BATHING AREA ACCESSORIES
A bathing area accessory may be used within a bathing area. The bathing area accessory may be a bathing area shelving assembly, a bathing area bar assembly, a storage assembly, a bathing area seat assembly, or a shaving ledge assembly. The shelving assembly for use within a bathing area may include a niche and at least one shelf that is attachable to, removable from, and reattachable to the attachment portions of the niche. The niche may include attachment portions that receive and secure the at least one shelf. The niche may include two sidewalls that extend substantially vertically along a vertical length of the niche. The attachment portions may be on the two sidewalls and the at least one shelf may attach with a pair of the attachment portions that are vertically aligned with each other.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/015,214 filed Jun. 20, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELDThe present invention relates generally to bathing area accessories, and more particularly, to bathing area shelving assemblies, bathing area bar assemblies, storage assemblies, bathing area seat assemblies, and shaving ledge assemblies.
SUMMARYAccording to one embodiment, a shelving assembly for use within a bathing area may include a niche that is configured to be recessed relative to a wall of the bathing area and at least one shelf that is attachable to, removable from, and reattachable to the attachment portions of the niche. The niche may include attachment portions that are configured to receive and secure the at least one shelf. The niche may include two sidewalls that extend substantially vertically along a vertical length of the niche and a lower surface that extends substantially horizontally between and connects a lower portion of the two sidewalls. The attachment portions may be on the two sidewalls and the at least one shelf may attach with a pair of the attachment portions that are vertically aligned with each other. The lower surface of the niche may have a front portion that is aligned with the wall of the bathing area and a back portion that is recessed relative to the wall of the bathing area. The front portion and the back portion may extend between the two sidewalls. The front portion may be lower than the back portion such that the lower surface of the niche may be angled.
According to another embodiment, a shelving assembly for use within a bathing area may include a niche that is configured to be recessed relative to a wall of the bathing area and at least one shelf that is attachable to, removable from, and reattachable to the attachment portions of the niche. The niche may include attachment portions that are configured to receive and secure the at least one shelf. The niche may include two sidewalls that extend substantially vertically along a vertical length of the niche and a lower surface that extends substantially horizontally between and connects a lower portion of the two sidewalls. The attachment portions may be on the two sidewalls and the at least one shelf may attach with a pair of the attachment portions that are vertically aligned with each other. The niche may comprise a back wall that extends substantially vertically along the vertical length of the niche and extends between a back portion of the sidewalls. A back edge of the at least one shelf may be spaced apart from the back wall such that there is a gap between the back edge the at least one shelf and the back wall for liquid to flow through.
According to yet another embodiment, a shelving assembly for use within a bathing area may include a niche that is configured to be recessed relative to a wall of the bathing area and at least one shelf that is attachable to, removable from, and reattachable to the attachment portions of the niche. The niche may include attachment portions that are configured to receive and secure the at least one shelf. The niche may include two sidewalls that extend substantially vertically along a vertical length of the niche and a lower surface that extends substantially horizontally between and connects a lower portion of the two sidewalls. The attachment portions may be on the two sidewalls and the at least one shelf may attach with a pair of the attachment portions that are vertically aligned with each other. The at least one shelf may have a front edge and a back edge. The back edge may be recessed further into the niche than the front edge. The at least one shelf may be angled within the niche such that the back edge of the at least one shelf is lower than the front edge of the at least one shelf
According to another embodiment, a bar assembly for a wall of a bathing area may include a bar including a channel extending along a length of the bar and at least one bracket configured to rigidly attach to the wall of the bathing area and to be selectively fixed in position relative to the bar. The at least one bracket may include an extension slidable within the channel to enable selective positioning of the at least one bracket prior to the at least one bracket being fixed in position relative to the bar.
According to still another embodiment, a storage assembly for a wall of a bathing area may include a storage device, a storage device attachment unit on a back side of the storage device, and a wall attachment unit attachable to a front surface of the wall of the bathing area. One of the storage device attachment unit and the wall attachment unit may be a male attachment unit with a protrusion and the other of the storage device attachment unit and the wall attachment unit may be a female attachment unit with a slot. The protrusion may fit within and secure to the slot. The storage device attachment unit may be attachable to, removable from, and reattachable to the wall attachment unit.
According to another embodiment, a seat assembly may be to be attached to a wall of a bathing area and may include a bench movable between a seated position and a folded position and a support bracket configured to be statically attached to the wall of the bathing area and hingably attached to the bench such that the bench may rotate relative to the support bracket between the seated position and the folded position. The bench may include an outer covering and an internal support plate. The bench may be substantially perpendicular to the wall of the bathing area in the seated position and may be substantially parallel to the wall of the bathing area in the folded position. The outer covering may substantially conceal a seating portion of the internal support plate.
According to yet another embodiment, a shaving ledge assembly may be configured to be attached to a wall of a bathing area and may include a footrest movable between a use position and a folded position and a support bracket configured to be statically attached to the wall of the bathing area and hingably attached to the footrest such that the footrest may rotate relative to the support bracket between the use position and the folded position. The footrest may include an outer covering and an internal support plate. The footrest may be substantially perpendicular to the wall of the bathing area in the use position and may be substantially parallel to the wall of the bathing area in the folded position. The outer covering may substantially conceal a footrest portion of the internal support plate.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of the present disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the present disclosure and the various ways in which it may be practiced.
Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. An effort has been made to use the same or like reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein are bathing area accessories, including but not limited to bathing area shelving assemblies, bathing area bar assemblies, storage assemblies, bathing area seat assemblies, and shaving ledge assemblies, as shown according to exemplary embodiments. The bathing area accessories may be positioned and used within a variety of showers, baths, or bathing areas. Although a “bathing area 20” and a “wall 22” are referred to herein, it is understood that the concepts described herein may be used with a shower or bath and with a shower wall or bath wall. However, it is understood that the bathing area accessories may be used within any non-showering or bathing application wherein it would be desirable to have, for example, shelving assemblies, bar assemblies, storage assemblies, seat assemblies, and shaving ledge assemblies. For example, the bathing area accessories may be used within areas exposed to water, such as outside a house.
Bathing Area Shelving AssemblyAccording to one embodiment as shown in
The shelving assembly 40 may be a variety of different sizes, as shown in
However, the niche 56 may have a relatively smaller width to accommodate smaller bathing areas 20. According to one embodiment, the niche 56 may be between 6 to 20 inches wide. According to another embodiment, the niche 56 may be between 9 to 15 inches wide. According to yet another embodiment, the niche 56 may be approximately 11 inches wide.
As shown in
The niche 56 may include two sidewalls 44 (e.g., on the left and right side of the niche 56) that extend substantially vertically along the vertical length of the niche 56. The niche 56 may include attachment portions 52 along each of the two sidewalls 44 that facilitate the attachment of the shelves 50 to the niche 56. The attachment portions 52 may be configured to receive and secure the shelves 50 and may be, for example, a longitudinal ledge, lip, indentation, or crevice, as shown in
The niche 56 may also include a back wall 46 that extends substantially vertically along the vertical length of the niche 56 and along at least a portion of the wall 22. The back wall 46 may extend between and connect a back portion of the two sidewalls 44 and may be approximately parallel to the wall 22.
The niche 56 may additionally include a bottom or lower surface 42 and a top surface that may extend substantially horizontally between and connect a lower portion and an upper portion, respectively, of each of the two sidewalls 44. The lower surface 42 and the top surface may also connect to a lower portion and an upper portion, respectively, of the back wall 46. The lower surface 42 and the top surface may be shorter in length than the sidewalls 44.
As described further herein, the lower surface 42 may facilitate liquid drainage from the shelving assembly 40. Alternatively or additionally, the lower surface 42 (as shown, for example, in
According to one embodiment, the niche 56 may have a smooth or curved transition between the wall 22 and the edges of the niche 56 in order to provide a more aesthetically pleasing look and to further help with cleaning.
As shown in
The shelf 50 height, function, and positioning may be adaptable to meet the user's needs. According to one embodiment and as shown in
By removing and reattaching the shelf 50 to different attachment portions 52, the vertical position of the shelf 50 is adjustable according to the vertical position of each of the pairs of the attachment portions 52 within the niche 56. Accordingly, as shown in
The shelving assembly 40 may include multiple shelves 50 (as shown in
The relative spacing between the shelves 50 may vary according to the type of product to be stored. For example, there may be more vertical space above a shelf 50 that is designated to store large containers of shampoo and conditioner and relatively less vertical space above a shelf 50 designated to hold a bar of soap.
As described further herein and as shown in
According to one embodiment and as shown in
According to one embodiment, the side portions 51 may be a longitudinal bump or raised portion along at least two ends of the shelf 50 that fit within the attachment portions 52 that are crevices. Accordingly, the shelf 50 may be securely held by the attachment portions 52.
The shelf 50 may include a middle portion 53 that extends between and connects the two side portions 51. The side portions 51 may be thicker than the middle portion 53 to direct the flow of liquid and to reduce the required materials.
The shelving assembly 40 may include multiple different types of shelves 50 within the niche 56. For example, the shelves 50 may include a flat shelf 54, a container and hook shelf 60, a hook shelf 70, and/or a basket shelf 80.
According to one embodiment, at least one of the shelves 50 may be a flat shelf 54, as shown in
Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the shelves 50 may be a container and hook shelf 60, as shown in
The container 62 may be integral with the container and hook shelf 60 or may be a separate, removable component. According to one embodiment, a top lip or rim of the container 62 may be connected to the top rim of the aperture 66, such that the container 62 extends at least partially through the aperture 66 and hangs at least partially beneath the flat top surface. The container 62 may have an opening along the top rim for bathing items to be inserted into. The container 62 may optionally have at least one hole, opening, meshwork, or drain along a bottom portion to allow liquid to drain through the container 62 (e.g., to prevent water accumulation), while preventing the bathing items from falling through the container 62.
The container 62 may optionally include a hook 64 extending from a surface of the container 62 for hanging bathing items, such as loofahs, sponges, or squeegees. The hook 64 may be located along the body or bottom portion of the container 62 (e.g., beneath the top flat surface of the container and hook shelf 60 and beneath the top rim of the container 62). As shown in
Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the shelves 50 may be a hook shelf 70, as shown in
The extension may be, for example, a top hook 72 extending upward from the top flat surface or bottom hook 74 extending downward from a bottom surface of the middle portion 53. The top hook 72 may be particularly beneficial in holding razors or toothbrushes. The bottom hook 74 may be particularly beneficial for holding loofahs, squeegees, or washcloths. The middle portion 53 may optionally include a hole or aperture for the bottom hook 74 to extend through. Accordingly, the bottom hook 74 may optionally extend through the aperture in the middle portion 53 and may include a hole, aperture, or container along a portion that connects to the aperture on the middle portion 53, thus providing an area for the user to store bathing items such as razors or toothbrushes.
Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the shelves 50 may be a basket shelf 80, as shown in
The basket shelf 80 may slide into the niche 56 similarly to the flat shelf 54 or the container and hook shelf 60. For example, a flat portion or rim 82 of the basket shelf 80 may include the two side portion 51 and the middle portion 53 and may surround the basket 84. The two side portions 51 may be slid into the attachment portions 52 in the niche 56 and the basket 84 may hang from the rim 82. Accordingly, the basket 84 may hang or extend beneath the attachment portions 52 that are holding or supporting the basket shelf 80.
As shown in
Alternatively or additionally, the shelves 50 may be angled (relative to the horizon) within the niche 56 to direct liquid 30 toward the back of the niche 56, down to the lower surface 42, and back into the bathing area 20 (while preventing the bathing accessories from sliding off of the front of the shelf 50). For example, the back edge of the shelf 50 is lower than the front edge of the shelf 50. (The shelf 50 may include a front edge and a back edge that extend between the two side portions 51 of the shelf 50. The back edge is recess further into the niche 56 (e.g., closer to the back wall 46) than the front edge when the shelf 50 is positioned within the niche 56.) This configuration may be due to, for example, the angle of the attachment portions 52 and/or the angle of the top surface of the shelf 50.
In order to allow the liquid 30 to flow down the back wall 46 of the niche 56 toward the lower surface 42, the back edge of the shelves 50 may be spaced apart or at least partially away from the back wall 46 of the niche 56 such that there is a space or gap 92 between the back edge of the shelf 50 and the back wall 46 for liquid 30 to flow through, as shown in
The shelving assembly 40 and the shelving assembly components may be constructed out of a variety of different materials, including but not limited to acrylic (such as matte acrylic), polypropylene (e.g., 10% glass-filled polypropylene), metal (e.g., aluminum), or rubber (e.g. silicone rubber).
It is understood that the various configurations and embodiments of the shelving assembly 40 may be used in conjunction with each other and in a variety of different configurations.
Bathing Area Bar AssemblyAccording to one embodiment as shown in
As shown in
The bar assembly 120 may include a ledge, rail, handrail, barre, or bar 130 which may attach to the wall 22. The bar 130 may be shaped and sized in order to allow the user to securely grasp the bar 130. Accordingly, the edges of the bar 130 may be rounded or smooth. The top of the bar 130 may be smooth, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16A-16B, the bar assembly 120 may include at least one bracket 132 to rigidly attach to the bar 130 to the wall 22. As shown in
The bracket 132 may rigidly attach to the wall 22 and may be selectively fixed in position relative to the bar 130. Accordingly, the brackets 132 may be movable along the length of the bar 130 before installation. As shown in
For example, as shown in
The extension 142 of the bracket 132 may enter into the channel 134 of the bar 130 through at least one longitudinal end of the bar 130, as shown in
The bar assembly 120 may be installed into new, existing, remolded, or “refreshed” bathing areas 20. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The shelf 150 may be any size (e.g., length or width) according to the desired configuration and desired amount of storage space on the bar assembly 120. The shelf 150 may be constructed out of a variety of different materials, including but not limited to wood, plastic, or metal (e.g., aluminum).
The shelf 150 may permanently or temporarily attach to the bar 130 through a variety of different mechanisms. For example, as shown in
Alternatively or additionally, the bar assembly 120 may include a shelf clip or attachment member 160 (as shown in
It is understood that the various configurations and embodiments of the bar assembly 120 may be used in conjunction with each other and in a variety of different configurations.
Bathing Area Storage AssemblyAccording to another embodiment as shown in
The storage assembly 220 may include an adaptable or “floating” shelf or a storage device 222 for providing a storage or shelving area to hold various bathing accessories. The storage device 222 may be easily attachable to, removable from, and reattachable to the wall 22, which may be useful to allow the storage device 222 to be relocated along the wall 22 and/or to clean the wall 22 or the storage assembly 220. For example, the storage device 222, with the storage device attachment unit 224, may be moved around, relocated, and attached to other wall attachment units 226.
In order to attach the storage device 222 onto the wall 22, a universal attachment may be used, as shown in
The wall attachment unit 226 may be attachable to any location along the wall 22 of the bathing area 20. Depending on the desired use and configuration, multiple wall attachment units 226 may be attached to the wall 22 in order to provide multiple different attachment sites or locations for the storage device 222 and the storage device attachment unit 224 to attach to along the wall 22. The storage device 222 with the storage device attachment unit 224 may be moved to and attachable to any of the multiple wall attachment units 226 and therefore positioned anywhere along the wall 22 according to the desired configuration, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
According to one embodiment as shown in
The ball bearing 235 may use frictional forces to keep the male attachment unit 230 and the female attachment unit 232 together. Further, the ball bearing 235 may create a tight compression fit between the male attachment unit 230 and the female attachment unit 232 in order to prevent unnecessary movement or wobble. The ball bearing 235 may be a variety of materials, including but not limited to metal, acetal, or nylon.
Any number and positioning of the ball bearings 235 may be used according to the desired configuration. As shown in
As shown in
In order to install and mount the storage device 222 to the wall 22, the storage device attachment unit 224 (which may be either the male attachment unit 230 or the female attachment unit 232) may be mounted to the back of the storage device 222 with, for example, screws, as shown in
Once the storage device attachment unit 224 and the wall attachment unit 226 are mounted to the storage device 222 and the wall 22, respectively (as shown in
As shown in
The storage device 222 may be a variety of different units or components to tailor to the user's storage needs and bathing area space. Optionally, the wall 22 of the bathing area 20 may include multiple storage assemblies 220 with different or multiple types of storage devices 222. According to one embodiment, the storage device 222 may be a peg 240, a soap shelf 250, a holed shelf 260, or a slotted shelf 270. According to another embodiment, the storage device 222 may be a rim or frame 280 with a removable storage feature 281. However, it is understood the storage device attachment unit 224 may be attached to a variety of different other bathing accessories, including but not limited to a toy basket, a towel bar, a grooming mirror, etc.
As shown in
The shelves 250, 260, and 270 include a shelf side for storing bathing accessories and a back side for attachment to the storage device attachment unit 224 (and thus to the wall attachment unit 226). The shelf side and the back side may be substantially perpendicular to each other such that the shelves 250, 260, and 270 protrude or extend away from the wall 22 when attached to the wall 22. The flat shelf side may include a substantially flat storage plane, portion, or surface for holding various bathing accessories and an upturned front lip or edge. The front edge may be angled upward to prevent any bathing items from falling off.
As shown in
The soap shelf 250 may be a variety of sizes. According to one embodiment, the length of the soap shelf 250 is approximately 5 to 12 inches. According to another embodiment, the length of the soap shelf 250 is approximately 7 inches.
As shown in
The holed shelf 260 may be a variety of sizes. According to one embodiment, the length of the holed shelf 260 is approximately 10 to 20 inches. According to another embodiment, the length of the holed shelf 260 is approximately 14 inches.
As shown in
The slotted shelf 270 may be a variety of sizes. According to one embodiment, the length of the slotted shelf 270 is approximately 15 to 30 inches. According to another embodiment, the length of the slotted shelf 270 is approximately 21 inches.
According to another embodiment as shown in
The user may rearrange, transfer, or remove the removable storage features 281 from the frame 280 according to the desired confirmation. Alternatively or additionally, the frame 280 may be removed from the wall 22 and rearranged and reattached to another area of the wall 22, as described further herein with the storage device attachment unit 224 and the wall attachment unit 226.
Optionally, multiple frames 280 may be positioned along the wall 22 with the storage device attachment units 224 and the wall attachment units 226. Accordingly, the various removable storage features 281 may be transferred between the frames 280 according to the desired storage configuration and look.
The removable storage feature 281 may be attachable to the frame 280. Accordingly, the removable storage feature 281 may fit within the frame 280 and potentially at least partially through the aperture 282 of the frame 280. The removable storage feature 281 may have a lip or edge that may rest along or be secured to a top portion of the frame 280 to prevent the removable storage feature 281 from falling through the aperture 282.
A variety of different removable storage features 281 may be compatible with the frame 280, as shown in
However, it is understood that the various removable storage features 281 may be independently attached to the wall 22 with the storage device attachment unit 224 and the wall attachment unit 226.
The various components of the storage assembly 220 may be constructed out of a variety of materials, such as metal (e.g., aluminum, such as anodized aluminum or powder coated aluminum). It is understood that the various configurations and embodiments of the storage assembly 220 may be used in conjunction with each other and in a variety of different configurations.
Bathing Area Seat AssemblyAccording to yet another embodiment as shown in
As shown in
The seat assembly 320 may include a fold or flip-down seat or bench 326 and a support bracket 340. The bench 326 may be movable between a seated position 322 to provide seating to the user and a stowed, storage, or folded position 324 to move the bench 326 out of the way and to make more room available within the bathing area 20. The bench 326 may move relative to the support bracket 340 and the wall 22 of the bathing area 20 when moving between the seated position 322 and the folded position 324.
When the user would like to sit on the bench 326, the user may fold down the bench 326 into the seated position 322 such that the bench 326 is substantially perpendicular to the wall 22 of the bathing area 20 (as shown in
When the user does not want to sit in the bench 326, the bench 326 may be rotated, pivoted, or folded out of the way (as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The top layer 331 and the bottom layer 337 of outer covering 330 may be at least partially welded together and/or to the internal support plate 334 to increase the strength and durability of the bench 326. According to one embodiment, the ribs 336 of the top layer 331 and the bottom layer 337 may be welded together along the outside perimeter. The ribs 336 may optionally be welded to seating portion 372 of the internal support plate 334. The outer covering 330 may be constructed out of a variety of materials, such as plastic or metal.
The inner support or the internal support plate 334 may increase the inner strength and durability of the bench 326, support the outer covering 330, provide a hinged connection to the support bracket 340, and prevent the bench 326 from rotating past the seated position 322. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The internal support plate 334 may be an integral or single piece of material to maximize the structural integrity of the internal support plate 334 and, thus, the bench 326. The internal support plate 334 may be constructed out of relatively strong materials, such as metal (e.g., steel).
As shown in FIGS. 41 and 44A-44B, the inner region 377 of the internal support plate 334 may include a hinge aperture 352 to create a hinged connection between the internal support plate 334 and the support bracket 340, as described further herein.
As shown in
When the bench 326 is in the seated position 324, the movement limiter 344 may abut a lower portion of the support bracket 340, which prevents the bench 326 from rotating any further since the movement limiter 344 is an extension of the internal support plate 334. In order to obtain the proper angle of the bench 326 in the seated position 324, the movement limiter 344 may be angled downward relative to the seating portion 372 of the internal support plate 334, as shown in
The support bracket 340 may be statically attached to the wall 22 of the bathing area 20 and may be used to movably or hingably mount and secure the bench 326 to the wall 22. The support bracket 340 and the bench 326 may be hingably attached to each other such that the bench 326 may rotate relative to the support bracket 340 between the seated position 322 and the folded position 324.
The bench 326 may be hingably attached to the support bracket 340 through the inner region 377 of the internal support plate 334. For example, the hinge 350 may include the hinge aperture 352 on the internal support plate 334, a hinge aperture 354 on the support bracket 340, and a rod or pin 356. The pin 356 may pivotably connect and extend through both of the hinge apertures 352 and 354, as shown in
As shown in
The seat assembly 320 may be sized according to the desired configuration and the size of the bathing area 20. According to one embodiment, the length and width of the bench 326 may be between 20 to 30 inches and 10 to 20 inches, respectively. According to another embodiment, the length and width of the bench 326 may be approximately 26 inches and 15 inches, respectively.
According to another embodiment as shown in
The seat assembly 320 and its components may be constructed out of a variety of materials, including but not limited to aluminum (e.g., anodized aluminum), stainless steel, polyethylene, acetal, or polypropylene. It is understood that the various configurations and embodiments of the seat assembly 320 may be used in conjunction with each other and in a variety of different configurations.
Bathing Area Shaving Ledge AssemblyAccording to another embodiment as shown in
As shown in
The shaving ledge assembly 420 may include a fold or flip-down footrest 430 and a support bracket 440. The footrest 430 may be movable between a use position 422 to provide an area for the user to rest their foot on and a stowed, storage, or folded position 424 to move the footrest 430 out of the way and to make more room available within the bathing area 20. The footrest 430 may move relative to the support bracket 440 and the wall 22 of the bathing area 20 when moving between the use position 422 and the folded position 424.
When the user would like to use the shaving ledge assembly 420, the user may fold down the footrest 430 into a use position 422 such that the footrest 430 is substantially perpendicular to the wall 22 of the bathing area 20 (as shown in
When the user does not want to use the shaving ledge assembly 420, the footrest 430 may be rotated, pivoted, or folded out of the way and back up toward the wall 22, from the use position 422 and into a stowed or folded position 424 (as shown in
The shaving ledge assembly 420 may include the footrest 430 and a support bracket 440 that are hingably attached. The footrest 430 may provide an area for the user to rest their foot on while the shaving ledge assembly 420 is in the use position 422 and may include an outer covering and an internal support plate, as described further herein with reference to the seat assembly 320. The outer covering may include a top layer 432 and a bottom layer 438 that may substantially surround, cover, or conceal a footrest portion of an internal support plate. The internal support plate may provide additional support within the footrest 430.
As shown in
The support bracket 440 may be statically attached to the wall 22 of the bathing area 20 and may be used to mount and secure the footrest 430 to the wall 22. The support bracket 440 and the footrest 430 may be hingably attached such that the footrest 430 may rotate relative to the support bracket 440 between the use position 422 and the folded position 424. Similar to the seat assembly 320, the support bracket 440 may be mounted to a cleat that is mounted to the wall 22.
The hinge 450 may allow the footrest 430 to be rotated, pivoted, or moved between the use position 422 and the folded position 424 along a horizontal axis. The hinge 450 may include a hinge aperture through the footrest 430, a hinge aperture through the support bracket 440, and a pin that may extend through the hinge apertures to allow the footrest 430 to rotate relative to the support bracket 440. The hinge 450 may be a frictional hinge such that the footrest 430 may stay up in the folded position 424.
At least the top edge 448 (e.g., the edge furthest from the hinge 450) of the top layer 432 of the outer covering 430 may be angled downward relative to and from a middle portion of the footrest 430. Accordingly, while the footrest 430 is in the use position 422, the liquid may run off the top edge 448 of the footrest 430 and back into the bathing area 20.
The footrest 430 may include additional internal support concealed within the footrest 430. According to one embodiment, the footrest 430 may be supported and configured similarly to the bench 326. For example, the outer coverings of the footrest 430 may have protrusions or ribs protruding inward from the outside and arranged in longitudinal and lateral lines along the inside of the outer coverings. The outer coverings may be at least partially welded together and/or to the internal support plate to increase the strength and durability of the footrest 430. According to one embodiment, the ribs of the top layer 432 and the bottom layer 438 may be welded together along the outside perimeter. Alternatively or additionally, and/or the top layer 432 and the bottom layer 438 may be welded to the internal support plate. The footrest 430 may be constructed out of a variety of materials, such as plastic or metal.
Similar to the bench 326, the internal support plate of the footrest 430 may be completely concealed and encompassed on either side (e.g., the top and bottom) by the outer covering and may be a substantially flat plate. The thickness, size, and distribution of the internal support plate may be optimized to provide a particularly strong and durable footrest 430. For example, the internal support plate may be thicker toward the base of the footrest 430 (e.g., closer to the support bracket 440) than the outer or top edge 448 of the footrest 430 to add more strength to the footrest 430 while minimizing the required materials. Further, the internal support plate may provide more support according to where the user may rest their foot on the footrest 430 (e.g., closer to the wall 22 or on the edge of the footrest 430). Accordingly, the footrest 430 may be able to support large amounts of force or load. The internal support plate may be constructed out of relatively strong materials, such as metal (e.g., steel).
The internal support plate may include a movement limiter to prevent the footrest 430 from rotating past the use position 422.
The shaving ledge assembly 420 may be a stand-alone component within the bathing area 20 and may be installed into new, existing, remolded, or “refreshed” bathing area 20. As shown in
The shaving ledge assembly 420 may be attached to a variety of locations along the wall 22. According to one embodiment, the shaving ledge assembly 420 may be attached to a lower region of the wall 22 in order for the user to easily rest their foot on the footrest 430. According to one embodiment, the shaving ledge assembly 420 may be positioned between 10 to 20 inches from the floor or shower receptor. According to another embodiment, the shaving ledge assembly 420 may be positioned between 13 to 18 inches from the floor or shower receptor.
Similar to the seat assembly 320, in order to install the shaving ledge assembly 420 into the bathing area 20, the back of the support bracket 440 may positioned flush with the wall 22. The support bracket 440 may be subsequently screwed into the wall 22. According to one embodiment, a cleat may be first screwed to the wall 22 and a cover of the bracket 440 may be attached to the cleat with at least one “coinslot” fastener.
The shaving ledge assembly 420 may be sized according to the desired configuration and the size of the bathing area 20. According to one embodiment, the length and width of the footrest 430 may be between 10 to 20 inches and 2 to 5 inches, respectively. According to another embodiment, the length and width of the footrest 430 may be approximately 14 inches and 3.5 inches, respectively.
The shaving ledge assembly 420 and its components may be constructed out of a variety of materials, including but not limited to anodized aluminum or polypropylene. It is understood the various embodiments and configurations of the seat assembly 320 may be applied to and used within the shaving ledge assembly 420, according to the desired configuration. It is also understood that the various configurations and embodiments of the shaving ledge assembly 420 may be used in conjunction with each other and in a variety of different configurations.
