This application relates to a molded end wall of a tub and shower surround wherein a storage area is provided that is concealed from an observer looking into the tub and shower surround.
Modern tubs and showers are often made by mounting a tub, and then mounting walls to surround the tub. The walls are typically molded to be planar members that are secured to the underlying walls of a structure around the tub.
Tub and shower surrounds such as described above are provided with storage areas such as soap dishes, etc. Shelves may be provided.
However, all of the known storage areas that have typically been provided are in clear view of an observer. Thus there is some aesthetic detraction to the way they have been provided.
In the disclosed embodiment of this invention, a storage area is molded onto an end wall of a tub and shower surround. A forward wall blocks an observer from seeing the storage area from an orientation looking into the tub surround.
These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
In the tub and shower surround 20, a forward wall 28 conceals a plurality of storage shelves 30. The shelves 30 and forward wall 28 are molded to extend integrally and perpendicularly away from the planar end wall 22.
Shower and tub spouts (100, 105 respectively) are shown.
As shown in
In the embodiment shown in
As can be appreciated from
Further, other shapes for the end walls and shelves would come within the scope of this invention. Five designs are shown in co-pending design patent applications 29/296522; 29/296523; 29/296517; 29/296516; and 29/296526, all entitled “Hidden Shower Storage,” filed on even date herewith, and naming the same inventors.
At least one shelf extends perpendicularly away from a planar wall member 22 from an inner end 21 thereof, for a first distance to an outer end 32 most distal from the planar wall member 22. A forward wall 28 extends away from the planar wall member for a distance that is at least as far as the end 32 and is positioned on a side of the at least one shelf that is spaced toward an outside location when the planar wall member is mounted into the structure. The forward wall at least partially blocks a sight line for the at least one shelf.
Although embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20090100592 A1 | Apr 2009 | US |