Improved shower screen hinge seal

Abstract

A shower screen hinge seal comprising a shaped body tapering from an enlarged end configured to be located within a barrel of the screen hinge, to a narrow end which extends outside of the barrel to seal to a seal extending along a bottom edge of the screen is provided as is a shower screen hinge assembly including a shower screen hinge seal having this configuration.

Description

[0001] IMPROVED SHOWER SCREEN HINGE SEAL

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of shower screen hinges and seals and more particularly to a shower screen hinge seal for maintaining the integrity of a shower screen seal at the base of the shower screen hinge. Alternatively, the present invention may relate to a watertight retrofit screen seal system for improving the integrity of a shower screen seal at the base of the shower screen, typically at the hinge to reduce water leaks, green algae build up and waste through unnecessary production, replacements and cleaning

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] Shower screens comprising a solid screen, typically glass, which is attached to a wall via one or more hinges are well known in the art. It is also well known to provide a flexible strip seal at the base of a screen to sealably mate with a water receptacle, typically a bath tub or a shower tray. The strip seal is attached along the bottom edge of the screen and is sufficiently flexible to provide a wiping contact with the edge of the water receptacle when the screen is moved from an open position to a closed position.

[0006] Due to the movement of the shower screen relative to the water receptacle, there is relative movement of the seal relative to the stationary part of the hinge and water escape is possible.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide an improved way of attaching a shower screen seal to a shower screen hinge.

[0008] Further, due to the movement of the screen relative to the lower fluid boundary, there is relative movement of the gasket seal relative to the hinge or adjacent fixture and water egress is possible, often through the gap where the gasket seal meets the bottom hinge or fixture. This can happen during normal showering conditions where water may splash or run off the person showering but also when the shower is sprayed on to the screen accidentally or purposefully for cleaning, despite manufacturers’ instructions usually advising against the latter. Sometimes the gasket seal lower member does not sit perfectly flush with the lower fluid boundary in the closed position and a kink or warp of the lower member occurs letting water escape, which is particularly the case with fin seals. This is more common in shower screens when it does not incorporate a rise and fall hinge that lifts the screen off the lower fluid boundary or if the shower screen panel is not fully rotated off the lower fluid boundary (if it can be) near to the hinge end before the screen is rotated back into the closed position prior to showering. Bubble gasket seals are sometimes used to avoid this kink, but these are sometimes deemed less desirable as they can provide a gap between the bubble gasket seal member and the lower fluid boundary further away from the hinge end if the lower fluid boundary is not perfectly perpendicular to the fixture or there is an intentional downwards taper or slope of the lower fluid boundary to encourage water to stay within the showering space. Furthermore, shower screens and gasket seals may be replaced regularly in the hope they will not leak, which wastes natural resources.

[0009] There is a further problem that gasket seals can go green with algae or mould build up in the U-shaped channel where they clip on to the shower screen usually due to water entering the end closest to the hinge. Although the gasket seal being discoloured may still be functional, it can be unsightly so are often cleaned regularly or replaced, wasting water, harsh chemicals and materials. The algae build up can often be reduced if silicone is applied to the end of the gasket seal where it attaches to the screen, but often installers do not do this. Further, shower screens can come in a variety of glass thicknesses and shapes (i.e. curved) provided with various gasket seals, which makes it harder to find a replacement gasket seal whilst also being more costly for the supply chain, manufacturing, storing, listing, distributing and disposing of different stock keeping units (SKUs).

[0010] There is a further problem that installed shower screens in situ have various assemblies, hinge shapes, screen panel thicknesses and heights above the lower fluid boundary to the bottom of the shower screen panel. This makes it difficult for suppliers to provide a retrofit shower screen seal that can fit many shower screens already in situ which may cause unnecessary replacement of the shower screen.

[0011] The present invention seeks to provide an improved shower screen seal mechanism that can be attached to the lower side of a rotating shower screen of varying assemblies, particularly an improved configuration allowing a seal mechanism to be retrofit relative to an already installed shower screen edge of varying thicknesses, without needing to change or remove the existing shower screen, hinge or glass.

[0012] Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a shower screen hinge seal comprising a shaped body tapering from an enlarged end configured to be located within a barrel of the screen hinge, to a narrow end which extends outside of the barrel to seal to a seal extending along a bottom edge of the screen.

[0014] In this aspect, the shaped body may have at least one slot opening extending from the narrow end towards the enlarged end to receive a portion of a lower leaf or sweep seal which extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the screen.

[0015] The shaped body may be generally triangular in plan. The shaped body may have an upper and a lower surface and a pair of side faces. The upper, lower and one or more of the side faces may be planar. One or more of the upper, lower and one or more of the side faces may be angled.

[0016] For example, in one form, the upper and lower faces of the shaped body may be planar and substantially parallel to one another. Each of the upper and lower faces may be substantially triangular in shape. A flattened forward end may be provided at the narrow end. An arcuate end wall may be provided at the enlarged end. This may match an internal configuration of the hinge barrel. The side faces may be planar from the upper surface to the lower surface.

[0017] In another form, the upper surface may be smaller than the lower surface which may be larger. The lower surface may be convex downwardly rather than planar. The side surfaces may diverge or widen from the upper surface to the lower surface. In this form, the shaped body is larger at the lower side than at the upper side.

[0018] The slot opening may be angled relative the vertical axis of the body. The slot opening may be angled from the top of the body away from a midline of the body as the slot extends downwardly. An angled slot may allow for deformation of the leaf or sweep seal during movement of the screen between the open and closed positions.

[0019] More than one slot opening may be provided. A central wedge structure may be provided to define a slot on either lateral side of the midline of the body and to define the angle of the respective slots. The central wedge structure may be wider at the base than at an upper side. A single opening may be provided in the upper surface of the shaped body which may lead to two slots which are angled downwardly and away from the midline of the shaped body.

[0020] A rebate may be provided in at least one side of a lower surface of the shaped body to provide clearance for a laterally extending portion of the lower leaf or sweep seal whilst the downwardly depending portion is received in one of the slots.

[0021] According to this aspect, the shower screen hinge seal may be provided separately from the lower leaf or sweep seal which extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the screen but is mountable relative to the hinge barrel and the lower leaf or sweep seal which extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the screen to seal between these two components.

[0022] An enlarged portion may be provided on at least one outer wall of the shaped body extending outwardly from the at least one outer wall. Preferably, an enlarged portion may be provided on both outer walls of the shaped body. The enlarged portion is preferably positioned to abut an edge portion of the hinge barrel relative to which the hinge seal is mounted, so that the hinge barrel can seal more effectively against the enlarged portion.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a shower screen hinge seal comprising a shaped body tapering from an enlarged end configured to be located within a barrel of the screen hinge, to a narrow end which extends outside of the barrel and a lower screen seal extending along a bottom edge of the screen.

[0024] In this form, the shaped body and the lower seal are integrally formed or unitary.

[0025] The unitary seal of this form may have any one or more of the features of the first aspect in which the hinge seal and the lower edge seal for the shower screen are provided separately and configured for juxtaposition relative to one another to seal.

[0026] In a preferred unitary form, the upper surface of the shaped body may be smaller than the lower surface which may be larger. The lower surface may be convex downwardly rather than planar. The side surfaces may diverge or widen from the upper surface to the lower surface. In this form, the shaped body is larger at the lower side than at the upper side. The shaped body can be smaller in the unitary form as the upper side of the shaped body may be located below a portion of the sealing channel which mounts the lower screen seal to the screen.

[0027] The forward or smaller end of the shaped body may be integrally formed with the lower seal of the shower screen.

[0028] The lower seal of the shower screen may have two portions namely a channel to receive a lower edge of the show screen and a depending lower leaf or sweep seal.

[0029] The channel may preferably have a U-shape with a pair of spaced apart side walls, one side wall positioned on the inside of the shower screen and the other positioned on the outside of the shower screen, and a lower linking wall which is positioned below the lower edge of the shower screen. The channel will preferably be resilient, requiring deformation to locate the channel over the edge of the shower screen and to retain itself there.

[0030] The lower leaf or sweep seal will preferably depend from the lower linking wall. The lower leaf or sweep seal may extend from substantially centrally across the lower linking wall. The lower leaf or sweep seal will preferably depend substantially perpendicularly from the lower linking wall.

[0031] The lower leaf or sweep seal may include a downwardly depending portion with the lower portion comprising the seal to abut the water receptacle.

[0032] In another form, the lower leaf or sweep seal may include a downwardly depending portion and a laterally extending portion to abut the water receptacle.

[0033] An end (inner end) of the downwardly depending portion and / or laterally extending portion facing the hinge may be angled. For example, the inner end of the downwardly depending portion may be angled outwardly from an upper side to a lower side.

[0034] The shower screen hinge seal of the invention may be used with a screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure. The screen hinge assembly may comprise a wall channel which is attachable to a wall adjacent to a water receptacle; a hinge barrel rotatably attached to the wall channel and configured to rotate about a rotational axis between a closed position and an open position; a screen attached to the barrel; and a lower seal extending along a bottom edge of the screen, the lower seal comprising a flexible blade configured to make a wiping contact with an edge of the water receptacle in use.

[0035] The hinge barrel may include a main hinge body and opposing end parts preferably referred to as a hinge base and hinge top. The hinge base and hinge top may be an integral part of the hinge main body in some embodiments, or separate parts which are attached to the main body by snug insertion or some other suitable attachment.

