EP3730017A1

EP3730017A1 - Screw-free shower fitting

Info

Publication number: EP3730017A1
Application number: EP19170695.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ronán O'Grady
Original assignee: Flair Showers Ltd
Current assignee: Flair Showers Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-23
Filing date: 2019-04-23
Publication date: 2020-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-23
Also published as: EP3730017B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to shower fittings. In particular, the present invention relates to joints for shower door frames and/or shower frames. There is provided a joint for connecting a first arm 1 to a second arm 4 of a shower door frame; the joint comprising: a tapered hook 2 connected to the first arm 1; a tapered aperture 5 connected to the second arm 4; a fastener 6 connected to the second arm 4; wherein the tapered hook 2 comprises a notch 22; such that the tapered hook 2 is arranged to mate with the tapered aperture 5, and the fastener 6 is arranged to mate with the notch 22.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to shower fittings. In particular, the present invention relates to joints for shower door frames and/or shower frames.

Background of the invention

Currently on the market shower door frames are assembled using screws. To form a butt joint in these systems, two screws will be fastened through the vertical profile and into the horizontal profile forming a tight butt joint with no gap. This system is slow and difficult for the installer.
When assembling a shower door frame with screws, the frame must first be fully assembled and then lifted into the shower area or shower tray. This often requires more than one person due to the weight of the frame. As the assembled frame is unwieldly, it is difficult and time-consuming for the installers to precisely position the frame after assembly.
Forming a butt joint without screws between two arms, optionally between two metal extrusions, is difficult if you require the butt joint to be very tight with no gap. This is due to manufacturing tolerance stack up where parts can be dimensionally slightly bigger or smaller. During assembly if the parts are slightly smaller this could mean a very loose joint with a visible gap. During assembly if the parts are slightly bigger this could mean that the parts do not fit together, or require too much force to fit.
It is advantageous for such a joint in a shower door frame or shower frame to be tight with no gap. A loose joint has many disadvantages. For example the shower frame or shower door frame may not retain its shape due to a lose joint, and so the door may be unable to close or open correctly due to the incorrect frame or door frame shape. Furthermore, a loose joint gives the appearance of poor workmanship and is less attractive to the end user. In the shower environment water may enter into a loose joint, which increases the likelihood of rust, mould or other chemical or biological degradation affecting parts of the shower frame or door frame. Such chemical or biological degradation is clearly disadvantageous, for example such chemical or biological degradation may be unsightly, cause an undesirable smell, present a health risk and/or cause structural degradation of the shower frame or shower door frame. Water entering the loose joint may also cause the shower frame or shower door frame to become waterlogged, for example if the frame comprises hollow or permeable material.
The functionality of the shower door frame comprising one or more butt joint must be considered. There is a large weight in the form of the shower door acting on the top horizontal profile or rail. Some shower doors are designed to fit in corner spaces and so the top horizontal profile or rail is a cantilever supported on only one side. In the case of sliding shower doors where the rollers carrying the door run through the horizontal profile then the weight will be transferred from the supported side to the unsupported side during regular day to day use. There is a risk that the butt joint will become loose due to the forces acting upon it over time.
The present invention removes the need to fit screws when assembling a joint as part of a shower frame or shower door frame, which greatly improves installation times and ease of assembly.
Furthermore, the present invention allows for the shower frame or shower door frame to be assembled piece by piece on top of the shower tray reducing the amount of weight the installer needs to lift and thereby ensuring the shower frame and or the shower door frame and/or the shower door can be fitted by a single installer.
The present invention reduces or eliminates the formation of a gap in the butt joint.
The present invention reduces or eliminates the danger that the butt joint will become loose due to the forces acting upon it over time.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joint for connecting a first arm 1 to a second arm 4 of a shower door frame; the joint comprising:

a tapered hook 2 connected to the first arm 1;
a tapered aperture 5 connected to the second arm 4;
a fastener 6 connected to the second arm 4;
wherein the tapered hook 2 comprises a notch 22;
such that the tapered hook 2 is arranged to mate with the tapered aperture 5, and the fastener 6 is arranged to mate with the notch 22.

Optionally, the joint is a door frame joint, preferably a shower door frame joint.
Optionally, the fastener 6 is arranged to mate with the notch 22 when the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5. Optionally, the fastener 6 is arranged to mate with the notch 22 as a result of the tapered hook 2 mating with the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the tapered hook 2 is arranged to mate with the tapered aperture 5, and the fastener 6 is arranged to simultaneously mate with the notch 22.
Optionally, the fastener 6 is reversibly movable between an open position and a closed position.
Optionally, in use, the fastener 6 moves to the closed position to mate with the notch 22.
Optionally, the fastener 6 is reversibly movable between an open position and a closed position; wherein the fastener 6 is biased towards the closed position.
Optionally, the fastener 6 is biased towards the closed position. Optionally, the fastener 6 is formed of resilient material, such that the fastener 6 is deformed in the open position. Optionally, the fastener 6 is biased towards the closed position by elasticity.
Optionally, the fastener 6 comprises a resilient catch. Optionally, the resilient catch is formed of resilient material, such that the resilient catch is deformed in the open position. Optionally, the resilient catch is biased towards the closed position by elasticity. Optionally, the resilient catch is a snap hook.
Optionally, the joint is arranged such that, in use, the fastener 6 remains mated with the notch 22 after mating therewith. Optionally, the fastener 6 and notch 22 are arranged such that, in use, the fastener 6 remains mated with the notch 22 after mating therewith. Optionally, the joint is arranged such that, in use, the fastener 6 remains mated with the notch 22 after mating therewith as the fastener 6 is biased towards the closed position.
Optionally, the fastener 6 further comprises manual release means, such that the fastener 6 can be manually released from the notch 22 after mating therewith. Optionally, the manual release means comprise at least one angular protrusion. Optionally, the manual release means comprise at least one angular protrusion; such that in use an actuator can release the fastener 6 from the notch 22 by engaging the at least one angular protrusion. Optionally, the actuator engaging the manual release means exerts a displacement force on the fastener 6 such that the fastener 6 is released from the notch 22. Optionally, the at least one angular protrusion is arranged at the surface of the fastener 6. Optionally, the manual release means comprises two angular protrusions.
Optionally, the manual release means comprise at least one angular protrusion arranged to receive the actuator in use, such that in use the actuator can release the fastener 6 from the notch 22 by engaging the at least one angular protrusion, optionally by exerting a displacement force on the fastener 6 such that the fastener 6 is released from the notch 22.
Optionally, the manual release means comprises at least one angular protrusion arranged to receive an actuator, such that in use the actuator can release the fastener 6 from the notch 22 by engaging the at least one angular protrusion and exerting a displacement force on the fastener 6 such that the fastener 6 is released from the notch 22.
Optionally, the fastener 6 comprises a base and a tip 7 arranged such that in use, the tip 7 contacts the notch 22 when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22.
Optionally, the fastener 6 comprises a base and a tip 7 arranged such that in use, the tip 7 contacts the notch 22 when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22; wherein the tip 7 and the base comprise different materials.
Optionally, the tip 7 and the base comprise different materials.
Optionally, the tip 7 comprises metal, optionally the tip 7 comprises stainless steel.
Optionally, the tip 7 comprises metal. Optionally, the tip 7 comprises a metal alloy. Optionally, the tip 7 comprises an iron alloy. Optionally, the tip 7 comprises a steel alloy. Optionally, the tip 7 comprises stainless steel. Optionally, the tip 7 comprises a metal selected from the group comprising: iron, chromium, nickel, cobalt, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, aluminium, titanium, copper, nickel, zinc, and magnesium. Optionally, the tip 7 comprises a metal alloy selected from the group comprising steel, stainless steel, cast iron, tool steel, alloy steel, and bronze. Optionally, the tip 7 comprises a metal alloy selected from the group comprising an alloy of iron, an alloy of chromium, an alloy of nickel, an alloy of cobalt, an alloy of niobium, an alloy of molybdenum, an alloy of tantalum, an alloy of tungsten, an alloy of rhenium, an alloy of aluminium, an alloy of titanium, an alloy of copper, an alloy of nickel, an alloy of zinc, and an alloy of magnesium.
Optionally, the joint comprises indicating means arranged such that, in use, the indicating means indicates when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22.
Optionally, the joint comprises indicating means arranged to provide an indication when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22. Optionally, the indication comprises an audible indication and/or a tactile indication. Optionally, the indication is an audible indication and/or a tactile indication.
Preferably, the indicating means are audible indicating means to audibly indicate when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22. Preferably, the indicating means are audible indicating means to provide an audible indication when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22. Optionally, the audible indicating means provide an audible cue when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22.
Optionally, the indicating means are tactile indicating means to tactilely indicate when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22. Optionally, the tactile indicating means provide a tactile indication when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22. Optionally, the tactile indicating means provide a tactile cue when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22.
Optionally, the indicating means are audible and tactile (audio-tactile) indicating means to both audibly and tactilely indicate when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22. Optionally, the audio-tactile indicating means provide an audio-tactile indication when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22. Optionally, the audio-tactile indicating means provide an audio-tactile cue when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22.
Optionally, the indicating means comprise a first section and a second section arranged such that contact of the first section with the second section provides an indication. Optionally, the indicating means comprise a first section and a second section arranged such that contact of the first section with the second section provides an audible indication. Further optionally, the indicating means comprise a first section and a second section arranged such that contact of the first section with the second section provides an audible sound. Optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that contact of the first section with the second section provides a tactile indication. Optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that contact of the first section with the second section provides an audio-tactile indication.
Further optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that separation of the first section from the second section provides an indication. Optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that separation of the first section from the second section provides an audible indication. Further optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that separation of the first section from the second section provides an audible sound. Optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that separation of the first section from the second section provides a tactile indication. Optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that separation of the first section from the second section provides an audio-tactile indication.
Further optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that contact of the first section with the second section and separation of the first section from the second section provides an indication. Optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that contact of the first section with the second section and separation of the first section from the second section provides an audible indication. Further optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that contact of the first section with the second section and separation of the first section from the second section provides an audible sound. Further optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that contact of the first section with the second section and separation of the first section from the second section provides a tactile indication. Optionally, the indicating means comprise first and second sections arranged such that contact of the first section with the second section and separation of the first section from the second section provides an audio-tactile indication.
Optionally, the tip 7 of the fastener 6 comprises the first section. Optionally, the tapered hook 2 comprises the second section. Further optionally, the notch 22 comprises the second section. Optionally, the tip 7 comprises the first section and the notch 22 comprises the second section. Optionally, the tip 7 comprises the first section and the notch 22 comprises the second section, such that contact of the tip 7 with the notch 22 provides the indication. Optionally, contact of the tip 7 with the notch 22 provides the indication. Optionally, contact of the tip 7 with the notch 22 provides the audible indication. Optionally, contact of the tip 7 with the notch 22 provides the audible sound. Optionally, contact of the tip 7 with the notch 22 provides the tactile indication. Optionally, contact of the tip 7 with the notch 22 provides the audio-tactile indication.
Optionally, the indication is caused by impact of the tip 7 on the notch 22. Optionally, the audible indication is caused by impact of the tip 7 on the notch 22. Optionally, the audible sound is caused by impact of the tip 7 on the notch 22. Optionally, the tactile indication is caused by impact of the tip 7 on the notch 22. Optionally, the audio-tactile indication is caused by impact of the tip 7 on the notch 22.
Alternatively, the tip 7 comprises the first section and the notch 22 comprises the second section, such that separation of the tip 7 from the notch 22 provides an indication, optionally an audible indication, optionally an audible sound, optionally a tactile indication, optionally an audio-tactile indication.
Optionally, the tapered hook 2 comprises zinc.
Optionally, the tapered hook 2 comprises metal, optionally wherein the tapered hook 2 comprises zinc.
Optionally, the tapered hook 2 comprises metal. Optionally, the tapered hook 2 comprises a metal alloy. Optionally, the tapered hook 2 comprises an iron alloy. Optionally, the tapered hook 2 comprises a steel alloy. Optionally, the tapered hook 2 comprises stainless steel. Optionally, the tapered hook 2 comprises a metal selected from the group comprising: iron, chromium, nickel, cobalt, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, aluminium, titanium, copper, nickel, zinc, and magnesium. Optionally, the tapered hook 2 comprises a metal alloy selected from the group comprising steel, stainless steel, cast iron, tool steel, alloy steel, and bronze. Optionally, the hook comprises a metal alloy selected from the group comprising an alloy of iron, an alloy of chromium, an alloy of nickel, an alloy of cobalt, an alloy of niobium, an alloy of molybdenum, an alloy of tantalum, an alloy of tungsten, an alloy of rhenium, an alloy of aluminium, an alloy of titanium, an alloy of copper, an alloy of nickel, an alloy of zinc, and an alloy of magnesium.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is defined by an inner surface, such that in use, the tapered hook 2 contacts at least part of the inner surface when the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the tapered hook 2 is arranged to mate with the tapered aperture 5 by means comprising an interference fit.
Optionally, the tapered hook 2 is arranged to be received by the tapered aperture 5. Optionally, the tapered hook 2 is received by the tapered aperture 5 as the tapered hook mates with the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is defined by an inner surface, such that in use, the tapered hook 2 contacts at least part of the inner surface when the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5; wherein the inner surface comprises at least one projection; optionally wherein the at least one projection is deformable.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is defined by an inner surface, such that in use, the tapered hook 2 contacts at least part of the inner surface when the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5; wherein the inner surface comprises at least one projection; wherein the at least one projection is deformable.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is defined by an inner surface, such that in use, the tapered hook 2 contacts at least part of the inner surface when the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5; wherein the inner surface comprises at least one deformable projection.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is defined by an inner surface, such that in use, the tapered hook 2 contacts at least part of the inner surface when the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5; wherein the inner surface comprises at least one projection; optionally wherein the at least one projection is resilient.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is defined by an inner surface, such that in use, the tapered hook 2 contacts at least part of the inner surface when the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5; wherein the inner surface comprises at least one projection; wherein the at least one projection is resilient. Optionally, the at least one projection comprises resilient material.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is defined by an inner surface, such that in use, the tapered hook 2 contacts at least part of the inner surface when the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5; wherein the inner surface comprises at least one resilient projection. Optionally, the at least one projection comprises resilient material.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is defined by an inner surface, such that in use, the tapered hook 2 contacts at least part of the inner surface when the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5; wherein the inner surface comprises at least one projection; whereby the least one projection is arranged such that in use the tapered hook 2 can mate with the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is defined by an inner surface, such that in use, the tapered hook 2 contacts at least part of the inner surface when the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5; wherein the inner surface comprises at least one projection; whereby the least one projection is formed such that in use the tapered hook 2 can mate with the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the inner surface defining the tapered aperture 5 comprises at least one projection. Optionally, the inner surface comprises at least one projection. Optionally the at least one projection is elongated. Optionally, the at least one projection is substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the tapered aperture 5. Optionally, the at least one projection is substantially perpendicular to the longest dimension of the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the at least one projection is deformable. Optionally, the at least one projection comprises deformable material. Optionally, the at least one projection is formed of deformable material. Optionally, the at least one projection is the deformable projection. Optionally, the at least one projection is deformable such that in use the at least one projection can be deformed by the tapered hook 2 as the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the at least one projection is resilient. Optionally, the at least one projection comprises resilient material. Optionally, the at least one projection is formed of resilient material. Optionally, the at least one projection is the resilient projection. Optionally, the at least one resilient projection comprises resilient material. Optionally, the at least one projection is resilient such that in use the at least one projection can be deformed by the tapered hook 2 as the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5. Optionally, the at least one projection is resilient such that in use the at least one projection can be elastically deformed and/or reversibly deformed by the tapered hook 2 as the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the inner surface comprises at least one crush rib 56. Optionally, the at least one projection comprises at least one crush rib 56. Optionally the at least one crush rib 56 is elongated. Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 is substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the tapered aperture 5. Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 is substantially perpendicular to the longest dimension of the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 is deformable. Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 comprises deformable material. Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 is formed of deformable material. Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 is deformable such that in use the at least one crush rib 56 can be deformed by the tapered hook 2 as the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5. Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 is deformable such that in use the at least one crush rib 56 can be elastically deformed and/or reversibly deformed by the tapered hook 2 as the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 is resilient. Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 comprises resilient material. Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 is formed of resilient material. Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 is resilient such that in use the at least one crush rib 56 can be deformed by the tapered hook 2 as the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5. Optionally, the at least one crush rib 56 is resilient such that in use the at least one crush rib 56 can be elastically deformed and/or reversibly deformed by the tapered hook 2 as the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is formed in a bracket 55. Optionally, the bracket 55 comprises resilient material. Optionally, the bracket 55 comprises resilient material such that the shape of the tapered aperture 5 is elastic. Optionally, the bracket 55 comprises elastic material. Optionally, the bracket 55 comprises elastic material such that the shape of the tapered aperture is elastic.
Optionally, the tapered aperture 5 is formed in a bracket 55 comprising resilient material, optionally wherein the bracket comprises nylon.
Optionally, the bracket 55 comprises a synthetic polymer. Optionally, the bracket 55 comprises plastic. Optionally, the bracket 55 comprises polyamide. Optionally, the bracket 55 comprises nylon.
Optionally, the bracket 55 comprises a plastic selected from the group comprising: polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride.
Also disclosed is a door frame comprising the joint according to the first aspect of the present invention. The door frame comprises the first arm and the second arm.
Also disclosed is a shower door frame comprising the joint according to the first aspect of the present invention. The shower door frame comprises the first arm and the second arm.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a joint for connecting a first arm 1 to a second arm 4 of a shower door frame; the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a joint comprising:
- a tapered hook 2 connected to the first arm 1;
- a tapered aperture 5 connected to the second arm 4;
- a fastener 6 connected to the second arm 4;
- wherein the tapered hook 2 comprises a notch 22;
- such that the tapered hook 2 is arranged to mate with the tapered aperture 5, and the fastener 6 is arranged to mate with the notch 22;
b) moving the tapered hook 2 relative to the tapered aperture 5; such that the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5, and the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22.

Optionally, the method comprises the step of:

a) providing a joint comprising:
- a tapered hook 2 connected to the first arm 1;
- a tapered aperture 5 connected to the second arm 4;
- a fastener 6 connected to the second arm 4;
- wherein the tapered hook 2 comprises a notch 22;
- such that the tapered hook 2 is arranged to mate with the tapered aperture 5, and the fastener 6 is arranged to mate with the notch 22;
- further comprising indicating means arranged to provide an indication when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22;
b) moving the tapered hook 2 relative to the tapered aperture 5 until the indicating means provides an indication, optionally an audible indication, optionally an audible sound, optionally a tactile indication, optionally an audio-tactile indication.

Optionally, the method comprises the step of:

a) providing a joint comprising:
- a tapered hook 2 connected to the first arm 1;
- a tapered aperture 5 connected to the second arm 4;
- a fastener 6 connected to the second arm 4;
- wherein the tapered hook 2 comprises a notch 22;
- such that the tapered hook 2 is arranged to mate with the tapered aperture 5, and the fastener 6 is arranged to mate with the notch 22;
- further comprising indicating means, optionally audible indicating means, optionally tactile indicating means, optionally audible and tactile (audio-tactile) indicating means, arranged to provide an indication when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22;
b) moving the tapered hook 2 relative to the tapered aperture 5 until the indicating means provides an indication, optionally an audible indication, optionally an audible sound, optionally a tactile indication, optionally an audio-tactile indication.

Optionally, there is provided a method of assembling a joint for connecting a first arm 1 to a second arm 4 of a shower door frame; the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a joint according to the first aspect of the present invention,
b) moving the tapered hook 2 relative to the tapered aperture 5; such that the tapered hook 2 mates with the tapered aperture 5, and the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22.

Optionally, the method comprises the step of:
b) moving the tapered hook 2 relative to the tapered aperture 5 until the indicating means indicates.
Optionally, the method comprises the step of:
b) moving the tapered hook 2 relative to the tapered aperture 5 until the indicating means provides an indication.
Optionally, the method comprises the step of:
b) moving the tapered hook 2 relative to the tapered aperture 5 until the indicating means provides an indication, optionally an audible indication, optionally an audible sound, optionally a tactile indication, optionally an audio-tactile indication.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, wherein the tapered hook 2 is mated with the tapered aperture 5, and the fastener 6 is mated with the notch 22.
Figure 2 shows a cross section of an embodiment of the invention, wherein the tapered hook 2 is mated with the tapered aperture 5 and the fastener 6 is mated with the notch 22.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment the invention, wherein the tapered hook 2 is not mated with the tapered aperture 5 and the fastener 6 is not mated with the notch 22.
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the first arm 1 and tapered hook 2 of an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the second arm 4 and bracket 55 and fastener 6 of an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The screw-free shower fitting is an innovative assembly system for shower doors and shower door frames which allows the installer to easily form a joint connecting a first arm 1 to a second arm 4 of a shower door frame without the need for screws, for example by snapping two aluminium extrusions (the first arm 1 and second arm 4) together to form a right angle butt joint without the need for screws. The joint once assembled is tight with no gap between the first and second arm 4, which in some embodiments are metal profiles, and in some embodiments the joint comprises indicating means, for example such indicating means could make an audible click noise to indicate to the installer that assembly is complete. In some embodiments the fastener 6, which may be a resilient catch, for example a snap hook, ensures that the joint cannot come apart unless it is manually released for dis-assembly at the end of the shower frame or shower door frame product's life.
Embodiments of the joint of the present invention comprises some or all of the following features,

1. A tapered hook 2, for example a zinc tapered hook 2 which in some embodiments is preassembled on the first arm 1, which could be a top rail, optionally a horizontal aluminium profile. The tapered hook 2 comprises a notch 22.
2. A tapered aperture 5 formed in a bracket 55, for example a nylon bracket. In some embodiments the bracket is preassembled on the second arm 4, which could be a vertical aluminium profile
3. At least one projection on the internal face or inner surface defining the tapered aperture 5 formed in the bracket 55. In some embodiments the at least one projection runs partially down the internal face or inner surface defining the tapered aperture 5, for example the at least one projection could be at least one crush rib 56. The at least one projection may be deformable and/or resilient.
4. A fastener 6 connected to the second arm 4, which in some embodiments is a vertical profile. The fastener 6 is arranged such that in use the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22. In some embodiments, the fastener 6 comprises a resilient catch, for example a snap hook.
5. A metal tip 7 of the fastener 6, for example a stainless steel tip of the fastener 6. The tip 7 is the part of the fastener 6 that contacts the notch 22 and/or tapered hook 2 when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22. For example, in some embodiments the fastener 6 comprises a stainless steel insert which acts as the tip 7.

When the tapered hook 2, in some embodiments the zinc tapered hook 2, is inserted and pressed down into the tapered aperture 5 in the bracket 55, which could be a nylon bracket, the faces are mated pulling the first arm 1 or horizontal profile together with the second arm 4 or vertical profile, in order to form a tight butt joint. In some embodiments, the at least one projection such as at least one crush rib 56 take up any tolerance difference between the tapered hook 2, which could be a zinc tapered hook 2, and bracket 55 ensuring there is a tight fit between the tapered hook 2 and bracket 55, with no gap in the joint. The fastener 6, for example a resilient catch which may be a snap hook, mates with the notch 22 and ensures the joint cannot come apart accidentally. In some embodiments, the fastener 6 can be manually released. In some embodiments indicating means are arranged to indicate when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22, for example in some embodiments an audible indication such as an audible click sound indicates once the assembly has been completed. In some embodiments, audible indicating means comprise a metal tip of the fastener 6, for example a metal insert such as a stainless steel insert is pre-assembled into the fastener 6 which aids in making the click sound as the metal surface of the tip 7, which may comprise the stainless steel insert collides with the notch 22 and/or tapered hook 2, which could be a zinc tapered hook 2, during assembly.
The present invention comprises a tapered hook 2, in some embodiments a tapered zinc hook, arranged to be inserted into a tapered aperture 5 formed in a bracket 55, for example a nylon bracket. In some embodiments, the bracket 55, optionally the nylon bracket, comprises at least one projection, such as at least one crush rib 56, at the inner surface of the tapered aperture 5. The at least one projection or at least one crush rib 56 will take up any tolerance ensuring a tight fit if the tapered hook 2 is smaller than the tapered aperture 5, and will crush down to the required size if the tapered hook 2 is larger than the tapered aperture 5. This removes the issue of any formation of a gap in the joint and ensures ease of assembly.
The present invention reduces or eliminates the danger that the butt joint will become loose due to the forces acting upon it over time. The fastener 6, which in some embodiments is a resilient catch, for example a snap hook, reduces or eliminates this issue by retaining the tapered hook 2, for example a zinc tapered hook 2, and holding it in place in the tapered aperture 5.
To avoid the risk that during installation the installer does not fully assemble the tapered hook 2, which may be a zinc tapered hook 2, into the tapered aperture 5 in the bracket 55, optionally the nylon bracket; in some embodiments the invention incorporates indicating means arranged such that, in use, the indicating means indicates when the fastener 6 mates with the notch 22. For example, with the tip 7 of the fastener 6 may comprise a metal, for example a metal insert such as a stainless steel insert. When the joint is fully assembled the installer can hear an audible indication such as a "click" signifying that the fastener 6 has mated with the notch 22 and so the joint is fully assembled. The fastener 6, for example a resilient catch such as a snap hook, in turn holds the tapered hook 2, for example the zinc tapered hook 2, a in position in the tapered aperture 5, thus holding the joint together and making it safe for day to day use. In some embodiments, the fastener 6 can be manually disengaged for disassembly at the end of the products life.
The fastener 6 is arranged so that the fastener 6 remains mated with the notch 22 after mating therewith; thereby avoiding the risk that the fastener 6 accidentally comes undone from the notch 22. To allow the installer or user to deliberately undo the fastener 6; in some embodiments the fastener 6 comprises manual release means. The manual release means are to allow the installer or user to manually release the fastener 6 from being mated with the notch 22. An example of manual release means is at least one, preferably two angular protrusions at the surface of the fastener 6, which could be a snap hook in some embodiments. The at least one angular protrusion allows for the manual release of the fastener 6, for example the snap hook, by way of a flat head screw driver or other manual intervention by the installer or user.

Claims

A joint for connecting a first arm (1) to a second arm (4) of a shower door frame; the joint comprising: a tapered hook (2) connected to the first arm (1); a tapered aperture (5) connected to the second arm (4); a fastener (6) connected to the second arm (4);
wherein the tapered hook (2) comprises a notch (22);
such that the tapered hook (2) is arranged to mate with the tapered aperture (5), and the fastener (6) is arranged to mate with the notch (22).
The joint of Claim 1, wherein the fastener (6) is reversibly movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the fastener (6) is biased towards the closed position.
The joint of any preceding claim, wherein the fastener (6) comprises a resilient catch.
The joint of any preceding claim, wherein the fastener (6) further comprises manual release means, such that the fastener (6) can be manually released from the notch (22) after mating therewith.
The joint of claim 4, wherein the manual release means comprises at least one angular protrusion arranged to receive an actuator, such that in use the actuator can release the fastener (6) from the notch (22) by engaging the at least one angular protrusion and exerting a displacement force on the fastener (6) such that the fastener (6) is released from the notch (22).
The joint of any preceding claim, wherein the fastener (6) comprises a base and a tip (7) arranged such that in use, the tip (7) contacts the notch (22) when the fastener (6) mates with the notch (22); wherein, the tip (7) and the base comprise different materials.
The joint of Claim 6, wherein the tip (7) comprises metal, optionally wherein the tip comprises stainless steel.
The joint of any preceding claim, wherein the joint comprises indicating means arranged to provide an indication when the fastener (6) mates with the notch (22).
The joint of Claim 8, wherein contact of the tip (7) with the notch (22) provides the indication.
The joint of any preceding claim, wherein the tapered hook (2) comprises metal, optionally wherein the tapered hook (2) comprises zinc.
The joint of any preceding claim, wherein the tapered aperture (5) is defined by an inner surface, such that in use, the tapered hook (2) contacts at least part of the inner surface when the tapered hook (2) mates with the tapered aperture (5); wherein the inner surface comprises at least one projection.
The joint of Claim 11, wherein the at least one projection comprises at least one deformable projection.
The joint of any preceding claim, wherein the tapered aperture (5) is formed in a bracket (55) comprising resilient material, optionally wherein the bracket comprises nylon.
A method of assembling a joint for connecting a first arm (1) to a second arm (4) of a shower door frame; the method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a joint comprising:
a tapered hook (2) connected to the first arm (1);

a tapered aperture (5) connected to the second arm (4);

a fastener (6) connected to the second arm (4);

wherein the tapered hook (2) comprises a notch (22);

such that the tapered hook (2) is arranged to mate with the tapered aperture (5), and the fastener (6) is arranged to mate with the notch (22);

b) moving the tapered hook (2) relative to the tapered aperture (5), such that the tapered hook (2) mates with the tapered aperture (5), and the fastener (6) mates with the notch (22).
The method of Claim 14 wherein the method comprises the steps of:
a) providing a joint comprising:
a tapered hook (2) connected to the first arm (1);

a tapered aperture (5) connected to the second arm (4);

a fastener (6) connected to the second arm (4);

wherein the tapered hook (2) comprises a notch (22);

such that the tapered hook (2) is arranged to mate with the tapered aperture (5), and the fastener (6) is arranged to mate with the notch (22);

further comprising indicating means arranged to provide an indication when the fastener (6) mates with the notch (22);

b) moving the tapered hook (2) relative to the tapered aperture (5) until the indicating means provides an audible indication.