SHOWER SHELF

Abstract

A shelf designed to be used in a bathing setting, such as in a shower stall that includes a first section and a second section joined together to from an outer corner with an obtuse angle and an inner corner. The shelf is outfitted with one or more holes, cutouts, prongs, catches, hooks etc. to allow for items to be placed on the shelf or suspended from the shelf. The shelf is meant to be placed on the edges of the containment wall of a shower structure such that one side of the structure is on the edge of a wall that is approximately perpendicular to another side of the containment wall. Bathing articles can be suspended from the shelf, fed through the holes of the shelf or simply placed on top of the shelf.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the technical field of shelves and household storage devices. More particularly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to the technical field of shelves to be used in a household shower. Even more particularly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to the field of shelves designed to reduce clutter in bathing spaces.

(b) Background Art

There has always been a need for storage space in the bathing space of nearly every home. Most American homes are built with prefabricated showers installed in the bathrooms and most of those showers come with some sort of integrated shelving to hold bathing articles including, but not limited to soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, sponges, toothbrushes, body wash, etc. However, storing these articles in or on the shelving integrated into the shower structure clutters the bathing space. In addition, the surfaces of integrated shelves are slick when wet and it is not uncommon for the items stored on these shelves to fall into the space in which the user is occupying while attempting to bathe.

Not being a new problem, there are a number of solutions to this simple problem already in the prior art. One of the more prevalent solutions is the ubiquitous shower caddy—a device designed as a means of storing bathing articles without utilizing the integrated shelves that are usually present in most showers and baths. Shower caddies generally consist of wire structures that are hung from the pipe leading to the shower head. Because most of these pipes are inclined down towards the floor of the shower, shower caddies do not always hang stably from the pipe leading a number of inventors to develop devices to more stably seat the caddy on the pipe. Those shower caddies that do not hang from the pipe leading to the shower head usually attach to the wall of the shower stall via suction cups. The problem with that configuration is that the suction cups generally fail to adequately secure the caddy to the shower wall.

Moreover, there are a number of other drawbacks to the shower caddy device. For example, there is limited space underneath the showerhead in which to store bathing articles and as a result, shower caddies are limited in size and cannot always accommodate large bottles of shampoo, conditioner or other products. Furthermore, the bathing articles in a shower caddy are still in the bathing space of the user and thus have the potential to be in the way. In addition, shower caddies tend to be made of wire or similar material that can rust. Also, such wire caddies have spaces through which bathing articles like bar soap can slip and escape. Finally, storing shower products so close to the shower head causes them to be continuously exposed to running water, decreasing the useful lifetime of certain articles such as bar soap.

As a result, there is a need in the field for a device that allows a bather to store bathing products out of the bathing space of the shower while the articles remain easily accessible to someone in the bathing space. While the preferred embodiments of the disclosed device are described as being adapted for use in a bathroom setting, the device is fully capable of functioning in any number of other environments around the house and the office.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment and best mode of the present invention is a shelf designed specifically to be installed and used in the unused space located above head level in most prefabricated showers. More specifically, the shelf consists of a substantially flat, rigid panel having a first side and a second side that intersect at an obtuse angle. The shape of the device allows a user to place the shower structure itself on the upper edges or flanges of the containment wall of the shower. More specifically, the shelf is placed such that one side rests on an upper flange of the shower structure and the other side rests on the upper flange of the shower structure that is roughly perpendicular to the first flange thereby allowing the shelf to be placed above the user's head and above the bathing space of the shower when in use.

The angle at which the two sections of the shelf meet to form a corner is an important feature of the shelf. Most, if not all, pre-fabricated showers have one or more corners and those corners are almost never at right angles to each other, i.e. they are irregular. As a result, the sides of the shelf disclosed in this application will generally meet at an obtuse angle, i.e. an angle of more than 90 degrees, to accommodate the irregularity of the corners found in most household showers. In the preferred embodiment and best mode of the shelf, the two sections of the shelf meet to form an outer corner that has an angle of approximately 92 degrees. While the angle can be varied, the inventor of this shelf has concluded that an angle of 92 degrees is optimal for most commercially available shower stalls. Angles that are significantly greater or less than 92 degrees can result in a shower shelf that does not seat properly in the corner of most prefabricated showers.

In addition, when the two section of the shelf meet at such an angle, they form an outer corner and an inner corner. While the corners can be substantially square, in the preferred embodiment of the present shelf, the corners are rounded as most corners in pre-fabricated shower structures are also rounded. As a result, a rounded corner facilitates the seating of the shelf in the shower stall.

In addition, the two sides of the shelf do not have to be the same length. In the preferred embodiment, the shelf has one side or section that is shorter than the other. This feature allows the user to place the shelf in the shower stall with the shorter section or side fitting the flange of the containment wall above or near the shower head. In this configuration, the shorter section or side is placed nearest the shower head so that the shower head itself is not in the way when the user reaches above head level to place an article on the shelf.

Moreover, the shelf can include a number of holes and/or cutouts to provide additional storage space for bathing articles. For example, any item with a handle, such as a razor or toothbrush, can be placed into a hole in the shelf such that part, but not all of the bathing article passes through the hole and thus the shelf retains the bathing article in an upright position. Similarly, cutouts or partial holes and/or hooks placed at the edges of the shelf can provide storage space for any object that is capable of being hung from the shelf.

An adhesive can be placed on one surface of the shelf to allow it to attach the shelf, either temporarily or permanently, to the shower stall. Doing so also makes the shelf more stable particularly when articles are hung near the edges of the shelf and or articles are placed near the free edges of the shelf, i.e., edges that are not in contact with a portion of the shower structure. The adhesive can be any number of water-resistant adhesives already known in the prior art. The adhesives can be applied to the shelf and then covered with contact paper such that the contact paper can be peeled back, exposing the adhesive covered surface allowing a user to place and secure the shelf in a specific location during installation.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the disclosed shower shelf, the material from which the shelf is made is water resistant in order for the shelf to be used in a shower setting. Still further, the material from which the shelf is made can also be mildew resistant. In still another embodiment of the shelf, the material from which the shelf is made is also stain-resistant. A skilled artisan can appreciate that a number of plastics and polymers, including an acrylic polymer, can be used to construct such a shelf, but in theory any rigid, durable, preferably water-resistant material can be used in the construction of the shelf.

It is worth noting that while the inventor has designed this shelf to function in a particular setting, i.e. the irregular corner present in most household bathing spaces, the shelf can be used in any location in which each of the two sections can rest on a substantially flat surface. For example, the shelf could be used in corner of a kitchen to hold recipe books, spices, ingredients and cooking utensils. In addition, in a home or commercial office setting, the shelf could be placed in the corner of the room to hold office supplies and the like. If a user desires to keep something near, but off of the floor, for example a pet's food and water, then the user can place the shelf on the baseboards in any room in their home to hold these items. In addition, there are other bathroom related applications such as using the shelf in the corner of a bathroom vanity. Nothing in this disclosure is meant to limit the shelf to uses in household bathing spaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the shelf in a shower stall; and

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the shelf in a shower stall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 there is shown a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the disclosed shelf. The shower shelf is constructed of a substantially flat, rigid panel 11, with a first section 12 and a second section 13. The first section 12 and the second section 13 intersect to form an outer corner 14 and an inner corner 30. In the preferred embodiments of this shelf, the first section 12 is longer than second section 13. The panel 11 can include one or more holes 15 or cutouts 16 to facilitate the storage of bathing articles. A skilled artisan should be able to appreciate that a variety of attachment means can be used to attach various articles to the shelf including hooks, prongs, pegs, nails, catches, and even hook and loop fasteners.

In further detail, still referring to FIG. 1, the angle of the outer corner 14 at which the first section 12 and the second section 13 come together is generally not a right angle. Since most shower stalls do not have right angles at each corner, the first section 12 and the second section 13 will generally come together at an angle to form an outer corner 14 that has an angle of more than 90 degrees. In the preferred embodiments, the angle is within one degree of 92 degrees. In the preferred embodiment and best mode of the shelf, the outer corner 14 has an angle of 92.0 degrees and the inner corner 30 has an angle of 90.0 degrees.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1, the outer corner 14 is rounded to make it easier to install the shelf into the corresponding inner corner of a shower structure. In another preferred embodiment, the other corners of the shelf are also rounded to reduce the chances of a user accidentally contacting the edge of the device and possibly suffering a minor injury.

FIG. 2 illustrates the use of the shower shelf in a shower stall 18. Typically, a shower stall will have at least two containment walls each with a flange located at the upper end of each wall. FIG. 2 illustrates a shower stall 18 with a first containment wall 19 and a second containment wall 21 having a first flange 20 and a second flange 22 at the upper end of each wall respectively. To install the shelf in a shower stall 18, the first section 12 of the panel 11 is placed on the first flange 20 of the first containment wall 19. Similarly, the second section 13 of the panel 11 is placed on the second flange 22 of the second containment wall 21. By doing so, the user will orient the panel 11 such that the outer corner 14 fits into a corner of the shower stall 18 where the first containment wall 19 and the second containment wall 21 meet. If desired, the shower shelf can include an adhesive (not shown) that allows the panel to be secured to the flanges 20 and 22 of the containment walls 19 and 21. However, the panel 11 acts to distribute the weight of the articles placed upon it allowing the panel 11 stay in place without an adhesive. In addition, in preferred embodiments, the shelf is reversible, i.e., it functions identically regardless of which surface is facing upwards.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the shorter second section 13 of the panel 11 can be placed on the flange 22 of the containment wall 21 closest to the shower head. Doing so will facilitate placing bathing articles or other objects on the shelf above head level, without having to navigate around the shower head. Bathing articles can be placed directly on the rigid panel 11 or they can be suspended in the holes 15 such that part but not all of the article passes through said holes and the shelf thus supports the article. For example, FIG. 3 shows an electric toothbrush 23 suspended from a hole 15 in the panel 11. In addition, the cutouts 16 can be used in a similar manner. FIG. 3 shows a razor 24 suspended from a cutout 16 located near an edge of the panel 11. In addition, the cutouts 16 can be used as hooks from which to hang certain articles, such as a loofah or a wash cloth. For example, FIG. 3 shows a loofah 25 suspended from a protrusion in the panel defined by the cutout 16. As discussed above, other attachment means can be added to the shelf to facilitate securing bathing articles to or on the shelf including, but not limited to hooks, prongs, pegs, nails, catches, and even hook and loop fasteners.

The substantially flat rigid panel can be made of any water-resistant material suitable for use in a shower including any number of polymers or plastics including an acrylic polymer. Ideally, the panel 11 is constructed from a material that is also resistant to mold, mildew and/or stains. In addition, the texture of the panel 11 can be important in that the panel should be constructed of a material that provides a surface smooth enough for a user to wipe it clean. On the other hand, the panel 11 may not be completely smooth as a rougher surface will provide additional friction to help hold bathing articles in place once placed on the panel 11.

The dimensions of the shelf can be varied according to particular applications and other needs, including but not limited to shipping and manufacturing costs. A particular embodiment is approximately 22 inches long at its longest point and is 9 inches wide at its widest point. Another embodiment of the shelf designed to be used in a bathroom sink setting is considerable shorter to accommodate the smaller space. In addition, the inventor contemplates an embodiment in which the width is substantially less than 9 inches. Furthermore, to reduce shipping costs, the width of the device need not be uniform in that the edges can be thicker than the central portions of the shelf, thus substantially decreasing the weight of the shelf.

In addition, while this disclosure refers to the two sections of the shelf being joined together or meeting to form inner and outer corners, there is no specific need for the first section or the second section to be made separately and joined together. The sheet of material will generally be made of a plastic or polymer that will be produced as one piece.

Reference throughout the specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

It is understood that the above described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment, including the best mode, is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, if any, in conjunction with the foregoing description.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A shelf for use in an irregular inner corner comprising: a substantially flat piece of material having a first section and a second section, wherein the first section and the second section are joined together to form an outer corner having an obtuse angle.

2. The shelf in claim 1 wherein the obtuse angle is 92.0 degrees.

3. The shelf of claim 1 wherein the obtuse angle is equal to or between 91.0 degrees and 93.0 degrees.

4. The shelf in claim 1 wherein the outer corner is rounded.

5. The shelf in claim 2 wherein the outer corner is rounded.

6. The shelf in claim 3 wherein the outer corner is rounded.

7. The shelf in claim 1 wherein the first section and the second section are joined together to form an inner corner having a right angle.

8. The shelf in claim 2 wherein the first section and the second section are joined together to form an inner corner coming together at a right angle.

9. The shelf in claim 3 wherein the first section and the second section are joined together to form an inner corner coming together at a right angle.

10. A shelf for use in an irregular inner corner comprising: a substantially flat piece of water-resistant material having a first section and a second section;wherein the first section and the second section are joined together to form an inner corner having a right angle and an outer corner having an obtuse angle;wherein the inner and outer corners are rounded; andwherein at least one of the sections features at least one cutout.

11. A shelf for use in a prefabricated shower having an irregular corner comprising: a substantially flat piece of material having a first section and a second section wherein the first section and the second section are joined together to form an outer and an inner corner, wherein the outer corner has an obtuse angle.

12. The shelf in claim 11 wherein the obtuse angle is 92.0 degrees.

13. The shelf of claim 11 wherein the obtuse angle is equal to or between 91.0 degrees and 93.0 degrees.

14. The shelf in claim 11 wherein the outer corner is rounded.

15. The shelf in claim 12 wherein the outer corner is rounded.

16. The shelf in claim 13 wherein the outer corner is rounded.

17. The shelf in claim 11 wherein the inner corner has a right angle.

18. The shelf in claim 12 wherein the inner corner has a right angle.

19. The shelf in claim 13 wherein the inner corner has a right angle.