Shower screen sealing structure

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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of shower accessories and is particularly concerned with a shower screen sealing structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Tubs for human bathing have been around for a number of years and are generally installed in a bathroom. When pressurized domestic water systems became common, showerheads were installed to deliver a spray or stream of water, from a height, into the tub.

[0003] It quickly became apparent that means were required to retain within the tub area, spray emanating directly from the showerhead and indirectly from the body of the bather. One of the earlier retaining means included a generally oval track, substantially surrounding the tub, on which a curtain hung from hangers which were slidably mounted on the track.

[0004] As construction became modernized, the bathtub was integrated into the structure of the bathroom and a tub alcove or enclosure was provided. Tub and shower enclosures or alcoves typically include a permanent and relatively longer back wall and two permanent, relatively shorter opposing sidewalls. A shower fixture having a spring showerhead typically extends from one of the opposing sidewalls.

[0005] A shower curtain or shower door is typically used to close-off the front of the shower enclosure. The shower curtain or door is typically disposed between the two opposing sidewalls.

[0006] The shower curtain or door is provided for preventing water emanating from the showerhead or from the body of the bather from wetting the surrounding structures including the surrounding floor. Wet floors can prove to be dangerous or otherwise undesirable for a number of reasons. A person exiting from a shower and placing one's feet on the wet floor often has a susceptibility of slipping and falling. This may lead to potentially dangerous injuries especially since adjacent structures such as the bathtub, adjacent counters and the like are made out of rigid material and since the volume of the bathrooms are typically relatively small leading to increased risks of having the person impact the hard structure. In addition, liquid on the wet floor can cause the floor to deteriorate. Moreover, liquid on the wet floor can seep through the floor and cause a ceiling below the shower room to be stained or even leak.

[0007] Throughout the years, a number of innovations have been developed relating to devices for preventing water emanating from a shower from wetting the floor in a shower room. However, one of the most popular devices still remains the conventional shower curtain. When conventional shower curtains are use, a generally straight rode is positioned over the open side of the tub at, or above the height of the showerhead. The ends of the rod are secured to the opposing sidewalls. A shower curtain, formed of a generally flexible waterproof material, initially of oiled silk, more recently of polyethylene or other suitable polymeric resin is provided.

[0008] The curtain is typically manufactured with grommeted apertures along an edge thereof. Metallic or polymeric hooks are provided to engage the grommeted apertures in the curtain and the rod, thereby enabling the curtain to be hung from the rod. The hooks or rings are slidable along the curtain rod so that the shower curtain may be moved laterally by hand, for convenient access to the bath cove and then permit sliding of the shower curtain to a closed position across the open side of the bath or shower cove or enclosure.

[0009] Shower curtains are often considered preferable to the more permanent shower door constructions for various reasons. Shower curtains being manufactured from polymeric sheet material are often much less expensive than door assemblies made of expensive rigid polymeric material or glass. Additionally, they only require simple support rods for the curtain to be hung in place while the rigid door assemblies require elaborate mounting structures. Accordingly, the shower curtains can be easily replaced, at little cost and effort if the curtain is damaged or if a different color or style of curtain is desired.

[0010] Conventional rigid door assemblies are typically installed through a relatively tedious and lengthy procedure that requires altering of the bathroom walls. Hence, the rigid door mounting structures are typically permanently installed since removal thereof often leads to damaging the supporting walls. When an individual renting an apartment wishes to install a rigid shower door, the individual must often resort to ask the owner of the apartment for permission to install the shower door and also, must often resort to leaving the shower door in place when he or she decides to move to another apartment. For these and other reasons, conventional shower curtains are thus often preferred over rigid shower door.

[0011] Conventional shower curtains are however plagued with at least one major drawback. Indeed, a disadvantage commonly associated with shower curtains is the tendency of water sprayed from the showerhead to escape through a gap which separates the side edges of the shower curtain from the sidewalls of the shower enclosure. Such gaps are relatively frequent since, shower curtains are often pulled away from the edge of the shower or tub enclosure by the vacuum created by the velocity of the water from the showerhead according to well known phenomena.

[0012] Hence, often the typical shower curtain does not adequately prevent water from spilling onto the bathroom floor as the curtain moves away from the shower walls due to the decreased pressure of air entrained with the water spray. In addition, this effect can be due to an open window or door blowing the curtain.

[0013] Numerous attempts have been made at retaining the edges of the shower curtain at the side walls of the shower enclosure to effectively seal the shower enclosure from escaping water spray. For example, attempts have been made to keep shower curtains in place by wetting the edges of the shower enclosure wall and sticking the curtain to it.

[0014] Other devices include magnets or suction cups at the bottom of the shower curtain to keep the curtain against the inside of the bathtub walls. These techniques do not prevent the water from escaping to the sides of the curtain onto the floor. Also, when it is necessary to remove the curtain for cleaning or washing, the magnet or suction cups often break in the washing machine, making the arrangement useless.

[0015] Various other measures, most costly and more or less effective have been proposed in the past. Some of these measures include ties, hooks hanging from the wall to engage grommeted apertures in the curtain edge, zippers and hook-and-loop strips and pads adhering to the curtain edge and to the side or end walls. Other prior art structures were based on a retractable rollup type of shower curtain in an attempt to circumvent the disadvantages associated with other prior art solutions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,132 naming Herbert Greenblatt as inventor, issued Jul. 23, 1991 discloses a roll-up type shower curtain including an elongated casing which carries a roller shaft secured between end walls of the shower enclosure by adjustable retainer members on the side of the casing. A shower curtain can be readily raised and lowered on the roller shaft by manually operating the roller shaft. The shower curtain can be completely lowered and it can slide within a recessed track in the roller shaft to be pushed to one side.

[0016] Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,419 discloses a retractable shower screen having a spring biased roller defining first and second roller ends. A flexible sheet having first and second longitudinal edges is also provided. The first longitudinal edge of the flexible sheet is releasably attachable to the roller between the first and the second ends. A sealing bar is releasably attached to the second longitudinal end of the second of the second flexible sheet for sealing the longitudinal edge of the flexible sheet to the shower stall. The spring biased roller has a spring for rotating the roller whereby the flexible sheet may be rolled onto and unrolled from the roller. A ratchet cooperating with the roller is also provided.

[0017] Although somewhat useful, the prior art roll-up type of shower curtain nevertheless suffers from numerous drawbacks. For example, since rollup type shower curtains are deployed vertically, and since they have a fixed width, it is often difficult to provide a sealing structure which prevents leakage about the side edges of the curtain. The problem is further compounded by the fact that the side walls of the shower enclosure are not always perfectly vertical or straight. Hence, since the width of the shower curtain has a relatively fixed value throughout the length of the curtain, it is particularly difficult for sealing structures mounted on angled or crooked supporting walls to compensate for the width variation between both sealing structures while allowing for both firstly free movement of the curtain as it unrolls and rolls from and on the roller and secondly providing a seal-type connection between the lateral curtain edges and the sealing structure.

[0018] Hence, although roll-up types of shower curtains offer some advantages such as improved aesthetical appearance over conventional side pull-type shower curtain, they nevertheless suffer from numerous drawbacks. Another common drawback associated with conventional sealing structures used with both types of shower screens, namely shower curtains and rigid shower doors is that although some sealing structures may provide an adequate seal immediately after installation, with time, the supporting walls to which the sealing structures are mounted may become inclined or warped leading to a loss of sealing efficiency. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved shower screen sealing structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Advantages of the present invention include that the proposed sealing structure provides a seal-type connection between a roll-up type of shower screen such as a roll-up type of shower curtain or the like and a supporting wall to which the sealing structure is attached so as to prevent water from the shower head from wetting adjacent structures such as the floor in the bath or shower room.

[0020] Furthermore, the proposed sealing structure provides a seal-type connection between the marginal edge of a shower screen and a supporting wall without interfering with proper functioning of the shower screen and particularly without interfering with deployment and/or retraction of the shower screen.

[0021] Another advantage of the present invention resides in that the sealing structure is particularly well adapted to compensate for supporting wall imperfections such as warping thereof or angulations thereof with respect to a vertical plane. This compensation for imperfections in the supporting wall is allowed both at the time of installation and at a later period in situations wherein imperfections increase or develop once the sealing structure is installed.

[0022] Still further, the proposed sealing structure, while offering a seal-type connection between a marginal edge of a shower screen and a supporting wall does not form an obstacle that could impede a person from exiting the shower enclosure without retracting the shower screen in the case of an emergency or in the case wherein the shower screen may unwantingly become non-retractable.

[0023] Still furthermore, the proposed sealing structure is designed so as to be installable on supporting walls such as side walls of the bathtub enclosure without requiring special tooling or manual dexterity and with reduces risks of altering or damaging the supporting wall. The proposed sealing structure is also designed so as to be retractable from the supporting wall to which it is attached through a set of quick and ergonomic steps, again without requiring special tooling or manual dexterity, and, again, with reduced risks of damaging the sealing structure and/or the supporting wall to which it is attached. Then, the proposed sealing structure can be re-installed in another bathtub enclosure having different shower booth aperture dimensions.

[0024] Also, the proposed sealing structure provides a seal-type connection between the marginal edge of a shower screen and the supporting wall without being aesthetically detrimental to the overall aesthetical aspect of the bathtub enclosure. Still furthermore, the proposed sealing structure is designed so as to be manufacturable using conventional forms of manufacturing, so as to provide a sealing structure that will be economically feasible, long-lasting and relatively trouble-free in operation.

[0025] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sealing structure for use with a shower screen, the shower screen defining a screen attachment end, a generally opposed screen free end, a screen first side edge and a generally opposed screen second side edge, the shower screen being used for selectively extending at least partially across a shower booth aperture, the shower booth aperture defining a booth aperture top edge, an opposed booth aperture bottom edge, a booth aperture first side edge and an opposed booth aperture second side edge; the screen attachment end being attachable to a deployment mechanism, the deployment mechanism being attachable between the booth aperture first and second side edges generally adjacent the booth aperture top edge, the deployment mechanism allowing the shower screen to slide relative to the shower booth aperture between a retracted configuration wherein the screen free end is position generally adjacent the deployment mechanism leaving the shower booth aperture generally opened and an extended configuration wherein the screen free end is positioned generally adjacent the booth aperture bottom edge so that the shower screen at least partially covers the shower booth aperture, the sealing structure comprises:

[0026] a sealing component, the sealing component including:

[0027] a generally elongated first sealing section, the first sealing section defining a first section first longitudinal end an opposed first section second longitudinal end, a first section first transversal edge, an opposed first section second transversal edge and a first section longitudinal axis, the first section first transversal edge being attachable to the booth aperture first side edge in sealing engagement therewith;

[0028] a generally elongated second sealing section defining a second section first longitudinal end, an opposed second section second longitudinal end, a second section first transversal edge, an opposed second section second transversal edge and a second section longitudinal axis; the second section first transversal edge being provided with a second section-to-screen edge sealing means for maintaining a sealing contact with the screen first side edge while allowing the shower screen to move between the retracted and extended configurations;

[0029] a first-to-second sealing section attachment means for attaching together the first and second sealing sections, the first-to-second sealing section attachment means allowing relative movement between the first and second sealing sections so as to allow for adjustment of the edge distance between the first sealing section and the second sealing section first side edges along the length of the sealing structure.

[0030] Preferably, the first-to-second sealing section attachment further allows for angular movement between the first and second sealing sections so as to vary the angular relationship between the first and second sealing section longitudinal axes.

[0031] Preferably, the first sealing section defines a longitudinally extending first section adjustment wall, the first section adjustment wall being provided with at least two generally transversally extending adjustment slots;

[0032] the second sealing section defines a longitudinally extending second section adjustment wall, the second section adjustment wall being provided with at least two adjustment pins extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, the adjustment pins being insertable into the adjustment slots for slidable movement therealong;

[0033] the adjustment slots and the adjustment pins being spaced longitudinally relative to each other respectively along the first section adjustment wall and the second section adjustment wall;

[0034] the sealing structure further including at least two pin-to-slot locking means for respectively locking the adjustment pins in a predetermined position along a corresponding adjustment slot;

[0035] whereby the slidable movement of the adjustment pins in the adjustment slots guides the relative movement between the first and second sealing sections and whereby by variations in the positioning of the adjustment pins relative to the adjustment slots along the length of the first and second sealing sections allows for adjustment of the angular relationship between the first and second section longitudinal axes.

[0036] Preferably, the pin-to-slot locking means is a releasable locking means for selectively allowing locking and unlocking of the pin in a pin position along the adjustment slot.

[0037] Preferably, the pin is a bolt having a threaded bolt stem extending both through the adjustment slot and through a bolt aperture formed in the second section adjustment wall, the bolt having a bolt head for abutting against an outer surface of the second section adjustment wall and wherein the pin-to-slot locking means includes a nut threadably engaging the bolt stem for frictionally abutting against an inner surface of the first section adjustment wall.

[0038] Preferably, the second section-to-screen edge sealing means includes a second section sealing component attached to the second section adjustment wall, the second section sealing component having a generally U-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration defining a sealing component slot leading into a sealing component channel; the screen first side edge being provided with a screen edge retaining protrusion protruding therefrom, the screen edge retaining protrusion being configured and sized for longitudinal slidable insertion into the sealing component channel and for preventing a retraction thereof from the sealing component channel through the sealing component slot.

