Curtain With Pockets Integrated Therein

Abstract

A curtain having integrated pockets therein for housing water sensitive items, principally photographs, in a substantially water impenetrable manner is provided. The curtain panel is constructed with an exterior surface having at least one substantially water tight pocket constructed therein that can readily be utilized to house and display the photograph in a dry environment. The panel may be composed of a cloth or may be a polymeric material. Water tight construction of the pocket is facilitated due to a bottom or lower entry slit or bottom slit-opening provided on a lower edge of the pocket along with the utilization of a fastener mechanism assembly located on the lower edge or bottom slit-opening.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a curtain having pockets integrated therein for housing items; and more particularly to a curtain panel having an exterior surface with at least one substantially water tight pocket constructed therein that is appointed for housing and displaying items, principally photographs.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Curtains help to create a comfortable ambiance in several rooms of the home while performing such functions as aiding in maintaining room temperature, blocking sun rays, and retaining water or light. In the bathroom, shower curtains are used to prevent water leakage from the bathtub or shower unit while offering a pleasant atmosphere. Nothing conveys a comfortable cozy atmosphere like the display of (one's personal items or/and photographs. However rooms wherein large amounts of moisture or steam accumulate, such rooms as bathrooms and kitchens, can wreak havoc on the integrity of photographs, or other water sensitive items, causing them to become warped, or ruined.

Several curtain devices heretofore disclosed and utilized provide shower/bath curtains having water retaining pockets for collecting water to stabilize the curtain during use, and provide drainage holes therein for slowly draining the water later. For example: U.S. Pat. No. 6,591.432 to Feinstein, et al. discloses an anti-drift shower curtain having one or more water-collecting pockets formed near the lower edge and on the side facing the shower and having drain holes that allow water to slowly drain therefrom: U.S. Pat. No. 2,668,298 to Kimmons discloses a ventilated shower curtain for insuring the curtain hangs straight when a shower is being used, formed of a flexible material and having vertically arranged pleats and vertically arranged rows of openings having shields associated therewith to from gutters with a plurality of drain openings; and U.S. Pat. No. D370,583 to Fiddler discloses an ornamental design for a shower and bath curtain which shows a curtain with pouches having a top opening, and drain openings (via rear perspective view of FIG. 2) or holes constructed therein, presumable for draining water therefrom. The various water collection pockets are generally located on or associated with the interior side of the curtain (i.e. facing the tub or shower) and are specifically appointed for drawing water therein for accumulating same and providing weighted stabilization to the curtain. The pockets are not in a substantially sealed manner is they are specifically constructed for retaining water and slowly draining it therefrom. As a result, the curtain's pockets cannot be utilized for storing items which require a dry environment to maintain their integrity, such as photographs and the like.

Other shower curtain devices heretofore disclosed and utilized provide shower/bath curtains having a pocket thereon with an open top or mesh arrangement, and at times drainage holes, for receiving and housing bath toys or other items utilized in relation to the bath room. U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,967 to Moore discloses a shower curtain made of breathable fabric, which holds replaceable and disposable potpourri sachets comprised of tightly meshed netting retained within round pockets within the shower curtain, which are sealed with Velcro; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,674 to Johnson discloses a toy storage curtain including a toy-storage pocket affixed to the lower end of a curtain panel located in proximity to the floor so a child may access it, and a tieback pouch is also provided located at a tieback area on the curtain; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,751 to Morrissey discloses a protective curtain for a shower/tub having a flexible body with an inside moisture resistant surface and an exposed exterior surface, wherein a pocket having a top opening and optional bottom drain openings is provided on the one of the inside and exterior surfaces of the body and blended into a depiction of the design for receiving objects such as toys, cleaning materials. etc. These types of curtain devices are generally provided with top, wide openings, which are easily accessible for receiving and storing items such as bath toys, cleaning materials and the like. Others provide a plurality of holes therein (such as the mesh-type construction utilized for the potpourri pockets discussed herein), or optionally drain openings for allowing any water that enters therein to drain from the pocket. Water collection within the pockets is immanent, as the pockets are not sealed in nature, and although facing on the exterior of the curtain water can easily splash into the pocket or gain access via steam accumulation. Like the aforementioned curtain devices, there pockets are not constructed in a substantially sealed manner and as a result, the curtain's pockets cannot be utilized for storing items which require a dry environment to maintain their integrity, such as photographs and the like.

Other shower curtain devices have been provided for housing photos therein by constructing a shower liner with pockets thereon, with a top opening for insertion of the photograph; however, no closure device is provided on the top opening and therefore, water can readily splash into the pocket or steam can readily engulf the pocket and destroy the photograph housed therein. For example: “ShowerPics”, shower curtain with personal pockets found at www.showerpics.net discloses a transparent panel having, pockets integrated therein for housing photographs wherein the pockets have a top opening and do not include any type of closure mechanism or way to prevent water from accessing the pocket during use. The ‘ShowerPics reference does not disclose a curtain/shower curtain having a pocket with a closure mechanism for sealing the pocket in a substantially water tight environment. As such, the curtain taught by the ‘ShowerPics reference would not function optimally and photographs inserted into the pockets would eventually become warped and damaged.

Even where various curtains disclose a pocket integrated therein with a closure for preventing liquid from entering the pocket, the opening and closure are located on the top of the pocket and as a result prone toward water accumulation thereon and eventual seepage into the pocket causing damage to water sensitive items housed therein. For example, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 20060080770 to Rich (hereinafter, the “'770 publication”) discloses a pocket-equipped shower curtain including a flexible panel having at least two generally transparent sections, an exterior surface and an interior surface and at least two pockets each including an outer wall, the outer wall mounted on the exterior surface of the generally planar flexible panel over the generally transparent sections of the flexible panel. The '770 publication further provides that each of the pockets include an opening, shown at the top of the pocket, operative to permit the insertion of an object into each pocket, the object thus being viewable from either side of the generally planar flexible panel. At least two closure devices are mounted adjacent each of openings of the '770 publication's pockets the closure devices operative to alternatively open and close each opening to generally prevent incursion of fluids into the pockets when the closure devices are closed thereby generally preventing damage to objects placed within the pockets. The '770 publication, via the figures, teaches the closure as being located on the top of the pocket, which would cause water accumulation thereon and eventually lead to water seeping into or entering the pocket and damaging the photo. Moreover, the '770 publication requires the panel to have a generally transparent section and the pocket mounted on the exterior surface over the transparent section of the plastic panel and does not disclose having a curtain with a cloth outer layer with transparent pockets located thereon. As such, any application of the '770 publication's plastic panel would require a user to utilize the panel by itself, rather than the conventional way consumers decorate their bathrooms. That is to say, many consumers decorate their bathrooms utilizing a plastic liner which is hidden under a cloth outer curtain.

Notwithstanding the efforts of prior art workers, there remains a need in the art for a curtain having integrated pockets therein for housing water sensitive items, principally photographs, in a substantially sealed manner. Needed is a curtain panel having an exterior surface with at least one substantially water tight pocket constructed therein that can readily be utilized to house and display photographs in a dry environment. Further needed is a pocket that is composed of a flexible transparent material and has a display window with an inner cavity accessible by an opening located on a lower or bottom edge of the pocket appointed with a fastening mechanism that engages with a fastening mechanism located on or associated with the exterior surface of the panel to engage to form a substantially water tight seal, protecting the photograph from water accumulation and subsequent leakage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a curtain having integrated pockets therein for housing water sensitive items, principally photographs which effectively protects the photograph in a substantially water impenetrable manner, while providing regular viewing of the photograph. The curtain panel is constructed with an exterior surface having at least one substantially water tight pocket constructed therein that can readily be utilized to house and display the photograph in a dry environment. Water tight construction of the pocket is achieved due to the bottom or lower entry slit or bottom slit-opening provided on the lower edge of the pocket along with the utilization of a fastener mechanism assembly located on the lower edge or bottom slit-opening.

The curtain having integrated pockets therein comprises a panel having an interior and exterior surface. The exterior surface includes at least one pocket constructed therein. This pocket is composed of a flexible transparent material and has a display window, a sealed top edge, sealed side edges, and a bottom slit-opening with a bottom rim traversing into an inner cavity appointed to receive and house at least one object (preferably, a photograph) therein viewable through the display window. The pocket may have any shape and size, and may be incorporated into a design or the like, as long as the opening is, located on the lower portion thereof for mitigating any water leakage into the pocket. The curtain further comprises a first fastening mechanism located on the bottom rim of the bottom slit-opening of the pocket, and a second fastening mechanism located on the exterior surface of the panel in mating association with the first fastening mechanism. The first and second fastening mechanisms engage to form a substantially water tight seal, impenetrable by water and steam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the curtain having integrated pockets therein handing in relation to a bathtub, wherein the curtain panel is provided as a cloth panel (show panel) with a liner adjacent to the bathtub, and a plurality of pockets with photographs housed therein are displayed thereon;

FIG. 2 illustrates a segment of the panel and a pocket integrated therein, showing placement of a photograph within the pocket and attachment of an optional frame segment there over

FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line V showing a side view of the integrated pocket with an embodiment of the frame assembly being placed thereon;

FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line V showing a side view of the integrated pocket with another embodiment of the frame assembly being placed thereon;

FIG. 4a is a top planer view of an embodiment of the frame segment wherein the frame segment is constructed with a frame edging and a hollow center display zone;

FIG. 4b is a top planer view of another embodiment of the frame segment wherein the frame segment is constructed with a frame edging and a transparent casement for viewing the object and being appointed for providing a closed frame segment configuration;

FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4b taken along line X; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of the curtain having integrated pockets therein hanging in relation to a bathtub, wherein the curtain panel is provided as a polymeric liner type panel (show liner) adjacent to the bathtub and a plurality of pockets with photographs housed therein are displayed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The curtain having integrated pockets therein for housing items, principally photographs, provides a dry environment for display of water sensitive items. Construction of the pocket herein effectively protects the photograph in a substantially water impenetrable manner, while providing regular viewing of the photograph. Water tight construction of the pocket is facilitated due to the bottom slit-opening provided on the lower edge of the pocket along, with the utilization of a fastener mechanism assembly located in association with the lower edge or bottom slit-opening.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the curtain having integrated pockets therein hanging in relation to a bathtub, wherein the curtain panel is provided as a cloth panel (show panel) with a liner adjacent to the bathtub, shown generally at 10. The curtain having integrated pockets therein 10 includes a panel 11 having an interior surface 12 facing toward a tub/shower unit 14 and exterior surface 13 facing outward of tub/shower unit 14 in a bathroom 15. Panel 11 may be composed of a polymeric material and act as a shower liner or curtain (as shown in FIG. 5): alternatively, panel 11 may be constructed wherein interior surface 12 is composed of a polymeric material and exterior surface 13 is composed of a cloth material and panel 11 is utilized for shower or bathtub 14 so that the interior polymeric material (interior surface 12) is adjacent to tub 14 while the exterior cloth material (exterior surface 13) is viewable from outside of tub 14. Optionally, panel 11 is composed of a cloth material and acts as a window curtain or outer shower curtain as is depicted in FIG. 1 herein. As depicted in FIG. 1, wherein panel 11 is composed of a cloth material and acts as a show panel further insulating tub 14, a liner 23 is typically employed adjacent to tub 14 for mitigating water leakage from tub 14 during bathing or showering.

Exterior surface 13 includes at least one pocket 20 integrated therein; preferably a plurality of pockets 20a-20n are integrated within exterior surface 13 of panel 11, for receiving and housing an item, such as a photograph 57. Herein depicted are seven (7) pockets 20 (20a-20g . . . 20n) having various sizes and shapes. Pockets 20 can have an array of different sizes and shapes (rectangular, square, parallelogram, oval, circular, triangular, animal designs/shapes, flower shapes, characters and the like); such as a tad larger than traditional photograph sizes including 12″×12″, 8″×10″, 8″×8″, 5″×3″ and 4″×6″. Curtain 10 further comprises a first fastening mechanism 21 located on bottom rim of a bottom slit-opening (54 and 55, respectively, in FIG. 2, discussed hereinbelow) of pocket 20, and a second fastening mechanism 22 located on exterior surface 13 of panel 11 in mating association with first fastening mechanism 21. First and second fastening mechanisms 21, 22 engage to form a substantially water tight seal, virtually impenetrable by water and steam. Preferably first fastening mechanism 21 located on bottom rim of the bottom slit-opening (54 and 55, respectively, in FIG. 2, discussed hereinbelow) of pocket 20 and second fastening mechanism 22 located on exterior surface 13 of panel 11 are mating tongue and groove zip-locking fastener mechanisms that engage to form the substantially water tight seal.

Pocket 20 is best illustrated by way of FIG. 2, which shows a segment of panel 11 with pocket 20 (20a-20n) integrated therein, shown generally at 10. Pocket 20 is composed of a flexible transparent material and has a display window 51 a sealed top edge 52, sealed side edges 53, and a bottom rim 54 with a bottom slit-opening 55 traversing into an inner cavity 56 appointed to receive and house at least one object (preferably, a photograph) 57 therein viewable through display window 51. In the embodiment shown, pocket 20 further includes a flap portion 58 which extends from a top lip 59 of bottom rim 54 and slit-opening 55. Optional flap portion 58 is connected and extends from top lip 59 of bottom rim 54 of display window 51 and is appointed to extend from top lip 59 of bottom rim 54 with photograph 57 going under flap portion 58 when being inserted into slit-opening 55 for placement into inner cavity 56. After photograph 57 is placed within inner cavity 56 flap portion 58 is folded under photograph 57 and flatly traverses into inner cavity 56 and housed therein under/behind photograph 57. As a result, photograph 57 is closed within pocket 20 by way of flap portion 58 and is further secured within pocket 20 by way of the fastening mechanisms located on bottom rim 54 of pocket 20 engaging with second fastening mechanism located on exterior surface 13 of panel 11. In this manner, photograph 57 is further protected from moisture penetration.

Pocket 20 may have any shape and size, and may be incorporated into a design or the like, as long as the opening is located on the lower portion or bottom rim 54 thereof for mitigating any water leakage into pocket 20. In this manner, water cannot accumulate on the top of the pocket as would tend to occur wherein a pocket has a top opening area, which undesirable water accumulation would eventually be predisposed to seepage into the pocket and ruination the photograph housed therein. Thus entry via bottom slit-opening 55 located at bottom rim 54 and closure thereof provides optimal water leakage protection to the photograph housed therein.

Additionally, curtain 10 may include at least one frame segment 60 adjacent to and associated with each pocket 20 (20a-20n) located on exterior surface 13 of the panel. Preferably, each frame segment 60 is removable from exterior surface 13 of panel 11, as is more clearly shown in FIG. 2. Frame segment 60 can be attached via snaps, Velcro®, buttons, magnets, hooks, or the like, and such are discussed hereinafter. FIG. 2 shows frame segment 60 as a removable from panel 11 effectuated by providing exterior surface 13 of panel 11 wish a fastener border 61 integrated therein that is appointed to engage with a mating, frame fastener border 62 located on a back-side 63 of frame segment 60. Frame segment 60 is placed upon and attached to fastener border 61 of panel 11 after photograph 57 (and optional flap portion 58) is housed within inner cavity 56 of pocket 20. Fastener border 61 integrated within exterior surface 13 of panel 11 may be a hook and loop fastener (Velcro), and frame fastener border 62 located on back-side 63 of frame segment 60 would then correspondingly be a matting hook and loop fastener. Alternatively, fastener border 61 integrated within exterior surface 13 of panel 11 is a magnetic border and frame fastener border 62 located on back-side 63 of frame segment 60 is a matting magnetic border.

FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrated cross-sectional views of the integrated pocket taken along line V in FIG. 1, specifically: FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line V showing a side view of the integrated pocket with an embodiment of the frame assembly as shown in FIG. 2 being placed thereon, shown generally at 100; and FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line V showing a side view of the integrated pocket with another embodiment of the frame assembly being placed thereon, shown generally at 200. Panel 111, 211 having interior surface 112, 212 facing toward a tub/shower unit 114, 214 and exterior surface 113, 213 facing outward of tub/shower unit 114, 214 in a bathroom 115, 215 is provided as a cloth material show curtain with a shower liner curtain 123, 223. Exterior surface 113, 213 includes at least one pocket 120, 220 integrated therein for receiving and housing photograph 157, 257. First fastening mechanism 121, 221 is located on bottom rim 154, 254 of bottom slit-opening 155, 255 and a second fastening mechanism 122, 222 is located on exterior surface 113, 213 of panel 111, 211 in matting association with first fastening mechanism 121, 221. Optional flap portion 158, 258 is folded under photograph 157, 257 in inner cavity 156, 256. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 3a, interior surface 112 of panel 111 includes art interior transparent widow 101 aligned with display window 151 of pocket 120. In this manner, a second photograph may be placed back-to-back with the exterior surface's photograph, so that the second photograph is viewable from the inside of the tub while the first photograph is viewable from the exterior of the tub.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3a, frame segment 160 is preferably removable from exterior surface 113 of panel 111 effectuated by fastener border 161 integrated on exterior surface 113 of panel 111 that engages with a mating frame fastener border 162 located on back-side 63 of frame segment 60. In FIG. 3b, removal of frame segment 260 is optionally achieved by providing frame segment 260 with a first side 201 and a second side 202 having matting magnetic fastening portions 203 and 204, respectively, wherein first side 201 of removable frame segment 260 is placed on exterior surface 213 of panel 211 and second side 202 of removable frame 260 is placed on interior surface 212 of panel 211 so that second side 202 magnetically adheres to first side 201 to removably mount frame 260 to panel 211.

FIGS. 4a-4c illustrate embodiments of the frame segment. Specifically: FIG. 4a is a top planer view of an embodiment of the frame segment wherein the frame segment is constructed with a frame edging and a hollow center display zone, shown generally at 300; FIG. 4b is a top planer view of another embodiment of the frame segment wherein the frame segment is constructed with a frame edging and a transparent casement for viewing the object and being appointed for providing a closed frame segment configuration, shown generally at 400; and FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4b taken along line X. FIG. 4a shows frame segment 300 as constructed with a frame edging 301 with a hollow center wherein the display window of pocket (20a-20b of FIGS. 1-3) is aligned and viewed. FIGS. 4b and 4c show frame segment 400 as constructed with a frame edging 401 and a transparent casement 402 for viewing the object housed within the integrated pocket for providing a closed frame segment configuration. Frame segment 400 is shown with mating frame fastener border 462 located on back-side 463) of frame segment 460 for attachment to the panel as discussed hereinabove.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of the curtain having integrated pockets therein shown generally at 500. Curtain 510 includes panel 511 composed of a polymeric liner type panel (show liner) hanging adjacent to a bathtub 514. The curtain having integrated pockets therein 510 includes a panel 511 having an interior surface 512 facing toward a tub/shower unit 514 and exterior surface 513 facing outward of tub/shower unit 514 in a bathroom 515. Panel 511 is herein composed of a polymeric material and act as a typical a shower liner or curtain Exterior surface 513 includes at least one pocket 520 integrated therein, preferably a plurality of pockets 520a-520n are integrated within exterior surface 513 of panel 511, for receiving and housing an item, such as a photograph 557. Pockets 520 can have an array of different sizes and shapes (rectangular, square, parallelogram, oval, circular, triangular animal designs/shapes, flower shapes, characters and the like. Curtain 510 further comprises a first fastening mechanism located oil a bottom rim of a bottom slit-opening of pocket 520, and a second fastening mechanism is located on exterior surface 513 of panel 511 in mating association with the first fastening mechanism. The first and second fastening mechanisms engage to form a substantially water tight seal, virtually impenetrable by water and steam. Curtain 510 may include at least one frame segment 560 adjacent to and associated with each pocket 520 (520a-520n) located on exterior Surface 513 of panel 511. Preferably, each frame segment 560 is removable from exterior surface 513 of panel 511, as discussed in FIGS. 2-4 hereinabove.

Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.

Claims

1. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein, comprising:

a. at least one panel having an interior and exterior surface;

b. said at least one pocket being integrated within said exterior surface of said panel, said pocket being composed of a flexible transparent material and having a display window, a sealed top edge, sealed side edges, and a bottom edge having a bottom slit-opening associated with a bottom rim traversing into an inner cavity appointed to receive and house at least one object therein viewable through said display window; and

c. a first fastening mechanism located on said bottom rim of said bottom slit-opening of said pocket, and a second fastening, mechanism located on said exterior surface of said panel being in mating association with said first fastening mechanism to form a substantially water tight seal.

2. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 1, wherein said panel is composed of a polymeric material and is a shower liner or curtain.

3. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 1, wherein said interior surface of said panel is composed of a polymeric material and said exterior surface of said panel is composed of a cloth material and wherein said panel is utilized for a shower or bathtub.

4. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 1, wherein said panel is composed of a cloth material and acts as a window curtain or outer shower curtain.

5. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 1 comprising at least one frame segment adjacent to and associated with each of said pockets located on said exterior surface of said panel.

6. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 5, wherein each of said frame segments are removable from said exterior surface of said panel.

7. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 6, wherein each of said removable frame segments are composed of a first side and a second side having matting magnetic fastening portions, wherein said first side of said removable frame segment is placed on said exterior surface of said panel and said second side of said removable frame is integrated within said interior surface of said panel so that said second side magnetically adheres to said first side to removably mount said frame to said panel.

8. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 6, wherein said exterior surface of said panel includes a fastener border integrated therein that is appointed to engage with a mating frame fastener border located on a back-side of said frame.

9. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 8, wherein said fastener border integrated within said exterior surface of said panel is a hook and loop fastener and said frame fastener border located on said back-side of said frame is a matting hook and loop fastener.

10. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 8, wherein said fastener border integrated within said exterior surface of said panel is a magnetic border and said frame fastener border located on said back-side of said frame is a matting magnetic border.

11. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 5, wherein each of said frame segments include a transparent casement for viewing said object and being appointed for providing a closed frame segment configuration.

12. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 1, wherein a plurality of pockets are integrated within said exterior surface and wherein said pockets are of varying sizes and shapes.

13. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 1, wherein said interior surface of said panel includes an interior transparent widow aligned with said display window of said pocket located on said exterior surface.

14. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 1, wherein said first fastening mechanism located on said bottom rim of said bottom slit-opening of said pocket and said second fastening mechanism located on said exterior surface of said panel are mating tongue and groove zip locking fastener mechanisms that engage to form said substantially water tight seal.

15. A curtain having at least one pocket integrated therein as recited by claim 1 comprising a flap portion connected to said bottom rim of said display window of said pocket and being appointed to extend from said bottom rim when said item is being placed within said inner cavity and fold under said item when said item is housed within said inner cavity.