Of Receptor Patents (Class 4/613)
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Patent number: 6631525Abstract: A washing platform has a generally flat upper work surface. A spout is located adjacent the washing platform and provides a stream of fluid which impinges the work surface. The bowl can be removably placed on the washing platform to receive water from the spout. The bowl has an aperture through the bottom and a gasket which is attached to an exterior surface of the bowl around the aperture. When the bowl is placed on the work surface, the gasket provides a seal that inhibits flow of fluid there between until a user lifts the bowl to drain the water there from.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: James M. Piatt, William F. Gordon
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Publication number: 20030172453Abstract: A prefabricated block for use in the construction of water containment areas, such as showers, tubs, pools and the like is provided. This block is designed to facilitate rapid, consistent construction while maintaining maximum water containment. In preferred embodiments, this block has a sloped surface for water-shedding as well as a slot for receiving the pan or liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: Edward T. Peterson
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Patent number: 6571406Abstract: Supporting body (1) being part of a shower tub made of stone, tiles or artificial stone and comprising at least one landing (2) that is surrounded by a margin (6), a channel (3) discharging into a drain (4).Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Michael Gerloff
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Patent number: 6568140Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a sloped floor includes a plurality of elongate arms disposed in radial array relative to a drain. Each arm has a common height along its extent. The radially innermost end of each arm is positioned near or connected to the drain. In a first embodiment, the radially innermost end of each arm is pivotally connected to an adapter that is connected to a center ring that circumscribes the drain. In a second embodiment, each arm is positioned at an incline by an adapter that rigidly joins the arm to the center ring. In a third embodiment, the arms are of shallow construction and are removed after the concrete has been poured. A mounting strip secured to the shower wall may support the radially outermost end of each arm. In all embodiments, the concrete is worked so that it is flush with the uppermost edge of each elongate arm.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventor: Mark E. Kirby
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Publication number: 20030089059Abstract: A shower curb is built by stacking two or three horizontally disposed 2″×4″ boards in a vertical stack and covering them with a shower liner. A three-sided frame having upstanding parallel front and back walls that depend from and are perpendicular to a top wall is placed over the liner and the boards. The frame is lattice-like and has a large plurality of openings formed in it. A cementitious material is applied to the frame so that the material enters into the openings and is screeded until it completely covers the boards and is flush with the frame. Ceramic tiles are then laid in overlying relation to the resulting structure. In a second embodiment, the top wall of the frame is pitched toward the shower to provide drainage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventor: Mark E. Kirby
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Publication number: 20030033668Abstract: The shower footboard is a single piece comprising a plate (1) the top surface of which has a part of its perimeter flush with the floor, facilitating an access and another part of its perimeter, not designed to be an access, which can be attached to an inwall (8) The top surface possesses, close to that part of the perimeter of the plate (1) designed as access at least one narrow oblong opening (3) communicating with a large collector located under the plate (1) top surface and which is ending in a recess (5) where a sewer (6) is open. A raised wall (7) is spreading along that part of the plate (1) perimeter not designed as an access constituting a barrier in order the liquid does not reach a seal arranged in a stepped undercutting (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Enric Graells Pane
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Publication number: 20020148039Abstract: A floor drain assembly includes a barrel assembly having a radially outwardly flared drain area surrounded by an outer ledge for supporting the outer periphery of a grate covering the drain area. Radially inwardly of the ledge are a plurality of supports integral with the barrel assembly and/or grate for providing additional support for the span of the grate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Michael W. Minnick
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Publication number: 20020124306Abstract: This invention relates to a method of constructing a surface for drainage, and a kit of parts forming components required to produce such a drainage surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventor: Gregory J. Smale
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Publication number: 20020066140Abstract: Supporting body (1) being part of a shower tub made of stone, tiles or artificial stone and comprising at least one landing (2) that is surrounded by a margin (6), a channel (3) discharging into a drain (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventor: Michael Gerloff
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Patent number: 6381773Abstract: A base for a barrier-free shower enclosure having the combined configuration of a drain sump and drain. A series of channels is formed into the base of the shower enclosure which trap water within the shower enclosure and channel the water toward the drain sump. The channels are of increasing depth and slope toward the drain area and drain to facilitate the flow of water into the drain.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1998Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: AquaBath, IncInventor: George P. McAllister
