SHELVING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

1. Field of the Inventions

The present inventions are directed to devices that can be used for organizing personal articles, for example, to shelving systems having adjustable shelves.

2. Description of the Related Art

Shelving devices, such as those commonly known as “shower caddies,” are commonly used in shower and bath enclosures to store and organize personal care articles, such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, bath sponges, washcloths, etc. Shower caddies typically include shelves or baskets for holding the personal care items.

Because shower caddies are often splashed with water, many are designed to drain quickly. However, material such as soap and shampoo residue may build up on the shelf surface or surfaces despite having a drain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

In accordance with an embodiment, a shelving system can comprise at least one elongated support member comprising at least one connecting member. At least one removable shelf member can include at least one drain and can be configured to support an article. The at least one shelf member can further comprise at least a first flange located along at least one side of said at least one shelf member. The first flange being configured to releasably connect to said at least one connecting member such that when connected, the shelf member is substantially restrained from rotating about said connecting member.

An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that mounting a shelf so as to be adjustable in both the lateral and vertical directions can provide advantages. For example, with regard to shelving systems known as “shower caddies,” users can encounter difficulties with over-sized bottles of shampoo and/or other toiletries. Such over-sized shampoo bottles are often sold through warehouse-type retail stores that offer larger-sized containers of products such as shampoo. These larger than normal sized bottles can be difficult to fit into some shower caddies. Additionally, such over-sized items can cause similar difficulties with other types of shelving systems as well. By configuring a shelving system to allow a shelf to be adjustable in both the generally lateral and generally vertical directions, the shelves can be adjusted to accommodate a variety of different sized items.

Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, a shelving system can comprise an elongated support member. The elongated support member can further comprise a series of connecting members, each spaced apart from along the length of the elongated support member. The connecting members can be configured to hold or connect to any of a number of protruding flanges located on the back side of a removable shelf member. In use, one could move the removable shelf member laterally, and attach or “hook” one of the flanges onto the connecting member. Once attached, the shelf member may further comprise an additional flange or flanges which substantially restrain the shelf member from rotating about the connecting member. This would help to prevent, for example, a shelf member from twisting or rotating under the pressure of a large bottle placed on one of its ends. Additionally, one could remove the shelf from the first connecting member and connect it to another connecting member either above or below the first connecting member. Thus, the removable shelf members can be moved both laterally and vertically, allowing for placement of both large and small items within the shelving system and giving the user a greater variety of shelving configurations to choose from.

Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that shelving systems placed in bathrooms and showers often times require areas, holes, or spaces for draining of liquid or material. For example, soap, shampoo bottles, and other liquid containers often leak or drain. In a shelving system without drain holes or channels for drainage, this material accumulates on the shelving system itself, which creates uneven and dirty surfaces. However, even shelves with drains accumulate soap residues and thus must be cleaned. When shelving systems are built with large enough shelves to hold multiple bottles or personal care items, it becomes difficult to clean, since most shelves are too large or bulky to be cleaned in sinks or dishwashers.

Thus, in accordance with another embodiment, a shelving system can comprise at least one releasably attachable or removable shelf insert. The at least one shelf insert may have a peripheral channel which allows for draining of liquid or other material from the caddy. It can be made, for example, from stainless steel. For ease of removal and cleaning purposes, the at least one shelf insert can be attached to the at least one removable shelf by an interference fit. This configuration allows a user to “pop” the shelf insert out, clean it, and then “pop” it back into place without the need for any additional fastening devices or components. Stainless steel, removable inserts provide an added advantage in that they can easily be cleaned in a sink and/or dishwasher.

Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that shelving systems that include suction cups, such as some known as shower caddies, can present difficulties in placement of the suction cup. For example, some known shower caddies have suction cups in fixed positions relative to the shelves. However, under some orientations with the main body of the shower caddy aligned as the user desires, the suction cups might be aligned with a grout line or other irregularity in the surface to which the suction cup is to be attached. Thus, the suction cup might not achieve a good seal if it is pressed against the grout line or irregularity.

