U.S. patent application number 15/369718 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-20 for structured shower curtain.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andrew George Pandaleon. Invention is credited to Andrew George Pandaleon.
Application Number | 20170202404 15/369718 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59314952 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170202404 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pandaleon; Andrew George |
July 20, 2017 |
STRUCTURED SHOWER CURTAIN
Abstract
A structured shower curtain includes a shower curtain shell
having an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a
second edge, and one or more one vertical extending pockets, where
structural elements are disposed in each pocket. The structural
elements, when viewed from a side view, protrude outwardly to
prevent intrusion of the shower curtain into the shower area upon
use. The locations of the pockets may be patterned to optimize such
outward protrusion.
Inventors: |
Pandaleon; Andrew George;
(New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pandaleon; Andrew George |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59314952 |
Appl. No.: |
15/369718 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62280092 |
Jan 18, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/38 20130101; A47H
23/01 20130101; A47H 23/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/38 20060101
A47K003/38; A47H 23/04 20060101 A47H023/04; A47H 23/01 20060101
A47H023/01 |
Claims
1. A structured shower curtain comprising: a shower curtain shell
comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a
second edge; at least one pocket adapted to be disposed on the
shower curtain shell, wherein the at least one pocket extends a
length between the upper portion and the lower portion; and at
least one structural element adapted to be disposed in the at least
one pocket, the at least one structural element having a first end,
a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and
the second end, wherein when viewed from a side view, the elongated
portion protrudes outwardly from the first end and the second end;
wherein upon disposing the at least one structural element in the
at least one pocket, the shower curtain shell forms a protrusion
between the upper portion and the lower portion when viewed from
the side view.
2. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, further comprising at
least one grommet hole adapted to support the shower curtain shell
on a curtain rod, wherein the at least one pocket is disposed
beneath the at least one grommet hole.
3. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the elongated
portion of the at least one structural element comprises a
generally bowed configuration.
4. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the elongated
portion of the at least one structural element comprises a
plurality of generally linear sections which combine to form an
angle.
5. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least
one structural element comprises a plurality of sections adapted to
be coupled together.
6. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least
one structural element comprises a batten.
7. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least
one structural element in constructed of a resilient material.
8. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the shower
curtain shell is constructed from at least one of a fabric and a
polymer.
9. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least
one structural element is constructed from at least one of wood, a
plastic material, a fibrous material, and a metallic material.
10. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least
one pocket is coupled to the shower curtain shell via at least one
of heat sealing, an adhesive, stitching, and a fastener.
11. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein a portion of
the shower curtain shell forms the at least one pocket by forming a
loop in the structured shower curtain.
12. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of pockets arranged between the first edge and the second
edge.
13. The structured shower curtain of claim 6, further comprising a
plurality of structural elements adapted to be disposed in the
plurality of pockets.
14. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, further comprising a
weighted element disposed at the lower portion of the shower
curtain shell.
15. A method of using a structured shower curtain, the method
comprising: providing a shower curtain shell comprising an upper
portion a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge; disposing
at least one pocket on the shower curtain shell, wherein the at
least one pocket extends a length between the upper portion and the
lower portion; disposing at least one structural element in the at
least one pocket, wherein the at least one structural element has a
first end, a second end, and an elongated portion between the first
end and the second end and when viewed from a side view, the
elongated portion protrudes outwardly from the first end and the
second end, wherein upon disposing the at least one structural
element in the at least one pocket, the shower curtain shell forms
a protrusion between the upper portion and the lower portion when
viewed from the side view.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein disposing the at least one
structural element in the at least one pocket comprises coupling a
plurality of sections of the at least one structural element
together to form a desired length of the at least one structural
element.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein disposing at least one pocket
on the shower curtain shell comprises coupling the at least one
pocket to the shower curtain shell via at least one of a heat seal,
an adhesive, stitching, and a fastener.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein disposing at least one pocket
on the shower curtain shell comprises forming a loop of material in
the structured shower curtain.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising disposing a pocket
on the shower curtain shell below a grommet hole adapted to support
the shower curtain shell on a curtain rod.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising disposing a
plurality of structural elements in the plurality of pockets.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/280,092, entitled "`The Curve` Structured Shower
Curtain," filed on Jan. 18, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby
expressly incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to shower curtains,
and, more particularly, to showered curtains having structured
regions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The background description provided herein is for the
purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work
of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in
this background section, as well as aspects of the description that
may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are
neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the
present disclosure.
[0004] Shower curtains are oftentimes used to restrict water from
exiting the shower area. In some cases, the shower curtain can
billow inwards towards the stream of water and the person
showering, which in turn may cause the curtain to cling to the body
of the person and create an unpleasant environment. Depending on
the size of the shower area, an inwardly billowing shower curtain
can significantly reduce available showering area.
SUMMARY
[0005] The disclosed systems and methods utilize a structural
element or elements to provide for increased rigidity of a shower
curtain, which can allow the shower curtain to maintain its shape
and avoid billowing inwardly.
[0006] In an example, a structured shower curtain can include a
shower curtain shell comprising an upper portion, a lower portion,
a first edge, and a second edge, at least one pocket adapted to be
disposed on the shower curtain shell, and at least one structural
element adapted to be disposed in the at least one pocket. The
pocket extends a length between the upper portion and the lower
portion. The structural element has a first end, a second end, and
an elongated portion between the first end and the second end. When
viewed from a side elevation, the elongated portion protrudes
outwardly from the first end and the second end. Upon disposing the
at least one structural element in the at least one pocket, the
shower curtain shell forms a protrusion between the upper portion
and the lower portion when viewed from the side view.
[0007] In some examples, a method of using a structured shower
curtain includes first providing a shower curtain shell that
includes an upper portion a lower portion, a first edge, and a
second edge. At least one pocket that extends a length between the
upper portion and the lower portion is disposed on the shower
curtain shell. At least one structural element is disposed in the
pocket. The structural element has a first end a second end, and an
elongated portion between the first end and the second end. When
viewed from a side view, the elongated portion protrudes outwardly
from the first end and the second end. Upon disposing the at least
one structural element in the at least one pocket and when viewed
from the side view, the shower curtain shell forms a protrusion
between the upper portion and the lower portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a more complete understanding of the disclosure,
reference should be made to the following detailed description and
accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals
identify like elements in the figures, and in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 comprises a front elevation view of an example
structured shower curtain assembly in accordance with various
aspects of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 comprises a side elevation view of the example
structured shower curtain assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with
various aspects of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 comprises a perspective view of the example
structured shower curtain assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, whereby a
pocket is disposed on a portion of a shower curtain shell in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 comprises a front elevation view of an example
structural element for the structured shower curtain assembly in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 comprises a side elevation view of the example
structural element of FIG. 4 for the structured shower curtain
assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 comprises a bottom plan view of the example
structural element of FIGS. 4 and 5 for the structured shower
curtain assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 comprises a side elevation view of example structural
elements of a structured shower curtain assembly being coupled
together in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention; and
[0016] FIG. 8 comprises a side elevation view of example structural
elements of a structured shower curtain assembly being coupled
together in a manner in which the elongated section of each
structural element protrude in opposing directions in accordance
with various aspects of the present invention.
[0017] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or
relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be
exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve
understanding of various embodiments of the present invention.
Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or
necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not
depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain
actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular
order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand
that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually
required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions
used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to
such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical
field as set forth above except where different specific meanings
have otherwise been set forth herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring now to the figures, a structured shower curtain
100 can include a shower curtain shell 110 having an upper portion
112, a lower portion 114, a first edge 116, and a second edge 118.
The first edge 116 and the second edge 118 are both outer edges of
the curtain 100 and extend substantially, vertically when the
curtain 100 is deployed. These edges 116 and 118 define the width
of the shower curtain shell 110. The structured shower curtain 100
further includes at least one pocket 120 adapted to be disposed on
the shower curtain shell 110 and at least one structural element
130 adapted to be disposed in the at least one pocket 120.
[0019] The shower curtain shell 110 may be constructed from any
suitable material such as, for example, any number or combination
of fabrics, polymers, and/or any other generally pliable materials.
Other examples are possible. The shower curtain shell 110 may have
a number of additional features (e.g., a shower rod coupling
portion 111, openings or grommet holes 113, and the like) which,
for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed in further detail.
The lower portion 114 of the shower curtain shell 110 is adapted to
be a free end positioned inside of a bathtub or shower sill and is
not secured to the bathtub (or shower sill) or adjacent structures,
thereby allowing for ease of opening and/or closing of the shower
curtain shell 110 in addition to allowing the shower curtain shell
to bow outwards at varying degrees.
[0020] The pocket 120 has an upper portion 122 and a lower portion
124 and is adapted to extend a length between the upper portion 112
and the lower portion 114 of the shower curtain shell 110 on an
inner surface. The pocket 120 is generally hollow to accommodate
the structural element 130. The pocket 120 can have any shape such
as ovoid, circular, triangular, rectangular, and the like. In some
examples, the pocket 120 may also include an opening 128 disposed
at a length near the lower portion 124. The pocket 120 can span the
entire length between the upper portion 112 and the lower portion
114 of the shower curtain shell 110 or alternatively can span a
portion of this length. The pocket 120 can be constructed from any
number of materials such as plastics, fabrics, and the like. Other
examples are possible. The pocket may also have an indented opening
at the upper portion 122 to assist in inserting and/or removing the
structural element 130.
[0021] The pocket 120 may have any desired width such as, for
example, between approximately 1/2 in. and approximately 10 in.
Other examples are possible. In some examples, the pocket 120 is
coupled to the shower curtain shell 110 using any number of
approaches such as heat sealing, adhesives and/or fasteners (e.g.,
glues, buttons, zippers, and the like). In other examples, the
pocket 120 may be formed directly by the shower curtain shell 110
by folding over a portion of the shell material to form an
elongated loop spanning a desired distance between the upper
portion 112 and the lower portion 114. Other examples are possible.
It will be understood that any number of pockets 120 may be
disposed on the shower curtain shell 110 at any desired location
between the first edge 116 and the second edge 118 and can be
spaced any desired distance apart from adjacent pockets 120.
Additionally, it is understood that the pockets 120 can be arranged
in non-vertical configurations relative to the upper portion 112
and the lower portion 114 of the shower curtain shell 110, and can
be disposed on the shower curtain shell 110 to form patterns,
symbols, and the like.
[0022] The structural element 130 includes a first end 132, a
second end 134, and an elongated portion 136 between the first end
132 and the second end 134. In some examples, the structural
element 130 may be a batten or other similar component. The
structural element 130 may be constructed from any number or
combination of suitable materials such as plastics, wood, fibers
(e.g., carbon fiber), metals, and the like and may have any
suitable dimensions and/or shapes which correspond to the
dimensions and/or shapes of the pocket 120. In examples where a
number of pockets 120 are used, a corresponding number of
structural elements 130 may also be used.
[0023] When viewed from a side view and as illustrated in FIG. 5,
the elongated portion 136 of the structural element 130 protrudes
outwardly from the first end 132 and the second end 134. In other
words, the elongated portion 136 may have a generally bowed
configuration. For example, the elongated portion 136 may have a
generally arcuate configuration having a generally constant
curvature. In other examples, the protrusion may have a varying
curvature to allow for localized areas of increased protrusion
where desired. In still other examples, the elongated portion 136
may have a generally angled configuration formed from a number of
generally linear sections which combine to form a desired angle.
Other approaches for shapes and configurations of the protrusion of
the elongated portion 136 are possible. The elongated portion 136
and/or the entire structural element 130 may be constructed from a
resilient material that, in a natural state or disposition, forms
the protrusion, but if a force is applied to the protrusion, the
structural element 130 may flex and be temporarily deformed.
[0024] In some of these examples, the structural element 130 may be
constructed from a number of distinct sections which are adapted to
couple to each other. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-8, the
structural element 130 can include coupling portions 138 and 139,
whereby a coupling portion 138 of a first structural element 130
can engage the coupling portion 139 of a second structural element
130. In the example depicted in FIGS. 4-8, the coupling portion 138
is a thin extension that can be slidably friction fit into the
coupling portion 139 which is in the form of a slot. The coupling
portions 138, 139 can be any number of grooves, snaps, connectors,
locking mechanisms, and other desired devices to secure sections of
the structural element 130 together. As a result, the length of the
structural element 130 can be adjusted to accommodate different
shower dimensions as needed. For example, when being used in
bathtubs or showers having a low overall height, fewer structural
element portions can be used as needed. Conversely, in arrangements
such as standalone showers having high ceiling heights, additional
structural elements 130 may be needed in order to fully span the
height of the shower curtain shell 110. Additionally, different
portions of the structural element 130 can be turned or rotated so
that instead of forming a generally continuous, "C" shaped
protrusion, the elongated portion may form an "S" shaped
protrusion, when viewed from a side profile. Other examples are
possible depending on the configuration of the individual
protrusions of the elongated portions 136.
[0025] In examples where the structural element 130 is constructed
from a number of distinct sections, after coupling the sections
together, the structural element 130 may be inserted into the
pocket 120. In the example depicted in FIG. 3, the upper portion
122 of the pocket 120 may have an opening to accept the structural
element 130. In some examples, the lower portion 124 of the pocket
120 may be closed (e.g., using stitching, fasteners, and/or
adhesives) to restrict the structural element 130 from sliding out.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, upon disposing the structural element 130
in the pocket 120, the shower curtain shell 110 bends outwardly and
forms a corresponding protrusion between the upper portion and the
lower portion when viewed from the side. As a result, when the
structured shower curtain 100 is installed in a shower, the
protrusion will extend outwardly from the shower region which in
turn provides additional room for the user to shower without having
the shower curtain shell 110 contact and cling to the user's
body.
[0026] When the structural elements 130 are disposed in the pockets
120 and the shower curtain 100 hangs from a rod or other hanging
assembly, an outer surface of the shower curtain shell 110 contacts
an inner edge or a lip of the bathtub or shower sill. The shower
curtain shell can freely slide along the edge, and can also pivot
about the edge to provide more or less shower volume as desired.
For example, a user can push any number of the structural elements
130 outwards (i.e., out of the shower area) to create more space
inside of the shower.
[0027] As briefly mentioned, the lower portion 124 of the pocket
120 may include an opening 128. This opening 128 allows a user to
remove all or a portion (i.e., after uncoupling desired lengths of
the distinct sections) of the structural element 130 from the
pocket 120 without having to completely remove the structured
shower curtain 100 from its installed location. For example, in
environments where the shower has irregular dimensions (e.g., in a
shower-bathtub combination unit where the tub sidewall height is
non-standard), a portion of the structural element 130 may be
removed to allow for the structured shower curtain 100 to be
properly dimensioned.
[0028] In some arrangements, each of the pockets 120 are placed
directly under grommet holes 113 extending longitudinally to from
the upper portion 112 to the lower portion 114. By placing the
pockets 120 under the grommet holes 113, interior space of the
shower area, specifically the upper portion 112, is maximized due
to opposing forces of the grommet holes 113 (and shower hooks)
resisting the structural elements 130 from moving inwards into the
shower area.
[0029] In some examples, the pockets 120 and structural elements
130 can be placed at diminishing intervals near the center of the
shower curtain shell 110. In other words, the structural elements
130 can be patterned in a manner where a density of the structural
elements 130 increases towards the center of the shower curtain
shell 110.
[0030] As a non-limiting example, as FIG. 1 illustrates, shower
curtains often include twelve grommet holes 113 disposed evenly
across the length of the curtain. The pockets 120 and structural
elements 130 can be placed under the fourth, sixth, seventh, and
ninth grommet holes 113 (counting from left to right). Such a
configuration maximizes structural rigidity closer to the center of
the shower area which in turn can increase the overall protrusion
away from the shower area and accordingly provide for less shower
curtain intrusiveness. Other examples of patterns are possible.
[0031] A width of each pocket 120 can be equal to or less than a
diameter of each grommet hole 130 to increase overall rigidity of
the structured shower curtain 100 and to allow for the shower
curtain shell 110 to be easily moved between open and closed
configurations.
[0032] In some examples, the structural element 130 can be
dimensioned to terminate at or near a ledge or edge of the tub or
shower. Accordingly, an outer surface of the structural element 130
can contact an inner surface of the shower ledge, and a remaining
length of the shower curtain shell 110 can extend downwards in a
shape closely mirroring the shape of the shower ledge or bathtub
sidewall. So configured, a minimal amount of the shower curtain
will project inwards into the shower area.
[0033] In some examples, a weighted element or elements can be
added to the lower portion 114 of the shower curtain shell 110. The
weights can provide a balancing force to the center of gravity of
the structured shower curtain 100. Additionally, the weighted
elements can cause a substantial amount of the curtain 100 to be
disposed outwardly from a vertical center of gravity line denoted
by "L" in FIG. 2 which advantageously prevents the lower portion
114 of the shower curtain shell 110 from protruding into the shower
area.
[0034] The weighted element or elements can insert into a generally
horizontal pocket 115 in the shower curtain shell 110. In these
examples, the pockets 120 may terminate at a distance above the
generally horizontal pocket 115 to allow for the weight to be
inserted without obstructing structural elements 130.
Alternatively, the generally horizontal pocket 115 may be integral
to the shower curtain shell 115 by way of forming a loop of the
shell material, and the pocket or pockets 120 may be adapted to
couple to an inner surface of the shower curtain shell 110 as well
as the outer surface of the formed loop. The weighted element or
elements can be dimensioned and spaced apart at any desired
distance that will still allow the curtain 100 to open and close.
In some alternatives, a number of individual weights may be
directly inserted into any number of pockets 120 using the openings
128.
[0035] In some examples using a number of structural elements 130,
each or any number of the structural elements 130 can have varying
protrusion geometries. In other words, the protrusions may cause
the overall shape of the shower curtain shell 110 to be modified to
accommodate varying shower geometries. For example, structural
elements 130 near the first edge 116 of the shower curtain shell
110 may have a protrusion with a greater curvature than structural
elements 130 near the second edge 118 of the shower curtain shell
110. As another example, structural elements 130 near the middle of
the shower curtain shell 110 may have protrusions with a greater
curvature than structural elements near both the first edge 116 and
the second edge 118 of the shower curtain shell 110. Other examples
are possible.
[0036] By disposing the pockets 120 (and accordingly, the
structural elements 130) on the inner surface of the shower curtain
shell 110, the shower curtain shell can easily be moved between
open and closed configurations because the outer surface of the
shower curtain shell, which is adapted to contact an edge of the
bathtub or shower ledge, is largely free of disturbances that may
impact movement.
[0037] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with
respect to the above described embodiments without departing from
the scope of the invention, and that such modifications,
alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the
ambit of the inventive concept.
* * * * *