Abstract: A composite panel for toilet and shower partition systems and for other applications. The composite panel comprises a lightweight core sheet of cellular material, first and second sheets of solid surfacing material, and a bonding agent for bonding the first and second sheets of solid surfacing material to opposed surfaces of said core sheet. A composite panel according to the present invention provides the advantageous properties of a solid surfacing material and, at the same time, is relatively light in weight and possesses strong structural integrity.

Abstract: A bearing element for a substantially panel-like component having a support rail adjustably arranged thereon. The support rail may be connected to another bearing element of another component. The bearing element includes a recess in which the support rail is received at least in part. The bearing element includes a base member fastened by means of a pressure element to the component. The support rail may have a straight or angular shape and may include a hinge or joint in its central portion.

Abstract: A spout which can effect a waterfall in the form of a sheet of water in conjunction with the recirculation of bathing water is described. An accumulator with a baffle structure receives the recirculating bathing water to place it in a quiescent state before passage from the spout. In a preferred embodiment, there is a whirlpool basin which receives bathing water from the spout as well as body spray nozzles which also receive recirculating water from the basin.

Abstract: A pipe support for use in securing a shower head water supply pipe to the upper edge of a shower enclosure wall. The support includes a body portion which spans the distance between the shower wall and supply pipe. A clamp flange extends upwardly from a rear corner of the body portion and a bifurcated wall flange extends downwardly from the forward corner of the body portion. The wall flange comprises an inner arm which is spaced apart from an outer arm a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the shower wall. The pipe support is slipped over the upper edge of the shower wall and the water supply pipe is then clamped against the upwardly extending clamp flange. The pipe support may comprise a unitary molded piece or an assembly of three angular members.

Abstract: A control column includes a housing adapted to be mounted to a side wall of a shower stall adjacent a front edge portion thereof. The housing includes a panel positioned at an angle relative to the side wall and facing a back wall of the shower stall. A shower head assembly extends outward from a top portion of the housing, and water is supplied from a water supply to a bathtub spout or the shower head at a desired temperature and flow rate.

Abstract: A water recirculation system which derives energy from an available pressurized tap water supply to filter and return previously discharged water to a water discharge device. A system embodiment includes a shower head and a tap water powered pump for returning water discharged from the shower head to the pump for mixing with the supplied tap water for delivery to the shower head inlet.

Abstract: A shampoo box for holding toiletries within a shower enclosure has a watertight one-piece body which is disposed within a frame attached to the interior of a shower wall. The frame is formed to substantially surround the body such that it snugly receives and substantially supports the body. The frame may be attached to a vertical wall stud by nails or screws. The box is specifically sized to contain larger toiletry articles such as bottles of shampoo to provide convenient access thereto during showering. A method for installing the same is disclosed.

Abstract: A water recirculation system which derives energy from an available pressurized tap water supply to filter and return previously discharged water to a water discharge device. A system embodiment for use in a new shower stall or shower/bathtub installation includes a shower head and recirculation means including a tap water powered pump for returning water discharged from the shower head via a return tube mounted behind the wall to the pump for mixing with supplied tap water for delivery to the shower head inlet.

Abstract: A knock down type bathing enclosure is disclosed which is manufactured as a one-piece plumbing fixture, cut into two or more portions for transportation, and assembled at an installation site. In addition to having a clamping system to clamp an upper and lower portion together vertically, there is provided a corner web structure which provides for horizontal alignment through the use of a C-shaped clip and aligned ribs.

Abstract: A shampoo box for holding toiletries within a shower enclosure has a watertight one-piece body which is disposed within a frame attached to the interior of a shower wall. The frame is formed to substantially surround the body such that it snugly receives and substantially supports the body. The frame may be attached to a vertical wall stud by nails or screws. The box is specifically sized to contain larger toiletry articles such as bottles of shampoo to provide convenient access thereto during showering. A method for installing the same is disclosed.

Abstract: A shower stall includes a drain, wherein the drain includes a slide plate to selectively direct fluid to a sewage or selectively to a reservoir, wherein the reservoir includes a heater and pump assembly therewithin to effect heating and recirculating of the fluid from the reservoir. A modification of the invention includes the shower stall arranged to include a pneumatic or foam filled mattress, wherein the mattress is formed with drainage canals therealong to direct fluid to the floor drain and wherein the shower head is formed as a portion of a manifold assembly slidably directed along guide tracks to provide for displacement of the shower assembly relative to the shower stall.

Abstract: A device for saving water ordinarily wasted while waiting for the hot water to come from the hot water tank prior to showering. The device consists of an elongated flexible and collapsible tube (16) of waterproof material. The tube (16) has a cuff (14) at the top and a cover (18) at the bottom. A fastening (12) attaches the cuff (14) to a shower arm (20). The cuff (14) can remain around the showerhead (22) directing water through tube (16) to the container (24) or can easily be removed from the showerhead (22) to allow user to shower. Tube (16) is sufficiently large in diameter so hydrodynamic resistance will not put undue pressure on fastening (12). Tube (16) extends through a hole in the cover (18) extending somewhat below cover (18). The cover (18) protects water accumulated in a container (24) from soap, shampoo and/or bodily contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shower base including a floor, a drain formed in the center thereof and a low water retaining wall extending along at least a portion of the floor of the shower base. The water retaining wall includes an inclined insert formed of polyvinyl chloride. The inclined insert includes an inner wall adapted to be positioned adjacent the floor of the shower, an outer wall removed therefrom and an upper surface extending therebetween. The upper surface forms an angle of greater than 90.degree. with the inner wall and an angle of less than 90.degree. with the outer wall. Accordingly, the upper surface is inclined downwardly in the direction of the floor of the shower and, therefore, water forming about the upper surface of the water retaining wall is directed to the drain formed in the floor of the shower base.

Abstract: A shower apparatus for children in which an insert tubular framework assembly is defined by a generally parallelpiped configuration. The insert framework assembly is positioned in a bathtub and is connected to the water nozzle in a conventional manner to permit a child to safety utilize the shower apparatus within the bathtub. A deformable and adjustable shower head is mounted to the tubular framework assembly and can be positioned relative to the child within the tubular framework.

Abstract: A shower cabinet including a shower base, a peripheral frame positioned along at least two contiguous sides of the shower base, and panels defining lateral walls and an access door; at least one water sprinkler connected to cold and hot water pipes through a mixing valve, the sprinkler and mixing valve being provided on an upright column housing the hot and cold water pipes, and a window on said column to operate the mixing valve, from the inside and from the outside of the cabinet.

Abstract: An extension pipe for raising the elevation of a shower head comprising an S-shaped length of pipe having external threads on each end thereof, the lower end being a straight horizontal section of pipe and the upper end being directed downwardly from about 15.degree. to about 45.degree. below horizontal.

Abstract: Panels which are assembled to form a stall shower are prefabricated. Each panel has a facing of tile adhered to a plywood backing. On the rear of the backings are elongated vertical ribs. The lower edges of the ribs are notched to interfit with a shower base. The upper edges are notched to interfit with a shower ceiling. The outer edges of the ribs are either attached to studding or are covered with wallboard. The panels comprise four corners, a back, two sides and two door jambs. In addition to the shower base and ceiling, additional members include a shower door curb and a header.

Abstract: A system for controlling liquid flow in bathrooms and the like in response to the presence of the user, which is configuration-adjustable to permit use in preselected sanitary applications. A light emitting device cooperates with a light sensor to detect light reflected from the user. The filtered and amplified output signal from the sensor is demodulated to provide a DC output signal. A first circuit is responsive to the DC output signal acutate fluid flow for a maximum preselected period, to enable use in controlling faucet flow. A second circuit is responsive to the DC signal and includes a device for arming the circuit following the existence of the DC output signal for a first predetermined period; and a device for thereupon generating a flow control signal for a second predetermined period following extinction of the DC output signal to enable use of the system to control flushing of urinals or commodes.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a hospital bed to facilitate the showering and/or bathing of bed-ridden patients is comprised of a compliant rectangular waterproof sheet whose perimeter has a multitude of tethers which secure the sheet tightly upon the mattress. A splash cuff is upraised from the upper surface of the sheet to retain water, and a drain port extends through the splash cuff to enable run-off water to be conveniently disposed of.

Abstract: A laminated article, for example a bath or shower-tray, is manufactured by providing a preformed shell, for example a thermoformed acrylic sheet, which shell is placed in a mould, together with, if required, a reinforcing board, for example of chipboard or plywood. The mould is then closed and materials are injected into the mould cavity which react to form a reinforcing layer on the shell. Preferably, the injected materials comprise a polyol reactant and an isocyanate reactant which form a layer of rigid polyurethane foam. A reinforcing agent, for example glass fibre, and a blowing agent may also be introduced into the mould cavity.

Abstract: A shower-partition comprising a wall-element consisting, more particularly, of an at least partly transparent material which is to be arranged against the wall of a room. The object is to provide, at a low structural cost, a stable attachment of the wall-element to the wall of the room, and the alignment of the wall-element in a simple manner. In order to accomplish this, the wall-element is secured to the stationary wall of the room by means of a crosspiece which comprises a first support-surface for the wall-element and a second support-surface for the wall of the room. The support-surfaces is preferably arranged at right angles to each other.

Abstract: A knockdown type bathing enclosure is disclosed. It can be manufactured as a one-piece plumbing fixture, cut into portions for transportation, and assembled at the installation site. The bathing enclosure has a joining strip attached to an external side of a wall structure. The joining strip has an attachment surface for abutting the wall structure, and an outer tubular bulge. The joining strip and the wall structure are cut into portions along a plane passing through the tubular bulge. A plurality of locator members are then inserted into an internal slot formed in each portion of the cut tubular bulge. Guided into proper alignment by the locator members, the cut portions are then fastened together using a clamp member.

Abstract: A boby brush shower stall in which a body brush is vertically oriented and supported from a single bearing, and driven through a clutch mechanism from a gear box and electrical motor at a speed range greater than about 90 rpm and below about 120 rpm. The body brush is mounted on the vertical drive shaft and has soft flexible bristles which hang and droop downwardly at speeds below 90 rpm and which extends substantially horizontally when rotated at speeds above 90 rpm and a spray bar sprays liquid on the elongated body brush at spaced points along the length thereof to maintain the lubricity of the bristles at a certain level. The bristles are soft and flexible and conform to body contours to provide the unique massage, clean and scrubbing action to cleanse the skin surfaces of dirt, scale and provide a certain invigorating action.

Abstract: A motor vehicle for the decontamination of terrain and equipment and of personnel with at least one chemical dispersing device and spraying devices on the vehicle is provided having a module box placed on the vehicle frame in which the means for terrain and equipment decontamination are located, and a second module box placed on the vehicle frame and removable from it in a well known manner onto the ground, in which all the equipment required for the decontamination of personnel are located, and two tents can be built onto it and a shower arrangement is located on its rear side.

Abstract: A light weight, durable plumbing fixture, e.g., a bathtub, sink, shower receptor, etc., is fabricated from a multilayer polymer composite structure of high impact strength and delamination resistance. The composite possesses a relatively thin polymeric cosmetic, or finish, layer, e.g., of acrylic resin, chemically bonded to a relatively thick, reinforced, cross-linked, isocyanate-modified thermosetting polyester or polyether dense foam resin substrate layer.

Abstract: A portable body shower includes a plurality of tubular sections which can be connected to form a pipe with a closed bottom end and a hollow center. The top end of the pipe can be connected to any standard shower extension. The pipe extends downward and has perforations for supplying water in a horizontal direction toward a person showering. The device also includes non-perforated tubular sections so that water is directed at selected areas of a person's body adjacent the perforated sections. A tubular section is also provided for dispensing soap. The body shower includes a swivel joint to enable the pipe to be rotated to direct water in any direction. The tubular sections are made of a plastic material such as polyvinylchloride.

Abstract: An intake facility and method for use with the emergency room of a hospital for processing the victims of a chemical disaster who may have suffered chemical contamination. Separate rooms are provided for surface removal of contamination in a way which permits the victims to be monitored before being moved into a triage room for evaluation and then into the emergency room. Separate provision is made to handle trauma victims. Arrangements and procedures are provided to prevent access to the emergency room of those persons carrying contamination which could "dirty" the emergency room.

Abstract: A device for hydraulic massages comprising: (A) a spray enclosure consisting of a drainage hood (5) and a sump (8) and (B) at least one spray nozzle (9) controlled by a coordinate guide (13). A patient is placed upon the readily deformable impact area (1) and is separated from direct contact with the working fluid. The patient support may consist of a flexible screen (2) in the form of a tensioned cable grid supported by a frame (3) on supports (4). The sump (8) may be bounded by a perforated draining partition (7) splitting off an additional compartment of the sump (8) named reservoir (12). Fluid drained into the sump (8) and the reservoir (12), if any, may be reused.

Abstract: A flow control assembly designed to regulate flow of water from a showerhead through a foot operated and fluid actuated valve assembly. The valve assembly is disposed upstream of a flow of water issuing from the showerhead and a variable volume chamber is mounted on the floor or base of a conventional receptacle such as a bathtub. Foot pressure applied to the variable volume chamber controls the flow of actuating fluid into and out of driving contact with the valve assembly thereby positioning the latter between a valve open and a valve closed position.

Abstract: A wall connecting piece for fitting to a concealed water main and for the connection of a hand-held shower hose contains a casing, which can be connected to the water main and on which is provided a connection for the shower hose. The casing contains a retaining head, which acts on the hand-held shower grip and which is pivotable about an axis passing through the casing.

Abstract: A portable decontamination unit comprising: at least two pans each of which includes a bottom and side walls extending upwardly therefrom, the pans being positionable side by side so that one of the side walls of each pan lies adjacent to one of the side walls of the adjacent pan; a tent frame supportable on the pans; and a tent having a top, sides, ends and at least one intermediate partition supportable by the tent frame forming at least two compartments, the bottoms of which are the two pans. Each of the ends and partitions of the tent is formed by first, second and third curtains, the first curtain being attached along an upper edge thereof to the top of the tent and along one vertical edge thereof to one side of said tent, leaving the opposite vertical edge free. The second curtain is attached along an upper edge thereof to the top of the tent and along one vertical edge thereof to an opposite side of the tent, leaving the opposite vertical edge free.

Abstract: A shipboard bathroom module comprises a prefabricated base pan in which a floor drain and a shower drain are located adjacent to each other but on opposite sides of a shower stall curb. Both drains communicate with a common receptacle molded into the base. Water from a wash basin at a remote location within the module is conducted to the receptacle through the shower stall curb, which is hollow. A trap, which serves both drains as well as the wash basin, is located in a box which provides a recess in the deck. In one version of the invention the receptacle built into the bathroom base sits on top of the trap, and the trap is accessible through one of the drain openings in the floor of the module. In another version, wastewater is conducted out of the receptacle through a laterally extending conduit to a trap which serves two adjacent bathroom modules. In either case, the box in which the trap is located is prefabricated with various water supply and drain pipes already welded to its floor.

Abstract: A process is described of coating the interior wall of a mould heated at a temperature of 130.degree. to 180.degree. C. with a dry powder of an aminoplast or phenoplast resin, in particular melamine-formaldehyde, having a grain size distribution of 10 to 100.mu., whose particles gel in contact with the walls without running, then introducing into the mould a moulding composition comprising a thermosetting resin, mineral fillers and a catalyst, hardening and polymerizing by heat and pressure the contents of the mould and releasing the article whose coating is solidly anchored in the moulding composition.Sanitary ware articles of polyester-based substrate and melamine-formaldehyde-based coating, and refrigerator boxes consisting of polyurethane foam substrate and melamine-formaldehyde coating can be produced.

Abstract: A fountain device selectively produces either a spray or a stream of water when used with a hose. The device includes a hollow body portion which has a water inlet formed at one end thereof. The body portion includes a water exit surface formed with both a plurality of small water exit ports and a large water exit port therein. A flow selecting valve is provided which has three states: an off state in which no water flows through the body portion, a spray producing state in which water flows through the body portion and exits therefrom through the plurality of small water exit ports, and a stream producing state in which water flows through the body portion and exits therefrom through the large water exit port. The flow selecting valve is positioned downstream of said water inlet and upstream of said water exit ports.

Abstract: An enclosure, in particular for a bath or shower, comprises a frame formed of a plurality of sectional rails connected together and at least one door or wall element connected to the frame. The door or wall element includes a panel which is made up of two outer rails and an inner rail connected and sandwiched between the outer rails. At least one of the outer rails is made of transparent plastics material. Each rail has an outer exposed surface and a guide groove communicating with that surface and having a recess extending at least partly behind the outer surface. An elastic connecting strip is positioned within the groove and has a projecting portion extending into the recess for retaining the strip. The strip includes resilient engaging elements. A facing strip is engaged over the guide groove and has a projection projecting into engagement with the engaging elements of the connecting strip for holding the facing strip into the groove.

Abstract: An improved seat shower for facilitating the care and treatment of patients in a clean shower environment, including a framework of such a height as to permit 360.degree. access to the seated patient, and a plurality of adjustable shower nozzles positioned about the seating area. Clean, disposable plastic liners are draped over the framework and base to maintain aseptic conditions.

Abstract: A prefabricated shower module with a bottom and low side walls and a slightly lower front wall which has a horizontal outward projecting lip. The bottom preferably has a gentle downwardly sloping pitch leading to a drain hole with recesses for a strainer, so that water puddles are not formed in the bottom. The inside surfaces of the bottom and the walls are roughly textured so that they are well adapted for holding ceramic tiles attached thereto by means of thinset adhesive. The upwardly-facing edges of the walls are adapted to mate with wall boards forming the inner upper walls of the shower enclosure. The use of the shower module enables a workman to readily install a shower enclosure that is both watertight and has true and plumb surfaces.

Abstract: A water distribution system for a shower enclosure (1) including longitudinal water channels (20-24), each having an internal passage (36), and covering clips (60,70) secured to each of a pair of water channels at a corner therebetween.

Abstract: A sectional modular shower cabinet is disclosed wherein a plurality of sections is held together by joining strips adhering to the rear faces of the sections. A waterproof sealant overlies the junctions between the sections of the shower cabinet. The installation of a sectional shower cabinet is also disclosed. The shower cabinet is assembled in the alcove at the final installation site. Adhesives are applied to the joining strips. The strips are temporarily clamped to the sections from the front of the cabinet while the adhesive sets.An apparatus for making a sectional modular shower cabinet is disclosed wherein at least one saw is aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a jig for rotating a modular shower cabinet.

Abstract: Water for bathing is sprayed from a hollow plate having a series of internal channels and a corresponding series of rows of openings from the channels through one face of the plate.

Abstract: An improved shower-cabin comprising a base provided with a drain for evacuating waste water, and a heat recuperator incorporated into this base. The recuperator comprises a waste water tank connected to the cabin drain and a coil mounted in this tank. The heat of the waste water passing through the tank may be recovered for heating or pre-heating an incoming cold water flowing through the coil.

Abstract: An open rectangular frame with object-storing trays slidably and rotatably mounted in spanning relation between the long sides of the frame, and opposite extending supports from said frame which enable the frame to be horizontally oriented across the sides of a bathtub and thus function as a bath accessory, and when only one extended support is used, the same is effective to vertically suspend the frame from the shower nozzle or the like, and thereby contribute to its functioning as a shower accessory, and wherein the trays are appropriately rotated in accordance with the horizontal or vertical orientation of the frame.

Abstract: A lightweight portable shower foldable into a backpack for campers or the like. A pliable water storage bag lies on a floor unit that also supports a vertical, sectioned, standpipe having a valved showerhead at the top. An annular curtain rod is held in a horizontal position by a hooking device at the top of the standpipe and supports a tubular shower curtain that is elastically connected to a rigid footpad atop the storage bag. In use, the weight of the user standing on the footpad provides water pressure to force water through the standpipe and showerhead. The elastic coupling to the footpad assures that the curtain will remain taut as water is forced from the storage bag.

Abstract: This invention relates to portable wash stands, and in one embodiment comprises a base member with an upright support affixed to it and a basin support affixed to the top of the upright. The basin support comprises a semi-circular, upward facing member to the topmost ends of which is rotatably affixed a circular basin support. Means are provided to retainably position the circular basin support with respect to the semi-circular member. By this means, the basin support ring may be rotated into a co-planar orientation with respect to the semi-circular member for compact storage, or with the plane of the ring at right angles to the plane of the semi-circular member to support a circular wash basin with its center at the line of the axis of the upright.

Abstract: A shipboard bathroom module comprises a prefabricated base pan in which a floor drain and a shower drain are located adjacent to each other but on opposite sides of a shower stall curb. Both drains communicate with a common receptacle molded into the base. Water from a wash basin at a remote location within the module is conducted to the receptacle through the shower stall curb, which is hollow. A trap, which serves both drains as well as the wash basin, is located in a box which provides a recess in the deck. In one version of the invention the receptacle built into the bathroom base sits on top of the trap, and the trap is accessible through one of the drain openings in the floor of the module. In another version, wastewater is conducted out of the receptacle through a laterally extending conduit to a trap which serves two adjacent bathroom modules. In either case, the box in which the trap is located is prefabricated with various water supply and drain pipes already welded to its floor.

Abstract: An improvement in a shower stall having a curtain extending between walls forming the stall is provided, said stall having a receptacle in which a person may stand while showering, said receptacle having a rim capable of allowing water to run along its top surface between the walls and the curtain out of the shower stall, the improvement being a water dam comprising a strip adapted to be affixed to the top surface of the rim of the receptacle in abutment with a wall of the stall near an end of the curtain and further adapted to traverse the top surface of the rim and continue a short distance down into the receptacle.

Abstract: A two-piece shower stall formed as an integral unit and thereafter separated and reassembled after placing a gasket intermediate an upper and lower section formed by the separation. A securing belt is preferably formed integral with the one-piece unit at the area of intended separation and serves to reinforce the shower stall during separation and provide a means for releasably securing the upper section and lower section together. The gasket intermediate the upper section and lower section preferably extends into the interior of the shower stall to provide a watertight seal.

Abstract: The dispensing unit comprises a water dispensing element supported by a holder element adapted for wall mounting, between the water dispensing element and the holder element there being provided a dovetail connection system comprising a male element slidably engageable in a female member, the latter being defined by a shaped groove gradually narrowing in a parallel direction to its major dimension direction.

Abstract: An improved shower arrangement is provided for invalid bathing units and the like, such as those comprising a sit-down bathtub having a lateral opening in one side to permit ingress and egress therethrough, and a vertically slidable door to selectively open and close the bathtub opening. The shower arrangement includes a plurality of fine-spray, wide-angle nozzles mounted along the left and right-hand sides of the bathtub, which collectively produce a gentle, blanket-like mist that completely covers the front of the bather. Preferably, a separate, fan-spray nozzle is mounted on the rear wall of the bathtub, and flows a thin sheet or film of water therealong, which cushions and baths the back and bottom of the seated invalid.

Abstract: An automatic drain-off valve for an ablutionary shower system is provided at the lowest point of the supply pipe at or from the shower control or mixing valve to the shower spray head. The drain valve (30) comprises a body (1) having a chamber (7) in which a clack valve (3) is mounted and which is normally biassed into the open position relative to a port (16) surrounded by a seating (8). The port (16) comprises a series of through bores opening to the bottom of the valve for discharging water from the chamber (7) to waste. When water flows through the supply pipe of the shower system, the chamber (7) fills and pressure on the clack valve overcomes the bias applied to the valve spindle (4) by a spring (14) so that the valve close on the seating (8).