GB2510388A - Seal device for a shower screen - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for attachment to a shower screen with a peripheral fixture i.e. a hinge, pivot or wall. The device comprises an elongate seal body 1 which may be deformable, and a screen connector 6 in the form of a channel arranged to provide a connection between the seal body and screen. The device is arranged to accommodate, cover and or at least partly interface with the hinge, pivot or wall. The device is preferably situated at a corner of the screen, may be dismountable and may comprise a cup 3 with adhesive or magnetic material.

Description

A DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for a shower screen, more particularly a device to limit escape of water escaping from a shower.

Background

When a shower is fitted in a bath a shower screen is provided in order to prevent escape of water outside of the bath. Ideally a fixed shower screen may be provided, being sealed in position to prevent escape of water.

However often due to size limitations in a bathroom and to enable the bath to still be usable the screen may often be hinged so that it may be pivoted away from the bath edge enabling easy access to the bath.

Being hinged the screen must therefore include some moveable seals and in addition the hinge is typically sealed using silicone or similar sealant, which additionally or alternatively displaces the seal along the screen lowermost periphery, at least sufficient to allow passage of water from the shower.

Typically a shower seal is provided on the screen bottom to create a seal between the screen and the bath. However often water may escape at the point at which the seal meets the fixture due to an imperfect seal so as to allow the screen to be opened and closed.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for attachment to a shower screen with peripheral fixture; comprising an elongate seal body and a screen connector arranged in use to provide a connection between said body and screen, wherein the device is arranged to accommodate, cover and/or at least partly interface with the fixture.

Typically the connector allows fitting to screens in situ, comprising at least in part resiliently deformable material, that may be deformed for fitting or including adhesive, for example water based adhesive, or expandable cellular structure sealing material.

Said invention is therefore typically embodied in an shower screen device for providing a seal around a hinged shower screen, comprising: an elongate connector member with a channel for accepting a shower screen, said connector located in use above a seal body wherein said body comprises a flexible cup which is arranged in use to create a seal between the body and the connector and a fixture.

The fixture may for example be a hinge or pivot, or more generally where a peripheral edge of the screen interfaces with a wall or structure to which the screen is attached.

The device may therefore provide a seat between the shower screen and a bath rim at an orthogonal peripheral edge, and additionally provides a seat between the body and the fixture or more particularly hinge, wherein the hinge is typically a means by which the screen is attached to a wall, made available for use in screening and displaced for small space requirements.

In particular the device may be continuous from the hinge to the screen's distal end, thereby preventing leakage of water even when a screen is hinged to the bath or bath rim and furthermore limiting tarnishing of the hinge due to water being trapped and not easily drying out.

Ideally the device is arranged in use to be received on any hinged or even fixed shower screen where applicable, wherein various cups may be provided so as to be suitable for different fixtures and/or screens and the body is sufficiently deformable to avoid damage to any bath surface or rim.

In some embodiments therefore the body and the cup are provided separately so that they may be independently chosen to match the shower screen type, for example so that the channel is the correct size for the screen thickness and so that the cup may be correctly shaped for the fixture.

Therefore the device may be provided in two parts although it may be envisaged that in other embodiments the device is provided as one part wherein the body and cup are combined and costs and potential leakage at joints minimised.

Preferably the cup is fitted to the body in use as the body traverses the gap between the screen and the bath rim/shower frame/floor or surface. Ideally the cup and body are continuous and allow flexure there between.

Therefore where the body butts up to the fixture is where leakage typically occurs and consequently a deformable flexure hinge is formed.

Typically the body may be provided in different systems depending upon the screen and on user preference. Therefore various cups are provided in order to accommodate different bodies. For example in some embodiments the body may be a flexible tube or in other may be comprised of at least one flap.

Preferably the cup includes two sections: an arm and a mouth wherein the arm serves to connect the cup to the body and the mouth serves to provide sealing with the fixture.

Ideally at least one arm is provided for attaching the cup to the body. Typically the arm may be adapted to be accepted by the body. For example if the body is tubular one arm may be provided for insertion into the body in order to connect it.

If the body is formed from flaps more than one arm may be provided so as be positioned either side of the flap to pinch or clamp around the flap and thereby secure the cup to the body. Typically the two arms may be biased to one another so as to be pulled back to accept the body and then close around it.

Preferably the arm(s) is inserted so that the mouth is positioned to concentrically fit around the fixture wherein the mouth opens perpendicular to the channel. Typically the mouth is adapted to receive the fixture wherein the mouth may be curved to fit a round fixture or angled to fit other fixtures such as a square fixture. In some embodiments the mouth may be flexible enough to mould to any shape.

Ideally the mouth is at least equal height to the body, typically at least 10mm, so as to ensure the gap between the body, the surface and the fixture is completely sealed.

In some embodiments the mouth may be further extended upwards so as to further encompass the fixture and limit water ingress, for example the mouth by extend to the same height as the channel on the body.

In preferred embodiments the device is primarily formed from flexible, durable, water resistant, resiliently deformable materials such as synthetic plastic so as to be readily fitted to the screen and to enable flexibility. In particular the arm must be flexible so as bend when the hinged screen pivots as it is opened and closed. Ideally the elongate member and cup are transparent or translucent so as to be discrete in use.

Typically the mouth material is at least 1mm thick. In some embodiments the mouth edges may be tapered so as to less than 1mm so as to reduce the likelihood of water settling on the mouth and thereby the fixture.

Additionally the channel top may be may also be tapered so as to prevent water collecting in use.

Advantageously both ends of the body may be capable of accepting the cup so as to allow for a left or right fitted fixture.

It may be envisaged that the cup may be fitted to any existing shower seal as an aftermarket part.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric detail view of an embodiment of the device; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a part of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a view from above of the part shown in Figure 2; Figures 5 show views from above and below of a second embodiment; Figures 6 show isometric views of the embodiment shown in Figure 5; Figures 7 show end views of the embodiments shown in Figure 5; And Figure 8 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the cup 3 fits onto the seal body 1 which runs between the screen and a surface (not shown). In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 the seal body 1 attaches to the cup 3 at a cuff 4.

Cuff 4 is ideally formed in a relatively plastic material such as synthetic plastic, wherein a channel 9 is formed for insertion of the seal body 1, and at least nubs or ribs 8 are capable of deformation to aid in anchoring the seal body 1.

The connector 6 provides a channel 5 into which the screen fits. In some embodiments the connector 6 and seal body 1 are formed as a piece, wherein the cup 3 is secured onto the seal body 1 in use. In other embodiments the seal body 1, connector 6 and cup 3 are all sized or cut and fitted together as and when required.

The connector 6 may be formed in a resiliently deformable material so as to grip the screen. Nubs or ribs 7 are provided to interface with or deform and reform on the screen, and may in some embodiments comprise the resiliently deformable material.

In other embodiments such as that pictured in Figures 5 to 7 the seal body I may comprise a lower deformable section 10 which deforms, so as to accommodate uneven surfaces, aid in sealing and permit hinged movement where required.

The cup may comprise adhesive or magnetic material in order to ensure a good seal with the fixture (not shown).

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed teadily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. Claims 1. A device for attachment to a shower screen with peripheral fixture; comprising an elongate seal body and a screen connector arranged in use to provide a connection between said body and screen, wherein the device is arranged to accommodate, cover and/or at least partly interface with the fixture.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the fixture is situated at a corner of the screen.
3. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the fixture is a hinge.
4. 4. A device according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said body comprises a cup which is arranged in use to accommodate, cover and/or at least partly interface with the fixture.
5. 5. A device according to claims 4 wherein the cup comprises adhesive material.
6. 6. A device according to claims 4 wherein the cup comprises magnetic material
7. 7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the seal body comprises resiliently deformable material.
8. 8. A device according to any of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the device isdismountable.
9. 9. A device with reference to the figures.