FR2894124A1 - Shower curtain is mounted on roller fitted between horizontal brackets on ends of wall mounting plate and emerges through slot in curved cover, felt strip being fitted inside slot and pressed against curtain by pressure roller - Google Patents

Abstract

The shower curtain (7) is mounted on a roller (4) which fits between horizontal brackets (3', 3") on the ends of a wall mounting plate (3). It emerges through a slot in a curved cover (5) so that it can be pulled across. A felt strip is fitted on the inside of the slot and pressed against the curtain by a pressure roller. An independent claim is included for a method for operating the curtain.

Description

Anti-splash equipment for bathtubs in recesses and

  TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the technical sector of equipment preventing water splashes, intended for baths or showers placed between two walls. PRIOR ART Solid devices consisting of glass panes (glass, plexiglass, etc.) mounted on an aluminum frame are known. These prior devices are offered in several configurations depending on the tastes of the user and the configuration of the bath or shower. They make it possible to block splashing water and thus avoid wetting the outside of the bath or shower.

  A disadvantage of these devices is that they are difficult to set up. In addition, glazed panels require regular maintenance for reasons of hygiene and aesthetics (the water leaves traces of limestone on said panels). If the maintenance is not regular, it requires more work and more difficulties for the user who will have to rub the encrusted limestone.

  A major disadvantage of these devices is that they have a large footprint, whether in the folded position reducing the volume of the bath or shower, or even the room itself, or in a fixed position not allowing easy access to the bath or shower because obstructing part of the access. Because of this, some people can not place these devices for lack of space in the bathroom.

  Another disadvantage is that it is often necessary to clean the glass panels while being inside the bath or the shower, which represents a risk of falling, because of the slippery surface of the bath or the shower . In addition to cleaning the glass part, it is necessary to use cleaning products that can be harmful to humans and the environment. Shower curtain type devices are also known which are easy to assemble (rings fixed on a shower or bath bar). These devices are also designed to help retain water in the bath or shower. They consist of either 100% polyester or polyester associated with cotton, or even waterproof vinyl. These devices are more affordable than solid devices but have the following disadvantages: - need to regularly maintain the curtain to prevent the appearance of bacteria. The latter can cause allergies in some people, or can simply be unsightly. - fragility of the material used which can tear at the rings. - unpleasant effect due to the contact of the curtain against the skin of the user during use (well known effect: Bernouilli's theorem).

  - The seal is not optimal, because it is necessary to correctly position the curtain before use and it moves regularly when using the bath or shower (see above). As a result, splashing water can override the curtain.

  Since none of these systems are completely satisfactory, many people prefer to do without risking a flood or, at least, to wet the outside of the bath or shower.

  Technical problem posed: In view of all the drawbacks mentioned above, there is a real need to have equipment to prevent splashing water to the outside, which is simple and easy to use, with maintenance that is reduced. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: The present invention relates to equipment for baths in niches and showers anti-projection of water. This one will not require any maintenance, will not be bulky, will have a long resistance to humidity, will be simple to use, easy to install, and aesthetic. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention thus relates to equipment for baths in recesses and showers, preventing splashing water. Figure 1 is an exploded side view of the equipment in a non-flush version. Figure 2 is a view of said equipment according to Figure 1 equipping a bathtub.

  Figure 3 is a detailed view of a removable felt squeegee according to the present invention showing the pressure roller. Figure 4 is a detailed view of the removable comb-squeegee according to the present invention disposed on either side of the slot. Figure 5 is seen of said equipment in a built-in version (with a box) equipping a bathtub. Figure 6 is a view of said ceiling mounted equipment for a shower or bath. The present invention relates to an anti-projection equipment (1) comprising a first column-type element (2) consisting of: - a support plate type means (3) to be fixed to a wall or a ceiling, said plate being, at the upper (3 ') and lower (3 ") end portions, bent at 90 so as to be adapted for receiving a

  - Roller device (4) on which is wound a web (7);

  - Spring / brake system well known to those skilled in the art, arranged to allow a smooth unwinding of the fabric around the reel; a preferably curved hood (5) enclosing this first element; said hood being slotted in the middle to pass the web and being adapted to cooperate with said plate; and

  a comb-scraper device (6) or removable absorbent felt comb fixed at the hood, close to the slot of said hood (5), which will be wedged by small tabs and which will also be maintained by covers. The comb-scraper device or felt comb is held on the hood by a flexible aluminum clamp system (15) and a wheel (12) pressure well known to those skilled in the art, said wheel being obviously placed in parallel in the direction of the winding and unwinding of said fabric and over its entire length; or can be placed on either side of the slot. removable covers (13) to be placed at the level of the upper and lower end portions of said plate.

  This first element (2) can be, according to one embodiment of the invention, directly embedded in the wall or in the ceiling, for example during a bathroom construction. In this arrangement, said first element is inserted into a box (14) of substantially rectangular shape for easy insertion into the hole for receiving the first element. Said equipment (1) has a second element (8) which is positioned on the wall opposite to that containing the first element. Said second element comprises fastening means of the hook-type fabric to the preferential number of three. These means are placed on a plate-type support means (9) substantially identical to that used for the first element. It is naturally possible to replace this second (8) element by any other web fastening means accessible to the skilled person according to his own knowledge.

  Said two plate-like means (3, 9) of these elements are permanently fixed by any known means on the wall or ceiling. Preferably, this attachment will achieve by screws / dowels. Said two elements are fixed by pressure on three clips (11) previously screwed to the walls by any means known to those skilled in the art (preferably screws / dowels). It is possible to provide several additional clips depending on the size of said first element. The larger the first element, the more clips will be placed on the plate. Said fabric (7) is woven in the acrylic which makes it rot and substantially opaque. It ends with a removable tube (10) lacquered aluminum in which can be fixed a handle on its full height. This handle is designed to properly adapt to said attachment means placed on the second element. The tube-handle assembly will allow easy handling and handling of this fabric.

  Said fabric therefore has the characteristics necessary to retain the water and to prevent water from passing through it. The fabric (7), for reasons of strength and strength, has its edges reinforced by, for example, a lapel. At rest, the fabric (7) is wrapped around the reel, inside the first element. To use the device, simply take hold of the handle protruding slightly from the cover (5) and apply a tensile force on the fabric to fix it on the opposite fastening means. Once this step is completed, the fabric is perfectly stretched between said two elements (2, 8) and prevents any splashing of water outside the bath or shower. Once the user has finished using it, he unhooks the fabric (7) and brings it back inside the first element (2), which thanks to the spring / brake mechanism, returns to its initial position, to the inside the first element. During this last step, the comb-squeegee device or felt comb (6) attached to the cover (5) allows to remove the amount of water present on the fabric. Water flows along the first element and escapes through the lower end of the first element, and flows into the bath or shower. This flow can be facilitated, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, the bottom cover (13) which will have a spout shape guiding the water to the bath or shower.

  The roller (12) makes a pressure on the fabric, forcing the latter to necessarily be in contact with the device type comb-squeegee or felt comb (6). Said roller (12) being disposed on the other side of the slot relative to the comb-scraper device or felt comb.

  Thus, thanks to this comb-squeegee device or felt comb, it prevents the formation of mold, and avoids the regular maintenance of the fabric.

  The fabric (7) is therefore wrapped around the reel (4), dry and ready for use again, without having recourse to additional regular maintenance.

  In the case of a ceiling lamp, the device is positioned on the ceiling and the fabric (7) goes down to the shower or bath tub. Due to the opacity of the fabric, it is necessary to integrate a lighting system in the ceiling, illuminating the interior of the shower. This system will naturally have to meet the safety standards in force. The lighting will be Class 2 with IP 55 (mark for identification of equipment intended for humid areas and splashing water, grounding not required). It is quite possible (as in the case of the recessed device) to place said first element in a box (14) of substantially rectangular shape having the orifices required for one or more light sources. The concept of operation of the wall device and the ceiling device is identical, only the arrangement of the elements changes. The size of these must obviously be adapted to the new layout.

  In ceiling mode, the training of the canvas may be achieved by means of chain type, but may according to a particular embodiment, be achieved by motorized means radio remote control (or by any other means of switch type) to to lower the canvas without effort (7). This motorized device will be integrated into the ceiling lamp (14), inside the first column-type element. The fabric (7) can slide along a lateral guide placed to the left and / or right of the shower to prevent movement of the fabric once in position. The canvas, once positioned, remains in place in the lower position, since the drive of the canvas (manual or automatic) is made mechanically. The flow of water is achieved by an inclined channel located inside the rod (10) located at the top of the fabric (lower part of the fabric), then evacuated along the lateral guide. In order to be able to access the device of the comb-squeegee or felt comb type (6), and thus to be able to clean this device (or simply to change it when the felt pads are worn out), it suffices to remove said cover (5), and to press the flexible aluminum clamp system (15) that holds this device. All the materials of this device has a weight of less than 2 kg, distributed over a height of about 145 cm. The length of the canvas can reach up to 220 cm to satisfy any type of bathtub and any type of shower; the height of it reaching 140 cm. The first element has a diameter of about 8 cm. It will also be possible to create a customized device for particular bath or shower configurations. (height of the ceiling, width between two walls, etc ...). The device of the comb type squeegee or felt comb being of the same length as the fabric.

  All the building elements are made of solid materials, preferably aluminum, resistant to moisture, of types known to those skilled in the art. These elements may have different shapes and colors to suit the tastes of different users. The canvas (7) can have different patterns, or colors and also be customizable including screen printing a holiday photo, drawing of children, etc ... to adapt to the tastes of different users.

  The invention also covers all the embodiments and all the applications which will be directly accessible to the person skilled in the art upon reading the present application, and of his own knowledge.

Claims (13)

  1 Anti-projection equipment (1) of the fabric or curtain type (hereinafter cloth) for showers and bathtubs in a recess comprising a first column-type element (2) consisting of: a support plate-type means (3) for fixing to a wall or a ceiling, said plate being, at the level of the upper (3 ') and lower (3 ") end portions, bent at 90 so as to be adapted for receiving a: -device cylindrical winder (4) on which is rolled a web (7); spring / brake system arranged to allow a smooth unwinding and winding of the fabric around the winder; - a hood (5) preferably curved closing the first element said cover being split in the middle to allow said web to pass and being adapted to cooperate with said plate; and a comb-scraper device (6) or comb in removable absorbent felt fixed at the hood, close to the slot of said hood, and which is wedged by small paws and which will also be maintained by caches; the comb-squeegee or felt comb device being held on the hood by a flexible aluminum clamp system (15) and a pressure roller (12), said roller (12) being placed parallel to the winding direction and unrolling said web (7) and over its entire length; or is placed on either side of the slit. removable covers (13) to be placed at the level of the upper and lower end portions of said plate.   2. Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a second element (8) which is positioned on the wall opposite to that containing the first element (2); said second element comprising fastening means of the hook-type fabric to the preferential number of three.   3. Equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that said fixing means are placed on a support plate type means (9), substantially identical to that used for the first element (it is naturally possible to replace this second element ( 8) by any other web attachment means accessible to those skilled in the art according to their own knowledge).   4. Equipment according to any one of claims 1 and 3 characterized in that said two plate-type means (3, 9) of these elements are permanently fixed by any means known to the wall or ceiling; preferably, this attachment will achieve by screws / dowels.   5. Equipment according to claim 4 characterized in that said two elements are fixed by pressure on three clips (11) previously screwed on the walls by any means known to those skilled in the art (preferably screws I pegs); it is possible to provide several additional clips depending on the size of said first element.   6. Equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first element (2) may be, according to one embodiment of the invention, directly embedded in the wall or in the ceiling, for example during a bathroom construction; in this arrangement, said first element is inserted into a box (15) of substantially rectangular shape for easy insertion into the hole for receiving the first element (2).   7. Equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said fabric (7) is woven into the acrylic which makes it rot-proof and substantially opaque; it ends with a removable tube (10) lacquered aluminum in which can be fixed a handle on all its height.   8. Equipment according to claim 7 characterized in that said handle is designed to properly fit said fixing means placed on the second member (8); the tube-handle assembly will allow easy handling and handling of this fabric; the fabric (7) also has its edges reinforced by, for example, a lapel.   9. A method of using the equipment (1) characterized in that it comprises the following operating steps: - at rest, the fabric (7) is wound around the winder (4), at the inside the first element (2); - To use the device, simply take hold of the handle slightly protruding from the cover (5) and apply a tensile force on the fabric to fix it on the opposite fastening means; - Once this step carried out, the fabric (7) is perfectly tensioned between said two elements (2, 8) and prevents any projection of water outside the bath or shower; - Once the user has completed its use, he unhooks the fabric (7) and brings it back inside the first element, which thanks to the spring / brake mechanism, returns to its initial position, inside the first element (2).   10. The method of claim 9, characterized in that during this last step, the device type comb-squeegee or felt comb (6) attached to the cover (5), allows to remove the amount of water on the canvas ; the water flows along the first element and escapes through the lower end of the first element, and flows into the bath or shower; the roller (12) pressing on the fabric, forcing it to necessarily be in contact with the comb-squeegee device or felt comb (6); said roller being disposed on the other side of the slot with respect to the comb-squeegee device or felt comb (6).   11. The method of claim 10 characterized in that the flow of water along said first element can be facilitated, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, by the lower cover (13) which will have a shape guiding beak water to the bath or shower.   12. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that in ceiling mode, the drive of the fabric (7) may be achieved by means of chain type, but may according to a particular embodiment, be realized by motorized means remote control radio waves (or by any other means of type switch); this motorized device will be integrated into the ceiling lamp (14), inside the first column-type element; the fabric (7) can slide along a lateral guide placed to the left and / or to the right of the shower in order to prevent any movement of the fabric once in position; the fabric (7), once positioned, remains in place in the low position, since the drive of the fabric (manual or automatic) is made mechanically.   13. The method of claim 12, characterized in that in ceiling mode, the flow of water is achieved by an inclined channel located inside the rod (10) at the head of the fabric (lower part of the canvas), then evacuates along the lateral guide.