MODULAR BATHROOM UNIT AND MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR ASSEMBLING A MODULAR BATHROOM UNIT

Abstract

 A modular bathroom unit (1) comprises a mounting structure (2) which supports a plurality of sanitary appliances (5) and associated attachments (6) defining respective functional modules (3) and precisely: a washbasin functional module (3A), provided with a washbasin (5A); a shower functional module (3B), provided with a shower (5B); and a WC functional module (3C), provided with a WC bowl (5C) .

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102017000025367 filed on March 7, 2017.

[0002] The present invention relates to a modular bathroom unit and a mounting structure for assembling a modular bathroom unit.

[0003] In buildings, bathrooms are generally assembled in special rooms that are furnished with showers, washbasins and toilets, each normally installed independently.

[0004] The assembly of a bathroom therefore normally involves long and expensive works, which also involve heavy interventions on the building structures (walls and floors) .

[0005] Furthermore, in modern buildings, the space available for a bathroom is often very small and it is not possible to arrange the various sanitary appliances in a satisfactory manner, also being bound by the position of the pipes already present therein.

[0006] Similar problems occur both with new or modern buildings, and in the renovation of old buildings: creating a bathroom in an old building, in fact, in place of a previous one or in a space not designed as a bathroom also involves major masonry works.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to allow the construction of a bathroom, in particular in a building, in an extremely simple, fast and inexpensive manner, practically requiring no major interventions on the building structure (mainly on the walls).

[0008] The present invention thus relates to a modular bathroom unit and a mounting structure for assembling a modular bathroom unit as defined in the appended claims 1 and 16, respectively.

[0009] Additional preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention allows the creation of a bathroom complete with shower, washbasin and WC in an extremely simple, fast and inexpensive manner, which is fully efficient and comfortable, even in small spaces.

[0011] The unit of the invention, also thanks to its particular mounting structure, is easy to install and allows the assembly of bathrooms in different configurations in a simple, fast and inexpensive manner.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof, with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

• Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a modular bathroom unit according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the modular bathroom unit in Figure 1;
• Figures 3 and 4 are two opposite, side perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, of the modular bathroom unit in Figure 1;
• Figures 5 and 6 are two, respectively top and bottom, perspective views of a mounting structure forming part of the modular bathroom unit of Figure 1;
• Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D are plan views of the modular bathroom unit of the invention in different configurations of use.

[0013] The numeral 1 in Figures 1-4 shows, as a whole, a modular bathroom unit, in particular for assembling a bathroom in a building.

[0014] The unit 1 comprises a mounting structure 2 (in particular visible in Figures 3-4, and separately in Figures 5-6) and functional modules 3 supported by the mounting structure 2 and provided with sanitary appliances 5 and attachments 6 and covering panels 7 which cover at least some parts of the mounting structure 2.

[0015] The sanitary appliances 5 are arranged on the mounting structure 2 so as to define a plurality of functional modules 3, each having at least one sanitary appliance 5 with a specific function.

[0016] The mounting structure 2 is provided with a plurality of supports 8 configured to receive and lock, directly and/or via suitable fastening members (which can be of any known type), the sanitary appliances 5 and the associated attachments 6 defining the functional modules 3.

[0017] The supports 8 are fitted to the mounting structure 2 by fastening members 9, for example screws, joints or the like, preferably releasable and position-adjustable fastening members so that the supports 8 can be mounted in different locations on the mounting structure 2.

[0018] In the preferred illustrated embodiment, the unit 1 includes: a washbasin functional module 3A provided with a washbasin 5A; a shower functional module 3B, provided with a shower 5B; and a WC functional module 3C, provided with a WC bowl 5C.

[0019] Preferably, the washbasin functional module 3A is arranged centrally on the mounting structure 2, and the shower functional module 3B and the WC functional module 3C are arranged on respective opposite sides of the central washbasin functional module 3A.

[0020] The mounting structure 2, also shown in Figures 5 and 6, is preferably made of a metallic material and is formed, for example, by bars 10 connected and/or joined to one another.

