Miscellaneous Patents (Class 4/661)
  • Patent number: 7194776
    Abstract: A facility for the purpose of entertainment, education, or monitoring wherein there is provided an acoustic sensor (24) mounted on the outside of a toilet bowl (30) and a simple, inexpensive target (22) mounted to the inside of the toilet (28) thereby keeping the sensitive acoustic sensor and other electronics in a dryer and cleaner location. The sound of a urine stream contacting the target (22) propagates through the toilet (26) and is detected by the acoustic sensor (24). An analysis and feedback unit (32) monitors the sound of the urine stream contacting the target (22) and provides a message to the user indicating their success in hitting the target (22) with the urine stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventors: Sean Michael Lastuka, Christopher Stephen Payne
  • Patent number: 7174578
    Abstract: The present invention is a toilet cover that includes a plurality of support members, at least two face panels and at least a pair of hinged covers. Stepped sides are provided for certain applications where walls are not provided on either side of a toilet. A horizontal member having a key-hole shaped to accommodate slide around the toilet bowl and tank may be provided in certain applications. The support members attach to walls behind or on either side of a toilet. The face panels, hinged covers and stepped sides attach to the support members. An upper face panel includes a flushing mechanism or an opening through which a flushing handle extends. Drawers or shelves with doors may be provided for storing toiletries and the like. The toilet cover is formed in the shape of a bench for utilitarian functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Angela Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7168109
    Abstract: A self-priming siphon tube for maintaining a trickle flow of fluid through a toilet tank reservoir and a toilet bowl. A water supply line is in fluid communication with the tank by virtue of a ball cock valve, the tank reservoir fluidly interconnects with the bowl by an overflow tube. The siphon tube includes an elongated and interiorly hollowed body having first, second and third fluidly interconnecting and parallel extending lengths. An interconnecting end associated with the second and third extending lengths is inserted into the overflow tube and an end of the water supply line connected to an end of the third conduit, causing a trickle flow of fluid to be drawn from the tank reservoir, by vacuum pressure, into the first length, and out into the bowl, the ball cock valve occasionally activating to draw fluid from the supply line into the tank reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Kennith L. Reid
  • Patent number: 7162754
    Abstract: A device for moistening paper or cloth, and especially a pad of toilet paper immediately prior to use, includes a mounting base, for mounting on a toilet tank or optionally to an adjacent wall; a lever activated spring loaded valve connected to the mounting base, with a nozzle to emit a fine spray when the valve is activated; a paper support and actuator handle for supporting toilet paper or other material over the nozzle and for actuating the valve; and a drain pan disposed below the valve and nozzle to catch any excess water not absorbed by the paper, with a drain tube to drain excess water to the bowl of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Malcolm J. Haile, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7152257
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toilet construction comprising at least two adjacent toilet cubicles which respectively have a toilet and an access opening which can be closed by means of a door, said toilet cubicles being separated by means of a partition. According to the invention, the partition can be displaced between a separating position in which it separates the toilet cubicles from each other, and an unblocking position in which the two toilet cubicles together form an individual toilet cubicle. Alternatively, the partition can be displaced essentially perpendicularly to its wall plane in a shifted position in which the floor space of one toilet cubicle is enlarged and the floor space of the other toilet cubicle is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Wall Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hartmut Lasch, legal representative, Walter Hardt, Michael Stratmann, deceased
  • Patent number: 7134151
    Abstract: This is a device to easily and safely transport a toilet, which can be broken down and folded for easy storage and transport. It has very few mechanical parts and uses the existing toilet set holes to safely lift a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: George J. Cheramie
  • Patent number: 7127749
    Abstract: An infrared sensor flushing control method and the plumbing fixture flushing system. The realization of flushing with two different jets is achieved by using the infrared sensor and MCU to control the electromagnetic-controlled valves. The MCU preinstalled with three different solid waste flushing procedures and one liquid waste flushing procedure, providing the water-saving consumption according to the requirements of each individual and the automatic discrimination of the usage. The integrated design also accomplishes the purpose of convenient installation and space saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Ligong Ling
  • Patent number: 7107633
    Abstract: A water diversion apparatus for a standard toilet tank having a fitting connected to a discharge tube and a water supply, such that the discharge tube discharges into an aesthetic container. The aesthetic container may be an aquarium or a cascade and pool. When the toilet is flushed, water is partially diverted from the toilet to the aesthetic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Alexander J. Cummings, III
  • Patent number: 7107632
    Abstract: A toilet ramp serving as a movable device for supporting and transporting a toilet bowl once it is lifted off from a floor comprises a body of a rectangular shape having a opening at each of the two opposite sides for inspecting and removing a wax seal underneath the toilet bowl, a circular opening at the top of the ramp for providing access to the wax seal from the openings of the sides, and an adjustable handle on the front side of the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Donald Keith Huff, Karen Kay Lawhorn Huff
  • Patent number: 7096519
    Abstract: A decorative accessory for tub and shower enclosures comprises a shelf extending along the top of a tub and shower enclosure for supporting potted plants, decorative pots and accessories, and other decorative items. The shelf comprises a plurality of transversely extending brackets and a plurality of longitudinally extending slats which are separated by slots to facilitate drainage. In the case of a tub and shower enclosure having a head piece the shelf is supported thereon by slots formed in the bottom of the bracket which engage the head piece. In the case of a tub and shower enclosure comprising a shower curtain and a shower curtain support rod, the shower curtain support rod and the rings which support the shower curtain therefrom extend through the slot formed in the bottoms of the brackets of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Susan Ferreri, William K. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7096522
    Abstract: Alarms adaptable to common American bathtub cover plate configurations. Two different embodiments are illustrated. In a first embodiment, the alarm unit is designed to allow use with the three different mounting styles of cover plates used in the United States. The unit housing is preferably formed of plastic or metal with different colors and finishes and includes removable areas to allow use with a single center screw; dual screws or a center pivoting drain lever with dual screws. The various electronics components remain sealed inside the waterproof plastic or metal housing in all instances. In a second embodiment, a waterproof housing attaches to an adapter ring. The adapter ring is configured to cooperate with single center screw and dual screw variations. An alternative adapter ring can be used with European and newer American threaded overflow drains. In the first two embodiments there can be upper and lower sensor(s), preferably a pair of each, to provide initial and critical warnings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: R. Eric Hirtriter
  • Patent number: 7096521
    Abstract: A beverage holder with advertising display providing a slot at the top of the display for the placement of an advertisement card, the beverage holder being designed to be attached to a flush valve housing in a commercial sanitary fixture such as a urinal or toilet without modification to the flush valve, the beverage holder having a base with a threaded opening for a long threaded shaft to hold a clear plastic display mounted on top of said shaft as a changeable eye level advertisement and a plurality of depending legs with end teeth that engage the flush valve housing of the sanitary fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Josh Rifkin
  • Patent number: 7058996
    Abstract: A toilet lifting and transport device. The device has forward legs and rear legs, with the forward legs being selectively deployable in an open configuration for lifting and transporting use, and a closed configuration for storage. A screw lift is positioned on at least one horizontal support that is positioned between the rear legs. The lifting device is coupled to a toilet fixture via a tank strap and bridge straps. Lifting of the toilet fixture is then accomplished utilizing the screw lift. Transport of the lifting device with the toilet fixture thereon is accomplished by rolling the lifting device on wheels located on the bottoms of the rear and forward legs. An alternative design utilizing the same lifting and transport principle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Dennis A. Merrill
  • Patent number: 7055189
    Abstract: A hydraulic suction fuse is mounted in a conventional debris collection trap of a swimming pool, spa or the like, to significantly reduce or eliminate any suction force on the bottom or side wall mounted drain of the swimming pool, spa or the like, as a result of the drain becoming essentially wholly covered by a body part of a person or other drain clogging article. Alternatively, the hydraulic suction fuse may be mounted in a compartment in line between the drain and a suction pump of a swimming pool, spa or the like. Thereby, a person captured by the suction force at the drain will be released and the person is free to move away from the drain essentially instantaneously upon contact with the drain. In one embodiment, the hydraulic suction fuse is self resetting once inflow through the drain is no longer restricted. In another embodiment of the hydraulic suction fuse, the hydraulic suction fuse may be easily manually reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 7036158
    Abstract: A toilet bowl illuminating apparatus of the type wherein a seat ring is pivotally mounted to a toilet bowl by a pair of spaced apart, co-axial hinge assemblies, has a light assembly, which is activated by a switch responsive to angular orientation, affixed in a cavity at the seat ring rear edge proximate the hinge axis, where the length of the light assembly body is resiliently reduced, so as to be gripped by spring forces, with the light being held to illuminate the toilet bowl interior when the seat ring is raised and deactivated when the seat ring is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: William R. Bradford, John F. Bryan
  • Patent number: 7017198
    Abstract: A flexible protector urine shield when flat is rectangular-shaped with rounded corners at the top. A handle on the protector shield provides easy of use when placing and removing shield. It mounts with front and back support rods, which lie on top of the rim. The front rod allows for targets to be placed in the center of the toilet to train boys to aim more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Donna Fair Conn, William Edward Conn
  • Patent number: 6959914
    Abstract: A control apparatus for use with utility control valves is disclosed. The control apparatus is in the form of an extension attached to the utility control valve in a variety of applications, such as the water shutoff valve in a toilet tank, sink, or water heater, or a gas valve to a dryer. The extension allows the user to turn off the utility valve without bending, stooping are trying to fit within tight or limited spaces. The extension has provisions to adjust the length to fit a particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Felipe H. Corral
  • Patent number: 6908392
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus and system for a target game used in conjunction with a toilet or urinal, wherein a target body is positioned within the toilet basin. The target game comprises a target body and coupling members, wherein the target body is divided into sections. The coupling members secure the target body to the toilet basin and include a securing member and an attachment member, wherein the securing member is any device that is capable of attaching to the toilet and wherein the attachment member couples the securing member to the target body. Other embodiments of the apparatus and system include image projection systems to create the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventors: Gary Friedman, Gregory A. Piccionelli
  • Patent number: 6886192
    Abstract: A toilet lifting and transport device. The device has forward legs and rear legs, with the forward legs being selectively deployable in an open configuration for lifting and transporting use, and a closed configuration for storage. A screw lift is positioned on at least one horizontal support that is positioned between the rear legs. The lifting device is coupled to a toilet fixture via a tank strap and bridge straps. Lifting of the toilet fixture is then accomplished utilizing the screw lift. Transport of the lifting device with the toilet fixture thereon is accomplished by rolling the lifting device on wheels located on the bottoms of the rear and forward legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Dennis A. Merrill
  • Patent number: 6883189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for concealing a cleaning device such as a toilet plunger within a toilet flush tank. A modified toilet plunger has been designed to include a hinge so that the plunger cup can pivot on the end of the plunger handle, thereby taking up less space. The folded toilet plunger is secured to the inside of the toilet flush tank by a holder, preferably on the toilet flush tank cover, so that the toilet plunger is readily accessible yet out of sight and will drain into the toilet flush tank after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Kristi Pierce
  • Patent number: 6880184
    Abstract: A urinal cover including a flexible sheet of material having a periphery, a water supply attachment patch attached to the sheet adapted to be place around a water supply pipe of a urinal, and an elastic strip sewn into a portion of the periphery of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel J. Vandersand
  • Patent number: 6859951
    Abstract: A toilet accessory concealment and toilet bowl evacuation apparatus designed to conceal common bathroom accessories as well as provide one with limited knowledge of plumbing systems with a safe and effective way to reduce the water level in a water closet bowl, or toilet bowl, to facilitate cleaning. The apparatus includes a water-tight primary compartment, a water-tight secondary compartment, and a cover configured to cooperate with the primary compartment and obscure the view of the inside of the primary compartment. The primary compartment is sized and configured to conveniently house a toilet brush, or other bathroom accessory, and retain a first predetermined quantity of liquid when the brush is not in the compartment. The secondary compartment is sized and configured to conveniently house a roll of toilet paper, or other bathroom accessory, and retain a second predetermined quantity of liquid when the roll of toilet paper is not in the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Eleanor French Spreitzer
  • Patent number: 6837481
    Abstract: A control apparatus for use with utility control valves is disclosed. The control apparatus would be an extension attached to the utility control valve in a variety of applications, such as the water shutoff valve in a toilet, sink, or water heater. The extension would make it much easier for a user to turn on and off the water supply to a particular item in a quick fashion, or alternatively, make is much easier for disabled or elderly people to turn off the water supply if the need may arise. Alternatively, the utility control valve could also be a gas valve or another type of utility control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Felipe Corral
  • Patent number: 6838174
    Abstract: An object is provided, which has a portion to be in contact with a human's skin when used, and can suppress irritation of the human's skin. A skin-contact portion of the object to be in contact with the human's skin when used is coated with a carbon film. For example, the carbon-film-coated object is glasses having ear pieces of temples and node pads coated at least partially with carbon films having a function of suppressing skin irritation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Nakahigashi
  • Patent number: 6823537
    Abstract: A water diversion apparatus for a standard toilet tank having a fitting connected to a discharge tube and a water supply, such that the discharge tube discharges into an aesthetic container. The aesthetic container may be an aquarium or a cascade and pool. When the toilet is flushed, water is partially diverted from the toilet to the aesthetic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander J. Cummings, III
  • Publication number: 20040216227
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method for increasing the hydrophobicity of at least parts of a lavatory bowl surface comprising the steps of repeatedly applying to at least parts of said lavatory bowl surface a solution comprising less than 30 ppm of a surface modifying polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Maria Papadaki, Vincenzo Tomarchio
  • Patent number: 6807691
    Abstract: A plumbing valve cover is disclosed for use in conjunction with under-sink plumbing to avoid interference with the operation of a flexible spray nozzle hose used in conjunction with a spray nozzle. The plumbing valve cover may be coupled to the under-sink plumbing or cabinet wall. The plumbing valve cover may partially cover the under-sink plumbing and include clearances for multiple plumbing lines which may exit a supply valve. The plumbing valve cover may include markings to aid in sizing the cover to variations in the length of a supply line. The preferred embodiment would be a single piece, injection molded plastic apparatus which includes structural ribs and C-shaped mounting clips which mechanically couple the plumbing valve cover to the supply valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Allen D. Hertz
  • Publication number: 20040194206
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting occult blood and other analytes in the water of a toilet bowl release a dye reagent into the water which produces an observable signal in the presence of the blood. The dye reagent is preferably dispersed as a liquid, powder, gel, or other form which rapidly mixes and combines with the sample. Usually, automatic mechanical or electromechanical dispensing systems are used to release the dye reagent into the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Maciej J. Kieturakis, Alkesander E. Karczewski
  • Patent number: 6792628
    Abstract: The current invention relates to an environmentally friendly and inexpensive way to dispose of solid animal waste that is installed in conjunction with a household sanitary sewer. The system includes a basin covered with a lid that is installed near a building's sewer cleanout. A wye filling is added to the cleanout so that waste that is deposited into the basin is washed into the household sanitary sewer by pouring a bucket of water in the basin after the waste is deposited to carry it into the household sanitary sewer. The invention provides a solution to the need for the safe and clean disposal of dog solid waste without the need for any sort of scoopers, diapers or bagging devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Richard C. Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20040172749
    Abstract: A flushable cover for a plunger with a layer of a flushable paper material and a layer of a film soluble in cold water. The cover is constructed to maintain integrity during use of the plunger, but at the same time being capable of being broken down in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis Davidson
  • Publication number: 20040175289
    Abstract: A medical capsule is taken into the human body to collect biomedical information about the human body. When the medical capsule is discharged from within the human body, a medical capsule retrieval device detects the medical capsule using a magnet or a sensor, and catches the medical capsule with a net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hironobu Takizawa, Takeshi Yokoi
  • Patent number: 6785912
    Abstract: An improved toilet seat is presented that uses an electric generator, powerable by batteries, to generate negative ions that are dispersed into the toilet bowl to achieve odor control. The seat is configured like a standard toilet seat and is designed to be low-cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Burt V. Julio
  • Patent number: 6779206
    Abstract: A toilet or urinal facility having a screen to display video material. A sensor detects the presence of a person in the facility. A memory device stores data from and is connected to the sensor. A video/audio device is connected to the screen to relay messages thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: John Sykes
  • Patent number: 6772454
    Abstract: A toilet training device has a target sensor for sensing an impact of urine, a first suction cup for securing the target sensor to a toilet, a music box for providing a feedback, and an insulated electric wire for connecting the target sensor with the music box. The target sensor can be positioned unobtrusively within the toilet. When a user urinates, the target sensor detects an impact of the urine when hit, and the target sensor triggers music in the music box through the insulated electric wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Barry, Thomas Jackson Barry
  • Patent number: 6772453
    Abstract: A faucet lock for use with a lavatory sink faucet having at least one water valve control handle, the faucet lock comprising a base, a bracket, having first and second ends thereof, wherein the first end is adjustably attached to the base such that the second end is positionable adjacent to the control handle preventing the control handle from opening the water valve, thus locking the water valve in a closed position, wherein the faucet lock prevents small children, disabled persons and others from unauthorized use of the water valve. The present invention faucet lock is a safety device to protect children and others especially special needs persons with spasticity or other disabilities from accidentally being exposed to hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Jonathan Fine, Mark Lindholm
