The present invention relates to shower caddy systems, and, more particularly, to shower caddy systems that include a vertical tension pole and shelves that may be attached to the pole at various locations along its length and a method for tensioning same.
Shampoo bottles, bar and liquid soaps, shaving supplies and various other personal hygiene items are usually kept in the home bathroom shower stall or bathtub/shower area. Various shower caddies are available that have one or more shelves for holding the aforementioned items in an organized fashion. However, these system tend to have inadequate tensioning system and tend to fall easily. Other known systems are secured using screws and nails in the ceiling which require significant work for removing and disposing elsewhere.
Yet some other systems use spring loaded mechanism to tension the shower caddy. Spring tensioning systems lack the required strength usually obtained from the screws and nails alternative yet screws and nail alternative lack the versatility of the easy removal of the spring loaded mechanism. There is thus a need for a system that at least partially overcomes the short coming of existing systems.
The shortcomings of the prior art are generally mitigated by providing a vertically adjustable shower caddy having a conveniently reliable and easy to use tensioning system.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the vertically adjustable shower caddy provide a tensioning mechanism that may be durably secured to the shower stall or bathtub/shower area without the use of either screws and nails or spring loaded mechanisms.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the vertical shower caddy provide a vertically standing shower caddy comprising at least one tensioning mechanism securing the main structural pole segment, at least one shelf, and means for attaching and reattaching the at least one shelf to the at least one main structural pole segment at any point thereon. In one specific example, the attaching and reattaching means includes a securing mechanism using a dual mechanism with a clip having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion engaging the securing mechanism and the second portion providing a handle element for the user.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the vertical shower caddy comprise a hollow preferably non-circular main structural pole having two vertically extendable arms for securing the shower caddy to the floor and ceiling of shower stall or bathtub/shower without the need for any tools.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the shower caddy may be solidly secured using the tensioning mechanism simply by rotating either the upper or lower tensioning mechanisms or both. The dual extendable arm of the shower caddy allows the user to vertically align the main structural pole as desired. Therefore, the main structural pole may be located higher by retracting the upper extendable arm while extending the lower extendable arm by the same length.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the infinite screw tensioning mechanisms provide for a quick and easy installation. According to another aspect of the present invention, the shower caddy may be configured to be sold as one assembled piece, without the need for assembling thus improving the ease of installation by the user.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the tensioning mechanisms and its strength of installation allows the shower caddy to support significant weight while remaining in its initial position.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the top and bottom heads of the shower caddy may be suited with anti-slipping features that matches the material of the surface upon which they will be facing. For instance, the top head could be suited with a wood anti-slipping strip while the bottom head is suited with a ceramic anti-slipping strip. Therefore, the shower caddy may be suitably installed on any surfaces, while generally maintaining the desired strength. In addition, the thickness of the anti-slipping strip could be varied depending on the toughness of the material floor and ceiling materials.
According to one aspect of the present invention, though described as suitable for corner installation, the shower caddy could be configures for installation along a wall thus allowing the shelves a 180 degrees configuration as opposed to the 90 degrees corner configuration.
In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for arranging the shelves of the shower caddy, comprising the steps of securing the main structural pole adjacent a shower location, attaching a first shelf on the tension pole at a first location thereon, removing the first shelf from the tension pole without moving the tension pole, and reattaching the first shelf on the tension pole at a second location thereon. Additionally, the method may comprise the step of adding the top head anti-slipping strip, the bottom head anti-slipping strip or both. Likewise, the method may further comprise the steps of choosing the height of the main structural pole and adjusting the upper and lower extendable arm as to vertically align the main structural pole as desired.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the shower caddy may be made from materials such as composite, aluminum, steel, polymers or any combination thereof. The materials used for the shower caddy will generally the strength of its installation.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a component of the shower caddy may be a bath or shower handle. According to one embodiment, the shower caddy and its securing mechanism allows the required for supporting a body without affecting the position of the shower caddy.
In yet another example, the method further comprises the step of securing a securing mechanism to main structural pole, wherein the steps of attaching the first shelf on the main structural pole and reattaching the first shelf on the main structural pole comprise securing the first shelf to the rail system. In yet another example, the method further comprises attaching a second shelf on the tension pole at a third location thereon, removing the second shelf from the tension pole without moving the tension pole, and reattaching the second shelf on the tension pole at a fourth location thereon.
According to aspect of the present invention, the shower caddy comprises: a tension pole and a plurality of shelves and/or accessories; each of the shelves and/or accessories having a securing element for mounting the shelves and/or accessories to the tension pole. The tension pole having a hollow structural pole having a first and a second extremity, a first vertically extendable received in the hollow structural pole and extending from the first extremity; and a first tensioning mechanism for vertically extending and retracting the first vertically extendable pole from the hollow structural pole. The first tensioning mechanism may be an infinite screw. The first vertically extendable arm and the main structural pole generally secure the shower caddy system to the floor and ceiling of a shower stall or a bathtub shower without requiring the use of any tools.
According to aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed a shower caddy comprising a second vertically extendable arm received in the hollow structural pole and extending from the second extremity, and a second tensioning mechanism for vertically extending and retracting the second vertically extendable pole from the hollow structural pole.
According to aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy system wherein the first vertically extendable pole engages the ceiling and wherein the second vertically extendable pole engages the floor, and wherein the main structural pole may be located vertically higher by retracting the first extendable arm of a first length. The extension of the first vertically extendable arm is achieved through rotating the first tensioning mechanism while extension of the second extendable arm is achieved through rotation of the second tensioning mechanism.
According to aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy system wherein the securing element comprises a dual mechanism with a clip having a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion engaging the securing element and the second portion provides a handle element for the user.
According to aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower which may be solidly secured to the floor and the ceiling of a shower stall or a bathtub shower using the tensioning mechanism simply by rotating either the first or second tensioning mechanism or both.
According to aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy having a hollow structural pole of cylindrical shape.
According to aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy with a cross section of the hollow structural pole having a triangular shape with rounded edges.
According to aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole comprising a first vertically extendable arm received in a hollow structural pole, the first vertically extendable arm having a first gear strip extending longitudinally. The hollow structural pole comprising a first retaining element having a first cylindrical lip, a second retaining element having a second cylindrical lip, a first cylindrical member having a third and a forth cylindrical lip, and an inner surface with first spiraling gears complementary with the first gear strip, and a main hollow member having a first and a second extremity, the first extremity being mounted to one of the first and second retaining elements. The first and second cylindrical lips rotatably receive the third and fourth cylindrical lips and the gear strip is received in a vertical portion of the spiraling gears. The rotation of the first cylindrical member about the first and second retaining element extends the vertically extendable arm while counter rotation of the first cylindrical member retracts the vertically extendable arm.
According to aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole further comprising a second vertically extendable arm received in the hollow structural pole, the second vertically extendable arm having a second longitudinal gear strip. The hollow structural pole further comprising a third retaining element having a fifth cylindrical lip, a fourth retaining element having a sixth cylindrical lip; a second cylindrical member having a seventh and a eighth cylindrical lip, and an inner surface with second spiraling gears complementary with the second longitudinal gear strip; and the second extremity of the hollow structural pole being mounted to one of the third and fourth retaining elements. The fifth and sixth cylindrical lips rotatably receiving the seventh and eight cylindrical lips. The second longitudinal gear strip being received in a vertical portion of the second spiraling gears. Accordingly, rotation of the second cylindrical member about the third and fourth retaining element extends the vertically extendable arm and wherein counter rotation of the second cylindrical member retracts the vertically extendable arm.
According to another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole wherein the first cylindrical lip is on an inner surface of the first retaining element, the second cylindrical lip is on an inner surface of the second retaining element, the third and fourth cylindrical lips on an outer surface of the first cylindrical member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole wherein the first cylindrical lip is on an outer surface of the first retaining element, the second cylindrical lip is on an outer surface of the second retaining element, the third and fourth cylindrical lips on an inner surface of the first cylindrical member.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole wherein the sixth cylindrical lip is on an inner surface of the third retaining element, the seventh cylindrical lip is on an inner surface of the fourth retaining element, the third and fourth cylindrical lips on an outer surface of the second cylindrical member.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole wherein the sixth cylindrical lip is on an outer surface of the third retaining element, the seventh cylindrical lip is on an outer surface of the fourth retaining element, the third and fourth cylindrical lips on an inner surface of the second cylindrical member.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole wherein a cross-section of the elongated hollow member is non-circular to favor installation in corner spaces.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole wherein the first vertically extendable arm has a securing head, the securing head being configured in use to abut on one of a floor or a ceiling of a shower stall or a bathtub shower.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole wherein a cross-section of the elongated hollow member has triangular shape with rounded edges. The elongated hollow member may also have a first longitudinal rail for mounting shelves and accessories and a second longitudinal rail within the first longitudinal rail for receiving a securing element of the shelves and accessories The shelves and accessories may be slideable along the first longitudinal rail and secured about the second longitudinal rail.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole comprising a first vertically extendable arm received in a hollow structural pole, the first vertically extendable arm having a first longitudinal gear strip. The hollow structural pole comprising a first cylindrical member having a top surface, a bottom surface and an inner surface with first spiraling gear complementary with the first longitudinal gear strip and an elongated hollow member having a first and a second extremity, the first extremity of the elongated hollow member being disposed about the first cylindrical member. The first longitudinal gear strip is received in a vertical portion of the first spiraling gear and wherein rotation of the first cylindrical member about the hollow structural pole outwardly extends the first vertically extendable arm and wherein counter rotation of the first cylindrical member inwardly retracts the first vertically extendable arm.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed an adjustable shower caddy pole comprising a second vertically extendable arm received in the hollow structural pole, the second vertically extendable arm having a second longitudinal gear strip. The hollow structural pole further comprising a second cylindrical member having a top surface, a bottom surface and an inner surface with a second spiraling gear complementary with the second longitudinal gear strip. The second longitudinal gear strip being received in a vertical portion of the second spiraling gear. Accordingly, rotation of the second cylindrical member about the hollow structural pole outwardly extends the second vertically extendable arm and wherein counter rotation of the first cylindrical member inwardly retracts the vertically extendable arm.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed adjustable tensioning system comprising a tension pole and a plurality of shelves, accessories or both, each having a securing element for mounting the shelves, the accessories or both to the tension pole; wherein the first tensioning mechanism comprises a lead screw and nut assembly; wherein the first vertically extendable arm and the hollow structural pole secure the shower caddy system to an upper horizontal surface and a lower horizontal surface of a bathroom, a shower stall or a bathtub shower without requiring the use of any tools. The a tension pole comprising a hollow structural pole having a first and a second extremity; a first vertically extendable arm received in the hollow structural pole and extending from the first extremity; and a first tensioning mechanism for vertically extending and retracting the first vertically extendable arm from the hollow structural pole.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed method for arranging shelves on a caddy pole the method comprising the steps of:
Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:
A novel vertical adjustable shower caddy will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.
Referring first to
In the present embodiment, going from top to bottom, the shower caddy 100 generally comprises a top head 140 having an anti-slipping membrane 142 on the its top outer surface, a top extendable arm 120, a upper tensioning mechanism 300 interconnecting the upper extendable arm 120 with the main structural pole 110 having a rail system 262 for operatively mounting several storage compartments and accessories 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, a lower tensioning mechanism 400 interconnecting the main structural pole 110 and a lower extendable arm 130 and a lower head 150, also preferably an anti-slipping membrane located thereunder 152. The main structural pole 110 is generally hollow to receive the upper and lower extendable arms 120, 130. In the present embodiment, the main structural pole 110 has a triangular shape to be conveniently received in either a bath or shower corner.
Now referring to
Now referring to
In another embodiment, the shower caddy system 100 also comprises one or more self-draining shelves 220, 230, 240, as illustrated in
More particularly, the shelf 220 includes a, elliptical-shaped frame 246 having left 244 and right 242 supporting shelf members, a lowered curved front section 248 and a securing element 250. The securing element 250 has a dual attachment mechanism. The first mechanism is a laterally engaging side attachment element 252, substantially engaging the rail system of the main structural pole 110. The laterally engaging side attachment element 252, releasably secures the securing element to the rail system 262 by engaging a recess through the second rail arm. Therefore, the first securing mechanism is used for mounting the shelves 220, 230, 240 and other components accessories 200, 210 to the rail system 262 of the main structural pole 110. The second securing mechanism, is a clip 254 that is moved upwardly and downwardly to vertically secure the securing mechanism at a desired height.
In another embodiment, with reference to
In use, the shower caddy system 100 may be installed according to the following steps. Once assembled, as described above, the main structural pole 110 may be secured in a shower stall or adjacent a bathtub/shower area. More particularly, the upper and lower extendable arm 120, 130 may be tensioned using the tensioning mechanisms 300, 400 temporarily increasing or decreasing the length of the shower caddy 100 and thereby allowing a user to secure the shower caddy 100 between the ceiling and floor of a shower stall or between the ceiling and the tub of the bathtub/shower area of a bathroom. Once the shower caddy 100 is positioned, the upper and lower extendable arm 120, 130 may be tensioned using the tensioning mechanisms 300, 400 to increase the tension and secure the shower caddy 100. The shower caddy 100 is secured in place via an interference or friction fit with the ceiling and shower stall floor or bathtub.
According to one embodiment, a first location 260 on the main structural pole 110 is selected for placement of a first shelf 240, and a first securing mechanism 250 is secured to the rail system 262 of the main structural pole 110 at the first location 260, as illustrated in
According to one embodiment, with the securing mechanism 250 of the present invention, there is no need to remove the entire shower caddy 100 to move one or more of the shelves 220, 230, 240. More particularly, repositioning a shelf 220, 230, 240 to a new location on the main structural pole 110 does not require the removal of the main structural pole 110 from the shower stall or bathtub/shower area, and thereby saves a user a significant amount of time and effort. To vertically reposition a shelf 220, 230, 240, the shelf 220, 230, 240 is lifted along the rail 262 after having first disengaged the clip 254 locking member until it is disengaged from its associated rail element. More particularly, the first portion 255 of the clip 254 is moved from its second position (vertically locking the securing mechanism to the rail system) to its first position (unlocking and allowing free movement of the securing mechanism along the rail system 262), so that the clip 254 is open.
According to one embodiment, to invert the position of the shelves along the main structural pole 110, the shelves 220, 230, 240 may be removed from the rail 262 by lifting the clip 254 and laterally displacing the side attachment element 252 thus disengaging the securing mechanism from the rail and allowing removal of the individual shelf 220, 230, 240 or components accessories from the main structural pole. As such, a shelf 220, 230, 240 may then be moved from its initial position to a second position along the main structural pole 110. The securing mechanism 250 is secured to the main structural pole 110 the new location by engaging the first rail arm and laterally displacing the side attachment element 252 to engage the second rail arm thus mounting the securing mechanism 250 to the rail system 262 and then lowering the clip 254 to is locked position and vertically selecting the position of the shelf and securing mechanism 250.
While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.
The present patent application claims the benefits of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/212,962, entitled “Vertically Adjustable Shower Caddy And Method For Tensioning Same”, and filed at the U.S. Patent Office on Sep. 1, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
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