US20120074076A1

US20120074076A1 - Threadable towel assembly and method of securing towels and the like thereto

Info

Publication number: US20120074076A1
Application number: US13/248,426
Authority: US
Inventors: Jaime Restrepo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-29
Filing date: 2011-09-29
Publication date: 2012-03-29

Abstract

A towel rack assembly comprising a mounting bracket, post or rod, a connecting module securely affixed to said mounting bracket and at least one control arm or rod securely or adjustably affixed to the connecting module, wherein a towel with a unique sleeve disposed at one end of the towel can be threadable mounted on the control arm or rod.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATION

The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/387,640, filed on Sep. 29, 2010, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to a new assembly for hanging new, fresh or used bath towels, rugs, kitchen towels, sponges, gym mat, beach mat, floor mat, etc. by use of a spaced rods and threaded loops disposed at least at one end of each product.
2. Discussion of the Background Art
Conventional ways for hanging bath towels, etc. has been to fold them over a towel bar leaving little or no space for additional towels. This is inconvenient for people of the same family or multiple hotel guests who share the same single towel bar. Undesirably, these towels get crumped up and do not dry properly or mixed up as to whose towel is it.
The present disclosure overcomes the disadvantages of conventional towel racks by providing a system for properly drying towels without crumpling or confusion regarding ownership. In addition, the present disclosure provides for the hanging of multiple towels in confined areas.
The primary concept of the present disclosure is to reclaim the space located above a current towel bar, or in some instances (like in an outside pool area) create a place where one can hang his or her towel, along with towels of others, thereby avoiding the use of hanging excess towels on chairs, chaise lounges, door knobs, or the floor. See FIGS. 1 and 2 for conventional hanging of towels and rugs or floor mats, respectively.
One of the advantages of the present disclosure is in water and energy saving, as well has health advantages due to the reduction in the spread of germs.
The present disclosure also provides many additional advantages, which shall become apparent as described below.

SUMMARY

A novel towel rack assembly comprising bracket, module and at least one control arm or rod adjustably affixed to the module, wherein a towel with a unique sleeve disposed at one end of the towel can be threadable mounted on the control arm or rod.
A towel rack assembly comprising a mounting bracket, post or rod, a connecting module securely affixed to the mounting bracket and at least one control arm or rod securely or adjustably affixed to the connecting module, wherein a towel with a unique sleeve disposed at one end of the towel can be threadable mounted on the control arm or rod. The assembly further comprises at least one stationary hook.
The control arm or rod is longitudinally adjustable about the connecting module. Alternatively, the control arm is horizontally or reciprocally adjustable about the connecting module.
The connecting module comprises a spring actuator that returns each the horizontally or reciprocally adjustable control arm or rod back to its original starting position.
The assembly further comprises a counter to monitor days or number of uses of a towel mounted on the control arm or rod.
The plurality of control arms or rods are securely affixed to the connecting module in a descending step fashion, wherein the control arm or rod closest to the mounting bracket would be at a higher plane than the control arm or rod disposed furthest from the mounting bracket.
The connecting module further comprises a storage compartment. Moreover, the connecting module further comprises an actuator which moves the connecting module to assist in loading of a towel on the control arm or rod.
The assembly further comprises a threadable, removable towel disposed about the control arm or rod. The assembly further comprises a towel bar extender arm affixed to the connecting module or mounting bracket. Preferably, the threadable, removable towel comprises a hollow mounting sleeve disposed about one end of the towel, wherein the hollow sleeve is threadable about the control arm or rod
The assembly wherein the mounting rod is a shower curtain rod.
The control arm or rod preferably comprises a first component that is removably affixed to the connecting module and a second component that is removably affixed to the first component, wherein the second component is able to withstand up to about 10 to about 15 pounds of pressure. Optionally, the control arm or rod is reciprocally disposed about the connecting module to allow for movement of the control arm or rod upon inadvertent contact with a user. Alternatively, the connecting module comprises at least one stub, wherein the control arm or rod is replaceable affixed to the stub.
Alternatively, the mounting bracket is a magnet. Still yet another embodiment, provides for the mounting bracket to be connected to a supporting base, such that that assembly is a stand-alone assembly. The mounting bracket is a pole disposed centrally within the supporting base and wherein the connecting module is adjustably affixed to the pole, such that the connecting module provides for the control arm or rod to expand to the open position via a push button actuator.
A towel rack assembly for hanging on a door, wherein the assembly comprises at least one door bracket, a support bracket, a plurality of flat towel support brackets mounted perpendicular to the support bracket, a rear bracket and a front bracket. The assembly further comprising a plurality of stationary hooks are mounted to the front bracket. The support bracket comprises first and second ends, and a center portion which is off-set from the first and second ends.
A towel rack assembly, wherein the assembly comprises: a base portion, a vertical support member, a support bracket, a plurality of flat towel support brackets mounted perpendicular to the support bracket, a rear bracket and a front bracket, wherein the vertical support member is secured to rear bracket. The flat towel supports are shorter in length than the rear and front brackets. The flat towel support further includes a plastic tip disposed about the open end thereof.
Further objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood by reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conventional towel folded over a towel rack;

