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Title:
SHOWER CURTAIN SUPPORT SYSTEM COMPRISING COUNTERBALANCE RODS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/102306
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
This disclosure relates to a system of counterbalance rods, which work as shower curtain supports, extending the shower curtain outwards from the shower area, increasing the inner volume of such area greatly. The counterbalance rod system comprises at least two pairs of counterbalance rods, wherein each pair of rods differ from the other pair in length in order to create a radially increasing expansion towards the centre of the shower curtain area. The counterbalance rod comprises a straight protruding rod, connected to a counterbalance part, wherein the counterbalance part has a connection cavity for the rod and a hook part for a simple attachment to a standard shower curtain rod. The rod is used to lift, support and expand the curtain and the counterbalance is used to lift the shower curtain and the rod, maintaining a sufficient height of the curtain.

Inventors:
LYDDON CHRISTOPHER JEREMY (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/058943
Publication Date:
May 31, 2019
Filing Date:
November 14, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
LYDDON CHRISTOPHER JEREMY (GB)
UAB IAM CONSULTANTS (LT)
International Classes:
A47K3/38
Foreign References:
US20060272087A12006-12-07
US5007120A1991-04-16
US20130067704A12013-03-21
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
UAB "IAM CONSULTANTS" (LT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A system for lifting and supporting a shower curtain, and extending it outwards of a shower area, said system comprising at least two pairs of devices, each device having, at least,

a protruding rod of a predetermined length, to lift, support and extend at least a portion of the shower curtain,

an equilibrium block, to counterbalance and maintain the aforementioned rod and the lifted curtain portion approximately horizontally and at the primary height of the curtain,

ch aracte rized in that said system is designed to be used with a standard shower curtain rod, wherein at least two pairs of said devices are put on and are movable along said curtain rod in a predetermined arrangement of said device rod lengths wherein said arrangement is such that the device protruding rods lift the curtain upwards and extend it outwards in a shape predetermined by said protruding rod lengths thus imparting to a bathing person an additional and predetermined space outwards of the shower area.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said predetermined rod lengths of said devices, predetermined arrangement and predetermined space correspond to an arbitrarily chosen predetermined shape, at least, canopy, rectangular, circle, triangle, trapezium or ellipse.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each equilibrium block comprises a counterbalance part and a hook part, wherein the weight of the counterbalance part is sufficient to generate torque, equal to the torque of the inclining portion of the curtain and the rod and is of a shape, sufficient to provide approximately horizontal alignment of the device while in use.

4. The system according to claim ^ characterized in that the rod is a straight rod, comprising a male ending, corresponding to the female cavity of the equilibrium block.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the rod is produced of plastic, carbon fibre, aluminium or composite thereof stiff, lightweight water-resistant material or composition of materials.

6. The system according to claim ^characterized in that the equilibrium block comprises a top hook, a bottom hook, a cavity for the rod, and a counterbalance part.

7. The system accordingto claim 6, characterized in that the top hook is a hook of the equilibrium block, capable to sustain the displacement of the axis of rotation.

8. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the bottom hook is a hook of the equilibrium block, capable to hold a curtain and a curtain retaining band.

9. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the equilibrium block cavity is located below the bottom hook, and the cavity is a circular cavity, having diameter corresponding to the rod.

10. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the equilibrium block counterbalance part is a rounded fin-shaped part, creating torque to equalise the dipping part of the shower curtain and the rod, wherein the weight of the counterbalance part is sufficient to generate torque, equal to the torque of the inclining portion of the curtain and the rod.

11. A method for extending a shower space using the system as defined by Claim 1 , c h aracterizedin that the method comprises steps of hanging a shower curtain to a bottom hook of the equilibrium block by the rings, sliding the protruding rod into a shower curtain’s lift sleeve, repeating these steps for at least another equilibrium block with the rod, hanging the curtain with the equilibrium block with rods onto a standard shower curtain rod by placing the top hook on top of the shower curtain rod.

Description:
SH W o 2019 / 102306 MN SUPPORT SYSTEM COMPRISING COUNTIPCT/IB2018/058943)DS

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for supporting a curtain. More precisely, this is a shower screen support system, comprising counterbalance rods.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Shower curtains tend to billow inwards, towards the person taking a shower reducing the showering space, making the process inconvenient. The reason for this is that the hot water in the inner shower area heats up the air inside that shower, compared to the air outside the shower, and the resulting temperature difference leads to a small pressure differential that causes the shower curtain to move inwards. Bernoulli effect also explains this occurrence. It states that there is a natural tendency of objects to move toward areas of low pressure caused by a fluid moving past at a high rate of speed. When water is pouring from the shower, the water droplets move in a relatively constant direction with considerable velocity. Droplets drag the air particles along, which results in the pressure as mentioned above difference between the inside and the outside of the shower area, thereby pulling the shower curtain inwards towards the person taking a shower. Such phenomenon mostly occurs in a conical shape due to the form of the droplets flow and the shower area.

There have been numerous attempts to design a shower curtain arrangement to prevent water spillage, restrain movement of the shower curtain inward and extend the showering area, including a US patent application No. US2016045080, published on 2016-02-18, describing an expanding curtain, which may be provided that does not require the addition or installation of a new curved rod and/or any external curtain supports, control devices, or adapters to expand the usable space in the enclosure area and/or prevent the inward intrusion of the curtain towards the user. Instead, the curtain itself may have the strength, rigidity and fortitude to form an outwardly extended shape (e.g., away from the enclosure area) that may hold it in place, thus, expanding the amount of space available for utilisation by the user of the enclosure area. The curtain readily and rapidly mounts and after that may be easily slidable/manipulated between an open and closed position. The curtain may surround, divide and provide privacy to a specific area and confined space.

A shower curtain supporting device is described in a US patent application No. USwo 2019 / 102306 'lished on 1992-12-15. It describes a shower C PC T/IB2018/058943 PPort which can be slidably attached to a standard shower curtain rod to support and extend a shower curtain around the side corner of a shower stall or bathtub. This apparatus is used to seal the shower area to prevent water and spray from escaping around the edges of a standard shower curtain. This shower curtain corner support, which is attached to a standard shower curtain rod near a side wall, consists of a small narrow beam directed into the shower area from which is suspended a shower curtain or curtain liner which will form an approximately right angle corner barrier about the open side corner of the shower area. A counterweight is attached to an outer beam of the corner support apparatus to maintain it in a parallel relation to the floor when the curtain is attached.

A shower curtain restraining device is described in a Great Britain patent application No. GB2449091A, published on 2008-11 -12. It describes a device for restraining the inward movement of a curtain such as a shower curtain, comprising an elongate member, a crossbar and a counterweight. Two hooks are attached to the elongate member to suspend the device on the curtain rail. The elongate member comprises a first part and a flexible second part. In use the second pail is urged against the surface of the curtain by the counterweight applying an outward force against the curtain, thus preventing the inward movement of the curtain.

Another shower curtain restraining device is described in a US patent No. US6996862B1 , published on 2006-02-14. It describes a deflector of a simple design that attaches rotatably to the shower curtain rod with an elongated portion which pushes the shower curtain away from the user due to a counterweighted part which hangs on the tub side of the shower curtain. Because the device hangs directly from the shower curtain support rod it is simple to install, does not interfere with a user's ability to get into the shower and leave the tub quickly, and does not pose a danger should the user fall against the curtain or have to push his/her way out through the curtain. A user only need use two units to restrain the shower curtain efficiently. Because the device is small and simple, it is inexpensive and easy to manufacture and package.

A support rod for shower curtains is described in a German patent No. DE102011100501 A1 , published on 2012-11 -08. Support rod for shower curtains comprises fastening unit that is partially attached to holding device of a curtain, above which shorter upper region is formed and below which extended lower region is formed. A displaceable weight is provided in the upper region, and lower region supports the curtain. The fastening unit is provided along the longitudinal axis of the curtain rod.

The inventions mentioned above are relevant due to their purpose - to provide a solwo 2019 / 102306 i g the problem of a shower curtains tendency top C T/iB 20i8 / 058943 ° the showering area, towards the user by reducing the inner shower area. But the patents as mentioned in above applications are limited: patent No. US2016045080 provides a somewhat clumsy curtain, which itself is rigid enough to form an outwardly extended shape, so such solution is not suitable for standard shower curtains. Patent No. US5170974 provides shower curtain supports, which can be used only for supporting and extending the side corners of a shower area, thus just providing a solution to solving the problem of water spray escaping around the edges of a standard shower curtain. Patents No. GB2449091A and US6996862B1 both offer a device to restrain the movement of a curtain and are limited by its necessity to press against the curtain, which can only retain the curtain, not expand it. Finally, patent No. DE102011100501 A1 provides somewhat clumsy vertical rods, which provide an unpredictable extension of a shower area, as these elements are not connected to a shower curtain, only interfering with it. All the aforementioned inventions approach the problem by seeking to push the shower curtain back with a counterweight.

SUMMARY

This invention aims to eliminate the drawbacks indicated above by providing a system of horizontal counterbalance rods (1 ), which work as a shower curtain (10) supports, extending the shower curtain (10) outwards from the shower area (14), increasing the inner volume of such region (14) significantly. This design seeks to solve the problems indicated above by lifting the shower curtain (10) by applying the use of a counterbalance (5) therein creating the space to shower without the curtain (10) touching the bather. The prior arts provided a counterweight, whereas this invention provides a counterbalance (5). A counterweight is a weight that, by exerting an opposite force, provides balance and stability of a mechanical system. Its purpose is to make lifting the load more efficient, which saves energy and is less taxing on the lifting machine, whereas a counterbalance is a weight or force that balances or offsets another as when two objects of equal mass, power, or influence are acting in opposition to each other. The objects are then said to be in counterbalance. In the most preferred embodiment, the weight of the counterbalance (5) is such that the torque, generated by the counterbalance (5) is equal to the torque, generated by the opposite side - the rod (2) and the part of the shower curtain (10). The weight of the counterbalance (5) is approximately ten times the weight of the opposite part as the distance, measured perpendicular to the centre of the mass is approximately ten times shorter. wo 2019 / 102306 mentioned counterbalance rods (1 ) can be <PCT/IB2018/058943 to a specially designed for such use shower curtain (10) or a standard shower curtain (10) to lift, support and extend a shower curtain (10) along the shower curtain rod radially. Such expansion is a practical solution for extending a shower space (14) because it shifts the central region of the curtain outwardly, while maintaining the ends of the curtain (10) in the primary position, thus preventing any increase in water spray escaping around the edges of a standard shower curtain. In the most preferred embodiment, the rods (2) are inserted into lift sleeves (17) of a curtain (10), thus lifting at least a portion of a curtain (10).

It is also a practical solution because the expansion of the upper region is beneficial due to the nature of showering position, where the user needs to extend the bent arms sideways in the top area to wash his/her head. Yet another benefit is that such system solves the problem of shower curtain (10) tendency to move inwards, towards the user, as the counterbalance rods system arranges the curtain material radially around the conical shape of the water drops flow, which generates the pressure difference, thus increasing the distance between the lowered pressure zone and the curtain maximally.

The counterbalance rod (1 ) system, described in this invention, in the most preferred embodiment, comprises at least two pairs of counterbalance rods (1 ), where each pair of rods (2) differ from the other pair in length in order to create a radially increasing expansion towards the centre of the shower curtain (10) area.

The counterbalance rod (1 ) comprises a straight, certain length protruding rod (2), connected to an equilibrium block (3) part, wherein the equilibrium block part has a connection cavity (6) for the rod (2), a hook part (4) for a simple attachment to a standard shower curtain rod (12) and a counterbalance part (5). The rod (2) is used to expand the curtain (10), and the counterbalance (5) is used to retain the shower curtain (10) and the rod (2) from dipping significantly, maintaining the system approximately in an elongating axis, thus maintaining the approximate primary height of the shower curtain (10).

The counterbalance rod (1 ) system is unique due to its capability to extend the inner shower area (14) by prolonging and elevating the curtain (10) itself, by lifting and not pushing to retain it.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Here the drawings are provided only for the sake of clarity and should be referred onlwo 2019 / 102306® implementation of the invention and should notpcT/iB 20i8 / 058943) f the invention by any means. Exemplary drawings of the shower curtain support system.

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a most preferred embodiment of a shower curtain counterbalance rod (1 ). The counterbalance rod (1 ) comprises a rod (2) and an equilibrium block (3). The rod (2) is sealed together with the equilibrium block (3) and does not have any mounting means at the open end and can fit into a lift sleeve (17) of a shower curtain. The equilibrium block comprises a hook part (4), a cavity (6), and a counterbalance part (5). Side view.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a shower curtain counterbalance rod (1 ). The counterbalance rod (1 ) comprises a rod (2) and an equilibrium block (3). The rod (2) is sealed together with the equilibrium block (3) and comprises mounting means (11 ) at the open end, hence is designed for a standard curtain (10) to be attached to the end of the rod (11 ), enabling this device to be used with a standard shower curtain assembly. The equilibrium block (3) comprises a hook part (4), a cavity (6), and a counterbalance part (5). Side view.

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the equilibrium block (3), comprising a hook part (4), which further comprises top hook (7) and bottom hook (8) and a counterbalance part (5), which further comprises cavity (6). Lines (9) are additional lines to represent the geometry of the equilibrium block (3). Isometric projection view.

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an equilibrium block (3), comprising a hook part (4) and a counterbalance part (5). Lines (9) are additional lines to represent the geometry of the equilibrium block. Top view.

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an equilibrium block (3), comprising a hook part (4), which further comprises top hook (7) and bottom hook (8) and a counterbalance part (5), which further comprises cavity (6). Lines (9) are additional lines to represent the geometry of the equilibrium block (3). Front view. Figwo 2019 / 102306 * schematic representation of the most preferr PC T/iB 20i8 / 058943 of a shower curtain counterbalance rod (1 ) assembly in use. Each support member (1 ) has the same pairing member on the opposite side of the arrangement. Each pair differs in size to extend the curtain (10) radially. The rod (2) is inserted into a lift sleeve (17) of a curtain (10), thus lifting and supporting the curtain (10) approximately horizontally. The user mounts the curtain (10) onto bottom hooks (8) through the rings of a curtain (13) and retaining bands (15) keep the rings (13) hooked, preventing from separation from the counterbalance rod (1 ) during use. Peripheral view.

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a shower curtain counterbalance rods (1 ) assembly. Each support member (1 ) has the same pairing member on the opposite side of the assembly. The curtain (10) is contracted and is a standard shower curtain, mounted onto the ends of the rods (11 ). Top view.

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a shower curtain counterbalance rods (1 ) assembly. Each support member (1 ) has the same pairing member on the opposite side of the assembly. The curtain (10) is extended and is a standard shower curtain, mounted onto the ends of the rods (11 ). Top view.

Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of the most preferred embodiment of a shower curtain counterbalance rods (1 ) in use. The curtain (10) is extended outwards to create additional inner shower space for the user (16). The user inserts the rods (2) into the lift sleeve (17) of a curtain (10) and fixes the curtain (10) to the counterbalance rods (1 ) by mounting the curtain rings (13) onto the bottom hook (8). Retaining band (15) prevents the ring (13) from separating from the counterbalance rod (1 ) during use. Side view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention comprises a shower curtain support system (1 ), employing counterbalance (5) to extend the inner area (14) of shower space and to decrease the inc wo 20i9 /i 02306J rtain (10) towards the user, arising due to Bernoi PC T/iB 20i8 / 058943 , stem employs a protruding rod (2) to extend and lift the curtain (10) and an equilibrium block (3) to counterbalance the aforementioned rod (2) and curtain (10) to maintain an approximate primary height of the curtain (10) (see Fig. 1 ). Throughout the shower process, the curtain (10) can dip slightly, especially as the curtain (10) gains weight with applied surface water. Herein and further equilibrium block will be referred as an object, providing means of counterbalancing and affixing to an intended assembly.

In the most preferred embodiment, the shower curtain (10) comprises a shower curtain (10) lift sleeves (17), corresponding to the size of the rods (2). The user hangs the curtain (10) to a bottom hook (8) of the equilibrium block (3) by the rings (13), and slides the protruding rod (2) into a shower curtain's (10) lift sleeve (17), thus giving the shower curtain (10) a shape of a canopy (see Fig. 6, Fig. 9). The curtain (10) roofs the created additional space, thus providing a more spacious shower area (14). Additionally, the curtain (10) is characterised by having a sufficient length to be lifted in an aforementioned manner, but still cover the bottom of the shower area (14), preventing additional water spillage from the bottom (see Fig. 9). The curtain’s (10) middle part has a protruding canopy (see Fig. 6), which enables to extend the curtain (10) while retaining the bottom level of the curtain (10) unchanged. The shower curtain (10) further comprises a curtain (10) retaining band (15), which acts as a retainer of the curtain (10), limiting the movement of the curtain (10), not letting it slip from the bottom hook (8) (see Fig. 6, Fig. 9).

In the most preferred embodiment, at least two pairs of counterbalance rods (1 ), differing in length of the protruding rod (2) are used to extend the shower curtain (10) radially around the centre the shower curtain rod (12) (see Fig. 6). The side rings (13) are mounted on a shower curtain rod (12), while the middle rings (13) are mounted onto the bottom hook (8) of the counterbalance rod (1 ). Such assembly enables the ends of the curtain to remain in primary position, while extending the middle part of the curtain (10), increasing the inner space of a shower area (14) most efficiently (see Fig. 6). Here and further shower area (14) will be referred as any bathing tub or shower enclosure, such as a shower, a stall, a bath, etc.

In the most preferred embodiment, the counterbalance rod (1 ) comprises a protruding rod (2) and an equilibrium block (3). The protruding rod (2) is a straight rod, made of any materials, suitable for a safe usage in such assembly. Such materials can be but are not limited to plastic, carbon fibre, aluminium, etc. It should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the material could be any material, which is stiff, hollow, lightweight, water-resistant and long-lasting. wo 2019 / 102306 S t preferred embodiment, the protruding rod (2 PC T/iB 20i8 / 0589435 es a male ending, which corresponds to the female cavity (6) of the equilibrium block (3). Such simple connection enables conjunction of the rod part (2) and the equilibrium block part (3). The rod (2) and the equilibrium block (3) are sealed together as it should not be disassembled throughout the use. It should be apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other means of conjunction are possible and such connection should not limit the scope of the invention. Other means of sealing the rod (2) and the equilibrium block (3) together can be a single mould of both parts, employment of screws, glue, etc.

In the most preferred embodiment, the equilibrium block (3) comprises a counterbalance part (5) and a hook part (4). The counterbalance part (5) is a rounded fin-shaped part, which creates torque to equalise the dipping part of the shower curtain (10) and the rod (2). The shape of a rounded fin is chosen as it has an appealing look while maintaining the centre of mass at a relatively low altitude and the lever arm efficient (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4). The weight of the equilibrium block (3) is such, which can generate a sufficient torque to counterbalance the curtain (10) and counterbalance rod (1 ) system. In the most preferred embodiment, the weight of the counterbalance (5) is approximately ten times the weight of the opposite part as the distance, measured perpendicular to the center of the mass is approximately ten times shorter. It should be apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other shapes of the counterbalance part (5) can be employed for a satisfactory result. Another form can be but are not limited to a buoy, sphere, cylinder, etc.

In the most preferred embodiment, the hook part (4) of the equilibrium block (3) comprises a top hook (7), a bottom hook (8) and a cavity (6). The top hook (7) is used to hang the counterbalance rod (1 ) onto a standard shower curtain rod (12) (see Fig. 6, Fig 9). The contact area of the top hook (7) and the shower curtain rod (12) acts as the axis of rotation of the counterbalance rod (1 ). For this reason, size of the top hook (7) is sufficient to sustain a displacement of the axis due to shift or torque, as the weight of shower curtain (10) portion can vary and additional load is applied during showering as water droplets stick to the curtain (10). The bottom hook (8) is used to hold a curtain (10) and the curtain (10) retaining band (15), which acts as a retainer of the curtain (10), limiting the movement of the curtain (10), not letting it slip from the bottom hook (8) (see Fig. 6). The female cavity (6) is a circular cavity, which corresponds to the ending of the rod (2) and acts as a connection of the rod (2) to the equilibrium block (3) (see Fig. 5).

In another embodiment, the shower curtain (10) is a standard shower curtain (10), which has mounting means at the top (openings, hooks, pins, clips, hinges, etc.), to fixate the curtain (10) onto a standard shower rod (12). W0 20i9 /i 02306 ementioned embodiment, where the curtain (10)p C T/iB 20i8 / 058943i ower curtain, the counterbalance rod (1 ) comprises a protruding rod (2) and an equilibrium block (3). The protruding rod (2) is a straight rod, made of any materials, suitable for a safe usage in such assembly. Such materials can be but are not limited to plastic, carbon fibre, aluminium, etc. It should be clear to a person skilled in the art that the material could be any material, which is stiff, hollow, lightweight, water-resistant and long-lasting. The protruding rod (2) further comprises fixation means (11 ), which enables a simple fixation of the counterbalance rod (1 ) to the shower curtain (10) (see Fig. 2).

In the aforementioned embodiment, where the curtain (10) is a standard shower curtain, curtain (10) and counterbalance rod (1 ) fixation means (11 ) is a hook, moulded together with the rod (2) (see Fig. 2). The hook can be easily mounted to the curtain (10) through the rings (13) of a standard shower curtain (10), which are occasionally used for hinges of a shower curtain rod (12) to be affixed (see Fig. 7, Fig. 8). It should be clear to a person skilled in the art, that other means of fixation (11 ) are possible and the aforementioned solution should not limit the scope of the invention. Other means of fixation (11 ) can be but are not limited to hinges, straps, buttons, clips, etc. In this embodiment, all the remaining components are as depicted in the most preferred embodiment.

Yet in another embodiment, the shape of the rods (2) may be but is not limited to: a bow-shaped rod; a vibrio shaped rod, resembling commas; a condylar, etc.

Yet In another embodiment, the shape of the assembly of the counterbalance rods (1 ) can resemble, but is not limited to: a rectangular, a circle, triangle, trapezium, ellipse, etc. All of the aforementioned shapes can be obtained by varying the number and the assembly of the counterbalance rods (1 ), as well as the length of the rods (2).

Yet in another embodiment, the shower curtain (10) and shower area (14) has mounting means on the bottom side of the curtain (10). Such mounting means enable a robust fastening to the inner side of the shower area (14) so that the bottom of the curtain would remain inside the shower area (14) and dripping water from the extended curtain would not flow out of the tub. Such mounting means may be but are not limited to: a strap on the curtain and a corresponding sticker on the tub, a button, a hinge, a hook, etc. Also, only a shower curtain (10) could have mounting means like a sticker, which sticks to tub surfaces.