US2697839A - Vertically adjustable shower - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 28, 1954 c, w. JACKSON 2,697,839

VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE SHOWER Filed Jan. 14, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. CLARENCE W.J'ACKSON A TTOPNEYJ" 23, 1954 c. w. JACKSON VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE SHOWER '2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 14, 1954 INVENTOR. CLARENCE W. JACKSON BY 6W ArTqR/yEy:

. 2,691,839 VERTICALLY Amusmnrn'snowan ClarencezW. Jackson, San MatemCali f'. ApplicationJanuai-y 14', 19 54; SeriarNo.;404;03 1x l'zClaims "(Cls. 4-145)- The; present application is j-ae continuationrinrpart of my copending. applicationSerial No.v 139-5.,36'5,filed-November 13, 1950, now abandoned, which this aPPIICatIORLSitO replace.

Therpresent invention comprises; a vertically ad uStable shower. including'means wherebyrthe heighttof the shower head: may be. readily fixed by thev user;. ohpant-icular utility for women who do not'wish to wet the"ir:hair,.and for families including children and grownups of. varying heights. The presentlinvention. 18. designedzto eliminate orisupplement' the type: of; adjustable shower head which remains fixed as to itszheightyfrom the floor but" which may. be.- angularly shifted todirect. the spray-in any desiredldirecti'onfi -One' object of the present invention isto provide a deviceof theforegoing character which willsprovideeapleasing appearance andan ornamental adjuncttothemodern home. A feature. of the present invention is that the shower. head maybe rapidly adjusted vertically to any desired height along a vertical slot in a housing extension member which. is afiixed to a housing adapted. to be mounted upon or withinthe-i wall of a shower stall, thehousing being provided with means whereby the interior thereof isahidden from view.-

Onefobject of thepresent invention is to provide a device. ofzthe foregoing character which comprises means for fric'tionally retaining the shower head at 'anyd'esi'red height withinthe limitsof the device'.

' Atfurther object, of thepresent invention is to provide a device of the 'fore'going'char-acter which 'is self-draining and self-ventilatin'gg -A furthero-bject of thepresent invention-is to'provide at device of'the foregoing character which is 'relatively inexpensive. t'o-"ma'ke and install, and which is long lasting and will not wear out "for many 'yearsi unde'r, normal usage.

The. foregoing andother objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily' asce'rtained from inspection of the following" specification taken in connection with 'the accompanying drawings'whe'rein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, While the features of novelty will be more distinctly "pointedout in the appended claims.

Fig. l -is a vertical section, taken substantially along line'1 -1 of Fig.2, the view illustratingone form of'the presentinvention;

Fig. 2 isa partial front elevation of Fig. 1;

Fig; 3 is a horizontal section taken substantially along line 33-'of-Fig. l;

Fig; 41is-a partial, vertical section through a modified form of the presentiiivention;

Fig; S' is'a vertical section-taken substantially along line Fig; *6'*-i's a section taken substantially' along line 6-6 of Fig. 4 and looking downward; and

Figil is-a partial isometric view illustrating the shower head support-and a portion of thetubularextension upon r ativeim'nt surface. thereof is practically flush with the Walk of xthenstall The housing comprises several "par-ts, includinga boxlike receptacle. v10 having alargeopening The; invention IS .80 11 at the front thereofga decorative walhplaque '12 2,697,839 Patented Dec, 28, 19 54 2'? adapted to close the opening,andeonceah the::opening;in the, wall of. the shower. stall thrioughwhich. the..:receptacle was inserted, andajtubular. housing-extension 16; mounted upon the plaque 1 2 and extending vertically along; the

. front thereof in. spacedv relation thereto. The receptacle 10. preferably comprises a rear wall '14,. a; top: t5; azbdttom'16, and side wallsof. WhlCh:0Ilfl,,iI1diCaf6d;tiIt17;.iS shown. The opening 11 atthe. front islpreferably surrounded by stiffeningfianges 18. providing means whereby sheet metal screws I9.may be utilized! to; aifix the. front plaque 12 to the receptacle after it is moun't'edin'position. Thev receptacle is, provided 'withfislotted-tabs1'10 whereby screws, 2L'o'r-the1 like; may; be utilized to, mount the receptacle, for. example. by: affixing .it:.to-. studs. 22. The side walls ofthe. receptacle. are.pre'ferably:.provided with openings 23 in convenient location to:be.utilized:for passage of mountingscrewsor. nails. inthe event thaothe receptacle is mounted; in. an .opening inv a. previously plastered wall so that the tabs 20- are inaccessible. The receptacleis provided with. atleastone, preferably more conveniently located openings24 adjacent the top thereof for ventilation andfor passage of awater pipe as -indicated at 25, which pipe wouldlead to the" water supply through the usual control valve or valves (not shown).

Thetubular extension 13 is preferably..1-ectangular in crosswsection, as clearly. shown in Fig. 3, and its upper and? lower ends arencurved. inwardly and received'inconnecting fixtures 26 and I'll-riveted or otherwise fixedi to the front surface of the plaque 1-2, the endsof .the. tube being-fixed to the fixtures by. suitable means suchsastshe'et metal screwsZS. The. fixture 26 communicateswith the interior of the receptacle 10through a suitable opening 29. A flange Bil-depending fromlthe top of the opening 29provid'es aguard to define asmooth passageway into the interior of the tubularextension. The lower surface ofthe fixture26 provides a continuation ofi'the-curva'ture of the upper end of the tubular extension, and-a curved guard'f 31 fixed to the inner surface of the plaque 1-2 provides a. further continuation of the curvature whereby a flexible hose 32 extending from the interior ofthe receptacle into the tubular extension issupported-inssuch manner that it cannot kink and shut off water-flow therethrough. The hose 32 ispreferably embraced in the coils of a. wire. spring 33 so that it will not beabraded by rub- '"bing across the metal parts of t'he housing. Theouter endofthe hose 32 is fixed to a threaded'cou'pl'er 34' and its inner end is fixed to a suitable threaded coupler 35 whereby itv may bev connected tothe pipe 25 through an intermediate fitting 36. The hose is looped upon itself withint the housing and iso'f such length as freely to permit' vertical movement of its outer end from top to bot-v tom of'i-ts range of movement along the tubular extension without binding orkinkingthe hose.

The outer endcoupler 34- is connected to a shower head support 37 which comprises an outer part 38 and aninner part 39'joined together by screws 40; the joints therebetween being made watertight by suitable gaskets 41. The inner part is provided with'a water inlet passage 42 provided with a threaded opening at the top' for reception of the coupler 34'. The passage communicates with lateral branches leading to a continuation 4310f the passage extending through the outergpart, there being suitable holes in the gaskets 41 to permit'the'passage of water therethrough. A threaded opening 44 at the front of the outer part 38 communicateswiththe passage 43 and receives the threaded inner'endof a shower .head fitting 45 upon which theshower head46 is,'mountedf. The inner par-t 39 comprises a portionv received within the tubular extension 13. and extendingforwa'rdly therefrom through a vertical slot 47 in'the-.rearsurface of the tubiilar extension. The rear portion of the inner'part 39 and" the outer part 38 form a box. surrounding'the outer wall ofthe tubular extension 1 3. The slot' '47 extends substantially throughout the full "extent of the vertical portion of the tubular extension whereby'theshower-head support may be moved veiticallv throughout the-desired range.

A} pair of knobs 48 and 49 extend-laterally from' oppo site 'sidesof'the shower -'head support'whereby the shower head support may be conveniently graspedjand-moved 3 comprises the head of a threaded rod threadedly mounted in the outer part 38 and having its inner end extending into contact with the side of the tubular extension 13 whereby the shower head support may be frictionally locked in the desired position.

The surface of the plaque 12 within the confines of the fitting 27 is preferably provided with a drain opening 51 whereby any water leaking from the hose or the shower head support into the tubular extension will run into the receptacle 10. Preferably a drain spout 52 is provided in the receptacle 10 adjacent the bottom wall 16 and extends forwardly through a suitable opening in the plaque 12 whereby any water leaking into the receptacle will be directed outwardly into the shower stall.

A modification of the present invention is disclosed in Figs. 4 to 7 inclusive, this modification comprising certain features providing for ease of manufacture and improved appearance, as well as certain functional advantages as will appear. In this modification a receptacle 55 may be mounted upon or in a wall as previously described, the rectapcle being provided with an opening for reception of a water inlet pipe 56 to which a hose 57 is connected by a coupler 58 and a fitting 59. The hose is looped upon itself within the receptacle and is embraced within the coils of a wire spring 60 as previously described. The housing comprises a decorative wall plaque 61 afiixed to the receptacle by suitable means such as sheet metal screws 62. A tube 63 of rectangular crosssection, and straight from end to end, is maintained vertically in front of the plaque 61 in spaced relation thereto by a lower bracket 64 and an upper bracket 65 suitably mounted on the plaque by means such as screws 85 extending through holes in the plaque and received in threaded openings in the brackets. The lower bracket 64 is provided with an upwardly extending, rectangular plug 66 which fits into the lower end of the tubular extension and the upper bracket 65 is provided with a similar rectangular plug 67 which extends downwardly into the upper end of the tubular extension. The upper bracket 65 is provided with an arcuate passage 68 which supports the hose in a safely looped curve. The bracket 65 extends inwardly through an opening in the wall plaque, the inner end 69 thereof being directed downwardly whereby the extent of the passage 68 is substantially a half circle.

The outer end of the hose 57 is connected to a threaded fitting 70 which is screwed into the upwardly extending end of a passage 71 through a shower head support 72 cast as a single piece. The water inlet passage 71 extends rearwardly through a central, rearwardly extending portion 73 of the support, which portion projects through a vertical slot 74 extending from top to bottom of the tube 63. The support 72 is provided with oppositely extending, lateral portions which extend beyond the sides of the tube 63 and then forwardly alongside thereof to I a point adjacent the front surface thereof, and the water inlet passage 71 communicates with branches which terminate in threaded sockets 75 for reception of a pair of fittings 76 mounting the angularly adjustable shower heads 77. The sockets 75 are preferably directed diagonally downward so that the angle of spray is properly directed in the event that fixed shower heads are used.

As seen most clearly in Figs. 5 and 6, the slot 74 is of lesser width than the width of the tube whereby a pair of flanges 73 extend alongside of the slot. A friction retainer spring 79 is mounted on the lower surface of the portion 73 of the shower head support, the spring comprising a substantially U-shaped member having its arms directed upwardly alongside of the portion 73 and pressing outwardly against the side walls of the tube, the spring being retained in position by a screw 80. The spring is preshaped so that a large extent of each of the arms frictionally engages the inner surface of the tube whereby to retain the shower head in adjusted position. Movement of the shower head is easily permitted since the springs may slide along the tube surfaces when the support is grasped and pushed in either direction. A limiting flange 81 extending downwardly from the upper bracket 65 engages the top of the support to prevent the fitting 70 from being jammed into the bracket passage 68. The arms of the spring 79 engage the inner surfaces of the flanges 78 to prevent rearward displacement of the shower head support. The construction is simple and easily assembled since the hose may be attachedto the support prior to association of the support with the tube, and then the support longitudinally inserted in the tube through one of its open ends. The tube is then associated with the upper bracket 65 and the inner end 69 of the upper bracket is then manipulated through the opening in the wall plaque to provide the upper end of the tubular extension of the receptacle. Thereafter the lower bracket 64 is engaged with the lower end of the tube and the brackets affixed to the wall plaque.

As previously described, the receptacle 55 is provided with a drain tube 82 extending outwardly therefrom near its lower extremity. In this instance the lower surface of the bracket 64 is provided with an inwardly and downwardly opening niche 83 which conceals the outer end of the drain tube.

Having illustrated and described embodiments of the present invention, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same permits of other modifications in detail and arrangement. All such modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims are considered to be a part of my invention.

I claim:

1. An adjustable shower comprising a receptacle adapted to be mounted on a wall, a tubular extension of said receptacle extending vertically along the front thereof in spaced relation thereto and communicating with the interior of the receptacle, said tubular extension having a vertical slot therethrough, a shower head support slidably guided for vertical movement along said extension and extending through said slot, a shower head mounted on said support, said shower head support having a water inlet passage communicating with said shower head, and a flexible hose looped upon itself within said receptacle and extending through said extension to said water inlet passage, said hose being of such length that its inner end may be affixed to a stationary water supply through a suitable opening in one of the walls of the receptacle without restricting movement of said support from end to end of said slot.

2. An adjustable shower comprising a receptacle, a tubular extension of said receptacle communicating with the interior of the receptacle, said tubular extension comprising a vertical portion extending along the front of the receptacle in spaced relation thereto, said tubular extension having a vertical slot throughout the major portion of the vertical portion thereof, a shower head support slidably guided for vertical movement along said extension and including a part projecting through said slot, a flexible hose looped upon itself within said receptacle and extending through said extension to said support, said hose being of such length that its inner end may be afiixed to a stationary water supply conduit through a suitable opening in one of the walls of the receptacle without restricting movement of said support from end to end of said slot, and a shower head mounted on the front of said support, said shower head support having a water passage therethrough communicating with said hose and said shower head.

3. The construction set forth in claim 2 wherein said hose communicates with the stationary conduit through an opening in said receptacle at the top thereof and extends downwardly into said receptacle and then upwardly into said tubular extension through the upper end thereof.

4. The construction set forth in claim 2 wherein said hose communicates with the stationary conduit through an opening in said receptacle adjacent the top thereof and extends downwardly into said receptacle and then upwardly into said tubular extension through the upper end thereof, and said tubular extension comprises means providing an arcuate passageway for supporting the hose in a natural curve to prevent kinking thereof.

5. The construction set forth in claim 2 wherein said tubular extension comprises a tube of rectangular crosssection and said slot is provided in the wall thereof facing said receptacle.

6. The construction set forth in claim 2 wherein said tubular extension comprises a tube of rectangular crosssection and said slot is provided in the wall thereof facing said receptacle, said shower head support having vertical fiat surfaces engaging a plurality of outer surfaces of said tubular extension to maintain said support against rotative movement about said tubular extension.

7. The construction set forth in claim 2 wherein said shower head support comprises means frictionally to maintain said shower head support in vertically adjusted position alongsaid tubular extension.

8. The construction set forth in claim 2 wherein said shower head support comprises means frictionally to maintain said shower head s' pport in vertically adjusted position along said tubular extension comprising a spring mounted on said shower head support and frictionally engaging the inner surface of said tubular extension.

9. The construction set forth in claim 2 wherein said tubular extension comprises a tube of rectangular crosssection and straight from end to end thereof and a bracket engaging an end of said rectangular tube and afiixed to said receptacle, said bracket having a passage therethrough through which said hose extends.

10. The construction set forth in claim 2 wherein said hose communicates with the stationary conduit through an opening in said receptacle adjacent the top thereof and extends downwardly into said receptacle and then upwardly into said tubular extension through the upper end thereof, and said hose comprises an outer covering consisting of a coil spring.

11. An adjustable shower comprising a receptacle adapted to be mounted on a support, said receptacle being substantially open at the front, a wall plaque detachably secured to said receptacle and having its edges overhanging the receptacle whereby the receptacle may be mounted in an opening in a wall with the wall plaque concealing said opening, a lower bracket mounted on said wall plaque adjacent the bottom thereof, an upper bracket mounted on said wall plaque adjacent the top thereof, a tube of rectangular cross-section supported between said brackets and extending vertically in spaced relation to said Wall plaque, said upper bracket having an arcuate passage therethrough of substantially semicircular extent with its ends facing downwardly into said receptacle and into said tube, said tubehaving a vertical slot from top to bottom of the rear surface thereof, a shower head support slidably guided for vertical movement along said tube and including a part projecting through said slot, a flexible hose looped upon itself within said receptacle and extending through said arcuate passage and said tube to said support, said hose being of such length that its inner end may be affixed to a stationary water supply conduit through a suitable opening in one of the walls of said receptacle adjacent the top thereof without restricting movement of said support from end to end of said slot, and a shower head mounted on the front of said support, said shower head support having a water passage therethrough communicating with said hose and said shower head.

12. An adjustable shower comprising a receptacle adapted to be mounted on a support, said receptacle being substantially open at the front, a wall plaque detachably secured to said receptacle and having its edges overhanging the receptacle whereby the receptacle may be mountd in an opening in a wall with the wall plaque concealing said opening, a lower bracket mounted on said wall plaque adjacent the bottom thereof, an upper bracket mounted on said wall plaque adjacent the top 1 thereof, a tube of rectangular cross-section supported between said brackets and extending vertically in spaced relation to said wall plaque, said upper bracket having an arcuate passage therethrough of substantially semicircular extent with its ends facing downwardly into said receptacle and into said tube, said tube having a vertical slot from top to bottom of the rear surface thereof, a shower head support slidably guided for vertical movement along said tube and including a part projecting through said slot, said shower head support having flat surfaces engaging the sides of said tube to prevent rotation thereof about the tube, a flexible hose looped upon itself within said receptacle and extending through said arcuate passage and said tube to said support, said hose being of such length that its inner end may be affixed to a stationary water supply conduit through a suitable opening in one of the walls of said receptacle adjacent the top thereof without restricting movement of said support from end to end of said slot, a shower head mounted on the front of said support, said shower head support having a water passage therethrough communicating with said hose and said shower head, and means to frictionally retain said shower head support in vertically adjusted position.

No references cited.

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