Shower Space Expander

Abstract

The invention is an adjustable extendible (or telescoping) arm mounted on the shower wall of the typical tub and shower combination having 2 positions, stowed and active. The stowed (or normal/collapsed) position is against the wall, either the front or the rear wall (the nominal 30″ wide wall) of the shower. In the active position the device is positioned against the shower curtain pushing the mid to upper portion of the curtain outboard of the tub area increasing usable space for shower activities. The shower occupant rotates the collapsed arm toward the shower curtain and extends the sections to allow the arm to push the central area of the curtain out producing additional room. A secondary use for the invention is to use the arm to position the wet shower curtain inboard of the tub allowing the curtain to dry rapidly and prevent mildew. The invention is comprised of a flat plate with 2 ears which captivate the arm between them. A carriage bolt passes through holes in the 3 components. A knob with integral threaded nut is screwed onto the exposed threads of the carriage bolt. When tightened the knob produces friction against the arm enabling it to remain fixed in the desired position against the shower curtain. Once friction required for the specific curtain (s) is set by the occupant the invention requires no additional adjustment to maintain the curtain in the desired position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/279,628, filed Oct. 23, 2009, titled “Shower Space Expander”.

BACKGROUND

The invention is a consumer product for use in a common combination tub and shower which utilizes a soft plastic and/or cloth shower curtain or curtains. This tub and shower design has not changed in over 100 years while the average size of the occupant has increased dramatically.

The invention provides the shower occupant significant additional space by pushing the central area of the curtain outboard of the tubs vertical plane while the lower portion of the curtain remains within the tub. This produces a “tenting” effect in the central area where the occupant stands while allowing the front and rear vertical ends of the inner shower curtain to remain in the tubs vertical plane which prevents water from exiting the tub.

The invention also prevents a common shower problem wherein the wet curtain blows in during showering contacting the occupant.

After showering the invention may be used in reverse fashion to push the wet shower curtain away from the side of the tub allowing air to circulate around the curtain allowing the curtain shower spaces to dry quickly preventing mildew.

The invention is designed to be low cost and quickly installed without tools on most shower wall surfaces and also provides screw holes which may be uncovered and used for installing the invention on rough and textured surfaces.

The invention is designed to last indefinitely with no possibility of rust or corrosion nor wear within the active parts.

While not in use the inventions compact size uses the least amount of space within the shower, does not alter the appearance of the bathroom nor impede occupant ingress and egress.

Two (2) competing products providing similar but limited benefit include the curved shower rod and the cantilevered weight attached to the shower rod between the inner and outer curtain.

The curved shower rod does provide some additional room however it has many negative features including: a) it does not prevent shower curtain “blow in”, b) it does not prevent mildew, c) it reduces bathroom space, d) it is visually unattractive, e) it requires a special curtain thereby adding expense and making commonly available curtains unusable, f) installation is difficult, requires special tools, is time consuming and beyond most homeowners capability, g) it is very expensive in comparison to the invention and h) the majority of added space is provided at upper shoulder and head level providing little benefit where most showering activity occurs.

The cantilevered weight unit provides some additional shower space however it also has negative features including, a) it cannot be positioned to dry the curtain, b) it is expensive and requires fairly complex assembly, c) it blocks ingress and egress to the shower, and d) it requires inner and outer shower curtains in order to hide the products unattractive components.

The invention may be manufactured and packaged as a travel accessory when a suction cup is designed into the mount.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention embodies a rotatable extendible arm which contacts the shower curtain pushing the desired portion outboard of the tub while maintaining the lower portion of the curtain within the tub.

The invention consists of the following components; flat plate with captivating ears, waterproof double sided adhesive tape, ribbed neck carriage bolt, extendible tubular arm, nylon connector for arm with a flat portion having a through hole, stainless steel washers, clamping knob with integral brass nut, plastic sleeve, plastic cap.

The flat plate with ears is molded from nylon and has 2 separated ears with through holes extending at a 90 degree angle from the flat area. The flat area will have double sided adhesive tape applied. The flat area has two through holes which are normally plugged. These plugs may be removed allowing the unit to be screwed to the shower wall when the wall surface is not suitable for adhesive tape.

The nylon outside eye end connector allows the telescopic tube to be inserted and secured via friction set screw. The other side of the connector is flat and fits within the deck hinge. The deck hinge ears and the eye end connector have 0.25 inch through holes.

