Patent Publication Number: US-2023146252-A1

Title: Folding shower stalls

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/296,233 entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FOLDING SHOWER STALL”, filed on Jan. 4, 2022. The entire contents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Recreational vehicles, mobile homes and other types of vehicles have limited space available for the numerous appliances, storage space, and modern conveniences often found in permanent residences. One area of particular interest for vehicles is the ability to replicate modern bathrooms, and more particularly, shower stalls. The necessary space, plumbing infrastructure, and water friendly designs can lead to space and cost issues that often result in the elimination of showers or shower like structures from vehicles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present description will be understood more fully when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various examples of folding shower stalls. The description is not meant to limit the folding shower stalls to the specific examples. Rather, the specific examples depicted and described are provided for explanation and understanding of folding shower stalls. Throughout the description the drawings may be referred to as drawings, figures, and/or FIGS. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a folding shower stall in an open position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a folding shower stall in a closed position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a folding shower stall in an open position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a folding shower stall in a closed position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a folding shower stall in a closed position, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a bottom section of a folding shower, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a top section of a folding shower stall, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a bracket of a folding shower stall, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a bracket of a folding shower stall, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a shower curtain of a folding shower stall, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates an alternative embodiment of a folding shower stall, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates an alternative embodiment of a folding shower stall, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates an alternative embodiment of a folding shower stall, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a shower pan support of a folding shower stall, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates an alternative upper section of a folding shower stall, according to an embodiment is a design drawing for an example shower wall. 
         FIG.  16    illustrates an alternative shower pan of a folding shower stall, according to an embodiment is a design drawing for an example shower wall. 
         FIG.  17    illustrates an alternative shower pan of a folding shower stall with a shower pan support, according to an embodiment is a design drawing for an example shower wall. 
         FIG.  18    illustrates an alternative folding shower stall with a shower pan support, according to an embodiment is a design drawing for an example shower wall. 
         FIG.  19    illustrates an alternative shower pan for a folding shower, according to an embodiment is a design drawing for an example shower wall. 
         FIG.  20    illustrates an alternative shower upper section for a folding shower, according to an embodiment is a design drawing for an example shower wall. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A folding shower stall as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various embodiments of folding shower stalls. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein. 
     Conventional shower facilities in a vehicle are often non-existent or reserved for high-end recreational vehicles with hundreds of usable square feet. While most mobile homes with a have limited plumbing infrastructure, and minimal space for bathing, be it a small tub and/or upright shower, most vehicles are completely lacking in bathing facilities. Two of the biggest obstacles are cost and available space. Most vehicles, such as trucks, vans, trailers, campers, boats, planes, and other suitable vehicles, are designed to have limited weight and limited space to reduce both construction costs and fuel costs. Additionally, except for mobile homes, camper vans, recreational vehicles and other specially designed vehicles, most vehicles are lacking in plumbing infrastructure necessary for bathing. Space is limited in vehicles and a permanent shower facility takes up significant square and cubic footage. Additionally, a permanent shower facility is often only used for 15-30 minutes a day. The remainder of the day the permanent shower facility is taking up valuable space that could be put to better use. 
     One conventional solution has been to use a drain in the floor of vehicles, such as campervans. However, without a solid enclosure and proper water proofing, this option can lead to water damage issues from water spilling over the floor of the vehicles. The damage can include potentially disrupting and/or damaging electrical devices or components of the vehicle, as well as causing regular water damage to other structures. 
     The cost and space issues have often resulted in the consumer forgoing the much-desired ability to have bathing, and more particularly, showering capability in their vehicles. 
     Implementation of the folding shower stalls may address some or all of the problems described above. Folding shower stalls can be prepared to occupy minimal space, readily incorporate existing plumbing infrastructure, and/or can be installed with plumbing infrastructure configured and/or prefabricated to work with vehicles. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a folding shower stall  100  in an open position, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the folding shower stall  100 , includes a shower pan  102 , a vertically oriented shower wall  104 , and first and second attachment brackets  106   a,    106   b  that are configured to secure the shower wall  104  to a vertical, or substantially vertical structure, such as a vertical side wall of a vehicle, including, but not limited to a van, a truck, a recreational vehicle, a camper, a campervan, a mobile home, a boat, an airplane, or other vehicle. Embodiments of the folding shower stall  100  can be secured directly to or into the vertical structure without the use of the first and second attachment brackets  106   a,    106   b.  Alternatively, the folding shower stall  100  can be secured to other structures, such as, but not limited to, a fence, a building, an interior wall of a house or apartment, posts, or other structures. When the term structure is used herein, it can mean a vehicle, a vertical wall of a vehicle, or a free-standing structure, such as a house, building or other construction. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the shower pan  102  and the shower wall  104  are rotatably secured together at hinge  112  (or pivot point). Any suitable rotatable attachment fastener may be used, including, but not limited to a bolt and nut, screw, rivet, brads or other attachment fasteners. When the folding shower stall  100  is in a closed position, the shower pan  102  can be configured to fit within the shower wall  104 . Alternatively, the shower pan  102  can fit outside of the shower wall  104 , or the aligned edges of the shower pan  102  and shower wall  104  may be adjacent to each other. 
     The shower pan  102  comprises a shower pan front side wall  118   a,  a shower pan back side wall  118   b,  and opposing shower pan left and shower pan right side walls  118   c  extending outwardly from the shower pan upper surface  105 . The shower pan  102  can be square, rectangular, oval, circular, or any shape suitable for use as a folding shower stall  100 . 
     Embodiments of the shower pan front side wall  118   a,  can be between 18 inches and 36 inches in length, and between 2 inches and 4 inches in height. A most preferred embodiment of the shower pan front side wall  118   a  can be 21.5 inches in length, and 3.5 inches in height. The shower pan front side wall  118   a  can be varied in accordance with the size and scale of the other features of the folding shower stall  100 . 
     The shower pan back side wall  118   b,  can be between 18 inches and 36 inches in length, and between 2 inches and 4 inches in height. A most preferred embodiment of the back side wall  118   b  can be 21.5 inches in length, and 3.5 inches in height. In a rectangular or square configuration, the length of the shower pan back side wall  118   b  and the shower pan front side wall  118   a  will be equal or approximately equal. The height of the shower pan front side wall  118   a  and shower pan back side wall  118   b  will differ due to the inclusion of the drain wall  202 . The drain wall  202  extends downward from the shower wall upper surface  105  and outwardly from the shower pan upper surface  105 . The shower pan back side wall  118   b  can be varied in accordance with the size and scale of the other features of the folding shower stall  100 . 
     The shower pan left and right side wall  118   c,  can be between 18 and 36 inches in length, and 2 and 5 in height. A most preferred embodiment of the shower pan left and right side walls  118   c  can be 28 inches in length, and 3.5 inches in height. The shower pan left and right side wall  118   c  can be varied in accordance with the size and scale of the other features of the folding shower stall  100 . 
     The width of the shower pan side walls  118  can be between 0.02 inches and 1 inch. A most preferred width is 0.08 inches. 
     The shower pan side walls  118  are configured to retain the lower edges of a shower curtain or shower curtain enclosure within the shower pan  102  and direct the flow of wastewater into the bottom of the shower pan  102 . The shower pan  102  is configured to have a downward angle directed towards a drain wall  202  (or small portion) of the shower pan  102 . The angle of the shower pan is determined by the maximum rotation of the hinge  112  (or pivot) and/or by structures supporting the shower pan  102  on the horizontal surface upon which the shower pan  102  rests in the open position. The angle of the shower pan  102  in the open position is between 0 degrees and 5 degrees, preferably between 0.5 degrees and 3 degrees, and most preferably between 1.0 degrees and 2 degrees. Embodiments include a most preferred angle of 1.5 degrees. 
     The drain wall  202  of the shower pan  102  is adjacent and contiguous with the shower pan back side wall  118   b.  The drain wall  202  and the shower pan back side wall  118   b  are in proximity to the shower wall  104  in the open position. In an embodiment, there is space between the shower pan back side wall  118   b  and the shower wall  104  that allows water not retained in the shower pan  102  to empty into the shower wall bottom side wall  120   a.  The downward angle of the shower pan  102  is configured to direct the flow of used shower water towards the drain wall  202  and drain slots  116  that are located in the shower pan upper surface  105  proximate to the drain wall  202 . The drain wall  202  is also angled to direct wastewater into the drain slots  116 . The angle of the drain wall  202  is between 10 degrees and 90 degrees, preferably between 15 degrees and 60 degrees, and most preferably between 20 degrees and 40 degrees. A most preferred angle is 30 degrees. The drain wall  202  is angled to allow the shower pan  102  to rotate freely into the shower wall  104 . 
     In an embodiment, the drain wall  202  and the shower pan back side wall  118   b  form a contiguous wall wherein the drain wall  202  extends downward from the back side wall  118   b  at an angle towards the shower pan front side wall  118   a.  Additionally, the drain slots  116  disposed in the shower pan upper surface  105  is generally proximate to the drain wall  202  and run the width of the shower pan upper surface  105 . 
     The length of the drain wall  202  (in a rectangular or square configuration) is equal to the length of the shower pan front and back side wall  118   a,    118   b.  The height of the drain wall (herein defined as the distance from the drain slots  116  to the bottom edge of the shower pan back side wall  118   b ) can be between 0.1 inches and 4 inches. A most preferred height of the drain wall  202  is 2 inches. 
     The drain slots  116  can run the entire width of the shower pan  102  or they can be spaced at intervals. The length and width of the drain slots  116  can be varied to provide greater or lesser drainage from the shower pan  102 . The drain slots  116  are configured to allow the collected wastewater to be drained out of the shower pan  102 . Wastewater will drain from the shower pan  102  through the drain slots  116 . The walls of the shower pan  102  allow wastewater to drain in situations where the horizontal orientation of the vehicle is not centered. For example, in the situation where the vehicle is parked at an incline along the vehicle&#39;s pitch axis, the configuration of the shower pan side walls  118 , and the angle of the shower pan  102  forces the wastewater towards the drain slots  116 . For example, if the wastewater collects to one side of the shower pan  102 , because of the incline, the wastewater will still drain from the shower pan  102 . Similarly, the downward slope of the shower pan  102  (and/or the slope of the drain wall  202 ) can direct water to the drain slots  116  even if the vehicle is parked at an angle with respect to its roll axis. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the shower wall  104  includes a shower wall bottom side wall  120   a  and shower wall right and left side walls  120   b  extending outwardly from the shower wall front surface  121 . Disposed in the shower wall bottom side wall  120   a  of the shower wall  104  is drain aperture  122 . The dimensions of the drain aperture  122  are sized and/or configured to be able to receive and retain any suitable selected drain hole attachment that can be coupled to a drain hose. The drain aperture  122  can have a diameter be between 0.75 inches and 4 inches, preferably between 1 inch and 3 inches, and most preferably between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. A most preferred diameter of the drain aperture  122  is 2 inches. Variations on the size of the drain aperture  122  can be adjusted in view of the size and scale of the folding shower stall  100 . 
     Disposed in a shower wall front surface  121  towards the shower wall upper edge  126  of the shower wall  104  (distal from the bottom side wall  120   a ) can be a first aperture  128  and a second aperture  130 . The first and second front surface apertures  128 ,  130  can be configured to receive and secure components of a water delivery system or plumbing infrastructure that can provides hot and/or cold water to the folding shower stall  100 . For example, the first aperture  128  can be configured to receive and secure a faucet that controls water temperature and/or the amount of water flow. Additional apertures may be provided depending upon the type of faucet. 
     The attachment brackets  106   a,    106   b  can be configured to secure the shower wall  104  to a vertical, or substantially vertical, structure (not shown). The attachment brackets include a attachment bracket first edge  108  that can be secured to the back side of the shower wall  104  proximate to the edges (sides) of the shower wall  104 . The attachment brackets  106   a,    106   b  further include a second edge  110  opposite the first edge  108 . The attachment bracket second edge  110  can be secured to the vertical, or substantially vertical, structure. The attachment brackets  106   a,    106   b  provide a rigid and durable structure that is used to secure the folding shower stall  100  to the structure. The attachment brackets  106   a,    106   b  can be configured to be equal in height to the shower wall  104 , shorter in height than the shower wall  104 , or greater in height than the shower wall  104 , depending on the weight of the folding shower stall  100  and/or other requirements associated with securing the folding shower stall  100  to the structure. 
     Additionally, the attachment brackets  106   a,    106   b  extend the shower wall  104  outwardly from the structure to accommodate plumbing infrastructure, such as hoses, pipes, drains, and/or similar equipment that can provide clean hot and/or cold water for showering and that remove wastewater. The shape and dimensions of the attachment brackets  106   a,    106   b,  including, but not limited to the second edge  110 , can be configured based on the shape, material, size, space or other features of the structure upon which the folding shower stall  100  is attached. In embodiments, in which the attachment brackets  106   a,    106   b  are omitted, the folding shower stall  100  may be installed directly onto or into a cabinet, wall, or other structure. The attachment brackets  106  can be solid or latticed as shown in  FIG.  2   . The lattice structure can provide the necessary support with reduced weight. 
     In an embodiment, the second aperture  130  can be sized to permit passage of a shower hose and shower head that the user can pull out to a predefined length allowing the user to shower while standing on the shower pan  102 . In embodiments, a shower sprayer holder (not shown) can be secured to the shower wall  104  to allow the user to secure the shower head during a shower and/or when the folding shower stall  100  is not in use. 
     The attachment brackets  106  can secure the shower wall  104  at a predefined distance out and away from the side of the structure upon which the folding shower stall  100  is mounted. This allows for sufficient room to receive a shower hose when the folding shower stall  100  is not in use. mounting tabs  132  can be disposed along the second edge  110  of the attachment brackets  106  to facilitate attachment of the attachment brackets  106  to the structure. Any suitable attachment means, such as bolts, screws, wires, adhesive, and/or welding may be used in the various embodiments to secure the attachment bracket  106  to the structure upon which the folding shower stall  100  is secured. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a folding shower stall  100  in a closed position, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the folding shower stall  100  further includes a shower pan support  114 , a shower wall retaining wall  124  and a shower pan outer surface  107 . 
     The shower wall bottom side wall  120   a  of the shower wall  104  can have a shower wall retaining wall  124  that extends perpendicularly from the shower wall bottom side wall  120   a.  The lower surface of the shower wall  104 , the shower wall right and left side walls  120   b,  and the shower wall retaining wall  124  cooperatively retain wastewater within the lower part of the shower wall  104 , thereby forming a wastewater retainment structure. Embodiments of the shower wall bottom side wall  120   a  have a downwards angle towards the drain aperture  122  to direct accumulated wastewater towards the drain aperture  122  regardless of the pitch and/or roll axis of the structure that the folding shower stall  100  is secured to. Embodiments of the shower wall retaining wall  124  extend from the shower wall right side wall  120   b  to the shower wall left side wall  120   b.  Embodiments of the shower wall retaining wall  124  can be between 0.5 inches and 6 inches in height, preferably between 1 inch and 4 inches in height, and most preferably between 1.5 inches and 3 inches in height. Alternative embodiments of the shower wall retaining wall  124  can also include a drip edge  127  that extends outward and generally perpendicular from the shower wall retaining wall  124  and at an angle downwards back into the wastewater retainment structure. The angle of the drip edge  127  can be between 1 and 30 degrees, preferably between 2 and 20 degrees, and most preferably approximately 15 degrees. The shower wall retaining wall  124  extends outwardly from the shower wall bottom side wall  120   c  and a drip edge  127  extends outwardly from the shower wall retaining wall 124. 
     Embodiments of the shower wall bottom side wall  120   a,  can be between 10 and 30 inches in length, and 1 and 6 inches in height, preferably between 18 inches and 24 inches in length, and 2 inches and 5 inches in height, A most preferred length and height are 21.75 inches and 3.5 inches. The shower wall bottom side wall  120   a  is larger than the shower pan back side wall  118  b allowing the shower pan back side wall  118   b  to fit inside the shower wall bottom side wall  120   a.  Variations on the size of the shower wall bottom side wall  120   a  can be adjusted in view of the size and scale of the folding shower stall  100 . 
     The shower wall right side wall  120   b  and shower wall left side wall  120   b  can be between 20 inches and 40 inches in length, and 3 inches and 4 inches in height, preferably between 25 inches and 35 inches in length, and 2 inches and 5 inches in height. A most preferred length and height are 28 inches and 3.5 inches. Variations on the size of the shower wall right side wall  120   b  and shower wall left side wall  120   b  can be adjusted in view of the size and scale of the folding shower stall  100 . 
     The ends of the shower wall right and left side walls  120   b  distal to the bottom side wall  120   a  can be tapered to assist with closing of the folding shower stall  100 . Alternate embodiments can be squared with a top side wall completing the enclosure of the shower wall front surface  121 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the folding shower stall  100  in the closed positions projects outwardly from the structure or vehicle side wall upon which it is mounted, such as the interior of a vehicle, between 1 and 10 inches, preferably between 2 and 8 inches, and most preferably between 3 and 7 inches. One embodiment projects out from the structure approximately 6 to 7 inches, not including the attachment brackets  106   a,    106   b.  In an embodiment, in the open position the folding shower stall  100  can occupy approximately four square feet of surface area. Embodiments can occupy between 1 and 10 square feet, preferably between 2 and 8 square feet, and most preferably between 3 and 5 square feet. Depending upon the embodiment, a shower curtain enclosure can extend the folding shower stall  100  to be equivalent to a full height shower stall. 
     To operate the folding shower stall  100  a user grasps the shower pan support  114  and rotates the shower pan  102  in a downward direction about the hinge  112  (or pivot). In embodiments the shower pan support  114  is disposed on a shower pan outer surface  107 . The shower pan outer surface  107  is opposite the shower pan upper surface  105 . The shower pan support  114  provides a convenient handle for the user to grasp when opening and closing the folding shower stall  100 . The shower pan  102  and the shower wall  104  are pivotally connected via the hinge  112  which is configured to allow the shower pan  102  to rotate upward toward the shower wall  104  (closed position), and downwards away from the shower wall  104  (open position). To place the folding shower stall  100  in the open position, the user moves the shower pan  102  downwards until the shower pan support  114  engages the floor of the structure. For example, if the shower wall  104  is secured to a side of a vehicle (via the attachment brackets  106 ), the shower pan  102  is rotated downwardly until the shower pan support  114  engages the vehicle floor. In an embodiment the shower pan support  114  extends outwardly from the shower pan outer surface  107  and laterally across the shower pan outer surface  107  and is configured to engage a horizontal surface of the vehicle or structure when the shower pan  102  is rotated downward from the shower wall  104 . Any suitable shower pan support  114  may be used in the various embodiments. In embodiments in which the attachment brackets  106  are omitted, the folding shower stall  100  can be installed in a cabinet or other structure. 
     The shower pan support  114  extends outwardly from the shower pan outer surface  107  by a predefined distance. The predefined distance of the protrusion of the shower pan support  114  is such that the outer surface  107  (and upper surface  105 ) of the shower pan  102  is oriented at a downward angle towards the rear of the shower pan  102  (proximate to the shower wall  104 ). This downward angle directs wastewater towards the drain slots  116 . The shower pan support  114  is configured to rest on a horizontal surface of a structure when the shower pan  102  is rotated downward from the shower wall  104  into an open position. The shower pan support further includes scratch resistant components  115  configured to contact the horizontal surface of the structure. The shower pan support  114  is configured to position the shower pan  102  in the open position at an angle that directs wastewater backwards towards the shower pan back side wall  118   a,  drain wall  202  and drain slots  116 . 
     In an embodiment the shower pan support  114  can be between 1 inches and 9 inches in height (measured from the shower pan outer surface  107  to a central axis of the shower pan support  114 ), preferably between 2 inches and 6 inches, most preferably between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches. A most preferred embodiment of the shower pan support  114  can have a height of 3 inches. The shower pan support  114  can run the width of the shower pan  102  or occupy less than the total width of the shower pan  102 . Alternatively, the shower pan support  114  can be split into multiple segments along the shower pan outer surface  107  to provide support to the folding shower stall  100 . The downward angle of the shower pan  102  is discussed above. 
       FIG.  3    is a side view of an embodiment of the folding shower stall  100  in the opened position. As illustrated in  FIG.  3    embodiments of the attachment bracket  106  can be longer in length than the vertical length of the shower wall  104 . The shower pan support  114  as shown in  FIG.  3    can include additional features, such as scratch resistant components  115  that are configured to provide for a scratch resistant contact with the horizontal surface upon which the folding shower stall  100  rests in the open position. The scratch resistant components  115  can be rubber, acrylic, plastic, foam, high density polyethylene (HDPE), or other materials that will provide a consistent, secure, and scratch resistant connection between shower pan support  114  and the horizontal surface of the structure. The configuration of the drain portion of the shower pan  102  is illustrated in  FIG.  3    in which the drain wall  202  is angled to allow wastewater to be directed towards the drain slots  116 . 
       FIG.  4    is a front view of an embodiment of the folding shower stall  100  in the opened position. Multiple mounting tabs  132  are illustrated behind the folding shower stall  100  securing the shower wall  104  to the attachment brackets  106 . As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , shower wall bottom side wall  120   a  angles downward from the shower wall side walls  120   b  towards the drainage aperture  122 . This downward angle directs the wastewater to the drainage aperture  122 .  FIG.  4    further illustrates the shower pan support  114  below the shower pan  102 . 
       FIG.  5    is a side view of an embodiment of the folding shower stall  100  in the closed position.  FIG.  5    illustrates the folding shower stall  100  when not in use. The shower pan  102  has been rotated upwards into the shower wall  104 . The shower pan support  114  is in position to allow the user to reposition the shower pan  102  into the open position for use. Scratch resistant components  115  can be attached to the exterior side of the shower pan support  114  (the side distal from the shower pan outer surface  107 ). 
     Embodiments of the folding shower stall  100  can be prepared in which the height of the front side wall  118   a  of the shower pan  102  is equal to, or approximately equal to, the height of the corresponding left and right side walls  120   b  of the shower wall  104 . Embodiments can further be configured to have equal or approximately equal heights for the side walls  120   b  of the shower wall  104 , which in the closed position can allow the shower pan  102  to form a cover that keeps dirt, dust and other debris out of the interior region of the closed folding shower stall  100 . 
       FIG.  6    is a view of an embodiment of the shower pan  102  disconnected from the shower wall  104 . The embodiment shown in  FIG.  6    illustrates a line of drain slots  116  running from left side wall  118   c  to right side wall  118   c.  Additionally, the drain wall  202  is angled to direct wastewater towards the drain slots  116 . 
       FIG.  7    is a view of an embodiment of the shower wall  104  disconnected from the shower pan  102 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  7    depicts a drain aperture  122  located in the center of the bottom side wall  120   a  of the shower wall  104 . Additionally, the bottom side wall  120   a  of the shower wall  104  slopes downwards towards the drainage aperture  122  to assist with drainage of collected wastewater. In other embodiments, the drainage aperture  122  or multiple drainage apertures  122  can be located along the shower wall bottom side wall  120   a  of the shower wall  104 . The shower wall retaining wall  124  protrudes vertically outward from the shower wall bottom side wall  120   a  to provide additional assistance with the direction of the wastewater towards the drainage aperture  122 . 
     Embodiments of the angle of the bottom side wall  120   a  towards the drainage aperture  122  can be between 1 and 90 degrees, preferably between 2 and 45 degrees, and most preferably between 3 and 10 degrees. 
     The shower wall retaining wall  124  can protrude outward from the bottom side wall  120   a  between 0.1 inches and 6 inches, preferably between 0.25 inches and 3 inches, most preferably between 1 inch and 3 inches. Embodiments can include a shower wall retaining wall  124  protruding between 0.25 and 2.5 inches. 
       FIG.  8    is a front view of an embodiment of the attachment bracket  106 . The attachment bracket  106  includes fastening tabs  902  located on the first edge  108  for attachment of the shower wall  104  to the attachment bracket  106 . The attachment bracket  106  further includes mounting tabs  132  on a second edge  110  for attachment of the attachment bracket  106  to the vertical wall of the structure, such as the interior vehicle wall. The attachment bracket  106  can contain multiple mounting tabs  132  and fastening tabs  902  suitable for securely holding the folding shower stall  100  and mounting the folding shower stall  100  to the structure. The mounting tabs  132  and fastening tabs  902  can be secured with nails, screws, bolts, rivets, or other suitable securing components. 
       FIG.  9    is a side view of an embodiment of the attachment bracket  106 . As discussed with  FIG.  8   , multiple mounting tabs  132  and fastening tabs  902  can be used with the attachment brackets  106 . Additionally, Embodiments can include one, two or more attachment brackets  106  to securely mount the folding shower stall  100  to the structure. As illustrated in the embodiment in  FIG.  9   , two mounting tabs  132  are disposed along the second edge  110  of the attachment bracket  106  to facilitate attachment of the attachment brackets  106  to the structure. Multiple mounting tabs  132  may be used in alternative embodiments. In embodiments without the mounting tabs  132  the attachment brackets  106  can be secured directly to the vertical surface of the structure using welding, an adhesive, rivets or other securing and/or mounting systems. Alternatively, shower wall  104  can be directly attached and/or mounted on the vertical surface using welding, an adhesive, rivets or other securing and/or mounting systems. 
     In an embodiment, multiple fastening tabs  902  are disposed along the first edge  108  of the attachment brackets  106  to facilitate attachment of the attachment brackets  106  to the shower wall  104 . Any suitable attachment means, such as bolts, screws, wires, adhesive, welding or other securing and/or mounting systems can be used in the various embodiments to secure the attachment bracket  106  to the shower wall  104 . Any suitable number of fastening tabs  902  may be used in the various embodiments. 
     Alternatively, attachment bars or strips may be used to secure the attachment brackets  106  to the shower wall  104 . Such attachment bars or strips may provide additional structural support to the shower wall  104 . Similarly, support bars or straps can be secured to the bottom side of the shower pan  102  to provide additional structural support. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates the folding shower stall  100  in the opened position with a shower curtain enclosure  1002 , according to an embodiment. Any suitable shower curtain enclosure  1002  may be used in the various embodiments. Embodiments can include ceiling hooks  1004  that are secured to the roof of a vehicle or a ceiling of the structure. The upper edge of the shower curtain enclosure  1002  can be releasably secured to the ceiling hooks  1004 . The length of the shower curtain enclosure  1002 , when coupled and/or attached to the ceiling hooks  1004  extends from the ceiling hooks  1004  to the shower pan  102 , allowing the user to shower and retaining the shower water within the interior of the shower curtain enclosure  1002 . 
     Embodiments of the shower curtain enclosure  1002  extend from the ceiling hooks  1004  to the shower pan  102 , allowing a lower portion (or lower edge) of the shower curtain enclosure  1002  to be placed inside the side walls  118  of the shower pan  102 . This assists with directing the shower water flowing down the interior sides of the shower curtain enclosure  1002  to flow into the shower pan  102  and drain out through the drain slots  116 . During a shower, the lower portion of the shower curtain enclosure  1002  can be configured to fit inside of the shower pan side walls  118 . Embodiments of the shower curtain enclosure  1002  can be configured to attach to the shower pan side walls  118  to form a continuous wall trapping water within the folding shower stall  100 . Alternatively, magnets or other securing systems can be used to secure the lower portion of the shower curtain enclosure  1002  to the shower pan side walls  118 . Magnets can also also used to secure the curtain to the upper and side portions of shower wall  104 . Embodiments of the shower curtain enclosure  1002  can be configured to attach to ceiling hooks  1004  on an upper vertical surface of a structure and be affixed via magnets to the side walls of the shower pan  102 . The shower curtain enclosure  1002  can be prepared from any suitable materials, including, but not limited to cloth, plastics, waterproof or water-resistant materials, polyurethane coated nylon ripstop, or other suitable materials. In an embodiment, the shower curtain enclosure  1002  is configured to be stored inside the closed folding shower stall  100  either inside a storage component, such as a bag, lining, or other suitable component, or in a folded configuration. Embodiments of the shower curtain enclosure  1002  can be configured to fit around or accommodate the folding shower stall  100 . The shower curtain enclosure  1002  can have lower back portion cut out to provide access to the shower wall  104 . Alternative configuration of the shower curtain enclosure can be prepared to accommodate the user, the structure, and/or the folding shower stall  100 . Preferably, the material readily dries and can be folded and/or packed into a compact container for storage either within the folding shower stall  100  or elsewhere within the vehicle or structure when not in use. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an alternative folding shower stall  1100  in the closed position, according to an embodiment. The folding shower stall  1100  includes a shower pan  1102 , a shower wall  1104 , a shower pan support  1114 , and a shower base  1110  (or shower body). The shower base  1110  further includes attachment brackets  1106  secured and/or incorporated into the shower base  1110 . The shower pan  1102  and the shower wall  1104  are rotatably and/or pivotally mounted to the attachment brackets  1106  at hinges  1112 . Draw latches  1108  secure the shower pan  1102  and shower wall  1104  in the closed position. Lever clamps  1107  secure the shower pan  1102  and shower wall  1104  in the open position. The draw latches  108  are configured to secure the shower pan  102  and shower wall  104  in a closed position, and the lever clamps  1107  are configured to secure the shower wall  104  in an upright vertical position. 
     The shower pan support  1114  supports the shower pan  102  in the open position by resting on the horizontal surface of the structure or vehicle floor and provides a handle to assist the user with opening the folding shower stall  1100 . The attachment brackets  1106  include the hinges  1112 , the draw latches  1108  and lever clamps  1107 . The attachment brackets  1106  can attach the folding shower stall  1100  to the structure. The shower base  1110  and/or attachment brackets  1106  can be secured to the structure via mounting tabs  132 , by welding, rivets, nuts and bolts, screws, or other securing and/or mounting systems. The shower pan  102  and the shower wall  104  are rotatably affixed to the shower base  1110 . The shower pan  102  is configured to rotate downward from the shower base  1110 , and the shower wall  104  is configured to rotate upwards from the shower base  1110 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates an alternative folding shower stall  1100  in the opened position with a shower curtain enclosure  1120 , according to an embodiment. The folding shower stall  1100  further includes a shower curtain enclosure  1120 , a shower mixer valve  1109 , ceiling hooks  1004 , a shower spray holder  1111 , and drain  1116 . The folding shower stall  1100  as illustrated in  FIG.  12    is in the open position in which the shower wall  1104  has been rotated upwards into a vertical position and locked in place via the level clamps  1107 . Additionally, the shower pan  1102  has been rotated downward into a horizontal position and is resting on the shower pan support  1114  which is in contact with the horizontal floor of the structure. A shower curtain enclosure  1120  is mounted and/or secured to the folding shower stall  1100  and can be connected to the ceiling of the structure or roof of the vehicle via ceiling hooks  1004 . A shower mixer valve  1109  is incorporated into the shower base  1110  and can be connected to plumbing infrastructure within the vehicle or structure. The shower mixer valve is preferably marine grade plumbing materials and allows the user to control the flow and temperature of the water in the folding shower stall  1100 . The shower spray holder  1111  is mounted and/or incorporated into the shower wall  1104  and provides an attachment point for an extendible and flexible shower hose and shower head. A drain  1116  is incorporated into the shower base  1110  and/or the shower pan  1102 . The shower drain can be a low-profile marine grade shower drain suitable for use with the folding shower stall  1100 . 
       FIG.  13    illustrates an attachment bracket  1106  of an alternative folding shower stall  1100 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  13    illustrates the folding shower stall  1100  in the closed position. Shower pan  1102  and shower wall  1104  are in the closed position, rotated into the body formed by the attachment brackets  1106 . The rear portion of the attachment brackets  1106  can have a lattice structure to provide reduced weight to the folding shower stall  1100 . Variations of the lattice structure can be employed that provide sufficient structural support with reduced weight. 
     Embodiments of the shower base  1110  can be prepared from steel sheet, aluminum, titanium, acrylics, ceramics, tempered wood, plastics, or other suitable materials. The shower base  1110  can be between 16 inches and 96 inches tall, 10 inches and 48 inches wide, and 1 inch and 12 inches deep, preferably between 30 inches and 70 inches tall, 20 inches and 30 inches wide, and 2 inches and 6 inches deep, and most preferably, between 46 inches and 56 inches tall, 20 inches and 24 inches wide, and between 3.5 inches and 4.5 inches deep. Embodiments include a shower base  1110  that is approximately 50 inches tall, 22 inches wide and 4 inches deep. 
     Embodiments of the shower pan  1102  can be prepared from steel sheet, aluminum, titanium, acrylics, ceramics, tempered wood, plastics, or other suitable materials. The shower pan  1102  can be between 10 inches and 40 inches tall, 10 inches and 48 inches wide, and between 1 inch and 12 inches deep, preferably between 20 inches and 30 inches tall, 20 inches and 30 inches wide, and 2 inches and 6 inches deep, and most preferably, between 26 inches and 30 inches tall, 20 inches and 24 inches wide, and 3.5 inches and 4.5 inches deep. Embodiments can include a shower pan  1102  that is approximately 28 inches tall, 22 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. 
     Embodiments of the shower wall  1104  can be prepared from steel sheet, aluminum, titanium, acrylics, ceramics, tempered wood, plastics, or other suitable materials. The shower wall  1104  can be between 10 inches and 40 inches tall, 10 inches and 48 inches wide, and 1 inch and 12 inches deep, preferably between 20 inches and 30 inches tall, 20 inches and 30 inches wide, and 2 inches and 6 inches deep, and most preferably, between 20 inches and 24 inches tall, 20 inches and 24 inches wide, and 3.5 inches and 4.5 inches deep. Embodiments can include a shower wall  1104  that is approximately 22 inches tall, 22 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. 
     Embodiments of the folding shower stall  1100  can have a shower base  1110  in which attachment brackets  1106  are a part of the shower base  1110  or separate attachment brackets  1106  which can be secured to the shower base  1110 . Embodiments of the attachment brackets  1106  can be prepared from steel sheet, aluminum, titanium, acrylics, ceramics, tempered wood, plastics, or other suitable materials. The attachment brackets  1106  can be between 1 and 96 inches tall, and 2 inches and 10 inches deep, preferably between 1 inch and 72 inches all, and 1 inch and 6 inches deep, and most preferably, between 48 inches and 54 inches tall, and 1 inch and 4 inches deep. Embodiments can include attachment brackets that are approximately  52  inches tall and 1 to 4 inches deep. 
     Embodiments of the attachment brackets  1106  can have a straight front edge that attaches to the shower base  1110  via flanged tabs with mounting holes, and a curved back edge that is curved to fit the contour of the interior of a vehicle wall. The curved back edge can be secured to the vehicle wall via flanged tabs with mounting holes. Embodiments of the folding shower stall  1100  can be secured to the vehicle (or structure) approximately 0.5 to four inches, preferably 1 to 2 inches, and most preferably about 1.75 inches above the vehicle floor (measured from the bottom of the attachment bracket and/or shower pan  1102 ). This allows the shower pan  1102  to rotate out of the folding shower stall  1100  and rest on the shower pan support  1114  at an angle that directs water back towards the drain  1116  in the shower base  1110 . 
     Embodiments of the shower base  1110 , shower pan  1102 , shower wall  1104 , attachment brackets  1106 , and shower pan support  1114  can be laser cut from steel sheet (ranging from 1/16 inches to ⅛ inches) and then bent on a metal brake into the proper three-dimensional parts. These parts can be assembled using the clamp bolts and latches described above. Other components can be secured using rivets, welding, or a suitable adhesive. Other suitable material may be used for the various components, such as plastics, wood, or other metals. 
     Embodiments of the attachment bracket  1106  can be secured to the vertical side of a vehicle or structure via matching the shape of the back edge of the attachment bracket  1106  to the contours of the vehicle. Embodiments of the attachment brackets  1106  and/or shower base  1110  can be configured to a shape and/or dimension to correspond to the vertical surface of the vehicle or structure upon which the folding shower stall  100  is attached. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates the shower pan support  114 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  14    illustrates a top view, side view bottom view and perspective view of an embodiment of the shower pan support  114 . The embodiment shown generally runs the width of the shower pan  102  and attaches to the shower pan outer surface  107  via shower pan support ends  1420 . In the embodiment shown the shower pan support ends  1420  project generally outward (perpendicular) from the shower pan support base  1430 . The shower pan support ends  1420  can be secured to the shower pan outer surface  107  via welding, adhesive, bolts, or other securing or mounting systems. In the embodiment shown the shower pan support ends  1420  are tapered outwards to create a wider area to secure the shower pan support  114  to the shower pan  102 . Variations on the tapering, length of the shower pan support ends  1420  and shower pan support base  1430  can be prepared to provide adequate support to the folding shower stall  100  and provide a useful handle for lowering the shower pan  102 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates an alternative shower wall  104 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  15    illustrates a top view, side views, and a perspective view of the shower wall  104 , according to an embodiment. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  15    can be employed without attachment brackets  106  and can be installed directly into a vertical wall and/or cabinet of a vehicle or structure. The embodiment shown in  FIG.  15    further includes a shower wall top side wall  120   c  and a shower wall front wall  1510 . The shower wall front wall  1510  extends perpendicularly from the shower wall top side wall  120   c  distal from the bottom side wall  120   b.  The shower wall front wall  1510  includes a second aperture  130 . The second aperture  130  can be sized to permit passage of a shower hose and shower head that the user can pull out to a predefined length allowing the user to shower while standing on the shower pan  102 . The top side wall  120   c  allows the folding shower stall  100  to have a flush mount in which the shower pan  102  fits within the shower wall  104  and enclosed in a flush manner securing any residual water and/or plumbing equipment. Additional apertures  128  are incorporated within the shower wall front surface  121 . 
       FIG.  16    illustrates an alternative shower pan  102 , according to an embodiment. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  16    depicts a bottom view, a back view, a side views, and a perspective view of a shower pan  102  according to an embodiment. The side view shows the angle of the drain wall  202  and the shower pan back side wall  118   c  that assists in directing the wastewater to the drain slots  116 . The back view depicts the drain slots  116  below the drain wall  202 . 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a shower pan  102  and a shower pan support  114 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  17    illustrates a side view, a bottom view, a perspective view and a front view of the shower pan  102  and shower pan support  114 . Scratch resistant components  115  can be employed with the shower pan support  114  to avoid scratching of the horizontal floor of the vehicle or structure upon which the shower pan support  114  rests. The side view of the shower pan  102  further depicts the angle of the drain wall and the shower pan back side wall  118   b.  The angles of the drain wall  202  and shower pan back side wall  118   b  allow the shower pan  102  to easily rotate within the folding shower stall  100  providing assistance with directing wastewater towards the drain slots  116 . 
       FIG.  18    illustrates a folding shower stall  1800 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  18    illustrates a flush mounted embodiment that can be installed in a cabinet or directly into the vertical wall of a vehicle or structure.  FIG.  18    further depicts a latch  125  on the outer surface  107  of the shower pan  102  that is configured to lock the folding shower stall  1800 . The latch  1825  secures the shower pan  102  and the shower wall  104  when they are stored together in the closed position. When the latch  1825  is turned it unlocks the shower pan from the shower wall and the user can lower the shower pan  102  via the shower pan support  114 .  FIG.  18    further illustrates scratch resistant components  115  positioned on the shower pan support  114  to aid in reducing scratching and damage to the horizontal surface upon which the shower pan support  114  rests in the open position. The folding shower stall  1800  depicted in the open position (non-perspective) illustrates the angle at which the shower pan  102  rests on the horizontal surface of the vehicle or structure. This angle assists in directing the wastewater back towards the drain slots  116 . The shower wall retaining wall  124  includes a drip edge  127  that extends outward and generally perpendicular from the shower wall retaining wall  124  and at an angle downwards back into the wastewater retainment structure. The angle of the drip edge  127  can be between 1 and 30 degrees, preferably between 2 and 20 degrees, and most preferably approximately 15 degrees. Embodiments of the drip edge  127  protrude from the shower wall retaining wall  124  between 0.1 inches and 3 inches, preferably between 0.25 inches and 2 inches, and most preferably between 0.5 inches and 1 inch. An embodiment of the drip edge  127  protrudes 0.5 inches from the shower wall retaining wall  124 . Embodiments of the drip edge  127  are configured to catch wastewater when the shower pan  102  is returned to the upright closed position after use. The wastewater is directed into the wastewater retainment structure. 
       FIG.  19    illustrates an alternative shower pan  102 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  19    illustrates a bottom view, a side view, a front view, a back view, and a perspective view of a shower pan  102  according to an embodiment. The shower pan  102  as illustrated in  FIG.  19    contains a latch component  1930  in the shower pan front side wall  118   a.  The latch component  1930  is configured to engage with a latch on the shower wall  104  and lock the shower pan  102  and shower wall  104  together in the stored closed position. 
       FIG.  20    illustrates an alternative shower wall  104 , according to an embedment.  FIG.  20    illustrates a top view, a side view, a front view, a back view, and a perspective view of a shower wall  104  according to an embodiment. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  20    depicts two apertures  128  in the shower wall front surface  121 .  FIG.  20    further illustrates a shower wall  104  with a top side wall  102   c  and a shower wall front wall  1510 . Additionally,  FIG.  20    illustrates a shower wall latch  2025  that is configured to engage with the shower pan latch component  1930  to lock the shower pan  102  and shower wall  104  in the closed position. The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  19  and  20    is a flush mounted folding shower stall  100  that can be directly mounted or secured to a vertical side wall or cabinet of a vehicle or structure via the shower wall front wall  1510  that can be configured to receive screws, bolts, nuts, rivets or other securing components to flush mount the folding shower stall  100 . The shower wall front wall  1510  is configured to be a face-mounting flange allowing the folding shower stall  100  to be flush mounted to a wall, cabinet, or other vertical surface. Embodiments in which the folding shower stall  100  is flush mounted can protrude less than 5 inches, preferably less than 4 inches and most preferably approximately 3 inches from the vertical surface upon which the folding shower stall  100  is mounted. 
     A feature illustrated in one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature illustrated in another of the figures. Similarly, a feature described in connection with one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature described in connection with another of the figures. The same or similar features may be noted by the same or similar reference characters unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, the description of a particular figure may refer to a feature not shown in the particular figure. The feature may be illustrated in and/or further described in connection with another figure. 
     Elements of processes (i.e. methods) described herein may be executed in one or more ways such as by a human, by a processing device, by mechanisms operating automatically or under human control, and so forth. Additionally, although various elements of a process may be depicted in the figures in a particular order, the elements of the process may be performed in one or more different orders without departing from the substance and spirit of the disclosure herein. 
     The foregoing description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several implementations. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present implementations. Thus, the specific details set forth above are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present implementations. 
     Related elements in the examples and/or embodiments described herein may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity and clarity, related elements may not be redundantly explained. Instead, the use of a same, similar, and/or related element names and/or reference characters may cue the reader that an element with a given name and/or associated reference character may be similar to another related element with the same, similar, and/or related element name and/or reference character in an example explained elsewhere herein. Elements specific to a given example may be described regarding that particular example. A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a given element need not be the same and/or similar to the specific portrayal of a related element in any given figure or example in order to share features of the related element. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the present implementations should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple distinct examples with independent utility. While these examples have been disclosed in a particular form, the specific examples disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter disclosed herein includes novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above both explicitly and inherently. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims is to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more of such elements. 
     As used herein “same” means sharing all features and “similar” means sharing a substantial number of features or sharing materially important features even if a substantial number of features are not shared. As used herein “may” should be interpreted in a permissive sense and should not be interpreted in an indefinite sense. Additionally, use of “is” regarding examples, elements, and/or features should be interpreted to be definite only regarding a specific example and should not be interpreted as definite regarding every example. Furthermore, references to “the disclosure” and/or “this disclosure” refer to the entirety of the writings of this document and the entirety of the accompanying illustrations, which extends to all the writings of each subsection of this document, including the Title, Background, Brief description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, and any other document and/or resource incorporated herein by reference. 
     As used herein regarding a list, “and” forms a group inclusive of all the listed elements. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and D is an example that includes A, includes B, includes C, and also includes D. As used herein regarding a list, “or” forms a list of elements, any of which may be included. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, or D is an example that includes any of the elements A, B, C, and D. Unless otherwise stated, an example including a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude other examples that include various combinations of some or all of the alternatively-inclusive elements. An example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements includes at least one element of the listed elements. However, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes all of the listed elements. And, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes a combination of some of the listed elements. As used herein regarding a list, “and/or” forms a list of elements inclusive alone or in any combination. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and/or D is an example that may include: A alone; A and B; A, B and C; A, B, C, and D; and so forth. The bounds of an “and/or” list are defined by the complete set of combinations and permutations for the list. 
     Where multiples of a particular element are shown in a FIG., and where it is clear that the element is duplicated throughout the FIG., only one label may be provided for the element, despite multiple instances of the element being present in the FIG. Accordingly, other instances in the FIG. of the element having identical or similar structure and/or function may not have been redundantly labeled. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure herein redundant and/or duplicated elements of the same FIG. Despite this, redundant labeling may be included where helpful in clarifying the structure of the depicted examples. 
     The Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed examples that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Examples embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same example or a different example and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the examples described herein.