FIG. 2 is a conventional method of airing out floor mats or rugs on a deck;

FIG. 3 is an embodiment according to the present disclosure wherein a bathroom wall rail includes multiple height adjustable towel racks capable of receiving threadable towels thereon and which include a counting dial on the side of the towel rack for alerting users as to how long the towels have been used;

FIG. 4 is another embodiment wherein the threadable towel assembly of the present disclosure is affixed to a conventional towel bar, thereby expanding towel holding capability upon increased number of users;

FIG. 5 is still another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the threadable towel assembly is affixed to a shower curtain rod;

FIG. 6( a) depicts a wall mounting bracket used with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6( b) is an exploded view of three control arms or rods that can be affixed to a bracket module;

FIG. 6 (c) shows the control arms or rods affixed to the bracket module of FIG. 6( b);

FIG. 6( d) shows control arms or rods affixed to the bracket module at varying heights, wherein the lowest is the first rod and the last rod closest to the door, etc. is the highest;

FIG. 6( e) depicts control arms or rods having floor mats mounted thereon;

FIG. 6( f) depicts the towel rack system of FIG. 6( e), wherein the bracket module has been mounted to the wall bracket of FIG. 6( a);

FIGS. 7( a)-(g) demonstrate various products threadably mounted about a control arm or rod, e.g., a bath towel, kitchen/shop rag, kitchen sponge, gym mat, beach mat and floor mat;

FIG. 8 depicts the control arms or rods, a module and mounting bracket affixed to a base portion so that it can be a stand-alone system;

FIGS. 9( a)-(c) depicts yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure of a threadable system beach or pool stand, wherein FIG. 12( a) depicts a base and center pole to which adjustable modules can be mounted, FIG. 12( b) depicts an adjustable module that opens up when a user thread a towel into one of the control arms or rods, and FIG. 12( c) depicts an individually adjustable module that adjusts via a push button;

FIG. 10 also depicts a stand alone base and center pole with a plurality of adjustable modules affixed thereto;

FIG. 11 depicts a threadable towel, rag or carpet according to the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 12( a)-(c) show threadable towels according to the present disclosure having preprinted identification labels thereon;

FIGS. 13( a)-(c) depict a threadable end of a control arm or rod according to the present disclosure, wherein (a) is a top view, (b) is a profile view and (c) is a side view;

FIG. 14 shows a threadable end of a control arm or rod according to FIGS. 13( a)-(c) above prior to insertion into the hollow mounting sleeve of a towel;

FIG. 15 a depicts a combination rack according to yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure having a pair of adjustable control arms or rods and a plurality of stationary hooks;

FIG. 15 b is a pivoting actuator device used with the rack of FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 15 c depicts a front view of pivoting actuator device parts A and B as shown in FIG. 15 b;

FIGS. 16 a-b depict yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure, wherein FIG. 16 a is a top planar view showing the indentations wherein the individual control arms or rods maybe mounted, and FIG. 16 b is a side view of FIG. 16 a;

FIGS. 17 a-b depict another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a flat drying unit for hanging on a door is shown; and

