Abstract: A retainer assembly for a shower surround includes a first frame arm, a second frame arm, an arcuate frame section, a stop and a retainer. The arcuate frame section interconnects the first frame arm and the second frame arm. The stop extends from the first frame arm, and is substantially between the first frame arm and the second frame arm. The retainer arm extends from the arcuate frame section in a direction that is generally opposite from the first frame arm and the second frame arm.

Abstract: A fitting for a whirlpool joins a pair of pipes. The fitting includes a coupling from which one of the pipes extends, the coupling having a flexible member adapted to cause a seal to sealingly engage the pipes or the pipes to seal against themselves, and a first thread. A nut engages the coupling and has a second thread for engaging the first thread and a surface for engaging the flexible member and causing the seal to sealingly engage the pipes or the pipes to sealingly engage themselves while the second thread engages the first thread. The first thread and the second thread have an angle whereby the flexible member causes the seal to sealingly engage the first and second pipes or the pipes to sealingly engage themselves in a quarter turn of the nut.

Abstract: A fitting for a whirlpool joins a pair of pipes. The fitting includes a coupling from which one of the pipes extends, the coupling having a flexible member adapted to cause a seal to sealingly engage the pipes or the pipes to seal against themselves, and a first thread. A nut engages the coupling and has a second thread for engaging the first thread and a surface for engaging the flexible member and causing the seal to sealingly engage the pipes or the pipes to sealingly engage themselves while the second thread engages the first thread. The first thread and the second thread have an angle whereby the flexible member causes the seal to sealingly engage the first and second pipes or the pipes to sealingly engage themselves in a quarter turn of the nut.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for a shower surround includes a first frame arm, a second frame arm, an arcuate frame section, a stop and a retainer. The arcuate frame section interconnects the first frame arm and the second frame arm. The stop extends from the first frame arm, and is substantially between the first frame arm and the second frame arm. The retainer arm extends from the arcuate frame section in a direction that is generally opposite from the first frame arm and the second frame arm.

Abstract: A tub surround includes a retainer assembly which is mounted within an outer band section to receive an inner band section to connect the surround sections. The retainer assembly also permits the surround to be arranged in a packaged arrangement, which is conducive to efficient storage and shipment.

Abstract: An improved method of forming fiber-reinforced plastic shells for bathtubs utilizes a fiber mat placed on a rear surface of a plastic shell. The fiber mat is infused with a resin, and is then cured. The mat and resin are preferably received within a vacuum chamber as the resin is infused. Further, the plastic shell is preferably supported on a fluidized bed during this process. The present invention eliminates the need for detailed air handling as is now required to handle impurities in the industrial air around the process of forming the bathtub shell.

Abstract: An improved method of forming fiber-reinforced plastic shells for bathtubs utilizes a fiber mat placed on a rear surface of a plastic shell. The fiber mat is infused with a resin, and is then cured. The mat and resin are preferably received within a vacuum chamber as the resin is infused. Further, the plastic shell is preferably supported on a fluidized bed during this process. The present invention eliminates the need for detailed air handling as is now required to handle impurities in the industrial air around the process of forming the bathtub shell.