US 11,162,674 B1 · Systems, devices, methods, and components for illuminating shower stalls and closets

Abstract

Millions of homes across the world have shower stalls with poor illumination, not only creating additional risk of falls and other accidents and making cleaning of the shower more difficult, but also reducing enjoyment of the showering experience. Accordingly, the present inventor devised, among other things, an illuminated shower curtain rod assembly. One exemplary rod assembly, which is adjustable via screwing in or out one or both of its end caps, includes a elongated tension rod having one or more electric light elements distributed along the length. In some variations, the rod is extruded from aluminum or plastic and includes an extruded strip light support element that supports an LED strip light and enhances rigidity of the curtain rod. Also some embodiments integrate a light diffusion panel into the rod structure for enhanced illumination and aesthetic appeal.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A shower stall rod assembly configured for installation in a shower stall having two opposing vertical support surfaces, the assembly comprising:

an elongated support assembly having first and second end portions configured to engage with first and second vertical walls of a shower stall, the first and second ends defining a length dimension and the support assembly including a channel extending between the first and second end portions parallel to the length dimension, the channel having first and second opposing sidewalls;
an LED light strip extending between the first and second end portions parallel to the length dimension, and having a flexible substrate strip supporting an electrically coupled set of two or more LED lights, the strip having first and second opposing edge regions defining a width of the strip, with the first and second edge regions respectively engaging the first and second sidewalls of the channel to define an interference fit;
a battery box electrically coupled to the set of two or more LED lights and configured to be supported by the elongated support assembly;
a switch element electrically coupled to the set of LED lights and the battery box and configured to control operation of the LED lights.

1 more element

A shower stall rod assembly configured for installation in a shower stall having two opposing vertical support surfaces, the assembly comprising:

an elongated support structure having first and second end portions configured to engage with first and second vertical walls of a shower stall, the first and second ends defining a length and a central axis, with the support structure having a generally circular cross-section with a chord-like flat portion offset from the central axis, the flat portion defining a generally flat support region that extends between the first and second end portions;
an LED light strip extending between the first and second end portions parallel to the length dimension, and having a flexible substrate strip having first and second opposing major surfaces, with the first major surface confronting the flat support region of the elongated structure and the second major surface supporting an electrically coupled set of two or more LED lights;
a battery box electrically coupled to the set of two or more LED lights and configured to be supported by the elongated support assembly;
and
a switch element electrically coupled to the set of LED lights and the battery box and configured to control operation of the LED lights.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems, devices, methods, and components for illuminating shower stalls and closets

Life of this patent

Systems, devices, methods, and components for illuminating shower stalls and closets

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20