SHOWER WATER RETAINER

Abstract

A shower water retainer is provided that can include (1) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped region; (2) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped flap; and/or (3) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped region and also having a lower shaped flap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/381,711, filed Sep. 10, 2010, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/383,589, filed Sep. 16, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/514,283, filed Aug. 2, 2011, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth herein.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to shower water retainers including shower curtains and/or shower curtain liners and/or combination shower curtain and liners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In exemplary embodiments, a shower water retainer for use in a shower, can comprise a top edge that can comprise an attachment member for attachment to a securing member; a bottom edge; a central surface that can extend from the top edge to the bottom edge; a plurality of lateral sides; one or more cutouts that can form one or more corner edges that can be adjacent the bottom edge and that can be adjacent at least one of the plurality of lateral sides, the one or more corner edges can be to fit over a rim of a shower basin.

In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the one or more corner edges can be shaped in an arch. In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the one or more corner edges can be a substantially straight edge.

In exemplary embodiments, a shower water retainer can further comprise one or more basin attachment members that can be adapted to releasably attach at least one of the bottom edge and the one or more corner edges to a portion of a shower basin. In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the one or more basin attachment members can comprise a magnet. In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the one or more basin attachment members can comprise a suction cup.

In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the central surface can comprise a substantially liquid impervious material. In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the central surface can comprise one or more of silk, cloth, fabric, cotton, polyester, net, lace, satin, denim, vinyl, plastic, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

In exemplary embodiments, the attachment member can comprise apertures that can accept hooks that can attachment to a shower curtain rod. In exemplary embodiments, the securing member can be a shower curtain rod.

In exemplary embodiments, a shower water retainer for use in a shower, can comprise a first sheet that can comprise a top edge that can comprise an attachment member that can attach to a securing member; a bottom edge; a central surface that can extend from the top edge to the bottom edge; and a plurality of lateral sides; a flap sheet that can be attached to a portion of the first sheet between the top edge and the bottom edge, the flap sheet that can comprise a top edge that can comprise an attachment member that can attach to the first sheet; a bottom edge; a central surface that can extend from the top edge to the bottom edge; and a plurality of lateral sides, wherein a surface area of the flap sheet can be less than a surface area of the first sheet; and one or more cutouts that can form one or more corner edges that can be adjacent at least one of the bottom edge of the first sheet and the bottom edge of the flap sheet, the one or more corner edges can be adapted to fit over a rim of a shower basin.

In exemplary embodiments, the one or more cutouts can form one or more corner edges that can be adjacent the bottom edge of the first sheet. In exemplary embodiments, the one or more cutouts can form one or more corner edges that can be adjacent the bottom edge of the flap sheet. In exemplary embodiments, the one or more cutouts can form one or more corner edges that can be adjacent the bottom edge of the first sheet and can form one or more corner edges that can be adjacent the bottom edge of the flap sheet.

In exemplary embodiments, the at least one of the one or more corner edges can be shaped in an arch. In exemplary embodiments, the at least one of the one or more corner edges can be a substantially straight edge.

In exemplary embodiments, the shower water retainer can further comprise one or more basin attachment members that can be adapted to releasably attach at least one of the bottom edge of the first sheet and the bottom edge of the flap sheet and the one or more corner edges to a portion of a shower basin. In exemplary embodiments, the at least one of the one or more basin attachment members can comprise a magnet.

In exemplary embodiments, the at least one of the one or more basin attachment members can comprise a suction cup. In exemplary embodiments, the at least a portion of the central surface of the first sheet and the central surface of the flap sheet can comprise a substantially liquid impervious material.

In exemplary embodiments, the at least a portion of the central surface of the first sheet and at least a portion of the central surface of the flap sheet can comprise one or more of silk, cloth, fabric, cotton, polyester, net, lace, satin, denim, vinyl, plastic, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

