Combined With Diverse Means Patents (Class 4/546)
  • Patent number: 5142713
    Abstract: An adapter is described for selectively converting a conventional shower to a steam sauna. The adapter includes a spray mist nozzle for developing a spray mist. In an alternative preferred form, water spray orifices are provided in addition to the spray mist nozzle and are separately controlled by a plate valve mounted to the handle with provisions for selective manual operation. The handle and attached spray nozzle are connected to the shower water outlet to selectively deliver water from the shower water outlet under pressure to the spray nozzle. A mount is provided for operably securing the spray nozzle to one of the shower stall walls; or more particularly, to a deflection plate which in turn is mountable to the one shower stall wall. The deflection plate is oriented angularly in relation to the spray nozzle to receive and deflect spray therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Makool
  • Patent number: 5078642
    Abstract: A bar soap slide is presented along with a method of construction and use whereby a conventional bathtub can be converted into an arena of entertainment for a child. The bar soap slide is releasably affixed to the inner bathtub walls on a grade which will allow a bar of soap when placed at the upper end, to rapidly descend providing amusement for a child. After use the slide can be quickly removed from the bathtub, rinsed and stored for future use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Jon L. Glessner
  • Patent number: 5054136
    Abstract: A bed capable of allowing a patient such as the aged confined in a bed to take a bath easily and without much trouble to a nurse attending to the patient. According to a feature of the bed, a bath-tub is slidably mounted at the lower portion of the bed, the bath-tub having a mat disposed therein, said mat being movable up and down within the bath-tub with a human body laid thereon. The bed is provided with a tilting mechanism for easily transferring a patient from the bed to the mat, the mat also capable of being tilted by a suitable mechanism so that the human body may be easily transferred from the mat to the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Jitsuo Inagaki
  • Patent number: 5040250
    Abstract: A retaining ring of an eyeball return fitting of the type used in swimming pools and spas is provided with a releasable or breakaway cover cap. The cap closes the end of the return fitting during construction. This permits the finish work for the cement and plaster stages of the pool construction to be effected without the danger of cement or plaster getting into the fitting during construction. After construction has been completed, the cap is released and drops away, carrying with it any cement or plaster which may have hardened on it during construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Barnes, Lester R. Mathews
  • Patent number: 5022102
    Abstract: A bathing device comprises an air inflatable bathtub and shampoo bowl of flexible material. When deflated, the bathing device lies flat for convenient storage and portability. When inflated, it expands to form a bathtub in which a person may sit, a sloped backrest against which the person may lean and a shampoo bowl behind the backrest for receiving water used to shampoo and person's hair. Drains are provided for draining water from the bathtub and shampoo bowl upon completion of bathing. A bathing device also comprises an air inflatable shampoo cap of flexible material, which when deflated folds flat. When inflated, the shampoo cap fits and seals with the head of a person to accommodate shampooing the person's hair while confining wash water to the cap. The shampoo cap may be used separately from or together with the shampoo bowl and bathtub, and if desired it may be an integral part of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Maria Louvaris
  • Patent number: 4982462
    Abstract: A medical attendance bathtub bed in which a person, such as a patient or an old person, who must always be laid in a clean bed, is laid in a bed which becomes a bathtub. In case of discharging, the patient's pubic region and anus are covered by a detachable stool in a sealing state, cleaning liquid is injected from a cleaning liquid injector provided on the inner face of the detachable stool to clean the predetermined portions, and the cleaning liquid, including contaminants, is drained to a sewage hole from a drain tube attached to the detachable stool to eliminate discharge sound, offensive odor, etc. externally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Mikuni Wada
  • Patent number: 4951326
    Abstract: A retaining ring of an eyeball return fitting of the type used in swimming pools and spas is provided with a releaseable or breakaway cover cap. The cap closes the end of the return fitting during construction. This permits the finish work for the cement and plaster stages of the pool construction to be effected without the danger of cement or plaster getting into the fitting during construction. After construction has been completed, the cap is released and drops away, carrying with it any cement or plaster which may have hardened on it during construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Barnes, Lester R. Mathews
  • Patent number: 4945908
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a basin with a 10-50 cm depth preferably 20 cm and at least a metal halide high pressure lamp (MeH), a mercury high pressure lamp (HgH) or a mercury low pressure lamp (HgN) with filters. The lamps have a spectral range of 290 to 400 nm and are arranged to illuminate prone support surfaces. The bath tub may be made of an acid resistant material, preferably a synthetic plastic. A fixed or removable plastic prone support surface in the tub bottom and a liquid inlet and outlet for circulation of the solution for processing and storage are provided. The outlet is connected to the inlet through a filter device, a processing tank, a thermally insulated storage tank, a thermostatically controlled flow heater and a pumping device. A radiation source may be located under the prone support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Karl Schneider
  • Patent number: 4935971
    Abstract: An in-bed bathing process and apparatus therefor comprising the steps of filling one compartment of a sealed tank, internally divided by a flexible diaphragm into two compartments, with pressurized water to distend the diaphragm into the other compartment, moving the water-filled tank to the bedside of the bed-ridden person, encasing the person in a body-encapsulating, water-proof sheath, pressurizing some of the water from the tank into the sheath through a transfer line, for bathing the person, connecting a shower nozzle to the transfer line and rinsing the person, then draining the rinse water from the sheath through another line into a bag hung next to the tank, and including provisions for placing a wash tray behind the person's head for washing their hair in the bed and draining the water into the sheath for capture in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Inventors: Mignon A. Dunn, Scott Postle
  • Patent number: 4932086
    Abstract: An infant's nursing table includes a stand which can be placed on a bath tub and which carries a table leaf arrangement. The stand has two pairs of legs which extend down on two mutually opposite sides of the table leaf arrangement and which are connected in pairs beneath the table leaf arrangement by means of two cross members. The cross members are intended to rest against two opposite bath edges and can be adjusted with respect to their lengths. The downwardly extending stand legs can be connected to respective cross members at different locations along their lengths. The legs are clamped firmly against respective cross members. Each leg is provided with a multiple of indents which are spaced along the length of the leg and which are configured to receive partially a cross member pressed laterally against said leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Baby Bjorn AB
    Inventor: Hakan Bergkvist
  • Patent number: 4930169
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for fluid treatment and manipulation of a patient (P) by a therapist (T) is described. The apparatus includes open segments (A and B) in tank (12) so that the therapist use his or her body to push a liner (11) inside the enclosure provided by the tank or other support means for the liner. The tank is preferably vertically movable on a frame (13) to adjust to the vertical height of the tank so that the therapist can be in a standing or sitting position. The apparatus increases therapist comfort and effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Kenneth Davison
  • Patent number: 4876754
    Abstract: A collector unit for a bathtub which is mounted on the tub end portion below the spout for collecting the water during discharge from the spout and for substantially silencing the water noise and for minimizing overflow from the bathtub. The collector unit includes a back wall, a side wall and a bottom wall forming a water container. The back wall has an aperture for connection to the overflow drain in the end portion of the bathtub. In one embodiment, the collector is joined to the tub end wall by suction cups. In a second, embodiment, the side wall has an aperture and a tube connecting the aperture, and a distributor portion connected to the tube for distributing the water away from the collector toward the tub end and side portions. In the second embodiment, the collector has connector screws, spaced for fitting to a standard overflow opening with screw holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventor: Miklos G. Kurz
  • Patent number: 4875958
    Abstract: A method of making a sanitaryware article with a light transmitting panel. A sheet of light-transmitting plastic is formed into the shape of a article of sanitaryware which has a sump. A mask is applied to a portion of the plastic sheet and the remaining portions are covered with a coating which makes the areas opaque. The mask is removed and a rigid panel of a light transmitting plastic is bonded to the light transmitting area of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Masayuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 4868934
    Abstract: An improved self-cleaning bathtub having a reservoir large enough for multiple usages and an improved unitary water diversion system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Murray Altman
  • Patent number: 4839930
    Abstract: A unit for use in a spa tub to provide a dry hydro-massage of the neck and shoulders. The unit includes a diaphragm which sealingly covers a discharge jet such that the fluid will flex the diaphragm into massaging relationship with the user's body. The water is exhausted into the spa through a secondary port below the water line such that dry hydro-therapy is provided by the unit. The unit is mounted within the side wall of the tub spa and can be telescopingly adjusted between a position just below the water line and a position above the water line. With the unit in the upper position the user may remain seated within the spa while the unit provides a dry hydro-massage of the neck and upper back normally positioned above the water line. Lower positions provide massage of lower body portions and facilitate storage and covering of the spa. The diaphragm unit is adapted to be utilized with various jet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 4837871
    Abstract: An infant bath seat includes a mounting assembly with a bottom track subassembly for mounting on a bathtub bottom and an upper track subassembly for mounting on a bathtub rim. A frame assembly includes a lower end mounting a wheel rollingly engaging the bottom track subassembly. The frame assembly also includes an outer end mounting a wheel rollingly engaging the upper track subassembly. A sling assembly is removably attached to the frame assembly for supporting an occupant in the bath seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Johnny J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 4776046
    Abstract: A pedestal table which is to be releasably secured to the floor area of a smooth surfaced hot tub, spa or whirlpool and includes a foot massage device powered by pressurized water from the whirlpool. The table includes a base member or pedestal having at least three elastomeric suction cups facing downwardly to come into contact with the floor area. An elongate, cylindrical column extends upwardly from the base member or pedestal through the water in the hot tub, spa or whirlpool to support a table top above the surface of the water. A supplemental column can be provided which supports the table top substantially in the plan of the top of the spa, and in such position, the table top serves as a center support for a rigid cover placed over the spa when the spa is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventors: Tim R. Newberry, Robin C. Newberry, Dennis Anderson
  • Patent number: 4706311
    Abstract: A bathtub unit (1) is provided which is set into wall recesses which may form a shower stall if desired. The tub unit includes a raised seat (12) at one end and a downwardly recessed tub (13) at the other end. The front wall of the seat is recessed rearwardly (16) to provide heel room for the user, and the seat top is provided with a drain run (18) which discharges into the tub. A plurality of foot holds (28) are spaced along the longitudinal side walls of the tub, and in the present embodiment comprise vertically extending tapered recesses (29, 30) provided with foot stops (31). Hand rails (32) are disposed along the longitudinal tub edges above the foot holds, with the rails having projections (34) spaced therealong. The user can work himself down into or up from the tub in a step-by-step manner by utilizing one or the combination of foot holds and hand rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Inventor: Louis Jarosinski
  • Patent number: 4620332
    Abstract: Splash collection apparatus for a bathtub comprising an elongate channel applied to an outside longitudinal wall of the bathtub below the rim, the channel having an open end and a base wall inclined downwardly toward the open end, and a collector cup on a stand secured to the bathtub under the open end of the channel. The apparatus is found to be effective in collecting a significant amount of water which would otherwise splash onto a bathroom floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Inventor: Owen A. Laird
  • Patent number: 4583252
    Abstract: A sponge bath and rinse platform on which the user (patient) lies for cleansing. The device is formed with a peripheral wall (defined by side walls, a head end wall, and a foot end wall) and a central area having a number of specially contoured areas for raising selected portions of the body above a gently sloping grade plane. The lowest region of the central area is located near the foot end wall, and defines a liquid collection area. The contoured areas define supports for the head, upper trunk, lower trunk, arms, and legs. Thus, the device includes a head support, an upper trunk support, a lower trunk support, first and second arm supports, and first and second leg supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Inventor: William A. McCourt
  • Patent number: 4563780
    Abstract: An automatic computer controlled bathroom includes a shower, bathtub, sink and toilet which can all be electronically controlled. The sink and shower include water temperature sensors and valves which direct the water to the drain if it is outside of a predetermined temperature range. The temperature sensor also functions to adjust the hot and cold water supplies to bring the water to a desired temperature. A timer can be set to automatically close the bathtub drain and open the water supply at a predetermined time in the morning. Temperature sensors in the tub control the incoming water supplies to bring the bathtub water to a preselected temperature. A water level sensor stops the incoming water when the tub is filled. A similar level sensor prevents the toilet from overflowing by closing the water inlet in the event the water in the toilet reaches a dangerous level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Inventor: Simcha Z. Pollack
  • Patent number: 4535489
    Abstract: The subject of the patent application is a bathtub (10) having a bathing compartment or tub (11) including front, rear and side walls (12, 18, 14 and 16 respectively) and a transparent bottom wall (20). The transparent bottom wall (20) is positioned such that it can be illuminated from below. Beneath the transparent bottom wall (20) is located a light source (26) and optionally other decorative elements (30). The decorative elements (30) can be supported on a translucent tray (32) which is positioned beneath the transparent bottom wall (20) but above the light source (26). The area (42) beneath the transparent bottom wall (20) of the tub (11) can be enclosed, and provided with a door (52) for access to the decorative elements (30) and light source (26). The tray (32) can be slidable on a track (34) for easy removal from beneath the transparent bottom wall (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Inventor: Carol M. Elkins
  • Patent number: 4424598
    Abstract: Bath module includes a shell-like housing defining interiorly a tub/shower facility wherein whirlpool, steam, tanning and mist functions or modes of operation are selectable through actuation of pneumatic controls located therein. The preferred embodiment includes recessed storage and grab bar compartments, the recessed storage compartment housing the pneumatic controls as well as other items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Aqua Glass Corporation
    Inventor: Louis E. Cima
  • Patent number: 4400835
    Abstract: A bath support or bench includes a wall cabinet for mounting on the wall of a bathroom adjacent a tub or shower and includes a wall panel or bracket, a support bench pivotally mounted to the bracket and foldable upward against the bracket, and foldable downward into support position in the bathing area, and a cover hinged to the wall panel for covering the support bench when folded upward to the out-of-the way position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Inventor: Jutta M. Richter
  • Patent number: 4371995
    Abstract: A recreational basin having a tub with an inlet for fluids thereto. A pan is superposed in relation to the tub such that fluids can drain from the pan into the tub. A pump transfers fluid from the tub to the pan while a screening device prevents solids from moving from the pan to the tub. A regulator maintains a desired level of fluid in the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Inventor: William H. Donhauser
