Patent Publication Number: US-10321789-B2

Title: Magnetic shower curtain system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/432,937, filed Dec. 12, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to a magnetic shower curtain system and, more particularly, to a magnetic shower curtain system that maintains a shower curtain in place along opposing shower enclosure walls. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Devices for maintaining shower curtains in place are known. These devices have various drawbacks. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a magnetic shower curtain system that maintains a shower curtain in place along opposing shower enclosure walls. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic shower curtain system includes a shower rod assembly, a mounting assembly, and a shower curtain assembly. The shower rod assembly includes a shower rod. The shower rod is operable to be mounted between opposing shower enclosure walls. The shower rod includes a first outer end and a second outer end. The mounting assembly is operable to be mounted on one of the opposing shower enclosure walls. The shower curtain assembly includes a first outer shower ring. The first outer shower ring is operable to be placed on the shower rod, connected to a shower curtain, and slid along the shower rod. One of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, includes a magnet. The other of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material. The shower curtain is maintained in place along the opposing shower enclosure walls by attraction of the magnet of one of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, to the magnet or the magnetically attractable material of the other of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic shower curtain system includes a shower rod assembly, a mounting assembly, and a shower curtain assembly. The shower rod assembly includes a shower rod. The shower rod is operable to be mounted between opposing shower enclosure walls. The shower rod includes a first outer end and a second outer end. The mounting assembly includes at least one of a mounting bracket and a shower rod cover. The mounting assembly is operable to be mounted on one of the opposing shower enclosure walls. The shower curtain assembly includes a first outer shower ring. The first outer shower ring is operable to be placed on the shower rod, connected to a shower curtain, and slid along the shower rod. One of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, includes a magnet. The other of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material. The shower curtain is maintained in place along the opposing shower enclosure walls by attraction of the magnet of one of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, to the magnet or the magnetically attractable material of the other of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic shower curtain system includes a shower rod assembly, a mounting assembly, and a shower curtain assembly. The shower rod assembly includes a shower rod. The shower rod is operable to be mounted between opposing shower enclosure walls. The shower rod includes a first outer end and a second outer end. The mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket and a shower rod cover. The mounting bracket is operable to be connected to one of the opposing shower enclosure walls. The shower rod cover is operable to cover the first outer end of the shower rod. The shower curtain assembly includes a first outer shower ring. The first outer shower ring is operable to be placed on the shower rod, connected to a shower curtain, and slid along the shower rod. One of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, includes a magnet. The other of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material. The shower curtain is maintained in place along the opposing shower enclosure walls by attraction of the magnet of one of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, to the magnet or the magnetically attractable material of the other of: (1) the first outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1 a -1 b    are views of a magnetic shower curtain system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic shower curtain system including a shower rod assembly, a mounting assembly, and a shower curtain assembly— FIG. 1 a    is a perspective view of the magnetic shower curtain system with a shower curtain in a partially open position, and  FIG. 1 b    is a perspective view of the magnetic shower curtain system with the shower curtain in a closed position; 
         FIGS. 2 a -2 c    are views of a shower rod assembly and a mounting assembly of a magnetic shower curtain system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention— FIG. 2 a    is an exploded perspective view of the shower rod assembly and the mounting assembly of the magnetic shower curtain system,  FIG. 2 b    is an exploded perspective view of one end portion of the shower rod assembly and the mounting assembly of the magnetic shower curtain system, and  FIG. 2 c    is an exploded perspective view of the other end portion of the shower rod assembly and the mounting assembly of the magnetic shower curtain system; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view, partially in cross-section, of one end portion of a magnetic shower curtain system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where a shower ring and a shower rod each include a magnet or a magnetically attractable material; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view, partially in cross-section, of one end portion of a magnetic shower curtain system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where a shower ring and a shower rod cover each include a magnet or a magnetically attractable material; and 
         FIG. 5  is a side view, partially in cross-section, of one end portion of a magnetic shower curtain system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where a shower ring and a mounting bracket each include a magnet or a magnetically attractable material. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention provides a magnetic shower curtain system that maintains a shower curtain in place along opposing shower enclosure walls. 
     Exemplary embodiments of a magnetic shower curtain system  10  of the present invention are shown in detail in  FIGS. 1 a   - 5 . In exemplary embodiments, the magnetic shower curtain system  10  includes a shower rod assembly  12 , a mounting assembly  14 , and a shower curtain assembly  16 . In exemplary embodiments, the shower rod assembly  12  is operable to be mounted between opposing shower enclosure walls. In an exemplary embodiment, the shower rod assembly  12  includes a shower rod  18 , two rod inserts  20 , and a tension assembly  22 . In exemplary embodiments, the mounting assembly  14  is operable to be mounted on the opposing shower enclosure walls. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly  14  includes two mounting brackets  24  and two shower rod covers  26 . In exemplary embodiments, the shower curtain assembly  16  is operable to be hung between the opposing shower enclosure walls. In an exemplary embodiment, the shower curtain assembly  16  includes a shower curtain  28  and a plurality of shower rings  30 . 
     Exemplary embodiments of the shower rod  18  are shown in detail in  FIGS. 1 a   - 5 . In exemplary embodiments, the shower rod  18  is operable to be mounted between the opposing shower enclosure walls. In an exemplary embodiment, the shower rod  18  includes an inner tube  32  and an outer tube  34 . The inner tube  32  is operable to telescopically slide within the outer tube  34  to provide an adjustable length. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shower rod  18  could include a single tube that provides a fixed length. The shower rod  18  includes a first outer end  36  and a second outer end  38 . In an exemplary embodiment, the inner tube  32  includes the first outer end  36  and a first inner end  40 , and the outer tube  34  includes the second outer end  38  and a second inner end  42 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the single tube could include the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  are operable to be connected to the mounting brackets  24 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  could be connected to other components of the mounting assembly  14 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shower rod  18  is straight. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shower rod  18  could be curved, angled, or partially curved or angled. In an exemplary embodiment, the shower rod  18  is hollow. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shower rod  18  could be solid or partially solid. In an exemplary embodiment, the shower rod  18  has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shower rod  18  could have other cross-sectional shapes, such as oval, square, or rectangular. In an exemplary embodiment, the shower rod  18  is rigid. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shower rod  18  could be flexible. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the rod inserts  20  are shown in detail in  FIGS. 2 a   - 5 . In exemplary embodiments, the rod inserts  20  are operable to connect the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  to the mounting brackets  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, each rod insert  20  is operable to be inserted into and retained in one of the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 . In an exemplary embodiment, the rod insert  20  is generally cylindrical shaped. In an exemplary embodiment, the rod insert  20  includes an outer wall  44  with two radial openings  46  extending therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the radial openings  46  in the outer wall  44  of the rod insert  20  are operable to receive a magnet or a magnetically attractable material. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the magnet or the magnetically attractable material could be connected to the rod insert  20  by any connecting mechanism, such as adhesive or an interference fit. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the magnet or the magnetically attractable material could be connected directly to the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  without the rod insert  20 . 
     Exemplary embodiments of the mounting brackets  24  are shown in detail in  FIGS. 2 a   - 5 . In exemplary embodiments, the mounting brackets  24  are operable to be connected to the opposing shower enclosure walls. In an exemplary embodiment, each mounting bracket  24  includes a bracket plate  48  and a bracket base  50 . In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket plate  48  is operable to be connected to one of the opposing shower enclosure walls by a tension fit. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the bracket plate  48  could be connected to one of the opposing shower walls by any connecting mechanism, such as fasteners, adhesive, and suction cups. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket base  50  is operable to be connected to one of the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 . 
     Exemplary embodiments of the shower rod covers  26  are shown in detail in  FIGS. 1 a   - 5 . In exemplary embodiments, the shower rod covers  26  are operable to be connected to the mounting brackets  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, each shower rod cover  26  includes a cover base  52  and a cover dome  54 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cover base  52  is operable to be connected to one of the bracket plates  48  of the mounting brackets  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cover dome  54  includes an opening  56  therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover dome  54  is operable to receive one of the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  through the opening  56  therein and to cover one of the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 . 
     An exemplary embodiment of the shower curtain  28  is shown in detail in  FIGS. 1 a -1 b    and  3 - 5 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shower curtain  28  is operable to be hung from the shower rod  18  between the opposing shower enclosure walls. The shower curtain  28  includes a top edge  58 , a first side edge  60   a , and a second side edge  60   b . In an exemplary embodiment, the shower curtain  28  includes a mechanism along the top edge  58  to attach the shower rings  30  to the shower curtain  28 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shower curtain  28  includes a plurality of holes  62  spaced along the top edge  58  for receiving the shower rings  30 . 
     Exemplary embodiments of the shower rings  30  are shown in detail in  FIGS. 1 a -1 b    and  3 - 5 . In exemplary embodiments, the shower rings  30  are operable to be placed on the shower rod  18  and connected to the top edge  58  of the shower curtain  28  between the first side edge  60   a  and the second side edge  60   b  of the shower curtain  28 . Additionally, the shower rings  30  are operable to be slid along the shower rod  18 . The plurality of shower rings  30  includes a first outer shower ring  30   a  and a second outer shower ring  30   b  closest to the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 , respectively, and closest to the first side edge  60   a  and the second side edge  60   b  of the shower curtain  28 , respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the shower ring  30  is generally circular. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shower ring  30  could be other shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, the shape of the shower ring  30  is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the shower rod  18 . For example, in the exemplary embodiment where the shower ring  30  is generally circular, the cross-sectional shape of the shower rod  18  would be generally circular. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape of the shower ring  30  does not need to be complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the shower rod  18  so long as the shower ring  30  can be placed on the shower rod  18  and slid along the shower rod  18 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shower ring  30  is continuous, i.e., there are no breaks in the shower ring  30 . In this case, the shower ring  30  would need to be placed on the shower rod  18  prior to the shower rod  18  being mounted between the opposing shower enclosure walls. In an exemplary embodiment, the shower ring  30  is discontinuous, i.e., there is a break in the shower ring  30 . In this case, the shower ring  30  could be placed on the shower rod  18  after the shower rod  18  is mounted between the opposing shower enclosure walls. In the exemplary embodiment where the shower ring  30  is discontinuous, the shower ring  30  could include a mechanism to connect ends of the shower ring  30  to make the shower ring  30  continuous after the shower ring  30  is placed on the shower rod  18 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shower ring  30  includes rolling balls on a portion of the shower ring  30 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, one of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 , includes a magnet, and the other of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 , includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetically attractable material is steel. The shower curtain  28  is maintained in place along the shower enclosure walls by attraction of the magnet of one of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 , to the magnet or the magnetically attractable material of the other of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the second outer shower ring  30   b  includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material  64 , and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material  66 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, one of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the shower rod covers  26 , includes a magnet, and the other of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the shower rod covers  26 , includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetically attractable material is steel. The shower curtain  28  is maintained in place along the shower enclosure walls by attraction of the magnet of one of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the shower rod covers  26 , to the magnet or the magnetically attractable material of the other of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the shower rod covers  26 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the second outer shower ring  30   b  includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material  64 ′, and the shower rod cover  26  includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material  66 ′. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, one of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the mounting brackets  24 , includes a magnet, and the other of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the mounting brackets  24 , includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetically attractable material is steel. The shower curtain  28  is maintained in place along the shower enclosure walls by attraction of the magnet of one of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the mounting brackets  24 , to the magnet or the magnetically attractable material of the other of: (1) the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b , and (2) the mounting brackets  24 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the second outer shower ring  30   b  includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material  64 ″, and the mounting bracket  24  includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material  66 ″. 
     As used herein, when a component of the magnetic shower curtain system  10  is described as including a magnet or a magnetically attractable material, the magnet or the magnetically attractable material could be a discrete element that is insertable into and removable from the component, a discrete element that is integrally connected to the component, or integrally formed in the component. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic shower curtain system  10  is installed and used in a shower enclosure. Exemplary installation and use steps will be described. 
     During installation of a magnetic shower curtain system  10  including an adjustable length shower rod  18 , the shower rings  30  and the shower rod covers  26  are placed on the shower rod  18  with the shower rod covers  26  closest to the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  and the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  next closest to the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 , respectively. The mounting brackets  24  are connected to the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 . The first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  are placed on the opposing shower enclosure walls. The shower rod  18  is extended and locked in place using the tension assembly  22 . The shower rod covers  26  are slid along the shower rod  18  toward the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  and connected to the mounting brackets  24 . The shower rings  30  are connected to the top edge  58  of the shower curtain  28  between the first side edge  60   a  and the second side edge  60   b  of the shower curtain  28  with the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  closest to the first side edge  60   a  and the second side edge  60   b  of the shower curtain  28 , respectively. The magnetic shower curtain system  10  is now installed. 
     During installation of a magnetic shower curtain system  10  including a fixed length shower rod  18 , the mounting brackets  24  are connected to the opposing shower enclosure walls. The shower rings  30  and the shower rod covers  26  are placed on the shower rod  18  with the shower rod covers  26  closest to the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  and the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  next closest to the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 , respectively. The first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  are connected to the mounting brackets  24 . The shower rod covers  26  are slid along the shower rod  18  toward the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18  and connected to the mounting brackets  24 . The shower rings  30  are connected to the top edge  58  of the shower curtain  28  between the first side edge  60   a  and the second side edge  60   b  of the shower curtain  28  with the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  closest to the first side edge  60   a  and the second side edge  60   b  of the shower curtain  28 , respectively. The magnetic shower curtain system  10  is now installed. 
     During use, to close the shower curtain  28 , a user moves the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  along the shower rod  18  toward the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 . The user can move the shower rings  30  directly or by moving the shower curtain  28  attached to the shower rings  30 . Once the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  are sufficiently close to: (1) the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 , (2) the shower rod covers  26 , or (3) the mounting brackets  24  (whichever includes the magnet or the magnetically attractable material), the attraction between the magnet or the magnetically attractable material of the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  and the magnet or the magnetically attractable material of: (1) the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 , (2) the shower rod covers  26 , or (3) the mounting brackets  24 , maintains the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  and, thus, the shower curtain  28  attached to the shower rings  30 , in place along the shower enclosure walls. 
     During use, to open the shower curtain  28 , the user moves the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  along the shower rod  18  away from the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 . Again, the user can move the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  directly or by moving the shower curtain  28  attached to the shower rings  30 . Once the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  are sufficiently spaced from: (1) the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 , (2) the shower rod covers  26 , or (3) the mounting brackets  24  (whichever includes the magnet or the magnetically attractable material), there is no attraction between the magnet or the magnetically attractable material of the first outer shower ring  30   a  and the second outer shower ring  30   b  and the magnet or the magnetically attractable material of: (1) the first outer end  36  and the second outer end  38  of the shower rod  18 , (2) the shower rod covers  26 , or (3) the mounting brackets  24 . 
     While the steps for installation and use of the magnetic shower curtain system  10  have been described above in a particular order, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these steps do not need to be performed in this particular order. 
     For example, while the step of connecting the mounting brackets  24  to the opposing shower enclosure walls with a fixed length shower rod  18  has been described before the step of placing the shower rings  30  and the shower rod covers  26  on the shower rod  18 , one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these steps could be reversed. 
     While the magnetic shower curtain system  10  has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment with the components connected in a particular manner, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the components of the magnetic shower curtain system  10  do not need to be connected in this particular manner. 
     For example, while the shower rod  18  has been shown and described as being connected to the mounting brackets  24 , one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shower rod  18  could be connected to the shower rod covers  26  or other components of the mounting assembly  14 . 
     While the magnetic shower curtain system  10  has been shown and described in the illustrated embodiment as including certain components, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the magnetic shower curtain system  10  does not need to include each of these components and/or the specifics of each of these components. 
     For example, while the magnetic shower curtain system  10  has been shown and described as including magnetic components at both ends of the shower rod  18 , one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the magnetic shower curtain system  10  could include magnetic components at only one end of the shower rod  18 . Similarly, while the mounting assembly  14  has been shown and described as including separate mounting brackets  24  and shower rod covers  26 , one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these components could be integrated into a single component or the mounting assembly  14  could include more than two components. Moreover, while the mounting brackets  24  have been shown and described as including a mounting plate and a mounting base, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these components could be integrated into a single component or the mounting bracket  24  could include more than two components. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that the present invention provides a magnetic shower curtain system that maintains a shower curtain in place along opposing shower enclosure walls. Although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification. The present invention includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications.