GB2622414A

GB2622414A - Enclosure for an ablutionary setting

Info

Publication number: GB2622414A
Application number: GB2213560.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yu Raymond
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2022-09-15
Filing date: 2022-09-15
Publication date: 2024-03-20
Also published as: GB202213560D0

Abstract

An enclosure 1 for an ablutionary setting comprises a panel door 2 hingedly connected along a first edge to a static component. A gasket 5 extends away from a second edge of the panel door and is configured to contact a surface in the ablutionary setting when the panel door is closed, providing a seal in use. The enclosure also includes a connecting device 7 which comprises a first part 71 directly connected to a hinge 4 connecting the panel door to the static component. A second part 72 is directly connected to the first part wherein at least one of the first part and the second part are directly connected to the gasket 5. At least a portion 721 of the second part 72 projects beyond the first part in a direction away from the second edge of the panel door. When the panel door is closed, in use, the portion 721 contacts the surface such that both the first part and the second part are in compression. A hinge assembly is also defined.

Description

ENCLOSURE FOR AN ABLUTIONARY SETTING

This disclosure relates to an enclosure for an ablutionary setting, e.g. a shower enclosure. More especially, but not exclusively, the disclosure concerns an enclosure for an ablutionary setting, the enclosure having a movable panel.

Shower enclosures are known and may comprise one or more fixed panels and a moveable panel termed a panel door. Panel doors are often secured to a fixed panel of the shower enclosure by one or more hinges. Hinges are known to provide a passage for fluid to flow between the interior and exterior of the enclosure. This is known as a leak path' and it is undesirable as it may result in damage to surroundings of the shower enclosure. Fluid ingress can also result in water becoming trapped within the hinge and between panels of the enclosure, which can cause difficulties with cleaning.

A first aspect provides an enclosure for an ablutionary setting comprising a panel door hingedly connected along a first edge to a static component; a gasket positioned along a second edge of the panel door, the gasket extending away from the second edge of the panel door and being configured to contact a surface in the ablutionary setting when the panel door is closed, thereby providing, in use, a seal to prevent fluid from flowing between the second edge of the panel door and the surface and a connecting device comprising: a first part directly connected to a hinge connecting the panel door to the static component; and a second part directly connected to the first part; wherein at least one of the first part and the second part are directly connected to the gasket; wherein at least a portion of the second part projects beyond the first part in a direction away from the second edge of the panel door; and wherein, when the panel door is closed, in use, the portion of the second part projecting beyond the first part contacts the surface such that both the first part and the second part are in compression.

The first part may be directly connected to the gasket and the second part may not be directly connected to the gasket.

The second part may be directly connected to the gasket and the first part may not be directly connected to the gasket.

Both the first part and the second part may be directly connected to the gasket.

At least a portion of the second part may project beyond the first part in a direction away from the second edge of the panel door by at least 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm or 1 mm and/or up to 1.5 mm, up to 2 mm or up to 3 mm.

The connecting device may be configured such that when the panel door is closed, a first strain of the first part is greater than a second strain of the second part. The I5 second strain may be more than 55%, 75% or 80% greater than the first strain.

The surface may be a rim, e.g. of a bath tub or a shower tray.

The static component may comprise a frame member. The static component may comprise a fixed panel. The static component may comprise a wall.

The panel door may be substantially fiat or curved such that it is arcuate in cross-section. The panel door may comprise or consist essentially of glass Alternatively, the panel door may comprise or consist essentially of a transparent or translucent plastic, such as acrylic. The panel door may additionally comprise one or more handles for a user to open and close the panel door to facilitate access to the enclosure.

The gasket may be any suitable type of gasket such as a bubble gasket or a fl PPer 30 gasket.

The first part may include a first recess configured to receive part of the first edge of the panel door. The first part may additionally include a second recess configured to receive part of the second edge of the panel door. The first edge of the panel door may be substantially perpendicular to the second edge of the panel door.

One of the first part and the second part may comprise one or more connector arms and the other of the first part and the second part may comprise one or more receiver arms. The number of connector arms may equal the number of receiver arms. One or more of, e.g. each of, the receiver arms may be at least partially hollow and configured to receive a corresponding one of the connector arms.

One of the first part and the second part may comprise a central member configured to directly couple to the gasket and the other of the first part and the second part may comprise two receiver arms with a space therebetween for receiving the central member.

The second recess may be separated from a third recess by a divider. The divider may take the form of a cross member which spans a width of the second recess (and by extension the width of the third recess). The divider may not extend to a full length of the second recess, nor extend to the full length of the third recess (length being measured parallel to the second edge).

The hinge may be covered at least partially by a hinge housing. The hinge housing may have a base. The second part may project beyond the base of the hinge housing.

A second aspect provides a hinge assembly for an enclosure for an ablutionaty setting, the ablutionary setting comprising a panel door hingedly connected along a first edge to a static component and a gasket position along a second edge of the panel door, the gasket extending away from the second edge of the panel door and being configured to contact a surface in the ablutionary setting when the panel door is closed, thereby providing, in use, a seal to prevent fluid from flowing between the second edge of the panel door and the surface, the hinge assembly comprising: a connecting device comprising: a first part directly connected to a hinge configured to connect the panel door to the static component; and a second part directly connected to the first part, wherein at least one of the first part and the second part is configured to be directly connected to the gasket; wherein, in use, at least a portion of the second part projects beyond the first part in a direction away from the second edge of the panel door; and wherein, when the panel door is closed, in use, the portion of the second part projecting beyond the first part contacts the surface such that both the first part and the second part are in compression.

The first part may be configured to be directly connected to the gasket and the second part may not be configured to be directly connected to the gasket.

The second part may be configured to be directly connected to the gasket and the first part may not be configured to be directly connected to the gasket.

Both the first part and the second part may be configured to be directly connected to the gasket. I5

At least a portion of the second part may be configured to project, in use, beyond the first part in a direction away from the second edge of the panel door by at least 0.1 mm, 0.5 mm or 1 mm and/or up to 1.5 mm, up to 2 mm or up to 3 mm.

The connecting device may be configured such that when the panel door is closed, in use, a first strain of the first part is greater than a second strain of the second part. The second strain may be more than 55%, 75% or 80% greater than the first strain.

The surface may be a rim. e.g. of a bath tub or a shower tray.

The panel door may be substantially flat or curved such that it is arcuate in cross-section. The panel door may comprise or consist essentially of glass. Alternatively, the panel door may comprise or consist essentially of a transparent or translucent plastic, such as acrylic. The panel door may additionally comprise one or more handles for a user to open and close the panel door to facilitate access to the enclosure.

The gasket may be any suitable type of gasket such as a bubble gasket or a flipper gasket.

One of the first part and the second part may comprise one or more connector arms and the other of the first part and the second part may comprise one or more receiver arms. The number of connector arms may equal the number of receiver arms. One or more of, e.g. each of, the receiver arms may be at least partially hollow and configured to receive a corresponding one of the connector arms I5 One of the first part and the second part may comprise a central member configured to directly couple to the gasket and the other of the first part and the second part may comprise two receiver arms with a space therebetween for receiving the central member.

A third aspect provides a kit of parts arranged to form an enclosure according to the first aspect or a hinge assembly according to the second aspect.

The kit of parts may comprise a set of instructions for assembling the enclosure and/or the hinge assembly.

A fourth aspect provides an ablutionary setting comprising an enclosure according to the first aspect or a hinge assembly according to the second aspect.

The enclosure may surround at least partially an area for showering.

A spray head for a shower may be configurable to spray water within the area for showering.

The area for showering may include a bath or a shower tray.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein within the scope of the invention as set of in the claims.

I5 There now follows by way of example on' a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows an enclosure for an ablutionary setting; Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of a gasket and panel door of the enclosure of Figure I Figure 3 shows a partial side view of the enclosure of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a partial exploded side view of the enclosure of Figure I with a hinge housing omitted for clarity; Figure 5 shows a partial exploded perspective view of the enclosure of Figure 1 with a hinge housing omitted for clarity; Figure 6 shows a further partial exploded perspectivc viewof the enclosure of Figure 1 including the hinge housing.

Figure 1 shows an enclosure 1 for an ablutionary setting.

A bath 60 is bounded at a first end by a first wall 91 of a bathroom and along a first side by a second 92 of a bathroom. The second wall 92 of the bathroom is perpendicular to the first wall 91 of the bathroom. A shower head 9 is fixed to the first wall 91 of the bathroom and is arranged to spray water, in use, towards the bath 60. A faucet 8 is disposed at the first end of the bath 60, the faucet being operable to dispense water into the bath 60. The bath 60 has a rim 6.

