EP0493794B2 - Slip protection for bathtub - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase the slip protection or the slip friction on a surface coated with an enamel, such as an enamelled surface, a finely ground, mineral-base powder, such as quartz powder, is applied before the finishing coat, such as the top enamel layer, is baked, at least in subregions of the surface and then baked together with the finishing layer, such as the finishing enamel.

Description

The present invention is concerned with a Procedure for increasing the anti-skid resp Sliding friction on an enamel coated Surface with a process according to the preamble according to claim 1, with an arrangement with elevated Slip protection or increased sliding friction on an enamelled Surface, with an application of the method and with a bathtub or shower tray with an inventive Arrangement.

This applies to bathtubs or shower trays Problem that with a full tub or when lowering the Bathing water resp. in the presence of a soap film there is an increased risk of slipping, which when using a bath or shower tub is often too serious Can cause accidents.

To remedy this, which has long been known per se Many solutions to the problem are offered however, all of them are not necessarily very advantageous resp. are to be assessed without errors.

Adhesive anti-skid patterns are known, for example, like stripes, dots, or decals that are on glued the cover enamel of the bathtub or shower tray will. The problem with these glued anti-slip patterns on the one hand is that they are already peel off after a short time and that they above all look very messy after a short time. It is not surprising that this anti-skid is to be assessed as hygienically questionable.

Another solution is seen in that decal-like anti-slip pattern in the email be burned in, but this is an additional burn-in process assumes. Incidentally, it also has shown that the anti-skid of such branded Decals is insufficient.

Bulges in the Bath tub sheet, which however is practically ineffective Represents anti-skid.

There is also the possibility of etching the Cover emails, which on the one hand the durability of the Emails greatly reduced and also not a big one Effect has an effect.

A solution is also seen in that instead enamelled bathtubs so-called plastic bathtubs be used, but on the one hand a greatly reduced Have lifespan and also only one offer insignificantly increased anti-slip protection, which the Does not significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Also rubber mats or self-adhesive sliding mats offered in the bathtub or shower tray can be inserted. These mats are again hygienically very questionable and show after a short time Duration of fungal attack.

In DE-OS 34 05 768 coating on both sides proposed a sheet with layers of enamel, the two enamel layers with different Amounts and compositions of mineral Fillers are added, so different To have properties The proposed Enamel layers are however not suitable for non-slip training of bathtub surfaces.

Another solution for non-slip training of Bathtubs are featured in the World Patents Index Latest, Derwent Publications Ltd., Class M, Page 28 AN 85-066579 and PT-A-78 802 (ESMA). being on a baked enamel layer using xenography a paste is applied on a mineral basis and then Baked at 800 - 850 ° C for 10 minutes becomes.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a Propose anti-skid devices for bathtubs and shower trays, which on the one hand has the required effect, is hygienically safe and also none further work in the enamelling of the bath or shower tray required.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of a Procedural resp. an arrangement according to the wording according to claim 1 respectively. Claim 5 solved.

A procedure for hearing the Antiskid resp. the sliding friction on at least one coated with a basic enamel and a top enamel Surface, characterized in that at least before baking the top enamel coating a finely ground part of the surface Quartz powder is applied and this together with the top enamel coating is branded.

To increase the anti-skid resp. the sliding friction on an enamelled surface is accordingly suggested that the top enamel layer resp. the top enamel layer, at least partially should be in a flowable state, a finely ground one Quartz-based powder at least in some areas the surface is applied, and then the quartz powder together with the cover enamel is branded.

The grain size of the quartz powder used should be 0.12mm to <0.3mm, preferably 0.12-0.16mm and for the preparation of the powder should be annealed, Purified quartz can be used to manufacture the powder by means of a so-called vibrating mill is broken. The use of the so-called vibratory mill has the advantage that the quartz powder is relatively well rounded Has edges, i.e. is not sharp-edged. This has the advantage that in areas where the quartz powder is applied, this probably the sliding friction strong in a shower or bath, for example increased, but for a person who is in the shower or bathtub is standing, no risk of injury as a result There is abrasion of the skin.

The bulk density when applying the quartz powder according to the invention is in a range of 0.05-2.0 g / dm2 resp. preferably in a range of 0.5-0.8 g / dm2.

Analogous to the above-mentioned procedure an arrangement with increased anti-skid or increased sliding friction on an enamelled surface, consisting of basic and cover enamel, proposed, at least in parts of the surface one burned in together with the cover enamel Quartz powder with a grain size <0.3 mm.

The quartz powder can be used regularly over the entire surface or according to a given pattern in Partial areas evenly distributed in the ceiling enamel be.

According to a proposed embodiment such a pattern circular disks with a diameter from 2-3 cm on, and the circular disks are in Spacing 1.5-3 cm apart. Due to the dimensions listed above result in an area from 10 to 10 cm 6-8 circular discs coated with quartz powder. It is less important that the specified Mass are strictly adhered to, rather that the Arrangement of a foot on it, whether small or large, which gives the necessary slip resistance.

The layer thickness of the cover email can, for example approx. 80 µm.

The above-mentioned methods according to the invention are particularly suitable for arranging an anti-skid device in a bath or shower tub, what accordingly also for the above-mentioned according to the invention Instructions apply.

It goes without saying that the above Methods and arrangements for generating a Slip protection on or in any surface are suitable by means of a two-layer email is coated, respectively. which has a cover enamel layer. It is also essential that the application guaranteed color fidelity of the method according to the invention, what, for example, with known methods two burn-in processes is not guaranteed. It is the method according to the invention is therefore quite conceivable resp. Arrangements when coating one Surface with any wet or powder coating to apply, in which the top layer is baked resp. is melted down.

The invention will now be described using examples and explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1 im Schnitt eine erfindungsgemässe Anordnung eines Gleitschutzes,

Fig. 2 die Anordnung von Fig. 1 in Obenansicht,

Fig. 3 eine Anordnung zum Auftragen eines erfindungsgemässen Gleitschutzes wie beispielsweise in Fig. 1 dargestellt,

Fig. 4 schematisch dargestellt das Auftragen eines erfindungsgemässen Gleitschutzes in einer Badewanne in Seitenquerschnitt, und

Fig. 5 die Anordnung von Fig. 4 in Obenansicht.

Show:

1 shows in section an arrangement of an anti-skid device according to the invention,

2 shows the arrangement of FIG. 1 in top view,

3 shows an arrangement for applying an anti-skid device according to the invention, as shown for example in FIG. 1,

Fig. 4 shows schematically the application of an anti-skid according to the invention in a bathtub in side cross-section, and

Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of Fig. 4 in top view.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic cross section of an inventive Anti-skid shown.

On a surface 1, such as an inner tub surface a bathtub or shower tray, is initially a base layer or base enamel layer 3 arranged, the primary task of which is bumps level in the tub surface and to guarantee good adhesion of the cover email. A cover enamel 5 is applied to this base layer 3, which in some areas includes anti-slip protection which consists of finely powdered quartz grains 7. It is possible to make the quartz powder 7 uniform to be arranged over the entire surface, or but in parts as shown in Fig. 1. The advantage arranging in partial areas is that essential less quartz powder needs to be used to to achieve practically the same anti-slip protection since below a certain bulk density practically no anti-slip more exists. This has the consequence that at the same a lot of used powder all over the surface significantly reduced anti-slip is obtained as when the same amount of quartz powder is more concentrated in local sub-areas is applied, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

The arrangement according to FIG. 1 is a top view in FIG. 2 shown, whereby only the cover email 5 and the Quartz powder pattern 7 are visible, while the yes underlying surface 1 under cover layer 5 disappears.

In Fig. 3 is now shown schematically how the inventive Antiskid, as in Figs. 1 and 2 shown, plotted or is arranged. In turn A base layer 3 is arranged over a surface 1, which in turn is coated by the cover enamel 5 is. On or in this cover email 5 im still flowable resp. wet condition is on supports 15 a frame 13 is arranged in which cup-shaped Form 11 embedded according to the pattern of FIG. 2 are. These cups 11 are circular, funnel-shaped and are open at their upper and lower ends.

A transport device is arranged further on the supports 15 17, on which is arranged movably a funnel-shaped storage container 19 is provided, which both in the longitudinal direction (according to the Arrow) as well as in the transverse direction. In this funnel-shaped reservoir 19 is now that Quartz powder 23 arranged through an opening 21 can be drained downward in the storage container.

The reservoir is now used to create the anti-skid device 19 driven over the funnel 11, each the powder in the area of the funnel 11 through this through to the still flowable resp. wet ceiling enamel layer 5 arrives. In this way arise the circular pattern, such as in Fig. 2 are shown, or other x-arbitrary patterns.

After the quartz powder has been applied the supports 15 with the funnels and the storage container removed from surface 1, and the top enamel layer 5 comes along with the sprinkled powder dried and then baked. When branding it is known per se or Enamelling technology, which is not discussed in more detail here shall be.

4 and 5 the arrangement is schematic an anti-skid shown in a bathtub. Here 4 shows the process in the longitudinal cross section of the bathtub and FIG. 5 the process in a top view.

A bathtub 31 has an inner surface 33, for example with the still wet cover enamel is coated. The anti-skid is in a bathtub preferably arranged in the leg area 33a, i.e. near an orifice 32 because the placement of a Non-slip protection in the seating area of the bathtub is desired.

Arranged in this leg region 33a of the bathtub 31 is a frame 35 which is on its underside which has cup-shaped openings 37. The frame 35 is by means of supports 39 on the bathtub floor 33 supported.

The quartz powder is again entered by means of a storage cup or Dosers 41, which at the bottom is a reclosable Can have opening 43 through which the powder is output when generating the anti-skid device. Of the Metering device 41 is displaceable in the longitudinal and transverse directions on an arm 45 with joints 47 on one Tripod 49 attached, via a control and drive unit 51 moves or is driven. The drive resp. Control unit 51 is of course only schematic shown as it is not an integral part of the invention.

For the production of the anti-skid device according to the invention the frame 35 is now over the supports 39 arranged in the leg area 33a of the bathtub 31, wherein for example along a production line can be done automatically. It is essential that the cover enamel on the inner surface of the bathtub still wet resp. is flowable, so the quartz-like To allow powder, at least partially in immerse the cover email. The advantage of using of quartz powder is that the coefficient of expansion of quartz is very small and optimal can melt into the structure of the cover email, like he usually for coating bathtubs is used.

The quartz powder in the metering device 41 is now evenly over the pattern-like openings 37 in distributed lower part of the frame 35, this by means of the controller 51, the stand 49 via the arms 45 and by means of the joints 47. It goes without saying possible that the process is computer controlled takes place, i.e. that in the drive resp. the controller 51 a programmed input is available, so that Quartz powder output evenly and only over the Openings 37 of the frame 35 are made.

As an advantageous dosage of the quartz powder in the Output resulted in a bulk density of 0.65 g / dm2. However, the bulk density depends heavily on the Layer thickness of the enamel and of the grain size of the Quartz powder and is preferably in a range from 0.5-0.8 g / dm2.

After the quartz powder has been deposited in the the bathtub will still wet the enamel of the frame 35 removed from the bath and that Cover enamel together with the quartz powder deposits dried and baked.

The advantage of creating this anti-skid device is especially in the fact that no additional burn-in response. Operation is required when manufacturing the bathtubs. It is further advantageous that the so obtained Anti-slip protection is also optimal when only minor Amounts of water at the bottom of the bathtub are and have a soapy character. Another advantage of this anti-skid device is that the introduction of the quartz powder is color-independent, i.e. the burned-in quartz powder influences the color the cover email not. Also quartz can be of any color be branded.

The anti-skid layers produced according to the invention were tested for chemical resistance. For example, an anti-friction layer according to the invention for 24 hours and 80 ° C with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution covered, followed by showed no visible changes. An anti-skid device according to the invention became analogous with a 10% citric acid also during 24 Covered hours at 40 ° C, but none here visible changes could be identified.

The arrangements shown, for example, in Figs. 1-5 resp. Procedural instructions for an anti-skid device resp. for producing an inventive Non-skid can be done in any way be changed and modified. For example also possible instead of the circular disc-like Mustem arrange stripe-like patterns, patterns in shape a company logo, etc., as a matter of course distribute the quartz powder evenly. Important is making sure that a foot standing on the pattern, whether small, from a child or large, always sufficient Has slip resistance. Also, instead of cups any other suitable facilities used to put the quartz powder on the enamel layer to distribute. Even the use of a hole-like Siebes is possible. To the cups is next to say that they prefer transparent, for example are trained, of course the whole Bottom portion of the frame 35 to be transparent can.

The method according to the invention is suitable for all x-mail methods, such as in addition to the procedure described above for so-called "two coat, one fire" process. It is essential that a quartz-like powder is applied in a cover enamel layer is, the quartz powder together with the Cover enamel is burned in.

Claims (11)

1. A process of enhancing antislip protection or nonslip friction over a surface coated with at least one base enamel, wherein at least one further enamel layer is applied in the form of a cover enamel and, before baking the cover enamel layer, a thin quartz powder is applied at least in partial regions of the surface and baked together with the cover layer, the grain size of the quartz powder being within a range of 0.12 to 0.3 mm and calcination purified quartz crushed by means of a vibratory mill being used for producing the powder.
2. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that a thin quartz base powder (7) is applied over the upper enamel layer or cover enamel layer (5), when still in an at least partially fluid state, at least in partial regions of the surface and then baked together with the cover enamel.
3. The process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the grain size of the quartz powder is 0.12 to 0.16 mm.
4. The process according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the quartz powder is applied with a bulk weight within the range of 0.05 to 2.0 g/dm², preferably 0.5 to 0.8 g/dm².
5. A structure with enhanced antislip protection or nonslip friction over an enamelled surface (5, 33), produced by the process according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the enamelled surface comprises two enamel layers, one base enamel and one cover enamel, and quartz powder (7) with a grain size < 0.3 mm baked together with the cover enamel is provided at least in partial regions of the surface (33).
6. The structure according to claim 5, characterized in that the quartz powder is provided in the cover enamel and is evenly distributed in partial regions (33a) according to a predetermined pattern (37).
7. The structure according to claim 6, characterized in that the pattern is so designed as to guarantee adequate antislip protection to a person standing on said pattern, especially to the sole of his or her feet.
8. The structure according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the pattern (37) comprises disks, which are 2 to 3 cm in diameter, and the disks are spaced 1.5 to 3 cm apart from one another.
9. Use of the process according to any of claims 1 to 4 for providing an antislip protection in a bathtub (31) or a shower foot basin.
10. Use of the process according to any of claims 1 to 4 for providing an antislip protection in an enamel or an enamelled surface while preserving a substantially constant color tone.
11. A bathtub or shower foot basin provided with a structure according to any of claims 5 to 8.

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