The flat portion of the nylon outside eye end connector is inserted within the ears of the deck hinge with a stainless steel washer on each side of the eye end to provide additional friction. The ribbed neck carriage bolt is placed through the deck hinge, eye end and washers. The ribbed neck of the carriage bolt locks the bolt to one side of the deck hinge preventing the bolt from rotating during friction adjustment.

A plastic clamping knob with integral brass threaded insert is screwed onto the exposed threads of the carriage bolt. As the knob is a tightened friction increases against the eye ends flat area. This allows the arm to remain in the occupant desired position when pushed against the shower curtain. This feature also allows the arm to move without harm to the device if accidentally pushed against by the occupant.

The fully assembled unit is packaged for purchase. With the telescopic arm collapsed the packaged unit is nominal 2″×1½″×12″, a small envelope ideal for sale in brick and mortar stores (uses little shelf space) and inexpensive to ship.

To install the invention the consumer is directed by written instructions. Locate the unit flat plate along the outer side (near the shower curtain) of either the front or rear wall of the shower as desired. The unit installation height is recommended to be centered between the elbow and the shoulder of the adult occupant while standing in the shower. Temporarily set the unit horizontally against the wall and when visually acceptable draw a pencil line around the outline of the flat plate. Clean the outlined area with alcohol and allow to dry 10 minutes. Remove the liner tape from the double sided adhesive attached to the back of the flat mounting plate. Place the flat plate within the outline and apply pressure for 60 seconds. Allow the unit to be idle for an hour before use.

For installation on rough and/or irregular surfaced shower walls it is recommended that the unit be screwed to the wall. Remove the hole caps in the flat plate. Place the unit in area desired and mark outline of the deck hinge and insert pencil in 2 deck hinge holes to mark their locations on the wall. Using a ceramic drill bit (for tiled wall) drill through the tiles and the backboard. Insert hollow plastic screw anchors in each hole. Place the unit and screw it to the wall with the screws provided with the anchors.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a top view of the invention when in the collapsed and stowed inactive position.

FIG. 2 provides the front view of the invention when in the collapsed and stowed inactive position. This is the view the shower occupant sees when standing in front of the unit.

FIG. 3 provides an exploded view of the invention and identifies all the components, described below.

1. This item is similar to a nylon marine type deck hinge and is basically a flat plate with 2 through holes having 2 ears extending out from the plate. Both ears have through holes.

2. Plastic plugs cover the screw holes and may be removed if double-sided adhesive tape is not suitable.

3. Ribbed neck carriage bolt.

4. Double-sided adhesive tape attached to back of item 1.

5. Plastic clamping knob having a threaded female insert.

6. Stainless steel washers (2).

7. Nylon outside eye end connector (similar to marine hardware product used with bimini tops).

8. Stainless steel set screw (part of item 7).

9. Aluminum tube 16 mm diameter and nominal 12 inches long (part of telescoping tube assembly). Lines between tubes indicate how the tubes fit together when assembled.

10. Aluminum tube 14 mm diameter and nominal 12 inches long with plastic insert on one end to provide friction while telescoping (part of telescoping tube assembly).

11. Plastic sleeve glued onto the tube end which acts as a grip for telescoping the section.

12. Aluminum tube 12 mm diameter and nominal 12 inches long with plastic insert on one end to provide friction while telescoping (part of telescoping tube assembly).

13. Plastic cap glued onto the end of the tube which covers the tube end and acts as a handle for telescoping the section.

FIG. 4 illustrates the invention installed on the wall of the shower and in the stowed inactive and collapsed position. The unit is installed between the shower water flow control and the shower head nearby the shower curtain. Components are described below.

• • 14. The invention installed within the shower in the inactive stowed position.
  • 15. Shower curtain rod.
  • 16. Shower curtain. Note this may be a single curtain or a double curtain wherein one curtain remains within the shower and the outside curtain is used for decorative purpose.
  • 17. Bath tub.

FIG. 5 illustrates the invention installed on the wall of the shower in the active rotated and extended position. The unit has been rotated and extended to the area where the shower occupant stands.

• • 18. The invention installed within the shower in the active rotated and extended position. Note the additional room provided the occupant.

FIG. 6 provides a top view of the invention installed on the wall of the shower in the active rotated and extended position. The unit has been rotated and extended to the area where the shower occupant stands. This view shows the extended unit and the tenting effect on the shower curtain. Note that the curtain at the front and rear of the shower remains against the wall and within the tub area preventing water from exiting the shower area.

• • 19. The invention installed within the shower in the active rotated and extended position.
  • 20. Shower curtain. Note this may be a single curtain or a double curtain wherein one curtain remains within the shower and the outside curtain is used for decorative purpose.
  • 21. Water leaving the shower head.

SUMMARY

The invention is a self contained consumer bathroom appliance/product with worldwide application.

The invention is specifically designed for use within standard tubs having shower curtains.

The invention provides over 50% more space for the shower occupant using their existing shower curtain(s).

The invention stops wet shower curtain “blow in” and prevents mildew formation.

The invention is small, attractive, very low cost, easily installed and designed for a lifetime of use.

The invention is quickly and easily installed by the consumer without tools.

The invention mounts on the outboard side (near the shower curtain) of either the front or rear wall of the shower at nominal elevation of 48 inches.

The invention embodies a mounting plate which captivates a telescoping arm which rotates horizontally within the shower.

The invention arm may be quickly positioned (rotate and extend arm) to push the central area of the curtain outboard of the tub to produce additional space for occupant shower activities.

The invention when in use prevents the shower curtain from blowing in and contacting the occupant.

The invention when not in use may be positioned to place the shower curtain toward the center of the tub allowing air to dry all sides of the curtain and the tub to prevent mildew formation.

Claims

1. A method of utilizing a device with embodies a wall mounted rotating and extendible arm to provide additional room for the shower occupant by pushing the middle to upper portion of the shower curtain out from the vertical plane of the tub while the lower portion remains within the tub to prevent water from exiting the shower area.

2. A method of claim 1 wherein the device is designed for the standard combination shower/bath being nominal 30 inches wide by 60 inches long with a tub and 3 solid walls and a shower curtain providing the 4th wall.

3. A method of claim 1 wherein the device is fixed to either the front or rear shower wall using various means including adhesive foam, screws, glue, suction cup(s) or other means.

4. A method of claim 1 wherein the device uses multiple sections (or stages) telescopic tube which can be extended and retracted as well as rotated against the curtain and locked in position desired by the user through friction (either fixed or adjustable).

5. A method of claim 1 wherein the telescoping stages may have friction mechanism, locking mechanism (twist, lever or other) or no additional mechanism (close fit between pieces).

6. A method of claim 1 wherein the arm telescopic sections may be tubular (round, oval or square/rectangular).

7. A method of claim 1 wherein the device which may also use a single fixed length stage which rotates and locks in position desired.

8. A method of claim 1 whose telescopic tube is hinged horizontally to allow it to be moved into an active position wherein it pushes the shower curtain out and away from the bath occupant to provide additional room and prevent the shower curtain from contacting the occupant (“blowing in” against the occupants skin“).

9. A method of claim 1 wherein the device's single or multiple stages may be rotated in the vertical plane to expand the shower room.

10. A method of claim 1 wherein the device may use multiple hinged components to provide the extension capability.

11. A method of claim 1 wherein the device arm is of gooseneck type construction.

12. A method of claim 1 wherein the device may be positioned parallel with the front (or rear) shower wall when not in use.

13. A method of claim 1 wherein the device may be made from plastic, aluminum or a combination of these and other materials.

14. A method of claim 1 wherein the device color is typically white nylon and polished aluminum but may be manufactured and sold in a variety of materials, colors and color combinations.

15. A method of claim 1 wherein the device is designed to work with either a standard shower curtain liner or a combination of liner and curtain of varied weights, material types and textures.

16. A method of claim 1 wherein a device not in use (stowed against the shower wall) does not alter the normal presentation of a shower curtain, which is flat and straight.

17. A method of claim 1 wherein the device arm may be locked in desired position through various means including fixed friction, adjustable friction, ratcheting lock, fixed stop which could be adjustable, lockable ball joint and other means.

18. A method of claim 1 wherein the device may be concealed through disguise as a towel bar, grab bar, soap dish, shelf, basket or other means.

19. A method of claim 1 wherein the device may be used to dry the shower curtain/liner by positioning the curtain towards the center of tub enabling rapid drying and preventing mildew.