TENSION ROD AND PIVOTABLE END CAPS FOR USE THEREWITH
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An end cap for use with a tension rod comprising:
- a main mount that is configured to be rotatably coupled to one end of the tension rod, the main mount rotating in a first direction relative to the one end of the tension rod; and
a cam mechanism including a knuckle that is pivotally coupled to the main mount so as to pivot between a first position and a second position, the knuckle having an outer surface that is configured to selectively contact a support surface against which the tension rod is mounted and the cam mechanism is configured such that when a downward force is applied to the tension rod, the cam mechanism is engaged and the knuckle pivots to the second position, whereby the end cap applies a force to the tension rod resulting in the tension rod being placed under tension.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tension rod has end caps that are configured such that the end caps expand when downward pressure is applied to the rod whereby enhanced tension is generated resulting in the tension rod being securely attached to the support structure, such as opposing walls.
7 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An end cap for use with a tension rod comprising:
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a main mount that is configured to be rotatably coupled to one end of the tension rod, the main mount rotating in a first direction relative to the one end of the tension rod; and a cam mechanism including a knuckle that is pivotally coupled to the main mount so as to pivot between a first position and a second position, the knuckle having an outer surface that is configured to selectively contact a support surface against which the tension rod is mounted and the cam mechanism is configured such that when a downward force is applied to the tension rod, the cam mechanism is engaged and the knuckle pivots to the second position, whereby the end cap applies a force to the tension rod resulting in the tension rod being placed under tension. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An end cap for use with a tension rod comprising:
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a main mount that is configured to be rotatably coupled to one end of the tension rod, the main mount rotating in a first direction relative to the one end of the tension rod; a cam mechanism including a knuckle that is pivotally coupled to the main mount so as to pivot between a first position and a second position, the knuckle having an outer surface that is configured to selectively contact a support surface against which the tension rod is mounted and the cam mechanism is configured such that when a downward force is applied to the tension rod, the cam mechanism is engaged and the knuckle pivots to the second position, whereby the end cap applies a force to the tension rod resulting in the tension rod being placed under tension; and a finial ring mount that has a first end portion that is configured to be slidably coupled to the main mount and a second end portion that is configured to contact and seat against a decorative finial disposed about the tension rod for holding the finial in place, wherein when the knuckle pivots to the second position, the finial ring mount slides forward in a direction away from the main mount.
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24. A tension rod comprising:
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a first rod having one end defining a first end of the tension rod; a second rod having one end defining a second end of the tension rod, wherein the second rod has a diameter greater than the first rod to allow the second rod to at least partially receive the first rod; a first plug that is coupled to the first end of tension rod; a second plug that is coupled to the second end of the tension rod; a first end cap rotatably coupled to the first plug and a second end cap rotatably coupled to the second plug, each of the first end cap and the second end cap comprising; a main mount that is configured to be rotatably coupled to one of the first plug and the second plug; and a cam mechanism including a knuckle that is pivotally coupled to the main mount so as to pivot between a first position and a second position, the knuckle having an outer surface that is configured to selectively contact a support surface against which the tension rod is mounted and the cam mechanism is configured such that when a downward force is applied to the tension rod, the cam mechanism is engaged and the knuckle pivots to the second position, whereby the end cap applies a force to the tension rod resulting in the tension rod being placed under tension.
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Specification