Abstract:
A shower curtain with an integral flap for accommodating a tub transfer bench. The flap, located along the bottom edge of the shower curtain, can be pulled into the slot of a tub transfer bench to prevent water from splashing outwards of the bathtub. Two side slits bound the flap and reinforcing material is provided at the boundary of the side slits to reduce the possibility of tear propagation. A handle may be provided at the lower end of the flap to facilitate easy grasping of the flap. The shower curtain may further include straps having hook-and-loop pads at the top edge to facilitate easy hanging and removal of the shower curtain from a conventional shower curtain rod.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to devices for assisting elderly or physically handicapped people with showers and baths and specifically to a shower curtain for use with a bathtub and a tub transfer bench to eliminate the occurrence of water splashing outside of the bathtub. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Those who are elderly, physically handicapped, wheelchair bound, or otherwise impaired in their mobility frequently need assistance or special equipment when taking baths. Tub transfer benches are commonly used to enable the physically impaired to take a bath or a shower. The tub transfer benches typically include a two-part seat, a backrest, and legs that enable the bench to straddle the outer wall of a bathtub or tub-shower. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tub transfer bench  20  includes inner legs  22  and outer legs  24 , with the inner legs  22  shorter than the outer legs  24  to enable the bench  20  to be level when the bench straddles the outer wall  26  of the bathtub  28 . The tub transfer bench typically includes the two-part seat  29 , including an inner portion  30  and an outer portion  32 , to provide a gap  34  to accommodate the conventional shower curtain  36  of the tub-shower. The term “tub transfer bench” is derived from the two-part seat  29 , which enables a person to transfer their weight from the outer seat  32  outside the tub-shower, to the inner seat  30  inside the tub-shower, without standing or raising their weight off of the two-part seat  29 . The gap  34  is provided for accepting the lower portion of the shower curtain  36  in an attempt to prevent water from splashing out of the bathtub or tub-shower. 
     Although the two-part seat  29  of the tub transfer bench  20  includes a gap  34 , the bench  20  also includes the framework  38  that connects the inner  30  and outer  32  parts of the seat. The gap  34  between the inner  30  and outer parts  32  of the seat is also constricted by the framework  38  that connects the seat portions. The gap  34  is therefore typically in the form of a slot  40  (see  FIG. 2 ) bounded by the two portions of the seat  30  and  32  and by the framework  38  of the tub transfer bench  20 . The framework  38  bounding the slot  40  typically includes two substantially horizontal posts  42  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Unfortunately, when a conventional shower curtain  36  is placed upon the gap  34  of the tub transfer bench  20 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , the shower curtain  36  bunches up upon the posts  42 . This typically creates a hole  43  between the shower curtain  36  and the outer wall  26  of the bathtub  28 . Attempts to reduce the size of the hole  43  by pulling the bunched up portion of the shower curtain  36  through the slot  40  are difficult as the slot  40  is small and the bunched up portion does not move easily through the slot  40 . Additionally, it is difficult for a physically handicapped or elderly person to reach under the seat of the tub transfer bench  20  to pull the shower curtain  36  through the slot  40 . Therefore, conventional shower curtains do not adequately prevent water from splashing outside of the shower or bathtub. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a shower curtain with an integral flap for accommodating a tub transfer bench. The flap, located along the bottom edge of the shower curtain, can be pulled into the slot of a tub transfer bench to prevent water from splashing outwards of the bathtub. Two side slits bound the flap and reinforcing material is provided at the boundary of the side slits to reduce the possibility of tear propagation. A handle may be provided at the lower end of the flap to facilitate easy grasping of the flap. The shower curtain may further include straps having hook-and-loop pads at the top edge to facilitate easy hanging and removal of the shower curtain from a conventional shower curtain rod. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     Several advantages are achieved with the shower curtain with flap of the present invention, including:
         (1) The shower curtain of the present invention includes slits and a flap to allow it to fit snugly over the posts of a conventional tub transfer bench when situated in a bathtub and thereby prevent water from escaping the bathtub in the vicinity of the posts.   (2) Reinforcement is provided around the periphery of the slits of the shower curtain of the present invention to prevent tearing in the vicinity of the slits.   (3) A handle at the lower end of the flap facilitates grasping of the flap thereby making it easy to insert and remove the flap from the slot area of a conventional tub transfer bench.   (4) The shower curtain of the present invention includes straps having hook-and-loop pads at the top edge to facilitate easy hanging and removal of the shower curtain from a conventional shower curtain rod.       

