SHOWER PARTITION ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A shower partition assembly that includes at least one and preferably at least two innovative hinge mechanisms, a stationary wall and a door pivotally attached thereto by the hinge mechanisms, wherein in the closed state, the door panel is flush with the stationary wall. The substantially parallel gap formed between the stationary wall and the pivoting door is sealed by a sealer, wherein the pivoting door may pivot in both directions, with respect to the stationary wall. When the door is opened in the a first direction towards a first-open-state, the open-end arm pivots about the shaft and the bridge moves towards the wall-vertical edge, until the wall-vertical edge and the sealer mounted thereon, are accommodated inside arm-section gap of a U-shaped of a U-shaped arm-section.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of PCT application PCT/IL2013/05038, filed May 7, 2013, and further claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) from U.S. provisional application 62/037,241, filed on Aug. 14, 2014, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a fitting for shower partition parts made of a flat material such as, glass, plastic or similar. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flat shower partition assembly having an innovative hinge mechanism, a stationary wall and a door pivotally, wherein the gap between the pivoting door and a stationary partition glass wall or an ordinary wall is sealed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

Bathtubs and showers stalls often include a partition to prevent shower water from spraying onto the surrounds of the bathtub/stall. Typically, at least a portion of the partition includes a pivoting door.

Often, the partition includes a stationary wall and a door pivotally attached thereto. In some embodiments there may be more than one stationary wall and more than one door. It would be advantageous for the pivotable door, when closed, to be situated such that the pivotable door panel is flush with the adjacent stationary portions of the partition. However, there exist a sealing problem between the stationary wall and the pivoting door.

In other embodiments the pivoting door is attached to an ordinary wall, wherein the ordinary wall may by any type of wall, including a glass wall, wherein in the closed state the pivotable door panel is substantially perpendicular to the ordinary wall, and wherein a gap is formed between the pivoting door and the wall. It would be advantageous for the pivotable door to be generally situated perpendicular to the wall. However, there exist a sealing problem between the wall and the pivoting door.

There is therefore a need for and it would be advantageous to have a shower partition assembly that includes a stationary wall and a door pivotally attached thereto, wherein the gap between the stationary wall and the pivoting door is sealed, and wherein the pivoting door may pivot in both directions, with respect to the stationary wall, typically, up to 90° in each direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principal intentions of the present invention include providing a shower partition assembly that includes an innovative hinge mechanism, a stationary wall and a door pivotally attached thereto, wherein the pivotable door panel is flush with the stationary portions of the partition, and wherein the gap between the stationary wall and the pivoting door is sealed, and wherein the pivoting door may pivot in both directions, with respect to the stationary wall, typically, up to 90° in each direction.

According to the teachings of the present invention, there is provided a shower partition assembly, having at least one stationary wall and at least one pivotable door, wherein the stationary wall and the pivotable door are pivotally interconnected by at least one hinge mechanism, wherein the at least one hinge mechanism includes a first-section-mechanism having a shaft-hosting member, securely attached to the at least one stationary wall, and a second-section-mechanism that includes a pivoting-enabling-member. The pivoting-enabling-member includes a base section, securely attached to the at least one pivotable door, and a U-shaped arm-section. The U-shaped arm-section includes a base-arm, an embracing-arm and a bridge, interconnecting the base-arm and the embracing-arm, wherein an embracing-arm-gap is formed between the base-arm and the embracing-arm.

The shaft-hosting member and the pivoting-enabling-member are pivotally connected by a shaft, disposed proximal to the open end of said embracing-arm, to thereby facilitate pivotal motion of the at least one pivotable door about the shaft, with respect to the at least one stationary wall, when the at least one pivotable door is pushed or pulled.

When the at least one hinge mechanisms is in a closed-state, a wall-vertical edge of the at least one stationary wall is disposed substantially parallel to a door-vertical edge of the at least one pivotable door, forming a substantially parallel wall-door-gap, having a preconfigured width.

When the at least one pivotable door is opened in a first direction (37, see FIGS. 3 and 7) towards a first-open-state, the embracing-arm pivots about the shaft, and the bridge and embracing-arm move towards the wall-vertical edge, until the wall-vertical edge is accommodated inside the embracing-arm-gap.

