Tub Partition, and Method for Mounting a Tub Partition

Abstract

The invention relates to a frameless, self-supporting tub partition (1) comprising at least one wall element (3) of synthetic glass, characterized in that the tub partition (1) comprises at least one supplemental element (5) that may be detachably affixed to the wall element (3), whereby the supplemental element (5) is configured to protect and/or to adapt and/or to mark the at least one wall element (3) to local installation dimensions during installation of the tub partition (1) by means of a processing device. The invention also relates to a method to install such a tub partition.

Description

The invention relates to a frameless, self-supporting tub partition with at least one wall element of synthetic glass. The invention further relates to a method to install a tub partition based on the invention.

The term ‘tub partition’ (also known as Tub Enclosures, Tub Surrounds etc.) means partitions for showers, bathtub showers, or bathtubs in general. Various tub partitions and shower enclosures are known from Prior Art.

Known tub partitions are often made of glass. For safety reasons, safety glass, e.g., tempered plate safety glass, must be used for this. Such safety glass can only be cut to a specific shape and/or to specific dimensions at the factory. Subsequently, the safety glass is tempered at the factory in its final shape and/or with its final dimensions. Tempering means heating the safety glass in order to be able to monitor mechanical tension within the glass. During this, the safety glass is heated to over 600° C. and is then cooled, as a result of which tension stress arises within the core, and compression stress arises at the surface.

A disadvantage is that such tempered safety glass can no longer be processed after tempering. If, for example, an attempt is made to drill such safety glass with a drill or to otherwise process it, upon interruption of stress because of the pre-tension the glass plate would shatter into many small, crooked pieces in order to protect the user involved comparable to an automobile windshield.

Moreover, with shower enclosures made of safety glass, it is also disadvantageous that the dimensions for the shower compartment or tub enclosure must be established on-site, i.e., determination of local installation dimensions such as angles, obliqueness, slant, or other dimensions. But the actual processing and/or manufacture of such shower-partition elements may only occur at the factory.

Since shower compartments or shower elements made of safety glass can no longer be processed, they cannot be adapted on-site. Measurement errors or tolerances can no longer be compensated using finished safety glass. For this reason, it is also known to displace glass doors, of safety glass, for example, within hinges or within a wall mounting in order to be able to compensate irregularities in the wall or any measurement errors or any other tolerances to a minor extent and at expense. Also, the hinges themselves may be designed to be adjustable in order to provide greater or less separation from a wall.

Also, various shower compartments and/or tub partitions made of plastic polymer are known from Prior Art. As a rule, these are enclosed within a frame, since such frame of, for example, aluminum serves to strengthen the plastic, e.g., acrylic glass, and to make possible the use of relatively thin acrylic glass. Based on the prescribed frame dimensions, such tub partitions are also limited to factory-determined dimensions, and cannot be further processed.

A shower compartment is known from DE 20 2010 003 337 U1, for example, with a fitting for wall attachment of an entire glass plate. Alternatively, this shower compartment may consist of a material, particularly transparent, and similar to glass. For this, the plate comprises a round recess provided in the glass at the factory for attachment of a fitting or hinge to the plate.

An adaptable, processable shower insert with an integrated floor drain for a shower enclosure is known from DE 199 48 854 A1. The side walls of the shower enclosure may be of glass.

Furthermore, DE 10 2007 043 274 shows a shower enclosure and the mounting of such a shower enclosure in a shower. The shower enclosure consists of several flat elements that may be hung on a rod extending from a wall. For this, the upper edges of the flat elements are shaped as hooks. The individual flat elements may be displaced with respect to one another, and consist of a transparent material, for example Plexiglas. Alternatively, the individual flat elements may be connected together continuously. The flat elements may be trimmed to modify their width. Also, such a flat element may have its length shortened. Alternatively, the dimensions of individual flat elements may be determined at the factory.

Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,261 shows a shower enclosure in which the flat elements consist of a hollow shaped piece of Lexan. The flat elements or side panels may be arranged and displaced within a holder and/or hinge in order to align or match the flat panels to one another or to a wall. Moreover, the flat panels are enclosed by a frame.

Further, DE 197 04 927 shows a frameless shower enclosure of synthetic glass, e.g., acrylic glass, in which the doors are also mounted within hinges to be displaceable. The hinges are coupled on the other side with fixed flat elements. Here also, adaptation occurs by means of displacement. Processing of the door or wall elements is not provided.

Finally, DE 296 00 610 I1 shows a frameless shower enclosure with shaped rods about which a shower door is mounted on hinges to pivot in order to open or close the shower door. The wall and/or door elements particularly consist of silicate glass, and are cut to the required size based on the application purpose. Processing and/or width modification of silicate glass and the subsequent tempering described above must also occur at the factory.

Overall, the shower and tub partitions known from Prior Art are inconvenient and inflexible to handle. The disadvantage is that tempered glass cannot be processed on-site or adapted to local installation dimensions. Positioning and assembly of the shower enclosures is therefore inconvenient and time consuming.

Against this background, it is the challenge of this invention to present an improved and flexibly-useable tub partition. The installation of such a tub partition is also to be simplified.

This challenge is met by the topics of Patent claim 1 and Patent claim 12.

Per claim 1, a tub partition based on the invention comprises at least one supplemental element detachably connected to the wall element, whereby the supplemental element is configured to protect and/or adapt and/or to mark the at least one wall element to installation requirements during installation of the tub partition by means of a processing device.

Installation here means processing of the wall element and/or its modification to local installation dimensions and/or assembly, i.e., securing to a wall or to another wall element.

It is advantageous for frameless, self-supporting tub partitions for the at least one wall element and/or the entire tub partition to be made of synthetic glass. For this, all suitable materials may be made of a plastic polymer and/or of synthetic glass, e.g., polycarbonates (e.g., Lexan, Macrolon, plastics from the group of synthetic polymers and the polyester family, polystyrene, epoxy, acrylic glass (e.g., Plexiglas), PET, PMMA (Acrylic), SAN (e.g., Luran), ABS (Toyolac, Starex).

Within the scope of the invention, self-supporting means an adequately-strong configuration of the tub partition regarding the material strength of the tub partition, so that the at least one wall element and/or the entire tub partition requires no additional reinforcement, for example in the form of a frame or other reinforcements, to avoid deformation, for example.

The materials cited as examples are to some extent comparable with one another. For example, polycarbonate as full material is the same as acrylic glass. In contrast to acrylic glass, however, polycarbonate has a longer service life, is more resistant to impact, is flexible to bending, and thus comprises a wider scope of application.

Overall, synthetic glass is about 50% lighter and longer-lasting compared to safety glass since it comprises higher breakage and impact resistance, and is easier to store. Transport costs are lower because of its reduced weight. Also, with synthetic glass, the transport risk is lower and processing and/or handling is simpler. Furthermore, any eventual edge damage or similar does not represent a safety risk since the edge may be processed or repaired, for example, without occurrence of the interruption of stress described above.

Basically, the wall elements may be formed of synthetic glass as a hollow body or as a solid plate. For one-piece configuration, the wall elements comprise better transparency, and are easier to clean. One-piece configurations are also easier to process and/or to adapt than are hollow bodies. When processing hollow bodies, leaks, grooves, or open locations often arise that may lead to collections of dirt and/or water.

Plastic materials also advantageously allow for post-treatment. I.e., when scratches arise, they may be simply polished from the surface using a polishing paste or other suitable polish, for example. Dents or other tears may advantageously be filled depending on the material selected, and may be adapted to the surface of the wall element by means of grinding or polishing such that a uniform surface is recreated.

The supplemental element detachably connected to at least one wall element may, for example, be configured as film or paper. Alternatively, the at least one supplemental element may also be configured as a template, a straightedge, a flexible straightedge, an angle bevel, an orientation grid, marking means, marking element, or as another suitable element by means of which the at least one wall element maybe adapted. The contours or construction characteristics of the installation location may advantageously be transferred by means of, or onto, the supplemental element and/or onto the wall element.

Each supplemental element may be mounted onto the wall element. Film or paper as supplemental element may, for example be adhered or otherwise affixed to the wall element. With use of a template, a straightedge, a card, cardboard, paper, orientation grid or other suitable supplemental element, they may be either adhered or suitably affixed to the wall element. For example, clamping devices such as tensioning screws or other clamping devices may be used in order to affix the particular supplemental element securely to the wall element.

A detachable supplemental element serves as protection from scratches or damage in the material surface of the wall element(s) during installation, or during processing of a wall element and/or of its adaptation to local installation dimensions and/or during assembly, i.e., upon affixing to a wall or to another wall element. Local installation dimensions include, for example, on-site wall, floor, and/or ceiling characteristics such as angles, oblique surfaces, lengths, unevenness, tub or shower-area dimensions and other dimensions.

Various suitable devices may be used as a processing device, i.e., a hand saw, a keyhole saw, a hand circular saw, a hole saw, or (depending on the plastic material selected) a knife, grinding device, plane, drill, milling device, or similar. During processing, each wall element is adapted to the local installation dimensions marked in advance and/or transferred onto the supplemental element.

Additional embodiment examples are provided in the following.

Based on the invention, the supplemental element may be configured to be partially or completely (full-surface) attachable to at least one side of the wall element. Depending on the dimensions of the wall element, it may be desirable, for example, to provide the wall element only partially with a supplemental element. For example, merely the side surfaces whose parts and/or covering and/or lower edges may be provided with a suitable supplemental element since subsequent adaptation and/or processing is provided only there. Smaller templates, straightedges, cards, or films, paper or similar may find application in these cases.

In the case of full-surface connection of the supplemental element with the wall element, the entire wall element may advantageously be protected. In a configuration of the supplemental element as film or paper, the supplemental element may be adhered to the entire side surface of a wall element. Alternatively, for example, cards or cardboard or other suitable flat configurations of the supplemental element are possible that at least partially protect the wall element from one or both sides. It may thus be ensured that no scratches arise or other processing damage occurs during installation, processing, and assembly of each of the wall elements of the tub partition.

Further, the supplemental element in the tub partition based on the invention may comprise markings at pre-defined positions to adapt the at least one wall element and/or for positioning of fittings. For this, pre-defined markings such as grids, lines, dimensions, points, angled straight lines may be printed, for example, on the supplemental element, particularly on a film, for the purpose of adapting the at least one wall element. The film may also comprise a grid structure. The marking or grid networks may provide right-angled, oblique, or round or other suitable pre-defined dimensions as cutting lines. Markings for drilled holes to mount fittings such as, for example, grips, hinges, and/or other securing elements may be provided on the film. Alternatively, they may be freely positioned on the wall element. This advantageously allows a reduction in manufacturing costs since at least one wall element may be manufactured with the same dimensions, and may be adapted to local installation dimensions.

With suitable material selection, the markings may be provided directly as break-off lines alternatively or additionally to the marking on the at least one supplemental element, for example by milling, cutting, casting, or injecting.

To adapt a wall element to local installation dimensions, the local installation dimensions may be transferred to each supplemental element and/or wall element, for example using a defined offset marking device. Also, any necessary laser measurements or other suitable measurements may be made. Measurement results may be projected onto the supplemental element and/or wall element, for example. Further, it is possible to represent the local installation dimensions using an elastically-deformable measuring device, for example a flexible straightedge, and then to transfer from the measuring device to the supplemental element and/or wall element. As soon as local installation dimensions are transferred to the at least one wall element, the wall element may be processed using a proper processing device.

Further, with a tub partition based on the invention, the at least one wall element may be processed on-site on all sides. Since no surrounding frame or similar is used, unhindered access to all sides of the wall element is ensured.

The edges of a wall element processed with the processing device may be suitably post-treated, for example with a grinder or similar. With proper optimization of the post-processing, the edges of each wall element may basically be exposed.

Alternatively, in a tub partition based on the invention, the at least one wall element is secured using at least one fitting, for example in a securing device, in a sliding system, and/or in a hinge. Also, in a tub partition based on the invention, a shaped piece may be partially or completely mounted on at least one edge of the at least one wall element. Edge processing may thus be omitted.

When a shaped piece is mounted, it may serve as a covering, for example. The shaped piece may also be a hollow shaped piece. Alternatively, the shaped piece may be configured as a shaped magnet or other sealing piece. A sealing or magnetic shaped piece may thus interact with a water strip mounted on the floor or the side wall, an additional magnetic shaped piece, or magnetic material for optimum sealing of the tub partition.

A securing device may be formed either on the ceiling, on the wall, or on the floor, and may also be configured as a shaped piece. For this, a securing device such as a rail corresponding to the dimensions of each wall element and/or each side edge of the wall element may be provided. It is also possible to configure this shaped piece as a short rail and/or individual wall securing device. Several such shaped pieces and/or individual wall securing devices are preferred in order to secure the corresponding wall element. Such shaped pieces or securing devices may be provided at any position on the wall element after processing the wall element.

The securing element and/or the securing may be as a short hinge or longitudinal or short link hinge or short-hinge design that extends partially or completely over each side edge. With an adjustable configuration of the shaped piece, it may also serve for tolerance adaptation.

Also, a slide system may be mounted on at least one edge of at least one wall element that allows one or more wall elements to be displaced with respect to one another.

Alternatively, fittings such as, for example, the securing devices, hinges, shaped pieces, sliding systems, or similar may be installed onto or into each wall element at the factory. For this, they may be bolted, adhered, pressed, cast, or injected, or may be cast of the same material or an alternative material.

Pre-mounted fittings have the advantage that assembly times are shortened and positive configuration and/or positioning is provided.

Alternatively, each fitting may be firmly affixed to the wall element on-site. For this, they may be bolted or adhered, for example. For this, the fittings may be aligned at prescribed markings for mutual alignment, or they may be freely positioned.

Further, in a tub partition based on the invention, the at least one fitting is mountable or may be mounted or adhered onto or into the at least one wall element, particularly by adhering. Along with the above-mentioned fittings, additional fittings such as, for example, grips elements, washcloth holders, toilet-paper holders soap dishes, seats, and similar may be mounted at any position on the inside or outside of the wall element. Mounting may occur at the factory or on-site during installation.

Since a tub partition based on the invention may be correspondingly processed and/or adapted both in height and width, it is recommended to mount the fittings or hinge securing devices after completion of processing and/or adapting to the extent that adaptation is provided.

With the use of plastic materials, the fittings may advantageously be adhered directly to the wall element. In conventional shower compartments, for example of glass, a pre-treatment has always been required, for example with a primer, and then subsequent UV curing of the adhesive. Based on the invention, an industrial adhesive, for example, or a two-sided adhesive tape with a high degree of adhesion based, for example, on an acrylate, is used. There are products from the company 3M for this, for example. Also, reduced adhering force is required because of the lower weight of pertinent plastics with respect to glass. Such industrial adhesive tapes are also known as high-performance adhesive tapes. The protective film on the adhesive tape may, for example, extend like a tab so that it may remain in its position on the wall element after proper adaptation and/or affixing of each fitting or hinge, and merely the tab is pulled out in order to adhere the fitting to the wall element.

Further, in a tub partition based on the invention, the at least one wall element may be formed as a movable door or as a fixed side wall. For example, in the simplest embodiment of the invention, the tub partition comprises merely one wall element that separates the pertinent shower or bathtub from the room. If the pertinent access is left open, an additional door is not required.

In an appropriate configuration of a bathtub shower or bathtub, it may also be provided based on the invention that the tub partition is provided as a sole door element to provide access to a shower or tub.

Alternatively, two or more wall elements may also be provided for a tub partition based on the invention. Depending on local installation dimensions and the characteristics of each shower or tub, a tub partition based on the invention may also comprise two or more wall elements. For this, for example, a wall element may be formed as a fixed side wall, and another as a pivoting or sliding door. Also, additional suitable side-wall elements may be provided. Thus, for example, a bathtub shower or bathtub may be aligned as a niche shower, corner shower with two wall elements and a door element, or in the center of the room, whereby a door might be provided in one side for bathtub-shower entry and exit.

A tub partition based on the invention may also comprise several mutually-pivoting or sliding wall elements. In such a configuration, the individual wall elements may pivot together in accordion fashion so that, for example, displacement of the entire tub partition to the left or right is possible. Likewise, the wall elements may be configured to be sliding with respect to one another.

Further, in a tub partition based on the invention, at least one wall element can be combined with at least one additional wall element of safety glass. For example, the additional wall element may consist of plate safety glass. The additional wall element of safety glass may, for example, be formed as a side wall or as the door element. In such a combined embodiment example, adaptation and processing of the tub partition occurs on-site on the at least one additional wall element of synthetic glass.

At least one wall element may, for example, be shaped or configured to be plate-shaped, circular, rounded, angled, and/or shaped.

Moreover, in a tub partition based on the invention, at least one wall element may comprise a projection and/or a recess. The projection and/or recess may be formed or configured in or on the surface, for example in the shape of a rest, grip cavity, seat, or similar.

Furthermore, in a tub partition based on the invention, at least one wall element may be at least partially transparent, may be at least partially textured, may be at least partially colored, and/or may be at least partially opaque. For this, a film may be mounted on the wall element, for example, or, if the supplemental element is configured as a film, this film may remain on the wall element. Depending on the prescribed markings or on the film, the wall element may be configured to be opaque up to a certain height. The wall element may also be at least partially colored, may comprise a reflecting or tinted surface, or may be at least partially etched, engraved, or imprinted.

Also, in a tub partition based on the invention, at least one wall element may be nano-coated or capable of being nano-coated. A nano-coating leads to alteration of the surface so that it is configured to be anti-adhesive. The wall element may thus better shed water and dirt so that the cleaning cost and/or mineralization and/or covering deposits are reduced.

Further, a method based on the invention to install a frameless, self-supporting tub partition comprising the following steps is specified:

• • Transfer of local installation dimensions with the and/or onto at least one supplemental element detachably connected to the wall element,
  • Adaptation of at least one wall element using a processing device to local installation dimensions, and
  • Assembly of the tub partition.

Transfer of local installation dimensions onto the supplemental element may occur using simple devices. For example, a tub partition based on the invention may be provided with detachable, telescoping or shortening marking device. Such a marking device may be provided on a first end area with a sliding means and on the second end area with a marking means. Because of the longitudinally-adaptable configuration, such a marking device may be variably applied. Thus, the marking device may be set at a pre-defined distance from a wall, ceiling, or floor, for example in a specified telescoped or shortened condition, so that it may travel with the sliding means along the wall, ceiling, or floor, whereby the marking element travels along with parallel displacement and transfers the pertinent characteristics of the wall, ceiling, or floor onto the wall element and/or onto the supplemental element mounted there. For this, the marking element is arranged to be perpendicular to the sliding means. Likewise, local installation dimensions may be compiled and transferred using a suitable supplemental element, for example a flexible straightedge. Also, projection of dimensions, contours, or similar of the installation site may be used for the transfer. Thus, a wall element may be properly adapted to the wall, ceiling, or floor using simple means.

After adaptation of each wall element to local installation dimensions and assembly of the wall element, at least one supplemental element may be removed from at least one wall element.

Finally, the method may also comprise the following step: processing at least one wall element in order to make it at least partially transparent and/or at least partially opaque. For this, a suitable film may be mounted on the wall element.

Alternatively, the surface may also be treated, for example using a suitable chemical reagent, so that the surface is etched. Also, texture may be provided to the surface of the wall element using suitable processing devices.

Overall, the advantageous embodiments specify a tub partition that may be flexibly applied and simply installed, and that may be adapted to on-site local installation dimensions.

In the following, the invention will now be explained using advantageous embodiment examples with reference to the enclosed exemplary Figures. Elements corresponding to one another in various Figures will bear the same reference index. The Figures show:

FIG. 1 perspective frontal view of a tub partition based on the invention;

FIG. 2 perspective frontal oblique view of an alternative embodiment example of a tub partition based on the invention;

FIG. 3 perspective frontal view of another alternative embodiment example of a tub partition based on the invention;

FIG. 4 perspective frontal oblique view of an another alternative embodiment example of a tub partition based on the invention;

FIG. 5 frontal view of another alternative tub partition based on the invention; and

FIG. 6 view of a wall element based on the invention with a marking device to transfer local installation dimensions.

Positional descriptions used in the following such as upper, lower, front, rear, right, and left are from the point of view of the observer toward a tub partition based on the invention before him/her.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment example of a tub partition 1 based on the invention comprising two wall elements 3a, 3b. The first wall element 3a is formed as a fixed side-wall element, and the second wall element 3b is formed as a pivoting door. The second wall element 3b is connected to the fixed first wall element 3a using hinges 9, and may be pivoted about the hinge pivot axis.

A supplemental element 5a, 5b is mounted on each wall element 3a, 3b. Each of the supplemental elements 5a, 5b is configured as a film applied to each wall element 3a, 3b. Markings 7 are provided on the foil at pre-defined separations. The markings may be configured as supplemental lines, grid lines as a raster, as points, as angled lines, or as otherwise-defined positions, and may be imprinted, for example. The markings serve for processing of each wall element using a processing device (not shown), for example a keyhole saw, knife, circular saw, or other suitable processing device in order to be able to adapt each wall element to local installation dimensions as necessary.

On the one hand, each wall element 3a, 3b may be adapted and/or tailored to the pre-defined dimensions using the markings 7. Alternatively, it is possible to transfer the corresponding wall, floor, and/or ceiling characteristics, dimensions, etc. (local installation dimensions) to each wall element by means of a suitable measurement and transfer device (not shown). The illustrated markings 7 then serve as cutting lines or drilling markings.

The hinges 9 may be pre-mounted at the factory, or alternatively likewise mounted on-site. For this, the hinges may be adhered and/or otherwise attached to each wall element and suitably affixed, for example using threaded connectors. The hinges 9 may be aligned to the supplemental element or freely positioned.

Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows various shaped pieces 11, 13, 15. After processing of each wall element 3a, 3b, it may be necessary to post-process each cut edge in case of an uneven cut and grinding of each edge is attempted. Alternatively, to accelerate manufacture, each edge may also be inserted directly into each suitable shaped piece. The wall shaped piece 11 is configured as a rail whereby the wall element 3a may be inserted into the guide rail. For this, the rail may be of aluminum or plastic or metal, for example. The wall shaped piece 11 thus serves as the wall attachment for the wall element 3a. Alternatively, such a shaped piece may serve merely to cover a side edge.

Furthermore, a sealing shaped piece 15 is provided on the underside of the wall element 3b that is formed as a door. This is also mounted on the lower edge of the wall element 3b and is held there using a positive fit, for example. The individual shaped pieces may also be attached to each wall element using an adhesive bond. A sealing lip 16 is formed on the underside of the sealing shaped piece 15. This sealing lip 16 may seal toward the exterior using a threshold strip 18 (see FIG. 2) mounted on the floor.

Furthermore, an additional shaped piece 13 may be emplaced onto the side edge opposite the hinges of the wall element 3b formed as a door. When configured as a magnetic shaped piece, a magnetized material may be located within the shaped piece in a cavity, or may be mounted on the shaped piece as a strip. The magnetic shaped piece may be mounted with an additional magnetic shaped or metallic sealing connection that is located, for example, on the side of the wall or of an additional wall element (not shown) opposite the magnetic shaped piece. When the door is closed, the magnetic shaped piece lies properly on the opposing part, thus providing an exterior seal for the shower or tub.

