Spinning shower rod mechanism

• US 5,330,061 A
• Filed: 03/17/1993
• Issued: 07/19/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Zenith Products Corporation (Laces Group, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Zenith Products Corporation (Laces Group, Inc.)
• Inventors: Geltz, Charles E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramirez, Ramon O.
• Application Number:
  US08/032,616
• Time in Patent Office: 489 Days
• Field of Search: 248/200.1, 248/261, 248/262, 248/264, 248/265, 248/270, 160/330, 160/350, 211/105.4
• US Class Current: 211/105.4
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 3/38 Curtain arrangements curtains, curtain suspension devices A47H

Abstract

A telescoping rod assembly which can be secured between two supports has a first hollow tube having first and second ends with a second hollow tube, also having first and second ends, fitted within the first hollow tube. One end of the second hollow tube is used for bracing against one of the supports. A flexible threaded rod is fitted within the second hollow tube, with one end of the flexible threaded rod used for bracing against the other support. Threading means are secured to the second hollow tube for extendable threading the flexible threaded rod in the first hollow tube. The first hollow tube is secured to the end of the flexible threaded rod which is braced against one of the supports.

Claims

1. A telescoping rod assembly which can be secured between two supports comprising:

a first hollow tube having first and second ends;

a second hollow tube having first and second ends fitted within said first hollow tube, said first end for bracing against one of said supports;

a flexible threaded rod having first and second ends fitted within said second hollow tube, said first end for bracing against the other of said supports;

threading means secured to said second hollow tube for extendably threading said flexible threaded rod in said first hollow tube; and

securing means for securing said first end of said first hollow tube substantially close to said first end of said flexible threaded rod.

2. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 1 wherein said flexible threaded rod is comprised of a plastic.

3. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 2 wherein said flexible threaded rod is threaded between 3 and 5 threads per inch.

4. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 3 wherein said flexible threaded rod is flexed following full extension between said two supports.

5. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 1 wherein said threading means comprises a nut secured to said second hollow tube.

6. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 5 wherein said nut is secured to said second hollow tube with a dimple connection.

7. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 6 wherein said flexible threaded rod comprises:

a threaded portion extending from said second end of said flexible threaded rod;

an unthreaded portion extending from said first end of said flexible threaded rod; and

a stop piece attached to said unthreaded portion of said flexible threaded rod substantially near to said threaded portion.

8. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 7 further comprising a stop piece attached at substantially said second end of said flexible threaded rod.

9. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 1 wherein said first end of said flexible threaded rod comprises means for maintaining a secure pressure fit to said other of said supports.

10. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 9 wherein said first end of said second hollow tube comprises means for maintaining a secure pressure fit to said one of said supports.

11. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises a dimple connection.

12. The telescoping rod assembly of claim 1 wherein said rod assembly can span a distance of between 40 and 72 inches.

13. A telescoping shower curtain rod assembly which can be securably mounted between two walls comprising:

a first hollow tube having first and second ends;

a second hollow tube having first and second ends fitted within said first hollow tube, said first end for bracing against one of said walls;

a threaded flexible rod having first and second ends fitted within said second hollow tube, said first end for bracing against the other of said walls comprising;

a threaded portion extending from said second end of said flexible threaded rod,

an unthreaded portion extending from said first end of said flexible threaded rod,

a first stop piece attached to said unthreaded portion of said flexible threaded rod substantially near to said threaded portion, and

a second stop piece attached at substantially said second end of said flexible threaded rod;

a nut secured to said second hollow tube for extendable threading said flexible threaded rod in said first hollow tube said between said first and second stop pieces; and

securing means for securing said first end of said first hollow tube substantially close to said first end of said flexible threaded rod.

14. The shower curtain rod assembly of claim 13 wherein said flexible threaded rod is threaded between 3 and 5 threads per inch.

15. The shower curtain rod assembly of claim 13 wherein said shower curtain rod assembly can span a distance between 40 and 72 inches.