  and  112  to account for the respective different approaching angles θ 1  and θ 2 . This is disadvantageous, for example, because it requires the manufacture and maintenance of multiple different mounting assemblies. 
     To overcome these disadvantages, the same mounting assembly ( 106  or  116 ) can be made to accommodate both the curved shower rod  100  and the curved shower rod  112 . In particular, the mounting assembly  106 ,  116  is provided with structure that can pivot or swivel to interface with a curved shower rod across a range of approaching angles (including θ 1  and θ 2 ). This approach, however, has drawbacks as well. For example, a decorative cover that is commonly installed over the mounting assembly  106 ,  116  must have an opening large enough to allow the pivoting/swiveling structure of the mounting assembly  106 ,  116  to move through a wide range of motion for accommodating the range of approaching angles. Such a large opening reduces the aesthetic value of the cover. Generally, the curved shower rod  100 ,  112  will only occupy a portion of the opening, while the remaining portion of the opening will allow the user to see the internal structure of the mounting assembly  106 , 116  (i.e., below the cover), thereby detracting from the aesthetic appearance of the installed curved shower rod  100 ,  112 . 
     Consequently, there is a need in the art for an apparatus for mounting curved shower rods of varying lengths, the apparatus including a decorative cover that conceals a pivoting/swiveling mechanism and/or other internal components of the apparatus. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the above, it is an exemplary aspect to provide an apparatus for mounting curved rods (e.g., curved shower rods) of varying lengths. 
     It is another exemplary aspect to provide an apparatus for mounting a curved rod. The apparatus includes a base that can be secured to a surface. The apparatus also includes a cover that substantially covers the base to conceal the base from view. The cover includes an opening through which the curved rod can extend. The cover can move relative to the base between a first position and a second position. When the cover is in the first position, the opening defines a first mounting angle for mounting the curved rod. When the cover is in the second position, the opening defines a second mounting angle for mounting the curved rod. An end of the curved rod interfaces with the base. Alternatively, the end of the curved rod interfaces with a shaft that is pivotably connected to the base. 
     It is still another exemplary aspect to provide a curved rod assembly. The assembly includes a curved rod and a pair of mounting assemblies for mounting the curved rod. Each mounting assembly includes a base that can be secured to a surface and a cover that substantially covers the base. For each mounting assembly, the cover includes an opening through which the curved rod can extend. The cover can move relative to the base between a first position and a second position. When the cover is in the first position, the opening defines a first mounting angle for mounting the curved rod. When the cover is in the second position, the opening defines a second mounting angle for mounting the curved rod. An end of the curved rod interfaces with the base. Alternatively, the end of the curved rod interfaces with a shaft that is pivotably connected to the base. 
     It is yet another exemplary aspect to provide an apparatus for mounting a curved rod. The apparatus includes a base that can be secured to a surface. The base is operable to interface with an end of the curved rod. The apparatus also includes a guide. The guide surrounds the base and is operable to move relative to the base. Movement of the guide changes a mounting angle between the base and the end of the curved rod. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above aspects and additional aspects, features and advantages will become readily apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and: 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  are diagrams illustrating curved shower rods of different lengths being installed between mounting surfaces separated by different distances. 
         FIG. 2A  is a diagram illustrating a curved shower rod having a fixed length installed between mounting surfaces separated by a predetermined distance, according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 2B  shows the curved shower rod of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  show an exemplary mounting assembly for affixing a curved shower rod to a mounting surface, according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the mounting assembly,  FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly shown in  FIG. 3A , along line A-A. 
         FIGS. 4A-4E  show an exemplary base, according to an exemplary embodiment, for use in the mounting assembly of  FIGS. 3A-3B .  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the base.  FIG. 4B  is a side elevational view of the base.  FIG. 4C  is a top plan view of the base.  FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view of the base shown in  FIG. 4C , along line A-A.  FIG. 4E  is a bottom plan view of the base. 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  show an exemplary shaft, according to an exemplary embodiment, for use in the mounting assembly of  FIGS. 3A-3B .  FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the shaft.  FIG. 5B  is a side elevational view of the shaft.  FIG. 5C  is a bottom plan view of the shaft.  FIG. 5D  is a cross-sectional view of the shaft shown in  FIG. 5C , along line A-A. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary pivot pin, according to an exemplary embodiment, for use in the mounting assembly of  FIGS. 3A-3B . 
         FIGS. 7A-7E  show an exemplary guide, according to an exemplary embodiment, for use in the mounting assembly of  FIGS. 3A-3B .  FIG. 7A  is a top perspective view of the guide.  FIG. 7B  is a bottom perspective view of the guide.  FIG. 7C  is a top plan view of the guide.  FIG. 7D  is a bottom plan view of the guide.  FIG. 7E  is a cross-sectional view of the guide shown in  FIG. 7D , along line A-A. 
         FIGS. 8A-8D  show an exemplary cover, according to an exemplary embodiment, for use in the mounting assembly of  FIGS. 3A-3B .  FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the cover.  FIG. 8B  is a top plan view of the cover.  FIG. 8C  is a cross-sectional view of the cover shown in  FIG. 8B , along line A-A.  FIG. 8D  is a cross-sectional view of the cover shown in  FIG. 8C , along line B-B. 
         FIG. 9A  is a diagram illustrating a curved shower rod having an adjustable length for installing between mounting surfaces separated by varying distances, according to another exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 9B  is a top plan view of the adjustable curved shower rod of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 9C  is a perspective view of an inner rod of the adjustable curved shower rod of  FIG. 9B .  FIG. 9D  is a perspective view of an outer rod of the adjustable curved shower rod of  FIG. 9B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the general inventive concept is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the general inventive concept. Accordingly, the general inventive concept is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein. 
     A curved shower rod assembly  200 , according to one exemplary embodiment, is shown in  FIG. 2A . The curved shower rod assembly  200  includes a curved shower rod  202  (see  FIG. 2B ) and a pair of mounting assemblies  204 . Each mounting assembly  204  is installed on a corresponding mounting surface  206  on or near a bath/shower unit  208 . 
     Each mounting assembly  204  is operable to interface with an end  210  of the curved shower rod  202  to mount the curved shower rod  202  between the mounting surfaces  206 . In this manner, a shower curtain (not shown) hanging from the curved shower rod  202  can form a barrier for retaining water, discharged during a shower, in the bath/shower unit  208 . 
     As further described below, the mounting assemblies  204  are operable to mount the curved shower rod  202  having a length within a range of lengths L X  (e.g., including L 1  and L 2 ) between the mounting surfaces  206 . As a result, the mounting assemblies  204  allow the curved shower rod  202  to be installed between the mounting surfaces  206  separated by a range of distances D X  (e.g., including D 1  and D 2 ). For example, if the mounting surfaces  206  are separated by a distance D 3 , the curved shower rod  202  can be modified (e.g., cut) to reduce its length to a length L 3  that fits between the mounting surfaces  206 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , each mounting assembly  204  has several discrete components including a base  400 , a shaft or post  500 , a pivot pin  600 , a guide  700  and a cover  800 . These components can be made from a variety of materials (e.g., metal, plastic) without departing from the spirit or the scope of the general inventive concept. Furthermore, two or more of the components can be integrally formed without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept. 
     An exemplary base  400  is shown in  FIGS. 4A-4E . The base  400  includes a body  402  having an upper surface  404  and a lower surface  406 . Several mounting holes  408  extend through the body  402  of the base  400 . Accordingly, with the lower surface  406  of the body  402  facing a mounting surface (e.g., mounting surface  206 ), a fastener (e.g., a screw) can engage the mounting surface through the mounting hole  408  to affix the base  400  to the mounting surface. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the base  400  can be affixed to the mounting surface in any known manner. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the base  400  includes an open portion  410  formed at a center of the body  402 . The open portion  410  reduces the amount of material needed to make the base  400 , thereby providing a cost savings. 
     A pair of flanges  412  and  414  extend above the upper surface  404  of the body  402 . In one exemplary embodiment, the flanges  412  and  414  are formed integrally with the body  402 . The flanges  412  and  414  face one another and are separated by a distance greater than a diameter of the shaft  500 . The flange  412  has a threaded pivot hole  416  formed therein. The flange  414  has a non-threaded pivot hole  418  formed therein. An axis extending through the pivot holes  416  and  418  is substantially parallel to the body  402  of the base  400 . The pivot holes  416  and  418  allow the shaft  500  to be pivotably attached to the base  400 , as further described below. 
     A pair of rails  420  and  422  extend above the upper surface  404  of the body  402  on opposing sides  424  and  426  of the body  402 . The rails  420  and  422  also extend slightly beyond a width of the body  402  such that a pair of recesses  428  and  430  are formed below the rails  420  and  422  on the opposing sides  424  and  426  of the body  402 . The opposing sides  424  and  426  of the body  402  having the rails  420  and  422  are relatively straight and, thus, parallel to one another. The opposing sides  424  and  426  abut another pair of opposing sides  432  and  434 . The opposing sides  432  and  434  are curved. Thus, the body  402  of the base  400  has two straight sides  424 ,  426  and two curved sides  432 ,  434  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4C ). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the body  402  of the base  400  can have other shapes. 
     An exemplary shaft  500  is shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D . The shaft  500  is generally cylindrical. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shaft  500  can have other shapes, which may or may not correspond to a shape of the curved shower rod  202 . In one exemplary embodiment, the shaft  500  is hollow. The shaft  500  includes an upper portion  502 , a middle portion  504  and a lower portion  506 . A diameter of the upper portion  502  is less than a diameter of the middle portion  504 . Accordingly, a bend or shoulder  508  is formed where the upper portion  502  meets the middle portion  504 . The diameter of the middle portion  504  is less than a diameter of the lower portion  506 . Accordingly, a bend or shoulder  510  is formed where the middle portion  504  meets the lower portion  506 . 
     An end of the upper portion  502  furthest from the bend  508  acts as a rod interfacing end  512  for interfacing with an end  210  of the curved shower rod  202 . The rod interfacing end  512  is flared such that a diameter of the rod interfacing end  512  of the upper portion  502  is greater than a diameter of the remaining upper portion  502 . The diameter of the rod interfacing end  512  of the upper portion  502  can be the same as the diameter of the middle portion  504  of the shaft  500 . 
     The lower portion  506  of the shaft  500  has a pair of pivot holes  514  and  516 . The shaft  500  is connected to the base  400  by aligning the pivot holes  514  and  516  of the shaft  500  with the pivot holes  414  and  416  of the base  400 . Because the shaft  500  is symmetrical, either of the pivot holes  514  or  516  of the shaft  500  can be aligned with either of the pivot holes  414  or  416  of the base  400 . 
     Once the pivot holes  514  and  516  of the shaft  500  are aligned with the pivot holes  414  and  416  of the base  400 , the pivot pin  600  (see  FIG. 6 ) is extended through the pivot holes  514 ,  516 ,  414  and  416  to pivotably attach the shaft  500  to the base  400  (see  FIG. 3B ). In one exemplary embodiment, a threaded end  602  of the pivot pin  600  engages complementary threads in the threaded pivot hole  416  of the base  400  to secure the pivot pin  600  to the base  400 . Likewise, a non-threaded end  604  of the pivot pin  600  comes to rest at least partially in the non-threaded pivot hole  418  of the base  400 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that both pivot holes  416  and  418  and both ends of  602  and  604  of the pivot pin  600  could be threaded. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that both of the pivot holes  416  and  418  could be unthreaded, for example, if the ends  602  and  604  of the pivot pin  600  are friction fit into the pivot holes  416  and  418 . In one exemplary embodiment, the shaft  500  is connected to the base  400  prior to the base  400  being affixed to the mounting surface. 
     An exemplary guide  700  is shown in  FIGS. 7A-7E . The guide  700  includes a generally annular body  702  having an upper surface  704  and a lower surface  706 . The annular body  702  of the guide  700  has a central opening  708 . A pair of walls  712  extend across the central opening  708  of the annular body  702 . The walls  712  cause the central opening  708  to have two opposing sides  714  and  716  which are generally straight. The opposing sides  714  and  716  of the central opening  708  are generally parallel to one another. The opposing sides  714  and  716  abut another pair of opposing sides  718  and  720 . The opposing sides  718  and  720  are curved. Thus, the central opening  708  of the guide  700  has two straight sides  714 ,  716  and two curved sides  718 ,  720  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 7B ). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the central opening  708  of the guide  700  can have other shapes. 
     An upper portion of each wall  712  extends above the upper surface  704  of the annular body  702 . A lower portion of each wall  712  is flush with the lower surface  706  of the annular body  702 . Each wall  712  has a tooth  722  that extends toward a center of the central opening  708 . The tooth  722  is formed near the lower portion of the wall  712 . In one exemplary embodiment, the tooth  722  is horizontally centered on the wall  712 . 
     An area adjacent each wall  712  on a side of the wall  712  furthest from the center of the central opening  708  has an opening  724 . In one exemplary embodiment, the openings  724  are generally slot-shaped. The openings  724  allow the walls  712  to flex away from the center of the central opening  708 . A thickness of the annular body  702  of the guide may be increased proximate to the walls  712  and openings  724  to strengthen the guide  700  in a direction that the walls  712  will flex and reduce the impact of the flexing of the walls  712  on the other portions of the annular body  702 . 
     A pair of notches  726  is formed in the lower surface  706  of the annular body  702 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the annular body  702  can have one or more of the notches  726 . Furthermore, the notches  726  can be formed anywhere on a periphery of the annular body  702 . In one exemplary embodiment, each notch  726  on the guide  700  is aligned with a tooth  722  on the guide  700 . The notches  726  can be used to facilitate the guide  700  interfacing with the cover  800 , as further described below. 
     An exemplary cover  800  is shown in  FIGS. 8A-8D . The cover  800  is a decorative element for concealing other components of the mounting assembly  204  (e.g., the base  400 , the pivot pill  600  and the guide  700 ) from view. As a decorative element, an appearance (e.g., color, style) of the cover  800  will often match an appearance of the curved shower rod  202  and/or other bathroom accessories. In this manner, the mounting assemblies  204  contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the curved shower rod assembly  200 . 
     The cover  800  has a generally dome-like shape. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the cover  800  can have a different shape. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  800  has an upper portion  802 , a middle portion  804  and a lower portion  806 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the cover  800  can have one or more portions. The upper portion  802  of the cover  800  includes an opening  808 . The opening  808  has a generally circular shape that corresponds to the generally cylindrical shape of the shaft  500 . The portions  802 ,  804  and  806  of the cover  800  provide the cover  800  with a size and shape suitable for covering and concealing the remaining components of the mounting assembly  204  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3B ). 
     A pair of projections  810  are disposed on an inner surface of the lower portion  806  of the cover  800 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the cover  800  can have one or more of the projections  810 . The projections  810  interface with the notches  726  on the guide  700 , as further described below. 
     As noted above,  FIGS. 3A-3B  show one of the mounting assemblies  204  in assembled form. The other one of the mounting assemblies  204  is identical and, thus, need not be separately described. 
     During the manufacturing process for the curved shower rod assembly  200 , according to one exemplary embodiment, the shaft  500  is pivotably attached to the base  400  using the pivot pin  600 , and the cover  800  is attached to the guide  700  using the notches  726  and the projections  810 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that attachment of the shaft  500  to the base  400  and the cover  800  to the guide  700  can occur later, for example, during installation of the curved shower rod assembly  200 . 
     During installation of the curved shower rod assembly  200 , according to one exemplary embodiment, a first assembled base  400  and shaft  500  is affixed to a first one of the mounting surfaces  206  (e.g., using one or more of the mounting holes  408  in the base  400 ). Then, a pair of assembled guides  700  and covers  800  are slid onto the curved shower rod  202 , such that the lower surface  706  of each of the guides  700  is facing an opposite end  210  of the curved shower rod  202 . The shaft  500  of a second assembled base  400  and shaft  500  is slid into a second end  210  of the curved shower rod  202 . A first end  210  of the curved shower rod  202  is slid onto the shaft  500  of the first assembled base  400  and shaft  500  (already affixed to the first one of the mounting surfaces  206 ). The curved shower rod  202  is positioned so that the second assembled base  400  and shaft  500  interfacing with the second end  210  of the curved shower rod  202  is near a second one of the mounting surfaces  206 . Then, the second assembled base  400  and shaft  500  is affixed to the second one of the mounting surfaces  206 . 
     Each assembled guide  700  and cover  800  is then slid along the curved shower rod  202  and onto a corresponding assembled base  400  and shaft  500  (already affixed to the mounting surfaces  206 ), such that a lower surface  706  of each of the guides  700  faces one of the mounting surfaces  206 . When the assembled guide  700  and cover  800  is slid onto the assembled base  400  and shaft  500 , the shaft  500  extends through the opening  808  in the cover  800  and the remaining components of the mounting assembly  204  are substantially concealed. Likewise, the curved shower rod  202 , which was slid over the shaft  500 , extends through the cover  800  via the opening  808 . 
     The cover  800  interfaces with the guide  700 , which fits around the base  400 , to secure the cover  800  within the mounting assembly  204 . For example, the inner surface of the lower portion  806  of the cover  800  can be sized to friction fit around the annular body  702  of the guide  700 . Furthermore, as noted above, the inner surface of the lower portion  806  of the cover  800  has the pair of projections  810  that fit into the pair of notches  726  of the annular body  702  of the guide  700 . In this manner, the notches  726  and projections  810  can be used to secure the guide  700  in the cover  800 . Furthermore, the notches  726  and projections  810  can be used to prevent rotation of the guide  700  after it is secured in the cover  800 . Further still, the notches  726  and projections  810  can be used to align the cover  800  relative to the guide  700 . Since the guide  700  is symmetrical about a line extending through a center of the notches  726 , the guide  700  can be properly aligned in either of two orientations (separated by 180 degrees). As noted above, in one exemplary embodiment, the cover  800  interfaces with the guide  700  prior to the guide  700  being placed around the base  400 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the guide  700  could be placed around the base  400  prior to the cover  800  interfacing with the guide  700 . 
     In surrounding the base  400 , the straight sides  714  and  716  of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  are aligned with the straight sides  424  and  426  of the body  402  of the base  400 . A width of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  between the sides  714  and  716  (i.e., between the walls  712 ) is substantially the same as a width of the base  400  between the sides  424  and  426  (including the rails  420  and  422 ). The openings  724  allow the walls  712  of the guide  700  to flex away from the center of the central opening  708 . Accordingly, the walls  712  of the guide  700  flex to allow the teeth  722  of the sides  714  and  716  of the guide  700  to move past the rails  420 ,  422  into the recesses  428 , 430  of the base  400 . Once the guide  700  is properly fit around the base  400 , the lower surface  706  of the guide  700  rests on the mounting surface and the tooth  722  of each wall  712  is located in a corresponding recess  428 ,  430  of the base  400 . Because the walls  712  of the guide  700  unflex once the tooth  722  of each wall  712  is located in the corresponding recess  428 ,  430 , the guide  700  remains securely seated around the base  400 . 
     The opening  808  in the cover  800  allows some of the shaft  500  (e.g., primarily the upper portion  502  of the shaft  500 ) to extend through the cover  800 . An end  210  of the curved shower rod  202  can interface with the shaft  500  (including the portion extending through the opening  808 ) to mount the end  210  to the mounting surface  206  via the mounting assembly  204 . The opening  808  is formed at an angle to better position the shaft  500  for interfacing with the end  210  of the curved shower rod  202  at its approaching angle (see  FIG. 8C ). 
