阅读说明：本技术 淋浴置物架 (Shower rack ) 是由 莫里斯·以利亚·伍德四世 威廉姆·杰克·梅里尔 康纳尔·麦克纳马拉 丹尼尔·朱达 于 2020-02-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种淋浴置物架,用于连接到相关淋浴间或浴缸间的相关外围板或门,包括主体和安装在该主体的端部上的连接结构。所述连接结构具有至少一个可移动的安装臂。所述连接机构构造成使得所述主体通过重力相对于所述连接机构的向下运动将所述至少一个安装臂从静止位置移向接合位置,在所述接合位置处所述至少一个安装臂可与所述相关外围板或门结合。(A shower shelf for attachment to an associated peripheral panel or door of an associated shower or bath enclosure includes a body and an attachment formation mounted on an end of the body. The connecting structure has at least one movable mounting arm. The attachment mechanism is configured such that downward movement of the body relative to the attachment mechanism by gravity moves the at least one mounting arm from a rest position to an engaged position at which the at least one mounting arm is engageable with the associated peripheral panel or door.)

1. A shower shelf for attachment to an associated peripheral panel or door of an associated shower or bath enclosure, the shower shelf comprising:

a body and a connection mechanism mounted on an end of the body, the connection mechanism having at least one movable mounting arm, wherein the connection mechanism is configured such that downward movement of the body relative to the connection mechanism by gravity moves the mounting arm from a rest position towards an engaged position where the mounting arm is engageable with the associated peripheral panel or door.

2. The shower shelf of claim 1, wherein in the resting position the at least one mounting arm extends forward from the connection mechanism and in the engaged position the at least one mounting arm extends from a side of the connection mechanism, the at least one mounting arm moving between the resting position and the engaged position in a common plane transverse to gravity.

3. The shower shelf of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism comprises a drive assembly interconnecting the body and the at least one mounting arm, the drive assembly operable by movement of the body relative to the connection mechanism.

4. Shower shelf according to claim 3, wherein the drive assembly comprises at least one lead screw connected to the at least one mounting arm and a drive member displaceable by movement of the body to drive or rotate the at least one lead screw.

5. The shower shelf of claim 4, wherein the drive assembly comprises a pair of lead screws, each lead screw driven by displacement of the drive member, and the at least one mounting arm is a pair of movably mounted arms directly secured to the lead screws.

6. Shower shelf according to claim 5, wherein the drive member comprises an externally threaded portion for threadedly engaging the lead screws, wherein when the drive member is displaced, the lead screws are rotated in opposite directions to each other by the externally threaded portion of the drive member, which in turn moves the mounting arms, which rotate together and are synchronized with the displacement of the drive member.

7. The shower shelf of claim 6, wherein the drive member comprises a pair of arcuate portions at least partially surrounding the lead screw, each of the arcuate portions comprising one of the externally threaded portions.

8. The shower shelf of claim 7, wherein each of the arcuate portions comprises spaced apart angled ribs that together define one of the externally threaded portions.

9. Shower shelf according to claim 6, comprising a cover for housing the drive assembly and a separate support member fixed to the cover, the support member being adapted to rotatably support the lead screw.

10. The shower shelf of claim 9, wherein the support member comprises a pair of lower platforms and a corresponding pair of upper platforms, the lead screw being rotatably supported by the lower and upper platforms of the support member.

11. The shower shelf of claim 5, wherein the drive assembly is configured to move the mounting arm from the engaged position toward the rest position when the body is moved upward relative to the connection mechanism.

12. The shower shelf of claim 11, wherein the drive assembly includes a biasing member supported by the drive member, the biasing member normally biasing the mounting arm toward its rest position, the biasing member being compressed by movement of the mounting arm toward its engaged position.

13. The shower shelf of claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting arm is rotatable about an axis extending parallel to gravity.

14. A shower shelf, comprising:

a body and attachment means mounted at an end of the body for releasably attaching a shower shelf to an associated peripheral panel or door of an associated shower or bath enclosure, the attachment means comprising:

a cover for receiving a drive assembly operable by movement of the body relative to the attachment mechanism, and a mounting arm connected to the drive assembly, the drive assembly being operable to move the mounting arm between a rest position in which the mounting arm extends forwardly from the attachment mechanism and an engaged position in which the mounting arm extends from an opposite side of the attachment mechanism to engage the associated peripheral plate or door.

