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EP 1 668 195 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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10.10.2007 Bulletin 2007/41 |
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Date of filing: 30.09.2003 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC):
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International application number: |
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PCT/IT2003/000590 |
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International publication number: |
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WO 2005/031073 (07.04.2005 Gazette 2005/14) |
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SHOWER COLUMN
DUSCHSÄULE
COLONNE DE DOUCHE
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
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Date of publication of application: |
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14.06.2006 Bulletin 2006/24 |
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Proprietor: CRS S.p.A. |
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28066 Galiate (NO) (IT) |
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Inventor: |
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- FORNARA, Roberto
I-28021 Borgomanero (IT)
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Representative: Crippa, Paolo Ernesto et al |
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Jacobacci & Partners S.p.A.
Piazza della Vittoria, 11 25122 Brescia 25122 Brescia (IT) |
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References cited: :
EP-A- 0 331 782 WO-A-03/066976 FR-A- 2 606 296 US-A1- 2002 040 500
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WO-A-98/02077 DE-U- 9 114 117 GB-A- 2 073 585 US-B1- 6 438 767
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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[0001] The present invention relates to a shower column, adapted to distribute a fluid,
usually water.
[0002] As is known, water distribution devices which comprise a column terminating in a
shower head to distribute water substantially according to a vertical direction, from
above to below exist within showers.
[0003] Frequently, such devices are mounted on special panels fixed to a wall and having
nozzles suitable to dispense water also according to a substantially horizontal direction,
frequently with a hydro-massage function.
[0004] A drawback of such devices or shower columns is their considerable overall dimension
above all in relation to the small amount of available space which such shower columns
have within the specific shower box. Furthermore, the above mentioned panels are aesthetically
unattractive and sometimes leave the tubes for drawing the water from the mains exposed.
Such devices are known for example from
WO 03/066975 A,
US 2002 /040500 A1,
WO 98/02077 A.
[0005] The problem of the present invention is to provide a shower column which solves the
abovementioned drawbacks with reference to the known art.
[0006] Such drawbacks and limitations are solved by a shower column in agreement with claim
1.
[0007] Other embodiments of the shower column according to the invention are described in
the subsequent claims.
[0008] Further characteristics and the advantages of the present invention will be more
evident from the following description of a non limiting preferred embodiment thereof,
wherein:
[0009] figure 1 represents a perspective view of a shower column,according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[0010] figure 2 represents a side view of the shower column of figure 1, from the direction
of arrow II of figure 1;
[0011] figure 3 represents a lateral view of the shower column of figure 1, from the direction
of arrow III of figure 1;
[0012] figure 4 represents an exploded view of the shower column of figure 1;
[0013] figure 5 represents a cross-sectional view of the shower column of figure 1, taken
along the plane of section A-A of figure 2;
[0014] figure 6 represents an enlarged detail from figure 5;
[0015] figure 7 represents an enlarged detail from figure 4.
[0016] The elements or parts of elements in common between the embodiments described in
the following will be indicated with the same numerals.
[0017] With reference to the above mentioned figures, by the number 4 has been generically
indicated a shower column assembly, suitable for being fixed to a support, such as
for example a wall 6.
[0018] The shower column 4 comprises a column body 8 extending substantially from a first
end 12 to a second end 16, along a prevailing direction of extension X. The first
end 12 is adapted to receiving inlet fluid, typically water, to be distributed through
the shower column 8. In particular, at the first end 12, the column body 8 connects
to a water tap 18 connected to a mains water supply, for example belonging to a dwelling.
[0019] The connection to the water tap of the dwelling can be on the wall 6 supporting the
shower column 4, as shown in figure 1, or for example on the floor or on the shower
tray base, thus providing a floor shower column.
[0020] According to one embodiment, the water tap 18 receives water which has been already
pre-mixed by a mixing device or system upstream thereof which forms a mixture of hot
and cold water, in a known manner.
[0021] For example, a ceramic disk cartridge mixing device, or a thermostatic mixing device
comprising a thermostatic cartridge for example of a known type may be used; said
mixing devices provide two connections for the hot water and cold water taps.
[0022] At the first end 12, the column body 8 comprises first fixing means 20 to a support,
for example the wall 6.
[0023] Preferably, the first fixing means 20 provide both a structural attachment for the
shower column 4 to the relevant support and the connection to the water mains to draw
water to be distributed through the shower column 4.
[0024] The second end 16 of the column body 8 is suitable to receive the fluid to be distributed
and, preferably, comprises second fixing means 24 of the shower column 4 to the relevant
support.
[0025] Preferably, the column body 8 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends along
the direction X, i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the shower base.
[0026] The column body 8 comprises a first, cylindrically shaped, feed conduit 28, which
extends from the first end 12 to the second end 16, for the distribution of a first
fluid flow 32.
[0027] The column body 8 comprises a second feed conduit 36 which, preferably, extends from
the first end 12 towards the second end 16 and is fluidically separated from the first
feed conduit 28.
[0028] In other words, the first and second feed conduits 28,36 at least partially run along
the column body 8, along the direction X, and are not fluidically connected to one
another.
[0029] As is shown for example in figure 5, the column body 8 is essentially a hollow body
delimited by a side wall 37 enclosing a cavity 38. Within said cavity 38 the column
body comprises the first feed conduit 28 which is fluidically separated from the cavity
itself. Preferably, the interspace formed between the side wall 37 and the first feed
conduit 28 provides the second feed conduit 36.
[0030] Preferably, the first feed conduit 28 is substantially coaxial with the column body
8, in such a way that the first and second feed conduits 28,36 are substantially coaxial
with each other; the second feed conduit 36 has a substantially cylindrical shape
with a circular crown shaped base, with respect to a plane substantially perpendicular
to the direction X.
[0031] The second feed conduit 36 is closed by a lid 39, at a length comprised between the
first end 12 and the second end 16, along the prevailing direction X.
[0032] As is shown in figure 5, the lid 39 has a disk shape with a central hole for the
water tight passage of fluid from the first feed conduit 28.
[0033] The column body 8, at the second end 16, comprises a supply tube 40, fluidically
connected with the first feed conduit 28 and suitable to distribute the first fluid
flow 32, for example through a shower head 42.
[0034] Preferably, the supply tube 40 bends towards the first end 12, so as to direct the
first fluid flow 32 from the second end 16 towards the first end 12,
i.e. in a vertical downward direction.
[0035] Advantageously, the supply tube 40 is rotatably connected to the column body 8, so
as to allow for the rotation of the supply tube 40 substantially on a plane perpendicular
to the prevailing direction of extension X of the shower column 4.
[0036] Preferably, the shower head 42 is pivotally connected to the supply tube 40, for
example through a spherical, articulated-joint connection.
[0037] Advantageously, the column body 8, along the thickness of its side wall 37, comprises
at least one aperture 54, passing through the wall itself so as to be communicating
with the second feed conduit 36 and to allow a second fluid flow 58 outside the column
body 8.
[0038] Advantageously, the shower column 4 comprises at least one nozzle 60, associable
to the aperture 54 of the column body 8 and adapted to diffusing the second fluid
flow 58.
[0039] Preferably, the nozzle 60 is at least partially inserted into the aperture 54 in
such a manner as to ensure a fluid tight connection and comprises adjustable connection
means 64, for example spherical articulated joints, in order to allow for the spatial
orientation of the nozzle 60 and of the second fluid flow 58 with respect to the column
body 8.
[0040] The apertures 54 are positioned along the prevailing direction X in such a way as
to be comprised between the first end 12 and the lid 39 of the second feed conduit
36, in order to receive the fluid to be distributed.
[0041] Advantageously, the column body 8 comprises a third feed conduit 68, fluidically
connected to one of the ends 12, 16 of the column body 8 and adapted to the distribution
of a third fluid flow 72.
[0042] According to one embodiment, the third feed conduit 68 is connected to the first
end 12, on the opposite side with respect to the second end 16, and develops substantially
outwards of the column body 8 through a flexible arm 76.
[0043] The flexible arm 76 terminates, at one end opposite to the portion connecting to
the column body 8, in a shower handle 80.
[0044] Preferably, the column body 8, on one outer side surface of the side wall 37, opposite
to the first and second feed conduits 28,36, comprises support means 84, suitable
to support the shower handle 80.
[0045] The support means 84, as shown for example in figure 4, comprise a circular portion
85 associable with the outer side surface of the column body 8, which is adjustable
in position with respect thereto, and lockable for example through screwing means
86. The circular portion 85 comprises a support plate 87 suitable to support the shower
handle 80.
[0046] The support means 84 may rotate and translate with respect to an axis of rotation
which is parallel to the direction X.
[0047] The column body 8 comprises distribution means 90 suitable to channel the fluid flow
to be distributed, which comes from the mains water supply, into the respective feed
conduits 28, 36, 68.
[0048] In particular, the distribution means 90 comprise a flow deviating device 92 having
a main body of an overall cylindrical shape and suitable to be housed within the support
means of the column body, at least one end 12, 16 comprising the connection to the
mains water supply.
[0049] The main body 96, at one end, which faces towards the water tap, comprises a fluid
inlet 100, fluidically connectable to a plurality of entrances for as many feed conduits.
[0050] A deviating device 92, comprising for example a rotating body of a known type, is
suitable to fluidically connecting the fluid inlet 100 with the entrances for the
feed conduits 28,36,68.
[0051] According to the embodiment, shown for example in figure 7, the deviating device
92 comprises a first, a second and a third entrance 106, 108, 110 respectively suitable
to channel the fluid into the first, second and third feed conduits 28,36,68, thus
providing a three-position deviator. It is thus possible to distribute one of the
three flows 32, 58, 72 at a time.
[0052] According to an additional embodiment, the deviating device 92, in addition to the
entrances 106, 108, 110 for the feeding of the individual fluxes separately, comprises
entrances suitable to channel the fluid flow into many feed conduits simultaneously,
thus providing the feeding of any two conduits at a time or of the three conduits
32,58,72 simultaneously. In this way a seven-position deviator is provided.
[0053] The operation of the shower column 4 according to the invention will be now described.
[0054] In order to allow for the distribution of water through the conduits it is sufficient
to open the water connection to the mains supply to which the shower column is attached.
In particular, the already mixed water flows to the inlet of the deviating device
92; preferably the mixing tap channels the already mixed water towards said fluid
intake 100.
[0055] Hence the deviating device 92, as a function of the position selected, sorts the
water flow to the various feed conduits either individually or in a combination thereof.
[0056] A deviating device 92, preferably with seven positions is capable to distribute water
either to the individual conduits, or to pairs of them or to three conduits simultaneously
depending on the users requirements.
[0057] The supply tube 40, the shower head 42 and the nozzles 60 may be rotated and positioned
according to needs.
[0058] As it will be appreciated from what has been described above, the shower column described
allows to overcome the drawbacks of the known art shower columns.
[0059] In particular, the shower column described has reduced encumbrance and does not require
the use of cumbersome and poorly aesthetic panels.
[0060] Furthermore, the shower column described is particularly practical to use and to
install.
[0061] The combined use of the different feed conduits allows for the simultaneous accomplishment
both of a normal washing function and of hydromassage using the lateral jets.
[0062] Those skilled in the art, aiming at satisfying contingent and specific needs, will
be able to carry out a number of modifications and variations to the above described
shower columns, which on the other hand are all within the scope of the invention
as defined in the following claims.
1. A shower column (4) comprising
a column body (8), which is fixable to a support (6) extending from a first end (12)
suitable to receive from a water tap (18) a fluid to be sent to a second end (16)
suitable to distribute said fluid, said column body (8) enclosing a first feed conduit
(28) extending substantially from the first end (12) to the second end (16) for the
supply of a first fluid flow (32) from said second end (16);
the column body (8) comprises a second feed conduit (36), extending from one of said
ends (12,16), in order to receive inlet fluid, towards the opposite of said ends (16,12),
said second feed conduit (36) being fluidically separated from the first feed conduit
(28);
the first feed conduit is fluidically separated from the column body (8),
said column body (8) is a hollow tube extending from the first end (12) to the second
end (16), comprising a side wall (37) characterised in that said side wall (37) delimits an internal cavity or interspace (38) of the column
body (8), in such a way that said cavity defines said second feed conduit (36) comprised,
between the side wall (37) of the column body (8) and the first feed conduit (28)
and extending from the first end (12) to the second end (16),
the column body (8) comprising at least one aperture (54) on a side wall (37) thereof
in fluid communication with said second feed conduit (36) in such a way as to distribute
a second fluid flow (58) from the second feed conduit (36) towards the exterior of
the column body (8).
2. A shower column (4) according to claim 1, wherein said first and second feed conduits
(28,36) are substantially coaxial to one another.
3. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second feed conduit
(36) has a substantially cylindrical shape with a circular crown shaped base, with
respect to a plane substantially perpendicular to the prevailing direction (X).
4. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second feed conduit
(36) is closed by a lid (39) at a length comprised between the first end (12) and
the second end (16) of the column body (8) along the prevailing direction (X).
5. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one aperture
(54) is provided within the thickness of the side wall (37) of the column body (8),
in such a way as to be in communication with the second feed conduit (36).
6. A shower column according to any preceding claim, wherein said column body (8) comprises
a third feed conduit (68), fluidically connected to one of said ends (12,16) of the
column body (8) and suitable to form a third fluid flow (72).
7. A shower column (4) according to claim 6, wherein said third feed conduit (68), at
one end opposite to the connecting portion to the column body (8), comprises a shower
handle (80).
8. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein said column body (8)
comprises support means (84) which are attachable to the side walls (37) of the column
body (8) and suitable to support said shower handle (80) of the third feed conduit
(68).
9. A shower column (4) according to claim 8, wherein said support means (84) are adjustable
in translation and in rotation with respect to the column body (8).
10. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein said column body (8)
comprises distribution means (90), suitable to channel the fluid flow to be distributed
at least one fluid inlet (100) and a plurality of entrances (106,108,110) which are
selectively fluidically connectable with said feed conduits (28,36,68) in order to
distribute the fluid through the feed conduits (28,36,68).
11. A shower column (4) according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of entrances (106,108,110)
comprises at least one combined entrance, suitable to feed the fluid to at least two
feed conduits simultaneously.
12. A shower column (4) according to claims 10 or 11, wherein said distribution means
(90) are placed at said first end (12) of the column body (8).
13. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one nozzle
(60) which is associable to said aperture (54) of the column body (8).
14. A shower column (4) according to claim 13, wherein said nozzle (54) comprises adjustable
connection means (64), suitable to allow the spatial orientation of the nozzle (54)
with respect to the column body (8), in order to allow directing the fluid flow exiting
from the second feed conduit (36).
15. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the column body (8),
at the first end (12) comprises first fixing means (20) of the shower column (8) to
a support (6).
16. A shower column (4) according to claim 15, wherein the first fixing means (20) of
the column body (8) provide a connection to a mains water supply for the drawing of
water to be distributed through the shower column (4).
17. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the column body (8),
at the second end (16) comprises fixing means (24) of the shower column (8) to a support
(6).
18. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the column body (8),
at the second end (16) comprises a supply tube (40), fluidically connected with the
first feed conduit (28) and having, at one end opposite the first feed conduit (28),
a shower head (42) for the distribution of the fluid flow.
19. A shower column (4) according to claim 18, wherein said supply tube (40) is rotatably
connected to the column body (8).
20. A shower column (4) according to claims 18 or 19, wherein said shower head (42) is
pivotally connected to said supply tube (40).
21. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, comprising a mixing device,
suitable to mix hot and cold water and send said mixed water to the feed conduits
(28,36,68) of the column body (8).
22. A shower column (4) according to claim 21, wherein said mixing device is placed at
one of said ends (12,16) of the column body (8).
23. A shower column (4) according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection to the
water tap of the shower column (4) is provided substantially parallel to the prevailing
direction (X), on the floor or shower tray base of the shower column (4).
1. Duschsäule (4), umfassend
einen Säulenkörper (8), der an einer Unterkonstruktion (6) befestigbar ist und sich
von einem ersten Ende (12) erstreckt, das geeignet ist, Flüssigkeit von einer Zapfstelle
(18) aufzunehmen, die einem zweiten Ende (16) zugeführt wird, welches geeignet ist,
die genannte Flüssigkeit zu verteilen, wobei der genannte Säulenkörper (8) eine erste
Zuführleitung (28) einschließt, die sich im wesentlichen von dem ersten Ende (12)
zum zweiten Ende (16) erstreckt, um einen ersten Flüssigkeitsstrom (32) an dem genannten
zweiten Ende (16) bereitzustellen;
der Säulenkörper (8) umfasst eine zweite Zuführleitung (36), die sich zur Aufnahme
von zulaufender Flüssigkeit von einem der genannten Enden (12, 16) in Richtung zu
dem entgegen gesetzten der genannten Enden (16, 12) er-streckt,
wobei die genannte zweite Zuführleitung (36) fluidisch von der ersten Zuführleitung
(28) getrennt ist;
die erste Zuführleitung ist fluidisch von dem Säulenkörper (8) getrennt,
der genannte Säulenkörper (8) ist ein Hohlrohr, das sich von dem ersten Ende (12)
zu dem zweiten Ende (16) erstreckt, und umfasst eine Seitenwand (37), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die genannte Seitenwand (37) einen Innen-raum oder Zwischenraum (38) des Säulenkörpers
(8) begrenzt, dergestalt, dass der genannte Hohlraum die genannte zweite Zuführleitung
(36) bildet, die zwischen der Seitenwand (37) des Säulenkörpers (8) und der ersten
Zuführlei-tung (28) eingeschlossen ist und sich von dem ersten Ende (12) zum zweiten
Ende (16) erstreckt,
wobei der Säulenkörper (8) an einer Seitenwand (37) davon zumindest eine Öffnung (54)
umfasst, die in Flüssigkeitsverbindung mit der genannten zweiten Zuführleitung (36)
steht, dergestalt, dass ein zweiter Flüssigkeitsstrom (58) aus der zweiten Zuführleitung
(36) nach außerhalb des Säulenkörpers (8) ver-teilt wird.
2. Duschsäule (4) nach Anspruch 1,
wobei die genannten ersten und zweiten Zuführleitungen (28, 36) im wesentli-chen koaxial
zueinander angeordnet sind.
3. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei die zweite Zuführleitung (36) eine im wesentlichen zylindrische Form mit einem
runden kronenförmigen Sockel aufweist, bezogen auf eine Ebene, die im wesentlichen
senkrecht zur vorherrschenden Richtung (X) steht.
4. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei die zweite Zuführleitung (36) an einer Längsposition zwischen dem ers-ten Ende
(12) und dem zweiten Ende (16) des Säulenkörpers (8) entlang der vorherrschenden Richtung
(X) durch eine Abdeckung (39) verschlossen ist.
5. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei die genannte zumindest eine Öffnung (54) innerhalb der Dicke der Seitenwand
(37) des Säulenkörpers (8) vorgesehen ist, dergestalt, dass sie mit der zweiten Zuführleitung
(36) kommuniziert.
6. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei der genannte Säulenkörper (8) eine dritte Zuführleitung (68) umfasst, die fluidisch
mit einem der genannten Enden (12, 16) des Säulenkörpers (8) verbunden und geeignet
ist, einen dritten Flüssigkeitsstrom (72) zu bilden.
7. Duschsäule (4) nach Anspruch 6,
wobei die genannte dritte Zuführleitung (68) an einem Ende, das dem Verbindungsabschnitt
am Säulenkörper (8) entgegengesetzt ist, eine Handdusche (80) umfasst.
8. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei der genannte Säulenkörper (8) Haltemittel (84) umfasst, die an den Seitenwänden
(37) des Säulenkörpers (8) befestigbar und geeignet sind, die genannte Handdusche
(80) der genannten dritten Zuführleitung (68) zu halten.
9. Duschsäule (4) nach Anspruch 8,
wobei die genannten Haltemittel (84) längsverschiebbar und drehbar gegen-über dem
Säulenkörper (8) einstellbar sind.
10. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei der genannte Säulenkörper (8) Verteilungsmittel (90) umfasst, die ge-eignet
sind, den zu verteilenden Flüssigkeitsstrom zu zumindest einem Flüs-sigkeitszulauf
(100) und einer Mehrzahl von Einlässen (106, 108, 110) zu lei-ten, die selektiv mit
den genannten Zuführleitungen (28, 36, 68) verbindbar sind, um die Flüssigkeit über
die Zuführleitungen (28, 36, 68) zu verteilen.
11. Duschsäule (4) nach Anspruch 10,
wobei die genannte Mehrzahl von Einlässen (106, 108, 110) zumindest einen kombinierten
Einlass umfasst, der geeignet ist, die Flüssigkeit zu zumindest zwei Zuführleitungen
gleichzeitig zu leiten.
12. Duschsäule (4) nach den Ansprüchen 10 oder 11,
wobei die genannten Verteilungsmittel (90) an dem genannten ersten Ende (12) des Säulenkörpers
(8) angeordnet sind.
13. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
umfassend zumindest eine Düse (60), die mit der genannten Öffnung (54) des Säulenkörpers
(8) verbindbar ist.
14. Duschsäule (4) nach Anspruch 13,
wobei die genannte Düse einstellbare Verbindungsmittel (64) umfasst, die ei-ne räumliche
Ausrichtung der Düse bezüglich des Säulenkörpers (8) gestat-ten, um den Flüssigkeitsstrom,
der aus der zweiten Zuführleitung (36) austritt, lenken zu können.
15. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei der Säulenkörper (8) am ersten Ende (12) erste Befestigungsmittel (20) des Säulenkörpers
(8) an einer Unterkonstruktion (6) umfasst.
16. Duschsäule (4) nach Anspruch 15,
wobei die ersten Befestigungsmittel (20) des Säulenkörpers (8) eine Verbin-dung zu
einem Wasserleitungsnetz bereitstellen, um über die Duschsäule (4) zu verteilendes
Wasser zu entnehmen.
17. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei der Säulenkörper (8) am zweiten Ende (16) Befestigungsmittel (24) des Säulenkörpers
(8) an einer Unterkonstruktion (6) umfasst.
18. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei der Säulenkörper (8) am zweiten Ende (16) ein Zuflussrohr (40) um-fasst, das
fluidisch mit der ersten Zuführleitung (28) verbunden ist und an ei-nem Ende, das
der ersten Zuführleitung (28) entgegengesetzt ist, einen Duschkopf (42) zur Verteilung
des Flüssigkeitsstroms aufweist.
19. Duschsäule (4) nach Anspruch 18,
wobei das Zuflussrohr (40) drehbar mit dem Säulenkörper (8) verbunden ist.
20. Duschsäule (4) nach den Ansprüchen 18 oder 19,
wobei der genannte Duschkopf (42) schwenkbar mit dem Zuflussrohr (40) verbunden ist.
21. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
umfassend eine Mischvorrichtung, die geeignet ist, heißes und kaltes Wasser zu mischen
und das genannte gemischte Wasser zu den Zuführleitungen (28, 36, 68) des Säulenkörpers
(8) zu befördern.
22. Duschsäule (4) nach Anspruch 21,
wobei die genannte Mischvorrichtung an einem der genannten Enden (12, 16) des Säulenkörpers
(8) angeordnet ist.
23. Duschsäule (4) nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch,
wobei die Verbindung zur Zapfstelle der Duschsäule (4) im wesentlichen pa-rallel zur
vorherrschenden Richtung (X) der Duschsäule (4) auf dem Fußbo-den oder auf der Duschwannengrundfläche
vorgesehen ist.
1. Colonne de douche (4) comprenant
un corps de colonne (8), qui est fixable à un support (6) s'étendant à partir d'une
première extrémité (12) appropriée à recevoir en provenance d'un robinet d'eau (18)
un fluide à envoyer vers une deuxième extrémité (16) appropriée à distribuer ledit
fluide, ledit corps de colonne (8) renfermant un premier conduit d'alimentation (28)
s'étendant sensiblement de la première extrémité (12) à la deuxième extrémité (16)
pour amener un premier flux de fluide (32) en provenance de ladite deuxième extrémité
(16);
le corps de colonne (8) comprend un deuxième conduit d'alimentation (36), s'étendant
à partir de l'une desdites extrémités (12 et 16), de manière à recevoir le fluide
d'entrée, vers l'extrémité opposée desdites extrémités (12 et 16), ledit deuxième
conduit d'alimentation (36) étant séparé du premier conduit d'alimentation (28) en
ce qui concerne le fluide,
le premier conduit d'alimentation est séparé du corps de colonne (8) en ce qui concerne
le fluide,
ledit corps de colonne (8) est un tube creux s'étendant de la première extrémité (12)
à la deuxième extrémité (16), comprenant une paroi latérale (37) caractérisée en ce que ladite paroi latérale (37) délimite une cavité interne ou un espace (38) du corps
de colonne (8), de telle manière que ladite cavité définisse ledit deuxième conduit
d'alimentation (36) compris entre la paroi latérale (37) du corps de colonne (8) et
le premier conduit d'alimentation (28) et s'étendant de la première extrémité (12)
à la deuxième extrémité (16),
le corps de colonne (8) comprenant au moins une ouverture (54) sur une paroi latérale
(37) de ce dernier en communication fluide avec ledit deuxième conduit d'alimentation
(36) de manière à distribuer un deuxième flux de fluide (58) en provenance du deuxième
conduit d'alimentation (36) vers l'extérieur du corps de colonne (8).
2. Colonne de douche (4) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle lesdits premier et deuxième
conduits d'alimentation (28 et 36) sont sensiblement coaxiaux l'un par rapport à l'autre.
3. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle le deuxième conduit d'alimentation (36) a une forme sensiblement cylindrique
avec une base circulaire en forme de couronne, par rapport à un plan sensiblement
perpendiculaire à la direction principale (X).
4. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle le deuxième conduit d'alimentation (36) est fermé par un couvercle (39) à
une longueur comprise entre la première extrémité (12) et la deuxième extrémité (16)
du corps de colonne (8), le long de la direction principale (X).
5. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle ladite au moins une ouverture (54) est prévue dans l'épaisseur de la paroi
latérale (37) du corps de colonne (8), de manière à être en communication avec le
deuxième conduit d'alimentation (36).
6. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle ledit corps de colonne (8) comprend un troisième conduit d'alimentation (68),
relié en ce qui concerne le fluide à l'une desdites extrémités (12 et 16) du corps
de colonne (8) et approprié à former un troisième flux de fluide (72).
7. Colonne de douche (4) selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle ledit troisième conduit
d'alimentation (68), à une extrémité opposée à la partie de connexion au corps de
colonne (8), comprend une poignée de douche (80).
8. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle ledit corps de colonne (8) comprend un moyen de support (84) qui est attachable
à la paroi latérale (37) du corps de colonne (8) et approprié à soutenir ladite poignée
de douche (80) du troisième conduit d'alimentation (68).
9. Colonne de douche (4) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle ledit moyen de support
(84) est ajustable en translation et en rotation par rapport au corps de colonne (8).
10. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle ledit corps de colonne (8) comprend un moyen de distribution (90) approprié
à canaliser le flux de fluide devant être distribué, au moins un passage d'entrée
de fluide (100) et une pluralité d'entrées (106, 108 et 110), qui sont sélectivement
reliables en ce qui concerne le fluide auxdits conduits d'alimentation (28, 36 et
68), de manière à distribuer le fluide par les conduits d'alimentation (28, 36 et
68).
11. Colonne de douche (4) selon la revendication 10, dans laquelle ladite pluralité d'entrées
(106, 108 et 110), comprend au moins une entrée combinée, appropriée à amener le fluide
simultanément vers au moins deux conduits d'alimentation.
12. Colonne de douche (4) selon les revendications 10 ou 11, dans laquelle ledit moyen
de distribution (90) est placé à ladite première extrémité (12) du corps de colonne
(8).
13. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant
au moins une buse (60), qui est associable à ladite ouverture (54) du corps de colonne
(8).
14. Colonne de douche (4) selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle ladite buse (54) comprend
un moyen de connexion ajustable (64), approprié à permettre l'orientation spatiale
de la buse (54) par rapport au corps de colonne (8), de manière à permettre de diriger
le flux de fluide sortant du deuxième conduit d'alimentation (36).
15. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle le corps de colonne (8), à la première extrémité (12), comprend un premier
moyen de fixation (20) de la colonne de douche (8) à un support (6).
16. Colonne de douche (4) selon la revendication 15, dans laquelle le premier moyen de
fixation (20) du corps de colonne (8) procure une connexion à une canalisation d'arrivée
d'eau pour tirer l'eau à distribuer par la colonne de douche (4).
17. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle le corps de colonne (8), à la deuxième extrémité (16) comprend un moyen de
fixation (24) de la colonne de douche (8) à un support (6).
18. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle le corps de colonne (8) à la deuxième extrémité (16), comprend un tube d'amenée
(40), relié en ce qui concerne le fluide au premier conduit d'alimentation (28) et
ayant, à une extrémité opposée du premier conduit d'alimentation (28), un pommeau
de douche (42) pour la distribution du flux de fluide.
19. Colonne de douche (4) selon la revendication 18, dans laquelle ledit tube d'amenée
(40) est relié de manière rotative au corps de colonne (8).
20. Colonne de douche (4) selon les revendications 18 ou 19, dans laquelle ledit pommeau
de douche (42) est relié de manière pivotante audit tube d'amenée (40).
21. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant
un dispositif de mélange approprié à mélanger l'eau chaude et l'eau froide et à envoyer
ladite eau mélangée aux conduits d'alimentation (28, 36 et 68), du corps de colonne
(8).
22. Colonne de douche (4) selon la revendication 21, dans laquelle ledit dispositif de
mélange est placé à l'une desdites extrémités (12 et 16) du corps de colonne (8).
23. Colonne de douche (4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
laquelle la connexion au robinet d'eau de la colonne de douche (4) est procurée de
manière sensiblement parallèle à la direction principale (X), sur le plancher ou sur
la base du plateau de douche de la colonne de douche (4).
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only.
It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has
been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and
the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description