[0036] The hinge barrel is preferably mounted for rotation relative to a pair of spindle formations, which may be either male or female and define between them an axis of rotation about which the barrel can rotate such that the screen can be moved between an open position and a closed position, typically either into or away from a water receptacle.

[0037] The main hinge body may be cylindrical. The main hinge body may be hollow and a corresponding portion of each of the hinge base and hinge top may be inserted into the hollow main hinge body. The main hinge body may comprise an opening or gap in a sidewall in a lower part thereof. Opposed edges of the opening or gap preferably form a pair of opposing jaws between which the shaped body of the shower screen hinge seal is received. The jaws may comprise a flared inlet for receiving the shower screen hinge seal.

[0038] The hinge base may include a seating opening or depression therein to receive the shower screen hinge seal. In assembly, the shower screen hinge seal may be seated in the seating opening or depression in the hinge base and the hinge base can then be inserted into the lower end of the main hinge body aligned with the preferred opening or gap in a sidewall to that the jaws abut and seal against an outer portion of the sidewalls of the shaped body of the shower screen hinge seal.

[0039] In the unitary form, the lower edge seal and shower screen hinge seal may be mounted to the shower screen and then the hinge base fitted relative thereto before the fitting to the main hinge body. The hinge barrel may engage with the wall channel via a spindle. The spindle may comprise either a male or female part appended to the wall channel and the other of the male or female part provided by the hinge barrel. The spindle may be configured to allow degree of rotation greater than 90 degrees between the closed and open positions.

[0040] The degree of rotation may be less than 120 degrees between the closed and fully open positions. The screen may open on either side of the closed position such that the full extent between the open positions on either side of the screen is between 180 and 240 degrees.

[0041] The shaped body of the shower screen hinge seal may extend downwardly from beneath the bottom edge of the screen panel. The bottom of the shaped body of the shower screen hinge seal may be coplanar with the lower side of the downwardly depending portion or laterally extending portion of the sweep seal.

[0042] The rotatable attachment between the barrel and wall channel may be provided by an end plate of the wall channel.

[0043] The spindle will preferably be provided on an end plate. The spindle and an underside of the hinge base will preferably be correspondingly shaped and configured to allow rotation.

[0044] The spindle may include a receiving opening defined by a raised skirt. The underside of the hinge base may include a cylindrical extension to be received in the receiving opening, surrounded by an annular depression to receive the raised skirt.

[0045] A shower screen hinge seal seating structure may be provided extending on one lateral side of the hinge base. The seating opening or depression therein to receive the shower screen hinge seal is preferably provided as a part of the shower screen hinge seal seating structure. A pair of spaced apart wall portions may be provided extending downwardly from an underside of the hinge base. In use, a lower surface of the pair of spaced apart wall portions are preferably coplanar with an underside of the spindle and end plate. An inner surface (surface facing the spindle) is preferably arcuate to correspond to a preferred shape of an outermost peripheral edge of the end plate (the edge furthest from the wall channel).

[0046] The axis of rotation of the hinge barrel is preferably eccentric positioned relative to an outermost peripheral edge of the end plate (the edge furthest from the wall channel). A gap between the outermost peripheral edge of the end plate and the adjacent radially inner edge of the spindle relative to which an end of the shower screen hinge seal is mounted is smallest when in the closed position. Preferably, the outermost peripheral edge of the end plate may abut, and / or may preferably apply force against an end face of the shower screen hinge seal when the shower screen is in the closed position. This abutment may force the sidewalls of the shaped body of the shower screen hinge seal against the jaws of the hinge barrel and against the seating opening or depression in the hinge base to better seal these components against the ingress of water.

[0047] The receiving opening and raised skirt of the spindle are preferably eccentrically mounted relative to the outermost peripheral edge of the end plate, positioned closer to the wall channel than to the outermost peripheral edge of the end plate. The configuration of the hinge base preferably corresponds with the configuration of the spindle so that the outermost peripheral edge of the end plate can apply force against an inner surface of the shaped body of the shower screen hinge seal to increase the sealing force against the main hinge body and the seating opening or depression in the hinge base.

[0048] The spindle may also be shaped in the vertical direction to have at least one depressed region and at least one elevated region. In use, a portion of the hinge base may seat in the at least one depressed region when the shower screen is in the closed position. A smooth transition may be provided between the at least one depressed region and at least one elevated region.

[0049] According to a further aspect, there is provided a shower seal system comprising:

[0050] A. at least one rotating shower screen panel configured to be mounted to an adjacent fixture at a hinge edge and comprising a lower edge, the at least one rotating shower screen panel movable between an open position and a closed position such that when the at least one rotating shower screen panel is in the closed position, the lower edge is spaced from a lower fluid boundary by a first gap;

[0051] B. a gasket seal comprising an upper part with at least one upstand mountable to the lower edge of the shower screen panel and at least one lower member depending from the upper part, the at least one lower member at least the height of the first gap to seal against the lower fluid boundary when the at least one rotating shower screen panel is in the closed position to seal the first gap, and a hinge end of the at least one lower member is separated from the adjacent fixture by a clearance gap when the at least one rotating shower screen panel is in the closed position; and

[0052] C. a resiliently deformable shower screen seal, comprising: a. a front end to at least abut the hinge end of the gasket seal, and b. a rear end to at least abut a part of the adjacent fixture whereby the shower screen seal dimension is oversized relative to the clearance gap when the shower screen is in the closed position to compress the shower screen seal between the hinge end of the at least one lower member and the adjacent fixture to seal the clearance gap.

[0053] The shower screen seal dimension may be oversized relative to the first gap when the shower screen is in the closed position to compress the shower screen seal between the lower edge of the shower screen panel and the lower fluid boundary to seal the first gap.

[0054] Providing a shower seal system with this configuration will preferably position the oversized shower screen seal in position to seal the clearance gap at the hinge end of the shower screen panel and the first gap at the lower edge of the shower screen panel concurrently, when the shower screen is in the closed position.

[0055] In one form, a lower surface of the shower screen seal is planar. This may be the surface furthest from the hinge end. The entire lower surface of the shower screen seal may be in one plane. A part of the lower surface of the shower screen may be arcuate, stepped or match the profile of the lower fluid boundary.

[0056] The shower screen seal may have a front end to at least abut the hinge end of the at least one lower member of the gasket seal, and a rear end to at least abut a part of the adjacent fixture. The front end may simply abut the hinge end of the at least one lower member of the gasket seal. The front end may be provided with a more complex structure, which in addition to abutting the hinge end of the at least one lower member of the gasket seal, may also engage the hinge end of the at least one lower member of the gasket seal. For example, with a receiving gap for a fin gasket seal or a tube shape to fill the D shape of a bubble gasket seal.

[0057] An upper surface of the shower screen seal, preferably the front portion may be planar. This upper surface of the front portion may align with or abut the lower edge of the shower screen panel. The upper surface and lower surface of a front portion of the shower screen seal may be parallel with one another to mirror the lower edge of the shower screen panel and the lower fluid boundary. A broadly stepped configuration may be provided horizontally or vertically of the shower screen seal. A first portion of an upper surface of the shower screen seal may be at a different level to a second portion of the upper surface. Preferably, the first portion is a rear portion and the second portion is a front portion and the front portion may be spaced a lesser distance from the lower surface than the second portion.

[0058] An upper surface of the rear portion of the shower screen seal may be planar. The upper surface and lower surface of the rear portion may be parallel with one another, but as mentioned, may be at different levels.

[0059] The shower screen seal preferably has at least one wider part and at least one narrower part in front of the wider part. Preferably the wider part will be part of the rear portion.

[0060] An upper surface of the shower screen seal may slope or taper downwardly towards the front end of the shower screen seal. Preferably this upper surface will be a part of the rear portion.

[0061] A lower surface of the shower screen seal may slope or taper upwardly towards the front end of the shower screen seal. Preferably this upper surface will be a part of the rear portion.

[0062] The shower screen seal may be stepped between the front portion and the rear portion. In one form, the shower screen seal may be tiered to provide at least two rearward facing vertical surfaces. Preferably one of the rear surfaces is a rear abutment surface to abut the adjacent fixture. A second rear surface may be provided between the rear abutment surface and the front end of the shower screen seal. The shower screen seal may include at least one wider rear part and at least one narrower part in front of the wider part, closer to the front end. The at least one narrower part may comprise a narrower front section at the front end and at least one wider intermediate section behind the narrower front section. A receiving gap may be provided between a pair of spaced apart portions at the front end to at least partially receive a part of the gasket seal. The receiving gap may extend partly or totally through the intermediate section but not the entirety of the shower screen seal. Preferably the receiving gap will not extend into the at least one wider rear part of the shower screen seal. There may be more than one receiving gap or engagement to receive more than one part of the gasket seal.

[0063] The at least one wider intermediate section of the shower screen seal may be at least partially cylindrical.

[0064] The shower screen seal may comprise a lower wedge portion at the middle or rear which tapers from a wider free end to a narrower neck part, an enlarged head portion extending from the narrower neck part, a pair of spaced apart portions configured to receive a part of a gasket seal on a lower side of the screen.

[0065] In one form, the shower screen seal may further comprise an upper portion comprising a pair of spaced apart arms configured to receive a part of the shower screen panel therebetween. The pair of spaced apart arms may abut a portion of a gasket seal, preferably the upper part that comprises the U-shaped channel I upstands. The inner surface of each of the respective pair of spaced apart arms may be planar. The pair of spaced apart arms may be larger in dimension than the abutting portion of the gasket seal.

[0066] In still another aspect, there is provided a gasket seal for a shower screen, which may comprise at least one upstand configured to be attached (i.e. adhesion or magnetic) to the at least one rotating shower screen panel. The gasket seal’s at least one upstand may be provided as a pair of spaced apart upstands connected by a lower wall together defining a channel into which the lower edge of the at least one rotating shower screen panel is received. The spaced apart upstands, which may be referred to as side walls, on the upper part of the gasket seal, which may be referred to as the elongate U-shaped channel, may converge slightly at the top such that no adhesion may not be required to connect to a lower edge of the shower screen panel.

[0067] The gasket seal has at least one lower resilient sweep member preferably dependent from the lower wall of the elongate U-shaped channel / upstands or below the elongate strip.

[0068] Preferably, an end edge of the at least one upstand of the gasket seal / U-shaped channel’s sidewalls is arcuate about a vertical axis. Both ends of the upstands or sidewalls may be arcuate about a vertical axis.

[0069] Preferably, the arcuate end edges of the upstands / spaced apart sidewalls define a convergent end to an opening at the end of the U-shaped channel.

[0070] Providing a gasket seal in which the end edge of at least one of the upstands / spaced apart sidewalls is arcuate about a vertical axis will seal for abutment with a curved barrel or the curved lower member of a bubble gasket seal positioned broadly vertically, significantly enhancing the quality of the seal formed between the end of the gasket seal and the adjacent curved barrel or vertical bubble gasket seal.

[0071] The gasket seal may further comprise a laterally extending portion extending from the lower end of the sweep member(s), or from the upstands I U-shaped channel. The shower seal system may further include a shower screen clip comprising at least one body to mount to at least one side of at least one shower screen panel and position the shower screen seal against at least one adjacent lateral fixture, against a lower fluid boundary and against at least one gasket seal mounted on the at least one shower screen panel, the body shaped such that at least a portion of a rear external shape of a shower screen seal extends further rearwardly beyond a rearmost portion of the shower screen clip to compress at least a portion of the shower screen seal against the at least one adjacent fixture and downwardly against a lower fluid boundary at least when the shower screen panel is in the closed position

[0072] The shower screen clip may preferably have an upper portion to extend above a lower edge of the shower screen panel to mount the shower screen clip to the shower screen panel. In one form, the upper portion may have a single upper arm to abut a surface of the shower screen panel. In another form, the upper portion may be provided with or as, a pair of spaced apart arms.

[0073] The shower screen clip body may preferably have a lower portion to receive a correspondingly shaped portion of a shower screen seal thereagainst. In one form, the body comprises at least one arm portion on at least one side of the shower screen panel and extending below the lower edge of the shower screen panel.. In another form, a pair of arm portions may be provided, one either side of the shower screen panel defining an upper receiving gap for the lower edge of the hinge end of the shower screen panel therebetween and a lower receiving gap for at least a portion of the shower screen seal therebetween. The upper receiving gap may converge from a wider lower end to an upper narrower end and may be flexible, to enable the shower screen clip to receive shower screen panels therebetween of differing thicknesses.

[0074] In one form, the shower screen clip may be configured as a H-shaped body with a rear surface, a forward surface, a cross piece, a pair of upper arms extending upwardly from the cross piece configured to receive a shower screen panel therebetween, and a pair of lower arms extending downward from the cross piece defining a downwardly facing opening configured to receive a portion of a shower screen seal at least partially therein. The cross piece may mount under the lower edge of the shower screen panel and on top of a portion of the shower screen seal. The shower screen clip may be provided in more than one part, preferably two parts, that are firstly attached to each other via means of an engagement formation on the cross piece such as teeth or ridges. This is to align the thickness of the upper receiving gap of the shower screen seal to accommodate different shower screen panels of different thicknesses. There may be additional pieces or pins of the shower screen clip that need to be used or added to the shower screen clip to secure it and to fill any voids so water cannot ingress.

[0075] The shower screen clip may include an opening into a part of the forward surface to at least partially receive a portion of a shower screen seal thereinto. The opening may have a rear wall against which a part of the shower screen seal is received and braced. Preferably, this part of the shower screen may be the pair of spaced apart arms of the shower screen seal. These pair of spaced apart arms are compressed against the shower screen panel and the gasket seal by the body of the shower screen clip. This compression may be from the opening of the forward surface of the shower screen clip.

[0076] In another form, the shower screen clip may partially wrap around the shower screen seal to restrict the shower screen seal from moving forward.

[0077] The shower screen clip may be provided as mirrored pair clips. Each mirrored pair clip may have at least one engagement formation which corresponds to an engagement formation shape of the shower screen seal so the shower screen seal may be slotted into the clip (or vice versa) and kept in position without the shower screen seal moving forward. These engagement formations may be provided on the outer side, front or upper surface of the shower screen seal. The engagement formation may take any shape for example of a triangular shape, partially cylindrical or square. Each mirrored pair clip may have multiple optional engagement formations to accommodate different shower screen panel thicknesses.

[0078] The retrofit shower screen clip can be fitted to various assemblies where there is at least one rotating shower screen panel and where there is more than one rotating shower screen panel, a combination of bodies may be provided and more than one shower screen seal. This shower screen clip may be configured with shower screen seals back-to-back or perpendicular to each other and the latter may be used with a screen where there is a fixed 90-degree corner of two shower screen panels, often referred to as an L shaped screen.

[0079] Preferably, the entire shower screen seal is resiliently deformable and deforms more than the shower screen clip which is rigid but flexible.

[0080] In another aspect, there is provided a shower screen clip and seal assembly comprising: a. a shower screen clip comprising a H shaped body with a rear surface, a forward surface, a cross piece, a pair of upper arms extending upwardly from the cross piece and configured to receive a shower screen panel therebetween, and a pair of lower arms extending downward from the cross piece and defining a downwardly facing opening; and b. a shower screen seal comprising a lower wedge portion configured to be received at least partially within the downwardly facing opening on a rear side of the lower arms of the shower screen clip and which tapers from a wider free end to a narrower neck part, an enlarged head portion extending from the narrower neck part and abutting a part of the forward face of the shower screen clip, a pair of spaced apart portions configured to receive a part of a gasket seal on a lower side of the screen and an upper portion comprising a pair of spaced apart arms configured to receive a part of the screen therebetween and abutting a part of the forward face of the shower screen clip.

[0081] The rear surface of the shower screen clip may be shaped to correspond to the external shape of the surface or component to which the shower screen clip is to be attached. The rear surface of the shower screen clip may be flat to abut a planar wall or screen for example or arcuate to broadly abut a rotating hinge barrel or bubble seal for example.

[0082] The shower screen clip may be attachable to a rotatable part of a shower screen such as the rotating hinge barrel or glass panel. Any method of attachment may be used. In one form, an adhesive such as silicone for example, may be preferred. Preferably, only an upper part of the rear surface of the shower screen clip is attached to the rotatable part of a shower screen hinge barrel.

[0083] The forward surface of the shower screen clip may have any shape. An upper end of the upper arms may be arcuate. The upper end of the upper arms may be convex. This may be preferred for aesthetic reasons, but will preferably also function to guide any water, particularly on the inside of the shower screen, away from the rear surface and inner side of the shower screen clip.

[0084] The inner surface of each of the upper arms of the shower screen clip is preferably spaced apart to define a receiving gap therebetween. In use, the receiving gap will receive a portion of the shower screen thereinto. The inner surface of each of the upper arms may preferably be planar to abut either side of the shower screen. A lower surface of the receiving gap may be provided by the upper side of the cross piece. The upper side of the cross piece may preferably be planar. A lower end surface of the lower arms of the shower screen clip may preferably be planar. In use, the shower screen clip may be mounted relative to a surface such that the lower end surface of each of the lower arms is spaced from an upper surface directly beneath it. This may provide clearance between the shower screen clip and the surface relative to which is mounted with any clearance being accounted for by the preferred shower screen seal, which may preferably extend beyond the lower end surface of the lower arms and abut or compress against the surface relative to which the shower screen clip and shower screen seal is mounted, to seal.

[0085] The lower arms of the shower screen clip are preferably spaced apart to define a seating gap therebetween for the shower screen seal. An upper surface of the seating gap may be provided by the underside of the cross piece. Preferably, the underside of the cross piece is substantially planar.

[0086] The inner surfaces of the respective lower arms of the shower screen clip preferably correspond in shape to the external shape of the shower screen seal.

[0087] A front section of the inner surface of each lower arm of the shower screen clip may preferably be arcuate. The front section of the inner surface of each lower arm may be concave to correspond to an outer shape of the preferred arcuate (convex) enlarged head of the shower screen seal.

[0088] A rear portion of the inner surface of each lower arm of the shower screen clip may be convergent toward the front section of the inner surface of each lower arm. The provision of convergent rear portions may correspond to the external shape of a wedge portion of a shower screen seal.

[0089] An opening may be provided into the forward surface of the H-shaped body of the shower screen clip. The opening may be provided as a depression extending into, but not through the H-shaped body. The opening may be shaped to correspond to an external shape defined by the spaced apart arms of the upper portion of a shower screen seal.

[0090] The shower screen clip’s opening may have a pair of lower surfaces, one lower surface formed into each of the spaced apart arms of the H-shaped body. The opening may have a pair of outer side surfaces, extending substantially parallel with the main longitudinal axis of each of the spaced apart arms of H-shaped body. The opening may have a pair of upper surfaces, one upper surface formed into each of the spaced apart upper arms of the H-shaped body.

[0091] Preferably, the shower screen clip’s opening is located in the H-shaped body such that when the shower screen seal with the spaced apart pair of arms in an upper portion is properly assembled onto the shower screen clip, a lower surface between the spaced apart pair of arms in the upper portion of the shower screen seal is positioned slightly above the upper side of the cross piece of the shower screen clip. This lower surface may abut the gasket seal lower wall when assembled.

[0092] A rear wall of the shower screen clip’s opening may be shaped. The rear wall of the opening may be arcuate. The rear wall of the opening may be convex.

[0093] The shower screen clip may be formed of any material but is preferably rigid and strong, albeit may be flexible like a hard plastic to provide an effective mount for the shower screen seal to maintain the position and / or orientation of the shower screen seal and to attach to the shower screen panel.

[0094] The shower screen seal may comprise a wedge portion, an enlarged head portion extending from the narrower neck part, a pair of spaced apart portions configured to receive a part of a gasket seal on a lower side of the screen.

[0095] In another embodiment, this front portion of a shower screen seal further comprising an upper portion comprising a pair of spaced apart arms configured to receive a part of the screen therebetween. In this embodiment, the front portion of the shower screen seal may preferably locate or seat an end of an gasket seal, preferably an elongate leaf, blade or fin seal, and the upper portion of the shower screen seal may receive a lower edge of a shower screen or panel.

[0096] The shower screen seal may be utilised with a shower screen clip as described above or alternatively, the shower screen seal may be used without the shower screen clip.

[0097] Preferably, the wedge portion of the shower screen seal is provided directly on a rear side of the enlarged head portion. The wedge portion of the shower screen seal may taper from a wider free end to a narrower neck part in front of it. However, the wedge portion may have any shape. For example, a hexagonal shape which is narrow to wide then narrow, or uniform shapes such as a cube could be used as a wedge and may be oversized, but not essential with every embodiment. The pair of spaced apart portions configured to receive a part of a gasket seal may preferably be shaped to correspond to receive a gasket seal of a different shape, such as a bubble seal or multiple leaf blades. The gasket seal may be of the bubble type, whereby the front portion of the shower screen seal may engage into the gasket seal lower member. Where provided in association with a shower screen clip, the wedge portion of the shower screen seal will preferably correspond in shape (and be oversized in relation to) the rear portion of the lower opening in the screen clip and overhang rearwardly and downwardly.

[0098] An upper surface of the wedge portion of the shower screen seal may be planar to abut either a lower surface of the cross piece of the shower screen clip if used therewith, the lower edge of the shower screen panel or the U-shaped channel of the gasket seal.

[0099] A lower surface of the wedge portion of the shower screen seal preferably depends below the bottom of the shower screen clip if used therewith. The lower surface of the wedge portion may preferably be planar.

[0100] A rear surface of the wedge portion of the shower screen seal may have any shape. For example, the rear surface of the wedge portion may be arcuate in either the concave or convex configurations, may be planar or may include a more complex shape such as stepped for example to allow interlocking to an adjacent shower screen seal in a back-to-back configuration (with one of the shower screen seals inverted).

[0101] When installed in a shower screen clip as hereinbefore described, the rear surface of the wedge portion of the shower screen seal will preferably extend further rearwardly than the rear wall of the shower screen clip and compress against an abutting profile relative to which shower screen clip is mounted.

[0102] The enlarged head of the shower screen seal may preferably be partially cylindrical. An upper surface of the enlarged head may preferably be planar to abut either a lower surface of the cross piece, the lower side of the shower screen panel or the U-shaped channel of the gasket seal. The lower surface of the enlarged head may be substantially planar.

[0103] The enlarged head of the shower screen seal may be partially divided by at least one receiving gap defined between the spaced apart portions, and which extends rearwardly into the enlarged head but not the rear portion of the shower screen seal.

[0104] When mounted to a shower screen clip such as is described above, rear surfaces of the enlarged head of the shower screen seal preferably sealed against the front sections of the inner surface of the lower arms of the shower screen clip.

[0105] The pair of spaced apart portions of the shower screen seal configured to receive a part of a gasket seal on a lower side of the shower screen may have any shape. The spaced apart portions preferably each have a planar wall oriented towards the other of the spaced apart portions to define a receiving gap therebetween for the part of the gasket seal. A forward part of the spaced apart portions may function to brace the end of the gasket seal, particularly at the end adjacent to the hinge end of the shower screen.

[0106] Where provided, the upper portion of the shower screen seal may comprise a pair of spaced apart arms configured to receive a part of the shower screen therebetween and to abut the end of the upper part of the gasket seal. The upper portion is oversized relative to the ends of the gasket seal. The upper portion may be provided integrally with the rest of the shower screen seal comprising the wedge portion, enlarged head portion and pair of spaced apart portions.

[0107] In use, the pair of spaced apart arms of the upper portion of the shower seal clip may be braced and compressed against corresponding parts of the shower screen clip. If the shower screen clip is not provided, the pair of spaced apart arms of the upper portion may be braced directly against a support surface relative to which the shower screen seal is mounted.

[0108] The upper portion of the shower screen seal may fit into the opening in the forward face of the H-shaped body of the shower screen seal clip.

[0109] The inner surfaces of the respective pair of spaced apart arms of the shower screen clip may be planar. The rear surfaces of the respective pair of spaced apart arms may correspond to the shape of the forward side of the H- shaped shower screen clip and / or opening if provided.

[0110] The top surface of each of the pair of spaced apart arms of the shower screen clip may be planar, spherical or may taper to assist with water run-off.

[0111] The respective component parts of the shower screen seal may be slightly oversized in relation to the corresponding parts of the H-shaped body of the shower screen clip so that the parts of the shower screen seal are compressed to fit the shower screen clip and the resilience of the shower screen seal then preferably seals the shower screen seal against the respective portions of the shower screen clip, shower screen panel, adjacent fixture and / or gasket seal. This should avoid the need for silicone when installing the shower screen seal and gasket seal.

[0112] As mentioned above, a lower surface of the shower screen seal will preferably extend below the lower terminus of the shower screen clip. Where the shower seal clip and shower screen seal are used together, this may act to compress and deform the lower part of the shower screen seal through the weight of the shower screen in order to enhance the seal formed.

[0113] At least one lower member of the gasket seal is of a blade or fin shape and a portion of at least one lower end edge of the at least one lower member may be curved or arcuate, curving upwardly toward the lower edge of the shower screen panel. The lower edge of the lower sweep member may be planar in the middle and at one end thereof and arcuate at the opposite end or arcuate at both ends. In use, the arcuate end(s) may be positioned closer to the hinge end(s) of the shower screen panel(s).

[0114] In use, when the shower screen is rotated to the open position, and more particularly, when the shower screen is rotated to the closed position, the lower edge of the gasket seal member may sweep across the lower fluid boundary surface below the seal member. The pair of spaced apart portions which receive a part of the gasket seal therebetween may be partially deformed sideways due to friction, in a direction opposite to the direction of screen rotation. This sideways deformation may preferably cause the receiving gap between the spaced apart portions of the front portion of the shower screen seal to widen sideways or to open further, which in turn preferably compresses the enlarged head of the shower screen seal against the shower screen clip. It may also allow a portion of the preferably arcuate lower edge of the gasket seal and / or a lower edge of the shower screen seal to fill the now widened receiving gap to further waterproof the sealing of the gasket seal at a lower side to the adjacent lower fluid boundary. The shape of the enlarged head, preferably acts to stabilise the position of the lower member of the gasket seal at the hinge end to ensure that is sits flush with the lower fluid boundary in any direction the screen is rotated.

[0115] In one form, the shower screen seal may be provided as a part of a lower gasket seal (at the bottom of a screen) or as a part of a bubble seal (at a vertical plane, wall with screen edge). The shower screen seal may be provided integrally with the gasket seal and / or bubble seal or as a separate piece which is then attached relative thereto. The shower screen seal and shower screen clip may be provided in one piece, whereby materials of different properties are merged together, like many of the gasket seals available that have a more rigid U-shaped channel and a softer more deformable lower member.

[0116] As mentioned above, the rear face of the shower screen seal may be mounted directly to a surface for example a wall or fixed to another shower screen panel. The rear face of the shower screen seal may be provided in a back-to-back configuration for bi-fold screens for example, or where a screen may be mounted relative to a fixed screen away from a wall edge. Where provided in the back-to-back configuration, the rear faces of the respective shower screen seals may be planar and abut one another or as mentioned above, a stepped configuration may be provided to allow interlocking of the respective shower screen seals in a back-to-back configuration.

[0117] Importantly, the shower screen seal, whatever its configuration, is provided oversized, preferably in both length and height, and positioned to seal between the shower screen panel and the lower fluid boundary and more importantly, to seal between the shower screen panel, the gasket seal and the adjacent fixture.

[0118] Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0119] Figure 1 is an axonometric exploded view of a shower screen hinge and seal assembly including a shower screen hinge seal of an embodiment.

[0120] Figure 2 is an axonometric view of a shower screen hinge assembly for use with a shower screen hinge seal of an embodiment.

[0121] Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the lower end plate and spindle illustrated in Figure 2 with the hinge barrel removed.

[0122] Figure 4 is an inverted axonometric view of the hinge barrel illustrated in Figure 2.

[0123] Figure 5 is an axonometric exploded bottom view of a shower screen hinge seal of an embodiment and a lower edge seal for a shower screen.

[0124] Figure 6 is an assembled view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 5.

[0125] Figure 7 is an axonometric end view of a lower edge seal for a shower screen.

[0126] Figure 8 is an axonometric end view of a shower screen hinge seal of an embodiment.

[0127] Figure 9 is an axonometric view of a shower screen hinge seal of an embodiment.

[0128] Figure 10 is an axonometric view of the shower screen hinge seal illustrated in

[0129] Figure 9 mounted to a lower edge seal for a shower screen.

[0130] Figure 11 Is an axonometric view of the configuration shown in Figure 10 mounted to a hinge assembly.

[0131] Figure 12 is an axonometric view from the bottom of a shower hinge assembly.

[0132] Figure 13 is an axonometric exploded view of the shower hinge assembly shown in Figure 12 with a unitary lower seal including a shower screen hinge seal.

[0133] Figure 14 is an axonometric assembled view of the configuration shown in Figure 13. Figure 15 is an axonometric exploded bottom view of an end plate, hinge base and unitary lower seal including a shower screen hinge seal of an embodiment.

[0134] Figure 16 is an axonometric underside view of a hinge base and lower seal including a shower screen hinge seal of an embodiment.

[0135] Figure 17 is an axonometric view of an upper side of an end plate and spindle corresponding to the configuration shown in Figure 16.

[0136] Figure 18 is an axonometric underside view of an end plate, hinge base and lower seal including a shower screen hinge seal of an embodiment in the closed position.

[0137] Figure 19 is an axonometric underside view of the configuration shown in Figure 18 in the open position.

[0138] Figure 20 is an axonometric exploded view of an end plate, hinge base and lower seal including a shower screen hinge seal of an embodiment.

[0139] Figure 21 is an axonometric exploded view of the lower seal including a shower screen hinge seal as illustrated in Figure 20.

[0140] Figure 22 is an axonometric assembled view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 20.

[0141] Figure 23 is an axonometric view of a shower over bath screen when using a retrofit shower screen clip and shower screen seal according to an embodiment in a closed position.

[0142] Figure 24 is a view from below of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 23.

[0143] Figure 25 is an axonometric view from a front side of a retrofit shower screen clip and shower screen seal as shown in Figure 23.

[0144] Figure 26 is an axonometric view from a rear side of a retrofit shower screen clip and shower screen seal shown in Figure 25.

[0145] Figure 27 is a view of a retrofit shower screen clip and shower screen seal shown in Figure 26, from above. Figure 28 is a view of a retrofit shower screen clip and shower screen seal shown in Figure 26 from below.

[0146] Figure 29 is an exploded view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 28.

[0147] Figure 30 is a front axonometric view of a retrofit shower screen clip illustrated in

[0148] Figures 25 to 28.

[0149] Figure 32 is a front axonometric view of a shower screen seal illustrated in Figures 25 to 28.

[0150] Figure 32 is an axonometric view of a watertight shower over bath screen when using a retrofit shower screen clip and shower screen seal according to another assembled embodiment whereby the rear of the retrofit shower screen clip abuts a vertical bubble seal attached to the fixed panel of the shower screen along with the retrofit shower screen clip and shower screen shown separately as illustrated in Figure 30 to 31.

[0151] Figure 33 is an exploded close-up view of a retrofit shower screen clip, shower screen seal and tapered curved gasket seal end illustrated in Figure 32.

[0152] Figure 34 is a view from below of the configuration shown in Figure 33 assembled.

[0153] Figure 35 is an axonometric view of a bifold or folding (framed or frameless) configuration according to an embodiment.

[0154] Figure 35A is an axonometric view from the front of a shower screen seal according to an embodiment.

[0155] Figure 35B is an axonometric view from the rear of a shower screen seal illustrated in Figure 35 A.

[0156] Figure 36 is an axonometric view of a gasket seal with shower screen seals according to an embodiment at both ends.

[0157] Figure 37 is an underside view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 36 showing the curved tapered gasket seals at both ends. Figure 1638is an axonometric view of a frameless screen direct off the wall embodiment assembled using the shower screen seal, horizonal gasket seal and a vertical bubble seal.

[0158] Figure 38A is a detailed view of the portion shown in Figure 38 and identified as ‘A’ showing the ends of the upper side walls of the gasket seal protruding the lower member and arcuately shaped around a vertical axis.

[0159] Figure 39 is an exploded axonometric view of a tapered upward curved strip or gasket seal at one end according to an embodiment with an embodiment of the shower screen seal.

[0160] Figure 40 is an assembled view of the configuration shown in Figure 39.

[0161] Figure 41 shows the arrangement in Figure 24 but with the embodiment with a tapered upward curved gasket seal under load when in the closed position.

[0162] Figure 42 is an axonometric assembled view from the rear of a shower screen seal and two mirrored pair clips that are attached via their corresponding engagement formations.

[0163] Figure 43 is an exploded underside view of the configuration shown in Figure 42 showing an embodiment of engagement formation.

[0164] Illustrated in Figure 1 is a shower screen hinge seal 10 used with a screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure (not shown). The screen hinge assembly illustrated includes a wall channel (removed from Figure 1 to show the end plate) which is attachable to a wall adjacent to a water receptacle, a hinge barrel rotatably attached to the wall channel and configured to rotate about a rotational axis between a closed position and an open position, a screen (not shown) attached to the barrel; and a lower seal 12 extending along a bottom edge of the screen. In Figure 1, the lower seal 12 includes a U-shaped channel 13 to receive the lower edge of the shower screen and a L- shaped flexible blade 14 configured to make a wiping contact with an edge of the water receptacle in use. The hinge barrel may include a main hinge body 11 and opposing end parts preferably referred to as a hinge base 16 and hinge top (not shown).

[0165] The hinge barrel is mounted for rotation relative to a pair of spindle formations 17 (best illustrated in Figure 3), one provided on each of the upper and lower end plates

[0166] 15 which define between them an axis of rotation about which the hinge barrel can rotate such that the screen can be moved between an open position and a closed position, typically either into or away from a water receptacle.

[0167] As illustrated, the main hinge body 11 is cylindrical and hollow and a corresponding portion of the hinge base 16 is inserted into the hollow main hinge body 11. As shown in Figure 1 , a lower part of the main hinge body 11 comprise a gap 18 in a sidewall thereof. Opposed edges of the gap 18 form a pair of opposing jaws between which the shaped body of the shower screen hinge seal 10 is received.

[0168] The jaws may comprise a flared portion 21 for receiving the shower screen hinge seal 10. In Figure 1, the main hinge body includes a flared portion with a pair of spaced apart wall portions 19 which holds the shower screen hinge seal 10.

[0169] In Figures 2 to 4, the configuration is slightly different with the shower screen hinge seal 10 received within a skirt extending about the lower side of the hinge base

[0170] 16 and extends out of gap 18. Figures 2 and 4 also show a slot 22 in the main hinge body 11 into which a lateral edge of a shower screen is received.

[0171] The shower screen hinge seal 10 shown in Figure 1 includes a triangular shaped body, tapering from an enlarged end configured to be located within the main hinge body 11 , to a narrow end which extends outside of the main hinge body 11 to seal to an underside of the channel 13 and to the L-shaped flexible blade 14 extending along a bottom edge of the screen.

[0172] The shaped body has a slot opening 23extending from the narrow end towards the enlarged end to receive a portion of the L-shaped flexible blade 14 which extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the screen. A lower part of the slot opening 23 is bifurcated or separated into two angled slots, one on either lateral side of a central wedge 24

[0173] The shaped body is triangular in plan. In the form illustrated in Figure 1, the upper and lower faces of the shaped body are planar and substantially parallel to one another. Each of the upper and lower faces are substantially triangular in shape. A flattened forward end may be provided at the narrow end as shown in Figure 9. An arcuate end wall 24 (inner end wall) may be provided at the enlarged end. This may match an internal configuration of the hinge barrel. The side faces are planar from the upper surface to the lower surface.

[0174] In another form such as that illustrated in Figure 15, the upper surface may be smaller than the lower surface which may be larger. The lower surface may be convex downwardly rather than planar. The side surfaces may diverge or widen from the upper surface to the lower surface. In this form, the shaped body is larger at the lower side than at the upper side.

[0175] As shown in Figures 5 and 8 in particular, the central wedge 24 defines a slot 26 on either lateral side of the midline of the body and to define the angle of the respective slots 26. The central wedge 24 is wider at the base than at an upper side. A single slot 23 is provided in the upper surface of the shaped body which leads to two slots 26 which are angled downwardly and away from the midline of the shaped body.

[0176] As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the flexible blade may have an E-shape with a depending portion 28 and return portion 29. A rebate 27 may be provided in at least one side of a lower surface of the shaped body to provide clearance for a laterally extending return portion 29 whilst the downwardly depending portion 28 is received in one of the slots 26.

[0177] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, an enlarged portion 30 may be provided on each outer wall of the shower screen hinge seal 10 extending outwardly from the outer wall. The enlarged portion 30 is positioned to abut an edge portion of the wall portion of the main hinge body 11 relative to which the hinge seal 10 is mounted, so that the main hinge body 11 can seal more effectively against the enlarged portions 30.

[0178] According to the configuration illustrated in Figures 1 to 11, the shower screen hinge seal 10 is provided separately from the lower seal 12 which extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the screen and is mountable relative to the hinge barrel and the lower seal 12 to seal between these two components. According to another aspect shown in Figures 12 to 22, the shower screen hinge seal 10 is provided integrally formed with the lower screen seal 12 extending along a bottom edge of the screen.

[0179] In a preferred unitary form illustrated in Figure 13, the upper surface of the shower screen hinge seal 10 is smaller than the lower surface which is larger. The lower surface shown in Figure 15 is convex downwardly rather than planar. The side surfaces diverge or widen from the upper surface to the lower surface. In this form, the shower screen hinge seal 10 is larger at the lower side than at the upper side. The shower screen hinge seal 10 can be smaller in the unitary form as the upper side of the shaped body is located below a portion of the channel 13 as shown in Figure 15, which mounts the lower screen seal to the screen.

[0180] As shown, the forward or smaller end of the shaped body is integrally formed with the lower seal 12 of the shower screen.

[0181] The hinge base 16 includes a seating opening or depression therein between the wall portions 19 to receive the shower screen hinge seal 10. In assembly, the shower screen hinge seal may be seated in the seating opening or depression in the hinge base 16 and the hinge base 16 can then be inserted into the lower end of the main hinge body 11 aligned with the preferred opening or gap 18 in the sidewall to that the jaws abut and seal against an outer portion of the sidewalls of the shower screen hinge seal 10.

[0182] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the hinge base 16 engages with the wall channel via a spindle 17 which is provide integrally or as a part of the end plate 15. As shown, the spindle 17 and an underside of the hinge base 16 will correspond in shaped and configuration to allow rotation.

[0183] As illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, the spindle 17 includes a receiving opening 31 defined by a raised skirt 32. The underside of the hinge base 16 includes a cylindrical extension 33 to be received in the receiving opening 31, surrounded by an annular depression 34 to receive the raised skirt 32.

[0184] The pair of spaced apart wall portions 19 extend downwardly from an underside of the hinge base 16. In use, a lower surface of the pair of spaced apart wall portions 16 is preferably coplanar with an underside of the end plate 15 as shown in Figure 18 and 19. The arcuate inner surface 25 of the shower screen hinge seal 10 corresponds to a preferred shape of an outermost peripheral edge 35 of the end plate 15 (the edge furthest from the wall channel).

[0185] The axis of rotation of the hinge barrel is eccentrically positioned relative to an outermost peripheral edge 35 of the end plate 15 (the edge furthest from the wall channel). As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the separation between the outermost peripheral edge 35 of the end plate 15 and the adjacent radially inner edge 25 of the shower screen hinge seal 10 is smallest when in the closed position, shown in Figure 18. Preferably, the outermost peripheral edge 25 of the end plate 15 abuts and applies force against the arcuate inner surface 25 of the shower screen hinge seal 10 when the shower screen is in the closed position as shown in Figure 18. This abutment forces the sidewalls of the shower screen hinge seal 10 against the jaws of the hinge barrel and against the seating opening or depression in the hinge base 16 to better seal these components against the ingress of water.

[0186] The receiving opening 31 and raised skirt 32 of the spindle 17 are preferably eccentrically mounted relative to the outermost peripheral edge 35 of the end plate 15, positioned closer to the wall channel than to the outermost peripheral edge 35 of the end plate 15. The configuration of the hinge base 16 preferably corresponds with the configuration of the spindle 17 so that the outermost peripheral edge 35 of the end plate 15 can apply force against an arcuate inner surface 25 of the shower screen hinge seal 10 to increase the sealing force against the main hinge body 11 and the seating opening or depression in the hinge base 16.

[0187] As shown in Figure 3, the skirt 32 may also be shaped in the vertical direction to have at least one depressed region and at least one elevated region. In use, a portion of the hinge base 16 may seat in the at least one depressed region when the shower screen is in the closed position. A smooth transition may be provided between the at least one depressed region and at least one elevated region.

[0188] Figures 23 to 43 illustrate a shower screen clip and shower screen seal assembly comprising a shower screen clip 110 comprising a H shaped body with a rear surface, a forward surface, a cross piece 112, a pair of upper arms 113 extending upwardly from the cross piece 112 and defining a receiving gap 114 configured to receive a shower screen panel 115 therebetween, and a pair of lower arms 116 extending downward from the cross piece 112 and defining a downwardly facing opening 117. The shower screen clip and shower screen seal assembly also includes a shower screen seal 111 comprising a rear portion including a wedge portion 118 configured to be received at least partially within the downwardly facing opening 117 on a rear side of the lower arms 116 of the shower screen clip 101 and which tapers from a wider free end to a narrower neck part, an enlarged head portion 119 extending from the narrower neck part and abutting a part of the forward face of the shower screen clip 110, a pair of spaced apart portions 120 defining a gap 133 configured to receive a part of a gasket seal 121 on a lower side of the shower screen panel 115 and an upper portion comprising a pair of spaced apart arms 122 configured to receive a part of the shower screen panel 115 therebetween and abutting a part of the forward face of the shower screen clip 110.

[0189] The rear surface of the shower screen clip 110 (the surface closest to the hinge end of the shower screen panel) is shaped to correspond to the adjacent fixture or external shape of the surface or component to which the shower screen clip 110 is to be attached. The rear surface of the shower screen clip may be flat to abut a planar wall or screen for example or as shown in Figures 23 to 43, the rear surface may be arcuate to abut a hinge barrel 124 (Figure 23) or bubble seal 125 (Figure 43) for example.

[0190] The shower screen clip 110 may be attachable to the shower screen panel 115 or a rotatable part of a shower screen hinge barrel 124 as shown in Figure 23. Any method of attachment may be used. In one form, an adhesive may be preferred. In this form, only an upper part 126 of the rear surface of the shower screen clip 110 is attached to the shower screen hinge barrel 124. The lower part in which the rear surface 132 of the shower screen seal 111 is located, is not attached to the shower screen hinge barrel 124 as this lower portion will rotate about in close abutment to the lower hinge mount or end plate 127.

[0191] A lower surface of the wedge portion 118 preferably depends below the bottom of the shower screen clip 110. The lower surface of the wedge portion 118 may preferably be planar.

[0192] The forward surface (the surface furthest from the hinge end) of the shower screen clip 110 may have any shape. As shown in Figure 25 and 26 particularly, an upper end of the upper arms 113 is arcuate and convex. This may be preferred for aesthetic reasons but will preferably also function to guide any water, particularly on the inside of the shower screen panel 115, away from the rear surface and inner side of the shower screen clip 110.

[0193] The inner (facing) surfaces of the upper arms 113 of the shower screen clip are spaced apart to define the receiving gap 114 therebetween. In use, the receiving gap 141 receives a portion of the shower screen panel 115 thereinto as shown in Figure 23 for example. The inner surface of each of the upper arms 113 illustrated are planar to abut either side of the shower screen panel 115. A lower support surface 128 as shown in Figure 27 and 31 may be provided in the receiving gap 114 by the upper side of the cross piece 112. The support surface 128 shown is planar.

[0194] A lower end surface of the lower arms 116 of the shower screen clip may be planar as shown in Figure 29. In use, the shower screen clip 110 is mounted relative to a lower fluid boundary, such as a bath, such that the lower end surface of each of the lower arms 116 are spaced from the upper surface directly beneath it. This provides clearance between the shower screen clip 110 and the surface relative to which is mounted, with any clearance being accounted for by the shower screen seal 111 which extends beyond the lower end surface of the lower arms 116 to abut the surface relative to which the shower screen clip 110 and shower screen seal 111 is mounted. This is shown in the lower part of Figures 25 and 27 in which the shower screen seal 111 extends beyond the lower end surface of the lower arms 116.

[0195] The lower arms 116 of the shower screen clip are spaced apart to define a downwardly facing opening or seating gap 117 therebetween for the shower screen seal

[0196] 111. An upper surface of the seating gap is provided by the underside of the cross piece

[0197] 112. Preferably, the underside of the cross piece 112 is substantially planar.

[0198] The inner surfaces of the respective lower arms 116 of the shower screen clip preferably correspond in shape to the external shape of the shower screen seal 111.

[0199] As best seen in Figures 29 and 30, a front section 129 of the inner surface of each lower arm 16 of the shower screen clip may be arcuate and concave to correspond to an arcuate (convex) surface of the enlarged head 119 of the shower screen seal. A rear section 130 of the inner surface of each lower arm 116 may be convergent toward the front section of the inner surface of each lower arm 116. The provision of convergent rear sections 130 shown in these Figures, corresponds to the external shape of the wedge portion 118 of a shower screen seal.

[0200] As shown in Figure 30, the H-shaped body of the shower screen clip may include an opening 123 into a part of the forward surface to receive the spaced apart arms 122 of a shower screen seal 111 thereinto. The opening 123 has a rear wall against which the spaced apart arms 122 are received, braced and compressed.

[0201] The opening 123 of the shower screen clip is provided as a depression extending into, but not through the H-shaped body. The opening 123 is shaped to correspond to an external shape defined by the spaced apart arms 122 of the upper portion of a shower screen seal 111 as illustrated in Figure 31. The opening 123 has a pair of lower surfaces, one lower surface formed into each of the spaced apart arms of the H-shaped body. The opening 123 has a pair of outer side surfaces, extending substantially parallel with the main longitudinal axis of each of the spaced apart arms of the H-shaped body. The opening 123 also has a pair of upper surfaces, one upper surface formed into each of the spaced apart upper arms 113 of the H-shaped body. Preferably, the opening 123 is located in the H-shaped body such that when the shower screen seal 111 with the spaced apart pair of arms 122 in an upper portion is properly assembled into the shower screen clip 110 as shown in Figure 25 for example, a lower surface 131 between the spaced apart pair of arms 122 in the upper portion of the shower screen seal 111, is positioned slightly above the upper side 128 of the cross piece 112 of the shower screen clip 110.

[0202] A rear wall of the opening of the shower screen clip may be shaped. The rear wall of the opening 123 shown in Figure 30 is arcuate and convex to correspond to the rear surfaces of the spaced apart pair of arms 122 in the upper portion of the shower screen seal 111, illustrated in Figure 31.

[0203] When installed in a shower screen clip 110 as best shown in Figure 26 and 27, the rear surface of the wedge 118 will preferably extend further rearwardly than the rear wall of the shower screen clip 110 and compress against an abutting profile relative to which shower screen clip 110 is mounted. The shower screen clip 110 may be formed of any material but is preferably rigid and strong to provide an effective mount for the shower screen seal 111 but may be able to flex under pressure.

[0204] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 35 to 38, the shower screen seal 134 may comprise a wedge portion 118 which tapers from a wider free end to a narrower neck part, an enlarged head portion 119 extending from the narrower neck part, a pair of spaced apart portions 120 defining a gap 133 configured to receive a part of a gasket seal 121 on a lower side of the shower screen panel 115. This embodiment has the same configuration as the shower screen seal 111 illustrated in Figures 23 to 43 but without the upper arms 122 and the rear portion or wedge portion 118 being lower.

[0205] The shower screen seal 134 may be utilised without a shower screen clip described above. It may for example be used in the configuration illustrated in Figure 113, which is a bi-fold shower screen configuration in which two rotating shower screens, each with their own lower gasket seal 121, are mounted for folding movement relative to each other by a hinge 135. As shown in a lower part of Figure 35, a pair of shower screen seals 134 are provided in a back-to-back configuration so that the rear surfaces of the wedge portions of the respective shower screen seals 134 abut when closed as shown.

[0206] In both configurations, the wedge portion 118 of the shower screen seal 111, 134 is provided directly on a rear side of the enlarged head portion 119.

[0207] The enlarged head 119 of the shower screen seal 111, 134 is cylindrical in both illustrated embodiments. An upper surface of the enlarged head 119 may preferably be planar to abut a lower surface of the cross piece 112. The lower surface of the enlarged head 119 shown is also substantially planar.

[0208] The enlarged head 119 of the shower screen seal 111, 134 is partially divided by the receiving gap 133, defined between the spaced apart portions 120, and which extends rearwardly into the enlarged head 119.

[0209] When mounted to a shower screen clip 110 such as is described above, rear surfaces of the enlarged head 119 of the shower screen seal preferably seal against the front sections of the inner surface 129 of the lower arms 116 of the shower screen clip 110 as best seen in Figure 30.

[0210] The pair of spaced apart portions 120 of the shower screen seal configured to receive a part of a gasket seal 121 on a lower side of the shower screen panel 115 may have any shape. The spaced apart portions 120 preferably each have a planar wall oriented towards the other of the spaced apart portions to define the receiving gap 133 therebetween for the part of the gasket seal 121. A forward part of the spaced apart portions 120 may function to brace the end of the gasket seal 121, at the hinge end of the shower screen panel 115.

[0211] Where provided, the upper portion of the shower screen seal 111 may comprise a pair of spaced apart arms 122 configured to receive a part of the shower screen panel 115 therebetween. The upper portion may be provided integrally with the rest of the shower screen seal 111 comprising the wedge portion 118, enlarged head portion 119 and pair of spaced apart portions 120.

[0212] In use, the pair of spaced apart arms 122 of the upper portion of the shower screen seal are braced against corresponding parts of the shower screen clip 110.

[0213] The spaced apart arms 122 of the upper portion fit into the opening 123 in the forward face of the H-shaped body of the shower screen seal clip 110.

[0214] The inner surfaces of the respective pair of spaced apart arms 122 may be planar. As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the rear surfaces of the respective pair of spaced apart arms 122 may correspond to the shape of the forward side of the H-shaped shower screen clip 110 and / or opening 123 if provided.

[0215] The respective component parts of the shower screen seal 111 may be slightly oversized in relation to the corresponding parts of the H-shaped body of the shower screen clip 110 so that the parts of the shower screen seal 111 are compressed to fit the shower screen clip 110 and the resilience of the shower screen seal 111 then preferably seals the shower screen seal 111 against the respective portions of the shower screen clip 110, shower screen panel 115 and / or gasket seal 121 and the adjacent fixture.

[0216] As mentioned above, a lower surface of the shower screen seal 111 will preferably extend below the lower terminus of the shower screen clip 110. Where the shower screen clip 110 and shower screen seal 111 are used together, this may act to compress and deform the lower part of the shower screen seal 111 through the weight of the shower screen panel 115 in order to enhance the seal formed keeping the lower member 142 of the gasket seal 121 in position.

[0217] In one form as illustrated in Figures 36 and 37, the shower screen seal 134 may be configured just with a lower member 142 of a gasket seal 121 (which attaches to the bottom of a shower screen panel 115). The shower screen seal 134 may be provided integrally with the gasket seal 121 or as a separate component which is then attached relative to the end(s) of the lower member 142 of the gasket seal 121.

[0218] As shown in Figures 36 and 37, at least one end portion of the lower edge of the lower member 142 of the gasket seal 121 may be curved or arcuate, curving upwardly toward the lower wall of the gasket seal 121 or lower side of the shower screen panel 115 when in use. The lower edge of the lower member 142 of the gasket seal 121 may be planar at one end thereof 136 and arcuate at the opposite end 137. In use, as illustrated in Figure 40, the arcuate end 137 is positioned closer to the hinge end of the shower screen panel 115 with the planar portion 136 toward an outer end of the shower screen panel 115. As shown in Figures 36 and 37, both ends of the lower member 142 of the gasket seal 121 may be arcuate, curving upwardly toward the lower wall of the gasket seal 121 or the lower side of the shower screen panel 115, when in use.

[0219] In this embodiment, in use, when the shower screen panel 115 is rotated to the open position, and more particularly, when the shower screen panel 115 is rotated to the closed position, the lower member 142 of the gasket seal 121 may sweep across the lower fluid boundary surface below the lower member 142. The pair of spaced apart portions 120 which receive a part of the lower member 142 of the gasket seal 121 therebetween may be partially deformed sideways due to friction, in a direction opposite to the direction of screen rotation. This sideways deformation may preferably cause the receiving gap 133 between the spaced apart portions 120 of the front portion of the shower screen seal 111, 134 to widen sideways or to open further, which preferably compresses the enlarged head 119 of the shower screen seal 111, 134 against the shower screen clip 110 whilst the enlarged head provides stability to restrict the amount of deformation to prevent gaps appearing where water can leak. It may also allow a portion of the arcuate lower edge 137 of the lower member 142 of the gasket seal 121 to fill the now widened receiving gap 133 of the shower screen seal to further waterproof the shower screen and seal assembly against the lower fluid boundary and adjacent fixture.

[0220] Also shown in Figure 39 is a shower screen seal 111 with one embodiment of a stepped configuration. In this illustrated configuration, the lower surface 172 of the shower screen seal is planar across the length of the shower screen seal. An upper surface 171 of a rear portion is at a different level to the upper surface 170 of the front portion. As shown, the upper surface 171 of a rear portion is spaced a lesser distance from the lower surface 172 than the upper surface of the front portion of the shower screen seal 111.

[0221] The embodiment in Figure 39 of the shower screen seal 111 provides at least two rearward facing vertical surfaces. As shown, one of the rear surfaces is a rear abutment surface 173 to abut the adjacent fixture. A second rear surface 174 is provided between the rear abutment surface and the front end of the shower screen seal 11.

[0222] Illustrated in Figures 36 to 40 is a gasket seal 121 lower member 142 for a shower screen panel 115, the gasket seal 121 comprising an elongate U-shaped channel comprising a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 140 and a linking lower wall 141, the U- shaped channel configured to receive a lower edge of a shower screen panel 115 as shown in Figure 38. A resilient sweep lower member 142 is provided dependent from the lower wall 141 of the elongate U-shaped channel. An end edge 143 of at least one, and preferably both, of the spaced apart sidewalls 140 is arcuate about a vertical axis.

[0223] Preferably, the arcuate end edges 143 of the spaced apart sidewalls 140 of the gasket seal 121 define a convergent end to the opening at the end of the U-shaped channel.

[0224] Providing a gasket seal 121 lower member 142 in which the end edges 143 of the spaced apart sidewalls 40 are arcuate about a vertical axis which allows the gasket seal 121 to seal in abutment with a vertical bubble gasket seal 125 or curved hinge barrel 124 (as illustrated in Figure 23), significantly enhancing the quality of the seal formed between the end of the gasket seal 121 and the adjacent vertical bubble gasket seal 125 or curved hinge barrel 124.

[0225] The embodiments illustrated in Figures 42 and 43 shows the shower screen clip 110 provided as mirrored pair clips 145. Each mirrored pair clip 145 has an engagement formation 146 which corresponds to an engagement formation shape 147 of the shower screen seal 144. In this embodiment, the engagement formation shape 147 is provided on the outer side surface of the shower screen seal 144 and is triangular in shape. The engagement formation 46 of the mirrored pair clip 145 shows two optional engagement formations in the form of two repeated triangles for the shower screen seal 144 to slot in to.

[0226] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shower screen hinge seal comprising a shaped body tapering from an enlarged end configured to be located within a barrel of the screen hinge, to a narrow end which extends outside of the barrel to seal to a seal extending along a bottom edge of the screen.

2. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shaped body is generally triangular in plan.

3. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising an upper face and a lower face which are planar and substantially parallel to one another and at least a pair or planar side faces extending between the upper face and lower face.

4. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising an upper face and a lower face wherein the upper surface is smaller than the lower surface.

5. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in claim 4 wherein the lower surface is convex downwardly.

6. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the shaped body comprises an arcuate end wall at the enlarged end.

7. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the shaped body comprises at least one slot opening extending from the narrow end towards the enlarged end to receive a portion of the seal extending along a bottom edge of the screen.

8. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in claim 7 wherein the at least one slot opening is angled relative a vertical axis of the shaped body.

9. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the at least one slot opening is angled from away from a midline of the shaped body as the at least one slot opening extends downwardly.

10. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in any one of claim 7 to 9 wherein more than one slot opening may be provided.

11. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in claim 10 further comprising a central wedge structure provided to define a slot opening on either lateral side of the midline of the shaped body and to define an angle of the respective slots.

12. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the shower screen hinge seal is provided separately from the seal extending along a bottom edge of the screen and is mountable relative thereto.

13. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the shaped body is integrally formed with the seal extending along a bottom edge of the shower screen.

14. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in claim 13 wherein the upper surface of the shaped body is smaller than the lower surface and located below a portion of a channel which mounts the seal extending along a bottom edge of the shower screen, to the shower screen.

15. A shower screen hinge seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising an enlarged portion provided on at least one outer wall of the shaped body extending outwardly from the at least one outer wall.

16. A screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure comprising a wall channel which is attachable to a wall adjacent to a water receptacle; a hinge barrel rotatably attached to the wall channel and configured to rotate about a rotational axis between a closed position and an open position; a lower seal extending along a bottom edge of a shower screen, the lower seal comprising a flexible blade configured to make a wiping contact with an edge of the water receptacle in use and a shower screen hinge seal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

17. A screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure as claimed in claim 16 wherein the hinge barrel includes a main hinge body, a hinge base and hinge top mounted for rotation relative to an upper and a lower spindle formation which define between them an axis of rotation about which the hinge barrel rotates between an open position and a closed position, at least one of the main hinge body or the hinge base comprising an opening or gap in a sidewall in a lower part thereofdefining a pair of opposing jaws between which the shaped body of the shower screen hinge seal is received.

18. A screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure as claimed in claim 17 wherein the shaped body of the shower screen hinge seal is received at least partially within the main hinge body and / or the hinge base and extends outward therefrom through the opening or gap in the sidewall.

19. A screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure as claimed in either claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the shower screen hinge seal is mounted eccentrically relative to the axis of rotation so that the shower screen hinge seal is closer to the axis of rotation when the screen hinge assembly is in the closed position.

20. A screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure as claimed claim 19 further comprising a lower end plate mounting the lower spindle formation, the lower end plate comprising an outermost peripheral edge which abuts an end face of the shower screen hinge seal when the shower screen is in the closed position.

21. A screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure as claimed in claim 20 wherein the outermost peripheral edge applies force to the end face of the shower screen hinge seal when the shower screen is in the closed position to force the shower screen hinge seal further against the hinge barrel in the closed position.

22. A screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21 wherein the shower screen hinge seal is mounted against a depending portion of the hinge barrel at a lower end.

23. A screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure as claimed in claim 21 wherein the depending portion of the hinge barrel comprises a pair of spaced apart wall portions.

24. A screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure as claimed in claim 23 wherein the pair of spaced apart wall portions are opposite ends of a single wall.

25. A screen hinge assembly for a shower enclosure as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein the shower screen hinge seal is provided in a flared lower portion of the hinge barrel.

26. A shower seal system comprising:A. at least one rotating shower screen panel configured to be mounted to an adjacent fixture at a hinge edge and comprising a lower edge, the at least one rotating shower screen panel movable between an open position and a closed position such that when the at least one rotating shower screen panel is in the closed position, the lower edge is spaced from a lower fluid boundary by a first gap;B. a gasket seal comprising an upper part with at least one upstand mountable to the lower edge of the shower screen panel, at least one lower member depending from the upper part, the at least one lower member at least the height of the first gap to seal against the lower fluid boundary when the at least one rotating shower screen panel is in the closed position to seal the first gap, and a hinge end of the at least one lower member is separated from the adjacent fixture by a clearance gap when the at least one rotating shower screen panel is in the closed position; andC. a resiliently deformable shower screen seal, comprising: a. a front end to at least abut the hinge end of the gasket seal, and b. a rear end to at least abut a part of the adjacent fixture whereby the shower screen seal dimension is oversized relative to the clearance gap when the shower screen is in the closed position to compress the shower screen seal between the hinge end of the at least one lower member and the adjacent fixture to seal the clearance gap.

27. The shower seal system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the shower screen seal dimension is oversized relative to the first gap when the shower screen is in the closed position to compress the shower screen seal between the lower edge of the shower screen panel and the lower fluid boundary to seal the first gap.

28. The shower seal system as claimed in either claim 26 or claim 27 wherein a lower surface of the shower screen seal is planar.

29. The shower seal system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein an entire lower surface of the shower screen seal is in one plane.

30. The shower seal system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein the shower screen seal comprises a front end to at least abut the hinge end of the at least one lower member of the gasket seal, and a rear end to at least abut a part of the adjacent fixture.

31. The shower seal system as claimed in claim 30 wherein the front end of the shower screen seal abuts the hinge end of the at least one lower member of the gasket seal and engages the hinge end of the at least one lower member of the gasket seal.

32. The shower seal system as claimed in claim 31 wherein the shower screen seal further comprises a receiving gap provided between a pair of spaced apart portions at the front end to at least partially receive a part of the gasket seal.

33. The shower seal system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 32 wherein an upper surface of the shower screen seal is planar.

34. The shower seal system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 33 wherein the shower screen seal has a stepped configuration with a first portion of an upper surface provided at a different level to a second portion of the upper surface of the shower screen seal.

35. The shower seal system as claimed in claim 34 wherein the first portion of the shower screen seal is a rear portion and the second portion is a front portion and the first portion is spaced a lesser distance from the lower surface than the second portion.

36. The shower seal system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 35 wherein an upper surface of the shower screen seal slopes or tapers downwardly towards the front end of the shower screen seal.

37. The shower seal system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 36 wherein a lower surface of the shower screen seal slopes or tapers upwardly towards the front end of the shower screen seal.

38. The shower seal system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 37 wherein the shower screen seal has at least one wider rear part and at least one narrower part in front of the wider part, closer to the front end.

39. The shower seal system as claimed in claim 38 wherein the at least one narrower part of the shower screen seal comprises a narrower front section at the front end and at least one wider intermediate section behind the narrower front section.

40. The shower seal system as claimed in claim 39 when dependent on claim 32 wherein shower screen seal receiving gap extends partly or totally through the intermediate section.

41. The shower seal system as claimed in claim 39 or claim 40 wherein the at least one wider intermediate section is at least partially cylindrical.

42. A shower seal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one lower member of the gasket seal is of a blade or fin shape and a portion of at least one lower end edge of the at least one lower member is curved or arcuate, curving upwardly toward the lower edge of the shower screen panel.

43. A shower seal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the gasket seal comprises at least one upstand configured to be attached to the at least one rotating shower screen panel.

44. A shower seal system as claimed in claim 43 wherein the at least one upstand is provided as a pair of spaced apart upstands connected by a lower wall together defining a channel into which the lower edge of the at least one rotating shower screen panel is received.

45. A shower seal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims whereby an end edge of the at least one upstand of the gasket seal is arcuate about a vertical axis.

46. A shower seal system as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 45 wherein the shower screen seal further comprises an upper portion comprising a pair of spaced apart arms configured to receive a part of a shower screen paneltherebetween and to abut a portion of the gasket seal wherein the pair of spaced apart arms are larger in dimension than the abutting portion of the gasket seal and an inner surface of each of the respective pair of spaced apart arms is planar.

47. A shower seal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a shower screen clip comprising at least one body to mount to at least one side of at least one shower screen panel and position the shower screen seal against at least one adjacent lateral fixture, against the lower fluid boundary and against at least one gasket seal mounted on the at least one shower screen panel, the body shaped such that at least a portion of a rear external shape of a shower screen seal extends further rearwardly beyond a rearmost portion of the shower screen clip to compress at least a portion of the shower screen seal against the at least one adjacent fixture at least when the shower screen panel is in the closed position.

48. A shower seal system as claimed in claim 47 wherein the shower screen clip body comprises at least one arm portion on at least one side of the shower screen panel and extending below the lower edge of the shower screen panel.

49. A shower seal system as claimed in claim 48 wherein the at least one arm portion is a pair of arm portions, one on either side of the shower screen panel, defining an upper receiving gap for the shower screen panel therebetween and a lower receiving gap for the shower screen seal therebetween.

50. A shower seal system as claimed in claim 49 wherein the upper receiving gap diverges from an upper end to a lower end.

51. A shower seal system as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 50 when dependent from claim 43, whereby the pair of spaced apart arms of the shower screen seal are compressed against the shower screen panel and the gasket seal by the body of the shower screen clip.

52. A shower seal system as claimed in one of claims 46 to 51 wherein the body of the shower screen clip further comprises a cross piece that mounts under the lower edge of the shower screen panel and on top of a part of the shower screen seal.

53. A shower seal system as claimed in one of claims 46 to 52 wherein the shower screen clip is flexible to receive the shower screen panel therebetween.

Images