GB2311722A

GB2311722A - Shower screen securing mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2311722A
Application number: GB9622334A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Starkey
Original assignee: MANHATTAN SHOWERS Ltd
Current assignee: MANHATTAN SHOWERS Ltd
Priority date: 1996-10-26
Filing date: 1996-10-26
Publication date: 1997-10-08
Also published as: GB9622334D0

Abstract

A shower screen (10) of the folding panel type is characterised in that a bar (24) is pivotally attached to or adjacent the screen at the bottom thereof which, when extended horizontally, maintains the panels (12) in a straight line relationship and seals to the top (32) of the bath (34). The bar preferably forms part of the wall mounting of the shower screen. The bar preferably carries a seal (24) on its lower edge. Conveniently, a magnetic strip (36) is located along the bottom of each of the panels causing the latter to be attracted to the bar when it is in its horizontal position thus ensuring that the unfolded screen is flat. Advantageously, the free end of the shower screen opposite the wall mounting carries a clip (26) at its lower corner whereby to lock the bar in its horizontal position, and most preferably to urge it into contact with the bath top.

Description

SHOWER SCREEN SECURING MECHANISM This invention relates to a shower screen and in particular relates to a securing mechanism therefor.

Folding shower screens are commonly used in bathrooms where there is a joint bath and shower. The shower screen is normally fixed to the wall adjacent the bath and has a number of mutually hinged panels which, in use, extend along the edge of the bath preventing water from splashing over the side when the shower is on.

One problem with this type of shower screen is that, firstly, the hinged panels of the screen may not straighten out into a completely straight line and, secondly, the seal with the top of the bath may thereby be imperfect allowing water to drip over the bath side onto the bathroom floor.

The invention seeks to provide a shower screen having a securing mechanism, which is improved in the above respects.

According to the present invention there is provided a shower screen of the folding panel type characterised in that a bar is pivotally attached to or adjacent the screen at the bottom thereof which, when extended horizontally, maintains the panels in a straight line relationship and seals to the top of the bath.

The bar preferably forms part of the wall mounting of the shower screen. The bar preferably carries a seal on its lower edge.

Conveniently, a magnetic strip is located along the bottom of each of the panels causing the latter to be attracted to the bar when it is in its horizontal position thus ensuring that the unfolded screen is flat.

Advantageously, the free end of the shower screen opposite the wall mounting carries a clip at its lower corner whereby to lock the bar in its horizontal position, and most preferably to urge into contact with the bath top.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a shower screen in accordance with the invention located on the side of a bath; and Figure 2 is a similar view to figure 1 with the screen in its fully extended position.

Referring to the drawings, a shower screen generally designated 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12 mutually hinged to one another along their vertical edges 14. The screen 10 is affixed to an adjacent wall 16 by means of a bracket 18 in a manner known per se over the top 32 of the side 34 of a bath.

The bracket 18 is provided with an elongate bar 20 which is pivotally mounted at 22 within the bracket 18. The bar 20 carries a seal 24, e.g. of tubular rubber, on its underside.

A clip 26 is mounted on the lower corner of the panel 12 furthest away from the bracket 18. The clip 26 has a detent portion 28 which fits within an orifice 30 in the bar 20.

Operation of the device is as follows. The bracket 18 is fixed to the wall 16 above the top side 32 of the bath 34.

When not in use, the panels 14 are folded back upon one another and the bar 20 is pivoted vertically and is retained within the bracket 18. When it is desired to have a shower, the panels 12 are folded outwardly (to the position shown in figure 2) and the bar 20 is moved from its vertical to its horizontal position (also shown in figure 2). The clip is 26 is moved so that its detent 28 engages with the orifice 30 locking the bar in position. The seal 24 engages with the top surface 32 of the bath 34 ensuring that water cannot pass under the screen 10.

In addition, lower edges 36 of the panels 12 can be magnetised, or provided with a magnetic strip, so that the latter are drawn to the bar 20 when the latter is in its horizontal position.

Of course the bar 20 should be of a magnetic material or carry a magnetic strip also. This has the advantage of ensuring that all the panels 12 line up in a flat, straight line manner giving a very good appearance to the screen as well as excellent sealing.

The clip 28 can be located, in relation to the orifice 30, in such a position that the bar 20 is actively pressed down against the surface 32 when the clip is latched. This enhances the sealing action.

The shower screen of the invention provides a simple and convenient solution to the problem of sealing against a bath.

Claims

A shower screen of the folding panel type characterised in that a bar is pivotally attached to or adjacent the screen at the bottom thereof which, when extended horizontally, maintains the panels in a straight line relationship and seals to the top of the bath.
2. A screen as claimed in claim 1 in which the bar forms part of the wall mounting of the shower screen.
3. A screen as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 in which the bar carries a seal on its lower edge.
4. A screen as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 in which a magnetic strip is located along the bottom of each of the panels causing the latter to be attracted to the bar when it is in its horizontal position thus ensuring that the unfolded screen is flat.
5. A screen as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 in which the free end of the shower screen opposite the wall mounting carries a clip at its lower corner whereby to lock the bar in its horizontal position.
6. A screen as claimed in claim 5 wherein the clip urges the bar into contact with the bath top.
7. A screen as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 in which the seal is of tubular rubber.
8. A shower screen substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.