Rack for shower panels

Abstract

A rack (100) for shower panels (10) is provided. The rack comprises a plurality of first guides (1) and a plurality of second guides (2a, 2b), each first guide (1) being configured to support a longitudinal side (11) of a shower panel and each second guide (2a, 2b) being configured to support a transversal side (12) of a shower panel (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a rack and more precisely to a rack for shower panels.BACKGROUND

[0002] Shower panels are important components of a shower unit and they may serve multiple purposes. While the panels may be fixed with regards to the wall, some panels are forming shower doors. Shower doors may come in many different configurations and designs, such as sliding doors, pivot doors, hinged doors and bi-fold doors. They can also have different shapes, such as planar or curved, and may comprise additional features such as frames, handles, seals, hinges, gaskets and / or jambs. The frames, handles, seals, hinges, gaskets and / or jambs can be of different materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass and / or plastic or rubber. The same shower unit can include shower panels of different shapes and designs. Shower panels are typically made primarily of glass, making them sensitive to shocks.

[0003] Transporting shower panels, either by themselves or as part of a shower unit, can be challenging. Extra care must be taken to assure that the panels do not shatter or brake during transportation. Packaging materials such as cardboard boxes, foam inserts, bubble wrap and plastic films can be used to encase the shower panels and prevent them from shifting or banging against other objects during transportation. For maximum protection, foam padding is often custom-cut to fit the specific dimensions of the shower panels and other components. Shower panels are usually packed and transported individually, however if multiple shower panels are packed together, normally they are stacked vertically on top of each other and separated with cushioning packaging material. Packaging the shower panels in this way can be cumbersome and requires a lot of packaging material. The packaged shower panels or shower units can take up a lot of space during transportation, which can be especially problematic when many shower units / shower panels have to be transported.

[0004] From the above it is understood that there is room for improvements.SUMMARY

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a new way of transporting shower panels which is improved over prior art and which eliminates or at least mitigates the drawbacks discussed above. More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a rack for shower panels that simplifies transportation and / or reduces the amount of required packaging material. These objects are achieved by the technique set forth in the appended independent claims with preferred embodiments defined in the dependent claims related thereto.

[0006] In a first aspect, a rack for shower panels is provided. The rack comprises a plurality of first guides and a plurality of second guides. Each first guide is configured to support a longitudinal side of a shower panel and each second guide is configured to support a transversal side of a shower panel. This is advantageous since the shower panels are held in place and prevented from damage during the transportation.

[0007] In one embodiment, the rack is configured to fit each shower panel at a distance from an adjacent shower panel. This distance is preferably between 1 and 20 cm, more preferably between 2 and 10 cm and most preferably between 3 and 5 cm. This is advantageous since it allows many panels to fit in a limited space while maintaining a safe distance between the panels during transportation.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first guides are configured to provide support to a central portion of a longitudinal side of a shower panel. This is advantageous since it provides more stability to the shower panel.

[0009] The rack may further comprises at least one top side plate and the first guides can be provided as recesses in the at least one top side plate. This is advantageous since it simplifies manufacturing and saves material.

[0010] In one embodiment, the rack comprises at least two top side plates arranged on opposing sides of the rack. The position of each first guide of one top side plate can be horizontally displaced by a distance in relation to an adjacent first guide of the opposing top side plate. This is advantageous since the shower panels can be stacked in an alternating fashion.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least some of the second guides are edge guides configured to support a bottom corner of a shower panel. This is advantageous since it provides stability to the shower panels.

[0012] The rack may further comprise at least one bottom side plate and the edge guides can be provided as recesses in the at least one bottom side plate. This is advantageous since it simplifies manufacturing and saves material and because the shape of the recesses can be adapted to the shapes of the bottom corners of the shower panels.

[0013] In one embodiment, the rack comprises at least two bottom side plates arranged on opposing sides of the rack. The position of each corner guide of one bottom side plate can be horizontally displaced by a distance in relation to an adjacent corner guide of the opposing bottom side plate. This is advantageous since the shower panels can be racked in an alternating fashion.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least some of the second guides are center guides configured to provide support at a central portion of a transversal side of a shower panel. This is advantageous since it provides stability to the shower panels.

[0015] In one embodiment, the rack comprises at least one bottom center plate and the center guides are provided as notches on the at least one bottom center plate. This is advantageous since it simplifies manufacturing and saves material and because the shape of the notches can be adapted to the shape of the central portions of the transversal sides of the shower panels.

[0016] In one embodiment, a bottom of the rack is configured to be engaged by lifting equipment such as the forks of a forklift. This is advantageous since it allows the rack to be easily moved by lifting equipment.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rack comprises a plurality of connectable and disconnectable frame members. This is advantageous since the rack can be disassembled to take up less space when not in use.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rack is primarily formed of a rigid material such as one or more of: steel, aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, granite, resin, composite materials and concrete. This is advantageous since it makes the rack sturdy and durable.

[0019] In one embodiment, the rack further comprises third guides configured to support additional components. The additional components are configured to be assembled to a shower panel or form part an associated shower unit. This is advantageous since it allows more components to be transported on the same rack as the shower panels, which can simplify transportation of complete shower units.

[0020] In one embodiment, the rack is configured to fit between 2 and 50 shower panels, preferably between 10 and 20 shower panels and more preferably between 16 and 20 shower panels. This is advantageous since it allows a reasonable number of shower panels to be stacked on the same rack while maintaining an appropriate size for handling and transportation.

[0021] In a second aspect, a method for transporting shower panels and / or shower units are provided. The method comprises stacking the shower panels and possibly additional components on a rack according to any embodiment described above.

[0022] The method may further comprise securing the shower panels and / or other components with securing means, providing the panels with protective material and / or at least partially cover the rack and shower panels with a covering means. This is advantageous since the panels can be more secure and protected from damage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following; references being made to the appended diagrammatical drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice. Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a rack for shower panels loaded with planar shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a rack for shower panels loaded with curved shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is an isometric view of an example of a planar shower panel. Fig. 4 is an isometric view of an example of a curved shower panel. Fig. 5 is an isometric view of an empty rack for shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a top view of two top side plates arranged on opposing sides of a rack for shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 7a is a top view of a rack for shower panels loaded with curved shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 7b is a top view of a rack for shower panels loaded with curved shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 7c is a top view of a rack for shower panels loaded with planar shower panels according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention, such as it is defined in the appended claims, to those skilled in the art.

[0025] The term "connected" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two or more items that are "connected" may be integral with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The terms "comprise" (and any forms thereof) and "include" (and any form thereof) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method that "comprises" or "includes" one or more steps, possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a rack 100 for shower panels 10 according to one embodiment. The rack is loaded with a plurality of planar shower panels 10 and a plurality of additional components 20 in the form of wall supports. Each wall support 20 is preferably configured to be fixedly mounted to a wall and to be connected to a shower panel or form part of an associated shower unit. In addition to or instead of wall supports 20, the additional components may include one or more of lists, gaskets, seals, handles, knobs, towel bars, frames and / or hinges. The rack 100 is configured to fit each shower panel 10 at a distance x from an adjacent shower panel 10. Examples of how this can be achieved will be described in more detail below. The direction in which the shower panels 10 are configured to be stacked is defined as the stacking direction s, in this case corresponding to a horizontal direction. A top center plate 110 is arranged on top of the shower panels 10 to provide additional support and to assist in keeping the shower panels 10 spaced apart. The top center plate 110 can be a comprised in the rack 100 or provided as a separate part. Further, the rack 100 and the top center plate 110 may be configured to be attached and / or assembled when the rack 100 is unloaded.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a rack 100 for shower panels 10 according to one embodiment. The rack is loaded with a plurality of curved shower panels 10 and a plurality of additional components 20 in the form of wall supports. Each wall support 20 is preferably configured to be fixedly mounted to a wall and to be connected to a shower panel or form part of an associated shower unit. In addition to or instead of wall supports 20, the additional components may include one or more of lists, gaskets, seals, handles, knobs, towel bars, frames and / or hinges. The rack 100 is configured to fit each shower panel 10 at a distance x from an adjacent shower panel 10. Examples of how this can be achieved will be described in more detail below. The direction in which the shower panels 10 are configured to be stacked is defined as the stacking direction s, in this case corresponding to a horizontal direction. A top center plate 110 is arranged on top of the shower panels 10 to provide additional support and to assist in keeping the shower panels 10 spaced apart. The top center plate 110 can be a comprised in the rack 100 or it may be provided as a separate part. Further, the rack 100 and the top center plate 110 may be configured to be attached and / or assembled when the rack 100 is unloaded.

[0028] When shower panels 10 have been stacked in the rack 100 according to any embodiment, a securing means may be arranged around the rack 100, the shower panels and / or the additional components. The securing means can be in the form of a tensioning strap that may be arranged around the rack such that it rests on top of the top center plate 110.

[0029] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show examples of a planar shower panel 10 and a curved shower panel 10, respectively. The shower panel has two longitudinal sides 11, two transversal sides 12 and two bottom corners 12a. In this example, the shower panel 10 comprises longitudinal profile members 13 arranged along its longitudinal sides 11 and forming at least part of the bottom corners 12a of the panel. The longitudinal profile members 13 may for instance comprise one or more of frames, seals, hinges, handles and lists. In one example, at least one longitudinal profile member 13 may comprise a rigid structure used to connect the shower panel 10 to an associated wall support 20. Alternatively or additionally, at least one longitudinal profile member 13 of a shower panel 10 may comprise a handle profile such as a curved handle profile 13. It is also possible that the shower panel 10 is configured to comprise knobs, handles and / or other components when assembled. In such case, the knobs, handles and / or other components can be placed in separate box and assembled to the shower panel 10 after transportation. According to one embodiment, the box can be configured to be attached or integrated in the rack 100. Fig. 5 shows an empty / unloaded rack 100 for shower panels according to one embodiment. The rack can be the same as shown in Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 but without the shower panels 10, the wall supports 20 and the top center plate 110. The rack 100 comprises a plurality of first guides 1 and a plurality of second guides 2a, 2b. Each first guide 1 is configured to support a longitudinal side 11 of a shower panel 10 and each second guide 2a, 2b is configured to support a transversal side 12 of a shower panel.

[0030] The first guides 1 may be configured to provide support to a central portion of a longitudinal side 11 of a shower panel 10. The central portion of a longitudinal side 11 may be located within a distance from the center of the longitudinal side 11 corresponding to between 0-40% of the length of the shower panel, preferably between 0-25% of the length of the shower panel and more preferably between 0-10% of the length of the shower panel.