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Patent number: 6381775Abstract: An adjustable drain apparatus includes a drain base received within a floor. A flange is coupled to the drain base. A ring is disposed in a flange cavity and selectively movable therein. A grate is coupled to the ring. At least one retainer is coupled to the flange to retain the ring in the flange cavity. Preferably, two opposite rings selectively secure the ring in the flange. The flange has two different orientations with respect to the drain base to selectively position the grate at two different elevations with respect to the drain base.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: C&D Innovations, L.C.Inventor: Chris Sondrup
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Publication number: 20010052148Abstract: A bottom element for a shower for collecting and draining the water is designed as flat, horizontal stone plate made in one piece, particularly to be built as a smooth continuation into an adjacent floor area. This stone plate has depressions, particularly grooves in the surface, starting out from the border of the stone plate leading towards a drain, e.g. towards a vertical bore traversing the stone plate. These depressions or grooves can be inclined towards the drain.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventor: Christina Hasenkopf
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Patent number: 6269495Abstract: An adjustable drain apparatus to be positioned with a floor therearound. The drain has a drain channel, having an upper end to receive fluid, and a lower end to expel the fluid. The drain also has a base, positioned proximate to the drain channel, having a cavity to receive the fluid expelled from the lower end. Additionally, the drain has pivoting means, coupled to the lower end of the drain channel, for enabling pivoting of the drain channel relative to the base. Moreover, there is a securing means for pivotally securing the pivoting means to the base. Uniquely, the securing means comprises a pair of plates, each having an inner concentric substantially spherical surface designed to mate with the pivoting means and be coupled to the base. Also, the pivoting means comprises a ring having an inner surface that is attached to the lower end of the drain channel, and an outer spherical surface designed to smoothly pivot against the spherical surfaces of the pair of plates.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: C&D Innovations, L.C.Inventor: Chris Sondrup
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Patent number: 6240578Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: P.V.C. Lagares S. A.Inventor: Manuel Lagares Planella
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Patent number: 6223360Abstract: A water therapy apparatus includes a casing holding a liquid, the casing having an overflow port, a drain port, and an upwardly extended water pipe, a motor-pump controlled to pump the liquid from the casing into the water pipe, a control valve mounted on one end of the upwardly extended water pipe remote from the casing for causing the liquid passing through the upwardly extended water pipe to form a waterfall falling toward the casing, a meshed wooden plate mounted in the casing at a top side on which the user sits to receive the striking of the waterfall coming from the control valve, and a control device mounted on the outside of the casing for controlling the motor-pump to pump the liquid from the casing into the upwardly extended water pipe for producing a waterfall.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Chien-Hao Lu
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Patent number: 6212709Abstract: A shower drain tool includes a blade for engagement with the ribs on the internal surface of a shower drain. The tool also includes a stabilizer plate connected to the blade to seat the tool on the drain and prevent the tool from falling through the drain into the drain pipe. The tool further includes one of various tool adapters. The tool adapter can be a nut to be spanned by an adjustable or open-end wrench, or a hole into which a socket wrench drive or the tip of a breaker bar or T bar can be inserted, to rotate the tool. The tool adapter can also be a pipe wrench extension so that a pipe wrench can be used to rotate the tool. Alternatively, the tool can include a device, such as a T bar, integral with the stabilizer plate to rotate the tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Donald A. Newton
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Patent number: 6185758Abstract: A device in draining gutters comprises a gutter member (11) adapted to be imbedded in a hole in a floor in relation to the surrounding floor, connectable to a conduit (6) for draining water, said member being adapted to receive water, and an arrangement for sealing the floor covering (8) in relation to the gutter member, for preventing water from finding its way between the latters. This sealing arrangement has means (23, 24, 25) aranged to seal against the floor covering (8) by bearing on the latter from above around an upper water receiving opening (32) of the gutter member.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1995Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventors: Lars Croon, Bertil Eriksson
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Patent number: 6178571Abstract: A barrier-free shower system having the combined configuration of a drain sump, drain and a continuously weighted shower curtain. A series of channels is formed into a threshold of a barrier free shower enclosure. The channels trap water within the shower enclosure and channel the water toward the drain sump. Water is directed to the channels from the base of the shower enclosure and from a shower curtain which hangs directly over the threshold. There is no lip or barrier in the base of the shower at the threshold to keep the curtain from billowing out as heat escapes the shower enclosure, so a continuous weight is provided near a lower edge of the curtain to keep it positioned over the channels in the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Aqua Bath, Inc.Inventor: George F McAllister
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Patent number: 6175971Abstract: A shower drain assembly (10) is provided for use with a shower having a base drain opening. The drain assembly includes a drain fitting (12), an annular pressure plate (26), and an annular collar (28). The drain fitting has an upper lateral flange (14) and an upright cylindrical portion (16) extending downward from the underside of the flange. The cylindrical portion includes a number of shelves (18) extending laterally. Spaces (19) are available between shelves. The annular collar (28) includes an inner diameter with a number of ribs (30) extending laterally inward from the collar inner diameter surface. The collar also includes a number of holes (34), each hole being adapted to engage a corresponding fastener (32).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Inventor: Michael O'Neill
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Patent number: 6155015Abstract: A method for making a floor that slopes toward a drain includes the steps of enclosing a predetermined area of a flat support surface around the drain with upstanding border members, positioning an annular ring in closely spaced, concentric relation around the drain, arranging a plurality of straight form members in radial relation to the drain, connecting a radially innermost end of each form member to the annular ring so that the top edge of each form member is spaced downwardly from the plane of the drain by a distance equal to a tile thickness, and positioning an outermost end of each form member in abutting relation to the border member. Each form member has a height at its innermost end that is less than a height of its outermost end A cementitious material is poured into the predetermined area and the material is made flush with the respective top edges of the form members. An auxiliary form member is attachable to a trailing end of each form member to increase the versatility of the method.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Inventor: Mark E. Kirby
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Patent number: 6094757Abstract: A threshold assembly adapted to be mounted at the threshold of a conventional barrier free shower in order to reduce the amount of water from the shower contacting the floor of the bathroom. The threshold assembly includes cooperating catch and cap members extending longitudinally across the threshold of the shower. A locking device extends between the catch and cap members for facilitating retention of the cap member on the catch member.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Tomkins Industries, Inc.Inventor: Raymond C. Torres
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Patent number: 6047416Abstract: In a shower device designed to carry out a complete and constant 360-degree therapeutic sweeping of the user's body, water is sprayed from a shower head and a series of holes in tubes along the space provided for use as a shower stall. These tubes are connected together by a rotary air and water servomechanism revolving around a vertical water supply axis. The holes are positioned to direct the sprays of water toward the centre of the shower stall. The rotary servomechanism is driven by a motor, and the servomechanism induces the circular movement of the tubes around the shower stall, and this movement combines with the water spray action from the tubes to provide the therapeutic coverage of the user's body in the space at the center of the shower stall. To dry off following a shower, users may switch over to sprays of warm air from the same tubes by activating a drying control.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Denis CarrierInventor: Denis Carrier
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Patent number: 6014780Abstract: A shower bath made of stones includes natural lines of joint between edges of the floor and edges of the wall portions of the shower bath, which are spaced from each other to form gaps along the lines of joint. The gaps are filled with grout except for one gap which is a water discharge gap. The shower floor is substantially planar and inclined downwardly in a direction generally toward the water discharge gap. The discharge gap is bounded at two ends by the grout filling the adjacent gaps so that water falling on the floor can exit through the discharge gap to the drain below the floor. A drain guide has an upper channel portion that cooperates with the edge of the floor and the edge of the wall portion that form the water discharge gap. The drain guide has a lower conduit that provides fluid communication between the upper channel portion and a drain pipe disposed below the shower floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Eagle Natural StoneInventors: Waldemar Robert Jurek, Arthur Puchalski
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Patent number: 6006375Abstract: A removable threshold (18) wherein a first sidewall (20) and a second sidewall (22) are joined to a top section (48). The first sidewall (20) has a lower lateral edge (26) and terminal portions (28 and 30) that form radiused corners (68 and 70). The second sidewall (22) has a lower lateral edge (34) and terminal portions (36 and 38) that form radiused corners (76 and 78). Top section (48) has ends (54 and 56) that define radiused edges (84 and 86). Edges (84 and 86) are flush with the edges of terminal portions (28, 30, 36 and 38) and a gasket (62) is secured continuously to threshold (18) along lower lateral edges (26 and 34), terminal portions (28, 30, 36 and 38) and edges (84 and 86) to provide a seal between threshold (18) and a fixture (10).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: CFM, Inc.Inventor: Jeffery N. Carr
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Patent number: 6003169Abstract: A prefabricated, custom-built shower pan with a drain hole for use in a shower stall is provided. The shower pan comprises: (a) an acrylic-based solid surface upper layer; (b) a polystyrene foam layer; and (c) a planar base layer with raised edges, the base layer being durable, rigid and relatively lightweight. The polystyrene foam layer is framed by the base layer and covered by the acrylic-based solid surface upper layer. Also provided is a shower pan comprising: (a) an acrylic-based solid surface upper layer; (b) a base layer comprising a planar base with raised edges, and a system of stringers; and (c) a waterdam. The stringers are substantially straight, horizontal wooden supports which collectively incline toward the drain hole. They are relatively evenly distributed within and adhered to the rectangular-shaped base. Each stringer has an incline on its upper surface, and one end abutting one edge of the base.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Davis Systems, Inc.Inventor: Thomas A. Davis, Jr.
