U.S. patent application number 11/729307 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for multi-layered disposable shower curtain.
Invention is credited to Sandra K. Erickson.
Application Number | 20070256232 11/729307 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38659856 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070256232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Erickson; Sandra K. |
November 8, 2007 |
Multi-layered disposable shower curtain
Abstract
The present invention is a shower curtain made of a backing
sheet and several disposable layers. The backing sheet defines the
overall size and shape of the shower curtain. The disposable layers
are separably adhered to each other so as to be individually
removable in sequence. At least one disposable layer is removably
adhered to the backing sheet. The backing sheet and each disposable
layer provide a barrier against water and are substantially aligned
with each other, except for perhaps near one edge of the backing
sheet for purposes of facilitating individual removal of disposable
layers.
Inventors: |
Erickson; Sandra K.;
(Shorewood, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON, THUENTE, SKAAR & CHRISTENSEN, P.A.
4800 IDS CENTER
80 SOUTH 8TH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Family ID: |
38659856 |
Appl. No.: |
11/729307 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60786465 |
Mar 28, 2006 |
|
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60793165 |
Apr 18, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/558 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/558 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/08 20060101
A47K003/08; A47K 3/14 20060101 A47K003/14 |
Claims
1. A shower curtain comprising: a flexible polymer backing sheet
having a first side surface; a first layer of a polymer sheet
having a first side surface and a second side surface, the first
side surface manually separably adhered and coextensive to the
first side surface of the backing sheet; a second layer of a
polymer sheet having a first side surface and a second side
surface, said first side surface of the second layer manually
separably adhered to the second side surface of the first layer,
and the layers having an unfolded rectangular shape with a margin
portion adapted to receive a plurality of coupling members for
hanging the shower curtain; wherein the first and second layers of
polymer sheet are substantially impermeable to water.
2. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the flexible polymer
backing sheet and the first layer of the polymer sheet have
substantially the same area.
3. The shower curtain of claim 2, wherein the first layer of the
polymer sheet is substantially aligned with the flexible polymer
backing sheet.
4. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the margin portion
adapted to receive the plurality of coupling members comprises a
plurality of removable die-cut plugs.
5. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the edge region adapted
to receive the plurality of coupling member comprises a plurality
of apertures aligned substantially linearly.
6. The shower curtain of claim 5, wherein the flexible polymer
backing sheet is formed of a water-impermeable polymer
material.
7. The shower curtain of claim 5, wherein there are a plurality of
additional impermeable polymer sheets separably adhered to the
second layer.
8. The shower curtain of claim 7, wherein a space between a pair of
the apertures when the shower curtain is flat and unfolded is in
the range of between four and eight inches.
9. The shower curtain of claim 7, wherein the apertures are
positioned in the range of approximately one half inch to two
inches from a top edge of the shower curtain.
10. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the first layer of
polymer is folded over an edge of the flexible polymer backing
sheet and is coextensively disposed on a back surface of the
flexible polymer backing sheet.
11. The shower curtain of claim 1, further comprising a first layer
of adhesive intermediate a front surface of the flexible backing
sheet and the first layer of polymer.
12. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the flexible backing
sheet is substantially opaque.
13. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the first layer of
polymer is substantially transparent.
14. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the first layer of
polymer comprises a plurality of perforations that facilitate
removal of the first layer of polymer from the flexible polymer
backing sheet.
15. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the first layer and
second layer are adhered without utilizing adhesives.
16. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the flexible backing
sheet is of a polymer material has a thickness of about 0.0001 inch
to about 0.010 inches.
17. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the first layer and
second layers of polymer have a thickness of about 0.0001 inch to
about 0.010 inches.
18. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the first layer and
second layers of polymer have a thickness of about 0.0025 inches to
about 0.005 inches.
19. A shower curtain comprising multiple layers of polymer sheets,
the sheets manually separable for disposed of individual ones of
said sheets, the shower curtain having a margin portion adapted for
hanging the curtain.
20. The shower curtain of claim 19, wherein the multi-layers are
adhered without utilizing any adhesives.
21. The shower curtain of claim 19, wherein an edge of a layer of
polymer sheet is slightly offset from an adjacent parallel edge of
an adjacent layer of polymer sheet for facilitating peeling.
22. The shower curtain of claim 19, wherein each of the layers has
a thickness of about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches.
23. The shower curtain of claim 19, wherein the multi-layer are
separably adhered by electrostatic attraction.
24. A multilaminate shower curtain having an rectangular shape with
a plurality of manually peelable layers all substantially the same
size, the layers individually peelable whereby they may be
individually discarded.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/786,465 filed Mar. 28, 2006, and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/793,165, filed Apr. 18, 2006,
which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to shower curtains. More
specifically, this invention relates to a shower curtain lining
having separably adhered disposable layers of polymer that can be
individually removed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The environment in which a shower may be located, such as a
bathroom or locker room, serves a number of different purposes.
Functionally, a showering environment can accommodate a showering
area as well as a sink, cabinetry, drawers, a toilet, mirrors, and
a variety of other features relating to personal hygiene and
grooming. A shower environment also serve an aesthetic role. The
choice of fixtures, colors, materials, and lighting, for example,
may all contribute to creating an overall appearance or theme for
the environment.
[0004] An important aspect of both the functional and aesthetic
components of a shower environment is water usage and water
management. The presence water is a vital component for a bathroom,
locker room, or other shower environment to able to fulfill its
intended purpose of allowing a user to bathe. In the absence of
proper water management, however, water usage can be an
extraordinarily destructive force. It can facilitate the growth of
mold and other harmful of undesirable microorganisms, visibly mar
exposed surface, and accelerate structural decay.
[0005] Showering areas, therefore, present unique dilemmas in water
usage and management. A shower user commonly requires that water be
continuously dispersed throughout a large showering area for
bathing or other purposes. Since a readily accessible opening is
necessary to enable the user to easily enter and exit the showering
area, there is also a substantial opportunity for unintended and
undesired loss of water due to splashing, spraying, and other forms
of dispersion. Typically, this dispersion is contained by
installing a movable physical barrier across the opening. For
example, the barrier can be a substantially rigid structure, such
as a glass or plastic door, or a flexible shower curtain.
[0006] Though a shower door or curtain may substantially contain
water dispersion within the showering area, a number of problems
may arise over time. For example, water residue may leave
undesirable streaking on the surface of the barrier, a combination
of prolonged exposure to water and high temperatures can foster
rapid growth of mold, bacteria, or other harmful microorganisms,
while excess or washed-away hygiene products can accumulate on the
surface of the shower curtain or door. Therefore, without vigilant
maintenance or periodic replacement, the barrier can quickly become
an aesthetic detraction.
[0007] Shower curtains can be especially susceptible to prolonged
deterioration because they are both difficult to clean and
difficult to replace. Unlike shower doors, shower curtains are
flexible. Though this flexibility can make installation easier and
aesthetically enhance a shower environment, it effectively requires
that the shower curtain be completely removed to be properly
cleaned. Since most shower curtains cannot be removed without first
detaching a mounting rod or a large number of coupling members
(e.g., hooks)--steps that significantly increase the time and
effort involved--most users simply discard a shower curtain after a
certain point rather clean the shower curtain. Another aspect that
adds to the difficulty of maintaining cleanliness is that shower
curtains also commonly extend below the top of the outer shower or
tub wall.
[0008] To preserve the aesthetic appeal of a shower curtain, a
shower curtain liner can be used as an intermediate barrier between
the showering area and the shower curtain. The following U.S.
patents, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety, describe various types of shower
curtain liners (which can also function as shower curtains): U.S.
Pat. No. 6,896,155 to Jones, et. al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,571 to
Samelson, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,168 to Zoboski; U.S. Pat. No.
6,192,965 to Hinds; U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,603 to Frazier; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,829,071 to Lavalle; U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,284 to Wren; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,243,715 to Barmak; U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,708 to Hansen;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,059 to Faragher, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,172
to Faragher, Jr.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,343 to Wilson.
[0009] Shower curtain liners are typically made of thin sheets of
polymer material. Relative to fabric and other non-polymeric
materials, this tends to reduce costs and increase resistance to
water damage. Making shower curtain liners from thin polymer
sheets, however, is also disadvantageous for a number of reasons.
For example, streams of water or associated air currents that are
produced during shower usage can cause deflection of the shower
curtain liner. Similarly, shower usage can lead to a build-up of
static electricity that causes the shower curtain liner to cling to
a user. This, in turn, reduces the space in the showering area
available to the user for showering purposes and can result in
undesirable contact between the user and the shower curtain liner.
Both static electricity and deflection can also cause shower
curtain liners to drape improperly. The thinness of the polymer
sheets from which shower curtain liners are typically made also
further exacerbates the effects of everyday wear-and-tear.
Specifically, apertures located near the top of shower curtain
liners that are designed to receive coupling members for hanging
purposes can be particularly vulnerable to ripping or tearing.
[0010] In addition to being susceptible to these functional
drawbacks, shower curtain liners are also subject to aesthetic
deterioration due to the accumulation of hygienic products and
exposure to elevated temperature and moisture. As is often the
case, soap scum and grime can accumulate on a shower curtain. The
polymer material from which shower curtains are most often made
also provides a medium on which mold and other organisms can grow.
Given the cost and difficultly of cleaning shower curtain liners,
most users simply discard a used shower curtain liner once it is no
longer aesthetically or hygienically acceptable.
[0011] Therefore, there is a need for an improved shower curtain
liner without the detriments described above. For purposes of the
present invention, the terms "curtain" and "liner" are hereinafter
used interchangeably such that the term "curtain" includes "liner,"
and vice versa, without any intended limitation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is a shower curtain, or shower curtain
liner, made up of a plurality of separably adhered disposable
layers that can be individually removed. The disposable layers may
be removed one-at-a-time so that a user can expose a new surface of
the shower curtain without having to replace the entire shower
curtain. This enables the user to refresh the appearance and
cleanliness of the shower curtain more frequently and at a reduced
cost. This also enables the user to save time by eliminating the
necessity of completely replacing an existing shower curtain each
time a new shower curtain surface is desired.
[0013] In a certain embodiment, a multilaminate shower curtain has
at least three layers of flexible sheet material all of a specific
thickness and all of substantially the same dimensions, each layer
impermeable to water, the layers adhered to one another and
removably peelable from one another. The shower curtain is a
rectangular when unflexed and unfolded and has a reinforced upper
margin portion for facilitating hanging of the shower curtain. In
certain embodiments the margin portion has a plurality of spaced
holes.
[0014] The present invention has a first backing sheet that defines
the overall size and shape of the shower curtain and serves as a
backing for disposable layers. The disposable layers are adhered to
each other and to the backing sheet in such a way as to allow the
layers to minimize the likelihood of air gaps between the layers
and so that each layer may be individually removed from the shower
curtain and thereafter disposed. Examples of other applications in
which stacks of individually separable disposable layers have been
used are described in the following U.S. patents and patent
applications, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by
reference in their entirety: U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,055 to Janssen, et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,488 to Janssen, et al; U.S. Pat. No.
6,461,709 to Janssen, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,453 to Akiwa, et
al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,737 to Blackwell, et al; U.S. Pat. No.
4,448,730 to Baus, et al.; Publication No. 2005/0200154 A1 to
Barbee, et al.; Publication No. 2005/0106965 A1 to Wevers, et al.;
Publication No. 2004/0050324 A1 to Copp; and Publication No.
2004/0001932 to Krause, et al. These patents and published
applications disclose various suitable materials and thicknesses of
layers, methods of manufacturing, and mechanisms of adherence of
sheets that may be suitable herein.
[0015] The disposable layers are preferably peelable, but may be
disposed in any manner that enables the layers to be individually
separable, such as by electrostatic attraction. To facilitate
peeling, the individually separable layers may be fused or adhered
together and perforated at or near the top of the curtain or liner.
Each layer provides a water barrier and may be aligned with the
backing sheet and each of the other layers. The layers may cover
one side or both sides of the backing sheet.
[0016] The disposable layers can have the same or different
physical characteristics as the backing sheet. For example, the
disposable layers and the first sheet may have the same thickness,
size, shape, and decorative features. Alternatively, the disposable
layers may be thinner than the backing sheet. The disposable layers
may also be smaller area-wise than the first sheet, providing
protective covering to only a selected portion of the shower
curtain.
[0017] Just as the disposable layers may be different than the
first layer, a single disposable layer may be slightly or
substantially different than the other disposable layers. For
example, one layer may be smaller or larger than an adjacent layer
in one or more dimensions, such as length. Similarly, a tab or
other functionality may be present near the top or upper side. The
difference in dimensions and placement of tabs or other
functionality may be incrementally offset so as to enable a user to
more easily distinguish one individual layer from an adjacent layer
and remove a layer.
[0018] The disposable layers may be completely transparent so as to
allow an optionally decorative feature of the first layer to be
seen. The disposable layers may also be partially transparent,
opaque, contain their own decorative feature, or function with
successive layers or the backing sheet to cooperatively create a
decorative effect. When the outermost layer is sufficiently dirty
or when a user so chooses, the user may remove the outermost layer.
The presence of multiple disposable layers allows a user to keep
the same curtain or liner for a period of time, such as several
weeks or even more than a year, without having to painstakingly
clean or replace the entire shower curtain. The duration that a
curtain or liner remains hung in a shower environment, therefore,
depends primarily upon how often the user chooses to remove a layer
and the number of disposable layers included with the unit.
[0019] The present invention provides several features and
advantages. It may be used alone or as a liner for a fabric shower
curtain. In either use, the present invention reduces the amount of
water that escapes from a showering area and into other areas of a
shower environment. It also allows a user to quickly obtain a clean
shower curtain surface without having to clean or replace the
existing shower curtain. The present invention can also be
configured so that the individual removal of disposable layers
sequentially alters the appearance of the shower curtain and is
optimized to correspond to an estimated or intended life-span of
the backing sheet or the entire shower curtain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a showering area
having a shower curtain.
[0021] FIG. 2a is a top cross-sectional view of a portion of a
shower curtain according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 2b is a top cross-sectional view of a portion of a
shower curtain according to an embodiment of the present invention
without adhesive.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of a portion of a
shower curtain according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a
shower curtain according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a front or rear view of a portion of a shower
curtain with coupling members attached.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a
shower curtain according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a
shower curtain according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a
shower curtain according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] Please note that the figures are not drawn to scale, nor are
the relative thicknesses indicative of any thickness ratios.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIG. 1 depicts shower curtain 10 hanging from curtain rod 7
via coupling members 9 in a typical showering area 5. Curtain rod 7
is positioned between walls 8. Shower curtain 10 hangs down such
that lower portion 6 hangs inside or outside bathtub 1. Shower
curtain 10 reduces the amount of water dispersed from shower head 2
or from faucet 3 that leaves showering area 5. In an example
embodiment, lower portion 6 hangs inside bathtub 1.
[0031] In general, shower curtain 10 has outer surface 25 and inner
surface 26. Shower curtain 10 may be oriented such that either
outer surface 25 or inner surface 26 faces toward the inside of
showering area 5. Shower curtain 10 has at least one disposable
layer disposed to a base layer. In an example embodiment, the base
layer is backing sheet 20 that has different thickness than the
disposable layer. Multiple disposable layers can be disposed on the
same side of backing sheet 20, as in the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 2. Multiple disposable layers can also be disposed on both
sides of backing sheet 20, as in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3.
