Abstract:
A shower curtain and series of clips or hooks integral therewith. The clips are single pre-fabricated members including a lower/shower curtain portion and upper/hanger portion. The shower curtain portion retains a shower curtain while the hanger portion attaches to a shower curtain rod. The shower curtain portion may be square-shaped, rectangular or the like and may be received by, and substantially encapsulated by, an internal space defined by layers of shower curtain material at an upper edge thereof. The shower curtain portion is configured to fit onto a shower curtain rod. Advantageously, when attached to the shower curtain rod using the series of clips described herein, the shower curtain is substantially flat or flush relative to the shower curtain rod and/or the clips are concealed in part or completely from a position outside of the shower/bathtub. A shower curtain liner may be attached to the shower curtain.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/553,718 filed on Jul. 19, 2012 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/509,962 filed Jul. 20, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/525,305 filed Aug. 19, 2011 all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments of the present invention relate to curtains incorporating novel clips to hang from a curtain rod eliminating cumbersome hooks and loops. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Curtains, including shower curtains, have traditionally relied on hooks or loops for attachment to curtain rods. However, hooks and loops are ineffective and/or cumbersome and in some cases require the curtain rod to be removed before the hooks or loops may be placed thereon or alternatively the loops may each need to be opened and placed over the curtain rod. 
     It would therefore be advantageous to develop a more effective and easy-to-use curtain attachment system. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention involve a shower curtain and series of clips integral with an upper edge of the shower curtain. The clips are a single pre-fabricated member including a lower/shower curtain portion and upper/hanger portion. The shower curtain portion is configured to retain a shower curtain while the hanger portion is configured to attach to a shower curtain rod. In one embodiment, the shower curtain portion is a flat square-shaped member which may be sandwiched between opposite shower curtain flaps. The shower curtain portion is positioned substantially orthogonally (i.e., 90°) relative to the flat hanger portion. Other embodiments include a clip with a hook portion, shower curtain portion and rectangular retention member and a clip with a hook portion, shower curtain portion and rib. The shower curtain portion defines a space and opening for allowing the clip to fit onto a shower curtain rod. Advantageously, when attached to the shower curtain rod using the series of clips described herein, the shower curtain is substantially flat or flush relative to the shower curtain rod as opposed to comprising peaks and valleys as with the traditional hooks, loops or similar attachment mechanisms. 
     In an alternative shower curtain embodiment, a shower curtain liner is attached to said shower curtain and held on a shower curtain rod by clips/hooks in an upper portion space of said shower curtain. 
     Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a shower curtain attached to a shower curtain rod using a first clip according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2-4  illustrate a side, rear and top view, respectively, of the first clip according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of a shower curtain attached to a shower curtain rod using a plurality of the first clips according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate close-up front and perspective views of the first clips integrated with a shower curtain according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a view along a shower curtain rod with the shower curtain hanging from the first clips according to the embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the first clip according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a front perspective and side view, respectively, of a second clip according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate a perspective front and perspective rear view, respectively, of the second clip integrated with a shower curtain according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate front and rear views of the second clip integrated with a shower curtain hanging on a shower curtain rod according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate a perspective front and side view, respectively, of a third clip according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates the third clip integrated with a shower curtain according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate front and rear views of the shower curtain hanging on a shower curtain rod with the third clips in place according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an alternative shower curtain and shower curtain liner connected to one another and incorporating clips according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an alternative shower curtain and shower curtain liner connected to one another and incorporating clips with reference to a bathtub wall according to the embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 18A-18C  illustrate an alternative design for a shower curtain clip according to the embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed. 
     The clips described herein may be fabricated of plastic, alloys, metals, polymers, composites and the like using molding, machining, rapid prototyping and similar techniques. In one embodiment, the clips are fabricated of Celcon M-90 allowing the curtain and clips to be washed and dried together without the need for removing the clips. While the detailed description below focuses on shower curtains, conventional curtains (e.g., drapes) are covered by, and benefit from, the embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  shows a shower curtain  100  attached to a shower curtain rod  105  using first clips  110  according to the embodiments of the present invention. The design of the first clip  110  facilitates the shower curtain  100  being flush or flat relative to the shower curtain rod  105 . In one embodiment, the first clips  110  are spaced approximately 6 inches along the top of the shower curtain  100 . In this manner, the shower curtain  100  may slide along the shower curtain rod  105  allowing ingress and egress for a shower user. 
       FIGS. 2, 3 and 4  show various views of the first clip  110 .  FIG. 2  shows a first side view showing a hanger portion  115  and shower curtain portion  120  (curtain portion for conventional drapes). The hanger portion  115  defines a space  116  and opening  117  allowing the clip  110  to be placed on the shower curtain rod  105 . In one embodiment, an under surface  118  of the hanger portion  115  of the clip  110  includes a metallic or similar material or coating  111  which facilitates sliding of the clip  110  along the shower curtain rod  105 . In one embodiment, a wedge  125  extends from the shower curtain portion  120  to the hanger portion  115 . The wedge  125  adds stability to the clip  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the shower curtain portion  120  comprises a square-shaped member  121  and lower horizontal member  122  wherein the square-shaped retention member  121  is received by an elongated internal space  123  defined by an elongated upper portion of the shower curtain  100  and wherein the lower horizontal member  122  extends through one of a series of openings  124  along the upper portion of the shower curtain  100 . The internal space  121  is between fabric layers in the upper portion of the shower curtain  100  and permits the clips  110  to retain the shower curtain  100 .  FIG. 3  also shows the substantially orthogonal (i.e., 90°) relationship between the hanger portion  115  and shower curtain portion  120  as well as the wedge  125  extending therebetween.  FIG. 4  shows a top view of the clip  110  with the square-shaped member  121  received by the space  123  in the upper portion of the shower curtain  100 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of a shower curtain attached to a shower curtain rod  105  using the first clips  110  according to the embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the shower curtain portion  120  is concealed by the shower curtain  100  providing a clean, smooth look.  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate close-up front and perspective views of the square-shaped member  121  (represented by dotted lines) integrated within the shower curtain  100 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a view along a shower curtain rod  105  with the shower curtain  100  hanging thereon and  FIG. 9  illustrates a rear perspective view of the first clip  110  according to the embodiments of the present invention. 
