CN104244785A

CN104244785A - A walk-in shower and temporary bath

Info

Publication number: CN104244785A
Application number: CN201380012263.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 戴维·罗伊·凯
Original assignee: Design Enterprises Ltd
Current assignee: Design Enterprises Ltd
Priority date: 2012-03-02
Filing date: 2013-03-01
Publication date: 2014-12-24
Also published as: HK1203336A1; EP2819564A1; JP2015514445A; KR20140141625A; EP2819564A4; US20150121615A1; AU2013225622A1; WO2013126966A1; SG11201404933TA; CA2865918A1

Abstract

A walk-in shower having at least one fixed wall portion and a deployable wall portion operable in at least two configurations, namely a first shower configuration in which the deployable wall portion is located adjacent to one of the at least three wall portions leaving a walk in open entry and exit from the shower and a second bath configuration in which the deployable wall portion is located to close and seal the open entry and exit with movement of the deployable wall creating a bath enclosure to hold a volume of liquid at least temporarily.

Description

Walk-in type shower cabinet and interim bathtub

Technical field

The present invention relates to shower cabinet and other showers, and especially, relate to a kind of shower cabinet changing over generation shower enclosing.

Background technology

The various schemes of attempting to deal with problems provide a kind of useful bathtub, and this bathtub can be used as the shower cabinet shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 7.

Inventor notices, at each occurrence, the device provided is the bathtub with preformed molded bathtub enclosing, and some bathtubs have the door that can open and close to enter this preformed enclosing.Each in these embodiments all produces the bathtub according to being molded with fixed dimension.

Device shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is called " tulip (Tulip) " bathtub.The front transparent part of the shower cabinet shown in Fig. 1 is opened downwards to allow to enter and leave this bathtub and for the bathtub shown in pie graph 2.

Device shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is a kind of rotation wall erecting device, when such as directed shown in Fig. 4, this rotation wall erecting device is used as bathtub (having lower collecting zone), and when such as directed shown in Fig. 5, this rotation wall erecting device is used as shower cabinet (having the collecting zone forming cover).

Structure shown in Fig. 6 constructs between tub/shower, and in this configuration, molded bathtub is provided with glass door, and when glass door is closed, it forms shower cabinet screen.When being used as shower cabinet, this must be close, this is because when using in shower cabinet structure, if door is opened, then before shower cabinet facility, the goalkeeper of swing open hinders the use of shower cabinet.When device is used as bathtub, door is also close, and seals existing bathtub enclosing, allows it to be filled with water at least in part.

Structure shown in Fig. 7 constructs between tub/shower, and in this configuration, molded bathtub to be provided with between glass shower screen and independently door, and this door allows to enter preformed enclosing and this is closed preformed bathtub enclosing and makes bathtub to be filled with water.In this structure, door is inwardly opened, and can operate this shower cabinet when door is opened, although if door is opened, has some water and overflows.

Understand clear, if with reference to the open file of prior art herein, then these are quoted as proof and do not form such license, that is, described open file form Australia or any other national in the part of common practise in this area.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is directed to a kind of walk-in type shower cabinet, this walk-in type shower cabinet can overcome at least in part at least one in shortcoming mentioned above or provide to consumer or the selection of business.

According to viewpoint above, the present invention relates broadly to a kind of walk-in type shower cabinet without molded bathtub enclosing in one form, this shower cabinet has at least one fixation wall part and a wall portion that can launch, this wall portion that can launch can operate at least two kinds of structures, these at least two kinds of structures are the first shower cabinet structure and the second bathtub structure, in the first shower cabinet structure, at least one fixation wall part described that the described wall portion that can launch is positioned to this shower cabinet contiguous leaves the gateway of opening to make this shower cabinet, in the second bathtub structure, the gateway that the described wall portion that can launch is positioned to make this open is closed and sealing, make to produce bathtub to preserve a certain amount of liquid at least provisionally.

In interchangeable form, the present invention relates to a kind of walk-in type shower cabinet, this walk-in type shower cabinet has at least one fixation wall part and a wall portion that can launch, this wall portion that can launch can operate at least two kinds of structures, these at least two kinds of structures are the first shower cabinet structure and the second bathtub structure, in the first shower cabinet structure, this wall portion that can launch is positioned to a gateway of opening to make shower cabinet leave walk-in type in contiguous at least three wall portions, in the second bathtub structure, the gateway that this wall portion that can launch is positioned to make this open is closed and sealing, wherein, the mobile bathtub enclosing that produces of this wall portion that can launch is to keep a certain amount of liquid at least provisionally.

In another interchangeable form, the present invention relates to a kind of method producing bathtub enclosing from walk-in type shower cabinet, the method comprises the following steps: provide the walk-in type shower cabinet with wall portion and at least one the fixation wall part that can launch; The wall portion that can launch is positioned to a gateway of opening to make shower cabinet leave walk-in type in contiguous at least three wall portions; The wall portion that this can be launched launches to close and sealing with the gateway making this open, and wherein, the mobile bathtub enclosing that produces of this wall portion that can launch is to keep a certain amount of liquid at least provisionally.

In another form, the present invention relates broadly in the walk-in type shower cabinet of the general rectangular without molded bathtub enclosing, this shower cabinet has the wall portion and at least three wall portions that can launch, this wall portion that can launch can operate at least two kinds of structures, these at least two kinds of structures are the first shower cabinet structure and the second bathtub structure, in the first shower cabinet structure, the described wall portion that can launch is positioned to a gateway of opening to make shower cabinet leave in contiguous at least three wall portions, in the second bathtub structure, the gateway that the wall portion that can launch is positioned to make this open is closed and sealing, make to produce bathtub to keep a certain amount of liquid at least provisionally.

In another form, the present invention relates to the walk-in type shower cabinet of general rectangular, this shower cabinet has the wall portion and at least three wall portions that can launch, this wall portion that can launch can operate at least two kinds of structures, these at least two kinds of structures are the first shower cabinet structure and the second bathtub structure, in the first shower cabinet structure, the described wall portion that can launch is positioned to a gateway of opening to make shower cabinet leave walk-in type at least three wall portions described in vicinity, in the second bathtub structure, the gateway that the described wall portion that can launch is positioned to make this open is closed and sealing, wherein, the mobile bathtub enclosing that produces of the wall that can launch is to keep a certain amount of liquid at least provisionally.

In this manual, term " wall " is not intended to be limited to the wall in bathroom, it also can be used as limiting the boundary of shower cabinet, and this wall also comprises shower cabinet screen, plate or for any component of one or more boundaries of limiting shower cabinet or assembly (no matter whether being made up of one or more unit).

Walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention is particularly suitable for when the wall that can launch is in open mode being used as shower cabinet.In addition, when walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention is in shower cabinet structure, preferably there is not visible bathtub, because there is not molded bathtub enclosing.The present invention will have maximum three walls and a wall usually, and this wall is that the wall that can launch is to make volume close and to limit bathtub enclosing.

When can launch in open mode time (when be used as shower cabinet time), the wall that can launch usually will be positioned at shower region or be close to shower region.This will be usually storing state for the wall that can launch, and shower cabinet preferably can use when the wall that can launch is in this position.When in bathtub structure, the hydraulic pressure produced due to the water in bathtub, usually by the sealing of wall that auxiliary energy launches, constructs this is because the wall that can launch is launched into bathtub in shower region.

When the wall that can launch is in open mode (when being used as shower cabinet), the wall that can launch can be positioned at the outside in shower region.This will be usually storing state for the wall that can launch, and shower cabinet preferably can use when the wall that can launch is in this position.Locking mechanism can be used for the wall that can launch to be fixed in open position or closed position.

When the wall that can launch is in open mode (when being used as shower cabinet), if the wall that can launch is positioned at shower region, the hydraulic pressure then produced due to the water in bathtub when in bathtub structure, usually by the sealing of wall that auxiliary energy launches, constructs this is because the wall that can launch is launched into bathtub in shower region.Locking mechanism also can be used for the wall that can launch to be fixed in open position or closed position.

Preferably, each bottom at least one fixation wall be sealing to realize water-tight.Normally, multiple fixation wall will be provided, and when to install in bathroom or when completing wet zone, these fixation wall will be sealed against one another and/or seal relative to floor as present practice.And the wall that can launch is sealed to one or more fixation wall or is sealed to other provided black boies, at least one fixation wall described also will be sealed to other walls and floor usually, to be defined for the sealed volume holding water.

(at barrier upper and lower or above) rack-like thing or step can be set, if but like this, described rack-like thing or step will be in height preferably relatively low, to allow shower cabinet to be walk-in type shower cabinet.At the elevated structure without the need to some forms with under the prerequisite sealing the wall that can launch, floor outside floor in shower cabinet/bathtub and shower cabinet/bathtub provides a kind of possible layout of constant altitude to be to provide seal recess or seal groove, and a part for the wall that can launch is received in sealing recess or seal groove to seal.

As mentioned above, walk-in type shower cabinet will comprise multiple fixation wall usually, normally comprise at least three fixation wall.In interchangeable embodiment, walk-in type shower cabinet region can be made up of Curved Continuous curved wall and in that case, can arrange only single fixation wall.The quantity restriction of any amount of fixation wall wall and not intended to be is fixed can be set in the present invention.

Each fixation wall will be permanent wall and usually will be sealed to contiguous wall (if any) and be sealed to floor substantially usually.At least one in fixation wall can be (or comprising) shower cabinet screen board.

In fixation wall any one or multiplely can be (or comprising) and limit the wall in bathroom itself, walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention is positioned at this bathroom.As mentioned above, preferably, fixation wall part does not all comprise molded bathtub housing.However it is possible that shower cabinet of the present invention can comprise molded enclosing, but if like this, this enclosing usually will be made up of multiple fixation wall and and if only if the wall that can launch actual expansion time form this enclosing.Embodiments of the present invention comprise molded bathroom blank, the molded bathtub region of part is provided with in the bathroom blank that this is molded, but this bathtub enclosing still needs the wall that can launch to form enclosing, and the outward appearance of three walls that bathtub region will only have with the wall region of opening when not having the wall that can launch.

The fixation wall part of walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention can comprise one or more full-height wall portion or Partial Height wall portion.

Any material can be used to form fixation wall part of the present invention.In addition, different walls can be made up of different materials, such as, if arrange shower cabinet screen wall portion, then this wall portion can be opaque, partially transparent or completely transparent, such as by glass (firm or safety), acrylic acid or Merlon or the material manufacture showing similar outward appearance, function and security performance.

Same preferred, fixation wall part (and the wall that can launch) is general planar.In addition, preferably, fixation wall part by contact with each other and angularly (preferably generallyperpendicular) and walk-in type shower cabinet floor contact instead of there is arc-shaped transition region between wall and floor.In some embodiments, can arc-shaped transition be set, in bathing position, leans on curved angle wall for people especially.This arcwall also can be used as shelf.

The shower cabinet of preferred embodiment in fixation wall any one or multiple in can comprise one or more hot spring nozzle (spa jet, eddies of water nozzle) and use in bathtub structure.

Shower cabinet also can arrange chair mechanism, and this chair mechanism is preferably hidden in the wall that fixation wall, shelf maybe can launch, and this chair mechanism can launch when using as bathtub.Alternatively, user can use outside seat and is used in bathtub, or uses the shelf being used as permanent expansion seat.

Walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention comprises the wall portion that can launch, and this wall portion that can launch can operation in two kinds of structures.The wall portion that can launch can launch in any direction and use any mechanism for allowing wall portion to present two kinds of structures.Preferred mechanism comprises linkwork, wheel mechanism, slide mechanism, rolling mechanism, coasting mechanism, rail mechanism, cable mechanism and pivot in any direction.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the wall portion that can launch can around fixed axis hinged or pivotable.This axis can be vertical to allow the less horizontal ground of wall mobile (or rotation) that can launch substantially, or alternatively, and this axis can be the less horizontal wall that can launch with permission and moves vertically substantially (or rotation).

For axis vertical substantially, installation component will normally be arranged on fixation wall part and/or the wall portion that can launch.Preferably, installation component moves being provided with or comprising linkwork or hinge mechanism relative to fixation wall part to allow the wall that can launch.The position at the edge to fixation wall part is also preferably provided visual identification by installation component, if wall portion is transparent, this can be particular importance.This installation component also installs seal to seal the wall that can launch.

Preferably, installation component will to be arranged on fixation wall part and the edge of wall portion that can launch or the edge of the contiguous wall portion that can launch and fixation wall part.

In using, the wall portion that can launch will be preferably located in and fixation wall part parallel and very near-earth interval or adjoining position, when walk-in type shower cabinet to be in shower cabinet structure and in shower cabinet time, the wall portion that can launch hangs from this fixation wall part.This usually by make to obtain in shower cabinet can be used for use maximize and the wall of enable expansion required for space-minimized.

The wall that can launch usually will be swung away from the end edge of sidewall or hang from end wall.

Importantly, there is provided enough space to make it swing in or beyond shower region between open mode and closed condition and vice versa to the wall that can launch, and do not hinder shower cabinet and bathtub hardware, this shower cabinet and bathtub hardware are usually mounted in the fixation wall of shower cabinet enclosing or are mounted to the items be positioned at outside shower cabinet, such as fixture and accessory, water pipe element, toilet, cabinet or washbowl.

When the wall that can launch is arranged in shower cabinet structure, the wall that can launch is " opening " and can uses shower cabinet when in this form, this is because the wall that can launch is located against the fixation wall of shower intra-zone usually.When using in such configuration, the sealing of wall in "Off" state that this structure allows to use the pressure produced by the weight of the water in bathtub to carry out auxiliary energy to launch.

In other embodiments, the wall that can launch can be positioned at the outside of shower cabinet or swing, pivotable, slides or be rolled into the outside of shower cabinet enclosing.

According to the second preferred embodiment, the wall that can launch can be provided with any combination of wheel mechanism, rolling mechanism, slide mechanism, coasting mechanism, rail mechanism, cable mechanism or these mechanisms.And, the wall that can launch can against the fixation wall existed or with the fixation wall tight spacing of this existence be stored in or beyond shower cabinet enclosing, or the top being even positioned at shower cabinet enclosing is to be used as splash guard or similar component.

Usual needs to be launched from this storing state, to close the gateway of opening from shower room compartment, thus form and produce bathtub structure.

In some cases, the wall that can launch can form a full side of bathtub, or alternatively, the wall that can launch only can close the opening be arranged in shower cabinet or bathtub side.

Normally, wheel component, rolling member, sliding component or track component is set to allow the wall that can launch easily to move.In a preferred embodiment, one or more rolling member or wheel component can roll on shower cabinet floor surface and wall surface, and/or arrange track and make it engage with the corresponding guiding channel arranged on the wall surface.If tolerance is enough accurate, then the wall that can launch has wheel component on the side and bottom of this wall that can launch, and this is taken turns component and only to roll against floor and wall and without any need for guide.

In interchangeable preferred embodiment, one or more rolling member, wheel component can roll, and/or be provided with track and make it engage with the corresponding guiding channel be arranged in floor and/or wall surface on shower cabinet and wall surface.If tolerance is enough accurate, have wheel component in the side of the wall that the wall that can launch can be able to launch at this and bottom, this takes turns component only against floor and wall rolling without any need for guide.

In interchangeable preferred embodiment, one or more rolling member or wheel component are provided with circumferential groove so that frame is on the tenon part raised, and this tenon part is arranged on floor and/or wall surface or is arranged in floor and/or wall surface.In each in these replaceable embodiments, the mobile of the wall that can launch will be preferably guided-moving, during movement to make the mis-alignment of the wall that can launch minimize or prevent this mis-alignment and for sealing.

One or morely take turns upper area and/or the lower area place that component, rolling member, sliding component or track component can be arranged on the wall that can launch.In addition, one or more rolling member or sliding component can be arranged on each end of the wall that can launch or the shifting balance making the wall that can launch is sentenced in every side.

