Collapsible bathroom caddy

Abstract

A collapsible caddy, includes a base, a substantially hollow casing on the base, a telescopic boom extending upwardly at an angle from the base or the casing, a generally horizontally extending support bar pivotally connected to the boom and being rotatable thereabout, a generally planar support member connected to the support bar for supporting an object, and an accessory holder extending from the support bar.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority on prior U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/935,636, filed Aug. 23, 2007, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to accessories, and more particularly to a bathroom caddy which is collapsible for stowing when not in use.

The beginning of the twenty-first century can be said to be an era of electronics gadgetry. Following on the heels of the PC revolution and the advent of Internet explosion, various types of gadgets have made their way to the store shelves to allow people, busier than ever, to “multitask”. As people scramble for every minute of their time to engage in multiple activities simultaneously, a common quiet place to respond to the nature's call, has also fell victim to this so-called multitasking.

OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a bathroom accessory in the form of a caddy for holding various objects.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bathroom accessory which is collapsible for stowing purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a free standing caddy or accessory device for holding various objects, such as a book, magazine, laptop, telephone, etc., and for dispensing toilet paper.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an accessory device which can be used in multi-tasking, or for engaging in various activities simultaneously.

In summary, the main object of the present invention is to provide an accessory device that can be used in handling multiple tasks simultaneously, and which can be used as a bathroom caddy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One of the above and other objects, novel features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) invention, as illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of the bathroom caddy of the present invention, shown in use in a bathroom setting;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bathroom caddy of FIG. 1, shown in a partly collapsed or folded position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing the caddy in a fully collapsed position, except the toilet paper holder is still in an extended position;

FIG. 4 is a partial view of the caddy shown in FIG. 2, showing second embodiment of the caddy;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the third embodiment of the caddy; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

As best shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom caddy BC of the present invention is in the form of a free-standing frame that includes a base 10, supporting thereon a casing 12. A telescopic boom 14 extends upwardly at an angle away from the base 10, and includes a substantially horizontal support bar 16. A tray 18, with a handle 20, is slidably supported on the support bar 16 by a small bracket 22 (FIG. 2). The tilt of the tray 18 can be varied, as desired, and locked into position, by a fastener 24, which protrudes through the bracket 22 to lockably engage the support bar 16.

The tray 18 can be used to support a book B, magazine, laptop, or the like item. In order to prevent slipping or falling of the book B, a thin protruding bar 26 is arranged substantially horizontally thereon. Left and right spring clips 28 and 30 are mounted adjacent the bar 26 that serve as page holders. Preferably, the tray 18 is made of a clear or solid light-weight plastic or metal material.

As best shown in FIG. 2, a pole 32 extends from the support bar 16, for supporting a toilet paper roll 34 thereon. An end retainer 36, keeps the toilet paper roll 34 from sliding-off the pole 32. When not in use, the pole 32 can be slid back into the support bar 16, for a neat appearance. The support bar 16 is horizontally supported on the boom 14 by an elbow piece 38. A generally cup-shaped holder 40 is mounted on the elbow piece 38, for placing a cell-phone CP, a drinking cup, or similar item. The holder 40 may also be used to place writing accessories, such as pens, pencils, letter opener, etc.

As can be observed from FIGS. 1-2, the elbow piece 38 allows a horizontal pivoting motion of the support bar 16, in either direction relative to the boom 14 (arrow X). Therefore, by pivoting the support bar 16, the tray 18 can be brought directly above the casing 12 (FIG. 2). This arrangement allows the bathroom caddy BC to be placed, for example, on either side of the toilet T. Preferably, the tray 18 is about 9¾ inches in width and about eighteen inches in height. The depth of the tray 18 is about eighteen inches on the bottom, and nineteen inches on the top. These dimensions may be varied to support larger items, such as newspapers.

In the fully extended position of the boom 14, the bottom of the tray 18, is about thirty inches from the ground when the tray is at about a 45° angle, which is about fourteen inches above the top of the toilet T. Other variable levels of height may also be provided for the boom 14, to accommodate, for example, bathtub reading, laptop usage, couch reading, bed reading, etc.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-2, the casing 12, preferably made of steel or the like durable material, is open at the top defining therein a recess 42 to accommodate the tray 18 (FIG. 3). It is preferable that the size and configuration of the recess 42 be such that the entire tray 18 is fully positioned therein for a sleek and neat appearance. A magazine/newspaper holder 44 is preferably provided on the outside of each of the left and right walls 46 and 48 of the casing 12. Preferably, the magazine holder 44 is in the form of a stretchable net with loops 52 for attaching to the corresponding buttons 54 on the casing 12 (FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment where the magazine holder is in the form of a metal or plastic cage 56, mounted preferably on each wall 46 and 48 of the casing 12.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, a third embodiment of the bathroom caddy BCC will now be described, which is similar to the first and second embodiments, except the structure and details of the tray and support bar assembly, and the manner in which it is connected to the boom 14. (It is noted herewith that the like parts or components have been designated with the same reference numerals.)

As best shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, a telescopic support bar 60 extends into a tray 62, and includes an end 64 connected to the horizontal section 39 of the elbow piece 38, and a free end 66 adjacent the end of the tray 62. The tray 62 is slidable on the support bar 60 to be conveniently positioned over, for example, a user's lap. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the end 61 would lock the abutment 63 to prevent the tray 62 from sliding off the support bar 60. A pole 68, with an end retainer 70, for supporting a toilet paper roll thereon, is retractably supported from the bar 60. Alternatively, the pole 68 may be positioned at a higher level than the support bar 60, to fully lower the tray 62 into the casing 12. Although not shown, the end retainer 70 may be spring-biased to be pulled outwardly to allow mounting or removal of the roll 34.

A pivoting mechanism 72 (FIG. 7), nestled in the horizontal section 39 of the elbow piece 38, allows the support bar 60 to pivot or rotate only in our direction, preferably counterclockwise, while locking or preventing rotation in the opposite direction, preferably clockwise. More specifically, a ratchet arrangement includes preferably two (or multiple) diametrically opposed, spring-biased teeth 74 protruding outwardly from the external periphery of an internal cylinder 76. Each teeth 74 includes a sloping edge 78 and opposite straight edge 80. The teeth 74 are selectively received in corresponding holes or grooves 82 circumferentially arranged on the internal periphery of an external cylinder 84. It will be appreciated that the sloping edges 78 of the teeth 74 would allow rotation of the internal cylinder 76 in a counterclockwise direction, while the straight edges 80 would prevent rotation in the clockwise direction.

As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, a thin protruding bar 26 and spring clips 28 and 30, are provided on both surfaces 86 and 88 of the tray 62.

The above arrangement allows the tray 62 to turn 360° and hold and lock in any position, relative to the support bar 60, and use both sides of the tray 62. Preferably, the tray 62 is about 13½ in width and about 10½ inches in height. The depth of the tray 62 is about 10½ inches on the bottom and about 13½ inches at the widest point on the top. These dimensions may be varied to support larger items, such as newspapers.

As shown, the base 10 include wheels or casters 58, which may include a locking mechanism, to impart mobility to the bathroom caddy BC (or BCC). Preferably, the base 10 is made solid for stability and to counterbalance tray 18, particularly when a heavy book or laptop or the like article is supported thereon. Alternatively, the base 10 may be made hollow, fillable with a heavy material, such as water or sand, by a manufacturer or consumer, for this purpose.

Although not shown, the bathroom caddy BC (or BCC) may be equipped with a suitable handle for the ease of moving, and/or a reading light, preferably attached to the tray 18 (or 62).

It is noted herewith that although the invention has been described in terms of its use in a bathroom environment, it can also be used in other places, such as a living room, bedroom, office, balcony, over the bathtub, etc.

While this invention has been described as having preferred sequences, ranges, steps, materials, structures, features, components, or designs, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention following in general the principle of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as those come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A collapsible caddy, comprising:

a) a base;

b) a substantially hollow casing on said base;

c) a telescopic boom extending upwardly from said base or said casing;

d) a generally horizontally extending support bar connected to said boom and being rotatable thereabout;

e) a generally planar support member operably connected to said support bar for supporting an object; and

f) said casing including a recess for receiving said support member when the caddy is collapsed.

2. The caddy of claim 1, further comprising:

a) an accessory holder extendible from said support bar.

3. The caddy of claim 1, wherein:

a) said support member is slidable relative to said support bar.

4. The caddy of claim 3, wherein:

a) said support bar extends into said support member and includes first and second ends.

5. The caddy of claim 4, further comprising:

a) an accessory holder extendible from one of said first and second ends of said support bar; and

b) the other of said first and second ends of said support bar being connected to said boom.

6. The caddy of claim 1, wherein:

a) said support bar is connected in a manner to pivot in only one direction relative to said boom.

7. The caddy of claim 6, wherein:

a) said support bar is rotatable 360° about said boom.

8. The caddy of claim 1, wherein:

a) said support member comprises first and second opposed surfaces; and

b) said support member comprises an object holding member on each of said first and second surfaces.

9. The caddy of claim 1, wherein:

a) said boom extends at an angle from said base or said casing.

10. The caddy of claim 1, wherein:

a) the caddy comprises a mobile frame.

11. The caddy of claim 1, further comprising:

a) a magazine or newspaper holder.

12. The caddy of claim 11, wherein:

a) said magazine or newspaper holder comprises a stretchable net mounted on side of said casing.

13. The caddy of claim 11, further comprising:

a) a cellphone holder.

14. A collapsible caddy, comprising:

a) a base;

b) a boom extending upwardly at an angle from said base;

c) a generally horizontally extending support bar pivotally connected to said boom and being rotatable thereabout;

d) a generally planar support member slidably connected to said support bar for supporting an object; and

e) an accessory holder extendible from said support bar.

15. The caddy of claim 14, wherein:

a) said boom comprises a telescopic boom.

16. The caddy of claim 15, further comprising:

a) a casing including a recess for receiving said support member wherein the caddy is collapsed.

17. The caddy of claim 16, wherein:

a) said support bar is pivotable in only one direction relative to said boom.

18. The caddy of claim 17, wherein:

a) said support bar is rotatable 360° about said boom.

19. A collapsible mobile caddy, comprising:

a) a base;

b) a substantially hollow casing on said base;

c) a telescopic boom extending upwardly at an angle from said base or said casing;

d) a generally horizontally extending support bar pivotally connected to said boom and being rotatable thereabout;

e) a generally planar support member operably connected to said support bar for supporting an object;

f) an accessory holder extending from said support bar; and

g) said casing including a recess for receiving said support member when the caddy is collapsed.

20. The caddy of claim 19, wherein:

a) said support member is slidable relative to said support bar;

b) said support bar is pivotable in only one direction relative to said boom; and

c) said support bar is rotatable 360° about said boom.