Convenience Accessories Patents (Class 4/605)
  • Patent number: 6619805
    Abstract: A condensation free mirror to be used in a shower environment consisting of a mirror substrate and a means for detachably mounting the mirror to a shower wall. The mirror assembly is designed for optimum heat retention in order to provide a condensation free surface after being exposed to the warm shower stream. No internal plumbing, reservoirs, or anti-fog coatings are required to achieve a condensation free surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Paul F. Roth
  • Patent number: 6594832
    Abstract: A shower nozzle hanger system including a shower nozzle unit having a shower nozzle containing a thin metal plate disposed therein and a shower nozzle hanger unit having a permanent magnet plate secured thereon and a pair of lateral flanges for the shower nozzle unit whereby after using the shower nozzle unit, the shower nozzle unit can be easily and effectively engaged and disengaged wit the shower nozzle hanger unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jung Young Yang
  • Patent number: 6588030
    Abstract: A shelf or support caddy for a bathroom shower or tub enclosure which includes a body having at least one recessed soap tray integrally formed therein which tapers toward a forward drainage slot formed in a front edge of the body and which slot is tapered to grip a string or handle element of a bathing accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Alan T. Wulff
  • Publication number: 20030121096
    Abstract: A water conservation system for use in a shower stall or a bathtub having a shower head. The system includes a pair of receptacles placed on the floor of the shower stall. Each of the receptacles includes a cover, which has a hingedly connected panel to facilitate draining into a selected receptacle while a user is in the shower/bathtub. Collection of clear water is facilitated by directing the shower head at a first one of the receptacles when the water is warming up, and pivoting the shower head in the opposing direction when rinsing to direct gray or soapy water into a second one of the receptacles. The appropriate receptacle cover panel is opened depending upon the positioning of the shower head. Drains are formed in the tops of both receptacles, the tops having a drainage surface with a concave profile to direct water to a centrally positioned drain opening. Each of the receptacles has a removable pour spout, and a locking member is provided to prevent relative movement of the receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Edward L. Koepenick
  • Patent number: 6581218
    Abstract: A water conservation system for use in a shower stall or a bathtub having a shower head. The system includes a pair of receptacles placed on the floor of the shower stall. Each of the receptacles includes a cover, which has a hingedly connected panel to facilitate draining into a selected receptacle while a user is in the shower/bathtub. Collection of clear water is facilitated by directing the shower head at a first one of the receptacles when the water is warming up, and pivoting the shower head in the opposing direction when rinsing to direct gray or soapy water into a second one of the receptacles. The appropriate receptacle cover panel is opened depending upon the positioning of the shower head. Drains are formed in the tops of both receptacles, the tops having a drainage surface with a concave profile to direct water to a centrally positioned drain opening. Each of the receptacles has a removable pour spout, and a locking member is provided to prevent relative movement of the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Edward L. Koepenick, III
  • Publication number: 20030110557
    Abstract: A personal cleansing system for substantially dry wiping articles is described suitable for use in a shower environment, utilizing a shell enclosing the wiping articles having a dispensing slot formed along the shell, a closure means, and a support device secured to the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home and Personal Care USA
    Inventors: James Lynn Turbett, Natalie Charambura
  • Publication number: 20030084505
    Abstract: An automatic shower and bathtub cleaning device, with no connection to the water supply piping, that directs cleaning fluid through nozzles that are positioned or adjusted to allow coverage of the entire inside surface of the shower or bathtub enclosure. The device consists of a main body, cleaning fluid reservoir, electric pump, nozzles, and a control circuit that allows either local or remote initiation of the device's cleaning cycle operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel P. Conway, Jude Nicholas Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6546572
    Abstract: A unitary U-shaped safety enclosure or barrier formed of a resilient and heat and water-resistant material is removably positionable in a bathtub in enclosing relation about the water faucet and valve thereof to prevent access thereto and minimize injuries to a bather, such as arising from a slip or fall, or a child inappropriately adjusting the temperature or water being supplied to the tub, possibly resulting in scalding or the tub to overflow. The safety enclosure includes a central wall that extends above and shields the bather from the water delivery faucet, and a pair of sidewalls that space the central wall from the faucet and have slotted portions for hanging the enclosure. A net-like basket is removably mounted within the U-shaped enclosure for storing bath apparatus and permitting water to drain from the bath apparatus when the enclosure is hung or otherwise removed from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Roger R. Demonet
