Fitted shower booth

Abstract

 Fitted-type shower booth comprising a shower compartment (2) delimited by a plurality of side panels (3), each one of which defines an inner wall (4) facing the interior of the shower compartment (2), and adapted to be hit by the water jets, and an outer wall (5), and further comprising water-jet delivering spouts (6) and control and adjustment means including a capacitive-type touch-control switchboard (7) provided with selection buttons (8), wherein the switchboard (7) is enclosed within an accommodation casing (9) that is tightly sealed by means of a removable cover (10) lying upon the touch-control buttons (8), and the cover (10) comprises graphic symbols (18) adapted to indicate the position of the buttons (8) corresponding to the various control and adjustment functions. The accommodation casing (9) is attached in a removable manner to at least a bracket (12) that is applied by means of an adhesive to the outer wall (5) of a side panel (3) of the shower booth so that the cover (10) is associated to the outer wall (5) at a clear, i.e. see-through portion of said panel (3), the buttons (8) being actuatable by touching the inner wall (4) of the panel at the appropriate graphic symbols (18) provided on the cover (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention refers to a shower booth of the so-called fitted type.

[0002] Fitted-type shower booths are already known in the art to be provided with a capacitive-type touch-control switchboard to control and adjust the various operating modes and functions of the shower booth, such as for instance to set and adjust different types of water jets. Such switchboard may be applied on an outer wall of a panel delimiting the internal shower compartment, such that a user - while standing inside the shower booth - is able to actuate the switchboard by touching the inner wall of the panel in correspondence to the area on which the switchboard itself is applied.

[0003] Such switchboards, however, have a number of drawbacks that complicate the use thereof.

[0004] In the first place, the need arises for the switchboard to be adequately sealed, i.e. isolated from the moisture that is most obviously generated when using the shower, and that tend to persist in the room where the shower booth itself is installed. This moisture, which can be even quite marked, is in fact a problem for the electronics equipping the capacitive-type touch-control switchboard, which can therefore suffer damages.

[0005] It must also be adequately ensured that the capacitive-type touch-control switchboard is quickly and promptly actuatable and, therefore, keeps being adequately sensitive, so that the various buttons can be operated in an accurate manner by simply touching the inner wall of the panel in correspondence of the site where the switchboard is installed.

[0006] Mounting the switchboard to the panel shall furthermore involve a procedure that must be particularly simple and quick in view of reducing assembly time and production costs altogether.

[0007] In addition, it is a requirement that the way in which the switchboard is applied, i.e. installed, be such as to ensure the overall quality of the attachment remains unaltered in time, so as to prevent the switchboard from accidentally coming off or undergoing displacements that may impair the performance and efficient operability thereof.

[0008] The switchboard shall further be easily accessible for any possibly required maintenance, repair or replacement thereof to be capable of being carried out in a most convenient and easy manner.

[0009] It shall moreover be ensured that the aesthetical impact of both the switchboard and the related fastening devices on the overall design of the booth is as low as possible, in view of avoiding any alteration of the aesthetical lines of the shower booth.

[0010] It would therefore be desirable, and it is actually a main object of the present invention, to provide a fitted-type shower booth that is capable of doing away with the afore-noted drawbacks of prior-art constructions.

[0011] In particular, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide a fitted-type shower booth equipped with a capacitive-type touch-control switchboard, which is simple in its construction and reliable in use, further to being capable of being produced at fully competitive costs.

[0012] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a fitted-type shower booth equipped with a capacitive-type touch-control switchboard, which is effective in ensuring a maximum extent of operating safety and reliability.

[0013] Yet another purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for the application of a capacitive-type touch-control switchboard on to a fitted-type shower booth.

[0014] According to the present invention, these aims - along with further ones that will become apparent from the following disclosure - are reached in a fitted-type shower booth embodying the characteristics as recited in the appended claims 1 to 9.

[0015] These aims are further reached in a method for the application of a capacitive-type touch-control switchboard on to a fitted-type shower booth, which incorporates the characteristics as recited in the appended claim 10.

[0016] Features and advantages of the present invention will anyway be more readily and clearly understood from the description of a preferred, although not sole embodiment that is given below by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fitted-type shower booth according to the present invention;
• Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the casing intended to accommodate the capacitive-type touch-control switchboard according to the present invention;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the capacitive-type touch-control switchboard, showing the annular LEDs surrounding the selection buttons;
• Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the plastic membrane of the cover;
• Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the outer wall of the panel in correspondence to the transparent portion thereof, showing the brackets and counter-brackets;
• Figure 6 is a perspective exploded view of the accommodation casing, the brackets and the counter-brackets, illustrating the method according to the present invention.

[0017] With reference to the above-cited Figures, the fitted-type shower booth according to the present invention - as generally indicated at 1 - mainly comprises an internal shower compartment 2 delimited by a plurality of side panels 3, each one of which defines an inner wall 4 facing the shower compartment 2, and adapted to be hit by the water jets, and an outer wall 5; it further comprises water-jet delivering spouts 6 and control and adjustment means, e.g. for the water jets delivered by the spouts 6, including a capacitive-type touch-control switchboard 7 provided with selection buttons 8.

[0018] The switchboard 7 is enclosed within an accommodation casing 9 that is tightly sealed by means of a removable cover 10 lying upon the touch-control buttons 8, wherein the cover 10 comprises graphic symbols 18 adapted to indicate the position of the buttons 8 corresponding to the various control and adjustment functions.

[0019] The accommodation casing 9 is attached in a removable manner to at least a bracket 12 that is applied by adhesive bonding to the outer wall 5 of a side panel 3 of the shower booth so that the cover 10 is associated to the outer wall 5 at a clear, i.e. see-through portion of said panel 3.

[0020] The buttons 8 are actuatable by touching the inner wall 4 of the panel 3 in correspondence to the appropriate graphic symbols 18 provided on the cover 10.

[0021] The accommodation casing 9 is comprised of a box-like container that is provided with a rear wall and side walls, and is adapted to contain the capacitive-type touch-control switchboard 7 with the related selection buttons 8. The accommodation casing defines a peripheral edge 13 delimiting an open side of the same accommodation casing, on which the cover 10 is adapted to be applied and rest.

[0022] Between the cover 10 and the accommodation casing 9 there is arranged a sealing gasket 14 adapted to ensure the tightness required to prevent moisture from being able to seep into the accommodation casing 9.

[0023] The cover 10 comprises a plate 15 that is adapted to be removably joined to the accommodation casing along the peripheral edge 13 thereof by means of appropriate fastening devices, with the sealing gasket 14 arranged between the peripheral edge 13 of the accommodation casing 9 and the plate 15.

[0024] The plate 15 is provided with a plurality of apertures 16 located in correspondence to the capacitive touch-control buttons 8, so that the same capacitive touch-control buttons 8 are able to be accommodated within such apertures when the plate 15 is joined to the accommodation casing 9.

[0025] The cover 10 further includes a plastic membrane 17 associated by adhesive bonding to the plate 15 so as to cover the capacitive touch-control buttons 8 and close the apertures 16 to tightly seal them against moisture.

[0026] Advantageously, the membrane 17 is arranged in a manner so as to lie in contact with the selection buttons 8.

[0027] Preferably, the membrane 17 is comprised of a polyester film having a thickness of 250 µm, adapted to ensure an adequate tightness, while avoiding attenuating the sensitivity of the capacitive touch-control buttons 8.

[0028] The membrane 17 features a set of graphic symbols provided in correspondence to the capacitive touch-control buttons 8 and the apertures 16 lying under the membrane 17, so as to indicate the position of the buttons and the corresponding control and adjustment function thereof.

[0029] In view of enhancing the visual indication of the position of the capacitive touch-control buttons 8 on the membrane 17, the capacitive touch-control switchboard 7 comprises light-emitting means 19 arranged close to each button 8.

[0030] Furthermore, the perforated plate 15 is made of a clear material that is transparent to light, and the membrane 17 is provided with clear zones 20 transparent to light in correspondence to the graphic symbols 18 so as to enable the light emitted by the afore-mentioned light-emitting means 19 to pass through the perforated plate 15 and the membrane 17 without suffering any appreciable attenuation.

[0031] Preferably, the light-emitting means 19 comprise ring-shaped LEDs surrounding each capacitive touch-control button 8.

[0032] The capacitive touch-control switchboard 7 may further comprise a display to visualize user-oriented information.

[0033] Provided in this embodiment is further another aperture in the perforated plate 15 in correspondence to the display, while the membrane 17 is in turn provided with a window transparent to light lying over said further aperture.

[0034] The accommodation casing 9 is adapted to be removably secured - externally relative to the shower compartment 2, i.e. on the outer side of the shower booth - to a side panel 3 of the booth, so that the membrane 17 is substantially associated to the outer wall 5 of the panel 3, in contact therewith. In correspondence to the zone at which the membrane 17 is applied, the panel 3 is provided with a transparent, i.e. light-transmitting portion 23, or window, enabling the graphic symbols 18 of the membrane 17 to be visible from the inside of the shower compartment through the same panel.

[0035] By touching the inner wall of the panel in correspondence to the appropriate graphic symbols 18 of the membrane 17, the user is thus able to actuate the corresponding capacitive touch-control buttons 8 lying under the membrane, so as to control, set and adjust the various functions, which the shower booth is provided with. These functions may for instance include the actuation and the adjustment of the water delivery spouts that are provided to issue different kinds and forms of not only jets of water, but also jets of air/water mixtures to perform appropriate body massaging actions, or even generate aromas, scents, light rays and beams, music sounds, and the like, in views of inducing psycho-physical well-being sensations in the user.

[0036] The capacitive touch-control switchboard 7 is adapted to send control and adjustment signals to a control unit, which it is connected to, in order to perform the above-noted functions.

[0037] The accommodation casing 9 is associated to the panel 3 with the help of mounting brackets 12 that are adhesively bonded to the outer wall 5 of the panel 3.

[0038] In particular, two brackets 12 are attached to the outer wall 5 of the panel 3 in correspondence to the transparent, light-transmitting zone 23 by means of a structural bi-adhesive bonding means.

[0039] The position of the brackets 12 is determined by using a mounting template to be properly positioned on the panel 3.

[0040] Each one of said brackets 12 is adapted to couple to a counter-bracket 21 to clamp the accommodation casing 9 therebetween in such manner as to lock the same casing 9 firmly in place on the outer wall 5 of the panel 3 in correspondence to the transparent portion thereof.

[0041] The brackets 12 define studs adapted to engage corresponding receptacles provided in the counter-brackets 21, while fastening means 22, such as screws of the lock-ring type, are adapted to removably fasten the counter-brackets 21 to the respective brackets 12.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, proximity sensors are provided to solely actuate the capacitive touch-control switchboard 7 when a user standing inside the shower compartment 2 is in proximity of the capacitive touch-control switchboard 7.
In particular, these proximity sensors include a pair of ultrasonic sensors 24 located in a sealed, water-tight manner in appropriate bores provided through the panel 3.

[0043] Fully apparent from the above description is therefore the ability of the present invention to effectively reach the aims and advantages cited afore, by providing a fitted-type shower booth with a capacitive-type touch-control switchboard that is totally and effectively protected against moisture, simple and quick to be mounted, conveniently and easily accessible, and having just a limited aesthetical impact on the overall design lines of the booth itself.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the afore described shower booth may be subject to a number of modifications and may be embodied in a number of different manners without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, all of the above-described details, items and parts may be replaced by technically equivalent items and parts.

[0045] It should be noticed that the materials used, as well as the shapes and the sizing of the individual items of the apparatus of the invention, may each time be selected so as to more appropriately meet the particular requirements or suit the particular application.

Claims

1. Fitted-type shower booth comprising a shower compartment (2) delimited by a plurality of side panels (3), each one of which defines an inner wall (4) facing the interior of the shower compartment (2), and adapted to be hit by the water jets, and an outer wall (5), and further comprising water-jet delivering spouts (6) and control and adjustment means including a capacitive-type touch-control switchboard (7) provided with selection buttons (8), characterized in that said switchboard (7) is enclosed within an accommodation casing (9) that is tightly sealed by means of a removable cover (10) lying upon said touch-control buttons (8), and in that said cover (10) comprises graphic symbols (18) adapted to indicate the position of the buttons (8) corresponding to the various control and adjustment functions, said accommodation casing (9) is attached in a removable manner to at least a bracket (12) that is applied by means of an adhesive to the outer wall (5) of a side panel (3) of the shower booth so that said cover (10) is associated to the outer wall (5) at a clear, light-transmitting portion of said panel (3), said buttons (8) being actuatable by touching the inner wall (4) of said panel at the appropriate graphic symbols (18) provided on the cover (10).

2. Shower booth according to claim 1, wherein the cover (10) comprises a plate (15) that is adapted to be removably joined to the accommodation casing (9), wherein said plate 15 is provided with a plurality of apertures (16) located in correspondence to the capacitive touch-control buttons (8).

3. Shower booth according to claim 2, wherein a sealing gasket (14) is provided between said plate (15) and the accommodation casing (9).

4. Shower booth according to claim 3, wherein said cover (10) further includes a plastic membrane (17) associated to the plate (15) so as to cover the capacitive touch-control buttons (8) and seal off the apertures (16) to prevent moisture from seeping in, said membrane (17) comprising said graphic symbols (18) provided in correspondence to the capacitive touch-control buttons (8) lying under the membrane (17), so as to indicate the position of the buttons (8) and the corresponding control and adjustment function thereof.

5. Shower booth according to claim 4, wherein said capacitive-type touch-control switchboard (7) comprises light-emitting means (19) arranged close to each such button (8), the perforated plate (15) being made of a transparent, light-transmitting material, and said membrane (17) including transparent, light-transmitting zones (20) in correspondence to the graphic symbols (18) so as to enable the light emitted by said light-emitting means (19) to pass through the plate (15) and the membrane (17).

6. Shower booth according to claim 5, wherein said light-emitting means (19) comprise ring-shaped LEDs extending to surround each button (8).

7. Shower booth according to claim 1, wherein said bracket (12) is attached to the outer wall (5) of the panel (3) in correspondence to the transparent, light-transmitting portion thereof by means of an adhesive, a counter-bracket (21) being provided so as to be adapted to be removably associated to said bracket (12) to clamp the accommodation casing (9) therebetween in such manner as to lock the same casing (9) firmly in place on the outer wall (5) of the panel (3).

8. Shower booth according to claim 1, wherein proximity sensors are provided to solely actuate the capacitive touch-control switchboard (7) when a user standing inside the shower compartment (2) is in proximity of said capacitive touch-control switchboard (7).

9. Shower booth according to claim 1, wherein said proximity sensors comprise at least an ultrasonic sensor (24).

10. Method for applying a capacitive-type touch-control switchboard (7) provided with selection buttons (8) on to a fitted-type shower booth, wherein said shower booth comprises a shower compartment (2) delimited by a plurality of side panels (3), each one of which defines an inner wall (4) facing the interior of the shower compartment (2), and adapted to be hit by the water jets, and an outer wall (5), and further comprises water-jet delivering spouts (6), characterized in that it comprises following steps:

- enclosing the capacitive-type touch-control switchboard (7) inside an accommodation casing (9) that is sealingly and tightly closed by means of a removable cover (10) lying upon said buttons (8),

- providing said cover (10) with graphic symbols (18) adapted to indicate both the position of said buttons (8) and the corresponding control and adjustment functions thereof,

- attaching at least a bracket (12) by adhesive means on to the outer wall (5) of a panel (3) of the shower booth in correspondence to a transparent portion of the same panel,

- causing said accommodation casing (9) to removably engage said bracket (12) so that said cover (10) is associated to said outer wall (5) in correspondence to said transparent portion of the said panel (3).

Drawing