AU785196B2 - Shower base - Google Patents

Description

Form No. 11

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION COmf STANDARD PATENT Application No.: Application Date: Priority Date: Applicant: 6 March 2001 (New Zealand Patent Application No. 510350) Bruce Nathan Warner 236 Maungatapu Road Tauranga New Zealand Ernest Robert SCHUCH Patent Attorney Suite 904 9 h Floor Hunter Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Address for Service: Complete Specification for the invention entitled: SHOWER BASE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: SHOWER BASE TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to shower bases and cubicles and methods of construction thereof. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a shower base for use in a shower cubicle construction providing a substantially watertight base assembly.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, shower bases and associated walls are joined by connecting strips to form the shower cubicle. Such strips are usually made of various plastics materials. Shower walls are generally attached to the existing structural framework in the room in which the shower cubicle is to be erected. In such assemblies, the lower edge of each wall panel is fixed over an upturned vertically extending rim of a moulded shower base such that water can flow down the wall and into the shower base. However, it is possible that water leakage can occur between the lower edge of the wall panel and the rim of the shower base.

Water resistant sealing adhesives are available for sealing wall joints between the lower edge of the wall panel and the rim of a shower base to reduce the likelihood of water leaking into the structural framework of the wall and causing water damage or leaking out of the shower cubicle.

Shower bases have been generally made of materials such as stainless steel and more recently, moulded thermoplastics materials. It has also become popular again to construct showers with tiled walls and/or bases. Due to the increased use of moulded thermoplastics materials, shower walls and shower bases can be prefabricated and assembled on site. However, such assemblies may not result in an adequate degree of protection against water leakage, and assemblies and kits need to be properly installed to maximise protection against water leakage.

In the case of tiled shower arrangements, inherent problems with time delays between the application of various materials and adhesives used can make the task labour intensive and cumbersome. Such assemblies can be difficult for the non-professional to construct.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a base arrangement for a shower which overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or which provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a shower base including a base sink member having a waste outlet, the base sink member having an outer rim portion about a substantial part of the periphery of the base sink member, and a channel being adjacent to or associated with the outer rim portion, in use, to receive an upright wall member.

Preferably the channel extends continuously along the outer rim portion of the base sink member. Desirably the channel is provided either in the outer rim portion or adjacent the outer rim portion, or attached to the top surface of the outer rim portion.

Desirably the cross section of the channel is U shaped or V-shaped or square shaped.

Advantageously the periphery of the base sink member has a vertically extending portion, in use, to be associated with a wall structure.

Preferably the base sink member further includes an upwardly projecting member located about the periphery of the waste outlet to be flush with the top surface of the base sink member. Desirably the shower base is formed as an integral unit.

Alternatively, the shower base further includes a waste outlet insert attachable to the base sink member and locatable adjacent the periphery of the waste outlet to be flush with the top surface of tiles, in use, laid on the base sink member.

Desirably the upwardly projecting member or the waste outlet insert extends to be substantially flush with tiles, in use, being laid over the base sink member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4: Figure 5: illustrates a perspective view of a shower base 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; illustrates a cross section of figure 1 through line A-A of the base sink member and the outer rim portion; illustrates a perspective view of a shower base 20 in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the invention; illustrates a cross section of figure 3 through line B-B of the base sink member and the outer rim portion; illustrates a perspective view of a shower base 40 in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the invention; illustrates a cross section of figure 5 through line C-C of the base sink member and the outer rim portion; illustrates a plan view of a cut away section of the base sink member about the waste outlet; illustrates a cross sectional view through line D-D of figure 7, with a projecting member integral with the base sink member; and illustrates a cross sectional view of a waste outlet insert in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

Figure 6: Figure 7: Figure 8: Figure 9: DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to figures 1 and 2, a shower base, generally referred to as 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The shower base 1 includes a base sink member 2 having a waste outlet 3. The base sink member 2 is of a sufficient size to form a pan for a shower base or water basin, as required. As a shower base 1 for a shower cubicle or stall, it is adapted to support at least one person to stand thereon, and the top surface 4 is preferably angled with a sufficient slope or gradient to enable water to flow toward the waste outlet 3 from any area of the base sink member 2. It is seen then that the outer area of the base sink member 2 will be higher than the area adjacent the waste outlet 3.

The shape of the shower base 1 can be in any desirable form such as square, rectangular, circular, octagonal, oblong, and so forth. The shower base 1 can be an arrangement of any one or more parts, or be a one piece moulded integral unit. In the case of a shower base 1 being an integral unit, the materials forming the features of the shower base 1 can include a suitable thermoplastics material or materials as commonly used in the industry. Alternatively the shower base 1 may be made of any other suitable and resilient material(s) such as, for example, any metals including typically stainless steel, tiles, fibreglass, fibrolite, concrete, plaster, or any combination thereof, and any combination aforesaid with a suitable thermoplastics material.

The base sink member 2 is provided with an outer rim portion 5 about a substantial part of the periphery of the base sink member 2. As seen in figure 1, the shower base 1 in this embodiment is substantially square shaped, and is provided with two sides having the outer rim portion Preferably a channel 6 is provided adjacent to or associated with the outer rim portion in the top surface 7 of the outer rim portion 5, in use, to receive an upright wall member such as a wall panel, door, glass sheet and the like. In this embodiment the channel 6 is provided in the outer rim portion 5 as an integral part of the shower base 1.

It is envisaged that in the case of a fixed panel, the bottom edge of such glass panel, decorative panel or shower wall panel (not shown) will snugly fit within the channel 6 to enable a water resistant seal to be formed. Additionally, water resistant adhesives and sealants and the like may be used about the channel 6 and associated wall panels and edging to ensure a seal against the ingress of water. Other forms of sealing can be used such as rubber strips into which panels can be press fitted or otherwise.

The channel 6 can include any suitable and desirable shape or form and includes a recess, rebate, stepped configuration and so forth. In this embodiment a channel 6 is provided, and such channel 6 is square shaped as seen more clearly in cross section in figure 2. It is envisaged that the channel 6 can alternatively be U shaped or V-shaped. The channel 6 is preferably runs continuous along the top surface 7 of the outer rim portion 5, and in this embodiment extends along two sides of the base 1. The continuous channel 6 is an innovative feature as it adds to the strength and rigidity of associated wall and door panelling and supporting structures such as comer panelling. The continuous channel has been found to not only add to the strength of the wall panelling of the shower cubicle but also advantageously enables good water sealing to be achieved about the periphery of the base 1 where the channel 6 exists.

The outer rim portion 5 can be advantageously adapted to receive door panelling and/or supporting members (not shown), and allows access onto the shower base 1 by a user.

The shower base 1 in this embodiment is seen to have two sides that oppose the outer rim portions 5. These opposing sides have vertically extending portions 8 that are seen to be integral with the outer edge of the base sink member 2. These vertically extending portions 8 can be of any desirable height, and in this embodiment are of a sufficient height to allow, in use, a water resistant wall panel (not shown) to be laid over the top edge 9 and against the inside face 10 of the portions 8 to allow water flowing down the wall panels to run toward the waste outlet 3.

The waste outlet 3 desirably includes a recess 11 adjacent the waste outlet 3 in that the area between the waste outlet 3 is lower than at the outer edge of the recess 11. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the base sink member 2 and the waste outlet 3 may be as one integral moulded unit, or alternatively, as shown in the detail of figure 8, be adapted to accommodate a plurality of tiles laid about the outlet 3, and with incorporating a waste outlet ring member.

Referring to figures 3 and 4, a shower base, generally referred to as 20, according to a first alternative embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The shower base 20 in this embodiment includes a base sink member 21 having a waste outlet 22. The base sink member 21 is of a sufficient size to form a pan for a shower base or water basin, as required. As a shower base 20 for a shower cubicle or stall, it is adapted to support at least one person to stand thereon, and the top surface 23 is angled with a gradient to allow water to flow toward the waste outlet 22 from any area of the top surface 23 of the base sink member 21 such that the outer area of the top surface 23 of the base sink member 21 will be higher than adjacent the waste outlet 22.

The shape of the shower base 20 can be in any desirable form as described with reference to figures 1 and 2 and will not be repeated. Many of the features of the shower base 20 are similar to the shower base 1 as previously described and such similar features may not necessarily be repeated.

The shower base 20 may be made of any suitable and resilient material(s), for example, metal including stainless steel, tiles, marble, concrete, ceramic, clay, timber, plaster, fibreglass, fibrolite, or any combinations thereof.

The base sink member 21 is provided with an outer rim portion 24 about a substantial part of the periphery of the base sink member 21. As seen in figure 3, the shower base 20 in this embodiment is substantially square shaped, and is provided with two sides having the outer rim portion 24. The outer rim portion 24 is of a sufficient width to enable tiles or any other desirable material to be laid thereon.

The channel 25 is desirably a continuous channel along two sides of the base sink member 21.

The channel 25 is adapted, in use, to receive an upright wall member such as a wall panel, glass sheet and the like. It is envisaged that the bottom edge of such glass or shower wall panel (not shown) will snugly fit within the channel 25 to enable a water resistant seal to be formed.

Additionally water resistant adhesives and the like may be used in association with the bottom edge of the wall panel in the channel 25 to form a seal against the ingress of water.

In this non-limiting embodiment, the shower base 20 is one solid moulded and integral unit except for the addition of the channel 25 being attached or connected adjacent to the outer rim portion 24. It is envisaged within the scope of the invention, and in this embodiment, that the channel 25 may be attached at any desirable location along the top surface of the outer rim portion 24, or adjacent the outer rim portion 24, and as seen in figure 4, is inside the outer rim portion 24 at the outer periphery of the top surface 23 of the base sink member 21.

The shower base 20 in this embodiment is seen to have two sides that oppose the outer nim portion 24. These opposing sides have vertically extending portions 26 that are seen to be integral with the outer edge of the base sink member 21. These vertically extending portions 26 can be of any desirable height, and in this embodiment are of a sufficient height to allow, in use, a water resistant wall panel (not shown) to be laid over the top edge 27 and against the inside face 28 to allow water flowing down the wall panels to run toward the waste outlet 22.

The waste outlet 22 desirably includes a recess 29 adjacent the waste outlet 22 in that the area between the waste outlet 22 is lower than at the outer edge of the recess 29. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the base sink member 21 and the waste outlet 22 may be as one integral unit, or alternatively, as shown in the detail of figure 8, be adapted to accommodate a plurality of tiles laid about the waste outlet 22. Further still, and alternatively, the arrangement in figure 9 may be incorporated.

Referring to figures 5 and 6, a shower base, generally referred to as 40, according to a second alternative embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The shower base 40 in this embodiment indcludes a base sink member 41 having a waste outlet 42. The base sink member 41 is of a sufficient size to form a pan for a shower base or water basin, as required. The shower base 40 is adapted to support at least one person to stand thereon, and the top surface 43 has a gradient allowing, in use, water to flow toward the waste outlet 42 from any area of the top surface 43 of the base sink member 41 such that the outer area of the top surface 43 of the base sink member 41 will be higher than adjacent the waste outlet 42.

The shape of the shower base 40 can be in any desirable form as described with reference to the shower base 1, 20 and will not be repeated. Many of the features of the shower base 40 are similar to the shower bases 1, 20 previously described and may not necessarily be repeated.

As seen in figure 6, the shower base 40 is one solid moulded and integral unit. The shower base 40 may be made of metal including stainless steel, tiles, marble, timber, concrete, ceramic, clay, plaster, fibreglass, fibrolite, or any other suitable and resilient material(s), and any desirable combination thereof.

The base sink member 41 is provided with an outer rim portion 44 about a substantial part of the periphery of the base sink member 4. As seen in figure 3, the shower base 40 in this embodiment is substantially square shaped, and is provided with two sides having the outer rim portion 44.

The outer rim portion 44 is of a sufficient width to enable tiles or any other desirable material to be laid thereon.

Preferably a channel 45 is provided in the top surface 44a of the outer rim portion 44. The channel 45 is desirably a continuous channel along two sides of the base sink member 41. The channel 45 is adapted, in use, to receive an upright wall member such as a wall panel, glass sheet and the like. It is envisaged that the bottom edge of such glass or shower wall panel (not shown) will snugly fit within the channel 45 to enable a water resistant seal to be formed. Additionally water resistant adhesives and the like may be used in association with the bottom edge of the wall panel in the channel 45 to form a seal against the ingress of water.

The shower base 40 in this embodiment is seen to have two sides that oppose the outer rim portion 44. These opposing sides have vertically extending portions 46 that are seen to be integral with the outer edge of the base sink member 41. These vertically extending portions 46 can be of any desirable height, and in this embodiment are of a sufficient height to allow, in use, a water resistant wall panel (not shown) to be laid over the top edge 47 and against the inside face 48 to allow water flowing down the wall panels to run toward the waste outlet 42.

The waste outlet 42 desirably includes a recess 49 adjacent the waste outlet 42 in that the area between the waste outlet 42 is lower than at the outer edge of the recess 49. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the base sink member 41 and the waste outlet 42 may be constructed or fabricated as one integral unit.

Referring now to figure 7, a cut away plan view of the base sink member about a waste outlet 51 with the trap removed, and figure 8 wherein a cross sectional view through line D-D in figure 7, is illustrated.

The waste outlet 51 may form part of the shower base 1, 20 or 40, and in this illustration the base sink member 52 is provided with tiles 53. An upwardly projecting member 54 extends about the periphery of the waste outlet 51. The projecting member 54 can be of any desirable shape such as square as illustrated, circular, rectangular, hexagonal and so forth. The tiles 53 should be laid adjacent the waste outlet insert as a finishing detail and for water sealing purposes. Further it is seen that water will flow into the waste outlet 51 as required.

As seen more clearly in figure 8, the projecting member 54 extends upwardly to the extent that it is to be flush with the top surface of the base sink member, or slightly lower, than the tiles 53 that abut the outer edge of the waste outlet 51. This advantageous arrangement is designed to enable tiles 53 laid over the base sink member 52 to abut the outer edge of the projecting member 54 and allow a user to seal the area on the waste outlet 51 side of the tiles 53 adjacent the waste outlet 51.

Referring now to figure 9, a cross sectional view of a waste outlet detail in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

An alternative to the projecting member 54 is in the form of a waste outlet insert 60 that is attached by any suitable attachment means such as, for example, adhesive, about the waste outlet 51. This latter design may be used when no projecting member 54 exists on the base sink member 52.

The waste outlet insert can be of any desirable shape such as square as illustrated, circular, rectangular, hexagonal and so forth. The tiles 53 should be laid adjacent the waste outlet insert 60 as a finishing detail and for water sealing purposes.

It is envisaged, and will be appreciated, that any one of the waste outlet arrangements illustrated in figures 7 to 9 may be incorporated in any one of the embodiments of the invention described or within the scope of the invention.

It will be seen that an advantage with the present invention is that it enables a tiled shower base to be constructed without undue delays in installation. This can result in reducing the labour costs associated with installation.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. A shower base including a base sink member, the base sink member having a waste outlet, an upwardly projecting member located about the periphery of the waste outlet to be flush with the top surface of the base sink member, an outer rim portion about a substantial part of the periphery of the base sink member, and a channel provided either adjacent the outer tim or attached to the top surface of the outer rim portion, in use, to receive an upright wall member.

2. A shower base according to claim 1 wherein the channel extends continuously along the outer rim portion of the base sink member.

3. A shower base according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the cross section of the channel is U-shaped or V-shaped or square shaped.

4. A shower base according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the periphery of the base sink member has a vertically extending portion, in use, to be associated with a wall structure.

5. A shower base according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upwardly projecting member extends as such to be substantially flush with tiles, in use, being laid over the base sink member.

6. A shower base according to any one of claims I to 4 formed as an integral unit.

7. A shower base including a base sink member, the base sink member having a waste outlet, a waste outlet insert attachable to the base sink member and locatablc adjacent the periphery of the waste outlet to be flush with the top surface of diles, in use, laid on the base sink member, an outer rim portion about a substantial part. of the periphery of the base sink member, and a channel provided either adjacent the outer rim or attached to the top surface of the outer rim portion, in use, to receive an upright wall member. 12 COMS ID No: SBMI-04692915 Received by IP Australia: lime 15:21 Date 2006-09-07 07/09/2006 17:43 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANYV PAGE 09/09

8. A shower base according to claim 7 wherein the channel extends continuously along the outer rim portion of the base sink member.

9. A shower base according to either claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the cross section of rhli channel is U-shaped or V-shaped or square shaped.

A shower base according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the periphery of the base sink member has a vcrticaUy extending portion, in use, to be associated with a wall structure.

11. A shower base according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the waste outlet insert extends as such to be substantially flush with tiles, in use, being laid over the base sink member.

12. A shower base substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. Dated: this 6 h day of September 2006. BRUCE NATHAN WARNER By his Agents SCHUCH COMPANY

13 COMS ID No: SBMI-04692915 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:21 Date 2006-09-07