Flexible Type Patents (Class 4/558)
  • Patent number: 7350244
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) comprises a removable liner (12) for a shower curtain having a length of loop and hook fasteners (14) such as Velcro affixed to the hem. Additionally, the shower liner (12) comprises a valence-like top element 16 having reinforced eyelets (18) positioned longitudinally along the top side for the attachment of hooks (20) on rods (22) and a mating length of loop and hook fastener (24) positioned along the bottom side for mating to the removable liner (12). The loop and hook fasteners (14), (24) allow the user easy removal and reattachment of the shower liner from the valance-like element. In an alternate construction, the shower liner (12) comprises a removable liner for a shower curtain having a length of loop and hook fasteners (14), (24) affixed to both sides of the hem. The mating valance-like (16) element includes two layers of material. When attached to the valance-like element (16), the lower removable liner (12) is thus affixed on both the interior (30) and exterior (32) sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ana Handley
  • Patent number: 7346940
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod assembly includes a frame fixed on a wall and a connection member has a connection tube which has one end connected with an end of a rod and a pivotable member is connected to the other end of the connection tube. The pivotable member is pivotably connected to the frame so as to set the direction that the connection tube is orientated. A cover has a through hole through which the connection tube extends. The connection tube is adjustable to be connected with a curved rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: You Da Metal International Develop Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying Feng Liao
  • Publication number: 20080047057
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod assembly including a shower curtain rod, a mount for mounting the shower curtain road on a first end thereof, and a moveable mount for mounting the shower curtain rod on a second end thereof. The shower curtain is moveable from a first position to a second position to increase the volume of space enclosed by the shower curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Edward Ho
  • Patent number: 7328466
    Abstract: A splash guard includes a shield that deploys in one direction, such as horizontally, but that also can be moved in a transverse direction, such as vertically, relative to a housing upon deployment. The retractable shield is used in a bathtub environment to help form a short retractable vertical wall across the open side of the bathtub to help return splashed water to the bathtub. Methods of using a retractable splash guard are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Kidkusion, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Lee Bowen
  • Publication number: 20080016613
    Abstract: An illuminated shower hook includes a hook body, power pack, and lighting element such as a light emitting diode, electro-luminescent element, chemical phosphor element, or light-absorbing element to provide pleasing illumination for bathroom activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Publication number: 20080010739
    Abstract: The shower curtain rod assembly is adapted to be mounted between opposing surfaces of a shower enclosure. The assembly includes a rod with a two-part arcuate main section extending between first and second spaced, substantially parallel side sections. First and second mounting brackets are provided to engage the side sections and to secure the side sections to the respective shower curtain surfaces. Each of the brackets includes a body defining channel means for removably receiving a side section and a plate for mounting the body to a shower enclosure surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Barrese
  • Publication number: 20070199143
    Abstract: A shower curtain which in use separates a user from a bather located in a bath or shower area comprises a curtain portion and at least one glove which is attached to or formed integrally with the curtain portion. Accordingly, the user can aid the bather through the glove while remaining separated from the bath or shower area by the curtain portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Angeline M. Cunningham, Daniel P. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7168131
    Abstract: An improved curtain corner support, is disclosed, which is slidably attached to a standard enclosure curtain rod in order to support and extend a curtain inward around the side corner, where the curtain meets the wall, of a shower stall, a booth or a similar enclosure. This apparatus is used to seal the enclosure to provide privacy or to prevent water from escaping from a shower stall. This corner curtain support, suspended from an enclosure curtain rod near a side lateral wall of the enclosure, comprises a counterweighted, cantilevered, right triangular frame, with the hypotenuse edge formed into a concave arc directed into the enclosed region of the frame, from which can be suspended a curtain, forming an approximately right angle corner enclosure barrier about the open side edge of the enclosure, when the corner support, holding the curtain, is pushed against this side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony J. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 7076815
    Abstract: The CURVE SHOWER CURTAIN ROD is just like a straight curtain rod except the former has its' two ends bent 70 degrees. So, the end points of the whole rod assembly are at the middle of the tub, unlike that of a straight curtain rod, the end points are near the outside of the tub. The curtain of the curved shower curtain rod encloses the tub very well. It eliminates water spilling onto the floor when one is taking shower. It will take only less than a minute to assemble or disassemble the unit. No tool is needed during assembly or disassembly. The rod self supports itself very strongly against the wall. No screw, glue, nail or anything else like hanging bar is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Serafin W. Orpilla
  • Patent number: 7024706
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod and holding devices provide for a shower area to be covered on a plurality of sides by an associated shower curtain to prevent shower water from escaping. The shower curtain rod is non-linear and is mounted at distal ends to walls of the shower area at least one-third of a total shower depth from a front of the shower. The holding devices have mounting portions that can be attached to walls in a variety of ways. A method of preventing water from escaping from the shower implements the rod and holding devices. A method of installing the rod and holding devices is easy and requires few steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Fiber Care Baths, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Hess
  • Patent number: 6996862
    Abstract: A shower curtain deflector can be produced economically and installed easily without assembly. The deflector is of a simple design that attaches rotably to the shower curtain rod with an elongated portion which pushes the shower curtain away from the user due to counterweighted portion which hangs on the tub side of the shower curtain. Because the device hangs directly from the shower curtain support rod it is simple to install, does not interfere with a user's ability to get into the shower and leave the tub quickly, and does not pose a danger should the user fall against the curtain or have to push his/her way out through the curtain. A user only need use two units to effectively restrain the shower curtain. Because the device is small and simple, it is inexpensive and easy to manufacture and package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph Shippy, John Shippy
  • Patent number: 6857140
    Abstract: A space expanding device is provided for temporarily expanding the available space defined by a shower curtain within a shower area of a bathtub. The device includes a first elongate planar portion which, in use, rests on an upper surface of the side wall of the bathtub. A second elongate planar portion affixed to one edge of the first portion extends, in use, downwardly from the first portion adjacent an inner side surface of the side wall. A third elongate planar portion affixed to the opposite edge of the first portion extends, in use, upwardly from the first portion away from the upper surface of the side wall. In use of the device, the third portion holds a portion of the shower curtain in a position spaced away from the interior of the bathtub, while a lower portion of the shower curtain is captured between the first portion of the member and the upper surface of the side wall of the bathtub and between the second portion of the member and the inner side surface of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Jon Broudy
  • Patent number: 6845525
    Abstract: A shower expander assembly for a shower stall having an access opening includes a flexible plate on a shower curtain. The flexible plate has a flexible line connected to a center portion of the plate. At the opposing end of the flexible line is a ring or loop for hooking over a hook secured to an opposing wall outside of the shower stall. When the ring or loop is pulled away from the access opening and connected to the hook, the shower curtain bows outwardly to increase the usable space in the shower stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: David B. Bathurst
  • Patent number: 6789279
    Abstract: A long rod that has a hanging hook at one end is attached to the leading vertical edge of the inner shower curtain or shower curtain liner and is hung on a hook located at shower curtain rod height inside the shower or bath/shower enclosure or attached to a wall mounted upper rod clip. Snugging the bottom of the device to a horizontally aligned hook or attached to a clip near the bottom of its length completes the splash water seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Amel David Yarid
  • Publication number: 20040107493
    Abstract: The curved shower curtain rod is just like a straight curtain rod except the curved shower curtain rod has two ends bent 70 degree. So, the end points of the whole rod assembly are at the middle of the tub, unlike that of the straight rod which end points are near the outside of the tub. The curtain of the curved shower curtain rod encloses the tub very well. It eliminate water spilling onto the floor when one is taking shower. It will take only less than a minute to assemble or disassemble the unit. No tool is needed during the assembly. The rod supports itself. No screw, glue, nail or anything else is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Serafin W. Orpilla
  • Patent number: 6715163
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod that employs a u-shaped bar mirroring the curvature of a bath tub to allow a shower curtain that attaches to the rod via ring type clamps to hang in a curved configuration, thereby reducing the chance of water splashing outside the shower area. Because the rod is continuous, i.e. has no attachment to the wall or any other structure, along the entire u-shaped portion, the side edges of the shower curtain are free to follow the u-shape of the bar as they are pulled by the user to close the shower curtain. Flexible ears are provided on each end of the u-shaped bar to hold the side edges of the shower curtain shut while allowing the curtain to be opened at either side. The rod is adjustable in length and attaches to the opposing walls of the shower by fasteners or via tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Lance Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6701543
    Abstract: A foldable/collapsible Child-Safety Water Spill-Guard with soft magnet or suction cup grippers attaches itself to a bathtub or Jacuzzi in an inclined fashion at any preferred place with out a need of permanent attachments. This child-safety water-spill guard comprises of a water proof sheet of plastic or fabric approximately the length of a standard tub with stiff nylon or plastic ribs spaced through out the length of the sheet. Each rib is essentially a two piece configuration, the longer of these rib pieces essentially have a wedge at the bottom; whereas under side of each rib is a soft/flexible magnet or suction cup secured with fusion, glue or plastic-weld etc., so when the safety spill-guard is placed and stretched along the long side of a bathtub the bottom section of the safety spill-guard is folded and wrapped on the inside of the bathtub hanging down from the rim sticking to the inner surface securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ataul Haq
  • Publication number: 20030131405
    Abstract: A shower curtain assembly which includes a shower curtain having a plurality of straps, each of the straps using a hook and loop structure (e.g. VELCRO™) for securing the straps to a main body of the shower curtain to thereby form a plurality of loops for hanging the shower curtain on a curtain rod. The shower curtain assembly of the present invention also includes a shower curtain liner that employs a hook and loop structure for securing the liner to the shower curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Judy Greaves
  • Patent number: 6591432
    Abstract: A shower curtain having one or more pockets formed near the lower edge and on the side facing the shower nozzle is disclosed. The pockets are designed to collect water while the shower is in use. The pockets have drain holes that allow the water to slowly drain, such that while the shower is in use, the pockets will fill, but when the shower is shut off, the pockets will slowly drain until they are empty. The pockets are in fluid communication with one another by way of openings extending between the pockets. The bottom edge of the pocket is sloped with the highest point of the bottom wall at or near the center of the shower curtain encouraging water to flow toward the edges. Below the pockets, the shower curtain is formed of an air permeable material such as nylon mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew J. M. Feinstein, Steven B. Feinstein
  • Publication number: 20030070221
    Abstract: A method of advertising in a shower for the hospitality industry including providing replaceable advertisements on a shower closure, for example a door, curtain or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Shaul Goldenberg, Sean Davies
  • Patent number: 6546571
    Abstract: The header is heat sealed along the top of one side of the liner body with both ends extending beyond the edges of the liner body. The ends of the header are folded around the edges of the liner body to a position parallel to the other side of the liner and heat sealed. Grommets are mounted through the liner and header portions such that the hook receiving openings at the corners of the liner are re-enforced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ex-Cell Home Fashions, Inc.
    Inventor: David Samelson
  • Publication number: 20030012924
    Abstract: The header is heat sealed along the top of one side of the liner body with both ends extending beyond the edges of the liner body. The ends of the header are folded around the edges of the liner body to a position parallel to the other side of the liner and heat sealed. Grommets are mounted through the liner and header portions such that the hook receiving openings at the comers of the liner are re-enforced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: David Samelson
  • Patent number: 6470511
    Abstract: Closure devices for shower enclosures are provided which allow for a means for increasing the showering area in a shower enclosure and/or facilitate replacement of a shower screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory J. Smale
  • Patent number: 6336232
    Abstract: A shower curtain useable with a shower stall that does not include a front sill or wall of the type that normally cooperates with a shower curtain or shower door to seal the front opening into the shower stall. The shower curtain includes a flexible sheet member 12 that is attachable in an upper region thereof to an upper supporting member adjacent the front opening into the shower stall to permit movement of the flexible sheet member 12 between an extended orientation closing the front opening and a collapsed orientation permitting access into the shower stall through the front opening. Elongate side regions or panels of the sheet member include fastening members for cooperating with fastening members on adjacent side walls of the shower stall to close the opposed sides of the front opening into the shower stall. Weights disposed transversely along the lower region of the sheet member being spaced upwardly from a lower bottom panel of the sheet member intended to engage the floor of the shower stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Ellis I. Toder
  • Patent number: 6317904
    Abstract: A plurality of fasteners are arranged along opposite edges of the shower curtain. Each fastener includes a mounting strip with a body portion which carries a pair of integral suction cups. The strip is heat sealed to the curtain material. In particular, a peripheral edge, thinner than the body portion, is formed during the heat sealing process. A passage or opening through the body portion acts as a guide during the heat sealing process and permits air trapped during sealing or water trapped during use to escape from behind the mounting strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ex-Cell Home Fashions, Inc.
    Inventor: David Samelson
  • Patent number: 6276002
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shower partition, especially a shower blind, which has a housing adapted to be mounted substantially horizontally and open longitudinally on at least one side for guiding a rotary shaft, the shaft being used for receiving a splash guard sheet. Moreover, a mechanism is provided for winding and unwinding the splash guard sheet across the opening of the housing and a drop rod secured to the free end of the splash guard sheet. With the present invention, the splash guard sheet has a pocket formed at the free end thereof for accommodating the drop rod, the drop rod including segmented and/or flexibly interconnected drop rod segments such that the splash guard sheet may substantially follow the inner contour of a tub, shower tray or the like and may approximately adhere to the inside thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Eberhard Oschmann
  • Patent number: 6199225
    Abstract: The combination of a bath/shower enclosure with an innovative curtain arrangement to eliminate splashing water from exiting the enclosure. The curtain arrangement includes at least one elongated, hook and pile type fastening strip positioned along each vertical edge of the curtain, and a complementary number of such fastening strips, angularly oriented to the curtain fasteners, on the enclosure walls, whereby the curtain may be adjustably and temporarily fastened to the enclosure walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Terry J. Colvin
  • Patent number: 6182738
    Abstract: A shower screen includes a guide rod and a guide bar secured between the top and the bottom portions of the posts. A screen member has an upper portion slidably secured to the guide rod and has two sides secured to two beams. The guide bar includes a wall extended upward from a base. The beams each has a retaining member secured to the bottom for slidably engaging with the wall of the guide bar and for preventing the screen member from being disengaged from the guide bar. The base includes an upper tapered surface for guiding water into a bath tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Chang Than Chen
  • Patent number: 6163899
    Abstract: A curtain apparatus includes a flexible pocket assembly which includes a transparent front panel portion, hook reception channels located at a top portion of the flexible pocket assembly, pocket sealing members attached to the flexible pocket assembly for sealing the flexible pocket assembly, and article stabilizer pins attached to the flexible pocket assembly for restraining motion of articles placed in the flexible pocket assembly. An article is retained in the flexible pocket assembly and is connected to the article stabilizer pins. The article is a flat decorative sheet. The flexible pocket assembly includes a flexible transparent first sheet which includes a first top edge, a pair of first side edges, and a first bottom edge. The flexible pocket assembly also includes a flexible second sheet which includes a second top edge, a pair of second side edges, and a second bottom edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Mary-Helen Leonard
  • Patent number: 6154894
    Abstract: A shower curtain closure system for keeping a shower curtain fully extended across opposite walls of a bathtub area. The shower curtain closure system includes a flexible shower curtain for downwardly depending from the shower curtain rod. The shower curtain has a pair of side edges. The system also include a pair of elongate angle rods. Each of the angle rods has a longitudinal axis, exterior and interior faces, and first and second elongate portions substantially perpendicular to each other such that each angle rod has a generally L-shaped transverse cross section taken from a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective angle rod. The first elongate portion of the angle rods is designed for coupling opposing wall surfaces adjacent a bathtub such that the second elongate portions of the angle rods are extended towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventors: Richard N. Alexander, Robert O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6138295
    Abstract: There is disclosed a bathtub having interior front end corners between the walls being smoothly curved with a large radius of curvature, about 6 inches, and having pockets recessed into the corners between the front wall and opposite end walls to receive the bottom ends of a shower curtain, thereby permitting the opposite side edges of the shower curtain to be in contact with their respective shower wall substantially the entire vertical length of the curtain. This avoids gaps between the shower walls and the bottom corner ends of the shower curtain through which water can escape from the shower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: McHess Enterprises, Inc.,
    Inventor: Stephen W. Hess
  • Patent number: 6094755
    Abstract: A rectangular base strip and a pliable magnetized strip are of substantially equal dimensions. An end portion of one side of the base strip is connected to an end portion of a side of the magnetized strip. Double-sided tape is used to adhesively connect the other side of the base strip to a wall of a bath facility. Because of a magnetic attraction between the strips, an edge of a shower curtain is self releasably maintained between unconnected portions of the strips. In other words, the edge is released by opening the curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory C. Matta
  • Patent number: 6067672
    Abstract: A closure assembly for semi-permanent securement of an edge of the curtain to a wall of a shower enclosure. The closure assembly includes a clamping structure which comprises a mounting bar for permanent securement to a wall of a shower enclosure. The mounting bar includes a wall attachment surface for attachment to a wall of a shower enclosure and a first clamping surface. The mounting bar further including a plurality of first fastener receiving holes. Supported on the mounting bar is an adjustable clamp including a second clamping surface which is disposed adjacent to the first clamping surface. The adjustable clamp includes a plurality of second fastener receiving holes. The first fastener receiving holes of the mounting bar are aligned with the second fastener receiving holes of the adjustable clamp. A plurality of threaded fasteners are disposed such that a threaded fastener engages each of the aligned first and second holes for securing the adjustable clamp to the mounting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald E. Klotz
  • Patent number: 6041454
    Abstract: A shower curtain system comprising a generally rectangular shower curtain sheet assembly having an upper horizontal edge and a lower horizontal edge and lateral vertical side edges. A plurality of coupling straps each having an interior edge and with an exterior edge positioned to be removably coupled to the sheet and with an intermediate supporting loop between the interior edge and exterior edge for being slidably received on the shower rod. A plurality of detachable weights are removably positioned on the lower edge of the shower curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Sharon Kay Summerford
  • Patent number: 5974603
    Abstract: A forked shower curtain construction 10 for bathtub receptacles 200. The curtain construction 10 comprises a generally elongated rectangular main shower curtain panel member 20 and an auxiliary shower curtain panel member 30 releasably secured to the lower portion of the main shower curtain panel member 20 by a zip-lock type releasable securing means 25 and 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Steve Frazier
  • Patent number: 5918327
    Abstract: A bathtub enclosure for providing a leak proof enclosure for bathtubs. The enclosure includes an outer frame having a generally open rectangular configuration with spaced apart elongate top and bottom bars, and a pair of spaced apart elongate side bars extending between the top and bottom bars. The bars of the outer frame define a central space therebetween. The bottom bar is designed for attachment to the top of a side wall of a bathtub. The top bar is designed for attachment to a ceiling structure above the side wall of the bathtub. A first of the side bars is designed for attachment to a wall structure adjacent one end of the bathtub. A second of the side bars is designed for attachment to a wall structure adjacent another end of the bathtub. A pair of panels are provided in the central space of the outer frame. Each of the panels is extended between the top and bottom bars. One of the panels is positioned adjacent one of the side bars. Another of the panels is positioned adjacent another of the side bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Omar D. Vance
  • Patent number: 5894610
    Abstract: A shower rod mounting assembly for conveniently securing a shower rod between opposing walls of a bath while maintaining an appealing appearance. The assembly consists of a mounting bracket which can be secured to the wall and includes a pair of coaxial tubular flanges fo receiving a shower rod. A snap-on escutcheon conceals the mounting bracket. After mounting the brackets to the opposing walls of the bath, the ends of the shower rod are inserted into the brackets such that the inner flange is matingly received within the shower rod and the shower rod is matingly received within the outer flange of the bracket. The gap between the tubular flanges is configured to snugly receive the shower rod. The escutcheons can now be positioned over the brackets completing assembly of the shower rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Zenith Products Corp.
    Inventor: Paul Henry Winter
  • Patent number: 5867846
    Abstract: A lightweight, low cost shower door assembly for enclosing a tub or shower enclosure having sides and a base. It includes an upper support member adapted to be positioned against opposing sides of the enclosure and a lower support member adapted to be positioned against the base of the enclosure. A door in the assembly includes a flexible rod connecting first and second frame members. The first frame member is connected to the upper and lower support members and positioned for movement about a vertical axis. The flexible rod is bowed to apply an upward force on the second frame member in order to maintain it in releasable connection with the upper support member. In use, a section of replaceable fabric or vinyl extends across the frame members in order to provide a water barrier for the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Raul M. Paredes, Frank T. Poggio, Bruce M. Sauter, Dana F. Buccicone
  • Patent number: 5809589
    Abstract: A shower curtain retaining device which will hold the curtain away from the person using the shower. It has a pair of attachments which are secured to the adjacent portions of a shower stall or bath tub enclosure and to which are attached a sleeve containing a spring. A line is attached at one end to the spring and the other end of the line is attached to one of the attachments, thus providing a device which can be attached adjacent the inside of the curtain and retain the curtain away from a person using the shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Robert E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5794281
    Abstract: A shower curtain assembly having a vertically moveable flexible water barrier is disclosed wherein the water barrier is extendable from and retractable into a support assembly traversing an upper portion of a shower enclosure opening. Additionally, the support assembly is pivotally retractable to a vertical position adjacent a wall of the shower enclosure. Thus, in the retracted configuration, the shower enclosure opening is left unencumbered by the support assembly and the water barrier, and in an extended configuration wherein the support assembly is supported across the upper portion of the shower enclosure opening, the flexible water barrier can be extended downward to form a barrier to water escaping from the shower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Unifran Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Shearon
  • Patent number: 5771504
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a conventional bathtub shower curtain which prevents the curtain from being drawn into the shower enclosure when the shower is in use. The apparatus has a plurality of semi-rigid ribs which are vertically oriented and connected to the shower curtain rod. The lower end of the ribs are secured to the tub and the outer surface of the curtain is secured to the ribs thus preventing the curtain from moving inward. By securing the ribs so that they bow outward the shower enclosure can be enlarged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Merill R. Steiner
  • Patent number: 5761751
    Abstract: A protective curtain for a shower/tub. The protective curtain has a flexible body with an inside moisture resistant surface to extend at least partially around a shower/tub and an exposed exterior surface facing oppositely to the inside body surface. Structure is provided on the body for maintaining the protective curtain in an operative position on a support wherein the flexible body drapes downwardly from the support. A design is provided on one of the inside and exterior body surfaces and includes a depiction of at least one of a) an animate object, b) an inanimate object, c) lettering, and d) a scene. A pocket is provided on the one of the inside and exterior surfaces of the body and blended into the depiction of the at least one of the animate object, inanimate object, lettering and scene so that the pocket appears as a part of the at least one of the animate object, inanimate object, lettering, and scene. The pocket is accessible to receive and store discrete objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Suzanne Morrissey
  • Patent number: 5732419
    Abstract: A retractable shower screen has a spring-biased roller with first and second ends; first and second brackets, mountable to opposed walls in a shower stall, for releasable respective mating engagement with the first and second ends of the roller; a flexible sheet having first and second longitudinal edges, the first longitudinal edge of the flexible sheet releasably attachable to the roller between the first and second ends; a sealing bar, releasably attachable to the second longitudinal edge of the second flexible sheet, for sealing the longitudinal edge of the flexible sheet to the shower stall; the spring-biased roller having a spring for rotating the roller, whereby the flexible sheet may be rolled onto and unrolled from the roller; a ratchet co-operating with the roller, the ratchet releasably engageable whereby, when engaged, the flexible sheet may only be unrolled from the roller, the engaged ratchet preventing retraction of the flexible sheets onto the roller; whereby when the ratchet is engaged the fl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Voltiguer Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Patrick Feist
  • Patent number: 5690157
    Abstract: A improved folding shower door assembly and related method of manufacture therefor are disclosed in which rigid panels with living hinges therebetween are supported by a horizontal track, with the shower door assembly mating at both sides thereof by removably inserting plastic closure channels at the sides of the shower door into retaining members mounted on opposing walls. The shower door assembly consists essentially of a plurality of semi-rigid panels which may be molded together in a single molding operation or by assembling panels together, with living hinges being located intermediate each adjacent pair of semi-rigid panels. A bathtub trim member located on top of the outer lip of the bathtub functions to retain the bottom edge of the shower door assembly, thereby preventing it from moving out over the edge of the bathtub and retaining water within the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Chang-Than Chen
  • Patent number: 5682627
    Abstract: A GLASS PROTECTING SHOWER CURTAIN SYSTEM comprising a shower curtain positionable in a shower on a frame of a shower door. The shower curtain is movable to a lower orientation to preclude a shower head spray from contacting the shower door. It is also movable to a raised orientation to allow viewing through the shower door. A container is provided for receiving the shower curtain and for the support thereof. The container has an opening situated adjacent the shower door for allowing the curtain to be positioned adjacent the shower door during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Cheryl E. Russell
  • Patent number: 5662297
    Abstract: A shower curtain support rod assembly which mounts between opposing bathtub stall walls which, when installed, allows a shower curtain to be slidably movable in an inward and outward direction with respect to the longitudinal edge of the bathtub, thereby creating more space for a shower taker. When a shower is not in progress, the shower curtain can be slid inward thereby creating more space in the remaining bathroom area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventors: James Richard Christensen, Kenneth Tarlow
  • Patent number: 5634219
    Abstract: A lightweight, low cost shower door assembly for enclosing a tub or shower enclosure having sides and a base. It includes an upper support member adapted to be positioned against opposing sides of the enclosure and a lower support member adapted to be positioned against the base of the enclosure. A door in the assembly includes a flexible rod connecting first and second frame members. The first frame member is connected to the upper and lower support members and positioned for movement about a vertical axis. The flexible rod is bowed to apply an upward force on the second frame member in order to maintain it in releasable connection with the upper support member. In use, a section of replaceable fabric or vinyl extends across the frame members in order to provide a water barrier for the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Sterling Plumbing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Raul M. Paredes, Frank T. Poggio, Bruce M. Sauter, Dana F. Buccicone
  • Patent number: 5561870
    Abstract: A one-piece, multi-functional gripping connector is disclosed, to be used as a shower curtain rod attachment in conjunction with a standard shower curtain and curtain rod assembly, to allow the end or ends of the curtain to be turned inward, thereby preventing water from spraying out of the shower enclosure. The sole point of support for the attachment is its connection to the shower curtain rod. The invention is comprised of a single sheet of strong, flexible, elastic material, such as PETG thermoplastic, which is formed into an open-sided, open-ended, tubular shape having rounded edges, and which is also notched and bent 90-degrees at the mid-point to form an elbow configuration. Installation is by hand, without use of tools, and will not damage existing surfaces. Removal of the shower curtain rod is not required. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed, which provide illustrations of the invention's multi-functional aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Donald L. Hertel
  • Patent number: 5495628
    Abstract: A shower curtain which is slidable in relation to a suspension rod, and yet the lower portion thereof is selectively raisable for cleaning operations in and about the bathtub, as well as for other reasons such as for example aesthetic reasons. The selectively raisable shower curtain is composed of a flexible sheet of shower curtain material to which is affixed a plurality of rows of releasable fastener components. Each row is provided with a plurality of releasable fastener components, a predetermined spacing therebetween being provided. Accordingly, the shower curtain material may be raised to selected levels by being progressively folded horizontally and corresponding first and second components of the releasable fastener will hold the shower curtain in the at each raised level until the releasable fastener is released by a user. A shower curtain liner having the selectively raisable lower portion feature may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Kim Logan
  • Patent number: 5447244
    Abstract: A towel curtain assembly attaches to a shower curtain rod, top of a shower door, or towel rack within a shower enclosure to allow easy access to a towel. The assembly has a towel curtain which shields the towel from water even when the shower is in use. A pivot mount pivotably mounts a towel curtain rod to a gripper which secures the assembly to the shower curtain rod or other support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Brian Mentzer