When the at least one pivotable door is opened in the second direction (35, see FIGS. 4 and 6) towards a second-open-state, the embracing-arm pivots about the shaft and said bridge and the embracing-arm move away from the wall-vertical edge and towards the shaft-hosting member that serves as a stopper for the pivoting motion. The embracing-arm-gap facilitates the opening and closing of the at least one pivotable door in both directions with respect to the at least one stationary wall.

Preferably, the shower partition assembly further includes a sealer, that in some embodiments, is mounted over the open wall-vertical edge of the at least one stationary wall, wherein the sealer is preconfigured to seal the wall-door-gap when the at least one hinge mechanisms is in a closed-state. Optionally, in some other embodiments, the sealer is mounted over the open door-vertical edge of the at least one pivotable door and still is preconfigured to seal the wall-door-gap when the at least one hinge mechanisms is in a closed-state. Optionally, the sealer is made of elastic materials, wherein the sealer portion extending away from the wall-vertical edge is larger than the width of the wall-door-gap, by a preconfigured amount.

It should be noted that the at least one hinge mechanisms may be securely attached on either side of a stationary wall that is paired with a pivotable door.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first-section-mechanism is securely attached to the pivotable door, while the second-section-mechanism is securely attached to the stationary wall. In variations of such embodiments, the least one stationary wall is an ordinary wall, wherein the ordinary wall may be any type of wall, including a glass wall, wherein in the closed state the pivotable door panel is substantially perpendicular to the ordinary wall, and wherein the wall-vertical edge is a virtual vertical line that is most proximal to the door-vertical edge, and wherein, in the closed state, the pivotable door is substantially perpendicular to the ordinary wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration and example only and thus not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is top perspective view of a shower partition assembly having innovative hinge mechanisms, a stationary wall and a door pivotally attached thereto, wherein the door panel is flush with the stationary portions of the partition, and wherein the gap between the stationary wall and the pivotable door is sealed, according to embodiments of the present invention, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall, wherein the pivotable door is in a closed-state.

FIG. 2 is top perspective view of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 1, as typically viewed from the inside of the shower stall.

FIG. 3 is top perspective view of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from a first side of the shower stall, wherein the door is opened in a second direction towards a second-open-state.

FIG. 4 is top perspective view of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from a second side of the shower stall, wherein the door is opened in a second direction towards a second-open-state.

FIG. 5a is top perspective view of a hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 1, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall, wherein the door is in a closed-state.

FIG. 5b is top perspective view of a hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 5a, wherein the sealer has been removed for illustrative purposes only.

FIG. 6 is top perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 1, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall, wherein the door is in a second-open-state.

FIG. 7 is top perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 1, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall, wherein the door is in a first-open-state.

FIG. 8 is a perspective exploded view of the hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 1, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall.

FIG. 9 is a perspective exploded view of the hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 1, as typically viewed from the inside of the shower stall.

FIG. 10 is top perspective view of a shower partition assembly having innovative hinge mechanisms and a door pivotally attached to an ordinary bathroom wall, wherein the door may pivot in both directions with respect to the bathroom wall, and wherein the gap between the bathroom wall and the pivotable door is sealed, according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein the door is pivoted to a first side.

FIG. 11 is top perspective view of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 10, wherein the door is pivoted to a second side.

FIG. 12 is top perspective view of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 10, as viewed from a first side, wherein the door is in a generally perpendicular to the bathroom wall.

FIG. 13 is top perspective view of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 12, but viewed from a second side.

FIG. 14a is top perspective view of a hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 12, wherein the sealer seals the gap is formed between the pivotable door and the bathroom wall.

FIG. 14b is top perspective view of a hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 14a, wherein the sealer has been removed for illustrative purposes only.

FIG. 15a is top perspective view of the hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly shown in FIG. 12, as typically viewed from a first side, the pivotable door being in a closed state.

FIG. 15b is top perspective view of the hinge mechanism as shown in FIG. 12, viewed from a second side.

FIG. 16 is a perspective exploded view of the hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly, as shown in FIG. 15a.

FIG. 17 is a perspective exploded view of the hinge mechanism of the shower partition assembly, as shown in FIG. 15b.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the host description or illustrated in the drawings.

An embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. The present invention can be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

Reference is now made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is top perspective view of a shower partition assembly 101 having innovative hinge mechanisms 100, a stationary wall 20 and a pivotable door 30 pivotally attached thereto, wherein when pivotable door 30 is in a closed-state and is flush with stationary wall 20, and wherein the gap between stationary wall 20 and pivoting pivotable door 30 is sealed, according to embodiments of the present invention. The top perspective view of shower partition assembly 101, as shown in FIG. 1, is as typically, with no limitation, viewed from the outside of the shower stall. The walls are typically, with no limitations, individual flat sheets made of materials such as glass, plastic or similar materials.

FIG. 2 is top perspective view of shower partition assembly 101 shown in FIG. 1, as typically viewed from the inside of the shower stall. FIG. 3 is top perspective view of shower partition assembly 101, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall, wherein pivotable door 30 is in a first-open-state, opened typically, with no limitation, inwardly. FIG. 4 is top perspective view of shower partition assembly 101, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall, wherein pivotable door 30 is in a second-open-state, opened typically, with no limitation, outwardly.

Reference is also made to FIGS. 5a and 5b, top perspective views of hinge mechanism 100 of shower partition assembly 101, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall, wherein pivotable door 30 is in a closed-state; to FIG. 6, a top perspective view of hinge mechanism of 100, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall, wherein pivotable door 30 is in a second-open-state; to FIG. 7, a top perspective view of the hinge mechanism 100, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall, wherein pivotable door 30 is in a first-open-state; to FIG. 8, a perspective exploded view of hinge mechanism 100, as typically viewed from the outside of the shower stall; and to FIG. 9, a perspective exploded view of hinge mechanism 100, as typically viewed from the inside of the shower stall.

Hinge mechanism 100 includes a first-section-mechanism 102 and a second-section-mechanism 104 (see FIG. 9). First-section-mechanism 102 includes a shaft-hosting member 110, and second-section-mechanism 104 includes a pivoting-enabling-member 130, wherein shaft-hosting member 110 and pivoting-enabling-member 130 are pivotally connected by a shaft 150, typically being a two-sided shaft. Thereby, when pivotable door 30 is pivotally pushed or pulled, pivoting-enabling-member 130 pivots about shaft 150.

In some embodiments first-section-mechanism 102 is securely attached the stationary wall 20 and second-section-mechanism 104 is securely attached to the pivotable door 30. The following described attachment mechanisms are given by way of example only and other attachment mechanisms known in the art may be used within the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that in other embodiments of the present invention, first-section-mechanism 102 is securely attached to the pivotable door 30 and second-section-mechanism 104 is securely attached the stationary wall 20.

Boreholes 22 are formed in preconfigured locations of stationary wall 20, proximal to vertical edge 28 of stationary wall 20. Hinge mechanism 100 further includes a wall clamping member 120, having boreholes 122 formed in preconfigured locations of clamping member 120, spaced apart to respectively overlap with boreholes 22 of stationary wall 20. Boreholes 112 are also formed in preconfigured locations of shaft-hosting member 110, spaced apart to also respectively overlap with boreholes 22 of stationary wall 20.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the wall attaching mechanism are screws (170, 180) having threads that match threads that are formed inside boreholes 112 of shaft-hosting member 110. When assembling, shaft-hosting member 110 is securely placed on one side of wall 20 (typically, with no limitation, adjacent to the external surface of wall 20, with respect to the location of the shower stall), such that boreholes 112 of shaft-hosting member 110 overlap with boreholes 22 of stationary wall 20. Symmetrically, clamping member 120 is placed on the other of wall 20 (typically, with no limitation, adjacent to the internal surface of wall 20, with respect to the location of the shower stall), such that boreholes 122 of clamping member 120 overlap with boreholes 22 of stationary wall 20. Then, screws 170 are inserted into respective boreholes 122 and boreholes 22, and screwed into threaded boreholes 112 of shaft-hosting member 110 to secure first-section-mechanism 102 onto wall 20.

Similarly, when assembling, pivoting-enabling-member 130 is placed on one side of pivotable door 30 (typically, with no limitation, adjacent to the external surface of pivotable door 30, with respect to the location of the shower stall), opposing the side of clamping member 120, such that boreholes 132 of pivoting-enabling-member 130 overlap with boreholes 32 of stationary pivotable door 30. Symmetrically, clamping member 140 is placed on the other side of door 20 (typically, with no limitation, adjacent to the internal surface of pivotable door 30, with respect to the location of the shower stall), such that boreholes 142 of clamping member 140 overlap with boreholes 32 of stationary pivotable door 30. Then, screws 180 are inserted into respective boreholes 142 and boreholes 32, and screwed into threaded boreholes 132 of pivoting-enabling-member 130 to secure second-section-mechanism 104 onto pivotable door 30.

Shaft-hosting member 110 has a generally elongated U-shape, wherein the flat external surface 111 of the U-shape base is the surface that, when assembled, is secured to wall 20. Arms 118 of the U-shaped body of shaft-hosting member 110 extend away from external surface 111, wherein a gap 116 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is formed between arms 118 and wherein gap 116 facilitates fittingly accommodating pivoting-enabling-member 130. Boreholes 114 are formed in arms 118 at preconfigured locations of shaft-hosting member 110, proximal to the edge of the side of shaft-hosting member 110 that is proximal to vertical edge 28 of wall 20.

Pivoting-enabling-member 130 includes a base section 138 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) and a U-shaped arm-section 139. Base-section 138 includes a flat external surface 131 (see FIG. 9) that, when assembled, is secured to pivotable door 30. Arm-section 139 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) extends away from base-section 138, towards and beyond vertical edge 28 of wall 20 (when assembled), wherein the base of the U-shaped arm-section 139 is distally situated, with respect to pivotable door 30 and wall 20, when pivotable door 30 is in a closed state, as shown in FIG. 5a, having a sealer 160 mounted over vertical edge 28 of wall 20. In FIG. 5b, sealer 160 has been removed for illustrative purposes only. Without a sealer 160, a wall-door-gap 165 must be formed between vertical edge 28 of wall 20 and vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30, which edges are disposed substantially parallel.

An embracing-arm-gap 136, formed between the arms (base section 138, base-arm 133 and embracing-arm 137) of the generally U-shape arm-section 139, facilitates opening and closing of pivotable door 30 in both directions with respect to wall 20 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), while sealing the substantially parallel wall-door-gap (165) between vertical edge 28 of wall 20 and vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30, in a closed state.

Boreholes 114 are formed in arms 118 at preconfigured locations of shaft-hosting member 110, proximal to the edge of the side of shaft-hosting member 110 that is proximal to vertical edge 28 of wall 20. Preferably, bearing-cylinders 152 are inserted in each borehole 114 in the respective arm 118. A hollow cylinder 134 is formed through arm-section 139, proximal to the typically round tip of embracing-arm 137 of arm-section 139.

To complete the assembly of hinge mechanism 100, a fitted shaft 150 is inserted through bearing-cylinders 152 and through hollow cylinder 134, facilitating pivotal motion of second-section-mechanism 104 with respect to first-section-mechanism 102. Shaft 150 may be a one-part or two parts shaft. Shaft 150 may be secured to embracing-embracing-arm 137 of arm-section 139 by various means. For example, by forcefully inserting shaft 150 into hollow cylinder 134, or by an securing screw (not shown) screwed through the wall of the tip of embracing-arm 137 of arm-section 139, wherein the tip of the securing screw is forced into a slit 154 formed generally at the center of 150. Another option is to have a shaft 150 with a wider top end (top—with respect to the operative orientation of shaft 150.

To facilitate sealing wall-door-gap 165 between vertical edge 28 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of wall 20 and vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30, a sealer 160 is mounted over vertical edge 28 of wall 20. Typically, with no limitation, sealer 160 is removably mounted over vertical edge 28 of wall 20. U-shape arm-section 139 facilitates opening and closing of pivotable door 30 in both directions with respect to wall 20 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), while sealer 160 remains unharmed on vertical edge 28 of wall 20.

When pivotable door 30 is in a closed state, as shown in FIG. 5a, vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30 presses against sealer 160, to thereby seal wall-door-gap 165 formed between vertical edge 28 of wall 20 and vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30.

