COMBINATION SHOWERHEAD AND CADDY SYSTEM
A showerhead accessory system provides a showerhead and a modular storage system. A collar is able to slide over and affix to a shower arm and has a beveled edge that acts as a bearing surface for the modular storage system to hang from. The modular storage accessory includes a frame with a hanger and a series of rectangular rungs serially descending from the hanger. Various accessories, such as baskets, mirrors, and toothbrush holders may be hung from the rungs. The hanger has two tiers, of which the upper tier is able to bear against the collar, and the lower tier is able to pass over the showerhead. This system enables removal of the caddy from the showerhead without any tools or manipulation of moving parts. The showerhead features various features and accessories including a backscratcher, a toggle switch, and a flow meter.
The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/888,254 filed Aug. 16, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates generally to the field of bath hardware of existing art and more specifically relates to a shower accessory.
RELATED ARTIndividuals taking a shower often desire to have showerheads tailored to their individual preference. Showerheads may be available at different heights, angles, spray patterns, pressures, and may include auxiliary features. Likewise, storage solutions in showers may not provide sufficient space, flexibility, or storage space for all the necessary items a user may require. All too often, the showerheads and storage shelves in a shower do not meet all the necessary criteria or are simply not customizable enough to accommodate multiple users in a single household sharing a bathroom. Further, mounting aftermarket storage solutions to the interior of a shower can be extremely challenging. A suitable solution integrating modular storage systems as well as improved showerhead features is desired.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,781 to Alex Williams relates to an adjustable shower track system. The described adjustable shower track system allows a user to movably position a shower head at varying locations along a longitudinal slot within a housing front wall is provided. The adjustable shower track system has a hose which has: a hose first connector attached at one distal end and is removably attachable to a standard shower spout; and a hose second connector attached at an opposite distal end. The system further comprises a shower head connector which has a connector handle holder having an internal opening substantially larger than an outer diameter of the hose and hose second connector which is movably positioned therethrough. The connector handle holder functions to removably secure the handle therein and further functions as a guide for the hose which is movably mounted therethrough. The shower head connector also comprises a connector hinge which is connected to a movable means, such as a belt, which allows a user to position the shower head at varying heights within the longitudinal slot in the front of the housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known shower accessory art, the present disclosure provides a novel combination showerhead and caddy system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a combination showerhead and caddy system.
A showerhead accessory system provides a showerhead and a modular storage system. A collar is able to slide over and affix to a shower arm and has a beveled edge that acts as a bearing surface for the modular storage system to hang from. The modular storage accessory is a caddy which includes a frame with a hanger and a series of rectangular rungs serially descending from the hanger. Various accessories, such as baskets, mirrors, and toothbrush holders may be hung from the rungs. The hanger has two tiers, of which the upper tier is able to bear against the collar, and the lower tier is able to pass over the showerhead. This system enables removal of the caddy from the showerhead without any tools or manipulation of moving parts. The showerhead features various features and accessories including a backscratcher, a toggle switch, and a flow meter.
For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.
The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a combination showerhead and caddy system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.
The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONAs discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a shower accessory and more particularly to a combination showerhead and caddy system as used to improve the utility and storage space of a shower.
The combination showerhead and caddy system provides users with an improved showerhead and caddy system working in conjunction to offer better organization, adjustable water pressure, and more. The system features a customizable showerhead with on and off switches, a pressure control, and a height-adjustable components such that each component allows users to personalize their shower experience. Further, the system includes a shower caddy with a retaining ring to firmly secure the caddy within the shower to enable users to place shampoo, soaps, conditioners, and more within the basket. In one embodiment, a kit enables users to retrofit their current showers for customization without having to replace multiple components that interact with plumbing, offering multiple conveniences while bathing and providing users with a cost-effective method of customizing their shower. The combination showerhead and caddy system is a modified showerhead and shower caddy system. The showerhead is height-adjustable to accommodate any user and features a heavy-duty plastic and rubber neck grip. The head section of the showerhead has a molded square hole that fits over a square hook. One hook can be used with the shower caddy and the other can be combined with an all-surface suction cup placed anywhere in the shower area. The shower hose has swivel connectors to prevent unwanted twisting and kinking of the hose. The connector includes a pivot joint and a retaining ring that prevents the caddy from slipping off the shower pipe. The caddy includes one or more smooth flat bars for support. The baskets, trays, and hooks can feature a wire and flat bar construction with a curve for clipping over the bars of the caddy. The hooks and suction cups can be used to support the caddy. Users can place items within the baskets and tray area for storage. Exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon further development and manufacturing.
Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in
Caddy 200 may include outer frame 210 and at least one rung 220. Outer frame 210 may be constructed of round stock, such as a steel member bent into a box frame. Preferably, outer frame 210 has rounded corners. Other materials and manufacturing methods may be used in varying embodiments. At least one rung 220 may include several rungs constructed of rectangular stock and attached serially across outer frame 210. Each of at least one rung 220 may be strung horizontally. If one side of at least rung 220 is broader than the perpendicular side, then the broad sides are preferably faced forward and backwards. Preferably, at least one rung 220 is affixed to a front side of outer frame 210 (i.e., opposite from standoffs 270) in order that no elements protrude from the back side of the outer frame and prevent caddy 200 from sitting evenly against a shower wall when suspended from collar 110.
Caddy 200 may further comprise accessory-hook 260 affixed to lower-rail 211. Accessory-hook 260 may be characterized by a rectangular cross-section. Further, caddy 200 may also include at least two standoffs 270 affixed to outer frame 210, each of at least two standoffs 270 comprising a cylindrical rubber pad able to cushion caddy 200 against a shower wall when caddy 200 is suspended from collar 110. Preferably, one of at least two standoffs 270 is positioned on a bottom-left corner of outer frame 210, and another one on a bottom-right corner. In some embodiments, additional standoffs could be implemented; for example, one on each corner. Further, in some embodiments each of at least two standoffs 270 may include a suction cup able to releasably fasten to a shower wall. The implementation of standoffs 270 as suction cups may increase the secure positioning of caddy 200 on a shower wall and prevent caddy 200 from pitching left or right relative to shower arm 10.
Modular shower accessory system 100 may further include one or more fastenable accessories 300. Each of one or more fastenable accessories 300 may include a fastening-clip 310. Preferably, fastening-clip 310 is a thin, semi-resilient, and rounded clip able to fasten over the top of at least one rung 220. Ideally, fastening-clip 310 has a rounded profile, as illustrated. Fastening-clip 310 may include a flared lip to ease installation in some embodiments. Further, fastening-clip 310 is preferably broad, being at least fifty-percent as wide as the fastenable accessory 300 to which it is attached. In use, fastening-clip 310 is pressed over the top of at least one rung 220, and is retaind by pressure; fastening-clip 310 is slightly deformed when pressed over at least one rung 220. In an exemplary embodiment, fastening-clip 310 is a spring steel clip, exerting spring pressure upon at least one rung 220 when installed in order to retain fastenable accessory 300 to at least one rung 220. Fastenable-clip 310 may be removed from rung 220 simply by exerting sufficient upward pressure. The rectangular cross-sectional profile of at least one rung 220 ensures reliable alignment and pitch of fastenable accessory relative to caddy 200 when installed. Examples of fastenable accessory include a basket (illustrated as 300), mirror 320, and razor-holder 330. Preferably, razor-holder 330 is a rectangular component having two bores through which the stem of a shaving razor may pass, but not the head of the razor. Fastenable accessory 300 may include band 312, passing midway between a top and bottom of fastanable accessory 300, providing additional rigidity to fastenable accessory 300. In some embodiments, fastenable accessory 300 may also include toothbrush-holder 314. Preferably, toothbrush-holder 314 is a rectangular component having two or more bores through which the stem of a shaving toothbrush may pass, but not the head of the toothbrush. Toothbrush-holder 314 may be integrated with band 312, or may be a seperable component in varying embodiments. As a basket, fastenable accessory 300 may also include a reinforced upper-rim, as illustrated, and a plurality of basket-rods which form the bulk of the basket.
In some embodiments, fastenable accessory 300 may lack fastenable clip 310. In such embodiments, fastening may be enacted by a square aperture. Most preferably, the square aperture perforates the reinforced upper-rim, although other positions could be implemented. Such a square aperture may be able to interface with accessory-hook 260 or suction cup 500 (
Modular shower accessory system 100 may further include showerhead assembly 400. Showerhead assembly 400 may have showerhead casing 410, mount 440, and flexible conduit 450 which joins showerhead casing 410 to mount 440. Yet further, modular shower accessory system 100 may include suction cup 500, which may function as an optional mounting point for showerhead casing 410, especially when showerhead casing 410 is dismounted from claw 444.
Showerhead casing 410 may function as a housing for other elements of showerhead assembly 400, and may be graspable by a user to manipulate and direct showerhead assembly 400. Showerhead casing 410 may be ergonomically shaped with a handle section. Showerhead casing 410 may include showerhead-inlet 430, showerhead-outlet 420, and interior conduit 412 fluidly connecting the inlet to the outlet. When water pressure is introduced to shower-head inlet 430, interior-conduit 412 may direct it to showerhead-outlet 420. Showerhead-outlet 420 may have various features and geometries to direct water pressure in a desirable fashion, such as a plurality of spray nozzles, selectable spray patterns, etc. Showerhead-outlet 420 may externally feature protrusions 422, which may be usable as a back-scratcher. Toggle switch 460 may be embedded in and protrude from showerhead casing 410 such that it may be manipulated by a user. Toggle switch 460 may be able to selectively activate and deactivate a flow of water between showerhead-inlet 430 and showerhead-outlet 420. Dial 470 may likewise be embedded in and protrude from showerhead casing 410, such that dial 470 intersects interior conduit 412. Dial 470 may be able to selectively impede the flow of water between showerhead-inlet 430 and showerhead-outlet 420. In some embodiments, dial 470 may include an inclined plane which alters the cross-sectional flow area of interior conduit 412 where dial 470 intersects with interior conduit 412. However, alternative methods of restricting flow between showerhead-inlet 430 and showerhead-outlet 420 may be used.
Suction cup 500 may be affixed to showerhead casing 410. Alternatively, suction cup 500 may be a distinct component which is fastenable to showerhead casing 410, as in the illustrated embodiment. In one exemplary embodiment, suction cup 500 includes a hook having a square cross-section as illustrated. In such an embodiment, a corresponding square-aperture 460 perforating showerhead casing 410 may pass over the hook of suction cup 500, such that showerhead casing 410 is suspendable from suction cup 500. The interaction of a square-aperture 460 with a square hook may serve to prevent pitching when showerhead casing is suspended from suction cup 500.
Mount 440 may affix showerhead casing 410 to shower arm 10. Mount 440 may include mount-inlet 446, mount-outlet 448, cavity 449 449 fluidly connecting mount-inlet 446 to mount-outlet 448, and claw 444. Claw 444 may be able to receive and hold showerhead casing 410. The intersection of claw 444, mount-inlet 446, and mount-inlet 448 may form tee 442. Preferably, mount-inlet 446 and mount 448 meet at an angle between seventy and one-hundred-and-ten degrees. Further, in a preferred embodiment claw 444 may be inline with mount-inlet 446. Cavity 449 may bend to follow the angulation of mount-outlet 448 relative to mount-inlet 446. Claw 444 preferably is divided into left and right rounded jaws, and may have an extended stem to separate claw 444 from tee 442, as illustrated. Claw 444 may be shaped and dimensioned such that showerhead casing 410 may pass partially into claw 444 and rest within 444. In this way, showerhead 410 may be fastened to mount 440. A user may also lift showerhead casing 410 out from claw 444 and still use showerhead casing as a water source, since flexible conduit fluidly connects showerhead casing 410 to mount 440, and has sufficient length and articulation to allow a user to use showerhead casing 410 as a hand-wand for showering purposes.
Flexible conduit 450 is able to fluidly and mechanically couple mount-outlet 448 to showerhead-inlet 430. Preferably, each of mount-outlet and showerhead-inlet 430 comprise a threaded interface 455 able to fasten and seal to standard flexible conduits (i.e. braided steel hoses). An exemplary embodiment of threaded interface 455 is a ½″ IPS for FIP thread pitch. Other sizes, such as ⅜″ or ¼″ may be substitutes. Further, in some embodiments other thread pitches and interface standards may be utilized.
Mount 440 may further comprise articulating neck 480 positioned between mount-inlet 446 and mount-outlet 448. Articulating neck 480 may be able to selectively angulate mount-outlet 448 relative to mount-inlet 446, such that cavity 449 passes through articulating neck 480. Articulating neck 480 may rotate on a hinge-pin which passes through the fluid conduit in some embodiments.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.
Claims
1. The modular shower accessory system comprising:
- a caddy comprising a unitary outer frame having a lower-rail, a left-rail, a right-rail mirroring the left-rail across the lower-rail, a left-shoulder, a right-shoulder, and a hanger centered between the left-shoulder and the right-shoulder, the hanger itself having a constriction defined by a constriction-width and terminating in a semi-circular loop, and at least one rung, the at least one rung spanning from the left-rail to the right-rail, the at least one rung being characterized by a rectangular cross-section; and
- a collar able to slide over a shower-arm, the shower having a cylindrical-bore able to slide over the shower-arm, a beveled-bearing-surface at one end of the cylindrical-bore having sufficient diameter that the hanger may bear against it, and a threaded-aperture intersecting the cylindrical-bore; and
- a set-screw able to thread into the threaded-aperture of the collar and impinge against the shower-arm when the collar is installed about the shower-arm to retain the collar to the shower-arm.
2. The modular shower accessory system of claim 1, further comprising:
- a showerhead assembly having a showerhead casing including a showerhead-inlet, a showerhead-outlet, and an interior conduit fluidly connecting the inlet to the outlet; a toggle switch embedded in the showerhead casing, the toggle switch being able to selectively activate and deactivate the flow of water between the showerhead-inlet and the showerhead-outlet; a dial embedded in the showerhead casing, the dial intersecting the interior conduit, the dial being able to selectively impede the flow of water between the showerhead-inlet and the showerhead-outlet; a mount including a mount-inlet, a mount-outlet, a cavity fluidly connecting the mount-inlet to the mount-outlet, and a claw able to receive and hold the showerhead casing; whereby the mount-inlet, the mount-outlet, and the claw intersect at a tee; and a flexible conduit able to fluidly and mechanically couple the mount-outlet to the showerhead-inlet.
3. The modular shower accessory system of claim 2, wherein the mount further comprises an articulating neck between the mount-inlet and the mount-outlet, the articulating neck being able to selectively angulate the mount-outlet relative to the mount-inlet, such that the cavity passes through the articulating neck.
4. The modular shower accessory system of claim 2, wherein the showerhead casing further comprises a square-aperture, and the showerhead assembly further comprises a showerhead-hook, the showerhead-hook having a rectangular cross-section and a hook-suction-cup, the showerhead-hook being able to pass through the square-aperture and suspend the showerhead casing.
5. The modular shower accessory system of claim 4, wherein the caddy further comprises an accessory-hook affixed to the lower-rail, the accessory-hook being characterized by a rectangular cross-section.
6. The modular shower accessory system of claim 4, wherein the caddy further comprises at least two standoffs affixed to the outer frame, each of the at least two standoffs comprising a cylindrical rubber pad being able to cushion the caddy against a shower wall when the caddy is suspended from the collar.
7. The modular shower accessory system of claim 4, wherein the caddy further comprises at least two caddy-suction-cups affixed to the outer frame, each of the at least two caddy-suction-cups being able to retain the caddy to a shower wall when the caddy is suspended from the collar.
8. The modular shower accessory system of claim 1, wherein the showerhead assembly further comprises an attachment, the attachment comprising a suction-cup and a hook mounted to the suction-cup, the hook comprising a square cross-sectional profile.
9. The modular shower accessory system of claim 1, further comprising an accessory having an accessory-hook able to interface with the at least one rung, the accessory-hook having a rounded profile.
9. The modular shower accessory system of claim 9, wherein the accessory further comprises a basket.
10. The modular shower accessory system of claim 9, wherein the accessory further comprises a mirror.
11. The modular shower accessory system of claim 9, wherein the accessory further comprises a multi-slotted toothbrush holder.
12. The modular shower accessory system of claim 2, wherein the constriction delineates between an upper of the hanger and a lower of the hanger, wherein the upper of the hanger is sufficiently wide to pass over the shower-arm but not the collar, and the lower of the hanger is sufficiently wide to pass over both the collar and the showerhead assembly.
13. The modular shower accessory system comprising:
- a caddy comprising a unitary outer frame having a lower-rail, a left-rail, a right-rail mirroring the left-rail across the lower-rail, a left-shoulder, a right-shoulder, and a hanger centered between the left-shoulder and the right-shoulder, the hanger itself having a constriction defined by a constriction-width and terminating in a semi-circular loop, and at least one rung, the at least one rung spanning from the left-rail to the right-rail, the at least one rung being characterized by a rectangular cross-section; and
- a collar able to slide over a shower-arm, the shower having a cylindrical-bore able to slide over the shower-arm, a beveled-bearing-surface at one end of the cylindrical-bore having sufficient diameter that the hanger may bear against it, and a threaded-aperture intersecting the cylindrical-bore; and
- a set-screw able to thread into the threaded-aperture of the collar and impinge against the shower-arm when the collar is installed about the shower-arm to retain the collar to the shower-arm;
- an accessory having an accessory-hook able to interface with the at least one rung, the accessory-hook having a rounded profile;
- a showerhead assembly having a showerhead casing including a showerhead-inlet, a showerhead-outlet, and an interior conduit fluidly connecting the inlet to the outlet; a toggle switch embedded in the showerhead casing, the toggle switch being able to selectively activate and deactivate the flow of water between the showerhead-inlet and the showerhead-outlet, a dial embedded in the showerhead casing, the dial intersecting the interior conduit, the dial being able to selectively impede the flow of water between the showerhead-inlet and the showerhead-outlet, a mount including a mount-inlet, a mount-outlet, a cavity fluidly connecting the mount-inlet to the mount-outlet, and a claw able to receive and hold the showerhead casing, whereby the mount-inlet, the mount-outlet, and the claw intersect at a tee, and a flexible conduit able to fluidly and mechanically couple the mount-outlet to the showerhead-inlet;
- wherein the mount further comprises an articulating neck between the mount-inlet and the mount-outlet, the articulating neck being able to selectively angulate the mount-outlet relative to the mount-inlet, such that the cavity passes through the articulating neck;
- wherein the showerhead casing further comprises a square-aperture, and the showerhead assembly further comprises a showerhead-hook, the showerhead-hook having a rectangular cross-section and a hook-suction-cup, the showerhead-hook being able to pass through the square-aperture and suspend the showerhead casing;
- wherein the caddy further comprises an accessory-hook affixed to the lower-rail, the accessory-hook being characterized by a rectangular cross-section.
- wherein the caddy further comprises at least two standoffs affixed to the outer frame able to cushion the caddy against a shower wall when the caddy is suspended from the collar; and
- wherein the constriction delineates between an upper of the hanger and a lower of the hanger, wherein the upper of the hanger is sufficiently wide to pass over the shower-arm but not the collar, and the lower of the hanger is sufficiently wide to pass over both the collar and the showerhead assembly.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 15, 2020
Publication Date: Feb 18, 2021
Inventor: Kristina Goldstein (Bessemer City, NC)
Application Number: 16/994,569