Modular Storage System having Stackable Units with Drainage Means

Abstract

A modular storage container is disclosed for use within a shower allowing water to pass through the container. The container comprises a recessed top surface, a protruding base and defined walls connected thereto. Both the top surface and base have slits cut therethrough to allow water to pass through the storage area. Each storage container is modular in design allowing each storage container unit to be placed upon one another. In order to stack multiple containers, the base of one unit fits securely into the raised lip perimeter of a second unit. An insert is placed onto the uppermost, recessed surface to prevent water from entering the top of the container. An optional front cover, such as a drawer or door, may be placed onto the front of the container to prevent water from entering from the open front of the container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage device. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a modular, stackable, and water-draining container for use in baths or walk-in showers to store objects therein.

Presently, when a person bathes, he or she uses items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, and various other toiletries. Unfortunately, most showers and bathtubs do not have adequate space to store these items. A typical bathtub has a ledge that is limited to storage of bar soap. Due to spatial limitations within a shower area, most individuals improvise to find an area to place these needed articles. A common solution is to store the toiletries along the perimeter of the tub. In a walk-in shower, however, most of the bathing products are stored on the ground. Both of these solutions are awkward for the user, both when retrieving the articles in the shower and in the reduced aesthetics associated with the clutter. Another alternative commonly deployed is storage of toiletries in storage devices inside the bath or walk-in shower area. However, most storage devices present limitations on the use and longevity of the storage article. One issue is typical after-market storage devices require the user to prepare and install them. In addition to installation, another issue is most after-market storage devices are made of a metallic material and therefore not suitable for damp environments.

Many bath storage devices are made of metal or have metal components which diminish the quality of the device because the devices are generally stored in a wet environment. In use, these storage devices become wet from direct spray from a shower, steam generated from the hot water, or water collected on stored objects after a shower. As a result, the moist and humid environment causes the metal components to corrode. The resultant rust weakens metal components of the devices. Moreover, the rust stains bath surfaces. Not only does the situation initially require additional cleaning of the bath area but the storage device may need to be replaced at a later time. The limitations of present bath storage devices caused by construction with metal components require a solution that uses non-corrosive components thereby preventing common issues.

Bath storage devices have been designed and disclosed in the prior art, the majority of these devices being related to shelf systems placed in corners of a bathtub having minimal storage capacity, little to no modularity to allow room for increases in storage capacity, and provide structure unsuitable for use in the damp shower environment. Most of the devices also do not provide adequate drainage therethrough for the protection for stored objects therein. The present invention is comprised of a non-corrosive material that incorporates a means to allow water to properly exit the storage container such that mildew, water stains, dirt, and other unwanted residue can successfully flow out of the storage device and the articles therein are not subjected to standing pools of water.

The present invention provides a new and improved bathtub storage container that offers the user an area to place and store toiletries. It improves upon structural elements to provide a modular, stackable, and non-corrosive storage container. The drainage capability of the present invention includes a top surface and a perforated bottom surface to allow water to flow through the device interior. Further still, the structure of the device is modular in design to enable multiple units to be stacked upon each other. The perforated surfaces of the devices enable multiple stacked units to allow liquid to freely flow between and through each unit, independent of the overall size or shape of the stacked units. Each element of the present invention is an improvement on the disclosed prior art thereon.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in prior art that relate to storage devices. This includes devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to bath area storage devices or other diverging elements as it relates to the present invention. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, to U.S. Pat. No 5,724,894 to Knorovsky describes a corner shelving unit for a bathtub. The unit comprises a shelves connected to support straps with a connections means to a wall. The Knorovsky device allows for multiple shelves to be installed below a top shelf by a connection means to side-support straps. Each shelf of the Knorovsky device can hold items such as a bar of soap or a razor. The shelves have raised grooves. In concert with the raised grooves, the front facing side of each shelf is tilted downward. This allows water to drain from each shelf. The Knorovsky device relates to the present invention; however the present invention improves upon its limitations. For example, the construction of the Knorovsky device does not protect stored items from accumulating liquid within the shower, whereas the present invention encases items within its interior storage area and offers a cover over the uppermost unit to prevent water infiltration. This is important because protection from moisture keeps the integrity of stored items, such as soap or razor blades, which would otherwise be affected by such free and continuous water exposure.

Another device is U.S. Patent Application 2008/0052816 by Gillis, which discloses a shower storage compartment. The Gillis device is a multi-compartment storage device installed on the wall of a shower. The device comprises a cubic structure, hinged doors, and a connection means. The device is secured to a wall within a shower by a connection means. The Gillis device's compartments are designed to hold specific objects. For example, the Gillis device has a section to hold a razor and a separate section to hold a bar of soap. The Gillis device is different from the present invention. The present invention is a modular and stackable container. Further, the present invention does not have a connection means nor does it have specialized storage compartments.

A variation on the bath storage device, U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,330 to Meyers, is an above shower shelving unit device. The device comprises a horizontal shelf, a vertical shield, a retaining member, and a bracket connection means to a wall. The Meyers device is installed by the connection means between two parallel walls above the shower curtain of a standard bathtub. The vertical shield is aligned above the shower curtain to prevent water from splashing out above the curtain. The horizontal shelf is used to allow for toiletries to be stored. The Meyers device has similar features to the present invention but it is functionally different. First, the Meyers device must be installed for proper use while the present invention is a stackable device that can be placed in various locations within a bathtub or shower. Second, the location of the Meyers device requires installation above the shower curtain. The location can present an issue for people to reach or properly store toiletries. In contrast, the present invention is placed in an easily accessible position at or near ground level. Third, the Meyers invention does not have a means for allowing water to drain from the device. Failure to drain the water can lead to rust if the Meyers device is made of metal and potentially cause unnecessary degradation of items such as soap stored on the device. The present invention improves on this issue with slits cut into its shelves that allow for water to drain. Finally, the Meyers device does not offer any form of protection or storage component from water. The design helps reduce water due to the device's height above the shower head however the elevation does not prevent water from hitting the device. The present invention improves on this by the use of cabinet doors that prevent water from entering into the storage area.

The present invention is a new and improved modular storage container having stackable units and a drainage capability making the assembly well suited for use in a bathtub or walk-in shower. Each unit stores items used in the shower, while draining liquid therethrough and providing a structure that will not corrode in damp environments. The structure of the units includes defined outer walls, a recessed and perforated upper surface, a protruded and perforated base, and an open front for entry of items therein. When stacking the units, the base of one unit is accepted into the top of a second unit to form a unitary structure having drainage capacity through each unit. In light of the devices in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of shower storage containers now present in the prior art, the present invention is a new modular and stackable container system that provides a storage area for commonly used shower products. The construction of the present invention also includes means of preventing standing water within the storage units and a structure that allows for overall storage expansion by coupling together a plurality of storage units in a stacked configuration.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved modular storage structure that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage container, whereby the container comprises a singular unit having a hollow interior volume enclosed by defined sidewalls, an open front, a protruding base, a recessed upper surface, and through-slits to allow water release from the unit interior.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular storage container that is stackable, whereby each container is a unit having a recessed top surface and a protruded bottom surface, whereby the bottom surface of one container fits into the top surface of another for increased storage capacity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a shower storage container that allows liquid to drain therethrough and not collect therein, whereby the top and bottom surfaces of each storage unit includes slotted apertures that allow liquid to drain through the stacked units.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an organized storage container, whereby the container may include removable doors, shelves, and a removable top insert to enclose objects within units.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage device having a non-corrosive structure, whereby rust and other deleterious effects are prevented from forming over the life of the device in its working environment.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view one modular unit of the present storage system.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a stacked configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention in a stacked configuration and suited for placement in the corner of a room or shower.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a stacked configuration and having removable doors optionally installed thereon.

FIG. 5 shows yet another perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a stacked configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the modular storage container system. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as a modular and readily drainable storage system comprised of several stackable units. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention that is particularly suited for placement in a corner region of a shower or room interior. The device comprises a storage container unit 11 having defined sidewalls 16, a recessed and perforated 14 top surface 13, a perforated base surface 15, an interior volume, and an open interior for storage of articles therein. Both the top surface 13 and base surface 15 have elongated slits 14 forming apertures therethrough which allow for water drainage from the interior of the unit. The top surface 13 of the unit 11 is recessed with its perimeter forming a raised lip 22. The raised lip 22 accepts a protruding base portion 21 of a second unit, which fits within the lip 22 of the first unit 11. The protruding base portion 21 may comprise a thickened base surface 15 or it may comprise a perimeter lip extending from the base surface 15 perimeter, in a similar fashion as the top surface recess lip 22. An uppermost recess insert 31 prevents water from passing through the top surface 13 of the uppermost container in a stacked set of units. If an insert 31 is not used, items such as soap may degrade at a faster rate within the unit than if otherwise protected from water contact. The upstanding walls 16 of each unit form the exterior and boundaries of the interior volume of each unit. Each unit has an open front to place objects within the interior, while the shape of the unit may take on several different forms (e.g. sidewalls of different count, shape, and contour). As shown in FIG. 1, a triangular unit design enables the unit to be placed into the corner of most showers or bathrooms. Another embodiment is a rectangularly shaped unit that may also be used in a walk-in shower or an area outside of a shower. The ability to have water transfer easily through the storage container when stacked in numbered succession is an important feature for the overall assembly, which allows water to escape each unit's interior and not accumulate therein.

Each unit 11 of the present invention shares common constituent elements for the purposes of creating a modular, stackable, draining assembly formed of at least one storage unit. Each unit comprises a top surface 13 and base surface 15, upstanding sidewalls 16, and an open region for inserting objects within the interior of the unit. The upper and lower surfaces include an identical connector design that enables multiple units 11 to be stacked. Specifically, the top surface 13 of each corresponding unit is recessed and has a raised perimeter lip 22. The raised lip 22 surrounds either a top insert 31 or the protruding lip 21 extending from the base surface 15 of another unit 11 to be joined with the first. The insert 31 and protruding lip base 21 have the same dimensions such that they fit securely together and seal the uppermost unit, while the upper lip 22 and protruding base 21 also share the same dimensions to promote stability of the stacked units while deployed. In order to stack multiple units 11, the user places the base 21 of one unit 11 onto the recessed top surface 13 of a second unit 11. The raised lip 22 of the second unit 11 will firmly hold the first unit 11 in place. Multiple units can be stacked thereupon until a desired height is achieved. If necessary, the user can place an insert 31 onto the top surface 13 of the top unit 11 to prevent liquid entering from the top. Regardless of the shape used, each unit 11 of the present invention follows the same modular design to create easily stacked units 11.

Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, there are shown perspective views of stacked units of the present invention in different embodiments. As shown, a modular unit 11 of the same shape may stack upon another unit 11. Each unit 11 has slits 14 incorporated at both the top surface 13 and base surface 15 to allow for water drainage across units and through the lowermost unit. As each unit 11 is stacked, the slits 14 allow for liquid to pass through each unit towards the ground. For example a shown in FIG. 3, four triangular units 11 form a stacked unit that can be placed within a stand-up shower corner, where most of the units 11 will come in contact with water by either a direct stream from the shower head or splashed water. As water makes contact with the units 11, the slits 14 allow liquid to flow downward and drain out of the each unit. Without the slits 14, the water would stay within each unit 11 and form standing puddles. The standing water would quickly degrade a bar of soap or form rust on an exposed razor blades.

In addition to the triangular embodiment, other embodiments are also contemplated, including the rectangularly shaped unit of FIG. 2. The use of the rectangular design is preferable for more spacious locations within a shower, in the bathroom, or elsewhere in the home. In this embodiment, the sidewalls 16 of each unit are upright and include a first, second, and third sidewall 16 having an open interior. The upper 13 and lower 15 surfaces join the sidewalls 16 together along their upper and lower edges and provide water drainage capability therethrough. It is not desired to limit the present invention to a given geometry or unit shape, but rather it is desired to disclose a stackable and draining unit that can connect to adjacent units to form a securely stacked arrangement thereof for storage purposes. The sidewalls may be planar, curved, or be provided in different numbers, falling within the scope of the present disclosure and fulfilling the utility herein described.

In addition to internal storage within each unit, additional external article support means 17 may be provided along the outer surfaces of each unit sidewalls 16. The external support means 17 can be used to support hanging items such as bath towels, loofahs, or other bath items that may need to be air dried after use. These hanging storage means 17 may include offset horizontal bars having attachments to the unit sidewalls to support hanging items (e.g. towel holders), they may include hanging item hooks, or finally they may include horizontal planar supports for supporting items like soap and razors thereon between uses.

The structure of each unit forms an open interior and open front area to insert into and remove items from the unit interior. In yet another embodiment, an optional front cover 19 may be deployed that secures over the open front of the unit to enclose the interior. The front cover may include a hinged door or the front surface of a removable drawer that fits within the unit interior. A base of the drawer would have slits 14 to allow proper water flow out of the unit 11, while the hinged door embodiment would include a pivotable attachment between the door and one of the unit sidewalls. A front cover 19 would further protect items within the unit interior and provide for improved organization of stowage items. These stowed items may include shampoo, conditioner, or shower gel.

Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, there are shown perspective views of the present storage unit system in a stacked configuration. The stacked units 11 of FIGS. 4 and 5 also show deployment of optional front covers in the form of hingeable doors 31 and deployable drawers 41. The front cover provides a protective structure to prevent water to enter into the open face of a unit 11. The hingeable door 31 connects to the storage container by a hinged connection means allowing the door 31 to pivot from its connection 32 with one of the unit sidewalls. The door 31 can be access and pivoted away from the unit open front by grasping its free end or by grasping a handle 20 positioned along the door 31 outer surface. Similar to the door 31, a removable drawer 41 provides a means to prevent free entry of water into the storage unit interior. The drawer 41 comprises an upstanding front face connecting to a first and second drawer sidewall 42 that extends into the interior of the unit and further connects to a rear wall. The base surface 43 of the drawer includes slotted aperture or slits 14, as is provided in the base surface of each unit to allow water to drain therethrough. In this way, water is allowed to drain through the bottom of the drawer 41 and does not allow the use of the drawer 41 to effectively block the water draining capacity of each unit and the system as a whole.

Overall, the present invention benefits the user in many ways. First, the present invention solves a common issue most individuals encounter with shower storage. The use of a new storage container helps minimize clutter around a shower or interior area and also helps to consolidate items used daily in a convenient location. The present units can be placed within a shower, along the bathroom floor, and even within another room requiring storage organization. The base unit can be supported by the floor, which is ideal, or alternatively the base unit can be supported by an upstanding wall surface above the ground. In this alternative, fastener holes may be required in the bottom unit for securing the base unit to the wall where wall fasteners or anchors are required for support, while subsequent units are stacked thereabove.

Another major benefit of the modular and stackable design of the present invention is that it aids the user in adapting the deployed storage volume to the current dimensions of the deployment area, such as within a bathroom or shower area. The user is able to add more, or remove if necessary, a unit to properly fit within a limited area. Many shower areas do not have similar dimensions, however, the modular structure of the present invention takes this limitation into consideration and the user can build the device to fit within those dimensions. Third, the incorporation of perforated surfaces into the base and top surface enables proper drainage of water from the container. The present invention will almost always be in an environment with water. The slits on the perforated surfaces will properly move water within the storage container to properly drain out. Finally, the use of non-corrosive materials helps to extend the life of the present invention. The present invention will not have metal used in its construction and thereby will not suffer damage from a wet, humid environment such as a shower area. Since the container will not form rust, a user will not need to clean or replace the storage container. Contemplated materials include thermoplastic and thermoset plastics. It is not desired to limit the present invention to a given material or material system, but rather to disclose a unit deployable within damp environments without fear of corrosion.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A stackable storage container having water draining means, comprising;

a storage unit having a base surface, a top surface, sidewalls joining said base and top surface, an interior volume, and an open front;

said top surface being recessed within a raised perimeter lip;

said base surface having a protruding lower portion;

said top surface and said base surface having apertures therethrough to allow water to flow through said top and base surfaces and out of said interior volume;

said raised perimeter lip being adapted to accept a protruding lower portion of a second storage unit for securably stacking said units.

2) The device of claim 1, wherein said protruding lower portion is a perimeter lip about said lower surface.

3) The device of claim 1, wherein said base and top surface apertures further comprise a plurality of elongated slits.

4) The device of claim 1, further comprising a recess insert having a geometry to fit within said recessed upper surface and within said raise perimeter lip to secure over said top surface apertures.

5) The device of claim 1, further comprising external article support means mounted along at least one of said storage unit sidewalls for supporting items thereon.

6) The device of claim 5, wherein said external article support means further comprises an offset horizontal bar member for supporting hanging items.

7) The device of claim 5, wherein said external article support means further comprises a hook for supporting hanging items.

8) The device of claim 5, wherein said external article support means further comprises a horizontal planar support.

9) The device of claim 1, further comprising a hinged door pivotably attached said unit sidewall and removably covering said unit open front.

10) The device of claim 1, further comprising a removably insertable drawer sized to fit within said unit interior volume, said drawer having a front surface, sidewalls, a rear surface and an apertured lower surface.

11) The device of claim 1, wherein said unit is comprised of non-corrosive materials for use in damp and wet environments.

12) The device of claim 1, wherein said unit sidewalls further comprise a plurality of fastener hole apertures to accept wall fasteners or anchors therethrough when supporting said unit against a wall surface.