US20070045208A1

US20070045208A1 - Flipper shower caddy

Info

Publication number: US20070045208A1
Application number: US11/217,976
Authority: US
Inventors: David Quan
Original assignee: Umbra LLC
Current assignee: Umbra LLC
Priority date: 2005-09-01
Filing date: 2005-09-01
Publication date: 2007-03-01

Abstract

The present invention is a shower caddy including a frame that supports at least one shelf assembly and a top attaching means. In a preferred embodiment, the invention also includes a rail assembly to aid in preventing containers from falling from the shelf assemblies and a suction cup placed at the bottom end of the frame to secure the bottom end to a shower wall or other similar support.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of bathroom accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to bath and shower accessories, particularly the area of caddies for showers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the innumerable shower products such as soaps, shampoos, and conditioners found on the market today, a large proportion of home shower units are often lined with several bottles and jars each containing one of several variations of the above products. This plethora of containers can lead to clutter and possibly cause a safety hazard if they fall onto the shower floor due to a lack of shelf space.
Although many devices designed to hold and store shower accessories and products are found in the prior art, they usually fail to overcome one or more of the problems created by the presence of numerous shower products and accessories. One problem is that although many of the prior art devices provide storage space for containers, the storage spaces, such as shelves, lack adequate guards so that the containers are easily knocked off the shelves to either break or cause a tripping hazard in the wet shower. Another problem is that these devices often lack stability in that they are easily moved or struck accidentally, knocking them ajar and spilling the containers. A third problem is that the shelves often take up an uncomfortable amount of space, especially in a smaller shower. The bather must take special care to not consistently hit them when maneuvering in the shower. Finally, the shower caddies found in the prior art often contain a number of parts with several corners, notches, slots, etc. that provide for the simple build up and difficult removal of soap residue.
The shower caddy disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,131 and Des. 286,599 to Sussman are typical of the caddies found in the prior art. Although the caddy includes an upper clamp for hanging onto a shower nozzle, the disclosed caddy has no device to prevent the lower end from swinging on the supporting nozzle. In addition, the shelves of the '131 device rotate and are suspended from slots that allow for containers to spill and for soap residue to build up. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 407,249 to Hampshire discloses a shower caddy with a curved notch for suspension from a shower nozzle and also discloses a pair of suction cups to prevent the lower end from swinging on the nozzle. However, the two shelves on the caddy have a low rail or bar with insufficient height to prevent containers from toppling from the shelf.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 415,916 to Hofman, et al. discloses a shower caddy with two shelves one of which has a protective rail to keep product containers from falling. Similar to the '131 patent, the '916 patent provides a notch for hanging from a shower nozzle, but it lacks any component for maintaining the stability of the lower end of the device. Similar to the '916 patent, U.S. Pat. No. D493,991 to Dretzka is a shower caddy shaped to suspend from a nozzle but it also lacks any lower end stabilizer. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 417,990 to Yemini is a design patent disclosing a multishelf shower caddy that does not provide for any spill protection from its shelves and also appears to lack a lower end stabilizer.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0121871 to Zadro discloses a height adjustable shower caddy designed to mount on different structures. Although it provides for lower end stability, the '871 application discloses only a shelf with no rail and two wire basket type holders for bottles. The holders are shaped from wire-like material and have large spaces through which the bottles can easily slip. Finally, Japanese publication 2005-42306 discloses a device with foldable shelves that are supported within a frame. However, the device appears to lack any lower end stabilizing device and also any mechanism to easily and quickly hang or suspend the device in a shower. Moreover, the device in the '306 disclosure has a slotted shelf support mechanism which allows for the build up of soap residue.
Therefore, there exists in the field a need for a shower caddy type device that provides for easy installation, stability of the lower (non suspended) end, protection from the spilling of containers, and a simple design that resists soap residue build up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises shower caddy including a frame having opposite first and second ends, at least one shelf assembly that spans or traverses the frame such that the shelf assembly includes a shelf support fixedly attached to the frame and a shelf member rotatably attached to the shelf support, and a first support means positioned within said frame at said first end and fixedly attached to said frame. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of shelf assemblies are attached to an oblong frame and fold or rotate into the space bound by the frame. In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention also includes a rail assembly and a second support means in the form of a suction cup positioned opposite the first support means.
The present invention also broadly comprises a shower caddy including a frame, a plurality of shelf assemblies in which each shelf assembly includes a shelf support spanning the frame and a rotatably attached shelf member, a rail assembly that spans the frame with a rotating rail member, a grip insert at one end of the frame that is sized to grip a shower nozzle or similar object, and a suction cup attached to a second end of the frame.
A general object of the invention is to provide a shower caddy with foldable shelves to provide for easy storage and, if needed, extra room in a shower.
A second object of the invention is to provide a shower caddy that is easily installed.
A third object of the invention is to provide a shower caddy with an element that prevents movement of the shower caddy's nonsuspended end.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a secure locking mechanism for holding the foldable shelves in an open or extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of the operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing Figures, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention showing its use in a typical shower environment;
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the present invention showing the shelf assemblies and rail of the present invention folded or rotated into the space bound by the frame;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention showing the shelf assemblies and rail folded or rotated into the space bound by the frame;
FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the present invention with the shelves and rail folded into the frame;
FIG. 5 a is a cross sectional view of the present invention taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 b is a cross sectional view showing the shelves and rail of the present invention as rotating toward the extended position seen in FIG. 1;
FIGS. 6 a-c are a magnified views of circled area 6 of FIG. 5 b portraying the tab and slot locking action of the shelf assembly of the present invention; and,
FIG. 7 is a transverse cross section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2 demonstrating a preferred embodiment of the shelf member of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. It also should be appreciated that figure proportions and angles are not always to scale in order to clearly portray the attributes of the present invention.
While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Adverting to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of shower caddy 10 of the present invention showing its use in a typical shower environment. Frame 11 supports the components of shower caddy 10. Frame 11 includes a first end which bear s first support means 20. In the preferred embodiment shown, first support means 20 is an insert (insert 20) that includes grip 21 which is shaped to frictionally grip nozzle pipe P. In a more preferred embodiment, grip 21 includes grip surface 21 a and is fabricated from a plastic or other material in an overmolding process which gives the material a “sticky” property to enhance the friction grip on nozzle pipe P. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, silicone, TPR, and PVC. In the embodiment shown, frame 11 possesses an oblong shape, however, persons of ordinary skill in the art will note that any desired shape, including but not limited to, circular rectangular, square, or an irregular shapes can be suitable.
Shower caddy 10 includes one or more shelf assemblies 12. Shelf assemblies 12 each include shelf member 13 and shelf support 14. As will be explained below, shelf member 13 folds or rotates from the extended or open position shown in FIG. 1 to a folded or closed position. In a preferred embodiment, shelf member 13 includes slot 16 which acts to drain shelf member 13 and is part of a tab and slot locking mechanism used to hold shelf member 13 in the extended position.
Rail support 18 is shown attached to frame 11 and supports rail 19. Rail 19 is rotatably attached to rail support 18 and rotates from the extended position shown in FIG. 1 to a folded position within the space bound by frame 11 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. In the extended position, rail 19 helps prevent items such as container C from toppling from or being pushed off shelf member 13.
Accessory holder 23 is shown opposite insert 20 and is formed to hold accessories such as razor 30 or a toothbrush or other similar items. In the preferred embodiment shown, accessory holder 23 includes slots 23 a to provide a convenient receiver for accessories.
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the present invention showing both shelf assemblies 12 and rail 19 folded or rotated into the space bound by frame 11 (closed position). Plainly visible are slots 16 in shelf member 13 and tab 17 in shelf support 14. Also seen is hinge 15 which connects shelf member 13 with shelf support 14 and allows shelf member 13 to rotate relative to shelf support 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, hinge 15 is shown as a flexible continuous connection between shelf member 13 and shelf support 14 that is made from the same material as one or both of shelf member 13 and shelf support 14. In alternate embodiments, hinge 15 may be made from different material, comprise more than one separate hinge device, and be attached to shelf member 13 and shelf support 14 using suitable fasteners such as screws, rivets, adhesives or the like. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other rotational attachments such as pins or a plurality of hinges may be used to join shelf member 13 to shelf support 14.
Shown in shadow is suction cup 24 which is attached to the rear side of frame 11 and is used to secure the lower end of frame 11 to a shower wall or other suitable support. In alternate embodiments, suction cup 24 may be replaced by an adhesive pad or similar device that allows the bottom end of frame 11 to be secured to a support such as a shower wall. FIG. 3 is a side view of shower caddy 10 showing shelf assemblies 12 and rail 19 folded into the closed position.
FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of shower caddy 10 showing shelf members 13 and rail 19 in the closed position. Plainly visible is second support means 24 attached to the lower end of frame 11. In the preferred embodiment shown, second support means 24 is a suction cup that can be pressed against a shower wall to hold the bottom end of frame 11 to prevent shower caddy 10 from swinging or rotating around shower nozzle pipe P. Screws 25 are used to attach insert 20, shelf supports 14, rail support 18 and accessory holder 23 to frame 11. Persons of skill in the art will recognize that other suitable fasteners can be used such as rivets, adhesives, nut and bolt assemblies, and similar fasteners, to attach the components to frame 11. Screws or other removable fasteners are preferred so as to allow easier cleaning of separate components of shower caddy 10. Also seen are pins 19 a attached to rail 19 and extending through holes defined by rail support 18 to join rail 19 to rail support 18 and allow rotation of rail 19.
FIG. 5 a is a cross sectional view of shower caddy 10 in the closed position taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2. Tab 17 is seen extending from the surface 14 a of shelf support 14. Slot 16 is defined by shelf member 13. FIG. 5 b shows shelves 13 and rail 19 as rotating toward the extended position seen in FIG. 1. Rail 19 rotates toward surface 18 a of rail support 18.
FIG. 6 a is a magnified cross section view of circled area 6 of FIG. 5 b. In this magnified view, slot 16 is more clearly seen approaching tab 17 as shelf member 13 approaches surface 14 a. FIG. 6 b shows the back surface of shelf member 13 contacting tab 17 and forcing it toward the space bounded by frame 11 as shelf member 13 rotates toward surface 14 a. FIG. 6 c shows tab 17 slipping into slot 16 as shelf member 13 nears surface 14 a. After tab 17 is positioned within slot 16, shelf member 13 is locked into the open position of resting on surface 14 a. A user may release shelf member 13 by lifting and rotating shelf member 13 toward the folded position seen in FIG. 5 a. As mentioned above, slot 16 also acts a drain for shelf members 13.
FIG. 7 is a transverse cross section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2 and shows a preferred embodiment of shelf member 13. Curved surface 13 a and lip 13 b of shelf member 13 are seen contacting frame 11. In the preferred embodiment shown, shelf member 13 is slightly wider than frame 11 at the points where it contacts frame 11. In the preferred embodiment, shelf member 13 is made from a material flexible enough to flex slightly and then fit snugly around frame 11 to hold it securely against frame 11 in the closed position. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, polypropylene.
Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which changes would not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A shower caddy comprising:

a frame having opposite first and second ends;

at least one shelf assembly spanning said frame, wherein said at least one shelf assembly includes a shelf support fixedly attached to said frame and a shelf member rotatably attached to said shelf support; and,

a first support means positioned within said frame at said first end and fixedly attached to said frame.

2. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one shelf assembly is a plurality of said shelf assemblies.

3. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein said first support means is a grip sized to frictionally attach to a shower nozzle.

4. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said at least one shelf assembly further comprises a tab and slot mechanism for locking said shelf member in an open position.

5. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 further comprising a rail assembly spanning said frame, wherein said rail assembly includes a rail support fixedly attached to said frame and a rail member rotatably attached to said rail support.

6. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 further comprising a second support means positioned at said second end of said frame.

7. The shower caddy as recited in claim 6 wherein said second support means is a suction cup.

8. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 further comprising an accessory holder.

9. The shower caddy as recited in claim 8 wherein said accessory holder includes at least one slot.

10. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein said frame is oblong.

11. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein said shelf member of said at least one shelf assembly rotates between the space within said frame and a position substantially perpendicular with said frame.

12. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein said rotatable attachment is a hinge.

13. The shower caddy as recited in claim 12 wherein said hinge is a continuous hinge.

14. The shower caddy as recited in claim 13 wherein said continuous hinge extends the length of said shelf support member.

15. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein said rotatable attachment comprises a pair of pins attached to said shelf member.

16. The shower caddy as recited in claim 5 wherein said rail assembly rotatable attachment comprises a pair of pins attached to said rail.

17. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein said shelf member is slightly wider than said frame and includes a frame contact surface that allows a snug fit with said frame.

18. A shower caddy comprising:

a frame having opposite first and second ends;

a plurality of shelf assemblies spanning said frame, wherein each of said plurality of shelf assemblies includes a shelf support fixedly attached to said frame and a shelf member rotatably attached to said shelf support;

a rail assembly spanning said frame, wherein said rail assembly includes a rail support fixedly attached to said frame and a rail member rotatably attached to said rail support;

a grip insert means positioned within said frame at said first end and fixedly attached to said frame, wherein said grip insert is sized to frictionally attach to a shower nozzle; and,

a suction cup attached to said second end of said frame.

19. The shower caddy as recited in claim 18 wherein said frame is oblong.

20. The shower caddy as recited in claim 18 further comprising an accessory holder.

21. The shower caddy as recited in claim 20 wherein said accessory holder includes at least one slot.

22. The shower caddy as recited in claim 18 wherein at lest one shelf member is slightly wider than said frame and includes a frame contact surface that allows a snug fit with said frame.