AU2021202153A1

AU2021202153A1 - Modular wall unit

Info

Publication number: AU2021202153A1
Application number: AU2021202153A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tristan Rhys Hennessy; Mark Andrew Sullivan
Original assignee: Caroma Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Caroma Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2014-12-18
Filing date: 2021-04-08
Publication date: 2021-05-06
Also published as: AU2023200971A1; AU2015268697A1

Abstract

A modular unit, for use in the installation of sanitary plumbing in a building construction, includes a frame structure that, relative to an in-use orientation, has a laterally spaced pair of upright frame members and at least one transverse frame member that extends between and secures the upright frame members in relation to each other. The unit also includes at least one plumbing fitting to comprise part of a plumbing unit required in a predetermined site in or of the building construction, is installed at a predetermined location on the at least one transverse frame member. The modular unit is able to be installed and secured within a section of walling framework for the building at the predetermined site, so that each upright frame member of the modular unit is adjacent to a respective wall stud of the section of walling frame and the at least one plumbing fitting of the modular unit is thereby positioned as required for subsequent completion of installation of remaining plumbing fittings of the plumbing unit.

Description

MODULAR WALL UNIT

Cross Related Application

This application is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2015268697, filed on 14 December 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

(0001) This invention relates to a modular unit suitable for use in the installation of sanitary

plumbing in buildings constructions, in particular in large-scale commercial and community-based building constructions such as in multi-level building constructions comprising, for example, hospitals and the like.

Background to the Invention

(0002) The provision of sanitary plumbing throughout a new multi-level building construction involves the installation and fixing of plumbing fittings in numerous locations. The fittings vary between location types and comprise, for example, pipes, plumbing fixtures and appliances, traps, waste or soil pipes, and ventilation and overflow pipes, as well as various types of hot and cold tap, basins, and toilet fittings including flush toilets, urinals and bidets. In general, plumbing fittings required at each of numerous locations throughout the building construction are installed at successive stages during progress in erection of the building. Plumbers are required to return to each location at least twice to enable their work to progress before and after necessarily intervening work by other trades persons. Thus, for example, on completion of a timber or metal framework for at least one level of the building, plumbers are required to complete a preliminary stage of fixture set out of nogging location appropriate for required for plumbing fitting locations, and to return at a later stage for re-set out of final positioning and installation of first fixture outlets and controls and fixing mounts in relation to appropriately positioned noggings of the timber or metal framework, in advance of wall facings such as plasterboard being installed over the framework. On completion of the wall facing, and possibly also painting of the facing, the plumbers then return for at least one further stage for completion of the plumbing installation, possibly with there being two further stages due to the plumbers needing to interrupt completion of the installation to enable access by electrical or other trade persons. This is repeated on successive levels as the building construction proceeds, necessitating prolonged periods in which various trades are on site together, or possibly delayed in returning by being used at another worksite while awaiting completion of intervening work by other trades. The overall interplay adds considerably to the total labour costs for the provision of sanitary plumbing throughout the building.

(0003) The present invention is directed to the provision of a modular unit that facilitates more cost effective installation of sanitary plumbing in building constructions.

General Summary of the Invention

(0004) The present invention provides a modular unit for use in the installation of sanitary plumbing in a building construction. The modular unit includes a frame structure that, relative to an in-use orientation, has a laterally spaced pair of upright frame members and at least one transverse frame member that extends between and secures the upright frame members in relation to each other. The modular unit further includes at least one plumbing fitting to comprise part of a plumbing unit required in a predetermined site in or of the building construction, with the at least one plumbing fitting installed at a predetermined location on the at least one transverse frame member. The arrangement is such that the modular unit is able to be installed and secured within a section of walling framework for the building at the predetermined site, whereby each upright frame member of the modular unit is adjacent to a respective wall stud of the section of walling frame and the at least one plumbing fitting of the modular unit is thereby positioned as required for subsequent completion of installation of remaining plumbing fittings of the plumbing unit.

