Patent Publication Number: US-2012036628-A1

Title: Systems for moving shower rods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to 60/976387, filed Sep. 28, 2007 entitled SHOWER ROD ROTATOR BRACKET and 60/976394 filed Sep. 28, 2007 entitled SHOWER ROD SLIDING BRACKET, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Well known examples of bathroom layouts generally have a shower configuration that includes a bathtub and a hanging shower curtain. In such well known examples, the bathtub is enclosed on three sides by walls with the shower curtain substituting a fourth wall. 
     In an effort to increase an abode&#39;s livable space, many home designers and developers will sacrifice bathroom space to facilitate increasing the livable space. This is especially well known in condominiums or guest areas of a house. Condominium bathrooms are generally small such that the square footage of the livable space is increased. Moreover, the guest areas of a house, such as a guest bathroom, are typically smaller than the master bathroom and other more frequently used areas of the house to facilitate increasing the size of those more frequently used areas. As a result, such guest bathrooms generally have smaller shower areas than users would prefer. 
     Users of smaller shower areas may wish to increase the size of their shower area. One known example of increasing the shower area is to use a curved shower rod. Such shower rods facilitate increasing the shower space by curving a shower liner away from the shower space. As a result, the space within the shower area is increased. However, the Curved shower rod also facilitates decreasing the amount of bathroom space outside of the shower. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a rotatable shower rod system may be provided. The system may include a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, the pair of mounting brackets includes a stationary portion; a rotatable portion rotatably coupled to the stationary portion, the rotatable portion rotates to at least one of a first position and a second position about an axis of rotation; and a cover coupled to the stationary portion; and a curved rod extending between the pair of mounting brackets. 
     In another aspect, a slidable shower rod system may be provided. The system may include a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, the pair of mounting brackets may include a wall mount; a sliding assembly coupled to said wall mount, the sliding assembly may include a stationary portion; a first sliding portion slidably coupled to the stationary portion; and a second sliding portion slidably coupled to the first sliding portion; and a rod coupled to the pair of mounting brackets such that the rod may extend between the pair of mounting brackets, the pair of mounting brackets facilitate sliding the rod to at least one of a first position and a second position. 
     In yet another aspect, a means for moving a shower rod may be provided. The means may include a means of moving a rod between at least one of a first position and a second position using a pair of mounting brackets; and a means of coupling the rod to the pair of mounting brackets. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a rotatable shower rod system; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the rotatable shower rod system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a front view of a rotator mount assembly that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a perspective side view of the rotator mount assembly shown in  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 3   c  is a perspective side view of the rotator mount assembly shown in  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 4   a  is a front view of a stationary portion that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a perspective view of the stationary portion shown in  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 5   a  is a front view of a rotatable portion that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5   b  is a perspective front view of the rotatable portion shown in  FIG. 5   a;    
         FIG. 5   c  is a perspective rear view of the rotatable portion shown in  FIG. 5   a;    
         FIG. 6   a  is a side view of a rod insert that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6   b  is a top view of the rod insert shown in  FIG. 6   a;    
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a rod and the rod insert shown in  FIG. 6   b;    
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a swivel collar that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a rod coupled to the swivel collar that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the rod coupled to the rotatable mount assembly that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view of the rod coupled to the rotatable mount assembly shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12   a  is a perspective view of an alternative insert that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12   b  is a perspective view of an insert body assembly of the insert shown in  FIG. 12   a;    
         FIG. 12   c  is a perspective view of a coupling end of the insert shown in  FIG. 12   a;    
         FIG. 13  is an illustration of an alternative rod that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration of another alternative rod that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15   a  is a perspective view of an alternative cover that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15   b  is a perspective view of a cover body portion of the cover shown in  FIG. 15   a;    
