Efficient showerhead with purge outlet

Abstract

A showerhead system with a normally open, temperature controlled first water valve coupled between a hot water source supply inlet and a purge outlet. The first water valve is configured to move from its normally open position to a closed position to restrict water passing from the hot water source supply inlet to the purge outlet when the temperature controlled water valve reaches a predetermined temperature. In a first mode, the first water valve purges water from the hot water source supply inlet through the purge outlet until the thermal actuator reaches the predetermined temperature. In a second mode, the first water valve blocks water entering the first water valve from passing through the purge outlet toward the showerhead outlet. In an optional third mode, a normally closed, manual second water valve is open and passes water through the showerhead outlet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document generally relate to energy efficient showerheads having temperature controlled purge outlets configured to quickly purge cold water in a supply line feeding the showerhead and then shut off the water when it reaches a predetermined temperature.

BACKGROUND

According to 2004 and 2011 papers by Jim Lutz at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, shower warm-up waste is 20-30% of total shower time. Shower warm-up waste occurs when a user turns on the shower and goes to do something else while the water warms up at the shower head. Activities such as brushing teeth, shaving, using the washroom, picking out clothes, drinking coffee and other routine activities dictate the user's time away from the shower and wastes water.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a showerhead system comprises a normally open, temperature controlled first water valve coupled between a hot water source supply inlet and a purge outlet, the first water valve configured to move from its normally open position to a closed position to restrict water passing from the hot water source supply inlet to the purge outlet when a thermal actuator in the temperature controlled water valve reaches a predetermined temperature, wherein the showerhead system comprises at least two modes including: a first mode in which the temperature controlled first water valve selectively purges water from the hot water source supply inlet through the purge outlet until the thermal actuator reaches the predetermined temperature, and a second mode in which the first water valve blocks at least a majority of the water entering the first water valve from passing through the purge outlet and directs it toward the showerhead outlet.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The showerhead system may further comprise a normally closed, manually operated second water valve coupled between the hot water source supply inlet and a showerhead outlet separate from the purge outlet, the second water valve comprising a manual actuator coupled configured to move the second water valve from its normally closed position to an open position and pass water from the hot water source supply inlet to the showerhead outlet, wherein the at least two modes of the showerhead system comprises three modes further including a third mode in which the normally closed, manually operated second water valve is open and passes water through the showerhead outlet. The second water valve may comprise a spring positioned adjacent a valve seat of the second water valve and configured to bias the second water valve into its normally closed position. A weep hole extending between the hot water supply source inlet and the showerhead outlet, bypassing the second water valve, the weep hole open when the first water valve is in its closed position and closed when the first water valve is in its open position. The first water valve may comprise a spring positioned adjacent a valve seat of the first water valve and configured to bias the first water valve into its normally open position when the thermal actuator is below the predetermined temperature.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a showerhead system may comprise a temperature controlled first water valve coupled between a hot water source supply inlet and a purge outlet wherein the first water valve is configured to selectively purge water from the hot water source supply inlet through the purge outlet until the thermal actuator reaches the predetermined temperature and close when the thermal actuator reaches the predetermined temperature, directing water flow to a showerhead outlet separate from the purge outlet.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. A second water valve may be coupled between the hot water source supply inlet and a showerhead outlet separate from the purge outlet, wherein the second water valve is configured to selectively open and pass water from the hot water source supply inlet through the showerhead outlet. The second water valve may comprise a spring positioned adjacent a valve seat of the second water valve and configured to bias the second water valve into its normally closed position. A weep hole extending between the hot water supply source inlet and the showerhead outlet, bypassing the second water valve, the weep hole open when the first water valve is in its closed position and closed when the first water valve is in its open position. The first water valve may comprise a spring positioned adjacent a valve seat and configured to bias the first water valve into its normally open position when the thermal actuator is below the predetermined temperature.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a showerhead water flow controller may comprise a main body comprising a water source supply inlet, a purge outlet and a showerhead outlet separate from the purge outlet, and a temperature controlled first water valve coupled between and controlling water flow between the water source supply inlet and the purge outlet, the first water valve comprising a thermal actuator within the first water valve configured to close the first water valve and stop a majority of water flow from the water source supply inlet to the purge outlet when the thermal actuator reaches a predetermined temperature, directing water flow to the showerhead outlet.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. A manually controlled second water valve may be coupled between and controlling water flow between the water source supply inlet and the showerhead outlet, the second water valve comprising a manual actuator accessible from outside the main body and configured to open the second water valve to pass water from the water source supply inlet to the showerhead outlet when the manual actuator is actuated. The second water valve may be biased to its normally closed position. A weep hole extending between the hot water supply source inlet and the showerhead outlet, bypassing the second water valve, the weep hole open when the first water valve is in its closed position and closed when the first water valve is in its open position. The first water valve may be biased to its normally open position when the thermal actuator is below the predetermined temperature.

Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material, or acts in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material, or acts in support of that means or step, or to perform the recited function, it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific structure, material, or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, material, or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms in the disclosure, or that are well-known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DETAILED DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a showerhead water flow controller;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the showerhead water flow controller of FIG. 1 taken along cross-section lines A-A with the controller in a first mode;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view like that of FIG. 2, but with the controller in a second mode;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view like that of FIG. 2, but with the controller in a third mode

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a showerhead water flow controller;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a first showerhead system with an elongated hose between the water flow controller and the showerhead;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a second showerhead system with a short connector between the water flow controller and the showerhead.

While the present disclosure will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments shown herein, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.

The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.

In an effort to conserve water and energy, the maximum flow rate for showerheads is continually regulated to decrease. This lowered flow rate increases the wait time a user is required to wait to receive hot water at the showerhead which can actually waste more energy than it saves. This is due, in part, to the thermal energy of hot water that flows in the supply line bleeding from the supply line before it is communicated to the showerhead. Hot water lines in a common household, such as copper piping, are not insulated, and thus the heat of the water heats the pipe and is transferred to the environment around the piping. For instance, rewriting regulations to reduce a 2.0 gallon per minute flow rate for a showerhead to 1.8 gallons per minute rate can actually waste more energy through the piping releasing energy for a longer time to its surrounding environment as the cold water is purged from the water supply line through the shower head. The slower the time the water takes to get from the hot water heater to the user, the more energy is released. Energy is also released due to the higher degree of mixing between the hot water and the cold water at lower flow rates. As velocity decreases two things happen. More heat is lost to the pipe carrying the water and more “luke warm” water, water that is too cold for showering, is created by mixing in the pipe as the water travels from the water heater to the mixing valve. Previous efforts have been made by Evolve Technologies, LLC of Scottsdale, Arizona to conserve water and energy through inventions such as those disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,309,655 and 10,066,376, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. However, as showerhead flow rates are being repeatedly regulated to slower flows, additional improvement is desired.

This disclosure provides a temperature controlled purge outlet in association with a showerhead, such that cold water in the supply line can be quickly purged to allow hot water to reach the showerhead quicker, such as at 4-6 gallons per minute. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a showerhead water flow controller 2 with a hot water source supply inlet 4, a purge outlet 6 and a showerhead outlet 8. Although the particular embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 illustrate the temperature controlled purge outlet embodied as a separate attachment to an existing showerhead, it is contemplated that in the embodiments illustrated or in other particular embodiments, and showerhead water flow controller 2 may be incorporated, fully or partially, within the showerhead itself. The temperature controlled purge outlet 6 is automatically moved to a closed position by an internal temperature controlled actuator once the water passing through the water flow controller 2 reaches a predetermined temperature, such as 95 degrees F. The closed position for the first valve 10 restricts the valve and stops water flow through the purge outlet 6, or allows it to flow at a greatly reduced rate less than 20% of its open position flow rate, and in some embodiments less than 10% of its open position flow rate, and in some particular embodiments, allows it to flow at a trickle. The hot water then flows through the showerhead water flow controller 2 at a greatly reduced rate until normal showerhead flow is activated by activating the manual actuator 52, such as by pressing a button, flipping a lever, turning a dial, pulling a cord or any other activating mechanism. The showerhead can also separately include a temperature controlled valve if desired, such as marketed by Evolve Technologies, LLC of Scottsdale AZ, referred to as the TSV valve.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 2-5, a temperature controlled, first water valve 10, which may be configured to be in a normally open position as illustrated in FIG. 2, comprises a channel 22 from the hot water source inlet 4 through the first water valve 10 and out the purge outlet 6. The first water valve 10 comprises a thermal actuator 20, such as that included disclosed and described in the Evolve Technologies, LLC patents incorporated previously herein by reference. The thermal actuator 20 is engaged within the channel 22, such as by being threadedly engaged with a receiver in the channel 22, and is activated by an increase in temperature from water passing through the channel 22. As the thermal actuator 20 is heated by the water, a piston 28 extends from the thermal actuator 20 and moves the first valve 10 into its closed position (FIGS. 3-5) with the valve seal 26 engaged with the valve seat 24. For the particular embodiment illustrated, a coil spring 30 is used to bias the first valve 10 into its normally open position (FIG. 2) when the thermal actuator 20 is below its predetermined temperature, though other biasing mechanisms may alternatively be used. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand how to set the predetermined temperature to any desired temperature based on the selection of the particular form of thermal actuator 20 or materials from which the thermal actuator 20 is formed. The thermal actuator 20 may be configured as a thermal sensor that then actuates a separate valve, and the piston 28 from the thermal actuator itself is not required to be the actuating element for the valve.

