Bathtub Wall-Surround

As is known, existing bathtub and/or shower installations typically include the use of ceramic tile on the walls defining the space above a bathtub or within a shower stall. One drawback to such existing ceramic tile arrangements is the possibility of mildewing, or, at least, special maintenance to insure an attractive appearance.

In contrast to the use of the aforesaid ceramic tile, or alternatively, individually laid plastic tile, presently available wall-surrounds also utilize panels of plastic, typically positioned through the use of an adhesive. Again, difficulties were inherent by the preceding, in that, oftentimes, the panels would loosen and become unsightly.

Another objection to plastic panels has been the poor safety factor of a commonly used grab bar. In other words, the grab bars, typically secured to the plastic panels, or forming a part of the plastic panels, represented a weak supporting structure for an individual.

The present invention overcomes the aforesaid problems by providing a sectionalized wall-surround arrangement, the respective sections or panels being clipped together and made watertight. Importantly, vertical grab bars are provided which are positioned by threaded means extending through openings in the panels and into conventional portions of building structure disposed behind the panels. Thus, a rigid structure is afforded, not being dependent upon a use of adhesive material, insuring a greater strength or support for the use of an individual.

Aside from the preceding, the installed panels are attractive, readily cleaned, and assume any desired final aesthetic configuration. As a matter of choice, a corner defined by the panels is presented as a continuous bend, meaning the absence of a seam which, in turn, oftentimes creates a maintenance problem.

A better understanding of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein

FIG. 1 is a view in front elevation showing a bathtub wall-surround in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in horizontal section, taken at line 2--2 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows, showing details relative to securing the support members or grab bars in position;

FIG. 3 is a view in vertical section, taken at line 3--3 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows, showing further details of the aforesaid securing arrangement;

FIG. 4 is a view in horizontal section, taken at line 4--4 of FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows, showing a typical assembly for interconnecting respective panels of the wall-surround; and,

FIG. 5 is a view in vertical section, partly broken away, showing a panel in mounted position with relation to a bathtub.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Referring now to the figures, the wall-surround 10 defining the invention is shown in a typical installation including a bathtub 12. In a preferred form, the wall-surround 10 is defined by three panels or sections, viz. end section 10a, center section 10b and another end section 10c. Typically, each of the aforesaid panels is formed from an extruded acrylic plastic material, backed by a plastic of the A.B.S. class. In any event, each of the end panels 10a and 10c may include a continuous bend to define a corner, which arrangement presents no seam and, therefore, is watertight and provides ease in cleaning.

As is evident from the drawing, various forms of plumber's brass may be employed, as, for example, a water faucet 14, water control knob(s) 15, a shower head 17, support members or grab bars 20, and soap or article receiving portions 22, where each of the preceding are positioned for convenience and blend to provide a desired aesthetic appearance.

An important feature of the invention, particularly shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, is the assembly of the aforesaid grab bars 20. In this connection, and typically, the end panels 10a and 10c are predrilled to receive threaded means 20a, such as screws, which extend through openings at opposite ends of each grab bar 20, spacer blocks 20b and into conventional studding 30 extending vertically behind the wall-surround 10 and forming part of the building framework. In other words, the grab bars 20 are positively positioned, being firmly secured to a permanent part of the wall structure and, thus, providing ample strengthening to support the hand of a user or any desired article. In other words, the invention does not rely upon the previous approach of utilizing adhesive means for positioning the wall-surround 10.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are representative of the means employed for interconnecting and positioning the panels 10a, 10b and 10c. As evident in FIGS. 3 and 4, each end panel 10a and 10c has inturned side edges 10a' and 10c', respectively, while the center panel 10b, although reversed depending upon the side involved, includes inturned portions 10b' and back portions 10b", the latter parallel to the plane of the front surface of the wall-surround 10.

In this connection, FIG. 4 should be noted particularly for representing the use of clip 24, secured in position by threaded means 24b, as screws, which extend through portion 10b" of the center panel 10b and into the studding 30. In order to accomplish an effective seal, side edges 10a' and 10c' of end panels 10a and 10b, respectively, are each urged between a portion 24a of the clip 24 and inturned portion 10b' of center panel 10b, where, typically, an adhesive (not shown) is employed between such inturned portion 10b' of center panel 10b and inturned side edges 10a' and 10c' of panels 10a and 10c, respectively, to prevent water seepage.

With reference now to FIG. 5, an approach is shown for positioning a bottom or lower edge 10e of the panels 10a, 10b and 10c with respect to a wall 12a of bathtub 12, the latter having an upturned edge 12a' mounting a portion 26a of a clip 26. Bottom or lower edge 10e of each of the panels 10a, 10b and 10c is received between a portion 26b of the clip 26 and top surface 12a" of wall 12a of the bathtub 12.

It should be understood that any desired number of clips 24 may be employed to interconnect the panels 10a, 10b and 10c, and, additionally, any desired number of clips 26 are utilized to position the aforesaid panels with respect to bathtub 12.

From the preceding, therefore, it should be apparent that the invention is readily installed, where security is provided by the direct positive placement of the vertical grab bars or support members, which, at the same time, also firmly position the wall-surround 10. Additional positive positioning is achieved by the use of the described clips.

In any event, the wall-surround is susceptible to various changes within the spirit of the invention, as in proportioning, style of clips, and in outward finished appearance. The invention provides an important contribution to safety as well as maintenance for a wall arrangement surrounding a bathtub or a shower stall, or, as a matter of fact, a wall-surround for any desired end use. Thus, the preceding description should be considered illustrative and not as limiting the scope of the following claims: