US3230549A - Modular frame construction and installation of bathroom fixtures - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 25, 1966 G. MCMURTRIE ETAL 3,230,549

MODULAR FRAME CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF BATHROOM FIXTURES Filed July 22, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEY Jan. 25, 1966 s. MCMURTRIE ET AL 3,230,549

MODULAR FRAME CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF BATHROOM FIXTURES Filed July 22, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 6.

n K 25 C3 f F INVE TORS ATTORN EY Jan. 25, 1966 G. M MURTRIE ET AL 3,230,549

MODULAR FRAME CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF BATHROOM FIXTURES Filed July 22, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig. 5.

INVENTORS Jan. 25, 1966 s. McMURTRlE ET AL 3,230,549

MODULAR FRAME CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF BATHROOM FIXTURES Filed July 22, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 United States Patent 3,230,549 MODULAR FRAME CONSTRUCTION AND INSTAL- LATION OF BATHROOM FIXTURES Gilbert McMurtrie and Robert William Nagel, Louisville, Ky., and Edward Walter Forth, New Canaan, Conn., assignors to American Radiator & Standard Sanitary Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed July 22, 1963, Ser. No. 296,574 4 Claims. (Cl. 4-2) This invention relates to a prefabricated modular frame construction for housing and/ or supporting components, such as plumbing fixtures, heating and cooling units, and cabinets, and to a method to facilitate construction and installation of a room having these components such as a bathroom, kitchen, laundry, rest room, or other type room.

The present invention is particularly well suited, but not limited, for use in rooms of the type utilizing methods and fixtures such as that described in copending applications: Serial No. 296,559, filed July 22, 1963; Serial No. 296,570, filed July 22, 1963; and Serial No. 296,571, filed July 22, 1963.

The prefabricated modular frame constructon of the present invention is adapted to be installed in a building and is designed to receive and support components, such as plumbing fixtures and associated elements, and to eliminate the necessity of having to install these components in or on pre-existing walls of the building as is the present practice. The present invention may be used in constructing a bathroom, washroom, rest room, kitchen, laundry or other room whereby it is possible for men with simple skills to install a complete room within a relatively very short period of time as compared to present practices.

The present invention is especially well suited, but not limited, for use with the type of integrated plumbing fixtures referred to in the foregoing applications, and accordingly, the illustrated embodiment will include bathroom fixtures and components although it is to be understood that the principles of the invention are equally applicable to constructing other rooms having other components and fixtures such as those mentioned above.

The framework of the present invention is precision formed and can be placed and assembled in a building during or after construction of the building and all installation of fixtures and components is accomplished from the inside of the room. The fixtures and components, such as described in the foregoing applications, are easily and quickly attached to the framework to completely install the complete room in a mere matter of hours. Since the present framework is precision made and assembly, when it is leveled, all components quickly fit into place in correct leveled arrangement. The present framework also eliminates the necessity of having to conceal such items as supply and drain piping in the walls or floors of the building in Which the room is installed.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and framework for building and assembling rooms with fixtures in a relatively short period of time.

Another object is to provide a precision framework as well as an improved method for making the same which will be easily leveled to receive and support fixtures and associated components such as plumbing fixtures, piping, cabinets, lighting fixtures and heating and cooling units without further levelling operations.

Another object is to provide a precision framework structure and method for making the same which is readily adaptable for use with different fixture arrangements.

A further object is to provide an improved room having fixtures and a method for constructing such a room wherein the room is attractive, of high quality, versatile, easily transported, low in cost; and where on-site construction time will be reduced.

Other objects and features of the invention will appear as the description of the particular physical embodiment selected to illustrate the invention progresses. For a better understanding of the present invention, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a precision frame, manufactured according to the present invention for use in constructing and installing a bathroom.

FIGURE 2 is a partial enlarged perspective view taken as indicated by the arrow in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a partial enlarged perspective view looking to the rear corner of the frame as indicated by the arrow in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of the frame shown in FIG- URE 1 showing the bathroom plumbing fixtures and components in place.

FIGURE 5 is a partial perspective schematic view of a rear portion of the frame.

FIGURE 6 is a partial view of the frame, wall and bathtub showing how the latter is supported on the frame.

FIGURE 7 is a schematic front elevation on a reduced scale looking toward the lavatory and water closet unit assembly.

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a bathroom constructed and assembled according to the present invention.

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed is for the purpose of description of the embodiment used to illustrate the invention and not of limitation.

Present methods of constructing rooms having plumbing fixtures require on-site labor for installing the rough plumbing, installing and levelling each separate fixture unit, enclosing piping and other components in the walls of the building, fitting and attaching cabinet work, painting and decorating. These jobs along with the overall finishing work are performed separately by many skilled trades and require a complex arrangement of scheduling of the various trades since certain work must be completed before other work can begin.

The ceilings, floors, studs, and walls of such buildings are only approximately level, plumb, squared and spaced, and individual plumbing components have to be fitted individually into this structure, which of course requires much time and skill.

The method and precision construction we have invented and disclosed herein avoids these problems since the frame can be easily and quickly erected and leveled, and the plumbing and miscellaneous components, fabricated into integrated sub-components, are easily and quickly attached to the framework from within the bathroom, thereby completing the installation of a complete working bathroom in a mere matter of hours.

Referring to the drawings, a plurality of rectangular precision built frame sub-assemblies or frame units 10, a and 101) are secured to one another to form the complete frame structure shown in FIGURE 1. Each of these frame units, such as frame unit 10, is made up of upright members 11a and 11b joined together at the top by the cross member 12a and at the bottom by cross member 12b. Intermediate cross members, such as at 12c and 12d may also be provided to strengthen the frame unit 10 and provide means for supporting a plumbing fixture or associated components as will hereinafter be further described.

The individual members which make up the frame unit 10 are of suitable cross-sectional angular configuration such as U-shaped channels and they may be made of any suitable rigid material such as, for example, aluminum. The individual members of each frame unit are connected together in any suitable manner such as welding or by use of conventional fastening means. Certain connections between these frame members may be integral such as by using U-shaped channels and cutting away a portion of the legs of the U so that the member can be bent in such a way that the legs of the U form a mitered joint such as is shown at 13a in FIGURE 1. These individual frame units are precision made in a factory using mass production techniques.

The precision made frame units are joined to one an other at the construction site to form a frame structure such as the frame structure shown in FIGURE 1. In order that the frame units be joined to each other in accurate and precise alignment, suitable connecting means are provided to insure that the precise relationships will be maintained. The connecting means may comprise pins such as dowell pins 13 and 16 shown in FIGURES 2 ant 3, extending through accurately made and accurately placed mating openings in adjoining upright members.

In the structure employed to illustrate the invention, precise mating openings are provided in the abutting faces of the upright 11b of frame unit 10 and the upright 11c of the adjoining frame unit 10a. These mating openings receive a pin 13, which is of predetermined precise dimensions, such as a taper pin, dowell pin, or roll pin. This pin 13 insures that the two frame units 10 and 10b are joined to one another in the precise relationship desired. In order to securely fasten the tWo frame units 10 and 10b to one another after the pin 13 is inserted in the openings, a second set of mating openings may be provided to receive a fastening member such as the nut and bolt 14. Thus the pin 13 serves to insure exact alignment while the nut and bolt 14 serves to hold the frame units together in such precise alignment.

The number and placement of these connecting means may vary as desired to insure the alignment and strength desired. Thus a second connecting means may be provided at a lower portion of the upright members 11b and 11c.

Certain frame units, such as the ones at 10a and 1022, may extend from one another at right angles as shown in FIGURE 1. In such a case, uprights of adjoining members may have abutting faces so that the connecting means described above may be used, or the adjoining members may be arranged such that the faces of two upright members extend at a right angle from one another as shown in FIGURE 3. In this latter case, one face of an angle bracket 15 may be joined to the upright lid of frame unit 10a such as by welding while the other face of the angle bracket 15 is provided With two openings in the upright lle of frame unit 10b. One set of mating openings receives an alignment pin 16, as mentioned above, while the other set of mating openings receives a fastening member such as the bolt 17, this pin and bolt performing the same function as the corresponding members in FIGURE 2 heretofore described.

From the above description it can be seen, therefore, that a plurality of frame units may be accurately and quickly assembled to form any desired structural layout without requiring highly skilled labor. A person with simple skills can join the frame units in precise arrangement by inserting the pins and bolts in the preformed mating openings.

While the assembled structure shown in FIGURE 1 is for use with a bathroom, it is to be understood that the structure may be varied, in plan view, for use with other arrangements, sizes, or other type rooms. The individual frame units may be rapidly joined to one another at the job site to form the structure of FIGURE 1 or sub-assemblies comprising frame units may be assembled at the job-site to form the complete frame structure.

Once the structure is assembled as in FIGURE 1 in the manner described herein, it is a relatively simple matter to level and shim the entire structure on the floor or foundation of the building in which the structure is to be installed. Since the structure is rigid and of precise dimensions and has been leveled and secured in place, it will not be necessary to take a great deal of time to fit, adjust, and level each plumbing fixture and component, as they merely have to be inserted into place.

Because the frame structure is precision made, precision assembled, and installed in a level disposition, the plumbing fixtures and components fit in place and will automatically be level when they are so installed on the frame. All the components will fit together as designed because of the precision inherent in the structure, and no time-consuming fitting, levelling, and adjustment problems will be required at the job site; and the entire operation can be completed in a relatively short period of time by the application of simple skills.

The bottom cross members such as a 1212 are designed to rest on the floor or suitable foundation of the building in which the bathroom is to be installed while the upper cross members such as at 12a. may abut the ceiling or other structural member of the building. A minimum number of basic frame width sizes may be provided so that when they are assembled they will equal and agree with the module system of building currently being used. Variations in the sizes of the bathroom can be accounted for by assembling a lesser or greater number of basic frame units.

The configuration or plan view of the arrangement shown in FIGURE 1, comprises two recesses or generally U-shaped sections 18 and 20. The bath section 18 is made up of the end frames units 10b, 28 forming the sides or legs of the U and the side frame units 10, 10a. The lavatory-water closet section 20 consists of the end frames 20a and 30 and the back or side frames 20b and 20c. These sections extend at a suitable angle such as a right angle relative to one another. The one U-shaped section 18 is adapted to receive and support a bathtub unit assembly 22 and the other, 20, is adapted to receive a combination lavatory and water closet unit assembly 24 such as that shown in FIGURE 4 and described in the aforementioned copending application Serial No. 296,571, filed July 22, 1963.

The general U-shaped sections 18 and 20 are joined to one another along the frame uprights 11f, 11g, in a manner similar to that hereinbefore described. One wall frame leg of each of the U-shaped sections as indicated at 28 and 30 (FIGURE 1) may cooperate with a corner 32 (FIGURE 4) of a wall of a building in which the bathroom is to be installed to define an area or space 34 for supply and drain piping, such space or area being referred to as pipe chase area and will be further described hereinafter.

The U-shaped section 18 of the frame has a plan outline conforming generally to the outline of the bathtub unit assembly 22 so that the bathtub unit assembly can be installed therein by sliding it transversely into the open end of the U. In order to facilitate installation of the bathtub unit assembly 22 and to assist in supporting it on the frame, transverse frame members 36, 12d, 46 and 38 are located in the wall frames making up the U-shaped section 18. Each such frame member 36, 12d, 46 and 38 has support means such as an upward extending hook or flange 40, 48, 50 and 42 respectively which receives complementary downwardly extending lips or flanges on the three inside flanges of the bathtub unit assembly 22. For example, this is more fully described in our aforementioned copending application Serial No. 296,570; and is also shown in FlGURE 6 wherein a bathtub flange 41 is shown supported in the flange 42 on the transverse member 38.

The bathtub unit assembly 22 is slid all the way into the U-shaped section 18 of the framework and engaged with transverse frame members 12d and 46 at the rear thereof. These transverse frame members 12d, 46, have upward extending lips or flanges 48 and 50 as mentioned above. The bathtub unit assembly 22 also has a downwardly extending lip or flange along its longitudinal rear edge which fits into the flanges 48, 50, so that the weight of the bathtub unit assembly will be supported by the transverse members 36, 12d, 46, and 38 of the frame. In this regard, it is to be noted that because the frame structure is accurately made and installed in a level disposition, the bathtub will automatically be level when it is placed in the frame so that time-consuming adjustment and levelling of the bathtub unit assembly is not required as was formerly the case. It will also be noted that the bathtub unit assembly 22 is supported above the floor so that the bathtub drain line (not shown) may be located at an elevation between the floor and the bottom of the bathtub thereby eliminating the requirement for any openings in the floor for such a drain line.

If it is desired to provide shower facilities to function in conjunction with the bathtub, the frame may be provided with transverse members 52 and 54 for supporting the shower head 56 and a mixing valve 58 respectively for controlling the hot and cold water. An upstanding member 60 is also provided on the transverse members 36 and 37 for supporting a bathtub faucet 60a (FIGURE 8). The piping 62 between the mixing valve 58 and the shower head 56 and the piping 63 between the mixing valve 58 and the faucet 60a may be installed in place before the frame is shipped. As a consequence, the only plumbing work at the site that has to be done is to connect the hot and cold water lines 64 and 66 with supply lines in the adjacent pipe chase area 34. The shower head 56, the face portion of the mixing valve 58, and the bathroom faucet 60a are attached after the wall panel 89 has been set in place.

The bathtub 22 is provided with a prefabricated drain line (not shown) aflixed to the bathtub so that it is prealigned and can be readily connected to the drain pipe 68 in the adjacent pipe chase area 34. The exposed area of the frame such as above the bathtub and above the lavatory may be covered with suitable paneling, such as at 89 (FIGURE 8). A canopy lighting fixture 91 (FIG- URE 8) may be installed to extend over the bathtub as more fully described and claimed in the aforementioned copending application Serial No. 296,570.

The U-shaped section of the frame is shown in FIGURE 1 as being provided with transverse frame members 70 and 72 having support means such as upwardly extending lips or flanges 74 and 76 respectively, adapted to receive a downwardly extended flange (not shown) of the combination lavatory and water closet unit assembly 24, such unit assembly being more fully described in our aforementioned copending application Serial No. 296,571.

The engagement of these flanges is similar to that previously described with reference to FIGURE 6. Here again the lavatory and water closet unit assembly can be installed quickly since the precision made and preleveled frame structure eliminates the time previously needed to adjust and level lavatories and water closets. The flanges engage and keep the unit assembly in place and support the weight thereof as in the case of the bathtub support. The water closet drain piping may be installed above the floor are more fully described in the aforementioned copending application Serial No. 296,571.

A further descripion of the lavatory and water closet unit assembly is not believed necessary here except to state that it is an integrated unit having a lavatory 25, water closet 27, and associated piping integrated into a single unit which is adapted to be held and supported in place on the frame by the flanges 74 and 76.

The hot and cold water supply pipes 78, 80 (FIGURE 5) and drain piping 83 in the pipe chase area 34 leads to one side of the adjacent lavatory and water closet unit assembly 24 (FIGURE 4) and also to the adjacent bathtub unit assembly 22 (FIGURE 4). Thus all the supply and drain lines for the unit assembly 24 and the bathtub unit assembly 22 are confined in the pipe chase area 34. The paneling placed against the framework conceals the entire pipe chase area 34, thus eliminating the necessity of having to install such piping in the walls of the building. The piping in the pipe chase area may be supported by the frame. The piping is designed and fabricated as a unit so as to facilitate complete above the floor and forward of the wall installation in contrast to the conventional method of individual fixture piping going both under and through the floor and walls.

The frame may be used to support a medicine cabinet 86 (FIGURE 8) and lavatory wall paneling above the lavatory and water closet unit 24, and a lighting canopy 90 thereabove.

The prefabricated frame is self-supporting and can be made into a complete non-load-bearing wall by finishing the opposite side and extensions added above to tie to existing ceiling heights. If the frame is backed up to an existing wall or studs, it can be attached by adjustable metal angles on top.

The frame may be adapted to various design arrangements, conditions, functions, and exteriors from their presently illustrated position. For example, the lavatory and water closet unit assembly may be installed to the right of the bathtub unit assembly instead of to the left as presently illustrated. Other components may also be arranged for left or right hand functioning. The frame may be self-supporting such that it will stand upright without any external support. Variations in room ceiling heights may be accounted for hp use of extendable fastening members added to the top of the frame units as required. The prefabricated frame may be installed in a room, if desired, as the last item in a new home instead of the first as in conventional methods of room construction. Also, the prefabricated frame may be installed in existing buildings for modernization. In such instances damage to new or existing buildings will be kept at a minimum since, as previously set forth, the fixtures and components need not be installed in or on the existing building walls, floors, or ceilings and all piping is accessible and above the floor.

From the above description it can be seen that the frame is constructed and arranged so that fixtures and components can be installed from within the room thereby permitting all repairs to the various components to be quickly accomplished from the inside of the room.

The component parts of the frame may be manufactured in a factory using assembly line methods. By utilizing this method of production and packaging, the onsite labor for installing a room is considerably reduced. Factory production will also permit a higher quality control compared to that which can be obtained on the job-site.

The frame is designed to provide versatility to meet changing conditions as technology in the art advances. The frame is also designed to provide versatility to meet individual present day requirements. Certain components of the frame may have symmetrical features so that the frame may be assembled into a right and left hand unit and shipped to builders for particular types of structure as needs arise.

Piping for fixtures to be used with the frame are designed to assure a minimum of joints. Sections of piping may be prefabricated in the factory and attached directly to the frame. Factory assembly of the piping will also offer the benefit of factory pressure-tested connections.

Although in the illustrated embodiment the frame is not shown as extending completely around a room, further frame units may be added to finish the entire room with the frame, or prefabricated panels may be used to complete the room. A prefabricated ceiling and floor may also be furnished with this unit.

From the above description it can be seen, therefore, that the prefabricated frame of the present invention greatly facilitates construction and installation of a room. The frame is adapted to support, receive or house all of the fixtures and associated components such as piping, a medicine cabinet, lighting fixtures, heating and cooling units, and electrical components such as wiring and switches. The frame may be used in a bathroom to support a bathtub unit assembly as well as a water closet and lavatory assembly. The frame is precision made thereby making it possible to install these assemblies quickly on the accurately made pre-leveled frame without requiring that each assembly be leveled as it is installed. It is also possible to install a bathtub drain line above the floor as well as to install a lavatory and closet drain above the floor. The frame may cooperate with a corner wall of a building in which a bathroom may be installed to define an area or space for the supply and drain pipes which can be completely concealed thereby avoiding installation of the piping in the walls or floors of a building as is the case in conventional construction methods. By using the frame of the present invention, major components may be prefabricated thereby reducing the time required to construct and install the room and to likewise obtain a customized and very modern installation.

The invention hereinabove described may be varied in construction within the scope of the claims, for the particular device selected to illustrate the invention is but one of many possible embodiments of the same. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted to the precise details of the structure shown and described.

What is claimed is:

1. The combination of components to form abathroom within a building, comprising a plurality of presized rectangular modular frames, fastening means joining said frames to form in plan view two recessed cubicles each adapted to be mounted against a wall of the building and each having one wall joined by said fastening means such that said latter two walls cooperate with a corner of the building to define a pipe chase area, said joined frames forming a stable self-supporting frame unit which can be leveled on the floor of the building on which it is installed, a bathtub structure, means for hanging said bathtub structure on said frame unit Within one U-shaped cubicle above the floor line of the building, a prefabricated lavatory and Water closet structure, means for hanging said prefabricated lavatory and water closet structure on said frame unit in the other U-shaped cubicle above the floor line of the building, a prefabricated piping assembly supplying water to and draining water from said structures, means for hanging said prefabricated piping assembly on said frame unit within said pipe chase area, and means connecting said prefabricated piping assembly to said structures such that the supply and drainage piping for the bathroom is above the floor and forward of the walls of the building.

2. The combination of components to form a bathroom within a building, comprising a plurality of generally planar modular frames, aligning means interengaging adjacent frames to be joined, fastening means joining said aligned frames, said frames being joined to form in plan view two generally U-shaped cubicles each adapted to be mounted against a Wall of the building and each having one leg joined to each other by said fastening means such that said latter two legs cooperate with a corner of the building to define a pipe chase area, said joined frames forming a stable selfsupporting frame unit which can be leveled on the floor of the building on which it is installed, a bathtub structure, means for hanging said bathtub structure on said frame unit within one U'shaped cubicle above the floor line of the building, a prefabricated lavatory and water closet structure, means for hanging said prefabricated lavatory and water closet structure on said frame unit in the other U-shaped cubicle above the floor line of the building, a prefabricated piping assembly supplying water to and draining water from said structures, means for hanging said prefabricated piping assembly on said frame unit within said pipe chase area, and means connecting said prefabricated piping assembly to said structures such that the supply and drainage piping for the bathroom is above the floor and forward of the walls of the building.

3. The combination within a bathroom, comprising a plurality of presized rectangular modular frames, aligning means interengaging adjacent frames to be joined and providing precise desired alignment for said frames, fastening means joining said aligned frames, said frames being joined to form in plan view two generally U-shaped cubicles each adapted to be mounted against a wall of the bathroom and each having one leg joined to each other by said fastening means such that said latter two legs cooperate with a corner of the bathroom to define a pipe chase area, said joined frames forming a stable, self-supporting frame unit which can be leveled on the floor of the bathroom, a bathtub structure including supply and drainage piping, means for hanging said bathtub structure on said frame unit within one U-shaped cubicle above the floor line of the bathroom, a prefabricated lavatory and water closet structure including supply and drainage piping, means for hanging said prefabricated lavatory and water closet structure on said frame unit in the other U-shaped cubicle above the floor line of the bathroom, whereby the supply and waste piping for said structures is above the floor line of the bathroom, a prefabricated piping assembly supplying water to and draining water from said structures, means for hanging said prefabricated piping assembly on said frame unit within said pipe chase area, and means connecting said prefabricated piping assembly to the piping of said structures such that the supply and drainage piping is above the floor and forward of the walls of the bathroom.

4. The combination within a bathroom, comprising a plurality of presized rectangular modular frames, aligning means interengaging adjacent frames to be joined and providing precise desired alignment for said frames, fastening means joining said aligned frames, said frame being joined to form in plan View two generally U- p cubicles each adapted to be mounted with their connectg leg against a wall of the building and each having one leg joined by said fastening means such that said latter two legs cooperate with a corner of the building formed at the intersection of the two walls against which Said Connecting legs are mounted to define a pipe chase area, said joined frames forming a stable self-supporting frame unit which can be leveled on the floor of the building on which it is installed, a bathtub structure including supply and drainage piping, means for hanging said bathtub structure on said frame unit within one U-shaped cubicle above the fioor line of the bathroom, a prefabricated lavatory and water closet structure including supply and drainage piping, means for hanging said prefabricated lavatory and water closet structure on said frame unit in the other U-shaped cubicle above the floor line of the bathroom, whereby the supply and waste piping for said structures is above the floor line of the bathroom, a prefabricated piping assembly supplying Water to and draining water from said structures, means for hanging said prefabricated piping assembly on said frame unit within said pipe chased area, and means join- 10 ing said prefabricated piping assembly to the piping of said structures such that the supply and drainage piping is above the floor and forward of the walls of the bathroom.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,100,568 11/1937 Norris.

FOREIGN PATENTS 240,550 8/1962 Australia. 1,151,649 2/1958 France.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

RICHARD W. COOKE, JR., Examiner.

L. R. RADANOVIC, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. THE COMBINATION OF COMPONENTS TO FORM A BATHROOM WITHIN A BUILDING, COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF PRESIZED RECTANGULAR MODULAR FRAMES, FASTENING MEANS JOINING SAID FRAMES TO FORM IN PLAN VIEW TWO RECESSED CUBICLES EACH ADAPTED TO BE MOUNTED AGAINST A WALL OF THE BULIDING AND EACH HAVING ONE WALL JOINED BY SAID FASTENING MEANS SUCH THAT SAID LATTER TWO WALLS COOPERATE WITH A CORNER OF THE BUILDING TO DEFINE A PIPE CHASE AREA, SAID JOINED FRAMES FORMING A STABLE SELF-SUPPORTING FRAME UNIT WHICH CAN BE LEVELED ON THE FLOOR OF THE BUILDING ON WHICH IT IS INSTALLED, A BATHTUB STRUCTURE, MEANS FOR HANGING SAID BATHTUB STRUCTURE ON SAID FRAME UNIT WITH ONE U-SHAPED CUBICLE ABOVE THE FLOOR LINE OF THE BUILDING, A PREFABRICATED LAVATORY AND WATER CLOSET STRUCTURE, MEANS FOR HANGING SAID PREFABRICATED LAVATORY AND WATER CLOSET STRUCTURE ON SAID FRAME UNIT IN THE OTHER U-SHPAED CUBICLE ABOVE THE FLOOR LINE OF THE BUILDING, A PREFABRICATED PIPING ASSEMBLY SUPPLYING WATER TO AND DRAINING WATER FROM SAID STRUCTURES, MEANS FOR HANGING SAID PREFABRICATED PIPING ASSEMBLY ON SAID FRAME UNIT WITHIN SAID PIPE CHASE AREA, AND MEANS CONNECTING SAID PREFABRICATED PIPING ASSEMBLY TO SAID STRUCTURES SUCH THAT THE SUPPLY AND DRAINAGE PIPING FOR THE BATHROOM IS ABOVE THE FLOOR AND FORWARD OF THE WALLS OF THE BUILDING.

Images