US20080010737A1 - Architectural Shower Enclosure With Internal Shelves - Google Patents
Architectural Shower Enclosure With Internal Shelves Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080010737A1 US20080010737A1 US11/863,796 US86379607A US2008010737A1 US 20080010737 A1 US20080010737 A1 US 20080010737A1 US 86379607 A US86379607 A US 86379607A US 2008010737 A1 US2008010737 A1 US 2008010737A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- enclosure
- shower
- shower enclosure
- columns
- tub
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/001—Accessories for baths, not provided for in other subgroups of group A47K3/00 ; Insertions, e.g. for babies; Tubs suspended or inserted in baths; Security or alarm devices; Protecting linings or coverings; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting baths; Bath insulation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/02—Baths
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/28—Showers or bathing douches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/28—Showers or bathing douches
- A47K3/281—Accessories for showers or bathing douches, e.g. cleaning devices for walls or floors of showers
Abstract
A bathtub with a shower therein has adaptable, configurable modules, the modules configured to enclose the bathtub and contain water within and provide shelving, and a shower curtain that can be hidden behind a column when not in use. An adjustable header is disposed on top of the columns and the columns have shelves built into them that are accessible from the shower side thereof.
Description
- This application is Continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/438,157, filed May 22, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, which application is related to and derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/758,156 filed Jan. 10, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to shower enclosures; particularly the present invention is disclosed as a decorative shower enclosure having a valence structure with a column on each of two ends, each of the columns installed or placed at the end of the entrance to a bathtub, with the structure having a pleated, retractable closure or barrier for retaining shower water within.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to bathtubs with showers therein and more particularly to such a combination having adaptable, configurable modules, the modules configured to enclose the bathtub and contain water within and provide shelving.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- Bathtubs with included showers are commonly installed as units with an enclosure, the enclosure providing walls, a ceiling and a floor for the bathtub-shower unit. The shower nozzle is mounted on the wall within an enclosure above the tub to provide a shower for a person using the facility. Water emanating from the shower nozzle is confined to the enclosure by a shower curtain or, in some cases, a sliding door made from translucent plastic or shatterproof glass. The shower curtain is normally made to drape loosely from a set of eyelets or curtain rings which slide along a straight curtain rod. A set of such rings is normally mounted on the shower curtain rod, which is positioned at or above the height of the shower nozzle. A shower curtain is usually draped in the bathtub below the straight curtain rod so that water is not splashed out of the bathtub. Because the bathtub is below the shower nozzle, the bathtub collects water, which drains from the bathtub.
- Doors and shower curtains as described provide required functionality, but in many cases, are incongruous with esthetic principles employed in modern bathroom design. Thus, there is a need for a functional enclosure for a bathtub while having a pleasing appearance.
- Herein is disclosed exemplary embodiments including a bathtub enclosure appliance, the appliance comprising modules configured to enclose the bathtub and contain water within. The appliance is configurable and adaptable and may be fitted or installed in almost every kind or type of bathtub arrangement. Enclosure appliance modules, in the exemplary embodiment of
FIGS. 1-7 , (1) base modules rest upon the top of the tub side, the base modules being placed at the extreme ends of the tub sides so the base modules abut the walls of the bathtub enclosure; (2) column modules are received and held by the base modules, the column modules abutting the walls of the bathtub enclosure, and serving as a vertical support structure; (3) top corner modules rest on top of the column modules and abut the walls and/or ceiling of the bathtub enclosure; and (4) a header module, held and supported by the top corner modules, and/or abut the ceiling of the bathtub enclosure. - In a second embodiment of
FIGS. 8-12 , the enclosure comprises just three pieces, two columns and a header. - The appliance as exemplified in the embodiment disclosed below will be seen to have several benefits and advantages. One such advantage is the appliance is adaptable and configurable and may be installed as a kit in almost any kind or type of bathtub enclosure.
- Another advantage and benefit is the appliance may be made in various colors and architectural styles to conform to the desires of the owner.
- And yet another advantage and benefit is the appliance kit is simple to configure and install.
- The benefits and advantages of the invention will appear from the disclosure to follow. In the disclosure reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made in details of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the enclosure appliance installed within a bathtub enclosure, in comparison to a standard enclosure having a shower curtain. -
FIG. 2 shows the basic components of the enclosure appliance. -
FIG. 3 shows possible architectural styles and motifs for components of the enclosure appliance. -
FIG. 4 shows relative placements and positions of the appliance components. -
FIG. 5 shows the components in kit form. -
FIG. 6 shows placements and structural relationships of base and column components. -
FIG. 7 shows structural relationships among column, header and corner modules. -
FIG. 8 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the enclosure appliance installed within a bathtub enclosure, in comparison to a standard enclosure having sliding doors. -
FIG. 9 is another perspective front view of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second embodiment from the inside of the bathtub, showing shelves, with the outside of the bathroom being shown in dashed lines. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one of the columns showing the shelves above the bathtub. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an upper part of one of the columns from the inside of the bathtub showing an upper part of the column with shelves and showing a pleated shower curtain of a type that will fold completely behind the column, and showing in dashed lines one end of the header to show that it telescopes inside of the top of the column, thereby making the header adjustable to bathtubs of various lengths. -
FIG. 13 is a front elevational view likeFIG. 10 , but showing the header exploded in three pieces to show how the main part of the header telescopes into “boxes” that fit on top of each respective column, thereby easily making the header adjustable in length. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the header ofFIG. 13 , showing how it is adjustable in length. - In
FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings each component or feature will be labeled with a four-digit label. The first digit corresponds to the drawing or figure number. For example, all components or features inFIG. 2 will be labeled as 2 xxx, where xxx is the label of the component or feature appearing inFIG. 2 . The following labels are assigned to components or features: - 020 bathtub
- 030 enclosure wall
- 040 enclosure ceiling
- 100 base module
- 110 bottom of base module that rests upon bathtub
- 120 top of base module configured to receive the bottom part of a column module
- 200 column module
- 210 bottom part of column module made to be received and held by the base module
- 220 top part of column module configured to join with a top corner module
- 300 top corner module
- 310 part of top corner module made to receive top part of column module
- 320 part of top corner module made to receive and hold header module
- 400 header module
- 500 shower curtain, pleated closure serving as a curtain or drape
- With reference to the accompanying figures an exemplary embodiment, a bathtub enclosure appliance comprising modules, the appliance modules configured to enclose the bathtub and contain water within.
FIG. 1 shows the exemplary embodiment, referenced by A, in contrast and comparison with a conventional shower-tub enclosure, referenced by B. - The appliance is configurable and adaptable and may be fitted or installed in almost every kind or type of bathtub arrangement. With reference to
FIG. 2 the enclosure appliance modules, in the exemplary embodiment, comprise: (1)base modules 2100 resting upon the top of thetub side 2020, thebase modules 2100 placed at the extreme ends of the tub sides so thebase modules 2100 abut the walls of the bathtub enclosure; (2)column modules 2200 received and held by thebase modules 2100, thecolumn modules 2200 abutting the walls of the bathtub enclosure, and serving as a vertical support structure; (3)top corner modules 2300 resting on top of thecolumn modules 2200 and abutting the walls and ceiling of the bathtub enclosure; and (4) aheader module 2400, held and supported by thetop corner modules 2300, and abutting the ceiling of the bathtub enclosure. - Styles and Appearances of the Enclosure Appliance
-
FIG. 3 shows one possible style of the enclosure appliance. For example, components of the enclosure appliance may be selected to complement a decorating motif, and may be made in a plurality of motifs. With reference toFIG. 3 , the components of the enclosure appliance are illustrated in several architectural styles. InFIG. 3 , base modules are indicated by 3100, column modules by 3200, corner modules by 3300 and header modules by 3400. InFIG. 3 are shown deco, colonial, classical, keystone, contemporary architectural styles. However, it will be appreciated an almost infinite variety of styles and appearances may be furnished by selecting different base, column top corner and header modules.FIG. 3 shows a pleated curtain, which may also be used with the enclosure appliance. The curtain may be attached using curtain rings, a curtain rod or other known means of attachment. - Structural Arrangement of the Modules
- With reference to
FIG. 4 , thebase modules 4100 rest upon the wall of thetub 4020, and are affixed in a proper manner, for example using adhesives to attach components of the enclosure appliance. Thebase modules 4100 receivecolumn modules 4200, and further, thecolumn modules 4200 are adjoined withtop corner modules 4300. Thetop corner modules 4300 accept aheader module 4400 as shown. All modules are configured to be joined together to affect a tight seal with thetub 4020, theenclosure walls 4030 and theenclosure ceiling 4040. A standard shower curtain, or specialpleated curtain 4500 provides a means of keeping water within while the appliance is used. - With reference to
FIG. 5 , the enclosure appliance may be made and sold as a kit, wherein the color and architectural style may be selected to accommodate or complement the decorative style of the bathroom housing the bathtub. Modules, components and parts may be made from injection, or vacuum molded plastic materials or may be made from laminated and coated wood or other suitable materials; the modules may be made from plastics, such as Styrofoam, and may be coated with other materials, such as vinyl or similar coatings. For example, the modules may be made from foam-filled fiberglass. The modules may be pre-painted or left natural for painting and finish by a decorator. - With reference to
FIG. 6 , thebottom part 6110 of thebase module 6100 rests upon the rim of thetub 6020, and abuts thewall 6040 of the enclosure. Adhesive is applied to thebase module 6100 to attach it to the tub rim. Thetop part 6120 of thebase module 6100 receives thebottom part 6210 of thecolumn module 6200, and is held in place by an adhesive or both. -
FIG. 7 shows the configuration and arrangement of thetop corner module 7300, theheader module 7500 and thecolumn module 7200. The top corner module is retained against thewall 7050 and thewall 7040 of the enclosure using a suitable adhesive. Thebottom part 7310 of thetop corner module 7300 is held against thetop part 7220 of thecolumn module 7200. Aportion 7320 of thetop corner module 7300 is made to receive and hold theheader module 7400. Thecurtain 7500 is also shown. -
FIGS. 8-12 show a second embodiment, which is similar to theFIGS. 1-7 embodiment except that it comprises twocolumns header 2401, which thecolumns shelves pleated shower curtain 7501 is attached to ahorizontal bar 7502 byrings 7503. - The
pleated shower curtain 7501 is designed to disappear behind either of the columns and neatly collapse down all the way to the mere thickness of the shower rings 7503.Oval grommets 7504 allow for uninhibited complete folding of the shower curtain enclosure. The use of hinges orpleats 7505 for a multiple W shape from above, like having one W in juxtaposition with other W's. The use of lining hinges and pleats also will allow the use of thicker, more robust vinyl or other material yielding a smooth, unwrinkled, more glass-like closure with higher end aesthetics. A preferred embodiment would be a 3 inch pleatedclosure 7501 with snap on ⅛″ diameter metal wire rings which can be oval or tear drop shaped. Theclosure 7501 would be made of anti-mold material and offered in various elegant material and colors with reinforcedoval connections slots 7504 for maximum closure. A clear, transparentpleated shower curtain 7501 is preferred because it allows good light transmission and eliminates the claustrophobic feelings, while still affording privacy. Thispleated shower curtain 7501 is a vast improvement over a simple vinyl shower curtain liner, which would not store compactly behind one of thecolumns shower curtain 7501 is not in use and also when it is in use. This keeps theshelves - Looking to
FIGS. 10 and 11 it is noted that theends 2403 of theheader 2401 extends telescopically inside of atop portion respective columns wall 2700 was to the right of where it is shown inFIG. 12 for example, then thecolumn 2201 would be moved to the right to fit against thewall 2700. On the other hand if thewall 2700 extended to the left of where it is shown inFIG. 12 , then theend 2403 would be to the right of where it is shown in dashed lines inFIG. 12 . A similar mirror image adjustment of theend 2403 of theheader 2401 on the left side shown inFIG. 10 can be made. With this telescoping feature oneheader 2401 can be used in a wide range of situations. Of course if the distance betweenwall 2700 and the opposite parallel wall is too close together to use theheader 2401, it can be cut off and one or both ends thereof and used in the same fashion as described above. -
FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrateshow header parts sides 2106 ms and 2206 ms is to allow theends 2403 of theheader portion 2401 to telescope inside of theheader parts 2106. Once adjusted to the length desired, for example as shown inFIG. 10 , then theheader parts headers columns FIGS. 13 and 14 . -
Shelves 2202 provide a vast improvement over the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-7 . The storage space onshelves 2202 permits everything from shampoo to soap to be stored out of the way and out of sight to someone entering the bathroom. - Accordingly, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (16)
1. A shower enclosure comprising:
a tub having a upper front rim;
two vertical columns, each vertical column resting upon and attached to the rim of the tub; and
a header module, attached to the top of each respective vertical column.
2. The shower enclosure of claim 1 wherein, the first end of the header module overlaps on of the vertical columns, whereby a header of a fixed length can be used in an adjustable fashion.
3. The shower enclosure of claim 1 including shelves on at least one of the vertical columns.
4. The shower enclosure of claim 3 wherein the shelves are on the inside and rear of both of the columns.
5. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein the columns are made according an architectural style selected from the group consisting of Keystone, Classical, Contemporary, Colonial and Deco.
6. The shower enclosure of claim 1 , further including a pleated closure.
7. The shower enclosure of claim 6 wherein the pleated closure has sharp vertical linear creases at a predetermined distance apart from each other.
8. The shower enclosure of claim 7 including oval grommets in a top portion of the pleated closure.
9. The shower enclosure of claim 8 having a shower rod and shower rings disposed on the rod and in the oval grommets.
10. The shower enclosure of claim 7 wherein the pleated closure has a first extended width and a compact folded width and wherein the compact folded width is less that a width of one of the columns.
11. A method for enclosing a shower having a tub between first and second walls, the tub having a front rim, the method comprising:
placing two vertical columns on the front rim of the tub, each respectively resting upon the rim of the tub and respectively abutting the first and second respective walls; and
adjustably placing a header module telescopically on the top of each vertical column.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the header module comprises first and second end receptacles and an elongated center member is placed telescopically into the first and second end receptacles respectively to adjust the length of the header.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the first and second end receptacles are attached to the top of each respective column.
14. A shower enclosure comprising:
a tub having a upper front rim;
two vertical columns, each vertical column resting upon and attached to the rim of the tub; and
a header module, attached to the top of each respective vertical column, said header module comprising a first and second end receptacle with each end of an elongated center member extending telescopically into the first and second end receptacles respectively, whereby the length of the header is adjustable in length.
15. The shower enclosure of claim 14 including shelves on at least one of the vertical columns.
16. The shower enclosure of claim 15 wherein the shelves are on the inside and rear of both of the columns.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/863,796 US20080010737A1 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2007-09-28 | Architectural Shower Enclosure With Internal Shelves |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US75815606P | 2006-01-10 | 2006-01-10 | |
US11/438,157 US20070157375A1 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2006-05-22 | Decco bath & shower works |
US11/863,796 US20080010737A1 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2007-09-28 | Architectural Shower Enclosure With Internal Shelves |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/438,157 Continuation-In-Part US20070157375A1 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2006-05-22 | Decco bath & shower works |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080010737A1 true US20080010737A1 (en) | 2008-01-17 |
Family
ID=46329402
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/863,796 Abandoned US20080010737A1 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2007-09-28 | Architectural Shower Enclosure With Internal Shelves |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20080010737A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9192267B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2015-11-24 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Shower curtain technologies |
US9510711B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2016-12-06 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Partition technologies |
US9949597B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2018-04-24 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Partition technologies |
US9955825B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2018-05-01 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Partition technologies |
US10292538B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2019-05-21 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Partition technologies |
US10433678B1 (en) * | 2018-03-27 | 2019-10-08 | William Peters | Bathtub wall panel extension |
US11083344B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2021-08-10 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Partition technologies |
-
2007
- 2007-09-28 US US11/863,796 patent/US20080010737A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9192267B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2015-11-24 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Shower curtain technologies |
US9510711B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2016-12-06 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Partition technologies |
US9949597B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2018-04-24 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Partition technologies |
US9955825B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2018-05-01 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Partition technologies |
US10292538B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2019-05-21 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Partition technologies |
US11083344B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2021-08-10 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Partition technologies |
US11529025B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2022-12-20 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Technologies for computing |
US11882967B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2024-01-30 | Roman Tsibulevskiy | Technologies for computing |
US10433678B1 (en) * | 2018-03-27 | 2019-10-08 | William Peters | Bathtub wall panel extension |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |