Bathing assembly with water collection and dispersion

Abstract

A bathing unit as disclosed herein may include a base, a first panel, a second panel, and an independent u-shaped extrusion for ease of installation and that in combination collect and direct fluid away from support walls and to a collection area of the base. The bathing unit may be installed without use of a seal, such as, silicon.

Description

[0001] This non-provisional patent application is filed by applicants American Bath Group, LLC a Delaware company and Maax Bath Inc. of Montreal, Canada, for the inventors Marc-Yvan Meilert, a citizen of Canada, residing in Quebec, Christine Lacasse-Veilleux, a citizen of Canada, residing in Quebec, and Steve Donnelly a citizen of Canada, residing in Quebec, for the invention of an “Improved Bathing Assembly with Water Collection and Dispersion”.

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

[0003] All patents and publications described or discussed herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to bathing assemblies, which can also be described as shower surrounds, shower units, or showers, bathtubs with surrounds, bath units. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to bathing assemblies that reduce installation time, improve fluid collection and dispersion, and direct fluids from the bathinging process to a collection area.Background Art

[0005] Bathing assemblies, bathing units, bathtub assemblies, or showers, are known in the art. Bathing assemblies are typically combinations of manufactured and assembled walls, and potentially a base, or shower pan, that are either freestanding or attached to walls of a building or dwelling, such as a home, office, hospital, or the like, to provide a location, such as in a bathroom, for someone to clean themselves. Bathing units are usually manufactured at a facility, or factory, and then shipped to the location where the bathing unit will be installed.

[0006] Bathing assemblies generally come and two forms. The first is a fully complete unit that is formed or manufactured as a whole piece in the factory. The second is a bathing unit that is made in pieces and ship to the building in pieces and assembled on site. Many aspects factor into which of the two bathing units are made. These including the style of the unit, the size of the unit, the space within the building where the unit will be placed, construction of the building where the unit will be placed, and egress to the location where the bathing unit will be installed. In situations where a unit is shipped in pieces and then assembled, the construction of that unit within the bathroom where it is installed can be time and labor-intensive. Traditionally during the installation process, a sealant, such as caulk, is used in the assembly of the bathing unit. The sealant is normally hand laid by the construction worker and is used to try and to restrict water flow from exiting the bathing area at the seams and joints defined between the various pieces of the bathing unit.

[0007] Traditionally, water issues can arise if the installation person does not properly seal the bathing unit. For example, if the unit is not properly assembled, which traditional means a liberal use of sealant, water can escape through gaps, cracks, and crevices between the pieces and get behind the bathing unit. This moisture behind the walls can make the walls and surrounding areas behind the bathing unit damp. If unchecked, this dampness can lead to mold growth and in some cases deterioration, damage, and destruction to the structure of the building around the bathing unit, including the walls, such as sheet rock or dry walls, the insulation, and supports, such as the wooden studs and flooring of the building used as support for the bathing unit itself.

[0008] The problem of maintaining the water within the confines and structure of the bathing unit can be further exacerbated by modern bathing unit design that can include multiple water dispersion locations, such as multiple shower heads, and high-pressure dispersion locations. The use of these multiple and / or high-pressure water dispersion locations can increase the likelihood that water will penetrate even small seams, joints, or gaps left by the installation process, or naturally occurring in the bathing unit once assembled. These multiple locations and high-pressure dispersions can also send water high in the air. This can lead to water hitting surfaces above the tops of the bathing unit walls. Again, this can lead to water getting behind the bathing unit walls and cause the afore mentioned mold and damage issues.

[0009] Additional problems associated with conventional bathing units and the modern showering processes are the additional fluids used in the cleaning process. Most people that take showers use various cleaning products during the showering process, such as some form of soap, shampoo, and even conditioner. Most of these products have a “suds” effect that is designed to aid in the cleaning process. These remnants of the cleaning products travel with the water in the shower and are spread about the shower area, especially with the deflection of the fluids by the water off of the body of the person showering or bathing. This can lead to a buildup of these remnants throughout the bathing area. These remnants can also be pushed by the water into the seams, joints, or gaps left from the assembly process as previously mentioned. These fluids can further exacerbate the mold and damage issues with additional fluids behind the walls of the bathing units.

[0010] What is needed then are improved bathing units that can be assembled quickly and efficiently. These improved bathing units preferably have integrated fluid collection features and systems that direct fluids away from the walls of the structure to which they are installed and to the drain of the bathing unit.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0011] The present disclosure provides bathing units for placement proximate to one or more walls of a building. The bathing units have improved assembly characteristics and integrated water collection and dispersion features.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, an exemplary of a bathing unit for placement proximate to one or more walls of a building as disclosed herein may include a base, a first panel, a second panel, and an extruded channel. The base may include a length, a width, a collection area, a first edge, and a second edge. The first panel may include a wall side, an exposed side, a first height, a first panel attaching side, and a first base end. The first base end may be shaped to engage at least the first edge of the base. The first panel attaching side may include a first flange extending from the wall side away from the exposed side. The second panel may include a wall side, an exposed side, a second height approximately equal the first height, a second panel attaching side, and a second base end. The second base end may be shaped to engage the second edge of the base. The second panel attaching side may include a second flange extending from the wall side away from the exposed side. The second panel attaching side may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the first panel attaching side. The extruded channel may be configured to receive the first flange and the second flange. The extruded channel may be shaped to direct water from the first and second flanges down toward the base and away from the one or more walls.

[0013] In an exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the extruded channel may be configured to be coupled to one of the one or more walls of the building independent of the first and second panels.

[0014] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the base may include a recessed channel aligned with the extruded channel. The recessed channel may be shaped to receive water from the extruded channel and direct the water toward the collection area.

[0015] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the recessed channel may include an engagement protrusion configured to engage a lower end of the extruded channel.

[0016] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the first and second panel attaching sides may be aligned with the recessed channel.

[0017] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the first edge may include a first back splash extending therefrom such that a lower portion of the extruded channel overlaps the first back splash.

[0018] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the first base end of the first panel may be shaped to further engage a portion of the second edge of the base.

[0019] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the first flange may include a first portion extending perpendicularly from the wall side at the first panel attaching side and a second portion angled relative to the first portion. The second flange may include a first portion extending perpendicularly from the wall side at the second panel attaching side and a second portion angled relative to the first portion. The second portion of the second flange may be configured to be adjacent to the second portion of the first flange when the first and second panels are positioned adjacent to each other and resting on the base.

[0020] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the base may include a third edge. The bathing unit may further include a third panel including a wall side, an exposed side, a third height approximately equal to the first height, a third panel attaching side, and a third base end. The third base end may be shaped to engage at least the third edge of the base. The third panel attaching side may include a third flange extending from the wall side away from the exposed side. The second panel may include a mirror panel attaching side. The mirror panel attaching side may include a mirror flange extending from the wall side away from the exposed side. The mirror panel attaching side may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the third panel attaching side. The bathing unit may further include an additional extruded channel configured to receive the third flange and the mirror flange. The additional extruded channel may be shaped to direct water from the third flange and the mirror flange down toward the base and away from the one or more walls.

[0021] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the second panel may include a lower portion and an upper portion.

[0022] In another embodiment, bathing unit for placement proximate to one or more walls of a building as disclosed herein may include a base, a first panel, and a second panel. The base may include a length, a width, a collection area, a first edge, a second edge, and at least one recessed channel defined in at least one of the first edge or the second edge to direct water towards the collection area. The first panel may include a wall side, an exposed side, a first height, a first panel attaching side, and a first base end. The first base end may be shaped to engage the first edge of the base. The second panel may include a wall side, an exposed side, a second height approximately equal the first height, a second panel attaching side, and a second base end. The second base end may be shaped to engage the second edge. The second panel attaching side may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the first panel attaching side. A first recessed channel of the at least one recessed channel may align with the first and second panel attaching sides when positioned adjacent to each other and resting on the base. The first recessed channel may be shaped to receive water from the first and second panel attaching sides and direct the water toward the collection area.

[0023] In an exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the bathing unit may further include a u-shaped extrusion aligned with the first recessed channel. The u-shaped extrusion may be configured to receive a first flange of the first panel attaching side and a second flange of the second panel attaching side. The u-shaped extrusion shaped to direct water from the first and second flanges down toward the base and away from the one or more walls

[0024] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the recessed channel may include a boss configured to engage a lower end of the u-shaped extrusion.

[0025] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the first edge may include a first back splash extending therefrom. A lower portion of the u-shaped extrusion may be configured to overlaps the first back splash

[0026] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the u-shaped extrusion may extend a majority of the first height and is independent of the first and second panels.

[0027] In another embodiment, method of installing a bathing unit proximate to one or more walls of a building as disclosed herein may include positioning a base proximate to the one or more walls of the building, the base having a collection area, a first edge, a second edge, and a first recessed channel defined in the second edge to direct water towards the collection area; aligning a first u-shaped extrusion with the first recessed channel, the first u-shaped extrusion configured to extend vertically from the base; engaging at least the first edge of the base with a first panel, the first panel configured to extend vertically from the base and including a first flange configured to be received by the first u-shaped extrusion; and engaging the second edge of the base with a second panel, the second panel configured to extend vertically from the base and including a second flange configured to be received by the first u-shaped extrusion.

[0028] In an exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the step of aligning the first u-shaped extrusion may include coupling the first u-shaped extrusion to one of the one or more walls of the building.

[0029] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the step of aligning the first u-shaped extrusion may include overlapping the first u-shaped extrusion with a back splash of the base.

[0030] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the method may further include receiving a lower end of the first u-shaped extrusion by a boss of the first recessed channel.

[0031] In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the method may further include aligning a second u-shaped extrusion with a second recessed channel of the base, the second recessed channel defined in the second edge; and engaging at least a third edge of the base with a third panel, the third panel configured to extend vertically from the base and including a third flange configured to be received by the second u-shaped extrusion, wherein the second panel includes a mirror panel attaching side, the mirror panel attaching side including a mirror flange configured to be received by the second u-shaped extrusion.

[0032] It is therefore a general object of the current disclosure to provide a bathing unit with an improved fluid collection and dispersion system.

[0033] Another object of the current disclosure is to provide a bathing unit designed to keep fluid from getting behind the walls of the unit.

[0034] Still another object of the current disclosure is to provide a bathing unit that does not need a sealant during assembly.

[0035] Still another object of the current disclosure is to provide a bathing unit that has multiple locations to direct fluid back to the base collection area of the bathing unit.

[0036] Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a bathing unit made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the bathing unit of FIG. 1 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a bathing unit made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the bathing unit of FIG. 3 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bathing unit of FIG. 1 proximate to one or more walls of a building, showing water flow paths, and made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a base and first and second u-shaped extrusions of the bathing unit of FIG. 1 proximate to one or more walls of a building made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the bathing unit of FIG. 5 proximate to one or more walls of a building made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of first and second panels in combination with a first u-shaped extrusion of the bathing unit of FIG. 1 proximate to one or more walls of a building made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view similar to FIG. 5 showing the movement of fluid relative to the first panel, the second panel, and the base made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the first panel, the base, and the first u-shaped extrusion of the bathing unit of FIG. 1 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view similar to FIG. 6 showing the base in combination with the first u-shaped extrusion made in accordance with the current disclosure