(0005) The components of the frame of the modular unit can be formed from a variety of materials, while the upright frame members may be of one material, with the at least one transverse frame member of another material. The frame may be of timber; a suitable metal, such as iron, steel or aluminium alloy; or of a suitably strong plastics material, such as engineering plastics. The method by which the modular unit is secured in a section of walling framework can vary widely to include any of any number of different arrangements, depending on the material of the upright frame members as well as the material of which the wall studs of the walling framework are made. The wall studs typically will be of timber or suitable metal, such as steel, with the frame of the modular unit matching the material of the wall studs in one convenient arrangement. With timber studs, the upright frame members may be or timber and each secured to a respective stud by nails or bolts, if necessary after fitting packing or spacers between at least one upright member and the stud to which it is to be secured. In alternative arrangements, regardless of the stud material, each upright frame member may be secured to the respective stud by bolts or at least one clamp device.

(0006) The upright frame members most conveniently are of elongate form, while they may have a substantially constant cross-section throughout their length. The modular unit may be such that, when the unit is installed and secured within a section of walling framework, the modular unit is supported by a lower end of each upright frame member resting on a component of the framework, such as a bottom wall plate. Other arrangements are possible, although support on a bottom wall plate is preferred. In any event, the transverse frame member is positioned relative to the lower ends of the upright members as required to achieve the required positioning of the at least one plumbing fitting when the modular unit is correctly installed and secured. In some forms, the transverse member, or each of at least two transverse members that are either adjacent or spaced in the longitudinal direction of the upright frame members, are positioned relative to the lower ends of the upright members, such as intermediate of the lower and upper ends of each upright member.

(0007) The length of the upright frame members can vary according to requirements for the plumbing unit in relation to which the modular unit is to be used. The upright members may be of a length corresponding to that of studs of the walling framework. However, it usually is convenient and more cost effective for the upright members to be shorter than the studs. In one form, the upright frame members may be shorter than the studs to an extent enabling a lower modular unit and an upper modular unit to be installed and secured between the same two studs. In that form, the lower end of each upright frame member of the upper modular unit may be either supported on, or spaced above, the upper end of each upright frame member of the lower modular unit, depending on the requirements for the plumbing unit with which the modular units are used.

(0008) For a given building construction, two or more forms of modular units according to the invention may be used. The units may differ only in respect of the at least one plumbing fitting it includes, such as to enable each form of modular unit to be used with a respective plumbing unit. This is preferred as it enables each form of modular structure to have a common form of frame structure, thereby reducing production cost for each the modular unit on the basis of economy of scale. Thus the scope is increased for the production of all modular units for a given building construction to be produced on a common assembly line adapted to vary, as required, only in the selection or machining of transverse frame members of successive modular units as required to receive the respective type of plumbing fitting. However, the frame structures may vary between respective forms of modular units and an assembly line can be adapted to accommodate this, or the assembly line can be operated on a batch production basis, producing first one form of modular unit and then being changed to produce another form of unit.

(0009) The modular units of the invention can, and frequently will, vary in accordance with the type of plumbing units with which they are to be used. Thus, even within a given room of a construction unit, there may be at least two different forms of modular units required. For a part of a building construction to comprise a bathroom, for example, a modular unit for a plumbing unit of a shower recess may differ from a modular unit for a plumbing unit of a hand basin or of a toilet cubicle. The differences between modular units may be in respective heights of the transverse frame members relative to the upright frame members. Alternatively, the differences may be in respect of the types of plumbing fitting or fittings installed in relation the respective transverse frame members of the modular units. Additionally, the differences between modular units may be due to each of these factors of transverse member heights and types of plumbing fittings.

(00010) In one form, the modular unit is for use in a plumbing unit for a shower recess or cubicle. In that one form, the modular unit includes an upper plumbing fitting and at least one lower plumbing fitting, each adapted for connection to a common water supply line or lines, with the upper plumbing fitting also adapted for connection to a shower head, and the at least one lower plumbing fitting adapted to receive a tap system for controlling the flow of water to the shower head.

(00011) In another form, the modular unit is adapted for use in a plumbing unit for a bathroom, washroom or kitchen. For this, the modular unit has at least one upper plumbing fitting and at least one lower plumbing fitting, with the at least one upper fitting adapted for connection to a water supply line or lines and adapted to receive a tap system, and the at least one lower fitting adapted for mounting a hand or wash basin.

(00012) Alternatively, the modular unit may be adapted for use in a plumbing unit for a bathroom, or a toilet cubicle. In that alternative form, the modular unit has at least one upper plumbing fitting and at least one lower plumbing fitting, with the at least one upper fitting adapted for connection to a water supply line or lines and adapted to a cistern, and the at least one lower fitting adapted for mounting a toilet bowl.

(00013) Additionally, in a still further form, the modular unit is adapted for use in a plumbing unit for a bathroom or toilet cubicle. In this case, the modular unit has at least one upper plumbing fitting and at least one lower plumbing fitting, with the at least one upper fitting adapted for connection to a water supply line or lines and adapted to receive a tap system of a bidet, and the at least one lower fitting adapted for mounting a bidet bowl.

(00014) The upper and lower plumbing fittings of those various form may be provided on a common transverse frame member. Alternatively, the upper and lower plumbing fittings can be provided on an upper transverse frame member and a lower transverse frame member, respectively. Additionally, the upper and lower plumbing fittings for a common plumbing unit may comprise part of the same modular unit, or of a respective one of different modular units. Particularly where the upper and lower plumbing fittings comprise parts of respective modular units, each of the respective transverse frame members of the modular units may have front faces or surfaces that are in the same plane. Alternatively, the front face or surface of the respective modular units may be in a respective one of substantially parallel planes.

(00015) The at least one transverse frame member of the modular unit may have the form of a rectangular board having substantially planar front and rear surfaces. Alternatively, the at least one transverse frame member may have a rectangular form with a substantially planar front surface, and a rear surface from which projects a strengthening peripheral flange and/or strengthening ribs disposed over a rear surface.

(00016) The modular unit of the invention is suitable for utilisation within a wide range of the construction sector with regard to sanitary fixtures and tapware. For each sanitary fixture and piece of tapware fixed to the wall, conventional practice requires that a nogging is fixed between two pieces of stud work, and then be prepared with the appropriate plumbing fittings or fixings to allow for the securement of the remaining fittings for a plumbing unit, including fixtures, tapware and pipes for the passage of water and waste services. Behind the wall nogging coordination requires communication between numerous contractors. This can be an arduous process, not only in ensuring the correct information is communicated but also the numerous hold points from initial set out to final fit off.

(00017) The improved modular unit of the invention enables in-wall nogging simplification and enables substantially complete prefabrication of the in wall requirements needed for sanitary fixtures, such as basins and the like. With arrival on site, the modular unit allows the employee to set out and install the improved modular in wall nagging without reliance or wait periods for coordination with other contractors.

General Description of the Drawings

(00018) In order that the invention may more readily be understood, reference now is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(00019) Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D provide a rear elevation, a rear perspective view, a front perspective view and a bottom plan view of a first form of modular unit according to the present invention;

(00020) Figures 2 to 5 are respective schematic, perspective views of a second, third, fourth and fifth forms of modular unit according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

(00021) Figures 1A to 1D show a modular unit 10 according to a first form of the invention, for use in the installation of sanitary plumbing in a building construction. The modular unit 10 includes a frame structure 12 that has a front face 12a and a rear face 12b. Relative to an in-use orientation shown in Figures 1A to 1C, frame structure 12 has a laterally spaced pair of upright frame members 14 and a transverse frame member 16 that extends between and secures the upright frame members 14 in relation to each other. The modular unit 10 further includes two plumbing fittings 18 that are to form part, and facilitate completion, of a plumbing unit (not shown) required in or at a predetermined site in or of the building construction. The plumbing fittings 18 are installed in relation the transverse frame member 16 at respective predetermined locations required by the plumbing unit. The modular unit 10 is designed to enable it to be installed and secured within a section of walling framework (not shown) of the building at the predetermined site. When the unit 10 so installed and secured, each upright frame member 14 of the modular unit 10 is adjacent to a respective wall frame member, such as a stud, of the section of walling frame and each of the plumbing fittings 18 of the modular unit 10 is thereby positioned as required for subsequent completion of installation of remaining plumbing fittings of the plumbing unit.

(00022) The frame members 14 of the modular unit 10 comprise elongate lengths of an extrusion formed of a strong material, such as an aluminium alloy or other suitable metal, or of a suitable plastics material. Along its length each frame member 14 defines three U-shaped channels each defined by parallel side flanges joined by a base. Relative to the front and rear faces 12a and 12b of frame structure 12, the members have a front channel 14a and a rear channel 14b spaced by a central channel 14c. The channels 14a and 14b each have a side flange in common with a respective side flange of channel 14c, while channels 14a and 14b both open away from, and channel 14c opens towards, the other frame member 14. The front channel 14a of each member 14 has a longitudinally series of openings 14d formed through its base to enable transverse frame member 16 to be secured in relation to the frame members 14.

(00023) The transverse member 16 is of rectangular form overall, although it has a semi circular recess 17 in its lower edge, such as to appropriately locate a return pipe of the intended plumbing unit of which plumbing fittings 18 are to form a part. Additionally, member 16 is secured in relation to each upright frame member 14 by having a respective end received into the channel 14a of each member 14. In order to be so secured, each end of member 16 has a series of at least two projections 19 spaced along its end, with each projection able to inter-engage in a respective opening 14d of the channel 14a. While not shown in detail, the projections 19 may have down-turned ends that pass through the opening 14d so as to locate against the outwardly facing surface of the base of channel 14a.

(00024) In the arrangement of Figures 1A to 1D, the plumbing fittings 18 of modular unit 10 are suitable for the mounting of a hand basin from which a return pipe is able to pass through a U-shaped clamp provided across recess 17 to a drainage line. The plumbing fittings 18, in this instance, may each comprise a device suitable for engaging in a rear face of the hand basis for securing the basis in position against a wall surface, such as a T-bolt or the like able to engage in a slot formed in the rear face of the basin. A plumbing unit of which each of fittings 18, the hand basin, the clamp and the return pipe form part also includes at least one further plumbing fitting able to accommodate a mixer tap, or a pair of hot and cold taps, and for connecting to hot and cold water supply pipes. Such a further plumbing fitting is shown in Figure 2 in which the further fitting is provided on a second transverse frame member extending between the same upright frame members 14. However, the further plumbing fitting may be provided on a larger frame member 16, or the further fittings can be provided on a separate modular unit to be used in conjunction with unit 10.

(00025) The transverse member 16 comprises a rectangular panel 16a with a planar front surface 16b that is substantially coplanar with the front surface of the outer flange of each channel 14a. The panel 16a is strengthened by member 16 including flanges 16c around its periphery and a network of transverse and diagonal ribs 16d over the rear surface of panel 16a. Preferably, as shown, a boss 16e having an axis perpendicular to panel 16a is defined at the junction of ribs 16d at the location for each plumbing fitting 18, with each boss 16e sized to receive a respective fitting 18 therein as a force or close fit. The transverse member 16 preferably is integrally formed of a suitable material, such as a metal or plastics, preferably by a moulding process. In one convenient arrangement, member 16 can be formed by a laying-up process in which reinforcing fibres are bonded by application of a suitable resin, such as a polyester resin. The plumbing fittings may be installed in a preformed transverse frame member 16. Alternatively, in making the member 16 by a laying up process, the fittings 18 with suitable masking may be positioned as required in the reinforcing fibres, and then bonded in place by application of the resin, with the masking subsequently removed.

(00026) A sufficient number of modular units 10 are able to be mass produced off-site and, together with other forms of unit according to the invention, delivered when required to the site of a building construction in which the units 10 are to be installed. As required, the modules then are can be installed as convenient at required, predetermined positions within a section of walling framework, either as the walling framework is erected on after completion of its erection. The installation of the modular units is able to be by the tradespersons involved in erecting the walling framework, without the need for the on-site involvement of plumbers to this stage. Plumbing expertise still is involved in the off-site production of the modular units, although this is limited to ensuring that the modular units are produced off-site in a manner that complies with specifications for the plumbing units of the overall sanitary plumbing requirements for the building construction.

(00027) With completion of walling framework by installation of modular units, wall facing such as by application of plasterboard, or the like, then is able to proceed to completion, followed by painting. In the course of this work, electrical wiring and installations are likely to have progressed to a degree that leaves plumbers able to come onsite for substantially unhindered completion of remaining plumbing fittings for of each plumbing unit, with this work able to proceed efficiently and in a relatively short period of time.

(00028) Figures 2 to 5 show further forms of modular unit, respectively units 20, 30, 40 and 50. Each of these and their purpose generally will be understood from the preceding description of unit 10 of Figures 1A to 1D. While somewhat schematic, each of units 20, 30, 40 and 50 has a respective frame 22, 32, 42 and 52, each comprising a laterally spaced pair of upright frame members 24, 34, 44 and 54 joined, and secured in laterally spaced relationship, by at least one lateral frame member 26, 36, 46 and 56. Additionally, each of units 20, 30, 40 and 50 includes at least one respective plumbing fitting 28, 38, 48 and 58.

(00029) The modular unit 20 of Figure 2 has upper and lower frame members 26 spaced by a narrow gap 70, although a larger, single transverse frame member could be provided, if required. The lower member 26 has two fittings 28, similar to fittings 18 of unit 10 of Figures 1A to 1D and intended for receiving and mounting a hand basin. The upper member 26 has a fitting 28 for a hob type of tap. The fitting 28 includes a transverse length of pipe 28a that is secured on the front surface of the upper member 26 where it will be centred above a basin mounted on fittings 28 of the lower frame member 26. Each end of pipe 28a has two connectors 28b and 28c for coupling pipe 28a by each connector 28b to a respective tap and by each connector 28c to a respective one of hot and cold water supply lines. Pipe 28a has a connector 28d for a goose necked spout, with connector 28d located intermediate of the ends of pipe 28a.

(00030) The modular unit 20 has frame members 26 secured to frame members 24 intermediate of the front and rear faces of members 24 so members 26 are recessed. This needs to be allowed for in accommodating the installation of the remaining fittings of the plumbing unit after plasterboard of other facing is applied over studs between which the unit 20 is installed and secured. The members 24 and 26 can be of timber or of other suitable material as discussed above. Also, while members 26 may be of flat board, they may alternatively be of a form similar to that of frame member 14 of the unit 10 of Figures 1A to 1 D. In the latter case, the members 24 can be of a form similar to the members 14 of Figures 1A to 1D, but with the members reversed if it is required that the members 26 be recessed by being accommodated in the central channels of a three-channel form for members 24. In the arrangement of Figure 2, the upper and lower members 26 are shown as having front surfaces that are substantially co-planar, although they could be recessed from the front faces of the members 24 by a respective amount, or only one of them need be recessed from the front faces of members 24.

(00031) The modular unit 30 of Figure 3 will be readily understood from preceding description. In this instance the lower and upper transverse frame members 36 are more widely spaced, for use in a plumbing unit for a shower recess or cubicle. Again the upper and lower members 36 are recessed from the front faces of upright members 34. However, as indicated in relation to unit 20 of Figure 2, other arrangements are able to be adopted in that the degree of recessing can differ between the members 36 and one or other of the members 36 could be flush with those front faces. The lower member 36 has a plumbing fitting 38 for a mixer tap that is able to supply cold or hot water and is mounted between upright frame members 34 so as to be at about waist height. The fitting 38 has two connectors 38a enabling connection to hot and cold water supply pipes and a third connector 38c by which water is able to be passed to a shower head able to be provided on a plumbing fitting 38 secured on the upper transverse frame member 36. A connector, by which water can be received at the connector 38 for a shower head, is not shown but is conveniently provided at the rear face of the upper frame member 26.

(00032) The modular unit 40 of Figure 4 shows a variation of the arrangement of unit 20 of Figure 2, providing for an external breach tap-set. The unit 40 again has a lower transverse frame member 46 with this having two plumbing fittings by which a hand basin can be secured, while the upper member 46 has a respective plumbing fittings 46 to which hot and cold taps are able to be connected. The unit 40 also includes a plumbing fitting assembly 48 comprising a box 48a containing a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) able to receive cold water via an inlet line 48b and hot water from inlet line 48c, and to pass cold water via line 48d and hot water via the line 48e to the fittings 48 on the upper frame member 46 for the cold water tap and the hot water tap, respectively. The members 46 are shown as flush with the front faces of upright members 44 although, if required, one or both of the members 46 could be recessed with respect to those front faces.

(00033) The modular unit 50 of Figure 5 is similar to unit 30 of Figure 3. The principle difference is that the lower transverse frame member 56 is lower such that with the unit installed in a walling framework section, the lower transverse frame member and the upright frame members 54 together are able to rest on a bottom wall plate of the walling framework. The upper member 56 is recessed with respect to the front faces or upright members 54, while the lower member 56 is flush with those faces, although this relationship can be varied as discussed for each of Figures 2 to 4. The arrangement of modular unit 50 is appropriate for a plumbing unit in which a cleaners sink is secured against the lower transverse frame member 56, with the sink below taps to be installed on the plumbing fitting assembly 56 provided on the upper frame member 56. The sink is able to have a drainage line pass through opening 72 formed in the lower frame member 56

(00034) The upright frame members 24, 34, 44 and 54 of the units 20, 30, 40 and 50 of Figures 2 to 5 are shown as if comprising simple timber or metal studs, while the transverse frame members are shown as being of any suitable plate-like form. However, any of the members 24, 34, 44 and 54 could be of a form such as shown for members 14 of Figures 1A to 1D with any of the members 26, 36, 46 and 56 of a form similar to member 16 of Figures 1A to 1D. With a member 24, 34, 44 or 54 similar to member 14, it can be used in the orientation shown in Figures 1A to 1D if the member 26, 36, 46 or 56 is to be flush with the front face of the upright member, or deeply recessed by ulilising the web of the rear channel of such upright member. To utilise the rear channel, its web would need to have a series of openings corresponding to openings 14d shown in Figure 1B, or the upright members could be inverted end for end to reverse the sequence of the channels. Alternatively, the member 26, 36, 46 or 56 could be less deeply recessed by use of the central channel, necessitating the web of the central channel having a series of openings corresponding to openings 14d, with the upright rotated on its upright axis so as to have the front, rear and central channels open oppositely to the arrangement of Figures 1A to 1 D. Additionally, with use of upper and lower modular units, each of the units could be in accord with a respective one of these options.

(00035) The forms of the invention illustrated in the drawings are shown in a schematic form, and the specific form can vary from one application to another in terms of relative proportions and actual plumbing fitting or fittings used. However, in addition to this, the T-bolts 16e shown in Figures 1A to 1D have been enlarged relative to the transverse frame member 16 for the purpose of clear illustration.

(00036) The modular units of the invention provide an in-wall system can be adapted for a wide variety of plumbing unit types. The modular units enable trade information transfer to be minimised, and increases wall frame productivity in addition to increasing plumbing productivity. Also, the invention reduces rough in time in order to reach ability to fit off more efficiently. The modular units are adaptable to variations in basin types, tap ware types, shower arrangements, in wall cisterns and sink types. Additionally, the modular units are able to be installed in a number of different ways, and are amenable to height adjustment to suit a range of different requirements, while they facilitate the provision of waste points, TMVs and the like.

(00037) The invention enables a substantially completely customisable design to project requirements and specific fixture fixing requirements. For example the following are able to be adjusted where required prior to fabrication to suit the requirements of any sanitary item: (a) Lugged elbows, such as required for the arrangement of Figure 4; (b) Fittings for the basin in the arrangement of Figures 2, 4 and 5; (c) Waste points as required the basins in the arrangement of Figures 2, 4 and 5; (d) The addition and configuration of: (i) Thermostatic Mixing Valves (ii) Solenoid Valves (iii) Sensor Panels

(iv) General Power Outlets (v) Any other components that may be utilised in the function of the sanitary set up

(00038) Furthermore, elements outside those detailed above can be customised to project requirements such as timber as standard, and use of recycled injection mould plastic for compliance with requirements of environmental schemes. Once the tapware and sanitary fixings have been scheduled and approved as required by the project, the prefabrication can start. This will require the scheduling of the number of different combinations of in-wall set ups.

Claims

1. A modular unit for use in the installation of sanitary plumbing in a building construction, including a frame structure that, relative to an in-use orientation for the modular unit, has a laterally spaced pair of upright frame members and at least one transverse frame member that extends between and secures the upright frame members in relation to each other, at least one plumbing fitting to comprise part of a plumbing unit required in a predetermined site in or of the building construction, with the at least one plumbing fitting installed at a predetermined location on the at least one transverse frame member, whereby the modular unit is able to be installed and secured within a section of walling framework for the building at the predetermined site, so that each upright frame member of the modular unit is adjacent to a respective wall stud of the section of walling frame and the at least one plumbing fitting of the modular unit is thereby positioned as required for subsequent completion of installation of remaining plumbing fittings of the plumbing unit.

2. The modular unit of claim 1, wherein the upright frame members and the at least one transverse member are formed of the same or respective material selected from timber, a suitable metal, such as iron, steel or aluminium alloy; or a suitably strong plastics material, such as an engineering plastics.

3. The modular unit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the modular unit is adapted to be secured in a section of walling framework by of fasteners such as nails or bolts, or by each upright frame member being secured to the respective stud by at least one clamp device.

4. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the upright frame members are of elongate form, such as with a substantially constant cross-section throughout their length.

5. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the modular unit is adapted to be installed and secured within a section of walling framework, with the at least one plumbing fitting positioned as required, with a lower end of each upright frame member resting on a component of the framework, such as a bottom wall plate.

6. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transverse frame member is positioned relative to the lower ends of the upright members as required to achieve the required positioning of the at least one plumbing fitting when the modular unit is correctly installed and secured.

7. The modular unit of claim 6, wherein the transverse member, or each of at least two transverse members that are either adjacent or spaced in the longitudinal direction of the upright frame members, are positioned relative to the lower ends of the upright members, such as intermediate of the lower and upper ends of each upright member.

8. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upright frame members are of alength corresponding substantially to the length of studs of the walling framework.

9. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upright members are shorter than the length of the studs, such as to an extent enabling a lower and an upper modular unit to be installed and secured between the same two studs.

10. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the modular unit is for use in a plumbing unit for a shower recess or cubicle and wherein the modular unit includes an upper plumbing fitting and at least one lower plumbing fitting, each adapted for connection to a common water supply line or lines, with the upper plumbing fitting also adapted for connection to a shower head, and the at least one lower plumbing fitting adapted to receive a tap system for controlling the flow of water to the shower head.

11. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the modular unit is adapted for use in a plumbing unit for a bathroom, washroom or kitchen, and wherein the modular unit has at least one upper plumbing fitting and at least one lower plumbing fitting, with the at least one upper fitting adapted for connection to a water supply line or lines and adapted to receive a tap system, and the at least one lower fitting adapted for mounting a hand or wash basin.

12. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the modular unit is adapted for use in a plumbing unit for a bathroom or toilet cubicle, and wherein the modular unit has at least one upper plumbing fitting and at least one lower plumbing fitting, with the at least one upper fitting adapted for connection to a water supply line or lines and adapted to a cistern, and the at least one lower fitting adapted for mounting a toilet bowl.

13. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the modular unit is adapted for use in a plumbing unit for a bathroom or toilet cubicle, and wherein the modular unit has at least one upper plumbing fitting and at least one lower plumbing fitting, with the at least one upper fitting adapted for connection to a water supply line or lines and adapted to receive a tap system of a bidet, and the at least one lower fitting adapted for mounting a bidet bowl.

14. The modular unit of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the upper and lower plumbing fittings are provided on a common transverse frame member.

15. The modular unit of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the upper and lower plumbing fittings are provided on an upper transverse frame member and a lower transverse frame member, respectively.

16. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one transverse frame member has the form of a rectangular board having substantially planar front and rear surfaces.

17. The modular unit of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one transverse frame member has a rectangular form with a substantially planar front surface, and a rear surface from which projects a strengthening peripheral flange and/or strengthening ribs disposed over a rear surface.

Cooke & Dowsett Pty Ltd

Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person

SPRUSON&FERGUSON