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Patent number: 5913777Abstract: A waterproof shower module comprising a pre-fabricated, integrally molded unit which forms a unitary base having side walls and a pitched floor defining an opening within which is incorporated a vertically adjustable drain. Each side wall includes an upper lip forming a horizontal surface upon which wall board may be supported and flushly aligned with the side walls of the module such that a substantially continuous and uniform surface is formed which provides a suitable mounting surface for receiving shower tiles. The module floor includes a top surface and a bottom surface and defines a plurality of molded feet depending from the bottom surface, which feet function to support the module floor on the underlying subfloor. The module floor is uniformly pitched from each side wall to the drain opening. One of the side walls further defines a curb and includes inner and outer curb surfaces and a horizontal and curb surface. Tile installed on the module's surfaces and on the surrounding wall board.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Tile Redi, Ltd.Inventor: Lloyd A. Gerber
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Patent number: 5911518Abstract: A shower bath made of stones includes natural lines of joint between edges of the floor and edges of the wall portions of the shower bath, which are spaced from each other to form gaps along the lines of joint. The gaps are filled with grout except for one gap which is a water discharge gap. The shower floor is substantially planar and inclined downwardly in a direction generally toward the water discharge gap. The discharge gap is bounded at two ends by the grout filling the adjacent gaps so that water falling on the floor can exit through the discharge gap to the drain below the floor. A drain guide has an upper channel portion that cooperates with the edge of the floor and the edge of the wall portion that form the water discharge gap. The drain guide has a lower conduit that provides fluid communication between the upper channel portion and a drain pipe disposed below the shower floor.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Eagle Natural StoneInventors: Waldemar Robert Jurek, Artur Puchalski
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Patent number: 5878448Abstract: A floor drain extension for, and method of, elevating a drain plate of an existing floor drain after a refinishing layer such as tile has been applied onto the floor structure through which the floor drain is installed. The extension is generally annular shaped and structured to fit between the drain plate and the upper surface of the floor drain fixture so as to upwardly reposition the drain plate into a flush arrangement with the new refinishing layer surface. By proper preselection of the thickness and mounting hole pattern, the extension will easily be reinstalled after the refinishing layer is applied. Further, by temporarily bolting the extension atop the existing floor drain prior to application of the refinishing layer, a precise edge to edge abutting fit between the refinishing layer and the extension will be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Inventor: Dan E. Molter
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Patent number: 5845347Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shower foundation is disclosed. A base including a curb portion is formed by injection molding. A waterproof membrane is sprayed over the base. The membrane includes three vertical extensions which are contiguous with a flat portion of the membrane. A backer layer is placed over the waterproof membrane, the backer layer being made of a flexible sheet material. A drain is formed through the base and is sealed with respect to the backer layer and waterproof membrane. A threshold is made by the addition of a lip formed over the curb portion of the base. A method is also disclosed for installing the shower foundation made by the method of manufacturing. The installing method includes the steps of sliding the shower foundation into a space designated for a shower unit, attaching the waterproof membrane of the shower foundation to studs surrounding the space, installing walls of the shower unit on the base, and securing the shower walls to the studs.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1996Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventor: David A. Young
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Patent number: 5778464Abstract: An enclosure for one of a tray and bathroom tub where a spacer is attached to an upstanding flange provided on the enclosure. The upstanding flange abuts a room wall such that a wall liner overlaps the upstanding flange and is spaced from the flange thereby providing an air gap therebetween which reduces the likelihood of water to be drawn through capillary action between the wall liner and the upstanding flange.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: New Line Shower Screens LimitedInventors: Bryn Lincoln Chapple, Sabina Iris Klose
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Patent number: 5718008Abstract: It is formed by a piece installed on the floor, constituted by a plate (1,101), whose top side is set at the same level as the floor (9) on which the plate is installed; along at least part of the perimeter of the plate, there is a header (4,102) which is open at the top and which does not rise higher than the top side of the plate; the bottom of the header is situated at a lower level than that of said top side of the plate; the header leads into a drainage orifice (7,104) also situated at a lower level with respect to that of said top side; it is characterized in that the header (4,102) presents a top opening (5,103) for the intake of water from the shower base, said opening being narrower than the header as such.It facilitates the access of elderly and disabled people and of people on wheelchairs, and at the same time it can be efficiently cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Inventor: Enrique Graells Pane
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Patent number: 5662373Abstract: A recreational vehicle is provided which incorporates unique "space saver" features especially suitable for, but not limited to, a short or standard cargo van body, and which allows the user to enjoy amenities which up to now were available only in the extended body versions. These space saver amenities may include a normal width double bed and temporary shower stall which previously were only found in conversions of extended length van bodies. These space saver amenities, if used in a standard or extended length van body provide even more varied and substantial sleeping facilities, such as a king-size bed or twin beds.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Inventor: Jacobus N. Hanemaayer
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Patent number: 5437303Abstract: An assembly for containing fluid leaking or overflowing from an appliance to a destination of waste fluid. The fluid containing assembly comprises a wall protecting member, a floor protecting member, and an overflow conduit for channeling water to the destination of waste fluid. The appliance is placed on the floor protecting member with the wall protecting member between the appliance and the wall. The wall and floor protecting members are fluid impermeable. The wall protecting member has a fluid supply orifice, a waste orifice, and a power supply orifice formed therein. The floor protecting member has an overflow orifice formed therein. The orifices in the wall protecting member and floor protecting member are arranged such that fluid leaks or overflows from the appliance are directed from the wall and floor and into the overflow conduit to the destination of waste fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1994Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Inventor: Addison M. Johnson
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Patent number: 5426900Abstract: A multi-purpose hexagonal building module constructed of identically configured panels connected together at lap joints, with each panel having a large flat rectangular section and an integral smoothly curved section. When the panels are interconnected to form a hexagonal module, the relatively large rectangular flat sections collectively constitute the module's six planar walls and the relatively small smoothly curved panel sections function as rounded module corners. The module can be disposed with its central symmetrical axis vertical or horizontal, and can be used as a housing unit or as a container for product storage. The module, whether used for storage or as a living unit, and whether disposed horizontally or vertically, can be permanently mounted at a single site or made mobile by mounting on a vehicle or ship for transport across land or water.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1992Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Inventor: Robert H. Springer
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Patent number: 5375275Abstract: A portable shower and catch basin assembly for use in performing chemical decontamination procedures has a catch basin made of a highly effective chemical barrier fabric and a support framework of plastic tubing parts that may be erected quickly on site. The framework has vertical posts and horizontal support members provided with mating fittings that snap together. One of the posts has a vertical extension with a cradle that supports a shower pipe. The catch basin fabric is made up of a composite multilayer material resistant to permeation by a wide range of toxic chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1993Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: Kappler Safety GroupInventor: Dennis R. Sanders
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Patent number: 5371980Abstract: A shower liner for use with ceramic tile consisting of a shell for polymer plastic body having a substantially flat bottom and a peripheral sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1993Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Inventor: Steven J. Dix
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Patent number: 5341527Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 1993Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventors: A. Robert Schmidt, Drew J. Yuhas, Ronald D. Barndt
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Patent number: 5297301Abstract: A one piece shower stall is disclosed. The shower stall includes a generally horizontal base portion and a side wall portion that is unitarily interconnected to and extends upwardly from the base portion. The side wall portion terminates in an upper ledge having a generally horizontal upper surface that is sufficiently wide to support at least one of an outer wall covering and a shower door mechanism. A raised rim portion is unitarily interconnected to and surrounds the ledge. The rim portion includes a generally vertical surface for engaging at least one of an outer wall covering and a shower door mechanism and a continuous, generally horizontal surface that extends outwardly from the vertical surface to a periphery of the shower stall for supporting an inner wall covering.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Inventor: Robert E. Sodrel
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Patent number: 5289599Abstract: A foot bathing fixture includes a seat supported on a raised pedestal. The pedestal has a hollow interior for housing a whirlpool pumping apparatus and other fixtures, for example a drain control. A removable access panel is located on the top of the pedestal to permit access to the pedestal interior for servicing the whirlpool pumping apparatus and other fixtures. The seat is positioned to cover the access panel when it is in position on top of the pedestal, and is hinged on the access panel so that the seat may be easily pivoted forward to access the pedestal for cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1993Date of Patent: March 1, 1994Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Jonathan M. Hintz, Alan D. Bengtson
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Patent number: 5261130Abstract: A spacer for positioning between the underside of a water catchment basin, such as a bathtub or shower pan is disclosed. The upper surface of the spacer is contoured so as to receivingly engage the underside of the basin and has a thickness dimension so as to maintain the underside of the basin a fixed distance above a horizontal plane, such as a floor. The spacer may be affixed to the underside of the basin at the time of construction or alternatively, separately suppled for field use at the time the basin is installed. If the perimeter of the spacer corresponds to the smallest interior dimension of the basin, identical basins with identical spacers attached thereto can be stacked one on top of the other for shipping purposes. The spacer can also be provided with channel or cavity sections which facilitate the placement therein of air or water supply conduit for the basin, if desired.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1992Date of Patent: November 16, 1993Inventor: Desmond M. Kendall
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Patent number: 5243716Abstract: A barrier-free drainage apparatus includes a trough positioned adjacent the front edge of a platform. The trough has a bottom wall which is positioned below the front edge of the platform, and at least one outlet opening in fluid flow communication with a drain pipe. A grate is positioned inside the trough and has an upper, generally horizontal portion with a plurality of apertures therethrough. The upper portion is supported such each that said upper portion is spaced apart from the trough bottom wall in a generally horizontal position and a top surface of the upper portion is substantially the same height as the front edge of the platform. Another aspect of the invention is the configuration of the outlet openings. A plurality of spaced apart, elongated insert receptacles depend from the bottom wall. The insert receptacles have side wall means and a horizontal base which define a cavity, and each base has two spaced apart outlet openings therein adjacent opposing ends of the base.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1991Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Gianfranco D. Zaccai, Andrew Ziegler, Thomas J. Misage, Timothy C. Dearborn
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Patent number: 5216767Abstract: A device for improving the drainage through, and structural integrity of, a mortar bed of a shower floor. The device encircles a neck portion of a drain in the shower floor. The device is positioned between the mortar bed and drainage weep holes formed in the drain so that practically any water seepage through the mortar bed must pass through the device before entering the weep holes. The device has a greater porosity than that of the mortar bed and provides a larger drainage surface area of the mortar bed than that of the weep holes alone.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1992Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Inventor: Mark C. Elmore
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Patent number: 5168586Abstract: A device used to reclaim shower waste water for flushing toilets and watering gardens. During the course of a shower, several shallow-plastic molded reservoirs are situated intermediately between the shower basin and the feet of the person standing upon them. The top surface forms a sloped recess for collecting water and an open inlet port at the recessed end allows the water to drain into the reservoir. The weight of a person standing upon the top surface is supported by an internal array of posts projecting upwardly from the bottom surface. A dispenser is used in conjuction with an outlet to retain and release the collected water. When the full reservoir is placed in an upright position on top of a toilet set with the outlet at the lowermost position, the dispenser is manually actuated thus releasing water through the outlet with sufficient flow rate to flush the toilet. A shoulder strap and sprinkler accessory may be attached for use as a portable watering container in the garden.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1991Date of Patent: December 8, 1992Inventor: Steven D. Small
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Patent number: 5140789Abstract: A segmented underlay is disclosed for use in installing a title floor of a shower. The underlay comprises a set of identical planar, rigid members which when laid side-by-side in a circuitous fashion form an underlay having a continuous surface which slopes substantially uniformly from the perimeter of the underlay to the center of the underlay.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1989Date of Patent: August 25, 1992Inventor: Lonnie C. De Gooyer
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Patent number: 5092002Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1990Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Inventor: Norman C. Powers
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Patent number: 5022430Abstract: A drainage disk is disclosed for placement around a drain opening in a floor of the type comprising a mortar layer, and a novel drain construction is provided wherein the drainage disk is positioned between the floor pan and the mortar which is laid over the floor pan. The drainage disk comprises a disk-shaped piece of relatively thin sheet material having a central opening therein. A plurality of elongate valleys are formed in the disk, with the valleys extending radially outwardly from the central opening in the disk piece. In the drain construction, the disk overlies the flange portion of the drain receptor to prevent the weep channels in the drain receptor from becoming clogged or blocked with extraneous matter. The valleys in the disk provide drainage from the pan to the weep channels in the drain receptor.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1990Date of Patent: June 11, 1991Inventor: Lonnie C. Degooyer
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Patent number: 4975992Abstract: A portable shower stall is provided having a ceiling and a base which clamshell together to define a suitcase-like enclosure enclosing all of the support, curtain and hose structure for transport when not in use, and expandable to a full height, fully enclosed shower stall. The shower stall may be installed near any sink or other water outlet, and in the preferred embodiment, water is removed from the base by means of a sump pump which is driven by a water motor powered by incoming water used for the shower head.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1989Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Inventors: James Patterson, Julia H. Patterson
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Patent number: 4974269Abstract: A partition for a corner or circular shower, comprising at least one stationary wall-element adapted to be connected to a wall, at least one guide-rail which on the one hand is connected to the wall-element and is carried by the wall-element, and on the other hand, extends over an entrance-area located at one side of the wall-element, and at least one door-element adapted to move along the guide-rail in order to open and close the entrance-area, this guide-rail and the door-element being curved. At least one pivot-lever has one end hinged to the one door-element, and this pivot-lever, in a closed position of the door-element, lies adjacent, behind and substantially in parallel with the wall-element. The pivot-lever has another end remote from the door-element which is secured to the wall-element.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1989Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Assignee: Altura Leiden Holding B.V.Inventor: Heinz G. Baus
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Patent number: 4964180Abstract: A shower strainer mounting assembly (10) comprises an elongated cast-in adaptor coupling (12) for being cast into concrete having a lower end portion (16) for receiving standard 2 inch pipe (24) and an upper portion end (18) with an inner diameter of at least 37/8 inches. A separate pan-mounting flange member (14) comprises a circular tubular portion (36) having a continuous round external surface of a size and shape for fitting snugly into the top of the cast-in adaptor coupling and an internal surface with a diameter of less than 3 5/16 inches but at least 2 11/16 inches in cross section and a flange portion (38) attached to the upper end of the tubular portion extending radially outward from an outer surface (40) thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1989Date of Patent: October 23, 1990Inventor: Gerold J. Harbeke
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Patent number: 4899402Abstract: A handicap-accessible bath facility (10), and a method of making the same, involves a two piece modular wall (22) having a height and a length which are less than the height and length of an existing room (16) in which the bath facility is to be mounted. The modular wall comprises top and bottom wall assemblies (42, 44) which are placed parallel to a first existing wall (14) and abutting a second existing wall (16) to form a shower compartment (124). A factory molded shower base (24) is placed on an existing floor (21) in the shower compartment and defines a shower-base ramp (94) at an entrance to the compartment. A barrier line (98) at the top of the ramp, between the ramp and a drain depression (90) formed in the shower base prevents water from flowing out of the shower compartment. Wall panels (26, 28, 30) line the shower compartment and engage a vertical lip (100) of the shower base for preventing water from leaving the shower compartment at intersections of these panels with the shower base.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1988Date of Patent: February 13, 1990Assignee: A. C. Marble, Inc.Inventors: John Maynard, Dale Sexton