阅读说明：本技术 用于独立式浴缸注入器安装的混凝土成型件及使用方法 (Concrete form for installation of stand-alone bathtub injector and method of use ) 是由 M·J·鲍尔 于 2020-11-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种用于安装浴缸注入器的混凝土成型件,所述混凝土成型件包括具有暴露的顶部表面的基部、沿着基部的每一侧延伸并且垂直于基部定向的周边壁、以及从所述周边壁的顶部边沿从所述暴露的顶部表面向外延伸的边缘。所述混凝土成型件包括沿着所述边缘设置的至少一个凹口,使得所述至少一个凹口被配置为与浴缸注入器的期望位置对准。所述混凝土成型件包括与所述凹口对应的钻孔模板。所述钻孔模板包括被配置为指示钻孔放置的多个标记物。(The present invention provides a concrete form for mounting a bathtub injector, the concrete form comprising a base having an exposed top surface, a perimeter wall extending along each side of the base and oriented perpendicular to the base, and a rim extending outwardly from the exposed top surface from a top edge of the perimeter wall. The concrete form includes at least one recess disposed along the edge such that the at least one recess is configured to align with a desired position of a bathtub injector. The concrete profile includes a drilling template corresponding to the recess. The borehole template includes a plurality of markers configured to indicate borehole placement.)

1. A concrete form for mounting a bathtub injector, the concrete form comprising:

a base having an exposed top surface;

a perimeter wall extending along each side of the base and oriented perpendicular to the base;

a rim extending outwardly from the exposed top surface from a top edge of the perimeter wall;

at least one recess disposed along the rim, the at least one recess configured to align with a desired position of the bathtub injector; and

a borehole template corresponding to the recess, the borehole template comprising a plurality of markers configured to indicate borehole placement.

2. The concrete form of claim 1 wherein the at least one recess is one of a cut, a ridge, a raised ridge, a protrusion, a channel or a groove.

3. The concrete form of claim 1 wherein the at least one recess is located in the centre of the perimeter wall.

4. The concrete form of claim 1 further comprising a flange extending outwardly from the rim from a top edge of the perimeter wall, wherein the rim and flange are configured in a step.

5. The concrete form of claim 4 wherein said at least one notch is provided on said flange.

6. The concrete form of claim 1 further comprising at least one drill point disposed on at least one side of the perimeter wall, wherein the at least one drill point is configured to receive at least one fluid supply line.

7. The concrete form of claim 1 wherein the holing template is circular and wherein the plurality of markers are disposed along a periphery of the holing template.

8. The concrete form of claim 1 wherein the drill template is centered along the base.

9. The concrete form of claim 1 wherein the drill template is perforated and configured to be removed exposing an opening for a mounting block coupled to a concrete pad through the concrete form.

10. The concrete form of claim 1 wherein the marker is a boss on the drill template to form an integral drill bushing.

11. A freestanding bathtub injector system, the freestanding bathtub injector system comprising:

a concrete form, said concrete form comprising:

a base having an exposed top surface;

a perimeter wall extending along each side of the base and oriented perpendicular to the base;

a rim extending outwardly from the exposed top surface from a top edge of the perimeter wall;

at least one recess disposed along the rim, the at least one recess configured to align with a desired position of the freestanding bathtub injector; and

a drilling template corresponding to the recess, the drilling template comprising a plurality of markers configured to indicate drill placement;

a concrete pad formed below the concrete form;

a mounting block configured to couple to the concrete pad through an opening corresponding to the boring template, the mounting block configured to support the freestanding bathtub injector and to receive a fluid supply line; and

a floor underlayment disposed on the edge of the concrete form.

12. The standalone bathtub injector system of claim 11, further comprising an orientation template configured to specify dimensions of an installation site.

13. The standalone bathtub injector system of claim 12, wherein the orientation template comprises:

a first line configured to align a centerline of the free standing bathtub injector, a bathtub discharge conduit, and a length of a bathtub;

a second line oriented perpendicular to the first line and parallel to a width of the bathtub, wherein an intersection of the first line and the second line indicates a mounting position of the freestanding bathtub injector;

a bathtub injector section configured to align with placement of the freestanding bathtub injector;

a discharge zone configured to align with placement of the fluid supply line; and

a bathtub footprint configured to align with placement of the freestanding bathtub injector system.

14. The standalone bathtub injector system of claim 11, wherein the fluid supply line is directed through a corresponding drill point and into an opening in the mounting block to the standalone bathtub injector.

15. A method of using a free standing bathtub injector concrete form, the method comprising:

placing a concrete form into the hole;

directing at least one fluid supply line through an inlet of the concrete form;

aligning the concrete form with an orientation template via at least one recess, the orientation template configured for placement of at least the freestanding bathtub injector;

pouring concrete into the holes around the concrete form;

drilling a mounting hole for the freestanding bathtub injector mounting block through the concrete form using a drilling template disposed on a base of the concrete form;

removing the drill template from the concrete form; and

coupling the mounting block to the concrete.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising marking the orientation template with a first line and a second line, wherein an intersection of the first and second lines indicates a position of the free standing bathtub injector.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising cutting the concrete form to form an inlet for placement of the at least one fluid supply line.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising securing a plate to the concrete form in line with the at least one notch.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising coupling the at least one fluid supply line directed through the inlet aperture to the freestanding bathtub injector mounting block.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising placing a floor underlayment onto an edge of the concrete form.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to bathtub injector installations. More particularly, the present application relates to concrete forms for mounting freestanding bathtub injectors.

Background

A freestanding tub injector may be mounted adjacent the tub for injecting water into the tub. They are typically floor mounted and are of sufficient height to allow the outlet of the tub injector to be positioned above the rim of the tub so that water can flow freely into the tub. Such stand-alone bathtub injectors come in a wide variety of configurations and have different feature sets. These bathtub injectors are connected to the sewer line and are installed in the following manner: so that it is positioned next to the bathtub rather than being connected to the bathtub. The present application is directed to improved systems and methods for installing such a freestanding bathtub injector.

In houses or dwellings without basements and low-rise spaces, or with cast concrete floors, freestanding bathtub injectors are typically installed into a concrete slab foundation. Installation of such freestanding bathtub injectors typically requires a complex process involving excavation of the ground, routing of supply lines, and placement of concrete. Currently, installers need to address how to install bathtub injectors into concrete slabs without guidance. Some stand alone bathtub injectors are fixed to the floor, which creates a risk of damaging delicate tiles. The concrete form disclosed in this application is designed to eliminate the work that would have been done by chance to place the mounting block of the bathtub infuser, thus significantly simplifying the installation process.

The following description focuses primarily on concrete floor installation, but it should be understood that the disclosed forms may be formed on other floor surfaces in a bathing or shower environment (e.g., tub, etc.) to provide guidance and alignment during various installation procedures. It would therefore be advantageous to provide an improved form (including structures having aesthetically pleasing designs and that can be installed in a manner that advantageously helps prevent hand cuts and scratches during installation) that overcomes the above-described challenges and provides many advantages. These and other advantageous features will become apparent to those reading the present disclosure.

Disclosure of Invention

At least one embodiment relates to a concrete form for mounting a bathtub injector. The concrete form includes a base having an exposed top surface, a perimeter wall extending along each side of the base and oriented perpendicular to the base, and a rim extending outwardly from the exposed top surface from a top edge of the perimeter wall. The concrete form includes at least one recess disposed along the edge such that the at least one recess is configured to align with a desired position of the bathtub injector. The concrete profile comprises a drilling template corresponding to the recess. The borehole template includes a plurality of markers configured to indicate borehole placement.

Another embodiment relates to a stand alone bathtub injector system. A freestanding bathtub injector system includes a concrete form including a base having an exposed top surface, a perimeter wall extending along each side of the base and oriented perpendicular to the base, and a rim extending outwardly from the exposed top surface from a top edge of the perimeter wall. The concrete form includes at least one recess disposed along the edge such that the at least one recess is configured to align with a desired position of a freestanding bathtub injector. The concrete profile comprises a drilling template corresponding to the recess. The borehole template includes a plurality of markers configured to indicate borehole placement. The freestanding bathtub injector system also includes a concrete pad formed under the concrete form, a mounting block configured to be coupled to the concrete pad through an opening corresponding to the drill template, and a floor underlayment disposed on an edge of the concrete form. The mounting block is configured to support a freestanding bathtub injector and to receive a fluid supply line.

Another embodiment relates to a method of using a free standing bathtub injector concrete form. The method includes placing a concrete form into the bore, directing at least one fluid supply line through an inlet of the concrete form, and aligning the concrete form with a directional template via at least one recess, the directional template configured for placement of at least one freestanding bathtub injector. The method also includes pouring concrete into holes around the concrete form, drilling mounting holes for the free standing bathtub injector mounting blocks through the concrete form using a drilling template disposed on a base of the concrete form, removing the drilling template from the concrete form, and coupling the mounting blocks to the concrete.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.

Drawings

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic view of a concrete profile according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the concrete profile shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a recess of the concrete profile shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the installation step of the concrete profile shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the installation step of the concrete profile shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the installation step of the concrete profile shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a concrete form for a free standing bathtub injector installation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of an orientation template according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a concrete form being installed in a concrete slab according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 10 to 13 are perspective views of a recess of a concrete profile according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a marker of a concrete form according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the drawings, disclosed herein is a free standing bathtub injector mounting block concrete form. The concrete form includes an upper flange for aligning with an existing cast concrete floor and an edge for supporting a tile backing or floor underlayment to span the opening and reduce the likelihood of tile or floor failure. The template may contain pre-formed drill points along the outer perimeter so that the holes may be placed in multiple locations for guiding the supply line.

Referring to fig. 1, a concrete form 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the concrete molding 100 may be a thermoformed plastic or an injection molded plastic. Concrete form 100 includes a generally rectangular base 102, and a perimeter wall 104. The base 102 may be rectangular, or it may be any shape suitable for the installation space, for example, triangular, circular, oblong, etc. The perimeter wall 104 extends from the exposed surface of the base 102 perpendicular to the base 102 and along each side of the base 102. Projecting perpendicular to the perimeter wall 104 and parallel to the base 102 may be a flange 108 and a rim 110. A flange 108 and rim 110 extend from the top edge of the perimeter wall 104 and beyond the perimeter of the base 102 and are connected to each other in a step-like manner. The flange 108 and edge 110 (e.g. lip) are respectively designed to align the concrete profile 100 with existing poured concrete and to support the tile 107 or floor underlayment 109. In various other embodiments, only edge 110 is provided.

Still referring to fig. 1, drill points 106 (also shown in fig. 2) may be disposed on both sides of the perimeter wall 104. There may be a plurality of drilling points 106 along the sides to selectively drill holes through the concrete form 100 at the necessary points to properly place and correspond with supply lines 111 (e.g., water supply lines). For example, drill points may be placed every 3 inches along the desired side of the inlet to ensure various supply line placement options. By providing a clear path from the supply line through the concrete profile 100 before pouring the concrete, the drilling point 106 positions the entry at the correct distance for the future poured concrete pad 113.

As shown in fig. 2-4, a recess 112 may be formed in flange 108 or rim 110 to help further align concrete form 100 with the bathtub placement. As shown in fig. 3, the notch 112 may be defined by a cut-out or by a ridge in the rim of the flange. However, the recess 112 may be any alternative feature configured to align the concrete form 100 with a future bathtub placement. For example, as shown in fig. 10-13, the notches 112 may be molded or otherwise formed as features as follows: such as raised bumps/protrusions, channels or grooves. The indentations 112 may also be formed by laser/engraving, cutting/milling, marking with ink by pad printing, adding labels, etc.

The recess 112 may be used to indicate, for example, the center of the concrete form 100, to allow for accurate measurement and alignment with pre-measured placement/scoring on the floor for the bathtub (e.g., prior to installation). However, if desired, the recess may also be off-center to better align with the off-center placement of the bathtub injector. The notches 112 allow the installer to visually align the orientation of the concrete form with the intended installation location. For example, an orientation template 200 is shown in FIG. 8. The directional template 200 is configured according to a specified dimension d, which is determined based on the particular bathtub and workspace for each individual installation. A first chalk line 202 may be present on the concrete slab 203 to align the center line of the injector, the drain of the bath, and the length of the bath. A second chalk line 204 may be present on the concrete slab 203, extending perpendicular to the first chalk line 202 and parallel to the width of the bathtub, indicating where the injector is to be installed (i.e., at the intersection of the first chalk line 202 and the second chalk line 204). Further, a bathtub injector area 206 for placing a bathtub injector, a drain area 208 for placing a pipeline, and a bathtub footprint 210 may be presented to visualize the overall layout of the bathtub system.

As shown in fig. 9, apertures 212 are created when the concrete at the bathtub injector section 206 and the drain section 208 is removed. The notch 112 provides a reference to the true center of the concrete form 100 and will align with the first chalk line 202 and the second chalk line 204, thereby positioning the concrete form 100 in the location where the bathtub injector will be installed (i.e., where the criss-cross markings of the first chalk line 202 and the second chalk line 204 would be if the hole 212 were not created). This ensures that the marker 116 (fig. 2) is correctly oriented with respect to the bathtub so that the bathtub injector is correctly aligned with the bathtub. Furthermore, a plate 214 may be placed over the top flange 108 and secured to the concrete profile 100 with screws 216, thereby leveling the concrete profile 100 with the plane of the remaining concrete slab 203. The plate 214 may also be secured to the concrete slab 203 so as to hold it in place while the concrete is being poured. The plate 214 may be secured to the concrete form 100 adjacent the recess 112 so that it may also be aligned adjacent the second chalk line 204 on the concrete slab 203.

The base 102 includes a drill template 114. The holing template 114 may be circular or of a similar shape to the mounting block that would be used for a stand-alone bathtub injector. The holing template 114 may have a plurality of markers 116 along its periphery. For example, when the concrete sets, holes for mounting block fasteners (indicated by the markers 116 on the drill template 114) may be drilled directly through the concrete form 100 to ensure proper placement of the mounting blocks. The holing template 114 may be centered along the base 102 or may be off-center in any direction. The holing template 114 is perforated and may be removed (as shown in fig. 4). Removing the drill template 114 to expose the opening 118 ensures the most stable connection between the mounting block and the concrete.

Alternatively, if the template is injection molded rather than thermoformed, it would be advantageous to mold the drill template 114 in a long boss to form an integral "drill sleeve" (e.g., marker 116), as shown in fig. 14. The marker 116 acting as a boss will help ensure that the hole for the mounting block is perpendicular to the surface being drilled. The markers 116 may also assist in removing the drill template 114 from the concrete form 100. Not shown but optionally any connecting ribs or structures to hold the bosses perpendicular to the surface. The integral drill sleeve or marker 116 may be about 7/16 inches in diameter, about 1/2 inches in height, or any other height and diameter. The integral drill sleeve or marker 116 may also include optional chamfered or rounded inlets and/or outlets.

Referring to fig. 5-6, the mounting block 120 may then be placed into the concrete form 100 (e.g., through the opening 118 in the base 102 of the concrete form 100) and secured to the concrete pad 113. The mounting block 120 supports a freestanding bathtub injector and receives hot and cold water supplies that are directed through holes corresponding to the drill points 106 and into openings in the mounting block 120 to the bathtub injector. A tile backing or floor underlayment 109 is then placed over the edge 110 of the concrete form 100 and the installation of the concrete form 100 is completed. A free standing bathtub injector 122 (shown in fig. 1) may then be connected to the mounting block 120. For example, a freestanding bathtub injector 122 would extend above the tiles 107 and also be configured to direct water from the supply line 111 into the bathtub.

Referring to fig. 7, a method 700 for using a free standing bathtub injector concrete form is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. At step 702, an installation location is marked on a concrete slab. The chalk line may be marked to indicate the Y, Y location of the center of the tub injector. At step 704, the concrete slab is cut and removed for pipe laying, such as supply lines. Cutting the concrete may be accomplished using a saw, hammer drill, sledge hammer, hand hammer, chisel, hammer, etc. For new construction sites, if no concrete is used to cast the work space (e.g. site-build 2-by or similar forms that "reserve" space), a lot of labor can be saved. The supply line is placed below the ground, protruding above the floor surface at the desired location. At this point, a pipeline inspection may be performed. At step 706, the installer drills a hole in the side of the concrete form where the supply line is to be placed. Optionally, at step 707, the plate is secured to the profile and aligned with a set of recesses on the concrete profile. At steps 708 and 710, a concrete form is placed into the hole and the supply line is directed through the previously drilled inlet hole. Specifically, at step 708, the concrete form is aligned with the directional template for bathtub placement through the recess in the center of the four sides. If a plate is used in step 707, the plate is also placed and aligned with the notch. The voids may be filled with plumber's putty or a suitable building material. At step 712, new concrete is poured and allowed to set. If the concrete profile is held in place using the plates, it is now removed. At step 714, the installer drills mounting holes for the bathtub injector mounting block through the molding using the drill template on the base. At step 716, the installer scribes the concrete form with a utility knife and removes the drill template from the concrete form. At step 718, the installer secures the mounting block to the concrete pad and makes a water supply connection. At step 720, the installer places the manufactured underlayment/tile backing on the edge of the concrete form. Thus, the floor and tub injector mounting block is installed.

The present disclosure describes a concrete form that may advantageously provide guidance and alignment for a freestanding bathtub injector. Benefits of the concrete form and method described herein include, for example, a template for better positioning of the bathtub injector mount and water lines prior to creating a "knuckle saver" solution, allowing the installer to improve efficiency, accuracy and ease of use during installation.

As used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will appreciate that these terms are intended to allow description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted to indicate that: insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or variations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the claims that follow.

References herein to the location of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are used merely to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that these variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

The construction and arrangement of the elements as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

Moreover, the word "exemplary" is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily special, or highest level, examples). Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be combined with or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Additionally, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments, for example. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, the actions described herein may be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.