STRUCTURED SHOWER CURTAIN LINER

Abstract

A shower curtain is provided with a liner with a lower flap split and a structural element or elements to provide for increased rigidity of a shower curtain. The shower curtain includes a shower curtain shell having an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge, at least one pocket adapted to be disposed on the shower curtain shell, and at least one structural element adapted to be disposed in the at least one pocket. The lower portion of the shower curtain is provided with a lower flap portion. The lower portion of the curtain is positioned outside of the tub wall and the lower flap portion is positioned inside the tub wall. The pocket extends a length between the upper portion and the lower portion. The structural element has a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and the second.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to shower or bathtub curtain liners, and more specifically relates to improvements which prevent or minimize billowing in towards the stream of water and the person showering resulting in “shower curtain cling.” A smaller shower area generally exacerbates this annoying phenomenon. This invention will prevent or minimize the curtain from billowing in and also adds space to any shower area, thus vastly improving the experience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shower curtains are oftentimes used to restrict water from exiting the shower area. Although the present application may refer to shower applications, it should be understood that the present application is also applicable to bathtub applications, as well as any other application in which water is to be restricted from exiting a particular area, when the water is being sprayed down as a stream, e.g., from a shower head. Accordingly, any mention of shower, should be understood to be equally applicable to bathtub or similar settings. In some cases, the shower curtain can billow inwards towards the steam of water and the person showering, which in turn may cause the curtain to cling to the body of the person and create an unpleasant environment. Depending on the size of the shower area, an inwardly billowing shower curtain can significantly reduce available showering area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed systems and methods utilize a liner with a lower flap split and a structural element or elements to provide for increased rigidity of a shower curtain, which can allow the shower curtain to maintain its shape and avoid billowing inwardly.

In an example, a structured shower curtain can include a shower curtain shell comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge, at least one pocket adapted to be disposed on the shower curtain shell, and at least one structural element adapted to be disposed in the at least one pocket. The lower portion of the shower curtain is provided with a lower flap portion. The lower portion of the curtain is positioned outside of the tub walls and the lower flap portion is positioned inside the tub wall. In this way, the tub is wall is positioned in between the lower portion of the curtain and the lower flap portion. The pocket extends the length between the upper portion and the lower portion of the shower curtain. The structural element has a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and the second. When viewed from a side elevation, the elongated portion protrudes outwardly from the first end and the second end. Upon disposing the at least one structural element in the at least one pocket, the shower curtain shell forms an outward extending protrusion between the upper portion and the lower portion when viewed from the side view. In other words, the structural elements help to maintain the shower curtain in an outward extending position with respect to the shower or tub wall.

In some examples, a method of using a structured curtain includes first providing a shower curtain shell that includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge. The lower portion of the shower curtain is provided with a lower flap portion. The lower portion of the curtain is positioned outside of the tub walls and the lower flap portion is positioned inside the tub wall. At least one pocket that extends a length between the upper portion and the lower portion is disposed on the shower curtain shell. At least one structural element is disposed in the pocket. The structural element has a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and the second end. When viewed from a side view, the elongated portion protrudes outwardly from the first end and the second end. Upon disposing the at least one structural element in the at least one pocket and when viewed from the side view, the shower curtain shell forms a protrusion between the upper portion and the lower portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements in the figures, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a shower curtain liner;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the shower curtain liner;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the shower curtain liner that details the bottom flap in the lower portion;

FIG. 4a is a side view of a batten piece;

FIG. 4b is a bottom view of the batten piece;

FIG. 4c is a side view of the batten piece; and

FIG. 5 is a detail of the top of the shower curtain liner showing the hook and loop two-component fastener used to stabilize the structural element in the pockets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, therein is illustrated a shower curtain liner 100 with lower flap or lower flap split 110 and channel pockets 112 running generally from the top to the bottom of the shower curtain liner 100. The channel pockets 112 each receive a structural element 200 (see FIG. 3). The channel pockets 112 are affixed to one side of the shower curtain while the bottom flap 110 is affixed to the other side. In an embodiment, the channel pockets 112 are affixed to an outside of the shower curtain liner 100, while the lower flap 110 is affixed to an inside of the shower curtain liner 100.

The shower curtain liner 100 may be constructed from any suitable material, such as, for example, any number or combination of fabrics, polymers, and/or any other generally pliable materials. Other examples are possible. The shower curtain liner 100 may have a number of additional features, such as a shower rod coupling portion 122 at an upper end of the shower curtain liner 100 for engaging or receiving a shower rod. The shower curtain liner 100 may also or alternatively be provided with openings or grommet holes 124 at a top portion thereof for engaging or receiving clips for hanging the shower curtain liner 100. The lower portion 104 of the shower curtain liner 100 is adapted to be positioned outside of a bathtub or shower sill 208 (see FIG. 3) and is not secured to the bathtub (or shower sill) or adjacent structures, thereby allowing for ease of opening and/or closing of the shower curtain liner 100 in addition to allowing the shower curtain liner 100 to bow outwards. The lower portion 104 of the shower curtain liner 100 is provided with a flap portion 110, such that the shower curtain liner 100 in conjunction with the flap portion 110 is shaped somewhat like an inverted “V”. Additionally, the lower portion 104 remains on the outside of the bathtub or shower sill 208 and the lower flap portion 110 is positioned inside of a bathtub or shower sill 212.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the shower curtain liner 100 is provided with a number of pockets 112 extending from the top to the bottom of the shower curtain liner 100. Each pocket 112 has an upper portion 114 and a lower portion 116 and is adapted to extend a length between the upper portion 102 and the lower portion 104 of the shower curtain liner 100 on an outer surface of the shower curtain liner 100. Each pocket 112 is generally hollow to accommodate a structural element 200 inserted into the pocket 112. The pocket 112 can have any cross-sectional shape, such as ovoid, circular, triangular, rectangular, and the like. In some examples, the pocket 112 may also include an opening 120 disposed near the lower portion 116 of the shower curtain liner 100. Each pocket 112 can span the entire length between the upper portion 102 and the lower portion 104 of the shorter curtain liner 100 or alternatively can span a portion of this length. Each pocket 112 can be constructed from any number of materials, such as plastics, fabrics, and the like. Other examples are possible. The pocket 112 may also have an intended opening at its upper portion 118 to assist in inserting and/or removing the structural element 200.

Each pocket 112 may have any desired width such as, for example, between approximately ½ in. and approximately 10 in. Other examples are possible. In some examples, the pocket 112 is coupled to the shower curtain liner 100 using any number of approaches, such as heat sealing, adhesives and/or fasteners (e.g., glues, buttons, zippers, and the like). The pocket 112 may be integrally formed directly with the shower curtain liner 100 by folding over a portion of the shell material to form an elongated loop spanning a desired distance between the upper portion 102 and the lower portion 104. Other examples are possible. For example, the pockets may be formed of separate material which is affixed to the shower curtain liner 100. It will be understood that any number of pockets 112 may be disposed on the shower curtain liner 100 at any desired location between the first edge 106 and the second edge 108 of the shower curtain liner 100 and can be spaced any desired distance apart from adjacent pockets 112. Additionally, it is understood that the pockets 112 can be arranged in non-vertical configurations relative to the upper portion 102 and the lower portion 104 of the shower curtain shell 100 and can be disposed on the shower curtain shell 100 to form patterns, symbols, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the structural element 200 includes a first end 202, a second end 204, and an elongated portion 206 between the first end 202 and the second end 204. In some examples, the structural element 200 may be a batten 300 or other similar component. The structural element 200 may be constructed from any number or combination of suitable materials, such as plastics, wood, fibers (e.g., carbon fiber), metals, and the like and may have any suitable dimensions and/or shapes which correspond to the dimensions and/or shapes of the pockets 112. In examples where multiple pockets 112 are used, a corresponding number of structural elements 200 may also be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, to use the structured shower liner 100, the user may first fit multiple batten pieces 300 together by inserting a tab 302 (located at one end of each batten piece) of one batten piece 300 into an aperture 304 (located at the other end of each batten piece) of another batten piece 300. When the correct amount of batten pieces 300 are connected the full batten 306 is formed. The user then inserts the full batten assembly 306 into a corresponding pocket 112 and hangs the liner on any standard curtain rod 210. The user then positions the lower flap portion 110 of the liner inside the tub wall 212 while positioning the lower portion 104 of the shower curtain liner 100 outside the tub wall 208. This allows the liner to straddle a tub wall which ensures that the battens 306 have an anchor point on both the top and the bottom of the liner to stabilize the structure in order to provide greater expansion of the interior area and effective resistance against the pressure that causes the liner to billow in creating “shower curtain cling.”

When viewed from a side view and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the elongated portion 206 of the structural element 200 protrudes outwardly from the first end 202 and the second end 204. In other words, the elongated portion 206 may have a generally bowed configuration. For example, the elongated portion 206 may have a generally arcuate configuration having a generally constant curvature. In other examples, the protrusion may have a varying curvature to allow for localized areas of increased protrusion where desired. In still other examples, the elongated portion 206 may have a generally angled configuration formed from a number of generally linear sections which combine to form a desired angle. Other approaches for shapes and configurations of the protrusion of the elongated portion 206 are possible. The elongated portion 206 and/or the entire structural element 200 may be constructed from a resilient material that, in a natural state or disposition, forms the protrusion, but if a force is applied to the protrusion, the structural element 200 may flex and be temporarily deformed.

In embodiments of the present invention, the structural element 200 may be constructed from a number of distinct sections which are adapted to couple to each other. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, the structural element 200 can include coupling portions, whereby a coupling portion 302 of a first structural element can engage the coupling portion 304 of a second structural element. In another example, the coupling portion 302 may include a thin extension that can be slidably friction fit into the coupling portion 304 of an adjacent element, which is in the form of a slot. The coupling portions can be any number of grooves, snaps, connectors, locking mechanisms, and other desired devices to secure sections of the structural element 200 together. As a result, the length of the structural element 200 can be adjusted to accommodate different shower dimensions as needed. For example, when being used in bathtubs or showers having a low overall height, fewer structural element portions can be used as needed. Conversely, in the case of arrangements such as standalone showers having high ceiling heights, additional structural elements 200 may be needed in order to fully span the height of the shower curtain liner 100. Additionally, different portions of the structural element 200 can be turned or rotated so that instead of forming a generally continuous “C” shaped protrusion, the elongated portion may form an “S” shaped protrusion, when viewed from a side profile. Other examples are possible depending on the configuration of the individual protrusions of the elongated portions 206.

In embodiments where the structural element 200 is constructed from a number of distinct sections, after coupling the sections together, the structural element 200 may be inserted into the pocket 112. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the upper portion 114 of the pocket 112 may have an opening 118 to accept the structural element 200. In some embodiments, the lower portion 116 of the pocket 112 may be closed (e.g., using stitching, fasteners, and/or adhesives) to restrict the structural element 200 from sliding out. As illustrated in FIG. 3, upon disposing the structural element 200 in the pocket 112, the shower curtain shell 100 bends outwardly and forms a corresponding protrusion between the upper portion 102 and the lower portion 104 when viewed from the side. As a result, when the structured shower curtain 100 is installed in a shower, the protrusion will extend outwardly from the shower region, which in turn provides additional room for the user to shower without having the shower curtain shell 100 contact and cling to the user's body.

When the structural elements 200 are disposed in the corresponding pockets 112 and the shower curtain 100 hangs from a rod 210 or other hanging assembly, an outer surface of the shower curtain liner 100 contacts an outer edge or a lip of the bathtub or shower sill 208. The shower curtain liner 100 can freely slide along the edge and can also pivot about the edge to provide more or less shower volume as desired. For example, a user can push any number of the structural elements 200 outwards (i.e., out of the shower area) to create more space inside of the shower.

The lower portion 116 of the pocket 112 may include an opening 120. This opening 120 allows a user to remove all or a portion (i.e., after uncoupling desired lengths of the distinct sections) of the structural element 200 from the pocket 112 without having to completely remove the structured shower curtain 100 from its installed location. For example, in environments where the shower has irregular dimensions (e.g., in a shower-bathtub combination unit where the tub sidewall height is non-standard), a portion of the structural element 200 may be removed to allow for the structured curtain 100 to be properly dimensioned.

In some arrangements, each of the pockets 112 is placed directly under grommet holes 124 extending longitudinally from the upper portion 102 to the lower portion 104. By placing the pockets 112 under the grommet holes 124, interior space of the shower area, specifically the upper portion 102, is maximized due to opposing forces of the grommet holes 124 (and shower hooks) resisting the structural elements 200 from moving inwards into the shower area.

In some embodiments, the pockets 112 and structural elements 200 can be placed at diminishing intervals near the center of the shower curtain shell 110. In other words, the structural elements 200 can be patterned in a manner where a density of the structural elements 200 increases towards the center of the shower curtain liner 100.

As a non-limiting example, as FIG. 1 illustrates, shower curtains often include twelve grommet holes 124 disposed evenly across the length of the curtain. The pockets 112 and structural elements 200 can be placed under the fourth, sixth, seventh, and ninth grommet holes 124 (counting from left to right). Such a configuration maximizes structural rigidity closer to the center of the shower area which in turn can increase the overall protrusion away from the shower area and accordingly provide for less shower curtain intrusiveness. Other examples of patterns are possible.

A width of each pocket 112 can be equal to or less than a diameter of each grommet hole 124 to increase overall rigidity of the structured shower curtain 100 and to allow for the shower curtain shell 100 to be easily moved between open and closed configurations.

In some embodiments, a weighted element or elements 214 (see FIG. 3) can be added to the lower portion of the slip 110. The weights 214 can provide a balancing force to the center of gravity of the structured shower curtain 100. Additionally, the weighted elements can advantageously prevent the lower portion of the slip 100 from protruding into the shower area.

The weighted element or elements 214 can be inserted into a generally horizontal pocket in the slip 110. The weighted element or elements 214 can be dimensioned and spaced apart at any desired distance that will still allow the curtain 100 to open and close.

In some embodiments using a number of structural elements 200, each or any number of the structural elements 200 can have varying protrusion geometries. In other words, the protrusions may cause the overall shape of the shower curtain shell 100 to be modified to accommodate varying shower geometries. For example, structural elements 200 near the first edge 106 of the shower curtain shell 100 may have a protrusion with a greater curvature than structural elements 200 near the second edge 108 of the shower curtain shell 100. As another example, structural elements 200 near the middle of the shower curtain shell 100 may have protrusions with a greater curvature than structural elements near both the first edge 106 and the second edge 108 of the shower curtain shell 100. Other examples are possible.

By disposing the pockets 112 (and accordingly, the structural elements 200) on the inner surface of the shower curtain shell 100, the shower curtain shell can easily be moved between open and closed configurations because the outer surface of the shower curtain shell, which is adapted to contact an edge of the bathtub or shower ledge, is largely free of disturbances that may impact movement.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A shower curtain comprising: a shower curtain liner having an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge, and further having a lower flap at a lower portion of the shower curtain liner, such that the lower portion of the shower curtain liner is positioned outside of an enclosure wall and the lower flap portion is positioned inside the enclosure wall;at least one pocket adapted to be disposed on the shower curtain liner and extending a predetermined length between the upper portion and the lower portion of the shower curtain liner;at least one structural element adapted to be disposed in the at least one pocket, the structural element having a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and the second.

2. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket is integrally formed with the shower curtain liner.

3. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket is formed as a separate structure and affixed to the shower curtain liner.

4. The shower curtain of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pockets and a corresponding plurality of structural elements.

5. The shower curtain of claim 4, wherein the plurality of pockets are evenly spaced between the first edge and the second edge of the shower curtain liner.

6. The shower curtain of claim 4, wherein the plurality of pockets are spaced further apart from each other near the first and second edge of the shower curtain liner, and spaced closer to each other in region in between the first edge and the second edge.

7. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least one structural element is generally bowed in shape and is operable to position the shower curtain liner so as to protrude outwardly with respect to the enclosure wall.

8. The shower curtain of claim 7, wherein the enclosure is a shower or a bathtub.

9. The shower curtain of claim 4, wherein the structural elements are of different length.

10. The shower curtain of claim 4, wherein each structural element comprises multiple elements which are connected end to end.

11. The shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the shower curtain liner and the flap portion are together shaped as inverted V-shaped structure.

12. The shower curtain of claim 4, wherein each structural element has a generally angular configuration.

13. The shower curtain of claim 7, wherein the structural elements have different bowed shapes and are operable to position the shower curtain liner so as to protrude outwardly in different amounts with respect to the enclosure wall, depending on the bowed shape of the respective structural elements.

14. The shower curtain of claim 4, further comprising one or more weights attached to the lower portion of the shower curtain liner.

15. A shower curtain comprising: a shower curtain liner having an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge, and further having a lower flap at a lower portion of the shower curtain liner, such that the lower portion of the shower curtain liner is positioned outside of an enclosure wall and the lower flap portion is positioned inside the enclosure wall;a plurality of pockets adapted to be disposed on the shower curtain liner and extending a predetermined length between the upper portion and the lower portion of the shower curtain liner;a plurality of structural elements, each adapted to be disposed in a corresponding pocket, the structural elements having a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and the second.

16. The shower curtain of claim 15, wherein the plurality of pockets are integrally formed with the shower curtain liner.

17. The shower curtain of claim 15, wherein the plurality of pockets are formed as a separate structure and affixed to the shower curtain liner.

18. The shower curtain of claim 15, wherein the plurality of structural elements are generally bowed in shape and are operable to position the shower curtain liner so as to protrude outwardly with respect to the enclosure wall.

19. The shower curtain of claim 15, wherein the lower portion of the shower curtain liner and the flap portion are together shaped as inverted V-shaped structure.

20. A shower curtain comprising: a shower curtain liner having an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge, and further having a lower flap at a lower portion of the shower curtain liner, such that the lower portion of the shower curtain liner is positioned outside of an enclosure wall and the lower flap portion is positioned inside the enclosure wall, thereby encapsulating a portion of the enclosure wall;a plurality of pockets adapted to be disposed on the shower curtain liner and extending a predetermined length between the upper portion and the lower portion of the shower curtain liner, the plurality of pockets being integrally formed with the shower curtain liner;a plurality of structural elements, each adapted to be disposed in a corresponding pocket, the structural elements having a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and the second, the plurality of structural elements having a generally nonlinear shape and are operable to position the shower curtain liner so as to protrude outwardly with respect to the enclosure wall.