AU2004294872A1 - Sill assembly for shower installations - Google Patents
Sill assembly for shower installations Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2004294872A1 AU2004294872A1 AU2004294872A AU2004294872A AU2004294872A1 AU 2004294872 A1 AU2004294872 A1 AU 2004294872A1 AU 2004294872 A AU2004294872 A AU 2004294872A AU 2004294872 A AU2004294872 A AU 2004294872A AU 2004294872 A1 AU2004294872 A1 AU 2004294872A1
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- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- sill
- shower
- assembly
- connection portion
- plumbing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/28—Showers or bathing douches
- A47K3/40—Pans or trays
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/28—Showers or bathing douches
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/01—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks for combinations of baths, showers, sinks, wash-basins, closets, urinals, or the like
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
- E03C1/0408—Water installations especially for showers
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Residential Or Office Buildings (AREA)
- Nozzles (AREA)
Description
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 SILL ASSEMBLY FOR SHOWER INSTALLATIONS FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention is directed to the field of shower plumbing and construction, and more specifically to the plumbing and construction of shower sills. In particular it is directed to shower installations including both new and retrofitted installations. BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION There are two major practices for the installation of shower assemblies, particularly in the United States. The first of these options comprises a pre-formed shower receptor with associated door and wall return panels as appropriate. These may be positioned against a wall, in corners or alcoves, or be free standing. The second option, to which the present invention is more specifically addressed, comprises tiled installations where both the floor pan and walls of the shower assembly are tiled. This option is substantially more labour intensive and time consuming to install, but is preferred by a significant proportion of people in many markets. Pictured against this background are changing requirements in what consumers prefer in bathroom and shower design. For instance, the typical shower installation of the past included a single shower rose controlled by faucets or mixing valve. Showers over bath installations were common. At the high end of the market, additional features were included - such as multiple body spray jets (typically horizontally orientated spray nozzles arranged at varying heights). While previously restricted to costlier installations, the average consumer now wishes to have such features in bathroom installations for a more economical price. While manufacturing techniques have an impact on the price, so to does design. A hindrance to many designs has been the reluctance of involved trades and industry to vary their installation practices to accommodate new or difficult installation procedures. This is further exacerbated by the fact that when most of the pre-plumbing is performed in new constructions, the end user has not yet decided which shower option or product choice they might opt for. Retrofitting existing installations is perhaps a little less problematic in that significant work may be required and most wall linings and plumbing may need to be redone. However, the same reluctance of trades persons to vary from accepted practices, and the existence of regulations which may govern how an installation may be performed, still hinders the development and introduction of new designs which can incorporate additional or desirable features at modest cost.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -2 The inventor has developed free standing, corner and alcove shower installations which utilise specialised support columns (NZ patent application 524863/524864) in conjunction with the shower base (also known as receptors). Use is made of the hollow area under pre-forned receptors to route plumbing to the columns, which may include 5 various devices such as body spray jets, and water control devices. This system relies on a special cam and locking ring type arrangement (disclosed in the aforesaid NZ patent application) which is also described later herein in respect of a modified version for use with the present invention. While this system addresses a number of problems hindering the market, a problem is 10 encountered with tiled installations where no pre-formed shower receptor with a hollow threshold or sill is present. Standard construction techniques for tiled shower installations comprise the formation of a substantially solid base of lumber or ply materials. Taking the example of a three-walled alcove, a supporting base may be forned of ply and timber lining the walls up to a particular height. The front threshold 15 or sill assembly is typically formed from several pieces of 2" x 4" solid lumber. In such an installation, columns for mounting the door, and possibly also panels, are often mounted on the sill. Desirably it is in these supporting columns that body spray jets are to be located. The difficulty however is how to route the water supply to body jets provided in these columns. 20 It is one object of the present invention to address this problem and to provide a method for being able to satisfactorily route water supply to body spray jets or other water delivery devices which may be positioned in a column mounted on a tiled sill. Typical traditional tiled shower installations will - once the base or threshold area has been suitably formed, and the drain exit and other plumbing pre-plumbed - place a 25 water-proofing membrane layer (which may be a sheet blanket or liquid material) over the substructure and up to a predetermined height (often governed by regulations). Over this is next provided a mortar/bedding mix, often reinforced with a metal lath. At this stage any tapering of the floor area towards the waste, and tapering of the sill's top (to drain water back into the shower receptor area), is performed. Finally, tiles are 30 adhesively set in place over these layers. Grouting is then performed. At this stage final installation of components such as supporting columns and doors are performed. As previously mentioned, this practice is well established and only deviated from with extreme reluctance by trades persons. Significant deviation from such practices are also likely to cause regulatory problems.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -3 Hence, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative useful solution for being able to route water to sill mounted structures in tiled installations, where deviation from existing practices ideally falls within approved regulatory practices.. 5 It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method and components for use in the formation of a tiled shower installation having plumbing and water delivery devices present in threshold mounted support or other structures. Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide the public with a useful alternative choice. 10 Aspects of the present invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the ensuing description. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill form comprising at least first and second walls, and a top surface spanning between 15 same; the sill form being substantially hollow, and attachable to a support; said top surface including provisions for plumbing associated with the sill form to pass therethrough. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill form, substantially as described above, which includes indicia or markings at 20 predetermined positions or intervals along its length to guide cutting of the sill form to a specific length. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill form, substantially as described above, which includes provision for internal plumbing comprising a connection portion for passing through said top surface and at 25 least a conduit for water from said connection portion to an end of said sill form. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill form, substantially as described above, wherein the outside of the sill form is textured to improve the adherence of a liquid membrane coating. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed 30 shower sill form, substantially as described above, wherein the sill form is ribbed, or otherwise modified, on its inside to increase its rigidity.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -4 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill form, substantially as described above, wherein the sill form is of a material able to be trimmed to length by a handsaw, power saw, or grinder. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed 5 shower sill form, substantially as described above, wherein the sill form is made of at least one of the following materials: aluminium, an aluminium alloy, another metal or alloy, a mouldable or extrudable plastic material, a fibre reinforced plastic, and a fibre reinforced cementitious material. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed 10 shower sill form, substantially as described above, wherein the sill form is pre-coated with a waterproofing membrane material. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a shower sill assembly comprising: i) a sill form substantially as described above; 15 ii) internal plumbing comprising a connection portion for passing through the top surface of the sill form, and at least a conduit for water from said connection portion to an end of said sill forn. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, wherein the top portion of the 20 connection portion is keyed to limit the rotational orientation of additional components which are placed over same. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, wherein the top portion of the connection portion is keyed by the presence of at least one longitudinal slot on its outer 25 surface. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, wherein the top portion of the connection portion is keyed by the presence of at least one flat face on its outer surface. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed 30 shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, wherein the flat face is parallel to a tangent to the outside face of the connection portion passing through the top surface of the sill form.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -5 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, which includes a cam portion, able to engage with a complementary engaging portion fitted to an element or assembly for attachment to the shower sill, said cam portion being substantially annular and disc 5 like and having a hollow centre portion through which a connection portion through the top surface of the shower sill passes. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, which the cam portion is configured to interact with a keyed modification applied to the top portion of said 10 connection portion. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which said engaging portion, with the cam portion connects, is associated with a column or structural element which is able to be connected to the cam portion to be secured to the sill form. 15 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a prefonned shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which the connection of the engaging portion to the cam portion is by substantially a bayonet action. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which the cam portion is able 20 to be secured to the top keyed portion of the connection portion by placing over same, and tightening a retaining nut or retainer onto a threaded portion of the connection portion. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which at least part of the 25 connection portion for passing through and extending above said top surface is threaded. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which there is included a nut complementary to the threaded portion of the connection portion, the arrangement between the nut and connection portion being such that the nut may be loosened and 30 positioned near the threaded free end of said connection portion to allow the connection portion and connected plumbing to be lowered substantially within the sill form for transport, and which can be subsequently tightened to raise the lowered connection portion to its correct height for use as well as to lock the connection portion and associated plumbing into place for use.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -6 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, wherein said included complementary nut is totally removably from the threaded free end of said connection portion to allow the connection portion and connected plumbing to be lowered 5 substantially within the sill fonn for transport, and which can be subsequently refitted and tightened to raise the lowered connection portion to its correct height for use, and to lock the connection portion and associated plumbing into place for use. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, wherein a said connection 10 portion substantially comprises an elbow or 'Tee" connection. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, wherein there is provided one or more apertures, each with an associated connection portion, in the top surface of the sill form; said connection portions are connected together in parallel by plumbing within the 15 sill form. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, wherein said plumbing may include either or both flow, diverter and pressure regulating means. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed 20 shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, wherein the plumbing at an end of the sill form is terminated by a connection means for the attachment of a supply pipe or other plumbing. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, which includes a cam portion, 25 able to engage with a complementary engaging portion fitted to an element or assembly for attachment to the shower sill, said cam portion being substantially annular and disc like and having a hollow centre portion through which a connection portion through the top surface of the shower sill passes. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a preformed 30 shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which the cam portion is configured to interact with a keyed modification applied to the threaded portion of said connection portion.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -7 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed shower sill assembly comprising a shower sill form, as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 8, fastened to a support, there being internal plumbing within the assembly connected to a water supply and leading to a connection piece passing through a top 5 surface of the sill form. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which at least a portion of a connection piece passing through a top surface of the sill form is threaded, and is secured in place by at least a nut threaded about same. 10 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which at least a portion of the connection piece passing through the top surface of the sill form is keyed to resist rotation of a suitable element placed over same. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed 15 shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which the top of the connection portion is covered with a protective cap. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which a cam element, with a hollow centre configured to interact with the keying of the connection portion, is placed 20 about the connection portion and secured relative to the top surface of the sill form. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which the cam element is spaced from the top surface of the sill form by spacers. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed 25 shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which the sill form is covered with tile bedding mix. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which the sill form is tiled. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed 30 shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which a pre-plumbed colunm is attached by an interaction with said cam element.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -8 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which said pre-plumbed column includes internal plumbing which connects to the connection portion about which said cam element is located. 5 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which said connection between the internal plumbing of the column and the connection portion comprises a non-threaded quick connect plumbing connection. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed 10 shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which a piece of flexible conduit leads from the connection portion, with which the cam element is located, to 'plumbing within said column. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an installed shower sill assembly, substantially as described above, in which said column includes at 15 least one of: a spray jet, a diverter valve, a thermostatic valve, a control mixer, and a flow controlling valve. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a tileable shower sill, the kit comprising: (a) a sill form having a plumbing channel extending along a longitudinal length of 20 the frame and having a top surface; (b) a connection portion at least partially extendable through the top surface; and (c) plumbing adapted to be connected to the coupling assembly so as to be positioned within the plumbing channel between the coupling assembly and an end of the frame. 25 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, the kit further including a first interlocking member, comprising a cam element, coupleable to the coupling assembly for permitting a support member to be coupled to the frame in a quick connect manner. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a 30 tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, wherein said first interlocking member is indexed such that the first interlocking member is oriented in a preselected angular orientation relative to the frame when coupled to the coupling assembly.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -9 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, wherein the coupling assembly and plumbing are adapted to be disposed within the plumbing channel during transport. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a 5 tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, the kit further including a cap removably placeable over a portion of the connection portion, wherein the cap has an aperture allowing a plug to pass through and connect to the connection portion. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, wherein said cap includes indicia 10 marking a selected height above the frame to aid a user in applying a covering to the frame. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, the kit further including a support member attachable to the sill form, a first interlocking member comprising a cam 15 element coupleable to the sill form, and a second interlocking member coupled to said support member, wherein the second interlocking member is coupleable to the first interlocking member to couple the support member to the frame. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, wherein the first and second 20 interlocking members may be fully coupled to one another through rotation of the first and second interlocking members relative to one another by a rotation of less than 360 degrees. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, the kit further including a support 25 member attachable to the sill form, a door attachable to the support member, a hinge set for attaching the door to the support member. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, the kit further including a support member attachable to the sill form, a spray jet attachable to the support member, and 30 plumbing for connecting the spray jet to the coupling assembly. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, wherein said support member is internally pre-plumbed between the spray jet and one end of the support member.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 - 10 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a tileable shower sill, substantially as described above, wherein the internal plumbing of the hollow support member terminates near a base of the hollow support member and is terminated to allow connection to the coupling assembly in a quick connect manner. 5 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, said method including steps of: - optionally trimming a sill form, substantially as described above; - providing aperture(s) in the top of the sill form where supporting structures are to 10 be attached to the sill; - passing a the threaded keyed portion of a keyed connection portion through a said aperture and securing in place with a nut; - providing plumbing within the sill form to an end of the sill form and connecting to a water source in the existing structure; 15 - securing the sill form to the floor or supporting surface; According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, substantially as described above, said method including additional steps of: 20 - placing a removable cap over the exposed threaded end of the connection portion(s), either the length of the cap or markings on the cap being chosen to signify the height of at least one of: the finished tile surface, and the height of mortar substrate under the tiles. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of 25 forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, substantially as described above, said method including additional steps of: - extending a shower floor membrane over the sill form. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of 30 forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, substantially as described above, said method including additional steps of: - applying a cementitious substrate over the sill form; According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of 35 forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 - 11 partway along the length of the sill, substantially as described above, said method including additional steps of: - tiling over the substrate according to preferred practice. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of 5 forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, substantially as described above, said method including additional steps of: - optionally placing tapered shims or washers over the exposed keyed portion of connector portions to create a level surface for connection additional 10 components. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, substantially as described above, said method including additional steps of: 15 - placing a keyed cam element, substantially as described above, over said the exposed keyed portion of the connection portions and securing in place with a nut or ratchet engaging fitting device. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed 20 partway along the length of the sill, substantially as described above, said method including additional steps of: - connecting hollow supporting members with engaging portions, the engaging portions fitting into place by interaction with said cam element; According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of 25 forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, substantially as described above, said method including additional steps of: - finalizing any plumbing connections to within the hollow supporting member, either prior to or at the time of its attachment. 30 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, substantially as described above, said method including additional steps of: - attaching either or both doors and panels to said hollow supporting members.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -12 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, substantially as described above, wherein a said hollow support member is pre-plumbed and includes at least one of: a spray jet oriented 5 substantially horizontally, a diverter valve, a thermostatic valve, a control mixer, and a flow controlling valve. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a tiled sill threshold whose construction includes a method substantially as described above. Definitions: 10 A number of terms will be repeatedly used within this specification. Within the context of this specification their general meaning, unless otherwise stated or specifically implied, shall be as follows: Membrane a water proofing barrier used in bathrooms, and particularly as a substrate layer in wet areas such as 15 showers. Membrane blankets, Hot MopM, and liquid membrane materials are known and commonly used. Connection portion typically a connector allowing for the connection of a supply pipe, or a pipe fitted with a complementary 20 connector piece. It can also include connectors which facilitate joining or union of pipe sections by soldering or brazing etc. Compressive connection (e.g. by crimping etc.) devices are also included. Pipe typically refers to a hollow cylindrical conduit for 25 carrying water. Sill / Threshold the raised portion(s) defining the edge of the shower base opening / entry area, typically along edges of the shower installation which do not comprise an existing wall of the building. The sill typically acts 30 as a dam or barrier to prevent water flowing out of the shower receptor area and on to surrounding flooring.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 - 13 Sill form The typically hollow element forming substantially the foundation for the shape of the sill/threshold and over which the various layers of bedding and tiles (etc.) are laid. 5 While the present invention may exist in a number of forms, common to the various embodiments is a pre-formed shower sill. This pre-formed shower sill is typically a hollow or open element (e.g. a "U" shape) to allow internal plumbing to be suitably positioned or provided. The pre-formed sill acts as a suitable supporting substrate for finishing layers of mud, 10 mortar or bedding mix, adhesive, and tiles to be overlaid. In this respect it is preferable that the sill is relatively rigid and resistant to flexing so as to avoid cracking of any overlying layers. Suitable strength and rigidity can be accomplished by a number of means including suitable choice of materials, and appropriate design. It is anticipated that the typical skilled tradesperson would be well acquainted with aspects of design and 15 material to construct a suitable sill given the description herein. For instance, and by way of example (but not limited to), materials of construction may include various metals including aluminium and its alloys, various plastics materials including mouldable or extrudable materials, and fibre reinforced plastics materials. Elements of design which may be used to improve strength and rigidity can include 20 internal ribs and reinforcing elements of different materials. A separate insert which fits inside the sill form after it has been plumbed may also be considered to improve strength. Injecting expandable foams is another option, which can increase strength and rigidity as well as providing additional internal insulation to plumbing provided therein. The environment in which the sill is to be used may also be considered. In preferred 25 methods of use of the present invention there is an overlying waterproof membrane layer which will protect the pre-formed sill from water impregnation. Hence while materials such as steel, which is susceptible to corrosion by water and air, may be considered, it is still preferable that a suitable anti-corrosive coating (e.g. zinc coating) or protective coating (e.g. plastic or epoxy coating) is used. 30 The pre-formed sill/threshold may take a number of shapes. In cross section the pre formed sill/threshold is preferably hollow so as to allow for internal plumbing. Accordingly it may take a box section, though in preferred embodiments the cross section of the sill is U-shaped or less preferably top-hat shaped. The cross section need not be constant along the entire length. It should be considered however that for most 35 embodiments of the present invention the sill/threshold will be overlaid with various WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 - 14 layers of materials and finally finished with tiles. Accordingly it is envisaged that in most cases the major outer surfaces of the pre-formed sill will be substantially flat and external top and front/back faces can be either perpendicular to each other or tapered (with a slight incline applied to the top surface to assist water drainage). 5 In plan view the shape of the pre-formed sill may vary. In the simple embodiment the sill may be substantially linear. However in more sophisticated embodiments the sill may be curved, or perhaps curved along only part of its length. Angles may also be introduced so that the final sill can take any of a number of possible shapes according to user and manufacturer preference. This would allow the pre-formed sill to be used in 10 various designs, as well as alcove, corner, and angular showers, which extend from one or more walls etc. The pre-formed threshold / sill may also be made from material which can be cut to size on site. This would allow a user to trim the pre-formed threshold / sill to fit a particular installation, using commonly available tradesperson / home handyman tools such as 15 handsaws, power saws, hacksaw and /or grinders. The choice of material will be consideration in such embodiments. The user may be assisted by applying markings or indicia on visible surfaces of the sill. These may be at regular or predetermined intervals, and represented in a number of manners. For instance, they may be represented by grooves, ribs, printed markings, or 20 other features. They may also presented in a manner by which they can provide a guide to the user for accurate trimming. Modifications may be made to the outer surface of the sill. For instance, in preferred installations there will be a membrane layer applied directly over the sill. While membrane blankets are commonly used, so too are liquid membrane coatings. 25 Accordingly the outer surface of the pre-formed sill could be modified to increase adherence of liquid coatings. This might be accomplished by texturing so as to allow a keyed bond, or by coating with materials to which the applied membrane coating is particularly adherent. The pre-formed sill should ideally contain provision for fixing to the floor and/or 30 supporting substrate. For a pre-formed sill of "U" or top-hat cross sectional configuration suitable aperture holes may be provided or drilled in the lower vertical or lower outwardly extending flanges. This would enable the pre-fonned sill to be mechanically fastened to a floor by devices such as screws etc. Adhesive bonding may also be considered. The use of separate connectors may also be considered in various 35 embodiments as well e.g. a channel section fixed to the floor over which the sill is WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -15 positioned. These may click together for fitting or rely on mechanical or adhesive fastening. Various fastening tabs may also be formed or attached to various points along sills of other cross sectional configuration. Typically also there is provided in the top surface of the sill one or more apertures 5 through which plumbing may extend. While such apertures may be formed on site, allowing the installer to precisely locate apertures according to the shower equipment (e.g. doors and supporting columns etc) to be used in conjunction with the sill, preference of the present invention is for these apertures to be pre-formed. By pre forming the apertures, it is also possible to pre-plumb (and pressure test) a threshold /sill 10 assembly which can assist in minimizing warranty problems after installation and significantly improve installation time. In the preferred embodiment of the invention to be described later, the choice of specific plumbing hardware can further aid quick and accurate installation of shower equipment (e.g. supporting columns for doors etc). Ideally in the pre-plumbed sill/threshold assembly, there are provided connection pieces 15 able to extend above the apertures in the top surface of the pre-formed sill. These are connected within the interior of the threshold sill assembly to lead to at least one end of the sill assembly. The plumbing at this end may be suitably terminated either by cutting to length, or provided with a suitable typical plumbing connection piece to allow connection to existing plumbing within the wall of the existing building structure. In 20 practice, additional plumbing within the wall or from the floor may be required to route water from a shower faucets, mixer, or diverter into the plumbing of the sill. This however may be performed by standard plumbing practices and typically accomplished by the plumber at the time of installation of the present invention. The preference for most embodiments of the present invention comprising a pre 25 plumbed threshold sill assembly is for the top portion of the connection pieces extending above the apertures in the top of the sill, to be threaded. Threading can provide a number of potentially realizable advantages including allowing easy connection of other components to the connection piece - the connection piece thereby acting as both a locating and partial-supporting element for connected fixtures. 30 Additionally however, the provision of a thread provides a useful advantage during transport in that a securing nut can be wound back until it is positioned near the top of the thread. At this point the securing nut will rest on the top of the threshold sill assembly while the rest of the plumbing is lowered to within the hollow interior of the pre-formed sill. When preparing for installation, the securing nut can be tightened so 35 that the connection piece, with which it is associated, is raised to its correct height and is WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 - 16 locked into position with respect to the top of the sill. Ideally a flange formed into the connection piece presses against the underside of the top surface of the sill while the securing nut presses against the top of the top surface of the sill. Alternatively the securing nut can be fitted to the pre-plumbed assembly when it is 5 separate to the sill assembly. The pre-plumbed assembly can be transported within the sill assembly, or even separately thereto. During assembly, the securing nut can be removed, the end of the connection piece passed through the aperture in the sill assembly, and the securing nut reattached to the threaded end of the connection piece and tightened. 10 While the aforesaid method, with the securing nut acting as the primary means of securing the pre-plumbed assembly to the sill, is suitable for techniques where liquid membrane layers are applied, the arrangement can be a little troublesome when blankets are used. Attempting to get blanket layers to adequately seal about and sit over the nut (which rests above the top surface of the sill) may be problematic. To address this the 15 preferred universal embodiment has provision for securing the connection portion to the, sill by means in which the top of the sill remains substantially flat and level up to the protruding connection portion. A blanket membrane with aperture conforming to the position and diameter of the protruding connection portion can then be placed over the connection portion and flat against the top of the sill. The securing nut and washers can 20 then be fitted to sandwich the blanket membrane beneath it. The underside of said connection piece may take a number of forms. In preferred embodiments it comprises substantially an elbow to allow for the ready connection of a pipe leading to an end of the sill assembly. Where more than one connection piece is used to provide water above the top surface of the sill, additional connection pieces may 25 comprise a T-connection on the underside of the top surface. However, to allow for balanced pressure and flow, various other methods and connection pieces may be considered. In various embodiments of the present invention, which are pre-plumbed, water is eventually routed to water delivery devices positioned above the sill structure. While 30 various devices may be used, it is envisaged that the most common form of water delivery device is a body spray nozzle or jet. These will typically be body spray jets, which provide a substantially horizontal spray of water or mist against the body of the user of the final shower assembly. A problem in the past has been the difficulty in providing water to such jets and manufacturers have been largely restricted to 35 specifically designed shower units which are often free standing or wall mounted.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -17 However, the plumbed threshold sill assembly according to the present invention provides a relatively easy method of routing water to such devices positioned above a sill assembly, even in instances where the threshold sill assembly is to be tiled according to substantially traditional techniques. 5 In the past this option was not available and any body spray units would need to be installed on existing walls of the building structure, or shower panels directly attached to walls of the building structure. Attempting to route water to free standing columns (i.e. columns or supports not directly attached to an existing wall of the building structure) was problematic and typically required visible overhead plumbing. A further 10 disadvantage of panels positioned against existing walls of the building structure is that they typically direct the spray towards, or substantially towards, the door of the shower assembly. Many shower doors do not provide adequate sealing to prevent such volumes of spray from leaking outside the door. Hence, as will be seen later, the present invention in its various forms can provide a shower assembly in which spray jets can be 15 provided in structures positioned above the sill assembly, and oriented in a manner in which they spray away from the door. This again represents a significant advantage over what was achievable before the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of a shower front, or shower wall, installation kit, use will be made of a hollow support member with internal plumbing supplying water delivery 20 devices such as body spray jets and nozzles. While the exact details may be varied in different embodiments, for simplicity the description will generally be restricted to such an arrangement. Preferably in such an arrangement use is made of a cam locking system (which will be described further later), and which is the subject of the inventor's separate New Zealand 25 Patent Application No. 524863/524864. While such an arrangement does not need to be used, a much easier installation with tidier finish can be accomplished by using such an arrangement. Again the following description will be centred predominantly on such an arrangement being used. The connection portion extending above the top surface of the sill has been previously 30 mentioned and described. However a desirable further feature of such a connection portion is that it is keyed in at least part of the vertical portion extending above the top surface of the sill. This keying allows for the accurate orientation of additional components which may be placed above the top surface of the sill during finishing of an installation. It also allows the taking into account of height variables and height 35 adjustability to take into account varying thickness of substrates. These may, for WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 - 18 instance, include spacers, various shims and washers, tapered shims and washers, locking cans, etc. There are a number of reasons and potentially realizable advantages for providing such a keyed system. For instance it is relatively common practice for tilers to provide a slight 5 incline in the finished top surface of the sill so as to drain water back towards the inside of the shower assembly. In such a case the tapered shims or washers may be required to level off the top surface of the sill assembly, immediately about the extending connection portion, so as to allow the accurate vertical orientation of subsequently attached components. For instance, where the interlocking cam connection system is 10 used, it is important that the cam be in a horizontal plane if the resulting attached column is to be truly vertical. Providing a keyed relationship between such tapered washers and the connection piece about which they are placed, helps hold the washers and spacers in the correct orientation, and prevent their rotation during subsequent finishing of an installation. 15 Keying of the top portion of the connection piece may be accomplished in a number of manners. Ideally one or more slots or faces may be provided through the threads so that they do not interfere with the function of the thread themselves. The interacting washers or cams etc may merely include one or more protrusions which extend to a within these slots or facets as they are slid down the connection piece. Various numbers of slots and 20 other keyed arrangements may be considered in various embodiments of the invention, though the slot or face arrangement is considered to represent an easy to manufacture and use embodiment. Also associated with the connection piece may be a "Protective Cap" which can be slid over the top end of the connection piece preferably before an installation operation. The 25 primary reason for providing this cap is to protect the thread and opening of the connection piece from foreign material, which may interfere with subsequent operation. Hence a simple plastic (or other material) cap may be provided. The cap may also have a hollow top end allowing it to be used in conjunction with a plug. Such a plug may be threaded into internal threading on the top end of the 30 connection portion, though several options exist. Hence the plug may be screwed into the internal threaded section of the connection portion which enables the pre-plumbed assembly to be blanked off for pressure testing by the plumber. As an alternative the protective cap, which covers the threaded section of the connection portion protruding above the threshold, may be modified by incorporating into its top a 35 male threaded section which acts as a plug when screwed into position. The protective WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 - 19 cap is smooth but parallel inside (against the threaded portion) but has a reverse taper on the outside so as to allow easy removal from mortar or grout. The integral "union plug" has a hexagonal nut moulded (but not exceeding the protective cap diameter) to the top to aid and assist rotation and removal from threaded section also protective cap from 5 mortar/grout once tiled. A further alternative method is to punch a hole in the protective cap and have a union plug as a separate component which has a male thread and hexagonal head. The union plug could be manufactured from either metal or brass. For assembly purposes the protective cap would be placed over the vertical threaded union then the plug placed 10 over the orifice and screwed into position via the internal thread. Once screwed into position the top section of the protective cap would act as a sealing washer when pressure tested. Generally the water pipes are capped with bungs and left under pressure for some time during construction until after wall linings and tiling has been completed. After tiling has been completed the mains water pressure is turned off, drained and the 15 bungs removed for plumbing decorative fixtures and faucets to be installed. Plugs generally have to withstand main pressure for some considerable time during construction periods. The modified cap and plug portions can therefore provide additional function to the unmodified cap embodiment alone. For the remainder of the specification the various 20 options shall be discussed synonymously unless specifically stated or expressed. However in preferred embodiments the cap also provides an important extra function. The bottom edge, or a predetermined mark or indicator on the side, of the cap represents a guide as to the maximum height of the finished mortar or substrate prior to application of the tiles or marble surface which is to be built up over the sill. It can also indicate 25 maximum finished tile height. Hence any finished tile (or other surface) mortar or grout cannot extend above the maximum height indicated on this protective cap if the remaining components are to be accurately and reliably connected, though may remain below. Hence there is provided an effective visual guide for the finishing of the layers overlying the pre-formed sill. 30 A typical shower installation with doors and body spray jets will now be described by way of example only. Again this is representative of various other embodiments which may take effect in various embodiments of the present invention. It should also be envisaged that the various steps may be modified according to local practices, which do differ from region to region. It is envisaged that the present invention is relatively 35 flexible and can accommodate such variations in local practice, and changes in WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -- 20 governing regulations for wet area installations. Hence the following description should be regarded as representative guide only and that the skilled trades person will be able to adapt the method of the description to accommodate their preferred and local practices. In the present example it is assumed that an apron bath in a three-walled alcove is being 5 retrofitted with a tiled shower installation. Accordingly, initial preparatory steps should be performed such as removal of the bath and supporting structure. This should be followed by attending to in wall pre-plumbing such as the routing of water to a mixing valve assembly volume control valves or faucets and directing water to the vicinity of outlet devices such as shower roses, hand held spray devices, and other water supply 10 devices that are to be provided within a shower installation. Additionally a water supply should be routed to a point near one end of the threshold sill assembly that is to be formed. In the present invention it is envisaged that a pre-plumbed threshold sill assembly is being used. The threshold sill assembly will be attached to the floor at a suitable time. If necessary 15 the threshold sill assembly may be trimmed to size to accurately fit within the opening. Most tiled shower installations will also require a receptor base to be built up and wall linings to be initially applied. The attachment of the threshold sill assembly to the floor can be integrated into these steps. At the time of installing the pre-plumbed threshold / sill to the floor, the tightening 20 securing nut for the connection portion should be tightened. This will tightly fix the connection portion with respect to the pre-formed sill, and extend the top exposed portion of the connection piece to the correct height above the top surface of the sill. A protective cap should also be positioned over the top end of the connection piece at this time, though preferably this has been installed at the factory. The end plumbing 25 connection from the end of the pre-plumbed threshold sill assembly should also be attached to the tempered water supply from the mixing valve or faucets at the time of installation of the threshold/sill assembly. Pressure testing of the plumbing may also be performed. The next step is installation of shower drain and lumber supports between joists for 30 membrane support. A water proof membrane is provided over the shower base and sill. This should be appreciated that the receptor, in the context of the present invention, will generally mean the bottom lower region of the shower installation. In many tiled installations a separate receptor portion will not be visible and the vertical walls will extend vertically down to meet the bottom tiled floor assembly - such installations being 35 typically different in appearance to standard moulded receptor and panel assemblies.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -21 Many regulations in different regions require the membrane layer to extend to certain height from the floor of the shower to above and beyond the threshold installation. Thus the term shower tray is used herein for typically referring to that portion of the base of the shower up to the typical finishing height of the water proofing membrane coating. 5 Hence the liquid membrane coating or sheeting /layer may be applied according to standard techniques. According to local practice the liquid coating (e.g. "Hot MopTM") or sheeting blanket is overlaid over the threshold/sill and tray areas of the shower as per normal practice and regulations. Typically next, various bedding mud and mortar layers are built up in the shower tray 10 region with a suitably thick layer of this material built up over the threshold/sill. Again local practice is relied upon, and reinforcing materials such as metal lath, or meshes are often incorporated into such layers. At the time of providing such a layer over the threshold / sill assembly, consideration is given to the maximum height indicated on the protective cap to ensure that the finished tile surface will not extend above the 15 predetermined and indicated maximum levels indicated on this protective cap. It is however acceptable that the finished tile surface is below this predetermined indicated level. After the bedding/mortar layer, suitable tile adhesive is generally applied and the tiles installed. Grouting typically follows. 20 At this stage the protective cap is removed or cut away and a support washer placed over the exposed threaded connection piece. The primary purpose of this support washer is to help spread the load of additional components as they are tightened down against the top surface of the tile. This support washer may be partially resilient or compressible, and may comprise a metal or plastics material. 25 Next is generally applied, if necessary, any preformed tapered shims or washers which counter any slope or incline which has been formed by the tiler into the top surface of the sill. These can be used singly or in combination to counter the slope present so as to provide a finished horizontal or level top surface. Once the top of the washers have been levelled to horizontal a cam portion is rotated 30 appropriately and positioned over the threaded portion of the connection piece. Again the keyed relationship between the cam and top end of the connection portion will help suitably orientate the cam portion and maintain this orientation. Ideally the keyed arrangement should be such that the cam portion can only be placed over the connection piece in the correct orientation. This is assisted by the use of integrally marked arrows, WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -22 and indicators indicating the direction of orientation and degree of thickness variation, which is typically greater towards the inside of the shower receptor. This will be particularly important, as the correct rotational alignment (and slope adjustment if required) of the supporting columns (see later) is dependent upon correct rotational 5 orientation and horizontal plane of the cam portion itself. Finally, at this stage, a tightening nut is placed on the connection piece and tightened down against the cam portion. Locking washers may also be included. At this stage final assembly of the shower front is generally accomplished. Ideally a pre plumbed hollow support member is used. This support member will typically comprise 10 a hollow element, which is pre-plumbed, and already contain body jets, or other spray and water delivery devices in its outer walls. Hinges or fixing means for doors and panels may also be provided, or pre-drilled apertures for the subsequent fixing of such components. Associated with the bottom end of the hollow support member is a locking sleeve which 15 can interact with the cam portion. Ideally this cam portion interacts in a bayonet type action allowing the hollow support member (and interlocking sleeve) to be positioned over the cam portion lowered down to substantially contact the top surface of the tiled sill (and/or washers etc) and then rotated to orientate, lock or secure the support column in place. At this stage the support column should be resistant to upward lifting 20 movements. The arrangement should also be such that the support column can only be placed and fitted over the cam portion in one orientation, this being the correct orientation. Hence, once fitted, the hollow support portion should be in such a position that it is correctly orientated (i.e. rotational orientation) such that door hinges, spray jets, and fixing devices or means for other components, are orientated in the correct direction. 25 Ideally, the internal plumbing of the column is such that a rotatable or push-fit type of connection is achieved with the top of the connection piece as the column is lowered into position. However, the uses of a flexible internal pipe portion, which can be extended down to allow connection to the connection piece can be considered. A variety of different couplings and fittings which allow a water tight connection to be made, are 30 known and may be incorporated into various arrangements. Typically next, the finishing of the shower front is accomplished. This is generally the fixing of side return panels and doors etc as well as fitting any top reinforcing or strengthening rails etc.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -23 This represents a typical installation according to certain embodiments of the present invention and, as mentioned before, specific embodiments and methods of installation may vary within the scope of the present invention. By way of further example, some further comments are made on the nature of the cam 5 portion and associated interlocking sleeve assembly. This general arrangement is as described in previously mentioned New Zealand Specification No. 524863/524864, and soon to be available in the US market under the OBEN (trade mark) range of products. In one respect such an arrangement (of NZ 524863/524864) may be described as a connection system consisting of engaging portions, one of which portions is associated 10 with a member to be attached to a surface or structure, and the other portion attachable to said surface or structure (which may be during or post-construction depending on the embodiment), and which portions preferably interact and engage with a partial rotational (and alternatively bayonet type) action. Preferably the connection arrangement is substantially hidden, except by user choice, when the member is ultimately attached to 15 the surface or structure by engagement of the portions. Preferably one portion can be considered a cam or cam-like arrangement which interacts with the second portion which can be likened to an annular sleeve. The components are preferably hollow or have removed portions to allow plumbing or services to pass from the surface (or structure) through to the building element being attached and which element may be pre 20 plumbed and/or pre-wired. A cam portion is typically disc-like in appearance though outwardly extending flange portions are present at the top outer face of the cam portion. Preferably these outwardly extending flange portions which interact with similar flange portions on the engaging portion. 25 The engaging portion is typically annular in appearance and is also hollow in its middle to allow plumbing, and/or electrical services there through. Extending radially inwards into this cavity/aperture are flange portions which interact with the flange portions on the cam portion. These are positioned and sized commensurately, to the flange portion to overlap when suitably rotated. The engaging portion is affixed to or integrated to a 30 member such as a support column. In practice the column assembly can be lowered over a secured cam portion. Once lowered, the assembly can be rotated so that flanges of both the cam and engaging portions engage with each other. This arrangement then secures the column assembly from being removed from the cam portion. The assembly is then securely fastened to 35 the sill surface with no externally visible evidence of attachment.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 - 24 DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a typical existing apron skirt bath in a three-walled alcove, Figure 2 is a perspective illustration of the preferred embodiment of the present 5 invention in which an apron skirt bath (such as in Figure 1) has been removed and replaced with a shower installation using the components according to an embodiment of the present invention (faucets indicative only), Figure 3 is a perspective cut away view showing the preferred embodiment of a pre formed threshold sill assembly and the various layers and components which 10 may be used in a typical installation, Figure 4 is a perspective diagrammatic view of the various components in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the connection piece and interacting cam portion, 15 Figure 6 is a side diagrammatic view of a preferred installation according to the present invention, Figure 7 is a perspective diagrammatic view of an alternative shower installation embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is a perspective diagrammatic view showing closer detail of the cam portion 20 and interlocking sleeve according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 9 is a perspective diagrammatic view showing closer detail of a preferred embodiment of a connection piece, and of a protective cap assembly. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 25 The following description is by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying diagrams. One embodiment of a shower assembly formed in accordance with the present invention is depicted in figure 2. Referring to figure 2, the shower assembly comprises a shower enclosure, a plumbing system, and a sill assembly below the door (78) and panels WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -25 (77a,b). Generally described, the shower assembly permits the rapid installation of a series of body water jets (68) in a shower by permitting a section of water supply piping (2) of the plumbing system to pass through a cavity or plumbing channel defined by the top (34) and sides (21a,b) of the sill form (see FIGURE 3) and through a pair of 5 hollow support columns (60) associated with the enclosure. In light of the above general description of the shower assembly, the individual components will now be described in greater detail. Focusing first on the shower enclosure, the enclosure of figure 2 includes three tiled walls and a clear glass front wall. This front wall includes a pair of support members, such as a pair of hollow support 10 columns 60 (see figure 6) coupled to the sill assembly. A shower door 78 is pivotally coupled to one of the support columns 60 by a pair of hinges (79a,b). The support columns 60 are hollow, having an inner passage permitting the water supply piping (3) to be plumbed therein. The water supply piping (3) is coupled in fluid communication with a series of body water jets (68) coupled to the support columns (60). The body 15 water jets (68) emit substantially horizontal oriented streams of water upon an occupant of the shower enclosure. The- shower assembly further includes a plumbing system, shown in partial view in figure 2. The plumbing system 104 includes hot and cold supply lines coupled in fluid communication with a mixer (5). A pair of control valves (7) selectively control the 20 flow of mixed hot and cold water through the water supply piping to a shower head (6) and/or the body water jets (68). Referring to figure 3, and focusing upon the sill assembly, the sill assembly includes a pre-formed sill form or frame (20). In the illustrated embodiment, the sill form (20) has a U-shaped cross section with a pair of legs (21 a) and (21b) of the sill form 20 spaced 25 apart from one another to receive a standard piece of timber (13) fixed to (and thereby becoming part of) a supporting surface, such as the floor. In the illustrated embodiment, the standard piece of timber is a (100x50mm), and the legs are spaced apart between about 75 to 100mm, with a preferred distance of about 90mm. The sill form (20) may be screwed to the timber (13) by a plurality of fasteners (14). 30 The legs (21a,b) are of sufficient length such that a cavity is formed above the timber (13), the cavity being defined by the inner surface of the sill form (20) and the floor, i.e. timber (13). In the illustrated embodiment, the legs are greater than about 35mm in length, with a preferred distance of about 95mm. The sill form (20) may be formed from any number of rigid and semi-rigid materials, a few suitable examples 35 being metal and/or metal alloys, such as an extruded aluminium or an aluninium alloy, WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -26 and plastic materials, such as a fibre reinforced cementitious material, a fibre reinforced plastic, a mouldable plastic material, a plastic foam cell material, or an extrudable plastic material. The outer surface of the sill form (20) may be textured (not shown) to increase adhesion of a material, such as a liquid coating membrane layer (36) for waterproofing 5 the sill form (20). The sill form (20) includes one or more apertures (22). The apertures (22) are located at the point wherein the support columns (60) of the shower enclosure are connected to the sill assembly. The apertures (22) permit water flowing in the supply piping (27) disposed in the cavity of the sill form (20) to pass through a top surface (34) of the sill 10 form (20) and into the support columns (60). The apertures (22) may be preformed in the sill form (20) or they may be later cut into the sill form (20), such as on site during the installation process. The sill form (20) may include indicia for marking preferred locations for cutting the sill form (20) to length. Different installations may require sill forms (20) of different 15 lengths. In some instances, a custom length is preferred and the sill form (20) may require cutting at a non-standard location. In other cases, the installation may use a sill form (20) of a more standardized length. The indicia may be placed at various standard sill form lengths to aid an installer in cutting the sill form (20) to a selected standard length without having to measure the sill form (20). Alternately, the indicia may be 20 placed at predetermined intervals, such as every half inch (or at other intervals or in other units of measurement), with measurements printed by each indicia indicating the overall length of the resulting sill form (20) when cut at each indicia, so as to aid the installer in cutting the sill form (20) to a selected length during custom installations. The indicia may be physical markings, a few examples being raised ribs or lines 25 extending upward from the top surface (34) of the sill form (20). For instance, a pair of ribs or lines may be spaced approximately a width of a cutting blade apart for accepting a cutting blade there between - this both guiding the positioning of the cutting blade at the proper location and guiding the cutting blade during at least the initial cutting of the sill form (20). 30 The indicia may also be physical marking which include channels or notches sunk in the top surface (34), or extending into the top and or side surfaces of the sill form (20) to guide the cutting of the sill form (20). The indicia may also be visual markings, such as painted or printed lines for aiding the selection of a location to cut the sill form (20) to length.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -27 Coupled to each of the apertures (22) is a coupling/connection portion (24). The connection portions (24) are coupled in fluid communication with the water supply piping (27) disposed in the internal channel of the sill form (20) and with the plumbing associated with the support column (60). Each of the connection portions (24) include a 5 union and a connection piece (92). Referring to figures 3 through 6, the union of the illustrated embodiment is an elbow or T connection which is connected in fluid communication with the water supply piping (27) to permit water passage from the water supply piping (27) through the connection portions (24) and into the support columns (60). A flange (35) is disposed on 10 the union to impede the connection portion (24) from passing through the apertures (22) and to aid in the mounting of the connection portion (24) to the sill form (20). The connection piece (92) extends up from the union and passes through the aperture (22). A securing nut (30) and washer (31) is associated with each connection piece (92). During transit, the nut (30) is removed or threaded on the connection 15 piece (92) while lowered to within the cavity of the sill form (20) so that at least a portion, if not all, of the connection piece (92) and substantially all of the associated water supply plumbing rest within the cavity of the pre-formed sill form (20). During installation, the securing nuts (30) are removed, the connection pieces (92) pushed through the apertures (92), and the securing nuts and washers (30, 31) reapplied and 20 tightened so that the top surface (34) of the pre-formed sill (20) is sandwiched between the securing nuts (30) and the flanges (35) disposed on the unions . This is preferably performed after a waterproof membrane (36) has been applied to the sill form (30) - see figure 4. Referring to figures 3, 6, and 9, initially the connection portions (24) may be attached to 25 the sill form (20) by screws (80) threading into apertures (37) in the flange (35). This is typically a temporary arrangement until the securing nuts (30) are fitted. The base (91) of the connection pieces (92) may have a larger thread diameter than the distal end of the connection pieces (92). As best shown in figure 9, this allows a protective cap (38) and water supply test plug (39) to be fitted at the factory and the securing nut (30) slid over 30 the protective cap (38) to the base (91) for securing without the protective cap (38) having to be removed. Figure 9 illustrates in greater detail the connection piece 92 in conjunction with the protective cap (38) and plug (39). The plug (39) is sized and configured to be sealingly received by the connection piece (24) for the purpose of water pressure testing. 35 Moreover, the plug (39) prevents water flow out of the connection piece (92) so that the WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -28 system can be pressure tested and/or pressurized prior to installation of the remaining components of the shower assembly. It also helps prevent the entry of foreign material during construction. The protective cap (38) includes indicia (130), such as visual or physical markings 5 disposed on the side of the protective cap (38). The indicia (130) act as a guide to aid in the placement of material upon the sill form (20) at a predetermined height. Preferably the indicia (130) marks a maximum finished tile height, but the indicia (130) may also mark other heights, such as a minimum tile height. In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum finished tile height is indicated by a line disposed partially around a 10 circumference of the protective cap (38). The protective cap (38) protects the threads of the connection piece (92) during installation and allows, with the use of the plug (39), a plumber to pressure test the system. To remove the protective cap (38) from the connection piece (92), the plug's (39) hexagonal head is loosened with a crescent wrench or spanner. The threads 15 of the plug (39) may engage the protective cap (38) to assist in lifting the protective cap (38) from the mortar/grout applied to the sill form (20). Alternately the protective cap (38) may be cut with a box knife or similar device leaving a portion of the protective cap (38) disposed below the finished tile height and/or imbedded below the tile surface. To help rotationally orientate components, such as the cam portion (52) (which will be 20 described in more detail below), on the connection piece (92), the connection piece is keyed or indexed. In the illustrated embodiment, this is provided by one or more keyways (135, 136), which are in the form of flat faces which extend vertically down the opposite sides of the connection piece (92). These flats or keyways (135, 136) extend at least to, and preferably below, the bottom edge of the protective cap (38) once fitted 25 i.e. they will extend at least to and preferably below the typical finished tiled surface which may be applied to the sill form (20). The keyways (135, 136) may be substantially diametrically opposite each other as illustrated or, alternately, may be misaligned to impede certain components being accidentally placed 180' out of rotation from the correct orientation of the component. 30 Referring to figures 4 and 5, a quick connect assembly will now be described. The quick connect assembly provides means by which the hollow support column (60) can be fastened to the sill assembly (20) in a quick connect manner. More specifically, the quick connect assembly includes an upper interlocking member or interlocking sleeve (62) and a lower interlocking member or cam portion (52). The interlocking 35 sleeve (62) is coupled to the bottom of the hollow support column (60). The WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -29 interlocking sleeve (62) interacts with the cam portion (52) by a bayonet type action see figure 8. The exact rotational orientation of the hollow support column (60) is defined by the rotational orientation of the cam portion (52). Thus, the cam portion (52) of the illustrated embodiment is keyed to interact with the keyway (135, 136) of the 5 connection piece (92). Moreover, the cam portion (52) includes one or more keys or inward protruding flat surfaces (98, 99) disposed in the inside of the cam portion (52). These keys or flat surfaces (98, 99) are sized and configured to interact with keyways (135, 136) disposed on the connection piece (92) such that the cam portion (52), when interfaced with the 10 connection piece (92), is oriented in a selected angular orientation relative to the sill form. The keys or flat surfaces (135, 136) of the illustrated embodiment appear as filled in chords within an inner circular aperture of the cam portion (52). The cam portion (52) includes outwardly extending protrusions (120, 121, 123). The interlocking sleeve (62) similarly has inwardly extending portions (125, 126, 127). 15 During installation, the hollow supporting column is rotated such that the protrusions (120, 121, 123) on the cam portion (52) may pass through the gaps between the inwardly extending protrusions (125, 126, 127) of the interlocking sleeve (62). Once the interlocking sleeve (62) has been placed about the cam portion (52), the support column (60) and the interlocking sleeve (62) are rotated (preferably less than 360 20 degrees) so that the protrusions (120, 121, 123) on the cam portion (52) overlie the related protrusions (125, 126, 127) on the interlocking sleeve (62), locking the support column to the sill assembly. Detents or barbs may be provided on the cam portion (52) and/or the interlocking sleeve (62) to ensure that once rotated into a locked position, the support column cannot be as easily rotated for release. 25 Turning to figure 3 and focusing upon the method of installation, leaving aside modifications to the rest of the shower wall interiors, a membrane layer (36) is generally applied prior to the installation of the securing nuts (30, 31) which go over the top of the membrane layer (36). The preference is for a liquid coating membrane layer (36), although solid sheet type membrane layers (36) may also be used. Solid sheet type 30 membrane layers (36) will need to be trimmed to allow the connection pieces (92) to protrude there through. Preferably, the protective caps (38) are positioned over the top end of the connection pieces (92) and the water supply test plugs (39) fastened to the connection pieces (92), if not already present, before application of the membrane layers (36) or other layers.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -30 Referring to figures 3 and 4, next a bedding layer (40) of mud, mortar or other suitable mix is applied. This bedding layer (40) is usually reinforced with a mesh (41). The installer can then build upon the bedding layer (40) up to a desired thickness and contour appropriate for the chosen tiles as per normal practice. The protective cap (38) includes 5 indicia (130), such as a visual line or physical mark that indicates a maximum mortar/tile height. The indicia (130) should be used as a guide for installers such that they do not build up past the maximum height of the finished tiled surface. Next, tiles (43) may be applied over a bed (34) of suitable tile adhesive. After this stage, the water supply test plug (39) and protective thread cap (38) may be removed and a 10 sealant layer (not shown) optionally laid over the tiles (43). This sealant layer may be formed from a compressible or flexible sealant type material to prevent the ingress of water into the installation. Referring to figure 4, a tapered spacer or washer (49) may be used to help level the surface should an incline have been provided to assist in draining of water from the tiled 15 surface back into the shower pan or base. The tapered washers (49) have a thickness that is tapered across the width of the washer. Preferably, a set of tapered washers (49) are provided, the set including tapered washers (49) of various tapered thickness. One or a combination of these tapered washers (49) may be used as required. These tapered washers (49) may be keyed to interact with a flat or keyway (135, 136) disposed on the 20 connection piece (92) such that the direction of taper of the tapered washers (49) is oriented perpendicular to the length of the sill form (20). A flat washer (50) may be provided over these tapered washers (49), followed by a cam portion (52) and a securing nut (53). The securing nut (53) may be tightened down to hold everything firmly upon the connection piece (92). 25 Preferably, the hollow support column (60) is pre-plumbed with an internal conduit (65) supplying water to the body water jets (68) which are positioned at appropriate intervals along the height of hollow support column (60). Connection of the internal conduit may be via a number of methods. For instance, the internal conduit (65) of the hollow support column (60) may be coupled to the 30 connection piece (92) by a quick to connect type fitting (68), such as a John Guest type fitting. A quick to connect fitting allows the end (69) of an extendable portion (65) of the internal conduit to be pulled down and fitted to the connection piece (68) by pushing the conduit end (69) into connection piece (68). Various types of connection assemblies may be employed in different embodiments of the invention.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -31 The hollow support columns (60) are connected to the sill assembly in a quick connect manner as described above. This secures the hollow support column (60) to the threshold sill assembly such as illustrated in figure 6. The shower enclosure may be completed as substantially shown in figure 2 by the installation of a pair of side 5 panels (77a, b) and by coupling the door (78) to one of the support columns (60) by a pair of hinges (791, b). While elements of a typical installation have been described, the invention will now be described in terms of a typical installation procedure. Options and variations discussed above may be considered and implemented in the following description. 10 Referring to Figure 1 there is shown in cut away view a typical existing installation in which a bath (in this case an apron skirt bath) is installed in a three walled alcove. This type of installation lends itself readily to installation of the present invention to convert it into a shower assembly such as generally illustrated in Figure 2. When performing such conversion typically the bath (1) is removed and the internal wall 15 plumbing modified to include an additional supply line (2) to the end (3) of the pre plumbed threshold sill assembly (4) (generally illustrated in Figure 3). Typically a conversion to a shower installation will include the addition of a mixer (5), rose (6), typically also volume control valves, faucets or diverter valves (7), and associated internal plumbing. It should be appreciated however that embodiments of the present 20 invention are not restricted to alcove installations replacing an existing bath but may be also performed to create a shower installation where no previous bath or shower existed before. Figure 7 also illustrates further embodiments (10) in which an alternative shower installation according to the present invention is provided and where the pre plumbed threshold sill assembly (11) is non linear in plan view. 25 Typically a pre-plumbed threshold sill assembly such as shown in Figure 3 will include a pre-formed threshold /sill (20). In this embodiment it is of "U" cross section with the lower side portions (21a, 21b) allowing the pre-formed threshold / sill (20) to be screwed (14) to a piece of timber (13) fixed to the floor structure. Currently the preferred choice of material for the form (20) are extruded aluminium, though may be forced from a 30 fibre reinforced plastic. Positioned at two points on the illustrated embodiment of Figure 3 are apertures (22) through which a connection piece/union (24 and 25) extend. These connection pieces (24, 25) are better illustrated in Figure 5.
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -32 The bottom of each connection piece (24, 25) constitutes an elbow (generally indicated by arrow 26) which is connected by plumbing (27) to allow the connection of each connection piece (24, 25) to the wall water supply (2). A securing nut (30, 31) is associated with each connection piece (24, 25). During transit 5 these nuts (30, 31) are threaded on the connection piece (24, 25) so that the connection pieces (24, 25) and associated plumbing (27) rest substantially within the hollow interior of the pre-formed sill (20). During installation the securing nuts (30, 31) are removed, the top threaded ends of the connection pieces pushed through the apertures (22, 23), the securing nuts reapplied and are tightened so that the top surface (34) of the pre-formed 10 sill (20) is sandwiched between said securing nut (30) and a flange (35) provided on the bottom portion of the connection piece (24). This is preferably performed after a waterproof membrane (36) has been applied. Initially the connection pieces and associated plumbing may be attached to the sill form by screws threading into apertures (37) in the flange (35). This is typically a temporary arrangement until the securing nuts 15 (30, 31) are fitted. These nuts (30, 31) should be tightened reasonably firmly. The bottom portion (91) can have a larger thread diameter. This allows a protective cap (38) and water supply test plug (39) to be fitted at the factory and the securing nut slid over the cap to the larger bottom thread (91) for securing - i.e. the cap does not need to be removed. 20 During installation, leaving aside modifications to the rest of the shower wall interiors, a membrane layer is generally next applied (typically prior to the installation of the securing nuts (30,31) which go over the top of the membrane. The preference is for a liquid coating though sheet type membrane layers may also be used. These will need to be trimmed to allow the top end of the connection pieces (24, 25) to protrude through. 25 Ideally protective caps (38) together with water supply test plugs (39) (if this option is opted for) are positioned over the top end of the connection pieces, if not already present, before membrane or other layers are applied. Next a bedding of this mud, mortar or other suitable mix is applied. This layer (40) is usually reinforced with a mesh (41). The installer can then build this up to the desired 30 thickness and contour it appropriately for the chosen tiles as per normal practice. Again the maximum mortar / tile height mark indicated (130) on the cap (38) should be used as a guide for layers building up to the maximum height of the finished tiled surface. Next it is typical for the tiles (43) to be applied using a suitable tile adhesive (34). After this stage the water supply test plug (39) and protective thread cap (38) is typically 35 removed and a sealant layer optionally laid over the tiles (43). This may be of a WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -33 compressible or flexible sealant type material to prevent the ingress of water into the installation. Tapered washers (49) may also be used to help level the surface should an incline have been provided to assist in draining of water from the tiled surface back into the shower tray. None, one or several of these washers (49) may be used as required. 5 These should be keyed to interact with the top portion of the connection piece (24) (see later). Over these tapered washers (49) may be provided a further flat washer (50) followed by cam portion (52) and securing nut (53). At this stage the securing nut (53) should be tightened down to hold everything firmly. 10 The cam portion (52) represents means by which a hollow support column (60) can be fastened to the sill installation by means of its associated upper locking cam/sleeve (62). Preferably the locking system (62) interacts with the cam portion (52) by a bayonet type action. The exact rotational orientation of the hollow support member (60) is defined by the rotational orientation of the cam (52). Hence it is preferable that the cam is also 15 keyed to interact with the top portion of the connection piece (24) (see detailed description relating to Figure 5 below). Ideally the hollow support portion (60) is pre-plumbed with internal conduits (65 or 66) supplying water supply devices such as body spray jets (68) which are positioned at appropriate intervals along the height of hollow support column (60). 20 Connection of this internal plumbing may be via a number of methods. For instance Figure 4 illustrates a coupling (68) which may be threaded on to the top threaded portion of the connection piece (24). This may be a John Guest type fitting allowing the free end (69) of an extendable pipe section (65) to be pulled down and fitted to the coupling (68) by pushing. 25 In an alternative arrangement a rigid pipe section (66) may be used along with a push fit coupling (70) which may be pushed inside the top end of the connection piece (24) and provide a water tight sealed therewith. Both type couplings are commonly available. Other couplings can be used. Accordingly the hollow support member and associated plumbing is connected to the 30 cam portion via the interlocking sleeve (62) to which it is also connected. This secures the hollow support column (62) to the threshold sill assembly such as illustrated in Figure 6. The shower installation (or at least the front portion) may be completed to substantially as shown in Figure 2 or 7 by the installation of a side panel (76, 77) and a door (78) with hinges (79).
WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 - 34 Further consideration is given to Figure 5 which illustrates a greater detail connection piece (24). The bottom elbow portion (26) has previously been described while the top portion (generally indicated by arrow 92) is generally threaded. A flange (35) locates the bottom portion of the connection piece (24) against the underside of the top surface 5 (34) of the pre-formed sill. Apertures (37) interact with screws (80) to temporarily fix the connection piece to the sill form (20). To help rotationally orientate additional components such as cam portion (52), a keyed system is provided. In the present arrangement this is provided by two flat faces (135, 136) which extend vertically down at least part of the top portion (92) of the connection 10 piece (24). These slots should extend at least to, and preferably below the bottom edge of the cap once fitted - i.e. they will extend at least to and preferably below the typical finished tiled surface which may be accommodated by the present invention. Flat faces (135, 136) may be substantially diametrically opposite though ideally they are not exactly opposite to prevent certain components being accidentally placed 1800 in 15 rotation from the correct orientation. Referring to Figure 5 inward features (98, 99), such as visible in the inside of the cam portion (52), locate to the position of the faces (135, 136) of the keyed arrangement to allow components such as the cam portion (52) to be only positioned in the correct rotational orientation. These features (98, 99) in the drawing appear as filled in chords 20 within the circular aperture. Figure 8 illustrates in closer detail a cam portion (52) which has outwardly extending protrusions (120, 121, 123) about its upper outer surface. The interlocking sleeve (62) similarly has inwardly directed portions (125, 126 127). During installation the hollow supporting colunm (60) is rotated such that the protrusions on the cam portion (120, 25 121,123) can pass through gaps between inwardly directed protrusions (125, 126, 127) on the interlocking sleeve (62). Once the interlocking sleeve (62) has been placed about the cam portion (52), the column (60) and interlocking sleeve portion (62) are then rotated so that the protrusions (120, 121, 123) on the cam portion (52) overlie the related protrusions (125-127) on the interlocking sleeve (62). At this point the column is able to 30 be lifted in height. Detents or barbs may be provided to ensure that once rotated into a locked position, the column cannot be as easily rotated for release. Figure 9 illustrates in closer detail a connection piece (24) in conjunction with a two piece protective cap embodiment (as opposed to the optional one piece cap which may an integrally moulded cap) the cap assembly comprising cap portion (38) and removable 35 top plug (39) which is provided for the purpose of water pressure testing. Markings WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -35 (130) on the side of the cap portion (38) act as a guide for the maximum height of one or more layers. In the present case the maximum finished tile height is shown. The cap portion protects the thread during installation and allows a plumber to pressure test the system. Preferably the plug portion has an external reverse thread though remains 5 internally parallel to assist in removal of the cap assembly after tiling. Typically, to remove the cap portion from the connection piece, the plug's (39) hexagonal head is loosened with a crescent or spanner. The internal thread of the plug will assist in lifting the cap moulding from the mortar / grout around base where it has been tiled. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it 10 should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as described herein. It should also be understood that the term "comprise" where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, 'comprise' does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and 15 items being added to the list. This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being authoritative disclosure on the true state of the prior art but rather as referencing considerations brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.
Claims (64)
1. A preformed shower sill form comprising at least first and second walls, and a top surface spanning between same; the sill form being substantially hollow, and attachable to a support; said top surface including provisions for plumbing associated with the sill form to pass therethrough.
2. A preformed shower sill form, as claimed in claim 1, which includes indicia or markings at predetermined positions or intervals along its length to guide cutting of the sill form to a specific length.
3. A preformed shower sill form, as claimed in claim 1, which includes provision for internal plumbing comprising a connection portion for passing through said top surface and at least a conduit for water from said connection portion to an end of said sill form.
4. A preformed shower sill form, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outside of the sill form is textured to improve the adherence of a liquid membrane coating.
5. A preformed shower sill form, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sill form is ribbed, or otherwise modified, on its inside to increase its rigidity.
6. A preformed shower sill form, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sill fonn is of a material able to be trimmed to length by a handsaw, power saw, or grinder.
7. A preformed shower sill form, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sill form is made of at least one of the following materials: aluminium, an aluminium alloy, another metal or alloy, a mouldable or extrudable plastic material, a fibre reinforced plastic, and a fibre reinforced cementitious material.
8. A preformed shower sill form, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sill form is pre-coated with a waterproofing membrane material.
9. A shower sill assembly comprising: i) a sill form as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 8; WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -37 ii) internal plumbing comprising a connection portion for passing through the top surface of the sill form, and at least a conduit for water from said connection portion to an end of said sill form.
10. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the top portion of the connection portion is keyed to limit the rotational orientation of additional components which are placed over same.
11. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the top portion of the connection portion is keyed by the presence of at least one longitudinal slot on its outer surface.
12. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 10, wherein the top portion of the connection portion is keyed by the presence of at least one flat face on its outer surface.
13. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 11, wherein the flat face is parallel to a tangent to the outside face of the connection portion passing through the top surface of the sill form.
14. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 10 through 13, which includes a cam portion, able to engage with a complementary engaging portion fitted to an element or assembly for attachment to the shower sill, said cam portion being substantially annular and disc-like and having a hollow centre portion through which a connection portion through the top surface of the shower sill passes.
15. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 14, in which the cam portion is configured to interact with a keyed modification applied to the top portion of said connection portion.
16. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in either claim 14 or claim 15, in which said engaging portion, with which the can portion connects, is associated with a column or structural element which is able to be connected to the cam portion to be secured to the sill form.
17. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 14 through 16, in which the connection of the engaging portion to the cam portion is by substantially a bayonet action. WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -38
18. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 14 through 17, in which the cam portion is able to be secured to the top keyed portion of the connection portion by placing over same, and tightening a retaining nut or retainer onto a threaded portion of the connection portion.
19. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 9 through 18, in which at least part of the connection portion for passing through and extending above said top surface is threaded.
20. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 19, in which there is included a nut complementary to the threaded portion of the connection portion, the arrangement between the nut and connection portion being such that the nut may be loosened and positioned near the threaded free end of said connection portion to allow the connection portion and connected plumbing to be lowered substantially within the sill form for transport, and which can be subsequently tightened to raise the lowered connection portion to its correct height for use as well as to lock the connection portion and associated plumbing into place for use.
21. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 20, wherein said included complementary nut is totally removably from the threaded free end of said connection portion to allow the connection portion and connected plumbing to be lowered substantially within the sill form for transport, and which can be subsequently refitted and tightened to raise the lowered connection portion to its correct height for use, and to lock the connection portion and associated plumbing into place for use.
22. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 9 through 21, wherein a said connection portion substantially comprises an elbow or 'Tee" connection.
23. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 9 through 22, wherein there is provided one or more apertures, each with an associated connection portion, in the top surface of the sill form; said connection portions are connected together in parallel by plumbing within the sill form.
24. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 9 through 23, wherein said plumbing may include either or both flow, diverter and pressure regulating means. WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -39
25. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 9 through 24, wherein the plumbing at an end of the sill form is terminated by a connection means for the attachment of a supply pipe or other plumbing.
26. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 9 through 25, which includes a cam portion, able to engage with a complementary engaging portion fitted to an element or assembly for attachment to the shower sill, said cam portion being substantially annular and disc-like and having a hollow centre portion through which a connection portion through the top surface of the shower sill passes.
27. A shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 26, in which the cam portion is configured to interact with a keyed modification applied to the threaded portion of said connection portion.
28. An installed shower sill assembly comprising a shower sill form, as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 8, fastened to a floor or support, there being internal plumbing within the assembly connected to a water supply and leading to a connection piece passing through a top surface of the sill form.
29. The installed shower sill assembly of claim 28 in which at least a portion of a connection piece passing through a top surface of the sill form is threaded, and is secured in place by at least a nut threaded about same.
30. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in either claim 28 or claim 29, in which at least a portion of the connection piece passing through the top surface of the sill form is keyed to resist rotation of a suitable element placed over same.
31. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 28 through 30, in which the top of the connection portion is covered with a protective cap.
32. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 30, in which a cam element, with a hollow centre configured to interact with the keying of the connection portion, is placed about the connection portion and secured relative to the top surface of the sill fonn.
33. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in either claim 32, in which the cam element is spaced from the top surface of the sill form by spacers.
34. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in either claim 32 or claim 33, in which the sill form is covered with tile bedding mix. WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -40
35. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in either claim 32 or claim 33 in which the sill form is tiled.
36. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 32 through 35, in which a pre-plumbed column is attached by an interaction with said cam element.
37. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 36, in which said pre plumbed column includes internal plumbing which connects to the connection portion about which said cam element is located.
38. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in claim 37, in which said connection between the internal plumbing of the column and the connection portion comprises a non-threaded quick connect plumbing connection.
39. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in either claim 37 or claim 38, in which a piece of flexible conduit leads from the connection portion, with which the cam element is located, to plumbing within said column.
40. An installed shower sill assembly, as claimed in any one of claims 36 through 39, in which said column includes at least one of: a spray jet, a diverter valve, a thermostatic valve, a control mixer, and a flow controlling valve.
41. A kit for fonning a tileable shower sill, the kit comprising: (a) a sill form having a plumbing channel extending along a longitudinal length of the frame and having a top surface; (b) a connection portion at least partially extendable through the top surface; and (c) plumbing adapted to be connected to the coupling assembly so as to be positioned within the plumbing channel between the coupling assembly and an end of the frame.
42. The kit of Claim 41, further including a first interlocking member, comprising a cam element, coupleable to the coupling assembly for permitting a support member to be coupled to the frame in a quick connect manner.
43. The kit of Claim 42, wherein said first interlocking member is indexed such that the first interlocking member is oriented in a preselected angular orientation relative to the frame when coupled to the coupling assembly. WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -41
44. The kit of any one of claims 41 through 43, wherein the coupling assembly and plumbing are adapted to be disposed within the plumbing channel during transport.
45. The kit of Claim 41, further including a cap removably placeable over a portion of the connection portion, wherein the cap has an aperture allowing a plug to pass through and connect to the connection portion.
46. The kit of Claim 45, wherein said cap includes indicia marking a selected height above the frame to aid a user in applying a covering to the frame.
47. The kit of Claim 41, further including a support member attachable to the sill form, a first interlocking member comprising a cam element coupleable to the sill form, and a second interlocking member coupled to said support member, wherein the second interlocking member is coupleable to the first interlocking member to couple the support member to the frame.
48. The kit of Claim 47, wherein the first and second interlocking members may be fully coupled to one another through rotation of the first and second interlocking members relative to one another by a rotation of less than 360 degrees.
49. The kit of Claim 41, further including a support member attachable to the sill form, a door attachable to the support member, a hinge set for attaching the door to the support member.
50. The kit of Claim 41 or claim 49, further including a support member attachable to the sill form, a spray jet attachable to the support member, and plumbing for connecting the spray jet to the coupling assembly.
51. The kit of any one of claims 41, 48 or 49, wherein said support member is internally pre-plumbed between the spray jet and one end of the support member.
52. The kit of Claim 51, wherein the internal plumbing of the hollow support member terminates near a base of the hollow support member and is terminated to allow connection to the coupling assembly in a quick connect manner.
53. A method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, said method including steps of: .- optionally trimming a sill form, as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 8, to length; WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 -42 - providing aperture(s) in the top of the sill form where supporting structures are to be attached to the sill; - passing a the threaded keyed portion of a keyed connection portion through a said aperture and securing in place with a nut; - providing plumbing within the sill form to an end of the sill form and connecting to a water source in the existing structure; - securing the sill form to the floor or supporting surface;
54. A method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, as claimed in claim 53, said method including additional steps of: - placing a removable cap over the exposed threaded end of the connection portion(s), either the length of the cap or markings on the cap being chosen to signify the height of at least one of: the finished tile surface, and the height of mortar substrate under the tiles.
55. A method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, as claimed in claim 54, said method including additional steps of: - extending a shower floor membrane over the sill form.
56. A method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, as claimed in claim 55, said method including additional steps of: - applying a cementitious substrate over the sill form;
57. A method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, as claimed in claim 56, said method including additional steps of: - tiling over the substrate according to preferred practice.
58. A method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, as claimed in claim 57, said method including additional steps of: - optionally placing tapered shims or washers over the exposed keyed portion of connector portions to create a level surface for connection additional components. WO 2005/053491 PCT/NZ2004/000312 - 43
59. A method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, as claimed in either claim 57 or claim 58, said method including additional steps of: - placing a keyed cam element, substantially as described above, over said the exposed keyed portion of the connection portions and securing in place with a nut or ratchet engaging fitting device.
60. A method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, as claimed in claim 59, said method including additional steps of: - connecting hollow supporting members with engaging portions, the engaging portions fitting into place by interaction with said cam element;
61. A method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, as claimed in claim 60, said method including additional steps of: - finalizing any plumbing connections to within the hollow supporting member, either prior to or at the time of its attachment.
62. A method of forming a pre-tiled shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, as claimed in either claim 60 or claim 61, said method including additional steps of: - attaching either or both doors and panels to said hollow supporting members.
63. A method of forming a shower sill capable of supplying water to components attached or placed partway along the length of the sill, as claimed in any one of claims 60 through 62, wherein a said hollow support member is pre-plumbed and includes at least one of: a spray jet oriented substantially horizontally, a diverter valve, a thermostatic valve, a control mixer, and a flow controlling valve.
64. A tiled sill threshold whose construction includes a method as claimed in any one of claims 53 through 63.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ529982 | 2003-12-05 | ||
| NZ52998203 | 2003-12-05 | ||
| PCT/NZ2004/000312 WO2005053491A1 (en) | 2003-12-05 | 2004-12-06 | Sill assembly for shower installations |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2004294872A1 true AU2004294872A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 |
Family
ID=34651586
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2004294872A Abandoned AU2004294872A1 (en) | 2003-12-05 | 2004-12-06 | Sill assembly for shower installations |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2004294872A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2425949A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2005053491A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT201700079295A1 (en) * | 2017-07-13 | 2019-01-13 | Rubinetterie Ritmonio S R L | WATER SUPPLY DEVICE AND PRODUCTION METHOD |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU531164B2 (en) * | 1978-06-19 | 1983-08-11 | Upl Group Ltd. | Shower screen |
| IT1217944B (en) * | 1988-06-28 | 1990-03-30 | Cesana Spa | SHOWER CABIN WITH CONTROL CENTRALIZATION COLUMN |
| AU654060B2 (en) * | 1991-11-25 | 1994-10-20 | Trevor Maxwell Hill | Hob construction |
| FI106058B (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2000-11-15 | Ido Kylpyhuone Oy | Armature unit |
| GB2357963A (en) * | 2000-01-10 | 2001-07-11 | Gerard Francis Robinson | Seal for a joint between a tiled wall and a bath or shower tray |
| NZ503755A (en) * | 2000-04-04 | 2001-08-31 | Englefield Ind Ltd | A preplumbed shower door system incorporating a mixer and a shower rose |
| US6233757B1 (en) * | 2000-04-06 | 2001-05-22 | Kohler Co. | Shower nozzle carriage |
| AU5448701A (en) * | 2000-09-19 | 2002-03-21 | Mark James Bailey | Shower rinser |
| DE10231752A1 (en) * | 2002-02-12 | 2003-08-28 | Roland Vich | Shower assembly, for washing the whole body, is an upright cube cage structure, with tubes screwed together to give a water flow through shower heads or holes or slits in the upright tubes |
-
2004
- 2004-12-06 AU AU2004294872A patent/AU2004294872A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-12-06 GB GB0613402A patent/GB2425949A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-12-06 WO PCT/NZ2004/000312 patent/WO2005053491A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2005053491A1 (en) | 2005-06-16 |
| GB2425949A (en) | 2006-11-15 |
| GB0613402D0 (en) | 2006-08-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK1 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(a) - no request for examination in relevant period |