GB2632090A

GB2632090A - A bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2632090A
Application number: GB2309166.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Watt David; Hopkins Mark
Original assignee: Norcros Group Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Norcros Group Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2023-06-19
Filing date: 2023-06-19
Publication date: 2025-01-29
Also published as: IE20240344A3; IE20240344A2

Abstract

A bracket 10 with a second portion 16 connected to and extending transversely from a first portion 14, the second portion comprising a formation 34 for receiving a rail or conduit of a shower riser bar 11. The 2nd portion may be perpendicular or at an obtuse angle e.g. 135 degrees. The formation may be a cylindrical passage with openings 34a,34b for receiving the rail. The 1st portion may have a planar wall 48 with apertures 28 for receiving fasteners for attaching it to a wall. The preferably plastic or stainless steel moulded bracket may include internal walls 44a,b for strength, with an external cover (50, Fig. 5). The brackets allow a rail to be mounted in the corner of a shower where two walls meet, ensuring a shower head extends from the corner allowing movement space for a user of a corner shower cubical (see Figs. 13-15 compared to Figs. 11,12). Also claimed are brackets defined by the relative position of the formations, and kits of parts including brackets.

Description

TITLE: A bracket

FIELD

This invention relates to shower installations. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a bracket for the installation of a shower riser rail or a conduit for an overhead shower in a corner.

BACKGROUND

Known shower systems often have a water heater or mixing valve having a water inlet conduit which supplies heated water for use downstream by a user. The water heater may be an instantaneous water heater, e.g. an electric shower unit, connected to a cold water supply and the water inlet conduit is connected to a downstream outlet of the water heater. The mixing valve may be a mixer bar connected to separate hot water, e.g. hot water cylinder, and cold water supplies, and the water inlet conduit is connected to the downstream outlet of the mixing valve.

Shower systems typically include a riser rail which is installed on the wall through one or more brackets or other fixing devices. A handset holder may be attached to the riser rail for receiving a handheld shower handset. The position of the handset holder may be adjustable to move the handset holder up or down the riser rail so that the handset holder is at a suitable height for the user.

Some shower systems may include an overhead shower head connected to the water heater in addition to the handheld shower handset. The overhead shower head may be attached to the riser rail or directly attached to the wall. Water may be supplied to the overhead shower head via a conduit that runs through the inside of the riser rail, or there may be an external conduit which is separate from the riser rail.

In some shower systems, an overhead shower head may be connected to a separate conduit which is not part of a riser rail from which water is supplied thereto. The conduit may be directly connected to a water heater, or indirectly connected by a diverter valve which may be user operated to selectively supply water to the overhead shower head and/or another shower head or accessory. The overhead shower head may need to be installed in a corner in applications.

The present disclosure seeks to provide a bracket for installing a riser rail or a conduit for an overhead shower in a corner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention we provide a bracket for attaching to a corner and receiving a shower riser rail or a conduit for an overhead shower including: a first portion which attaches to a part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; and a second portion which is connected to the first portion, wherein the second portion extends generally transversely with respect to the first portion, wherein the second portion includes a formation for receiving a shower riser rail or a conduit for an overhead shower.

Optionally or preferably the second portion extends away from the first portion at an angle O. Optionally or preferably the angle 6 is 90 degrees.

Optionally or preferably the angle e is an obtuse angle, optionally or preferably 135 degrees.

Optionally or preferably the second portion is inclined with respect to the first portion.

Optionally or preferably the first portion generally extends along a direction D1, and the second portion generally extends along a direction D2 transverse to direction D1, and the angle between directions D1 and D2 is the angle a Optionally or preferably the first portion terminates in an end which faces towards the second wall when the bracket is attached.

Optionally or preferably the second portion includes a surface which faces towards the second wall and forms a space with respect to the second wall when the first portion is attached to the first wall, and optionally or preferably the second portion includes a further surface which faces towards the first wall and forms a space with respect to the first wall when the first portion is attached to the first wall.

Optionally or preferably the second portion terminates in a free end which is positioned away from the part of the first wall and the second wall.

Optionally or preferably the free end is positioned closer to the first wall than the second wall.

Optionally or preferably the free end includes the formation.

Optionally or preferably the first portion includes one or more apertures for one or more fasteners to pass therethrough and attach the first portion to the first wall.

Optionally or preferably the first portion includes a planar wall which rests against or engages the first wall when the first portion is attached to the first wall.

Optionally or preferably the planar wall defines the one or more apertures.

Optionally or preferably the formation includes an aperture for receiving a portion of the riser rail therein.

Optionally or preferably the formation defines a passage through which the riser rail extends when received therein, optionally or preferably the passage extends axially along an axis A, optionally or preferably the axis A is vertical when the first portion is attached to the first wall.

A bracket according to any preceding aspect optionally or preferably including 5 opposing upper and lower walls; wherein the upper wall faces upwardly and the lower wall faces downwardly when the bracket is attached; and wherein the upper wall and lower wall define a space S between them.

A bracket according to any preceding aspect optionally or preferably including a cover for enclosing the space S, wherein the cover is removable to provide access to the space S. A bracket according to any preceding aspect optionally or preferably including one or more internal walls located in the space S which extend lengthwise along the bracket.

A bracket according to any preceding aspect the first portion and second portion may together form a generally '12 shape.

A bracket according to any preceding aspect wherein the formation may be located on the bracket such that when the riser rail or conduit is installed, the riser rail or conduit is located on one side of a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall, optionally or preferably the riser rail or conduit is located closer to the first wall than the second wall.

A bracket according to any preceding aspect wherein the formation may be located on the bracket such that when the conduit is installed, the conduit lies in or is intersected by a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall.

According to another aspect of the present invention we provide a bracket for the installation of a shower riser rail, or a conduit for an overhead shower in a corner including: a body including: a first side which forms part of a first portion, wherein the first side which attaches to a part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; and a second side which forms part of a second portion, which faces towards the second wall and forms a space with respect to the second wall when the first side is attached to the first wall; wherein the first portion terminates in an end which faces towards the second wall when the bracket is attached; wherein the second portion includes a formation for receiving a shower riser rail or a conduit; and wherein the formation is located on one side of a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees when the bracket is attached.

Optionally or preferably the formation is located closer to the first wall than the 15 second wall when the bracket is attached.

According to another aspect of the present invention we provide a bracket for the installation of a conduit for an overhead shower in a corner including: a body including: a first side which forms part of a first portion, wherein the first side which attaches to a part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; and a second side which forms part of a second portion, which faces towards the second wall and forms a space with respect to the second wall when the first side is attached to the first wall; wherein the first portion terminates in an end which faces towards the second wall when the bracket is attached; wherein the second portion includes a formation for receiving a conduit for an overhead shower; and wherein the formation is located on the bracket such that when the conduit is installed, the conduit lies in or is intersected by a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall.

Optionally or preferably the planar wall defines the one or more apertures.

A bracket according to any preceding aspect optionally or preferably including an opening located at the end of the second portion for receiving a fastener to hold the riser rail or conduit relative to the bracket, optionally or preferably the formation provides the opening.

According to another aspect of the present invention we provide a kit for installing a riser rail, or a conduit for an overhead shower to a corner including: a first bracket according to any preceding claim for attaching to a first part of the first wall; a second bracket according to any preceding claim for attaching to a second part of the first wall; wherein the first bracket supports the top end of the riser rail or conduit, and the second bracket supports the bottom end of the riser rail or conduit when the riser rail or conduit is installed.

According to another aspect of the present invention we provide a kit for installing a riser rail, or a conduit for an overhead shower to a corner including: a first bracket for attaching to a first part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; a second bracket for attaching to a second part of the first wall; wherein the first bracket supports the top end of the riser rail or conduit, and the second bracket supports the bottom end of the riser rail, wherein the first bracket and second bracket are arranged so that the riser or conduit is located on one side of a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees when the brackets are attached.

Optionally or preferably the riser rail or conduit is located closer to the first wall than the second wall when the riser rail or conduit is installed.

According to another aspect of the present invention we provide a kit for installing a conduit for an overhead shower to a corner including: a first bracket for attaching to a first part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; a second bracket for attaching to a second part of the first wall; wherein the first bracket supports the top end of the conduit, and the second bracket supports the bottom end of the riser rail, wherein the first bracket and second bracket are arranged such that when the conduit is installed, the conduit lies in or is intersected by a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall.

According to another aspect of the present invention we provide a kit for installing a riser rail or a conduit for an overhead shower to a corner including: a first bracket for attaching to a first part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; a second bracket for attaching to a second part of the first wall; wherein the first bracket supports the top end of the riser rail or conduit, and the second bracket supports the bottom end of the riser rail or conduit, wherein the brackets have respective formations for receiving the respective ends of the riser rail or conduit and the formations are located on the brackets such that, when the riser rail or conduit is installed, the riser rail or conduit is located on 25 one side of a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees.

Optionally or preferably the riser rail or conduit is closer to the first wall than the second wall.

According to another aspect of the present invention we provide a kit for installing a conduit for an overhead shower to a corner including: a first bracket for attaching to a first part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; a second bracket for attaching to a second part of the first wall; wherein the first bracket supports the top end of the conduit, and the second bracket supports the bottom end of the conduit, wherein the brackets have respective formations for receiving the respective 5 ends of the conduit and which formations are located on the brackets such that, when the conduit is installed, the conduit lies in or is intersected by a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a is a perspective view of a bracket according to an example of the present

disclosure;

Figure I b is a perspective view of the bracket of figure 1 a with a component part removed and certain internal features shown in phantom; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bracket of figure la with a component part removed; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the bracket of figure 1 a; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bracket of figure la with a component part removed and connected to a part of a riser rail; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the bracket of figure 1a connected to a part of a riser rail; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bracket of figure la in a certain configuration during installation in a corner and connected to a part of the riser rail; Figure 7 is perspective view of the bracket as shown in figure 6 in a further configuration during installation; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a riser rail with a pair of brackets of figure la connected and partially installed; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the riser rail as shown in figure 8 on completion of the installation and certain other component parts connected to the riser rail; Figures 10a and 10b are perspective views of a riser rail connected to a pair of brackets of figure 1 in alternative first and second orientations; Figure 11 includes images showing a prior art shower system installed in a first configuration with a user in certain positions; Figure 12 includes images showing the prior art shower system of figure 11 in a different second configuration with a user in certain positions; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a shower system using the brackets of figure la to install a riser rail of the shower system in a corner; Figures 14 and 15 are plan views of the shower system of figure 13 with a user standing in first and second states respectively; and Figure 16 is a plan view of a bracket according to another example of the present disclosure installed in a corner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to figures 1 to 5, a bracket 10 is shown according to an example of the present disclosure. The bracket 10 is for attaching to a corner of a wall and receiving a shower riser rail. In the example shown the bracket 10 is for installing a shower riser rail but it should be understood that, in examples, the bracket 10 is for installing a conduit for an overhead shower in a corner. The conduit may be a separate conduit which is not part of a riser rail from which water is supplied thereto. The conduit may be directly connected to a water heater, or indirectly connected by a diverter valve which may be user operated to selectively supply water to the overhead shower head and/or another shower head or accessory in examples. The bracket 10 includes a first portion 14 which attaches to a part of a first wall that forms a corner with an adjacent second wall, and a second portion 16 which is connected to the first portion 14. The second portion 16 extends generally transversely with respect to the first portion 14. The second portion 16 includes a formation 34 for receiving a riser rail.

The bracket 10 may have a body 12. The body 12 may be formed as a single piece or multiple pieces connected together. The body 12 may include the first portion 14 and second portion 16. The body 12 may form the main structure of the bracket 10. The bracket 10 may include a cover 50 which fits around the body 12 and is removably connected thereto. The bracket 10 may include an internal space S in examples.

The bracket 10 has a first and second opposite sides 18, 20, and third and fourth opposite sides 25, 26. The first side 18 is positioned adjacent the wall when the bracket 10 is installed, and the third and fourth sides 25, 26 are the lateral sides of the bracket 10.

The first portion 14 and second portion 16 denote respective portions of the bracket 10. The portions 14, 16 do not necessarily denote separate component parts of the bracket 10 although they may be separate component parts in examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The first portion 14 may be a generally tapered with respect to the rest of the bracket 10. The second portion 16 terminates at the second side 20 in a free end 32. The formation 34 may be provided at or near the free end 32. The second portion 16 may slope away from the first portion 14 at an angle.

In this example, the first portion 14 is generally foot shaped relative to the rest of the bracket 10. The second portion 16 has a larger width relative to the first portion 14 and is generally rectangular shaped. The second portion 16 is generally arcuate shaped at its free end 32. It will be appreciated that the first and second portions 14, 16 may have different shapes and relative dimensions in other examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

When the bracket 10 is attached, the first side 18 faces the first wall forming the corner and the third side faces towards the second wall forming the corner to form a space with respect to the second wall. The first portion 14 terminates in an end 14a which faces towards the second wall when the bracket 10 is attached during use. In examples, the formation 34 may be positioned closer to the first wall than the second wall when the bracket 10 is attached during use. In other examples, e.g..

where the bracket 10 is for installing a conduit of an overhead shower head in a corner, the formation 34 is located on the bracket such that when the conduit is installed, the conduit lies in or is intersected by a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall.

The first portion 14 may include means for attaching the bracket 10 to the first wall.

In the example shown in the figures 1 to 4, the first portion 14 includes a plurality of apertures 28 which receive fasteners that extend into the first wall to attach the first portion 14 to the first wall and thereby fix the bracket 10 in place. In examples, the first portion 14 may include a planar wall 48 which rests against or engages the first wall when the bracket 10 is attached thereto as will be described. The wall 48 may define the apertures 28 which receive the fasteners in examples.