When pivotable door 30 is opened in a second direction 35 towards a second-open-state (typically, with no limitation, outwardly, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6), embracing-arm 137 of arm-section 139 pivots about shaft 150 inside gap 116 of shaft-hosting member 110, wherein vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30 moves away from embracing-arm-gap 136, and bridge 135 and embracing-arm 137 move away from wall-vertical edge 38 and towards shaft-hosting member 210 that serves as a stopper for the pivoting motion.

When pivotable door 30 is opened in a first direction 37 towards a first-open-state (typically, with no limitation, inwardly), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, embracing-arm 137 of arm-section 139 pivots about shaft 150 away from gap 116 of shaft-hosting member 110, wherein vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30 moves away from edge 28 of wall 20 towards a wall clamping member 120, and wherein vertical edge 28 of wall 20, including sealer 160, are accommodated inside embracing-arm-gap 136 of the U-shape arm-section 139.

It should be noted that the aforementioned shower partition assembly 101 was described as including at least one innovative hinge mechanisms 100, a stationary wall 20 and a pivotable door 30, wherein stationary wall 20 and pivotable door 30 are pivotally attached by the at least one hinge mechanisms 100. It was further described that hinge mechanism 100 includes a first-section-mechanism 102 and a second-section-mechanism 104, wherein first-section-mechanism 102 is securely attached to stationary wall 20, and a second-section-mechanism 104 is securely attached to pivotable door 30. For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that first-section-mechanism 102 may be securely attached to pivotable door 30, while a second-section-mechanism 104 is securely attached to stationary wall 20. It should be further clarify that the at least one hinge mechanisms 100 may be securely attached to either side of a set of stationary wall 20 and pivotable door 30.

Typically, with no limitation two or three hinge mechanisms 100 are pivotally attaching second-section-mechanism 104 to first-section-mechanism 102.

In variations of the present invention sealer 160 is attached to vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30, rather than to vertical edge 28 of wall 20.

In variations of the present invention second-section-mechanism 104 is attached to pivotable door 30 by other conventional attaching means, and not by screws 180. Similarly, first-section-mechanism 102 may be attached to wall 20 by other conventional attaching means, and not by screws 170.

Optionally, a gasket is placed between clamping member 120 and stationary wall 20; between clamping member 140 and pivotable door 30; shaft-hosting member 110 and stationary wall 20; and/or between pivoting-enabling-member 130 and pivotable door 30.

For the disclosure of another embodiment of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is top perspective view of a shower partition assembly 201 having innovative hinge mechanisms 200 and a pivotable door 30 pivotally attached to an ordinary bathroom wall 40. The ordinary bathroom wall 40 may be any type of wall, including a glass wall, wherein in the closed state the panel of pivotable door 30 is substantially perpendicular to ordinary wall 40, and wherein pivotable door 30 may pivot in both directions with respect to bathroom wall 40, wherein the gap between bathroom wall 40 and pivoting pivotable door 30 is sealed with a sealer 260, according to embodiments of the present invention, and wherein pivotable door 30 is pivoted to a first side. FIG. 11 is top perspective view of shower partition assembly 201, wherein pivotable door 30 is pivoted to a second side.

Pivotable door 30 is typically, with no limitations, a flat sheet made of materials such as glass, plastic or similar materials.

FIG. 12 is top perspective view of shower partition assembly 201, as viewed from a first side, wherein pivotable door 30 is in a generally perpendicular to bathroom wall 40. FIG. 13 is top perspective view of shower partition assembly 201 shown in FIG. 12, but viewed from a second side.

Reference is also made to FIGS. 14a and 14b, top perspective views of hinge mechanism 200 of shower partition assembly 201, wherein in FIG. 14a sealer 260 seals the gap is formed between pivotable door 30 and bathroom wall 40, and in FIG. 14b sealer 260 has been removed for illustrative purposes only; to FIG. 15a, a top perspective view of hinge mechanism of 200 of shower partition assembly 201, as viewed from a first side; to FIG. 15b, a top perspective view of hinge mechanism of 200 of shower partition assembly 201, as viewed from a second side; to FIG. 16, a perspective exploded view of hinge mechanism 200 of shower partition assembly 201, as shown in FIG. 15a; and to FIG. 17, a perspective exploded view of hinge mechanism 200 of shower partition assembly 201, as shown in FIG. 15b.

Hinge mechanism 200 includes a second-section-mechanism 202 and a first-section-mechanism 204 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). Second-section-mechanism 202 includes a shaft-hosting member 210, and first-section-mechanism 204 includes a pivoting-enabling-member 230, wherein shaft-hosting member 210 and pivoting-enabling-member 230 are pivotally connected by a shaft 250, typically being a two-sided shaft. Thereby, when pivotable door 30 is pivoted, pivoting-enabling-member 230 pivots about shaft 250.

Boreholes 22 are formed in preconfigured locations of pivotable door 30, proximal to vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30. Hinge mechanism 200 further includes a door clamping member 220, for securing second-section-mechanism 202 onto pivotable door 30. In one embodiment, clamping member 220 includes boreholes 222 formed in preconfigured locations of clamping member 220, spaced apart to respectively overlap with boreholes 32 of pivotable door 30. Boreholes 212 are also formed in preconfigured locations of shaft-hosting member 210, spaced apart also to respectively overlap with boreholes 32 of pivotable door 30.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the door attaching mechanism are screws 270 having threads that match threads that are formed inside boreholes 212 of shaft-hosting member 210. When assembling second-section-mechanism 202, shaft-hosting member 210 is securely placed on one side of pivotable door 30, such that boreholes 212 of shaft-hosting member 210 overlap with boreholes 32 of pivotable door 30. Symmetrically, clamping member 220 is placed on the other of pivotable door 30, such that boreholes 222 of clamping member 220 overlap with boreholes 32 of pivotable door 30. Then, screws 270 are inserted into respective boreholes 222 and boreholes 32, and screwed into threaded boreholes 212 of shaft-hosting member 210 to secure second-section-mechanism 202 onto pivotable door 30.

When assembling first-section-mechanism 204, pivoting-enabling-member 230 is securely attached to bathroom wall 40 at a preconfigured location, using for example boreholes 232.

Shaft-hosting member 210 has a generally elongated U-shape, wherein the flat external surface 211 of the U-shape base is the surface that, when assembled, is secured to pivotable door 30. Arms 218 of the U-shaped body of shaft-hosting member 210 extend away from external surface 211, wherein a gap 216 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) is formed between arms 218 and wherein gap 216 facilitates fittingly accommodating pivoting-enabling-member 230. Boreholes 214 are formed in arms 218 at preconfigured locations of shaft-hosting member 210, proximal to the edge of the side of shaft-hosting member 210 that is proximal to vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30.

Pivoting-enabling-member 230 includes a base section 238 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) and a wall-arm-section 233. Base-section 238 includes a flat external surface 231 (see FIG. 17) that, when assembled, is adjacently secured to bathroom wall 40. Wall-arm-section 233 includes an embracing-arm 237 and a bridge 235. Bridge 235 extends generally perpendicular and away from base-section 238, towards and beyond vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30 (when assembled). Embracing-arm 237 extends away from base-section 238, embracing pivotable door 30 proximal to vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30 (when assembled), and substantially parallel to flat external surface 231 of base-section 238.

An embracing-arm-gap 236 is formed between embracing-arm 237 and base-section 238, facilitates opening and closing of pivotable door 30 in both directions with respect to ordinary wall 40 (see FIGS. 10 and 11), while sealing the substantially parallel wall-door-gap (265) between ordinary wall 40 and vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30, as shown in FIG. 5a, with sealer 260 mounted over vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30. Parallel wall-door-gap 265, formed between ordinary wall 40 and vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30 varies in size as pivotable door 30, wherein sealed 260 is designed to seal the minimally-sized wall-door-gap 265 formed between a virtual vertical line that is most proximal to door-vertical edge 38, when pivotable door 30 is perpendicular to ordinary wall 40, pivotable door 30 being in a closed state. In FIG. 5b, sealer 260 has been removed for illustrative purposes only. Without a sealer 260, a wall-door-gap 265 must be formed between the surface of ordinary wall 40 and vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30, which edges are disposed substantially parallel.

Boreholes 214 are formed in arms 218 at preconfigured locations of shaft-hosting member 210, proximal to the edge of the side of shaft-hosting member 210 that is proximal to vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30. Preferably, bearing-cylinders 252 are inserted in each borehole 214 in the respective arm 218. A hollow cylinder 234 is formed through embracing-arm 237, proximal to the typically round tip of embracing-arm 237.

To complete the assembly of hinge mechanism 200, a fitted shaft 250 is inserted through bearing-cylinders 252 and through hollow cylinder 234, facilitating pivotal motion of second-section-mechanism 202 with respect to first-section-mechanism 204. Shaft 250 may be a one-part or two parts shaft. Shaft 250 may be secured to embracing-arm 237 of bridge 239 by various means. For example, by forcefully inserting shaft 250 into hollow cylinder 234, or by an securing screw (not shown) screwed through the wall of the tip of embracing-arm 237, wherein the tip of the securing screw is forced into a slit 254 formed generally at the center of 250. Another option is to have a shaft 250 with a wider top end (top—with respect to the operative orientation of shaft 250.

To facilitate sealing wall-door-gap 265 between ordinary wall 40 and vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30, a sealer 260 is mounted over vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30. Pivoting-enabling-member 230 facilitates opening and closing of pivotable door 30 in both directions with respect to ordinary wall 40 (see FIGS. 10 and 11), while sealer 260 remains unharmed on vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30.

When pivotable door 30 is in a closed state, as shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 5a, the surface of bathroom ordinary wall 40 presses against sealer 260, to thereby seal wall-door-gap 265 formed between ordinary wall 40 and vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30.

When pivotable door 30 is opened in a first direction 37 towards a first-open-state, as shown in FIG. 10, embracing-arm 237 pivots about shaft 250 away from gap 216 of shaft-hosting member 210, wherein vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30, carrying sealer 260, moves away from ordinary wall 40 into embracing-arm-gap 236, wherein pivoting-enabling-member 230 accommodates vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30 inside embracing-arm-gap 236, including sealer 260.

When pivotable door 30 is opened in direction 35 towards a second-open-state, as shown in FIG. 11, embracing-arm 237 pivots about shaft 250 inside gap 216 of shaft-hosting member 210, wherein vertical edge 38 of pivotable door 30 moves away from embracing-arm-gap 236, and bridge 235 and embracing-arm 237 move away from wall-vertical edge 38 and towards shaft-hosting member 210 that serves as a stopper for the pivoting motion.

Typically, with no limitation one, two or three hinge mechanisms 200 are pivotally attaching first-section-mechanism 204 to second-section-mechanism 202.

In variations of the present invention second-section-mechanism 202 may be attached to wall 20 by other conventional attaching means, and not by screws 270.

Optionally, a gasket is placed between clamping member 220 and pivotable door 30 and/or between shaft-hosting member 210 and ordinary wall 40.

The invention being thus described in terms of embodiments and examples, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A shower partition assembly, having at least one stationary wall and at least one pivotable door, wherein the stationary wall and the pivotable door are pivotally interconnected by at least one hinge mechanism, said at least one hinge mechanism comprising:

a) a first-section-mechanism comprising a shaft-hosting member, securely attached to the at least one stationary wall coupled with the pivotable door; and

b) a second-section-mechanism comprising a pivoting-enabling-member, said pivoting-enabling-member comprising: i. a base section, securely attached to the at least one pivotable door; and ii. a U-shaped arm-section, including: A. a base-arm; B. an embracing-arm; and C. a bridge interconnecting said base-arm and said embracing-arm, wherein an embracing-arm-gap is formed between said base-arm and said embracing-arm,

wherein said shaft-hosting member and said pivoting-enabling-member are pivotally connected by a shaft, disposed proximal to the open end of said embracing-arm, to thereby facilitate pivotal motion of the at least one pivotable door about said shaft, with respect to the at least one stationary wall, when the at least one pivotable door is pushed or pulled;

wherein when said at least one hinge mechanisms is in a closed-state, a wall-vertical edge of the at least one stationary wall is disposed substantially parallel to a door-vertical edge of the at least one pivotable door, forming a substantially parallel wall-door-gap, having a preconfigured width;

wherein when said at least one pivotable door is opened in a first direction towards a first-open-state, said embracing-arm pivots about said shaft, and said bridge and said embracing-arm move towards said wall-vertical edge, until said wall-vertical edge is accommodated inside said embracing-arm-gap;

wherein when the at least one pivotable door is opened in the second direction towards a second-open-state, said embracing-arm pivots about said shaft and said bridge and said embracing-arm move away from said wall-vertical edge and towards said shaft-hosting member that serves as a stopper for said pivoting motion; and

wherein said embracing-arm-gap facilitates the opening and closing of the at least one pivotable door in both directions, with respect to the at least one coupled stationary wall.

