Convenience Accessories Patents (Class 4/559)
  • Patent number: 5845344
    Abstract: The invention provides that a bath has one or more shoulders which receives or receive the lower edges of one or more shower screen panels which forms or form a means preventing water from passing over the side of the bath. The shoulder or shoulders is or are formed by distinct steps on the insides of the bath, at the top edge thereof, so that the upright side face or faces of the shoulder or shoulders form an obstruction preventing the panel or panels from swinging out beyond the sides of the bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Jeremy David Lenighan
  • Patent number: 5829069
    Abstract: A jet bath designed to use minimum water, to use a formed in place low cost waterfall type water inlet, to have pulsating and massaging air-water jets appropriately located in the tub, to allow user adjustment of water temperature, to prevent heating the water above 122 degrees Fahrenheit and prevent tripping of a manually resettable high temperature limit switch with initial filling of the tub with overheated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventors: Dean W. Morgan, Brad J. Roten
  • 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: 5822808
    Abstract: A hydromassage device for use in a bathtub includes a battery casing to hold electrical batteries, preferably chargeable batteries, which are connected to a drive motor for a pump, where a pump casing, a motor casing and a battery casing are connected to one another and at least one of the casings is equipped with a holding arrangement for attaching the device to the wall of the tub. The battery casing and the motor casing are separate, detachably connected waterproof casings, the battery casing and the motor casing having on their outer walls contact members forming contacts with each other when in the operating state the two casings are connected to each other, in each casing forming contact pairs, to which the batteries or the drive motor are connected. In the operating state, at least one sealing arrangement gives the region of the contact pairs a waterproof seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Hoesch Metall + Kunststoffwerk GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Esser
  • Patent number: 5771505
    Abstract: A new Bathtub Safety Guard for preventing a child from accessing or contacting the spigot or water control knobs provided in a bathtub. The device includes a first gate section and a second gate section slidably attached to the first gate section, wherein the first and second gate sections each have an upper portion and a lower portion whereby the effective combined width of the first arid second gate sections can be varied such that the lower portions fit within the width of a bathtub. The upper portions of the first and second gate sections extend over the sides of the bathtub. The upper portion of the first gate section abuts an enclosure wall provided on the back side of the bathtub. A plurality of suction cups are provided on the edges of the first and second gate sections for releasably attaching the first and second gate sections to the bathtub and the enclosure wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph R. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5761753
    Abstract: A device for enabling a person while bathing to perform other activities including reading, writing, smoking and drinking. The device comprises: a main support bar having a telescoping support tube slidably and adjustably mounted therein, the main support bar being arranged to be pivotally mounted on a tub and the telescoping support tube being arranged to be releasably mounted on a tub; a clamping-bracket to pivotally mount one end of the main support bar onto a tub; a releasable mounting to releasably mount the telescoping support tube onto a tub; and a book holder supported by a support ledger onto the main support bar/telescoping support tube combination, the book holder having a pen/pencil holder built therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Frankie L. Talbert
  • 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: 5749106
    Abstract: A portable spa is provided wherein an external axis stairway is provided within an indentation in one of the sidewalls of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Casey Loyd, Buzz Loyd
  • Patent number: 5732420
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vertical draping of a shower curtain or a shower liner comprising a clipping member, a first quasi-box brace structure, a second quasi-box brace structure, and a horizontal bar structure having an in-use state and a non-use state. The horizontal bar structure comprises a first rod member coupled into the first quasi-box brace structure in said in-use state; a second rod member coupled to the second quasi-box brace structure and having the clipping member attached thereto; and locking and pivoting structure. In the in-use state, the first rod member and the second rod member are interlocked via the locking and pivoting structure for controlling the vertical draping of the shower curtain or the shower liner. In the non-use state, the first rod member and the second rod member are unlocked and the first rod member is pivoted downwardly until the first rod member is parallel with the second rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Alfonso S. Micciche
  • Patent number: 5718007
