Patent Application
20250031913
N/A
The present invention relates to concealing assemblies but more particularly a shower curtain rod hideaway.
Bathrooms are key functional spaces in any dwelling, and their design and usability directly influence the occupant's experience. Among the many considerations for a functional bathroom, managing water during a shower is of paramount importance. This is typically achieved using either a shower curtain or a fixed glass enclosure.
The traditional solution involves the use of a shower curtain rod with an attached shower curtain. This system, while functional, has notable drawbacks. One such limitation is its aesthetic appeal. A hanging shower curtain can often create a sense of clutter, detracting from the overall aesthetic of the bathroom. Furthermore, the curtain, when left extended, can trap moisture, potentially leading to the growth of mold and mildew.
An alternative to the shower curtain is a fixed glass enclosure with a door, either hinged or slidable. Glass enclosures provide a more modern and streamlined appearance compared to shower curtains. However, they come with their own set of challenges. Glass enclosures are often more expensive and require professional installation. They are also harder to maintain, as they can accumulate water spots and soap scum, necessitating regular cleaning.
In light of the above, there is a clear need for a system that combines the practicality and ease of a shower curtain with the aesthetic and cleanliness of a glass enclosure. It would be highly beneficial to have a solution that is visually appealing, easy to maintain, and helps prevent issues like mold growth. Such a solution would be a significant advancement in the field of bathroom fixtures. Consequently, a solution is provided.
The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The present invention pertains to a novel shower curtain rod hideaway designed to enhance aesthetic appeal and functionality in a bathroom setting. The assembly primarily comprises an in-wall storage container, a rotatable shower rod, and a shower curtain. The in-wall storage container, installed in a shower stall or tub enclosure, is equipped with a door and is designed to house the shower rod and curtain when not in use. The shower rod, featuring a perpendicular section at the proximal end, is secured within the storage container by a cylindrical joint that facilitates its rotation between a vertical, stowed position and a horizontal, extended position. A securement element positioned on an opposite wall aids in holding the shower rod in its horizontal position during use. The shower curtain is attached to the shower rod and can be neatly stored within the in-wall container when the shower is not in use. Notably, the in-wall storage container extends below the top of the tub, enabling the curtain to hang without bunching at the bottom, and is constructed from a mold-resistant material, thereby enhancing the longevity of the assembly. This invention provides an elegant solution to the management of shower curtains, reducing visible clutter and contributing to a more organized and aesthetically pleasing bathroom environment.
In order to do this, in one aspect of the invention, a shower curtain rod hideaway is provided, comprising: an in-wall storage container configured to be installed in a shower stall or tub enclosure, the in-wall storage container including a door; a shower rod configured to be stowed in the in-wall storage container when not in use; a cylindrical joint attached to an inner surface of the in-wall storage container, the cylindrical joint configured to secure a proximal end of the shower rod and enable rotation of the shower rod from a vertical position to a horizontal position; a securement element located on a wall opposite the in-wall storage container in the shower stall or tub enclosure, the securement element configured to secure a distal end of the shower rod in the horizontal position; and, a shower curtain coupled to the shower rod, the shower curtain configured to be stored in the in-wall storage container when not in use.
In one embodiment, the shower rod comprises a perpendicular section, a curved section, a main section, and a telescoping section, the perpendicular section being perpendicular to the main section and defining the proximal end, and the telescoping section defining the distal end. In one embodiment, the in-wall storage container extends below the top of a tub in the shower or tub enclosure, allowing a stowed curtain to hang without bunching on the bottom. In one embodiment, the in-wall storage container is constructed with a material resistant to mold growth. In one embodiment, the door of the in-wall storage container includes hinges and a handle to facilitate opening and closing of the door. In one embodiment, the shower rod is configured to rotate approximately 90 degrees from a stowed vertical position to an extended horizontal position. In another embodiment, the telescoping section of the shower rod is configured to extend and be removably attached to the securement element on the opposite wall when in the extended horizontal position.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention, which will be described hereinafter, form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a shower curtain rod hideaway.
It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as to mean “at least one.” The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.
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It should be understood that the materials used for various elements of the assembly may vary. In some embodiments, the shower rod is designed to be constructed from stainless steel. The curtain may consist of one or two layers of fabric and/or plastic. Any curtain rings, loops, or similar may be used. The interior portion of the door should be constructed with the same or similar materials as the in-wall storage container. The exterior portion of the door should be constructed from materials that match or complement the shower enclosure, such as tile, ceramic, porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, or other common materials.
The shower curtain rod hideaway of the present invention offers several advantages over traditional shower rods and curtains. For example, the concealable design of the assembly allows for a cleaner, more streamlined appearance in the bathroom when the shower is not in use. This can be particularly beneficial in smaller bathrooms or in situations where aesthetics are of significant importance. Furthermore, the use of an in-wall storage container helps to keep the shower curtain out of sight when not in use, reducing visible clutter and contributing to a more organized bathroom environment.
The use of a cylindrical joint and a securement element provides flexibility and functionality in the use of the shower rod. The cylindrical joint allows the shower rod to rotate from a vertical to a horizontal position, allowing it to be easily extended when needed and stowed away when not in use. The securement element provides stability and security when the shower rod is in use, ensuring that it remains in place during showering.
The in-wall storage container is strategically designed to extend below the top of the tub in the shower stall or tub enclosure. This design feature allows the curtain to hang freely without bunching at the bottom, which can help to prevent the build-up of moisture and reduce the risk of mold growth. Furthermore, the in-wall storage container is constructed from a material that is resistant to mold growth, further enhancing the durability and longevity of the assembly.
The door of the in-wall storage container includes hinges and a handle, allowing for easy access to the shower rod and curtain. When the shower is not in use, the door can be easily closed to conceal the shower rod and curtain within the in-wall storage container. This feature adds to the overall convenience and usability of the assembly. Further, when the door is open, the door helps retain the shower curtain in position during use.
Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. In other words, the terminology and phraseology used in this description and the abstract are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternative embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the in-wall storage container is described as being constructed from a material resistant to mold growth, other materials with similar properties may be used. Similarly, while the assembly is described as being installed in a shower stall or tub enclosure, it may be suitable for use in other types of enclosures or environments as well.
It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counterclockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.
In addition, references to “first,” “second,” “third,” and so fourth members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.
