Shower base and shower base mounting system

Abstract

A shower base installation system and shower base including a shower base and a shower base installation tool. The shower base includes one or more recesses on a bottom surface. The installation tool includes a handle, a strap, and a hook. The installation tool is used to lift and maneuver the shower base into place by engaging the hook into one of the plurality of recesses in the shower base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a shower base system including an installation tool for mounting a relatively heavy shower base. Specifically, this disclosure provides a tool including a handle, a strap, and a hook that engages in any of a plurality of recesses on the bottom of the shower base to allow the shower base to be lifted and manipulated into place. Background Technology

[0002] Lightweight shower bases molded from polymers are known in the art for use with shower enclosures. However, shower bases made from heavy materials such as ceramic can pose difficulties during positioning and installation. Depending on the layout of the shower enclosure, the installer may have very little room to maneuver the base into place. Furthermore, if the base is lowered and slid into place instead of being lowered down, any adhesive applied to the underlying floor may be wiped away.

[0003] Therefore, an installation tool is still needed that allows for easy manipulation and installation of heavy-duty shower bases into wall cavities or shower enclosures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A shower base mounting system is disclosed, comprising a shower base and a shower base mounting tool. The illustrative shower base includes one or more grooves formed on its bottom edge. The illustrative mounting tool includes a handle, a strap, and a hook. The hook and strap are illustratively joined together using an opening. The tool is used to lift and manipulate the shower base into place by engaging the hook into the groove on the bottom edge of the base. Once in place, tension on the strap is removed, and if necessary, the strap can be detached from the hook, leaving the hook in place with the shower base.

[0005] According to an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a shower base installation tool includes a handle, a flexible strap having a top end and a bottom end, and a hook. The hook includes a handle extending between the top and bottom ends, a sloping return leg, a bend defining an inwardly facing hook portion and connecting the bottom end of the handle to the sloping return leg, and an opening at the top end of the handle. The top end of the strap is attached to the handle. The bottom end of the strap is inserted through the opening in the hook.

[0006] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a shower base is configured to mate with a shower base installation tool and includes a body. The body includes a first peripheral edge, a second peripheral edge coupled to the first peripheral edge, an upper surface extending between the first and second peripheral edges, and a lower surface extending substantially parallel to the upper surface. At least one recess is formed in at least one of the first and second peripheral edges. The recess includes an opening extending upward from the lower surface of the body to an upper edge at a distance less than that from the upper surface of the body, and an inclined surface extending from the upper edge of the opening and sloping upward toward the upper surface of the body.

[0007] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a shower base mounting system includes a shower base mounting tool and a shower base. The shower base mounting tool includes a handle, a flexible band having a top end and a bottom end, and a hook. The hook includes a handle extending between the top and bottom ends, an inclined return leg, a bend defining an inwardly facing hook portion and engaging the bottom end of the handle with the return leg, and an opening at the top end of the handle. The top end of the band is attached to the handle. The bottom end of the band is inserted through the opening of the hook. The shower base includes a body having a first peripheral edge, a second peripheral edge extending perpendicular to the first peripheral edge, an upper surface extending between the first and second peripheral edges, and a lower surface extending substantially parallel to the upper surface. At least one groove is formed in at least one of the first and second peripheral edges. The groove includes an opening extending upward from the lower surface of the body to an upper edge at a distance less than the upper surface of the body, and an inclined surface extending from the upper edge of the opening and inclined upward toward the upper surface of the body. The inwardly facing hook portion of the hook engages the inclined surface of at least one groove in the base.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that are currently considered the best mode for carrying out the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The foregoing aspects and many anticipated advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent and better understood when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of an illustrative shower enclosure with a shower base installed.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a shower base installed using the illustrative shower base installation tool according to this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the installation tools and the bottom of the shower base;

[0013] Figure 4 It is along with the installation tools and shower base. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken by line 4-4;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Shower base installation tools and in Figure 1 A perspective view of the groove for receiving tools in the shower base;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view illustrating the shower base installation tools;

[0016] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of another illustrative shower base installation tool; and

[0017] Figure 8 Is with Figure 4 The cross-section shown is similar Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the installation tools and shower base. Detailed Implementation

[0018] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which will be described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Rather, these embodiments were chosen and described so that their teachings can be used by others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The invention includes any changes and further modifications to the illustrated apparatus and described methods that would normally occur to those skilled in the art, as well as further applications of the principles of the invention.

[0019] First refer to Figure 1Shower enclosure 10 is shown as including a first shower wall 12a, a second shower wall 12b, and a third shower wall 12c. The first shower wall 12a is perpendicular to the second shower wall 12b, and the third shower wall 12c is perpendicular to the second shower wall 12b. The first shower wall 12a and the third shower wall 12c are opposite each other and are parallel to each other. Each shower wall 12a, shower wall 12b, and shower wall 12c illustratively includes a mounting post 14 supporting a flat substrate 16 (such as a molded panel depicting tiles). Although shower enclosure 10 illustratively includes shower walls 12a, shower wall 12b, and shower wall 12c, it should be understood that other types of shower enclosures may therefore be used instead. For example, shower enclosure 10 may be a corner room including two vertical walls (not shown).

[0020] The overhead shower 18 directs water into the shower enclosure 10. The user can regulate the water flow to the overhead shower 18 using a conventional control valve 20. A shower base 22 is fitted at the bottom of the shower enclosure 10 within first shower walls 12a, second shower walls 12b, and third shower walls 12c. The shower base 22 includes a drain pipe 23 to allow water from the overhead shower 18 to drain from the shower enclosure 10. In an illustrative embodiment, the shower base 22 is made of a ceramic material. In one illustrative embodiment, the material composition of the shower base 22 may be similar to that detailed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20200247718A1 by Thomas et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that other conventional materials (such as polymers, cast iron, etc.) may be used for the shower base 22.

[0021] like Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the shower base 22 includes a body 26 having an upper surface 34 and a lower surface 36. The upper surface 34 illustratively includes a decorative textured pattern 38. Illustratively, the textured pattern 38 is shown as a hexagonal design, but it can be other shapes and / or patterns. The shower base 22 includes a central opening 28 that extends from the upper surface 34 through the lower surface 36 and through the body 26 for mounting a drain pipe 23.

[0022] The body 26 includes a shower base periphery 30 defined by a first peripheral edge 32a, a second peripheral edge 32b, a third peripheral edge 32c, and a fourth peripheral edge 32d. The shower base periphery 30 is illustratively formed in a rectangular shape, but may therefore be replaced by other shapes. When the shower base 22 is installed in the shower enclosure 10, the first peripheral edge 32a, the second peripheral edge 32b, and the third peripheral edge 32c of the shower base periphery 30 have very small gaps (approximately 0.25 inches or less) between them and the first shower wall 12a, the second shower wall 12b, and the third shower wall 12c, respectively. This tight fit provides almost no space for the user's hands to manipulate the shower base periphery 30 during installation of the shower base 22.

[0023] refer to Figure 3 The illustrative shower base 22 includes recesses 50 on its lower surface 36, which surround at least a portion of the shower base periphery 30. The recesses 50 may be molded in the shower base 22 or formed by other conventional methods, such as machining. The lower surface 36 is illustratively defined by a plurality of reinforcing ribs 40. Illustratively, the reinforcing ribs 40 include ribs 42 extending radially from the center of the shower base 22 toward the shower base periphery 30, a first or outer circular rib 44, and a second or inner circular rib 45. A plurality of recesses 48 are defined between adjacent reinforcing ribs 40. The number, size, and positioning of the ribs 42 can vary, particularly based on the size and shape of the body 26 and the location of the drain outlet 28.

[0024] The installation tool 100 disclosed herein is configured to mate with a shower base 22 and illustratively includes a handle 102, a strap 104, and a hook 106. More specifically, the hook 106 engages with a recess 50 on the shower base 22.

[0025] Figure 4 An installation tool 100 is shown that engages with a recess 50 in the shower base 22. The recess 50 forms an opening 52 that extends vertically upward from the lower surface 36 and terminates at a top point or edge 56 at a distance less than the height of the peripheral edge 32b at the upper surface 34. The material of the body 26 slopes from the top point 56, forming a sloped surface 54. The sloped surface 54 extends upward from the top point 56 toward the upper surface 34 of the shower base 22. For aesthetic purposes, the recess 50 is only illustratively included on the peripheral edges 32a and 32b of the shower base periphery 30. This prevents the recess 50 from being visible to the user in both two-wall and three-wall shower enclosure configurations. In some illustrative embodiments, the peripheral edges 32a and 32b of the shower base periphery 30 may each include more than one recess 50 for diverse installation options.

[0026] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The hook 106 illustratively includes a handle 126, a bend 134, and a tilting return leg 132. The handle 126 includes an upper end 128 and a lower end 130. The bend 134 connects the lower end 130 to the tilting return leg 132. The bend 134 defines an inwardly facing hook portion 136. The tilting return leg 132 engages with the inclined surface 54 of the recess 50 to engage the installation tool 100 onto the shower base 22. To ensure engagement, the bend 134 of the hook 106 is at an angle β, which is greater than the angle α of the inclined surface 54 relative to the peripheral edge 32b of the shower base 22. Illustratively, the difference between angle β and angle α is between 10° and 20°. In one illustrative embodiment, the difference between angle β and angle α is 15°. Illustratively, angle β is between 20° and 80° (e.g., approximately 60°), and angle α is between 10° and 70° (e.g., approximately 45°). In an illustrative embodiment, hook 106 is made of a rigid material configured to support at least 200 pounds without breaking or undergoing permanent deformation (e.g., no plastic deformation). Illustratively, hook 106 is formed of a metal (e.g., stainless steel). In one illustrative embodiment, hook 106 is approximately 0.03 inches thick.