    Abstract: A spa is provided wherein fluid circulation equipment is disposed on a movable tray to facilitate maintenance work on such fluid circulation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Casey Loyd
  • Patent number: 5701615
    Abstract: A splash guard for a bathtub which is used when bathing children. The device comprises a bathing module, which sits on the bathtub long edge and provides a play area which will accommodate a variety of toys, and a storage module which is located at one end of the bathtub. The bathing module and storage module fit together for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Michelle R. Baker
  • Patent number: 5694653
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for the hands-free controlling of the on and off operation and temperature of the water flow from the spout (100) through the use of proximity sensors (10) that detect the proximity of a person's hand (H) relative to the spout. The spout (100) therefore functions as a transmitter antenna (170) to emit a time varying electrostatic (primary) field (Fp). When a portion of a person's body such as a hand (H) or finger enters the field, the primary field (Fp) is coupled to the person's body. The person's body then radiates a secondary field (Fs) in syncopation with the primary field (Fp). An antenna receiver (140) is located behind the front panel of the vanity of the sink (100) to receive the secondary field (Fs). Electronic circuitry (200) including a microprocessor with software then processes the received signal to perform the desired functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Phillipp Harald
  • Patent number: 5682628
    Abstract: A bathtub cleaning system which does not store used bathtub water in a separate chamber, but instead draws the used water from the bathtub after use and mixes it with a cleaning solvent, thereafter distributing it to nozzles positioned around the top edge of the bathtub for flushable cleaning of the bathtub walls and floor without scrubbing. Applications may include, but are not be limited to, use in residences, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, college dormitories, and campground facilities to reduce the labor and amount of fresh water required to clean bathtubs. The bathtub cleaning system is also contemplated for use by persons with limited mobility, such as infirm, overweight, physically challenged, and elderly persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Vicki L. Oleson
  • Patent number: 5682625
    Abstract: An adjustable headrest for a spa tub includes a housing defining a first recess for receiving a pillow for supporting the head of an occupant. A spa tub defines a second recess for slidingly receiving the housing. A positioning device, coupled to the housing and the recess of the spa tub, allows adjustment of the height of the housing relative to the spa tub. A front surface of the housing and the pillow lie flush with adjacent surfaces of the spa tub. The adjustable headrest further includes a water jet, mounted on the housing below the pillow, for directing water (but preferably not air to reduce splashing) under pressure towards the neck of the occupant. The direction of the water leaving the water jet can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Dimension One Spas, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg Leaverton, Jeff Knight
  • Patent number: 5678733
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing liquid cleaning substances and is particularly useful for dispensing dishwashing detergents. The device is formed with a base and a means for supporting a liquid detergent container above the base. This support may take the form of an encircling wall that defines an enclosure for a pump style detergent container having a laterally projecting spout mounted in its mouth, or an upright stanchion that holds a detergent container at an elevated level above the base. In either event the device is provided with a concave, upwardly facing liquid detergent receptacle located atop the base and directly beneath the dispensing orifice of the liquid detergent container. A sponge support is formed atop the liquid detergent receptacle. The sponge support may include a mesh screen and is hinged relative to the base to rotate about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Bon S. Ong
  • Patent number: 5678256
    Abstract: A bathtub step assembly for use in bathing disabled persons. The step assembly has a plurality of planar surfaces disposed in spaced, generally parallel relationship to each other, the uppermost planar surface being coplanar with the top surface of the bathtub wall or walls that it is disposed adjacent to. The uppermost planar surface is also specifically shaped to provide adequate human buttocks support when the human buttocks engages the uppermost planar surface both when the human is disposed thereon with his/her back facing the bathtub and when the buttocks are pivoted approximately one-quarter turn to be in feet-first ingress position relative to the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Brooke Casey Lea
  • Patent number: 5669085
    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: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: David W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5642535
    Abstract: What is disclosed herein is a seating and kneeling appliance which is adaptable to and is useful for providing comfort and support to a person who is cleaning a bathtub or assisting another person in the bathtub. The device is fabricated from essentially from plastic and is foldable. In use, the device rests on the outside wall of the bathtub and on the floor to provide support for an individual that is using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Deidre M. Frawley, Mark A. Frawley
  • Patent number: 5621927
    Abstract: An improved utility tray and bathtub caddie has a support member for supporting a tray and book stand in the vicinity of a conventional bathtub. The tray or caddie comprises a book rest, a pivotal arm for supporting the book rest, a support member for pivotally supporting the pivotal arm and a securing apparatus for securing the support member to a fixture, such as a bathtub, a tile wall adjacent a bathtub or other suitable fixtures. The pivotal arm is supported for pivotal motion over a bathtub, such that the book rest may be conveniently positioned over a bather in a location in which the bather can easily access the book rest and/or view reading material held on the book rest. The pivotal arm may be pivoted to move the book rest toward one side of the bathtub so as to allow the bather to easily enter and exit the bathtub without disturbing items held on the book rest. Several embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventors: Amy Reiss, Marjorie B. Friedman, Mark Shufelt
  • Patent number: 5621928
    Abstract: A new Bath Water Retainer and Toy for diverting bath water back into the bath tub while providing entertainment to a bathing child, thereby preventing water damage to the floor surrounding the bath tub. The device includes a first L-shaped member which removably couples to a bath tube edge, a water retaining wall along the edge of the first L-shaped member and projecting orthogonally, a second L-shaped member pivotally secured to the first L-shaped member providing a ledge within the interior portion of the bath tub for the child to place toys upon, a water collecting tray which captures water from the first L-shaped member and dispenses it through a water outlet nozzle in a stream, and at least one water wheel secured to the vertical portion of the second L-shaped member which receives the stream of water and rotates providing entertainment to the bathing child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Bryan Willhight
  • Patent number: 5579545
    Abstract: A combined foot support and grooming needs holder device, designed to securely provide elevation and support for a human foot and grooming needs, while washing, drying, pedicuring the foot or shaving the leg, for use inside or outside of the shower or bath tub. The present invention consists of a two-part single legged elongate support member and a two-part platform, so that the human foot and grooming needs may be located near each other while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Janeen E. Beard
    Inventor: Janeen E. Beard
  • Patent number: 5548855
    Abstract: A vanity including a cabinet and a door is mounted next to a bathtub. The door closes the cabinet in an up position and serves as a tray in a down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Colleen J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5545335
    Abstract: A system for purifying and recirculating water in a tub during the course of a bath. The system includes an apparatus comprising a pump in communication with a suction port. The pump is in communication with one end of a disinfecting unit. The disinfecting unit includes a mechanism for disinfecting the water with ultraviolet radiation and structure for enhancing the turbulence in the water, to further inhibit bacteria growth. The second end of the disinfecting unit attaches to structure for delivering the treated water to the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Adrian P. Sween
    Inventors: Adrian P. Sween, Raymond D. Nass
  • Patent number: 5507414
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing liquid cleaning substances and is particularly useful for dispensing dishwashing detergents. The device is formed with a base and a means for supporting a liquid detergent container above the base. This support may take the form of an encircling wall that defines an enclosure for a pump style detergent container having a laterally projecting spout mounted in its mouth, or an upright stanchion that holds a detergent container at an elevated level above the base. In either event the device is provided with a concave, upwardly facing liquid detergent receptacle located atop the base and directly beneath the dispensing orifice of the liquid detergent container. A sponge support is formed atop the liquid detergent receptacle. The sponge support may include a mesh screen and is hinged relative to the base to rotate about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Bon S. Ong
  • Patent number: 5505847
    Abstract: The present invention is a bath which circulates and recycles a multiple mineral solution. The solution is released from the bathtub, filtered at the hair collector and the filtration device, sterilized at the electrolytic sterilizer, and returned to the tub. Non-metallic pipe is used along the circulation route. The electrolytic sterilizer employs several electrode panels which are placed perpendicular to the direction of flow of the solution. The filtration device features a rubber lining in the portions which come into contact with the solution, and has inside of it a dish onto which is lain filter sand. With the use of this invention, it becomes possible to repeatedly use and reuse a highly viscous solution containing multiple minerals as the recycling fluid, jams become infrequent, the filtration and reverse cleansing procedures become less time consuming, and the solution can be effectively sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: CAC Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Yamada, Akira Yamada
  • Patent number: 5491849
    Abstract: A bathtub, in particular a whirlpool bath, includes a pair of handles for aiding one into and out of the tub body, and control and actuation elements, as well as water delivery elements mounted to the handles. These elements include an actuator for actuating the plug provided to stop up the drain, an actuator in the form of a control valve for mixing hot water with cold water so as to achieve a single flow of water at a desired temperature, a hand-shower, an actuator to divert water to an extractable nozzle of the hand-shower, a control element for starting and stopping the operation of a water circulating pump and an air blowing pump of the whirlpool bath, a plug of a reservoir for liquid disinfectant, and a switch to actuate a valve which admits the liquid disinfectant into a water circulation circuit of the tub. One of the handles which accommodates the extractable hand-shower also includes another water delivery element in the form of a water outlet through which water cascades into the tub body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Albatros System S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lucio Colussi, Mario D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 5481764
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in restraining movement of a bather within a bath or spa includes a seat belt including a pair of elongated, pliable straps, and a pair of suction cups for attaching a first end of each strap to a support surface of the bath or spa. A buckle is also provided for fastening the straps together at a point intermediate the first and second ends of each strap.Release clips may also be provided for releasably connecting the suction cups to the straps so that the straps may be released from connection with the suction cups by manipulation of either the buckle or the clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Robert K. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5477567
    Abstract: A portable hydromassage apparatus relies on a turbine lying underwater, propelling water under pressure. The generated water jet can be directed with a hose toward the desired bodily area. The turbine is driven by a motor located outside the water-containing vessel and the motor transmits motion through a resilient shaft that is located in and protected by a cable-like sheath. The jet hose is held to a vessel surface by a suction cup. The apparatus is portable and its electric parts lie beyond contact with water. When not in use, the turbine fits into a space-conserving cradle laterally extending on the motor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Electrodomisticos Solac, S.A.
    Inventor: Miguel L. Del Fresno
  • Patent number: 5448787
    Abstract: An adjustable seat for a spa. The spa has a seating or lounge area formed thereon of such shape and dimensions as to permit a person of typical physical dimensions to be seated in a lounging position. A nozzle is provided in the seating region of the lounge. A mixture of air and water flow through the nozzle and communicate with a plenum formed in the underside of a seat having one or more holes therein and fitted over the nozzle. The flow of air in combination with water serves to elevate the seat. An air valve serves to regulate the quantity of air drawn in by the water flowing through the nozzle, which, in turn, regulates the elevation of the seat. The lounge spa can be made as an original equipment unit. Alternatively, a seating system may be provided which is adapted to be retrofitted to an existing spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Mapletree Investments
    Inventor: Don T. Allen
  • Patent number: 5381564
    Abstract: A bath tub or shower splash guard is disclosed which can store articles used in bathing. The device comprises a flexible, high friction mat which is draped over the wall of the tub or shower. A collection pan for collecting drainage is attached to the top surface of the mat. The collection pan can be used to store bathing articles. The device can be easily removed and rolled for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Gerard M. Carroll
  • Patent number: 5377367
    Abstract: A hand-shower wall rod has vertically spaced and horizontally extending upper and lower brackets secured to a wall and a vertical tube with upper and lower ends respectively seated in the brackets. A soap-dish fixture has a body having a lower end formed as a soap dish and an upper end formed as an eye engaged around the lower bracket. The body is swivelable about a horizontal central axis of the lower bracket. A spring unit releasably holds the body in a normal position with the lower end below the lower bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernd Bischoff
  • Patent number: 5333324
    Abstract: Structure for neck and shoulder massage in a hydrotherapy hot tub consists of a pillow element against which a person's head rests with a cavity in the pillow element through which a stream of fluid is directed toward the person's neck. The structure includes a surface interposed in the stream of fluid to deflect the stream to impinge on the person's neck downward at an adjusted acute angle thereto. Another form of the structure includes wing portions extending over the shoulders of a person whose head and neck are at the pillow element with conduits and nozzles at spaced intervals directing streams of fluid downward from the undersides of the wing portions onto the shoulders of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: John Pinciaro
  • Patent number: 5249316
    Abstract: An integral, one piece bathtub divider is designed to allow a parent to bathe a child or infant in the least amount of water possible. A seat portion is formed in front of a divider portion with the front of the divider portion forming a backrest for the seat portion. Two front wings are formed on either side of the backrest to act as armrests for a child. A top surface of the divider portion has a handle with two depressions formed on either side of the handle to allow a parent to lift the bathtub divider out of the bathtub after the child or infant has been bathed. A back portion is formed behind the divider portion with a container formed on a back surface of the divider portion and a bottom formed in the same manner as the seat portion behind the divider portion. Integral, inset suction cups are formed in a bottom surface of the seat portion and the bottom of the back portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: William A. Macchiavello
  • Patent number: 5249315
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a safety device preventing a toddler from entering a bathtub. The apparatus provides an obstruction to a child comprising netting stretched across the entry side of the tub supported by tubing. The netting and tubing are in turn supported by horseshoe shaped clamps that are secured to the upper entry lip of the tub by suction cups. In addition, the horizontal ends of the tubing may be secured to the tub enclosure walls by suction cups. The tubing may be presized to fit specific tub dimensions or adjustable to be used with tubs with a variety of dimensions. For tubs that have an end (or ends) that are not enclosed by a wall, an extension is available incorporating similar netting and tubing and horseshoe shaped clamp together with suction cups to secure the extension to the tub and wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Sandra K. Moylan
  • Patent number: 5228165
    Abstract: A brush for scrubbing and scratching the human body includes a plate portion having a front face and a rear face, a plurality of bristles extending from the front face and an attachment mechanism for attaching the brush to a wall with the front face being directed away from the wall. The attachment mechanism preferably provides removable attachment to a wall, and may be a plurality of suction cups. The front face of the plate portion preferably has essentially the same surface area as an average person's back. The outer edges of the front face optionally have the essential outline of the upper human torso. The bristles optionally have a stiffness and an end roundness suitable for comfortably scratching a person's back when dry. The bristles are preferably provided in clusters, and each cluster of bristles may converge into a first end of a stem member extending through the plate portion, and a suction cup may be attached to a second end of the stem member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventors: Sharon D. Westberry, Robert L. Westberry
  • Patent number: 5220697
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a shower nozzle assembly having a slide bar for being vertically mounted on the wall in a bath, a shower nozzle slidably mounted on the slide bar and a clamp for releasably clamping the shower nozzle in a predetermined adjustment position along the length of the slide bar. The handle assembly includes an elongated handle positioned on the clamp. The handle assembly makes it easy for the shower nozzle to be adjusted by a person seated in a position where the clamp itself cannot be grasped by the person to loosen the shower nozzle and permit adjustment of the height of the shower nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: William T. Birchfield
  • Patent number: 5175896
    Abstract: A bathroom accessory includes a base member; suction cups on one face of the base member for removably mounting the accessory to a mounting surface, such as the wall of a shower or the wall of or adjacent to a bathtub; a plurality of projections projecting from the opposite face of the base member for massaging the back of user when the accessory is mounted to the mounting surface; and a flexible back-cleaning pad removably attached to cover the outer tips of at least some of the projections for cleaning the back of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Amos Zamir
  • Patent number: 5173973
