Curtain Rod Assembly

Abstract

A curtain rod assembly comprising a curtain rod with at least two telescoping rod members. At least one end of the curtain rod is pivotably connectable to a wall plate, which is attachable to a wall surface such as a shower or bath stall. The first end of the rod is quickly detachable from its corresponding wall plate. The present invention may include first and second interlocking members at the first end of the rod. The first end is quickly detachable from the second interlocking member. The present invention may further include a push button release assembly for quickly detaching the first end of the rod from its corresponding wall plate.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/337,840, filed Jan. 23, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a curtain rod assembly for bath screens and drapery. More specifically, the present invention relates to a curtain rod that is quickly detachable from a wall plate and yet engagable with the wall plate to prevent accidental removal therefrom.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a curtain rod assembly comprising a curtain rod with at least two telescoping rod members. At least one end of the curtain rod is pivotably connectable to a wall, which is attachable to a wall surface such as a shower or bath stall. A first end of the rod is quickly detachable from its corresponding wall plate.

According to one feature of the present invention, first and second interlocking members are provided at the first end of the rod. The first interlocking member is quickly detachable from the second interlocking member.

Another feature of the present invention includes a push button release assembly for quickly detaching the first end of the rod from its corresponding wall plate. The push button release assembly includes a connecting hole in the first interlocking member and a locking member insertable into the connecting hole to lock the first interlocking member in place when the first end of the rod is connected to the first wall plate. A lever biases the locking member into the connecting hole. A push button associated with the lever allows the lever to be moved away from the biased position to unlock the first and second interlocking members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The present invention, as well as further objects and features thereof, are more clearly and fully set forth in the following description of the preferred embodiment, which should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an assembly view perspective view of a joining plug used to telescopically attached the first rod member with the second rod member of the present invention;

FIG. 2C shows the joining plug in use with the rod members;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are assembly views of showing the pivotable connection between a first end of the curtain rod and a first wall plate of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 discloses the pivotable connection between a second end of the curtain rod and a second wall plate of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in use;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the first and second interlocking members of a first alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention installed in a bath stall;

FIG. 9 illustrates a second alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a third alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 though FIG. 13 show a third alternative embodiment of the present invention, which incorporates clasp and mounting plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the curtain rod assembly 20 of the present invention includes a curtain rod 22 having a first end 24 and a second end 27. The curtain rod 22 comprises a generally cylindrical first rod member 26 and a generally-cylindrical second rod member 28. The outer diameter of the first rod member 26 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second rod member 28 so that the first rod member 26 may slidably retract into and extend from the second rod member 28. In this manner, the length of the curtain rod 22 may be adjusted as needed to the space in which installation is desired.

The curtain rod 22 comprises a removable first end cap 30 positioned at the first end 24 of the rod 22, and a removable second end cap 32 positioned at the second end 27 of the curtain rod 22. The first end cap 30 is disposed into the first rod member 26 and secured thereto with a first pin 34. The second end cap 32 is similarly disposed into the second rod member 28 and secured thereto with a second pin 36. The first end cap 30 and second end cap 32 are pivotably connected to the first wall plate 38 and second wall plate 40, respectively. First and second wall plates 38, 40 are attachable to wall surfaces (not shown) using screws 42 disposable through mounting holes 43 in the first and second wall plates 38, 40.

A curtain 44 or other drapery may be installed on the curtain rod 22 by detaching the first end 24 from the first wall plate 38, threading the rod 22 through rings 46 of the curtain 44, and reattaching the first end 24 to the wall plate 38, as will be described hereinafter. Thereafter, the position of the curtain 44 along the curtain rod 22 may be adjusted as desired. The curtain 44 may thereafter be removed in the same manner.

FIGS. 2A through 2C more specifically shows the telescopic connection of the first rod member 26 with the second rod member 28. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a joining plug 37 comprises a plastic, cylindrical first plug member 39 having a centered and threaded first bolt hole 41 and plastic, cylindrical second plug member 43 having a centered and threaded second bolt hole 45. The first plug member 39 is securable to the second plug member 43 with a bolt 47 threaded through the first and second bolt holes 41, 45. As shown in FIG. 2C, the diameter of the first plug member 39 is sized to snugly fit within the first rod member 26 but slide therethrough, except that a first curled end 31 of the first rod member 26 prevents easy removal of the first plug member 39 at that first curled end 31. The diameter of the second plug member 43 is sized to snugly fit within the second rod member 28, which has a second curled end 33 that prevents easy removal of the second plug member 43 at that second curled end 33. While the first rod member 26 may be forcibly removed from the second rod member 28, the joining of the first and second rod members 26, 28 as shown in FIG. 2C is sufficient to prevent unintentional removal of the first rod member 26 from the second rod member 28.

A sleeve 49, preferably made of plastic or nylon, is inserted into the second rod member 28 and facilitates sliding of the first rod member 26 therein by reducing the friction as compared to direct contact of the outer surface of the first rod member 26 with the inner surface of the second rod member 28. The sleeve 49 has an outer diameter sized to fit snugly within the second rod member 28. The sleeve 49 is movable within the second rod member 28 except that its size inhibits removal past the second curled end 33. The sleeve 49 is inserted into the second rod member 28 at the uncurled end 53 prior to insertion of the second plug member 43. Thereafter, the location of the sleeve 49 within the second rod member is confined to, but can slide within, the space between the second plug member 43 and the second curled end 33.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the pivotable connection between the first rod member 26, and more generally the first end 24 of the curtain rod 22, and the first wall plate 38 in greater detail. The first end cap 30 has an insertable portion 48 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first rod member 26. When inserted therein, the first end cap 30 may be fixed to the first rod member 26 with a screw 50 disposed through a threaded hole 52 in the first rod member 26 and into a threaded hole 54 in the insertable portion 48. The first end cap 30 includes an upper portion 56 and a lower portion 58 positioned relative to each other to define a slit 60 therebetween, which slit 60 is adapted to receive a first tongue member 62 extending from a circular first connection plate 63 such that a communication hole 64 in the first tongue member 62 is alignable with a communication hole 66 disposed through the upper and lower portions 56, 58 of the first end cap 30. A first pin 68 inserted through the communication holes 64, 66 provides a pivotable connection between the first tongue member 62 and first end cap 30. When pivotably secured to the first tongue member 62, the first pin 68 extends through the upper portion 56 of the first end cap 30, through the communication hole 64 of the first tongue member 62, and through the lower portion 58 of the first end cap 30 to allow pivoting of the first end cap 30 about the first pin 68 relative to the first tongue member 62. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first pin 68 may be a screw.

Still referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment further includes a first interlocking member 78 extending from the first connection plate 63 opposite the first tongue member 62. The first interlocking member 78, which comprises a neck portion 80 and a rim portion 82 having a planar surface 84, is adapted and positioned for interlocking attachment with a second interlocking member 70 extending from the first wall plate 38. The peripheral edge of the rim portion 82 extends outward from the peripheral edge of the neck portion 80, forming a shoulder 83 around the perimeter of the neck portion 80. The second interlocking member 70 includes an extending member 72 having a generally “U” shape and a front surface member 74 corresponding to the “U” shape of the extending member 72 at its outer edges. The extending member 72 extends from the front surface 105 of the first wall plate 38 and terminates at the front surface member 74. A cavity 79 is defined by the first wall plate 38, extending member 72, and the front surface member 74. The cavity 79 is positioned to receive the rim portion 82 of the first interlocking member 78 when the first and second interlocking members 78, 70 interlock. The cavity 79 is accessible from the rear 94 of the first wall plate 38 through the opening 77.

A connecting hole 85 is formed into the rim portion 82 through the planar surface 84, which connecting hole 85 is defined by a bottom surface 86 oriented substantially perpendicularly to the planar surface 84. A slot 76 through the front surface member 74 is positioned such that the neck portion 80 is slidably insertable into, and slidably removable from, the slot 76 when the rim portion 82 is received into the cavity 79. The width of the slot 76 is less than the width of the extending member 72, allowing the front surface member 74 to form shoulders 75 between opposite sides of the slot 76 and the extending member 72. These shoulders 75 correspond to the shoulder 83 formed around the perimeter of the neck portion 80 by the rim portion 82.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a push button release assembly 88 including a lever 90 affixed to the back surface 94 of the first wall plate 38 with a screw 96. The screw 96 is threaded through a first hole 93 in a secured end 98 of the lever 90 and into a screw hole 100 formed into the back surface 94 of the first wall plate 38. A push button 92 is attached to the lever 90 with a screw 91 threaded into a second hole 95 at a free end 102 of the lever 90. The lever 90 is preferably an elastic sheet and may be made of thin metal, plastic or other material that allows flexing of the lever 90 as described hereinafter. The push button 92 protrudes through a push button hole 104 in the first wall plate 38 so that it is depressible from the front surface 105 of the first wall plate 38.

The push button release assembly 88 further includes a locking member 106 secured to the lever 90 with a screw 108 through a third hole 97 generally centered in the lever 90. The locking member 106 includes a protruding portion 110 adjacent to a flat bottom surface 112. The locking member 106 is secured to the lever 90 so that when the lever 90 is in its unflexed position, the protruding portion 110 of the locking member 106 protrudes through an opening 77 in the back surface 94 of the first wall plate 38 and into the cavity 79. When the neck portion 80 is positioned in the slot 76 such that the adjacent rim portion 82 occupies the cavity 79, the protruding portion 110 of the locking member 106 is alignable with the connecting hole 85 formed in the rim portion 82 and the protruding portion 110 is insertable into the connecting hole 85.

FIG. 5 shows the pivotable connection between the second end 27 of the curtain rod 22 and the second wall plate 40 of the preferred embodiment. The second end cap 32 has an insertable portion 116 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second rod member 28. When inserted therein, the second end cap 32 may be fixed thereto with a screw 118 threadable through a screw hole 120 in the second rod member 28 and a screw hole 121 in the insertable portion 116. The second end cap 32 includes an upper portion 128 and a lower portion 130 positioned relative to each other to define a slit 132 therebetween, which slit 132 is adapted to receive a second tongue member 122 such that a communication hole 124 in the second tongue member 122 is alignable with a communication hole 125 disposed through the second end cap 32. The second end cap 32 is secured to the second tongue member 122 by inserting the second pin 126 through the communication holes 124, 125. When pivotably secured to the second tongue member 122, second pin 126 extends through the upper portion 128, through the communication hole 124 of the second tongue member 122, and through the lower portion 130 of the second end cap 32 to allow rotation of the second end cap 32 about the second pin 126 relative to the second tongue member 122. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the second pin 126 may be a screw.

A connection plate 61 is adjacent the second tongue member 122, and a third tongue member 59 is adjacent the connection plate 61 opposite the second tongue member 122. A pivot hole 57 is disposed through the third tongue member 59.

The second wall plate 40 is securable to a wall surface using wall screws 42 threadable through mounting holes 43. Semicircular extending members 127 extend from the second wall plate 40 with their straight edges parallel and forming a slot 65 therebetween. The slot 65 is sized and shaped to receive the third tongue member 59. A screw hole 55 through the semicircular extending members 127 is positioned to align with the pivot hole 57 of the third tongue member 59 when the third tongue member 59 is positioned in the slot 65. A pivot screw 51 may be inserted through the screw hole 55 and through the pivot hole 57 to secure the third tongue member 59 within the slot. This allows rotation of the third tongue member 59, and therefore the connection plate 61 and second tongue member 122, about the pivot screw. The pivotable connection of the second end 27 of the curtain rod 22 allows the first end 24 to be easily disengaged from the first wall plate 38 by first using the push button release assembly 88, and disconnecting the first interlocking member 78 from the second interlocking member 70 as described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. Without the pivotable connection at the second end 27 of the curtain rod 22, first rod member 26 or second rod member 28 would be stressed as the rod members 26, 28 would have to be bent upward to disconnect the interlocking members 70, 78.

FIG. 6 illustrates use of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the extending member 72 and front surface member 74 are cut away to better show the locking member 106 in operation. The first wall plate 38 is secured to a wall surface (not shown) using two screws 42 positioned through mounting holes 43 in the wall plate 38. To attach the first end 24 of the curtain rod 22 to the first wall plate 38, the first interlocking member 78 is positioned over the extending member 72 of the second interlocking member 70 with the neck portion 80 aligned with the slot 76 formed in the extending member 72 and the rim portion 82 aligned over the cavity 79. As the first interlocking member 78 is moved downward, the curved protruding portion 110 of the locking member 106, which protrudes into the cavity 79 through the opening 77, contacts the rim portion 82. Because the top surface of the protruding portion 110 is curved, downward movement of the rim portion 82 into the cavity 79 causes backward displacement of the locking member 106. The biasing force of the lever 90 (see FIGS. 3 & 4) causes the protruding member 110 to remain in contact with the rim portion 82 during the downward movement. Lateral movement of the rim portion away from the first wall plate 38 is impeded by contact of the shoulder 83 of the first interlocking member 78 with the shoulders 75 of the second interlocking member 70 as the neck portion 80 occupies the slot 76.

As the rim portion 82 occupies the cavity 79, the connecting hole 85 (see FIG. 3) aligns with the protruding portion 110 of the locking member 106. The biasing of the lever 90 then forces the protruding portion 110 of the locking member 106 into the connecting hole 85 to lock the first interlocking member 78 in place. Because the bottom surface 112 of the protruding portion 110 of the locking member 106 and the bottom surface 86 defining the connecting hole 85 are flat and transverse to the direction of movement required to remove the rim portion 82 from the cavity 79, any upward movement of the rim portion 82 causes the bottom surface 86 of the connecting hole 85 to catch on the bottom surface 112 of the locking member 106 and thereby prevents further upward movement. This prevents accidental removal of the rim portion 82 from the cavity 79, which would result in unintended detachment of the first end 24 of the curtain rod 22 from the first wall plate 38.

By depressing the push button 92, the first end 24 of the curtain rod 22 may be quickly detached from the first wall plate 38. Because the push button 92 is secured to the lever 90 at the free end 102 (see FIGS. 3, 4), when the push button 92 is depressed, the lever 90 will flex away from the first wall plate 38 and toward the wall surface, which will cause the protruding portion 110 of the locking member 106 to recede from the connecting hole 85 in the rim portion 82. Thereafter, the rim portion 82, and connected first end 24, may be lifted from the cavity 79 without catching on the locking member 106. Because the second end 27 of the curtain rod 22 may still be attached to another wall surface (as shown in FIG. 1), the curtain rod 22 may be easily manipulated for installation of a curtain or drapery.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the interlocking connection of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein first and second interlocking members 78, 70 are alternatively shaped. Figure A shows the wall plate 38 as transparent so that the second interlocking member 70 may more easily be seen. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first interlocking member 78 is an elbow having a horizontal portion 280 extending from the first connection plate 63 and a vertical portion 282 extending downward from the outward end of the horizontal portion 280. The vertical portion 282 has a planar surface 284. A connecting hole 285 is positioned in the vertical portion 282 through the planar surface 284. The connecting hole 285 is partially defined by a flat bottom surface 286 oriented substantially perpendicularly to the vertical portion 284.

The second interlocking member 70 includes an extending member 272 having a general “U” shape and a front surface member 274 corresponding to the “U” shape of the extending member 272 at its outer edge. The extending member 272 extends from the front surface 105 of the first wall plate 38 and terminates at the front surface member 274. A cavity 279 is defined by the space between the extending member 272, the first wall plate 38, and the front surface member 274.

The vertical portion 282 is slidably insertable into and slidably removable from the cavity 279. This alternative embodiment, once inserted into the cavity 279, is engaged by the locking member 106 (not shown) in the same manner as described with reference to the preferred embodiment. The first interlocking member 78 is also disengaged from the connecting hole 285 as described with reference to the preferred embodiment.

Although the first and second interlocking members have been described with reference to two embodiments, it is anticipated that the interlocking members can present in various shapes and designs. The description of these two embodiments is not intended to limit the shape or design of the interlocking members.

FIG. 8 shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention in use as a bath screen retainer in a shower stall 150. The first wall plate 38 is secured to a first wall surface 152. The second wall plate 40 is secured to a second wall surface 154. The curtain rod 22, comprising the first rod member 26 telescopically connected to the second rod member 28, is pivotably connected to the first wall plate 38 and second wall plate 40 at its first end 24 and second end 27, respectively, as described herein. At least a portion of the curtain rod 22 is located outside the shower stall 150. Because of the curvature of the rod 22, installation of a shower curtain 44 thereon provides additional space S for the comfort of a person using the stall 150 relative to the position of a conventional straight rod 156 mounted at the same locations of the first and second wall surfaces 152, 154.

While this embodiment includes pivotable connection with both wall plates 38, 40, the second end 27 of the curtain rod 22 may be limited to pivotable connection in one, but not both, of the horizontal and vertical directions. In yet another embodiment, the second end 27 of the curtain rod 22 may be in fixed, rather than pivotable, connection with the curtain rod. Without a pivotable connection in both the vertical and horizontal directions between the second end 27 and second wall plate 40 the curtain rod 22 will be stressed between its first and second ends 24, 27 as the first end 24 is moved to disconnect from the first wall plate 38. If the second end 27 is only vertically pivotable—i.e., it rotates about a horizontal axis—the curtain rod 22 will be stressed in a horizontal direction, whereas if the second end 27 is only horizontally pivotable—i.e., it rotates about a vertical axis—the curtain rod 22 will be stressed in the vertical direction. If the second end 27 is fixed—i.e., not pivotable about any axis—the curtain rod 22 will be stressed in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

FIG. 9 shows a second alternative embodiment of a curtain rod 198 of the present invention installed in a shower stall 200. The first wall plate 202 is secured to a first wall surface 204. The second wall plate 206 is secured to a second wall surface 208. The curtain rod 198, comprising a first rod member 210 telescopically connected to a second rod member 212, is pivotably connected to the first wall plate 202 and second wall plate 206 at its first end 214 and second end 216, respectively, as described with reference to the preferred embodiment. The first rod member 210 and second rod member 212 each have two 90-degree turns 218 to position at least a portion of the curtain rod 198 outside the shower stall 200. Because of the curvature of the rod 198, installation of a shower curtain 220 thereon provides additional space S for the comfort of a person using the shower stall relative to the position of a conventional straight rod 222 mounted at the same locations of the first and second wall surfaces 204, 208.

While this embodiment includes pivotable connection with both wall plates 202, 206, as described with reference to the preferred embodiment, the second end 216 of the curtain rod 198 may be limited to pivotable connection in one, but not both, of the horizontal and vertical directions. In yet another embodiment, the second end 216 of the curtain rod 198 may be in fixed, rather than pivotable, connection with the curtain rod. Without a pivotable connection in both the vertical and horizontal directions between the second end 216 and second wall plate 206 the curtain rod 198 will be stressed between its first and second ends 214, 216 as the first end 214 is moved to disconnect from the first wall plate 202. If the second end 216 is only vertically pivotable—i.e., it rotates about a horizontal axis—the curtain rod 198 will be stressed in a horizontal direction, whereas if the second end 216 is only horizontally pivotable—i.e., it rotates about a vertical axis—the curtain rod 198 will be stressed in the vertical direction. If the second end 216 is fixed—i.e., not pivotable about any axis—the curtain rod 198 will be stressed in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

FIG. 10 shows a third alternative embodiment of a curtain rod 398 of the present invention installed in a shower stall 400 wherein the curtain rod 398 is a traditional straight rod. The first wall plate 402 is secured to a first wall surface 404. The second wall plate 406 is secured to a second wall surface 408. The curtain rod 398, comprising a first rod member 410 telescopically connected to a second rod member 412, is pivotably connected to the first wall plate 402 and second wall plate 406 at its first end 414 and second end 416, respectively, as described with reference to the preferred embodiment.

While this embodiment includes pivotable connection with both wall plates 402, 406, as described with reference to the preferred embodiment, the second end 416 of the curtain rod 398 may be limited to pivotable connection in one, but not both, of the horizontal and vertical directions. In yet another embodiment, the second end 416 of the curtain rod 398 may be in fixed, rather than pivotable, connection with the curtain rod. Without a pivotable connection in both the vertical and horizontal directions between the second end 416 and second wall plate 406 the curtain rod 398 will be stressed between its first and second ends 414, 416 as the first end 414 is moved to disconnect from the first wall plate 402. If the second end 416 is only vertically pivotable—i.e., it rotates about a horizontal axis—the curtain rod 398 will be stressed in a horizontal direction, whereas if the second end 416 is only horizontally pivotable—i.e., it rotates about a vertical axis—the curtain rod 398 will be stressed in the vertical direction. If the second end 416 is fixed—i.e., not pivotable about any axis—the curtain rod 398 will be stressed in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

FIG. 11 through FIG. 13 disclose a third alternative embodiment of the present invention that includes a clasp 250 adapted to selectively secure the first interlocking member 78 to the second interlocking member 70 and securable to the front surface 105 of the first wall plate 38 (see FIGS. 3 & 4). As shown in FIG. 11, the first wall plate 38 includes two clasp screw holes 252 that will receive a mounting screw 254 and securing screw 256, respectively. The clasp 250 is securable to the first wall plate 38 using the mounting screw 254 positioned through a hole 257 in a cylindrical mounting portion 255 of the clasp 250, which allows the clasp 250 to be rotated about the mounting screw 254 to a securing position over the second interlocking member 70 (see FIG. 12). Once in the securing position, rotational movement of the clasp 250 about the mounting screw 254 may be inhibited by attaching a securing portion 260 of the clasp 250 to the first wall pate 38 using the securing screw 256. The securing portion 260 of the clasp 250 is shaped so that, unlike the mounting portion 255, the securing screw 256 needs to only be loosened to rotate the clasp 250 from its securing position.

FIG. 12 shows the clasp 250 in a securing position wherein the first interlocking member 78 has been interlocked with the second interlocking member 70 by moving the neck portion 82 into the cavity 79 (not shown), as described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7A and 7B. The clasp 250 is then rotated about the mounting screw 254 to a position covering the first interlocking member 78 and the securing portion 260 of the clasp 250 secured to the first wall plate 38 using the securing screw 256. This facilitates quicker removal of first interlocking member 78 from the second interlocking member 70 in that the securing screw 256 need only be loosened, as opposed to completely removed, to allow rotational movement of the clasp 250 about the mounting screw 254.

As shown in FIG. 12, use of the alternative embodiment is initially the same as described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Thereafter, the first interlocking member 78 may be further secured by positioning the clasp 250 over the first interlocking member 78 and securing the clasp 250 to the first wall plate 38 using the securing screw 256 positioned through the securing portion 260.

FIG. 11 through FIG. 13 additionally disclose that the third alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting plate 300 securable between the first wall plate 38 and a wall surface 302. The mounting plate 300 of this alternative embodiment includes a depressed portion 304 and an adjacent raised portion 306. The depressed portion 304 is adapted to receive the first wall plate 38 thereon, and has two screw holes 308 alignable with the mounting holes 43 of the first wall plate 38. The back surface of the depressed portion 304 substantially contacts the wall surface 302, which serves to distribute the load on the two mounting screws 42 over a larger surface area. This decreases the chance of unsecuring the first wall plate 38 from the wall surface. The raised portion 306 and a rim 307 define a space between the wall surface 302 positionable to cover prior screw holes 309 used with other curtain rods. For example, removing a more traditional straight rod leaves old screw holes 309 that would otherwise have to be filled and/or painted and/or re-wallpapered. The mounting plate 300 may be used in the same manner with the second wall plate 40 of the present invention.

The present invention is described above in terms of a preferred illustrative embodiment of a specifically described curtain rod, as well as certain alternative embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative constructions can be used in carrying out the present invention. For example, while the use of mounting plates is disclosed only with reference to the third alternative embodiment, use of the plates may be incorporated into the preferred embodiment. Similarly, use of the alternatively shaped first and second interlocking members (see FIGS. 7A, 7B) may be used with the clasp disclosed in the second alternative embodiment. Moreover, although specifically-described first and second interlocking members have been described, any number of alternative embodiments exists wherein the first end of the curtain rod is quickly detachable, and the embodiments described herein should not be construed in any manner so as to limit the scope of the present invention. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention may be obtained from a study of this disclosure and the drawings, along with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A curtain rod assembly comprising:

a curtain rod having at least two telescoping rod members;

a first end of said curtain rod pivotably connectable to a first wall plate;

a second end of said curtain rod connectable to a second wall plate;

said first and second wall plates being attachable to a wall surface; and

said first end of said rod being quickly detachable from said first wall plate.

2. The curtain rod assembly of claim 1 further comprising a push button release assembly for detachment of said first end of said rod from said first wall plate.

3. The curtain rod assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a first interlocking member at said first end of said curtain rod;

a second interlocking member connected at said first wall plate; and

wherein said first interlocking member is quickly detachable from and attachable to said second interlocking member.

4. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3 further comprising:

a push button release assembly for detachment of said first interlocking member from said second interlocking member.

5. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3 further comprising:

a removable first end cap at said first end of said curtain rod, said first end cap being pivotably connectable to said first wall plate.

6. The curtain rod assembly of claim 5 further comprising:

a first tongue member extending from said first wall plate;

a slit in said first end cap for receiving said first tongue member; and

a first pin inserted through a communication hole in each of said first end cap and said first tongue member for pivotable connection of said first end cap to said first tongue member.

