Patent Application
20200359848
The proposed invention involves a curtain rod and a curtain. More specifically, it can be used in a bathroom to block all sides of a user when the user takes a shower, while still allowing the user to use a showerhead and a faucet with ease. In addition, the curtain can be easily installed on and removed from the curtain rod.
In order to maximize space efficiency and user convenience, most bathrooms equip a sink and a toilet together with a bathtub.
When the space for a sink and a toilet is not isolated from the space for a bathtub or a shower, some problems may arise. Namely, soapy water that splashes out of the bathtub during a shower may make the bathroom slippery or otherwise unclean.
To circumvent such a problem, shower curtains or shower booths are being employed to isolate shower area from its surrounding areas.
Conventional shower curtains or shower booths function to segregate between areas that must be kept dry from areas that can tolerate the splashing of soapy water during a shower.
In most conventional shower curtains, a curtain rod has both ends directly in contact with walls of a bathroom. A shower curtain is joined to such the curtain rod to separate the bathroom into two distinct spaces.
Such a conventional shower curtain can prevent soapy water from splashing to a limited degree. However, it fails to prevent soapy water from splashing towards bathroom walls not covered by the shower curtain or towards the inner surface of the shower curtain itself.
Splashing of soapy water on the walls and the inner surface of the shower curtain ultimately results in the growth of germs and mold.
Splashes must be cleaned immediately in order to prevent the growth of germs and mold and maintain bathroom hygiene. However, most users neglect to promptly clean them, which leads to the growth of mold on bathroom walls or otherwise unclean, if left uncleaned for an extended period.
In addition, water residues often persist on the walls and the shower curtains even after cleaning.
The water residue increases the humidity of the bathroom, and prolonged humidity not only results in mold growth, odor, and hygienic problems, but also makes the bathroom unaesthetic.
Further, since the conventional shower curtain is mostly pushed to one side when not in use, it occupies a part of the bathroom space. Consequently, the surrounding area may feel stuffy, and there is a problem in that the available space is restricted and disorganized.
In order to remove or install the conventional shower curtain, the curtain rod must be removed or assembled with the shower curtain attached. This requires the user to assume the heavy weight and the large volume when replacing the conventional shower curtain, making the replacement process cumbersome.
In another conventional curtain rod, when the user connects or removes the shower curtain with the curtain rod still fixed on the walls of the bathroom, the user must place each of the many hooks attached to the shower curtain one by one on the curtain rod. This makes the replacement process cumbersome.
To install a conventional shower booth, a frame defining a shower area is installed, and then a glass door that can be opened or closed is installed on the frame.
However, such a conventional shower booth also has several drawbacks. For example, there is a safety concern involving glass breakage. Furthermore, it must be built with such costly materials as stainless steel frames to maintain strength and prevent corrosion. This complicates installation procedure, often leading to additional cost for installation service by an expert technician.
In addition, since the frame and the door occupy a significant amount of space, installing shower booths in narrow bathrooms is challenging.
In addition, as with the shower curtain, the shower booth fails to prevent soapy water from splashing on the walls not covered by the shower booth and the inner walls of the shower booth.
Splashing of soapy water on the walls of the bathroom not covered by the shower booth and the inner walls of the booth ultimately results in the growth of germs and mold.
Splashes must be cleaned immediately in order to prevent the growth of germs and mold and maintain bathroom hygiene. However, most users neglect to promptly clean them, which leads to the growth of mold on bathroom walls and the inner walls of the shower booth, or otherwise unclean, if left uncleaned for an extended period.
In addition, water residues often persist on the walls and the inner walls of the shower booths even after cleaning.
The water residue increases the humidity of the bathroom, and, prolonged humidity not only results in mold growth, odor, and hygienic problems, but also makes the bathroom unaesthetic.
Therefore, a solution to solve the aforementioned problems has been in demand.
This invention is devised to resolve the aforementioned problems of conventional technology. The invention presents a curtain rod where a curtain can be installed to surround all sides of a user, to prevent soapy water from splashing to the bathroom walls and floors, making the bathroom dirty.
In addition, the shower curtain can efficiently and conveniently be assembled or detached so that it can be promptly installed before use and removed after use. The curtain rod allows for efficient and convenient removal of a disposable shower curtain that has been soiled with soapy water after shower.
In addition, the invention provides the shower curtain that blocks users from all directions, preventing soapy water from splashing on the bathroom walls and floors, while making it easier for users. located inside the shower curtain, to use faucets and showers, which are located outside the shower curtain.
The objectives of the invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objectives not mentioned here will become apparent in the description of the claims cited below.
An all-around curtain rod or a four-side surrounding curtain rod according to the present invention includes a rod body, a fixing unit, and a free end. The rod body, along which a curtain is deployed and by which the curtain is supported, is coupled with one end of the fixing unit. The rod body is formed in such a manner as surrounding four sides of a user. The fixing unit is fixable to a given structure. The free end, which is one open end of the rod body, allows the curtain to couple with and separate from the rod body. In addition, the fixing unit is coupled to the given structure in an attachable and detachable manner.
In an embodiment, the four-side surrounding curtain rod may further include at least one of slip prevention unit which prevents the curtain from moving along the rod body.
In an embodiment, the four-side surrounding curtain rod may include an insertion groove and a push button. The slip prevention unit can be inserted into the insertion groove. The slip prevention unit is inserted into the insertion groove and springs out of the insertion groove upon operation of the push button.
In an embodiment, at least a portion of the rod body may be structured to be adjustable in length.
In addition, the free end may include a separation prevention unit which prevents the curtain from being separated from the rod body.
The shower curtain may include a hanging unit coupled to the curtain rod and a cutting unit capable of being cut in a line shape. In addition, the shower curtain may further include insertion holes and a strap. The insertion holes are formed through the curtain, and are arranged side by side. The strap passes through the insertion holes.
In another embodiment, the shower curtain may include a linear band within which a passage is formed, and a strap. The strap is accommodated inside the linear band and passes through the passage. The both ends of the strap are exposed outside of the linear band.
According to the curtain and the all-around curtain rod of the present invention, which aims to solve the problems cited above, the curtain can be installed to surround four sides of a user, preventing soapy water from splashing to the bathroom walls and floors and making the bathroom dirty. This yields the advantage of allowing the user to maintain the cleanliness of the bathroom and prevent the growth of mold and germs.
In addition, a cutting unit provided on the curtain allows the user, located inside the curtain, to use a faucet and a showerhead, which are located outside the curtain, with ease, while preventing soapy water from splashing to the wall that the faucet and the showerhead is attached to.
In addition, since the present invention obviates the need to clean soapy water splashed on the walls, it saves the user's effort and time.
In addition, the connection or the removal of the curtain to the curtain rod through the free end of the curtain rod is simple and efficient, unlike a conventional shower curtain rod that requires the trouble of removing the entire curtain rod or individually placing each shower hook over the curtain rod to hang the curtain to the curtain rod. Thus, the present invention allows for a simple and efficient replacement process.
In addition, since the connection and removal of the curtain through the free end of the curtain rod is convenient and efficient, it is easy to use a disposable curtain.
The use of the disposable curtain obviates the need to clean soapy water splashed on the inner surface of the curtain. It saves the user's effort and time for a cleanup.
In addition, the use of the disposable curtain allows for the separation of and disposal of the wet curtain from the curtain rod. This prevents water residues and allows for the maintenance of low humidity in the bathroom, and thus prevents the growth of mold and germs. Thus, it is possible to maintain the cleanliness of the bathroom.
In addition, as the disposable shower curtain does not have to remain hung when not in use, it does not consume space. This allows for the maximization of bathroom space and the user's comfort in the bathroom.
In addition, even if the curtain remains hung, it is possible to fold the curtain towards the inner wall. Thus, when not in use, the curtain does not separate the bathroom space, allowing for the maximization of bathroom space and the user's comfort in the bathroom
In addition, the present invention is safer than a conventional shower booth made of glass.
In addition, installation of the curtain rod of the present invention is more cost-effective than that of the conventional shower booth.
In addition, unlike the conventional shower booth that consumes a significant amount of space, the installation of the curtain rod of the present invention is not restricted by the amount of vacant space available in the bathroom. Therefore, it can be used even in a small bathroom.
Also, when installed within a shower booth, it prevents splashing of soapy water on the walls of the bathroom and the inner walls of the shower booth. Thus, the invention allows the user to maintain the cleanliness of the inside of the shower booth without the trouble of cleaning.
In addition, it prevents the splashing of soapy water in the bathroom during a shower. As the curtain can promptly be disposed of after a single use, the user can conveniently remove water residues on the inner surface of the shower curtain and maintain low humidity in the bathroom.
Therefore, by eliminating the cause of the uncleanliness or the growth of mold in the bathroom, the present invention allows for the long-term maintenance of the cleanliness of the bathroom and reduces the total number of times the user must consume to clean the bathroom.
The advantages of the present invention are not limited to those advantages mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will become apparent in the description of the claims cited below.
Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In describing embodiments, the same designation and the same numeral reference are used to refer to the same part, and additional description thereon will be omitted.
An all-around curtain rod or a four-side surrounding curtain rod according to the present invention can be implemented as follows.
The curtain rod (100) includes: a rod body (120) along which a curtain (200) is deployed and by which the curtain (200) is supported: a fixing unit (110), which is coupled to a fixed end of the rod body (120) and is fixable to a given structure such as a wall, a ceiling, or a bathtub; and a free end (130) of the rod body (120). The curtain (200) can be coupled with and removed from the rod body (120) through the free end (130) of the rod body (120). The rod body (120) is formed in such a manner as surrounding four sides of a user.
Hereinafter, each of the elements mentioned above will be described in detail.
The fixing unit (110) can be fixed to a given structure, such as a wall surface, a ceiling, or a bathtub of a bathroom, and may be fixed by drilling a wall surface with bolts or screws.
Alternatively, it may be equipped with an adhesive surface that may adhere to the wall surface, the ceiling, or the bathtub of the bathroom. Alternatively, it may be equipped with an elastic material that can be compressed onto such surfaces as the wall surface, the ceiling, or the bathtub of the bathroom in an attachable and detachable manner.
These are mere examples and thus the fixing unit (110) may be attached to bathroom structures in various forms depending on the context in which the invention is applied.
In addition, the curtain rod includes two or more the fixing units (110) that are in contact with such surfaces as the wall surface, the ceiling, or the bathtub of the bathroom, in order to more securely support the curtain rod of the invention.
The fixing unit (110) may be provided adjacent to one end (fixed end) of the rod body (120). The rod both (120) is secured midair at a predetermined height, as the fixing unit (110) is coupled with such surfaces as the wall surface, ceilings, or the bathtub of the bathroom. In one embodiment of the invention, the rod body (120) is arranged adjacent to the ceiling surface but may also be arranged to be spaced apart from the ceiling surface by a given interval.
In addition, the rod body (120) may be connected to the fixing unit in various forms, such as being integrally formed with the fixing unit or inserted into an insertion groove formed in the fixing unit. In addition, the rod body (120) may be separated from the fixing unit. The rod body (120) may be in a rod form, with an elongated linear shape. The cross section of the rod body (120) may be a rectangular or a circular shape, but not limited thereto. Instead, its cross section may be in various shapes.
In addition, the rod body (120) is coupled with one side of the fixing unit (110). As shown in
The free end (130) may be formed to pass the fixed end of the rod body (120). Alternatively, the free end (130) may extend to pass a point where the rod body (120) is located. Alternatively, the free end (130) may extend to pass the point where the rod body (120) is coupled with the fixing unit (110). Accordingly, the rod body (120) may be arranged to surround the four sides of the user and may further extend so that any portion of the rod body (120) is double-layered.
Therefore, when the curtain (200) is connected to the curtain rod (100), a portion of one end of the curtain (200) may overlap a portion of the other end on any one of the four sides of the user. In effect, all four sides surrounding the user are sufficiently blocked.
In addition, as illustrated in
Of the many hanging units (210) that has entered the rod body (120) through the free end (130), at least one hanging unit (210) may be located between the slip prevention unit (140) and the free end (130).
Therefore, the user can insert a batch of multiple hanging units (210) through the free end (130) at once and then pull the other end of the curtain (200), so that the curtain (200) can be deployed as the multiple hanging units (210) slide along the rod body (120).
That is, the slip prevention unit (140) prevents the hanging unit (210), positioned between the slip prevention unit (140) and the flee end (130), from sliding. That is, the slip prevention unit (140) forms a fixation point. In effect, the slip prevention unit (140) prevents unwanted sliding of the curtain (200).
In addition, the slip prevention unit (140) may prevent the separation of the curtain (200) from the rod body (120) through the free end (130).
In an embodiment, the slip prevention unit (140) may be integrated with the rod body (120), but is not limited to such a structure. In another embodiment, the slip prevention unit (140) may be detachably coupled to a groove which is formed in the rod body (120) or may be detachably coupled around the rod body (120).
In addition, the rod body (120) may include a push button (160). The push button (160) includes the slip prevention unit (140) and an insertion groove (150). The slip prevention unit (140) is inserted into the insertion groove (150). When the slip prevention unit is pushed down towards the insertion groove (150), the height of the slip prevention unit (140) protruding out is lowered. Conversely, when the lowered slip prevention unit (140) is pushed down once more, the slip prevention unit springs out away from the insertion groove (150). As a result, the height of the slip prevention unit (140) protruding out is restored.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the push button (160) may further include a spring, a cam connected to an end of the spring, a plunger, a guiding thread, and guiding groove. The plunger, which extends from one side of the slip prevention unit (140), is equipped with multiple notches on its surface, as to form a toothed side similar to a cogwheel. The guiding thread is located on the inner surface of the insertion groove, and has a toothed edge.
A portion of the guiding thread is opened to form a gap. The guiding groove, located on the inner surface of the guiding thread, leads the movement of the notches on the plunger.
When the user presses the protruding slip prevention unit (140), the plunger moves along the path that the guide groove leads, in the direction that the slip prevention unit (140) was pushed. The plunger can be moved until the cam connected to the plunger is imparted from the guiding thread located on the inner surface of the insertion groove. The imparted cam then rotates to meet the toothed edge of the plunger.
When the user releases the slip prevention unit (140), due to the elastic restoring force of the spring, the plunger and the cam connected to the plunger moves away from the insertion groove.
Then, the cam can rotate while in contact with the toothed edge, and then stop. In effect, the protruding height of the slip prevention unit (140) can remain low.
When the user presses the lowered slip prevention unit (140), the process described above is repeated.
That is, the plunger moves along the path that the guide groove leads, in the direction that the slip prevention unit (140) was pushed. The plunger can be moved until the cam connected to the plunger is imparted from the guiding thread located on the inner surface of the insertion groove.
The imparted cans then rotates to meet the toothed edge of the plunger. When the user releases the slip prevention unit (140), due to the elastic restoring force of the spring, the plunger and the cam connected to the plunger moves away from the insertion groove (150).
Then, the rotating cam that is still in contact with the toothed edge can stop when the cam reaches the gap of the guiding thread. As the result, the slip prevention unit (140) can remain protruded.
In addition, although not shown, a separation prevention unit (not shown) may be also be equipped in or coupled to the free end (130). The separation prevention unit (not shown) prevents the curtain (200) coupled with the rod body (120) from unwanted separation from the rod body (120)) through the free end (130).
As illustrated in
After the length of the rod body (120) has been adjusted as desired, fixing parts, such as bolts, can adjoin to secure the adjusted length. As described above, since the length of some portions of the rod body (120) can be adjusted, the rod body (120) can flexibly accommodate various bathrooms with diverse sizes and shapes.
A four-side surrounding shower curtain according to an embodiment of the invention may be coupled to the four-side surrounding curtain rod. The components of the four-side surrounding shower curtain are detailed in the following.
The four-side surrounding shower curtain can be coupled to the rod body (120) through the free end (130) of the four-side surrounding curtain rod, and may include hanging units (210) and the curtain (200). The hanging units (210) support the curtain on the curtain rod. Multiple hanging units (210) are placed at an upper portion of the curtain (200). The curtain (200) may be vertically pleated. However, its shape is not limited thereto. The shape may vary. As illustrated in
The cutting unit (220) is configured to be linearly cut. In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in
The cutting unit (220) functions to solve some problems that may arise due to the four-side surrounding characteristics of the curtain rod and the curtain. The cutting unit (220) allows portions of the curtain (200), corresponding to the location where a faucet and a showerhead are located, to be cut. In effect, the faucet and the showerhead, which are originally installed outside the space enclosed by the curtain (200), to enter the enclosed space.
In addition, the cutting unit (220) minimizes the open portion of the curtain (200), as it allows only a desired amount of portion to be cut, which exposes the faucets and showerheads.
Therefore, the cutting unit (220) prevents the splashing of soapy water on the walls of the bathroom much more effectively, compared with the case where two separate conventional shower curtains are installed in parallel to each other so as to enclose the space where the faucet and the showerhead are located.
In addition, as the user can cut only the necessary portion of the cutting unit (220), the invention can be flexibly applied to various bathrooms with faucets and showerheads installed at different heights.
As illustrated in
The overlapping portion (230) functions to solve some problems that may arise due to the four-side surrounding characteristics of the curtain rod and the curtain. The overlapping portion (230) allows overlapping portions of the curtain (200), corresponding to the location where a faucet and a showerhead are located, to be cut or widen a preexisting gap. In effect, the faucet and the showerhead, which are originally installed outside the space enclosed by the curtain (200), are allowed to enter the enclosed area.
In addition, the overlapping portion (230) minimizes the open portion of the curtain (200), as it only allows the portion corresponding to the location where a faucet and a showerhead are located to be cut or preexisting gap to be widened. Therefore, the overlapping portion (230) prevents the splashing of soapy water on the walls of the bathroom much more effectively, compared with the case where two separate conventional shower curtains are installed in parallel to each other so as to enclose the space where the faucet and the showerhead are located.
In addition, as the overlapping portion (230) allows the user to cut only the necessary portion of the curtain or widen preexisting gap only to the necessary degree, the invention can be flexibly applied to various bathrooms with faucets and showerheads installed at different heights.
As shown in
When the hanging units (210) are packaged to form at least one lump, the hanging units (210) may collectively enter through the free end (130) in bulk, to be connected to the curtain rod.
Therefore, it is much more convenient and efficient to connect the curtain to the curtain rod than individually connecting multiple scattered hanging units (210) through the free end (130).
The hanging units (210) packaged to form at least one lump may be unpackaged after being connected to the rod body (120) and be deployed by sliding along the rod body (210).
At least one of the hanging units (210) adjacent to the free end (130) may be located between the slip prevention unit (140) and the free end (130).
As such, when the user pulls the curtain (200) and slides the hanging units (210) along the rod body (120), the hanging unit (210) located between the slip prevention unit (140) and the free end (130) is blocked by the slip prevention unit (140) from sliding.
Accordingly, the curtain (200) is deployed easily, and prevents unwanted movement of the curtain (200). Thus, the curtain (200) can block all sides of the shower space.
The hanging units (210) may be packaged to form at least one lump via various means, such as the use of compressed film, a thread, a string, and a tape.
In addition, the shape of the hanging unit (210) is not limited to the shape of a hook. It may come in various forms such as: an open ring as shown in
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the free end (130) of the curtain rod (100) is free. This allows convenient and efficient connection and removal of the curtain (200), and thus allows the use of a disposable curtain (200).
As the disposable curtain (200) can promptly be disposed of after the user takes the shower, the disposable curtain (200) obviates the need for the user to clean soapy water from the inner surface of the curtain, thereby saving the user's effort and time.
In addition, water residue on the wet curtain (200) is removed when the disposable curtain (200) is disposed away. Thus, low humidity can be maintained in the bathroom, and the cause of odor or mold growth in the bathroom can be eliminated.
In addition, since the curtain (200) blocks all four sides of the user, it prevents the contamination of the bathroom by the splashing of soapy water from the shower. As the water residue on the wet curtain (200) is disposed with the disposable curtain (200), low humidity can be maintained in the bathroom, and the cause of odor or mold growth in the bathroom can be eliminated. In effect, the disposable curtain (200) reduces the total number of times the user must consume to clean the bathroom.
In addition, when the disposable curtain (200) does not consume bathroom space when not in use.
As shown in
The insertion holes (240) are linearly arranged, in the direction in which the curtain (200) is deployed. One end of the long strap (250) may be fixed to the curtain (200) or insertion holes (240). The fixation may be achieved in various ways: the strap (250) may be tied, adhered, backstitched, or be a part of the curtain, for example. The user can pull the other end of the strap (250) and push the curtain (200) in the opposite direction thereto. By doing so, the user can easily fold the curtain (200) into a compact size and dispose easily. In addition, the vertical pleats of the curtain (200) can guide the curtain (200) as the curtain (200) is being folded.
The insertion holes (240) and the strap (250) guide the curtain (200) as the curtain (200) is being folded. Thus, the insertion holes (240) and the strap (250) make the removal and the disposal of the curtain (200) more efficient and convenient.
In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in
As shown in
The linear band (260) spans the curtain (200) linearly, in the direction in which the curtain (200) is deployed. One end of the long strap (250) may be fixed to the curtain (200) or the linear band (260). The fixation may be achieved in various ways: the strap (250) may be tied, adhered, backstitched, or be a part of the curtain, for example. The user can pull the other end of the strap (250) and push the curtain (200) in the direction opposite thereto. By doing so, the user can easily fold the curtain (200) into a compact size and dispose easily.
The way in which the curtain (200) is folded is not limited to the examples mentioned above. In another embodiment, other ways can be employed.
The linear band (260) and the strap (250) guide the curtain (200) as the curtain (200) is being folded. Thus, the linear band (260) and the strap (250) make the removal and the disposal of the curtain (200) more efficient and convenient.
In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in
Thus far, the preferred embodiment of the invention have been explored. It is apparent for a person having an ordinary skill in the art that this invention may be modified in various forms not explicitly described above, if it does not deviate from the scope and the spirit of this invention.
Therefore, the embodiments described above are illustrative rather than restrictive, and accordingly, the invention is not limited to the above description and may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2017-0162852 | Nov 2017 | KR | national |
This application is a national entry application of International Application No. PCT/KR2018!014886 filed on Nov. 29, 2018, which claims priority to Korean Application No. 10-2017-0162852 filed on Nov. 30, 2017, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/KR2018/014886 | 11/29/2018 | WO | 00 |