When the first valve 10 moves from its open position (FIG. 2) to its closed position (FIGS. 3-5), water may be permitted to pass through the showerhead water flow controller 2 at a greatly reduced rate, as explained previously herein, from either the purge outlet 6, through a small opening 29 in the first valve 10 that allows some small amount of water to pass the first valve 10 even when the first valve 10 is in its closed position (FIGS. 3-5). Alternatively, or additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, a weep hole 60 may be included to allow a trickle of water to pass to the showerhead outlet 8 when the first valve 10 is closed. A weep hole 60 may be provided between the hot water source supply inlet 4 and the showerhead outlet 8 that is permitted to open when the first valve 10 is closed. As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the first valve 10 is open, a weep hole actuator 64 is in a position that blocks the weep hole 60. When the first valve 10 is moved to its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 3, the weep hole actuator 64 moves away from the weep hole 60 to permit water pressure to access the weep hole 60 and allow a small amount of water to pass to the showerhead outlet 8. How much water flows through the weep hole 60 depends, in part, on the size of the weep hole and the weep hole plug 62 that sits on top of the weep hole 60. A weep hole spring 63 may be positioned to sit between the weep hole 60 and the weep hole actuator 64 to move the weep hole actuator 64 out of the way as the first valve 10 is closed.

Once the first, thermally actuated water valve 10 is moved to its closed position in response to the water becoming hot, the user can manually actuate a second water valve 12 in the showerhead water flow controller 2 to permit the now hot water to pass from the hot water source supply inlet 4 to the showerhead outlet 8 (FIG. 4) through a channel 42 through the controller 2. Although the showerhead flow controller 2 illustrates a purely mechanical valve structure, this structure is not critical to operation in particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, a digital valve may be used to digitally activate the water valves 10, 12, to respond to the water becoming hot and to the user activating the second water valve 12. Although many different forms of manual actuators are acceptable and those of ordinary skill in the art would understand how to replace the manual actuator 40 of this disclosure with other embodiments known in the art, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the manual actuator 40 includes a actuator grip 52 that actuates a press bar 54 to move the manual actuator 40 from its normally closed position (FIGS. 2-3) to its open position (FIGS. 4-5). In the closed position (FIGS. 2-3), the manual actuator seal 46 is engaged with the manual actuator seat 44 to close the second valve 12. As with the first valve 10, the closed position of the second valve 12 may permit passage of a substantially reduced water flow, less than 20% of its open position flow and in particular embodiments less than 10% of its open position flow, and in some particular embodiments completely closed so that there is no water flow or merely a trickle of water flow. The second valve 12 may be biased into its normally closed position with a biasing mechanism, such as with a coil spring 50. When the manual actuator 40 is activated to move the second valve 12 to its open position, the force of the spring 50 is small enough that water pressure from the hot water source supply inlet 4 maintains the second valve 12 in its open position until the water pressure is relieved at which time the force of the spring 50 is sufficient to force the second valve 12 and its manual actuator 40 back to the normally restricted positions (FIGS. 2-3). A secondary seal 51 may be included around the second valve shaft 49 to restrict water from leaking through the manual actuator 40. In certain particular embodiments, the second valve 12 is optional and may not be included. In such embodiments, water would flow through the purge outlet 6 and the showerhead outlet port 8 until the temperature rises to the predetermined temperature to purge any cold water from the system. When the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, the piston 28 from the thermal actuator 20 causes the first valve 10 to move to its closed position and the water flow through the water flow controller 2 would exit through the showerhead outlet port 8 to the showerhead 106, 108 (FIGS. 6B-6C). In situations where the colder water from the system can be purged quickly, a second valve 12 and additional manual actuator stage is not necessary.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the water flow controller 2 may be formed as part of a shower wand holder (FIGS. 6A and 6B) with a showerhead wand 108 attached to the showerhead outlet port 8 with an extended hose 110 (FIG. 6B) or with a showerhead 106 attached to the showerhead outlet port 8 with a shorter showerhead connector 112 (FIG. 6C). In other embodiments contemplated, the purge outlet 6 may be included as an enlarged opening the showerhead face itself sufficient to permit 4-6 gal/min. of water flow at a typical house water pressure of 100 psi.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A showerhead system, comprising: a water valve biased toward a fully open position and coupled between a hot water source supply inlet and a purge outlet, the water valve configured to automatically move from the fully open position to a closed position in response to movement of an actuator within the water valve to limit water passing from the hot water source supply inlet to the purge outlet;wherein, when the showerhead system operates in a first mode, the water valve is in the fully open position, the showerhead system selectively purges water from the hot water source supply inlet through the purge outlet instead of through a showerhead outlet, and water passes through the showerhead system at a first volumetric flow rate; andwherein, when the showerhead system operates in a second mode different from the first mode, the water valve is in the closed position, the water valve blocks at least a majority of the water entering the water valve from passing through the purge outlet and instead directs the water toward the showerhead outlet, and water passes through the showerhead system at a second volumetric flow rate less than the first volumetric flow rate and greater than zero.

2. The showerhead system of claim 1, wherein the showerhead outlet is separate from the purge outlet.

3. The showerhead system of claim 1, wherein the water valve is configured to move from the fully open position to the closed position when a temperature within the water valve rises above a predetermined temperature.

4. The showerhead system of claim 3, wherein the actuator is a thermal actuator, and the temperature within the water valve is a temperature of the thermal actuator in the water valve.

5. The showerhead system of claim 1, the water valve comprising a spring positioned within the water valve and configured to bias the water valve toward the fully open position.

6. A showerhead system, comprising: a water valve biased toward a fully open position and coupled between a hot water source supply inlet and a purge outlet, the water valve configured to automatically move from the fully open position to a closed position to limit water passing from the hot water source supply inlet to the purge outlet;wherein, when the showerhead system operates in a first mode, the water valve is in the fully open position, the showerhead system purges water from the hot water source supply inlet through the purge outlet and through a showerhead outlet, and water passes through the showerhead system at a first volumetric flow rate;wherein, when the showerhead system operates in a second mode different from the first mode, the water valve is in the closed position, the water valve blocks at least a majority of the water entering the water valve from passing through the purge outlet, and water passes through the showerhead system at a second volumetric flow rate less than the first volumetric flow rate and greater than zero; and

7. The showerhead system of claim 6, wherein, when the showerhead system operates in the first mode, the showerhead system purges water from the hot water source supply inlet through the purge outlet and through the showerhead outlet.

8. The showerhead system of claim 6, wherein, when the showerhead system operates in the first mode, the showerhead selectively purges water from the hot water source supply inlet through the purge outlet instead of through a showerhead outlet.

9. The showerhead system of claim 6, wherein the showerhead outlet is separate from the purge outlet.

10. The showerhead system of claim 6, wherein the temperature within the water valve is a temperature of a thermal actuator in the water valve.

11. The showerhead system of claim 6, the water valve comprising a spring positioned within the water valve and configured to bias the water valve toward the fully open position.

12. The showerhead system of claim 6, wherein, when the showerhead system operates in the second mode, the water valve is configured to direct the water toward the showerhead outlet.

13. A showerhead system, comprising: a water valve biased toward a fully open position and coupled between a hot water source supply inlet and a purge outlet, the water valve configured to automatically move from the fully open position to a closed position;wherein when the showerhead system operates in a first mode, the water valve is in the fully open position and water passes through the showerhead system at a first volumetric flow rate;wherein when the showerhead system operates in a second mode different from the first mode, the water valve is in the closed position and water passes through the showerhead system at a second volumetric flow rate less than the first volumetric flow rate and greater than zero; and

14. The showerhead system of claim 13, wherein the temperature within the water valve is a temperature of a thermal actuator in the water valve.

15. The showerhead system of claim 13, the water valve comprising a spring positioned within the water valve and configured to bias the water valve toward the fully open position.

16. The showerhead system of claim 13, wherein, when the showerhead system operates in the second mode, the water valve is configured to direct the water toward a showerhead outlet.

17. The showerhead system of claim 13, wherein, when the showerhead system operates in the first mode, the showerhead selectively purges water from the hot water source supply inlet through the purge outlet instead of through a showerhead outlet.

18. The showerhead system of claim 17, wherein the showerhead outlet is separate from the purge outlet.

19. The showerhead system of claim 13, wherein, when the showerhead system operates in the first mode, the showerhead system purges water from the hot water source supply inlet through the purge outlet and through the showerhead outlet.

20. The showerhead system of claim 19, wherein the showerhead outlet is separate from the purge outlet.