US20060231648A1 - Flexible shower arm assembly - Google Patents

Flexible shower arm assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20060231648A1
US20060231648A1 US11/426,531 US42653106A US2006231648A1 US 20060231648 A1 US20060231648 A1 US 20060231648A1 US 42653106 A US42653106 A US 42653106A US 2006231648 A1 US2006231648 A1 US 2006231648A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
shower
bead
flexible
arm assembly
beads
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/426,531
Inventor
Robert Male
Milton Hollinshead
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Water Pik Inc
Water Pik Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Water Pik Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Water Pik Inc filed Critical Water Pik Inc
Priority to US11/426,531 priority Critical patent/US20060231648A1/en
Publication of US20060231648A1 publication Critical patent/US20060231648A1/en
Assigned to WATER PIK, INC. reassignment WATER PIK, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: Water Pik Technologies, Inc.
Assigned to TELEDYNE INDUSTRIES, INC. reassignment TELEDYNE INDUSTRIES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HOLLINSHEAD, MILTON B., MALE, ROBERT B.
Assigned to Water Pik Technologies, Inc. reassignment Water Pik Technologies, Inc. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TELEDYNE INDUSTRIES, INC.
Assigned to CREDIT SUISSE reassignment CREDIT SUISSE SECOND LIEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: EGWP ACQUISITION CORP. SUB., WATER PIK, INC., WATERPIK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Assigned to CREDIT SUISSE reassignment CREDIT SUISSE FIRST LIEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: EGWP ACQUISITION CORP. SUB., WATER PIK, INC., WATERPIK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Assigned to WATER PIK, INC. reassignment WATER PIK, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
Assigned to WATER PIK, INC. reassignment WATER PIK, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03CDOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/021Devices for positioning or connecting of water supply lines
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/60Arrangements for mounting, supporting or holding spraying apparatus
    • B05B15/65Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits
    • B05B15/652Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits whereby the jet can be oriented
    • B05B15/654Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits whereby the jet can be oriented using universal joints
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/60Arrangements for mounting, supporting or holding spraying apparatus
    • B05B15/65Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits
    • B05B15/652Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits whereby the jet can be oriented
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03CDOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/025Water supply lines as such, e.g. shower hoses
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03CDOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/04Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
    • E03C1/0408Water installations especially for showers
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03CDOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/06Devices for suspending or supporting the supply pipe or supply hose of a shower-bath
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L11/00Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
    • F16L11/14Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rigid material, e.g. metal or hard plastics
    • F16L11/18Articulated hoses, e.g. composed of a series of rings
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L15/00Screw-threaded joints; Forms of screw-threads for such joints
    • F16L15/08Screw-threaded joints; Forms of screw-threads for such joints with supplementary elements
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement
    • F16L27/02Universal joints, i.e. with mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction
    • F16L27/04Universal joints, i.e. with mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction with partly spherical engaging surfaces
    • F16L27/047Universal joints, i.e. with mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction with partly spherical engaging surfaces held in place by a screwed member having an internal spherical surface
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement
    • F16L27/02Universal joints, i.e. with mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction
    • F16L27/04Universal joints, i.e. with mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction with partly spherical engaging surfaces
    • F16L27/06Universal joints, i.e. with mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction with partly spherical engaging surfaces with special sealing means between the engaging surfaces
    • F16L27/073Universal joints, i.e. with mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction with partly spherical engaging surfaces with special sealing means between the engaging surfaces one of the cooperating surfaces forming the sealing means
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B05B1/18Roses; Shower heads

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a flexible shower arm assembly, and more particularly to a shower arm assembly having a flexible shower arm to allow for flexible adjustment of the position of the shower head.
  • Bathing in a shower has replaced bathing in a bathtub as the preferred method of bathing for several reasons, including convenience, comfort, and energy savings.
  • a person stands in the shower and is sprayed with water through a shower head, which is attached to a shower pipe extending from the central plumbing.
  • a shower head directly attached to the shower pipe is able to be pivoted about the attachment to the shower pipe to provide a certain degree of movement to control the direction of the shower spray.
  • the movement of the shower head is limited to pivotal movement about the connection point to the shower pipe and cannot be translated in any direction.
  • the hand-held shower head includes a flexible hose attached to the shower pipe and a shower head having a handle attached to the opposite end of the flexible hose.
  • the hand-held shower head is typically mounted on a bracket attached to the shower pipe to allow the hand-held shower head to be used as a normal shower head, and can normally be pivoted about the attachment of the bracket to the shower pipe.
  • the hand-held shower head can also be removed from the bracket and held in the desired position with one hand. This allows the user to move the shower head to any desired position, however it requires that the user utilize one hand to hold the shower head.
  • shower pipe extensions which include one or more rigid links having one end pivotally attached to the shower pipe and the other end pivotally attached to the shower head, or to another rigid link.
  • the links are typically elongated rigid hoses and allow for limited movement in the vertical and lateral directions. The movement is limited by the length of the rigid links and the direction of movement allowed by the pivotal joints between the links. This type of rigid link structure often leaks at the joints and can become loose and fail to hold the desired position.
  • the present invention in general terms concerns a flexible shower arm assembly that allows the user to repeatably adjust the position of the shower head in three dimensions by configuring the shape of the shower arm attached between the water source, such as a shower pipe, and the water dispenser, such as a shower head.
  • the particular position of the shower head, and the direction of the water spray, can be modified simply by re-configuring the shape of the shower arm.
  • the flexible shower arm holds the desired position until modified by the user.
  • the flexible shower arm is sealingly attached to the shower pipe by a pipe connector nut, and is sealingly and pivotally attached to the shower head by a connection structure.
  • the flexible shower arm assembly includes a plurality of interconnected beads forming a flexible arm, each bead rotatable with respect to adjacent beads.
  • the plurality of interconnected beads form an axially extending bore, and have a first end bead at a first end of the arm and a second end bead at a second end of the arm.
  • a shower pipe connector nut defining an internal bore extending therethrough, has a first end for fluid connection to the shower pipe, and a second end for fluid connection to the first end bead.
  • a shower head defining a connection structure having an internal bore extending therethrough, is in fluid connection to the second end bead at the second end of the arm.
  • the first end bead has an externally threaded end and a partially spherical opposing end.
  • the partially spherical end connects to an adjacent bead.
  • the first end of the connector nut is internally threaded, and the second end of the nut is internally threaded for threaded engagement to the shower pipe.
  • the externally threaded end of the first end bead is threadedly received by the internally threaded first end of the nut.
  • connection structure between the shower head and the second end of the flexible arm includes a retainer for rotatably receiving said second end bead, a collar for receiving the second end bead and the retainer, and a connector for positioning the second end bead and the retainer in the collar.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shower stall having a flexible shower arm assembly incorporating the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the flexible shower arm assembly incorporating the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a section taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged representative section of interlinked beads, including the second end bead.
  • FIG. 5 is a representative section of the flexible shower arm of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a section taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 7 is a section taken along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial section of the wedge collar similar to FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of the first end of the flexible shower arm.
  • FIG. 11 is a partial exploded view of the second end of the flexible shower arm.
  • FIG. 12 is a representative section of the pipe nut utilized in the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a section taken along line 13 - 13 of FIG. 6 .
  • FIGS. 1-3 A shower head assembly 30 encompassing the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3 .
  • the shower head assembly 30 is attached to a standard shower pipe 32 extending from the wall of a shower stall, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the shower head assembly 30 includes an elongated flexible shower arm 34 having first 36 and second 38 opposing ends, and defining a water conduit along its entire length.
  • the first end 36 of the flexible shower arm 34 is attached to a shower pipe connector nut 40 .
  • the shower pipe connector nut 40 is in turn attached to the standard shower pipe 32 extending from the wall of the shower stall.
  • the second end 38 of the flexible shower arm 34 is adapted to receive a shower head 42 .
  • a special connection structure 44 (see FIG. 3 ) is used between the second end 38 of the flexible shower arm 34 and the shower head 42 .
  • the water flows through the conduit (a continuous internal cavity) formed along the entire length of the flexible shower arm (described in more detail below) to reach the shower head 42 , and then through the shower head.
  • the flexible shower arm 34 can be configured by the user to take in any of a number of positions, which allows the user to position the shower head 42 and the direction of the shower spray as desired, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the flexible shower arm 34 is made up a plurality of ball and socket beads 46 which are interconnected for rotational and pivotal movement between adjacent beads.
  • the beads are preferably made of a thermoplastic material, such as Teflon impregnated acetal.
  • Each bead 46 has a smaller end 54 and a larger end 56 , with a tapered neck 58 area defined between the two ends.
  • the cavity 48 formed through the bead 46 defines an opening 60 at the smaller end 54 of the bead 46 and an opening at the larger end 56 of the bead.
  • the external surface at the smaller end 54 of the bead 46 is substantially spherical in shape.
  • the internal walls 62 of the cavity 48 formed at the larger end 56 of the bead 46 have a substantially spherical shape for rotatably and pivotally receiving the smaller end 54 of the adjacent bead 46 .
  • the beads 46 are interconnected with one another by inserting the smaller end 54 of a first bead into the cavity 48 in the larger end 56 of the adjacent bead 46 and so on, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
  • the engagement of the external walls of the smaller end 54 of one bead with the internal walls 62 of the larger end 56 of an adjacent bead 46 allows the plurality of beads to pivot and rotate with respect to adjacent beads to form a variety of shapes.
  • the shape of the cavity 48 formed in the large end 56 of the bead 46 is appropriately sized to tightly receive the smaller end 54 of an adjacent bead such that the beads can rotate and pivot with respect to one another under the force of the user, however, the fit is sufficiently fight to create adequate friction to maintain the relative positions of the beads once the flexible shower arm 34 is shaped by the user.
  • a suitable bead 46 for use in constructing the flexible shower arm 34 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,206, issued to Lockwood Products, Inc. It is contemplated, however, that any structure which allows for repeated flexible movement to a fixed final position, and that can accommodate the desired fluid transfer characteristics could be utilized for this purpose.
  • a special first end bead 64 is utilized at the first end 36 of the plurality of beads 46 making up the flexible shower arm 34 to attach the flexible shower arm 34 to the shower pipe connector nut 40 , as shown in FIGS. 3, 6 , and 10 .
  • the first end connection bead 64 defines a main body 66 with one end 68 structured so as to attach to the adjacent bead 46 in the flexible shower arm 34 .
  • the structure of the end 68 is a partially spherical concave outer surface 70 similar to the smaller end 54 of the typical bead 46 previously described above.
  • a cavity 72 is formed through the first end connector bead 64 , and will be described further below.
  • the other end 74 of the first end connector bead 64 has a substantially cylindrical outer surface portion 76 defining a rim 78 , an annular sloped sealing surface 80 adjacent to the rim 78 , an annular flange 82 or rim extending outwardly from the main body, and external threads 84 positioned between the sealing surface 80 and the flange 82 .
  • Protrusions 86 or prongs extend radially from the annular rim 78 and form part of a locking mechanism 88 described in more detail below. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13 , prongs 86 extend outwardly from the annular rim 78 on the first end bead 64 and have a longer first side 90 with a shallow slope, and a shorter second side 92 with a steeper slope.
  • the protrusions 86 are oriented on the rim 78 such that when the first end bead 64 is engaged with the shower pipe nut 40 , the protrusions engage corresponding ramps 94 formed on the inner surface of the shower pipe nut 40 when the first end bead 64 is completely seated in the shower pipe nut 40 to form a “ratchet” type of locking mechanism 88 which keeps the first end bead 64 from being extracted from the shower pipe nut 40 , such as by attempting to unscrew the first end bead 64 from the pipe nut 40 .
  • the cavity 72 formed through the length of the first end bead 64 has a particular shape to facilitate the transfer of fluid therethrough.
  • the recess 72 has a relatively large diameter and necks down through a sloped section 96 to a substantially cylindrical throat 98 through the center portion of the first end connector bead 64 .
  • the cavity 72 then abruptly widens to a larger diameter, substantially cylindrical, cavity portion 100 formed through to the other end 74 of the connector bead 64 .
  • An engagement surface 102 is formed at the transition from the diameter of the throat 98 to the larger diameter recess 100 , and is preferably a surface formed at 90° to the length of the first end connector bead 64 .
  • the external surface of the first end connector bead 64 adjacent the throat 98 extending along the middle of its length, defines the minimum exterior dimension of the first end connector bead 64 .
  • a pair of thin, relatively flexible fins 104 extend from opposite sides of the throat 98 portion of the first end connector bead 64 .
  • the fins 104 help form a seal with the sheath 52 when the sheath 52 is inserted over the first end connector bead 64 and into the shower pipe nut 40 , as described below and shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the sheath 52 engages the free ends 108 of the seal fins 104 and bend the seal fins 104 towards the shower pipe nut 40 .
  • the space between the tips 108 of the fins 104 and the shower pipe nut 40 is smaller than the thickness of the sheath 52 such that the sheath 52 engages the fins 104 as the sheath is inserted into the shower pipe nut 40 .
  • the resiliency of the fins 104 creates a bias force against the sheath 52 to push the sheath 52 against the shower pipe nut 40 and thus create a fastened joint to help block the entry of dirt, particles or other contaminants.
  • the bent fins also act as a cam surface to create an interference fit to resist the withdrawal of the sheath 52 from the shower pipe nut 40 .
  • the hose 50 preferably made of nylon-reinforced PVC, is inserted through the cavity 48 formed along the length of the flexible arm 34 , and is attached to the first end connector bead 64 by a serrated grommet 110 , as best shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the serrated grommet 110 has a substantially cylindrical main body defining an axial bore 112 formed therethrough, and a radially extending annular flange 114 formed at one end thereof.
  • the outer surface of the main body defines serrations 116 , preferably helical, to allow easy insertion of the grommet 110 into the inner diameter of the hose 50 , and to resist the extraction of the grommet 110 from the hose 50 .
  • the serrations 116 have relatively sharp tips to engage the inner diameter of the hose 50 to grip the hose 50 and resist the extraction of the grommet 110 therefrom.
  • the hose 50 is first inserted thorough the throat 98 of the first end connector bead 64 .
  • the end of the hose 50 is substantially aligned with the end of the throat 98 at the transition between the throat 98 and the larger diameter cavity portion 100 .
  • the grommet 110 is then inserted into the bore of the hose 50 such that the undersurface of the annular flange 114 formed on the grommet 110 engages the end of the hose 50 and the engagement surface 102 adjacent the throat 98 .
  • the main body of the grommet 110 is sized such that when inserted into the hose 50 , the wall of the hose 50 is compressed against the wall of the throat 98 to form a water tight seal, such that water flows only through the hose 50 and not around the hose.
  • the engagement of the annular flange 114 of the grommet 110 against the engagement surface 102 of the first end connector bead 64 also forms a seal to help prevent water from flowing through the bead 64 around the hose 50 .
  • the first end bead 64 of the flexible shower arm 34 is connected to the shower pipe 32 by a shower pipe connector nut 40 , as best shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 10 .
  • the nut 40 has an elongated main body 118 and defines a multi-chambered continuous cavity 120 formed therethrough.
  • the first portion 122 of the cavity 120 has smooth walls.
  • the second portion 124 of the cavity 120 defines internal threads 126 and is of a slightly smaller diameter for receiving the external threads 128 in the shower pipe 32 to allow threaded connections of the nut 40 to the shower pipe 32 .
  • the third chamber 130 is partially threaded.
  • An annular seat 132 is formed between the second 124 and third 130 portions of the chamber 120 .
  • An inwardly extending angled annular flange 134 is formed at one end of the third portion 130 of the cavity 120 and reduces the diameter of the cavity 120 significantly to control water flow in conjunction with the water flow restrictor 150 .
  • An annular recess 136 is formed about the base of the angled annular flange 134 for receiving the rim of the first end bead 64 upon insertion, as described further below.
  • An annular seal seat 138 is next formed in the cavity 120 beyond which an internally threaded region 140 is defined and terminates in the final chamber 142 having a larger diameter and defining an annular seating surface 144 oriented at 90° to the length of the pipe nut 40 .
  • a plurality of ramps 94 are spaced circumferentially on the interior wall of the final chamber 142 , adjacent to the seating surface 144 . These ramps 94 work in conjunction with the protrusions 86 formed on the annular flange 82 of the first end bead 64 to form the thread-locking mechanism 88 .
  • the end 74 of the first end bead 64 is threadedly received in the pipe nut 40 until the sealing surface 80 on the first end bead 64 engages an O-ring seal 146 and compresses it against the annular seal seat 138 formed in the pipe nut 40 .
  • the radially extending external flange 82 of the first end bead 64 simultaneously engages the flattened engagement surface 144 formed in the pipe nut 40 to solidly position the first end bead 64 to the pipe nut 40 .
  • the shape of the protrusions 86 on the external flange 82 on the first end bead 64 resist the counter-clockwise relative rotation of the first end bead 64 with respect to the pipe nut 40 to keep the first end bead 64 from accidentally being unscrewed from the pipe nut 40 .
  • the interlocking protrusions 86 and ramps 94 form a locking mechanism 88 which basically allow the first end bead 64 to be threadedly received by the pipe nut 40 and resist the threaded extraction from the pipe nut 40 of the first end bead 64 .
  • the O-ring 146 forms a seal between the first end bead 64 and the pipe nut 40 to keep water from flowing around the first end bead 64 and to only flow through the hose 50 extending through the flexible arm 34 .
  • An end 106 of the sheath 52 is positioned outside of the first end bead 64 , engaging the seal fins 104 , and inside of the end of the pipe nut 40 to assist in fixing the end 106 of the sheath 52 to the pipe nut 40 and form a seal to keep water and dirt as well as other contaminants from reaching the interconnected beads 46 .
  • a water filter member 148 and a flow restrictor 150 as shown in FIG. 6 are positioned in the pipe nut 40 .
  • the filter 148 has a first portion 152 having external threading and a second portion 154 having filtering structure, such as screen or small perforations. Water flows through the filtering structure and into a cavity 156 formed in the filter 148 , and out the end of the first portion 152 .
  • An annular seating flange 158 is formed between the two portions 152 , 154 and extends outwardly therefrom.
  • a specially designed second end bead 160 is positioned at the shower head end of the flexible arm 34 to facilitate the connection of the shower head 42 to the flexible arm 34 , as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 11 .
  • One end of the second end bead 160 has a shape structured to attach to the adjacent bead 46 in the flexible shower arm 34 .
  • this shape is identical to the larger end 56 of the typical bead 46 used in forming the interlocking bead structure of the flexible arm 34 , and is the receiving, or female, end 162 of the second end bead 160 .
  • the opposite 164 , or male end, of the second end bead 160 has a substantially spherical outer surface 166 .
  • the cavity 168 formed through the entire second end bead 160 has a central throat portion 170 converting to a partially spherical portion 172 in the receiving end 162 of the second end bead 160 (for receiving the smaller end 54 of the typical bead 46 as defined above) and a portion adjacent 160 the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 having a diameter larger than the throat 170 , to form an engagement surface 174 for the grommet which is used in attaching the hose 50 to the second end bead 160 .
  • a grommet 176 such as that described above with respect to the first end bead 64 is utilized to fix the end of the hose 50 to the second end bead 160 in an identical manner to that described with the first end bead 64 .
  • a seal is thus formed between the hose 50 and side walls of the throat 170 by the insertion of the grommet 176 into the hose 50 when the hose 50 is positioned in the throat 170 .
  • the outwardly extending flange 178 of the grommet 176 engages the engagement surface 174 formed by the transition of the throat 170 to the larger diameter portion of the cavity 168 .
  • a finger collar, or retainer, 180 is used in conjunction with the internal shower head body 182 to attach the small end 164 of the second end bead 160 to the base cone 184 of the shower head 42 .
  • the finger collar 180 has a substantially cylindrical main body 186 with fingers 188 extending longitudinally from around the main body 186 , and an annular seal rim 190 formed on the interior wall of the main body 186 of the finger collar 180 .
  • the seal rim 190 is positioned adjacent to but below the base of the finger extensions 188 from the main body 186 of the finger collar 180 .
  • An interference seal 192 is formed around the outer surface of the main body 186 of the finger collar 180 and is a rounded protrusion extending circumferentially around the main body 186 .
  • the base cone 184 of the shower head 42 has a collar 194 defining a passageway 196 formed therethrough with one end 198 internal to the shower head 42 having internal threading 200 and the other end 202 external to the shower head 42 having an opening 203 reduced in size by an inwardly sloped, partially conical rim 204 defining an interior finger engagement surface 206 which is further described below.
  • the internal shower head body 182 defines an externally threaded connector end 208 and an axial recess 210 formed adjacent the threaded end of the connector 208 .
  • the axial recess 210 has a base wall 212 and smooth side walls 214 .
  • the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 is inserted through the reduced-size external opening 203 in the base cone 184 .
  • the finger collar 180 is then positioned over the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 such that the fingers 188 extend along substantially the entire length of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 , and the seal rim 190 on the internal wall of the finger collar 180 continuously engages the outer surface 166 of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 .
  • the externally threaded connector 208 of the internal shower head body 182 is then threadedly received in the internally threaded end 200 of the collar 194 of the base cone 184 .
  • the external annular protrusion 192 on the main body 186 of the finger collar 180 engages the smooth sidewall 214 of the axial cavity 210 formed in the end of the connector 208 on the internal shower head body 182 to form a watertight seal between the finger collar 180 and the internal shower head body 182 .
  • the end of the finger collar 180 engages the base wall 212 of the cavity 210 in the shower head body 182 , and as the connector 208 is threaded into the base cone 184 , the base wall 212 of the cavity 210 pushes the finger collar 180 towards the reduced-size aperture 203 in the collar 194 .
  • the finger engagement surface 206 of the necked-down portion 204 of the external aperture 203 forces the finger extensions 188 on the finger collar 180 to wrap around the partially spherical outer surface 166 of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 to rotatably grip the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 and keep the second end bead 160 from being extracted from the base cone 184 .
  • the seal rim 190 forms a watertight seal between the finger collar 180 and the second end bead 160 .
  • the thickness of the finger extensions 188 is sufficient to retain the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 in the base cone 184 .
  • the internal annular seal rim 190 is also forced against the external surface 166 of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 to form a watertight seal between the second end bead 160 and the finger collar 180 .
  • the necked-down engagement surfaces 206 are partially conically shaped to functionally wrap the finger extensions 188 of the finger collar 180 around the partially spherical surface 166 of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 , which creates a frictional gripping force on the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 as well as an interference fit to keep the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 from being extracted from the base cone 184 .
  • the base cone 184 can thus rotate about the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 while maintaining the seal between the second end bead 160 and the finger collar 180 because the seal rim 190 maintains contact with the external surface 166 of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 as the shower head 42 is rotated about the male end 164 .
  • the rotation of the shower head 42 is more than likely to reside in the rotation of the second end bead 160 with the next adjacent bead 46 , however some pivoting is allowed between the shower head 42 and the second end bead 160 .
  • a continuous fluid flow path is thus formed through the second end bead 160 , through the finger collar 180 , and into the internal shower head body 182 for dispensing through the shower head 42 , with adequate seals to keep the water from leaking out from around each of the interconnected parts.
  • the shower head base cone 184 defines an annular recess 216 extending circumferentially around, but spaced away from the collar 194 .
  • the annular recess 216 receives the end 218 of the sheath 52 to give the final product a finished look and to seal the end 218 of the sheath 52 to the base cone 184 to prevent passage of water, dirt and other contaminants to the interconnected beads.
  • a wedge collar 220 is used to assist in retaining the sheath end 218 in the recess 216 , and to improve the seal characteristics, as shown in FIG. 8 .
  • the wedge collar 220 is substantially cylindrical in shape, has thin sidewalls, and defines a wedge ring 222 on the exterior surface at a first end thereof.
  • a sharp annular rim 224 FIG. 9 , is formed on the interior surface of the wedge collar 220 adjacent the second end.
  • the wedge collar 220 is first placed over the end 218 of the sheath 52 such that the second end of the wedge collar 220 is substantially aligned with the end 218 of the sheath 52 . It is important that the sharp rim 224 engages the sheath 52 . The wedge collar 220 and sheath 52 are then pushed into the annular recess 216 , which is dimensioned to tightly receive the wedge collar 220 and sheath 52 , thus pressing the sharp rim 224 into the sheath 52 securely fixing them together.
  • the wedge collar 220 and sheath 52 are inserted into the recess 216 until the wedge ring 222 engages the end of the base cone 184 , and resiliently biases the portion of the base cone 184 outwardly to develop an even tighter engagement of the sheath 52 and wedge collar 220 to the base cone 184 , forming an adequate seal.
  • a U-shaped spring clip can be attached over the end 218 of the sheath 52 to assist in retaining the end in the recess 216 .
  • the clip has barbs extending inwardly and outwardly. The inwardly extending clips grip the sheath, while the outwardly extending clips engage the walls of the recess 216 . The barbs are directional to inhibit the extraction of the end 218 from the recess 216 .
  • two or three clips are positioned on the end of the sheath to provide an adequate retaining force.
  • the sheath 52 surrounding the entire length of the flexible arm 34 is substantially cylindrical in shape and defines an internal cavity 226 along the entire length of the sheath 52 .
  • Helical ribs 228 are formed on the outer surface of the sheath 52 to provide structural support to the sheath 52 and also to assist the sheath 52 in bending smoothly in conjunction with the movement of the flexible arm 34 .
  • the end 106 of the sheath 52 adjacent to the first end bead 64 is inserted into the shower pipe nut 40 to form a fastened joint.
  • the end 218 of the sheath 52 adjacent to the shower head 42 is inserted into the shower head base 184 also to form a fastened joint.
  • the sheath 52 With the sheath 52 being attached at either end, it is difficult for water, moisture, dirt or other contaminants to reach the interlocking beads 46 . It has been found that water, moisture, dirt or other contaminants cause the interlocking beads to degrade in performance by causing the interlocking beads to become noisy or move less smoothly with respect to one another.
  • the outer sheath 52 is also easier to clean than the individual beads 46 , and is thus more convenient.
  • the sheath 52 is preferably made of chemically resistant thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene.
  • the shower pipe connector nut 40 is threadedly received in the shower pipe 32 to form a seal and cause the water to flow through the flexible shower arm 34 to the shower head 42 .
  • the water flows through the shower pipe connector nut 40 , through the first end bead 64 attached to the shower pipe connector nut 40 and into the hose 50 which is positioned through the center of the interlocking beads 46 .
  • the water exits the hose and passes through the second end bead 160 adjacent to the shower head 42 , and finally through the shower head 42 to be dispensed to the user.
  • the first end bead 64 attached to the shower pipe connector nut 40 provides for a watertight seal between the first end bead 64 and the connector nut 40 , and a watertight seal between the hose 50 and the first end bead 64 so that the water exiting the shower pipe 32 flows only through the hose 50 to the shower head 42 , and thus eliminates leaking.
  • the second end bead 160 is connected to the shower head 42 to allow the shower head 42 to pivot on the second end bead 160 as well as maintain the watertight seal between the second end bead 160 and the shower head 42 .
  • the user To position the shower head 42 in the desired location, the user simply grasps the shower head 42 and moves it to bend the flexible arm to the desired configuration to position the shower head 42 in one of many positions, including laterally, vertically, forward or backward, or virtually any combination thereof.
  • the flexible shower arm 34 maintains its shape until modified by the user. The length of the flexible shower arm 34 is limited only by the weight of the shower head 42 , the structural strength of the connection to the shower pipe 32 , and the tightness with which the beads 46 fit together to form the flexible shower arm.

Abstract

A flexible shower arm assembly that allows the user to repeatably adjust the position of the shower head in three dimensions by configuring the shape of the shower arm attached between the water source, such as a shower pipe, and the water dispenser, such as a shower head. The particular position of the shower head, and the direction of the shower spray, can be modified by re-configuring the shape of the shower arm. The flexible shower arm holds the desired position until modified by the user. The flexible shower arm is sealingly attached to the shower pipe by a pipe connector nut, and is sealingly and pivotally attached to the shower head by a connection structure. The flexible shower arm assembly includes an elongated flexible member defining a fluid transfer path, the flexible member having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the flexible member is connected in fluid communication with the shower pipe, and the second end of the flexible member is connected in fluid communication to a shower head. A sheath covers the flexible arm from the first end to the second end.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/658,032, filed on Sep. 9, 2003 and entitled “Flexible Shower Arm Assembly”; which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/615,299, filed on Jul. 13, 2000 and entitled “Flexible Shower Arm Assembly,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,651; which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/241,345, filed on Feb. 1, 1999 and entitled “Flexible Shower Arm Assembly,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,569; which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/781,863, filed on Jan. 10, 1997 and entitled “Flexible Shower Arm Assembly,” now U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,378; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entireties.
  • BACKGROUND
  • 1. Field of Invention This invention relates to a flexible shower arm assembly, and more particularly to a shower arm assembly having a flexible shower arm to allow for flexible adjustment of the position of the shower head.
  • 2. Background Art
  • Bathing in a shower has replaced bathing in a bathtub as the preferred method of bathing for several reasons, including convenience, comfort, and energy savings. Typically, a person stands in the shower and is sprayed with water through a shower head, which is attached to a shower pipe extending from the central plumbing. A shower head directly attached to the shower pipe is able to be pivoted about the attachment to the shower pipe to provide a certain degree of movement to control the direction of the shower spray. The movement of the shower head is limited to pivotal movement about the connection point to the shower pipe and cannot be translated in any direction.
  • An improvement to the adjustability of the standard shower head includes the development of the hand-held shower head. The hand-held shower head includes a flexible hose attached to the shower pipe and a shower head having a handle attached to the opposite end of the flexible hose. The hand-held shower head is typically mounted on a bracket attached to the shower pipe to allow the hand-held shower head to be used as a normal shower head, and can normally be pivoted about the attachment of the bracket to the shower pipe. However, the hand-held shower head can also be removed from the bracket and held in the desired position with one hand. This allows the user to move the shower head to any desired position, however it requires that the user utilize one hand to hold the shower head.
  • Further development in shower head positioning includes shower pipe extensions, which include one or more rigid links having one end pivotally attached to the shower pipe and the other end pivotally attached to the shower head, or to another rigid link. The links are typically elongated rigid hoses and allow for limited movement in the vertical and lateral directions. The movement is limited by the length of the rigid links and the direction of movement allowed by the pivotal joints between the links. This type of rigid link structure often leaks at the joints and can become loose and fail to hold the desired position.
  • There is missing in the art a shower head assembly which allows the variable positioning of the shower head in three dimensions while leaving the user with two free hands. It is to overcome the shortcomings in the prior art that the present invention was developed.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention in general terms concerns a flexible shower arm assembly that allows the user to repeatably adjust the position of the shower head in three dimensions by configuring the shape of the shower arm attached between the water source, such as a shower pipe, and the water dispenser, such as a shower head. The particular position of the shower head, and the direction of the water spray, can be modified simply by re-configuring the shape of the shower arm. The flexible shower arm holds the desired position until modified by the user. The flexible shower arm is sealingly attached to the shower pipe by a pipe connector nut, and is sealingly and pivotally attached to the shower head by a connection structure.
  • More particularly, the flexible shower arm assembly includes an elongated flexible member defining fluid transfer path, the flexible member having a first end and an opposite second end. The flexible member is repeatably configurable to a fixed shape. The first end of the flexible member is connected in fluid communication with the shower pipe, and the second end of the flexible member is connected in fluid communication to a shower head. A sheath covers the flexible arm from the first end to the second end.
  • Still more particularly, the flexible shower arm assembly includes a plurality of interconnected beads forming a flexible arm, each bead rotatable with respect to adjacent beads. The plurality of interconnected beads form an axially extending bore, and have a first end bead at a first end of the arm and a second end bead at a second end of the arm. A shower pipe connector nut, defining an internal bore extending therethrough, has a first end for fluid connection to the shower pipe, and a second end for fluid connection to the first end bead. A shower head, defining a connection structure having an internal bore extending therethrough, is in fluid connection to the second end bead at the second end of the arm.
  • In one embodiment, the first end bead has an externally threaded end and a partially spherical opposing end. The partially spherical end connects to an adjacent bead. The first end of the connector nut is internally threaded, and the second end of the nut is internally threaded for threaded engagement to the shower pipe. The externally threaded end of the first end bead is threadedly received by the internally threaded first end of the nut.
  • In another embodiment, the connection structure between the shower head and the second end of the flexible arm includes a retainer for rotatably receiving said second end bead, a collar for receiving the second end bead and the retainer, and a connector for positioning the second end bead and the retainer in the collar.
  • Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible shower arm that can be repeatably adjusted to a variety of positions to allow control of the direction of spray from a shower head.
  • Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, 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 arm assembly incorporating the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the flexible shower arm assembly incorporating the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged representative section of interlinked beads, including the second end bead.
  • FIG. 5 is a representative section of the flexible shower arm of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a section taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 7 is a section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial section similar to FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial section of the wedge collar similar to FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of the first end of the flexible shower arm.
  • FIG. 11 is a partial exploded view of the second end of the flexible shower arm.
  • FIG. 12 is a representative section of the pipe nut utilized in the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a section taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 6.
  • DETAILED SPECIFICATION
  • A shower head assembly 30 encompassing the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3. The shower head assembly 30 is attached to a standard shower pipe 32 extending from the wall of a shower stall, as shown in FIG. 1. The shower head assembly 30 includes an elongated flexible shower arm 34 having first 36 and second 38 opposing ends, and defining a water conduit along its entire length. The first end 36 of the flexible shower arm 34 is attached to a shower pipe connector nut 40. The shower pipe connector nut 40 is in turn attached to the standard shower pipe 32 extending from the wall of the shower stall. The second end 38 of the flexible shower arm 34 is adapted to receive a shower head 42. A special connection structure 44 (see FIG. 3) is used between the second end 38 of the flexible shower arm 34 and the shower head 42.
  • In use, water flows from the shower pipe 32 through the shower pipe connector nut 40, and into the flexible shower arm 34. The water flows through the conduit (a continuous internal cavity) formed along the entire length of the flexible shower arm (described in more detail below) to reach the shower head 42, and then through the shower head. The flexible shower arm 34 can be configured by the user to take in any of a number of positions, which allows the user to position the shower head 42 and the direction of the shower spray as desired, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • Still generally, as shown in FIG. 3, the flexible shower arm 34 is made of a plurality of interlinked ball and socket beads 46 interconnected together, with each of the beads being pivotable with respect to each of the adjacent beads due to the ball and socket structure. Each bead defines an internal cavity 48 extending therethrough, and when interconnected the internal cavity 48 is continuous and extends along the entire length of the flexible shower arm 34. A flexible hose 50 is positioned through the continuous internal cavity 48 for carrying fluid through the flexible arm 34 from the shower pipe nut 40 to the shower head 42. A sheath 52 encompasses the length of the flexible shower arm 34 and extends from the shower pipe connector nut 40 to the base of the shower head 42. The sheath 52 protects the beads 46 from moisture, dirt and other contaminants which may affect the performance of the flexible shower arm 34.
  • In more detail, referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the flexible shower arm 34 is made up a plurality of ball and socket beads 46 which are interconnected for rotational and pivotal movement between adjacent beads. The beads are preferably made of a thermoplastic material, such as Teflon impregnated acetal. Each bead 46 has a smaller end 54 and a larger end 56, with a tapered neck 58 area defined between the two ends. The cavity 48 formed through the bead 46 defines an opening 60 at the smaller end 54 of the bead 46 and an opening at the larger end 56 of the bead. The external surface at the smaller end 54 of the bead 46 is substantially spherical in shape. The internal walls 62 of the cavity 48 formed at the larger end 56 of the bead 46 have a substantially spherical shape for rotatably and pivotally receiving the smaller end 54 of the adjacent bead 46. The beads 46 are interconnected with one another by inserting the smaller end 54 of a first bead into the cavity 48 in the larger end 56 of the adjacent bead 46 and so on, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The engagement of the external walls of the smaller end 54 of one bead with the internal walls 62 of the larger end 56 of an adjacent bead 46 allows the plurality of beads to pivot and rotate with respect to adjacent beads to form a variety of shapes.
  • The shape of the cavity 48 formed in the large end 56 of the bead 46 is appropriately sized to tightly receive the smaller end 54 of an adjacent bead such that the beads can rotate and pivot with respect to one another under the force of the user, however, the fit is sufficiently fight to create adequate friction to maintain the relative positions of the beads once the flexible shower arm 34 is shaped by the user. A suitable bead 46 for use in constructing the flexible shower arm 34 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,206, issued to Lockwood Products, Inc. It is contemplated, however, that any structure which allows for repeated flexible movement to a fixed final position, and that can accommodate the desired fluid transfer characteristics could be utilized for this purpose.
  • A special first end bead 64 is utilized at the first end 36 of the plurality of beads 46 making up the flexible shower arm 34 to attach the flexible shower arm 34 to the shower pipe connector nut 40, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 10. The first end connection bead 64 defines a main body 66 with one end 68 structured so as to attach to the adjacent bead 46 in the flexible shower arm 34. Preferably, the structure of the end 68 is a partially spherical concave outer surface 70 similar to the smaller end 54 of the typical bead 46 previously described above. A cavity 72 is formed through the first end connector bead 64, and will be described further below. The other end 74 of the first end connector bead 64 has a substantially cylindrical outer surface portion 76 defining a rim 78, an annular sloped sealing surface 80 adjacent to the rim 78, an annular flange 82 or rim extending outwardly from the main body, and external threads 84 positioned between the sealing surface 80 and the flange 82.
  • Protrusions 86 or prongs (see FIGS. 6, 10, and 13) extend radially from the annular rim 78 and form part of a locking mechanism 88 described in more detail below. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, prongs 86 extend outwardly from the annular rim 78 on the first end bead 64 and have a longer first side 90 with a shallow slope, and a shorter second side 92 with a steeper slope. The protrusions 86 are oriented on the rim 78 such that when the first end bead 64 is engaged with the shower pipe nut 40, the protrusions engage corresponding ramps 94 formed on the inner surface of the shower pipe nut 40 when the first end bead 64 is completely seated in the shower pipe nut 40 to form a “ratchet” type of locking mechanism 88 which keeps the first end bead 64 from being extracted from the shower pipe nut 40, such as by attempting to unscrew the first end bead 64 from the pipe nut 40.
  • The cavity 72 formed through the length of the first end bead 64 has a particular shape to facilitate the transfer of fluid therethrough. At the ball end 68 of the first end bead 64, the recess 72 has a relatively large diameter and necks down through a sloped section 96 to a substantially cylindrical throat 98 through the center portion of the first end connector bead 64. The cavity 72 then abruptly widens to a larger diameter, substantially cylindrical, cavity portion 100 formed through to the other end 74 of the connector bead 64. An engagement surface 102 is formed at the transition from the diameter of the throat 98 to the larger diameter recess 100, and is preferably a surface formed at 90° to the length of the first end connector bead 64. The external surface of the first end connector bead 64, adjacent the throat 98 extending along the middle of its length, defines the minimum exterior dimension of the first end connector bead 64.
  • A pair of thin, relatively flexible fins 104 extend from opposite sides of the throat 98 portion of the first end connector bead 64. The fins 104 help form a seal with the sheath 52 when the sheath 52 is inserted over the first end connector bead 64 and into the shower pipe nut 40, as described below and shown in FIG. 6. As the end 106 of the sheath 52 is inserted over the first end connector bead 64 and into the shower pipe nut 40, the sheath 52 engages the free ends 108 of the seal fins 104 and bend the seal fins 104 towards the shower pipe nut 40. The space between the tips 108 of the fins 104 and the shower pipe nut 40 is smaller than the thickness of the sheath 52 such that the sheath 52 engages the fins 104 as the sheath is inserted into the shower pipe nut 40. The resiliency of the fins 104 creates a bias force against the sheath 52 to push the sheath 52 against the shower pipe nut 40 and thus create a fastened joint to help block the entry of dirt, particles or other contaminants. In addition, the bent fins also act as a cam surface to create an interference fit to resist the withdrawal of the sheath 52 from the shower pipe nut 40.
  • The hose 50, preferably made of nylon-reinforced PVC, is inserted through the cavity 48 formed along the length of the flexible arm 34, and is attached to the first end connector bead 64 by a serrated grommet 110, as best shown in FIG. 6. The serrated grommet 110 has a substantially cylindrical main body defining an axial bore 112 formed therethrough, and a radially extending annular flange 114 formed at one end thereof. The outer surface of the main body defines serrations 116, preferably helical, to allow easy insertion of the grommet 110 into the inner diameter of the hose 50, and to resist the extraction of the grommet 110 from the hose 50. The serrations 116 have relatively sharp tips to engage the inner diameter of the hose 50 to grip the hose 50 and resist the extraction of the grommet 110 therefrom.
  • The hose 50 is first inserted thorough the throat 98 of the first end connector bead 64. The end of the hose 50 is substantially aligned with the end of the throat 98 at the transition between the throat 98 and the larger diameter cavity portion 100. The grommet 110 is then inserted into the bore of the hose 50 such that the undersurface of the annular flange 114 formed on the grommet 110 engages the end of the hose 50 and the engagement surface 102 adjacent the throat 98. The main body of the grommet 110 is sized such that when inserted into the hose 50, the wall of the hose 50 is compressed against the wall of the throat 98 to form a water tight seal, such that water flows only through the hose 50 and not around the hose. The engagement of the annular flange 114 of the grommet 110 against the engagement surface 102 of the first end connector bead 64 also forms a seal to help prevent water from flowing through the bead 64 around the hose 50.
  • The first end bead 64 of the flexible shower arm 34 is connected to the shower pipe 32 by a shower pipe connector nut 40, as best shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 10. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the nut 40 has an elongated main body 118 and defines a multi-chambered continuous cavity 120 formed therethrough. The first portion 122 of the cavity 120 has smooth walls. The second portion 124 of the cavity 120 defines internal threads 126 and is of a slightly smaller diameter for receiving the external threads 128 in the shower pipe 32 to allow threaded connections of the nut 40 to the shower pipe 32. The third chamber 130 is partially threaded. An annular seat 132 is formed between the second 124 and third 130 portions of the chamber 120.
  • An inwardly extending angled annular flange 134 is formed at one end of the third portion 130 of the cavity 120 and reduces the diameter of the cavity 120 significantly to control water flow in conjunction with the water flow restrictor 150. An annular recess 136 is formed about the base of the angled annular flange 134 for receiving the rim of the first end bead 64 upon insertion, as described further below. An annular seal seat 138 is next formed in the cavity 120 beyond which an internally threaded region 140 is defined and terminates in the final chamber 142 having a larger diameter and defining an annular seating surface 144 oriented at 90° to the length of the pipe nut 40. A plurality of ramps 94 are spaced circumferentially on the interior wall of the final chamber 142, adjacent to the seating surface 144. These ramps 94 work in conjunction with the protrusions 86 formed on the annular flange 82 of the first end bead 64 to form the thread-locking mechanism 88.
  • The end 74 of the first end bead 64 is threadedly received in the pipe nut 40 until the sealing surface 80 on the first end bead 64 engages an O-ring seal 146 and compresses it against the annular seal seat 138 formed in the pipe nut 40. The radially extending external flange 82 of the first end bead 64 simultaneously engages the flattened engagement surface 144 formed in the pipe nut 40 to solidly position the first end bead 64 to the pipe nut 40. The plurality of ramps 94 formed on the interior surface of the pipe nut 40 adjacent to the flattened engagement surface 144 engage the protrusions 86 formed on the radial extending external flange 82 of the first end nut 64 and allow the first end nut 64 to be threaded into the pipe nut 40 with a right-handed thread motion. The shape of the protrusions 86 on the external flange 82 on the first end bead 64 resist the counter-clockwise relative rotation of the first end bead 64 with respect to the pipe nut 40 to keep the first end bead 64 from accidentally being unscrewed from the pipe nut 40. The interlocking protrusions 86 and ramps 94, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, form a locking mechanism 88 which basically allow the first end bead 64 to be threadedly received by the pipe nut 40 and resist the threaded extraction from the pipe nut 40 of the first end bead 64.
  • The O-ring 146 forms a seal between the first end bead 64 and the pipe nut 40 to keep water from flowing around the first end bead 64 and to only flow through the hose 50 extending through the flexible arm 34. An end 106 of the sheath 52 is positioned outside of the first end bead 64, engaging the seal fins 104, and inside of the end of the pipe nut 40 to assist in fixing the end 106 of the sheath 52 to the pipe nut 40 and form a seal to keep water and dirt as well as other contaminants from reaching the interconnected beads 46.
  • A water filter member 148 and a flow restrictor 150 as shown in FIG. 6, are positioned in the pipe nut 40. The filter 148 has a first portion 152 having external threading and a second portion 154 having filtering structure, such as screen or small perforations. Water flows through the filtering structure and into a cavity 156 formed in the filter 148, and out the end of the first portion 152. An annular seating flange 158 is formed between the two portions 152, 154 and extends outwardly therefrom. The first portion 152 of the filter 148 is threadedly received by the threads in the third chamber 130 until the flange 158 engages the annular seat 132 when the filter 148 is in the proper position, also being engaged by the end of the shower pipe 32, with an flat washer 159 positioned therebetween to form a seal. The flow restrictor 150 is held in the third portion 130 of the cavity 120 by the filter 148, and receives the water after it has passed through the filter 148.
  • A specially designed second end bead 160 is positioned at the shower head end of the flexible arm 34 to facilitate the connection of the shower head 42 to the flexible arm 34, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 11. One end of the second end bead 160 has a shape structured to attach to the adjacent bead 46 in the flexible shower arm 34. Preferably, this shape is identical to the larger end 56 of the typical bead 46 used in forming the interlocking bead structure of the flexible arm 34, and is the receiving, or female, end 162 of the second end bead 160. The opposite 164, or male end, of the second end bead 160 has a substantially spherical outer surface 166. The cavity 168 formed through the entire second end bead 160 has a central throat portion 170 converting to a partially spherical portion 172 in the receiving end 162 of the second end bead 160 (for receiving the smaller end 54 of the typical bead 46 as defined above) and a portion adjacent 160 the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 having a diameter larger than the throat 170, to form an engagement surface 174 for the grommet which is used in attaching the hose 50 to the second end bead 160. A grommet 176 such as that described above with respect to the first end bead 64 is utilized to fix the end of the hose 50 to the second end bead 160 in an identical manner to that described with the first end bead 64. A seal is thus formed between the hose 50 and side walls of the throat 170 by the insertion of the grommet 176 into the hose 50 when the hose 50 is positioned in the throat 170. The outwardly extending flange 178 of the grommet 176 engages the engagement surface 174 formed by the transition of the throat 170 to the larger diameter portion of the cavity 168.
  • A finger collar, or retainer, 180 is used in conjunction with the internal shower head body 182 to attach the small end 164 of the second end bead 160 to the base cone 184 of the shower head 42. The finger collar 180 has a substantially cylindrical main body 186 with fingers 188 extending longitudinally from around the main body 186, and an annular seal rim 190 formed on the interior wall of the main body 186 of the finger collar 180. The seal rim 190 is positioned adjacent to but below the base of the finger extensions 188 from the main body 186 of the finger collar 180. An interference seal 192 is formed around the outer surface of the main body 186 of the finger collar 180 and is a rounded protrusion extending circumferentially around the main body 186.
  • The base cone 184 of the shower head 42 has a collar 194 defining a passageway 196 formed therethrough with one end 198 internal to the shower head 42 having internal threading 200 and the other end 202 external to the shower head 42 having an opening 203 reduced in size by an inwardly sloped, partially conical rim 204 defining an interior finger engagement surface 206 which is further described below.
  • The internal shower head body 182 defines an externally threaded connector end 208 and an axial recess 210 formed adjacent the threaded end of the connector 208. The axial recess 210 has a base wall 212 and smooth side walls 214.
  • In connecting the second end bead 160 to the base cone 184 of the shower head 42, the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 is inserted through the reduced-size external opening 203 in the base cone 184. The finger collar 180 is then positioned over the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 such that the fingers 188 extend along substantially the entire length of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160, and the seal rim 190 on the internal wall of the finger collar 180 continuously engages the outer surface 166 of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160. The externally threaded connector 208 of the internal shower head body 182 is then threadedly received in the internally threaded end 200 of the collar 194 of the base cone 184. The external annular protrusion 192 on the main body 186 of the finger collar 180 engages the smooth sidewall 214 of the axial cavity 210 formed in the end of the connector 208 on the internal shower head body 182 to form a watertight seal between the finger collar 180 and the internal shower head body 182. The end of the finger collar 180 engages the base wall 212 of the cavity 210 in the shower head body 182, and as the connector 208 is threaded into the base cone 184, the base wall 212 of the cavity 210 pushes the finger collar 180 towards the reduced-size aperture 203 in the collar 194. The finger engagement surface 206 of the necked-down portion 204 of the external aperture 203 forces the finger extensions 188 on the finger collar 180 to wrap around the partially spherical outer surface 166 of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 to rotatably grip the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 and keep the second end bead 160 from being extracted from the base cone 184. In addition, the seal rim 190 forms a watertight seal between the finger collar 180 and the second end bead 160. The thickness of the finger extensions 188 is sufficient to retain the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 in the base cone 184.
  • The internal annular seal rim 190 is also forced against the external surface 166 of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 to form a watertight seal between the second end bead 160 and the finger collar 180.
  • The necked-down engagement surfaces 206 are partially conically shaped to functionally wrap the finger extensions 188 of the finger collar 180 around the partially spherical surface 166 of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160, which creates a frictional gripping force on the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 as well as an interference fit to keep the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 from being extracted from the base cone 184. The base cone 184 can thus rotate about the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 while maintaining the seal between the second end bead 160 and the finger collar 180 because the seal rim 190 maintains contact with the external surface 166 of the male end 164 of the second end bead 160 as the shower head 42 is rotated about the male end 164. Functionally, the rotation of the shower head 42 is more than likely to reside in the rotation of the second end bead 160 with the next adjacent bead 46, however some pivoting is allowed between the shower head 42 and the second end bead 160. A continuous fluid flow path is thus formed through the second end bead 160, through the finger collar 180, and into the internal shower head body 182 for dispensing through the shower head 42, with adequate seals to keep the water from leaking out from around each of the interconnected parts.
  • The shower head base cone 184 defines an annular recess 216 extending circumferentially around, but spaced away from the collar 194. The annular recess 216 receives the end 218 of the sheath 52 to give the final product a finished look and to seal the end 218 of the sheath 52 to the base cone 184 to prevent passage of water, dirt and other contaminants to the interconnected beads. A wedge collar 220 is used to assist in retaining the sheath end 218 in the recess 216, and to improve the seal characteristics, as shown in FIG. 8. The wedge collar 220 is substantially cylindrical in shape, has thin sidewalls, and defines a wedge ring 222 on the exterior surface at a first end thereof. A sharp annular rim 224, FIG. 9, is formed on the interior surface of the wedge collar 220 adjacent the second end.
  • In using the wedge collar 220 as an anchor, the wedge collar 220 is first placed over the end 218 of the sheath 52 such that the second end of the wedge collar 220 is substantially aligned with the end 218 of the sheath 52. It is important that the sharp rim 224 engages the sheath 52. The wedge collar 220 and sheath 52 are then pushed into the annular recess 216, which is dimensioned to tightly receive the wedge collar 220 and sheath 52, thus pressing the sharp rim 224 into the sheath 52 securely fixing them together. The wedge collar 220 and sheath 52 are inserted into the recess 216 until the wedge ring 222 engages the end of the base cone 184, and resiliently biases the portion of the base cone 184 outwardly to develop an even tighter engagement of the sheath 52 and wedge collar 220 to the base cone 184, forming an adequate seal.
  • Alternatively, a U-shaped spring clip can be attached over the end 218 of the sheath 52 to assist in retaining the end in the recess 216. The clip has barbs extending inwardly and outwardly. The inwardly extending clips grip the sheath, while the outwardly extending clips engage the walls of the recess 216. The barbs are directional to inhibit the extraction of the end 218 from the recess 216. Typically, two or three clips are positioned on the end of the sheath to provide an adequate retaining force.
  • The sheath 52 surrounding the entire length of the flexible arm 34, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, is substantially cylindrical in shape and defines an internal cavity 226 along the entire length of the sheath 52. Helical ribs 228 are formed on the outer surface of the sheath 52 to provide structural support to the sheath 52 and also to assist the sheath 52 in bending smoothly in conjunction with the movement of the flexible arm 34. The end 106 of the sheath 52 adjacent to the first end bead 64 is inserted into the shower pipe nut 40 to form a fastened joint. The end 218 of the sheath 52 adjacent to the shower head 42 is inserted into the shower head base 184 also to form a fastened joint. With the sheath 52 being attached at either end, it is difficult for water, moisture, dirt or other contaminants to reach the interlocking beads 46. It has been found that water, moisture, dirt or other contaminants cause the interlocking beads to degrade in performance by causing the interlocking beads to become noisy or move less smoothly with respect to one another. The outer sheath 52 is also easier to clean than the individual beads 46, and is thus more convenient. The sheath 52 is preferably made of chemically resistant thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene. The ribs 228 formed on the outer surface of the sheath 52 to create a corrugated outer surface. The bead is in a helix pattern, and provides structural strength to the sheath. The webbing between the beads compresses (folds), or extends, depending on the way the flexible arm is bent.
  • In operation, the shower pipe connector nut 40 is threadedly received in the shower pipe 32 to form a seal and cause the water to flow through the flexible shower arm 34 to the shower head 42. The water flows through the shower pipe connector nut 40, through the first end bead 64 attached to the shower pipe connector nut 40 and into the hose 50 which is positioned through the center of the interlocking beads 46. The water exits the hose and passes through the second end bead 160 adjacent to the shower head 42, and finally through the shower head 42 to be dispensed to the user.
  • The first end bead 64 attached to the shower pipe connector nut 40 provides for a watertight seal between the first end bead 64 and the connector nut 40, and a watertight seal between the hose 50 and the first end bead 64 so that the water exiting the shower pipe 32 flows only through the hose 50 to the shower head 42, and thus eliminates leaking. The second end bead 160 is connected to the shower head 42 to allow the shower head 42 to pivot on the second end bead 160 as well as maintain the watertight seal between the second end bead 160 and the shower head 42.
  • To position the shower head 42 in the desired location, the user simply grasps the shower head 42 and moves it to bend the flexible arm to the desired configuration to position the shower head 42 in one of many positions, including laterally, vertically, forward or backward, or virtually any combination thereof. Once positioned, the flexible shower arm 34 maintains its shape until modified by the user. The length of the flexible shower arm 34 is limited only by the weight of the shower head 42, the structural strength of the connection to the shower pipe 32, and the tightness with which the beads 46 fit together to form the flexible shower arm.
  • Presently preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with a degree of particularity. This description has been made by way of preferred example. It should be understood, however, that the scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims, not necessarily by the detailed description of the preferred embodiment.

Claims (20)

1. A flexible shower arm assembly comprising:
a plurality of interconnected beads forming a flexible arm, each bead rotatable with respect to adjacent beads, the plurality of interconnected beads forming an axially extending bore having a longitudinal axis, and having a first end bead at a first end of the arm and a second end bead at a second end of the arm;
the first end bead having a connector end and a partially spherical opposing end, the partially spherical opposing end for connection to an adjacent bead;
a shower pipe connector nut defining an internal bore extending therethrough, and having a first end for fluid connection to a shower pipe, and a second end for connection to the connector end of the first end bead;
at least one internal stop located within the axially extending bore;
at least one internal stop abutment elements located within the axially extending bore, at least one stop abutment element contacting at least one stop when the plurality of interconnected beads is twisted in such a manner as to alter the longitudinal axis; and
a flexible sheath covering the plurality of interconnected beads, an end of the sheath located between an interior surface of the second end of the shower pipe connector nut and an external surface of the first end bead.
2. The shower arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end bead is threadedly connected to the second end of the shower pipe connector nut.
3. The shower arm assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of interconnected beads is connected to an adjacent bead via a snap-fit arrangement.
4. The shower arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the shower pipe connector nut is internally threaded for connection to a shower pipe.
5. The shower arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of the second connector is internally threaded for connection to a shower pipe.
6. The shower arm assembly of claim 1, wherein:
the plurality of internal stops define a stop longitudinal axis; and
the stop longitudinal axis varies with the longitudinal axis of the flexible arm.
7. The shower arm assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of internal stops comprises a formation of an interior wall of one of the plurality of interconnected beads.
8. The shower arm assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of internal stop abutment elements comprises an interior wall of one of the plurality of interconnected beads.
9. The shower arm assembly of claim 1, further comprising a flexible tube disposed within the axially extending bore.
10. The shower arm assembly of claim 9, wherein the flexible tube is further disposed within the plurality of internal stops.
11. The shower arm assembly of claim 10, further comprising a grommet attaching the flexible tube to the shower pipe connector nut.
12. The shower arm assembly of claim 11, wherein the grommet compresses the flexible tube against an interior of the shower pipe connector nut.
13. The shower arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the sheath comprises an external ribbed pattern.
14. The shower arm assembly of claim 13, wherein the external ribbed pattern comprises a continuous helix.
15. The shower arm assembly of claim 13, wherein the sheath is formed of plastic.
16. The shower arm assembly of claim 13, wherein:
the external ribbed pattern comprises a plurality of ribs; and
a portion of the sheath bounded by a first rib of the plurality of ribs and a second rib of the plurality of ribs compresses as the sheath is bent.
17. The shower arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the sheath comprises a shape nonconforming to the shape of the plurality of interconnected beads.
18. The shower arm assembly of claim 16, wherein the sheath is free to move in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
19. A flexible shower arm assembly comprising:
a plurality of snap-fitted beads forming a flexible arm, each bead pivotable with respect to adjacent beds, the plurality of snap-fitted beads forming an axially extending bore having a longitudinal axis and varying in longitudinal cross-section as the flexible arm is bent, the plurality of snap-fitted beads having a first end bead at a first end of the arm and a second end bead at a second end of the arm;
the first end bead having a connector end and a partially spherical opposing end, the partially spherical opposing end for connection to an adjacent bead;
a shower pipe connector nut defining an internal bore extending therethrough, and having a first end for fluid connection to a shower pipe, and a second end for connection to the first end bead;
a flexible tube disposed within the axially extending bore;
a grommet compressing the flexible tube against an interior of the shower pipe connector nut;
at least one internal stop located within the axially extending bore and defining a stop longitudinal axis, the stop longitudinal axis varying with the longitudinal axis;
at least one internal stop abutment elements located within the axially extending bore, at least one stop abutment element contacting at least one stop when the plurality of snap-fitted beads is twisted in such a manner as to alter the longitudinal axis; and
a flexible sheath covering the plurality of snap-fitted beads and having a lateral cross-section, the lateral cross-section of the flexible sheath differing at least in area from the lateral cross-section of the plurality of snap-fitted beads; and wherein the flexible is sheath free to move in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
20. The flexible shower arm assembly of claim 19, wherein:
each of the plurality of snap-fitted beads comprises a Teflon-impregnated thermoplastic; and
a first snap-fitted bead of the plurality of beads is frictionally connected to a second snap-fitted bead of the plurality of beads such that the first snap-fitted bead may be held in a pivoted position relative to the second snap-fitted bead.
US11/426,531 1997-01-10 2006-06-26 Flexible shower arm assembly Abandoned US20060231648A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/426,531 US20060231648A1 (en) 1997-01-10 2006-06-26 Flexible shower arm assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/781,863 US5865378A (en) 1997-01-10 1997-01-10 Flexible shower arm assembly
US09/241,345 US6164569A (en) 1997-01-10 1999-02-01 Flexible shower arm assembly
US09/615,299 US6629651B1 (en) 1997-01-10 2000-07-13 Flexible shower arm assembly
US10/658,032 US7066411B2 (en) 1997-01-10 2003-09-09 Flexible shower arm assembly
US11/426,531 US20060231648A1 (en) 1997-01-10 2006-06-26 Flexible shower arm assembly

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/658,032 Continuation US7066411B2 (en) 1997-01-10 2003-09-09 Flexible shower arm assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060231648A1 true US20060231648A1 (en) 2006-10-19

Family

ID=25124199

Family Applications (5)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/781,863 Expired - Lifetime US5865378A (en) 1997-01-10 1997-01-10 Flexible shower arm assembly
US09/241,345 Expired - Lifetime US6164569A (en) 1997-01-10 1999-02-01 Flexible shower arm assembly
US09/615,299 Expired - Lifetime US6629651B1 (en) 1997-01-10 2000-07-13 Flexible shower arm assembly
US10/658,032 Expired - Fee Related US7066411B2 (en) 1997-01-10 2003-09-09 Flexible shower arm assembly
US11/426,531 Abandoned US20060231648A1 (en) 1997-01-10 2006-06-26 Flexible shower arm assembly

Family Applications Before (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/781,863 Expired - Lifetime US5865378A (en) 1997-01-10 1997-01-10 Flexible shower arm assembly
US09/241,345 Expired - Lifetime US6164569A (en) 1997-01-10 1999-02-01 Flexible shower arm assembly
US09/615,299 Expired - Lifetime US6629651B1 (en) 1997-01-10 2000-07-13 Flexible shower arm assembly
US10/658,032 Expired - Fee Related US7066411B2 (en) 1997-01-10 2003-09-09 Flexible shower arm assembly

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (5) US5865378A (en)
EP (1) EP0951363A4 (en)
JP (1) JP2001500417A (en)
KR (1) KR100389207B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1158144C (en)
AU (1) AU726023B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2277060C (en)
DE (2) DE951363T1 (en)
ES (2) ES2183670B1 (en)
IL (1) IL130833A (en)
WO (1) WO1998030336A1 (en)

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD618766S1 (en) 2008-05-01 2010-06-29 Water Pik, Inc. Showerhead arm
US7905429B2 (en) 2005-10-18 2011-03-15 Water Pik, Inc. Dispensing system and method for shower arm
US20110162718A1 (en) * 2010-01-04 2011-07-07 Akron Brass Company Rotatable flange for a water monitor
US8024822B2 (en) 2004-06-14 2011-09-27 Water Pik, Inc. Articulating shower arm
CN103327861A (en) * 2011-03-01 2013-09-25 大久保贵泰 Shower device
USD692111S1 (en) 2012-10-11 2013-10-22 Water Pik, Inc. Mounting bracket for water flosser
US8678022B2 (en) 2012-06-22 2014-03-25 Akron Brass Co. Positionable outlet for a water monitor
US8789218B2 (en) 2007-05-04 2014-07-29 Water Pik, Inc. Molded arm for showerheads and method of making same
USD711505S1 (en) 2013-05-20 2014-08-19 Water Pik, Inc. Shower arm
USD711506S1 (en) 2013-05-20 2014-08-19 Water Pik, Inc. Showerhead with arm
US9347208B2 (en) 2012-06-22 2016-05-24 Water Pik, Inc. Bracket for showerhead with integral flow control
US9700909B2 (en) 2006-10-09 2017-07-11 Water Pik, Inc. Shower arm attachment assembly
USRE48069E1 (en) 2003-04-02 2020-06-30 Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Llc Fire-fighting monitor with remote control
US10730061B2 (en) 2014-10-03 2020-08-04 Water Pik, Inc. Automatically locking shower arm joint
US10973678B2 (en) 2016-07-27 2021-04-13 Purewick Corporation Apparatus and methods for receiving discharged urine
US11090183B2 (en) 2014-11-25 2021-08-17 Purewick Corporation Container for collecting liquid for transport
USD929578S1 (en) 2019-06-06 2021-08-31 Purewick Corporation Urine collection assembly
US11376152B2 (en) 2014-03-19 2022-07-05 Purewick Corporation Apparatus and methods for receiving discharged urine
US11382786B2 (en) 2014-03-19 2022-07-12 Purewick Corporation Apparatus and methods for receiving discharged urine
USD967409S1 (en) 2020-07-15 2022-10-18 Purewick Corporation Urine collection apparatus cover
US11529252B2 (en) 2018-05-01 2022-12-20 Purewick Corporation Fluid collection garments
US11801186B2 (en) 2020-09-10 2023-10-31 Purewick Corporation Urine storage container handle and lid accessories
US11865030B2 (en) 2021-01-19 2024-01-09 Purewick Corporation Variable fit fluid collection devices, systems, and methods
US11925575B2 (en) 2023-04-13 2024-03-12 Purewick Corporation Fluid collection devices having a sump between a tube opening and a barrier, and related systems and methods

Families Citing this family (101)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5865378A (en) * 1997-01-10 1999-02-02 Teledyne Industries, Inc. Flexible shower arm assembly
DE19859315A1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2000-06-29 Hansgrohe Ag Shower combination
DE19912571A1 (en) * 1999-03-19 2000-11-02 Manfred Goettling S-shaped gun holder for a powder coating booth
FR2795806B1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2001-07-27 Coflexip LIMITING DEVICE FOR PROPAGATING DEFORMATION IN A DOUBLE WALL TUBE
US6227464B1 (en) 1999-08-23 2001-05-08 Masco Corporation Of Indiana In-line basket filter and anti-siphon valve assembly for spray spout and the like
US6619570B1 (en) 2000-06-14 2003-09-16 Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc. Telescoping watering wand
WO2002047765A1 (en) * 2000-12-12 2002-06-20 Water Pik, Inc. Shower head assembly
US6626210B2 (en) 2001-01-12 2003-09-30 Water Pik, Inc. Flexible arm assembly
CA2338814C (en) 2001-02-27 2009-09-15 Canplas Industries Ltd. P-trap for plumbing drainage systems
US6854768B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2005-02-15 Innatech, Llc Fluid conduits and method of manufacturing same
ITMN20010025A1 (en) * 2001-06-04 2002-12-04 Fabrizio Nobili SHOWER WATER SUPPLY CONDUCT
US6648376B2 (en) 2002-03-29 2003-11-18 Showertek, Inc. Flexible sectioned arm with internal overbending-prevention sleeves
ES2409154T3 (en) * 2002-06-11 2013-06-25 Handy Shower Ltd. Flexible bimodal-rigid hose
US20040059263A1 (en) * 2002-09-24 2004-03-25 Spiration, Inc. Device and method for measuring the diameter of an air passageway
JP3678720B2 (en) * 2002-08-29 2005-08-03 株式会社水道技術開発機構 Flexible pipe joint
US7114666B2 (en) * 2002-12-10 2006-10-03 Water Pik, Inc. Dual massage shower head
US7533906B2 (en) * 2003-10-14 2009-05-19 Water Pik, Inc. Rotatable and pivotable connector
US20050150983A1 (en) * 2004-01-08 2005-07-14 Yang Lung Y. Flexible hose device for spraying purposes
US20050167530A1 (en) * 2004-01-30 2005-08-04 Ward Kenneth R. Mechanically sealed adjustable gas nozzle
US7246760B2 (en) * 2004-02-20 2007-07-24 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Swivel mount for a spray head
GB0408944D0 (en) * 2004-04-22 2004-05-26 Hydrasun Ltd Support apparatus and method
US7740186B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2010-06-22 Water Pik, Inc. Drenching shower head
US20060102756A1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-05-18 Lionel Belanger Adjustable spray applicator for vehicle washing applications
US20060101573A1 (en) * 2004-11-12 2006-05-18 Hallam Robert T Jet powered spa water feature
JP4884704B2 (en) * 2005-06-10 2012-02-29 フジビーシー技研株式会社 Mist supply nozzle device
TWM293999U (en) * 2005-08-24 2006-07-11 Deng-Lu Hung Improved connection structure for water delivery pipe
WO2007124455A2 (en) 2006-04-20 2007-11-01 Water Pik, Inc. Converging spray showerhead
US7789326B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2010-09-07 Water Pik, Inc. Handheld showerhead with mode control and method of selecting a handheld showerhead mode
US8020787B2 (en) 2006-11-29 2011-09-20 Water Pik, Inc. Showerhead system
US8794543B2 (en) 2006-12-28 2014-08-05 Water Pik, Inc. Low-speed pulsating showerhead
US7770822B2 (en) 2006-12-28 2010-08-10 Water Pik, Inc. Hand shower with an extendable handle
US8366024B2 (en) 2006-12-28 2013-02-05 Water Pik, Inc. Low speed pulsating showerhead
GB2445736A (en) * 2007-01-20 2008-07-23 Terry O'brien Shower head and soap dispenser arrangement
US20090250924A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-08 Tisbo Thomas A Anti-kink hose support sleeve for garden hoses
USD624156S1 (en) 2008-04-30 2010-09-21 Water Pik, Inc. Pivot ball attachment
US8047236B2 (en) * 2008-09-12 2011-11-01 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Flexible conduit with locking element
CA2678769C (en) 2008-09-15 2014-07-29 Water Pik, Inc. Shower assembly with radial mode changer
USD616061S1 (en) 2008-09-29 2010-05-18 Water Pik, Inc. Showerhead assembly
US8500171B2 (en) * 2009-03-11 2013-08-06 John Tadlock & Associates, Inc. Fluid distributor and collection device with collapsible laterals and knuckles
TWM371687U (en) * 2009-06-24 2010-01-01 Chia Cherne Industry Co Ltd Multinodal structure of protective sheath for operation control filament of bicycle
US20110038064A1 (en) * 2009-07-30 2011-02-17 Ilo Kristo Xhunga Flexible Arms of Low Footprint and High Weight-bearing
USD625776S1 (en) 2009-10-05 2010-10-19 Water Pik, Inc. Showerhead
US8282135B1 (en) * 2009-12-17 2012-10-09 Baucom Jr Donald L Hydraulic hose coupler
ITVI20100102A1 (en) * 2010-04-14 2011-10-15 Ceadesign S R L WATER DISPENSER FOR SANITARY PLANTS AND DELIVERY ROD FOR THESE WATER SPOUT
US8789496B2 (en) * 2010-06-03 2014-07-29 T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Articulating chew toy
US9243732B2 (en) 2010-06-18 2016-01-26 Neoperl Gmbh Manual spray head
US20120000564A1 (en) * 2010-07-02 2012-01-05 Tsapatsaris Dino L Flexible tubing
US8616470B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2013-12-31 Water Pik, Inc. Mode control valve in showerhead connector
AU2011218735B2 (en) * 2010-09-03 2016-09-15 Phoenix Industries Pty Ltd Adjustable shower arm
EP2670288B1 (en) 2011-01-31 2017-05-31 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Articulation section with locking
JPWO2012141044A1 (en) * 2011-04-11 2014-07-28 大久保 貴泰 Shower equipment
US20120285573A1 (en) * 2011-05-11 2012-11-15 Paik Nam Soo Flexible shower arm
CN103062589A (en) * 2011-10-21 2013-04-24 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Supporting device
NL2008092C2 (en) * 2012-01-10 2013-07-15 Lankhorst Mouldings B V BENDING RESTRICTION ELEMENT FOR LIMITING THE BENDING RANGE OF A PIPE.
USD678463S1 (en) 2012-01-27 2013-03-19 Water Pik, Inc. Ring-shaped wall mount showerhead
USD678467S1 (en) 2012-01-27 2013-03-19 Water Pik, Inc. Ring-shaped handheld showerhead
US9901245B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2018-02-27 Carter J. Kovarik Selectively bendable remote gripping tool
US11083475B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2021-08-10 Carter J. Kovarik Medical device to remove an obstruction from a body lumen, vessel or organ
US9832980B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2017-12-05 Carter J. Kovarik Selectively bendable remote gripping tool
US10226266B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2019-03-12 Carter J. Kovarik Selectively bendable remote gripping tool
US9510564B2 (en) * 2012-05-22 2016-12-06 Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. Treat dispenser
US9393174B1 (en) * 2012-05-31 2016-07-19 Carl C. Pope Extensible vibrating shower apparatus
TW201249701A (en) * 2012-07-17 2012-12-16 Yuan-Hung Wen Heat-dissipating device for hydraulic brake system
EP3513879A1 (en) 2013-06-13 2019-07-24 Water Pik, Inc. Showerhead with turbine driven shutter
USD744065S1 (en) 2014-06-13 2015-11-24 Water Pik, Inc. Handheld showerhead
USD744066S1 (en) 2014-06-13 2015-11-24 Water Pik, Inc. Wall mount showerhead
USD744064S1 (en) 2014-06-13 2015-11-24 Water Pik, Inc. Handheld showerhead
USD744611S1 (en) 2014-06-13 2015-12-01 Water Pik, Inc. Handheld showerhead
USD744614S1 (en) 2014-06-13 2015-12-01 Water Pik, Inc. Wall mount showerhead
USD744612S1 (en) 2014-06-13 2015-12-01 Water Pik, Inc. Handheld showerhead
USD745111S1 (en) 2014-06-13 2015-12-08 Water Pik, Inc. Wall mount showerhead
US9687860B2 (en) * 2015-08-18 2017-06-27 Delta Faucet Company Quick connect showerhead
US20170097114A1 (en) * 2015-10-06 2017-04-06 Daniel D'Ambrosio Self-Supported Hose Delivery Assembly
CN106979426A (en) * 2016-01-19 2017-07-25 厦门松霖科技有限公司 The bindiny mechanism of flexible pipe and discharging device
MX2018009276A (en) 2016-02-01 2018-11-09 Water Pik Inc Handheld pet spray wand.
USD803981S1 (en) 2016-02-01 2017-11-28 Water Pik, Inc. Handheld spray nozzle
USD970684S1 (en) 2016-04-15 2022-11-22 Water Pik, Inc. Showerhead
US10265710B2 (en) 2016-04-15 2019-04-23 Water Pik, Inc. Showerhead with dual oscillating massage
EP3509754B1 (en) 2016-09-08 2021-06-30 Water Pik, Inc. Pause assembly for showerheads
DE102017103551A1 (en) * 2017-02-21 2018-08-23 Witzenmann Gmbh Conduit element to compensate for strains and / or relative movements
WO2018184690A1 (en) * 2017-04-07 2018-10-11 Applied Materials, Inc. Supply line guide for a vacuum processing system
US20180369850A1 (en) * 2017-06-22 2018-12-27 Durst Corporation, Inc. Adjustable Escutcheon Assembly
US11130145B2 (en) 2017-06-22 2021-09-28 Durst Corporation, Inc. Adjustable escutcheon assembly
USD843549S1 (en) 2017-07-19 2019-03-19 Water Pik, Inc. Handheld spray nozzle
US10801194B2 (en) * 2017-09-01 2020-10-13 Kathleen Mary Meehan Retractable hose with drying sweep and in-wall drip tray
GB2566480B (en) * 2017-09-14 2020-05-20 Subsea 7 Do Brasil Servicos Ltda Subsea riser systems
US11408543B2 (en) 2018-02-28 2022-08-09 Kohler Co. Articulating faucet
US11125365B2 (en) 2018-02-28 2021-09-21 Kohler Co. Magnetic joint
US10890277B2 (en) 2018-02-28 2021-01-12 Kohler Co. Articulating faucet with progressive magnetic joint
USD872227S1 (en) 2018-04-20 2020-01-07 Water Pik, Inc. Handheld spray device
CN209058984U (en) * 2018-05-30 2019-07-05 厦门普美霖卫浴科技有限公司 A kind of adjustable shower bath
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
DE202019101321U1 (en) * 2019-03-08 2020-06-09 Neoperl Gmbh Travel shower
DE102019105967A1 (en) * 2019-03-08 2020-09-10 Neoperl Gmbh Travel shower head
USD930115S1 (en) * 2019-03-08 2021-09-07 Neoperl Gmbh Hand shower for travelling purposes
US11511304B2 (en) 2019-06-07 2022-11-29 Kohler Co. Shower column assembly
CN112043188A (en) * 2019-06-07 2020-12-08 科勒公司 Shower post assembly
US11865557B2 (en) 2019-07-08 2024-01-09 Benoit Poirier Flexible shower head
USD923109S1 (en) * 2020-09-08 2021-06-22 Zhicheng Fang Bath toy
US20220349498A1 (en) * 2021-04-29 2022-11-03 APG Vision LLC Ball Mount with Integrated Cable Gland

Citations (95)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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
US854094A (en) * 1906-09-22 1907-05-21 Ralph Abraham Schoenberg Electrical conductor and armor therefor.
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.
US1327428A (en) * 1919-08-16 1920-01-06 George H Gregory Adjustable shower-spray device
US1451800A (en) * 1921-06-09 1923-04-17 Raymond C Agner Flexible conduit
US1754127A (en) * 1924-10-20 1930-04-08 Firm Of Alex Friedmann Pipe coupling
US1758115A (en) * 1929-01-12 1930-05-13 James W Kelly Adjustable shower fixture
US1906575A (en) * 1930-11-03 1933-05-02 Oscar C Goeriz Ball joint for pipe lines
US2117152A (en) * 1935-06-26 1938-05-10 Crosti Pietro Pipe joint
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
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
US2581129A (en) * 1947-06-14 1952-01-01 Henry Hyman Portable electric flashlight with retractable mount for auxiliary lamps
US2676806A (en) * 1948-05-29 1954-04-27 Columbia Broadcasting Syst Inc Phonograph reproducer arm assembly
US2679575A (en) * 1950-07-20 1954-05-25 David D La Vine Portable reading lamp
US2776168A (en) * 1954-09-20 1957-01-01 Rufin L Schweda Extension and telescoping attachment for nozzle of showers
US2825135A (en) * 1956-01-10 1958-03-04 William F Tilden Self-contained abrasive applicator
US2873999A (en) * 1956-06-21 1959-02-17 Ernest C Webb Adjustable support for a shower head
US2931672A (en) * 1956-06-05 1960-04-05 George W Merritt Flexible duct mounting
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
US3121235A (en) * 1961-11-24 1964-02-18 Gellmann Daniel Universal shower line unit
US3306634A (en) * 1963-02-07 1967-02-28 Pul Vac Inc Articulate joint
US3492029A (en) * 1968-11-18 1970-01-27 Johns Manville Thermally insulated pipe
US3565116A (en) * 1968-09-12 1971-02-23 White Motor Corp Safety hose and fitting assembly
US3641333A (en) * 1968-12-05 1972-02-08 Everett W Gendron Illuminated belt
US3663044A (en) * 1970-05-04 1972-05-16 Aeroquip Corp Universal joint
US3731084A (en) * 1972-03-20 1973-05-01 Portable flashlight
US3860271A (en) * 1973-08-10 1975-01-14 Fletcher Rodgers Ball joint pipe coupling
US3861719A (en) * 1973-05-09 1975-01-21 James D Hand Transition pipe fitting
US3869151A (en) * 1974-04-16 1975-03-04 Nasa Internally supported flexible duct joint
US3931992A (en) * 1973-11-30 1976-01-13 Badger Meter, Inc. Universal joint connector
US4005880A (en) * 1975-07-03 1977-02-01 Dresser Industries, Inc. Gas service connector for plastic pipe
US4006920A (en) * 1975-03-12 1977-02-08 Johns-Manville Corporation Joint assembly for insulating high temperature fluid carrying conduits
US4023782A (en) * 1974-09-06 1977-05-17 S.A. Des Anciens Etablissements Paul Wurth Tuyere stock and compensator joint therefore
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
USD268442S (en) * 1980-11-13 1983-03-29 Alice Darmon Lamp
US4383554A (en) * 1980-07-31 1983-05-17 Mobil Oil Corporation Flexible pipe
US4425965A (en) * 1982-06-07 1984-01-17 Otis Engineering Corporation Safety system for submersible pump
US4495550A (en) * 1984-04-24 1985-01-22 Joseph Visciano Flexible flashlight
US4568216A (en) * 1981-10-23 1986-02-04 Nifco Inc. Ball joint
US4571003A (en) * 1983-01-07 1986-02-18 Gewerkschaft Eisenhutte Westfalia Apparatus for controlling the position of a mineral mining machine
USD283645S (en) * 1983-05-10 1986-04-29 Tanaka Mfg. Co. Ltd. Map reading light for vehicles
US4643463A (en) * 1985-02-06 1987-02-17 Pressure Science Incorporated Gimbal joint for piping systems
US4645244A (en) * 1984-02-15 1987-02-24 Edwin Curtis Aircraft duct gimbaled joint
US4652025A (en) * 1984-06-15 1987-03-24 Planetics Engineering, Inc. Gimballed conduit connector
US4722029A (en) * 1985-12-10 1988-01-26 Hella HG Hueck & Co. Vehicle headlight
US4733337A (en) * 1986-08-15 1988-03-22 Lite Tek International Corp. Miniature flashlight
US4739801A (en) * 1985-04-09 1988-04-26 Tysubakimoto Chain Co. Flexible supporting sheath for cables and the like
US4809369A (en) * 1987-08-21 1989-03-07 Bowden John H Portable body shower
US4901927A (en) * 1989-02-13 1990-02-20 Jesse Valdivia Dual shower head assembly
US4903178A (en) * 1989-02-02 1990-02-20 Barry Englot Rechargeable flashlight
USD306351S (en) * 1986-11-26 1990-02-27 Rally Manufacturing, Inc. Flexible automobile map light
US4907137A (en) * 1987-05-30 1990-03-06 Rolf Winter Apparatus for supporting a lamp on a low-voltage rail
USD314246S (en) * 1988-01-14 1991-01-29 Alexander Engineering, Company Limited Adjustable lamp
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
US5103384A (en) * 1990-10-16 1992-04-07 Drohan William M Flashlight holder
US5107406A (en) * 1989-07-27 1992-04-21 Stanely Electric Co., Ltd. Head-lamps
US5197767A (en) * 1985-04-09 1993-03-30 Tsubakimoto Chain Co. Flexible supporting sheath for cables and the like
US5276596A (en) * 1992-06-23 1994-01-04 Krenzel Ronald L Holder for a flashlight
US5286071A (en) * 1992-12-01 1994-02-15 General Electric Company Bellows sealed ball joint
US5288110A (en) * 1992-05-21 1994-02-22 Aeroquip Corporation Flexible connector assembly
USD345811S (en) * 1992-01-10 1994-04-05 Black & Decker Inc. Rechargeable flashlight
US5385500A (en) * 1993-05-14 1995-01-31 Schmidt; Caitlyn R. Flashlight toy
USD356626S (en) * 1994-05-10 1995-03-21 Wen-Mu Wang Shower head
US5398977A (en) * 1993-05-06 1995-03-21 Dayco Products, Inc. Concentric hose coupling with cuff assembly surrounding an end of the outer hose
US5481765A (en) * 1994-11-29 1996-01-09 Wang; Wen-Mu Adjustable shower head holder
USD366707S (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-01-30 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD366710S (en) * 1995-03-13 1996-01-30 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD366708S (en) * 1995-03-03 1996-01-30 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight with flexible body
USD366709S (en) * 1995-03-13 1996-01-30 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight with flexible body
USD366948S (en) * 1995-05-22 1996-02-06 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD367333S (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-02-20 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD367934S (en) * 1995-02-06 1996-03-12 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flashlight
USD368146S (en) * 1995-02-06 1996-03-19 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD368317S (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-03-26 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD368540S (en) * 1995-02-13 1996-04-02 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD368539S (en) * 1994-11-07 1996-04-02 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD368542S (en) * 1995-04-17 1996-04-02 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flashlight
USD368541S (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-04-02 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
US5624074A (en) * 1995-10-26 1997-04-29 Component Hardware Group, Inc. Hose sub-assembly
US5865378A (en) * 1997-01-10 1999-02-02 Teledyne Industries, Inc. Flexible shower arm assembly
USD406636S (en) * 1998-01-06 1999-03-09 Teledyne Industries, Inc. Flexible shower arm
US6042155A (en) * 1994-01-04 2000-03-28 Lockwood Products, Inc. Ball and socket joint with internal stop
US6199729B1 (en) * 1997-12-01 2001-03-13 Mark Stephen Drzymkowski Hands-free drinking system
USD440641S1 (en) * 1997-01-10 2001-04-17 Water Pik, Inc. Flexible shower arm

Family Cites Families (176)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA659510A (en) 1963-03-12 N. Bard Francis Ball joint
DE352813C (en) 1922-05-04 Bernhard Eckardt Connection hose with protective cover for railroad cars
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.
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.
US1207380A (en) 1916-10-26 1916-12-05 Patrick J Duffy Shower-bath apparatus.
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
US1469528A (en) * 1921-05-07 1923-10-02 Owens John Metal hose
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
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
US1724147A (en) * 1929-02-16 1929-08-13 Corey L Russell Shower fixture
US2044445A (en) * 1934-11-05 1936-06-16 Price Emil Shower head
US2011446A (en) 1935-01-14 1935-08-13 Milwaukee Flush Valve Company Bathtub shower-spout fixture
US2156932A (en) * 1935-04-01 1939-05-02 Telefunken Gmbh Signaling system
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
US2268263A (en) * 1941-05-15 1941-12-30 Dresser Mfg Company Pipe fitting
DE854100C (en) 1943-03-06 1952-10-30 Ludwig Dipl-Ing Dr-Ing Grassl Flexible bracket
GB634483A (en) 1947-12-05 1950-03-22 Telegraph Constr & Maintenance Improvements in and relating to submarine cable repeater housings
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
US2721089A (en) 1952-05-31 1955-10-18 Shames Harold Expansion type adapter for use with a conduit adapted to deliver fluid under pressure
FR1098836A (en) 1954-03-31 1955-08-22 Semi-flexible tube
US2759765A (en) * 1954-07-19 1956-08-21 Leon P Pawley Flexible 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
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
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
US3402893A (en) * 1966-07-27 1968-09-24 Clyde V. Hindman Adjustable spray head
US3546961A (en) 1967-12-22 1970-12-15 Gen Electric Variable flexibility tether
GB1251833A (en) 1968-02-26 1971-11-03
GB1283919A (en) * 1968-10-30 1972-08-02 Mirrlees Blackstone Ltd Coaxial pipes with couplings
NL6912273A (en) * 1969-08-12 1971-02-16
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
US4045054A (en) 1972-09-28 1977-08-30 Hydrotech International, Inc. Apparatus for rigidly interconnecting misaligned pipe ends
US3778610A (en) 1972-12-04 1973-12-11 L Wolf Adjustable joint for electrical fixtures
NL7217080A (en) 1972-12-15 1974-06-18
NL176833C (en) * 1973-04-26 1985-06-17 Draegerwerk Ag HEAT-INSULATING FLEXIBLE PIPE.
SE386701B (en) 1973-10-29 1976-08-16 L J Yxfeldt SHOWER DEVICE
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
US4282612A (en) * 1980-04-28 1981-08-11 King Joseph L Adjustable shower and massage apparatus
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
US4465308A (en) 1981-11-05 1984-08-14 Tenneco Inc. Connection flange for tubular members
US4669757A (en) * 1982-08-05 1987-06-02 Bartholomew Donald D High pressure fluid conduit assembly
DE3246327C2 (en) 1982-12-15 1985-10-10 Karl Heinz 3353 Bad Gandersheim Vahlbrauk Device for connecting two pipe ends
USD281820S (en) 1982-12-22 1985-12-17 Car Mate Mfg. Co., Ltd. Flexible lamp
US4553775A (en) * 1983-04-26 1985-11-19 Pressure Science Incorporated Resilient annular seal with supporting liner
GB2156932A (en) 1984-03-30 1985-10-16 Iracroft Ltd Ball joint pipe coupling
US4645224A (en) * 1985-03-20 1987-02-24 Poganski John W Trailer tongue handle
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
USD302325S (en) 1986-12-05 1989-07-18 Rally Manufacturing, Inc. Twin beam map light for vehicles
JPS63181459A (en) 1987-01-23 1988-07-26 Matsushita Electronics Corp Manufacture of semiconductor device
US5032015A (en) * 1987-07-22 1991-07-16 Shower Tek, Inc. Self-supported, adjustable, condensation-free shower mirror
US4790294A (en) * 1987-07-28 1988-12-13 Welch Allyn, Inc. Ball-and-socket bead endoscope steering section
US4863328A (en) * 1988-01-25 1989-09-05 Kdi American Products, Inc. Locking mechanism for threaded components
US4871196A (en) * 1988-02-01 1989-10-03 Mace Corporation Double shield fitting
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
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
CA2001991A1 (en) 1989-11-01 1991-05-01 Norman D. Bowen Spray nozzles
NL8902957A (en) * 1989-11-30 1991-06-17 Alexander Ter Schiphorst Sprayer head feed pipe - bends in all directions and is stiff enough to hold position
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
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
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
DE4142198C1 (en) * 1991-12-20 1993-04-29 Alfred Kaercher Gmbh & Co, 7057 Winnenden, De
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
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
USD368875S (en) * 1993-03-19 1996-04-16 Highland Supply Corporation Flower pot cover
US5268826A (en) 1993-04-12 1993-12-07 Greene Roger W Neck supported flashlight apparatus
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
USD361399S (en) 1994-08-05 1995-08-15 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
US5521803A (en) 1994-08-05 1996-05-28 Eckert; Lee H. Flashlight with flexible core
US5517392A (en) 1994-08-05 1996-05-14 Black & Decker Inc. Sleeve retention for flexible core of a flashlight
USD365625S (en) 1994-08-15 1995-12-26 Bova Anthony J Conbined waterbed filling and draining tube
US6164570A (en) * 1994-11-14 2000-12-26 Water Pik, Inc. Self-supporting reconfigurable hose
ATE203805T1 (en) * 1995-02-01 2001-08-15 Novo Nordisk As SCREW CONNECTION FOR TWO TUBULAR PLASTIC PARTS
USD370987S (en) 1995-02-06 1996-06-18 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD363360S (en) 1995-02-06 1995-10-17 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD369873S (en) 1995-02-06 1996-05-14 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD364935S (en) 1995-02-06 1995-12-05 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD365646S (en) 1995-02-06 1995-12-26 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD370277S (en) 1995-02-13 1996-05-28 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD370988S (en) 1995-02-13 1996-06-18 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD369874S (en) 1995-02-13 1996-05-14 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD370542S (en) 1995-02-13 1996-06-04 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD373434S (en) 1995-02-21 1996-09-03 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD372318S (en) 1995-02-21 1996-07-30 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD370278S (en) 1995-02-21 1996-05-28 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD370279S (en) 1995-03-02 1996-05-28 Black & Decker Inc. Fluorescent flashlight with flexible handle
US5727739A (en) 1995-03-03 1998-03-17 Spraying Systems Co. Nozzle with quick disconnect spray tip
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
USD373651S (en) 1995-03-13 1996-09-10 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD373645S (en) 1995-03-13 1996-09-10 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight with flexible handle
USD370280S (en) 1995-03-13 1996-05-28 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD373646S (en) 1995-03-13 1996-09-10 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible light
USD373652S (en) 1995-03-13 1996-09-10 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD370281S (en) 1995-03-13 1996-05-28 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible light
USD374297S (en) 1995-03-13 1996-10-01 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
USD374494S (en) 1995-04-17 1996-10-08 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flashlight
USD374733S (en) 1995-04-17 1996-10-15 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flexible flashlight
USD374732S (en) 1995-04-17 1996-10-15 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flexible flashlight
USD376860S (en) 1995-04-17 1996-12-24 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flashlight
USD373210S (en) 1995-04-17 1996-08-27 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flashlight
USD373647S (en) 1995-04-17 1996-09-10 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flexible flashlight
USD373435S (en) 1995-04-17 1996-09-03 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flexible flashlight
USD374493S (en) 1995-04-17 1996-10-08 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flexible flashlight
USD373648S (en) 1995-04-17 1996-09-10 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flexible 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
USD373649S (en) 1995-05-22 1996-09-10 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flashlight
USD372319S (en) 1995-05-22 1996-07-30 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flashlight
USD371856S (en) 1995-05-22 1996-07-16 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD372998S (en) 1995-05-22 1996-08-20 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
US5749602A (en) 1995-07-31 1998-05-12 Mend Technologies, Inc. Medical device
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

Patent Citations (95)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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
US854094A (en) * 1906-09-22 1907-05-21 Ralph Abraham Schoenberg Electrical conductor and armor therefor.
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.
US1327428A (en) * 1919-08-16 1920-01-06 George H Gregory Adjustable shower-spray device
US1451800A (en) * 1921-06-09 1923-04-17 Raymond C Agner Flexible conduit
US1754127A (en) * 1924-10-20 1930-04-08 Firm Of Alex Friedmann Pipe coupling
US1758115A (en) * 1929-01-12 1930-05-13 James W Kelly Adjustable shower fixture
US1906575A (en) * 1930-11-03 1933-05-02 Oscar C Goeriz Ball joint for pipe lines
US2117152A (en) * 1935-06-26 1938-05-10 Crosti Pietro Pipe joint
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
US2467954A (en) * 1946-02-23 1949-04-19 Rodger F Becker Flashlight
US2581129A (en) * 1947-06-14 1952-01-01 Henry Hyman Portable electric flashlight with retractable mount for auxiliary lamps
US2546348A (en) * 1947-08-19 1951-03-27 Dresser Ind Service head fitting
US2676806A (en) * 1948-05-29 1954-04-27 Columbia Broadcasting Syst Inc Phonograph reproducer arm assembly
US2679575A (en) * 1950-07-20 1954-05-25 David D La Vine Portable reading lamp
US2776168A (en) * 1954-09-20 1957-01-01 Rufin L Schweda Extension and telescoping attachment for nozzle of showers
US2825135A (en) * 1956-01-10 1958-03-04 William F Tilden Self-contained abrasive applicator
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
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
US3121235A (en) * 1961-11-24 1964-02-18 Gellmann Daniel Universal shower line unit
US3306634A (en) * 1963-02-07 1967-02-28 Pul Vac Inc Articulate joint
US3565116A (en) * 1968-09-12 1971-02-23 White Motor Corp Safety hose and fitting assembly
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
US3663044A (en) * 1970-05-04 1972-05-16 Aeroquip Corp Universal joint
US3731084A (en) * 1972-03-20 1973-05-01 Portable flashlight
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
US3931992A (en) * 1973-11-30 1976-01-13 Badger Meter, Inc. Universal joint connector
US3869151A (en) * 1974-04-16 1975-03-04 Nasa Internally supported flexible duct joint
US4023782A (en) * 1974-09-06 1977-05-17 S.A. Des Anciens Etablissements Paul Wurth Tuyere stock and compensator joint therefore
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
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
US4383554A (en) * 1980-07-31 1983-05-17 Mobil Oil Corporation Flexible pipe
USD268442S (en) * 1980-11-13 1983-03-29 Alice Darmon Lamp
US4568216A (en) * 1981-10-23 1986-02-04 Nifco Inc. Ball joint
US4425965A (en) * 1982-06-07 1984-01-17 Otis Engineering Corporation Safety system for submersible pump
US4571003A (en) * 1983-01-07 1986-02-18 Gewerkschaft Eisenhutte Westfalia Apparatus for controlling the position of a mineral mining machine
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
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
US4643463A (en) * 1985-02-06 1987-02-17 Pressure Science Incorporated Gimbal joint for piping systems
US4739801A (en) * 1985-04-09 1988-04-26 Tysubakimoto Chain Co. Flexible supporting sheath for cables and the like
US5197767A (en) * 1985-04-09 1993-03-30 Tsubakimoto Chain Co. Flexible supporting sheath for cables and the like
US4722029A (en) * 1985-12-10 1988-01-26 Hella HG Hueck & Co. Vehicle headlight
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
US4907137A (en) * 1987-05-30 1990-03-06 Rolf Winter Apparatus for supporting a lamp on a low-voltage rail
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
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
US5107406A (en) * 1989-07-27 1992-04-21 Stanely Electric Co., Ltd. Head-lamps
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
US5103384A (en) * 1990-10-16 1992-04-07 Drohan William M Flashlight holder
USD345811S (en) * 1992-01-10 1994-04-05 Black & Decker Inc. Rechargeable flashlight
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
US5286071A (en) * 1992-12-01 1994-02-15 General Electric Company Bellows sealed ball joint
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
US6042155A (en) * 1994-01-04 2000-03-28 Lockwood Products, Inc. Ball and socket joint with internal stop
USD356626S (en) * 1994-05-10 1995-03-21 Wen-Mu Wang Shower head
USD368539S (en) * 1994-11-07 1996-04-02 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
US5481765A (en) * 1994-11-29 1996-01-09 Wang; Wen-Mu Adjustable shower head holder
USD368146S (en) * 1995-02-06 1996-03-19 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD367934S (en) * 1995-02-06 1996-03-12 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flashlight
USD368540S (en) * 1995-02-13 1996-04-02 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD367333S (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-02-20 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD368541S (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-04-02 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD366707S (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-01-30 Black & Decker Inc. Flexible flashlight
USD368317S (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-03-26 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
USD366708S (en) * 1995-03-03 1996-01-30 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight with flexible body
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
USD368542S (en) * 1995-04-17 1996-04-02 Black & Decker Inc. Head for a flashlight
USD366948S (en) * 1995-05-22 1996-02-06 Black & Decker Inc. Flashlight
US5624074A (en) * 1995-10-26 1997-04-29 Component Hardware Group, Inc. Hose sub-assembly
US5865378A (en) * 1997-01-10 1999-02-02 Teledyne Industries, Inc. Flexible shower arm assembly
USD440641S1 (en) * 1997-01-10 2001-04-17 Water Pik, Inc. Flexible shower arm
US6199729B1 (en) * 1997-12-01 2001-03-13 Mark Stephen Drzymkowski Hands-free drinking system
USD406636S (en) * 1998-01-06 1999-03-09 Teledyne Industries, Inc. Flexible shower arm

Cited By (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USRE48069E1 (en) 2003-04-02 2020-06-30 Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Llc Fire-fighting monitor with remote control
US8621681B2 (en) 2004-06-14 2014-01-07 Water Pik, Inc. Articulating shower arm
US8024822B2 (en) 2004-06-14 2011-09-27 Water Pik, Inc. Articulating shower arm
US7905429B2 (en) 2005-10-18 2011-03-15 Water Pik, Inc. Dispensing system and method for shower arm
US9157218B2 (en) 2005-10-18 2015-10-13 Water Pik, Inc. Dispensing system and method for shower arm
US9700909B2 (en) 2006-10-09 2017-07-11 Water Pik, Inc. Shower arm attachment assembly
US10215309B2 (en) 2006-10-09 2019-02-26 Water Pik, Inc. Shower arm attachment assembly
US8789218B2 (en) 2007-05-04 2014-07-29 Water Pik, Inc. Molded arm for showerheads and method of making same
USD618766S1 (en) 2008-05-01 2010-06-29 Water Pik, Inc. Showerhead arm
US20110162718A1 (en) * 2010-01-04 2011-07-07 Akron Brass Company Rotatable flange for a water monitor
US8944346B2 (en) 2010-01-04 2015-02-03 Akron Brass Company Rotatable flange for a water monitor
KR20140004678A (en) * 2011-03-01 2014-01-13 다카야스 오쿠보 Shower device
KR101943586B1 (en) * 2011-03-01 2019-01-29 다카야스 오쿠보 Shower device
US9616452B2 (en) * 2011-03-01 2017-04-11 Takayasu Okubo Shower apparatus
CN103327861A (en) * 2011-03-01 2013-09-25 大久保贵泰 Shower device
US8678022B2 (en) 2012-06-22 2014-03-25 Akron Brass Co. Positionable outlet for a water monitor
US9675826B2 (en) 2012-06-22 2017-06-13 Akron Brass Company Positionable outlet for a water monitor
US9233265B2 (en) 2012-06-22 2016-01-12 Akron Brass Company Positionable outlet for a water monitor
US9347208B2 (en) 2012-06-22 2016-05-24 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
US11376152B2 (en) 2014-03-19 2022-07-05 Purewick Corporation Apparatus and methods for receiving discharged urine
US11806266B2 (en) 2014-03-19 2023-11-07 Purewick Corporation Apparatus and methods for receiving discharged urine
US11382786B2 (en) 2014-03-19 2022-07-12 Purewick Corporation Apparatus and methods for receiving discharged urine
US10730061B2 (en) 2014-10-03 2020-08-04 Water Pik, Inc. Automatically locking shower arm joint
US11090183B2 (en) 2014-11-25 2021-08-17 Purewick Corporation Container for collecting liquid for transport
US11628086B2 (en) 2016-07-27 2023-04-18 Purewick Corporation Apparatus and methods for receiving discharged urine
US10973678B2 (en) 2016-07-27 2021-04-13 Purewick Corporation Apparatus and methods for receiving discharged urine
US11529252B2 (en) 2018-05-01 2022-12-20 Purewick Corporation Fluid collection garments
USD929578S1 (en) 2019-06-06 2021-08-31 Purewick Corporation Urine collection assembly
USD967409S1 (en) 2020-07-15 2022-10-18 Purewick Corporation Urine collection apparatus cover
US11801186B2 (en) 2020-09-10 2023-10-31 Purewick Corporation Urine storage container handle and lid accessories
US11865030B2 (en) 2021-01-19 2024-01-09 Purewick Corporation Variable fit fluid collection devices, systems, and methods
US11925575B2 (en) 2023-04-13 2024-03-12 Purewick Corporation Fluid collection devices having a sump between a tube opening and a barrier, and related systems and methods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2277060A1 (en) 1998-07-16
US6629651B1 (en) 2003-10-07
JP2001500417A (en) 2001-01-16
ES2183670B1 (en) 2004-06-16
US6164569A (en) 2000-12-26
EP0951363A1 (en) 1999-10-27
KR100389207B1 (en) 2003-06-27
CN1248183A (en) 2000-03-22
KR20000070031A (en) 2000-11-25
US7066411B2 (en) 2006-06-27
EP0951363A4 (en) 2004-12-01
WO1998030336A1 (en) 1998-07-16
US20040056122A1 (en) 2004-03-25
AU726023B2 (en) 2000-10-26
US5865378A (en) 1999-02-02
ES2183670A1 (en) 2003-03-16
ES2138947T1 (en) 2000-02-01
AU5733698A (en) 1998-08-03
IL130833A (en) 2003-01-12
DE951363T1 (en) 2000-05-04
DE19881918T1 (en) 2000-02-24
CA2277060C (en) 2008-03-25
IL130833A0 (en) 2001-01-28
CN1158144C (en) 2004-07-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7066411B2 (en) Flexible shower arm assembly
US6164570A (en) Self-supporting reconfigurable hose
US20230380707A1 (en) Swivel hose coupling with outer grip
US9841127B2 (en) Garden hose device and method
US10746333B2 (en) Garden hose with metal sheath
US4625998A (en) Swivel hose couplings
US6877172B2 (en) Docking collar for a faucet having a pullout spray head
US5316264A (en) Flow-through telescoping pole
US5149146A (en) Double knuckle joint for a wide range orientation of a liquid distributor with respect to a feeder pipe
WO2014169057A1 (en) Automatically expandable hose
US6557788B1 (en) Hose connector
KR20160134300A (en) A hose for a shower having tangle preventing funtion
US4687234A (en) Connection coupling
US5889275A (en) Versatile water sprayer
JP2002106771A (en) Joint for hose and intermediate joint for hose
CN219345804U (en) Reducing pipeline joint structure convenient to install
WO2002061323A1 (en) Hose coupling
JP2003222283A (en) Pipe coupling
JPH10238678A (en) Rotary universal joint for pipe
KR930003796Y1 (en) Hose connector
JP3614899B2 (en) Hose connection structure
US20020134867A1 (en) Sprinkler structure
JPH04108655U (en) Telescopic water spout for faucets
KR20000017229U (en) Water pipe of flexible
JPH0632879U (en) Hose fitting

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: TELEDYNE INDUSTRIES, INC., COLORADO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HOLLINSHEAD, MILTON B.;MALE, ROBERT B.;REEL/FRAME:018479/0759;SIGNING DATES FROM 19990209 TO 19990211

Owner name: WATER PIK TECHNOLOGIES, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TELEDYNE INDUSTRIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:018479/0796

Effective date: 19991129

Owner name: WATER PIK, INC., COLORADO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WATER PIK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:018479/0815

Effective date: 19991129

AS Assignment

Owner name: CREDIT SUISSE, NEW YORK

Free format text: FIRST LIEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:WATER PIK, INC.;EGWP ACQUISITION CORP. SUB.;WATERPIK INTERNATIONAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019580/0350

Effective date: 20070615

Owner name: CREDIT SUISSE, NEW YORK

Free format text: SECOND LIEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:WATER PIK, INC.;EGWP ACQUISITION CORP. SUB.;WATERPIK INTERNATIONAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019580/0464

Effective date: 20070615

Owner name: CREDIT SUISSE,NEW YORK

Free format text: FIRST LIEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:WATER PIK, INC.;EGWP ACQUISITION CORP. SUB.;WATERPIK INTERNATIONAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019580/0350

Effective date: 20070615

Owner name: CREDIT SUISSE,NEW YORK

Free format text: SECOND LIEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:WATER PIK, INC.;EGWP ACQUISITION CORP. SUB.;WATERPIK INTERNATIONAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019580/0464

Effective date: 20070615

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: WATER PIK, INC., COLORADO

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH;REEL/FRAME:026756/0708

Effective date: 20110810

Owner name: WATER PIK, INC., COLORADO

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH;REEL/FRAME:026756/0287

Effective date: 20110810