CN101098649B

CN101098649B - Shower curtain bar

Info

Publication number: CN101098649B
Application number: CN2005800462226A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·德维斯
Original assignee: Arcs & Angles Inc
Current assignee: Arcs & Angles Inc
Priority date: 2004-11-08
Filing date: 2005-11-04
Publication date: 2010-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-04
Also published as: WO2006052753A3; CA2586517C; EP1809156A2; WO2006052753A2; CN101098649A; CA2586517A1

Abstract

The invention comprises a flexible shower curtain bar system with accompanying mounting brackets. The bar may have a rectangular cross section with a rounded top edge and can be fabricated from aluminum or plastic. The bar may be curved to match the curvature of shower tub stalls. The bar length can be adjusted by adjoining multiple sections or cutting. The system may be installed on multiple adjacent wall orientations. The mounting brackets are configured to mount to the wall using multiple techniques. Both the bar and mounting bracket have complementary mating features to attach the bar.

Description

Shower curtain bar

Background of invention

Curtains, like shower doors is the same, and the water retaining that is used for flowing out from the shower head device is in shower room (as shower compartment, shower tray).Normally hang shower curtain with shower rods.As its title hinted, shower rods was a column tube with circular cross-section.Shower rods is across the space in the shower room.Can utilize certain kind of means that shower rods is permanently secured on the wall of shower room.Alternatively, also shower rods can be designed to have tension force, it can be attached on the wall temporarily.Can provide tension force with spring or other device.Normally with hook shower curtain is hung on the round bar, hook slides on pole, and shower curtain moves to lead to the inlet of shower room with hook simultaneously.

A problem of typical shower rod is, cylindrical shape may make its easy rotation, or in installed part, or when it is propped up on wall by tension force.Because the structure of typical rod and circular section, the flexible of round bar is very little or do not have.Thereby round bar may be under the effect of shower curtain weight, perhaps rotates along with the continuous motion of shower curtain folding or moves.In addition, run into round bar and round bar stands fast if the door of washroom is opened, then the round cross section of typical rod may be damaged door.Also have, the impact of door may influence the globality of round bar or its installation.Such as, when round bar by door knob and moved or during rotation, if lose enough tension force, spring tension pole will be dropped.In addition, when absorbing the vibrations of the door of running into round bar, might become flexible in the device that is used for supporting round bar.

Limited flexibility makes that also the installation of round bar is more complicated, because round bar can not be bent to put in the installed part.Another problem that round bar is installed is that because the round bar cross section is circular, its edge must be parallel to the receiving unit of wall or installed part.If wall is not parallel or round bar or installed part are installed out-of-levelly, then the edge may be not parallel, and with wall or the contacted surface area of installed part with less.For spring-loaded round bar, this may make that the surface area of tension force is provided is less, and connects more unstable.In addition, owing to be the circular section, round bar is not easy to be installed in the shower room that does not possess the two sides parallel walls.In other words, the installed part of round bar must be in identical angle with the edge, so that installed part can be admitted round bar.For spring-loaded round bar, the edge must form the special angle consistent with wall.

In addition, round bar is not easy to make desirable other shape.For instance, may wish that shower rods is consistent with the curvature of shower tray.But,, be to be the straight line of curved portion all around with the end that requires it, so that this round bar can be admitted by installed part because round bar is the circular section.People do not wish this structure that different piece is arranged, nor good-looking.In addition, if need shorten round bar or the minimizing arch section, each end that then need cut round bar is to keep radian in the centre.Also have, unless straight line portion is very long, otherwise the length of curved rod can not shorten straight line portion is disappeared.

In addition, use shower rods that curtain is balanced.On the contrary, if round bar passes the shower curtain joint close, then the round edge of round bar will protrude curtain.Perhaps, when using hook, will fold or folded at hook present position curtain.Moreover the circular section may cause the friction with some fixed system.

Thereby, needing a kind of device that hangs shower curtain, it is not easy rotation, and is flexible good, does not require that the edge is parallel to wall or installed part, can make difformity or size, revises easily, and profile (for example, allowing curtain is evened up) attractive in appearance is provided.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides the fixedly shower curtain bar of shower curtain.This shower curtain bar has the square-section and the front is flat.The square-section means that pole is not easy rotation.Flat front helps to prevent that object (as door) is damaged when contacting with pole.Shower curtain bar can be with flexible and material manufacturing that intensity is high, makes it can be crooked in order to installation, can support the weight of shower curtain simultaneously again.For example, can change the concrete shape of pole and it is installed in non-parallel between the walls.Its flexibility can also buffered gate collision.Pole can provide flexible with aluminium, plastics or other, the material manufacturing of intensity and square-section (for example, flat front).Pole can be pushed, or mould notes, casting, punching press or machined are shaped.

Pole can be single-piece or be linked together by many members.For many piece bar, each member can be the outstanding and/or female ends that can connect together.Can slot in each member, in the groove of each member of pole, place stay or box cupling, with together strut fixation.

Pole can be supported with mounting bracket.These supports can be mutually mirror image, so only with single installed part fixing two ends just.Mounting bracket can forever or versatilely be fixed on the wall.Can slot in the mounting bracket to admit pole.The comparable pole of groove more greatly so that have greater flexibility when mounted.Mounting bracket can comprise one group of screw, with helping a support fix in position.Can utilize the screw that inserts in its hole that mounting bracket is installed on the wall.

Mounting bracket can comprise one or several suction cup, so that support is fixed on the wall versatilely, and does not need wall is done any change.Mounting bracket also can comprise a confession and hold the handle of taking, and also can utilize it that air is discharged suction cup, is connected to provide with the vacuum seal of wall.Mounting bracket also can comprise some finger pieces, and they can insert in the groove of pole.These finger pieces can be the band angles, and angle can change.

According to an embodiment, can be curved to the shower curtain bar of some device.For example, shower curtain bar bending (making radian) can be become follow the radian (for example, the edge between shower tray part and the terrace part) of shower tray.Curved shower bar can allow and hang over top shower curtain and be in shower tray outward flange the inside, when utilizing whole shower tray water is remained in the shower tray.Curved shower bar has the specific radian and the degree of depth, decides according to employed shower tray specification.An edge by cutting pole can change the radian and the degree of depth.

This shower curtain bar can be used for using the shower curtain of hook, or as United States Patent (USP) 5,186, the nothing hook described in 232 ( ) shower curtain.This shower curtain bar can allow shower curtain even up on pole.The surface design of shower curtain bar must be able to be had graceful outward appearance.

Description of drawings

The feature and advantage of each embodiment will come into plain view from following detailed description, wherein:

Figure 1A-B is the perspective view and the profile of shower curtain bar among the embodiment;

Fig. 2 A-B is respectively the shower curtain bar top view that is installed among the embodiment between parallel and the perpendicular walls;

Fig. 3 A-C is respectively the curve shower curtain bar top view that is installed in parallel and vertical and single face between the walls among the embodiment;

Fig. 4 is by the connect together end of several pole examples of constituting of several separation members among the embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a forward and backward perspective view of admitting the mounting bracket example of shower curtain bar among the embodiment;

Fig. 6 is the cutaway view of mounting bracket example among the embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a local hollow mounting bracket example perspective view among the embodiment;

Fig. 8 is the mounting bracket example perspective view that extends among the embodiment;

Fig. 9 is a mounting bracket example perspective view among the embodiment;

Figure 10 is a mounting bracket example perspective view among the embodiment;

Figure 11 is a structure example of utilizing many piece curved shower curtain bar and suction cup mounting bracket among the embodiment;

Figure 12 A-C is all kinds curtain that is installed among the embodiment on the shower curtain bar.

Describe in detail

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of an example 100 of shower curtain bar.This pole 100 has the square-section, thereby has eliminated problem relevant with rotation in having the circular section standard shower rods.In addition, the square-section provides flat outer surface, can prevent from like this to be damaged when the washroom door knob hits shower curtain bar 100.Pole 100 has relevant length 110, highly (degree of depth) 120 and width 130.Length 110 is subjected to the restriction of shower curtain bar installing space size (for example, shower room span size).Support and graceful outward appearance that the height 120 of pole 100 and the degree of depth 130 should be hanked and can be provided required.Should point out that the height 120 and the degree of depth 130 can change according to the length 110 of pole 100.According to an embodiment, the top edge 140 of pole 100 can round.The edge 140 that is rounded can enable the shower curtains to lie flat against on the shower curtain bar 100, and more good-looking outward appearance is provided.The edge 140 that is rounded can be the shower curtain supporter (for example linking up with cringle) that slides on it, shower curtain, and drop cloth or other object provide smooth surface.

As shown in the figure, this shower curtain bar example 100 has 1 inch the height 120 and 1/8 inch the degree of depth 130.But pole 100 is not subjected to the restriction of illustrated dimensions fully, because the variation of these parameters is within the scope of each embodiment described here fully.

Figure 1B is the profile of several poles 100.This pole 100 can be solid 150,170 (hollow but band supports 180, so that higher strength and stiffness to be provided) that 160 hollow or part is hollow.Support 180 in part hollow bar 170 can be flatly, vertically, settle (being illustrated as level) by diagonal or its certain combination.The type in used cross section is relevant with Several Factors, at least some minor dimension that comprises pole 100 (for example, thickness), be used for making the material of pole 100, what kind of flexibility pole 100 requires, and is used for fixing mounting bracket (pole 100 will the be installed in the inside) type of pole 100, and pole 100 needs to support great weight, pole 100 is single-piece or many members, and cost etc.

Pole 100 used weights are light, intensity is higher and/or flexible material is made.For ease of installing and transporting and to adopt lightweight material.Adopt the higher material of intensity can allow pole 100 support shower curtain and may also have shower liner and/or people to lean against top weight.Flexible good material can allow pole 100 crooked when mounted with convenient installation.Flexible good material also can allow its bending when door is crashed pole 100, in order to avoid damage door or pole 100, perhaps make the element of rest pole 100 bear excessive power (promptly playing the safety and shock-absorption pad).Flexible good material also can make pole 100 take out from installing mechanism easily.For instance, an end of pole 100 can take out from installing mechanism, and bends to the shower curtain support that can conveniently install or remove (as hook, cringle), shower curtain, drop cloth or other object.If the length of pole 100 needs to shorten, then can make of the material that can cut (as adopting hacksaw).

Pole 100 can die forming (as extruding, injection molding, casting).Perhaps also can adopt punching press, machined, or by the processing of other method, these method those skilled in the art are all known at present or were found afterwards.Material can be the aluminiums such as mutation of 6000 aluminium series.According to an embodiment, pole 100 can be made with 6021 aviation aluminium, so that the flexible good and high pole 100 of intensity to be provided.Also can use plastics (as PVC, polypropylene, ABC).Can also be carbon fiber, fibrous glass, graphite, timber or other insider material known at present or that find later on, they will provide has top prescribed strength, the pole of flexibility and weight parameter.Can also carry out anodization to pole 100, to protect outer surface better.

Pole 100 can be straight and be connected shower room (as shower compartment, shower tray) between the walls.Wall can be parallel and form the two sides of shower room, or vertical wall, i.e. corner wall.Shower room also can be an Any shape, and pole 100 is positioned in the span of this shower room with interior (at the between the walls of span opposite face).

Fig. 2 A represent to be installed in shower curtain bar 200 between the two sides parallel walls 210 (as Fig. 1 100), Fig. 2 B represent to be installed in shower curtain bar 250 between the two sides perpendicular walls 260 (as Fig. 1 100).

Pole can also be curved.The curvature of pole can be according to the curvature of (or substantially according to) shower tray.In shower tray, adopt curved shower bar can allow shower curtain topped along the shower tray edge substantially, thereby shower person can utilize whole shower tray and simultaneously water remained in the shower tray.In addition, when as the 3rd sidewalls between the perpendicular walls of two sides, curved shower bar can provide additional space.When having only a sidewalls to can be used to shower curtain bar is installed, also can use curved shower bar.Moreover curved shower bar may seem more to allow the people like.

Fig. 3 A represents curved shower bar 300 (as 100), and it is installed between the two sides parallel walls 310.The span of shower room (distances of two sidewalls) 320 is a certain length.For example, typical shower tray may have about 60 inches span.Shower curtain bar 300 is shaped forms, so it stretches out with angle 330 from every sidewalls 310.In central point 340 places of shower room span 320 (and shower curtain bar 300), distance 350 maximums that shower curtain bar 300 stretches out (for example, 8 and 1/2 inches).The total length of curved shower bar 300 should be taken into account span 320, angle 330 (radian of pole 300) and ultimate range 350.The span 320 of shower room and the curvature of shower tray will limit radian (angle) 330, ultimate range 350, and the total length of shower curtain bar 300.Pole 300 can have continuous radius of curvature (for example, 58 inches).According to an embodiment, can make curved shower bar 300 and be suitable for some standard-sized shower room.

As shown in the figure, example shower rods 300 is designed to cooperate bathtub, and this bathtub has the span (opening) 320 of about 60 inches (from walls to the wall), also has an edge that extends about 8 and 1/2nd inches ultimate range.Therefore, angle 330 can have about 350 degree, and whole length can be 63 inches.But the present invention constitutes anything but and limits illustrated embodiment.As previously mentioned, these parameters can change within the scope of the invention.Come lecture to understand that the specification of bar 300 (for example curvature (radian) size, shape) depends on the size and dimension of shower shroud as a those of ordinary skill in the art.

Pole 300 can be beforehand with camber, to meet shower tray.Pole 300 can be made a kind of with several pre-processed shape of different shower tray size and dimension unanimities.According to an embodiment, can change radian 330 and maximum height 350 by the overall size that shortens pole 300.Such as, the every end-grain cutting of pole is gone 1/2 inch, ultimate range can reduce 1 inch.According to an embodiment, pole 300 just had a predetermined radii originally, through overregulating it was adapted to be mounted within the specific application.According to an embodiment, pole 300 can be straight originally, will can be installed in the specific application after its bending.

Curved bar 300 is not limited to be installed between the parallel walls.On the contrary, curved bar 300 can be installed between the span of vertical (or near normal) wall.In addition, if the radian of pole 300 is enough big, also be installed in it on the sidewalls, the radian of pole 300 constitutes the major part of shower area at this moment so long.Perhaps, shower room can be an Any shape, and place pole 300 in the span of this shower room (at the between the walls of span opposite face) this moment.

Fig. 3 B represents to connect the example of the curved bar 360 of two sides perpendicular walls 370.This curved bar 360 give space that shower person provides than connect with straight bar same 2 big.Fig. 3 C represents to be connected the example of the curved bar 380 on the single face wall 390.This curved bar 380 makes shower curtain can be suspended on shower tray or has only single face to install in the shower room of wall, and does not need to provide support from ceiling.

