Patents by Inventor Joel A. LaRoche

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

  • Patent number: 5473843
    Abstract: A joint between an upper wall part and a lower wall part of a modular tub/shower unit includes a recessed band adjacent to but spaced from the lowermost edge of the upper wall part. A further band is recessed at the uppermost edge of the lower wall part with the vertical height of that band being greater than the vertical height of the recessed band in the upper wall part and greater than a band at the lowermost edge which is not recessed, The lowermost band of the upper wall part is then adhesively attached to the uppermost edge and a part of the recessed band of the part by a double sided adhesive tape the covering of which is pulled through the gap between these parts. The adhesive tape provides the only sealant necessary for waterproofing the joint and provides the only structural strength necessary. The groove above the lowermost band of the upper wall part allows the upper wall part to be maneuvered into the required position by finger engagement into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Fiat Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel A. LaRoche, William J. Critchley, Steve G. Mardero
  • Patent number: 5311707
    Abstract: A joint between an upper wall part and a lower wall part of a modular tub/shower unit includes a recessed band adjacent to but spaced from the lowermost edge of the upper wall part. A further band is recessed at the uppermost edge of the lower wall part with the vertical height of that band being greater than the vertical height of the recessed band in the upper wall part and greater than a band at the lowermost edge which is not recessed. The lowermost band of the upper wall part is then adhesively attached to the uppermost edge and a part of the recessed band of the part by a double sided adhesive tape the covering of which is pulled through the gap between these parts. The adhesive tape provides the only sealant necessary for waterproofing the joint and provides the only structural strength necessary. The groove above the lowermost band of the upper wall part allows the upper wall part to be maneuvered into the required position by finger engagement into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Fiat Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel A. LaRoche, William J. Critchley, Steve G. Mardero