(19)
(11) EP 2 243 886 B2

(12) NEW EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION
After opposition procedure

(45) Date of publication and mentionof the opposition decision:
26.01.2022 Bulletin 2022/04

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
30.05.2018 Bulletin 2018/22

(21) Application number: 10159750.8

(22) Date of filing: 13.04.2010
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
E03F 5/04(2006.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
E03F 5/0408; E03F 2005/0413

(54)

Height adjustment for tile frame

Höhenverstellung für Fliesenrahmen

Réglage en hauteur pour cadre pour carreaux


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

(30) Priority: 20.04.2009 NL 2002767

(43) Date of publication of application:
27.10.2010 Bulletin 2010/43

(73) Proprietor: Easy Sanitary Solutions B.V.
7575 BK Oldenzaal (NL)

(72) Inventor:
  • Keizers, Jurgen Hendrik Peter Joseph
    7582 GH, Losser (NL)

(74) Representative: 't Jong, Bastiaan Jacob 
Inaday B.V. Hengelosestraat 141
7521 AA Enschede
7521 AA Enschede (NL)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A- 0 606 606
CH-A- 394 968
DE-U1-202006 014 745
GB-A- 1 014 814
WO-A1-2009/091245
DE-U1- 9 407 453
DE-U1-202006 014 959
JP-A- 2002 294 853
   
       


    Description


    [0001] The invention relates to a shower drain and a tile layer according to the preamble of claim 1.

    [0002] Such a shower drain is for instance known from DE 202006014959.

    [0003] Furthermore, a shower drain is known from WO 2009 091245, which is prior art according to article 54(3) EPC, and from the as yet unpublished Netherlands application no. 1034911 of the same applicant. The elongate tray of such a shower drain is first placed in a concrete sub-floor. The tile frame is then placed in the elongate tray, after which the sub-floor is tiled. Depending on the thickness of the tiles used and the thickness of the adhesive layer, the tile frame can be adjusted in the height so that the upper surface of the upright edge lies flush with the upper surface of the tiles. In addition, the tile frame provides for a neat finishing of the sides of the tiles. Finally, a grating which covers the elongate tray is placed in this tile frame.

    [0004] In this prior art the height-adjustability of the strip is obtained with a number of bolts arranged in the tile frame, which act as adjustable feet. A part of the tile frame extends for this purpose over the width of the elongate tray, and the bolts are arranged in this part.

    [0005] A drawback of such a prior art shower drain is that the adjusting means are visible through the openings in the grating. In addition, the adjusting means impede cleaning of the elongate tray when the grating is removed.

    [0006] It is now an object of the invention to alleviate, or even obviate the above stated drawbacks.

    [0007] This object is achieved according to the invention with a shower drain and a tile layer according to claim 1.

    [0008] Because the adjusting means are at least in contact with the upright edge of the tile frame, there is in any case achieved that the tray is easier to clean. In addition, it is possible to arrange the adjusting means on the outer side of the tile frame. The adjusting means hereby come to lie between the tiles and the tile frame. Since this space is normally filled with an elastic mastic, the adjusting means are hereby fully concealed from view.

    [0009] In an embodiment of the shower drain and tile layer according to the invention the adjusting means are partially incorporated into the upright edge. The adjusting means are hereby concealed from view by the upright edge of the tile frame.

    [0010] In another embodiment of the shower drain and tile layer according to the invention the tile frame comprises a strip running peripherally along the upright side walls of the tray.

    [0011] According to the invention the adjusting means comprise a rising surface and a pin resting on the rising surface and slidable over the surface. In this embodiment the pin can be arranged fixedly on the tile frame and a for instance wedge-shaped part is pushed under the pin, whereby the height of the tile frame can as a result be set. It is also possible to arrange the rising surface in the tile frame, for instance through a recess in the upright edge. A displaceable pin can then subsequently protrude into this recess and support on the bottom surface of the tray. The height of the tile frame can then be adjusted by sliding the pin.

    [0012] In a further preferred embodiment of the shower drain and tile layer according to the invention the rising surface is stepped. The contact of the pin against the stepped rising surface is hereby more stable. Vertical recesses of different height, into which the pin drops, can optionally even be provided.

    [0013] In a preferred embodiment of the shower drain and tile layer according to the invention adjusting means are arranged opposite each other on either side of the tray, wherein the adjusting means are mutually coupled by a coupling element. The adjusting means lying opposite each other can be adjusted simultaneously with this coupling element. The coupling element is preferably arranged releasably on the adjusting means. During assembly the adjusting means can hereby be set simultaneously via the coupling element, after which the coupling element can be removed and the adjusting means are minimally visible.

    [0014] The coupling element is preferably a pin bent substantially in a U-shape. Owing to the U-shape the coupling element is resilient and can then be easily arranged in or removed from the adjusting means by hand.

    [0015] In another embodiment of the shower drain and tile not according to the invention the adjusting means comprise an adjusting pin arranged in the tile frame and provided with screw thread. This is a very simple method of adjusting the tile frame. Because the adjusting pin is arranged in the tile frame, it is therefore almost invisible.

    [0016] The adjusting pin not according to the invention can preferably be engaged on the top side by a tool, such as an open-end spanner, screwdriver or Allen key. This is possible because the top side of the adjusting pin lies at least partially clear, or because there is arranged in the adjusting frame a channel through which for instance the Allen key can be inserted.

    [0017] In yet another embodiment of the shower drain and tile not according to the invention the adjusting means comprise an adjusting foot, this adjusting foot being provided with a number of grooves varying in height, wherein the tile frame engages on one of the grooves.

    [0018] The tray is preferably an elongate tray so that an elongate shower drain is formed.

    [0019] These and other features of the invention are further elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

    Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the shower drain and tile layer according to the invention.

    Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the shower drain and tile layer according to figure 1.

    Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the adjusting means of the embodiment according to figure 1.

    Figure 4 shows schematically an embodiment not according to invention.

    Figure 5 shows schematically an embodiment not according to the invention.

    Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.

    Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment not according to the invention.

    Figure 8 shows a perspective bottom view of an embodiment not according to the invention.

    Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment not according to the invention.



    [0020] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a shower drain 1 according to the invention. This shower drain 1 has an elongate tray 2 under which a siphon housing 3 is arranged. This siphon housing 3 provides a stench trap and connection to an outlet pipe 4.

    [0021] A height-adjustable tile frame 5 is arranged in elongate tray 2. A grating 6, which is perforated on the top side, further rests in this tile frame 5.

    [0022] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of shower drain 1. In this figure the elongate tray 2 of shower drain 1 is cast into a sub-floor 7. A tile layer 8 is further arranged on this sub-floor 7. Tile frame 5 is here adjusted in the height such that the upper side of edge 9 lies flush with the upper side of tile layer 8.

    [0023] Grating 6 rests on cams 12 arranged on the inner side of tile frame 5. This ensures that the upper surface of grating 6 is at the same height as the upper edge of tile frame 5.

    [0024] Arranged between the upright walls of elongate tray 2 and tile frame 5 are wedge-shaped elements 10 which co-act with pins 11 arranged on the tile frame.

    [0025] If possible, and depending on the set height, tiles 8 extend over pins 11.

    [0026] Figure 3 shows adjusting means 10, 11 in more detail. Wedge-shaped part 10 is provided with a stepped, rising upper surface 12. Pin 11, which is connected to the tile frame, rests on this upper surface 12. Tile frame 5 can be adjusted in the height by displacing wedge-shaped part 10 relative to this tile frame 5.

    [0027] For the purpose of simultaneous adjustment of two mutually opposite adjusting means 10, 11, these adjusting means 10, 11 are mutually connected by means of a U-shaped bracket 13. One side of the tile frame can thus be adjusted in the height in simple manner by sliding bracket 13 back and forth.

    [0028] Once adjusting means 10, 11 have been set to the correct height, bracket 13 can be removed by squeezing flanges 14 on bracket 13 toward each other. Bracket 13 is hereby pulled out of holes 15 in wedge-shaped elements 10.

