NZ549761A - An improved shower system - Google Patents

Abstract

A shower system is disclosed. The disclosure relates to an overhead shower with an exposed supply pipe extending up the wall from a mixer via an extension section and having an adjustable connector that allows the distance between the extension section and the surface of the wall to be adjusted.

Description

549761 * 10054164306* PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional Nol 549761 j 0«C:e Dated: 8 September 2006 Of ft; y : ' ' xm AN IMPROVED SHOWER SYSTEM WE Aquatica NZ Ltd, a New Zealand company of 9 Saunders Place, Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which We pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 549761 AN IMPROVED SHOWER SYSTEM Technical Field The present invention relates to an improved shower. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved over-head shower. In particular, the present 5 invention relates to an overhead shower with an exposed supply pipe.

Background Art Over-head showers for bathing applications are well known. Some traditional overhead showers have an exposed supply pipe which extends up a wall from a mixer. These systems conventionally have two feed pipes the external parts of which are 10 connected to the vertical supply pipe by a mixer. Often these systems have a second shower rose mounted on the supply pipe in addition to an over-head shower rose.

The feed pipes external to the wall are conventionally formed from copper, brass or similar materials and provide a robust mounting for the bottom end of the supply 15 pipe. The feed pipes also conventionally emerge perpendicular to the wall and therefore provide robust resistance to the supply pipe being levered away from the wall.

The applicant has observed that the provision of supply pipes external to the wall may detract from the aesthetics of the shower system and therefore it may be 20 preferable in some applications to have feed pipes mounted within, or behind, a wall. However, in these cases the robust mounting of the supply pipe provided by the feed pipes is removed from the over-head shower and alternatives may be required.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a shower system with 2 James & Wells Ref: 231574/53 549761 an external supply pipe which extends along a wall, wherein the feed pipes are internal and wherein the system is adapted for robust mounting, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice in shower systems.

The applicant has also observed that if the normally external feed pipes are internal 5 there may be a need to adjust the separation between a plane where the shower system is mounted within a wall and a plane where it is mounted to an external surface of the wall. This separation may vary with the choice of wall claddings which may vary in thickness. It may also vary with the thickness of a wall itself or where in the wall the feed pipes of a shower unit is supplied.

Accordingly, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a shower system adjustment of the separation between a plane where the system is mounted internal to a wall and a plane where it is mounted external to a wall, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice in shower systems.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent 15 from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and 20 pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be 25 attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this 3 James & Wells Ref: 231574/53 549761 specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 5 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

As used herein the term 'supply connection' and similar terms are intended to refer broadly to connections for the purpose of supplying given parts of the system. This might include, but not be limited to, supplying water.

As used herein the term 'wall element' and such like is intended to refer to any 10 structural element that forms part of a wall or is disposed on or within a wall. Examples of elements might include studs, noggins, braces, cladding and such like.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect the present invention comprises a shower system 15 including: a supply section adapted for connection to a water supply and adapted for fixing to a wall element; an extension section adapted to extend from the supply section and along a wall; a wall connection element adapted for connection to a surface of a wall; and an adjustable connector for connection between the extension section and the wall connection element wherein the adjustable connector is adapted to allow the distance between the extension section and said surface of the wall to be adjusted. 4 James & Wells Ref: 231574/53 549761 The present invention provides adjustment of the extension section relative to the wall to allow for a variation in the thickness of wall cladding behind the extension section and behind the wall connection element. It can also allow for a variation in the distance between the plane where the wall connection element is mounted and 5 a plane where the supply connection is mounted. This means that an installer can adjust the shower system to suit a variety of thicknesses of wall cladding. It also allows for the wall cladding to be added subsequent to installation of the shower system. For example, a plumber can install the supply section of the system while the wall is still at the framing stage and the remainder of the system can be 10 installed at a later date by a builder before or after the wall is cladded. Where the system is installed before the wall is cladded the adjustable nature of the connection element avoids possible instances of the extension section being forced out from the wall to allow the wall cladding to be added. Where the extension is forced out in this manner the wall extension unit can act as a lever and cause 15 damage to the supply section of the shower system or its connection to the wall element. Damaged supply sections may represent additional costs to suppliers of shower systems, particularly if they provide on-site warranties for their products.

Preferably the shower system includes a shower rose.

Preferably the shower rose is supplied by the extension section.

Preferably the shower unit includes a lateral section which provides a supply connection between the shower rose and the extension section.

Preferably the adjustable connector provides a supply connection between the extension section and the lateral section.

Preferably the lateral section extends laterally to the extension section. 25 Preferably the shower system includes a second shower rose.

James & Wells Ref: 231574/53 549761 Preferably the shower system includes a mounting for the second shower rose, said mounting capable of being secured on the extension section.

Preferably said mounting is adapted to be moveable along the extension section.

Preferably the supply section includes at least one feed pipe which provides a flow 5 path to the supply section from a water supply.

Preferably said at least one feed pipe is provided with a fixture adapted to fix the feed pipe to a wall element.

Preferably the supply section includes an L-section to provide a flow path from the supply section to the extension section.

Preferably the supply section includes a mixer.

Preferably the supply section includes a U-section connected between the mixer and the L-section.

Preferably the U-section includes U-section wall fixtures adapted to allow the U-section to be fixed to a wall element.

Preferably the wall connection element provided for the extension section includes a flange adapted to substantially abut a wall surface.

Preferably the flange includes a recess for an O-ring formed on a side of the flange which is against a wall in use.

Preferably, the flange includes at least one screw hole to allow the flange to be 20 screwed to a wall.

Preferably the wall connection element provided for the extension section includes a connector rod. 6 James & Wells Ref: 231574/53 549761 Preferably the adjustable connector provides an adjustment recess adapted to receive the connector rod at a variety of depths therein.

Preferably the adjustable connector includes a fixing means to fix the connector rod at a given depth within the adjustment recess to thereby fix the extension section at 5 a given distance to the wall surface in use.

Preferably the fixing means includes a grub screw.

Preferably the extension section may comprise at least one telescopic section adapted to allow adjustment of the length of the extension section. In practice the telescopic nature of the extension section may make it easier to install and provide 10 for a secure instalment as the height of the wall connection element can be adjusted to fix securely to a horizontal element (such as a nog or brace) in the wall.

Preferably the supply section may include a supply section face plate adapted to lie substantially in the plane of the wall surface in use.

Preferably the U-section is located substantially at an opposite side of the supply 15 section face plate to the extension section.

Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include: • a shower system with an external supply pipe which extends along a wall, wherein the feed pipes are internal and wherein the system is adapted for robust mounting, and • a shower system adjustment of the separation between a plane where the system is mounted internal to a wall and a plane where it is mounted external to a wall. 7 James & Wells Ref: 231574/53 549761 Brief Description of Drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side elevation of a shower system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention according to figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a close-up cutaway section of part of the preferred 10 embodiment of the present invention denoted by the circle 'D' in figures 1 and 2.

Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention Figures 1 and 2 show a complete view of a shower system (1) according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The shower system (1) has a supply section (26), denoted by circle A, which is connected to a water supply (not shown). The supply section (26) supplies water to a delivery section (27) located at a different point along a wall. An extension section (6) extends between the supply section (26) and delivery section (27).

The supply section (26) has supply pipes or feed pipes (2a, 2b) which, typically, 20 supply hot and cold water to the shower system (1) from opposite directions. The supply pipes (2a, 2b) supply a mixer (3) which controls the flow of mixed water to a U-section (4). The U-section (4) supplies an L-section (5) which in turn supplies an upright section or extension section (6). The mixer (3) and U-section (4) are mounted on a face plate (21) which typically abuts against a surface of a wall (not 8 James & Wells Ref: 231574/53 549761 shown). The feed pipes (2a,2b) have fixtures (13a,13b) to allow the feed pipes to be secured to a wall element (not shown). The U-section (4) has a similar fixture (14).

The extension section (6) is located on an outside surface of the wall (not shown), 5 with respect to the U-section (4) which may be described as being located within the wall.

The extension section (6) supplies a telescopic section (7) which is connected by an adjustable connector (8) to a lateral section (9). This lateral section (9) extends laterally to the extension section (6) and supplies a shower rose (10) located out 10 from the wall surface (not shown). In this case, the shower rose (10) is of the 'over-head' type. The adjustable connector (8) is connected to a wall (not shown) by a connection element (11) which includes a connection rod or brace (12).

Figure 2 shows a close up of the part of the delivery section (26) of the shower system denoted by circle D of figure 3. The wall connection element (11) is formed 15 as a flange. It typically includes a recess (18) for an O-ring (not shown) to facilitate mounting on a smooth wall surface (not shown). The wall connection element (11) is adapted by means known to those skilled in the art for connection to the wall surface (not shown). These means might include screw holes (not shown) or recesses or rough surfaces (not shown) adapted for gluing to a surface. The 20 connection element (11) typically has a cover face plate (19) to hide screw holes (not shown) which are typically provided for securing it to a wall surface (not shown).

The connector rod (12) is received in an adjustment recess (15) formed in the adjustable connector (8). The adjustment recess (15) is formed with a suitable 25 depth and the connection rod (12) is formed with a suitable length that sufficient adjustment is allowed for between the adjustable connector (8) and the wall 9 James & Wells Ref: 231574/53 549761 surface (not shown). The adjustable connector (8) includes a water supply conduit (20) to provide supply connection between the telescopic section (7) of the extension section (6) and the lateral section (9). The adjustable connector (8) also includes a distance fixture or fixing means (16) to fix the connection rod (12) at a 5 given depth within the recess (15). This allows the distance between the adjustment section (8) and the wall (not shown) to be fixed. The distance fixture (16) typically comprises a grub screw. Alternative fixtures will be known to those skilled in the art but may include locking nuts, or recesses for solder or adhesives.

The telescopic section (7) of the extension section (6) are fixed to the adjustable 10 connector (8). Therefore, adjustment of the connection rod (12) in the adjustment recess (15) adjusts the distance between the extension section (6) and the wall (not shown).

In the preferred embodiment, the telescopic section (7) is formed integrally with the adjustable connector (8).

A second shower rose (25) is mounted to the extension section (6) by means of a sliding mount (28).

The installation of a shower system (1) according to the present invention will now be described to illustrate the interrelationships between its different parts.

The feed pipes (2a, 2b) are typically installed first and secured by fixtures (13a, 20 13b) to a wall element (not shown). The rest of the supply section including mixer (3), U-section (4), L-section (5) and face plate (21) are then installed. Fixture (14) is then used to secure the U-section (4) to a wall element (not shown). The extension section (6) is then connected to the L-section (5) along with the telescopic section (7) and adjustable connector (8). The lateral section (9) may be 25 installed at this point also. At this point the connector rod (12) is left loose in the James & Wells Ref: 231574/53 549761 adjustment recess (15). Next, the wall connection element (11) is fixed to the wall surface (not shown). At this point, the connector rod (12) is still loose in the connection recess (15). Therefore, the distance between the adjustable connector (8), and the extension section (6), remains adjustable. The extension section (6) is 5 then aligned to a perfectly vertical position. Then the fixture (16) is tightened to secure the connection rod (12) in the connection recess (15) and thereby secure the adjustable connector (8) at a distance from the wall (not shown). This fixes the extension section (6) in the vertical alignment.

The preferred embodiment allows for the adjustment of the distance between the 10 extension section (6) and the surface of the wall (not shown) to which the wall connection element (11) is connected. This allows for a variation in the distance or separation between a plane where the U-section (4) and feed pipes (2a, 2b) are fixed to a wall element (not shown) and a plane formed by the outer surface of the wall (not shown). This distance will vary with various thickness of wall claddings 15 (not shown). It will also vary in some cases depending on the thickness of a wall or where in the wail the U-section (4) is secured. Further, it allows for wall cladding to be added after the U-section (4) and feed pipes (2a, 2b) have been fixed to a wall element (not shown) when the shower unit is installed. Without this adjustment, installation of wall cladding after installation of the shower unit would involve a 20 temptation to pull the extension section (6) away from the wall in order to slide cladding behind it. As the extension section (6) is relatively long, it will provide a strong lever that could easily damage the supply section (26) in the form of the U-section (4), feed pipes (2a, 2b) and L-section (5).

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and 25 it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof. 11 James & Wells Ref: 231574/53

Claims (25)

549761 WHAT I/WE CLAIM IS:

1. A shower system including: • a supply section adapted for connection to a water supply and adapted for fixing to a wall element; 5 • an extension section adapted to extend from the supply section and along a wall; • a wall connection element adapted for connection to a surface of a wall, and • an adjustable connector for connection between the extension section and 10 the wall connection element wherein the adjustable connector is adapted to allow the distance between the extension section and said surface of the wall to be adjusted, and wherein the supply section includes at least one feed pipe which provides a flow path to the supply section from a water supply. 15

2. A shower system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shower system includes a shower rose.

3. A shower system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the shower rose is supplied by the extension section.

4. A shower system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the shower system includes 20 a lateral section which provides a supply connection between the shower rose and the extension section.

5. A shower system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the adjustable connector INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 12 10 JUL 2008 d cr p i \/ f n 549761 provides a supply connection between the extension section and the lateral section.

6. A shower system as claimed in anyone of claims 4 or 5 wherein the lateral section extends laterally to the extension section. 5

7. A shower system as claimed in anyone of claims 2 to 5 wherein the shower system includes a second shower rose.

8. A shower system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the shower system includes a mounting for the second shower rose, said mounting capable of being secured on the extension section.

9. A shower system as claimed in claim 8 wherein said mounting is adapted to be moveable along the extension section.

10. A shower system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one feed pipe is provided with a fixture adapted to fix the feed pipe to a wall element.

11. A shower system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 10 wherein the supply section includes a mixer.

12. A shower system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 11 wherein the supply section includes an L-section to provide a flow path from the supply section to the extension section.

13. A shower system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the supply section 20 includes a U-section connected between the mixer and the L-section.

14. A shower system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the U-section includes means adapted to allow the U-section to be fixed to a wall element.

15. A shower system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 14 wherein the wall INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 13 ! 0 JUL 2008 Dcrcu/pn 10 15 549761 connection element includes a flange adapted to substantially abut a wail surface.

16. A shower system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the flange includes a recess for an O-ring formed on a side of the flange which is against a wall in use.

17. A shower system as claimed in anyone of claims 15 or 16 wherein the 5 flange includes at least one hole to allow the flange to be fastened to a wall.

18. A shower system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 17 wherein the wall connection element includes a connector rod.

19. A shower system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the adjustable connector provides an adjustment recess adapted to receive the connector rod at a variety of 10 depths therein.

20. A shower system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the adjustable connector includes a fixing means to fix the connector rod at a given depth within the adjustment recess to thereby fix the extension section at a given distance to the wall surface in use. 15

21. A shower system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the fixing means comprises a grub screw.

22. A shower system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 21 wherein the extension section comprises at least one telescopic section adapted to allow adjustment of the length of the extension section. 20

23. A shower system as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 22 wherein the supply section includes a supply section face plate adapted to lie substantially in the plane of the wall surface when in situ.

24. A shower system as claimed in anyone of claims 13 to 14 wherein the U- 14 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.2. 10 JUL2008 RECEIVED 549761 section is located substantially at an opposite side of the supply section face plate to the extension section.

25. A shower system substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to anyone of accompanying drawings 1 to 3. AQUATICA N2 LTD by its Attorneys JAMES & WELLS 15 f^SpCTUATTOOreRW I OFFICE OF NZ, 1 0 JUL 2008 i RECEIVED