     A diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is preferably only slightly larger than a diameter of the shaft  500  and/or curved shower rod  202  extending through the opening  808 . The closer the diameter of the opening  808  is to the diameter of the shaft  500  and/or curved shower rod  202 , the more effective the cover  800  is at concealing the remaining components of the mounting assembly  204 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is within 25.9 mm to 26.1 mm, the diameter of the shaft  500  is within 23.6 mm to 23.8 mm and the diameter of the curved shower rod  202  is within 25.3 mm to 25.5 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is 26.0 mm, the diameter of the shaft  500  is 23.7 mm and the diameter of the curved shower rod  202  is 25.4 mm. In still another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is within 26.7 mm to 26.9 mm, the diameter of the shaft  500  is within 23.6 mm to 23.8 mm and the diameter of the curved shower rod  202  is within 25.3 mm to 25.5 mm. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is 26.8 mm, the diameter of the shaft  500  is 23.7 mm and the diameter of the curved shower rod  202  is 25.4 mm. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is within 25.9 mm to 26.1 mm and the diameter of the curved shower rod  202  is within 25.3 mm to 25.5 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is 26.0 mm and the diameter of the curved shower rod  202  is 25.4 mm. In still another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is within 26.7 mm to 26.9 mm and the diameter of the curved shower rod  202  is within 25.3 mm to 25.5 mm. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is 26.8 mm and the diameter of the curved shower rod  202  is 25.4 mm. 
     The opening  808  in the cover  800  limits the pivoting movement of the shaft  500  of the mounting assembly  204 . Thus, the size of the opening  808  directly impacts the range of approaching angles that can be accommodated by the mounting assembly  204 . In particular, as the size of the opening  808  is decreased, the range of approaching angles that can be accommodated by the mounting assembly  204  is reduced. The mounting assembly  204  of the exemplary embodiment described herein, however, is able to accommodate an expanded range of approaching angles for a smaller opening  808  in the cover  800  by allowing the cover  800  to move relative to the base  400  affixed to the mounting surface  206 . 
     As noted above, the cover  800  fits over the guide  700  and the guide  700  surrounds the base  400 . A length of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  between the curved sides  718  and  720  is greater than a length of the body  402  of the base  400  between the curved sides  432  and  434 . The width of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  between the straight sides  714  and  716  (i.e., between the walls  712 ) is substantially the same as the width of the base  400  between the straight sides  424  and  426  (including the rails  420  and  422 ). Accordingly, the guide  700  can move along a length of the base  400  while any movement along the width of the base  400  is prevented. This lengthwise movement of the guide  700  is in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the pivot pin  600  (i.e., the pivoting axis of the shaft  500 ). 
     Since the cover  800  is connected to the guide  700 , the cover  800  is also able to move along the length of the base  400 . The cover  800  has a range of positions between a first position and a second position. The first position of the cover  800  corresponds to the curved side  718  of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  contacting the curved side  432  of the body  402  of the base  400 . The second position of the cover  800  corresponds to the curved side  720  of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  contacting the curved side  434  of the body  402  of the base  400 . The cover  800  can be moved to either the first position or the second position, as well as any position between the first position and the second position. 
     Movement of the cover  800  results in the opening  808  in the cover  800  being repositioned. When the cover  800  is in the first position, the opening  808  in the cover  800  limits the movement of the shaft  500  of the mounting assembly  204  to define at least one approaching angle θ min  of the curved shower rod  202  (e.g., θ 1 ) that can be accommodated in the first position. When the cover  800  is in the second position, the opening  808  in the cover  800  limits the movement of the shaft  500  of the mounting assembly  204  to define at least one approaching angle θ max  of the curved shower rod  202  (e.g., θ 2 ) that can be accommodated in the second position. 
     Movement of the cover  800  over the range of positions (i.e., between the first position and the second position) allows the mounting assembly  204  to accommodate an expanded range of approaching angles of the curved shower rod  202 . Thus, the mounting assembly  204  accommodates a range of approaching angles (θ min  to θ max ), which is greater than the one or more approaching angles accommodated by a mounting assembly fixed at the first position, the second position or anywhere in between. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2A , for a distance D 3  between the mounting surfaces  206 , a length L 4  of the curved shower rod  202  is modified to fit between the mounting surfaces  206 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the length L 4  of the curved shower rod  202  can be modified to fit between the mounting surfaces  206  in any known manner. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the curved shower rod  202  initially has the length L 4  that is greater than the distance D 3  between the mounting surfaces  206 . By removing (e.g., cutting) a portion of the curved shower rod  202 , the curved shower rod  202  is modified to have the length L 3 , wherein the length L 3  is less than the distance D 3  between the mounting surfaces  206 . To reduce the length (from L 4  to L 3 ) of the curved shower rod  202 , a portion can be removed from either end  210  (e.g., if the curved shower rod  202  has a constant rate of curvature) or portions can be removed from both ends  210  of the curved shower rod  202 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a plurality of discrete shaft segments interconnect to form the curved shower rod  202 . By removing or adding a number of the segments, the overall length of the curved shower rod  202  is varied (e.g., from L 4  to L 3 ). 
     Thus, the mounting assemblies  204  are operable to mount the curved shower rod  202  having a range of lengths L X  (e.g., including L 1 , L 2  and L 3 ) between the mounting surfaces  206 . As a result, the mounting assemblies  204  allow the curved shower rod  202  to be installed between the mounting surfaces  206  separated by a range of distances D X  (e.g., including D 1 , D 2  and D 3 ). Furthermore, the mounting assemblies  204  can accommodate a range of approaching angles (e.g., θ min  to θ max ) of the ends  210  of the curved shower rod  202 , while having a relatively small opening  808  in the cover  800 . The smaller size of the opening  808  in the cover  800  insures that the internal components of the mounting assembly  204  (e.g., the base  400 , the pivot pin  600  and the guide  700 ) are substantially concealed from view, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the curved shower rod assembly  200 . 
     A curved shower rod assembly  900 , according to another exemplary embodiment, is shown in  FIG. 9A . The curved shower rod assembly  900  includes an adjustable curved shower rod  902  (see  FIGS. 9B-9D ) and a pair of mounting assemblies  904 . Each mounting assembly  904  is installed on a corresponding mounting surface  906  on or near a bath/shower unit  908 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the curved shower rod  902  is a telescoping rod including a first curved shaft  910  (see  FIG. 9C ) and a second curved shaft  912  (see  FIG. 9D ) with at least the second curved shaft having a hollow portion. An outer diameter of the first curved shaft  910  is smaller than an inner diameter of the hollow portion of the second curved shaft  912 , such that the first curved shaft  910  slidingly fits in the second curved shaft  912  (see  FIG. 9B ). Accordingly, the first curved shaft  910  can telescope into and out of the second curved shaft  912  to vary an overall length of the curved shower rod  902 . 
     Each mounting assembly  904  is operable to interface with an end  916  of the curved shower rod  902  to mount the curved shower rod  902  between the mounting surfaces  906 . In this manner, a shower curtain (not shown) hanging from the curved shower rod  902  can form a barrier for retaining water, discharged during a shower, in the bath/shower unit  908 . 
     As further described below, the mounting assemblies  904  are operable to mount the curved shower rod  902  having a length adjustable within a range of lengths L X  (e.g., including L 1  and L 2 ) between the mounting surfaces  906 . As a result, the mounting assemblies  904  allow the curved shower rod  902  to be installed between the mounting surfaces  906  separated by a range of distances D X  (e.g., including D 1  and D 2 ). For example, if the mounting surfaces  906  are separated by the distance D 4 , the curved shower rod  902  can be adjusted (e.g., telescoped) to change its length to the length L 5  that fits between the mounting surfaces  906 . 
     The mounting assembly  904  has many components that are identical to those described above with respect to the mounting assembly  204  shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B . In particular, each mounting assembly  904  includes a base  400 , a pivot pin  600 , a guide  700  and a cover  800 . The mounting assembly  904 , however, does not include a shaft  500 . The components of the mounting assembly  904  can be made from a variety of materials (e.g., metal, plastic) without departing from the spirit or the scope of the general inventive concept. Furthermore, two or more of the components can be integrally formed without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept. 
     As noted above, the mounting assembly  904  does not include the shaft  500 . Instead, the ends  916  of the curved shower rod  902  are connected directly to the base  400  of the mounting assembly  904 . For example, a pair of mounting holes  918  (of which only one is shown in the drawings) extends through the first curved shaft  910  near one end  916  of the curved shower rod  902 , while a pair of mounting holes  920  extends through the second curved shaft  912  near the other end  916  of the curved shower rod  902 . A pair of the pivot pins  600  can be used to secure the ends  916  of the curved shower rod  902  to the bases  400  of the mounting assemblies  904 . 
     As noted above, the diameter of the first curved shaft  910  of the curved shower rod  902  is smaller than the diameter of the second curved shaft  912  of the curved shower rod  902 . Consequently, the first curved shaft  910  has a flared portion  922  near the end  916  of the curved shower rod  902 . The flared portion  922  has a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the second curved shaft  912  to facilitate using identical mounting assemblies  904  to mount both ends  916  of the curved shower rod  902  to the corresponding mounting surfaces  906 . 
     During the manufacturing process for the curved shower rod assembly  900 , according to one exemplary embodiment, the ends  916  of the curved shower rod  902  are pivotably attached to the base  400  using the pivot pin  600 , and the cover  800  is attached to the guide  700  using the notches  726  and the projections  810 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that attachment of the ends  916  of the curved shower rod  902  to the base  400  and the cover  800  to the guide  700  can occur later, for example, during installation of the curved shower rod assembly  900 . 
     During installation of the curved shower rod assembly  900 , according to one exemplary embodiment, a pair of assembled guides  700  and covers  800  are slid onto the curved shower rod  902 , such that the lower surface  706  of each of the guides  700  is facing an opposite end  916  of the curved shower rod  902 . Then, a first base  400  is affixed to a first one of the mounting surfaces  906  (e.g., using one or more of the mounting holes  408  in the base  400 ). The length L 3  of the curved shower rod  902  is adjusted (e.g., by sliding the first curved shaft  910  relative to the second curved shaft  912 ) so that the curved shower rod  902  (including the mounting assemblies  904 ) fits between the mounting surfaces  906  separated by the distance D 3 . The curved shower rod  902  is positioned so that a second base  400  is near a second one of the mounting surfaces  906 . Then, the second base  400  is affixed to the second one of the mounting surfaces  906 . 
     Each assembled guide  700  and cover  800  is then slid along the curved shower rod  902  and onto a corresponding base  400  (already affixed to the mounting surface  906 ), such that a lower surface  706  of each of the guides  700  faces one of the mounting surfaces  906 . When the assembled guide  700  and cover  800  is slid onto the base  400 , the end  916  of the curved shower rod  902  extends through the opening  808  in the cover  800  and the remaining components of the mounting assembly  904  are substantially concealed. 
     The cover  800  interfaces with the guide  700 , which fits around the base  400 , to secure the cover  800  within the mounting assembly  904 . For example, the inner surface of the lower portion  806  of the cover  800  can be sized to friction fit around the annular body  702  of the guide  700 . Furthermore, as noted above, the inner surface of the lower portion  806  of the cover  800  has the pair of projections  810  that fit into the pair of notches  726  of the annular body  702  of the guide  700 . In this manner, the notches  726  and projections  810  can be used to secure the guide  700  in the cover  800 . Furthermore, the notches  726  and projections  810  can be used to prevent rotation of the guide  700  after it is secured in the cover  800 . Further still, the notches  726  and projections  810  can be used to align the cover  800  relative to the guide  700 . Since the guide  700  is symmetrical about a line extending through a center of the notches  726 , the guide  700  can be properly aligned in either of two orientations (separated by 180 degrees). As noted above, in one exemplary embodiment, the cover  800  interfaces with the guide  700  prior to the guide  700  being placed around the base  400 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the guide  700  could be placed around the base  400  prior to the cover  800  interfacing with the guide  700 . 
     In surrounding the base  400 , the straight sides  714  and  716  of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  are aligned with the straight sides  424  and  426  of the body  402  of the base  400 . A width of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  between the sides  714  and  716  (i.e., between the walls  712 ) is substantially the same as a width of the base  400  between the sides  424  and  426  (including the rails  420  and  422 ). The openings  724  allow the walls  712  of the guide  700  to flex away from the center of the central opening  708 . Accordingly, the walls  712  of the guide  700  flex to allow the teeth  722  of the sides  714  and  716  of the guide  700  to move past the rails  420 ,  422  into the recesses  428 ,  430  of the base  400 . Once the guide  700  is properly fit around the base  400 , the lower surface  706  of the guide  700  rests on the mounting surface  906  and the tooth  722  of each wall  712  is located in a corresponding recess  428 ,  430  of the base  400 . Because the walls  712  of the guide  700  unflex once the tooth  722  of each wall  712  is located in the corresponding recess  428 ,  430 , the guide  700  remains securely seated around the base  400 . 
     The opening  808  in the cover  800  allows some the end  916  of the curved shower rod  902  to extend through the cover  800 . The end  916  of the curved shower rod  902  interfaces with the base  400  to mount the end  916  to the mounting surface  906  via the mounting assembly  904 . The opening  808  is formed at an angle to better accommodate the end  916  of the curved shower rod  902  at its approaching angle (see  FIG. 8C ). 
     A diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is preferably only slightly larger than a diameter of the end  916  of the curved shower rod  902  extending through the opening  808 . The closer the diameter of the opening  808  is to the diameter of the end  916  of the curved shower rod  902 , the more effective the cover  800  is at concealing the remaining components of the mounting assembly  904 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is within 25.9 mm to 26.1 mm and the diameter of the end  916  of the curved shower rod  902  is within 25.3 mm to 25.5 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is 26.0 mm and the diameter of the end  916  of the curved shower rod  902  is 25.4 mm. In still another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is within 26.7 mm to 26.9 mm and the diameter of the end  916  of the curved shower rod  902  is within 25.3 mm to 25.5 mm. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening  808  in the cover  800  is 26.8 mm and the diameter of the end  916  of the curved shower rod  902  is 25.4 mm. 
     The opening  808  in the cover  800  limits the pivoting movement of the curved shower rod  902  relative to the mounting assembly  904 . Thus, the size of the opening  808  directly impacts the range of approaching angles that can be accommodated by the mounting assembly  904 . In particular, as the size of the opening  808  is decreased, the range of approaching angles that can be accommodated by the mounting assembly  904  is reduced. The mounting assembly  904  of the exemplary embodiment described herein, however, is able to accommodate an expanded range of approaching angles for a smaller opening  808  in the cover  800  by allowing the cover  800  to move relative to the base  400  affixed to the mounting surface  906 . 
     As noted above, the cover  800  fits over the guide  700  and the guide  700  surrounds the base  400 . A length of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  between the curved sides  718  and  720  is greater than a length of the body  402  of the base  400  between the curved sides  432  and  434 . The width of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  between the straight sides  714  and  716  (i.e., between the walls  712 ) is substantially the same as the width of the base  400  between the straight sides  424  and  426  (including the rails  420  and  422 ). Accordingly, the guide  700  can move along a length of the base  400  while any movement along the width of the base  400  is prevented. This lengthwise movement of the guide  700  is in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the pivot pin  600  (i.e., the pivoting axis of the curved shower rod  902 ). 
     Since the cover  800  is connected to the guide  700 , the cover  800  is also able to move along the length of the base  400 . The cover  800  has a range of positions between a first position and a second position. The first position of the cover  800  corresponds to the curved side  718  of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  contacting the curved side  432  of the body  402  of the base  400 . The second position of the cover  800  corresponds to the curved side  720  of the central opening  708  of the guide  700  contacting the curved side  434  of the body  402  of the base  400 . The cover  800  can be moved to either the first position or the second position, as well as any position between the first position and the second position. 
     Movement of the cover  800  results in the opening  808  in the cover  800  being repositioned. When the cover  800  is in the first position, the opening  808  in the cover  800  limits the movement of the curved shower rod  902  relative to the mounting assembly  904  to define at least one approaching angle θ min  of the curved shower rod  902  (e.g., θ 1 ) that can be accommodated in the first position. When the cover  800  is in the second position, the opening  808  in the cover  800  limits the movement of the curved shower rod  902  relative to the mounting assembly  904  to define at least one approaching angle θ max  of the curved shower rod  902  (e.g., θ 2 ) that can be accommodated in the second position. 
     Movement of the cover  800  over the range of positions (i.e., between the first position and the second position) allows the mounting assembly  904  to accommodate an expanded range of approaching angles of the curved shower rod  902 . Thus, the mounting assembly  204  accommodates a range of approaching angles (θ min  to θ max ), which is greater than the one or more approaching angles accommodated by a mounting assembly fixed at the first position, the second position or anywhere in between. 
     With reference to  FIG. 9A , for a distance D 4  between the mounting surfaces  906 , a length L 5  of the curved shower rod  902  is adjusted to fit between the mounting surfaces  906 . One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the length L 5  of the curved shower rod  902  can be adjusted to fit between the mounting surfaces  906  in any known manner. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the curved shower rod  902  initially has a length L 6  that is greater than the distance D 4  between the mounting surfaces  906 . By sliding the first curved shaft  910  further into the second curved shaft  912 , the curved shower rod  902  is modified to have the length L 5 , wherein the length L 5  is less than the distance D 4  between the mounting surfaces  906 . In another exemplary embodiment, the curved shower rod  902  initially has a length L 7  that is too small to properly mount the curved shower rod  902  between the mounting surfaces  906  separated by the distance D 4 . By sliding the first curved shaft  910  further out of the curved shaft  912 , the curved shower rod  902  is modified to have the length L 5  which allows the curved shower rod  902  to be properly mounted between the mounting surfaces  906 . 
     Thus, the mounting assemblies  904  are operable to mount the curved shower rod  902  having a range of lengths L X  (e.g., including L 1 , L 2  and L 5 ) between the mounting surfaces  906 . As a result, the mounting assemblies  904  allow the curved shower rod  902  to be installed between the mounting surfaces  906  separated by a range of distances D X  (e.g., including D 1 , D 2  and D 4 ). Furthermore, the mounting assemblies  904  can accommodate a range of approaching angles (e.g., θ min  to θ max ) of the ends  916  of the curved shower rod  902 , while having a relatively small opening  808  in the cover  800 . The smaller size of the opening  808  in the cover  800  insures that the internal components of the mounting assembly  204  (e.g., the base  400 , the pivot pin  600  and the guide  700 ) are substantially concealed from view, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the curved shower rod assembly  900 . 
     The above description of specific embodiments has been given by way of example. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will not only understand the general inventive concept and its attendant advantages, but will also find apparent various changes and modifications to the structures and methods disclosed. For example, while the above described exemplary embodiments relate to mounting a curved shower rod, the general inventive concept is applicable to mounting any curved rod (e.g., a curved towel bar) between two surfaces. Furthermore, while the above described exemplary embodiments describe a fixed curved rod interfacing with a shaft attached to a base (see  FIG. 2A ) and an adjustable curved rod interfacing directly with the base (see  FIG. 9A ), one or ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the adjustable curved rod could interface with the shaft attached to the base and the fixed curved rod could interface directly with the base. It is sought, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept, as defined herein, and equivalents thereof.