Patents by Inventor Joseph R. Cook

Joseph R. Cook has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8141182
    Abstract: A prefabricated shower bench for installation in a tiled shower includes an upper surface having a plurality of peripheral edges, and at least three sidewalls. Each sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. Each upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the upper surface. The lower edge of each sidewall terminates in a common plane. One sidewall includes a setback area along the entire lower edge which has a height greater than the height of a sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The upper surface is horizontal or pitched downwards toward the shower module when the shower bench is installed adjacent to the sidewall of the shower module such that the sidewall of the shower module resides within the setback area, thereby preventing the weight of the shower bench from resting on the sidewall of the shower module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Patent number: 8141183
    Abstract: A prefabricated modular curb suitable for attaching to a sidewall of a prefabricated shower module for constructing a tiled shower includes a mounting wall, an exterior wall, and a top wall extending from the upper edge of the exterior wall to the upper edge of the mounting wall in a plane substantially perpendicular to the mounting wall and to the exterior wall, or pitched downward from the exterior wall toward the mounting wall. In one embodiment, the modular curb further includes at least one reinforcing curb rib connected to the top wall, the mounting wall, and/or the exterior wall. In another embodiment the top wall terminates beyond the outer surface of the mounting wall in a ledge having a width substantially equal to the width of the sidewall of the shower module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20120036632
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drain and drain concealment structure and method of installation and use. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a drain body adapted to be connected to a conventional prefabricated waterproof shower or bath pan. The drain body may be connected to the shower pan by any suitable means, such as but not by way of limitation by being integrally molded therewith during manufacture of the pan, by connection post-manufacture or in situ in the field. Other embodiments do not require use of a prefabricated waterproof shower or bath pan. The preferred drain body is comprised of a waterproof structure having a floor section which defines a drain aperture, and a peripheral sidewall section. Structure for releasably attaching a drain cover to the drain body is employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: JOSEPH R. COOK
  • Publication number: 20120036697
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of installation and use of drain and drain concealment structures. The preferred embodiment involves a method of installing and using a drain body and drain cover with a conventional prefabricated waterproof shower or bath pan. The drain body may be connected to the shower pan by any suitable means, such as but not by way of limitation by being integrally molded therewith during manufacture of the pan, by connection post-manufacture or in situ in the field. Other embodiments do not require use of a prefabricated waterproof shower or bath pan. The preferred drain body is comprised of a waterproof structure having a floor section which defines a drain aperture, and a peripheral sidewall section. Structure for releasably attaching a drain cover to the drain body is employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20120036630
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cover for a drain and drain concealment structure and method of installation and use. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a drain body adapted to be connected to a conventional prefabricated waterproof shower or bath pan. The drain body may be connected to the shower pan by any suitable means, such as but not by way of limitation by being integrally molded therewith during manufacture of the pan, by connection post-manufacture or in situ in the field. Other embodiments do not require use of a prefabricated waterproof shower or bath pan. The preferred drain body is comprised of a waterproof structure having a floor section which defines a drain aperture, and a peripheral sidewall section. Structure for releasably attaching a drain cover to the drain body is employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20120036629
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drain and drain concealment structure, methods of installation and use, and resulting shower, bath and other areas and spaces from which it is desired to drain liquids. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a drain body adapted to be connected to a conventional prefabricated waterproof shower or bath pan. The drain body may be connected to the shower pan by any suitable means, such as but not by way of limitation by being integrally molded therewith during manufacture of the pan, by connection post-manufacture or in situ in the field. Other embodiments do not require use of a prefabricated waterproof shower or bath pan. The preferred drain body is comprised of a waterproof structure having a floor section which defines a drain aperture, and a peripheral sidewall section. Structure for releasably attaching a drain cover to the drain body is employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20120036631
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drain and drain concealment structure and method of installation and use. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a drain body adapted to be connected to a conventional prefabricated waterproof shower or bath pan. The drain body may be connected to the shower pan by any suitable means, such as but not by way of limitation by being integrally molded therewith during manufacture of the pan, by connection post-manufacture or in situ in the field. Other embodiments do not require use of a prefabricated waterproof shower or bath pan. The preferred drain body is comprised of a waterproof structure having a floor section which defines a drain aperture, and a peripheral sidewall section. Structure for releasably attaching a drain cover to the drain body is employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Patent number: 8112831
    Abstract: A prefabricated shower bench for installation in a tiled shower includes a seating member defining at least one peripheral edge, and at least one sidewall depending downwardly therefrom. The sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the seating member. The lower edge terminates at a height above the ground which is the same as or slightly greater than the height of a corresponding sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The upper surface is horizontal or pitched slightly downward toward the shower module when the shower bench is installed adjacent to the sidewall of the shower module. The lower edge of the downwardly depending sidewall is situated substantially in registry with an upper edge of the prefabricated shower module sidewall. The prefabricated shower module sidewall is in a plane that is substantially contiguous with a plane formed by the downwardly depending sidewall of the bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20110197351
    Abstract: A bathroom floor module adapted to be used in conjunction with a fully or partially curbless, such as one which is handicapped-accessible, waterproof shower module, where the bathroom floor module or may not define one or more drain apertures adapted to mate with a bathroom floor drain, and further wherein the bathroom floor module and waterproof shower module mate in such a way as to define a contiguous surface over which bathroom floor and/or wall tile can be applied to create a transition between bathroom floor and shower over which a wheelchair can be easily rolled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: JOSEPH R. COOK
  • Publication number: 20100281612
    Abstract: A waterproofing flashing and resulting juncture, comprising in a first embodiment a generally horizontally positioned planar member which is positioned in sandwiched engagement between the upper peripheral edge of a shower pan or shower bench sidewall (or equivalent wallboard) and a lower peripheral edge of adjacent wallboard (or equivalent shower bench, shelf or ledge), and a vertically extending member attached to a distal edge of the horizontal member extending vertically upwardly behind the wallboard (or equivalent shower bench, shelf or ledge). An alternative form of the invention comprises a T-shaped flashing member comprised of a mid-section to which are connected first and second attachment members or wings, the wings adapted to connect the flashing to the room-facing side of the wallboard and/or shower module sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20100263188
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating a shower or bath enclosure, in which, given a predetermined area in which to create the shower or bath, a given prefabricated water proof bath or shower floor module is too small to occupy the entire available enclosure space. The apparatus includes the use of one or more additional enclosure components, such as one or more shower benches, to occupy a space between an edge or edges of the floor module and the exterior boundary(ies) of the enclosure space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: JOSEPH R. COOK
  • Publication number: 20090241258
    Abstract: A prefabricated shower bench for installation in a tiled shower includes a seating member defining at least one peripheral edge, and at least one sidewall depending downwardly therefrom. The sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the seating member. The lower edge terminates at a height above the ground which is the same as or slightly greater than the height of a corresponding sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The upper surface is horizontal or pitched slightly downward toward the shower module when the shower bench is installed adjacent to the sidewall of the shower module. The lower edge of the downwardly depending sidewall is situated substantially in registry with an upper edge of the prefabricated shower module sidewall. The prefabricated shower module sidewall is in a plane that is substantially contiguous with a plane formed by the downwardly depending sidewall of the bench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20080222891
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a leak-proof shower module suitable for use in constructing a tiled shower is implemented in one embodiment when a manufacturer provides a tool for creating the leak-proof shower module. The tool includes a cavity portion and a core portion which define a shape corresponding to the shape of the shower module. Next, the manufacturer inserts at least one form into the tool between the cavity portion and the core portion at a location corresponding to a drain aperture, injects a polymeric material into the tool to produce the shower module, and removes the shower module from the tool while retaining the form in place. In one embodiment, the manufacturer clamps the shower module to a rigid surface such that the module is prevented from flexing and the drain aperture rests in a hole in the rigid surface, and cools the shower module while retaining the form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20080222795
    Abstract: A prefabricated, polyurethane reaction injection molded, leak-proof shower module suitable for use in constructing a tiled shower includes a plurality of sidewalls, a floor bounded along at least one peripheral edge by at least one sidewall extending substantially vertically from the edge, and a drain wall defining a drain aperture and having an outer surface and an inner surface. The floor slopes toward the drain wall at a pitch equal to or greater than ? inch per foot. The drain aperture has a diameter of at least one inch, and is enclosed within a prefabricated drain assembly integrated into the floor and the drain wall, or integrated directly into the floor and drain wall. In one embodiment, the maximum thickness of the drain wall, measured from the outer surface to the inner surface, is equal to or less than 1½ times the smallest inner diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20080222796
    Abstract: A prefabricated modular curb suitable for attaching to a sidewall of a prefabricated shower module for constructing a tiled shower includes a mounting wall, an exterior wall, and a top wall extending from the upper edge of the exterior wall to the upper edge of the mounting wall in a plane substantially perpendicular to the mounting wall and to the exterior wall, or pitched downward from the exterior wall toward the mounting wall. In one embodiment, the modular curb further includes at least one reinforcing curb rib connected to the top wall, the mounting wall, and/or the exterior wall. In another embodiment the top wall terminates beyond the outer surface of the mounting wall in a ledge having a width substantially equal to the width of the sidewall of the shower module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20080222793
    Abstract: A prefabricated, polyurethane reaction injection molded, leak-proof shower module suitable for use in constructing a tiled shower includes a plurality of sidewalls (101, 102, 103, 104), a floor (110) and a plurality of ribs (120) connected to the floor. The floor has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of peripheral edges and is bounded along at least one peripheral edge by at least one sidewall that extends substantially vertically from the at least one peripheral edge. Each rib extends parallel to, perpendicular to, or at an acute angle to at least one peripheral edge and runs toward at least one drain wall and terminates in an outer edge lying in a common plane. In one embodiment, the upper surface slopes downward toward the drain wall at a pitch of ? inch per foot or greater and each rib extends downward from the lower surface, resulting in a horizontal common plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20080222797
    Abstract: A prefabricated, polyurethane reaction injection molded, leak-proof shower module suitable for use in constructing a tiled shower includes a floor and a plurality of sidewalls wherein a first sidewall is taller than at least a portion of a second sidewall and the difference in height between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is sufficient to permit the attachment of a modular curb to the second sidewall. The floor is bounded along peripheral edges by the plurality of sidewalls which extend substantially vertically from the edges. A method of installing a tiled shower is implemented in one embodiment by applying adhesive material on a subfloor within an area bounded by stud framing, setting the prefabricated shower module in place on the subfloor, installing a prefabricated modular curb proximate to at least one sidewall of the module, attaching wallboard to the framing, and installing tile over the wallboard, module and curb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Publication number: 20080222794
    Abstract: A prefabricated shower bench for installation in a tiled shower includes an upper surface having a plurality of peripheral edges, and at least three sidewalls. Each sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. Each upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the upper surface. The lower edge of each sidewall terminates in a common plane. One sidewall includes a setback area along the entire lower edge which has a height greater than the height of a sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The upper surface is horizontal or pitched downwards toward the shower module when the shower bench is installed adjacent to the sidewall of the shower module such that the sidewall of the shower module resides within the setback area, thereby preventing the weight of the shower bench from resting on the sidewall of the shower module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook
  • Patent number: D347541
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph R. Cook