Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02830139 2013-10-17
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Adjustable Storage Assembly
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No.
61/722,476, filed November 5, 2012, entitled "Adjustable Storage Assembly,"
the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to an
adjustable storage
assembly and, more particularly, to an adjustable shower storage system
configured to be
positioned between a shower head assembly and a support wall of a bath or
shower stall
enclosure. The assembly may be used as a shower caddy because it is desirable
to have an
assembly capable of supporting a variety of bathing articles that a user
generally requires when
bathing or taking a shower.
[0004] Numerous types of shower caddies have been developed to support
such articles so
that a person taking a shower can readily access such articles. One type of
such conventional
shower caddies includes caddies which are mounted over and supported by a
shower head
assembly. One problem with such conventional shower caddies is that the weight
of the shower
caddy and the articles stored therein must be completely borne by the shower
head assembly,
which can result in damage to the shower head assembly.
[0005] Another problem with such conventional shower caddies is that they
are not always
compatible with the layout of the shower and with the shower head assembly.
For example,
many shower head assemblies, such as handheld shower head assemblies,
generally have a hose
or flexible tube which generally rests against a shower wall. Other handheld
shower head
assemblies have a slide bar on which the shower head is mounted. However,
conventional
shower caddies are often difficult to mount over such handheld shower head
assemblies because
placement of the caddy is often obstructed by the flexible hose or slide bar
which is positioned
below the base or shower head. Also, positioning of the hose is often
obstructed by the caddy.
Specifically, difficulties arise because there is no space for the tube or
hose of the handheld
shower assembly to lay, or the caddy cannot be used because of the obstructing
slide bar.
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[0006] Thus, it is desirable to provide an improved shower storage
system configured to be
mounted over a shower head assembly. More particularly, it is desirable to
provide a shower
storage system which is configured to be mounted over a shower head assembly
in such a
manner that the storage system does not interfere with any components of the
shower head
assembly and the risk of damage to the shower head assembly is significantly
minimized or
eliminated
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an
adjustable shelf assembly
comprising an elongated tension-mounted rod, an elongated frame, and at least
one shelf
attached to the frame. The elongated tension-mounted rod has a first end and a
second end and
generally extends in a first plane. The elongated frame has a first end
attached to the tension-
mounted rod and an opposing second end. The frame generally extends in a
second plane which
is perpendicular to the first plane of the tension-mounted rod. The at least
one shelf has a base
wall configured to support objects placed thereon. The base wall generally
extends in a third
plane which is parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane of the
tension mounted-rod
[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
combination of an
adjustable shelf assembly and a shower head assembly. The adjustable shelf
assembly is
configured to be removably mountable on the shower head assembly. The shower
head
assembly has a base, a head portion and an arm extending from the base. The
shower head
assembly generally defines a first longitudinal plane. The adjustable shelf
assembly comprises
an elongated tension-mounted rod, an elongated frame and at least one shelf
attached to the
frame. The elongated tension-mounted rod has a first end and a second end and
extends in a first
lateral plane generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal plane of the
shower head assembly.
The elongated frame has a first end attached to the tension-mounted rod and an
opposing second
end. The frame generally extends in a second longitudinal plane which is
parallel to and spaced
apart from the first longitudinal plane of the shower head assembly. The at
least one shelf has a
base wall configured to support objects placed thereon. The base wall
generally extends in a
second lateral plane which is parallel to and spaced apart from the first
lateral plane of the
tension mounted-rod.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of
the present
invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For
the purposes of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings
embodiments which
are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not
limited to the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
[0010] Fig. lA is a perspective view of an adjustable storage assembly
in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] Fig. 1B is a front elevational view of the adjustable storage
assembly shown in Fig.
1A;
[0012] Fig. 1C is a right side elevational view of the adjustable
storage assembly shown in
Fig. 1A;
[0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an adjustable storage assembly
in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
shown in Figs. lA and 2;
[0015] Fig. 4 is a front elevation cross-sectional view the support
rod shown in Fig. 3;
[0016] Fig. 4A is an enlarged front elevation view of a tension
mechanism of the support
rod shown in Fig. 4;
shower fixture support rotated 180 ;
[0018] Fig. 5A is an enlarged front elevation view of the metal
collars of the support rod
shown in Fig. 5;
[0019] Fig. 5B is an enlarged perspective exploded view of the end cap
of the support rod
25 shown in Fig. 5;
[0020] Fig. 5C is an enlarged perspective exploded view of the shower
fixture support of
the support rod shown in Fig. 5;
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[0021] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the support rod of the
adjustable storage assembly
shown in Fig. 1A in an installed position secured to a shower head assembly;
[0022] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the adjustable storage assembly
shown in Fig. 2 in an
installed position secured to a shower head assembly; and
[0023] Fig. 8 is a compilation of several possible configurations of
adjustable storage
assemblies in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention
in installed
positions secured to respective shower head assemblies.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is
not limiting. The words "right", "left", "lower", and "upper" designate
directions in the
drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly"
refer to directions
toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the adjustable
storage assembly and
designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words,
derivatives thereof,
and words of similar import. Additionally, the words "a" and "an", as used in
the claims and in
the corresponding portions of the specification, mean "at least one."
[0025] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals and
characters indicate
like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1A-2 a presently preferred
embodiment of an
adjustable storage assembly in accordance with the present invention. With
reference initially to
Figs. 1-2, the adjustable storage assembly preferably functions as an
adjustable shelf assembly,
and more preferably as a shower caddy, generally designated 10.
[0026] With particular reference to Figs. 1A-2, the adjustable storage
assembly 10
comprises an elongated frame 12, an elongated support rod 14, and at least one
shelf 30 attached
to the frame 12. Preferably, the frame 12 has a first or top end 12a which is
removably attached
to the support rod 14 and an opposing second or bottom end 12b. In one
embodiment, the frame
12 is preferably made of metal wire. In another embodiment, the frame 12 is
preferably made of
a polymeric material. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
any suitable material
may be used to form the frame 12, such as a metal coated with a polymeric
material and the like,
or a combination of these materials. Preferably, the frame 12 is made of a
corrosion resistant
material.
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[0027] Referring to Figs. 1A-1C, the support rod 14 is a generally
horizontally-oriented rod
and preferably generally extends in a first lateral plane Li defined by a
generally central lateral
axis Li of the rod 14. The frame 12 is a generally vertically-oriented
structure and preferably
generally extends in a first vertical longitudinal plane L2 defined by a
generally central
longitudinal axis L2 of the frame 12. More preferably, the frame 12 extends in
a longitudinal
plane L2 which is perpendicular to the lateral plane Li of the support rod 14.
More particularly,
the frame 12 preferably extends perpendicularly from the horizontally-oriented
support rod 14
along the vertical longitudinal plane L2.
[0028] The frame 12 preferably comprises at least a first elongated
support bar or frame
member 18 to which at least one shelf 30 is attached. More preferably, as
shown in Figs. 1A-1C,
the frame 12 comprises a first elongated frame member 18 and a generally
parallel second
elongated support bar or frame member 20 spaced apart from the first elongated
frame member
18, such that the at least one shelf 30 generally extends between the first
and second frame
members 18, 20. Each of the first and second elongated frame members 18, 20
has respective
first or top ends 18a, 20a and opposing second or bottom ends 18b, 20b. The
top ends 18a, 20a
and bottom ends 18b, 20b of the first and second elongated frame members 18,
20 generally
correspond to and define the top end 12a and bottom end 12b of the frame 12,
respectively. As
such, the first and second frame members 18, 20 generally extend
perpendicularly from the
horizontally-oriented support rod 14 along the vertical longitudinal plane L2
of the frame 12. It
will be understood by those skilled in the art that the frame 12 is not
limited to comprising one or
two frame members, and may alternatively comprise three or more elongated
frame members
(not shown).
[0029] In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1A-1C, the frame 12 is
preferably an integral
and monolithic structure, such that the first and second frame members 18, 20
are integrally
formed. More specifically, at the top ends 18a, 20a of the first and second
frame members 18,
20, a first horizontally-oriented connector rod 24, formed integrally with the
first and second
frame members 18, 20, preferably traverses the space between the first and
second frame
members 18, 20 so as to ensure that the frame members 18, 20 are secured to
each other. More
preferably, at the bottom ends 18b, 20b of the first and second frame members
18, 20, a second
horizontally-oriented connector rod 26, also formed integrally with the first
and second frame
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members 18, 20, preferably traverses the space between the first and second
frame members 18,
20 to secure the frame members 18, 20 to each other.
[00301 In another embodiment, the frame 12 is not an integral
structure, such that the first
and second frame members 18, 20, the first transversely extending connector
rod 24, and the
optional second transversely extending connector rod 26 are separate and
distinct components of
the frame 12. In such an embodiment, one end of the first connector rod 24 is
attached to the top
end 18a of the first frame member 18 and an opposing end of the first
connector rod 24 is
attached to the top end 20a of the second frame member 20, such that the first
and second frame
members 18, 20 are secured to each other by the first connector rod 24.
