AU2004201862B2 - Method and Apparatus for Constructing a Shower Base - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application No.: Application Date: Priority Date: 14 May 2003 (New Zealand Patent Application No. 525899) Applicant: BRUCE NATHAN WARNER 236 Maungatapu Road Tauranga New Zealand Address for Service: Schuch Company PO Box 10 615 Wellington New Zealand Complete Specification for the invention entitled: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTING A SHOWER BASE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTING A SHOWER BASE TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to shower bases and methods of construction thereof. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a shower base form and a method of constructing a shower base pan using the form.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, shower bases are totally prefabricated pans fitted on top of a floor area.

Generally such pans are made of stainless steel or plastics materials. These pans are designed for use as a shower cubicle having walls or glass sides fitted thereupon. Such assemblies are not readily adapted to form a flush base with the surrounding shower or floor area because such prefabricated pans are elevated. Further, standard sizes of shower pan bases may in some instances be unsuitable for the designated shower pan area available in existing bathrooms or with architecturally designed bathrooms.

A conventional method of forming a flush shower base is to tile the area. However, such tiling may not be considered to be completely water-resistant as sealing adhesives used for sealing between tiles can deteriorate over time. Any water leakage can cause substantial damage to a shower floor area, and in some cases, damage may not be readily apparent for months or years after the damage has started.

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

It is a further non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a method of constructing a shower base which overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a shower base form, the shower base form comprising a framework including an outer rim, an inner rim and a plurality of tie members connected between the outer rim and the inner rim to define the top surface of a shower base, the inner rim being arranged about a waste outlet, and wherein a plurality of support members are connected to the framework to retain the framework in the required shower base form.

Preferably rods are configured and arranged to form the framework. Desirably the rods are made of metal and/or a suitable thermoplastics material.

Desirably the support members are a network of rods arranged to support the framework.

Preferably the inner rim forms a circular shape and the outer rim forms a quadrangle.

According to a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a shower base, the method comprising the steps of: A. positioning the shower base form according to the first aspect of the invention into an area within an existing cement floor or in the designated shower base area of a floor to be cemented; B. pouring cement product into the shower base form; and C. smoothing the cement material to be flush with the desired top surface shape as determined by the framework.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: Shows a perspective view of the framework of the top surface of a shower base form according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2: Shows a side elevation of figure 1; and Figure 3: Shows a perspective view of a shower base form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the figures, a shower base form, generally referred to as 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The shower base form 1 includes a framework 2 defining the top surface of a shower base (as more clearly seen in figures 1 and The framework 2 having an outer rim 3 desirably in the form of any suitable durable and resilient material such as, for example only, a metal, metal alloys, and/or a thermoplastics material. In this preferred embodiment the material comprises metal rods shaped and configured as a quadrangle in the form of a four sided square outer rim.

The outer rim sides 3 are connected or fastened to an inner rim 4 about a waste outlet area The waste outlet area 5 in this non-limiting embodiment is seen as a circular rim. Desirably the inner rim 4 is formed with any suitable durable and resilient material and in this embodiment is a metal rod. The outer square rim 3 and the inner circular rim 4 are connected by a plurality of tie members 6 to form a stable form. The tie members 6 are made of any suitable durable and resilient material and in this embodiment are metal rods linked between the outer rim 3 and the inner rim 4.

The desired shower base form has a higher outer rim 3 to the inner rim 4, in use, to form a gradient sufficient to allow waste water to run toward and into the waste outlet area 5. To maintain this desired form, support members desirably in the form of a plurality of support members are located about the framework 2. The support members may be any suitable durable and resilient material and in this embodiment are metal rods. It is envisaged that the inner rim 4 may be formed to be integral with the waste outlet drain unit, or be formed such that the waste outlet drain may be separate and be fitted after the shower base is constructed.

The support members are desirably in the form of an outer support rim 7 corresponding with the same dimensions as the outer rim 3. An inner support rim 8 is locatable below the inner rim 4, and the inner rim 4 and the support outer rim 7 are connected by support tie members 9.

The framework 2 and the support members are desirably connected by spacers 10. The spacers 10 are of a sufficient size to ensure the shower base form is retained while, in use, the shower base form 1 is being positioned in the required area of the shower area.

The shower base form 1 is particularly well suited to form a solid shower base on a floor area, the floor area being made of any suitable and compatible material allowing the shower base form 1 to be imbedded therein. In this embodiment, the floor area may be an existing concrete or cement material floor with a cavity made therein for allowing the shower base form 1 to be imbedded.

In cases where the floor has not yet been formed, and is being made of a cement material such as concrete and the like, and in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the shower base form 1 is positioned in a designated area of the floor and set at a height wherein the outer rim 6 can be positioned to be flush with the top surface of the floor or otherwise as desired.

Further boxing may be used, as required.

Once in place, a cement product is poured to form the floor and the shower base. It is envisaged that cement product will fill the cavity about the inner rim 4 about the waste outlet as required, and be smoothed and finished to be flush between the outer rim 3, tie members 6 and the inner rim 4 to form the predetermined top surface of the shower base.

It is seen to be an advantage to have a shower base form that is integral with the floor as the risk of any water leakage is minimised by having a shower base essentially pre-formed and wherein there are no gaps between the outer rim of the shower base and the floor. No further shaping work is required, although finishing work in the form of tiling or other known finishes may be incorporated to give a desirable finish.

It is envisaged that a large variety of shower base forms 1 may be constructed in accordance with the invention depending on aesthetics and functional requirements in any bathroom or shower areas.

It will be appreciated that the shower base form 1 may be constructed in any desirable size and shape, and can be adjusted for a custom fit into a shower base area, although it will be most certainly manufactured in all the usual shower base sizes and shower pan top surface forms.

It will be appreciated that materials used for components of the invention include any suitable and durable materials, for example only but not limited to, timber, metal, plastics materials, rubber, glass, ceramic, or any combination thereof.

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

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

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated.

Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (9)

1. A shower base form, the shower base form comprising a framework including an outer rim, an inner rim and a plurality of tie members connected between the outer rim and the inner rim to define the top surface of a shower base, the inner rim being arranged about a waste outlet, and wherein a plurality of support members are connected to the framework to retain the framework in the required shower base form.

2. A shower base form according to claim 1 wherein rods are configured and arranged to form the framework.

3. A shower base form according to claim 2 wherein the rods are made of metal and/or a suitable thermoplastics material.

4. A shower base form according to claim 1 wherein the tie members comprise rods. A shower base form according to claim 1 wherein the rods are made of metal and/or a suitable thermoplastics material.

6. A shower base form according to claim 1 wherein the support members are a network of rods arranged to support the framework.

7. A shower base form according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner rim forms a circular shape and the outer rim forms a quadrangle.

8. A method of constructing a shower base, the method comprising the steps of: a. positioning the shower base form according to any one of claims 1 to 7 into an area within an existing cement floor or in the designated shower base area of a floor to be cemented; b. pouring cement product into the shower base form; and c. smoothing the cement material to be flush with the desired top surface shape as determined by the framework.

9. A shower base form made by the method of claim 8. A shower base form substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

11. A method of constructing a shower base according to claim 8 substantially as herein described. Dated: this 5th day of May 2004. BRUCE NATHAN WARNER By his Attorneys SCHUCH COMPANY