Shower Canopy

Abstract

A shower curtain canopy for expanding the volume inside a shower. Curved spines support the canopy and allow the canopy to extend outside the shower area. A center cord with fasteners and a set of weights secure the canopy in position. A lower skirt aids prevention of water escaping the shower area.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to shower curtains. The present invention relates more specifically to outwardly expanded shower canopies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When taking a shower, it is important to have a shower curtain for multiple reasons. Shower curtains prevent water from leaving the bathtub shower. Additionally, shower curtains provide privacy by shielding the person in the shower from view. Many designs of shower curtains exist, but the structure and shape of shower curtains are generally the same. One issue with existing shower curtains is the limitation of physical space bounded by the shower curtain. As housing spaces get smaller and bathrooms become more compact, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable to accidentally touch the shower curtain. The shower curtain can stick to the skin, giving an unpleasant feeling. Touching can also displace the shower curtain, causing water to splash outside the showering area. Touching the shower curtain can also be a reminder that the shower is enclosed in a tight space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention represents a shower curtain canopy. The present invention comprises curved spines, which support the shower canopy outside the showering area. The present invention includes a center cord and magnetic weights to secure the position of the shower canopy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention deployed on a bathtub.

FIG. 7 is an illustration showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention deployed on a bathtub.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a uniquely designed shower curtain. The present invention provides a shower canopy that allows the user a wider range of motion during the process of a shower. The present invention provides a shower canopy that curves outward. In addition, the present invention provides a shower canopy that fastens to the sides of the bathtub. Furthermore, the present invention provides the user a showering experience in a more cavernous space.

The present invention provides a uniquely designed shower canopy. The present invention provides a shower canopy that allows the user a wider range of motion during the process of a shower. The present invention provides a shower canopy that curves outward. In addition, the present invention provides a shower canopy that fastens to the sides of the bathtub. Furthermore, the present invention provides a weighted base to assist the firm positioning of the shower canopy. The present invention comprises a set of vertical spines, a set of side fasteners, a center cord, a set of weights, a shower curtain, and a lower skirt.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a shower canopy 100. The shower canopy 100 includes a shower curtain 101. The shower curtain 101 prevents water from splashing outside the shower area. The shower curtain 101 also provides privacy during the shower process. The shower curtain 101 operates similarly to a standard shower curtain. The upper half of the shower curtain 101 is curved due to the embedded curved spines 102. The lower half of the shower curtain 101 contains straight spines 103. The straight spines 103 help the canopy 100 avoid obstacle, such as a sink or toilet. In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the lower half of the shower curtain 101 contains curved spines, similar to the curved spines 102 of the upper half of the shower curtain 101. The shower canopy 100 hangs from top fasteners 108, which connect to a shower curtain rod.

The curved spines 102 and straight spines 103 are rigid or semi-rigid skeletal components that assist the form and shape of the shower canopy 100. In Embodiment 1, five spines are spaced evenly along the shower curtain 101. In alternate embodiments, any number of spines can be used. In Embodiment 3, the spines are spaced unevenly. In Embodiment 1, the curved spines 102 are contained in the top half of the shower curtain1, and the straight spines are contained in the bottom half of the shower curtain. In Embodiment 4, the spines extend along the entire length of the shower curtain 101 without a gap. The curved spines 102 in the upper section of the shower curtain 101 extend the shower curtain 101 outside the shower area.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a lower skirt 104 attached near the bottom of the shower curtain 101. The lower skirt 104 is an additional flap connected to the interior of the shower curtain 101. The lower skirt 104 is used to prevent water from splashing or exiting the bathtub area. When the present invention is mounted with a bathtub, the lower skirt 104 will hang inside the bathtub, and the lower end of the shower curtain 101 will hang outside the bathtub. A set of weights 105 are connected to the lower skirt 104 and the shower curtain 101. In Embodiment 1, the weights are connected near the lower corners of the lower skirt 104 and the shower curtain 101. The weights 105 provide the ability to mount and position the lower skirt 104 and the shower curtain 101. The weights 105 prevent the lower skirt from loosening and moving from the desired position.

The center cord 106 is an elastic cord or rope within the shower curtain. The center cord 106 is found within the center of the shower curtain. More specifically, the center cord 106 is a horizontal elastic rope that is used to assist the positioning the shower curtain. The center cord can be of any material such as a rope. The center cord further comprises of a set of side fasteners 107. The side fasteners 107 assist the attachment of the center cord into a fixed position. The set of side fasteners are found on the two ends of the center cord 106. The side fasteners 107 can be of any fastening material such as suction cups, hooks, straps, etc. In Embodiment 1, the set of side fasteners 107 are suction cups. The side fasteners 107 are used to secure the two ends of the center cord 106 to the walls of the bathroom or shower, securing the position of the shower canopy 100.

Referring to FIGS. 6-7, the shower canopy 100 is installed around the wall of a bathtub 109. In a first configuration, the set of weights 105 attached to the lower skirt 104 connect to the inner surface of the bathtub 109. The set of weights 105 attached to the shower curtain 101 connect to the outer surface of the bathtub 109. In Embodiment 1, the weights 105 are magnetic, and the weights 105 attach magnetically to the bathtub 109. In Embodiment 5, the weights 105 use a section cup to attach the bathtub 109.

Referring to FIG. 8, Embodiment 4 of the present invention includes a shower canopy 100. The curved spines 102 extend along the length of the shower curtain 101. The center cord 106 crosses around the curved spines 102.

To use the present invention, the user will first install the top fasteners 108 to a horizontal pole, such as a shower curtain rod, located above the top edge of a bathtub 109. After the top fasteners are installed, the user will install the shower canopy 100 onto the top fasteners 108 by mean of the holes found on the top edge of the shower curtain 101. Once the top set of fasteners 108 and the shower curtain 101 is installed onto the horizontal pole, the user will spread the shower canopy 100 along the edge of the bathtub 109. In addition, the user will ensure that the bottom edge of the shower curtain 101 is laid on the exterior space of the bathtub. The user will use the center cord 106, the set of weights 105, and the set of side fasteners 107 to assist with securing and positioning the shower canopy 100 into a desirable position. The user will then have addition space during a showering process within a bathtub 109. The shower canopy's 100 curved form and shape caused by the set of vertical spines 102 allow for more space for the user during a showering process inside of a bathtub 109.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A shower canopy comprising: a shower curtain;a plurality of spines enclosed within the shower curtain; anda skirt attached to the shower curtain.

2. The shower canopy of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spines further comprises: a first set of spines enclosed within an upper section of the shower curtain; anda second set of spines enclosed with a lower section of the shower curtain.

3. The shower canopy of claim 2, wherein the first set of spines further comprises curved spines.

4. The shower canopy of claim 2, wherein the second set of spines further comprises straight spines.

5. The shower canopy of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spines extend vertically from a top edge of the shower curtain to a bottom edge of the shower curtain.

6. The shower canopy of claim 1, further comprising: a first set of weights attached to the lower section of the shower curtain; anda second set of weights attached to the skirt.

7. The shower canopy of claim 6, wherein the first set of weights magnetically attach to an outer surface of a bathtub.

8. The shower canopy of claim 6, wherein the second set of weights magnetically attach to an inner surface of a bathtub.

9. The shower canopy of claim 1, further comprising a center cord extending horizontally through the shower curtain.

10. The shower canopy of claim 9, further comprising a set of fasteners, anchoring the center cord.

11. The shower canopy of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spines comprises a rigid material.

12. A shower canopy comprising: a shower curtain;a first set of spines enclosed within an upper section of the shower curtain;a second set of spines enclosed within a lower section of the shower curtain; anda skirt attached to the lower section of the shower curtain.

13. The shower canopy of claim 12, wherein the first set of spines further comprises curved spines.

14. The shower canopy of claim 12, wherein the second set of spines further comprises straight spines.

15. The shower canopy of claim 12, further comprising: a first set of weights attached to the lower section of the shower curtain; anda second set of weights attached to the skirt.

16. The shower canopy of claim 15, wherein the first set of weights magnetically attach to an outer surface of a bathtub.

17. The shower canopy of claim 15, wherein the second set of weights magnetically attach to an inner surface of a bathtub.

18. The shower canopy of claim 12, further comprising a center cord extending horizontally through the shower curtain.

19. The shower canopy of claim 18, further comprising a set of fasteners, anchoring the center cord.

20. A shower canopy comprising: a shower curtain;a set of curved spines enclosed in an upper section of the shower curtain;a set of straight spines enclosed in a lower section of the shower curtain;a center cord separating the upper section and the lower section;a set of fasteners anchoring the center cord;a lower skirt attached to the lower section of the shower curtain;a first set of weights attached to the lower section of the shower curtain; anda second set of weights attached to the lower skirt.