WO2020264231A1

WO2020264231A1 - Bathroom module

Info

Publication number: WO2020264231A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/039722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ki Bok Song; Soonjae Kwon; Jean-Jacques L'henaff
Original assignee: As America, Inc.
Priority date: 2019-06-28
Filing date: 2020-06-26
Publication date: 2020-12-30
Also published as: EP3990714A1; EP3990714A4

Abstract

An easy-to-install, compact-sized bathroom module comprising a core wall; a first side wall; a ceiling; a toilet area; a shower area; a faucet/sink area; and an appliance area. The first side wall is substantially perpendicular to the core wall, each area contains a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet configured to couple to a fluid inlet line and fluid outlet line, respectively, disposed in the core wall, which fluid inlet line and fluid outlet line are configured to couple to existing fluid inlet and fluid outlet lines of a home, office, recreational vehicle, dormitory, and the like.

Description

Bathroom Module

The invention is directed to a pre-fabricated bathroom module comprising a toilet area, a shower area, a faucet/sink area, and an appliance area.

Background

Desired is an easy-to-install, compact sized bathroom module for a home. Homes may be broadly referred to as including, but not limited to, single family homes, multi-family homes, apartments, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, hotel or motel rooms, office buildings, trailers, tiny homes, student housing, dormitories, hospital settings, nursing homes, and the like.

Summary

Disclosed is a bathroom module comprising a toilet area, a shower area, a faucet/sink area, and an appliance area. A bathroom module may comprise a core wall, a first side wall, and a ceiling. A bathroom module may comprise a second side wall.

In an embodiment, disclosed is bathroom module for a home, comprising a core wall; a first side wall; a ceiling; a toilet plumbing area; a shower plumbing area; a faucet/sink plumbing area; and an appliance plumbing area, wherein the core wall comprises a first side, an opposing second side, a first edge, and an opposing second edge, the first side wall is substantially perpendicular to the core wall and adjacent the core wall first edge, the ceiling is disposed on a top edge of the core wall and a top edge of the first side wall, each plumbing area contains a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlets are coupled to a fluid inlet line disposed in the core wall, the fluid outlets are coupled to a fluid outlet line disposed in the core wall, and the fluid inlet line and fluid outlet line are configured to couple to existing fluid inlet and fluid outlet lines of the home via the core wall second edge.

In an embodiment, disclosed is a method for constructing a bathroom module of any of the preceding embodiments, the method comprising providing the core wall and connecting the core wall fluid inlet line and core wall fluid outlet line to the existing fluid inlet and outlet lines of the home; attaching the side wall to the core wall; attaching the ceiling to a top edge of the core wall and top edge of the first side wall; and attaching remaining features as required. Brief Description of the Drawings

The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 1C, and Fig. 1D show stages of assembly of pre-fabricated parts of a bathroom module, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 1E, Fig. 1F, Fig. 1G, Fig. 1H, Fig, 11, and Fig. 1J show various configurations of a bathroom module in a room, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 2A shows a core wall in a“see-through” view, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2B shows a core wall in a“see-through” view, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2C and Fig. 2D illustrates a sink, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, and Fig. 3C show an assembled bath module, according to an embodiment. Fig. 3D shows a maintenance access area, according to an embodiment.

Detailed Disclosure

Fig. 1A, Fig. 1 B, Fig. 1C, and Fig. 1D show stages of assembly of pre-fabricated parts of a bathroom module 100, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, in a first step, core wall 101 is provided adjacent a room wall having water and electric service available. Hot and cold water inlets, waste water outlet, and electric service of the core wall are connected to the existing home service. Visible in Fig. 1A are core wall 101 , faucet/sink area 102 and toilet area 103. In Fig. 1 B, first side wall 104 is attached to core wall 101. In Fig. 1C, ceiling 105 is attached to a top edge of core wall 101 and side wall 104. In Fig. 1D, remaining parts are installed to show complete module 100, according to an embodiment. Ceiling 105 may comprise pre-installed shower outlet and lighting. Side wall 104 may comprise a pre-installed sliding door for a toilet area. Section 106 may comprise an area to house an appliance.

Fig. 1E, Fig. 1F, Fig. 1G, Fig. 1H, Fig, 11, and Fig. 1J show various configurations of bathroom module 100 in a room, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, a bathroom module may be placed in various positions and configurations in a room. Core wall 101 may generally be adjacent a room wall comprising existing available water and electric service. Sliding door 108 adjacent toilet area 103 is configured to provide privacy. Sliding door 108 may be an electric power door. Shower area 111 may comprise shower base 107 which may extend beyond a module base and side wall. Extension 110 may be provided in some instances where a module may be installed toward a center of a room. A shower area may also comprise sliding door 109. In Fig. 1G, Fig. 1H and Fig. 11, second sidewall 112 is visible.

Fig. 2A shows core wall 101 in a“see-through” view according to an embodiment.

Shown are hot and cold water inlet lines 220 adjacent to a room wall. Also visible is main drain outlet line 221 of the module attached to home drain line 222. Also shown is electric line 223. Visible are connection inlet point 224 for a faucet, shower valve assembly 225, and shower base drain 226. Maintenance access area 227 contains a configuration for distributing clean water to a faucet, shower, and any appliance. Access area 227 may contain a main water shut off valve, electric power switches or one or more water filters. Access area 227 is accessible via a toilet area. Also shown are sink 228, shower head 229 and wall-hung toilet 230 in a toilet area. An appliance may be fluidly connected to water connection 231.

Fig. 2B shows core wall 101 in a“see-through” view, according to an embodiment. Visible are hot and cold water inlet lines 220, main waste drain line 221 , electric line 223, sink 228, sink trap 234, toilet 230, toilet outlet 232, shower valve assembly 225, maintenance access area 227, appliance water connection 231 , faucet water connections 224, and an appliance 233 (washing machine).

Fig. 2C and Fig. 2D depict sink 228 in front and side views, respectively. Sink trap 234 makes about a 90 degree turn to fit within a core wall.

Fig. 3A shows assembled bath module 100, according to an embodiment. Shown are core wall 101 , side wall 104, toilet 230 in toilet area 103, shower area 111 , rain shower outlet 229 built into ceiling 105, maintenance access area 227, and sliding door 108 in a retracted closed position. Lighting is supplied from underneath shower base 107.

Fig. 3B shows assembled bath module 100, according to an embodiment, from the opposite side of that of Fig. 3A. Shown are sink 228 and laminar faucet 350 in faucet/sink area 102. Also shown are mirror 351 , closet 352, and clothes washer appliance 233 disposed in appliance plumbing area 106. Also visible is accessory shelving area 353 and accessory drawer 354.

Fig. 3C shows assembled bath module 100, according to an embodiment, from the same side as Fig. 3B. Doors of closet 352 and appliance area 106 are closed. Visible are sink 228, faucet 350, accessory shelving area 353 and accessory drawer 354.

Fig. 3D shows maintenance access area 227, according to an embodiment. Visible is an interior of the access area with a door open. Shown are water filters 355, hot and cold water main on/off valves 356, and electric switches 357.

A wall in general will comprise a first side, an opposing second side, a first edge, an opposing second edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. A core wall may have service lines, that is, a hot water inlet line, a cold water inlet line, waste water outlet lines, and electric service lines, disposed therein and adapted to connect to a home’s existing fluid inlet, fluid outlet, and electric service lines via a core wall second edge. In some embodiments, a core wall first edge will be visible in a room.

In some embodiments water inlet lines, water outlet lines and electric service are configured to run through a core wall to couple to toilet, faucet/sink area, shower, and appliance water inlets and outlets and to any lighting or other electric devices. Service lines in the core wall may be configured to couple to existing water inlet, water outlet, and electric service present in the home via an edge of the core wall.

In some embodiments, an edge of the core wall is configured to be adjacent to a wall of a home. Accordingly, water and electric service of the core wall may be coupled to water and electric service of the home via the core wall edge. The core wall edge may be adjacent a second side wall. Accordingly, water and electric service of the core wall may be coupled to water and electric service of the home via the core wall edge and through a second side wall. First and second side walls may be substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the core wall. In some embodiments, a side wall may comprise no plumbing lines, save for the possibility of inlet and outlet lines in a core wall coupled to a home’s existing plumbing lines through a second side wall. A ceiling may be disposed on a top edge of the core wall and first side wall, and optional second side wall. A ceiling may comprise lighting and/or plumbing fixtures, for instance a ceiling may comprise a built-in rain-shower outlet.

In an embodiment, an appliance area may comprise one or more of a compact washing machine, a compact clothes dryer, or a refrigerator. An appliance area may comprise storage and/or closet area.

A bathroom module may be from any of about 185 cm, about 190 cm, about 195 cm, about 200 cm, about 205 cm, about 210 cm, about 215 cm, about 220 cm, about 225 cm, about 230 cm, about 235 cm, or about 240 cm, to any of about 245 cm, about 250 cm, about 255 cm, about 260 cm, about 265 cm, about 270 cm, or about 275 cm in height.

A bathroom module may be from any of about 160 cm, about 165 cm, about 170 cm, about 175 cm, about 180 cm or about 190 cm, to any of about 195 cm, about 200 cm, about 205 cm, about 210 cm, about 215 cm, or about 220 cm in width. The width may be defined as the length of the core wall plus the thickness of the first side wall and the thickness of the optional second side wall.

A bathroom module may be from any of about 155 cm, about 160 cm, about 165 cm, about 170 cm, about 175 cm, about 180 cm, or about 185 cm, to any of about 190 cm, about 195 cm, about 200 cm, about 205 cm, about 210 cm, or about 215 cm in length. The length may substantially be the length of the first side wall.

A shower base may extend beyond the length of the first side wall or a second side wall. A shower base may extend from any of about 30 cm, about 35 cm, about 40 cm, about 45 cm, about 50 cm, about 55 cm or about 60 cm, to any of about 65 cm, about 70 cm, about 75 cm, about 80 cm, about 85 cm, about 90 cm, or about 95 cm from a side wall.

A bath module may be configured to not have a second side wall, thereby employing a wall of the home as an enclosure. In other embodiments, a bath module may comprise a second side wall, parallel to the first side wall. A second side wall may comprise a sliding door to slide in and out of the wall and parallel to the wall. A second side wall may be a thin sheet or may be of about the same thickness of a first side wall.

In some embodiments, a sliding door is configured to provide privacy for a toilet area and/or for a shower area. A sliding door may be configured to operate independently, for instance no door frame may be required. In some embodiments, a sliding door may have a built-in locking feature, so that no locking element is required on an interior side of a wall. In some embodiments, a sliding door in a closed (retracted) position may be hidden within a side wall and/or a ceiling, so that the sliding door is not visible.

A sliding door of a present bathroom module provides efficient use of space for small living spaces. In a situation where privacy is not a concern, for example a single occupant, a sliding door may essentially remain in a closed or retracted position and an occupant may enjoy a larger space provided by the retracted door. Alternatively, when privacy is desired, a sliding door for a toilet area and/or for a shower area may be opened (pulled-out) - see for instance Fig. J.

In some embodiments, a sliding door may be associated with an extension, for example as illustrated in Fig. 11, in order to provide a larger private zone and/or in a situation where a module is positioned away from a wall.

In some embodiments, a bath module may be pre-fabricated, containing several parts to be delivered for assembly in a desired room. The several parts may have one or more of a faucet/sink, toilet, shower outlet, plumbing lines, electric fixtures, and electric lines already disposed therein and/or attached thereto prior to being delivered to a site for assembly. The several parts may comprise a core wall containing water and electric lines. The several parts may comprise a core wall comprising a faucet/sink and/or a toilet attached thereto and fluidly coupled to water inlet and outlet lines in the core wall. The several parts may comprise a ceiling having a shower head, for instance a rain-shower outlet, disposed therein. The several parts may comprise a first and/or second side wall. The several parts may comprise one or more doors.

Electric fixtures may comprise lighting, switches, or electric outlets. Each electric fixture will comprise an electric connection, a point at with an electric line is attached to the fixture. A core wall may contain one or more than one electric service lines to be coupled to a home’s existing electric service.

In some embodiments, a core wall first side comprises a toilet area. A core wall second side may comprise a faucet/sink area. A faucet/sink area and a toilet area may be on opposite sides of a core wall and adjacent to a core wall first edge. A core wall first side may contain a shower area adjacent to a toilet area. A shower area may be adjacent a core wall second edge. An appliance area may be on a core wall second side and adjacent a core wall second edge.

In an embodiment, a bath module may be considered to have four quadrants, one for each of a toilet plumbing area, a faucet/sink plumbing area, an appliance plumbing area, and a shower plumbing area. A first quadrant may be associated with a core wall first side and second edge, and may comprise a shower area. A second quadrant may be associated with a core wall first side and first edge, and may comprise a toilet area. A third quadrant may be associated with a core wall second side and first edge, and may comprise a faucet/sink area. A fourth quadrant may be associated with a core wall second side and second edge, and may comprise an appliance area. Four quadrants may comprise a similar amount of space, or may comprise differing amounts of space.

Plumbing lines include hot water inlet lines, cold water inlet lines, and waste water outlet lines.

In some embodiments, a sink trapway may be positioned within a core wall and not visible.

In some embodiments, a faucet/sink area may comprise an AC electric power outlet and/or may have battery power. A faucet/sink area may be employed for device (phone) charging, LED display, lighting, touch controls, sensors, and the like. In some embodiments, a faucet may be“touchless” and operated by a presence sensor and electronic valve.

In some embodiments, a bathroom module may be configured to provide a high degree of flexibility as to possible installation positions within a room, for example as shown in Figs. 1E- IJ. In some embodiments, a bathroom module may be configured to be positioned in any space within which it may fit. In some embodiments, a maintenance access area may contain a configuration for distributing clean water to a faucet, shower, and any appliance. An access area may contain a main water shut-off valve, electric power switches or one or more water filters.

Also disclosed is a method for constructing a bathroom module of any of the preceding embodiments, the method comprising providing the core wall and connecting the core wall fluid inlet line and core wall fluid outlet line to the existing fluid inlet and outlet lines of the home; attaching the side wall to the core wall; attaching the ceiling to a top edge of the core wall and top edge of the first side wall; and attaching remaining features as required. Method steps may be in any order.

Following are some non-limiting embodiments.

In a first embodiment, disclosed is a bathroom module for a home, comprising a core wall; a first side wall; a ceiling; a toilet plumbing area; a shower plumbing area; a faucet/sink plumbing area; and an appliance plumbing area, wherein the core wall comprises a first side, an opposing second side, a first edge, and an opposing second edge, the first side wall is substantially perpendicular to the core wall and adjacent the core wall first edge, the ceiling is disposed on a top edge of the core wall and a top edge of the first side wall, each plumbing area contains a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid inlets are coupled to a fluid inlet line disposed in the core wall, the fluid outlets are coupled to a fluid outlet line disposed in the core wall, and the fluid inlet line and fluid outlet line are configured to couple to existing fluid inlet and fluid outlet lines of the home via the core wall second edge.

In a second embodiment, disclosed is a module of the first embodiment, wherein the module comprises one or more electric fixtures, the one or more electric fixtures each comprise an electric connection, the electric connections are coupled to an electric line disposed in the core wall, and the electric line is configured to couple to an existing electric line of the home via the core wall second edge.

In a third embodiment, disclosed is a module according to the first or second

embodiments, wherein the appliance area comprises an electric connection, the electric connection is coupled to an electric line disposed in the core wall, and the electric line is configured to couple to an existing electric line of the home via the core wall second edge.

In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toilet area and the shower area are adjacent and are disposed on the first side of the core wall. In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding

embodiments, wherein the faucet/sink area and the appliance area are adjacent and are disposed on the second side of the core wall.

In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a second side wall, wherein the second side wall is substantially perpendicular to the core wall and adjacent the core wall second edge.

In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first side wall contains no plumbing inlet lines or plumbing outlet lines. In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the shower area comprises a rain shower fixture. In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein one or more of the plumbing areas comprise one or more lighting fixtures.

In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toilet area comprises a sliding door. In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the shower area comprises a sliding door. In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, comprising an electrically powered sliding door.

In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toilet area comprises a wall-hung toilet. In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a water filter. In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toilet area comprises a maintenance access area, the maintenance access area comprising one or more of a manual water shut off valve, electric power switches, or a water filter. In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the module is from about 223 cm to about 265 cm in height, from about 171 cm to about 209 cm in width, and from about 163 cm to about 203 cm in length.

In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding

embodiments, comprising a shower base. In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a module of any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a shower base, wherein the shower base extends from about 66 cm to about 86 beyond a side wall.

In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a method for constructing a bathroom module of any of the preceding embodiments, the method comprising providing the core wall and connecting the core wall fluid inlet line and core wall fluid outlet line to the existing fluid inlet and outlet lines of the home; attaching the side wall to the core wall; attaching the ceiling to a top edge of the core wall and top edge of the first side wall; and attaching remaining features as required. In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a method of embodiment nineteen, comprising connecting a core wall electric line to an existing electric line of the home.

The term“coupled” means that an element is“attached to” or“associated with” another element. Coupled may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term“via” in reference to“via an element” may mean “through” or“by” an element. Coupled or“associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they“go together” in that one may function together with the other.

The term“flow communication” means for example configured for liquid or gas flow there through and may be synonymous with“fluidly coupled”. The terms“upstream” and

“downstream” indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

The term“towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example“towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge. The term“like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance“ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about" used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, "about" may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more. All numeric values are modified by the term "about" whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term "about" include the specific identified value. For example "about 5.0" includes 5.0.

The term“substantially” is similar to“about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more of the definition; for example the term“substantially

perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean“about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to“substantially”.

Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.

All U.S. patent applications, published patent applications and patents referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A bathroom module for a home, comprising a core wall;

a first side wall;

a ceiling;

a toilet plumbing area;

a shower plumbing area;

a faucet/sink plumbing area; and

an appliance plumbing area, wherein the core wall comprises a first side, an opposing second side, a first edge, and an opposing second edge,

the first side wall is substantially perpendicular to the core wall and adjacent the core wall first edge,

the ceiling is disposed on a top edge of the core wall and a top edge of the first side wall, each plumbing area contains a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet,

the fluid inlets are coupled to a fluid inlet line disposed in the core wall,

the fluid outlets are coupled to a fluid outlet line disposed in the core wall, and the fluid inlet line and fluid outlet line are configured to couple to existing fluid inlet and fluid outlet lines of the home via the core wall second edge.

2. The module of claim 1 , wherein

the module comprises one or more electric fixtures,

the one or more electric fixtures each comprise an electric connection,

the electric connections are coupled to an electric line disposed in the core wall, and the electric line is configured to couple to an existing electric line of the home via the core wall second edge.

3. The module of claim 1 , wherein

the appliance area comprises an electric connection, the electric connection is coupled to an electric line disposed in the core wall, and the electric line is configured to couple to an existing electric line of the home via the core wall second edge.

4. The module of claim 1 , wherein the toilet area and the shower area are adjacent and are disposed on the first side of the core wall.

5. The module of claim 1 , wherein the faucet/sink area and the appliance area are adjacent and are disposed on the second side of the core wall.

6. The module of claim 1 , comprising a second side wall, wherein the second side wall is substantially perpendicular to the core wall and adjacent the core wall second edge.

7. The module of claim 1 , wherein the shower area comprises a rain shower fixture.

8. The module of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plumbing areas comprise one or more lighting fixtures.

9. The module of claim 1 , wherein the toilet area comprises a sliding door.

10. The module of claim 1 , wherein the shower area comprises a sliding door.

11 . The module of claim 1 , comprising an electrically powered sliding door.

12. The module of claim 1 , wherein the toilet area comprises a wall-hung toilet.

13. The module of claim 1 , comprising a water filter.

14. The module of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the toilet area comprises a maintenance access area, the maintenance access area comprising one or more of a manual water shut off valve, electric power switches, or a water filter.

15. The module of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first side wall contains no plumbing inlet lines or plumbing outlet lines.

16. The module of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the module is from about 223 cm to about 265 cm in height, from about 171 cm to about 209 cm in width, and from about 163 cm to about 203 cm in length.

17. The module of any of claims 1 to 13, comprising a shower base.

18. The module of any of claims 1 to 13, comprising a shower base, wherein the shower base extends from about 66 cm to about 86 beyond a side wall.

19. A method for constructing a bathroom module of any of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising providing the core wall and connecting the core wall fluid inlet line and core wall fluid outlet line to the existing fluid inlet and outlet lines of the home;

attaching the side wall to the core wall;

attaching the ceiling to a top edge of the core wall and top edge of the first side wall; and attaching remaining features as required.

20. The method of claim 19, comprising connecting a core wall electric line to an existing electric line of the home.