[0039] Preferably, the screen edge retaining protrusion is configured and sized for cooperating with the second section sealing component so as to releasably prevent the screen edge retaining protrusion from being retracted through the sealing component slot while allowing the screen edge retaining protrusion to be retracted from the sealing component slot when a predetermined threshold pressure is applied to the shower screen.

[0040] Preferably, the sealing component slot extends in a direction generally parallel to the second section adjustment wall and wherein the second section sealing component is attached to the second section adjustment wall by a second section adjustment wall-to-sealing component spacing arm, the second section adjustment wall-to-sealing component spacing arm extending in a generally perpendicular relationship relative to the second section adjustment wall.

[0041] Typically, the first sealing section further includes a first section blocking wall attached to the first section adjustment wall, the first section blocking wall extending in a generally spaced and parallel relationship relative to the first section adjustment wall, whereby the first section blocking wall prevents a liquid having penetrated in the adjustment slot from flowing out of the shower booth.

[0042] Preferably, the first section blocking wall is attached to the first section adjustment wall by a generally perpendicularly extending first section adjustment wall-to-blocking wall spacing leg, the first sealing section having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a first section slot leading into a first section channel.

[0043] Preferably, the first sealing section is further provided with a removable sealing strip removably mounted across the first section slot and wherein the first sealing section is also further provided with an adjustment wall discharge aperture formed in the adjustment wall adjacent the first sealing component second longitudinal end.

[0044] Preferably, the first sealing section further includes a mounting wall extending from the adjustment wall-to-blocking wall spacing leg in a generally parallel relationship relative thereto.

[0045] Preferably, the first sealing section is further provided with a wall attachment means extending from the mounting wall for attaching the first sealing section to the booth aperture first side edge.

[0046] Preferably, the first sealing section is further provided with a deflecting wall extending from the first section adjustment wall adjacent the first section first longitudinal end, the deflecting wall extending in an angled relationship relative to the first section adjustment wall and in a generally overlying relationship relative to the first section channel, whereby the deflecting wall allows for the deflection of a liquid in contact therewith towards the shower booth and prevents the liquid in contact therewith from penetrating into the first section channel.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sealing structure in combination with a shower screen, the shower screen defining a screen attachment end, a generally opposed screen free end, a screen first side edge and a generally opposed screen second side edge, the shower screen being used for selectively extending at least partially across a shower booth aperture, the shower booth aperture defining a booth aperture top edge, an opposed aperture bottom edge, a booth aperture first side edge and an opposed booth aperture second side edge; the screen attachment end being attachable to a deployment mechanism, the deployment mechanism being attachable between the booth aperture first and second side edges generally adjacent the aperture top edge, the deployment mechanism allowing the shower screen to slide relative to the shower booth aperture between a retracted configuration wherein the screen free end is position generally adjacent the deployment mechanism leaving the booth aperture generally opened and an extended configuration wherein the screen free end is positioned generally adjacent the booth aperture bottom edge so that the shower screen at least partially covers the shower booth aperture, the sealing structure comprises:

[0048] a pair of sealing components, each of the sealing components including:

[0049] a generally elongated first sealing section, the first sealing section defining a first section first longitudinal end an opposed first section second longitudinal end, a first section first transversal edge, an opposed first section second transversal edge and a first section longitudinal axis, the first section first transversal edge being attachable to the booth aperture first side edge in sealing engagement therewith; a generally elongated second sealing section defining a second section first longitudinal end;

[0050] an opposed second section second longitudinal end, a second section first transversal edge, an opposed second section second transversal edge and a second section longitudinal axis; the second section first transversal edge being provided with a second section-to-screen edge sealing means for maintaining a sealing contact with the screen first side edge while allowing the shower screen to move between the retracted and extending configurations;

[0051] a pair of first-to-second sealing section attachment means for attaching together corresponding first and second sealing sections, each of the first-to-second sealing section attachment means allowing relative movement between corresponding first and second sealing sections so as to allow for adjustment of the corresponding edge distance between the first sealing section and the second sealing section first side edges along the length of the sealing structure.

[0052] Preferably, the deployment mechanism allows the shower screen to slide relative to the shower booth aperture in a direction generally parallel to the booth aperture bottom edge thereby following the adjustments of the corresponding edge distance between the first sealing section and the second sealing section of the pair of sealing components.

[0053] Preferably, the first-to-second sealing section attachment means of at least one of the sealing components further allows for angular movement between corresponding first and second sealing sections so as to vary the angular relationship between corresponding first and second sealing section longitudinal axes.

[0054] Preferably, the deployment mechanism includes a rotational biasing component means for biasing the shower screen into the retracted configuration.

[0055] Preferably, the rotational biasing component means includes a rotational linkage mechanism allowing for adjustment of biasing force of the rotational biasing component means.

[0056] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description provided herein, within appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] An embodiment of the present invention will now be disclosed, by way of examples, in reference to the following drawings in which like reference characters indicate like elements throughout.

[0058] FIG. 1: in partial perspective view with sections taken out, the perspective view being taken from inside a bathtub enclosure and looking towards the remainder of the bathroom, illustrates a sealing structure and associated shower screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing structure being shown attached to a pair of opposed walls part of the bathtub enclosure and the shower screen being shown in contact with the sealing structure;

[0059] FIG. 2: in a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along arrows 2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrates some of the internal components of both the sealing structure and the shower screen and the relationship between the latter;

[0060] FIG. 3: in a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along arrows 3-3 of FIG. 2, illustrates a mounting bracket associated with a shower screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 4: in a transversal cross-sectional view taken along arrows 4-4 of FIG. 2 with sections taken out, illustrates some of the internal components of another mounting arrangement associated with a sealing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 5: in a partial perspective view taken along line 5 of FIG. 1 with sections taken out, illustrates an end section of a roller component about to be attached to a mounting bracket, both the roller component and the mounting bracket being associated with a sealing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 6: in a partial perspective view taken along line 6 of FIG. 2 with sections taken out, illustrates a section of a roller and another mounting bracket, both the roller and the other mounting bracket being associated with a sealing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 7: in a transversal cross-sectional view taken along arrows 7-7 of FIG. 1, illustrates some of the components of a sealing structure in accordance with the present invention and the sealing relationship between the sealing structure and the shower screen both part of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 8: in a transversal cross-sectional view, illustrates some of the components of a sealing structure and shower screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 9: in a cross-sectional view taken along arrows 9-9 of FIG. 8, illustrates some of the components associated with an end section of a shower screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 10: in a perspective view, illustrates a sealing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing structure being shown with a first type of mounting bracket attached thereto;

[0068] FIG. 11: in a partially broken perspective view, illustrates a sealing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing structure being shown with another type of mounting bracket attached thereto;

[0069] FIG. 12: in a perspective view, illustrates a second sealing section part of a sealing component associated with a sealing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] FIG. 13: in an elevational view, illustrates a translational movement between first and second sealing sections part of a sealing component associated with a sealing structure in accordance an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0071] FIG. 14: in an elevational view, illustrates a pivotal movement between first and second sealing sections part of a sealing component associated with a sealing structure in accordance an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0072] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a sealing structure 10 for use with a shower screen 12, both in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that although, throughout the figures, the sealing structure 10 is shown as being used with a specific type of shower screen 12, the sealing structure 10 could be used with other types of shower screens such as other types of roll-up shower curtains, paneled roll-up type of shower doors or other types of shower screens without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the shower screen could be made of hinged panels adapted to slide up and down across the shower booth aperture in a manner similar to that of conventional paneled garage doors.

[0073] Also, although the shower screen 12, or curtain, is particularly well suited for use with the sealing structure 10, it should be understood that the shower screen 12 could be used with other types of sealing structures without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, although the sealing structure 10 is shown as being used on both sides of the shower screen 12, it should be understood that the sealing structure 10 could be used on a single side of the shower screen 12 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0074] Typically, as shown more specifically in FIG. 8, the shower screen 12 defines a screen attachment end 14 and a generally opposed screen free end 16. The shower screen 12 typically also defines a screen first side edge 18 and a generally opposed screen second side edge 20. Although throughout the figures, the screen first side edge 18 is shown as being on the left-hand side and the shower screen as being viewed from the interior of the shower booth, it should be understood that the screen first and second side edges 18, 20 could be located adjacent either side of the shower booth aperture without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0075] As shown more specifically in FIG. 1, the shower screen 12 is intended to extend selectively at least partially across a shower booth aperture 22. The shower booth aperture 22 typically extends between booth aperture first and second side edges 24, 26 defined by corresponding opposed shower booth side walls. The shower booth aperture 22 typically also extends between a booth aperture top edge (defined by a bathroom ceiling not shown) and a booth aperture bottom edge 32 defined by a top edge part of a bathtub proximal wall 28. However, although throughout the figures, the sealing structure 10 is shown as extending from a position located adjacent the shower booth top edge to a position located adjacent the booth aperture bottom edge 32, it should be understood that the sealing structure could extend only partially between the booth aperture top edge (not shown) and the booth aperture bottom edge 32 without departing from the scope of the present invention as long as it allows for at least a partial sealing action across the shower booth aperture 22.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8, the screen attachment end 14 is attachable to a deployment mechanism 30 such as a roll-up type of deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism 30 is, in turn, attachable between the booth aperture first and second side edges 24, 26 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0077] The deployment mechanism allows the shower screen 12 to slide relative to the shower booth aperture 22 between a retracted configuration wherein the screen free end 16 is positioned generally adjacent the deployment mechanism 30, leaving the booth aperture 22 generally opened and an extended configuration wherein the screen free end 16 is positioned generally adjacent the booth aperture bottom edge 32 so that the shower screen 12 at least partially covers the shower booth aperture 22.

[0078] The sealing structure 10 is intended to prevent water emanating directly from a shower head (not shown) or indirectly from the body of a bather (also not shown) from escaping between the screen first and/or second side edges 18, 20 and adjacent booth aperture first and/or second side edges 24, 26. The sealing structure 10 is thus intended to block water reaching the shower booth aperture 22 so as to prevent the water emanating from the shower booth from wetting the bathroom floor 34 or other adjacent surfaces located outside the shower booth.

[0079] As mentioned previously, the sealing structure 10 preferably includes two sealing components 36, 36′ respectively mounted between the screen first and second side edges 18, 20 and the corresponding booth aperture first and second side edges 24, 26. However, the sealing structure 10 could include a single sealing component 36 or 36′ respectively mounted between the screen first side edge 18 and the corresponding booth aperture first side edges 24 or the screen second side edge 20 and the corresponding booth aperture second side edge 26 leaving the other screen side edge unsealed or sealed with another device.

[0080] Each sealing component 36 or 36′ includes a first sealing section 38 attached to a second sealing section 39. As illustrated more specifically in FIGS. 10 and 12, each first sealing section 38 has a generally elongated configuration defining a first section first longitudinal end 40, an opposed first section second longitudinal end 42, a first section first transversal edge 44, an opposed first section second transversal edge 46 and a first section longitudinal axis 48.

[0081] Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 11, each second sealing section 39 have a generally elongated configuration defining a second section first longitudinal end 50, an opposed second section second longitudinal end 52, a second section first transversal edge 54, an opposed second section second transversal edge 56, and a second section longitudinal axis 58.

[0082] The first section first transversal edge 44 is attachable to the booth aperture first side edge 24, in sealing engagement therewith. A first section first transversal edge attachment means is preferably provided for sealingly attaching the first section first transversal edge 44 to the booth aperture first side edge 24. Optionally, the first section first transversal edge attachment means could be used or sold separately since any suitable means for sealingly attaching two components together could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0083] The second section first transversal edge 54 is provided with a second section-to-screen edge sealing means for maintaining a sealing contact with the screen first side edge 18. The second section-to-screen edge sealing means is adapted to maintain a sealing contact with the screen first side edge 18 while allowing the shower screen 12 to move between its retracted and extended configurations.

[0084] Each sealing component 36, 36′ also includes a first-to-second sealing section attachment means for attaching together the first and second sealing sections 38, 39 while allowing relative movement between the first and second sealing sections 38, 39. The relative movement between the first and second sealing sections 38, 39, in turn, allows for adjustment of an edge distance indicated by the reference numeral 60 in FIG. 7 between the first sealing section first side edge 44 and the second sealing section first side edge 54 along the length of the sealing components 36 or 36′.

[0085] As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 13, the first-to-second sealing section attachment means allows relative movement between the first and second sealing sections 38, 39 so as to enable the possibility for adjustment of the length of the edge distance 60 while maintaining the first sealing section first side edge 44 in a generally parallel relationship relative to the second sealing section first side edge 54. This possibility may prove to be helpful in situations wherein the sealing structure 10 must adapt to variations in the distance between the first and second shower booth side walls 24, 26 while the shower curtain 12 has a fixed width such as when an intended user installs a given shower curtain 12 in a new setting, typically within four (4) inches from the previous setting. Alternatively, the same adjustment possibility illustrated in FIG. 13 may prove to be useful in situations wherein a new shower curtain 12 having a different width is installed in a given shower booth aperture 22 having a fixed distance between the shower booth first and second side walls 24, 26.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown that the first-to-second sealing section attachment means may further allow for angular movement between the first and second sealing sections 38, 39 and, hence, between their respective longitudinal axes 48, 58 so as to allow for adjustment of the angular relationship between the first sealing section first side edge 44 and the second sealing section first side edge 54.

