Shower rod assembly and related method

Abstract

A shower rod assembly includes an arcuate rod having a first end and an opposing second end. A first mounting bracket is engageable with the first end and a second mounting bracket is coupleable with the second end. An end connector has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is engageable with the second mounting bracket and the first portion is insertable into the second end of the arcuate rod. An extent of insertion of the first portion of the end connector into the arcuate rod is adjustable, for adjusting a length of the shower rod assembly.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A shower rod assembly comprising:
 an arcuate rod having a first end and an opposing second end;   a first mounting bracket engageable with the first end and a second mounting bracket coupleable with the second end; and   an end connector having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being engageable with the second mounting bracket and the first portion being insertable into the second end of the arcuate rod, wherein an extent of insertion of the first portion of the end connector into the arcuate rod is adjustable, for adjusting a length of the shower rod assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The shower rod assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the length of the shower rod assembly is adjustable in the range of about two inches according to the extent of insertion of the first portion of the end connector into the arcuate rod. 
     
     
         3 . The shower rod assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the end connector is generally hollow and includes a pair of diametrically opposed apertures for securing of the end connector to the second mounting bracket. 
     
     
         4 . The shower rod assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the end connector is a fluted portion. 
     
     
         5 . The shower rod assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the fluted portion is securable into the second end of the arcuate rod via an interference fit. 
     
     
         6 . The shower rod assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the arcuate rod includes a thru hole for securing of the arcuate rod to the first mounting bracket. 
     
     
         7 . A shower rod assembly comprising:
 an arcuate rod having a first end and an opposing second end;   a first mounting bracket engageable with the first end and a second mounting bracket coupleable with the second end; and   an end connector having a first, fluted portion and a second, generally hollow portion including a pair of diametrically opposed apertures, the second portion being securable to the second mounting bracket via a connecting member extending through the pair of diametrically opposed apertures and the first, fluted portion being insertable and securable into the second end of the arcuate rod via an interference fit, wherein an extent of insertion of the first portion of the end connector into the arcuate rod is adjustable, for adjusting a length of the shower rod assembly.   
     
     
         8 . The shower rod assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the length of the shower rod assembly is adjustable in the range of about two inches according to the extent of insertion of the first portion of the end connector into the arcuate rod. 
     
     
         9 . A method of installing a shower rod assembly comprising:
 attaching first and second mounting bracket assemblies to opposing vertical surfaces of a wall in a shower or bathtub stall;   securing a first end of an arcuate shower rod to the first bracket assembly;   inserting a first portion of an end connector into a second end of the arcuate shower rod;   adjusting an extent of insertion of the first portion of the end connector into the second end of the arcuate shower rod according to a distance between the first and second bracket assemblies, thereby adjusting a length of the shower rod assembly, and   securing a second portion of the end connector with the second mounting bracket, thereby securing the second end of the arcuate shower rod to the second mounting bracket.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the length of the assembly is adjustable in the range of about two inches. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the first portion of the end connector is a fluted portion, and wherein the inserting step comprises securing the first portion of the end connector into the second end of the arcuate shower rod via an interference fit.