Shower (e.g. Stall, With Walls, Receptor, And Spray) Patents (Class 4/596)
  • Patent number: 11905691
    Abstract: A pivotable spray head for connection to a faucet for expelling water is described herein. The spray head includes a spray head top portion having an inlet to receive water from the faucet and a spray head bottom portion having an outlet to expel water. The spray head further includes a pivoting joint mechanism structured to pivot the spray head relative to the faucet about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Americas Residential Inc.
    Inventors: Darin Heuer, Adam William Tracy, Jan van Leyen, Brad Callahan, Evan Alan Benstead
  • Patent number: 11890631
    Abstract: An improved showerhead assembly is provided for securely holding a handheld showerhead within a mount. The handheld showerhead includes an elongate handle and a showerhead face including one or more nozzles for spraying water. The mount includes a tubular section for receiving the handheld showerhead's handle, and a mounting surface which affixes to an underlying surface such as shower stall wall. The handle includes a circumferential groove and the mount includes a “C” shaped locking clip capable of locking within the handle's groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: ETL, LLC
    Inventor: David Hofman
  • Patent number: 11879240
    Abstract: A shower system includes a sprayer removably coupled to a receiver that is in moving engagement with a track. The shower system includes a control system operably coupled with the receiver. The control system can change a height of the receiver along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Chanseol Muraoka
  • Patent number: 11813635
    Abstract: A shower caddy includes a 4-way diverter for attachment to a shower arm and to divert water received from the shower arm to a circuit of pipes within the shower caddy. The shower caddy further includes a heating circuit within a basin. The basin holds bathing fluids, and the heating circuit transfers heat from water traveling via the circuit of pipes to the bathing fluids within the basin. The shower caddy further includes an additive infuser attached to the circuit of pipes that infuses an additive into the water flowing through the circuit of pipes when the additive infuser is activated by a user. The circuit of pipes is further connected to a showerhead that outputs the water received from the shower arm following it being used for the heating circuit and/or having an additive infused therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA DEA, LLC
    Inventors: Jessica Koehler, Robert Koehler
  • Patent number: 11794903
    Abstract: A system for providing temperature-controlled water in an aircraft has a tank, a water temperature-controlling unit, a control unit, and a power supply terminal. The water temperature-controlling unit can be coupled to the tank to heat or to cool water situated therein. The control unit is connected to the water temperature-controlling unit to activate the water temperature-controlling unit for controlling the temperature of water in the tank to a predefined temperature. The power supply terminal can be connected to an on-board voltage source for the water temperature-controlling unit and the control unit to be supplied with electrical voltage. The system is in the form of a coherent and self-contained unit which can be integrated into a standard parking place of a galley of the aircraft. The tank is mounted so as to be exchangeable or the system has a water discharge connection which is coupled to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventors: Rafael Mortensen Ernits, Oliver Kiehne, Matthias Reiss, Oliver Delaplanche, Markus Tiemann, Dennis Keiser
  • Patent number: 11773603
    Abstract: Reinforced floor components of prefabricated bathroom pods. The floor components are reinforced and integrated into bathroom pods or other building units in such a manner as to add significant strength to the bathroom pods to resist bending, twisting and sagging, and/or to aid in lifting and supporting the weight of the bathroom pods, and thereby add to the structural integrity of the prefabricated bathroom pods to which they are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: TILE REDI, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Cook, David Steadman, Saberul Sharker
  • Patent number: 11712133
    Abstract: A stone niche assembly system and method is disclosed, which includes collapsed and adjustable modular stone tile components with stabilizing grooves to be assembled into a stone niche for installation in the wall of a shower enclosure, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: 2721111 Ontario Inc.
    Inventor: Paolo Mantenuto
  • Patent number: 11639756
    Abstract: A molded one-piece stub out and rough-in plumbing valve cylinder including a front cylindrical face having a front inner off-set cavity disposed therein, which extends to an inner wall member forming an integral conduit member that extends into an inner cylindrical rear cavity extending from an inner cylindrical rear wall surface on an opposite side of the front cylindrical face to an open ended mounting plate. The integral conduit member extends through the inner cylindrical rear cavity to a selective distance beyond the open end of the mounting plate. A plurality of support members disposed on the integral conduit member along a portion thereon and along portion of the inner cylindrical rear cavity for supporting the integral conduit member therein. Also, the integral conduit member includes a self-leveling member to level the mounting plate upon attachment to vertical or horizontal wall framed stud members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventors: Michael G. Jacoway, M. Grayson Jacoway
  • Patent number: 11572978
    Abstract: Elastomeric holders in the form of toiletry holders, mirrors holders, shower caddies and make-up holders. The holders comprise a body, having a substantially planar rear surface, configured to releasably adhere to a vertical surface without the use of adhesives, and a retainer, for retaining an item and formed at least in part by the body, such that a front surface of the body forms a peripheral edge around the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: SJC IP HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Saul Cockburn, Joshua Cockburn, Angus Chapman
  • Patent number: 11566406
    Abstract: A shower system comprises a support, a handheld sprayer, a flexible conduit, and a weight. The support is configured to be coupled in a shower environment. The handheld sprayer is disposed below the support. The flexible conduit is coupled to the handheld sprayer, and extends through the support. The weight is coupled to the flexible conduit opposite the handheld sprayer. The weight is configured to bias the handheld sprayer to a first position in the shower environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Chanseol Chung
  • Patent number: 11414845
    Abstract: Disclosed is a prefabricated modular kit, reversibly assemblable, adapted for the quick installation of a bathroom, including: A) lower module with: toilet bowl; discharge device; roll-holder; container; tiltable door; sprayhead; water connections; discharge duct; B) intermediate module with: sink surface; faucet; mixer; soap dispenser; hands-dryer; C) upper module with: container; foldable arm with showerhead; D) floor module with shower plate; E) ceiling module with light and exhaust fan; F) side wall module; G) door; the modules having the systems ready for connecting between the modules themselves and between the modules and the pre-existing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: HEALTH PROGRESS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Folco Grimaldi
  • Patent number: 11261588
    Abstract: A connection structure of shower column systems includes fixing member, shower column body having containing cavity, connecting pipe communicating with water supply pipe, and hose in the containing cavity. The shower column body includes installation part having movement channel communicating with the containing cavity; the installation part is installed on the fixing member; the connecting pipe is in wall, an end thereof passes the movement channel to move axially; the hose communicates with water inlet of the shower column body and passes the movement channel to communicate with the connecting pipe. Flexible connection through the hose and connecting pipe makes more adjustment room than rigid connection. Distance between the connecting pipe and shower column body is adjusted by moving the connecting pipe in the movement channel. System adjustment and installation are quickly completed according to different depths of water supply pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: PURITY (XIAMEN) SANITARY WARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: James Wu, Alex Wu, Ce-Wen Yang, Guo-Zhong Wu, Hai-Kun Zheng
  • Patent number: 11006213
    Abstract: A shower entertainment system provides a waterproof exo-housing forming a cavity for receiving a smart phone. A waterproof speaker is supported within cavity and is in operational interconnection with the smart phone. A touchscreen access screen facilitates manual control of speaker through the smart phone. A hook extends from the housing for retention from a shower head. The hook further articulates between a flat nested position and an extended upward position. The hook alternately is positioned angular to the rear surface of the housing for the housing while placed flat on a horizontal surface. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Timothy Hefner
  • Patent number: 10993584
    Abstract: A bathing area surround includes a bathtub and a tub surround. The bathtub has a bathing basin that extends upwardly to a tub ledge extending outwardly from a rim, traverse to a sidewall, to an edge having tub flange is shaped to form at least one inwardly extending pocket that forms a tab receiving recess. The tub surround includes a back panel, and two side panels. The back panel and the two side panels each have downwardly extending locking tabs formed in their bottom edges, shaped to be inserted into the corresponding tab receiving recess, behind the tub flange. The back panel is then fastened to each of the two side panels via fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Royal Baths Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Keith Highland, Jon Coverick
  • Patent number: 10934731
    Abstract: Disclosed is a container, such as an above-ground pool, with an improved porthole. The container can include a base, a side wall joined to the base, and at least one porthole. The porthole can comprise an aperture in the side wall and a generally transparent window sheet attached to the side wall and completely covering the aperture in the side wall. Such a design can be stronger and more durable than conventional portholes. The pool can also have portability and storability characteristics that are superior to those of conventional pools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventors: Chi Yin Alan Leung, Ricky Tong
  • Patent number: 10781578
    Abstract: A water separator with a shower seat includes a valve body, a frictional unit, a shower seat, and a water outflow switching mechanism. The valve body is provided with a plurality of snap-fit joints disposed circumferentially. The frictional unit is mounted on the valve body and an outer wall thereof is provided with a first frictional surface. The shower seat is provided with a connecting chamber having an open end, and a snap-fit surface and a second frictional surface are circumferentially disposed in the connecting chamber, respectively. The water outflow switching mechanism is mounted in the valve body. Hook heads of the snap-fit joints are snapped to the snap-fit surface to prevent the shower seat from getting separated from the valve body. When the shower seat rotates with respect to the valve body, the first frictional surface and the second frictional surface rotate accordingly and interact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIAN XIHE SANITARY WARE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaofa Lin, Xiaoshan Lin, Qiqiao Liu, Xiaoqing Deng, Jun Xu, Jianhui Gao
  • Patent number: 10582810
    Abstract: A joint for a shower enclosure includes a first end member, having a first flange, a rearwardly extending segment spaced apart from the first flange, and a rearwardly open recess defined between the first flange and the rearwardly extending segment. The joint further includes a second end member, having a second flange, a forwardly extending segment spaced apart from the second flange, and a forwardly open recess defined between the second flange and the forwardly extending segment. A gap is defined between the rearwardly extending segment and the second flange when the first end member and the second end member are coupled. The forwardly open recess is configured to receive the rearwardly extending segment and the rearwardly open recess is configured to receive the forwardly extending segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Erich D. Slothower, Mary J. Reid, Clayton C. Garrels
  • Patent number: 10400430
    Abstract: A hanging structure configured to detachably hang a hand-held shower head having a rear side disposed with a hanging ridge that extends longitudinally and has a convex cross section that tapers down in width from a top end to an insertion end, includes a hanging structure having a front side disposed with a hanging groove extending in an insertion direction, having two side walls defining a small entrance, and having a concave cross section that tapers down in width from an insertion opening to a restricting end portion. The concave cross section of the hanging groove removably accommodates the convex cross section of the hanging ridge when the insertion end of the hanging ridge is inserted into the insertion opening of the hanging groove and slid in the insertion direction within the hanging groove down to the restricting end portion so that insertion depth of the hanging ridge is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yonghui Zhang, Donghai Chen, Mingfu Zhang, Wenxing Chen
  • Patent number: 10287755
    Abstract: A portable washout runoff catchment for commercial trailers. Catchment includes a liquid container base, a removable vertical barrier for reclaiming overspray and a liquid transfer pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Marcus Lasalle Hennings
  • Patent number: 9943193
    Abstract: The emergency shower includes a discharge outlet pivotable between a first non-use position and a second deployed position about a rotary union, for dispensing water therefrom. A ball valve is positionable between a first flow restricting position and a second flow permitting position, when the discharge outlet pivots between the first non-use and second deployed positions. A linkage system actuates ball valve movement when the discharge outlet pivots, by way of a first link pivotally coupled relative to the discharge outlet and movable therewith and a second link pivotally coupled with the ball valve and responsive to movement of the first link, the second link positions the ball valve in the first flow restricting position when the discharge outlet is in the first non-use position and commensurately moves the ball valve to the second flow permitting position when the discharge outlet pivots to the second deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Haws Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Stanley
  • Patent number: 9739045
    Abstract: A concealed-shower drain assembly has a rigid vertical flange continuously joined in fixed orientation along one side of a rigid horizontal deck member. An opening in the horizontal deck leads to a sealed drain box on the underside of the deck. A drain pipe at the bottom of the drain box provides egress of waste shower water from the drain box. A removable access panel is supported in the deck opening by a plurality of support posts affixed to the interior wall of the drain box. A continuous gap between the periphery of the access panel and the sides of the opening in the horizontal deck provides a flow path for shower waste water into the drain box. The drain assembly can be securely attached in place in a shower stall by nailing or screwing the rigid vertical flange directly to the framing of the shower stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Keith Douglas Jones
  • Patent number: 9260189
    Abstract: A modular lavatory monument assembly configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The modular lavatory monument assembly includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to form an outer shell that defines a lavatory interior. The fourth wall includes an alcove extending outwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes a sink module positioned in the alcove, a mirror module positioned above the sink module in the alcove, and a door positioned on one of the second or third walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: C&D Zodiac, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Savian, Ian Geoffrey Scoley
  • Publication number: 20150101119
    Abstract: A water module system. A water module can include a water dispensing fixture, a water supply bypass connecting two valved water supply inlet/outlet ports, and a water supply branch connecting the water dispensing fixture to the water supply bypass. The water supply bypass can be connectable to a further water module having at least a further water dispensing fixture. In use, water can be supplied from the water module to the further water module in series. The system can be portable, modular, and/or scalable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Products and Things Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Nicholas William Robinson, Nicholas John Roseby
  • Patent number: 8944394
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a hinge for movably connecting a first panel to a second panel, the hinge comprising first and second spaced apart hinge members, each hinge member being connectable to the respective first and second panels; and a connector located between the hinge members, the connector having a pin member which connects the hinge members together to permit selective movement of the first panel relative to the second panel about multiple axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Maax Bath Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Berger
  • Patent number: 8931737
    Abstract: A shower unit for an aircraft comprises: a shower head, and controls to manually control the water output. A shower enclosure defines a receiving cavity to receive the user. The shower enclosure supports the shower head and the controls for the user to shower in the receiving cavity. The shower enclosure comprises a first door on a first side of the shower enclosure, and a second door on a second side of the shower enclosure to define a passageway through the shower enclosure. The shower unit is adapted to be positioned in the aircraft such that the passageway communicates between two separate zones of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventors: Stephane Savignac, Jean-Francois Boies, Bruce Malek
  • Patent number: 8907257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a contactlessly chargeable heater. In one example, the contactlessly chargeable heater includes: an induction patch emitting magnetic field by means of current applied to an inner coil; and a heating body, receiving the magnetic field from the charging patch to perform a contactless charging operation, and including a conductive metal yarn for emitting heat via the power generated through the contactless charging operation. The conductive metal yarn is woven together using threads within the heating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventor: Gi Soo Chung
  • Patent number: 8739324
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a curved shower rod on a previously installed straight shower rod. The bracket includes a body having a first member that defines a first bore for receiving an end of the curved shower rod therein, and a second member defining a second bore for receiving a portion of the straight shower rod therein. The first member extends outwardly from the second member at an angle. The second member comprises first and second regions that are movable away from each other to capture a portion of the straight shower rod between them. A securement mechanism locks the first and second regions together to prevent the bracket from disengaging from the straight shower rod. A second mounting bracket is similarly engaged on an opposite end of the straight shower rod and receives a second end of the curved shower rod therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Commerce, LLC
    Inventors: Rodney L. Napier, David Brokaw
  • Patent number: 8720463
    Abstract: A shower system for use in aircraft while in flight, the shower system having a feed line through which a stream of water can be supplied to the shower system; a showerhead from which a prepared stream of shower water can exit the shower system and a water stream parameter modification device for modifying at least one parameter of the water stream, said water stream parameter modification device incorporated between the feed line and the showerhead, wherein the water stream parameter modification device comprises at least one valve, which opens when not exposed to any pressure upstream to enable an evacuation of the entire shower system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ole Becker, Christiane Lindauer, Frank Rahn
  • Patent number: 8640390
    Abstract: A decorative strip (10; 40; 60; 80; 100; 120; 150; 180; 230; 260; 290) for ceramic, natural stone or synthetic coverings or coatings, in particular for the formation of walk-in showers with a sloped floor, comprising a decorative strip profile (12; 42; 62; 82; 102; 122; 152; 182; 232; 262; 292) having a visible decorative surface (16; 50; 70; 92; 142; 164; 196; 236; 274; 302), characterized in that the decorative strip (10; 40; 60; 80; 100; 120; 150; 180; 230; 260; 290) has a holding profile (14; 44; 64; 84; 104; 124; 154; 184; 234; 264; 294) in which the decorative strip profile (12; 42; 62; 82; 102; 122; 152; 182; 232; 262; 292) is retained height-adjustably so as to vary the height of its visible decorative surface (16; 50; 70; 92; 142; 164; 196; 236; 274; 302).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Schlueter-Systems KG
    Inventor: Werner Schlueter
