Most current shower door enclosures are constructed predominately of the metal frame and glass panel type which are resource and energy intensive to manufacture. Alternatives such as plastic and fabric curtains are not recyclable and are disposed of frequently due to mildew. Both require the use of cleaning solvents to maintain sanitary conditions and aesthetics. This product will be made of antibacterial treated plastics, and be 100% recyclable. It is a major improvement on existing technology providing a simple path for recycling a much smaller quantity of material utilized to produce it.

The “oriental fan” shower screen design provides structural integrity with flexibility and compact storability. Additionally, it provides a means to imbed natural materials and beautiful graphics of every conceivable type from nature prints, exotic abstract designs, to scenic photography. The benefits will be an entirely new, aesthetically pleasing enclosure, with a vast “green” theme potential that enhances and takes the bathing experience to a new level for the average person.

The illustration is a conceptual schematic only. There are many additional design elements not shown that will be incorporated such as a self cleaning feature, magnetic latches, aroma therapy, and even battery powered LED fiber optics. The basic fan shower screen would be a replaceable cartridge easily obtained at the store and snapped into the permanently attached aluminum carrier mounted on the side walls of a shower. A simple pull would unlatch the fan which would fold down to the tub surface on a single point hinge, and latch by a magnetic catch in the middle providing a secure water seal. A single fan located on the end of the tub with the shower head would suffice, but a more balanced and pleasing look with total moisture containment would be obtained with two units allowing creative contrasting colors or patterns on each.

The product would have world wide market appeal with applications in new home construction, replacement of existing glass door units, and traditional frumpy curtain rods. It could also be adaptable to a wide variety of other uses in mobile homes, recreational vehicles, cruise ships, hotels, and airline first class seat privacy screens. Time and material savings would accrue to producers and consumers throughout the product life cycle with lower production costs, lower consumer unit cost, simpler installation, low replacement and maintenance costs, and ending with being recyclable.

Significant safety benefits result from the elimination of broken glass cut hazards, muscle strain from heavy door operation, pinch potential, and trip hazards. The lighting feature could serve as a night light and provide illumination of dark areas associated with shower/tub alcoves while saving electricity.

As an independent designer/inventor, I would like to establish a mutually beneficial association with manufacturers to develop more ideas.