Molded ready-to-tile shower bases with associated trenches and drains

Abstract

In one embodiment a shower pan is comprised of a floor, one or more sidewalls and a recessed trough, which are all manufactured simultaneously to form a water proof module. Other features, such as one or more curbs, may be integrated into the pan during manufacture by modifying the molding tool. In another embodiment, a variety of pre-manufactured trenches to act as stand alone linear drains which can be combined with shower pan components after manufacture are disclosed.

1 . A one-piece waterproof shower pan, comprising:
 a floor defining an upper surface which lies in a single plane, the floor defining one or more peripheral edges;   at least one sidewall integrally connected to one or more of the one or more peripheral edges of the floor; and   a recessed trough integrally connected to at least one of the one or more peripheral edges of the floor.   
     
     
         2 . The one-piece shower pan of  claim 1 , further including one or more curbs integrally connected to said one or more peripheral edges of the floor. 
     
     
         3 . The one piece shower pan of  claim 1 , wherein the floor, sidewalls and recessed trough are formed substantially simultaneously in a molding tool. 
     
     
         4 . The shower pan of  claim 2 , wherein the floor, one or more sidewalls, recessed trough and at least one curb are formed substantially simultaneously in a molding tool. 
     
     
         5 . A tileable shower pan, comprising:
 a tileable shower pan floor defining a lower floor surface, and an upper floor surface which either (1) lies in a single plane and is pitched toward a recessed trench or (2) is made up of one or more sloped shower pan floor surfaces that are pitched toward a recessed trench, the floor defining one or more peripheral edges;   a recessed trench integrally connected to or adapted to be positioned adjacent to, and defining a depression relative to, the shower pan floor, the recessed trench defining one or more apertures therein; and   one or more standard drains each of which is attached respectively to one of the one or more apertures in the recessed trench.   
     
     
         6 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 5 , wherein the recessed trench is of any dimension. 
     
     
         7 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 5 , wherein the trench is of a shape selected from the group consisting of rectangular, square, round, oval and triangular. 
     
     
         8 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 5 , wherein liquid flowing into the recessed trench flows out through the one or more apertures in the recessed trench 
     
     
         9 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 5 , wherein the one or more apertures in the recessed trench are positioned at a lowest point in the recessed trench 
     
     
         10 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 5 , wherein liquid exiting the recessed trench through the one or more apertures therein passes through the one or more drains attached thereto. 
     
     
         11 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 5 , further including connecting to said one or more peripheral edges of the tileable shower pan floor one or more components selected from a group consisting of one or more barrier free entrances, one or more curbs, and one or more sidewalls. 
     
     
         12 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 5 , wherein the shower pan floor, the recessed trench, and one or more of the one or more sidewalls, the one or more curbs, and the one or more barrier free entrances are formed substantially simultaneously in a molding tool. 
     
     
         13 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 12 , wherein the standard drain is connected to the recessed trench at the same time that the tileable shower pan floor, the recessed trench, and one or more of the one or more sidewalls, the one or more curbs, and the one or more barrier free entrances are formed substantially simultaneously in a molding tool. 
     
     
         14 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 12 , wherein at least one peripheral edge of said floor intersects with at least one of said one or more curbs, one or more barrier free entrances, or one or more sidewalls along a straight line, which line is not horizontal when said pan is oriented horizontally. 
     
     
         15 . The tileable shower pan of  claims 12 , wherein at least one peripheral edge of said floor intersects with at least one of said one or more curbs, one or more barrier free entrances, or one or more sidewalls along a straight line, which line is horizontal when said pan is oriented horizontally. 
     
     
         16 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 5 , further including a means for lining at least a portion of an interior surface of the recessed trench. 
     
     
         17 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 5 , wherein the one or more standard drains are connected to the waste water system. 
     
     
         18 . The tileable shower pan of any of  claims 5  through  17 , wherein the tileable shower pan is selected from the group of tileable shower pans consisting of prefabricated shower pans, partially prefabricated shower pans and mortar bed or other handmade shower pans. 
     
     
         19 . A tileable shower pan, comprising:
 a tileable shower pan floor defining a lower floor surface and an upper floor surface, the upper floor surface either lying in a single plane or made up of one or more sloped shower pan floor surfaces that are pitched toward a recessed trench drain, the floor defining one or more peripheral edges; and   a recessed standard trench drain integrally molded into, and defining a depression relative to, the shower pan floor.   
     
     
         20 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 19 , further including one or more components connected to the said one or more peripheral edges of the tileable shower pan floor selected from the group of components consisting of one or more barrier free entrances, one or more curbs, and one or more sidewalls. 
     
     
         21 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 20 , wherein the tileable shower pan floor, the recessed trench, and one or more of the one or more sidewalls, the one or more curbs, and the one or more barrier free entrances are formed substantially simultaneously in a molding tool. 
     
     
         22 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 21 , wherein the standard trench drain is connected to the tileable shower pan floor at substantially the same time that the tileable shower pan floor, the recessed trench, and one or more of the one or more sidewalls, the one or more curbs, and the one or more barrier free entrances are formed in a molding tool. 
     
     
         23 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 20 , wherein at least one peripheral edge of said floor intersects with at least one of said one or more curbs, one or more barrier free entrances, or one or more sidewalls along a straight line, which line is not horizontal when said pan is oriented horizontally. 
     
     
         24 . The tileable shower pan of  claims 20 , wherein at least one peripheral edge of said floor intersects with at least one of said one or more curbs, one or more barrier free entrances, or one or more sidewalls along a straight line, which line is horizontal when said pan is oriented horizontally. 
     
     
         25 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 20 , wherein the recessed standard trench drain is connected to the waste water system. 
     
     
         26 . The tileable shower pan of any of  claims 19  through  25 , wherein the shower pan is selected from the group of tileable shower pans consisting of prefabricated tileable shower pans and partially prefabricated tileable shower pans. 
     
     
         27 . A method for creating a partially prefabricated tileable shower pan with an integrally connected trench comprising the steps of;
 pre-manufacturing a molded shower pan floor component of a partially prefabricated tileable shower pan assembly together with a molded prefabricated trench and an integrally connected standard drain to form a one piece shower pan floor, trench and standard drain assembly; and   placing the one piece pan floor, trench and standard drain assembly in a space in which a shower is to be created.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising the step of;
 incorporating into said tileable shower pan one or more components selected from a group consisting of one or more sidewalls, one or more curbs, and one or more barrier free entrances.   
     
     
         29 . A partially prefabricated tileable shower pan with an integrally connected trench comprising:
 a pre-manufactured molded shower pan floor; and   a molded prefabricated trench and an integrally connected standard drain.   
     
     
         30 . The shower pan base of  claims 29 , further comprising:
 one or more components selected from a group consisting of one or more sidewalls, one or more curbs, and one or more barrier free entrances.   
     
     
         31 . A tileable shower pan having a trench integrally formed therewith, the pan adapted to be placed on a subfloor of a shower enclosure space, comprising:
 a tileable shower pan floor including a lower pan floor surface and an upper pan floor surface, and a trench, the trench including a trench floor, the trench floor defining an upper trench floor surface and a lower trench floor surface, with both the upper and lower trench floor surfaces being recessed relative to the upper pan floor surface;   the trench defining an aperture in which a standard drain is attached; and   at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface adapted to be situated on the subfloor.   
     
     
         32 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 31 , wherein at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface and at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lie in substantially the same plane. 
     
     
         33 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 31 , wherein at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lies in a plane which is spaced further from the subfloor than at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface when the pan is placed on the subfloor. 
     
     
         34 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 31 , wherein at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lies in a plane which is spaced closer to the subfloor than at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface when the pan is placed on the subfloor, so that at least a portion of the trench hangs below the lower pan floor surface. 
     
     
         35 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 31 , further comprising at least one or more tileable shower pan components selected from a group consisting of one or more sidewalls, one or more curbs, and one or more barrier free entrances. 
     
     
         36 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 31 , wherein the lower pan floor surface is defined by one or more support ribs which are adapted to be situated on the subfloor, the bottom surface of the ribs forming at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface. 
     
     
         37 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 36 , wherein at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface and at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lie substantially in the same plane. 
     
     
         38 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 36 , wherein at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lies in a plane which is spaced further from the subfloor than at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface when the pan is placed on the subfloor. 
     
     
         39 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 36 , wherein at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lies in a plane which is closer relative to the subfloor than at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface is when the pan is placed on the subfloor, so that at least a portion of the trench hangs below the lower pan floor surface. 
     
     
         40 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 36 , further comprising at least one or more tileable shower pan components selected from a group consisting of one or more sidewalls, one or more curbs, and one or more barrier free entrances. 
     
     
         41 . The tileable shower pan of  claims 31  through  40 , wherein the tileable shower pan is selected from the group of tileable shower pans consisting of prefabricated shower pans and partially prefabricated shower pans. 
     
     
         42 . The tileable shower pan of  claims 31  through  40 , wherein the tileable shower pan is a mortar bed or other handmade shower pan. 
     
     
         43 . A tileable shower pan adapted to be placed on a subfloor of a shower enclosure space, comprising:
 a tileable shower pan including (1) a sloped pan floor which defines an upper pan floor surface and a lower pan floor surface, (2) a standard trench drain integrally formed therewith, the trench drain including a trench floor, the trench floor defining an upper trench floor surface and a lower trench floor surface, the upper trench floor surface being recessed relative to the upper pan floor surface, and the lower trench floor surface being either fully or partially encapsulated within the shower pan floor as a result of the molding process and   at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface is adapted to be situated on the subfloor.   
     
     
         44 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 43 , wherein at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface and at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lie in substantially the same plane. 
     
     
         45 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 43 , wherein at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lies in a plane which is spaced further from the subfloor than at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface when the pan is placed on the subfloor. 
     
     
         46 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 43 , wherein at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lies in a plane which is spaced closer to the subfloor than at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface when the pan is placed on the subfloor, so that at least a portion of the lower covered or uncovered trench hangs below the lower pan floor surface when the pan is placed on the subfloor. 
     
     
         47 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 43 , further comprising at least one or more tileable shower pan components selected from a group consisting of one or more sidewalls, one or more curbs, and one or more barrier free entrances. 
     
     
         48 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 43 , wherein at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface is defined by one or more support ribs which are adapted to be situated on the subfloor. 
     
     
         49 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 48 , wherein at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface and the at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lie substantially in the same plane. 
     
     
         50 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 48 , wherein at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lies in a plane which is spaced further from the subfloor than at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface is when the pan is placed on the subfloor. 
     
     
         51 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 48 , wherein at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface lies in a plane which is spaced closer relative to the subfloor than at least a portion of the lower pan floor surface is when the pan is placed on the subfloor, so that at least a portion of the lower trench floor surface hangs below the lower pan floor surface when the pan is placed on the subfloor. 
     
     
         52 . The tileable shower pan of  claim 48 , further comprising at least one or more tileable shower pan components selected from a group consisting of one or more sidewalls, one or more curbs, and one or more barrier free entrances. 
     
     
         53 . The tileable shower pans of any of  claims 43  through  52 , wherein the tileable shower pans are selected from the group of tileable shower pans consisting of prefabricated shower pans and partially prefabricated shower pans. 
     
     
         54 . The tileable shower pans of  claims 43  through  52 , wherein the tileable shower pans are mortar bed or other handmade shower pans. 
     
     
         55 . A prefabricated tileable shower pan with recessed trench, comprising;
 a prefabricated tileable shower pan including a pan floor;   the pan floor defining a lower floor surface which lies in a single plane, and an upper floor surface which either lies in a single plane or is made up of one or more sloped floor surfaces that are pitched toward a recessed trench, the floor defining one or more peripheral edges;   a trench formed in the shower pan floor at the same time that the shower pan floor is formed, which trench is recessed relative to the shower pan floor;   such recessed trench defined by one or more peripheral sidewalls and a trench floor, which trench floor defines one or more drain apertures; and   one or more standard drains attached to the one or more drain apertures in the trench floor at the time the trench floor is formed or any time thereafter.   
     
     
         56 . A tileable shower pan and recessed trench, comprising:
 a tileable shower pan including a pan floor;   the shower pan floor defining a lower floor surface which lies in a single plane, and an upper floor surface which either lies in a single plane or is made up of one or more sloped floor surfaces that are pitched toward a recessed trench, the floor defining one or more peripheral edges;   a recessed trench selected from a group of trenches consisting of (a) a standalone prefabricated shower pan trench recessed relative to the shower pan floor, (b) a prefabricated shower pan trench formed simultaneously with, as part of, and recessed into, the shower pan floor, and (c) a prefabricated trench formed simultaneously with, as part of, and recessed into a floor of, the shower pan;   such recessed trench defined by one or more peripheral sidewalls and a trench floor, which trench floor defines one or more drain apertures; and   one or more standard drains attached to the one or more drain apertures in the trench floor at the time the trench floor is formed or any time thereafter.   
     
     
         57 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein the recessed trench is of any shape and any dimension. 
     
     
         58 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein the recessed trench is of any width, depth and length. 
     
     
         59 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein the shape of the recessed trench is selected from a group of shapes consisting of rectangular, square, round, oval, and star. 
     
     
         60 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein at least a portion of the recessed trench floor is either pitched or not pitched. 
     
     
         61 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein at least a portion of the recessed trench floor defines a V-shaped channel. 
     
     
         62 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein at least a portion of the trench floor slopes toward at least one of the one or more drain apertures. 
     
     
         63 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 5 , wherein the one or more standard drains are integrally molded or connected to the trench floor at the time the recessed trench is molded or fabricated or any time thereafter. 
     
     
         64 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein the trench is formed within the shower pan floor. 
     
     
         65 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein the trench is formed as a separate component from, and to be attached adjacent to, the shower pan floor. 
     
     
         66 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein the trench is formed simultaneously with, as part of, and recessed into a floor of, a tileable shower pan. 
     
     
         67 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein the recessed trench defines at least two apertures. 
     
     
         68 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein each of the apertures in the recessed trench have a standard drain attached thereto. 
     
     
         69 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein the recessed trench is uniquely located anywhere within the shower pan floor. 
     
     
         70 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein each of the one or more the apertures in the trench floor is uniquely located anywhere within the trench floor. 
     
     
         71 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein each of the one or more standard drains is uniquely located anywhere within the trench. 
     
     
         72 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein each of the two or more drains is uniquely located anywhere within the trench. 
     
     
         73 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 56 , wherein the trench is in the form of a square or an elongated channel defined by first and second sidewalls, first and second end walls, and a trench floor between the first and second sidewalls and the first and second end walls. 
     
     
         74 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of any of  claims 56  through  73 , wherein the trench is formed as a component of a tileable shower pan selected from the group of shower pans consisting of prefabricated shower pans, partially prefabricated shower pans, and mortar bed or other handmade shower pans. 
     
     
         75 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 56 , further comprising:
 a liner connected within the trench; and   the liner defining one or more apertures which are in substantial registry with the one or more apertures defined by the trench floor.   
     
     
         76 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , wherein the liner is comprised of one piece. 
     
     
         77 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , wherein the liner is comprised of two or more independent component parts inserted into the trench. 
     
     
         78 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , wherein the liner is comprised of two or more independent component parts fabricated into a single component and inserted into the trench as one component. 
     
     
         79 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , wherein the trench is formed in any shape including a rectangle or square, and the liner covers at least a portion of the trench with a single piece liner. 
     
     
         80 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , wherein the trench is in any shape including a rectangle or a square, and the liner covers at least a portion of the trench with multiple trench liner components selected from a group of one or more trench liner components consisting of one or more side wall liner sections, one or more end wall liner sections, and one or more trench floor liner sections with one or more apertures in the one or more floor liners. 
     
     
         81 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , wherein the liner is comprised of a single piece and is in a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of the shape of the recessed trench. 
     
     
         82 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , wherein the trench floor liner is placed in registry with at least a portion of the trench floor. 
     
     
         83 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , wherein at least a portion of the trench floor liner defines an upper drainage surface which slopes toward the drain aperture. 
     
     
         84 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , wherein at least a portion of the trench floor liner defines a V-shaped channel. 
     
     
         85 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 75  through  84 , wherein the liner is placed in registry with all or a portion of the recessed trench and is in substantially the same shape as the portion of the trench it covers. 
     
     
         86 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 56  through  71 , wherein all or a portion of such recessed trench is covered by the liner of  claim 75 , and wherein the liner is placed in registry with all or a portion of the recessed trench, and is in substantially the same shape as the portion of the trench it covers. 
     
     
         87 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 75  through  84 , wherein the liner is connected to the recessed trench during manufacture of the trench or at any time thereafter. 
     
     
         88 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 75  through  84 , wherein the liner is connected to the recessed trench using any one or more of an adhesive connection, a mechanical fastener or a friction fit. 
     
     
         89 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 75  through  84 , wherein the liner defines the same number of apertures as the trench floor. 
     
     
         90 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 75  through  84 , wherein the liner is made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic such as PVC or ABS, polyurethane, polyethylene, metal such as copper, cast iron, aluminum, steel and building products such as stone, concrete, marble, tile, floor covering, cultured marble, mortar and stucco. 
     
     
         91 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 75  through  84 , wherein the liner is connected to the trench as a component of a tileable shower pan, said tileable shower pan selected from the group of shower pans consisting of prefabricated shower pans, partially prefabricated shower pans, and mortar bed or other handmade shower pans. 
     
     
         92 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 75  through  84 , wherein the liner is placed in registry with the trench, and the trench selected from a group of trenches consisting of (a) standalone prefabricated shower pan trenches recessed relative to an adjacent tileable shower pan floor, (b) prefabricated shower pan trenches formed simultaneously with, as part of, and recessed into, a tileable shower pan floor, and (c) prefabricated shower pan trenches formed simultaneously with, as part of, and recessed into a floor of, a tileable shower pan. 
     
     
         93 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , further comprising one or more reducers connected within the trench to one or more of the trench floor, the one or more trench side walls, the one or more trench ends walls, and one or more other surfaces which define the trench. 
     
     
         94 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 93 , wherein the one or more reducers partially or completely cover one or more of the trench floor, the one or more trench side walls, the one or more trench ends walls, and the one or more other surfaces within the trench. 
     
     
         95 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 93 , wherein the reducer is placed in registry with the trench at the time of manufacture of the trench or any time thereafter. 
     
     
         96 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 55  through  73  or any of  claims 93   95  further comprising one or more trench reducers attached to the trench for reducing a volume defined by such trench. 
     
     
         97 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , further comprising one or more reducers connected within the trench to one or more of the trench floor, the one or more trench side walls, the one or more trench ends walls, and one or more other surfaces within the trench. 
     
     
         98 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 97 , wherein the reducers partially or completely cover one or more of the lined trench floor, the one or more lined trench side walls, the one or more lined trench ends walls, and one or more other lined surfaces within the trench. 
     
     
         99 . The recessed trenches and liners of  claim 97 , wherein the reducer is connected to the lined trench at the time of manufacture of the trench or any time thereafter. 
     
     
         100 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 75  through  84  or any of  claims 97  through  99 , further comprising one or more trench reducers attached to the lined trench for reducing a volume defined by such trench. 
     
     
         101 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 75 , wherein one or more reducers are attached to the trench for reducing a volume of the trench before the liner is installed in the trench. 
     
     
         102 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 93 , wherein said one or more liners are attached to the trench before said one or more reducers are installed in the liner. 
     
     
         103 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 93 , wherein said one or more reducers are attached to the liner before the liner is installed in the trench. 
     
     
         104 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 93  through  103 , wherein the reducer is made from any material selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic such as PVC or ABS, polyurethane, polyethylene, metal such as copper, cast iron, aluminum, steel and building products such as stone, concrete, marble, cultured marble, mortar and stucco 
     
     
         105 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 93  through  104 , wherein the reducers are connected to said trench and/or trench liners, as a component of a tileable shower pan selected from the group of tileable shower pans consisting of prefabricated shower pans, partially prefabricated shower pans, and mortar bed or other handmade shower pans. 
     
     
         106 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 56 , further comprising;
 a trench cover defining a peripheral edge; and   the trench cover adapted to cover at least a portion of the trench floor so as to conceal at least a portion of the drain aperture and at least a portion of the trench floor.   
     
     
         107 . The tileable shower pans with recessed trenches of  claim 75 , further comprising:
 a trench cover, the trench cover defining a peripheral edge; and   the trench cover adapted to cover at least a portion of the lined trench floor so as to conceal at least a portion of the drain aperture and at least a portion of the lined trench floor.   
     
     
         108 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 106 , wherein one or more of (a) the trench floor, (b) the one or more trench end walls, and (c) the one or more trench sidewalls, are partially or completely covered by one or more reducers. 
     
     
         109 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 107 , wherein one or more of (a) the lined trench floor, (b) the one or more of the lined trench end walls, and (c) the one or more trench sidewalls, are partially or completely covered by one or more reducers. 
     
     
         110 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of claim of  106 , wherein
 (a) the trench is selected from a group of trenches consisting of (i) a recessed trench floor, sidewalls, and end walls without a liner or reducer, (ii) a recessed trench where one or more of the trench floor, one or more end walls, and one or more trench sidewalls are partially or fully lined by one or more liners, (iii) a recessed trench where one or more reducers is attached to one or more of the trench floor, one or more trench end walls, and one or more trench sidewalls, and (iv) a partially or fully lined recessed trench where one or more reducers is attached to one or more of the lined trench floor, one or more lined end walls, and one or more lined sidewalls, and   (b) the trench cover is selected from a group consisting of non tileable trench covers having one or more apertures therein, non tileable trench covers having no apertures therein, and tileable trench covers.   
     
     
         111 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of claim of  110 , wherein the trench cover is placed in registry with the trench floor, so that the peripheral edge of the trench cover is spaced from the one or more trench sidewalls and end walls so as to define a gap there between through which water may pass. 
     
     
         112 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of claim of  110 , wherein the trench cover is placed in registry with the trench floor, so that an underside of the trench cover is spaced from such trench floor so as to define a gap there between through which water may pass while flowing toward the drain aperture, thereby permitting water to exit the tileable shower pan floor while substantially concealing at least a portion of the drain aperture. 
     
     
         113 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of claim of  110 , wherein the trench cover is placed in registry with the trench floor, so that the peripheral edge of such trench cover is spaced from the one or more trench sidewalls and trench end walls, so as to define a gap there between which will permit such trench cover to be removed. 
     
     
         114 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claim 110 , wherein an upper tiled surface of the tileable shower pan adjacent to the recessed trench is substantially coplanar with one of the following: (a) an upper un-tiled surface of a non tileable trench cover having one or more apertures therein, (b) an upper un-tiled surface of a non tileable trench cover having no apertures therein, and (c) an upper tiled surface of a tileable trench cover, when any of such trench covers is placed in registry with the trench. 
     
     
         115 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of claim of  110 , wherein an un-tiled upper surface of the tileable shower pan floor adjacent to the recessed trench is substantially coplanar with an upper un-tiled surface of the trench cover when such trench cover is placed in registry with the trench. 
     
     
         116 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of claim of  110 , wherein the recessed trench is sufficiently recessed into or below an upper surface of the tileable shower pan floor adjacent the recessed trench so that (a) an upper tiled or un-tiled surface of the tileable trench cover is substantially coplanar with an adjacent upper tile or un-tiled surface, respectively, of the tileable shower pan floor, and (b) an upper surface of the non tileable trench cover with or without apertures in the top thereof is substantially coplanar with an adjacent upper tiled surface of the tileable shower pan floor. 
     
     
         117 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of claim of  110  wherein the tileable trench cover and the tileable shower pan floor is covered with wall or flooring material, such that an upper surface of the wall or flooring material on such trench cover is substantially coplanar with an adjacent upper surface of the wall or flooring material on the tileable shower pan floor when the tileable trench cover is placed in registry with the trench; and
 wherein a gap is defined on one side by the wall or flooring material on the tileable shower pan floor and on the other side by the wall or flooring material on the trench cover, such that water drains between opposed perimeter tiled edges of the trench cover and tiled perimeter edges of the tileable shower pan adjacent the trench cover. 
 
     
     
         118 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of claim of  110 , wherein the trench cover is not covered with wall or flooring material and the tileable shower pan floor is covered with wall or flooring material, such that an upper surface of the non tileable trench cover is substantially coplanar with an adjacent upper surface of the wall or flooring material on the tileable shower pan floor when such trench cover is placed in registry with the trench; and
 wherein a gap is defined on one side by the wall or flooring material on the tileable shower pan floor and on the other side by the non-tiled trench cover, such that water drains between the perimeter untiled edge of the trench cover and a tiled perimeter edge of the shower pan floor adjacent the trench cover.   
     
     
         119 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of any of  claims 106  through  118 , wherein the trench cover is made from any material selected from the group comprising plastic such as PVC or ABS, polyurethane, polyethylene, metal such as copper, cast iron, aluminum, steel, building products such as stone, concrete, marble, cultured marble, mortar and stucco. 
     
     
         120 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of any of  claims 106  through  118 , wherein the trench cover is adapted to be removable and/or interchangeable with other tiled, tileable and/or non tileable trench covers with or without apertures within the top thereof, so that the tileable shower pan can selectively have either a tiled, tileable or a non tileable trench cover associated therewith. 
     
     
         121 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claims 106  through  118 , wherein the trench cover is adapted to be removable and/or interchangeable with other tiled, tileable and/or non tileable trench covers with or without apertures within the top thereof, so that the tileable shower pan can selectively have either a tiled, tileable or a non tileable trench cover associated therewith. 
     
     
         122 . The tileable shower pan and recessed trench of  claims 106  through  118 , wherein the trench cover is adapted to be removable so as to provide, among other things, access to the drain aperture and associated waste water system, and to provide different tiled and non tileable trench cover tops, grates, cover finishes and cover styles for the tileable shower pan. 203   a.    
     
     
         123 . The tileable shower pans and recessed trenches of  claims 106  through  122 , wherein the tileable shower pan is selected from one of a group of tileable shower pans consisting of prefabricated shower pans, partially prefabricated shower pans, or mortar bed or other handmade shower pans. 
     
     
         124 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of any of  claims 56  or any of  claims 106  through  118 , further comprising structure for supporting the trench cover in registry with the trench floor. 
     
     
         125 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 106 , wherein:
 the trench cover is placed in registry with (i) the recessed trench floor without a liner or reducer, (ii) the recessed trench where the trench floor is fully or partially lined by one or more liners, (iii) the recessed trench where one or more reducers is attached to the trench floor, or (iv) the recessed trench includes one or more reducers attached to the trench floor, which floor is partially or fully lined by one or more liners; and   further comprising one or more gripping means for releasably connecting the trench cover to the trench, said one or more gripping means being connected to one or more of the (i) one or more trench cover vertical side walls, (ii) one or more trench cover vertical end walls, (iii) one or more unlined trench walls or floor, (iv) one or more lined trench walls or floor, and (iv) one or more reducers attached to one or more of the lined or unlined trench walls or floor.   
     
     
         126 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 125 , wherein;
 (a) the one or more gripping means are attached to the one or more of the (i) one or more trench cover vertical side walls, (ii) one or more trench cover vertical end walls, (iii) one or more unlined trench walls or floor, (iv) one or more lined trench walls or floor, and (iv) one or more reducers attached to one or more of the lined or unlined trench walls or floors,   (b) a space is defined between the one or more vertical side walls and the recessed trench sidewalls, and   (c) the trench is selected from a group consisting of (i) trenches with no liner or reducer, (ii) trenches which have one or more liners, (iii) trenches which have one or more reducers, and (iv) trenches which have one or more reducers and one or more liners.   
     
     
         127 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 125 , wherein the gripping means engage the trench in the proximity of opposite side walls of the trench. 
     
     
         128 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 125 , wherein the gripping means engage the trench in the proximity of opposite end walls of the trench. 
     
     
         129 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 124 , wherein the structure for supporting the trench cover in registry with the trench floor is selected from the group consisting of shims, spacers, washers, ball and detent arrangements, gripping means, support tabs and threads. 
     
     
         130 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 125 , wherein the structure for supporting the trench cover in registry with the trench floor comprises:
 one or more vertical spacers adapted to support the trench in a variety of vertical positions relative to the trench floor so that an upper surface of a non tileable trench cover having one or more apertures therein, a non tileable trench cover having no apertures therein, or a tileable trench cover, is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of the pan floor adjacent the trench.   
     
     
         131 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 130 , further comprising a trench liner adapted to cover at least a portion of an interior surface of the trench, said vertical spacers being connected to one or more of the trench floor, one or more trench side walls, and/or one or more trench ends walls, which trench is either lined, not lined or partially lined. 
     
     
         132 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 130 , further comprising a trench liner adapted to cover at least a portion of an interior surface of the trench, said vertical spacers being connected to the liner. 
     
     
         133 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench and trench cover of  claim 130 , wherein the vertical spacers for supporting the trench cover in registry with the trench floor comprise:
 one or more vertical spacers adapted to support the trench cover in a variety of vertical positions relative to the trench floor so that an upper surface of such covers is substantially coplanar with a tiled upper surface of the pan floor adjacent the trench, and an underside of the trench cover is spaced from such trench floor so as to define a gap there between through which water may pass while flowing toward the drain aperture, thereby permitting water to exit the tileable shower pan floor while substantially concealing at least a portion of the drain aperture.   
     
     
         135 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 124 , wherein the vertical adjustment of the trench cover is accomplished by the use of adjusting structure selected from the group consisting of shims, spacers, washers, ball and detent arrangements, gripping means, support tabs and threads. 
     
     
         136 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of claims and  125  wherein the trench cover is held in registry with the recessed trench through structure for supporting which allows the height of an upper surface of the trench cover to be vertically adjusted so as to be positioned coplanar with an upper tiled or un-tiled surface of the adjacent tileable shower pan. 
     
     
         137 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 106 , wherein the trench cover is held in registry with the trench body through an attachment structure which allows the height of an upper surface of the trench cover to be vertically adjusted so as to be positioned coplanar with an upper tiled or un-tiled surface of the adjacent tileable shower pan. 
     
     
         138 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 137 , wherein vertical adjustment of the trench cover is accomplished by the use of adjusting structure selected from the group consisting of shims, spacers, washers, ball and detent arrangements, gripping means, support tabs and threads. 
     
     
         139 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 124 , wherein the trench cover is of the non-tileable variety and is adapted to be interchangeable with covers of the tileable variety in such a fashion that any of the tiled, tileable and non tileable trench covers are vertically adjustable so that an upper surface thereof can be oriented so as to be substantially coplanar with an upper surface of the adjacent shower pan floor or flooring material attached to the adjacent shower pan floor. 
     
     
         140 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of  claim 125 , further including a strainer attachable over the drain aperture. 
     
     
         141 . The tileable shower pan with recessed trench of any of  claims 106  or any of  claims 125  through  140 , wherein the tileable shower pan is selected from one of a group of tileable shower pans consisting of prefabricated shower pans, partially prefabricated shower pans, or mortar bed or other handmade shower pans.