# Patent

## Title
Plumbing enclosure with easy to assemble components

## Abstract

A plumbing fixture enclosure which has a bathtub or shower receptor and enclosure walls. The lower tub/receptor has an upper rim on which rests a rear wall. A side wall is pivotably connected at its upper rear to an upper front side of the rear wall and then pivots downwardly to create a horizontal watertight seal between the side and rear walls. Simultaneously, a lower retaining finger at the front bottom of the side wall catches between an insert on the upper rim and the upper rim.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
Not applicable.
STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to plumbing enclosures which are manufactured in multiple pieces and then assembled at the site of installation (often referred to as “knockdown” type enclosures). More particularly it relates to such enclosures which can be assembled without the use of separate clamps, and largely without the use of tools.
Bathtubs are sometimes designed with integral surrounding shower enclosure walls. Similarly, shower enclosures often have a receptor base/pan formed integrally with surrounding shower enclosure walls. However, the resulting enclosures can be so large that they will not fit through standard doorways or in standard elevators, thereby limiting their use with respect to the replacement market, and in any event making shipment of such products more difficult.
Hence, a variety of enclosures have been developed with the tub or shower pan formed separately from the surrounding enclosure walls. The components are then assembled at the site of installation, often using separate clamps, bolts, screws and/or tools.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,343,201 discloses a knockdown shower enclosure with a horizontal mounting flange and three vertical walls. This design requires screws to interconnect the walls to the flange, which fasteners are time consuming to install. Further, the multitude of such fasteners complicates the installation as instructions are required illustrating the alignment of parts to be joined, what fasteners to use, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,377 discloses a tub-shower enclosure which includes back wall and side wall panels which are molded with integral interlocked portions respectively thereon. The side wall panel can be assembled with the back wall panel to provide firm engagement there between by the interengaging of the interlocked portions with each other.
Specifically, a tongue portion which runs along the vertical edge of each side wall is inserted into a corresponding groove in the edge of the back wall panel. Further, dowel portions on the side walls fit within corresponding pockets in the edge of the back wall panel. This design has the disadvantage that the tongues, grooves, dowels, and pockets need to simultaneously aligned for proper assembly, which can be difficult. Additionally, it can be difficult to disassemble in the event of a repair, as the tongues and grooves have a substantially surface area in mutual contact, which surface area can become melded with calcium deposition from tap water for example, or other sediment, making them difficult to separate.
See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,781,692, 2,282,362, 2,648,409, 4,152,789, 4,471,501, 4,457,031, 4,539,721, 4,901,380, 4,987,619, 5,263,208, 6,647,563, and 6,698,037 for other enclosure structures.
Apart from issues of cost imposed by multi-part and complicated assembly features such as clamps, bolts and the like, a significant issue with such knockdown enclosures relates to insuring the watertight nature of the seams between the parts. In some cases this can require the use of caulk. In other cases this can require very close manufacturing tolerances.
Hence, while a variety of multiple piece type bathing and shower enclosures are known, it is desired to develop improved knockdown plumbing fixtures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect the present invention provides a plumbing fixture enclosure formed of multiple pieces. The enclosure has a base having an upper rim, a first side wall mountable on the upper rim, and a second wall mountable on the upper rim abutting the first side wall.
The first side wall is pivotable along an essentially horizontal axis by virtue of a pivot joint between upper edges of the first side wall and the second wall. In preferred forms the pivot joint is in the form of an upwardly open receiving pocket on one of said walls and a pivot member on the other insertable in the receiving pocket. An opposite end of the first side wall (opposite an end where the pivot joint is) is provided with a lower retainer that links to the base as the first side wall pivots relative to the second wall to an essentially horizontal position. There is an insert mounted to the upper rim which facilitates linking the retainer to the base as the first side wall pivots relative to the second wall.
The insert may have a recess and projection connection with respect to the upper rim (e.g. a tang projects downward into a corresponding receiving area of the base upper rim). The tang on the insert has mounted thereon (or formed integrally therewith) a clip to facilitate frictional engagement of the tang with the receiving area of the base upper rim. The insert also has a downwardly projecting sloped ramp suitable to guide and catch a lower sloped finger portion of the retainer.
The two walls have abutting structures to facilitate a serpentine recess and projection seam/joint between them when they are assembled together in facing fashion. There may also be a third wall mountable on the upper rim of the base, wherein the third wall is similarly pivotable along an essentially horizontal axis by virtue of a pivot joint between upper edges of the third and second walls.
The second wall is preferably a rear enclosure wall, and the first and third walls are preferably opposed (e.g. left and right) side enclosure walls. For example, the enclosure can be a combined bathtub and shower enclosure.
In another aspect the invention provides a method of assembling a plumbing fixture enclosure. One positions a bathtub on a floor or other essentially horizontal support, mounts a rear wall of a shower enclosure on an upper edge of the bathtub, links an upper edge of an enclosure side wall to an upper edge of the rear wall while the side wall is not essentially horizontal, and then pivots the side wall to an essentially horizontal position so as to thereby create an essentially watertight seam between the rear and side wall. This essentially simultaneously automatically also links a frontal lower edge of the side wall to the bathtub.
It should be appreciated that by using the present invention the enclosure walls can be assembled in watertight fashion quickly, and without the use of any tools. No additional clamps on the outside of the side and rear walls are needed. Hence, there is a considerable labor and material saving.
These enclosures nevertheless still serve all the primary needed functions for a knockdown enclosure. They can be manufactured in multiple parts, and thus more easily be shipped to the installation site. When it is desired to inspect or repair plumbing or other structures behind the enclosure, even long after installation, the enclosure side walls can be disassembled from the tub or shower base (by reversing the pivoting) with less risk of damaging the base or other enclosure walls. After the maintenance work, the surround can be reassembled to the base.
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a right, upper, frontal perspective view of an enclosure of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an insert that is facilitates assembly of the enclosure components;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the FIG. 3 insert;
FIG. 5 is an end view of the FIG. 3 insert;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the FIG. 3 insert;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view illustrating assembly of a tub/shower wall joint of the enclosure;
FIG. 8 is another fragmentary exploded perspective view, focusing on assembly of two adjacent shower wall portions of the enclosure near their upper ends;
FIG. 9 is yet another exploded perspective view, focusing on another view of the FIG. 7 assembly;
FIG. 10 is another fragmentary exploded perspective view, focusing on assembly of two adjacent shower wall portions of the enclosure near their lower ends;
FIG. 11 is a view from a right side of the enclosure, showing a right shower wall being assembled to the bathtub;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 8, once the FIG. 8 parts have been further assembled;
FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12, after further relative pivoting of the parts;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken essentially along line 14-14 of FIG. 10, after the parts have been further assembled;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 10;
FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15, but illustrating a further stage of assembly;
FIG. 17 is a view taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 9;
FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a further stage of assembly than the FIG. 17 illustration;
FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18, illustrating an even further state of assembly;
FIG. 20 is a view taken along section line 20-20 in FIG. 19; and
FIG. 21 is a view taken along section line 21-21 in FIG. 19.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a combined shower and bathtub enclosure 10 which includes a bathtub 12 having an upper rim 13, on which is positioned a first shower enclosure side wall 14, a shower enclosure back wall 16 (a “second wall”), and another opposed shower enclosure side wall 18 (a “third wall”). The walls 14/16/18 are joinable together to form a shower enclosure portion above the bathtub 12.
While this patent uses the term “enclosure” or “surround”, it is to be understood that such structures do not always, or even frequently, completely surround or enclose the showering/bathing areas. Instead, a door structure or a curtain, not shown, typically completes the structure. Instead, we use these terms to refer to the fixture with or without these extra final closing features.
Inserts 20 and 22 are positioned on upper rim 13 to catch the frontal bottom of the opposed side walls 14 and 18, as will be discussed below. Walls 14 and 18, and inserts 20 and 22, are respectively mirror images of each other.
Enclosure walls 14 and 18 include a lower edge 24. Note especially that they have a sloping retainer/finger/projection 26 at their frontal end.
Turning now to FIGS. 3-6 each insert 20, 22 has a tang 28 extending from a main body 30, a flange 32 extending transversely from the main body 30, and a second tang 34 extending transversely from the flange 32. Main body 30 includes a ramped edge 36 extending approximately from first tang 28 past second tang 34.
Tangs 28 and 34 are inserted into respective receiving pockets 38, 40 at the upper edges of the bathtub. See e.g. FIGS. 17, 20 and 21. Tang 28 and tang 34 include a trapezoidal outer contour which facilitates insertion. Retaining clips 52 (each preferably with one-way barbed sides) may be mounted on the tangs to further help retain inserts 20, 22 in their respective receiving pockets 38, 40.
Referring next to FIG. 8, back wall 16 includes two receiving pivot pockets 42 at upper forward edges of back wall 16. Side walls 14 and 18 include a rear upper pivot element 44. Rear upper pivot elements 44 are designed to engage the corresponding receiving pivot pockets 42 to pivot the side walls 14 and 18 from the FIG. 11 position to the FIG. 12 position, and then to the FIG. 13 position. As this occurs (to connect the upper portion of the side walls to the rear wall), the projection 26 at the lower frontal end of the side walls will interface with a corresponding ramped edge 36 (FIGS. 17-21).
Side walls 14 and 18 each include an approximately planar rear edge 46 approximately extending from rear upper pivot element 44 to first base edge 24 of walls 14, 18. As shown in FIG. 10, back wall 16 has a lower edge 48 configured for adjoining bathtub 12, and includes slots 50 approximately extending from a respective receiving pivot pocket 42 to lower edge 48.
The planar edge 46 of each side wall 14, 18 is inserted into a respective slot 50 when the side walls 14, 18 are in an assembled position with enclosure back wall 16. See e.g. FIGS. 15 and 16.
Note in particular that planar edges 46 (once inserted in respective slots 50) provides a labyrinth path which prevents water in the enclosure from leaking through the joint/seam. Additionally, the wide mouth of slot 50 allows for relatively easy insertion of edges 46 into the slots.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 17, edge 24 on the bottom of side wall 14 includes a ledge 54 extending transversely, and projection 26 can include a linear retainer portion 56 extending from ledge 54 at an acute angle 58, and a curved end portion 60.
The enclosure walls 14/16/18, and the bathtub 12, can be formed by conventional molding techniques, preferably from plastic materials such as acrylics or fiberglass. Inserts 20 can injection molded with plastics or other materials. Retaining clip 52 may be metallic or alternatively be integrally fabricated with insert 20 during the molding or other fabrication process.
When one wants to assemble the bathing/shower enclosure after the pieces have been moved to the installation site, one installs the bathtub 12 on a horizontal floor 90 or other essentially horizontal support. One then drops the back wall 16 down onto the upper rim 13 of the bathtub. One then takes a side wall (14 or 18), places its rear upper pivot element 44 into the corresponding receiving pivot pocket 42, and pivots the side wall as shown in FIGS. 11-13. This creates a self-sealing joint between the side and rear wall.
As this is occurring, the lower retainer 56/60, as shown in FIG. 18, slips into the slot between ramp 36 and the upper rim 13 of the bathtub. The frictional engagement between the clips 52 and the receiving pockets 38 and 40 help the clips resist return movement out of those pockets. If the clips are securely adhered to the corresponding tangs 34 and 28, that will also hold the inserts to the bathtub 12. That in turn, together with gravity, will tightly hold and wedge the linear portion 56, and thus the side wall to the top wall. The process is then repeated for the other side wall 18.
This all occurs without the need for any clamps or screws, and if maintenance access to the area behind the enclosure is ever needed the process can be reversed. Importantly, this is achieved without the need for caulk to assure watertight seams.
While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, other modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, which are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the invention has been depicted in the context of a combined bathtub/shower enclosure, it could also be used for a combined shower receptor and surrounding walls, or a combined sauna and wall surround.
Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to just the described most preferred embodiments. To ascertain the full scope of the invention, the claims which follow should be referenced.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The invention provides multi-part plumbing fixture enclosures which can be easily assembled at the site of installation.

## Claims

1. A bathing enclosure, comprising:
a base having an upper rim, wherein a side of the base opposite the upper rim is configured to be coupled to the floor;
a first side wall mountable on the upper rim; and
a second wall mountable on the upper rim abutting the first side wall;
wherein the first side wall is pivotable about an essentially horizontal axis parallel to the floor when the base is coupled to the floor, wherein the first side wall pivots by virtue of a pivot joint between upper edges of the first side wall and the second wall.

2. The bathing enclosure of claim 1, wherein the pivot joint is in a form of an upwardly open receiving pocket on one of the first side wall and second wall, and a pivot member on the other of the first side wall and second wall, where the pivot member is inserted in the receiving pocket.

3. The bathing enclosure of claim 2, wherein an opposite end of the first side wall from an end where the pivot joint is positioned is provided with a lower retainer that links to the base as the first side wall pivots relative to the second wall to an essentially horizontal position relative to the floor when the base is coupled to the floor.

4. The bathing enclosure of claim 3, further comprising an insert mounted to the upper rim of the base which facilitates linking the retainer to the base as the first side wall pivots relative to the second wall.

5. The bathing enclosure of claim 4, wherein the insert has a tang projecting downward into a corresponding receiving area of the upper rim of the base.

6. The bathing enclosure of claim 5, wherein the tang has mounted thereon a clip to facilitate frictional engagement of the tang with the receiving area of the upper rim of the base.

7. The bathing enclosure of claim 4, wherein the insert has a downwardly projecting sloped ramp suitable to guide and catch a lower sloped finger portion of the retainer.

8. The bathing enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first side wall and second wall have abutting structures to facilitate a serpentine recess and projection seam between them when they are assembled together in facing fashion.

9. The bathing enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a third wall mountable on the upper rim of the base, wherein the third wall is pivotable along an essentially horizontal axis parallel to the floor when the base is coupled to the floor, by virtue of a pivot joint between upper edges of the third wall and second wall.

10. The bathing enclosure of claim 9, wherein the second wall is a rear enclosure wall, and the first side wall and third wall are opposed side enclosure walls.

11. The bathing enclosure of claim 10, wherein the enclosure is a combined bathtub and shower enclosure.

12. The bathing enclosure of claim 1, wherein the bathing enclosure is a bathtub or a shower.

13. A bathing enclosure, comprising:
a base having an upper rim, wherein the side of the base opposite the upper rim is configured to be coupled to the floor; and
a plurality of walls, each wall having a lower edge configured to be positioned on the upper rim of the base;
wherein a first and a second of the plurality of walls are cooperatively configured to define a pivot axis in an upper region generally near upper edges thereof, such that when the first of the plurality of walls is positioned on the upper rim of the base, the second of the plurality of walls may rotate about an essentially horizontal axis parallel to the floor when the base is coupled to the floor, and rotate through a generally vertical plane perpendicular to the floor when the base is coupled to the floor, to be positioned on the upper rim of the base.

14. The bathing enclosure of claim 13, wherein the first of the plurality of walls includes a pocket positioned in the upper region, the second of the plurality of walls includes an element positioned in the upper region, and the pocket is configured to receive the element to define the axis.

15. The bathing enclosure of claim 14, wherein the element includes a curved surface for engaging the pocket to define a joint therebetween.

16. The bathing enclosure of claim 13, wherein the first wall includes a slot extending from the upper to a lower region generally near the lower edge thereof, the second wall includes a planar edge extending from the upper region a lower region near the lower edge thereof, and the slot of the first wall is configured to receive the planar edge of the second wall when the second wall is positioned on the base.

17. The bathing enclosure of claim 16, wherein the planar edge is configured to prevent water from leaking through a joint formed by the slot of the first wall and the planar edge of the second wall.

18. The bathing enclosure of claim 17 further comprising an insert, wherein the insert is configured to couple the lower edge of the second wall to the upper rim of the base.

19. The bathing enclosure of claim 18, wherein the insert is configured to be coupled to the base by being disposed at least partially into at least one pocket in a region near the upper rim of the base, the second wall includes a sloping projection extending from the lower edge thereof, and the sloping projection is configured to be received between the insert and the base.

20. A bathing enclosure comprising:
a base having an upper rim with a pocket, and an insert disposed at least partially within the pocket;
a first wall having a lower edge, and having a pocket positioned in a region of an upper corner thereof;
a second wall having a lower edge, having an element positioned in a region of an upper corner thereof, and having a projection positioned on the lower edge thereof;
wherein the side of the base opposite the upper rim is configured to be coupled to the floor;
wherein the lower edge of the first wall is positioned on the upper rim of the base, and the lower edge of the second wall is positioned on the upper rim of the base; and
wherein the element of the second wall is received by the pocket of the first wall, and the projection of the first wall is received by the insert disposed at least partially within the pocket of the base.

21. The bathing enclosure of claim 20, wherein the pocket of the first wall and the element of the second wall define a joint pivotable about a generally horizontal axis parallel to the floor when the base is coupled to the floor.