Patent Grant
10307021
N/A
Various embodiments relate generally to shower caddies and, more specifically, relate to knockdown shower caddies.
This section is intended to provide a background or context. The description may include concepts that may be pursued, but have not necessarily been previously conceived or pursued. Unless indicated otherwise, what is described in this section is not deemed prior art to the description and claims and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Consumer goods such as plastic shower caddies are typically molded as a single, unitary piece. This simplifies the process of fabrication. Shower caddies may also be made from metal wire alone or in combination with plastic, bamboo or other materials. A typical shower caddy of conventional configuration comprises a substantially rectangular frame, a receptacle typically dimensioned to hold several bottles, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc., and optionally a soap dish. The receptacle and soap dish are disposed within the rectangular frame and project outwards on a common side of the frame. In use, the top of the rectangular frame is disposed over an object projecting from a wall. Most commonly, the object is a pipe to which a shower head is attached. The rectangular frame is then proximate the shower enclosure wall and the receptacle and soap dish project outwards, away from the wall and towards a user.
However, a single piece consumer product such as a unitary shower caddy suffers from several drawbacks. First, an elongated frame means the product itself requires a larger amount of space for storage and display in a retail setting. Thus, a retailer is able to stock and display fewer products per unit volume. Second, an elongated frame results in a more cumbersome product for transportation and storage by a consumer. Third, a fixed, elongated frame necessitates larger product packaging. Fourth, such a frame means fewer finished products may be shipped per unit volume from a manufacturer to a distributor and to the retailer. Finally, an elongated frame increases the risk of breakage during shipment, on display in a retail setting, and during transportation by a consumer. Collectively, these drawbacks mean higher costs for the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer, a more expensive product for the consumer, and a less resilient product.
The below summary is merely representative and non-limiting.
The above problems are overcome, and other advantages may be realized, by the use of the embodiments.
In order to address the above identified issues, the present disclosure includes a shower caddy with a knock down or telescoping frame. For shipment, on retailer shelves and while on display, the novel shower caddy is preferably maintained in a closed configuration. In this configuration, the total volume required for each unit is significantly less than when the frame is in an extended or open configuration, such as when configured for use. This leads to lower shipping costs because the volume required by plural units is reduced, lower storage costs because more units may be stored by a distributor or retailer as compared to a unitary item, and greater convenience to a consumer since the item is more easily transported to the home and may be more easily stored when not in use.
The telescopic functionality may be achieved by providing two frame portions: an upper portion and a lower portion, with free, downwardly projecting ends of the upper portion being received within free, upwardly projecting ends of the lower portion. Each of the open and closed configurations is maintained through frictional engagement between the two portions. Such frictional engagement may be the result of mechanical interference between one or more elements, including a projection on an outer surface of the upper portion that is received within a receptacle on an inner surface of the lower portion. Alternatively, the projection may be on the inner surface of the lower portion, and the receptacle may be on the outer surface of the upper portion. A single projection on each side of the frame may be employed with two or more respective receptacles, each receptacle for maintaining the two portions in respective configurations. Other means of maintaining the relative positions of the two portions may be employed, or none may be employed.
A variety of ornamental features may be applied to or in one or more portions of the presently disclosed shower caddy without departing from the telescoping concept. Additional features may also be provided, including small hooks projecting from one or both frame portions. One or more features may be provided in conjunction with the frame for enabling installation over a shower pipe.
Aspects of the described embodiments are more evident in the following description, when read in conjunction with the attached Figures.
This patent application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/419,144, filed Nov. 8, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In
The receptacle 14 in an illustrative embodiment is provided with perforations arranged in a pattern that is pleasing from a design perspective. The perforations also reduce weight and reduce the quantity of material required to fabricate the shower caddy, thus reducing cost, without sacrificing the integrity of the receptacle. Further still, the perforations facilitate airflow within the receptacle, thus enhancing water evaporation and inhibiting the growth of mold or fungus on the receptacle floor. While not visible in the figures, the floor of the receptacle may also be provided with perforations for the same reasons.
The soap dish 16 in the illustrative embodiment is also provided with perforations, as particularly visible in
In
Exemplary and non-limiting dimensions for the illustrative embodiment are shown in
As seen in
In
Retaining plates 18 are affixed over the lower frame portion in
Optionally, mechanical features may be provided on the upper frame free ends and lower frame free ends for maintaining the relative position between the two portions. For example, the upper frame free ends may each have one or more mechanical features projecting from an outer surface thereof, and the lower frame free ends may have one or more complimentary mechanical features on an interior surface thereof that selectively cooperate with those on the upper frame free ends. As an example, the mechanical features may be slight protrusions and apertures for receiving the protrusions. Force imparting relative motion between the upper and lower portions causes a slight deformation of the member bearing the protrusion as it is drawn out of the respective aperture. Once the protrusion is aligned with another aperture, the member relaxes as the protrusion enters the aperture and is retained therein.
Alternatively, no mechanical features are provided on the upper and lower frame portions. In such an embodiment, the frame is free is slide between the closed configuration and the open configuration. In use, the shower caddy is in the open configuration. Thus, the weight of shampoo or conditioner bottles in the receptacle or soap in the soap tray will tend to keep the shower caddy in the open, use configuration.
The components of the presently disclosed telescoping shower caddy are fabricated from polypropylene in an illustrative embodiment, with the addition of a resilient material such as rubber for the shower head pipe feature 20. Other suitable materials may be employed.
A major advantage of a knock down or telescopic shower caddy, as previously described, is the ability to package a number of units in a smaller volume for shipment or storage as compared to the volume required for a prior art unitary shower caddy. In
The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments. However, other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. Modifications to the above-described systems may be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the invention should not be viewed as limited by the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, various features of the described embodiments may be used without the corresponding use of other features. Thus, this description should be read as merely illustrative of various principles, and not in limitation of the invention.
Many changes in the details, materials, and arrangement of parts and steps, herein described and illustrated, can be made by those skilled in the art in light of teachings contained hereinabove. Accordingly, it will be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein and can include practices other than those specifically described, and are to be interpreted as broadly as allowed under the law.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20180125306 A1 | May 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62419144 | Nov 2016 | US |
