Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Tubs – Particular construction or configuration details
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-22
2001-08-07
Phillips, Charles E. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Tubs
Particular construction or configuration details
Reexamination Certificate
active
06269494
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to bathtubs and similar equipment, such as hydromassage (whirlpool) tubs, tubs for thermal treatments, etc. More specifically, the invention concerns the installation of accessory elements on such tubs, typically finishing panels.
As is known, one of the techniques that are largely being employed currently for the installation of similar tubs provides for the use of a parallelepipedal metal structure of horizontal design, the lower part of which is equipped with adjustable support feet resting on the floor and the upper part of which is provided with an opening in which the basin of the tub is accommodated.
The perimeter shelf enveloping the mouth of the cavity of the tub is supported against an upper peripheral frame of the structure in such a way that the perimeter edge of the shelf, which is turned down, covers the frame.
Moreover, to mask the support structure, finishing panels are used that are bound to the structure in the following manner:
the upper edge of every single panel is inserted from below behind the respective portion of the descending turned-down lip of the tub;
the upper part of the support structure which faces the panel is provided with thrust organs which are prepositioned to maintain the said upper edge of the panel elastically loaded toward and against the said portion of the descending turned-down lip; and
joined to the lower part of the support structure are metallic bodies, or permanent magnets, which correspond, on the facing part of the panel, with respective permanent magnets, or metallic bodies.
The widespread use of the fastening technique described above has revealed that it is unsatisfactory in terms of the safety of use of tubs thus equipped.
A first disadvantage common to all types of tubs, whether or not equipped with pumping units or other electrically operated devices, is due to the fact that the connection of the panels effected by said magnetic type means is stable and safe with regard to thrusts directed toward the tub, but offers little resistance with regard to forces in the opposite direction. It can substantially happen, as, in fact, it has been found in practice, that the panels detach themselves relatively easily from their own support structure, which can involve seriously dangerous situations, in particular if there is a child, or an elderly or disabled person in the vicinity.
Another drawback typical of those tubs that are equipped with electrically operated devices is that the common restraining means of a mechanical nature which provide for the use of screws result in many electrically conductive bridges across which the electric current can reach the external face of the panels in the event of breakdown or malfunction, for example the presence of an exposed electric cable.
The objective of the present invention is to remedy the above drawbacks within the context of a simple and rational constructive solution.
The objective is achieved owing to a system of fixation having the features described and claimed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The system of the present invention comprises a plurality of anchoring plates, each having a series of holes placed on the anterior face of the plate and at right angles to it, close together, capable of accommodating a fastening screw inserted in a respective through-hole provided in the facing panel, and adjustable attachment assemblies each capable of fixing such a respective plate to the support structure, in such a way that the anterior face thereof is turned toward the inner face of the facing panel.
In a particular embodiment, the system of the present invention provides the customary elastic thrust organs or members capable of acting against the inside face of the upper edge of the panels connected to the support structure of a tub in combination with the said anchoring plates which are prepositioned to bind the said panels to the base of the said support structure.
In a particular embodiment, the said holes of the said plates are blind holes.
Owing to the above-mentioned means, all the objectives of the invention are achieved:
first, by the fact that the panels are bound in a bilateral and safe manner to the support structure of the tube, and
second, because the creation of any electric bridge whatsoever for passage of current outside the panels is avoided.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3964229 (1976-06-01), Fischer
patent: 5477568 (1995-12-01), Wang
patent: 5788198 (1998-08-01), Sharpe
patent: 2911822 (1980-10-01), None
patent: 0450347 (1991-10-01), None
American Standard Inc.
Phillips Charles E.
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