Shower Chamber Configured to Retain Heat

Abstract

In one aspect of the present invention, a shower chamber includes a flexible chamber barrier intermediate a ceiling assembly and a chamber floor. The flexible chamber barrier is configured to form a seal with the ceiling assembly to retain heat inside the chamber.

1 . A shower chamber, comprising:
 a chamber barrier comprising a flexible curtain;   the flexible curtain comprising a plurality of layers and at least one internal heat source that is configured to radiate heat towards an interior of the shower chamber; and   the at least one internal heat source comprising an enclosed fluid pathway formed within at least one of the plurality of layers.   
     
     
         2 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the internal heat source comprises a resistance heater. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The chamber of  claim 3 , wherein the fluid pathway is in fluid communication with a water source for a shower head. 
     
     
         5 . The chamber of  claim 3 , wherein the fluid pathway is in fluid communication with a shower head. 
     
     
         6 . The chamber of  claim 3 , wherein the fluid pathway comprises a heater configured to heat at least a portion of fluid within the fluid pathway. 
     
     
         7 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the internal heat source is configured to heat at least 50 percent of an inner surface area of the chamber barrier. 
     
     
         8 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the internal heat source is configured to heat at least 90 percent of an inner surface area of the chamber barrier. 
     
     
         9 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the chamber barrier forms at least a portion of a substantially cylindrical geometry around the interior. 
     
     
         10 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein a heat reflector is disposed within the chamber barrier and is configured to redirect heat from the heat source towards the interior. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the heat source is flexible enough to move when the curtain changes shape. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the chamber barrier comprises a material with a low thermal mass. 
     
     
         15 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the chamber barrier comprises a foam panel configured to insulate heat within the chamber. 
     
     
         16 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the chamber barrier forms a seal with a ceiling of the chamber. 
     
     
         17 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein the chamber barrier forms a seal with a floor of the chamber. 
     
     
         18 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein a pump is disposed within the chamber barrier and configured to circulate a fluid within the chamber barrier. 
     
     
         19 . The chamber of  claim 1 , wherein a drain is formed within the chamber barrier and configured to release a fluid from the chamber barrier.