U.S. patent application number 14/219736 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for shower storage caddy.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ginsey Industries, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Ginsey Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher E. Greco.
Application Number | 20140284293 14/219736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51568352 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140284293 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Greco; Christopher E. |
September 25, 2014 |
Shower Storage Caddy
Abstract
A shower storage caddy is provided that includes a frame with a
top portion, a bottom portion, and two longitudinally extending
sides extending therebetween. One or more trays are supported by at
least a portion of the frame, each tray extending outward from the
frame; and one or more removable baskets are configured to
removably fit in one or more of the one or more trays. The baskets
being removable allows for transporting the baskets and cleaning
the baskets. The baskets have a drainage stop configured to drain
fluid while in one of the trays and prevent fluid drainage when
removed from one of the trays. Other features of the shower storage
caddy include a pivoting hook for hanging the caddy, a flip-out
base for supporting the caddy on the floor, movable suction cups
for securing the caddy, and various shelves and hooks for holding
items.
Inventors: |
Greco; Christopher E.;
(Laurel Springs, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ginsey Industries, Inc. |
Swedesboro |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ginsey Industries, Inc.
Swedesboro
NJ
|
Family ID: |
51568352 |
Appl. No.: |
14/219736 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61803321 |
Mar 19, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.12 ;
211/71.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/281 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/85.12 ;
211/71.01 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/28 20060101
A47K003/28 |
Claims
1. A shower storage caddy comprising: a frame comprising a top
portion, a bottom portion, and two longitudinally extending sides
extending therebetween; one or more trays supported by at least a
portion of the frame, each tray extending outward from the frame;
and one or more removable baskets configured to removably fit in
one or more of the one or more trays; wherein one or more of the
removable baskets comprise a drainage stop configured to drain
fluid while in one of the one or more trays and prevent fluid
drainage when removed from one of the one or more trays.
2. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, wherein each of the one or
more removable baskets comprise a handle extending upward from a
bottom portion of the basket and a plurality of basket drainage
holes on the bottom portion of the basket; wherein each of the one
or more trays comprise one or more tray drainage holes on a bottom
portion of the tray and a plurality of upward-extending legs
configured to engage a bottom portion of the handle of the
basket.
3. The shower storage caddy of claim 2, wherein the drainage stop
comprises a seal ring at the bottom portion of the handle of the
basket, the seal ring configured to (i) press against the bottom
portion of the basket when the basket is removed out of the tray to
prevent drainage of fluid from the basket drainage holes; and (ii)
raise above the bottom portion of the basket when the basket is
inserted in the tray by engagement with the plurality of
upward-extending legs to allow fluid drainage from the basket
drainage holes.
4. The shower storage caddy of claim 3, wherein fluid drains
downward through the plurality of basket drainage holes and the one
or more tray drainage holes.
5. The shower storage caddy of claim 3, wherein the handle of the
basket is positioned at a middle region of the bottom portion of
the basket, the plurality of basket drainage holes are populated in
an area of the bottom portion of the basket corresponding to an
area underneath the drainage stop, and the bottom portion of the
basket is sloped toward the middle region of the basket to
facilitate fluid drainage out of the plurality of basket drainage
holes.
6. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, further comprising one or
more shelves, each shelf supported by at least a portion of the
frame and extending outward from the frame.
7. The shower storage caddy of claim 6, further comprising one or
more hooks on edge portions of at least one of the one or more
shelves, the hooks configured to support and hang items.
8. The shower storage caddy of claim 6, further comprising a soap
dish with a drainage tray, the soap dish supported by one of the
one or more shelves.
9. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
one or more removable baskets comprise removable dividers within
the respective basket.
10. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, further comprising one or
more adjustable suction cups supported by at least a portion of the
frame for securing the frame to a surface.
11. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, further comprising: a
pivoting hook secured to the top portion of the frame, the pivoting
hook configured to removably and securely hook onto a surface,
allowing for the frame to extend downward from the pivoting
hook.
12. The shower storage caddy of claim 11, wherein the pivoting hook
is configured to pivot 360.degree. to hook onto one or more of a
shower head, a shower curtain bar, and a shower door.
13. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion
of the frame comprises a flip-out base with a first portion and a
second portion extending horizontally outward from the frame in
opposite directions, wherein the second portion folds into the
first portion and extends out of the first portion for
stability.
14. A shower storage caddy comprising: a frame comprising a top
portion, a bottom portion, and two longitudinally extending sides
extending therebetween; one or more trays supported by at least a
portion of the frame, each tray extending outward from the frame;
one or more removable baskets configured to removably fit in one or
more of the one or more trays, wherein one or more of the removable
baskets comprise a drainage stop configured to drain fluid while in
one of the one or more trays and prevent fluid drainage when
removed from one of the one or more trays; a pivoting hook secured
to the top portion of the frame, the pivoting hook configured to
removably and securely hook onto a surface, allowing for the frame
to extend downward from the pivoting hook; and a flip-out base at
the bottom portion of the frame, the flip-out base comprising a
first portion and a second portion extending horizontally outward
from the frame in opposite directions, wherein the second portion
folds into the first portion and extends out of the first portion
for stability.
15. The shower storage caddy of claim 14, wherein each of the one
or more removable baskets comprise a handle extending upward from a
bottom portion of the basket and a plurality of basket drainage
holes on the bottom portion of the basket; wherein each of the one
or more trays comprise one or more tray drainage holes on a bottom
portion of the tray and a plurality of upward-extending legs
configured to engage a bottom portion of the handle of the basket;
and wherein the drainage stop comprises a seal ring at the bottom
portion of the handle of the basket, the seal ring configured to
(i) press against the bottom portion of the basket when the basket
is removed out of the tray to prevent drainage of fluid from the
basket drainage holes; and (ii) raise above the bottom portion of
the basket when the basket is inserted in the tray by engagement
with the plurality of upward-extending legs to allow fluid drainage
from the basket drainage holes.
16. The shower storage caddy of claim 15, wherein the handle of the
basket is positioned at a middle region of the bottom portion of
the basket, the plurality of basket drainage holes are populated in
an area of the bottom portion of the basket corresponding to an
area underneath the drainage stop, and the bottom surface of the
basket is sloped toward the middle region of the basket to
facilitate fluid drainage out of the plurality of basket drainage
holes.
17. The shower storage caddy of claim 14, further comprising one or
more shelves, each shelf supported by at least a portion of the
frame and extending outward from the frame.
18. The shower storage caddy of claim 14, wherein one or more of
the one or more removable baskets comprise removable dividers
within the respective basket.
19. The shower storage caddy of claim 14, wherein the pivoting hook
is configured to pivot 360.degree. to hook onto one or more of a
shower head, a shower curtain bar, and a shower door.
20. The shower storage caddy of claim 14, further comprising one or
more adjustable suction cups supported by at least a portion of the
frame for securing the frame to a surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/803,321, filed on Mar. 19, 2013 and titled
"Shower Storage Caddy", the contents of which are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
TECHNOLOGY FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a storage caddy
for use in a shower.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are various types of storage systems for holding
shower and bath items in a shower stall and/or bath tub. This
document describes an improved shower storage caddy.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide for a shower
storage caddy.
[0005] In one embodiment, a shower storage caddy comprises: a frame
comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and two longitudinally
extending sides extending therebetween; one or more trays supported
by at least a portion of the frame, each tray extending outward
from the frame; and one or more removable baskets configured to
removably fit in one or more of the one or more trays; wherein one
or more of the removable baskets comprise a drainage stop
configured to drain fluid while in one of the one or more trays and
prevent fluid drainage when removed from one of the one or more
trays.
[0006] In an embodiment, each of the one or more removable baskets
comprise a handle extending upward from a bottom portion of the
basket and a plurality of basket drainage holes on the bottom
portion of the basket; and each of the one or more trays comprise
one or more tray drainage holes on a bottom portion of the tray and
a plurality of upward-extending legs configured to engage a bottom
portion of the handle of the basket. The drainage stop comprises a
seal ring at the bottom portion of the handle of the basket, the
seal ring configured to (i) press against the bottom portion of the
basket when the basket is removed out of the tray to prevent
drainage of fluid from the basket drainage holes; and (ii) raise
above the bottom portion of the basket when the basket is inserted
in the tray by engagement with the plurality of upward-extending
legs to allow fluid drainage from the basket drainage holes. Fluid
drains downward through the plurality of basket drainage holes and
the one or more tray drainage holes.
