Abstract:
A system is provided for converting a bathtub area into an enclosed substantially waterproof shower enclosure by means of adding or modifying the shower curtain installation by providing inner closure channels at each end of the shower curtain as well as corresponding outer retention channels that are easily fixed onto opposed walls in the bathtub enclosure for sealingly receiving the side edges of the curtain in a waterproof relationship. Each end of the shower curtain is retained within a vertically disposed U-shaped inner channel having longitudinal ridges within the U-shaped channel for retention of a flexible slit grommet spline or locking rod running lengthwise. The edge of the shower curtain is inserted into the flexible spline or locking rod which is then pressed fitted into the inner U-shaped channel. The curtain is securely retained by friction between the spline and the internal longitudinal ridges and walls of the U-shaped inner channel which is secured to the outer retention channel in similar fashion.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Applicant is the holder of U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,425 based on application Ser. No. 09/307,480, issued Nov. 21, 2000, entitled “Closure for Shower Curtain”. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to closures for showers and bathtubs and more specifically to a shower curtain closure assembly. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   The device of the present invention is related to an improved closure device for shower curtains. The device may also be used in connection with tarps, curtains, and covers and other related fields where a closing device for a curtain-like structure is employed. 
   Utilization of shower curtains to try to prevent water from the shower from going outside the shower enclosure at the edges is well known. Shower curtains are often pulled away from the edge of the shower or tub enclosure by the vacuum created by the velocity of the water from the shower head according to well-known phenomena. 
   Often the typical shower curtain does not adequately prevent water from spilling onto the bathroom floor as the curtain moves away from the shower walls due to the decreased pressure of air entrained with the water spray. In addition, this effect can be due to an open window or door blowing the curtain. A further problem arises since household pets such as cats like to sleep in cool places such as the shower. 
   Attempts have been made to keep shower curtains in place by wetting the edge of the shower enclosure wall and sticking the curtain to it. Other devices include magnets or suction cups at the bottom of the shower curtain to keep the curtain against the inside of the bathtub walls. These techniques do not prevent the water escaping through the sides onto the floor. Also when it is necessary to remove the curtain for cleaning or washing, the magnets or suction cups would often break in the washing machine, making the arrangement useless. 
   It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a shower closure device for a curtain which is aesthetically appealing with the curtain attached and which causes water to remain inside of the tub instead of spilling onto the floor. The curtain will not be blown aside drafts from open windows. The device is easily installed and removed for cleaning of the curtain. It gives the appearance of a sealed door enclosure without the high cost of installing a conventional glass shower tub enclosure. In addition it serves to keep pets out of the tub. 
   The closest prior art references of which the Applicant is aware of are Applicant&#39;s prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,425 and the following: 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,761,140 to Kellogg discloses a shower curtain unit for use with built-in bathtubs. Notable in this patent is the utilization of a vertical tube  45  secured at each end by the internal rods  47  and  48 , and retained in brackets at the top and bottom of the tube enclosure. The shower curtain  19  is hemmed at the end, with an opening provided in the hem through which the tube  45  is fitted. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,324 to Cairns discloses a curtain retainer apparatus which is noted for its method of retaining the curtain  138  and flexible retainer means having beaded interlocking heads as shown in the drawings. This is particularly useful for shower curtains. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 3,205,547 to Riekse a combination of flexible retainer and locking strip  24  is shown in cross section in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,639,919 to White (See FIGS.  2  and  3 ), wherein the end of a curtain is retained within the holder having a resilient core  20  fitted into a hem of the curtain  19 . 
   The disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 2,897,889 to Kessler illustrates a common way of retaining screening utilizing a ribbed resilient cord. 
   Other patents of general interest in this area are U.S. Pat. No. 2,712,354 to Margolies; U.S. Pat. No. 3,187,801 to Saling; U.S. Pat. No. 3,366,161 to Barnett; U.S. Pat. No. 3,855,642 to Blitch; U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,915 to Siewert; U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,741 to Payne; U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,580 to Dyckow; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,884 to Angerman. 
   The present invention is a significant improvement over the devices shown in the prior art patents individually and collectively. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a new and improved shower closure. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved shower closure which is aesthetically appealing and easily installed and removed. 
   A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved shower closure which prevents water from spilling outside the shower but is low cost compared to the prior art. 
   A more specific object of this invention is to provide a new and improved shower closure by providing unique locking channels at the shower walls to which the shower curtain is securely fastened to prevent water from spilling outwardly. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to closures for showers and bathtubs and in particular, shower curtains. In accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for converting a bathtub area into an enclosed substantially waterproof shower enclosure by means of adding or modifying the shower curtain installation by providing inner closure channels at each end of the shower curtain as well as corresponding outer retention channels that are easily fixed onto opposed walls in the bathtub enclosure for sealingly receiving the side edges of the curtain in a waterproof relationship. Each end of the shower curtain is retained within a vertically disposed U-shaped inner channel having longitudinal ridges within the U-shaped channel for retention of a flexible slit grommet spline or locking rod running lengthwise. The edge of the shower curtain is inserted into the flexible spline or locking rod or wrapped around it and then pressed fit into the inner U-shaped channel. The curtain is securely retained by friction between the spline and the internal longitudinal ridges and walls of the U-shaped inner channel which is secured to the outer retention channel in similar fashion. 
   The outer frame comprises two spaced apart U-shaped outer channels slightly larger than the inner channels in which the curtain is rolled and which are adhesively retained in a water tight sealing engagement with the primary frame piece of the bath or shower stall. 
   The outer channels are secured to the installation walls with means such as double stick tape or caulking or threaded fasteners such as Phillips head screws passing through the base of the U of each channel with the open edge of the U facing outwardly towards the shower curtain. 
   The inner channel is provided with a ridged longitudinal handle integrally formed therewith for moving the shower curtain in and out of the outer channel. In effect, one has erected a portable shower enclosure with an easily closable sliding door. Since the inner channels can both open and close the curtain, the user may enter or exit from either end. If desirable, weights may be placed on the lower edge of the curtain to help retain it snugly against the base of the enclosure to further prevent water from reaching the external floor of the room. 
   Such an improvement greatly increases the utility of an ordinary bathroom and prevents water damage. In addition to keeping the water inside, it serves as a convenient means of excluding pets from the shower area. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent, particularly when taken in light of the following illustrations wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective overall view of the device installed in a conventional tub enclosure with a curtain in the open position; 
       FIG. 2  is a similar view with the curtain in the drawn closed position; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the details of the main components of the system and the relationship to each other including the frame for the enclosure and the portion grasping the shower curtain; 
       FIG. 4  is a profile view of the improved U-shaped outer channel as mounted on the enclosure walls; 
       FIG. 5  is a profile view of the improved U-shaped inner channel and the portion which enclosed the edges of the curtain; 
       FIG. 6  is a profile of an improved locking rod for cooperation with the shower curtain and improved handle channel; and 
       FIG. 7  is a planar front view of a shower curtain specifically designed for Applicant&#39;s shower closure. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings and particularly to  FIG. 1 , a bathtub enclosure is indicated generally at  2  and includes back wall  4 , side walls  6  and  8 , an open front  10  spanned by shower curtain rod  12 , shower nozzles  13 , faucets  15 , spigot  17  and the outer bathtub wall  24 . 
   A conventional curtain rod  12  spans the space between the walls  6  and  8  and includes the suspension rings  14  which are fitted into apertures  16  in the top edge  18  of the curtain  20 . The curtain  20  is in touching relationship with the top edge  82  of the outer wall  24  of the tub  26  or the inner surface of outer wall  24 . 
   The device  2  of the present invention includes the U-shaped outer vertical channels  25  and  27  on the opposed walls  6  and  8  respectively, secured thereto by screws or conventional adhesive means. 
   Each vertical edge  73  and  74  of the curtain  20  is secured in a U-shaped inner channel  34  and  36  by one of several means. 
   The curtain  20  is shown drawn closed in  FIG. 2  with the U-shaped inner channels  34  and  36  at each vertical edge  73  and  74  of the curtain  20  snugly fitting into with the matched U-shaped outer channels  25  and  27  that are vertically secured to the opposed enclosure walls  6  and  8 . 
   The curtain  20  is shown hanging in tangential relationship with the top surface  82  of the tub  26 . It is preferred that the curtain  20  hang inside the tub  26  with the curtain  20  sufficiently long to be below the top edge  82  of the tub  26 . 
   The channels  25 ,  27 ,  34  and  36  may be comprised of extruded aluminum or stainless steel to resist corrosion or extruded rigid PVC acrylic or other plastics and composites which are preferable due to cost effectiveness and color variation. In the damp environment of the bathroom, particularly in connection with the shower. They are resistant to corrosion, will wipe to a lustrous finish and are very easily cleaned. 
   The improvements to the shower curtain closure will become evident when considering  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6  which are perspective and profile views of the improved U-shaped outer channels  25  and  27  as mounted on the enclosure walls, the improve U-shaped inner channels  38  and  40 , and the improved locking rod  52  for cooperation with the shower curtain  20  and the improved inner channels  38  and  40  respectively. 
   The improved outer channels  25  and  27  have side walls  44  that are flared outwardly at their front edges  46  in order to more readily accept the improved inner channels  38  and  40 . Further, the improved outer channel side walls  44  are formed with a plurality of flexible inwardly depending fingers  48  which form a seal with the improved inner channels  38  and  40  and greatly reduces moisture penetration into the improved outer channels  25  and  27  from the shower. The improved outer channels  25  and  27  are secured to the walls  6  and  8  of the shower  2  by any suitable means and as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a double sided tape  50  of adhesive material is utilized. 
     FIG. 6  consists of a profile view of an improved locking rod  52  of the present invention with a slit  54  for receipt of the vertical edge  73  or  74  of shower curtain  20 . This vertical edge  73  or  74  of the shower curtain  20  is inserted into the slit  54  lengthwise throughout the vertical length of the locking rod  52 , or alternatively wrapped around the outer side of the locking rod  52 . If the vertical edge of shower curtain  20  is inserted into locking rod  52 , it is preferably overlapped and seamed to enclose a stiffening material to maintain its position within locking rod  52 . The slit  54  also serves to relieve pressure on the locking rod while it is being press fit into the improved inner channels as described hereafter. 
     FIG. 5  consists of a profile of the improved inner channels  38  and  40 , the side walls  56  of which are formed with flared handles  58  which handles  58  extend the length of the improved inner channel side walls  56  and are formed with built in ridges  60  to improve grip. Inside the side walls  56  there is formed ridges  62  which accept frictional engagement of the locking rod  52  and shower curtain. Bordering the opening of the improved inner channel are inwardly depending flexible fingers  64  forming a seal which are cooperative with those fingers  48  found in the improved outer channel  25  side walls  44  to reduce moisture penetration into the channel. 
   In the configuration thus described, the improved shower curtain closure can be utilized with a standard shower curtain to form the closure. However, the closure means can be made even more secure with the use of an improved shower curtain  80  illustrated in FIG.  7 . Improved shower curtain  80  is formed with a sleeve member  82  at its vertical edges  73  and  74  defined by seam  83 . Sleeve members  82  are open at the top or the bottom for the receipt of a locking rod  52  as heretofore discussed. The locking rod  52  would extend for the entire length of the sleeve  82 . The lower edge  84  of the shower curtain would extend beyond the sleeve members  82  so as to drape inside the bathtub when the locking rod and inner channel assembly are engaged to the curtain sleeves  82 . Locking rod  52  and sleeve members  82  world then be press fit into channels  36  and  38 . Alternatively, a stiffening material  51  could be sewn or positioned in sleeve member  82  to press fit into channels  36  and  38 . 
   If the channels  36  and  38  and locking rod  52  are fabricated from PVC or other suitable polymers, their weight would be such that suspension rings  14  which support the shower curtain would be sufficient to support the channels  36 ,  38 , and locking rods  52 . If additional support was required, channels  36  and  38  could be formed with apertures for cooperation with a suspension ring as taught in Applicant&#39;s prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,452. Additional means of supporting the channels  36 ,  38 , and locking rods  52  could include a press fit threaded insert into the upper end of the channels  36  and  38  and in particular, the upper end of locking rod  52 , the press fit insert having a hook or other suitable attachment means formed thereon for cooperation with the curtain rod  12 . 
   While the present invention has been described with respect to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the arts that many modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In particular, the basic embodiment of Applicant&#39;s invention comprises a elongate longitudinal female channel secured to opposing end walls of a bath enclosure. These female channels are cooperative with elongate, longitudinal, vertically disposed male channels having the vertical edges of a shower curtain removably secured thereto such that the male channels are cooperative with and press fit into the female channels to form a barrier across the tub enclosure and prevent the egress of water from the tub enclosure to the bathroom floor. The preferred embodiments of the manner in which the shower curtain is secured to these male channels is disclosed herein, however, there are alternative means of securing the shower curtain to the male channels without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
   The improved shower curtain design offers an aesthetic and functional alternative to the use of a standard shower curtain, although a standard shower curtain will work with the system. The improved shower curtains recessed vertical edges prevent bunching or gathering of the curtain at the top of the curtain rod as well as the edge of the bathtub while creating a more efficient water seal along the bathtub due to the flatter water shed surface. The sleeves allow the shower curtain to be easily engaged in the inner channel by inserting a stiffening material into the sleeve and threading into the notch of the locking rod. As an alternative, the entire locking rod could be placed inside the sleeve and then press fit into the inner channel. 
   The improved locking rod is notched along its vertical length to allow insertion of the curtain vertical edge. The notch portion also relieves stress on the sides of the locking rod while it is being inserted by press fit into the improved inner channel. The improved locking rod is functional for both the improved shower curtain as well as a standard shower curtain depending upon the needs of the consumer. The improved locking rod can be made from a wide variety of rigid, semi-rigid or flexible materials and in shapes other than that of a circular cross section, as long as it performs the identical function. 
   The improved inner channel now has fully integrated full length handle with finger grips. This allows the piece to be extruded, molded or otherwise manufactured in a single step. It reduces the amount of secondary parts and eliminates the need for threaded fasteners. The integrated handle allows for easy access from inside or outside the shower regardless of the user&#39;s height, and without having to measure each system individually in order to mount a separate handle. The integrated full length handle with finger grips also allows for the manufacturing process to allow finishes to be applied to the handle channel. The two inwardly depending fingers which provide for a seal in the inner channel serve to maintain the curtain centered in the inner channel and also serve to seal and deflect water and prevent it from entering the inner channel. The locking ridges inside the inner channel help secure the locking rod. 
   The improved outer channel is formed with integrated water tight seals. These inwardly depending fingers  48  which form the seals are flexible and reduce the chance of water penetrating the outer channel. There being three sets of inwardly depending fingers forming these seals on each side wall of the outer channel allows the user to close the curtain by press fitting the inner channel at various degrees of tension, from light to full by engaging the first, second or third set of inwardly depending fingers  48 . The inwardly depending fingers  48  forming the seals eliminate the need for a magnet, Velcro or other means, keeping the inner channel and the outer channel in a secure closed position. 
   While the present invention has been described with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications or changes can be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore it is manifestly intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the claims and the equivalence thereof.