  • Patent number: 4364132
    Abstract: A bath tub having inner and outer front, rear and side walls, a ledge extending along the tops of these walls, a base uniting the inner and outer walls, and the whole forming a water-tight chamber extending around the tub. A cover is provided in a ledge of the tub. The cover provides an access opening, and there is also an aeration opening, for admission of air to water in the chamber and for servicing of the chamber. The chamber can be used for fish to thus provide an aquarium-tub combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 4359791
    Abstract: The chair of a transfer bench includes a single removable arm and four rollers attached to the underside of the chair by four multipurpose brackets. The single arm can be easily mounted on the right or left side of the chair so that the open side of the chair always faces toward the patient regardless of the orientation of the chair on the bench. Each of the roller brackets is fastened directly to the bottom of the chair for additional simplicity and strength. Two spring-loaded safety hooks on the underside of the chair allow the chair to be removed from the bench, rotated 180.degree., and safely remounted on the bench but facing in the opposite direction. A downwardly extending locking stud attached to the underside of one of the tubular tracks of the bench can be engaged by one of the spring-loaded safety hooks to keep the chair from moving when a patient attempts to sit in the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Temco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Morton I. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4337540
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight, free-standing tub accessory for use in conventional shower stalls has a generally planar bottom wall and a vertical side wall enclosure extending therefrom to define a container open at the upper end. A panel of the vertical side wall has a cylindrical form and is slidable to provide entry and exit from the container. A drain opening is formed in the bottom and includes means designed to be actuated by the foot of an occupant by sense of feel only, and an adjustable seat may be provided within the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Inventor: Patricia A. Lindeman
  • Patent number: 4296508
    Abstract: A special bathtub for invalids has a fixed end part which abuts an oblong rotatable end part operable by control of the pressure of the water source. The center of curvature of the abutting faces of the fixed end part and the oblong rotatable end part is offset from the pivotal axis of the rotatable end part to incorporate a wedging feature in effecting a watertight seal. An interlocking latch and water sensor prevent inadvertent opening of the tub when it is filled with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: Malachy J. Moran
  • Patent number: 4264991
    Abstract: A foldable tank for a bathtub in the nature of a plastic liner having an external frame that rests on the edges of the bathtub. A plastic sheet conforms to the interior surface of the tub and is held there by hydrostatic pressure when in use. The sheet is joined to the frame. A partition can be provided to compartmentalize the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Inventor: Raffaele Lasalandra
  • Patent number: 4238858
    Abstract: An ablution compartment includes a base tray and a plurality of booth elements supported on the base tray. The booth elements comprise a plurality of first wall elements and a plurality of second wall elements. Each first wall element is of an angled configuration having a single, substantially planar wall limb and a single, substantially planar ceiling limb arranged at right angles to the wall limb. Each second wall element has a wall surface and connects two first wall elements to one another. The wall limbs of the first wall elements and the wall surfaces of the second wall elements together form an all-around enclosure above the base tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Inventor: Hans H. Maihart
  • Patent number: 4237561
    Abstract: A sedentary bathing system utilizes a seat and back reclinably mounted to it so as to form a chair; associated with the chair is a perforated pipe for spraying water on a subject sitting in the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Inventor: Milton Britton
  • Patent number: 4233694
    Abstract: A spa construction for use by humans comprising a shell for containing water and having a well for receiving the feet of the user. A seat is provided adjacent the well upon which the user can sit. A side wall is provided against which the user can rest his back. A first pump is provided having an inlet coupled into the bottom portion of the shell for withdrawing water from within the shell and an outlet coupled to the shell above the seat for introducing jets of water into the shell. An air inlet is provided for mixing air into the jets of water introduced into the shell. A filter and heater housing is carried by the shell and has disposed therein filter and heater elements. An additional pump is provided having an inlet coupled to the shell for drawing water from the shell into the filter and heater housing and discharging the same through an outlet coupled to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Janosko, Ralph D'Innocente
  • Patent number: 4228552
    Abstract: A wall-surround, as for a bathtub, defined by multi-interconnected panels, and featuring holding members and/or grab bars secured by threaded means to conventional studding of the framework of the structure behind the wall-surround panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Peerless Pottery, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles S. Weaver, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4207629
    Abstract: A tub-bathing equipment for bedridden old people, physically-handicapped people and so on, in which a bathtub fitted into a rectangular frame of a carriage from above is slanted by a crane disposed under the bathtub so that the side of the shallowest portion of the bathtub is lowered to the floor to allow ease in helping the patient into or out of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Inventor: Hideo Kagawa