AU673954B2 - Shower screen assembly - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): DOWELL AUSTRALIA LIMITED A.C.N. 004 437 898 Invention Title: SHOWER SCREEN ASSEMBLY I.

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The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 2 SHOWER SCREEN ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention This invention relates to a shower screen assembly and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to such of aluminium extrusion.

Description of Prior Art Hitherto it has been known to provide shower screen assemblies from aluminium extrusions. The shower screen assembly generally comprises a frame with a door 10 carried by the frame and a return panel which extends from the door to a wall of a shower cubicle. In certain installations it is known that the return panel can be at an angle other than 90° or 1800 relative to the door. In order to accommodate for such angles of inclination, it has been known to provide a corner post arrangement of two parts where one part can swing relative to the other. In this way, the parts can be swung to align with the plane of the door and with the plane of the return panel. In all known prior art arrangements, the range of swinging has 20 been limited and it has not been possible to cover the range from at least 900 to 1800 without adding infill strips or silicon or like filler to cover gaps at the meeting edges of the frame parts.

Object and Statement of Invention The present invention attempts to provide a shower screen assembly which can address one or more of the aforementioned problems. Certain embodiments enable a shower screen assembly to be erected where the range of adjustment can be between 90° and 180°.

Therefore in accordance with a first broad aspect staff/ahy/keep/specVPM1843CAP 14.10 3 of the present invention there may be provided a shower screen assembly comprising at least a first panel, and a second panel, a corner post between the first and second panels, said corner post being defined by a first frame part and a second frame part, said first frame part being an extrusion having a transverse cross-section defined by a pair of spaced first part flanges which extend parallel to one another and a curved part interconnecting the two first part space flanges at one end of the pair of spaced first part flanges, said second frame part being an ex-.rusion having a transverse cross-section defined by a pair of spaced second part flanges which extend parallel to one another and a curved part interconnecting the two spaced second part flanges at one end of the pair of spaced second part flanges, both curved parts being shaped and sized relative to one another so they can slidably interconnect by one locating within the other by sliding lengthwise relative to the other, and so they cannot be laterally separated when interconnected, to thereby define said corner post, said frame parts being swingable relative to each other, the axis of swinging being determined by a centre axis of the interconnected curved parts, whereby said corner post can be adjusted during installation to align said two spaced first part flanges with the plane of flanges with the plane of said second panel when the planes of said panels meet at an angle equal to or greater than 900, the central axis of the curved part of the first frame part and the central axis of the curved part of the second 30 frame part being laterally offset relative to an imaginary cent al plane extending parallel between the pair of spaced second part flanges, the arrangement being such that the swinging .adjustment is confined to certain angles less than 1800 because of the offset of the curved part of the second frame part relative to said second part spaced flanges but stafflahy/keep/speciPMlS43.CAP 27.9 -s-y I pq.

vl 3a by inverting one frame part relative to the other at the o 0 0 0 0 00* 0 0 0 0 0000 *00.

0* 0* *000 0* 0* 0**0 0 0 0 0 stafthylkeep/spec'PM 1843,CAP 27T9 4 interconnection and by making the shower screen assembly inside faces of the corner post of the non-inverted frame part the outer faces, the range of adjustment can be past said certain anglesless than 180°.

Brief Description of Drawings In order that the invention can be more clearly ascertained an example of a preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of one possible shower screen assembly; Figure 2 is a plan view of a different possible shower screen assembly; Figure 3 is a plan view of an even further possible shower screen assembly; Figure 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of o. a corner post of a particular preferred embodiment; Figure 5 is an isometric view showing the arrangement in Figure 4; Figure 6 is an isometric view of the corner post where one frame part is inverted relative to the other; Figure 7 is an isometric view similar to Figure 6 showing a range of adjustment; Figure 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view 25 corresponding to the arrangement shown in Figures 4 and and Figure 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing the arrangement in Figures 6 and 7.

Detailed Description of Example of Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3 there is shown the plan view of possible shower screen arrangements.

In Figure 1 a shower cubicle 1 is defined by walls 3 of a building such as corner meeting walls and by a door 5 and by a return panel 7. A corner post 9 interconnects between the door 5 and the return panel 7. The corner post 9 may be not physically attached to the door 5 as the door 5 may be carried in a sliding manner in an upper track (not stafU/ahy/keep/specVPM1843.CAP 14.10 p 5 shown). Typically, the shower screen assembly is defined by an external frame and glass panels. The glass panels can be mounted in sub-frames (not shown) which are attached relative to the external frame. The door 5 may be a sliding door or a swinging door. As shown in Figure 1, the plane of the return panel 7 is at an angle greater than relative to the plane of the door 5. Thus, the corner post 9 must be able to accommodate for neat fitting of the return panel 9 relative to the door 5. Figure 2 shows an arrangement where like parts to those shown in Figure 1 have been provided with the same numerical designations.

Here it can be seen that the return panel 7 is inclined at 1800 relative to the plane of the door In Figure 3, like numerical designations have been provided to like parts shown in Figures 1 and 2. Here it can be seen that the plane of the return panel 7 is inclined at 900 relative to the plane of the door Thus, a corner post 9 should ideally be able to accommodate for angles of inclination of the plane of the return panel 7 relative to the plane of the door 5 of between 900 and 1800. In the past, this was not possible without having an arrangement where considerable gaps were provided at the meeting edges of frame parts at the corner post 9. Typically, these were filled by an additional extrusion or by silicon or like sealant material. This obviously is not aesthetically pleasing and, moreover, does not permit for easy cleaning.

Figure 4 shows an arrangement of a corner post 9 formed from a first frame part 11 and a second frame part 13. This arrangement enables angles of inclination of the plane of the return panel 7 relative to the plane of the door 5 to be adjusted between 90° and 1800 as will be explained hereinafter.

The first frame part 11 has a pair of first frame part flanges 15 which extend parallel to one another. It also comprises a curved part 17 interconnecting the two slatffahy/keepspocPM 1843.CAP 14.10 6 first part spaced flanges 15 at one end of the pair of spaced first part flanges 15. The curved part 17 is typically curved circular and so the mouth at the open end of the curved part 17 has a width less than the diameter of the curved part 17. The curved part can be considered to form a socket.

The second frame part 13 has a pair of second part flanges 19 which extend parallel to one another. It also has a curved part 21 interconnecting the two second part spaced flanges 19 at one end of the pair of second part spaced flanges 19. The curved part 21 is typically curved circular and the external diameter is preferably of a size which enables the second frame part 13 to tightly slide within the curved part 17 of the first frame part 11 by sliding longitudinally. The curved part 21 can be considered a head which locates in the socket provided by the curved part 17. The arrangement is such that when the first frame part 11 and second frame part 13 are interconnected in this manner, they can swing relative to 20 one another but they cannot be laterally separated. Thus, oe.

o the mouth of the curved part 17 has a width less than the diameter of the outside of the curved part 21.

In use, the post 9 is arranged as previously described and the pair of flanges 15 are arranged to extend parallel to the plane of the door 5. The flanges 19 on the second frame part 13 are arranged to extend parallel to the plane of the return panel 7. The door 5 may be arranged to pass between the pair of first frame part flanges 15 if required. Alternatively, a further frame part may be fitted to the first frame part flanges 15. The return panel 7 may be arranged to fit between the second part flanges 19 or, alternatively, a further frame part may be arranged to fit therebetween.

In the embodiments shown, the first frame part 11 has the external surfaces of the first frame part flanges blending smoothly with the outside diameter faces of the staWahy/keep/specU'PM1843.CAP 14.10 7 curved part 17. In other words, the central axis of the curved part 17 is situated in line with an imaginary plane which is mid-way between the planes of the two first frame part flanges The second frame part 13 has the curved part 21 offset relative to the second part flanges 19. In other words, the central axis of the curved part 21 is offset relative to an imaginary plane between the planes of the second part flanges 19. This also means that the central axis curved part 17 of the first frame part 11 is also offset relative to an imaginary plane between the planes of the second part flanges 19. It is also noted that the second part flanges 19 do not meet smoothly with the external diameter faces of the curved part 21. One of the second part flanges 19 intersects with the outer diameter surface of the curved part 21 perpendicularly thereto. The other second part flange 19 meets generally tangentially to the outer diameter surface and has a stepped front 23.

This permits limitation of the angular movement of the panels to a precise angle, in this case 1800, where the planes of the panels 5 and 7 will be parallel to one another.

By referring to figures 4 and 5 it can be seen that the post 9 can be installed where the return panel 7 in solid lines, the outside face of the second part flange 19 which intersects with the outer surface of the curved part 21 perpendicularly thereto buts against the end of the ooo.:.curved part 17 at an innermost face of the post 9 relative to the cubicle 1.

The second frame part 13 can be swung through an angle shown in Figure 5 until the stepped front 23 abuts with the outermost edge of the curved part 17 on the outermost face of the post 9 relative to the cubicle 1.

Thus, the corner post 9 can be adjusted for different angles to accommodate for the return panel 7 to meet with stafflahykeep/specVPM 1843 CAP 279 7a the door 5 at angles equal to or greater than 900.

By referring to Figures 6 and 7 it can be seen how a range of angles can be accommnodated to cover the range past the angle of adjustment shown~ in Figu~res 4 and 0 staff/ahy~keeplspeci/PM1843,CAP 27.9 8 les3 than or up to 1800. In this embodiment, the first frame part 11 has been inverted relative to the second frame part 13 in the sliding interconnection. In addition, the previous inside face of the first frame part 11 relative to the cubicle 1 has now been made the outside face. In other words, the shower screen assembly inside faces of the corner post of the inverted frame part are now the outside faces. In this way, a further range of adjustment can be effected as shown.

It should be noted from Figure 6 that the stepped front 23 can locate firmly against the forward edge of the curved part 17 which is on the outer face of the cubicle 1 to limit the range of angular swinging to exactly 1800°.

The outer face of the flange part 15 can be arranged to be co-planer with the outer face of the flange part 13 thereby giving a pleasing appearance. In the angularly adjusted positions between 180° and 90° throughout the embodiments the arrangement is such that a pleasing appearance is provided to the corner post 9.

Beads have been shown at the ends of each of the first frame part flanges 15 and second frame part flanges 19 to assist mating with either the return panel 7 and/or door 5 or other frame parts.

Figures 8 and 9 show two different arrangements 25 in plan view.

Modifications may be made to the invention as would be apparent to persons skilled in the shower screen arts. For example, surface decorations may be provided as required.

These and ocher modifications may be made without departing from the ambit of the invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

stafathylke pfspocVPM1843 CAP 14

Claims (6)

1. A shower screen assembly comprising at least a first panel, and a second panel, a corner post between the first and second panels, said corner post being defined by a first frame part and a second frame part, said first frame part being an extrusion having a transverse cross- section defined by a pair of spaced first part flanges which extend parallel to one another and a curved part interconnecting the two first part space flanges at one end of the pair of spaced first part flanges, said second frame part being an extrusion having a transverse cross-section defined by a pair of spaced second part flanges which extend parallel to one another and a curved part interconnecting the two spaced second part flanges at one end of the pair of spaced second part flanges, both curved parts being shaped and sized relative to one another so they can slidably interconnect by one locating within the other by sliding lengthwise relative to the other, and so they cannot be laterally separated when interconnected, to thereby define said corner post, said frame parts being swingable relative to each other, the axis of swinging being determined by a centre axis of the interconnected S ecurved parts, whereby said corner post can be adjusted during installation to align said two spaced first part 25 flanges with the plane of said first panel and to align said two spaced second part flanges with the plane of said second panel when the planes of said panels meet at an angle equal to or greater than 900, the central axis of the curved part of the first frame part and the central axis of t 30 the curved part of the sacond frame part being laterally offset relative to an imaginary central plane extending parallel between the pair of spaced second part flanges, the arrangement being such that the swinging adjustment is confined to certain angles less than 180° because of the offset of the curved part of the second S. 1/ stafahykoepspeciPM1B43.CAP 279 V 10 frame part relative to said second part spaced flanges but by inverting one frame part relative to the other at the interconnection and by making the shower screen assembly inside faces of the corner post of the non-inverted frame part the outer faces, the range of adjustment can be past said certain angled less than 1800°.

2. A shower screen assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first frame part has a stepped front where one of the two flange parts intersects the curved part thereof whereby to limit angular movement to a precise angle.

3. A shower screen assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the precise angle is such that the planes of said first and second panels will be parallel to one another.

4. A corner post for a shower screen assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, said corner post being defined by said first frame part and said second frame part, said first frame part being an extrusion having a transverse cross-section defined by a pair of spaced first part flanges which extend parallel to one another and a curved part interconnecting the two first part space flanges at one end of the pair of spaced first part flanges, said second frame part being an extrusion having a transverse cross-section defined by a pair of spaced second part flanges which extend parallel to one another and a 25 curved part interconnecting the two spaced second part flanges at one end of the pair of spaced second part flanges, both curved parts being shaped and sized relative to one another so they can slidably interconnect by one locating within the other by sliding lengthwise relative to the other, and so they cannot be laterally separated when interconnected, to thereby define said corner post, said frame parts being swingable relative to each other, the axis of swinging being determined by a centre axis of the interconnected curved parts, the central axis of the curved part of the first frame part and the central axis of the curved part of the second frame part being laterally offset staH/ahy/keepspecVPM 143.CAP 27.9 J/ 11 relative to an imaginary central plane extending parallel between the pair of spaced second part flanges, the arrangement being such that the swinging adjustment is confined to certain angles less than 1800 because of the offset of the curved part of the second frame part relative to said second part spaced flanges but by inverting one frame part relative to the other at the interconnection and by making the shower screen assembly inside faces of the corner post of the non-inverted frame part the outer faces, the range of adjustment can be past said certain angles less than 1800 A corner post as claimed in claim 4 and wherein the second frame part has a stepped front where one of the two flange parts intersects the curved part thereof whereby to limit the angular movement to a precise angle.

6. A ;hower screen assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings.

7. A corner post substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. DATED THIS 27TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1996 DOWELL AUSTRALIA LIMITED i By Its Patent Attorneys: 25 GRIFFITH HACK CO., Fellows Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia *2 e* staflahy/keeplspeciPM 1843.CAP 27.9 ABSTRACT A shower screen assembly is provided which has a corner post The corner post is defined by a first frame part (11) and a second frame part The first frame part (11) can be mated with the second frame part (13) to achieve one angle range of panels of the assembly. By inverting one of the frame parts relative to the other a further angle range of panels can be achieved. a o a 8 o stafUahylkeepIspecV'PM1843.CAP 14.10