U.S. patent application number 12/386304 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-05 for easy hang shower curtain.
Invention is credited to Kim Brown.
Application Number | 20090272502 12/386304 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41256340 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090272502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Kim |
November 5, 2009 |
Easy hang shower curtain
Abstract
The present invention provides a new design for a shower curtain
which is easy to hang by the user. The shower curtain of the
present invention comprises an elongated flap panel which runs the
length of the top of the unit and folds over the shower curtain rod
and fastens to itself. Notably, appropriately positioned along the
top and bottom of this panel extension is a series of corresponding
snap fasteners. Although the fastening means illustrates the use of
snaps, other fastening means are also useful for this invention.
Other fastening means include, but are not limited to: plastic
snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and a plastic "Zip-Lock.TM." type
fastener, for example.
Inventors: |
Brown; Kim; (Bronx,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RUTH EURE
4795 EDISON AVENUE
BOULDER
CO
80301
US
|
Family ID: |
41256340 |
Appl. No.: |
12/386304 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61124402 |
Apr 16, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/330 ;
24/591.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/45225 20150115;
A47K 3/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/330 ;
24/591.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/38 20060101
A47K003/38; A44B 17/00 20060101 A44B017/00 |
Claims
1. A shower curtain which has male snap fasteners at intervals
along its top edge, and female snap fasteners corresponding to the
male snap fasteners approximately six inches away from the male
snap fasteners to provide a fastening means for the shower curtain
by folding the top edge of the shower curtain over the shower
curtain rod and snapping the male snap fasteners to the female snap
fasteners.
2. The shower curtain of claim 1 wherein the snap fasteners are
placed at intervals of about 4'' to about 8''.
3. The shower curtain of claim 1 wherein the snap fasteners are
made of stainless steel.
4. The shower curtain of claim 1 wherein the snap fasteners are
made of plastic.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e)
(1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/124,402,
filed Apr. 16, 2008, of common inventorship herewith entitled,
"Easy Hang Shower Curtain."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention pertains to the field of shower curtains, and
more specifically to the field of shower curtains with improved
hanging means.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Several designs for shower curtains have been put forth by
the prior art.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,922 to Wade describes a Two-on-one snap,
self-installing and supporting curtain and valance assembly.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,624 to Brown III, describes an
adjustable shower curtain positioning arm.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,840,155 to Stern describes an alternative
embodiment of a shower curtain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a design
for a shower curtain which is easy to hang by the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 shows the shower curtain of the present invention in
place on a shower curtain rod.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows the fastening means of the shower curtain of
the present invention being fastened.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows the fastening means of the shower curtain of
the present invention completely fastened.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Perhaps nothing is so calming at the end of a hectic day
than soaking in a hot bath. Lighting a scented candle, filling the
tub with fragrant bath salts and laying back while a current of
warm water circulates around the body; spending a few moments of
quiet time relaxing in the bathtub can truly refresh the body, mind
and spirit. Similarly, standing underneath a cool shower can be
revitalizing and invigorating, particularly after an intense
workout. Letting the water stream over the body while pulsating
jets gently massage the back, neck and shoulders,--standing beneath
the flowing water of a shower head can be a relaxing experience.
Regardless of whether one is enjoying a long soak in a warm bath,
or simply jumping in the shower to clean up after football
practice, the first thing most people do upon climbing into the
bath is close the shower curtain. Shower curtains are extremely
practical devices designed to provide bathers privacy when bathing.
Most importantly, a shower curtain, tucked within the walls of a
bathtub, can prevent streaming water from running onto the floor
when one is taking a shower.
[0012] Although there is little dispute that a shower curtain is a
practical and necessary bath accessory, use of one is not always
without drawbacks. Particularly, the means of installing them to
shower rods can be time consuming, frustrating, and even costly.
Common shower curtains are affixed to rods via a set of independent
snap hooks, with each individual hook stretched around the rod
before being looped through a series of grommets, peppered along
the top of the curtain.
[0013] Tedious, this process can leave one exhausted by the time it
is completed. In addition, when the shower curtain needs to be
cleaned, each hook must be carefully removed from each grommet and
the unit replaced in the same manner as installation. Struggling
with the snap hooks can also be a painful endeavor, as these
high-tensiled instruments can easily pinch the fingers when
installing or removing a curtain.
[0014] In contrast, the shower curtain of the present invention
folds over the shower curtain rod and fastens to itself. Although
the fastening means illustrates the use of snaps, other fastening
means are also useful for this invention. Other fastening means
include, but are not limited to: plastic snaps, hook and loop
fasteners, and a plastic "Zip-Lock.TM." type fastener, for
example.
[0015] The present invention is hereinafter referred to as "Easy
Hang Shower Curtain," a unique product invention which provides
consumers a practical solution to the aforementioned problems. As
the name implies, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain is a specially
designed shower curtain which can be quickly and easily hung.
Similar in appearance to a traditional shower curtain, the Easy
Hang Shower Curtain is manufactured of lightweight vinyl, plastic
or a comparable synthetic material. Corresponding liners are
included for sale with each Easy Hang Shower Curtain. Generally
rectangular in shape, this unique shower curtain is sized
appropriately to accommodate any bathtub shower stall. This product
also can be produced in sizes appropriate for single, free standing
shower stalls. The most notable aspect of the Easy Hang Shower
Curtain however, is found in the method of attachment to the
existing curtain rod. As opposed to traditional shower curtains
which feature a series of circular shaped openings along the top
edge for use in applying hanging hooks, the Easy Hang Shower
Curtain boasts an elongated flap panel which runs the length of the
top of the unit. Notably, appropriately positioned along the top
and bottom of this panel extension is a series of corresponding
snap fasteners. As such, to hang the curtain the user simply folds
this extension over the curtain rod, pressing each male snap
fastener into the corresponding female fitting and the unit would
be secured in place, without the use of hanging hooks or rings. The
Easy Hang Shower Curtain can be produced in a myriad of attractive
colors to correspond with existing bathroom decor, as well as in
various neutral hues.
[0016] The Easy Hang Shower Curtain is a unique product invention
that offers consumers a number of significant benefits and
advantages. Foremost, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain provides
consumers with a simple, affordable, and hassle-free bath
accessory. Replacing the standard, tiresome snap-hook-to-grommet
method of shower curtain installation, this cleverly designed
shower curtain features easy and convenient corresponding snap
fasteners, enabling the user to hang the curtain without additional
hardware. As such, users can apply and remove an Easy Hang Shower
Curtain in a matter of seconds. In this manner, consumers would be
able to avoid the painful pinchings that can result from struggling
with standard hanging hooks. In addition to providing an easier
means of installing, changing, or simply removing shower curtains
for cleaning, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain offers an aesthetic
advantage. The hidden fastener design lends an elegant appearance
to any bathroom. While the Easy Hang Shower Curtain was primarily
conceived with household users in mind, hotels and other lodging
establishments will find this product a practical and attractive
addition to baths in their guestrooms.
[0017] An innovative product invention, the Easy Hang Shower
Curtain handily improves the process of shower curtain installation
and other maintenance. Simple in design and application, this
product also provides secure attachment to any shower rod.
[0018] Although this invention has been described with respect to
specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and
various modifications which will become apparent to the person of
ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit
and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim.
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