U.S. patent application number 10/275346 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-31 for structure for pre-assembled bathroom and method of installation of the bathroom.
Invention is credited to Declomesnil, Franck, Hertzog, Nicolas, Machon, Pascal.
Application Number | 20030140572 10/275346 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29217173 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030140572 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hertzog, Nicolas ; et
al. |
July 31, 2003 |
Structure for pre-assembled bathroom and method of installation of
the bathroom
Abstract
Structure of bathroom for installation in a room intended for
use as a bathroom including a multiplicity of covering panels (1,
2, 3) produced to measure for the continuous lining of at least a
part of the walls and the floor of the room to be installed and a
multiplicity of sanitary components or modules (4, 5, 6, 7) each
predisposed with its own support structure and with its own tubes
(41, 51, 61, 71) ready to be interconnected reciprocally and to be
connected to hydraulic conducts of the room to be installed (100,
101) in such a way as to complete the hydraulic circuit of the
bathroom; floor, ceiling and wall structures for a pre-assembled
bathroom; method for installing a floor structure for pre-assembled
bathroom and a method for the production and installation in a room
of a complete pre-assembled bathroom including the phases of:
produce panels of covering, factory produced to measure for the
walls of the room; produce the self-bearing sanitary components
provided with tubes and joints predisposed to be reciprocally
connected and then connected up to the tubes of the room;
installation of said panels and of said components without mural
intervention or traditional constructions.
Inventors: |
Hertzog, Nicolas;
(Rueil-Malmaison, FR) ; Machon, Pascal; (Colombes,
FR) ; Declomesnil, Franck; (Paris, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM COLLARD
COLLARD & ROE, P.C.
1077 NORTHERN BOULEVARD
ROSLYN
NY
11576
US
|
Family ID: |
29217173 |
Appl. No.: |
10/275346 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
May 7, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP01/05125 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.1 ;
52/220.8; 52/478; 52/483.1; 52/746.1; 52/781.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 19/083 20130101;
E04F 13/0853 20130101; A47K 4/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/79.1 ;
52/220.8; 52/478; 52/483.1; 52/781.5; 52/746.1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 001/00; E04B
009/00 |
Claims
1. Structure for pre-assembled bathroom, for the installation in a
room intended for use as a bathroom, characterised by the fact of
including a plurality of covering panels produced to measure for
the continuos lining of at least a part of the walls and the floor
of the room to be installed and a plurality of sanitary components
each predisposed with its own self-bearing support structure and
with its own pipe works ready to be interconnected reciprocally and
to be connected to the hydraulic conducts of the room to be
installed in such a way as to complete the hydraulic circuit of the
bathroom.
2. Structure according to the claim 1, in which said predisposed
panels to measure include wall panels (1) and floor (2) panels.
3. Structure according to the claim 2, in which said wall panels
include panels which are arranged normally and are capable of
horizontally sliding on contact one against the other in order to
create a corner.
4. Structure according to the claim 2, in which said panels
predisposed to measure include ceiling (3) panels.
5. Structure according to claim 2, in which said panels (1) are
provided with secret fixing means for reciprocal connection (8,
9).
6. Structure according to the claim 5, in which said means are made
up of fixture plates (9) belonging to adjacent panels (1) and
disposed in height in alternate positions.
7. Structure according to the one of the claims 1-3, in which said
panels (1) are provided with adjustable means of fixture to the
wall (40).
8. Structure according to the claim 7, in which said means include
a first drilled plate (20) which may be fixed on the back of the
panel (1) using common screw means (23) and a drilled round (21)
placed at the centre of the plate (20) and partially superimposed
to it in such a way as to leave between the panel (1) and round
disk (21) a gap (22) in which a washer (26) internally threaded may
be placed and turn freely, with which a screw (24) may engage
itself being activated from the outside through a corresponding
hole (11) made in the panel (1), said means include moreover a
second plate (30) which may be fixed to the wall (40) by means of
screws (32) in the position corresponding to the plate (20) and a
threaded bolt (31) is provided centrally, suitable to receive the
screw (24) in order to get closer or more distant panel (1) form
the wall.
9. Structure according to the claim 7, in which said means include:
a first drilled plate (20') which can be fixed to the back face of
a wall panel (1), plate (20') sticking out a lateral side of the
panel and having passing holes (11') and a transversal slot (24')
having a countersunk hole; a second plate (30') which can be fixed
to a room wall (40) by common screws (32'), the central portion of
plate (30') having a concave shape emerging from the wall (40) and
presenting a transversal slot (56); in which said plates are
connected by a regulating bolt (31') passing through slots (56) and
(24'), bolt (31') being engaged with a nut (54) made integral with
plate (30') and preferably having two locking nuts (58) placed
between the plates and a further locking nut (57), on the inner
face of plate (30), so that by operating from the outside bolt
(31') the distance between the first and second plates (20', 30')
is adjusted.
10. Structure according the claim 2, including self-bearing
adjustable supports for the pose and levelling of said floor panels
(2) to the floor.
11. Structure according to the claim 10, in which said supports
include a fixed match (R) and plates (28) fixed with normal screws
(27) on the floor (50) preexistent and supplied with screws for
regulation (29) to be adjusted according to the required level of
the support of the panels (2).
12. Structure according to the claim 10, in which said supports are
formed by plates (280) which can rotate on the horizontal plane
around a pin (200) which is fixed to the floor (50) and are
provided with supporting disks (201) integrated with screws for
regulation (290) acting between the floor panels (2) and the
pre-existent floor (50).
13. Structure according to the claim 10, in which said supports
consist of a fixed match (R) and of a plate (28) capable of being
fixed to the common side of at least one of said panels (2) and to
jut out from it in order to offer a support to the adjacent panel
(2), the plates (28) are moreover equipped with support and
regulation in height screws (29) acting on the pre-existent floor
(50) in the room to be installed.
14. Structure according to the claim 1, in which said components
are made up of a vanity unit (4), a bath tub (5) with a water tap
complex for shower (6) and a cistern for WC (7), each provided with
tubes (41, 51, 61, 71) with terminal joints (42, 52, 62, 72)
predisposed in such a way as to correspond exactly one to another
at the moment of installation and to be able to be connected
directly to the existing conducts in the room.
15. Structure according to the claim 1, in which the tubes of at
least one of said components are hidden from sight by covering
panels removable for inspection.
16. Structure according to one or more of the preceding claims,
wherein said wall panels and/or said floor panels are made of
natural stone.
17. Fixing device to a wall (40) of a panel (1), including a first
drilled plate (20, 20') which may be fixed on the back of a panel
(1), a second plate (30, 30') which can be fixed to the wall (40)
of a room and regulating means of the distance between said first
an second plates said regulating means being accessible from the
front side of the panel (1).
18. Device according to claim 17, wherein it includes a first
drilled plate (20) which may be fixed on the back of the panel (1)
using common screw means (23) and a drilled round (21) placed at
the centre of the plate (20) and partially superimposed to it in
such a way as to leave between the panel (1) and the round (21) a
gap (22) in which a washer (26) internally threaded may be placed
and turn freely, with which a screw (24) may engage itself, it
being activated through a correspondent hole (11) made in the panel
(1); and including moreover a second plate (30) which may be fixed
to the wall (40) using screws (32) in the position corresponding to
the plate (20) and is provided centrally with a threaded bolt (31)
suitable to receive the screw (24).
19. Device according to claim 17, wherein it includes a first
drilled plate (20') which can be fixed to the back face of a wall
panel (1), plate (20') sticking out a lateral side of the panel and
having passing holes (11') and a transversal slot (24') having a
countersunk hole; a second plate (30') which can be fixed to a room
wall (40) by common screws (32'), the central portion of plate
(30') having a concave shape emerging from the wall (40) and
presenting a transversal slot (56); in which said plates are
connected by a regulating bolt (31') passing through slots (56) and
(24'), bolt (31') being engaged with a nut (54) made integral with
plate (30') and preferably having two locking nuts (58) placed
between the plates and a further locking nut (57), on the inner
face of plate (30), so that by operating from the outside bolt
(31') the distance between the first and second plates (20', 30')
is adjusted.
20. Method for the realisation and installation in a room of a
complete pre-assembled bathroom including the phases of: realise
covering panels, factory produced to measure for the walls of the
room; realise self-bearing sanitary components provided with tubes
and joints predisposed to be reciprocally connected and then
connected up to the tubes of the room; installation of said panels
and of said components without mural intervention or construction
means.
21. Floor structure comprising one or more panels (2) and means to
adjust the height of said panels in respect of a pre-existing floor
surface (50).
22. Structure according to claim 21, wherein said adjusting means
consist of plates (280) which can rotate on the horizontal plane
being pivotally fixed to the floor (50) by a vertical pin (200) and
are provided with supporting disks (201) mounted on screws for
regulation (290) acting between the floor panels (2) and the
pre-existent floor (50).
23. Structure according to the claim 21, in which said supports are
made up of a fixed match (R) and of a plate (28) capable of being
fixed to the common side of at least one of said panels (2) and to
jut out from it in order to offer a support to the adjacent panel
(2), the plates (28) are moreover equipped with support and
regulation in height screws (29) acting on the pre-existent floor
(50) in the room to be installed.
24. Method for the installation of a floor structure on a
pre-existing floor surface (50) comprising the following step: a)
installation of one or more floor panels (2) leaving a free gap
from the surface (50); b) pouring anti-shrinking liquid grout into
the gap between the already installed panels (2) and surfaces (50)
underneath in order to completely fill said gap.
25. Method according to claim 24 comprising the following steps: a)
fixing on a preexisting floor a plurality of height regulating
elements along lines corresponding to the sides of one or more
floor panels to be installed; b) installation of a first panel; c)
adjusting the level of the first panel acting on the regulating
element; d) installing the floor panels adjacent to the already
installed panel so that adjacent panels share a line of regulating
elements e) adjusting the level of the installed panels acting on
the regulating element; f) repeat steps (d, e) to the complete
covering of the floor surface g) pouring anti-retractable liquid
cement into the gap between installed panels and surfaces
underneath.
26. Pre-assembled ceiling structure for bathroom, consisting of
panels (3) made of pre-assembled gypsum boards mechanically fixed
to steel studs (33) or made of aluminium honey-comb panels.
27. Pre-assembled wall structure consisting of a plurality of self
supporting metal structures (301) provided with covering panels
(1), said structure being capable of being adjusted in position and
then mechanically connected with each other.
28. Structure according to claim 27, wherein said metal structures
are provided with connection telescopic bars "T" to adjust the
distance of the structure in respect to a pre-existing wall
(40).
29. Structure according to claim 27, wherein at least one of said
metal structures include a pre-assembled door frame.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention regards the sector of construction and
installation of bathrooms for hotel structures, for domestic use or
offices.
[0002] In particular the invention regards complete pre-assembled
structures for bathrooms, capable of being installed rapidly and
economically for a first time installation as well as a
re-modernising of rooms used for bathrooms in hotels or other
buildings.
[0003] At present, in order to realise a complete bathroom, many
hours of work are required and the collaboration of skilled labour
from various sectors, plumbing, constructional, electrical etc . .
. .
[0004] This requirement involves periods of time, and therefore
costs, quite high, taking into consideration in particular the fact
that for a hotel the days lost for re-modernisation imply also lost
revenue from the occupation of the room.
[0005] Further, the need to co-ordinate different staff and timing,
results not always in a satisfactory quality of finish, considering
the cost sustained.
AIM OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the
drawbacks of the known type of pre-fabricated structures for
bathroom and to propose a bathroom with an easy and rapid
installation, carried out also by unskilled labour.
[0007] A second aim is to propose a bathroom with a high quality
finish that does not have delimitation of a prefabricated product
by measures or quality and which can be installed in site without
the necessity of the intervention of skilled labour.
[0008] In particular bathroom structures made of high value
materials like marble and natural stones are considered.
[0009] A third aim is to permit a savings in the cost of
installation because of a better management of the costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] These aims have been reached according to the invention
realising structures for a pre-assembled bathroom complete in all
its necessary components, the hydraulic parts and electric as well
as the coverings.
[0011] The coverings (walls, floor and, if required, the ceiling)
are preferably in the form of continues panels, factory produced to
measure, in marble or other suitable material.
[0012] According to the invention, the prefabricated wall panels
which have to be placed at the corners are preferably able to
reciprocally slide in order to correct possible error of their
dimensions in respect to the real dimensions of the room or of the
bathroom components to be installed.
[0013] Once the desired finish of the covering is obtained the
panels can be connected reciprocally and fixed to the wall by means
of distance adjustable fixtures, which in this case may permit the
easy removal of one or more panels to consent the inspection of the
hydraulic or electric system of the bathroom.
[0014] The sanitary components (for example the vanity unit, bath
tub, WC cistern, hydro-massage) are predisposed with their support
structure and with the tubes ready to be reciprocally connected to
complete the hydraulic circuit of the bathroom to be connected then
to the already existent water adduction column/waste pipes of the
room and without the need of further intervention, as in the
electrical system. Floors and ceiling can be prepared in the
factory to be installed on site, but again the measures are quite
flexible in order to match final requirements on site.
[0015] In fact different than other prefabricated systems,
according to a further aspect of the invention, the floor and
ceiling structures are done "cut to size" but all parts can slide
one on top of the other for final measurement requirements,
vertical and horizontal walls and floors or ceilings and can be
used separately one from the others as in the traditional works
[0016] In more detail:
[0017] floors are installed at first traditionally or with the "up
side down" method as defined later on, and walls are installed on
the finished floor, so they can slide on top when required.
[0018] The invention refers also to a method for the fabrication,
the pre-assembly and the installation of the complete bathroom as
well as of the floor structure and of the ceiling structure.
[0019] The advantages achieved essentially consist in the fact that
it is possible to install completely a "turn-key" bathroom without
skilled labour for the structural of mural work or, for the marble
work, without the intervention of the marble-cutter or installer,
and with a minimal need of labour for the hydraulic parts, while
the planning of the bathroom may be carried out in the factory,
manually or assisted by computerised instruments.
[0020] A second advantage consists in the possibility to define in
the factory with accuracy the dimensions, specifications and
materials of the bathroom to be assembled and then to correct in
site possible errors without the intervention of skilled
labour.
[0021] The panels walls, when they are made of marble/granite or
other natural stone, are slabs of large solid stone that are both
structural and finishing.
[0022] A third advantage consists in the elevated finish achieved
of the coverings.
[0023] A fourth advantage consists in the substantial lack of
visible joints.
[0024] A fifth advantage consists in the fact that no preparative
mural work is needed, but only the assembly, in the room to be
installed there is no work-site, which permits to have a reduced
time of installation on sight and minimum disruption (of noise,
dust or other), damaging to the concerned hotel structure or
habitation.
[0025] A sixth advantage consists in the possibility to assemble
very regular and continues flat surfaces, with minimum maintenance
and cleaning problems.
[0026] A seventh advantage consists in the possibility to easily
and rapidly inspect the hydraulic parts of the components, which
remain accessible by removing one or more of the cover panels.
[0027] A further advantage is the "perfect" quality of all the
parts which are factory made and therefore can achieve an high
level of accuracy, whilst maintaining high quality of finishing. In
fact no cutting/polishing(gluing or fixing of components are
necessary on site.
[0028] In case of ceramic tiles, tiles are applied on a support
panel (such as aluminium honey-comb or gypsum board) in the factory
that allows to carry out all the cutting of parts of tiles with a
factory machine, and to have perfect joints which is usually very
difficult to achieve on site.
[0029] Mainly the external corners in the present invention are
pre-built in the factory, allowing perfect matching.
[0030] In the case that the panels are made of marble (or other
natural stone) a thickness of 2 cm or less of the floor and of the
side panels it is sufficient to have both structural and finishing
function. In fact the bathroom components can be fixed using the
same material (marble) and loading all weight to the floor,
avoiding any structural back-falls in the future. For example a
vanity top of the bathroom can positioned on two or three vertical
marble side panels. That allow fast fixing, laterally just
positioning and require no fixing on site, no building material on
site and no work on site, and therefore just any simple
workers.
LIST OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] These and further advantages will be comprehended by the
following drawings, given as an non limiting example, in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a top exploded view of a bathroom according to
the invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the bathroom of FIG. 1 with
installation completed;
[0034] FIG. 3 shows the standard components of a bathroom according
to the invention with the relative predisposed tubes for the
installation;
[0035] FIGS. 4 to 7 show a top view of the single components of
FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 8, shows schematically a top view of a bathroom
structure according to the invention;
[0037] FIGS. 8a-8m show the installation sequence from step 1 to 22
of the wall panels and of the other components of the bathroom
structure of FIG. 8;
[0038] FIG. 9 shows the detail of a first embodiment according to
the invention of adjustable means of fixture of the wall
panels;
[0039] FIGS. 9a-9b respectively show a section and a front view of
a second embodiment according to the invention of adjustable means
of fixture of the wall panels;
[0040] FIGS. 10, 10a and 10b respectively show a section view, a
detail of the same section view and a top view of a floor structure
according to the invention;
[0041] FIG. 10c shows a further embodiment of a floor structure
according to the invention;
[0042] FIGS. 10d and 10e shows a still further embodiment of a
floor structure according to the invention;
[0043] FIG. 11 schematically show the reciprocal position of wall
panels installed according to the method of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 12 shows a prefabricated wall structure provided with
telescopic bars "T" according to the invention;
[0045] FIG. 13 shows a ceiling structure according to the
invention;
[0046] FIGS. 14a and 14b show pre-assembled walls of FIG. 12,
respectively before and after installation.
[0047] FIG. 15 shows a W.C cistern unit according to the invention,
with covering panels removable for inspection;
[0048] FIG. 16 schematically shows wall panels of the invention
with having connection means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] With reference to the attached drawings of FIGS. 1 to 7, a
pre-assembled bathroom according to the invention includes: a
multiplicity of panels of covering to measure, among which wall
panels 1, floor panels 2 and, in the event that a ceiling be
required (for example, in the bathrooms of a hotel structure)
ceiling panels 3; and a multiplicity of accessories among which a
vanity unit 4, a bath tub 5 with a complex of water taps 6, a
cistern for WC 7.
[0050] With reference in particular to FIG. 2 the covering wall
panels may be reciprocally connected in a traditional way or using
connection plates 9 in such a way that the plates enter and are
hidden behind the adjacent panel. (FIG. 16) Advantageously the
plates 9 of adjacent panels are in alternate position so as not to
interfere with each other.
[0051] During the assembly, the plates integral with a panel are
fixed to the wall with normal screws, while the plates 9 of the
adjacent panel may be inserted between the panel and wall and so
remain blocked.
[0052] In the case of corner panels 1, the plates of one of two
adjacent panels can be "L" shaped in such a way that the plates 9
of the second panel are inserted and are hidden between the side
surfaces of the first and the wall.
[0053] According to a further aspect of the invention, in FIG. 11
it is schematically shown the reciprocal position of corner panels
and their position after adjustment (illustrated in dotted lines)
which can be needed due to a possible difference from the measured
dimensions and the true dimensions of the room to be installed or
of a component to be inserted.
[0054] The panels o FIG. 11 are adjustable as they can slide one in
to the other. In other words, the panels, though produced in
measures as in drawings, can slide one next to the other creating
in such a way smaller and smaller room. For example, the
installation of the vanity unit 4' in FIGS. 8 and 8a-8m can be
considered.
[0055] In that case the width of 4' is bigger then the space
available between the lateral panels marked R10 and R11--FIG. 8I,
sequence step 20.
[0056] It is possible, thanks to the invention, to displace panel
R11 so that the latter is translated of the needed distance along
the wall panel R12 in the direction of the arrows. As an
alternative, the complex made of panels R11 and R12 could also be
rigidly displaced so that R12 slides behind R13.
[0057] Then (FIG. 8m--sequence 21) unit 4' can be inserted after
that R11 and R12 can be translated to contact with the unit
(sequence 22).
[0058] Therefore, it is evident that the invention permits an
unskilled user to completely install with high accuracy the
bathroom components and panels without the need of cutting or other
difficult operations.
[0059] According to a further aspect of the invention a floor
structure is described.
[0060] In a first preferred technical solution and with particular
reference to the FIG. 10c, the panels 2 may be provided with
self-bearing adjustable supports. The supports are formed by plates
28 supplied with screws for regulation 29 agents on the floor 50
pre-existent, to be adjusted according to the required level of the
support of the panels 2.
[0061] During installation, a side of the first panel 2 is placed
on a fixed match R and supplied along the other side with two or
more plates 28 fixed with normal screws 27. Through the plate 28 a
pressure screw 29 is screwed down which may be adjusted according
to the level required. The second panel 2 is then placed with a
side on the plate 28 (if necessary cavities 200 may be foreseen to
house the screw head 29) and placed with the other on a following
plate 28, until the covering is completed.
[0062] According to a second preferred technical solution of the
invention, and with particular reference to the FIGS. 10, 10a, 10b,
the floor panels 2 of the invention may be provided with
self-bearing adjustable supports. The supports are formed by plates
280 which can rotate on the horizontal plane being pivotally fixed
to the floor 50 by a vertical pin 200. Plates 280 are supplied with
supporting disks 201 integral with screws for regulation 290 and
acting between the floor panels 2 and the pre-existent floor 50, to
be adjusted according to the required level of the support of the
panels 2.
[0063] During installation, panels 2 are placed on a number of
disks 201 preferably aligned in correspondence of the sides of
adjacent panels so that each disk supports both the adjacent panels
2 in order to guarantee an uniform height of the panels above floor
50.
[0064] Possible positioning errors of disks 201 can be corrected by
a rotation of plates 280 around the pin 200.
[0065] Alternatively, according to a third embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 10d and 10e, the adjustable support for the panels 2 can
consist of simple bolt 110 and nuts 111 that are positioned at the
extreme of the marble--granite floor slab 2 and allow adjustment
when a second slab should be installed.
[0066] As in the above cases, it is advisable that the bolts and
nuts will be shared for the second slabs, to guarantee that floor
surface is perfectly continuous.
[0067] In all the above floor structures, is preferable that liquid
grout is poured later on from below through a pouring channel 121,
till the gap 120 between panels 2 and floor 50 is completely
filled.
[0068] According to a still further aspect of the invention a
method to install a floor structure, preferably by using panels 2,
comprises the following steps:
[0069] a) fixing to floor 50 a plurality of adjustable supports
preferably aligned along lines corresponding to the side of floor
panels 2 to be posed;
[0070] b) installation of a first panel 2;
[0071] c) adjusting the level of the first panel acting on the
regulating means of the supports of the panels;
[0072] d) adjusting if needed the position of one or more
supports;
[0073] e) placing, possibly on the side aligned supports, floor
panels adjacent to the already installed panel;
[0074] f) pouring anti-retractable liquid cement into the gap
between panels 2 and surfaces 50 underneath, in such as way as to
prefect the regularity of the support.
[0075] The mortar/cement may, for example, be poured from the side
of the last panel posed 2 near to the room wall, or in large areas,
be pumped.
[0076] Alternatively, using the same system, grids (metallic or
plastic) suitable as support for ceramic tiles may be applied
instead of the panels 2.
[0077] Advantageously, and aside from the regularity of the surface
50, this solution allows an accurate realisation of the floors
without skilled intervention for the traditional realisation of the
pier and the subsequent pose of the covering.
[0078] Advantageously, in case of marble floor panels for areas
relatively large (2 m.times.2 m and more), the present structure
and method allow to reach high quality avoiding breakage risks of
the panels thanks to the substantially complete support guaranteed
by the cement poured under the marble panels.
[0079] A further advantage is that large marble panels can be
installed obtaining even surfaces and avoiding the need of final
polishing on site as in the traditional method.
[0080] A still further advantage is that marble panels of any size
can be installed by unskilled labour.
[0081] A still further advantage is that the structure floor is
structurally sound so that one can walk on the panels immediately
after the installation also before being cemented from below.
[0082] It is evident that the described floor structure and
installation method have been described with reference to a
bathroom, but the same solution can be applied to any floor
structure, for example of floor structure of airports, hotel halls
and the like.
[0083] In the case of the ceiling panels 3, if ceiling be required,
the installation can be carried out by installing the panels 3,
complete with eventual electrical works, on the side panels 1.
[0084] Advantageously, the dimensions of the panels 1-3, are
already predisposed according to the measurements of the room and
to the configuration of installation and therefore consent to
complete the covering in a short time and with an elevated level of
finish.
[0085] According to a further aspect of the invention, illustrated
in the example of FIG. 13, a ceiling structure is described in the
following.
[0086] Ceiling panels 3 are pre-assembled with large sheets of
traditional gypsum board or aluminium honey-comb both already
structurally self supporting and include any lighting system and
paint.
[0087] In case of gypsum board, the number of sheets which are
needed to cover the ceiling will be prepared in the factory, with
steel studs 33 (that are used for partition gypsum walls inside
supporting structures) or aluminium profiles, glued and
mechanically fixed along the ceiling panels to keep them flat. The
ends of studs 33 can then be placed on the wall panels 1 so that
the panels 3 are self supporting instead of being hanged from the
ceiling, as in the traditional decorative--low ceiling also called
"hanged ceiling".
[0088] The above ceiling structure has the following
advantages:
[0089] very easy and just installation, as the slabs are simply
positioned on the edge of the vertical wall already equipped with
lighting system and finishing coating;
[0090] it is always easy to remove them for any maintenance or
inspection of pipes (that are in many cases below the above
concrete floor), the electric system or air extract system just by
lifting them as they are not fixed anywhere.
[0091] According to a still further aspect of the invention, the
installation of the panels 1 to the wall 40 is completed by means
of adjustable fixtures which permit the rapid installation and the
removal of the panels to allow possible inspection after the
assembly of the bathroom.
[0092] In a first preferred example of realisation described in
FIG. 9, these means consist in a first drilled plate 20 which may
be fixed on the back of a panel 1 using common screw means 23. At
the centre of the plate 20 a drilled round 21 is foreseen,
partially superimposed to the plate 20 in such a way as to leave
between the panel I and round 21 a gap 22 in which a washer 26
internally threaded may be placed and may turn freely.
[0093] A screw 24 may engage itself in the washer 26 and be
activated by a screwdriver 25 passing through the corresponding
hole 11 made in the panel 1.
[0094] Advantageously, the diameter of the hole 11 may be extremely
limited (even 5-6 mm or less) in such a way as not to have a
relevant aesthetic impact on the external side of the panel 1 that
can be fixed later on.
[0095] The means of fixture include also a second plate 30 which
may be fixed to the wall 40 using common screws 32 in
correspondence to the plate 20.
[0096] The plate 30 consists in the centre of a threaded bolt 31
suitable to receive the screw 24.
[0097] During installation, the screw 11 is inserted for
pre-determined length through the washer 26 and then inserted into
the bolt 31.
[0098] Screwing down the screw 24 in the bolt 31, the washer 26
turns in the gap 22 and is drawn to the wall 40 dragging the panel
1 the position of which in this way may be easily regulated.
[0099] Advantageously, in correspondence to the bolt 31 a hole 41
may be made in the wall 40 in such a way as to leave room for the
progress of the screw 24. In FIGS. 9a, 9b a second preferred
solution of adjustable fixture means of the lateral panels 1 is
illustrated.
[0100] In this case a first plate 20' can be fixed (for example by
glue or screw means) to the back face of a wall panel 1 sticking
out the lateral side of the panel.
[0101] A second plate 30' is also provided which can be fixed to a
room wall 40 by common screws 32'. The central portion of plate 30'
has a concave shape emerging from the wall 40 and which presents a
transversal slot 24'.
[0102] Plate 20' presents passing holes 11' and a transversal slot
56 having a countersunk hole.
[0103] Holes 11' respectively face in the use the screws 32' of the
second plate.
[0104] A regulating screw 31' can be inserted through the slot 56
of the plate 20' and through the slot 24' of the second plate 30'
to engage a regulating bolt 31' made integral to plate 30' by
locking nut 54. By rotating bolt 31' it is thus possible to adjust
the distance between the first and second plates 20', 30'.
[0105] Further locking nut 57 and 58 can also be provided in order
to keep the desired distance between the plates.
[0106] In the installation, a wall panel 1 is provided with one or
more plate 20'.
[0107] Through the holes 11' can be operated screws 24' to fix the
second plate 30' to the wall 40 in the correct position.
[0108] After that the regulating bolt 31' is placed and the
distance between plates 20' and 30' is adjusted as well as the
lateral position can be adjusted thanks to the elongated shape of
slot 24'.
[0109] With reference now to FIGS. 8, 8a-8m, and FIG. 16, once a
first panel 1 is fixed to the wall 40, a second adjacent panel can
be applied over the plate 20' so that the latter is hidden from
sight.
[0110] Preferably, that second panel is provided with one or more
lateral plates 9 capable of being inserted between the hidden face
of the first panel and the wall 40.
[0111] Usually, three plates will be prefixed to the panel on one
side, while the other side will have two flat plates 9 to be
inserted between the three plates of the previous panel. The first
panel will have of course fixing adjustable plates on both
sides.
[0112] Panels can therefore be adjustable in positioning between
themselves giving to the bathroom different dimensions, and can be
all removed mechanically for modifications, substitution, or
rebuilding in another site.
[0113] FIGS. 8a-8d show the installation of lateral panels 1
identified with progressive reference number R01-R16.
[0114] FIG. 8 shows a bathroom completely covered by lateral panels
1 marked with correspondent progressive reference numbers
R01-R16.
[0115] Advantageously, with this solution the fixtures means are
completely hidden from sight and at the same time panels 1 are easy
to be remove for inspection or to be substituted.
[0116] With reference to the FIGS. 1-7, the accessories of a
bathroom according to the invention are made up of traditional
components, pre-assembled with the tubes and the hydraulic parts to
be connected reciprocally.
[0117] In the example described, the wash basin 4 is provided with
tubes 41 with terminal joints 42 corresponding to the hot and cold
water circuit and to the waste conduct.
[0118] In the same way, the bath tub 5 with the water tap complex
for shower 6 and the cistern 7 of the WC are provided with
corresponding tubes 51, 61, and 71 and terminal joints 52, 62 and
72.
[0119] During installation, the tubes 61 of the complex 6 are
connected to the hot and cold water columns 100 existent in the
room and, by the joints 62, to the corresponding joints 72 and 52
of the cistern 7 and the bath tub 5.
[0120] In turn, the tubes 51 of the bath tub 5 are connected to the
corresponding tubes 41 of the wash basin 4 and to the waste conduct
101 and the tubes 71 of the cistern 7 are connected to a WC (not
shown in the Figure) of the known type.
[0121] Advantageously, all the terminal joints of the various
accessories are predisposed in such a way as to correspond exactly
at the moment of installation of the bathroom and to be easily
connected remaining however completely hidden from sight.
[0122] According to a further characteristic of the invention, the
tubes of all of the components 4-7 are easily inspected. For
example, in the case of the bath tub 5, the W.C unit 7 and of the
water tap complex 6 this is possible by simply removing one or more
cover panels 53, 63 suitably predisposed.
[0123] During the installation, the operator proceeds as described
assembling the panels 1-3 already made to measure.
[0124] The assembly may be carried out on a previous covering as
well as directly to the wall, after which the components 4-7 are
connected to the hydraulic circuit already existent in the room and
connected reciprocally without the need of any structural
intervention or particular competence.
[0125] At the end of the installation all the tubes are hidden from
sight, as well as all the means of fixture of the panels of
covering apart from the holes 11. The bathroom, so completed
presents therefore an elevated level of finish and at the same time
a remarkable simple installation and finally is easily accessible
for eventual inspections of the tubes.
[0126] According to a further aspect of the invention, illustrated
in FIG. 12 pre-assembled bathroom walls 300 can be provided when
the distance from an existing wall has to be created.
[0127] In that case a metal structure 301 is prepared behind panels
1, possibly provided with telescopic bars "T" to adjust the
distance.
[0128] When there is no wall (FIGS. 14a, 14b) complete position of
wall can be prepared in the factory including a structural self
supporting metal frame, gypsum board (generally two layers) already
pre-painted, to the room side, insulation (such as rock wool, or
glass wool) the finishing cover such as marble slabs or any kind of
tiles (to the bathroom side) and all plumbing/electrical piping,
all completely installed.
[0129] This wall or section of walls can be adjusted in position
and then mechanically connected between themselves, creating a
complete bathroom.
[0130] One or more of the walls will possibly include a prefixed
door and door frame.
[0131] In a preferred form of the realisation the covering panels
are made up slabs of marble, but it is understood that the material
used may be of various suitable types including panels of ceramic
tiles, wood, synthetic material, glass and other, pre-assembled and
then installed on site.
[0132] It also understood that there is no limitation of design,
materials, sizes, details, fixing visible elements or anything that
could be linked to the pre-assembled process. On the contrary,
works can be done with "infinitive" details or design solutions,
that traditional works on site would not allow.
* * * * *