BATHTUB ENCLOSURE

Abstract

A bathtub enclosure is configured to install within a bathtub area. The bathtub enclosure includes an intermediate support rod and an upper support rod configured to span between a first wall and a second wall, and a canopy configured to be positioned atop of and attached to the intermediate support rod and the upper support rod. The intermediate support rod is configured to be positioned at a forward location relative to the bathtub at a first height, and the upper support rod is configured to be positioned at a rearward location relative to the bathtub at a second height that is greater than the first height. The enclosure may include two front panels defining an opening for entry into the bathtub area. The front panels and canopy may include graphics related to a children's theme, such as a fairytale castle, an airplane hangar, or a jungle with animals.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to shower curtains and, more specifically, to an enclosure suitable for a bathtub, shower, or bathtub shower combination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typical bathtub or bathtub shower combinations, such as those found in many homes and hotels, include a bathtub surrounded by three walls. A shower curtain rod spans between the side walls, and includes provisions for hanging or clipping a privacy shower curtain or shower curtain set on the front side of the bathtub. A privacy shower curtain set includes a curtain, sometimes decorative, that hangs outside the front portion of the bathtub and a liner, usually clear or opaque, that hangs inside the bathtub to channel water from the shower spray back inside the bathtub and keep away from the bathroom floor.

Almost all privacy shower curtains or curtain sets measure approximately 72 inches in height. Assuming that the shower curtain will hang approximately 1-2 inches below the center of the shower curtain rod, and further assuming that the curtain will hang about 3 inches above the floor, the shower curtain rod should then be mounted with its center at about 76-78 inches above the floor. This mounting height creates an open space between the top of the privacy curtain and the ceiling. In the United States, the National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends a minimum bathroom ceiling height of 6 feet, 8 inches (80 inches) for good design. Of course, the actual ceiling height in most homes and hotels is greater: 7 to 8 feet, and up to 10 feet (84 to 120 inches). Thus, the open area above the privacy curtain is at least several inches and more often 8-20 inches, and sometimes even more. Although this open area can be useful in some situations, such as for allowing steam to escape during showering, it is problematic when bathing. The open area allows cool air and drafts to flow into the bathtub area, resulting in a faster-than-desired decrease in water and air temperature, and potential discomfort for the bather. The circumstances become even more problematic when young children are bathing. Parents would no doubt prefer their children spend more time in the bathtub, but this becomes less likely if the water and air temperatures cool too quickly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the inventor of the present disclosure realized there is a need for a bathtub enclosure that limits the amount of open space above the bathtub area, thereby improving the bathing or showering experience by maintaining the temperature of the water and air for a longer period of time. The enclosure may be realized by a three-dimensional structure that limits the open area between the top of the privacy curtain and the ceiling and, in some embodiments, provides a charming playhouse to encourage young children to enjoy their bath time.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a bathtub enclosure is configured to install within a bathtub area. The bathtub area includes a bathtub having a front side, a first wall bordering a side of the bathtub, and a second wall opposing the first wall. The bathtub enclosure includes an intermediate support rod configured to span between the first wall and the second wall, an upper support rod configured to span between the first wall and the second wall, and a canopy configured to be positioned atop of and attached to the intermediate support rod and the upper support rod. The intermediate support rod is configured to be positioned at a forward location relative to the bathtub at a first height, and the upper support rod is configured to be positioned at a rearward location relative to the bathtub at a second height that is greater than the first height.

In one embodiment, the bathtub enclosure further includes one or more front panels configured to be attached to the canopy and drape in front of the bathtub.

In another embodiment, at least two of the front panels are configured to define an opening suitable for entry into the bathtub area.

In another embodiment, the bathtub area further includes a shower curtain rod, and the bathtub enclosure further includes a liner attached to the shower curtain rod. The liner is configured to be exposed through the opening between the front panels.

In another embodiment, the front panel is configured to be stationary relative to the intermediate support rod.

In another embodiment, the difference in height (H) and depth (D) between the upper support rod and the intermediate support rod forms a pitch angle α of approximately 45 degrees.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a bathtub enclosure is configured to install within a bathtub area. The bathtub area includes a bathtub having a front side, a first wall bordering a side of the bathtub, a second wall opposing the first wall, and a shower curtain rod spanning between the first wall and the second wall. The bathtub enclosure includes an upper support rod configured to span between the first wall and the second wall, and a canopy configured to be positioned atop of and attached to the upper support rod and the shower curtain rod. The upper support rod is configured to be positioned at a rearward location relative to the bathtub at a height greater than the height of the shower curtain rod.

