US20260000248A1

US20260000248A1 - Shower Bench Apparatus, Kit, and Method of Installing Thereof

Info

Publication number: US20260000248A1
Application number: US19/253,239
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard E. Hersey, Jr.
Original assignee: Hope Enterprises LLC
Current assignee: Hope Enterprises LLC
Priority date: 2024-06-27
Filing date: 2025-06-27
Publication date: 2026-01-01

Abstract

A shower bench apparatus comprises two brackets, a first board, a second board and a sealing strap. Each of the brackets comprises a wall mounting member and a longitudinal horizontal member extending from a first surface of the wall mounting member. The longitudinal horizontal member comprises an upper surface adjacent to the first surface of the wall mounting member, and the upper surface being non-orthogonal relative to the first surface. The first board comprises a first bottom surface with two notches that correspond to the longitudinal horizontal member. The upper surface of each of the two brackets is configured for coupling to a corresponding notch of the two notches. A second bottom surface of the second board is coupled to the first top surface of the first board to form a foundation and the sealing strap extends along portions of a periphery of the foundation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) of Provisional Patent Application Serial Number No. 63/665,244, filed Jun. 27, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure pertains to the field of shower furniture. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to a shower bench apparatus, kit, and method of installing thereof.

BACKGROUND

Showering is a necessary part of an individual's daily personal hygiene routine. People have strived to enhance their showering experiences with improved accessibility, comfortability, and safety. Shower benches provide a seating option for individuals, which not only offers comfort, but also improves safety and mitigates the risk of falling or slipping, especially for younger children, seniors, or users with limited mobility. As a result, shower benches have gained popularity and become practical additions to bathrooms.
Currently, a variety of shower benches are available, including, but not limited to, portable freestanding shower benches, corner benches that are supported by two walls of the shower, built in shower benches that extend from the shower floor, and floating shower benches that suspend from the shower wall. Among all these available shower benches, people typically choose floating shower benches due to their aesthetic appeal, space-saving features, and ease of cleaning. Floating shower benches provides a minimalism modern look and are easier to clean without additional legs contacting the bathroom floor.
Nevertheless, conventional floating shower benches often utilize concrete or mortar materials as a base, which may be difficult to handle and install. Moreover, a floating shower bench may require precise calculation and engineering of the design because it is imperative to ensure adequate support within the wall for supporting substantial weight. In addition, being a flat platform accumulates water and increases the possibility of mold growth.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following is a concise summary of the present disclosure presented herein with the primary aim of providing a preliminary understanding of certain aspects of the present disclosure. It should be noted, however, that this summary is not intended to serve as a comprehensive overview of the present disclosure, nor does it seek to identify or describe any critical or significant elements of the present disclosure or the boundaries of its scope. Its sole purpose is to provide a rudimentary understanding of the present disclosure's concepts and features, which will be expounded upon in greater detail in the ensuing sections.
In some embodiments, a shower bench apparatus comprises two brackets, each bracket of the two brackets comprising a wall mounting member and a longitudinal horizontal member extending from a first surface of the wall mounting member; wherein the longitudinal horizontal member comprises an upper surface adjacent to the first surface of the wall mounting member, the upper surface being non-orthogonal relative to the first surface; a first board having a first top surface and an opposing first bottom surface; wherein the first bottom surface comprises two notches that correspond to the longitudinal horizontal member of each bracket of the two brackets; wherein the upper surface of each bracket of the two brackets is configured for coupling to a corresponding notch of the two notches; a second board having a second top surface and an opposing second bottom surface; wherein the second bottom surface of the second board is coupled to the first top surface of the first board to form a foundation; and a sealing strap; wherein the sealing strap extends along portions of a periphery of the foundation.
In some embodiments, a shower bench kit comprises two brackets, each bracket of the two brackets comprising a wall mounting member and a longitudinal horizontal member extending from a first surface of the wall mounting member; wherein the longitudinal horizontal member comprises an upper surface adjacent to the first surface of the wall mounting member, the upper surface being non-orthogonal relative to the second surface; a first board comprising waterproof foam and configured to be notched to receive the longitudinal horizontal members; a second board configured to couple to a top surface of the first board to form a foundation; and a sealing strap configured to extend along portions of a periphery of the foundation.
In some embodiments, a method for installing a shower bench comprises mounting two brackets to two spaced apart wall frame members at a desired height, each bracket of the two brackets comprising a wall mounting member and a longitudinal horizontal member extending from a first surface of the wall mounting member, the longitudinal horizontal member comprising an upper surface adjacent to the first surface of the wall mounting member, the upper surface being non-orthogonal relative to the first surface; cutting, into a first bottom surface of a first board, two notches that correspond to the longitudinal horizontal members; joining, with sealant, the longitudinal horizontal member and the two notches of the first board; attaching, by the sealant, a second bottom surface of a second board to a first top surface of the first board to form a foundation; and applying a sealing strap along portions of a periphery of the foundation.
The present disclosure generally pertains to an apparatus, kit and method that provides convenient installation of a shower bench. The shower bench apparatus disclosed herein may be installed effortlessly due to the simplicity design of a bracket and utilization of lightweight first and second boards. The bracket features a plurality of channels that reduce a total weight of the bracket, so that users can easily install the brackets on wall frame members. The T-shaped design of the bracket and aluminum material used to construct the bracket also provides excellent load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, the first and second boards are made from waterproof foam boards, and the addition of the sealing strap enhances waterproofing, thereby providing easier hygiene maintenance and reducing the possibility of mold growth. Consequently, the disclosed shower bench apparatus provides a securable and stable platform for sitting in the shower.
The above features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an explosive view of a first non-limiting exemplary embodiment (the “first exemplary embodiment”) of a shower bench apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a shower bench kit for the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a second non-limiting exemplary embodiment (the “second exemplary embodiment”) of the shower bench apparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first view of a non-limiting exemplary method of installing the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 illustrates a second view of the non-limiting exemplary method of installing the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 illustrates a third view of the non-limiting exemplary method of installing the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth view of the non-limiting exemplary method of installing the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth view of the non-limiting exemplary method of installing the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a sixth view of the non-limiting exemplary method of installing the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10 illustrates a seventh view of the non-limiting exemplary method of installing the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 illustrates an eighth view of the non-limiting exemplary method of installing the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12 illustrates a ninth view of the non-limiting exemplary method of installing the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 .

NUMBER REFERENCES

- 1—Shower Bench Apparatus
- 10—Bracket
- 11—Longitudinal Horizontal Member
- 11 a—Upper Surface
- 11 b—Lower Surface
- 11 c—Front Surface
- 11 d—Rear Surface
- 12—Wall Mounting Member
- 12 a—First Surface
- 12 b—Second Surface
- 13—Apertures
- 14—Channels
- 15—Fasteners
- 20—First Board
- 20 a—First Top Surface
- 20 b—First Bottom Surface
- 22—Notch
- 30—Second Board
- 30 a—Second Top Surface
- 30 b—Second Bottom Surface
- 40—Sealant
- 50—Sealing Strap
- 100—Wall Stud
- 110—Dry Wall/Wall Panel
- 120—Kit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following detailed description and accompanying drawings provide a comprehensive disclosure of an exemplary embodiment for the purpose of facilitating one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the disclosure. As such, the detailed description and illustration of the one or more exemplary embodiments presented herein are purely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its protection in any matter. It is further noted that the drawings may not be to scale, and in some cases, certain details may be omitted which are not necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “top,” “bottom”, “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
FIG. 1 illustrates an explosive view of the shower bench apparatus 1 in accordance with a non-limiting, first exemplary embodiment (herein after as the “first exemplary embodiment”). In the first exemplary embodiment, the shower bench apparatus 1 generally comprises two brackets 10 (although any suitable number of brackets may be provided), a first board 20, a second board 30, and a sealing strap 50. As shown in FIG. 1 , each bracket of the two brackets 10 has a substantially T-shaped configuration (although any suitable shape is contemplated). Each bracket 10 further comprises a wall mounting member 12 and a longitudinal horizontal member 11 extending therefrom. The longitudinal horizontal member 11 has a substantially rectangular prism configuration having an upper surface 11 a, an opposing lower surface 11 b, a front surface 11 c, and an opposing rear surface 11 d. The wall mounting member 12 has a substantially rectangular configuration having a first surface 12 a and an opposing second surface 12 b configured to be mounted on a wall frame member 100 (i.e., wall stud) of a shower or bath. In the first exemplary embodiment, the upper surface 11 a of the longitudinal horizontal member 11 extends orthogonally relative to the first surface 12 a of the wall mounting member 12. In addition, the longitudinal horizontal member 11 further comprises a plurality of channels 14 (four rectangular channels are shown in FIG. 1 , although any suitable number and shape of the channels is contemplated) extending from the front surface 11 c toward the rear surface 11 d along a length of the longitudinal horizontal member 11, advantageously reducing a total weight of each of the brackets 10. The two brackets 10 may be constructed of aluminum (although any suitable material may be provided) that is lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant.
Continuing to refer to FIG. 1 , the first board 20 can be positioned under the second board 30 (although any suitable arrangement is contemplated). The first board 20 has a first top surface 20 a and an opposing first bottom surface 20 b. The second board 30 has a second top surface 30 a and an opposing second bottom surface 30 b. Further, the first bottom surface 20 b of the first board 20 further comprises two spaced-apart notches 22 (not shown in FIG. 1 but shown in FIG. 6 as described herein) having dimensions that correspond to dimensions of the longitudinal horizontal member 11 of the bracket 10 (i.e., the notches 22 receive the longitudinal horizontal member 11). The two brackets 10 are positioned spaced apart from each other. Each bracket 10 further comprises a plurality of apertures 13 configured to receive a plurality of fasteners (not shown) including, but not limited to, screws, nails, studs, or other fasteners to secure the bracket 10 to the wall frame member 100. The first bottom surface 20 b of the first board 20 is positioned upon the longitudinal horizontal member 11 of the bracket 10 with a corresponding notch 22 receiving a corresponding longitudinal horizontal member 11. The second bottom surface 30 b of the second board 30 is positioned upon the first top surface 20 a of the first board 20, with four sides of the second bottom surface 30 b aligning with the four sides of the first top surface 20 a, such that the second board 30 completely overlaps the first board 20. To enhance securement of the first board 20 to the second board 30, each of the longitudinal horizontal members 11 may be secured to each of the notches 22 with a sealant 40. Further, the second bottom surface 30 b of the second board 30 may also be secured to the first top surface 20 a of the first board 20 by the sealant 40. The two brackets 10, the first and second boards 20, 30 form a foundation of the shower bench apparatus 1 for tiling. To enhance water resistance, before tiling, the sealing strap 50 may further be applied to portions of a periphery of the foundation, thereby advantageously preventing water penetrating the seam between the first and second boards 20, 30.
FIG. 2 illustrates a shower bench kit for installation of the shower bench apparatus of FIG. 1 . The kit 120 comprises at least two brackets 10, a first board 20, a second board 30, a sealant 40, and a sealing strap 50. It is appreciated that the number of brackets 10 may vary according to a dimension of the first and second boards 20, 30. For example, the first and second boards 20, 30 having greater lengths than a usual model may require a greater number of brackets 10. Furthermore, the first and second boards 20, 30 are preferably constructed of waterproof, light weight, thermally insulating foam boards that may be easily notched, transported, and handled. Moreover, the sealing strap 50 may comprise a mesh tape that is waterproof with adhesive on one side.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the shower bench apparatus 1 in accordance with a non-limiting, second exemplary embodiment (herein after as the “second exemplary embodiment”). In the second embodiment, the upper surface 11 a adjacent 11 a to the first surface 12 a of the wall mounting member 12 is non-orthogonal relative to the first surface 12 a. As shown in FIG. 3 , the bracket 10 further comprises a longitudinal axis A-A that is perpendicular to a length of the mounting member 12. The longitudinal horizontal member 11 is inclined at a predetermined angle α relative to the longitudinal axis A-A, such that the first and second boards 20, 30 are also inclined at the predetermined angle αwhen the wall mounting member 12 is installed. Advantageously, the second top surface 30 a of the second board 30 being inclined facilitates water to run off the shower bench apparatus 1 and prevents water accumulation on the second top surface 30 a, thereby mitigating the risk of mold growth.
Referring to FIGS. 4 to 12 , an exemplary method is presented herein to further demonstrate the convenient installation process provided by the shower bench apparatus 1. It is anticipated that several steps may be sequentially interchangeable and equivalent application of one or more permutations of such sequentially interchangeable steps does not alter the spirit of the disclosure in any meaningful way.
First, referring to FIG. 4 , a user mounts two brackets 10 to two spaced apart wall frame members 100 (i.e., wall studs) at a desired height. A distance between the two brackets 10 is preferably 16 inches to 18 inches. It is appreciated that the number of brackets 10 may vary based on a length of the shower bench apparatus 1. In some instances, one bracket 10 can be installed. In other instances, if a longer shower bench apparatus 1 is desired having a length longer than 48 inches, three brackets 10 are preferred. The user may use a leveling tool, such as a laser level or a ruler, to ensure that the two brackets 10 are aligned and mounted at the same desired height. To enhance water drainage, the user may utilize the brackets 10 of the second exemplary embodiment that has a longitudinal horizontal member 11 that is inclined at a predetermined angle α (shown in FIG. 3 ). It is also appreciated that the user may install the two brackets 10 tilting slightly downwards, such that the longitudinal horizontal member 11 is inclined downwards toward the floor at the predetermined angle α.
Next, referring to FIG. 5 , drywall 110 or wall panels are installed, such that only a protruding portion of the longitudinal horizontal member 11 protrudes through the drywall 110.
Referring next to FIG. 6 , the user may cut two notches 22 at the first bottom surface 20 b that correspond to the protruding portion of the longitudinal horizontal member 11 that protrudes through the wall. To cut out more precise notches 22, the exemplary user may place the second board 20 on top of the two notches 22, trace an outline of the protruding portion of the longitudinal horizontal member 11 prior to cutting the notches 22. Preferably, a volume of the notches 22 is slightly greater or approximately equal to a volume of the protruding portion of the longitudinal horizontal member 11, such that the two brackets 10 fit perfectly on the notches 22. It is also appreciated that the notches 22 are precut prior to installation of the shower bench apparatus 1. In another example, the notches 22 are performed in the longitudinal horizontal member 11.
Turning to FIGS. 7 to 10 , to enhance securement of the first board 20 to the second board 30, the user may then apply sealant 40 to a top surface of each of two brackets 10 (FIG. 7 ) and fit the notches 22 to the two brackets such that the first board 20 is attached to the two brackets 10. Then, the exemplary user may apply additional sealant 40 to the first top surface 20 a of the first board 20 (FIG. 8 ) and attach the second bottom surface 30 b of the second board 30 to the first top surface 20 a of the first board 20, forming a foundation of the shower bench apparatus 1 (FIGS. 9 and 10 ).
Next, referring to FIG. 11 , for further enhancement of waterproofing, the user may apply a sealing strap 50 (i.e., waterproof mesh tape) along a portion of a periphery of the foundation of the shower bench apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 11 , a width of the sealing strap 50 is greater than a height of the foundation, so the user may fold an upper portion of the sealing strap 50 along right angles of the foundation and towards the second top surface 30 a and fold a lower portion of the sealing strap 50 along right angles of the foundation and towards the first bottom surface 20 a of the first board.
Last, as shown in FIG. 12 , the user may apply desired tiles on the foundation to complete the installation of the shower bench apparatus 1.
Advantageously, the shower bench apparatus 1 is not only effortless to install, but also provides a securable platform for sitting with excellent load-bearing capacity. With the bracket 10 providing excellent strength and the first and second boards 20, 30 lighter in weight, the shower bench apparatus 1 is capable of holding up to approximately 640 pounds. Furthermore, the first and second boards 20, 30 being waterproof foam boards and the addition of the sealing strap 50 ensures that water would not leak between the first and second boards 20, 30, thereby enhancing waterproofing. Moreover, the alternative embodiment provides an inclined surface for water to run off the shower bench apparatus 1 for easier hygiene maintenance.
While the embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed, certain modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to modify the disclosure without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A shower bench apparatus, comprising:

two brackets, each bracket of the two brackets comprising a wall mounting member and a longitudinal horizontal member extending from a first surface of the wall mounting member;

wherein the longitudinal horizontal member comprises an upper surface adjacent to the first surface of the wall mounting member, the upper surface being non-orthogonal relative to the first surface;

a first board having a first top surface and an opposing first bottom surface;

wherein the first bottom surface comprises two notches that correspond to the longitudinal horizontal member of each bracket of the two brackets;

wherein the upper surface of each bracket of the two brackets is configured for coupling to a corresponding notch of the two notches;

a second board having a second top surface and an opposing second bottom surface;

wherein the second bottom surface of the second board is coupled to the first top surface of the first board to form a foundation; and

a sealing strap;

wherein the sealing strap extends along portions of a periphery of the foundation.

2. The shower bench apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first board and the second board comprise waterproof foam.

3. The shower bench apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two brackets comprise aluminum.

4. The shower bench apparatus of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal horizontal member of each bracket of the two brackets comprises a plurality of channels extending along a length of the longitudinal horizontal member.

5. The shower bench apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of channels each have rectangular prism configurations.

6. The shower bench apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing strap comprises mesh tape.

7. The shower bench apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wall mounting member comprises a plurality of apertures configured to receive fasteners.

8. A shower bench kit, comprising:

wherein the longitudinal horizontal member comprises an upper surface adjacent to the first surface of the wall mounting member, the upper surface being non-orthogonal relative to the second surface;

a first board comprising waterproof foam and configured to be notched to receive the longitudinal horizontal members;

a second board configured to couple to a top surface of the first board to form a foundation; and

a sealing strap configured to extend along portions of a periphery of the foundation.

9. The shower bench kit of claim 8, wherein the two brackets comprise aluminum.

10. The shower bench kit of claim 8, wherein the longitudinal horizontal member of each bracket of the two brackets comprises a plurality of channels extending along a length of the longitudinal horizontal member.

11. The shower bench kit of claim 9, wherein the plurality of channels each have rectangular prism configurations.

12. The shower bench apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sealing strap comprises mesh tape.

13. The shower bench apparatus of claim 8, wherein the wall mounting member comprises a plurality of apertures configured to receive fasteners.

14. A method for installing a shower bench, the method comprising:

mounting two brackets to two spaced apart wall frame members at a desired height, each bracket of the two brackets comprising a wall mounting member and a longitudinal horizontal member extending from a first surface of the wall mounting member, the longitudinal horizontal member comprising an upper surface adjacent to the first surface of the wall mounting member, the upper surface being non-orthogonal relative to the first surface;

cutting, into a first bottom surface of a first board, two notches that correspond to the longitudinal horizontal members;

joining, with sealant, the longitudinal horizontal member and the two notches of the first board;

attaching, by the sealant, a second bottom surface of a second board to a first top surface of the first board to form a foundation; and

applying a sealing strap along portions of a periphery of the foundation.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising installing dry wall upon completion of mounting the two brackets.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising applying tiles to the foundation upon completion of applying the sealing strap.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first board and the second board comprise waterproof foam.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the two brackets comprise aluminum.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the longitudinal horizontal member of each bracket of the two brackets comprises a plurality of channels extending along a length of the longitudinal horizontal member.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of channels each have rectangular prism configurations.