Thus, in accordance with another embodiment, a shelving system for a shower can comprise a central portion having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the central portion comprises at least one shelf An upper attachment device can be configured to hang the central portion within a shower. Additionally, a lower attachment device can be connected to the bottom end, wherein the lower attachment device is configured to be adjustable in at least a generally horizontal direction.

In accordance with another embodiment, a shelving system can comprise an elongated element having a longitudinal axis, a top end, and a bottom end. A connector, or openable loop mechanism or device, can define an aperture configured to fit around a shower head or pipe. At least one shelf can be mounted on the elongated element. Additionally, a resilient member can be disposed in the aperture so as to lie between an outer surface of a shower head pipe and an inner surface of the aperture when the connector is disposed around a shower head pipe.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a shelving system can comprise an elongated central support member defining a longitudinal axis, a top end, and a bottom end. A rotatable connector, or member, can be attached to the bottom end of the elongated support member. The rotatable member can further comprise a suction cup mechanism, which can be attached to, for example, flat areas of a shower wall away from grout lines in order to hold the shower system in place.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a shelving system can comprise an elongated central support member defining a longitudinal axis, a top end, and a bottom end. The bottom end may further comprise an extruded portion for use as a lower shelf The lower shelf may also further comprise an extending attachment device configured to be adjustable in at least a generally horizontal direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present embodiments will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front, top, and left side perspective view of a shower caddy constructed in accordance with an embodiment and having a central support member and two removable and adjustable shelves;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the shower caddy;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the shower caddy;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the shower caddy;

FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the shower caddy;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the shower caddy;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a removable shelf member of the shower caddy;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a lower shelf member that can be used with the shower caddy;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the shower caddy with two of the shelves adjusted laterally away from their respective centered positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An improved shelving system 10 is disclosed herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are described in the context of a shower caddy because the embodiments disclosed herein have particular utility in this context. However, the embodiments and inventions herein can also be applied to types of shelving units configured for other types of environments.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the shower caddy 10 can have a support member 12 configured to support at least one removable shelf member 16. The support member 12 can be in the form of an elongated central member 13 and optionally one or more laterally extending members 26. In some embodiments, the central member 13 can be in the form of one or more parallel members. Additionally, in some embodiments, the support members 26 can be in the shape of metal bars connecting the parallel members of the central member, although different configurations can also be used. In some embodiments, the shower caddy 10 can further include an openable loop mechanism 32, lower shelf 34, and rotatable member 38.

With reference to FIG. 2, the support member 12 can be configured to be positionable in an orientation such that it is elongated in a generally vertical direction during use. Additionally, in some embodiments, the support member 12 can be configured to support multiple removable shelf members 16.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, there are two such removable shelf members 16, positioned one above the other. At the lower end of support member 12, a lower shelf member 34 can be disposed, which in use, can function as a third shelf for supporting soap, small bottles, etc.

The lower shelf member 34 can have a pair or pairs of extending flanges on its sides which can be used for supporting toothbrushes or other items. In some embodiments, the support member 12 can be formed of satin aluminum that is bead blasted with clear anodizing. The skilled artisan will understand that the support member 12, however, can be constructed of other suitable materials, including, but not limited to, steel, stainless steel, or any other metal, plastics, wood, or any other material.

Although the illustrated embodiment of the shower caddy 10 has three shelves, the skilled artisan will understand that the shower caddy 10 may have only shelf or as many shelves as will fit on the shower caddy 10. Furthermore, although the shower caddy 10 in the illustrated embodiment has shelf members 16 and 36 having certain configurations, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the shelf members 16 and 36 can have different configurations.

With reference to FIG. 3, the shower caddy 10 can include flanges 18 located on the back of each removable shelf member 16. In some embodiments, the removable shelf members 16 can have one flange 18, and in other embodiments, the removable shelf members 16 may have a plurality of flanges 18.

With reference to FIG. 4, each removable shelf member 16 can have multiple, flanges 18 along its back side. In some embodiments, the flanges 18 can be separate from each other. Additionally, in some embodiments, each flange 18 can be configured to act as an attachment mechanism for attaching a removable shelf member 16 to the support member 12 and connecting member 26. Each flange 18 can also act as a locating mechanism, whereby one can move and locate a removable shelf member 16 in both the lateral and vertical directions.

For attachment in some embodiments, the flange 18 can be ** placed over the connecting member or members 26 as shown in FIG. 4. The removable shelf member 16 and flange 18 are then pulled down over the connecting member 26, creating an interference fit tight enough to hold the removable shelf member 16 in place and prevent it from substantially rotating about the connecting member 26. In some embodiments, the removable shelf member 16 may additionally include flanges 20. The flanges 20 can be positioned and configured in such a way as to aid in preventing rotational movement of the removable shelf member 16 once it is secured in place on the connecting member 26.

For example, in use, a user can place a heavy shampoo bottle (e.g. one of the large 34 ounce or larger varieties), or other toiletry item on a lateral end of a removable shelf 16. The connecting bar 26, flange 18, and additional flanges 20 can be configured to prevent the weight of such an item from causing the removable shelf member 16 to twist, sink, or rotate in any undesirable manner. In other embodiments, once the removable shelf member 16 and flange 18 are pulled over the connecting member or members 26, the removable shelf member 16 may be able to swing or rotate slightly about a connecting member 26. In this embodiment, the connecting member 26 acts as a hinge allowing the lower portion of the shelf 16 to swing back and rest against a shower wall.

It can be convenient, for example for accommodating large items, to move and/or adjust some or all of the shelves 16, 34 on the shower caddy 10. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the removable shelf member 16 can be adjusted both generally in the lateral and horizontal directions. This provides advantages in that the shelves 16 can be positioned to accommodate other devices or appliances that may be in a user's shower, as well as various sizes of items, such as toiletries, that may be oversized.

With reference to FIG. 4, the flange or flanges 18 and 20 can perform as locating mechanisms. If a user wants to adjust the removable shelf member 16 in a lateral direction, he or she can choose which flange 18 along the back side of the removable shelf member 16 to place over the connecting member or members 26. A plurality of flanges 18 allow the user to choose from various configurations and alignments of shelves.

In this way, the user may be able to place large toiletry items in one shelf without having to worry about the top of the toiletry items interfering with or touching the bottom of another shelf Additionally, by including a plurality of connecting members 26 located up and down the support member 12, the user may also move a removable shelf member 16 vertically. This again allows the user to create various configurations and alignments of shelves 16 in the shelf system, thereby creating room for different sized toiletry items.

FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration in which both of the removable shelf members 16 have been moved from their centered positions. Finally, in an embodiment comprising only one flange, it may be possible to slide the flange in a lateral direction while still keeping the removable shelf member 16 connected to the connecting member or members 26. In this manner, lateral movement is still achieved.

The terms of orientation, as used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. Because other orientations are possible, however, the present invention should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. The skilled artisan will appreciate that other orientations are also possible.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment of the removable shelf member 16. The removable shelf member 16 can be made of plastic or any other material suitable for use as a shelf In the embodiment shown, the shelf has a bottom surface as well as a surrounding wall, giving the shelf a cup-like or hollowed out shape. Other configurations are also possible. The removable shelf member 16 can further include an additional removable cartridge 22. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, this cartridge is located in or near the center of each removable shelf member 16, and can be used for holding smaller toiletry items, such as soap, small bottles of shampoo, etc. The cartridge can be placed into and held in place in the removable shelf member 16 by a number of means, including but not limited to the use of small flanges and corresponding gaps or openings on the removable shelf member.

FIGS. 2-7 also illustrate two removable shelf inserts 24. As shown in FIG. 6, each removable shelf insert 24 can further include a peripheral outer channel. This channel can allow soap, shampoo, liquid, or other material to drain from the shower caddy, preventing such material from accumulating on other parts of the removable shelf member 16. In the embodiment shown, the channel illustrated has a plurality of holes. Inside the channel perimeter is a raised area which can be used for placement of shampoo bottles or other toiletry items. FIGS. 2-6 illustrate the bottom of a channel of a removable shelf insert 24 protruding from the removable shelf member 16.

Often times a shelf member or caddy can be difficult to clean in a sink or dishwasher because of its size or material. The removable shelf inserts 24, however, can be designed such that they can be “popped” in or out of the removable shelf member. For example, the inserts 24 can be configured to be held in place by an interference or slip fit. In some embodiments, the shelf insert 24 can be made from stainless steel or any other material suitable for use in a shelf member.

such combinations of size and materials can allow a user to easily remove a shelf insert 24 and clean it in a sink or dishwasher, simply by “popping” the shelf insert 24 out, washing it, and then “popping” it back in by hand without the need for tools. In some embodiments, the removable shelf inserts 24 can be removed and inserted in this manner from the inside of the removable shelf member 16. In other embodiments, the removable shelf inserts 24 can be removed and inserted from the outside of the removable shelf members 16.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a lower shelf member 34. The lower shelf member 34 can be made from the same material as the removable shelf members 16 or any other material suitable for use as a shelf member. In some embodiments, the lower shelf member 34 can have a plurality of holes for drainage of material, and can be generally flat. The lower shelf member can be an integral piece of the support member 12, or it can be a separate, removable piece similar to removable shelf members 16.

The lower shelf member 34 additionally can include flanges 36 along at least one of its sides. The flanges 36 protrude from the lower shelf member 34 and can be used to support or hold items such as toothbrushes, brushes, or other toiletry items.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the shower caddy can be fitted with an openable loop mechanism 30 at the top of the support member 12. The openable loop mechanism 30 can be configured to support the weight of the shower caddy 10 from a shower head or a pipe (not shown) leading to a shower head.

For example, the openable loop mechanism 30 can be fitted onto the pipe when it is in an open position, then closed to secure it in place. In some embodiments, the openable loop mechanism can be hinged. For example, in some embodiments the loop mechanism can include a first portion pivotally connected to a second portion. In some embodiments, the pivotal connection between the first and second portions can be provided by a hinge.

The openable loop mechanism 30 can be secured by closing a first portion over the shower head pipe and tightening a threaded screw in the corresponding threaded opening on a second portion. However, other fasteners, devices, or mechanisms can also be used to secure the first portion in the closed position.

Further advantages can be achieved by providing a resilient member on at least a portion of an inner periphery of the loop mechanism 30. For example, in some embodiments, the loop mechanism 30 can be additionally fitted with a resilient member, such as, for example, but without limitation, deformable member 32 on the inner periphery of the loop mechanism 30. The deformable member 32 can be made from one or a plurality of pieces, and from any type of material. In some embodiments, the material can be rubber.

The deformable member 32 can be shaped and tapered such that it fits snugly around a standard shower head pipe. Still further advantages can be provided by tapering a lower portion of the member 32. For example, the deformable member can be thinner at the top of the openable loop mechanism 30 as compared to a lower portion. This can help to reduce bouncing of the shower caddy 10 when it is hung from the openable loop mechanism 30.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that because the inner diameter of the openable loop mechanism 30 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of a typical shower pipe, the rubber inserts 32 will deform slightly and fit snugly around the shower pipe when the openable loop mechanism 30 is fitted around the shower pipe. The skilled artisan will also understand that friction between the rubber inserts 32 and the shower head pipe also helps keep the shower caddy 10 in place by resisting relative movement between the two, thereby preventing the shower caddy 10 from sliding down the pipe.