  • Publication number: 20030041372
    Abstract: A shower nozzle hanger system including a shower nozzle unit having a shower nozzle containing a thin metal plate disposed therein and a shower nozzle hanger unit having a permanent magnet plate secured thereon and a pair of lateral flanges for the shower nozzle unit whereby after using the shower nozzle unit, the shower nozzle unit can be easily and effectively engaged and disengaged wit the shower nozzle hanger unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jung Young Yang
  • Patent number: 6502796
    Abstract: An adjustable mount for removable attaching a showerhead to a water supply pipe includes a mounting bracket made of resilient material and having a mounting flange which is sized and shaped to clamp the water supply pipe upon applying an external force. The adjustable mount further includes a holder for the showerhead and an attaching assembly for releasably attaching the holder to the mounting bracket. The attaching assembly has a knob formed on either the holder or the mounting bracket frictionally engaging a recess formed on the other element. Upon inserting the knob in the recess, the bracket and the holder are displaceable relative to one another between a release position, wherein they are freely detachable, and a series of locking positions, wherein their displacement is arrested upon ceasing an external torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Resources Conservation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wales
  • Patent number: 6474621
    Abstract: A control apparatus (10) for controlling flow of water through a shower head (21) supplied with water from conventional taps (11,12) through a water outlet (14), the control apparatus (10) including a flow valve (17) connected to the outlet (14) and operating means for the valve in the form of a rigid rod (24) attached to the valve (17) and extending to a position adjacent the taps (11,12). Movement of the rod (24) in opposite directions effects opening and closing of the valve (17). The rod (24) may also carry a cover or shield to cover the taps (11, 12) to prevent their inadvertent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jordan Walter George Vogel
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020144341
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to various systems and methods for providing automated control over both water temperature and pressure for a plurality of shower heads or other sources of water. The automated systems and methods for providing automated control over both water pressure and temperature make use of three distinct modules which comprise an input and display unit, an electronic processing unit, and the mechanical plumbing control unit. The electronic processing unit receives signals from the input and display unit and translates the received signals into the appropriate control signals for the mechanical plumbing control unit. A user is able to control the output water temperature from each of the shower heads or water sources as well as the individual water pressure from each of the shower heads or water sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Claus D. Zieger
  • Patent number: 6453486
    Abstract: A detachable bracket. The bracket includes a body having an elongate slot open to the internal end and the surface, an engagement member inserted into the slot, the engagement member having a concave surface facing the slot, a threaded member releasably secured onto the slot, and a pivot member at the outer end of the body. The pivot member includes a longitudinal groove perpendicular to the slot. In assembly, mount a sliding post to body from the internal end of the slot, insert the engagement member into the slot to engage the concave surface with the post, secure the threaded member onto the slot, and hand a shower head on the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Moon Signal MFGS Association
    Inventor: Wen-Hsiang Chen
  • Patent number: 6378912
    Abstract: A system and method for installing plumbing spouts, such as shower heads and tub spouts, includes providing a stub out which protrudes out of a wall at shower height. A specialized adapter is then slid onto the protruding stub out until the adapter abuts the wall. The adapter is internally threaded with an integral ferrule, and may also be equipped with a one-way gripper ring and an O-ring to sealingly secure the spout to the stub out. The stub out, if closed, is then cut off outside the adapter and a standard shower arm or nipple for a tub spout is threaded into the adapter. A threaded end of the shower arm or nipple engages the ferrule and compresses it against the stub out creating a seal therebetween. When installing a shower head, an escutcheon plate is adapted to be slid over the shower arm to engage peripheral fingers of the adapter to secure the escutcheon in place. A shower head is then threaded onto the shower arm to complete the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Duane R. Condon, Frank D. Julian, Joseph P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 6375097
