Patent Application
20060208103
The present invention relates to a handheld sprayer, and more particularly to a floating handheld shower sprayer.
A wide variety of handheld sprayer systems are available including handheld shower sprayers in many different configurations. Many factors enter into the comfort, safety, convenience, and ease of use of handheld sprayers including the design and placement of controls and the storage systems to which the handheld shower is stowed. Conventional handheld sprayers are typically attached to a wall unit within which the unit is stowed. Other conventional handheld sprayers are attachable to a faucet such that the handheld sprayer is removable. Other handheld sprayers are retractable into an opening or retractable into an opening adjacent to a sink or bath.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a handheld sprayer which provides a variety of features and is not limited to conventional mounting and stowage locations.
A handheld sprayer system according to the present invention includes a spray nozzle side opposite a sprayer back side that includes a recessed area to receive hygiene tools such as a sponge, soap, razor or the like. The spray head includes a buoyancy volume which permits the handheld shower sprayer system to float. In a tub environment, operation of the spray nozzle generates a water jet effect within the water. That is, the spray head randomly floats around in the tub agitating the otherwise still water.
The present invention therefore provides a handheld sprayer which provides a variety of features and is not limited to conventional mounting and stowage locations.
The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
The sprayer backside 22 preferably includes a recessed area 24 to receive hygiene tools H such as a sponge, soap or the like. The recessed area 24 may be generic or specific to a particular tool T. One specific recessed area 24 includes a molded razor receipt area 26 which permits storage and retention of a razor R (
The spray head 12 preferably includes a buoyancy volume 28 (illustrated schematically) which permits the handheld shower sprayer system 10 to float. The buoyancy volume 28 may be contained within the spray head 12 or located therearound in, for example, a decorative trim. By providing flotation to the sprayer system 10, use and convenience is increased. In other words, the handheld sprayer system 10 need only be dropped into a tub T or the bottom of a shower where the sprayer system 10 is readily retrievable.
Furthermore, in a tub environment, operation of the spray nozzle 20 permits a water jet effect. That is, the spray head 12 randomly floats around in the tub agitating the otherwise still water (
Referring to
Although particular step sequences are shown, described, and claimed, it should be understood that steps may be performed in any order, separated or combined unless otherwise indicated and will still benefit from the present invention.
The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.
