Shower curtain holder

Abstract

A shower curtain holder having a body having a bowed shape and a hook at its upper end which is adapted to engage a shower curtain rod. The holder is placed on the rod inside of the shower curtain. Its size and shape is such that the shower curtain is held away from the person taking the shower. The holder includes a counterweight near or at its top to help in keeping the holder, and thus the curtain as well, away from the person within the shower. Another shower curtain holder can have a member that may or may not flexible. The flexible member can have ends displaced at a distance on the shower rod. Also, the holder can include at least one of a counterweight system, a dynamic or adjustable counterweight system, or a weight offset from the center of the member.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/251,499 filed Oct. 14, 2005 which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119 from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/621,475 filed Oct. 22, 2004 the entire disclosures of both applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When showers are taken in bathtubs, shower curtains are often used to retain the water within the confines of the bathtub. Typically, a shower curtain hangs from a curtain rod located above the shower head. Because of the flow of water and air while showering, the shower curtain tends to swell inwardly, sometimes clinging to the body of the person taking the shower which most people find unpleasant.

The concept of retaining a shower curtain away from the person's body during a shower is known in the art. Annand, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,007,120 and 5,097,120 both disclose shower curtain holding devices. Annand's device however, extends a counterweight into the shower space occupied by the person. This is counter to the concept of trying to increase the amount of space in the shower by holding the shower curtain away from the person. Further, Annand's device requires multiple holders with multiple weights. This is cumbersome to set up and use.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a holder for retaining a shower curtain away from the person's body during a shower, while not encroaching on the user's shower space. The invention can also provide a storage area for accessories such as soap trays, bottle holders, and sponge hooks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A shower curtain holder comprises a body having a bowed shape and a hook at its upper end which is adapted to engage a shower curtain rod. The holder is placed on the rod inside of the shower curtain. Its size and shape is such that the shower curtain is held away from the person taking the shower. The holder includes a counterweight near or at its top to help in keeping the holder, and thus the curtain as well, away from the person within the shower.

Another shower curtain holder can have a member that may or may not flexible. The flexible member can have ends displaced at a distance on the shower rod. Also, the holder can include at least one of a counterweight system, a dynamic counterweight system, or a weight offset from the center of the member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of a shower holder according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the shower holder;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are perspective views of three different types of counterweight accessories that may be incorporated into the holder of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention disengaged from the shower curtain;

FIG. 11B is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention engaged to the shower curtain;

FIGS. 12A to 12C are a side view of multiple embodiments changing weights and supports; and

FIG. 13 is a front view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a shower curtain holder in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a loop 10 which is convex when viewed from the side. The loop may be made of any suitable material such as metal or plastic. The holder also includes a pair of spaced apart hooks 12 and 14 which support the loop on the shower curtain. A counterweight 15 is secured to the holder between hooks 12 and 14.

A standard shower curtain arrangement is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2. The rod on which the curtain is hung is shown at 16 and the curtain itself at 18. As is conventional, a multiplicity of hooks 20, retain shower curtain 18 on the rod 16.

Also as shown in FIG. 2, the hooks 12 and 14 of the curtain holder engage the shower rod 16. The effect of the holder is to prevent the shower curtain from swelling inwardly against the person's body when the shower is turned on. Counterweight 15 helps to retain the holder in its desired position with loop 10 serving to hold curtain 18 away from the person in the shower.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention employing the same principle. In this case, the holder 24 is a single integral piece in the shape of a curved paddle, preferably made of a plastic material. The holder 24 has a convex shape from the side, similar to FIG. 2, and includes a thickened upper section 26 which terminates in a hook 28. The thickened section 26 functions as a counterweight and holds the portion of the holder 24 which engages the shower curtain 18 away from the person taking a shower.

In place of the counterweight 15, functional accessories may be used to provide the counterweight, or additional counterweight. Three different accessories are shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, respectively. In FIG. 4, the counterweight is in the form of a waterproof radio. In FIG. 5, the counterweight is in the form of a soap tray, and in FIG. 6 the counterweight provides two hooks on which towels, wash cloths or garments can be hung. The counterweight can also be an empty tray that has very little inherent weight but is designed to accommodate whatever counterweight mass the user chooses to employ, such as water.

The counterweight serves the important function of holding the bowed portion of the holder (and thus the shower curtain as well) away from the person taking a shower. The actual weight of the counterweight can vary over wide limits. For example, the counterweight may be between ½ and 10 lbs. As indicated in the specification and drawings, the counterweight can assume many different forms. When configured as a tray, the materials placed in the tray (i.e., shampoo, soap, etc.) also serve as part of the counterweight. The counterweight must be located near the top of the holder and on the surface of the holder facing the user.

It is contemplated that the shower curtain holder will be approximately 18″ wide and 36″ long although obviously the dimensions are not a part of the invention. For packaging and storage purposes, the holder may be sold as separate parts in the form of a kit which can be assembled by the user after purchase. The rods that constitute the bowed portion of the holder can also be retracted or removable. They may also vary in length to be customized to the preference of the user or the dimensions of the shower.

In another embodiment, the shower curtain holder can be internal or integral to the curtain 18. The loop 10 is stitched into the curtain 18 or embedded between two layers of the curtain 18. Hooks 12, 14, 28 can be used to secure the curtain 18 to the rod 16 and no additional shower curtain fasteners are required. The counterweight 15, 26 can be exposed or also embedded in the fabric of the curtain 18. Multiple loops/holders 10, 24 can be used and spaced to retain the curtain on the rod 16.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate a bow shaped shower curtain holder 100 mounted on the shower rod 16. The holder 100 includes a flexible element 102 having a first and second end 104, 106. A first holding portion or hook 108 is disposed on the first end 104 to support the first end 104 on the shower rod 16. A counterweight system 110 is disposed on the second end 106 and can include a rod attachment member 112 to secure the second end 106 of the flexible element 102 to the shower rod 16. The rod attachment member 112 can be a molded base 112a or one or more hooks (not illustrated).

The first and second ends 104, 106 of the flexible element 102 are typically spaced apart a distance L while the shower curtain 18 is closed and the person is using the shower. The flexible element 102 is typically in a bent configuration forming an arc shape, a “v” shape, or a combination of both with a center 114 when the shower curtain 18 is closed. The center 114 acts as a curtain contacting portion as it projects down from the shower rod 16 a distance D such that it contacts the shower curtain 18 at a distance below the shower rod 16. For example, the flexible element 102 can be about 6′ long and the distance L can be about 3′. With an L of 3 feet, the distance D is 28″. The user can choose the proper dimensions and in an embodiment the distance L can be up to 4′8″, in which case distance D is 20″. The center 114 engages the shower curtain 18 to prevent the shower curtain 18 from swelling inwardly against the person's body when the shower is turned on. The length L can be sufficient enough to span all or a significant part of the shower rod 16 and still allow the center 114 to drop the distance D to move the curtain 18. In an embodiment, the entire flexible element 102 contacts the shower curtain 16, in addition to the center 114.

The flexible element 102 is made of any material that has some flexibility but still retain some rigidity and stiffness, for example, polypropylene, nylon or some other flexible and resilient polymer. The flexible element 102 is flexible enough so that when the shower curtain 18 is opened, one or both of the first hook 108 and the attachment member 112 move with the curtain 18. The flexible element 102 is flexible enough to allow the first and second ends 104, 106 to travel toward each other along the shower rod 16 so the holder 100 moves with the curtain 18 and out of the person's way so he/she can exit the shower. The first and second ends 104, 106 can meet or remain a small distance apart, depending on the flexibility of the flexible member 102.

Further, the flexible element 102 must be stiff enough to form center 114 and be able to push against the shower curtain 18 to displace it. The portion that contacts the shower curtain 18 can be approximately the center 114 of the flexible element 102 or offset depending on the relative stiffness of the flexible element 102.

The counterweight system 110 is typically disposed approximate one end of the shower rod 16, or the other. This places the counterweight system 110 in a position that does not encroach in the person's shower space. When the shower curtain 18 is closed, the counterweight system 110 is disposed away from an axis 118 formed vertically through the center 114 by approximately a distance of ½L. In another embodiment, the counterweight system 110 can be offset any distance from axis 118. For example, the distance between the counterweight system 110 and the axis 118 can be about 0.1L to about 0.6L. Another example of the distance between the counterweight system 110 and the axis 118 is at least 6″ and can vary in ½″ increments along the length L. One embodiment places the counterweight system approximately 1½ feet from the axis 118.

The counterweight system can be, in one embodiment, a simple counterweight similar to counterweights 15, 26 discussed above. In another embodiment, the counterweight system 110 can be a dynamic system. A dynamic counterweight system 110 can alternate between at least two positions, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B. A first position, shown in FIG. 11B, is where the counterweight applies force to the shower curtain 18 and displaces it away from the person. FIG. 11A shows a second position wherein the force is released so the center 114 does not contact the shower curtain 18. The second position is beneficial so the shower curtain 16 does not extend past the edge of the shower when the shower is not in use. Dynamic counterweight system 110 can pivot about the shower rod 16 while the second end 106 is attached at a separate point.

One embodiment of the dynamic counterweight system 110 includes a container 124 having a length T, as illustrated in FIG. 9, and a weight 126. The container 124 has a first and second end 128, 130 and is mounted approximately perpendicular and offset in relation to the shower rod 16. The offset nature of the container 124 places the second end 130 of the container 124 closer to the shower rod 16 than first end 128. For example, the second end 130 is disposed at <½T. When the weight 126 is disposed at or approximate to the first end 128 of the container 124, the dynamic counterweight system 110 is in the first position. The distance from the shower rod 16 extends the lever arm and increases the force applied by the weight 126. When the weight 126 is disposed at or approximate to the second end 130, the dynamic counterweight system 110 is in the second position. In this position, the weight 126 is applying a negligible force, no force, or a counter force, such that the center 114 of the flexible member 102 disengages the shower curtain 16. The weight 126 being approximate to the shower rod 16 reduces the lever arm and reduces the amount of force.

Another embodiment can alter the length T of container 124. Altering the length T changes the lever arm and applies a different amount of force to the shower curtain 16 when in the first position 120. The length T can be changed by making container 124 expandable or collapsible, for example by fitting one threaded member into another and screwing or unscrewing the threaded member to change the length. A further embodiment allows the first or second end 128, 130 to detach and a shorter or longer member be attached.

Changing the total amount of force applied in the first position is important because shower curtains can range in weight from 10 oz to 54 oz. Applying too little force does not displace the curtain, where applying too much force may displace the bottom of the curtain from the shower.

In one embodiment, the container 124 is a cylinder and the weight 126 is a steel or lead ball. The person in the shower can pull or push on the flexible member 102 or the dynamic counterweight system 110 to roll the weight 126 back and forth between the first and second end 128, 130. Other embodiments include the container 124 being just a slide to allow the weight 126 to slide back and forth. The container 124 can also be a track to allow a wheel shaped weight 126 to roll back and forth. Furthermore, an embodiment can include a container/weight system that rotates to change the direction of the lever arm to apply a positive or negative force in relation to the shower curtain 16.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, the counterweight system 110 can include a shaft 132, replacing container 124, and receiving weights 126. The shaft 132 has a length T and the length T can be varied. Varying the length T and keeping the amount of weight constant varies the amount of force applied to the shower curtain 18. Shaft 132 can be interchanged depending on the weight of the shower curtain 18, if the curtain is light, a short T can be used. If the shower curtain is heavy, a longer T shaft 132 can be used. Alternately, the amount of weight can be changed while keeping the length T constant. Using one or a plurality of weights 126, or single weights 126 that vary in mass can also alter the force applied to the shower curtain 18. Additionally, a combination of shaft lengths T and weights 126 can be used to produce multiple force variations to be fine tuned to the person's shower curtain 18.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment that includes one or more functional accessories 200. The functional accessories 200 can be at least one of hangers 202, a mirror 204, a soap/shampoo tray 206 or a waterproof radio (not illustrated).

Additional embodiments include using two hooks on both the first and second end 104, 106 of the flexible member, using a carbariner or other locking member to secure the holder 100 to the shower rod 16, and hinges at the first end 102, second end 106 or at the center 114. Further, hooks 12, 14, 108 can include roller bearings.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate embodiment wherein member 102′ is not flexible but can include at least one of the counterweight system, dynamic counterweight system, or offset weight from the center of the member 102′.

While there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps which perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A shower curtain holder for holding a shower curtain away from a person taking a shower, comprising

a member comprising a first holding portion and a curtain contacting portion; and

a counterweight system for maintaining the member in a position where a shower curtain that engages the curtain contacting portion is held away from a person in the shower when the first holding portion engages a shower curtain rod;

wherein a position of the counterweight is spaced away from an axis passing through the curtain contacting portion and perpendicular to the shower curtain rod.

2. The shower curtain holder of claim 1, wherein the counterweight is spaced between about 6 inches to about 4.8 feet.

3. The shower curtain holder according to claim 1, wherein the member is flexible and the flexible member includes a second end engaging the curtain rod.

4. The shower curtain holder according to claim 1, wherein the position of the counterweight is adjustable.

5. The shower curtain holder according to claim 1, wherein a mass of the counterweight is adjustable

6. A shower curtain holder for holding a shower curtain away from a person taking a shower, comprising:

a member comprising a first holding member and a curtain contacting portion; and

a dynamic counterweight system for maintaining the member in a position where a shower curtain that engages the curtain contacting portion is held away from a person in the shower when the first holding member engages a shower curtain rod,

wherein the dynamic counterweight is movable between a first position and a second position,

wherein the first position allows the center to contact the shower curtain and,

wherein the second position allows the center to disengage the shower curtain.

7. The shower curtain holder according to claim 6, wherein the counterweight is in the form of a receptacle adapted to retain bathing implements.

8. A shower curtain holder for holding a shower curtain away from a person taking a shower, comprising:

a flexible member having a bowed shape, a first end, a second end and a center,

an engaging member at the first end and the second end for engaging a shower curtain rod, and

a counterweight system for maintaining the flexible member in a position where a shower curtain that engages the center is held away from a person in the shower when the engaging member engages a shower curtain rod.

9. The shower curtain holder according to claim 8, wherein the counterweight system is at least one of a variable counterweight and a dynamic counterweight system.

10. The shower curtain holder according to claim 9, wherein the dynamic counterweight system is movable between a first position and a second position,

wherein the first position allows the center to contact the shower curtain and,

wherein the second position allows the center to disengage the shower curtain.

11. The shower curtain holder according to claim 9, wherein the adjustable counterweight system comprises at least one of a variable length shaft and one or more weights.