U.S. patent application number 12/343327 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for shower base system and installation method thereof.
Invention is credited to Murray Gilbert Goodhue.
Application Number | 20100154112 12/343327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42263973 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100154112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goodhue; Murray Gilbert |
June 24, 2010 |
SHOWER BASE SYSTEM AND INSTALLATION METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A shower base system and installation method thereof. The system
includes a shower base with an integrally formed tapered standing
sidewall corresponding to each existing structural wall against
which the base is installed, and a waterproof membrane covering and
extending upwardly along the structural wall from a bottom point at
least partially covering the standing sidewall. The system can be
installed with the sidewall directly abutting drywall or other
outer surface of the structural wall, covered in turn by the
membrane with tiling applied thereon, or, alternatively, with the
sidewall directly abutting a bottom plate and studs or timbers of
the structural wall, with drywall installed over the sidewall and
the membrane covering the drywall, and tiling applied on the
membrane.
Inventors: |
Goodhue; Murray Gilbert;
(Tauranga, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUINTERO LAW OFFICE, PC
615 Hampton Dr, Suite A202
Venice
CA
90291
US
|
Family ID: |
42263973 |
Appl. No.: |
12/343327 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/613 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/008 20130101;
A47K 3/40 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/613 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/00 20060101
A47K003/00 |
Claims
1. A shower base system installed against at least one existing
structural wall, the system comprising; a shower base comprising a
horizontal top floor surface and at least one standing sidewall
corresponding to each existing structural wall; and a waterproof
membrane installed prior to any final outer surface material.
2. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at
least one standing sidewall is integrally formed with and
substantially perpendicular to the shower base.
3. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at
least one standing sidewall is tapered in profile from a bottom to
a top thereof.
4. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shower
base and, commensurately, at least one standing sidewall, being
integrally formed therewith, comprise a composite polyurethane
material or other suitably flexible, waterproof material.
5. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the
system is applied against two or more contiguous existing
structural walls, corresponding contiguous standing sidewalls are
confluent at a seamless integrally formed corner.
6. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at
least one standing sidewall is of a height sufficient to prevent
water rising by capillary action from migrating into the
surrounding structures.
7. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
waterproof membrane is applied from the horizontal top floor
surface of the shower base and continues upwardly along each
standing sidewall and upwardly along the corresponding structural
wall.
8. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
waterproof membrane is applied from a position partway up each
standing sidewall and upwardly along the corresponding structural
wall.
9. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
waterproof membrane comprises a bitumen-like skin with embedded
texturing, applied with adhesive and enhanced by priming the
surface to be covered.
10. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
waterproof membrane extends upwardly to the top of the shower
enclosure.
11. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
shower base is installed directly abutting drywall or other outer
surface of an existing structural wall, the waterproof membrane is
applied from a position partway up each corresponding standing
sidewall and upwardly along the existing structural wall, adhering
intimately to the standing sidewall and drywall or other outer
surface of the existing structural wall, and tile or other outer
finished material is installed covering the membrane.
12. The shower base system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
shower base is installed directly abutting a bottom plate and studs
or timbers of an existing structural wall, with drywall or other
outer surface of the structural wall installed over the
corresponding standing sidewall, the waterproof membrane is applied
from the horizontal top floor surface of the shower base and
continues upwardly along the structural wall, adhering intimately
to the horizontal top floor surface and drywall or other outer
surface of the existing structural wall, and tile or other outer
finished material is installed covering the membrane.
13. An installation method of a shower base system against at least
one existing structural wall, the method comprising; installing a
shower base comprising a horizontal top floor surface and at least
one standing sidewall corresponding to each existing structural
wall; and installing a waterproof membrane prior to any final outer
surface material.
14. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the at least one standing sidewall is integrally
formed with and substantially perpendicular to the shower base.
15. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the at least one standing sidewall is tapered in
profile from a bottom to a top thereof.
16. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the shower base and, commensurately, at least one
standing sidewall, being integrally formed therewith, comprise a
composite polyurethane material or other suitably flexible,
waterproof material.
17. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein when the system is installed against two or more
contiguous existing structural walls, corresponding contiguous
standing sidewalls are confluent at a seamless integrally formed
corner.
18. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the at least one standing sidewall is of a height
sufficient to prevent water rising by capillary action from
migrating into the surrounding structures.
19. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the waterproof membrane is installed from the
horizontal top floor surface of the shower base and continues
upwardly along each standing sidewall and upwardly along the
corresponding structural wall.
20. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the waterproof membrane is installed from a
position partway up each standing sidewall and upwardly along the
corresponding structural wall.
21. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the waterproof membrane comprises a bitumen-like
skin with embedded texturing, applied with adhesive and enhanced by
priming the surface to be covered.
22. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the waterproof membrane extends upwardly to the
top of the shower enclosure.
23. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the shower base is installed directly abutting
drywall or other outer surface of an existing structural wall, the
waterproof membrane is installed from a position partway up each
corresponding standing sidewall and upwardly along the existing
structural wall, adhering intimately to the standing sidewall and
drywall or other outer surface of the existing structural wall, and
tile or other outer finished material is installed covering the
membrane.
24. The method of installing a shower base system as claimed in
claim 13, wherein the shower base is installed directly abutting a
bottom plate and studs or timbers of an existing structural wall,
with drywall or other outer surface of the structural wall
installed over the corresponding standing sidewall, the waterproof
membrane is installed from the horizontal top floor surface of the
shower base and continues upwardly along the structural wall,
adhering intimately to the horizontal top floor surface and drywall
or other outer surface of the existing structural wall, and tile or
other outer finished material is installed covering the membrane.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to shower structure and in particular
to a shower base system providing secure and effective protection
against leaks and an installation method thereof.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] New residential construction and renovation and remodeling
of existing residential properties are major industries worldwide,
with the latter becoming even more dynamic when real estate markets
render the former economically disadvantageous. A common renovation
performed is the installation of additional bathroom facilities,
including shower fixtures, in areas previously without such
installations.
[0005] Unfortunately, in both endeavors, it is required that great
care be taken to avoid leakage of water from the shower system into
the surrounding structure, specifically walls, floors, and
wall-to-floor confluences, with such leakage presenting the
potential for major damage, repair of which can incur severe
costs.
[0006] One primary cause of leakage is lack of integrity in the
apparatus used for the floor and lower areas of the shower, areas
which, obviously, see the largest concentration of accumulated
water. Currently, an abundance of applied technologies address the
problems of floor leakage. Other commonly employed installations
make use of integrally molded units which minimize the number of
joined seams and, accordingly, potential leakage sites. Where
joined seams are necessary, the seam is commonly sealed with caulk
or other waterproof material. Even so, such sealing means are prone
to deterioration with time, giving the leak-proofing at the sites a
limited lifespan.
[0007] A second, equally problematic source of leak-related damage
is water migrating to susceptible areas by capillary action,
whereby the water travels beyond leak-proofed areas into those
where severe damage is possible.
[0008] One method employed to alleviate this problem is to install
a leak-proof drywall or waterproof sheeting above a shower base and
extending downwards in front of a peripheral lip of the base, with
the overlapping area then filled with a suitable sealant.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,980 discloses an upstanding peripheral
lip surrounding a vacuum-formed shower base, the lip sandwiched
between a frame and wallboard or between a wall and tiles. The lip,
however, is formed separately from the base and fitted thereinto,
presenting yet another potential leakage site.
[0010] The procedures described, despite efficaciousness, often
require either packing of the corresponding baseplate and studs of
the adjoining wall to accommodate the wallboard, or excavation of
the studs to form accommodating rebates therein. In both cases,
application of a sealant is required to complete the process, an
application which can easily provide less-than-adequate leak-proof
coverage. As well, the previously mentioned problems with sealant
deterioration occur.
[0011] Thus, what is called for is a shower base system providing
optimum long term leak-proofing with minimal modification of
existing structures required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention can be more fully understood by reading the
subsequent detailed description and examples with references made
to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic cutaway of a shower enclosure
installed with a first embodiment of a shower base system;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a detail schematic cross section of the shower
base system of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a detail schematic cross section of a second
embodiment of a shower base system.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a first embodiment of an
installation method of a shower base system.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of an
installation method of a shower base system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Like elements among the drawings bear like labeling, for
brevity.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic cutaway of a shower enclosure
installed with a first embodiment of a shower base system. As
shown, the system includes a shower base 100 with an integrally
formed standing sidewall 101 corresponding to each existing
structural wall against which the base is installed. Here, the
system is shown installed against two contiguous structural walls,
although the system is equally applicable with a single structural
wall or three contiguous walls while remaining well within the
scope of the disclosure. A waterproof membrane 102 covers and
extends upwardly along the structural wall. Tiling 107 covers the
membrane.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a detail schematic cross section of a first
embodiment of the shower base system of FIG. 1, in which shower
base 100 directly abuts drywall or other outer surface 104 applied
against baseplate 105 and framing studs 106 of a corresponding
structural wall prior to installation of the shower system.
Normally, the drywall is of a suitably waterproof material and/or
composition. As shown, the integrally formed standing sidewall 101
of the shower base 100 abuts and tightly cojoins against the
surface of wallboard 104. Waterproof membrane 103 is applied from a
position partway up the corresponding standing sidewall and
upwardly along the existing structural wall, adhering intimately to
the standing sidewall and drywall or other outer surface of the
existing structural wall. Tile or other outer finished material 107
is installed over the floor and walls of the shower enclosure in
the common manner.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a detail schematic cross section of a second
embodiment of the shower base system of FIG. 1, differing from the
previous embodiment only in that, here, shower base 100 directly
abuts and tightly cojoins against the surface of baseplate 105 and
framing studs 106 of the corresponding structural wall. Drywall or
other outer surface 104 of the structural wall is disposed over the
corresponding standing sidewall, and waterproof membrane 103 begins
at the horizontal top floor surface 101 of the shower base and
continues upwardly along the structural wall, adhering intimately
to the horizontal top floor surface 101 and drywall or other outer
surface 104 of the existing structural wall. As in the previous
embodiment, tile or other outer finished material 107 is installed
over the floor and walls of the shower enclosure in the common
manner.
[0022] Also provided is an installation method of a shower base
system.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a first embodiment of an
installation method of a shower base system. The shower base system
includes a shower base 100 with an integrally formed standing
sidewall 101 corresponding to each existing structural wall against
which the base is installed. Here, the system is shown installed
against two contiguous structural walls, although the system is
equally applicable with a single structural wall or three
contiguous walls while remaining well within the scope of the
disclosure. A waterproof membrane 102 covers and extends upwardly
along each structural wall. Tiling 107 covers the membrane.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, a first embodiment of an installation
method of a shower base system includes installing a shower base
100 directly abutting drywall or other outer surface 104, applied
against baseplate 105 and framing studs 106 of a corresponding
structural wall, prior to installation of the shower system.
Normally, the drywall is of a suitably waterproof material and/or
composition. As shown, the integrally formed standing sidewall 101
of the shower base 100 abuts and tightly cojoins against the
surface of wallboard 104. Waterproof membrane 103 is then applied
from a position partway up the corresponding standing sidewall and
upwardly along the existing structural wall, adhering intimately to
the standing sidewall and drywall or other outer surface of the
existing structural wall. Tile or other outer finished material 107
is finally installed over the floor and walls of the shower
enclosure in the common manner.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of an
installation method of a shower base system, differing from the
previous embodiment only in that, here, shower base 100 is
installed directly abutting and tightly cojoining against the
surface of baseplate 105 and framing studs 106 of the corresponding
structural wall. Drywall or other outer surface 104 of the
structural wall is installed over the corresponding standing
sidewall, and waterproof membrane 103 is applied beginning at the
horizontal top floor surface 101 of the shower base and continues
upwardly along the structural wall, adhering intimately to the
horizontal top floor surface 101 and drywall or other outer surface
104 of the existing structural wall. As in the previous embodiment,
tile or other outer finished material 107 is installed over the
floor and walls of the shower enclosure in the common manner.
[0026] As can be seen in the Figures, the at least one standing
sidewall 101 is tapered in cross section, from the bottom to the
top thereof. The shower base and, commensurately, the at least one
standing sidewall, being integrally formed therewith, comprise a
composite polyurethane material or other suitably flexible,
waterproof material. The shape and inherent adhesive properties of
the at least one standing sidewall promote an extremely close fit
between the sidewall and the surface it abuts, contributing
significantly to the overall waterproofing capabilities of the
system. Further, the at least one standing sidewall is of a height
sufficient to prevent water rising by capillary action from
migrating into the surrounding structures.
[0027] In the disclosure, the waterproof membrane comprises a
bitumen-like skin in which a fabric or other suitable material has
been embedded to provide texturing. The membrane is applied to the
requisite surface by means of adhesive, and the application can be
enhanced by pre-priming of the surface to be covered. Other
materials and compositions providing suitable adhesion and
waterproofing qualities may alternatively be employed while
remaining well within the scope of the disclosure.
[0028] As well, in the embodiments shown, the waterproof membrane
extends upwardly to the top of the shower enclosure. Other upper
limits of extension thereof are equally applicable to the
disclosure, as long as sufficient waterproofing capability is
provided thereby.
[0029] While the invention has been described by way of example and
in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended
to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would
be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of
the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation
so as to encompass all such modifications and similar
arrangements.
* * * * *