[0087] The pivotal movement between the first and second sealing sections 38, 39 is indicated by arrow 62 while the angular relationship between the angled first and second sealing sections 38, 39 is indicated by the angle 64 between the first and second section longitudinal axis 48, 58. The possibility of adjusting the angular relationship between the first and second sealing section first side edges 44, 54 may prove to be helpful in situations wherein the first and second shower booth side edges 24, 26 are not in a parallel relationship relative to each other or either one of the first or second shower booth edges 24, 26 are warped or bent either before or after installation of the sealing structure 10.

[0088] As illustrated more specifically in FIGS. 10 and 12, the first sealing sections 38 of the corresponding sealing component 36, 36′ each define a corresponding longitudinally extending first section adjustment wall 66. The first section adjustment wall 66 is provided with at least one generally transversally extending adjustment slot 68.

[0089] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11, the second sealing section 40 defines a longitudinally extending second section adjustment wall 70. The second section adjustment wall 70 is provided with at least one adjustment pin 72 extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The adjustment pin 72 is positioned, configured and sized so as to be insertable into a corresponding adjustment slot 68 for slidable movement therealong. The slidable movement of the adjustment pin 72 in the adjustment slot 68 is adapted to guide the relative movement between the first and second sealing sections 38, 39.

[0090] Preferably, the first and second sealing sections 38 and 39 are correspondingly provided with a plurality of adjustment slots 68 and corresponding adjustment pins 72. The adjustment slots 68 and the adjustment pins 72 are typically spaced longitudinally respectively along the first section adjustment wall 66 and the second section adjustment wall 70. By varying the relative position of the successive adjustment pins 72 within their corresponding adjustment slots 68 along the length of the first and second section adjustment walls 66, 70, the angular relationship between the first and second section longitudinal axis 48, 58 may be guidingly adjusted.

[0091] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the first sealing section 38 of one sealing component 36 has relatively shorter adjustment slots 68 than the first sealing section 38 of the other sealing component 36′. Accordingly, the first sealing component 36 is preferably used for angular movement between the corresponding first and second sealing sections 38, 39 (see FIG. 14) while the second sealing component 36 is preferably used for translational movement between the corresponding first and second sealing sections 38, 39 (see FIG. 13).

[0092] The sealing structure 10 preferably further includes a pin-to-slot locking means for locking the adjustment pin 72 in a pin position along the adjustment slot 68. The pin-to-slot locking means hence allows the first and second sealing sections 38 and 39 to be locked in a predetermined spacing configuration relative to each other. The pin-to-slot locking means is preferably a releasable-type of locking means for selectively allowing locking and unlocking of the locking pin 72 in a predetermined pin position along a corresponding pin slot 68.

[0093] As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 7, typically, although by no means exclusively, the locking pin 72 is a bolt having a threaded bolt stem 74 extending through both the adjustment slot 68 and a bolt aperture 76 formed in the second section adjustment wall 70. The bolt 72 typically has a bolt head 78 for abutting against an outer surface 80 of the second section adjustment wall 70. Typically, although by no means exclusively, the pin-to-slot locking means includes a nut component 82 threadably engaging the stem of the bolt 72 for frictionally abutting against an inner surface 84 of the first section adjustment wall 66. The bolt 72 and nut 82 thus allow for squeezing of the first and second section adjustment walls 66, 70 together so as to frictionally lock the spacing 60 at a given value.

[0094] The section-to-screen edge sealing means typically includes a second section sealing component 86 attached to the second section adjustment wall 70. The second section sealing component 86 typically has a generally U-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration defining a pair of sealing component guiding legs 88 maintained in spaced and preferably generally parallel relationship relative to each other by a sealing component spacing leg 90.

[0095] Each sealing component guiding leg 88 is preferably provided with a corresponding retaining flange 92. The retaining flanges 92 are typically positioned so as to face each other so as to define a sealing component slot 94 leading into a sealing component channel 96. The sealing component channel 96 is thus typically delimited by the sealing component spacing leg 90, the sealing component guiding legs 96 and the corresponding retaining flanges 92.

[0096] The screen first side edge 18 is preferably provided with a screen edge retaining protrusion 98 protruding therefrom. The retaining protrusion 98 is configured and sized for slidable insertion into the sealing component channel 96 and for preventing unwanted retraction therefrom through the sealing component slot 94.

[0097] Typically, the screen edge retaining protrusion 98 protrudes from one surface, preferably the outer surface 15, of the shower screen 12. The screen edge retaining protrusion 98 is typically configured and sized for cooperating with the sealing component slot 94 so as to releasably prevent withdrawal thereof from the sealing component channel 96 through the sealing component slot 94 during normal conditions such as, for example, when a relatively weak pressure is exerted on the shower screen 12.

[0098] The screen edge retaining protrusion 98 is also typically configured and sized for cooperating with the sealing component slot 94 so as to allow for the withdrawal of the screen edge retaining protrusion 98 from the sealing component channel 96 through the sealing component slot 94, due to the flexibility and the resiliency of the sealing component guiding legs 88, when a predetermined threshold pressure is applied on the shower screen 12 such as, for example, when an intended user either pushes strongly against the shower screen 12 to escape the bathtub enclosure when prevented from leaving the bathtub enclosure because the deployment mechanism 30 is stuck in an extended configuration, or accidentally falls on the shower screen 12.

[0099] Typically, the sealing component slot 94 extends in a direction generally parallel to the second section adjustment wall 70. Also, typically, the second section sealing component 86 is attached to the second section adjustment wall 70 by a second section adjustment wall-to-sealing component spacing arm 100. The second section adjustment wall-to-sealing component spacing arm 100 typically extends in a generally perpendicular relationship relative to the second section adjustment wall 70 and in a generally parallel or collinear relationship relative to the sealing component spacing leg 90.

[0100] The second section adjustment wall-to-sealing component spacing arm 100 allows spacing of the sealing component 86 relative to the first component adjustment wall 66. Spacing of the sealing component 86 relative to the first component adjustment wall 66 allows for the outer handle 142 of the shower screen 12, further described in details here below, to clear the first section adjustment wall 66 when the distance 60 needs to be decreased when the second sealing section 39 is adjusted relative to the first sealing section 38 in proximity to the first section transversal edge 44. Spacing of the sealing component 86 relative to the first component adjustment wall 66 is also intended to reduce the intensity of frictional forces between the first and second sealing components 38, 40.

[0101] Typically, the first sealing section 38 further includes a first section blocking wall 102 attached to the first section adjustment wall 66 and extending in a generally spaced and parallel relationship relative to the latter. Typically, the first section blocking wall 102 is attached to the first section adjustment wall 66 by a generally perpendicularly extending first section adjustment wall-to-blocking wall spacing leg 104. The first section adjustment wall 66, the first section blocking wall 102 and the first section adjustment wall-to-blocking wall spacing leg 104 together define a generally U-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration. The generally U-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration of the first sealing section 38, in turn, defines a first section slot 106 leading into a first section channel 108.

[0102] Typically, the first sealing section 38 is further provided with a removable sealing strip 110 removably mounted across the first section slot 106. As shown more specifically in FIG. 7, both the first section adjustment 66 and blocking 102 walls are typically provided with corresponding first section flanges 112 extending therefrom opposite the first section adjustment wall-to-blocking wall spacing leg 104. The first section flanges 112 typically extend towards each other so as to define the first section slot 106. Each first section flange 112 is typically provided with a corresponding flange channel 113 for receiving a sealing strip tongue 114. The sealing strip tongues 114 cooperate with the flange channels 113 for releasably retaining the sealing strip 110 across the first section slot 106.

[0103] As illustrated more specifically in FIGS. 10 and 12, the first section adjustment wall 66 is preferably further provided with an adjustment wall discharge aperture 115 formed in the first section adjustment wall 66 preferably adjacent the first sealing component second longitudinal end 42. The removable sealing strip 110 prevents water or other liquids having flown into the first section panel 108 through the adjustment slot 68 or otherwise from flowing out of the shower booth. The discharge aperture 115 allows water or other liquids having flown into the first section channel 108 to be discharged towards the shower booth and into the bathtub.

[0104] The first sealing section 38 typically further includes a mounting wall 116 extending from the first section adjustment wall-to-locking wall spacing leg 104 in a generally parallel and coplanar relationship relative thereto. Typically, the mounting wall 116 extends in a direction leading towards the shower booth.

[0105] The first sealing section 38 is optionally further provided with a wall attachment means for attaching the mounting wall 116 to the booth aperture first side edges 24, 26. The wall attachment means may take any suitable form such as strips 118 of adhesive material adhesively attached to the mounting wall 116 and/or to the first section adjustment wall-to-blocking wall spacing leg 104. A sealing edge deflector 119 ensures a water seal between the longitudinal edge of the mounting wall 116 facing the shower booth and the corresponding booth aperture side edge 24, 26 to close off a possible gap there between, due to the adhesive strips 118.

[0106] The first sealing section 38 typically also includes a deflecting wall 120 extending from the first section adjustment wall 66 at an angle relative thereto and in a generally overlying relationship relative to the first section channel 108. The deflecting wall 120 is positioned so as to prevent water or other liquids from penetrating into the first section channel 108 from a position located adjacent the first sealing component first longitudinal end 40. The deflecting wall 120 is also positioned so as to deflect water dripping from the rolled shower screen 12 or other liquids towards the shower booth.

[0107] Typically, the first sealing section 38 is also further provided with a base wall 122 attached to the first section adjustment wall 66 and to the mounting wall 116. The base wall 122 is intended to rest on booth aperture bottom edge 32 or the top surface of the proximal bath wall 28 so as to support at least part of the weight of the corresponding sealing component 36.

[0108] As shown more specifically in FIGS. 8 and 9, a free end sealing structure 124 is optionally attached to the curtain-free end 16. The free end sealing structure 124 typically includes a generally L-shaped mounting bracket 126 defining a bracket first leg 128 attached to an inner surface 13 of the curtain 12 and a generally perpendicularly extending bracket second leg 130.

[0109] As shown more specifically in FIG. 7, the bracket first leg 128 generally extends into the sealing component channel 96 to increase the retention of the screen free end 16 therein. Accordingly, a first leg channel 129 allows for easy sliding of the screen 12 within the sealing component slut 94.

[0110] The bracket second leg 130 is typically provided with a free end sealing strip 132 attached thereto. The free end sealing strip 132 typically forms a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration and is typically made out of a generally resilient material such as an elastomeric material.

[0111] A free end deflecting plate 134 is also typically attached to the bracket first leg 128. The free end deflecting plate 134 typically extends in an angled relationship relative to the bracket first leg 128 and in a direction leading towards the shower booth. The deflecting plate 134 is typically configured and sized so as to extend beyond or adjacent an inner surface of the bathtub proximal wall 28 therefore deflecting drops 136 of liquid into the bathtub as indicated by arrows 138.

[0112] The curtain 12 may also be optionally provided with inner and outer handles 140, 142 generally adjacent the screen free end 16 and extending respectively from inner 13 and outer 15 surfaces from the curtain 12, respectively facing towards and away from the shower booth, so as to facilitate handling thereof between the extended and retracted configurations. The inner and outer handles 140,142 are preferably fastened to the bracket first leg 128.

[0113] The outer handle 142 is generally elongated and typically extends from the screen first side edge 18 to the screen second side edge 20. The outer handle 142 typically has an inclined handle upper surface 143 inclining downwardly towards the curtain 12 so as to form a screen-handle channel 145 therewith to collect water 136 dripping along the outer surface 15 thereof.

[0114] A plurality of through holes 147 generally runs through the curtain 12 and the bracket first leg 128. The through holes 147, typically uniformly distributed along the screen free end 16, are in fluid communication with the screen-handle channel 145 to have the water collected therein to flow towards the shower booth and drip onto the deflecting plate 134. Accordingly, the holes 147 are preferably downwardly inclined in the direction leading towards the shower booth, substantially in line with inclination of the handle upper surface 143.

[0115] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 2 through 6, there is shown in greater details some of the components of the shower curtain 12 and its deployment mechanism 30. Again, it should be understood that other types of curtain 12 or deployment mechanisms 30 could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0116] The curtain 12 is typically mounted on a spring-biased roller 144 defining a roller first longitudinal end 146 and an opposed roller second longitudinal end 148. The roller 144 typically includes a generally cylindrical roller outer shell 150. The roller outer shell 150 is generally concentrically mounted relative to a first end roller axle 152 and a second end roller axle 152′.

[0117] The first end roller axle 152 is maintained in a generally concentrically relationship relative to the roller outer shell 150 adjacent the roller first longitudinal end 146 by a first roller sleeve 154 attached to the inner surface of the roller shell 150. The first end roller axle 152 is free to rotate relative to the first roller sleeve 154 and the roller shell 150, and is prevented from axle longitudinal displacement relative to the first roller sleeve 154 by sleeve washers 156, 156′. One sleeve washer 156 is prevented from longitudinally sliding along the first end roller axle 152 because of an oversized mounting tongue 168 extending outwardly therefrom. The other sleeve washer 156′ is prevented from longitudinally sliding along the first end roller axle 152 because of a washer retaining spring pin 157.

[0118] Adjacent the roller second longitudinal end 148, the second end roller axle 152′ is maintained in a generally concentrical relationship relative to the roller shell 150 by a second roller sleeve 158 preferably made out of two symmetrical halves bonded together. As shown more specifically in FIG. 4, the second end roller axle 152′ is allowed to slide into the corresponding axle channel 160 formed in the second roller sleeve 158 while prevented from rotation relative thereto by both opposite ends 163 of a locking pin 162 extending radially therefrom. The ends 163 of the locking pin 162 slide within corresponding sleeve slots 159 to prevent the second end roller axle 152′ from sliding out of the second roller sleeve 158.

[0119] A rotational biasing component means such as a helicoidal-type spring 164 is attached at the first end thereof to the first end roller axle 152 and at a second end thereof to the first roller sleeve 154. The spring 164 is adapted to allow for spring assisted rotationally resilient rotation of the roller 144 in a first rotational direction allowing the screen 12 to be rolled onto the roller outer shell 150. The spring 164 is also adapted to allow reverse rotation of the roller 144 in a second rotational direction opposed to the first rotational direction against the return resilient rotation biasing force exerted by the biasing spring 164 when the screen is unrolled from the roller outer shell 150 as is well known in the art.

[0120] The first end spring axle 152 is rotatably attached through a rotational linkage mechanism 166. A mounting tongue 168, oversized from the diameter of the first end roller axle 152 prevents the sleeve washer 156 abutting a first end thereof from sliding there along away from the first roller sleeve 154, is provided with a retaining hook 170 adjacent a second end thereof. The mounting tongue 168 is slidably inserted into a mounting block 172 having a corresponding tongue channel 174 formed therein. The mounting tongue channel 174 is wide enough to allow one-sided insertion of the mounting tongue 168 with the retaining hook 170 there through when in an inclined non-operative position relative thereto (not shown) while preventing withdrawal therefrom in a direction leading towards the roller component 144 when in operative position relative thereto, as shown in FIG. 3. The mounting block 172 is provided with an angled outer surface adapted to mate with the corresponding inner surface of a mounting sleeve 175 attached to the mounting wall 116 to prevent rotational movement of the first end roller axle 152, thereby allowing adjustment of the tension of the spring 164 and of the biasing force of the rotational biasing component means. A securing component 176 further releasably prevents rotation and slidable relative movement between the mounting sleeve 175 and the mounting block 172.

[0121] Adjacent the roller second longitudinal end 148, the second end roller axle 152′ is provided with a generally disk-shaped mounting protrusion 178. The mounting protrusion 178 is adapted to be releasably mounted in a corresponding double-sized mounting aperture 180 formed in a mounting bracket 182 as is well known in the art. The mounting bracket 182 is mounted on an attachment block 184 having mounting tracks 186 allowing for vertical adjustment of the double-sized mounting aperture 180 of the mounting bracket 182 and provided with locking components 188 for locking the mounting bracket 182 relative to the attachment block 184 in a predetermined relationship relative thereto.

[0122] Although the present shower screen sealing structure has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the disclosure has been made by way of example only and that the present invention is not limited to the features of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for use with a shower screen, said shower screen defining a screen attachment end, a generally opposed screen free end, a screen first side edge and a generally opposed screen second side edge, said shower screen being used for selectively extending at least partially across a shower booth aperture, said shower booth aperture defining a booth aperture top edge, an opposed booth aperture bottom edge, a booth aperture first side edge and an opposed booth aperture second side edge; said screen attachment end being attachable to a deployment mechanism, said deployment mechanism being attachable between said booth aperture first and second side edges generally adjacent said booth aperture top edge, said deployment mechanism allowing said shower screen to slide relative to said shower booth aperture between a retracted configuration wherein said screen free end is position generally adjacent the deployment mechanism leaving said shower booth aperture generally opened and an extended configuration wherein said screen free end is positioned generally adjacent said booth aperture bottom edge so that said shower screen at least partially covers said shower booth aperture, said sealing structure comprising:

a sealing component, said sealing component including:

a generally elongated first sealing section, said first sealing section defining a first section first longitudinal end an opposed first section second longitudinal end, a first section first transversal edge, an opposed first section second transversal edge and a first section longitudinal axis, said first section first transversal edge being attachable to said booth aperture first side edge in sealing engagement therewith;

a generally elongated second sealing section defining a second section first longitudinal end, an opposed second section second longitudinal end, a second section first transversal edge, an opposed second section second transversal edge and a second section longitudinal axis; said second section first transversal edge being provided with a second section-to-screen edge sealing means for maintaining a sealing contact with said screen first side edge while allowing said shower screen to move between said retracted and extended configurations;

a first-to-second sealing section attachment means for attaching together said first and second sealing sections, said first-to-second sealing section attachment means allowing relative movement between said first and second sealing sections so as to allow for adjustment of the edge distance between said first sealing section and said second sealing section first side edges along the length of said sealing structure.

2. A sealing structure as recited in claim 1, wherein said first-to-second sealing section attachment further allows for angular movement between said first and second sealing sections so as to vary the angular relationship between said first and second sealing section longitudinal axes.

3. A sealing structure as recited in claim 1, wherein:

said first sealing section defines a longitudinally extending first section adjustment wall, said first section adjustment wall being provided with a generally transversally extending adjustment slot;

said second sealing section defines a longitudinally extending second section adjustment wall, said second section adjustment wall being provided with an adjustment pin extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, said adjustment pin being insertable into said adjustment slot for slidable movement therealong;

said sealing structure further includes a pin-to-slot locking means for locking said adjustment pin in a pin position along said adjustment slot;

whereby the slidable movement of said adjustment pin in said adjustment slot guides the relative movement between said first and second sealing sections and whereby said pin-to-slot locking means allows said first and second sealing sections to be locked in a spacing configuration relative to each other.

