Means For Spraying User Patents (Class 4/615)
  • Patent number: 6185757
    Abstract: A system for manual control, by a user, of water delivery to an interior of a tub, spa or shower includes a plurality of ports and a flow control device. The device includes a handle, a first pipe, and a second pipe. The handle is movable among a plurality of positions. The first pipe includes a plurality of inlets. The second pipe is movable relative to the first pipe, and the second pipe includes a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the plurality of ports. The handle is connected with the first pipe or the second pipe. Manual moving of the handle by a user serves to cause communication of an inlet of the plurality of inlets with a first outlet of the plurality of outlets. The first outlet is in fluid communication with a first port of the plurality of ports. The communication of the inlet with the first outlet serves to allow flow of water from a water source to the inlet to the first outlet to the first port to the interior of the tub, spa or shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Saratoga Spa & Bath Co., Inc.
    Inventors: W. John Gardenier, John V. Maiuccoro
  • Patent number: 6185756
    Abstract: A hand-held sprinkling rose for washing hair includes a sprinkling head having outlet openings disposed substantially linearly in a number of rows ranging from one to five. The outlet openings have a diameter between 0.2 and 0.8 mm and the outlet openings are spaced apart 2 to 5 mm. The outlet openings are formed such that water streams are ejected which do not mix with one another before reaching a work plane at least 20 centimeters from the sprinkling head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventors: Heidrun Roesler, Siegfried Roesler
  • Patent number: 6148453
    Abstract: A shower device contains a body that is mounted in a support structure and that has a first pivoting element arranged so as to pivot about a first pivoting axis. A second pivoting element bearing a shower rose is mounted on the first pivoting element so as to be capable of pivoting about a second pivoting axis transverse to the first pivoting axis. A device is provided to impart to the body an oscillation movement about each of the first and second pivoting axes so as to cause regular spatial movement of a water jet according to a variety of programmable path cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Giovanni Luigi Sartor
  • Patent number: 6115854
    Abstract: A bidet assembly connected to a tap water supply such as those used for toilet fixtures. A user utilizes a bidet assembly with a conventional toilet and is provided with a fragrance dispensing assembly that is heat sensitive to evaporate preselected fragrances. The heat is obtained from a cut out in the electrically heated water holding tank so that sufficient heat is transferred to activate the fragrance dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Alireza Haghayegh
  • Patent number: 6116524
    Abstract: A brush and water spray system comprising, a primary head having a flat exterior section with apertures therethrough for dispensing water, a tubular interior section in a cylindrical configuration adapted to be coupled to a shower outlet tube for receiving water to be dispensed and a generally hemispherical intermediate section with a housing therewithin and a connector at the interiormost end of the inner section couplable to the shower outlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Thelma Janette Zapalac
  • Patent number: 6096197
    Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-purpose shower/tub filter unit are shown and described, the filter unit containing a chlorine-removal media and a scale-inhibiting media. The housing of the filter unit is adapted to attach universally to various water sources, such as a pipe or faucet and to a showerhead or hand-held spray unit. The filter unit preferably has an arm extending out from the main body of the filter unit, and the filter unit preferably extends upward and outward from the attachment point on the pipe or faucet. This way, a single filter unit may either be positioned a) substantially above a shower pipe to place the showerhead generally at a similar level as it would be without the filter unit in place, as in a United States shower configuration; or b) to fit under but extend out from a tub faucet, as in a European shower configuration. The filter unit has a replaceable cartridge that includes a carbon block and scale-deposit-inhibiting phosphate spheres contained in a space inside the carbon block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Douglass E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6081944
    Abstract: A swimming pool screen enclosure-supported water misting and cooling apparatus, the screen enclosure including tensioned fabric screen panels held between spaced apart elongated upright and overhead rigid frame members. The apparatus includes a plurality of water misting nozzles each of which discharge water under pressure as a very fine mist. A flexible water tubing is operably connectable to each misting nozzle for delivering pressurized water to each misting nozzle, the water tubing being connectable to a pressurized water source. A plurality of retaining clips are each connectable to an overhead frame member to support the misting nozzles and water tubing overhead of the swimming pool and adjacent deck area within the screen enclosure whereby mist discharging from the misting nozzles is distributed downwardly to cool occupants within the screen enclosure without substantially wetting any of the screen enclosure contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Hugh A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6081945
    Abstract: The rotary hydrotherapy nozzle is a cylindrical tube forming a nozzle with a hand grip sleeve on a first stage tube and having an on-off valve. The tube has a rotary element contained in a discharge end which has multiple discharge ports. The tube intake end is threaded to receive the first stage tube or a water hose. The rotary element is a cylindrical body shaped to rotate in the discharge end. The rotary element has an outlet end with an outlet port shaped to alternately inhibit and allow water flow through the discharge ports as rotation occurs. The rotary element inlet end has a water vane which causes rotation due to the water flow impact thereon from the water inlet disk which has skewed ducts to direct water flow against the blades of the water vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventors: Linda Keene, Michael Guerini
  • Patent number: 6044501
    Abstract: A temperature confirmation mechanism is disclosed for use with water supply equipment. The temperature confirmation mechanism allows a user to confirm the temperature of the water before causing water to spout from the water supply equipment. The temperature confirmation mechanism includes a conduit having a shallow portion formed around a conduit. A water supply communicates with the conduit to supply water to the water supply equipment. An enclosing member creates a chamber by enclosing the shallow portion around the conduit. Further, the enclosing member is rotatable around said shallow portion. A communication hole fluidly connects the conduit and the chamber. A temperature confirmation hole is provided in said enclosing member. As such, water exiting the temperature confirmation hole may be tested before the user spout water from the water supply equipment. In one embodiment, the diameter of the temperature confirmation hole is larger than the diameter of the communication hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Kenji Mihara
  • Patent number: 6042027
    Abstract: A shower head has an array of spray nozzles arranged over an outlet face. A first set of nozzles is connected to a cold water supply to provide cold water spray nozzles, and a second set of the nozzles is connected to a hot water supply to provide hot water spray nozzles. A third set of nozzles surrounds the hot and cold water nozzles, and is connected to a mixed water supply at a temperature between the hot and cold water temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Arne Paul Sandvik
  • Patent number: 6038715
    Abstract: A multiple shower combination (11) is created, which carries at least two shower operational units (13, 14). By means of a water supply pipe (37), said multiple shower combination is connectable in water-carrying and mechanically supporting manner to a wall connection (54) for an overhead shower. The wall connection (54) at least partly carries the multiple shower combination (11).The water supply pipe (37) can form part of a guide mechanism (43), on which a front panel (12) is vertically adjustable and in certain circumstances can be pivotably mounted about it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventors: Horst Flieger, John Marshall
  • Patent number: 6029292
    Abstract: A hand washing device for helping handicapped people with only one hand and people with one hand in a cast wash the free hand. The hand washing device includes a scrubbing member that is adapted to be coupled to a faucet. The scrubbing member is adapted for being rubbed by a hand of a user for cleaning the hand. The scrubbing member has a water reservoir formed inside of it. The water reservoir is in fluid communication with the faucet. The scrubbing member has a plurality of apertures that extend through it and provides openings into the water reservoir of the scrubbing member. The apertures are adapted to permit passage of water through them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: Gerald J. Leiferman, Mary Leiferman
  • Patent number: 6024331
    Abstract: A holder bracket for securing a hand shower to a stationary rod centered on a rod axis has a support body having structure forming a forwardly open seat for the hand shower and formed with a throughgoing laterally closed passage through which the rod passes and, to one side of the axis, with at least one rib bearing radially on the rod. A retaining element mounted on the support body to the other side of the axis bears radially on the rod opposite to the rib. A compressible member engaged between the retaining element and the body presses the element radially against the body and thereby compresses the rod between the element and the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG
    Inventors: Bernd Bischoff, Bruno Heimann
  • Patent number: 5996142
    Abstract: A multipurpose water delivery system, and a method for its construction, which comprises an internal assembly consisting of water delivery conduit and a variety of connectors attached thereto; a hollow vertically oriented cylindrical external assembly which houses the internal assembly and through which a plurality of accessories such as shower heads, valves, and hose bibs may be connected to the internal assembly; and a non-threaded twist-resistant mounting base which can be quickly and easily installed onto hard surfaces or into soil, yet secures the external assembly in position even during gale force winds. In portable embodiments which are connected to positive pressure water supplies through a conventional garden hose, a simple twisting and lifting force applied to the external assembly can quickly separate it from the mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Peter I. Colman
  • Patent number: 5983419
    Abstract: An outdoor shower and spigot apparatus is primarily contained within a post. A hose connector is positioned on the lower end of the post and water is supplied to a spigot and shower through a water feed pipe which is positioned within the post and connected to the hose connector. A garden hose provides water to the hose coupling and a second garden hose may be connected to the spigot. In a preferred embodiment, the post is temporarily mounted in position such that it may be easily relocated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Jon Robert Carroll
  • Patent number: 5979793
    Abstract: A misting device is provided. The misting device includes at least one nozzle configured to spray a fluid. The misting device also includes a conduit configured to supply the fluid to the at least one nozzle. The conduit has a first end coupled to the at least one nozzle. The conduit has a second end that communicates with a fluid compartment of a base housing included in the misting device. The base housing includes a pressure providing device that communicates with the fluid compartment. The pressure providing device is configured to cause the fluid to flow to the at least one nozzle via the conduit. The base housing further includes a cooling compartment adjacent the fluid compartment. The cooling compartment is configured to cool the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: R. J. Louis
  • Patent number: 5974604
    Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of a shower head by the use of the water pressure within the shower system is comprised of an inflatable bladder disposed within a channel. A first hollow tubular member extends from an opening on the bladder and has a typical shower head attached thereto while a second hollow tubular member extends from another opening on the bladder and connects to a typical water source. As water is presented into the system, the bladder inflates and engages the walls of the channel thereby holding the shower head in place. Cooperating protrusions and indentations can be used to assist in the friction engagement of the bladder with the channel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Eyal Barnea
  • 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: 5926868
    Abstract: The bathtub shower system includes a fitting for screwthreaded connection to the bathtub faucet. The fitting cooperates with a backflow preventer assembly, including a quick connect/disconnect such that the backflow assembly can be readily and easily connected to or disconnected from the fitting. The backflow preventer assembly is coupled to a shower head hose for use by an individual reclining or sitting in a bathtub. The backflow preventer assembly prevents siphoning of water from the tub to the water supply in the event the water supply is curtailed or suctions the tub faucet. The quick connect/disconnect enables the shower system to be removed from the bathtub faucet while permitting the bathtub faucet to operate in a conventional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas E. Bjerke
  • Patent number: 5911520
    Abstract: A portable water shower apparatus comprises a pressure vessel capable of withstanding an internal pressure of at least about 50 psig. The vessel, which may be sized to hold from about 1 to about 21/4 gallons of water, is formed having an liquid filling and emptying opening and a combination handle and manual pressurizing pump which seals the opening against pressure loss when the vessel is pressurized. The vessel has a pressurized fluid outlet fitting and the apparatus includes an elongate liquid discharge conduit which is detachably attached to the vessel outlet fitting and which has a manually-operated shower head attached to the distal end of the hose for controlling the flow of pressurized liquid from the vessel. A conventional valve stem is provided for the vessel enabling the vessel to be pressurized by use of a CO.sub.2 device available in bicycle shops. A pressure relief valve is mounted to the vessel to prevent over-pressurizing the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel R. Kenney
  • Patent number: 5896599
    Abstract: A sliding support for shower head, including a slider associated with a guide which is fixed to a wall and has, at least at one end, tabs provided with at least an element adapted to clamp the tabs in contact with the guide, an end element being associated with the slider and being provided with elements for coupling the shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Chimasi S.r.l.
    Inventor: Gianni Bosio
  • Patent number: 5891329
    Abstract: A water tapping fixture with an outlet opening which is connected to a supply connection through a pipe having at least one valve, wherein an ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged in the pipe connected to the water tapping fixture. The ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged closely adjacent the outlet opening of the fixture. The outlet opening may be arranged in a head which is movable relative to a base part and the ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged in the head. Such a head may be, for example, a shower head which is connected through a hose to a wall fixture. The head may be connected through a flexible line to the base part and a feed line for the ultraviolet light radiating device is attached to the flexible line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Karl F. Massholder
  • Patent number: 5878446
    Abstract: A whirlpool jet extension system that includes a flexible hose that is connectable to one of the jet nozzles of the whirlpool bath. The flexible hose is easily connected to and detached from one of the jet nozzles of the whirlpool bath and has one or more user positionable suction cup securing assemblies for allowing a user to aim the discharge stream from the flexible hose in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel J. McCann
  • Patent number: 5870781
    Abstract: An adjustable shower track system which allows an user to movably position a shower head at varying locations along a longitudinal slot within a housing front wall is provided. The adjustable shower track system has a hose which has: a hose first connector attached at one distal end and is removably attachable to a standard shower spout; and a hose second connector attached at an opposite distal end. The system further comprises a shower head connector which has a connector handle holder having an internal opening substantially larger than an outer diameter of the hose and hose second connector which is movably positioned therethrough. The connector handle holder functions to removably secure the handle therein and further functions as a guide for the hose which is movably mounted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Alex Williams
  • Patent number: 5865378
    Abstract: A flexible shower arm assembly that allows the user to repeatably adjust the position of the shower head in three dimensions by configuring the shape of the shower arm attached between the water source, such as a shower pipe, and the water dispenser, such as a shower head. The particular position of the shower head, and the direction of the shower spray, can be modified by re-configuring the shape of the shower arm. The flexible shower arm holds the desired position until modified by the user. The flexible shower arm is sealingly attached to the shower pipe by a pipe connector nut, and is sealingly and pivotally attached to the shower head by a connection structure. The flexible shower arm assembly includes an elongated flexible member defining a fluid transfer path, the flexible member having a first end and an opposite second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollinshead, Robert B. Male
  • Patent number: 5865375
    Abstract: A shower head device has a main body, a threaded portion disposed on a lower end of the main body, a shower face disposed on an upper end of the main body, and a lateral recess formed on a lateral of the main body. A flat plate is adhered on the lateral recess. A plurality of sucking discs are disposed on the flat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Min-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 5857227
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable shower head supported by a movable bracket to which rollers are laterally attached that move within guiding track rails behind a shower stall wall. The invention also has a cover plate flush against the shower stall wall, water resistant flaps through which the shower head is positioned and supported, and a gutter system behind the shower stall wall to redirect back into the enclosed shower stall area water which has moved behind the water resistant flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Linda Trusty, Jack D. Trusty, Ian J. Bromidge
  • Patent number: 5852836
    Abstract: A new Portable Shower for ALLOWING A PERSON TO SHOWER WHILE OUTDOORS. The inventive device includes a cylindrical container having an open top, a closed bottom and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. A cover is removably positioned over the open top of the container. An aperture extends through the cover offset from a center thereof. A battery is positioned within the container. A pump is secured to an interior surface of the closed bottom of the container. The pump is in electrical communication with the battery. The pump has a water outlet. A flexible interior hose has a lower end coupled with the water outlet of the pump and an upper end coupled with the aperture of the cover. An elongated tube is provided comprising a plurality of separable segments. A lower end of the tube couples with the upper end of the flexible interior hose within the aperture of the cover. A shower head couples with an upper end of the elongated tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Doug Montrose
  • Patent number: 5842645
    Abstract: The device is used to generate foam and is installed between a conventional shower head and the corresponding water pipe. The device features a foam generator that uses air, water and a foaming liquid to generate foam inside a chamber located in the body of the device. A method for generating foam is also disclosed. In the device, the chamber is located under the container that provides the foaming liquid and is provided with a jet that receives deviated water and atomizes the water therein. Air is drawn inside the chamber. Foam is generated as the air, water and foaming liquid are mixed inside the chamber. The foam then flows out of the device through a spout. Operation of the device is achieved through the use of a rotative manual selector, by which the user selects various modes, including a soaping mode where only foam is generated. The device can allow a water economy of up to 75% of the water that could have been used otherwise and thus prevents natural resources from being wasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventors: Gilles Degongre, Denis Degongre
  • Patent number: 5799346
    Abstract: A dual shower head device having elongated tubular sections that are connected in a telescopic manner to form an elongated unit is disclosed. The elongated telescoping tubes serve to adjust the length of the device to fit a particular tub/shower enclosure, to aid in securing the unit in place between opposite walls of the enclosure, and to allow the unit to be compressed for ease in installing and positioning the unit in place between the walls, and to provide a conduit for moving water. A helical spring is compressed within the tubular unit and serves to urge the tubular sections apart and to secure the device between the walls of the enclosure. Rubber bumpers are secured to the ends of the unit for contacting the walls of the enclosure and a shower head is mounted at one end and directed inward and a second shower head is secured to a diverter which is connected to the conventional shower pipe and, via a flexible hose, to the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Mark R. Tiernan
  • Patent number: 5775590
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a fine spray mist for evaporatively or conductively cooling a localized area. The apparatus consists of a pressurizable container, a valve for activating the release of fluid from the container, a spray nozzle or a plurality of spray nozzles coupled to the valve, a pump for pressurizing the container, a belt for securing the device to a person, and a clip for attaching the mist nozzle in such a fashion that it directs the flow of mist in a hands free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Steven M. Utter
  • Patent number: 5772119
    Abstract: A shower head comprises a hot-water treating mechanism accommodated in a water passage formed in a shower head case of the shower head. The hot-water treating mechanism has coral sand and active carbon fiber, and has calcium sulfite if necessary. These materials are arranged serially along a water-flow direction in the shower head. For example, these materials are arranged concentrically, through which hot water is made to flow from the center to the periphery. In order to realize this concentrical arrangement of these materials, these materials are made to be a sheet structure, and are overlaid and wound to form a sheet roll. Acrylic active carbon fiber can be used as the active carbon fiber. The shower head can effectively remove chlorine from a large flow rate of hot water having a temperature of about 40 degrees of centigrade. Further, it is possible to reduce in weight of the shower head having a hot-water treating mechanism below 300 grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Marine Bio Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Someya, Takashi Toyama, Nobuhiko Taneichi
  • Patent number: 5742961
    Abstract: A conventional shower head is fitted with a tee fitting having a flow through passage and an additional tee passage within which a valve and control handle are supported. A flexible hose is coupled to a head assembly which includes an elongated handle and an elongated spray head. The handle defines an interior passage for coupling water under pressure from the flexible hose to the interior of the spray head. The spray head is elongated and defines angled facets each having a plurality of spray apertures formed therein. A valve slide shaped in correspondence to the interior of the spray head is slidably movable within the spray head. The valve slide defines a plurality of apertures corresponding to the apertures formed in the spray body. Volume of spray adjustment is controlled by the position of the valve slide with respect to the spray body. The angled facets of the spray head and aperture placement are configured to provide a hygiene device for cleaning the rectal area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: John L. Casperson, Robert Ozeran
  • Patent number: 5692252
    Abstract: A shower fixture for mounting at least two generally horizontally spaced-apart shower heads to a single shower outlet. The fixture has at least two spaced-apart shower heads and a fluid conduit connecting the shower heads to a common fluid inlet and providing fluid communication between each of the shower heads and the fluid inlet. The fixture further has a connector for connecting the fluid inlet to the shower outlet and providing fluid communication therebetween. The fixture also has at least one fluid flow interruptor for interrupting fluid flow through at least one of the shower heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Shane Zwezdaryk
  • Patent number: 5689843
    Abstract: A new Shower Water Conservation System for conserving water during a shower thereby resulting in reduced water bills includes a T-spigot, a first flexible tube coupled to the T-spigot, a water control valve matingly coupled with the first flexible tube opposite of the T-spigot, a second flexible tube matingly coupled to the control valve, and a T-coupler matingly coupled to the second flexible tube and a shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventors: Rubin E. Duke, Margaret Duke
  • Patent number: 5667146
    Abstract: A high-pressure, flexible, self-supportive, piping assembly for use with a diffuser/nozzle (10), allowing the position of the diffuse/nozzle to be conveniently adjusted in an unlimited number of directions. The invention as defined in its preferred embodiment provides a diffuser/nozzle (10) connected to a first end of the high-pressure, flexible, self-supportive, piping assembly that is made up of a plurality of interconnected ball and socket elements (30) which creates a conduit in which a hose (40) capable of withstanding high-pressure fluids or gases is dispose therein, the said hose is functionlly connected to a fluid supply connector (50) at its second end. The assembly is encased within a plastic shrinkable tubing(60) for additional rigidity and to provide a better gripping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventors: Ralph Pimentel, Jerry Jones
  • Patent number: 5652973
    Abstract: A holding device for securing a shower head relative to a vertical support surface. The inventive device includes a plurality of mounting brackets securable in vertical array to a support surface. A coupling member is securable to a shower head and can be releasably coupled to any one of the mounting brackets to secure the shower head in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Dara M. Blue
  • Patent number: 5632049
    Abstract: A holder assembly for a shower arm of a shower head includes a positioning body defining a vertical bore therein through which a vertical rod extends, which, in turn, is mounted to a wall of a bathroom. The positioning body includes an opening defined in an outer periphery thereof and communicated with the vertical bore, a pair of lugs formed on the outer periphery thereof and between which the opening is defined, and a lever pivotally connected to the lugs and including an operative end with an eccentric operative edge. A connecting part extends from the outer periphery of the positioning body. A shower arm holder includes a holder ring for removably holding a shower arm and is attached to the shower arm holder to the connecting part of the positioning body. The positioning body is frictionally held in position on the vertical rod when the lever is in a first, secured position. The positioning body is movable relative to the vertical rod when the lever is in a second, released position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Te-Sen Chen
  • Patent number: 5624073
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid diverter valve (10) that allows quick connection/disconnection of a hand held sprayer used for cleaning shower stalls and bathrooms. The diverter valve (10) is comprised of a valve housing (20) having a water inlet (21), a first water outlet (22) where a standard shower may be attached, a second water outlet (23) and an annular cavity (24) therebetween; a valve member (40) and an attachment housing (30) for constraining the valve runner (40) within the cavity (24). At the second outlet (23), the attachment housing (30) is fastened to the valve (10) for fluid communication. A spring (50) urges the valve runner (40) into a first position wherein the valve runner (40) seats adjacent the attachment housing, permitting fluid communication only between the inlet (21) and the first outlet (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventors: John R. Mueller, Henry M. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5608927
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Scott R. Lowry, Thomas A. Bonnell, Robert C. Giese
  • Patent number: 5560548
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid diverter valve (10) that allows quick connection/disconnection of a hand held sprayer used for cleaning shower stalls and bathrooms. The diverter valve (10) is comprised of a valve housing (20) having a water inlet (21), a first water outlet (22) where a standard shower may be attached, a second water outlet (23) and an annular cavity (24) therebetween; a valve member (40) and an attachment housing (30) for constraining the valve runner (40) within the cavity (24). At the second outlet (23), the attachment housing (30) is fastened to the valve (10) for fluid communication. A spring (50) urges the valve runner (40) into a first position wherein the valve runner (40) seats adjacent the attachment housing, permitting fluid communication only between the inlet (21) and the first outlet (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Idea Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Mueller, Henry M. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5558278
    Abstract: The invention concerns a shower nozzle (7), equipped with two apertures (12) and (13), one for drainage and one for ventilation, at least the former of which being bigger than the spray perforations (9), which, inside the rose (4), emerge from an inclined surface (8) that counteracts the build-up of lime scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: A.B.G. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Gallorini
  • Patent number: 5545314
    Abstract: A shower water filter assembly which includes an elongated housing containing a cartridge of filter media, and which is connected to the water outlet in a shower. In order to permit the elongated housing to have sufficient length to efficiently perform a filtering function, a flexible hose is coupled to the bottom of the housing and extends through a tubular wand to the shower head. The wand and shower head are supported, for example, on the side of the cylindrical housing so as to provide sufficient elevation for the shower head for normal shower use. Alternatively, the wand and shower head may be removed from the supporting bracket and used manually for the shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventors: Michael C. Parise, Myrl J. Saarem
  • Patent number: 5481765
    Abstract: An adjustable shower head holder including a mounting block mounted around the hanging rod of a wall mounting rack, a shower head mount coupled to the mounting block by a locating ring and a socket and a pivot to hold a shower head, and an adjustment knob coupled to the mounting block, and a holding down bolt controlled by the adjustment knob to hold the mounting block and the hanging rod together, wherein the holding down bolt can be released from the hanging rod by turning the adjustment knob relative to the mounting block, permitting the shower head to be adjusted in the X-axis and Y-axis directions; the shower head mount can be tunred relative to the mounting block to adjust the position of the shower head in the Y-axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Wen-Mu Wang
  • Patent number: 5469587
    Abstract: A portable shower comprises an upper polygon section, a base polygon section, a plurality of hollow supporting posts, and an inlet manifold. Each of the polygon sections includes a plurality of rigid hollow joints connected by flexible hoses. Each of the supporting posts includes at least one rigid pipe, and the supporting posts connect the joints of the base polygon section to the corresponding joints of the upper polygon section. A plurality of spray nozzles are mounted to the supporting posts. An output of the inlet manifold is preferably connected to one of the supporting posts, and an input of the inlet manifold is preferably connected to a water source. With a valve along the inlet manifold opened, turning on the water source causes water from the water source to flow into the upper polygon section, the base polygon section, and the supporting posts via the inlet manifold. The water exits the supporting posts via the spray nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Fendall Company
    Inventor: Rodney L. Demeny
  • Patent number: 5428850
    Abstract: A shower apparatus is provided with a plurality of shower discharge ports. More specifically, a shower apparatus is provided, in which hot water remains in a hot water line, that is communicated with the shower discharge ports, after the discharge has been completed. The hot water, which has a lower temperature, is drained through a drain valve for disposal of the water in the hot water line and a drain line. At the beginning of the next shower discharge, cold water is thus prevented from being discharged. The operation of an opening and closing valve for effecting discharge and stoppage of each shower discharge port is controlled according to control programs, so that the shower discharge is automatically controlled. The content of the shower discharge, carried out according to the programs, can be changed by a user through the operation of a control section. Moreover, upon the start of the shower discharge, a sudden jet of water is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Hiraishi, Masaru Zaitsu, Masanori Sakuragi, Yasuharu Kato
  • Patent number: 5418985
    Abstract: The massage shower system (6) includes injectors (7) for directing jets of water and air and water under pressure substantially radially towards the body of a patient standing up, a frame (9, 42, 44) supporting the injectors (7), and an actuator (10, 43) for communicating to the frame a vertical reciprocating movement with respect to the patient. The frame is displaceable between a lower position and an upper position along the vertical direction, according to an ascending movement the speed of which varies from a minimum to a maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignees: Andre Belilty, Robert Decup
    Inventor: Robert Antoine
  • Patent number: 5390852
    Abstract: An improved portable misting device comprising a portable liquid holding container and a spray arm projecting upward from the liquid holding container and being retractable and extendable to a desired elevation above the top of the liquid holding container. A single small aperture misting spray head is mounted on one end of the spray arm. A rocker arm is pivotally mounted adjacent one side of the top of the liquid holding container and is linked to the spray arm to cause horizontal rotation of the spray head. On top of the liquid holding container is a flat table upon which accessories may be placed. An electric motor, for pumping liquid from the liquid holdiong container through the misting spray head, is located within the main housing. A pressure-actuated switch is located under the rocker arm and the pump is activated when light pressure is applied to the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignees: Helen E. Schuenemann, Mark McSpadden
    Inventors: Helen E. Schuenemann, Mark O. McSpadden, Paul A. Berman, Darrell G. Greenland, Kenneth Tarlow
  • Patent number: 5385667
    Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of shower water by the intimate contact with finely divided metal comprising copper and zinc. This apparatus causes turbulence of the water in contact with the metal. Also a method for the purification of water by the intimate contacting of shower water in a turbulent state with finely divided metal comprising copper and zinc. A showerhead can be directly connected to the outlet supplying purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: William R. Steger
  • Patent number: 5367720
    Abstract: An apparatus including a container to include side walls and a floor, with a drain directed through the floor to a drainage conduit, with a fluid conduit directed into a fluid manifold, wherein the fluid manifold is mounted to the container, with apertures projecting into the container to permit washing of an individual's feet positioned within the container. A valve structure is provided to effect actuation of water through the fluid conduit to be utilized as a manually manipulatable valve, or as a lever arranged to displace a piston within a valve housing permitting fluid flow into the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventors: Beery W. Stephens, Carey S. Stephens