US20140284293A1

US20140284293A1 - Shower Storage Caddy

Info

Publication number: US20140284293A1
Application number: US14/219,736
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher E. Greco
Original assignee: Ginsey Industries Inc
Current assignee: Ginsey Industries Inc
Priority date: 2013-03-19
Filing date: 2014-03-19
Publication date: 2014-09-25

Abstract

A shower storage caddy is provided that includes a frame with a top portion, a bottom portion, and two longitudinally extending sides extending therebetween. One or more trays are supported by at least a portion of the frame, each tray extending outward from the frame; and one or more removable baskets are configured to removably fit in one or more of the one or more trays. The baskets being removable allows for transporting the baskets and cleaning the baskets. The baskets have a drainage stop configured to drain fluid while in one of the trays and prevent fluid drainage when removed from one of the trays. Other features of the shower storage caddy include a pivoting hook for hanging the caddy, a flip-out base for supporting the caddy on the floor, movable suction cups for securing the caddy, and various shelves and hooks for holding items.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/803,321, filed on Mar. 19, 2013 and titled “Shower Storage Caddy”, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a storage caddy for use in a shower.

BACKGROUND

There are various types of storage systems for holding shower and bath items in a shower stall and/or bath tub. This document describes an improved shower storage caddy.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a shower storage caddy.
In one embodiment, a shower storage caddy comprises: a frame comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and two longitudinally extending sides extending therebetween; one or more trays supported by at least a portion of the frame, each tray extending outward from the frame; and one or more removable baskets configured to removably fit in one or more of the one or more trays; wherein one or more of the removable baskets comprise a drainage stop configured to drain fluid while in one of the one or more trays and prevent fluid drainage when removed from one of the one or more trays.
In an embodiment, each of the one or more removable baskets comprise a handle extending upward from a bottom portion of the basket and a plurality of basket drainage holes on the bottom portion of the basket; and each of the one or more trays comprise one or more tray drainage holes on a bottom portion of the tray and a plurality of upward-extending legs configured to engage a bottom portion of the handle of the basket. The drainage stop comprises a seal ring at the bottom portion of the handle of the basket, the seal ring configured to (i) press against the bottom portion of the basket when the basket is removed out of the tray to prevent drainage of fluid from the basket drainage holes; and (ii) raise above the bottom portion of the basket when the basket is inserted in the tray by engagement with the plurality of upward-extending legs to allow fluid drainage from the basket drainage holes. Fluid drains downward through the plurality of basket drainage holes and the one or more tray drainage holes.
In some embodiments, the handle of the basket is positioned at a middle region of the bottom portion of the basket, the plurality of basket drainage holes are populated in an area of the bottom portion of the basket corresponding to an area underneath the drainage stop, and the bottom portion of the basket is sloped toward the middle region of the basket to facilitate fluid drainage out of the plurality of basket drainage holes.
According to an embodiment, the shower storage caddy may include one or more shelves, each shelf supported by at least a portion of the frame and extending outward from the frame. In some embodiments, one or more hooks are provided on edge portions of at least one of the one or more shelves, the hooks configured to support and hang items. In some embodiments, a soap dish with a drainage tray is provided, the soap dish supported by one of the one or more shelves.
According to an embodiment, one or more of the one or more removable baskets may include removable dividers within the respective basket.
The shower storage caddy, according to an embodiment, may have one or more adjustable suction cups supported by at least a portion of the frame for securing the frame to a surface.
In an embodiment, the shower storage caddy may further include a pivoting hook secured to the top portion of the frame, the pivoting hook configured to removably and securely hook onto a surface, allowing for the frame to extend downward from the pivoting hook. The pivoting hook may be configured to pivot 360° to hook onto one or more of a shower head, a shower curtain bar, and a shower door.
In an embodiment, the bottom portion of the frame may comprise a flip-out base with a first portion and a second portion extending horizontally outward from the frame in opposite directions, wherein the second portion folds into the first portion and extends out of the first portion for stability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views of a shower storage caddy, according to embodiments provided herein;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are rear perspective views of a shower storage caddy, according to embodiments provided herein;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a shower storage caddy illustrating a removable basket feature, according to embodiments provided herein;

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate features of a removable basket and a drainage feature, according to embodiments provided herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates features of a soap dish, according to embodiments provided herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates features of an adjustable suction cup, according to embodiments provided herein;

FIGS. 7A-7B are bottom perspective views of a shower storage caddy, illustrating a base feature, according to embodiments provided herein; and

FIGS. 8A-8B are a front perspective view and a back perspective view, respectively, of a shower storage caddy according to an additional embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a shower storage caddy for storing items, such as, for example, shampoo and other bottles, soap, razors, and shower poufs.
Embodiments of the present invention are particularly well suited for, but in no way limited to, a storage caddy for use in a shower or bath. Although described as a storage caddy for a shower, the storage caddy can be used in other applications, such as, for example, a storage caddy for holding laundry supplies or cleaning supplies.
FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views, and FIGS. 2A and 2B are rear perspective views, of a shower storage caddy 100, according to embodiments provided herein. The shower storage caddy 100 has a frame, or body, 110 including a top portion, a bottom portion, and two side portions that longitudinally extend between the top and bottom portions. One or more trays 120 are supported by at least a portion of the frame, with each tray 120 extending outward from the frame 110. One or more removable baskets 130 are configured to removably fit in one or more of the one or more trays 120. The removable baskets 130 comprise a drainage stop configured to drain fluid from the baskets 130 while in one of the trays 120 and prevent fluid drainage from the baskets 130 when removed from one of the trays 120. The drainage feature is described in detail below.
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the shower storage caddy 100 illustrating the removable basket feature. The removable baskets 130 conveniently allow for a user to use the basket 130 in the shower/bath, then take the basket 130 to another shower/bath or other location. The removable functionality simplifies cleaning of both the baskets 130 and the trays 120. Additionally, the removable functionality is convenient in situations in which multiple users share a shower space. One person can remove their basket 130 when finished in the shower, allowing for another person to add their own basket 130 for their use.
Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, the frame 110 may also include one or more horizontally extending bars 125 that extend between the two sides and are vertically positioned between the top portion and the bottom portion of the frame 110. The bars 125 may add extra support for the trays 120 and baskets 130, or generally for the frame 110. For example, in one embodiment, a tray 120 may extend outward from a respective one of the horizontally extending bars 125.
In an embodiment, the shower storage caddy 100 may include one or more shelves, such as the shelf 140 and the shelf 150 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Each shelf 140, 150 is supported by at least a portion of the frame 110 (e.g., a bar 125 and/or side portions of the frame 110) and extends outward from the frame 110. The shelves 140, 150 may have lips or curved portions to help retain items on the shelves 140, 150. In some embodiments, the shelves 140, 150 may have one or more hooks 155 on edge portions from which to support and hang items, such as razors, shower poufs, shower brushes, and the like. The shower storage caddy 100 is not limited to any particular number of shelves. In some embodiments, the shower storage caddy 100 does not have any shelves.
In some embodiments, the shower storage caddy 100 may have a soap dish 170 comprised of a drainage tray 172 that removably fits within a secondary tray 174 (see FIG. 5 for detailed view). The secondary tray 174 catches run off from the soap that is held on top of the drainage tray 172, preventing the drainage from dripping onto items below. The soap dish 170 may be supported by a shelf, such as the shelf 140, and may be removable from the shelf.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, with a detailed view in FIG. 6, the shower storage caddy 100 may have one or more suction cups 190 supported by a portion of the frame 110 (e.g., a bar 125, side portions of the frame 110, top or bottom portion of the frame 110) for securing the frame 110 to a surface, such as a shower or bath wall. The suction cups 190 may be adjustable and may be fitted within horizontal grooves 192, allowing the suction cups 190 to be moved to the left and right to avoid grout lines on the shower or bath walls. By avoiding grout lines, the suction cups adhere more securely to the walls or surface.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, in an embodiment the shower storage caddy 100 may include a pivoting hook 160 secured to the top portion of the frame 110. The pivoting hook 160 is configured to removably and securely hook onto a surface, allowing for the frame 110 to extend downward. The pivoting hook 160 may be configured to pivot 360° to hook onto one or more of a shower head, a shower curtain bar, and a shower door. By having a range of 360°, the shower storage caddy 100 is not limited to one specific location or one specific type of shower head. Instead, the shower storage caddy 100 can be positioned on a shower head and then moved to a rod or a door.
In an embodiment, the shower storage caddy 100 includes a base at the bottom portion of the frame 110. In an embodiment, the base includes a first portion 180 that extends horizontally outward from the frame 110, adding increased stability to the frame 110. In another embodiment, the base includes the first portion 180 and a second portion 185 that extend horizontally outward from the frame 110 in opposite directions (see FIGS. 2A-2B). In an embodiment, the second portion 185 folds into the first portion 180 and flips out of the first portion 180 (see FIGS. 7A-7B for detailed view). The portions (or legs) 180, 185 allow for the shower storage caddy 100 to stand on the floor or another flat or relatively flat surface.
FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate features of the removable baskets 130 and a drainage feature, according to various embodiments. The baskets 130 may include one or more removable dividers 134 that can be used to create dedicated or separate storage areas. In an embodiment, a divider 134 may have buckets 135 attached thereto, providing a small, dedicated storage area for a toothbrush, razor, or other small item.
As noted above, the removable baskets 130 comprise a drainage stop feature configured to drain fluid while in one of the trays 120 and prevent fluid drainage when removed from one of the trays 120. The drainage feature functions as follows for a basket 130 and a tray 120: the basket 130 has a handle 132 that extends upward from a bottom portion or surface of the basket 130 with a drainage stop (e.g., seal ring) 133 at the bottom portion of the handle 132, as well as a plurality of basket drainage holes 136 on the bottom portion or surface of the basket 130 below the drainage stop 133; the tray 120 has one or more tray drainage holes 123 on a bottom portion or surface of the tray 120 and a plurality of upward-extending legs 124, extending upward from the bottom portion of the tray 120, configured to engage the bottom portion of the handle 132 of the basket 130; the drainage stop 133 is configured to (i) press against the bottom portion of the basket 130 when the basket 130 is out of the tray 120 to prevent drainage of fluid from the basket drainage holes 136 (see FIGS. 4B and 4C) and (ii) raise above the bottom portion of the basket 130 when the basket 130 is inserted in the tray 120 by engagement with the upward-extending legs 124 to allow fluid drainage from the basket drainage holes 136 and the one or more tray drainage holes 123 (see FIGS. 4D and 4E).
This drainage functionality provided by the basket 130 and the tray 120 is highly desirable as fluid (e.g., water, soap, etc.) is drained from both the basket 130 and the tray 120 while in use in the shower/bath. When a user moves the basket 130 out of the tray 120, any remaining fluid (e.g., fluid dripping off of a bottle or other item held within the basket) is contained within the basket 130, eliminating an inconvenient drainage for the user while transporting the basket 130 to another location.
In an embodiment, the handle 132 of the basket 130 is positioned at or near a middle region of the bottom portion or surface of the basket 130, and the plurality of basket drainage holes 136 are populated in an area of the bottom portion corresponding to an area underneath the drainage stop 133. The one or more tray drainage holes 123 are also positioned in an area that corresponds to an area underneath the drainage stop 133 when the basket 130 is inserted within the tray 120, and the upward-extending legs 124 are positioned around the tray drainage holes 123. In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the basket 130 is sloped toward the middle region of the basket 130 to facilitate fluid drainage out of the drainage holes 136 and 123. In an embodiment, the basket drainage holes 136 and the tray drainage holes 123 align or substantially align when the basket 130 is inserted within the tray 120.
In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 4B, bottles holes 138 may be provided in the basket 130 with a raised lip around the edge of the holes 138. The holes 138 are configured so that bottles of various sizes fit over the holes. When the bottles are removed during use, fluid drains through the holes 138 and through corresponding holes 128 in the tray. The holes 138 have a raised lip to prevent fluid from dripping out of the holes 138 when the bottles are placed over the holes and when the basket 130 is removed from the tray (i.e., fluid cannot run underneath the bottles and through the holes 138 due to the raised lip).
FIGS. 8A-8B are a front perspective view and a back perspective view, respectively, of a shower storage caddy 200 according to an additional embodiment. The shower storage caddy 200 is similar to the caddy 100 in that it has a frame 210 with a tray 220 extending outward and supported by the frame 210, the tray configured to hold a basket 230 that is removable. The shower storage caddy 200 has a shelf 240 with a soap dish 270 and one or more hooks 255. Suction cups 290 are provided on the back portion of the frame 210 and are movable within slots 292, to secure the shower storage caddy 200 to a wall. The drainage feature of the basket 230 and the tray 220 functions the same, as does the soap dish 270, the suction cups/slots 290/292, and the hooks 255, as its equivalent parts described with respect to the shower storage caddy 100. The shower storage caddy 200 is essentially a smaller version of the caddy 100, without the base 180/185 and the pivoting hook 160. The shower storage caddy 200 can be used in a smaller location or on a shelf, for example.
The various components of the shower storage caddy 100/200 may be made from any suitable plastic material. In some embodiments, the baskets 130/230 are made of a translucent plastic. In some embodiments, an inner portion of the baskets 130/230 is glass for ease of cleaning. Other materials may be used, such as non-corrosive materials or non-corrosive coated materials.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A shower storage caddy comprising:

a frame comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and two longitudinally extending sides extending therebetween;

one or more trays supported by at least a portion of the frame, each tray extending outward from the frame; and

one or more removable baskets configured to removably fit in one or more of the one or more trays;

wherein one or more of the removable baskets comprise a drainage stop configured to drain fluid while in one of the one or more trays and prevent fluid drainage when removed from one of the one or more trays.

2. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more removable baskets comprise a handle extending upward from a bottom portion of the basket and a plurality of basket drainage holes on the bottom portion of the basket;

wherein each of the one or more trays comprise one or more tray drainage holes on a bottom portion of the tray and a plurality of upward-extending legs configured to engage a bottom portion of the handle of the basket.

3. The shower storage caddy of claim 2, wherein the drainage stop comprises a seal ring at the bottom portion of the handle of the basket, the seal ring configured to (i) press against the bottom portion of the basket when the basket is removed out of the tray to prevent drainage of fluid from the basket drainage holes; and (ii) raise above the bottom portion of the basket when the basket is inserted in the tray by engagement with the plurality of upward-extending legs to allow fluid drainage from the basket drainage holes.

4. The shower storage caddy of claim 3, wherein fluid drains downward through the plurality of basket drainage holes and the one or more tray drainage holes.

5. The shower storage caddy of claim 3, wherein the handle of the basket is positioned at a middle region of the bottom portion of the basket, the plurality of basket drainage holes are populated in an area of the bottom portion of the basket corresponding to an area underneath the drainage stop, and the bottom portion of the basket is sloped toward the middle region of the basket to facilitate fluid drainage out of the plurality of basket drainage holes.

6. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, further comprising one or more shelves, each shelf supported by at least a portion of the frame and extending outward from the frame.

7. The shower storage caddy of claim 6, further comprising one or more hooks on edge portions of at least one of the one or more shelves, the hooks configured to support and hang items.

8. The shower storage caddy of claim 6, further comprising a soap dish with a drainage tray, the soap dish supported by one of the one or more shelves.

9. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, wherein one or more of the one or more removable baskets comprise removable dividers within the respective basket.

10. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, further comprising one or more adjustable suction cups supported by at least a portion of the frame for securing the frame to a surface.

11. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, further comprising:

a pivoting hook secured to the top portion of the frame, the pivoting hook configured to removably and securely hook onto a surface, allowing for the frame to extend downward from the pivoting hook.

12. The shower storage caddy of claim 11, wherein the pivoting hook is configured to pivot 360° to hook onto one or more of a shower head, a shower curtain bar, and a shower door.

13. The shower storage caddy of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the frame comprises a flip-out base with a first portion and a second portion extending horizontally outward from the frame in opposite directions, wherein the second portion folds into the first portion and extends out of the first portion for stability.

14. A shower storage caddy comprising:

one or more trays supported by at least a portion of the frame, each tray extending outward from the frame;

one or more removable baskets configured to removably fit in one or more of the one or more trays, wherein one or more of the removable baskets comprise a drainage stop configured to drain fluid while in one of the one or more trays and prevent fluid drainage when removed from one of the one or more trays;

a pivoting hook secured to the top portion of the frame, the pivoting hook configured to removably and securely hook onto a surface, allowing for the frame to extend downward from the pivoting hook; and

a flip-out base at the bottom portion of the frame, the flip-out base comprising a first portion and a second portion extending horizontally outward from the frame in opposite directions, wherein the second portion folds into the first portion and extends out of the first portion for stability.

15. The shower storage caddy of claim 14, wherein each of the one or more removable baskets comprise a handle extending upward from a bottom portion of the basket and a plurality of basket drainage holes on the bottom portion of the basket;

wherein each of the one or more trays comprise one or more tray drainage holes on a bottom portion of the tray and a plurality of upward-extending legs configured to engage a bottom portion of the handle of the basket; and

wherein the drainage stop comprises a seal ring at the bottom portion of the handle of the basket, the seal ring configured to (i) press against the bottom portion of the basket when the basket is removed out of the tray to prevent drainage of fluid from the basket drainage holes; and (ii) raise above the bottom portion of the basket when the basket is inserted in the tray by engagement with the plurality of upward-extending legs to allow fluid drainage from the basket drainage holes.

16. The shower storage caddy of claim 15, wherein the handle of the basket is positioned at a middle region of the bottom portion of the basket, the plurality of basket drainage holes are populated in an area of the bottom portion of the basket corresponding to an area underneath the drainage stop, and the bottom surface of the basket is sloped toward the middle region of the basket to facilitate fluid drainage out of the plurality of basket drainage holes.

17. The shower storage caddy of claim 14, further comprising one or more shelves, each shelf supported by at least a portion of the frame and extending outward from the frame.

18. The shower storage caddy of claim 14, wherein one or more of the one or more removable baskets comprise removable dividers within the respective basket.

19. The shower storage caddy of claim 14, wherein the pivoting hook is configured to pivot 360° to hook onto one or more of a shower head, a shower curtain bar, and a shower door.

20. The shower storage caddy of claim 14, further comprising one or more adjustable suction cups supported by at least a portion of the frame for securing the frame to a surface.