[0048] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the first panel and the base of the bathing unit of FIG. 1 proximate to one or more walls of a building made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 13 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the first and second panels of the bathing unit of FIG. 1 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of top and bottom sections of the second panel of the bathing unit of FIG. 1 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the first panel of the bathing unit of FIG. 1 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the first panel of the bathing unit of FIG. 15 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the base of the bathing unit of FIG. 1 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 18 is top plan view of base of the bathing unit of FIG. 17 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the base of the bathing unit of FIG. 3 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 20 is top plan view of base of the bathing unit of FIG. 19 made in accordance with the current disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 21 is flow chart of a method of installing the bathing unit proximate to one or more walls of a building made in accordance with the current disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

[0059] Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0060] The words “connected”, “attached”, “joined”, “mounted”, “fastened”, and the like should be interpreted to mean any manner of joining two objects including, but not limited to, the use of any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and clevis, and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or pivotable relationship; using any resin, glue, epoxy, and the like; being integrally formed as a single part together; any mechanical fit such as a friction fit, interference fit, slidable fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit, and the like; any combination thereof; and the like.

[0061] Unless specifically stated otherwise, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made of any appropriate or suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof.

[0062] Referring generally now to FIGS. 1-20, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a bathing unit 10. It is understood that, for the sake of clarity, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing. In addition, positional terms such as a “upper,”“lower,”“side,”“top,”“bottom,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” etc. refer to the apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawing. The skilled artisan will recognize that objects in accordance with the present disclosure can assume different orientations when in use.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 1, the bathing unit 10, which can also be described as a shower assembly, shower surround, shower, bath assembly, bath surround, or bath, is preferably manufactured, assembled and attached to walls (shown in FIGS. 5-8) of a building (not shown). The building can be any of those buildings known in the art, such as a dwelling, home, office, hospital, and the like, that has a location, such as in a bathroom, for someone to clean himself or herself. Typically, the walls to which the bathing unit 10 is attached will include a surface, such as sheet rock or dry wall, insulation, and supports, such as the wooden studs. The bathing unit will also typically be supported by flooring of the building, such as additional supports and subflooring, as is known in the art.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the bathing unit 10 may include a base 12, a first panel 20, a second panel 40, a third panel 60, a first u-shaped extrusion 80, and a second u-shaped extrusion 82. The base 12 includes a collection area 16, a first edge 17, and a second edge 18, the first and second edges can be described as flanges, such as, for example, horizontal flanges elevated from the collection area 16. The length and width of the base 12 can vary according designer preference and to conform to the space where the bathing unit 10 is to be installed. The collection area 16 can include a drain 15 as known in the art. The collection area 16 is designed to collect the fluids from the showering or bathing process and direct them to the drain and ultimate removal from the bathing area. The base 12 can include a trough area 14 to direct water collected during the showing process towards the collection area 16 and to the drain. The first and second u-shaped extrusions 80, 82 may also be referred to herein as first and second extruded channels 80, 82 and may vary in shape while maintaining a general channel shape. The first and second u-shaped extrusions 80, 82 may be coupled to one of the one or more walls of the building independent of the base 12 and the first, second, and third panels 20, 40, 60.

[0065] The first panel 20 may include a wall side 22 and an exposed side 24, or exposed surface 24, while the second panel 40 may include a wall side 42 and an exposed side 44, or exposed surface 44. The wall sides 22 and 42 are designed to set against and attach to walls of the dwelling where the bathing unit 10 is positioned. The exposed sides 24 and 44 are designed to direct water down to the collection area 16 of the base 12 and can have any aesthetically pleasing appearance as desired and known in the art.

[0066] The first panel 20 may include a first base end 30 shaped to engage at least the first edge 17 of the base 12, while the second panel 40 includes a second base end 50 shaped to engage the second edge 18 of the base 12. In some embodiments, a portion of the first base end 30 may be shaped in engage a portion of the second edge 18 of the base 12. This engagement positions the exposed sides 24, 44 within the footprint of the base 12 to facilitate fluid movement down the to the collection area 16 during the showering or bathing process.

[0067] The first panel 20 may include a first panel attaching side 28 with a first flange 32 extending from the wall side 22 away from the exposed side 24. The second panel 40 may include a second panel attaching side 48 with a second flange 52 extending from the wall side 42 away from the exposed side 44. As best seen in FIGS. 5-8, the first panel attaching side 28 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the second panel attaching side 48 such that the first flange 32 and the second flange 52 are at least partially engaged with at least a portion received by the first u-shaped extrusion 80. The first u-shaped extrusion 80 may be configured to receive water from the first and second flanges 32, 52 and direct the water down towards the base 12 away from the one or more walls of the building. In the examples shown in the figures, the first flange 32 may include a first portion 33 extending perpendicularly from the wall side 22 at the first panel attaching side 28 and a second portion 34 angled relative to the first portion 33. The second flange 52 may include a first portion 53 extending perpendicularly from the wall side 42 at the second panel attaching side 48 and a second portion 54 angled relative to the first portion 53. The second portion 54 of the second flange 52 may be configured to be adjacent to the second portion 34 of the first flange 32 when the first and second panels 20, 40 are positioned adjacent to each other and resting on the base 12. For example, the second portions 34, 54 of the first and second flanges 32, 52 may be angled in a same direction to mate together when received by the first u-shaped extrusion 80. In certain optional embodiments, the first and second portions 33, 53, 34, 54 of the first and second flanges 32, 52 may be shaped differently and / or include different features such as channels or the like.

[0068] The third panel 60 can be a mirror of the first panel 20. As such, the third panel 60 may include a wall side 62, an exposed side 64, or exposed surface 64, a third height 66 approximately equal to the first height, a third panel attaching side 68 and a third base end 70 shaped to engage at least the third edge 19 of the base 12. The third panel 60 can connect to a mirror panel attaching side 56 of the second panel 40 when it is desired to have three walls as part of the bathing unit 10. This can be accomplished by the third panel 60 having a third flange 72, similar to the first flange 32, and the second panel 40 having a mirror flange 58, similar to the second flange 52, each of which may be received by the second u-shaped extrusion 82. The second u-shaped extrusion 82 may be configured to receive water from the mirror and third flanges 58, 72 and direct the water down towards the base 12 away from the one or more walls of the building.

[0069] The first flange 32 may be offset from one or more of the first base end 30 or an upper end of the first panel 20. Likewise, the second flange 52 may be offset from one or more of the second base end 50 or an upper end of the second panel 40. Further, the third flange 72 and the mirror flange 58 may be offset from third base end 70 or an upper end of the third panel 60 and the second base end 50 or the upper end of the second panel 40, respectively. The offset of the flanges may help properly align the panels vertically with each other when installed to the base 12.

[0070] As illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, 9-12, and 17-20, the base 12 may include at least one recessed channel 90 configured to allow water to flow from underneath the first, second, or third panels 20, 40, 60 and into the collection area 16 of the base 12. A first recessed channel 91 may be aligned with the first u-shaped extrusion 80 and a second recessed channel 92 may be aligned with the second u-shaped extrusion 82. As such, the first panel attaching side 28 of the first panel 20 and the second panel attaching side 48 of the second panel 40 may be aligned with the first recessed channel 91 when positioned adjacent to each other and resting on the base 12.

[0071] As further illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, 9, and 17-20, the base 12 may further include a water dam 96 positioned at an end of each of the first and second edges 17, 19 of the base 12 opposite the second edge 18. As such, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first panel 20 may include an indentation 36 configured to mate with the water dam 96 of the first edge 17 of the base 12 when the first panel 20 is mated with the base 12. Likewise, the third panel 60 may also include an indentation (not numbered) mirroring the indentation 36 of the first panel 20. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the water dam 96 is configured to prevent water traveling under the first or third panels 20, 60 and beyond the front edge of the base 12.

[0072] In an embodiment of the bathing unit 10, the third panel 60 can be a “mirror image of the first panel 20 and the second panel 40 can have a “mirror side” opposite the second panel attaching side 48. This allows the mirror side of the second panel 40 and the third panel 60 interact in the same way as the first and second panels interact as previously described. As such, the mirror panel attaching side 56 and the third panel attaching side 68 may be aligned with the second recessed channel 92 when positioned adjacent to each other and resting on the base 12. The first recessed channel 91 may be configured to receive water from the first and second panel attaching sides 28, 48 via the first u-shaped extrusion 80 and direct the water toward the collection area 16 of the base 12. Similarly, the second recessed channel 92 may be configured to receive water from the mirror and third panel attaching sides 56, 68 via the second u-shaped extrusion 82 and direct the water toward the collection area 16 of the base 12.

[0073] As illustrated in FIGS. 10-11, the first recessed channel 91 may include an engagement protrusion 93 or boss 93 configured to engage a lower end 81 of the first u-shaped extrusion 80. The lower end 81 may also be referred to herein as a lower portion 81. The second recessed channel 92 may also include an engagement protrusion 94 or boss 94 configured to engage a lower end 83 of the second u-shaped extrusion 82. The lower end 83 may also be referred to herein as a lower portion 83.

[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 10, and 11, the first edge 17 of the base 12 may include a back splash 13 extending upward from at least the first edge 17. The back splash 13 may also be referred to herein as a first back splash 13. The lower end 81 of the first u-shaped extrusion 80 may overlap with the back splash 13 when received by the first recessed channel 91. Similarly, the lower end 83 of the second u-shaped extrusion 82 may overlap with the back splash 13 when received by the second recessed channel 92.

[0075] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a second height 46 of the second panel 40 may be approximately equal to a first height 26 of the first panel 20. Similarly, the third height 66 of the third panel 60 may be approximately equal to the first height 26 of the first panel 20. The first and second u-shaped extrusions 80, 82 may extend a majority of the first height 26.

[0076] In an embodiment of the bathing unit 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 14, the second panel 40 can be comprised of two sections, a top section 41 and a bottom section 43. The top section 41 may also be referred to herein as an upper portion 41 The top section 41 can include a seat that mates with a connector 45 in the bottom section 43. The seat and connector 148 can be shaped to frictionally engage each other and keep the bottom section 43 attached to the top section 41. Additionally, each of top section 41 and bottom section 43 can have insets 47 that provides a location for a user of the bathing unit 10 to place items, such as personal cleaning products and devices. As illustrated in FIG. 5, water may escape from between the top section 41 and the bottom section 43, for example, via the connector 45, and flow along the exposed side 44 down towards the collection are 16 of the base 12.

[0077] As further illustrated, water may escape from between base ends of the first, second, and third panels 20, 40, 60 and be directed into the collection area 16 of the base 12 via the at least one recessed channel 90. This is especially beneficial in modern shower and bath designs that include multiple, high-pressure shower heads that can send high pressure water under the bottom of the shower walls.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 21, a method 100 of installing the bathing unit 10 proximate to one or more walls of a building is shown. The method 100 may include positioning 102 a base 12 proximate to the one or more walls of the building. The base 12 having a collection area 16, a first edge 17, a second edge 18, and a first recessed channel 91 defined in the second edge 18 to direct water towards the collection area 16. The method 100 may further include aligning 104 a first u-shaped extrusion 80 with the first recessed channel 91. The first u-shaped extrusion 80 may extend vertically from the base 12. The method 100 may further include engaging 106 at least the first edge 17 of the base 12 with a first panel 20. The first panel 20 configured to extend vertically from the base 12 and may include a first flange 32 may be configured to be received by the first u-shaped extrusion 80. The method 100 may further include engaging 108 the second edge 18 of the base 12 with a second panel 40. The second panel 40 may be configured to extend vertically from the base 12 and may include a second flange 52 configured to be received by the first u-shaped extrusion 80. The first and second flanges 32, 52 when received by the first u-shaped extrusion 80 may be configured to direct water into the first u-shaped extrusion 80 which may channel the water down to the first recessed channel 91 and from there into the collection area 16 of the base 12.

[0079] In some embodiments, the step of aligning 104 the first u-shaped extrusion 80 may further include coupling the first u-shaped extrusion 80 to one of the one or more walls of the building.

[0080] In further embodiments, the step of aligning 104 the first u-shaped extrusion 80 may further include overlapping the first u-shaped extrusion 80 with a back splash 13 of the base 12.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the method 100 may further include receiving a lower end 81 of the first u-shaped extrusion 80 by a boss 93 of the first recessed channel 91.

[0082] In further embodiments, the method 100 may further include aligning a second u-shaped extrusion 82 with a second recessed channel 92 of the base 12; and engaging at least a third edge 19 of the base 12 with a third panel 60. The second recessed channel 92 defined in the second edge 18 of the base 12. The third panel 60 may be configured to extend vertically from the base and may include a third flange 72 configured to be received by the second u-shaped extrusion 82. The second panel 40 may include a mirror panel attaching side 56 having a mirror flange 58 configured to be received by the second u-shaped extrusion 82. The mirror flange 58 and third flange 72 when received by the second u-shaped extrusion 82 may be configured to direct water into the first u-shaped extrusion 82 which may channel the water down to the second recessed channel 92 and from there into the collection area 16 of the base 12.

[0083] Thus, it is seen that the apparatus and methods disclosed herein achieve the ends and advantages previously mentioned. Numerous changes in the arrangement and construction of the parts and steps, for example, of the method 100, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0084] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0085] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0086] It will be understood that the particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention may be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

[0087] All of the compositions and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein may be made and / or executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of the embodiments included herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0088] The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of a new and useful invention, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this disclosure except as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A bathing unit for placement proximate to one or more walls of a building comprising:a base including a length, a width, a collection area, a first edge, and a second edge;a first panel including a wall side, an exposed side, a first height, a first panel attaching side, and a first base end, the first base end shaped to engage at least the first edge of the base, the first panel attaching side including a first flange extending from the wall side away from the exposed side;a second panel including a wall side, an exposed side, a second height approximately equal the first height, a second panel attaching side, and a second base end, the second base end shaped to engage the second edge of the base, the second panel attaching side including a second flange extending from the wall side away from the exposed side, the second panel attaching side configured to be positioned adjacent to the first panel attaching side; andan extruded channel configured to receive the first flange and the second flange, the extruded channel shaped to direct water from the first and second flanges down toward the base and away from the one or more walls.

2. The bathing unit of claim 1, wherein:the extruded channel is configured to be coupled to one of the one or more walls of the building independent of the first and second panels.

3. The bathing unit of claim 1, wherein:the base includes a recessed channel aligned with the extruded channel, the recessed channel shaped to receive water from the extruded channel and direct the water toward the collection area.

4. The bathing unit of claim 3, wherein:the recessed channel includes an engagement protrusion configured to engage a lower end of the extruded channel.

5. The bathing unit of claim 3, wherein:the first and second panel attaching sides are aligned with the recessed channel.

6. The bathing unit of claim 1, wherein:the first edge includes a first back splash extending therefrom; anda lower portion of the extruded channel overlaps the first back splash.

7. The bathing unit of claim 1, wherein:the first base end of the first panel is shaped to further engage a portion of the second edge of the base.

8. The bathing unit of claim 1, wherein:the first flange includes a first portion extending perpendicularly from the wall side at the first panel attaching side and a second portion angled relative to the first portion; andthe second flange includes a first portion extending perpendicularly from the wall side at the second panel attaching side and a second portion angled relative to the first portion, the second portion of the second flange configured to be adjacent to the second portion of the first flange when the first and second panels are positioned adjacent to each other and resting on the base.

9. The bathing unit of claim 1, wherein:the base includes a third edge;further including a third panel including a wall side, an exposed side, a third height approximately equal to the first height, a third panel attaching side, and a third base end, the third base end shaped to engage at least the third edge of the base, the third panel attaching side including a third flange extending from the wall side away from the exposed side;the second panel including a mirror panel attaching side, the mirror panel attaching side including a mirror flange extending from the wall side away from the exposed side, the mirror panel attaching side configured to be positioned adjacent to the third panel attaching side; andfurther including an additional extruded channel configured to receive the third flange and the mirror flange, the additional extruded channel shaped to direct water from the third flange and the mirror flange down toward the base and away from the one or more walls.

10. The bathing unit of claim 1, wherein:the second panel includes a lower portion and an upper portion.

11. A bathing unit for placement proximate to one or more walls of a building comprising:a base including a length, a width, a collection area, a first edge, a second edge, and at least one recessed channel defined in at least one of the first edge or the second edge to direct water towards the collection area;a first panel including a wall side, an exposed side, a first height, a first panel attaching side, and a first base end, the first base end shaped to engage the first edge of the base; anda second panel including a wall side, an exposed side, a second height approximately equal the first height, a second panel attaching side, and a second base end, the second base end shaped to engage the second edge, the second panel attaching side configured to be positioned adjacent to the first panel attaching side,wherein a first recessed channel of the at least one recessed channel aligns with the first and second panel attaching sides when positioned adjacent to each other and resting on the base, the first recessed channel shaped to receive water from the first and second panel attaching sides and direct the water toward the collection area.

12. The bathing unit of claim 11, further including:a u-shaped extrusion aligned with the first recessed channel, the u-shaped extrusion configured to receive a first flange of the first panel attaching side and a second flange of the second panel attaching side, the u-shaped extrusion shaped to direct water from the first and second flanges down toward the base and away from the one or more walls.

13. The bathing unit of claim 12, wherein:the recessed channel includes a boss configured to engage a lower end of the u-shaped extrusion.

14. The bathing unit of claim 12, wherein:the first edge includes a first back splash extending therefrom; anda lower portion of the u-shaped extrusion overlaps the first back splash.

15. The bathing unit of claim 12, wherein:the u-shaped extrusion extends a majority of the first height and is independent of the first and second panels.

16. A method of installing a bathing unit proximate to one or more walls of a building, the method comprising:positioning a base proximate to the one or more walls of the building, the base having a collection area, a first edge, a second edge, and a first recessed channel defined in the second edge to direct water towards the collection area;aligning a first u-shaped extrusion with the first recessed channel, the first u-shaped extrusion configured to extend vertically from the base;engaging at least the first edge of the base with a first panel, the first panel configured to extend vertically from the base and including a first flange configured to be received by the first u-shaped extrusion; andengaging the second edge of the base with a second panel, the second panel configured to extend vertically from the base and including a second flange configured to be received by the first u-shaped extrusion.

17. The method of claim 16, the step of aligning the first u-shaped extrusion includes:coupling the first u-shaped extrusion to one of the one or more walls of the building.

18. The method of claim 16, the step of aligning the first u-shaped extrusion includes:overlapping the first u-shaped extrusion with a back splash of the base.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:receiving a lower end of the first u-shaped extrusion by a boss of the first recessed channel.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:aligning a second u-shaped extrusion with a second recessed channel of the base, the second recessed channel defined in the second edge; andengaging at least a third edge of the base with a third panel, the third panel configured to extend vertically from the base and including a third flange configured to be received by the second u-shaped extrusion,wherein the second panel includes a mirror panel attaching side, the mirror panel attaching side including a mirror flange configured to be received by the second u-shaped extrusion.

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