Showers and bathtubs in recreational vehicles typically include a molded base and some type of water impervious laminate applied to the walls, which direct water to the molded base. Typically the molded base has a drain opening and a drainpipe is fastened to the opening and connected to plumbing.
The laminates used are typically relatively flimsy but they are used because they are lightweight, inexpensive and can withstand the vibrations of a moving vehicle. The drain, however, does present problems because there is generally no access to the drainpipe once the tub or stall is installed. One cannot see if there is any leakage occurring until it works its way through the floor. Also, the vibrations produced by the moving vehicle can easily cause the drainpipe to become loose, making leaks a significant concern.
The present invention is premised on the realization that a more effective, aesthetically appealing shower or tub can be formed by molding the tub or the base with an integral threaded drainpipe. The base or tub further includes peripheral flanges which mate with injection molded sidewalls. The sidewalls are formed in sections that allow them to be easily installed within the vehicle in a stacked configuration to give the desired height of the sidewalls. These sidewalls, because they inter-fit, prevent water from leaking. Because they are injection molded, they are much stronger than typical laminates used in these applications. Further, fastening holes can be provided which can be easily covered by an adjacent section which again provides an aesthetically clean appearance. In one embodiment, they can be formed with three integral walls which prevents water from leaking at the corners.
The objects and advantages of the present invention will be further appreciated in light of the following description of the drawings in which:
The present invention can be in the form of a shower stall, as shown in
As shown in
Base 12 further includes a drain 30 which is molded as part of the base 12 and includes an integral, externally threaded drainpipe 32 extended below floor 20.
As shown in
The base further includes a raised peripheral edge 38, which runs continuously on first side 40 and second side 42 and (optional) rear corner side 44. Peripheral edge 38 includes a first continuous rear flange 46 and a first continuous forward flange 50, separated by a first channel 48. As described hereinafter, this allows the first wall section 14 to be mounted on the base 12, forming a connection that prevents water from flowing to the backside of the shower stall.
The first wall section 14 includes a first wall 54, a second wall 56 and a corner section 58. The corner sections are optional as first wall 54 can be connected to second wall 56 as long as it conforms to peripheral edges 38. The front surface 60 and wall section 14 is designed to direct water into the base 12 and the rear surface 62 is intended to be mounted against a wall of the recreational vehicle. First wall section 14 includes a bottom edge 64 and a top edge 66. The bottom edge includes a second rear flange 68 and a second forward flange 70, with a second channel 72 therebetween.
The top edge includes an upwardly extending flange 74, Also on either side of top edge 66 are first and second corners 76, 78, respectively. Each corner 76, 78 includes first and second attachment tabs 80, 82, which are designed to lie flush against the wall of the recreational vehicle, Top edge 66 further includes a first ledge 84 adjacent upper flange 74.
The second wall section 16 likewise has a bottom edge 88 and a top edge 90. Bottom edge 88 includes a continuous third rear flange 92 and a forward edge 93. As shown in
To install the shower stall of the present invention, the base is positioned as desired on the floor (not shown) of a recreational vehicle. In certain recreational vehicles, there is an area under the floor that allows for plumbing. In this case, the base 12 would be positioned on the floor (not shown) with drainpipe 32 extended through a hole (not shown) in the floor. If there is no area for plumbing under the floor, the base would be supported with wood framing (not shown) above the floor (not shown) and spacer 34 would be fixed to the base 12, with the upper edge 102 resting in the lower edge 104 of the base, as shown in
The first wall section 14 is placed over the back edge of the shower base 12, as shown in
The individual sections are formed by injection molding. A wide variety of different polymers can be used, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and the like. Since the wall sections are formed as one piece, with additional sections stacked on top, the possibility of water leakage is minimized. Caulking is not required and due to the flexibility of the polymers, the installed shower stall can withstand the vibrations typically encountered with a recreational vehicle. Also, due to the interfitting construction, the shower stall can be installed very quickly and easily.
As shown in
The tub 110 further includes a side edge lip 126, shown more particularly in
The tub 110 includes a first outer flange 134 that runs continuously along two sides and the back of the tub, and a continuous first inner flange 136 which runs parallel to continuous flange 134. In this instance, outer refers to away from the center of the tub and inner refers to nearer the center of the tub. These are adapted to receive three sidewall panels 138, 140 and 142. Second side panel, or rear side panel 140 includes first and second vertical side edges 144, 146. As shown in
The tub enclosure also includes three upper walls 170, 172 and 174. These are identical to walls 138, 140 and 142. As shown in
The tub enclosure of the present invention is installed by positioning the tub in a desired location surrounded by three adjoining walls of the recreational vehicle (not shown). A drainpipe is connected to the preformed threaded drain 120 and connected to the drainage system for the recreational vehicle. The three panel walls 138, 140 and 142 are then snapped together, as shown in
The panels themselves are all formed from injection molded plastic, as is the tub itself, with the integral externally threaded drainpipe. Thus, it is much less likely that the drainpipe will become loose and leak because it is molded in place and threaded onto the drain system of the recreational vehicle. Further, the injection molded plastic walls provide a continuous water barrier around three walls of the tub, preventing water from getting behind the panels to the walls of the recreational vehicle. Also, since the upper and lower walls are identical to each other, fewer molds are required and the individual molds themselves are smaller, further reducing costs. This also facilitates the easy installation of the tub enclosure with minimal labor.
This has been a description of the present invention, along with the preferred method of practicing the present invention, however, the invention itself should only be defined by the appended claims wherein I CLAIM: