Abstract:
A collapsible shower device is disclosed that has an upper hoop affixed to a structure such as a wall and a lower hoop also affixed to the structure at a pivot point, and a privacy screen attached to both the lower hoop and the upper hoop in which the lower hoop is moveable from a lowered position to a raised position by rotation about the pivot point. The invention thus presents a collapsible shower assembly or privacy screen assembly that is space saving and weather resistant, but also presents an aesthetically pleasing experience.

Description:
[0001]    The present invention relates to shower apparatus and more particularly relates to shower apparatus for use outdoors. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Outdoor showers are useful devices for numerous reasons. In particular, an outdoor shower is often used after visiting a beach to remove sand and salt from clothing and body. They also may be used prior to or after use of a swimming pool, hot tub or sauna. Outdoor showers are also used to cool down and clean off after exercise, running, or performing outdoor work. However, known showers that are located at the pool or the beach are typically permanent structures that are attached by pipes to a water source or supply. Additionally, such showers are typically utilitarian in nature and generally lack visual appeal. Although these showers are useful, they are not aesthetically pleasing, are not movable, and require ongoing maintenance. Further, during cold weather need to be disconnected to prevent freezing of the pipes. 
         [0003]    Portable showers for uses such as camping or similar temporary installations are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,992—Ray and U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,536—Suarez both disclose typical outdoor shower structures that have a rigid frame covered with fabric to create an enclosure. Alternatives to the frame-and-cover style of shower are also known, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,620—Ratje, which discloses a portable outdoor shower that is an inflatable structure with a top and a bottom tube and sections of material connecting the tubes to create a privacy screen. U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,763—Grenier discloses a collapsible shower that consists of a series of rigid wire rings that are connected by a fabric tube that can be raised from the ground to create an enclosure. However, these shower systems are meant to be completely portable and are generally made of lightweight materials that cannot withstand months or years of continuous exposure to the elements. 
         [0004]    A space-saving interior shower that collapses into a wall panel is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,721—Okun. In the disclosed design, a metal ring is mounted to a wall and a conventional shower curtain hangs from the ring. A collapsible floor enclosure is provided for retaining water and directing water into a drain. 
         [0005]    The present invention is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings associated with present showers. In particular, the present invention is a combination simulated palm tree and shower device that may be easily constructed and installed at various locations. Moreover, the combination simulated palm tree and shower device of the present invention is durable and can withstand prolonged exposure to the weather if installed outside and is easy to handle and move from an outside location for storage. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The shortcomings of the prior art are remedied by providing a privacy screen assembly comprising an upper hoop affixed to a structure and a lower hoop affixed to the structure at a pivot point along with a privacy screen attached to both the lower hoop and the upper hoop, so that the lower hoop is moveable from a lowered position to a raised position by rotation about the pivot point. Preferably, the lower hoop comprises a locking mechanism and most preferably the lower hoop locks in a first position that is substantially vertical and a second position that is substantially horizontal. In certain embodiments the lower hoop locks in a third position wherein a portion of the hoop is touching the ground. The upper hoop can be attached to an upper support rod and it is preferred that the upper and lower support hoops are comprised of stainless steel. The privacy screen or curtain can be made of a woven fabric or of a plastic material. In preferred embodiments, the upper and lower hoops are detachably affixed to a wall, most preferably using one or more wall brackets. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a shower assembly made in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a shower assembly made in accordance with the present invention similar to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a mounting bracket; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a curtain for use in the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 1  showing the shower assembly in a stored position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 5  showing the shower assembly being readied for use; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 5  showing the shower assembly just prior to beginning use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0014]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an isometric view of a shower assembly  100  made in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The shower assembly comprises a lower hoop  102  and an upper hoop  104 . A curtain or flexible privacy screen  110  extends between the two hoops  102 , 104 . Each of the hoops  102 , 104  are firmly mounted to a wall  50  or the like, preferably using brackets that permit the entire assembly  100  to be detached, as explained in further detail below. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an additional upper support rod  105  connects the mid-point of the upper hoop  104  to the wall  50  for added stability. A shower head  52  and drain are also illustrated, although these items are typically installed and existing, moreover the shower assembly  100  is also useful as a cabana screen or wherever a privacy enclosure is desirable either for personal privacy or to hide a piece of equipment or for other aesthetic reasons. 
         [0015]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , additional aspects of the present invention are illustrated.  FIG. 2  is similar to  FIG. 1  except that the curtain  110  is folded to either side and the lower hoop  104  is folded in the stored position. As explained in further detail below, the lower hoop  104  is secured to the wall  50  by hinged or pivot brackets  114  that permit the lower hoop  104  to rotate between a number of positions and in certain preferred embodiments, lock in one or more of those positions. As illustrated below, the ability of the lower hoop to move from the position shown in  FIG. 1  to that which is shown in  FIG. 2  allows the present invention to be usefully installed in locations where space does not permit a permanent shower structure to be erected, such as in a narrow breezeway between homes or any locale where space is a premium. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in this position, passersby can walk beneath the upper hoop  102  and not trip over or need to avoid the lower hoop  104 . Additionally, by folding the curtain  120  as shown it is protected from fading and deterioration from exposure to the elements. 
         [0016]    Details of preferred mounting plates  108  for mounting the shower assembly  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  is shown in  FIG. 3 . In these preferred embodiments, a keyhole  109  is provided that permits the free ends of the hoops  102 ,  104  to be inserted and locked in place without tools. However, the hoops  102 , 104  can be readily removed whenever the shower assembly  100  is to be disassembled for cleaning, maintenance, storage or replacement. It will be readily understood that a wide variety of mounting hardware can be used or that the upper and lower hoops  102 , 104  can be mounted more or less permanently into the wall using conventional hardware such as lag bolts and the mounting place  108  or their equivalents can be welded to the rod ends of the hoops  102 , 104 . 
         [0017]    Preferably, all of the structural elements discussed above such s the hoops  102 , 104  and the associated hardware is made from stainless steel for maximum weather resistance and low maintenance. Other metals such as bronze or aluminum may also be useful and it will be appreciated that various combinations of wood, metal, plastic and other composite materials can all be used in accordance with the concepts of the invention disclosed. 
         [0018]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a plan view of a curtain  300  for use in preferred embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. In accordance with the present invention, the curtain  300  is designed to attach to both the upper hoop  102  and the lower hoop  104  in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The curtain  300  may be made of any of a number of materials including but not limited to plastic, fabric and other materials and may either be flexible or made of rigid sections connected by flexible sections so the curtain can me folded or moved to allow access and to be put in a stored position as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0019]    A view of the shower assembly  100  in a stored position is illustrated in  FIG. 5 , which is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 1 . This view is a typical arrangement of the assembly  100  prior to use. The lower hoop  104  is raised and is preferably tied to the curtain  300  as shown, which results in a compact and neat appearance that will remain in place during wind and rain storms. A similar view is seen in  FIG. 6 , which is also a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 5 , which shows the shower assembly  100  being readied for use. As illustrated, the lower hoop  104  is untied and lowered, preferably so that the front edge touches the ground. This is preferred since it permits the easiest access, but is not necessary. In any event, the user steps through the lower hoop  104  and if the lower hoop  104  is in fact touching the ground raise it slightly. The result is shown in  FIG. 7 , which is another perspective view, similar to  FIG. 5  showing the shower assembly just prior to beginning use. It can be seen that with the lower hoop  104  locked in place, the curtain  300  can be drawn around and is restrained at the top and bottom so that it cannot flap or move due to wind or to the forces created by the water inside the shower. 
         [0020]    In use, the present invention transforms a typical outdoor shower into a spacious, retractable shower enclosure that is both useful and visually appealing. Because the assembly is easy to use, it is more likely that showers will be taken and thus the positive effects of reducing sand, debris, stains, etc. and the hygienic effects from showering will be enhanced. The retractable features discussed above allow the present invention to neatly fold-up against a wall after use making efficient use of the often-limited space around the home. In accordance with the preferred embodiments described herein, the design resembles vintage beach tents. As discussed above, by choosing materials made specifically for the outdoors, the present invention is durable enough to withstand even the harshest elements nature can bring and will hold-up to both continual use and exposure to the elements. 
         [0021]    From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a collapsible shower device which fulfills the various objects and advantages sought therefor. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject invention are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.