EP2510846A1

EP2510846A1 - Shower arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP2510846A1
Application number: EP11161995A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dan Pettersson; Magnus Johansson
Original assignee: Svedbergs i Dalstorp AB
Current assignee: Svedbergs i Dalstorp AB
Priority date: 2011-04-12
Filing date: 2011-04-12
Publication date: 2012-10-17

Abstract

A shower arrangement (100) comprising a first profile (101) adapted for receiving a fitting (204) for control of water flow and temperature; a second profile (102), adapted to be removably arranged to the first profile; wherein the shower arrangement further comprises a third profile (103), adapted for arrangement to a wall (310) of a room, the third profile having a first end (156) adapted to be arranged to said first profile (101) and a second end (155), opposite the first end, adapted to be arranged to said second profile (102), wherein the third profile (103) further is adapted to be removably arranged to the first profile and to the second profile; and wherein said first profile and said second profile are adapted to be arranged to the wall of the room by means of said third profile.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to shower arrangements. More specifically, the present invention relates to shower arrangements with pre-installed fittings.

Technology Background

Bathrooms alone represent almost half of all remarks in housing inspections, and typically, bathroom damp damages require very costly repairs. One of the most common causes to a damp damage is a rupture in the waterproofing of the walls and floor, which can be caused by e.g. screw holes.
Traditionally, showers consists of several parts, e.g. fittings for regulating flow and temperature of the water, a shower rose sometimes attached on a vertical bar and at least one shower door for keeping the water inside the shower. All these parts are traditionally installed through drilling holes through the waterproof seal and then screwing the parts onto the wall. Consequently, many holes are made wherein each hole constitutes a hazard for damp damages.
State of the art showers, such as shown in EP1 272 088 , have alleviated the above problem through offering shower arrangements with pre-installed plumbing that can be attached to the wall with only a few screw holes, thus minimizing the risk of damp emerging through the waterproof layer. However, shower arrangements like the one shown in EP 1 272 088 are difficult to install due to their weight and bulkiness.

Summary of the invention

An object of the invention is to achieve a shower arrangement that is easy to install and constitutes a low risk of causing damp damages through screw holes.
The inventive concept is further based on the inventors' realization that by constructing a shower arrangement which is built-up from three separable profiles, where one profile is adapted to be attached to the wall and to connect to the other two profiles, a shower arrangement which is easy to install and alleviates damping risks can be achieved.
According to a first aspect of the present inventive concept, the above-mentioned and other objects are achieved through a shower arrangement comprising a first profile arranged with a fitting for control of water flow and temperature; a second profile, removably arranged to the first profile; wherein the shower arrangement further comprises a third profile, arranged to a wall of a room, the third profile having a first end arranged to the first profile and a second end, opposite the first end, arranged to the second profile, and wherein said first and second profiles are arranged to the wall of the room by means of said third profile.
In the context of the application the feature "removably arranged", when describing the profiles, is meant to describe that the three profiles are three separable, independent profiles. Thereby, the profiles can be managed independently which is a great advantage in e.g. production, transportation and installation.
Furthermore, "a fitting for control of water flow and temperature" should be understood as any means for controlling or regulating water flow and temperature, e.g. a shower thermostat or mixer.
A shower arrangement according to above alleviates the problems with damp damages originating from ruptures in the waterproof sealing since the number of ruptures are dramatically decreased when only one profile is arranged directly on the wall. Since only one profile is arranged directly on the wall, there is only one profile that will cause ruptures in the waterproof sealing. The other two profiles can then be arranged to the only profile arranged directly on the wall, thus not require any additional ruptures in the waterproof sealing.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, the profile arranged directly on the wall can be attached with gluing means, which eliminates ruptures in the waterproof sealing in the installation.
Furthermore, the fittings for regulating water flow and temperature is traditionally arranged directly on the wall and causing ruptures in the waterproof sealing, however, in the inventive concept the fittings can be arranged on one of the profiles, thus eliminating further ruptures in the waterproof sealing. In the same way, a shower rose, a shower rose bar or even a shelf, will not cause ruptures in the waterproof sealing, since they can be arranged on one of the profiles.
Furthermore, a shower arrangement according to above further simplifies the installation process since a single profile can be arranged on the wall separately, allowing enough space for the installer to use a regular screwdriver or even an electric screwdriver. Furthermore, the modest weight and neat design of a single profile allow for a simple installation process.
Thereby, less time is needed for installation of a shower, and significant cost savings can be achieved.
Furthermore, by allowing the second profile to be removably arranged to the first and third profile, maintenance of the fittings and plumbing is facilitated, which also contributes to cost savings.
Moreover, the shower arrangement does not have to have a bottom, instead, it is preferably so that the shower arrangement is arranged on a bathroom floor. A bathroom floor should always be inclined towards a floor drain, in order to let any water that ends up on the floor run to the floor drain. Thereby, any leakage from the fitting or internal pluming inside the shower arrangement will be discovered as the water can run under the first profile to the floor drain.
According to another embodiment of the present inventive concept, one of the first, second or third profile is adapted to receive a shower wall.
Thereby, a shower wall can easily be installed in abutment to the shower arrangement. Such an installation will secure that the shower wall is arranged tightly against the shower arrangement and thereby keeping water inside the shower. Furthermore, by having one of the profiles adapted to receive a shower wall, the required installation time will be reduced, thus installation costs will decrease.
According to another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the second profile extends beyond the first profile and constitutes a shower wall.
Thereby, two different steps of the installation, mounting the second profile and mounting a shower wall, can be merged to one step, thus saving time spent on installation of the shower arrangement.
According to yet another embodiment of the present inventive concept, one end of said first profile is adapted to mesh with said first end of the third profile.
Thereby the installation of the first profile is facilitated since the placement of the first profile relatively the third profile is controlled through the meshing pieces. Furthermore, such a construction makes it possible to arrange the first profile to the third profile without the need for fastening means, such as screws, glue or equivalent.
According to yet another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the one end of the first profile and the first end of the third profile have a U-shaped cross-sectional form.
Thereby, the process of arranging the first profile to the third profile is very simple, just by pushing the one end of the first profile into the first end of the third profile. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the U-shaped one end of the first profile is larger than the U-shaped first end of the third profile, thereby the same effect can be achieved; a simplified installation.
According to another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first profile has a second end arranged to the second profile so that the first, second and third profiles are arranged to each other such that they in cross-section form a triangle.
According to yet another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first, second and third profiles constitute a right-angled triangle so that one of the angles adjacent to the third profile measures substantially 90°.
As the third profile is mounted substantially parallel to the wall of the room, it brings that one of the angles between the first or second profile and the third profile is perpendicular to the wall of the room. Thereby, it is easier to install a shower wall that is perpendicular to the wall of the room, which is often desirable. Thus, such an arrangement facilitates the installation of a shower wall.
Furthermore, by installing the shower arrangement according to above, the shower water can be sprayed towards a wall of the room instead of directly at a shower wall or a shower door and thereby avoid water splashing out from the shower area.
According to yet another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the right-angled triangle of the first, second and third profiles comprises two angles that are substantially 45°.
In an embodiment where the angle of substantially 90° is between the second and third profile and the water beam is assumed to be directed perpendicularly to the first profile, such an arrangement would thereby make the fittings for controlling the water flow and temperature and the shower rose easy accessible for a user. Moreover, the water beam in such an arrangement would be directed in a convenient angle for the user.
In an embodiment where the angle of substantially 90° is between the first and the third profile, the second profile will partly be turning to the inside of the room, thereby facilitating the use of the outer area of the second profile for e.g. hanging a towel or comprising shelves for storage etc.
According to yet another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the second profile comprises an aperture adapted to receive water mains.
Thereby, the shower arrangement is prepared to receive water mains, which simplifies the installation and ensures an esthetical installation.
According to yet another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the second end of the first profile has a U-shaped form adapted to receive a shower wall.
Traditionally, the water mains comes out from the wall of the room inside a wet showering area, thus constituting a risk for damp damages due to ruptures in the water proof seal. However, in above-mentioned embodiment of the present inventive concept the water mains is enabled to enter the shower arrangement from outside of the wet showering area, thus eliminating the risk of damp damages due to the entrance of water mains. Furthermore, in the embodiment where the water mains enter through the second profile, no water pipes are arranged inside the wet showering area, which facilitates the sanitary maintenance.
