An adjustable retention device and a frame assembly comprising the adjustable retention device

Abstract

A frame assembly (1) for a shower enclosure (2) comprising an upstanding member (10) and a main upstanding element (16) joined by upper and lower cross-members (15) and (18). The main upstanding element (16) comprises an outer first elongated member (22) and an inner second elongated member (23) slideably inwardly and outwardly of the first member (22) in the direction of the arrows A and B. Adjustable retention devices (20) secure the second member (23) relative to the first member (22) adjacent upper and lower ends (21,24) of the main upstanding element (16). Each retention device (20) comprises a first retention element (45) located in a corresponding bore (36) extending through the second member (23), and a second retention element (46) having a plug member (65) and an engagement member (66) extending downwardly parallel to each other from the second retention element (45). Retaining ridges (73) on the plug member (65) are engaged with selected ones of retaining grooves (72) of the first retention element (45) for setting the second member (23) in a desired state relative to the first member (22), with the second member (23) plumb. The engagement member (66) is engageable with a retaining slot (69) formed by a recess (68) in a rear end web (27) of the first member (22) with a wall (5) of the shower enclosure for retaining the second member (23) plumb relative to the first member (22).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable retention device, and in particular, to an adjustable retention device for retaining a pair of adjustable frame members in one of a plurality of selectable states relative to each other. The invention also relates to a frame assembly comprising the adjustable frame members retained in a desired selectable state relative to each other by the adjustable retention device. Further the invention relates to a shower enclosure comprising the frame assembly.

[0002] Frame assemblies are commonly used in shower enclosures, where the frame assembly in general defines an access opening into the shower enclosure, which in turn is closed by a door. The door typically would be hingedly connected to one of a pair of upstanding members of the frame assembly, and would close against the other one of the pair of upstanding members of the frame assembly. In many cases, such frame assemblies are provided with one of the upstanding members intended to be secured to a wall of a room, a portion of which wall would form one of the walls of the shower enclosures. Other such frame assemblies may be provided for locating between two walls of an alcove provided in the room to form the shower enclosure. The frame assembly forms an access opening into the alcove which will form the shower enclosure. In many cases, walls of rooms are not plumb. This causes significant problems in securing such frame assemblies to walls of rooms, since it is important that the upstanding member to which the door is hingedly connected is plumb, and furthermore, that the upstanding member of the frame assembly against which the door closes is also plumb. Various arrangements of frame assemblies have been provided to facilitate mounting the frame assembly, so that the upstanding members are plumb. However, in general, known arrangements for facilitating plumbing of the upstanding members require relatively complex and expensive components, and in many cases some still require sealing of the upstanding member or members of the frame assembly, as the case may be, to a wall or walls of the room by a filler sealant.

[0003] European Patent Specification No. 2,859,829 A1 of Wei discloses an upstanding member of a frame assembly for securing a shower door to a structure. The upstanding member comprises a stationary upstanding member for securing to the structure, and a moveable upstanding member adjustable inwardly and outwardly transversely of the stationary upstanding member through a plurality of selectable states. An adjustable retention device is provided for retaining the moveable member in a selected one of the selectable states relative to the stationary member. The adjustable retention device comprises a fixed element secured to the stationary member and an adjusting element engageable in the moveable member. The fixed element comprises a pair of spaced apart side walls defining therebetween a cavity and having a plurality of parallel ridges and grooves formed thereon. The adjusting element comprises an adjusting block defining opposite side faces having a plurality of ridges and grooves formed thereon, which are incrementally and sequentially engageable with the ridges and grooves of the side walls of the fixed element as the adjusting block is urged into the cavity in the fixing element for adjusting the moveable member relative to the stationary member and for securing the moveable member in a selected state relative to the stationary member.

[0004] Other adjustable retention devices for retaining a pair of adjustable first and second elongated members in one of a plurality of selectable states relative to each other are disclosed in British Patent Specification No. 2,533,684 of Murphy, British Patent Specification No. 2,402,193 of Harris and U.S. Patent Application Specification No. 2014 / 0331565 of Wei.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a frame assembly which addresses this problem. There is also a need for an adjustable retention device which facilitates retaining a pair of adjustable frame members in a plurality of selectable states. There is also a need for a shower enclosure which overcomes the problems of known shower enclosures.

[0006] The present invention is directed towards providing such a frame assembly and a shower enclosure, as well as an adjustable retention device.

[0007] According to the invention there is provided an adjustable retention device for retaining a pair of adjustable first and second elongated members in one of a plurality of selectable states relative to each other, the retention device comprising a first retention element configured for securing in or to the second member, and a second retention element engageable with the first retention element and with the first member, the first and second retention elements comprising respective first and second interengageable complementary formations configured for retaining the first and second members in a selected state, the first retention element comprising a pair of spaced apart side walls, each side wall defining a working face facing the working face of the other side wall, and at least one of the first interengageable complementary formations being provided on the working face of at least one of the side walls, the second retention element comprising a plug member and an engagement member, the plug member having a pair of opposite working faces and being engageable between the side walls of the first retention element with the working faces of the plug member engaging the corresponding working faces of the first retention element, at least one of the second interengageable complementary formations being provided on one of the working faces of the plug member, and the engagement member being engageable with the first member to prevent movement of the first and second members in the direction of the adjustable movement of the first and second members relative to each other, wherein the plug member is slideably engageable between the side walls of the first retention element, and the first and second interengageable complementary formations are configured for slideable interengagement in a direction transversely relative to the direction of adjustable movement of the first and second members relative to each other.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention the first and second interengageable complementary formations are slideable relative to each other in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the direction of the adjustable movement of the first and second members relative to each other.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention at least one first interengageable complementary formation is provided, and at least one second interengageable complementary formation is provided.

[0010] Advantageously, the number of first interengageable complementary formations is one of greater than or less than the number of second interengageable complementary formations.

[0011] Preferably, at least one of the first interengageable complementary formations is provided on the working face of each of the side walls of the first retention element.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention a plurality of the first interengageable complementary formations is provided on the working face of at least one of the side walls of the first retention element.

[0013] Preferably, a plurality of the first interengageable complementary formations is provided on the working face of each of the side walls of the first retention element.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention the side walls of the first retention element are joined by a first cross-member, and preferably, the first cross-memberjoins the side walls adjacent one end thereof.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention the first cross-member is configured for securing the first retention element to the second member.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention the first retention element is configured for engaging in a bore extending longitudinally into the second member.

[0017] Alternatively, the first retention element is configured for mounting adjacent an end of the second member.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the second interengageable complementary formations is provided on each of the working faces of the plug member of the second retention element. Advantageously, a plurality of the second interengageable complementary formations is provided on at least one of the working faces of the plug member of the second retention element.

[0019] Preferably, a plurality of the second interengageable complementary formations are provided on each of the working faces of the plug member of the second retention element.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention each first interengageable complementary formation comprises a retaining groove, and preferably, an elongated retaining groove.

[0021] Preferably, the retaining grooves extend in a direction transversely to the direction of the adjustable movement between the first and second members relative to each other.

[0022] Advantageously, the retaining grooves extend in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the direction of the adjustable movement between the first and second members relative to each other.

[0023] Preferably, the elongated retaining grooves extend parallel to each other.

[0024] Advantageously, each second interengageable complementary formation comprises a keying element, and preferably, each second interengageable complementary formation comprises an elongated keying element. Preferably, each keying element extends in a direction transversely to the direction of the adjustable movement between the first and second members relative to each other, and advantageously, in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the direction of the adjustable movement between the first and second members relative to each other.

[0025] Preferably, the keying elements extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0026] Advantageously, each keying element comprises a retaining ridge, and preferably, an elongated retaining ridge.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention the engagement member extends from the second retention element in a direction transversely of the direction of the adjustable movement of the first and second members relative to each other, and preferably, the engagement member extends from the second retention element in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the direction of the adjustable movement of the first and second members relative to each other.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention the plug member and the engagement member of the second retention element are spaced apart from each other, and preferably, the plug member and the engagement member of the second retention element extend parallel to each other.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention the plug member and the engagement member are joined by a bridging member, and preferably, the plug member and the engagement member of the second retention element extend substantially perpendicularly from the bridging member.

[0030] The invention also provides a frame assembly comprising a first member and a second member, the second member being adjustably connected to the first member by an adjustable retention device according to the invention, and being secured to the first member in a selected one of a plurality of selectable states relative to the first member by the retention device.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention the first retention element of the adjustable retention device is secured to the second member, and the second retention element of the adjustable retention device is engaged with the first retention element with the first and second interengageable complementary formations interengaged with each other, and the second retention element is engaged with the first member for preventing movement of the second member in the direction of the adjustable movement of the first and second members relative to each other.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention the frame assembly comprises at least one of the first members configured as an upstanding member and the second member configured as an upstanding member adjacent the first member, the position of the second member being adjustable relative to the first member in a direction transversely of the first member, and preferably, the adjustable retention device secures the second member relative to the first member in a desired selected position transversely relative to the first member.

[0033] Preferably, one of the first and second members is located slideably within the other one of the first and second members, and is adjustably slideable inwardly and outwardly transversely relative to the said other one of the first and second members.

[0034] Advantageously, the second member is slideable within the first member.

[0035] In another embodiment of the invention the frame assembly comprises a cross-member extending transversely relative to the first and second members, the cross-member being connected to one of the first and second members, and preferably, is connected to the second member.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment of the invention the second member extends transversely relative to the first member.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention the first and second members comprise elongated members.

[0038] In another embodiment of the invention the second member is adjustably connected to the first member adjacent an upper end and a lower end thereof by respective ones of the adjustable retention devices.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention the frame assembly comprises a pair of spaced apart upstanding elements joined by upper and lower spaced apart cross-members, at least one of the upstanding elements comprising one of the first member and the corresponding second member, and the cross-members being connected to the second member of the at least one of the upstanding elements.

[0040] Preferably, each first member of the frame assembly is configured for securing to a structure.

[0041] The invention further provides a shower enclosure comprising a frame assembly according to the invention.

[0042] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a shower enclosure according to the invention comprising a frame assembly also according to the invention, Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the frame assembly of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the detail of Fig. 2 of the frame assembly of Fig. 1, illustrating a retention device also according to the invention for retaining and securing two members of the frame assembly together in a plurality of selectable positions relative to each other, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the retention device of Fig. 3 being assembled, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the retention device of Fig. 3 in a further state of being assembled, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the retention device of Fig. 3 in a fully assembled state, Fig. 7 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 4 illustrating the retention device of Fig. 3 being assembled in a different state to that of Fig. 4, Fig. 8 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 5 illustrating the retention device of Fig. 3 being assembled in the state of Fig. 7, Fig. 9 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 6 illustrating the retention device fully assembled in the state of Fig. 7, Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the detail of Fig. 2 illustrating the retention device of Fig. 3 in use, Fig. 11 is a top plan view somewhat similar to Fig. 10 with a portion of the retention device removed, Fig. 12 is another perspective view of the detail of Fig. 2 in the state of Fig. 10, Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a part of the retention device of Fig. 3, Fig. 14 is an end elevational view of the part of Fig. 13 of the retention device of Fig. 3 in the direction of the arrow X of Fig. 13, Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the part of Fig. 13 of the retention device of Fig. 3, Fig. 16 is a perspective view of another part of the retention device of Fig. 3, Fig. 17 is a side elevational view of the part of Fig. 16 of the retention device of Fig. 3, Fig. 18 is an end elevational view of the part of Fig. 16 of the retention device of Fig. 3, Fig. 19 is an underneath plan view of the part of Fig. 16 of the retention device of Fig. 3, Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an end portion of an upper cross-member of the frame assembly of Fig. 1, and Fig. 21 is an end view of the upper cross-member of Fig. 20.

[0043] Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a frame assembly according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for a shower enclosure 2 also according to the invention. In this embodiment of the invention the shower enclosure is of the type which is formed in a corner 3 of a room, with one wall 4 of the room adjacent the corner 3 forming one wall of the shower enclosure 2, and another wall 5 of the room adjacent the corner 3 forming a second wall of the shower enclosure. However, the frame assembly 1 is also suitable for use in an alcove type shower enclosure, of the type in which three of the walls, namely, a rear wall, and a pair of spaced apart side walls extending forwardly from the rear wall of the shower enclosure are formed by masonry walls, and the frame assembly would form the front of the shower enclosure, and would extend from one of the side walls to the other side wall. In this present embodiment of the invention a third wall 6 of the shower enclosure 2 is formed by a glass panel 8 of toughened glass extending and supported between a pair of upstanding members 9 and 10. The upstanding member 9 is secured to the wall 4 of the shower enclosure 2. The upstanding member 10 forms one member of a frame 12 of the frame assembly 1, within which a door 14 of the shower enclosure 2 is hingedly mounted. The frame 12 as well as comprising the upstanding member 10 also comprises a main upstanding element 16 spaced apart from the upstanding member 10. An upper cross-member 15 and a lower cross-member 18 extend between and join the upstanding member 10 and the main upstanding element 16 and define an access opening 19 into the shower enclosure 2. The main upstanding element 16 is secured to the wall 5 and the door 14 is hingedly connected to the main upstanding element 16 and closes against the upstanding member 10.

[0044] The main upstanding element 16 comprises an elongated upstanding outer first member 22 and an elongated upstanding inner second member 23. The first and second members 22 and 23 are of extruded aluminium. The outer first member 22 is secured to the wall 5 by masonry screws or bolts (not shown), and the upper and lower cross-members 15 and 18 are secured to the inner second member 23, as will be described below. The door 14 is hingedly connected to the inner second member 23, although it will be appreciated that the door 14 may be hingedly connected to any other suitable members of the frame assembly 1, for example, the door 14 may be hingedly connected to the upstanding member 10, and would close against the inner second member 23. Additionally, the door 14 could be pivotally connected to the upper and lower cross-members 15 and 18, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The inner second member 23 is adjustably slideable transversely inwardly and outwardly of the outer first member 22 in the directions of the arrows A and B for adjusting the second member 23 relative to the first member 22 in order to facilitate setting the second member 23 plumb in the event of the wall 5 being out of plumb, and in turn the first member 22 being out of plumb when secured to the wall 5. A pair of adjustable retention devices 20 according to the invention, which are described in detail below, are provided adjacent an upper end 21 and a lower end 24 of the main upstanding element 16, for retaining and securing the second member 23 to the first member 22 once the second member 23 has been set plumb.

[0045] The outer first member 22 comprises a front side web 25 and a spaced apart rear side web 26 which are joined by a rear end web 27. The front and rear side webs 25 and 26 and the rear end web 27 define an elongated hollow interior region 29 extending longitudinally through the first member 22. The front and rear side webs 25 and 26 define a longitudinally extending opening 30 through which the inner second member 23 slideably extends.

[0046] The inner second member 23 comprises a front side web 31 and a rear side web 32 spaced apart from the front side web 31 and joined by a front end web 34 and a rear end web 35 spaced apart from the front end web 34. The front and rear side webs 31 and 32 and the front and rear end webs 34 and 35 define a longitudinally extending bore 36, which extends through the inner second member 23 from one end to the other and is open at the respective opposite ends of the second members 23. The front end web 34 defines a face 37 to which hinges (not shown) which hingedly connect the door 14 to the second member 23 are secured.

[0047] The upper cross-member 15 comprises a front web 38 and a rear web 39 spaced apart from the front web 38. A pair of spaced apart upper and lower webs 40 and 41, respectively, join the front and rear webs 38 and 39 and define with the front and rear webs 38 and 39 an elongated hollow interior region 42 extending longitudinally through the upper cross-member 15. A pair of elongated members 43 extend longitudinally through the upper cross-member 15 and are joined by supporting webs 44 to the upper and lower webs 40 and 41 for a purpose to be described below.

[0048] The lower cross-member 18 is of similar construction to that of the upper cross-member 15, and webs and components of the lower cross-member 18, which are similar to those of the upper cross-member 15 are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0049] Turning now to the adjustable retention devices 20, each adjustable retention device 20 comprises a first retention element 45 and a second retention element 46, both of plastics material. The first retention element 45 comprises a pair of spaced apart side walls 48 which are joined by a first cross-member, namely, a first end wall 49 at a first end 50 thereof, and a second cross-member, namely, a second end wall 51 at a second end 52 thereof. Each first retention element 45 is dimensioned to have an outer transverse cross-sectional area, which when viewed in plan is similar to the transverse cross-sectional area of the bore 36 extending through the inner second member 23, so that each first retention element 45 is a snug fit in the bore 36 of the inner second member 23. The first retention elements 45 are located in the bore 36 of the inner second member 23 adjacent upper and lower ends 54 and 59, respectively, of the inner second member 23.

[0050] Since the mounting of the adjustable retention devices 20 in the upper and lower ends 21 and 24 of the main upstanding element 16 is similar, only the mounting of the adjustable retention device 20 adjacent the upper end 21 of the main upstanding element 16 will be described.

[0051] A pair of spaced apart bores 55 extend through the first end wall 49 of the first retention element 45 for accommodating screws 56 therethrough, which also extend through a corresponding pair of bores 57 in the front end web 34 of the inner second member 23. Threaded bores 58 in the elongated members 43 extending through the hollow interior region 42 of the upper cross-member 15 are provided for receiving the screws 56, for in turn securing the inner second member 23 to the upper cross-member 15, and in turn for securing the first retention element 45 in the bore 36 of the inner second member 23 adjacent the upper end 54 thereof. A pair of slots 60 extending downwardly and upwardly, respectively, in the second end wall 51 of the first retention element 45 accommodate entry and alignment of the screws 56 with the bores 55 and 57 of the first retention element 45 and the inner second member 23, and also for accommodating a screwdriver or other tool for driving the screws 56 into the threaded bores 58 of the elongated members 43 of the upper cross-member 15. Corresponding slots 61 are formed in the rear end web 35 of the inner second member 23 aligned with the slots 60 in the first retention element 45 for similarly accommodating alignment of the screws 56 with the bores 55 and 57, and also for accommodating a screwdriver or other tool for driving the screws 56 into the threaded bores 58 of the elongated members 43 of the upper cross-member 15. The bores 55 through the first end wall 49 of the first retention element 45 are counter-sunk at 62 to accommodate heads 63 of the screws 56.

[0052] The side walls 48 of the first retention element 45 extend in respective planes which extend parallel to the transverse plane of adjustment of the inner second member 23 inwardly and outwardly of the outer first member 22 in the direction of the arrows A and B. The side walls 48 of the first retention element 45 define respective inner working faces 53, which face each other, for a purpose to be described below.

[0053] The second retention element 46 of each adjustable retention device 20 comprises an upper bridging member 64. A plug member 65 extends downwardly from the upper bridging member 64 of the second retention element 46 and is configured to engage the first retention element 45 between the inner working faces 53 of the first retention element 45. An engagement member 66 extends downwardly from the upper bridging member 64 spaced apart from and parallel to the plug member 65 for engaging a recess 68 formed in the rear end web 27 of the outer first member 22. When the outer first member 22 is secured to the wall 5, the recess 68 formed in the rear end web 27 defines a retaining slot 69 with the wall 5 for engaging the engagement member 66, see Fig. 10. The engagement member 66 is dimensioned to be a relatively tight sliding fit in the retaining slot 69.

[0054] Returning now to the plug member 65 of the second retention element 46, the plug member 65 defines a pair of opposite outer working faces 70, which engage and cooperate with the inner working faces 53 of the first retention element 45 when the plug member 65 is engaged in the first retention element 45.

[0055] Pairs of first and second interengageable complementary formations are formed on the inner working faces 53 of the first retention element 45 and on the working faces 70 of the second retention element 46, respectively, for securely locating the plug member 65 in the first retention element 45, and for preventing movement of the inner second member 23, and in turn the upper cross-member 15 relative to the outer first member 22 in the direction of the arrows A and B. The first interengageable complementary formations are formed by a plurality of spaced apart parallel retaining grooves 72 extending along the inner working faces 53 of the first retention element 45 in a direction perpendicularly to the direction of adjustable movement of the inner second member 23 relative to the outer first member 22 in the directions of the arrows A and B.

[0056] The second interengageable complementary formations are formed on the working faces 70 of the plug member 65 and comprise a plurality of spaced apart parallel keying elements provided by retaining ridges 73 formed on the working faces 70 of the second retention element 46. The retaining ridges 73 extend in a direction perpendicularly to the direction of adjustable movement of the inner second member 23 relative to the outer first member 22 in the direction of the arrows A and B. The retaining ridges 73 are spaced apart from each other and are sized for slideable engagement in the retaining grooves 72 in the direction substantially perpendicularly to the direction of adjustable movement of the inner second member 23 relative to the outer first member 22. Accordingly, the plug member 65 is selectively positionable between the inner working faces 53 of the first retention element 45 in a plurality of selectable positions between the first and second end walls 49 and 51 of the first retention element 45 for in turn retaining and securing the inner second member 23 in a desired selectable state relative to the outer first member 22 when the second member 23 has been set plumb. When the plug member 65 of the second retention element 46 is engaged in the first retention element 45 and the engagement member 66 of the second retention element 46 in the retaining slot 69 of the outer first member 22, the second retention element 46 secures the second member 23 in the outer first member 22, and prevents movement of the second member 23 relative to the first member 22 in the plane of adjustment of the second member 23 relative to the first member, namely, in the direction of the arrows A and B.

[0057] A reinforcing member 75 extending downwardly from the upper bridging member 64 of the second retention element 46 extends between and is secured to the plug member 65 and the engagement member 66 for reinforcing the plug member 65 and the engagement member 66 with the upper bridging member 64 for retaining the parallel relationship between the plug member 65 and the engagement member 66. The slots 60 in the second end wall 51 of the first retention element 45 and the slots 61 in the rear end web 35 of the inner second member 23, as well as a corresponding slot 76 in the rear end web 27 of the outer first member 22 accommodates the reinforcing member 75 of the second retention element 46 when the retention element 46 is engaged with the first retention element 45 and in the retaining slot 69 formed by the outer first member 22 with the wall 5.

[0058] In this embodiment of the invention the retaining grooves 72 are provided over the working faces 53 of the side walls 48 of the first retention element 45, and the retaining ridges 73 are provided over the working faces 70 of the plug member 65 of the second retention element 46. In this embodiment of the invention each working face 53 of the side walls 48 of the first retention element 45 is provided with twenty-two retaining grooves 72, and each working face 70 of the plug member 65 of the second retention element 46 is provided with four retaining ridges 73. Accordingly, the second member 23 is adjustable transversely relative to the first member 22 in the directions of the arrows A and B through eighteen selectable positions. However, the number of selectable positions will be dependent on the number of retaining ridges 73 relative to the number of retaining grooves 72, and may be greater or less than eighteen selectable positions.

[0059] As well as providing for adjustment of the inner second member 23 relative to the outer first member 22 of the main upstanding element 16 in the direction of the arrows A and B to facilitate plumbing of the second member 23 relative to the first member 22, the adjustable retention devices 20 also allow for adjustment of the width of the access opening 19 between the upstanding member 10 and the face 37 of the second member 23, so that the access opening 19 is of the desired width.

[0060] A rim 78 extends partly around and downwardly from the upper bridging member 64 to embrace the upper portions of the front and rear side webs 25 and 26 of the outer first member 22.

[0061] In use, initially the first retention elements 45 are inserted into the bore 36 of the inner second member 23 adjacent the upper and lower ends 54 and 59 thereof. The first retention elements 45 may be factory fitted in the inner second member 23. The upper and lower cross-members 15 and 18 are then secured to the inner second member 23 by the screws 56 through the bores 55 and 57 in the first retention element 45 and in the inner second member 23, and in turn into the threaded bores 58 in the elongated member 43 of the upper and lower cross-members 15 and 18. The second member 23 is slid into the first member 22. The corresponding second retention element 46 is then engaged in the first retention element 45 at the lower end 59 of the second member 53 and in the lower end of the first member 22, so that when the first member is secured to the wall 5, the spacing between the face 37 of the second member 23 and the upstanding member 10 will define the lower end of the access opening 19 to be of the desired dimension The outer first member 22 is then secured to the wall 5. During securing of the first member 22 to the wall 5, the first member 22 is secured to the wall 5 so that it is plumb in the direction of the arrows C and D, see Fig. 1. If not already positioned the upstanding member 10 is positioned and secured in position.

[0062] The inner second member 23 is then plumbed by adjusting the upper end 54 of the inner second member 23 inwardly and outwardly of the outer first member 22 in the direction of the arrows A and B until the face 37 of the inner second member 23 on which the door 14 is to be hingedly connected is plumb. When the face 37 of the inner second member 23 is plumb, the inner second member 23 is secured relative to the outer first member 22 by engaging the second retention element 46 simultaneously with the first retention element 45 and the first member 22 at the upper end 21 of the main upstanding element 16, whereby the engagement member 66 is engaged in the retaining slot 69 formed by the recess 68 of the outer first member 22 and the wall 5 and the plug member 65 is engaged in the first retention element 45 with the retaining ridges 73 of the plug member 65 engaging the appropriate ones of the retaining grooves 72 in the side walls 48 of the first retention element 45. With the second retention element 46 fully engaged in the first retention element 45 and in the retaining slot 69, the inner second member 23 and the upper cross-member 15 are rigidly secured in the selected desired location relative to the outer second member 22 with the face 37 of the inner second member 23 plumb.

[0063] The upper cross-member 15 may then be secured to the upstanding member 10. The door 14 is then hingedly coupled to the inner second member 23.

[0064] The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that the inner second member 23 may be plumbed relative to the outer first member 22 and secured in the plumbed state relative to the outer first member 22, without the need for any fixings, such as screws, bolts, nails or the like. An additional advantage of the invention is that the adjustable retention devices also permit adjustment of the spacing between the upstanding member 10 and the face 37 of the second member 23 of the main upstanding element 16. This allows the width of the access opening 19 into the shower enclosure 1 to be adjusted to a desired width.

[0065] While in the embodiment of the invention described, the inner second member 23 has been described as being secured to the outer first member 22 adjacent both the upper end and the lower end of the main upstanding element 16 by the adjustable retention device 20, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the invention the inner second member 23 may only be secured to the outer first member 22 by one of the retention devices 20, at either the upper end or the lower end of the main upstanding element 16, or intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof. However, when the inner second member 23 is secured to the outer first member 22 of the main upstanding element 16, it is envisaged that the second member 23 will be secured to the first member 22 by the adjustable retention device 20 at the upper end of the main upstanding element 16. In cases where the second member 23 is adjustably secured to the first member 22 at one end only, it is envisaged that the other end of the second element 23 would be secured to the corresponding end of the first member 22 by any other suitable securing means, and typically, the second member 22 would be pivotally secured to the first member 22 at that end, so that the second member 23 would be adjustable relative to the first member 22 by the adjustable retention device 20 at the other end of the upstanding elements 16.

[0066] It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments of the invention the frame assembly may comprise a pair of spaced apart main upstanding elements 16, in other words, as well as the main upstanding elements 16 secured to the wall 5, the other upstanding member which forms the frame assembly 1 and which is identified by the reference numeral 10 may be replaced by a main upstanding element similar to the main upstanding element 16, which would comprise an outer first member 22 and an inner second member 23 slideable inwardly and outwardly relative to the outer first member 22. This would be particularly so in a case where the frame assembly is used in an alcove type shower enclosure, although, such a frame assembly could be used in any type of shower enclosure. In cases where the upstanding members of the frame assembly are both provided by main upstanding elements similar to the main upstanding element 16, the inner second member 23 of each main upstanding element may be secured to the corresponding outer first member 22 at both the upper and lower ends thereof or at either one of the upper and lower ends thereof.

[0067] While the first retention element 45 has been described as comprising first interengageable complementary formations which are provided by retaining grooves on the respective working faces 53 of the first retention element 45, any other suitable first interengageable complementary formations may be provided instead of retaining grooves. Furthermore, where the first retaining formations are provided as grooves, the grooves may be of any other suitable shape or construction. It will also be appreciated that while the first retaining grooves have been provided on both working faces of the first retention element, the first retaining grooves may be provided on one working face only of the first retention element. It will also be appreciated that other second formations may be provided on the plug member besides retaining ridges, and where retaining ridges are provided, the retaining ridges may be of any other suitable shape or construction, and typically, would be provided to match the retaining groove of the first retention element. Needless to say, while four retaining ridges have been described as being provided on each working face of the plug member of the second retention element, a single retaining ridge would be sufficient. Needless to say, the retaining ridges may be provided on the first retention element and the retaining groove or grooves could be provided on the second retaining element, and any suitable numbers of retaining grooves and ridges may be provided.

[0068] Needless to say, any other suitable shape or construction of first and second retaining elements may be used.

[0069] While the shower enclosure has been described as comprising two walls secured to the walls of a room in a corner thereof, the shower enclosure may be of the type which would comprise only a single frame assembly with a hinge door. Needless to say, it is envisaged that the frame assembly of the shower enclosure may be provided for accommodating a sliding door, one or more folding doors or any other suitable door or doors instead of a hinge door.

[0070] It will of course be appreciated that the frame assembly according to the invention may be provided for use with any other door, besides a door of a shower enclosure.

[0071] While the members of the frame assembly have been described as comprising aluminium extrusions, the members of the frame assembly may be of any other suitable material, and may be formed in any other manner.

[0072] It will also be appreciated that the first and second retention elements may be of any other suitable material besides a plastics material, and in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the first and second retention elements may be of steel, aluminium, or any other suitable metal.

Claims

1. An adjustable retention device for retaining a pair of adjustable first and second elongated members (22,23) in one of a plurality of selectable states relative to each other, the retention device comprising a first retention element (45) configured for securing in or to the second member (23), and a second retention element (46) engageable with the first retention element (45) and with the first member (22), the first and second retention elements (45,46) comprising respective first and second interengageable complementary formations (72,73) configured for retaining the first and second members (22,23) in a selected state, the first retention element (45) comprising a pair of spaced apart side walls (48), each side wall (48) defining a working face (53) facing the working face (53) of the other side wall (48), and at least one of the first interengageable complementary formations (72) being provided on the working face (53) of at least one of the side walls (48), the second retention element (46) comprising a plug member (65) and an engagement member (66), the plug member (65) having a pair of opposite working faces (70) and being engageable between the side walls (48) of the first retention element (45) with the working faces (70) of the plug member (65) engaging the corresponding working faces (53) of the first retention element (45), at least one of the second interengageable complementary formations (73) being provided on one of the working faces (70) of the plug member (65), and the engagement member (66) being engageable with the first member (22) to prevent movement of the first and second members (22,23) in the direction of the adjustable movement of the first and second members (22,23) relative to each other, characterised in that the plug member (65) is slideably engageable between the side walls (48) of the first retention element (45), and the first and second interengageable complementary formations (72,73) are configured for slideable interengagement in a direction transversely relative to the direction of adjustable movement of the first and second members (22,23) relative to each other.

2. An adjustable retention device as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the first retention element (45) is configured for engaging in a bore (36) extending longitudinally into the second member (23).

3. An adjustable retention device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the engagement member (66) extends from the second retention element (46) in a direction transversely of the direction of the adjustable movement of the first and second members (22,23) relative to each other.

4. An adjustable retention device as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the plug member (65) and the engagement member (66) of the second retention element (46) are spaced apart from each other, and extend from the second retention element parallel to each other.

5. An adjustable retention device as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the plug member (65) and the engagement member (66) are joined by a bridging member (64).

6. An adjustable retention device as claimed in Claim 5 characterised in that the plug member (65) and the engagement member (66) of the second retention element (46) extend substantially perpendicularly from the bridging member (64).

7. An adjustable retention device as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each first interengageable complementary formation (72) comprises an elongated retaining groove extending in a direction transversely to the direction of the adjustable movement between the first and second members (22,23) relative to each other.

8. An adjustable retention device as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each second interengageable complementary formation (73) comprises a keying element.

9. A frame assembly comprising a first elongated member (22) and a second elongated member (23), the second member (23) being adjustably connected to the first member (22) by an adjustable retention device (20) as claimed in any preceding claim, and being secured to the first member (22) in a selected one of a plurality of selectable states relative to the first member (22) by the adjustable retention device (20).

10. A frame assembly as claimed in Claim 9 characterised in that the first retention element (45) of the adjustable retention device (20) is secured to the second member (22), the plug member (65) of the second retention element (46) of the adjustable retention device (20) being engaged with the first retention element (45) with the first and second interengageable complementary formations (72,73) interengaged with each other, and the engagement member (66) of the second retention element (46) being engaged with the first member (22) for preventing movement of the second member (23) relative to the first member (22) in the direction of the adjustable movement of the first and second members (22,23) relative to each other.

11. A frame assembly as claimed in Claim 9 or 10 characterised in that the second member (23) is slideable within the first member (22).

12. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 11 characterised in that the frame assembly comprises at least one of the first members (22) configured as an upstanding member, and the corresponding second member (23) configured as an upstanding member adjacent the first member (22), the position of the second member (23) being adjustable relative to the first member (22) in a direction transversely of the first member (22).

13. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 12 characterised in that the frame assembly comprises a cross-member (15,18) extending transversely relative to the first and second members (22,23), the cross-member (15,18) being connected to one of the first and second members (22,23).

14. A frame assembly as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 13 characterised in that each first member (22) of the frame assembly is configured for securing to a structure.

15. A shower enclosure comprising a frame assembly (1) as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 14.

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