Collapsible outdoor shower assembly
A collapsible shower device is disclosed that has an upper hoop affixed to a structure such as a wall and a lower hoop also affixed to the structure at a pivot point, and a privacy screen attached to both the lower hoop and the upper hoop in which the lower hoop is moveable from a lowered position to a raised position by rotation about the pivot point. The invention thus presents a collapsible shower assembly or privacy screen assembly that is space saving and weather resistant, but also presents an aesthetically pleasing experience.
The present invention relates to shower apparatus and more particularly relates to shower apparatus for use outdoors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONOutdoor showers are useful devices for numerous reasons. In particular, an outdoor shower is often used after visiting a beach to remove sand and salt from clothing and body. They also may be used prior to or after use of a swimming pool, hot tub or sauna. Outdoor showers are also used to cool down and clean off after exercise, running, or performing outdoor work. However, known showers that are located at the pool or the beach are typically permanent structures that are attached by pipes to a water source or supply. Additionally, such showers are typically utilitarian in nature and generally lack visual appeal. Although these showers are useful, they are not aesthetically pleasing, are not movable, and require ongoing maintenance. Further, during cold weather need to be disconnected to prevent freezing of the pipes.
Portable showers for uses such as camping or similar temporary installations are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,992—Ray and U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,536—Suarez both disclose typical outdoor shower structures that have a rigid frame covered with fabric to create an enclosure. Alternatives to the frame-and-cover style of shower are also known, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,620—Ratje, which discloses a portable outdoor shower that is an inflatable structure with a top and a bottom tube and sections of material connecting the tubes to create a privacy screen. U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,763—Grenier discloses a collapsible shower that consists of a series of rigid wire rings that are connected by a fabric tube that can be raised from the ground to create an enclosure. However, these shower systems are meant to be completely portable and are generally made of lightweight materials that cannot withstand months or years of continuous exposure to the elements.
A space-saving interior shower that collapses into a wall panel is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,721—Okun. In the disclosed design, a metal ring is mounted to a wall and a conventional shower curtain hangs from the ring. A collapsible floor enclosure is provided for retaining water and directing water into a drain.
The present invention is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings associated with present showers. In particular, the present invention is a combination simulated palm tree and shower device that may be easily constructed and installed at various locations. Moreover, the combination simulated palm tree and shower device of the present invention is durable and can withstand prolonged exposure to the weather if installed outside and is easy to handle and move from an outside location for storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe shortcomings of the prior art are remedied by providing a privacy screen assembly comprising an upper hoop affixed to a structure and a lower hoop affixed to the structure at a pivot point along with a privacy screen attached to both the lower hoop and the upper hoop, so that the lower hoop is moveable from a lowered position to a raised position by rotation about the pivot point. Preferably, the lower hoop comprises a locking mechanism and most preferably the lower hoop locks in a first position that is substantially vertical and a second position that is substantially horizontal. In certain embodiments the lower hoop locks in a third position wherein a portion of the hoop is touching the ground. The upper hoop can be attached to an upper support rod and it is preferred that the upper and lower support hoops are comprised of stainless steel. The privacy screen or curtain can be made of a woven fabric or of a plastic material. In preferred embodiments, the upper and lower hoops are detachably affixed to a wall, most preferably using one or more wall brackets.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Details of preferred mounting plates 108 for mounting the shower assembly 100 illustrated in
Preferably, all of the structural elements discussed above such s the hoops 102,104 and the associated hardware is made from stainless steel for maximum weather resistance and low maintenance. Other metals such as bronze or aluminum may also be useful and it will be appreciated that various combinations of wood, metal, plastic and other composite materials can all be used in accordance with the concepts of the invention disclosed.
Referring now to
A view of the shower assembly 100 in a stored position is illustrated in
In use, the present invention transforms a typical outdoor shower into a spacious, retractable shower enclosure that is both useful and visually appealing. Because the assembly is easy to use, it is more likely that showers will be taken and thus the positive effects of reducing sand, debris, stains, etc. and the hygienic effects from showering will be enhanced. The retractable features discussed above allow the present invention to neatly fold-up against a wall after use making efficient use of the often-limited space around the home. In accordance with the preferred embodiments described herein, the design resembles vintage beach tents. As discussed above, by choosing materials made specifically for the outdoors, the present invention is durable enough to withstand even the harshest elements nature can bring and will hold-up to both continual use and exposure to the elements.
From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a collapsible shower device which fulfills the various objects and advantages sought therefor. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject invention are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.
Claims
1. A privacy screen assembly comprising: whereby the lower hoop is moveable from a lowered position to a raised position by rotation about the pivot point.
- an upper hoop affixed to a structure
- a lower hoop affixed to the structure at a pivot point; and
- a privacy screen attached to both the lower hoop and the upper hoop,
2. The privacy screen assembly of claim 1 wherein the lower hoop comprises a locking mechanism.
3. The privacy screen assembly of claim 1 wherein the lower hoop locks in a first position that is substantially vertical and a second position that is substantially horizontal.
4. The privacy screen assembly of claim 3 wherein the lower hoop locks in a third position wherein a portion of the hoop is touching the ground.
5. The privacy screen assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper hoop is attached to an upper support rod.
6. The privacy screen assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper and lower support hoops are comprised of stainless steel.
7. The privacy screen assembly of claim 1 wherein the privacy screen is comprised of a woven fabric.
8. The privacy screen assembly of claim 1 wherein the privacy screen is comprised of a plastic material.
9 The privacy screen assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper and lower hoops are detachably affixed to a wall.
10. The privacy screen assembly of claim 9 further comprising one or more wall brackets.
11. A shower device comprising: whereby the lower hoop is moveable from a lowered position to a raised position by rotation about the pivot point.
- an upper hoop affixed to a structure
- a lower hoop affixed to the structure at a pivot point; and
- a privacy screen attached to both the lower hoop and the upper hoop,
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 5, 2006
Publication Date: Dec 6, 2007
Inventor: William Florig (Norristown, PA)
Application Number: 11/446,636
International Classification: A47H 23/01 (20060101);