2. The shower partition assembly of claim 1 further comprises a sealer.

3. The shower partition assembly of claim 2, wherein said sealer is mounted over the open said wall-vertical edge of the at least one stationary wall, and wherein said sealer is preconfigured to seal said wall-door-gap when said at least one hinge mechanisms is in a closed-state.

4. The shower partition assembly of claim 2, wherein said sealer is mounted over the open said door-vertical edge of the at least one pivotable door, and wherein said sealer is preconfigured to seal said wall-door-gap when said at least one hinge mechanisms is in a closed-state.

5. The shower partition assembly of claim 2, wherein when said at least one pivotable door is opened in sais first direction towards said first-open-state, said embracing-arm pivots about said shaft and said bridge moves towards said wall-vertical edge, until said wall-vertical edge and said sealer mounted thereon, are accommodated inside said embracing-arm-gap.

6. The shower partition assembly of claim 2, wherein said sealer is made of elastic materials, and wherein the portion of said sealer, extending away from the wall-vertical edge, is larger than the width of said wall-door-gap, by a preconfigured amount.

7. A shower partition assembly, having at least one stationary wall and at least one pivotable door, wherein the stationary wall and the pivotable door are pivotally interconnected by at least one hinge mechanism, said at least one hinge mechanism comprising:

a) a first-section-mechanism comprising a shaft-hosting member, securely attached to the at least one pivotable door; and

b) a second-section-mechanism comprising a pivoting-enabling-member, said pivoting-enabling-member comprising: i. a base section, securely attached to a coupled at least one stationary wall; and ii. a U-shaped arm-section, including: A. a base-arm; B. an embracing-arm; and C. a bridge interconnecting said base-arm and said embracing-arm, wherein an embracing-arm-gap is formed between said base-arm and said embracing-arm,

wherein said shaft-hosting member and said pivoting-enabling-member are pivotally connected by a shaft, disposed proximal to the open end of said embracing-arm, to thereby facilitate pivotal motion of the at least one pivotable door about said shaft, with respect to the at least one stationary wall, when the at least one pivotable door is pushed or pulled;

wherein when said at least one hinge mechanisms is in a closed-state, a wall-vertical edge of the at least one stationary wall is disposed substantially parallel to a door-vertical edge of the at least one pivotable door, forming a substantially parallel wall-door-gap, having a preconfigured width;

wherein when said at least one pivotable door is opened in a first direction towards a first-open-state, said embracing-arm pivots about said shaft and said bridge moves towards said wall-vertical edge, until said wall-vertical edge is accommodated inside said embracing-arm-gap;

wherein when said the at least one pivotable door is opened in the second direction towards a second-open-state, said embracing-arm pivots about said shaft and said bridge and said embracing-arm move away from said wall-vertical edge and towards said shaft-hosting member that serves as a stopper for said pivoting motion; and

wherein said embracing-arm-gap facilitates the opening and closing of the at least one pivotable door in both directions with respect to the at least one stationary wall.

8. The shower partition assembly of claim 7 further comprises a sealer.

9. The shower partition assembly of claim 8, wherein said sealer is mounted over the open said wall-vertical edge of the at least one stationary wall, and wherein said sealer is preconfigured to seal said wall-door-gap when said at least one hinge mechanisms is in a closed-state.

10. The shower partition assembly of claim 8, wherein said sealer is mounted over the open said door-vertical edge of the at least one pivotable door, and wherein said sealer is preconfigured to seal said wall-door-gap when said at least one hinge mechanisms is in a closed-state.

11. The shower partition assembly of claim 10, wherein said least one stationary wall is an ordinary wall and wherein said wall-vertical edge is a virtual vertical line that is most proximal to the door-vertical edge, and wherein in said closed state said pivotable door is substantially perpendicular to the ordinary wall.