Shower tray

Abstract

A shower tray apparatus 100 comprises a tray section 102 and a ramp section 104. The ramp section is connected to the tray section via a ridge 106 and comprises a slope which extends downwards from t

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This present invention relates to shower tray, in particular, a ramped shower tray for providing improved shower accessibility that provides water containment without the use of a water dam. BACKGROUND Shower cubicles and pods, such as those described in GB2449671B and EP2164372B, use a shower tray as the surface that a user stands on while taking a shower. Alongside providing support, shower trays collect shower water and provide temporary storage of this water until it drains away. Shower trays must be robust enough to hold the weight of a user. Shower trays must also be durable and waterproof to avoid becoming damaged from repeated exposure to water and cleaning products. Conventional shower trays are typically flat or provide a gentle slope towards a drainage area, such as a plug hole, so that collected water can be removed from the shower tray. Typically, shower trays use a barrier, also known as a water dam, that is arranged around the perimeter of the shower tray to prevent water from leaking out of a shower onto the surrounding floor. In some cases, these barriers are often several centimetres high relative to the floor level. Shower trays having water dams can present significant accessibility issues for wheelchair users and individuals with impaired or limited mobility. One way around this is to fully convert a bathroom or washroom into a wheelchair or more accessible space, However, this can be expensive and impractical. Providing ramped access to existing shower trays can require excessively long or steep ramps, due to the height of the water dam. A further problem with existing access solutions is a lack of structural integrity since dynamic loads must be withstood e.g., during wheelchair usage. Simply reducing the height of the barrier can cause issues with water containment, leading to more spillages. Therefore, there is a desire to provide a shower tray that is more suitable for users who use wheelchairs, or who have other mobility limitations. The present invention aims to address these problems, in addition to any others that may be apparent to the skilled reader from the description herein. SUMMARY The present invention aims to address at least some of the shortcomings of existing shower tray arrangements comprising water dams. Specifically, the present invention aims to address accessibility limitations provided by conventional shower tray arrangements that may cause issues for users with limited mobility. According to the present invention, there is provided a shower tray apparatus, shower comprising said shower tray apparatus, a method of manufacturing a shower tray, and a kit of parts for a shower, as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows. According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided a shower tray apparatus. The shower tray apparatus comprises a tray section and a ramp section. The ramp section is connected to the tray section via a ridge. As shown in Figure 1, the ramp section and tray section may be connected along a width of the apparatus. The ramp section comprises a slope extending downwards from the ridge. In other words, the ramp section is angled downwards in a direction away from the ridge, providing a decline in a direction away from the ridge, or an incline direction towards the ridge. The ramp section is configured to provide a user with sloped access from a floor to the tray section. The ramp section may provide a flush transition between the floor and the ramped section, thereby enabling wheelchair access. The tray section comprises a main drainage portion having a downward slope extending away from the ridge towards a collection area. In other words, the tray section may be sloped in a direction opposite to that of the ramp section. The collection area may be the lowest point of the tray section and hence, may be arranged to collect water that falls across the tray section that is subsequently directed towards the collection area by the main drainage portion. The ridge may form the highest part of the apparatus. The ridge may act as a water dam in that it prevents the overspilling or leakage of water from the tray section. The ridge may be arranged across at least part of the width of the apparatus between the tray section and the ramp section. The tray section comprises a water collection volume that is at least partially defined by at least a part of the main drainage portion and the collection area. The water collection volume may provide a temporary volume for storing water collected by the tray section of the apparatus during operation of a shower. As referred to herein, the apparatus may comprise a width that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the ridge. The apparatus may comprise a depth extending in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the ridge. Advantageously, the shower tray described herein lacks a water dam, thereby providing improved access to users who have lower mobility. Thus, the shower tray may provide improved accessibility for these users, such as wheelchair users. The shower tray of the present arrangement achieves this while providing a suitable containment volume for the collection of water during a shower, thereby preventing spillages into the surrounding floor or room. In some examples, the ramp section may extend along only a portion of the width of the apparatus. The collection area of the apparatus may further comprise an outlet. The outlet may be configured to provide drainage from water collection volume. The outlet may provide drainage of collected water and other substances used during a shower process, such as cleaning products. Advantageously, the inclusion of an outlet may enable water to drain from the apparatus, thereby ensuring that water does not overspill from the water collection volume and across the ridge during use. The outlet may comprise a main outlet member and at least one bracket, such as a first bracket and a second bracket. The outlet may further comprise a pipe and a sealing member. The first bracket may be arranged and configured to provide attachment between the main outlet member and a base portion of a shower cubicle. The base portion of a shower cubicle may comprise an opening. The opening may enable attachment or passage of elements of the outlet through the base portion of the shower cubicle. The opening may be provided in a rear surface of the base portion of the shower cubicle. The second bracket may be arranged and configured to engage with the first bracket through the opening in the base portion of the shower cubicle. The sealing member may be arranged at least partially between the second bracket and the base of the shower cubicle to provide leak-proof seal therebetween. The sealing member, first bracket, and second bracket may comprise an opening. The opening of the sealing member, first bracket, and second bracket may substantially align. The opening of the sealing member, first bracket, and second bracket may further substantially align with the opening in the base portion of the shower cubicle. The pipe may be arranged to extend between the main outlet member, through the first bracket, the base of the shower cubicle, the sealing member, and the second bracket to provide fluid communication between the collection area and an external drainage system. The outlet may comprise additional sealing members, such as grommets, to further provide leak-proof sealing between the components referred to above. The sealing members may be formed of rubber, silicone, or any other suitable resiliently deformable material that may provide a seal to prevent water leakage between the components of the outlet. Advantageously, the outlet may be constructed to provide a leak-proof seal between the apparatus, the shower unit, and an external drainage system located on the other side of the shower unit from the apparatus. This may therefore enable drainage of water from the apparatus without leakages occurring through the spaces between the apparatus and shower unit, or between the shower unit and the external drainage system. The apparatus may further comprise a pump. The pump may be configured to actively remove water from the water collection area via the outlet. The pump rate of the pump may be adjustable. The pump rate of the pump may be dependent or otherwise linked to the flow of water flowing from a showerhead. Advantageously, the use of a pump may ensure that the water level of the water collection volume is not exceeded, thereby preventing water from flowing over the ridge. The use of a pump may further enable use of higher flow showers without spillages or leakages occurring. The tray section may comprise at least one secondary drainage portion. The water collection volume may be further at least partially defined by the at least part of the at least one secondary drainage portion. In other words, the water collection volume may be at least partially defined by at least a part of the main drainage portion and the collection area, and at least part of the at least one secondary drainage portion. The at least one secondary drainage portion, along with the main drainage portion, may form at least a portion of the tray section. Advantageously, the secondary drainage portion may provide a further surface that is arranged to capture water from a shower. The volume of the water collection volume may be further modified based on the shape and sizing of the secondary drainage portion. Hence, the secondary drainage portion may provide the apparatus with additional customisability to suit a user’s specific needs. The at least one secondary drainage portion may comprise a downward slope. The downward slope of the at least one secondary drainage portion may extend from at least one edge of the tray section towards the main drainage portion and / or the collection area. The at least one secondary drainage portion may be configured to direct water towards the main drainage portion and / or the collection area. Water collected by the at least one secondary drainage portion that is directed to the main drainage portion may subsequently flow from the main drainage portion to the collection area. The at least one secondary drainage portion may be arranged in a corner of the tray section and may therefore provide a downward slope that extends from two edges edge of the tray section towards the main drainage portion and / or the collection area. The at least one secondary drainage portion may be two secondary drainage portions. The two secondary drainage portions may be arranged on eitherside of collection area. The two secondary drainage portions may be arranged on the same side of the tray section, on an opposite side of the tray section from the ridge. Advantageously, the arrangement of the secondary drainage portions may provide more complete water capture from a shower. The arrangement of the secondary drainage portions may also provide more efficient water redirection and drainage towards the collection area, for example, compared to a flat section. The apparatus may comprise an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being visible during use. The tray section and ramp section may therefore comprise upper and lower surfaces. At least a portion of the lower surface of the apparatus may comprise at least one fin. The at least one fin may be configured to provide the apparatus with structural support. The at least one fin may be located on the lower surface of the tray section and / or ramp section. The at least one fin may be a plurality of fins. The plurality of fins may be spread across the lower surface of the tray section to provide structural support. Advantageously, the use of fins may provide structural support, thereby providing a stronger and more robust apparatus. The use of fins may further improve the apparatus’ tolerance of dynamic loads, such as those experienced when a wheelchair user is using the apparatus. The at least one fin may extend along at least a portion of the lower surface of the apparatus in a direction that is perpendicular to the ridge. The plurality of fins may extend along the lower surface of the tray in a direction that is perpendicular to the ridge. In other words, the at least one fin, or plurality of fins, may extend along at least a portion of the lower surface of the tray section in a depth direction of the apparatus. The plurality of fins may further extend along at least a portion of the lower surface of the ramp section in a depth direction of the apparatus. The plurality of fins may be spaced substantially evenly across the lower surface of the tray section, such as in a width direction. The lower surface of the tray section may further comprise a receiving portion that is configured to enable attachment of the at least one fin. The at least one fin may be attached to the tray section via the receiving portion. The at least one fin may be attached to the tray section via plastic welding or another suitable means, such as an adhesive. The at least one fin may be attached to the tray section via a combination of these means. Advantageously, this arrangement of the fins may further enhance the structural support provided, thereby providing a stronger and more robust apparatus. This arrangement may provide further tolerance during dynamic loading of the apparatus. The at least one fin may be shaped to support the ramp section. The at least one fin may be configured to substantially maintain an angle of the slope of the ramp section. A first end of the at least one fin may extend proximally to the ramp section. The first end of the at least one fin may contact a portion of the lower surface of ramp section. The first end of the least one fin may be sloped to provide a substantially complementary fit with the ramp section. The at least one fin may be attached to the ramp section, such as by plastic welding. The skilled person will appreciate that other attachment means may be used, such as the use of a suitable adhesive. Advantageously, the fins may provide the ramp section with structural support to improve the tolerance of the ramp section to dynamic loads, and to improve the robustness thereof. The fins may also help to maintain the slope and / or shape of the ramp section by limiting bending of the ramp section during use. The lower surface of the apparatus may comprise further structural elements configured to facilitate mounting within a shower unit, cubicle, pod, or the like. Advantageously The structural elements may further improve the strength and stability of the apparatus and may be used to ensure a good fit within a shower unit, cubicle, pod, or the like. At least one fin may also be shaped to support the at least one secondary drainage portion. The at least one fin may be configured to substantially maintain an angle of the slope of the at least one secondary drainage portion. A second end of the at least one fin may extend proximally to the at least secondary drainage portion. The second end of the at least one fin may contact a portion of the lower surface of the at least one secondary drainage portion. The second end of the least one fin may be sloped to provide a substantially complementary fit with the at least one secondary drainage portion. The at least one fin may be attached to the at least one secondary drainage portion, such as by plastic welding. The skilled person will appreciate that other attachment means may be used, such as the use of a suitable adhesive. Advantageously, the fins may provide the at least one secondary drainage portion section with structural support, and to improve the robustness thereof. The fins may also help to maintain the slope and / or shape and of the at least one secondary drainage portion by limiting bending of the at least one secondary drainage portion. Maintenance of the slope of the secondary portion may further ensure consistent drainage of water towards the main drainage portion and / or collection area. The apparatus may further comprise at least one bend line formed by a v-shaped groove in the lower surface of the apparatus. The bend line may be configured to provide the apparatus with flexibility along the bend line. The v-shaped groove may be substantially v-shaped. However, grooves of other shapes may also be capable of achieving a similar effect. Advantageously, the bend line forms a living hinge that provides bending or flexibility along the at least one bend line, thereby providing the apparatus with flexibility to achieve the desired slopes, such as for the ramp and secondary drainage portions. The use of a living hinge arrangement reduces the complexity of the arrangement by reducing the need for separate joints which may provide points of weakness. Furthermore, v-shaped grooves have a simple shape that is achievable using common routing tools and the like. The apparatus may further comprise a bend line between the tray section and the ramp section. The bend line may therefore provide flexibility between the tray section and ramp section, thereby enabling the ramp section and tray section to be sloped by different amounts. The bend line being may be associated with the ridge. In other words, the bend line may be located on the lower surface of the apparatus in a position that is directly opposite the ridge that is located on the upper surface. Further, the presence of the bend line may provide the flexibility between the tray section and the ramp sections. Wherein the bending along the bend line may enable formation of the ridge. Advantageously, the presence of a bend line located between the ramp section and tray section may provide flexibility to the apparatus that enables these sections to be sloped relative to each other to obtain the desired shape of the apparatus. The apparatus may further comprise a bend line between the main drainage portion and at least one secondary drainage portion. The bend line may provide a delineation between the main drainage portion and the at least one secondary drainage portion. The bend line may therefore provide flexibility between the main drainage portion and at least one secondary portion, thereby enabling the ramp section and tray section to be sloped by differing amounts. The apparatus may further comprise two bend lines, located between the main drainage portion each secondary drainage portion, thereby providing flexibility between the main drainage portion and each of the secondary drainage portions independently. Advantageously, the presence of a bend line located between the main drainage portion and the at least one secondary drainage portion may provide flexibility to the apparatus that enables these portions to be sloped relative to each other to obtain the desired shape of the apparatus. The main drainage portion may further comprise at least one channel. The at least one channel may be formed in the upper surface of the main drainage portion The at least one channel may be configured to direct water towards the collection area. The at least one channel may have a suitable profile shape, such as a substantially U- or V-shaped profile. The at least one secondary drainage portion may also comprise at least one channel. Advantageously, the presence of at least one channel within the upper surface of the main drainage portion may improve the drainage of water from the main drainage portion towards the collection area. Further advantageously, the at last one channel may provide improved grip. The upper surface of the main drainage portion also may be textured to improve grip. The least one channel may be a plurality of channels. The plurality of channels may be arranged in a substantially radial arrangement around the water collection area. In other words, the water collection area may act as a central hub, from which the plurality of channels radiates outwards across the main drainage portion. Advantageously, the plurality of channels arranged as described may provide more even channelling of water towards the collection area from across the main drainage portion. The plurality of channels may further provide improved grip. The ramp section may comprise a plurality of grooves. The plurality of grooves in the ramp section may be arranged substantially parallel to the ridge. The ramp section may be further textured. Advantageously, the plurality of grooves in the ramp section may provide grip. The texture may provide further grip. Further advantageously, the grooves in the ramp section may reduce the likelihood of water spillages onto a floor by capturing water moving down the ramp section, as may occur when a user exits the shower. The collection area may be proximal to an edge of the tray section located on an opposite side of the tray section to the ridge. The collection area may be located substantially centrally along a width of the apparatus. Advantageously, this configuration may ensure that water is collected evenly from across the tray section. Furthermore, this arrangement may also provide the shortest route for drainage, thereby reducing the need for additional pipework to remove collected water from the water collection volume and the collection area. The collection area may be proximal to a corner of the tray section located on an opposite side of the tray section to the ridge. The collection area may be located along an edge of the tray section. The ridge may extend across the full width of the apparatus. Advantageously, this may ensure provide water containment across the whole width of the apparatus, thereby preventing overspilling or leakage in lieu of the presence of water dam. The tray section and ramp section may be formed from a single piece of a polymer material. The apparatus may be substantially made of polypropylene. Other suitable materials will be known to the skilled person, for example, glass reinforced plastic could be used. Vacuum forming may be used to form the apparatus. This may provide faster manufacturing. Advantageously, polymer materials, such as polypropylene, are water and moisture resistant, thereby making it suitable for use in wet conditions, such as showers, bathrooms, and wet rooms. Further, polypropylene, may provide a balance between flexibility and stiffness when used in thin cross-sections. Polypropylene is also compatible with various machining processes that may be used to create the shower tray described herein. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shower cubicle comprising the shower tray apparatus as described herein. The shower tray as described herein may be integrally formed as part of the shower cubicle. Advantageously, this shower arrangement may provide improved access for a user with limited mobility, such as wheelchair users. The amount of slope of the ramp section and main drainage portion may be defined by a slope ratio. The slope ratio may be defined as a height to depth ratio. For example, a slope ratio of 1:3 indicates a height increase of one unit for three units of depth. Therefore, a lower slope ratio is indicative of a steeper slope, and vice versa. The ramp section may have a slope ratio from at least 1:6, at least 1:8, at least 1:10, at least 1:12. The ramp section may have a slope ration up to 1:30, up to 1:12, up to 1:10, up to 1:8. The slope ratio of the ramp section may depend on the intended use of the apparatus. The tray section may be inclined from at least 0.5 degrees up to 5 degrees. The ridge may comprise a height, relative to a floor level, of at least 18 mm up to 40 mm. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the shower tray apparatus as described herein. The method includes the step of providing a plastic sheet. The sheet may be a polypropylene sheet. The method further includes the step of machining the plastic sheet to form at least one v-shaped groove in the lower surface of the plastic sheet. The method further includes the step of bending the plastic sheet along the at least one v-shaped groove to form a tray section and a ramp section having a raised ridge therebetween. The method further includes the step of applying plastic welding to the lower surface plastic sheet to maintain the bend formed between the tray section and the ramp section. Advantageously, this may provide an effective method of forming the apparatus described herein without requiring plastic moulding. The method may further include the steps of cutting at least one additional v-shaped groove into the lower surface of the tray section; bending the tray section along the at least one additional v-shaped groove to provide at least one secondary drainage portion; and applying plastic welding to the lower surface plastic sheet to maintain the bend formed between the at least one secondary drainage portion and the tray section. Advantageously, these steps may enable the formation of the secondary drainage portion(s) of the apparatus. The method may include the step of cutting two additional v-shaped grooves into the lower surface of the tray section, thereby enabling two secondary drainage portions to be formed within the tray section. The presence of the at least one secondary drainage portion may provide a clear delineation of the main drainage portion of the tray section. The method may further include the step of fitting at least one fin to the lower surface of the apparatus by means of plastic welding. The at least one fin may be a plurality of fins. The plurality of fins may be fit into a pre-formed groove within the lower surface of the apparatus before plastic welding is applied. Advantageously, the use of fins may increase the structural strength of the apparatus. The method may utilise a CNC machine to perform cutting of the plastic sheet. Advantageously, this may ensure that the cuts are made accurately. According to a Fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a shower. The kit of parts comprises a shower cubicle. The shower cubicle may be a shower pod, unit, or the like. The shower cubicle may be any suitable shower cubicle, pod, or unit, that is compatible with the shower tray as described herein. The shower cubicle may be formed of a single unit, or may be a modular unit comprising multiple parts, such as a base portion, wall portions, facias, and the like. The kit further comprises a shower tray as described herein. Advantageously, the kit of parts may be used to provide a shower that provides improved accessibility, for example, to users having impaired or limited mobility. Further, the shower tray may be compatible with a wide range of existing shower arrangements, thereby making it more easily to integrate in existing bathrooms or washrooms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Features of examples of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawings, in which like reference numerals correspond to similar, though perhaps not identical, components. For the sake of brevity, reference numerals or features having a previously described function may or may not be described in connection with other drawings in which they appear. FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the upper surface of a shower tray fitted within a base portion of a shower cubicle. FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the upper surface of a shower tray fitted within a base portion of a shower cubicle FIG. 3A shows a rear perspective view of the upper surface of a shower tray. FIG. 3B shows a rear perspective view of the upper surface of a shower tray with an overlay applied showing the different sections of the shower tray FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the lower surface of a shower tray. FIG. 5 shows perspective view of the lower surface of a shower tray. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the shower tray. FIG. 7A shows the same left side view of the shower tray, further including a circled area of interest that is shown in Figure 7B. FIG. 7B shows an enlarged view cross-sectional view of the circled area of interest of Figure 7B. FIG. 8A shows an enlarged right side cross-sectional view of the outlet. FIG. 8B shows an exploded perspective view of the outlet. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the shower tray installed within a shower cubicle. FIG. 10 shows the steps of a method of manufacturing a shower tray as described herein. FIG. 11 shows a graph showing water containment capacity of the shower tray against width of the shower tray, for shower trays having tray section depths ranging from 750 mm to 1600 mm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, various examples will be described with reference to the accompanying figures. The examples described below may be modified and implemented in various forms. To more clearly describe features of the examples, detailed descriptions of matters well known to those skilled in the art to which the following examples belong will be omitted. In the present disclosure, when an element is described as "connected" or “coupled” with another element, this includes not only “directly connected” or “directly coupled”, but also “connected with another element therebetween” or “coupled with another element therebetween”. In addition, when one element is described to "include" another element, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the one element may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements. Figure 1 shows a shower tray apparatus 100 fitted within a base portion 204 of a shower cubicle 200. The upper surface of the shower tray 100 is shown. The shower tray 100 includes a tray section 102 and a ramp section 104. The ramp section 104 is located towards a front end of the apparatus 100 and is sloped to provide ramped access from a floor (not shown) to the tray section 102. The apparatus 100 includes a ridge 106, as shown by the dashed line, located between the tray section 102 and the ramp section 104. The ridge 106 extends between opposite sides of the apparatus 100 in a width direction. The ridge 106 effectively acts as a watershed and provides a delineation between the tray and ramp sections 102, 104 that is more clearly visible in Figure 3B. The apparatus 100 includes a main drainage portion 108 and two secondary drainage portions 116. The boundaries of the main drainage portion 108 and secondary drainage portions 116 are more clearly visible in Figure 3B. Returning to Figure 1, the main drainage portion 108 is sloped in a direction away from the ridge 106 towards a collection area 110. The secondary drainage portions 116 are sloped towards the main drainage portion 108 and the collection area 110. Water from a shower is collected by the main drainage portion 108 and secondary drainage potions 116 and is directed towards the collection area 110. The collection area 110, main drainage portion 108, and two secondary drainage portions 116 define a water collection volume that is configured to hold a volume of water that is defined by the slopes of the main drainage portion 106 and the secondary drainage portions 116. The volume collection volume is further dependent upon the height of the ridge 106 relative to the collection are 110. The collection area 110 further includes an outlet 114. The outlet provides fluid communication between the water collection area 110 and an external drainage system (not shown). The upper surface of the main drainage portion 108 includes a plurality of channels 132 arranged radially around the collection area 110. A further channel 132 is also provided that connects the ends of the radially arranged channels 132. This channel 132 is arranged substantially parallel with the ridge 106. As further shown in Figure 1, the ramp section 104 includes a plurality of grooves 134 arranged substantially parallel with the ridge 106. The grooves 134 are arranged to provide improved grip along the ramp section 104. Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the upper surface of a shower tray apparatus 100 fitted within a base portion 204 of a shower cubicle 200. Figure 2 shows the same features as Figure 1. Figure 2 further shows the arrangement of the outlet 114 which is passes through the base portion 204 of the shower cubicle 200 to enable connection to an external drainage system (not shown). Figure 3A shows a rear perspective view of the upper surface of a shower tray apparatus 100. Figure 3A shows the same features as Figures 1 and 2 and provides a better view of the outlet 114 which includes a pipe 114b. The first bracket 114a is provided to enable connection with a base portion of a shower cubicle 200, and to facilitate a leak-proof seal to be formed therewith. The pipe 114b provides fluid communication between the collection area 110 and an external drainage system. Figure 3A also more clearly shows the various edges 118 of the shower tray 100, and the plurality of fins 122 located on the lower surface of the apparatus 100, as discussed in more detail below in relation to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 3B shows a rear perspective view of the upper surface of a shower tray apparatus 100 with an overlay applied showing the different sections and portions thereof, as described herein. Figure 3B shows the ramp section 104 (square grid pattern), main drainage portion 108 (horizontal stripe pattern), and secondary drainage portions 116 (dotted pattern). The tray section 102 includes the main drainage portion 108 and the secondary drainage portions 116. As shown, the ridge 106 provides a border between the tray section 102 and the ramp section 104. Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the lower surface of the shower tray apparatus 100. As shown, the lower surface of the apparatus comprises a plurality of fins 122. The fins 122 are evenly spaced across the width of the apparatus 100. The fins 122 extend along at least a portion of the lower surface of the shower tray 100 in a direction that is perpendicular to the ridge 106 The fins 122 closest to the sides of the apparatus 100 extend in a depth direction from the rear edge of the tray section 102 towards the ramp section 104. However, the fins 122 closer to the centre of the apparatus 100 have a reduced length and do not extend from the rear edge 118 of the tray section 102, due to the presence of the collection area 110 on the upper surface. The plurality of fins 122 are arranged to provide structural support to the apparatus 100. Figure 4 also shows first, second, and third bend lines 124a, 124b, and 124c. The first bend line 124a is provided between the tray section 102 and the ramp section 104 to provide flexibility of these parts relative to each other. The first bend line 124a is associated with the ridge 106 and provides the flexibility that enables the formation of the ridge 106, which results from the relative movement or sloping of the ramp section 104 and the main drainage portion 108. The second and third bend lines 124b, 124c are provided between the main drainage portion 108 and the secondary drainage portions 116 to provide flexibility of these parts relative to each other. Figure 5 shows perspective view of the lower surface of the shower tray apparatus 100. Figure 5 shows the same features as Figure 4. Figure 5 further shows that the fins 112 are shaped to support the ramp section 104, for example, to maintain the slope of the ramp section 104. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the shower tray apparatus 100 showing the features as described above. Figure 6 more clearly shows the slope differences between the main drainage portion 108 and the ramp section 104 that form the ridge 106. Figure 7A shows the same left side view of the shower tray apparatus 100 and further includes a circled area A of interest that is shown more clearly in Figure 7B. Figure 7B shows an enlargement of circled area A of Figure 7A. Figure 7A shows the arrangement of a v-shaped groove 126 which is used to form a bend line 124, as discussed above. Figure 8A shows an enlarged right side cross-sectional view of the outlet 114 of the shower tray apparatus 100. As shown, the collection area 110 provides a drop off from the main drainage portion 108 and / or secondary drainage potions 116. The channels 132 are arranged to feed directly into the collection area 110. The outlet 114 includes a main outlet member 114a, pipe 114b, first bracket 114c, a second bracket 114d, and sealing member 114e. The main outlet member 114a extends into the collection area 110 and holds the pipe 114b. The main outlet member 114a is attached to the first bracket 114b, which abuts the rear surface of the base portion 204 of the shower cubicle 200. The second bracket 114d is arranged on an opposite side of the base portion 204 from the first bracket 114c. The second bracket 144d also abuts the base portion 204 and holds sealing member 114e which provides a leak-proof seal between the two components. The base portion 204 comprises an opening in its rear surface. The first bracket 114c, second bracket 114d, and sealing member 114e also comprise an opening. When these components are combined, the openings substantially align. The pipe 114b is then able to pass through each of these components to provide fluid communication between the collection area 110 and an external drainage system (not shown). As show, the sealing member 114e comprises a U-shaped indentation to facilitate engagement with the second bracket 114d. Figure 8B shows an exploded perspective view of the outlet showing the relative arrangement of the main outlet member 114a, the pipe 114b, the first bracket 114c, second bracket 114d, and the sealing member 114e. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the shower tray apparatus 100 installed within a shower cubicle 200. In the example shown, the shower cubicle 200 is a modular, and includes a plurality of panel elements 204 that can be combined to form a shower cubicle 200. The shower cubicle 200 also includes a plurality of fascias 206, which provide further engagement between the panel elements 204, and with the shower tray 100. Figure 10 shows the steps of a method 300 of manufacturing the shower tray apparatus described herein. Step 302 includes providing a plastic sheet. Preferably, the plastic sheet is a polypropylene plastic sheet. Step 304 involves machining the plastic sheet to form at least one v-shaped groove in the lower surface of the plastic sheet. Step 306 involves bending the plastic sheet along the at least one v-shaped groove to form a tray section and a ramp section having a raised ridge therebetween. Step 308 involves applying plastic welding to the lower surface plastic sheet to maintain the bend formed between the tray section and the ramp section. Figure 11 shows a plot of water containment capacity (volume in litres) of the shower tray (tray section) against the width of the shower tray, fortray sections having depths ranging from 750 mm to 1600 mm. Reference in the specification to “an example”, “an embodiment”, “an aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example, but not necessarily in other examples. The various instances of the phrase “in one example” or similar phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example. In describing and claiming examples disclosed herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word “about”, even if the term does not expressly appear. The term “about” when used herein means +1-10% of the stated value. While several examples have been described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosed examples may be modified. Therefore, the foregoing description is to be considered non-limiting. It should be understood that the examples described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each example should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other examples. While one or more examples have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made. Examples The following tables contain the data used to generate the graph shown in Figure 11. The data shows the water capacity volume of the shower tray alongside the associated width and depth measurements of the shower tray, specifically, the tray section of the shower tray. 5 Table 1 shows the water capacity of shower trays having depths from 750 mm to 1150 mm across the width range 750 mm to 2400 mm. Table 2 shows the water capacity of shower trays having depths from 1200 mm to 1600 mm across the width range 750 mm to 2400 mm. 10 Shower tray volume (Litres) ^\Depth (mm) 750 800 850 900 950 1000 1050 1100 1150 Width (mm) 750 1.062 1.119 1.175 1.229 1.281 1.332 1.380 1.427 1.472 800 1.237 1.306 1.372 1.437 1.500 1.560 1.619 1.676 1.731 850 1.426 1.506 1.585 1.661 1.735 1.807 1.876 1.944 2.010 900 1.627 1.721 1.812 1.900 1.986 2.070 2.152 2.232 2.309 950 1.842 1.949 2.053 2.155 2.255 2.352 2.447 2.539 2.629 1000 2.070 2.192 2.310 2.427 2.540 2.651 2.760 2.866 2.969 1050 2.311 2.448 2.582 2.713 2.842 2.968 3.091 3.212 3.330 1100 2.566 2.719 2.869 3.016 3.161 3.302 3.441 3.577 3.710 1150 2.833 3.003 3.171 3.335 3.496 3.654 3.810 3.962 4.112 1200 3.113 3.302 3.487 3.669 3.848 4.024 4.197 4.366 4.533 1250 3.407 3.615 3.819 4.020 4.217 4.411 4.602 4.790 4.975 1300 3.714 3.941 4.165 4.386 4.603 4.816 5.027 5.233 5.437 1350 4.034 4.282 4.527 4.768 5.005 5.239 5.469 5.696 5.919 1400 4.370 4.637 4.903 5.165 5.424 5.679 5.931 6.178 6.422 1450 4.713 5.005 5.294 5.579 5.860 6.137 6.410 6.680 6.945 1500 5.072 5.388 5.700 6.008 6.312 6.612 6.909 7.201 7.489 1550 5.444 5.785 6.121 6.454 6.782 7.106 7.425 7.741 8.053 1600 5.830 6.196 6.557 6.915 7.268 7.616 7.961 8.301 8.637 1650 6.228 6.620 7.008 7.391 7.770 8.145 8.515 8.880 9.241 1700 6.640 7.059 7.474 7.884 8.290 8.691 9.087 9.479 9.866 1750 7.065 7.512 7.955 8.393 8.826 9.254 9.678 10.097 10.511 1800 7.503 7.979 8.451 8.917 9.379 9.836 10.287 10.735 11.177 1850 7.954 8.460 8.961 9.457 9.948 10.434 10.916 11.392 11.863 1900 8.418 8.955 9.487 10.013 10.535 11.051 11.562 12.068 12.569 1950 8.895 9.464 10.027 10.585 11.138 11.685 12.227 12.764 13.295 2000 9.386 9.987 10.583 11.173 11.758 12.337 12.991 13.479 14.042 2050 9.889 10.524 11.153 11.776 12.394 13.006 13.613 14.214 14.809 2100 10.406 11.075 11.738 12.396 13.047 13.693 14.334 14.968 15.597 2150 10.936 11.640 12.339 13.031 13.717 14.398 15.073 15.742 16.405 2200 11.479 12.219 12.954 13.682 14.404 15.120 15.831 16.535 17.233 2250 12.035 12.812 13.584 14.349 15.108 15.860 16.607 17.347 18.081 2300 12.604 13.420 14.229 15.031 15.828 16.618 17.402 18.179 18.950 2350 13.187 14.041 14.889 15.730 16.565 17.393 18.215 19.030 19.839 2400 13.782 14.676 15.564 16.444 17.318 18.186 19.047 19.901 20.749 Shower tray volume (Litres) Depth (mm) 1200 1250 1300 1350 1400 1450 1500 1550 1600 Width (mm) 750 1.515 1.557 1.596 1.634 1.671 1.705 1.738 1.769 1.799 800 1.784 1.835 1.884 1.931 1.977 2.020 2.062 2.102 2.140 850 2.073 2.135 2.195 2.252 2.308 2.361 2.413 2.462 2.510 900 2.384 2.457 2.528 2.597 2.663 2.728 2.790 2.850 2.909 950 2.717 2.802 2.885 2.966 3.044 3.120 3.194 3.266 3.335 1000 3.070 3.169 3.265 3.358 3.450 3.538 3.625 3.709 3.790 1050 3.445 3.558 3.668 3.775 3.880 3.982 4.082 4.179 4.274 1100 3.841 3.969 4.093 4.216 4.335 4.452 4.566 4.677 4.786 1150 4.258 4.402 4.542 4.680 4.815 4.947 5.077 5.203 5.327 1200 4.697 4.857 5.014 5.169 5.320 5.468 5.614 5.756 5.896 1250 5.156 5.334 5.509 5.681 5.850 6.015 6.178 6.337 6.493 1300 5.637 5.834 6.027 6.217 6.404 6.588 6.768 6.945 7.119 1350 6.139 6.356 6.568 6.778 6.984 7.186 7.385 7.581 7.773 1400 6.663 6.899 7.132 7.362 7.588 7.810 8.029 8.244 8.456 1450 7.207 7.465 7.720 7.970 8.217 8.460 8.700 8.935 9.167 1500 7.773 8.053 8.330 8.602 8.871 9.136 9.397 9.654 9.907 1550 8.360 8.664 8.963 9.258 9.550 9.837 10.120 10.400 10.675 1600 8.969 9.296 9.619 9.938 10.253 10.564 10.871 11.173 11.472 1650 9.598 9.951 10.299 10.632 10.982 11.317 11.648 11.974 12.297 1700 10.249 10.627 11.001 11.370 11.735 12.096 12.451 12.803 13.150 1750 10.921 11.326 11.726 12.122 12.513 12.900 13.282 13.659 14.032 1800 11.614 12.047 12.475 12.898 13.316 13.730 14.139 14.543 14.942 1850 12.329 12.790 13.246 13.698 14.144 14.586 15.022 15.454 15.881 1900 13.065 13.555 14.041 14.521 14.997 15.467 15.933 16.393 16.849 1950 13.822 14.343 14.858 15.369 15.874 16.374 16.870 17.359 17.844 2000 14.600 15.152 15.699 16.240 16.777 17.307 17.833 18.353 18.868 2050 15.399 15.984 16.563 17.136 17.704 18.266 18.823 19.375 19.921 2100 16.220 16.837 17.449 18.055 18.656 19.251 19.840 20.424 21.002 2150 17.062 17.713 18.359 18.999 19.633 20.261 20.884 21.500 22.112 2200 17.925 18.611 19.292 19.966 20.634 21.297 21.954 22.605 23.250 2250 18.810 19.532 20.247 20.957 21.661 22.359 23.050 23.736 24.416 2300 19.715 20.474 21.226 21.972 22.712 23.446 24.174 24.895 25.611 2350 20.642 21.438 22.228 23.012 23.789 24.559 25.324 26.082 26.834 2400 21.590 22.425 23.253 24.075 24.890 25.698 26.501 27.296 28.086

Claims

1. A shower tray apparatus, comprising:a tray section; anda ramp section, connected to the tray section via a ridge and comprising a slope extending downwards from the ridge, the ramp section being configured to provide a user with sloped access from a floor to the tray section,wherein the tray section comprises a main drainage portion having a downward slope extending away from the ridge towards a collection area, andwherein the tray section comprises a water collection volume that is at least partially defined by at least a part of the main drainage portion and the collection area.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the collection area comprises an outlet to provide drainage from water collection volume.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the outlet comprises a main outlet member, a first bracket, a second bracket, a pipe, and a sealing member;wherein the first bracket is arranged and configured to provide attachment between a main outlet member and a base portion of a shower cubicle,wherein the second bracket is arranged and configured to engage with the first bracket through the base portion of the shower cubicle,wherein the sealing member is arranged at least partially between the second bracket and the base of the shower cubicle to provide leak-proof seal therebetween,wherein the pipe is arranged to extend from the main outlet member, through the first bracket, the base of the shower cubicle, the sealing member, and the second bracket to provide fluid communication between the collection area and an external drainage system.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a pump configured to actively remove water from the water collection area via the outlet.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the tray section further comprises at least one secondary drainage portion, wherein the water collection volume is further at least partially defined by the at least part of the at least one secondary drainage portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one secondary drainage portion comprises a downward slope extending from at least one edge of the tray section towards the main drainage portion and / or the collection area, wherein the at least one secondary drainage portion is configured to direct water towards the main drainage portion and / or the collection area.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the lower surface of the tray section comprises at least one fin configured to provide the tray section with structural support.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one fin extends along at least a portion of the lower surface of the apparatus in a direction that is perpendicular to the ridge.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one fin is shaped to support the ramp section.

10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one bend line formed by a v-shaped groove in the lower surface of the apparatus, the bend line being configured to provide the apparatus with flexibility along the bend line.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, comprising a bend line between the tray section and the ramp section, the bend line being associated with the ridge.

12. The apparatus of claims 5 and 10 or 11, comprising a bend line between the main drainage portion and at least one secondary drainage portion, the bend line providing a delineation between the main drainage portion and the at least one secondary drainage portion.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the main drainage portion comprises at least one channel configured to direct water towards the collection area.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one channel is a plurality of channels arranged in a substantially radial arrangement around the water collection area.

16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the ridge extends across the full width of the apparatus.

17. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the tray section and ramp section are formed from a single piece of a polymer material.

18. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is substantially made of polypropylene.

19. A shower cubical comprising the apparatus any preceding claim 1 -18.

20. A method of manufacturing the apparatus of any one of claims 1-19, comprising the steps of:providing a plastic sheet;machining the plastic sheet to form at least one v-shaped groove in the lower surface of the plastic sheet;bending the plastic sheet along the at least one v-shaped groove to form a tray section and a ramp section having a raised ridge therebetween; andapplying plastic welding to the lower surface plastic sheet to maintain the bend formed between the tray section and the ramp section.

21. The method of claim 20, comprising the step of cutting at least one additional v-shaped groove into the lower surface of the tray section;bending the tray section along the at least one additional v-shaped groove to provide at least one secondary drainage portion; andapplying plastic welding to the lower surface plastic sheet to maintain the bend formed between the at least one secondary drainage portion and the tray section.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, comprising the step of fitting at least one fin to the lower surface of the apparatus by means of plastic welding.

23. The method of any of claims 21 to 23, wherein cutting is performed using a CNC machine.

24. A kit of parts for a shower, comprising:a shower cubical; andthe shower tray of any of claims 1-18.

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