US3130420A - Bathtub and sink fixture - Google Patents

Description

April 1964 D. E. COLUCCI BATHTUB AND SINK FIXTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 19, 1962 INVENTOR DONALD E. COLUCCI ATTORNEYS April 28, 1964 D. E. COLUCCI BATHTUB AND SINK FIXTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 19, 1962 ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,130,420 BATHTUB AND SINK FIXTURE Donald Eugene Celucei, 2335 Aurora Road, Hudson, @hio Filed June 19, 1%2, Ser. No. 293,559 Claims. (Cl. 4-4) The present invention relates to an improved plumbing fixture. More particularly, the invention relates to a combination plumbing fixture selectively movable and providing a vanity and lavatory oriented in one plane or position, and a bath tub oriented in another plane.

An object of the invention is to provide a permanently installed, compact and selectively movable combination vanity and lavatory and bath tub, which may be supplied in either position with Water from faucets or mixers installed in a wall behind and above the fixture.

Other objects of the invention include providing a combination plumbing fixture which is suited for mass commercial production, which may be fabricated and assembled With a minimum of component parts, which may be readily moved from one position to the other to shift the orientation of the lavatory and bath tub and which is particularly suited for use to provide a bath tub in limited areas where weight and area are important, such as apartmerits, motels, ships and house trailers or mobile homes.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent in view of the following detailed description and the attached drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the combination fixture in the raised or vanity and lavatory position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the combination fixture in the lowered or bath tub position;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section, taken through the lavatory or s nk bowl substantially as indicated on line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section, taken through the bath tub, substantially as indicated on line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a plan View of FIGS. 2 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a detail view, in section, showing a stop latch or catch for holding the fixture in either of the two operative positions; and,

FIG. 7 is another detail view in section showing a spring loaded hinge providing the pivot points for raising and lowering the fixture.

The plumbing fixture according to the invention is indicated generally by the numeral 2% and is selectively movable to provide a vanity and lavatory in one position and, after movement through an arc of approximately 90, a bath tub in another position. The fixture 2% includes as principal structurfl components, an outer shell generally rectangular or box-like, an interfitting inner shell, means connecting the shells at overlapping or mating edges, and hinge means on opposite ends of the outer shell to provide pivot points for movement of the plumbing fixture.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fixture is installed in a building area defined by a floor 21, a rear Wall 22, a left or side wall 23 and a right or side wall 24. As shown, the fixture 26 is adapted for righthand installation, that is, the faucet or mixer unit 25 for supplying hot and cold water, as available, is installed on the right side of the rear wall 22. Also, the piping 26 of the drain and Waste discharge is housed and installed in the right side wall 24. t is apparent, that the unit 29 could however be installed and used with equal facility as an opposite or lefthand installation in a building area having a rear wall and spaced apart parallel side walls.

Extending between the fixture 2i) and the piping 25 are two flexible drain hoses or conduit means 27 and 23.

sssaiza Patented Apr. 28, 1964 Drain hose 2'7 connects as at 29 to the end of a preferably fixed drain or conduit means 3-3 communicating with the drain outlet 31 of a lavatory or sink 32. The drain hose 23 connects as at 34 to the end of a preferably fixed drain or conduit means 35 communicating :With the drain outlet 36 of a bath tube 37. An overfiow outlet 33, preferably located at the front of the sink 362 may be connected as shown to the drain line 3%). An overfiow outlet 38, preferably located at the right rear upper corner of the tub 37 may be connected as shown to the drain line 35.

The side wall of tie installation area adjacent or convenient to the piping 26, as shown the right side wall 24, has an arcuate slot 39 for lowering and raising of the fixture 2% to the two operating positions. It is preferred that the fittings 29 and 34 which are adapted for attaching and connecting the flexible hoses Z7 and 28 to the drain lines 3i) and 35, and which are located adjacent the end wall of fixture as, have a diameter less than the Width of the slot 39 and be constructed of a material which will be resistant to mechanical and thermal shock. The center or radius of the :arcuate slot 39 is established by the location of the hinges '43 at either end of the fixture 28 which provide the pivot points for raising and lowering of the fixture.