15. The shower shelf of claim 14, wherein the drive assembly comprises a lead screw connected to the mounting arm and a drive member connected to the end of the body, the drive member being displaceable by the body to drive or rotate the lead screw.

16. Shower shelf according to claim 15, wherein the drive member comprises an externally threaded portion for threadedly engaging the lead screws, wherein when the drive member is displaced, the lead screws are rotated in opposite directions to each other by the externally threaded portion of the drive member, which in turn moves the mounting arms, which rotate together and are synchronized with the displacement of the drive member.

17. The shower shelf of claim 16, wherein each of the externally threaded portions is defined by spaced apart angled ribs integrally formed with the drive member.

18. The shower shelf of claim 16, further comprising a support member received in the lid, the support member adapted to rotatably support the lead screw.

19. The shower shelf of claim 14, wherein the drive assembly is configured such that downward movement of the body relative to the connection mechanism moves the mounting arm from the rest position to the engaged position and upward movement of the body relative to the connection mechanism moves the mounting arm from the engaged position to the rest position.

Technical Field

The application relates to a shower supporter.

Background

This application claims priority from us provisional patent application serial No. 62/813,221, filed on 3, 4, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Shower shelves are common devices used to provide primary or additional storage space for personal hygiene items (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.) used in the shower or bath. There are many forms of such shower holders which can be placed in different positions within a shower or bath. One known shower shelf may be attached to a shower wall by, for example, suction cups. Another known shower shelf may be attached to the shower arm, for example, by hanging the shower shelf from the arm. In addition, another type of shower rack is provided with a hanger for hanging the shower rack on a peripheral plate or door of a shower or bath enclosure; however, this type of shower caddy is easily moved during use.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a shower shelf for attachment to an associated peripheral panel or door of an associated shower or bath enclosure includes a body and an attachment structure mounted to an end of the body. The connecting structure has at least one movable mounting arm. The attachment structure is configured such that downward movement of the body relative to the attachment structure by gravity moves the at least one mounting arm from the rest position toward an engaged position where the at least one mounting arm is engageable with an associated peripheral panel or door.

According to another aspect of the invention, a shower shelf includes a body and attachment structure mounted at an end of the body for releasably attaching the shower shelf to an associated peripheral panel or door of an associated shower or bath enclosure. The connection structure includes a cover for receiving a drive assembly operable by movement of the body relative to the connection structure. The mounting arm is connected to the drive assembly. The drive assembly is operable to move the mounting arm between a rest position in which the mounting arm extends forwardly from the attachment structure and an open or engaged position in which the mounting arm extends from an opposite side of the attachment structure to engage an associated peripheral panel or door.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connection structure for a shower shelf according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 and 3 are exploded views of the connection structure of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 depicts the connection in a rest position and an open or engaged position.

Fig. 6A and 6B further illustrate the connection of fig. 1 in a rest position and an open position.

Figure 7 depicts a shower shelf suspended from a peripheral panel or door of the shower enclosure when the attachment structure of figure 1 is in a rest position.

Figure 8 depicts a shower shelf hanging from a peripheral panel or door of a shower enclosure when the attachment structure of figure 1 is in an open position.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a shower shelf including attachment structure according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the connection device of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 and 12 are exploded views of the connection device of fig. 9.

Fig. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views of the connection device of fig. 9.

Detailed Description

It should be understood, of course, that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, fig. 1 and 8 illustrate a shower shelf 100 with a connection structure 102 installed, according to one aspect of the present invention. The shower shelf 100 includes a body 106 configured to support at least one shelf 108. In the aspect depicted, the body 106 is an elongated support member or ridge, referred to herein as a ridge; however, it should be understood that alternative configurations of the body 106 are contemplated. A clamping mechanism (not shown) may be provided to secure the shelf 108 to the spine 106. In addition to holding the shelf in place on the spine 106, the clamping mechanism may be configured to allow a user to adjust the position of the shelf 108, as is known in the art. The exemplary connecting structure 102 is mounted to an end 114 of the spine 106.

Referring to fig. 1-4, the connecting structure 102 includes a cover 120 for receiving a drive assembly 122. The cover 120 fits over the end 114 of the spine 106 and includes an upper or first cover member 126 and a lower or second cover member 128. The upper cover member 126 includes a first portion 134 extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the spine 106 and a second portion 136 extending perpendicularly from the first portion 134. A guide 140 is provided on an inner surface of the first portion 134. The guide 140 may be defined by spaced apart elongated flanges 142 integral with the longitudinally extending first portion 134. Spaced mounting tabs 148 are further provided on opposite sides of the first portion 134, and mounting bosses (not visible) depend from the inner surface of the second portion 136. The lower cover member 128 includes a first portion 150 extending in a longitudinal direction and a second portion 152 extending perpendicularly from the first portion 150. The opposite side of the first portion 150 includes a slot 154 sized to receive the mounting tab 148. In the depicted aspect, the slots 154 have an inverted L-shape for securing the mounting tabs 148 when the upper cover component 126 is connected to the lower cover component 128. The second portion 152 includes an elongated cutout or channel 158 and a wall 160 depending from an outer surface of the second portion that at least partially frames the channel 158. A first friction pad (not shown) may be attached to a mounting flange 164 disposed on a face 166 of the first portion 150 and a second friction pad (not shown) may be mounted to the mounting flange 160.

The support member 170 is accommodated within the cover 120. The support member 170 includes a first portion 172 and a second portion 174. The first portion 172 is received by the first portions 134, 150 of the upper and lower cover members 126, 128. In the depicted aspect, a pair of elongate channels 178 are provided on an outer surface of the first portion 172. The channels 178 define elongated ribs 180 therebetween. In the assembled state of the connecting structure 102, the flanges 142 of the guide 140 of the upper cover part 126 are received in the channels 178, with the elongate ribs 180 being received between the flanges 142. A pair of lower platforms 186 and a corresponding pair of upper platforms 188 project from the inner surface of first portion 172. Lower platform 186 and upper platform 188 are separated by a divider 190 having a planar surface 192. Divider 190 at least partially defines a pair of arcuate shaped recessed portions 194 formed in the inner surface of first portion 172. The lower platform 186 is located at the lower end of the recessed portion 194, and the upper platform 188 is located at the upper end of the recessed portion 194. A post 198 projects downwardly from spacer 190. The second portion 174 is received by the second portions 136, 152 of the upper and lower cover members 126, 128. The mounting block 200 disposed on the inner surface of the second portion 174 is sized to be received in the channel 158 of the lower cover member 128. Further, the support member 170 may be fixed to the mounting boss of the upper cover part 126.

As previously described, the cover 120 houses the drive assembly 122. With continued reference to fig. 2-4, the drive assembly 122 includes at least one lead screw 210 (e.g., an ACME screw) and a displaceable drive member 212 for driving the at least one lead screw. In the illustrated aspect, a pair of lead screws 210 are provided for the drive assembly 122. The lead screw 210 is adapted to be rotatably supported by the upper and lower platforms 186, 188 of the support member 170, with the recessed portion 194 shaped to conform to the exterior of the lead screw 210. In the illustrated aspect, the drive member 212 includes a base 216, a connector 218 extending downwardly from the base 216, and a wall 220 extending upwardly from the base 216. The connector 218 is secured to the end 114 of the spine 106. By way of example, the connector 218 may be inserted into the end 114 and secured thereto by a fastener that threadably engages a mounting boss 226 provided integrally as part of the connector 218. The base 216 includes a top surface 228 and an outer surface 230. The outer surface 230 includes a pair of elongate channels 234 defining an elongate rib 236 therebetween. Similar to the support member 170, in the assembled state of the connection structure 102, the channel 234 and the elongated rib 236 are mounted in the guide 140 of the upper cover part 126. The top surface 228 includes an aperture 238 sized to receive the post 198 of the support member 170. Wall 220 is defined by a pair of arcuate portions 246 separated by a divider 250 having a planar surface 252 that contacts planar surface 192 of divider 190. The arcuate portion 246 corresponds in shape to the recessed portion 194 of the support member 170 and, in turn, to the exterior of the lead screw 210. Each arcuate portion 246 includes spaced apart angled ribs 256 that together form an externally threaded portion 258 for threadably engaging one of the lead screws 210. The posts 260 protrude upward from the partitions 250 and are received by the mounting blocks 200 of the support member 170.

