A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
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REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX
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BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates generally to mounting accessories (e.g., objects such as caddies, containers, shelves, racks, and so on) to vertical surfaces. In particular, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods of for mounting accessories to vertical surfaces in wet environments, such as shower walls or sinks.
Conventional apparatuses for mounting accessories to vertical surfaces in wet environments include adhesives, suction cups, and mechanical means such as hooks. Such conventional apparatuses present issues of resiliency or limitations of mounting locations. For example, conventional apparatuses that utilize suction cups in order to mount accessories to vertical surfaces typically accumulate wear-and-tear in the suction cups and/or accumulate debris and other material in between the suction cups and vertical surfaces, thereby limiting the amount of time the suction cups may be used to secure an accessory component to vertical surfaces. Moreover, inadvertent contacts between a user and the accessory component secured to a vertical surface via suction cups may result in an immediate loss in suction, thereby causing the accessory component to fall to the floor. As another example, conventional apparatuses that utilize adhesives typically accumulate debris and water among the adhesive (e.g., in between the accessory component and the vertical surface), thereby breaking down the adhesive and limiting the amount of time the adhesive may be used to secure an accessory component to a vertical surface. As yet another example, conventional apparatuses that utilize hooks are typically limited to particular locations on the vertical surface that are amenable to the hooks (e.g., tops of shower walls, shower heads, etc.).
What is needed, then, are improvements in apparatuses and methods for securing accessories to wet vertical surfaces such as shower walls or sinks.
BRIEF SUMMARY
This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
One aspect of the present disclosure is a mounting apparatus for a vertical surface. The apparatus may include a an engagement panel secured to one or more walls that form a shower enclosure, one or more accessory components disposed within an internal region of the shower enclosure, and one or more engagement members fixed to each of the one or more accessory components. Each of the one or more engagement members may magnetically engage the engagement panel, such that each of the one or more accessory components are secured to the one or more walls.
In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a protective panel and one or more engagement members fixed to the protective panel. Each of the one or more engagement members fixed to the protective panel may magnetically engage the engagement panel, such that the protective panel is secured to the engagement panel and the engagement panel is disposed between the protective panel and the adhesive panel.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of mounting one or more accessory components to a vertical surface. The method may include fixing an engagement panel to the vertical surface by positioning an adhesive panel between the vertical surface and the engagement panel. The method may further include securing a protective panel to the engagement panel, such that the engagement panel is positioned between the protective panel and the adhesive panel. The protective panel may be fixed to a first one or more engagement members fixed to the protective panel, such that each of the first one or more engagement members magnetically engage the engagement panel. The method may further include securing one or more accessory components to the protective panel, such that each of the engagement panel, the protective panel, and the adhesive panel are disposed between the one or more accessory components and the vertical surface. The one or more accessory components may each be fixed to a second one or more engagement members, such that each of the second one or more engagement members magnetically engage the engagement panel.
Numerous other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon a review of the following drawings and description of a preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is perspective view of a mounting apparatus implemented in a shower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 securing an accessory component within the shower of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mounting apparatus implemented in a shower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 further including a protective panel, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6A is a top view of the protective panel of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the protective panel of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6C is a side cross-sectional view of the protective panel of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 further including protective tiles, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the protective tile of FIG. 7 provided in the shape of a rectangle, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8B is a top view of the protective tile of FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8C is a bottom view of the protective panel of FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8D is a side cross-sectional view of the protective panel of FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the protective tile of FIG. 7 provided in the shape of a square, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9B is a top view of the protective tile of FIG. 9A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9C is a bottom view of the protective panel of FIG. 9A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9D is a side cross-sectional view of the protective panel of FIG. 9A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the protective tile of FIG. 7 provided in the shape of a triangle, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10B is a top view of the protective tile of FIG. 10A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10C is a bottom view of the protective panel of FIG. 10A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10D is a side cross-sectional view of the protective panel of FIG. 10A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the protective tile of FIG. 7 provided in the shape of a hexagon, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11B is a top view of the protective tile of FIG. 11A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11C is a bottom view of the protective panel of FIG. 11A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11D is a side cross-sectional view of the protective panel of FIG. 11A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the protective tile of FIG. 7 provided in the shape of a circle, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12B is a top view of the protective tile of FIG. 12A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12C is a bottom view of the protective panel of FIG. 12A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12D is a side cross-sectional view of the protective panel of FIG. 12A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mounting apparatus implemented in a shower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 13 securing an accessory component within the shower of FIG. 13, according to some embodiments.
FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a shower with a floor mat, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 securing the floor mat of FIG. 17 within the shower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the floor mat of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 19B is a top view of the floor mat of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 19C is a bottom view of the floor mat of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 19D is a side cross-sectional view of the floor mat of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 securing a shelf within the shower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 21A is a top view of the shelf of FIG. 20, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 21B is a front view of the shelf of FIG. 20, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 21C is a side cross-sectional view of the shelf of FIG. 20, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 securing a soap holder within the shower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 23A is a top view of the soap holder of FIG. 22, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 23B is a front view of the soap holder of FIG. 22, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 23C is a side cross-sectional view of the soap holder of FIG. 22, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 securing a towel rack within the shower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 25A is a top view of the towel rack of FIG. 24, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 25B is a front view of the towel rack of FIG. 24, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 25C is a side cross-sectional view of the towel rack of FIG. 24, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 securing a multi-purpose rack within the shower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 27A is a perspective view of the multi-purpose rack of FIG. 26, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 27B is a top view of the multi-purpose rack of FIG. 26, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 27C is a bottom view of the multi-purpose rack of FIG. 26, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 securing multiple accessories within the shower, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a mounting apparatus implemented in a shower via a rail-and-lock device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 30 is a detailed view of the apparatus of FIG. 29, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 29 securing an accessory component within the shower of FIG. 29, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that are embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.
Referring generally to the FIGURES, a mounting apparatus for a vertical surface (apparatus) 10 is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As generally discussed herein, the vertical surface may be one or more shower walls. Accordingly, the apparatus 10 addresses various problems regarding securing accessory components and other devices to shower walls (e.g., poor security in the engagement between the accessory and the shower wall, lack of customization in locations that accessory components can be secured to shower walls, etc.). However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the apparatuses and methods provided for herein can be analogously applied to other vertical surfaces presenting similar problems, such as sinks, kitchens, animal wash facilities, and so on. In other words, the embodiments discussed herein are intended to be exemplary and non-limiting.
As mentioned above, the apparatus 10 is generally discussed herein as applied to shower environments. For example, the apparatus 10 may be implemented on a shower 50, which includes a first wall 52, a second wall 53, a third wall 54, and a base 55. The walls 52-54 (alone or in combination representing the aforementioned vertical surface) and the base 55 form a shower enclosure with an internal region 51. In general, the shower 50 may function as typical showers do. For example, the shower 50 may further include a shower faucet, which provides water into the internal region 51, and a drain which discharges the water from the shower 50. Such water being provided to the shower 50 presents typical issues for securing accessories to the walls 52-54, which may be addressed by the apparatus 10 as discussed below.
In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 10 includes an engagement panel 57, which may be a thin surface of material fixed to a surface of the shower 50 (e.g., one or more of the walls 52-54) using an adhesive panel 56. As discussed in greater detail below, various accessories may be secured to one or more of the walls 52-54 via magnetic engagement between the engagement panel 57 and one or more corresponding engagement members on the accessories and/or devices. In order to provide such magnetic engagement, the engagement panel 57 may be constructed of any suitable magnet known in the art. As a first example, the engagement panel 57 may, in its entirety, be a magnet. As another example, the engagement panel 57 may have a main body of a non-magnet (e.g., plastic, rubber, fiberglass, metal, etc.) and one or more suitable magnets embedded or disposed at various locations distributed about the surface area of the engagement panel 57.
In various embodiments discussed below, the engagement panel 57 is sized to substantially match the dimensions of one or more of the walls 52-54, thereby providing for a large surface area that may be used for securing accessories to the wall(s) 52-54. Given the comparative size between the wall(s) 52-54 and some accessories, this may advantageously provide for custom placement of the accessories on various locations on the surface area of the engagement panel 57, and thus the wall(s) 52-54. In other embodiments discussed below, the engagement panel 57 is smaller than the dimensions of the wall(s) 52-54, and rather is retained within a smaller component, such as a shower tile. Of course, multiple engagement panels 57 may be provided in such embodiments in order to similarly provide a large surface area for custom placement of various accessories.