In exemplary embodiments, the attachment member of the first sheet can comprise apertures for accepting hooks for attachment to a shower curtain rod. In exemplary embodiments, the securing member can be a shower curtain rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following, detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1C illustratively depict configurations for a shower water retainer in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C illustratively depict configurations for a shower water retainer having a upper region and a lower flap, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustratively depicts configurations for a shower water retainer having a upper region, a lower region and a lower flap, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4E illustratively depict configurations for shower water retainer in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustratively depicts configurations for a shower water retainer in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 illustratively depict configurations for a shower water retainer having a upper region, a lower region and a lower flap having various dimensions, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8K illustratively depict configurations for a shower water retainer having a lower region and a lower flap having various shapes,in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 9-10 illustratively depict configurations for a shower water retainer having a upper region that can have different patterns,in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustratively depicts a configuration for a shower water retainer having a lower shaped region with suction cups,in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustratively depicts a configuration for a shower water retainer having a lower shaped region with weights, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 13-14 illustratively depict configurations for a shower water retainer having a lower shaped region with suction cups, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGS. 15-16 illustratively depict configurations for a shower water retainer having a lower shaped flap with weights, in accordance with exemplary 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 or the claims. As used throughout this application, the words “may” and “can” are 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

The present invention generally relates to shower water retainers. As used herein the term “shower water retainer” means a shower curtain, a shower curtain liner, and/or a combination shower curtain and liner, each of which can be designed to retain water within a shower. In exemplary embodiments, the present invention generally relates to shower water retainers that can include (1) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped region; (2) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped flap; and/or (3) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped region and also having a lower shaped flap.

In exemplary embodiments, each shower water retainer can include an upper region as well as lower shaped region and/or a lower shaped flap that can be configured such that the shaped region substantially fits over and/or mimics the contour of a shower basin. For example, lower shaped region and/or a lower shaped flap can be constructed such that the a region substantially near the lower corner and/or lateral edge of lower shaped region and/or a lower shaped flap abutting the shower basin may be shaped to account for the difference in width between a shower's walls and the width of the shower basin and/or any other aspects of a shower enclosure such as, but not limited to, the shape of the shower basin and/or shower wall, the curvature of the shower basin and/or shower wall, and fixtures affiliated with the shower basin and/or shower wall, to name a few.

In exemplary embodiments, including a lower shaped region and/or a lower shaped flap can lead to numerous qualities such as, but not limited to, minimizing the buckling and/or bunching of the lower region and/or shower flap which can be, for example, a safety hazard as well as, reducing the “shower-curtain effect”, and/or reducing water spillage from the shower basin, to name a few.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustratively depict configurations for a shower water retainer in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In exemplary embodiments, a shower water retainer 100 can comprise a upper region 110 and a lower shaped region 112. In exemplary embodiments, a shower water retainer 110 may comprise a central surface extending from an upper region 110 to a lower shaped region 112. Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, in exemplary embodiments, a shower water retainer 100 having a upper region 110 and a lower shaped flap 114 is illustratively depicted. In exemplary embodiments, a lower shaped flap 114 may comprise a central surface extending from a top edge to a bottom edge. In exemplary embodiments, a shower water retainer 100 may comprise one or more cutouts forming one or more corner edges adjacent a bottom edge and adjacent at least one of a plurality of lateral sides, the one or more corner edges adapted to fit over a rim of a shower basin. In exemplary embodiments, the shape of the one or more corner edges may comprise any shape in accordance with exemplary embodiments. By way of example, the shape of the one or more corner edges may comprise a curved edge, a straight edge, a jagged edge, a wave-shaped edge, to name a few. Referring to FIG. 3, in exemplary embodiments, a shower water retaining 100 having a upper region 110 and a lower shaped region 112 and also having a lower shaped flap 114 is illustratively depicted.

It will be understood that any of the iterations described herein for any shower water retainer(s) including (1) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped region; (2) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped flap; and/or (3) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped region and a lower shaped flap can be combined into one another. For ease, at times, not all iterations for each shower water retainer including (1) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped region; (2) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped flap; and/or (3) a shower curtain/liner having a lower shaped region and a lower shaped flap are described. This is merely for ease and is in no way meant to be a limitation.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3, in exemplary embodiments, various shower water retainers 100 including a upper region 110 as well as a lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 are illustratively depicted from outside view (e.g., the side facing away from the shower). In exemplary embodiments, the shower water retainer 100 can be supported by a support member, for example, with a conventional shower curtain rod and hook arrangement 103. In this regard, an exemplary shower water retainer 100 can include reinforced holes (not shown) through which the hooks can pass. In exemplary embodiments, the hooks can be loop-shaped, but can have any other suitable shape. In exemplary embodiments, clips can be used to connect the shower water retainers 100 to the curtain rod.

Referring to FIGS. 1B-1C and 2A-2C, in exemplary embodiments, a upper region 110, lower shaped region 112, and/or lower shaped flap 114 of shower water retainers 100 can be located substantially on the outside and/or the inside shower basin 107, as illustratively depicted from bisected view in plane a-a. Although not shown, it will be understood that for an shower water retainers 100 having a upper region 110, a lower shaped region 112 and also having a lower shaped flap 114, either lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 of the shower water retainers 100 can be located on the outside or the inside shower basin 107.

In exemplary embodiments, the shower water retainers 100 including a upper region 110, lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 can be made of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, silk, cloth, fabric, cotton, polyester, net, lace, satin, denim, vinyl, plastic, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB), any combination thereof, and/or any natural and/or synthetic material constructed in any form capable of acting as a curtain being used with shower basins, showers, and/or shower enclosures. In exemplary embodiments, shower water retainers 100 can be made of a suitably water-resistant or water-proof material, so that shower water retainers 100 can function as both a curtain and a liner. In exemplary embodiments, a portion of the shower water retainers 100 including an upper region 110, lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 can be made of liquid impervious material and/or liquid pervious material.

In exemplary embodiments, lower shaped flap 114 can be affixed to shower water retainers 100 for example, at a upper region 110, using any suitable technique, such as, but not limited to, heat sealing, sewing, adhesives, chemically bonding, and any other technique capable of affixing lower shaped flap 114 to, for example, upper region 110 of shower water retainers 100, to name a few.

Further, in some instances, a upper region 110, lower shaped flap 114, lower shaped region 112, and/or any other aspects of shower water retainers 100 can be substantially one and the same. For ease, at times, upper region 110, lower shaped flap 114, lower shaped region 112, and/or shower water retainers 100 are described as substantially separate bodies. This is merely for ease and is in no way meant to be a limitation.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, in exemplary embodiments, shower water retainers 100 can be dimensioned substantially similarly to a conventional shower curtain. By way of example, the overall width, length a′, of shower water retainers 100 can be about 70 to 72 inches wide and/or the overall height, length b, of the shower water retainers 100 can be about 70 to 72 inches long, to name a few. Other size liners are contemplated in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

In some instance, the lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 of the shower water retainers 100 can be and/or can include at least a portion that can be narrower than the other portions of the shower water retainers 100. Other size liners are contemplated in accordance with exemplary embodiments. For example, referring to FIG. 4D-4E, in light of FIGS. 4A-4C, the overall width, length a′, can be about one to six inches wider than the overall width, length c′, of lower edge 116. In some instances, for example, the overall width, length a′, can be about one to four inches wider than the overall width, length c′, of lower edge 116 and the lower portion 150. In still some instances, for example, the overall width, length a′, can be about one to two inches wider on each side of than the overall width, length c′, of lower edge 116.

Further, in some instances, as disclosed, various portions of lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 of the shower water retainers 100 can be narrower than the other portions of the shower water retainers 100. That is, widths other than and/or including lower edge 116 can be narrower that the other portions of the shower water retainers 100.

In exemplary embodiments, a shower water retainers 100, upper region 110, lower shaped region 112, and/or lower shaped flap 114 can be of various lengths to account for various shower widths, shower tub widths, and the various shapes and sizes of shower tubs and/or any other reasonable shower enclosure. For example, in some instances, when extended in outside of a shower basin 107 the upper region 110 of shower curtains/liner 100 can be wide enough to span the width between a shower's walls 105. For another example, when extended in the inside and/or outside of a shower basin 107 the lower shaped region 112, and/or lower shaped flap 114 of shower curtains/liner 100 can be wide enough to span the width between a shower's walls 105. As discussed, in some instances when extended in the inside and/or outside of a shower basin 107 the lower shaped region 112, and/or lower shaped flap 114 of shower curtains/liner 100 may not be wide enough to span the width between a shower's walls 105.

Referring to FIG. 5, in exemplary embodiments, shower curtain liner 100 can be constructed such that lower shaped region 112, and/or lower shaped flap 114 can span varied ranges of width of the interior of a shower tub 107. For example, lower shaped flap 114 can be dimensioned such that it can traverse the width, length e′, of a shower tub 107.

