Wall Type Patents (Class 4/600)
  • Patent number: 11754218
    Abstract: An apparatus permitting VESA compliant devices to be mounted onto a flat surface, or placed onto a mobile, securable, and rotatable base plate is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a hollow stem with two (2) ends, one which can be affixed to a “VESA mounting plate”, with the opposing end affixed onto a flat surface directly flush, onto a base, or other mounting plate. The stem ends and accessory components are engineered to permit fast installation and support for multiple mounting options for on-surface or behind-the-surface mounting, as well as standalone mounting with theft-deterrent features, plus support for add-ons that permit easy lateral rotation of the assembly with cable management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventors: Steven Wai-Tong Cheung, Sergio Portella DeAlbuquerque
  • Patent number: 11564536
    Abstract: A bath kit configured to transition from a crate form to a bathroom form is provided. The bath kit includes a bathtub enclosure surrounded by a first sidewall sub-assembly, a second sidewall sub-assembly, a rear bracing sub-assembly, a drop ceiling sub-assembly, and a floor sub-assembly. The sub-assembly components form the three sides, a top, and a bottom of the bath kit in crate form. These components are also configured to form the walls, ceiling, and floor of the bathtub enclosure in the bathroom form. The method of assembling the bath kit and the method of transforming the bath kit from a crate form to a bathroom form are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: VBC TRACY LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Louis Meagher, Darrin Griechen, Robert Stanford
  • Patent number: 8640390
    Abstract: A decorative strip (10; 40; 60; 80; 100; 120; 150; 180; 230; 260; 290) for ceramic, natural stone or synthetic coverings or coatings, in particular for the formation of walk-in showers with a sloped floor, comprising a decorative strip profile (12; 42; 62; 82; 102; 122; 152; 182; 232; 262; 292) having a visible decorative surface (16; 50; 70; 92; 142; 164; 196; 236; 274; 302), characterized in that the decorative strip (10; 40; 60; 80; 100; 120; 150; 180; 230; 260; 290) has a holding profile (14; 44; 64; 84; 104; 124; 154; 184; 234; 264; 294) in which the decorative strip profile (12; 42; 62; 82; 102; 122; 152; 182; 232; 262; 292) is retained height-adjustably so as to vary the height of its visible decorative surface (16; 50; 70; 92; 142; 164; 196; 236; 274; 302).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Schlueter-Systems KG
    Inventor: Werner Schlueter
  • Patent number: 8545461
    Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for extracting excess liquid in a human body spray system includes a spray booth defining a booth volume. The spray booth includes a base configured to support the human body and a column having walls extending vertically from the base and at least one vent opening disposed on a bottom half portion of the column on at least one of the walls. The walls form a hollow interior of the column. The apparatus for extracting excess liquid in a human body spray system further includes an extraction fan disposed within the hollow interior adjacent to a top half portion of the column and configured to create a low pressure volume within the hollow interior and draw air flow and at least some of the excess mist from the booth volume through the at least one vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sunless, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Thomason, Nicholas J Mastandrea
  • Patent number: 8484771
    Abstract: A tub enclosure includes a back wall and a first side wall attached to the back wall. The first side wall and the back wall establish an interior of the tub enclosure. An interior side of the first side wall extends past an interior side of the back wall to establish an offset between the first side wall and the back wall. A caulk joint extends along the offset between the back wall and the first side wall. The caulk joint is obscured from vision when viewed in a direction toward the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Bath Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Wilson, Evan Carpenter Crawford, Jeffrey A. DeBoer
  • Patent number: 8132275
    Abstract: The present invention is a tub and shower enclosure formed from three pieces. A wet wall, back wall, and dry wall are each formed separately. Living hinges connects the wet wall to one end of the back wall and the dry wall to the opposing end of the back wall. The hinges allow the wet wall and dry wall to be folded into positions that are generally parallel to the back wall for shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Aqua Glass Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Wilson, Evan Carpenter Crawford, Jeffrey A. DeBoer
  • Patent number: 8109044
    Abstract: An outdoor shower enclosure that may include a roof and a base frame having a plurality of metal structural members that are connected together to define a peripheral edge with a plurality of mounting plates. A plurality of substantially vertically extending support posts may be provided that extend between the mounting plates and the roof. In some cases, the support posts may be spaced apart approximately equidistant from each other along the peripheral edge. The shower enclosure may include a plurality of vinyl wall panels disposed between the posts. In some cases, a vinyl floor panel could be carried by the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Digger Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Loren R. Graber
  • Patent number: 7979926
    Abstract: A collapsible outdoor shower enclosure that folds up nearly flat to a wall surface when not in use is herein disclosed. The shower enclosure is intended for use in outdoor locations where a general floor drain or similar means exists for removal of waste water. The enclosure comprises a right wall assembly and a left wall assembly that have hinged connections allowing for the shower enclosure to fold up against the wall surface. The wall surface would also be the one containing a shower head and shower controls as well. When in a retracted orientation, the enclosure protrudes approximately thirteen (13) inches from the stationary wall surface. During use, each of the wall assemblies fold out ninety degrees (90°) from the wall surface and include a right door and a left door that form an entrance side for a user to enter the shower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: David A. Boegler
  • Patent number: 7047576
    Abstract: The invention provides a variable angle connector profile for connecting a plurality of enclosure panels, the profile comprising: a first end segment having a first open channel sized for receiving a first enclosure panel; a flexible middle segment attached to the first end segment; and a second end segment attached to the middle segment and having a second open channel sized for receiving a second enclosure panel; the middle segment including a flexible plastic material and the end segments including at least a semi-rigid material, all three segments being co-extruded as a single integral linear unit and wherein each of the first and second end segments includes surfaces adapted to abut each other and to delimit the extent of movement of the end segments towards each other in a first sense of swivel from a linear alignment of 180° to a substantially perpendicular alignment of about 90°, while the segments are free to move in a second sense of swivel away from the surfaces to form a reflex angle therebetween,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: MTD Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Aharon Tavivian
  • Patent number: 7028349
    Abstract: A molded shower surround includes a base portion which receives wall portions and a corner portion therebetween. The corner portion includes an upper lock tab and a lower lock tab adjacent an outer edge. An upper lock slot and a lower lock slot are located adjacent the inner edge of each wall portions which engage the corner portion. Each side of the corner portion includes a corner flange arranged substantially perpendicular to a corner planar surface. The corner flange and the molded slots when combined with the upper lock tab and the lower lock tab which respectively engage the upper lock slot and the lower lock slot, provide a watertight interlocking arrangement between the corner portion and the wall portions. In one assembly method, the corner portion and a wall portion are locked into a sub-assembly then this sub-assembly is lifted and slide onto to a second wall which may already be mounted to the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: American Shower & Bath Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene A. Helmetsie, Harper F. Zarker, Jr., Tomasz Pracel
  • Patent number: 6938868
    Abstract: A support arm apparatus and method for stabilizing an outward, distal portion of a thin, rigid panel attached at an inward, vertical edge opposite the outward, distal portion to a fixed vertical surface, comprising a support bar having externally threaded first and second ends and formed at an elbow angle nearer the first end; a first mounting assembly installed on the first end of the support bar for attaching the first end of the support bar to the thin panel at a first location thereon; and a second mounting assembly installed on the second end of the support bar for attaching the second end of the support bar to the fixed vertical surface at a second location thereon; wherein the externally threaded first and second ends of the support bar enable adjustment of the first and second mounting assemblies respectively along a longitudinal axis of each first and second end of the support bar to stabilize the outward, distal portion of the thin panel at a predetermined panel angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Charles Pence
  • Patent number: 6895714
    Abstract: A shower door system has a compression mounting system including a horizontal header and curb and upright jambs. The header and curb each include one or more rails mounted above and below the door via associated expansion assemblies. These assemblies have threaded shafts that engage one or more nuts mounted to the rails such that turning the shafts applies compressive forces against opposing end walls of a shower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: John A. Teubert, Brian D. Cowell, Alice M. Jandrisits, Raul M. Paredes, Michael T. Seum
  • Patent number: 6735793
    Abstract: A prefabricated block for use in the construction of water containment areas, such as showers, tubs, pools and the like is provided. This block is designed to facilitate rapid, consistent construction while maintaining maximum water containment. In preferred embodiments, this block has a sloped surface for water-shedding as well as a slot for receiving the pan or liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Edward T. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6701672
    Abstract: A by-pass shower door system has a compression mounting system including a horizontal header and curb and upright jambs. The header includes a header rail with parallel tracks for slidably mounting the door panels and a threaded header expansion assembly. The curb is mounted beneath the header and includes two curb rails and a threaded curb expansion assembly coupled to the curb rails. The compression assemblies have threaded shafts that engage nuts mounted to the rails such that adjusting the compression assemblies (by turning the shafts) applies a compressive force on opposing end walls of a shower enclosure to mount the header and curb. A cap overlapping the header rail conceals the header expansion assembly. A center guide, having parallel tracks for bottom ends of the door panels, conceals the curb expansion assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: John A. Teubert, Brian D. Cowell, Alice M. Jandrisits, Raul M. Paredes, Michael T. Seum
  • Patent number: 6101642
    Abstract: An improved watertight bathtub insert having foldable members that are laminated and joined to form a safe portable and easily stored bathtub insert that can be chemically treated on the surface with an antibacterial formulation for the preservation of health. The enclosure is comprised of four upright sidewalls and a bottom platform, forming a watertight, rectangular cubicular space; having a watertight, doubly gasketed, entrance door and a drawbridge styled ramp. Each of the sidewalls is made preferably of a preformed and shaped fiberglass core, laminated between thin sheets of silicone rubber, and electronically bonded and sealed to form a unitized watertight enclosure that can be folded into a portable compact unit that is easily stored. The base platform is made preferably of rubber and has a cushioned bottom surface, that has frictional resistance and stability when the unit is inserted into a bathtub or shower stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Constance L. Auten, Charla R. Couch
  • Patent number: 5970536
    Abstract: A camp shower apparatus provides four segmented corner support rods mounted in a convergent manner between a base platform and a top platform. A fabric side wall enclosure may be draped around the support rods or may be placed inside of the support rods. Fastener eyes are arranged so as to maintain the fabric side wall in position and a front flap holds a zipper or other fastener for closure of the side wall. A shower water bag may be hung from the tip platform for washing oneself or a toilet may be placed within the enclosure for sanitary use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Silvio Suarez
  • Patent number: 5365620
    Abstract: An outdoor shower apparatus having not only the well-known shower head but also a mixing valve for hot and cold water, in a kind of "bird house" appearance, and capabilities of being mounted for use that is selectively permanent or temporary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Robert P. MacLeod
  • Patent number: 4871900
    Abstract: A hot air dryer suspended from the ceiling which may be raised or lowered from the ceiling to surround the user a blow dryer with a drying current of warm air utilizing a flexible skirt which forms a cylinder surrounding the user when lowered, the skirt having interior chambers with one or more interior slots allowing air to escape into the interior of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Inventor: O'Neal Hickman
  • Patent number: 4720876
    Abstract: In combination a shower stall structure for bathtubs or shower basins having a top and bottom comprising at least one opening extending from top to bottom defined by a multiplicity of stiles each stile extending in both a horizontal and vertical direction abutting an adjacent wall or stile, wherein at least one opening is closed by more than one closure member spanning across the at least one opening, having pivot mechanisms carried by both the multiplicity of stiles and the more than one closure member at the peripheral extremities thereof wherein the pivot mechanisms are adjustable in position along the respective peripheral edges of at least one of the multiplicity of stiles and the more than one closure member, allowing for dimensional variation of such as the at least one opening with respect to the dimensions of the corner in which the shower stall is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Fasco Products Division of Indal Limited
    Inventors: Vincent Tomei, Alfred MacLean, Michel Morand, John Faveri
  • Patent number: 4569092
    Abstract: An enclosure, in particular for a bath or shower, comprises a frame formed of a plurality of sectional rails connected together and at least one door or wall element connected to the frame. The door or wall element includes a panel which is made up of two outer rails and an inner rail connected and sandwiched between the outer rails. At least one of the outer rails is made of transparent plastics material. Each rail has an outer exposed surface and a guide groove communicating with that surface and having a recess extending at least partly behind the outer surface. An elastic connecting strip is positioned within the groove and has a projecting portion extending into the recess for retaining the strip. The strip includes resilient engaging elements. A facing strip is engaged over the guide groove and has a projection projecting into engagement with the engaging elements of the connecting strip for holding the facing strip into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
  • Patent number: 4471501
    Abstract: A two-piece shower stall formed as an integral unit and thereafter separated and reassembled after placing a gasket intermediate an upper and lower section formed by the separation. A securing belt is preferably formed integral with the one-piece unit at the area of intended separation and serves to reinforce the shower stall during separation and provide a means for releasably securing the upper section and lower section together. The gasket intermediate the upper section and lower section preferably extends into the interior of the shower stall to provide a watertight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Hytec, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Heymann
  • Patent number: 4316295
    Abstract: A knocked-down kit for assembling a shower stall or bath tub enclosure comprises a base panel, dome panel and three side panels, the side panels being interlocked by a split clamping tube which resiliently clamps together outwardly extending flanges along the abutting vertical edges of the side panels, and the side panels being interlocked with the base panel by a resilient flange which snaps over an outwardly extending flange along the upper periphery of the base panel as the side panels are lowered onto the base panel. The interlock between the dome and side panels is symmetrically opposite to the base-side panel interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Assignee: Trayco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Whitney, Gerald Gower
  • Patent number: 4286343
    Abstract: A partition-wall arrangement comprises a hollow post which is stationary mountable on that corner of a bath or shower tub which is diagonally opposed to a room corner in which the tub is installed. The hollow post is mounted by clamping it between the tub and the room ceiling. The hollow post contains one or a pair of winding shafts at which a pair of flexible partition-walls is wound up, which can be extracted against the effect of a return spring respectively through a vertical slit or a pair of slits into directions which form a right angle with one another and can be connected in the extracted positions at opposed room walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Inventor: Bruno Lampka