Abstract:
An apparatus and method for an integral flush-mounted waterspout, specifically for tubs is herein disclosed. The water spout is flush-mounted, contoured and angled appropriately to contain the discharge of water and subsequent drippage within the tub. No extended spigot or spout would be evident. The advantage of such a system, besides that of home fashion, is the elimination of injury to a person entering or exiting a tub. The flush-mounted waterspout could be alternatively embodied for sinks, showers and similar fixtures.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/815,644, filed Jun. 23, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a new spout design for bath tub faucet systems and, more particularly, to a spout that is mounted flush to the side of the bath tub to eliminate the various accidents that are caused by the common extended spouts. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Bathing in a bathtub is a common function. However, accidents often occur such as bumping into protruding water spouts with one&#39;s head and other body parts. This can be particularly troublesome for both young children and the elderly as they get into and out of the bathtub as well as move around while in the tub. Additionally, such spouts are often located wherever the installer chooses to put them, which doesn&#39;t always happen to be the optimal location. Likewise, conventional spouts are difficult to clean around and may clutter up the otherwise clean and simple look of a whirlpool, tub or shower. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the above-mentioned disadvantages of conventional water spouts can be addressed. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to design a spout that is mounted flush to the side of the bath tub to eliminate the various accidents that are caused by the common extended spouts. U.S. Pat. No. 6,680,437 in the name of Sato discloses a grommet with a small diameter drum portion, a large diameter drum portion, and a lip portion. A fitting groove is fitted into a through hole of a panel that is provided on an outer wall surface. The lip portion protrudes to an outer side of the outer wall surface of the large diameter drum portion so as to contact closely with the panel. In the grommet, a rear surface side of the large diameter drum portion is thin. Due to a thin-wall portion which is formed by thinning the rear surface side of the large diameter drum portion, upon opening a molding die, the lip portion with a large undercut amount elastically deforms to a side of the thin-wall portion. As a result, the grommet can be easily released. Unfortunately, this prior art example protrudes from a bathtub wall and may therefore cause various accidents. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,404 in the name of Brennan discloses a system for control of water delivery to an interior of a tub, spa or shower that includes a plurality of ports and a flow control device. The plurality of ports is adapted to be located on a surface of the tub, spa, or shower and the plurality of ports is configured to transmit water to an interior of the tub, spa, or shower. A first pipe of the flow control device includes a plurality of elongated inlets and a second pipe includes a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the plurality of ports. The first pipe or the second pipe is moveable, one relative to the other. Moving of the first pipe or the second pipe to a first position serves to cause communication of an elongated inlet of the plurality of elongated inlets with a first outlet of the plurality of outlets. 
     The first outlet is in fluid communication with a first port of the plurality of ports. The communication of the inlet with the first outlet serves to allow flow of water from a water source, when in fluid communication with the flow control device, to the inlet to the first outlet to the first port to the interior of the tub, spa or shower. The moving of the first pipe or the second pipe also serves to block a second outlet of the plurality of outlets with a solid portion of the first pipe. The second outlet is in fluid communication with a second port of the plurality of ports. The blocking of the second outlet with the solid portion serves to prevent flow of water from the water source to the second port to the interior of the tub, spa or shower. 
     Moving of the first pipe or the second pipe to a second position of the plurality of positions serves to allow the first elongated inlet to remain in fluid communication with the first outlet and the first outlet to remain in fluid communication with the first port. Unfortunately, this prior art example protrudes from a bathtub wall and may therefore cause various accidents. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,262 in the name of Ton describes a discharge jet assembly for spas including a rear wall fitting, an orifice cap closing the rear wall fitting, and a jet body rotatably mounted within the wall fitting. The rear wall fitting includes a cylindrical central cavity and a vertically disposed air orifice opening into the central cavity. A rear portion of the jet body defines a cylindrical mixing chamber fed by a horizontal cylindrical water inlet and by an air inlet channel formed in the outer circumference of the jet body. The air inlet channel is positioned so as to rotate into and out of communication with the air orifice of the rear wall fitting. The jet body further includes a structure for interacting with a stop on the orifice cap so as to appropriately limit rotation of the jet body air inlet channel with respect to the air orifice. An arced continuous seal containment groove and integrally mounted seal surrounds the air inlet channel so as to provide an airtight seal between the rear wall fitting and the jet body. Male retainer elements employing rearward-facing split projections which plug into complementary openings in a female retainer element facilitate mounting of various nozzle styles within the jet assembly. 
     Axial flutes formed in a barrel portion of an eyeball nozzle component provide a flow rate enhancing feature. Unfortunately, this prior art example protrudes from a bathtub wall and may therefore cause various accidents. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes a spout that is mounted flush to the side of the bath tub to eliminate the various accidents that are caused by the common extended spouts. Accordingly, there is a need for an integral flush-mounted water spout for tubs. The present invention is simple to use, inexpensive, and designed for many years of repeated use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for an integral flush-mounted water spout for tubs that is mounted flush to the side of the bath tub to eliminate the various accidents that are caused by the common extended spouts. 
     The invention as presently conceived discloses a unique system and method for an integral flush-mounted waterspout specifically for tubs. Although resembling a standard jet port prevalent on conventional whirlpool-type tubs, the novel water outlet is flush-mounted, contoured and angled appropriately to contain the discharge of water and subsequent drippage within the tub. No extended spigot or spout would be evident. The inventor also envisions that such a waterspout could be configured for retrofitting existing tubs. The advantage of such a system, besides that of home fashion, is the elimination of injury to a person entering or exiting a tub. The flush-mounted waterspout could be alternatively embodied for sinks, showers and similar fixtures. The nearly flush-mounted feature virtually eliminates the possibility of one hitting their head, shoulders, back, knees or the like on such appendages and provides for a safer and more pleasant bathing experience. 
     The water dispensing apparatus for use with an existing reservoir includes a rigid body effectively including an upper planar surface adaptable between a horizontal plane and a downwardly sloping plane offset from the horizontal plane. Such a body further includes a front planar surface registered orthogonal to the upper planar surface. The body is pivotally adaptable along a fulcrum axis defined orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and is articulated between downwardly facing and horizontally facing positions defined within the diameter of the water outlet. 
     The apparatus further includes a water outlet situated about the body and positioned interior of the existing reservoir. The body is pivotally interfitted within such a water outlet, and a conduit is in fluid communication with the water outlet and an existing water supply source for directing water into the existing reservoir. Such a conduit conveniently has an inlet cooperating with the body and the water outlet such that the water is channeled into the existing reservoir along a travel path penetrating through the body. Such an inlet has an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the water outlet such that the inlet is interfitted therein and maintained in fluid communication with the body. The inlet is centrally aligned with a centrally registered longitudinal axis of the water outlet and remains statically affixed at a predetermined position while the body is articulated between horizontal and downwardly angled positions. The inlet is also adjustably mated with the body such that the water outlet is anchored at a fixed position while the body is pivoted downwardly from within the diameter of the water outlet. 
     The conduit further includes an outlet with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the inlet. Such an outlet is advantageously angled downwardly from the longitudinal axis. The upper and front planar surfaces become forwardly disposed away from a front face of the water outlet when the body is pivoted to the downwardly sloping plane. 
     A method of utilizing a water dispensing apparatus includes the steps of removing an existing water spigot from an existing reservoir; affixing the water dispensing apparatus to the existing reservoir such that an inlet of a conduit of the water dispensing apparatus is in fluid communication with a water outlet of the water dispensing apparatus; angling a body of the water dispensing apparatus downwardly towards a bottom surface of the existing reservoir; turning on the existing water supply source by adapting at least one existing water control lever to an on position; and continuously directing water into the existing reservoir by pivoting the body between raised and lowered positions while the water outlet and the conduit remain statically affixed at an anchored position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of an integral flush-mounted water spout for tubs  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the integral flush-mounted water spout for tubs  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the integral flush-mounted water spout for tubs  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 integral flush-mounted water spout 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 contoured surface 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 swivel outlet 
               
               
                   
                 17 
                 swivel motion 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 bath tub 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 water 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 water source 
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 water source outlet 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 conduit 
               
               
                   
                 53 
                 conduit inlet portion 
               
               
                   
                 55 
                 conduit outlet portion 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 body 
               
               
                   
                 61 
                 upper planar surface 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 horizontal plane 
               
               
                   
                 63 
                 sloping plane 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 front planar surface 
               
               
                   
                 65 
                 fulcrum axis 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 longitudinal axis 
               
               
                   
                 67 
                 downwardly facing position 
               
               
                   
                 68 
                 horizontally facing position 
               
               
                   
                 69 
                 water outlet 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 reservoir 
               
               
                   
                 71 
                 inner diameter 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 outer diameter 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method for an integral flush-mounted water spout (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  comprises a housing specifically designed with contoured planes  15  and edges, a conduit  50 , and means for connection of the apparatus  10  thereto already-existing piping systems. The apparatus  10  comprises a flush-mounted feature for water  30  delivery control to an interior of a tub  20 , shower, or spa. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be fabricated from one (1) or more custom molds to allow for proper installation with a method for connection of conventional piping. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to utilize conventional connection means similar to dispersing appendages such as flush-mounted water spouts, spigots, shower heads and the like to replace said appendages. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  10  is flush-mounted, contoured and angled to contain the discharge of water  30  and subsequent drippage within the tub  20 , spa, or shower. The apparatus  10  is envisioned to comprise surfaces which may include curves, contours  15  and/or planes protruding minimally outward therefrom the surface of the tub  20 , spa, or shower. The apparatus  10  comprises an upper contoured surface  15  arced downwardly therefrom the plane of the tub  20 , spa, or shower surface and a diagonally slanted plane connecting one end of the contoured surface  15  to the said plane with filleted ends thereby eliminating all corners or sharp edges thereof. The apparatus  10  is secured thereon the tub  20 , spa, or shower surface by such fastening securement means such as, but not limited to, bolts and nuts, screws, gaskets, sealant, and/or adhesives. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a side view of the apparatus  10  according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The various appendages that actually disperse water  30  are an integral part of the enclosure and are made as part of the apparatus  10  during the manufacturing process. The apparatus  10  utilizes conventional piping of water spouts, spigots, shower heads, and the like as a source for water  30  flow being transformed and adapted upon a surface of a tub  20 , spa, or shower. The piping of the water spouts, spigots, showerheads, and the like (herein described as the “water source”)  40  is in fluid communication with the apparatus  10  such as to direct the water flow  30 . The apparatus  10  is intended to discharge water  30  from a water source  40  utilizing existing flow control devices of said water sources  40 . The tub  20 , spa, or shower is envisioned to comprise an interior to receive, hold, circulate, and/or drain the discharged water  30  emanating therefrom the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  defines a conduit  50  that resides in interaction with a water outlet  45  of the water source  40  operably to be placed in fluid communication with the apparatus  10 . The inlet  53  of the conduit  50  and the outlet  45  of the water source  40  is sized for the cooperative fluid communication of the water  30  and passage therethrough. For example, the conduit  50  comprises an inlet  53  having an inner diameter larger or smaller than that of the water outlet  45  of the water source  40  to correspondingly be inserted therein or otherwise engage thereto and affixed by means of welding, soldering, or other means of fastening. The inlet  53  of the conduit  50  may comprise an opening having an inner wall defining a threaded or grooved region (not pictured) positioned at the inlet  53  opening for receiving and cooperating with the threaded or grooved region of the water outlet  45  of the water source  40 , thereby providing a fluid communication between the said inlet  53  of the conduit  50  and the outlet  45  of the water source  40 . The inlet portion  53  may extend through an aperture in a tub  20 , spa, shower, wall, or other partitions to connect with the outlet  45  of the water source  40 . 
     The inlet  53  of the conduit  50  residing within the apparatus  10  is envisioned to be aligned therewith the axis of the outlet  45  and the water source  40 . As the conduit  50  continues from the inlet  53 , it contours downwardly at a desirable angle to direct the water flow  30  downwardly in the same fashion. The conduit  50  also comprises an outlet  55  preferably having a diameter or area similar to the inlet portion  53  of said conduit  50 . The outlet portion  55  is angled downwardly therefrom the horizontal axis of the inlet portion  53  to discharge the water  30  downwardly such that the flow of said water  30  will approach the bottom surface of the tub  20 , spa, or shower in a rapid and convenient motion. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side view of the apparatus  10  according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  as illustrated here provides an adjustably secured swivel outlet  16  means to manipulate the strength and/or angular position to which water flow  30  may occur. Such control may be achieved by having a swivel outlet  16  mounted into a ball socket type conduit inlet portion  53  therein providing a swivel motion  17 , thereby directing the water flow  30  accordingly. The water dispensing apparatus  10  for use with an existing reservoir  70  includes a rigid body  60  effectively including an upper planar surface  61  adaptable between a horizontal plane  62  and a downwardly sloping plane  63  offset from the horizontal plane  62 . Such a body  60  further includes a front planar surface  64  registered orthogonal to the upper planar surface  61 . The body  60  is pivotally adaptable along a fulcrum axis  65  defined orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  66  and is articulated between downwardly facing  67  and horizontally facing  68  positions defined within the diameter of the water outlet  69 . The apparatus  10  further includes a water outlet  69  situated about the body  60  and positioned interior of the existing reservoir  70 . The body  60  is pivotally interfitted within such a water outlet  69 , and a conduit  50  is in fluid communication with the water outlet  69  and an existing water supply source for directing water into the existing reservoir  70 . Such a conduit  50  conveniently has an inlet  53  cooperating with the body  60  and the water outlet  69  such that the water is channeled into the existing reservoir  70  along a travel path penetrating through the body  60 . Such an inlet  53  has an inner diameter  71  smaller than an outer diameter  72  of the water outlet  69  such that the inlet  53  is interfitted therein and maintained in fluid communication with the body  69 . The inlet  53  is centrally aligned with a centrally registered longitudinal axis  66  of the water outlet  69  and remains statically affixed at a predetermined position while the body  60  is articulated between horizontal  68  and downwardly  67  angled positions. The inlet  53  is also adjustably mated with the body  60  such that the water outlet  69  is anchored at a fixed position while the body  60  is pivoted downwardly from within the diameter  72  of the water outlet  69 . The upper  61  and front  64  planar surfaces become forwardly disposed away from a front face  75  of the water outlet  69  when the body  60  is pivoted to the downwardly sloping plane  63 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the integral flush-mounted water spout for tubs  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of utilizing the device may be achieved by performing the following steps: removing the already fastened spigot, shower head, water spout, or the like out of the bath tub  20 , shower, spa, wall or other partitions, if needed; placing the apparatus  10  at the same location as the removed spigot, shower head, water spout, or the like such that the inlet  53  of the conduit  50  is in fluid communication with the outlet  45  of the water source  40  and positioning the apparatus  10  such that the outlet  55  of the conduit  50  is angled downwardly; securing the apparatus  10  thereon the bath tub  20 , shower, spa, wall or other partitions utilizing conventional fastening methods such as, but not limited to: bolts and nuts, screws, gaskets, sealant, and/or adhesives; turning on the water source  40  utilizing already-existing water control devices; directing the water flow  30  continuously into the conduit  50  and disbursed therefrom the outlet  55  of the conduit  50  until otherwise shut off; alternately utilizing a swivel outlet  16  embodiment, thereby adjustably directing the downward angle of the water flow  30 ; turning off the water source  40  utilizing already-existing water control devices, when desired; and, enjoying increased safety experienced by children, elderly, and disabled people by reducing the possibility of hitting one&#39;s head, shoulders, back, knees or the like on such appendages as found on traditional extended spigots or spouts and providing an aesthetically pleasing water spout invention  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be positioned on an inner wall of a tub  20 . However, it may be installed in a variety of configurations and locations such as, but not limited to: mounting the apparatus  10  thereupon an adjacent wall with the possibility of utilizing extensions such to extend the apparatus  10  therefrom said wall; or mounting the apparatus  10  thereupon sinks or other fixtures; and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . Furthermore, although the apparatus  10  is envisioned to be installed in the same location as the spigot, shower head, water spouts, or the like, the tub  20  and/or wall may be modified for other applicable positions of the apparatus  10  thereupon. 
     An alternate embodiment of the current invention  10  would be to incorporate the apparatus  10  as an option on new tub enclosures  20  as well as new enclosure designs. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.