CA2159525A1 - Shower curtain ring and method of making same - Google Patents
Shower curtain ring and method of making sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA2159525A1 CA2159525A1 CA 2159525 CA2159525A CA2159525A1 CA 2159525 A1 CA2159525 A1 CA 2159525A1 CA 2159525 CA2159525 CA 2159525 CA 2159525 A CA2159525 A CA 2159525A CA 2159525 A1 CA2159525 A1 CA 2159525A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shower curtain
- curtain ring
- cross
- connector means
- section
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Landscapes
- Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)
- Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)
Abstract
A shower curtain ring comprising an elongated body having a plurality of neck regions and a plurality of band regions. Each of the neck regions includes a first cross-section for at least in part providing flexibility to the shower curtain ring. The band regions are provided with a second cross-section that is greater than the first cross-section. Also provided at each end of the elongated body is a male connector and a female connector, respectively. The male connector and the female connector are constructed and arranged to be releasably interconnected to form a shower curtain ring for supporting a shower curtain.
Description
~1~9S25 ~nuw~K C~R~A TN RING
AND METHOD OF M~T~ ~ SAME
RA~K~.KI~U~.~ OF T~E lNV~ lON
The present invention relates generally to shower curtain rings for hanging a shower curtain and, in particular, to a novel shower curtain ring construction which can be easily manufactured and facilitates the hanging and replacement of a shower curtain.
Generally, shower curtain rings are used to hang shower curtains on a curtain rod in order to prevent water from leaving a shower or bath enclosure. Heretofore, shower curtain rings have been primarily of two types. The first type is a one-piece metal hook which permits the displacement of the hook onto or away from a shower curtain and curtain rod by exerting considerable pressure on two ends of the metal hook. A second type of closed ring is an injection molded one-piece plastic ring having an interlocking construction comprised of an elongated bayonet projection that is received into an opening formed in the opposing portion of the ring. Both of these types of shower curtain rings are less than completely satisfactory because they are difficult to engage and disengage from the shower curtain and the curtain rod. Also, although molded plastic rings are more attractive and hence favored for appearance purposes, they are easily broken during hanging and removal of the shower curtain due to the force needed to open the rings sufficiently for replacement and removal of the curtain.
Also, the method of manufacturing molded plastic rings has been heretofore unsatisfactory. Specifically, a two-part mold is required to permit resin to be injected within a mold chamber.
However, these mold chambers, in order to obtain the necessary openings, require the use of a lateral cam action mechanism to bore the opening that receives the male connector. Because of the circular configuration of these shower curtain rings, the cam must enter from the outer surface of the ring and requires, in some instances, the travel of a camming lever or pin of approximately 3/4" through the curtain ring. Moreover, the required boring results in the phenomenon of ~flash" appearing at the openings, -215952~
thereby resulting in a low yield of suitable or commercially acceptable molded rings.
Accordingly, an improved shower curtain ring having a construction which facilitates replacement and L.- -val of a shower curtain and that is more easily and efficiently manufactured is desired.
SI~MaRY OF TEIE lNvk~.l.lON
Generally speAk;ng, in accordance with the present invention, an improved shower curtain ring is provided including an elongated body having a plurality of integrally formed neck regions and a plurality of band regions. Each of the neck regions have a first cross-section for at least in part providing flexibility to the shower curtain ring. The plurality of band regions have a second cross-section, which is larger than the cross-section of each of the neck regions, for at least in part providing rigidity and shape to the shower curtain ring. The shower curtain ring also includes a male connector at a first end and a female connector at the other end, the male connector and the female connector being constructed and arranged to be releasably interconnected to form a shower curtain ring for supporting a shower curtain. A shower curtain ring having alternating band regions and neck regions as described herein is adapted to be molded in a straight line two-piece mold that m; n; m; zes the complexity of a second lateral action step during molding.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved shower curtain ring for facilitating the hanging of a shower curtain on a curtain rod.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved shower curtain ring that permits a shower curtain to be easily hung and removed from a shower curtain rod.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved shower curtain ring that is lightweight and durable.
215952~
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of manufacturing a shower curtain ring.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the article possessing the features, properties and the relation of elements, which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a one-piece shower curtain ring constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. lA is a perspective view of a female connector constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the one-piece shower curtain ring taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the one-piece shower curtain ring depicted in FIG. 1 when hanging a shower curtain from a curtain rod;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the one-piece shower curtain ring taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are plan views of a section of alternate embodiments of the curtain rings constructed in accordance with the instant invention; and FIGS. 7-10 are sectional views of alternative embodiments of the present invention.
~15952~
nR'rATT.~n Dl~SCRIPTION OF 1~ PREFERRED E~BOD ~
Reference is first made to FIG. 1 wherein a one-piece shower curtain ring, generally indicated at 10, is depicted. The shower curtain ring is an integrally molded elongated body, generally indicated as 12, a male connector, generally indicated as 14, and a female connector, generally indicated as 16.
Elongated body 12, has a~plurality of neck regions 5 and band regions 6. Each neck region 5 is characterized as having a reduced cross-section when compared to the cross-section of each band region 6. FIG. 2 illustrates the cross section taken orthogonol to the longitudinal axis of elongated body 12 of FIG.
1. Furthermore, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the neck regions are characterized by arcuate radiused walls 5' which taper into a ~;nimllm diameter at the midpoint between each band. By utilizing this construction, the ring is permitted to fully bend about the neck regions in the manner depicted in FIG.
3 to form a shower curtain ring.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and FIG. 4, in which male connector 14 and female connector 16 are depicted, male connector 14 includes a land 141 positioned between a raised annular shoulder 142 and band region 6 so that an eyelet 29 of a shower curtain 19 can be positioned thereon. The width of land 141 should be sufficient to receive a shower curtain thereon. Male connector 14 also includes a head, generally indicated at 142. Head 142 includes two symmetrical spaced apart prongs 143a and 143b. Prongs 143a and 143b include a narrow flange 144a and 144b, respectively, for securing prongs 143a and 143b within female connector 16.
Prongs 143a and 143b also have rounded tops in order to be more easily inserted within female connector 16.
In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 through 4, the diameter of the cross-section of neck region 5 is approximately 1/16". However, this ~ n~ion can vary based upon the material used for the shower curtain ring. Furthermore, the ratio of the cross-section of neck region 5 to that of the cross-section of band 215952~
region 6 is approximately 1:5. However, this is by way of example, and not limiting since various ratios and cross-sectional ~im~nsions are contemplated.
Female connector 16 includes a first opening 163 having a diameter that is less than the diameter of spaced apart prongs 143a and 143b. Opening 163 opens into a chamber 165. Female connector 16 also includes annular steps 162a and 162b which secure flanges 144a and 144b of prongs 143a and 143b within female connector 16. Female connector 16 also includes a second opening 164 which permits prongs 143a and 143b to be inserted into chamber 165 from the side.
The entire shower curtain ring 10 is formed of nylon, although other materials, such as polyethylene, high and low density, polypropylene and copolymers, with and without fillers, can be used. Moreover, by utilizing a scented polymer, the shower curtain ring can be used to impart a pleasant scent to the bathroom enclosure.
In operation, the construction of a shower curtain ring 10 allows for great amounts of flexibility. Specifically, the plurality of neck regions 5 permits a shower curtain ring that is manufactured in a straight line ("in-line"), as further discussed below, to be flexible enough to be easily arranged to form a closed loop ring.
When a shower curtain is to be hung, male connector 14 is inserted through eyelet 29 of shower curtain 19 and around shower curtain rod 1 so that curtain 19 rests on landing 141 of male connector 14. Next, head 142 is inserted into first opening 163 of female connector 16 so that the rounded tabs of prongs 143a and 143b are pushed together to fit through first opening 163. As head 142 continues to be inserted into female connector 16, it will pass annular steps 162a and 162b thereby expanding so that it will be retained from slipping out of female connector 16 by annular steps 162a and 162b. The force exerted by prongs 143a and 143b upon annular steps 162a and 162b prevent head 142 from prematurely ~159525 disengaging from female connector 16. In this way, head 142 is releasably retained in female connector 16. When it is desired to remove shower curtain 19 from shower curtain rod 1, each shower curtain ring 10 can be opened by pulling male connector 14 away from female connector 16, thereby causing annular steps 162a and 162b to no longer be able to retain flanges 144a and 144b within female connector 16, thereby causing male connector 14 to release from female connector 16.
Alternatively, prongs 143a and 143b can be inserted into chamber 165 of female connector 16, or ~l..oved therefrom, from the side. To accomplish this, prongs 143a and 143b are aligned with second opening 164 from the side so that prongs 143a and 143b can be easily placed therein. To separate male connector 14 from female connector 16 using second opening 164, force should be applied in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of elongated body 12 so that male connector 14 and female connector 16 can become disengaged. Accordingly, it can be seen that there exists an option as to how a user releasably connects male connector 14 to female connector 16 so as to form an improved closed loop shower curtain ring structure. Accordingly, constructing a shower curtain ring that also includes a plurality of neck regions 5 and band regions 6 permits the shower curtain ring to L~ ~in flexible and yet sufficiently rigid and durable.
Also, the construction of alternating neck regions 5 and band regions 6 results in a reduced amount of material actually contacting a shower curtain rod 1. Accordingly, there is less surface contact between shower curtain rod 1 and shower curtain ring 10 than if shower curtain ring 10 was of a uniform cross-sectional diameter. (FIG. 3) This results in a shower curtain ring that easily slides along a shower curtain rod. Moreover, the use of nylon, as the preferred material, is a material with a low coefficient of friction, thereby providing even less resistance as the shower curtain ring slides across the curtain rod.
215952~
Moreover, it is contemplated that male connector 14 could only be inserted into female connector 16 through first opening 163. This embodiment of a female connector, generally indicated at 16', is illustrated in FIG. lA, like parts represented by like reference numerals. That is, in female connector 16', an edge 260 is formed during the molding of the shower curtain ring.
As stated above, the preferred cross-sectional view of band region 6 is illustrated in FIG. 2, but this is by way of example and not limitation. It is also contemplated that oval (FIG. 7) or other shapes (FIGS. 8-10), could be used in place of an at least essentially circular cross-sectional band region 6.
Likewise, the use of other cross-sectional shapes for neck regions 5 is contemplated. For example, the cross-sectional shape of neck regions 5 can be oval. An oval cross-section makes the flexibility of shower curtain ring 10 directional, since the differing dimensions of an oval cross-section for neck regions 5 permit great flexibility while preventing shower curtain ring 10 from being repeatedly flexed in all directions, thereby providing further rigidity and durability. Furthermore, it is contemplated that other variations of band regions 6 may be utilized. Several of these examples are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. However, each of these alternative embodiments herein disclosed have the critical feature of at least two different regions, each having a different cross-sectional dimension so as to achieve a shower curtain ring constructing having both the desired flexibility and structural integrity.
The method of forming shower curtain ring 10 will now be described. Shower curtain ring 10 is formed from a two-piece mold constructed so that the longitudinal axis of the shower curtain ring that will be herein described will be at least essentially a straight line. The resulting shower curtain ring that exits the mold is essentially formed in a straight line, similar to the shape of shower curtain ring lO of FIG. 1. To form the shower curtain ring, the desired material, nylon by way of example, is heated until it liquifies. The liquid material is then injected into the mold and is cured.
By molding the shower curtain rings in a straight line, it is possible to eliminate the use of a lateral cam action molding mechAnism to form openings 163 and 164 and chamber 165 in female connectors 16 or 16'. That is, if it is desired to manufacture a shower curtain ring embodiment that includes opening 163, the mold itself can include a nub (not shown) so that when the liquid material is injected into the mold, the liquid material can harden around the nub, thereby forming first opening 163 and chamber 165.
Furthermore, second opening 164 can be formed, not by cam action or a pin being inserted into the mold, but rather, by having a second nub arranged within the mold itself. Similar to the formation of first opening 163, the liquid material forming female connector 16 or 16' can harden around the second nub. When the hardened ring 10 is removed from the mold, it is removed in a direction away from the first mentioned nub, thereby leaving first opr~n; ng 163 undamaged. Furthermore, in the formation of female connector 16, the second mentioned nub is ext~n~e~ so as to not allow edge 260, (shown in FIG lA) to form. Further, the second mentioned nub can be r ~ ~ ved altogether so that no second opening 164 is formed in female connector 16'.
However, if the use of a lateral camming action is desired, the "close-off" complexity is nonetheless reduced since the molding in a straight line would only require an approximately 1/16' movement of a camming lever. This also results in less maintenance required for the mold assemblies.
Injection molding the shower curtain rings in a straight line reduces the cost and provides an improved shower curtain ring construction. Specifically, the ability to straight line mold the shower curtain ring can eliminate the need for lateral cam action devices to form openings 163 or 164 and chamber 165. Such complex lateral cam action is necessary in the injection molding of circular shower curtain rings. Further, the production yield on - - 21~9525 an injection-molded straight line shower curtain ring increases due to the improved reliability of the manufacturing process.
Specifically, the formation of openings 163 and 164 and chamber 165 without a lateral camming action or with a much more simple c~r~ing action minimizes the formation of flash, resulting in a higher expectancy of useable product.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the construction set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
AND METHOD OF M~T~ ~ SAME
RA~K~.KI~U~.~ OF T~E lNV~ lON
The present invention relates generally to shower curtain rings for hanging a shower curtain and, in particular, to a novel shower curtain ring construction which can be easily manufactured and facilitates the hanging and replacement of a shower curtain.
Generally, shower curtain rings are used to hang shower curtains on a curtain rod in order to prevent water from leaving a shower or bath enclosure. Heretofore, shower curtain rings have been primarily of two types. The first type is a one-piece metal hook which permits the displacement of the hook onto or away from a shower curtain and curtain rod by exerting considerable pressure on two ends of the metal hook. A second type of closed ring is an injection molded one-piece plastic ring having an interlocking construction comprised of an elongated bayonet projection that is received into an opening formed in the opposing portion of the ring. Both of these types of shower curtain rings are less than completely satisfactory because they are difficult to engage and disengage from the shower curtain and the curtain rod. Also, although molded plastic rings are more attractive and hence favored for appearance purposes, they are easily broken during hanging and removal of the shower curtain due to the force needed to open the rings sufficiently for replacement and removal of the curtain.
Also, the method of manufacturing molded plastic rings has been heretofore unsatisfactory. Specifically, a two-part mold is required to permit resin to be injected within a mold chamber.
However, these mold chambers, in order to obtain the necessary openings, require the use of a lateral cam action mechanism to bore the opening that receives the male connector. Because of the circular configuration of these shower curtain rings, the cam must enter from the outer surface of the ring and requires, in some instances, the travel of a camming lever or pin of approximately 3/4" through the curtain ring. Moreover, the required boring results in the phenomenon of ~flash" appearing at the openings, -215952~
thereby resulting in a low yield of suitable or commercially acceptable molded rings.
Accordingly, an improved shower curtain ring having a construction which facilitates replacement and L.- -val of a shower curtain and that is more easily and efficiently manufactured is desired.
SI~MaRY OF TEIE lNvk~.l.lON
Generally speAk;ng, in accordance with the present invention, an improved shower curtain ring is provided including an elongated body having a plurality of integrally formed neck regions and a plurality of band regions. Each of the neck regions have a first cross-section for at least in part providing flexibility to the shower curtain ring. The plurality of band regions have a second cross-section, which is larger than the cross-section of each of the neck regions, for at least in part providing rigidity and shape to the shower curtain ring. The shower curtain ring also includes a male connector at a first end and a female connector at the other end, the male connector and the female connector being constructed and arranged to be releasably interconnected to form a shower curtain ring for supporting a shower curtain. A shower curtain ring having alternating band regions and neck regions as described herein is adapted to be molded in a straight line two-piece mold that m; n; m; zes the complexity of a second lateral action step during molding.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved shower curtain ring for facilitating the hanging of a shower curtain on a curtain rod.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved shower curtain ring that permits a shower curtain to be easily hung and removed from a shower curtain rod.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved shower curtain ring that is lightweight and durable.
215952~
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of manufacturing a shower curtain ring.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the article possessing the features, properties and the relation of elements, which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a one-piece shower curtain ring constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. lA is a perspective view of a female connector constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the one-piece shower curtain ring taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the one-piece shower curtain ring depicted in FIG. 1 when hanging a shower curtain from a curtain rod;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the one-piece shower curtain ring taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are plan views of a section of alternate embodiments of the curtain rings constructed in accordance with the instant invention; and FIGS. 7-10 are sectional views of alternative embodiments of the present invention.
~15952~
nR'rATT.~n Dl~SCRIPTION OF 1~ PREFERRED E~BOD ~
Reference is first made to FIG. 1 wherein a one-piece shower curtain ring, generally indicated at 10, is depicted. The shower curtain ring is an integrally molded elongated body, generally indicated as 12, a male connector, generally indicated as 14, and a female connector, generally indicated as 16.
Elongated body 12, has a~plurality of neck regions 5 and band regions 6. Each neck region 5 is characterized as having a reduced cross-section when compared to the cross-section of each band region 6. FIG. 2 illustrates the cross section taken orthogonol to the longitudinal axis of elongated body 12 of FIG.
1. Furthermore, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the neck regions are characterized by arcuate radiused walls 5' which taper into a ~;nimllm diameter at the midpoint between each band. By utilizing this construction, the ring is permitted to fully bend about the neck regions in the manner depicted in FIG.
3 to form a shower curtain ring.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and FIG. 4, in which male connector 14 and female connector 16 are depicted, male connector 14 includes a land 141 positioned between a raised annular shoulder 142 and band region 6 so that an eyelet 29 of a shower curtain 19 can be positioned thereon. The width of land 141 should be sufficient to receive a shower curtain thereon. Male connector 14 also includes a head, generally indicated at 142. Head 142 includes two symmetrical spaced apart prongs 143a and 143b. Prongs 143a and 143b include a narrow flange 144a and 144b, respectively, for securing prongs 143a and 143b within female connector 16.
Prongs 143a and 143b also have rounded tops in order to be more easily inserted within female connector 16.
In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 through 4, the diameter of the cross-section of neck region 5 is approximately 1/16". However, this ~ n~ion can vary based upon the material used for the shower curtain ring. Furthermore, the ratio of the cross-section of neck region 5 to that of the cross-section of band 215952~
region 6 is approximately 1:5. However, this is by way of example, and not limiting since various ratios and cross-sectional ~im~nsions are contemplated.
Female connector 16 includes a first opening 163 having a diameter that is less than the diameter of spaced apart prongs 143a and 143b. Opening 163 opens into a chamber 165. Female connector 16 also includes annular steps 162a and 162b which secure flanges 144a and 144b of prongs 143a and 143b within female connector 16. Female connector 16 also includes a second opening 164 which permits prongs 143a and 143b to be inserted into chamber 165 from the side.
The entire shower curtain ring 10 is formed of nylon, although other materials, such as polyethylene, high and low density, polypropylene and copolymers, with and without fillers, can be used. Moreover, by utilizing a scented polymer, the shower curtain ring can be used to impart a pleasant scent to the bathroom enclosure.
In operation, the construction of a shower curtain ring 10 allows for great amounts of flexibility. Specifically, the plurality of neck regions 5 permits a shower curtain ring that is manufactured in a straight line ("in-line"), as further discussed below, to be flexible enough to be easily arranged to form a closed loop ring.
When a shower curtain is to be hung, male connector 14 is inserted through eyelet 29 of shower curtain 19 and around shower curtain rod 1 so that curtain 19 rests on landing 141 of male connector 14. Next, head 142 is inserted into first opening 163 of female connector 16 so that the rounded tabs of prongs 143a and 143b are pushed together to fit through first opening 163. As head 142 continues to be inserted into female connector 16, it will pass annular steps 162a and 162b thereby expanding so that it will be retained from slipping out of female connector 16 by annular steps 162a and 162b. The force exerted by prongs 143a and 143b upon annular steps 162a and 162b prevent head 142 from prematurely ~159525 disengaging from female connector 16. In this way, head 142 is releasably retained in female connector 16. When it is desired to remove shower curtain 19 from shower curtain rod 1, each shower curtain ring 10 can be opened by pulling male connector 14 away from female connector 16, thereby causing annular steps 162a and 162b to no longer be able to retain flanges 144a and 144b within female connector 16, thereby causing male connector 14 to release from female connector 16.
Alternatively, prongs 143a and 143b can be inserted into chamber 165 of female connector 16, or ~l..oved therefrom, from the side. To accomplish this, prongs 143a and 143b are aligned with second opening 164 from the side so that prongs 143a and 143b can be easily placed therein. To separate male connector 14 from female connector 16 using second opening 164, force should be applied in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of elongated body 12 so that male connector 14 and female connector 16 can become disengaged. Accordingly, it can be seen that there exists an option as to how a user releasably connects male connector 14 to female connector 16 so as to form an improved closed loop shower curtain ring structure. Accordingly, constructing a shower curtain ring that also includes a plurality of neck regions 5 and band regions 6 permits the shower curtain ring to L~ ~in flexible and yet sufficiently rigid and durable.
Also, the construction of alternating neck regions 5 and band regions 6 results in a reduced amount of material actually contacting a shower curtain rod 1. Accordingly, there is less surface contact between shower curtain rod 1 and shower curtain ring 10 than if shower curtain ring 10 was of a uniform cross-sectional diameter. (FIG. 3) This results in a shower curtain ring that easily slides along a shower curtain rod. Moreover, the use of nylon, as the preferred material, is a material with a low coefficient of friction, thereby providing even less resistance as the shower curtain ring slides across the curtain rod.
215952~
Moreover, it is contemplated that male connector 14 could only be inserted into female connector 16 through first opening 163. This embodiment of a female connector, generally indicated at 16', is illustrated in FIG. lA, like parts represented by like reference numerals. That is, in female connector 16', an edge 260 is formed during the molding of the shower curtain ring.
As stated above, the preferred cross-sectional view of band region 6 is illustrated in FIG. 2, but this is by way of example and not limitation. It is also contemplated that oval (FIG. 7) or other shapes (FIGS. 8-10), could be used in place of an at least essentially circular cross-sectional band region 6.
Likewise, the use of other cross-sectional shapes for neck regions 5 is contemplated. For example, the cross-sectional shape of neck regions 5 can be oval. An oval cross-section makes the flexibility of shower curtain ring 10 directional, since the differing dimensions of an oval cross-section for neck regions 5 permit great flexibility while preventing shower curtain ring 10 from being repeatedly flexed in all directions, thereby providing further rigidity and durability. Furthermore, it is contemplated that other variations of band regions 6 may be utilized. Several of these examples are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. However, each of these alternative embodiments herein disclosed have the critical feature of at least two different regions, each having a different cross-sectional dimension so as to achieve a shower curtain ring constructing having both the desired flexibility and structural integrity.
The method of forming shower curtain ring 10 will now be described. Shower curtain ring 10 is formed from a two-piece mold constructed so that the longitudinal axis of the shower curtain ring that will be herein described will be at least essentially a straight line. The resulting shower curtain ring that exits the mold is essentially formed in a straight line, similar to the shape of shower curtain ring lO of FIG. 1. To form the shower curtain ring, the desired material, nylon by way of example, is heated until it liquifies. The liquid material is then injected into the mold and is cured.
By molding the shower curtain rings in a straight line, it is possible to eliminate the use of a lateral cam action molding mechAnism to form openings 163 and 164 and chamber 165 in female connectors 16 or 16'. That is, if it is desired to manufacture a shower curtain ring embodiment that includes opening 163, the mold itself can include a nub (not shown) so that when the liquid material is injected into the mold, the liquid material can harden around the nub, thereby forming first opening 163 and chamber 165.
Furthermore, second opening 164 can be formed, not by cam action or a pin being inserted into the mold, but rather, by having a second nub arranged within the mold itself. Similar to the formation of first opening 163, the liquid material forming female connector 16 or 16' can harden around the second nub. When the hardened ring 10 is removed from the mold, it is removed in a direction away from the first mentioned nub, thereby leaving first opr~n; ng 163 undamaged. Furthermore, in the formation of female connector 16, the second mentioned nub is ext~n~e~ so as to not allow edge 260, (shown in FIG lA) to form. Further, the second mentioned nub can be r ~ ~ ved altogether so that no second opening 164 is formed in female connector 16'.
However, if the use of a lateral camming action is desired, the "close-off" complexity is nonetheless reduced since the molding in a straight line would only require an approximately 1/16' movement of a camming lever. This also results in less maintenance required for the mold assemblies.
Injection molding the shower curtain rings in a straight line reduces the cost and provides an improved shower curtain ring construction. Specifically, the ability to straight line mold the shower curtain ring can eliminate the need for lateral cam action devices to form openings 163 or 164 and chamber 165. Such complex lateral cam action is necessary in the injection molding of circular shower curtain rings. Further, the production yield on - - 21~9525 an injection-molded straight line shower curtain ring increases due to the improved reliability of the manufacturing process.
Specifically, the formation of openings 163 and 164 and chamber 165 without a lateral camming action or with a much more simple c~r~ing action minimizes the formation of flash, resulting in a higher expectancy of useable product.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the construction set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Claims (13)
1. A shower curtain ring, comprising:
an elongated body having a plurality of neck regions and a plurality of band regions, each said band region being separated from an adjacent band region by a neck region;
said plurality of band regions having a first cross-section, said plurality of neck regions having a second cross-section, said second cross-section being narrower than said first cross-section for at least in part providing flexibility to said shower curtain ring;
male connector means integral with a first end of said elongated body, and female connector means integral with a second end of said elongated body, said male connector means and said f-male connector means constructed and arranged to be releasably interconnected to form a shower curtain ring.
an elongated body having a plurality of neck regions and a plurality of band regions, each said band region being separated from an adjacent band region by a neck region;
said plurality of band regions having a first cross-section, said plurality of neck regions having a second cross-section, said second cross-section being narrower than said first cross-section for at least in part providing flexibility to said shower curtain ring;
male connector means integral with a first end of said elongated body, and female connector means integral with a second end of said elongated body, said male connector means and said f-male connector means constructed and arranged to be releasably interconnected to form a shower curtain ring.
2. The shower curtain ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said band regions has an essentially circular cross-section.
3. The shower curtain ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said neck regions is integrally coupled to and separated by a band region so that said elongated body is arranged having alternating neck regions and band regions.
4. The shower curtain ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elongated body is formed of nylon.
5. The shower curtain ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein said female connector means includes a first opening and said male connector means includes a head adapted to be releasably inserted in said first opening.
6. The shower curtain ring as claimed in claim 5, wherein said female connector means includes a second opening and said male connector means includes a head adapted to be releasably inserted in said second opening.
7. The shower curtain ring as claimed in claim 5, wherein said head of said male connector means includes a plurality of prongs adapted to be releasably inserted in said first opening.
8. The shower curtain ring as claimed in claim 6, wherein said head of said male connector means includes a plurality of prongs adapted to be releasably inserted in said second opening.
9. The shower curtain ring as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shower curtain ring is made from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene or copolymers.
10. A method of manufacturing a shower curtain ring, including an elongated body having a first cross-section for at least in part providing rigidity to said shower curtain ring, and a second cross-section for at least in part providing flexibility to said shower curtain ring, said second cross-section being narrower than said first cross-section, comprising the steps of:
injecting said mold material in liquid form into a substantially straight line two-piece mold; and curing the material in the mold with a minimum of lateral camming action, and removing the cured material from the mold in the form of a completed shower curtain ring.
injecting said mold material in liquid form into a substantially straight line two-piece mold; and curing the material in the mold with a minimum of lateral camming action, and removing the cured material from the mold in the form of a completed shower curtain ring.
11. A shower curtain ring, comprising:
an elongated body molded in a straight line having a plurality of neck regions and a plurality of band regions being separated;
said plurality of band regions having a first cross-section for at least in part providing rigidity to said shower curtain ring, said plurality of neck regions having a second cross-section for at least in part providing flexibility to said shower curtain ring, said second cross-section being narrower than said first cross-section, whereby said first and second cross-sections are taken orthogonol to the longitudinal axis of said elongated body;
each said band region being separated from an adjacent band region by a neck region; and male connector means integral with a first end of said elongated body, and female connector means integral with a second end of said elongated body, said male connector means and said female connector means constructed and arranged to be releasably interconnected to form a shower curtain ring for supporting a shower curtain.
an elongated body molded in a straight line having a plurality of neck regions and a plurality of band regions being separated;
said plurality of band regions having a first cross-section for at least in part providing rigidity to said shower curtain ring, said plurality of neck regions having a second cross-section for at least in part providing flexibility to said shower curtain ring, said second cross-section being narrower than said first cross-section, whereby said first and second cross-sections are taken orthogonol to the longitudinal axis of said elongated body;
each said band region being separated from an adjacent band region by a neck region; and male connector means integral with a first end of said elongated body, and female connector means integral with a second end of said elongated body, said male connector means and said female connector means constructed and arranged to be releasably interconnected to form a shower curtain ring for supporting a shower curtain.
12. The shower curtain ring as claimed in claim 11, wherein a first opening in said female connector means is formed by permitting a liquid material to harden around a nub formed integrally with the interior of a mold.
13. The shower curtain ring as claimed in claim 11, wherein a second opening in said female connector means is formed by permitting a liquid material to harden around a second nub formed integrally with the interior of a mold.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US31627094A | 1994-09-30 | 1994-09-30 | |
| US08/316,270 | 1994-09-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2159525A1 true CA2159525A1 (en) | 1996-03-31 |
Family
ID=23228322
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2159525 Abandoned CA2159525A1 (en) | 1994-09-30 | 1995-09-29 | Shower curtain ring and method of making same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2159525A1 (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-09-29 CA CA 2159525 patent/CA2159525A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5794316A (en) | Side-release buckle having improved locking feature | |
| EP1048234A1 (en) | A snap fastener having a detachment directionality | |
| EP0099577A1 (en) | Swivel hook assembly | |
| US5367742A (en) | Click-lock ring for hanging shower curtains | |
| US4038725A (en) | Fastener and method of using same | |
| US6311706B1 (en) | Umbrella runner | |
| KR100240214B1 (en) | Auto-lock slide fastener slider and apparatus for molding slider cover | |
| US5544387A (en) | Curtain attachment connector assembly and curtain attachment connector | |
| EP0855865B1 (en) | Press-stud | |
| GB2143782A (en) | Fastener and a method of making the same | |
| GB2305676A (en) | Cord equipped with connector | |
| JPH0228324B2 (en) | ||
| CA1164411A (en) | Tape joint for cylindrical members | |
| US20240138390A1 (en) | Method of assembly of combined fixed and slip bobber | |
| SK149994A3 (en) | Jack | |
| CA2159525A1 (en) | Shower curtain ring and method of making same | |
| US4112608A (en) | Method and apparatus for fabricating fishing lures etc. | |
| CA1331092C (en) | Fishing tackle | |
| DE102008011721B4 (en) | Soother with a sucking part fixed to a mouth shield | |
| CA1318474C (en) | Mandrel for making elastomeric articles | |
| GB2156267A (en) | Plastics buckles and processes for the manufacture thereof | |
| US4340561A (en) | Process for the manufacture of a holder for a deodorizing and disinfecting product for toilet pans | |
| US5804226A (en) | Bushing for knock out pin and removable knock out pin assembly | |
| US20050133440A1 (en) | Filter device and method of manufacturing the same | |
| GB2307662A (en) | Handle cord |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |