ALL-AROUND CURTAIN ROD AND ALL-AROUND SHOWER CURTAIN USING SAME

Abstract

Provided is an all-around curtain rod, including: a rod body along which a curtain is deployed and by which the curtain is supported; a fixing unit, which is coupled to a fixed end of the rod body and is fixable to a given structure; and a free end of the rod body. wherein the curtain is coupled with and removed from the rod body through the free end of the rod body, wherein the rod body is formed surrounding four sides.

Claims

1. An all-around curtain rod, comprising: a rod body along which a curtain is deployed and by which the curtain is supported; a fixing unit, which is coupled to a fixed end of the rod body and is fixable to a given structure; and a free end of the rod body, wherein the curtain is coupled with and removed from the rod body through the free end of the rod body, wherein the rod body is formed to surround four sides of a given location.

2. The all-around curtain rod of claim 1, wherein the fixing unit is coupled to the given structure in an attachable and detachable manner.

3. The all-around curtain rod of claim 1, further comprising: at least one of slip prevention unit which prevents the curtain from moving along the rod body.

4. The all-around curtain rod of claim 1, further comprising: an insertion groove formed in the rod body, wherein the slip prevention unit is insertable into the insertion groove; and a push button provided on the rod body, wherein the slip prevention unit is inserted into the insertion groove and springs out of the insertion groove upon operation of the push button.

5. The all-around curtain rod of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the rod body is adjustable in length.

6. The all-around curtain rod of claim 1, further comprising: a separation prevention unit provided adjacent to the free end of the rod body and preventing the curtain from being separated from the rod body.

7. An all-around shower curtain, comprising: a hanging unit configured to be coupled to a rod body; and a cutting unit configured to be cut and formed in a line shape.

8. The all-around shower curtain of claim 7, further comprising: insertion holes arranged side by side along a given line and formed through the all-around shower curtain; and a strap passing through the insertion holes.

9. The all-around shower curtain of claim 7, further comprising: a linear band within which a passage is formed; and a strap accommodated inside the linear band and passing through the passage, wherein both ends of the strap is exposed outside of the linear band.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a curtain rod and a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective diagram of a curtain rod and a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram illustrating a slip prevention unit of a curtain rod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a cutting unit equipped on a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 5 shows a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows a curtain according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows a strap which is coupled to insertion holes of a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 8 shows a strap which passes through a linear band of a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a curtain rod according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the width and length of the curtain rod are being adjusted.

EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] In describing embodiments, the same designation and the same numeral reference are used to refer to the same part, and additional description thereon will be omitted.

[0063] An all-around curtain rod or a four-side surrounding curtain rod according to the present invention can be implemented as follows.

[0064] FIG. 1 shows a curtain rod and a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective diagram of a curtain rod and a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram illustrating a slip prevention unit of a curtain rod according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a front view of a cutting unit equipped on a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a curtain according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a strap which is coupled to insertion holes of a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a strap which passes through a linear band of a curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a curtain rod according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the width and length of the curtain rod are being adjusted.

[0065] The curtain rod (100) includes: a rod body (120) along which a curtain (200) is deployed and by which the curtain (200) is supported: a fixing unit (110), which is coupled to a fixed end of the rod body (120) and is fixable to a given structure such as a wall, a ceiling, or a bathtub; and a free end (130) of the rod body (120). The curtain (200) can be coupled with and removed from the rod body (120) through the free end (130) of the rod body (120). The rod body (120) is formed in such a manner as surrounding four sides of a user.

[0066] Hereinafter, each of the elements mentioned above will be described in detail.

[0067] The fixing unit (110) can be fixed to a given structure, such as a wall surface, a ceiling, or a bathtub of a bathroom, and may be fixed by drilling a wall surface with bolts or screws.

[0068] Alternatively, it may be equipped with an adhesive surface that may adhere to the wall surface, the ceiling, or the bathtub of the bathroom. Alternatively, it may be equipped with an elastic material that can be compressed onto such surfaces as the wall surface, the ceiling, or the bathtub of the bathroom in an attachable and detachable manner.

[0069] These are mere examples and thus the fixing unit (110) may be attached to bathroom structures in various forms depending on the context in which the invention is applied.

[0070] In addition, the curtain rod includes two or more the fixing units (110) that are in contact with such surfaces as the wall surface, the ceiling, or the bathtub of the bathroom, in order to more securely support the curtain rod of the invention.

[0071] The fixing unit (110) may be provided adjacent to one end (fixed end) of the rod body (120). The rod both (120) is secured midair at a predetermined height, as the fixing unit (110) is coupled with such surfaces as the wall surface, ceilings, or the bathtub of the bathroom. In one embodiment of the invention, the rod body (120) is arranged adjacent to the ceiling surface but may also be arranged to be spaced apart from the ceiling surface by a given interval.

