HOOKLESS SHOWER CURTAIN ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Implementations of a ring for a hookless shower curtain are provided. In some implementations, the ring comprises a body having an inner diameter and an outer diameter defining an interior opening bounded by the body except at an elongated opening in the body, wherein the inner diameter is sized such that the ring can fit around and slide along a shower curtain rod. In some implementations, the body comprises an outer, front surface and an outer, back surface, opposite the outer front surface wherein the slit extends from the inner diameter to the outer diameter and from the outer, front surface to the outer, back surface. In some implementations, the outer, front surface and the outer, back surface conceal the interior parts of the ring when the ring is viewed from a front elevation or back elevation.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 201720148198.7, which was filed on Feb. 20, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a hookless shower curtain assembly.

BACKGROUND

Conventional shower curtains hang from and are moveable along a shower curtain rod by removable hooks or rings. These hooks extend around the shower curtain rod and through the openings of the shower curtain.

A hookless shower curtain does not include these separate hooks but instead includes openings extending through shower curtain and arranged along the top side of the shower curtain with an elongated opening (i.e., slit) extending between a pair of openings. Each opening typically includes a supporting structure (i.e., ring) around the opening and a slit opening in the ring aligned with the slit in the shower curtain.

The slit opening in the rings and the shower curtain can be used to place the rings around a shower curtain rod. In this way, the hookless shower curtain can be easily placed on and removed from the shower curtain rod without using separate rings or hooks that are needed with conventional shower curtains.

The rings of existing hookless shower curtains comprise a first part having projections extending therefrom and a second part having openings to receive the projections. The first part comprises an outer, first surface and an inner, second surface that is opposite the first surface. The projections extend from the inner, second surface. The second part comprises an outer, first surface and an inner, second surface that is opposite the first surface. The openings in the second part extend completely through the second part from the inner, second surface to the outer, first surface.

A ring is usually attached to the shower curtain on one side of the shower curtain by inserting the projections of the first part of the ring through opening in the shower curtain to the other side of the shower curtain. The projections are then inserted through the openings of the second part of the ring until the projections extend all the way through the second part of the ring to the outer surface of the second ring.

The projections are then melted to the outer surface of the second part. The melted projections result in an unfinished or otherwise undesirable appearance on the outer surface of the second part of the ring. This manufacturing process renders the rings and the shower curtain one-sided or useable or otherwise presentable in appearance only on the outer, first side of the first part of the rings. Thus, typical hookless shower curtain rings, and therefore the hookless shower curtain, are not double-sided or reversible and are only finished or otherwise presentable in appearance for use on one side.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,232 (“'232 patent”), for example, discloses an accessory that includes rings for mounting onto a rod to support a piece of material such as a hookless shower curtain. However, the '232 patent does not disclose double-sided or reversible rings that are finished or otherwise presentable on both sides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a front and back, respectively, of an example hookless shower curtain ring according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate a first side and second side, opposite the first side, respectively, of an example hookless shower curtain ring according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate an exploded side view of a first part and a second part of an example hookless shower curtain ring according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrate an interior view of the first part and an interior view of the second part, respectively, of the example hookless shower curtain ring of FIGS. 1E and 1F, respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of an example hookless shower curtain according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an example use of a hookless shower curtain ring according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an example use of a hookless shower curtain assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an implementation of an example hookless shower curtain assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate another implementation of an example hookless shower curtain ring according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a ring for a hookless shower curtain are provided. In some implementations, the ring comprises a body having an inner diameter and an outer diameter defining an interior opening bounded by the body except at an elongated opening in the body, wherein the inner diameter is sized such that the ring can fit around and slide along a shower curtain rod. In some implementations, the body comprises an outer, front surface and an outer, back surface, opposite the outer front surface wherein the slit extends from the inner diameter to the outer diameter and from the outer, front surface to the outer, back surface. In some implementations, the outer, front surface and the outer, back surface conceal the interior parts of the ring when the ring is viewed from a front elevation or back elevation.

FIGS. 1A-1H illustrate various views of a hookless shower curtain ring 100 according to the present disclosure.

More specifically, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a front and back, respectively, of the hookless shower curtain ring 100.

FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate a first side and second side, opposite the first side, respectively, of the hookless shower curtain ring 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate an exploded side view of a first part and a second part of the hookless shower curtain ring 100 shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D.

FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrate an interior view of the first part and an interior view of the second part, respectively, of the hookless shower curtain ring 100 shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of an example hookless shower curtain 200 that can be used with the hookless shower curtain ring 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1H.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an example use of the hookless shower curtain ring 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1H with the hookless shower curtain 200 shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an example use of a hookless shower curtain assembly 400 that comprises the hookless shower curtain ring 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1H and the hookless shower curtain 200 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates an implementation of the example hookless shower curtain assembly 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.

As shown for example in FIGS. 4A-4C and 5, in some implementations, the hookless shower curtain assembly 400 comprises a plurality of the hookless shower curtain rings 100 attached to the hookless shower curtain 200.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, each ring 100 comprises a body 100a having an inner diameter 100i and an outer diameter 100j defining an interior opening 100b bounded by the body 100a except at an elongated opening or slit 100f in the body 100a. As shown for example in FIGS. 4B-4C and 5, in some implementations, the inner diameter 100i is sized such that each ring can fit around and slide along a shower curtain rod 402.

In some implementations, the body 100a comprises an outer, front surface 100c1 and an outer back surface 100c2 wherein the slit 100f extends from the inner diameter 100i to the outer diameter 100j. As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the slit 100f also extends from the outer, front surface 100c1 to the outer, back surface 100c. In this way, the rings 100 can rings can be placed around a shower curtain rod 402 as shown in FIGS. 4B-4C and 5.

In some implementations, the front surface 100c1 and back surface 100c2 are smooth. In some implementations, the front surface 100c1 and back surface 100c2 are uniform. In some implementations, the front surface 100c1 and the back surface 100c2 are identical in appearance. In some implementations, the front surface 100c1 and the back surface 100c2 are substantially similar in appearance such that any differences are attributable to manufacturing imperfections. In some implementations, as discussed further below, the front surface 100c1 and back surface 100c2 conceal the interior parts of the ring, except at the slit 100f. In some implementations, as discussed further below, the front surface 100c1 and back surface 100c2 conceal the interior parts of the ring 100 when the ring 100 is viewed from a front view (e.g., a front elevation) or back view (e.g., back elevation).

As shown for example in FIGS. 1E and 1F, in some implementations, each of the plurality of hookless shower curtain rings 100 comprises a first part 100g and second part 100h. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, in some implementations, the first part 100g and the second part 100h form opposing separate halves of the hookless shower curtain ring 100. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, in some implementations, the first part 100g and the second part 100h are joinable together to form the hookless shower curtain ring 100.

Accordingly, FIG. 1A illustrates the first part 100g and FIG. 1B illustrates the second part 100h. Thus, as the discussed above, the first part 100g has an inner diameter 100i and an outer diameter 100j defining an interior opening 100b bounded by the first part 100g except at an elongated opening or slit 100f1 (see FIG. 1E) in the first part 100g. Similarly, the second part 100h has an inner diameter 100i and an outer diameter 100j defining an interior opening 100b bounded by the second part 100h except at an elongated opening or slit 100f2 (see FIG. 1F) in the second part 100h.

As shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F and 3A-C, the first part 100g comprises projections 102 extending therefrom and the second part 100h comprises openings 104 configured to receive the projections 102 of the first part 100g. In some implementations, the projections 102 are solid. In some implementations, an opening 104 comprises a hollow projection having an inner diameter and an outer diameter that extends from second part 100h. In some implementations, an opening 104 extend into the second part 100h.

As shown for example in FIGS. 1E and 1G, the first part 100g comprises an outer, first surface 100c1 and an inner, second surface 100d1 that is opposite the first surface 100c1. The projections 102 extend from the inner, second surface 100d1. In some implementations, the outer, first surface 100c1 of the first part 100g conceals the projections 102 when viewed from a front view (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A).

As shown for example in FIGS. 1F and 1H, the second part 100h comprises an outer, first surface 100c2 and an inner, second surface 100d2 that is opposite the first surface 100c2. The openings 104 in the second part 100h do not extend completely through the second part 100h. In some implementations, the openings 104 extend from at least the inner, second surface 100d2 and end before reaching to the outer, first surface 10c2. In this way, the outer, first surface 100c2 of the second part 100h conceals the openings 104 and the projections 102 (when the first part 100g and the second part 100h are attached) when viewed from a back view (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B).

In some implementations, the openings 104 of the second part 100h are configured to respectively receive and securely engage the projections 102 of the first part 100g within the openings 104.

In some implementations, the openings 104 are configured to respectively receive and securely engage the projections 102 within the openings to securely join the first part 100g to the second part 100h to form the hookless shower curtain ring 100. In some implementations, the projections 102 and openings 104 are configured to function as fasteners to securely join the first part 100g to the second part 100h. In some implementations, the projections 102 and openings 104 are configured to form non-permanent connections. function as fasteners to securely join the first part 100g to the second part 100h. In some implementations, the projections 102 and openings 104 are configured to form permanent connections. In some implementations, the projections 102 and openings 104 form a mechanical connection. In some implementations, the projections 102 and openings 104 form connections without the use of crimping, welding, soldering, brazing, taping, gluing, cementing, or other adhesives. In some implementations, the projections 102 and openings 104 are configured to form an interference fit, press fit, or friction fit. In some implementations, the fastening between the projections 102 and openings 104 is achieved by friction after the parts are pushed together. In some implementations, the connections between the projections 102 and openings 104 are formed by thermal expansion or contraction. One of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure would know how to configure the projections 102 and projections 104 to function as fasteners to securely join the first part 100g to the second part 100h.

In some implementations, the first part 100g and the second part 100h may comprise any other suitable connectors alternatively or in addition to the projections 102 and openings 104 respectively to securely join the first part 100g to the second part 100h to form the hookless shower curtain ring 100.

In some implementations, each of the projections 102 is 0.0999 inches in diameter. In some implementations, each of the projections 102 is less than 0.0999 inches in diameter. In some implementations, each of the projections 102 is greater than 0.0999 inches in diameter.

In some implementations, each of the plurality of projections 102 extend from the inner, second surface 100d1 by 0.3 inches. In some implementations, each of the plurality of projections 102 extend from the inner, second surface 100d1 by less than 0.3 inches. In some implementations, each of the plurality of projections 102 extend from the inner, second surface 100d1 by greater than 0.3 inches.

In some implementations, each of the hollow projections or openings 104 comprises an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the projections 102. In some implementations, each of the hollow projections or openings 104 comprises an inner diameter of 0.1 inches when the projections 102 is 0.0999 inches in diameter. In some implementations, the inner diameter of the hollow projections or openings 104 is 0.0001 inches greater than the diameter of the projections 102. In some implementations, the inner diameter of the hollow projections or openings 104 is greater than 0.0001 inches greater than the diameter of the projections 102. In some implementations, the inner diameter of the hollow projections or openings 104 is less than 0.0001 inches greater than the diameter of the projections 102.

In some implementations, each of the hollow projections 104 extending from the second part 100h comprises an outer diameter of 0.15 inches. In some implementations, each of the hollow projections 104 extending from the second part 100h comprises an outer diameter less than 0.15 inches. In some implementations, each of the hollow projections 104 extending from the second part 100h comprises an outer diameter greater than 0.15 inches.

In some implementations, each of the hollow projections 104 extend from the inner, second surface 100d2 of the second part 100h by 0.3 inches. In some implementations, each of the hollow projections 104 extend from the inner, second surface 100d2 of the second part 100h by less than 0.3 inches. In some implementations, each of the hollow projections 104 extend from the inner, second surface 100d2 of the second part 100h by greater than 0.3 inches.

As discussed above, in some implementations, the outer, first surface 100c1 of the first part 100g conceals the projections 102 when viewed from a front view (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A). Furthermore, the outer, first surface 100c2 of the second part 100h conceals the openings 104 and the projections 102 (when the first part 100g and the second part 100h are attached) when viewed from a back view (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B). In this way, the hookless shower curtain ring 100 is double-sided or reversible.

As discussed above, in some implementations, the hookless shower curtain assembly 400 comprises a hookless shower curtain 200 to which the above described hookless shower curtain rings 100 are attached.

As shown for example in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the hookless shower curtain 200 comprises a plurality of openings 202 extending through shower curtain and arranged along a top side of the shower curtain with an elongated opening (i.e., slit) 206 extending between a pair of openings 202.

In some implementations, each of the openings 202 comprises a diameter that is greater than the inner diameter 100i of the hookless shower curtain rings 100. In some implementations, the diameter of each of the openings 202 is less than the outer diameter 100j of the hookless shower curtain rings 100.

In some implementations, the diameter of each of the openings 202 is 1.875 inches. In some implementations, the diameter of each of the openings 202 is less than 1.875 inches. In some implementations, the diameter of each of the openings 202 is greater than 1.875 inches.

In some implementations, the hookless shower curtain 200 comprises a plurality of smaller openings 204 positioned around each of the openings 202. In some implementations, the openings 204 are aligned and configured to receive the projections 102 or hollow projections 104 of the rings 100.

In some implementations, the diameter of each of the openings 204 is 0.17 inches when the outer diameter of the hollow projections 104 of the second part 100h is 0.15 inches. In some implementations, the diameter of each of the openings 204 is 0.02 inches greater than the outer diameter of the hollow projections 104. In some implementations, the diameter of each of the openings 204 is greater than 0.02 inches greater than the outer diameter of the hollow projections 104. In some implementations, the diameter of each of the openings 204 is less than 0.02 inches greater than the outer diameter of the hollow projections 104.

In some implementations, each slit 206 in the hookless shower curtain 200 extend between an adjacent pair 202a of openings 202 in the hookless shower curtain 200.

As shown in FIG. 5, in some implementations, a ring 100 is attached around each of the openings 202. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, in some implementations, a first part 100g of the ring 100 is placed on a first side of the shower curtain 200 and the second part 100h of the ring 100 is placed on a second side, opposite the first side, of the shower curtain.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, for each opening 202 and corresponding ring 100, in some implementations, each hollow projection 104 extending from the second part 100h of the ring 100 extends through a respective opening 204 around the opening 202. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, in some implementations, each projection 102 protruding from the first part 100g of the ring 100 extends into a respective hollow projection 104 protruding from the second part 100h of the ring 100. In some implementations, the first part 100g is securely joined to the second part 100h to securely attach the ring 100 around the opening 202.

In some implementations, the slit 100f1 of the first part 100g is aligned with the slit 100f2 of the second part 100h thereby forming the slit 100f of the ring 100 when the first part 100g and second part 100h are secured together. In some implementations, the slit 100f in the ring 100 is aligned with the slit 206 extending from the opening 202.

In some implementations, the slit 100f and the slit 206 can thereby be used to pass the shower curtain rod 402 through the slit 100f and the slit 206 to encircle the hookless shower curtain ring 100 and the respective circular opening 202 around the shower curtain rod 402.

In some implementations, the components of the hookless shower curtain assembly 400 are composed of any suitable material.

In some implementations, the components of the hookless shower curtain assembly 400 can have any suitable appearance along with the above-described double-sided or reversible rings 100.

In some implementations, the above described double-sided or reversible rings 100 allows the hookless shower curtain assembly 400 to be double-sided or reversible.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate another implementation of an example hookless shower curtain ring 600 according to the present disclosure.

In some implementations, the hookless shower curtain ring 600 comprises elements and features that are the same or similar to or function the same or similar to the elements and features of the hookless shower curtain ring described above (e.g., ring 100), except as discussed below.

For example, in some implementations, the first side 600g and second side 600h of the ring 600 are the same or similar to or function the same or similar to the first part 100g and the second part 100h, respectively, of the ring 100, except as discussed below.

In some implementations, the projections 602 and hollow projections 604 function similar to the projections 102 and hollow projections 104, respectively, of the ring 100, except as discussed below.

As shown in FIG. 6C, in some implementations, each projection 602 comprises an opening 602b extending down the middle thereby forming a pair of projections 602a spaced apart by the opening 602b. In some implementations, each hollow projection 604, which is configured to receive a projection 602, comprises an inner projections 604b configured to be received by the opening 602b of the projection 602 as shown in FIG. 6C.

Similar to the projections 102, which are extended into the hollow projections 104, the projections 602 of the first part 600g extends into corresponding hollow projections 604 of the second part 600h. More specifically, the projections 602a extend into a hollow projection 604 and rest on either side of the protrusion 604b in the projection 604 and the protrusion 604b extends into the opening or gap between the projections 602a as shown in FIG. 6C.

The figures, including photographs and drawings, comprised herewith may represent one or more implementations of the arm pouch.

Details shown in the figures, such as dimensions, descriptions, etc., are exemplary, and there may be implementations of other suitable details according to the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is comprised in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

While operations may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Claims

1. A ring for a hookless shower curtain, the ring comprising:

a body having an inner diameter and an outer diameter defining an interior opening bounded by the body except at an elongated opening in the body,

wherein the inner diameter is sized such that the ring can fit around and slide along a shower curtain rod;

wherein the body comprises an outer, front surface and an outer, back surface that is opposite the outer, back surface;

wherein the slit extends from the inner diameter to the outer diameter and from the outer, front surface to the outer, back surface;

wherein the ring comprises a first part and second part, wherein the first part and the second part form opposing parts of the ring and wherein the first part and the second part are joinable together to form the ring;

wherein the first part has an inner diameter and an outer diameter defining an interior opening bounded by the first part except at an elongated opening in the first part;

wherein the second part has an inner diameter and an outer diameter defining an interior opening bounded by the second part except at an elongated opening in the second part;

wherein the first part comprises the outer, first surface of the ring and an inner, second surface that is opposite the first surface and wherein the first part comprises projections extending from the inner, second surface;

wherein the second part comprises the outer, back surface of the ring and an inner, second surface that is opposite the outer, back surface and wherein the second part comprises openings configured to receive respective projections of the first part, wherein each opening of the second part configured to receive the respective projection comprises a hollow projection that extends from the inner, second surface of the second part away from the second part and does not extend completely through the second part to the outer back surface;

wherein the outer, front surface conceals the projections of the first part when viewed from a front elevation view; and

wherein the outer, back surface conceals the projections of the first part parts and the openings of the second part of the ring viewed from a back elevation.

2. A hookless shower curtain assembly comprising:

a shower curtain comprising a plurality of shower curtain rod openings extending through shower curtain and arranged along a top side of the shower curtain with an elongated opening extending between pairs of adjacent shower curtain rod openings wherein each shower curtain rod opening comprises a plurality of smaller openings positioned around the openings,

wherein for each of the shower curtain rod openings, a first part of a ring of claim 1 is placed around the shower curtain rod opening on a first side of the shower curtain and the second part of the ring is placed around the shower curtain rod opening on a second side, opposite the first side, of the shower curtain, wherein the hollow projections of the second part of the ring extend through the smaller openings of the shower curtain and each projection protruding from the first part of the ring extends into a respective hollow projection protruding from the second part of the ring, and wherein the elongated opening of the first part of the ring is aligned with the elongated opening of the second part of the thereby forming the elongated opening of the ring and wherein the elongated opening in the ring is aligned with the elongated opening in the shower curtain extending from the shower curtain rod opening.