GB2307856A - Height-adjustable washbasin - Google Patents

Abstract

A height-adjustable wash basin and mounting means therefor wherein the mounting means comprises guide means and at least one element engageable with the guide means providing for movement of the wash basin in a generally vertical direction relative to the guide means, and holding means for holding the wash basin at a selected one of a plurality of vertical positions relative to the guide means. The guide means may comprise a track which is generally U-shaped in cross section, and the guide element may comprise a roller or wheel which engages with but may move relative to the track. The basin may be formed of a light weight material and water may be supplied to the basin through flexible pipes, thus providing a lightweight, easily adjustable, and highly versatile installation.

Description

Description of Invention This invention relates to an item of sanitary ware which is able to be adjusted in respect of its height at which it is disposed for use. The invention has been devised primarily, but not exclusively, in relation to a wash basin having height adjusting means.

Accordingly, for the sake of convenience herein, reference shall henceforth be made to a "wash basin", although it should be appreciated that the term may encompass other similar items, such as, for example, other basins, bidets or such like.

Conventionally, wash basins are formed from a ceramic material and are located at a height of approximately 3 feet (1 metre) from a floor, often on a pedestal or similar stand. It is desirable in some circumstances to be able to alter this height. A wash basin set at such a standard height can be extremely inconvenient for persons suffering from back problems, to the extent that bending down to reach the wash basin may be extremely painful. Conversely, small children often find it difficult to reach up to a conventionally mounted wash basin and accordingly must make use of so called "tall steps" in order to make use of the basin, which can in some circumstances be hazardous.

Wash basins having height adjusting means are known and provide, to some extent, a solution to the above problems. However, devices as currently iknown generally relate to height aclju.stillg means for a conventionals relatively heavy wash basin, and accordingly are relatively complex in design, comprising, for example, counter balance means or springs to facilitate raising or lowering the basin.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved wash basin which overcomes or minimises the problems outlined above.

According to one aspect of the present invention, I provide a wash basin and mounting means therefor, the mounting means comprising guide means and at least one guide element engagable with the guide means such that the wash basin may move in a generally vertical direction relative to the guide means, and holding means for holding the wash basin at a selected one of a plurality of vertical positions relative to the guide means.

Preferably the guide means is adapted to be mounted, in use, to an upstanding element or structure such as a wall adjacent a rear part of the wash basin.

Preferably, the guide element is releasably engagable with the guide means. Preferably, the holding means comprises at least one holding element adapted for engagement witli a receiving means associated with the guide means.

Preferably, the wash basin is formed from a relatively light weight material, by which the applicant means that the wash basin, even when it is provided with fittings such as taps, which may be of metal, is of a weight which enables the aforesaid relative generally vertical movement to be performed manually by a user of the wash basin, and without the need for mechanical assistance for example by use of counter balance or spring means.

Conveniently, the wash basin is formed from a plastics material, having a density which on the one hand enables the wash basin to be relatively light weight, and which on the other hand has sufficient strength and heat resistance properties to enable the wash basin to be held in engagement with the guide means by the or each guide element. The applicant has found that a particularly suitable plastics material is that currently sold under the tracle name "ACELATE" (trade mark).

The wash basin may he formed substantially as a single moulding from such a plastics material, with the exception of plumt,ing fittings such as, for example taps, and bosses to enable inlet and outlet pipes to be connected to the wash basin. Such fittings may be metallic. and conveniently are formed from a suitable relatively light weight metal alloy.

Preferably, the or each guide element is disposed adjacent a rear part of the wash basin and comprises a first part attached to or integral with said rear part, and a second part adapted to engage with the guide means. Desirably, the first part is formed integrally with the rear part.

The first part of the or each guide element may be moulded integrally with the wash basin. It is envisaged that a region of increased thickness, and hence increased strength, may be provided on the wash basin at a position adjacent or surrounding the first part, since the wash basin is partly retained relative to the guide means by the or each guide element.

The second part of the or each guide element may comprise a slide member roller or wheel, enabling the guide element to engage with, but move relative to, in a generally vertical direction when installed, the guide means.

Conveniently, the second part comprises a roller which is mounted on the first part such that it may rotate relative thereto.

There are preferably provided at least two guide elements adapted to engage with an associatecl guide means, and desirably, one of the guide elements engages with a front, outwardly facing part of the guide means, and the other guide element engages with a rear part which generally faces away from the wash basin and towards a wall or other generally rigid feature to which the guide means is secured. The applicant has found that such an arrangement is particularly effective to reduce the wash basin's tendency to tilt relative to the guide means, and accordingly, raising and lowering of the wash basin is facilitated.

However, it should be appreciated that such an arrangement of guide elements is by no means a necessity. A single element may be sufficient, or alteratively, two or more guide elements may he provided which engage with either the front or rear part of the guide means.

The guide means preferably comprises a track adapted to be secured to, but spaced from, the wall. Preferably, the track is secured to the wall at least adjacent top and bottom positions of the track, but conveniently also at an intermediate position.

Accordingly, a space may be defined between the wall and the track which may serve as storage space as described further below. The track is preferably generally U-shaped in cross section, and ends of arms of the U may be turned inwardly relative to the rest of the arms. The arms may extend generally away from a wall to which the track is installed.

The roller of the one guide element thus preferably runs in a space defined by such inturned ends and a corresponding and generally parallel part of the base of the U. Such inward turning provides a stop which hinders the roller from becoming disengaged from the track. Preferably, the other guide element, which is similar in construction to that described above, engages with a rear part of the track, rather than with the "open" front part. In both cases however, the rollers conveniently rotate around an axis which is generally parallel to the wall.

It will be appreciated that any suitable type of track may be used. The applicant has found, however that so called "furniture track" is particularly suitable.

The wash basin is preferably provided, on the rear part, with a generally upstanding formation of the type conventionally known as a "splash back", which prevents water from the wash basin running down behind the wash basin. Conveniently, the splash back extends generally parallel to the wall when the wash basin is retained in position relative to the guide means, and lies generally perpendicular to an upper plane of the wash basin. By "upper plane", the applicant means a plane in which a rim of the wash basin lies, and it is understood that it thus may not in fact, be truly planar.

Conveniently, the splash back is formed from the same material as the wash basin and it may be advantageous that the splash back be formed integrally with the wash basin as a single moulding.

The receiving means for the holding element of the holding means is preferably provided in the guide means and convenientlv comprises a plurality of apertures therein. Preferably the apertures are spaced generally regularly between the upper and lower end portions of the guide means, and accordingly may define poitions at which the wash basin mly be retained relative to the glide means. Preferably, the aperttires are provided in the base part of the U of the guide means.

The wash basin, eg the splash back, formation thereof, may comprise at least one aperture therein, through which may pass a holding element. The holding element preferably comprises a first part suitable for grasping by a user and a second part adapted to engage with the receiving means. The first part is thus conveniently in the form of a handle, which may he of any suitable type, whereas the second part may simply be an elongate rod or pin, which when introduced into the receiving means, prevents relative vertical movement between the wash basin and the guide means.

The holding element, eg the first part thereof, is preferably provided with a stop means, such as a portion of increased thickness, such that the holding element may not be completely removed from the wash basin and rather may only be withdrawn by an amount sufficient for it to become disengaged from the guide means to permit said relative vertical movement.

Preferably, the guide means comprises two laterally spaced tracks, each being generally as described above. In such a case, the wash basin may be provided with two sets of guide elements and holding elements, also as previously described.

The wash basin may be provided with plumbing fittings suitable for attachment of inlet and outlet pipes. Such fittings may be conventional in configuration and operation, bit may be forllled from a plastics material similar or identical to that of the wash basin. Preferably, the inlet and outlet pipes are flexible, and may comprise hoses for example, forlnecl from PVC plastics material or other suitable material. It is envisaged by the applicant that such inlet and outlet pipes may be exposed to a user to provide an aesthetic appeal to the invention.Alternatively, however, a cover mav be provided which is attachable to a lower part of the wasll basin and which may extend generally downwardly towards, and possibly to, the floor. For relative generally vertical movement of the wash basin to be permitted, the cover nlay comprise a plurality of sections partially overlying each other, such that a "telescopic" operation is provided.

Accordingly, the height of tlie cover may alter in accordance with the generally vertical displacement of the wash basin.

It is however envisaged that existing water inlet supplies may be used, thus avoiding the necessity of substantial plumbing operations when such a wash basin is installed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, 1 provide a cover member to overlie a wash basin, wherein the cover member, when overlying said wash basin, provides a base upon which a person may stand.

Preferably, the cover member is adapted to overlie a wash basin whose height relative to a floor may be altered, and conveniently the wash basin may be in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the cover member is adapted to overlie the wash basin when the wash basin is in a lowermost position. Conveniently, the cover member comprises a first portion adapted to overlie a basin part of the wash basin, and a second portion adapted to overlie upstanding fittings such as, for example, taps, provided on the wash basin. Preferably, the cover or the first portion thereof comprises inner and outer parts, wherein the inner part is disposed at a lower position than the outer parts. Accordingly, there may be provided an outlet aperture in the inner part which permits water to drain from the cover into the wash basin below.

The cover member is preferably formed front a material similar or identical to, the wash basin. However, it is envisaged that it may alternatively be formed from a lightweight metal alloy or other suitable material.

The cover member is preferably provided with downwardly extending support means, such as feet, which extend dwi0wardly, around the wash basin, for contacting the floor, this silpporìinD the cover. It is envisaged by the applicant that such a cover member may be used as a base upoll which a person may stand when the person desires to iise a shower unit which may be provided on the wall above the person. The applicant envisages that any conventional shower unit may be employed.Thus a wash basin having mollnting means in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, is provided which may also serve as a shower base unit, when a cover member is employed in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

Whereas water supply means such as taps may be carried by the wash basin, it wotild be possible for such water supply means to be carried by the guide means so as to he vertically adjustable relative to the guide means and thus relative to the basin. The water supply means may comprise taps for delivering water to the basin, or there may, alternatively or in addition be provided a shower head which is usable when the wash basin is serving as a shower base unit, preferably when used with a cover member as described immediately above.

Thus, an extremely versatile installation may be provided which is conventionally usable as a wash basin whose height is adjustable but which, by lowering the basin and raising the water supply means is then readily usable as a shower unit.

Furthermore, the applicant envisages that the cover member may comprise at least two parts adapted for relative pivotal movement to each other, a first part being adapted for attachment to or location adjacent the guide means, and a second part pivotally nlollnted thereto. Thus, wheii the cover member is not required, the second part may be pivoted, for example by virtue of hinges, away from an in use position (conveniently generally horizontal) to a storage position (convenientlv generally vertical) in which access to the basin below is permitted.

Additionally, it is envisaged by the applicant that if the wash basin were of a sufficient size, for example 2ft by 2ft (area, in plan view) then the necessity for a separate cover member may be avoided, since the wash basin itself may function as a shotver base. A basin of such a size could also function as a bath for small children, thus further increasing the versatility of the sanitary installation.

The invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIGURE 1 is I side perspective view of I height adjustable wash basin in accordlnce with the first aspect of the invention, and FIGURE 2 is a side perspective view of a cover for a wash basin in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown a wash basin 10 having a rim 11 defining a bowl 12 in which is located an outlet aperture 13. The wash basin comprises, at a rear part 14, an upstanding formation 15 conventionally known as a "splash back", Integral with the wash basin 10 are guide elements 16 having an elongate first part 17 which is integral with the wash basin and a second part in the form of a roller which in the case of roller 18a is engaged with a front part 19 of a guide means 2(). Conversely, roller 18b bears upon a rear part 21 of guide means 20, the combined effect of both roller being such that tilting of wash basin 10 is hindered.

The guide means in this example comprises tw() laterllly spaced tracks.

Each track is generally of U-shape in cross-section, comprising spaced substantially parallel arms extending forwardly and ending in intiirned lips, to retain a guide element roller therein. The applicant has found that so-called "furniture track' is particularly suitable. However it will he appreciated that it may also be possible to provide a single track as tlie guide means, having a wider front part than shown herein, such that the rollers on either side of the basin may be accommoclated therein.

The splashback 15 is provided with two apertures 22 extending therethrough, through which may pass holding elements 23 having a front handle part 24 and a rear pin part 25 adapted for insertion into apertures 26 which are regularly spaced between top parts 27 and lower parts 2tt of the guide means 20.

Accordingly, the wash basin 1() may move in a generally vertical direction relative to the guide means 20 by virtue of the engagement between the guide elements 16 and the guide means 2(). Additionally, the wash basin may occupy one of a plurality of positions as defined by the apertures 26, the pins 25 enabling the wash basin to be secured at such a position.

In order for the wash basin to be moved in such a generally vertical direction the holding elements 23 are withdrawn relative to the splashback 15 such that the pills 25 become disengaged from the apertures 26. There is preferably provided a "stop" on the pin 25, which may comprise a portion of increased thickness 29 which that the holding element may not pass past the apertures 22 provided in the splashback.Accordingly, the holding elements may be withdrawn to a degree sufficient to disengage the wash basin from the guide means, but may not be completely withdrawn from the wash basin. if desired, the holding elements may be spring loaded such that the holding elements are resiliently biased towards tlie apertures 26.

The guide means 20 is mounted relative to an adjacent wall 30 by means of angled end parts, such that a space 32 is defined between the guide means and the wall. Such a space may serve as storage space, as for example for a cover 41 in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, as shown in more detail in Figure 2.

The wash basin 10 is proviclecl with taps, which may be of conventional type, for example, separate hot and cold taps or, as illustrated, a mixer tap 33.

The taps are connected in generally conventional manner to inlet tubes 34 and 35, and the outlet aperture is connected to outlet tube 36. Inlet tubes 34 and 35, and outlet tube 36 are flexible and may comprise hoses formed from a flexible, for example, plastics material. Accordingly, when the wash basin is raised or lowered the hosing may bend to suit the new position of the basin.

The outlet tube 36 may be of a helically coiled configuration between its connection to the basin and a lower point at which it connects to a non-flexible pipe leading to a drainage point. Stitch a helically coiled tube, if of a resilient nature, is able to retain its heiical configuration with the axis of the helix extending generally vertically and with the spacing of the individual coils varying as the basin is moved upwarclly and downwardly, Thus a continuous "fall" in the outlet tube is retained so that the basin drains effectively dip ring emptying thereof.

As illustrated the connections of the ttibe 34, 35 to fixed water pipes are positioned in the area between the laterally spaced tracks of the guide means.

It will be appreciated that in some cases it might he preferable for such connections to be disposed outwardly of the tracks.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an arrangement similar to that shown in Figure 1, hut wherein the wash basin 1() is positioned at its lowermost position, adjacent the floor 4(). Ill such a position, a cover 41 may be positioned so as to overlie the wash basin, the cover comprising a first part 42 adapted to overlie the howl part 12 of the wash basin, and a second part 43 adapted to overlie the fittings and splashback of the wash basin.The first part 42 comprises an outlet aperture 44 which is locatect relatively tower than the surrounding parts generally indicuted at 45. Thc cover is formed from a material similar if not identical to thtt of the wash basin, such as a plastics material or a light weight metal alloy. The cover is provided with extendable feet 46 which allow the cover to be supported on the floor 40 and be maintained in a generally horizontal orientation.

In use, the cover may act as a base for a shower, with water falling on the cover draining away through aperture 44 into the bowl 12 of wash basin 10 below The space 32 afforded by the guide means 20 and wall 30 may serve as storage space for the cover when not in tise, by orientating the cover through 90 such that the cover may stand generally upright behind the guide means 20, as shown in Figure 1 Figure 2 shows a further modification of the invention wherein a water supply means is provided in the form of a shower head 50 mounted on a base 51 which engages the guide means 19 so as to he vertically movable relative thereto and to be able to be retained in a selectecl position. Each shower head 50 is illustrated as having control taps 52 and flexible supply pipes 53 for cold and hot water for connection to an appropriate water supply.

In Figure 2 the shower head is shown at a position near its uppermost limit of adjustment, while the wash basin is shown at its towermost position and overlaid by the cover 41. When the wash basin is raised to an appropriate height for use as a wash basin, with the cover removed, the shower head may be lowered to deliver water to the wash basin in the manner of conventional taps. Thus, the need for taps mounted on or in association with the wash basin may be eliminated. In this case, the wash basin itself is significantly lightened, making it easier to have its height adjusted.

It is envisaged h! the applicant that the first part 42 and second part 43 of the cover 41 may be adapted for relative pivotal movement to each other, for example by vi rt lie of hinges between the two parts, such that when the cover is not required, the first part 42 may be pivoted through approximately 900 to a generally upstanding position in which it no longer overlies the wash basin below, thus removing the necessity of storing the cover behind the guide means 20 as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively the first and second parts 42 and 43 may be separable.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that if the wash basin 10 were of sufficient area in plan view, for example 2ft by 2ft, it may not be necessary to provide a separate cover 41 in order for the arrangement to function as a shower unit. In such a case, the enlarged basin could thins function not only as a wash basin par se, but also as a shower base when in a lowermost position, and also potentially as a bath for small children. A highly versatile sanitary installation is thus provided.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for perfornaing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be titilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (1)

1. A wash basin and mounting means therefor, the mounting means comprising guide means and at least one guide element engageable with the guide means and providing for movement of the wash basin when installed in a generally vertical direction relative to the guide means, and holding means for holding the wash basin at a selected one of a plurality of vertical positions relative to the guide means.

2. A wash basin according to Claim 1 wherein the gtiide means is adapted to be mounted to an lipstancling structural element adjacent a rear part of the wash basin.

3. A wash basin according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the guide element is releasably engagable with the guide means.

4. A wash basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the holding means comprises at least one holtling element adapted for engagement with a receiving means associated with the guide means.

5. A wash basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wash basin is formed from t relatively light weight material 6. A wash basin accrding to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wash basin is formed from a plastics material.

7. A wash basin according to Claim 6 wherein the wash basin is formed substantially as a single moulding of said plastics material 8. A wash basin according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 comprising plumbing fittings of metal or of the same material as that of the basin.

9. A wash basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each guide element is disposed adjacent a rear part of the wash basin and comprises a first part attached to or integral with said rear part, and a second part adapted to engage with tlie guide means.

10. A wash basin according to Claim 9 wherein the first part of the or each guide element is integral with the rear part of the wash basin.

11. A wash basin according to Claim 10 wherein a region of increased material thickness is provided on the wash basin at or adjacent the or each guide element first part.

12. A wash basin according to any one of Claims 9 to 11 wherein the second part of the or each guide element comprises a slide member, roller, or wheel engagable with the guide means.

13. A wash basin according to Claim 12 wherein the second part comprises a roller rotatably mounted on the first part.

14. A wash basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there are at least two guide elements engagable with an associated guide means.

15. A wash basin according to Claim 15 wherein one of said at least two guide elements is engageable with i front part of the guide means and a further guide element with a rear part of the guide neans.

16. A wash basill according to any one of tlie preceding claims wherein the guide means comprises a track adapted to he secured to a wall or the like and spaced therefrom.

17. A wash basin according to Claim 16 wherein the track is generally Ushaped in cross-section, having arms with inturned end portions.

18. A wash basin according to Claim 17 as appenctant directly or indirectly to Claim 13 wherein the roller engages in a space defined by said arms and inturned end portions of the U-section track.

19. A wash basin according to Claini 18 as appendant directly or indirectly to Claim 14 wherein a further guide element engages with a rear part of the track.

20. A wash busin according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an upstanding splash back foi-niation on a rear part of the basin.

21. A wash basin according to Claim 20 wherein the splash back formation is formed integrally with the wash basin.

22. A wash basin according to any preceding claims appendant directly or indirectly to Claim 4, wherein the receiving means for the holding element of the holding means is provided in the guide means.

23. A wash basin accordion to Claim 22 wherein said receiving means comprises a plurality of apertures in said guide means.

24. A wash basin according to Claim 23 wherein said apertures are spaced generally regularly between upper and lower and portions of the guide means.

25. A wash basin according to Claim 24 as appendant directly or indirectly to Claim 17 wherein said apertures are provided in a base part of the U-section track of the guide means.

26. A wash basin according to any one of Claims 22 to 25 wherein the wash basin comprises at least one aperture through which a holding element may pass.

27 A wash basin according to Claim 6 wherein the holding element comprises a first part graspable by a user and a second part adapted to engage with the receiving means.

28. A wash basin according to Claim 27 wherein the second part of the holding element comprises an elongate rod or pin engageable with the receiving means.

29. A wash basin according to Claim 28 wherein the holding element is provided with a stop means for preventing its complete removal from the wash basin.

30. A wash basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the guide means comprises two laterally spaced tracks.

31. A wash basin according to ally one of the preceding claims comprising one or more flexible inlet and/or outlet pipes.

32. A wash basin according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising cover means connected or adapted to be connected to the wash basin and to extend downwardly therefrom towards a floor surface.

34. A wash basin according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a removable cover member adapted to overlie the wash basin and provide a base upon which a person may stand.

35. A wash basin and cover according to Claim 34 wherein the cover member comprises a first portion adapted to overlie a basin part of the wash basin and a second portion adapted to overlie upstanding fittings such as taps provicled on the basin.

36. A wash basin and cover according to Claim 34 or Claim 35 wherein the cover member or said first portion thereof comprises inner and outer parts of which the inner part is disposed at a lower position in tise tlian the outer part.

37. A wash basin and cover according to Claim 6 wherein said inner part has a drainage a perttire to permit wtter to drain from the cover member into the wash basin below 38. A wash basin and cover according to any one of Claims 34 to 37 wherein the cover member is formed from a material similar or identical to that of the wash basin.

39. A wash basin and cover according to any one of Claims 34 to 38 wherein the cover member is provided with downwardly extending support means, for supporting the cover member front a floor surface.

40. A wash basin, or wash bsin ancl cover, according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising water supply means carried or adapted to be carried by the guide means so as to be vertically movable in use.

41. A wash basin according to Claim 4() wherein the water supply means comprises a tap or taps for delivering water to the basis.

42. A wash basin according to Claim 40 Or Claim 41 wherein the water supply means comprises t shower head.

43. The cover member of the wash basin and cover member as claimed in any one of Claims 34 to 4().

44. A wash basin substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

45. A cover member for a wash basin substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

46. Any novel feature or novel combination of feattires described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.