Similarly, one end of the
second connector rod 26 is attached to the bottom end 18b of the first frame
member 18 and an
opposing end of the second connector rod 26 is attached to the bottom end 20b
of the second
frame member 20.
100311 In one embodiment, the top end 12a of the frame 12 is
preferably removably
attached to the horizontally-oriented support rod 14, such that the frame 12
may be selectively
mounted on and detached from the support rod 14. Preferably, each of the top
ends 18a, 20a of
the first and second frame members 18, 20 has a curved or rounded surface
profile, such that the
top end 12a of the frame 12 is formed as a generally bent-over portion having
a U-shaped cross-
section. More preferably, the top end 12a of the frame 12, and more
particularly each of the top
ends 18a, 20a of the first and second frame members 18, 20, forms a hook 28
shaped and sized to
removably engage the support rod 14. It will be understood by those skilled in
the art that the
frame 12 may alternatively be permanently mounted on the support rod 14.
100321 In one embodiment, the support rod 14 preferably includes one
or more collars or
sleeves 16, each of which at least partially surrounds a portion of an
external periphery of the
support rod 14. The top ends 18a, 20a of the first and second frame members
18, 20 preferably
engage the one or more sleeves 16, such that the exterior surface of the
support rod 14 is not
damaged by the frame 12. The sleeves 16 may be movable or fixedly secured on
the external
periphery of the support rod 14. The sleeves 16 are preferably formed of a
molded plastic, such
as polycarbonate, polystyrene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS), styrene
acrylonitrile (SAN), polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, and the
like. Most
preferably, the sleeves 16 are formed of PVC.
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[0033] At least one shelf 30 is preferably attached or secured to the
frame 12 between the
top end 12a and the bottom end 12b of the frame 12. More preferably, a
plurality of shelves 30
are attached or secured to the frame 12, such that the shelves 30 are spaced
apart from each other
in the direction of the longitudinal plane L2 of the frame 12. In one
embodiment, at least a first
shelf 30 and a second shelf 30 are attached to the frame 12, with the second
shelf 30 being
spaced apart from and beneath the first shelf 30 in the direction of the
longitudinal plane L2 of
the frame 12. The frame 12 may further be provided with a row of hooks 35
which may be
positioned anywhere along the length of the frame 12 (see Fig. 1B).
[0034] Each shelf 30 preferably has an open top end 30a and an
opposing bottom end 30b.
In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1A, each shelf 30 preferably includes a
horizontally-
oriented base wall 32 at the bottom end 30b thereof The base wall 32 is
preferably configured
to support one or more articles or objects placed thereon, particularly
bathing articles, such as
soap, shampoo and/or conditioner. The base wall 32 preferably generally
extends in a second
horizontal lateral plane L4 which is generally parallel to and spaced apart
from (and more
particularly spaced beneath) the lateral plane Li of the support rod 14 and
generally
perpendicular to the longitudinal plane L2 of the frame 12.
[0035] In one embodiment, the base wall 32 is preferably formed by a
plurality of spaced-
apart generally parallel support bars 34 extending transversely across the
bottom end 30b of the
shelf 30. As a result of the spaces between the plurality of horizontal bars
34, the horizontally-
oriented base wall 32 of each shelf 30 not only supports objects placed
thereon, but also forms
and functions as a drainage member.
[0036] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the base wall 32 of
each shelf 30 may
be formed of a sheet of solid polymeric or metallic material 25, with
apertures 27 formed
therethrough. Such a base wall 32 is also configured to support objects placed
thereon and
function as a drainage member.
[0037] More particularly, as shown in Figs. 1A-2, each shelf 30
preferably has a basket-
like configuration. However, each of the shelves 30 need not have a basket-
like configuration
and need not be of uniform or identical shapes and sizes. Instead, as will be
understood by those
skilled in the art, each shelf 30 may have any appropriate shape and
configuration, as long as
each shelf 30 is capable of supporting one or more objects thereon. It will
also be understood by
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those skilled in the art that the adjustable storage assembly 10 may include
any number of
shelves 30 (the shelves 30 being shown in Figs. 1A-1C).
[0038] A preferred embodiment of the structure and method for
attaching the shelves 30 to
the frame 12 is now described herein. Preferably, each of the first and second
frame members
18, 20 has a generally ladder-like configuration. More specifically, as shown
in Figs. 1A-1C, the
first frame member 18 preferably has a first elongated support bar 18c, a
second elongated
support bar 18d spaced apart from the first support bar 18c, and a plurality
of spaced-apart rungs
19 extending therebetween. Similarly, the second frame member 20 preferably
has a first
elongated support bar 20c, a second elongated bar 20d spaced apart from the
first support bar
20c, and a plurality of spaced-apart rungs 21 extending therebetween.
Preferably, each of the
elongated support bars 18c, 18d, 20c, 20d generally extends in the direction
of the longitudinal
plane L2 of the frame 12 and perpendicular to the lateral plane Li of the
support rod 14.
[0039] Each of the spaced-apart rungs 19, 21 is preferably formed as a
horizontally-
oriented bar 19, 21 extending in a lateral plane generally parallel to the
lateral plane Li of the
support rod 14. The position of each rung 19 of the first frame member 18
preferably
corresponds to and is horizontally aligned with the position of a counterpart
rung 21 of the
second side frame member 20. A plurality of through apertures 22 are thus
formed in the first
and second frame members 18, 20 in between each of the spaced-apart rungs 19,
21.
[0040] Preferably, the rungs 19, 21 and one or more of the apertures
22 are used for
securing a shelf 30 to the frame 12 in one of a plurality of positions along
the length of the frame
12. More preferably, each shelf 30 is preferably equipped with one or more
fasteners 36 sized
and shaped to engage the rungs 19, 21 and the through apertures 22 of the
first and second frame
members 18, 20 in order to secure the shelf 30 to the frame 12 at a desired
height and spacing.
In a preferred embodiment, each shelf 30 is equipped with at least two spaced-
apart fasteners 36,
one of which is aligned with the first frame member 18 and the other of which
is aligned with the
second frame member 20 for securing the shelf 30 to the frame 12.
[0041] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any
number of fasteners may be
used and each fastener may have any appropriate shape and configuration, as
long as the fastener
is capable of securing the shelf 30 to the frame 12. For example, if the frame
12 includes only
one frame member, then only one fastener 36 will likely be necessary to secure
the shelf 30 to
the frame 12.
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[0042] In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of each fastener
36 has an S-shaped
configuration, such that each fastener 36 includes at least two curved
portions 36a and one
generally straight portion 36b extending therebetween. In an assembled
position of the
adjustable storage assembly 10, the curved portions 36a of each fastener 36
engage or contact a
pair of adjacent rungs 19, 21 of each of the first and second frame members
18, 20 and the
straight portion 36b of each fastener 36 extends through the aperture 22
formed between the
rungs 19, 21. More particularly, with respect to each frame member 18, 20, one
of the curved
portions 36a of each fastener 36 engages a first rung 19, 21; the other of the
curved portions 36a
engages a second rung 19, 21 which is adjacent to the first rung 19, 21; and
the straight portion
36b extends at an angle through the through aperture 22 formed between the
pair of adjacent
rungs 19, 21.
[0043] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
shelves 30 may be
removably or fixedly secured to the frame 12 by the fasteners 36. It will also
be understood by
those skilled in the art that the fasteners 36 may be integrally formed with
each shelf 30, or may
be separate and distinct components from each shelf 30. For example, in one
embodiment, each
fastener 36 may further include an attachment bar 37 extending from one of the
curved portions
36a toward the base wall 32 of the shelf 30. The attachment bar 37 is
preferably secured to or
integrally formed with the shelf 30, and more preferably with the base wall 32
of the shelf 30.
[0044] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
shelves 30 may be attached
or secured to the frame 12 by a variety of known conventional techniques and
mechanisms.
More particularly, it will further be understood by those skilled in the art
that the frame 12 and
the shelves 30 may have alternate configurations, as long as the shelves 30
are capable of being
secured to the frame 12. For example, in one embodiment, the frame 12 may be
formed as one
or more spaced-apart rods (not shown) with a plurality of spaced apart
apertures (not shown)
formed therein, and each shelf 30 may be equipped with a fastener portion (not
shown)
configured to engage the apertures to secure the shelf 30 to the frame 12. In
another
embodiment, the frame 12 may be formed as one or more spaced-apart rods (not
shown), and
each shelf 30 may be secured to the frame 12 by a bracket, a clamp, an
adhesive, corresponding
mating Velcro fasteners, and the like.
[0045] Referring to Figs. 3-5, the support rod 14 preferably includes a
first outer tube 38
and a second inner tube 40. The second inner tube 40 is telescopingly received
by and within the
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first outer tube 38 along the longitudinal axis Li of the support rod 14, such
that the support rod
14 is adjustable in length. The first and second tubes 38, 40 are preferably
made from a metal,
such as cold-rolled steel, but may also be constructed using plastic, acrylic,
or like material, and
combinations thereof.