  • Patent number: 6772455
    Abstract: A foam generating apparatus includes a foam generation device for generating initial foam by jetting air into a foaming agent solution and a foam fining device for fining the initial foam to produce the foam for foam bathing. A foaming tool provided within a foaming chamber jets air from an opening to the bottom wall of the foaming chamber. The opening is covered with a net having an opening ratio between 27.7% and 49.5% and a number of air-jet openings per unit area between 9690/cm2 and 24800/cm2. From another point of view, the net attached to the opening has a mesh number between 250 mesh and 400 mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Aquapro Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiteru Takahata, Masakazu Murakami, Mamoru Sakata, Toshiyuki Sawae
  • Publication number: 20040143899
    Abstract: A mobile decontamination facility vehicle comprises two or fewer interior walls; the interior walls being seamless and defining an interior space. There is at least one removable partition that defines two decontamination areas within the interior space. The facility has a drain trough disposed centrally between the interior walls for removing waste water. A waste-water tank connects to the drain for holding waste water from the decontamination areas. A sump tank connects to the waste-water tank for receiving waste water from the waste-water tank by gravity flow. The sump tank has one or more sump pumps located inside it for pumping waste water from the facility to disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Larry Hughes
  • Patent number: 6738995
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling buckets, pails or other containers with water or other fluid from faucets, and a method of filling containers with fluid using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises an attachment unit or funnel that is placed over a faucet, a hose, and a tip at the opposite end of the hose with a hook to retain the bottom end of the hose in the bucket. The attachment unit is generally cylindrical and made of a solid foam that has a closed cellular structure. The attachment unit can be screwed on and off the upper end of the hose. In a first preferred embodiment the attachment unit is configured for standard faucets, with an opening in the center of its top and a vertical channel. In a second preferred embodiment the attachment unit is configured for contemporary faucets, with an opening in its side and a curved channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventors: Reginal Eugene Payne, Michelle Neal Payne
  • Patent number: 6721966
    Abstract: A transfer board includes an upper transfer surface, a lower surface, a first end and a second end. A hook extends from the first end and is removably securable around an interior rim of a toilet seat or bowl. A latch extends from the lower surface of the transfer board proximate the first end to assist in securing the transfer board to the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Sherry Costonde
  • Publication number: 20040064884
    Abstract: This invention odor blocking invention has two claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Zoltan Egeresi
  • Patent number: 6715165
    Abstract: A five-second leak detection technique is used to test for invisible leaks in toilets and similar fixtures. Because of its speed it is particularly useful for large apartment complexes, condominiums and hotels where it is desirable to check hundreds of toilets in a short time. It's clear-cut results and high visibility make it ideal for home use as it unequivocally identifies seeps and slow leaks that may be undetectable otherwise. Checking is done by applying a swath of liquid with a high color density across the porcelain surface just below the rim drain holes in the toilet. If the a toilet is leaking, tiny rivulets of water draining from these holes will immediately cause white streaks in the dense colored swath, alerting the operator to the presence of a leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: John E. Schommer
  • Publication number: 20040045084
    Abstract: The invention is a supply skirt for emergency toilets made of a generally cylindrical skirt of flexible material. The skirt is affixed over its circumference by a generally concave receptacle section of flexible material which fits into the hollow of the toilet. This receptacle section has a top surface and a bottom surface. Attached to the bottom surface is a holder of flexible material. An opening connects the holder and said top surface. The holder in cooperation with the opening is a dispenser for human waste bags. Around the outer aspect of said skirt is one or more pockets for the storage of toilet articles. The pockets have protective flaps. The skirt is adapted to fit over a toilet either a normal household toilet or a bucket toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: John C. Klosterman
  • Patent number: 6698036
    Abstract: A potty training device having a seat with an opening for receiving bodily waste, a sensor for sensing bodily waste, and a sensory output generator. The seat includes a retaining member configured and located so as to retain the seat in place with respect to a toilet such that the opening of the seat is located above a bowl of the toilet. The sensor senses the bodily waste that passes through the opening of the seat, and the sensory output generator generates a sensory output in response to the sensor sensing the bodily waste. A potty training device having a seat with an opening for receiving bodily waste and an electronic unit that includes a housing that at least partially contains a sensor for sensing the bodily waste, a power source, and a sensory output generator for outputting a sensory output when the sensor senses the bodily waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dean Armbruster, Karen Fitzgerald, Domenic Thomas Gubitosi, John Martin Maul
  • Patent number: 6694544
    Abstract: A medicine cabinet for mounting on a wall above a sink includes a cabinet frame and a door pivotally attached to the front of the cabinet frame. A mirror is attached to the exterior surface of the door and has an aperture there through. A shelf assembly slidably extends through the side opening of the cabinet frame, and has a first position in which the shelf assembly is received within the first cavity and a second position in which the shelf assembly projects outwardly from a side of the cabinet frame. A spout passage extends through the aperture in the mirror and emits a stream of water. A control valve can be mounted to the cabinet frame to control the flow of water from a supply to the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: James M. Piatt
  • Patent number: 6691338
    Abstract: Systems and method for providing automated control over both water and temperature and pressure for a plurality of shower heads or other sources of water. The automated systems and methods for providing automated control over both water pressure and temperature make use of three distinct modules which comprise an input and display unit, and electronic processing unit, and the mechanical plumbing control unit. The electronic processing unit receives signals from the input and display unit and translates the received signals into the appropriate control signals for the mechanical plumbing control unit. A user is able to control the output water temperature from each of the shower heads or water sources as well as the individual water pressure from each of the shower heads or water sources. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the housing of containing the electrical mechanical elements of the system is dimensioned such that the housing will advantageously fit within the cavity of the typical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Interbath, Inc.
    Inventor: Claus D. Zieger
  • Publication number: 20040016053
    Abstract: A foam generating apparatus includes a foam generation device for generating initial foam by jetting air into a foaming agent solution and a foam fining device for fining the initial foam to produce the foam for foam bathing. A foaming tool provided within a foaming chamber jets air from an opening to the bottom wall of the foaming chamber. The opening is covered with a net having an opening ratio between 27.7% and 49.5% and a number of air-jet openings per unit area between 9690/cm2 and 24800/cm2. From another point of view, the net attached to the opening has a mesh number between 250 mesh and 400 mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: AQUAPRO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiteru Takahata, Masakazu Murakami, Mamoru Sakata, Toshiyuki Sawae
  • Patent number: 6681418
    Abstract: A water flow control valve (10) designed to be installed externally on a toilet tank (108) or as an integral element of a toilet ballcock (110). The valve (10) incorporates a diaphragm (46), a spring (62), a poppet assembly (70), and an inlet port (38) that is connected to a utility water supply (100) and an outlet port (42) that is connected through a pipe (102) to a fitting (106) on the the toilet tank (108). The valve functions by sensing the pressure at the inlet port (38). When no large demands are placed on the water supply (100), the valve (10) remains open, thus allowing the toilet tank (108) to fill. When a shower is turned on, the water pressure drops which reduces the upward force on the diaphragm (46), thus allowing the spring (62) to place the poppet (70) in a closed position which prevents the toilet tank (108) from filling. When the water demand ceases, the water pressure opens the valve (10), which allows the toilet tank (108) to fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: Gary D. Bierend, Paul H. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 6681419
    Abstract: A forehead support apparatus for resting a standing users forehead against a wall above a bathroom commode or urinal or beneath a showerhead. The apparatus includes a mounting member adapted for attachment to an upright bathroom wall either above the commode or urinal or below the showerhead. A compressible head support member is attached to and extends from the wall and said mounting member. The head support defines an elastically deformable or resilient forehead support surface which is spaced above the floor and from the wall a distance sufficient for the user to lean his forehead thereagainst and be supported while using the commode or urinal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Eric D. Page
  • Patent number: 6675405
    Abstract: A personal hygiene device that releases an atomized mist of cool, soothing water onto toilet paper for use in washing and/or treating the rectal and genital areas. The device includes a water tube (14) that carries water to the housing (10) from a water source (38). The device is secured to the toilet using a mounting bracket (12), which utilizes the existing toilet seat securing hardware. A nozzle (24) releases the atomized mist of cool, soothing water onto toilet paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Kip M. Harm
  • Patent number: 6651271
    Abstract: A handle for controlling water temperature and/or water flow is mounted on the side of a bathtub and shaped such that the handle may be controlled by a bather's foot. The vanes of the handle are shaped to accommodate the shape of the foot and are spaced apart from each other to allow easy operation of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Samuel Bayne Bentley