[0021] The mounting structure 2 is a self-supporting structure, being able to support itself autonomously while at the same time providing a support function for the sanitary appliances 5 fitted thereon.

[0022] The mounting structure 2 comprises: a base frame 11, substantially horizontal in use, and a column frame 12 which projects perpendicularly upwards from the base frame 11 and is substantially vertical in use.

[0023] The base frame 11 extends between two opposite ends 13, 14 and has a perimetric edge 15, which is, for example, substantially polygonal (for example, substantially quadrangular and in particular substantially rectangular or square in shape), and optionally crosspieces 16 which connect opposite sides of the edge 15; a horizontal plate 17 provided with a through drain hole 18 and optionally supported by the crosspieces 16 underlying the plate 17 is arranged at the end 13; the column frame 12 extends from the opposite end 14.

[0024] The base frame 11 is preferably provided with support feet 19 which project from a lower face of the edge 15 and are optionally adjustable in height, for example by means of a threaded device.

[0025] The column frame 12 extends along a vertical axis A in use and delimits an internal space 20.

[0026] The column frame 12 comprises vertical uprights 21 parallel to each other and to the axis A, and horizontal crosspieces 22, which connect pairs of uprights 21 and/or other crosspieces 22.

[0027] In particular, the column frame 12 comprises four main uprights 21A located at respective vertices of the column frame 12. Optionally, the column frame 12 comprises auxiliary uprights 21B interposed between the main uprights 21A. The crosspieces 22 connect pairs of uprights 21. It is understood that the mounting structure 2 may also include reinforcing bars differently oriented with respect to the uprights 21 and the crosspieces 22 described herein by way of example, for example bars inclined with respect to the axis A.

[0028] The uprights 21 and the crosspieces 22 are connected to each other and/or to the base frame 11, for example by connecting members, for example screws, joints or the like, preferably releasable and position-adjustable connecting members so that the uprights 21 and/or the crosspieces 22 can be mounted in different locations on the mounting structure 2. It is understood that the uprights 21 and the crosspieces 22 may be otherwise connected, for example welded or fitted by interlocking, etc.

[0029] The supports 8 to which the sanitary appliances 5 and the associated attachments 6 are fastened are also connected to the mounting structure 2, in particular the column frame 12, via the fastening members 9, which, as already pointed out, are preferably releasable and position-adjustable fastening members so that the supports 8 can be mounted in different locations on the mounting structure 2.

[0030] The supports 8 are defined, for example, by some of the crosspieces 22, or by plates or brackets, which project from the crosspieces 22 or the uprights 21.

[0031] The internal space 20 is closed by the covering panels 7, which are fitted to the column frame 12, for example to the uprights 21, and positioned on respective faces of the column frame 12 to define respective rear walls 23 of the functional modules 3.

[0032] The mounting structure 2, and precisely the column frame 12, support a plurality of sanitary appliances 5 and associated attachments 6 defining the functional modules 3, including for example: the washbasin 5A with at least one tap 24 in the washbasin functional module 3A; the shower 5B with at least one water distributor head 25 and the associated control 26 in the shower functional module 3B; the WC bowl 5C, optionally associated with a flush tank 27 with the associated control plate 28, in the WC functional module 3C.

[0033] In the preferred illustrated embodiment, the washbasin 5A projects outside the column frame 12 (i.e. outside the internal space 20) from a front face 29 of the column frame 12 and is supported by the column frame 12, in particular by one of the supports 8 defined, in this case, by one or more crosspieces 22, to which it is fitted by means of suitable fastening members 9. The column frame 12 also supports, for example by means of further supports 8 defined by respective crosspieces 22, the tap 24 located above the washbasin 5A and a drain pipe (not shown) located under the washbasin 5A and entering the internal space 20; a bracket 30 projects from a crosspiece 22 to support the drain pipe.

[0034] The shower 5B and the WC bowl 5C project outside the column frame 12 from respective opposite side faces 31, 32 of the column frame 12, on opposite sides of the front face 29 with the washbasin 5A.

[0035] The supports 8, which receive the sanitary appliances 5 and/or the respective fastening members 9, are thus arranged on the three faces 29, 31, 32 of the base frame 11.

[0036] The shower functional module 3B comprises the water distributor head 25, which projects above the plate 17, the associated control 26, and optionally other nozzles, distributors and/or taps.

[0037] The panel 7 of the shower functional module 3B covers the face 31 of the column frame 12 facing the plate 17, on which a shower tray 33 is placed; the shower tray 33 is therefore delimited by the perimetric edge 15. The shower tray 33 can be defined by the same, suitably finished plate 17; or the plate 17 may be missing and replaced by the shower tray 33, directly supported by the base frame 11.

[0038] The shower functional module 3B is closed along the edge 15 by walls 35 and a door 36, which together with the rear wall 23 of the shower functional module 3B, delimit and close a shower chamber 37 of the shower functional module 3B around the plate 17 and the shower tray 33.

[0039] For example, the door 36 is hinged to one of the walls 35 (but it could be hinged to the mounting structure 2, for example to the upright 21 adjacent to the washbasin functional module 3A) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the axis A.

[0040] The WC functional module 3C comprises the WC bowl 5C, the flush tank 27 with the associated control plate 28, and a door 38 hinged to the mounting structure 2, and precisely to the upright 21 adjacent to the washbasin functional module 3A, so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the axis A. In the illustrated example, the door 38 has two (or more) small doors 39 hinged to one another parallel to the axis A.

[0041] In the illustrated example, the column frame 12 comprises a pair of auxiliary uprights 21B, placed between two main uprights 21A, and the WC bowl 5C is supported by a support 8 defined by a crosspiece 22 arranged between the auxiliary uprights 21B, and by the associated fastening means 9.

[0042] The flush tank 27 is supported by the auxiliary uprights 21B and is connected to the WC bowl 5C by a flush pipe 40, supported by a crosspiece 22 provided with a suitable seat, defining another support 8. The control plate 28 is mounted on the face 32 of the column frame 12 defining the rear wall 23 of the WC functional module 3C, above the WC bowl 5C.

[0043] The panels 7 covering the front face 29 and the side faces 31, 32 of the column frame 12 can be provided with one or more recesses, shelves, mirrors, lamps, various attachments, etc.

[0044] For example, the panel 7 defining the rear wall 23 of the washbasin functional module 3A is provided, above the washbasin 5A, with a storage recess 42, a mirror 43 and a lamp 44.

[0045] The panel 7 of the WC functional module 3C, in addition to housing the control plate 28 of the flush tank 27, may be provided with lamps 45 and/or recesses and/or various attachments.

[0046] It is understood that the mounting structure 2 may also support other attachments such as cabinets/storage recesses, shelves, mirrors, lamps, etc.

[0047] The internal space 20 houses, in use, pipes and connections (not shown) for connecting the sanitary appliances 5 to a hot/cold water supply circuit and a discharge circuit.

[0048] The unit 1 can be assembled in various ways, depending on the needs, in any case providing a complete bathroom.

[0049] The sanitary appliances 5 and optionally the crosspieces 22, as well as the attachments 6, can be mounted on the mounting structure 2, and in particular on the column frame 12, in different positions.

[0050] In particular, the washbasin functional module 3A can be selectively arranged on one or the other of the two opposite faces 29 of the column frame 12; the door 38 of the WC functional module 3C can be selectively hinged to each of the two opposite uprights 21 adjacent to the WC functional module 3C.

[0051] This enables, for example, the configurations shown in Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D.

[0052] Of course, different sanitary appliances 5 can be fitted to the mounting structure 2: it is therefore possible to choose the washbasin 5A, the shower 5B, the WC bowl 5C, the control plate 28, the attachments 6, etc. to be fitted to the mounting structure 2, thus obtaining different units 1.

[0053] The covering panels 7 are also advantageously interchangeable, so as to provide units 1 with different finishes. The panels 7 are thus selected from a plurality of panels 7 different in colour, shape, decoration, finish, etc.

[0054] Lastly, it is understood that the modular bathroom unit as described and illustrated herein can be subject to further modifications and variations that do not depart from the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A modular bathroom unit (1), comprising a mounting structure (2) provided with a plurality of supports (8) which support a plurality of sanitary appliances (5) and associated attachments (6) defining respective functional modules (3); the unit (1) comprising: a washbasin functional module (3A), provided with a washbasin (5A); a shower functional module (3B), provided with a shower (5B); and a WC functional module (3C), provided with a WC bowl (5C).

2. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the washbasin functional module (3A) is arranged centrally on the mounting structure (2), and the shower functional module (3B) and the WC functional module (3C) are arranged on opposite sides of the central washbasin functional module (3A).

3. The unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting structure (2) is a self-supporting structure.

4. The unit according to one of the preceding claims, comprising interchangeable covering panels (7) which cover at least some parts of the mounting structure (2) .

5. The unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washbasin functional module (3A) comprises a washbasin (5A) with a first tap; the shower functional module (3B) comprises a shower (5B) with at least one water distributor head (25) with associated control (26); the WC functional module (3C) comprises a WC bowl (5C) and a flushing tank (27) associated with the WC bowl (5C) and having a control plate (28); and wherein the washbasin (5A) projects outside the column frame (12) from a front face (29) of the column frame (12); and the shower (5B) and the WC bowl (5C) project outside the column frame (12) from respective opposite lateral faces (31, 32) of the column frame (12), on opposite sides of the front face (29) with the washbasin (5A).

6. The unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting structure (2) comprises: a base frame (11), substantially horizontal in use and having a perimetric edge (15) delimiting a shower tray (33); and a column frame (12) which projects perpendicularly upwards from one end (14) of the base frame (11) along an axis (A), substantially vertical in use, and delimits an internal space (20) and is composed of vertical uprights (21) parallel to one another and to the axis (A) and horizontal crosspieces (22) which connect pairs of uprights (21) and/or other crosspieces (22).

7. The unit according to claim 6, wherein the base frame (11) is provided with support feet (19) which project from a lower face of the edge (15) and are height-adjustable, for example by means of a threaded device.

8. The unit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the space (20) is closed at least partly by covering panels (7) fitted to the column frame (12) and positioned on respective faces (29, 31, 32) of the column frame (12) to define respective rear walls (23) of the functional modules (3) .

9. The unit according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the shower functional module (3B) is closed along the edge (15) by walls (35) and by a first door (36), which together with the rear wall (23) of the shower functional module (3B), close the shower functional module (3B) delimiting a shower chamber (37).

10. The unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the WC functional module (3C) comprises a second door (38) hinged to the mounting structure (2).

11. The unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supports (8) are fitted to the mounting structure (2) by releasable and position-adjustable fastening members (9), so that the supports (8) can be mounted in different positions on the mounting structure (2) .

12. The unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washbasin functional module (3A) can be selectively positioned on either one or the other of two opposite faces (29) of the mounting structure (2).

13. A mounting structure (2) for assembling a modular bathroom unit (1), comprising a base frame (11), substantially horizontal in use and having a perimetric edge (15) delimiting a shower tray (33); and a column frame (12) which projects perpendicularly upwards from a first end (14) of the base frame (11) along an axis (A), substantially vertical in use; the mounting structure (2) being provided with a plurality of supports (8) configured to receive a plurality of sanitary appliances (5) and associated attachments (6) defining respective functional modules (3).

14. The mounting structure according to claim 13, wherein the supports (8) are arranged on at least three faces (29, 31, 32) of the base frame (11).

15. The mounting structure according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the mounting structure (2) is a self-supporting structure.

16. The mounting structure according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the column frame (12) delimits an internal space (20) and is composed of vertical uprights (21), parallel to one another and to the axis (A), and horizontal crosspieces (22), which connect pairs of uprights (21) and/or other crosspieces (22).

17. The mounting structure according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the base frame (11) is provided with support feet (19) which project from a lower face of the edge (15) and are height-adjustable, for example by means of a threaded device.

Drawing