4. A sealing structure as recited in claim 1, wherein:

said first sealing section defines a longitudinally extending first section adjustment wall, said first section adjustment wall being provided with at least two generally transversally extending adjustment slots;

said second sealing section defines a longitudinally extending second section adjustment wall, said second section adjustment wall being provided with at least two adjustment pins extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, said adjustment pins being insertable into said adjustment slots for slidable movement therealong;

said adjustment slots and said adjustment pins being spaced longitudinally relative to each other respectively along said first section adjustment wall and said second section adjustment wall;

said sealing structure further including at least two pin-to-slot locking means for respectively locking said adjustment pins in a predetermined position along a corresponding adjustment slot;

whereby the slidable movement of said adjustment pins in said adjustment slots guides the relative movement between said first and second sealing sections and whereby by variations in the positioning of said adjustment pins relative to said adjustment slots along the length of said first and second sealing sections allows for adjustment of the angular relationship between said first and second section longitudinal axes.

5. A sealing structure as recited in claim 3, wherein said pin-to-slot locking means is a releasable locking means for selectively allowing locking and unlocking of said pin in a pin position along said adjustment slot.

6. A sealing structure as recited in claim 5, wherein said pin is a bolt having a threaded bolt stem extending both through said adjustment slot and through a bolt aperture formed in said second section adjustment wall, said bolt having a bolt head for abutting against an outer surface of said second section adjustment wall and wherein said pin-to-slot locking means includes a nut threadably engaging said bolt stem for frictionally abutting against an inner surface of said first section adjustment wall.

7. A sealing structure as recited in claim 3, wherein said second section-to-screen edge sealing means includes a second section sealing component attached to said second section adjustment wall, said second section sealing component having a generally U-shaped transversal cross-sectional configuration defining a sealing component slot leading into a sealing component channel; said screen first side edge being provided with a screen edge retaining protrusion protruding therefrom, said screen edge retaining protrusion being configured and sized for longitudinal slidable insertion into said sealing component channel and for preventing a retraction thereof from said sealing component channel through said sealing component slot.

8. A sealing structure as recited in claim 7, wherein said screen edge retaining protrusion is configured and sized for cooperating with said second section sealing component so as to releasably prevent said screen edge retaining protrusion from being retracted through said sealing component slot while allowing said screen edge retaining protrusion to be retracted from said sealing component slot when a predetermined threshold pressure is applied to said shower screen.

9. A sealing structure as recited in claim 7, wherein said sealing component slot extends in a direction generally parallel to said second section adjustment wall and wherein said second section sealing component is attached to said second section adjustment wall by a second section adjustment wall-to-sealing component spacing arm, said second section adjustment wall-to-sealing component spacing arm extending in a generally perpendicular relationship relative to said second section adjustment wall.

10. A sealing structure as recited in claim 3, wherein said first sealing section further includes a first section blocking wall attached to said first section adjustment wall, said first section blocking wall extending in a generally spaced and parallel relationship relative to said first section adjustment wall, whereby said first section blocking wall prevents a liquid having penetrated in said adjustment slot from flowing out of said shower booth.

11. A sealing structure as recited in claim 10, wherein said first section blocking wall is attached to said first section adjustment wall by a generally perpendicularly extending first section adjustment wall-to-blocking wall spacing leg, said first sealing section having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a first section slot leading into a first section channel.

12. A sealing structure as recited in claim 11, wherein said first sealing section is further provided with a removable sealing strip removably mounted across said first section slot and wherein said first sealing section is also further provided with an adjustment wall discharge aperture formed in said adjustment wall adjacent said first sealing component second longitudinal end.

13. A sealing structure as recited in claim 12, where said first sealing section further includes a mounting wall extending from said adjustment wall-to-blocking wall spacing leg in a generally parallel relationship relative thereto.

14. A sealing structure as recited in claim 13, wherein said first sealing section is further provided with a wall attachment means extending from said mounting wall for attaching said first sealing section to said booth aperture first side edge.

15. A sealing structure as recited in claim 13, wherein said first sealing section is further provided with a deflecting wall extending from said first section adjustment wall adjacent said first section first longitudinal end, said deflecting wall extending in an angled relationship relative to said first section adjustment wall and in a generally overlying relationship relative to said first section channel, whereby said deflecting wall allows for the deflection of a liquid in contact therewith towards said shower booth and prevents said liquid in contact therewith from penetrating into said first section channel.

16. A sealing structure in combination with a shower screen, said shower screen defining a screen attachment end, a generally opposed screen free end, a screen first side edge and a generally opposed screen second side edge, said shower screen being used for selectively extending at least partially across a shower booth aperture, said shower booth aperture defining a booth aperture top edge, an opposed aperture bottom edge, a booth aperture first side edge and an opposed booth aperture second side edge; said screen attachment end being attachable to a deployment mechanism, said deployment mechanism being attachable between said booth aperture first and second side edges generally adjacent said aperture top edge, said deployment mechanism allowing said shower screen to slide relative to said shower booth aperture between a retracted configuration wherein said screen free end is position generally adjacent said deployment mechanism leaving said booth aperture generally opened and an extended configuration wherein said screen free end is positioned generally adjacent said booth aperture bottom edge so that said shower screen at least partially covers said shower booth aperture, said sealing structure comprising:

a pair of sealing components, each of said sealing components including:

a generally elongated first sealing section, said first sealing section defining a first section first longitudinal end an opposed first section second longitudinal end, a first section first transversal edge, an opposed first section second transversal edge and a first section longitudinal axis, said first section first transversal edge being attachable to said booth aperture first side edge in sealing engagement therewith; a generally elongated second sealing section defining a second section first longitudinal end;

an opposed second section second longitudinal end, a second section first transversal edge, an opposed second section second transversal edge and a second section longitudinal axis; said second section first transversal edge being provided with a second section-to-screen edge sealing means for maintaining a sealing contact with said screen first side edge while allowing said shower screen to move between said retracted and extending configurations;

a pair of first-to-second sealing section attachment means for attaching together corresponding said first and second sealing sections, each of said first-to-second sealing section attachment means allowing relative movement between corresponding said first and second sealing sections so as to allow for adjustment of the corresponding edge distance between said first sealing section and said second sealing section first side edges along the length of said sealing structure.

17. A combination as recited in claim 16, wherein said deployment mechanism allows said shower screen to slide relative to said shower booth aperture in a direction generally parallel to said booth aperture bottom edge thereby following said adjustments of the corresponding edge distance between said first sealing section and said second sealing section of said pair of sealing components.

18. A combination as recited in claim 17, wherein said first-to-second sealing section attachment means of at least one of said sealing components further allows for angular movement between corresponding said first and second sealing sections so as to vary the angular relationship between corresponding said first and second sealing section longitudinal axes.

19. A combination as recited in claim 17, wherein said deployment mechanism includes a rotational biasing component means for biasing said shower screen into said retracted configuration.

20. A combination as recited in claim 19, wherein said rotational biasing component means includes a rotational linkage mechanism allowing for adjustment of biasing force of said rotational biasing component means.