Stabilizing device for a shower curtain support, support device, and use of the stabilizing device to stabilize a shower curtain support

Abstract

Stabilizing device for a shower curtain support. The support comprises a first part with a clamping device having a partially arcuate structure for clamping the first part into a curtain rod of the support, and a second part with a base having a contact surface. The base is designed to support the stabilizing device against a bearing surface at the contact surface. The stabilizing device includes an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is designed to adjust the distance between the clamping device and the base. The first part is linearly movable relative to the second part. The adjustment mechanism is designed to fix the first part relative to the second part. The adjustment mechanism can be released in a controlled manner.

Description

[0001] Aspects of the invention relate to the field of curtains for wet rooms, in particular to the mounting of curtains. Specifically, aspects relate to embodiments of a holding device for a shower curtain. In particular, the invention relates to the stabilization of the holding device.

[0002] A shower curtain holder is known from DE 10 2010 037 058 A1. As of the filing date, a corresponding holder is marketed by Clever Shower eK (Munich) under the product name ALBERT PRO.

[0003] Advantageously, the holding device allows the mounting of a shower curtain on a shower rod that is usually already present, thus enabling simple and safe installation even without any modification work, such as drilling holes.

[0004] In some cases, however, even when the support is correctly installed, instability can occur, particularly when the support rotates or twists. This instability is often caused by insufficient stability of the shower rod, for example, if the shower rod is attached to the wall of the bathroom in a rotatable manner. In some cases, the instability can also be caused by flexibility in the support.

[0005] Thus, at least in some cases, there is a need for a solution to stabilize the holding device. The proposed devices and uses at least partially solve this problem.

[0006] The invention is described in the appended set of claims.

[0007] According to one aspect, a stabilizing device for a holding device for a shower curtain is described. The holding device comprises a first part with a clamping device having an at least partially arcuate structure for clamping the first part into a curtain rod of the holding device, and a second part with a base having a contact surface. The base is configured to support the stabilizing device at the contact surface against a support surface. The stabilizing device comprises an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the distance between the clamping device and the base. The first part is linearly movable relative to the second part. The adjustment mechanism is configured to fix the first part relative to the second part. The adjustment mechanism is releasable in a controlled manner.

[0008] According to one aspect, a holding device for a shower curtain is described. The holding device comprises at least one stabilizing device according to one of the embodiments and / or aspects described herein and a holding element. The holding element is designed for attachment to a fastening position of a shower rod. The holding element comprises the curtain rod. The curtain rod comprises a region extending substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the support surface. The at least one stabilizing device is provided at a distance from the holding element and is configured to prevent rotation of the holding device along the axis defined by the shower rod.

[0009] According to one aspect, the use of the stabilizing device according to one of the embodiments and / or aspects described herein for stabilizing a holding device for a shower curtain is described. The holding device can be a holding device according to one of the embodiments and / or aspects described herein.

[0010] The invention will be explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in figures, from which further advantages and modifications emerge. These show: Fig. 1A is a schematic isometric view of a holding device according to an embodiment; Fig. 1B is a schematic side view of the holding device according to an embodiment; Fig. 1C is a schematic plan view of the holding device according to an embodiment; Fig. 2A Sectional views of a stabilization device according to an embodiment in retracted and extended state Fig. 2B Sectional views of a stabilization device according to an embodiment in retracted and extended state Fig. 3 a perspective view of a stabilization device according to an embodiment

[0011] In the embodiments described below, individual aspects and features can be combined modularly with the features of other embodiments. Such a combination can, in turn, yield further embodiments that are also considered to be part of the present disclosure. Features and elements that appear with the same reference numerals in multiple embodiments and figures are sometimes explained only in one embodiment.

[0012] In the holding device described herein, such as the one in Fig. The holding device 100 shown in Figures 1A-C may be a further development of the holding device described in DE 10 2010 037 058 A1 (“publication”). Reference is hereby made to the publication. The publication is incorporated in its entirety, in particular in the scope of the description of the holding device, in particular the information with reference to Fig. 11 of the document, is incorporated into the present disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. 1C show various views of a holding device 100 according to one embodiment. The holding device 100 is configured to receive a shower curtain (not shown) on the curtain rod 122. In particular, the holding device 100 can be configured to be mounted in a wet room, such as a shower, a bathtub, or other personal care device.

[0014] The holding device 100 comprises a holding element 120. The holding element 120 is attached to a shower rod 110. The shower rod 110 is typically already present at the installation site and can be designed in any desired manner. In the example shown, the shower rod is attached to a support surface, in particular a wall (not shown), by two wall brackets 112.

[0015] With some shower rods 110, the wall mounting may be inadequate. For example, there may be play between the shower rod 110 and the wall brackets 112, or the shower rod 110 may be at least slightly rotatable along its longitudinal axis in the wall brackets. In these cases, despite additional fastening of the holding element 120 by support elements provided in the holding element, undesirable play and / or other insufficient stability may be present in the mounted holding device 100.

[0016] For additional fastening, the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C shown stabilization devices 150 are provided. The stabilization devices 150 are described in detail with reference to Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B and Fig. 3 described.

[0017] As in Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. As shown in Figure 1C, a rod is provided on the holding element 120, for example, via which a curtain rod 122 is attached at a distance from the holding element. As shown in the figures, a holder for a shower head 114 can be provided in the region of the rod. Due to manufacturing tolerances and an intended assembly play in the connections between the rod and the curtain rod 122, for example, torsional flexibility can be present, which, due to the length of the curtain rod 122 in the region 123 at the outer ends, can amount to several millimeters or even several centimeters. This torsional flexibility can advantageously be eliminated by the stabilization devices 150 described herein.

[0018] As in Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C, the curtain rod 122 is essentially rectangular in design in the illustrated embodiment, wherein the corners of the rectangle may be rounded, for example, to facilitate the guidance of a shower curtain attached to the curtain rod 122 with shower curtain rings. The essentially rectangular shape of the curtain rod shown here can be modified as desired; for example, the curtain rod 122 can have an essentially square, trapezoidal, triangular, partially round, partially oval, partially curved, and / or another geometrically definable shape. Advantageously, the curtain rod 122 can be essentially flat and / or planar in the horizontal plane, for example, to prevent the shower curtain from slipping into a lower part of the curtain rod 122. Accordingly, the shape of the curtain rod 122 can be defined as a two-dimensional shape.

[0019] As in Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C, the curtain rod comprises a region 123 that runs substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the support surface. In the example shown, the horizontally and parallel region is the portion of the curtain rod 122 that is connected to the holding element 120 via the rods and / or is located in spatial proximity to the holding element 120.

[0020] The stabilizing devices 150 are provided at a distance from the holding element 120. In particular, the stabilizing devices 150 can be provided in the region 123 of the curtain rod 122. The stabilizing devices support the holding device 100, in particular the curtain rod 122, against the support surface. By spacing the stabilizing devices 150 from the holding element 120, in particular a horizontal spacing from the holding element 120, the generation of leverage forces that would otherwise act on the holding element 120 and / or the support elements of the holding element 120 can be avoided.

[0021] In the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1C, two stabilizing devices 150 are shown. Each of the stabilizing devices 150 supports the curtain rod 122 relative to the support surface, thereby preventing rotation of the holding device, for example, along the axis defined by the shower rod. In particular, both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation is prevented. In some embodiments, one or more than two stabilizing devices 150 may be provided. In particular, the stabilizing devices 150 do not have to be provided on the support surface facing the holding element 120. For example, alternatively or additionally, a stabilizing device may be provided at a location on the curtain rod 122 that is offset by 90°, for example, particularly if a suitable support surface is present at said location, such as in corner showers.

[0022] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B show embodiments of a stabilization device 150. In particular, Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B is a sectional view of the stabilization device 150 along the Fig. Section plane AA shown in Figure 1C. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the Fig. 2A. The features described below apply equally to the embodiments shown, unless otherwise stated. For a better understanding, reference is made in part to the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C. However, the stabilizing device 150 described herein is equally suitable as a stabilizing device for other shower curtain holding devices, which may differ from the holding device 100.

[0023] The stabilization device 150 comprises a first part 210 and a second part 220. The first part 210 comprises a clamping device 212 with an at least partially arcuate structure for clamping the first part into a curtain rod 122 of the holding device 100. In particular, the clamping device 212, as in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3. The clamping device 212 may be designed in a ring shape. The clamping device 212 may be suitable for being clamped into the curtain rod 122, for example by plugging on the stabilizing device 150. The inner profile and / or the diameter of the arcuate structure may correspond to the diameter of the curtain rod 120 and / or be designed for stable clamping into the curtain rod 122. For example, the arcuate section may be designed for clamping into curtain rods 122 with a diameter of 10 mm to 30 mm, more specifically 12 mm to 25 mm, such as 18 mm. Advantageously, the stabilizing device 150 may be rotatable after being clamped into the curtain rod, in particular about the longitudinal axis defined by the curtain rod 122.

[0024] The stabilization device 150 comprises a second part 220. The second part includes a base 222 with a contact surface. The contact surface is provided on the side of the stabilization device 150 facing the support surface. The base 222 is configured to support the stabilization device 150 at the contact surface opposite the support surface. As shown in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the base 222 can be designed such that the contact surface is substantially circular. Likewise, the contact surface can correspond to other geometric shapes and be configured, for example, oval, square, rectangular, hexagonal, trapezoidal, or in any other geometrically definable shape. The diameter of a contact surface, for example, circular, can be in a range of 2 cm - 10 cm, in particular 3 cm - 6 cm, such as approximately 4 cm or approximately 5 cm. Advantageously, the contact surface can be suitable for distributing forces acting on the support surface and, for example, preventing damage to the support surface due to excessive pressures and / or forces. Advantageously, the support surface can be suitable for securing the stabilization device 150 against tipping of the stabilization device 150 in the mounted state.In particular, it can be avoided that the stabilizing device moves out of the position shown, for example, in , during a vertical movement of the curtain rod 122. Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C shown, essentially horizontal fastening position.

[0025] Since the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. Since the holding device 100 shown in Figure 1C is designed for mounting on any shower rod design and in differently configured wet rooms, the distance between the support surface and the curtain rod 122 is typically not precisely defined. For example, the distance between the support surface and the curtain rod 122, for example in the area 123, can be between 6.5 cm and 10.0 cm. Advantageously, the stabilizing device comprises an adjustment mechanism so that the stabilizing device can be adapted to the respective local conditions.

[0026] In Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, a stabilization device 150 is shown. The upper illustration corresponds to a retracted state of the stabilization device 150, i.e., a state in which the distance between the clamping device 212 and the base 222 essentially corresponds to the smallest possible distance. The lower illustration corresponds to an extended state of the same stabilization device 150, i.e., a state in which the distance between the clamping device 212 essentially corresponds to the greatest possible distance. During proper assembly of the stabilization device, the distance can be adjusted as needed, so that the state corresponds to an intermediate state between the (fully) retracted and the (fully) extended state.

[0027] In embodiments, the stabilization device 150 comprises an adjustment mechanism 230. The adjustment mechanism 230 is configured to adjust the distance between the clamping device 212 and the base 222. Advantageously, the adjustment mechanism 230 can be suitable for adjusting the stabilization device 150 such that the contact surface rests on the support surface. In particular, the adjustment mechanism can be designed to adapt the stabilization device 150 to a variable distance between the curtain rod 122 and the support surface. The first part 210 is linearly movable relative to the second part 220. Linearly movable can be understood to mean that the adjustment mechanism 230 enables a movement of the first part 210 relative to the second part 220, at least during the adjustment of the distance.The adjustment mechanism 230 is configured to fix the first part 210 relative to the second part 220, in particular after adjusting the distance and / or in a set position. The adjustment mechanism 230 can be released in a controlled manner. In particular, the adjustment mechanism can be configured to selectively release a fixation upon controlled release of the adjustment mechanism 230, so that the first part 210 is freely movable linearly relative to the second part 220, in particular in both directions.

[0028] As in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3, the adjustment mechanism 230 may include a one-way ratchet mechanism. The one-way ratchet mechanism may be a pawl mechanism. The one-way ratchet mechanism includes intermeshing teeth in the first part 210 and the second part 220. The teeth in the first part 210 may be a pawl. The teeth in the second part may be a linear and / or rail-shaped ratchet. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the ratchet may be provided on the first part 210 and the pawl may be provided on the second part 220.

[0029] The Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. The one-way ratchet mechanism shown in Figure 3 is shown in the unlocked state. In the unlocked state shown, the ratchet mechanism opens along an extension direction and locks along an insertion direction. Thus, it is possible to increase the distance between the contact surface 222 and the clamping device 212 by pulling the first part 210 and the second part 220 apart, while reducing the distance is not possible in the unlocked state.

[0030] In embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may include an actuating element 232. The actuating element 232 may be configured to release the fixation of the adjustment mechanism 230 in a controlled manner. For example, the actuating element 232 may be configured to release the one-way ratchet mechanism. In the Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the actuating element 232 comprises two L-shaped hooks. By pressing the L-shaped hooks together, for example, between the thumb and index finger, the teeth of the first part 210 are lifted from the teeth of the second part 220, so that they no longer engage. Thus, after actuation of the actuating element 232, the first part 210 is also movable relative to the second part 220 in the insertion direction, for example, for adjusting or disassembling the stabilization device 150.

[0031] In embodiments, the stabilization device 150 is essentially designed in two parts. In particular, the stabilization device 150 can essentially comprise the first part 210 and the second part 220. Essentially two-part can be understood to mean that no further parts are required to implement the structures and / or functions of the stabilization device described herein. Essentially two-part can in particular be understood to mean that further optional parts can be added to improve the function of the stabilization device. For example, a coating, such as a rubber coating or the like, can be present in places. The presence of such a coating is also to be understood as essentially two-part.

[0032] In embodiments, the first part 210 and / or the second part 220 are made of a plastic. In particular, the first part 210 and / or the second part 220 can be injection-molded parts. The plastic can be, for example, conventional plastics suitable for injection molding, in particular polystyrene and / or copolymers such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or other known (co)polymers.

[0033] In embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 230 comprises, as in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3, a guide rail formed by the first part 210 and the second part 220. The guide rail can define the direction in which the first part 210 is linearly movable relative to the second part 220. In particular, the first part 210 can be linearly movable relative to the second part 220 along the axis defined by the guide rail. In particular, the guide rail can be configured such that essentially only a linear movement along the extension direction and / or the insertion direction is possible.

[0034] In embodiments, the one-way ratchet mechanism is arranged along the guide rail. In particular, the one-way ratchet mechanism can be formed by the first part 210 and the second part 220. For example, the teeth of the second part 220, as shown in Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3, be provided on an inner surface of the guide rail.

[0035] The Fig. The stabilization device 150 shown in Figure 2A can, for example, have a length of approximately 6.5 cm - 7 cm in the retracted state, defined as the distance between the clamping device 212 and the contact surface 222, and a length of 9.5 cm - 10 cm in the extended state. The stabilization device 150 can, in particular, be designed to be used at a distance of 4.5 cm - 6 cm between the support surface and the shower rod 110.

[0036] The Fig. 2B, in contrast to the stabilization device 150 shown in Fig. 2A, an extension 240 in the second part 220. The extension lengthens the guide rail formed between the first part 210 and the second part 220. The Fig. The stabilization device 150 shown in Figure 2B can, for example, have a length of approximately 8 cm - 8.5 cm in the retracted state, defined as the distance between the clamping device 212 and the contact surface 222, and a length of 11 cm - 11.5 cm in the extended state. The stabilization device 150 can, in particular, be designed to be used at a distance of 6 cm - 8 cm between the support surface and the shower rod 110.

[0037] The Fig. 2A and Fig. The embodiments shown in Figure 2B cover possible wall distances of 4.5 cm - 8 cm. For example, one use of the stabilization device 150 may include both embodiments of the stabilization device 150 being included with a holding device 100 during distribution, so that an end user can select the appropriate stabilization device 150 depending on local conditions.

[0038] The use of the stabilization device 150 is described below using exemplary embodiments. The use includes the stabilization device 150 according to one embodiment for stabilizing a holding device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0039] In one embodiment, the use comprises clamping the clamping device 212 onto the curtain rod 122, for example in the area 123. Advantageously, the stabilizing device 150, in particular the first part 210 together with the second part 220, can be clamped in the inserted state. The clamping can comprise pressing the annular portion against the curtain rod 122 until the holding element 212 snaps into the curtain rod 122. Optionally, the first part 210 can be clamped separately from the second part 220, and the second part 220 can be pushed into the first part 210 after clamping. The stabilizing device 150 is preferably clamped at the intended position along the curtain rod 122. Optionally, the stabilizing device 150 can also be clamped at any point along the curtain rod 122 and, in the clamped state, can be moved along the curtain rod 122.Jamming in the horizontal state, ie the intended mounting position as for example in . Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C is not necessary. In particular, the stabilizing device can be clamped in any position around the longitudinal axis defined by the curtain rod 122, for example, rotated by 90° - 270°.

[0040] In one embodiment, the use comprises positioning the stabilizing device. Positioning may comprise sliding the stabilizing device 150 along the curtain rod 122. In particular, positioning may comprise rotating the stabilizing device 150 such that the contact surface of the base 222 is substantially parallel to the support surface.

[0041] In one embodiment, the use comprises adjusting the distance between the clamping device 212 and the base so that the contact surface of the base touches the support surface. Advantageously, the contact surface can lie flat against the support surface. Adjusting the distance can, for example, comprise extending the first part 210 relative to the second part 220. Advantageously, particularly when using the fixing element described herein, in particular the one-way ratchet mechanism, adjusting the distance can be performed largely with one hand. In particular, the additional actuation of a mechanism for adjusting the distance can be dispensed with.

[0042] In one embodiment, use comprises disassembling the stabilization device 150. Disassembly may comprise the controlled release of the adjustment mechanism 230. In particular, disassembly may comprise actuating the actuating element 232. After the controlled release of the adjustment mechanism 230, disassembly may comprise inserting the second part 220 into the first part and unclamping the clamping device.

[0043] In embodiments, the use comprises attaching at least two stabilizing devices 150, such as in Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig.1C. The at least two stabilizing devices 150 can, for example, be provided on opposite sides of the curtain rod 122 from the holding element 120. This allows a possible twisting, such as that caused by a twisting of the shower rod 110 or flexibility in the holding device, to be avoided in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0044] Advantageously, the stabilization device 150 described herein can enable the stabilization of the holding device 100 simply and without structural measures, such as drilling holes. The proposed solutions are flexible and can be used for the intended purpose in any configuration, including those not shown here. Advantageously, the stabilization device 150 can be produced cost-effectively, particularly due to its two-part construction. Advantageously, the use of the stabilization device 150, for example, by a consumer, is simple and cost-effective, possible both for retrofitting existing holding devices and for newly installed holding devices, and causes no damage or modifications to the wet room. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2010 037 058 A1 [0002, 0012]

Claims

[1] Stabilising device for a shower curtain holding device, comprising: a first part comprising: a clamping device with an at least partially arcuate structure for clamping the first part into a curtain rod of the holding device; a second part comprising: a base having a contact surface, wherein the base is adapted to support the stabilizing device on the contact surface against a support surface; wherein the first part is linearly movable relative to the second part; and an adjustment mechanism, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the distance between the clamping device and the base; wherein the adjustment mechanism is adapted to fix the first part relative to the second part; and wherein the adjustment mechanism can be released in a controlled manner. [2] The stabilization device according to claim 1, wherein the stabilization device is designed essentially in two parts. [3] The stabilization device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a guide rail formed by the first part and the second part, such that the first part is linearly movable relative to the second part along an axis defined by the guide rail. [4] The stabilization device according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a one-way ratchet mechanism, wherein the one-way ratchet mechanism opens in an unreleased state along an extension direction of the stabilizing device and locks along an insertion direction opposite the extension direction. [5] The stabilizing device according to claim 4, wherein the one-way ratchet mechanism is arranged along the guide rail. [6] The stabilization device according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises an actuating element, wherein the actuating element is designed to release the one-way ratchet mechanism. [7] A shower curtain holding device comprising: at least one stabilization device according to one of claims 1 to 6; a holding element, wherein the holding element is designed for attachment to a mounting position of a shower rod; the curtain rod, wherein the curtain rod comprises a region extending substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the support surface; wherein the at least one stabilizing device is provided at a distance from the holding element and is designed to prevent rotation of the holding device along the axis defined by the shower rod. [8] Use of the stabilizing device according to one of claims 1 to 6 for stabilizing a holding device for a shower curtain, in particular for stabilizing the holding device for a shower curtain according to claim 7. [9] The use according to claim 8, comprising: Clamping the clamping device onto the curtain rod; Positioning the stabilizing device so that the contact surface of the base is substantially parallel to the support surface; Adjust the distance between the clamping device and the base so that the contact surface of the base touches the support surface. [10] The use according to claim 8 or 9, comprising: the use of at least two stabilizing devices on opposite sides of the curtain rod.

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