Patent Application
20110258954
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vapor/moisture/water barrier for use in residential and commercial applications of any wall and bathroom fixtures such as shower pans, counter tops, and the like. More specifically, the invention relates to a marriage of two membranes to form a seal that prevents moisture from permeating under external flooring materials or impregnating wall materials.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of shower pans, counter tops, and the like is well known in the industry. In a residential or light use environment, moderate means of retaining moisture are generally sufficient as there are generally lengthy periods of time wherein any errant water or moisture may wick from any adjacent flooring or wall material or evaporate. However, in more industrial settings, such as college dorm rooms, and the like, the usage of the facility is generally so pervasive that high humidity and constant presence of moisture prevents the wicking and/or evaporation of any errant water. Accordingly, a means of preventing moisture from permeating adjacent surfacing materials is necessary. In commercial and residential uses this is used as a water barrier to stop water damage and subsequent mold issue from water wicking into the walls. This is done by using a non-porous horizontal material coupled with a water membrane that is attached to a solid floor application.
One means for attempting to remedy this situation is to caulk or use other sealants to form a moisture barrier and joints and seams. However, improper application or subsequent shrinkage or damage may cause the indicated joints and seams to be less than effective. Another means may be to extend the surface of the moisture producing facility (shower, bathtub, sink, etc.) onto the adjacent surfacing material. However, this may result in a very expensive flooring or wall surfacing material being applied to the moisture producing facility or result in the moisture bearing surface being expanded beyond an anesthetically pleasing point. Accordingly, a means of preventing the permeation of moisture into or below adjacent surfacing materials is necessary that does not rely solely on caulks and sealants.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior arts by providing a means of preventing the permeation of adjacent materials with moisture utilizing a double membrane junction in horizontal applications and a unitary membrane placed behind a moisture bearing surface in a vertical application. Alternatively, a membrane may be attached to a non-porous surface, such as a baseboard, and the membrane then glued to the water bearing surface, such as a floor. The novel application of joining two dissimilar materials that creates a water proof seal may be applied to the flooring and walls in any room along with walls of showers, dry off areas, counter tops, or any wet area including surgical suites and laboratories. Additionally, the application of a baseboard or similar device to a floor or similar surface with a membrane may be useful for preventing damage to a non-moisture bearing surface such as a wall of a home or similar.
Various other purposes and advantages of the invention will become clear from its description in the specification that follows and from the novel features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Therefore, this invention comprises the features hereinafter illustrated in the drawings, fully described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, and particularly pointed out in the claims. However, such drawings and description, as well as this Summary of the Invention, disclose just a few of the various ways in which the invention may be practiced and are not limiting on the invention.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior arts by providing a means preventing the permeation of adjacent materials with moisture utilizing a double membrane junction in horizontal applications and a unitary membrane placed behind a moisture bearing surface in a vertical application. The novel application of joining two dissimilar materials that creates a water proof seal may be applied to the flooring and walls of showers, dry off areas, counter tops, or any wet area including surgical suites and laboratories.
A water proof membrane is attached directly to a shower pan, wall, or counter top either glued or embedded directly in the pan or threshold. The membrane extends in front of the pan with ample material for the flooring installer to adhere the flooring membrane to this pane membrane extension. No seam is left requiring sealant or caulking. Alternatively, a membrane may be attached to a non-porous surface, such as a baseboard, and the membrane then glued to the water bearing surface, such as a floor.
In a tile application, the water proof membrane is attached appropriately under the thin-set and above the dry pack so the flooring installer can tie into the waterproof membrane that is covering the dry area floor. For wall extension applications, the water proof membrane is embedded into the pan or adhered directly to the pan extending up around the pan protecting the wall and stopping the moisture from escaping the shower area. The membrane can be attached to the full circumference of the side walls and back or only on the corners providing protection at the seams of the shower wall in the corners. Counter tops are attached to the back with the membrane extending upwards which can be covered by the back splash material. The proprietary process is the joining of the two dissimilar materials enabling a water proof seal to be obtained for the flooring and walls of showers, dry off area, counter tops, or any wet areas including surgical suites and laboratories. The benefit of this new application is that caulk or sealant is not relied on to maintain a water proof seal. The membrane does not deteriorate or seams delaminate with time and usage, making a long term water proof connection for all applications.
Referring to the figures, wherein like parts are designated with like reference numerals and symbols,
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
