Movable Closure Patents (Class 4/607)
  • Patent number: 7516518
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising a door leaf (1), which has at least two undercut blind holes (26), and comprising at least two hinges (3) each consisting of a door-side and a wall-side hinge part (4,5). In order to fasten the door-side and/or wall-side hinge part, expanding plugs (20) are provided that have a distal expanding element (22) as well as a retaining and stop element (23). In addition, an expanding/fastening element (21) is provided that serves to expand the expanding elements and to fasten the hinge to the expanding plug. The expanding/fastening element can comprise a screw bolt (26) and a nut (28) or a mounting part (30) with a hole for accommodating a screw (31), with which the mounting part is screwed to the expanding plug. The invention also relates to a shower stall having one or more lateral walls and one or more assemblies of the aforementioned type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: NAOMI Rechte GmbH
    Inventor: Zoltan Anton Kiefer
  • Publication number: 20090038070
    Abstract: A shower door track for a shower having at least one displaceable door panel comprises a longitudinal exterior track portion having an exterior surface, an interior surface and at least one exterior connector; a longitudinal interior track portion having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a displacement channel for receiving a displacement assembly connected to the door panel and at least one interior connector; the interior connector being engageable with a corresponding one of the exterior connector to secure the exterior track portion to the interior track portion to form the shower door track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Philippe Belanger, William Harvie, III
  • Publication number: 20080109955
    Abstract: A bathroom has a partition to separate a bath area from a stool device. It becomes possible that a person uses the stool device and at the same time another person takes a bath in the same room. The partition can become opaque so that an image can be shown on it to change the scene of the bathroom. The partition can also be packed at a side to obtain a wider area in the bathroom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Hocheng Corporation
    Inventor: Chun-Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 7346939
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes at least three frameless panels that are slidably installed to form a door to an enclosed tub or shower area. Each frameless panel is gripped at a top by at least two roller assemblies, and the roller assemblies are slidably suspended from a header that supports the frameless panels via the roller assemblies. The sliding door assembly also includes a guide assembly that has at least three tracks, wherein each frameless panel is guided by a corresponding one of the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: American Shower Door Corporation
    Inventor: Edward A. Perry
  • Patent number: 7065806
    Abstract: A profiled unit (10) for a shower partition door (S) is mounted for rotation about an off-center vertical axis (A) and accommodates, in longitudinal grooves (12, 14) on either side, partial leaves (22, 24) whose position relative to each other is adjustable in at least two directions. At the front and/or rear, flat elements (30, 38) are lockable into a profiled element (11), whose ends accommodate pivot bearings (26, 28) between which the profiled unit (10) can be raised or lowered even during its rotation and can be locked in position in at least one door position. An adjustable and lockable supporting plate (50) sits below the bottom pivot bearing (26). Above this, the door rests on a preloadable spring assembly (F) that includes a compression spring (67) that can be contracted and released in order to lower or raise said door (S), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Günter Reichel, Jürgen Reichel
  • Patent number: 6817144
    Abstract: Method for forming an enclosure of the type having a plurality of enclosure panels and at least one door, comprising: providing a first flexible profile element (12) web (14) dividing said element into an upper channel (16) bounded by a pair of spaced-apart, upwardly extending arms (18, 20) of unequal height, and a lower channel (22) bounded by a pair of spaced-apart downwardly extending legs (24, 26) being provided with an inwardly directed flange (28) for receiving and retaining at least one rigidifying metallic strip element (30), said upper arms (18, 20), having inwardly directed interfacing portions (32) for receiving and retaining an enclosure panel (34) inserting a metallic strip (30) into said lower channel (22) formed in said flexible profile element (12) to form a rigid composite base element; and inserting a plurality of enclosure panels in said upper channel to form the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: MTD Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Aharon Tavivian
  • Patent number: 6694538
    Abstract: A portable toilet enclosure assembly for providing privacy for users of portable toilets which may be positioned in the open. The portable toilet enclosure assembly includes a base assembly including a support base, and also including wheels upon which the support base is mounted; and also includes a height adjustable pole assembly being mounted upon the support base; and further includes a curtain support assembly including a bracket being attached to the height adjustable pole assembly, and also including tubular curtain rod support member being pivotally attached to the bracket, and further including a curtain rod being adjustably attached to the tubular curtain rod support member, and also including curtain hangers being movably mounted upon the curtain rod; and also includes a curtain being attached to and depending from the curtain hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Beatrice Jones