     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following description along with reference to the drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a tub transfer bench placed in a bathtub and a conventional shower curtain. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the tub transfer bench and bathtub of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a view of a conventional shower curtain and tub transfer bench taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an elevation view of the first embodiment of a shower curtain with flap according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an elevation view of the first embodiment of a shower curtain with flap according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a second embodiment of a shower curtain with flap according to the present invention including a handle along the bottom edge of the flap. 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the center portion of a shower curtain similar to that shown in  FIG. 5  but depicting a preferred embodiment of a shower curtain according to the present invention placed between the bathtub and the outer seat of a conventional tub transfer bench and including hook and loop tabs connecting the flap to the side portions of the shower curtain. 
         FIG. 8  is a view of the upper left corner of the shower curtain delineated by line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 5  and showing a few of the straps along the top edge of the shower curtain of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the shower curtain of the present invention taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8  and showing a detailed side view of a strap. 
         FIG. 10  is a view of the upper left corner of the shower curtain delineated by line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 5  and showing one open and two closed straps along the top edge of the shower curtain. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of an open strap according to the present invention in position to be closed around a conventional shower curtain rod. 
         FIG. 12  is an end view of the area surrounding a slit or opening at the edges of a flap, which includes a folded over portion of the sheet that will form a reinforced area surrounding the flap. 
         FIG. 13  is an end view similar to that of  FIG. 12  but with the folded over portion is bonded together to form the reinforced area. 
         FIG. 14  is an end view similar to that of  FIG. 12  but with the reinforced area comprising a strip of reinforcing material that will be secured to the sheet. 
     
    
    
     INDEX TO REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
     
         
         
           
               20  conventional tub transfer bench 
               22  inner leg of tub transfer bench 
               24  outer leg of tub transfer bench 
               26  outer wall of bathtub 
               28  bathtub 
               29  two-part seat 
               30  inner portion of seat 
               32  outer portion of seat 
               34  gap 
               36  conventional shower curtain 
               38  framework of tub transfer bench 
               40  slot 
               42  horizontal post 
               43  hole 
               50  shower curtain, first embodiment 
               52  slit 
               54  flap 
               56  top aperture 
               58  metal grommet 
               60  shower curtain, second embodiment 
               62  sheet 
               64  top edge of sheet 
               66  bottom edge of sheet 
               68  side edge of sheet 
               70  slit or opening 
               72  slit edge 
               74  flap 
               76  side edge of flap 
               78  bottom edge of flap 
               80  reinforced area 
               82  folded over portion 
               84  strip of reinforcing material 
               88  strap 
               90  shower curtain, third embodiment 
               91  reinforced area along bottom edge of flap 
               94  handle 
               96  first end of strap 
               98  second end of strap 
               100  hook arrangement 
               102  loop arrangement 
               104  shower curtain rod 
               106  shower curtain, preferred embodiment 
               108  hook and loop tab 
             W 1  width of flap 
             W 2  width of tub transfer bench between the posts 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to  FIG. 4  there is shown a first embodiment of a shower curtain  50  according to the present invention to be used in conjunction with a tub transfer bench to prevent water from splashing out of the bathtub. The shower curtain  50  includes two slits  52  to accommodate the posts of a conventional tub transfer bench (see  FIG. 2 ). The two slits  52  define a flap  54  in the shower curtain  50  and, when the shower curtain  50  is closed upon a tub-shower having a tub transfer bench, the flap  54  can be pulled through the slot  40  (see  FIG. 2 ) to completely seal around the tub transfer bench and prevent water from splashing outside the tub. The shower curtain  50  includes top apertures  56  and grommets  58  to accommodate hooks for hanging from a shower curtain rod (not shown). 
     With reference to  FIG. 5  there is shown a second embodiment of a shower curtain  60  of the present invention. The shower curtain  60  includes a generally rectangular sheet  62  having a top edge  64 , a bottom edge  66 , and two side edges  68 . Two slits  70  or openings extend upwards from the bottom edge  66  of the sheet  62  and include slit edges  72  surrounding the slits  70 . The slits  70  define a flap  74  in the sheet  62 . The flap  74  is generally located between the two side edges  68  of the sheet  62  and includes side edges  76  and a bottom edge  78 . 
     Although shower curtains, being water impervious, perform well in repelling water, they do not exhibit adequate tear resistance. The shower curtain  60  depicted in  FIG. 5  therefore includes a reinforced area  80  along the bottom edge  78  and side edges  76  of the flap  74 , with the reinforced area  80  surrounding each of the slits  70 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the reinforced area  80  may include a folded over portion  82  of the sheet  62  at the slit edges  72 . The shower curtain  60  are can be constructed of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or any other appropriate water impervious plastics. After being folded over, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the folded over portion  82  and the sheet  62  are preferably bonded together by heat, adhesive, ultrasonic energy, stitching, staples or a combination thereof. 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , the reinforced area  80  may include a strip of reinforcing material  84  at the slit edges  72 . The reinforcing material  84  can be constructed of plastic, fabric, or fiber and is preferably bonded to the sheet  62  by heat, adhesive, ultrasonic energy, ultraviolet light, or infrared light, or secured to the sheet  62  by stitching, staples or a combination thereof. The reinforced slits  70  can be of various shapes, including an inverted U-shape (see  FIG. 5 ) or an inverted V-shape (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the second embodiment of the shower curtain  60  of the present invention further includes a plurality of straps  88  along the top edge  64  of the sheet  62 . The reinforced slits or openings  70 , which can be of various shapes, are an inverted U-shape in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a third embodiment of the shower curtain  90  of the present invention includes a reinforced area  92  along the bottom edge  78  of the flap  74 . The reinforced area  92  can include a folded over portion of the sheet  62  or can be a strip of fabric or plastic folded around the bottom edge and bonded thereto by heat, adhesive, ultrasonic energy, stitching, staples or a combination thereof. The third embodiment of the shower curtain  90  includes a handle  94  extending from the bottom edge  78  of the flap  74 . The handle  94  is preferably a cord of which the material of construction of the cord is preferably nylon, cotton, or plastic. As the present invention would typically be utilized by those who are elderly or have physical handicaps, the handle  94  provides a convenient grasping member for pulling the flap  74  through the narrow slot of the tub transfer bench (see  FIG. 2 ). As shown in  FIG. 6 , the flap  74  may be constructed of a shorter length than the shower curtain sheet  62 , as the shorter length remains long enough to prevent water from splashing over the outer wall  26  of the bathtub but provides the advantage of keeping the handle  94  out of any standing water at the bottom of the bathtub. The cord may be treated with bactericides or fungicides to prevent rapid mildewing of the cord, which will experience repeated wettings in a shower or bath environment. The handle  94  is held by the reinforced area  92  or folded over portion on the bottom edge  78  of the flap  74 . The reinforced slits or openings  70  are an inverted V-shape in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . The sheet  62  includes slit edges  72  surrounding the slits  70 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , the straps  88  include a first end  96  and second  98  end with the first end  96  of the strap  88  bonded to the sheet  62  and the second end  98  includes a hook arrangement  100  thereon. A loop arrangement  102  is included on the sheet  62  in alignment with the hook arrangement  100  on the second end  98 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the strap  88  may be routed around a shower curtain rod  104  and then secured to the sheet  62  by contacting the hook arrangement  100  of the strap  88  with the loop arrangement  102  of the sheet. Suitable single-sided hook materials and single-sided loop materials for the hook arrangement  100  and the loop arrangement  102  are known as Velcro® brand fasteners and are available from commercial vendors such as Industrial Webbing Corporation in Boynton Beach, Fla. Industrial Webbing&#39;s Pressure Sensitive Velcro® or Sew-On Velcro® are preferable for use with the straps  88  and the sheet  62  of the present invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a preferred