The second portion 16 may be generally inclined with respect to the first portion 14. In an example according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second portion 16 may extend away from the first portion 14 at an angle A. In examples, the angle may be an obtuse angle. For example, the angle may be 135 degrees. In other examples, the angle e may not be an obtuse angle, e.g. it may be 90 degrees. The second portion 16 may be arranged so that the second portion is angled or slopes away from the first wall when the bracket 10 is attached.

Referring to figure 3, the first portion 14 generally extends along a direction D1 and the second portion 16 generally extends along a direction D2, and the angle between the direction D1 and D2 is the angle e.

The second portion 16 includes a formation 34 for receiving a shower riser rail 11. The formation 34 may include an aperture for receiving a portion of the riser rail 11 therein. In this example, the formation 34 defines first and second apertures 34a, 34b spaced at respective upper and lower ends of the formation 34. The formation 34 may define a passage 46 through which a riser rail 11 extends when received therein. In this example, the riser rail 11 extends through both apertures 34a, 34b so that the end of the riser rail 11 is proud of the top of the formation 34. In examples, the end of the riser rail 11 may be level with, or below, the top of the formation 34. In examples, the formation 34 may only have a single aperture, e.g. lower aperture 34b, and be closed at the opposite end to the aperture without departing from the scope of the present invention. The passage 46 may extend axially along an axis A, and axis A may be vertical when the first portion 14 is attached to the wall. This is so that the riser rail 11 extends vertically along the passage 46 when received therein. The formation 34 may be positioned at or near the free end 32. In this example, the formation 34 is a cylindrical wall defining the passage 46 to receive the cylindrically shaped riser rail 11. An outer aperture or opening 35 may be located at the end of the second portion 16 for receiving a fastener to hold the riser rail 11 to the bracket 10. For example, when the riser rail 11 is located in or on the formation 34, the outer aperture 35 aligns with a corresponding aperture on the riser rail 11 for the fastener to pass through the outer opening 35 and be received by the aperture on the riser rail 11. With reference to figure 4, this shows bracket 10 receiving a lower end of the riser rail 11. The formation 34 may provide the outer aperture 35. The outer aperture 35 may be provided in the side of the formation 34 and face radially outwards. The outer aperture 35 is in communication with the passage 46. The formation 34 may include an inner aperture 36' which may be positioned on the inside of the formation 34 opposite to the outer aperture 35 and horizontally aligned therewith. A fastener 36 for fixing the riser rail 11 to the bracket 10 may pass through the outer aperture 35 into a passage of the riser rail 11 to fasten against the bracket 10 through the inner aperture 36'.

The bracket 10 may include an upper wall 40 and a lower wall 42. The upper wall and lower walls 40, 42 may be planar walls which are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction to define the space S. The walls 40, 42 extend horizontally along the length of the bracket 10 from the first side 18 to the second side 20. The walls 40, 42 have distal ends which are connected to upper and lower ends of the formation 34 respectively. The walls 40, 42 have proximate ends which are connected to upper and lower ends of the wall 48. The upper wall 40 includes an aperture 40a positioned generally midway along its length near the centre of the wall 40. The lower wall 42 may have an aperture 40b which is positioned such that the aperture 40b is aligned with the aperture 40a.

The bracket 10 may include internal walls 44a, 44b located in the space S which extend lengthwise and horizontally along the bracket 10 to strengthen the bracket 10. The internal wall 44a is generally planar and has the same shape as the upper and lower walls 40, 42. The wall 44a is orientated horizontally and extends along the middle of the space S in this example but may be positioned at any suitable height in the space S. The wall 44a has a distal end which is connected to a midsection of the formation 34. The internal wall 44b extends vertically within the space S and is positioned closer to the third side 25 than the fourth side 26 and is connected to and extends between the walls 40, 42, 44a. An internal formation 46a extends horizontally from the inner aperture 36 and inwardly along the internal walls 44a, 44b. The formation 46a extends lengthwise along a mid-length of the bracket 10 in this example. The internal formation 46a forms a recess for receiving a fastener as will be described. The walls 40, 42, 44a, 44b define a further internal formation 46b in the form of a passage which extends vertically from the upper wall 40 to the lower wall 42 between apertures 40a, 42b in the walls 40, 42. The formation 46b is positioned offset centrally in a lengthwise direction of the second portion 16.