  • Patent number: 8637842
    Abstract: A method of using automatic whole body personnel contamination monitors and/or means for decontaminating individuals exposed to radioactive material contamination is provided. The inventive method involves the use of these monitors and/or decontamination means in intermodal containers of mobile-unit structures dedicated to responding to radiological emergency situations. Also provided are such mobile-unit structures, as well as systems that employ such mobile-unit structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: UniTech Services Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie B. Case, III, Michael R. Fuller, Gregg A. Johnstone, Thomas Pearce O'Kelley, Glenn E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8596021
    Abstract: The invention is a modular wall system and floor system for bathrooms, gang showers or any other room space having at least one generally 90 degree room corner with a first wall panel on one of the two intersecting room walls of said room corner intersecting and joining to a second wall panel on the other intersecting room wall. Each embodiment of the invention features a plurality of spring clips that together with a plurality of globs of adhesive form a room corner attaching means for wall panels or other wall members that intersect one another in a generally 90 degree room corner that provides a tight, closely abutting fit between the adjacent, perpendicularly intersecting panels or members in the room corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Best Bath Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Van Ravenhorst
  • Publication number: 20130289501
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field skin treatment, in particular and deep pore cleansing and delivery of benefit agents deep inside the pores. The invention further relates to air-water jet devices for providing said skin treatment. Accordingly it is an object of the invention to provide for a device and process for deep pore skin cleansing, especially, a process for skin cleansing using reduced amounts of water. We have found that a skin cleaning device comprising an air-water jet, wherein the air and water are mixed outside the nozzle(s), provides improved cleansing of skin, including deep poor cleansing, with low usage of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Arpita Bhattacharya, Sudipta Ghosh Dastidar, Alagirisamy Nethaji, Rudra Saurabh Shresth, Narayanan Subrahmaniam
  • Publication number: 20130205493
    Abstract: Device for recirculating shower water: a mixing device is connected directly to the hot and cold water inlets, the cold water inlet is connected to a recirculation system; a pump is actuated while the cold water inlet is cut off. In such a device, the hot water flow rate is kept by the mixing device just high enough to compensate for the thermal losses of the water circulating through the system. Water losses are thus minimized to the strict requirement. Advantage: partial continual renewal of the shower water, unlike systems involving full recirculation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: DBJ IMMO
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Vigneron, Jean-Francois Mouget
  • Publication number: 20120328808
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer structure in which one or more layers contain an acrylic polymer, and one or more layers contain biopolymers. The acrylic polymer and biopolymer could be in different layers of the structure, or in the same layer ofteh structure. The combination of acrylic polymer and biopolymer in the same multi-layer structure provides improved properties, such as improved adhesion, improved mechanical properties, and improvements in the ease of manufacturing. An inner layer containing a biopolymer gains significantly improved UV resistance, abrasion resistance, and surface appearance, when covered with an outer acrylic layer. The multi-layer structure may be in the form of a sheet, a film, a tube or pipe, or a profile, and could used by itself or as a cap-layer over another substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Arkema France
    Inventors: Florence Mehlmann, Robert J. Barsotti, Charles C. Crabb, Thomas H. Richards, Steven B. Lacock, Mark A. Aubart
  • Publication number: 20120255114
    Abstract: An existing shower is retrofitted with a novel shower panel that uses the existing on/off water pressure and temperature control valve without any re-plumbing behind the shower wall. The shower panel includes a support frame, a diverter valve, a plurality of water jets, a side showerhead, a hand nozzle and an overhead showerhead. The support frame has an open side that faces the shower wall. A first tube connects the diverter valve to the plurality of water jets. A second tube is connected to the diverter valve at a first end and has a threaded connector at the second end. The threaded connector is adapted to connect to a shower water source after the existing shower pipe is removed. The first tube has a smaller diameter than does the second tube. The plurality of water jets are arranged within a square that is twenty-five centimeters on a side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Lifetouch Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Donald W. Reeves, Scott Reeves
  • Publication number: 20120248222
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable body spray including an adjustable spray assembly and an adjustable mounting assembly that, alone or in combination, ensure proper alignment of components of the body spray and adequate sealing between the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Evans, Terrence A. Pagano, Eric M. Weber
  • Patent number: 8196234
    Abstract: A shower installation with discharge nozzles for horizontal installation near the ceiling is constructed to be swiveled between a resting position and an active position, wherein at least a section of the discharge nozzles protrudes in the active position. To swivel the mounting of the shower device, an operating device is provided that swivels the shower device mounting via the force of water flowing to the shower devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventor: Guenter Glunk
  • Publication number: 20120061483
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hot/cold water supply system with an improved control part. Cold water that has remained in a pipe is re-circulated through a circulating water pipe and is re-supplied into and heated by a boiler rather than being discharged out of a faucet, and the temperature of the water is adjusted in a thermo-and-geared valve to a temperature preset by a user so that water with a low temperature deviation can be supplied to the user. Further, an excessive load is prevented from being applied to the thermo-and-geared valve. Water of different temperatures preset by users can be supplied to corresponding control zones. A sudden deviation in temperature can be prevented when the boiler re-ignites. When the temperature of water reaches a preset temperature, a control panel indicates it to the user on a display and/or by providing a sound, thus making it more convenient to use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: KISEUNG METAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yeong-Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 8104111
    Abstract: A shower device is proposed that features a fixed-installation housing. This housing can, for example, stand up from the floor and may extend beyond normal human body size. The housing is fitted with a shower arm that can be moved out of an inactive position. In the inactive position, the surface of the shower arm lies flush with the surface of the housing. The jet discharge area of a shower head arranged in the shower arm faces inwards, so that it is only possible to see a flat surface on the exterior of the housing. Through pressure on this surface, a catch mechanism is released and this causes the shower arm to move out of the housing. This is accomplished via a drive mechanism, which may feature a spring, for example. Extension is performed at a relatively slow speed, which can be achieved using a damper device. The shower arm moves to a position in which the now-visible jet discharge disc of the shower head can be used as an overhead shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventors: Juergen Gross, Elvira Mangold
  • Patent number: 8091158
    Abstract: A shower bathing apparatus is described as including a seat and a first water discharger provided rearward and upward in relation to the seat. The first water discharger is configured to discharge water in a direction forward of the seat. A water discharge direction from the first water discharger and a positional relationship between the first water discharger and the seat may be adjustable so that the water discharged from the first water discharger is able to reach the seat or forward of the seat. The water discharged from the first water discharger may further flow from above a seat occupant's shoulder to the seat occupant's leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Toto, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Sato, Yutaka Aihara, Tomohisa Kato
  • Patent number: 8037556
    Abstract: A shower cubicle panel comprises a main panel element (14) of composite construction with at least two layers of different material, and means for interconnecting the cubicle panel (10) to an adjacent panel (10) and a shower tray (80). A connector for adjacent shower cubicle panels comprises a first part (36), a second part (38). The first part (36) has a first elongate channel portion (22b) for receiving an edge of a first shower cubicle panel, and a male connector portion (42). The second part (38) has a second elongate channel portion (22b) for receiving an edge of a second shower cubicle panel, and a female connector portion (50) substantially complementarily shaped to receive the male connector portion (42). A sealing element (40) is interposable between the first and second parts (36, 38) for preventing their disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: DLP Limited
    Inventors: Graham Robin Lock, Robert William Stimpson, James Self
  • Publication number: 20110225722
    Abstract: Device for distributing shower water in a closed circuit designed for a shower having a shower pan, at least one element for spraying water, connected to a water supply network via a device for controlling water flow, whereby the device includes a set of intake element and redistribution element connected to at least one element for spraying water, provided with an element for starting and stopping, and an element for closing the outlet for draining the shower pan. The intake element includes an intake pump also positioned on the base of the shower pan so that the pump is able to draw in water from the shower pan and to feed it back, via the water redistribution element to the element suitable for spraying water, the pump being isolated from the shower space by being arranged in a housing provided in the shower pan or essentially at the raised edge thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jacques Valdenaire
  • Patent number: 7996933
    Abstract: A trap for recovering heat energy from a liquid has a chamber 7 with an internal baffle wall 45-48. An upper chamber opening 9 and a weir at an inlet end 13 of a discharge conduit 11 are on opposite sides of the baffle wall. Liquid fed into the chamber via the upper opening flows downward and under the baffle wall before flowing upward and over the weir to be discharged from the chamber through the discharge conduit. A second liquid flows through a heat exchange conduit 17-24. One preferred embodiment has a concentric arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical baffle walls alternating with a plurality of cylindrical chambers of the heat exchange conduit. A corresponding method of heat recovery is also claimed. In one preferred application, the trap is fitted into the base or floor tray of a shower for recovery of heat energy from waste shower water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Garth Kennedy McGregor
  • Patent number: 7987533
    Abstract: A shower water construction system for a child/user, which also functions as a showering system and utilizes a pre-existing bath/shower unit as a supporting structure. The construction system comprises a main control valve to divert water from a pre-existing shower water pipe stem, a pressure regulator to limit water pressure to downstream components, child/user control and diverter valves to allow for turning the system off and on and allocating water flow between components, semi-rigid and flexible pipe, “Y” connectors and suction cups and brackets. Other components, such as a hand-held sprayer, spraying bathtub mat and spraying shower curtain may also be integrated/connected into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Aquastruct, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Phipps, Lori A. Phipps, Travis Lontz, Brian Spaeth
  • Patent number: 7954182
    Abstract: Washroom designed for taking a shower which comprises a water intake and a drain for wastewater, and includes an accessory representing a removable bathtub wall. A mechanism is provided for locking and for pressing on the outer surface of the accessory when in a bathtub wall configuration to ensure that it is strong and watertight. The locking mechanism is an element which takes up a horizontal position on the floor in a shower configuration of the washroom, and a substantially vertical position in a bathtub configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Virgile Habegger
  • Publication number: 20110107512
    Abstract: A heat exchanger device (1) such as for use in recovering heat from shower waste water includes a casing base (2) and lid (3) forming an enclosure containing a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit (5), the second conduit being for fresh water supply and located in the first conduit, the second conduit having conduit sections in a serpentine path through the first conduit, the first and second conduits being arranged generally for counter-flow heat exchange with the second conduit having elongate sections configured generally transverse to a flow direction through the first conduit, the first conduit having baffles at an inlet and an outlet thereof for keeping the second conduit submerged in the first conduit, the device being provided with a foot or bodyweight operated actuation valve for actuating fresh water supply through the first conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7900293
    Abstract: A shower bathing apparatus includes: a concave seat; and a water discharger provided rearwardly and upwardly to the seat and configured to discharge water in a forward direction of the seat. A water discharge direction from the water discharger and positional relationship between the water discharger and the seat are adjusted so that at least part of the discharged water directly reaches the seat with no seat occupant seated on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Toto, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Sato, Yutaka Aihara, Tomohisa Kato, Hiroyoshi Matsushita, Minami Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7895685
    Abstract: A soaking basin is provided having a disposable liner and a base unit. The liner defines an air chamber and a plurality of apertures defined in a floor of the liner. The base unit includes an air blower system connected to the liner such that air is forced out the apertures of the liner into the liquid. The liner can further include a water-soluble coating of soaking additives adhered thereto. In this manner, the liner and the base unit cooperatively provide a therapeutic soak, even in a salon setting, without sacrificing hygienic practices. Moreover, the basin is cost-effective to manufacture and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Footsie Bath LLC
    Inventors: Genya Vinokur, Sasha Vinokur, Michael Vinokur
  • Patent number: 7849530
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a household heat recovery device and more specifically to a wastewater heat recovery unit, which absorbs residual heat from the water flowing onto the floor and down the drain of an ordinary household shower or bathtub unit. In one embodiment, the heat recovery device adapts for ease-of-use and enables quick set-up in most existing and typical showers or bathtubs without any tools and without coupling to the existing plumbing. Internal passages direct the effluent shower water through a serpentine path to a discharge drain. Over time, the heat transferred from the water to the device then radiates into the environment—thus reducing the total energy cost for a household by reducing the thermal load on the main heating unit for the household.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Craig Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20100257670
    Abstract: The shower head comprises a housing (2) and a valve (V) disposed therein, said valve having a valve body (14) that is disposed in a water channel (33). The valve body is connected to an actuating body (3) and interacts with at least one valve seat (24, 25) for closing and/or opening or switching the water channel (33). A pulsator wheel (38) can be connected to the water channel (33) and is detachably locked to a switching body (40) that is operatively connected to the actuating body (3). The actuating body (3) is supported on the housing (2) rotatably about a longitudinal axis (45) of the valve body (14) and thus connected to the switching body (40) such that it can be adjusted with a rotational movement of the actuating body (3) about the longitudinal axis (45) in order to lock or release the pulsator wheel (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: WEIDMANN PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Benjamin Hodel, Paul Paul Bösch