Shower Space Expander

Abstract

The invention is an adjustable extendible (or telescoping) arm mounted on the shower wall of the typical tub and shower combination having 2 positions, stowed and active. The stowed (or normal/collapsed) position is against the wall, either the front or the rear wall (the nominal 30″ wide wall) of the shower. In the active position the device is positioned against the shower curtain pushing the mid to upper portion of the curtain outboard of the tub area increasing usable space for shower activities. The shower occupant rotates the collapsed arm toward the shower curtain and extends the sections to allow the arm to push the central area of the curtain out producing additional room. A secondary use for the invention is to use the arm to position the wet shower curtain inboard of the tub allowing the curtain to dry rapidly and prevent mildew. The invention is comprised of a flat plate with 2 ears which captivate the arm between them. A carriage bolt passes through holes in the 3 components. A knob with integral threaded nut is screwed onto the exposed threads of the carriage bolt. When tightened the knob produces friction against the arm enabling it to remain fixed in the desired position against the shower curtain. Once friction required for the specific curtain (s) is set by the occupant the invention requires no additional adjustment to maintain the curtain in the desired position.

1 . A method of utilizing a device with embodies a wall mounted rotating and extendible arm to provide additional room for the shower occupant by pushing the middle to upper portion of the shower curtain out from the vertical plane of the tub while the lower portion remains within the tub to prevent water from exiting the shower area. 
     
     
         2 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device is designed for the standard combination shower/bath being nominal 30 inches wide by 60 inches long with a tub and 3 solid walls and a shower curtain providing the 4 th  wall. 
     
     
         3 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device is fixed to either the front or rear shower wall using various means including adhesive foam, screws, glue, suction cup(s) or other means. 
     
     
         4 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device uses multiple sections (or stages) telescopic tube which can be extended and retracted as well as rotated against the curtain and locked in position desired by the user through friction (either fixed or adjustable). 
     
     
         5 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the telescoping stages may have friction mechanism, locking mechanism (twist, lever or other) or no additional mechanism (close fit between pieces). 
     
     
         6 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the arm telescopic sections may be tubular (round, oval or square/rectangular). 
     
     
         7 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device which may also use a single fixed length stage which rotates and locks in position desired. 
     
     
         8 . A method of  claim 1  whose telescopic tube is hinged horizontally to allow it to be moved into an active position wherein it pushes the shower curtain out and away from the bath occupant to provide additional room and prevent the shower curtain from contacting the occupant (“blowing in” against the occupants skin“). 
     
     
         9 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device's single or multiple stages may be rotated in the vertical plane to expand the shower room. 
     
     
         10 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device may use multiple hinged components to provide the extension capability. 
     
     
         11 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device arm is of gooseneck type construction. 
     
     
         12 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device may be positioned parallel with the front (or rear) shower wall when not in use. 
     
     
         13 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device may be made from plastic, aluminum or a combination of these and other materials. 
     
     
         14 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device color is typically white nylon and polished aluminum but may be manufactured and sold in a variety of materials, colors and color combinations. 
     
     
         15 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device is designed to work with either a standard shower curtain liner or a combination of liner and curtain of varied weights, material types and textures. 
     
     
         16 . A method of  claim 1  wherein a device not in use (stowed against the shower wall) does not alter the normal presentation of a shower curtain, which is flat and straight. 
     
     
         17 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device arm may be locked in desired position through various means including fixed friction, adjustable friction, ratcheting lock, fixed stop which could be adjustable, lockable ball joint and other means. 
     
     
         18 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device may be concealed through disguise as a towel bar, grab bar, soap dish, shelf, basket or other means. 
     
     
         19 . A method of  claim 1  wherein the device may be used to dry the shower curtain/liner by positioning the curtain towards the center of tub enabling rapid drying and preventing mildew.