AU2011295149A1

AU2011295149A1 - Drain for floor-level showers

Info

Publication number: AU2011295149A1
Application number: AU2011295149A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tomas Fiegl; Cordula Kaiser; Achim Pohl; Patrick Schaefer; Reinhard Schulte; Klaus Skrodolies
Original assignee: Viega GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Viega Technology GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2010-08-24
Filing date: 2011-08-22
Publication date: 2013-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 2031-08-22
Also published as: RU2535736C2; ES2423845T3; RU2013112878A; WO2012025480A1; EP2423394B1; BR112013002424B1; DE202011001135U1; BR112013002424A8; DK2423394T3; PL2423394T3; EP2423394A1; AU2011295149B2; DE102010037138B3; HRP20130789T1; BR112013002424A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a drain (1) for a floor-level shower, having a drain body (2) and at least one drain endpiece (3). The aim of the invention is to create a drain for floor-level showers which can be produced more cost-effectively than conventional shower drains and when in the installed state has a relatively small visible surface and high drainage output. Said aim is achieved in that the at least one drain endpiece (3) can be detachably connected to the drain body (2) and is provided with a seal (7) associated with the drain body (2), wherein the at least one drain endpiece (3) has at least one recess or retainer for bearing an end of a rod-like body (5) which in the mounted state extends along and inside the inlet opening (2.2) of the drain body (2).

Description

MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 Drain channel for floor-level showers The invention relates to a drain channel for a floor 5 level shower, comprising a channel body and at least one channel end piece. Drain channels for floor-level showers are known. They usually comprise a channel body made of stainless steel, on which a drain connection piece is moulded or welded and into 0 which a grating is inserted. The water from the shower flows over the floor which is typically covered with tiles or natural. stone slabs and passes through the grating into the channel body. The channel of the channel body ultimately conducts the water into a drain. 5 Drain channels of this type are built into the floor, the grating terminating upwards approximately with the floor covering of the shower. The installation of a shower tray or the like is not required, so that the encircling edge of the shower tray, which is often troublesome, is absent. o Drain channels for floor-level showers have to be adapted in a particular way to the specific installation site, because the substructure, the floor covering consisting of tiles or natural stone and the connection to the drains can differ from case to case and generally only a low installation height is 5 available. Above all, drain channels of this type should ensure a reliable drainage of the water, where the lower floor construction, consisting of screed and possibly a thermal insulation is not soaked. In addition, they should be integrated in an aesthetic manner into the floor.

- 2 Due to differing customer requirements or to differing spatial conditions in shower rooms, the base bodies of shower channels are supplied in different lengths. Conventional shower channel base bodies are available, for example in 5 graduated lengths of 750 mm, 800 mm, 900 mm, 1000 mm and 1200 mm, with a uniform width of approximately 140 mm. This means that a large number of different shower channels are manufactured and kept in stock. In this respect, the range of application of a specific conventional shower channel is L0 generally restricted. Furthermore, occasionally a customer requires the surface of the shower channel which is visible in the installed state, i.e. particularly the grating thereof, to be as small or as narrow as possible. In this case, the shower channel is less L5 conspicuous and is neater in appearance. The object of the present invention is to provide a drain channel for floor-level showers, which drain channel can be produced more economically than conventional shower channels and, when installed, has a relatively small visible surface 0 with a high drainage performance. This object is achieved by a drain channel (shower channel) having the features of claim 1. The drain channel according to the invention is characterised in that the at least one channel end piece can 5 be connected detachably to the channel body and is provided with a seal associated with the channel body, the at least one channel end piece having at least one cavity or holder for mounting one end of a bar-like body which, when mounted, extends along and inside the inlet opening of the channel 0 body. MY/js 100896WO 5. February 2013 - 3 The drain channel (shower channel) according to the invention is based on the idea of producing the channel body of said drain channel in any length, for example in a length within a range of from 1,200 mm to 2,000 mm, so that before 5 the drain channel is installed, the channel body can be shortened using a saw or other cutting tool according to customer requirements. In this manner, the channel body or the drain channel can be optimally adapted to a tile or floor slab format or to a joint pattern. By accordingly cutting to size LO (shortening) the channel body of the drain channel according to the invention, an optimum adaptation is also possible to the horizontal dimension of a glass panel, serving as a shower partition, or to the width of a shower cubicle. This means that the manufacturer no longer has to produce special L5 lengths. The open end of the channel body which is cut to the appropriate size is sealed off in each case in a liquid-tight manner by the associated channel end piece and the associated seal. The manufacturer of the shower channels is rewarded with ?0 lower production costs and lower logistics costs by restricting the number of different channel body lengths to one, two, three or at the most four specific lengths. This restriction can also mean optimised storage logistics for retailers supplied with the shower channels according to the 5 invention. The drain channel according to the invention is also based on the idea that instead of using a typically plate shaped grating, a single bar-like body or as few bar-like bodies (grating bars) as possible, for example two or three, 0 are provided on the upper side of the inlet opening of the drain channel. When installed, the grating bar or bars extend MY/js 100896Wo 5. Februar 2013 - 4 along and inside the inlet opening of the channel body and are mounted in or on the channel end piece. This idea takes account of and promotes the variable length adaptability of the drain channel according to the invention. In this respect, 5 the respective bar-shaped body (grating bar) is preferably longer than the channel body and can also be cut to the required length depending on the desired length of the drain channel. In particular, the use of a single bar-like body or as few bar-like bodies (grating bars) as possible promotes a LO reduction of the surface of the drain channel which is visible in the installed state. Preferably, in the finished state of the floor-level shower, substantially only the single or the few bar-like bodies of the drain channel (shower channel) are visible. When a plurality of bar-like bodies (grating bars) L5 are used, the distance between adjacent grating bars is in particular at most 8 mm, preferably at most 6 mm and particularly preferably at most 4 mm. The solution according to the invention allows in particular a very slim configuration of a shower channel, although still with a high 0 drainage performance compared to conventional shower channels which have a plate-shaped grating. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention also makes it possible to save material costs compared to the conventional plate-shaped stainless steel grating. 5 To allow an adaptation to floor tiles or floor slabs of different thicknesses in order to easily achieve a flush termination of the drain channel, a preferred embodiment of the drain channel according to the invention provides that the cavity or holder used for mounting the bar-shaped body is 0 provided with an adjusting element, by which the height level of the bar-like body can be adjusted relative to the channel body or to the upper side thereof. MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 5 In order to make the handling of the adjusting element as simple as possible, wherein a handling of the adjusting element without tools should preferably be possible, a further embodiment provides that the adjusting element can be inserted 5 positively into the cavity of the channel end piece or can be connected positively to the holder of the channel end piece. A particularly preferred embodiment in this respect is that the cavity has a tooth-like profile for positively receiving the adjusting element and for gradually adjusting the height of 0 the bar-like body. In this respect, the tooth-like profile can have a relatively fine spacing, so that if required, the bar like body can be adjusted in height in a correspondingly fine manner. A further advantageous embodiment of the drain channel 5 according to the invention is that the channel end piece has a recess which faces the channel body and into which an end portion of the channel body can be inserted, the seal, associated with the channel body, being arranged in the recess. In this respect, the recess in the channel end piece 0 has in particular a guiding function which facilitates the mounting of the channel end piece. Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the seal in the recess, contact of the seal on the end face, to be sealed, of the channel body can be ensured in a more reliable manner. 5 The detachable connection of channel body and channel end piece can be configured, for example, as a frictional-locking plug-in connection. The channel end piece can be additionally fixed to the channel body by introducing cement screed into the floor region surrounding the drain channel after the drain 0 channel has been connected to a drain. However, an embodiment is particularly preferred in which the channel end piece is MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 6 detachably connected to the channel body by a screw connection. This measure ensures an absolutely reliable seal of the end of the channel body. An advantageous further embodiment of the drain channel 5 according to the invention provides in this connection that the channel body has grooves, holes or ducts which run parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof and are to attach self-tapping screws. These grooves or ducts preferably extend over the entire length of the channel body, so that 0 irrespective of where the channel body is shortened, if necessary, to adapt the length of the drain channel, the self tapping screws can always be screwed into the grooves or ducts in a cutting manner. To obtain a channel body which is as narrow as possible, 5 it is favourable if, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the channel body of the drain channel has a slot-shaped drain opening, the longitudinal axis of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the channel body. In this respect, the drain opening is provided with a 0 drain connecting piece which has a mouthpiece connected to the channel body and having a slot-shaped conduit cross section. Furthermore, to form a stench trap, it is provided that an immersion pipe is inserted into the mouthpiece, which immersion pipe has a slot-shaped conduit cross section and can 5 be removed from the channel body from the upper side of the channel body after the at least one bar-like body has been removed. A further advantageous embodiment of the drain channel according to the invention provides that the width of the 0 inlet opening of the channel body is less than the channel depth, the channel body, when viewed in cross section, having MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 7 an angled or curved cross section. As a result, a relatively large channel cavity and thus a relatively high draining performance can be achieved, with a relatively low installation height. 5 A further preferred embodiment of the drain channel according to the invention is characterised in that the channel body has on both sides of its inlet opening flanges which extend along its longitudinal axis and which terminate flush with one another at the inlet opening. This embodiment LO promotes a reliable production of a water-tight transition from the floor region surrounding the channel body to the mentioned flanges of the channel body. The channel body can be produced economically as a plastics material injection moulded part or extruded part. L5 Particularly when it is an injection moulded part, the channel body is preferably configured such that the channel floor thereof is formed with a slope towards the discharge opening. However, it is also possible to dispense with a slope. The channel body of the drain channel according to the ?0 invention is, however, particularly preferably formed from a channel profile, the channel end piece being configured in duplicate and one of the channel end pieces being arranged in each case on one of the ends of the channel profile. In this respect, in particular an extruded profile, for example a 5 metal profile, in particular an aluminium profile can be used as the channel body. It is likewise possible for an extruded plastics material profile to be used as the channel body, this embodiment being particularly advantageous in respect of low production costs. If the channel body and/or grating bar is 0 produced from metal, for example aluminium, or from plastics material, the tread and visible region of the drain channel MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 8 according to the invention is preferably provided with at least one stainless steel profile. Thus, particularly the bar shaped body (grating bar) can consist entirely, or at least in the tread and visible region, of stainless steel. 5 A further advantageous embodiment of the drain channel according to the invention is characterised in that the channel body has projections which are formed integrally with the longitudinal sides thereof and extend parallel to one another along the longitudinal axis thereof, vertically LO adjustable foot elements being mounted positively on the projections. This embodiment facilitates the mounting of foot elements and makes it easily possible for the channel body to be adjusted in height by means of the vertically adjustable foot elements. L5 A further advantageous embodiment of the drain channel according to the invention is characterised in that the channel body has along one of its outer edges a connecting flange which projects upwards substantially vertically with respect to the inlet opening. As an alternative or in addition .0 thereto, at least one of the channel end pieces can also have along one of its outer edges a connecting flange which projects upwards substantially vertically with respect to the inlet opening. This particularly also includes embodiments in which at least one of the channel end pieces has on two of its 5 outer edges connecting flanges which project upwards substantially vertically with respect to the inlet opening and which together define a corner. When the drain channel is mounted such that it adjoins a wall or a corner of a room, the upwardly projecting connecting flange or flanges ensure an 0 optimum sealing of the transition from the drain channel to the wall or walls of the corner of the room. MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 9 A further advantageous embodiment of the drain channel according to the invention provides that the connecting flange is provided with a channel-shaped seat for securing a glass panel or a shower screen. This embodiment allows a glass panel 5 or shower screen serving as a shower partition to be adjoined in a liquid-tight manner to the drain channel in a simple and particularly reliable fashion. A further advantageous embodiment of the drain channel according to the invention is characterised in that the holder LO is mounted on the channel end piece in a continuously vertically adjustable manner. In this respect, particularly preferably the channel end piece can have a tapped hole with an adjusting screw for the continuous vertical adjustment of the bar-like body. L5 A further advantageous embodiment of the drain channel according to the invention is characterised in that the bar like body is provided with at least one web holder which engages on the lower side thereof. Due to the web holder or holders, the bar-like body can be supported in one or several ?0 areas, so that the bar-like body is reliably secured in position, particularly when loaded. In this respect, the respective web holder can preferably also be configured as a vertically adjustable web holder. In respect of the mounting of foot elements, in .5 particular of vertically adjustable foot elements on the channel body, it is also favourable if, according to a further preferred embodiment, the bores or ducts formed in the channel body are provided with continuous longitudinal slots. Further preferred and advantageous embodiments of the 0 drain channel according to the invention are specified in the subordinate claims. MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 10 In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings illustrating a plurality of embodiments. 5 Fig. 1 is a perspective plan view of a first embodiment of a drain channel according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the drain channel of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the drain channel of Fig. 1 LO with an associated stench trap; Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of detail A from Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a perspective, part-sectional view of an end portion of the drain channel of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a L5 drain channel according to the invention with an associated stench trap; Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of detail X from Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is an exploded view of an end portion of a drain channel of the invention according to a third .0 embodiment; Fig. 9 is a further perspective view of the channel end piece of the drain channel of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 shows the end portion of the drain channel of Fig. 8, the channel end piece having been screwed onto 5 the channel body; Fig. 11 shows the end portion of the drain channel of Fig. 8, a drain body which can be connected to a stench trap having been fitted to the channel body; MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 11 Fig. 12 is a further perspective view of the channel end piece of the drain channel of Fig. 8 with a height adjustment element inserted therein; Fig. 13 is a further perspective view of the drain channel 5 of Fig. 8, the channel end piece having been connected to the channel body and a web-like body (centre web) having been inserted into the drain channel; Fig. 14 is an end face view of the channel body of Fig. 8 0 with a profiled element connected positively thereto, on which vertically adjustable adjusting feet have been fitted; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an end portion of a drain channel of the invention according to a further 5 embodiment; and Fig. 16 are perspective views of further embodiments of and 17 channel end pieces of the drain channel according to the invention; Fig. 18 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of a 0 drain channel according to the invention with an associated stench trap; Fig. 19 is a perspective bottom view of the drain channel of Fig. 18 without a stench trap; Fig. 20 are different perspective views of a channel end 5 and 21 piece of the drain channel of Fig. 18, Fig. 21 showing in a raised, exploded-like manner a holder for mounting an end of a bar-like body (web) which can be inserted into the drain channel; MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 12 Fig. 22 is a perspective view of an end portion of the drain channel of Fig. 18, the holder for mounting an end of the bar-like body (web) again being illustrated in a raised, exploded-like manner; 5 Fig. 23 is a plan view of a channel end piece of the drain channel of Fig. 18; Fig. 24 is a vertical sectional view of the channel end piece along line A-A in Fig. 23; Fig. 25 is a plan view of the end portion of the assembled LO drain channel of Fig. 18 or Fig. 22; Fig. 26 is a perspective bottom view of the holder associated with the channel end piece of Fig. 21; Fig. 27 is a perspective bottom view of the channel end piece with associated holder according to Fig. 21; L5 and Fig. 28 are an enlarged view and vertical sectional views of to 30 a web holder which can be inserted into the drain channel of Fig. 18. .O Fig. 1 to 5 show a drain channel 1 with a plurality of ancillary components for the production of a floor-level shower. The drain channel 1, usually called a shower channel, comprises a channel body 2 and two identical channel end pieces 3 which can be detachably connected to the channel body 5 2. The channel body 2 consists of a channel profile which is preferably produced by extruding plastics material. The extruded channel profile 2 has a substantially U-shaped profile cross section 2.1. The width of the inlet opening 2.2 in the channel body 2 is less than the channel depth thereof. MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 13 Formed on both sides of the inlet opening 2.2, on the U shaped profile portion 2.1 are flanges (sealing flanges) 2.3 which extend along the longitudinal axis of the channel body 2 and terminate flush with one another at the inlet opening 2.2. 5 The upper sides of the flanges 2.3 are planar. From their outer longitudinal edges to their inner longitudinal edges, the flanges 2.3 do not have any projections which are raised with respect to the upper side of the flange. Furthermore, the channel body 2 has projections 2.4 which [0 are formed integrally with the longitudinal sides thereof and extend parallel to one another along the longitudinal axis thereof, vertically adjustable foot elements 4 being mounted positively on the projections 2.4. The respective foot element 4 is formed from a profiled element 4.1, on which holders 4.2 L5 are formed which are angled at the top and engage positively around the projections 2.4. In this respect, the profiled elements 4.1 can be moved along the projections 2.4. The lower web 4.3 of the profiled element 4.1 has tapped bores 4.4 into which are screwed vertically adjustable feet 4.5 which are .0 insulated against structure-borne sound. Formed in the respective channel end piece 3 is a cavity 3.1 for mounting one end of a bar-like body 5. The single bar shaped body 5 acts as a grating and can also be called a grating bar or centre web. In the mounted state, it extends 5 along and inside the inlet opening 2.2 in the channel body 2. The cavity 3.1 in the respective channel end piece 3 is provided with an adjusting element 6, by which the vertical position of the bar-like body (centre web) 5 relative to the channel body 2 can be adjusted. The cavity 3.1 has a tooth 0 like profile 3.2 for positively receiving the adjusting element 6. The tooth-like profile 3.2 consists of two MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 14 vertically extending, mutually opposite rows of teeth 3.21, 3.22. The adjusting element 6 is in the form of a pin and is provided with diametrically arranged tooth projections 6.1 which can be introduced positively into the rows of teeth 5 3.21, 3.22. To manipulate the adjusting element 6, said element has an untoothed grip portion 6.2 which, when the adjusting element has been inserted, projects into the channel cavity of the channel body 2 and is thus accessible after the centre web (grating bar) 5 has been removed. LO In its side associated with the channel body 2, the channel end piece 3 has a recess or profiled depression 3.3, into which an end portion of the channel body 2 can be inserted. Arranged in the recess (profiled depression) 3.3 is a seal 7 associated with the channel body 2. The seal 7 L5 consists of rubber or of rubber-elastic material. In this embodiment, it is substantially U-shaped and has on its outer periphery a plurality of radially projecting, mutually parallel sealing lips 7.1 which extend over the entire outer periphery of the seal 7. In the assembled state of the shower 20 channel 1, the seal 7 rests in a sealing manner against the inside of the channel body (channel profile) 2. The recess (profiled depression) 3.3 in the respective channel end piece 3 also comprises portions (chambers) 3.4 for receiving the ends of the web-shaped projections 2.4 of the 25 channel body, on which web-shaped projections 2.4 the vertically adjustable foot elements 4 are held. In the base of its web-shaped projections 2.4, the channel body 2 has grooves or ducts 2.5 which extend over the entire length of the channel body 2, parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. 30 Screws 8 are screwed into the ducts 2.5 or longitudinal grooves to attach the channel end piece 3 to the channel body. MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 15 The channel end piece 3 has through holes 3.5 which receive the screws 8 and align with the ducts 2.5 or longitudinal grooves in the channel body 2. The screws 8 are preferably self-tapping screws, i.e. screws which themselves cut their 5 associated hole thread while they are being screwed in. The channel end piece 3 has on its side facing away from the channel body 2 a substantially horizontally aligned flange (sealing flange) 3.6 which, when the drain channel 1 is assembled, rests flush with the surface of the flanges 2.3 of 10 the channel body 2. In this respect, the channel end piece 3 has on its upper surface steps 3.7 which face the flanges 2.3 of the channel body 2 and over which the ends of the flanges 2.3 of the channel body 2 engage. Reference numeral 9 denotes small cover plates which are 15 arranged over the seals 7 and for this purpose have insertion elements formed integrally on their lower side. On its lower side, the channel body 2 has a slot-shaped drain opening, the longitudinal axis of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the channel body 2. The drain 20 opening is provided with a drain connecting piece 10 which has a mouthpiece 10.1 having a slot-shaped conduit cross section. The mouthpiece 10.1 is welded or bonded together with the channel body (channel profile) 2. Inserted into the mouthpiece 10.1 is an immersion pipe 11 25 which also has a slot-shaped conduit cross section corresponding to the mouthpiece 10.1. After removing the small cover plates 9 and the centre web (grating bar) 5, the immersion pipe 11 can be removed from the channel body 2. Reference numeral 12 denotes a removable sieve which can be 30 inserted into the inlet opening in the immersion pipe 11. MY/js 100896WO S. Februar 2013 - 16 The drain connecting piece 10 has a height-compensating piece 10.2 which is provided on the outside with radially projecting ribs 10.3 which serve as a guide for a cutting tool, should the height-compensating piece 10.2 need to be 5 shortened. The lower end of the height-compensating piece 10.2 is inserted into a connecting opening 13.1 in a stench trap housing 13. The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 and 7 of the shower channel 1 according to the invention only differs from the .0 embodiment according to Fig. 1 to 5 in that upwardly protruding projections 2.6 in the form of webs are configured on the edges, delimiting the inlet opening 2.2, of the channel body 2 and on the edges of the channel end piece 3. The webs 2.6 extend substantially over the entire length of the inlet .5 opening 2.2 and serve as a straight edging trim for the floor covering, in particular tiled floor covering. Fig. 8 to 24 illustrate further embodiments of the shower channel 1 according to the invention. In these figures, elements which have the same function as the elements shown in 0 Fig. 1 to 7 have been given the same reference numerals. The channel body 2 shown in Fig. 8 to 17 is again configured as a channel profile. The channel body 2 and the centre web (grating bar) 5 can be produced, for example from aluminium or plastics material by extrusion. Attached to the 5 upwardly projecting webs 2.6 (and optionally on the centre web 5) are preferably U-shaped stainless steel profiles (not shown) which define the tread and visible region of the shower channel 1. Unlike the channel bodies shown in Fig. 1 to 7, the 0 channel body 2 according to Fig. 11, when viewed in cross section, has an angled channel cross section. Here, the drain MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 17 opening 2.7 and accordingly the drain body (drain connecting piece) 10 arranged thereon are formed in/attached to a flank 2.8, inclined obliquely to the horizontal plane, of the channel profile 2. In this figure, the two channel end pieces 5 3 which are removably attached to the ends of the channel profile are not configured identically but are mirror-inverted to one another. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the channel body 2 has along one of its outer edges a connecting flange 2.9 which 0 projects upwards substantially vertically with respect to the inlet opening 2.2. This flange 2.9 can be used in particular to produce a liquid-tight wall connection. Furthermore, a channel-shaped seat 14 for securing a glass panel or shower partition (not shown) can also be introduced positively and/or 5 in a material-uniting manner between this connecting flange 2.9 and a web 2.6 which extends parallel thereto, next to the inlet opening 2.2 in the channel body 2, as shown in Fig. 15. A further advantageous embodiment of the shower channel 1 according to the invention provides that at least one of the .0 channel end pieces 3 has on two of its outer edges connecting flanges 3.8, 3.9 which project upwards substantially vertically with respect to the inlet opening 2.2 and together define a corner. This embodiment is used to connect a wall in the corner of a room in a liquid-tight manner. 5 Fig. 17 shows an embodiment of a channel end piece 3 for a shower channel according to the invention, in which the channel end piece 3 has along its outer edge facing away from the channel profile 2 a connecting flange 3.10 which projects upwards substantially vertically with respect to the inlet 0 opening 2.2 and here again is used for the liquid-tight wall connection of the shower channel 1. MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 18 Fig. 18 and 19 show a further embodiment of a drain channel 1 according to the invention with ancillary components for producing a floor-level shower. The shower channel or drain channel 1 comprises a channel body 2 and two channel end 5 pieces 3 which can be detachably connected to the channel body 2. The channel body 2 consists of a channel profile which is preferably produced by extruding plastics material. The extruded channel profile 2 has a substantially U-shaped profile cross section 2.1. The width of the inlet opening 2.2 LO in the channel body 2 is preferably less than the channel depth thereof. Formed on both sides of the inlet opening 2.2, on the U shaped profile portion 2.1 are flanges (sealing flanges) 2.3 which extend along the longitudinal axis of the channel body 2 L5 and terminate substantially flush with one another at the inlet opening 2.2. The upper sides of the flanges 2.3 are substantially planar. However, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 22, they can also have a profiling or structure, particularly in the form of grooves 2.31 running in the 20 longitudinal direction of the drain channel 1. This profiling or structure 2.31 improves the connection between the drain channel 1 and sealing materials, for example sealing film applicable in liquid form (so-called liquid film) or tile or natural stone adhesives. ?5 Under the flanges 2.3, the channel body 2 has grooves or ducts 2.5 which extend over the entire length of the channel body 2, parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. Screws 8 are screwed into the ducts 2.5 or longitudinal grooves to attach the channel end pieces 3 to the channel body (cf. Fig. >0 19). To receive the screws 8, the respective channel end piece 3 has through holes 3.5 which align with the ducts 2.5 or MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 19 longitudinal grooves in the channel body 2. The screws 8 are preferably self-tapping screws. The longitudinal grooves or ducts 2.5 are preferably configured on the outer sides of hollow profile walls 2.10 5 which are formed integrally in each case with the lower side of one of the flanges 2.3 and with the outside of the U-shaped profile portion 2.1 and thereby define a pipe-shaped duct. This embodiment provides the drain channel 1 according to the invention with an advantageously high flexural strength. LO The ducts 2.5 are configured as open ducts; they each have an outwardly directed, continuous longitudinal slot 2.51. The longitudinal slots 2.51 of the ducts 2.5 are preferably positioned in a common plane which extends parallel to the plane defined by the flanges 2.3. In this case, the outer L5 openings of the two longitudinal slots 2.51 are aligned substantially diametrically to one another. Associated with the lower side of the channel body 2 are vertically adjustable foot elements (mounting feet) 4 which can be detachably connected to the channel body 2. The 0 respective foot element 4 is formed from a profiled element 4.1 which has locking elements or holders 4.2 associated with the longitudinal slots 2.51 in the ducts 2.5. The locking elements 4.2 are configured, for example, as resilient locking tongues which have projections 4.21 which engage in the 5 longitudinal slots 2.51 (cf. Fig. 19). In this respect, the profiled elements 4.1 can be moved along the channel body 2 or along the longitudinal slots 2.51. The lower web 4.3 of the profiled element 4.1 has tapped holes 4.4 or bushes, into which vertically adjustable adjusting feet 0 4.5 are screwed. The adjusting feet 4.5 are preferably configured to be insulated from structure-borne sound. MY/js 100896Wo 5. Februar 2013 - 20 The respective foot element 4 or profiled element 4.1 has one or more supporting portions 4.6, 4.7. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot element 4 has one supporting portion 4.6 resting against the lower side of the U-shaped profile portion 5 2.1 and two supporting portions 4.7 resting against the lower side of the flanges 2.3. On its side opposite to the channel body 2, the respective channel end piece 3 has a substantially horizontally aligned flange (sealing flange) 3.6 which, when L0 the drain channel 1 is assembled, is positioned substantially flush with the surface of the flanges 2.3 of the channel body 2. On its upper side, the flange 3.6 can also be provided with a profiling or structure, for example in the form of grooves 3.61. In this respect, the channel end piece 3 has steps L5 (contact elements) 3.7 which face the flanges 2.3 of the channel body and which are encompassed by the ends of the flanges 2.3 of the channel body 2. The steps or contact elements 3.7 are slightly wedge-shaped or ramp-shaped, so that they are tapered towards their edge facing the channel body 2. 0 Due to this shaping in the form of a wedge or ramp, when the channel end piece 3 is attached to the channel body 2, the steps or contact elements 3.7 can be pushed under the flanges 2.3 of the channel body without tilting or obstruction. In its side facing the channel body 2, the channel end 5 piece 3 has a recess or profiled depression 3.3, into which an end portion of the channel body 2 can be introduced. Arranged in the recess (profiled depression) 3.3 is a seal 7 associated with the channel body 2. The seal 7 consists of rubber or rubber-elastic material. In this embodiment, it is 0 substantially T-shaped, and its centre part 7.2 can be inserted in a sealing manner into the end-face end of the MY/js 100896WO 5. February 2013 - 21 channel of the channel body 2. The shape of the centre part 7.2 of the seal 7 thus corresponds to the cross-sectional surface of the upwardly open channel of the channel body 2. Furthermore, the centre part 7.2 of the seal 7 has a 5 substantially U-shaped collar, on the outer periphery of which is formed a plurality of radially projecting, mutually parallel sealing lips 7.1 which extend over the entire outer periphery of the collar. In the assembled state of the shower channel 1, the sealing lips 7.1 rest in a sealing manner 0 against the inside of the channel body (channel profile) 2. In the assembled state of the shower channel 1, the arms 7.3, extending outwards from the upper edge of the collar, of the T-shaped seal 7 are positioned in a sealing manner between the mutually facing end faces of the flanges 2.3 and 3.6 of 5 the channel body 2 and of the channel end piece 3, respectively. The ends of the arms 7.3 of the seal 7 are formed as eyes, so that they surround the outer steps 3.7 of the channel end piece 3 or the steps 3.7 can be inserted through the eye-shaped ends of the sealing arms 7.3. 0 The recess (profiled depression) 3.3 in the respective channel end piece 3 also comprises portions (chambers) 3.4 for receiving the ends of the ducts 2.5 as well as the ends of the hollow profile walls 2.10 of the channel body 2. To receive the end of the hollow profile walls 2.10 which are formed 5 integrally with the lower side of the channel flanges 2.3, the steps or contact elements 3.7 of the channel end piece 3 have a gap 3.71 on both sides of the longitudinal centre axis of the shower channel 1. The respective channel end piece 3 has a holder 30 for 0 mounting one end of a bar-like body 5. The single bar-shaped body 5 acts as a grating and can also be called a grating bar MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 22 or web. In the mounted state, it extends along and inside the inlet opening 2.2 of the channel body 2. The holder 30 has a cavity 31, into which the bar-like body or web 5 can be introduced positively by its respective 5 end. Associated with the holder 30 is an adjusting element 6', by which the vertical position of the bar-like body (web) 5 can be adjusted relative to the channel body 2. In this embodiment, the adjusting element 6' is formed by a screw, which is screwed into a tapped hole 32 formed in the channel LO end piece 3. This screw connection 6', 32 is preferably configured as a self-locking thread. The tapped hole 31 can preferably be produced by a bush 33 cast in the channel end piece 3 (cf. Fig. 24). The screw 6' preferably consists of a hexagon socket L5 screw or a slotted head screw. The screw head 6.3 is cylindrical. The holder 30 has a plate-shaped or web-shaped body portion 34, in the lower side of which a recess 35 is formed for receiving the screw head 6.3. The recess 35 is preferably configured such that the holder 30 can be attached 20 in a clamping manner on the screw head 6.3. The vertical position of the screw heads 6.3 and thereby the vertical position of the web 5 relative to the channel body 2 can be continuously adjusted by turning the screws 6'. Furthermore, the holder 30 comprises on the lower side of 25 its plate-shaped or web-shaped portion 34 a tongue-shaped web 36 which, in the assembled state of the drain channel 1, engages in the channel of the channel body 2 parallel to the seal 7. A U-shaped portion 37 of the holder 30 defining the cavity 31 is formed integrally with the tongue-shaped web 36. 30 The holders 30 are covered on the top by small plates 9. The small plates 9 can preferably be provided on their upper MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 23 side with a company logo or with a registered trade mark (not shown). The respective small plate 9 is detachably connected to the holder. For this purpose, the holder 30 has recesses 38 which open on its upper side and into which insertion elements 5 9.1 formed integrally with the lower side of the small plate 9 can be introduced positively and/or in a friction-locking manner. The insertion elements 9.1 are preferably pin-shaped and/or cylindrical. The recesses 38 in the holder 30 which are associated with the insertion elements 9.1 are in the form of LO a plurality of merging holes which form a slot with an undulating or tooth-shaped inner contour. The small plate 9 can thereby be connected to the holder 30 in different areas of said holder, so that is it possible to adjust the position of the small plate 9 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L5 of the drain channel 1. Furthermore, the drain channel 1 according to the invention can comprise web holders 15 which can be inserted into the channel. The web holders 15 are preferably configured to be vertically adjustable (cf. Fig 18 and 28). They have, ?0 for example, a forked head portion 15.1 and a forked or bridge-shaped foot portion 15.2, the head portion 15.1 and the foot portion 15.2 being connected together by a threaded rod 15.3. The threaded rod 15.3 can be attached integrally to the lower side of the forked head portion 15.1. In its upper 5 central portion 15.4, the foot portion 15.2 has a cast or overmoulded threaded nut or bush 15.5. The feet 15.6 of the forked or bridge-shaped foot portion 15.2 are connected to the central portion 15.4 by limb elements 15.7. The limb elements 15.7 and the feet 15.6 integrally formed thereon define a '0 passage 16. The head portion 15.1 of the vertically adjustable web holder 15 comprises a channel-shaped portion 15.8 for receiving the lower side of the web 5. Formed inside the MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 24 channel-shaped portion 15.8 are clamping projections 15.9 which face the web 5. Provided on the outside of the channel shaped portion 15.8 are projections or spacers 15.10 which, in the mounted state, face the inside of the channel of the 5 channel body 2. On its lower side, the channel body 2 has a slot-shaped drain opening, the longitudinal axis of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the channel body 2. The drain opening is provided with a drain connecting piece 10 which has .0 a mouthpiece 10.1 and a slot-shaped conduit cross section. The mouthpiece 10.1 is welded or bonded together with the channel body (channel profile) 2. Reference numeral 12 denotes a removable sieve which can be inserted into the inlet opening or into the mouthpiece of 5 the drain connecting piece 10. The sieve 12 can be removed from the channel body 2 after the small cover plates 9 and the centre web (grating bar) 5 have been removed. To manipulate the sieve 12, said sieve is provided on the top with one or more handles 12.1. 0 The drain connecting piece 10 is inserted into a height compensating piece 10.2, into the upper end of which an annular or oval lip seal 17 has previously been introduced. The height-compensating piece 10.2 is provided on the outside with radially projecting ribs which serve as a guide for a 5 cutting tool, should the height- compensating piece 10.2 need to be shortened. The lower end of the height- compensating piece 10.2 is inserted in a sealing manner into a connecting opening 13.1 of a stench trap housing 13. After the shower channel 1 has been connected to a drain 0 (not shown) in a horizontally aligned manner and has been integrated into the screed floor by introducing screeding MY/js 100896Wo 5. Februar 2013 - 25 compound, and after the screed floor has hardened, a seal consisting of liquid film and sealing strips is applied onto the flange and the screed floor. Finally, a floor covering, for example a tiled flooring, is bonded onto this seal. The 5 edges of the tiles can extend as far as the longitudinal edges of the inlet opening 2.2. To remove sharp edges, the edges of the tiles can be provided with a bevel and/or can be polished. However, tile trims can also be used which cover the edges. The execution of the shower channel according to the 0 invention is not restricted to the embodiments described above. Instead, further variants are conceivable which use the invention set out in the accompanying claims. Thus, for example, it also lies within the scope of the invention to configure the shower channel 1 with two or three mutually 5 parallel grating bars 5. It is also conceivable to bond together, at least in portions, individual components or all the components which form/have formed the drain channel according to the invention. In particular, it is within the scope of the invention to combine together features of the 0 different embodiments described above. MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013

Claims

1. Drain channel (1) for a floor-level shower, comprising a channel body (2) and at least one channel end piece (3), 5 characterised in that at least one channel end piece (3) can be connected detachably to the channel body (2) and is provided with a seal (7) associated with the channel body (2), the at least one channel end piece (3) having at least one cavity (3.1) or holder for mounting one end of a bar-like body 0 (5) which, in the mounted state, extends along and inside the inlet opening (2.2.) of the channel body (2).

2. Drain channel according to claim 1, characterised in that the cavity (3.1) or holder (30) is provided with an adjusting 5 element (6, 6') for adjusting the height of the bar-like body (5) relative to the channel body (2).

3. Drain channel according to claim 2, characterised in that the adjusting element (6, 6') can be inserted positively into 0 the cavity (3.1) or can be connected positively to the holder (30).

4. Drain channel according to either claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that the cavity (3.1) has a tooth-like 5 profile (3.2) for positively receiving the adjusting element (6) and for gradually adjusting the height of the bar-like body (5). MY/js 100896WO

5. Februar 2013 - 27 5. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the channel end piece (3) has a recess (3.3) which faces the channel body (2) and into which an end portion of the channel body (2) can be inserted, the seal (7) 5 associated with the channel body (2) being arranged in the recess (3.3).

6. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the channel end piece (3) is detachably 0 connected to the channel body (2) by a screw connection (8).

7. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the channel body (2) has grooves, holes or ducts (2.5) which extend parallel to its longitudinal axis 5 for attaching self-tapping screws.

8. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the width of the inlet opening (2.2) of the channel body (2) is less than the channel depth of the 0 channel body.

9. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that, when viewed in cross section, the channel body (2) has an angled or curved channel cross 5 section.

10. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the channel body (2) has a slot-shaped drain opening (2.7), the longitudinal axis of which extends in MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 28 the longitudinal direction of the channel body, the drain opening (2.7) being provided with a drain connecting piece (10) which has a mouthpiece (10.1) connected to the channel body (2) and having a slot-shaped conduit cross section. 5

11. Drain channel according to claim 10, characterised in that inserted into the mouthpiece (10.1) is an immersion pipe (11) which has a slot-shaped conduit cross section and which can be removed from the channel body (2) after the at least one bar 0 like body (5) has been removed from the upper side of the channel body (2).

12. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the channel body (2) is formed from a 5 channel profile, the channel end piece (3) being configured in duplicate and one of the channel end pieces (3) in each case being arranged at one of the ends of the channel profile.

13. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 12, 0 characterised in that the channel body (2) has projections (2.4) which are formed integrally with the longitudinal sides thereof and extend along the longitudinal axis thereof parallel to one another, vertically adjustable foot elements (4) being mounted positively on the projections (2.4). 5

14. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the channel body (2) has along one of its outer edges a connecting flange (2.9) which projects upwards substantially vertically with respect to the inlet 0 opening (2.2). MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013 - 29

15. Drain channel according to claim 16, characterised in that the connecting flange (2.9) is provided with a channel-shaped seat (14) for attaching a glass panel or a shower partition. 5

16. Drain channel according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the channel end piece (3) has a tapped hole (32) with an adjusting screw (6') for the continuous adjustment in height of the bar-shaped body (5). MY/js 100896WO 5. Februar 2013