As mentioned above, the adhesive panel 56 may fix the engagement panel 57 to a surface of the shower 50. As a first example, the adhesive panel 56 may be a layer of adhesive material, such as silicone rubber adhesive or some other suitable material. As another example, the adhesive panel 56 may be a light-weight panel (e.g., constructed of plastic, rubber, thin metal, etc.) that is coated in a similar adhesive material. As another example still, the adhesive panel 56 and the engagement panel 57 may be combined in the sense that the engagement panel 57 may be coated with a layer of suitable adhesive material. Advantageously, the adhesive panel 56 may offer a sealed engagement between the engagement panel 57 and the surface of the shower 50 that is resistant to water and/or other debris produced during operation of the shower 50.
The adhesive panel 56 may be suitably sized to provide a sealed and secure engagement between the engagement panel 57 and the surface of the shower 50. For example, the dimensions of the adhesive panel 56 may substantially match the height and width of the engagement panel 57. Thus, the adhesive panel 56 may provide a sealed engagement between the engagement panel 57 and the surface of the shower 50. Accordingly, the adhesive panel 56 may not only prevent degradation of the engagement panel 57, but also degradation of the secure engagement between the engagement panel 57 and the surface of the shower 50.
Referring to now to FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus 10 is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown with particular reference to FIG. 1, the engagement panel 57 may be dimensioned (e.g., in terms of height and width) to substantially match the dimensions of the second shower wall 52. As described in greater detail below, the engagement panel 57 may be magnetically engaged with a first one or more engagement members 60 and/or a second one or more engagement members 68.
As shown with particular reference to FIG. 3, the engagement panel 57 and the adhesive panel 56 may be disposed within the second wall 53, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the second wall 53 may include an outer component 53a, an inner component 53b (located closer to the internal region 51 of the shower 50 than the outer component 53a), and a hollow interior (e.g., passage) 53c formed between the outer and inner components 53a, 53b. Thus, in some embodiments, the engagement panel 57 may be disposed within the hollow interior 53c. For example, the adhesive panel 56 may be secured to the inner component 53b within the hollow interior 53c and the engagement panel 57, in turn, may be secured to the adhesive panel 56 within the hollow interior 53c. In some embodiments, the first and third walls 52, 54 are similarly hollow, and thus the engagement panel may similarly extend through and be retained within multiple (or all) of the walls 52-54.
As mentioned above, various accessories may be secured to one or more of the walls 52-54 via magnetic engagement between the engagement panel 57 and one or more corresponding engagement members on the accessories and/or devices. As shown with particular reference to FIG. 2, the shower 50 may include an accessory component 66 which may be secured to the second wall 53 via magnetic engagement with the engagement panel 57. For example, the accessory component 66 may include the engagement member(s) 68, which may be constructed of any suitable magnetic material such as metal. Thus, the magnetic engagement provided by the engagement panel 57 may be of a strength, when acting through the adhesive panel 56 and the inner component 53b of the second wall 53, to secure the accessory component 66 to the inner component 53b via the second engagement member(s) 68. While the accessory component 66 is depicted here as a caddy or a container, other accessories 66 (and, of course, multiple accessories 66) may similarly be mounted via the apparatus 10 as provided herein. Other embodiments of the accessory component 66 are discussed with reference to FIGS. 17-28.
As suggested above, the engagement panel 57 may be sized to substantially match the dimensions of the second wall 53, thereby providing for a large surface area that may be used for securing the accessory component 66 to the second wall 53, as shown with particular reference to FIG. 2. Given the comparative size between the second wall 53 and the accessory component 66, this may advantageously provide for custom placement of the accessory component 66 on various locations of the second wall 53. For example, rather than being placed on the second wall 53 as shown, the accessory component 66 may be placed further upwards, downwards, to the left, and to the right. Moreover, additional accessories may be secured to the second wall 53, given the substantial amount of available space remaining to secure accessories to the second wall 53. Of course, the engagement panel 57 may be extended and further secured to the first and third walls 52, 54, or additional engagement panels 57 may be secured to the first and third walls 52, 54, thereby providing even more available space to secure accessories to the wall(s) 52-54. Further, as discussed above, inadvertent contacts between a user and the accessory component secured to a vertical surface via conventional apparatuses may result in an immediate loss in engagement between the accessory component and the shower wall, thereby causing the accessory component to fall to the floor. By providing the apparatus 10 as depicted herein, however, inadvertent contacts between a user and the accessory component 66 may, at most, cause a shift in the position of the accessory component 66 on the shower wall that the accessory component 66 is secured thereto using the apparatus 10, due to the large surface area of magnetic engagement provided by the engagement panel 57. In many cases, the magnetic engagement provided by the engagement panel 57 is strong enough such that most inadvertent contacts between a user and the apparatus 66 do not result in a shift in position of the accessory component 66 at all.
Referring now to FIGS. 4-12D, another implementation of the apparatus 10 is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown with particular reference to FIG. 4, the engagement panel 57 may be secured (via the adhesive panel 56) to outer surfaces of the wall(s) 52-54, and therefore within the interior region 51 of the shower 50 (rather than within the walls 52-54, as suggested above with reference to FIGS. 1-3). In some embodiments, the engagement panel 57 may be secured to each of the walls 52-54 via one or more adhesive panels 56. For example, a single engagement panel 57 (and, in some cases, a single adhesive panel 56) may be bent or creased where the first wall 52 meets the second wall 53, and/or where the second wall 53 meets the third wall 54. In other embodiments, multiple individual engagement panels 57 may be secured to each of the walls 52-54 by one or more individual adhesive panels 56.
In some embodiments, and as shown with particular reference to FIGS. 5-12D, the apparatus 10 further includes a protective panel (e.g., a wall mat) 58. The protective panel 58 may be secured to the engagement panel 57, such that the engagement panel 57 is disposed between the adhesive panel 56 and the protective panel 58. In some embodiments, the protective panel 58 is made of a soft or flexible material. As an example, the protective panel 58 may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, silicone, rubber, flexible plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride), and so on. In other embodiments, the protective panel 58 is made of a hard material that mimics typical surfaces of the shower 50. As another example, the protective panel may be made of ceramic material, rigid plastic (e.g., unplasticized polyvinyl chloride), glass, and so on. In various embodiments, the protective panel 58 is configured to substantially match the appearance (e.g., color, texture, etc.) of the shower 50 as it as typically provided (e.g., without the apparatus 10) in order to provide the advantages of the apparatus 10 as discussed herein without substantially changing the appearance of the shower 50.
In some embodiments, and as shown with reference to FIGS. 5-6C, the protective panel 58 is sized to substantially match the dimensions of the engagement panel 57 and the adhesive panel 56 (and, thus, the walls 52-54). In other embodiments, and as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 7-12D, the protective panel 58 may be provided as one or more smaller components, such as shower tiles.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 6A-6C, the protective panel 58 is shown in greater detail, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the protective panel 58 may be fixed to the first engagement member(s) 60. The first engagement member(s) 60 may be fixed to the protective panel 58 via one or more adhesive members (e.g., strips of adhesive, layers of adhesive, deposits of adhesive, etc.) 59.
In some embodiments, and as shown, the first engagement member(s) 60 form rectangular strips and are defined on the surface of the protective panel 58 such that the first engagement member(s) 60 extend vertically along a left and right edge of the protective panel 58 when the protective panel 58 is secured to the engagement panel 57. Thus, the protective panel 58 may be secured to one or more of the walls 52-54 by orienting the protective panel 58 such that the first engagement member(s) 60 extend vertically and face one or more of the walls 52-54. In turn, the protective panel 58 may be positioned to match the dimensions of the engagement panel 57 (e.g., one or more of the walls 52-54), and placed in position such that the engagement panel 57 magnetically engages the first engagement member(s) 60, thereby securing the protective panel 58 to the engagement panel 57 (and thus the wall(s) 52-54).