In yet another embodiment, which is not depicted, none of the
individually separable layers is disposed on backing sheet 20.
Various configurations in which a disposable layer is disposed on
backing sheet 20 and on other disposable layers can be used to
affect the manner in which the layers are sequentially removed.
[0032] A top view of a cross section of shower curtain 10 according
to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2. In accordance with FIG. 2,
first, second, and third disposable layers 21, 22, 23 and optional
additional layers may be disposed on either side of backing sheet
20 so as to be oriented toward outer surface 25 or inner surface
26. Backing sheet 20 has a first side surface 20.1 and a second
side surface 20.2. First layer of polymer sheet 21 has a first side
surface 21.1 and a second side surface 21.2. Second layer of
polymer sheet 22 has a first side surface 22.1 and a second side
surface 22.2. Although only first, second, and third disposable
sheets 21, 22, 23 are depicted in FIG. 2, shower curtain 10 may
contain a multiplicity of disposable layers. In an example
embodiment, shower curtain 10 contains three or more disposable
layers. In other embodiments, shower curtain 10 contains fewer than
three disposable layers. Although shower curtain 10 be may
installed in any number of ways, the advantages of shower curtain
10 having individually separable layers are most fully realized
when the surface to which the disposable layers are attached, such
as inner surface 26 as depicted in FIG. 2, faces the inside of
showering area 5.
[0033] A top view of a cross section of shower curtain 10 according
to another embodiment is depicted in FIG. 3. First, second and
third disposable layers 21, 22, 23, and optional additional layers,
are disposed on both sides of backing sheet 20. Although only
first, second and third disposable sheets 21, 22, 23 are depicted
in FIG. 3, shower curtain 10 may contain any number of disposable
layers. In an example embodiment, shower curtain 10 contains three
or more disposable layers disposed on one side of backing sheet 20
and three or more disposable layers disposed on the other side of
backing sheet 20. In other embodiments, shower curtain 10 contains
fewer than three disposable layers disposed on each side of backing
sheet 20. The number of disposable layers disposed on each side of
backing sheet 20 may be the same or may be different.
[0034] First, second and third disposable layers 21, 22, 23, and
optional additional layers, may be disposed on backing sheet 20 in
any number of ways to facilitate individual removal. In an example
embodiment, first disposable layer 21 is adhered to backing sheet
20. Second disposable layer 22 is adhered to first disposable layer
21. Third disposable layer 23 is adhered to second disposable layer
22. Optional additional disposable layers may be sequentially
disposed in a similar fashion to create shower curtain 10 having a
desired number of disposable layers. In another embodiment, first,
second, and third disposable layers 21, 22, 23 and optional
additional layers may also be adhered to backing sheet 20 at or
near edge 29 of backing sheet 20.
[0035] First, second, and third disposable layers 21, 22, 23, and
optional additional layers, may or may not be folded over and
around edge 29 of backing sheet 20. Disposable layers are not
typically folded over and around edge 29 in the embodiment of
shower curtain 10 depicted in FIG. 2 in which disposable layers are
disposed on only one side of backing sheet 20. In the embodiment of
shower curtain 10 depicted in FIG. 3, however, disposable layers
are typically folded over and around edge of shower curtain 10, as
depicted in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 5, edge 29 about which
disposable layers are folder may be bottom edge 31, side edges 32,
33, or top edge 34. In an example embodiment, edge 29 is bottom
edge 31.
[0036] In embodiments of shower curtain 10 in which disposable
layers are folded over edge 29, first disposable layer 21 is
typically folded over and around edge 29 of backing sheet 20.
Similarly, second disposable layer 22 is folded over and around the
edge of 29 of backing sheet 20. Since second disposable layer 22 is
also folded over and around first disposable layer 21, second
disposable layer 22 has a larger radius for the turn around edge 29
than first disposable layer 21 has. Although first and second
disposable layers 21, 22, 23 and optional additional layers may be
folded over and around different edges 31, 32, 33, 34, disposable
layers are typically folded over and around the same edge 29 as,
for example, bottom edge 31.
[0037] Disposable layers may also be secured over and around edge
29 by forming pinched-together edges 61, 62, as depicted in FIG. 6.
Although only first and second disposable layers 21, 22 are
depicted in FIG. 6, shower curtain 10 may contain any number of
disposable layers that form pinched-together edges 61, 62. In this
embodiment, two separate sheets of first disposable layer 21a, 21b
are adhered to each other at or near edge 29 of backing sheet 20.
The two separate sheets of first disposable layer 21a, 21b and
first pinched-together edge 61 extend past edge 29 of backing sheet
20. Two additional separate sheets of second disposable layer 22a,
22b are adhered to each other at or near second pinched edge 62.
The two separate sheets of second disposable layer 22a, 22b may
also be adhered to the two separate sheets of first disposable
layer 21a, 21b. The two separate sheets of second disposable layer
22a, 22b and second pinched-together edge 62 extend past the first
pinched-together edge 61. Similarly, additional disposable layers
can be adhered to each other to form a pinched-together edge
extending past the pinched-together edge of the previous layer and
adhered to surface of the previous layer. This approach allows
first and second disposable layers 31, 32 and optional additional
layers to be more easily removed in sequence. First and second
disposable layers 31, 32, and optional additional layers, may have
approximately the same size or may have different sizes.
[0038] To facilitate identification of the edge of the outer-most
disposable layer and subsequent removal of the outer-most layer,
the sizes of disposable layers can be incrementally changed in one
dimension. As depicted in FIG. 7, this creates a
stepped-configuration 70 of disposable layers at or near edge 29 of
backing sheet 20. For example, if edge 29 of backing sheet 20 as
shown in FIG. 7 is bottom edge 31, first disposable layer 21 may be
disposed so that first disposable-layer edge 71 substantially
aligns with bottom edge 31. Second disposable layer 22 may be
disposed so that second disposable-layer edge 72 is slightly above
first disposable-layer edge 71. Third disposable layer 23 may be
disposed so that third disposable-layer edge 73 is slightly above
second disposable-layer edge 72. Additional disposable layers may
be disposed so that additional disposable-layer edges are slightly
above previous disposable layer edges.
[0039] Identification and subsequent removal of the outer-most
disposable layer can also be facilitated by folding different
lengths of disposable layers over backing sheet 20. Specifically,
disposable layers may be folded over and about edge 29 to form
folded stepped-configuration 80, as depicted in FIG. 8. The sizes
of disposable layers can also be incrementally enlarged such that
disposable-layer edges extend beyond edge 29, such as bottom edge
31, to form a reverse folded stepped-configuration.
[0040] First, second, and third disposable layers, 21, 22, 23 and
optional additional layers may be secured around multiple edges 29
of backing sheet 20 using one or any combination of the described
configurations. For example, disposable layers may be folded over
and about top edge 34 of backing sheet 20 and form pinched-together
edges over and about bottom edge 31 of backing sheet 20. Similarly,
disposable layers may be folded or form pinched-together edges over
and about top edge 34 of backing sheet 20 and form
stepped-configuration 70 at or near bottom edge 31 of backing sheet
20. One skilled in the art can readily discern that the attachment
configurations and edges can be mixed and matched to form a number
of different embodiments of shower curtain 10.
[0041] Backing sheet 20, first, second, and third disposable layers
21, 22, 23, and optional additional layers can be adhered in any
number of ways. Generally, all layers should be adhered in a way
that minimizes air gaps between disposable layers. In an example
embodiment, backing sheet 20, first, second, and third disposable
layers 21, 22, 23, and optional additional layers are adhered by
electro-static attraction between the materials from which they are
made. In other embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 2-8,
disposable layers and backing sheet 20 can be adhered with adhesive
layer 24. Adhesive layer 24 may comprise a bonding material such as
glue or epoxy.
[0042] Backing sheet 20, first, second, and third disposable layers
21, 22, 23, and optional additional layers may be made of the same
material or different materials. In an example embodiment, backing
sheet 20 and disposable layers are made from a polymer material,
such as polyethylene, polyurethane, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, or
any suitable material, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,055
to Janssen. The polymer material may itself hinder or prevent the
growth of mold or be coated with a material that hinders or
prevents the growth of mold. If adhesive layer 24 is also used,
adhesive layer 24 may be a glue, an epoxy, or any other suitable
bonding material, such as those mentioned in U.S. Pat. No.
6,777,055 to Janssen.
[0043] Backing sheet 20, first, second, and third disposable layers
21, 22, 23, and optional additional layers may have the same
thickness or have different thicknesses. The thickness of backing
sheet 20 may be in a range of about one-tenth of one mil (1
mil=0.001 inches) to about 10 mils. In a preferred embodiment the
thickness may be in a range of about 2.5 mils to about 5 mils. In
an example embodiment, the thickness of backing sheet 20 is about 1
mil. The thickness of disposable layers is in a range of about
one-tenth of one mil (1 mil=0.001 inches) to about 10 mils. In a
preferred embodiment the thickness may be in a range of about 2.5
mils to about 5 mils. In an example embodiment, the thicknesses of
first, second, and third disposable layers 21, 22, 23 and optional
additional layers are substantially similar or identical and are in
one embodiment between about two-and-one-half mils and about five
mils.
[0044] To minimize unintended water dispersion within the shower
environment, shower curtain 10 is generally suspended so that lower
portion 6 of shower curtain 10 hangs down within or outside bathtub
1. As depicted in FIG. 1, shower curtain 10 is suspended from
shower curtain rod 12 with coupling members 9. Shower curtain 10
has a plurality of apertures 11 through which coupling members 9
can be removably attached. Generally, apertures 11 are pre-formed
in shower curtain 10. Alternatively, a user may be required to
punch out die-cut plugs from shower curtain 10 to form apertures 11
through which coupling members 9 can be attached. Coupling members
9 are typically made of a resilient material, such as plastic of
metal. Small gaps in coupling members 9 can be temporarily expanded
or deformed so that hook is made to fit around shower curtain rod
12. Resiliency of coupling members 9 allows coupling members 9 to
substantially return to their original shape once fitted around
shower curtain rod 12. The gaps in coupling members 9 is small
enough so that coupling members 9 cannot be removed from or fall
off of shower curtain rod 12 without further expansion or
deformation of coupling members 9. The gaps in coupling members 9
are also large enough to fit around edge 29 of shower curtain 10
where apertures 11 may be located.
[0045] Although apertures 11 may be any number of sizes and shapes,
apertures 11 are ideally circular and sized to receive any number
readily available coupling members 9, such as circular suspension
hooks, designed to suspend shower curtain 10 from shower curtain
rod 12. The diameter of apertures 11 may be in the range of about
one-sixteenth of one inch to about one-and-one-half inches. The
diameter of apertures 11 may also be in the range of about
one-eighth of one inch to about three-quarters of one-inch. In an
example embodiment, the diameter of apertures 11 is about
one-quarter of one inch.
[0046] Apertures 11 may be positioned in any arrangement near edge
29 of shower curtain 10. Each aperture, however, is generally
located substantially the same distance from top edge 34 of shower
curtain 10 as all other apertures 11. Apertures 11 may be located a
distance in the range of about one-half of one inch to about eight
inches from top edge 34 of shower curtain 11. In an example
embodiment, apertures are located approximately one inch from top
edge 34 on the top edge region or margin portion 34.1 of shower
curtain 10. To discourage ripping or tearing of shower curtain 10
at or near apertures 11, apertures 11 may be reinforced in any
number of ways. For example, the shower curtain material around
apertures 11 may be reinforced by additional layers of shower
curtain material, a heat sealing process, metal grommets, or a
combination thereof.
[0047] Although the spacing between apertures 11 does not need to
be uniform, apertures 36 are generally spaced at equidistant
intervals. Ideally, apertures 11 in a shower curtain 10 with lower
portion 6 that hangs inside bathtub 1 (e.g., an inner "liner") are
spaced apart so as to be compatible with apertures 11 of shower
curtain 10 with lower portion 6 that hangs outside bathtub 1 (e.g.,
an outer "curtain"). The distance between two apertures 11 may be
in the range of about one inch to about eighteen inches. In an
example embodiment, the distance between two apertures is
approximately six and three-eighths inches. Aperture 11 closest to
side edges 31, 32 of shower curtain 10 may be located from side
edges 31, 32 a distance of approximately one-half of the
inter-aperture spacing. In an example embodiment, aperture 11 is
located approximately three and three-sixteenths inches from side
edge 31 and another aperture 11 is located approximately three and
three-sixteenths inches from side edge 32. The spacing of apertures
11 can also serve to facilitate and maintain pleating of shower
curtain 10, as depicted in FIG. 1. Pleating of shower curtain 10
generally occurs when the width of shower curtain 10 exceeds the
length of shower curtain rod 12. Pleating of shower curtain 11 may
also occur when shower curtain 10 is forced to one side shower wall
8, such as when a user enters or exits bathtub 1. Shower curtain 10
typically folds, or pleats, such that shower curtain 11 has a
convex shape at or near apertures 11 and a concave shape at or near
the midpoint of apertures 11, or vice versa.
[0048] Shower curtain 10 may be any suitable shape that discourages
unintended dispersion of water from showering area 5. Top edge 34,
bottom edge 31, and side edges 32, 33 may all be substantially
similar such that shower curtain 10 has a substantially square
unfolded shape. Top edge 34, bottom edge 31, and side edges 32, 33
may also have any number of different dimensions such that the
shape of shower curtain is a rhombus, a trapezoid, or a
parallelogram. In an example embodiment, shower curtain 10 is
rectangular in shape such that top edge 34 and bottom edge 31
(which define the width of shower curtain 10) have substantially
similar lengths and side edges 32, 33 (which define the height of
shower curtain 10) have substantially similar lengths.
[0049] Shower curtain 10 should be sized to substantially span the
area between walls 8 of showering area 10 and between shower
curtain rod 12 and top of bathtub 1. Ideally, shower curtain 10 has
lower portion 6 that extends below top of bathtub 1 or other
water-containment basin and can extend coextensively between walls
8. Because showering areas 5 may vary in size, it is anticipated
that shower curtain 10 will also vary in size. Therefore, shower
curtain 10 may have a width (unfolded and unpleated) in the range
of about twenty-four inches to about two-hundred twenty inches and
a height in the range of about twenty-four inches to about
one-hundred twenty inches. In an example embodiment, shower curtain
10 has dimensions of about seventy to seventy-two inches wide by
about seventy-two inches high. This embodiment may correspond to
shower curtains and shower curtain liners characterized in the art
as "full size." Full-size embodiments typically comprise twelve
grommets. In another example embodiment, shower curtain 10 has
dimensions of about fifty to fifty-four inches wide by about
seventy-two inches high. This embodiment may correspond to shower
curtains and shower curtain liners characterized in the art as
"wide stall size." Wide stall-size embodiments typically comprise
nine grommets. In another example embodiment, shower curtain 10 has
dimensions of about forty to forty-two inches wide by about
seventy-two inches high. This embodiment may correspond to shower
curtains and shower curtain liners characterized in the art as
"stall size." Stall-size embodiments typically comprise eight
grommets.
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