In this embodiment, the wall that can launch will be preferably the complete side of bathtub enclosing, and therefore, usually will produce bathtub enclosing when the wall that this can launch is moved into bathtub structure.Before the wall that can launch moves, usually not there is enclosing, only there is multiple fixation wall part and this wall that can launch, this wall that can launch is in storing state against in fixation wall part.In this position, the wall that can launch can be covered against fixation wall part and be difficult in order to aesthetic reasons easily see or identify.Alternately, the wall that can launch can be the material similar with shower enclosing or for transparent (such as glass or plastics) or for diverse material is to form a kind of feature, and the position being positioned at tight abutment fixation wall part is to be identified as the part in shower region.Normally, unless the wall that can launch is the material of glass or similar outward appearance and function, otherwise the wall that can launch will have the covering outer cover applying such as patch block.The wall that can launch also can be the plastics mold walls with covering (or not having covering).

The wall that can launch also can move in the mode comprising rotation aspect and slip aspect.Such as, if shower cabinet is provided with the shower cabinet screen component with an adjacent openings, then this shower cabinet screen can be used as the wall that can launch, and preferred mobile can be makes shower cabinet screen rotate around the corner in the plane identical with when being used as shower cabinet screen, usually vertical edge local to be become basic horizontal, lateral sliding/pivotable shower cabinet screen simultaneously, so that shower cabinet screen is positioned in the position in 90 ° with the general position of shower cabinet screen, thus the side of sealing shower cabinet enclosing.

In the fixation wall that one or more guiding piece can be arranged on walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention and/or be arranged on the wall that can launch.

The wall that can launch will form the side of enclosing usually, and this side forms and closes enclosing.

The wall that can launch can associate with the flexible membrane of the adjoint wall movement that can launch or similar component.Normally, if arrange film, then when the wall that can launch moves to bathtub structure, this film keeps the volume of liquid to form bathtub enclosing by limiting usually.If arrange film, then this will simplify the sealing of bathtub structure usually.

The fixed sidewall of shower cabinet also at least should be reached the height of bathtub by water-proofing treatment, if especially do not have to arrange (can launch with the wall that can launch) film.Can there is molded water-proof part, this molded water-proof part is arranged between wall and floor and seals.In addition, molded water-proof part can be arranged to carry out water-proofing treatment to wall and/or floor towards inside surface.

Normally, the part of both walls that set film will be suitable for being formed the At The Height of bathtub and is attached to fixation wall and can launches.Preferably, film will fold or distortion to the moving process of shower cabinet structure from bathtub structure, to occupy minimal space and to hide from sight line when being in shower cabinet structure.

In preferred at one, film can be stored in fixation wall part or the wall portion that can launch.Can arrange extension and retraction mechanism to simplify extension and the withdrawal of this film, and preferably, mechanism will to be biased in retrieving position but can be locked in extension state at least provisionally.

Fixation wall of the present invention and/or the wall that can launch can be any type or structure.Such as, wall can be solid, hollow or has facing, or this wall is only (or comprising) transparent or jealous glass (firm) or provides similar outward appearance or realize other material (such as acrylic acid or Merlon or plastics) of similar functions.

Multiple parts or mechanism normally, provide more scope or selection to the wall beyond transparent wall, this is because can be hidden by the wall beyond transparent wall or hide or be positioned at the wall beyond described transparent wall.

If one or more in wall are manufactured by transparent material, then any parts being set to a part of the present invention will be arranged on installation component and/or containment member usually, and this installation component and/or containment member are attached to transparent wall or associate with transparent wall.Because many users select transparent wall in order to aesthstic object, so this will make transparent wall not covered substantially usually.

When providing hollow wall, this wall will be made up of a kind of framework usually, and this framework has the suitable covering being applied to this framework.Framework can be made up of the multiple framing components be connected to each other, or alternatively, can provide single framework (such as by the molded framework formed), this single framework can be capped or be uncovered.Normally, the one deck in suitable covering will be that patch block (this patch block is made up of various material (such as pottery, glass or similar material)) or similar covering are to provide aesthetic treatment to wall and to make wall waterproof as far as possible.Another waterproof seal can be arranged on below patch block or covering, and/or wall itself can be the waterproof material (such as plastics) with abundant Sealed junction.

This structure also moves allowing to install the wall that can launch to contribute to it usually.In addition, set covering (if any) can be used for covering the wall that can launch relative to the remainder of walk-in type shower cabinet.Alternatively, this is provided to cover by using the material identical with another part of bathtub enclosing to form the wall that can launch.

The wall that can launch can be fixed in open mode or closed condition, therefore forms bathtub structure or shower cabinet structure, to prevent the burst from open mode or closed condition but uncertain movement.

The manual movement of wall that can launch is preferred, but this moves can be and travel mechanism maybe can be used to drive automatically.

When using with bathtub structure, be arranged on providing suitable seal in closed condition so that the wall that can launch is sealed.As discussed above, when being in bathtub structure, carry out the auxiliary seal by hydraulic pressure, and the seal also can have locking mechanism.Normally, the seal used will be silicon materials, but can use any suitable material for the formation of sealing, such as rubber or substitute or any pliable and tough or flexible material.

Especially, preferably provide grasping mechanism or similar means, to be remained in closed condition by the wall that can launch at least provisionally.Normally, described grasping mechanism or similar means enter sealing state by impelling the wall that can launch, and when starting to fill the compartment in bathtub structure until in this compartment, the weight of liquid is enough to apply enough power and remains on the wall seal in place of enable expansion and by this wall that can launch in closed condition to prevent the burst of the described wall that can launch from moving especially.

That grasping mechanism or similar means can be any type and more than one grasping mechanism or similar means can be provided.Grasping mechanism or similar means can comprise lock function and crawl or breech lock function.Such as, grasping mechanism or similar means can comprise rolling grippers or ball grippers, spring rolling grippers, magnetic or electromagnetism grippers, cam latch, compression grippers or extend grippers or have the grippers of bolt mechanism of some forms.

In particularly preferred embodiments, grippers or breech lock can comprise the U-shaped body wherein having and assemble opening, this U-shaped body receives the part at the edge of the fixation wall wall that maybe can launch or sealing barrier, and this convergence opening contributes to self-align and aims at and breech lock and/or sealing.In use, this convergence opening can be (or comprising) elastic part, and this elastic part experiences compression to form more firmly grasping mechanism during breech lock.

In the wall of walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention any one or multiple in can provide annex, such as, hot spring nozzle, effluent valve and seat or bench.Especially, when providing seat or bench, seat or bench are preferably retractable, and along with needing be launched into using state to make the maximize in shower cabinet, but allow seat or bench to be used when desired.But, if expected, fixing bench or seat can be provided.

By any one in any feature described herein and other features described herein within the scope of the present invention or multiplely can be combined into any combination.

Be not (and should not regard as) to the reference done by any prior art in this description to admit or any type of suggestion one that prior art forms a part for common practise.

Detailed description of the invention

According to specifically preferred embodiment, provide a kind of walk-in type shower cabinet without molded enclosing.

In each preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 8 to Figure 27, walk-in type shower cabinet is the substantially rectangular shower region without molded bathtub enclosing, shower region has at least three fixation wall parts 11 and has the wall portion 12 that can launch, this wall portion that can launch can operate at least two structures, namely, first shower cabinet structure and the second bathtub structure, in this first shower cabinet structure, the wall portion 12 that can launch is located be adjacent at least three fixation wall parts 11 one, the gateway 13 shower region being left open, in the second bathtub structure, the gateway 13 that the wall portion 12 that can launch is positioned to make to open is closed and seals, generation one bathtub is made to keep a certain amount of liquid with at least interim like this.

As shown, provide qualifying part enclosing multiple fixation wall and when installing or complete the wet zone in bathroom these fixation wall sealed against one another and seal with floor as current practice.

The barrier provided in order to the object sealed, rack-like thing or step or barrier 14 are arranged in each embodiment illustrated, it is in height relatively low to allow shower region to become walk-in type shower cabinet.

Each fixation wall 11 is all changeless walls substantially.One in fixation wall as shown in Fig. 8 to Figure 13 can become Shower screen aerofoil (no matter whether transparent).

Any one or multiple can be in fixation wall limit the wall in bathroom itself, and walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention is positioned at described bathroom.

The fixing wall portion of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Figure 17 to Figure 19 is divided and is comprised full-height wall portion and Partial Height wall portion 11, and this Partial Height wall portion limits contiguous washing region.

Any material can be used to form fixation wall part of the present invention.Such as, the different fixing wall portion of the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 8 to Figure 13 divide comprise define shower region before other patch block wall of transparent shower cabinet screen wall portion and three.Patch block wall is normally applied flat member, is carried out water-proofing treatment and and then the concrete wall of laying patch block, wood frame or metal framework.

The wall portion that can launch can launch in any direction and can use any mechanism for allowing wall portion to present two kinds of structures.Preferred mechanism comprises linkwork, wheel mechanism, slide mechanism, rolling mechanism, driving wheel mechanism, track and cable mechanism and pivot.The wall that can launch in Figure 12 is such as sliding wall, and this sliding wall usually will be provided with track or guiding piece and wheel, bearing etc. and move to be easy to it.

The first preferred embodiment according to Fig. 8 to Figure 11 and Figure 13, the wall portion 12 that can launch is hinged or pivotable around fixed axis.As shown in Figure 11 and Figure 13, this axis can be vertical substantially, the wall 12 that its permission can launch is mobile (or rotation) less horizontally, or alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, this axis can be less horizontal, and it allows the wall 12 that can launch to move vertically substantially (or rotation).In structure shown in Figure 9, pin joint can be arranged on the top place of installation component 15 or alternately be arranged on the bottom place of installation component 15.In some structures in fig .9, the wall that can launch must from the skew of contiguous fixation wall.

For the axis vertical substantially shown in Fig. 8, Figure 10, Figure 11 and Figure 13, installation component 15 can be arranged in fixation wall part 11 and to be also arranged on by linkwork or pivot on the wall portion 12 that can launch, and allows the wall 12 that can launch to move relative to fixation wall part 11.Preferably, installation component 15 also provides visual instruction by the marginal position of fixation wall part 11, if this wall portion is transparent, then and this particular importance.

When walk-in type shower cabinet be in as shown in Fig. 8, Figure 10, Figure 11 and Figure 13 shower cabinet structure in time, the wall portion 12 that can launch be parallel to fixation wall part 11 and with this fixation wall part tight spacing or this fixation wall part adjacent, this wall portion that can launch can hang from this fixation wall part.

The wall that can launch is swingable leaves the end edge of sidewall as shown in Figure 13 or the end edge of end wall as shown in Figure 11.Wall importantly for launching provides enough gaps, to make it swing (and vice versa) between situation and closedown situation in or beyond shower cabinet enclosing and not hinder shower cabinet and bathtub hardware opening, this shower cabinet and bathtub hardware are usually mounted in the fixation wall of shower cabinet enclosing or are mounted to other fixed structures or the accessory of shower cabinet enclosing outside.

As shown in Fig. 8 and Figure 10, when the wall 12 that can launch is in shower cabinet structure, wall is " opening " and can uses shower cabinet when in this form, this is because the wall 12 that can launch is positioned to the fixation wall 11 against shower cabinet area inside (but can be outside) usually, instead of as covered shower hardware 16 in some prior aries structure.

According to the second preferred embodiment shown in Figure 12 and Figure 14 to Figure 20 B, the wall 12 that can launch can be provided with wheel mechanism, slide mechanism, rolling mechanism or rail mechanism.In addition, the wall 12 that can launch preferably against the fixation wall 11 existed or with fixation wall 11 tight spacing existed be stored in shower cabinet construct in (but can be outside).

In order to close the gateway of opening in shower cabinet region to form bathtub structure, usually need to launch from this storing state.

In some cases, as shown in Figure 14 to Figure 20 B, the wall 12 that can launch can form the complete side of of bathtub, or alternatively, the wall that can launch only can close the opening in the side arranging shower cabinet or bathtub, as shown in Figure 12.

Normally, wheel component, rolling member, sliding component or track component are set, to allow the wall that can launch easily to move.

In the fixation wall that one or more guiding piece can be arranged on walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention and/or be arranged on the wall that can launch.Structure and the position of the structure of track and position and wheel component, rolling member, sliding component or track component are not critical, as long as make it be positioned to provide required motor function and sealing function.

Concrete preferred embodiment in, the wall 12 that can launch preferably forms the complete side of bathtub enclosing and therefore, usually will form bathtub enclosing when moving into bathtub structure.Usually enclosing was not had completely before the motion of the wall 12 that can launch, only there are multiple fixation wall 11 (if needed, also having shower cabinet screen) and a wall 12 that can launch, this wall that can launch is in storage location, against one of in fixation wall part 11.In this position, the wall 12 that can launch is closedown relative to fixation wall part 11 usually, and is difficult to easily see or identify (if expectation).In the position of launching, the removable character of the wall that can launch can not be showed to observe easily at once.This is visible in Figure 15 and Figure 17 especially.

Fixation wall of the present invention and/or the wall that can launch can be any type or structure.Such as, this wall can be solid, hollow, have facing or be only (or comprising) transparent or jealous glass, acrylic acid, Merlon, plastics or other be applicable to the material of this object.

If one or more by glass manufacture in this wall, such as shown in Figure 16, the any parts being then set to a part of the present invention will be arranged on installation component and/or containment member usually, and this installation component and/or containment member are attached to anchor portion wall and/or floor or associate with described anchor portion wall and/or floor.According to the second embodiment, one or more containment member 17 can be arranged to extend partially into gateway, and the wall that can launch can seal against this gateway.Because many users select glass wall in order to aesthstic object, this will make glass wall not covered substantially usually.

When providing hollow wall, as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 17, this wall is made up of such framework usually, and this framework has the suitable covering being applied to this framework, or this wall is made up of hollow mold frame.Usually, the one deck in suitable covering by be patch block or similar covering to provide aesthetic treatment, this covering not only can mate shower cabinet region but also make wall waterproof as far as possible.In one embodiment, the wall that can launch can be only the molded plastic walls without covering, to mate fixation wall.Usually, if fixation wall does not arrange covering, then the wall that can launch will not have covering to have consistent outward appearance yet, although not always this situation.

This also will allow the installation of the wall that can launch to move to contribute to it usually.In addition, the covering provided can be used for hiding the wall that can launch relative to the remainder of walk-in type shower cabinet, as shown in Figure 17, is difficult to the wall distinguishing that this can launch in the figure.Therefore in this drawing, the wall that can launch shows as the shelf be arranged in shower cabinet instead of the wall that can launch.

Figure 20 A is the front view of interchangeable embodiment, wherein, the wall that can launch moves vertically from storage location (shown in Figure 20 A) and deployed condition (shown in Figure 20 B), in described storage location, the wall that can launch shows as splash guard, and in described deployed condition, the wall that can launch forms bathtub enclosing, wherein, arrow shows the direction of movement.This embodiment can be provided with rising, decline and/or guide, the movement of the wall launched with auxiliary energy.

Figure 21 illustrates interchangeable structure.This structure there is many similarities relative to shown in Figure 9, but alternatively or additionally, the wall 12 that can launch moves as illustrated in fig. 9, and embodiment shown in Figure 21 allows door to rise so that the wall of enable expansion departs from from fixation wall part 11 vertically in non-rotary situation.As mentioned, if needed, may be combined with the element in Fig. 9 and Figure 21.

Interchangeable embodiment of the present invention has been shown in Figure 22 to Figure 24.This embodiment is less structure and is suitable for less structure ideally, the structure of such as 900mmx900mm or the structure of 1200mmx900mm.As shown in Figure 22, the wall that can launch is hinge wall, this hinge wall rotates around axis vertical substantially from storage location and is similar to 90 ° to expanded position, this storage location is positioned at the position of the contiguous a bit of distance of fixed sidewall apart from shower cabinet, in expanded position, the edge of the wall that can launch adjoins with the component of usual L shape (but can be any suitable shape) substantially, and described component will be provided with seal or similar component usually.This structure also comprises a pair fixation wall 11 and shelf rest 30, this shelf rest be can launch or for fixing.

This structure respectively in shower cabinet structure and in bathtub structure has been shown in Figure 23 and Figure 24.In structure shown in Figure 23, show the shelf rest 30 in storing state, in this storing state, this shelf rest is positioned to the rear wall against shower cabinet.Shelf rest 30 in deployed condition has been shown in Figure 22.Shelf in Figure 23 and Figure 24 can be permanently fixed.

As illustrated the interchangeable wall structure that can launch that can be used according to the invention in Figure 25.In this structure, the wall that can launch is the wooden partition with two plates 31 and 32, and these two wooden partitions pass through articulated elements or pivotal part 33 and hinged each other, and in plate one 31 is also hinged to a part for contiguous fixation wall 11 by articulated elements or pivotal part 33.In fig. 25, the wall that can launch shown in storing state with solid line, and show in phantom the wall that can launch in part deployed condition.Although the wall that can launch illustrated is hinged or suspension from the right hand end of left wall, the wall that can launch can the hinged or suspension from the either side of opening.This embodiment also can be and launches to make the flexible wall that opening 13 is closed and open by sliding or roll.

The structure of another interchangeable wall that can launch has been shown in Figure 26 A to Figure 26 C.In this structure, in the gliding member that the independent wallboard 12 that can launch is arranged on its first end place relative to fixation wall 11 or similar component.The wallboard 12 that can launch is also usual to be arranged in the gliding member on floor at its opposed end place.This allows the wallboard 12 that can launch illustratively to move by the deployed condition shown in the position shown in Figure 26 B to Figure 26 C according to Figure 26 A.

Figure 27 is interchangeable embodiment, wherein, screen or plate are mounted to allow to rotate in perpendicular between storing state and deployed condition, in storing state, this plate forms shower cabinet screen, in deployed condition, screen or plate are being sentenced closedown opening by arrow indicated direction rotates to being positioned at about 90 degree and forming enclosing to hold water (shown in broken lines).Although this embodiment is particularly suitable for such regulation, that is, the receiving slit in floor and wall receives a part for the plate making it seal, and this embodiment also can be used for against provided barrier and seals.In interchangeable structure, can provide two plates, the first plate is fixed as shower cabinet screen as shown, and the second plate that can launch corresponds to the first plate but launches by rotation.In this interchangeable embodiment, when the wall that can launch, when bathtub enclosing is formed in position, two plates will be overlapping in corner, and when being in shower cabinet structure two plates will correspond to each other overlap.

In this description with claims (if any), it is each that word " comprises (comprising) " and its derivative (comprising " comprising (comprises) " and " containing (comprise) ") includes in proposed entirety, but do not get rid of and also comprise one or more entirety in addition.

Run through this description, " a kind of embodiment " or " embodiment " refers to, is included at least one embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with concrete feature, structure or characteristic described by this embodiment.Therefore, run through this description, the phrase " in one embodiment " occurred in each position or " in one embodiment " differ to establish a capital and refer to identical embodiment.In addition, concrete feature, structure or characteristic can be combined in one or more combination in any suitable manner.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 is bathtub and the shower cabinet assembly of the prior art that performer reproduces.

Fig. 2 is the bathtub shown in Fig. 1 and the side view of shower cabinet assembly in bathtub constructs.

Fig. 3 is the bathtub shown in Fig. 1 and the side view of shower cabinet assembly in shower cabinet constructs.

Fig. 4 is the front view of rotatable device in bathtub structure that can be used as bathtub and shower cabinet.

Fig. 5 is the front view of the device shown in Fig. 4 in shower cabinet structure.

Fig. 6 is the bathtub of prior art and the axonometric drawing of shower cabinet assembly.

Fig. 7 is the bathtub of another prior art and the photo of shower cabinet assembly.

Fig. 8 is the walk-in type shower cabinet of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is in shower cabinet structure side view by drag hinge, wherein, has the wall that can launch of horizontal pivotable.

Fig. 9 is the performance side view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Fig. 8 in bathtub embodiment, but there is the interchangeable wall construction that can launch, wherein, arrow shows the possible moving direction of of the wall that can launch to present the structure of shower cabinet).

Figure 10 is the histrionic side view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Fig. 8 in shower cabinet embodiment.

Figure 11 is the top view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Fig. 8, shows the moving direction that the another kind of the wall that can launch is possible.

Figure 12 is the top view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Fig. 8, shows the moving direction possible in addition of the wall that can launch.

Figure 13 is the top view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Fig. 8, shows another the possible moving direction of the wall that can launch.

Figure 14 is the side view of the second possible preferred embodiment in shower cabinet structure of walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention.

Figure 15 is according to the performance view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Figure 14 of preferred embodiment in bathtub structure.

Figure 16 is according to the performance view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Figure 14 of replaceable embodiment in bathtub structure.

Figure 17 is the performance view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Figure 15 in shower cabinet structure.

Figure 18 is the top view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 14, shows the movement of the wall that can launch.

Figure 19 is the top view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 14, shows the position of wall in shower cabinet structure that can launch.

Figure 20 A is the schematic elevational view of interchangeable embodiment, and wherein, the wall that can launch is moved into the position making the wall that can launch be arranged in rising vertically.

Figure 20 B is the schematic elevational view of interchangeable embodiment, and wherein, the wall that can launch is moved into the position making the wall that can launch be arranged in reduction vertically.

Figure 21 is the performance side view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Fig. 8 in bathtub embodiment, and wherein, arrow shows the possible moving direction of of the wall that can launch for being separated the described wall that can launch.

Figure 22 is the plan view of the replaceable embodiment of walk-in type shower cabinet according to preferred form of the present invention, and the suggestion showing the wall that can launch is moved.

Figure 23 is the front view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Figure 22 in shower cabinet structure.

Figure 24 is the front view of the walk-in type shower cabinet shown in Figure 22 in bathtub structure.

Figure 25 is the schematic plan view of possible door structure according to an aspect of the present invention, shows storage and part expanded position.

Figure 26 A to Figure 26 C is the schematic plan view of another possible door structure according to an aspect of the present invention, respectively illustrates storage, part is launched and expanded position.

Figure 27 is another the interchangeable embodiment according to walk-in type shower cabinet of the present invention.

Claims

1. one kind does not have the walk-in type shower cabinet of molded bathtub enclosing, the wall portion that can launch that described shower cabinet has at least one fixation wall part and can operate at least two kinds of structures, described at least two kinds of structures are the first shower cabinet structure and the second bathtub structure, in described first shower cabinet structure, the described wall that can launch is positioned to one in contiguous at least three wall portions, described shower cabinet is made to leave the gateway of opening, in described second bathtub structure, the described wall that can launch is positioned to for being closed and the gateway of opening described in sealing, thus produce bathtub to keep a certain amount of liquid at least provisionally.

2. a walk-in type shower cabinet, the wall portion that can launch that described walk-in type shower cabinet has at least one fixation wall part and can operate at least two clock structures, described at least two kinds of structures are the first shower cabinet structure and the second bathtub structure, in described first shower cabinet structure, the described wall portion that can launch is positioned to one in contiguous at least three wall portions, described shower cabinet is made to leave the gateway of opening, in described second bathtub structure, the described wall portion that can launch is positioned to for being closed and the gateway of opening described in sealing, wherein, the mobile bathtub enclosing that produces of the described wall that can launch is to keep a certain amount of liquid at least provisionally.

3. one kind does not have the walk-in type shower cabinet of the general rectangular of molded bathtub enclosing, the wall portion that can launch that described shower cabinet has at least three wall portions and can grasp at least two kinds of structures, described at least two kinds of structures are the first shower cabinet structure and the second bathtub structure, in described first shower cabinet structure, the described wall that can launch is positioned to one at least three wall portions described in vicinity, described shower cabinet is made to leave the gateway of opening, in described second bathtub structure, the described wall portion that can launch is positioned to for being closed and the gateway of opening described in sealing, thus produce bathtub to keep a certain amount of liquid at least provisionally.

4. the walk-in type shower cabinet of a general rectangular, the wall portion that can launch that described walk-in type shower cabinet has at least three wall portions and can operate at least two kinds of structures, described at least two kinds of structures are the first shower cabinet structure and the second bathtub structure, in described first shower cabinet structure, the described wall that can launch is positioned to one at least three wall portions described in vicinity, described shower cabinet is made to leave the gateway of opening, in described second bathtub structure, the described wall that can launch is positioned to for being closed and the gateway of opening described in sealing, wherein, the mobile bathtub enclosing that produces of the described wall that can launch is to keep a certain amount of liquid at least provisionally.

5. the floor level according to walk-in type shower cabinet in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, in described walk-in type shower cabinet is identical with the floor level of described walk-in type shower cabinet outside substantially.

6. according to walk-in type shower cabinet in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, at least one fixing wall portion of described walk-in type shower cabinet is divided and is comprised one or more full-height wall portion, and the described wall portion that can launch is Partial Height wall portion.

7. according to walk-in type shower cabinet in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, described can launch wall portion around fixed axis hinged or pivotable.

8. walk-in type shower cabinet according to claim 7, wherein, described fixed axis be substantially vertical with allow the described wall that can launch less horizontal to rotate or mobile, or described fixed axis is less horizontal to allow the described wall that can launch to rotate vertically substantially or mobile.

9. according to walk-in type shower cabinet in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, the described wall that can launch is provided with any combination of wheel mechanism, rolling mechanism, slide mechanism, coasting mechanism, rail mechanism, cable mechanism or these mechanisms.

10. walk-in type shower cabinet according to claim 9, wherein, one or more track or guiding channel are arranged to the movement guiding the described wall that can launch.

11. according to walk-in type shower cabinet in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, is provided with grippers or latch piece, to be remained at least provisionally in closed condition by the described wall portion that can launch.

12. according to walk-in type shower cabinet in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, when being in described bathtub structure, produces the sealing that hydraulic pressure contributes to the described wall that can launch due to the water in described bathtub.

13. according to walk-in type shower cabinet in any one of the preceding claims wherein, and wherein, the described wall energy that can launch is installed discretely so that dismantle.

14. 1 kinds of methods producing bathtub enclosing from walk-in type shower cabinet, said method comprising the steps of: provide the walk-in type shower cabinet of wall portion having at least one fixation wall part and can launch; The described wall portion that can launch is positioned in contiguous at least three wall portions, leaves the gateway of opening to make described walk-in type shower cabinet; The described wall portion that can launch is launched to close and the gateway of opening described in sealing, and wherein, the mobile bathtub enclosing that produces of the described wall portion that can launch is to keep a certain amount of liquid at least provisionally.

15. methods producing bathtub enclosing from walk-in type shower cabinet according to claim 14, wherein, described shower cabinet is the U-shaped substantially with three fixation wall, and the described wall that can launch forms wall to limit described bathtub enclosing when expanded.