This snug fit is particularly useful for stabilizing the shower caddy 10 on a shower pipe when the weight of the items (e.g. shampoo bottles) kept on the removable shelf members 16 are not distributed evenly. It has been found that conventional shower caddies do not adequately resist sliding off a shower pipe. Conventional shower caddies configured to hang on a shower pipe typically are simply hung over the shower head pipe with a portion of a wire frame of the caddy and thus can be easily knocked off a shower head pipe either by a user or uneven weight distribution of articles stored on the shower caddy. By providing an openable loop mechanism 30 at the top of the shower caddy 10, the shower caddy 10 can be more securely and stably attached to a shower head pipe.

The shower caddy 10 can be further secured to a shower wall with an attachment mechanism at the bottom of the shower caddy 10 to provide additional stability. It will also be understood that an attachment mechanism at the bottom of the shower caddy 10 also helps to prevent movement of the shower caddy 10, if, for example, a user accidentally contacts the shower caddy 10 or if the weight of items, such a large or heavy shampoo bottle stored on the shower caddy 10, is shifted to one side.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, in some embodiments, a suction cup 40 can be connected to a rotatable member 38 at the bottom of the shower caddy 10 to secure the shower caddy to a shower wall. The rotatable member 38 and suction cup 40 can be attached to the end of the support member 12, or can be an integral part of the support member 12. In some embodiments, the rotatable member 38 can be configured to provide both lateral (e.g. generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support member 12) and longitudinal (e.g. generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support member 12) adjustment of the suction cup 40.

The suction cup can be configured to grip a substantially flat, planar surface. As mentioned above, suction cups positioned over a grout line or another type of break or irregularity in the shower wall may not generate a satisfactory seal with a suction cup. Thus, the rotatable member 38 can be configured to allow movement of the suction cup 40, without adjusting the position of the shower caddy 10, so that a user can avoid positioning the suction cup 40 over a grout line or some other type of break or irregularity in a shower wall. Thus, in some embodiments, the suction cup 40 can be configured to be moveable such that it can be positioned over a smoother portion of a shower wall, thereby providing a strong and secure attachment to the wall.

In some embodiments, the rotatable member 38 can be pivotally mounted to the support member 12. As such, the suction cup 40 can be adjusted both in the longitudinal and the lateral direction.

The rotatable member 38 can be connected to the support member 12 and the suction cup 40 with any known device or mechanism. In some embodiments, the upper end of the rotatable member 38 can be connected to the support member 12 with a hinged connection. Additionally, in some embodiments, friction can be built into the hinged connection to simplify the process of attaching the suction cup 90 to a shower wall.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that, in some embodiments, the shower caddy 10 can be provided with an adjustable suction cup assembly both at the top and the bottom, thereby eliminating the openable loop mechanism 30. Such alternative embodiments can be secured to the shower wall anywhere as they do not need to be secured to the shower head pipe.

In some embodiments, the support member can be configured to have a telescoping configuration so that upper and lower ends of the support member can be pressed against upper and lower stationary objects. For example, in some embodiments, a support member can be configured to press against the floor of a shower and the ceiling above the shower or bathtub with sufficient force to anchor the entire caddy in a desired position.

In some embodiments, the support member can include telescoping or nesting segments having outer dimensions that are sized so as to allow one of the segments to slide within the other. For example, but without limitation, one segment can be configured such that its inner dimensions are larger than the outer dimensions of the second segment. As such, the first segment can extend over the second segment, and the second segment can slide into the first segment.

The support member can further include a spring or biasing mechanism to bias the two segments away from one another. As such, the support member can generate an anchoring force to retain the caddy in a secure position within a shower, bathtub, or other location. In some embodiments, the support member can include an enlarged portion configured to accommodate such a spring. The support member can also include one or a plurality of mounting clips configured to be engageable with portions of the two segments to allow the spring to press securely against and thus push apart the two segments.

Additionally, the support member can also include upper and lower feet configured to provide traction when the upper and lower ends of the support member are pressed against surfaces such as the ceiling and floor of a shower or bathtub. For example, but without limitation, the feet can be made of rubber, silicon, or any other material that would provide enhanced traction in such an environment of use.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

SHELVING SYSTEM

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