With Movable Closure Patents (Class 4/557)
  • Patent number: 11406229
    Abstract: The present invention is a retractable roll up style shower curtain system that can replace traditional shower curtains eliminating any need for hooks, rings, or liners. The core components of the invention are a retractable roll up style curtain, two or more mounting brackets, and other, optional tub frame mounting hardware component parts. When properly installed, the user can simply step into his/her shower, pull the shower curtain down to the top of the tub where it will lock in place. When finished, pulling on the curtain once more will unlock the retraction mechanics and raise it up to the desired height for safely stepping out of the shower proper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: Timothy D. Dady
  • Patent number: 11396770
    Abstract: A guide pin support system may include: a first support plate; a second support plate pivotally attached to the first support plate; a first guide pin supported by the first support plate; a second guide pin supported by the second support plate and the second guide pin pivotable with respect to the first guide pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: OVERHEAD DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Federico Romero
  • Patent number: 10993586
    Abstract: A shower shade includes a curtain support and a curtain coupled to and hanging from the curtain support. The curtain may be made of a water impermeable material. A connector is coupled to the curtain support and is configured to releasably couple the curtain support to a shower head, a shower arm, or a shower caddy of a shower so that the curtain covers at least one hot and cold water knob in the shower. The shower shade further provides intellectual engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventors: Ashley Anne Meise, Hudson Gabriel Meise Gaeta
  • Patent number: 10652277
    Abstract: A method to block overlay phishing attempt is described. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a first application displaying a page of the first application on a display of a computing device, detecting a second application displaying a page of the second application on the display of the computing device, upon detecting the second application displaying the page of the second application, comparing a schematic representation of the page of the first application to a schematic representation of the page of the second application, and determining whether an overlay phishing attempt occurs based at least in part on the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CA, Inc.
    Inventor: Dinesh Venkatesan
  • Patent number: 10458135
    Abstract: The invention relates to a public sanitary device (1), comprising a housing with walk-in positions (20, 30), each with a receptacle (21, 31) for human excrement and/or urine. The housing is provided with a first housing part (11) intended for placing underground, a second housing part (12) received movably in the first housing part and a third housing part (13) received movably in the second housing part. The sanitary device comprises a drive for moving the second and third housing parts between an underground rest position and an above-ground position of use. At least one of the walk-in positions is provided with a door for closing the walk-in position. The door comprises at least a first and a second door segment (41, 42), which door segments are movable in longitudinal direction relative to each other. The second housing part (12) comprises the first door segment (41) and the third housing part (13) comprises the second door segment (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: URILIFT BEHEER B.V.
    Inventor: Marten Alberto Schimmel
  • Patent number: 10194773
    Abstract: A retracting curtain assembly includes a housing that may extend between walls of a shower. A motion unit is provided and the motion unit positioned in the housing. A shower curtain is coupled to the motion unit. Thus, the motion unit urges the shower curtain between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Deborah Foreman
  • Patent number: 10161171
    Abstract: A sliding rail low-obstacle linkage shower room include an upper rail and a lower rail, a fixed glass, a primary shower glass and a secondary shower glass. The lower rail is correspondingly fixed on a bottom of the secondary shower glass. A sliding block unit is installed on the lower rail. The sliding block unit includes a fixed portion, a sliding groove and a guidance sliding portion. The fixed portion is fixed on the bottom of the secondary shower glass. A bottom of the primary shower glass is inserted into the sliding groove to form a linkage. The guidance sliding portion is glidingly engaged with the lower rail. The linkage shower room has a simple structure which can be easily manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIAN XIHE SANITARY WARE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaofa Lin, Xiaoshan Lin, Jilun Pang, Pengxing Zheng, Qiqiao Liu, Xiaoqing Deng
  • Patent number: 9839330
    Abstract: A shower track guide system for a shower enclosure may include an elevated track positioned above a base and at least one stand disposed between the base and the track. The track may be mounted to the at least one stand. A shower door may be movable along a top of the track to permit access to the shower enclosure. The stand may elevate the track above the base to permit water to flow underneath the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Steven R. Aykens, Mark A. Johnson, James L. Marlowe, Roque M. Corpuz, Jr., Nicholas Pairolero, Michael R. Bates
  • Patent number: 9038211
    Abstract: A shower curtain is provided with two pockets adapted to receive spaced apart stereo speakers and a third pocket adapted to receive a personal entertainment system. The third pocket is provided with a clear inside window pane facing the inside of the shower and adapted for finger-touch control through the window pane. A closure system integral with the shower curtain is provided for external access to the pockets. In one embodiment, the closure system for access to the pockets is a tongue-in-groove fastening arrangement that provides external access to a personal entertainment system as well as a channel through which wires run to couple the entertainment system to the speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: HEDAYA HOME FASHIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Hedaya
  • Patent number: 9027177
    Abstract: A shower door assembly with an integral directional draining system including a shower door frame having a frame body defining a horizontal drain channel and a plurality of drain holes, at least one side panel having a first end and a second end, the first end of the side panel being sized and configured to be fixedly attached to the frame body and the second end of the side panel further including a hinge mount, and at least one door defining a hinge mount rotatably connected to the hinge mount of the side panel and a door drain channel, the door having an upper portion and lower portion. The door of the present invention flares upward and bows outward such that the upper portion of the door is farther away from the shower door frame than the lower portion of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Edwin Perez
  • Patent number: 8944394
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a hinge for movably connecting a first panel to a second panel, the hinge comprising first and second spaced apart hinge members, each hinge member being connectable to the respective first and second panels; and a connector located between the hinge members, the connector having a pin member which connects the hinge members together to permit selective movement of the first panel relative to the second panel about multiple axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Maax Bath Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Berger
  • Patent number: 8826471
    Abstract: A disposable shower curtain liner device that includes a plurality of flexible polymeric sheet members disposed dispensable from a housing, each of said plurality of sheet members including a pair of adhesive strips and a plurality of magnets disposed upon a first surface of said sheet member for releasable attachment of the sheet member to a bathroom surface whereby contact between a user and a bathroom surface is preventable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Bessie Maddox
  • Patent number: 8707475
    Abstract: A shower door assembly is provided that includes a frame mountable at an opening of a shower enclosure. The shower door assembly also includes a door panel movably mounted to the frame and configured to close off a first portion of the enclosure opening. The shower door assembly further includes a storage unit movably mounted to the frame and configured to close off a second portion of the enclosure opening. The storage unit has at least one shelf accessible at least from inside the shower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Mark A. Johnson, Mike Yoshiaki Daikubara, John A. Teubert, Carrie L. Miller, Mark P. Dlugopolski
  • Patent number: 8667622
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy apparatus 2 comprising at least one door 12, affixed thereto, operable between an open condition in which access is provided to an interior of the apparatus 2 and a closed condition in which access is prevented to an interior of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus 2 is provided with a door closing mechanism having a first engagement condition and a second engagement condition wherein movement of the mechanism from the first engagement condition to the second is arranged to draw the door 12 against a frame 352 to which it abuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Syspal Limited
    Inventors: Christopher John Truman, Matthew William Rees
  • Publication number: 20130276223
    Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second spa cover portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first spa cover portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second spa cover portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second spa cover portions, which face the water at the interior of the spa tub when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second spa cover portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Tournas, W. John Gardenier
  • Patent number: 8516625
    Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second portions, which face the spa tub water when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Hottubproducts.com, LLC
    Inventors: W. John Gardenier, Andrew Tournas, Michael A. Fabiani
  • Patent number: 8516626
    Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second portions, which face the spa tub water when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Hottubproducts.com, LLC
    Inventors: W. John Gardenier, Andrew Tournas, Michael A. Fabiani
  • Patent number: 8495772
    Abstract: A shower door apparatus is disclosed being secured to the top rim of a bath tub. The shower door apparatus has a base plate extending outward from, and beyond, the top rim of the bath tub. A shower door frame assembly having at least one shower door is secured to the base plate near the edge distal to the bath tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Henry J. Boonstra
  • Patent number: 8479325
    Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second spa cover portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first spa cover portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second spa cover portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second spa cover portions, which face the water at the interior of the spa tub when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second spa cover portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hottubproducts.com, LLC
    Inventors: W. John Gardenier, Andrew Tournas
  • Patent number: 8468617
    Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second portions, which face the spa tub water when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hottubproducts.com, LLC
    Inventors: W. John Gardenier, Andrew Tournas
  • Patent number: 8375478
    Abstract: A walk-in bathtub has an outward swinging door mounted on a door jam. The door is provided with a latching mechanism that includes an extendible latching pin for receipt within a latch receiver in the door jam. The latching pin has a contoured face for guiding the latching pin into the latch receiver, and for drawing the door close to the door jam to compress a gasket provided between the door and the door jam. A push button lock selectively locks the latching mechanism in the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: 5 Star Steam Rooms L.L.C.
    Inventor: Zhi Gang Luo
  • Patent number: 8341774
    Abstract: A vertical sliding enclosure for a bathtub, including three vertically slidable glass panel assemblies, wherein each assembly contains a slidable glass panel attached by the left and right glass connectors serving as the transverse position limiters which limit the panel in the transverse movement, a pair of left and right housings having the respective longitudinal tracks for the panel in the vertical movement, and room for a counterbalancing weight system containing left and right pulleys and weight combination so that a weight of the glass panel can be balanced. The enclosure provides a sufficient height for a user to access the bathtub when the three panels are raised to their maximum heights. When in their lowered position, the three panels prevent shower water from entering the bathroom floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Roy Norris
  • Publication number: 20120137424
    Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second portions, which face the spa tub water when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: W. John Gardenier, Andrew Tournas, Michael A. Fabiani
  • Publication number: 20120137425
    Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second portions, which face the spa tub water when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: W. John Gardenier, Andrew Tournas
  • Publication number: 20120137423
    Abstract: A spa cover includes first and second portions that are rotatable along a pivot axis. The first portion has a first length traverse to the pivot axis, and the second portion has a second length extending in the same direction as the first length. The first length is longer than the second length. When the cover is moved from a closed configuration into an open configuration, lower surfaces of the first and second portions, which face the spa tub water when in the closed configuration and can become unsightly, are moved into a position in which they face each other, whereas the upper surface of the second portion faces the users in the tub. A lifter is provided for moving the spa cover between the closed and an open configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: W. John Gardenier, Andrew Tournas, Michael A. Fabiani
  • Patent number: 8136202
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for operatively mounting one or more glass shower door panels to one or more panels is described. The mounting assembly includes an elongate guide assembly adapted for receiving and retaining a carriage assembly for mounting a reciprocating glass shower door; and a mounting assembly including one or more end mounting devices for mounting one or more ends of the elongate guide assembly perpendicular to one or more glass panels or walls. Also described is a mounting assembly including an elongate guide assembly adapted for receiving and retaining a carriage assembly for mounting a reciprocating glass shower door; and one or more spaced guide mounting devices for connecting the guide assembly to an adjacent parallel panel and spacing the guide assembly a selected distance from and parallel to the adjacent parallel glass wall panel to provide access between the parallel glass wall panel and guide assembly for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Marc Hanley
  • Patent number: 8122531
    Abstract: A shower curtain assembly is designed to provide users with an apparatus that provides much wide shower space for consumers than traditional one, prevents the curtain from moving inward, eliminate water spilling onto the floor, and even allows the user to sit on a top periphery of a bathtub near the curtain when the shower is in use. It is simply comprised of a shower curtain support rod that bows outward from a shower enclosure along its length, a shower curtain, hooks, and means that secures the shower curtain to achieve the abovementioned goal. The means includes main weights attached to the lower portion of the curtain, wires connected to the lower portion of the curtain and holders fixed to the bottom edges of the sidewalls of the shower enclosure, and wires with magnets attached. Only one of them needs to be chosen for the shower enclosure for the aforementioned functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Wenchuan Li
  • Patent number: 8060955
    Abstract: A shower door assembly includes a storage system. One form of the system is a cove of shelves mounted under the same header that extends over the door panel. The cove preferably blocks viewing of items on the shelving from outside the enclosure, but permits access to the shelving from inside the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Mark A. Johnson, Mike Y. Daikubara, John A. Teubert, Carrie L. Miller, Mark P. Dlugopolski
  • Patent number: 7987532
    Abstract: A shower curtain support system consists of a support guide member having a center portion, two opposing ends, two holders, and an attached shower curtain. The two holders are fixedly attached to the two opposing end walls of a shower stall or tub enclosure, and are usably adjoined, one on each end, to the support guide member. Each holder consists of a roller bracket having rollers and spacers attached to the roller bracket. The rollers communicate with the longitudinal slots on each of the two opposing ends of the support guide member. The support guide member is movable between a first extended position wherein the support guide member, with an attached shower curtain, is extended out at the top creating a maximum amount of space inside the shower stall or tub enclosure. In the second position the support guide member is retracted within the space defining the shower stall or tub enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: David B. Bathurst, Veronica L. Bathurst
  • Patent number: 7987534
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod is a multiple-sectional rod composed of two supporting rods and at least one extension rod pivotally connected between the two supporting rods to allow shower curtain sleeving and suspending thereon. Distal ends of the two supporting rods rotatably combine with pivotal hinge assemblies to mount on the walls respectively. Thus, the extension rod is driven to different orientations by pushing and rotating one of the two supporting rods to selectively bend the shower curtain rod inward or outward to make the shower space variable with maximum benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Mei-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 7900318
    Abstract: A mounting means for operatively mounting one or more glass shower door panels to one or more panels is described. The mounting means includes an elongate guide assembly adapted for receiving and retaining a carriage assembly for mounting a reciprocating glass shower door; and a mounting assembly including one or more end mounting devices for mounting one or more ends of the elongate guide assembly perpendicular to one or more glass panels or walls. Also described is a mounting means including an elongate guide assembly adapted for receiving and retaining a carriage assembly for mounting a reciprocating glass shower door; and one or more spaced guide mounting devices for connecting the guide assembly to an adjacent parallel panel and spacing the guide assembly a selected distance from and parallel to the adjacent parallel glass wall panel to provide access between the parallel glass wall panel and guide assembly for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hydroscreen Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Marc Hanley
  • Patent number: 7770243
    Abstract: A shower curtain-rod assembly is arranged to have distinct and structurally separate gravitational and torsional load bearing capabilities. The shower curtain may be formed with folded pockets to receive shower curtain stays. The pockets are made by creating overlapping layers of the shower curtain and then ultrasonically welding the overlapping layers together. The shower curtain-rod assembly includes a shower rod having an internal track, a shower ring coupled to a shower curtain stay, and rollers supported on the internal track and coupled to the stay. The internal track generally supports the weight of the shower curtain, the rollers, the stays, and the shower ring. In one embodiment, a channel formed in an outer wall of the shower rod cooperates with a torsional restraint tab extending from an inner surface of the shower ring, which is located over the shower rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Robert W. Wise
  • Patent number: 7346940
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod assembly includes a frame fixed on a wall and a connection member has a connection tube which has one end connected with an end of a rod and a pivotable member is connected to the other end of the connection tube. The pivotable member is pivotably connected to the frame so as to set the direction that the connection tube is orientated. A cover has a through hole through which the connection tube extends. The connection tube is adjustable to be connected with a curved rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: You Da Metal International Develop Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying Feng Liao
  • Patent number: 7346939
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes at least three frameless panels that are slidably installed to form a door to an enclosed tub or shower area. Each frameless panel is gripped at a top by at least two roller assemblies, and the roller assemblies are slidably suspended from a header that supports the frameless panels via the roller assemblies. The sliding door assembly also includes a guide assembly that has at least three tracks, wherein each frameless panel is guided by a corresponding one of the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: American Shower Door Corporation
    Inventor: Edward A. Perry
  • Patent number: 7065806
    Abstract: A profiled unit (10) for a shower partition door (S) is mounted for rotation about an off-center vertical axis (A) and accommodates, in longitudinal grooves (12, 14) on either side, partial leaves (22, 24) whose position relative to each other is adjustable in at least two directions. At the front and/or rear, flat elements (30, 38) are lockable into a profiled element (11), whose ends accommodate pivot bearings (26, 28) between which the profiled unit (10) can be raised or lowered even during its rotation and can be locked in position in at least one door position. An adjustable and lockable supporting plate (50) sits below the bottom pivot bearing (26). Above this, the door rests on a preloadable spring assembly (F) that includes a compression spring (67) that can be contracted and released in order to lower or raise said door (S), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Günter Reichel, Jürgen Reichel
  • Patent number: 7024706
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod and holding devices provide for a shower area to be covered on a plurality of sides by an associated shower curtain to prevent shower water from escaping. The shower curtain rod is non-linear and is mounted at distal ends to walls of the shower area at least one-third of a total shower depth from a front of the shower. The holding devices have mounting portions that can be attached to walls in a variety of ways. A method of preventing water from escaping from the shower implements the rod and holding devices. A method of installing the rod and holding devices is easy and requires few steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Fiber Care Baths, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Hess
  • Publication number: 20040177437
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes at least three frameless panels that are slidably installed to form a door to an enclosed tub or shower area. Each frameless panel is gripped at a top by at least two roller assemblies, and the roller assemblies are slidably suspended from a header that supports the frameless panels via the roller assemblies. The sliding door assembly also includes a guide assembly that has at least three tracks, wherein each frameless panel is guided by a corresponding one of the tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Edward A. Perry
  • Patent number: 6694542
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hip bath including a rear space (1) with a seat (2) as well as a front space (3) with a door opening (5) in a front side (4) thereof, said door opening (5) being closable by a door (6), wherein the seat (2) has a seat surface (7) with a notch (8), which extends rearwardly and divides said seat surface in two portions (7a, 7b). The front space (3) has as constant or substatially constant width (VB) and the rear space (1) has a greater width (HB) than the front space (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Paul-Johnny Johansson
  • Patent number: 6694543
    Abstract: An adjustable, compressive mount for a shower curtain rod fits neatly within the curtain rod to maintain the esthetic appearance of the rod. A rotatable extension within the rod is moved in and out of the rod to alter the effective length of the rod. Extending the rod to fit within the enclosure provides a frictional fit against the opposing walls of the shower enclosure, without the need to place screws into the walls of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Sean A. Moore
  • Patent number: 6662385
    Abstract: A shower door track cushion is provided, which includes a material having a length. A slit is cut longitudinally along the length of the bottom of the material. The slit is adapted to fit over a shower door track and retain the material on the shower door track, which is located along a top edge of a bathtub. The material includes an extending rectangular section integral to the material at one end of the length of the material, which is adapted to fit between a first and a second shower door vertical support in order to retain the material between the first and second shower door vertical supports. The material can be made of polyethylene foam and can include a rounded top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony J. Bayne
  • Publication number: 20020189011
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod and holding devices provide for a shower area to be covered on a plurality of sides by an associated shower curtain to prevent shower water from escaping. The shower curtain rod is non-linear and is mounted at distal ends to walls of the shower area at least one-third of a total shower depth from a front of the shower. The holding devices have mounting portions that can be attached to walls in a variety of ways. A method of preventing water from escaping from the shower implements the rod and holding devices. A method of installing the rod and holding devices is easy and requires few steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen W. Hess
  • Patent number: 6412124
    Abstract: A shower curtain is formed of a plurality of hanging panels which are attached to a track member for automatic deployment between a retracted, or drying, arrangement and an extended, or barrier, arrangement. Each panel has an ogee, or ‘S’, shape. A plurality of sliding portions, with a panel attached thereto, engage the track member for displacement therealong. Two connectors couple each adjacent pair of sliding portions to provide the desired automatic rotation to the sliding portions and the panels attached thereto. One of these connectors is fixedly positioned relative to one of the pair of sliding portions to convey rotational movement thereto. The second of these connectors is pivotally positioned relative to the second of the pair of sliding portions. The connectors are pivotally coupled together distal from their respective coupling to the respective sliding portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: James P Anderson
  • Patent number: 6381769
    Abstract: An accessible bathtub apparatus for persons with disabilities, including an enclosure with an elevated bed with a seat and a foot well, a door panel, a door seal, connectors operable to pivot the door panel from an open position to a closed position, and retainers that hold the door panel in the open position until released by the user. The elevated bed allows direct lateral access by the user. The bathtub can be installed in a newly-constructed or renovated bathroom. Alternatively, it can be installed on an existing conventional bathtub, thereby avoiding the necessity of removing the old tub before installing the new one. It can be used in private homes, hotels/motels, and other locations; it can be used by persons with disabilities that would otherwise preclude them from bathing unattended or unassisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Alden A. Lofquist, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6226808
    Abstract: A bathtub and shower combination for allowing an open bath area while preventing water from escaping the bathtub area while showering. The bathtub and shower combination includes a bathing stall. The bathing stall has a first and second walls joined at a vertical edge. The first and second walls are orientated generally perpendicular to each other. A bathtub is elongate and has a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls and a bottom wall. A first of end walls is fixedly coupled to the first wall of the bathing stall. A first of the side walls is fixedly coupled to the second wall of the bathing stall. Each of the walls of the bathtub has a top edge. A faucet for delivering water to the bathtub is mounted on a top edge of the bathtub. A shower portion includes a door. The door is hingedly coupled to a free vertical edge of the first wall of the bathing stall. A generally planar post extending vertically from the top edge of the second side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Donal Walshe
  • Patent number: 6151727
    Abstract: A bathtub apparatus for persons with disabilities, including a removable front panel and an elevated bed that allows direct lateral access by the user. The bed of the bathtub is elevated above the bathroom floor, approximately at the height of a chair, toilet seat, or standard bathtub front rail. The relative movement of the front panel/wall can be accomplished in a number of different ways, as can sealing between the front panel and the stationary parts of the bathtub. In one embodiment of the invention, the bathtub can be installed above an existing conventional bathtub, thereby avoiding the necessity of removing the old tub before installing the new one. The bathtub can be used in private homes, hotels/motels, and other locations; it can be used by persons with disabilities that would otherwise preclude them from bathing unattended or unassisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Alden A. Lofquist, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6148451
    Abstract: A shower door assembly is disclosed that has a connector vertically slidably attached to a lower door. The connector corrects for out of plumb conditions when linked to a curb rail, and inhibits door swing. The connector may be assembled after the curb is mounted to a surface due to a transverse lateral connection involving multi-rotatonal positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Timothy S. DeBraal, David R. Funk
  • Patent number: 6023794
    Abstract: An improvement to a sliding door system for a shower-bathtub installed adjacent to three walls of a bathroom. The sliding door system includes an upper track that has the following elements: (1) at least two wheel supports, (2) at least two wheel stays positioned above the two wheel supports, and (3) at least two lower bearing supports positioned at least five inches below the two wheel supports. The upper track is rigidly attached to the two short walls of the shower-bathtub and provides enough support so that the presence of a lower track is unnecessary. In a preferred embodiment, the outside wall of the bathtub and the two short shower walls comprise molded dams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: John H. Nein
  • Patent number: 5950255
    Abstract: A shower curtain assembly for enclosing an opening in a shower enclosure in environments where there is a risk that an individual might attempt to use a part of the shower curtain assembly to cause injury to himself or others. The assembly is constructed of a foam plastic curtain support, a shower curtain attached at its upper edge to the curtain support, and releasable attachments that include hook-and-loop fasteners attached at opposite ends of the curtain support to attach the assembly across the enclosure opening. The shower curtain assembly may also include a cover around the curtain support, with the upper edge of the curtain being releasably attached to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Bob Barker Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Thompson
  • Patent number: 5918327
    Abstract: A bathtub enclosure for providing a leak proof enclosure for bathtubs. The enclosure includes an outer frame having a generally open rectangular configuration with spaced apart elongate top and bottom bars, and a pair of spaced apart elongate side bars extending between the top and bottom bars. The bars of the outer frame define a central space therebetween. The bottom bar is designed for attachment to the top of a side wall of a bathtub. The top bar is designed for attachment to a ceiling structure above the side wall of the bathtub. A first of the side bars is designed for attachment to a wall structure adjacent one end of the bathtub. A second of the side bars is designed for attachment to a wall structure adjacent another end of the bathtub. A pair of panels are provided in the central space of the outer frame. Each of the panels is extended between the top and bottom bars. One of the panels is positioned adjacent one of the side bars. Another of the panels is positioned adjacent another of the side bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Omar D. Vance
  • Patent number: 5893181
    Abstract: An enclosure for the entrance to a bathing facility, such as a bathtub/shower combination, or other area that can be completely closed, completely opened, or partially closed or opened. The preferred embodiment includes a column mounted in the plane of and at one side of the entrance; a dual cantilever extended from the column intermediate its upper and lower ends; and dual shower doors mounted on the cantilever so that a vertical plane containing the center of gravity of the doors intersects the column. The doors are mounted so that one of the doors is translationally movable for changing the degree of closure of the bathing facility and so that both doors can be pivoted out of the entrance to the facility to open it completely. The mounting of the doors, which features a bearing carriage in the dual cantilever, eliminates both a header and the typical tub rail, and allows the doors to be frameless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas R. Moncaster