FIGS. 18 a-b depict another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a flat drying unit pedestal is shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present disclosure can best be described by reference to the drawings, wherein FIG. 3 is an embodiment according to the present disclosure wherein a bathroom wall rail or bracket 1 includes multiple height adjustable towel rack assemblies 3 capable of receiving threadable towels 5 thereon and which include a counting dial (not shown) on the side of the towel rack assembly 3 for alerting users as to how long the towels 5 have been used. This embodiment can be used in bathrooms, wherein the bracket is made of, for example, metal with a metallic or porcelain cover. This would allow for the placement of modules 7 that can be adjusted to the height of the individual users. This embodiment also reclaims space above or below the current towel bars that is not being used, creating obvious efficiencies in space utilization. The counting dial is optionally mounted on the side of each towel rack assembly 3 to remind users of how long the towel has been in use, thereby providing certain hygiene capabilities.
Wall bracket 1 can have either right or left leaning modules 7, wherein modules 7 can be, for example, one with control arms or rods (which preferably are designed in step fashion, such that the rod closer to the wall would be at a higher plane than the rod furthest from the wall) that can be used to hand a threadable towel 5 thereon. Alternatively, modules 7 can include storage compartments for storing shampoo, underwear, deodorant, etc.
Optionally, module 7 can include a small actuator disposed near the lower part of the module 7, which when turned ‘on’ will move the top of module 7 to the outside, which would then make it easier to load consumer items, such as towels or kitchen rags, onto the control arm or rod. Module 7 includes a spring actuator that brings it back to the starting position once the user loads the item.
FIG. 4 depicts a threadable, removable towel assembly 11 affixed to a conventional towel bar 13, thereby expanding towel holding capability upon increased number of users. Assembly 11 comprises a module 15, control arms or rods 17, and towel bar extender arm 19, which connects assembly 11 to towel bar 13. Threadable towels 21 are positioned on control arms or rods 17, and conventional towel 23 is hung over towel bar 13. Assembly 11 can be attached either to the right or left side of towel bar 13. This way temporary visitors can hand their threadable towels 21. When the visit is over, the homeowner can remove towel assembly 11, leaving only the original towel bar 13. Optionally, this towel bar extender arm 19 could be adapted to hang assembly 11 to a tree (on a camping site) or to the outside of a building (i.e., a sports venue).
FIG. 5 depicts still another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the threadable towel assembly 25 is affixed to a shower curtain rod 27 via connector 29. Threadable towel assembly 25 includes module 31 and control arms or rods 33, wherein threadable towel 35 are positioned on control arms or rods 33. Assembly 25 can be adjustable, such that it can be positioned either parallel or perpendicular to shower curtain rod 27. Preferably, rods 33 which are disposed closest to shower curtain rod 27 are position higher than rods 33 which are disposed furthest from curtain rod 27.
FIGS. 6( a)-(f) depicts a wall mounting bracket 41 to which module 43 with control arms or rods 45 are affixed. Control arms or rods 45 preferably include two components, i.e., a first component that is a metal post having a screw end portion to the outside that affixed rods 45 to module 43, and a second component made up of metal, plastic or wood that screws onto the first component and is able to withstand up to 10-15 pounds of pressure. This is a safety feature which should a user attempt to load more than 15 pounds, the second component of control arm or rod 45 would simple detach from the first component, thereby preventing damage to module 43 or bracket 41.
Alternatively, a glow-in-the-dark bumper is disposed between adjacent rods 45 to assist in preventing users from accidentally bumping into module 43. Also, rods 45 can be designed to move sideways within module 45, wherein if a user were to accidentally bump into rods 45, movement sideways would mitigate the trauma that one would experience.
An adjustable threadable towel assembly is shown in FIGS. 6( a)-(f), which comprises: a bracket 41; a module 43 with a set of three (3) beginning stubs 47, wherein a rod 45 is screwed or other affixed to each respective stub 47. Ideally, control arms or rods 45 should be affixed in a progressively lower fashion, such that the rod 45 closest to the wall is higher than the rod furthest away from the wall. FIGS. 6( e) and (f) show an assembly having towels or mats 49. Alternatively, modules 43 are adjustable to the outside, thereby making it easier to load towels thereon. Optionally, a hydrometer can be used to determine the optimum number of towels which should be loaded to a threadable towel assembly when humidity levels change. Furthermore, a manual or automated towel counter made be added to the assembly to monitor the number of times a particular towel has been in use.
FIGS. 7( a)-(g) show various varieties of objects that can be loaded on control arm or rod 51, e.g., bath towels, kitchen/shop rags, kitchen sponges, gym mats, beach mats and floor mats. Each of the aforementioned items would be modified to include a novel hollow mounting sleeve (see FIG. 14), which is capable of hanging one of the aforementioned items by affixed the hollow sleeve to one end of the product to be mounted and then threading the hollow sleeve onto the control arm or rod 51, so that the product can be hung straight to dry or store. It is important when a plurality of rods 51 are in close proximity to one another that they be properly spaced to allow for proper drying.
Preferably, control arm or rod 51 is a slim rod that is used to thread the hollow sleeve of one of the aforementioned consumer products to allow it to be properly hung and/or organized. The hollow sleeve as shown in FIG. 14 may be formed by tape or strips of tape with on hollow side and another side that would be attached o one of the aforementioned consumer products. For instance in some towels, the hollow sleeve can be a mesh type material like the one used on gym clothes, or any other material that can be that can be placed in a dryer without melting. Basically, the material for the tape or strips of tape would depend upon the particular application, e.g., mesh would be appropriate for bath towels and a flexible or rigid material could be used on a mat.
FIG. 8 depicts control arms or rods 83, a module 85 and mounting bracket 87 affixed to a base portion 89 so that it can be a stand-alone system.
FIGS. 9( a)-(c) depicts yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure of a threadable system beach or pool stand 91, wherein FIG. 9( a) depicts a base 93 and center pole 95 to which adjustable modules 97 can be mounted, FIG. 9( b) depicts an adjustable module 97 that opens up when a user thread a towel into one of the control arms or rods, and FIG. 9( c) depicts an individually adjustable module 99 that adjusts via a push button. Module 97 opens up when a user tries to thread a towel onto one of the control arms or rods by pushing it to the outside. Thereafter, it will automatically go back into place, using a soft spring on a hinge. Module 99 is adjustable by the users simply applying pressure to a push button. Module 99 has individual control arms or rods 101 onto which towels are loaded. The one closest to the inside is typically at a higher plane than the one closest to the outside, in a step fashion.
FIG. 10 also depicts a stand alone base 103 and center pole 105 with a plurality of adjustable modules 107 affixed thereto.
Alternatively, very thin mesh-type plastic strip separators can be inserted between the control arms or rods, so that if these assemblies are put to work in places where it is to windy (such as beach, decks or the like) the towels will not touch one another.
FIG. 11 shows the threadable side of with a tape sewn to the back side of the towel. FIGS. 12( a)-(c) show threadable towels 111 each having preprinted identification labels disposed thereon. FIG. 12 a shows an identification label 113 disposed in a parallel position over the threadable hollow end 115 of towel 111. FIG. 12 c shows an identification label 117 disposed sideways across the threadable hollow end 115. FIG. 12 c shows an identification label 119 disposed over the edge of threadable hollow end 115 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The purpose of the identification labels is due to the proliferation of towels in a bathroom, pool, or kitchen, thus the preprinted satin labels or plain satin tape that can be written on with a pen marker can be either ironed on or sewn on to towels 111 to make it easier to identify a towel belonging to a particular user.
FIGS. 13( a)-(c) depict a threadable end 121 of a control arm or rod according to the present disclosure, wherein (a) is a top view, (b) is a profile view and (c) is a side view. FIG. 14 shows threadable end 121 of a control arm or rod according to FIGS. 13( a)-(c) above prior to insertion into the hollow mounting sleeve 123 of towel 125. The benefit of this design for the end of the control arm/rod would be that it would be easier for the users to load their products (e.g., towels, beach or gym mats) that had not had the ends of their hollow sides rigidified (i.e., with little plastic strips or liquid plastic), because threadable end 121 of the control arm/rod would be flat which would make it very easy to thread the towel 125.
FIGS. 15 a shows a combination rack according to yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure having a pair of adjustable control arms or rods 145 and a plurality of stationary hooks 147. FIG. 15 b is a pivoting actuator device 146 used with the rack of FIG. 15 a. Pivoting actuator device 146 allows for the rack to pivot downward to avoid the breaking off of the bracket, especially when more than about 40 pounds are placed thereon. FIG. 15 c depicts a front view of pivoting actuator device parts A and B as shown in FIG. 15 b.
FIGS. 16 a-b depict yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure, wherein FIG. 16 a is a top planar view showing the indentations 161 within mounting bracket 163 wherein the individual control arms or rods (not shown) maybe mounted, and FIG. 16 b is a side view of FIG. 16 a.
FIGS. 17 a-b depict another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a flat drying unit 201 for hanging on a door 203 is shown. Flat drying unit 201 comprises a pair of door brackets 205, a single support bracket 207, a plurality of flat towel support brackets 209 mounted perpendicular to support bracket 207, a rear bracket 211 and a front bracket 213 having a plurality of clothing hooks 215 disposed thereon.
As shown in FIG. 17 b, each flat towel support bracket 209 has first and second ends 217, 219, respectively, and a center portion 221 which is off-set from first and second ends, 217, 219. This contouring allows the whole width of a towel (not shown) to be set to dry, without touching the edges of the door frames or the drying unit 201 getting in the way of closing door 203.
FIGS. 18 a-b depict another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a flat drying unit pedestal 231 comprising a base portion 233, a vertical support member 235, a single support bracket 237, a plurality of flat towel support brackets 239 mounted perpendicular to support bracket 237, a rear bracket 241 and a front bracket 243, wherein vertical support member 235 is secured to rear bracket 241. Also shown are towels 245 disposed about flat towel supports 239, respectively. As shown, in FIG. 18 b, magnets 251 are disposed in the back portion of rear bracket 241.
Magnetic 251 and mounting screws 254 are not visible and are disposed at the same level so that one dons not interfere with the other. Each flat towel supports 239 is shorter in length than rear and front brackets 241, 243, and each support 239 include a plastic tip 253 on the open end thereof.
While I have shown and described several embodiments in accordance with my invention, it is to be clearly understood that the same may be susceptible to numerous changes apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, I do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described but intend to show all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A towel rack assembly comprising a mounting bracket, post or rod, a connecting module securely affixed to said mounting bracket and at least one control arm or rod securely or adjustably affixed to said connecting module, wherein a towel with a unique sleeve disposed at one end of the towel can be threadable mounted on the control arm or rod.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at least one stationary hook.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said control arm or rod is longitudinally, horizontally or reciprocally adjustable about said connecting module.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein said connecting module comprises a spring actuator that returns each said horizontally or reciprocally adjustable control arm or rod back to its original starting position.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of control arms or rods are securely affixed to said connecting module in a descending step fashion, wherein said control arm or rod closest to said mounting bracket would be at a higher plane than said control arm or rod disposed furthest from said mounting bracket.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said connecting module further comprises an actuator which moves said connecting module to assist in loading of a towel on said control arm or rod.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a threadable, removable towel disposed about said control arm or rod.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a towel bar extender arm affixed to said connecting module or mounting bracket.

9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said control arm or rod comprises a first component that is removably affixed to said connecting module and a second component that is removably affixed to said first component, wherein said second component is able to withstand up to about 10 to about 15 pounds of pressure.

10. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said control arm or rod is reciprocally disposed about said connecting module to allow for movement of said control arm or rod upon inadvertent contact with a user.

11. The assembly according claim 7, wherein said threadable, removable towel comprises a hollow mounting sleeve disposed about one end of said towel, wherein said hollow sleeve is threadable about said control arm or rod.

12. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket is a magnet.

13. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket is connected to a supporting base, such that that assembly is a stand-alone assembly.

14. The assembly according to claim 13, wherein said mounting bracket is a pole disposed centrally within said supporting base and wherein said connecting module is adjustably affixed to said pole, such that said connecting module provides for said control arm or rod to expand to the open position via a push button actuator.

15. A towel rack assembly for hanging on a door, wherein said assembly comprises at least one door bracket, a support bracket, a plurality of flat towel support brackets mounted perpendicular to said support bracket, a rear bracket and a front bracket.

16. The assembly according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of stationary hooks mounted to said front bracket.

17. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein said support bracket comprises first and second ends, and a center portion which is off-set from said first and second ends.

18. A towel rack assembly, wherein said assembly comprises: a base portion, a vertical support member, a support bracket, a plurality of flat towel support brackets mounted perpendicular to said support bracket, a rear bracket and a front bracket, wherein said vertical support member is secured to rear bracket.

19. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein said flat towel supports are shorter in length than said rear and front brackets

20. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein said flat towel support includes a plastic tip disposed about the open end thereof.