    Abstract: A whirlpool bathtub with a wireless remote control comprising a mobile transmitter separate from the whirlpool installation and a receiver affixed to the bathtub for controlling the aspiration pump and/or the blower of the whirlpool installation. The receiver is affixed to the bathtub, independent of the installation or positioning of the bathtub in the bathroom, in accordance with this disclosure where the bathtub has an overflow device provided with a control knob and an overflow housing, for operating a drain device. The control knob is fixed against rotation on a hollow shaft which extends out of the overflow housing on the exterior of the bathtub. The control knob has a chamber, accessible to the control commands of a transmitter, into which the receiver is inserted. The connecting cable for the receiver is inserted through the hollow shaft and is connected to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Franz-Dieter Kaldewei
    Inventor: Heinz-Werner Mersmann
  • Patent number: 5146639
    Abstract: A combination bath tub spout is provided for allowing three distinct water flow paths to achieve three different functions. The first path allows the spout to fill a bath tub. The second path diverts the flow of water to a shower head. The third path directs the flow of water to an upwardly directed nozzle at the end of the spout. The nozzle can be used as a bidet spray for washing a person's genitals, or alternatively be used in conjunction with a douche hose attachment as an effective method of douching for women. The three paths are achieved by a rotatable diverter or valve that rotates between three predetermined positions; a bath tub fill position, a shower diverted position, and an upwardly directed nozzle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Wilbur Krause
  • Patent number: 5105484
    Abstract: A back scrubber device adapted to be mounted in a shower stall or on the wall of a bathtub including a substantially U-shaped back scrubber bar having a central portion and first and second spaced leg portions, the central portion being connectible to a wall support mounting bracket and the spaced portions of said bar being sufficiently spaced to fit a person therebetween, scrubber means attached at one end of one of the spaced leg portions and the other spaced leg portion providing a handle means, the scrubber being movable in an up and down motion to scrub a person's back through movement of the handle means by the person standing between the two spaced leg portions of the back scrubber bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: Royden J. Forsythe
  • Patent number: 5101521
    Abstract: A bathtub assembly having contoured walls and fixtures constructed to fit within or about the walls is provided. The assembly includes a bathtub having at least one wall defining a curved protrusion and a curved recess. A filler spout having a generally shell-shaped configuration is adapted to fit within or above certain of the curved wall portions. One or more grab bars are also designed to fit within the bathtub. The filler spouts and grab bars all present curved interior surfaces which, as strategically mounted within the bathtub, minimize inadvertent contact by a person within or entering the bathtub. A headrest is also provided for attachment to a curved wall of the bathtub. The headrest includes a curved front portion which is secured by suction cups to a wall of the bathtub and an integral rear portion which extends over a deck of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Robin H. Levien
  • Patent number: 5095559
    Abstract: A heating apparatus comprises a closed vessel having thermally conducting walls and containing a gas that is heated by one or more electrical heating elements in the vessel. The vessel is received in a duct through which air is blown. The air is heated by the heat transferred to the vessel walls by the gas in the vessel. Pressure and thermostatic switches in the circuit of the heating element communicate with the gas in the vessel and provide a double-safety, over-temperature power shut-off. The heating apparatus may be used to blow hot air into water in a tub through hoses leading to inlet openings or to an air distribution mat placed in the tub. The bubbles of hot air heat the water and produce strong agitation. A special raft receives the air distribution mat, which heats water in the raft by bubbling hot air through it. The heating apparatus can also be used for space heating, warming and drying towels and clothes, hair drying and grooming animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: South Breeze Corporation
    Inventors: Leif Liljegren, Harry J. Scanlan
  • Patent number: 5095558
    Abstract: An improved adjustable orifice spa jet is provided for use in a spa, therapeutic bath, and the like, wherein the spa jet supplies a diverging annular flow stream of mixed air and water. The spa jet includes a housing defining a chamber with a cylindrical discharge outlet at one end and a pressurized water and an air inlet at the opposite end. A nozzle includes a hollow eyeball fitting mounted pivotally within the chamber and defining a venturi section for admixture of air and water. The nozzle further includes a diverging annular discharge flow path for discharge flow of the air-water mixture to the spa. In the preferred form, the nozzle is directionally adjustable from within the spa and includes curved swirl vanes to impart a swirling action to the fluid flow for improved massage action. The preferred nozzle further includes an adjustment knob accessible from within the spa to variably select a desired air-water mixing ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Vortex Whirlpool Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert H. Howard
  • Patent number: 5092001
    Abstract: Portable bathing apparatus for infants is disclosed. The bathing apparatus is primarily intended to be locatable at the height of the rim of a conventional bathtub and positioned such that the child is positioned in a semi-sitting position along the longitudinal length of the bathtub. With the infant bathing apparatus in place, sufficient room exists within the bathtub so that an adult may simultaneously bath with the child. Extendable appendages at the side thereof allow the bathing apparatus to fit across the rim of the bathtub. In another embodiment of the infant bathing apparatus, legs which may comprise the repositioned appendages may be fitted to and extend from the underside of the bathing apparatus to form an elevated bathing device which fits within the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventors: Lucy M. Ross, Randy C. Ross
  • 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: 5070552
    Abstract: A hand held shower head especially--but not exclusively--for personal use has a porous sponge removably clamped over the holes from which a water spray normally issues. The sponge converts the spray into a flowing cascade of water. The sponge is changeable so that each user may have a clean surface, as he sees fit or so that different spray characteristics may be achieved. An arrangement is provided for hanging up the sponge if a user wishes to use the shower with the spray instead of with the cascading flow of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Associated Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferson L. Gentry, Alfons Rundzaitis
  • Patent number: 5048131
    Abstract: A user assist stand for an above-floor level spa has an elongated main tubular member secured upright on a base plate fastened to the floor and an auxiliary extension member slidably interfitting in telescoping relation within an open top end of the main member such that an upper portion of the auxiliary member extends upwardly from main member. A hand grip is mounted to the upper portion of the auxiliary member. A release lock mechanism in the form of a shaft having a pull ring is inserted through aligned holes in the main and auxiliary members for securing the auxiliary member to the main tubular member to position the upper portion of the auxiliary member and the hand grip thereon at a desired elevation above the main member and relative to an upper edge of a spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Gordon R. Stephen
  • Patent number: 5038420
    Abstract: A bathing apparatus includes a bath tank formed in a casing having a bottom portion formed under the bath tank and a back portion formed rearwardly of the tank, the casing being in fluid communication with the bath tank through a plurality of apertures formed in the tank, an automatic heating starter automatically actuates a heating coil formed in the casing bottom portion for warming water in the casing, a thermostat for keeping a constant warm water temperature in the casing, a solenoid inlet valve controlled by a main switch of an electrical circuit which is opened to direct water into the tank and is automatically closed by a float switch mounted on the casing back portion and actuated by rising water level in the casing, and a solenoid drain valve which is automatically opened to drain bathed water when the main switch is automatically switched off, as pulled by a hook formed on an upper end of a guide rod having a float on a lowest end portion, when someone leaves the bath tank to lower the water level
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Guo-Juh Chen
  • Patent number: 5031257
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shower enlarger assembly including a mounting bracket for engaging to a wall the ends of a bent shower curtain rod having an offset medial section for providing a greater stall space and for holding a shower curtain out of body contact. The mounting bracket includes a supporting backplate for contact with the wall and a recessed area located midsection of the supporting backplate for receiving the end of the bent shower curtain rod. The bent shower curtain rod is slidably inserted and rotatably mounted within the recessed area of the backplate. The bent shower curtain rod has attached thereto an integral rotating stop member extending outwardly from the curtain rod. A substantially semicircular fixed stop member extends outwardly from the face of the backplate and receives the integral rotating stop member attached to the bent shower curtain rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Robert W. Jeffery
  • Patent number: 5003647
    Abstract: A magnetic fastening device for releasably attaching a shower liner to a shower wall comprising a wall mounting member having a back flat portion adapted for attachment to a shower wall, bearing a node or hook directed away from the member into the shower area and the upper front portion sloping toward the rear of the member and in the direction of the shower wall along with an unmounted member for mating with the wall mounting member bearing an aperture to receive the protruding node or hook on the wall mounting member, and its upper portion sloping toward the shower wall to closely mate with the mounting member; the wall mounting and unmounted members being magnetically attracted one to the other. A kit can be made comprising this magnetic fastening device with a shower liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: James Williams