It is further understood that the various bathing area accessories (e.g., the shelving assembly 40, the bathing area bar assembly 120, the storage assembly 220, the bathing area seat assembly 320, and/or the shaving ledge assembly 420) may be used in combination or in conjunction with each other, according to the desired configuration. For example, according to one embodiment, the bathing area seat assembly 320 may be installed to one wall 22 and the shaving ledge assembly 420 or the shelving assembly 40 may be installed to another wall that is across from or near the wall 22. Accordingly, the user may sit on the bathing area seat assembly 320 and rest their foot on the shaving ledge assembly 420 or the lower surface 42 of the niche 56 of the shelving assembly to easily shave their legs.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” “essentially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the bathing area accessories as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, manufacturing processes, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to exemplary embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A bar assembly for a wall of a bathing area comprising:
- a bar including a channel extending along a length of the bar; and
- at least one bracket configured to rigidly attach to the wall of the bathing area and to be selectively fixed in position relative to the bar,
- wherein the at least one bracket includes an extension slidable within the channel to enable selective positioning of the at least one bracket prior to the at least one bracket being fixed in position relative to the bar.
2. The bar assembly of claim 1, wherein the extension enters into the channel through at least one longitudinal end of the bar.
3. The bar assembly of claim 2, further comprising at least one plug attachable to the at least one longitudinal end of the bar, wherein the at least one plug is configured to prevent the at least one bracket from detaching from the bar before the bracket is fixed in position relative to the bar.
4. The bar assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one bracket is boltable to the wall of the bathing area.
5. The bar assembly of claim 1, further comprising a shelf positionable along the length of the bar and rigidly securable to the bar.
6. The bar assembly of claim 5, wherein the shelf includes an aperture extending through the shelf.
7. The bar assembly of claim 5, wherein the shelf snaps onto the bar.
8. The bar assembly of claim 5, wherein the shelf includes a recessed region along a bottom surface of the shelf that has complementary geometry to a top surface of the bar, wherein the bar fits at least partially within the recessed region when the shelf is rigidly secured to the bar.
9. The bar assembly of claim 5, further comprising an attachment member configured to extend around a bottom surface of the bar and to attach to at least two portions of a bottom surface of the shelf.
10. A storage assembly for a wall of a bathing area comprising:
- a storage device;
- a storage device attachment unit on a back side of the storage device; and
- a wall attachment unit attachable to a front surface of the wall of the bathing area,
- wherein one of the storage device attachment unit and the wall attachment unit is a male attachment unit with a protrusion and the other of the storage device attachment unit and the wall attachment unit is a female attachment unit with a slot, wherein the protrusion fits within and secures to the slot,
- wherein the storage device attachment unit is attachable to, removable from, and reattachable to the wall attachment unit.
11. The storage assembly of claim 10, wherein the wall attachment unit is attachable to any location on the wall of the bathing area.
12. The storage assembly of claim 10, further comprising multiple wall attachment units attached to the wall, wherein the storage device attachment unit with the storage device is attachable to any of the multiple wall attachment units.
13. The storage assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of the storage device attachment unit and the wall attachment unit has at least one ball bearing configured to roll between the storage device attachment unit and the wall attachment unit during attachment.
14. The storage assembly of claim 10, wherein the storage device attachment unit and the wall attachment unit attach together such that there is a gap for drainage between the storage device and the wall of the bathing area.
15. The storage assembly of claim 10, wherein the storage device is a peg, wherein a front side of the peg is angled upward.
16. The storage assembly of claim 10, wherein the storage device is a shelf with a substantially flat storage surface, wherein a front edge of the shelf is angled upward.
17. The storage assembly of claim 16, wherein the shelf includes at least one of a removable soap tray, an aperture, and a slot.
18. The storage assembly of claim 10, wherein the storage device is a frame with at least one removable storage feature that is attachable to the frame.
19. The storage assembly of claim 18, wherein the storage feature includes at least one of a flat surface, a recessed surface, a slot, a basket, a hook, a container, a hole, and a lower shelf connected to an upper shelf.
20. The storage assembly of claim 18, wherein the frame is configured to hold at least two removable storage features.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 18, 2015
Publication Date: Dec 24, 2015
Inventors: Ben Cohen (Sheboygan, WI), Greta Knowles (Sheboygan, WI), Erin Lilly (Kohler, WI), Thomas Lilly (Kohler, WI), Alan McDonald (Sheboygan, WI), Jeff Tempas (Oostburg, WI), Luke Zimbric (Sheboygan Falls, WI)
Application Number: 14/743,753