  • Patent number: 6694543
    Abstract: An adjustable, compressive mount for a shower curtain rod fits neatly within the curtain rod to maintain the esthetic appearance of the rod. A rotatable extension within the rod is moved in and out of the rod to alter the effective length of the rod. Extending the rod to fit within the enclosure provides a frictional fit against the opposing walls of the shower enclosure, without the need to place screws into the walls of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Sean A. Moore
  • Patent number: 6618871
    Abstract: A shower door assembly includes a swingable door panel mounted to a stationary side enclosure panel by a pair of hinge assemblies that are transversely adjustable to correct for out-of-plumb conditions. The hinge assemblies include pocketed stationary hinges capping the ends of the side panel and moveable hinges mounted to the door panel in a slidable slot and pin connection. The side panel is mountable to an enclosure wall by an upright wall jamb defining a track in which can slide a jamb pin disposed through the side panel. The wall jamb is shorter than the side panel and mounts accessory attachments at its upper end, such as a robe hook and a razor holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Kopacz, Michael A. Kobilic, Kristina J. Genslak
  • Publication number: 20030145375
    Abstract: A shower door system in knocked down from including: a door (4) and optionally one or more return panels (2, 3) for forming a shower enclosure, having a pre-installed shower mixer valve (14) mounted in a frame member (7) of the shower door system, a pre-installed shower rose (10) or shower rose connection fitting mounted in a frame member (7) of the shower door system and pre-installed plumbing from the mixer valve (9, 14), within a frame member (7) or members, to the shower rose (10) or shower rose connection fitting, so that when the shower door system is subsequently assembled and installed against a wall, or in a corner between two walls, to form a shower enclosure with a frame member (7) adjacent a wall, water supply plumbing to the shower (9, 10, 14) may pass from the wall directly to the frame member (7) to connect to the shower mixer valve (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: John Hatrick-Smith
  • Publication number: 20030019030
    Abstract: A shower door assembly includes a swingable door panel mounted to a stationary side enclosure panel by a pair of hinge assemblies that are transversely adjustable to correct for out-of-plumb conditions. The hinge assemblies include pocketed stationary hinges capping the ends of the side panel and moveable hinges mounted to the door panel in a slidable slot and pin connection. The side panel is mountable to an enclosure wall by an upright wall jamb defining a track in which can slide a jamb pin disposed through the side panel. The wall jamb is shorter than the side panel and mounts accessory attachments at its upper end, such as a robe hook and a razor holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas H. Kopacz, Michael A. Kobilic, Kristina J. Genslak
  • Patent number: 6412124
    Abstract: A shower curtain is formed of a plurality of hanging panels which are attached to a track member for automatic deployment between a retracted, or drying, arrangement and an extended, or barrier, arrangement. Each panel has an ogee, or ‘S’, shape. A plurality of sliding portions, with a panel attached thereto, engage the track member for displacement therealong. Two connectors couple each adjacent pair of sliding portions to provide the desired automatic rotation to the sliding portions and the panels attached thereto. One of these connectors is fixedly positioned relative to one of the pair of sliding portions to convey rotational movement thereto. The second of these connectors is pivotally positioned relative to the second of the pair of sliding portions. The connectors are pivotally coupled together distal from their respective coupling to the respective sliding portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: James P Anderson
  • Patent number: 6253393
    Abstract: A door for shower enclosures has at least two door leaves disposed side-by-side in a closed state of the door, a continuous vertical hinge element connecting the door leaves so that upon opening of the door one of the door leaves pivots forward about a rotary axis of the hinge element, a double hinge element mountable on one wall of a shower area or on a vertical profile of a shower enclosure and having a rear suspension part and a front suspension part, another of the door leaves being supported rotatably in a rotary axis by one face end on the rear suspension part of the double hinge element, at least one horizontally disposed rotating arm which is articulated rotatably in another rotary axis on the front suspension part of the double hinge element which is farther from the shower area than the rear suspension part, the retaining arm fitting over the hinge element and being supported rotatably by an opposite end in a further rotary axis of a further suspension part mounted rigidly on the hinge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Armin Dries, Susanne Wegener
  • Patent number: 6148451
