GB2462856A

GB2462856A - Shower tray

Info

Publication number: GB2462856A
Application number: GB0815407A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Charles Grave; Matthew Jason Toms
Original assignee: Impey UK Ltd
Current assignee: Impey UK Ltd
Priority date: 2008-08-22
Filing date: 2008-08-22
Publication date: 2010-02-24
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-22
Also published as: GB0815407D0; GB2462856B

Abstract

A shower tray has a tread 50 with a sump 25 below the tread. Water runs to the edge of the tread and into the sump and through an outlet 45. The tread may be shaped to direct the water into the sump at its edge and may be generally convex. The water outlet 45 may have a waste trap 40 and be positioned in the centre of the sump. The tread may have feet 51 to support it and for a cavity below. Also a shower tray junction 20 comprising a strip (34 fig 12) receivable in a base section (65 fig 12) secured to the edge of the tray, the strip extending across the junction between the tray base and floor. The junction base may be formed integral with the tray 25. The junction strip can be pivotally received in the base to allow for variations in alignment between the tray and floor. The strip may have a stabilizing arm (70 fig 12) received in a channel (67 fig 12) in the base.

Description

SHOWER ASSEMBLIES

The present invention relates generally to shower assemblies and particularly to a shower base or shower fray assembly.

There are a number of considerations when designing shower units for installation into a bathroom or similar room. For example, the tray must successfully drain waste water at an acceptable flow rate and the junction between the tray and the adjacent flooring must be sealed to prevent leakage of waste water and subsequent damage to the surrounding building structure.

These types of consideration can become particularly important and more complex with low-level or level access shower trays, used for example in wet rooms and having particular advantages for people of reduced mobility such as the elderly or disabled.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a shower tray comprising a shower tread and a sump for receiving run-off water from the tread, the tray including one or more water drains at or towards the periphery * ** of the tread for directing run-off water into the sump, and the sump having a * * * * ** *... 20 sump outlet for draining waste water to a waste outlet. **** * ** * * *

* : The shower tread is the standing area or showering surface upon which a user is : positioned in use. **** ** * * S S * **

The water drains do not drain directly to a waste water outlet but rather first to a sump. Depending on the flow rate water may build up in the sump temporarily as it waits for drainage to the waste outlet.

By having an intermediate sump this allows the tray to be designed to have an improved flow rate by permitting a head of water to build up over the sump outlet without affecting the tread area.

The water drain/s may be provided at the periphery of the tread. By having wafer drains at the periphery of the tread area, water can be quickly channelled away from the tread area and into the sump.

The shower tread may be shaped to direct water to the water drain/s. The tread may have surface formations, cambers, contours and the like for channelling water to the periphery. For example, the shower tread may be generally convex. A convex or crowned surface can be used to provide a high flow rate off the tread and into the sum p. The sump may be shaped to direct waste wafer to the sump outlet. The sump may have surface formations, combers, contours and the like for channelling water to the outlet. For example, the sump may be generally concave. A concave surface can be used to provide a high flow rate through and out of : the sump.

* 25 The water drain may comprise a single substantially continuous channel formed at or in the region of the periphery of the shower tread. In other embodiments one or more discrete outlets are provided and the shower tread is adapted accordingly to direct water to the drain/s.

The tread may be offset from or extended partially or completely over the sump. For example, the tread may be fitted directly on top of the sump in use.

The sump outlet may be positioned at or in the region of the centre thereof.

This allows for the maximum flow rate particularly when in combination with peripheral outlets.

The waste outlet may comprise a waste trap. Alternatively, and particularly with a multi-shower installation, the waste outlet may be part of a manifold arrangement leading eventually to a shared waste trap.

The tray may comprise a level access tray. These trays provide a smooth transition from the flooring surface to a showering surface and are therefore particularly suitable for wet rooms and the like.

* ** According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a * * * :.:: 20 shower tray junction for providing a transition between the periphery of a tray S...

and a floor section, the junction comprising a base section securable at or to * ** * * S * : the periphery of a tray, and a junction strip receivable in the base which, in use, S..

: extends across the junction between the base and the floor section. **.

S *0

* 25 The junction therefore covers the area in which the flooring abuts or approaches the tray periphery.

The base may be formed integrally with the tray. The base may be formed as part of the tray, such as in a one piece moulding, or may be formed separately but then incorporated into the tray so as to become integral. Alternatively the base may be formed separately and then attached (i.e. connected) to the tray. or merely secured adjacent to the tray without necessarily being connected thereto.

The junction strip may be pivotably receivable in the base. This allows for variations in the relative height of the base and floor section.

The strip may comprise a stabilising arm with the base having a channel for receiving the arm. The purpose of the stabilising arm is to ensure that the strip is held stably and firm in the base, even in embodiments where relative movement is permitted.

The arm may be slidably receivable in the channel. Relative movement of the strip in the base can be facilitated by the sliding action. * ** * * * * *.

s.'., 20 There may be provided means for retaining the arm in the channel. For S..

example, knurling, ratchet teeth or an interference fit. **.

* The base may comprise a socket for receiving a corresponding enlarged head element on the strip. The socket and head arrangement may allow the strip to pivot along its longitudinal axis. The arc of the socket may be approximately 1800 and in some embodiments is greater than 1800 to allow for a push-or snap-fitting of the head.

The junction strip may further comprise sealing means for sealing against a floor section in use. For example, the strip itself may be resilient or may have a separate sealing element, such as an 0-ring cord formed in cavity.

The base may comprise a hollow box section. A box section provides for high strength and rigidity of the component.

Shower trays formed in accordance with the present invention may be provided with the junction according to the present invention.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shower tray assembly formed according to the present invention; *:::* Figure 2 is a plan view of the tray of figure 1; * * S...

*:*::* Figure 3 is a side elevation of the tray of figure 2; *.S : Figure 4 is a side elevation of the tray of figure 2; *...

S

* 25 Figure 5 is an exploded view of the tray of figures 1 to 4; Figure 6 is an exploded view of a shower tray sump component; Figure 7 is perspective view of the sump of figure 6 shown assembled; Figure 8 is a section of the shower tray assembly of figure 1 to 5; Figure 9 is a partial section of the shower tray assembly of figures 1 to 5; Figure 10 is a magnified view of the assembly of figure 9; Figure 11 is a detailed view of the area A of the tray assembly of figure 9; and Figure 12 is a section of the tray assembly shown in the region of the point at which it is adjacent the surrounding floor section.

Referring first to figures 1 to 4 there is shown a shower tray assembly generally indicated 10, which in this embodiment is formed as a level-access shower tray that is sunken with respect to surrounding flooring 15. The tray 10 is generally rectangular in plan and in this embodiment is shown fitted at the corner of a room. The transition between the tray 10 and the floor 15 is provided by a junction strip arrangement 20 described in more detail below. * *a * S S * 0.

S *

S

: Referring now also to figure 5 the components of the shower tray assembly 10 are shown in more detail. S. S * a a * S.

The assembly 10 comprises a generally rectangular sump 25, a generally rectangular shower tread 50, a waste trap 40, a drain 45, and the junction strip arrangement 20.

Referring now also to figure 6 and 7 the sump 25 is shown in more detail. The sump 25 comprises a generally rectangular base 26 which is concavely curved.

A sump outlet 27 is formed in the base, in this embodiment slightly offset from the centre thereof. The periphery of the base 26 is provided with a raised section 28 in the form of a plurality of shaped (in this embodiment part-circular) recessed bays 29 formed in a continuous array.

One of the longer sides 30 and one of the short sides 31 of the base 26 include upstanding walls 32, 33 which fit against the building walls in use.

The junction arrangement 20 includes three strips 34, 35, 36 on of which connects to the long side 37, one of which connects to the short side 38, and one of which joins the strips together and fits at the corner of the sides. * ** 0. * * **

The shower tread 50 is a generally rectangular sheet or board which is convexly curved. The tread fits onto the sump and rests on the raised section 28. The tread itse'f has a plurality of feet 51 (shown best in Figures 9 and 10) which allow : *. it to be spaced from the base and to form a cavity therebetween. The tread **..

*.. 50 extends almost to the edge of the sump, but there is some clearance at its periphery and this serves as a drainage channel around the periphery of the tread.

The waste trap 40 fits into the drain 45 and connects to the wafer outlet (as shown best in Figures 9 and 10). The drain connects around the outlet and depends therefrom.

In use water falls onto the tread and due to its convex shape is caused to flow towards the edges. The water flows info the channel at the periphery of the tread and into the sump. Due to the concave shape of the base the run-off water then flows towards the sump outlet and from there info the waste trap before passing into the drain.

Because the tread 50 is convex the water flows quickly and in all directions to the edges so that it is quickly removed. Further, because the sump base is concave and receives water from the periphery of the tread, the rate of flow towards the outlet is maximised. In use a head of water will build above the outlet and this will cause the rate of flow into the trap to be increased considerably. Importantly, the head of water builds in the sump and not on the tread so that the user will not find themselves standing (or sitting) in a body of water. * .S S *

:.:: 20 Because the tray is so efficient at causing water to flow to the edges and then * *** quickly into the sump. the amount of water passing beyond the boundaries of * S S. S * the tray is minimised. Consequently, the strain on any seals at the boundary, ***

S

such as on shower doors, is reduced. It is well known that such seals tend to be * .* weak and to weaken over time, thus minimising the amount of wafer which travels to them is beneficial.

In this embodiment the tray is shown as generally rectangular. It will be appreciated, however, that the principles of the present invention could equally well be applied to other shapes including, without limitation, square and round or curved trays.

Referring now also to Figures 9 to 12 the junction arrangement 20 is shown in more detail.

The periphery of the sump base 25 includes an L-shape recess 60 into which is fitted a generally rectangular elongate junction base 65.

In section the junction base 65 is shown to comprise an arcuate socket 66 and a channel or groove 67.

The tray is shown butting up against the flooring 15 and it is important to cover the join, in this embodiment both for aesthetic and sealing purposes.

The sealing strip 34 comprises a sealing leg 68 with an enlarged head portion 69 ****** 20 at one end. A stabilising arm 70 depends from the leg 68 and is joined to the head by a first curved leg portion 68a. A second curved leg portion 68bextends away from the head portion end. * e* * * * S...

*:*. The head portion 69 of the strip fits into the socket 66 and can pivot therein along its longitudinal axis. The arc of the socket is slightly greater than 180° and this means that the head must be pushed into the socket but thereafter cannot easily be removed. The stabilising arm 70 fits into the channel 67 and is inserted or withdrawn to a greater or lesser extent depending on the angular orientation of the head portion. This allows the strip to accommodate variation in the height of the tray and the flooring. The stabilising arm and groove include formations for holding it securely in place once the angular orientation is set, such as ratchet teeth or knurling. The second leg portion is positioned to rest on the flooring top covering 16 (such as tiles or vinyl). In this embodiment the portion is resilient and a seal can be formed. In other embodiments a separate sealing element is provided.

The junction sealing arrangement and the edge draining described herein can be used together in the same assembly or separately with assemblies provided with only one or the other. * ** * * S * .* *** * S *S** * ** * * S * **

S *S

S * S. * S * * *5 S * . * S.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shower tray comprising a shower tread and a sump for receiving run-off water from the tread, the tray including one or more water drains at or towards the periphery of the tread for directing run-off water info the sump. and the sump having a sump outlet for draining waste water to a waste outlet.
2. A shower tray as claimed in Claim 1, in which the shower tread is shaped to direct water to the outlet.
3. A shower tray as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the shower tread is generally convex.
4. A shower tray as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, in which the sump is shaped to direct waste water to the outlet.
5. A shower tray as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the sump is generally concave. * .** * * *S*S

*:*::*
6. A shower tray as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the waste *, water outlet comprises a continuous channel formed at or in the : region of the periphery of the shower tread. a. S * * S * S.
7. A shower tray as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the shower tread extends over the sump.
8. A shower tray as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the sump outlet is positioned at or in the region of the centre thereof.
9. A shower tray as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the waste outlet comprises a waste trap.
10. A shower tray as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tray comprises a level access tray.
11. A shower tray junction for providing a transition between the periphery of a fray and a floor section, the junction comprising a base section securable at or to the periphery of a tray, and a junction strip receivable in the base which, in use, extends across the junction between the base and the floor section.
12. A junction as claimed in Claim 11, in which the base is formed integrally with the tray. * ** * * . * **

. 20
13. A junction as claimed in Claim 11 or Claim 12, in which the strip is pivotably receivable in the base whereby to allow for variations in the relative height of the base and floor section. * .* * S S S.
14. A junction as claimed in Claims 11 to 13, in which the strip comprises a stabilising arm and the base comprises channel for receiving the arm.
15. A junction as claimed in Claim 14, in which the arm is slidably receivable in the channel.
16. A junction as claimed in Claim 14 or Claim 15, in which there is provided means for retaining the arm in the channel.
17. A junction as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16, in which the base comprises a socket for receiving a corresponding enlarged head element on the strip.
18. A junction as claimed in any of claims 11 to 1 7, in which the junction strip further comprises sealing means for sealing against a floor section in use.
19. A junction as claimed in any of claims 11 to 18, in which the base comprises a hollow box section.
20. A level access shower tray having a junction as claimed in any of . 20 claims 11 to 19. * S. * . S * S.
21. A shower tray as claimed in any of claims ito 10 having a junction as : claimed in any of claims 11 to 19. 55*5 S. SS SS S **
22. A shower tray substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and shown in, the accompanying drawings.
23. A shower fray juncfion substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and shown in, the accompanying drawings. * S. * S * * ** * S S... * S. * S * * ** *55 * S. * S S *5S' a. SS SS S *S