[0007] In some embodiments, the handle of the basket is positioned
at a middle region of the bottom portion of the basket, the
plurality of basket drainage holes are populated in an area of the
bottom portion of the basket corresponding to an area underneath
the drainage stop, and the bottom portion of the basket is sloped
toward the middle region of the basket to facilitate fluid drainage
out of the plurality of basket drainage holes.
[0008] According to an embodiment, the shower storage caddy may
include one or more shelves, each shelf supported by at least a
portion of the frame and extending outward from the frame. In some
embodiments, one or more hooks are provided on edge portions of at
least one of the one or more shelves, the hooks configured to
support and hang items. In some embodiments, a soap dish with a
drainage tray is provided, the soap dish supported by one of the
one or more shelves.
[0009] According to an embodiment, one or more of the one or more
removable baskets may include removable dividers within the
respective basket.
[0010] The shower storage caddy, according to an embodiment, may
have one or more adjustable suction cups supported by at least a
portion of the frame for securing the frame to a surface.
[0011] In an embodiment, the shower storage caddy may further
include a pivoting hook secured to the top portion of the frame,
the pivoting hook configured to removably and securely hook onto a
surface, allowing for the frame to extend downward from the
pivoting hook. The pivoting hook may be configured to pivot
360.degree. to hook onto one or more of a shower head, a shower
curtain bar, and a shower door.
[0012] In an embodiment, the bottom portion of the frame may
comprise a flip-out base with a first portion and a second portion
extending horizontally outward from the frame in opposite
directions, wherein the second portion folds into the first portion
and extends out of the first portion for stability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are
best understood from the following detailed description when read
in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings
embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the specific
instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the
following Figures:
[0014] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views of a shower
storage caddy, according to embodiments provided herein;
[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B are rear perspective views of a shower
storage caddy, according to embodiments provided herein;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a shower storage caddy
illustrating a removable basket feature, according to embodiments
provided herein;
[0017] FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate features of a removable basket and a
drainage feature, according to embodiments provided herein;
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates features of a soap dish, according to
embodiments provided herein;
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates features of an adjustable suction cup,
according to embodiments provided herein;
[0020] FIGS. 7A-7B are bottom perspective views of a shower storage
caddy, illustrating a base feature, according to embodiments
provided herein; and
[0021] FIGS. 8A-8B are a front perspective view and a back
perspective view, respectively, of a shower storage caddy according
to an additional embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a shower
storage caddy for storing items, such as, for example, shampoo and
other bottles, soap, razors, and shower poufs.
[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are particularly well
suited for, but in no way limited to, a storage caddy for use in a
shower or bath. Although described as a storage caddy for a shower,
the storage caddy can be used in other applications, such as, for
example, a storage caddy for holding laundry supplies or cleaning
supplies.
[0024] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views, and FIGS. 2A
and 2B are rear perspective views, of a shower storage caddy 100,
according to embodiments provided herein. The shower storage caddy
100 has a frame, or body, 110 including a top portion, a bottom
portion, and two side portions that longitudinally extend between
the top and bottom portions. One or more trays 120 are supported by
at least a portion of the frame, with each tray 120 extending
outward from the frame 110. One or more removable baskets 130 are
configured to removably fit in one or more of the one or more trays
120. The removable baskets 130 comprise a drainage stop configured
to drain fluid from the baskets 130 while in one of the trays 120
and prevent fluid drainage from the baskets 130 when removed from
one of the trays 120. The drainage feature is described in detail
below.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the shower storage
caddy 100 illustrating the removable basket feature. The removable
baskets 130 conveniently allow for a user to use the basket 130 in
the shower/bath, then take the basket 130 to another shower/bath or
other location. The removable functionality simplifies cleaning of
both the baskets 130 and the trays 120. Additionally, the removable
functionality is convenient in situations in which multiple users
share a shower space. One person can remove their basket 130 when
finished in the shower, allowing for another person to add their
own basket 130 for their use.
[0026] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, the frame 110 may
also include one or more horizontally extending bars 125 that
extend between the two sides and are vertically positioned between
the top portion and the bottom portion of the frame 110. The bars
125 may add extra support for the trays 120 and baskets 130, or
generally for the frame 110. For example, in one embodiment, a tray
120 may extend outward from a respective one of the horizontally
extending bars 125.
[0027] In an embodiment, the shower storage caddy 100 may include
one or more shelves, such as the shelf 140 and the shelf 150 shown
in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Each shelf 140, 150 is supported by at least a
portion of the frame 110 (e.g., a bar 125 and/or side portions of
the frame 110) and extends outward from the frame 110. The shelves
140, 150 may have lips or curved portions to help retain items on
the shelves 140, 150. In some embodiments, the shelves 140, 150 may
have one or more hooks 155 on edge portions from which to support
and hang items, such as razors, shower poufs, shower brushes, and
the like. The shower storage caddy 100 is not limited to any
particular number of shelves. In some embodiments, the shower
storage caddy 100 does not have any shelves.
[0028] In some embodiments, the shower storage caddy 100 may have a
soap dish 170 comprised of a drainage tray 172 that removably fits
within a secondary tray 174 (see FIG. 5 for detailed view). The
secondary tray 174 catches run off from the soap that is held on
top of the drainage tray 172, preventing the drainage from dripping
onto items below. The soap dish 170 may be supported by a shelf,
such as the shelf 140, and may be removable from the shelf.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, with a detailed view in FIG. 6,
the shower storage caddy 100 may have one or more suction cups 190
supported by a portion of the frame 110 (e.g., a bar 125, side
portions of the frame 110, top or bottom portion of the frame 110)
for securing the frame 110 to a surface, such as a shower or bath
wall. The suction cups 190 may be adjustable and may be fitted
within horizontal grooves 192, allowing the suction cups 190 to be
moved to the left and right to avoid grout lines on the shower or
bath walls. By avoiding grout lines, the suction cups adhere more
securely to the walls or surface.
[0030] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, in an
embodiment the shower storage caddy 100 may include a pivoting hook
160 secured to the top portion of the frame 110. The pivoting hook
160 is configured to removably and securely hook onto a surface,
allowing for the frame 110 to extend downward. The pivoting hook
160 may be configured to pivot 360.degree. to hook onto one or more
of a shower head, a shower curtain bar, and a shower door. By
having a range of 360.degree., the shower storage caddy 100 is not
limited to one specific location or one specific type of shower
head. Instead, the shower storage caddy 100 can be positioned on a
shower head and then moved to a rod or a door.
[0031] In an embodiment, the shower storage caddy 100 includes a
base at the bottom portion of the frame 110. In an embodiment, the
base includes a first portion 180 that extends horizontally outward
from the frame 110, adding increased stability to the frame 110. In
another embodiment, the base includes the first portion 180 and a
second portion 185 that extend horizontally outward from the frame
110 in opposite directions (see FIGS. 2A-2B). In an embodiment, the
second portion 185 folds into the first portion 180 and flips out
of the first portion 180 (see FIGS. 7A-7B for detailed view). The
portions (or legs) 180, 185 allow for the shower storage caddy 100
to stand on the floor or another flat or relatively flat
surface.
[0032] FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate features of the removable baskets 130
and a drainage feature, according to various embodiments. The
baskets 130 may include one or more removable dividers 134 that can
be used to create dedicated or separate storage areas. In an
embodiment, a divider 134 may have buckets 135 attached thereto,
providing a small, dedicated storage area for a toothbrush, razor,
or other small item.
[0033] As noted above, the removable baskets 130 comprise a
drainage stop feature configured to drain fluid while in one of the
trays 120 and prevent fluid drainage when removed from one of the
trays 120. The drainage feature functions as follows for a basket
130 and a tray 120: the basket 130 has a handle 132 that extends
upward from a bottom portion or surface of the basket 130 with a
drainage stop (e.g., seal ring) 133 at the bottom portion of the
handle 132, as well as a plurality of basket drainage holes 136 on
the bottom portion or surface of the basket 130 below the drainage
stop 133; the tray 120 has one or more tray drainage holes 123 on a
bottom portion or surface of the tray 120 and a plurality of
upward-extending legs 124, extending upward from the bottom portion
of the tray 120, configured to engage the bottom portion of the
handle 132 of the basket 130; the drainage stop 133 is configured
to (i) press against the bottom portion of the basket 130 when the
basket 130 is out of the tray 120 to prevent drainage of fluid from
the basket drainage holes 136 (see FIGS. 4B and 4C) and (ii) raise
above the bottom portion of the basket 130 when the basket 130 is
inserted in the tray 120 by engagement with the upward-extending
legs 124 to allow fluid drainage from the basket drainage holes 136
and the one or more tray drainage holes 123 (see FIGS. 4D and
4E).
[0034] This drainage functionality provided by the basket 130 and
the tray 120 is highly desirable as fluid (e.g., water, soap, etc.)
is drained from both the basket 130 and the tray 120 while in use
in the shower/bath. When a user moves the basket 130 out of the
tray 120, any remaining fluid (e.g., fluid dripping off of a bottle
or other item held within the basket) is contained within the
basket 130, eliminating an inconvenient drainage for the user while
transporting the basket 130 to another location.
[0035] In an embodiment, the handle 132 of the basket 130 is
positioned at or near a middle region of the bottom portion or
surface of the basket 130, and the plurality of basket drainage
holes 136 are populated in an area of the bottom portion
corresponding to an area underneath the drainage stop 133. The one
or more tray drainage holes 123 are also positioned in an area that
corresponds to an area underneath the drainage stop 133 when the
basket 130 is inserted within the tray 120, and the
upward-extending legs 124 are positioned around the tray drainage
holes 123. In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the basket 130
is sloped toward the middle region of the basket 130 to facilitate
fluid drainage out of the drainage holes 136 and 123. In an
embodiment, the basket drainage holes 136 and the tray drainage
holes 123 align or substantially align when the basket 130 is
inserted within the tray 120.
[0036] In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 4B, bottles holes 138 may be
provided in the basket 130 with a raised lip around the edge of the
holes 138. The holes 138 are configured so that bottles of various
sizes fit over the holes. When the bottles are removed during use,
fluid drains through the holes 138 and through corresponding holes
128 in the tray. The holes 138 have a raised lip to prevent fluid
from dripping out of the holes 138 when the bottles are placed over
the holes and when the basket 130 is removed from the tray (i.e.,
fluid cannot run underneath the bottles and through the holes 138
due to the raised lip).
[0037] FIGS. 8A-8B are a front perspective view and a back
perspective view, respectively, of a shower storage caddy 200
according to an additional embodiment. The shower storage caddy 200
is similar to the caddy 100 in that it has a frame 210 with a tray
220 extending outward and supported by the frame 210, the tray
configured to hold a basket 230 that is removable. The shower
storage caddy 200 has a shelf 240 with a soap dish 270 and one or
more hooks 255. Suction cups 290 are provided on the back portion
of the frame 210 and are movable within slots 292, to secure the
shower storage caddy 200 to a wall. The drainage feature of the
basket 230 and the tray 220 functions the same, as does the soap
dish 270, the suction cups/slots 290/292, and the hooks 255, as its
equivalent parts described with respect to the shower storage caddy
100. The shower storage caddy 200 is essentially a smaller version
of the caddy 100, without the base 180/185 and the pivoting hook
160. The shower storage caddy 200 can be used in a smaller location
or on a shelf, for example.
[0038] The various components of the shower storage caddy 100/200
may be made from any suitable plastic material. In some
embodiments, the baskets 130/230 are made of a translucent plastic.
In some embodiments, an inner portion of the baskets 130/230 is
glass for ease of cleaning. Other materials may be used, such as
non-corrosive materials or non-corrosive coated materials.
[0039] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and
modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the
invention and that such changes and modifications may be made
without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is
therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover
all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *