Patent Publication Number: US-8109044-B2

Title: Outdoor shower enclosure kit

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/046,616 filed Apr. 21, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to an outdoor shower enclosure; in particular, the disclosure relates to an outdoor shower enclosure kit that provides easy installation and may be arranged in various configurations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, and wild fires, rage devastation on numerous people every year. In extreme cases, these disasters displace thousands of people from their homes. This creates an immediate and urgent need to provide basic necessities for these people, such as food, water, medicine, and bathroom facilities. Although portable restrooms are often provided, there is typically no place to take a shower in the devastated area. 
     In other circumstances, such as in a home&#39;s backyard, at parks, beaches, etc., it may be desirable to provide an outdoor shower. Although certain types of outdoor showers are available, these showers require a choice between privacy or ease of installation. In some cases, for example, outdoor showers consist of an elevated shower head attached to a source of water, without any enclosure to provide privacy. Enclosures for outdoor showers can provide privacy, but are difficult to install and require customization. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect, the invention provides a modular outdoor shower enclosure system. The system may include at least one roof, a first base frame and a second base frame. Typically, the first and second base frames define a rectangular peripheral edge with mounting plates to which a plurality of elongated posts are mountable. A plurality of wall panels and/or door may be mounted between the posts. When the first base frame is used, the roof, the wall panels, and the posts are adapted to form a single shower stall that defines a rectangular parallelepiped. When the second base frame is used, the roof, the wall panels, and the posts are adapted to form multiple shower stalls that each define a rectangular parallelepiped. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting plates in the first base frame and the second base frame have an approximate equidistant spacing so that the wall panels and the door can be interchangeably mounted using either the first base frame or the second base frame. Embodiments are contemplated in which the mounting plates could include a predefined hole to receive a fastener for attaching the posts to the mounting plates. In some cases, a plurality of floor panels could be dimensioned to be interchangeably used with both the first base frame and the second base frame. For example, the floor panels could include at least one elongated support member that reduces lateral movement. By way of another example, the floor panels could include a cut-out portion that is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the posts. 
     Depending upon the exigencies of the circumstances, the parts could be formed from various types of materials. In some embodiments, the roof may include a translucent portion and/or a louvered portion. Embodiments are contemplated in which the first base frame and/or the second base frame could be formed of metallic material. For example, the first and second base frames could be formed of a powder coated metal. In some cases, the wall panels could be vinyl panels, such as PVC panels. 
     According to another aspect, the invention provides an outdoor shower enclosure. The shower enclosure may include a roof and a base frame having a plurality of metal structural members that are connected together to define a peripheral edge with a plurality of mounting plates. A plurality of substantially vertically extending support posts may be provided that extend between the mounting plates and the roof. In some cases, the support posts may be spaced apart approximately equidistant from each other along the peripheral edge. The shower enclosure may include a plurality of vinyl wall panels disposed between the posts. In some cases, a vinyl floor panel could be carried by the base frame. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. It is intended that all such additional features and advantages be included within this description and be within the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front, perspective view of an outdoor shower enclosure with a single stall according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of an outdoor shower enclosure with a double stall according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the outdoor shower enclosure shown in  FIG. 2 , with one of the doors open; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an outdoor shower enclosure according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed perspective view of the shower enclosure shown in  FIG. 2 , with a floor panel raised to show the floor structure; 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view of the shower enclosure shown in  FIG. 2  with the floor panels removed to show the base structure; 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view of an example corner support structure that could be used with the outdoor shower enclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed perspective view of an example corner support structure with a cap and floor panel installed; 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed front view of an example outdoor shower enclosure&#39;s latch mechanism that could be used according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed rear view of the example latch mechanism shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a detailed view of an outdoor shower enclosure&#39;s roof structure with a louver system in this example embodiment with a single stall; 
         FIG. 12  is a detailed view of an outdoor shower enclosure&#39;s roof structure with a closed roof system in this example embodiment with a single stall; 
         FIG. 13  is a detailed perspective view of a louvered roof for a double stall from inside the shower enclosure according to an example embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a detailed perspective view of the example roof structure shown in  FIG. 13  from outside the shower enclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the inside of the outdoor shower enclosure showing an optional bench; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the inside of the outdoor shower enclosure showing an optional towel bar; and 
         FIGS. 17-29  show schematic top views with various arrangements of the shower enclosure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principals of the invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  shows an example outdoor shower enclosure  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the enclosure  10  includes a base portion  12  with a floor  14  supported on a base frame  16 . A first post  18 , a second post  20 , a third post  22  and a fourth post (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) extend upwardly from the base frame  16 . In this example, a proximate end of the posts  18 ,  20 ,  22  is coupled with the edges of the base frame  16 . A distal end of the posts  18 ,  20 ,  22  includes an end cap  24  to prevent water from flowing into the post. A top rail  26  and a bottom rail  28  extend between and are attached to the first post  18  and the second post  20  to hold a wall panel  30 . In some cases, the base portion  12 , posts  18 ,  20 ,  22 , top rail and bottom rail are all formed from powder coated aluminum. It should be appreciated, however, that other suitable materials could be used. In some embodiments, the wall panel  30  is formed from a vinyl panel, such as PVC. Embodiments are contemplated in which the floor  14  is formed from a foamed vinyl. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the enclosure  10  includes a door  32  pivotally mounted to the third post  22 , using a hinge, such as a piano hinge. As shown, a latch  34  allows the door  32  to be selectively opened and closed. In some cases, such as in the example shown, the latch  34  may include a lock  36 . In this example, the door  32  includes an edge portion  38  surrounding a door panel  40 . Typically, the edge portion  38  may be formed from a metallic material, such as powder coated aluminum, while the door panel may be formed from a vinyl panel, such as PVC. Preferably, the door  32  and wall panels  30  are dimensioned substantially the same so as to be interchangeably mounted as desired. This allows a wide variety of arrangements, such as shown in  FIGS. 17-29 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an enclosure  42  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the enclosure includes two stalls to be used. As shown, the enclosure  42  includes a base portion  44  with a floor  46  supported by a base frame  48 . In this example, the enclosure  42  includes a first post  50 , a second post  52 , and a third post  54  extending from the base frame  48  (other posts may be included, but are not shown in this Figure). As shown, the posts  50 ,  52 ,  54  are spaced equal distance so that similarly sized doors and wall panels can be mounted therebetween. In the example shown, a first door  56  is pivotally mounted using a hinge  58  to the first post  50 . A latch  60  interfaces with a spacer  62  mounted to the second post  52 . The use of spacer  62  allows the latch  60  to engage a hole (not shown) in the spacer  62  without requiring a hole be formed in the second post  52 . A second door  64  is pivotally mounted in this example to the third post  54  using a hinge  66 . A latch  68  allows the second door  64  to be selectively opened and closed about the hinge  66 . In the example shown, a top rail  70  is disposed between the first post  50  and the second post  52 , while another top rail  72  is disposed between the second post  52  and the third post  54 . The top rails  70 ,  72  provide additional structural support for the enclosure  42 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the example enclosure  42  with the second door  64  in an open position. In this view, a wall panel  74  is disposed between the second post  54  and a fourth post  76 . The wall panel  74  allows multiple persons to use a first stall and a second stall in privacy. As discussed below, embodiments are also contemplated in which the wall panel  74  extends only a portion of the way between the second post  52  and the fourth post  76 . In this example, the wall panel  74  is held in place by a bottom rail  78  and a top rail  80 . In this view, a ceiling area  82  can also be seen. In some embodiments, the ceiling area  82  may include louvers or could be covered with a transparent or translucent material or other suitable materials. This view also shows an interior latch  84  that may be used to open and close the second door  64  while within the stall. In the embodiment shown, a locking mechanism  86  actuates a deadbolt  88  that is received by an opening  90  in the spacer  62 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an enclosure  92  according to an alternative embodiment. 
     The frame structure of this embodiment is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As discussed above, the placement of doors, wall panels, half wall panels, or other structures are highly configurable with the enclosure according to the present invention, since the dimensions between posts are substantially the same in some embodiments. This allows doors and panels to be interchangeably mounted between the posts to have a highly configurable enclosure. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , a door  94  is pivotally mounted between the first post  50  and another post (not shown) to provide access to a stall. An internal latch  96  is provided to lock the door  94  from within the stall. Although the door  94  is hinged to the first post  50  in the example shown in  FIG. 4 , the door  94  could be pivoted about the rear post (not shown) if desired. In this example, a half wall  98  is disposed between the second post  52  and the fourth post  76 . In this example, the half wall  98  is mounted between a top rail  80  and a bottom rail  100 . The half wall  98  defines a separation between the stalls without entirely preventing a user to move between the stalls. This type of arrangement may be beneficial if a shower were located in the first stall while the user&#39;s clothes and other items were in the second stall to prevent splashing into the second stall. This enclosure  92  also includes a side wall panel  102  disposed between the third post  54  and a fifth post  104 . A bottom rail  106  and top rail  108  fix the position of the wall panel  102 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a detailed view of the floor  46  with a first section  110  resting on the base frame  48  and a second section  112  partially lifted above the base frame  48 . In this example, the second section  112  includes a plurality of boards  114  that are connected together with a support member  116  to hold the boards in a spaced apart fixed position with respect to each other. As shown, a cutout portion  118  is provided to accommodate the post. Preferably, the floor sections are dimensioned so that a predetermined number, such as two floor sections, fit between posts. In this manner, the floor sections may be interchangeable. As discussed above, the floor sections are preferably made from a foamed vinyl, such as foamed PVC. With this material, the floor sections would be reduced maintenance and could withstand harsh outdoor climate conditions.  FIG. 5  also shows the detail of a bracket  120  that may be used to hold a rail, such as a bottom rail, to support a wall panel. 
       FIG. 6  shows a detailed view of the base frame  48  with the floor  46  removed. In the embodiment shown, the base frame  48  includes a first beam  122  spaced apart and approximately parallel with a second beam  124  with a third beam  126  disposed therebetween. On one end, a first transverse beam  128  connects the first beam  122 , second beam  124 , and third beam  126  together. A second transverse beam  130  and a third transverse beam  132  likewise connect the first, second, and third beams  122 ,  124 ,  126 . As discussed below, the posts couple with a portion of the base frame  48 . As shown, post flares  134  cover the fasteners used to couple the posts to the base frame. In this embodiment, support angles  136  provide additional structural support for the base frame  48  in the edges. 
       FIG. 7  shows a detailed view of an edge of the base frame  48  shown in  FIG. 6  with the post flare  134  removed. In this example, the post  50  includes a flange  138  that defines holes  140  through which fasteners  142  may extend. A mounting plate  144  extends from the base frame  48  and has a similar dimension as the flange  138  of the post. In this example, bolts are used as the fastener, but other suitable fasteners could instead be used. In the example shown, a first hole  146  and a second hole  148  are defined in the support angle  136 . As shown, the first hole  146  has a larger diameter than the second hole  148 . With this arrangement, the first hole would be intended for mounting the base frame  48  to concrete, while the second hole  148  may be used for anchoring the base frame  48  into the ground. 
       FIG. 8  shows a detailed view of a corner of the base portion  44  with the floor  46  and post flare  134  installed. As discussed above, the post flare  134  hides the fasteners  142  from view to provide a more decorative look. Preferably, the post flares  134  are formed from powder coated aluminum or other suitable material for use in an outdoor climate. 
       FIG. 9  shows a detailed view of the latch  60  and spacer  62 . In this embodiment, a filler member  150  is provided to block viewing through the opening created by the spacer  62  to provide complete privacy for the occupant of the stall. 
       FIG. 10  shows an interior of the enclosure  42  having the latch  82  with a locking mechanism  86 . From this view, the filler member  150  is also visible. 
       FIG. 11  shows a detailed view of the roof portion  152  of the enclosure  10  described with respect to  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the roof portion  152  includes louvers  154  extending along an entire area of the enclosure&#39;s  10  entire top surface. In the embodiment with louvers  154 , the user may move the louvers to a position that provides privacy from above, or to a more open position. The louvers  154  provide ventilation for the enclosure  10 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of the enclosure  10  of  FIG. 1  with a roof portion  152  formed from a translucent roof  156 . In this embodiment, the translucent material, such as plexiglass, would allow light to illuminate the interior of the stall while providing privacy for the occupant. As shown, the corners of the roof  156  are angled to provide ventilation openings  158  for the enclosure  10 . 
       FIG. 13  is a detailed view showing a half wall  160  mounted to a top rail inside an enclosure. With this sort of arrangement, the fasteners, such as screws, are hidden from view to increase the esthetics of the enclosure. 
       FIG. 14  shows a detailed view of a roof area for an enclosure similar to that of  FIG. 3 . In this example, top rails  162  extend between a center post  164  and distal post (not shown). A cover  166  is provided at the intersection of the top rails  164 ,  162  and the center rail  164 . As shown, a hole  168  is preformed in the covers to allow water to escape from the stalls. A post cap  170  is mounted on the top of the center post  164  to prevent water from entering the interior cavity of the center post  164 . In this example, a seam  172  is provided to extend between the stalls. In this example, a ventilation port  174  between the center post  164  and the seam  172  allows water to escape from the stalls. Although this example shows an embodiment with louvers on the roof area, it should be appreciated that other roof portions, such as the transparent roof discussed above, could be provided. 
       FIG. 15  shows an interior of an enclosure in which a bench  176  is provided. In this example, the bench is mounted in a corner of the stall. As shown, a flange  178  extends from the bench  176  to be received by a bottom rail  180 , which also supports a wall panel  182 . Although this embodiment shows a single leg  184  supporting the bench, it should be appreciated that multiple legs could be provided if the flange  178  was not mounted into the bottom rail  180 . Preferably, the bench is formed from a foamed vinyl, such as foamed PVC. 
       FIG. 16  shows an optional towel bar  186  that may be mounted either inside an enclosure or to an exterior portion of an enclosure. This allows the user to hang a towel while taking a shower or to hold clothes or other objects of the user. 
       FIGS. 17 through 29  show various example configurations that could be formed using the invention. As discussed above, the enclosures are highly configurable for a single or double stall, with doors or wall panels being mountable at any location between posts. Moreover, the removable wall portion allows the enclosure to be installed quickly and easily, as well as providing the configurability that a custom build would normally make necessary. In these figures, the schematical representation shows posts  188 , wall panels (which could be half walls)  190 , and doors  192 . 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the invention and various changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.