Means For Spraying User Patents (Class 4/567)
  • Patent number: 6823536
    Abstract: A combination showerhead and electronic media device is provided. The electronic media device is integrated within the housing of the showerhead, thus saving space within the shower. The electronic media device may also be easily removed from the showerhead. In one embodiment, the electronic media device stores digital audio data, such as MP3 formatted audio data, and includes an interface for connecting the electronic media device to an external source, allowing audio data to be loaded into the electronic media device from the external source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Jing Mei Industrial Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Rudolph Chi Wai Yip
  • Publication number: 20040199993
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a handheld showerhead is provided with an integral vacuum breaker device that breaks the fluid communication between the shower pipe and the supply hose upon the occurrence of back pressure in the water supply system. The mounting structure comprises a mount body that is coupleable to a shower pipe at its inlet end and to a supply hose at its outlet end. A vacuum breaker is provided within the mount body in-line between the inlet end and the outlet end. When positive fluid pressure is applied to the vacuum breaker, water flows through the vacuum breaker to a supply hose and handheld showerhead coupled to the outlet end. When negative fluid pressure or back pressure is applied to the shower pipe, the vacuum breaker seals the channel within the mount body to break fluid communication between the inlet end and the outlet end, thus preventing the back pressure from drawing contaminated water through the supply hose and showerhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: INTERBATH INC.
    Inventor: Le Trong Bui
  • Patent number: 6802089
    Abstract: A sliding rail consisting of two standards reciprocally defining a slotting wherein there is housed a shower support, into which there is obtained a recess intended to partly house a block forming a sliding guide for the support on the slotting. The sliding being allowed by the horizontal pivoting of the support relative to the block and by the consequent insertion or removal of the teeth provided on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Sanicro S.r.l.
    Inventor: Serafino Cropelli
  • Patent number: 6782567
    Abstract: A fountain water toy generally for use in a bathtub or pool is described. The toy generally comprises an at least partially submersible pump that is fluidly coupled with a fountain amusement assembly. The assembly includes one or more spouts through which water is streamed. Interchangeable characters heads or other fanciful representations are provided to place over the spouts such that when in operation water streams from the character heads. In one preferred embodiment, the amusement assembly comprises a faceplate assembly that removably mounts to a vertical surface such as the wall of a bathtub enclosure. The faceplate assembly of this preferred embodiment is fluidly connected to the pump through tubing. The pump is powered by a low voltage battery power source and as such there is no threat of shock or serious injury should the batteries that are normally sealed within the pump housing become exposed to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventors: Linda Austin, Anne Argent
  • Patent number: 6779207
    Abstract: A receptacle for a shower head capable of being mounted in different orientation and on surfaces inclined at different angles. The receptacle comprises a generally cylindrical body with an upper mounting flange and a lower wall with an opening for receiving the shower head. The cylindrical body has multiple openings to accommodate the shower head during different orientations of the receptacle. A receptacle cover is pivotally attached to the receptacle flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Scandvik, Inc.
    Inventor: Vagn Ekeroth
  • Publication number: 20040049843
    Abstract: It is proposed that a profiled section that, subsequent to its fabrication, has a channel that is fully enclosed on all sides be employed for holding hygienic articles. The channel is arranged on the rear of a front wall of the profiled section such that will be initially concealed from view. The channel borders on the front wall of the profiled section. Incorporating a slot into the front wall of the profiled section will open the channel over a certain portion of its length. A hygienic article may be held in place in the resultant undercut slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Guenter Glunk
  • Patent number: 6550079
    Abstract: A shower has an elongated C-section holder tube having a laterally open full-length slot open at both ends, a bracket securing the holder tube to the wall, and a shower head. The head has a guide part snugly engageable in and slidable along the holder tube, a narrow neck projecting laterally from the guide part out of the tube through the slot thereof, and a spray part provided with spray holes and mounted on the neck outside the tube. A hose has an inner end connected to the guide part and communicating therethrough with the spray part and an outer end connectable to a source of water under pressure for spraying water from the holes of the spray part. The head is slidable along the holder tube with the hose extending from the guide part inside the holder tube and out of the open end of the holder tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eckhard Gransow, Hans Lobermeier, Bernd Bischoff, Hans-Peter Strelow, Sascha Körfer, Holger Ellerbrock, Andreas Kirchhoff, Thomas Raadts, Joachim Störk, Hans-Jürgen Linde, Uwe Neumann, Andreas Rehklau
  • Patent number: 6473916
    Abstract: A device for fixing a showerhead in a position on a wall slide bar includes a casing having top and bottom surfaces each extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the bar and having cylindrical bore through the casing for receiving the bar. The device includes a brake pad that is engageable with the bar, and first and second pushbuttons, each of which is operable on the pad to engage the pad in a first position to engage the bar to fix the device in a specific position on the bar, and in a second position to disengage the pad from the bar, allowing the device to be moved longitudinally along the bar. The first pushbutton is in the top surface of the casing and is pressed in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bar and toward the bottom surface of the casing to move from its first position to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Johs. Tandrup Metalvarefabrik ApS
    Inventor: Leif Villy Schiødt
  • Patent number: 6460203
    Abstract: A drive apparatus comprising in combination a mechanism of the screw-nut screw type capable of reversing automatically the movement whenever the nut screw reaches a limit stop without stopping and/or reversing the direction of rotation of the screw. More particularly the drive apparatus includes an axially fixed screw (3) rotating only in one direction, and a nut screw (4) moving axially and capable of engaging said screw to which rotating brushes, massaging rolls, a shower head and so on can be secured. Such mechanism has an essentially cylindrical shape and is driven by a water-driven motor (2) preferably provided with demultiplier. In order that the user can vary the excursion of the shift of the nut screw, two adjustable limit stops (8) are provided which are capable of interacting with a control lever (9) for reversing the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Fiorentino De Simone
  • Publication number: 20020116757
    Abstract: A shower has an elongated C-section holder tube having a laterally open full-length slot open at both ends, a bracket securing the holder tube to the wall, and a shower head. The head has a guide part snugly engageable in and slidable along the holder tube, a narrow neck projecting laterally from the guide part out of the tube through the slot thereof, and a spray part provided with spray holes and mounted on the neck outside the tube. A hose has an inner end connected to the guide part and communicating therethrough with the spray part and an outer end connectable to a source of water under pressure for spraying water from the holes of the spray part. The head is slidable along the holder tube with the hose extending from the guide part inside the holder tube and out of the open end of the holder tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eckhard Gransow, Hans Lobermeier, Bernd Bischoff, Hans-Peter Strelow, Sascha Korfer, Holger Ellerbrock, Andreas Kirchhoff, Thomas Raadts, Joachim Stork, Hans-Jurgen Linde, Uwe Neumann, Andreas Rehklau
  • Patent number: 6438767
    Abstract: An adjustable height showerhead is slidably removable vertically along an axis to accommodate users of differing heights. The showerhead includes a fixed inner pipe, a water inlet connection, a wall mount and an adjustable pipe sleeve. The water inlet connection provides a flow of water into the fixed inner pipe, which has ports connected with the adjustable pipe sleeve to provide water therethrough into an annular space defined by the outer wall of the inner pipe and an inner wall of the adjustable pipe sleeve, which is connected to the outlet nozzle at a distal end. A locking subassembly maintains the showerhead in a fixed position until the locking assembly is unlocked, thereby permitting slidable movement of the adjustable pipe sleeve about an axis parallel to the fixed inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: I. W. Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome Warshawsky
  • Patent number: 6418573
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base having an opening on the top; a body supporting member having a number of openings, placed inside of the base; a lid covering the opening of the base; a plurality of upper shower nozzles arranged on the lid; a plurality of lower shower nozzles arranged under the body supporting member in the base; a hot-water supplying part; a hot-water supply route to connect a plurality of the upper shower nozzles and a plurality of the lower shower nozzles and the hot-water supplying part; and a heater to heat a space formed by the base and the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Masatoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 6381770
    Abstract: The invention is an extensible and retractable bathtub spout. The spout has a stationary base with a means to attach the stationary base to a structure, a detachable pull-out spout unit having a releasable mount to a front opening of the stationary base, a pressurized water supply, and a length of extensible hose attached to water supply and the pull-out spout unit. The extensible hose is contained in a stored position behind the rear opening of the stationary base and capable of being extended outwardly. The pull-out spout unit can also have a diverter valve and diverter controller, to divert pressurized water to a showerhead whether the pull-out spout unit is in the extended or retracted position. The pull-out spout unit can also have a backflow preventer. The extensible hose can have a means to prevent over-extension of the extensible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Norman Raisch
  • Publication number: 20020016988
    Abstract: A device for fixing a showerhead in a position on a wall slide bar includes a casing having top and bottom surfaces each extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the bar and having cylindrical bore through the casing for receiving the bar. The device includes a brake pad that is engageable with the bar, and first and second pushbuttons, each of which is operable on the pad to engage the pad in a first position to engage the bar to fix the device in a specific position on the bar, and in a second position to disengage the pad from the bar, allowing the device to be moved longitudinally along the bar. The first pushbutton is in the top surface of the casing and is pressed in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bar and toward the bottom surface of the casing to move from its first position to its second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Leif Villy Schiodt
  • Patent number: 6301727
    Abstract: A modular tub spout assembly for use in removably attaching a tub spout on a threadless water pipe extending outwardly from a bath wall without affecting connection of the pipe to a water supply system behind the bath wall includes a tub spout insert, a sleeve and a seal member. The insert has an interior passage, at least a portion of which is of a size to provide a close, but sliding, fit on the pipe. The sleeve has an internal diameter providing a close, but sliding, fit on the pipe and there is a chamber in the insert formed and adapted to closely fit about the sleeve exterior. The seal member is also positioned within the chamber in the insert. A fastener extends within the aligned openings in the insert and sleeve to fix the insert on the pipe. There is a tub spout shell extending over and enclosing the insert and a fastener to attach the shell to the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: John E. Bertrand, David J. Kruszewski
  • Patent number: 6276004
    Abstract: A modular shower arm assembly for use in removably attaching a shower fixture to the unthreaded end of a pipe extending outwardly from a shower stall wall without affecting connection of the pipe to a water supply system behind the shower wall uses an adapter sleeve closely fitting over the pipe and located within a chamber in the shower arm water passage. There is a threaded fastener which extends from the top or upper surface of the shower arm, where it is normally unseen, to mount the sleeve and the shower arm to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: John E. Bertrand, Michael A. Brattoli
  • Patent number: 6276614
    Abstract: A shower head structure includes an outer housing, a water exciting vane wheel, a water outlet cover, and a water guide barrel. The outer housing contains a ball connector, and a sealing ring pressing the ball connector. The water exciting vane wheel includes a central hollow bushing, a plurality of curved vanes, and a catch plate. The water outlet cover defines multiple straight water outlet apertures and three massaging water outlet apertures and includes an annular water dispensing barrel provided with a short stub. The water guide barrel includes a first step provided with an enlarged opening tightly pressing the sealing ring and a second step provided with a reduced section provided with a vane wheel shaft extending through the hollow bushing of the water exciting vane wheel and defining a receiving hole securing the short stub of the water dispensing barrel. The reduced section of the water guide barrel defines three oblique cut water outlet ports facing the vanes of the water exciting vane wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Chien Chuen Plastic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: So-Mel Huang
  • Patent number: 6276003
    Abstract: An adjustable support for a shower, including a rod (10) installed in a substantially vertical position, which is supported near its midpoint by a support bracket (12) integrally formed with a mixing valve handle assembly (11). The rod (10) vertically extends in two branches (20, 30), an upper branch (20) and a lower branch (30) that mounts shower holders (19, 17) for retaining a hand held shower head (22). The holders (14, 17) are slidably mounted longitudinally along the rod and are equipped with a fastener for affixing them in a desired position. The rod (10) can be slidably adjusted longitudinally with respect to the support bracket (12) and, in this case, the support bracket for the rod is provided with a fastener (13) for affixing the rod (10) in place. The rod can furthermore be supported by a bracket (21) in proximity of its upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Alfons Knapp
  • Patent number: 6273138
    Abstract: An adjustable faucet assembly for allowing easy access to the spigot to fill certain containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: James L. Yoney
  • Patent number: 6256808
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shower system having at least one showerhead mounted on large candy cane-shaped showerhead posts in which flexible water lines are disposed. A counterbalanced bearing mechanism for each tube permits the position the showerheads to be adjusted by simply rotating, raising and/or lowering the showerhead posts as needed. The counterbalance assembly automatically maintains the vertical position of the tube and the bearing hold the tube at the desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Gary E. Graham, Michael G. Cook
  • Patent number: 6237167
    Abstract: The shower apparatus of the present invention has an arcuate pipe dimensioned to substantially encircle a person taking a shower. The arcuate pipe has perforations that allow water supplied to the pipe to be discharged onto the body of the person taking a shower. The arcuate pipe is pivotally attached to a carrier which is slidably movable along a vertical guide plate. The carrier has a clamping feature that allows the vertical position of the arcuate pipe to be fixed at a height selected by a user. The shower apparatus of the present invention can be retrofitted to existing shower fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Walter E. Hunden
  • Patent number: 6233756
    Abstract: An assembly for dispensing condensed liquids, powders, soap bars or soap chips into shower water being sprayed onto a user, by way of a triple shower spray and dispensing reservoir. The assembly is connected to water outlet supply in wall of bathing enclosure utilizing three conventional shower heads alined horizontally, equidistance from each other coupled thereto in a cross shape piping, controlled by four separate valves enabling the selective open and close passage of fluid therethrough. Two conventional flexible reservoirs, in vertical position containing bathing solutions, may be attach by threaded connection to piping on either side of center cross piping, being controlled by two of the valves, thus dispensing contents of reservoirs into shower water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Alan E. Holbrook, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6185756
    Abstract: A hand-held sprinkling rose for washing hair includes a sprinkling head having outlet openings disposed substantially linearly in a number of rows ranging from one to five. The outlet openings have a diameter between 0.2 and 0.8 mm and the outlet openings are spaced apart 2 to 5 mm. The outlet openings are formed such that water streams are ejected which do not mix with one another before reaching a work plane at least 20 centimeters from the sprinkling head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventors: Heidrun Roesler, Siegfried Roesler
  • Patent number: 6094756
    Abstract: A shower chair for permitting a user to take a shower without their legs becoming wet. The shower chair includes a platform front and back edges. A plurality of legs downwardly depend from the platform. A seat is rotatably mounted to the platform. The seat has a generally U-shaped cutout defining a spaced apart pair of forward extents and a rear portion connecting the forward extents of the seat together. A backrest is pivotally coupled to the seat. A pair of foot rests each have an elongate rod outwardly extending therefrom. The rod of a first of the foot rests is pivotally coupled to a first of the forwards extents. The rod of a second of the foot rests is pivotally coupled to a second of the forwards extents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Carolyn Carter
  • Patent number: 6044501
    Abstract: A temperature confirmation mechanism is disclosed for use with water supply equipment. The temperature confirmation mechanism allows a user to confirm the temperature of the water before causing water to spout from the water supply equipment. The temperature confirmation mechanism includes a conduit having a shallow portion formed around a conduit. A water supply communicates with the conduit to supply water to the water supply equipment. An enclosing member creates a chamber by enclosing the shallow portion around the conduit. Further, the enclosing member is rotatable around said shallow portion. A communication hole fluidly connects the conduit and the chamber. A temperature confirmation hole is provided in said enclosing member. As such, water exiting the temperature confirmation hole may be tested before the user spout water from the water supply equipment. In one embodiment, the diameter of the temperature confirmation hole is larger than the diameter of the communication hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Kenji Mihara
  • Patent number: 5974601
    Abstract: A small plastic animal container assembly or kit of parts for bathing small pets in a home bathtub or shower stall. The container assembly includes foldable legs to raise it to a height that allows a person to stand while administering the bath. The container walls are bowed outward in the middle providing more room for a small animal to easily turn around, yet provide confinement for an animal of predetermined size. The bottom of the container has a centralized drain and pet hair filter channel which runs lengthwise along the entire bottom of the container and includes a sufficient number of strategically placed drain holes to provide for continuous water removal and filtering of loose pet hair. Pockets are integrally molded into the four corners of the container to provide a means to hold pet bathing accessories such as shampoo, a brush, a sponge, etc. A clip is built into or attached to one end of the container to provide a means to hold a variety of sizes of handles used on shower water spray heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Michael H. Young
  • Patent number: 5974604
    Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of a shower head by the use of the water pressure within the shower system is comprised of an inflatable bladder disposed within a channel. A first hollow tubular member extends from an opening on the bladder and has a typical shower head attached thereto while a second hollow tubular member extends from another opening on the bladder and connects to a typical water source. As water is presented into the system, the bladder inflates and engages the walls of the channel thereby holding the shower head in place. Cooperating protrusions and indentations can be used to assist in the friction engagement of the bladder with the channel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Eyal Barnea
  • Patent number: 5966752
    Abstract: A baby bath including a tub and a showerhead. The baby bath also includes a hose capable of connecting to a water source allowing for a flow of water. The hose may be located in a circumference of the tub or connected to the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Fatima Abugideiri
  • Patent number: 5909969
    Abstract: A full body shower system having three generally horizontal water dispensing portions or portions and two generally vertical closed portions or portions connecting the horizontal portions or portions. The maximum number of water spray apertures in the system is sixty. The apertures are located in the horizontal water dispensing portions or portions at angles with respect to the horizontal to direct water in a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Donald R. Davison
  • Patent number: 5896599
    Abstract: A sliding support for shower head, including a slider associated with a guide which is fixed to a wall and has, at least at one end, tabs provided with at least an element adapted to clamp the tabs in contact with the guide, an end element being associated with the slider and being provided with elements for coupling the shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Chimasi S.r.l.
    Inventor: Gianni Bosio
  • Patent number: 5865375
    Abstract: A shower head device has a main body, a threaded portion disposed on a lower end of the main body, a shower face disposed on an upper end of the main body, and a lateral recess formed on a lateral of the main body. A flat plate is adhered on the lateral recess. A plurality of sucking discs are disposed on the flat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Min-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 5704080
    Abstract: A shower support bracket can be moved axially on a shower rail and can be locked in various axial positions on the aforesaid rail by means of a clamping device. The clamping device locks on concealed gripping surfaces in a groove at the back of the shower rail. It consists of a clamping piece (7) which has two clamping jaws (7b, 7c) separated from each other by a gap (13). A wedge-shaped expanding projection (14) extends into the gap (13) between the clamping jaws (7b, 7c) such that, as the clamping piece (7) and expanding projection (14) move relative to each other, the two clamping jaws (7b, 7c) move at varying distances apart and by so doing are pushed at varying depths into the receiving hole (5) for the shower rail and in this way are pressed against the gripping surfaces of the shower rail with varying degrees of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Josef Kuhne
  • Patent number: 5632231
    Abstract: A pet shower device comprising a base sized to receive a body of a pet, with a head of the pet extending outwardly from a front wall of the base. A cover is hinged at one side to the base. When the cover is in a closed position over the base, a front wall of the cover will fit about a neck of the pet. The front wall of the base in combination with the front wall of the cover will have a yoke opening formed thereabout. A structure carried within the base and the cover is for scattering small drops of water on the body of the pet, so as to clean the body of the pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Brian K. Moore
  • Patent number: 5608928
    Abstract: A faucet which includes a casing having a transverse partition wall and a valve chamber above the partition wall, the partition wall having a through hole for hot water and a through hole for cold water, a water outlet pipe having a spot, a valve mounted in the valve chamber and controlled by a handle to close/open the passage between the valve chamber and the spout, and a shower head adapter and control valve assembly mounted in the water outlet pipe and controlled to close the spout for permitting water to flow from the valve chamber to a shower head, a flexible hot water pipe and a flexible cold water pipe respectively connected to the through hole for hot water and the through hole for cold water by a respective rigid pipe connector, wherein the partition wall of the casing is spaced above the lowest edge of the casing at a distance longer than the length of the rigid pipe connectors of the hot water pipe and cold water pipe; the shower head adapter and control valve assembly has a swivel shower head conn
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Wen-Mu Wang
  • Patent number: 5558278
    Abstract: The invention concerns a shower nozzle (7), equipped with two apertures (12) and (13), one for drainage and one for ventilation, at least the former of which being bigger than the spray perforations (9), which, inside the rose (4), emerge from an inclined surface (8) that counteracts the build-up of lime scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: A.B.G. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Gallorini
  • Patent number: 5481765
    Abstract: An adjustable shower head holder including a mounting block mounted around the hanging rod of a wall mounting rack, a shower head mount coupled to the mounting block by a locating ring and a socket and a pivot to hold a shower head, and an adjustment knob coupled to the mounting block, and a holding down bolt controlled by the adjustment knob to hold the mounting block and the hanging rod together, wherein the holding down bolt can be released from the hanging rod by turning the adjustment knob relative to the mounting block, permitting the shower head to be adjusted in the X-axis and Y-axis directions; the shower head mount can be tunred relative to the mounting block to adjust the position of the shower head in the Y-axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Wen-Mu Wang
  • Patent number: 5353448
    Abstract: A water recycling system primarily adapted for use in shower facilities enabling the user to increase both the time duration of a shower and the quantity of water experienced by a user, by maintaining water in a semi-closed system, while both maintaining water and energy conservation. The system preferably operates with fresh and recirculated hot water. The system utilizes spent hot shower water located in the catchment area of a shower or tub and recycles this water to one or more spray heads located at or in the proximity of the regular water dispensing head or so-called "spray head" of that shower. A selected water temperature can be maintained by periodically introducing fresh water or continuously introducing the fresh water at a very low flow rate from a fresh water source, and mixing that water with the recycled water from a water catchment area. Recycled water can also be re-heated and issued again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: Gary M. Lee
  • Patent number: 5333324
    Abstract: Structure for neck and shoulder massage in a hydrotherapy hot tub consists of a pillow element against which a person's head rests with a cavity in the pillow element through which a stream of fluid is directed toward the person's neck. The structure includes a surface interposed in the stream of fluid to deflect the stream to impinge on the person's neck downward at an adjusted acute angle thereto. Another form of the structure includes wing portions extending over the shoulders of a person whose head and neck are at the pillow element with conduits and nozzles at spaced intervals directing streams of fluid downward from the undersides of the wing portions onto the shoulders of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: John Pinciaro
  • Patent number: 5329651
    Abstract: A bathing apparatus is designed specifically for aged or infirm bathers to improve their independence. A conventional tub and shower enclosure is modified by a modular system including a pivotal support bar member which can move to a position projecting outwardly from the rear wall of the shower enclosure to enable the bather to stand at the bath. The bar member includes a lower horizontal bar against which the stomach of the bather rests and an upper bar spaced away from the stomach which can be grasped by the hands of the bather. A swivelling showerhead is mounted on the rear wall and includes a handle allowing a flooding type shower head to be moved back and forth over the head of the bather. A transfer chair can be provided which is mounted on a vertical post at one corner of the bathtub and includes an arm projecting horizontally outwardly from the post which can swivel around the post. A chair is canti levered downwardly and forwardly from the arm and swivels on the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Fiat Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve G. Mardero, Brian D. Prystupa
  • Patent number: 5279005
    Abstract: A tub spout which receives water from a water source via a source pipe is capable of diverting water received from the source pipe and includes a hollow spout having an outlet and an inlet, a rear cap removably assembled at the inlet has a rear aperture for allowing water from the source pipe to enter the hollow spout, valve means are removably disposed in the hollow spout for blocking water flow from the rear aperture to the outlet, and control means are connected to the valve means for regulating the valve means for controlling water flow through the hollow spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Modern Faucet Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Harold J. Valley
  • Patent number: 5230106
    Abstract: A water discharge apparatus configured to be held in a user's hand, and powered by a tap water source for selective operation in a continuous shower spray mode, a pulsed shower spray mode, or a submergible hydromassage mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
  • Patent number: 5230107
    Abstract: A portable bidet seat is described as being supported by one side of a bathtub enclosure and by a first pipe secured to a wall adjacent to an opposite side of the enclosure. A pair of additional pipes traverse within the first pipe, one of which is coupled to direct a tap water flow from the bathtub faucet to the bidet unit. The other pipe of the pair couples to a whirlpool system for the bathtub. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first pipe may also be coupled to the faucet and be perforated to provide a sideways directed shower flow for the tub user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventors: Boris Alperovich, Leonid Vakhovsky
  • Patent number: 5213064
    Abstract: A portable animal bath apparatus includes a housing in which the animal is confined, a hand held shower device, and a moveable spray device positionable under the animal. The housing includes two half doors for facilitating ingress and egress of the animal, and the housing is narrow enough to confine the animal so as to limit its movement. The lower spray device may be attached to a flexible tube and includes a sponge attached to an end of the tube so that random whipping action of the tube causes a continuous washing motion to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventors: Patricia Mondine, Mary J. Hilarzewski
  • Patent number: 5148556
    Abstract: An improved stationary showering apparatus configured substantially as a loop water-manifold to be mounted overhead while one is standing thereunder; including a header plate mechanically affixed to an existing shower water-outlet pipe via a mechanical grip attachment sleeve with the header plate supporting a substantially ring like water-manifold showering device therefrom in a cantilevered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventors: John E. Bottoms, Jr., Veronica M. Bottoms
  • Patent number: 5146639
    Abstract: A combination bath tub spout is provided for allowing three distinct water flow paths to achieve three different functions. The first path allows the spout to fill a bath tub. The second path diverts the flow of water to a shower head. The third path directs the flow of water to an upwardly directed nozzle at the end of the spout. The nozzle can be used as a bidet spray for washing a person's genitals, or alternatively be used in conjunction with a douche hose attachment as an effective method of douching for women. The three paths are achieved by a rotatable diverter or valve that rotates between three predetermined positions; a bath tub fill position, a shower diverted position, and an upwardly directed nozzle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Wilbur Krause
  • Patent number: 5101521
    Abstract: A bathtub assembly having contoured walls and fixtures constructed to fit within or about the walls is provided. The assembly includes a bathtub having at least one wall defining a curved protrusion and a curved recess. A filler spout having a generally shell-shaped configuration is adapted to fit within or above certain of the curved wall portions. One or more grab bars are also designed to fit within the bathtub. The filler spouts and grab bars all present curved interior surfaces which, as strategically mounted within the bathtub, minimize inadvertent contact by a person within or entering the bathtub. A headrest is also provided for attachment to a curved wall of the bathtub. The headrest includes a curved front portion which is secured by suction cups to a wall of the bathtub and an integral rear portion which extends over a deck of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Robin H. Levien
  • Patent number: 5093943
    Abstract: A multi-function shower head comprising a shower head body mounted at the upper end of a grip and several units for making bubbles, message, scrubbing, etc. passible to be selectably and additionally attached on the shower head body. The shower head body is provided with three water passages to be selectably connected with a tubular water passage in the grip for water to run out of many small holes in the outer surface of the shower head body. The grip also has a tubular passage for soap solution and a tubular passage for a wire rope to fit in and rotated by a motor so as to rotate a cylindrical shaft used for combining any of the several extra units for different purposes of bathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Hsiang Kuei Hsien
    Inventor: Yung-Kuan Wei
  • Patent number: 5070552
    Abstract: A hand held shower head especially--but not exclusively--for personal use has a porous sponge removably clamped over the holes from which a water spray normally issues. The sponge converts the spray into a flowing cascade of water. The sponge is changeable so that each user may have a clean surface, as he sees fit or so that different spray characteristics may be achieved. An arrangement is provided for hanging up the sponge if a user wishes to use the shower with the spray instead of with the cascading flow of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Associated Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferson L. Gentry, Alfons Rundzaitis
  • Patent number: 5065463
    Abstract: A shower, which is incorporated with an adapter through a water pipe and an inner water tube for fastening in a water faucet to guide water to discharge from a perforated nozzle on the shower head thereof to produce fine streams of water for shower bath. A plurality of water channels are made inside the shower head and controlled by a drain cock in the handle portion of the shower head permitting flow of water to drive a swivel brush to rotate for body friction and simultaneously to discharge from the perforated nozzle so as produce fine streams of water for shower bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Mike Le
  • Patent number: 5058220
    Abstract: A jet nozzle apparatus includes a hose having a faucet connection member to be connected to a faucet of a hot-water supply system or a hot-water supply unit, a mixing unit for mixing compressed hot water introduced through the hose with air, and a nozzle, connected to the hose, for forcibly jetting out a fluid mixture of hot water and air. A fluid mixture of hot water and air can be jetted out in an arbitrary direction by using the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Nikki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Mikiya