Shower base

Abstract

The present invention provides a base structure for a shower, the shower having a water recirculation circuit, the base including a substantially planar floor and a reservoir, the reservoir including a first outlet for admitting water to be used by the recirculation circuit, and a second outlet for admitting water to be sent to waste, wherein in use where the passage of water to waste is obstructed, water contacting the floor runs into the reservoir to form a pool of sufficient depth to substantially cover the first outlet. Use of the structure may result in water and energy savings.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
   
   
       27 . A base structure for a shower, the shower having a water recirculation circuit, the base including a substantially planar floor and a reservoir, the reservoir including a first outlet for admitting water to be used by the recirculation circuit, and a second outlet for admitting water to be sent to waste, wherein in use where the passage of water to waste is obstructed, water contacting the floor runs into the reservoir to form a pool of sufficient depth to substantially cover the first outlet. 
   
   
       28 . A base structure according to  claim 27  wherein the reservoir extends around at least a portion of the substantially planar floor. 
   
   
       29 . A base structure according to  claim 27  wherein the substantially planar floor extends around the reservoir. 
   
   
       30 . A base structure according to  claim 27  wherein the reservoir is capable of holding about 30 liters, or about 15 liters, or about 10 liters of water or less. 
   
   
       31 . A base structure according to  claim 27  wherein the reservoir has a depth of about 100 mm or less, or about 50 mm or less. 
   
   
       32 . A base structure according to  claim 27  wherein the reservoir is not a tank. 
   
   
       33 . A base structure according to  claim 27  wherein the reservoir is not positioned partially or completely under the floor. 
   
   
       34 . A base structure according to  claim 27  wherein the floor and reservoir are arranged relative to each other such that water contacting the floor is able to run into the reservoir. 
   
   
       35 . A base structure according to  claim 34  wherein the floor is substantially continuous with the upper edge of the reservoir. 
   
   
       36 . A base structure according to  claim 27  wherein the first outlet is positioned in the reservoir such that water passes through the outlet in a non-vertical direction or a substantially horizontal direction. 
   
   
       37 . A base structure according to  claim 36  wherein the first outlet is positioned on a substantially vertical wall of the reservoir. 
   
   
       38 . A recirculation shower system including a shower base according to  claim 27  and a recirculation pump, the first outlet of the shower base being connected to the recirculation pump such that in use water flows from the first outlet to the recirculation pump. 
   
   
       39 . A recirculation shower system according to  claim 38  wherein in use water flows substantially horizontally from the first outlet of the shower base to the intake of the recirculation pump. 
   
   
       40 . A recirculation shower system according to  claim 38  capable of operating on a volume of less than about 30 liters, or about 15 liters, or about 10 liters of water or less. 
   
   
       41 . A kit of parts for assembly into a recirculation shower system according to claim  12  including a base structure according to  claim 27  and a recirculation pump.