[0046] Referring to Fig. 5, a sleeve 41 is preferably provided between the
first outer tube
38 and the second inner tube 40 to accommodate the telescopic or sliding
movement of the first
and second tubes 38, 40 relative to each other. The sleeve 41 is preferably
comprised of a
polymeric material but it is within the spirit and scope of the present
invention that the sleeve 41
be comprised of any material for facilitating telescopic or sliding movement
of the first and
second tubes 38, 40. It will also be understand that the sleeve 41 may be
omitted entirely.
[0047] Referring to Figs. 4-4A, preferably, the support rod 14 is a
tension-mounted rod 14.
More specifically, in one embodiment, each of the first and second tubes 38,
40 is preferably at
least partially hollow along the longitudinal axis Li for receiving respective
ends of a tension
mechanism 44. Tension mechanism 44 is a preferred embodiment of the type of
tension
mechanism to be used in the adjustable storage assembly 10. U.S. Patent No.
5,330,061, which
is assigned to Zenith Products Corp. and is incorporated herein by reference,
describes another
preferred embodiment of a tension mechanism of the type for use in the
adjustable storage
assembly 10. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
any appropriate
conventional tension mechanism may be utilized in the adjustable storage
assembly 10, as long
as the mechanism ensures that the adjustable storage assembly 10 will be
adequately supported
above a ground surface.
[0048] Referring to Figs. 4-4A, a first end of the tension mechanism
44 includes a threaded
shaft 46 bracketed by an end flange 48 and a center flange 50. As can be seen
in Fig. 4B, a
diameter of the threaded shaft 46 is larger proximate the end flange 48 than a
diameter of the
threaded shaft 46 proximate the center flange 50. That is, the threaded shaft
46 is frusto-
conically shaped. A collar 52 threadingly engages with the threaded shaft 46
for rotation and
movement along the longitudinal axis Li of the support rod 14. The collar 52
is preferably made
from rubber, preferably of low durometer. However, other materials may be
used, such as
polycarbonate, polystyrene, polypropylene, ABS, SAN, polyurethane, PVC, or the
like. The
collar 52 is substantially C-shaped in cross-section, i.e., a slot 54 is
formed in the collar 52
extending longitudinally. The slot 54 allows a diameter of the collar 52 to
expand as the collar
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52 is rotated along the threaded shaft 46 from its contracted state near the
center flange 50 to the
expanded state (not shown) near the end flange 48.
[0049] Referring to Figs. 4-4A, the tension mechanism 44 includes a
shank or anchor
portion 56 extending from the center flange 50 away from the threaded shaft
46. A diameter of
the anchor portion 56 is preferably constant along the longitudinal axis Ll.
The anchor portion
56 is preferably solid, while the threaded shaft 46 is preferably
substantially hollow along the
longitudinal axis Li of the support rod 14. However, both the threaded shaft
46 and the anchor
portion 56 may be hollow, solid, or combinations thereof. The threaded shaft
46, the anchor
portion 56, and the flanges 48, 50 are preferably integrally formed of a
molded polymeric
material. Specifically, materials such as polycarbonate, polystyrene,
polypropylene, ABS, SAN,
polyurethane, PVC, rubber, or the like may be used. However, the threaded
shaft 46, the anchor
portion 56, and the flanges 48, 50 may also be separate pieces assembled
together and made of
differing materials.
[0050] The second, inner tube 40 of the support rod 14 preferably
fixedly receives the
anchor portion 56 therein. Preferably, the anchor portion 56 is press fit into
the second, inner
tube 40, and a dimple (not shown) is subsequently formed in the second, inner
tube 40 to further
lock the anchor portion 56 in place. However, the anchor portion 56 may also
be fixed to and
within the second, inner tube 40 by other mechanisms and methods, such as the
use of adhesives,
fasteners, welds, and the like.
[0051] The support rod 14 preferably includes a first, proximal end 14a and
an opposing
second, distal end 14b. The first proximal end 14a of the support rod 14 is
preferably closed by a
plug 51, and more preferably by a threaded plug 51. The second distal end 14b
of the support
rod 14 may be formed as or secured to an end cap or mounting bracket 42.
[0052] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 42 is preferably formed
as an integral,
one-piece component. Referring to Figs. 5 and 5B, in another embodiment, the
mounting
bracket 42 is preferably formed of a first mounting member 78 configured to
engage the distal
end 14b of the support rod 14 and a second mounting member 80 having a flat
end face 80a
configured to engage a first vertically-oriented support surface 58, such as a
wall of a bath or
shower stall enclosure, to support the adjustable storage assembly 10 above a
ground surface (see
Fig. 6).
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[0053] Preferably, at least the end face 80a and more preferably the
entire second mounting
member 80 is formed as or provided with a resilient pad made of a rubber
(natural or synthetic),
foam, an elastomeric plastic or any other semi-pliable material having a
sufficiently high
coefficient of friction to ensure secure mounting of the adjustable storage
assembly 10 to the first
[0054] The distal end 14b of the support rod 14, the first mounting
member 78 and the
second mounting member 80 are preferably secured to each other by one or more
mechanical
fasteners 82. More preferably, in one embodiment, the interior of the distal
end 14b of the
20 [0055] Alternatively or additionally, the first and second
mounting members 78, 80 may be
secured to each other by another mechanism, such as an adhesive, and
subsequently secured to
the distal end 14b of the support rod 14 by a mechanical fastener 82. Also, in
one embodiment,
each of the first and second mounting members 78, 80 may include a second
through hole 88, 90
configured to receive a fastener (not shown) to permanently mount the support
rod 14 to the
[0056] The adjustable storage assembly 10 is configured to be
removably mounted on and
secured to a shower head assembly 60 (see Figs. 6-8). More preferably, in the
installed position
of the adjustable storage assembly 10, the support rod 14 is mounted over a
shower head
and a support arm 70 extending from the base 76. The shower head assembly 60
may be a
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handheld shower head assembly (as shown) or a wall-mounted shower head
assembly. For
certain configurations of the shower head assembly 60, the arm 70 preferably
connects the base
76 and the shower head 62.
[0057] The shower head assembly 60 preferably generally defines a
second vertical
longitudinal plane L3, which is generally parallel to and spaced apart from
the longitudinal plane
L2 of the frame 12 and which is generally perpendicular to the lateral plane
Li of the support rod
14. The vertical longitudinal plane L3 of the shower head assembly 60
preferably generally
corresponds to a generally central longitudinal axis L3 of the shower head
assembly 60. As
such, as shown in Fig. 6, in an installed position of the adjustable storage
assembly 10, the
longitudinal plane L2 of the frame 12 is preferably laterally offset from the
longitudinal plane L3
of the shower head assembly 60.
[0058] Accordingly, a shower fixture support 64 is preferably provided
on the support rod
14 proximate the first end 14a thereof. The shower fixture support 64 is
configured to engage
and be removably mounted on a portion of the shower head assembly 60. The
shower fixture
support 64 has a body 65 that is generally U- or C-shaped in cross-section.
The body 65 of the
shower fixture support 64 has a first end 64a and an opposing second end 64b.
Referring to Figs.
5 and 5C, a first through aperture 66 is preferably formed in the second end
64b of the support 64
and is configured to slidingly and rotatably receive the support rod 14
therethrough. More
particularly, the first aperture 66 is of a size and shape configured to
received either of the first
and second tubes 38, 40 of the support rod 14 in a tight rotatable fit. Most
preferably, the first
aperture 66 is sized and shaped to received the first, outer tube 38 therein
in a tight rotatable fit.
[0059] The second end 64b of the support 64 preferably further
includes a second through
aperture 71 which extends perpendicular to and is in fluid communication the
first aperture 66.
The second aperture 71 is preferably sized and shaped to receive a first
rotatable fastener 73
therein. The first fastener 73 is preferably a screw and, more preferably a
set screw, but may
take any appropriate form, such as a bolt, peg, dowel, nail, and the like.
[0060] A U- or C-shaped recess or slot 68 is preferably formed in the
body 65 of the
shower fixture support 64 between the first and second ends 64a, 64b thereof
More preferably,
the slot 68 is formed proximate the first end 64a and spaced apart from the
first aperture 66 of
the second end 64b. The slot 68 of the support 64 is configured to receive a
portion of the
shower head assembly 60 therein for mounting the adjustable shelf assembly 10
on the shower
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head assembly 60. The slot 68 is preferably partially, and more preferably
entirely, lined with a
strip 75 of material made of a rubber (natural or synthetic), foam, an
elastomeric plastic or any
other semi-pliable material.
[0061] The first end 64a of the support 64 preferably includes a third
through aperture 77
which extends parallel to the second aperture 71. The third aperture 77 is
preferably sized and
shaped to receive a second rotatable fastener 72, such as a lock screw or nut,
therein. In one
embodiment, three die cuts 79 are formed in the rubber strip 75 in the area of
the third aperture
77, so as to form a movable flap 81. Thus, as the second fastener 72 extends
through the third
aperture 77, the movable flap 81 will move upon contact with the second
fastener 72 to avoid
unnecessary tension on the rubber strip 75.
[0062] Preferably, at least two sleeves or collars 69 are provided on
the external periphery
of the support rod 14, and more preferably on the external periphery of the
first tube 38. The
collars 69 are preferably at least slightly spaced apart from each other and
at least partially
surround respective portions of the exterior periphery of the first tube 38.
Preferably, the collars
69 are permanently affixed to the first tube 38 of the support rod 14, such as
by welding.
[0063] The shower fixture support 64 is properly positioned at a
predetermined location on
the support rod 14. More particularly, the shower fixture support 64 is
preferably positioned on
the first outer tube 38 of the support rod 14, such that the metal collars 69
are disposed within the
first aperture 66. The shower fixture support 64 is generally locked in place
at the predetermined
location by inserting the first fastener 73 through the second aperture 71 and
the inserting the
second fastener 72 through the third aperture 77, and then tightening both
fasteners 73, 72 until
the distal end of each fastener 73, 72 engages the first tube 38, and more
particularly engages a
portion 67 of the first tube 38 between the spaced apart metal collars 69.
[0064] As shown in Fig. 6, the shower head assembly 60 is preferably
secured to a second
support surface 74, such as another wall of the bath or shower stall
enclosure, which extends
generally perpendicular to the first support surface 58. Preferably, the base
76 of the shower
head assembly 60 is directly secured to the second support surface 74 and the
support arm or
support pipe 70 of the shower head assembly 60 extends from the base 76. In
one embodiment,
the slot 68 of the shower fixture support 64 is preferably configured to
receive the support arm
70 of the shower head assembly 60 therein.
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[0065] The support arm 70 of the shower head assembly 60 may be
oriented in a generally
vertical direction or a generally horizontal direction. As such, as shown in
Fig. 6, the shower
fixture support 64 is preferably rotatable about the lateral axis Li of the
support rod 14, as shown
by the dotted arrow Al. In a first position, the shower fixture support 64 is
preferably generally
vertically-oriented, such that the slot 68 receives a generally horizontally-
oriented support arm
70 (see Figs. 6-7). In a second position (not shown), the shower fixture
support 64 is rotated
approximately 90 about the lateral plane Li of the support rod 14, such that
the shower fixture
support 64 is generally horizontally-oriented and the slot 68 receives a
generally vertically-
oriented support arm 70.
[0066] The rotatable structure of the shower fixture support 64 also
enables selective
positioning of the adjustable shelf assembly 10 relative to the shower head
assembly 60. For
example, as shown in Fig. 6, the support rod 14 may be positioned at least
slightly beneath the
central lateral plane of the base 76 and the shower fixture support 64 may be
positioned on the
support rod 14 such that the slot 68 is situated above the lateral plane Ll of
the support rod 14.
Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 7, for the same shower head assembly 60, the
shower fixture
support 64 may be rotated 180 , such that the support rod 14 is positioned at
least slightly above
the central lateral plane of the base 76 and the slot 68 of the shower fixture
support 64 is situated
beneath the lateral plane Li of the support rod 14. Preferably, the support
rod 14 and the shower
fixture support 64 are positioned at least slightly above the central lateral
plane of the base 76 of
the shower head assembly 60, as shown in Fig. 7.
[0067] Adjustment, and more particularly rotation, of the position of
the shower fixture
support 64 is controlled by the second fastener 72 or by the first and second
fasteners 73, 72.
More particularly, rotating the first and/or second fasteners 73, 72 in a
first direction loosens and
enables rotation of the shower fixture support 64 relative to the support rod
14, while rotating the
first and/or second fasteners 73, 72 in a second direction, opposite to the
first direction, places
the shower fixture support 64 in the locked position to secure a portion of
the shower head
assembly 60 within the slot 68 of the shower fixture support 64.
[0068] In use, the adjustable storage assembly 10, including the
support rod 14, the shower
fixture support 64, the frame 12 and the one or more shelves 30, is positioned
on a shower head
assembly 60 (see Figs. 6-7). Preferably, a user positions the support arm 70
of the shower head
assembly 60 within the slot 68 of the shower fixture support 64. Thus, in the
assembled position,
CA 02830139 2013-10-17
the support rod 14 extends generally horizontally away from the shower head
assembly 60
toward the first support surface 58. In addition, the vertical longitudinal
plane L2 of the frame
12 is spaced apart from (i.e., offset relative to) and parallel to the
vertical longitudinal plane L3
of the shower head assembly 60 (see Fig. 7).
[0069] The user then rotates the second fastener 72 and/or the first
fastener 73 to place the
shower fixture support 64 in the locked position, such that the shower head
assembly 60 is
securely attached to the adjustable storage assembly 10. In the starting
position of the adjustable
storage assembly 10, the collar 52 of the tension mechanism 44 preferably
abuts the center flange
50.
[0070] The user the adjusts the support rod 14, and more particularly
adjusts a length of the
support rod 14, by sliding the first and second tubes 38, 40 with respect to
one another (see arrow
A2 of Fig. 6) along the longitudinal axis Li of the support rod 14, until the
support rod 14 is
level between the shower head 62 and the support surface 58 and the flat end
face 80a of the end
cap 42 is in contact with the support surface 58. Once the desired length of
the support rod 14
has been achieved, the user places the adjustable storage assembly 10 in a
locked position. To
do so, the user rotates the first, outer tube 38 with respect to the second,
inner tube 40 in a first
direction (see arrow A3 of Fig. 6), which causes rotation of the threaded
shaft 46 and the anchor
portion 56 with respect to the collar 52. The collar 52 then moves along the
threaded shaft 46
away from the center flange 50 and toward the end flange 48. The collar 52
frictionally engages
an inner surface of the first, outer tube 38 as the collar 52 expands during
movement toward the
end flange 48, which prevents further respective sliding movement between the
first and second
tubes 38, 40. The collar 52 also acts as a locking nut and provides increased
tension between the
shower head assembly 60 and the support surface 58 to support the adjustable
storage assembly
10 above the ground surface.
[0071] Thus, in the installed position of the adjustable storage assembly
10, the adjustable
storage assembly 10 is positioned adjacent or proximate a lateral side of the
shower head
assembly 60. More particularly, in the installed position of the adjustable
storage assembly 10,
the frame 12 and the shelves 30 attached thereto are situated between the
first vertically-oriented
support surface 58 and the shower head assembly 60. More preferably, in the
installed position
of the adjustable storage assembly 10, the first end 14a of the support rod 14
remains a free and
unattached end, the opposing second end 14b engages the first vertically-
oriented support surface
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58 by the tension mechanism 44, and the shower head assembly 60 is supported
between the first
and second ends 14a, 14b. Also, the entirety of the structure of the frame 12
and the shelves 30
attached thereto is positioned between the first vertically-oriented support
surface 58 and the
shower head assembly 60.
[0072] The adjustable storage assembly 10 is thus supported between the
first vertically-
oriented support surface 58 and the shower head assembly 60 without the use of
any adhesives or
fasteners. In addition, at least a portion of the frame 12 rests against the
second support surface
74.
[0073] The adjustable storage assembly 10 is particularly beneficial
for use with a shower
head assembly 60 including a slide bar or a flexible hose/tube. Specifically,
because the
adjustable storage assembly 10 is positioned laterally with respect to the
shower head assembly
60 (i.e., offset from the longitudinal axis L3 of the shower head assembly
60), the space below
the shower head 62 remains free and open for positioning of the slid bar or
flexible tube of the
shower head assembly 60. Accordingly, mounting of the adjustable storage
assembly 10 is not
obstructed by the bar or hose, or vice versa.
[0074] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
adjustable storage assembly
10 may include portions of the frame 12 and additional shelves 30 which are
not positioned
between the first vertically-oriented support surface 58 and the shower head
62.
10075] It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that
adhesives, fasteners, and
the like may be utilized to provide an additional level of support for
maintaining the adjustable
storage assembly 10 between the first vertically-oriented support surface 58
and the shower head
assembly 60. For example, in one embodiment, the end cap 42 may include one or
more
mounting holes for receiving fasteners therethrough to secure the support rod
14 to the first
support surface 58. The adjustable storage assembly 10 may also include a
securing member,
such as a suction cup (not shown) to keep the frame member 14 and the frame 12
positioned
against the second support surface 74.
[0076] It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that
there is no limitation on the
number, configuration and arrangement of the frame members and shelves. Fig. 8
depicts
various possible configurations and designs of the adjustable storage assembly
10, each depicted
design having different numbers of frame members and/or shelves, shelves of
different designs,
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and different arrangements of the frame members and/or shelves. The adjustable
storage
assembly 10 may also include accessories, such as a mirror, hooks, towel rods
and the like.
[0077] From the foregoing, it can be seen that embodiments of the
present invention
comprise an adjustable storage assembly. One of ordinary skill in the art
would recognize that
other conventional materials and fabrication techniques could be substituted.
[0078] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to
the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive
concept thereof
Also, based on this disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art would
further recognize that
the relative proportions of the components illustrated could be varied without
departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. It is understood, therefore, that this
invention is not limited to
the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit
and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
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