Single Horizontal Rod Type Patents (Class 211/105.1)
  • Patent number: 11607091
    Abstract: Handle devices for building, including bathing, environments that can be stored in and deployed from recesses in the walls of the environments. The handle devices may include emergency contact capabilities to enable a user to contact an emergency contact. Universal handle devices can be mounted to the contoured walls of a free standing tub. Handle devices may have a handle, a handle housing, a gear shaft connected to the handle, a spring and a lock housing. Other handle devices have housings with a gear rod and a guide channel. Some handle devices have a plurality of links rotatably coupled to the housing and the handle, and a stowage locking lever housed within the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Nuwhirl Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Harlan, Yves Grandmaitre
  • Patent number: 11445866
    Abstract: A wall mount towel bar assembly provides a wall mount bracket adapted to be mounted to a planar surface. A threaded shaft is supported upon the wall mount bracket for rotation relative to the wall mount bracket. A sleeve is in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft with a sleeve aperture formed therein. A bar is received for translation in the sleeve aperture. Rotation of the threaded shaft locks the bar in the sleeve to maintain a position of the bar within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: LIBERTY HARDWARE MFG. CORP.
    Inventor: James Leroy Daniels
  • Patent number: 11350742
    Abstract: A repositionable closet bar for hanging clothes includes an elongate rigid bar having distal, proximal and intermediate sections, wherein the distal section has an upward-facing surface for engaging a bottom surface of a closet shelf, wherein the intermediate section has an upward-facing surface that is convex for receiving and supporting a hook of a clothes hanger, wherein the proximal section has an upward-facing surface that extends radially outward beyond at least a portion of the convex surface of the intermediate section, and wherein the elongate rigid bar further includes a downward-facing surface for engaging a top surface of a closet rod. The repositionable closet bar may optionally further include a hook extending from a proximal end, a first compressible gripping pad for engaging the bottom surface of the closet shelf and/or a second compressible gripping pad for engaging the top surface of the closet rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Closet Toolz Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lowell Streets
  • Patent number: 11292120
    Abstract: A work bench which is easily disassembled for storage or moving to a new location and may be attached to a support surface such as the side of a cargo trailer, van or a wall. The work bench includes a pair of work bench frames is connected to a support surface by a pair of mounting standards spaced apart from one another and mounted to the support surface. The pair of work bench frames each comprise a work bench support flange, at least one cross-member hanger along with at least one crossmember. The work bench frames are the supports for a work bench work surface. There is also provided a bench support extension connected to the work bench used as a support for material larger than the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Greg Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11174644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handrail for a staircase comprising a handrail member and an adjustable securement device (80, 85) to support the hand rail member at variable heights above the stairs of a staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Lesley Susan Pamela Cartwright-Taylor
  • Patent number: 11002050
    Abstract: A radial progression hinge cap has a cap body that is configured to attach to a door jamb of a door frame above a geared continuous hinge that supports a door in the door frame. The cap body has a rear attachment channel that is configured to be attached at the door jamb. The cap body also has an upper surface that slopes downward from a top edge of the rear attachment channel to a front distal edge of the cap body. The front distal edge protrudes a threshold distance away from the rear attachment channel so that the upper surface of the cap body spans over and conceals a top surface of the geared continuous hinge and an upper corner of the edge portion of the door as it moves between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventors: Nathan Wolthuis, Daryl R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10765247
    Abstract: There is provided a bracket and rod assembly system having improved strength and configured to allow complete access of a drapery supported by the rod assembly to an entire length of the rod assembly without interference from the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: House of Atlas, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Moss, Alan Arthur Ford, Matthew Berman
  • Patent number: 10068501
    Abstract: A system for displaying and illuminating goods comprises at least one light tube; an electrical connection to a source of electrical energy for illuminating the at least one light tube; and a mechanical arrangement for supporting the light tube so that the light tube provides support for a product to be displayed. A plurality of light tubes can be connected with at least one joiner for joining the light tubes end to end; at least one electrical connection to a source of electrical energy for illuminating at least a first one of the light tubes; and at least one electrical connector for carrying electrical energy between the first one of the light tubes and a second one of the light tubes. Goods are displayed by placing them on goods hangers associated with the light tubes, or on shelves between adjacent light tubes. A low voltage power supply can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Hudson & Broad, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Conley, James Maharg
  • Patent number: 9833112
    Abstract: A system to enable lateral shower curtain movement including: a first open channel frame, where the first open channel frame attaches to a first sidewall of a shower stall; a second open channel frame, where the second channel frame respectively attach to a second sidewall of the shower stall and said second sidewall opposes the first sidewall; openings in each open channel frame, where the openings enable the insertion of an end of a shower rod; and a means to adhere each channel frame to each side wall. The means to adhere may include at least one of a double-sided tape, glue or mounting brackets. Preferably, each channel frame extends the entire length of each respective sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Charles Busha
  • Patent number: 9680409
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a roof mounting system that utilizes a base plate that is affixed to a roof surface by multiple fasteners (e.g., lag bolts, screws etc.) and a cap (e.g., top cap) that attaches to the base plate covering the fasteners affixing the base plate to the roof surface. Once attached, the top cap covers the fasteners preventing water infiltration. To further waterproof the fasteners affixing the base plate to the roof surface, the base plate includes a raised or elevated section on its top surface with a planar flange extending around the elevated section. A portion of the flange may be disposed beneath a single or shingles on a roof surface. The fasteners extend through the elevated section. Accordingly, water drains around the elevated section when the base plate is attached to a roof surface further isolating the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: D Three Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Richard F. Schaefer, David Kreutzman
  • Patent number: 9402494
    Abstract: A device for organizing clothes in a closet having a clothes hanger rod is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes a series of resilient ribs that are each shaped as an incomplete circle that terminates at a first end and a second end, wherein the ribs are aligned along an axis that intersects a center of each circle, each of the ribs has a space between it and an adjacent one of the ribs, each of the first ends is connected to an adjacent one of the first ends, and each of the second ends is connected to an adjacent one of the second ends, and the ribs are adapted to fit onto the rod, with the space between the ribs configured to allow a clothes hanger hook to hang directly on the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: M&S Products, LLC
    Inventor: Marcie O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9271593
    Abstract: A suspension device includes a sticking piece, a suspension seat, and a connecting head. The sticking piece has a back face coated with a hydrophilic adhesive. The suspension seat has a first shell connected with a front face of the sticking piece. The first shell has a slideway and two insertion plates. The connecting head has a mounting portion and a resting portion. The mounting portion has a mounting hole mounted on one end of a shower rod. The resting portion has a second shell provided with a protruding slide and two slots. The second shell is juxtaposed to the first shell, with the slide sliding into the slideway, and with the two insertion plates being inserted into the two slots, such that the connecting head is combined with the suspension seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Shih-Kuo Chang
  • Patent number: 9010550
    Abstract: A tool bar for securing under a hood of a car during repair and maintenance is disclosed. A rigid member spanning a substantial portion of the hood is flexibly secured to hooks. The hooks engage edges of the hood and may include a compliant covering. The hooks may secure to the rigid member by means of straps and the straps may be tensioned by means of tensioners secured to one of the hooks and the rigid member. A stabilizer secures to the rigid member and has an end that may be clipped or otherwise fastened to a portion of the hood to resist rotation of the rigid member. One or more tool retaining members secured to the rigid member, such as a socket rack, magnetic bar, hook groove, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Manuel Antonio Figueroa
  • Publication number: 20150076094
    Abstract: A closet hanger especially for neckties. The hanger features a novel plastic clip, which allows easy one-handed insertion and removal of ties. Each clip supports the tie with lateral elastic tension. A plurality of clips is arranged to allow ties to be hung face-to-face, saving space over hangers that support ties side-by-side. An adjustable hook screw secures the hanger fixedly in place on the rod. In an alternative embodiment, the hanger is hung from a ready-made mount system secured to a wall or door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Edward Allahverdian
  • Patent number: 8950600
    Abstract: There is provided in a preferred embodiment a method and system for attaching a cross member to a tube. The tube has two holes drilled into it at opposite surfaces. The upper body of the cross member is inserted into one hole, through the tube and into the opposite hole. At the opposite hole, the cross member is welded or otherwise affixed to the tube. The lower body of the cross member is designed and adapted to be selectively attached to the upper body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Salvatore J. Sisto
  • Publication number: 20150034581
    Abstract: An adjustable curved shower curtain rod assembly, attached to the walls to form different sizes of shower area, comprises a telescopic curtain rod and a pair of flexible mounting bases, including a pair of flexible mounting adapters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Test Rite Products Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Hsu
  • Patent number: 8857632
    Abstract: A jersey hanger assembly is described. The jersey hanger assembly allows homes, businesses, schools, or other buildings to display an athletic jersey as a symbol of team pride or of support for an athletic team or an individual player on the team. The jersey hanger assembly includes a bracket member. The bracket member includes a receiving member. The jersey hanger assembly includes a pole with first and second opposing ends. The second pole end is insertable into the receiving member. The pole has a curved shape between the first and second opposing ends. A jersey flag for hanging on the jersey hanger is described. The jersey flag is material of a fabric cut or shaped to resemble an athletic jersey. The material includes a team logo or insignia. A sleeve or an open seam in positioned in the upper portion of the jersey flag to receive the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Big Time Jersey, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph W. Anderson, Daniel G. Sprague
  • Patent number: 8806670
    Abstract: A rotatable shower rod system may be provided. The system may include a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, the pair of mounting brackets includes a stationary portion; a rotatable portion rotatably coupled to the stationary portion, the rotatable portion rotates to at least one of a first position and a second position about an axis of rotation; and a cover coupled to the stationary portion; and a curved rod extending between the pair of mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Colleen O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8657523
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a fixed structure for faucets and bathroom accessories, which at least includes a base and an external part, wherein the bottom side of the base is fixed on a connected body and the base has a hollow chamber in the body, at least a functional hole is set on the circumference of the body, an elastic piece is extended inwards from a part of circumference of the functional hole, a convex column is set on the end of the elastic piece; the external part has a hollow chamber set on the bottom side for placing the body of the base, and at least a slipping hole set on the circumference of the hollow chamber is provided for the convex column of the elastic piece to buckle into for positioning, to thereby achieve the purpose of quickly assembly and conveniently installing and operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Guo Yuan Hardware Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan-Long Kuo
  • Patent number: 8533912
    Abstract: A grab handle mounting assembly securable to a mounting surface includes a first mounting arm assembly securable to a mounting surface. The first mounting arm assembly defines a first male pin. A second mounting arm assembly is securable to a mounting surface and defines a second male pin. The assembly further includes a first tube having first and second open ends, wherein the first male pin is mateable within the first open end of the first tube and the second male pin is mateable within the second open end of the first tube. When the first and second mounting arm assemblies are secured to a mounting surface with the first and second male pins mated with the first and second open ends of the first tube, the first and second mounting arm assemblies impose a torsional force on the first tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventor: Richard Tran
  • Patent number: 8523126
    Abstract: Wall mountable accessory assemblies suitable to be mounted in a bathroom are disclosed. As an example, there is a grab bar assembly that has at least one mounting bracket, a grab bar, and a set screw. The bracket includes a rearward portion mountable to the wall and a frontal portion having a first recess which is forwardly open. The bracket also has a side catch groove structure. A projection on the grab bar is laterally slid into the catch groove structure and interfit therewith. The screw is inserted in the first recess so as to thereby drive a portion of the grab bar forward, inhibiting relative movement between the grab bar and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Thomas M. Spankowski
  • Patent number: 8505129
    Abstract: We provide a tension assembly for a curtain rod, preferably a shower curtain rod. The assembly includes a tube and a plunger slidably disposed within the tube. Between the tube and the plunger is a biasing means such as a spring. The plunger includes opposite L-shaped grooves having a common axial section and opposite tangential section. The groove allows inclusion of a locking pin that is retained in the tube. The combination of the locking pin and the L-shaped grooves allows the plunger to be moved until the plunger compresses the spring, then the plunger is locked. When additional the curtain rod is put into place the plunger or rod may be rotated, releasing the plunger and allowing the spring to provide additional tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Ex-Cell Home Fashions, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice Stafford Parker, Willie Strong, Melvin Walker, Jr., Stephen Blair Brooks
  • Patent number: 8469207
    Abstract: A drapery rod assembly adapted to be secured to a substantially planar surface comprising a right bracket and a left bracket. The right bracket includes a substantially gamma shaped wall portion having a slot, a mounting plate that is operatively arranged to be mounted to the surface. The mounting plate is operatively arranged to complementarily engage the slot and hold the wall portion. A substantially J-shaped extension portion that extends outward from the wall portion and terminates in a rod attachment end arranged perpendicularly with respect to the mounting plate and in parallel spaced apart relation to the surface. The left bracket is an enantiomer of the right bracket. A first and second rod, each rod includes a proximate and distal end. The distal end of the first rod is releasably engaged with the left bracket, and the distal end of the second rod is releasably engaged with the right bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Umbra LLC
    Inventors: Paul Rowan, Mauricio Affonso
  • Publication number: 20130112637
    Abstract: A profile rail (16) for a merchandise display system (10) is used for supporting merchandise on at least one display accessory arm (14) extending from a display wall (11). The profile rail (16) has a top wall (34), a bottom wall (36) and a rear wall (38) defining an open chamber (28) configured to receive an accessory arm (14), wherein the chamber (28) has a channel (30) formed therein between an upper lip (31) and lower lip (32) and extending rearward toward the rear wall (38), and wherein an upper wall (66) extends between the top wall (34) and the upper lip (31) and the lower lip (32) extends from the bottom wall (36). The profile rail (16) has a lower bearing surface (32) located in the bottom wall (36), and the profile rail (16) also includes an upper bearing surface (62) located on the upper wall (66) directed toward the chamber (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: MARLITE, INC.
    Inventor: Jamie Kuhn
  • Patent number: 8430369
    Abstract: A wall mounting bath accessory assembly contains a fixing member to be locked to a wall including a groove defined therein so that between the groove and the wall is defined a movable space and an upper locking portion disposed on a top end thereof; a sliding member limited to move between an upper dead center and a lower dead center of the movable space and including an upper abutting portion disposed on a top end thereof and a lower locking portion extending from a bottom end thereof; a retaining member located on an outer side of the fixing member and including an upper fastening portion extending from a top end of thereof, and a lower fastening portion extending from a bottom end thereof; a base including a receiving chamber to receive the retaining member, the fixing member, and the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Weimien Hsu, Dulun Chang, Chunhung Li
  • Patent number: 8393020
    Abstract: Bath and shower support systems for a bath or shower enclosure have adjustable grab bars bearing on adjustable lower supports and laterally connecting to a parallel tiled wall by suction cups clamped to the tile by locking means. An adjustable length upward extending grab bar attaches to the lower grab bar with its upper extremity attaching to the tiled wall by connection means that includes a suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Willie T. Grant
  • Patent number: 8387931
    Abstract: A grab bar is attached to a wall of a shower enclosure with at least one anchor assembly. When installed, a grab bar mount flange covers the anchor assembly from view. The anchor assembly includes a flange collar with a collar bore and a jackscrew that is received within the collar bore. The flange collar is installed within an opening formed within the wall of the shower enclosure. A position of the jackscrew can be adjusted without having to remove the flange collar from the wall. Once properly adjusted, a fastener is inserted through the grab bar mount flange, flange collar, and jackscrew for securement to a wall structure behind the shower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Earl David Forrest
  • Patent number: 8382051
    Abstract: A wall-mounted bathroom accessory support assembly for supporting a bathroom accessory and adapted to be affixed to a bathroom wallboard. The support assembly includes: a mounting bracket; a fastener assembly adapted to affix the mounting bracket to a wallboard; and an accessory post assembly including an accessory post and a post adapter permanently affixed to the accessory post. The accessory post includes a wall defining a central body and a distal portion configured to support a bathroom accessory. The accessory post wall defines an open interior region and an access opening extending through the wall. The post adapter is disposed within the interior region of the accessory post wall and including an axially extending pedestal that includes a cantilevered flange. The mounting bracket includes a catch mechanism. The post adapter cantilevered flange engages the catch mechanism to releasably secure the accessory post assembly to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Smith
  • Patent number: 8353068
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable hand rail including a wall-mounted base member that includes a circular plate with an inward facing side and an outward facing side. The circular plate includes a circular track. The circular track has a bottom, an inside rail member extending from the bottom and an outside rail member extending from the bottom. The two rail members define a C-shaped channel. The bottom of the track member also includes a plurality of lock apertures. A rotatable insert is rotatably disposed within the circular track. The insert has a first insert opening and a diametrically opposed second insert opening. First and second shoulder members are disposed within the insert openings. The first shoulder member has a first locking pin biased to extend into one of the lock apertures. A bar having a first end and a second end is provided attached to the shoulder members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventors: John W Bailey, Steven H Bailey
  • Publication number: 20120312764
    Abstract: The hanging apparatus for displaying articles initially comprises a grid arrangement (1) which has a large number of systematically arranged cells (10) which are each surrounded by two horizontal webs (11) and two vertical webs (12), wherein the cells (10) are open to a front face (18) and to a rear face (19). The hanging apparatus also has a primary support (2,2?) which has at least one plug part (21,21?) which is intended to be detachably suspended in a selected cell (10). The plug part (21,21?) has a hook contour (214,214?) which points upward and, in the suspended state, engages behind the horizontal web (11) which bounds the selected cell (10) at the top. The plug part (21,21?) has a lower stop (217,217?) which, in the suspended state, is supported on the horizontal web (11) which bounds the selected cell (10) at the bottom. The plug part (21,21?) has at least one sheet-like flank (211,211?) with a front edge (212,212?) which merges with the hook contour (214,214?) at the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Herbert Walter, Harald Jerabek
  • Patent number: 8231093
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a bracket for mounting a rod to a surface has a surface-mounting portion and a rod-attachment portion. The surface-mounting portion provides an interface between the bracket and the surface, and attaches to the surface using suitable fasteners such as screws or nails. The rod-attachment portion has an aperture formed therein that accepts a threaded fastener used to attach a finial to the end of the rod. The aperture has a dimension that is smaller than a diameter of the rod, and at least as large as a diameter of the fastener. In one exemplary method of using the bracket, the fastener, attached to the finial, is fed through the aperture into a socket in the rod. The finial is then rotated thereby coupling the finial to the rod until the rod-attachment portion is secured between the rod and the finial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Phillip Tran
  • Patent number: 8210369
    Abstract: A drapery system comprises an elongated track having two track portions and an elongated rectangular splice structure for coupling the two track portions together. Each track portion has a splice channel and at least one track hole located in the splice channel. The splice structure has at least two splice holes extending through the splice structure and is adapted to be received within the splice channels. Screws are received through the splice holes and extend into the track holes in a direction perpendicular to the splice structure. The distance between the two splice holes is less than the distance between the two track holes when the two track portions are aligned adjacent each other and the screws are not installed. Each of the screws contacts an edge of the respective track hole to provide a longitudinal force on the respective track portion when the screws are installed in the splice holes and track holes, such that the track portions are forced together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joel E. Hibshman
  • Patent number: 8122530
    Abstract: An adjustable hand rail has a wall-mountable base member and a bar member which mounts to the wall-mountable base member, an axis is defined by the bar member. The bar member is manually rotatable with respect to the wall-mountable base member. The bar member has means for being selectively locked into any one of a plurality of different axial positions with respect to the wall-mountable base member, including a vertical axial position, a horizontal axial position, and various intermediate axial positions between the vertical axial position and the horizontal axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: John W. Bailey, Steven H. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8069508
    Abstract: A rotatable shower rod system may be provided. The system may include a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, the pair of mounting brackets includes a stationary portion; a rotatable portion rotatably coupled to the stationary portion, the rotatable portion rotates to at least one of a first position and a second position about an axis of rotation; and a cover coupled to the stationary portion; and a curved rod extending between the pair of mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Colleen O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8051781
    Abstract: A shelf for overlying a shower barrier uses a pair of shelves that are connected by a connector shelf allowing the device to telescope. Each of the pair of shelves abut a side wall and overlie a curtain rod or the top of a shower door. Each shelf has a flat upper surface and a decorative downwardly depending front surface for enhancing the aesthetics of the shower enclosure and concealing the rod or top of the door. Various devices can be used to hold the shelves against the walls including telescoping rods attached to the connector shelf and the other two shelves with a set screw holding the rods in place. A compression spring can also push on the outer shelves; or screws can pass through either screw bosses on the two other shelves and into the respective walls or a bracket can, be attached to the outer shelves and the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventors: Krista K. Vind, Clayton J. Vind
  • Publication number: 20110226716
    Abstract: A curtain rod structure comprises a rail unit having at least one slide, a first hanging unit movably coupled to the rail unit and comprising a first hanging portion and a first slide element coupled separately to both sides of the top of the first hanging portion and movably installed in the slide; and a second hanging unit movably coupled to the rail unit and including a second hanging portion and a second slide element coupled to both sides of the top of the second hanging portion and movably installed in the slide second hanging portion, and one of the sides of the second slide element is situated between the two first slide elements. A curtain fabric is installed onto the first and second hanging units, and the first and second hanging units are linked and overlapped to achieve easy installation, removal, and operation and an excellent light shading effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: JU-HUAI CHEN
  • Patent number: 7934274
    Abstract: A grab bar for attachment to a bathroom wall structure includes a body member that extends between first and second ends. The body member is defined by a non-circular cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Earl David Forrest, Andrew James Graff
  • Patent number: 7874536
    Abstract: An angle ceiling bracket, hanger or support which is specially designed for use with sloped ceilings of the type found in attics or the second or third stories of residences or related building structures. The design is such that it has virtually universal application for any type or angle of sloped ceiling so that a new bracket need not be designed for various ceiling work sites. The hanger design is contemplated for use with closet clothes hanger rods and has many other possible uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: David O. Groover
  • Patent number: 7874025
    Abstract: A grab bar assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes: a grab bar having a first aperture and a second aperture defined along an axis; a post which receives the grab bar; an insert which pass through the first aperture and abut the second aperture; and a fastener mounted through the post and the second aperture along the axis, the fastener receivable into the insert to retain the grab bar within the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Rohn Bowden, Earl David Forrest
  • Patent number: 7874437
    Abstract: A Mechanical Closet Arm with a horizontal pole to hang items which has a reversible drive and a method of stopping the horizontal pole when it reaches the upper or lower height limit. A preferred embodiment includes a bearing washer assembly supporting each mounted support arm axle inside each side arm bearing block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Dean Adare Jones
  • Patent number: 7774902
    Abstract: A grab bar for projecting from a structure to a projecting side of the grab bar includes a user support member operable to support a user, the user support member being disposed at the projecting side of the grab bar; and an extending member attached to the user support member and dimensioned to extend between the projecting side and an attachment side of the grab bar opposite the projecting side, whereby an upper edge of the grab bar extends from the extending member upwardly and away from the attachment side at a first end of the grab bar and extends upwardly and away from the projecting side at a second end of the grab bar opposite the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Robert H. J. Whyzel
  • Patent number: 7641060
    Abstract: The window hardware system of the invention comprises a variety of different types of poles in different finishes, colors and styles. A variety of different types of finials are also provided in different colors, materials, styles and shapes. A variety of different types of separate collars are also provided where certain types of collars may match the color, style and finish of the poles. A connection mechanism is provided to connect the finial, collar and pole to one another such that any combination of finial, collar and pole can be assembled. The body of the finial can have a modular construction such that the finial can be assembled from a variety of components to create a custom look.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan B. Bishop, Brande Seth Cross, Ashley M. Fortenberry
  • Patent number: 7597297
    Abstract: The system comprises a rod subassembly for suspending articles, supported at extremities by a holding subassembly. The former includes a hollow rod having along its length an upper recessed zone similar to a circular segment and incorporates at each lateral extremity a continuous, capturing recess extending towards an interior of the rod. A protection insert is placed on the zone and retained by the recesses. The rod is covered with longitudinal corrugations. The holding subassembly includes a bracket for attaching to an external recipient and a sleeve flange for supporting the rod and for interengaging with the bracket. The bracket includes a wedge-shaped element, while the sleeve flange has a flange with a recess complimentary to the foregoing element. By inserting the wedge-shaped element into the complementary recess, an interengagement between those parts which incorporate the former and the latter occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Isfeld, Stephen Lawson
  • Publication number: 20090217452
    Abstract: Grab rail assemblies are disclosed for mounting on walls, such as the tiled walls of a showering area or a mud room. The assemblies are designed to aesthetically meld with the surrounding environment by having a front tile mounting panel. They may also be provided with a drainage system to avoid water collecting long term within the rail when the rail is used in a shower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Leila M. Rubin, Michael R. Bates, Nicholas T. Pairolero, Katherine A. Stanchak
  • Publication number: 20090211017
    Abstract: A grab bar assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes: a grab bar having a first aperture and a second aperture defined along an axis; a post which receives the grab bar; an insert which pass through the first aperture and abut the second aperture; and a fastener mounted through the post and the second aperture along the axis, the fastener receivable into the insert to retain the grab bar within the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Rohn Bowden, Earl David Forrest
  • Publication number: 20090211016
    Abstract: A bath accessory assembly includes a bar and a seal. The bar includes at least one mounting surface having a groove and a plurality of tabs disposed about a sidewall of the groove. The seal is received within the groove of the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Earl David Forrest
  • Publication number: 20090211014
    Abstract: A grab bar includes a front facing side and a wall facing side that is opposite from the front facing side. The grab bar is attached to a wall structure with at least one mounting assembly at the wall facing side. A removable decorative insert is supported by the front facing side. The removable decorative insert is easily removed and replaced by other decorative inserts as needed without having to remove the grab bar from the wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Earl David Forrest, Andrew James Graff, Jeffrey Allen DeBoer
  • Patent number: 7540456
    Abstract: A device for mounting an item on a surface includes a base plate having front and rear major surfaces, a fastener for securing the base plate to the surface, and a retaining member removably connected with the base plate front major surface to retain the item on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Craig Thompson
  • Patent number: 7503534
    Abstract: A “Universal Unit” is disclosed, for use singly or in pairs, to form a bathroom accessory system. The Universal Unit has a back portion with a substantially flat front surface and a rear surface which is adapted for mounting on a wall. The Universal Unit has an upstanding projecting portion extending perpendicularly outward from the front surface. This projecting portion has two lateral and substantially parallel sides with at least one recess in one side for holding a separate accessory. The recess may be round, in which case the accessory may be a toilet tissue spindle, a towel bar or a grab bar, or it may be elongate in which case the accessory may be a shelf, a soap dish, a tumbler holder and/or toothbrush holder. Advantageously, the projecting portion has two recesses, one round and one elongate, so that a single Universal Unit may be manufactured, warehoused, sold and used for all of the above-mentioned purposes. The projecting portion and the back portion may be separate pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Robert W. Pollack
  • Patent number: 7490803
    Abstract: A curtain rod assembly includes one or more support members, such as brackets, that are configured to support a curtain rod from a wall. The support member include a coupler portion that provides a seamless and flush interface between the support member and the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Beme International LLC
    Inventor: Brian Graves