In other embodiments, the first engagement member(s) 60 still form rectangular strips, but conversely are defined on the surface of the protective panel 58 such that the first engagement member(s) 60 extend horizontally along a top and bottom edge of the protective panel 58 when the protective panel 58 is secured to the engagement panel 57. In other embodiments still, the first engagement member(s) 60 are defined on the surface of the protective panel 58 such that the first engagement member(s) 60 extend horizontally along the top and bottom edges of the protective panel 58, as well as vertically along the left and right edges of the protective panel 58. In some cases of such embodiments, the first engagement member(s) 60 are defined on the surface of the protective panel 58 such that they simply define a continuous perimeter about the edges of the protective panel 58. In even other embodiments, the first engagement member(s) 60 are defined on the surface of the protective panel 58 in other suitable configurations for securing the protective panel 58 to the engagement panel 57, such as in squares on the corners of the protective panel 58, forming a cross in a diagonal (e.g., ‘X’) or standard (e.g., ‘+’) fashion, covering the entire surface of the protective panel 58, and so on.
As mentioned above, and as shown with particular reference to FIGS. 7-12D, the protective panel 58 may be provided as one or more smaller components, such as shower tiles. For example, as shown with particular reference to FIG. 7, the protective panel 58 may be provided in the apparatus 10 as one or more protective tiles 61. In some embodiments, the protective tile(s) 61 are arranged to cover the entirety of the engagement panel 57. In other embodiments, and as shown, the protective tile(s) 61 are provided in a custom arrangement on the wall(s) 52-54 over one or more regions of the engagement panel 57. As suggested above, in some embodiments, the protective tile(s) 61 may be made of a ceramic material, similar to conventional tiles. In other embodiments, the protective tile(s) 61 are made of some other suitable material.
As shown with particular reference to FIGS. 8A-12D, the protective tile(s) 61 may each include the aforementioned first engagement member(s) 60 fixed to the protective the protective tile 61 by the aforementioned adhesive member(s) 59, similar to the configuration of the engagement panel 58 as described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C. Depending on the implementation, the tile(s) 61 may be provided in the shape of a rectangle (see FIGS. 8A-8D), a square (see FIGS. 9A-9D), a triangle (see FIGS. 10A-10D), a hexagon (see FIGS. 11A-11D), a circle (see FIGS. 12A-12D), or some other shape. In various implementations, the tile(s) 61 may be provided as a combination of one or more of the aforementioned shapes in order to form the protective panel 58.
As suggested above, in some embodiments, each of the individual protective tile(s) 61 making up the protective panel 58 may include the first engagement member(s) 60 and the adhesive member(s) 59. In some embodiments, the first engagement member(s) 60 and adhesive member(s) 59 provided on each of the protective tile(s) 61 are arranged in a fashion similar to the configuration depicted with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C for the case of a single continuous protective panel 58 (downsized accordingly, of course). In other embodiments, the first engagement member(s) 60 and adhesive member(s) 59 provided on each of the protective tile(s) 61 are arranged in a different manner, such as a single adhesive member 59 and a single first engagement member 60 that are each sized to substantially match the dimensions of the protective tile 61 (rather than as strips that are arranged over and fixed to a portion of the protective tile 61, as in the case of a single continuous protective panel 58 depicted with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C).
In embodiments of the apparatus 10 that include the protective panel 58 (as depicted variously with reference to FIGS. 5-12D), the magnetic engagement provided by the engagement panel 57 may be of a strength, when acting through the adhesive panel 56 and the protective panel 58, to secure various accessories and/or devices to the protective panel 58 (and therefore the walls 52-54 of the shower 50). For example, as shown with reference to FIG. 7, the accessory component 66 is shown secured to the second wall 53. Similar to the accessory component 66 depicted with reference to FIGS. 2-3, and as described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 17-28, the accessory component 66 may include the second engagement member(s) 68 that are configured to be magnetically engaged with the engagement panel 57 through the adhesive panel 56, one of the wall(s) 52-54, and the protective panel 58.
In other embodiments discussed below, the engagement panel 57 is smaller than the dimensions of the wall(s) 52-54, and rather is retained within a smaller component, such as a shower tile. Of course, multiple engagement panels 57 may be provided in such embodiments in order to similarly provide a large surface area for custom placement of various accessories.
Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, another implementation of the apparatus 10 is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As generally discussed above, the engagement panel 57 may be provided to substantially match dimensions of the wall(s) 52-54. However, in other embodiments and as shown, the engagement panel 57 is smaller than the dimensions of the wall(s) 52-54, and rather is retained within a smaller component, such as a shower tile.
In some embodiments, the engagement panel 57 is provided as a component of an engagement tile 62 that is secured to one of the walls 52-54. For example, as shown with particular reference to FIG. 13, the engagement tile 62 may be configured to retain the engagement panel 57 for securing accessories and/or devices to one of the walls 52-54. Thus, and as shown with particular reference to FIG. 14, the engagement tile 62 may be operable to secure the accessory component 66 to the second wall 53 in a similar fashion as described above. Of course, multiple engagement panels 57 may be provided in multiple engagement tiles 62 in order to provide a large surface area for custom placement of various accessories, similar to the arrangement provided with reference to FIGS. 1-12D. For example, and as shown with particular reference to FIG. 13, the engagement tile 62 may be positioned on the second wall 53. In some embodiments, the engagement tile 62 is provided on the shower 50 among various standard tiles that make up the remaining outer surfaces of the walls 52-54. In other embodiments however, multiple or all of the tiles making up the outer surfaces of the walls 52-54 are configured the same as the engagement tile 62 (thereby providing magnetic engagement via multiple engagement panels 57). In some embodiments, then, the apparatus 10 may be implemented on the shower 50, in a configuration that includes tiles on the outer surfaces of the walls 52-54, by removing one or more of the conventional tiles and replacing them with one or more of the engagement tiles 62 configured in accordance with the apparatus 10 as provided for herein. In some embodiments, the engagement tile(s) 62 are provided in a square shape, as shown. In other embodiments, however, the engagement tile(s) 62 are provided as various shapes including, but not limited to, the shapes depicted above with reference to FIGS. 8A-12D (rectangle, triangle, hexagon, circle, etc.).
As shown with particular reference to FIG. 15, the engagement panel 57 and the adhesive panel 56 may be sized to be retained by or embedded within the surface of the engagement tile 62. Thus, the adhesive panel 56 may be configured to fix the engagement panel 57 to the engagement tile 62. In turn, the engagement tile(s) 62 may be secured among the other tiles making up the wall(s) 52-54, thereby securing the engagement tile(s) 62 (and the engagement panel(s) 57 thereon) to the wall(s) 52- 54. As a first example, some or all of the various tiles making up the wall(s) 52-54, including the engagement tile(s) 62, may be secured to the wall(s) 52-54 via a layer of adhesive, which may be similar in composition to the adhesive panel 56. As a second example and as shown with particular reference to FIG. 16, some or all of the various tiles, including the engagement tile(s) 62, may be secured to the wall(s) 52-54 via mechanical fasteners. In this sense, the engagement tile(s) 62 may each include a mechanical fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt, press-fit member, etc.) 63 attached to the engagement panel(s) 57 or some other portion of the engagement tile(s) 62. The mechanical fastener(s) 65, in turn, may be received by corresponding mechanical receiver(s) (e.g., threaded hole(s), a press-fit hole(s), etc.) 64 formed within the wall(s) 52-54. Thus, the engagement tile(s) 62 may be secured to the wall(s) 52-54, thereby providing magnetic engagement for securing one or more accessory components 66 to the wall(s) 52-54.
Referring now to FIGS. 17-28, the apparatus 10 may be operable to secure one or more accessory components 66 to the wall(s) 52-54, as discussed above. As mentioned above, the accessory component 66 may include the second engagement member(s) 68. For example, the second engagement member(s) 68 may be arranged on the accessory component 66 and function similar to the fashion in which the first engagement member(s) 60 are arranged and function in order to be operable to secure the protective panel 58 to the wall(s) 52-54 as described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C and 8A-12D. Further, and similar to the adhesive member(s) 59 that secure the first engagement member(s) 60 to the component(s) making up the protective panel 58, the second engagement member(s) 68 may be fixed to the accessory component 66 via one or more adhesive members 67. Thus, the accessory component 66 may be secured at various locations on the wall(s) 52-54 via magnetic engagement between the second engagement member(s) 68 and the engagement panel 57. It follows that the magnetic engagement between the engagement panel 57 and the second engagement member(s) 68 may be of a strength, when acting through the adhesive panel 56, one of more of the wall(s) 52-54, and the protective panel 58 (where implemented), to secure the accessory component 66 in place.
As shown with particular reference to FIGS. 17-19D, the accessory component 66 may be configured as a floor mat. For example, the accessory component 66 may typically be located on the base 52 of the shower 50 in order to provide a non-slip surface on the base 52. However, in scenarios in which it would be advantageous to remove the accessory component 66 from the base 52 (e.g., cleaning the base 52, etc.), the accessory component 66 may be secured to the wall(s) 52-54 as provided herein.
As shown with particular reference to FIGS. 20-21C, the accessory component 66 may be configured as a shelf. For example, the accessory may be secured at various positions on the wall(s) 52-54 as provided herein in order to hold various objects (e.g., soap bottles, brushes, etc.). Relatedly, and as shown with particular reference to FIGS. 22-23C, the accessory component 66 may be configured as a soap holder.
As shown with particular reference to FIGS. 24-25C, the accessory component 66 may be configured as a towel rack. For example, the accessory component 66 may include two bases, each of which retain the adhesive member(s) 67 and second engagement member(s) 68 discussed above, and a bar extending between the two bases for holding a towel. As shown with particular reference to FIGS. 26-27C. the accessory component 66 may be configured as a multi-purpose rack. For example, the accessory component 66 may include a base which simultaneously retains two or more of the embodiments of the accessory component 66 discussed above (e.g., a towel rack, a shelf, etc.), as well as additional features (e.g., brush hooks, etc.).
As shown with particular reference to FIG. 28, one or more accessory components 66 may be simultaneously secured to the wall(s) 52-54 via the apparatus 10. For example, as mentioned above, the dimensions of the engagement panel 57 may be configured to be substantially the same as the wall(s) 52-54. Given the comparative size between the walls 52-54 and the accessory component 66, this may advantageously provide for custom placement of multiple accessories 66 on various locations on the walls 52-54.
As mentioned above, conventional apparatuses for securing accessories to shower walls may be vulnerable to wear-and-tear and debris that ultimately impair the engagement between the accessory and the shower wall. Advantageously, the apparatus 10 as provided for herein, leveraging magnetic engagement between the engagement panel 57 and the second engagement member(s) 68 of the accessory component 66, retain a durable magnetic engagement that is not subject to typical wear-and-tear and other debris. Moreover, the apparatus 10 provided for herein advantageously provides for custom positioning, removal, and relocation of the various accessories 66.
Referring now to FIGS. 29-31, another implementation of the apparatus 10 is shown, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the engagement panel 57 is secured to the wall via a rail-and-lock device 69. In this sense, the engagement panel 57 may be adjustable along the horizontal length of one or more of the wall(s) 52-54. For example, as shown with reference to FIG. 30, the rail-and-lock device 69 may include a track 70 secured at or near the top of one or more of the walls 52-54 (e.g., by mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.). The track 70 may be configured to receive one or more rollers (e.g., ball bearings, etc.) 71, which each may be secured to the engagement panel 57 at or near the top of the engagement panel 57. In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 when configured as such may further include other features such as the protective panel 58 secured to the engagement panel 57. By implementing the apparatus 10 in such an arrangement, one or more accessory components 66 may be secured to the engagement panel 57, as shown with reference to FIG. 31. Advantageously, in such arrangements, the accessory component 66 may be moved (e.g., left and right) via the rail and lock device 69 without requiring the accessory(s) 66 to be removed from magnetic engagement with the engagement panel 57 (although, as discussed above, the accessory component 66 may still be removed and repositioned on the engagement panel 57).
In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing, for the sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. refer to the apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawing. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the apparatus can assume different orientations when in use.
Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful BOWL, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention.
Patent Application
20240306856