    Abstract: A manual apparatus for cleaning a hygienic vessel with water, generally after flushing, comprising a housing; a related covering element with a base and a grip handle; a dispenser of the water jet, situated on the base and comprising an inlet union fitting, a water flow supply conduit, a shut-off valve controlled manually, by means of a lever, from a pushbutton in the covering element, a curved beak; a hose, spiral shaped, secured on one side to said dispenser and, on the other side, to a union fitting for connection to the water supply, constituting an element for supporting the housing to the wall of the bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Valerio Matteucci
  • Patent number: 6343389
    Abstract: A water outlet (10) for an ablutionary device has a member which is moved to open and close a vent into the body of the outlet (10). In one embodiment, the outlet (10) is a shower head (10A) having a discharge opening (26) which serves as the vent. A perforate shower plate (12A) located in the opening closes the vent while the shower (10A) is in operation so that water issues from the opening (past the plate (12A)) as a spray. When the water supply is turned off the shower plate (12A) is moved out of the opening (26) to open an annular vent (14A) into the interior of the body of the shower head (10A) to aid drying of the interior. When the water supply is turned on the plate (12A) is moved back into the opening (26) to close the vent (14A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: David Timothy Lloyd Jones
  • Patent number: 6322005
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shower system with a showerhead (18) which is connected to a mixer faucet (12) for warm and cold water via a water delivery channel (16) and can be operated with various, according to selection, streams. According to the invention, a remote control unit is provided for adjusting the stream of the showerhead in order to enable an easier and more reliable change of the stream. To this end, an actuating element is located at a distance from the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Peter Kern, Rainer Schopp, Wilhelm Bauer, Andreas Frede
  • Patent number: 6311734
    Abstract: The showerhead security cover prevents unauthorized access to a connector of a shower assembly. The connector secures the showerhead to the shower arm, the connector, showerhead, and shower arm being standard without any modification required. The showerhead security cover comprises a housing and a lock. The lock is integral with the housing. Once the lock is engaged, the housing encases the connector and prevents access to the connector. Once the lock is engaged, there is no substantial rotational movement of the connector relative to the shower arm. One end wall of the housing seats against an end of the connector during engagement preventing any substantial axial movement of the connector relative to the connector. The housing is strong enough to prevent engagement with the connector even when the housing is grasped with pliers. Disengagement is enabled by the use of a special tool to allow authorized access to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Alsons Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Petrovic
  • Patent number: 6289529
    Abstract: A shower seat and basket combination. The combination includes a basket which includes a horizontal bottom surface having four vertical sides forming an enclosure to hold shower supplies such as shampoo and soap. The basket also includes two overhanging edges located at a top portion of two opposing sides. The shower seat is a horizontally mounted flat surface mounted to a plurality of walls of the shower stall. On the underside of the shower seat is two railings running from a front portion of the seat to a back portion of the seat. The railings each include a lip to support each overhanging edge. The basket is positioned under the shower seat when not in use. When shower supplies are needed, the basket can be slid outwardly from the shower seat to access the interior of the basket. The basket may also include a plurality of perforations to allow water to drain from the basket. Additionally, a plurality of baskets may be stacked under the shower seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Harvey
  • Patent number: 6243891
    Abstract: A valve includes a housing with an input for unheated water and an output for delivering unheated water to a toilet tank and a supplemental input for cooled and hot water in. The valve has a thermally responsive component to open and close the supplemental input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: Jack A. Nickerson, Jack A. Nickerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6233757
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shower system having a nozzle supported by a carriage that travels along tracks in a shower tower housing. The carriage includes wheeled components pivotably connected together and biased apart at one end by a spring. It also includes a brake that is urged against a track by the spring to hold the body spray nozzle at a given height. The brake can be released by pulling the body spray nozzle outwardly to compress the spring. The carriage may then be slid vertically along the track to move the body spray nozzle to the desired height. Releasing the body spray nozzle re-engages the brake, which holds the body spray nozzle at the selected height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Gary E. Graham, Michael G. Cook
  • Patent number: 6212705
    Abstract: A bathtub tray (10) includes a planar base (20) having first and second opposed ends (26, 32). The first end (26) of the planar base having at least one drain hole (30) therethrough. The tray includes a leg (34) extending downwardly from the second end (32) of the planar base. The planar base (20) has a length sufficient to span opposed edges (14, 16) of a bathtub (12). The first end is adapted to be supported by one of the bathtub edges and the leg is adapted to be supported by the other bathtub edge. The leg imparts an incline to the planar base to direct any accumulated liquid on the planar base to at least one drain hole. A rim 22 extends upwardly from the planar base to assist in directing any accumulated liquid toward the drain hole, wherein the leg includes a suction cup (36) adapted to be supported by the other bathtub edge (16). A ridge (40) may extend from the planar base and may be positioned adjacent the drain hole to assist in the direction of accumulated water to the drain hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel J. Kramer
  • Patent number: 6149277
    Abstract: A shower mirror, for attaching onto a shower head pipe, comprising a generally rectangular housing and an attachment device for attaching onto the pipe. The housing has a housing front having an inner frame, which encloses a fog-free, wide view mirror element. The attachment device includes a tubular clip having an opening for selectively mounting onto the shower head pipe, and a pair of ropes which extend from the clip to the housing to support the housing immediately below the shower head pipe. Lights are present on the housing front, which are operable with a push-button. A clock is also present on the housing front to provide the current time of day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Kim Broussard
  • Patent number: 6123308
    Abstract: A shower holder for the removable attachment of a hand shower contains a sleeve element with a conical inner bore, the sleeve element laterally having a through longitudinal slot. This permits the lateral insertion of the shower tube, whilst the hand shower is slid in axially and fixed by clamping action.To improve the adhesion or reduce the insertion forces, the inner cone has an elastomeric material lining. The elastomeric material can be injected through the wall of the sleeve element, so as to form on the outside a ring element, which can be used for soundproofing purposes during locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Hans Grohe GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Magdalena Faisst
  • Patent number: 6079060
    Abstract: A multiple spray head showering fixture for spraying water at a user from opposite directions. The multiple spray head showering fixture includes an elongate pipe with spaced apart proximal and distal spray heads coupled thereto. The proximal spray head is positioned towards and spaced apart from a proximal end of the pipe. The distal spray head is positioned adjacent a distal end of the pipe. The pipe has a main valve between the proximal and distal spray heads to selective open and close passage of fluid therethrough from the proximal end of the pipe to the distal spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Todd A. Walker
  • Patent number: 6049920
    Abstract: A shower curtain spacer attaches to the rim of a bathtub or shower stall to hold a shower curtain away from the rim. The spacer includes a clamping mechanism having a first leg portion attached to a second leg portion at a right angle from one another. An adjustable sliding portion, in parallel relation to the second leg portion moves along the first leg portion to secure the device to the bathtub or shower stall rim. A screw locks the adjustable sliding portion in place. An elongated cylindrical bar sets within the tub area and is spaced from an inner surface of the tub when the shower curtain spacer is employed. The elongated bar is removably attached to the clamping mechanism by an intermediate block member including a body portion a pair of fingers for inserting within a pair of apertures in the clamping mechanism and a concave portion for receiving and retaining the elongated bar in a rigid and fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6035460
    Abstract: A pivotal door for an entrance of passageway, and particularly for shower and bath enclosures, comprising a plurality of frame members, a panel mounted in adjustable frame members, a channel provided for bottom frame members, and a pair of fixed pivot members retained within one of the adjustable frame members in a socket provided in the shower/bath enclosure frame, the adjustable side frame members being arranged to be affixed at any of a plurality of positions in the shower stall to enable the door to be utilized with enclosures having entrances of different widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Clifford Borter
  • Patent number: 6006374
    Abstract: A showerhead attachment is used for generating aromas. The showerhead attachment holds an aroma containing material such as a gelatin type capsule to be intermixed with a portion of the running water and discharged through a discharge orifice. The showerhead attachment comprises a housing, a dispensing chamber, a removable and attachable cylinder, and a filter assembly. As water begins to flow through a water supply conduit, it will exit the conduit and enter into an inlet port of the housing to course through the housing and around the dispensing chamber and on through an outlet port, where the water will the flow through the showerhead into a cleansing stream raining down upon the bather. As the water enters the housing and flows around the dispensing chamber, a small portion of the total volumetric flow will enter an inlet orifice and will thus be diverted into an auxiliary water stream flowing into the dispensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventors: Harold G. Winnett, Bernard Ilan Urfig
  • Patent number: 5984440
    Abstract: A soap bar holder for having a plurality of compartments, each compartment being for holding a single soap bar. A removable shelf and tray further provide a means for easily cleaning the soap bar holder. The device includes a housing having a partitioned interior. The tray is slidably receivable within either one of an opening formed in a housing side wall and is designed to catch dissolved soap. The shelf is slidably receivable upon the tray and is designed to support a plurality of soap bars contained within the compartments of the partitioned housing interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Elroy Watson
  • Patent number: 5953771
    Abstract: A slidable, magnetically biased shower curtain clip that is slidable along a bottom edge of a shower curtain without having to detach the clip from the shower curtain. The shower curtain clip includes first and second clip assemblies hingedly connected together. Each clip assembly includes a molded plastic clip member and two rows of spherical magnetic balls, snap inserted and roliably entrapped within ball holding structures molded into the clip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Gloria J. VanHuss
  • 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: 5894612
    Abstract: A multifunctional water-resistant bathroom fixture is provided for multiple utilitarian applications in the bathroom including use as a water-resistant bathroom soap holder and bathroom tissue dispenser for coordinating the bathroom shower area. The multifunctional bathroom fixture includes a wall mounting bracket or frame for carrying a pivotal sloping cover and a water-resistant closure device disposed between the sloping cover and wall mounting frame. The wall mounting frame may include sloping sides conforming to the configuration of the sloping cover to provide a soap dish or bathroom tissue closure that is resistant to water and adaptable to a wide variety of applications in the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: David W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5870782
    Abstract: A fitness-brush shower installation has a head rod (5) including a drive head (6). The head rod is pivotable in a horizontal plane and can be secured at a selected position. A vertical, rotatable brush roller (7) is interchangeably suspended on a drive head (6) under the head rod. A gear (21) is coupled to at least one drive (23, 32) comprising conical gear-wheel shafts (20) which set the brush roller (7) in rotation. The gear (21) is coupled to a brush-roller driver. The brush roller (7) telescopically extendable in the vertical direction. Its extension is a function of water flowing into a hollow brush core (8) of the brush roller, resisted by a restoring spring (45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Erich Kannenberg
  • Patent number: 5870781
    Abstract: An adjustable shower track system which allows an user to movably position a shower head at varying locations along a longitudinal slot within a housing front wall is provided. The adjustable shower track system has a hose which has: a hose first connector attached at one distal end and is removably attachable to a standard shower spout; and a hose second connector attached at an opposite distal end. The system further comprises a shower head connector which has a connector handle holder having an internal opening substantially larger than an outer diameter of the hose and hose second connector which is movably positioned therethrough. The connector handle holder functions to removably secure the handle therein and further functions as a guide for the hose which is movably mounted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Alex Williams
  • Patent number: 5870975
    Abstract: A steam generating device particularly suitable for a steam bath body treatment. The steam generating apparatus comprises a housing (1) with a spray nozzle (2) connected to a hot water supply via a pipe (3). The housing has a water outlet (4), an air inlet (5) and a steam outlet (6) and is provided with an inner wall (7) and a lip (8, 16) for generating steam when pressurized hot water is delivered to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Luc
