US3273172A

US3273172A - Bathroom fixture

Info

Publication number: US3273172A
Application number: US304511A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeannette D Wilks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-08-26
Filing date: 1963-08-26
Publication date: 1966-09-20
Anticipated expiration: 1983-09-20

Description

Sept. 20, 1966 K. w. WILKS, JR 3,273,172

BATHROOM FIVX'I'URE Filed Aug. 26, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR KARL w. w|u s,.m.

ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,273,172 BATHROOM FIXTURE Karl W. Wdks, Jr., R0. Box 146, Vandalia, Ohio; Jeannette D. Wilks, executrix of said Karl W. Wilks, Jr., deceased Filed Aug. 26, 1963, Ser. No. 304,511 9 Claims. (Cl. 4-192) This invention pertains to a bathroom fixture and more particularly to a combined bath tub filling and spray or shower device.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a fixture for a bath tub which may be used either to fill the tub directly or to provide an upwardly and outwardly directed shower.

Another object of this invention is to provide a combined tub filling and spray device which may be used with conventional tub and overhead showers to eliminate the usual diverter valve or wall valve control for the overhead shower.

A further object of this invention is to provide a combined tub filling and shower device which is adapted for installation on existing bath tubs.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a tub filling and spray device including a combined valve seal and valve spring arrangement which is characterized by long life and trouble-free operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide va valve seal for a combined tub filling and spray device which includes an elastomeric ring which operates both as a seal and as a valve spring.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the

accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

In the drawings FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a tub filling and shower device constructed according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical section through the device of FIG. 1 with the slide member in the raised position for direct tub filling;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the device of FIG. 2 showing the slide member in the lowered position for showering;

FIG. 4 is a transverse section through the slide member and the seal taken generally along the line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a vertical fragmentary section taken generally along the line 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the valve sealing arrangement;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tub and shower installation including a modified form of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the modified form of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiments of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a vertical section through the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view, similar to that of FIG. 6, showing the valve arrangement as applied to the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 12a, 12b and 12c are respectively taken generally along the line 1212 of FIG. 10 and show the embodiment of FIG. 8 in its shower, diverter, and tub filling positions respectively; and

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of one of the faces of the filling spout manifold taken generally along the line 13-13 of FIG. 10.

Referring to the figures of the drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, a combined tub filling and shower device is shown at 10 in FIG. 1 as being mounted in extending relation against an inside wall of a bath tub 11. The device 10 is formed with a spout 12 which is secured at one end by suitable means to the bath tub plumbing and which extends inwardly into the tub, as shown in FIG. 2. The spout 12 may be internally threaded as indicated at 14 to receive the end of a water pipe 15, with the inner butt end of the spout 12 against the adjacent surface of the tub 11.

The spout 12 is formed with an internal passageway 20 opening into the pipe 15. The passageway 20 is terminated at a flat end wall 22 of the spout 12, as shown in FIG. 2. The end wall 22 forms one wall of a generally vertically oriented slot 23 which is defined by the bifurcated arms or

wall portions

24 and 25 formed in the extended end of the spout 12. Thus, the slot 23 is formed in intersecting relation to the passageway 20, and is preferably formed with square side walls which extend outwardly at right angles to the end wall 22.

Selection between tub filling, water diverting, or upwardly directed showering is effected by a slide member 30 which is reciprocably received within the slot 23. The slide member 30 is preferably formed of square hollow stock and is slideably movable in the slot 23 between raised and lowered limit positions, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.

The slide member 30 is formed with means defining a first passage 32 which communicates through a lower opening 33 in the inner wall 35 of the slide 30 with the spout passageway 20 in the raised position of the slide member 30, as shown in FIG. 2. In this position, the passage 32 and opening 33 provide for the direct filling of the tub through the open bottom of the slide member 30.

The slide member 30 further includes a second passage 40 which is isolated from the first passage 32 by a diagonal wall '42. The passage 40 communicates with an opening 45 in the wall 35, and in the lowered position of the slide member 30, the opening 45 is in alignment with the passageway 20 so that water through the pipe 15 is directed upwardly through the slide member. A spray head 48 is mounted on top of the slide member 30 and includes -a spray plate 50. The head 48 is smoothly rounded to provide a convenient means by which the slide may be grasped in use for movement in the slot 23. The spray head 50 is set at an angle to the horizontal, such as between 20 and 60 degrees, to direct a spray outwardly and upwardly into the tub.

Seal means providing a water tight seal and valve between the passageway 20 in the spout 12 and cooperating with the inside surface of the slide wall 35 includes an annular groove 60, as best seen in FIG. 6, formed 'in surrounding relation to the opening 20 in the end wall 22. An annular elastomeric ring, such as the O-ring 62, is received within the bottom of the groove. An annular sealing washer formed of low friction material is then received in the groove 60 adjacent the O-ring 62 and projects outwardly of the adjacent surface of the wall 22. The ring '65 is preferably of rectangular section and may be made of -a heat stable natural or synthetic material having a low coefficient of friction and capable of being received in sealing relationshi with the planar surface of slide wall 35 of the slide member 30. Suitable materials for the ring 65 may be, for example, polyamide resins filled with a material having a low coeffi-cient of friction, such as molybdenum disulfide and the like, polytetrafluoroethylene, either filled or unfilled, or a natural or synthetic elastomeric material which is provided with a low coefficient of friction sealing and wearing surface, as for example a seal and bearing member, being partially or totally encapsulated with a fluorocarbon resin. In the latter instance, the seal and bearing members may be proportioned in size to take the place both of O-ring 62 and of the ring 65, and effectively accomplishes the same function as both of these members. The seal including the ring 65 and O-ring 62 forms a water tigiht seal at the passageway when the ring 65 holds the O-ring 62 compressed in the groove '60. Thus, the O-ring 62 provides both the spring means for biasing the ring 65 against the adjacent outer surface of the slide 30, and provides a fluid tight seal between the opening 22 and the wall '35. In instances in which polytetrafluoroethylene, or fluorocarbon resin seal and bearing members are used in place of the ring 65 and the 'O-ring 62, it is preferred in accordance with the present invention to include a resilient member which in effect operates as a spring means to provide an efficient seal while at the same time providing a low friction surface -for movement of the slide member 30. Generally, fluorocarbon covered elastomeric O-rin-gs provide both characteristics, that is, a seal and bearing member which is resilient to provide a seal and which also includes a surface having a low coefficient of friction and is thus a good bearing surface.

Means for retaining the slide member 30 against the ring 65 with the O-ring 62 compressed includes an end plate 70 and -a gasket 72. The plate 70 is screwed to the end of the

arms

24 and 25 by screws 73. The gasket 72 is preferably made of a heat resistant material oifering a suitable low friction bearing surface, for example polyami-de resins, polytetrallu-oroethylene resins, or elastomeric materials, which have been modified or altered in composition or structure to provide a suitable low friction surface thereby eliminating metal to metal contact between the slide member and the plate 70 so that the slide is guided in its movement between the gasket '72 and the ring '65. It will be seen by referring to FIG. 4 that the slide member 30 is preferably square in section, and the ends of the

arms

24 and 25 are of such a length that when the plate 70 is brought to bear against the arms, this results in a sulficient compression of the O-ring 62 by the annular ring '65 as to form a trouble-free, fluid-tight, long-wearing seal.

It will be noted by reference to FIG. 2 that the wall 42 separating and dividing the upper and lower conduit portions of the slide '30 is slanted rearwardly downwardly toward the opening '45, so that in the raised position of the slide, any water which is entrapped therein is free to flow out through the opening 45 thus draining the shower head 48 and the passage of entrapped water. Similarly, the lower passage 32 is self-draining in that it is open through the bottom of the slide 30.

Preferably, the portion of the wall 35 extending between the -wall openings 33 and is of sufficient length to form a sealing land areaat the ring when the slide is in an intermediate position between the upper and lowermost positions, as it is illustrated in FIG. 1. In this intermediate position, the passage 20 is blocked by the wall 3'5, and no water can flow into either the upper or lower portions of the slide 30. Thus, in this position the device 10 operates as a diverter valve forcing the water upwardly into an overhead shower, such as the shower shown in FIG. 7.

In the operation of the embodiment described above, when it is desired to fill the tub, the slide member 30 is raised to its upper position as shown in FIG. 2 with the opening 33 communicating with the passageway 20. Water may then flow directly downwardly into the tub for filling the tub, as indicated by the arrows 82. The upper or raised position of the slide may be defined by a lower pin 84 which extends transversely through the walls of the slide member and which engages the lower surface of the

arms

24 and 25 in the raised position.

When the upwardly directed shower is desired, one merely needs to grasp the shower head 48 and move the slide member 30 smoothly to the lowered position, which brings the opening '45 in alignment with the passageway 20, and the upper pin '85 against the upper surfaces of the

arms

24 and 25, as shown in FIG. 3. The water through the pipe 15 is then directed upwardly into the passage 40, and then upwardly and outwardly through the spray plate 50. In this mode, one may enjoy a cleansing and rinsing spray directed to the lower extremities of the body. Such a spray has also been found very helpful for washing children standing in the tub since it does not frighten children by spraying downwardly on top of their heads and at the same time provides a relatively dry atmosphere for the person washing the child.

When the overhead spray is desired, the slide member 30 is positioned midway between the raised and lowered positions, as shown in FIG. 1. This position is not critical and, may be easily recognized by the fact that, when this position is selected, water will not come out of the slide member 30 but will be forced out of the overhead shower. It is within the scope of this invention to provide a suitable detent between the portions forming the slot 23 and the slide member 30 if it is desirable to locate this center position with greater accuracy.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7-13 operates substantially upon the same principles described above, but provides greater freedom in decorating so as to complement or blend with other items of bathroom decor. Thus, the tub filling device includes a filling spout 102, which corresponds essentially in function to the spout 12 of the embodiment of FIGS. 16. The spout 102 may be formed with a suitable internal passageway, such as the passageway 103 as seen in FIG. 10 for attachment to a source of bath water.

The spout 102 is terminated in a center portion or manifold 105 consisting of a section of a hollow cylinder which is formed with parallel vertically oriented planar faces 106 and 107. The hollow cylinder portion 105 is formed with a single port or passage in each of the

faces

106 and 107. Thus, the face 106 has an opening 110 therein, and the face 107 has an opening 111, which is angularly offset with respect to the opening 110.

The valve or water control device of this embodiment includes a pair of conduit or end members and positioned on either side of the center portion 105. The

end members

115 and 120 may each be respectively formed as portions of cylinders, and are each provided with cooperating planar valve surfaces or faces 125, and are connected together by suitable means for concurrent ortational movement on the spout 102. Thus, a decorative scallop shell 128 or other suitable handle may be secured, such as by screws 129, to each of the

members

115 and 120 to provide a convenient means for grasping by which the members may be rotated together in selecting the modes of operation.

Each of the

members

115 and 120 is provided with a single port, such as the port 130 in the left hand member 115 and the port 132 in the right hand member 120, which ports are movable into registering alignment respectively with the openings 110 and 111 in the center portion 105 as the members are rotated. The passageway 130 opens radially outwardly and connects with a shower head 135 through a short piece of bent tubing 136, so that the shower head 135 is at least partially concealed under the scallop handle 128. The passageway 132 in the portion 120 extends from the face 125 radially outwardly to a filling spout 140, which is similarly bent or configured to be normally concealed by the scallop 128.

' The

end members

115 and 120 are mounted for rotation on the center section 105 by means of a rod which extends through the assembly and is secured by

nuts

146 and 147 secured at the end. Although the seallop handle 128 which straddles the center section 105 is secured to the

end sections

115 and 120, and serves to effect simultaneous movement of these sections, the ends of the rod 145 may be suitably splined or secured to 1 the

respective end members

115 and 120 to cause them to turn together as the handle 128 is raised and lowered.

The valve means between the adjacent planar sections of the filling device is preferably constructed according to the valve described in detail in connection with FIGS. 1-6, and may include an O-ring 150 in the bottom of an annular groove 151 surrounding the openings or passages 110 and 111 in the center portion 105. A sealing ring 152 (FIG. 11) is also received within the groove 151 and has an end which extends outwardly into engagement with the adjacent faces 125 of the

members

115 and 120 for sliding, sealing contact therewith. The rings 152 are preferably formed of a shape and low friction material similar to that of the rings 65.

Parallelism and alignment between each of the

end members

115 and 120 and the center portion 105 is maintained throughout the movement of the end members by pairs of plastic buttons or protuberances forming bearing

surfaces

155 and 156, there being formed a pair of such bearing surfaces on each of the

faces

106 and 107 angularly spaced from the sealing rings 150. These surfaces assure the uniform distribution of sealing forces over the exposed sliding surfaces of the rings 152 and thus assure that the sealing rings remain in fiat sealing contact with the adjacent surfaces of the end members throughout the sliding movement therewith. The material of the protuberances or

surfaces

155 and 156 is preferably nylon or a similar low-friction material, such as that of the rings 150, so that only low-friction, long-wearing material contacts the relatively moving surfaces of the end members.

The

surfaces

155 and 156 are raised slightly or extended outwardly from the opposite planar surfaces of the center portion 105 and thus define an open clearance space 160 (FIG. between the center portion 105 and the adjacent surfaces of the

end members

115 and 120. The space 160 permits air to enter into either the shower head 135 or the filling spout 140, when they are moved out of their operating positions so that they may readily be drained of any entrapped water.

The operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 7l3 may be best understood by reference to FIGS. 12a, 12 and c. In FIG. 12a, the handle 128 is shown in the raised position with the passage or port 110 in communication with the shower passageway 130 to direct the spray upwardly and outwardly from the head 135 into the tub. At this position, the opposite port 111 in the center section 105 is blocked off.

When it is desired to use the overhead shower 80, the handle 128 is grasped to move or rotate the

end members

115 and 120 to the intermediate position shown in FIG. 12, wherein both the passages 110 and 111 are blocked by the walls 125 thus forcing the water up the pipe leading to the shower head 80. When it is desired to fill the tub, the valve is rotated to the lowered position placing the port 111 in commuoncation with the tub filling passageway 132, and blocking the shower head 135.

The arrangement ofthe rings 65 or 162 and the elastomeric sealing rings 62 or 150 is such that the need for a precision fit between the relatively sliding components of each of the embodiments is eliminated, and an effective seal is maintained over widely varying conditions. The employment of only low-friction material engaging the surfaces of the sliding or rotating members permits these members to be assembled against the sealing rings With sufficient force so that an effective seal is provided while, at the same time, assuring smooth, easy movement. The O-

rings

62 and 150 are subject only to static forces and are not subjected to the dynamic or sliding forces, and thus provide a non-deterorating seal which is characterized by a long and trouble free life. In addition, the seal is one which is relatively unaffected by temperature and is not adversely affected either by the application of hot water or the expansion of the parts due to heat.

It is further understood that the invention herein is not limited to the precise forms of shower heads shown, since the form of the head is often one of personal preference. Either fixed or movable heads may be employed, capable of directing a spray upwardly and outwardly into the tub.

It will therefore be seen that this embodiment of the invention provides a combined shower and tub filling de-' vice which is compact and which is adapted to form part of the decor of a bathroom. It utilizes the valve including the O-ring having the combined function of sealing and forming a spring bias for the rings 152. The individual parts lend themselves to ease of manufacture and simplicity of construction and maintenance. In each embodiment, the usual valve is eliminated, and means are provided in the tub filling spout for the enjoyment of either an upwardly directed shower, overhead showering or tub filling as desired.

While the forms of apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A tub mounted spraying device comprising a spout adapted to extend inwardly into a bath tub, means in said spout defining a water passageway therethrough opening at a wall thereof, a diverter member mounted for relatively sliding movement on said spout, means in said member forming a cooperating wall portion adjacent said spout wall and having a passage therein opening at said wall portion and communicating with said passageway of said spout in one selectable position of said member, means forming a spray head on said member communicating with said passage and positioned by said member when said member is in said one position to direct a spray therefrom upwardly and outwardly into said tub, and low friction seal and bearing means in said spout wall surrounding said opening having a portion in sealing engagement with the adjacent said wall portion throughout the sliding movement thereof.

2. A tub mounted spraying device comprising a spout adapted to extend inwardly into a bath tub, means in said spout defining a water passageway therethrough opening at a wall thereof, a diverter member mounted for relatively sliding movement on said spout, means in said member forming a cooperating wall portion adjacent said spout wall and having a passage therein opening at said wall portion and communicating with said passageway of said spout in one selecta'ble position of said member, means forming a spray head on said member communicating with said passage and positioned by said member when said member is in said one position to direct a spray therefrom upwardly and outwardly into said tub, sealing means in said spout wall surrounding said opening having a portion in sealing engagement with the adjacent said wall portion throughout the sliding movement thereof, and means opening said member passage to atmosphere when not in communication with said spout passageway providing for the draining of said spray head of any water entrapped therein.

3. A combined shower and tub filling device comprising a spout adapted to be mounted in extending relation into a tub, means in said spout defining a passageway terminating at an opening in a wall thereof, means in said wall defining an annular groove surrounding said opening, an elastomeric rig received in said groove, an annular sealing washer received in said groove against said ring projecting outwardly of the adjacent surface of said wall and forming a water tight seal surrounding said opening when said ring is compressed, a water directing conduit member mounted on said spout for relative sliding movement thereon at said opening and presenting a wall portion in sealing engagement with the exposed surface of said sealing washer, means in said conduit member defining at least one passageway alignable with said opening upon said movement thereof, and means retaining said conduit member in sealing engagement with said washer with said ring compressed in said groove forming a water tight seal between said opening and the adjacent wall portion of said member.

4. A combined shower and tub filling device comprising a spout adapted to be mounted in extending relation into a tub, means in said spout defining a passageway terminating at an opening in a planar wall thereof, means in said wall defining an annular groove surrounding said opening, an O-ring received in said groove, an annular sealing washer of rectangular section received in said groove against said O-ring projecting outwardly of the adjacent surface of said wall and forming a water tight seal surrounding said opening when said O-ring is compressed, a water directing conduit member mounted on said spout for relative sliding movement thereon at said opening and presenting a planar wall portion in sealing engagement with the exposed surface of said sealing washer, and means in said conduit member defining at least one passageway aligned with said opening upon said movement thereof, and means retaining said conduit member in sealing engagement with said washer with said ring compressed in said groove forming a water tight seal between said opening and the adjacent wall portion of said member.

5. A combined tub filling and spraying device comprising a spout adapted to extend inwardly into a bath tub, means in said spout defining a water passageway therethrough, means forming a slot intersecting said passageway, a hollow slide member in said slot movable therein between raised and lowered positions, means in said slide member defining a first passage communicating with said passageway in the raised position thereof and opening into said tub providing for the direct filling of said tub, and a second passage in said slide member isolated from said first passage and opening into said passageway in the lowered position of said slide member, and a spraying head mounted on the top of said slide member communicating with said second passage and positioned to direct a spray therefrom upwardly and outwardly into said tub.

6. A combined tub filling and spraying device comprising a spout adapted to extend inwardly into a bath tub, means in said spout defining a Water passageway therethrough, means forming a slot intersecting said passageway, a hollow slide member in said slot movable therein between raised, intermediate, and lowered posi tions, means in said slide member defining a first passage communicating with said passageway in the raised position thereof and opening at the bottom of said member into said tub providing for the direct filling of said tub, and a second passage in said slide member isolated from said first passage and opening into said passageway in the lowered position of said slide member, a spraying head mounted on the top of said slide member communicating with said second passage and positioned to direct a spray therefrom upwardly and outwardly into 8 said tub, and a land area on said slide positionable adjacent said passageway in'said intermediate position of said slide member blocking the fiow of water from said passageway.

7. The device of claim 6 further including means forming an annular groove in said spout surrounding the terminal end of said passageway, an O-ring in said groove, and a low friction sealing ring in said groove between said O-ring and said member and engageable with said member throughout said movement thereof forming a seal between said spout at said passageway and said member.

8. A combined tub filling and spray device for a bath tub comprising a spout adapted to extend into said tub and terminating in a manifi-old having opposite walls, means in each of said Walls defining an opening communicating with said spout, means forming end members at each side of said manifold and each having a wall portion positioned adjacent one of the opposite walls of said manifold, means mounting said end members for con- 20 current movement on said manifold, means in each of said end members defining a passage terminating at the said wall portion thereof and each said passages being selectably registrable with one of said manifold openings in a different moved position of said members on said manifold, means forming a shower head on one of said members positioned to direct a spray of water therefrom upwardly and outwardly into said tub when the associated said passage is in alignment with one of said openings in one position of said members, and means in the other of 3 said members forming a filling spout communicating with the said passageway therein and positioned to direct filling water into said tub when the associated said passage is in alignment with the other of said manifold openings at another moved position of said members.

9. The device of claim 8 further comprising means in said manifold defining an annular recess surrounding each of said manifold openings, an O-ring received in each of said recesses, and a further ring received in each of said recesses between said O-ring and the adjacent wall 40 portions of said end members, and the said means mounting said end members on said manifold holding said member wall portions against said second rings with said O-rings compressed to form a water tight seal between said manifold openings and said end members throughout the said movement of said members.

7/1955 Australia. 1/1957 France.

55 LAVERENE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner.

H. GROSS, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. A TUB MOUNTED SPRAYING DEVICE COMPRISING A SPOUT ADPATED TO EXTEND INWARDLY INTO A BATH TUB, MEANS IN SAID SPOUT DEFINING A WATER PASSAGEWAY THERETHROUGH OPENING AT A WALL THEREOF, A DIVERTER MEMBER MOUNTED FOR RELATIVELY SLIDING MOVEMENT ON SAID SPOUT, MEANS IN SAID MEMBER FORMING A COOPERATING WALL PORTION ADJACENT SAID SPOUT WALL AND HAVING A PASSAGE THEREIN OPENING AT SAID WALL PORTION AND COMMUNICATING WITH SAID PASSAGEWAY OF SAID SPOUT IN ONE SELECTABLE POSITION OF SAID MEMBER, MEANS FORMING A SPRAY HEAD ON SAID MEMBER COMMUNICATING WITH SAID PASSAGE AND POSITIONED BY SAID MEMBER WHEN SAID MEMBER IS IN SAID ONE POSITION TO DIRECT A SPRAY THEREFROM UPWARDLY AND OUTWARDLY INTO SAID TUB, AND LOW FRICTION SEAL AND BEARING MEANS IN SAID SPOUT WALL SURROUNDING SAID OPENING HAVING A PORTION IN SEALING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE ADJACENT SAID WALL PORTION THROUGHOUT THE SLIDING MOVEMENT THEREOF.