Particular Construction Patents (Class 4/612)
  • Patent number: 6240578
    Abstract: A showerbath base plate having an annular gutter in the form of a ring according to the contour of the showerbath is disclosed. The gutter has an inclined bottom the lowest portion of which is connected to a drainage conduit. Inner and outer walls of the gutter have at their respective upper edges flanges extending horizontally away from the gutter. A flat sheet is supported on the inner wall flanges with an elastic joint therebetween. The flat sheet extends over the gutter to near the flanges of the outer gutter walls with an aperture between the flat sheet and the outer wall flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: P.V.C. Lagares S. A.
    Inventor: Manuel Lagares Planella
  • Patent number: 6226808
    Abstract: A bathtub and shower combination for allowing an open bath area while preventing water from escaping the bathtub area while showering. The bathtub and shower combination includes a bathing stall. The bathing stall has a first and second walls joined at a vertical edge. The first and second walls are orientated generally perpendicular to each other. A bathtub is elongate and has a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls and a bottom wall. A first of end walls is fixedly coupled to the first wall of the bathing stall. A first of the side walls is fixedly coupled to the second wall of the bathing stall. Each of the walls of the bathtub has a top edge. A faucet for delivering water to the bathtub is mounted on a top edge of the bathtub. A shower portion includes a door. The door is hingedly coupled to a free vertical edge of the first wall of the bathing stall. A generally planar post extending vertically from the top edge of the second side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Donal Walshe
  • Patent number: 6058659
    Abstract: An arrangement for a sanitary floor in bathrooms, laundries or the like where the floor comprises at least one fall inclined toward at least one floor drain. The upper layer of the floor comprises at least two separate, adjacent, rectangularly formed block elements. At least one of the block elements includes the floor drain. Each block element has a lower surface which is parallel with a bedding that supports the block elements. Each block element also has an upper surface which inclines or is inclined a predetermined angle towards the floor drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Dan Astrom
  • Patent number: 6052845
    Abstract: An apparatus to be used in a shower stall, comprising a single pour cultured marble slab 10 whereby the slab is placed horizontally and is shaped such that four edges 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B will fit into the corner of and will be supported by the walls of the shower stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Brian Harvey
  • Patent number: 5996140
    Abstract: A device for washing a user sitting in or reclining on a wheelchair including an open-bottomed, double-walled housing defining a washing chamber therein and having a top wall opposite the open bottom, opposing side walls, a front wall and a rear opening opposite the front wall. A door is provided for opening and closing the rear opening and a plurality of nozzles are secured to an interior wall of the housing member for injecting warm water toward the user sitting in or reclining on the wheelchair positioned in said washing chamber. The head of the user is located outside the washing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Aluvo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Kitamura
  • Patent number: 5953770
    Abstract: A device for washing a user sitting in or reclining on a wheelchair including an open-bottomed, double-walled housing defining a washing chamber therein and having a top wall opposite the open bottom, opposing side walls, a front wall and a rear opening opposite the front wall. A door is provided for opening and closing the rear opening and a plurality of nozzles are secured to an interior wall of the housing member for injecting warm water toward the user sitting in or reclining on the wheelchair positioned in said washing chamber. The head of the user is located outside the washing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Aluvo Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Kitamura
  • Patent number: 5901508
    Abstract: A prefabricated tub/shower enclosure, and a method for retrofitting a bathroom with same are disclosed. The enclosure consists of a molded shell having three walls, a tub portion, a ceiling and integral plumbing. In use, a portion of the tub/shower enclosure is cantilevered beyond the exterior wall of the house, allowing a larger-sized tub/shower enclosure to be incorporated into the bathroom than would otherwise be possible. The tub/shower enclosure is installed through an opening formed in an exterior wall of the house between interior framing members defining the bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Menzel
  • Patent number: 5768721
    Abstract: An emergency shower apparatus comprising a deluge shower positioned in the vicinity of a wall, a removable access panel, a valve located behind the access panel having an open position and a closed position, and a shower control lever movable between an open position, in which the valve is open, and a closed position, in which the valve is closed, wherein the shower control lever does not project substantially from the wall when the shower control means is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Guardian Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Kersten
  • Patent number: 5738044
