GB2507517A

GB2507517A - Wall channel system for a holding a shower panel and holding accessories such as a soap dish.

Info

Publication number: GB2507517A
Application number: GB1219621.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marshall Young
Original assignee: Coram Showers Ltd
Current assignee: Coram Showers Ltd
Priority date: 2012-10-31
Filing date: 2012-10-31
Publication date: 2014-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-31
Also published as: GB2507517B; GB201219621D0

Abstract

The system comprises: a body 100 defining a primary channel portion to receive a section of a panel 105 or frame; A flange extending from the body and defining an opening to enable the wall channel to be fixed to a wall via a fixing means 203 and includes on the arm and flange multiple projections defining a secondary channel. The extensions and protrusions may include lips as an additional channel securing part . The secondary channel being suitable to receive a fixing bracket for holding a shower cubicle accessory such as a dispenser, soap dish or basket; alternatively the channel may receive a retaining element to secure a cover strip, to reduce leaking and ingress of water. Also claimed is a fixing bracket and a method of providing a wall channel for a shower enclosure, providing a bracket to receive an accessory or attachment and clamping the bracket to the channel by attaching first part of the bracket with the channel and then introducing a second part to the first part.

Description

WALL CHANNEL SYSTEM

The present application relates generally to wall channels for fixing frames thereto, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to such wall channels for shower enclosures and shower doors and the like.

Shower doors and shower enclosures typically include frames formed from a plastics material or extruded aluminium for example. A wall channel provides a means of anchoring such frames to a wall whilst also providing a water tight seal and adjustment for size or out of true walls. They can also often be used as a means of attaching a cover strip to conceal fixings, thereby improving the overall appearance of the enclosure once deployed.

Typically, the wall channels are fixed to the walls on either side of a suitable recess within which a shower door or part of an enclosure will be housed. The frame of the door or enclosure can then slide into the channel. As such, the wall channels are normally U' shaped and have a series of holes on their inside face to facilitate fixing to the wall or some other suitable surface. Some channels include a flange with fixing holes protruding on one side, and with this type of channel the flange will normally point towards the inside of the shower enclosure.

Such wall channels fheref ore provide a mechanism to anchor parts of a door or enclosure to a wall whilst also providing a degree of adjustment to compensate for walls that are not exactly vertical and so on.

According to an example, there is provided a wall channel system, comprising ci body defining a channel portion to receive a section of a panel or frame, a flange extending from the body and including an opening to enable the wall channel to be fixed fo a wall or other suitable support surface, multiple projections extending from the flange and an arm of the channel portion to form a secondary channel portion and multiple fixing points to receive a fixing bracket for an accessory. The multiple projections can extend in transverse fashion into a region defined by the flange and the arm of the channel portion, at least some of which including a lip thereby to define an anchor point with the wall of the projection for the accessory. In an example, the system can include a retaining element to secure a cover strip to the wall channel. The retaining element can be positioned in the secondary channel portion. In an example, the flange of the body can be provided without an opening, and the body can be secured to a wall or other structure using, for example, adhesive or by some other means such as by including a rearwardly projecting element on the flange that can be used to secure into a suitably profiled portion of a wall.

The position of the retaining element can be adjusted by sliding the element to a desired position within the secondary channel portion. In an example, the fixing bracket can include first and second parts, the first part including multiple protuberances to respectively engage behind a lip of the secondary channel portion and behind a lip of a further one of the multiple projections thereby to slideably engage the first part with respect to the wall channel. The second part of the fixing bracket can engage with the first part and further ones of the multiple projections.

The first and second parts can be secured in place relative to the body using fixing means, thereby securing the first and second parts together such that frictional engagement between the said parts, the secondary channel portion and the multiple projections clamp the fixing bracket into a desired position. In use, the second part abuts multiple of the said projections, thereby to maintain the first and second parts in position in frictional engagement with the body.

In an example, the fixing bracket includes a removable front portion with an aperture to receive a fixing means. The fixing means passes through the aperture to secure the first and second parts together and to secure the removable front portion thereto, and can be a screw, nail or other suitable fixing means. The first and second parts secure together in frictional engagement with one or more of the said multiple projections thereby to fix the bracket into position on the wall channel. In an example, the accessory can be any one of a dispenser. dish, such as a soap dish, storage basket and so on. In an alternative, the accessory can be an electronic device such as a radio adapted for use in a wet environment for example. Further alternatively, the accessory can be a holder for a shower head or a shower seat. In the latter case, the wall channel system can be adapted to accommodate the extra weight that would be applied in use. For example, the wall channel system can be made more robust by providing more substantial, such as thicker, walls. The fixing bracket can also be made from a suitable material such as aluminium, although it will typically be formed from a plastics material. If desired for strength, an additional fixing bracket can be provided that can be clamped to the system at a point beneath a shower seat and arranged to hold a support that can be attached to the underside of the seat, such as at a Front region of the seat, in order to provide additional support for example.

The attachment or accessory can be positioned between the front portion and the second part of the bracket.

According to an example, there is provided a wall channel apparatus for a shower enclosure, comprising a body defining a channel to receive a section of a panel or frame of the enclosure, a flange extending from the body and including multiple openings to receive fixings thereby to enable the wall channel to be fixed to a wall or other suitable support surface, multiple projections extending from the flange and the channel to form a secondary channel portion and multiple elongate fixing points to receive a fixing bracket to clamp an accessory for the enclosure into a desired position.

According to an example, there is provided a fixing bracket for a wall channel, including first and second parts and a removable front portion to cooperate with one another in order to secure the fixing bracket ta a wall channel for a shower enclosure by way of a fixing means to pass through the tront portion and to secure the first and second parts together. The first part can include multiple protuberances to respectively engage behind a lip of a secondary channel portion and behind a lip of a projection of a wall channel thereby to slideably engage the first part with respect to the wall channel. An attachment or accessory for the enclosure is clamped in place between the said second part and the front portion. The second part can include multiple portions to locate, orient and/or fix an accessory or attachment. The multiple portions are concealed in use within the front portion of the bracket.

According to an example, there is provided a method, comprising providing a wall channel for a shower enclosure, providing a fixing bracket to receive an accessory or attachment, clamping the bracket at a desired position on the wall channel by fixing a first part of the bracket in position on the wall channel and introducing a second part of the bracket to engage with the first part. The method can further comprise securing the first and second parts together using a fixing means to pass there between via a front portion of the bracket. The method can further comprise fixing the accessory or attachment between the said second part and the front portion. The method can further comprise providing a cover strip for the wall channel, securing the cover strip to the channel in order to provide an opening dimensioned to receive a portion of the fixing bracket. The portion of the fixing bracket can be the second part.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wall channel system according to an example; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram a wall channel system according to an example showing an enlarged portion; Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixing bracket according to an example showing an enlarged portion; Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional enlarged view of a portion of a fixing bracket according to an example; and Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a fixing bracket according to

an example.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wall channel system according to an example. A body 100 defines a channel portion 103 that can be used to receive a section of a panel or frame for a shower enclosure for example. A panel 105 is depicted connected to part of a frame 107 for a shower enclosure. In use, frame part 107 is slid into channel 103 in the direction indicated generally by A. Adjustments can be effected to compensate for differentials in the size and level of a wall or other structure to which the channel system is fixed by varying the amount and orientation of the frame part 107 that is engaged in channel 103.

The system includes a flange 109 extending from the body 100. The flange 10? can include at least one suitable opening or aperture 111 to enable the wall channel to be fixed to a wall or other suitable support surface. For example, the opening 111 can be used to fix the body 100 to a wall or other suifable structure using a screw, or other suitable fixing means. Accordingly, mulliple such openings can be provided along the length of f he flange 109 to receive multiple fixing means fhereby to enable the body to be securely fastened via the flange 109. Alternatively, the body 100 can be fixed to a wall or other structure by any other suitable means, such as by gluing for example.

In an example, a cover strip 113 can be secured to the body 100 in order to enhance the overall cosmetic appearance of the system, and to improve wafer-tightness for example. Typically, a cover strip 113 can be made from extruded aluminium or a plastics material, which can be flexible or rigid, and which, in either case, can include lips, depicted generally at 115. to enhance the cosmetic finish and/or increase the level of wafer-tightness by improving a seal between the strip 113 and the body 100. In an example, strip 113 can be secured to the body 100 in the direction generally indicated by B using a retaining module 119 into which a protrusion 117 of the strip 113 engages. For example, module 119 can be dimensioned to allow it to slide into a secondary channel of the body 100. Fingers 121 of module 119 extend out of the secondary channel, and protrusion 117 can engage with the fingers 121 to hold the strip 113 in place relative to the body 100. Typically, the inside face of the fingers 121 can be serrated or suitably profiled in order to increase the frictional engagement between them and the protrusion 117, which can be additional profiled either in place of or in addition to any profiling of the fingers 121.

In an example, mufliple projections extending from the flange 109 and the channel 103 form the secondary channel and multiple fixing points to receive a fixing bracket for an accessory. In an example, the projections extend continuously along the length of the body 100. Alternatively, one or more of the projections can be discontinuous along the length of the body 100 such Ihat gaps exist.

In this connection, figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the body 100 showing an enlarged portion.

Body 100 is secured to a wall or other suitable structure 201 using a fixing means such as o screw 203 for example. A secondary channel portion 209 is formed from protrusions 205. 207, which extend outwardly from an arm of the channel 103 nearest the flange 109.

The secondary channel 209 can receive module 119 as shown in the enlarged portion of figure 2. Further multiple protrusions 211, 21.5 are provided. Protrusions 205, 207 and 211 include lips 206, 208 and 213. In an example. a fixing bracket can be secured to the body using the multiple protrusions and lips as anchor and alignment points.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixing bracket according to an example. Such a fixing bracket can be used to secure an accessory or attachment to the body 100 for use in a shower enclosure or the like. In the example of figure 3, a wire framed soap dish 309 is depicted, however it will be appreciated that any accessory or attachment can be used, and the use of the dish 309 is not intended to be limiting.

A fixing bracket according to an example includes a first part 301 and a second part 303. A removable front portion 305 is provided, which includes an aperture to receive a fixing 307, such as a screw for example, in order to secure the front portion 305 and the first and second parts of the bracket together in use.

The first part 301 includes multiple protuberances to respectively engage behind a lip of the secondary channel portion and behind a lip of a further one of the multiple projections thereby to enable the first part to be provided in slideable engagement with respect to the wall channel. More specifically. in an example. a protuberance 311 of the first part 301 engages with the lip 208 and extension 207, whilst a similar protuberance 313 of the first part 301 engages with the lip 213 and extension 211.

When not tightly coupled. the first part can slide along the length of the protrusions 207, 211 so that it can be positioned in a desired location at some point along the length of the body 100.

Typically. when the protuberances 311.313 engage as shown, the first part 301 and thus the fixing bracket extend outwardly from the body 100 at an angle of substantially 45 degrees. thereby rnaximising the space available for an attachment or accessory for a shower enclosure, particularly (although not exclusively) since such a bracket will normally be provided in the corner of an enclosure. It will be appreciated that other alternatives are possible, and that a fixing bracket according to an example can be arranged to extend into an enclosure at any desired angle in both the horizontal and vertical planes.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional enlarged view of a portion of a fixing bracket according to an example, which shows how portions 401, 403 of the second part 303 of the fixing bracket engage with the lips 208, 213 of the protuberances 207. 211 in use thereby clamping the fixing bracket in position by frictional engagement between the afore-menlioned portions. As can be seen in figure 3. the first and second pads are secured together using a fixing means 307 that is passed via the front portion 305.

Once the fixing means 307 is tightened, such as when the fixing bracket has been position in a desired location on the body 100, the first and second parts are brought together until such point as shown in figure 4 thereby to secure the first and second parts together in clamping engagement with the lips and protrusions of the body 100.

In use, and advantageously, a fixing bracket can be positioned at a desired height within on enclosure, such as a shower enclosure, and then clamped in place with an attachment or accessory secured thereto. For example. in the case of figure 3, the soap dish 309 can be secured to the bracket by passing the fxing means 307 through a portion of the dish 309 so that it is fixed between the front portion 305 and the second part 303. Other alternatives are possible, and alternative ways of securing accessories or attachments will be apparent.

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a fixing bracket according to an example. A body 100 for a wall channel system is affixed to a wall or other suitable structure using a fixing 501, which will typically be a screw or nail for example. The said other suitable structure could be part of a shower enclosure, which itself may be fixed to a wall for example, or another rigid structure suitable for holding the body 100 in place so that an enclosure can be erected.

Cover strip 113 for the system is provided in order to enhance the aesthetic qualities of the system by concealing fixings and the like, and to improve a water tight fit of the body against the structure it is affixed to for example. As shown in figure 5, a bottom portion of strip 113 can be cut lo a desired length and affixed to the body as described above with reference to figures 1 and 2, thereby setting the height at which an accessory or attachment can be fixed. More specifically, in an example, a first part 301 ot a tixing bracket can be introduced into the body above the strip that has been fixed to the body 100 in order to support an attachment or accessory at the desired height.

Typically, the first part 301 will either be slid into position along the uncovered portion of body 100, or can be snapped into position by introducing one protuberance and then pushing the remaining one into engagement with the relevant projections/lips for

example.

In an example, and before the tirst part 301 is fixed in position, there can be some play between it and the body 100 so that its position can be easily adjusted if the first part and/or the body are suitably dimensioned to effect this. In an alternative example, the rear of the first part 301 can touch the body, such as by touching a portion of the secondary channel for example, thereby resulting in some resistance to motion of the first part 301. This resistance can be such so as to allow the first part to be moved, but to hold it in position once it has been moved to a desired position. This can be advantageous to help with fitting of the bracket as the first part need not be held in position while the rest of the bracket is fixed in position. Typically however, the first part 301 will be maintained at a desired position or height by virtue of the fact that it rests on a portion of strip 113 in position in the body 100.

A second part 303 of a bracket is brought into engagement with the first part 301. An upper part of cover strip 113 can then be fixed to body 100 so that the body 100 is not visible. Alternatively, an upper port can be fixed into place before fhe second part 303 is brought into engagement with the first part 301. In this case, a suitable gap between upper and lower parts of the cover strip 1 3 is provided in order to accommodate the height of the second part 303.

An attachment or accessory is mounted on the second part 303 using, for example, portions 503, which can be arranged to engage with an accessory or attachment in order to maintain its orientation and/or locate it centrally with respect to the fixing bracket. Multiple different pods 303 with differing porlions 503 to accommodate different attachments/accessories can be provided if desired, and the shape and configuration of the portions 503 is not intended to be limiting.

Once mounted, an accessory or attachment is fixed in place by passing fixing means 307 though the removable front portion 305 so that the attachment is clamped in place between it and the second part 303. The front portion 305 can be designed so as to improve the aesthetic character of the bracket by maintaining a flush fit with the second part 303, for example, by providing that the portions 503 are hidden in use * inside the front portion 305.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is: 1. A wall channel system, comprising: a body defining a channel portion to receive a section of a panel or frame; a flange extending from the body and including an opening to enable the wall channel to be fixed to a wall or other suitable support surface; multiple projections extending from the flange and an arm of the channel portion to form a secondary channel portion and multiple fixing points to receive a fixing bracket for an attachment or accessory.
2. A wall channel system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multiple projections extend in transverse fashion into a region defined by the flange and the arm of the channel portion, at least some of which including a lip thereby to define an anchor point with the wall of the projection for the attachment or accessory.a A wall channel system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further including a retaining element to secure a cover strip to the wall channel.4. A wall channel system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the retaining element is positioned in the secondary channel portion.5. A wall channel system as claimed in claim 4, wherein Ihe position of the retaining element can be adjusted by sliding the element to a desired position within the secondary channel portion.6. A wall channel system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fixing bracket includes first and second parts, the first part including multiple protuberances to respectively engage behind a lip of the secondary channel portion and behind a lip ot a further one of the multiple projections thereby to slideably engage the first pad with respect to the wall channel.7. A wall channel system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second part of the fixing bracket is adapted to engage with the first part and further ones of the multiple projections.8. A wall channel system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first and second parts are secured in place relative to the body using fixing means, thereby to secure the first and second parts together such that frictional engagement between the said parts, the secondary channel portion and the multiple projections clamp the fixing bracket into a desired position.9. A wall channel system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second part abuts multiple ot the said projections.10. A wall channel system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fixing bracket includes a removable front portion with an aperture to receive a fixing means.11. A wall channel system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fixing means passes through the aperture to secure the first and second parts together and to secure the removable front portion thereto.12. A wall channel system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the attachment or accessory is positioned between the front portion and the second part of the bracket.13. A wall channel system as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the first and second parts secure together in frictional engagement with one or more of the said multiple projections thereby to fix the bracket into position on the wall channel.14. A wall channel system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the accessory is any one of a dispenser. dish. such as a soap dish, storage basket.15. A wall channel apparatus for a shower enclosure, comprising: a body defining a channel to receive a section of a panel or frame of the enclosure; a flange extending from the body and including multiple openings to receive fixings thereby to enable the wall channel to be fixed to a wall ar other suitable support surface; multiple projections extending from the flange and the channel to form a secondary channel portion and multiple fixing points to receive a fixing bracket to clamp an attachment or accessory for the enclosure into a desired position.16. A fixing bracket for a wall channel, including first and second parts and a removable front portion to cooperate with one another in order to secure the fixing bracket to a wall channel for a shower enclosure by way of a fixing means to pass through the front portion and to secure the first and second parts together.17. A fixing bracket as claimed in claim 16. wherein the first part includes multiple protuberances to respectively engage behind a lip of a secondary channel portion and behind a lip of a projection of a wall channel thereby to slideably engage the first part with respect to the wall dhannel.18. A fixing bracket as claimed in claim 16, wherein an attachment or accessory for the enclosure is clamped in place between the said second part and the front portion.19. A fixing bracket as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second part includes multiple portions to locate, orient and/or fix an accessory or attachment.20. A fixing bracket as claimed in claim 19, wherein the multiple portions are concealed in use within the front portion of the bracket.21. A method, comprising: providing a wall channel for a shower enclosure: providing a fixing bracket to receive an accessory or attachment; clamping the bracket at a desired position on the wall channel by fixing a first part of the bracket in position on the wall channel and introducing a second part of the bracket to engage with the first part.22. A method as claimed in claim 21, further comprising: securing the first and second parts together using a fixing mean to pass there between via a front portion of the bracket.23. A method asclaimed in claim 22, further comprising: fixing the accessory or attachment between the said second port and the front portion.24. A method as claimed in.any of claims 21 to 23, further comprising: providing a cover strip for the wall channel; securing the cover strip to the channel in order to provide an opening dimensioned to receive a portion of the fixing bracket.25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the portion of the fixing bracket is the second part.26. A wall channel system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.27. A fixing bracket substantially as hereinbefore desciibed with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.28. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.