US20090272502A1

US20090272502A1 - Easy hang shower curtain

Info

Publication number: US20090272502A1
Application number: US12/386,304
Authority: US
Inventors: Kim Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-16
Filing date: 2009-04-16
Publication date: 2009-11-05

Abstract

The present invention provides a new design for a shower curtain which is easy to hang by the user. The shower curtain of the present invention comprises an elongated flap panel which runs the length of the top of the unit and folds over the shower curtain rod and fastens to itself. Notably, appropriately positioned along the top and bottom of this panel extension is a series of corresponding snap fasteners. Although the fastening means illustrates the use of snaps, other fastening means are also useful for this invention. Other fastening means include, but are not limited to: plastic snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and a plastic “Zip-Lock™” type fastener, for example.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/124,402, filed Apr. 16, 2008, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Easy Hang Shower Curtain.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to the field of shower curtains, and more specifically to the field of shower curtains with improved hanging means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several designs for shower curtains have been put forth by the prior art.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,922 to Wade describes a Two-on-one snap, self-installing and supporting curtain and valance assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,624 to Brown III, describes an adjustable shower curtain positioning arm.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,840,155 to Stern describes an alternative embodiment of a shower curtain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a design for a shower curtain which is easy to hang by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the shower curtain of the present invention in place on a shower curtain rod.

FIG. 2 shows the fastening means of the shower curtain of the present invention being fastened.

FIG. 3 shows the fastening means of the shower curtain of the present invention completely fastened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Perhaps nothing is so calming at the end of a hectic day than soaking in a hot bath. Lighting a scented candle, filling the tub with fragrant bath salts and laying back while a current of warm water circulates around the body; spending a few moments of quiet time relaxing in the bathtub can truly refresh the body, mind and spirit. Similarly, standing underneath a cool shower can be revitalizing and invigorating, particularly after an intense workout. Letting the water stream over the body while pulsating jets gently massage the back, neck and shoulders,—standing beneath the flowing water of a shower head can be a relaxing experience. Regardless of whether one is enjoying a long soak in a warm bath, or simply jumping in the shower to clean up after football practice, the first thing most people do upon climbing into the bath is close the shower curtain. Shower curtains are extremely practical devices designed to provide bathers privacy when bathing. Most importantly, a shower curtain, tucked within the walls of a bathtub, can prevent streaming water from running onto the floor when one is taking a shower.
Although there is little dispute that a shower curtain is a practical and necessary bath accessory, use of one is not always without drawbacks. Particularly, the means of installing them to shower rods can be time consuming, frustrating, and even costly. Common shower curtains are affixed to rods via a set of independent snap hooks, with each individual hook stretched around the rod before being looped through a series of grommets, peppered along the top of the curtain.
Tedious, this process can leave one exhausted by the time it is completed. In addition, when the shower curtain needs to be cleaned, each hook must be carefully removed from each grommet and the unit replaced in the same manner as installation. Struggling with the snap hooks can also be a painful endeavor, as these high-tensiled instruments can easily pinch the fingers when installing or removing a curtain.
In contrast, the shower curtain of the present invention folds over the shower curtain rod and fastens to itself. Although the fastening means illustrates the use of snaps, other fastening means are also useful for this invention. Other fastening means include, but are not limited to: plastic snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and a plastic “Zip-Lock™” type fastener, for example.
The present invention is hereinafter referred to as “Easy Hang Shower Curtain,” a unique product invention which provides consumers a practical solution to the aforementioned problems. As the name implies, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain is a specially designed shower curtain which can be quickly and easily hung. Similar in appearance to a traditional shower curtain, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain is manufactured of lightweight vinyl, plastic or a comparable synthetic material. Corresponding liners are included for sale with each Easy Hang Shower Curtain. Generally rectangular in shape, this unique shower curtain is sized appropriately to accommodate any bathtub shower stall. This product also can be produced in sizes appropriate for single, free standing shower stalls. The most notable aspect of the Easy Hang Shower Curtain however, is found in the method of attachment to the existing curtain rod. As opposed to traditional shower curtains which feature a series of circular shaped openings along the top edge for use in applying hanging hooks, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain boasts an elongated flap panel which runs the length of the top of the unit. Notably, appropriately positioned along the top and bottom of this panel extension is a series of corresponding snap fasteners. As such, to hang the curtain the user simply folds this extension over the curtain rod, pressing each male snap fastener into the corresponding female fitting and the unit would be secured in place, without the use of hanging hooks or rings. The Easy Hang Shower Curtain can be produced in a myriad of attractive colors to correspond with existing bathroom decor, as well as in various neutral hues.
The Easy Hang Shower Curtain is a unique product invention that offers consumers a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain provides consumers with a simple, affordable, and hassle-free bath accessory. Replacing the standard, tiresome snap-hook-to-grommet method of shower curtain installation, this cleverly designed shower curtain features easy and convenient corresponding snap fasteners, enabling the user to hang the curtain without additional hardware. As such, users can apply and remove an Easy Hang Shower Curtain in a matter of seconds. In this manner, consumers would be able to avoid the painful pinchings that can result from struggling with standard hanging hooks. In addition to providing an easier means of installing, changing, or simply removing shower curtains for cleaning, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain offers an aesthetic advantage. The hidden fastener design lends an elegant appearance to any bathroom. While the Easy Hang Shower Curtain was primarily conceived with household users in mind, hotels and other lodging establishments will find this product a practical and attractive addition to baths in their guestrooms.
An innovative product invention, the Easy Hang Shower Curtain handily improves the process of shower curtain installation and other maintenance. Simple in design and application, this product also provides secure attachment to any shower rod.
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim.

Claims

1. A shower curtain which has male snap fasteners at intervals along its top edge, and female snap fasteners corresponding to the male snap fasteners approximately six inches away from the male snap fasteners to provide a fastening means for the shower curtain by folding the top edge of the shower curtain over the shower curtain rod and snapping the male snap fasteners to the female snap fasteners.

2. The shower curtain of claim 1 wherein the snap fasteners are placed at intervals of about 4″ to about 8″.

3. The shower curtain of claim 1 wherein the snap fasteners are made of stainless steel.

4. The shower curtain of claim 1 wherein the snap fasteners are made of plastic.