embodiment of the shower curtain  106  of the present invention having inverted U-shaped openings  70  and a handle  94  at the bottom edge  78  of the flap  74 . Preferably the flap  74  of the shower curtain  106  has a width W 1  that is 10 to 20% greater than the width W 2  of the tub transfer bench, as measured between the two horizontal posts  42 , that it is used in conjunction with. With the flap  74  wider than the distance between the posts  42 , the shower curtain  106  of the present invention will accommodate a variety of conventional tub transfer benches, as the flap  74  can be bunched to fit benches that have narrow widths between the posts  42 . Preferably the width of the shower curtain sheet  62  is also 10 to 30% greater in width than the length of a bathtub that it is used in conjunction with. Having the shower curtain wider than the bathtub enables the flap  74  to be slid sideways with respect to the bathtub to adjust the position of the flap  74  with respect to the tub transfer bench. The tub transfer bench is typically positioned toward an end of the shower or bathtub having the spigot or showerhead, but the extra width of the shower curtain  106  accommodates easy adjustment of the flap with respect to the location of the tub transfer bench. Although the handle  94  is depicted as a loop in  FIG. 7 , it can also be two separate cords (not shown) extending from the flap  74 . One cord would be used for pulling the flap into and through the slot and the other cord retained outwards of the slot. With this type of two-cord handle, the second cord would be used to pull the flap out of the slot at the conclusion of the bath. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7-11 , the shower curtain  106  of the present invention is operated by placing the straps  88  (see  FIG. 11 ) around the shower curtain rod  104  and securing the second end  98  of each strap  88  to the loop arrangement  102  on the shower curtain  106 . The flap  74 , located nearer one side of the shower curtain than the other (see  FIG. 6 ) and the shower curtain is reversible with respect to the rod  104  thereby allowing the user to position the flap toward the end of the bathtub that contains the spigot or showerhead and the tub transfer bench. The flap  74  of the shower curtain is then grasped by the handle  94  and pulled through the slot  40  of the tub transfer bench. At this point the top of the openings  70  are around the posts  42  of the tub transfer bench  20  and water is prevented from splashing from the bathtub. The reinforced area  80  around the flap  74  prevents tearing and thereby preserves the integrity of the shower curtain  106  through repeated uses. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the shower curtain  106  may further include hook and loop tabs  108  connecting the flap  74  to the side portions of the shower curtain to further restrict water spillage at the slits  70  surrounding the posts  42 . After the flap  74  is pulled downward into the slot and around the posts  42 , the hook and loop tabs  108  would be secured to further limit water splashing outwards at the slits  70 . The hook and loop tabs  108  are preferably constructed of Velcro® brand fasteners. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the shower curtain of the present invention for use with a tub transfer bench and a bathtub is formed by providing a substantially rectangular sheet  62  having two side edges  68 , a top edge  64 , and a bottom edge  66 . Two slits  70  are provided in the sheet  62 , with the slits  70  extending upwards from the bottom edge  66  of the sheet  62  and defining a flap  74  having side edges  76  and a bottom edge  78 . A reinforced strip  80  is provided extending along the side edges  76  and the bottom edge  78  of the flap  74 . An attachment arrangement  88  is provided along the top edge  64  of the sheet  62  for attaching the sheet to a shower curtain rod  104  (see  FIG. 11 ). The width of the flap  74  between the side edges  76  is equal to or greater than the width of the tub transfer bench  20  as measured between the posts  42  (see  FIG. 7 ). Preferably the shower curtain sheet  62  of the present invention is constructed of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other appropriate water impervious plastic. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the bottom edge  78  of the flap  74  is preferably at a higher level than the bottom edge  66  of the sheet  62 , although it could be at an equal level with the sheet  62  as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . Although a reinforced area  80  is shown herein surrounding the flap  74 , the reinforced area would not be necessary if the shower curtain of the present invention were constructed of a water impervious material with high tear strength. For example, the shower curtain could be constructed of rip-stop nylon with a water repellant coating, which would obviate the need for a reinforced area surrounding the flap. 
     Although the description above contains many specific descriptions, materials, and dimensions, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.