Caregiver Access Shower Curtain

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shower curtain for enabling a caretaker to assist a patient while also acting as a barrier between the caretaker and the patient. The shower curtain features a two-layered structure, including a fabric curtain and a plastic liner. The two-layered shower curtain is designed to be installed at an entry of a shower area. The fabric curtain and plastic liner include corresponding, generally central cut-out areas, enabling the caretaker to access the inside of the shower area for providing assistance to the patient therein, while maintaining the privacy of the patient and the safety of the caretaker. The cut-out can be of any geometric shape, and can have a transparent flexible covering. The plastic liner assists with keeping water contained within the shower area and the opaque fabric curtain maintains the privacy of the patient therein.

Claims

1. An accessible shower curtain comprising: a two layered curtain having an outer curtain layer and an inner curtain layer; said outer curtain layer includes an exterior surface and an interior surface; said inner curtain layer includes an exterior surface and an interior surface; said outer curtain layer includes a cut-out generally centered in said outer curtain layer; said inner curtain layer incudes a cut-out generally centered in said inner curtain layer; said outer curtain cut-out includes a geometry and said inner curtain cut-out includes a geometry, wherein said outer curtain cut-out geometry corresponds to said inner curtain cut-out geometry; and said outer curtain cut-out and said inner curtain cut-out are rectilinear for enabling a caretaker to reach inside a shower area through said outer curtain cut-out and said inner curtain cut-out to assist another person showering within the shower area.

2. The accessible shower curtain of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of hanging clips secured to said outer curtain layer and said inner curtain layer for looping said two layered curtain onto a curtain rod.

3. The accessible shower curtain of claim 2, wherein said outer curtain layer is a fabric layer.

4. The accessible shower curtain of claim 3, wherein said outer curtain layer is opaque.

5. The accessible shower curtain of claim 4, wherein said inner curtain layer is a plastic.

6. The accessible shower curtain of claim 5, wherein said inner curtain layer is waterproof.

7. The accessible shower curtain of claim 6, wherein said caretaker and said another person are in a seated position.

8. An accessible shower curtain comprising: a two layered curtain having an outer curtain layer and an inner curtain layer; said outer curtain layer includes an exterior surface and an interior surface; said inner curtain layer includes an exterior surface and an interior surface; said outer curtain layer includes a cut-out generally centered in said outer curtain layer; said inner curtain layer incudes a cut-out generally centered in said inner curtain layer; said outer curtain cut-out includes a geometry and said inner curtain cut-out includes a geometry, wherein said outer curtain cut-out geometry corresponds to said inner curtain cut-out geometry; a plurality of curtain rings secured to said outer curtain layer and said inner curtain layer for hanging said two layered curtain onto a curtain rod; and said outer curtain cut-out and said inner curtain cut-out enable a seated caretaker to reach inside a shower area through said outer curtain cut-out and said inner curtain cut-out to assist another person showering within the shower area.

9. The accessible shower curtain of claim 8, wherein said outer curtain layer is a fabric layer.

10. The accessible shower curtain of claim 9, wherein said outer curtain layer is opaque.

11. The accessible shower curtain of claim 10, wherein said inner curtain layer is a plastic.

12. The accessible shower curtain of claim 11, wherein said inner curtain layer is waterproof.

13. The accessible shower curtain of claim 12, wherein said another person is in a seated position.

14. The accessible shower curtain of claim 13, wherein said outer curtain cut-out and said inner curtain cut-out are curvilinear.

15. The accessible shower curtain of claim 13, wherein said outer curtain cut-out and said inner curtain cut-out are rectilinear.

16. An accessible shower curtain comprising: a two layered curtain having an outer curtain layer and an inner curtain layer; said outer curtain layer includes an exterior surface and an interior surface; said inner curtain layer includes an exterior surface and an interior surface; said outer curtain layer includes a cut-out generally centered in said outer curtain layer; said inner curtain layer incudes a cut-out generally centered in said inner curtain layer; said outer curtain cut-out includes a geometry and said inner curtain cut-out includes a geometry, wherein said outer curtain cut-out geometry corresponds to said inner curtain cut-out geometry; a cover mounted to said exterior surface of said outer curtain layer, wherein said cover selectively attachable for selective closing of said outer curtain layer cut-out; and said outer curtain cut-out and said inner curtain cut-out enable a seated caretaker to reach inside a shower area through said outer curtain cut-out and said inner curtain cut-out to assist another seated person showering within the shower area.

17. The accessible shower curtain of claim 16, wherein said outer curtain layer is a fabric layer.

18. The accessible shower curtain of claim 17, wherein said outer curtain layer is opaque.

19. The accessible shower curtain of claim 18 further comprising a plurality of curtain rings secured to said outer curtain layer and said inner curtain layer for hanging said two layered curtain onto a curtain rod.

20. The accessible shower curtain of claim 19, wherein said inner curtain layer is waterproof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view showing installation of one potential embodiment of the caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a caregiver helping a patient bathe without the caregiver going inside the shower area, using the caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing how the caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention can be opened to access the shower area in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of outer curtain of the caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view showing a caregiver helping a patient to bathe using another embodiment of the caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0025] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0026] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a modified shower curtain that enables a caregiver to bathe a patient without violating the privacy of the patient. There is also a long felt need in the art for a modified shower curtain that ensures the safety of the showering personnel from infections and other bodily fluids of the patient. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a modified shower curtain that eliminates close contact between the caretaker and the patient. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a modified shower curtain that does not get easily wet or stained. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a modified shower curtain that enables a caretaker to effectively assist a patient during showering. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a modified curtain that maintains privacy for the bathing individual, while still ensuring they get the help they need to bathe.

[0027] The present invention, in one potential embodiment, includes a caregiver shower curtain. The caregiver shower curtain can be installed at an entrance of a shower area and includes a fabric curtain and a plastic liner. The fabric curtain can be positioned towards the outside of the shower area and the plastic liner can be positioned towards the inside of the shower area. Both the fabric curtain and the plastic liner can include a cut-out, opening or void space for enabling a caregiver, placed outside the shower area, to access the inside of the shower area without entering the shower area. Using the shower curtain, a patient sitting inside the shower area receives bathing aide from the caregiver, while providing adequate privacy and without the caregiver getting wet from the water.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The caregiver accessible shower curtain 100 of the present invention is designed for enabling caregivers to help people bathe while maintaining a desired distance and selective shield that prevents the caregiver from getting wet. The shower curtain 100 has applications in hospitals and homes where a caregiver has to provide help to a disabled, elderly, handicapped, ill or physically-challenged person during bathing. More specifically, the shower curtain 100 includes a two-part curtain arrangement comprising two layers, and an outer curtain 102 that comprises a fabric and includes an exterior surface 104 and an interior surface 106. The outer curtain 102 includes a cut-out(s) or a blank space(s) 108 through which a user such as a caregiver can reach inside a shower area to help another person while taking a bath or a shower, as shown best in FIG. 4. In one potential embodiment, the shape of the cut-out 108 can be generally square or rectangular. For hanging the outer curtain 102 to protect the shower area, a plurality of hanging clips or rings 110 can be provided that can be looped onto a curtain rod fastened across an entry of a shower area. The outer curtain 102 can be substantially opaque to prohibit others from seeing through the fabric of the outer curtain 102.

[0029] The shower curtain 100 arrangement comprises a two-part curtain wherein an inner curtain liner 112 can be positioned interior to the outer curtain 102. The inner curtain liner 112 comprises a waterproof and water-repellent material such as plastic. The inner curtain liner 112 also includes an exterior surface 114 that faces the interior surface 106 of the outer curtain 102 and includes an interior surface 116 that faces the shower area when the curtain 100 is installed. The inner curtain liner 112 also includes one or a pair of symmetrical or geometric cut-out(s) 118 that is dimensioned and positioned as per the cut-out(s) 108 of the outer curtain 102. When the shower curtain 100 is installed, both the outer curtain 102 and the inner curtain liner 112 are hung using their respective hanging means 110, 120, such that the cut-outs 108, 118 are positioned symmetrically, thereby enabling a caregiver from the exterior side of the outer curtain 102 to reach a patient or a person who needs help in bathing on the interior side of the inner curtain liner 112.

