Collapsible shower booth

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a collapsible shower booth, able to be stowed after use, to allow a different use of the space it occupies during its use.

[0002] Nowadays, the high cost of dwellings and the high density of the population, especially in large urban centres, has led to the development of a construction industry that builds small apartments, with small spaces, and generally, at least some spaces intended to serve multiple functions. Purely by way of example, one can mention here the living room with cooking corner, or the living room furnished with a sofa-bed so it can be transformed into a bedroom at night.

[0003] In particular, the bathroom must contain sanitary fittings, the shower, the washing machine and space to hang the washed laundry to dry.

[0004] There are also dwelling structures where space is at a premium because of the very nature of the structure itself, such as ships or large leisure boats.

[0005] Returning to the aforementioned bathroom, the most common solution in general is to exploit space in the vertical as well, for instance by placing above the bath tub a laundry dryer capable of vertically sliding to be easily loaded in the lowered position and then raised upwards.

[0006] However, this advantageous arrangement cannot be used in the presence of a shower box. In this situation it is clear that exploiting the vertical space above the shower box is prevented by the presence of the frame, projecting horizontally in overhang from the wall, which supports the shower curtain and often also by the pipe feeding the shower head, also projecting in overhang from the wall.

[0007] It is also known that in small bathrooms, the shower water falls directly on the floor and is evacuated by means of a drain buried in the floor. It is also possible for water to fall onto a shower plate associated to the aforesaid booth and fastened to the floor underneath the shower head, so that the shower booth takes up a considerable amount of space when it is not in use.

[0008] It is also known from document GB 1267705 a collapsible shower cabinet comprises a back wall a bottom tray, two pivotally mounted sides walls movable from against the back wall to a position perpendicular to the back wall, a roof movable from a position adjacent the back wall to a horizontal position, means to effect a watertight engagement between the tray and the side walls, and a front closing member movable to a position, to close the space between the side walls when the cabinet is opened out.

[0009] Furthermore it is also known from document US 5315721 a collapsible shower apparatus mounted in a room having a water drain in a floor, the apparatus comprising a base unit collapsible into a space-compact position and expandable into a first water-containment enclosure surrounding the drain in the floor.

[0010] Moreover it is known from document EP 603475 a compact shower booth which comprises at least one first wall, second wall and third wall with at least one closing door and control means for supplying water to a fitting for dispensing the water. The second wall, the third wall and the shower basin have a side which is rotatably associated with the first wall in order to arrange themselves parallel to the first wall in closed position.

[0011] Finally, it is also known from document GB 527558 a shower-bath which comprises a tub, an impermeable bag which is open at both ends and forms a cubicle which, extending above the tub, covers the user and protects the surroundings from being splashed, a tank adapted to be heated by any suitable source of heat and means for supplying under pressure hot.

[0012] The Applicant has now found that, by appropriately modifying the essential structure of a shower booth, it is possible to obtain a collapsible shower booth, i.e. one that can be substantially eliminated after use in order to allow a different use of the space it occupies during use.

[0013] The Applicant has also found a new shower plate structure whereby it is possible to obtain a disappearing shower plate, foldable after the shower booth is used, to exploit the space of the room in which the shower is installed.

[0014] The present invention aims to solve the problems noted in the prior art, proposing a collapsible shower booth whose bulk, when not in use, is smaller than its bulk when in operating conditions.

[0015] Therefore, the subject of the present invention is a collapsible shower booth as better defined in the accompanying claims.

[0016] Additional characteristics and advantages of the invention shall become more readily apparent from a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a collapsible shower booth according to the present invention.

[0017] The description shall be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawing, provided purely by way of non limiting indication, in which:

• Figure 1 shows a lateral view of the shower booth according to the present invention in position of use;
• Figure 2 shows a lateral view of the shower booth of Figure 1 in closed position;
• Figure 3 shows a detail of the shower booth of Figure 1;
• Figure 4 shows the detail of Figure 3 according to the view of Figure 2;
• Figure 5 shows a front view of the detail of Figure 4;
• Figure 6 shows a top view of the detail of Figure 3;
• Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a shower plate belonging to the shower booth of Figures 1 and 2, in operating position; and,
• Figure 8 shows a plan view of the shower plate of Figure 7.

[0018] The shower booth 1 of the invention, in its more general form, comprises a support frame 2 (figures 3, 4 and 5) for a shower curtain 3, anchored to an equipped vertical wall 4 and rotating about at least a horizontal axis X parallel to said vertical wall 4, and an actuating device 5 for actuating said support frame 2. Said support frame 2 is provided with at least an anchoring element 6 for the curtain 3, is hinged about said horizontal axis X and is movable between two positions, respectively an operating position, in which the support frame 2 projects in overhang from the vertical wall 4 (Figures 1 and 3) and the curtain 3, hanging vertically downwards from the anchoring element 6, and a resting position (Figures 2 and 4), in which the support frame 2 is positioned parallel to said vertical wall 4 and the curtain 3 is folded against said the anchoring element 6. In the particular embodiment described herein, the support frame 2 comprises a rotating arm 7 hinged to at least a first bracket 8, in correspondence with a respective hinge 8a, integral with the equipped vertical wall 4, whereon the booth 1 is mounted. The arm 7 is integral with a case 9 having semi-circular shape in plan view (Figures 5 and 6), along whose edge is fastened a semi-annular section bar 10 wherefrom hangs the curtain 3.

[0019] The device 5 for actuating the support frame 2 comprises a linear actuator 11 (Figures 3 to 5) of the piston type whose cylinder 12 is hinged to at least a second bracket 13, in correspondence with a respective hinge 13a, integral with the equipped wall 4 whereon the booth 1, simplified and shown schematically in the upper portion, is mounted, and whose rod 14 is hinged on the rotating arm 7 in a position that is not aligned with the eyelets of the two brackets 8, 13. The actuator 11 can be of any known and convenient type, also taking into account that it must function in a bathroom, in the presence of water and humidity: for instance, it can have a waterproof electric motor, preferably with low voltage, which moves a cinematic coupling with lead nut and worm screw, or a piston as described above, operating with compressed air or of the hydrodynamic or oleo-dynamic type.

[0020] The present description shall not normally illustrate all possible structural and cinematic alternatives to the embodiments specifically described herein, said alternative forms being readily apparent from the description provided herein of the relationship that links each specific embodiment with the result to be obtained.

[0021] For example, both the rotating arm 7 and the linear actuator 11 can be hinged, instead of to a single bracket 8, 13, to a pair of brackets positioned, one on each side, to both sides of the arm 7 or of the actuator 11, the aim of the cinematic mechanism being substantially to move the arm 7 about the horizontal axis X, embodied by the hinge 8a of the bracket 8, for an arc of about 90°.

[0022] The brackets 8 can also be fastened directly to the equipped vertical wall 4 but they are preferably mounted on a metallic "C"-shaped or "T"-shaped or "L"-shaped section bar, walled onto the wall, to facilitate the subsequent mounting and readying of the shower booth 1 according to the invention.

[0023] In the specific embodiment described herein the case 9, which identifies the plan-view surface of the shower booth 1, has semi-circular shape but it is clear that it could even have square or rectangular shape, or any other shape, said shape being substantially irrelevant in relation to the invention.

[0024] In particular, the case 9 is preferably an open box structure comprising a semi-circular base, with the diameter positioned parallel to the equipped wall 4, and provided with an edge 15 perpendicular to said base and extending along the curvilinear profile of said base and oriented towards the shower curtain 3.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8, the shower booth can also comprise a shower plate 16 mounted in proximity to the vertical wall 4 of the bathroom underneath the support frame 2; in its most general form, it has preferably square o rectangular shape, although any other shape can alternatively be used, the shape being substantially irrelevant with respect to the invention. The plate 16 comprises a flat plane 17, which defines a bearing surface treaded by the shower user. The aforesaid flat plane 17 can be obtained in any known fashion, for instance by means of a sheet of suitable plastic material moulded into the desired shape. Preferably, the plane 17 comprises a peripheral edge 17a that is raised relative to the bearing surface, developed along three sides, absent along the parallel side and adjacent to the wall 4, said edge 17a has the purpose of collecting the water into the plane 17 and convey it towards the wall. The aforesaid plane 17 is mounted on a platform 18 comprising a series of flanges 19 and cross members 20, mutually integral to constitute a non deformable structure, able to support the weight of at least one person and the movements described below. At least one, but preferably at least a pair, of said flanges 19 has elongated shape and has an end that is integrally fastened to a shaft 21, constituting an axis of rotation "Y" for said plane 17. Said shaft 21 is positioned horizontally, i.e. parallel to the floor, and is free to rotate within at least a bushing 22 fastened to the floor, or to the adjacent vertical wall (Figures 7 and 8). In particular, as in the case illustrated herein, the bushing 22 is secured by means of a bracket 23 fastened to the wall or to the floor in any convenient fashion, for instance with bolts 24. On the shaft 21, at least one of its ends is keyed in integral fashion a coaxial pulley 25 for actuating said platform 18. Preferably, the side of the plane 17 lacking the raised edge 17a coincides with the position of the rotating shaft 21 and, yet more preferably, the surface of the plane 17 along said side winds about the aforesaid shaft 21. A tank 26 for collecting the water of the shower 1 is provided on the vertical wall 4 adjacent to the shaft 21, in correspondence with said plane 17. The mouth for loading the tank 26 is positioned inferiorly to the bearing surface of the plane 17. In other words, the height from the ground "h" of the edge 17a of the tank 26 facing the edge 17a of the plane 17 (Figure 1) is no greater than the height from the ground "H" of the surface of the plane 17 in correspondence with the rotating shaft 21. The aforesaid tank 26 extends (Figures 7 and 8) for a length "a" no lesser, and preferably greater than the length "b" of the plane 17, whilst in terms of width (Figures 1 and 2) it extends from the wall to the adjacent edge of the plane 17, and preferably also beyond said edge. In other words, the distance "c" of the edge of the tank 26 from the wall is preferably greater than the distance "d" of the side without edge of the plane 17 from the wall 4. The tank 26 is connected with a trap 26a, positioned between the tank 26 and the floor, for evacuating the water. Preferably, the side of the tank 26 in contact with the wall of the space extends for a considerable height along the aforesaid wall in order to collect and convey to the drain the water splashes which, otherwise, would inevitably end on the wall itself, in the long run ruining the plaster and permeating the wall with humidity. Preferably, the surface of the plane 17 is slightly inclined towards the edge facing the tank 26 to facilitate the drainage of the water. Preferably, at least one of the aforesaid flanges 19 is provided with a foot 27, hinged to the flange, with the centre of gravity positioned between the hinge point and the floor. Consequently, the foot 27 is always oriented vertically; it serves as a support for the platform 18 when the shower plate 16 is in use (Figures 1 and 7) whilst it aligns with the flange 19 when the shower plate 16 is in folded position (Figure 2). As a result, the bulk of the folded shower plate 16 is the one substantially determined by the thickness "s" of the plane 17 (Figure 2) mounted on the platform 18, smaller than the height "T" (Figure 1) of the aforesaid edge 17a from the ground, and hence it has very small dimensions.

[0026] Preferably, the surface of the platform 18 oriented towards the floor (when the shower plate is in use) is coated with a panel 28, for example made of the same material as the shower plate 16, for substantially aesthetic reasons in order to conceal the frame of the platform 18 when the shower plate 16 is folded (Figure 2) against the wall 4. Preferably, at least at one of the ends of the rotating shaft 21 is positioned a case 29 (Figure 8) which encloses at least the pulley 25 and, at least in part, means 30 for operating the pulley 25 to actuate the shower plate 16.

[0027] The operation of the shower booth 1 according to the invention is now easily understood: in the closed position (Figures 2 and 4) the rotating arm 7 hangs downwards from the hinge 8a of the bracket 8; the case 9 fastened to the arm 7 hangs therewith, being set down on the vertical wall 4, and hides from view the shower curtain 3, folded in bellows fashion against the semi-annular section bar 10, the actuator 11 for the actuation of the arm 7 and the other devices described hereafter.

[0028] The bulk of the support frame 2 of the folded shower booth 1 is the one substantially determined by the thickness of the case 9, i.e. by the height of the aforesaid edge 15, and therefore it does not constitute a substantial hindrance to the use of the space occupied.by the shower booth 1 in operation.

[0029] Preferably, the shower booth 1 according to the invention comprises additional devices able to facilitate and rationalise the operation of the shower booth itself.

[0030] In the first place, it comprises a cinematic mechanism 31 to actuate the shower curtain 3 alternatively between an open position and a closed position.

[0031] It has been noted that when the shower booth 1 is in use the shower curtain 3, hanging from said at least one anchoring element 6, is deployed vertically downwards. In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring element 6 is a semi-annular section bar that runs along the curvilinear profile of the case 9, preferably inside the edge 15 of the case 9, thereby remaining hidden from the view of an external observer.

[0032] The curtain 3 is anchored to said section bar with any known and convenient means, for instance a series of hooks, and in open position it hangs vertically downwards.

[0033] The curtain 3 can be constituted by a single sheet, as in the illustrated version, or by multiple distinct sheets; the latter solution is the most convenient when the section bar, instead of semi-annular, is constituted by a series of rectilinear section bars arranged mutually angled, for example as advantageously provided with the case 9 has rectangular, square or trapezoid shape.

[0034] In any case, the lower edge of the curtain 3 is preferably ballasted with suitable means, for instance a series of heavy elements anchored to the aforesaid lower edge 3a, to keep the curtain 3 taut. In the preferred embodiment described herein, the aforesaid suitable means include a continuous semi-annular bar 32 (Figure 3) whose profile is identical to that of the section bar, anchored to the lower edge 3a of the curtain 3.

[0035] The bar 32 is connected to a plurality of flexible tie rods 33, preferably at least three, for instance textile or metallic wires or strings, preferably made of nylon®, fastened to the bar 32 at least at the end thereof and at least in an intermediate position. At the other end, tie rods 33 are connected to a pulley 34 mounted on the case 9, and more preferably on the rotating arm 7, and along their development they are partially wound each about at least an idle transmission roller 35 (Figures 3 and 4), mounted along the peripheral edge of the case 9 in correspondence with the annular section bar.

[0036] In the segment between the section bar and the bar 32 the tie rods 33 are connected, in freely sliding fashion, to the curtain 3, for instance by means of a plurality of rings fastened to the curtain 3 and through which slide the aforesaid tie rods 33.

[0037] The pulley 34 could be commanded manually, but it is preferably motorised: in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the motorisation comprises a first gearwheel 36 integral and coaxial with the pulley 34, connected by means of a positive drive transmission belt 37 to a second gearwheel 38, preferably also mounted on the rotating arm 7 and driven by a motor (not shown herein) of any known and convenient type. The aim of the cinematic mechanism 31 described herein, which sees numberless possible embodiment variations, is to set in rotation, on command, the wire winding pulley 34. The operation is readily apparent: the pulley 34 is actuated in rotation, alternatively in the two directions, respectively to spread the shower curtain 3 when the shower booth 1 is placed in the operating condition and to wind the shower curtain 3 after the booth 1 is used. When the curtain 3 is retrieved, the tie rods 33 are wound on the pulley 34 sliding on the idle transmission roller 35 and raising the semi-annular bar 32 upwards. The shower curtain 3, fastened to the tie rods 33, is forced to fold in bellow fashion against the section bar. The motion stops when the bar 32 arrives in correspondence with the section bar with the curtain 3 completely folded on itself and positioned between section bar and bar 32. The same movement in the opposite direction causes the deployment in the vertical direction of the curtain 3, initially folded on itself.

[0038] The support frame 2 also has a shower head 39 which, in a preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, is fastened to the case 9, or preferably to the rotating arm 7, at the end of a segment of rigid pipe 40 also integral with the rotating arm 7 or with the case 9. In any case, the other end of said rigid pipe 40 is connected to the water feeding outlet, not shown, with a flexible connection element, not shown herein, which can also replace the rigid pipe 40. Alternatively, the device of the invention can comprise only a means for latching said shower head 39 which, when the booth 1 is open, is hung from the rotating arm 7 whilst, when the booth 1 is closed, it remains hanging from the vertical wall 4, in wholly known fashion and always connected to the water outlet with a flexible connection element.

[0039] The base surface of the case 9 can be a continuous surface or have an opening in correspondence with the rotating arm 7 to allow mounting the aforesaid devices, i.e. gearwheels 36, 38, transmission belt 37, motorisations, shower head 39; in this case, the desire to hide the aforesaid devices from view, with the shower booth 1 closed, can entail the need to build the base of the case 9 with two mutually parallel but not coplanar surface portions, a peripheral one and a central one, placed in correspondence with the aforesaid rotating arm 7, the latter projecting from the peripheral portion, closer to the vertical wall 4 with the booth 1 closed.

[0040] Preferably, the surface of the case 9 exposed to view, i.e. the one opposite to the vertical wall 4 is covered with a mirror 41 in order to provide greater luminosity and greater virtual depth to the space, as well as a touch of elegance and refinement to the device of the invention.

[0041] Based on the above description, the operation of the shower plate 16 of the invention is also readily apparent. By alternatively acting in both directions on the pulley 25, the shower plate 16 is caused to rotate about the shaft 21, thereby moving the shower plate 16 alternatively between the operating position, horizontal shower plate 16, plane 17 substantially parallel to the floor, and the resting position, shower plate 16 folded against the vertical wall 4 of the bathroom. Note that in this position as well (Figure 2) the water that drains from the shower plate 16, continues to flow into the collecting tank 26 and is not dispersed on the bathroom floor.

[0042] The operation of the pulley 25 can be obtained in any convenient fashion, known to those versed in the art.

[0043] In particular, when the shower plate 16 is used alone, in the absence of the aforementioned booth, as means 39 for actuating the plate 1 can be used a motor that directly commands the pulley 25, or a suitable cinematic mechanism, for instance with gearwheels and transmission pinions, for connecting the pulley 25 with a motor positioned at a distance from the pulley itself.

[0044] Additionally, the rotation of the shower plate 16 can be obtained by means of different actuators from those described above, for instance by a system of arms or levers that directly connect the plate 16 to the vertical wall or to the floor, without the presence of the pulley 25.

[0045] Preferably, the shower plate 16 of the invention is used in combination with the disappearing support frame 2.

[0046] In this embodiment, preferably, the support frame 2 and the shower plate 16 do not move independently from each other but are mutually connected. In particular, the pulley 25 of the shower plate 16 is controlled by the motor that commands the actuation of the frame 2 by means of a transmission system, such as by "V" belts or positive drive belts, chains, ropes or other means. Alternatively, a lever system directly connects the frame 2 of the shower booth 1 with the plate 16 with no need for the pulley 25. In general, the system connects the means 30 for actuating the plate 16 with the device 5 for actuating the frame 2 in such a way as to achieve synchronism between the movements of the frame 2 and of the plate 16. In other words, when the booth 1 opens, the frame 2 and the platform 18 of the plate 16 simultaneously move to the horizontal position, the shower plate 16 at the level of the floor, the frame 2 of the booth 1 in elevated position, overlying the shower plate 16. Thereupon the curtain 3 is deployed in height by being lowered from the frame 2 down to the level of the plate 16, thereby creating an environment insulated from the space that contains the booth 1.

[0047] In this embodiment, preferably, the connection system between frame 2 and plate 16 is contained within an upright 42, fastened to the wall 4, which hides and protects the elements of the system. Said upright 42 can advantageously constitute also the support element for the means for actuating the frame 2 and the shower plate 16.

[0048] Figures 1 and 2 show this preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows the collapsible shower booth 1 when opened, in the operating position from the frame 2 of the booth 1, projecting in overhang from the vertical wall of the space, hangs downwards the shower curtain 3 fully deployed over its entire height. Preferably, the lower edge 3a of the curtain 3 remains within the peripheral edge 17a of the plate 17 in such a way as to prevent water from spraying onto the floor.