         FIG. 15   c  is a perspective view of a cover cap that may be used with the cover shown in  FIG. 15   a;    
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative shower rod system; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the system shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18   a  is a top view of a wall mount that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18   b  is a side view of the wall mount shown in  FIG. 18   a;    
         FIG. 18   c  is an end view of the wall mount shown in  FIG. 18   a;    
         FIG. 19   a  is a side view of a sliding assembly that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19   b  is an end view of the sliding assembly shown in  FIG. 19   a;    
         FIG. 20   a  is a top view of a first chassis cover that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 20   b  is a side view of the first chassis cover shown in  FIG. 20   a;    
         FIG. 21   a  is a top view of a second chassis cover that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 21   b  is a side view of the second chassis cover shown in  FIG. 21   a;    
         FIG. 22   a  is a side view of a cover plate that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 22   b  is an end view of the cover plate shown in  FIG. 22   a; and    
         FIG. 23  is a front view of a liner that may be used with the system shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
     As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the term “embodiments of the invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a rotatable shower rod system  100 .  FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of rotatable shower rod system  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, system  100  may include a curved rod  102 , a pair of mounting bracket assemblies  104 , a shower liner  106 , and a plurality of liner fasteners  108 . Each mounting bracket assembly  104  may include a rotator mount assembly  110  (shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   c ) and a cover  112 . Moreover, each mounting bracket assembly  104  may be coupled to a support structure, such as a shower wall (not shown). Mounting bracket assemblies  104  may be coupled to opposite facing walls such that one mounting bracket assembly  104  is positioned substantially opposite from the other mounting bracket assembly  104 , wherein curved rod  102  may extend therebetween. Curved rod  102  may be rotatably coupled to each mounting bracket assembly  104 , as described in more detail below. Liner  106  may be slidably coupled to curved rod  102  using the plurality of liner fasteners  108 . In the exemplary embodiment, mounting bracket assemblies  104  facilitate rotating curved rod  102  from a first position  107  to a second position  109 , as described in more detail below. 
       FIG. 3   a  is a front view of rotator mount assembly  110  that may be used with mounting bracket assembly  104 ,  FIG. 3   b  is a perspective side view of rotator mount assembly  110  and  FIG. 3   c  is another perspective side view of rotator mount assembly  110 . Rotator mount assembly  110  may include a stationary portion  116  and a rotatable portion  118  that may be rotatably coupled thereto. As a result, rotatable portion  118  may rotate with respect to stationary portion  116  about an axis of rotation  120 , as described in more detail below. 
       FIG. 4   a  is a front view of stationary portion  116  and  FIG. 4   b  is a perspective side view of stationary portion  116 . Stationary portion  116  may have a plurality of mounting holes  122  defined therein to enable stationary portion  116  to be coupled to the wall using a plurality of mounting fasteners (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment, stationary portion  116  may include a first plate  124 , a second plate  126  and a sidewall  128  extending generally axially therebetween. First plate  124  may have a substantially circular shape and may include a center-hole  130  defined therein. Alternatively, stationary portion  116  may have a substantially oval shape and/or any polygonal shape that enables system  100  to function as described herein. Second plate  126  may have a substantially semi-circular shape and may be coupled to sidewall  128  such that a cavity  132  is defined between first plate  124 , second plate  126  and sidewall  128 . Cavity  132  may be configured to receive at least a portion of rotatable portion  118 , as described in more detail below. Alternatively, second plate  126  may have a substantially oval shape and/or any polygonal shape that enables system  100  to function as described herein. Second plate  126  may also have a semi-circular notch  134  defined therein, which enables rotatable portion  118  to rotate about axis of rotation  120 , as described in more detail below. Alternatively, notch  134  may be any shape that enables system  100  to function as described herein. First plate  124  may also include a protrusion  136  that may extend away from first plate  124  towards second plate  126 , wherein protrusion  136  may extend partially into cavity  132 . Moreover, protrusion  136  may be positioned substantially opposite second plate  126 . In the exemplary embodiment, protrusion  136  may include a first contact surface  138  and a second contact surface  140  to facilitate stopping the rotation of rotatable portion  118 , as described in more detail below. Stationary portion  116  may also include a plurality of locking slots  144  that facilitate coupling cover  112  to stationary portion  116 . 
       FIG. 5   a  is a front view of rotatable portion  118 ,  FIG. 5   b  is a perspective front view of rotatable portion  118  and  FIG. 5   c  is a perspective rear view of rotatable portion  118 . In the exemplary embodiment, rotatable portion  118  may be a substantially circular shaped disk that includes a first, or front surface  146  and a second, or rear surface  148 . Alternatively, rotatable portion  118  may have any shape that enables system  100  to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, front surface  146  may have a coupling member  150  that may be coupled thereto, wherein coupling member  150  may extend away from front surface  146 . Coupling member  150  may have a substantially semi-circular shape and an aperture  152  defined therein and extending through coupling member  150 . In one embodiment, coupling member  150  may be oriented such that coupling member  150  is substantially aligned with a bisection line  154  of rotatable portion  118 , wherein bisection line  154  may substantially bisect rotatable portion  118  along a diameter of rotatable portion  118 . 
     Rear surface  148  may include a cam  156  that may extend away from rear surface  148  and may be positioned substantially near an outer edge of rotatable portion  118 . Moreover, cam  156  may be aligned such that bisection line  154  may substantially bisect cam  156 . As a result, cam  156  and coupling member  150  may be oriented such that cam  156  and coupling member  150  are substantially aligned along bisection line  154 . Cam  156  may include a first cam surface  158  and a second cam surface  160 . As described in more detail below, first and second cam surfaces  158  and  160  may contact first and second contact surfaces  138  and  140 , respectively, of protrusion  136 . Rear surface  148  may also include a rotating pin  164  that may extend generally axially away from rear surface  148  along axis of rotation  120 . In one embodiment, rotating pin  164  may be positioned in the center of rotatable portion  118 . Moreover, rotating pin  164  may be sized and oriented such that rotating pin  164  may be inserted within center-hole  130  of stationary portion  116  to facilitate rotatably coupling rotatable portion  118  to stationary portion  116 . 
     During assembly of mounting bracket assembly  104 , a portion of rotatable portion  118  may be inserted within cavity  132  such that cam  156  is oriented generally opposite cavity  132 . Moreover, rotating pin  164  may be inserted within center-hole  130  to facilitate rotatably coupling rotatable portion  118  to stationary portion  116 . Semi-circular notch  134  enables rotatable portion  118 , and more specifically coupling member  150 , to rotate about axis of rotation  120 , and more specifically rotating pin  164 , without contacting second plate  126 . During operation, rotatable portion  118  may rotate about rotating pin  164  such that cam  156  may contact either first contact side  138  of protrusion  136  with first cam surface  158  or second contact side  160  with second cam surface  160 . As a result, protrusion  136  facilitates stopping the rotation of rotatable portion  118  at either first position  107  or second position  109 . In one embodiment, rotatable portion  118  may rotate between about 0° to about 180°. In another embodiment, rotatable portion  118  may rotate between about 3° to about 177°. In yet another embodiment, rotatable portion  118  may rotate between about 5° to about 175°. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , system  100  may include a rod insert  166  that may include a coupling end  168 , a fastener  170  and a body  172  extending therebetween, wherein rod insert  166  may be hingedly coupled to coupling member  150  of rotatable portion  118 .  FIGS. 6   a  is a side view of rod insert  166  and  FIG. 6   b  is a top view of rod insert  166 . In one embodiment, body  172  may have a substantially cylindrical shape and an elongated slot  174  defined within body  172 . Moreover, coupling end  168  may include a pair of flanges  176  extending away therefrom, wherein flanges  176  may each have an aperture  178  defined therein. Apertures  178  of each flange  176  may be oriented such that the two apertures  178  are substantially aligned with one another. Further, fastener  170  may be a threaded member such as, but not limited to, a screw that facilitates coupling rod insert  166  to rod  102 . Rod insert  166  may also have an insert centerline axis  179  that extends generally axially through the center of rod insert  166 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , rod insert  166  may be inserted within curved rod  102 . In the exemplary embodiment, curved rod  102  may be an elongated rod that may have a substantially cylindrical shape and may also be substantially hollow such that an internal passageway (not shown) may be defined therein. As a result, the ends of curved rod  102  may include an opening defined therein. Further, the end of curved rod  102  may have a pair of apertures  180  define therein, wherein apertures  180  may be oriented such that one aperture  180  is positioned substantially opposite of the other aperture  180 . In the exemplary embodiment, rod insert  166  may be inserted within curved rod  102  such that apertures  180  may be substantially aligned with elongated slot  174  of rod insert  166 . In such an embodiment, a pin  182  may be inserted through apertures  180  and through elongated slot  174  such that rod insert  166  may be slidably coupled to rod  102 . As a result, rod insert  166  facilitates adjusting the length of rod  102  such that a plurality of rods having a variety of lengths may be adjusted using rod insert  166  to fit the specific dimensions of a user&#39;s bathroom. Moreover, rod insert  166  facilitates stabilizing rod  102  as rod  102  is moved between first position  107  and second position  109 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in the exemplary embodiment, curved rod  102  may include a swivel collar  186  coupled thereto.  FIG. 8  is an enlarged perspective side view of swivel collar  186  and  FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective side view of rod  102  coupled to swivel collar  186 . In the exemplary embodiment, swivel collar  186  may have a generally spherical shape and may have a passage  188  defined therethrough that extends along a passage centerline axis  190 , wherein passage  188  may be sized such that rod  102  may be inserted therethrough. In one embodiment, passage centerline axis  190  may be substantially parallel to a swivel collar centerline axis  191  that may be position on a line that bisects swivel collar  186  along a diameter of swivel collar  186 . Moreover, passage centerline axis  190  may be positioned such that passage centerline axis  190  is not co-axial with swivel collar centerline axis  191 . As a result, passage  188  may be offset from swivel collar centerline axis  191  such that passage  188  generally does not extend through the center of swivel collar  186 . Rather, in the exemplary embodiment, passage  188  may be positioned substantially close to one side of swivel collar  186 . Alternatively, passage  188  may extend through the center of swivel collar  186 . In the exemplary embodiment, swivel collar  186  facilitates orienting curved rod  102  at an angle with respect to axis of rotation  120  of rotator mount assembly  110 . 
     In one embodiment, swivel collar  186  may include a pair of slots  192  defined within a sidewall of passage  188  to facilitate receiving a portion of insert pin  182 , wherein insert pin  182  may be inserted within apertures  180  of rod  102  such that at least a portion of insert pin  182  may extend away from rod  102 . As a result, slots  192  facilitate receiving the extended portion of pin  182  therein. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , coupling end  168  of rod insert  166  may be coupled to coupling member  150  of rotatable portion  118  to facilitate coupling curved rod  102  to mounting bracket assembly  104 .  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of curved rod  102  coupled to rotatable mount assembly  110  and  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view of curved rod  102  coupled to mounting bracket assembly  104 . Coupling end  168  may engage coupling member  150  such that coupling member  150  may be positioned between flanges  176 . Moreover, apertures  178  of coupling end  168  may be substantially aligned with aperture  152  of coupling member  150  such that an insert pin (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) may be inserted through apertures  178  and aperture  152  to facilitate hingedly coupling rod insert  166  to rotatable portion  118 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , swivel collar  186  facilitates orienting rod insert  166 , and more specifically the end of rod  102 , at an angle θ with respect to axis of rotation  120 . Specifically, insert centerline  179  of rod insert  166  may be oriented at angle θ with respect to axis of rotation  120  of rotator mount assembly  104 . In one embodiment, angle θ may have a range between about 6° to about 36°. In another embodiment, angle θ may have a range between about 16° to about 26°. In yet another embodiment, angle θ may be about 21°. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, cover  112  may be coupled to stationary portion  116  using locking slots  144 . In one embodiment, cover  112  may include a first opening  194 , a second opening  196  and a pair of locking flanges  198  that extend radially inward from an inner surface (not shown) of cover  112 , wherein locking flanges  198  may be positioned substantially near second opening  196 . Locking flanges  198  may engage locking slots  144  of stationary portion  116  to facilitate coupling cover  112  to stationary portion  116  to form rotatable mount assembly  104 . In one embodiment, first opening  194  may have a diameter (not shown) that may be sized such that the diameter of first opening  192  may be configured to receive the diameter of swivel collar  186 . 
     In one embodiment, mounting bracket assembly  104  may include a motor  200  that may be operatively coupled thereto using a rotating shaft  202 . In such an embodiment, motor  200  may facilitate rotating rod  102  between first position  107  and second position  109 . 
     During operation curved rod  102  may be coupled to rotator mount assemblies  104  such that curved rod  102  extends therebetween. Liner  106  may be slidably coupled to rod  102 , In the event a user (not shown) is using the shower, the user may rotate curved rod  102  to first position  107  to facilitate increasing the space within the shower area. Specifically, when curved rod  102  is positioned in first position  107 , the curved portion of curved rod  102  may curve generally away from the shower area. As a result, liner  106  may also curve away from the shower area to facilitate increasing the space within the shower. 
     In one embodiment, the user may physically move curved rod  102  to first position  107 . Alternatively, motor  200  may rotate curve rod  102  to first position  107  by rotating rotatable portion  118 . Rotatable portion  118  may rotate about axis of rotation  120  until first cam surface  158  contacts first contact surface  138  of protrusion  136 . As a result, protrusion  136  and more specifically first contact surface  138 , facilitates preventing the rotation of rotatable portion  118  and facilitates positioning curved rod  102  in first position  107 . 
     Curved rod  102  may also be moved from first position  107  to second position  109  to facilitate increasing the bathroom space, which also facilitates decreasing the shower space. Specifically, the user may physically move curved rod  102  such that rotatable portion  118  rotates about axis of rotation  120  from first contact surface  138  towards second contact surface  140 . Alternatively, motor  200  may rotate curved rod  102  to second position  109  by rotating rotatable portion  118 . Once second cam surface  160  contacts second contact surface  140  of protrusion  136 , curved rod  102  may be generally positioned in second position  109 . As a result, curved rod  102  may be oriented such that curved rod  102  may curve towards the shower area and away from the bathroom area. More specifically, liner  106  may also curve towards shower area and away from the bathroom area. As such, the space within the shower area is facilitated to be reduced and the space in the bathroom area is facilitated to be increased. 
       FIGS. 12   a - 12   c  are perspective views of an alternative insert  210 . Components of insert  210  may be substantially similar to components of rod insert  166 , and like components are identified with like reference numerals. Specifically,  FIG. 12   a  is a perspective view of insert  210 ,  FIG. 12   b  is a perspective view of an insert body assembly  212  and  FIG. 12   c  is a perspective view of coupling end  168 . Insert  210  may include a coupling end  168  that may be coupled to insert body assembly  212 . In one embodiment, coupling end  168  may include a pair of flanges  176 , such that coupling end  168  may be a knuckle joint. Moreover, flanges  176  may have a pair of apertures  178  defined therein. Moreover, coupling end  168  may also include a fastener  170  coupled thereto using a retaining nut  214 . In one embodiment, for example, fastener  170  may be a threaded member such as, but not limited to, a screw. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, insert body assembly  212  may include a first insert body  216  and a second insert body  218 . First insert body  216  may have a substantially cylindrical shape and a first center passageway  220  extending therethrough that may be substantially coaxial with a first center axis  222  (shown in  FIG. 12   b ) of first insert body  216 . Moreover, first insert body  216  may include a first face  224  that may be oriented at an angle that is substantially oblique with respect to first center axis  222  of first insert body  216 . Second insert body  218  may also have a substantially cylindrical shape and a second center passageway  226  that is substantially coaxial with a second center axis  228  (shown in  FIG. 12   b ) of second insert body  218 . In one embodiment, first passageway  220  and second passageway  226  may be aligned such that first passageway  220  and second passageway  226  are substantially coaxial. Second insert body  218  may also have a second face  230  that is substantially similar to first face  224 . Specifically, second face  230  may be oriented at an angle that is substantially oblique with respect to second center axis  228  of second insert body  218 . Moreover, first and second faces  224  and  230  may be oriented such that first and second faces  224  and  230  are slidably coupled to each other. 
     Insert  210  is formed by coupling first and second insert bodies  216  and  218  to coupling end  168 . Specifically, fastener  170  may be inserted through first passageway  220  and second passageway  226  such that first face  224  is slidably coupled to second face  230 . Retaining nut  214  may be coupled to second insert body  218  such that a portion of fastener  170  may be coupled to retaining nut  214 . In one embodiment, for example, retaining nut  214  may be threadably coupled to fastener  170 . During operation, fastener  170  may rotate with respect to retaining nut  214  such that first insert body  216  may be coupled to second insert body  218 . Tightening fastener  170  facilitates sliding first insert body  216  with respect to second insert body  218  along first and second faces  224  and  230 , such that an overall circumference (not shown) of insert  210  is increased, which facilitates coupling insert  210  within rods that may have hollow openings of various circumferences. 
     Insert  210  facilitates stabilizing the rotation of rod  102  from first position  107  to second position  109  during pivoting. Moreover, insert  210  facilitates adjusting a length of rod  102  by varying the distance insert  210  may be inserted into rod  102 . As a result, insert  210  facilitates adjusting the length of rod  102  to enable rod  102  to fit varying sized shower and tub walls. 
       FIGS. 13  is an illustration of an alternative curved rod  236 . Components of curved rod  236  may be substantially similar to components of rod  102 , and like components are identified with like reference numerals. Curved rod  236  may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and may have a substantially arcuate shape. Alternatively, curved rod  236  may have a cross-sectional shape of any type of shape. Curved rod  236  may also have a plurality of apertures  180  defined near the ends of curved rod  236 . In one embodiment, a pair of apertures  180  may be defined in each end of curved rod  236 . Moreover, the pair of apertures  180  may be oriented such that one aperture  180  is positioned substantially opposite the other aperture on curved rod  236  to facilitate slidably coupling a pin (not shown) to curved rod  236 . 
       FIG. 14  is an illustration of an alternative curved rod  240 . Components of curved rod  240  may be substantially similar to components of rod  102 , and like components are identified with like reference numerals. Curved rod  240  may have a substantially a-shape. Specifically, curved rod  240  may include a first end portion  242 , a second end portion  244  and an arcuate portion  246  extending therebetween. First and second end portions  242  and  244  may be substantially straight. Moreover, first and second end portions  242  and  244  may have an opening (not shown) such that insert  166  may be coupled within each opening. Curved rod  240  may also have a plurality of apertures  180  defined near the ends of curved rod  240 . In one embodiment, a pair of apertures  180  may be defined in each end of curved rod  240 . Moreover, the pair of apertures  180  may be oriented such that one aperture  180  is positioned substantially opposite the other aperture  180  on curved rod  240  to facilitate slidably coupling a pin (not shown) to curved rod  240 . 
       FIGS. 15   a - 15   c  are perspective views of an alternative cover  250 .  FIG. 15   a  is a perspective view of cover  250 ,  FIG. 15   b  is a perspective view of a cover body portion  252  and  FIG. 15   c  is a perspective view of cover cap  254 . In the exemplary embodiment, cover  250  may include cap body portion  252  and cover cap  254  coupled thereto. Cap body portion  252  may have a substantially conical shape extending along a centerline axis (not shown). Cap body portion  252  may also have a first end, or rod end opening  256  and a second end, or mounting end opening  258 . In one embodiment, rod end opening  256  may have a diameter (not shown) that is substantially smaller than a diameter of mounting end opening  258 . In the exemplary embodiment, cover cap  254  may include an aperture  260  defined therein, wherein aperture  260  has a diameter (not shown) that is substantially smaller than the diameter of rod end opening  256 . Aperture  260  may be sized to receive rod  102  therein. Moreover, cover  250  facilitates covering rotator mount assembly  110 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative shower rod system  300 . In the exemplary embodiment, system  300  may be a sliding system wherein a rod  302  may slide towards and away from a shower area to facilitate increasing the usable shower space while the shower is in use and facilitate increasing the bathroom space when the shower is not in use. System  300  may include a pair of sliding brackets  304  and rod  302  extending therebetween. In the exemplary embodiment, rod  302  may be substantially straight. As a result, any known shower rod may be used with system  300 . In one embodiment, rod  302  may be extendable. System  300  may also include a liner  306  and a plurality of liner fasteners  308  that facilitate slidably coupling liner  306  to rod  302 . Moreover, sliding brackets  304  facilitate sliding rod  302  from a first position  307  to a second position  309 , as described below in more detail. In the exemplary embodiment, first position  307  of rod  302  and more specifically liner  306  is positioned a distance (not shown) away from the shower area. As such, first position  307  of rod  302  facilitates increasing the space of the shower area. Moreover, second position  309  of rod  302  and liner  306  is positioned a distance that is closer to the shower area than first position  307 . As a result, second portion  309  of rod  302  facilitates increasing the bathroom space and facilitates decreasing the shower space. 
       FIG. 17  is an exploded view of sliding bracket  304 . Each sliding bracket  304  may include a wall mount  310 , a sliding assembly  312 , a right, or first chassis cover  314 , a left, or second chassis cover  315  (shown in  FIGS. 21   a - 21   c ), and a cover plate  316 . In one embodiment, a motor  311  may be coupled to sliding brackets  304  to facilitate sliding rod  302  between first position  307  and second position  309 . In the exemplary embodiment, wall mount  310  may have a substantially rectangular shape, as shown in  FIGS. 18   a - 18   c.  Specifically,  FIG. 18   a  is a top view of wall mount  310 ,  FIG. 18   b  is a side view of wall mount  310  and  FIG. 18   c  is an end view of wall mount  310 . Wall mount  310  may include a top wall  320 , a bottom wall  322 , a rear wall  324  and a side wall  326 . Wall mount may also include a top front wall  328  that may be coupled to top wall  320 , and a bottom front wall  330  that may be coupled to bottom wall  322 . A space (not shown) may be defined between top front wall  328  and bottom front wall  330 . Wall mount  310  may also include a top flange  332  and a bottom flange  334  that each extend away from top wall  320  and bottom wall  322  respectively. As a result, a front cavity area  336  may be generally defined between top and bottom front walls  328  and  330 , and top and bottom flanges  332  and  334 . Moreover, a rear cavity area  338  may be defined between rear wall  324  and top and bottom flanges  332  and  334 . As described in more detail below, sliding assembly  312  may be coupled within rear cavity area  338  and cover plate  316  may be coupled within front cavity area  336 . Wall mount  310  may also have a plurality of mounting apertures  340  defined within rear wall  324  to facilitate coupling wall mount  310  to. a bathroom wall using plurality of fasteners (not shown). 
     Turning to  FIGS. 19   a  and  19   b , in the exemplary embodiment, sliding assembly  312  may include a stationary portion  344 , a first sliding portion  346  and a second sliding portion  348 . Stationary portion  344  may be coupled to wall mount  310  using any coupling means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, first sliding portion  346  may be slidably coupled to stationary portion  344  and second sliding portion  348  may be slidably coupled to first sliding portion  346 . Second sliding portion  348  may have a plurality of attachments apertures  340  defined therein that facilitate coupling first and second chassis covers  314  and  315  to sliding assembly  312 , as described in more detail below. 
       FIGS. 20   a  and  20   b  are illustrations of first chassis cover  314 . Specifically,  FIG. 20   a  is a top view of first chassis cover  314  and  FIG. 20   b  is a side view of first chassis cover  314 . First chassis cover  314  may include a body portion  352  that has a front surface  354 , a rear surface  356 , a first end  358  and a second end  360 . A plurality of fasteners  362  may be coupled to rear surface  356  and extend away therefrom. Fasteners  362  facilitate coupling first chassis cover  314  to sliding assembly  312 , and more specifically second sliding portion  348 . Moreover, a first rod socket  350  may be coupled to front surface  354  and may be position substantially near second end  360 . First rod socket  350  may have a substantially conical shape and include a first opening  364  that may have a first diameter (not shown) that may be sized to receive an end of rod  302 . Moreover, first rod socket  350  may include a rod stabilizer  366  coupled therein. In the exemplary embodiment, rod stabilizer  366  may have a substantially conical shape and may be positioned opposite first opening  364 . 
       FIGS. 21   a  and  21   b  are illustrations of second chassis cover  315 . Components of second chassis cover  315  may be substantially similar to components of first chassis cover  314 , and like components are identified with like reference numerals. Specifically,  FIG. 21   a  is a top view of second chassis cover  315  and  FIG. 21   b  is a side view of second chassis cover  315 . Second chassis cover  315  may include a body portion  352  that has a front surface  354 , a rear surface  356 , a first end  358  and a second end  360 . A plurality of fasteners  362  may be coupled to rear surface  356  and extend away therefrom. Fasteners  362  facilitate coupling second chassis cover  315  to sliding assembly  312 , and more specifically second sliding portion  348 . Moreover, a second rod socket  370  may be coupled to front surface  354  and may be position substantially near second end  360 . Second rod socket  370  may have a substantially conical shape and include a second opening  372  that may have a second diameter (not shown) that may be sized to receive an end of rod  302 . Moreover, second rod socket  370  may include a second rod stabilizer  374  coupled therein. In the exemplary embodiment, second rod stabilizer  374  may have a substantially conical shape and may be positioned opposite opening  372 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, first and second rod sockets  350  and  370  facilitate coupling a standard rod to system  300 . For example, first opening  364  of first rod socket  350  may be sized to receive one end of rod  302 . Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, rod  302  may include a smaller end (not shown) and a larger end (not shown). First rod socket  350  may be sized to receive the smaller end therein. Once the smaller end of rod  302  has been inserted within first rod socket  350 , first rod stabilizer  366  may be coupled to the smaller end of rod  302  and facilitate stabilizing rod  302 . Further, second opening  372  of second rod socket  370  may be sized to receive the larger end of rod  302 . Once the larger end of rod  302  has been inserted within second rod socket  370 , second rod stabilizer  374  may be coupled to the larger end of rod  302  and facilitate stabilizing rod  302 . As a result, the first diameter of first opening  364  of first rod socket  350  may be substantially smaller than the second diameter of second opening  372  of second rod socket  370 . 
       FIG. 22   a  is a side view of cover plate  316  and  FIG. 22   b  is an end view of cover plate  316 . In the exemplary embodiment, cover plate  316  may be sized and shaped to substantially fit within front cavity area  366  of wall mount  310 . 
       FIG. 23  is a front view of a liner  306 . Liner  306  may include a plurality of apertures  380  that may be coupled to a plurality of liner fasteners  308  (shown in  FIG. 16 ). Liner  306  may also include an extension portion  382  which facilitates extending the width (not shown) of liner  306 . Liner  306  may also include an attachment mechanism  384  that may be positioned substantially near the top of liner  306  and substantially near the side edges of liner  306 . Attachment mechanisms  384  may be coupled to sliding brackets  304 . As a result, attachment mechanisms  384  facilitate anchoring a portion of liner  306  to sliding brackets  304 , which prevents water from splashing out when rod  302  is in first position  307 , as described in more detail below. 
     System  300  may be assembled by coupling a pair of wall mounts  310  to the wall. One wall mount  310  may be couple to one wall and another wall mount  310  may be coupled to an opposite wall such that the pair of wall mounts  310  may be positioned substantially opposite one another. Rod  302  may extend between the pair of wall mounts  310 . Sliding assembly  312  may be coupled to wall mount  310 , and more specifically, sliding assembly  312  may be coupled within rear cavity area  338  of wall mount  310 . First and second chassis covers  314  and  315  may be coupled to second sliding portion  348  of sliding assembly  312 . Specifically, fasteners  362  may be coupled to attachment apertures  340  defined on second sliding portion  348 . Cover plate  316  may be coupled to wall mount  310 , and more specifically, cover plate  316  may be slidably coupled within front cavity area  336  to facilitate covering first and second chassis covers  314  and  315 . 
     During operation rod  302  may be coupled to sliding brackets  304  such that rod  302  extends therebetween. Liner  306  may be slidably coupled to rod  102  using liner fasteners  308 . Moreover, extension portions  382  of liner  306  may be coupled to sliding brackets  304  to facilitate preventing water from splashing out of shower area when rod  302  is in first position  307 . In the event a user (not shown) is using the shower, the user may physically move rod  302  from second position  309  to first position  307  to facilitate increasing the space within the shower area. Alternatively, motor  311  may slide rod  302  to first position  307 . Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, first and second chassis covers  314  and  315  may be coupled to second sliding portion  348  which may slide with respect to first sliding portion  346 . Moreover, first sliding portion  346  may slide with respect to stationary portion  344  and wall mount  310 . As a result, first position may be positioned a distance (not shown) away from second position  309  wherein the distance may be substantially equal to the combined lengths (not shown) of first and second sliding portions  346  and  348 . As such, rod  302  and liner  306  facilitate increasing the shower area when rod  302  is in first position  307 . 
     Once the user is finished with the shower, the user may physically move rod  302  from first position  307  to second position  309 , which facilitates increasing the bathroom space and facilitates decreasing the shower space. Alternatively, motor  311  may move rod  302  from first position  307  to second position  309 . 
     The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.