Mounting Or Supporting Means For Movable Closure Patents (Class 4/610)
  • 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: 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: 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: 6032306
    Abstract: A device for limiting the intrusion of a shower curtain into a shower enclosure includes a clamp portion for releasably engaging the shower curtain rod, and an tail portion depending from the clamp portion for impinging on the shower curtain and urging it outwardly. The clamp includes an inverted U configuration adapted to extend about the curtain rod. The U-configuration includes one leg that is joined integrally to the tail portion, and the other leg is provided with a detent tip. A detent lever extends from the tail portion proximate to the detent tip, and includes an array of closely spaced detent teeth adapted to engage the detent tip. The detent lever is resiliently biased toward the detent tip, so that the tip remains engaged with the teeth unless otherwise disturbed. The two legs of the clamp may be squeezed together to engage the curtain rod frictionally to immobilize the device on the curtain rod, and the device will remain in this disposition until released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Mark A. Gummin
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 5732420
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vertical draping of a shower curtain or a shower liner comprising a clipping member, a first quasi-box brace structure, a second quasi-box brace structure, and a horizontal bar structure having an in-use state and a non-use state. The horizontal bar structure comprises a first rod member coupled into the first quasi-box brace structure in said in-use state; a second rod member coupled to the second quasi-box brace structure and having the clipping member attached thereto; and locking and pivoting structure. In the in-use state, the first rod member and the second rod member are interlocked via the locking and pivoting structure for controlling the vertical draping of the shower curtain or the shower liner. In the non-use state, the first rod member and the second rod member are unlocked and the first rod member is pivoted downwardly until the first rod member is parallel with the second rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Alfonso S. Micciche
  • 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: 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: 5657886
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a decorative assembly, including a pole, a decorative element wrapped about and covering at least a substantial portion of the pole, and a sleeve wrapped about each of the decorative element and the pole. The sleeve covers at least a substantial portion of each of the decorative element and the pole. The sleeve is constructed of a resilient and transparent material, and is configured to closely fit about the decorative element, whereby the decorative element is held closely adjacent to the pole by the sleeve and is visible through the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Creative Resource, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Tacchella
  • 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: 5606752
    Abstract: A splash guard apparatus for a shower curtain includes a base member, a clamping wall member connected to the base member, a movable connection assembly connected to the base member, and a clamp assembly connected to the movable connection assembly. The clamp assembly includes a connection portion connected to the movable connection assembly and includes a damping portion connected to the connection portion at a juncture portion. The base member has a length and a width, and the length is substantially greater than the width. A quantity of adhesive material may be located on a back side of the base member for connecting the base member to a wall. In one embodiment, a threaded bolt is connected to the base member, and a helical spring is mounted on the threaded bolt. In another embodiment, a hinge assembly is connected between the base member and the clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventors: John M. Shenton, Jr., John M. Shenton, III
  • Patent number: 5513419
    Abstract: A Shower Curtain Rod Assembly includes a stem-to-stem, double-Y shaped shower curtain rod with an integral split-track extending along almost the entire length of its bottom surface, shower curtain clips and screw-type endcaps. The shower curtain rod is suspended between two side walls of a shower or bathtub enclosure by unscrewing the endcaps. Rubber or plastic endcap pads prevent the shower curtain rod from slipping and protect the side walls from damage from preasure mounting. Shower curtain clips include an elongated base, a stem and ring-type clamps for suspending shower curtain(s) from the shower curtain rod. The base can thereby be inserted into the split-track and rotatingly secured. Conventional shower curtain(s) can be secured using the ring-type clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: John E. Zinger
  • 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: 5426821
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod has curved ends branching from the straight body. A curtain hung therefrom is caused to follow a curved contour of a bathtub below. Tracks are provided on the inner and outer sides of the curtain rod so that inner and outer curtains may be suspended therefrom. The inner curtain follows the bathtub contour, and the outer curtain extends to both of two parallel walls defining the shower stall. Curtain fasteners are slidably held within the tracks. The fasteners are insertable when turned ninety degrees from their normal, vertical orientation, then turned so that fastener hooks face downwardly. The fasteners are thus positively retained by the curtain rod, while allowing the curtains to be opened and closed independently from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Vincent R. Story
  • Patent number: 5426900
