SHOWER CADDY RETAINING APPARATUS AND METHODS THEREOF

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to shower caddy retaining apparatus and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for retaining a shower caddy in place, when positioned on a shower arm, to prevent it from sliding and causing items therein to fall. In one embodiment, a shower caddy retaining apparatus comprises a substantially tubular body having a narrow end and a wide end, the substantially tubular body comprising a slit extending from the narrow end to the wide end to facilitate fitting the substantially tubular body around a shower arm; wherein the narrow end of the tubular structure is formed to be positioned adjacent a shower head at and end of the shower arm; and wherein the wide end of the tubular structure is formed to support a shower caddy retaining apparatus adjacent a wall of the shower.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/470,847 entitled “Shower Caddy Retaining Apparatus and Methods Thereof,” filed Apr. 1, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to shower caddy retaining apparatus and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for retaining a shower caddy in place, when positioned on a shower arm, to prevent it from sliding and causing items therein to fall.

2. Description of Related Art

Unless a homeowner has the financial resources to build a customized shower stall or bath/shower unit, having a plurality of shelving therein, most individuals require an additional device to help store bath products (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.) which are frequently used when the individual is showering. There are many forms of these devices, generally called shower caddies, which can be positioned in various locations within the shower or tub and provide extra room for storage of bath products. Some known shower caddies extend from the floor (or top of the tub) to the ceiling and utilize tensile forces to stay in place, and others may utilize suction cups or other mechanical attachment means to stick to the walls of the shower. However, embodiments of the present invention are generally concerned with the various types of shower caddies that are positioned with a hook, loop or other structural component around a shower arm.

When such shower caddies are utilized on a shower arm that has a slightly down-sloping angle, which includes most of them currently available in the marketplace, the shower caddy has a tendency to slide down the shower arm and either stop against the shower head, or pass right over the shower head and fall to the ground. Attempts at solving this problem have included the use of suction cups or similar mechanical attachment means to attempt to secure a back portion of the shower caddy to the wall. While this may work for a while, eventually the steam and moisture from the shower cause the suction cup to lose suction and become useless after a while. Unless the user checks the suction on a regular basis, the shower caddy will eventually slide forward, as described above, rendering the suction cup solution largely useless.

As such, there is a need for a shower caddy retaining apparatus and methods thereof, and more specifically, there is a need for an apparatus for retaining a shower caddy in place, when positioned on a shower arm, to prevent it from sliding and causing items therein to fall.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to shower caddy retaining apparatus and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for retaining a shower caddy in place, when positioned on a shower arm, to prevent it from sliding and causing items therein to fall.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a shower caddy retaining apparatus comprises a substantially tubular body having a narrow end and a wide end, the substantially tubular body comprising a slit extending from the narrow end to the wide end to facilitate fitting the substantially tubular body around a shower arm; wherein the narrow end of the tubular structure is formed to be positioned adjacent a shower head at and end of the shower arm; and wherein the wide end of the tubular structure is formed to support a shower caddy retaining apparatus adjacent a wall of the shower.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a shower caddy retaining apparatus comprises a substantially tubular body made of either a polymer or rubber, having a narrow end and a wide end, the substantially tubular body comprising a slit extending from the narrow end to the wide end to facilitate fitting the substantially tubular body around a shower arm; the substantially tubular body, from narrow end to wide end, having a length substantially equal to the length of the shower arm; the narrow end for fitting against a shower head on the shower arm; and the wide end for supporting a shower caddy positioned on the shower arm.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a shower caddy retaining apparatus kit comprises a shower caddy having an attachment hook capable of adapting to hang from a shower arm, the shower caddy capable of holding a shower accessory; and a shower caddy retaining apparatus comprising: a substantially tubular body having a narrow end and a wide end, the substantially tubular body comprising a slit extending from the narrow end to the wide end to facilitate fitting the substantially tubular body around the shower arm; wherein the narrow end of the tubular structure is formed to be positioned adjacent a shower head at and end of the shower arm; and wherein the wide end of the tubular structure is formed to support a shower caddy retaining apparatus adjacent a wall of the shower.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is described below with references to the Figures illustrated in the appended drawings. The Figures in the appended drawings, like the detailed description, illustrate only examples of embodiments. As such, the Figures and the detailed description are not to be considered limiting, and other equally effective examples are possible and likely, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of shower assembly utilizing a shower caddy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of shower caddy retaining apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a shower assembly having a shower caddy retaining apparatus utilized on a shower arm in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean “including but not limited to.” To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments or other examples described herein. However, it will be understood that these examples may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail, so as to not obscure the following description. Further, the examples disclosed herein are for exemplary purposes only and other examples may be employed in lieu of, or in combination with, the examples disclosed. It should also be noted that the examples presented herein should not be construed as limiting of the scope of embodiments of the present invention, as other equally effective examples are possible and likely.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to shower caddy retaining apparatus and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for retaining a shower caddy in place, when positioned on a shower arm, to prevent it from sliding and causing items therein to fall.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of shower assembly utilizing a shower caddy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The shower assembly 100 generally comprises a shower stall, a shower/tub combination or the like. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the shower assembly 100 may comprise a shower head 110 connected to a shower arm 112, which extends out from a front wall of the shower assembly 100.

The shower head 110 may comprise any type of shower head known in the industry, including, for example, any type of fixed/stationary shower head, handheld shower head, luxurious shower head (e.g., massager, rainfall, etc.) or the like. Similarly, the shower arm 112 may comprise any type of shower arm known in the industry, including, for example, a wall-extended shower arm, an S-shaped shower arm, a suspended shower arm, or the like. In most embodiments, the shower arm 112 has a downward slope for at least a section thereof, which is generally the basis for the problems identified supra.

The shower assembly 100 also generally comprises a shower caddy 120 having an attachment hook 122 for hanging over the shower arm 112, extending therefrom. The structure of the shower caddy 120 may comprise any type or combination of shelves, baskets, hooks, hangers, etc., as commonly found in the industry. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the variations of the hanging shower caddy are nearly endless, and come in all shapes, sizes, colors, materials, etc. As such, so long as a shower caddy 120 comprises an attachment hook 122, or similar structural extension for adapting over a shower arm, it should be deemed suitable as a shower caddy for purposes of embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of shower caddy retaining apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. A shower caddy retaining apparatus 230 generally comprises a substantially tubular structure having a narrow end 234 and a wide end 232. In many embodiments, the shower caddy retaining apparatus 230 comprises a single structure; however, in certain instances, the shower caddy may comprise a tube-type section near the narrow end 234 and a conical section at the wide end 232. Where multiple sections are utilized, the tube section may be fit with a smaller end of the conical section to create the effect of a unitary structure.

The shower caddy retaining apparatus 230 may comprise any material suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In many embodiments, the material may comprise any type of non-corrosive material, for example any polymer, rubber, or the like. The shower caddy retaining apparatus 230 may be sized to fit around any standard or conventional shower arm. Generally the overall length of the shower caddy retaining apparatus 230, from the narrow end 234 to the wide end 232, is substantially the same length as a shower arm. In one exemplary commercial embodiment, however, the length of the shower caddy retaining apparatus 230 may be provided substantially longer than a traditional shower arm, but may be cut by a user to adapt to the specific shower arm in such user's bathroom. In such instances, the shower caddy retaining apparatus 230 may comprise markings on the outer surface thereof for assisting a user in cutting the length evenly.

The shower caddy retaining apparatus 230 generally comprises a slit 236 extending the entire length thereof. In many embodiments the slit 236 may be used to position the shower caddy retaining apparatus 230 around a shower arm, rather than attempting to slide it over the shower head, or require disassembly of the shower assembly to slide it onto the shower arm. Whereas many embodiments of the present invention provide the shower caddy retaining apparatus 230 is made from a polymer, rubber, or the like, such embodiments may be easily pliable, such that opening of the slit 236 to wrap the shower caddy retaining assembly 230 over the shower arm can be done with relative ease.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an exemplary shower assembly having a shower caddy retaining apparatus utilized on a shower arm in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. The shower assembly 300 may generally comprise a shower head 310 positioned on the end of the shower arm 312, and secured thereto with a retaining nut 314. The shower assembly 300 generally provides the shower arm 312 extends from and through a front wall 340, which may optionally have a flange 342 or other covering device for covering the remainder of the hole from which the shower arm 312 extends.

As shown in the Figure, a shower caddy 320 is provided, and in some embodiments is provided with the retaining apparatus as a kit, and may be positioned over the shower arm 312 via an attachment hook 322. As discussed supra, the attachment hook 322 may comprise any structural extension from the shower caddy 320, which is capable of adapting to and allowing the shower caddy 320 to hang from the shower arm 312. It should be appreciated by embodiments of the present invention, beyond the attachment hook 322, the structure of the shower caddy 320 is not relevant to embodiments of the present invention, and as such, is not shown in its entirety in the Figure.

As shown in the Figure, when the shower caddy retaining apparatus 330 is positioned over the shower arm 312, the narrow end 334 is positioned adjacent the retaining nut 314 of the shower head 310, and the wide end 332 is positioned adjacent the attachment hook 322 of the shower caddy 320. As understood by embodiments of the present invention, the narrow end 334 is generally sized to fit firmly about the shower arm (i.e., is sized about the same diameter as a traditional shower arm), and the wide end 332 may be sized from about slightly larger than the narrow end 334 to as wide as the diameter of the flange 342. In one embodiment, the narrow end 334 has about a 1″ outer diameter and a ¾″ inner diameter. In another embodiment the wide end 332 comprises an outer diameter of about 2″. It should be appreciated, however, so long as the shower caddy retaining apparatus 330 can be firmly positioned on the shower arm 312, the actual dimensions of the diameters of the narrow end 334 and wide end 332 are not relevant, and the slit (not shown) may end up in an open position if such diameters are smaller than the diameter of the shower arm 312.

In the embodiment depicted in the Figure, there is a small space between the wide end 332 of the shower caddy retaining apparatus 330 and the front wall 340 to allow for the attachment hook 322 of the shower caddy 320. In the embodiment shown, the shower caddy 320 will be retained in place between the shower caddy retaining apparatus 330 and the front wall 340. In other embodiments, the wide end 332 may extend right up to the front wall 340 (or at least the flange 342). In such alternative embodiments, there may be a slot or hole (not shown) in a portion of the wide end 332 to allow for the shower caddy 320 to hang therethrough.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. Furthermore, whereas the multitude of embodiments disclosed herein each provides a variety of elements within each embodiment, it should be appreciated any combination of elements from any combination of embodiments is well within the scope of further embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shower caddy retaining apparatus comprising:

a substantially tubular body having a narrow end and a wide end, the substantially tubular body comprising a slit extending from the narrow end to the wide end to facilitate fitting the substantially tubular body around a shower arm;

wherein the narrow end of the tubular structure is formed to be positioned adjacent a shower head at and end of the shower arm; and

wherein the wide end of the tubular structure is formed to support a shower caddy retaining apparatus adjacent a wall of the shower.

2. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises two separable components.

3. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises a non-corrosive material.

4. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 3, wherein the non-corrosive material comprises one of a polymer or rubber.

5. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially tubular body, from narrow end to wide end, is substantially the same as the length of the shower arm.

6. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially tubular body, from narrow end to wide end, is substantially greater in length than the shower arm.

7. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 6, wherein the substantially tubular body may comprise visual markings for enabling a user to cut the tubular body down to a desirable length.

8. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises about a one inch outer diameter and about a ¾ inch inner diameter at the narrow end.

9. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 8, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises about a 2 inch outer diameter at the wide end.

10. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises a slot near the wide end to allow for a shower caddy to hang therethrough.

11. The shower caddy of claim 10, wherein the narrow end of the tubular structure is positioned directly adjacent a retaining nut on the shower head, and wherein the wide end of the tubular structure is in contact with a flange against the wall.

12. A shower caddy retaining apparatus comprising:

a substantially tubular body made of either a polymer or rubber, having a narrow end and a wide end, the substantially tubular body comprising a slit extending from the narrow end to the wide end to facilitate fitting the substantially tubular body around a shower arm;

the substantially tubular body, from narrow end to wide end, having a length substantially equal to the length of the shower arm;

the narrow end for fitting against a shower head on the shower arm; and

the wide end for supporting a shower caddy positioned on the shower arm.

13. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 12, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises about a one inch outer diameter and about a ¾ inch inner diameter at the narrow end.

14. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 13, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises about a 2 inch outer diameter at the wide end.

15. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 12, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises a slot near the wide end to allow for a shower caddy to hang therethrough.

16. A shower caddy retaining apparatus kit comprising:

a shower caddy having an attachment hook capable of adapting to hang from a shower arm, the shower caddy capable of holding a shower accessory; and

a shower caddy retaining apparatus comprising: a substantially tubular body having a narrow end and a wide end, the substantially tubular body comprising a slit extending from the narrow end to the wide end to facilitate fitting the substantially tubular body around the shower arm; wherein the narrow end of the tubular structure is formed to be positioned adjacent a shower head at and end of the shower arm; and wherein the wide end of the tubular structure is formed to support a shower caddy retaining apparatus adjacent a wall of the shower.

17. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 16, wherein the non-corrosive material comprises one of a polymer or rubber.

18. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 16, wherein the substantially tubular body, from narrow end to wide end, is substantially the same as the length of the shower arm.

19. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises about a one inch outer diameter and about a ¾ inch inner diameter at the narrow end, and about a 2 inch outer diameter at the wide end.

20. The shower caddy retaining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially tubular body comprises a slot near the wide end to allow for the shower caddy to hang therethrough.