[0031] In Fig. 5, some of the second guides 2a, 2b are provided as corner guides 2a and some as center guides 2b. The corner guides 2a are configured to provide support to a bottom corner 12a of a shower panel and the center guides 2b are configured to provide support at a central portion of a transversal side 12. The central portion may be any portion of a transversal side 12 not located at the corners 12a.The central portion of a transversal side 12 may be located within a distance from the center of the transversal side 12 corresponding to between 0-40% of the width of the shower panel, preferably between 0-25% of the width of the shower panel and more preferably between 0-10% of the width of the shower panel. The relative position of the central portion of a transversal side may depend on the shape and dimensions of the shower panel 10 and more specifically the dimensions of the transversal side 12. This will be described in more detail below. Each corner guide 2a of the rack 100 is aligned with a first guide 1 such that a shower panel, being supported by a first guide 1 and a corner guide 2a, will be upright (i.e. extending in a direction being parallel to a normal of the underlying floor or ground).

[0032] The rack 100 shown in Fig. 5 comprises two top side plates 101 and the first guides 1 are provided as recesses in the top side plates 101. The shape and dimensions of the recesses can be adapted to the shape and dimensions of a longitudinal side 11 of a shower panel. The two top side plates 101 are arranged at opposite sides of the rack 100 with the first guides 1 facing inwards in relation to the rack. The position of each first guide 1 of one top side plate 101 is horizontally displaced by a distance x in relation to an adjacent first guide 1 of the opposing top side plate 101. This is illustrated by Fig. 6 which shows the relative horizontal displacement of the first guides 1. Note that Fig. 6 is only meant to illustrate the horizontal displacement of the guides and that the top side plates 101 are typically arranged further apart when comprised in the rack 100. In this context, horizontal displacement refers to displacement in the stacking direction s.

[0033] The horizontal displacement between the first guides 1 can be achieved in many ways. One way, illustrated in Fig. 6, is to use two identical top side plates formed such that a first guide 1 is provided at a first distance a from a first end 101a of the top side plate 101 and another first guide 1 is provided at a second distance b from a second end 101b of the top side plate 101, where the first distance a is greater than the second distance b, i.e. b < a. One of the identical top side plates can then be rotated and / or flipped so that the first end 101a of one top side plate aligns with a second end 101b of the other top side plate and vice versa, as illustrated in Fig. 6. In this way, a horizontal displacement between the first guide 1 provided at the first distance a from the first end 101a of one top side plate and the first guide 1 provided at the second distance b from the second end 101b of the other top side plate is achieved. The horizontal displacement distance x between these guides will then be equal to the difference between the first distance a and the second distance b, i.e. x = a - b. To achieve an equal horizontal displacement distance between all adjacent first guides 1 of opposing top side plates 101, the first guides 1 of the same horizontal plate can be separated by a distance 2x = 2*(a-b) corresponding to double the horizontal displacement distance x = a-b. Another way that the horizontal displacement could be achieved is by providing two identical but mirrored top plates and arranging them with a horizontal displacement in relation to each other. Alternatively, the two top side plates could be non-identical.

[0034] The horizontal displacement distance x may define the distance x from each shower panel 10 to an adjacent shower panel 10. This configuration allows the shower panels to be stacked in an alternating fashion such that two adjacent shower panels 10 are supported by first guides 1 at opposing top side plates 101.

[0035] In another embodiment where the rack 100 only comprises one top side plate, the distance x from each shower panel 10 to an adjacent shower panel 10 may be defined by the horizontal distance x between the first guides 1 of the same top side plate 101.

[0036] The rack 100 shown in Fig. 5 further comprise two bottom side plates 102, wherein the corner guides 2a are provided as recesses in the bottom side plates. The recesses may be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the longitudinal members 13 that can form at least part of a bottom corner 12a of a shower panel. The two bottom side plates 102 are arranged at opposite sides of the rack 100 and the position of each corner guide 2a of one bottom side plate 102 is horizontally displaced by a distance x in relation to an adjacent corner guide 2a of the opposing bottom side plate 102. It is to be understood that the horizontal displacement of the corner guides 2a can follow the same principle as the horizontal displacement of the first guides 1 and will therefore not be further detailed.

[0037] The rack 100 shown in Fig. 5 further comprise one bottom center plate 103, wherein the center guides 2b are provided as notches on the bottom center plate 103. The notches may be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the transversal side 11 of a shower panel. The horizontal distance between two adjacent center guides 2b may correspond to the horizontal displacement distance x between the first guides and / or corner guides described above.

[0038] According to one embodiment, at least some of the center guides 2b are provided as notches on the top center plate 110 in a similar way as described above in reference to the bottom center plate 103. The top center plate 110 and the bottom center plate 103 may be similar or identical.

[0039] The rack shown in Fig. 5 further comprise third guides 3a, 3b configured to support one or more of the additional components 20 described above. Some of the third guides 3a, 3b may be provided as recesses in the one or more top side plate 101 and / or in the one or more bottom side plate 102. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, each third guide 3a provided in a top side plate 101 is vertically aligned with a third guide 3b provided in the bottom side plate. This can be beneficial when transporting long additional components since each long additional component can be supported at two locations. Preferably, the third guides 3a, 3b are aligned with the first guides 1 and / or second guides 2a, 2b, allowing the same number of additional components as shower panels to be fit in the rack 100 without wasting unnecessary space.

[0040] The rack 100 shown in Fig. 5 comprises a plurality of frame members 106 providing structure to the rack. At least some of the frame members 106 may be connectable and disconnectable from each other and / or other components comprised in the rack 100. The connection and disconnection mechanism of the frame members 106 can be based on any known methods for connecting and disconnecting components. Some examples include plug and socket connection, bayonet mount, snap-fit, threaded connections, magnetic connections, latch mechanisms and push-button release connections.

[0041] A bottom 104 of the rack 100 in Fig. 5 is configured to be engaged by lifting equipment such as the forks of a forklift. This can for instance be achieved by providing rectangular openings in a side of the bottom 104 through which the lifting equipment can enter to lift the rack 100.

[0042] According to one embodiment, cushioning material may be arranged at locations where the rack 100 is configured to contact the shower panels 10 to protect the panels 10 from shock damage. The cushioning material may be comprised in the rack 100 and / or the top center plate 110.

[0043] The same rack 100 may be configured and / or configurable for many types of shower panels 10, such as shower panels 10 of different dimension, shapes and designs. Examples of this is illustrated in Figs. 7a-c. In Fig. 7a, a rack 100 according to one embodiment is loaded with a plurality of curved shower panels 10. Fig. 7b shows the same rack 100 loaded with curved shower panels 10 having different dimensions than the shower panels 10 shown in Fig. 7a. In this embodiment of the rack 100, the center guides 2b can be horizontally misaligned with the first guides 1. The relative displacement of the center guides 2b and the first guides 1 can be adapted to the shape and dimension of the shower panel. The rack in Fig. 7c is configured for planar shower panels 10 and accordingly, the center guides 2b and first guides 1 are aligned. The only difference between the rack in Figs. 7a-b and the rack in Fig. 7c is the relative position of the bottom center plate 103 within the rack. Accordingly, a rack 100 may be configurable for different types of shower panels 10 by having a bottom center plate whose position can be adjusted. Alternatively, the bottom center plate may be provided with more than one set of center guides 2b at different locations, where one set of center guides 2b is aligned with the first guides 1 and another set is not aligned with the first guides 1. In this way, the rack 100 can be configured for both planar and curved shower panels 10 without the need for adjustment.

[0044] As can be seen in Figs. 7a-c, the relative position at which the center guides 2b support the transversal side 12 of a shower panel 10 can vary depending on the shape and dimensions of the shower panel 10. As previously mentioned, the center guides 2b are configured to support a center portion of a transversal side 12 of a shower panel 10. The position of the center portion may be defined differently for different types of shower panels 10 and the same center guides 2b can be configured to support shower panels at varying central portions depending on the shape and dimensions of said shower panels 10. This may be achieved by arranging the bottom center plate 103 substantially in the center of the rack 100.

[0045] Note that while the rack 100 illustrated by the figures comprises many types of guides, plates and other features, many of these may be omitted. For instance, a rack 100 comprising only one top side plate 101 and one bottom side plate 102 and no other plates is well within the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] It should also be noted that while the rack 100 has been illustrated as being configured to stack shower panels 10 in a horizontal stacking direction s, embodiments where the shower panels are stacked vertically is also possible. In such embodiments, the stacking direction s would be a vertical direction and all references to vertical and horizontal distances and displacements made above would have to be adjusted accordingly.

[0047] Modifications and other variants of the described embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art having benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific example embodiments described in this disclosure and that modifications and other variants are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, while embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to shower panels, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the invention can equivalently be applied to other types of panels such as doors, wall partitions, windows, glass panes, etc. Furthermore, although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous variations to the described embodiments that would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims (or embodiments), these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion of different claims (or embodiments) does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Finally, reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention, such as it is defined in the appended claims, to those skilled in the art.

[0025]The term "connected" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two or more items that are "connected" may be integral with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The terms "comprise" (and any forms thereof) and "include" (and any form thereof) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method that "comprises" or "includes" one or more steps, possesses those one or more...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a rack and more precisely to a rack for shower panels.BACKGROUND

[0002] Shower panels are important components of a shower unit and they may serve multiple purposes. While the panels may be fixed with regards to the wall, some panels are forming shower doors. Shower doors may come in many different configurations and designs, such as sliding doors, pivot doors, hinged doors and bi-fold doors. They can also have different shapes, such as planar or curved, and may comprise additional features such as frames, handles, seals, hinges, gaskets and / or jambs. The frames, handles, seals, hinges, gaskets and / or jambs can be of different materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass and / or plastic or rubber. The same shower unit can include shower panels of different shapes and designs. Shower panels are typically made primarily of glass, making them sensitive to shocks.

[0003] Transporting shower panels, either by themselves or as part of a shower unit, can be challenging. Extra care must be taken to assure that the panels do not shatter or brake during transportation. Packaging materials such as cardboard boxes, foam inserts, bubble wrap and plastic films can be used to encase the shower panels and prevent them from shifting or banging against other objects during transportation. For maximum protection, foam padding is often custom-cut to fit the specific dimensions of the shower panels and other components. Shower panels are usually packed and transported individually, however if multiple shower panels are packed together, normally they are stacked vertically on top of each other and separated with cushioning packaging material. Packaging the shower panels in this way can be cumbersome and requires a lot of packaging material. The packaged shower panels or shower units can take up a lot of space during transportation, which can be especially problematic when many shower units / shower panels have to be transported.

[0004] From the above it is understood that there is room for improvements.SUMMARY

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a new way of transporting shower panels which is improved over prior art and which eliminates or at least mitigates the drawbacks discussed above. More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a rack for shower panels that simplifies transportation and / or reduces the amount of required packaging material. These objects are achieved by the technique set forth in the appended independent claims with preferred embodiments defined in the dependent claims related thereto.

[0006] In a first aspect, a rack for shower panels is provided. The rack comprises a plurality of first guides and a plurality of second guides. Each first guide is configured to support a longitudinal side of a shower panel and each second guide is configured to support a transversal side of a shower panel. This is advantageous since the shower panels are held in place and prevented from damage during the transportation.

[0007] In one embodiment, the rack is configured to fit each shower panel at a distance from an adjacent shower panel. This distance is preferably between 1 and 20 cm, more preferably between 2 and 10 cm and most preferably between 3 and 5 cm. This is advantageous since it allows many panels to fit in a limited space while maintaining a safe distance between the panels during transportation.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first guides are configured to provide support to a central portion of a longitudinal side of a shower panel. This is advantageous since it provides more stability to the shower panel.

[0009] The rack may further comprises at least one top side plate and the first guides can be provided as recesses in the at least one top side plate. This is advantageous since it simplifies manufacturing and saves material.

[0010] In one embodiment, the rack comprises at least two top side plates arranged on opposing sides of the rack. The position of each first guide of one top side plate can be horizontally displaced by a distance in relation to an adjacent first guide of the opposing top side plate. This is advantageous since the shower panels can be stacked in an alternating fashion.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least some of the second guides are edge guides configured to support a bottom corner of a shower panel. This is advantageous since it provides stability to the shower panels.

[0012] The rack may further comprise at least one bottom side plate and the edge guides can be provided as recesses in the at least one bottom side plate. This is advantageous since it simplifies manufacturing and saves material and because the shape of the recesses can be adapted to the shapes of the bottom corners of the shower panels.

[0013] In one embodiment, the rack comprises at least two bottom side plates arranged on opposing sides of the rack. The position of each corner guide of one bottom side plate can be horizontally displaced by a distance in relation to an adjacent corner guide of the opposing bottom side plate. This is advantageous since the shower panels can be racked in an alternating fashion.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least some of the second guides are center guides configured to provide support at a central portion of a transversal side of a shower panel. This is advantageous since it provides stability to the shower panels.

[0015] In one embodiment, the rack comprises at least one bottom center plate and the center guides are provided as notches on the at least one bottom center plate. This is advantageous since it simplifies manufacturing and saves material and because the shape of the notches can be adapted to the shape of the central portions of the transversal sides of the shower panels.

[0016] In one embodiment, a bottom of the rack is configured to be engaged by lifting equipment such as the forks of a forklift. This is advantageous since it allows the rack to be easily moved by lifting equipment.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rack comprises a plurality of connectable and disconnectable frame members. This is advantageous since the rack can be disassembled to take up less space when not in use.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rack is primarily formed of a rigid material such as one or more of: steel, aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, granite, resin, composite materials and concrete. This is advantageous since it makes the rack sturdy and durable.

[0019] In one embodiment, the rack further comprises third guides configured to support additional components. The additional components are configured to be assembled to a shower panel or form part an associated shower unit. This is advantageous since it allows more components to be transported on the same rack as the shower panels, which can simplify transportation of complete shower units.

[0020] In one embodiment, the rack is configured to fit between 2 and 50 shower panels, preferably between 10 and 20 shower panels and more preferably between 16 and 20 shower panels. This is advantageous since it allows a reasonable number of shower panels to be stacked on the same rack while maintaining an appropriate size for handling and transportation.

[0021] In a second aspect, a method for transporting shower panels and / or shower units are provided. The method comprises stacking the shower panels and possibly additional components on a rack according to any embodiment described above.

[0022] The method may further comprise securing the shower panels and / or other components with securing means, providing the panels with protective material and / or at least partially cover the rack and shower panels with a covering means. This is advantageous since the panels can be more secure and protected from damage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following; references being made to the appended diagrammatical drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice. Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a rack for shower panels loaded with planar shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a rack for shower panels loaded with curved shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is an isometric view of an example of a planar shower panel. Fig. 4 is an isometric view of an example of a curved shower panel. Fig. 5 is an isometric view of an empty rack for shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a top view of two top side plates arranged on opposing sides of a rack for shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 7a is a top view of a rack for shower panels loaded with curved shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 7b is a top view of a rack for shower panels loaded with curved shower panels according to one embodiment. Fig. 7c is a top view of a rack for shower panels loaded with planar shower panels according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention, such as it is defined in the appended claims, to those skilled in the art.

[0025] The term "connected" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two or more items that are "connected" may be integral with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The terms "comprise" (and any forms thereof) and "include" (and any form thereof) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method that "comprises" or "includes" one or more steps, possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a rack 100 for shower panels 10 according to one embodiment. The rack is loaded with a plurality of planar shower panels 10 and a plurality of additional components 20 in the form of wall supports. Each wall support 20 is preferably configured to be fixedly mounted to a wall and to be connected to a shower panel or form part of an associated shower unit. In addition to or instead of wall supports 20, the additional components may include one or more of lists, gaskets, seals, handles, knobs, towel bars, frames and / or hinges. The rack 100 is configured to fit each shower panel 10 at a distance x from an adjacent shower panel 10. Examples of how this can be achieved will be described in more detail below. The direction in which the shower panels 10 are configured to be stacked is defined as the stacking direction s, in this case corresponding to a horizontal direction. A top center plate 110 is arranged on top of the shower panels 10 to provide additional support and to assist in keeping the shower panels 10 spaced apart. The top center plate 110 can be a comprised in the rack 100 or provided as a separate part. Further, the rack 100 and the top center plate 110 may be configured to be attached and / or assembled when the rack 100 is unloaded.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a rack 100 for shower panels 10 according to one embodiment. The rack is loaded with a plurality of curved shower panels 10 and a plurality of additional components 20 in the form of wall supports. Each wall support 20 is preferably configured to be fixedly mounted to a wall and to be connected to a shower panel or form part of an associated shower unit. In addition to or instead of wall supports 20, the additional components may include one or more of lists, gaskets, seals, handles, knobs, towel bars, frames and / or hinges. The rack 100 is configured to fit each shower panel 10 at a distance x from an adjacent shower panel 10. Examples of how this can be achieved will be described in more detail below. The direction in which the shower panels 10 are configured to be stacked is defined as the stacking direction s, in this case corresponding to a horizontal direction. A top center plate 110 is arranged on top of the shower panels 10 to provide additional support and to assist in keeping the shower panels 10 spaced apart. The top center plate 110 can be a comprised in the rack 100 or it may be provided as a separate part. Further, the rack 100 and the top center plate 110 may be configured to be attached and / or assembled when the rack 100 is unloaded.

[0028] When shower panels 10 have been stacked in the rack 100 according to any embodiment, a securing means may be arranged around the rack 100, the shower panels and / or the additional components. The securing means can be in the form of a tensioning strap that may be arranged around the rack such that it rests on top of the top center plate 110.

[0029] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show examples of a planar shower panel 10 and a curved shower panel 10, respectively. The shower panel has two longitudinal sides 11, two transversal sides 12 and two bottom corners 12a. In this example, the shower panel 10 comprises longitudinal profile members 13 arranged along its longitudinal sides 11 and forming at least part of the bottom corners 12a of the panel. The longitudinal profile members 13 may for instance comprise one or more of frames, seals, hinges, handles and lists. In one example, at least one longitudinal profile member 13 may comprise a rigid structure used to connect the shower panel 10 to an associated wall support 20. Alternatively or additionally, at least one longitudinal profile member 13 of a shower panel 10 may comprise a handle profile such as a curved handle profile 13. It is also possible that the shower panel 10 is configured to comprise knobs, handles and / or other components when assembled. In such case, the knobs, handles and / or other components can be placed in separate box and assembled to the shower panel 10 after transportation. According to one embodiment, the box can be configured to be attached or integrated in the rack 100. Fig. 5 shows an empty / unloaded rack 100 for shower panels according to one embodiment. The rack can be the same as shown in Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 but without the shower panels 10, the wall supports 20 and the top center plate 110. The rack 100 comprises a plurality of first guides 1 and a plurality of second guides 2a, 2b. Each first guide 1 is configured to support a longitudinal side 11 of a shower panel 10 and each second guide 2a, 2b is configured to support a transversal side 12 of a shower panel.

[0030] The first guides 1 may be configured to provide support to a central portion of a longitudinal side 11 of a shower panel 10. The central portion of a longitudinal side 11 may be located within a distance from the center of the longitudinal side 11 corresponding to between 0-40% of the length of the shower panel, preferably between 0-25% of the length of the shower panel and more preferably between 0-10% of the length of the shower panel.

[0031] In Fig. 5, some of the second guides 2a, 2b are provided as corner guides 2a and some as center guides 2b. The corner guides 2a are configured to provide support to a bottom corner 12a of a shower panel and the center guides 2b are configured to provide support at a central portion of a transversal side 12. The central portion may be any portion of a transversal side 12 not located at the corners 12a.The central portion of a transversal side 12 may be located within a distance from the center of the transversal side 12 corresponding to between 0-40% of the width of the shower panel, preferably between 0-25% of the width of the shower panel and more preferably between 0-10% of the width of the shower panel. The relative position of the central portion of a transversal side may depend on the shape and dimensions of the shower panel 10 and more specifically the dimensions of the transversal side 12. This will be described in more detail below. Each corner guide 2a of the rack 100 is aligned with a first guide 1 such that a shower panel, being supported by a first guide 1 and a corner guide 2a, will be upright (i.e. extending in a direction being parallel to a normal of the underlying floor or ground).

[0032] The rack 100 shown in Fig. 5 comprises two top side plates 101 and the first guides 1 are provided as recesses in the top side plates 101. The shape and dimensions of the recesses can be adapted to the shape and dimensions of a longitudinal side 11 of a shower panel. The two top side plates 101 are arranged at opposite sides of the rack 100 with the first guides 1 facing inwards in relation to the rack. The position of each first guide 1 of one top side plate 101 is horizontally displaced by a distance x in relation to an adjacent first guide 1 of the opposing top side plate 101. This is illustrated by Fig. 6 which shows the relative horizontal displacement of the first guides 1. Note that Fig. 6 is only meant to illustrate the horizontal displacement of the guides and that the top side plates 101 are typically arranged further apart when comprised in the rack 100. In this context, horizontal displacement refers to displacement in the stacking direction s.

[0033] The horizontal displacement between the first guides 1 can be achieved in many ways. One way, illustrated in Fig. 6, is to use two identical top side plates formed such that a first guide 1 is provided at a first distance a from a first end 101a of the top side plate 101 and another first guide 1 is provided at a second distance b from a second end 101b of the top side plate 101, where the first distance a is greater than the second distance b, i.e. b < a. One of the identical top side plates can then be rotated and / or flipped so that the first end 101a of one top side plate aligns with a second end 101b of the other top side plate and vice versa, as illustrated in Fig. 6. In this way, a horizontal displacement between the first guide 1 provided at the first distance a from the first end 101a of one top side plate and the first guide 1 provided at the second distance b from the second end 101b of the other top side plate is achieved. The horizontal displacement distance x between these guides will then be equal to the difference between the first distance a and the second distance b, i.e. x = a - b. To achieve an equal horizontal displacement distance between all adjacent first guides 1 of opposing top side plates 101, the first guides 1 of the same horizontal plate can be separated by a distance 2x = 2*(a-b) corresponding to double the horizontal displacement distance x = a-b. Another way that the horizontal displacement could be achieved is by providing two identical but mirrored top plates and arranging them with a horizontal displacement in relation to each other. Alternatively, the two top side plates could be non-identical.

[0034] The horizontal displacement distance x may define the distance x from each shower panel 10 to an adjacent shower panel 10. This configuration allows the shower panels to be stacked in an alternating fashion such that two adjacent shower panels 10 are supported by first guides 1 at opposing top side plates 101.

[0035] In another embodiment where the rack 100 only comprises one top side plate, the distance x from each shower panel 10 to an adjacent shower panel 10 may be defined by the horizontal distance x between the first guides 1 of the same top side plate 101.

[0036] The rack 100 shown in Fig. 5 further comprise two bottom side plates 102, wherein the corner guides 2a are provided as recesses in the bottom side plates. The recesses may be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the longitudinal members 13 that can form at least part of a bottom corner 12a of a shower panel. The two bottom side plates 102 are arranged at opposite sides of the rack 100 and the position of each corner guide 2a of one bottom side plate 102 is horizontally displaced by a distance x in relation to an adjacent corner guide 2a of the opposing bottom side plate 102. It is to be understood that the horizontal displacement of the corner guides 2a can follow the same principle as the horizontal displacement of the first guides 1 and will therefore not be further detailed.

[0037] The rack 100 shown in Fig. 5 further comprise one bottom center plate 103, wherein the center guides 2b are provided as notches on the bottom center plate 103. The notches may be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the transversal side 11 of a shower panel. The horizontal distance between two adjacent center guides 2b may correspond to the horizontal displacement distance x between the first guides and / or corner guides described above.

[0038] According to one embodiment, at least some of the center guides 2b are provided as notches on the top center plate 110 in a similar way as described above in reference to the bottom center plate 103. The top center plate 110 and the bottom center plate 103 may be similar or identical.

[0039] The rack shown in Fig. 5 further comprise third guides 3a, 3b configured to support one or more of the additional components 20 described above. Some of the third guides 3a, 3b may be provided as recesses in the one or more top side plate 101 and / or in the one or more bottom side plate 102. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, each third guide 3a provided in a top side plate 101 is vertically aligned with a third guide 3b provided in the bottom side plate. This can be beneficial when transporting long additional components since each long additional component can be supported at two locations. Preferably, the third guides 3a, 3b are aligned with the first guides 1 and / or second guides 2a, 2b, allowing the same number of additional components as shower panels to be fit in the rack 100 without wasting unnecessary space.

[0040] The rack 100 shown in Fig. 5 comprises a plurality of frame members 106 providing structure to the rack. At least some of the frame members 106 may be connectable and disconnectable from each other and / or other components comprised in the rack 100. The connection and disconnection mechanism of the frame members 106 can be based on any known methods for connecting and disconnecting components. Some examples include plug and socket connection, bayonet mount, snap-fit, threaded connections, magnetic connections, latch mechanisms and push-button release connections.

[0041] A bottom 104 of the rack 100 in Fig. 5 is configured to be engaged by lifting equipment such as the forks of a forklift. This can for instance be achieved by providing rectangular openings in a side of the bottom 104 through which the lifting equipment can enter to lift the rack 100.

[0042] According to one embodiment, cushioning material may be arranged at locations where the rack 100 is configured to contact the shower panels 10 to protect the panels 10 from shock damage. The cushioning material may be comprised in the rack 100 and / or the top center plate 110.

[0043] The same rack 100 may be configured and / or configurable for many types of shower panels 10, such as shower panels 10 of different dimension, shapes and designs. Examples of this is illustrated in Figs. 7a-c. In Fig. 7a, a rack 100 according to one embodiment is loaded with a plurality of curved shower panels 10. Fig. 7b shows the same rack 100 loaded with curved shower panels 10 having different dimensions than the shower panels 10 shown in Fig. 7a. In this embodiment of the rack 100, the center guides 2b can be horizontally misaligned with the first guides 1. The relative displacement of the center guides 2b and the first guides 1 can be adapted to the shape and dimension of the shower panel. The rack in Fig. 7c is configured for planar shower panels 10 and accordingly, the center guides 2b and first guides 1 are aligned. The only difference between the rack in Figs. 7a-b and the rack in Fig. 7c is the relative position of the bottom center plate 103 within the rack. Accordingly, a rack 100 may be configurable for different types of shower panels 10 by having a bottom center plate whose position can be adjusted. Alternatively, the bottom center plate may be provided with more than one set of center guides 2b at different locations, where one set of center guides 2b is aligned with the first guides 1 and another set is not aligned with the first guides 1. In this way, the rack 100 can be configured for both planar and curved shower panels 10 without the need for adjustment.

[0044] As can be seen in Figs. 7a-c, the relative position at which the center guides 2b support the transversal side 12 of a shower panel 10 can vary depending on the shape and dimensions of the shower panel 10. As previously mentioned, the center guides 2b are configured to support a center portion of a transversal side 12 of a shower panel 10. The position of the center portion may be defined differently for different types of shower panels 10 and the same center guides 2b can be configured to support shower panels at varying central portions depending on the shape and dimensions of said shower panels 10. This may be achieved by arranging the bottom center plate 103 substantially in the center of the rack 100.

[0045] Note that while the rack 100 illustrated by the figures comprises many types of guides, plates and other features, many of these may be omitted. For instance, a rack 100 comprising only one top side plate 101 and one bottom side plate 102 and no other plates is well within the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] It should also be noted that while the rack 100 has been illustrated as being configured to stack shower panels 10 in a horizontal stacking direction s, embodiments where the shower panels are stacked vertically is also possible. In such embodiments, the stacking direction s would be a vertical direction and all references to vertical and horizontal distances and displacements made above would have to be adjusted accordingly.

[0047] Modifications and other variants of the described embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art having benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific example embodiments described in this disclosure and that modifications and other variants are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, while embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to shower panels, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the invention can equivalently be applied to other types of panels such as doors, wall partitions, windows, glass panes, etc. Furthermore, although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous variations to the described embodiments that would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims (or embodiments), these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion of different claims (or embodiments) does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Finally, reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention, such as it is defined in the appended claims, to those skilled in the art.

[0025]The term "connected" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two or more items that are "connected" may be integral with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The terms "comprise" (and any forms thereof) and "include" (and any form thereof) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method that "comprises" or "includes" one or more steps, possesses those one or more...

Claims

1. A rack (100) for shower panels (10) comprising a plurality of first guides (1) and a plurality of second guides (2a, 2b), each first guide (1) being configured to support a longitudinal side (11) of a shower panel and each second guide (2a, 2b) being configured to support a transversal side (12) of a shower panel (10).

2. The rack (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rack is configured to fit each shower panel (10) at a distance (x) from an adjacent shower panel (10), wherein the distance (x) is preferably between 1 and 20 cm, more preferably between 2 and 10 cm and most preferably between 3 and 5 cm.

3. The rack (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first guides (1) are configured to provide support to a central portion of a longitudinal side (11) of a shower panel (10).

4. The rack (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rack comprises at least one top side plate (101) and wherein the first guides (1) are provided as recesses in the at least one top side plate (101).

5. The rack (100) according to claim 4, wherein the rack comprises at least two top side plates (101) arranged on opposing sides of the rack, wherein the position of each first guide (1) of one top side plate (101) is horizontally displaced by a distance (x) in relation to an adjacent first guide (1) of the opposing top side plate (101).

6. The rack (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the second guides (2a, 2b) are corner guides (2a) configured to support a bottom corner (12a) of a shower panel (10).

7. The rack (100) according to claim 6, wherein the rack comprises at least one bottom side plate (102) and the corner guides (2a) are provided as recesses in the at least one bottom side plate (102).

8. The rack (100) according to claim 7, wherein the rack comprises at least two bottom side plates (102) arranged on opposing sides of the rack, wherein the position of each corner guide (2a) of one bottom side plate (102) is horizontally displaced by a distance (x) in relation to an adjacent corner guide (2a) of the opposing bottom side plate (102).

9. The rack (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the second guides (2a, 2b) are center guides (2b) configured to provide support at a central portion of a transversal side (12) of a shower panel (10).

10. The rack (100) according to claim 9, wherein the rack comprises at least one bottom center plate (103) and the center guides (2b) are provided as notches on the at least one bottom center plate (103).

11. The rack (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a bottom (104) of the rack (100) is configured to be engaged by lifting equipment such as the forks of a forklift.

12. The rack (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rack comprises a plurality of connectable and disconnectable frame members (106).

13. The rack (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rack is primarily formed of a rigid material such as on or more of: steel, aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, granite, resin, composite materials and concrete.

14. The rack (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising third guides (3a, 3b) configured to support additional components (20) configured to be assembled to a shower panel or form part an associated shower unit.

15. The rack (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rack is configured to fit between 2 and 50 shower panels, preferably between 10 and 20 shower panels and more preferably between 16 and 20 shower panels.

Images