[0072] In addition, the rod body (120) may be connected to the fixing unit in various forms, such as being integrally formed with the fixing unit or inserted into an insertion groove formed in the fixing unit. In addition, the rod body (120) may be separated from the fixing unit. The rod body (120) may be in a rod form, with an elongated linear shape. The cross section of the rod body (120) may be a rectangular or a circular shape, but not limited thereto. Instead, its cross section may be in various shapes.

[0073] In addition, the rod body (120) is coupled with one side of the fixing unit (110). As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in a top-view, the rod body (120) forms a polygonal shape by which a space is defined. Specifically, the rod body (120) may be arranged to surround all sides of a user who is using the bathroom. The rod body (120) may form in such shapes as a circle or a rectangle. The other end of the rod body (120) may constitute the free end (130). The free end (130) is in midair and has no interference or contact with its surroundings along its outer circumference. Therefore, the free end (130) allows the multiple hanging units (210) of the curtain (200) to swiftly couple with or remove from the rod body (120).

[0074] The free end (130) may be formed to pass the fixed end of the rod body (120). Alternatively, the free end (130) may extend to pass a point where the rod body (120) is located. Alternatively, the free end (130) may extend to pass the point where the rod body (120) is coupled with the fixing unit (110). Accordingly, the rod body (120) may be arranged to surround the four sides of the user and may further extend so that any portion of the rod body (120) is double-layered.

[0075] Therefore, when the curtain (200) is connected to the curtain rod (100), a portion of one end of the curtain (200) may overlap a portion of the other end on any one of the four sides of the user. In effect, all four sides surrounding the user are sufficiently blocked.

[0076] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, at least one slip prevention unit (140) may be coupled to the rod body (120).

[0077] Of the many hanging units (210) that has entered the rod body (120) through the free end (130), at least one hanging unit (210) may be located between the slip prevention unit (140) and the free end (130).

[0078] Therefore, the user can insert a batch of multiple hanging units (210) through the free end (130) at once and then pull the other end of the curtain (200), so that the curtain (200) can be deployed as the multiple hanging units (210) slide along the rod body (120).

[0079] That is, the slip prevention unit (140) prevents the hanging unit (210), positioned between the slip prevention unit (140) and the flee end (130), from sliding. That is, the slip prevention unit (140) forms a fixation point. In effect, the slip prevention unit (140) prevents unwanted sliding of the curtain (200).

[0080] In addition, the slip prevention unit (140) may prevent the separation of the curtain (200) from the rod body (120) through the free end (130).

[0081] In an embodiment, the slip prevention unit (140) may be integrated with the rod body (120), but is not limited to such a structure. In another embodiment, the slip prevention unit (140) may be detachably coupled to a groove which is formed in the rod body (120) or may be detachably coupled around the rod body (120).

[0082] In addition, the rod body (120) may include a push button (160). The push button (160) includes the slip prevention unit (140) and an insertion groove (150). The slip prevention unit (140) is inserted into the insertion groove (150). When the slip prevention unit is pushed down towards the insertion groove (150), the height of the slip prevention unit (140) protruding out is lowered. Conversely, when the lowered slip prevention unit (140) is pushed down once more, the slip prevention unit springs out away from the insertion groove (150). As a result, the height of the slip prevention unit (140) protruding out is restored.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present invention, the push button (160) may further include a spring, a cam connected to an end of the spring, a plunger, a guiding thread, and guiding groove. The plunger, which extends from one side of the slip prevention unit (140), is equipped with multiple notches on its surface, as to form a toothed side similar to a cogwheel. The guiding thread is located on the inner surface of the insertion groove, and has a toothed edge.

[0084] A portion of the guiding thread is opened to form a gap. The guiding groove, located on the inner surface of the guiding thread, leads the movement of the notches on the plunger.

[0085] When the user presses the protruding slip prevention unit (140), the plunger moves along the path that the guide groove leads, in the direction that the slip prevention unit (140) was pushed. The plunger can be moved until the cam connected to the plunger is imparted from the guiding thread located on the inner surface of the insertion groove. The imparted cam then rotates to meet the toothed edge of the plunger.

[0086] When the user releases the slip prevention unit (140), due to the elastic restoring force of the spring, the plunger and the cam connected to the plunger moves away from the insertion groove.

[0087] Then, the cam can rotate while in contact with the toothed edge, and then stop. In effect, the protruding height of the slip prevention unit (140) can remain low.

[0088] When the user presses the lowered slip prevention unit (140), the process described above is repeated.

[0089] That is, the plunger moves along the path that the guide groove leads, in the direction that the slip prevention unit (140) was pushed. The plunger can be moved until the cam connected to the plunger is imparted from the guiding thread located on the inner surface of the insertion groove.

[0090] The imparted cans then rotates to meet the toothed edge of the plunger. When the user releases the slip prevention unit (140), due to the elastic restoring force of the spring, the plunger and the cam connected to the plunger moves away from the insertion groove (150).

[0091] Then, the rotating cam that is still in contact with the toothed edge can stop when the cam reaches the gap of the guiding thread. As the result, the slip prevention unit (140) can remain protruded.

[0092] In addition, although not shown, a separation prevention unit (not shown) may be also be equipped in or coupled to the free end (130). The separation prevention unit (not shown) prevents the curtain (200) coupled with the rod body (120) from unwanted separation from the rod body (120)) through the free end (130).

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the length of portions of the rod body (120) of the four-side surrounding curtain rod of an embodiment of the invention may be adjustable. Some portions of the linearly elongated rod body (120) can have reduced diameter so that the narrow-diameter portion can slide against the inner surface of the wide-diameter portion of the rod body (120). In effect, the entire rod body (120) can contract or expand.

[0094] After the length of the rod body (120) has been adjusted as desired, fixing parts, such as bolts, can adjoin to secure the adjusted length. As described above, since the length of some portions of the rod body (120) can be adjusted, the rod body (120) can flexibly accommodate various bathrooms with diverse sizes and shapes.

[0095] A four-side surrounding shower curtain according to an embodiment of the invention may be coupled to the four-side surrounding curtain rod. The components of the four-side surrounding shower curtain are detailed in the following.

[0096] The four-side surrounding shower curtain can be coupled to the rod body (120) through the free end (130) of the four-side surrounding curtain rod, and may include hanging units (210) and the curtain (200). The hanging units (210) support the curtain on the curtain rod. Multiple hanging units (210) are placed at an upper portion of the curtain (200). The curtain (200) may be vertically pleated. However, its shape is not limited thereto. The shape may vary. As illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the curtain (200) may include one or more cutting units (220).

[0097] The cutting unit (220) is configured to be linearly cut. In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, it may span vertically. In another embodiment, multiple cutting units (220) may be formed through the curtain (200) with a predetermined interval.

[0098] The cutting unit (220) functions to solve some problems that may arise due to the four-side surrounding characteristics of the curtain rod and the curtain. The cutting unit (220) allows portions of the curtain (200), corresponding to the location where a faucet and a showerhead are located, to be cut. In effect, the faucet and the showerhead, which are originally installed outside the space enclosed by the curtain (200), to enter the enclosed space.

[0099] In addition, the cutting unit (220) minimizes the open portion of the curtain (200), as it allows only a desired amount of portion to be cut, which exposes the faucets and showerheads.

[0100] Therefore, the cutting unit (220) prevents the splashing of soapy water on the walls of the bathroom much more effectively, compared with the case where two separate conventional shower curtains are installed in parallel to each other so as to enclose the space where the faucet and the showerhead are located.

[0101] In addition, as the user can cut only the necessary portion of the cutting unit (220), the invention can be flexibly applied to various bathrooms with faucets and showerheads installed at different heights.

[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the curtain (200) may include at least one overlapping portion (230). At the overlapping portion (230), a portion of the curtain overlaps linearly with at least another portion, and the overlapping portions are adhered together. In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the overlapping portion (230) may span vertically, and multiple overlapping portions (230) may be formed through the curtain (200) by a predetermined interval.

[0103] The overlapping portion (230) functions to solve some problems that may arise due to the four-side surrounding characteristics of the curtain rod and the curtain. The overlapping portion (230) allows overlapping portions of the curtain (200), corresponding to the location where a faucet and a showerhead are located, to be cut or widen a preexisting gap. In effect, the faucet and the showerhead, which are originally installed outside the space enclosed by the curtain (200), are allowed to enter the enclosed area.

[0104] In addition, the overlapping portion (230) minimizes the open portion of the curtain (200), as it only allows the portion corresponding to the location where a faucet and a showerhead are located to be cut or preexisting gap to be widened. Therefore, the overlapping portion (230) prevents the splashing of soapy water on the walls of the bathroom much more effectively, compared with the case where two separate conventional shower curtains are installed in parallel to each other so as to enclose the space where the faucet and the showerhead are located.

[0105] In addition, as the overlapping portion (230) allows the user to cut only the necessary portion of the curtain or widen preexisting gap only to the necessary degree, the invention can be flexibly applied to various bathrooms with faucets and showerheads installed at different heights.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 3, the four-side surrounding shower curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention may be packaged in such a way that multiple hanging units (210) are adjacent to each other into a lump, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0107] When the hanging units (210) are packaged to form at least one lump, the hanging units (210) may collectively enter through the free end (130) in bulk, to be connected to the curtain rod.

[0108] Therefore, it is much more convenient and efficient to connect the curtain to the curtain rod than individually connecting multiple scattered hanging units (210) through the free end (130).

[0109] The hanging units (210) packaged to form at least one lump may be unpackaged after being connected to the rod body (120) and be deployed by sliding along the rod body (210).

[0110] At least one of the hanging units (210) adjacent to the free end (130) may be located between the slip prevention unit (140) and the free end (130).

[0111] As such, when the user pulls the curtain (200) and slides the hanging units (210) along the rod body (120), the hanging unit (210) located between the slip prevention unit (140) and the free end (130) is blocked by the slip prevention unit (140) from sliding.

[0112] Accordingly, the curtain (200) is deployed easily, and prevents unwanted movement of the curtain (200). Thus, the curtain (200) can block all sides of the shower space.

[0113] The hanging units (210) may be packaged to form at least one lump via various means, such as the use of compressed film, a thread, a string, and a tape.

[0114] In addition, the shape of the hanging unit (210) is not limited to the shape of a hook. It may come in various forms such as: an open ring as shown in FIG. 3; an extension of the curtain (200), composed of the same material as the curtain (200); or as holes bore on top of the curtain (200) itself.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the free end (130) of the curtain rod (100) is free. This allows convenient and efficient connection and removal of the curtain (200), and thus allows the use of a disposable curtain (200).

[0116] As the disposable curtain (200) can promptly be disposed of after the user takes the shower, the disposable curtain (200) obviates the need for the user to clean soapy water from the inner surface of the curtain, thereby saving the user's effort and time.

[0117] In addition, water residue on the wet curtain (200) is removed when the disposable curtain (200) is disposed away. Thus, low humidity can be maintained in the bathroom, and the cause of odor or mold growth in the bathroom can be eliminated.

[0118] In addition, since the curtain (200) blocks all four sides of the user, it prevents the contamination of the bathroom by the splashing of soapy water from the shower. As the water residue on the wet curtain (200) is disposed with the disposable curtain (200), low humidity can be maintained in the bathroom, and the cause of odor or mold growth in the bathroom can be eliminated. In effect, the disposable curtain (200) reduces the total number of times the user must consume to clean the bathroom.

[0119] In addition, when the disposable curtain (200) does not consume bathroom space when not in use.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 7, the four-side surrounding curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention may include multiple insertion holes (240) that are arranged linearly and a long strap (250). The strap (250) may be a string, a thread, or a strand. The strap (250) passes along the insertion holes (240).

[0121] The insertion holes (240) are linearly arranged, in the direction in which the curtain (200) is deployed. One end of the long strap (250) may be fixed to the curtain (200) or insertion holes (240). The fixation may be achieved in various ways: the strap (250) may be tied, adhered, backstitched, or be a part of the curtain, for example. The user can pull the other end of the strap (250) and push the curtain (200) in the opposite direction thereto. By doing so, the user can easily fold the curtain (200) into a compact size and dispose easily. In addition, the vertical pleats of the curtain (200) can guide the curtain (200) as the curtain (200) is being folded.

[0122] The insertion holes (240) and the strap (250) guide the curtain (200) as the curtain (200) is being folded. Thus, the insertion holes (240) and the strap (250) make the removal and the disposal of the curtain (200) more efficient and convenient.

[0123] In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 7, multiple rows of insertion holes (240) may be formed on the curtain (200) vertically, spaced by a predetermined interval.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 8, the curtain (200) may be equipped with a linear band (260) and a long strap (250). The linear band (260) spans the curtain linearly, and the strap (250) can be inserted into the linear band (260) and be secured. The strap (250), which may be a string, a thread, or a strand, may be inserted into the linear band (260) and coupled with the curtain (200).

[0125] The linear band (260) spans the curtain (200) linearly, in the direction in which the curtain (200) is deployed. One end of the long strap (250) may be fixed to the curtain (200) or the linear band (260). The fixation may be achieved in various ways: the strap (250) may be tied, adhered, backstitched, or be a part of the curtain, for example. The user can pull the other end of the strap (250) and push the curtain (200) in the direction opposite thereto. By doing so, the user can easily fold the curtain (200) into a compact size and dispose easily.

[0126] The way in which the curtain (200) is folded is not limited to the examples mentioned above. In another embodiment, other ways can be employed.

[0127] The linear band (260) and the strap (250) guide the curtain (200) as the curtain (200) is being folded. Thus, the linear band (260) and the strap (250) make the removal and the disposal of the curtain (200) more efficient and convenient.

[0128] In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 8, multiple linear bands (260) may span the curtain (200), spaced by a predetermined interval.

[0129] Thus far, the preferred embodiment of the invention have been explored. It is apparent for a person having an ordinary skill in the art that this invention may be modified in various forms not explicitly described above, if it does not deviate from the scope and the spirit of this invention.

[0130] Therefore, the embodiments described above are illustrative rather than restrictive, and accordingly, the invention is not limited to the above description and may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.