In another embodiment, the bathtub enclosure further includes a front panel attached to the shower curtain rod.

In another embodiment, the bathtub enclosure further includes a front panel and a liner attached to the shower curtain rod.

In another embodiment, the bathtub enclosure further includes a front panel, and the canopy and the front panel include graphics related to a central theme.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features described herein can be better understood with reference to the drawings described below. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. For example, differing embodiments of like elements may be assigned 100-series, 200-series, and so on.

FIG. 1 depicts a prior art bathtub area;

FIG. 2 depicts a horizontal plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a bathtub enclosure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a rear perspective view of the bathtub enclosure shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 depicts another example of the bathtub enclosure shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 depicts a horizontal plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a bathtub enclosure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a horizontal plan view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a bathtub enclosure in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 depicts a rear perspective view of the bathtub enclosure shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts a typical bathtub shower combination 10. The bathtub shower combination generally includes a bathtub 12 having a front side 14 used for access, and is surrounded by three walls: a first wall 16 having plumbing fixtures, a second wall 18 opposite the first wall, and a rear wall 20 in between the first and second walls. The plumbing fixtures may include, but are not limited to, a shower head 22, a water control handle 24, and a tub spout 26. A shower curtain rod 28 spans between the first and second walls 16, 18 and includes provisions for hanging or clipping a privacy shower curtain 30 or shower curtain set on the front side of the bathtub. Although not illustrated, the privacy shower curtain set includes a first curtain, sometimes decorative, that hangs outside the front portion 14 of the bathtub 12, and a liner, usually clear or opaque, that hangs inside the bathtub.

The present disclosure provides a structure to enclose the open space above the bathtub or shower area to overcome the deficiencies noted above. Referring to FIG. 2, a bathtub enclosure 132 is shown installed on a bathtub shower combination, according to one embodiment of the invention. The bathtub enclosure 132 includes an intermediate support rod 134 and an upper support rod 136 spanning between the first wall 16 and the second wall 18. The bathtub enclosure 132 further includes a canopy 138 positioned atop of and attached to the intermediate support rod 134 and the upper support rod 136 to create a roof-like structure. In some embodiments of the invention, the bathtub enclosure 132 further includes a front panel 140 or a plurality of front panels 140. The front panel(s) 140 may be stationary, that is, they may not move or slide sideways. In the illustrated embodiment, two stationary front panels 140 are configured to define an opening 141 to allow entry and exit from the bathtub or shower.

The intermediate support rod 134 and the upper support rod 136 provide a structural brace or frame for the bathtub enclosure 132. The rods 134, 136 may be secured to the first and second wall 16, 18 by any suitable method that provides sufficient lateral force to support the canopy 138 and the front panels 140, as well as tension the canopy 138 (i.e., keep it from sagging). For example, the intermediate and upper support rods 134, 136 may be tension rods, spring-loaded in a manner similar to the shower curtain rod 128. In another example, the rods 134, 136 may be secured to the first and second wall by suction cups. The rods 134, 136 may be fabricated from any suitable material for the intended purpose, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or metal.

In one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate support rod 134 may be positioned at a forward location 142 (FIG. 3) relative to the bathtub 12. In one example, it can be placed just in front of the existing shower curtain rod 28. The intermediate support rod 134 may be installed at a first height 144 that is suitable to provide clearance with the canopy 138 when entering and exiting the bathtub or shower. In one example, the first height 144 is approximately the same height as the shower curtain rod 28, or about 76-78 inches above the floor.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, in order to create a half ceiling or roof-like effect, the upper support rod 136 may be positioned at a rearward location relative to the bathtub 12 at a second height 146 that is greater than the first height 144. In one example, the difference in height (H) and depth (D) between the upper support rod 136 and the intermediate support rod 134 forms a pitch angle α of approximately 45 degrees. In another example, the upper support rod 136 can be placed a few inches higher than the shower head 22. Thus, when the canopy 138 is in place, it hides the shower head 22 from view and may create an illusion of a roof peak. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the intermediate support rod 134 may be positioned in front of the shower curtain rod 28 to hide it from view. The front panel 140, which may drape down in front of the bathtub 12, may also partially obscure the shower curtain liner 148, which hangs down inside the bathtub.

The canopy 138 may be attached to the upper support rod 136 and the intermediate support rod 134 by looping the material around the rod so it overlaps with itself, then straight line sewing the overlapped regions together. In one embodiment of the invention, a front flap 150 may be sewn or otherwise secured to the front edge of the canopy 138. In other embodiments, the front flap 150 may not be used, and in some embodiments, the width and appearance of the front flap may change. In one embodiment of the invention, the front panel(s) 140 may be sewn or otherwise secured to the canopy 138 material or the front flap 150 to form a complete covering from the upper support rod 136 down to the floor.

The canopy 138, front panels 140, and front flap 150 (if present) may be manufactured from a fabric or plastic material. Suitable fabrics may include cotton, polyester, a combination of cotton and polyester, hemp, and linen, for example. The fabric may be treated with a biocide, which are chemical substances that inhibit the growth of mildew and mold. Suitable plastic material may include vinyl, polyvinylchloride (PVC), or PVC-free materials such as polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

Returning to FIG. 2, the placement of the intermediate support rod 134 and upper support rod 136 may allow the bathtub enclosure 132 to retain a position over the tub area. The rods 134, 136 may be placed in the appropriate position within the bathtub area to create the perception of a three-dimensional play hut. The position of the rods 134, 136 may allow the canopy 138 to form (or at least give the illusion of) a half-ceiling or half-roof towards the top of the bathtub area.

One advantage of the present disclosure is that multiple themes may be created around the structure of the bathtub enclosure 132. In certain embodiments, the angle position of one of the intermediate support rod 134 and upper support rod 136 may be adjusted to enhance the ceiling effect. The themes may be directed to children, to create a playful environment for bath or shower time. Different fabrics may be used to produce a variety of themes for the bathtub enclosure 132. Exemplary themes that may be depicted on the front panel(s) 140 and canopy 138 include a firehouse, a jungle, a fairytale castle, a barn with farm animals, a dog house, an airplane hangar, a skyscraper with superhero, a country cottage, a circus, and a military or armed forces theme with camouflage. Of course, these themes are exemplary in nature and are not met to be limiting.

As shown in FIG. 3, in certain embodiments a shower curtain liner 148 may be hung from the shower curtain rod 28, which may be positioned such as a conventional rod in a bathroom. The shower curtain liner 148 may be modified to include additional graphics in the center of the liner to enhance the theme of the set. The design may also be modified to fit the décor of the bathroom area. In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the printed portion of the shower curtain liner 148 may be attached and exposed through the entry doorway opening 141 along the front section. The liner 148 may be interchangeable with various other printed characters or designs within a theme, or for seasonable purposes.

In other embodiments, the entry doorway opening 141 and panels 140 may be placed in various locations along the front of the bathtub 12. For example, instead of the entry doorway 141 being in the center, it may be moved to one side or the other to change the position of the opening.

The graphics for the front panels 140, canopy 138, front flap 150, and liner 148 may be manufactured, for example, by printing, decal, or by a dye sublimation process.

Turning now to FIG. 5, shown is another embodiment of a bathtub enclosure 232 according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, there is a canopy structure 238 similar to that previously disclosed but the enclosure lacks a stationary front panel. Instead, the panel is moveable from side-to-side and is not attached to the canopy or front flap. The bathtub enclosure 232 therefore includes an intermediate support rod 234 and an upper support rod 236 spanning between the first wall 16 and the second wall 18. The bathtub enclosure 232 further includes a canopy 238 positioned atop the intermediate support rod 234 and the upper support rod 236 to create a roof-like structure.

The intermediate support rod 234 and the upper support rod 236 provide a structural brace or frame for the bathtub enclosure 232. The rods 234, 236 may be secured to the first and second wall by any suitable method that provides sufficient lateral force to support the weight and tension of the canopy 238. For example, the intermediate and upper support rods 234, 236 may be tension rods, spring-loaded in a manner similar to the shower curtain rod 28. In another example, the rods 234, 236 may be secured to the first and second wall by suction cups, or a flange with screws. The rods 234, 236 may be fabricated from any suitable material for the intended purpose, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or metal.

In one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate support rod 234 may be positioned at a forward location relative to the bathtub 12. The intermediate support rod 234 may be installed at a height that is suitable to provide clearance with the canopy 238 when entering and exiting the bathtub or shower. In one example, the height is approximately the same height as the shower curtain rod 28, or about 76-78 inches above the floor.

The upper support rod 236 may be positioned at a rearward location relative to the bathtub 12 at a height that is greater than the height of the intermediate support rod 234. In one example, the difference in height and depth between the upper support rod 236 and the intermediate support rod 234 forms a pitch angle of approximately 45 degrees. In another example, the upper support rod 236 can be placed a few inches higher than the shower head 22. Thus, when the canopy 238 is in place, it hides the shower head from view and creates an illusion of a roof peak. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the intermediate support rod 234 may be positioned in front of the shower curtain rod 28 to hide it from view. In one embodiment of the invention, a front flap 250 may be sewn or otherwise secured to the front edge of the canopy 238. The canopy 238 may be attached to the upper support rod 236 and the intermediate support rod 234 by looping the material around the rod so it overlaps with itself, then straight line sewing the overlapped regions together.

The placement of the intermediate support rod 234 and upper support rod 236 may allow the bathtub enclosure 232 to retain a position over the tub area. The rods 234, 236 may be placed in the appropriate position within the bathtub area to permit the canopy 238 to create the perception of a three-dimensional half-ceiling or half-roof towards the top of the bathtub area.

The bathtub enclosure 232 further includes a non-stationary front panel 240. That is, the front panel 240 may move or slide sideways. In one embodiment, the front panel 240 may be secured to the shower curtain rod 28 rather than the intermediate support rod 234. The front panel 240 material may include grommets or the like so the panel 240 can be attached to the shower curtain rings on the shower curtain rod 28. In one example, the front panel 240 may serve the same purpose as the privacy shower curtain 30 illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the front panel 240 may include graphics that match the theme depicted on the canopy 238—a matched set, for example. In another example, the front panel 240 is attached to the intermediate support rod 234 using shower curtain rings or the like. In this manner, the front panel 240 does not interfere with the canopy 238.

The canopy 238, front panel 240, and front flap 250 (if present) may be manufactured from a fabric or plastic material. Suitable fabrics may include cotton, polyester, a combination of cotton and polyester, hemp, and linen, for example. The fabric may be treated with a biocide, for example. Suitable plastic material may include vinyl, polyvinylchloride (PVC), or PVC-free materials such as polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, shown is another embodiment of a bathtub enclosure 332 according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, there is a canopy structure 338 similar to that previously disclosed but the enclosure 332 lacks stationary front panels, and the intermediate support rod also functions as the primary curtain rod for the privacy shower curtain. As illustrated in FIG. 7, in one embodiment of the invention the intermediate support rod has been adapted for use by utilizing or, in some circumstances, retrofitting the shower curtain rod 28 depicted in FIG. 1. The bathtub enclosure 332 therefore includes the shower curtain rod 28 and an upper support rod 336 spanning between the first wall 16 and the second wall 18. The bathtub enclosure 332 further includes a canopy 338 positioned atop of and attached to the shower curtain rod 28 and the upper support rod 336 to create a roof-like structure.

The shower curtain rod 28 and the upper support rod 336 provide a structural brace or frame for the bathtub enclosure 332. The rods 28, 336 may be secured to the first and second wall by any suitable method that provides sufficient lateral force to support the weight and tension of the canopy 338. For example, the intermediate and upper support rods 28, 336 may be spring-loaded tension rods. In another example, the rods 28, 336 may be secured to the first and second wall by suction cups, or a flange with screws. The rods 28, 336 may be fabricated from any suitable material for the intended purpose, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or metal.

In one embodiment of the invention, the shower curtain rod 28 may be installed at a height that is suitable to provide clearance with the canopy 338 when entering and exiting the bathtub or shower. In one example, the height is approximately 76-78 inches above the floor.

The upper support rod 336 may be positioned at a rearward location relative to the bathtub 12 at a height that is greater than the height of the shower curtain rod 28. In one example, the difference in height and depth between the upper support rod 336 and the shower curtain rod 28 forms a pitch angle of approximately 45 degrees. In another example, the upper support rod 336 can be placed a few inches higher than the shower head 22. Thus, when the canopy 338 is in place, it hides the shower head 22 from view and creates an illusion of a roof peak. In one embodiment of the invention, a front flap 350 may be sewn or otherwise secured to the front edge of the canopy 338. The canopy 338 may be attached to the upper support rod 336 by looping the material around the rod so it overlaps with itself, then straight line sewing the overlapped regions together. Since the canopy 338 should remain stationary, it should be attached to the shower curtain rod 28 in a manner that will not permit it to move or interfere with the sideways movement of the front panel 340. In one example, the bathtub enclosure 332 may include fasteners (not shown) such as clips that snap over both ends of the shower curtain rod 28, out of the way of the shower curtain rings 52. The clips may have a stand-off portion that secures the fabric of the canopy 338 while spacing it away from the rod 28 to prevent interference with the rings 52.

The placement of the shower curtain rod 28 and upper support rod 336 may allow the bathtub enclosure 332 to retain a position over the tub area. The rods 28, 336 may be placed in the appropriate position within the bathtub area to permit the canopy 338 to create the perception of a three-dimensional half-ceiling or half-roof towards the top of the bathtub area.

The bathtub enclosure 332 may further include a non-stationary front panel 340 secured to the intermediate support rod 334. That is, the front panel 340 may move or slide sideways. In one example, the front panel 340 may serve the same purpose as the privacy shower curtain 30 illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the front panel 340 may include graphics that match the theme depicted on the canopy 338. The front panel 340 material may include grommets or the like so the panel 340 can be attached to the shower curtain rings 52 on the shower curtain rod 28. In one example, the front panel 340 may serve the same purpose as the privacy shower curtain 30 illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the front panel 340 may include graphics that match the theme depicted on the canopy 338.

The canopy 338, front panel 340, and front flap 350 (if present) may be manufactured from a fabric or plastic material. Suitable fabrics may include cotton, polyester, a combination of cotton and polyester, hemp, and linen, for example. The fabric may be treated with a biocide, for example. Suitable plastic material may include vinyl, polyvinylchloride (PVC), or PVC-free materials such as polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

While the present invention has been described with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be understood that the true spirit and scope of the invention should be determined only with respect to claims that can be supported by the present specification. Further, while in numerous cases herein wherein systems and apparatuses and methods are described as having a certain number of elements it will be understood that such systems, apparatuses and methods can be practiced with fewer than the mentioned certain number of elements. Also, while a number of particular embodiments have been described, it will be understood that features and aspects that have been described with reference to each particular embodiment can be used with each remaining particularly described embodiment.

Claims

1. A bathtub enclosure configured to install within a bathtub area, the bathtub area comprising a bathtub having a front side, a first wall bordering a side of the bathtub, and a second wall opposing the first wall, the bathtub enclosure comprising: an intermediate support rod configured to span between the first wall and the second wall, the intermediate support rod configured to be positioned at a forward location relative to the bathtub at a first height;an upper support rod configured to span between the first wall and the second wall, the upper support rod configured to be positioned at a rearward location relative to the bathtub at a second height greater than the first height; anda canopy configured to be positioned atop of and attached to the intermediate support rod and the upper support rod.

2. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising a front panel configured to be attached to the canopy and drape in front of the bathtub.

3. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of front panels.

4. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 3, wherein at least two of the front panels are configured to define an opening suitable for entry into the bathtub area.

5. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 4, wherein the bathtub area further comprises a shower curtain rod, and the bathtub enclosure further comprises a liner attached to the shower curtain rod, the liner configured to be exposed through the opening between the front panels.

6. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 2, wherein the front panel is configured to be stationary relative to the intermediate support rod.

7. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising a front panel configured to be attached to the intermediate support rod.

8. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 7, wherein the front panel is configured to be non-stationary relative to the intermediate support rod.

9. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising a front flap secured to the front edge of the canopy.

10. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the first height of the intermediate support rod is approximately equal to the height of a shower curtain rod in the bathtub area.

11. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 10, wherein the intermediate support rod is positioned in front of the shower curtain rod.

12. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the difference in height (H) and depth (D) between the upper support rod and the intermediate support rod forms a pitch angle α of approximately 45 degrees.

13. A bathtub enclosure configured to install within a bathtub area, the bathtub area comprising a bathtub having a front side, a first wall bordering a side of the bathtub, a second wall opposing the first wall, and a shower curtain rod spanning between the first wall and the second wall, the bathtub enclosure comprising: an upper support rod configured to span between the first wall and the second wall; anda canopy configured to be positioned atop of and attached to the upper support rod and the shower curtain rod;wherein the upper support rod is configured to be positioned at a rearward location relative to the bathtub at a height greater than the height of the shower curtain rod.

14. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 13, further comprising a front panel attached to the shower curtain rod.

15. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 14, further comprising a liner attached to the shower curtain rod.

16. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 14, wherein the front panel is non-stationary relative to the intermediate support rod.

17. The bathtub enclosure according to claim 14, wherein the canopy and the front panel comprise graphics related to a central theme.