     For aesthetics purposes, the hanger portion  115  of the clip  110 , may be covered in shower curtain material matching the shower curtain  100 . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate perspective front and side views, respectively, of a second shower curtain clip  200  according to the embodiments of the present invention. The second clip  200  includes a hook portion  205  configured to hook over and slide along a shower curtain rod. A lower shower curtain portion  210  (curtain portion for conventional drapes) of the clip  200  includes a rectangular retention member  215  and intersecting lower horizontal member  216  configured to retain a shower curtain. A cut-out  222  on said lower horizontal member  216  accepts a shower curtain liner which hangs adjacent to the shower curtain thereby allowing the shower curtain liner to be easily removed and replaced or washed separately. Such a configuration is ideal for seniors and handicap persons given the ease with which the curtain may be removed and washed as well as the ease with which the liner may be removed and reattached. With a conventional curtain, the cut-out  222  may allow a shade or similar article to be hung behind the curtain. As shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B and 12A-12B , the rectangular retention member  215  (identified in  FIG. 12A  by dotted lines) inserts into an elongated internal space  217  (identified in  FIG. 12A  by dotted lines) defined by an elongated upper portion of a shower curtain  220  and wherein the lower horizontal member  216  extends through one of a series of openings  219  along the upper portion of the shower curtain  220  thereby concealing the rectangular retention member  215  (similar to square-shaped retention member  121  of the first clip  100 ).  FIGS. 12A and 12B  show front (i.e., from outside the bathtub/shower) and rear (from within the bathtub/shower) views of a plurality of the second clips  200 - 1  through  200 -N supporting a shower curtain  215  attached to a shower curtain rod  225 . 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate front and side views, respectively, of a third shower curtain clip  250  according to the embodiments of the present invention. The third clip  250  includes a hook portion  255  configured to hook over and slide along a shower curtain rod and a horizontal lower member  260 . A cut-out  262  on said horizontal lower member  260  accepts a shower curtain liner which hangs adjacent to the shower curtain thereby allowing the shower curtain liner to be easily removed and replaced or washed separately. A rib  270  supports the hook portion  255  and horizontal lower member  260 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates the third clip  250  integrated with a shower curtain  265  according to the embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the rib  270  is received by a space  266  (identified in  FIG. 14  by dotted lines) in an upper portion of the shower curtain  265  thereby concealing the rib  270  (identified in  FIG. 14  by dotted lines). The hook portion  255  and horizontal lower member  260  extend outward from upper openings  268  and lower openings  269 , respectively, in the upper portion of the shower curtain  265 . 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate front (i.e., from outside the bathtub/shower) and rear (from within the bathtub/shower) views of the shower curtain  265  hanging on a shower curtain rod  225  with a plurality of third clips  250 - 1  through  250 -N in place according to the embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the third clips  250 - 1  through  250 -N are not visible at all from outside the bathtub/shower thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing smooth and clean appearance. 
     With the embodiments of the present invention, the clips  110 ,  200  and  250  have portions which insert into an internal space within an upper portion of the shower curtain. The internal space may run the length of the upper portion or may comprise individual, separate spaces positioned along the upper portion. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an alternative shower curtain and shower curtain liner connected to one another with clips/hooks within said shower curtain according to the embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, a shower curtain  300  and shower curtain liner  310  are attached to one another proximate to an upper portion  305  of said shower curtain  300  below the position of the clips/hooks  200 . The shower curtain liner  310  may be attached  312  to the upper portion or below the same. In one embodiment, the shower curtain  300  and shower curtain liner  310  are sewn together but other means of attachment (e.g., clips, hook and loop fasteners, zipper, etc.) may be used. The shower curtain liner  310  is dimensioned substantially as the shower curtain  300 . As with the embodiments above, the shower curtain  300 , namely internal space  315 , encapsulates a portion of the hooks/clips  200  (as described hereinafter, other hooks/clips may be used).  FIG. 17  shows the shower curtain  300  and shower curtain liner  310  hanging from a shower curtain rod such that the shower curtain  300  hangs to an outside of the bath tub wall  325  while the shower curtain liner  310  hangs to the inside of the bath tub wall  325 . 
     While the clips/hooks  100 ,  200  and  250  are suitable for the alternative shower curtain with attached shower curtain liner shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , in one embodiment, an alternative clip/hook  350  as shown in  FIGS. 18A through 18C  is used. The clip/hook  350  comprises a hanger portion  355  for hanging over a shower curtain rod such that a series of hanger portions  355  extending through openings in an inner space  315  defined by said upper portion  305  attach the shower curtain  300  and connected shower curtain liner  310  to the shower curtain rod. A curtain portion  360  of each of the clips/hooks  350  insert into the shower curtain  300  as described above such that the curtain portion  360  is substantially encapsulated by said inner space  315  of said upper portion  305  of the shower curtain  300 . The hanger portion  355  is integral with, and extends from, the curtain portion  360 . In one embodiment, the curtain portion  360  comprises one or more curves. Thus, the clips/hooks  350  are substantially incorporated with the shower curtain  300 . 
     The embodiments of the present invention reduce or eliminate problems with conventional clips/hooks including the need to disengage hooks from the curtain rod. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described herein.