CA2367573C - Flexible arm assembly - Google Patents
Flexible arm assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2367573C CA2367573C CA002367573A CA2367573A CA2367573C CA 2367573 C CA2367573 C CA 2367573C CA 002367573 A CA002367573 A CA 002367573A CA 2367573 A CA2367573 A CA 2367573A CA 2367573 C CA2367573 C CA 2367573C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bead
- arm assembly
- flexible arm
- overmold
- internal wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/021—Devices for positioning or connecting of water supply lines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
- F16L11/14—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rigid material, e.g. metal or hard plastics
- F16L11/18—Articulated hoses, e.g. composed of a series of rings
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S138/00—Pipes and tubular conduits
- Y10S138/08—Bent shaped retained
Abstract
A bead and interconnecting bead structure for use in a flexible arm assembly having improved interface characteristics allowing for simple, quiet adjustment of the structure in three dimensions, while simultaneously increasing the weight of object the arm assembly can support. The interface characteristics are improved by utilizing two different materials at the area of contact between two adjacent beads.
Description
FLEXIBLE ARM ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a flexible ann assembly and more particularly to an interconnecting bead structure usefiil, for example, as a flexible shower arm assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Flexible arm assemblies, such as assemblies that allow for variable positioning of a showerhead in three dimensions, are known in the art. One such shower arm assembly utilizes beads having a ball and socket design in which the ball end of the bead is adapted to interconnect with the socket end of an adjacent bead.
This interconnecting ball and socket bead structure provides for adjustability in three dimensions, and also provides support for showerheads. The support for the showerhead results from the friction between the adjacent beads. A limitation of this design, and others, is the weight of the showerhead. With showerhead design constantly changing, it would be desirable to provide a flexible shower arm that was strong enough to support much heavier showerheads while still providing for simple adjustability by the user. One method of increasing the load the shower arm is capable of supporting is to increase the friction between the beads. Tightening the fit between the adjacent beads generally increases the friction.
Unfortunately, however, tightening this fit can introduce an annoying "squeaking" noise resulting from the rubbing of the materials of the adjacent beads. This "squeaking" is unacceptable for commercially viable products and therefore is an unacceptable shortcoming inherent in current flexible shower arm designs.
I
Thus, there is a need in the art for an adjustable interconnecting bead structure that is capable of supporting heavier loads and that is easily adjustable and does not squeak while a user adjusts the structure to its desired position. More particularly, there is a need in the art for an adjustable arm assembly capable of supporting showerheads weighing about one pound or more. The present invention solves these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention in general terms concerns a bead assembly, or a plurality of beads, for an interconnecting bead structure, or flexible arm assembly.
According to one embodiment, a flexible arm assembly is provided having a first bead having a first end and a second bead having a second end. The first end has an external surface and the second end of the second bead has an opening defining an internal wall, or recess, adapted to receive the first end of the first bead. An overmold surface is disposed between the external surface of the first bead and the internal wall of the second bead creating a friction relationship between the first bead and the second bead sufficient to maintain the flexible arm assembly in a fixed orientation. These beads may be connected in any combination to yield a complete interconnecting bead structure useful in various applications, including for example flexible shower arms and sink water faucets. The overmold surface covers substantially all of the area of contact between the first bead and the second bead. The overmold surface can also be in the form of at least one strip or at least one tab.
In another embodiment, an interconnecting bead unit is provided having a first bead made from a first material and a second bead made from a second material movably connected to the first bead. The interconnecting bead units may be connected in any combination to yield a complete flexible shower arm. The first material is generally different from the second material.
In another embodiment, a bead for a flexible arm assembly is provided a first end having an external surface and a second end having recess, or opening, adapted to receive the first end of the bead. The first end is made from a first material and the second end is made from a second material. These beads may be connected in any combination to yield a complete flexible arm assembly.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a flexible ann assembly and more particularly to an interconnecting bead structure usefiil, for example, as a flexible shower arm assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Flexible arm assemblies, such as assemblies that allow for variable positioning of a showerhead in three dimensions, are known in the art. One such shower arm assembly utilizes beads having a ball and socket design in which the ball end of the bead is adapted to interconnect with the socket end of an adjacent bead.
This interconnecting ball and socket bead structure provides for adjustability in three dimensions, and also provides support for showerheads. The support for the showerhead results from the friction between the adjacent beads. A limitation of this design, and others, is the weight of the showerhead. With showerhead design constantly changing, it would be desirable to provide a flexible shower arm that was strong enough to support much heavier showerheads while still providing for simple adjustability by the user. One method of increasing the load the shower arm is capable of supporting is to increase the friction between the beads. Tightening the fit between the adjacent beads generally increases the friction.
Unfortunately, however, tightening this fit can introduce an annoying "squeaking" noise resulting from the rubbing of the materials of the adjacent beads. This "squeaking" is unacceptable for commercially viable products and therefore is an unacceptable shortcoming inherent in current flexible shower arm designs.
I
Thus, there is a need in the art for an adjustable interconnecting bead structure that is capable of supporting heavier loads and that is easily adjustable and does not squeak while a user adjusts the structure to its desired position. More particularly, there is a need in the art for an adjustable arm assembly capable of supporting showerheads weighing about one pound or more. The present invention solves these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention in general terms concerns a bead assembly, or a plurality of beads, for an interconnecting bead structure, or flexible arm assembly.
According to one embodiment, a flexible arm assembly is provided having a first bead having a first end and a second bead having a second end. The first end has an external surface and the second end of the second bead has an opening defining an internal wall, or recess, adapted to receive the first end of the first bead. An overmold surface is disposed between the external surface of the first bead and the internal wall of the second bead creating a friction relationship between the first bead and the second bead sufficient to maintain the flexible arm assembly in a fixed orientation. These beads may be connected in any combination to yield a complete interconnecting bead structure useful in various applications, including for example flexible shower arms and sink water faucets. The overmold surface covers substantially all of the area of contact between the first bead and the second bead. The overmold surface can also be in the form of at least one strip or at least one tab.
In another embodiment, an interconnecting bead unit is provided having a first bead made from a first material and a second bead made from a second material movably connected to the first bead. The interconnecting bead units may be connected in any combination to yield a complete flexible shower arm. The first material is generally different from the second material.
In another embodiment, a bead for a flexible arm assembly is provided a first end having an external surface and a second end having recess, or opening, adapted to receive the first end of the bead. The first end is made from a first material and the second end is made from a second material. These beads may be connected in any combination to yield a complete flexible arm assembly.
Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, and from the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a shower stall having a flexible shower assembly incorporating one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a partial exploded view of the flexible arm assembly and the protective sheath in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a section view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2, showing a bead in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a section view of two beads, each similar to that shown in Fig. 3, interconnected to form an interconnected series of beads in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is an interconnected series of beads in an angled orientation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a section view, similar to that shown in Fig. 3, of a bead having an overmold surface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7a is a section view of a bead, similar to that shown in Fig. 6, having horizontal overmold strips in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7b is a bottom perspective view of a bead having axially aligned overmold strips in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7c is a bottom perspective view of a bead having an overmold surface comprised of dots in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view of interconnecting beads where two beads are made of separate materials in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective view of interconnecting beads where each of the two beads has a larger end made of a first material and a smaller end made of a second material in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a shower stall having a flexible shower assembly incorporating one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a partial exploded view of the flexible arm assembly and the protective sheath in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a section view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2, showing a bead in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a section view of two beads, each similar to that shown in Fig. 3, interconnected to form an interconnected series of beads in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is an interconnected series of beads in an angled orientation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a section view, similar to that shown in Fig. 3, of a bead having an overmold surface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7a is a section view of a bead, similar to that shown in Fig. 6, having horizontal overmold strips in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7b is a bottom perspective view of a bead having axially aligned overmold strips in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7c is a bottom perspective view of a bead having an overmold surface comprised of dots in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view of interconnecting beads where two beads are made of separate materials in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective view of interconnecting beads where each of the two beads has a larger end made of a first material and a smaller end made of a second material in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In general, the present invention is directed to flexible arm assemblies 20 useful in connection with a water source to provide for semi-permanent adjustment of the direction of water flow from the water source. Typical uses include flexible shower arms 20 as shown in Fig. I in which a showerhead 22 is connected to the flexible arm 20, which is in turn connected to a water supply pipe 24. Although the embodiment of the present invention are described with respect to shower assemblies, it is to be understood that the flexible arm assembly 20 can be used in various applications where adj ustability of the delivery of a water source is desirable, such as sink water faucets, bath tub faucets, drinking water faucets, etc.
Referring to Fig. 2, the flexible arm assembly 20 includes a plurality of beads 26 which are designed to be interconnected together. To protect the flexible arm assembly, a sheath 28 is provided that encompasses the length of the flexible shower arm 20 and extends from the shower pipe 24 to the base of the showerhead 22 and is attached at both ends to hold the sheath 28 in place. The sheath 28 protects the arm assembly 20 from moisture, dirt and other contaminants which may affect the performance of the flexible shower arm 20, particularly "squeaking." The sheath 28 has a helical coi130 and moves separately from the beads 26 to allow it to bend with the reconfiguration of the arm 20, and to stretch axially to some extent. The sheath 28 is dimensioned to slide over the outside of the flexible arm assembly 20. A retainer 32 is also provided to facilitate attachment of the sheath 28 to the water supply pipe 24 andlor showerhead 22.
The flexible arm 20 is made of a plurality of beads 26 attached together. Each bead 26 is pivotable and movable with respect to each of the adjacent beads. The number of beads connected together determines the length of the flexible arm assembly 20. A
more detailed description of a flexible shower arm, including its connection to a shower pipe 24 and a showerhead 22 is provided in United States Patent No. 6,164,569 ("the `569 patent"), issuing on December 26, 2000 to the assignee of this application.
Fig. 3 shows an exemplary bead 26 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Each bead has a larger end 34 and a smaller end 36, with a tapered neck area 38 defined between the two ends 34 and 36. Each bead 26 defines an internal cavity 40 extending therethrough, and when interconnected with other beads, forms a continuous {
internal conduit that extends along the entire length of the flexible arm assembly 20. The internal cavity 40 formed through the bead 26 defines a recess 42 at the larger end 34 of the bead 26 and an opening 44 at the smaller end 36 of the bead 26. The external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 of the bead 26 is substantially spherical.in shape.
Likewise, the internal wall 48 of the recess 42 in the larger end 34 is also substantially spherical in shape so that the smaller end 36 of a first bead may be received in the larger end 34 of a second bead in a friction-creating relationship to make the beads 26 stay in virtually any desired interconnected position relative to one another. Any number of beads 26 can be attached together in this manner.
While the embodiments shown in this application include corresponding spherical shaped ends, any corresponding shapes that create a frictional relationship between each adjacent, interconnected bead can be used. In any event, the result is a pivotable and movable joint formed between adjacent connected beads, having an area of contact 50 between two beads 26 as shown in Fig. 4. "Area of contact" for purposes of this application means all or part of the area of the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 of one bead 26 that is actually, or potentially, in contact with the internal wall 48 of the recess 42 of the larger end 34 (in any relative orientation and or at any single relative orientation) of another bead 26 when two beads are interconnected. For example, in the situation where the external surface of the bead is substantially spherical, the area of contact 50 extends over the entire external surface (see Figs. 4 and 6). Thus, when two beads are interconnected and adjusted to a position as shown in Fig. 5, the area of contact 50 can extend beyond the edge of the internal wall 48 of the recess 42. The area of contact 50 which creates the friction relationship is typically the majority of the surface area of the curved interface between the internal wall 48 of the larger end 34 and the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 when two beads 26 are interconnected; however, it is possible because of construction tolerances or bead construction that the area of contact 50 between the beads 26 is less than the entire surface area of the interface between the interconnected beads.
In order to prevent the beads 26 from separating when they are pivoted too far in any direction, each bead is provided with a center lock ring 52 as shown in Figs.
3 and 4. More details pertaining to this center lock ring 52 are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,449,206. This feature is helpful to the performance of the flexible arm assembly 20 made of interconnected beads 26, but is not necessary for the practice of this invention.
Once two adjacent beads 26 are interconnected, an interconnecting bead unit 54;is formed. The interconnecting bead unit 54 may be two or more beads 26 connected together.
The overall length of the flexible arm assembly 20 therefore depends on the number of interconnecting bead units 54 combined together. Fig 5 shows a section of an interconnecting bead unit 54 irt a shaped position.
The beads 26 are preferably formed by inj ection molding by methods that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As will be discussed below, the materials used can vary.
Referring back to Fig. 3, the shape of the cavity 40 formed in the large end 34 of the bead 26 is appropriately sized to tightly receive the smaller end 36 of an adjacent bead 26 such that the beads 26 can rotate and pivot with respect to one another under the force of the user. However, the fit is sufficiently tight to create adequate friction between the larger end 34 of a first bead 26 and the smaller end 36 of a second bead 26 to maintain the relative positions of the beads 26 once the flexible arm assembly 20 is shaped by a user. Friction can be increased by increasing the size of the smaller end 36 in relation to the larger end 34, or conversely, decreasing the size of the larger end 34 in relation to the smaller end 36. In either event, the result is a tighter fit between the beads 26, which subsequently allows for the arm assembly 20 to support objects, such as showerheads, with a greater weight.
Unfortunately, siunply increasing the amount of friction between adjacent beads 26 of the same material can introduce an extremely unpleasant "squeaking" to the arm assembly 20. This "squeaking"
is undesirable for a viable commercial product. Additionally, there is a practical limit in which the friction cannot be increased. At some point the sizes of the external surface of the smaller end and the recess of the larger end so closely approach one another that the beads will not lock together: At this point, the beads may also cease to be adjustable by the ordinary force of a user.
The present invention contemplates utilizing two separate materials at the area of contact 50 between the larger end 34 of a bead 26 and the smaller end 36 of an alternate bead 26 (as shown in Fig. 4), to significantly reduce the annoying "squeaking"
while simultaneously allowing for the adequate level of friction required for supporting heavier objects.
In general, the present invention is directed to flexible arm assemblies 20 useful in connection with a water source to provide for semi-permanent adjustment of the direction of water flow from the water source. Typical uses include flexible shower arms 20 as shown in Fig. I in which a showerhead 22 is connected to the flexible arm 20, which is in turn connected to a water supply pipe 24. Although the embodiment of the present invention are described with respect to shower assemblies, it is to be understood that the flexible arm assembly 20 can be used in various applications where adj ustability of the delivery of a water source is desirable, such as sink water faucets, bath tub faucets, drinking water faucets, etc.
Referring to Fig. 2, the flexible arm assembly 20 includes a plurality of beads 26 which are designed to be interconnected together. To protect the flexible arm assembly, a sheath 28 is provided that encompasses the length of the flexible shower arm 20 and extends from the shower pipe 24 to the base of the showerhead 22 and is attached at both ends to hold the sheath 28 in place. The sheath 28 protects the arm assembly 20 from moisture, dirt and other contaminants which may affect the performance of the flexible shower arm 20, particularly "squeaking." The sheath 28 has a helical coi130 and moves separately from the beads 26 to allow it to bend with the reconfiguration of the arm 20, and to stretch axially to some extent. The sheath 28 is dimensioned to slide over the outside of the flexible arm assembly 20. A retainer 32 is also provided to facilitate attachment of the sheath 28 to the water supply pipe 24 andlor showerhead 22.
The flexible arm 20 is made of a plurality of beads 26 attached together. Each bead 26 is pivotable and movable with respect to each of the adjacent beads. The number of beads connected together determines the length of the flexible arm assembly 20. A
more detailed description of a flexible shower arm, including its connection to a shower pipe 24 and a showerhead 22 is provided in United States Patent No. 6,164,569 ("the `569 patent"), issuing on December 26, 2000 to the assignee of this application.
Fig. 3 shows an exemplary bead 26 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Each bead has a larger end 34 and a smaller end 36, with a tapered neck area 38 defined between the two ends 34 and 36. Each bead 26 defines an internal cavity 40 extending therethrough, and when interconnected with other beads, forms a continuous {
internal conduit that extends along the entire length of the flexible arm assembly 20. The internal cavity 40 formed through the bead 26 defines a recess 42 at the larger end 34 of the bead 26 and an opening 44 at the smaller end 36 of the bead 26. The external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 of the bead 26 is substantially spherical.in shape.
Likewise, the internal wall 48 of the recess 42 in the larger end 34 is also substantially spherical in shape so that the smaller end 36 of a first bead may be received in the larger end 34 of a second bead in a friction-creating relationship to make the beads 26 stay in virtually any desired interconnected position relative to one another. Any number of beads 26 can be attached together in this manner.
While the embodiments shown in this application include corresponding spherical shaped ends, any corresponding shapes that create a frictional relationship between each adjacent, interconnected bead can be used. In any event, the result is a pivotable and movable joint formed between adjacent connected beads, having an area of contact 50 between two beads 26 as shown in Fig. 4. "Area of contact" for purposes of this application means all or part of the area of the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 of one bead 26 that is actually, or potentially, in contact with the internal wall 48 of the recess 42 of the larger end 34 (in any relative orientation and or at any single relative orientation) of another bead 26 when two beads are interconnected. For example, in the situation where the external surface of the bead is substantially spherical, the area of contact 50 extends over the entire external surface (see Figs. 4 and 6). Thus, when two beads are interconnected and adjusted to a position as shown in Fig. 5, the area of contact 50 can extend beyond the edge of the internal wall 48 of the recess 42. The area of contact 50 which creates the friction relationship is typically the majority of the surface area of the curved interface between the internal wall 48 of the larger end 34 and the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 when two beads 26 are interconnected; however, it is possible because of construction tolerances or bead construction that the area of contact 50 between the beads 26 is less than the entire surface area of the interface between the interconnected beads.
In order to prevent the beads 26 from separating when they are pivoted too far in any direction, each bead is provided with a center lock ring 52 as shown in Figs.
3 and 4. More details pertaining to this center lock ring 52 are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,449,206. This feature is helpful to the performance of the flexible arm assembly 20 made of interconnected beads 26, but is not necessary for the practice of this invention.
Once two adjacent beads 26 are interconnected, an interconnecting bead unit 54;is formed. The interconnecting bead unit 54 may be two or more beads 26 connected together.
The overall length of the flexible arm assembly 20 therefore depends on the number of interconnecting bead units 54 combined together. Fig 5 shows a section of an interconnecting bead unit 54 irt a shaped position.
The beads 26 are preferably formed by inj ection molding by methods that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As will be discussed below, the materials used can vary.
Referring back to Fig. 3, the shape of the cavity 40 formed in the large end 34 of the bead 26 is appropriately sized to tightly receive the smaller end 36 of an adjacent bead 26 such that the beads 26 can rotate and pivot with respect to one another under the force of the user. However, the fit is sufficiently tight to create adequate friction between the larger end 34 of a first bead 26 and the smaller end 36 of a second bead 26 to maintain the relative positions of the beads 26 once the flexible arm assembly 20 is shaped by a user. Friction can be increased by increasing the size of the smaller end 36 in relation to the larger end 34, or conversely, decreasing the size of the larger end 34 in relation to the smaller end 36. In either event, the result is a tighter fit between the beads 26, which subsequently allows for the arm assembly 20 to support objects, such as showerheads, with a greater weight.
Unfortunately, siunply increasing the amount of friction between adjacent beads 26 of the same material can introduce an extremely unpleasant "squeaking" to the arm assembly 20. This "squeaking"
is undesirable for a viable commercial product. Additionally, there is a practical limit in which the friction cannot be increased. At some point the sizes of the external surface of the smaller end and the recess of the larger end so closely approach one another that the beads will not lock together: At this point, the beads may also cease to be adjustable by the ordinary force of a user.
The present invention contemplates utilizing two separate materials at the area of contact 50 between the larger end 34 of a bead 26 and the smaller end 36 of an alternate bead 26 (as shown in Fig. 4), to significantly reduce the annoying "squeaking"
while simultaneously allowing for the adequate level of friction required for supporting heavier objects.
The different materials used for this purpose are typically selected based on the hardness characteristics of the materials. It is believed the interaction of a softer material with that of a harder material at the area of contact 50 helps to eliminate the "squeaking"
problem. The materials may be separate thermoplastic materials (e.g., nylon and polyacetal), teflon-filled polyacetal and non-filled polyacetal, a thermoplastic material and a thermoplastic elastomeric material (i.e., polyacetal and rubber), a combination of different metals and plastics, a combination of metals, or any other suitable combination of materials having different hardness properties. For plastics the difference is often measured by determining a material's Shore "A" hardness. This concept may be implemented in numerous ways, several of which are described in more detail in the embodiments below.
Where metal is used, the metal can be stainless steel, brass, or the like. The metal used can be an injection-moldable metal (such as in a powder form with a polymer carrier) so that bead structures can be formed. Alternatively, the bead structures can be machined.
In accordance with one embodiment and as shown in Fig. 6, a bead 26 is provided having an overmold surface 56 disposed about the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36, at least on all or part of the contact surface 50. The material and/or the thickness of the overmold surface is selected to increase the amount of friction between the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 (ball) and the internal surface 48 of the larger end 34 (socket) of an adjacent bead 26 when the two beads 26 are interconnected. Generally the thickness is in the range of 0.040" to 0.050". This overmold material is preferably a thermoplastic rubber.
Thermoplastic rubbers include, for example, santoprene rubber and monoprene rubber or any suitable thermoplastic rubber with a Shore "A" hardness range of 40-90.
The overmold surface 56 need not completely surround the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 (as shown in Fig. 6) but may also be disposed over a portion of the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 in various configurations. The overmold surface 56 can be disposed over less than 75% of the external surface, or even less than 50% of the external surface. In any event, the overmold material and configuration should be selected to provide the strength necessary to support the desired object and allow for adjustment by the user without the unacceptable squeaking found in other designs.
Suitable configurations include strips that extend circumferentially around the surface of the bead 26 or that extend axially along the surface of the bead 26. The strips can be continuous or can have partial interruptions crea.ting a dashed-line effect.
The strips can extend in any configuration or any direction. The strips can extend in non-linear patterns, such as sinusoidal patterns_ The overmold can also be composed of a number of polygonal or circular dots or tabs. Figs. 7a-7c show exemplary configurations of the overmold surface 56. It is to be understood, however, that any configuration of overmold surface 56 is contemplated by this embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 7a is a section v~ew of a bead 26 according to one embodiment having a larger end 34 and a smaller end 36 having an external surface 46. The extenaal surface 46 has linear, circumferential strips around the surface of the bead 26 forming an overmold surface 56. The strips are continuous but can also be in the form of dashed lines or patterned lines.
In this embodiment, the strips 58 may also be placed on the internal surface 48 of the larger end 34 as opposed to the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36.
Fig. 7b is a bottom perspective view of a bead 26 according to another embodiment having a larger end and a smaller end 3 6 having an external surface 46. The external surface 46 has axially extending strips 60 on the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 forming an overmold surface 56. The axially extending strips 60 are continuous but can also be in the form of dashed lines or patterned lines. In this embodiment, the axially extending strips 60 may also be placed on the intern.al surface 48 of the larger end 34.
Fig. 7c is a bottom perspective view of a bead 26 according to another embodiment having a larger end 34 and a smaller end having an external surface 46. The external surface 46 has a plurality of polygonal shaped tabs 62 around the surface 46 of the smaller end 36 thereby creating an overmold surface 56. The tabs 62 can be applied to the smaller end 36 in any predetermined pattern, or in a random configuration. In this embodiment, the tabs 62 may also be placed on the internal surface 48 of the larger end 34.
The use of strips 58, 60, or tabs 62, as shown for example in Figs. 7a-c, allows for the amount of friction at the area of contact 50 to be varied in accordance with strength requirements of a particular interconnecting bead structure 20. Preferably, the overmold surface 56 is the softer material; however, it may also be the harder material. As discussed with respect to Figs. 7a-c, it is also contemplated that the overmold surface 56 can be disposed about the internal surface 48 of the larger end 34.
problem. The materials may be separate thermoplastic materials (e.g., nylon and polyacetal), teflon-filled polyacetal and non-filled polyacetal, a thermoplastic material and a thermoplastic elastomeric material (i.e., polyacetal and rubber), a combination of different metals and plastics, a combination of metals, or any other suitable combination of materials having different hardness properties. For plastics the difference is often measured by determining a material's Shore "A" hardness. This concept may be implemented in numerous ways, several of which are described in more detail in the embodiments below.
Where metal is used, the metal can be stainless steel, brass, or the like. The metal used can be an injection-moldable metal (such as in a powder form with a polymer carrier) so that bead structures can be formed. Alternatively, the bead structures can be machined.
In accordance with one embodiment and as shown in Fig. 6, a bead 26 is provided having an overmold surface 56 disposed about the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36, at least on all or part of the contact surface 50. The material and/or the thickness of the overmold surface is selected to increase the amount of friction between the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 (ball) and the internal surface 48 of the larger end 34 (socket) of an adjacent bead 26 when the two beads 26 are interconnected. Generally the thickness is in the range of 0.040" to 0.050". This overmold material is preferably a thermoplastic rubber.
Thermoplastic rubbers include, for example, santoprene rubber and monoprene rubber or any suitable thermoplastic rubber with a Shore "A" hardness range of 40-90.
The overmold surface 56 need not completely surround the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 (as shown in Fig. 6) but may also be disposed over a portion of the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 in various configurations. The overmold surface 56 can be disposed over less than 75% of the external surface, or even less than 50% of the external surface. In any event, the overmold material and configuration should be selected to provide the strength necessary to support the desired object and allow for adjustment by the user without the unacceptable squeaking found in other designs.
Suitable configurations include strips that extend circumferentially around the surface of the bead 26 or that extend axially along the surface of the bead 26. The strips can be continuous or can have partial interruptions crea.ting a dashed-line effect.
The strips can extend in any configuration or any direction. The strips can extend in non-linear patterns, such as sinusoidal patterns_ The overmold can also be composed of a number of polygonal or circular dots or tabs. Figs. 7a-7c show exemplary configurations of the overmold surface 56. It is to be understood, however, that any configuration of overmold surface 56 is contemplated by this embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 7a is a section v~ew of a bead 26 according to one embodiment having a larger end 34 and a smaller end 36 having an external surface 46. The extenaal surface 46 has linear, circumferential strips around the surface of the bead 26 forming an overmold surface 56. The strips are continuous but can also be in the form of dashed lines or patterned lines.
In this embodiment, the strips 58 may also be placed on the internal surface 48 of the larger end 34 as opposed to the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36.
Fig. 7b is a bottom perspective view of a bead 26 according to another embodiment having a larger end and a smaller end 3 6 having an external surface 46. The external surface 46 has axially extending strips 60 on the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 forming an overmold surface 56. The axially extending strips 60 are continuous but can also be in the form of dashed lines or patterned lines. In this embodiment, the axially extending strips 60 may also be placed on the intern.al surface 48 of the larger end 34.
Fig. 7c is a bottom perspective view of a bead 26 according to another embodiment having a larger end 34 and a smaller end having an external surface 46. The external surface 46 has a plurality of polygonal shaped tabs 62 around the surface 46 of the smaller end 36 thereby creating an overmold surface 56. The tabs 62 can be applied to the smaller end 36 in any predetermined pattern, or in a random configuration. In this embodiment, the tabs 62 may also be placed on the internal surface 48 of the larger end 34.
The use of strips 58, 60, or tabs 62, as shown for example in Figs. 7a-c, allows for the amount of friction at the area of contact 50 to be varied in accordance with strength requirements of a particular interconnecting bead structure 20. Preferably, the overmold surface 56 is the softer material; however, it may also be the harder material. As discussed with respect to Figs. 7a-c, it is also contemplated that the overmold surface 56 can be disposed about the internal surface 48 of the larger end 34.
A bead 26 with an overmold surface 56 is preferably formed by "two shot"
injection molding. This "two shot" process is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In accordance with another embodiment as shown in Fig. 8, an "interconnecting bead unit" 54 is provided having at least two separate beads 26 and 26' constructed according to the structure described above and shown in Fig. 3, but where the first bead 26 is made of a first material such as polyacetal, nylon, teflon-tilled polyacetal, metal, or any other suitable material, and a second bead 26', which is composed of a different second material with hardness properties different from the first material. If the bead unit 54 includes more than two beads, then each bead is made_ of a material different from the adjacent end. The second material may be polyacetal, nylon, teflon-filled polyacetal, metal or any other suitable material. In the case where both materials are plastics, it is preferred that the difference in measured Shore "A" hardness between the two materials is at least 5. The beads are then interconnected creating the interconnecting bead unit 54 such that the first material and second material alternate. These interconnecting bead units 54 then may be connected to other units 54 to provide a complete flexible arm assembly 20 capable of providing the desired strength and greatly reducing any "squeaking." Any number of materials may be selected for such units, so long as no two adjacent beads 26 within a flexible arm assembly are made of the same material. In alternate embodiments, the beads 26 and 26' may be manufactured using a metal material and a thermoplastic material or two separate metal 20 materials.
In accordance with another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, there is provided a single bead 26 made of at least two separate materials 70 and 72. For instance, the larger end 34 of the bead 26 is made of a first material 70, and the smaller end 36 of the same bead is made of a second material 72. Thus, when multiple beads 26 are connected to one another, the second material 72, located in the smaller end 36 interacts at the area of contact 50 with the first material 70 located in the larger end 34 of the adjaeent bead thereby allowing an increased level of friction and greatly reducing the "squeaking." This embodiment provides the additional benefit of only requiring the manufacture of one type of bead 26 for a flexible ann assembly 20.
Any of the above-described embodiments can be utilized to create a flexible arm assembly 20, which simultaneously provides adjustable support for heavier objects while * Trade-mark eliminating the annoying "squeaking" noises commonly encountered when using beads manufactured from the same materials.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the shower arm assembly 20 is about six inches in length. Most preferably, the amount of friction necessary between the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 and the internal surface 48 of the larger end 34 of the beads within the shower arm 20 must be sufficient to support about a one-pound showerhead 22 with the center of gravity about one foot from the connection with the shower pipe 24.
Other lengths and showerhead weights can be accommodated with the appropriate design parameters including materials, ball and socket clearances, and overmold surface design.
The entire flexible arm need not be made of the different beads as described herein.
It is contemplated that only the beads at the location of the highest load need to be made according to the present invention.
The invention has been described in detail while making reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, since it is known that others skilled in the art will, upon learning of the invention, readily visualize yet other embodiments of the invention that are within the spirit and scope of the invention, it is not intended that the above description be taken as a limitation on the spirit and scope of this invention.
injection molding. This "two shot" process is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In accordance with another embodiment as shown in Fig. 8, an "interconnecting bead unit" 54 is provided having at least two separate beads 26 and 26' constructed according to the structure described above and shown in Fig. 3, but where the first bead 26 is made of a first material such as polyacetal, nylon, teflon-tilled polyacetal, metal, or any other suitable material, and a second bead 26', which is composed of a different second material with hardness properties different from the first material. If the bead unit 54 includes more than two beads, then each bead is made_ of a material different from the adjacent end. The second material may be polyacetal, nylon, teflon-filled polyacetal, metal or any other suitable material. In the case where both materials are plastics, it is preferred that the difference in measured Shore "A" hardness between the two materials is at least 5. The beads are then interconnected creating the interconnecting bead unit 54 such that the first material and second material alternate. These interconnecting bead units 54 then may be connected to other units 54 to provide a complete flexible arm assembly 20 capable of providing the desired strength and greatly reducing any "squeaking." Any number of materials may be selected for such units, so long as no two adjacent beads 26 within a flexible arm assembly are made of the same material. In alternate embodiments, the beads 26 and 26' may be manufactured using a metal material and a thermoplastic material or two separate metal 20 materials.
In accordance with another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, there is provided a single bead 26 made of at least two separate materials 70 and 72. For instance, the larger end 34 of the bead 26 is made of a first material 70, and the smaller end 36 of the same bead is made of a second material 72. Thus, when multiple beads 26 are connected to one another, the second material 72, located in the smaller end 36 interacts at the area of contact 50 with the first material 70 located in the larger end 34 of the adjaeent bead thereby allowing an increased level of friction and greatly reducing the "squeaking." This embodiment provides the additional benefit of only requiring the manufacture of one type of bead 26 for a flexible ann assembly 20.
Any of the above-described embodiments can be utilized to create a flexible arm assembly 20, which simultaneously provides adjustable support for heavier objects while * Trade-mark eliminating the annoying "squeaking" noises commonly encountered when using beads manufactured from the same materials.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the shower arm assembly 20 is about six inches in length. Most preferably, the amount of friction necessary between the external surface 46 of the smaller end 36 and the internal surface 48 of the larger end 34 of the beads within the shower arm 20 must be sufficient to support about a one-pound showerhead 22 with the center of gravity about one foot from the connection with the shower pipe 24.
Other lengths and showerhead weights can be accommodated with the appropriate design parameters including materials, ball and socket clearances, and overmold surface design.
The entire flexible arm need not be made of the different beads as described herein.
It is contemplated that only the beads at the location of the highest load need to be made according to the present invention.
The invention has been described in detail while making reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, since it is known that others skilled in the art will, upon learning of the invention, readily visualize yet other embodiments of the invention that are within the spirit and scope of the invention, it is not intended that the above description be taken as a limitation on the spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (27)
1. A flexible arm assembly comprising:
a first bead having a smaller end, said smaller end having an external surface;
a second bead,receiving said first bead, said second bead having a larger end, said larger end having an opening defining an internal wall and adapted to receive said smaller end of said first bead said first bead engaging said second bead at an area of contact;
and an overmold surface disposed in the area of contact between said external surface of said first bead and said internal wall of said second bead thereby creating a frictional relationship between said first bead and said second bead sufficient to maintain said flexible arm assembly in a fixed orientation.
a first bead having a smaller end, said smaller end having an external surface;
a second bead,receiving said first bead, said second bead having a larger end, said larger end having an opening defining an internal wall and adapted to receive said smaller end of said first bead said first bead engaging said second bead at an area of contact;
and an overmold surface disposed in the area of contact between said external surface of said first bead and said internal wall of said second bead thereby creating a frictional relationship between said first bead and said second bead sufficient to maintain said flexible arm assembly in a fixed orientation.
2. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said external surface of said first bead and said internal wall of said second bead are substantially spherical.
3. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said overmold surface is disposed over said external surface of said first bead.
4. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said overmold surface is disposed over said internal wall of said second bead.
5. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said overmold surface is disposed over substantially the entire surface of said external surface of said first bead.
6. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said overmold surface is disposed over less than 75% of said external surface of said first bead.
7. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said overmold surface is disposed over less than 50% of said external surface of said first bead.
8. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said overmold surface comprises two or more strips.
9. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said overmold surface comprises two or more tabs.
10. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said smaller end of said first bead contacts said larger end of said second bead at said area of contact and said overmold surface covers substantially all of said area of contact between said smaller end and said larger end.
11. An interconnecting bead unit comprising:
a first bead, comprised of a first material; and a second bead comprised of a different second material movably connected to said first bead, wherein said first bead and said second bead each further comprise a larger end having an opening defining a substantially spherical internal wall and a smaller end having a substantially spherical external surface adapted to mate with said internal wall of said larger end.
a first bead, comprised of a first material; and a second bead comprised of a different second material movably connected to said first bead, wherein said first bead and said second bead each further comprise a larger end having an opening defining a substantially spherical internal wall and a smaller end having a substantially spherical external surface adapted to mate with said internal wall of said larger end.
12. The interconnecting bead unit of claim 11, wherein at least two said interconnecting bead units are interconnected to form a flexible arm assembly.
13. The interconnecting bead unit of claim 11 wherein said first material is a thermoplastic material and said second material is different from said first material.
14. The interconnecting bead unit of claim 11 wherein said first material and said second material are thermoplastics, said first and second materials differing in Shore A hardness value by at least five units.
15. The interconnecting bead unit of claim 11, wherein said first material and said second material are different metals.
16. The interconnecting bead unit of claim 11, wherein said first material is a metal and said second material is a thermoplastic.
17. A bead for a flexible arm assembly, said bead comprising:
a smaller end having an external surface, said smaller end being made from a first material;
and a larger end made from a second material, said larger end having a recess adapted to receive a second smaller end of a second bead, said second end being made from a different material from said second material.
a smaller end having an external surface, said smaller end being made from a first material;
and a larger end made from a second material, said larger end having a recess adapted to receive a second smaller end of a second bead, said second end being made from a different material from said second material.
18. A bead for a flexible arm assembly, said bead comprising:
a smaller end having an external surface and a larger end having a recess, said bead being made from a first material, and wherein said recess is adapted to receive a second smaller end of a second bead, said second bead being made from a second material.
a smaller end having an external surface and a larger end having a recess, said bead being made from a first material, and wherein said recess is adapted to receive a second smaller end of a second bead, said second bead being made from a second material.
19. An interconnecting bead structure comprising a plurality of the bead as defined in claim 17, wherein each of the beads is inter-connected by the larger end thereof receiving the smaller end of a subsequent bead.
20. An interconnecting bead structure comprising a plurality of the bead as defined in claim 18, wherein each of the beads is inter-connected by the larger end thereof receiving the smaller end of a subsequent bead.
21. The bead claimed in claim 17 or 18, further comprising an internal wall defining said recess, wherein said internal wall is a substantially spherical internal wall.
22. The bead of claim 17 wherein said first material is a thermoplastic material and said second material is different from said first material.
23. The bead of claim 17 wherein said first material and said second material are thermoplastics, said first and second materials differing in Shore A hardness value by at least five units.
24. The bead of claim 17, wherein said first material and said second material are different metals.
25. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said overmold surface is disposed over substantially the entire surface of said internal wall of said second bead.
26. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said overmold surface is disposed over less than 75% of said internal wall of said second bead.
27. The flexible arm assembly of claim 1, wherein said overmold surface is disposed over less than 50% of said internal wall of said second bead.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US26153001P | 2001-01-12 | 2001-01-12 | |
US60/261,530 | 2001-01-12 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2367573A1 CA2367573A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 |
CA2367573C true CA2367573C (en) | 2009-05-19 |
Family
ID=22993723
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002367573A Expired - Fee Related CA2367573C (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2002-01-14 | Flexible arm assembly |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6626210B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2367573C (en) |
Families Citing this family (50)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6854768B2 (en) * | 2001-04-26 | 2005-02-15 | Innatech, Llc | Fluid conduits and method of manufacturing same |
US7097804B2 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2006-08-29 | The Boeing Company | Thermoplastic laminate duct |
FR2861311B1 (en) * | 2003-10-23 | 2007-08-24 | Equip Medicaux Et Moyens Avece | HOLDING DEVICE FOR RESPIRATORY MASK. |
US7430867B2 (en) * | 2004-01-21 | 2008-10-07 | Rolls-Royce Plc | Gas turbine multiple sectioned exhaust duct |
US7237808B2 (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2007-07-03 | Tru-Fit Alignment Solutions, Inc. | Tube and pipe fittings |
US8024822B2 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2011-09-27 | Water Pik, Inc. | Articulating shower arm |
US20060154556A1 (en) * | 2005-01-13 | 2006-07-13 | Tong Kun Y | Creative recreational barrel building piece (C.R.B.B.P) |
US7905429B2 (en) | 2005-10-18 | 2011-03-15 | Water Pik, Inc. | Dispensing system and method for shower arm |
US20080056808A1 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2008-03-06 | Bevirt Joeben | Monopod mounting apparatus |
US20070154254A1 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2007-07-05 | Bevirt Joeben | Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features |
US8297566B2 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2012-10-30 | Day Men US, Inc | Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with composite connectors |
US7441779B2 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2008-10-28 | Designomite, L.L.C. | Game piece |
US20080083844A1 (en) | 2006-10-09 | 2008-04-10 | Water Pik, Inc. | Showerhead attachment assembly |
US8197149B2 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2012-06-12 | Tocad America, Inc. | Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment |
US20080283697A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2008-11-20 | Richard Darrow | Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment |
US20090039213A1 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2009-02-12 | Richard Darrow | Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment |
US8371618B2 (en) | 2007-05-04 | 2013-02-12 | Water Pik, Inc. | Hidden pivot attachment for showers and method of making same |
US20090226802A1 (en) * | 2008-01-31 | 2009-09-10 | Night Operations Systems | Connector for battery pack of lighting system |
USD618766S1 (en) | 2008-05-01 | 2010-06-29 | Water Pik, Inc. | Showerhead arm |
CN101644296B (en) * | 2008-08-08 | 2012-01-25 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Connection unit and ball joints thereof |
US8047236B2 (en) | 2008-09-12 | 2011-11-01 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Flexible conduit with locking element |
US8087836B2 (en) * | 2008-12-15 | 2012-01-03 | Joby Photo, Inc. | Miniature mounting apparatus |
US20100221062A1 (en) * | 2008-12-29 | 2010-09-02 | Bevirt Joeben | Ball and Socket Connectors With Substructure |
WO2010122553A1 (en) * | 2009-04-21 | 2010-10-28 | Aspect Magnet Technologies Ltd. | Flexible segmented support structure |
EP2435742B1 (en) * | 2009-05-26 | 2015-07-08 | Pipeline Engineering & Supply Co. Ltd. | Bend restrictor |
US20110038064A1 (en) * | 2009-07-30 | 2011-02-17 | Ilo Kristo Xhunga | Flexible Arms of Low Footprint and High Weight-bearing |
CN101947725B (en) * | 2010-09-27 | 2012-09-05 | 台州市虹靖盛塑料模具有限公司 | Universal pipe installing machine |
EP2670288B1 (en) | 2011-01-31 | 2017-05-31 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Articulation section with locking |
US8448669B2 (en) * | 2011-09-18 | 2013-05-28 | Yuan-Hung WEN | Tube for cable sheath and cable sheath using the same |
CN103062589A (en) * | 2011-10-21 | 2013-04-24 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Supporting device |
CA2898716C (en) | 2012-06-22 | 2020-02-11 | Water Pik, Inc. | Bracket for showerhead with integral flow control |
USD692111S1 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2013-10-22 | Water Pik, Inc. | Mounting bracket for water flosser |
USD711506S1 (en) | 2013-05-20 | 2014-08-19 | Water Pik, Inc. | Showerhead with arm |
USD711505S1 (en) | 2013-05-20 | 2014-08-19 | Water Pik, Inc. | Shower arm |
US8857775B1 (en) | 2013-07-22 | 2014-10-14 | Gopro, Inc. | Camera mount with spring clamp |
US10730061B2 (en) | 2014-10-03 | 2020-08-04 | Water Pik, Inc. | Automatically locking shower arm joint |
USD758474S1 (en) | 2015-05-07 | 2016-06-07 | Gopro, Inc. | Camera mount |
JP6892436B2 (en) * | 2015-08-14 | 2021-06-23 | スティッキーボーンズ リミテッド ライアビリティ カンパニー | Animation doll |
US20170097114A1 (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2017-04-06 | Daniel D'Ambrosio | Self-Supported Hose Delivery Assembly |
EP3574249A4 (en) * | 2017-01-25 | 2021-01-06 | Whitefield Plastics Corporation | Non-metallic clip connection system, vertebrae bend restrictor, and vertebrae end piece |
US10890277B2 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2021-01-12 | Kohler Co. | Articulating faucet with progressive magnetic joint |
US11408543B2 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2022-08-09 | Kohler Co. | Articulating faucet |
US11125365B2 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2021-09-21 | Kohler Co. | Magnetic joint |
CN110548612B (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2021-09-03 | 科勒公司 | Hinged water tap |
CN110552401B (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2021-09-03 | 科勒公司 | Hinged water tap |
FR3088693B1 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2020-12-04 | Pipo Moteurs | CONNECTING PIECE COMPRISING TWO PARTS NECKED ONE INTO THE OTHER BY BEING ASSEMBLED WITH ONE THE OTHER, ASSOCIATED MANUFACTURING PROCESS |
USD921095S1 (en) | 2019-06-19 | 2021-06-01 | Gopro, Inc. | Camera mount |
US11313495B1 (en) * | 2020-06-02 | 2022-04-26 | Darryl Erickson | Rigid hose for wet/dry vacuum |
DE102021110438B3 (en) * | 2021-04-23 | 2022-06-15 | Saifeddine Ben Slimen | Pipe for flue gases from a hookah and a hookah equipped with such a pipe |
CN113210768B (en) * | 2021-05-31 | 2022-03-15 | 南京交通职业技术学院 | Electric spark machine tool with fountain water-cooling mechanism |
Family Cites Families (251)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE352813C (en) | 1922-05-04 | Bernhard Eckardt | Connection hose with protective cover for railroad cars | |
CA659510A (en) | 1963-03-12 | N. Bard Francis | Ball joint | |
US203094A (en) | 1878-04-30 | Improvement in armor for flexible tubing | ||
US428023A (en) | 1890-05-13 | Casing for flexible shafts | ||
US445250A (en) | 1886-02-24 | 1891-01-27 | Flexible piping for pneumatic brakes | |
US566410A (en) | 1892-07-27 | 1896-08-25 | Submerged pipe | |
US486986A (en) | 1892-07-27 | 1892-11-29 | Submerged pipe | |
US570405A (en) | 1896-04-18 | 1896-10-27 | Flexible pipe-joint | |
US832523A (en) | 1904-09-01 | 1906-10-02 | Frank H Kasperson | Flexible tubing. |
US800802A (en) | 1905-06-24 | 1905-10-03 | Gustave Eward Franquist | Shaft-coupling. |
US854094A (en) | 1906-09-22 | 1907-05-21 | Ralph Abraham Schoenberg | Electrical conductor and armor therefor. |
US1001842A (en) | 1908-05-02 | 1911-08-29 | Edwin T Greenfield | Hose. |
US926929A (en) | 1908-07-27 | 1909-07-06 | Silas V Dusseau | Combined driving and steering wheel for automobile-axles. |
US1003037A (en) | 1909-10-13 | 1911-09-12 | Paul L Crowe | Speed-regulator releasing mechanism. |
US1018143A (en) | 1910-07-01 | 1912-02-20 | Harry Vissering And Company | Sand-pipe for sander devices. |
US1217254A (en) | 1913-12-23 | 1917-02-27 | George W Winslow | Deep-sea-salvage-recovering apparatus. |
US1218895A (en) | 1914-02-10 | 1917-03-13 | Edwin H Porter | Pipe for the conveyance of fluids. |
US1255577A (en) | 1917-01-31 | 1918-02-05 | Edward Francis Berry | Flexible pipe-coupling or flexible pipe. |
US1260181A (en) | 1917-06-06 | 1918-03-19 | John Garnero | Self-leveling table. |
US1276117A (en) | 1917-06-13 | 1918-08-20 | Rogers Motor Lock Company | Flexible armored conduit. |
GB129812A (en) | 1918-07-19 | 1919-07-21 | W H Dorman And Company Ltd | Improvements in Ball and Socket Joints particularly for Flexible Pipe Lines. |
US1500921A (en) | 1919-06-21 | 1924-07-08 | Bramson Mogens Louis | Flexible pipe line |
US1327428A (en) | 1919-08-16 | 1920-01-06 | George H Gregory | Adjustable shower-spray device |
US1469528A (en) | 1921-05-07 | 1923-10-02 | Owens John | Metal hose |
US1451800A (en) | 1921-06-09 | 1923-04-17 | Raymond C Agner | Flexible conduit |
FR538538A (en) | 1921-07-20 | 1922-06-10 | Flexible knuckle enhancements for diver's clothing | |
US1560789A (en) | 1922-03-25 | 1925-11-10 | Sf Bowser & Co Inc | Hose holder |
GB204600A (en) | 1922-12-07 | 1923-10-04 | Gwynnes Engineering Company Lt | Improvements in or connected with pipe-ball-joints |
US1597477A (en) | 1924-07-21 | 1926-08-24 | Test Tite Company | Shower-bath head |
US1754127A (en) | 1924-10-20 | 1930-04-08 | Firm Of Alex Friedmann | Pipe coupling |
US1778658A (en) | 1925-08-22 | 1930-10-14 | V V Fittings Company | Swivel joint for electrical fittings |
US1692394A (en) | 1925-10-29 | 1928-11-20 | Sundh August | Flash light |
US1821274A (en) | 1926-07-01 | 1931-09-01 | Pacific Coast Eng Co | Flexible pipe-joint |
US1695263A (en) | 1927-06-07 | 1928-12-11 | Adams Ind Inc | Flexible tubular conduit |
US1736160A (en) | 1929-01-02 | 1929-11-19 | Automotive Royalties Corp | Lubricating device |
US1758115A (en) | 1929-01-12 | 1930-05-13 | James W Kelly | Adjustable shower fixture |
US1724147A (en) | 1929-02-16 | 1929-08-13 | Corey L Russell | Shower fixture |
US1906575A (en) | 1930-11-03 | 1933-05-02 | Oscar C Goeriz | Ball joint for pipe lines |
US2044445A (en) | 1934-11-05 | 1936-06-16 | Price Emil | Shower head |
US2024930A (en) | 1935-08-12 | 1935-12-17 | Milwaukee Flush Valve Company | Plumbing fixture |
US2177152A (en) | 1936-07-13 | 1939-10-24 | Oscar A Ross | Motion picture film reel |
US2196783A (en) | 1938-09-12 | 1940-04-09 | Titan Metal Mfg Company | Plumbing fixture |
US2197667A (en) | 1938-12-14 | 1940-04-16 | Titan Metal Mfg Company | Shower bath fixture |
US2342757A (en) | 1940-04-20 | 1944-02-29 | Leslie W Roser | Nozzle |
US2268263A (en) | 1941-05-15 | 1941-12-30 | Dresser Mfg Company | Pipe fitting |
US2467954A (en) | 1946-02-23 | 1949-04-19 | Rodger F Becker | Flashlight |
US2546348A (en) | 1947-08-19 | 1951-03-27 | Dresser Ind | Service head fitting |
GB634483A (en) | 1947-12-05 | 1950-03-22 | Telegraph Constr & Maintenance | Improvements in and relating to submarine cable repeater housings |
US2676806A (en) | 1948-05-29 | 1954-04-27 | Columbia Broadcasting Syst Inc | Phonograph reproducer arm assembly |
US2584129A (en) | 1950-02-15 | 1952-02-05 | Heinz M Wuest | Production of l-xylose |
US2679575A (en) | 1950-07-20 | 1954-05-25 | David D La Vine | Portable reading lamp |
US2648762A (en) | 1950-12-16 | 1953-08-11 | Milton S Dunkelberger | Combined housing and flexible flashlight support |
US2664271A (en) | 1951-12-06 | 1953-12-29 | Arutunoff Armais | Sealing device for tubular shafting |
US2680358A (en) | 1952-05-14 | 1954-06-08 | John A Zublin | Flexible conduit for high-pressure fluid |
US2759765A (en) | 1954-07-19 | 1956-08-21 | Leon P Pawley | Flexible shower head |
US2776168A (en) | 1954-09-20 | 1957-01-01 | Rufin L Schweda | Extension and telescoping attachment for nozzle of showers |
US2931672A (en) | 1956-06-05 | 1960-04-05 | George W Merritt | Flexible duct mounting |
US2873999A (en) | 1956-06-21 | 1959-02-17 | Ernest C Webb | Adjustable support for a shower head |
US2966311A (en) | 1958-07-24 | 1960-12-27 | Harold G Davis | Adjustable shower attachment |
US3143857A (en) | 1960-05-02 | 1964-08-11 | Star Fire Marine Jet Company | Combined forward and reverse steering device for jet propelled aquatic vehicles |
US3032357A (en) | 1960-05-19 | 1962-05-01 | Sidney J Shames | Flexible shower arm |
US3034809A (en) | 1960-08-08 | 1962-05-15 | Greenberg Harold Jay | Universal ball and socket joint |
US3103723A (en) | 1960-08-22 | 1963-09-17 | Aero Motive Mfg Company | Inspection device |
US3111277A (en) | 1961-01-31 | 1963-11-19 | Henry Hyman | Portable electric flashlight |
US3196463A (en) | 1962-05-23 | 1965-07-27 | Clayton S Farneth | Ankle joint for artificial limb |
US3306634A (en) | 1963-02-07 | 1967-02-28 | Pul Vac Inc | Articulate joint |
US3266059A (en) | 1963-06-19 | 1966-08-16 | North American Aviation Inc | Prestressed flexible joint for mechanical arms and the like |
GB971866A (en) | 1963-08-23 | 1964-10-07 | Henry Hyman | Portable electric flashlight |
US3329967A (en) | 1965-03-31 | 1967-07-11 | Henry J Martinez | Diving suit |
DE1525076B2 (en) | 1965-08-06 | 1970-12-23 | A. Ehrenreich & Cie., 4000 Düsseldorf-Oberkassel | Ball joint, primarily in the form of an angle joint |
US3393311A (en) | 1965-09-09 | 1968-07-16 | Frank L. Dahl | Adjustable trouble lamp means |
US3393312A (en) | 1966-07-18 | 1968-07-16 | Frank L. Dahl | Adjustable flashlight |
US3546961A (en) | 1967-12-22 | 1970-12-15 | Gen Electric | Variable flexibility tether |
GB1251833A (en) | 1968-02-26 | 1971-11-03 | ||
US3565116A (en) | 1968-09-12 | 1971-02-23 | White Motor Corp | Safety hose and fitting assembly |
GB1283919A (en) | 1968-10-30 | 1972-08-02 | Mirrlees Blackstone Ltd | Coaxial pipes with couplings |
US3492029A (en) | 1968-11-18 | 1970-01-27 | Johns Manville | Thermally insulated pipe |
US3641333A (en) | 1968-12-05 | 1972-02-08 | Everett W Gendron | Illuminated belt |
NL6912273A (en) | 1969-08-12 | 1971-02-16 | ||
US3663044A (en) | 1970-05-04 | 1972-05-16 | Aeroquip Corp | Universal joint |
US3754779A (en) | 1970-09-04 | 1973-08-28 | J Peress | Flexible joints |
US3929164A (en) | 1971-02-25 | 1975-12-30 | Harold J Richter | Fluid transfer umbilical assembly for use in zero gravity environment |
US3685745A (en) | 1971-05-19 | 1972-08-22 | Peschcke Andreas P | Adjustable shower apparatus |
US3731084A (en) | 1972-03-20 | 1973-05-01 | Portable flashlight | |
US4045054A (en) | 1972-09-28 | 1977-08-30 | Hydrotech International, Inc. | Apparatus for rigidly interconnecting misaligned pipe ends |
NL7217080A (en) | 1972-12-15 | 1974-06-18 | ||
NL176833C (en) | 1973-04-26 | 1985-06-17 | Draegerwerk Ag | HEAT-INSULATING FLEXIBLE PIPE. |
US3861719A (en) | 1973-05-09 | 1975-01-21 | James D Hand | Transition pipe fitting |
US3860271A (en) | 1973-08-10 | 1975-01-14 | Fletcher Rodgers | Ball joint pipe coupling |
US3869151A (en) | 1974-04-16 | 1975-03-04 | Nasa | Internally supported flexible duct joint |
AT346875B (en) | 1974-09-06 | 1978-09-15 | Wurth Anciens Ets Paul | COMPENSATOR CONNECTION BETWEEN TWO REFRACTORY LINED PIPE SECTIONS AND ARTICULATED NOZZLE SOCKETS WITH THESE CONNECTIONS |
US4006920A (en) | 1975-03-12 | 1977-02-08 | Johns-Manville Corporation | Joint assembly for insulating high temperature fluid carrying conduits |
US4005880A (en) | 1975-07-03 | 1977-02-01 | Dresser Industries, Inc. | Gas service connector for plastic pipe |
USD249356S (en) | 1976-11-01 | 1978-09-12 | Joseph Nagy | Shampoo unit for sink spout or the like |
US4162801A (en) | 1977-12-16 | 1979-07-31 | Aeroquip Corporation | Gas line lead-in assembly |
DE2806093C2 (en) | 1978-02-14 | 1982-05-27 | Hoffmeister-Leuchten GmbH & Co KG, 5880 Lüdenscheid | Connector for busbars |
DE2852265C2 (en) | 1978-12-02 | 1982-04-29 | Heinz Georg 3626 Hünibach-Thun Baus | Massage shower |
US4243253A (en) | 1979-01-24 | 1981-01-06 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Flexible conduit construction and method of making the same |
US4258414A (en) | 1979-08-01 | 1981-03-24 | Plymouth Products Incorporated | Universal trouble light |
US4282612A (en) | 1980-04-28 | 1981-08-11 | King Joseph L | Adjustable shower and massage apparatus |
CA1163212A (en) | 1980-07-31 | 1984-03-06 | Horace B. Merriman | Flexible pipe |
USD268442S (en) | 1980-11-13 | 1983-03-29 | Alice Darmon | Lamp |
JPS57111904A (en) | 1980-12-27 | 1982-07-12 | Horiba Ltd | Flexible cable |
FR2499395A1 (en) | 1981-02-10 | 1982-08-13 | Amphoux Andre | DEFORMABLE CONDUIT SUCH AS GAS FLUID SUCTION ARM |
US4545081A (en) | 1981-06-29 | 1985-10-08 | Jack Nestor | Semi-rigid penile prosthesis with separable members and posture control |
GB2111589B (en) * | 1981-10-23 | 1985-10-02 | Nifco Inc | Ball joint |
US4465308A (en) | 1981-11-05 | 1984-08-14 | Tenneco Inc. | Connection flange for tubular members |
US4425965A (en) | 1982-06-07 | 1984-01-17 | Otis Engineering Corporation | Safety system for submersible pump |
US4669757A (en) | 1982-08-05 | 1987-06-02 | Bartholomew Donald D | High pressure fluid conduit assembly |
USD281820S (en) | 1982-12-22 | 1985-12-17 | Car Mate Mfg. Co., Ltd. | Flexible lamp |
DE3300306C2 (en) | 1983-01-07 | 1985-11-28 | Gewerkschaft Eisenhütte Westfalia, 4670 Lünen | Multi-part rod head for use in control devices for adjusting the cutting horizon of coal planes and the like |
US4553775A (en) | 1983-04-26 | 1985-11-19 | Pressure Science Incorporated | Resilient annular seal with supporting liner |
USD283645S (en) | 1983-05-10 | 1986-04-29 | Tanaka Mfg. Co. Ltd. | Map reading light for vehicles |
US4645244A (en) | 1984-02-15 | 1987-02-24 | Edwin Curtis | Aircraft duct gimbaled joint |
GB2156932A (en) | 1984-03-30 | 1985-10-16 | Iracroft Ltd | Ball joint pipe coupling |
US4495550A (en) | 1984-04-24 | 1985-01-22 | Joseph Visciano | Flexible flashlight |
US4652025A (en) | 1984-06-15 | 1987-03-24 | Planetics Engineering, Inc. | Gimballed conduit connector |
US4709294A (en) | 1984-08-27 | 1987-11-24 | In Suk Kim | Device for contact protection and arc prevention of a switch |
US4643463A (en) | 1985-02-06 | 1987-02-17 | Pressure Science Incorporated | Gimbal joint for piping systems |
US5197767A (en) | 1985-04-09 | 1993-03-30 | Tsubakimoto Chain Co. | Flexible supporting sheath for cables and the like |
US5215338A (en) * | 1985-04-09 | 1993-06-01 | Tsubakimoto Chain Co. | Flexible supporting sheath for cables and the like |
US4739801A (en) | 1985-04-09 | 1988-04-26 | Tysubakimoto Chain Co. | Flexible supporting sheath for cables and the like |
US4683917A (en) | 1985-08-28 | 1987-08-04 | Proprietary Technology, Inc. | Flexible pressure-confining conduit assembly |
GB8528105D0 (en) | 1985-11-14 | 1985-12-18 | Birch F P | Flexible joint |
DE3543563C1 (en) * | 1985-12-10 | 1987-05-07 | Hella Kg Hueck & Co | Vehicle headlights |
US4707770A (en) * | 1986-07-16 | 1987-11-17 | General Motors Corporation | Support shoe for a vehicle headlamp assembly |
US4733337A (en) | 1986-08-15 | 1988-03-22 | Lite Tek International Corp. | Miniature flashlight |
USD306351S (en) | 1986-11-26 | 1990-02-27 | Rally Manufacturing, Inc. | Flexible automobile map light |
USD302325S (en) | 1986-12-05 | 1989-07-18 | Rally Manufacturing, Inc. | Twin beam map light for vehicles |
DE8707756U1 (en) | 1987-05-30 | 1987-08-20 | Schladitz, Klaus, 8201 Prutting, De | |
US5032015A (en) | 1987-07-22 | 1991-07-16 | Shower Tek, Inc. | Self-supported, adjustable, condensation-free shower mirror |
US4809369A (en) | 1987-08-21 | 1989-03-07 | Bowden John H | Portable body shower |
USD314246S (en) | 1988-01-14 | 1991-01-29 | Alexander Engineering, Company Limited | Adjustable lamp |
US4871196A (en) | 1988-02-01 | 1989-10-03 | Mace Corporation | Double shield fitting |
AU612230B2 (en) * | 1988-02-16 | 1991-07-04 | Tempra Therm (Pty) Limited | Thermocouples |
US4850616A (en) | 1988-02-19 | 1989-07-25 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Flexible joint capable of use in the O'Connor combustor coaxial piping |
GB2219439A (en) | 1988-06-06 | 1989-12-06 | Gore & Ass | Flexible housing |
US4839599A (en) | 1988-07-22 | 1989-06-13 | Fischer Montie R | Multipiece cable testing device which functions as flashlight, continuity checker, and cable identifier |
US4865362A (en) | 1988-07-29 | 1989-09-12 | Dayco Products, Inc. | Connectible flexible convoluted tubing |
US4951329A (en) | 1988-09-14 | 1990-08-28 | Century Products Company | Child's play shower |
US4842059A (en) | 1988-09-16 | 1989-06-27 | Halliburton Logging Services, Inc. | Flex joint incorporating enclosed conductors |
US4903178A (en) | 1989-02-02 | 1990-02-20 | Barry Englot | Rechargeable flashlight |
US4901927A (en) | 1989-02-13 | 1990-02-20 | Jesse Valdivia | Dual shower head assembly |
USD321062S (en) | 1989-04-07 | 1991-10-22 | Bonbright James D | Flexible holder with magnetic base and clamp for a small flashlight and the like |
US4946202A (en) | 1989-04-14 | 1990-08-07 | Vincent Perricone | Offset coupling for electrical conduit |
US5022103A (en) | 1989-05-26 | 1991-06-11 | Thomas E. Quick | Shower arm extension |
US4964573A (en) | 1989-06-21 | 1990-10-23 | Pinchas Lipski | Showerhead adaptor means |
USD322681S (en) | 1989-07-05 | 1991-12-24 | John Manufacturing Limited | Combined fluorescent lantern and clip |
JPH0740245Y2 (en) * | 1989-07-27 | 1995-09-13 | スタンレー電気株式会社 | head lamp |
US4959758A (en) * | 1989-07-28 | 1990-09-25 | General Motors Corporation | Headlamp assembly |
US5143123A (en) * | 1989-08-18 | 1992-09-01 | Simula, Inc. | Cylindrical armor |
US5033528A (en) | 1990-01-11 | 1991-07-23 | Yanon Volcani | Personal portable sunshade |
US5069487A (en) | 1990-02-08 | 1991-12-03 | Flexonics Inc. | Flexible connector |
US5086878A (en) | 1990-05-23 | 1992-02-11 | Swift Steven M | Tool and workplace lubrication system having a modified air line lubricator to create and to start the delivery of a uniformly flowing pressurized air flow with oil, to deliver the oil continuously and uniformly where a metal part is being formed |
USD329504S (en) | 1990-05-30 | 1992-09-15 | John Manufacturing Limited | Multipurpose fluorescent lantern |
US5368235A (en) | 1990-08-09 | 1994-11-29 | Plastic Specialties And Technologies, Inc. | Soaker hose assembly |
US5103384A (en) | 1990-10-16 | 1992-04-07 | Drohan William M | Flashlight holder |
GB9023394D0 (en) | 1990-10-26 | 1990-12-05 | Gore W L & Ass Uk | Segmented flexible housing |
USD338542S (en) | 1991-03-14 | 1993-08-17 | John Manufacturing Limited | Multi-purpose lantern |
DE4124352A1 (en) | 1991-07-23 | 1993-01-28 | Grohe Armaturen Friedrich | BRACKET FOR A HAND SHOWER |
US5154483B1 (en) | 1991-08-09 | 1997-08-26 | Zelco Ind | Flashlight with flexible extension |
US5220697A (en) | 1991-11-04 | 1993-06-22 | Birchfield William T | Handle assembly for shower nozzle assembly |
USD341220S (en) | 1991-12-06 | 1993-11-09 | Eagan Christopher S | Hand held extension light |
USD345811S (en) | 1992-01-10 | 1994-04-05 | Black & Decker Inc. | Rechargeable flashlight |
US5333787A (en) | 1992-02-05 | 1994-08-02 | Smith Leary W | Nozzle with self controlled oscillation |
US5163752A (en) | 1992-02-14 | 1992-11-17 | Copeland Debra L | Flashlight holder apparatus |
US5153976A (en) | 1992-03-23 | 1992-10-13 | Allied-Signal Inc. | Ball-and-socket assembly and method of making |
DE4213524C2 (en) | 1992-04-24 | 1996-08-29 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Hydraulic vehicle brake system with a hydraulic unit for wheel slip control |
US5288110A (en) | 1992-05-21 | 1994-02-22 | Aeroquip Corporation | Flexible connector assembly |
US5276596A (en) | 1992-06-23 | 1994-01-04 | Krenzel Ronald L | Holder for a flashlight |
FR2695452A1 (en) | 1992-09-04 | 1994-03-11 | Carossino Andre | Articulated feed pipe for lubricating parts being machined - includes jointed segments fitted with precision adjustment bracket,this saddle having adjusting screw enabling fine control of orientation of jet |
US5263646A (en) | 1992-10-13 | 1993-11-23 | Mccauley Patrick J | High-pressure paint sprayer wand |
US5286071A (en) | 1992-12-01 | 1994-02-15 | General Electric Company | Bellows sealed ball joint |
US5268826A (en) | 1993-04-12 | 1993-12-07 | Greene Roger W | Neck supported flashlight apparatus |
US5398977A (en) | 1993-05-06 | 1995-03-21 | Dayco Products, Inc. | Concentric hose coupling with cuff assembly surrounding an end of the outer hose |
US5385500A (en) | 1993-05-14 | 1995-01-31 | Schmidt; Caitlyn R. | Flashlight toy |
US5449206A (en) * | 1994-01-04 | 1995-09-12 | Lockwood Products, Inc. | Ball and socket joint with internal stop |
US5370427A (en) | 1994-01-10 | 1994-12-06 | General Electric Company | Expansion joint for fluid piping with rotation prevention member |
US5349987A (en) | 1994-01-24 | 1994-09-27 | Shieh Ming Dang | Faucet with a movable extension nozzle |
USD356626S (en) | 1994-05-10 | 1995-03-21 | Wen-Mu Wang | Shower head |
US5517392A (en) | 1994-08-05 | 1996-05-14 | Black & Decker Inc. | Sleeve retention for flexible core of a flashlight |
US5521803A (en) | 1994-08-05 | 1996-05-28 | Eckert; Lee H. | Flashlight with flexible core |
USD361399S (en) | 1994-08-05 | 1995-08-15 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD365625S (en) | 1994-08-15 | 1995-12-26 | Bova Anthony J | Conbined waterbed filling and draining tube |
USD368539S (en) | 1994-11-07 | 1996-04-02 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
US6164570A (en) | 1994-11-14 | 2000-12-26 | Water Pik, Inc. | Self-supporting reconfigurable hose |
US5481765A (en) | 1994-11-29 | 1996-01-09 | Wang; Wen-Mu | Adjustable shower head holder |
USD370987S (en) | 1995-02-06 | 1996-06-18 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD365646S (en) | 1995-02-06 | 1995-12-26 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD367934S (en) | 1995-02-06 | 1996-03-12 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
USD364935S (en) | 1995-02-06 | 1995-12-05 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD369873S (en) | 1995-02-06 | 1996-05-14 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD368146S (en) | 1995-02-06 | 1996-03-19 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD363360S (en) | 1995-02-06 | 1995-10-17 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD368540S (en) | 1995-02-13 | 1996-04-02 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD370277S (en) | 1995-02-13 | 1996-05-28 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD370542S (en) | 1995-02-13 | 1996-06-04 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD369874S (en) | 1995-02-13 | 1996-05-14 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD370988S (en) | 1995-02-13 | 1996-06-18 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD366707S (en) | 1995-02-21 | 1996-01-30 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD372318S (en) | 1995-02-21 | 1996-07-30 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD368317S (en) | 1995-02-21 | 1996-03-26 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD370278S (en) | 1995-02-21 | 1996-05-28 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD373434S (en) | 1995-02-21 | 1996-09-03 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD368541S (en) | 1995-02-21 | 1996-04-02 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD367333S (en) | 1995-02-21 | 1996-02-20 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD370279S (en) | 1995-03-02 | 1996-05-28 | Black & Decker Inc. | Fluorescent flashlight with flexible handle |
USD366708S (en) | 1995-03-03 | 1996-01-30 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight with flexible body |
USD369875S (en) | 1995-03-06 | 1996-05-14 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
USD376217S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-12-03 | Black & Decker Inc. | Light with flexible handle |
USD373645S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-09-10 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight with flexible handle |
USD373652S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-09-10 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD374297S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-10-01 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD373646S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-09-10 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible light |
USD370281S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-05-28 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible light |
USD366710S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-01-30 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD366709S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-01-30 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight with flexible body |
USD370280S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-05-28 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD373651S (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-09-10 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible flashlight |
USD381405S (en) | 1995-03-14 | 1997-07-22 | Hans Grohe Gmbh & Co. Kg | Flexible hose for a shower |
USD374298S (en) | 1995-03-16 | 1996-10-01 | Black & Decker Inc. | Light with flexible body |
USD370735S (en) | 1995-03-20 | 1996-06-11 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flexible light |
USD376861S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-12-24 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flexible flashlight |
USD371448S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-07-02 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
USD373648S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-09-10 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flexible flashlight |
USD374732S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-10-15 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flexible flashlight |
USD374733S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-10-15 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flexible flashlight |
USD368542S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-04-02 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
USD373647S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-09-10 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flexible flashlight |
USD374493S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-10-08 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flexible flashlight |
USD373210S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-08-27 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
USD376860S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-12-24 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
USD373435S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-09-03 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flexible flashlight |
USD374494S (en) | 1995-04-17 | 1996-10-08 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
USD374299S (en) | 1995-05-17 | 1996-10-01 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
US5531625A (en) | 1995-05-18 | 1996-07-02 | Zhong; Chun-Chium | Universal joint device for a toy |
USD372998S (en) | 1995-05-22 | 1996-08-20 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
USD371856S (en) | 1995-05-22 | 1996-07-16 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD366948S (en) | 1995-05-22 | 1996-02-06 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD372319S (en) | 1995-05-22 | 1996-07-30 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
USD376862S (en) | 1995-05-22 | 1996-12-24 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
USD372548S (en) | 1995-05-22 | 1996-08-06 | Black & Decker Inc. | Flashlight |
USD373649S (en) | 1995-05-22 | 1996-09-10 | Black & Decker Inc. | Head for a flashlight |
US5749602A (en) | 1995-07-31 | 1998-05-12 | Mend Technologies, Inc. | Medical device |
US5624074A (en) | 1995-10-26 | 1997-04-29 | Component Hardware Group, Inc. | Hose sub-assembly |
USD379404S (en) | 1996-01-16 | 1997-05-20 | Spelts Harold F | Water supply tube |
GB9602580D0 (en) * | 1996-02-08 | 1996-04-10 | Dual Voltage Ltd | Plastics flexible core |
US5997047A (en) | 1996-02-28 | 1999-12-07 | Pimentel; Ralph | High-pressure flexible self-supportive piping assembly |
US5667146B1 (en) | 1996-02-28 | 2000-01-11 | Ralph Pimentel | High-pressure flexible self-supportive piping assembly for use with a diffuser/ nozzle |
US5865378A (en) | 1997-01-10 | 1999-02-02 | Teledyne Industries, Inc. | Flexible shower arm assembly |
US6199729B1 (en) * | 1997-12-01 | 2001-03-13 | Mark Stephen Drzymkowski | Hands-free drinking system |
-
2002
- 2002-01-11 US US10/044,508 patent/US6626210B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-01-14 CA CA002367573A patent/CA2367573C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6626210B2 (en) | 2003-09-30 |
US20020117229A1 (en) | 2002-08-29 |
CA2367573A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2367573C (en) | Flexible arm assembly | |
US8231318B2 (en) | Push and turn nut for quick faucet installation | |
US4761860A (en) | Two part grommet with interengaging projections | |
US20150308088A1 (en) | Faucet with articulating arm | |
US4592388A (en) | Connector assembly for swivel type faucet spout | |
AU2013201239B2 (en) | An escutcheon | |
US6220297B1 (en) | Pull-out spray head having reduced play | |
US20030184086A1 (en) | Showerhead arm which is rigid yet bendable | |
US7540300B2 (en) | Faucet handle mounting | |
CA2971270A1 (en) | Clip for a shower caddy and shower caddy with integrated clip | |
WO2002049701A3 (en) | Sealing valve assembly for medical products | |
EP1115309B1 (en) | Chair with variable pitch | |
US20170189919A1 (en) | Showerhead water deflector | |
WO2020254801A1 (en) | Drain valve | |
US6739057B2 (en) | Pair of Scissors | |
US5588908A (en) | Ventilation hose mounting assembly | |
CA2640558A1 (en) | Fastener for a faucet | |
US6719256B2 (en) | Furniture leg glide | |
US6290149B1 (en) | Roman tub stream former | |
US4750243A (en) | Shower curtain holder | |
JP2002295054A (en) | Base isolation device | |
GB2496582A (en) | A ball and socket joint | |
GB2429151A (en) | Bath board | |
US20030197371A1 (en) | Flexible piping connector | |
JP4130886B2 (en) | Universal pipe joint |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20210831 |
|
MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20200114 |