[0027] Hook 106 illustratively includes an upper closure groove 138 and a lower closure groove 140 for attaching strap 104 to hook 106. Illustratively, the bottom end portion 116 of strap 104 is inserted from the proximal side 141 of handle 126 closest to shower base 22 through the lower closure groove 140 to the distal side 143 of handle 126 furthest from shower base 22. Then, the bottom end portion 116 is inserted from the distal side 143 of handle 126 furthest from shower base 22 through the upper closure groove 138 to the proximal side 141 of handle 126 closest to shower base 22. The bottom end portion 116 is pulled upward and secured in place between strap 104 and hook 106. During installation, strap 104 is illustratively clamped between shower base 22 and hook 106, and thereby further secured in place. In one illustrative embodiment, strap 104 may include a releasable coupling 144 (e.g., hook-and-loop fastener, snap fastener, adhesive, etc.) to further secure the bottom end portion 116. The strip 104 is illustratively formed of a flexible material having a strength sufficient to lift at least 200 pounds without breaking or excessive stretching (e.g., no plastic deformation). In an illustrative embodiment, the strip 104 is flexible and made of polyester, cotton, mesh nylon, etc. In one illustrative embodiment, the strip 104 is 0.75 inches wide and 0.09 inches thick.

[0028] The handle 102 illustratively includes a connector 108 for securing the strap 104 to the handle. The connector 108 is illustratively defined by a vertical slot 112. The upper portion 112a of the vertical slot 112 is wider than the lower portion 112b of the vertical slot 112. In the illustrative embodiment, the handle 102 is made of a rigid material, such as a polymer (e.g., styrene), die-cast zinc, or aluminum.

[0029] To attach the strap 104 and handle 102, the top portion 114 of the strap 104 is inserted upwards through both the lower portion 112b and the upper portion 112a of the vertical slot 112. The top portion 114 is then folded onto the strap 104 and pushed back only by the upper portion 112a, and secured in place by friction. The fastening member 142 can attach the folded top portion 114 to the strap 104, and can be a permanent fastening method, such as stitching or gluing.

[0030] During installation, the shower base 22 is lowered into the shower enclosure 10. Adhesive can be applied to the lower surface 36 of the shower base 22. When the hook 106 engages with the groove 50, the user pulls the handle 102 upwards and away from the shower base 22, causing tension in the belt 104. The user can then lower the shower base 22 so that the first outer edge 32a, the second outer edge 32b, and the third outer edge 32c are aligned with the first shower wall 12a, the second shower wall 12b, and the third shower wall 12c of the shower enclosure 10, respectively.

[0031] After the shower base 22 is installed, the tension on the belt 104 can be released, allowing the lower end 116 to be released from the hook 106. The hook 106 can be removed from the shower enclosure 10 or left in place. Figure 5 The installation tool 100 and the shower base 22 are shown in an illustrative disengaged mode before installation.

[0032] like Figure 6As shown, some embodiments of the handle 102 may include opposing grip portions 110a and 110b to help the user obtain a better grip and prevent slippage when using the installation tool 100. Furthermore, some embodiments of the strap 104 may include an attachment mechanism, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, comprising a hook portion (rough side) 118 supported by a first side 120 of the strap 104 and a loop portion (soft side) 122 supported by a second side 124 of the strap 104. When the hook portion 118 and the loop portion 122 are pressed together, the two portions adhere to each other. Illustratively, the hook portion 118 and the loop portion 122 are attached to opposite sides 120 and 124 of the strap 104. By rotating the hook 106 and the strap 104 about the handle 102 and pressing the hook portion 118 and the loop portion 122 together, the installation tool 100 can be made more compact for storage, thereby securing the installation tool 100 in a storage mode.

[0033] Figures 7 to 8 A second embodiment 200 of the installation tool is shown. The same reference numerals are retained from the previous figures for similar components between installation tool 100 and installation tool 200. Installation tool 200 includes a handle 102, a strap 204, and a hook 206. The handle 102 is the same as defined above for installation tool 100. The strap 204 includes a top portion 214 and a bottom portion 216. The top portion 214 and the handle 102 are attached in the same manner as described above. The bottom portion 216 is folded at a fixing line 246 and permanently attached to the strap 204 by conventional fastening methods (such as stitching or gluing). This attachment forms a receiving opening 219.

[0034] Hook 206 includes a handle 226 having an upper end 228 and a lower end 230. A bend 234 engages the lower end 230 with a return leg 232. The bend 234 defines an inwardly facing hook portion 236. An opening slot 238 forms a cantilever 241 at the top of hook 206. By inserting the cantilever 241 through an opening 219, a strap 204 is releasably engaged with hook 206. A protrusion 242 is a projection at the end of the cantilever 241 and helps ensure that the strap 204 remains engaged with hook 206. Hook 206 also includes a notch 244 at the open end of the opening slot 238 opposite the protrusion 242, which allows the cantilever 241 to be more easily inserted into and removed from the opening 219.

[0035] Installation tool 200 engages with the recess 50 of shower base 22 in the same manner as described above with respect to installation tool 100, so as to install shower base 22 into shower room 10.

[0036] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications as described and defined in the appended claims exist within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A shower base installation tool including a shower base, the shower base installation tool comprising: handle; A flexible strip having a top end portion and a bottom end portion; Hook, the hook comprising: A handle that extends between its upper end and its lower end; Tilt back towards your legs; A bend that connects the lower end of the handle to the inclined return leg, the bend defining an inwardly facing hook portion; and An opening, said opening being located at the top end of the handle; Wherein, the distance from the upper end of the handle to the inward-facing hook is less than the height of the shower base; The top end of the belt is connected to the handle; The bottom end of the band can be releasably inserted into an opening through the hook; and The hook's inward-facing curved portion engages with the inclined surface of at least one groove in the shower base.

2. The shower base installation tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The opening of the hook includes an upper groove and a lower groove.

3. The shower base installation tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The tilting return leg extends at an acute angle away from the handle.

4. The shower base installation tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The handle includes a vertical groove that receives the top end of the flexible strip.

5. The shower base installation tool as described in claim 4, wherein, The vertical groove in the handle includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being wider than the lower portion.

6. The shower base installation tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The handle is made of a rigid material, and the band is made of a flexible material.

7. The shower base installation tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The hook is configured to support at least 200 pounds.

8. The shower base installation tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The opening of the hook is a slot that opens at one end, and a cantilever is defined above the slot.

9. The shower base installation tool as described in claim 8, wherein, The cantilever has a protrusion that extends downward at the opening of the slot in the opening.

10. The shower base installation tool as described in claim 9, wherein, The bottom of the groove of the opening includes a notch that mates with the protrusion.

11. A shower base mounting system, comprising: Shower base installation tool, the shower base installation tool includes: handle; A flexible strip having a top end portion and a bottom end portion; Hook, the hook comprising: A handle that extends between its upper end and its lower end; Tilt back towards your legs; A bend that connects the lower end of the handle to the inclined return leg, the bend defining an inwardly facing hook; and An opening, said opening being located at the top end of the handle; The top end of the belt is connected to the handle; and The bottom end of the band is inserted into the opening through the hook; Shower base, the shower base comprising: The body, the body comprising: First outer edge; The second outer edge extends perpendicularly to the first outer edge; The upper surface extends between the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge; and The lower surface extends substantially parallel to the upper surface; and At least one groove, the at least one groove being formed in at least one of the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge, the at least one groove comprising: An opening extending upward from the lower surface of the body to its upper edge at a distance less than that from the upper surface of the body; and An inclined surface extends from the upper edge of the opening and slopes upward toward the upper surface of the body; and The hook's inward-facing curved portion engages with the inclined surface of at least one groove in the base.

12. The shower base mounting system as described in claim 11, wherein, The opening of the hook includes an upper groove and a lower groove.

13. The shower base mounting system as described in claim 11, wherein, The inclined return leg extends away from the handle at a first angle, and the inclined surface of the base forms a second angle with the vertical direction, wherein the first angle is between 10 and 20 degrees larger than the second angle.

14. The shower base mounting system as described in claim 11, wherein, The handle includes a vertical groove for receiving the top end of the flexible band, wherein the vertical groove includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being wider than the lower portion.

15. The shower base mounting system as described in claim 11, wherein, The handle is made of a rigid material, and the band is made of a flexible material.

16. The shower base mounting system as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The hook is configured to support at least 200 pounds.

17. The shower base mounting system as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The handle has an opening that is a slot at one end, and a cantilever is defined above the slot.

18. The shower base mounting system as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The cantilever has a protrusion that extends downward at the opening of the slot in the opening.

19. The shower base mounting system as described in claim 18, wherein, The bottom of the groove of the opening includes a notch that mates with the protrusion.

20. The shower base mounting system as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The base is made of ceramic.

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