U.S. patent application number 13/878771 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for tub partition, and method for mounting a tub partition.
This patent application is currently assigned to SWISSPAL AG. The applicant listed for this patent is Martin Schindler. Invention is credited to Martin Schindler.
Application Number | 20130212798 13/878771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45688082 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130212798 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schindler; Martin |
August 22, 2013 |
Tub Partition, and Method for Mounting a Tub Partition
Abstract
The invention relates to a frameless, self-supporting tub
partition (1) comprising at least one wall element (3) of synthetic
glass, characterized in that the tub partition (1) comprises at
least one supplemental element (5) that may be detachably affixed
to the wall element (3), whereby the supplemental element (5) is
configured to protect and/or to adapt and/or to mark the at least
one wall element (3) to local installation dimensions during
installation of the tub partition (1) by means of a processing
device. The invention also relates to a method to install such a
tub partition.
Inventors: |
Schindler; Martin; (Munich,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schindler; Martin |
Munich |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
SWISSPAL AG
Baar
CH
|
Family ID: |
45688082 |
Appl. No.: |
13/878771 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
October 18, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2011/005227 |
371 Date: |
April 11, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/514 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/30 20130101; Y10T
29/49826 20150115; A47K 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/514 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/14 20060101
A47K003/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 19, 2010 |
DE |
10 2010 048 954.9 |
Claims
1.-14. (canceled)
15. Frameless, self-supporting tub partition comprising at least
one wall element of synthetic glass, characterized in that the tub
partition comprises at least one supplemental element that may be
detachably affixed to the wall element, whereby the supplemental
element is configured to protect and/or to adapt and/or to mark the
at least one wall element to local installation dimensions during
installation of the tub partition by means of a processing
device.
16. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the supplemental element
is partially or completely connectable with at least one side of
the wall element.
17. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the supplemental element
comprises markings at pre-defined positions to adapt the at least
one wall element and/or to position at least one fitting.
18. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall
element may be processed on all sides on-site.
19. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall
element is provided with at least one fitting.
20. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which at least one shaped piece
is partially or totally emplaced onto at least one edge of the at
least one wall element.
21. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which at least one fitting is
mounted onto or may be mounted in the at least one wall element by
an adhesive.
22. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall
element is formed as a moveable door or as a fixed side wall.
23. Tub partition as in claim 15 that comprises several wall
elements pivoting or sliding with respect to one another.
24. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall
element is combinable with at least one additional wall element of
safety glass.
25. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall
element comprises at least one projection and/or at least one
recess.
26. Tub partition as in claim 15 in which the at least one wall
element is nano-coated.
27. Method to install a frameless, self-supporting tub partition
comprising the steps: Transferring local installation dimensions by
means of the and/or onto an at least one supplemental element that
may be detachably affixed to at least one wall element; Adapting
the at least one wall element to local installation dimensions with
a processing device; and Assembling the tub partition.
28. Method as in claim 27, further comprising the step of:
Processing the at least one wall element in order to make the said
at least one wall element at least partially opaque.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a frameless, self-supporting tub
partition with at least one wall element of synthetic glass. The
invention further relates to a method to install a tub partition
based on the invention.
[0002] The term `tub partition` (also known as Tub Enclosures, Tub
Surrounds etc.) means partitions for showers, bathtub showers, or
bathtubs in general. Various tub partitions and shower enclosures
are known from Prior Art.
[0003] Known tub partitions are often made of glass. For safety
reasons, safety glass, e.g., tempered plate safety glass, must be
used for this. Such safety glass can only be cut to a specific
shape and/or to specific dimensions at the factory. Subsequently,
the safety glass is tempered at the factory in its final shape
and/or with its final dimensions. Tempering means heating the
safety glass in order to be able to monitor mechanical tension
within the glass. During this, the safety glass is heated to over
600.degree. C. and is then cooled, as a result of which tension
stress arises within the core, and compression stress arises at the
surface.
[0004] A disadvantage is that such tempered safety glass can no
longer be processed after tempering. If, for example, an attempt is
made to drill such safety glass with a drill or to otherwise
process it, upon interruption of stress because of the pre-tension
the glass plate would shatter into many small, crooked pieces in
order to protect the user involved comparable to an automobile
windshield.
[0005] Moreover, with shower enclosures made of safety glass, it is
also disadvantageous that the dimensions for the shower compartment
or tub enclosure must be established on-site, i.e., determination
of local installation dimensions such as angles, obliqueness,
slant, or other dimensions. But the actual processing and/or
manufacture of such shower-partition elements may only occur at the
factory.
[0006] Since shower compartments or shower elements made of safety
glass can no longer be processed, they cannot be adapted on-site.
Measurement errors or tolerances can no longer be compensated using
finished safety glass. For this reason, it is also known to
displace glass doors, of safety glass, for example, within hinges
or within a wall mounting in order to be able to compensate
irregularities in the wall or any measurement errors or any other
tolerances to a minor extent and at expense. Also, the hinges
themselves may be designed to be adjustable in order to provide
greater or less separation from a wall.
[0007] Also, various shower compartments and/or tub partitions made
of plastic polymer are known from Prior Art. As a rule, these are
enclosed within a frame, since such frame of, for example, aluminum
serves to strengthen the plastic, e.g., acrylic glass, and to make
possible the use of relatively thin acrylic glass. Based on the
prescribed frame dimensions, such tub partitions are also limited
to factory-determined dimensions, and cannot be further
processed.
[0008] A shower compartment is known from DE 20 2010 003 337 U1,
for example, with a fitting for wall attachment of an entire glass
plate. Alternatively, this shower compartment may consist of a
material, particularly transparent, and similar to glass. For this,
the plate comprises a round recess provided in the glass at the
factory for attachment of a fitting or hinge to the plate.
[0009] An adaptable, processable shower insert with an integrated
floor drain for a shower enclosure is known from DE 199 48 854 A1.
The side walls of the shower enclosure may be of glass.
[0010] Furthermore, DE 10 2007 043 274 shows a shower enclosure and
the mounting of such a shower enclosure in a shower. The shower
enclosure consists of several flat elements that may be hung on a
rod extending from a wall. For this, the upper edges of the flat
elements are shaped as hooks. The individual flat elements may be
displaced with respect to one another, and consist of a transparent
material, for example Plexiglas. Alternatively, the individual flat
elements may be connected together continuously. The flat elements
may be trimmed to modify their width. Also, such a flat element may
have its length shortened. Alternatively, the dimensions of
individual flat elements may be determined at the factory.
[0011] Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,261 shows a shower enclosure
in which the flat elements consist of a hollow shaped piece of
Lexan. The flat elements or side panels may be arranged and
displaced within a holder and/or hinge in order to align or match
the flat panels to one another or to a wall. Moreover, the flat
panels are enclosed by a frame.
[0012] Further, DE 197 04 927 shows a frameless shower enclosure of
synthetic glass, e.g., acrylic glass, in which the doors are also
mounted within hinges to be displaceable. The hinges are coupled on
the other side with fixed flat elements. Here also, adaptation
occurs by means of displacement. Processing of the door or wall
elements is not provided.
[0013] Finally, DE 296 00 610 I1 shows a frameless shower enclosure
with shaped rods about which a shower door is mounted on hinges to
pivot in order to open or close the shower door. The wall and/or
door elements particularly consist of silicate glass, and are cut
to the required size based on the application purpose. Processing
and/or width modification of silicate glass and the subsequent
tempering described above must also occur at the factory.
[0014] Overall, the shower and tub partitions known from Prior Art
are inconvenient and inflexible to handle. The disadvantage is that
tempered glass cannot be processed on-site or adapted to local
installation dimensions. Positioning and assembly of the shower
enclosures is therefore inconvenient and time consuming.
[0015] Against this background, it is the challenge of this
invention to present an improved and flexibly-useable tub
partition. The installation of such a tub partition is also to be
simplified.
[0016] This challenge is met by the topics of Patent claim 1 and
Patent claim 12.
[0017] Per claim 1, a tub partition based on the invention
comprises at least one supplemental element detachably connected to
the wall element, whereby the supplemental element is configured to
protect and/or adapt and/or to mark the at least one wall element
to installation requirements during installation of the tub
partition by means of a processing device.
[0018] Installation here means processing of the wall element
and/or its modification to local installation dimensions and/or
assembly, i.e., securing to a wall or to another wall element.
[0019] It is advantageous for frameless, self-supporting tub
partitions for the at least one wall element and/or the entire tub
partition to be made of synthetic glass. For this, all suitable
materials may be made of a plastic polymer and/or of synthetic
glass, e.g., polycarbonates (e.g., Lexan, Macrolon, plastics from
the group of synthetic polymers and the polyester family,
polystyrene, epoxy, acrylic glass (e.g., Plexiglas), PET, PMMA
(Acrylic), SAN (e.g., Luran), ABS (Toyolac, Starex).
[0020] Within the scope of the invention, self-supporting means an
adequately-strong configuration of the tub partition regarding the
material strength of the tub partition, so that the at least one
wall element and/or the entire tub partition requires no additional
reinforcement, for example in the form of a frame or other
reinforcements, to avoid deformation, for example.
[0021] The materials cited as examples are to some extent
comparable with one another. For example, polycarbonate as full
material is the same as acrylic glass. In contrast to acrylic
glass, however, polycarbonate has a longer service life, is more
resistant to impact, is flexible to bending, and thus comprises a
wider scope of application.
[0022] Overall, synthetic glass is about 50% lighter and
longer-lasting compared to safety glass since it comprises higher
breakage and impact resistance, and is easier to store. Transport
costs are lower because of its reduced weight. Also, with synthetic
glass, the transport risk is lower and processing and/or handling
is simpler. Furthermore, any eventual edge damage or similar does
not represent a safety risk since the edge may be processed or
repaired, for example, without occurrence of the interruption of
stress described above.
[0023] Basically, the wall elements may be formed of synthetic
glass as a hollow body or as a solid plate. For one-piece
configuration, the wall elements comprise better transparency, and
are easier to clean. One-piece configurations are also easier to
process and/or to adapt than are hollow bodies. When processing
hollow bodies, leaks, grooves, or open locations often arise that
may lead to collections of dirt and/or water.
[0024] Plastic materials also advantageously allow for
post-treatment. I.e., when scratches arise, they may be simply
polished from the surface using a polishing paste or other suitable
polish, for example. Dents or other tears may advantageously be
filled depending on the material selected, and may be adapted to
the surface of the wall element by means of grinding or polishing
such that a uniform surface is recreated.
[0025] The supplemental element detachably connected to at least
one wall element may, for example, be configured as film or paper.
Alternatively, the at least one supplemental element may also be
configured as a template, a straightedge, a flexible straightedge,
an angle bevel, an orientation grid, marking means, marking
element, or as another suitable element by means of which the at
least one wall element maybe adapted. The contours or construction
characteristics of the installation location may advantageously be
transferred by means of, or onto, the supplemental element and/or
onto the wall element.
[0026] Each supplemental element may be mounted onto the wall
element. Film or paper as supplemental element may, for example be
adhered or otherwise affixed to the wall element. With use of a
template, a straightedge, a card, cardboard, paper, orientation
grid or other suitable supplemental element, they may be either
adhered or suitably affixed to the wall element. For example,
clamping devices such as tensioning screws or other clamping
devices may be used in order to affix the particular supplemental
element securely to the wall element.
[0027] A detachable supplemental element serves as protection from
scratches or damage in the material surface of the wall element(s)
during installation, or during processing of a wall element and/or
of its adaptation to local installation dimensions and/or during
assembly, i.e., upon affixing to a wall or to another wall element.
Local installation dimensions include, for example, on-site wall,
floor, and/or ceiling characteristics such as angles, oblique
surfaces, lengths, unevenness, tub or shower-area dimensions and
other dimensions.
[0028] Various suitable devices may be used as a processing device,
i.e., a hand saw, a keyhole saw, a hand circular saw, a hole saw,
or (depending on the plastic material selected) a knife, grinding
device, plane, drill, milling device, or similar. During
processing, each wall element is adapted to the local installation
dimensions marked in advance and/or transferred onto the
supplemental element.
[0029] Additional embodiment examples are provided in the
following.
[0030] Based on the invention, the supplemental element may be
configured to be partially or completely (full-surface) attachable
to at least one side of the wall element. Depending on the
dimensions of the wall element, it may be desirable, for example,
to provide the wall element only partially with a supplemental
element. For example, merely the side surfaces whose parts and/or
covering and/or lower edges may be provided with a suitable
supplemental element since subsequent adaptation and/or processing
is provided only there. Smaller templates, straightedges, cards, or
films, paper or similar may find application in these cases.
[0031] In the case of full-surface connection of the supplemental
element with the wall element, the entire wall element may
advantageously be protected. In a configuration of the supplemental
element as film or paper, the supplemental element may be adhered
to the entire side surface of a wall element. Alternatively, for
example, cards or cardboard or other suitable flat configurations
of the supplemental element are possible that at least partially
protect the wall element from one or both sides. It may thus be
ensured that no scratches arise or other processing damage occurs
during installation, processing, and assembly of each of the wall
elements of the tub partition.
[0032] Further, the supplemental element in the tub partition based
on the invention may comprise markings at pre-defined positions to
adapt the at least one wall element and/or for positioning of
fittings. For this, pre-defined markings such as grids, lines,
dimensions, points, angled straight lines may be printed, for
example, on the supplemental element, particularly on a film, for
the purpose of adapting the at least one wall element. The film may
also comprise a grid structure. The marking or grid networks may
provide right-angled, oblique, or round or other suitable
pre-defined dimensions as cutting lines. Markings for drilled holes
to mount fittings such as, for example, grips, hinges, and/or other
securing elements may be provided on the film. Alternatively, they
may be freely positioned on the wall element. This advantageously
allows a reduction in manufacturing costs since at least one wall
element may be manufactured with the same dimensions, and may be
adapted to local installation dimensions.
[0033] With suitable material selection, the markings may be
provided directly as break-off lines alternatively or additionally
to the marking on the at least one supplemental element, for
example by milling, cutting, casting, or injecting.
[0034] To adapt a wall element to local installation dimensions,
the local installation dimensions may be transferred to each
supplemental element and/or wall element, for example using a
defined offset marking device. Also, any necessary laser
measurements or other suitable measurements may be made.
Measurement results may be projected onto the supplemental element
and/or wall element, for example. Further, it is possible to
represent the local installation dimensions using an
elastically-deformable measuring device, for example a flexible
straightedge, and then to transfer from the measuring device to the
supplemental element and/or wall element. As soon as local
installation dimensions are transferred to the at least one wall
element, the wall element may be processed using a proper
processing device.
[0035] Further, with a tub partition based on the invention, the at
least one wall element may be processed on-site on all sides. Since
no surrounding frame or similar is used, unhindered access to all
sides of the wall element is ensured.
[0036] The edges of a wall element processed with the processing
device may be suitably post-treated, for example with a grinder or
similar. With proper optimization of the post-processing, the edges
of each wall element may basically be exposed.
[0037] Alternatively, in a tub partition based on the invention,
the at least one wall element is secured using at least one
fitting, for example in a securing device, in a sliding system,
and/or in a hinge. Also, in a tub partition based on the invention,
a shaped piece may be partially or completely mounted on at least
one edge of the at least one wall element. Edge processing may thus
be omitted.
[0038] When a shaped piece is mounted, it may serve as a covering,
for example. The shaped piece may also be a hollow shaped piece.
Alternatively, the shaped piece may be configured as a shaped
magnet or other sealing piece. A sealing or magnetic shaped piece
may thus interact with a water strip mounted on the floor or the
side wall, an additional magnetic shaped piece, or magnetic
material for optimum sealing of the tub partition.
[0039] A securing device may be formed either on the ceiling, on
the wall, or on the floor, and may also be configured as a shaped
piece. For this, a securing device such as a rail corresponding to
the dimensions of each wall element and/or each side edge of the
wall element may be provided. It is also possible to configure this
shaped piece as a short rail and/or individual wall securing
device. Several such shaped pieces and/or individual wall securing
devices are preferred in order to secure the corresponding wall
element. Such shaped pieces or securing devices may be provided at
any position on the wall element after processing the wall
element.
[0040] The securing element and/or the securing may be as a short
hinge or longitudinal or short link hinge or short-hinge design
that extends partially or completely over each side edge. With an
adjustable configuration of the shaped piece, it may also serve for
tolerance adaptation.
[0041] Also, a slide system may be mounted on at least one edge of
at least one wall element that allows one or more wall elements to
be displaced with respect to one another.
[0042] Alternatively, fittings such as, for example, the securing
devices, hinges, shaped pieces, sliding systems, or similar may be
installed onto or into each wall element at the factory. For this,
they may be bolted, adhered, pressed, cast, or injected, or may be
cast of the same material or an alternative material.
[0043] Pre-mounted fittings have the advantage that assembly times
are shortened and positive configuration and/or positioning is
provided.
[0044] Alternatively, each fitting may be firmly affixed to the
wall element on-site. For this, they may be bolted or adhered, for
example. For this, the fittings may be aligned at prescribed
markings for mutual alignment, or they may be freely
positioned.
[0045] Further, in a tub partition based on the invention, the at
least one fitting is mountable or may be mounted or adhered onto or
into the at least one wall element, particularly by adhering. Along
with the above-mentioned fittings, additional fittings such as, for
example, grips elements, washcloth holders, toilet-paper holders
soap dishes, seats, and similar may be mounted at any position on
the inside or outside of the wall element. Mounting may occur at
the factory or on-site during installation.
[0046] Since a tub partition based on the invention may be
correspondingly processed and/or adapted both in height and width,
it is recommended to mount the fittings or hinge securing devices
after completion of processing and/or adapting to the extent that
adaptation is provided.
[0047] With the use of plastic materials, the fittings may
advantageously be adhered directly to the wall element. In
conventional shower compartments, for example of glass, a
pre-treatment has always been required, for example with a primer,
and then subsequent UV curing of the adhesive. Based on the
invention, an industrial adhesive, for example, or a two-sided
adhesive tape with a high degree of adhesion based, for example, on
an acrylate, is used. There are products from the company 3M for
this, for example. Also, reduced adhering force is required because
of the lower weight of pertinent plastics with respect to glass.
Such industrial adhesive tapes are also known as high-performance
adhesive tapes. The protective film on the adhesive tape may, for
example, extend like a tab so that it may remain in its position on
the wall element after proper adaptation and/or affixing of each
fitting or hinge, and merely the tab is pulled out in order to
adhere the fitting to the wall element.
[0048] Further, in a tub partition based on the invention, the at
least one wall element may be formed as a movable door or as a
fixed side wall. For example, in the simplest embodiment of the
invention, the tub partition comprises merely one wall element that
separates the pertinent shower or bathtub from the room. If the
pertinent access is left open, an additional door is not
required.
[0049] In an appropriate configuration of a bathtub shower or
bathtub, it may also be provided based on the invention that the
tub partition is provided as a sole door element to provide access
to a shower or tub.
[0050] Alternatively, two or more wall elements may also be
provided for a tub partition based on the invention. Depending on
local installation dimensions and the characteristics of each
shower or tub, a tub partition based on the invention may also
comprise two or more wall elements. For this, for example, a wall
element may be formed as a fixed side wall, and another as a
pivoting or sliding door. Also, additional suitable side-wall
elements may be provided. Thus, for example, a bathtub shower or
bathtub may be aligned as a niche shower, corner shower with two
wall elements and a door element, or in the center of the room,
whereby a door might be provided in one side for bathtub-shower
entry and exit.
[0051] A tub partition based on the invention may also comprise
several mutually-pivoting or sliding wall elements. In such a
configuration, the individual wall elements may pivot together in
accordion fashion so that, for example, displacement of the entire
tub partition to the left or right is possible. Likewise, the wall
elements may be configured to be sliding with respect to one
another.
[0052] Further, in a tub partition based on the invention, at least
one wall element can be combined with at least one additional wall
element of safety glass. For example, the additional wall element
may consist of plate safety glass. The additional wall element of
safety glass may, for example, be formed as a side wall or as the
door element. In such a combined embodiment example, adaptation and
processing of the tub partition occurs on-site on the at least one
additional wall element of synthetic glass.
[0053] At least one wall element may, for example, be shaped or
configured to be plate-shaped, circular, rounded, angled, and/or
shaped.
[0054] Moreover, in a tub partition based on the invention, at
least one wall element may comprise a projection and/or a recess.
The projection and/or recess may be formed or configured in or on
the surface, for example in the shape of a rest, grip cavity, seat,
or similar.
[0055] Furthermore, in a tub partition based on the invention, at
least one wall element may be at least partially transparent, may
be at least partially textured, may be at least partially colored,
and/or may be at least partially opaque. For this, a film may be
mounted on the wall element, for example, or, if the supplemental
element is configured as a film, this film may remain on the wall
element. Depending on the prescribed markings or on the film, the
wall element may be configured to be opaque up to a certain height.
The wall element may also be at least partially colored, may
comprise a reflecting or tinted surface, or may be at least
partially etched, engraved, or imprinted.
[0056] Also, in a tub partition based on the invention, at least
one wall element may be nano-coated or capable of being
nano-coated. A nano-coating leads to alteration of the surface so
that it is configured to be anti-adhesive. The wall element may
thus better shed water and dirt so that the cleaning cost and/or
mineralization and/or covering deposits are reduced.
[0057] Further, a method based on the invention to install a
frameless, self-supporting tub partition comprising the following
steps is specified: [0058] Transfer of local installation
dimensions with the and/or onto at least one supplemental element
detachably connected to the wall element, [0059] Adaptation of at
least one wall element using a processing device to local
installation dimensions, and [0060] Assembly of the tub
partition.
[0061] Transfer of local installation dimensions onto the
supplemental element may occur using simple devices. For example, a
tub partition based on the invention may be provided with
detachable, telescoping or shortening marking device. Such a
marking device may be provided on a first end area with a sliding
means and on the second end area with a marking means. Because of
the longitudinally-adaptable configuration, such a marking device
may be variably applied. Thus, the marking device may be set at a
pre-defined distance from a wall, ceiling, or floor, for example in
a specified telescoped or shortened condition, so that it may
travel with the sliding means along the wall, ceiling, or floor,
whereby the marking element travels along with parallel
displacement and transfers the pertinent characteristics of the
wall, ceiling, or floor onto the wall element and/or onto the
supplemental element mounted there. For this, the marking element
is arranged to be perpendicular to the sliding means. Likewise,
local installation dimensions may be compiled and transferred using
a suitable supplemental element, for example a flexible
straightedge. Also, projection of dimensions, contours, or similar
of the installation site may be used for the transfer. Thus, a wall
element may be properly adapted to the wall, ceiling, or floor
using simple means.
[0062] After adaptation of each wall element to local installation
dimensions and assembly of the wall element, at least one
supplemental element may be removed from at least one wall
element.
[0063] Finally, the method may also comprise the following step:
processing at least one wall element in order to make it at least
partially transparent and/or at least partially opaque. For this, a
suitable film may be mounted on the wall element.
[0064] Alternatively, the surface may also be treated, for example
using a suitable chemical reagent, so that the surface is etched.
Also, texture may be provided to the surface of the wall element
using suitable processing devices.
[0065] Overall, the advantageous embodiments specify a tub
partition that may be flexibly applied and simply installed, and
that may be adapted to on-site local installation dimensions.
[0066] In the following, the invention will now be explained using
advantageous embodiment examples with reference to the enclosed
exemplary Figures. Elements corresponding to one another in various
Figures will bear the same reference index. The Figures show:
[0067] FIG. 1 perspective frontal view of a tub partition based on
the invention;
[0068] FIG. 2 perspective frontal oblique view of an alternative
embodiment example of a tub partition based on the invention;
[0069] FIG. 3 perspective frontal view of another alternative
embodiment example of a tub partition based on the invention;
[0070] FIG. 4 perspective frontal oblique view of an another
alternative embodiment example of a tub partition based on the
invention;
[0071] FIG. 5 frontal view of another alternative tub partition
based on the invention; and
[0072] FIG. 6 view of a wall element based on the invention with a
marking device to transfer local installation dimensions.
[0073] Positional descriptions used in the following such as upper,
lower, front, rear, right, and left are from the point of view of
the observer toward a tub partition based on the invention before
him/her.
[0074] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment example of a tub partition 1
based on the invention comprising two wall elements 3a, 3b. The
first wall element 3a is formed as a fixed side-wall element, and
the second wall element 3b is formed as a pivoting door. The second
wall element 3b is connected to the fixed first wall element 3a
using hinges 9, and may be pivoted about the hinge pivot axis.
[0075] A supplemental element 5a, 5b is mounted on each wall
element 3a, 3b. Each of the supplemental elements 5a, 5b is
configured as a film applied to each wall element 3a, 3b. Markings
7 are provided on the foil at pre-defined separations. The markings
may be configured as supplemental lines, grid lines as a raster, as
points, as angled lines, or as otherwise-defined positions, and may
be imprinted, for example. The markings serve for processing of
each wall element using a processing device (not shown), for
example a keyhole saw, knife, circular saw, or other suitable
processing device in order to be able to adapt each wall element to
local installation dimensions as necessary.
[0076] On the one hand, each wall element 3a, 3b may be adapted
and/or tailored to the pre-defined dimensions using the markings 7.
Alternatively, it is possible to transfer the corresponding wall,
floor, and/or ceiling characteristics, dimensions, etc. (local
installation dimensions) to each wall element by means of a
suitable measurement and transfer device (not shown). The
illustrated markings 7 then serve as cutting lines or drilling
markings.
[0077] The hinges 9 may be pre-mounted at the factory, or
alternatively likewise mounted on-site. For this, the hinges may be
adhered and/or otherwise attached to each wall element and suitably
affixed, for example using threaded connectors. The hinges 9 may be
aligned to the supplemental element or freely positioned.
[0078] Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows various shaped pieces 11, 13, 15.
After processing of each wall element 3a, 3b, it may be necessary
to post-process each cut edge in case of an uneven cut and grinding
of each edge is attempted. Alternatively, to accelerate
manufacture, each edge may also be inserted directly into each
suitable shaped piece. The wall shaped piece 11 is configured as a
rail whereby the wall element 3a may be inserted into the guide
rail. For this, the rail may be of aluminum or plastic or metal,
for example. The wall shaped piece 11 thus serves as the wall
attachment for the wall element 3a. Alternatively, such a shaped
piece may serve merely to cover a side edge.
[0079] Furthermore, a sealing shaped piece 15 is provided on the
underside of the wall element 3b that is formed as a door. This is
also mounted on the lower edge of the wall element 3b and is held
there using a positive fit, for example. The individual shaped
pieces may also be attached to each wall element using an adhesive
bond. A sealing lip 16 is formed on the underside of the sealing
shaped piece 15. This sealing lip 16 may seal toward the exterior
using a threshold strip 18 (see FIG. 2) mounted on the floor.
[0080] Furthermore, an additional shaped piece 13 may be emplaced
onto the side edge opposite the hinges of the wall element 3b
formed as a door. When configured as a magnetic shaped piece, a
magnetized material may be located within the shaped piece in a
cavity, or may be mounted on the shaped piece as a strip. The
magnetic shaped piece may be mounted with an additional magnetic
shaped or metallic sealing connection that is located, for example,
on the side of the wall or of an additional wall element (not
shown) opposite the magnetic shaped piece. When the door is closed,
the magnetic shaped piece lies properly on the opposing part, thus
providing an exterior seal for the shower or tub.
[0081] FIG. 2 shows an additional embodiment example of a tub
partition 1 based on the invention. The tub partition 1 here
comprises three wall elements 3a, 3b, and 3c. Here also, the wall
element 3a is connected with the wall 31 by means of a shaped piece
11 configured as an attaching rail. The upper side and/or upper
edge of the wall element is appropriately adapted to the roof angle
of the ceiling 32.
[0082] The wall element 3b formed as a door is connected with the
fixed side-wall element 3a by means of two hinges. The door element
3b pivots by means of a handgrip 21, which may also be configured
as a washcloth holder.
[0083] A sealing shaped piece 15 is again mounted at the lower end
of the door 36 that seals a shower area 33 from the outside using a
threshold strip 18. The shower area 33 is flush with the floor in
the illustrated embodiment example. Furthermore, the door 3b
comprises a magnetic shaped piece 13a that interacts with an
additional magnetic shaped piece 13b on an additional side wall 3c.
This side wall 3c is also held affixed to the wall 31 in an
additional securing rail 11. When the door is closed, the two
magnetic shaped pieces 13a and 13b rest against each other, thus
creating an exterior seal for the door element 3b.
[0084] Using a suitable supplemental element (not shown), for
example a film as shown in FIG. 1, the fixed side wall 3c may
likewise be adapted to wall characteristics. In the illustrated
embodiment example, the fixed wall element 3c of a corner shower
compartment at the wall 31 is provided with a cutout that is
matched to a SANBLOK (trademark) plumbing module. After
transferring the corresponding wall characteristics of the SANBLOK
plumbing module to the wall element 3c, this wall area is cut or
sawed out of the wall element.
[0085] Additionally, in FIG. 2, a standard securing device 23 is
provided on the upper end of the fixed side wall 3c that also
supports the wall element 3c. Furthermore, based on the invention,
all securing devices and/or fittings useable for glass and/or other
accessories may be used.
[0086] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment example of a tub partition 1
based on the invention. The tub partition 1 comprises a fixed wall
element 3a and a wall element 3b pivoting as a door. The two wall
elements 3a, 3b are connected to each other by means of hinges 9.
The door 3b may be pivoted by means of a doorknob 21. A suitable
magnetic shaped-piece strip, or alternatively a sealing
shaped-piece strip, is emplaced onto the door element 3b on the
side of the door element 3b opposite the hinges. A sealing shaped
piece is also emplaced onto the lower side of the door element
3b.
[0087] The fixed wall element 3a was also suitably adapted to the
local ceiling, wall, and floor configurations by means of a
supplemental element. The wall element 3a is positioned and/or
affixed to the wall 31 by means of wall-securing devices 25. The
wall-securing devices 25 may also be located at any other
positions. Also, the number of individual securing devices may be
infinitely varied and combined. In the upper area of the wall
element 3a, a recess matched to the dimension of the tubing 27 is
cut in the wall element 3a by means of a processing device (not
shown), for example a drill with hole saw. At its lower end, the
wall element 3a is adapted to the step 29 located in the wall 31
using a processing device (not shown) and using a supplemental
element comparable to the one in FIG. 1, and a rectangular recess
is cut out of the wall element 3a.
[0088] The additional embodiment example of a tub partition 1 based
on the invention shown in FIG. 4 comprises a moveable wall element
3 that is formed as a door on wall hinges. A shower and/or tub 33
is shown here positioned within a niche. The door element 3 is held
to the wall 31 by hinges 9. The upper edges of the door element 3
are adapted to the ceiling dimensions of the roof angle 32. For
this, these dimensions are transferred by means of, or to, the
supplemental element comparable to the one shown in FIG. 1, and are
cut to appropriate size using a processing device (not shown) such
as a hand circular saw.
[0089] The door element 3 may be pivoted by means of a door grip
and/or doorknob 21, and also comprises a sealing shaped piece 15 at
its lower edge, and a magnet or sealing shaped piece 13, 15 on its
side opposite to the hinges 9 that interacts with a second magnet
or sealing shaped piece 13, 15 located within the niche in order to
seal the tub partition 1 to the exterior.
[0090] In the embodiment example illustrated in FIG. 5, an
additional tub partition 1 based on the invention is shown that is
configured with two pivoting folding niche doors 3a, 3b. The
folding niche doors 3a, 3b may be pivoted accordion-style by means
of a grip 21. At the upper end of the pivoting door 3b, the
dimensions of the ceiling and/or enclosure 39 have been transferred
by means of a transfer device (not shown) and an appropriate
supplemental element to the door element to cover tubing lines, and
have been cut by means of an appropriate processing device (not
shown). Likewise, sealing or magnetic shaped pieces are provided on
the side edges of the door element 3b, and likewise, magnetic or
sealing shaped pieces 13, 15 are provided on the lower edges of
each door element 3a, 3b. The two door elements 3a, 3b are
connected with each other by means of a hinge 35 extending along
the entire length of the two door elements, and they may be pivoted
along the pivot axis 37 with respect to each other.
[0091] The door element 3a opposite the wall 31 is also connected
with the wall 31 by means of a hinge 41 extending the entire
longitudinal axis, and may be pivoted with respect to said wall
31.
[0092] Finally, the embodiment example illustrated in FIG. 6 shows
a wall element 3 that is supported by a slanted wall 31. A film
element (not shown) such as a plate or similar, or other suitable
supplemental element, may be applied to the wall element 3.
[0093] Additionally, a marking device 43 is provided. The marking
device 43 may be detachably connected to the door element 3. The
marking device 43 comprises at its one end sliding means 45, for
example a sphere or a sled that may glide along the angle of the
wall 31. At the other end area of the marking device 43, a marking
element 47, e.g., a pencil or other drawing instrument, is mounted
at a right angle to the sliding means.
[0094] The marking device 43 is formed and mounted and/or
detachably coupled to the wall element 3 such that when the sliding
means travels along the angle of the wall 31, the marking element
47 transfers the corresponding measurement to the wall element
and/or to the detachably-coupled supplemental element. Thus, using
a type of parallel displacement with simple means, the
characteristics of a wall or a ceiling or floor may be transferred
to each wall element and/or supplemental element so that each wall
element may be adapted to local installation dimensions by means of
a processing device.
[0095] Alternatively, the local characteristics of wall, floor,
and/or ceiling may be recorded using laser measurement, and may be
correspondingly transferred onto the supplemental element on the
door element.
[0096] Further embodiments and variations of the invention may be
taken by the specialist familiar with the art from the following
Patent Claims.
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