Shower curtain lifting device
View Patent ↗An apparatus that facilitates the drying of a shower curtain is described. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to lift a shower curtain away from a tub wall or other vertical surface in a shower or bathing area, such as a bathtub. For example, after a person showers, the apparatus can be removably attached to a central area of the shower curtain to lift the shower curtain away from a tub wall when the curtain is wet. Once lifted, a lower end of the shower curtain no longer contacts the tub wall, as the lifting of the shower curtain creates a space between the curtain and the tub wall through which air can flow. In such a position, the shower curtain can dry more quickly and avoid the growth of mildew, mold, and other undesirable substances or films, among other benefits.
1 . An apparatus, comprising:
a curtain lift mechanism that attaches to and lifts a shower curtain from a first position to
a second position towards a vertical surface proximate to a bathtub,
wherein the apparatus is fixed to the vertical surface and extends into an area
above the bathtub when attached to the shower curtain; and
a release mechanism that releases the shower curtain from the second position to the first position,
wherein the release mechanism includes a spring-loaded component that releases the shower curtain from the second position to the first position in response to a change of weight of the shower curtain, and
wherein the spring-loaded component includes:
a cord holder configured to maintain a cord attached to the release mechanism and the curtain attachment component; and
a sliding plate configured to release the cord from the cord holder in response to the change of weight of the shower curtain.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes:
a wall attachment component that fixes a first end of the apparatus to the vertical surface; and
a curtain attachment component that removably fixes a second end of the apparatus to the shower curtain such that the apparatus only extends into the area above the bathtub when fixed to the shower curtain.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the curtain lift mechanism includes a spring that is disposed between the wall attachment component and the curtain attachment component.
4 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the curtain attachment mechanism is a magnet that secures a magnet of the shower curtain to the apparatus.
5 . An apparatus that lifts a shower curtain, the apparatus comprising:
a wall attachment component that fixes a first end of the apparatus to a vertical surface that is proximate to a bathtub;
a curtain attachment component that removably fixes a second end of the apparatus to a shower curtain;
a curtain lift mechanism that lifts the shower curtain from a first position to a second position,
wherein the apparatus extends from the vertical surface and into an area above the bathtub when attached to the shower curtain; and
a release mechanism that releases the shower curtain from the second position to the first position,
wherein the release mechanism includes a spring-loaded component that releases the shower curtain from the second position to the first position in response to a change of weight of the shower curtain, and
wherein the spring-loaded component includes:
a cord holder configured to maintain a cord attached to the release mechanism and the curtain attachment component; and
a sliding plate configured to release the cord from the cord holder in response to the change of weight of the shower curtain.
6 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the shower curtain is proximate to a tub wall of the bathtub in the first position and is not proximate to the tub wall of the bathtub in the second position.
7 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the curtain lift mechanism includes a spring that is disposed between the wall attachment component and the curtain attachment component.
8 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the curtain attachment component is a magnet that secures a magnet of the shower curtain to the apparatus.
9 . An apparatus, comprising:
a curtain lift mechanism that attaches to and lifts a shower curtain from a first position to a second position; and
a release mechanism that releases the shower curtain from the second position to the first position,
wherein the release mechanism includes a spring-loaded component that releases the shower curtain from the second position to the first position in response to a change of weight of the shower curtain, and
wherein the spring-loaded component includes:
a cord holder configured to maintain a cord attached to the release mechanism and the curtain attachment component; and
a sliding plate configured to release the cord from the cord holder in response to the change of weight of the shower curtain.
10 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the apparatus includes:
a wall attachment component that fixes a first end of the apparatus to a vertical surface proximate to a bathtub; and
a curtain attachment component that removably fixes a second end of the apparatus to the shower curtain such that the apparatus extends into the area above the bathtub when fixed to the shower curtain.
11 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the curtain lift mechanism includes a spring that is disposed between the wall attachment component and the curtain attachment component.
12 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the curtain attachment mechanism is a magnet that secures a magnet of the shower curtain to the apparatus.