Hybrid enclosure system

Abstract

A hybrid enclosure, comprising a flexible, lightweight cover associated with a rigid frame and coupled with at least one rigid stile that functions to confine a space, with minimal structural encroachment into potential ingress and egress area of the space when fully open.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hybrid enclosure, comprising:
 a flexible, lightweight cover coupled within a frame and a stile that functions to confine a space;   the frame includes:   a sill;   a header;   a strike jamb and a wall jamb positioned between the sill and the header at a respective first and second distal ends of the sill;   the flexible, lightweight cover having an upper side coupled with header, and a first and a second lateral ends coupled with the wall jamb and the stile, and a free lower side that drapes within the confined space.   
     
     
         2 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the wall jamb includes:   a first longitudinally extending section for assembly and securing the wall jamb with a structure; and   a second longitudinally extending section for assembly and securing of a cover with the wall jamb.   
     
     
         3 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the wall jamb includes:   a first transverse section along a longitudinal axis of the wall jamb that forms a general first end section;   a second transverse section along the longitudinal axis of the wall jamb that forms a general second end section; and   a third transverse section along the longitudinal axis of the wall jamb that forms a generally middle section;   with the first and the second end sections identical, which facilitate right-hand or left-hand installation of the wall jamb.   
     
     
         4 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein:
 the first longitudinally extending section is comprised of a cross-sectional profile that includes:   a hollow portion with sufficient depth for accommodating the sill;   the second longitudinally extending section is comprised of a cross-sectional profile that includes:   a channel for insertion and removal of a cover.   
     
     
         5 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein:
 an opening of the channel is narrower than the channel.   
     
     
         6 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein:
 first and second distal ends of channel are chamfered for insertion and removal of the cover.   
     
     
         7 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the wall jamb includes:   an upper distal end comprising:   a first section having a hollow interior;   a second section comprising a channel with insertion chamfered edges; and   a lower distal end comprising:   a first section that has a hollow chamber; and   a second section comprising a channel section with chamfered edges.   
     
     
         8 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the strike jamb includes:   a first longitudinally extending section for assembly and securing the strike jamb with a structure; and   a second longitudinally extending section for assembly and securing of magnet.   
     
     
         9 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the strike jamb includes:   a first transverse section along a longitudinal axis of the strike jamb that forms a general first end section;   a second transverse section along the longitudinal axis of the strike jamb that forms a general second end section; and   a third transverse section along the longitudinal axis of the strike jamb that forms a generally middle section;   with the first and the second end sections identical, which facilitate right-hand or left-hand installation of the strike jamb.   
     
     
         10 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein:
 the first longitudinally extending section is comprised of a first cross-sectional profile that includes:   a hollow portion with sufficient depth for accommodating the sill;   the second longitudinally extending section is comprised of a second cross-sectional profile that includes:   a housing for insertion and retention of an axially extending elongated magnet.   
     
     
         11 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the strike jamb includes a cross-sectional profile including:   a first section having a hollow interior;   a second section comprising a channel for housing a magnet.   
     
     
         12 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the header includes a cross-sectional profile including:   a track channel that enable a set of guides to move within the track channel;   a flange that has a profile span for facilitating securing the header with a structure.   
     
     
         13 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 a first distal end and a second distal end of the header are identical and cut at an angle θ;   the angled cuts of the first and second distal ends enable the first and second distal ends of the header to be flush with the respective lateral walls of a surround.   
     
     
         14 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein:
 the header is curved.   
     
     
         15 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein:
 the set of guides are inserted within the track channel, resting on two transversely extending flanges that form rails, the distal ends of which contact a body of the guides to maintain proper orientation during movement for smooth motion, with a hanger portion extending out below the lower end opening.   
     
     
         16 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the header is coupled with a ceiling by a header adaptor assembly, securing the header with various ceiling configurations,   with the header adaptor assembly facilitating leveling the header in relation to the floor.   
     
     
         17 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein:
 the header adaptor assembly includes:   an adaptor connector assembly that couples the header with the ceiling; and   a set of supports coupled with the distal ends of the header that maintain the header in a position in relation to lateral walls.   
     
     
         18 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein:
 the adaptor connector assembly includes:   a first member that attaches to a middle portion of the header;   a second member that mounts onto the ceiling; and   an intermediate member that couples the first member with the second member.   
     