    Abstract: A multi-purpose hexagonal building module constructed of identically configured panels connected together at lap joints, with each panel having a large flat rectangular section and an integral smoothly curved section. When the panels are interconnected to form a hexagonal module, the relatively large rectangular flat sections collectively constitute the module's six planar walls and the relatively small smoothly curved panel sections function as rounded module corners. The module can be disposed with its central symmetrical axis vertical or horizontal, and can be used as a housing unit or as a container for product storage. The module, whether used for storage or as a living unit, and whether disposed horizontally or vertically, can be permanently mounted at a single site or made mobile by mounting on a vehicle or ship for transport across land or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Robert H. Springer
  • Patent number: 5402842
    Abstract: A curtain corner support which is slidably supported on a curtain rod which spans an opening defined between vertical walls of an enclosure. The corner support positions an end portion of a curtain so that it is adjacent to one of the enclosure walls to prevent water, spray and/or light from escaping around the edges of the enclosure. The corner support consists of a body member which is supported by the curtain rod, a beam cantilevered from the body member which supports the end portion of the curtain, and a device for transferring the moment generated by the end portion of the curtain and the beam to the curtain rod to prevent the body member from rotating about the curtain rod. Wall attachments are affixed to at least one curtain rod end for transferring the torque from the curtain rod to at least one of the vertical walls of the enclosure to maintain the top edge of the curtain in an approximately horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Anthony J. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 5345624
    Abstract: A shower curtain support arm which mounts on a shower rod without inhibiting the sliding movement of the curtain, and when locked in position controls the position of the shower curtain to hold the curtain away from a bather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Thomas G. Brown, III
    Inventor: Thomas G. Brown, III
  • 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: 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: 5297301
    Abstract: A one piece shower stall is disclosed. The shower stall includes a generally horizontal base portion and a side wall portion that is unitarily interconnected to and extends upwardly from the base portion. The side wall portion terminates in an upper ledge having a generally horizontal upper surface that is sufficiently wide to support at least one of an outer wall covering and a shower door mechanism. A raised rim portion is unitarily interconnected to and surrounds the ledge. The rim portion includes a generally vertical surface for engaging at least one of an outer wall covering and a shower door mechanism and a continuous, generally horizontal surface that extends outwardly from the vertical surface to a periphery of the shower stall for supporting an inner wall covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Robert E. Sodrel
  • Patent number: 5265309
    Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a pair of continuous extruded channel members, one of which has an axially aligned tubular portion and the other an axially aligned keyway. The members are united by hinge clips having a leg insertable in the keyway and a gudgeon plate having an opening depending from the leg, and a hinge pin which passes through the gudgeon plate opening and the tubular portion. The keyway may be hidden within the other member, which may be transversely slotted to provide an access opening for the leg where this is to be supported intermediate the axial ends of the member. Similarly the tubular member may be transversely slotted to provide an access opening for the gudgeon plate. The other member may include one or more axially aligned extensions which form a labyrinth seal with the one member, making the hinge assembly particularly suited for use in shower doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Waterline Products Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Fred J. Oille
  • 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: 5216766
    Abstract: This invention discloses a shower curtain rod attachment which prevents water from spraying or splashing out of a shower enclosure while showering. The shower curtain rod attachment supports the leading edge of the shower curtain such that the shower curtain is parallel to the front surface of the shower enclosure. The arm of the shower curtain rod attachment attaches to the front of the shower enclosure with a hook, a clip, a suction cup, or other suitable device when the shower is in use. After showering, the arm is detached from the shower enclosure wall and allowed to rotate downward. The shower curtain can then be slid along the curtain rod to open the shower enclosure. A slit in the tube of the shower curtain rod attachment allows the device to be installed over an existing curtain rod without the need of removing the curtain rod. No tools or special skills are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Randall P. Lang
  • Patent number: 5170974
    Abstract: A shower curtain corner support which can be slidably attached to a standard shower curtain rod in order to support and extend a shower curtain around the side corner of a shower stall or bathtub is disclosed. This apparatus is used to seal the shower area to prevent water and spray from escaping around the edges of a standard shower curtain. This shower curtain corner support, which is attached to a standard shower curtain rod near a side wall, consists of a short narrow beam directed into the shower area from which is suspended a shower curtain or curtain liner which will form an approximately right angle corner barrier about the open side corner of the shower area. A counterweight is attached to an outward beam of the corner support apparatus to maintain it in a parallel relation to the floor when the curtain is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Anthony J. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 5123128
    Abstract: A monolithic bathtub structure incorporates vertical support columns that in one aspect are integral with the bathtub and which can be secured directly to the stud framing of the cubicle in which the bathtub is installed. The bathtub structure includes a suspension beam incorporating a locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent release of the access panels from the assembly, yet the locking mechanism may be adjusted to permit removal of the access panels. In other aspects of the invention, the suspension beam, including the panel locking mechanism, and the support columns may be independently manufactured as component parts to be assembled by the purchaser to form a bathtub enclosure. The monolithic bathtub structure is capable of formation from an appropriate synthetic resinous material, as are the support columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: James S. Hines
  • Patent number: 5101522
    Abstract: A shower curtain support fixture for hanging a shower curtain above a bath tub includes a generally U-shaped structure having an elongated main portion and a pair opposite end portions extending generally transverse to the main portion. A slot is defined in a bottom side of the U-shaped structure extending along its main portion and opposite end portions so as to provide a generally U-shaped guide track in the structure. Shower curtain hanger devices are inserted through the slot and slidable individually along the track provided by the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: John L. Prian
  • 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: 5083330
    Abstract: A shower curtain support arrangement for separating a water receptacle such as a shower basin or a bathtub from its surroundings, the shower curtain being supported and guided on an upper rail above the receptacle, one longitudinal edge of the curtain being connected to a wall-connecting profile which is to be secured to a wall and the other longitudinal edge of the curtain being connected to a grip strip which is guided both in the upper rail and also by means of a magnetic guide on the rim of the receptacle, the grip strip having connection elements for the purposes of connection to a grip strip of an adjacent curtain or to an assigned wall-connecting profile. Improved sealing of the receptacle with respect to the rest of the room and also a comparatively taut curtain guidance can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Heinz Dusar
  • Patent number: 5070550
    Abstract: An improved closure for use in a space at the upper portion of a stall area for a bath, shower, spa or the like, to provide an humidity and heat barrier. A foldable thin sheet of material is supported by a framework mounted in the upper portion of the stall area. The framework is designed to be supported in the upper portion of the stall by urging against or securing to two opposing walls. A highly flexible material, such as a thin vinyl sheet or a fabric sheet, is chosen for the foldable sheet. The flexible sheet is supported by the framework in an inverted V-shaped arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Eric W. Reeves
  • 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: 5022104
    Abstract: A shower curtain support has a shower curtain rod mounted by opposing wall brackets on parallel end walls of a shower stall. The rod slidably suspends a conventional shower curtain across the front opening of the shower stall. Spiders on the terminal ends of the rod are indexably received by spider plates of the wall brackets to dispose the rod in a number of radial orientations relative to the wall brackets. In another embodiment for infinite radial orientations of the rod within the full range of 360.degree., outturned flanges on the rod ends, sandwiched between inturned flanges of compression nuts and closed ends of threaded studs projecting from wall brackets, allow such infinite radial orientations of the rod relative to the wall brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignees: Cedric C. Miller, Janice L. Ferguson
    Inventor: Cedric C. Miller
  • 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: 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: 4891850
    Abstract: An articulated shower-bath screen shutter for a bath-tub, shower receiver and like tub comprises a vertically sliding profile for supporting a spindle on which is articulated at least one shutter having a given weight. The sliding profile is guided by a guiding profile (7) to which it is connected by balancing device (19) for balancing the given weight of the at least one shutter supported by the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Inventor: Georges Borstcher
  • 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
  • Patent number: 4785485
    Abstract: A sliding panel closure having three panels suspended from a header with three parallel tracks, has a sill disposed under the header with a sill channel opening downwardly and inwardly toward a bath enclosure or the like. A first of the door panels has a lower edge straddling the sill channel. The second and third of the panels have lower edges provided with guide means including outriggers slidable in the sill channel. A C-shaped guide positions the second panel relative to the sill, the outrigger being one of the legs of the C-shape. A E-shaped guide positions the second and third panels relative to one another and relative to the sill channel. The panels preferably have means along their vertical edges that allow the panels to lap but prevent adjacent panels from passing completely by one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Keller Industries
    Inventor: Mehran Etesam
  • Patent number: 4769862
    Abstract: A shower curtain support defines a track for slidably suspending a shower curtain across the front opening of a shower stall and around end corners of the support rearwardly at the front opening. End portions of the shower curtain may be drawn around the corners and inside the shower stall to overlap at least a portion of the surface of the stall end walls in order to prevent leaks. Alternately, a continuous curtain support track is provided in a U-shape or other configuration. Endpieces attached thereto support a curtain in a plane parallel to wall surfaces to prevent spraying or splashing outside the shower area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Saturday Knight Ltd.
    Inventor: David S. Skrzelowski
  • Patent number: 4754504
    Abstract: A shower stall structure for bathing having a shower area defined on three sides by upright walls and having an open side area with a shower curtain mounted therein to provide a covered point of entry for a person. A shower enlarger mounted in the shower area. The enlarger comprises a one-piece curtain rod having an offset medial section engageable with an upper area of the shower curtain for providing a greater stall space for upper body movement while showering. The offset medial section includes a pair of angular curtain rod sections which extend in diverging relation away from opposite ends of the offset medial section. The angular curtain rod sections have end sections at outer ends thereof. The outer ends of the end sections extend in opposite directions away from one another. Fastening structure is provided for securing the outer ends of the end sections in assembly with opposed upright walls of the shower area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: William F. Cellini
  • Patent number: 4723326
    Abstract: A weighted shower curtain is disclosed having an elongated flexible shower curtain adapted to be hung in a shower. A plurality of separate independent weights are provided which snap fit on to the bottom of the shower curtain without damaging the same and are quickly and easily removable therefrom. The weights may be sealed in plastic and keep the shower curtain in a fixed hanging position when in use preventing flapping thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Barbara D. Arner
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Tarlow, Barbara D. Arner
  • Patent number: 4720876
    Abstract: In combination a shower stall structure for bathtubs or shower basins having a top and bottom comprising at least one opening extending from top to bottom defined by a multiplicity of stiles each stile extending in both a horizontal and vertical direction abutting an adjacent wall or stile, wherein at least one opening is closed by more than one closure member spanning across the at least one opening, having pivot mechanisms carried by both the multiplicity of stiles and the more than one closure member at the peripheral extremities thereof wherein the pivot mechanisms are adjustable in position along the respective peripheral edges of at least one of the multiplicity of stiles and the more than one closure member, allowing for dimensional variation of such as the at least one opening with respect to the dimensions of the corner in which the shower stall is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Fasco Products Division of Indal Limited
    Inventors: Vincent Tomei, Alfred MacLean, Michel Morand, John Faveri
  • Patent number: 4667353
    Abstract: What is disclosed in an automatically closing modesty curtain which allows the user assured complete privacy and which does not require continued manipulation by the hands thereby leaving the hands free to undertake other tasks. For example, in an emergency shower situation, once the handle on the safety shower is pulled, the user can be assured of complete privacy while removing contaminated clothing while being simultaneously deluged by shower water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Tri City Laboratory Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren L. Zeigler, Roy F. Zeigler
  • Patent number: 4653127
    Abstract: A shower partition with a horizontal guide rail includes a door assembly displaceable in the guide rail by guide roller mounted on eccentric pins. Each eccentric pin is arranged in a hole provided through the upper edge of the door assembly. In the case of a shower partition of this kind, the purpose to be accomplished is to simplify vertical adjustment of the door assembly at low structural cost, and to ensure that the adjusted position is reliably secured. For this purpose each eccentric pin is slid in an elongated slot of the door assembly through an end opening. Also provided is a connector member having arms which bear upon opposite engagement surfaces of the eccentric pin in order to secure the latter against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus