Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02680653 2009-09-25
TILE ADAPTOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates a novel adaptor to position tiles or tile-
like
elements. More specifically, the invention concerns a novel adaptor for
positioning
tiles within andlor around bathing apparatus, such as bathtubs and showers,
and
includes a method for using this adaptor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pre-fabricated bathing apparatus, such as showers and bathtubs, are
frequently manufactured in components that are to be assembled on site. For
reasons of transportation, size and installation, this is often necessary.
Ideally, once
on site, the assembly process should be easy and fast to minimize costs.
10003] Generally, a modern bathing apparatus comprises a base unit and wall
units
that must be attached to one another as well as to the structure of the
building in
which it is housed. This attachment must be done in a way that will prevent
water
leakage and that will not cause the building to deteriorate.
[0004] Tiles may be positioned within or outside the bathing apparatus, or
both. Prior
to the introduction of pre-fabricated bathing apparatus, tiles were routinely
used in
the construction of bath and shower units, and they have never fallen out of
favor
with consumers. Today, tiles may be chosen either as an altemative to pre-
fabricated bathing units or to complete pre-fabricated units. There are a
number of
reasons for this. Some individuals prefer the feel of tile to the synthetic
polymers that
are used in pre-fabricated bathing apparatus. The infinite variety of tile
styles and
materials, both man-made and natural, allows for innovative design
opportunities.
Tiles will therefore continue to be an important element in the construction
of showers
and bathtubs for the foreseeable future.
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[0005] Unfortunately, placing tiles within or around a bathing apparatus
evenly can be
a tricky endeavor. Skill is required to ensure that the tiles are properiy
aligned,
especially when the bathing apparatus is not entirely level. Blocks of wood
and other
elements must sometimes be used to compensate for the lack of a perfectly
flush
surface, whether this is the case for the floor or wall of the bathing
apparatus.
[0006] Devices or tools that can be of assistance for the installation of tile
are nvt
common. United States Patent No. 5,832,619 (Volkema, Jr.) describes an
adjustable
installation tool in the shape of a frame for simultaneously aligning and
installing
multiple tiles. While helpful in many instances, the use of such a frame may
not be
possible in small enclosures or in certain areas of a bathtub or shower
enclosure.
[0007] United States Patent No. 7,836,802 (Tavy et al.) teaches a tile-spacing
device
for spacing tiles apart from one another during their installation. The device
is
characterized by having a window that extends through the base, thrraugh which
engagement of at least one of the tiles with the edge of a spacer can be
visually
observed. Once again, a device of this type may not be suitable for installing
tiles in
certain types of bathing enclosures.
[0008] The Tile Redi corporation has developed a number of prefabricated
shower
modules that are useful for constructing tiled shower enclosures: see, for
example,
United State Patent Publications Nos. US20081022289'IA1, US200810222797A1,
US200810222796A1, US2008/0222795A1, US2008/0222794A1 and
U5200810222793A1 and United States Patent No. 5,913,777. While these modules
are helpful for the installation of shower tile, they are also somewhat
limiting as the
tiles are necessarily installed within the confines of these modules.
[0009] There thus remains a need for a device and/or method to facilitate the
positioning of tile or tile-like elements during the construction of a bathing
apparatus,
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such as bathtub or shower. Ideally, such a device would allow a great variety
of
design options and be of assistance for the installation of floor, wall and
ceiling tile in
a bathing enclosure_
[0010] The present invention seeks to meet these and related needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides a novel adaptor that facilitates the
positioning
of tiles or tile-like elements in and/or around a bathing apparatus, such as a
bathtub
or shower. The adaptor becomes an integral part of the final bathing apparatus
and
is designed to be used with pre-existing prefabricated bathing components,
such as
.3'. . . .
those found in modern day showers and bathtubs.
[0012] The adaptor is sturdy and watertight, as required for use in
applications such
as the assembly of pre-fabricated bathing components found in modem day shower
and bathtub installations. In a representative embodiment, the adaptor is made
of
extruded plastic, but it may also be manufactured from other synthetic
polymers,
such as polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitriie-butadiene-styrene tripolymer,
acrylic,
~; =w polyurethane, fiberglass with gel coat, cast polymer, stainless steel,
painted steel or
aluminum, amongst other materials that are known in the art of bathtub and
shower
manufacturing.
[0013] As will be described in further detail below, the tile adaptor of the
present
invention is characterized by having one or more flanges along at least one of
its
sides. This allows the installation of tiles at different levels, or tiles
having a variety of
thicknesses, in a way that is simpler and easier than has hitherto been
possibie. The
flanges serve as a guide for the positioning of the tiles within or around the
bathing
apparatus, as will be described more particularly below.
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[0014] The invention includes several embodiments for specific use on the
floor, wall
and/or ceiling of a bathing apparatus.
[0015] Advantageously, the adaptor is simple to install. When utilized in the
assembly of a bathing apparatus, for example, the intervention of a plumbing
professional is not necessarily required. In addition, the inclusion of one or
more
adaptors in an assembly does not interfere with the application of sealant
between
parts of the bathing apparatus.
10016] Other objects, advantages and features vf the present invention will
become
apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of
embodiments
thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first representative embodiment of a
tile
adaptor of the present invention that is suitable for the installation of wall
tile;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second representative embodiment of a
tile
adaptor of the present invention that is suitable for the installation of wall
tile;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment of the
tile
adaptor shown in FIG. 2;
[0020) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slightly different variation of the
tile adaptor
shown in either FIG. 3; [0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a yet another
variation of the embodiment of
the tile adaptor shown in FIG. 3;
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[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the
tile
adaptor shown in FIGs. I and 2;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the tile adaptor
shown in
FIG. 6 while in use;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a slight variation of the embodiment of
the tile
adaptor shown in FIGs. 6 and 7;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the wall tile adaptor shown in FIG. 6
used in
conjunction with the floor tile adaptor shown in FIG. 13; illustrating the
installation of
tiles on one of the walls of a bathing apparatus as well as floor tiles inside
and
outside of the bathing apparatu$;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the wall tile adaptor shown in FIG. 8
used in
conjunction with the tile adaptor shown in FIG. 13, illustrating the
installation of tiles
on one of the walls of a bathing apparatus as well as floor tiles inside and
outside of
the bathing apparatus;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a floor
tile
adaptor of the present invention that is suitable for the installation of
floor tile;
[0028] FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the floor tile adaptor of FIG.
11;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the floor tile adaptor shown in FIG.
12 shown
in its entirety and while in use;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of the floor tile adaptor shown in FIG. 12;
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[0031] FIG. 15 is a right side perspective view of the tile adaptor shown in
FIG. 11
while in use to install both floor and wall tiles;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a left side perspective view of the tile adaptor shown in
FIG. 15;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of floor tile adaptor 50A shown in FIG.
13 used
in conjunction with wall tile adaptor IOE shown in FIG. 6;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of floor tile adaptor 50A shown In FIG.
13 used
in conjunction with wall tile adaptor IOD shown in FIG. 5;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of
floor tile
adaptor 50 shown in FIG.11, 50B, illustrating the installation of floor tiles
both inside
and outside of the bathing apparatus;
[0036] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of floor tile adaptor 50B shown in FIG. 19;
[0037] FIG. 21 Is a perspective view of a third altemative embodiment
variation of
floor tile adaptor 50 shown in FIG.11, 50C, iilustrating the installation of
floor tiles
both inside and outside of the bathing apparatus;
4
.._R : _ _ . . .
10038] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a variation of the tile adaptor shown
in FIG.
11, wherein the adaptor is attached to a tray element to create a bathing pan;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a cutaway assembled view of the tile adaptor shown in 22
taken
along lines P-P';
B
~~ry
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[0040] FIG. 24 is a left side perspective view of the tile adaptor shown in
FIG. 23,
illustrating the actual Installation of tiles;
[0041] FIG. 25 is right side perspective view of the tile adaptor shown in
FIG. 24;
[0042] FIG. 26 is a close-up alternative view of the tile adaptor shown in
FIG. 24.
[0043] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of a wall tile adaptor 10C shown in
FIG, 4 in
conjunction with floor tile adaptor 50B shown in FIG. 19 and further including
a ceiling
tile ad2ptor;
[0044] FIG. 28 is a left side perspective view of the tile adaptor combinatiQn
shown in
FIG. 27; and
[0045] FIG. 29 is a right side perspective view of the tile adaptor
combination shown
in FIG. 27.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] As used herein, the term "tile" or "tile-like element" means a
generally flat and
thin slab, frequently rectangular or square in shape, though not necessarily
so (i.e.,
other geometrical shapes are used to make tiles, including hexagons, for
example).
Tiles may be made from any material and the present invention contemplates use
of
all of them. While tiles are very often made from ceramic and have a hard
glaze
finish, other materials are also used, including glass, marble, granite,
slate, rubber
and reformed ceramic slurry, which is cased in a mold and fired.
[0047] FIG. I shows a first embodiment of a tile adaptor in accordance with
the
present invention that is suitable for installing wall tile. The adaptor is
generally
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designated by the numeral 10. In this embodiment, the adaptor has a generally
rectangular appearance, with its top and bottom ends thereof being of a
shorter
length than Its sides. One or both of the sides of the adaptor 10 is comprised
of one
or a plurality of ridges or flanges 15 which serve to align tiles 2 in an even
and
predictable manner. As may be seen in FIG. 1, the adaptor is attached at the
periphery of the bathing enclosure 100 between one of the enclosure's interior
walls
30 and exterior wall 32 (here shown with baseboard 37) against a vertical wall
support element 36. In most cases, the attachment will be made using permanent
fixation means. In this case, the bathing apparatus is a bathtub 20 and
includes a
base 25 with a drain element 27.
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates a variant IOA of the tile adaptor 10 shown in FIG.
1. In this
embodiment, the tile adaptor 10A is broader and includes a splash guard 16.
The
adaptor 10A further includes one or a plurality of ridges or flanges 15 which
serve to
align tiles both within and outside of the bathing enclosure 100.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows a vaeiant 10B of the tile adaptor 10 represented in FIG.
1. Like
the other tile adaptors, version 10B includes one or a plurality of ridges or
flanges 15
which serve to align tiles within the interior and/or the exterior of the
bathing
enclosure 100. In this version, the tile adaptor is positioned within the
bathing
enclosure 100 in a permanent fashion. The front portion of the adaptor 10B may
serve as a wall unit only, or it may be prefabricated with all the plumbing
features
needed to operate a shower. In the latter case, a shower control 22 (not shown
in
this figure) may be Installed at or in the general vicinity of element 17.
Similarly, a
shower head 24 (not shown in this figure) may be placed at or near element 18.
The
tile adaptor 10B may optionally include a sconce 19 or analogous feature, such
as a
shelf, to store toiletries.
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[0050] FIG. 4 shows a variation of the tile adaptor illustrated in FIG. 3.
Once again,
the tile adaptor IOC includes one or a plurality of ridges or flanges 15 which
serve to
align tiles within the interior andlor the exterior of the bathing enclosure
100. In this
variation, the tile adaptor 10C includes an opening for a shower control 22
but not for
a shower head 24. A sconce 19 is provided to place personal care items. As
shown
in this figure, the tile adaptor IOC guides the installation of tiles 2 on the
wall 30.
Vertical and horizontal construction elements 36 and 38 serve to support the
wall 30
of the bathing enclosure 100.
[0051] FIG. 5 shows a tile adaptor 10D that is very similar to the tile
adaptor 10C
illustrated in FIG. 4. This version includes two additional features: an
opening for a
shower head 24, and means 42 to attach a shower curtain 46 via a pole 44, or
other
element suitable for suspending the curtain 46.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a further alternative to the adaptor shown in FIG.
2. In this
version, the tile adaptor 10E is characterized by having an extended sconce
19A that
runs through nearly the entire length of the adaptor. The dimensions of the
extended
sconce 19A may be modified, or the extended sconce 19A may be replaced by a
plurality of sconces 19 or their equivalent. The ridge(s) or flange(s) 15 that
are
characteristic of all embodiments of the tile adaptor 10 are visible from FIG.
6.
[0053] FIG. 7 shows the tile adaptor IOE in use. The ridges or flanges 15 of
the tile
adaptor 10E serve to align the tiles 2 on the wall 30. The wall 30 of the
enclosure
100 is supported by one or more wall support elements 36, while the floor of
the
enclosure (not shown) is supported by one or more horizontal floor support
elements
38.
j00541 FIG. 8 is a representation of a slight different variant of the tile
adaptor shown
in FIGs. 6 and 7. In this version, tile adaptor 10F includes means 42 to
attach a
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shower curtain 46 via a pole 44, or other element suitable for suspending the
curtain
46.
E0055] F1G. 9 illustrates wall tile adaptor IOE in use in combination with a
floor tile
adaptor 50, the features of which are described more particularly below. Like
all
variants of the wall tile adaptors, floor adaptor 50 includes one or a
plurality of ridges
or flanges 55 which serve to align tiles both within and outside of the
bathing
enclosure 100.
[0056] FIG. 10 shows a slightly different alternative to the arrangement
illustrated in
FIG. 9, wherein wall tile adaptor 10F is substituted for wall tile adaptor
10E. Tile
adaptor IOF includes means 42 to attach a shower curtain 46 via a pole 44, or
other
element suitable for suspending the curtain 46.
[0057] FIG. 11 shows a first embodiment of a floor tile adaptor 50 in
accordance with
the present invention_ This floor adaptor 50 resembles a rectangular prism
with open
ends 51 and with a cutaway section 52 destined to be positioned over the drain
hole
27 of the bathing apparatus. The cutaway section 52 includes a water
receptacle 64
that, includes a drain 60. A water inlet 62 ensures that water from the
bathing
apparatus is channeled to the water receptacle 64 and thence to the drain 60.
[0058] As further shown in FIG. 11, the floor tile adaptor 50 is further
characterized by
having one or a plurality of ridges or flanges 55 which serve to align tiles.
A
distinction may be made between inward ridges or flanges 55, which align tiles
within
a bathing apparatus, and outward ridges or flanges 55', shown in FIG. 12,
which
align tiles outside the bathing apparatus. The floor tile adaptor 50 may
additional
include end flanges 56 at its extremities 51 to assist in the position of wall
tile within
the bathing apparatus. The tile adaptor 50, which is fixed to the ground of
the
bathing apparatus, includes a detachable cover 58. As illustrated in this
figure, the
CA 02680653 2009-09-25
detachable cover 58 overlaps the entire length of the floor tile adaptor 50,
but it may
be shortened or otherwise configured to protect only the cutaway section 52.
[0059] FiG. 12 represents an alternative embodiment of the floor tile adaptor
50
shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment 50A, there is no cutaway section,
instead,
water receptacle 64 takes up nearly the entire length of the floor tile
adaptor 50. The
floor tile adaptor further includes inner walls 68, 68' which abut the water
receptacle
64 either in a symmetrical or asymmetricai fashion, as shown here. The drain
hole
61 is clearly visible in this drawing, as are the inward flanges 55, the
outward flanges
55' and the end flanges 56_
[00s01 FIG. 13 is a more complete representation of the embodiment of the tile
floor
adaptor 50A shown in FIG. 12- The purpose of the invention is apparent from
this
drawing: tiles 2 and 2' may be aligned both inside and outside, respectively,
of the
bathing apparatus, as well as on adjacent walls by relying on the use of
inward and
outward flanges 55 and 55' and end flanges 56 and 56'. The tiles are
positioned on
construction elements 70 and 72 for a limitless design opportunities. As shown
here,
construction element 72 is a wedge with slope that is directed downwards in
the
direction of the drain. A grate element 65 completes the floor tile adaptor.
While it is
shown only partially in FIG. 13, in actual use it covers the entire length of
the water
receptacle, thereby providing an even surface upon which the bather may stand_
I0061] FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of the floor tile adaptor 50A shown in FIG.
13 taken
along lines L-L'. The floor 150 upon which the bathing apparatus is installed
is
visible from this view, as are construction elements 70 and 72, the opening
for
drainage fittings 62, a portion of grate element 65, the inner walls 68, 68'
and
portions of inside and outside tiles 2 and 2', respectively.
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[0062] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are right and left hand perspective views showing
the
floor tile adaptor 50 in FIG. 11 in use. The adaptor may be used to install
wall tile as
well as floor tile in a bathing apparatus.
[0063] FIG. 17 and F1G. 18 illustrate how the various embodiments of the floor
and
wall tile adaptors may be combined to create custom bathing apparatus. The
variants of the floor and wall tile adaptors have been designed to fit
together in order
to maximize the possibilities here. In FIG. 17, floor tile adaptor 50A (shown
in FIG.
13) is used in conjunction with wall tile adaptor 10E (shown in FIG. 6).
Similarly, in
FIG. 18, floor tile adaptor 50A is used in conjunction with wall tile adaptor
IOD
(shown in FIG. 5).
[0064] FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are perspective and enlarged views, respectively,
of a
second alternative embodiment of floor tile adaptor 50 shown in F[G.11, 50B.
This
version of the floor tile adaptor is similar to floor tile adaptor 50 but
includes a
threshold element 59. A grate element 65A (not shown) may be positioned over
the
tile adaptor to complete it.
[00651 FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment
variation of
floor tile adaptor 50 shown in FIG.11, 50C, designed for a corner type shower
apparatus. This floor tile adaptor resembles floor tile adaptor 50B by having
a
threshold element 59A. A grate element 65B, shown only partially in FIG. 21,
completes the tile adaptor.
[0066] FIG. 22 illustrates a variant of the floor tile adaptor 50 shown in
FIG. 11. Here,
a tray element 80 with boundary 86 is attached directly to floor tile adaptor
50 in order
to complete a portion or the entire floor of the bathing apparatus. This
provides an
altemative to the installation of tiles wherein some of the tiles of the
bathing
apparatus are installed within the confines of the tray, as will be described
further
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below. FIG. 23 is a cutaway assembled of the floor adaptor shown in FIG. 22
taken
along lines P-P'.
10067] FIGs. 24, 25 and 26 show how the tray element 80 is used to install
tiles on
the floor and wall of a bathing apparatus. Rather than applying tiles directly
on the
floor 150 of the bathing apparatus, the tiles are positioned on floor 85 of
the tray
element 80 using epoxy or urethane glue 90 or any other suitable compound for
this
purpose. FIGs. 24 and 25 are, respectively, left and right hand perspective
views of
this, while FIG. 26 affords a close up view of this set-up.
[0068] In an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIGs. 24, 25 and 26, tray
elements 80 and 86 form a watertight unit that is used to install tiles on the
floor and
wall of a bathing apparatus_ Rather than applying tiles directly on the floor
150 of the
bathing apparatus, the tiles are positioned on floor 85 of the tray element 80
using
epoxy or urethane glue 90 or any other suitable compound for this purpose. The
cover 58 can be solid or include openings. Since the water to be drained
enters via
opening 62 on the floor pan side, it may be possible to block this drainage
hole with a
towel. If the cover 58 includes openings, the water can rise to eventually
reach the
top of the threshold_ The holes at the top of the cover would then reroute the
drainage water in the drain, preventing a flooding in the bathroom. FIGs. 24
and 25
are, respectively, left and right hand perspective views of this, while FIG.
26 affords a
close up view of this set-up.
[0069] In another embodiment FIGs, 24, 25 and 26 show the tray elements built
with materials that do not need necessariiy to be covered with tile for final
finish.
10070] FIGs. 27, 28 and 29 show how floor and wall tile adaptors in accordance
with
the present invention may be further combined with a ceiling tile adaptor. As
illustrated in these figures, a ceiling adaptor 110 comprising one or more
shower
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heads 124 is installed over a wall tile adaptor 10C (shown in FIG. 4). Wall
tile
adaptor 10G, in turn, is positioned over floor tile adaptor 50B (shown in FIG.
19)_ The
floor and wall elements are as previously described. In the vicinity of the
ceiling
adaptor, verticai and horizontal construction elements 136 and 138 lend
support to
this section of the bathing enclosure 100.
10071] Ceiling adaptor 110 may include a variety of features to enhance the
bathing
experience, including a lighting fixture 126 or a musical portal (not shown).
A shower
door 200 may be further attached to ceiling adaptor 110 and the floor adaptor
selected in order to complete the enclosure of the bathing apparatus. This
shower
door may be made from glass, polymer plastic or any other suitable material,
as
known in the art of shower and bathtub construction.
[0072] The various embodiments of the tile adaptor described above may be
manufactured from a variety of different materials including, without
limitation,
extruded plastic, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
tripolymer, acrylic,
polyurethane, fiberglass with gel coat, cast polymer, stainless steel, painted
steel and
aluminum, once again in keeping with teachings in the art.
[0073] While the present adaptor has been described in relation to its
specific use to
compiete a bathing apparatus, it will be appreciated that with simple
variations, the
adaptor may be used in other applications requiring the positioning of tiles.
For
example, an adaptor featuring flanges along the lines of the adaptor of the
present
invention may be used to create a backsplash on a kitchen wall.
[0074] The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be
examples oniy_ Variations, alterations and modifications can be made to the
particular embodiments described herein by those of skill in the art without
departing
from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
14
