Wall Juncture (e.g., Bathtub Surround Kit) Patents (Class 52/35)
  • Publication number: 20030089059
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Mark E. Kirby
  • Publication number: 20030084618
    Abstract: A supporting wall installation, in particular to attach sanitary units in the form of washstands, WCs, bidets, urinals and the like, is characterized by support columns which are substantially triangular or trapezoidal in horizontal section and consist of a torsionally stiff frame construction and at least one areal planking attached to the respective support column and forming a supporting wall installation together with the support column or the support columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Dieter Krist, Bernd Hanel
  • Patent number: 6543186
    Abstract: A utility pipe encasement collar for preventing water from weather related sources such as rain and snow from traveling rearwardly along the exterior surface of the utility pipe and into a building structure from which the pipe projects. In a first embodiment the collar includes a weather proof elastomeric sheet material having an opening therethrough sized to inherently huggingly accommodate a utility pipe passed through the opening, and a generally rigid support member extending laterally from the elastomeric sheet material. In a second embodiment the collar includes a first generally rigid weather proof sheet member having an upright generally U-shape opening therethrough and a second generally rigid weather proof sheet member having an inverted generally U-shape opening therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Gilleran
  • Patent number: 6516476
    Abstract: A bathtub wall unit includes a single sheet having at least one frame member integrated therewith defining an interior portion for superimposition of one or more wall components thereon. Such units can be assembled to provide a method of using a wall unit to enhance the aesthetics associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Thums
  • Publication number: 20020157325
    Abstract: A corner seam comprising a first receiving region, a second receiving region and a face. The first receiving region includes a first and second end. The second receiving region includes a first and a second end. The first ends of each of the receiving regions substantially converge toward each other. Additionally, at least one of the first and second receiving regions includes a channel capable of receiving at least a portion of at least a partially planar material therein. The face extends from the second end of the first receiving region to the second end of the second receiving region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Wayne Domanico
  • Patent number: 6442905
    Abstract: A complete pre-fabricated tile counter is described that is already tiled and grouted and ready for installation upon a cabinet or other substructure, with or without a back splash or side splash panel. Counter tops including built-in sinks, and counters and splash panels may be produced economically in any style, shape and tile selected by a homeowner or builder prior to installation at a site. The invention counters are designed to be installed easily by the average homeowner or builders, in a minimum of time and with little mess to be cleaned up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Albert I. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 6434905
    Abstract: A rail system for holding a panel, such as a plate glass pane, in a door and/or wall partition. The rail system includes a housing and a clamp member having a wedging geometry so that when the clamp member is actuated with respect to the housing in a first direction, at least a portion of the clamp member will move in a clamping direction, which is different than the first direction to clamp the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: C. R. Laurence Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Sprague
  • Patent number: 6419238
    Abstract: A seal for sealing between two surfaces inclined to each other, the seal comprising first and second strips which are interlocatable with each other to allow telescopic movement therebetween, when viewed in cross-section, during use, the first strip having a section defining a first outer surface of the seal and the second strip having a section which at least partially overlies the first strip section in sliding engagement therewith to define a second outer surface of the seal, wherein at least one of the two strips comprises an additional section which is securable to an adjacent surface and to which the outer surface-defining section of said at least one strip is securable or secured detachably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Barry Hugh McComb
  • Patent number: 6405491
    Abstract: A modular patient room includes a plurality of wall panels having various configurations and one or more plumbing units. The wall panels and plumbing units are connectable to each other to form the patient room. Each plumbing unit includes a water conduit and a water-using device that is connected to the water conduit. In some embodiments, the modular patient room includes modular patient service equipment that couples to the wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Gallant
  • Patent number: 6401418
    Abstract: A method of installing flooring to a bathroom floor which utilizes a coving cap attached to a bathtub wall or shower enclosure, to form a waterproof and flexible seal. The edge of the flooring material is inserted into an inverted “J” shaped coving cap, which traps the edge of the flooring, but allows it to move up and down slightly. The corners of the flooring are mitered and sealed to form a waterproof corner, and the entire floor becomes a waterproof basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Sierra Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Senn, Anthony J. Senn
  • Patent number: 6389756
    Abstract: A covering rosette (8) for the connection region of a sanitary wall-fitting (1) comprises an ornamental hood (8) which is capable of being attached to the mounting-wall, through the central passage opening (10) of which ornamental hood a sleeve (9) extends. The axial position of this sleeve (9) in relation to the ornamental hood (8) can be changed by the sleeve (9) being capable of being screw-coupled on the end of an S-shaped connecting piece (4) facing towards the fitting (1). The ornamental hood (8) is assembled from two halves (8a, 8b) which are only subsequently placed from the side around the S-shaped connecting piece (4) and the sleeve (9) when mounting of the wall-fitting (1) on the S-shaped connecting piece (4) has been concluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Hans Oberdorfer
  • Publication number: 20010042349
    Abstract: A trim for sealing joints between a horizontal surface and a vertical surface against water penetration has an elongated body with a front-side and a back-side. The front-side has a curvature having a convex part and a concave part that together forming a continuous curvature to channel the flow of water away from the joint. The back-side has at least two recesses for an adhesive-sealant application, where the first recess is used for adhering to the vertical wall and the second is used adhering to the joint. The trim can be made of ceramic or plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Tara Chand Singhal
  • Patent number: 6256936
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated module includes a counter-top having a front access edge, side portions and a rear portion. A sink is disposed in the counter-top. A perimeter wall extends upward from the side and rear portions of the counter-top. A ceiling spans the perimeter wall above the counter-top. The module is preferably constructed as a one piece integrally molded structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Wellness, LLC
    Inventors: Earl S. Swensson, David S. Gilbert, George P. McAllister, Jr., Joseph L. Miles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6220677
    Abstract: An elongate back splash molding and method of installing a back splash molding including a horizontal leg, adapted to be received in an upwardly opening notch provided in a counter top, and a vertical leg, integral with the horizontal leg, adapted to be received by a downwardly opening notch provided in a back splash which is mounted on the counter top rearwardly adjacent the slot. The horizontal leg includes a curvilinear top surface and a front surface joined to the curvilinear surface at via an edge which lies flush with the upper surface of the counter top. The vertical leg includes a front curvilinear surface having a lower end which makes a smooth transition with the curvilinear top surface. The vertical leg also includes an elongate top end face which is downwardly forwardly inclined and is joined to the top front surface along an edge which is flush with the front face of the back splash and an upper end disposed flush with the front face of the back splash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas R. Ancel
  • Patent number: 6212707
    Abstract: A bowed front bathroom vanity system is supported by a frame having a back and two side elements. A support substrate is supported by the three frame elements, and defines a hole for the sink and plumbing connections. A bowed front apron support bracket provides upper and lower rails connected by a plurality of support stanchions. The upper rail is carried by a recessed front edge defined on the support substrate. A bowed front apron and left and right apron wings, are typically made of stone or similar material, and are carried by the bowed front apron support bracket. A vanity surface is carried by the upper surface of the support substrate, and a back splash and opposed side splashes are carried by the vanity surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventors: Terry M. Thompson, Michael Zukun Ni
  • Patent number: 6155021
    Abstract: Architectural units having radiused wall corners are constructed with solid surfacing material (SSM) such as Corian. Cove moldings are formed from SSM sheet strips comprising an elongated cove form flanked by elongated rabbet channels. In a table jig, an SSM wall sheet edge is adhesively secured into one of the cove molding rabbet channels. The cove mold and wall sheet unit is secured to the desired architectural wall with the other cove molding rabbet channel mated to an SSM wall sheet edge respective to an adjacent architectural wall. Clamping blocks secured to respective wall sheet and cove mold surfaces by hot melt adhesive are drawn together along the correct vector to adhesively bond each wall sheet edge into a respective rabbet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Marvin Leroy Swingle
  • Patent number: 6058659
    Abstract: An arrangement for a sanitary floor in bathrooms, laundries or the like where the floor comprises at least one fall inclined toward at least one floor drain. The upper layer of the floor comprises at least two separate, adjacent, rectangularly formed block elements. At least one of the block elements includes the floor drain. Each block element has a lower surface which is parallel with a bedding that supports the block elements. Each block element also has an upper surface which inclines or is inclined a predetermined angle towards the floor drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Dan Astrom
  • Patent number: 6035461
    Abstract: A bathtub shower accessory comprising a number of shield units, each securable to the tub and shower stall sidewalls in a manner to prevent water from exiting the shower area past the end edges of the shower curtain. The shield units are stackable one on top of the other for the desired height attainment and can include tray compartments on the interior facing side for holding soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, etc., or a towel rack holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Cuong V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6023889
    Abstract: An adjustable wall jamb is disclosed which can compensate for a variety of variations in wall structures when fitting a panel member thereto. One adjustable wall jamb is for a shower enclosure and affords a channel into which a portion of the wall panel is sealed, and thus provides a "floating" type seal without contacting an end of the adjustable wall jamb. The adjustable wall jamb is formed as a support post and is telescopingly fitted into a stud jamb. In an alternative embodiment, there is a one-piece adjustable wall jamb having securing flanges and sealing fingers formed as a one-piece unit. This can be utilized in conjunction with the square fitment of a panel to a wall, a corner construction, or an angled construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Husting, Thomas A. Bonnell
  • Patent number: 5997009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-piece seal member that has a substantially rigid portion and a substantially flexible portion. The substantially flexible portion extends from and is connected to the substantially rigid portion in a substantially seamless manner. The substantially flexible portion has a durometer reading less than that of the substantially rigid portion. The substantially rigid portion has a mounting configuration that can comprise an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism has a web element, and a first flange and a second flange extending from the web element. The first and second flanges are spaced apart from each other so as to engage a surface of a base structure such as along the deck of a bathtub or a shower base structure. A gripping arrangement is formed when at least one of the first and second flanges is angled relative to the other. In order to engage an angled edge of a base structure, the first and second flanges can have a mitered joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Formica Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David Carl Geise
  • Patent number: 5983583
    Abstract: A concealed joint construction system for installing and securing sheet material such as laminated plastic wall boards, plywood and the like for finishing off bathtub and/or shower walls, counter-tops and back-splashes, and the like. The joint construction system includes an extending channel attached to one wallboard via multiple teeth sunk into matching grooves cut out of the wallboards edge. An adjacent wallboard can be easily and quickly inserted into the extending channel and is secured by pressure flanges perforated from the wall of the channel. The joint construction system is easily installed, secure, and compact, and is completely invisible after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Jacob M. Mattix, June B. Mattix, executrix
  • Patent number: 5950370
    Abstract: A flexible extrusion molded flange for securing bathtubs and the like to surrounding walls while simultaneously providing a moisture barrier therebetween. The flange snaps on to the vertical edge and horizontal deck of the tub. The flange includes a vertical back strip for securing the flange to a stud wall, a drywall sealing lip forming a moisture barrier between the tub and the drywall, a finish wall sealing strip for sealing and aligning the finish wall, and a tub edge securing strip for receiving the edge of the tub. Miter cut corners and silicone sealants enhance the flange's moisture barrier properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: CR/PL, L.L.C.
    Inventor: William L. Peck
  • Patent number: 5946861
    Abstract: Apparatus for the fixation and support of the rims of bath and shower tubs relative to a wall of a construction in a manner decoupled from structure-borne noise. The apparatus includes a fixing element secured to the wall and has a support surface for a rim of a tub. A fixing screw is screwed into the fixing element and a first insulating material is arranged between the wall and the tub rim. A second insulating material is arranged between the support surface and the tub rim while a third insulating material is secured to an end of the fixing screw and contacts against the inner side of the tub rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: E. Missel GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Krist, Bernd Hanel
  • Patent number: 5934032
    Abstract: A flush type mounting box for sanitary fittings carries on the outer surface of its side walls an annular collar of resilient material. This collar includes as one piece, a sealing region that is displaceable on the outer surface of the side walls, and a flange region, which is arranged to be introduced into the gap between two facing elements of the mounting wall and is fixed there, forming a seal. By this collar, the gap between the access opening in the facing elements and the mounting box can be sealed against moisture penetration. In the case of lining wall systems, corresponding to the distance between the supporting mounting plate of the mounting wall and the facing elements, the sealing region of the collar bears at different points on the outer surface of the side walls of the mounting box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Hans Oberdorfer
  • Patent number: 5913777
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Tile Redi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Gerber
  • Patent number: 5870878
    Abstract: Architectural units having radiused wall corners are constructed with solid surfacing material (SSM) such as Corian. Cove mouldings are formed from SSM sheet strips comprising an elongated cove form flanked by elongated rabbet channels. In a table jig, an SSM wall sheet edge is adhesively secured into one of the cove moulding rabbet channels. The cove mould and wall sheet unit is secured to the desired architectural wall with the other cove moulding rabbet channel mated to an SSM wall sheet edge respective to an adjacent architectural wall. Clamping blocks secured to respective wall sheet and cove mould surfaces by hot melt adhesive are drawn together along the correct vector to adhesively bond the other wall sheet edge into the other rabbet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Marvin Leroy Swingle
  • Patent number: 5768842
    Abstract: A weep drain for a tile wall includes a dam for collecting water, moisture, or other liquids and an extrusion with a plurality of hollow cylindrical tubes for allowing the water, moisture or other liquids to drain from behind the tile wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Robert M. Austin
  • Patent number: 5694722
    Abstract: An adjustable wall jamb is disclosed which can compensate for a variety of variations in wall structures when fitting a panel member thereto. One adjustable wall jamb is for a shower enclosure and affords a channel into which a portion of the wall panel is sealed, and thus provides a "floating" type seal without contacting an end of the adjustable wall jamb. The adjustable wall jamb is formed as a support post and is telescopingly fitted into a stud jamb. In an alternative embodiment, there is a one-piece adjustable wall jamb having securing flanges and sealing fingers formed as a one-piece unit. This can be utilized in conjunction with the square fitment of a panel to a wall, a corner construction, or an angled construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Husting, Thomas A. Bonnell
  • Patent number: 5619826
    Abstract: An improved bathroom assembly construction includes a base, a plurality of corner posts, plates and partition strips, a roof, a plurality of corner caps and a plurality of securing means. Both the base and the roof are provided with corner slots, mounting slots and indentations for mounting respectively the corner posts, plates and partition strips to eliminate use of screw bolts. The corner posts may extend from the corners of the roof with the corner caps fitted thereon and may be secured firmly by means of the securing means. A gap is formed between two adjacent plates and is of a size matching that of a gap formed between two adjacent tiles so that, after tiles are arranged on the plates each of which has a width equivalent to a total width of a plurality of tiles, the bathroom assembly may look very neat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Wan-Kuei Wu
  • Patent number: 5581957
    Abstract: A system for forming a smooth, rounded inner corner joint between two adjacent perpendicular wall sections in a coved backsplash. The first wall section comprises a substantially rectangular member, the bottom surface thereof having a toe shaped protrusion, the sides of the protrusion extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the member. The second wall portion comprises a longitudinally extending wall portion comprising first and second steps, a curved lower portion of the second step extending outwardly from said first portion. A toe shaped protrusion being formed at the bottom of the second wall portion. A third right angled corner member has a first elongated surface which abuts against one edge of said first rectangular member and a second elongated thin edge portion which abuts against the riser portion between the first and second steps of the second wall portion, a toe shaped protrusion being at the bottom of the corner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Installations, Inc.
    Inventors: Darris L. Egger, Jr., Ronald U. Pierotti
  • Patent number: 5542218
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant self-supported frame of a pre-formed shape, to which a mortar substrate and ceramic tile is applied, in order to produce corner seats and trays. The base unit (1) connects to vertical surfaces by fasteners through mounting holes (3). A mortar support flange (5) provides shape of bonding surfaces for ceramic tile as well as support for the applied substrate (6b). The substrate (6b) is reinforced by mortar penetration holes (4), allowing monolithic connection of all substrate materials (6). A drain hole (2) allows for the elimination of moisture from the base unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Innovis Corporation
    Inventor: Wade D. Rompel
  • Patent number: 5473843
    Abstract: A joint between an upper wall part and a lower wall part of a modular tub/shower unit includes a recessed band adjacent to but spaced from the lowermost edge of the upper wall part. A further band is recessed at the uppermost edge of the lower wall part with the vertical height of that band being greater than the vertical height of the recessed band in the upper wall part and greater than a band at the lowermost edge which is not recessed, The lowermost band of the upper wall part is then adhesively attached to the uppermost edge and a part of the recessed band of the part by a double sided adhesive tape the covering of which is pulled through the gap between these parts. The adhesive tape provides the only sealant necessary for waterproofing the joint and provides the only structural strength necessary. The groove above the lowermost band of the upper wall part allows the upper wall part to be maneuvered into the required position by finger engagement into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Fiat Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel A. LaRoche, William J. Critchley, Steve G. Mardero
  • Patent number: 5371980
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Steven J. Dix
  • Patent number: 5337525
    Abstract: A rail system is used for supporting a plurality of upper and lower modular wall panels adjacent a plurality of spaced apart studs. In one aspect of the invention, the rail system includes an upper rail mounted horizontally to the studs adjacent a ceiling, a lower rail mounted horizontally to the studs adjacent an abutting surface such as a floor, bathtub, or shower pan, and a middle rail mounted horizontally to the studs between the lower and upper rails. Each rail is mountable to the studs regardless of the distance therebetween. The upper rail is adapted to receive an upper portion of the upper wall panels, the lower rail is adapted to receive a lower portion of the lower wall panels, and the middle rail is adapted to receive the upper and lower panels. In another aspect of the invention, an elongated bar is spaced apart from the middle rail and adapted to be mounted longitudinally thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Zaccai, Arthur S. Rousmaniere, Timothy C. Dearborn, Lynn Noble, Thomas J. Misage
  • Patent number: 5311707
    Abstract: A joint between an upper wall part and a lower wall part of a modular tub/shower unit includes a recessed band adjacent to but spaced from the lowermost edge of the upper wall part. A further band is recessed at the uppermost edge of the lower wall part with the vertical height of that band being greater than the vertical height of the recessed band in the upper wall part and greater than a band at the lowermost edge which is not recessed. The lowermost band of the upper wall part is then adhesively attached to the uppermost edge and a part of the recessed band of the part by a double sided adhesive tape the covering of which is pulled through the gap between these parts. The adhesive tape provides the only sealant necessary for waterproofing the joint and provides the only structural strength necessary. The groove above the lowermost band of the upper wall part allows the upper wall part to be maneuvered into the required position by finger engagement into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Fiat Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel A. LaRoche, William J. Critchley, Steve G. Mardero
  • Patent number: 5303519
    Abstract: A molded angle panel and method is disclosed. The preferred angle panel has two improved grooves for receiving tongues when being mounted to adjacent sidewalls when assembling a shower stall. These grooves allow the angle panel to be compression molded. The grooves are comprised of a groove surface located substantially adjacent the angle panel's face which is positioned such that its plane intersects the plane of a bearing surface. The planes of the groove surfaces are substantially parallel. The parallelism of the groove surfaces allows the mold halves to be separated upon the completion of the molding process. The third surface is an intermediate surface and is between the groove surface and the bearing surface. An alternative embodiment of the invention has two improved tongues for allowing the molding of the angle panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: E. L. Mustee & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Mustee, William E. Trsek
  • Patent number: 5287667
    Abstract: A tile for waterproofing the juncture of a tiled surface and a non tiled surface such as a tub and tile juncture by use of a water proof tile. The waterproof tile consists of a glazed tile surface having a curvature which directs the water away from the juncture, a non glazed surface which is cemented to the tiled wall and a bottom side which holds sealant for sealing against the non tiled surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Tara C. Singhal
  • Patent number: 5263294
    Abstract: An extension joint for use with wall boards simulating tiles embedded in grout. The extension joint is disposed between two adjoining wall board panels and simulates a grout line. The wall joint comprises a long narrow strip of material having two spaced apart base sections and a raised ridge section connecting the two base sections. The top outer surface of the ridge section is concave to simulate a grout line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Trayco, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Koenig, Douglas F. Hutchings, David W. Gibbard, Richard C. Manwell
  • Patent number: 5181351
    Abstract: A bulk material supporting wall comprises at least two beams arranged at an angle to one another and connected in a form-locking or material-locking manner. One beam is a longitudinal beam extending substantially parallel to the wall plane and the other is a cross beam extending at an angle to the longitudinal beam. The first beam comprises at least two profile legs arranged at an angle to one another. The first profile leg forms a bulk material bearing surface which covers the central part of the longitudinal beam's cross section. The second profile leg forms a bulk material retaining surface which faces the inside space of the frame and is arranged offset to the outside of the frame with respect to the bearing surface and at an angle to the bearing surface. The first profile leg has a wedge-shaped cross-section and a substantially plane bottom surface forming the underside of the wedge-like cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Felix P. Jaecklin
  • Patent number: 5174118
    Abstract: The fluid pressure-responsive unit of the invention defines a chamber formed of a base plate, a top plate and a heat-exchange bellows sidewall joining the two plates. Relative movement of the plates is controlled by springs and guiding cylinders within the chamber. The base plate incorporates a fluid intake aperture for admitting fluid into the chamber and the latter further contains an overflow assembly including a looped resilient pipe of which one end is connected to the top plate so as to receive fluid overflowing from the chamber. The other end can be connected to another pipe introduced into the chamber by the intake aperture to lead fluid out of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Max Polsky
  • Patent number: 5159723
    Abstract: An improved bathtub, having a wall form and an adjoining base form, both of which are an integral part and made from the same material as the bathtub. The wall form extends lengthwise the full extent of the upper back bathtub planar surface and at right angles along the end planar surfaces, then at right angles down both ends of the bathtub front wall to the floor level, where, at right angles, the base form is joined at each end of the bathtub. The bathtub wall form provides the following: a secure means of attaching the bathtub to the structural wall members, an improved tapering wall or flange that eliminates the bulge where drywall and the upper flange of the bathtub meet, a means of holding the drywall edge away from the planar surface of the bathtub, and a wall tile groove. The base form provides a unique method of sliding the floor covering up and into the lower portion of the front bathtub wall, thus eliminating the normal cut or abutted joint found at the base of the bathtub front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Ray B. Benedict
  • Patent number: 5121582
    Abstract: A system to mount soap dishes and the like to tiled walls. A galvanized thin metal plate is placed against the wall in the location of the soap dish with the edges of the plate extending outward under the edges of the surrounding tiles. The plate has many small deformed slits formed in it to accept and trap thin set mortar. The soap dish is bonded to the plate with mortar flowing into the pockets formed by the deformed slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventors: Michael D. Volgamore, Jack E. Gannon
  • Patent number: 5115604
    Abstract: Panels which are assembled to form a stall shower are prefabricated. Each panel has a facing of tile adhered to a plywood backing. On the rear of the backings are elongated vertical ribs. The lower edges of the ribs are notched to interfit with a shower base. The upper edges are notched to interfit with a shower ceiling. The outer edges of the ribs are either attached to studding or are covered with wallboard. The panels comprise four corners, a back, two sides and two door jambs. In addition to the shower base and ceiling, additional members include a shower door curb and a header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Robert Bunyard
  • Patent number: 5107638
    Abstract: Mounting means for securing a wall-mounted water closet fixture having an upper inlet conduit comprising in combination a vertical brace member rigidly attached to a floor-mounted fixture carrier, said brace member being also rigidly attached to said upper inlet conduit, therefore providing a second point of attachment for said fixture which prevents unwanted movement of the upper portion of said fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventor: James L. Unertl
  • Patent number: 5103602
    Abstract: A moisture barrier unit (17) to be interposed between a bath fixture (11) such as a tub (11') and an underlayment (13) such as particle board (13') wherein the moisture barrier unit (17) includes: a resilient member (18) which rests on a sub-support (12) such as a subfloor (12') and is compressed between the tub (11') and the particle board (13'); and a waterproof flange member (20) which covers a portion of the block member (18) and the particle board (13') such that the moisture barrier unit (17) will serve to prevent water from contacting either the particle board (13') or the subfloor (12') when the conventional caulk bead (16) becomes cracked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventors: Richard A. Stevens, Richard L. Vezie
  • Patent number: 5079880
    Abstract: A trim for trimming out or finishing contemporary, one-piece fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs and shower stalls. The trim comprises framing pieces which are positioned around the edges of the surrounding wall portion of a bathtub or shower stall after the bathtub has been installed. A large flange portion of each of the framing pieces is secured to the wood stud framing or wall by wood screws. The larger flange portion and a small flange portion extend from a base portion and form a cavity for receiving an edge of a dry wall sheet. The trim may include separate finishing pieces which snap-on to an outer surface of the small flange portion of the framing pieces. Alternatively, the small flange portion of the framing pieces may be formed with a finished surface thereby dispensing with the need for separate finishing pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Eugene Reid
  • Patent number: 5009051
    Abstract: A wall construction is provided which includes a wall upon which are located siding sections to which are fastened brick sections. The siding sections are arranged in coplanar end-to-end relationship and include abutting ends with nesting tongue and groove arrangements to resist relative transverse movement between the sections. The tongue defines a passage extending transversely across the same. A clip is provided which includes a central portion located between the ends of the siding sections. The central portion extends through the aforementioned passage in the tongue. The clip includes further portions extending in opposite directions from the central portion along opposite sides of the siding sections. A protruding flange is provided which extends outwardly from the first further portion and a settable material is provided adjacent the siding sections. The protruding portion is embedded in the settable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: Ronald F. Trezza
  • Patent number: 4993201
    Abstract: Panels which are assembled to form a stall shower are prefabricated. Each panel has a facing of tile adhered to a plywood backing. On the rear of the backings are elongated vertical ribs. The lower edges of the ribs are notched to interfit with a shower base. The upper edges are notched to interfit with a shower ceiling. The outer edges of the ribs are either attached to studding or are covered with wallboard. The panels comprise four corners, a back, two sides and two door jambs. In addition to the shower base and ceiling, additional members include a shower door curb and a header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Robert Bunyard
  • Patent number: 4947608
    Abstract: A watertight fastener for mounting a peripherally grooved prefabricated bathtub surround panel on a wall. The fastener includes a rigid support and a resilient seal. The support has a mounting portion adapted to be secured to the wall, and a surround-receiving portion adapted to enter the peripheral groove of the surround panel and defining adjacent the free end thereof an aperture extending at least partially therethrough. The seal has an elongate body portion and a sealing portion. The body portion is adopted to enter the peripheral groove of the surround panel with the surround-receiving portion, has a serrated front surface, and defines a transversely-extending plug resiliently retained by the aperture. The sealing portion is adapted to extend intermediate the surround and an adjacent surface to form a watertight seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Tishman Research Corporation
    Inventors: Barry G. Donaldson, Joseph H. Newman
  • Patent number: 4901380
    Abstract: A knockdown type bathing enclosure is disclosed. It can be manufactured as a one-piece plumbing fixture, cut into portions for transportation, and assembled at the installation site. The bathing enclosure has a joining strip attached to an external side of a wall structure. The joining strip has an attachment surface for abutting the wall structure, and an outer tubular bulge. The joining strip and the wall structure are cut into portions along a plane passing through the tubular bulge. A plurality of locator members are then inserted into an internal slot formed in each portion of the cut tubular bulge. Guided into proper alignment by the locator members, the cut portions are then fastened together using a clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Kohler Ltd./Ltee
    Inventor: Iain M. Smith