WO2012164502A1

WO2012164502A1 - Method for installing a shower tray in a watertight manner and associated sealing means

Info

Publication number: WO2012164502A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/052711
Authority: WO
Inventors: Geert Nivelles
Original assignee: Assenti-Lux S.A.
Priority date: 2011-05-31
Filing date: 2012-05-30
Publication date: 2012-12-06
Also published as: BE1019997A3

Abstract

Method for installing a shower tray which, starting from a shower tray (1) installed in a position of use, which is installed with at least one of its peripheral edges near or up to a wall (25) which has not been covered yet, at least comprises the step of applying and adhering a watertight pliable band (24) which is attached to at least a part of the shower tray (1) that leans against a wall (25) on the one hand, and to the adjacent wall (25) which has not been covered yet on the other hand, in particular the part that leans against the shower tray (1) and an upper part thereof.

Description

Method for installing a shower tray in a watertight manner and associated sealing means.

The present invention concerns a method for installing a shower tray in a watertight manner and the associated sealing means.

In particular, the present invention concerns a method for the watertight sealing of the edges of a shower tray where they join a wall to be covered, for example by means of tiling .

It is customary to install a shower tray against a wall. It is also known that the watertight sealing of the edges of the shower tray which reach up to or against the wall must be done with great care.

The most common method consists in installing the shower tray, tiling the walls and subsequently applying a silicone or the like on the sealing edge of the tiling and the top edge of the shower tray.

Modern walk-in showers are finished in a similar way at the aforesaid edges, i.e. after the actual shower tray has been installed, which often has to be tiled as well.

The present invention is particularly suitable to be applied to a construction element for making such a walk-in shower as described in BE 2010/0758, the content of which is incorporated in the present text. Grooves are often provided in the edges of a shower tray, which grooves collect the water descending via the adjacent walls and discharge it to the lower parts and further to the drain of the shower tray.

Anyway, seeping moisture, caused for example by capillary action, possibly resulting in mould and serious damage, must be prevented by all means. The present invention aims to remedy one or several of the aforesaid and/or other disadvantages.

To this end, the invention concerns a method for installing a shower tray, which, starting from a shower tray installed in a position of use, which is installed with at least one of its peripheral edges near or up to a wall which has not been covered yet, at least comprises the step of applying and adhering a watertight pliable band which is attached to at least a part of the shower tray that leans against a wall on the one hand, and to the adjacent wall which has not been covered yet on the other hand, in particular the part that leans against the shower tray and an upper part thereof . This method is advantageous in that it provides in a watertight sealing which can be concealed afterwards by applying the finishing layer, for example a tiling.

Note that the traditional silicone strip is only provided after the tiling and hence always remains visible.

According to a preferred variant of the method according the invention, the step of applying and adhering watertight pliable band to at least a part of the shower tray is carried out in the workshop, so that on the construction site, the only thing left to be done is adhering it to the adjacent wall that has not been covered yet .

Depending on the geometry of the shower tray, more specifically of the edge leaning against the wall, the watertight pliable band can be applied and adhered to a predominantly horizontal plane, a predominantly vertical plane or an inclined sloping plane which is part of the edge of the shower tray leaning against the wall, or any combination of such planes. Usually, the peripheral edge of a shower tray corresponds to the highest edge or top edge of a shower tray, and parts of this peripheral edge are placed such that they connect to a wall. According to a preferred embodiment, the watertight pliable band, insofar as the leaning edge of the shower tray comprises a horizontal or inclined sloping plane, is provided only up to a limited distance of the wall to be covered .

In other words, for a shower tray whose edge leaning against the wall comprises a predominantly horizontal plane, the watertight pliable band is preferably only provided over a restricted width on the predominantly horizontal plane, more specifically over a width which is smaller than the thickness of the wall covering to be provided later on, for example the tiles, which will be provided on the leaning wall, such that the wall covering will conceal said strip once it is provided.

The pliable band is provided for example on the upward- facing flanks over a width of for example 10 mm, 15 mm or 20 mm, depending on the thickness of the selected covering layer of the leaning wall, such that the covering will also shield that part of the pliable band. The wall which has not been covered yet is provided for example with a strip of a few centimetres, for example 4 or 5 or 6 cm.

In case the shower tray is leaning in a corner with two transverse walls, the band can be provided continuously by providing an appropriate incision in the strip which is provided on the edge of the shower tray.

The present invention also concerns associated sealing means for carrying out the method according to the invention, which means thus comprise at least a watertight pliable band which at least consists of a watertight layer and a bonding layer, whereby the bonding layer is characterised by a very low or non-existent capillary suction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the watertight pliable band comprises a layer made of nitrile butadiene rubber, in short NBR, and an adhesive layer with very low capillary properties.

In order to better explain the characteristics of the invention, a preferred application of the method according to the invention is given as an example only without being limitative in any way, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 is a view in perspective of a preferred embodiment of a construction element for manufacturing a shower, in this case with represented wall parts; figure 2 shows a view of the construction element in figure 1 according to arrow F2;

figure 3 shows a view from above of the construction element in figure 1 according to arrow F3;

figures 4 to 8 represent raised profiles belonging to the construction element of figure 1 ;

figure 9 shows the part indicated in figure 2 by arrow F9 to a larger scale, but in this case with the leaning wall part and further finishing options according to the invention;

figure 10 shows an angular profile belonging to the construction element of figure 1 and the method according to the invention.

Figures 1 to 3 represent a construction element 1 for manufacturing a shower, further also referred to as shower tra .

For clarity's sake, from figures 1 to 3, the leaning wall parts are only represented in figure 1.

In the given embodiment, the construction element 1 has a predominantly square bottom 2, with four sides 3, 4, 5 and Connected to side 3, more specifically on the side away from the bottom 2, is provided a discharge chute 7, whereas a groove 8, 9 respectively is provided in the two adjacent sides 4 and 5 which opens in the aforesaid discharge chute 7.

In the given embodiment, the discharge chute 7 is integrated with the other parts of the construction element 1 and is therefore part of it.

Further in the periphery of the discharge chute 7, i.e. on the side away from the bottom 2, is provided a standing edge 10, and in the periphery of the grooves 8 and 9 are provided adjoining standing edges 11 and 12.

The peripheral edge of the construction element 1 of what is called the shower tray 1 is formed of the side 6 and the edges 10, 11 and 12 in this case. In this embodiment, the upward-facing flanks 10A, 11A and 12A in figure 1 of the aforesaid standing edges 10, 11 and 12 form a reference plane A.

The bottom 2 is made flat here and slants in relation to the reference plane A, such that the bottom 2, on its side 6 which has not been mentioned until now, mainly reaches up to the reference plane A.

In the discharge chute 7 is centrally provided a recess 13 in this case. The bottom parts of the discharge chute 7 next to the recess 13 are in this case, though not necessarily, slightly sloping towards the recess 13. Said recess 13 is predominantly tub-shaped in this case and, in the wall part 14 directed to the side 6 of the bottom 2 as shown in figures 2 and 3, it is provided with a discharge opening 15.

The recess 13 guarantees the proper functioning of a siphon applied therein, the latter of which is desirable but not necessary, as a discharge opening as such may be sufficient .

It is clear that the discharge opening 15 can also be provided elsewhere, for example in the standing edge 10, in the bottom of the recess 13 or for example in one of the side walls of the discharge chute 7.

The grooves 8 and 9 have a width of 1 cm in this case, and the depth in relation to the upward-facing flanks 11A and 12A of the leaning standing edges 11 and 12 also amounts to 1 cm. It is clear that the given dimensions are not limitative, but are merely intended to clarify the given embodiment .

The slanting arrangement of the bottom 2 in relation to the upward-facing flanks 11A and 12A, i.e. in relation to the reference plane A, results in the characteristic that the grooves 8 and 9 become gradually less deep in relation to the bottom 2 as the discharge chute 7 approaches.

At their far ends near the side 6 of the bottom 2, the grooves 8 and 9 are confined by standing edge parts 16 and 17 whose upward-facing flanks 16A and 17A are situated in the reference plane A as well. Figures 4 to 6 represent three raised profiles 18, 19 and 20 which can be used in combination with the construction element 1 as discussed and as represented in figures 1 to 3.

Note that these raised profiles 18 to 20 have an L-shaped section .

In the raised profiles 18 and 19 is provided a cut-out 21 at one of the far ends, and in the raised profile 20 is provided a cut-out 21 at both far ends.

The raised profiles 18 and 19 are different from one another in that said cut-outs 21 are provided at opposite far ends .

Figures 7 and 8 show raised profiles 22 and 23 which differ from the raised profiles 18 and 19 as represented in figures 4, 5 respectively. These raised profiles 22 and 23 differ more specifically from the raised profiles 18 and 19 in that the flank part which does not have a cut-out 21 is provided with two standing wall parts, such that the part shown at the top corresponds to a U-profile. Thus, the raised profiles 22 and 23 obtain a mainly μ- shaped section.

These raised profiles 22 and 23 can also be used in combination with the construction element 1 as discussed above and as represented in figures 1 to 3.

The method for installing such a construction element 1, possibly in combination with one or several of the raised profiles 18 to 20 and/or 22 and 23, is possibly carried out as follows.

Starting for example from a concrete floor as a structural base and discharge pipes that have already been provided, the construction element 1 according to the invention is installed at an appropriate height, i.e. such that the reference plane A mainly corresponds to the upper surface of the subfloor or cast floor.

In other words, the height of the reference plane is aligned with the intended height of the finished bathroom floor, taking into account the finishing layers to be provided, such as for example an epoxy layer, a tiling or the like.

Suitable adjustable supports can be provided for this alignment. The construction element 1 can thereby be mounted in a floating or fixed manner.

The discharge pipes are appropriately connected to the discharge opening 15.

Next, the subfloor or cast floor can be applied.

In the case of a cast floor such as a cast subfloor, the cast substance will spread evenly so that a level top surface is obtained. It is important to pour the exact amount, such that the cast floor or subfloor reaches up to the reference plane A without a significant difference in height. In general, we can say that the space between the structural or supporting base and the construction element 1 according to the invention is preferably entirely filled, for example with the mortar used when applying the cast floor. This prevents the formation of any cavities, which promotes the acoustic properties of the final result.

It is clear that the aforesaid space can also be filled with other materials such as for example polyurethane or PUR foam, after which the cast floor or subfloor is applied .

A subfloor requires a more laborious installation, but it offers the advantage that any surplus can be more easily removed. The edges 10, 11, 12, 16 and 17 will serve as a reference or straightedge.

After the curing is obtained a level floor which reaches up to the standing edges 10, 11, 12, 16 and 17 at the construction element and up to the bottom 2, which reaches up to the reference plane A on its side 6.

In particular, the cast floor mainly joins the upward- facing flanks 10A, 11A, 12A, 16A and 17A of the respective edges 10, 11 and 12 or edge parts 16 and 17, and joins the bottom 2 where the latter completes the overflow brim.

The overflow brim is defined as the edge, situated in the reference plane A in this case, forming the topmost barrier against overflow if the construction element 1 according to the invention, which has the shape of a dish or shallow tub or the like, were to be filled with water for example, specifically when the construction element 1 with the reference plane A is installed horizontally.

The shower and the floor are finished further according to the method of the invention.

In this phase it is appropriate to apply and adhere the watertight pliable band 24 according to the invention to at least a part of the upper edge of the shower tray 1, in this case referred to as the standing edges 10 and 11 of the shower tray 1 or also the construction element 1, on the one hand, and to the wall 25 which has not been covered yet on the other hand, more specifically the part leaning against the aforesaid upper edges 10 and 11 of the shower tray 1 and extending upwardly from there.

One and other is illustrated in figure 9.

In this manner, the strip of the wall 25 leaning against the shower tray and the strip right above it are sealed in a watertight manner to the shower tray 1.

In this application it is preferred to apply and adhere the watertight pliable band 24 onto the upward-facing flanks 10A and 11A of the aforesaid standing edges 10 and 11.

It is clear that the wall 25 which has not been covered yet is preferably already provided with appropriate preparatory layers which are made flat and offer a good adhesion.

In the corner, the band is applied continuously by providing an appropriate incision in the watertight pliable band 24 and by applying them in a fitting manner on top of one another at the angular point or intersection of the upward-facing flanks 10A and 11A.

This method is advantageous in that a watertight sealing is provided which can be concealed afterwards by applying a finishing layer, for example a tiling.

The width of the watertight pliable band 24 is 7 cm in this case, whereby practically 1 cm of the band 24 is provided on the upward-facing flanks 10A and 11A of the aforesaid standing edges 10 and 11, whereas the remaining available width is used to bridge any possible opening between the shower tray 1 and the wall 25, and mostly to be provided on the leaning and superjacent part of the wall 25.

The watertight pliable band 24 in this case comprises a layer made of nitrile butadiene rubber, in short NBR, and an adhesive layer with very low capillary properties. The band has a thickness of 0.5 mm in this case.

The restricted width over which the band 24 is applied on the shower tray 1 is adapted to the thickness of the wall covering 26 to be used, for example the wall tiles 26 which have a thickness of 15 mm in this case.

One and other implies that the wall tiles 26 will cover the band 24 entirely, i.e. will withdraw it from view.

In this application it is preferred to apply and adhere the watertight pliable band 24 to the upward-facing flanks 10A and 11A of the aforesaid standing edges 10 and 11, but it is clear that in case of a different geometry of the peripheral edges of a shower tray, for example when it has upward edges, the watertight pliable band 24 can be connected to the peripheral edge in an appropriate manner, such that, from top to bottom, the watertight pliable band 24 will preferably evolve gradually or with sudden transitions towards the actual shower tray, more specifically towards its lower zones.

Indeed, water drops which descend along the covering 26 will largely find their way to the shower tray 1 and further to the discharge chute 7 or another drain.

Water drops which would still tend to move in the direction of the wall 25, via the lower edge of the wall covering 26, for example the lower edge of the wall tiles 26, are guided back to the shower tray 1 by the watertight pliable band 24, or are at least prevented from seeping between the shower tray 1 and the wall 25.

The adhesive layer, thanks to its extremely low or non- existent capillary properties, will not let any water through either between the shower tray 1 and the wall 25.

In case tiles are applied on the half-finished floor, said tiles can be provided up to the upward-facing flanks 10A, 11A, 12A, 16A and 17A of the edges 10-17 in places where these edges 10-17 are located away from the walls, i.e. in the arrangement as indicated above up to the upward-facing flanks 11A, 16A and 17A of the edges 11, 16 and 17. Where the shower tray 1 joins a wall 25, the wall tiles, as illustrated, can be provided up to said edges 10-17, i.e. in the arrangement as indicated above up to the edges 10 and 11. Near the transition of the floor into the bottom 2, i.e. near the side edge 6 of the bottom 2, the tiles can be applied right up to or right past said transition.

Subsequently the bottom 2 itself can then be tiled in a continuous manner, such that a seamless transition from the floor to the shower tray is obtained. Possibly, a watertight and tileable cloth of the type as mentioned above can be provided beforehand at the transition of the floor into the bottom 2, i.e. near the side edge 6 of the bottom 2. The raised profiles 18 to 20 can be used in applications where the construction element 1 is installed such that it connects to the wall or the like.

On the spot where the construction element 1 connects to a wall, a raised profile 18, 19 or 20 can be provided before the wall tiles are applied, and after the watertight pliable band 24 has been provided.

Raised profiles 18 and 19 are designed to be applied on the standing edges 11, 12 respectively, for example when they are provided leaning against a wall, in particular such that the cut-out 21 coincides with and provides space for the edge part 16, 17 respectively. Thanks to the width of the grooves 8 and 9, such a raised profile 18 and/or 19 can be provided at an appropriate distance from the wall or the accompanying side edge, among others as a function of the thickness of the wall tiles to be applied.

These raised profiles 18 and/or 19 thus visually seal the opening between the wall tiles and the floor tiles on the bottom 2.

The raised profiles 18 and 19, when provided on the standing edges 11 and 12, can also be used to finish the cut tile edge of the bathroom floor or the finishing edge of any other floor covering of the bathroom floor in combination with the construction element 1.

The raised profile 20 is designed to be provided on the standing edges 10, for example when they are installed leaning against a wall, in particular such that the cut^¬ outs 21 coincide with and offer space to the standing edges 11 and 12. It is clear that the use of the raised profiles is optional .

As mentioned above, it is possible to provide the watertight pliable band 24, which can be provided under said raised profile and under the connecting wall tiles, partly on the wall to be tiled, over the upward-facing flank 11A and/or 12A of the standing edges 11 and/or 12 concerned, and up into the groove 8 and/or 9. The raised profiles 18, 19 and/or 20 hide such a possible layer from view and additionally guide dripping water to the drain. As mentioned above, the band 24 is preferably provided continuously in a corner by providing an appropriate incision in the watertight pliable band 24, and by applying them in a fitting manner on top of one another at the angular point or intersection of the upward-facing flanks 10A and 11A.

Figure 10 shows the angular profile 27 which can be provided in the corner over the applied band 24 in order to hide the band from view there and/or additionally guide dripping water to the drain.

Note that the grid which can be provided over the discharge chute can be tiled as well. Openings between the grid and the construction element 1 allow water to be drained.

The raised profiles 22 and 23 as represented in figures 7 and 8 can be used for installing a glass wall or the like, for example on an edge of the construction element 1.

It is clear that these raised profiles 22 and 23 can be composed of for example an L-profile of the type as represented in figures 4 to 6 onto which is provided a U- profile .

The present invention is by no means restricted to the variants of the method described by way of example and represented in the accompanying figures; on the contrary, such a method according to the invention can be carried out in many ways while still remaining within the scope of the invention .

Claims

Claims .

1. Method for installing a shower tray which, starting from a shower tray (1) installed in a position of use, which is installed with at least one of its peripheral edges near or up to a wall (25) which has not been covered yet, at least comprises the step of applying and adhering a watertight pliable band (24) which is attached to at least the top edge of the shower tray (1) leaning against the wall (25) , more specifically to a predominantly horizontal plane or a predominantly inclined sloping plane which is part of the edge of the shower tray (1) leaning against the wall (25) , or with any combination of such planes on the one hand, and to the adjacent wall (25) which has not been covered yet on the other hand, in particular the part that leans against the shower tray (1) and an upper part thereof .

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the watertight pliable band (24), in case the leaning edge of the shower tray (1) comprises a horizontal or inclined sloping plane, is provided only up to a limited distance of the wall (25) to be covered.

3. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the watertight pliable band (24) is only provided over a restricted width on the leaning top edge of the shower tray (1), more specifically over a width which is smaller than the thickness of the wall covering (26) to be provided later on, for example the tiles, which will be provided on the leaning wall (25), such that the wall covering (26) will conceal said strip once it is provided.

4. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the watertight pliable band

(24) is provided on the upward-facing flanks over a width of for example 10 mm, 15 mm or 20 mm, depending on the thickness of the selected covering layer (26) of the leaning wall (25) , such that the covering will also shield that part of the pliable band (24) .

5. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the watertight pliable band (24) is applied over a width of mainly a few centimetres, for example 4, 5 or 6 cm, on the wall (25) which has not been covered yet and is adhered to it.

6. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in case the shower tray (1) is leaning in a corner with two transverse walls, the watertight pliable band (24) can be provided continuously by providing an appropriate incision in the strip which is provided on the edge of the shower tray (1), and by applying them in a fitting manner on top of one another at the angular point or intersection of the edges of the shower tray (1) .

7. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that after the watertight pliable band (24) has been applied, and before the wall covering (26) is provided, a raised profile (18-20) is provided on the edge of the shower tray (1), for example made of metal or plastic, which raised profile will cover any possible visible parts of the applied watertight pliable band (24) .

8. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in case the shower tray (1) is leaning in a corner with two transverse walls, after the watertight pliable band (24) has been applied, and before the wall covering (26) is provided, a corner element (27) is provided in the intersection concerned of the edges of the shower tray (1), for example made of metal or plastic, which corner element (27) will cover any possible visible parts of the applied watertight pliable band (24) .

9. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that, where the edge of the shower tray (1) which leans against the wall (25) comprises a combination of a predominantly horizontal plane, a predominantly vertical plane and/or an inclined sloping plane, the watertight pliable band (24) is provided over more than one of these planes.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that a raised profile (18-20) is provided after the watertight pliable band (24) has been applied and before the wall covering (26) is provided, which raised profile (18-20) has an appropriate shape which covers the thus provided watertight pliable band (24) .

11. Sealing means for carrying out the method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sealing means comprise a watertight pliable band (24) which is at least composed of a watertight layer and a bonding layer, whereby the bonding layer is characterised by a very low or non-existing capillary suction.

12. Sealing means according to claim 11, characterised in that the watertight pliable band (24) comprises a layer made of nitrile butadiene rubber, in short NBR.