Improvements in Fittings for Baths, and Means for Advertising.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Aug., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 2nd May, 1895-Accepted, 15th June, 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Fittings for Baths, and Means for Advertising.
We JAMES SHEPHERD of Shird Fold Davenport in the County of Cheshire
Engineer, and LAVINGTON WATT SHEPHERD of Shird Fold Davenport in the
Conuty of Cheshire Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
Our improved fitting for an ordinary bath consists in providing a bar of timber,
metal, or other suitable material so made as to lie loosely across the top of a bath
in a transverse direction. We prefer to construct this bar of round wrought iron
or copper, and of proportionate strength.
The ends of the bar rest on the top or frame of the bath, and at a short distance
from either end the bar inclines into the bath for several inches deep terminating
again in a flat horizontal plane. Upon this lower plane of the bar we attach a slab
of timber, cork, or other suitable material forming a rest for the feet, and adjoining
we fix a soap tray and brush suspender.
When in use our object is to provide a comfortable mode of supporting the feet
during washing, and when bathing to give facility for moving the bar easily
to any part of the bath where soap or brush may be required, and so obviate
waste of material, and the unpleasant reaching about after these necessaries when
required.
The bar may likewise be used for advertising purposes by embossing upon,
printing or attaching to the frame or slab any trade notification or advertisement,
and which we claim to be a novel method or way of promoting business sales.
Dated this 7th day of August 1894.
JAMES SHEPHERD.
LAVINGTON WATT SHEPHERD.
Improvements in Fittings for Baths, and Means for Advertising.
I, JAMES SHEPHERD of Shird-Fold Davenport near Stockport in the County of
Cheshire, Engineer and LAVINGTON WATT SHEPHERD of Shird-Fold Davenport
near Stockport in the County of Cheshire, Engineer do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :—
Our improved fitting as applied to an ordinary bath consists in providing a bar
of timber, or of metal, or other suitable material and to be laid loosely across the
top of any ordinary bath in a transverse direction, and to be constructed and used
as hereafter described.
To obtain strength with the minimum of weight in the construction of our
improved fitting, we first make a frame composed of cast iron, steel, wrought
iron or copper rods preferably of the latter two and of about 6 of an inch thick,
two lengths or rods of metal being laid parallel with each other three to four inches
apart, the ends bent to a circular form and welded together, or the straight ends of

page_text: the rods may be joined by plates of metal rivetted or screwed together forming a
frame.
This metal frame is afterwards blocked or bent to a shape having two levels or
planes, a higher and a lower one thus . The lower plane of the frame
is additionally strengthened by two or more crossbars of flat iron or copper secured
thereto. Tubes of india-rubber are placed over the end portion of each rod to
prevent injury to the top of a bath when moving the fitting.
A slab of timber, cork or other suitable material is now laid over the crossbars
of the frame and attached to them by screws. Adjoining the slab of timber or
cork, we fit on the frame between the side rods, a tray of plain or enamelled
perforated metal for holding soap, brushes etc.
In use the improved fitting is laid transversely over the top of a bath forming a
rest for washing the feet upon in a standing position. The fitting is easily
moved along the top of the bath and provides a receptacle for soap, brushes etc.
to be used in any position the bather requires, adding materially to the convenience
and comfort of bathing; likewise preventing much disorder over the walls and floor
of a bath room.
This improved bath fitting may also be used for advertising purposes by
attaching to it embossed, printed, or other arranged matter forming trade notices
or advertisements.
That the details of these improvements in fittings for baths may be better
understood, we will by the aid of the accompanying drawing more fully describe
the means that we employ.
Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of an ordinary domestic cast iron bath, and the
letter A where it occurs represents a portion of the bath, B, B, are wrought iron
or copper rods forming the sides of the improved bath fitting, C, C; metal end
plates connecting the side rods together. Da slab of timber, cork, or other
suitable material secured by screws to the cross bars of the frame. E, a perforated
metal tray for holding soap etc. and is suspended from the side rods of the frame.
F, F, are tubes of india-rubber placed over the end portion of the rods to
prevent scratching or injuring the paint or varnish of the bath wheu moving the
fitting from one position to another; also to provide extra grip or steadiness when
in use.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :- -
1st. Au auxiliary and moveable fitting for domestic baths forming a rest or
holder for parts of the body during bathing.
2nd. A combined moveable soap tray and carrier for toilet requisites to be used
in conuection with domestic baths.
3rd. The use of an auxiliary bath fitting as described for purposes of
advertising.
4th. The construction and use of moreable bath fittings as substantially shewn
and described.
Dated this First day of May 1895.
JAMES SHEPHERD.
LAVINGTON WATT SHEPHERD.