FIG. 2 shows an additional embodiment example of a tub partition 1 based on the invention. The tub partition 1 here comprises three wall elements 3a, 3b, and 3c. Here also, the wall element 3a is connected with the wall 31 by means of a shaped piece 11 configured as an attaching rail. The upper side and/or upper edge of the wall element is appropriately adapted to the roof angle of the ceiling 32.

The wall element 3b formed as a door is connected with the fixed side-wall element 3a by means of two hinges. The door element 3b pivots by means of a handgrip 21, which may also be configured as a washcloth holder.

A sealing shaped piece 15 is again mounted at the lower end of the door 36 that seals a shower area 33 from the outside using a threshold strip 18. The shower area 33 is flush with the floor in the illustrated embodiment example. Furthermore, the door 3b comprises a magnetic shaped piece 13a that interacts with an additional magnetic shaped piece 13b on an additional side wall 3c. This side wall 3c is also held affixed to the wall 31 in an additional securing rail 11. When the door is closed, the two magnetic shaped pieces 13a and 13b rest against each other, thus creating an exterior seal for the door element 3b.

Using a suitable supplemental element (not shown), for example a film as shown in FIG. 1, the fixed side wall 3c may likewise be adapted to wall characteristics. In the illustrated embodiment example, the fixed wall element 3c of a corner shower compartment at the wall 31 is provided with a cutout that is matched to a SANBLOK (trademark) plumbing module. After transferring the corresponding wall characteristics of the SANBLOK plumbing module to the wall element 3c, this wall area is cut or sawed out of the wall element.

Additionally, in FIG. 2, a standard securing device 23 is provided on the upper end of the fixed side wall 3c that also supports the wall element 3c. Furthermore, based on the invention, all securing devices and/or fittings useable for glass and/or other accessories may be used.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment example of a tub partition 1 based on the invention. The tub partition 1 comprises a fixed wall element 3a and a wall element 3b pivoting as a door. The two wall elements 3a, 3b are connected to each other by means of hinges 9. The door 3b may be pivoted by means of a doorknob 21. A suitable magnetic shaped-piece strip, or alternatively a sealing shaped-piece strip, is emplaced onto the door element 3b on the side of the door element 3b opposite the hinges. A sealing shaped piece is also emplaced onto the lower side of the door element 3b.

The fixed wall element 3a was also suitably adapted to the local ceiling, wall, and floor configurations by means of a supplemental element. The wall element 3a is positioned and/or affixed to the wall 31 by means of wall-securing devices 25. The wall-securing devices 25 may also be located at any other positions. Also, the number of individual securing devices may be infinitely varied and combined. In the upper area of the wall element 3a, a recess matched to the dimension of the tubing 27 is cut in the wall element 3a by means of a processing device (not shown), for example a drill with hole saw. At its lower end, the wall element 3a is adapted to the step 29 located in the wall 31 using a processing device (not shown) and using a supplemental element comparable to the one in FIG. 1, and a rectangular recess is cut out of the wall element 3a.

The additional embodiment example of a tub partition 1 based on the invention shown in FIG. 4 comprises a moveable wall element 3 that is formed as a door on wall hinges. A shower and/or tub 33 is shown here positioned within a niche. The door element 3 is held to the wall 31 by hinges 9. The upper edges of the door element 3 are adapted to the ceiling dimensions of the roof angle 32. For this, these dimensions are transferred by means of, or to, the supplemental element comparable to the one shown in FIG. 1, and are cut to appropriate size using a processing device (not shown) such as a hand circular saw.

The door element 3 may be pivoted by means of a door grip and/or doorknob 21, and also comprises a sealing shaped piece 15 at its lower edge, and a magnet or sealing shaped piece 13, 15 on its side opposite to the hinges 9 that interacts with a second magnet or sealing shaped piece 13, 15 located within the niche in order to seal the tub partition 1 to the exterior.