Referring to the detail view, PG. 7, each hinge 4% may include a stud plate 4-1 suitably attached to a side wall 24 and 25 and mounted either recessed, as shown, or flush as by fasteners '42.. Extending laterally from the center of each plate is a stud or pivot pin 43. The pin 43 extends witlnn the side walls of the fixture 2 9 through a bore in a mounting plate 44 mounted on the side wall sur- (face. Lnteriorly of the fixture 2:33, a socket plate 45 is attached to the mounting plate 44 as by fasteners 46. A coiled spring 47 coaxially surrounds each stud pin 43 having one end attached as at 41*; to the stud pin and the other end attached as at 49 to a hub on the socket plate. The use of a coiled spring 47 is optional but is preferred to provide a mechanical assistance (to raising of the tubfrom the lowered or tub position (FIG. 2.) to the vanity position (FIG. 1).

Referring to the detail view, FIG. 6, it is preferred that a latch means so be provided to protect against unintentional or accidental lcv ering of the fixture all from the upright position. Each stop latch or catch '59 may include a catch plate 51 suitably attached to a side wall 2-4 or 23 and mounted either recessed, as shown, or fiush as by fasteners 52. Each latch plate has a socket 53 to receive a spring loaded plunger '54- biased outwardly from within the side walls of the fixture 29 through a bore in a mounting plate 55 mounted on the side wall surface. Interiorly of the fixture 2%, a housing plate 56 is attached to the mounting plate 55 as by fasteners 57. A compression spring 58 preferably enclosed Within a housing 5% coaxially surrounds the inner end of plunger 54 which is biased toward selective engagement with the socket 53.

Referring to the detailed structural views FIGS. 3-5, the fixture 2% is formed by two major components, an outer shell and an inner shell oi, joined at mating edges by a rectangular flange 62 to provide an integral structure. The inner and outer shells may each be fabiic-ated of metal using conventional die or deep draw stamping techniques. After fabrication from a suitable metal such as steel or aluminum, the shells may be provided with a thin protective and decorative coating such as porcelain. Alternatively, and particularly where light weight is a significant factor, the shells 61 and so may each be fabricated of plastic using conventional impregnating resin and fibreglass laminating techniques. Yet another alternative is to fabricate the outer shell 6% from metal and the inner shell s: from a plastic laminate, or vice versa.

The outer shell ii'has a box-like configulration defined by a vanity surface 65, a facade and base surface 66, and a rear and under surface 67, each surface being integrally connected with left and right end wall surfaces 65 when used.

The vanity surface 65 incorporates the lavatory bowl 32. The facade surface 66 has a projecting or pedestal portion 69, adjacent the intersection with surface 65, to provide an overhang when the fixture it) is in the lavatory position and a floor support when the fixture is in the tub position.

An advantage of a fixture 29 having an external configuration defined by the surfaces 65-67, and being wall mounted as by the hinge means 49, is to efiectively prevent accumulation of overfiow water or spillage behind and beneath the fixture. In FiGS. 4 and 5 and it will be noted that the rear Wall of the building area is recessed as indicated at 70. The height of the recess is established by the length of the rear surface 67. When the fixture is in the raised position, ample space is provided between the fioor and the building'area and surface 67 to provide access for Wiping or mopping of water spillage.

As shown in FIG. 4, it will be noted that the wall edge of the rectangular flange 62 extends beneath the surface of the rear wall 22 into the area provided by the recess 70. When the tub 37 is used for bathing, any spillage or splash water on the flange 62 will be dumped to the floor when the fixture is raised and may be wiped up or mopped rather than accumulating behind the tub as in conventional fixed tub installations.

The inner shell 61 also has a box-like configuration spaced apart from and interfitting with opposed and complementary surfaces of the outer shell 6%. The surfaces of the inner shell 61 include a front surface 71, a bottom surface 72,. and a rear surface 73, each surface being integrally connected with left and right end wall surfaces 74 and defining the tub 37. The side surface 71 has a projecting or housing portion 75 enclosing the lavatory 32 and the fixed piping 30. The housing 75 also provides an area for persons desiring to sit on the edge of the tub 37 when the fixture 20 is in the lowered position.

The rectangular flange 62 for connecting the outer and inner shells 6i and 61 into an integral structure may be either of metal or plastic composition. As may be seen in FIGS. 3 or 4, the flange 62 has a continuous channel edge 76 over-clamping and holding mating angled edges 77 and 78, of the outer and inner shells 6i and 61, respectively.

What is claimed is:

1. A plumbing fixture for installation in a building area defined by a rear wall and spaced apart parallel side walls, said fixture being installed between said side walls and adjacent said rear wall, one of said side walls housing piping for, drain and waste discharge, said fixture having a lavatory oriented in one plane and a bath tub oriented in a difierent plane and comprising an outer shell with a surface incorporating the lavatory and end walls adjacent said side walls, an inner shell fitting within said outer shell and having surfaces defining the bath tub, said lavatory and bath tub each having a drain outlet, conduit means extending between said shells from each of said drain outlets toward one of said outer shell end wall-s, flexible conduit means connecting each of said conduit means to said piping, and cooperating pivot means on each of said outer shell end walls and an adjacent side wall for movement of said fixture to shift the orientation of said lavatory and bath tub, said pivot means being located such that the rear portion of said fixture is adjacent said rear wall when said fixture is shifted selectively into the operative orientation of said lavatory and of said bat. tub.

V 2. A plumbing fixture for installation in a building area defined by a rear wall and spaced apart parallel side wails, said fixture being installed between said sidewalls and adjacent said rear wall, said rear wall having faucet means operatively located thereon for selectively supplying water to said fixture, one of said side walls housing piping for drain and waste discharge, said fixture having a lavatory oriented in one plane and a bathtub oriented in a diiferent plane and comprising an outer shell with a surface incorporating the lavatory and end walls adjacent said side Walls, an inner shell fitting within said outer shell and having surfaces defining the bathtub, said lavatory and bathtub each having a drain outlet, conduit means extending between said shells from each of said drain outlets toward one of said outer shell end walls, flexible conduit means connecting each of said conduit means to said piping, cooperating pivot means on each of said outer.

area defined by a rear wall and spaced apart parallel side Walls, said fixture being installed between said side Walls and adjacent said rear Wall, one of said side Walls housing piping for drain and waste discharge, said fixture having a lavatory oriented in one plane and a bathtub oriented in a different plane and comprising an outer shell with a surface incorporating the lavatory and end walls adjacent said side walls, an inner shell fitting within said outer shell and having surfaces defining the bathtub and including a projecting lavatory housing portion pro viding an integral raised seat surface in said bathtub, said lavatory and bathtub each having a drain outlet, conduit means extending between said shells from each of said drain outlets toward one of said outer shell end walls, flexible conduit means connecting each of said conduit means to said piping, and cooperating pivot means on each of said outer shell end walls and an adjacent side wall for movement of said fixture to shift the orientation of said lavatory and bathtub, said pivot means being located such that the rear portion of said fixture is adjacent said rear wall when said fixture is shifted selectively into the operative orientation of said lavatory and of said bathtub.

4. A plumbing fixture for installation in a building area defined by a rear wall and spaced apart parallel side Walls, said fixture being installed between said side walls and adjacent said rear wall, said rear wall having faucet means operatively located thereon for selectively supplying water to said fixture, one said side wall housing piping for drain and Waste discharge, said fixture having a lavatory oriented in one plane and a bathtub oriented in a dilferent plane and comprising an outer shell with a surface incorporating the lavatory and end walls adjacent said side walls, an inner shell fitting .within said outer shell and having surfaces defining the bathtub and including a projecting lavatory housing portion providing an integral raised seat seurface in said bathtub, said lavatory and bathtub each having a drain outlet, conduit means extending between said shells from each of said drain outlets toward one of said outer shell end walls, flexible conduit means connecting each of said conduit means to' said piping, cooperating pivot means on each of said outer shell end walls and an adjacent side Wall for movement of said fixture to shift the orientation of said lavatory and bathtub, said pivot means being located such that the rear portion of said fixture is adjacent said rear wall when said fixture is shifted selectively into the operative orientation of said lavatory and of said bathtub, and spring means associated with said pivot means and biased to assist in the movement of said fixture.

5. In a selectively movable plumbing fixture, the combination comprising; a generally rectangular outer shell incorporating a lavatory and having end Walls, a generally rectangular inner shell fitting Within said outer shell and having surfaces defining a bathtub, said lavatory and bathtub being oriented in difierent planes, said inner shell including a projecting lavatory housing portion providing an integral raised seat surface in said bathtub, said outer and inner shells having mating edge surfaces, means joining said edge surfaces to provide an integral fixture structure, drain outlet means in said lavatory and in said bathtub, conduit means extending between said shells from each of said drain outlet means to one of said outer shell end walls, flexible conduit means connected to said conduit means at said outer shell end wall and adapted for connection to fixed building Waste discharge piping, pivot means on opposite ends of said outer shell for movement of said fixture to shift the orientation of said lavatory and bathtub, and spring means cooperating with said pivot means and biased to assist movement of said fixture.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 923,203 Schmitt June 1, 1909 2,395,752 Nuckey et a1. Feb. 26, 1946 2,817,094 Lessley Dec. 24, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 10,168 Great Britain Apr. 24, 1914

Claims (1)

1. A PLUMBING FIXTURE FOR INSTALLATION IN A BUILDING AREA DEFINED BY A REAR WALL AND SPACED APART PARALLEL SIDE WALLS, SAID FIXTURE BEING INSTALLED BETWEEN SAID SIDE WALLS AND ADJACENT SAID REAR WALL, ONE OF SAID SIDE WALLS HOUSING PIPING FOR DRAIN AND WASTE DISCHARGE, SAID FIXTURE HAVING A LAVATORY ORIENTED IN ONE PLANE AND A BATH TUB ORIENTED IN A DIFFERENT PLANE AND COMPRISING AN OUTER SHELL WITH A SURFACE INCORPORATING THE LAVATORY AND END WALLS ADJACENT SAID SIDE WALLS, AN INNER SHELL FITTING WITHIN SAID OUTER SHELL AND HAVING SURFACES DEFINING THE BATH TUB, SAID LAVATORY AND BATH TUB EACH HAVING A DRAIN OUTLET, CONDUIT MEANS EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID SHELLS FROM EACH OF SAID DRAIN OUTLETS TOWARD ONE OF SAID OUTER SHELL END WALLS, FLEXIBLE CONDUIT MEANS CONNECTING EACH OF SAID CONDUIT MEANS TO SAID PIPING, AND COOPERATING PIVOT MEANS ON EACH OF SAID OUTER SHELL END WALLS AND AN ADJACENT SIDE WALL FOR MOVEMENT OF SAID FIXTURE TO SHIFT THE ORIENTATION OF SAID LAVATORY AND BATH TUB, SAID PIVOT MEANS BEING LOCATED SUCH THAT THE REAR PORTION OF SAID FIXTURE IS ADJACENT SAID REAR WALL WHEN SAID FIXTURE IS SHIFTED SELECTIVELY INTO THE OPERATIVE ORIENTATION OF SAID LAVATORY AND OF SAID BATHTUB.

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