Tile adaptor

Abstract

The present invention relates a novel adaptor to position tiles or tile-like elements within or around a bathing apparatus, or both. The present invention further includes a method of using the tile adaptor for the installation of tiles. In a representative embodiment, the tile adaptor includes one or more flanges along at least one of its sides to allow the installation of tiles of a variety of thicknesses at a number of places. The adaptor is integrated in the final bathing apparatus. One or more adaptors may be positioned on the floor, wall and/or ceiling of the bathing apparatus, depending on the design of the bathing enclosure. Advantageously, the tile adaptor is easy to install and to use, and it may conveniently be manufactured from a lightweight material such as extruded plastic or a synthetic polymer.

1 . An adaptor for installing tile comprising one or more flanges along at least one of said body's sides to guide the tiles in position. 
     
     
         2 . An adaptor as defined in  claim 1  for installing tile in a bath, shower or other bathing apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . An adaptor as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said adaptor is positioned on the floor of said bathing apparatus for the installation of floor tiles. 
     
     
         4 . An adaptor as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said adaptor is positioned on the wall of said bathing apparatus for the installation of wall tiles. 
     
     
         5 . An adaptor as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said adaptor is positioned on the ceiling of said bathing apparatus for the installation of ceiling tiles. 
     
     
         6 . An adaptor as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said adaptor is positioned on at least two of the following: the floor, wall and ceiling of the bathing apparatus. 
     
     
         7 . An adaptor as defined in  claim 2  further comprising a drain. 
     
     
         8 . An adaptor according to  claim 7  which has a grate or cover with openings over the drain. 
     
     
         9 . An adaptor according to  claim 7  which has a cover without openings to hide the drain and has at least one opening to direct the water from the shower floor to the drain. 
     
     
         10 . An adaptor according to  claim 9  wherein said cover can be removed for cleaning purposes without any tools. 
     
     
         11 . An adaptor according to  claim 1  which is a drainless shower floor pan. 
     
     
         12 . An adaptor according to  claim 11  which comprises sides to join a shower floor and shower walls to make a watertight enclosure. 
     
     
         13 . An adaptor according to  claim 12  which comprises sides to join a shower floor and shower walls to make a watertight enclosure. 
     
     
         14 . A system comprising a first tile adaptor comprising one or more flanges along at least one of said body's sides to guide the tiles in position, that has a drain and a second tile adaptor comprising one or more flanges along at least one of said body's sides to guide the tiles in position, that does not have a drain, and wherein the adaptors are attached by mechanical means and then sealed with sealing means to create a watertight connection between said first and second tile adaptors. 
     
     
         15 . An adaptor according to  claim 2  that is suitable for installing floor and wall tiles and that further includes a drain at the entrance side of said bathing apparatus, wherein the drain includes a cover, with or without openings, to hide the drain and wherein the drain includes at least one opening to direct the water from the floor of the bathing apparatus to the drain. 
     
     
         16 . An adaptor according to  claim 2  for a shower apparatus, said adaptor comprising a shower floor, walls and a drain at the entrance side of said shower apparatus, wherein said shower floor includes a grate to cover a drain and at least one opening to direct water from the shower floor to the drain. 
     
     
         17 . An adaptor according to  claim 2  which includes a splash guard to prevent water from exiting the bathing apparatus. 
     
     
         18 . An adaptor according to  claim 2  having at least one receptacle for accessories or toiletries. 
     
     
         19 . An adaptor according to  claim 18  further comprising a pre-plumb shower control. 
     
     
         20 . An adaptor according to  claim 2  comprising a cavity for storing a shower curtain and a splash guard to prevent water from exiting the bathing apparatus. 
     
     
         21 . A method of installing tile comprising use of an adaptor as defined in  claim 2 . 
     
     
         22 . An adaptor according to  claim 5  further comprising mechanical components, electrical components or both.