  • Patent number: 5862544
    Abstract: Apparatus for recapture of fresh water flow released from a shower head (12). The collection device (10) includes a supported frame (18) that is proximate the shower head (12) and adjacent a wall (16) to which the shower head (12) is ultimately attached. The device (10) also includes a movable water flow diverter assembly (32), capable of being moved from a first in use position to a second at rest position, and at least one collection container (24) that is supported by the frame (18). The moveable water flow diverter assembly (32) is connected to an upper portion of the frame (20) by a pin (34). Diverter assembly (32) includes an arm (36, 36'), and a collection basin (38) that is connected to arm (36, 36') and a flow director (42) that directs the water flow to the at least one collection container (24, 24').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Gilbert J. Placencia
  • Patent number: 5857227
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable shower head supported by a movable bracket to which rollers are laterally attached that move within guiding track rails behind a shower stall wall. The invention also has a cover plate flush against the shower stall wall, water resistant flaps through which the shower head is positioned and supported, and a gutter system behind the shower stall wall to redirect back into the enclosed shower stall area water which has moved behind the water resistant flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Linda Trusty, Jack D. Trusty, Ian J. Bromidge
  • Patent number: 5857225
    Abstract: A rod assembly for mounting a hand shower on a wall has a rod extending along a vertical rod axis, having axially opposite upper and lower ends, and formed adjacent one of the ends with a diametrally throughgoing hole and respective upper and lower substantially identical brackets each formed with a vertical inner end face adapted to lie flatly against the wall, a vertically throughgoing passage through which the respective end of the rod extends, and a horizontally throughgoing stepped bore having a narrow inner portion opening at the inner end face and a wide outer portion opening at the respective passage. One of the stepped bores is aligned with the rod hole. Respective upper and lower screws each have a narrow shank extending through the respective narrow bore portion into the wall and a wide head. One of the wide heads bears directly on the respective bracket between the rod and the respective inner end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG
    Inventors: Bernd Bischoff, Bruno Heimann
  • Patent number: 5829072
    Abstract: An automatic shower control for the flow to a shower head by a detection device and its control and evaluation circuitry which detects the presence of a user and includes switching device for activation and deactivation of the control. An intensity selective evaluation of the detector signal indicates whether the signal derives from an object in a close proximity range or a normal proximity range to the detector and the system is switched on by the presence of an object in the close proximity range. During operation in the normal proximity range, which can terminate when the user leaves this range, water shut off can also be effected by movement of an object into the close proximity range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG
    Inventors: Heinz Hirsch, Heinz-Dieter Eichholz, Hans-Jurgen Ludewig, Gunter Kolbert
  • Patent number: 5829071
    Abstract: An inexpensive, attractive, easy to install, disposable bath liner and tile shield that prevents water from contacting walls and infiltrating behind walls and into a building structure, which may be removably attached to bath walls. The disposable bath liner has a side panel and opposing end panels for covering and protecting a side wall and opposing end walls of a bath enclosure, is flexible, capable of being removably attached to the bath walls, may be transparent or opaque, depending upon a user's needs, and of a material that may be imprinted with a decorative design. The disposable bath liner is also durable and light weight, easily fits irregularly shaped walls and a variety of bath enclosure sizes, is fabricated from materials that do not corrode, rust, bleed onto, and/or soil bath walls, is installable as a retrofit to existing baths, and has cut outs for bath fixtures to fit therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Damali Lavalle
  • Patent number: 5823441
    Abstract: A system having a diverter valve installed between a source of pressurized water and a dispensing shower head for conducting a portion of water from the main flow to an article or device of personal hygiene. The valve may include a return port for conducting water from the device back to the valve for discharge with the main flow through the shower head. A venturi is included in the valve for controlling the main flow and for water conservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Paul T. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 5794282
    Abstract: A water diverter for placement in a water delivery spout, and a water delivery spout in association with the water diverter. The diverter has a water diverting member for directing water flowing through the spout to a selectable delivery destination, a temperature sensor to be disposed in the flowing water, and a temperature display for reporting the temperature of the water as measured by the temperature sensor. Preferably, the water diverter member, temperature sensor and temperature display are connected to each other, with a hand-operable knob disposed exteriorly of the spout to effectuate movement of the water diverting member while being in communication with the temperature sensor to thereby function as the temperature display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Carol A. Lucas, John T. Lucas
  • Patent number: 5788160
    Abstract: An adaptor for a shower includes a valve component having a threaded end for connection to a shower pipe and a first nipple for connection to a showerhead. A second nipple is provided for attachment thereto of a sauna-simulating steam/hot water mist. A diverter valve controls the flow alternatively between the showerhead and the steam spray attachment. The steam spray attachment includes a screen having openings of approximately 25 to 75 microns for breaking down a stream of flowing water into a steam-like mist of fine droplets and water vapor. The broken down stream of water is then sprayed through a nozzle opening, preferably providing a fan-shaped spray. The nozzle opening is of the size to accommodate a flow of about 0.2 to 0.4 gallons per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Gunter Woog
  • Patent number: 5787520
    Abstract: Two cooperating members for sealing a shower curtain to an associated shower stall. One member is stationary, and is permanently fixed to the shower stall. The other member attaches to the shower curtain, magnetically adhering to the stationary member, and has a handle for maneuvering. The stationary member is triangular, contacting and attaching to the sill of the bathtub and to a vertical wall of the stall at two faces, and presenting the third face to the handle member. The handle member has a flat surface for cooperating with the third face of the stationary member. The handle member is formed in two mating parts which close around the shower curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: James A. Dunbar
  • Patent number: 5761752
    Abstract: A new Soap Shield for protecting soap within various sizes of wall mounted soap dishes from water or debris build up while allowing easy access to the soap within, thereby preventing dissolving of the soap. The inventive device includes a cover member which is pan shaped with a narrow end open and a rectangular aperture along the bottom of the cover member, an L-shaped door pivotally secured to the cover member and covering the rectangular aperture, and where the cover member is secured by an adhesive strip to a bath tub wall surrounding the wall mounted soap dish with the rim of the half moon shaped cover member secured to the bath tub wall forming a seal and where the open end of the cover member is positioned on the bottom allowing drainage and dissipation of accumulated water and liquefied soap within the wall mounted soap shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Angelo E. Blake
  • Patent number: 5749552
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a bracket for attaching a hand-held shower head in relation to a wall of a bathroom, includes a fitting having an end for connecting with a fixed spray head, another end for connecting a water supply pipe and an extending portion for threadedly engaging a top end of a post on which the bracket can be slideably locked therealong. A bottom end of the post is attached with a vacuum mounting assembly for mounting the bottom end of the post on the wall by a vacuum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Chen-tung Fan
  • 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: 5678258
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed herein having a wall-mounted water pipe supporting a plurality of individual showerheads by swivel joints and manually operated individual ON/OFF valves, A selected one of the showerheads is carried on the end of a cantilevered extension pipe of reduced diameter which outwardly projects above and beyond the other showerheads. An accessory rack is detachably mountable on the water pipe and encloses the water pipe. Apertures are provided on the housing through which the showerheads protrude. A drainage valve at the lower end of the water pipe eliminates excess water in the water pipe after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas K. Healy
  • Patent number: 5675846
    Abstract: The devices of the brush-massage shower installation described in detail above do not pose any problems in practical application, while a person lets his body be massaged with the skin-friendly bristles, which he has selected himself, of a dry or water-spraying and wet-cleaning rotating massage roller (8).The brush-massage shower installation contains the advantages of freedom in the selection of the driving elements.a.) The water turbine gear (14), which is responsible for the infinitely variable drive of the water-spraying rotating massage roller (8), obtains its rotational force from the water supply provided, which is under pressure.b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Erich Kannenberg