Patent Publication Number: US-2019191932-A1

Title: Adaptable shower pan system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/852,535, filed Dec. 22, 2017; which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of shower pans, and more particularly to methods and systems for shower pans with a flat and level floor area and features for convenient and adaptable installation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various well-known methods and devices have been developed to ensure watertight installation of showers. However most modern shower installation techniques require a drain in a central location, which can be both inconvenient and cosmetically undesirable. 
     Some modern shower designs attempt to shift a drain location to a single side, referred to as a linear or trough drain type system. These systems rely on a sloped floor surface, which may be uncomfortable in use. 
     As such, considering the foregoing, it may be appreciated that there continues to be a need for novel and improved devices and methods for shower pans. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in aspects of this invention, enhancements are provided to the existing model of shower pan designs. 
     In an aspect, an adaptable shower pan system can include
         a) a floor plate, which can be a convex or flat and level piece, that is installed such that water drains from all sides of the floor plate;   b) a bottom pan, which can also be called a catch basin, the bottom pan including:
           a bottom structure with a drainage aperture, such that the bottom structure can rest on a floor structure, wherein the bottom structure is configured with a structure surface that slopes toward the drainage aperture; and   a plate support structure, which can be positioned on the structure surface of the bottom structure, such that the plate support structure comprises a plurality of flat upper contact surfaces, such that the floor plate can rest stably on the plate support structure, such that the plate support structure is configured to allow water to drain from outer sides of the structure surface to the drainage aperture;   
           c) a side structure, which encloses wall sides of the bottom pan; and   d) a front structure, which encloses a front of the adaptable shower pan system;   wherein the floor plate is smaller than the bottom pan, such that a drainage gap is formed on all sides of the floor plate, between the floor plate and a combination of the side and front structures;   such that the side and front structures are connected around an outer edge of the bottom pan to form a watertight assembly;   such that water can drain from a floor surface of the floor plate, via the drainage gap to the drainage aperture.       

     In a related aspect, the floor plate can be rectangular, and the side structure include:
         a) a left side member;   b) a rear side member, such that a first end of the rear side member can be substantially perpendicularly connected to a second/rear end of the left side member; and   c) a right side member, such that a second/rear end of the right side member can be substantially perpendicularly connected to a second end of the rear side member.       

     In another related aspect, the support structure can further include a plurality of support ribs, such that a height of each support rib increases from an outer end to an inner end, such that upper surfaces of the support ribs are flat and form a flat plane on which the floor plate is configured to be stably positioned. 
     In yet a related aspect:
         a) the left side member can be an elongated member, comprising:
           a first horizontal elongated piece; and   a first vertical elongated piece, which is perpendicularly connected to the first horizontal elongated piece, along a left edge of the first horizontal elongated piece;   a first rectangular end piece, which is connected to rear ends of the first horizontal and vertical elongated pieces;   
           b) the right side member can be an elongated member, comprising:
           a second horizontal elongated piece; and   a second vertical elongated piece, which is perpendicularly connected to the second horizontal elongated piece, along a right edge of the second horizontal elongated piece;   
           c) the rear side member can be an elongated member, comprising:
           a third horizontal elongated piece;   a third vertical elongated piece, which is perpendicularly connected to the third horizontal elongated piece, along a rear edge of the third horizontal elongated piece.   
               

     In yet another related aspect, the bottom pan can include a plurality of support connectors, which are attached to top sides of the support ribs, such that each support connector provides a flat support area for the floor plate, such that each support connector comprises:
         a) a top support plate with a top surface that is configured as the flat support area;   b) a first connector flange that is perpendicularly connected along a bottom of the top support plate;   c) a second connector flange that is perpendicularly connected along a bottom of the top support plate;   wherein the first and second connector flanges are parallel and mounted side by side with an opening between the first and second connector flanges, such that the support connector is configured to slide firmly onto a support rib, with a part of a support rib inside the opening.       

     In a related aspect, the bottom structure can further include a flat central area, which is configured to allow a customized location of the drainage aperture, such that the drainage aperture is cut in the flat central area to match a specific location of a drain in a floor, whereby the adaptable shower pan system is configured to be adaptable to varying locations of the drain in the floor. 
     In yet another related aspect, the bottom structure can further include:
         an elongated drainage canal, which can extend from a drainage center of the bottom structure to the drainage aperture;   such that water flows from all sides down the structure surface of the bottom structure to the drainage center and via the drainage canal to the drainage aperture.       

     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective exploded view of part of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1C  is a top view of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2C  is a top view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2D  is a top view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a side structure of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective exploded view of parts of a side structure of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of a side structure of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3D  is a perspective exploded view of parts of a side structure of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective exploded view of part of an adaptable shower pan system configured for corner installation, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of an adaptable shower pan system configured for corner installation, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective exploded view of part of an adaptable shower pan system with support connectors, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a top perspective view a support connector of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5C  is a bottom perspective view a support connector of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5D  is a bottom view of a floor plate with permanently attached support connectors, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5E  is a bottom view of a floor plate with permanently attached support connectors, removably positioned on support ribs of a bottom pan, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a top view of a bottom pan with extension blocks added, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a front view of a bottom pan with extension blocks added, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a top view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective exploded view of part of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective top view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective bottom view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective bottom view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9D  is a perspective top view of part of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9E  is a perspective top view of part of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective top view of part of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective bottom view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective top view of part of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11B  is a perspective bottom view of a bottom pan of an adaptable shower pan system, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before describing the invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in a novel and non-obvious combination of elements and process steps. So as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art, certain conventional elements and steps have been presented with lesser detail, while the drawings and specification describe in greater detail other elements and steps pertinent to understanding the invention. 
     The following embodiments are not intended to define limits as to the structure or method of the invention, but only to provide exemplary constructions. The embodiments are permissive rather than mandatory and illustrative rather than exhaustive. 
     In the following, we describe the structure of an embodiment of an adaptable shower pan system  100  with reference to  FIG. 1 , in such manner that like reference numerals refer to like components throughout; a convention that we shall employ for the remainder of this specification. 
     In an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , an adaptable shower pan system  100  can include:
         a) a floor plate  110 , which can be a flat piece, which as shown can be rectangular, such that the floor plate  110  has a flat and level upper surface  112 ;   b) a bottom pan  120 , including:
           a bottom structure  130  with a drainage aperture  136 , such that the bottom structure  130  is configured to rest on a floor structure  180  with a floor drain  182 , wherein the bottom structure  130  is configured with a structure surface  134  that slopes toward the drainage aperture  136 ; and   a plate support structure  140 , which is positioned on (i.e. connected to or molded as part of) the structure surface  134  of the bottom structure  130 , such that the plate support structure  140  has flat upper contact surfaces  142 , such that the floor plate  110  can rest stably on the plate support structure  140 , such that the plate support structure  140  is configured to allow water  190  to drain  192  from outer sides of the structure surface  134  to the drainage aperture  136 ;   
           c) a side structure  150 , which is connected to/encloses wall sides of the bottom pan  120 , which as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2A  can be left, right and rear sides  162 ,  164 ,  166  of the bottom pan  120 , such that the side structure  150  includes:
           a left side member  152 ;   a rear side member  156 , such that a first/left end  157  of the rear side member  156  is perpendicularly connected to a rear/distal end  153  of the left side member  152 ; and a right side member  154 , such that a second/rear/distal end  155  of the right side member  154  is perpendicularly connected to a second/right end  158  of the rear side member  156 ; and   wherein the left, rear, and right side members  152 ,  156 ,  154  can be connected, as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 3A , to form a watertight side structure; and   
           d) a front structure/member  160 , also referred to as a dam  160 , which can be a straight piece  160 , which is connected to a front side  168  of the bottom pan  120 , such that the front structure/member  160  encloses a front/entry of the adaptable shower pan system  100 ;   wherein the floor plate  110  is slightly smaller than the bottom pan  120 , such that a drainage gap  124  forms on all sides of the floor plate  110 , between the floor plate  110  and the combination of the left side, rear side, right side, and front members  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  160  and the floor plate  110 ;   such that, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the side and front structures  150 ,  160  are connected around an outer edge  122  of the bottom pan  120  (i.e. connected around and to respectively rear, side, and front edges of the bottom pan  120 ) to form a watertight assembly, such that water  190  can drain  192  from a floor surface  112  of the floor plate  110 , such that water drains omnidirectionally on all sides of the floor plate  110 , via the drainage gap  124  to the drainage aperture  136 .       

     In a related embodiment, as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the support structure  140  can include a plurality of elongated support ribs  242  that are configured in a substantially circular/star shaped pattern around the drainage aperture  136 , such that each support rib is configured to extend from the drainage aperture in a perpendicular direction relative to a periphery of the drainage aperture, such that each support rib points in a direction toward a drainage center  132 ,  932  of the bottom structure  130 , which as shown can be a location of the drainage aperture  136 ; such that a height  292  of each support rib  242  increases from an outer end  294  to an inner end  296  of each support rib  242 , such that upper surfaces  298  of the support ribs  242  are flat and form a flat plane  212  on which the floor plate  110  can rest/be positioned stably. 
     In other related embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a location of the drainage aperture  736  of a bottom pan  720  can vary, such that the drainage aperture  736  may be positioned to the right (as shown), left, front or center, or towards a corner, such that a support structure  740  can include a plurality of elongated support ribs  742  that are configured in a substantially circular/star shaped pattern around the drainage aperture  736 , such that a height  792  of each support rib  742  increases from an outer end  794  to an inner end  796  of each support rib  742 , such that upper surfaces  798  of the support ribs  742  are flat and form a flat plane  712  on which the floor plate  110  can rest/be positioned stably. 
     Thus, in various related embodiments, the finished/installed shower floor  110  is completely level, whereas previous conventional shower floor systems slope in some manner towards the drain, depending on location of the drain. 
     In some embodiments, the adaptable shower pan system  100  can be configured without a dam/front structure/member  160 , which for example can be aesthetically pleasing, and can allow for wheel chair access. In such embodiments, the floor surface  112  of the floor plate  110  can be installed at the same level as surrounding tiles in the bathroom, to provide convenient access. The bathroom tiles can be cantilevered over the bottom pan  120 , i.e. mounted to overlap slightly over front edges of the bottom pan  120 , such that the drainage gap  124  remains open in the front, but can be navigated over with ease by a user in a wheelchair. 
     In related embodiments, the floor plate  110  can be made from:
         a) a plastic material, such as ABS plastic, and for example include a textured surface;   b) a hard rubber material;   c) a natural stone material, such as granite;   d) an engineered stone material, such as engineered quartz or cultured marble; or   e) other suitable manmade or artificial materials, including porcelain.       

     In related embodiments,  FIG. 2C  shows a bottom pan  210   c  wherein the support structure  140  can be support pillars  243  or elongated short ribs  244 , such that upper surfaces  298  of the support pillars/short ribs  243 ,  244  are flat and form a flat plane  212  on which the floor plate  110  can rest/be positioned stably. 
     In other related embodiments, the floor plate  110  can be manufactured as one single piece, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , such as made from one cut or molded slab, or it can be assembled from a plurality of tiles  114  or bricks  114 , or other plate parts  114 , such as shown in  FIG. 1C . 
     In related embodiments, the dam/front structure/member  160  can be made from:
         a) a plastic material, such as ABS plastic, and for example include a textured surface;   b) a hard rubber material;   c) a natural stone material, such as granite;   d) an engineered stone material, such as engineered quartz or cultured marble; or   e) other suitable manmade or artificial materials.       

     In related embodiments, the bottom pan  120 , can be made as one single piece, for example as a single molded plastic or hard rubber piece, a single pressed/shaped plastic or metal piece, 
     In another related embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the side structure  150  can comprise L-shaped members, such that the side structure can be called an L-channel vertical moisture barrier  150 , such that:
         a) the left side member  152  can be an elongated I-shaped member  310 , which includes:
           i. a first horizontal elongated piece  312 ;   ii. a first vertical elongated piece  314 , which is perpendicularly connected to the first horizontal elongated piece  312 , along a left edge  362  of the first horizontal elongated piece  312 ; and   iii. a first rectangular end piece  316 , which is connected to rear/distal ends  366  of the first horizontal and vertical elongated pieces  312 ,  314 ;   
           b) the right side member  154  can be an elongated I-shaped member  320 , which includes:
           i. a second horizontal elongated piece  312 ;   ii. a second vertical elongated piece  314 , which is perpendicularly connected to the second horizontal elongated piece  312 , along a right edge  364  of the second horizontal elongated piece  312 ; and   iii. a second rectangular end piece  316 , which is connected to rear/distal ends  367  of the second horizontal and vertical elongated pieces  312 ,  314 ; and   
           c) the rear side member  156  can be an elongated I-shaped member  330 , including:
           i. a third horizontal elongated piece  312 ; and   ii. a third vertical elongated piece  314 , which is perpendicularly connected to the third horizontal elongated piece  312 , along a distal/rear edge  368  of the third horizontal elongated piece  312 ; and   
           such that the left, rear, and right side members  152 ,  156 ,  154  can be connected together, such that the side structure is I-shaped.       

     In a further related embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3B , left and right side members  152 ,  154  can be made from a one sheet piece, by folding an I-shaped member  320  that has a lateral cut  382  through the horizontal elongated piece  322 , such that a distal/rear end  334  of the vertical elongated piece  324  can be folded around a lateral fold  384  of the vertical elongated piece  314  that is connected to the lateral cut  382 , such that an distal/rear flap  332  of the horizontal elongated piece  312  folds  390  onto (typically under or alternatively over) the horizontal elongated piece  312  when the distal/rear end  334  of the vertical elongated piece  314  is folded such that the distal/rear end  334  of the vertical elongated piece  314  forms an end piece  316 . 
     In related embodiments, the left, rear, and right side members  152 ,  156 ,  154  can be glued or welded together, or connected with other methods of permanent bonding. Excess caulk, glue, or padding, such as plastic padding, may be used to seal gaps in non-visible locations, such as between the bottom pan  120  and the side structure  150 . 
     In another related embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D , the side structure  350  can comprise L-shaped members, such that:
         a) the left, right, and rear side members  352 ,  354 ,  356  can each comprise an elongated I-shaped member, including a horizontal elongated piece  342  with a perpendicularly connected vertical elongated piece  344 .       

     In a further related embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D , the side structure  350  can further comprise v-shaped brackets  372  or capped v-shaped brackets  374 , to help seal the rear corners of the side structure  350 . 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , an adaptable shower pan system  400  can be configured for corner installation, such that the adaptable shower pan system  400  can include:
         a) a floor plate  410 , which can be a flat and level piece, which as shown can be substantially triangular, for example with a curved front/entry side;   b) a bottom pan  420 , including:
           a bottom structure  430  with a drainage aperture  436 , such that the bottom structure  430  is configured to rest on a floor structure  180 , wherein the bottom structure  430  is configured with a structure surface  434  that slopes toward the drainage aperture  436 ; and   a plate support structure  440 , which is positioned on the structure surface  434  of the bottom structure  430 , such that the plate support structure  440  has flat upper contact surfaces, such that the floor plate  410  can rest stably on the plate support structure  440 , such that the plate support structure  440  is configured to allow water  190  to drain  192  from outer sides of the structure surface  434  to the drainage aperture  436 ;   
           c) a side structure  450 , which is connected to/encloses wall sides of the bottom pan  420 , which as shown in  FIG. 4A  can be first and second sides of the bottom pan  420 , such that the side structure  450  includes:
           a first side member  452 ; and   a second side member  454 ;   wherein the first and second side members  452 ,  454  are perpendicularly connected;   wherein first and second side members  452 ,  454  can be assembled, as shown in  FIG. 4B , to form a watertight side structure; and   
           d) a front structure/member  460 , also referred to as a dam  460 , which encloses/is connected to a front/entry of the adaptable shower pan system  400 , such that the front member  460  can be straight or curved, (here shown curved);   wherein the floor plate  410  is slightly smaller than the bottom pan  420 , such that a drainage gap  424  forms on all sides of the floor plate  410 , between the first side, second side, and front members/structure  452 ,  454 ,  460  and the floor plate  410 ;   such that, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the adaptable shower pan system  400  forms a watertight assembly, such that water  190  can drain  192  from a floor surface  412  of the floor plate  410 , via the drainage gap  424  to the drainage aperture  436 .       

     In a related embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2B , a structure cavity  260  under the structure surface  134  of the bottom structure  130  can be filed with a foam material  262 , such as an extruded closed or open cell polyethylene foam  262 , which can be a rigid foam  262 , in order to provide structural support for the bottom pan  120 . In other embodiments, there may be no structure cavity, such that this part of the bottom structure  130  is a solid material, such as solid plastic. 
     In another related embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C , the bottom pan  120  can further include a plurality of support connectors  510 , also called t-channel connectors  510 , which each are configured to attach to top sides of the support ribs  242  to provide a flat support area  524  for the floor plate  110 , such that each support connector  510 , as shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , includes:
         a) a top support plate  520 , such that a top surface  522  is configured to be the flat support area  524 ;   b) a first connector flange  531  that is perpendicularly connected along a bottom of the top support plate  520 ;   c) a second connector flange  532  that is perpendicularly connected along a bottom of the top support plate  520 ;   wherein the first and second connector flanges  531 ,  532  are parallel and mounted side by side with an opening  534  between, such that the support connector  510  is configured to slide firmly onto a support rib  242 , with a part of the support rib  242  inside the opening  534 ;   such that a bottom of the floor plate  110  can be adhered to the support connectors  510  with silicone caulking or other water proof acceptable adhesive.       

     In a further related embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5D , the support connectors  510  can be permanently adhered to a bottom of the floor plate  110  with a predetermined position of the support connectors  510 , such that the floor plate is removably positionable on the support ribs  242  in a fixed position, as shown in  FIG. 5E  (with hidden/invisible parts shown in dotted lines), such that there is a uniform drainage gap  124  on all sides of the floor plate  110 , such that the drainage gap  124  has a substantially uniform width  582 ,  584 ,  586 ,  588 ; 
     which can be accomplished by an installation method wherein the support connectors  510  can be strategically placed upon the support ribs, dependent upon if a single plate or multiple plates or tiles are going to be used in the shower floor application. An adhesive  528 , such as a silicone adhesive  528 , can be applied to a top surface  522  of top support plates  520  of each support connector  510 . The floor plate  110  or plates  110  are then set upon the support connectors  510 . While the silicone adhesive is still fresh/adjustable the floor plate  110  or plates  110  can be evenly adjusted, to have a uniform drainage gap  124  on all sides of the floor plate  110 , such that all outside perimeter sides of the plate/plates are equal distance away from the shower walls and front dam leaving an even opening around the perimeter of the floor for the shower water to drain. The floor plate  110  can then be left to adhere firmly to the support connectors  510 . Once adhered the floor plate  110  can be lifted out for access to the drain. The connector flanges now firmly affixed are permanently positioned such that the floor plate  110  can only be placed back exactly as it was originally installed with the uniform drainage gap  124  around the perimeter. Note that relative dimensions of parts, including support connecters  510 , are for illustrative purposes only. Support connecters  510  may in some embodiments be relatively smaller (and in some case larger) than shown. 
     In a related embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2D , the bottom structure  210   d  can be configured with a flat central area  238 , which is configured to allow a customized location of the drainage aperture  136 , such that a drainage aperture  136  can be cut in the flat central area  238  to match a specific location of a drain in a floor, whereby the adaptable shower pan system  100  is configured to be adaptable to varying locations of a drain in the floor. 
     In a related embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the adaptable shower pan system  600  can further include a plurality of extension blocks  612 ,  614 ,  616  that can be positioned on a rear of, and optionally at least one side of the bottom pan  120 , such that the extension blocks are level with outer edges of the bottom structure  210   d . The drainage aperture  636  is here shown as rectangular. 
     In a further related embodiment, the adaptable shower pan system  600  can further include:
         a) a rear extension block  616 , which is connected to a rear side of the bottom pan  120 ;   b) a left side extension block  612 , which is connected to a left side of the bottom pan  120 ; and   c) a right side extension block  614 , which is connected to a right side of the bottom pan  120 ;   such that the side structure  150 ,  450 ,  650  is mounted on outer sides of the bottom pan  120  extended with the extension blocks  612 ,  614 ,  616 .       

     In related embodiments, the extension blocks  612 ,  614 ,  616  can allow the adaptable shower pan system  100  to be extended beyond its stock size. The extension blocks  612 ,  614 ,  616  can be extruded rectangularly, and made of the same material the bottom structure  210   d  and side structure  150 ,  450 ,  650  are made of. The extension blocks  612 ,  614 ,  616  can be the same height as the bottom pan&#39;s  120  highest point. The extension blocks  612 ,  614 ,  616  can be solid or foam filled, and for example made in 12″ width and 8′ length. 
     Thus, in related embodiments, when the side structure/L-channel vertical moisture barrier  150 , the bottom pan  120 , and optionally extension blocks  612 ,  614 ,  616  can be fitted for the application, and once adhered together create a single monolithic watertight structure that is impervious to moisture penetration. In some embodiments, the bottom pan  120 , the side structure/L-channel vertical moisture barrier  150 , the floor plate  110 , and extension blocks extension blocks  612 ,  614 ,  616  can all be made of the same type of plastic material, such as ABS or PVC, and adhered together with an appropriate adhesive. 
     In related embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9A , the bottom pan  120   920  is modifiable and can be shortened or lengthened/modified to fit into custom or uncommon spaces and shapes. Similarly, the side structure/L-channel vertical moisture barrier  150  may be adapted to fit the size of a modified bottom pan  120 , thereby allowing for a design flexibility that is not available with previous premade shower pan systems.  FIG. 9A  shows example modifications of the bottom pan  920 , with a rounded front edge  962  and a shortened side  964  (each shown in dotted line), that each (separately or in combination) can be cut through the bottom pan  920  to modify a shape and/or resize the bottom pan  920 . After (and sometimes before) modification, a top of outer ends of the support ribs  142  may not be flush with outer edges of a bottom structure  930  of the bottom pan  920  (i.e. there may be a height difference), but the top of the support ribs  142  remain flat and level. 
     In related embodiments, the floor plate  110  can be rectangular, triangular, round or any custom shape, with corresponding side structure/L-channel vertical moisture barrier  150  and bottom pan  120 , which can both have an irregular shape, to match with a particular wall shape for installation. 
     There are four common drain placement areas with the center point of the shower floor being the most common. Next common is to the left or to the right wall of the shower and lastly in one of the corners of the shower. The adaptable shower pan system  100  works for all four drain placements. Often in remodel applications the location of the drain is in an odd location or a few inches off of where the premade drain holes of standard pan systems are located. In order to facilitate such oddly placed drains a plumber must be brought in to relocate the drain to match with the premade pan. The adaptable shower pan system  100  being scalable/modifiable/adjustable eliminates the need for a plumber. 
     In an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , an adaptable shower pan system  800  can include:
         a) a floor plate  810 , which as shown can be rectangular, such that the floor plate  110  has a convex upper surface  812 , which for example can be a segment of a sphere, ellipsoid, or a convex paraboloid surface; such that the convex upper surface  812  has a highest point  814 , within a central portion  816  of the convex upper surface  812 , wherein the highest point  814  can be in a center  814  of the convex upper surface  812 . The convex upper surface  812  may provide improved flow of water in directions away from the highest point  814 , such that water  190  flows uniformly toward all sides of the floor plate  810 , and may further be pleasant to stand on for a user of the adaptable shower pan system  800 ;   b) a bottom pan  120 , including:
           a bottom structure  130  with a drainage aperture  136 , such that the bottom structure  130  is configured to rest on a floor structure  180  with a floor drain  182 , wherein the bottom structure  130  is configured with a structure surface  134  that slopes toward the drainage center  132 ; and   a plate support structure  140 , which is positioned on (i.e. connected to or molded as part of) the structure surface  134  of the bottom structure  130 , such that the plate support structure  140  has flat upper contact surfaces  142 , such that the floor plate  810  can rest stably on the plate support structure  140 , such that the plate support structure  140  is configured to allow water  190  to drain  192  from outer sides of the structure surface  134  to the drainage center  132 ;   
           c) a side structure  150 , which is connected to/encloses wall sides of the bottom pan  120 , which as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2A  can be left, right, and rear sides  162 ,  164 ,  166  of the bottom pan  120 , such that the side structure  150  includes:
           a left side member  152 ;   a rear side member  156 , such that a first/left end  157  of the rear side member  156  is perpendicularly connected to a rear/distal end  153  of the left side member  152 ; and   a right side member  154 , such that a second/rear/distal end  155  of the right side member  154  is perpendicularly connected to a second/right end  158  of the rear side member  156 ; and   wherein the left, rear, and right side members  152 ,  156 ,  154  can be connected, as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 3A , to form a watertight side structure; and   
           d) a front structure/member  160 , also referred to as a dam  160 , which can be a straight piece  160 , which is connected to a front side  168  of the bottom pan  120 , such that the front structure/member  160  encloses a front/entry of the adaptable shower pan system  800 ;   wherein the floor plate  810  is slightly smaller than the bottom pan  120 , such that a drainage gap  124  forms on all sides of the floor plate  810 , between the floor plate  810  and the combination of the left side, rear side, right side, and front members  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  160  and the floor plate  810 ;   such that, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the side and front structures  150 ,  160  are connected around an outer edge  122  of the bottom pan  120  to form a watertight assembly, such that water  190  can drain  192  from the convex upper surface  812  of the floor plate  810 , such that water drains omnidirectionally on all sides of the floor plate  810 , via the drainage gap  124  to the drainage aperture  136 .       

     In a further related embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 9D and 11A  the bottom structure  930  can further include an elongated drainage canal  933 ,  1133 , which extends from a drainage center  932  of the bottom structure  930  to a drainage aperture  936 ,  1136 , such that the elongated drainage canal  933 ,  1133  can either include:
         a) a penetrating cutout  931 , which penetrates through the bottom structure  930 , as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , such that an initial portion of the penetrating cutout  931  is closed with a sealing plate  938 , which is glued to a bottom side of the bottom structure  930 , as shown in  FIGS. 9C and 9D , such that the initial portion is sealed, such that a final portion  936  of the penetrating cutout  931  remains open to form the drainage aperture  936 ; or   b) a non-penetrating cutout  1031 , which can be an elongated indentation  1031  of an upper surface of the bottom structure  1030 , such that the elongated indentation does not penetrate through the bottom structure  930 , as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , such that a drainage aperture  936  can be formed by drilling through a bottom  1035  of the non-penetrating cutout  1031 , to form a drainage aperture  1136 , as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , such that a bottom of the elongated indentation  1031  comprises the drainage aperture  936 . The drainage aperture  1136  can as shown be positioned in an outer end of the non-penetrating cutout  1031 , but can alternatively be positioned anywhere in the bottom of the non-penetrating cutout  1031 , in a specific alternative position  1137  to match with a specific drainage position of the floor drain  182 , as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ;   such that water flows from all sides down a surface of the bottom structure  130  to the drainage center and flow via the elongated drainage canal  933 ,  1133  to the drainage aperture  936 ,  1136 . As is apparent from  FIGS. 9D, 9E, and 11A . some water  190  may flow directly into the elongated drainage canal  933 ,  1133  at an outer area of the elongated drainage canal  933 ,  1133  away from the drainage center  932 ,  1032  and then into the drainage aperture  936 ,  1136 .       

     In related embodiments, the elongated drainage canal  933 ,  1133 , can extend from a drainage center  932  of the bottom structure  930  to a drainage aperture  936 ,  1136  in various directions, for example as shown extending to a left, but alternatively to a right, rear, or front, or at an angle, in order to accommodate an anticipated or known location of a floor drain  182 , such that the drainage aperture  936 ,  1136  can be connected with a watertight connection to the floor drain  182 , using conventional plumbing methods. 
     In further related embodiments, the elongated drainage canal  933 ,  1133  can be premanufactured, partially manufacture for final onsite customized, or custom manufactured onsite according to specific dimension of the installation. 
     In a first partial manufacturing example embodiment, a bottom pan  920  can be provided with a partially manufactured elongated drainage canal  933  as a penetrating cutout  931  without a sealing plate  938 , such that a sealing plate  938  can be applied onsite to leave a drainage aperture  936  exposed. The sealing plate  938  can be applied covering only an initial portion of the penetrating cutout  931 , as shown in  FIG. 9D , or alternatively the sealing plate  938  can cover the entire penetrating cutout  931 , such that the drainage aperture  936  is drilled through the sealing plate  938  at a predetermined location to match with a location of a floor drain  182 , as shown in  FIG. 9E . 
     In a second partial manufacturing example embodiment, a bottom pan  920  can be provided with a partially manufactured elongated drainage canal  933  as a non-penetrating cutout  1031  without a drainage aperture  1036 , such that a drainage aperture  1036  can be drilled onsite in a selected position in a bottom  1035  of the non-penetrating cutout  1031  to match with a location of a floor drain  182 . 
     In a custom manufacturing example embodiment, an elongated drainage canal  933   1133  can be manufactured onsite by notching/routing/cutting out a penetrating cutout  931  at the installation site and applying a sealing plate  938 , or by notching/routing/cutting out a non-penetrating cutout  1031  at the installation site and drilling a drainage aperture  1136  through a bottom  1035  of the non-penetrating cutout  1031 . 
     Here has thus been described a multitude of embodiments of the adaptable shower pan system  100 ,  400 ,  600 ,  800 , and methods related thereto, which can be employed in numerous modes of usage. 
     The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Many such alternative configurations are readily apparent, and should be considered fully included in this specification and the claims appended hereto. Accordingly, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and thus, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.