According to yet another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the aperture is covered by a covering plate with holes so that water mains can enter the aperture into the shower arrangement through the holes.
In one embodiment of the present inventive concept, the perimeter of the holes in said covering plate has a flexible perimeter so that the covering plate seals the apertures around the water mains.
In another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the aperture is covered by a material adapted to be cut open so that water mains can enter the aperture into the shower arrangement.
Thereby the installer can easily cut holes in the material so that the water mains installed in a specific bathroom mesh with the aperture in the shower arrangement.
According to yet another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the shower arrangement further comprises plumbing being fluidly connected to the fittings and adapted for connection to the water mains.
Thereby, the installation of plumbing is facilitated and the total time of installation is reduced, thus cutting costs for the installation.
According to a second aspect of the present inventive concept, above-mentioned and other objects are achieved through a kit of parts for assembling a shower arrangement, comprising a first profile adapted to receive a fitting for control of water flow and temperature; a second profile, adapted to be removably arranged to the first profile; wherein the shower arrangement further comprises a third profile , adapted to be arranged to a wall of a room, the third profile having a first end adapted to be arranged to the first profile and a second end , opposite the first end, adapted to be arranged to said second profile; and wherein said first profile and said second profile are adapted to be arranged to the wall of the room by means of said third profile.
The effects and features of this second aspect of the invention are largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention.
A kit of parts for assembling a shower arrangement according to above alleviates the problems with damp damages originating from ruptures in the waterproof sealing since the number of ruptures are dramatically decreased when only one profile needs to be arranged directly on the wall. Since only one profile is arranged directly on the wall, there is only one profile that will cause ruptures in the waterproof sealing. The other two profiles can then be arranged to the only profile arranged directly on the wall, thus not require any additional ruptures in the waterproof sealing. Furthermore, the fittings for regulating water flow and temperature is traditionally arranged directly on the wall and causing ruptures in the waterproof sealing, however, in the inventive concept the fittings can be arranged on one of the profiles, thus eliminating further ruptures in the waterproof sealing. In the same way, a shower rose, a shower rose bar or even a shelf, will not cause ruptures in the waterproof sealing, since they can be arranged on one of the profiles.
Furthermore, a shower arrangement according to above further simplifies the installation process since a single profile can be arranged on the wall separately, allowing enough space for the installer to use a regular screwdriver or even an electric screwdriver. Furthermore, the modest weight and neat design of a single profile allow for a simple installation process.
Thereby, less time is needed for installation of a shower, and significant cost savings can be achieved.
Furthermore, by allowing the second profile to be removably arranged to the first and third profile, maintenance of the fittings and plumbing is facilitated, which also contributes to cost savings.
Furthermore, by offering a kit of parts for assembling a shower arrangement comprising several parts as a system, a shower arrangement according to the inventive concept can be packaged and transported with superior compactness compared to the same shower arrangement in mounted form. Thus, by saving space in both storage and transportation the shower arrangement can be offered at a lower cost.
According to a third aspect of the present inventive concept, above-mentioned and other objects are achieved through a method for installing a shower arrangement comprising the steps of; providing a first profile with pre-installed fittings for control of water flow and temperature; providing a second profile, adapted to be removably arranged to the first profile; providing a third profile adapted to be mounted to a wall and arranged to the first and the second profile; mounting the third profile to a wall with fixing means; mounting the first profile to the third profile; and removably mounting the second profile to the first and the third profile.
The effects and features of this third aspect of the invention are largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention.
A shower arrangement according to above alleviates the problems with damp damages originating from ruptures in the waterproof sealing since the number of ruptures are dramatically decreased when only one profile needs to be arranged directly on the wall. Since only one profile is arranged directly on the wall, there is only one profile that will cause ruptures in the waterproof sealing. The other two profiles can then be arranged to the only profile arranged directly on the wall, thus not require any additional ruptures in the waterproof sealing. Furthermore, the fittings for regulating water flow and temperature is traditionally arranged directly on the wall and causing ruptures in the waterproof sealing, however, in the inventive concept the fittings can be arranged on one of the profiles, thus eliminating further ruptures in the waterproof sealing. In the same way, a shower rose, a shower rose bar or even a shelf, will not cause ruptures in the waterproof sealing, since they can be arranged on one of the profiles.
Furthermore, a shower arrangement according to above further simplifies the installation process since a single profile can be arranged on the wall separately, allowing enough space for the installer to use a regular screwdriver or even an electric screwdriver. Furthermore, the modest weight and neat design of a single profile allow for a simple installation process.
Thereby, less time is needed for installation of a shower, and significant cost savings can be achieved.
Furthermore, by allowing the second profile to be removably arranged to the first and third profile, maintenance of the fittings and plumbing is facilitated, which also contributes to cost savings.
Moreover, the shower arrangement does not have to have a bottom, instead, it is preferably so that the shower arrangement is arranged on a bathroom floor. A bathroom floor always should be inclined towards a floor drain, in order to let any water that ends up on the floor run to the floor drain. Thereby, any leakage from the fitting or internal pluming inside the shower arrangement will be discovered as the water can run under the first profile to the floor drain.
Moreover, by applying the method according to the invention, the installation time is significantly reduced compared to installation of a traditional shower. Mounting the third profile to a wall of the room is very easy due to the fact that the profile is easy handled due to low weight and the neat geometry of the profile compared to traditional showers.
Furthermore, mounting the first profile to the third profile is easy due to that there is no need to drill a hole into a wall and provide anchors for the screws etc., instead the first profile is easily arranged to the third profile.
Moreover, in the same way as described above, the second profile is easily arranged to the first and third profile.
In another embodiment of the present invention according to the inventive concept, the method further comprises the step of providing an aperture in the second profile with a covering plate adapted for receiving the water mains and thereby covering said aperture.
Thereby the installer can tailor the plumbing inlet into the shower arrangement to mesh exactly with the plumbing in the bathroom in which the shower arrangement is installed. Thereby, there are no open holes into the shower arrangement where water or dust can enter. Furthermore, such meshing holes exude quality.
According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, the method further comprises the step of fluidly connecting the water mains to said pre-installed fitting in said first profile.

Breif description of drawings

Above mentioned and other aspects of the inventive concept will now be discussed in detail from the support of drawings, wherein

fig. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional top-view of a shower arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention,
fig. 2A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional top-view of a shower arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention including a shower wall,
fig. 2B schematically illustrates a perspective view of a shower arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention including a shower wall and shower accessories,
fig. 3A is a cross-sectional top-view of an embodiment of the third profile mounted to a wall,
fig. 3B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the third profile mounted to a wall,
fig. 4A is a cross-sectional top-view of an embodiment of the third and first profile mounted comprising fittings and shower accessories,
fig. 4B is a perspective view of said first and third profile mounted to a wall and comprising fittings and shower accessories,
fig. 5A is cross-sectional top-view of an embodiment of the shower arrangement according to the present inventive concept wherein three profiles are mounted and a shower wall is further mounted to the arrangement,
fig. 5B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shower arrangement, wherein a shower wall is mounted to the shower arrangement,
fig. 6A is a cross-sectional top-view of an embodiment of the shower arrangement wherein the water mains are coupled through an aperture in the second profile,
fig. 6B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shower arrangement, wherein the water mains are coupled through an aperture in the second profile,
fig. 7 is a close-up perspective view of an embodiment of the aperture and a covering plate on the second profile,
fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shower arrangement wherein the second profile extends beyond the first profile and constitutes a shower wall,
fig. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shower arrangement further comprising accessories such as shelves and a shower rose holder, and
fig. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the shower arrangement further comprising a towel heater.

Detailed description

In the following description, a shower arrangement comprising three separable profiles made from extruded metal is mainly discussed.
It should be noted that this by no means should limit the scope of the present inventive concept, which is equally applicable on a shower arrangement with profiles made in other materials. Furthermore, in the following description a shower arrangement comprising substantially straight profiles is discussed, however the inventive concept is equally applicable on a shower arrangement with profiles that are curved or formed in another ways.
Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only, and should not limit the scope of the present invention.
In fig. 1 a shower arrangement 100, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept is shown. The shower arrangement 100 comprises three separable profiles; a first profile 101, a second profile 102 and a third profile 103. In fig. 1 the three profiles are not yet installed in a bathroom, thus they are not in abutment to each other. The first profile 101 is adapted to receive a fitting for regulating water flow and temperature before the shower arrangement is installed. Furthermore, it is adapted to at a second end 152 be coupled to the second profile 102 and at an opposite first end 151 being coupled to the third profile 103.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the coupling between the first profile 101 and the third profile 103 is achieved through inserting the U-shaped first end 151 of the first profile 101 into a U-shaped end 156 of the third profile 103. Thereby, no screws or glue is needed for attaching the first profile 101 to the third profile 103.
Moreover, the coupling between the first profile 101 and the second profile 102 is achieved through fasting one end 153 of the second profile 102 to the U-shaped second end 152 of the first profile 101 with fastening means, such as screws, bolts, glue, pop rivets, or similar. In one embodiment the first and second profile 101, 102 are attached with bolts going through the U-shaped second end 152 of the first profile 101.
In another embodiments the first end 151 of the first profile 101 and one end 156 of the third profile are not U-shaped, instead they can be formed in any meshing way, and thereby be arranged without any additional fastening means.
However, in yet other embodiments of the invention the first end 151 of the first profile 101 and one end 156 of the third profile have a non-meshing form, and can be attached to each other with fastening means such as screws, bolts, glue, pop rivets or similar.
Furthermore, in one embodiment of the shower arrangement 100 according to the inventive concept, the first profile 101 comprises one or several stabilizing projections 141 that increase the rigidity of the first profile 101. The projections 141 can be used for keeping the first profile 101 from deforming. Furthermore, the projections can in some embodiments function as the base for arranging interior components, such as holders for internal pluming 461.
The second profile 102 in the embodiment shown in fig. 1 has a rectangular, flat shape with a first end 153 adapted to be arranged to the first profile 101 and an opposing second end 154 adapted to be arranged to the third profile 103. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second profile has an aperture 511 to enable the water mains to enter the shower arrangement, as shown in fig 5b.
In another embodiment, the first profile 101 has an aperture instead of the second profile 102, which enables water mains to enter the shower arrangement from inside the showering area when desired.
The third profile 103, in the embodiment of the inventive concept as shown in fig. 1, comprises, as mentioned, a first end 156 adapted to mesh with the first end 151 of the first profile 101. In one embodiment of the inventive concept, the first end 156 of the third profile 103 is adapted to mesh with either the first end 151 or the second end 152 of the first profile 101. In the illustrated embodiment the profiles are adapted to be arranged both as a right and a left angled shower arrangement.
Furthermore, the third profile, as shown in fig. 1, can have grooves 142 that are adapted to receive a sealing strip so that they constitute a seal between the third profile 103 and the wall to which the profile is to be arranged. Thereby, no silicon is needed which facilitated the installation process.
Moreover, the third profile 103 has a second end 155 which is adapted to receive the second end 154 of the second profile 102. In one embodiment of the inventive concept the second end 154 is arranged to the other second end 155 with fastening means, such as screws or glue.
In fig. 2A an embodiment of the shower arrangement according to the inventive concept is shown. The figure is a cross-sectional, exploded, top-view of the three profiles 101, 102, 103 according to above. Furthermore, a covering strip 208 is illustrated. The covering strip 208 is adapted to mesh inside a U-shaped first end 151 of the first profile 101, and thereby constitute a practical and visually attractive corner of the shower arrangement. In one embodiment the covering strip 208 can be arranged without any fastening means such as glue or screws. In further one embodiment the covering strip 208 is an aluminum profile.
Furthermore, a shower wall 205 is illustrated in the fig. 2A. Said shower wall 205 has a holder 257 at one end. The holder 257 is adapted to be arranged at the U-shaped second end 152 of the first profile 101. The function of the shower wall 205 is primarily to keep water, which is sprayed from a shower rose 206, inside the showering area.
In other embodiments, the shower wall 205 can be arranged to the second profile 102, or to the third profile 103.
Fig. 2B further illustrates an embodiment of the shower arrangement according to the inventive concept, wherein the arrangement is illustrated in an exploded perspective view. The elements illustrated in fig. 2A are also visible in fig. 2B, and additionally screws 209 for arranging said third profile 103 into a bathroom wall are illustrated. Moreover, the first profile 101 further comprises a shower rose 206, as well as a fitting 204 for regulating water temperature and flow, which are both mounted on the side of the first profile 101 facing the inside of the showering area, i.e. the side of the first profile facing away from the second and the third profile.
Fig. 3A illustrates with a cross-sectional top-view how the third profile 103 has been arranged to a bathroom wall 310 with fastening means, in illustrated embodiment said fastening means being screws 309. The third profile 103 further comprise two grooves 142 which are lying adjacent the wall and together with sealing strips functioning as a seal between the third profile 103 and the wall 310.
In fig. 3B the same third profile 103 being arranged to a bathroom wall, is illustrated but in a perspective view. Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 3B, six screws 209 are used to arrange the third profile 103 on the wall. It can further be noted that the profile is mounted for use of a right-hung shower arrangement. In the embodiment of a left-hung shower arrangement the third profile 103 would be rotated up-side-down so that the first end 156 of the third profile would be at the right side in the figure.
Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional top-view of a partly mounted shower arrangement 400. In fig. 4A the first profile 101 comprises pre-mounted fittings 204 for regulating water flow and temperature, a shower rose 206 and internal pluming 461. The figure illustrates how the third profile 103 and the first profile 101 are arranged through that the U-shaped first end 151 of the first profile 101 meshes with the U-shaped first end 156 of the third profile 103. Moreover, the U-shaped end 151 of the first profile further receives the covering strip 208 and forms a neat corner of the shower arrangement. The partly mounted shower arrangement 400 further illustrates that the fittings 204 and shower rose 206 are already installed on the first profile 101. Moreover, the figure illustrates that the first profile is only arranged on the wall through the third profile 103, which is arranged on the wall with screws 209. As illustrated, in one embodiment of the shower arrangement according to the inventive concept, the internal plumbing 461 can already be mounted on the first profile 101 before it is arranged to the third profile.
Furthermore, the angle between the first and the third profiles 101, 103 in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4A is about 45°, which allows the shower rose 206 to spray the water in an angle compared to the bathroom wall 310 that is convenient for a user of the shower arrangement. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the angle between the first profile 101 and the third profile 103 can be another, e.g. between 30° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°.
In fig. 4B the same partly mounted shower arrangement 400 is illustrated but in a perspective view. In the illustration it is clear how the fittings 204, for regulating water temperature and flow, and shower rose 206 can be arranged on the first profile 101. However, in another embodiment of the first profile 101, the fittings 204 can be arranged in another manner, which also applies for the shower rose, which also can be arrangement in any other position on the side of the first profile 101 facing away from the second and the third profile 102, 103.
Fig 5A is a cross-sectional top-view of an embodiment of the shower arrangement 100 according to the inventive concept. In the embodiment the third profile 103 and the first profile 101 are arranged in the same way as shown in fig. 4A, however, in fig. 5A the second profile 102 is also installed in the shower arrangement 100. The second profile 102 is at a first end 153 arranged to the first profile 101 and at a second end 154 arranged to the third profile 103. In one embodiment of the invention the second profile 102 is arranged to the first profile 101 and the third profile 103 with fastening means such as screws, glue or equivalents. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second profile 102 is arranged to the first profile 101 with screws or bolts that also goes through the holder 257 of the shower wall 205 and thereby holds the shower wall 205 arranged between the first profile 101 and the second profile 102.
Furthermore, the second profile 102 comprises an aperture 511 (see figure 5B) for letting in the water mains into the shower arrangement 100. The first profile 101 in the shower arrangement illustrated in fig. 5A further comprise a shower rose 206 and fittings 204 for regulating water temperature and flow.
In fig. 5B the same embodiment of the shower arrangement 100 is illustrated in a perspective view. Fig. 5B illustrates how the second profile 102 is arranged in abutment to the first profile 101 and third profile 103. In the particular embodiment a shower wall 205 is installed between the first profile 101 and the second profile 102.
Fig. 6A illustrates the same embodiment of the invention as illustrated in figure 5A apart from that the water mains 612 are installed into the shower arrangement 100. The water mains 612 run through the aperture 511 in the second profile 102. Thereby, the internal plumbing 461 can be connected to the water mains 612 and supply the shower arrangement 100 with water.
In fig. 6B the same embodiment of the shower arrangement 100 is illustrated in a perspective view. From the perspective view it is evident how the water mains 612 can run through the aperture 511 in the second profile 102 into the shower arrangement 100.
Fig. 7 is a close-up perspective view of a part of an embodiment of the present inventive concept. The close-up illustrates how a covering plate 713 can partly conceal the second profile's 102 aperture 511, through which the water mains 612 run to supply the shower arrangement with water. In one embodiment the covering plate 713 comprises two holes so that the covering plate 713 can be slipped on to the water mains 612. In another embodiment the covering plate 713 can comprise two portions with a material adapted to be cut open and receive the water mains, e.g. made out of rubber. In yet another embodiment the covering plate is mostly made out of a material adapted to be cut open and receive the water mains, e.g. rubber.
Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention where an extended second profile 814 constitutes a combined shower wall and profile. In this embodiment of the shower arrangement 100 the extended second profile 814 is arranged to the third profile 103 at a first end of the extended second profile 814 and arranged to the first profile 101 at a portion between the first end and an opposite end of the extended second profile 814.
In one embodiment of the invention comprising the extended second profile 814, a portion of the extended second profile 814 is at least partly opaque in order to conceal the inside of the shower arrangement comprising e.g. the backside of the fittings and internal pluming. Moreover, in one embodiment the whole extended second profile 814 is at least partly opaque to also conceal the shower area and e.g. the user of such shower.
In fig. 9 a shower arrangement 100 is illustrated which is an embodiment of the present inventive concept, comprising shower accessories such as shower shelves 907 and a shower rose holder 915.
Thereby, the shower arrangement is possible to include features of several accessories without tampering the waterproof seal by making screw holes for arrangement of the accessories. Furthermore, it saves time in the installation, since the accessories can be pre-installed on one of the profiles before the shower arrangement is installed.
The shower accessories can have any design and function, e.g. a shelf may comprise a list for holding a bar of soap in place.
In fig. 10 an embodiment of a shower arrangement according to the invention is disclosed. The shower arrangement 100 includes a towel heater 1016 that is mounted on an extended second profile 814. In another embodiment the towel heater 1016 can be mounted inside the shower arrangement, furthermore, the towel heater can be fitted into a shower arrangement on the backside of a second profile 102. In one similar embodiment a covered towel heater can be used, which can heat up a covering profile, such as e.g. the second profile 102. In the latter case, the second profile 102 could be heated by the towel heater 1016 and the profile further be equipped with hanging means for towels, so that towels can hang in abutment to the second profile 102 and thereby be heated.
The profiles may in one embodiment of the present inventive concept, be made of extruded aluminum. Thereby, the profiles are rigid and easy to maintain which enables the profiles to have a long technical life and exude quality. In other embodiments the profiles may be made of bent metal sheets. In yet other embodiments the profile may be made of composite or another material suitable for wet exposure.
The method according to one embodiment of the inventive concept for installing a shower arrangement according to above includes several steps. The first step is to provide the three profiles 101, 102, 103 as illustrated in fig. 1, wherein the first profile 101 is adapted to receive fittings for regulating water flow and temperature before the shower arrangement is installed. Furthermore, the first profile 151 should in one embodiment of the inventive concept be adapted to at the first end 151 be arranged to the third profile 103 and at a second end 152 be arranged to the second profile. Furthermore, the second profile should be adapted to at one end 153 be arranged to the first profile 101 and at another end 154 be arranged to the third profile 103. Moreover, the third profile 103 should be adapted to be arranged on a wall 310 of a room and at a first end 156 be arranged to the first profile and at a second end 154 be arranged to said second profile 102.
The next step in one embodiment of the method is to arrange the third profile 103 to a wall 310 of the room as illustrated in fig. 3. This can be done through fixing means, such as screws, glue, bolts, nails or other suitable fixing means. Optionally, a groove 142 in combination with a sealing strip for waterproof sealing can be used between the third profile 103 and the wall 310 of the room to eliminate the use of silicon, which is rather messy for the installer.
After arranging the third profile 103 on the wall of a room, the next step is arranging the first profile, provided with fitting 204 for regulating water flow and temperature, to the third profile 103. In one embodiment this is done through meshing ends 151, 156, which enable elimination other fixing means such as screws, bolts, glue or equivalent. In other embodiments this can be done through the use of fixing means such as screws, bolts, glue or equivalent.
Thereafter the covering plate 713 at the aperture 511 in the second profile 102 can optionally be slipped onto the the water mains 612.
Thereafter the water mains 612 can optionally be fluidly connected to the internal pluming 461 and thereby to the pre-installed fitting 204.
Thereafter the second profile 102 can be removably mounted to the first and third profile 101, 103. In one embodiment the second profile is arranged to the first and third profile with fastening means such as screws or bolts or equivalent. In another embodiment of the inventive concept the second profile is arranged to the first and third profile through meshing structures.
A person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the inventive concept is also applicable on shower arrangement where the profiles are made out of other materials than presented. Moreover, the inventive concept is equally applicable for arrangements where the three profiles are not arranged to each other at the outer ends of the profiles respectively but arranged to each other at portions that are distanced from the outer ends of the profiles, so that an outer end of a profile extends beyond an end of another profile. Moreover the inventive concept is equally applicable to embodiments where one or several of the profiles have another shape, e.g. a curved or rounded shape.

Claims

A shower arrangement (100) comprising,
a first profile (101) arranged with a fitting (204) for control of water flow and temperature;
a second profile (102), removably arranged to the first profile;
characterized in that
the shower arrangement further comprises a third profile (103), arranged to a wall of a room, the third profile having a first end (156) arranged to said first profile (101) and a second end (155), opposite the first end, arranged to said second profile (102); and
wherein said first profile and said second profile are arranged to the wall of the room by means of said third profile.
A shower arrangement according to claim 1, wherein one of the first, second or third profile (101, 102, 103) is adapted to receive a shower wall (205).
A shower arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second profile (102) extends beyond the first profile (101) and constitutes a shower wall (814).
A shower arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one end (151) of said first profile (101) is adapted to mesh with said first end (156) of the third profile (103).
A shower arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said one end (151) of the first profile (101) and said first end (156) of the third profile (103) have a U-shaped cross-sectional form.
A shower arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first profile (101) has a second end (152) arranged to the second profile (102) so that the first, second and third profiles (101, 102, 103) are arranged to each other such that they in cross-section form a triangle.
A shower arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first, second and third profiles (101, 102, 103) constitute a right-angled triangle so that one of the angles adjacent to the third profile (103) measures substantially 90°.
A shower arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the right-angled triangle of said first, second and third profiles (101, 102, 103) comprises two angles that are substantially 45°.
A shower arrangement, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second profile (101, 102) comprises an aperture (511) adapted to receive water mains (612).
A shower arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said aperture (511) is covered by a covering plate (713) with holes so that water mains (612) can enter the aperture into the shower arrangement through said holes.
A shower arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising plumbing (461) being fluidly connected to said fittings (204) and adapted for connection to the water mains (612).
A kit of parts for assembling a shower arrangement comprising;
a first profile (101) adapted to receive a fitting (204) for control of water flow and temperature;
a second profile (102), adapted to be removably arranged to the first profile;
characterized in that
the shower arrangement further comprises a third profile (103), adapted to be arranged to a wall (310) of a room, the third profile having a first end (156) adapted to be arranged to said first profile (101) and a second end (155), opposite the first end, adapted to be arranged to said second profile (102); and
wherein said first profile and said second profile are adapted to be arranged to a wall of the room by means of said third profile.
A method for installing a shower arrangement comprising the steps of
Providing a first profile (101) with pre-installed fittings (204) for control of water flow and temperature;
Providing a second profile (102), adapted to be removably arranged to the first profile (101);
Providing a third profile (103) adapted to be mounted to a wall (310) and to be arranged to said first and said second profile (101, 102); Mounting said third profile (103) to a wall with fixing means (309); Mounting said first profile (101) to said third profile (103); and Removably mounting said second profile (102) to said first and said third profile (101, 103).
A method according to claim 13, comprising the step of providing an aperture (511) in the second profile with a covering plate (713) adapted for receiving the water mains (612) and thereby covering said aperture (511).
A method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of fluidly connecting the water mains (612) to said pre-installed fitting (204) in said first profile.