The drive assembly 122 is operable to move the at least one mounting arm or hook 270 between a rest state or position and an open or engaged state or position. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive assembly 122 is operable to move a pair of mounting arms or hooks 270 between a resting state or position (in which the mounting arms 270 extend forward from the cover 120) and an open or engaged state or position (in which the mounting arms 270 extend from opposite sides of the cover 120) (see fig. 5, 6A, 6B). As shown in fig. 4, the mounting arm 270 is secured to the lead screw 210. For example, the mounting arm 270 may have a downwardly curved end 272 that is securely received in an axial bore 276 in the lead screw 210. It will be appreciated that when the drive member 212 is vertically displaced (see fig. 6A and 6B), the lead screws 210 are rotated in opposite directions to one another by the threaded portions 258 of the drive member 212, which in turn moves the mounting arms 270. As is apparent from fig. 5, the mounting arm 270 rotates together and is synchronized with the vertical movement of the drive member 212. To allow the mounting arm 270 to move between its two positions, the cover 120 includes a slotted opening 280 for the mounting arm. Fig. 4 shows that the cover 120 (and in particular the second cover part 128) is shaped to limit the vertical displacement of the drive member 212 shown in fig. 6A and 6B.

Thus, when a user places the example connection structure 102 of the shower shelf 100 over the top of the peripheral panel or door of the shower (see fig. 7), the force exerted on the mounting arm 270 by the downward weight of the shower shelf 100 (i.e., by gravity) will cause the drive member 212 to move downward, thereby rotating the lead screw 210 about an axis extending parallel to the force of gravity. This in turn rotates the mounting arms 270 until they catch on the back of the peripheral plate or door (see fig. 8). As shown in fig. 5, the mounting arms 270 move in a common plane transverse to gravity. It should be appreciated that the greater the weight placed on the shower holder 100, the tighter the mounting arm 270 holds the shower holder 100 in place. When the shower shelf is to be removed, the user can move the ridge 106 back towards the connecting structure 102, which moves the drive member 212 vertically back into the lid 120. As the drive member 212 moves, the lead screw 210 rotates in the opposite direction, thereby moving the mounting arms 270 to their respective rest positions.

Fig. 9-14 illustrate a shower shelf 100 with a connecting structure 302 installed according to another aspect of the present invention. Likewise, shower shelf 100 includes a body 106 (e.g., the illustrated elongated support member or ridge) configured to support at least one shelf 108. The exemplary connecting structure 302 is mounted to the end 114 of the spine.

Similar to the connecting structure 102, the connecting structure 302 includes a cover 310 for housing a drive assembly 312. The cover 310 includes a first cover member 316, a second cover member 318, and a third cover member 320. The first cover part 316 comprises a first portion 324 extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the spine 106 and a second portion 326 extending perpendicularly from the first portion 324. The second cover member 318 is secured to the first portion 324 and the third cover member 320 is secured to the second portion 326. The third cover member 320 includes an elongated cutout or channel 330 and a wall 332 depending from an outer surface of the third cover member that at least partially frames the channel 330.

The support member 340 is accommodated within the cover 310. The support member 340 includes a first portion 342 and a second portion 344 extending perpendicularly from the first portion 324. A pair of lower platforms 346 and a corresponding pair of upper platforms 348 project from the inner surface of first portion 324. The lower and upper platforms 346, 348 are separated by a divider 350. The divider also separates a pair of arcuate recessed portions 354 formed in the inner surface of the first portion 324. The lower platform 346 is located at the lower end of the recessed portion 354 and the upper platform 348 is located at the upper end of the recessed portion 354. Posts 358 project downwardly from partition 350. The inner surface of the second portion 344 includes a mounting block 370 that is sized to be received in the channel 330 of the third cover member 320. The mounting block includes slotted guides 372 for mounting friction pad supports 374. As shown, the friction pad support 374 includes a U-shaped wall 376 having opposing ribs 378 that are received in slotted guides 372, and when mounted to the mounting block 370, the wall 376 is interposed between the wall 332 of the third cover component 320 and the mounting block. A first friction pad 380 attached below the wall 376 defines a first engagement surface for the cover 310. The second friction pad 386 is connected to a mounting flange 388 provided on a face 390 of the second cover member 318 and defines a second engagement surface for the cover 310.

With continued reference to fig. 11-14, the drive assembly 312 includes at least one lead screw 400 (e.g., an ACME screw) and a displaceable drive 402 for driving the at least one lead screw. In the depicted aspect, a pair of lead screws 400 are provided for the drive assembly 312. The lead screw 400 is adapted to be rotatably supported by the lower and upper platforms 346, 348 of the support member 340, with the recessed portion 354 being shaped to conform to the exterior of the lead screw 400. In the depicted aspect, the drive member 402 includes a base 410, a connector 412 extending downwardly from the base 410, and a wall 416 extending upwardly from the base 410. The connector 412 is secured to the end 114 of the spine 106. The base 410 includes an aperture 420 sized to receive the post 358 of the support member 340. Wall 416 is defined by a pair of arcuate portions 430 separated by a divider 432. The arcuate portion 430 corresponds in shape to the recessed portion 354 of the support member 340 and, in turn, to the exterior of the lead screw 400. Each arcuate portion 430 includes spaced apart angled ribs 438 that together define an externally threaded portion 440 for threadingly engaging one of the lead screws 400. Posts 444 project upwardly from divider 432 and are received in apertures defined in extensions 450 located below mounting blocks 370 of support member 340.

Similar to drive assembly 122, drive assembly 312 of connecting structure 302 is operable to move at least one mounting arm or hook 460, and in particular a pair of mounting arms or hooks 460, between a resting state or position (in which mounting arms 460 extend forward from lid 120) and an open or engaged state or position (in which mounting arms 460 extend from opposite sides of lid 120) (similar to mounting arms 270 shown in fig. 5, 6A, 6B). As shown in FIG. 13, mounting arm 460 is secured to lead screw 400. It should also be appreciated that when drive member 402 is moved vertically (similar to drive member 212 shown in fig. 6A and 6B), lead screws 400 are rotated in opposite directions relative to each other by threaded portions 440 of drive member 402, which in turn moves mounting arms 460. Fig. 13 and 14 show that the cover 310 is shaped to limit the vertical displacement of the drive member 402. The mounting arm may be provided with a handle 464 for engaging an external enclosure or door of a shower.

As depicted in fig. 11, 12 and 14, drive assembly 312 may further include a biasing member (such as spring 470 as shown) mounted on drive member 402 that normally biases mounting arms 460 toward their rest positions. In the depicted embodiment, divider 432 of drive member 402 includes a slotted opening 474 sized to receive spring 470. The opening 474 is also sized to receive a mounting boss 476 on the second cover component 318. The mounting bosses 476 are fastened to corresponding mounting bosses 478 on the support member 340 via fasteners 484. According to one aspect, the mounting boss 476 may include a flat surface 480 that faces a protrusion 482 extending from an inner surface of the drive member 402 defining the opening 474 when the flat surface is received in the opening 474. The spring 470 has one end mounted to the tab 482 and an opposite end disposed on the flat surface 480. As spine 106 of shower shelf 100 moves downward relative to connecting structure 302 by gravity (mounting arms 460 move toward their engaged position), spring 470 is compressed within opening 474. When the shower shelf is to be removed, the biasing force of the compression spring 470 assists the ridge 106 to move back toward the connecting structure 302.

The operation of connecting structure 302 is similar to the operation of connecting structure 102. When a user places the example connection structure 302 of shower shelf 100 over the top of the peripheral panel or door of a shower, the force exerted on mounting arm 460 by the downward weight of shower shelf 100 (i.e., by gravity) will cause drive member 402 to move downward, thereby rotating lead screw 400 about an axis extending parallel to gravity. This in turn rotates the mounting arms 460 until they catch on the back of the peripheral plate or door. Likewise, it should be understood that the greater the weight placed on shower shelf 100, the tighter mounting arm 460 holds shower shelf 100 in place. When shower shelf 100 is to be removed, the user can move ridge 106 back toward connection mechanism 302, which vertically moves drive member 402 back into cover 310. As drive member 402 moves, lead screw 400 rotates in the opposite direction, thereby moving mounting arms 460 (with the assistance of spring 470) to their respective rest positions.

It will be appreciated that the above-disclosed features and functions, or alternatives or variations thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure and the following claims.