Flexible Type Patents (Class 4/608)
  • Patent number: 6550525
    Abstract: A shower curtain has a bottom hem that forms a closed pocket. Sand is contained in the closed pocket and provides weight to the shower curtain so the curtain does not blow away from the side of a tub during a shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Doreen A. Grisolia
  • 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: 20030033667
    Abstract: A sealing structure for use with a shower screen, the sealing structure including a pair of sealing components for providing a sealing structure between the shower screen side edges and adjacent shower booth walls. The shower structure includes a pair of sealing components each of which defines first and second sealing sections. A first sealing section is attached to a corresponding shower booth wall while a second sealing section is mounted in sealing engagement with the corresponding side edge of the shower curtain. The first-to-second sealing section attachment structure allows for attachment of the first and second sealing sections together while allowing relative movement between the first and second sealing sections. In term, the relative movement allows for adjustment of an edge distance between the edges of the second sealing section in contact with the side edges of the shower curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Sylvain Lachance
  • Patent number: 6510566
    Abstract: A shower curtain closure for closing off a vertical side edge of the curtain against a wall of the shower stall comprises a length of extruded plastic tubing that can be cut to a preferred length, a tube support ring for suspending the tube on the curtain rod, and an elongate vertically oriented wall receptacle into which the tube matingly fits. The tube is passed through a sleeve along the side of the curtain and is suspended from the curtain support rod by a ring connected to the upper end of the tubing and passing over the shower curtain rod. The wall receptacle is made of extruded plastics material that can be cut to length and is adhesively mountable on a wall of the shower enclosure. The receptacle is provided with a channel shaped to releasably secure the shower curtain sleeve with the tube therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas W. Bryce
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020108724
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a flexible plastic tubelike receptacle or sheath, having an open end and an opposed sealed end, adaptable for disposition on the inside face of a shower curtain. The tubing may be formed integrally with the shower curtain, or formed separately having suitable means for suspending the tube in a vertical position adjacent the shower curtain with the sealed end at the bottom. Where desired, the tube is provided with aligned holes adjacent the top adaptable for receiving the hook of a shower curtain from which the tube may be suspended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald J. Grahn
  • 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: 6185759
    Abstract: A built-in furniture unit is provided with a fixedly mounted toilet, a shower, a shower tray, a rear wall rigidly connected to the shower tray, and a toilet seat movably mounted on the rear wall. The built-in furniture unit is designed as a cubicle. The essential advantage of this built-in furniture unit is that it can be installed, for example, in the bedroom of a person in need of nursing, so transforming the bedroom into a nursing care room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Winfried Staudenmayer
  • 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: 6178571
    Abstract: A barrier-free shower system having the combined configuration of a drain sump, drain and a continuously weighted shower curtain. A series of channels is formed into a threshold of a barrier free shower enclosure. The channels trap water within the shower enclosure and channel the water toward the drain sump. Water is directed to the channels from the base of the shower enclosure and from a shower curtain which hangs directly over the threshold. There is no lip or barrier in the base of the shower at the threshold to keep the curtain from billowing out as heat escapes the shower enclosure, so a continuous weight is provided near a lower edge of the curtain to keep it positioned over the channels in the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Aqua Bath, Inc.
    Inventor: George F McAllister
  • 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: 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: 5950255
    Abstract: A shower curtain assembly for enclosing an opening in a shower enclosure in environments where there is a risk that an individual might attempt to use a part of the shower curtain assembly to cause injury to himself or others. The assembly is constructed of a foam plastic curtain support, a shower curtain attached at its upper edge to the curtain support, and releasable attachments that include hook-and-loop fasteners attached at opposite ends of the curtain support to attach the assembly across the enclosure opening. The shower curtain assembly may also include a cover around the curtain support, with the upper edge of the curtain being releasably attached to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Bob Barker Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Thompson
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 5766466
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to rotary disc filters and in particular to sectors for such filters. Drainage channels are formed in broad, planar surfaces of the filter media support member of the sector, with the drainage channels being parallel and aligned toward elongate side channels at radial sides of the sector. The sectors have elongate side channels at radial sides of the sector. The side channels can be connected to the central shaft of the rotary disc filter apparatus so that fluid flows directly from the side channels to fluid handling means in the central shaft of the filter apparatus. The present invention further discloses planar drainage members made of elongate slats that are aligned side-by-side slats so that adjacent slats are interengaged fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: John Gary Peterson
  • 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: 5351739
    Abstract: A safety net suspended from a shower curtain rod in addition to the shower curtain for safety in the event of a fall. The safety net provides a structure for someone to grasp during the fall to either slow the fall or stop it before injuries occur. The netting is preferably made of NYLON in a strength sufficient to support the weight of an adult, and has a band along one side with a series of grommets attached to it. The rod is made to be stronger than a typical shower rod, preferably of the type that has a channel running lengthwise in it for supporting of a series of carriers. The exposed end of each carrier has a button that will pass through one of the grommets so that the netting can be hung by the grommets from the carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: James F. Levy
  • Patent number: 5345992
    Abstract: A slidably mounted curtain support for supporting a curtain having an intermediate portion and a pair of spaced end portions at the end edge portions thereof in overlapping relation with at least one end wall of a pair of spaced end walls, which, with a rear wall, defines an enclosure such as a shower tub enclosure. The curtain support is slidably mounted to a support rod and includes a body and a support arm disposed in normal relation. The body supports the end edge portion of the curtain, and the support arm supports the body. A separate, attachable, downwardly extending arm serves as a handle to aid in the slidable movement of the curtain along the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Turner
  • Patent number: 5345623
    Abstract: Apparatus for deflecting a shower curtain outwardly of a shower stall through the access opening of the stall comprises relatively slideable rods accommodated in a tube which, when bowed, resists relative sliding movement of the rods. The opposite ends of the bowed deflector bear against spaced walls of the shower stall and cause the shower curtain also to be bowed outwardly of the access opening so as to increase the usable space within the stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Timothy C. Dearman
  • Patent number: 5339884
    Abstract: The shower curtain ring has a flexible body adapted to encircle a curtain rod and close by frictionally interengaging end members. One of the end members includes an elongated part which is received through an opening along the top edge of the curtain. A flange on the end of the elongated part retains the curtain even when the end members are not engaged. This facilitates installation of the curtain and prevents the curtain from falling off the ring should the end members accidentally disengage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Irving Angerman
  • Patent number: 5337425
    Abstract: An improved shower curtain for a shower enclosure of the type having a bathtub, a back wall and a side wall, the improved shower curtain including a first track bent in a U-shaped configuration, attachable to a back ledge, a free side ledge and a front ledge of the bathtub, the first track has a channel that is solely vertically C-shaped in cross section, a second track bent in a U-shaped configuration, spaced above the first track and attachable along one portion to the back wall, while its distal ends are attachable to the side wall, the second track has a channel that is solely vertically C-shaped in cross-section, an elongated sheet of flexible waterproof material sized to fit between and about the first track and the second track, a first unit for detachably securing a lower marginal edge of the sheet to the first track, the first detachably securing includes a plurality of spaced apart first fibrous fastener elements attached along the lower marginal edge of the sheet, a plurality of slide members that
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Jane Hill
  • Patent number: 5274859
    Abstract: A bathtub shower splash shield member which includes a shower curtain holding structure adapted for use with a bathtub for preventing water from a shower head from splashing between a wall and the adjacent side of a suspended shower curtain, member comprised of a generally triangular shaped unitary body containing two general orthogonally arranged mounting legs that intersect at a vertex and a web extending between and joining mounting legs. The two mounting legs include a vertically extending leg adapted to be mounted on a wall structure and a horizontally extending leg adapted to be mounted on the flat horizontal surface of a side wall of the bathtub. The shower curtain holding structure includes an opening extending through vertically extending leg and a finger clamp disposed in this opening. The finger clamp includes a clamping portion extending in a direction away from first leg. The clamping portion cooperates with the web to grip a portion of the curtain between the clamping portion and the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Brass-Craft Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Leon E. Redman, Roger W. Murphy, Bruce W. Higgins
  • Patent number: 5243715
    Abstract: A shower enclosure is provided in which the conventional shower curtain is replaced by a combination of rigid sliding panels and an intermediate pliable curtain portion. The rigid panels define an outward contour which provides additional space for movement within the shower. The enclosure of the present invention is of simple and inexpensive construction and is easy to install.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Vladislav Barmak
  • Patent number: 5231708
    Abstract: A disposable shower curtain including a holder having a mandrel with inner and outer telescoping segments normally expanded by a spring. Stationary feet, one carried by each of the telescoping segments, bears against the opposed walls of a conventional shower stall and rotatably support the mandrel. A roll of coiled sheet material is carried by the mandrel. A shield supported by a bracket at either end thereof includes a longitudinally extending braking panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Eric R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5228149
    Abstract: In a tub - shower environment comprising a tub enclosed on three sides by walls and open on the fourth side, where spray from the shower is intended to be retained within the tub - shower enclosure by a flexible shower curtain suspended from a curtain rod by hooks engaging grommet holes in the curtain and the rod, and extending across the open fourth side, between walls defining the ends of the tub - shower enclosure, there are provided mating pairs of hook-and-loop pads backed with waterproof pressure sensitive adhesive. The pads are positioned both on a vertical edge of the shower curtain and on the wall adjacent the shower curtain edge. A disposable rule is provided with means for attachment to a shower curtain hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Alex J. Phinn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5222261
    Abstract: A folding shower screen comprises an attachment channel member (3, 18) adapted to be secured to a wall (2), e.g., at one end of a bath (1) in general co-planar alignment with the outer side (7) of the bath, a hinge (4) disposed at a lower end of the attachment member, a movable channel member (5, 13) secured to the hinge and pivotable between a stowed position alongside the attachment member and a deployed position (as shown) resting along the bath lip (8), and a generally quadrant shaped collapsible screen element (6) extending between the attachment member (3, 18) and the movable member (5, 13), water collected in a sump (11) being directed towards the bath (1) by a conduit (12) and water collected in the movable channel member (13) being directed into the bath by slots (14) in the one side of the channel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Heatons Bathrooms Limited
    Inventors: Peter J. Tooze, Stephen K. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5189759
    Abstract: A dual curtain rod unit for installation between opposite walls of a shower stall, the unit having an outer rod, a substantially bow-shaped inner rod of uninterrupted, substantially smooth outer surface construction over its entire functional length, a keying shaft on each end portion of the inner rod, a pair of end plates adapted for attachment to opposite walls of a shower stall, a first socket in a forward portion of each of the end plates for receiving and supporting the ends of the outer rod, and a keying socket in a rearward portion of each of the end plates for receiving and supporting the keying shafts of the inner rod in a mating, sliding fit, non-rotative manner with the bow of the inner rod facing toward the outer rod, the keying sockets being the only points of attachment of the inner rod, thus allowing for the uninterrupted surface thereof along its entire functional length for permitting slide hangers mounted thereon to slide without significant resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Frank A. Poore
  • Patent number: 5148580
    Abstract: A kit for use to fasten the outer surface of a shower curtain to an adjacent wall in the shower closure. A sealing protrusion extends from the wall adjacent the fasteners so that, when the outer surface of the curtain is fastened to the wall, the edge of the curtain abuts the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Dean W. Dyckow
  • Patent number: 5111868
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reinforcing holes in a curtain is disclosed. A reinforcement member is positioned over the hole and has a cutting element which cuts through the curtain. The cutting element locks the reinforcement member about the hole, reinforcing the hole. This invention is particularly valuable if the hole has been ripped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Frederick J. Sawaya
  • Patent number: D439144
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Allure Home Creation Co., Inc
    Inventor: Stanley Ho