SHOWER CURTAIN ASSEMBLY WITH DETACHABLE LINER

Abstract

Shower curtain with a short detachable liner designed for providing an improved functionality and use is disclosed herein. The shower curtain assembly comprises a main curtain and a short liner. In an embodiment, the main curtain includes built-in hooks along its top edge for easy installation on a shower rod. Snap buttons are positioned horizontally along the lower portion of the main curtain and aligns with the top edge of the short liner, providing a secure attachment of the liner to the main curtain. In an embodiment, the short liner may include magnets at its bottom corners or along its bottom edge to maintain a taut profile. Additionally, pull tabs may be provided on vertical edges of the main curtain, facilitating easy handling and adjustment.

Claims

1. A curtain assembly comprising: a main curtain hanging on a shower rod through one or more built-in hooks; and a detachable liner coupled to lower half portion of the main curtain through a detachable mechanism, said detachable liner acting as a protective layer.

2. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable mechanism is selected from any or a combination of snap button(s), zipper, and Velcro.

3. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the snap buttons are evenly spaced and aligned horizontally along width of the lower half portion of the main curtain and along top edge of the detachable liner.

4. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly further comprises one or more magnets positioned into bottom corners of the detachable liner so as to keep the detachable liner in place by adhering to metal surfaces of bathtub and/or by aligning to inner surface of bathtub so as to prevent the detachable liner from billowing inward.

5. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly further comprises a pull tab attached to both sides of the main curtain and facilitates easy handling, adjustment, and movement of the main curtain in a horizontal direction.

6. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main curtain has a width ranging from 20 inches to about 79 inches, and length ranging from 54 inches to about 86 inches.

7. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable liner has a width ranging from 19 inches to about 78 inches, and a length ranging from 9 inches to about 42 inches.

8. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable liner is narrower than the main curtain by at least 1 inch, and shorter in length from the bottom compared to the main curtain by at least 1 inch.

9. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main curtain is made of natural or manmade material.

10. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable liner is made of natural or manmade material.

11. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable liner is configured with any or a combination of color coding, printed indicators, and alignment marks to guide correct attachment and ensure consistent fit with the main curtain.

12. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable liner is manufactured using quick-dry materials to minimize risk of microbial growth and to reduce drying time between uses.

13. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main curtain and/or the detachable liner incorporates reinforced stitching or heat-sealed seams at stress points.

14. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable liner has one or more drainage apertures or channels near its lower edge to promote water run-off and reduce pooling.

15. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable liner and/or the main curtain comprises fragrance infusion or deodorizing treatments to maintain freshness over extended use.

16. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable liner and the main curtain is adapted for tool-free installation and removal.

17. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curtain assembly comprises noise-reducing features selected from any or a combination of soft-close tabs and cushioned attachment points to minimize sound during use or movement.

18. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable liner is reversible, and wherein the curtain assembly supports modular replacement, wherein worn or damaged sections of the detachable liner or curtain are detached and replaced.

19. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main curtain and/or the detachable liner is fabricated from a flame-retardant material.

20. The curtain assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable liner and/or main curtain comprise conductive or treated fibers that resist static charge accumulation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that invention of such drawings includes the invention of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of curtain assembly from the outside, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the curtain assembly from the inside, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates another perspective view of the curtain assembly from the inside (with a detachable main curtain), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates yet another perspective view of curtain assembly from the inside, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another perspective view of curtain assembly from the inside (with a detachable main curtain), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.

[0045] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.

[0046] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0047] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[0048] The word exemplary and/or demonstrative is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as exemplary and/or demonstrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms includes, has, contains, and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusivein a manner similar to the term comprising as an open transition wordwithout precluding any additional or other elements.

[0049] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment or an instance or one instance means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases in one embodiment or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term and/orincludes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0051] The present disclosure relates to a shower curtain assembly designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to shower curtains with antimicrobial, water repellent, and mold and mildew-resistant properties. Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the design incorporates pull tabs (106), a magnet (105), and snap buttons (104). The proposed shower curtain assembly is designed as a do-it-yourself (DIY) assembly, allowing for a simple installation with minimal or no tools.

[0053] The proposed curtain assembly features a main curtain (100) and a detachable liner (102) (also interchangeably referred to herein after as liner or short liner or short detachable liner. The main curtain (100) provides a visually appealing look and the liner (102) provides an extra layer of protection. In an embodiment, the liner (102) is narrower at the side edges and shorter (from the bottom) compared to the main curtain (100). This design offers an additional barrier against water and prevents spillage at the bottom portion of the curtain assembly. The liner (102) attaches to the main curtain (100) via detachable mechanisms (104) such as, but not limited to, zippers, snap buttons, or Velcro mechanism.

[0054] In an embodiment, both the main curtain (100) and the liner (102) may be made from natural or manmade fibers and may be subjected to special treatments like water repellent, dust mite proof, antimicrobial, or anti-odor finishes during the manufacturing process.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, the main curtain (100) forms the primary barrier against water and also functions as a removable barrier/wall of a shower area or a shower cubicle. The main curtain (100) is designed to hang vertically in the shower area on a shower rod passing through built-in hooks (103) at the top. The short liner (102) is an additional protective layer that attaches to the main curtain (100) via a detachable mechanism (104) (e.g., snap buttons) as shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B and extends downwardly from a lower half portion of the main curtain (100). In an embodiment, the built-in hooks (103) correspond to circular rings integrated into the top edge of the main curtain (100). The built-in hooks (103) are spaced apart evenly to ensure balanced support, horizontal alignment, and easy installation on a standard shower rod. Further, the snap buttons (104) are also evenly spaced and aligned horizontally along the width of the lower half portion of the main curtain (100) and the top edge of the short liner (102). In an embodiment, the magnets (105) are incorporated into the bottom corners of the short liner (102). The magnets (105) maintain a wrinkle-free profile of the liner (102) and keep the liner (102) in place by adhering to the metal surfaces of the tub or by aligning to the inner surface of the bathtub that is made of magnetic materials, preventing the liner (102) from billowing inward. The pull tab (106) is an easily identifiable feature attached to both sides of the curtain (100) that facilitates easy handling, adjustment, and movement of the curtain (100) in a horizontal direction. In an embodiment, the dotted line (108) elaborates a potential area on the exterior that may coincide with (107) for additional functionality or structural features.

[0056] Although FIG. 1 shows exemplary components of the shower curtain, in other embodiments, the curtain may include fewer components, different components, differently arranged components, or additional functional components than depicted in FIG. 1. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the shower curtain may perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components of the shower curtain.

[0057] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective (from the inside) view of an example shower curtain assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The shower curtain assembly includes a detachable main curtain (100) as a primary barrier that hangs vertically in the shower area, built-in hooks (103) located along the top portion of the shower curtain assembly, pull tab (106) attached to vertical edges of the main curtain (100) for easy handling and adjustment. The dotted line (107) indicates the division between the top portion and the lower portion of the main curtain (100). The dotted line (e.g., 108, shown in FIG. 1) indicates a potential area for additional functionality or structural feature, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Although FIG. 2A shows exemplary components of the shower curtain, in other embodiments, the curtain may include fewer components, different components, differently arranged components, or additional functional components than depicted in FIG. 2A. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more components of the shower curtain may perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components of the shower curtain.

[0059] FIG. 2B depicts a back view of an example shower curtain, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The shower curtain includes a main curtain (100) that serves as the primary barrier, hanging vertically in the shower area. Built-in hooks (103) are situated along the top edge of the main curtain (100) and are used to install the main curtain on the shower rod. A pull tab (106) is attached to vertical edges of the main curtain (100) for easy handling and adjustment. The dotted line (107) indicates the division between the top portion of the main curtain (100), where the built-in hooks (103) are located, and the rest of the curtain. The dotted line (108) indicates a potential area (on the exterior) that may coincide with (107) for additional functionality or structural features, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates a shower assembly installation with detachable main curtain (100) hanging vertically as the primary barrier. The main curtain (100) may be attached to an upper portion of the curtain assembly that comprises built-in hooks (103) along its top edge. Additionally, a pull tab (106) is provided on the vertical edges of the main curtain for easy handling and adjustment. The detachable main curtain (100) provides ease of removal and installation for better maintenance and cleaning. In an embodiment, the detachable main curtain (100) may be attached to the upper portion of the curtain assembly by means of detachable mechanisms similar to (104) described above. FIG. 3 shows the main curtain (100) that is detached from the curtain assembly.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows an example shower curtain assembly installation in accordance with an embodiment. The dotted line that is indicated in the figure across the top portion of the curtain assembly, indicates the section where the built-in hooks (103) can be configured. The dotted line (108) across the curtain, indicates a section that may serve as a portion for implementing additional functional or structural reinforcement. In an embodiment, this portion may be positioned below the dotted line (107).

[0062] In an embodiment, the liner (102) may also include magnets (105) at the bottom to adhere to bathtubs made of cast iron or stainless steel. In an embodiment, the liner (102) may be configured with a magnetic strip at the bottom edge. Additionally, the main curtain (100) and liner (102) may be made from woven, knitted, non-woven materials, or plastic sheets. This setup not only enhances the bathroom's aesthetic appeal but also adds an extra layer of protection against water spillage.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the detachable main curtain (100) is attached to the upper portion of the curtain assembly. Further, post installation, the short liner (102) may be disposed to hang downwardly and inside the bathtub (during shower) and the main curtain (100) may be disposed to hang downwardly and outside the bathtub (during shower). As described above, the short liner (102) may be shorter than the main curtain (100) at the bottom and is not visible from the outside when both the main curtain and the liner hang downwardly outside the bathtub.

[0064] Certain advantages and benefits are provided and/or facilitated by the present disclosure. For example, the disclosed shower curtain assembly combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it a practical and attractive choice for modern installations. In particular, the present disclosure describes a shower curtain where the short detachable liner extends downwardly from a middle portion of the main curtain towards the bottom of the bathtub, effectively preventing water from spilling outside the bathtub. This design helps keep the bathroom floor dry and reduces unwanted water spillage outside the bathtub area. Further, as only one-third of the material/surface area (being that of the detachable liner) needs to be washed, maintenance is easier, resulting in potential savings in water, energy, cleaning chemicals, and housekeeping time/effort. Further, the liner (102) attaches to the main curtain (100) via detachable mechanisms such as zippers, snap buttons (104), or Velcro mechanism, allowing for easy removal and replacement.

[0065] Further, the magnets (105) integrated at the bottom edge of the liner (102) align the liner (102) to bathtub that may be constructed using cast iron or stainless steel, thereby reducing movement and preventing water from escaping from the sides of the curtain assembly. It may be appreciated that certain designs of bathtubs may involve use of magnetic materials that would enable the magnets (105) to stick to the inner wall of the bathtub to keep the liner (102) in a fixed position and alignment.

[0066] Although, the proposed shower curtain assembly has been described with reference to its use with a bathtub, it may be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments of shower curtain assembly may be used even in scenarios or installation without a bathtub. In such scenarios, the magnets (105) may provide a constant downward pull or force due to its weight thereby maintaining a taut profile of the short liner. In an embodiment, instead of the magnets (105), any other material or component may be used in installations where there is no bathtub.

[0067] In an example embodiment, the main curtain (100) may have a width between about 20 inches to about 79 inches and a length between about 54 inches to about 86 inches. In an example embodiment, the short detachable liner (102) may have a width between about 19 inches to about 78 inches and a length between about 9 inches to about 42 inches.

[0068] In an embodiment, the liner (102) is narrower than the main curtain (100) by at least 1 inch, and shorter in length from the bottom compared to the main curtain (100) by at least 1 inch.

[0069] In an example embodiment, the main curtain (100) and/or the liner (102) are constructed from woven materials such as textiles produced by weaving fibers together, knitted materials such as textiles produced by interlocking loops of yarn, and/or non-woven materials where the textiles are made by bonding or felting fibers together without weaving or knitting.

[0070] In an example embodiment, the main curtain (100) and/or the liner (102) is made from a sheet of plastic which is flexible and waterproof to provide a durable and an easy-to-clean surface.

[0071] In an example embodiment, the detachable liner (102) may also be made of materials that possess antimicrobial properties to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or mold.

[0072] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily ascertain that the illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.

[0073] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that techniques consistent with the present disclosure are applicable in other contexts as well without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0074] What has been described and illustrated herein are examples of the present disclosure. The terms, descriptions, and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the subject matter, which is intended to be defined by the following claims and their equivalents in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.