Referring to figure 5, the cover 50 is removable to provide access to the space S and to access the internal surface of the wall 48. The cover 50 extends across the second, third and fourth sides 20, 25, 26 to conceal the internal components of the bracket 10. The cover 50 is formed as a single piece in this example but may be formed from multiple parts connected together in other examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The cover 50 may be connected to the rest of the bracket 10 through fasteners or without fasteners. In the present example, the cover 50 includes formation 52 and the bracket 10 includes a corresponding formation 54. The formation 52 is formed as a shaped recess and the formation 54 is a projection shaped in a corresponding way to be received therein. The formations 52 and 54 fit together to form an interference fit to locate the cover 50 in place. The cover 50 may be slidably fitted onto the bracket 10. Referring to figures 6 and 7, the cover 50 includes an internal boss (not shown) which locates with the formation 46b to receive a fastener 51 therein to fasten the cover 50 in place as will be described. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable methods, e.g. clips or the like, for connecting the cover 50 to the rest of the bracket may be used.

The bracket 10 may be made from any suitable material or coated material which is water and corrosion resistant, e.g. plastic or stainless steel. The bracket 10 may be manufactured using a moulding process or other suitable process.

The riser rail 11, and a pair of brackets 10 may be provided as a kit for installing a riser rail 11 to a corner. The kit may include a pair of covers 50 which are handed pairs in examples. A first bracket 10 is attached to a first part of the first wall. A second bracket 10 is attached to a second part of the first wall. The first bracket 10 supports the top end of the riser rail 11 and the second bracket 10 supports the bottom end of the riser rail 11. The first bracket 10 and second bracket 10 are arranged so that the riser rail 11 is positioned closer to the first wall 55 than the second wall 56 when the first and second brackets 10 are attached.

With reference to figures 8 and 9, use of a pair of brackets 10 for attaching to a 5 corner formed between a first wall 55 and adjacent second wall 56 and receiving riser rail 11 will now be described.

The brackets 10 are identical in this example and respectively support top and bottom ends 11a, 11b of the riser 11. The riser rail 11 is a cylindrical pole in this example and has horizontally extending passages (not shown) near its top and bottom ends 11a, 11 b that terminate in respective openings on opposite portions of the surface of the riser rail 11. In examples, only one end of the riser rail 11 will have a passage and only one end of the riser rail 11 is fixed to the brackets 10.

The upper bracket 10 is attached to a part of the first wall 55 which is located near to where the corner is formed. To do so, the first portion 14 of the bracket 10 is rested against the first wall 55. Fastener holes must be formed in the first wall 55 to locate apertures 28 in the wall 48 so that the bracket 10 is in the desired position. The fastener holes can be marked by positioning the bracket 10 in place with the cover 50 removed so that the apertures 28 are accessible. Once the fastener holes have been made, the bracket 10 is placed into position. In this example, the bracket 10 is positioned with the cover 50 removed such that the free or distal end 14a of the first portion 14 abuts the second wall 56 at the corner. The first portion 14 may have a predetermined length so that, when the end 14a abuts the second wall 56, the formation 34 is at a predetermined position relative to the corner. This ensures that the riser rail 11 is positioned in the correct position when the bracket 10 is attached in a convenient way. As the cover 50 is removed, the apertures on the wall 48 are accessible. Fasteners 57 are passed through the apertures 28 in the wall 48, into the fastener holes in the first wall 55 and fastened to fix the bracket 10 in place. When the bracket 10 is attached, the upper wall 40 faces upwardly, and the lower wall 42 faces downwardly.

The lower bracket 10 is similarly attached to the first wall 55 and is spaced below the upper bracket 10 to receive the bottom end 11b of the riser rail 11. The lower bracket 10 is orientated in the same way as the upper bracket 10 when it is attached to the first wall 55.

Referring to figure 8, this shows the brackets 10 and riser rail 11 fixed in place without the covers 50 connected. The riser rail 11 is passed through the formations 34 of each bracket 10 so that the passages at the top and bottom ends 11a, 11 b of the riser rail 11 are aligned with the apertures 35, 36' in each of the brackets 10.

Fasteners (not visible) are passed through the apertures 35, 36' and the passages in the riser rail 11 until they are received in the internal formations 46a. The fasteners 36 are then fastened to fix the riser rail 11 in place relative to the brackets 10.

Additional components may also be connected to the riser rail 11. For example, referring to figure 10, the riser rail 11 may have a shower handset holder 82 and soap dish 70 connected thereto.

For each bracket 10, the free end 32 of the second portion 16 is positioned away from the first wall 55 and the second wall 56. The free end 32 is positioned closer to the first wall 55 than the second wall 56. As the free end 32 of each bracket 10 includes the formation 34 which receives an end of the riser rail 11, the riser rail 11 is positioned in the same way to be closer to the first wall 55 than the second wall 56.

Similarly, the second portion 16 has a surface located on the fourth side 26 of the bracket 10 which faces towards the second wall 56 and forms a space with respect to the second wall 56. The second portion 16 has an opposite surface located on the third side 25 of the bracket 10 which faces towards the first wall 55 and forms a space with respect to the first wall 55. An advantage of such an arrangement is that there are spaces on either side of the bracket 10 near the corner in which parts of other components of the shower system may be located or extend therethrough. It is also easier to access the apertures 28 on the wall 48 to fasten the bracket 10 in place because of the additional space in the corner around the bracket 10 and which has been created by the shape of the bracket 10.

The brackets 10 are only attached to, or abut, one of the walls which form the corner 5 and so can be easily attached to a corner having walls that are not exactly perpendicular to each other.

For each bracket 10, the first portion 14 terminates in a free end, the end 14a, which faces towards or is directed towards the second wall 56. The end 14a, in the example shown, may have a relatively small thickness. This is beneficial as it means the bracket 10 can fit closer into the corner if, for example, the walls which form the corner are not exactly perpendicular to each other.

The bracket 10 is symmetrical about a horizontal plane which intersects a centre line of the bracket 10. Advantageously this permits the bracket 10 to be attached to either of the walls 55, 56 as required. The bracket 10 can be rotated 180 degrees so that it can be installed in two different orientations, respective left-hand and right-hand orientations. The bracket 10 may be installed in a left-hand orientation 72 attached to wall 55 as shown in figure 10a or a right-hand orientation 74 attached to wall 56 as shown in figure 10b. This is advantageous as it allows the user to have more flexibility when installing the riser rail 11 in place.

An advantage of the bracket 10 according to the present disclosure is that the bracket 10 increases the amount of space available to the user for showering when a shower system is installed in a corner.

By way of illustration, a shower system including a corner shower cubicle 90 and prior art brackets 110 for fixing a riser rail 111 in the corner in two different configurations are shown in figures 11 and 12.

The shower system includes a water heater 82, in this case an electric water heater unit, and a shower handset holder 88 attached to a riser rail 111. In other examples, the water heater 82 may be a thermostatic valve or mixer bar rather than an electric water heater unit. The riser rail 111 is connected to a left hand wall 55 of the corner by brackets 110. A shower handset 86 is held in the shower handset holder 88.

In the configuration shown in figure 11, the water heater 82 is installed generally midway along the length of the wall 55 within the shower cubicle 90. The prior art brackets 110 are located relatively closer to the corner but cannot be too closely located to the corner without restricting the space available for the handset holder 88 to rotate about a required range of angles. It can be seen that, due to the location of the riser rail 111, the shower handset 86 is similarly displaced from the corner and thus restricts the space available for the user 80 to stand within the shower cubicle 90. The user's arms cannot be fully raised without contacting the sides of the shower cubicle 90 or the walls which form the corner. This is undesirable as it restricts the user's ability to have an effective shower. The showering area available for the user is effectively reduced by the configuration of the brackets 110 and riser 111. This is visible from the dimension b which marks the reduced distance between the user and the shower cubicle 90.

In the configuration shown in figure 12, the water heater 82 is installed closer to the corner on wall 55. The riser rail 111 and brackets 110 are located relatively far away from the corner. It can be seen that the location of the riser rail 111 causes the shower handset 86 to be positioned relatively far away from the corner as well. This similarly limits the freedom of movement available to the user 80 in a similar manner to that described in relation to the configuration shown in figure 11. In this case, the distance b between the user 80 and the second wall 56 is reduced.

By way of comparison, with reference to figures 13 to 15, the shower system 80 shown in figures 11 and 12 has a riser rail 11 which is installed through the use of brackets 10 according to the present disclosure. The brackets 10 are shown attached to the second wall 56.

Referring to figure 15, a vertical plane P is shown intersecting the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall 55. The formation 34 is located on each bracket 10 so that when the bracket 10 is attached, the riser rail 11 is located on one side of the plane P closer to the second wall 56 than the first wall 55. Due to the shower handset holder 88 extending away from the riser rail 11 towards the first wall 55, the shower handset 86 is located close to or in the plane P and the corner. The plane P intersects the handset 86. This increases the available space within the shower cubicle 90 for the user 80 to move.

The brackets 10 can be located in the corner so that the riser rail 11 is relatively close to the corner compared to the prior art configurations. The brackets 10 are shaped such that a space is created inwardly of the brackets 10 and the riser rail 11, and which space extends towards the first wall 55. This permits the shower handset holder 88 to rotate about a wider angular range, the shower hose from the shower handset 86 to extend within that space, and the shower handset 86 to be located very close to the corner. The result is that the showering space available to the user 80 is increased compared to the prior art systems. Referring to figure 14, it can be seen that the user's arms can be raised and extend sidewardly without contacting the walls 55, 56 or the shower cubicle 90. Referring to figure 15, the distance b between the user and the shower cubicle 90 is relatively increased compared to the prior art system, and a distance a between the user and the shower handset 86 is relatively increased as well.

In examples, the riser rail 11 may also be connected to an overhead shower head rather than only supporting a shower head handset. In such examples the riser rail 11 may include an internal passage for a conduit which supplies water to the riser rail 11. It will be appreciated that brackets 10 according to the present disclosure may be used to install a riser rail 11 which has an overhead shower head according to known methods.

It will be appreciated that other shapes or configurations of a bracket may be utilised without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As an example, with reference to figure 16, a further example of the bracket 10 is shown in plan view attached to the second wall 56 with the riser rail 11 attached to the bracket 10 and shower handset holder 88 attached to the riser rail 11. The bracket 10 has first and second portions 14, 16 that are differently shaped from the example of bracket 10 shown in figures 1 to 4 but otherwise share one or more features in common between them. The first portion 14 is generally elongate shaped and the second portion is generally elongate shaped 16. The second portion 16 is connected to an end of the first portion 14 and extends perpendicularly with respect to the first portion 14. The first portion 14 and second portion 16 together form a generally 1' shape. The second portion 16 includes formation 34 at its free end 32 to receive the upper end of the riser rail 11. It can be seen that the riser rail 11 is positioned in a similar location to the previous example of the bracket 10 shown in the figures 1 to 10.

In examples the formation 34 of the bracket 10 may take different forms or configurations. For example, the formation 34 may not be a completely closed passage and may be partially open to define an open recess which receives the riser rail therein. In such examples, the formation 34 may only have an inner aperture that receives the fastener from the riser rail 11 to hold it in place. The formation 34 may be a surface against which the raiser rail 11 rests and is held in place by the fastener from the riser rail 11 passing into an inner aperture on the surface.

It will be understood that the previously described aspects of the bracket 10 in relation to installing riser rail 11 may apply in a similar way to the bracket 10 when used to install the conduit of an overhead shower head in a corner, with the conduit being receiving in the bracket in a similar way to the riser rail 11. In such examples, the bracket 10 may be configured with the formation 34 is located on the bracket 10 such that when the conduit is installed, the conduit lies in or is intersected by a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall. The plane P may intersect the overhead shower head in such examples. In examples, the conduit may be positioned to one side of the plane P. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bracket for attaching to a corner and receiving a shower riser rail or a conduit for an overhead shower including: a first portion which attaches to a part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; and a second portion which is connected to the first portion, wherein the second portion extends generally transversely with respect to the first portion, wherein the second portion includes a formation for receiving a shower riser rail or a conduit for an overhead shower.
2. A bracket according to claim 1 wherein the second portion extends away from the first portion at an angle e.
3. A bracket according to claim 2 wherein the angle 8 is 90 degrees.
4. A bracket according to claim 2 wherein the angle e is an obtuse angle, optionally or preferably 135 degrees.
5. A bracket according to claim 1, 2 or 4 wherein the second portion is inclined with respect to the first portion.
6. A bracket according to claim 3, 4, or 5 wherein the first portion generally extends along a direction D1, and the second portion generally extends along a direction D2 transverse to direction D1, and the angle between directions D1 and D2 is the angle e.
7. A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein: the first portion terminates in an end which faces towards the second wall when the bracket is attached; and/or the second portion includes a surface which faces towards the second wall and forms a space with respect to the second wall when the first portion is attached to the first wall, and optionally or preferably the second portion includes a further surface which faces towards the first wall and forms a space with respect to the first wall when the first portion is attached to the first wall.
8. A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the second portion terminates in a free end which is positioned away from the part of the first wall and the second wall, optionally or preferably the free end is positioned closer to the first wall than the second wall and/or the free end includes the formation.
9. A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein: the first portion includes one or more apertures for one or more fasteners to pass therethrough and attach the first portion to the first wall; and/or the first portion includes a planar wall which rests against or engages the first wall when the first portion is attached to the first wall, optionally or preferably wherein the planar wall defines the one or more apertures.
10.A bracket according to any preceding claim including one or more of the following: a) wherein the formation includes an aperture for receiving a portion of the riser rail therein; b) the formation defines a passage through which the riser rail extends when received therein, optionally or preferably the passage extends axially along an axis A, optionally or preferably the axis A is vertical when the first portion is attached to the first wall; and c) opposing upper and lower walls; wherein the upper wall faces upwardly and the lower wall faces downwardly when the bracket is attached; and wherein the upper wall and lower wall define a space S between them.
11.A bracket according to claim 10 including a cover for enclosing the space S, wherein the cover is removable to provide access to the space S and/or ncluding one or more internal walls located in the space S which extend lengthwise along the bracket
12.A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the first portion and second portion together form a generally '12 shape.
13.A bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the formation is located on the bracket such that when the riser rail or conduit is installed, the riser rail or conduit is located on one side of a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall, optionally or preferably the riser rail or conduit is located closer to the first wall than the second wall.
14.A bracket according to one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the formation is located on the bracket such that when the conduit is installed, the conduit lies in or is intersected by a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall.
15.A bracket for the installation of a shower riser rail, or a conduit for an overhead shower in a corner including: a body including: a first side which forms part of a first portion, wherein the first side which attaches to a part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; and a second side which forms part of a second portion, which faces towards the second wall and forms a space with respect to the second wall when the first side is attached to the first wall; wherein the first portion terminates in an end which faces towards the second wall when the bracket is attached; wherein the second portion includes a formation for receiving a shower riser rail or a conduit; and wherein the formation is located on one side of a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees when the bracket is attached.
16. A bracket according to claim 15, wherein the formation is located closer to the first wall than the second wall when the bracket is attached.
17.A bracket for the installation of a conduit for an overhead shower in a corner including: a body including: a first side which forms part of a first portion, wherein the first side which attaches to a part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; and a second side which forms part of a second portion, which faces towards the second wall and forms a space with respect to the second wall when the first side is attached to the first wall; wherein the first portion terminates in an end which faces towards the second wall when the bracket is attached; wherein the second portion includes a formation for receiving a conduit for an overhead shower; and wherein the formation is located on the bracket such that when the conduit is installed, the conduit lies in or is intersected by a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall.
18.A bracket according to claim 15, 16 or 17 wherein the first portion includes one or more apertures for one or more fasteners to pass therethrough and attach the first portion to the first wall, optionally or preferably the first portion includes a planar wall which rests against or engages the first wall when the first portion is attached to the first wall, optionally or preferably the planar wall defines the one or more aperture&
19.A bracket according to any preceding claim including an opening located at the end of the second portion for receiving a fastener to hold the riser rail or conduit relative to the bracket, optionally or preferably the formation provides the opening.
20.A kit for installing a riser rail, or a conduit for an overhead shower to a corner including: a first bracket according to any preceding claim for attaching to a first part of the first wall; a second bracket according to any preceding claim for attaching to a second part of the first wall; wherein the first bracket supports the top end of the riser rail or conduit, and the second bracket supports the bottom end of the riser rail or conduit when the riser rail or conduit is installed.
21.A kit for installing a riser rail, or a conduit for an overhead shower to a corner including: a first bracket for attaching to a first part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; a second bracket for attaching to a second part of the first wall; wherein the first bracket supports the top end of the riser rail or conduit, and the second bracket supports the bottom end of the riser rail, wherein the first bracket and second bracket are arranged so that the riser or conduit is located on one side of a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees when the brackets are attached.
22. A kit according to claim 21, wherein the riser rail or conduit is located closer to the first wall than the second wall when the riser rail or conduit is installed.
23.A kit for installing a conduit for an overhead shower to a corner including: a first bracket for attaching to a first part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; a second bracket for attaching to a second part of the first wall; wherein the first bracket supports the top end of the conduit, and the second bracket supports the bottom end of the riser rail, wherein the first bracket and second bracket are arranged such that when the conduit is installed, the conduit lies in or is intersected by a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall.
24.A kit for installing a riser rail or a conduit for an overhead shower to a corner including: a first bracket for attaching to a first part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; a second bracket for attaching to a second part of the first wall; wherein the first bracket supports the top end of the riser rail or conduit, and the second bracket supports the bottom end of the riser rail or conduit, wherein the brackets have respective formations for receiving the respective ends of the riser rail or conduit and the formations are located on the brackets such that, when the riser rail or conduit is installed, the riser rail or conduit is located on one side of a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees.
25.A kit according to claim 24 wherein the riser rail or conduit is closer to the first wall than the second wall.
26.A kit for installing a conduit for an overhead shower to a corner including: a first bracket for attaching to a first part of a first wall forming a corner with an adjacent second wall; a second bracket for attaching to a second part of the first wall; wherein the first bracket supports the top end of the conduit, and the second bracket supports the bottom end of the conduit, wherein the brackets have respective formations for receiving the respective ends of the conduit and which formations are located on the brackets such that, when the conduit is installed, the conduit lies in or is intersected by a plane P which intersects the corner at 45 degrees to the first wall.