[0030] The inner curtain liner 112 prohibits the outer curtain 102 from getting wet, and also prohibits water from the shower to pass to the caregiver. The inner curtain liner 112 can be transparent or translucent and can be independently operated separately from the outer curtain 102. The longitudinal side edges 1020, 1022 of the outer curtain 102 and the longitudinal side edges 1120, 1122 of the inner layer 112 are open and enable a handicap rail 122 or similar device to be placed between the outer curtain 102 and the inner layer 112.

[0031] In one potential embodiment, the dimensions of the cut-outs 108, 118 can be 2 feet by 2 feet, and can be positioned or disposed 4 feet above the ground. The dimensions and positioning of the cut-outs are advantageous, as they provide adequate space for a caregiver to reach into the shower area, and also prohibit water from spilling from inside the shower area onto the caregiver. The outer curtain 102 can come in various colors and designs and can be customized to match with the surrounding decor. The inner layer 112 prohibits water from deflecting outwards and also prevents the outer curtain 102 from getting wet. It should be noted that the cut-outs 108, 118 allow access to the shower area without completely entering into the shower area. A person can access and assist a person within the shower area for bathing by reaching through the cut-outs 108, 118, wherein the cut-outs 108, 118 provide space for reaching the person’s hands and arms therethrough.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of a caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention, in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, based on the preferences of users, the shape of the cut-out 204 of the outer cover 102 can be a generally circular shape. Similarly, the shape of the symmetrical cut-out 208 of the inner layer 112 can be generally circular. The diameters of both the cut-outs 204, 208 are similar, and are also positioned symmetrically. In one potential embodiment, the diameter of the cut-outs 204, 208 can be about 2 feet. The remaining specifications of the outer curtain 102 and the inner layer 112 are similar to the components described supra, and are not explained again here for brevity. It is to be appreciated that the shape of the cut-outs is not limited to square, rectangular or circular; but rather can be of any geometric or polygonal shape such as oval, elliptical or the like.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view showing the installation of one potential embodiment of the caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the safety curtain 100 is installed or hung at the entry 302 of a shower area 300 using the hanging means 110 such as grommets, rings or clips hung on a curtain rod 304. Both the outer curtain 102 and the inner layer 112 can be aligned with each other and are hung on the curtain rod 304. When the shower curtain 100 is hung, the exterior surface 104 of the outer curtain 102 faces away from the shower area 300. The interior surface (106; shown in FIG. 1) of the outer curtain 102 adheres to the exterior surface (114; shown in FIG. 1) of the inner layer 112 and the interior surface 116 faces toward the shower area 300. The cut-out area 108 of the outer curtain 102 and the symmetrical cut-out area 118 of the inner layer 112 can be identical in dimensions and can be positioned to allow a caregiver outside the shower area 300 to access the shower area 300 through the cut-outs 108, 118. In one embodiment, a pleat may be positioned just beneath the cut-out to add stability to the same.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a caregiver helping a patient bathe without going inside the shower area using the caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. It is to be appreciated that the shower curtain of the present invention enables a caregiver 400 to help a patient 402 bathe while maintaining a safe distance and without getting wet. More specifically, the shower curtain acts as a barrier between the caregiver 400 and the patient 402, wherein the patient 402 sits in the shower area 300 and the caregiver 400 sits outside the shower area 300. The shower curtain 100 can be installed at the entry 302 of the shower area 300, while the outer curtain 102 is oriented towards the caregiver 400 and the inner layer 112 is oriented towards the patient 402. The cut-out 108 of the outer curtain 102 and the symmetrical cut-out 118 of the inner layer 112 can be positioned adjacent to each other and enable the caregiver 400 to provide help to the patient 402. As shown as an example, the caregiver 400 can hold the shower head 404 connected to shower extension 406 positioned inside the shower area 300 for providing bathing assistance to the patient 402.

[0035] It should be appreciated that the inner layer 112 can be made of plastic, thereby prohibiting water from passing therethrough. Further, the outer curtain 102 is prohibited from getting wet due to the waterproofing and water-repelling nature of the inner layer 112. The caregiver 400 and the patient 402 can conveniently sit on respective chairs 408, 410 for an easy and comfortable process of bathing, while maintaining the privacy of the patient 402. The handicap rail 122 can be placed between the outer curtain 102 and the inner layer 112, and can be easily used by the patient 402 for secure and easy movement.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing how the caregiver accesses a shower curtain of the present invention and opens the same to access the shower area in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The outer curtain 102 and the inner layer 112 of the safety curtain 100 are slidable along the curtain rod 304, with the hanging means such as the curtain rings 110, 120 sliding along the length of the curtain rod 304. When the outer curtain 102 and the inner layer 112 are slid, the shower area 300 can be accessed for a patient to enter. Once the patient enters into the shower area 300, the outer curtain 102 and the inner layer 112 cover the shower area 300. The dimensions of both the outer curtain 102 and the inner layer 112 are as per the height and width of the shower area entry 302, for providing adequate protection from the water from the shower, and also for providing privacy to the patient therein. The handicap rail 122 can be easily accessed during the use of the shower area 300 while the outer curtain 102 and the inner layer 112 cover the shower area 300.

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the outer curtain of the caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In another potential embodiment, for providing additional protection to the caregiver from a patient having a communicable disease or virus, the outer curtain 602 includes a central void or cut-out 604, which is covered by a detachable and flexible transparent or translucent covering 606. The covering 606 can be selectively-attached to the exterior surface 610 of the outer curtain 602 using a hook and loop fastener 608, a zipper or any other suitable attachment means. The hook and loop fastener 608 can be positioned above the cut-out 604, and can be used for securing the covering 606 to the outer curtain 602, acting as a flexible barrier for the cut-out 604. With the use of the flexible transparent or translucent covering 606, the cut-out 604 does not remain open, and a user such as a caregiver can access the shower area from only a small portion of the cut-out 604 to complete bathing activities, based on the preferences and desired uses. For easy access of items such as shampoo or soap, the exterior surface 610 can include a sewn pocket 612 that can be easily accessed by the caregiver.

[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view showing a caregiver helping a patient during showering, using another embodiment of the caregiver accessible shower curtain of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the another potential embodiment, the caregiver 400 can access a portion of the void space or cut-out 604 by detaching the loop fastener 702 from the hook fastener 704 of the transparent covering 606. Using the transparent covering 606, the caregiver 400 can be provided more protection from a communicable disease of a patient 402. The outer curtain 602, along with the inner lining (as shown in other embodiments), provide adequate protection from water and water spray coming from the shower area. The caregiver 400 can easily use the shower head 404 connected to a shower through the shower extension 406.

[0039] It should be appreciated that the person in the shower area has been described supra as a patient, an elderly person or a physically-challenged person; however, the occupant in the shower area can also be a pet animal. The caregiver can be any hospital staff, medical personnel, caretaker or family member who helps the physically-challenged person or pet behind the shower curtain during showering or bathing.

[0040] Due to the hanging nature of the shower curtain, the cut-outs or voids of different embodiments of the present invention do not collapse, and maintain their shapes during use. There can be an elastic and smooth layer covering the periphery of the cut-out. The cut-out enables a caregiver to remain outside of the shower area, while enabling access inside the shower area. Additionally, using the cut-out positioned at a height which does not allow the caretaker to fully view the patient greatly improves the privacy of the patient. The patients need not fully expose themselves in front of the other person (i.e. caretaker) during bathing and other similar activities. The personal hygiene of the caregiver is maintained, while the caretaker is also protected from communicable diseases and other bodily fluids.

[0041] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “caregiver access shower curtain”, “shower curtain”, “safety curtain” and “curtain” are interchangeable and refer to the caregiver access shower curtain 100 of the present invention.

[0042] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the caregiver access shower curtain 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the caregiver accessible shower curtain 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the caregiver accessible shower curtain 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the caregiver accessible shower curtain 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the caregiver accessible shower curtain 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user’s needs and/or preferences.

[0043] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0044] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.