In the embodiment example illustrated in FIG. 5, an additional tub partition 1 based on the invention is shown that is configured with two pivoting folding niche doors 3a, 3b. The folding niche doors 3a, 3b may be pivoted accordion-style by means of a grip 21. At the upper end of the pivoting door 3b, the dimensions of the ceiling and/or enclosure 39 have been transferred by means of a transfer device (not shown) and an appropriate supplemental element to the door element to cover tubing lines, and have been cut by means of an appropriate processing device (not shown). Likewise, sealing or magnetic shaped pieces are provided on the side edges of the door element 3b, and likewise, magnetic or sealing shaped pieces 13, 15 are provided on the lower edges of each door element 3a, 3b. The two door elements 3a, 3b are connected with each other by means of a hinge 35 extending along the entire length of the two door elements, and they may be pivoted along the pivot axis 37 with respect to each other.

The door element 3a opposite the wall 31 is also connected with the wall 31 by means of a hinge 41 extending the entire longitudinal axis, and may be pivoted with respect to said wall 31.

Finally, the embodiment example illustrated in FIG. 6 shows a wall element 3 that is supported by a slanted wall 31. A film element (not shown) such as a plate or similar, or other suitable supplemental element, may be applied to the wall element 3.

Additionally, a marking device 43 is provided. The marking device 43 may be detachably connected to the door element 3. The marking device 43 comprises at its one end sliding means 45, for example a sphere or a sled that may glide along the angle of the wall 31. At the other end area of the marking device 43, a marking element 47, e.g., a pencil or other drawing instrument, is mounted at a right angle to the sliding means.

The marking device 43 is formed and mounted and/or detachably coupled to the wall element 3 such that when the sliding means travels along the angle of the wall 31, the marking element 47 transfers the corresponding measurement to the wall element and/or to the detachably-coupled supplemental element. Thus, using a type of parallel displacement with simple means, the characteristics of a wall or a ceiling or floor may be transferred to each wall element and/or supplemental element so that each wall element may be adapted to local installation dimensions by means of a processing device.

Alternatively, the local characteristics of wall, floor, and/or ceiling may be recorded using laser measurement, and may be correspondingly transferred onto the supplemental element on the door element.

Further embodiments and variations of the invention may be taken by the specialist familiar with the art from the following Patent Claims.

Claims

1.-14. (canceled)

15. Frameless, self-supporting tub partition comprising at least one wall element of synthetic glass,

characterized in that

the tub partition comprises at least one supplemental element that may be detachably affixed to the wall element, whereby the supplemental element is configured to protect and/or to adapt and/or to mark the at least one wall element to local installation dimensions during installation of the tub partition by means of a processing device.

16. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the supplemental element is partially or completely connectable with at least one side of the wall element.

17. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the supplemental element comprises markings at pre-defined positions to adapt the at least one wall element and/or to position at least one fitting.

18. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall element may be processed on all sides on-site.

19. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall element is provided with at least one fitting.

20. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which at least one shaped piece is partially or totally emplaced onto at least one edge of the at least one wall element.

21. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which at least one fitting is mounted onto or may be mounted in the at least one wall element by an adhesive.

22. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall element is formed as a moveable door or as a fixed side wall.

23. Tub partition as in claim 15 that comprises several wall elements pivoting or sliding with respect to one another.

24. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall element is combinable with at least one additional wall element of safety glass.

25. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall element comprises at least one projection and/or at least one recess.

26. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall element is nano-coated.

27. Method to install a frameless, self-supporting tub partition comprising the steps:

Transferring local installation dimensions by means of the and/or onto an at least one supplemental element that may be detachably affixed to at least one wall element;

Adapting the at least one wall element to local installation dimensions with a processing device; and

Assembling the tub partition.

28. Method as in claim 27, further comprising the step of:

Processing the at least one wall element in order to make the said at least one wall element at least partially opaque.