    Abstract: A shower door assembly is disclosed that has a connector vertically slidably attached to a lower door. The connector corrects for out of plumb conditions when linked to a curb rail, and inhibits door swing. The connector may be assembled after the curb is mounted to a surface due to a transverse lateral connection involving multi-rotatonal positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Timothy S. DeBraal, David R. Funk
  • Patent number: 6049920
    Abstract: A shower curtain spacer attaches to the rim of a bathtub or shower stall to hold a shower curtain away from the rim. The spacer includes a clamping mechanism having a first leg portion attached to a second leg portion at a right angle from one another. An adjustable sliding portion, in parallel relation to the second leg portion moves along the first leg portion to secure the device to the bathtub or shower stall rim. A screw locks the adjustable sliding portion in place. An elongated cylindrical bar sets within the tub area and is spaced from an inner surface of the tub when the shower curtain spacer is employed. The elongated bar is removably attached to the clamping mechanism by an intermediate block member including a body portion a pair of fingers for inserting within a pair of apertures in the clamping mechanism and a concave portion for receiving and retaining the elongated bar in a rigid and fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6035460
    Abstract: A pivotal door for an entrance of passageway, and particularly for shower and bath enclosures, comprising a plurality of frame members, a panel mounted in adjustable frame members, a channel provided for bottom frame members, and a pair of fixed pivot members retained within one of the adjustable frame members in a socket provided in the shower/bath enclosure frame, the adjustable side frame members being arranged to be affixed at any of a plurality of positions in the shower stall to enable the door to be utilized with enclosures having entrances of different widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Clifford Borter
  • Patent number: 6023794
    Abstract: An improvement to a sliding door system for a shower-bathtub installed adjacent to three walls of a bathroom. The sliding door system includes an upper track that has the following elements: (1) at least two wheel supports, (2) at least two wheel stays positioned above the two wheel supports, and (3) at least two lower bearing supports positioned at least five inches below the two wheel supports. The upper track is rigidly attached to the two short walls of the shower-bathtub and provides enough support so that the presence of a lower track is unnecessary. In a preferred embodiment, the outside wall of the bathtub and the two short shower walls comprise molded dams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: John H. Nein
  • Patent number: 6023889
    Abstract: An adjustable wall jamb is disclosed which can compensate for a variety of variations in wall structures when fitting a panel member thereto. One adjustable wall jamb is for a shower enclosure and affords a channel into which a portion of the wall panel is sealed, and thus provides a "floating" type seal without contacting an end of the adjustable wall jamb. The adjustable wall jamb is formed as a support post and is telescopingly fitted into a stud jamb. In an alternative embodiment, there is a one-piece adjustable wall jamb having securing flanges and sealing fingers formed as a one-piece unit. This can be utilized in conjunction with the square fitment of a panel to a wall, a corner construction, or an angled construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Husting, Thomas A. Bonnell
  • Patent number: 5911519
    Abstract: A shower partitioning includes a vertically supported, frameless first partition pane which has slidably held thereon a second partition pane. The second partition pane is in a plane which is parallel to a plane of the first partition pane. The first partition pane supports at least one horizontal carrier in a longitudinally slidable mannerby means of at least two guide rolls. The horizontal carrier is secured to the second partition pane in a plane parallel to the second partition pane and spaced apart from the second partition pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Peter A. Eutebach
  • Patent number: 5852837
    Abstract: A door system includes a sill having a ledge extending across the bottom of an opening to a bathing enclosure and having a raised lip along an exterior side of the ledge. A pair of parallel tracks are above the opening with a first door suspended from and slidable along the first track freely above the ledge. A second door and a third door are suspended from and slidable along the second track being freely suspended above the ledge. A pair of door retainers are attached to the first door and engage the other doors to prevent the doors from swinging into each other. A stop member is attached to the sill on an interior side of the ledge to retain three doors above the ledge between the stop member and the raised lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Husting
  • Patent number: 5848446
    Abstract: A shower door assembly is disclosed that has a connector vertically slidably attached to a lower door corner block. The connector corrects for out of plumb conditions when linked to a curb rail. The connector also cleans a track in the rail as the door is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Timothy S. DeBraal
  • Patent number: 5845344
    Abstract: The invention provides that a bath has one or more shoulders which receives or receive the lower edges of one or more shower screen panels which forms or form a means preventing water from passing over the side of the bath. The shoulder or shoulders is or are formed by distinct steps on the insides of the bath, at the top edge thereof, so that the upright side face or faces of the shoulder or shoulders form an obstruction preventing the panel or panels from swinging out beyond the sides of the bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Jeremy David Lenighan
  • Patent number: 5826284
    Abstract: A shower curtain for use with a bathtub comprises a main curtain suspendable from a curtain rod and a skirt attached to the main curtain along a horizontal seam at a level at least approximately five inches above the top of the front wall of the bathtub. The main curtain drapes downwardly to the outside of the tub so that the seam is located directly above the outer surface of tub front wall. The skirt drapes straight downwardly from the seam so that it is positioned outside of the tub, while the main curtain below the seam extends toward the inside of the tub, passing over the top of the tub front wall and then down into the tub. The weight of the skirt pulls downwardly on the main curtain along the seam, thereby tending to maintain the curtain generally co-planar with the skirt, draping to the outside of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Boyd Wren
  • Patent number: 5822810
    Abstract: A shower screen includes two posts each having a bracket secured on top for securing a rod in which a rail is secured. The rod includes a groove formed in bottom and the rail includes a duct aligned with the groove of the rod. A number of foldable panels include a number of slides slidably engaged in the groove and the duct for allowing the panels to be folded and unfolded. Two beams are secured to the sides of the panels and each has a rib for engaging with the channel of the post and for preventing spilling. Two sleeves are engaged on the ends of the rod for engaging with the brackets when the rod is short.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Chang Than Chen
  • 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: 5671488
    Abstract: A shower partition unit that separates the shower compartment formed by a shower tray from the rest of the room in a building. The partition is adjacent to an edge of a shower tray and extends upward from the floor of the room to a predetermined height. The partition may be sealed by means of a connection profile relative to the tray edge. A door partition may also extend from the floor of the room up to the tray edge. The door partition may be terminated on its upper end portion by the connection profile. The lower portion of the partition and the door partition may be provided with a decoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Temotrans B.V.
    Inventor: Hans-Gerd Greferath
  • Patent number: 5657581
    Abstract: A door system includes a sill with a ledge extending across the bottom of an opening to a bathing enclosure and with a raised lip along an exterior side of the ledge. A pair of parallel tracks are above the opening with a first door suspended from and freely slidable along the first track above the ledge. A second door and a third door are suspended from and slidable along the second track being freely suspended above the ledge. A pair of door guides are attached to the first door and engage the other doors to prevent the doors from swinging into each other. Similar door guides are attached to the second and third doors and interlock with one of the door guides on the first door to prevent the doors from sliding entirely past each other. A stop member is attached to the sill and retains the doors above the ledge between the stop member and the raised lip. Detent blocks also are disclosed for holding the doors in a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Husting
  • Patent number: 5605014
    Abstract: A door apparatus for a rest room includes a wall member defining a predetermined space and an opening for an entrance and an exit thereof; a door body for opening or shutting the opening, having a substantially half-cylindrical shape, being rotatable about a center of curvature of the half-cylindrical shape; and a driving device for driving and rotating the door body about the center of curvature. In a preferred embodiment, the driving device has a pulley with a peripheral shape of involute, a wire wound about the pulley, and a weight connected to an end of the wire. The weight is inserted into a tube receiving oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Kimura Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motoyasu Kimura
  • Patent number: 5588181
    Abstract: A hinge assembly having a strip shaped like a lower case h which attaches to a supporting surface and a generally U-shaped clamping member. The end of one of the legs of the clamping member attaches to the end of the top leg of the h. This attachment location forms the point of rotation of the hinge. The U-shaped strip has ribs down the inner sides of the legs. Along the base of the legs of the U, there are holes. To install, a sheet of glass is place in the slot formed by the legs of the U. A threaded screw is inserted through the holes in the first leg of the U. When the threads of the screw reach the hole on the opposed side, they engage the threads there. The screw is turned until the head of the screw reaches the base of the hole in the first side of the U. As turning continues, the screw begins pressing the legs of the U together. This presses the ribs firmly again the glass, thereby providing a firm hold on the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Michael R. Sutton
  • Patent number: 5575022
    Abstract: A shower cubicle enclosure is disclosed. It has a fixed panel and a slidable panel for opening and closing an access opening, and a rail which defines a cylindrically curved track. The slidable panel has runner elements which cooperate with the track so as to guide the slidable panel for displacement between an open position in which the slidable panel is adjacent and spaced traversely from the fixed panel, and a closed position in which the panel closes the access opening. The fixed and slidable panels are both cylindrically curved. A parking element draws the trailing end of the slidable panel traversely towards the fixed panel as the slidable panel approaches the closed position, thus forming a water tight seal between the slidable and fixed panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Sterling Plumbing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Duffy, Uwe Harms
  • Patent number: 5480199
    Abstract: A door latching and seal assembly wherein a movable seal provides a combined latching and seal function with a detent action as the door engages and disengages a movable seal. In a preferred manner, the assembly has an extending lip for engagement with the door and the detent action is provided by lobe portions extending into cutouts in a mounting member. The latching and seal assembly is particularly suited for use with a curved shower door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Husting
  • Patent number: 5448786
    Abstract: A barrier to restrict the distribution of water during a showering procedure comprising moveable ogee, S-shaped, panels along a tract housing to be mounted above the opening to the showering area. A mechanism within the tract housing allows for distributing the panels across the opening, followed by rotation of the panels along their vertical axis line perpendicular to the horizontal, to form the barrier. During the retracted open position, the panels are not in contact one with the next. Similarly in the extended open position prior to rotation, the panels are not in contract one with the next. Adequate ventilation is provided to significantly reduce the growth of molds or funguses associated with showering areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: James P. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5337424
    Abstract: A shower partition of the type which is attached to a wall and which can be swiveled as well as swung open and closed, between a rest position and an open position in which the shower partition forms an enclosed shower stall in conjunction with the wall to which it is attached. The shower partition includes a pair of separate subunits, each of which includes a plurality of segments which are hinged with one another. A first end of each subunit is attached to the wall in spaced apart relationship with respect to the first end of the other subunit, and opposite, second ends of the subunits abut one another, when opened, to form the shower stall. When the subunits are opened to form the shower stall, the inner segments are able to fold outward to the rest position while the outer segments are able to fold inward into the rest position but are blocked from folding further outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventors: Ludger Strack, Konrad Bergmann, Klaus Laeller
  • Patent number: 5336354
    Abstract: There is disclosed a transparent or translucent bath or shower panel, and a method of its manufacture, which comprises a laminate of two layers of resin-impregnated fibreglass which are transparent or translucent, and a non-woven tissue arranged between the fibreglass layers and provided with any desired decorative pattern which can be viewed through either one of the fibreglass layers, and yet which is protected from contact with water and water vapour by the fibreglass layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventors: Hon Y. Looi, Phuay E. Teo
  • Patent number: 5315721
    Abstract: A collapsible shower apparatus mounted in a room having a water drain in a floor, the apparatus comprising a base unit collapsible into a space-compact position and expandable into a first water-containment enclosure surrounding the drain in the floor and extending from the floor upwardly to a predetermined height above the floor, and an upper unit mounted above the base unit, the upper unit being collapsible into a space-compact position and expandable into a second water-containment enclosure extending directly above the first enclosure formed by the base unit when expanded, and fitting into the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Milton R. Okun
  • Patent number: 5305477
    Abstract: A shower curtain brace is provided for securing a lower portion of the shower curtain away from the shower stream when the shower curtain is extended across the shower entrance. The brace includes a bar with two ends perpendicularly oriented to a longer middle section. One end of the bar is pivotally mounted on a first wall of the shower so that the bar may move between a non-use-position in which the bar is substantially parallel and adjacent to the first shower wall, and a use-position in which the bar lies across the shower entrance approximately perpendicular to the shower walls. The distal end of the bar has a friction-reducing roller to facilitate contact and movement of the distal end against the curtain along the surface of the opposing shower wall. A clip is provided for mounting on the first shower wall above the hinge for capturing and holding the distal end of the bar when the brace is in its non-use-position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Scott Cochran
  • Patent number: 5261127
    Abstract: A sanitary unit comprises a sink turnable between a horizontal working position and a vertical nonworking position, a shower head located above the sink when it is in the working horizontal position, a shower curtain arranged to lose an area under the shower head when the user takes a shower and movable between the open position and a closed position, and a control element formed so that when the sink is movable from its nonworking position to its working position, the shower curtain is moved from its closed position to its open position and then the sink is moved from its working position to its nonworking position, the shower curtain is moved from its open position to its closed position, so that in the nonworking position of the sink a user can take a shower under the shower head with the shower curtain simultaneously closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Michail Tsipov
  • Patent number: 5123129
    Abstract: Shower stall and bathtub enclosure door assemblies which use a hinged multipanel door design, with special waterproof hinges and seams, adjustable wall panels retained by waterproof mounting sheaths, and door panel deflector sections with corresponding deflector shields to deflect water which collects on the inner surfaces of the door panels, and a door closure system which firmly secures the doors when the door assembly is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Donald D. Lyons
  • Patent number: 5097543
    Abstract: A shower door assembly of the frameless type comprises light plastic panels interconnected substantially along their length by hinges which include channels for gripping the panels. An elongated bracket facilitates the attachment of the door to walls that are out of square in relation to a bath or shower pan. The assembly presents a smooth appearance substantially devoid of surface obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Waterline Products Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Fred J. Oille
  • Patent number: 5079872
    Abstract: A transom assembly for a bathing enclosure or the like is disclosed. Preferably, multiple sliding transom panels are supported only at their lower end by two upwardly facing channels formed in the lintel or header of the door assembly. The panels may be positioned to overlap and thus create a transom of variable length. Locking ridges in the panels fit locking ridges in the channels to hold the panels against vertical movement. A sealing strip fits within the channels and is held by the locking channels to seal the open portions of the channel when the panels are positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Sterling Plumbing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin G. Short
  • Patent number: 5055155
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating flexible magnetic segments onto the plastic substrates, such as during the in-line production of shower curtains and/or curtain liners. The apparatus, which is configured for use with typical shower curtain and/or shower curtain liner producing machines, includes a substantially planar upper work surface for receiving the plastic substrate and at least one applicator unit located adjacent the work surface which automatically laminates a flexible magnetic strip and a plastic cover patch onto the curtain. Three applicator units are preferably utilized, with one such unit substantially aligned with the center of the curtain and the remaining two units being located along the longitudinal edges thereof. In operation, a thin, flexible plastic film is unwound onto an assembly table whereupon it is stopped at a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Texstyle, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Crotty, Harold J. Phelps
  • Patent number: 5033132
    Abstract: A roll-up shower curtain for a bathtub and shower enclosure is provided and consists of an elongated casing, which carries a roller shaft, secured between the end walls of the shower enclosure by adjustable retainer members on the sides of the casing. A shower curtain can be readily raised and lowered on the roller shaft by manually operating the roller shaft. When the shower curtain is completely lowered it can slide within a recessed track in the roller shaft to be pushed to one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Herbert Greenblatt
  • Patent number: 5031257
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shower enlarger assembly including a mounting bracket for engaging to a wall the ends of a bent shower curtain rod having an offset medial section for providing a greater stall space and for holding a shower curtain out of body contact. The mounting bracket includes a supporting backplate for contact with the wall and a recessed area located midsection of the supporting backplate for receiving the end of the bent shower curtain rod. The bent shower curtain rod is slidably inserted and rotatably mounted within the recessed area of the backplate. The bent shower curtain rod has attached thereto an integral rotating stop member extending outwardly from the curtain rod. A substantially semicircular fixed stop member extends outwardly from the face of the backplate and receives the integral rotating stop member attached to the bent shower curtain rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Robert W. Jeffery
  • Patent number: 5023965
    Abstract: The invention provides a panel (10) for adjustable attachment to a mounting section (12) relative to which it is hinged or slidable. It includes a glass or plastics pane (50) and at least one profiled ledge (22) as an integral component of straight, angled [-shaped structure. The bottom ledge (22) encloses the bottom edge (21) of the pane (50) and supports a sealing strip (26) having a stiff base (28, 76) with at least one flexible lip (32). A profiled front ledge (23) may extend up to a handle (42) or way up to an upper pane edge (81). At the inside face at least of the profiled bottom ledge (22), there is a hollow sloping drain channel (44) leading back into the interior of a panel-made shower unit. The profiled ledges (22, 23, 82, 92) are preferably non-metallic resilient components with or without reinforcement insets (70). Two associated panels (10, 100) may form a round or corner-type shower unit closed by magnetic sealing gibs (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Gunter Reichel
  • Patent number: 4981164
    Abstract: The invention relates to a partition (19) having horizontal guide rails (14, 14') held between lateral stops (16) and including three collapsible door panels (18, 20, 22) adapted to be moved to and from either side. The middle panel (20) is offset to the front and is articulated to one outer panel (22), whereas a groove (36) is provided on the upper edge of the middle panel for guiding a slidable articulation (28) attached to the other outer panel (18). An opener (40) having two lever arms (42, 48) is mounted to the articulation (30) and will be pivoted as the slidable articulation (28) passes, a long lever arm (48) engaging a slide face (52) of a joint crown (50). Magnetic gibs (60) are provided on the lateral stops (16) and on ledges (58) of the adjacent vertical edges (56) of the outer panels (18, 22). Preferably ball-boren rollers (66) support the door panels along the upper guide rail (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Inventor: Gunter Reichel
  • Patent number: 4903433
    Abstract: A partition for a corner or circular shower, comprising at least one stationary wall-element adapted to be connected to a wall, at least one guide-rail which on the one hand is connected the wall-element and is carried by the wall-element, and on the other hand, extends over an entrance-area located at one side of the wall-element, and at least one door-element adapted to move along the guide-rail in order to open and close the entrance-area, this guide-rail and the door-element being curved. At least one pivot-lever has one end hinged to the one door-element, and this pivot-lever, in a closed position of the door-element, lies adjacent, behind and substantially in parallel with the wall-element. The pivot-lever has another end remote from the door-element which is secured to the wall-element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Altura Leiden Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
  • Patent number: 4897889
    Abstract: A shower-partition contains a pivoted door which is hinged to a compensating section by means of hinges. The compensating section is secured, in such a manner as to be horizontally adjustable, to a second profiled rail by means of connecting elements. It is proposed to make it possible to align the pivoted door both horizontally and vertically in a simple manner, with little increase in production costs. The compensating section shall comprise an open longitudinal groove which faces the pivoted door and comprises an undercut for attachment of the hinge-holders. The compensating section is adapted to be aligned vertically, jointly with the pivoted door, in relation to the second profiled rail, the compensating section and/or the holder of the lower hinge being mounted upon the floor or the upper edge of a shower-tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Altura Leiden Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
  • Patent number: 4888835
    Abstract: A splashguard for a bathtub comprises a substantially flat, substantially rectangular panel member (1), with a flange (2) extending at least laterally on both opposite sides thereof and on the bottom thereof. At least the outer edge portion of the flange is substantially perpendicular to the panel member. On its upper end the splashguard is movably suspended from an adjustable-length guide rail (20) which can be braced against opposing walls of the bathroom, whereby its height can be so selected that the lower flange of the splashguard is slidable on the upper surface (11) of the rim (12) of the bathtub. An extension (5), extends from the lower part of the splashguard below the upper surface of the rim of the bathtub and rests against the inner face (13) of the bathtub, and has at least one magnetic element (6) thereon which magnetically adheres to the inner face (13) of a bathtub made of sheet steel or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Spirella AG
    Inventor: Heinz Baumann
  • Patent number: 4882795
    Abstract: A partition, more particularly for a corner shower, contains two door-elements mounted displaceably in an upper guide-rail. In the vicinity of the entrance, the upper guide-rail is curved like the edge of the tub and is connected to two lateral wall elements which are secured to the room and are flat. The purpose of the invention is to achieve reliable sealing and equally reliable guidance combined with a simple design. It is proposed that the guide-rail be curved over its entire length and comprise curved end-parts behind the flat wall-element. No lower guide-rail is provided. Instead, small narrow guide-elements are located outside the entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
  • Patent number: 4868935
    Abstract: A structure comprising by-pass doors for use in tub enclosures or shower stalls, each door having a frame and a panel mounted in the frame, and a hanger assembly integral therewith provided with glides adapted to move on a track provided on a supporting door frame or header, the track having plastic bearing members for slideably supporting the glides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Sterling Plumbing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Van Weelden