Multi-purpose insulating barrel

Abstract

A wood-stave barrel having an access port and sealable inlet and outlet holes which offers housing for plumbing and electrical systems. Primarily, a barrel adornment for a novelty shower which, when cradled above the user, provides an attractive mounting surface for a showerhead and creates the illusion that the shower is supplied by a barrel full of water. Alternatively, the present invention insulates, protects, and conceals sensitive valves, pipe fittings, manifolds, electrical junctions, and wire-nut connections within the sturdy confines of a barrel.

1 . In a housing of the type comprising a wood-stave barrel and sealable inlet and outlet holes, the improvement wherein said barrel insulates, protects, and conceals plumbing and electrical systems. 
   
   
       2 . The housing of  claim 1  wherein said barrel is equipped with a port for accessing the inside of the barrel. 
   
   
       3 . The housing of  claim 1  wherein said barrel is equipped with sealable inlet and outlet holes for stemming pipes, wires, and junctions through said barrel. 
   
   
       4 . The housing of  claim 1  wherein said barrel may be filled with expanding urethane foam. 
   
   
       5 . The housing of  claim 4  wherein said expanding foam encapsulates and protects said pipes, wires, and junctions inside said barrel. 
   
   
       6 . The housing of  claim 1  wherein said barrel is made of a material other than wood staves and steel hoops, such as plastics, composites, or any other suitable material for keeping the elements from penetrating the inside of said barrel. 
   
   
       7 . In a housing of the type comprising a wood-stave barrel and sealable inlet and outlet holes, the improvement wherein said barrel insulates, protects, and conceals the pipes, fittings, and valves for a novelty shower. 
   
   
       8 . The housing of  claim 7  wherein said barrel offers adornment to said novelty shower. 
   
   
       9 . The housing of  claim 8  wherein said barrel offers a mounting surface for a showerhead. 
   
   
       10 . The housing of  claim 8  wherein said adornment creates the illusion that said novelty shower is supplied by a barrel full of water. 
   
   
       11 . The housing of  claim 7  wherein said barrel may be filled with expanding urethane foam. 
   
   
       12 . The housing of  claim 7  wherein said expanding foam encapsulates and protects said pipes, fittings, and valves inside said barrel of said novelty shower. 
   
   
       13 . In a housing of the type comprising a wood-stave barrel and sealable inlet and outlet holes, improvement wherein said barrel insulates, protects, and conceals plumbing manifolds, such as those used for pools and irrigation systems. 
   
   
       14 . The housing of  claim 13  wherein said barrel is equipped with a port for accessing individual valves and junctions for said manifold. 
   
   
       15 . The housing of  claim 13  wherein said barrel provides a mounting surface for an electrical control panel for said manifold. 
   
   
       16 . The housing of  claim 13  wherein said barrel may be filled with expanding urethane foam. 
   
   
       17 . The housing of  claim 13  where in said expanding foam encapsulates and protects said manifold inside said barrel.