Abstract: A shower door assembly is disclosed that has a connector vertically slidably attached to a lower door corner block. The connector corrects for out of plumb conditions when linked to a curb rail. The connector also cleans a track in the rail as the door is moved.

Abstract: The invention provides that a bath has one or more shoulders which receives or receive the lower edges of one or more shower screen panels which forms or form a means preventing water from passing over the side of the bath. The shoulder or shoulders is or are formed by distinct steps on the insides of the bath, at the top edge thereof, so that the upright side face or faces of the shoulder or shoulders form an obstruction preventing the panel or panels from swinging out beyond the sides of the bath.

Abstract: A retractable shower screen has a spring-biased roller with first and second ends; first and second brackets, mountable to opposed walls in a shower stall, for releasable respective mating engagement with the first and second ends of the roller; a flexible sheet having first and second longitudinal edges, the first longitudinal edge of the flexible sheet releasably attachable to the roller between the first and second ends; a sealing bar, releasably attachable to the second longitudinal edge of the second flexible sheet, for sealing the longitudinal edge of the flexible sheet to the shower stall; the spring-biased roller having a spring for rotating the roller, whereby the flexible sheet may be rolled onto and unrolled from the roller; a ratchet co-operating with the roller, the ratchet releasably engageable whereby, when engaged, the flexible sheet may only be unrolled from the roller, the engaged ratchet preventing retraction of the flexible sheets onto the roller; whereby when the ratchet is engaged the fl

Abstract: A door system for a bathing enclosure which includes a track extending above an opening of the enclosure with the track having a rail with an upper surface having a longitudinal groove. A door has first and second rollers which ride in the rail groove, so that the door is suspended from and slidable along the track. A separate stop is associated with each roller with each stop having a first locking bracket fixed to the door and a member is movably attached to the locking bracket. The members are adjustable between a first position at which the first roller may be removed from the groove and a second position at which the first member strikes the track before the first roller can be removed from the groove.

Abstract: A hinge assembly having a strip shaped like a lower case h which attaches to a supporting surface and a generally U-shaped clamping member. The end of one of the legs of the clamping member attaches to the end of the top leg of the h. This attachment location forms the point of rotation of the hinge. The U-shaped strip has ribs down the inner sides of the legs. Along the base of the legs of the U, there are holes. To install, a sheet of glass is place in the slot formed by the legs of the U. A threaded screw is inserted through the holes in the first leg of the U. When the threads of the screw reach the hole on the opposed side, they engage the threads there. The screw is turned until the head of the screw reaches the base of the hole in the first side of the U. As turning continues, the screw begins pressing the legs of the U together. This presses the ribs firmly again the glass, thereby providing a firm hold on the glass.

Abstract: A shower cubicle enclosure is disclosed. It has a fixed panel and a slidable panel for opening and closing an access opening, and a rail which defines a cylindrically curved track. The slidable panel has runner elements which cooperate with the track so as to guide the slidable panel for displacement between an open position in which the slidable panel is adjacent and spaced traversely from the fixed panel, and a closed position in which the panel closes the access opening. The fixed and slidable panels are both cylindrically curved. A parking element draws the trailing end of the slidable panel traversely towards the fixed panel as the slidable panel approaches the closed position, thus forming a water tight seal between the slidable and fixed panels.

Abstract: A barrier to restrict the distribution of water during a showering procedure comprising moveable ogee, S-shaped, panels along a tract housing to be mounted above the opening to the showering area. A mechanism within the tract housing allows for distributing the panels across the opening, followed by rotation of the panels along their vertical axis line perpendicular to the horizontal, to form the barrier. During the retracted open position, the panels are not in contact one with the next. Similarly in the extended open position prior to rotation, the panels are not in contract one with the next. Adequate ventilation is provided to significantly reduce the growth of molds or funguses associated with showering areas.

Abstract: The bath tub (10) having side access has a main tub body (12), a door support, a tambour door assembly (16), a door seal 18 and a control system (20). The door support includes door guide assemblies (64). A tambour door (66) with a plurality of tambour slats (76 or 401) and a flexible impervious membrane (86) is guided by the door guide assemblies (64). The tambour door (66) is in a horizontal position under the floor (27) when it is open and in a vertical position closing the open side (28) of the main tub body (12) when it is closed. A seal (18) seals between the main tub body and the membrane (86). The seal (18) includes a tube (155) that is inflated to seal between the main tub (12) and the tambour door (66). The control system (20) closes the drain 46 when the tambour door (66) is closed and the seal (18) is inflated and the tambour door (66) is constrained in the closed position.

Abstract: The bath tub (10) having side access has a main tub body (12), a door support, a tambour door assembly (16), a door seal 18 and a control system (20). The door support includes door guide assemblies (64). A tambour door (66) with a plurality of tambour slats (76 or 401) and a flexible impervious membrane (86) is guided by the door guide assemblies (64). The tambour door (66) is in a horizontal position under the floor (27) when it is open and in a vertical position closing the open side (28) of the main tub body (12) when it is closed. A seal (18) seals between the main tub body and the membrane (86). The seal (18) includes a tube (155) that is inflated to seal between the main tub (12) and the tambour door (66). The control system (20) closes the drain 46 when the tambour door (66) is closed and the seal (18) is inflated and the tambour door (66) is constrained in the closed position.

Abstract: A shower partition of the type which is attached to a wall and which can be swiveled as well as swung open and closed, between a rest position and an open position in which the shower partition forms an enclosed shower stall in conjunction with the wall to which it is attached. The shower partition includes a pair of separate subunits, each of which includes a plurality of segments which are hinged with one another. A first end of each subunit is attached to the wall in spaced apart relationship with respect to the first end of the other subunit, and opposite, second ends of the subunits abut one another, when opened, to form the shower stall. When the subunits are opened to form the shower stall, the inner segments are able to fold outward to the rest position while the outer segments are able to fold inward into the rest position but are blocked from folding further outward.

Abstract: A bath and shower device with a bathtub (1) and a related shower partition (4) attached to a wall (2) above an upper edge (3) of the bathtub (1), the bathtub (1) having a bottom (5) with a planar base (6) and the shower partition (4) having several segments (7) that are hinged to one another so as to be able to swing and fold from an unfolded shower position, forming a shower stall, into a rest position, folded against the wall (2), freeing bathtub (1), and vice versa.The bath and shower device is improved with regard to shower and safety engineering in that base (6) of the bathtub (1) , seen in the longitudinal direction of bathtub (1), is placed approximately in the center of bottom (5).

Abstract: An apparatus is arranged for mounting to a top surface of a bathtub extensible to interfit between opposing side walls receiving the bathtub, with the apparatus including a hinge portion to permit accommodation of various irregularities relative to a bathtub top surface.

Abstract: A patient bathing apparatus includes an upper and lower semi-cylindrical shell, wherein the shell is mounted to a matrix of nozzles respectively within each shell, the nozzles in fluid communication with a fluid source to direct a bathing spray onto a patient. A heater assembly is mounted at a rear distal end of the shells to direct heated drying air onto the patient subsequent to a bathing event. Valve means is provided within the lower shell to cease flow of water thereto to provide for spraying of a lower portion of an individual patient in situations limited to spraying a respective top or bottom surface of the patient only.

Abstract: For a tub which provides access through a side door, an inflatable seal is employed with the fluid connection to the seal being provided through the door hinge structure. In one embodiment, sensors are provided in conjunction with the water level in the tub so as to activate the source of pressurized fluid to the seal as well as to deflate the seal at a desired time. In another embodiment, a latching mechanism is utilized so as to provide a secure but easy delatching of the door.

Abstract: A monolithic bathtub structure incorporates vertical support columns that in one aspect are integral with the bathtub and which can be secured directly to the stud framing of the cubicle in which the bathtub is installed. The bathtub structure includes a suspension beam incorporating a locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent release of the access panels from the assembly, yet the locking mechanism may be adjusted to permit removal of the access panels. In other aspects of the invention, the suspension beam, including the panel locking mechanism, and the support columns may be independently manufactured as component parts to be assembled by the purchaser to form a bathtub enclosure. The monolithic bathtub structure is capable of formation from an appropriate synthetic resinous material, as are the support columns.

Abstract: Shower stall and bathtub enclosure door assemblies which use a hinged multipanel door design, with special waterproof hinges and seams, adjustable wall panels retained by waterproof mounting sheaths, and door panel deflector sections with corresponding deflector shields to deflect water which collects on the inner surfaces of the door panels, and a door closure system which firmly secures the doors when the door assembly is closed.

Abstract: A shower door assembly of the frameless type comprises light plastic panels interconnected substantially along their length by hinges which include channels for gripping the panels. An elongated bracket facilitates the attachment of the door to walls that are out of square in relation to a bath or shower pan. The assembly presents a smooth appearance substantially devoid of surface obstructions.

Abstract: A transom assembly for a bathing enclosure or the like is disclosed. Preferably, multiple sliding transom panels are supported only at their lower end by two upwardly facing channels formed in the lintel or header of the door assembly. The panels may be positioned to overlap and thus create a transom of variable length. Locking ridges in the panels fit locking ridges in the channels to hold the panels against vertical movement. A sealing strip fits within the channels and is held by the locking channels to seal the open portions of the channel when the panels are positioned.

Abstract: The invention provides a panel (10) for adjustable attachment to a mounting section (12) relative to which it is hinged or slidable. It includes a glass or plastics pane (50) and at least one profiled ledge (22) as an integral component of straight, angled [-shaped structure. The bottom ledge (22) encloses the bottom edge (21) of the pane (50) and supports a sealing strip (26) having a stiff base (28, 76) with at least one flexible lip (32). A profiled front ledge (23) may extend up to a handle (42) or way up to an upper pane edge (81). At the inside face at least of the profiled bottom ledge (22), there is a hollow sloping drain channel (44) leading back into the interior of a panel-made shower unit. The profiled ledges (22, 23, 82, 92) are preferably non-metallic resilient components with or without reinforcement insets (70). Two associated panels (10, 100) may form a round or corner-type shower unit closed by magnetic sealing gibs (46).

Abstract: The invention relates to a partition (19) having horizontal guide rails (14, 14') held between lateral stops (16) and including three collapsible door panels (18, 20, 22) adapted to be moved to and from either side. The middle panel (20) is offset to the front and is articulated to one outer panel (22), whereas a groove (36) is provided on the upper edge of the middle panel for guiding a slidable articulation (28) attached to the other outer panel (18). An opener (40) having two lever arms (42, 48) is mounted to the articulation (30) and will be pivoted as the slidable articulation (28) passes, a long lever arm (48) engaging a slide face (52) of a joint crown (50). Magnetic gibs (60) are provided on the lateral stops (16) and on ledges (58) of the adjacent vertical edges (56) of the outer panels (18, 22). Preferably ball-boren rollers (66) support the door panels along the upper guide rail (14).

Abstract: A partition, more particularly for a corner shower, contains two door-elements mounted displaceably in an upper guide-rail. In the vicinity of the entrance, the upper guide-rail is curved like the edge of the tub and is connected to two lateral wall elements which are secured to the room and are flat. The purpose of the invention is to achieve reliable sealing and equally reliable guidance combined with a simple design. It is proposed that the guide-rail be curved over its entire length and comprise curved end-parts behind the flat wall-element. No lower guide-rail is provided. Instead, small narrow guide-elements are located outside the entrance.

Abstract: A sliding panel closure having three panels suspended from a header with three parallel tracks, has a sill disposed under the header with a sill channel opening downwardly and inwardly toward a bath enclosure or the like. A first of the door panels has a lower edge straddling the sill channel. The second and third of the panels have lower edges provided with guide means including outriggers slidable in the sill channel. A C-shaped guide positions the second panel relative to the sill, the outrigger being one of the legs of the C-shape. A E-shaped guide positions the second and third panels relative to one another and relative to the sill channel. The panels preferably have means along their vertical edges that allow the panels to lap but prevent adjacent panels from passing completely by one another.

Abstract: A shower door mounted on rails for movement thereon and having a lower guide assembly which is free-floating and which comprises a flange retained in a lower sill track slot and having the other end hingedly mounted on a flange of the shower door.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly for bathtubs, shower stalls and the like. The assembly includes at least one door panel, an elongated support rail member, and support mount structure for slidably mounting the door panel to the support rail member. The support mount structure includes an elongated carriage member attached to the door panel and a pair of support rollers mounted to the carriage member and engaging the support rail member. The rollers are free to move lengthwise along the carriage member as the door is open and closed. However, structure is provided to stop the lengthwise motion of the rollers just prior to the door panel reaching a closed position to brake the motion of the door panel as it is moved to the closed position.

Abstract: A shower partition includes a swinging door pivotable, by means of a hinge, about a substantially vertical axis. The installation dimensions available at the installation site often vary widely, discrepancies of up to 20 cm being by no means unusual. Compensation for tolerances or variations in installation dimensions is made possible in a simple manner. To this end, the swinging door is constructed so that it can be adjusted at right angles to its pivot axis on a jamb member or the like. The swinging door, and/or the pivot hinge comprise, at right angles to the pivot axis, a slot or a series of spaced aligned holes for an attachment element such as a screw.

Abstract: Partition wall structure, more particularly for bath or shower cubicles, has a displaceable door panel held against, magnetically at right angles to its longitudinal plane, and guided by the guide wall of a guide rail. The magnetic attraction is provided between a magnetic strip at the panel lower edge and another one on the guide wall, both being separated by an air-gap. The door panel includes a frame having enclosing members joined together by corner connectors. The air-gap is provided, at low structural cost, in order to ensure smooth guidance, and this is obtained by means of flat spacing strips formed on the corner connectors, these spacing strips preferably extending over the height of the guide wall associated therewith and/or of the door panel magnetic strip.

Abstract: A shower stall assembly includes a one-piece molded PVC door that has an outwardly curved main section, integral handles and an outer perimeter which overlaps the perimeter frame about the opening of a shower stall. The shower stall has a header section which connects two sliders, each on a transverse rail member. One rail member spans the shower stall opening and the other rail member extends rearwardly to the rear shower stall wall. The shower stall door can be pivoted inwardly from its closed position to an open position in the shower stall.

Abstract: A seat bath unit for elderly, frail or otherwise handicapped persons is provided wherein a sidewall of the bathtub is displaceable for complete opening to the seat part for access thereto. A catchment trough beneath the bathtub is provided for receiving the total amount of water from the bathtub when bathing is complete so that the bathtub can be quickly emptied.

Abstract: A bathing unit is particularly designed for home use, and includes a bathtub with an access opening in one side for easy ingress and egress, and a vertically sliding door to close the access opening. The bathing unit has a unique, combination door guide and grab bar arrangement, an adjustable control console, and a power door lock, all of which permit the bather to readily operate the door by himself, and to adjust the water temperature, flow and whirlpool from a seated position within the bathtub. The bather can receive total bathing and whirlpool therapy in private, without the need for an assistant. The combination door guide and grab bar arrangement includes a pair of support rods located on either side of the access opening, which function both as a track on which the door smoothly and easily glides, and also as vertical grab bars, which greatly facilitate entering and exiting the bathtub, and do not interfer with the operation of the door.

Abstract: A generally rectangular open topped vessel with vertical walls around the periphery of a floor consisting of two integrally formed levels, the lower level being at one end providing a footwell and having a drain therein. Near the end of one side wall, in the area where the footwell is located, is a door opening. This door opening has a ferromagnetic faced door stop around the edge. A door is hingedly attached to the edge of the opening such that it swings horizontally inward towards the nearest adjacent end wall. The door has a flange along its two vertical edges and along its bottom horizontal edge. Mounted concentrically on the flange are two magnetic gaskets such that when the door is closed the gakets force a water tight seal with the ferromagnetic plate on the door stop. A second drain is located in the surface of the bottom door stop such that when the door is closed water in the vessel cannot reach the drain due to the sealing of the outer gasket.

Abstract: An arrangement for bathing invalids, or others with impaired ambulatory ability, comprises an enclosure having a bathtub with upstanding walls which form a stall. The bathtub includes a seat having an anatomical contour and a lateral opening adjacent the seat to permit invalid ingress and egress. A door with a generally wedge-shaped contour mates with and selectively closes the bathtub opening, and includes a seal compressed between the opening lip and the door to form a seal which is sufficiently leakproof to permit immersal bathing of a seated invalid. The door is slideably mounted on a hingeless track assembly, which vertically translates the door into the closed position and pivots the door as it is raised into a horizontal, overhead storage position. Shower heads are mounted on the walls of the stall to provide both shower and immersal bathing for hygiene and therapy.

Abstract: An improved shower arrangement is provided for invalid bathing units and the like, such as those comprising a sit-down bathtub having a lateral opening in one side to permit ingress and egress therethrough, and a vertically slidable door to selectively open and close the bathtub opening. The shower arrangement includes a plurality of fine-spray, wide-angle nozzles mounted along the left and right-hand sides of the bathtub, which collectively produce a gentle, blanket-like mist that completely covers the front of the bather. Preferably, a separate, fan-spray nozzle is mounted on the rear wall of the bathtub, and flows a thin sheet or film of water therealong, which cushions and baths the back and bottom of the seated invalid.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus for invalids and the like, comprises a bathtub having a lateral opening in one side thereof for invalid ingress and egress, a door selectively closing the bathtub opening, and a seal positioned between the door and the bathtub. The door is slidably mounted in a pair of tracks disposed on opposite sides of the door for vertically translating the door between open and closed positions. A counterbalance for the door comprises a pair of spools mounted on opposite ends of a spring loaded axle, and a pair of flexible lines having one pair of ends wrapped around the spools, and the opposite ends attached to the door, whereby downward translation of the door tenses the spring and counterbalances the weight of the door. A lock for the door comprises a foot operated lever arrangement, which engages both sides of the door and positively pulls the same downwardly against the seal into the closed position.

Abstract: Enclosure for wet chamber, particularly for bathrooms or shower rooms with several adjacent slideable partitions with each partition suspended in an upper guide rail and with a lower guide member consisting of an elongated, box-shaped adapter seated on the edge of a wet-chamber tub, an elongated lower guide detachably fastened to the adapter. The guide rail has at least one guide with an inverted U-shape cross section with the outer leg as the longitudinal wall along the dry side of the room and with an inner free leg wall. A lower guide strip extends from the partition, first downwardly, then under the free leg wall, then upwardly to form a pocket open at the top into which the free U leg wall extends.

Abstract: Lower guide for a sliding partition for bath and shower rooms with sliding doors suspended from above extending down into a guide slot of an elongated lower guide member open at the top and confined by two lateral guide walls and a bottom. Pivotal means are provided for swinging the lateral guide wall outward about a horizontal swivel axis with the height of the swung-out wall from its highest point to the bottom of the guide member smaller than the distance between the bottom of the doors and the bottom of the guide member. The swinging guide wall is supported between lateral frame parts with pivot pins extending into vertical slots in each end of the guide wall to permit raising it and then swinging it out. This permits ready cleaning of accumulated dirt in the slot without disassembly and reassembly of the elongated lower guide member.