High-pressure, flexible, self-supportive, piping assembly for use with a diffuser/nozzle

• US 5,667,146 A
• Filed: 02/28/1996
• Issued: 09/16/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Jerry Jones, Ralph Pimentel
• Original Assignee: Jerry Jones, Ralph Pimentel
• Inventors: Jones, Jerry, Pimentel, Ralph
• Primary Examiner(s): Kashnikow, Andres
• Assistant Examiner(s): Douglas, Lisa Ann
• Application Number:
  US08/608,405
• Time in Patent Office: 566 Days
• Field of Search: 239/587.1, 239/587.2, 239/587.3, 239/587.4, 239/588, 285/166, 4/615
• US Class Current: 239/587.1
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 15/654 using universal joints
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/06 Devices for suspending or supporting the supply pipe or supply hose of a shower-bath showers per se A47K3/28
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 11/18 Articulated hoses, e.g. composed of a series of rings

Abstract

A high-pressure, flexible, self-supportive, piping assembly for use with a diffuser/nozzle (10), allowing the position of the diffuse/nozzle to be conveniently adjusted in an unlimited number of directions. The invention as defined in its preferred embodiment provides a diffuser/nozzle (10) connected to a first end of the high-pressure, flexible, self-supportive, piping assembly that is made up of a plurality of interconnected ball and socket elements (30) which creates a conduit in which a hose (40) capable of withstanding high-pressure fluids or gases is dispose therein, the said hose is functionlly connected to a fluid supply connector (50) at its second end. The assembly is encased within a plastic shrinkable tubing(60) for additional rigidity and to provide a better gripping surface.

Claims

1. A high-pressure, flexible, self-supportive, piping assembly for use with a diffuser/nozzle comprising:

a diffuser/nozzle having a internally threaded end portion communicated to;

a first end connector having an exterior and interior surface and first and second end portions said first end portion having an annular externally threaded passage forming said interior surface, said passage is communicated axially through said first end connector to said second end portion, said exterior surface defining a socket engaging surface at said second end portion;

a plurality of ball and socket elements having first and second end portions and a longitudinal axis extending in the direction from the first end to the second end portion, a body defining a passageway therethrough between the first and second end portion of said plurality of ball and socket elements the body including a socket engaging surface at the first end portion thereof, the body also including an internal socket receiving cavity at the second end portion thereof,

a second end connector having an exterior and interior surface and first and second end portions, said first end portion of second end connector having a annular internally threaded passage forming said interior surface, said passage is communicated axially through said second end connector to said second end portion thereof, said exterior surface of second end connector is defined by a socket engaging surface at said second end portion thereof, and a hexagonal body adapted for receiving a wrench during installation;

a hose disposed within said passageway and functionally communicated to said first end connector and said second end connector;

a sleeve is disposed around said plurality of ball and socket elements whereby said sleeve provides additional rigidity and support to the high-pressure, flexible, self-supportive, piping assembly.