    [0029] Figure 4 shows schematically an embodiment of the shower drain not according to the invention. Tile frame 20, which is manufactured from a flat strip of material, is provided on the underside with a recess 21. Upper edge 22 of this recess rises and is stepped. A triangular support 23 is placed in this recess 21. Tile frame 20 can be easily adjusted in the height by sliding this support 23.

    [0030] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment 30 of the shower drain not according to the invention. Shower drain 30 has an elongate lower tray 31 which is cast into a sub-floor 32. A tile frame with an upright edge 33 is arranged in the elongate lower tray 31. In this embodiment the adjusting means take the form of adjusting bolts 34 which lie against upright edge 33. The tip of adjusting bolts 34 is accessible to a tool such as an Allen key 36 via a channel 35. Adjusting bolt 34 can hereby be rotated, and thereby adjusted in the height.

    [0031] A connecting rod 37, on which grating 38 rests, runs between adjusting bolts 34. Connecting rod 37 is advantageous particularly when the part of tile frame 33 into which adjusting bolts 34 protrude is made of plastic. In such a case the connecting rod provides a wear-resistant support surface for grating 38. If grating 38 were to lie directly on plastic, the plastic would wear away in the course of time, whereby grating 38 would no longer lie at the correct height.

    [0032] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment tile frame 40 is provided with transverse connections 41. These transverse connections 41 are provided with a bend 42 close to tile frame 40. A grating (not shown) can be centered within tile frame 40 by means of these bends 42, which are arranged on either side of transverse connections 41.

    [0033] Transverse connection 41 protrudes through tile frame 40 so that a cam 43 is created on the outside of tile frame 40. An adjusting foot 44 is placed on this cam 43. A stepped groove 45 is arranged in this adjusting foot 44. The height can thus be adjusted by placing cam 43 on one of the different steps. The shown adjusting foot 44 has the additional advantage that the foot can be rotated 90°. A different range of height adjustment can hereby be achieved due to the elongate form. In addition, a wide range of height adjustment can be obtained by a suitable choice of dimensions. Each step can for instance be 2 mm. In addition, the distance from the first step to the underside of the block is for instance 1 mm, and the distance from the final step to the top side 2 mm. An adjustment of 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm can hereby be obtained in the one position, and an adjustment of 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm by turning over the adjusting foot.

    [0034] Figure 7 shows an embodiment not according to the invention. Adjusting feet 51 are here arranged on tile frame 50. These adjusting feet 51 have a shaft end 52 with which they are rotatably mounted in tile frame 50. An internal hexagon 53 is arranged in shaft end 52 so that adjusting foot 51 can be easily adjusted using an Allen key.

    [0035] Shaft end 52 is arranged eccentrically on adjusting foot 51. The different side surfaces 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 can hereby be used as support surface through rotation of adjusting foot 51, whereby a corresponding different adjustment height h1, h2 is simultaneously obtained.

    [0036] Figure 8 shows a bottom view of an embodiment not according to the invention. Two recesses 61 are here arranged in the underside of tile frame 60, thereby resulting in a free shaft end 62 in tile frame 60. This shaft end 62 is provided with screw thread so that a nut 63 can be arranged on this screw thread. The peripheral surface of nut 63 is provided with a number of ridges 64, whereby nut 63 can be easily adjusted by hand.

    [0037] Figure 9 shows an embodiment 70 not according to the invention. This embodiment 70 has an elongate tray 71 with a bottom surface 72 and upright walls 73. A grating 74 is arranged in elongate tray 71. This grating 74 has a substantially C-shaped cross-section. Arranged in free edge 75 of this C-shaped cross-section is a slot 76 into which protrudes an adjusting foot 77. This adjusting foot 77 is provided with two locking cams 78 with which adjusting foot 77 can be tightened in slot 76.

    [0038] Further arranged on adjusting foot 77 is a cam 79 with which the adjusting foot, and thereby grating 74, is held at distance from tray 71 and can thus be centered.

    [0039] A bolt 80 with which grating 74 can be adjusted in the height is further arranged in the underside of adjusting foot 77.

    [0040] In addition to the shown embodiments, it is further possible to fix adjusting blocks to the underside of the tile frame.

    [0041] Finally, it should be noted that although the invention is elucidated on the basis of elongate shower drains, the invention can also be applied to drains of other forms, such as quarter-circular, round or square.


    Claims

    1. Shower drain (1) and a tile layer (8), the shower drain (1; 30) comprising:

    - a tray (2) with a bottom surface and upright side walls arranged along the periphery;

    - a height-adjustable tile frame (5; 40) arranged in the tray (2; 31) and having at least an upright edge (9); and

    - a grating (6) arranged in the tray (2);

    wherein the space between the tile layer (8) and the tile frame (5; 40) is filled with an elastic mastic

    characterized in that adjusting means (10, 11; 43, 44, 45) are arranged at least in contact with the upright edge (9) of the tile frame (5; 40) for the purpose of height adjustment of the tile frame (5; 40);

    and in that the adjusting means (10, 11; 43, 44, 45) comprise a rising surface (10; 45) and a pin (11; 43) resting on the rising surface (10; 45) and slidable over the surface (10; 45).


     
    2. Shower drain and a tile layer (8) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjusting means are partially incorporated into the upright edge .
     
    3. Shower drain and a tile layer (8) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the tile frame (5; 40) comprises a strip running peripherally along the upright side walls of the tray.
     
    4. Shower drain (1) and a tile layer (8) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rising surface (10;45) is stepped.
     
    5. Shower drain (1) and a tile layer (8) as claimed in 4, wherein adjusting means (10, 11) are arranged opposite each other on either side of the tray (2), wherein the adjusting means (10, 11) are mutually coupled by a coupling element (13).
     
    6. Shower drain (1) and a tile layer (8) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the coupling element (13) is arranged releasably on the adjusting means (10, 11).
     
    7. Shower drain (1) and a tile layer (8) as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the coupling element (13) is a pin bent substantially in a U-shape.
     
    8. Shower drain and a tile layer (8) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rising surface is arranged in the tile frame.
     
    9. Shower drain and a tile layer (8) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a plate-like foot (44) and a stepped groove (45) which is arranged in the plate-like foot (44) and into which the pin (43) protrudes.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Duschabfluss (1; 30) und Fliesenschicht (8), wobei der Duschabfluss (1; 30) umfasst:

    - eine Wanne (2; 31) mit einer Bodenfläche und senkrechten Seitenwänden, die entlang der Umfangslinie angeordnet sind;

    - einen höhenverstellbaren Fliesenrahmen (5; 20; 33; 40; 50; 60), der in der Wanne (2; 31) angeordnet ist und mindestens einen senkrechten Rand (9; 33) aufweist; und

    - ein Gitter (6; 38), das in der Wanne (2; 31) angeordnet ist;

    wobei der Raum zwischen der Fliesenschicht (8) und dem Fliesenrahmen (5; 40) mit einem elastischen Mastix gefüllt ist,

    dadurch gekenzeichnet, dass

    Verstellmittel (10, 11; 43, 44, 45) mindestens in Kontakt mit dem senkrechten Rand (9) des Fliesenrahmens (5;40;) zum Zweck der Höhenverstellung des Fliesenrahmens (5; 40) angeordnet sind,

    und dass die Verstellmittel (10, 11; 43, 44, 45) eine ansteigende Fläche (10; 45) und einen auf der ansteigenden Fläche (10; 45) gestützten und über die Fläche (10; 45) gleitbaren Stift (11; 43) umfassen.


     
    2. Duschabfluss und Fliesenschicht (8) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Verstellmittel teilweise in den senkrechten Rand integriert sind.
     
    3. Duschabfluss und Fliesenschicht (8) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Fliesenrahmen (5; 40) einen Streifen umfasst, der an der Umfanglinie entlang der senkrechten Seitenwände der Wanne verläuft.
     
    4. Duschabfluss (1) und Fliesenschicht (8) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die ansteigende Fläche (10; 45) stufenförmig ist.
     
    5. Duschabfluss (1) und Fliesenschicht (8) nach einem der Anspruch 4, wobei die Verstellmittel (10, 11) einander gegenüber an jeder Seite der Wanne (2) angeordnet sind, wobei die Verstellmittel (10, 11) gegenseitig durch ein Kupplungselement (13) gekuppelt sind.
     
    6. Duschabfluss (1) und Fliesenschicht (8) nach Anspruch 5, wobei das Kupplungselement (13) lösbar an den Verstellmitteln (10, 11) angeordnet ist.
     
    7. Duschabfluss (1) und Fliesenschicht (8) nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei das Kupplungselement (13) ein im Wesentlichen in U-Form gebogener Stift ist.
     
    8. Duschabfluss und Fliesenschicht (8) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die ansteigende Fläche im Fliesenrahmen angeordnet ist.
     
    9. Duschabfluss und Fliesenschicht (8) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, umfassend einen plattenähnlichen Fuß (44) und eine stufenförmige Rille (45), die im plattenähnlichen Fuß (44) angeordnet ist und in die der Stift (43) vorsteht.
     


    Revendications

    1. Drain de douche (1 ; 30) et couche de carrelage (8), le drain de douche (1 ; 30) comprenant :

    - un plateau (2 ; 31) avec une surface inférieure et des parois latérales verticales disposées le long de la périphérie ;

    - un cadre de carrelage réglable en hauteur (5; 40) disposé dans le plateau (2 ; 31) et ayant au moins un bord vertical (9) ; et

    - une grille (6) ménagée dans le plateau (2) ;

    dans lesquels l'espace entre le couche de carrelage (8) et le cadre de carrelage (5; 40) est rempli d'un mastic élastique

    caractérisés en ce que des moyens de réglage (10, 11 ; 43, 44, 45) sont agencés au moins en contact avec le bord vertical (9) du cadre de carrelage (5 ; 40) pour le réglage de la hauteur du cadre de carrelage (5 ; 40),

    et en ce que les moyens de réglage (10, 11; 43, 44, 45) comprennent une surface ascendante (10 ; 45) et une broche (11 ; 43) reposant sur la surface ascendante (10 ; 45) et pouvant coulisser sur la surface (10 ; 45).


     
    2. Drain de douche et couche de carrelage (8) selon la revendication 1, dans lesquels les moyens de réglage sont partiellement incorporés dans le bord vertical.
     
    3. Drain de douche et couche de carrelage (8) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lesquels le cadre de carrelage (5 ;40) comprend une bande s'étendant périphériquement le long des parois latérales verticales du plateau.
     
    4. Drain de douche (1) et couche de carrelage (8) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lesquels la surface ascendante (10 ; 45) est étagée.
     
    5. Drain de douche (1) et couche de carrelage (8) selon la revendication 4, dans lesquels des moyens de réglage (10, 11) sont disposés l'un en face de l'autre de chaque côté du plateau (2), dans lesquels les moyens de réglage (10, 11) sont couplés ensemble par un élément d'accouplement (13).
     
    6. Drain de douche (1) et couche de carrelage (8) selon la revendication 5, dans lesquels l'élément d'accouplement (13) est agencé de façon amovible sur les moyens de réglage (10, 11).
     
    7. Drain de douche (1) et couche de carrelage (8)) selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lesquels l'élément d'accouplement (13) est une broche pliée sensiblement en forme de U.
     
    8. Drain de douche et couche de carrelage (8) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lesquels la surface ascendante est agencée dans le cadre de carrelage.
     
    9. Drain de douche et couche de carrelage (8) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un pied en forme de plaque (44) et une rainure étagée (45) qui est agencée dans le pied en forme de plaque (44) et dans laquelle la broche (43) dépasse.
     




    Drawing




















    Cited references

    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