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Mounting points for a shower surroundRelated Patent Categories: Baths, Closets, Sinks, And Spittoons, TubsMounting points for a shower surround description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060230516, Mounting points for a shower surround. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a shower, and more particularly to molded mounting point structures for a shower and tub surround. [0002] Oversized luxury showers and tubs are becoming increasing desirable in new construction and bathroom renovations. Tub and shower surrounds are positioned within a recess built around a bathtub or shower. Conventional modular tub/shower units often include a tub portion at the bottom and two or more wall portions. The whole structure is inserted into the wall recess to form a waterproof surround. The fully enclosed waterproof structure is highly advantageous in that it is relatively uncomplicated to install while assuring the prevention of the escape of water into the wall cavity. [0003] One problem which arises with products of this type is the uniformity of the shower surround wall design. That is, conventional shower surround walls are large relatively smooth molded panels. [0004] Disadvantageously, each shower surround is of a particular aesthetic design having particular features such as shelves which cannot be changed. The only alternative is to install a completely different shower surround which may or may not have every particular feature desired by a customer. Furthermore, conventional wall molded features may not project from the wall in a significantly defined manner. Such features may thereby be relatively limited in their utility. [0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide user selectable features which are of significant definition to provided specific utility and customization. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] A molded tub surround assembly according to the present invention includes a multitude of molded components which are separately attachable to a wall portion at various predefined locations. The multitude of mounting locations are provided such that various molded components may be selected and attached in accordance with the desires of a customer. [0007] One molded component is hook-shaped, knob shaped, and or egg-shaped boss member which provides aesthetic and functional features to the tub surround. The boss provides for direct hanging of bathing equipment, a towel, or such like. Alternatively, the boss provides attachment for another fixture such as a towel bar. Another molded component is a hook which is mounted atop an upper ledge of the wall portions. The hook is attached through an adhesive, fasteners, or such like. [0008] The present invention therefore provides user selectable features which are of significant definition to provided specific utility and customization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: [0010] FIG. 1 is a general exploded view a tub surround assembly according to the present invention; [0011] FIG. 2 is a general perspective view of an assembled tub surround assembly according to the present invention; [0012] FIG. 3 is a general exploded view a tub surround wall assembly in a folded transportable configuration; [0013] FIG. 4A is a general front exploded view of a boss assembly; [0014] FIG. 4B is a general rear exploded view of a boss assembly; [0015] FIG. 4C is a sectional view of a boss assembly; [0016] FIG. 4D is a sectional view of a plug prior to mounting of a boss assembly; [0017] FIG. 5 is a general exploded view of a towel bar boss assembly; [0018] FIG. 6 is a general exploded view of a hook; and [0019] FIG. 7 is a general perspective view of the hook of FIG. 6 mounted to a shower surround wall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a general perspective view of a molded tub and surround assembly 20 which is formed of a multitude of pieces manufactured from a molded plastic material. A tub portion 22 receives wall portions 24a, 24b and 26 to form the combined tub and surround 20 (FIG. 2). It should be understood that any number of wall portions will benefit from the present invention. Preferably, the wall portions 24a, 24b are side wall portions which are mounted to a back wall portion 26 with a hinge 25 or the like. The hinge 25 is preferably a flexible material to provide a living hinge which permits the wall portions 24a, 24b and 26 to be folded for transportation and unfolded for installation (FIG. 3). It should be understood that the term "tub" is not limited to bath tubs only and that relatively shallow shower bases and the like will also benefit from the present invention. Continue reading about Mounting points for a shower surround... Full patent description for Mounting points for a shower surround Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Mounting points for a shower surround patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Mounting points for a shower surround or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Cover for a swimming pool main drain Next Patent Application: Tub enclosure with hinges between walls Industry Class: Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Mounting points for a shower surround patent info. 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