    Abstract: Single or gangable multiplexed animal bathing stations comprise a rearward sloped wash platform between two side courtesy walls, along with a back splash wall and a rearward sloped floor. A wash platform--back splash wall drainage gap G improves drainage, cleanliness and efficiency, along with rearward tilted station floor angles .beta..sub.floor and wash platform angles .beta..sub.platform, which improve drainage and animal-groomer stance. Gangable animal bathing stations are disclosed that share common walls and effluent processing for passage to a central waste filtration and treatment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Glen Philip Gaylinn
  • Patent number: 5664264
    Abstract: A system for attaching two parts of a shower enclosure together which eliminates screw type fasteners and affords ease of fastening. The system includes a locking bar positioned in a cavity of a shower enclosure structural member wherein the bar can move transversely on the upper surface of another shower enclosure member when in a first position but when in a second position the bar restrains transverse movement. In a preferred embodiment, the locking bar is rotated on its longitudinal axis to the second position to cause the locking bar to deform a portion of the upper surface as well as move past and be retained in an overcenter position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Steven J. Duero
  • Patent number: 5551102
    Abstract: There is provided a mobile decontamination unit which includes a shower compartment. The shower compartment has a shower head and a drain located therein. There is a means for providing water to the shower head. There is a storage tank connected to the drain to store contaminated water from the shower compartment. There is a waiting compartment, that is preferably maintained under positive pressure, connected to the shower compartment. There is a means for maintaining the shower compartment at a negative air pressure. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile decontamination unit which includes a shower compartment. The shower compartment has a shower head and a drain located therein. There are means for providing water to the shower heads and means for heating the water before it reaches the shower heads. A storage tank is connected to the drains for storing contaminated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventors: Craig Stewart, Christopher W. A. Fredericks
  • Patent number: 5473843
    Abstract: A joint between an upper wall part and a lower wall part of a modular tub/shower unit includes a recessed band adjacent to but spaced from the lowermost edge of the upper wall part. A further band is recessed at the uppermost edge of the lower wall part with the vertical height of that band being greater than the vertical height of the recessed band in the upper wall part and greater than a band at the lowermost edge which is not recessed, The lowermost band of the upper wall part is then adhesively attached to the uppermost edge and a part of the recessed band of the part by a double sided adhesive tape the covering of which is pulled through the gap between these parts. The adhesive tape provides the only sealant necessary for waterproofing the joint and provides the only structural strength necessary. The groove above the lowermost band of the upper wall part allows the upper wall part to be maneuvered into the required position by finger engagement into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Fiat Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel A. LaRoche, William J. Critchley, Steve G. Mardero
  • Patent number: 5416933
    Abstract: A new and improved apparatus for spraying water in a child's wading pool to simulate a typhoon comprising a water spraying assembly which has a first tube in a circular configuration forming a first ring of an enlarged diameter. A plurality of inwardly directed spray heads on the first ring and first fluidic coupling components are secured to the first ring. A second tube in a circular configuration forms a second ring of a reduced diameter with radially extending tubes terminating in a central sprinkler head coupled with respect thereto. Second fluidics components are secured to the second ring and a generally vertically oriented tube for coupling the fluidic components of the first ring and the second ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Charles R. Bernard
  • Patent number: 5341527
    Abstract: A molded article and the mold for making molded articles are disclosed. The molded article is a sanitary fixture, such as a whirlpool bathtub. The molded article comprises a rigid shell having a finish side and a non-finish side. A rigid material is coated on the rigid shell and integrally forms a leveling base on the bottom side of the rigid shell. Mounting pockets for attaching an apron and mounting areas for attaching a whirlpool motor may also be integrally formed in the rigid material coated on the rigid shell. The mold for manufacturing includes a plurality of cavities for forming leveling runners on the bottom side of the molded article. Additional cavities may be included in the mold for forming mounting areas and mounting pockets on the molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: A. Robert Schmidt, Drew J. Yuhas, Ronald D. Barndt
  • Patent number: 5311707
    Abstract: A joint between an upper wall part and a lower wall part of a modular tub/shower unit includes a recessed band adjacent to but spaced from the lowermost edge of the upper wall part. A further band is recessed at the uppermost edge of the lower wall part with the vertical height of that band being greater than the vertical height of the recessed band in the upper wall part and greater than a band at the lowermost edge which is not recessed. The lowermost band of the upper wall part is then adhesively attached to the uppermost edge and a part of the recessed band of the part by a double sided adhesive tape the covering of which is pulled through the gap between these parts. The adhesive tape provides the only sealant necessary for waterproofing the joint and provides the only structural strength necessary. The groove above the lowermost band of the upper wall part allows the upper wall part to be maneuvered into the required position by finger engagement into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Fiat Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel A. LaRoche, William J. Critchley, Steve G. Mardero
  • Patent number: 5299330
    Abstract: An easy access shower base assembly is disclosed which generally comprises a shower base, a ramp, and clips for attaching the ramp to the shower base. The shower base comprises a basin, a generally horizontal front ledge at the front of the basin, with a lip depending downwardly from the front edge of the ledge, and a generally horizontal boundary ledge, vertically higher than the front ledge. The ramp has a thin front edge and a thicker back edge, the thickness of the back edge being less than the height of the lip. The ramp is substantially the same length as the front ledge and the back edge of the ramp is generally even with the front ledge of the shower base. The ramp extends angularly downward from the back edge to the thin front edge. Also in the preferred embodiment, the shower base assembly further comprises at least one water trap for collecting water from the boundary ledge and for causing the collected water to drain into the basin of the shower base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: The Swan Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Moore, Anthony Buonaura
  • Patent number: 5263208
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Kohler Ltd./Kohler Ltee
    Inventor: Iain M. Smith
  • Patent number: 5097543
    Abstract: A shower door assembly of the frameless type comprises light plastic panels interconnected substantially along their length by hinges which include channels for gripping the panels. An elongated bracket facilitates the attachment of the door to walls that are out of square in relation to a bath or shower pan. The assembly presents a smooth appearance substantially devoid of surface obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Waterline Products Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Fred J. Oille
  • Patent number: 5075141
    Abstract: This invention relates to decorative strips for shower partitions. The decorative strips are constructed in the form of a circular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Jurgen-Peter Sudmann
  • Patent number: 5070549
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Millburn Associates Limited
    Inventor: Joseph Campe
  • Patent number: 5070550
    Abstract: An improved closure for use in a space at the upper portion of a stall area for a bath, shower, spa or the like, to provide an humidity and heat barrier. A foldable thin sheet of material is supported by a framework mounted in the upper portion of the stall area. The framework is designed to be supported in the upper portion of the stall by urging against or securing to two opposing walls. A highly flexible material, such as a thin vinyl sheet or a fabric sheet, is chosen for the foldable sheet. The flexible sheet is supported by the framework in an inverted V-shaped arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Eric W. Reeves
  • Patent number: 5060322
    Abstract: A ceiling shower element for a shower room comprises a plate adapted to be installed in the ceiling of the shower room, and an inverted concave housing having its edges sealed to said plate and defining therewith a hollow cavity to which water is supplied. The portion of the plate which seals off the housing is provided with orifices through which water is ejected into the room below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Delepine
  • Patent number: 5023965
    Abstract: The invention provides a panel (10) for adjustable attachment to a mounting section (12) relative to which it is hinged or slidable. It includes a glass or plastics pane (50) and at least one profiled ledge (22) as an integral component of straight, angled [-shaped structure. The bottom ledge (22) encloses the bottom edge (21) of the pane (50) and supports a sealing strip (26) having a stiff base (28, 76) with at least one flexible lip (32). A profiled front ledge (23) may extend up to a handle (42) or way up to an upper pane edge (81). At the inside face at least of the profiled bottom ledge (22), there is a hollow sloping drain channel (44) leading back into the interior of a panel-made shower unit. The profiled ledges (22, 23, 82, 92) are preferably non-metallic resilient components with or without reinforcement insets (70). Two associated panels (10, 100) may form a round or corner-type shower unit closed by magnetic sealing gibs (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Gunter Reichel
  • Patent number: 4989279
    Abstract: A modular facility for on-site erection at work places and recreation areas is provided in kit form of expendable components for temporary periods of bathing, permitting users to transmit through privacy compartments including an entry "dirty" booth, an intermediate shower booth, and an exit "clean" booth. The facility is serviced by a portable shower and waste water filtration subsystem that operates solely on the flow of an input pressurized supply of water. Filter elements are removeable to recover particles and contaminants from the waste water of shower bathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Samuel O. Powell
  • Patent number: 4987619
    Abstract: A modular bathing cabinet is disclosed which is adapted to be easily transported to and assembled at the location of final use. The bathing cabinet may be in the form of either a shower stall or a bathing tub, and it includes a base, and an upright enclosure which includes a pair of opposite side sections which are of generally L-shape in cross-section and which are joined to each other along a vertical junction line in the back wall of the enclosure. Each of the side sections includes a plurality of horizontal reinforcing metal straps fixed along the outside surface, and the reinforcing straps of the side sections are bolted together to form a secure and rigid interconnection along the vertical junction line. Also, the straps are directly connected to the vertical wall studs of the building, to further rigidify the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Lee A. Smith
  • Patent number: 4970734
    Abstract: A shower stall booth is converted into a bath by supporting an integral sheet of waterproof material against the upstanding walls of the shower stall. Support components extend across the open side of the shower stall to further support the waterproof sheet. A second embodiment enables the waterproof insert to extend outward from within the stall shower to any desired length and breadth. A third embodiment enables the waterproof tub insert to extend upward to any desire height. Fourth and fifth embodiments accomplish the shower stall bath conversion by means of affixing either a watertight wall or a partial tub insert to the open side of the shower stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventors: Moshe Friedman, David Rohinsky
  • Patent number: 4938825
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Armitage Shanks Limited
    Inventor: Keith M. Macdonald
  • Patent number: 4914770
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Altura Leiden Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
  • Patent number: 4901380
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Kohler Ltd./Ltee
    Inventor: Iain M. Smith
  • Patent number: 4879773
    Abstract: A shower cabinet having an entrance opening which is at least partially closed by a pivotable screen (6) made of a relatively rigid material, e.g. toughened glass. The invention deals with the problem of providing a shower cabinet that is equipped with auxiliary devices for assisting handicapped persons without detracting from the use of the cabinet as a conventional shower cabinet. This is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the screen (6) includes a stiffening or reinforcement strip (7) which is arranged along the vertical center line of the screen and the respective ends of which strip are journalled for rotation in the bottom part and the top part of that cabinet wall (2) which includes the entrance opening, and in that a raisable and lowerable seat (8) is pivotally mounted on the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Nils R. Bergmark
  • Patent number: 4862527
    Abstract: A one piece molded plastic shower stall and room divider including a one piece plastic body member shaped to form the shower stall having a U-shaped side wall, an opposite flat side wall, a rear wall and a front wall having an opening therein, and a bottom and top wall. Wall forming material is foamed or otherwise secured to the front, rear and U-shaped side wall. When the enclosure so formed is installed in an enclosed living area, the exterior of the body divides the living area into two separate rooms. The exterior of the enclosure is finished to match the decor of the living area thus properly blending as a room divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: JPI Plumbing Products, Inc.
    Inventor: George P. McAllister
  • Patent number: 4856126
    Abstract: A shower partition comprising a door (2) which serves to close or open an entry opening into a shower basin (4) and which is preferably configured as a pivotable wing. The door (2) is advantageously produced in a deep drawing process and has a circumferential recess (26) on its front surface adjacent the outer edges. A preferably tubular frame (28) is associated with the recess and spaced from the front surface of the door (2). The resulting structure has good stability and simultaneously achieves good sealing of the entry opening with a door of low weight. A trough (77) on the back of the door sloping downwardly toward the hinged door edge conveys water running down the rear side of the door back into the shower basin when the door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
  • Patent number: 4829608
    Abstract: A shower incorporates a translucent wall, and behind the wall is mounted an assembly of lamps for directing ultraviolet radiation into the shower so as to tan the occupant. The lamps are mounted on a frame which may be withdrawn from behind the wall by movement along tracks, so as to permit replacement of the lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventors: Sean Stevens, Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 4807310
    Abstract: A portable shower stall including a plurality of corner posts and upright wall elements removably secured thereto. The shower stall includes a base wall spaced above the subjacent terrain by a plurality of supports. The corner posts extend through a number of the supports and include sharp tipped lower ends adapted to be forced into the subjacent ground for stabilizing the erected shower stall. The sidewalls and door of the shower stall include distributed openings which, in the illustrated embodiment, are in the form of louvers. A top wall may be provided overlying the shower space. Each of the top wall and base wall may be provided with air flow openings, the air flow openings of the base wall further permitting discharge of the shower water downwardly through the subjacent space to the subjacent ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventor: John R. Sedala
  • Patent number: 4777675
    Abstract: A portable knockdown decontamination chamber is disclosed for use with a liquid decontaminant supply to apply a confined liquid decontaminant wash to a subject located in the chamber. A base of the chamber includes an upwardly opening channel formed generally around its periphery. A wall construction having arcuate corner panels and planar panels therebetween includes a lower edge shaped to fit in the channel so that the corner and planar panels are supported on the base with the lower edge residing in the channel. The base is formed by a subbase and a liner that have interacting rib structures, and the ribs are configured to provide a drainage network so that liquid accumulating in the channel is drained into a sump formed at one end of the base. A top has a downwardly opening groove extending generally around its periphery for receiving an upper edge of the wall construction so that the top can be placed in a supporting relationship on the wall construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Benco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Letner
  • Patent number: 4720876
    Abstract: In combination a shower stall structure for bathtubs or shower basins having a top and bottom comprising at least one opening extending from top to bottom defined by a multiplicity of stiles each stile extending in both a horizontal and vertical direction abutting an adjacent wall or stile, wherein at least one opening is closed by more than one closure member spanning across the at least one opening, having pivot mechanisms carried by both the multiplicity of stiles and the more than one closure member at the peripheral extremities thereof wherein the pivot mechanisms are adjustable in position along the respective peripheral edges of at least one of the multiplicity of stiles and the more than one closure member, allowing for dimensional variation of such as the at least one opening with respect to the dimensions of the corner in which the shower stall is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Fasco Products Division of Indal Limited
    Inventors: Vincent Tomei, Alfred MacLean, Michel Morand, John Faveri
  • Patent number: 4622911
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Hopeman Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur H. Salminen
  • Patent number: 4569092
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
  • Patent number: 4557004
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Inventor: Angelo J. Piana
  • Patent number: 4554690
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Scott R. Knapp, Paul P. Kolada
  • Patent number: 4553276
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: Fiat Products Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert C. Paradis
  • Patent number: 4551870
    Abstract: A shower stall threshold structure has two opposed former sections formed of light weight plastic material and adapted to have mortar poured into the space therebetween. The sections are equipped with spacer members and connection bolts to hold the sections in proper spaced relationship until the mortar hardens. Openings through the former sections expose the mortar at the outer faces of the former sections so that tile placed on the sides of the threshold can be adhered to the mortar. One or both former sections may have tile supporting ledges projecting outwardly from their outer faces. A plastic sheet underlying the shower stall may have its edges turned upwardly within the threshold and held in place between the spacer members on the sections. Lines of weakness are provided in the former sections to permit portions of the sections to be broken off to reduce the height of the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Inventor: Francis A. Presti, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4542546
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Inventor: Arthur Desgagnes
  • Patent number: 4520608
    Abstract: A structural assembly, more particularly for a shower partition, comprising a sectional rail having, in one of its outer surfaces, an undercut first channel of which the sides form two lateral grooves. Inserted into this channel, is a facing panel, a resilient connecting element being provided for retention and engagement in the grooves. In order to obtain a structural assembly of small depth, together with reliable and rapid attachment, the facing panel is provided with a longitudinal second channel extending in the direction of its longitudinal axis and undercut along the channel sides to form grooves. The connecting element is arranged at least partly in the second groove where it is held by the undercut second grooves. The connecting element has a lateral projection which extends into one of the first grooves of the sectional rail. Projecting into the other groove of the sectional rail is either a shoulder of the facing panel or a second lateral projection of the connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
  • Patent number: 4477934
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Hopeman Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur H. Salminen
  • Patent number: 4471501
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Hytec, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Heymann
  • Patent number: 4426745
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Walker Crosweller & Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Beck
  • Patent number: 4425672
    Abstract: A cabinet having a sealable door and in which a person sits with his neck extending through an opening in the cabinet top. A spray system in the cabinet is arranged to direct water over the body of the user, and pipe means connects the spray system to a source of temperature-controlled water. Control means is operable to cause this water to by-pass the spray system when the temperature thereof rises above or drops below a predetermined temperature range. Water is removed from the bottom of the cabinet through a drain hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Inventors: Raymond Johnson, Ronald W. Kenny
  • 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: 4384377
    Abstract: Backwall and sidewall panels for assembly with a bathtub in the forming of a shower enclosure are molded with integral interlockable portions respectively thereon whereby the sidewall panel can be assembled with the backwall panel to provide firm engagement therebetween by the interengaging of the interlockable portions with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Calvert, Leslie A. Bowman, James W. Rinehart, Merritt W. Seymour