7. The curtain rod assembly of claim 6 wherein:

said first interlocking member further comprises a neck portion and a rim portion adjacent said neck portion, said rim portion having a planar surface; and

said second interlocking member defines a cavity between said second interlocking member and said first wall plate for receiving said rim portion of said first interlocking member.

8. The curtain rod assembly of claim 6 further comprising:

a push button release assembly for detachment of said first interlocking member from said second interlocking member.

9. The curtain rod assembly of claim 8 further comprising:

a connecting hole in said first interlocking member;

an opening through said first wall plate;

a locking member of said push button release assembly positioned within said opening for insertion into said connecting hole of said first interlocking member to lock said first interlocking member in place when said first end of said rod is connected to said first wall plate;

a lever of said push button release assembly biasing said locking member into said opening; and

a push button of said push button release assembly associated with said lever to move said lever and said locking member away from said biased position.

10. The curtain rod assembly of claim 9 wherein:

said locking member comprises a protruding portion having a curved top surface adjacent to a bottom surface; and

said connecting hole is formed into said first interlocking member and defined by a bottom surface oriented substantially perpendicularly to the planar surface.

11. The curtain rod assembly of claim 9 wherein said lever is an elastic sheet.

12. The curtain rod assembly of claim 6 wherein said pin is a screw.

13. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3 wherein:

said at least two telescoping rod members comprise generally-cylindrical first and second rod members, at least a portion of said first rod member having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of at least a portion of said second rod member.

14. The curtain rod assembly of claim 13 wherein complete removal of said first rod member from said second rod member is impeded.

15. The curtain rod assembly of claim 14 wherein said first rod member is telescopically connected to said second rod member with a joining plug, said joining plug comprising:

a first plug member contained within said first rod member and sized such that a first curled end of said first rod member impedes removal of said first plug member therefrom;

a second plug member contained within said second rod member and attached to said first rod member, wherein said second plug is sized and shaped such that a second curled end of said second rod member impedes removal therefrom,

said first plug member and said second plug member being connected to allow said first plug and said second plug to slide together.

16. The curtain rod assembly of claim 15 further comprising a sleeve contained within said second rod member sized and shaped such that said second curled end impedes removal of said sleeve from said second rod member, said sleeve being positioned between said second plug member and said second curled end.

17. The curtain rod assembly of claim 6 further comprising:

a removable second end cap at said second end of said curtain rod, said second end cap having a slit for receiving and being pivotably connectable to a second tongue member; and

a second tongue member securable to said second end cap.

18. The curtain rod assembly of claim 17 further comprising

a slit in said second end cap for receiving said second tongue member; and

a second pin inserted through a communication hole in each of said second end cap and said second tongue member for pivotable connection of said second end cap to said second tongue member.

19. The curtain rod assembly of claim 18 further comprising:

a third tongue member pivotably connectable to said second wall plate wherein said third tongue member is pivotable with respect to said second wall plate in a direction transverse to the direction said second tongue member is pivotable with respect to said second end cap.

20. The curtain rod assembly of claim 19 wherein said third tongue member has a pivot hole and said second wall plate further comprises:

at least one extending member having a slot, said slot positioned to receive said third tongue member;

said at least one extending member having a hole alignable with said pivot hole; and

a pivot screw insertable through said hole and said pivot hole to pivotably connect said third tongue member with said second wall plate and allow rotation in a vertical plane about said pivot screw with respect to said second wall plate.

21. The curtain rod assembly of claim 20 wherein said at least one extending member comprises two extending members forming said slot therebetween.

22. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3 wherein:

said first interlocking member is an elbow having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending downward from an end of the horizontal portion; and

said second interlocking member defines a cavity between said second interlocking member and said first wall plate for receiving said vertical portion of said first interlocking member.

23. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3 further comprising:

a clasp securable to the front of said first wall plate and adapted to selectively secure said first interlocking member to said second interlocking member.

24. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3 wherein said wall surface is a shower or bath stall.

25. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3 wherein said curtain rod is curved.

26. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3 wherein said first and second rod members each include at least two 90-degree turns.

27. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3 wherein said curtain rod is straight.

28. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3 further comprising at least one mounting plate containing a recessed portion positioned to receive one of said first wall plate and said second wall plate.