[0049] When the booth 1 is closed, at first the curtain 3 is folded in bellows fashion upwards, against the frame 2 of the booth 1, then the frame 2 of the booth 1 and the platform 18 of the shower plate 16 are simultaneously brought to the vertical position and folded against the wall. Figure 2 shows the collapsible shower booth 1 in folded, closed position. The frame 2 and the platform 18 are positioned vertically along the wall 4, and preferably oriented towards each other. Note that, alternatively, having a sufficiently high wall 4 available, the frame 2 could be rotated in the same direction as the shower plate 16 and hence folded upwards.

[0050] Moreover, if the shower booth 1, with its plate 16, is installed in correspondence with a corner of the bathroom, the shower plate 16 and the frame 2 of the booth 1 can be folded each against a different wall of the corner, the frame 2 against a first wall, the plate 16 against the adjacent wall.

[0051] The invention achieves important advantages.

[0052] It should first of all be noted that the shower plate of the invention, when closed, allows an alternative use of the space it occupies during use, in such a way as to allow a continuous use of said space. The bulk of the aforesaid plate in the folded position is minimal and does not constitute a substantial sacrifice of space in regard to the aforesaid alternative uses.

[0053] Lastly, in the closed position, the shower plate according to the invention is aesthetically pleasing.

[0054] It should also be noted that the support frame of the shower booth according to the invention allows to exploit the otherwise unused space, also in the case of bathrooms without shower plate but provided only with a drain flush with the floor.

[0055] In addition, the support frame without the plate can easily be applied above the bath tub and opened only in case of need, making otherwise available the space above the bath tub itself for the placement, for instance, of a laundry dryer.

Claims

1. Collapsible shower booth comprising a shower curtain (3) and a support frame (2) provided with at least an anchoring element (6) for the shower curtain (3), said frame (2) being adapted to rotate about an axis (X) to be mounted horizontally on an equipped vertical wall (4), and to be moved alternatively between two positions, respectively an operating position in which said frame (2) projects in overhang from said equipped vertical wall (4), with said curtain (3) hanging vertically downwards from said at least one anchoring element (6), and a resting position, in which said frame (2) is positioned parallel to said equipped vertical wall (4); characterized in that in the resting position of the frame (2), said curtain (3) is folded against said at least one anchoring element (6), so that the curtain is hidden from view.

2. Shower booth as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that it is provided with at least an actuating device (5) for actuating said frame (2) between said two positions.

3. Shower booth as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said frame (2) comprises a rotating arm (7) hinged to at least a first bracket (8), said first bracket (8) being integral with said equipped vertical wall (4), said arm (7) being integral with a case (9) having semi-circular shape in plan view, along whose edge is fastened a semi-annular section bar (10) wherefrom said curtain (3) is hung.

4. Shower booth as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that said case (9) is an open box-like structure comprising a semi-circular base, with the diameter positioned parallel to said equipped wall (4), and provided with an edge (15) extended perpendicularly to said base along the curvilinear profile of said base and oriented towards said shower curtain (3).

5. Shower booth as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that said actuating device (5) comprises a linear actuator (11) of the piston type, provided with a rod (14) capable of axially sliding within a cylinder (12), with the cylinder (12) hinged to at least a second bracket (13), integral with the equipped wall (4), and with the rod (14) hinged on the rotating arm (7) in a position that is not aligned with the hinges of the two brackets (8, 13).

6. Shower booth as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a cinematic mechanism (31) to actuate said shower curtain (3) alternatively between an extended and a folded position.

7. Shower booth as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that said cinematic mechanism (31) comprises a plurality of flexible tie rods (33), connected with said curtain (3) and free to slide relative to the curtain (3), each flexible tie rod (33) being fastened with a respective end at least to the end of the curtain (3) and in an intermediate position of a bar (32) anchored to the lower end of said curtain (3) and with the opposite end to a wire-winding pulley (34) mounted on the case (9).

8. Shower booth as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that said cinematic mechanism (31) comprises a first gearwheel (36) integral and coaxial with said pulley (34), connected by means of a transmission belt (37) to a second gearwheel (38), mounted on the rotating arm (7) and actuated by a motor.

9. Shower booth as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that said frame (2) comprises a shower head (39), fastened to the rotating arm (7), and connected to a water supply outlet, with a flexible tubular connecting element (40).

10. Shower booth as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the surface of the case (9) exposed to view, opposite the vertical wall, is covered with a mirror (41).

11. Shower booth as claimed in one or more of the claims from 1 to 10, characterised in that it further comprises a shower plate (16) for collecting the water used during a shower and for conveying said water to a drain trap, said shower plate (16) being able to rotate about an axis (Y) positioned horizontally relative to said vertical wall, and comprising means (30) for moving said plate (16) alternatively between two positions,' respectively an operating position, in which said plate (16) is positioned horizontally, substantially parallel relative to the floor and perpendicularly relative to said vertical wall, and a resting position, in which said plate (16) is positioned parallel to said vertical wall (4), perpendicularly relative to the floor.

12. Shower booth as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that said axis (Y) comprises a shaft (21) and that said shaft (21) is integral with a coaxial pulley (25) connected with said means (30) for actuating said plate (16) between said two positions.

13. Shower booth as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that it comprises a plane (17) mounted on a platform (18) comprising mutually integral flanges (19) and cross members (20), at least one of said flanges (19) being integral with said rotating shaft (21).

14. Shower booth as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that said plane (17) defines a bearing surface inclined towards a side of the plane (17) parallel and adjacent to said vertical wall (4).

15. Shower booth as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterised in that said plane (17) comprises a peripheral edge (17a) raised relative to the bearing surface, developed along three sides and absent along said parallel side, adjacent to said wall (4).

16. Shower booth as claimed in one or more of the claims from 13 to 15, characterised in that in correspondence with said plane (17) and with said vertical wall (4) is provided a tank (26) for collecting the shower water.

17. Shower booth as claimed in claim 16 characterised in that the side of the tank (26) adjacent to said vertical wall (4) extends in height along the aforesaid wall (4).

18. Shower booth as claimed in claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the loading outlet of said tank (26) is positioned inferiorly to the bearing surface of said plane (17).

19. Shower booth as claimed in claim 18, characterised in that said shower curtain (3) can alternatively be deployed in height and folded against said frame (2).

20. Shower booth as claimed in claim 19, characterised in that the means (30) for actuating the shower plate (16) are controlled by the actuating device (5) for actuating said frame (2), to achieve the synchronism of the corresponding opening and closing motions.

21. Shower booth as claimed in claim 20, characterised in that a system of levers directly connects the frame (2) of the shower booth (1) with the plate (16), to achieve the synchronism of the corresponding opening and closing movements.

Ansprüche

1. Klappbare Duschkabine, enthaltend einen Duschvorhang (3) und einen Trägerrahmen (2), versehen mit wenigstens einem Verankerungselement (6) für den Duschvorhang (3), wobei der genannte Rahmen (2) geeignet ist, um eine Achse (X) gedreht zu werden, die horizontal an einer eingerichteten vertikalen Wand (4) zu montieren ist, und um wechselweise zwischen zwei Positionen bewegt zu werden, und zwar jeweils einer Betriebsposition, in welcher der genannte Rahmen (2) überhängend von der genannten eingerichteten Wand (4) hervorsteht und der genannte Vorhang (3) von dem genannten wenigstens einen Verankerungselement (6) vertikal nach unten hängt, und einer Ruheposition, in welcher der genannte Rahmen (2) parallel zu der genannten eingerichteten Wand (4) positioniert ist; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der genannte Vorhang (3) in der Ruheposition des Rahmens (2) gegen das genannte wenigstens eine Verankerungselement (6) gefaltet und somit der Vorhang vor der Sicht versteckt ist.

2. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie mit wenigstens einer Betätigungsvorrichtung (5) zum Bewegen des genannten Rahmens (2) zwischen den genannten beiden Positionen versehen ist.

3. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der genannte Rahmen (2) einen Dreharm (7) enthält, angelenkt an wenigstens einen ersten Bügel (8), wobei der genannte erste Bügel (8) fest mit der genannten eingerichteten Wand (4) verbunden ist, und wobei der genannte Arm (7) fest mit einem Gehäuse (9) verbunden ist, letzteres halbkreisförmig in Planansicht, entlang dessen Rand eine halbringförmige Profilstange (10) befestigt ist, an welcher der genannte Vorhang (3) hängt.

4. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das genante Gehäuse (9) eine offene, kastenförmige Struktur hat, enthaltend eine halbkreisförmige Basis, die mit ihrem Durchmesser parallel zu der genannten eingerichteten Wand (4) angeordnet ist, und versehen mit einem Rand (15), der sich lotrecht zu der genannten Basis und entlang dem gebogenen Profil der genannten Basis erstreckt und zu dem genannten Duschvorhang (3) hin gerichtet ist.

5. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die genannte Betätigungsvorrichtung (5) einen linearen Trieb (11) vom Typ eines Kolbens enthält, versehen mit einem Schaft (14), der in der Lage ist, im Inneren eines Zylinders (12) zu gleiten, mit dem Zylinder (12) an wenigstens einen zweiten, fest mit der eingerichteten Wand (4) verbundenen Bügel (13) angelenkt und mit dem Schaft (14) an den Dreharm (7) angelenkt, und zwar in einer Position, die nicht zu den Scharnieren der beiden Bügel (8, 13) ausgerichtet ist.

6. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie einen kinematischen Mechanismus (31) enthält, um den genannten Duschvorhang (3) wechselweise zwischen einer ausgelegten und einer gefalteten Position zu betätigen.

7. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der genannte kinematische Mechanismus (31) eine Anzahl von flexiblen Zugelementen (33) enthält, verbunden mit dem genannten Vorhang (3) und frei im Verhältnis zu dem Vorhang (3) gleitbar, wobei jedes flexible Zugelement (33) mit einem jeweiligen Ende wenigstens an einem Ende des Vorhangs (3) und in einer mittleren Position einer an dem unteren Ende des genannten Vorhangs (3) verankerten Stange (32) befestigt ist, und mit dem entgegengesetzten Ende an einer Kabelwickelrolle (34), die an dem Gehäuse (9) montiert ist.

8. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der genannte kinematische Mechanismus (31) ein erstes Zahnrad (36) enthält, integral und koaxial mit der genannten Rolle (34) und mit Hilfe eines Übertragungsriemens (37) an ein zweites Zahnrad (38) angeschlossen, welches an dem Dreharm (7) montiert ist und durch einen Motor angetrieben wird.

9. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der genannte Rahmen (2) einen Duschkopf (39) enthält, befestigt an dem Dreharm (7) und angeschlossen an eine Wasserleitung über ein flexibles, schlauchförmiges Verbindungselement (40).

10. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die der Sicht zugewandte Oberfläche des Gehäuses (9), entgegengesetzt von der vertikalen Wand, mit einem Spiegel (41) verkleidet ist.

11. Duschkabine nach einem oder mehreren der Patentansprüche von 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie ausserdem ein Duschbecken (16) zum Auffangen des während einer Dusche benutzten Wassers und zum Ableiten des genannten Wassers in einen Abfluss enthält, wobei das genannte Duschbecken (16) um eine Achse (Y) gedreht werden kann, positioniert horizontal im Verhältnis zu der genannten vertikalen Wand, und wobei sie Mittel (30) zum wechselweisen Bewegen des genannten Duschbeckens (16) zwischen zwei Positionen enthält, jeweils einer Betriebsposition, in welcher das genannte Duschbecken (16) horizontal angeordnet ist, im wesentlichen parallel zu dem Fussboden und lotrecht im Verhältnis zu der genannten vertikalen Wand, und einer Ruheposition, in welcher das genannte Duschbecken (16) parallel zu der genannten vertikalen Wand (4) und lotrecht im Verhältnis zu dem Fussboden angeordnet ist.

12. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die genannte Achse (Y) eine Welle (21) enthält, und dass die genannte Welle (21) fest mit einer koaxialen Riemenscheibe (25) verbunden ist, angeschlossen an die genannten Mittel (30) zum Betätigen des genannten Duschbeckens (16) zwischen den genannten beiden Positionen.

13. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie eine Bodenfläche (17) enthält, montiert auf einer Plattform (18), welche sich gegenseitig integrierende Flansche (19) und Querstreben (20) enthält, wobei wenigstens einer der genannten Flansche (19) fest mit der genannten Drehwelle (21) verbunden ist.

14. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die genannte Bodenfläche (17) eine Standfläche bildet, geneigt zu einer Seite der Bodenfläche (17) hin und parallel zu und an die genannte vertikale Wand (4) angrenzend.

15. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 13 oder 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die genannte Bodenfläche (17) einen umlaufenden Rand (17a) enthält, der im Verhältnis zu der Standfläche angehoben ist, um drei Seiten verläuft und entlang der genannten parallelen und an die genannte Wand (4) angrenzenden Seite fehlt.

16. Duschkabine nach einem oder mehreren der Patentansprüche von 13 bis 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass entsprechend zu der genannten Bodenfläche (17) und der genannten vertikalen Wand (4) ein Behälter (26) zum Aufnehmen des Duschwassers vorgesehen ist.

17. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass an die genannte vertikale Wand (4) angrenzende die Seite des genannten Behälters (26) sich in der Höhe entlang der vorgenannten Wand (4) erstreckt.

18. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 16 oder 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zulauf des genannten Behälters (26) unterhalb der Standfläche der genannten Bodenfläche (17) positioniert ist.

19. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der genannte Duschvorhang (3) wechselweise in der Höhe entfaltet und gegen den genannten Rahmen (2) gefaltet werden kann.

20. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mittel (30) zum Betätigen des Duschbeckens (16) durch die Betätigungsvorrichtung (5) zum Betätigen des genannten Rahmens (2) gesteuert sind, um einen Synchronismus der entsprechenden Öffnungs- und Schliessbewegungen zu erhalten.

21. Duschkabine nach Patentanspruch 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein System von Hebeln direkt den Rahmen (2) der Duschkabine (1) mit dem Duschbecken (16) verbindet, um einen Synchronismus der entsprechenden Öffnungs- und Schliessbewegungen zu erhalten.

Revendications

1. Cabine de douche rétractable comprenant un rideau de douche (3) et un bâti support (2) muni d'au moins un élément d'ancrage (6) pour le rideau de douche (3), ledit bâti (2) étant susceptible de tourner autour d'un axe (X) à monter horizontalement sur une paroi verticale équipée (4), et pouvant être déplacé alternativement entre deux positions: respectivement une position d'utilisation à laquelle ledit bâti (2) fait saillie en porte-à-faux de ladite paroi verticale équipée (4), avec ledit rideau (3) suspendu verticalement et descendant vers le bas à partir dudit au moins un élément d'ancrage (6), et une position de repos à laquelle ledit bâti (2) est positionné parallèle à ladite paroi verticale équipée (4), caractérisée en ce que dans la position de repos du bâti (2) ledit rideau (2) est replié contre ledit au moins un élément d'ancrage (6), de sorte que le rideau est caché à la vue.

2. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'elle est munie d'au moins un dispositif de mise en route (5) pour déplacer ledit bâti (2) entre lesdites deux positions.

3. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que ledit bâti (2) comporte un bras tournant (7) articulé sur au moins un premier étrier (8), ledit premier étrier (8) étant solidaire de ladite paroi verticale équipée (4), ledit bras (7) étant solidaire d'une enceinte (9) de forme semi-circulaire vue en plan, le long du bord de laquelle est fixé un profilé semi-annulaire (10) auquel ledit rideau (3) est accroché.

4. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que ladite enceinte (9) est une structure en forme de boîte ouverte comprenant une base demi-circulaire, dont le diamètre est positionné parallèle à ladite paroi équipée (4), et munie d'un bord (15) s'étendant perpendiculaire à ladite base le long d'un profil curviligne de ladite base et orienté vers ledit rideau de douche (3).

5. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que ledit dispositif de mise en route (5) comporte un dispositif d'entraînement linéaire (11) du type à piston, muni d'une tige (14) en mesure de se déplacer en sens axial dans un cylindre (12), le cylindre (12) étant articulé sur au moins un deuxième étrier (13), solidaire de la paroi équipée (4), et la tige (14) étant articulée sur le bras tournant (7) en position non alignée avec les charnières des deux étriers (8, 13).

6. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte un mécanisme cinématique (31) pour déplacer ledit rideau de douche (3) alternativement entre une position déployée et une position repliée.

7. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que ledit mécanisme cinématique (31) comporte une pluralité de tirants flexibles (33) reliés au rideau (3) et librement coulissants par rapport audit rideau (3), chaque tirant flexible (33) étant fixé, par une extrémité respective, au moins à l'extrémité du rideau (3) et à une position intermédiaire d'une tige (32) ancrée à l'extrémité inférieure dudit rideau (3) et, par l'extrémité opposée, à une poulie d'enroulement de câble (34) montée sur l'enceinte (9).

8. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que ledit mécanisme cinématique (31) comporte une première roue dentée (36) solidaire de et coaxiale à ladite poulie (34), reliée par une courroie de transmission (37) à une deuxième roue dentée (38) montée sur le bras tournant (7) et entraînée par un moteur.

9. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que ledit bâti (2) comporte une pomme de douche (39) fixée au bras tournant (7) et reliée à une sortie d'alimentation en eau par un élément de liaison tubulaire flexible (40).

10. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que la surface de l'enceinte (9) exposée à la vue, opposée à la paroi verticale, est revêtue d'un miroir (41).

11. Cabine de douche selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte en outre un plateau de douche (16) pour recueillir l'eau utilisée pendant la douche et pour acheminer ladite eau vers un siphon, ledit plateau de douche (16) étant en mesure de tourner autour d'un axe (Y) positionné horizontalement par rapport à ladite paroi verticale, et comprenant des moyens (30) pour déplacer ledit plateau (16) alternativement entre deux positions, respectivement une position d'utilisation à laquelle ledit plateau (16) est positionné horizontalement, sensiblement parallèle au plancher et perpendiculaire à ladite paroi verticale, et une position de repos, à laquelle ledit plateau (16) est positionné parallèle à ladite paroi verticale (4), perpendiculairement par rapport au plancher.

12. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 11, caractérisée en ce que ledit axe (Y) comporte un arbre (21) et que ledit arbre (21) est solidaire d'une poulie (25) coaxiale reliée auxdits moyens (30) pour déplacer ledit plateau (16) entre lesdites deux positions.

13. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 12, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte une surface plate (17) montée sur une plate-forme (18) comprenant des rebords réciproquement solidaires (19) et des traverses (20), au moins un desdits rebords (19) étant solidaire dudit arbre de rotation (21).

14. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 13, caractérisée en ce que ladite surface plate (17) définit une surface d'appui inclinée vers un côté de la surface plate parallèle et attenant à ladite paroi verticale (4).

15. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 13 ou 14, caractérisée en ce que ladite surface plate (17) comporte un bord périphérique (17a) en relief par rapport à la surface d'appui, s'étendant le long de trois côtés et absent sur ledit côté parallèle, attenant à ladite paroi (4).

16. Cabine de douche selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 13 à 15, caractérisée en ce qu'en correspondance avec ladite surface plate (17) et ladite paroi verticale (4) on prévoit une cuve (26) pour recueillir l'eau de la douche.

17. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 16, caractérisée en ce que le côté de la cuve (26) attenant à ladite paroi verticale (4) s'étend en hauteur le long de ladite paroi (4).

18. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 16 ou 17, caractérisée en ce que la bouche de chargement de ladite cuve (26) est disposée plus basse que la surface d'appui de ladite surface plate (17).

19. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 18, caractérisée en ce que ledit rideau de douche (3) peut être alternativement déployé en hauteur et replié contre ledit bâti (2).

20. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 19, caractérisée en ce que les moyens (30) pour déplacer le plateau (16) de la douche sont contrôlés par le dispositif de mise en route (5) pour l'entraînement dudit bâti (2), dans le but de réaliser le synchronisme des mouvements d'ouverture et de fermeture correspondants.

21. Cabine de douche selon la revendication 20, caractérisée en ce qu'un système de leviers relie directement le bâti (2) de la cabine de douche (1) au plateau (16), en vue d'obtenir le synchronisme des mouvements d'ouverture et de fermeture correspondants.

Drawing