So far we have only discussed single-piece pole.But obviously be not limited to this.In fact, for packing and transportation, adopt some less members and pole that they are fitted together more favourable.For example, the pole that has two members to fit together.Can be fixed together this two member with diverse ways.Such as each member of pole can have outstanding end or depression end, and they can connect or overlap with snap-fastener.

Fig. 4 shows the end of several many piece bar examples, and they can link together.Removable pole 400 comprises first 410 (female ends) wherein having groove 420 and from second (jag) 430 of pole projecting shaft 440.Removable pole 450 comprises first 460 of wherein having several (as two) groove 470 and has second 480 of several (as two) axle 490 that these align with first 460 interior groove 470.Also can be first 460 and have some groove 470 and some axle 490 (for example, groove 470 is on the top, and axle 490 is in the bottom), and second 480 groove 470 and axle 490 (on the top, groove 470 is in bottoms as axle 490) with reverse order.

Groove 420,470 can extend to a part (for example, allowing it be enough to admit axle 440,490) of first 410,460 or can pass first 410,460.Axle 440,490 can make a part of second 430,480, perhaps can be an interior separation member of groove (as 420,470) that can be contained in second 430,480.

If axle 440,490 is mounted in second 430,480 separation member in the groove, then has one for second 430,480 and extend to a part of second 430,480 or pass second 430,480 groove.That is to say that first 410,460 and second 430,480 can be with respect to being installed on one side or axle 440,490 symmetries on both sides.Can be for good and all fixing axle 440,490 (for example, welding, gluing, be press-fitted) in groove 420,470.Perhaps, also can be embedded in axle 440,490 in the groove 420,470 simply, and can from groove 420,470, take out.According to an embodiment, axle 440,490 can be a separation member (as stay), and it is installed in installation process in each of groove 420,470.Axle 440,490 can be with solid material manufacturing, so that the support to connecting to be provided.Axle 440,490 extensible enough distances make it be not easy to come off and the connection on both sides are provided support in each groove 420,470.But axle 440,490 should be not oversize, in order to avoid too complicated when being installed to it in the groove 420,470, perhaps may influence the flexibility or the radian of pole.

Pole can adopt the whole bag of tricks to be connected with wall.For example, can with mounting bracket with strut fixation on wall.Mounting bracket can comprise a groove to admit this pole.Mounting bracket can comprise an axle (or several axles), so that be connected with a groove (or several groove) in the pole.Perhaps conversely, mounting bracket can comprise a groove (or several groove), to admit an axle (or several axles) of pole.Available screw, nail, glue,

Or other method for good and all or semipermanently is connected to mounting bracket on the wall.

Fig. 5 represents the forward and backward perspective view of the mounting bracket example 500 of receivability shower curtain bar 510 (for example 100,400).This mounting bracket 500 comprises receiving plane 520, installed surface 530, outside (preceding) face 540, inner (back) face 550, above 560 and following 570.Groove (being blocked by pole 510 among the figure) is arranged in the receiving plane 520, be used for admitting pole 510.Installed surface 530 abuts against on the wall (for example, the sidewall of shower tray), and provides a tie point at mounting bracket 500 and between the walls.According to an embodiment, available key screw mounting bracket 500 is screwed on the wall.Here mounting bracket 500 comprises one or several hole 580, with allow screw by and mounting bracket 500 is fixed on the wall.Hole 580 can be passed mounting bracket 500 and comes out from installed surface 530 from inner face 550.

Receiving plane 520 and installed surface 530 can be parallel to each other.Above and below 560,570 can be parallel to each other.Front 540 can be perpendicular to receiving plane 520 and installed surface 530.Installed surface 530 can be longer than receiving plane 520.Inner face 550 can be done angled, is connected to the inward flange of installed surface 530 with the inward flange with receiving plane 520.Hole 580 can be opened on the inner face 550 that tilts, so that more close wall.But, the shape of mounting bracket and structure are not subjected to the restriction shown in the figure fully.For example, receiving plane 520 and inner face 550 can be faces, and promptly mounting bracket 500 is Pyramid (triangle bisections).In addition, not necessarily to be screwed on the wall, and can adopt many permanent, semipermanent (movable) or interim method of attachment with key screw mounting bracket 500.For example, can use nail, adhesive tape, viscose glue or

Deng mounting bracket 500 is connected on the wall.

Fig. 6 represents the profile of mounting bracket 600 examples (500 for example).This mounting bracket 600 comprises receiving plane 610 (520 for example), installed surface 620 (530 for example), front 630 (540 for example), tiltedly joint face 640 (550 for example) and back 650.In this embodiment, receiving plane 610 is parallel with installed surface 620, and front 630 is parallel with back 650.Next 650 is shorter than front 630, and receiving plane 610 is shorter than installed surface 620, and inclined-plane 640 is connected with two short faces (back 650 and receiving plane 610).This embodiment provides the profile of symmetry.

Have a groove 660 in the receiving plane 610, be used for admitting pole.Groove 660 shown in the figure is perpendicular to receiving plane 610 and be parallel to front 630, to admit straight pole.If pole is a shaped form, can be split into oblique (for example 640 inclinations) to groove towards the inclined-plane.One hole 670 is arranged in the inclined-plane 640, and it passes mounting bracket 600 and comes out from installed surface 620.Screw 680 can be passed in hole 670, so that mounting bracket 600 is fixed on the wall.Hole 670 comprises wide 672 and narrow 674, and forms a flange 676 between the two.Threaded portion all through hole 670 enters wall, and head of screw can pass wide 672 but can not pass narrow 674, thereby is located on the flange 676.This embodiment can allow screw be embedded in the inclined-plane 640.According to an embodiment, can in hole 670, provide a filling cap (not shown) that screw is covered.This filling cap can be used as water-stop and appearance modification.

According to an embodiment, can adopt one group of screw (not shown) with strut fixation in groove 660.Can organize upper surface or the lower surface (not shown) that screw places mounting bracket 600 to this.Also can organize screw to this places in front 630 or the inner face 640.

According to an embodiment, pole can be regulated in groove 660, the width of the width of this groove 660 and aspect ratio pole and highly wideer and high, with carry out required any adjusting also/or make the pole needn't be with angle insertion accurately.For instance, if the wall that mounting bracket 600 is connected is out-of-level, then groove 660 may not exclusively be straight.If the shower wall that mounting bracket 600 will connect is not parallel, then the groove 660 in each mounting bracket 600 may not be in identical angle.If mounting bracket 600 is not mounted to the identical height and/or the degree of depth, then pole will enter each groove 660 with different angles.

Mounting bracket 600 available energies support the robust materials manufacturing of pole.Mounting bracket 600 can be made with light material.For example, mounting bracket 600 can be with white metal manufacturings such as zinc powders.Also can use plastics (as PVC, polypropylene, ABC) manufacturing.These materials can also be carbon fiber, fibrous glass, graphite, timber or other materials of the known or later discovery of insider, and they can provide the intensity and the weight parameter of top defined.Mounting bracket 600 can mold pressing forms (to be annotated as mould.Casting).Perhaps, mounting bracket 600 also can punching press, machined or with other method processing, and these methods insider has known at present or found later on.Mounting bracket 600 can be electroplated and/or paint.Can be designed to mounting bracket 600 allow same support can be used to support any end (for example, left and right support is identical) of shower curtain bar.Mounting bracket 600 can be solid, is empty in the zone that groove and hole are arranged only, perhaps can be that part is hollow.

Fig. 7 is the perspective view of the hollow mounting bracket of part 700.This mounting bracket 700 comprises installed surface 710, and the latter has outer surface 720, cell wall 730, screw hole walls 740 and structural support members 750.The hollow mounting bracket 700 of part is in light weight, meanwhile can provide required support.Mounting bracket 700 also may comprise one group of screw hole 760, is used for installing one group of screw 770.This group screw hole 760 can allow this group screw 770 enter in the groove and with strut fixation and put in place.The hollow mounting bracket 700 of this part is not subjected to the restriction of illustrated embodiment fully.On the contrary, the professional person will recognize that a large amount of remodeling of the mounting bracket 700 that part is hollow still belong to category of the present invention.

From mounting bracket (for example, 500,600,700) stretch out and stretch from curved shower bar, may play lever arm and mounting bracket is pulled away from wall.For tackling this problem, mounting bracket along being installed, can be extended on wall, so that being provided, amasss extra contact surface.This extra surface area provides extra support to fixing pole putting in place, and makes the rotation minimum of pole and/or support.

Fig. 8 is the perspective view of the mounting bracket 800 of an extension.This mounting bracket 800 comprises out the groove 810 and the installing hole 820 that is formed in the inclined-plane in receiving plane, and is closely similar with the mounting bracket of the Fig. 5 to 7 that discussed.Mounting bracket 800 comprises an extension 830, and it also provides the surface of installation.Extension 830 another installing hole 820 arranged, so can be installed in another point (having three mounting points among the figure) in extension 830.Be noted that the present invention is to also unrestricted with the quantity that extension 830 is connected to installing hole used on the wall 820 with screw or bolt.In fact, since can adopt other method (for example, gluing,

), might not be connected extension 830 with screw/bolt with installing hole 820.

As previously mentioned, mounting bracket is connected with wall.Wall can be a dry wall, ceramic tile, rag work, and/or tub insert.Can use toggle bolt, softening bolt, anchor or other connector are tightened in mounting bracket on the wall.Many connectors require to get bigger hole on wall, make this connector (as toggle bolt) can pass this hole and open with fix in position in wall then.If shower wall is a tub insert, then macropore will pass the wall of this inserts back probably, and wall can be provided support, because tub insert is likely thin material, itself can not provide support to mounting bracket.Mounting bracket is tightened on the wall of tub insert back, in this inserts, produce stress probably.According to an embodiment, some inserts (as polypropylene) can be used to provide support for tub insert.

Fig. 8 has also shown and utilizes bolt (or screw) 840 and fastening inserts 850 that mounting bracket 800 is installed on the tub insert.This fastening inserts 850 has an overall diameter, and the hole that need bore in tub insert may be the same with the gap of tub insert and between the walls long, and the inside has a hole to be used for admitting screw (or bolt) 840.This fastening inserts 850 can play mechanical surface, with the distribute loads and the revolving force that contends with, thereby reduces stress on tub insert.In addition, tub insert can be some separation members, is inserted into when mounted above the bolt 840.Also can be installed in fastening inserts 850 on the mounting bracket 800.

With mounting bracket permanently (for example use screw) and be connected to install surface (for example wall, ceramic tile, tub insert) need some erection skills (as, toggle bolt is installed in boring).If install incorrect or mounting bracket does not have strict alignment, just need take off and reinstall, so just may damage wall.Thereby wish the installation of mounting bracket and install very simply once more, and do not require any change (for example not having the hole) is done on the surface, make as long as understand that slightly some mechanical people just can install shower curtain bar.

According to an embodiment, mounting bracket comprises the suction cup that is connected to wall.Those skilled in the art knows that if whole air of suction cup and between the walls are all drained, suction cup just can be best attached on the wall.A kind of method of accomplishing this point is that suction cup is pushed on wall., though can produce can be attached to the initial suction on the wall for this method, general not all air is all drained, thereby causes suction cup finally to slide from wall.Thereby hope has a kind of method that air is drained.There are a lot of methods can from suction cup, discharge air.For example, can adopt finger pump, people press...with one's finger and press this pump, so that air is drained from suction cup and between the walls.Suction cup can belt switch or valve, when it can allow air be present in suction cup and between the walls when a direction is rotated, but when it is pressed other direction and reverses, then forces air therefrom to discharge and cause vacuum seal.

Fig. 9 represents mounting bracket 900 examples.This mounting bracket 900 comprises suction cup 910, is used for support is fixed on the wall.What be installed in suction cup 910 tops is an arm 920, is used for mounting bracket 900 is fixed on the pole.The method that arm 920 is fixed on the suction cup 910 is a lot.For example, suction cup 910 can have a threaded shank to stretch, and arm 920 can have a hole of aliging with threaded shank and place above the threaded shank, uses nut (for example wing nut) fix in position then.Arm 920 can stretch out from suction cup 910, changes an angle then to admit pole.The corner 930 of arm 920 can have several (for example two) finger piece 940, they are used for embedding in the groove (or several groove) of pole.If pole is flat pole, can turn 90 degrees by holding arms 920, make corner 930 vertical (or near normal) in wall.As pole is shaped form, and then arm 920 will rotate the suitable angle (for example 30 degree) of admitting pole required.Be noted that for ease of explanation and in Fig. 9, do not comprise the device (as pump, valve) of draining air.

Single suction cup as shown in Figure 9 may be not enough to provide reliable connection.For example, stretch out and leave the effect that its curved shower bar may lever arm from mounting bracket 900, and mounting bracket (suction cup) is pulled away from wall.For addressing this problem, can on mounting bracket, add second suction cup, perhaps use the lengthening suction cup that stretches out from pole.

Figure 10 is the example of mounting bracket 1000.This mounting bracket 1000 comprises 1010, one hold-down arms 1020 of two suction cups and a pressure handle 1030.Suction cup 1010 is used for support is fixed on the wall.Pressure handle 1030 is as the handle that carries mounting bracket 1000.In addition, pressure handle 1030 is the devices that are used for draining the air of suction cup 1010 and between the walls, and is vacuum-packed fixing to produce.When pressure handle 1030 is in a position (as below), there is not pressure at suction cup 1010 and between the walls, rotate to another position (as in the above) and work as pressure handle 1030, air is discharged from and produces vacuum-packed fixing.The user catches pressure handle 1030 and mounting bracket 1000 is placed on the wall when mounting bracket 1000 is installed.In case mounting bracket 1000 is in the position that roughly requires, and pressure handle 1030 is upwards broken off with the fingers and thumb, thereby mounting bracket 1000 is fixed on the wall.If think that mounting bracket 1000 is not to be in the tram, so pressure handle 1030 is broken off with the fingers and thumb downwards, support is taken off and it is moved on to correct position.

Hold-down arm 1020 is used for strut fixation on mounting bracket 1000.This hold-down arm 1020 is fixed on two suction cups 1010.After hold-down arm 1020 extends through of suction cup 1010, be bent away from angle of wall to admit pole.This bent angle part 1040 comprises some parts 1050 that link to each other.These parts 1050 that link to each other can align with the groove in the pole to do corresponding the connection.According to an embodiment, bent angle part 1040 can be hinged on the hold-down arm 1020, to adjust angle.

Figure 11 is a configuration example of utilizing many piece curved shower curtain bar 1100 and suction cup mounting bracket 1150.Curved shower bar 1100 is made up of two members 1150, and first has two direct through groove 1110.Two stays 1115 of these two members, 1150 usefulness are connected to each other.Stay 1115 is inserted in the groove 1110 of a member, then another member is inserted the remainder of stay 1115.Support the connection of two members 1105 by stay 1115.

Each suction cup mounting bracket 1150 comprises that 1155, one of two suction cups are connected in the arm 1160 between two suction cups 1155, and a pressure handle 1165 that is connected between two suction cups 1155.Suction cup 1155 is used for mounting bracket 1150 is fixed on the wall 1190 (being parallel walls among the figure) of shower.Pressure handle 1165 is used for supporting mounting bracket 1150, and connects by producing pressurization by a direction swing handle 1165 between suction cup 1155 and wall 1190, thereby support is pressed on the wall.Arm 1160 has a corner 1170 that stretches to pole 1100.Angular dimension depends on the radian of pole 1100.According to some embodiment, the size of angle can change.Corner 1170 comprises some finger pieces 1175, and they can insert in the groove 1110 of pole 1100.

The installation of shower curtain bar is very simple because be easy to mounting bracket is fixed on the wall, and pole can be crooked and be installed on the mounting bracket or certain space (for example, shower tray span) in.In addition, under the situation of many piece bar, easily each rod bending is linked up each other (for example, utilizing stay).The basic step that pole is installed is: (a) mounting bracket is fixed on the wall; (b) if many piece bar are fixed together each part; (c) strut fixation on mounting bracket.These steps not necessarily will be undertaken by any particular order.Such as, can before mounting bracket is fixed on the wall, pole be installed on the mounting bracket, perhaps first mounting bracket then with strut fixation on support.If many piece bar can be combined pole before or after being installed to mounting bracket.

Pole is taken off simple too.The basic step of taking off pole is: (a) take off pole from mounting bracket; (b) take off mounting bracket from wall; (c) if many piece bar, separately with each part.These steps not necessarily will be undertaken by any particular order.For example, can before wall takes off, pole be taken off from mounting bracket at mounting bracket, perhaps can before taking off, support take off mounting bracket, if many piece bar can be separated pole before or after taking off from mounting bracket pole.

In case, then can take off a whole pole or its end if need after support is in place shower curtain or hardware (as support, cringle, hook) are taken off.It is less only to take off the required workload of an end, and can allow a help in the mounting bracket that pole continuation is supported, and makes shower curtain or hardware insert easily or take off.For an end is taken off, take off from support after can or will propping up rod bending, perhaps after wall takes off support, support and pole are separated.In case after shower curtain or hardware take off or install, can link this end of pole again on the mounting bracket and (can reinstall mounting bracket) as needs.

The movable mounting bracket of Fig. 9-11 is to be used for supporting the sort of pole that Fig. 1-4 is introduced.Be noted that mounting bracket also can be used to fix other object (for example, standard shower rod member, inflexibility pole).Though these other objects can not provide the benefit (as flexibility, flat surface) of above-mentioned pole, mounting bracket still can be the installation of these objects/take off and provide convenience.For supporting rod, can replace the finger piece of mounting bracket with slipping in this bar opening or being used for admitting rod member in the circular hole of round bar.

As mentioned above, the plane surface of shower curtain bar can allow it be suitable for all types of shower curtains.In addition, the fastening system of any kind (as cringle, hook) can be used for this shower curtain bar.In fact, flat pole and curved upper end provide the friction littler than standard shower bar, so shower curtain and/or securing member slide on shower curtain bar and be easier to.Also have, utilize this shower curtain bar can allow shower curtain shakeout.When shower curtain shakeouts, seem to want salubrious and comfortable a lot (for example, resembling ornament).

Figure 12 A-C represents all kinds shower curtain that has been connected with shower curtain bar 1200.Figure 12 A is suspended on shower curtain 1210 on the shower curtain bar 1200 with standard hooks (ring) 1212.Hook 1212 is enclosed within on the pole 1200 and by the ommatidium 1214 in the shower curtain 1210 and is connected with shower curtain 1210.Hook 1212 can have virtually any size and shape (circular, oval, pyriform).Hook can be the gold sealing, and the one end is connected with the other end by certain snap-fastener or clamp at the ommatidium place mostly.Another kind of mode is, it is open not holding (may be decorative end) greatly by the hook of ommatidium, and the other end of band is around shower curtain bar.According to an embodiment, hook 1212 can be the integral part (for example, sew up or be adhesive in the shower curtain) of shower curtain, thereby does not need ommatidium.

Figure 12 B is the shower curtain 1220 that pocket 1212 is wherein arranged.Pole 1200 is inserted in the pocket 1222 with fixing shower curtain 1220.Pocket 1222 can be the single pocket that runs through whole shower curtain 1220, or a series of pocket (enough little as pocket, as in fact just to become many lap belts).Pocket 1222 can be nonvolatil (for example, sewing up well), and pole needs to insert earlier shower curtain 1220 in this case, installs then.Perhaps, pocket 1222 can be can dismantle (for example, snap-fastener,

), when being in place, pole 1200 just can be installed in shower curtain 1220 on the pole 1200 like this.

(for example United States Patent (USP) 5,186,232 coverings for the shower curtain 1230 of Figure 12 C

Some eyes 1232 are arranged shower curtain), and make slit 1234 every a pair of eye 1232.To be installed in this shower curtain on the shower curtain bar 1200, can pass shower curtain bar 1200 to the eye 1232 that connects by slit, each eye 1232 is coupled together round shower curtain bar 1200.After the installation, shower curtain bar will appear at every the front of one group of eye and every the back of one group of eye.In one embodiment, eye can be opened the back layer at shower curtain 1230, and the topped back of anterior layer (as valance) layer, so cannot see pole 1200.

According to an embodiment, pole can be made decorative colors or some decorative patterns are arranged on it.

The various embodiments described above are at being used at the pole of shower room environment lower support shower curtain and support.The present invention is not limited to this, but can use (for example, supporting window or door curtain, the door curtain made of cloth or valance) in many other environment.For example, can with shower curtain bar and suction cup mounting bracket install in the bay window window every, the radian of there shower curtain bar traverses the radian of bay window.The suction cup installation method also can be used for the simple and easy installation of pole and associated materials (for example curtain), for example separating adjacent sick bed in hospital.

Can understand many feature and advantage of each embodiment from top detailed description.Therefore, the following claim book will be contained these feature and advantage of all each embodiment of the real thought that belongs to each embodiment and scope.In addition, because those skilled in the art is easy to make various modifications, we do not wish each embodiment is defined in definite structure and the operation of having described.Thereby all suitable modifications and equivalent all are included in the category of each embodiment.

Though we illustrate each embodiment with reference to specific embodiment, those skilled in the art is clear, can carry out various changes and modification, and this obviously belongs to the scope of claims.We expect that each embodiment has perfect shelter in the spirit of claims and category.

Claims

1. device comprises:

A pair of mounting bracket, be installed on one or more shower room walls, form vertical slot in the wherein said mounting bracket with square-section, wherein said groove is from the angle that stretches out of the straight line between the described mounting bracket that is installed on described one or more shower room walls, and wherein each mounting bracket comprises: the installed surface that engages the shower room wall; From the front that installed surface extends substantially vertically; From the receiving plane that extends substantially vertically previously, thereby be basically parallel to installed surface, wherein receiving plane is shorter than installed surface; And the inner face that between receiving plane and installed surface, extends, wherein be formed with described vertical slot in the receiving plane, extend to installed surface with an angle from receiving plane, wherein said angle is left the front, and wherein formation is porose in the inner face, and described hole extends through installed surface and to accept screw mounting bracket is installed on the shower room wall; With

Pole, has square-section less than the square-section of described groove, wherein be formed with continuous curvature angle in the pole, wherein pole is made by pliable material, can guarantee that pole is along described curvature angular bend, wherein pole to insert fast groove and the straight line between described mounting bracket outwardly-bent, the tension force that the curvature angle in the wherein said groove provides is supported on pole with respect in the vertical substantially plane of shower base, and wherein said vertical slot prevents a warpage of rod.

2. the device of claim 1, wherein mounting bracket configuration relative to each other defines the configuration of pole therebetween.

3. the device of claim 2, wherein the configuration of pole therebetween comprises: pole is from the arcuate shape of outward extending distance of the straight line between the mounting bracket and pole therebetween.

4. the device of claim 2, wherein the configuration of mounting bracket comprises the layout of the shower room wall that mounting bracket is installed, mounting bracket aligning relative to each other, and the mounting bracket distance of separating.

5. the device of claim 2, wherein the continuous curvature angle of pole guarantees that the length of pole can shorten, and keeps continuous curvature angle by the single end of cutting pole simultaneously, wherein the length of pole also limits the configuration of the pole between the mounting bracket.

6. the device of claim 1, tension force on the pole in the wherein said groove guarantees that the distance between the mounting bracket can dwindle, still keep the outside pole curvature of straight line between mounting bracket simultaneously by the length that reduces pole, wherein just can reduce described length by an end that only cuts pole.

7. the device of claim 1, wherein by reducing the length of pole, the tension force on the pole in the described groove guarantees that the outward extending distance of the straight line of pole between mounting bracket can dwindle, and wherein just can reduce described length by an end that only cuts pole.

8. the device of claim 1, wherein said vertical slot prevent to have a warpage of rod of square-section.

9. the device of claim 1, also comprise inserts, wherein the shower room wall comprise tub insert wall and mounting bracket by the tub insert wall mounted in the shower room wall, and wherein inserts is placed on mounting bracket and shower room between the walls support to the tub insert wall is provided.

10. the device of claim 1, wherein each mounting bracket is a single-piece.

11. the device of claim 1, the tension force that is produced between wherein said groove and the pole and the flexibility of pole guarantee that this device can be with various configurations installations.

12. the device of claim 11, wherein various configurations comprise the layout of the shower room wall that mounting bracket is installed, mounting bracket aligning relative to each other, and the mounting bracket distance of separating.

13. the device of claim 1, wherein the hole that forms in the inner face is a counterbore.