An edge of a fixed panel 3 is attached to the first wall 91 and the fixed panel 3 extends in a direction away from the first wall 91. A bottom edge of the fixed panel 3 is adjacent the rim 6. A sealant may be employed to seal any gap between the bottom edge of the fixed panel 3 and the rim 6.

A second side edge of the fixed panel 3 is connected to a frame member 31. The second side edge of the fixed panel 3 is parallel to the first side edge of the fixed panel 3.

A panel door 2 is hingedly connected along a first edge 21 to the frame member 31 by a hinge 4. As in this example, the panel door 2 may be a rectangular and may be frameless, in other implementations, the panel 2 may have a frame and/or may be another shape. The panel door 2 is moveable from a closed position to an open position. Figure 1 shows the panel door 2 in the closed position i.e., when the panel door 2 is aligned with the fixed panel 3. In the open position, the panel door 2 may be swung away from the bath 60, in order to facilitate a user when entering or leaving the bath 60.

A gasket 5 is positioned along a second edge 22 of the panel door 2. The second edge 22 is substantially perpendicular to the first edge 21 of the panel door 2. The gasket 5 extends away from the second edge 22 of the panel door 2 and is configured to contact the rim 6 when the panel door 2 is closed. The gasket 5 provides, in use, a seal to prevent fluid from flowing between the second edge 22 of the panel door 2 and the rim 6 of the bath 60.

Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of the gasket 5 and a bottom portion of the panel door 2. In this example, the gasket 5 is a bubble gasket comprising a U-shaped upper portion including a base 50 from which two gasket arms 50a, 50b depend. The second edge 22 of the panel door 2 directly contacts the base 50 and the gasket arms 50a, Sob grasp opposing sides of the panel door 2. Each of the gasket arms 50a, 50b is adapted to provide a seal preventing fluid from infiltrating space between the gasket 5 and the panel door 2. In this example, away from the base 50 each of the gasket arms 50a. 5013 is inclined toward the panel door 2 and comprises a flattened interior face for interacting with the panel door 2. The gasket 5 further comprises a lower (bubble) portion 55 which is at least partially hollow. Through compression of the lower portion 55 the gasket 5 provides, in use, a seal to prevent fluid from flowing between the second edge 22 of the panel door 2 and the rim 6 (not shown).

Referring to Figure 1 and, in particular. Figure 3, it can be seen that the enclosure 1 comprises a connecting device 7. The connecting device 7 has a first part 71 which directly connects to the hinge 4 and a second part 72 which directly connects to the first part 71. In this example, the first part 71 is further directly connected to the gasket S. In use, when the connecting device 7 is assembled, at least a portion 721 of the second part 72 projects beyond the first part 71 in a direction away from the second edge 22 of the panel door 2. In use, when the panel door 2 is closed, the portion 721 of the second part 72 projecting beyond the first part 71 contacts the rim 6 of the bath 60 such that both the first part 71 and the second part 72 are in compression between the rim 6 and the panel door 2 or the hinge 4. This may limit fluid ingress into the hinge 4 and block a potential leak path for fluid to flow between the interior and exterior of the enclosure 1. The second part 72 may project beyond the first part 71 in a direction substantially parallel to the first edge 21 of the panel door 2. When the enclosure 1 is assembled, the second part 72 may or may not project beyond the gasket 5 (in a direction substantially parallel to the first edge 21 of the panel door 2). in use, the lower (bubble) portion 55 of the gasket 5 may compress such that the second part 72 contacts the rim 6 such that both the first part 71 and the second part 72 are in compression The second part 72 may be formed form a material with a lower Youngs modulus than the first part 71 of the connector device 7. For example, the first part 71 may comprise a thermoplastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or the like. The second part 72 may comprise a rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) such as a thermoplastic polyamidc (TPA). When the panel door 2 is closed, the first part 71 and the second part 72 are in compression. This compression may be substantially or completely accommodated by deformation of the second part 72. The first part 71 may at least partially shield the second part 72 from exposure to sunlight and/or water damage.

Figure 4 shows a partial exploded side view of a lower portion of the enclosure I. The connecting device 7 is configured to couple with the hinge 4 and the gasket 5. The first part 71 of the connecting device 7 comprises a cylindrical portion 711 which extends substantially parallel to the first edge 21 of the panel door 2. This cylindrical portion 711 includes a first recess 711' for receiving a portion of the first edge 21. This is best seen in Figure 5 which shows another partial exploded perspective view of a lower portion of the enclosure I. The first part 71 further comprises an extension 712 which extends away from the remainder of the first part 71 substantially perpendicularly to the cylindrical portion 711. The extension 712 includes a second recess 712' for receiving a portion of the second edge 22.

A section 713 of the extension 712 projects beyond the second edge 22 of the panel door 2. The section 713 comprises two receiver arms 71 3a, 71 3b with a space therebetween termed a third recess 713' for receiving a central member 722 of the second part 72. The first part 71 is configured such that second recess 712' is substantially parallel to the third recess 713'. In this example, the second recess 712' is separated from the third recess 713' by a divider 714. A width of the second recess 712' may be greater than or equal to a thickness of the portion of the panel door 2 it receives, i.e. width being measured parallel to the thickness of the panel door 2. In the example shown in the Figures, the second recess 712' also receives an end 51 of the gasket 5 and the width of the second recess 712' is equal to or greater than a combined width of the panel door 2 and an end 51 of the gasket 5. Similarly, a width of the third recess 713' is greater than or equal to a width of the central member 722 which it receives.

As shown in the example in Figure 5, the divider 714 takes the form of a cross member which spans the width of the second recess 712' (also spans the width of the third recess 713'). The divider 714 comprises two opposing surfaces: a top divider surface 714a which bounds the second recess 712'; and a bottom divider surface 714b which bounds the third recess 713. The enclosure 1 is configured such that when assembled, part of the end 51 of the gasket 5 sits upon the top divider surface 714a while a top surface of the central member 722 contacts the bottom divider surface 714b.

At least one of the first part 71 and the second part 72 are configured to directly couple to the gasket 5. In this example, both the first part 71 and the second part 72 are configured to couple to the gasket 5.

Figure 6 shows a further partial exploded perspective view of a lower portion of the enclosure I. The enclosure 1 further comprises a hinge housing 8 which at least partially covers the hinge 4. The hinge housing 8 couples to the hinge 4 via one or more fasteners, in this example, two screws 84. A bottom region 711b of the cylindrical portion 711 of the first part 71 is configured to fit within the hinge housing 8 while a top region 711a of the cylindrical portion 711 is configured to fit within the hinge 4. The top region 71Ia is separated from the bottom region 711b by a radially extending flange 713. When the enclosure 1 is assembled, the hinge 4 is seated on a top surface of the flange 713 while the hinge housing 8 contacts a bottom surface of the flange 713. The flange 713 extends to the edges of the first recess 711' and along a top of the two receiver arms 713a, 713b thereby forming part of the extension 712.

As best seen in Figure 5, the top region 711a of the cylindrical portion 711 may include a slit 716 which extends from a perimeter of the top region 711a to a back edge of the first recess 711', which contacts the first edge 21 of the panel door. This may allow the top region 711a to flex under compression to fit snugly within the hinge 4 which may in turn limit fluid ingress at this location. Alternatively or in addition, the slit 716 may permit the top region 71 la to flex so as to expand to accommodate the panel door 2 which may in turn limit fluid ingress between the panel door 2 and the first part 71. As shown in Figure 6, the hinge 4 may include a strut 46 which, when the enclosure 1 is assembled, sits within the slit 716. This may provide more even force distribution transfer between the connecting device 7 and the hinge 4 during actuation of the hinge 4 Comparison of Figures 5 and 6 shows how the second part 72 couples with the first part 71 of the connecting device 7.

As shown, the second part 72 comprises two connector arms 723a, 723b which lie either side of the central member 722. Each of the two connector arms 723a, 723b extends substantially parallel to and depends from the central member 722. As described earlier, the section 713 of the first part 71 comprises two receiver arms 713a, 713b with a third recess 713' therebetween for receiving the central member 722 of the second part 72. Each of the two receiver arms 713a, 713b is at least partially hollow and configured to receive a corresponding one of the two connector arms 723a, 723b. The second part 72 further comprises a back plate 724 connected at its middle to form a T-shaped appendage. When assembled, a part of each of the receiver arms 713a, 7136 is sandwiched between the corresponding connector arm 723a, 7236 and the back plate 724.

The features described in the preceding paragraph describe example ways in which the first part 71 and the second part 72 of the connecting device 7 may be complimentarily shaped. These features may allow the first part 71 and the second part 72 of the connecting device 7 to be secured together, forming a fluid-tight seal between the first part 71 and the second part 72, without any fasteners or adhesives.

The back plate 724 is configured to contact a side surface of the hinge housing 8. In this example, the hinge housing 8 comprises a cylindrical housing portion 81 which houses the bottom region 711 of the cylindrical portion 711 of the first part 71, in use. The back plate 724 of the second part 72 is arcuate to contact the cylindrical housing portion 81. This contact may form a seal preventing or inhibiting fluid ingress at this location.

The second part 72 may further comprise a gasket connector portion 725 configured to fit snugly within the lower (bubble) portion 55 of the gasket 5. The gasket connector portion 725 extending from the central member 722 parallel to the second edge 22 of the panel door 2. In this way, the gasket 5 may be secured independently, both to the first part 71 and to the second part 72.

The hinge 4 may be configured to raise or lower the panel door 2 relative to the rim 6 during opening and closing. As such, the hinge 4 may be configured such that in use: when the panel door is closed, the portion 721 of the second part 72 projecting beyond the first part 71 contacts the rim 6 such that both the first part 71 and the second part 72 are in compression between the rim 6 and the panel door 2 or hinge 4; and when the panel door 2 is open, the portion 721 of the second part 72 projecting beyond the first part 71 does not contact the rim 6 and neither of the first part 71 or the second part 72 are in compression between the rim 6 and between the rim 6 and the panel door 2 or hinge 4.

This may limit fluid ingress into the hinge 4 and block a potential leak path for fluid to flow between the interior and exterior of the enclosure 1 when the panel door 2 is open while limiting wear on the projecting portion 721 of the second part 72.

Throughout the disclosure, reference to a 'thickness. of the panel door 2 should be taken to be measured perpendicular to first and second edges 21, 22 of the panel door 2.

Strain may be taken as the change in length divided by the original length from a state where the panel door is fully open (where the projecting portion 721 does not contact the rim 6) to a position where the panel door is closed. For the purposes of measuring IS strain, length may be taken as parallel to the first edge 21.

Throughout the Figures, the enclosure 1 is shown to have a substantially cuboidal shape. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the enclosure 1 may take a variety of shapes including regular and irregular geometries comprising flat or curved panels or a mixture thereof, It is within the scope of this disclosure that one or more enclosures I may be implemented within a single ablutionary setting.

The position of the panel door 2 being described as open or closed has well understood meaning in the field. In the examples shown in the Figures, the panel door 2 being closed corresponds to the panel door 2 being coplanar with the fixed panel 3. In an alternatively; shaped enclosure 1, the panel door 2 being closed may correspond to the panel door 2 being perpendicular to the fixed panel 3. Where a third edge of the panel door 2, opposite the first edge 21, selectively contacts a fixed panel or a further panel door, the panel door 2 being closed may correspond to the panel door 2 contacting the fixed panel or the further panel door or an intermediate gasket thereof. Where the surface has a rim 6 which the panel door 2 selectively contacts, the panel door may be considered to be closed when the gasket 5 contacts the rim 6 along its length. All other positions of the panel door 2 other than the closed position may be considered to be an open position.

The enclosure 1 as shown in Figure 1 partially encloses a space in an ablutionary environment. In an alternative, the enclosure 1 may completely enclose a space. Such a configuration may be well suited to specific applications for example for use in chemical fume cupboards.

While the example discussed in relation to the Figures corresponds to an enclosure 1 in an ablutionary setting, an enclosure as disclosed herein may be implemented in a variety of settings such as in a chemical laboratory as a fume cupboard. Similarly, while the fluid discussed in relation to the Figures may be water, it is within the scope of the invention that the fluid be any fluid such as oil, or gaseous or liquid chemicals. The panel door 2 may be substantially flat or may be curved such that it is arcuate in cross-section. The panel door 2 may comprise glass or a transparent or translucent plastic such as acrylic.

In the examples described in the Figures, the surface is a rim 6 of a bath 60. However, the surface could be any surface, e.g. a floor of a showering area or a rim of a shower tray.

It will be appreciated that different shapes, sizes and types of gasket may be used in the place of bubble gasket 5. For example, a flipper gasket may extend along and couple to the second edge 22 of the panel door 2.

The top region 711a of the cylindrical portion 711 may have one or more slits 716, each extending from a perimeter of the top region 711a to an edge of the first recess 711. The hinge 4 may have one or more struts 46 which when the enclosure 1 is assembled, each sit within a respective slit 716.

The example second part 72 shown in the Figures and detailed in the corresponding description has two connector arms 723a, 723b which each couple to a respective one of two receiver arms 713a, 713b. However, it is within the scope of the disclosure that the second part 72 may comprise one or more connector arms and the first part 71 may comprise one or more receiver arms. Alternatively, the first part 71 may comprise one or more connector arms and the second part 72 may comprise one or more receiver arms. For example, the first part 71 may comprise three connector arms that each fit within a respective one of three receiver arms of the second part 72. The connector arms and receiver arms may extend parallel to the second recess 712', perpendicular to the second recess 712' or in any other direction.

The second part 72, as shown in the Figures, may be configured to couple to the first part 71 by sliding into position from below as shown in the Figures. Alternatively, the second part 72 may be configured to slide into position from above (i.e., from a side of the first part 71 which couples to the panel door 2).

The first part 71 may be secured to the second part 72 only by friction and geometric constraints. Alternatively, an adhesive may be used to further secure the first part 71 to the second part 72. This may further limit fluid ingress into the connecting IS device 7.

This disclosure is intended to be read such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and examples, should be viewed as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An enclosure for an ablutionary setting comprising: a panel door hingedly connected along a first edge to a static component; a gasket positioned along a second edge of the panel door, the gasket extending away from the second edge of the panel door and being configured to contact a surface in the ablutionary setting when the panel door is closed, thereby providing, in use, a seal to prevent fluid from flowing between the second edge of the panel door and the surface; and a connecting device comprising: a first part directly connected to a hinge connecting the panel door to the static component; and a second part directly connected to the first part; wherein at least one of the first part and the second part are directly connected to the gasket; wherein at least a portion of the second part projects beyond the first part in a direction away from the second edge of the panel door, and wherein, when the panel door is closed, in use, the portion of the second part projecting beyond the first part contacts the surface such that both the first part and the second part are in compression.
2 The enclosure of claim 1 wherein both the first part and the second part are directly connected to the gasket.
3. The enclosure of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the second part projects beyond the first part in a direction away from the second edge of the panel door by at least 0.1 mm. 0.5 mm or 1 mm and/or up to 1.5 mm, up to 2 mm or up to 3 mm.
4. The enclosure of claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the connecting device is configured such that when the panel door is closed, a first strain of the first part is greater than a second strain of the second part
5. The enclosure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface comprises a rim.
6. The enclosure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the static component comprises a frame member and/or a fixed panel.
7. The enclosure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part includes a first recess configured to receive part of the first edge of the panel door and a second recess configured to receive part of the second edge of the panel door.
8. The enclosure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first part and the second part comprises one or more connector arms and the other of the first part and the second part comprises one or more receiver arms.I5
9. The enclosure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge is covered at least partially by a hinge housing, wherein the hinge housing has a base and wherein the second part projects beyond the base of the hinge housing.
10. A hinge assembly for an enclosure for an ablutionary setting, the ablutionary setting comprising a panel door hingedly connected along a first edge to a static component and a gasket position along a second edge of the panel door, the gasket extending away from the second edge of the panel door and being configured to contact a surface in the ablutionary setting when the panel door is closed, thereby providing, in use, a seal to prevent fluid from flowing between the second edge of the panel door and the surface, the hinge assembly comprising: a connecting device comprising: a first part directly connected to a hinge configured to connect the panel door to the static component; and a second part directly connected to the first part; wherein at least one of the first part and the second part is configured to be directly connected to the gasket; wherein, in use, at least a portion of the second part projects beyond the first part in a direction away from the second edge of the panel door; and wherein, when the panel door is closed, in use, the portion of the second part projecting beyond the first part contacts the surface such that both thc first part and the second part are in compression.
11. The hinge assembly of claim 10, wherein both the first part and the second part are configured to be directly connected to the gasket.
12. The hinge assembly of claim 10 or claim I I. wherein At least a portion of the second part is configured to project, in use, beyond the first part in a direction away from the second edge of the panel door by at least 0.1 mnt 0.5 mm or 1 mm and/or up to 1.5 mm, up to 2 mm or up to 3 mm.
13. The hinge assembly of claim 10, claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the first part includes a first recess configured to receive part of the first edge of the panel door and a second recess configured to receive part of the second edge of the panel door.
14 The hinge assembly of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the hinge is covered at least partially by a hinge housing, wherein the hinge housing has a base and wherein the second part projects beyond the base of the hinge housing.
15. A kit of parts arranged to form an enclosure according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a hinge assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 14.
16. An ablutionary setting comprising an enclosure according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a hinge assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 14.
17 The ablutionary setting of claim 16, wherein the enclosure surrounds at least partially an area for showering.