     
         19 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein:
 the set of supports include:   a set of protrusions that are inserted into the header, that extend from a support body;   the support body further includes a fastener hole for connecting the supports and the header with a structure.   
     
     
         20 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the sill includes:   a cross-sectional profile that extends along a longitudinal axial length of the sill with the cross-sectional profile including:   a track channel that enables a bottom guide mechanism of the stile to move within the track channel;   the track channel is defined at a bottom, a front, a top side, and an open backside portion.   
     
     
         21 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the stile includes a lower portion that is associated with a bottom guide mechanism includes:   a first engaging section associated with the sill;   a second engaging section associated with the stile;   with the first engaging section generally oriented at an angle in relation the second engaging section to form a bend portion.   
     
     
         22 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein:
 the first engaging section is generally perpendicular to the second engaging section at the bend portion.   
     
     
         23 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein:
 the first engaging section includes:   a shaft; and   an engaging member.   
     
     
         24 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein:
 the first engaging section includes a hole that extends from an engaging member, through a shaft, and the bend portion that receives a support.   
     
     
         25 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 23 , wherein:
 the engaging member has:   a height sufficient to remain within the sill; and
 a length with sufficient span to substantially reduce rotation of the engaging member; 
 a width with sufficient span to enable smooth motion of the engaging member, but reduce transverse motion. 
   
     
     
         26 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein:
 the second engaging section includes:   a supporting base that supports a weight of the stile and caps a bottom distal end of the lower portion of the stile, and   an insert portion that protrudes from the support base and is inserted within the stile.   
     
     
         27 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 26 , wherein:
 the support base includes lateral notches that accommodate right or left assembly of a cover.   
     
     
         28 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 26 , wherein:
 the insert portion accommodates right or left assembly with the stile.   
     
     
         29 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 26 , wherein:
 the insert portion has chamfered ends for easy insertion within the stile.   
     
     
         30 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 26 , wherein:
 the insert portion includes a through-hole for receiving a fastener for securing the bottom guide mechanism.   
     
     
         31 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the stile includes a mid-portion comprising:   a set of handles comprised of an internal handle part and an external handle part that are respectively connected to an interior facing lateral side and an exterior facing lateral side of the stile.   
     
     
         32 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the stile includes a cross-sectional profile that extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the stile, and includes:   a first channel for assembly and securing of a cover with the stile;   the first channel includes an opening that leads to a first channel base;   a second channel for assembly and securing of a magnet with the stile;   the second channel has a second channel base for retaining a magnet;   the first and the second channels are separated by lateral walls defining a cavity.   
     
     
         33 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the stile includes an upper portion that has an insert member;   the insert member has an opening for moveably receiving an axially moving pivot pin;   the insert member includes a cap that is configured to cover over a top end of the stile; and   the cap has a channel for receiving a lateral side of a cover.   
     
     
         34 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the stile includes an upper portion that has a support-connector;   the support-connector includes:   a cavity for receiving a first end of a dowel;   an extension that includes a first aperture for receiving a fastener to connect the cover onto the support connector, and a second aperture for receiving a hanger to associate the support-connector with the header.   
     
     
         35 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 an edge of the first and second lateral ends of the cover is hollow, enabling insertion of a flexible stiffener with sufficient volume to maintain the lateral side thereof within the respective channels of the stile and the wall jamb, forming an interlock section.   
     
     
         36 . A hybrid enclosure, comprising:
 a first and a second flexible, lightweight covers coupled within a frame and a respective first and a second stiles;   the first and the second covers functions to confine a space, with minimal structural encroachment into potential ingress and egress area of the space when fully open;   the frame includes:   a sill;   a header;   a first and second wall jambs, positioned between the sill and the header at a respective first and second distal ends of the sill;   the flexible, lightweight covers having an upper side coupled with header, and a first lateral ends coupled with wall jambs and second lateral ends coupled with first and second stile, and free lower sides that drapes within the confined space.   
     
     
         37 . A stile for a hybrid enclosure, comprising:
 a cross-sectional profile that extends longitudinally and includes:   a first channel for assembly and securing of a cover with the stile;   the cover extends below the stile and drapes within a confined space;   the stile is supported and slidingly attached and guided with engagement to a lower track;   the stile is further guided by engagement with a mechanism that travels within an upper track.   
     
     
         38 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the header includes first and second distal ends that include a slot above an opening for insertion of a fastener that hold and maintain a position of the header in relation to lateral walls and a ceiling for final installation.   
     
     
         39 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein:
 the engaging member includes:   a first side;   a second side having curved edges for smooth motion within the sill;   with the second side being associated with distal end of the shaft that protrudes from the second side.   
     
     
         40 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 33 , wherein:
 the mid-portion further includes a hole along the lateral side;   the hole receives a flange, with the flange extending through the hole and into a first channel of the stile, with the flange frictionally securing the cover within the channel.   
     
     
         41 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 35 , wherein:
 the insert member includes:   an insert portion accommodating right or left stile assembly.   
     
     
         42 . A hybrid enclosure, comprising:
 a curtain with a top edge and first and second side edges;   an upper track that attaches to a ceiling structure;   the upper track holds and guides the top edge of the curtain;   a wall jamb and a stile that hold the first and second side edges of the curtain; and   a lower track that supports and guides the stile within a channel.   
     
     
         43 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 42 , further comprising:
 a strike jamb and the wall jamb both have an opening for receiving a first and a second distal end of the lower track.   
     
     
         44 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 42 , wherein:
 the stile has an axial length that varies longitudinally during an operation of the hybrid enclosure.   
     
     
         45 . The hybrid enclosure as set forth in  claim 42 , wherein:
 the upper track is curved for an increased shower space.   
     
     
         46 . A shower enclosure, comprising:
 a curtain;   a header;   a sill;   a strike jamb and a wall jamb;   a stile adaptively operates maintaining top and bottom distal ends in association with the respective header and sill;   wherein the curtain:   is supported on an upper region by association to the header;   is held on first and second lateral edges by association to the wall jamb and the stile; and   has a lower region that is not coupled with the sill and freely drapes within a confined space.   
     
     
         47 . The shower enclosure as set forth in  claim 46 , wherein:
 the header is attached to a ceiling.   
     
     
         48 . The shower enclosure as set forth in  claim 47 , wherein:
 the header is positioned at a distance of separation above a top distal end of the strike jamb and wall jamb such that they are not contacting.   
     
     
         49 . The shower enclosure as set forth in  claim 48 , wherein:
 the header is non-linear.   
     
     
         50 . A shower enclosure, comprising:
 a curtain;   a header that is coupled to a ceiling structure;   a sill;   a strike jamb and a wall jamb;   a stile adaptively operates maintaining top and bottom distal ends in association with the respective header and sill;   wherein the curtain:   is supported on an upper region by association to the header;   is held on first and second lateral edges by association to the wall jamb and the stile; and   has a lower region that is not coupled with the sill and freely drapes within a confined space.   
     
     
         51 . The shower enclosure as set forth in  claim 50 , wherein:
 the header is positioned at a distance of separation above a top distal end of the strike jamb and wall jamb such that they are not contacting.   
     
     
         52 . The shower enclosure as set forth in  claim 51 , wherein:
 the header is non-linear.   
     
     
         53 . A shower enclosure, comprising:
 a curtain;   a header that is coupled to a ceiling structure;   a sill;   a stile adaptively operates maintaining top and bottom distal ends in association with the respective header and sill;   wherein the curtain:   is supported on an upper region by association to the header;   is held on first and second lateral edges by association to a first side wall structure and the stile; and   has a lower region that is not coupled with the sill and freely drapes within a confined space.   
     
     
         54 . The shower enclosure as set forth in  claim 53 , wherein:
 the bottom distal end of the stile has an engagement mechanism that provides:   a sliding engagement with the sill an angular rotation about a horizontal axis parallel with the sill an angular rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the sill; and   an axial rotation about the axis of the stile.   
     
     
         55 . The shower enclosure as set forth in  claim 54 , wherein:
 the header is non-linear.   
     
     
         56 . The shower enclosure as set forth in  claim 55 , wherein:
 the sill is non-linear.   
     
     
         57 . A shower curtain, comprising:
 an upper region association with a header;   the shower curtain is held on first and second lateral edges by association with a wall jamb and a stile, and has a lower region that freely drapes within a confined space.