Abstract:
A rod assembly for supporting a curtain between a first surface and a second surface includes a first attachment assembly, a second attachment assembly and a rod. Each attachment assembly attaches to a respective surface and includes an angularly adjustable section receiver. The rod includes a first rod section and a second rod section. The first rod section is attached to the first section receiver and includes a first curved section positioned distally from the first section receiver. The second rod section is attached to the second section receiver and includes a second curved section positioned distally from the second section receiver. In one embodiment, the second curved section is slidably connected to the first curved section in a male-female relationship so that a length of the rod is adjustable. The first rod section can include a locking mechanism that is adapted to contact the second rod section to frictionally secure the first rod section and the second rod section to one another. The locking mechanism can slidingly move to adjust the length of the rod.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/860,373, filed Nov. 21, 2006, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Shower curtain rod assemblies (also sometimes referred to herein as a “rod assembly”) which include a linear shower rod that suspends a shower curtain are well known. Recently, linear shower rods have been modified to include a curved shower rod which extends outwardly from the shower enclosure to provide a user with more space within the shower enclosure while bathing or showering. Some of these types of curved shower rods are fixedly mounted to the shower enclosure, which can have the drawback of taking up needed space outside of the shower enclosure. Other shower rods can be adjustable so that a user can retract the shower rod toward or into the shower enclosure during non-use of the shower. Still other shower rods can be dismounted and remounted in a manner that provides more space outside the shower enclosure during non-use of the shower. 
         [0003]    Unfortunately, many of these types of shower curtain rod assemblies are cumbersome and can include complex mechanisms that are inconvenient or difficult to use and/or install for different sized shower enclosures. For instance, some shower rod assemblies require altering the materials of the shower rod, such as by cutting or sawing components of the shower rod. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present invention is directed toward a rod assembly for supporting a curtain between a first surface and a second surface. In one embodiment, the rod assembly includes a first attachment assembly, a second attachment assembly and a rod. The first attachment assembly attaches to the first surface and includes an angularly adjustable first section receiver. The second attachment assembly attaches to the second surface and includes an angularly adjustable second section receiver. In certain embodiments, the rod includes a first rod section and a second rod section. The first rod section is attached to the first section receiver. Further, the first rod section includes a first curved section positioned distally from the first section receiver. The second rod section is attached to the second section receiver. In addition, the second rod section includes a second curved section positioned distally from the second section receiver. In one embodiment, the second curved section is slidably connected to the first curved section so that a length of the rod is adjustable. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, substantially the entire length of at least one of the rod sections is curved. The curved sections can be connected to one another in a male-female relationship. The first rod section can include a locking mechanism that is adapted to contact the second rod section to frictionally secure the first rod section and the second rod section to one another. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a set screw. The second curved section can include a slot. The locking mechanism can slidingly move along the slot to adjust the length of the rod. In certain embodiments, the section receivers pivot in a side-to-side motion. The rod can be rotatable relative to the attachment assemblies by at least approximately 90 degrees. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, the rod assembly includes a first end, a second end and a curved middle section. The first end is attached to the first section receiver. The second end is attached to the second section receiver. The middle section is positioned between first end and the second end. In one embodiment, the middle section is adjustable to change a length of the rod for attachment to the first section receiver and the second section receiver. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rod assembly having features of the present invention, illustrated in a first position; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a top view of another embodiment of a portion of the rod assembly, shown in two different positions including an extended position and a retracted position; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a detailed top view of a portion of the rod assembly illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the rod assembly including a portion of a rod and a portion of an attachment assembly; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the rod assembly; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of the rod assembly; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portion of the rod assembly illustrated in  FIG. 6 , with a portion illustrated in phantom for clarity; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of the rod assembly; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of one embodiment of another portion of the rod assembly; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a perspective end view of the portion of the rod assembly illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    The present invention is directed toward an adjustable shower enclosure rod assembly  10  (also referred to herein as a “rod assembly”) for adjustably supporting a curtain  12  such as a shower curtain. The design of the rod assembly  10  can vary, as provided herein. Although the rod assembly  10  described herein is particularly well-suited for supporting a shower curtain  12 , it is recognized that the rod assembly  10  can equally support one or more curtains  12  used for other purposes. As one non-exclusive example, the rod assembly  10  can support a curtain  12  used to partition off one portion of a room from another, or to hide one area, such as a closet, the rest of a room. It is understood that the rod assembly  10  provided herein can be utilized in any suitable situation where support of a curtain  12  between two surfaces is required. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the rod assembly  10  in a first position. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the rod assembly  10  includes a curved shower rod  14  (also sometimes referred to herein as a “rod”) and one or more attachment assemblies  16 A,  16 B that secure the rod  14  to a support structure  15  having one or more surfaces, such as a first surface  15 A and a second surface  15 B. Various embodiments of suitable attachment assemblies  16 A,  16 B are included in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2007/0174956, filed by David Heaslip, the applicant herein. To the extent permitted, the contents of U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2007/0174956 are incorporated herein by reference. It is recognized that the attachment assemblies  16 A,  16 B can be identical to one another, or the attachment assemblies can have minor differences relative to one another. 
         [0020]    The support structure  15  can be part of a shower enclosure, closet or any other suitable structure. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the surfaces  15 A,  15 B are parallel opposing walls, although it is recognized that the surfaces  15 A,  15 B need not be parallel to one another. In certain embodiments, the rod assembly  10  allows one taking a shower to have more room inside the shower enclosure because the shower rod  14  is selectively curved away from the shower enclosure. 
         [0021]    The shape of the rod  14  can vary to suit the design requirements of the rod assembly  10  and the support structure  15 . For example, in one embodiment, the rod  14  can have a curved design with a substantially consistent radius of curvature. In an alternative embodiment, the rod  14  can have a curved design with a varying radius of curvature. Still alternatively, the rod  14  can be substantially linear. In another embodiment, the rod  14  can include substantially linear portions separated by angled connector regions such as acute, right or obtuse angles. In yet another embodiment, the rod  14  can combine linear portions and curved regions. 
         [0022]    The rod  14  includes two or more rod sections  22 ,  24  that are movable relative to one another prior to being secured to the attachment assemblies  16 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the rod  14  includes two rod sections including at least a first rod section  22  and a second rod section  24 . A portion of the second rod section  24  slidingly fits along or into a portion of the first rod section  22 . It is recognized that the rod  14  can alternatively include greater than two rod sections  22 ,  24 . In various embodiments, all or part of each rod section  22 ,  24  can be curved. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a portion of the rod assembly  210 , shown in two different positions including a extended position  200 A (illustrated by the uppermost image in  FIG. 2 ) and a retracted position  200 B (illustrated by the lowermost image in  FIG. 2 ). It is recognized that the shower rod  214  can be positioned in an infinite number of positions between the extended position  200 A and the retracted position  200 B shown in  FIG. 2 , and that the positions  200 A,  200 B illustrated in  FIG. 2  are provided for ease of description only. 
         [0024]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the shower rod  214  includes at least the first rod section  222  and the second rod section  224 . A portion of the second rod section fits along or into the first rod section  222 . The first rod section  222  includes a first proximal end  226 F and a first distal end  228 F. The second rod section  224  includes a second proximal end  226 S and a second distal end  228 S. In certain embodiments, the first distal end  228 F and/or the second distal end  228 S are curved sections of the first rod section  222  and the second rod section  224 , respectively. As used herein, the terms first distal end  228 F and the first curved section can be interchangeable, and the terms the second distal end  228 S and the second curved section can likewise be interchangeable. In an alternative embodiment, the first distal end  228 F and/or the second distal end  228 S are substantially linear. 
         [0025]    The first proximal end  226 F and the second proximal end  226 S are adjacent to and are each coupled to respective attachment assemblies  216  (only one attachment assembly  216  is illustrated in each position  200 A,  200 B shown in FIG.  2 ), which are in turn each secured to respective surfaces  15 A,  15 B of the support structure  15  (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0026]    In certain embodiments, the first rod section  222  and the second rod section  224  slidingly move relative to one another in a telescoping manner. Thus, an adjustment can be made to an overall length of the rod  214  according to the dimensions of the support structure  15 , without the need to permanently alter or disfigure the rod  214 , such as by sawing or otherwise shortening one or more rod sections  222 ,  224 . With this design, the rod  214  can be used on multiple occasions with different support structures  15  having varying dimensions from one another, or in different horizontal and/or vertical positions within a given support structure  15 . 
         [0027]    In the extended position  200 A, the shower rod  214  is relatively lengthy to accommodate larger shower enclosures, for example. In this extended position  200 A, the second rod section  224  is inserted within the first rod section  222  to a lesser extent than when the shower rod  214  is in the retracted position  200 B. In the retracted position  200 B illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the second rod section  224  is almost completely inserted within the first rod section  222 , and is therefore only slightly visible in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a detailed view of a portion of one embodiment of the shower rod  314 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first rod section  322  includes a seal  330  positioned at the first distal end  328 F. In this embodiment, the seal  330  can inhibits moisture from penetrating between the rod sections  322 ,  324 . The seal  330  can be formed from a plastic, rubber, metal or another suitable material. The seal  330  can also increase friction between the first rod section  322  and the second rod section  324  to inhibit relative movement between the rod sections  322 ,  324  once the proper dimensions of the shower rod  314  have been attained. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 3 , once the appropriate length of the shower rod  314  has been achieved by moving the second rod section  324  relative to the first rod section  322 , the rod sections  322 ,  324  are not directly secured to one another. Instead, the seal  330  generates sufficient friction to inhibit relative movement between the rod sections  322 ,  324 . In alternative embodiments, the rod sections  322 ,  324  can be directly secured or otherwise attached to one another once the appropriate length of the shower rod  314  has been attained. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a partially transparent perspective view of one embodiment of the rod assembly  410  including the shower rod  414  and two attachment assemblies  416 A,  416 B. In this embodiment, a portion of the second rod section  424  that is within the first rod section  422  is illustrated in phantom for clarity. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the second rod section  424  can include a slot  444  having a length that slidingly permits adjustment of the second rod section  424  relative to the first rod section  422 , as described in greater detail below. 
         [0030]    In this embodiment, the first attachment assembly  416 A includes a first surface mount (not shown in  FIG. 4 ), a first section receiver  436 A and a first receiver retainer  438 A. The first surface mount is fixedly attached to the first surface  15 A (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). It is noted that although the first surface mount is not visible in  FIG. 4 , it is substantially similar to the second surface mount  434 B, described below. The first section receiver  436 A receives and secures the first section  422  of the rod  414 . In one embodiment, the first section receiver  436 A is angularly adjustable so that the first section receiver  436 A can pivot relative to the first receiver retainer  438 A and/or the first surface  15 A. For example, depending upon the orientation of the first section receiver  436 A, the first section receiver  436 A can pivot side-to-side, up and down, or in any other suitable direction between these two movements. With this design, the first section receiver  436 A can pivot to receive the first section  422  regardless of the angle at which the first section  422  is positioned relative to the first surface  15 A and/or the first attachment assembly  416 A. 
         [0031]    Somewhat similarly, the second attachment assembly  416 B includes a second surface mount  434 B, a second section receiver (not visible in  FIG. 4 ) and a second receiver retainer  438 A. The second surface mount  434 B is fixedly attached to the second surface  15 B (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). The second section receiver receives and secures the second section  424  of the rod  414 . In one embodiment, the second section receiver is angularly adjustable so that the second section receiver can pivot relative to the second receiver retainer  438 B and/or the second surface  15 B. For example, depending upon the orientation of the second section receiver, the second section receiver can pivot side-to-side, up and down, or in any other suitable direction between these two movements. With this design, the second section receiver can pivot to receive the second section  424  regardless of the angle at which the second section  424  is positioned relative to the second surface  15 B and/or the second attachment assembly  416 B. 
         [0032]    In certain embodiments, the proximal ends  426 F,  426 S of the shower rod  414  can include a hollow (female) region that is attached to the respective first section receiver  436 A or second section receiver of the respective attachment assembly  416 A,  416 B. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the first attachment assembly  516 A and the rod  514 . In this embodiment, the first section receiver  536 A of attachment assembly  516 A pivots relative to the first receiver retainer  538 A. When the first receiver retainer  538 A is positioned as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first section receiver  536 A pivots in a side-to-side manner (illustrated by arrow  580 ), thereby accommodating curved shower rods  514  having different positions, lengths and/or angles relative to the first surface  515 A. Stated another way, the spacing between the first surface  515 A and the second surface  15 B (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) determines whether the rod  514  will be in the extended position  200 A (illustrated in  FIG. 2 ), the retracted position  200 B (illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) or in another position between the extended position  200 A and the retracted position  200 B. Depending upon this positioning of the rod  514 , the angle of the first proximal end  526 F and the second proximal end (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) relative to the surfaces  515 A,  15 B and/or the receiver retainers  538 A,  438 B (illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) can differ. With at least some of the designs provided herein, the pivoting of the first section receiver  536 A permits a secure attachment of the rod  514  to the first attachment assembly  516 A regardless of the angle of the first proximal end  526 F. 
         [0034]    Additionally, in one embodiment, the first receiver retainer  538 A can rotate in a clockwise and/or a counterclockwise direction relative to the first surface  515 A, as illustrated by arrow  582 . For example, the first receiver retainer  538 A, and thus the rod  514 , can rotate at least 90 degrees relative to the first surface  515 A. In one embodiment, the first receiver retainer  538 A, and thus the rod  514 , can rotate at least 90 degrees relative to the first surface  515 A. It is understood that the second receiver retainer  438 B can behave in a substantially similar manner as the first receiver retainer  538 A. By selectively rotating the first receiver retainer  538 A, the orientation of the rod  514  changes so that the curvature of the rod  514  can either extend inwardly toward the shower enclosure (shown in  FIG. 1 ), or outwardly away from the shower enclosure. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of the shower rod  614  including the first rod section  622  and the second rod section  624 . In this embodiment, the seal  330  (illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) has been omitted for clarity. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the first rod section  622  includes a locking mechanism  645  (only partially visible in  FIG. 6 ). In one embodiment, the locking mechanism  645  includes an aperture  652 , a threaded screw rod section  1046  (illustrated in  FIG. 10 ) and a stabilizer  1048  (illustrated in  FIG. 10 ). The locking mechanism  645  is positioned near a first distal end  628 F of the first rod section  622 . As described in greater detail below, the threaded screw rod section  1046  receives the stabilizer  1048 , which when tightened against the second rod section  624 , inhibits relative movement between the first rod section  622  and the second rod section  624 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a detailed view of a portion of one embodiment of the shower rod  714  including the first rod section  722  and the second rod section  724  (partially illustrated in phantom). In certain embodiments, the first rod section  722  includes the locking mechanism  745  (only partially visible in  FIG. 7 ), which includes an aperture  752  and one or more threaded screw rod sections  1046  (illustrated in  FIG. 10 ) that can align with one or more slots  744  (only one slot  744  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 ) to inhibit any twisting or rotation of the second rod section  724  relative to the first rod section  722 . 
         [0037]    The stabilizer  1048  (illustrated in  FIG. 10 ), such as a set screw in one embodiment, can be threaded into the screw rod section  1046  through the slot  744 . The stabilizer  1048  frictionally contacts the second rod section  724 , creating sufficient force between the stabilizer  1048  and the second rod section  724  to decrease the likelihood of sliding of the second rod section  724  relative to the first rod section  722 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a portion of the rod  814 , including the second rod section  824 . In this embodiment, the second rod section includes a slot  844  having a length  850 . The length  850  of the slot  844  can vary depending upon the design requirements of the rod  814 , and the desired extent of maximum movement or telescoping of the first rod section  722  (illustrated in  FIG. 7 ) relative to the second rod section  824 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a portion of the rod  914  including the first rod section  922 . In this embodiment, the first rod section  922  includes one locking mechanism  945 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the locking mechanism  945  includes an aperture  952  and a screw rod section  1046  (illustrated in  FIG. 10 ). It is recognized that the first rod section  922  can include any suitable number of locking mechanisms  945 , and that the locking mechanisms  945  can be positioned in any suitable location along the first rod section  922 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 10  is a perspective end view of an embodiment of a portion of the first rod section  1022 , including the locking mechanism  1045  having a screw rod section  1046  and a stabilizer  1048 . In this embodiment, the screw rod section  1046  can include internal threads (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) that receive the stabilizer  1048 , such as a set screw. The screw rod section  1046  can be welded in place within the first rod section  1022  to provide better thread engagement and act as an alignment key that fits within the slot  844  (illustrated in  FIG. 8 ) in the opposing second rod section  824  (illustrated in  FIG. 8 ). The screw rod section  1046  includes an aperture  1052  that is exposed to the exterior of the rod  1014 . The stabilizer  1048  can be inserted through the aperture  1052  and into the screw rod section  1046  to the extent that no portion of the stabilizer  1048  is exposed or contacted by the shower curtain  12  (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0041]    With one or more of the designs provided herein, the telescoping nature of the shower rod  14 , combined with the pivoting attachment assemblies  16 A,  16 B, provides easier assembly and installation, as well as greater versatility for different sized shower enclosures. Further, in various embodiments, the curved shower rod  14  provides increased space within the shower enclosure during showering. 
         [0042]    While the particular adjustable shower enclosure rod assembly  10  as shown and disclosed herein is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of the methods, construction or design herein shown and described.