Further, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6A-7, in exemplary embodiments, when suspended lower shaped region 112, and/or lower shaped flap 114 can span varied ranges of lengths, lengths f′ and f″, in height. By way of example, lower shaped region 112 and lower shaped flap 114 can be about equal in length, lower shaped region 112 can be longer than lower shaped flap 114, and/or lower shaped region 112 can be shorter than lower shaped flap 114, to name a few.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8K, in embodiments, viewing the from the outside in and/or inside out, lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 can be any shape in accordance with exemplary embodiments. For example, lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 can include lateral edges 802 having any shape in accordance with exemplary embodiments, such as, but not limited to, arced, straight, forming obtuse and or acute angles with edge 116, a substantially curved shape, any combination thereof, and/or a shape contoured to a the surface of a portion of a shower basin, or any other shape which allows for the lower region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 to go inside the shower without touching the rim of the shower basin, to name a few. Further, in exemplary embodiments, lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 can include more than one shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8D, 8G, 8K there can be a first shaped region having one shape and a second shaped region having a second shape. For example, referring to FIG. 8K a zoomed in image illustrates a first straight region 806 and a second curved region 808.

In exemplary embodiments, edge 116 can also include any shape in accordance with exemplary embodiments such as, but not limited to, arced, straight, forming obtuse and or acute angles with edge 802, a substantially curved shape, any combination thereof, and/or a shape contoured to a the surface of a portion of a shower basin, or any other shape which allows for the lower region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 to go inside the shower without touching the rim of the shower basin, to name a few. For ease, at times, edge 116 is depicted as being substantially straight and horizontal. This is merely for ease and is in no way meant to be a limitation.

Further, it will be understood that any of the iterations described herein for lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 can be included into one another. For ease, at times, not all iterations for each of lower shaped region 112 and lower shaped flap 114 are described. This is merely for ease and is in no way meant to be a limitation.

Any shape of lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 in accordance with exemplary embodiments can be created, for example by cutting away material. It will be understood that language “cutting away material”, “cutout”, or the like, is in no way limited to the physical act of cutting. This language “cutting away material”, “cutout”, or the like, is merely for descriptive purposes. For example, the “cutting away material”, “cutout”, or the like, can refer to actually cutting away material and/or this can be a region made in a configuration using any technique. These cutout shapes can be any shape in accordance with exemplary embodiments, such as rectangles, squares, triangles, and/or any other geometric shape, to name a few. Further, these cutout shapes can account for a molded shower tub. Further, in embodiments (not shown) only one side of the shower liner 110 can be shaped and/or cutout.

In embodiments, the shape of lower shaped region 112 and/or lower shaped flap 114 of the shower water retainers 100 can be of various arcs and/or lengths to account for various shower widths, shower tub widths, and the various shapes and sizes of shower tubs and/or shower enclosures, to name a few.

In embodiments, the relative lengths of the bottom edges of the lower shaped flap 114 and the lower shaped region 112 can be chosen by taking into account the anticipated width of an outer rim of the shower basin 107 over which the lower shaped flap 114 can hang, as well as a relative difference in height between the bathroom floor on the outside of the shower basin 107 and the bottom of the shower basin 107, so that the inside portion of the lower shaped region 112 and/or the lower shaped flap 114 can be long enough to keep water from exiting the shower basin 107 and still can hang over the rim of the shower basin 107 and into the shower basin 107, and can be not so long as to crowd a user's space in the shower basin 107.

In exemplary embodiments, the overall shape of lower shaped flap 114 can include triangular cut outs on the lower corner portions, so that the edge of the flap can join the upper region 110 at an obtuse angle. The flap can be rectangular so that the lower corner portion cut outs can be also rectangular or square.

Further, in exemplary embodiments, where the edge of the lower shaped flap 114 joins, can be affixed to, the upper region 110 any shape in accordance with exemplary embodiments can be in that region. For example, at that region lower shaped flap 114 can be at an angle to upper region 110 such as, but not limited to 180 degrees, a right angle, an obtuse angle, and/or an acute angle, to name a few.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in exemplary embodiments, the upper region 110, lower region 112, and/or lower shaped flap 114 can comprise different patterns. In exemplary embodiments, the patterns can be designs printed on at least a portion of the upper region 110. For example, the upper region 110 can have a pattern, such as a striped pattern, as shown in FIG. 9, or can be clear, opaque or transparent, as shown in FIG. 10. The upper region 110 can have any number of patterns or designs, and be made of a clear material or a material that blocks visibility, and is not limited to any of the above.

Referring to FIG. 11, in exemplary embodiments, the lower shaped region 112 of the shower water retainers 100 can have one or more suction cups 140a, 140b and 140c that can adhere to an inside of the shower basin 107. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, suction cups 140a and 140c can be located on alternative sides of the lower shaped region 112 at a lower portion thereof, adjacent to the bottom edge of the lower shaped region 112, and suction cup 140b can be provided approximately in the middle of suction cups 140a and 140c, adjacent to the bottom edge of the lower shaped region 112. For example, the suction cups 140a, 140b and 140c can be provided approximately 1″-5″ above the bottom edge of the lower shaped region 112, and can be provided approximately 2.5″ above the bottom edge of the lower shaped region 112. Suction cups 140a and 140c can be located on alternative sides of the lower shaped region 112, approximately 1″-10″ away from the side edges of the lower shaped region 112, or approximately 6″ away from the side edges of the lower shaped region 112. The locations of the suction cups 140a, 140b and 140c can vary, and one or more can be used in various embodiments. For example, in FIGS. 13-14, upper suction cups 140d and 140e can be provided at an upper portion at alternative sides of the lower shaped region 112 that can adhere to a periphery of the shower basin 107.

It will be understood that the embodiments described are not limited to suction cups, but alternatives can be used. For example, magnets can be used instead of suction cups where the shower basin can be of a magnetic nature. Also, for example, magnets can be used in combination with suction cups.

Referring to FIG. 12, in exemplary embodiments, weights 142a, 142b and 142c can be used to weigh the lower shaped region 112 in a downwards direction. The locations of the weights 142a, 142b and 142c can be similar to the suction cups described above with respect to FIG. 11. The locations of the weights 142a, 142b and 142c can vary, and less or more weights can be used in exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, in exemplary embodiments, weights 160a, 160b and 160c can be provided on the lower shaped flap 114 of the shower water retainers 100 that can weigh the lower shaped flap 114 in a downwards direction. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 15, weights 160a and 146c can be located on alternative sides of the lower shaped flap 114 at a lower portion thereof, adjacent to the bottom edge of the lower shaped flap 114, and weight 160b can be provided approximately in the middle of weights 140a and 140c, adjacent to the bottom edge of the lower shaped flap 114. For example, the weights 160a, 160b and 160c can be provided approximately 1″-5″ above the bottom edge of the lower shaped flap 114, and can be provided approximately 2.5″ above the bottom edge of the lower shaped flap 114. The locations of the weights 160a, 160b and 160c can vary, and one or more can be used. In exemplary embodiments, suction cups can be used instead of weights, or magnetic structures can be used instead as well, and the disclosure is not limited to any of the above.

In addition, various combinations of suction cups, weights and magnetic structures can be used on the lower shaped region 112 and lower shaped flap 114. For example, in exemplary embodiments, both lower shaped region 112 and lower shaped flap 114 can use suction cups, weights, or magnetic structures. In exemplary embodiments, lower shaped region 112 can have suction cups and lower shaped flap 114 can use weights. In exemplary embodiments, lower shaped region 112 can have weights cups and lower shaped flap 114 can use suction cups. In exemplary embodiments, the lower shaped region 112 can have weights or suction cups, and the lower shaped flap 114 can have no weights or suction cups. In exemplary embodiments, the lower shaped flap 114 can have weights or suction cups, and the lower shaped region 112 can have no weights or suction cups. Various combinations and locations of the suction cups, weights and magnetic structures are contemplated in accordance with exemplary embodiments and are not limited to the above descriptions.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modification can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

Now that exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that any of the steps described can be rearranged, separated, and/or combined without deviating from the scope of embodiments of the invention. For ease, steps are, at times, presented sequentially. This is merely for ease and is in no way meant to be a limitation.

Further, it will be understood that any of the elements and/or exemplary embodiments of the invention described can be rearranged, separated, and/or combined without deviating from the scope of the invention. For ease, various elements are described, at times, separately. This is merely for ease and is in no way meant to be a limitation.

While the various steps, elements, and/or exemplary embodiments of the invention have been outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various steps, elements, and/or exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly and not limited by the foregoing specification.

No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to embodiments of the present invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used.

Further, the terms “any of” followed by a listing of a plurality of items and/or a plurality of categories of items, as used herein, are intended to include “any of,” “any combination of,” “any multiple of,” and/or “any combination of multiples of” the items and/or the categories of items, individually or in conjunction with other items and/or other categories of items. In addition, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include any number of items, including zero. Further, as used herein, the term “number” is intended to include any number, including zero.

Claims

1. A shower water retainer for use in a shower, comprising:

a top edge comprising an attachment member for attachment to a securing member;

a bottom edge;

a central surface extending from the top edge to the bottom edge;

a plurality of lateral sides;

one or more cutouts forming one or more corner edges adjacent the bottom edge and adjacent at least one of the plurality of lateral sides, the one or more corner edges adapted to fit over a rim of a shower basin.

2. The shower water retainer of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more corner edges is shaped in an arch.

3. The shower water retainer of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more corner edges is a substantially straight edge.

4. The shower water retainer of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more basin attachment members adapted to releasably attach at least one of the bottom edge and the one or more corner edges to a portion of a shower basin.

5. The shower basin of claim 4, wherein at least one of the one or more basin attachment members comprises a magnet.

6. The shower basin of claim 4, wherein at least one of the one or more basin attachment members comprises a suction cup.

7. The shower water retainer of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the central surface comprises a substantially liquid impervious material.

8. The shower water retainer of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the central surface comprises one or more of silk, cloth, fabric, cotton, polyester, net, lace, satin, denim, vinyl, plastic, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

9. The shower water retainer of claim 1, wherein the attachment member comprises apertures for accepting hooks for attachment to a shower curtain rod.

10. The shower water retainer of claim 1, wherein the securing member is a shower curtain rod.

11. A shower water retainer for use in a shower, comprising:

a first sheet comprising: a top edge comprising an attachment member for attachment to a securing member; a bottom edge; a central surface extending from the top edge to the bottom edge; and a plurality of lateral sides;

a flap sheet attached to a portion of the first sheet between the top edge and the bottom edge, the flap sheet comprising: a top edge comprising an attachment member for attachment to the first sheet; a bottom edge; a central surface extending from the top edge to the bottom edge; and a plurality of lateral sides, wherein a surface area of the flap sheet is less than a surface area of the first sheet; and

one or more cutouts forming one or more corner edges adjacent at least one of the bottom edge of the first sheet and the bottom edge of the flap sheet, the one or more corner edges adapted to fit over a rim of a shower basin.

12. The shower water retainer of claim 11, wherein the one or more cutouts form one or more corner edges adjacent the bottom edge of the first sheet.

13. The shower water retainer of claim 11, wherein the one or more cutouts form one or more corner edges adjacent the bottom edge of the flap sheet.

14. The shower water retainer of claim 11, wherein the one or more cutouts form one or more corner edges adjacent the bottom edge of the first sheet and form one or more corner edges adjacent the bottom edge of the flap sheet.

15. The shower water retainer of claim 11, wherein at least one of the one or more corner edges is shaped in an arch.

16. The shower water retainer of claim 11, wherein at least one of the one or more corner edges is a substantially straight edge.

17. The shower water retainer of claim 11, further comprising:

one or more basin attachment members adapted to releasably attach at least one of the bottom edge of the first sheet and the bottom edge of the flap sheet and the one or more corner edges to a portion of a shower basin.

18. The shower basin of claim 17, wherein at least one of the one or more basin attachment members comprises a magnet.

19. The shower basin of claim 17, wherein at least one of the one or more basin attachment members comprises a suction cup.

20. The shower water retainer of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the central surface of the first sheet and the central surface of the flap sheet comprises a substantially liquid impervious material.

21. The shower water retainer of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the central surface of the first sheet and at least a portion of the central surface of the flap sheet comprise one or more of silk, cloth, fabric, cotton, polyester, net, lace, satin, denim, vinyl, plastic, polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

22. The shower water retainer of claim 11, wherein the attachment member of the first sheet comprises apertures for accepting hooks for attachment to a shower curtain rod.

23. The shower water retainer of claim 11, wherein the securing member is a shower curtain rod.