Shower plumbing system

Abstract

A shower plumbing system, comprising a perforated hollow body provided to cause a stream of water to fall from above onto the body of a person and a platform (10) configured to support the user standing, collect the fallen water and convey it toward a drain device (11.1) connected to a drain and water trap, wherein said platform comprises a first platform part (11), fixed relative to the floor, and a second platform part (12) configured to be movable relative to the first between a first arrangement, in which it at least partially covers the first part (11), and a second arrangement, in which it uncovers a part (11.2) of the area of the first part (11) and projects beyond it, characterized in that the second platform part (12) has an upper surface having a downward sloping profile toward said drain device (11.1) of the first part (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a shower plumbing system, used by a person to wash his or her body.

[0002] By shower plumbing system, in the present description, it is meant a set of devices that allows water, falling from above in the form of rain, to flow over the body of a person standing, without producing accumulation of water.

[0003] A known shower plumbing system generally comprises a perforated hollow body, configured to cause a stream of water to fall from above onto the body of a person, corresponding to an underlying platform, known as a shower tray, arranged on a floor provided with drain and water trap means for discharging the water, wherein said platform is configured to support the person standing, collect the water falling from above, and cause the collected water to flow through a drain device, known as a waste, connected to said drain and water trap means.

[0004] Conventionally, the shower tray is fixed relative to the floor and its area corresponds to the usable space within which the person can move during washing operations under the stream of water. The dimensions of the shower tray are fixed and it is not possible to adapt the area of the shower tray to the different space requirements of the person washing and / or of the environment in which the shower system is installed.

[0005] The following prior art documents illustrate a shower plumbing system of the type specified above: D1 - US 2019 / 0244800 A1, D2 - WO 2016 / 046503 A1, D3 - WO 2013 / 052508 A1, D4 - EP 3 351 312 A1, D5 - DE 10 2014 112 467 A1, D6 - US 2015 / 0095385 A1, D7 - WO 2017 / 063748 A1, D8 - EP 1 688 281 A1, D9 - EP 1 540 243 A1, D10 - EP 3 406 671 A1, D11 - US 2014 / 0373027 A1.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a shower plumbing system that allows the area of the shower tray to be adapted to the different space requirements of the person washing and / or of the environment in which the shower system is installed.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a shower plumbing system that has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and is convenient to use.

[0008] In view of these objects, the present invention provides a shower plumbing system, the essential characteristic of which is the subject of claim 1.

[0009] Further advantageous characteristics form the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, a shower plumbing system is provided comprising a perforated hollow body, provided to cause a stream of water to fall from above onto the body of a person, corresponding to an underlying platform, known as a shower tray, arranged on a floor provided with drain and water trap means for discharging the water, wherein said platform is configured to support the person standing, collect the water falling from above, and cause the collected water to flow through a drain device, known as a waste, connected to said drain and water trap means, wherein said platform is configured to be movable, at least in part, relative to the floor, between a first stable arrangement, in which it occupies a first area of said floor, and a second stable arrangement, in which it occupies a second area of said floor, larger than said first area, and vice versa.

[0011] According to some embodiments, said platform comprises at least two platform parts, connected to each other with the possibility of relative movement.

[0012] According to other embodiments, said platform is made as a single body and is connected in an oscillating manner relative to the floor.

[0013] According to further embodiments, said platform is made as a single body and is connected in a sliding manner relative to the floor.

[0014] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the drawings, as well as from the claims.

[0015] The characteristics illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily to be understood as being to scale and are shown only schematically, however in such a manner that the features according to the invention are clearly highlighted.

[0016] In the drawings: figures 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the shower plumbing system according to the invention, in particular figures 1 and 3 are top plan views of a shower tray of said system, respectively in a closed and an open arrangement, and figures 2 and 4 are side elevation views of the shower tray according to figures 1 and 3, respectively; figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the shower plumbing system according to the invention, in particular figures 5 and 6 are top plan views of a shower tray of said system, respectively in a closed and an open arrangement; figures 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the shower plumbing system according to the invention, in particular figures 7 and 8 are side elevation views of a shower tray of said system, respectively in a closed and an open arrangement; figures 9 and 10 show a fourth embodiment of the shower plumbing system not claimed, in particular figures 9 and 10 are side elevation views of a shower tray of said system, respectively in a closed and an open arrangement; figures 11 and 12 show a fifth embodiment of the shower plumbing system according to the invention, in particular figures 11 and 12 are side elevation views of a shower tray of said system, respectively in a closed and an open arrangement; figures 13 and 14 show a sixth embodiment of the shower plumbing system according to the invention, in particular figures 13 and 14 are side elevation views of a shower tray of said system, respectively in a closed and an open arrangement; figures 15 and 16 show a seventh embodiment of the shower plumbing system not claimed, in particular figures 15 and 16 are side elevation views of a shower tray of said system, respectively in a vertical and a horizontal arrangement; figures 17 and 18 show an eighth embodiment of the shower plumbing system according to the invention, in particular figures 17 and 18 are side elevation views of a shower tray of said system, respectively in an inclined and a horizontal arrangement; figures 19 and 20 show a ninth embodiment of the shower plumbing system according to the invention, in particular figures 19 and 20 are side elevation views of a shower tray of said system comprising a sliding part resting on the floor and a sliding part between a vertical position and a horizontal position, shown respectively in the vertical position in figure 19 and in the horizontal position in figure 20.

[0017] Reference is made to the attached drawings.

[0018] According to a first embodiment of the invention (figures 1 to 4), the shower plumbing system comprises a platform, generally indicated with 10, which comprises two platform parts, 11 and 12 respectively, connected to each other with the possibility of relative sliding, wherein: said first platform part 11 is fixed relative to the floor (not shown) and has a water drain device, known as a waste, 11.1, stably connected to drain and water trap means (not shown) fixed in the floor, and said second platform part 12 is superimposed on said first platform part 11 and is configured to slide in a linear direction relative to said first platform part 11, between a first arrangement, in which it covers said first platform part 11 at least for a substantial part of the area, and a second arrangement, in which it uncovers a part 11.2 of the area of said first platform part 11 and projects partially beyond said first platform part 11, increasing the usable area of the platform 10 that can be stepped on by the user of the system.

[0019] In particular, said first platform part 11 has said drain device 11.1 near one end of its area, and said second platform part 12 has an upper surface having a downward sloping profile toward said drain device 11.1 of said first platform part 11.

[0020] Said first platform part 11 and said second platform part 12 are made as shaped quadrangular plates, in any material conventionally used to make a so-called shower tray.

[0021] Said second platform part 12 has on one side a recess 12.2, which in said first arrangement does not interfere with said drain device 11.1 of said first platform part.

[0022] Linear sliding means, respectively rolling or sliding (not shown), are provided between said first platform part 11 and said second platform part 12.

[0023] According to a second embodiment of the invention (figures 5 and 6), the shower plumbing system comprises a platform, generally indicated with 20, which comprises two platform parts, 21 and 22 respectively, connected to each other with the possibility of relative oscillation about a vertical axis.

[0024] In particular, said platform 20 comprises: a first platform part 21, which is fixed relative to the floor (not shown) and has a water drain device 21.1, known as a waste, stably connected to a drain and water trap for collecting water (not shown) provided in the floor, and a second platform part 22, which is configured to be arranged relative to said first platform part 21, respectively, in a first arrangement (figure 5), in which it substantially covers said first platform part 21, or in a second arrangement (figure 6), in which it uncovers at least a part of the area of said first platform part 21 and is arranged, in part, beyond said first platform part 21, increasing the usable area of the platform 20 that can be stepped on by the user of the system.

[0025] In particular, said first platform part 21 and said second platform part 22 are each made by shaped plates in the respective form of a circular quadrant (90° circular sector), in any material conventionally used to make a so-called shower tray, and said platform 20 assumes, in said first arrangement, an angular width of about 90° and, in said second arrangement, an angular width of about 180°.

[0026] According to a third embodiment of the invention (figures 7 and 8), the shower plumbing system comprises a platform, generally indicated with 30, which comprises two platform parts, 31 and 32 respectively, connected to each other with the possibility of relative oscillation about a horizontal axis.

[0027] In particular, said platform 30 comprises: a first platform part 31, which is fixed relative to the floor (not shown) and has a water drain device 31.1, known as a waste, stably connected to a drain and water trap for collecting water (not shown) provided in the floor, and a second platform part 32, which is configured to be arranged relative to said first platform part 31, respectively, in a first arrangement (figure 7), in which it covers said first platform part 31, or in a second arrangement (figure 8), in which it uncovers said first platform part 31 and is arranged contiguous to said first platform part 31, increasing the usable area of the platform 30 that can be stepped on by the user of the system.

[0028] In particular, said first platform part 31 and said second platform part 32 are made as shaped quadrangular plates, in any material conventionally used to make a so-called shower tray, having a rectangular or square outline and being superimposable on each other. A flexible film hinge 33 connects in an articulated manner, about a horizontal axis, and in a watertight manner, said first platform part 31 and said second platform part 32 along two respective contiguous sides.

[0029] According to a fourth embodiment not claimed (figures 9 and 10), the shower plumbing system comprises a platform, generally indicated with 40, which comprises two platform parts, 41 and 42 respectively, connected to each other with the possibility of relative oscillation about a horizontal axis.

[0030] In particular, said platform 40 is similar to platform 30, wherein, however, said first platform part 41 and said second platform part 42 are configured to be only partially superimposable, with said second platform part 42 having a smaller area than that of said first platform part 41. A flexible film hinge 43 connects in an articulated manner, about a horizontal axis, and in a watertight manner, said first platform part 41 and said second platform part 42 along two respective contiguous sides.

[0031] According to a fifth embodiment of the invention (figures 11 and 12), the shower plumbing system comprises a platform, generally indicated with 50, which comprises two platform parts, 51 and 52 respectively, connected to each other with the possibility of relative oscillation about a horizontal axis. In particular, said platform 50 comprises: a first platform part 51, which is arranged horizontally and fixed relative to the floor (not shown), and a second platform part 52, which is configured to be arranged relative to said first platform part 51, respectively, in a first arrangement (figure 11), in which it is arranged vertically relative to said first platform part 51, or in a second arrangement (figure 12), in which it is arranged horizontally and contiguous to said first platform part 51, increasing the usable area of the platform 50 that can be stepped on by the user of the system.

[0032] In particular, said second platform part 52 has a water drain device 52.1, known as a waste, which, in said second arrangement, corresponds to a drain and water trap for collecting water (not shown) provided in the floor.

[0033] A flexible film hinge 53 connects in an articulated manner, about a horizontal axis, and in a watertight manner, said first platform part 51 and said second platform part 52 along two respective contiguous sides.

[0034] In particular, said first platform part 51 and said second platform part 52 are made as shaped quadrangular plates, in any material conventionally used to make a so-called shower tray.

[0035] According to a sixth embodiment of the invention (figures 13 and 14), the shower plumbing system comprises a platform, generally indicated with 60, which comprises two platform parts, 61 and 62 respectively, connected to each other with the possibility of relative oscillation about a horizontal axis.

[0036] In particular, said platform 60 comprises: a first platform part 61, which is arranged horizontally and slidable relative to the floor (not shown), along respective straight guides fixed to the floor (not shown), and a second platform part 62, which is configured to be arranged relative to said first platform part 61, respectively, in a first arrangement (figure 13), in which it is arranged vertically relative to said first platform part 61, which is maintained in a stable horizontal position relative to the floor, or in a second arrangement (figure 14), in which it is arranged horizontally and contiguous to said first platform part 61, which is made to slide along the respective guides relative to the floor, increasing the usable area of the platform 60 that can be stepped on by the user of the system.

[0037] In particular, said second platform part 62 has a water drain device 62.1, known as a waste, which, in said second arrangement, corresponds to a drain and water trap for collecting water (not shown) provided in the floor.

[0038] A flexible film hinge 63 connects in an articulated manner, about a horizontal axis, and in a watertight manner, said first platform part 61 and said second platform part 62 along two respective contiguous sides.

[0039] In particular, said first platform part 61 and said second platform part 62 are made as shaped quadrangular plates, in any material conventionally used to make a so-called shower tray.

[0040] According to a seventh embodiment not claimed (figures 15 and 16), the shower plumbing system comprises a platform, generally indicated with 70, which comprises a single platform body 71, formed by a shaped plate and arranged to oscillate relative to a floor P about a horizontal axis close to the floor itself, between a horizontal arrangement (figure 16), in which the single platform body 71 rests on the floor P and a water drain device 71.1, known as a waste, corresponds to a drain and water trap for collecting water (not shown) provided in the floor, and a vertical arrangement (figure 15), in which said single platform body 71 is in a condition of minimal encumbrance relative to the floor P.

[0041] In particular, said single platform body 71 is made as a shaped quadrangular plate, in any material conventionally used to make a so-called shower tray.

[0042] According to an eighth embodiment of the invention (figures 17 and 18), the shower plumbing system comprises a platform, generally indicated with 80, which comprises a single platform body 81, formed by a shaped plate and arranged to slide relative to a floor P1 by means of vertical sliding guide means 82, for example fixed to a wall (not shown) adjacent to said floor, between a horizontal arrangement (figure 18), in which the single platform body 81 rests on the floor and a water drain device 81.1, known as a waste, corresponds to a drain and water trap for collecting water (not shown) provided in the floor, and a non-horizontal arrangement (figure 17), in which said single platform body 81 is in a condition of reduced encumbrance relative to the floor P1.

[0043] In particular, said single platform body 81 is made as a shaped quadrangular plate, in any material conventionally used to make a so-called shower tray.

[0044] According to a ninth embodiment of the invention (figures 19 and 20), the shower plumbing system comprises a platform, generally indicated with 90, which comprises a first platform body 91, formed by a plurality of mutually adjacent slats, connected by respective watertight flexible film hinges, according to a configuration similar to a rolling shutter, and a second platform body 93, formed by a shaped quadrangular plate in a single body, wherein: said second platform body 93 is arranged horizontally and movable on a floor (not shown) between a first position of minimal encumbrance and a second position displaced relative to said first position, and is connected at one end, by means of a flexible hinge, to a corresponding end of said first platform body 91, and said first platform body 91 is arranged to slide both vertically, relative to a wall (not shown), along vertical sliding guide means 92, for example fixed to said wall adjacent to said floor, and horizontally above said floor, wherein said first platform body 91 selectively assumes: a first horizontal arrangement (figure 20), in which it rests on the floor and a water drain device 91.1, known as a waste, corresponds to a drain and water trap for collecting water (not shown) provided in the floor, while said first platform body 93 is displaced into said second position, and a second vertical arrangement (figure 19), in which said first platform body 91 is in a condition of minimal encumbrance relative to the floor, while said second platform body 93 is displaced into said first position.

[0045] The following further characteristics of the system according to the invention are highlighted: the upper surface of the platform, or of its movable parts, comprises an anti-slip coating applied to or integrated into the structure of the plate; the platform comprises peripheral sealing means suitable to prevent backflows or lateral leakage of water during use; the platform, or its movable parts, are made of composite materials resistant to humidity and compression, selected from reinforced polymer resins, light alloys, and multilayer materials; the platform comprises lower structural stiffening elements configured to ensure mechanical stability both in the position of minimal encumbrance and in the position of use; the sliding or articulation means comprise roller guides or sliding guides housed between the first and the second platform part; the vertical axis of rotation is constituted by a fixed pin secured to the floor or to an underlying support structure of the platform; the flexible film hinge comprises a continuous waterproof layer incorporated between two elastomeric layers; the vertical guide means 82 comprise two parallel rails fixed to a wall, within which pads or sliders secured to the platform body 81 slide; the slats of the first platform body 91 have a slightly convex upper profile to promote the flow of water toward the waste 91.1.

[0046] As is clear from the foregoing, the present invention achieves, in a simple and effective manner, the objects set out in the introductory part of the present description.

Claims

1. A shower plumbing system, comprising a perforated hollow body provided to cause a stream of water to fall from above onto the body of a person and a platform (10) configured to support the user standing, collect the fallen water and convey it toward a drain device (11.1) connected to a drain and water trap, wherein said platform comprises a first platform part (11), fixed relative to the floor, and a second platform part (12) configured to be movable relative to the first between a first arrangement, in which it at least partially covers the first part (11), and a second arrangement, in which it uncovers a part (11.2) of the area of the first part (11) and projects beyond it, characterized in that the second platform part (12) has an upper surface having a downward sloping profile toward said drain device (11.1) of the first part (11).

2. A shower plumbing system, comprising a perforated hollow body to cause a stream of water to fall from above and a platform (20) configured to support the user and convey the water toward a drain device (21.1) connected to a drain and water trap, wherein said platform comprises a first platform part (21) fixed relative to the floor and a second platform part (22) arranged relative to the first in a first position of covering and in a second position of uncovering the area of the first part (21), characterized in that the first part (21) and the second part (22) are connected to each other with the possibility of oscillation about a vertical axis and comprise respective plates shaped as a 90° circular sector, such that the platform (20) assumes an angular width of about 90° in said first position and of about 180° in said second position.

3. A shower plumbing system, comprising a perforated hollow body provided to cause a stream of water to fall from above onto the body of a person and an underlying platform (30), suitable to support the user and convey the water toward a drain device (31.1) connected to a drain and water trap, wherein the platform comprises a first platform part (31), fixed relative to the floor, and a second platform part (32) configured to be arranged in a first position covering the first part (31) and in a second position contiguous thereto, characterized in that the second part (32) is connected to the first part (31) by means of a flexible film hinge (33), arranged along contiguous sides of the two parts, and configured to allow articulation about a horizontal axis under watertight conditions.

4. A shower plumbing system, comprising a perforated hollow body provided to cause a stream of water to fall from above onto the body of a person and a platform (50; 60) configured to support the user and convey the water toward a drain device connected to the floor, wherein the platform comprises a first platform part (51; 61) arranged horizontally and respectively fixed or slidable relative to the floor, and a second platform part (52; 62) configured to assume a first vertical arrangement and a second horizontal arrangement contiguous to the first part (51; 61), characterized in that the second platform part (52; 62) comprises its own drain device (52.1; 62.1) which, in the second horizontal arrangement, functionally corresponds to a drain and water trap in the floor, and wherein the first part (51; 61) and the second part (52; 62) are connected by means of a flexible film hinge (53; 63) that allows articulation about a horizontal axis under watertight conditions.

5. A shower plumbing system, comprising a perforated hollow body provided to cause a stream of water to fall from above onto the body of a person and a platform (80) configured to support the user and convey the water toward a drain device (81.1) connected to a drain and water trap, wherein the platform comprises a single platform body (81) formed by a shaped plate, characterized in that the single platform body (81) is configured to slide vertically relative to a floor (P1) by means of vertical sliding guide means (82) fixed to an adjacent wall, assuming an operative horizontal arrangement, in which the waste (81.1) corresponds to the drain in the floor, and a non-horizontal arrangement of reduced encumbrance.

6. A shower plumbing system, comprising a perforated hollow body provided to cause a stream of water to fall from above onto the body of a person and a platform (90) configured to support the user and convey the water toward a drain device (91.1) connected to a drain and water trap, wherein the platform comprises a first platform body (91) and a second platform body (93), characterized in that the first platform body (91) is formed by a plurality of adjacent slats connected by watertight flexible film hinges, configured in a rolling-shutter-like manner and slidable both vertically along guide means (92) fixed to an adjacent wall and horizontally above the floor; - the second platform body (93), formed by a shaped plate, is arranged horizontally and movable on the floor between a position of minimal encumbrance and an advanced position, and is connected by means of a flexible hinge to a corresponding end of the first platform body (91), such that the first body (91) selectively assumes an operative horizontal arrangement, in which the waste (91.1) corresponds to the drain in the floor, or a vertical arrangement of minimal encumbrance.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper surface of the platform, or of its movable parts, comprises an anti-slip coating applied to or integrated into the structure of the plate.

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform comprises peripheral sealing means suitable to prevent backflows or lateral leakage of water during use.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform, or its movable parts, are made of composite materials resistant to humidity and compression, selected from reinforced polymer resins, light alloys, and multilayer materials.

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform comprises lower structural stiffening elements configured to ensure mechanical stability both in the position of minimal encumbrance and in the position of use.

11. A system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the sliding or articulation means comprise roller guides or sliding guides housed between the first and the second platform part.

12. A system according to claim 2, characterized in that the vertical axis of rotation is constituted by a fixed pin secured to the floor or to an underlying support structure of the platform.

13. A system according to any one of claims 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the flexible film hinge comprises a continuous waterproof layer incorporated between two elastomeric layers.

14. A system according to claim 5, characterized in that the vertical guide means (82) comprise two parallel rails fixed to a wall, within which pads or sliders secured to the platform body (81) slide.

15. A system according to claim 6, characterized in that the slats of the first platform body (91) have a slightly convex upper profile to promote the flow of water toward the waste (91.1).

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