BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bathing and bathing devices date back to at least man's earliest history. Today, there are all manner of bathtubs, showerheads, and devices designed to dispense water for cleansing. As easy, convenient, and versatile as these devices are, there is still a need to make them easier, more convenient, and with increased versatility. As an example, in order to take a bath, it is common to turn on the water, and then come back at periodic intervals to turn it off at the proper moment. As another example, application of lotions, including skin moisturizers, shampoos, hair conditioners, and the like, is commonly done by direct hand or other application. It would be advantageous to make these and other bathing related functions simpler and more convenient.
SUMMARY
Embodiments of the present inventions provide a complete bathing experience including facilitating showering and bathtub bathing.
When providing immersive baths in a bathtub, embodiments may automatically fill, without supervision, a bathtub to a level predetermined by a bather.
Embodiments may provide a hand-held shower head with a supply hose long enough to completely shower a standing user or one seated in a bathtub or one in an alternate disposition (as a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, a hose length of 8 feet or 2.4 m, with a tolerance of all +2 feet, −1 foot).
Such embodiments answer an obvious need for shampooing hair and washing all body parts while seated taking a bath or standing for shower or in other circumstances. Such embodiments allow direct showering of feet and other body parts while seated in a bathtub or while standing for a shower, or under other conditions.
Embodiments are configured to completely terminate the flow of water out of their showerhead with controls located within or proximate to the showerhead. This facilitates versatility by allowing a user to fully turn off a showerhead while the user is seated or reclined while taking a bath, or in other circumstances.
To aid in complete cleansing while standing during a shower, or seated during a bath, or under other conditions, embodiments have showerhead handles which easily extend at the push of a button. This also facilitates washing children and pets and other things in including bathtubs, shower and bath enclosures, and/or in other circumstances.
Embodiments add further functionality to using a bathtub or shower, by providing a powerful unrestricted jet of water at least to help clean dirty bathtubs and showers and their surroundings, and/or clean other things.
Embodiments may mount commonly available, as well as specialized, scrubbing pads, sponges, brushes, cloths, etc., proximate to their shower head and/or cleaning jet of water, at least to help in cleaning dirty bathtubs and shower enclosures, as well as other things.
Embodiments may mount loofah and other types of cleansing pads and brushes proximate to their showerheads at least to facilitate personal cleansing.
Embodiments may mount lotion applicator pads, rollers, and sponges next to their showerheads. With or without extending showerhead handles, this helps in providing a complete bathing and personal care experience.
Embodiments may feature easy installation, mimicking that found with simply replacing a showerhead.
Easy installation may be facilitated by a simple tool at least to uninstall existing showerheads, and/or to tighten or loosen other screw fittings, and/or to place torque onto other objects (nuts, bolts, jar and bottle caps, rod or shaft shaped objects, etc.).
Embodiments have versatile showerhead height and angle adjustments, accommodating both very tall as well as shorter statured individuals while taking a conventional fixed position shower, or in other circumstances.
Embodiments feature simple, economical construction.
Embodiments feature versatile installation, including coupling to bathtub overhead shower arms, and/or mounting to virtually any surface or structure proximate to a bathtub, shower, and/or other environment.
Embodiments have specialized attachments, at least to facilitate cleaning slow bathtub and/or shower and/or other drains.
Embodiments have easy to manipulate one-piece controls.
Embodiments may be used in a bathing environment inclusive of a bathtub, or may be used in a standalone shower, or in other environments.
Embodiments may feature powerful micro porosity showerheads which perform well to cleanse even thick hair and/or oily skin, and even when there is low water pressure.
Embodiments simultaneously may offer very low water usage.
Embodiments may have pulsating massage sprays without internal moving parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of embodiment 100 showing showerhead 102 coupling to shower travel bar 104 to provide a versatile fixed position shower.
FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, except taken from a different viewpoint.
FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, except taken from a viewpoint which is closer to embodiment 100.
FIG. 4 is a perspective similar to FIG. 1, except embodiment 100 is shown configured to automatically fill bathtub 106.
FIG. 5 is a perspective similar to FIG. 4, except taken from a different point of view.
FIG. 5A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 5, as indicated in FIG. 5.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 4, as indicated in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 6, as indicated in FIG. 6.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 5, as indicated in FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a perspective of a portion of embodiment 100, showing showerhead 102 coupled to shower travel bar 104 to provide a fixed position shower.
FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of FIG. 8.
FIG. 9A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 9, as indicated in FIG. 9.
FIG. 9B is an enlarged detail of FIG. 9A, as indicated in FIG. 9A.
FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9, except taken from a different viewpoint.
FIG. 10A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 10, as indicated in FIG. 10.
FIG. 10B is an enlarged detail of FIG. 10A, as indicated in FIG. 10A.
FIG. 10C is an enlarged detail of FIG. 10A, as indicated in FIG. 10A.
FIG. 10D is a perspective section of FIG. 8, as indicated in FIG. 8.
FIG. 11 is an orthogonal side view of shower carriage 108.
FIG. 12 is a perspective section of shower carriage 108 as indicated in FIG. 11.
FIG. 12A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 12, as indicated in FIG. 12.
FIG. 13 is an orthogonal side view of embodiment 100.
FIG. 13A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 13, taken from the viewpoint indicated in FIG. 13, showing multiple potential vertical positions of showerhead 102, some of which are indicated in dotted lines.
FIG. 13B is an enlarged detail of FIG. 13, taken from the viewpoint indicated in FIG. 13, showing multiple potential radial positions of showerhead 102, some of which are indicated in dotted lines.
FIG. 14 is a perspective of embodiment 100, with showerhead 102 in a lower position 112 on shower travel bar 104 which is appropriate for a child or individual of shorter stature 110.
FIG. 15 is a perspective of embodiment 100, with showerhead 102 in raised position 114, appropriate for a fixed position shower for taller individuals.
FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of showerhead 102.
FIG. 16A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 16, as indicated in FIG. 16.
FIG. 16B is an enlarged detail of FIG. 16, as indicated in FIG. 16.
FIG. 16C is an enlarged detail of FIG. 16, as indicated in FIG. 16.
FIG. 16D is an enlarged detail of FIG. 16, as indicated in FIG. 16.
FIG. 16E is an enlarged detail of FIG. 16, as indicated in FIG. 16.
FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 16, except taken from a different viewpoint to the rear of showerhead 102.
FIG. 17A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 17, as indicated in FIG. 17.
FIG. 17B is an enlarged detail section of FIG. 17, as indicated in FIG. 17.
FIG. 17C is an enlarged detail of FIG. 17, as indicated in FIG. 17.
FIG. 17D is an enlarged detail of FIG. 17, as indicated in FIG. 17.
FIG. 17E is an enlarged detail of FIG. 17B, as indicated in FIG. 17B.
FIG. 18 is a perspective showing the upper portion of shower travel bar 104.
FIG. 19 is a perspective showing shower travel bar 104 slipped over 116 shower arm 118 and hose connecting nut 120 being rotated 122 onto the threaded output 124 of shower arm 118.
FIG. 20 is a perspective showing shower travel bar 104 slipped down 126 over hose connecting nut 120 and locking knob 128 rotated 130 tight onto an unthreaded portion of shower arm 118.
FIG. 21 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with extendable handle 132 in its retracted 134 disposition.
FIG. 22 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with extendable handle 132 in its extended 136 disposition.
FIG. 23 is an orthogonal side view of showerhead 102.
FIG. 24 is an orthogonal section taken through FIG. 21, as indicated in FIG. 21.
FIG. 24A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 24, as indicated in FIG. 24.
FIG. 24B is an enlarged detail of FIG. 24, as indicated in FIG. 24.
FIG. 25 is a perspective of a portion of FIG. 24.
FIG. 26 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 25, as indicated in FIG. 25.
FIG. 27 is a perspective of embodiment 100 mounted on wall 138 adjacent to bathtub 106.
FIG. 27A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 27, as indicated in FIG. 27.
FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective of embodiment 100 and wall mounting brackets 140 and 142.
FIG. 29 is similar to FIG. 28 except taken from a different viewpoint.
FIG. 30 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 in position to attach to showerhead 102.
FIG. 31 is similar to FIG. 30 except taken from different viewpoint.
FIG. 31A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 31, as indicated in 31.
FIG. 32 shows accessory attachment 144 coupled to showerhead 102.
FIG. 32A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 32, as indicated in FIG. 32.
FIG. 33 is an orthogonal side view of accessory attachment 144, without any accessories attached.
FIG. 34 is similar to FIG. 33 except loofah sponge 146 is attached.
FIG. 35 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 coupled.
FIG. 36 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 holding loofah sponge 146.
FIG. 37 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 holding common sponge 148.
FIG. 38 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 holding brush 150.
FIG. 39 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 holding scrubbing pad 152.
FIG. 40 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 holding scouring sponge 154.
FIG. 41 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 holding mesh shower puff 156.
FIG. 42 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 holding shampoo brush 158.
FIG. 43 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 holding folded washcloth 160.
FIG. 44 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 holding lotion applicator sponge 162.
FIG. 45 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with accessory attachment 144 holding lotion roller applicator 164.
FIG. 46 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with drain cleaning dome 166 coupled to filling output port 168.
FIG. 47 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with drain cleaning dome 166 coupled and covering bathtub overflow (hidden) of bathtub 106, while drain 170 is held closed.
FIG. 48 is a perspective of showerhead 102 with drain cleaning dome 166 coupled and covering open drain 170 (FIG. 47—hidden) of bathtub 106, while bathtub overflow (hidden) is blocked closed by held blocking dome 172.
FIG. 49 is a perspective of bathtub 106 being clean by showerhead 102 using output cleaning jet 174. Extendable handle 132 is shown in its extended position (FIG. 22).
FIG. 49A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 49, as indicated in FIG. 49.
FIG. 50 is a perspective of pet 178 being washed in bathtub 106 using shower output 176 from showerhead 102.
FIG. 50A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 50, as indicated in FIG. 50.
FIG. 51 shows child 180 being washed in bathtub 106 using showerhead 102 with extended extendable handle 132.
FIG. 52 shows embodiment 182, which in most ways is identical to embodiment 100, except with modifications to shower travel bar 104 and the addition of mounting bracket 184 to facilitate mounting the embodiment onto structures other than shower arm 118, such as, as a non-limiting and non-exhausted example, wall 138.
FIG. 52A is an enlarged detail of FIG. 52, as indicated in FIG. 52.
FIG. 53 is an exploded perspective of embodiment 182.
FIG. 54 is a perspective of showerhead 102, with output selector 186 rotated 188 so that output cleaning jet 174 is operable.
FIG. 55 is identical to FIG. 54, except FIG. 55 has a section through its rear as indicated in FIG. 54.
FIG. 56 is identical to FIG. 55, except output selector 186 is rotated 188 (FIG. 54) so that bathtub filling port 190 is operable.
FIG. 57 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 55, as indicated in FIG. 55.
FIG. 58 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 56, as indicated in FIG. 56.
FIG. 59 is an ink line replication of part of an Amazon.com™ (a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc.) advertisement for a commonly used float valve.
FIGS. 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and 66, show various views of embodiment 382 which is a simple wrench tool which may be used in installing or uninstalling embodiment 100 or may be used in a wide variety of other applications.
FIG. 60 is a perspective of embodiment 382 including flexible spiral member 316 in its natural rest coiled position and standard screwdriver bit mount 384 holding a Phillips head screwdriver bit 386, which, along with other standard screwdriver bits, including slotted screwdriver bits, may be adapted for a wide variety of screwdriver and other applications.
FIG. 61 is a perspective of embodiment 382 which is similar to FIG. 60 except flexible spiral member 316 is shown constricting around showerhead nut 312, anchored by resistance of skid resistant pad 315 against showerhead nut 312.
FIG. 62 is a perspective of embodiment 382 taken from below.
FIG. 63 is an orthogonal side view of embodiment 382 as shown in FIG. 60, with flexible spiral member 316 in its naturally rest coiled disposition.
FIG. 64 is an orthogonal side view of FIG. 61.
FIG. 65 is a detail of FIG. 63, as indicated in FIG. 63.
FIG. 66 is a detail of FIG. 64, as indicated in FIG. 64.
FIG. 67 is a perspective of embodiment 282 being used to unscrew 283 (FIG. 67A) an existing showerhead 388 from shower arm 118.
FIG. 67A is a detail of FIG. 67, as indicated in FIG. 67.
FIG. 68 is an exploded perspective of a portion of embodiment 100.
FIG. 68A is a detail of FIG. 68, as indicated in FIG. 68.
FIG. 69 is an exploded perspective similar to FIG. 68 except taken from a different viewpoint.
FIG. 69A is a detail of FIG. 69, as indicated in FIG. 69.
FIG. 70 is a frontal partial section view 390 of embodiment 100 taken orthogonally from showerhead mount 358 (FIGS. 23 and 24).
FIGS. 71-78 show details of FIG. 70, as indicated in FIG. 70, with shower spray director 226 (FIG. 16) set in various modes of operation.
FIG. 79 is a perspective of the upper portion of showerhead 102.
FIG. 80 is similar to FIG. 79 but with shower face 228, shower face bezel 414 (FIGS. 68 and 79), and shower spray director 226 (FIGS. 56 and 79) removed. FIG. 80 shows where cylindrical section 416, and cylindrical section 418, and cylindrical section 419, shown in FIGS. 81, 81A, 82, 82A, 83, and 83A respectively, were taken. These cylindrical sections trace the relative rotated paths of the center of spherical plug 400, as illustrated in FIGS. 71-78. Cylindrical sections 416, 418, and 419 are disposed orthogonal to the forward surface 420 of showerhead mount 358 (FIG. 16).
FIG. 81 shows cylindrical section 416 (FIG. 80) taken through FIG. 77 showerhead configuration.
FIG. 81A is a detail of FIG. 81 as indicated in FIG. 81.
FIG. 82 shows cylindrical section 418 (FIG. 80) taken through FIG. 73 showerhead configuration.
FIG. 82A is a detail of FIG. 82 as indicated in FIG. 82.
FIG. 83 shows cylindrical section 419 (FIG. 80) taken through FIG. 71 showerhead configuration.
FIG. 83A is a detail of FIG. 83 as indicated in FIG. 83.
FIG. 84 is a perspective of embodiment 100 with shower carriage 108 replaced with shower carriage 438, which has easy to grip and manipulate controls including, height adjustment control 440, and showerhead angle control 442.
FIG. 85 is a detail of FIG. 84, as indicated in FIG. 84.
FIG. 86 is an exploded perspective of shower carriage 438.
FIG. 87 is a section through FIG. 86 as indicated in FIG. 86.
FIG. 88 is a section through FIG. 86 as indicated in FIG. 86.
FIG. 89 is a perspective of showerhead 102 showing textured handle grip 468 and
tactile handle orientation indicator 470.
FIG. 90 is a perspective similar to FIG. 36 except accessory attachment 144 has been replaced by alternate accessory attachment 474 which uses penetrating spikes 476 and 478 to replace clamping Claw 350. FIG. 90 shows this construction prior to sponge 480 being mounted into alternate accessory attachment 474. Such a construction allows alternate accessory attachment 474 to hold a wide variety of items, including at least those shown in FIGS. 35-45.
FIG. 90A is an enlargement of FIG. 90, as indicated in FIG. 90 showing annular protrusions 482 and 484 on penetrating spikes 476 and 478 respectively, releasably and progressively snapping into orifices 486 and 488 respectively, to help tighten and secure loofah sponge 480. Penetrating spikes 476 and 478 may be removed to disengage loofah sponge 480, simply by pulling them out of engagement with orifices 486 and 488.
FIG. 91 is similar to FIG. 90 except loofah sponge 480 is shown mounted into alternate accessory attachment 474 by being penetrated by penetrating spikes 476 and 478.
FIG. 92 is a perspective of showerhead 102 adapted for use with freestanding tub filler 492. FIG. 92 shows showerhead 102 mounted into adaptive mount 494.
FIG. 92A is a detail of FIG. 92, as indicated in FIG. 92.
FIG. 93 is a perspective of showerhead 102 adapted for use with freestanding tub filler 492. FIG. 93 shows showerhead 102 dismounted from adaptive mount 494 and filling bathtub 496.
FIG. 94 is an exploded perspective of showerhead 102 adapted for use with freestanding tub filler 492.
FIG. 94A is a detail of FIG. 94 as indicated in FIG. 94.
FIG. 95 is similar to FIG. 94 except taken from a different viewpoint.
FIG. 95A is a detail of FIG. 95 as indicated in FIG. 95.
FIG. 96 is a perspective of showerhead 102 adapted for use with deck mounted bathtub fixtures 498.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 15, embodiment 100 is comprised of three principal components: shower travel bar component 208 (FIG. 3), shower hose 192 (FIG. 3), and showerhead assembly 210 (FIG. 3).
In turn, shower travel bar component 208 is primarily comprised of shower travel bar 104, shower carriage 108, travel bar locking nut 212, lower locking roller clamp 196, and upper locking roller clamp 214 (all-FIG. 10).
Shower hose 192 is primarily comprised of hose 216, showerhead nut 218, and hose connecting nut 120 (FIGS. 9 and 10).
Showerhead assembly 210 is primarily comprised of: inner handle 220 (FIGS. 16, 17, 22, and 24), extendable handle 132 (FIGS. 16, 21, 22, 23, and 24), unrestricted water exit 222 (FIGS. 16, 17, and 17C), flow director 224 (FIGS. 16, 17, and 17C), shower spray director 226 (FIGS. 16, and 17), shower face 228 (FIGS. 16, and 17), and float valve 230 (FIGS. 8, 9 and 10).
Automatic bathtub filling: Embodiments herein provide automatic filling of a bathtub to a user directed level.
To do this, as a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, a user suspends showerhead 102, showerhead down, into bathtub 106 using shower hose 192 to a depth where a designated point on the lower end of showerhead 102 is at a point reflecting the level of bathwater the user desires (FIGS. 4, 5, and 5A).
To help in doing this, the user may affix markers 194 on shower hose 192 at positions reflecting what each user of the bathtub prefers for their individual bathwater depth (FIGS. 6 and 6A).
As non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples such markers might be adhesive and/or other types of tape, and/or might be annular clamps, or might be imprinted onto the shower hose 192 (i.e. with permanent markers or other means), or might be of any other useful construction.
To distinguish which marker 194 (FIG. 6A in particular) reflects which individual user's bath level, these markers might be imprinted with letters, numerals, symbols, shapes or other indices, and/or may use colors, textures, patterns, and/or other identifiers. Such markers might also be disposed at regular intervals such as ruler markers on the hose, so that a user may adjust the showerhead height in the tub to a specific indicated measurement height.
In addition to this, or as an alternative, tape-measure-like markings might be placed on the hose. Or tape-measure-like markings might be placed on a stable location on the device or on adjacent structures, with a single pointer on the hose.
Once showerhead 102 is suspended at the desired bathwater depth within bathtub 106, shower hose 192 is locked into lower locking roller clamp 196 by pushing 198 (FIGS. 6A and 10D) shower hose 192 between pliant roller 200 and locking wall 202 (FIGS. 6, 6 A, 10C and 10D) where it snaps into place due to over-centering of their respective axes (FIG. 10D in particular).
The shower spray director 226 (FIGS. 21, 22 and 56) is then rotated 206 (FIG. 21) to its bath filling position 232 (FIG. 77), flow director 224 is rotated 234 to its bath filling position (FIGS. 56, and 58), drain 170 of bathtub 106 is closed, and the proper temperature water is started from flow director 224 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 5A) by turning on bathtub fill valve 244 (FIGS. 4 and 5).
Bathtub 106 then fills with water exiting flow director 224 until the water level reaches a predetermined level on float valve 230, at which time float valve 230 is configured to terminate the flow of water into bathtub 106 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 5A), resulting in bathtub 106 being filled to the level directed by the user (FIGS. 4, 5, and 5A).
The construction of float valve 230 may replicate designs for flow valves currently in wide use in water tanks, livestock watering systems, solar heating systems, and many other applications. An example of one such valve is shown in FIG. 59 which replicates part of an Amazon.com™ (a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc.) advertisement.
The particular valve in this advertisement is generally called a “diaphragm float valve”. It is activated by a pliable membrane 426 (FIG. 24A) which, without outside influences, flexes open (dotted line in FIG. 24A) allowing water entering showerhead 322 (FIG. 24) through inner handle 220 to freely pass into chamber 328 (FIG. 24A) where it can freely pass out of unrestricted water exit 222 (FIG. 24A).
This occurs when there is no water pressure inside diaphragm chamber 428. A metered amount of water from inner handle 220 is constantly fed into diaphragm chamber 428 through feed orifice 430 which penetrates the face of pliable membrane 426 (FIG. 24A). Water pressure is prevented from building up within diaphragm chamber 428 by water exiting through exit orifice 432 (FIG. 24A).
This may occur until exit orifice 432 is blocked by pliable blocking member 434, disposed on float activation lever 362, which causes a water pressure buildup in diaphragm chamber 428 resulting in pliable membrane 426 being pressured closed (solid line in FIG. 24A), thus blocking water emanating from inner handle 220 from passing into chamber 328, and subsequently out of unrestricted water exit 222.
The valve closing described above may occur when float activation lever is pressured closed (solid line in FIG. 24A) under urging from float 410, when it is buoyed 436 (FIG. 24A) by rising water, as an example within a bathtub being filled (occurring inverted from the viewpoint of FIG. 24A).
Another non-limiting and non-exhaustive example of a diaphragm float valve which in principle functions similar to float valve 230 is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,013,091, inventor Hudson, titled “FLOAT-CONTROLLED VALVE”.
Diaphragm float valves offer light activation pressures and reliable operation.
Many variants of this design, as well as other designs of float valves are widely available and could be adapted to replace float valve 230. Some of these constructions are also shown on Amazon.com™ at least under search words “float valve”.
Simple installation: Referring at least to FIGS. 18 through 20 and 60 through 67, as a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, embodiment 100 may be installed by unscrewing an existing showerhead from threaded output 124 of shower arm 118 (FIGS. 19 and 20).
This can be done using a homeowners' pliers or other tools, or it can be done using the tool shown in FIGS. 60 through 67 and 67A. This inexpensive single molded piece tool is configured to wrap around virtually any appropriate size object 310 (FIGS. 61, 64 and 66) including showerhead nut 312 (FIGS. 61, 64 and 66), and exert axial torsional force 313 (FIGS. 61 and 64) in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
It does this by resting skid resistant pad 315 against object 310 (FIG. 66) and then wrapping flexible spiral member 316 around skid resistant pad 315 (as shown in FIGS. 61, 64 and 66), and placing pressure 318 (FIG. 61) on handle 320 (FIG. 61) which then constricts flexible spiral member 316 around object 310 and torques it in the direction of pressure 318 (FIGS. 61 and 64).
This tool, as non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples might be injection molded in one piece out of a plastic such as polycarbonate, or polypropylene, or nylon, or might be fabricated using other methods and/or materials.
Skid resistant pad 315 might be fabricated from: silicone rubber, neoprene, latex rubber, vinyl, or other useful material.
As an alternative non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, spiral member 316 might be fabricated as a separate ribbon-like piece from handle 320, either from the same material, or from a different material or composition (such as a fiber reinforced elastomer or other composites). The two pieces might then be joined together using adhesives, fasteners, solvent bonders, or by other means.
After removing an existing showerhead, hanging ring 236 is then slipped over and up 116 shower arm 118 until threaded output 124 is exposed at its bottom (FIG. 19).
Hose connecting nut 120 is then attached by screwing 238 (possibly after cleaning threaded output 124 and applying plumbers tape) and tightening hose connector nut 120 onto threaded output 124 of shower arm 118 (FIG. 19), then slipping down 126 hanging ring 236 back over hose connecting nut 120 (FIG. 20), where the socket-like angular interior surfaces 246 of hanging ring 236 (FIG. 18) engage the hexagonal outer contours of hose connecting nut 120 as a drive socket tool engages a nut (FIG. 20).
Alternatively, angular interior surfaces 246 might be a smooth cylinder which tangentially contacts peripheral corners on hose connecting nut 120 (FIGS. 18, 19, and 20). This alternate construction holds shower travel bar 104 in axial alignment with hose connecting nut 120, but allows side to side 242 (FIG. 20) rotation of shower travel bar 104 relative to hose connecting nut 120, at least until locking knob 128 is rotated 130 tight (FIG. 20).
Underside 288 of upper portion 286 of hanging ring 236 (FIG. 18) conforms closely with underside 290 of shower arm 118 (FIG. 20) and, along with the socket like engagement of angular interior surfaces 246 with hose connecting nut 120, helps to precisely vertically position shower travel bar 104 (FIGS. 18, 19, and 20).
Through its close conformity with underside 290 of shower arm 118, underside 288 also prevents shower travel bar 104 from sliding back down 126 over hose connecting nut 120 (FIGS. 18, 19, and 20).
Shower travel bar 104 is then rotated side-to-side 242 (FIG. 20) until shower travel bar 104 is vertical.
Locking knob 128 is then rotated 130 as a set screw to lock shower travel bar 104 in place onto shower arm 118 and complete the installation (FIG. 20).
Resilient traction pad 292 disposed on underside 288 (FIG. 18) helps securely position shower travel bar 104 to shower arm 118, by increasing frictional engagement when locking knob 128 is tightened 130.
Locking knob 128 may engage a non-threaded portion of shower arm 118, the non-threaded portion being proximate to threading on the water egress outlet of shower arm 118.
Such installation is advantageous at least because it is simple to do in most situations, and it allows temporary or semi-temporary installation in rental properties, hotels, motels, dorm rooms, B&Bs, etc., without damaging existing showerheads, plumbing fixtures, bathing environments, or bathing equipment.
Locking knob 128 may be replaced by a constricting collar such as is found on tubular tripod legs, or by slotted collars tightened across their slot by a screw and nut, or by other suitable friction engagement means. Reference to a “locking knob” or “set screw” herein shall be interpreted as inclusive of these and other equivalent alternative constructions.
Replacement of the original showering fixtures is done by reversing the process and may be done without any damage to either the new or replaced fixtures.
An Alternative Installation:
Referring to FIGS. 27, 27A, 28 and 29, embodiment 100 may alternately be mounted to any structure adjacent to its intended use site, including, as a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, wall 138 as shown in FIGS. 27 and 29.
To facilitate this, wall mounting brackets 140 and 142 are coupled to the intended mounting surface of a structure using any suitable means, including, as non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples, adhesives, two-faced adhesive tapes, screws, lashing, glue, nails, etc.
Wall mounting brackets 140 and 142 then engage shower travel bar 104 as shown in FIGS. 27, 27A, 28, and 29.
Shower hose 192 is coupled to shower arm 118 using hose connecting nut 120, as shown particularly in FIG. 27A.
Embodiment 100 is then ready for use.
An adaptation of this is where there is an existing fixed showerhead with a connected hand-held showerhead. In such case a user may only unscrew the hand-held showerhead, or the fixed showerhead, and attach hose connecting nut 120 of embodiment 100 in its place, leaving the other showerhead also working.
Advantageously, embodiment 100 on shower hose 192 may use standard ½″ NPT connections, at least so that it is compatible with existing shower equipment, including showerhead travel bars, showerhead hoses, showerhead wall and tub mounts, etc. Typically, this includes a 0.9 inch flat-to-flat hex hose connector nut 120 on the supply connection end (FIG. 10), and the same nut or a 1 inch long frustum conical showerhead nut 218, tapering from about 0.9 inches in diameter on the showerhead connection end to about 0.8 inches in diameter where it connects to hose 216 (FIG. 10).
Using a structure adjacent to the bathing environment to mount embodiment 100 means that embodiment 100 may be adapted for use in virtually any environment where there is a screwed-on showerhead including: standalone bathtub fillers, nonstandard shower arms, side mounted shower installations, shower stalls with multiple shower outputs, spigots or faucets with shower or other outlets, as well as many other both standard and nonstandard bathing environments.
Another Alternative Installation:
FIGS. 52, 52A, and 53, show another alternative installation similar to the above, except embodiment 182, shown in those figures, has single mounting bracket 184 engaging and supporting shower travel bar 104.
Embodiment 100 may be used as a versatile fixed position shower:
As shown particularly in FIGS. 13, 13A, 13B, 14 and 15, embodiment 100 offers a variety of useful fixed showerhead dispositions for bathing individuals of widely varying statures, and in a number of different bathing scenarios (i.e standing, seated, reclined, etc.).
FIG. 14 shows showerhead 102 in a lowered position 112, with showerhead 102 rotated 270 (FIG. 13B) to a strong forward angle, suitable for bathing children and individuals of shorter stature 110. Here showerhead 102 is within the reach of shorter stature individuals 110, allowing them to at least adjust showerhead 102, and to release showerhead 102 from shower carriage 108 to be used as a handheld showerhead.
FIG. 15 shows embodiment 100 with showerhead 102 in a raised position 114 with showerhead 102 rotated more vertically, suitable for showering taller individuals 248. Here, showerhead 102 may be raised above even the height of a conventional fixed showerhead attached directly to a shower arm, thus accommodating taller users.
FIG. 13A shows how showerhead 102 can be raised 250 or lowered 252 while sliding along shower travel bar 104.
Shower carriage 108 slidably engages, up 254 and down 256 (FIG. 13A), shower travel bar 104 as best shown in FIGS. 10D and 13A.
Showerhead nut 218 fixedly couples to the lower end of showerhead assembly 210 (FIGS. 8 and 9) and allows showerhead 102 to releasably engage slotted collar 268 which is rotatably coupled on the forward portion of shower carriage 108 (FIGS. 9 and 10).
Pawl 258 (FIGS. 10 and 10B) at the inside bottom of button 260 (FIG. 10B) engages and disengages from notches 262 (FIGS. 10A and 10B) disposed along the vertical length of shower travel bar 104 when button 260 is released 264 or depressed 266 respectively (FIG. 9B). This in turn respectively causes shower carriage 108 be locked in position on shower bar 104 or to slide freely up 254 and down 256 on shower bar 104 (FIG. 13A).
As shown in FIG. 13B, at any vertical disposition point (FIG. 13A) showerhead may be rotated up and down 270 along its coupled axis 272 (FIGS. 10B, 11 and 13B). To do this, a user depresses 274 (FIG. 12A) button 276 causing the upper portion of button 276 to rock inward (dotted lines in FIG. 12A) and the lower portion of button 276 to rock outward 278 (dotted lines in FIG. 12A) while button 276 rotates on molding in flexing points 278 (FIG. 12A).
On the inside bottom of button 276 is engagement pawl 280 (FIG. 10B) which rotates into engagement with notches 282 in slotted collar 268 (FIG. 9B) when button 276 is released 284 and which rotates out of engagement with notches 282 when button 276 is depressed 274 (FIG. 12A).
This in turn respectively causes slotted collar 268 to be fixedly locked radially, or to freely rotate about coupled axis 272.
In operation, a user may push button 260 and raise and lower shower carriage 108 to a desired disposition, and then lock it in position by releasing 264 pressure on button 260.
Likewise in operation, at any vertical disposition, a user may push button 276 and rotate showerhead 102 to a desired radial angle, and then release button 276 to radially lock it in position.
This results in a high degree of flexibility including to accommodate different size individuals for showering.
Extendable handle 132 increases the reach of showerhead 102:
As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, showerhead 102 comprises a tubular water conveying, structural inner handle 220, telescopically moving within tubular extendable handle 132, (FIGS. 23 and 24), supported on rails 294 (FIGS. 22, 24 and 25).
Pushbutton 296, using pawl 298 (FIG. 24B) disengages extendable handle 132 from inner handle 220 by finger pressure 300 being placed on the bottom portion of pushbutton 296 (FIGS. 23, 24 and 24B).
Placing such finger pressure 300, causes that top portion of pushbutton 296 to pivot outward 302 resiliently teetertottering on molded plastic thinned out flexing points 304 (FIGS. 16, 16E and 24B) in a similar manner to button 276 in FIG. 12A.
This in turn disengages pawl 298 coupled to extendable handle 132, from either notch 306 or notch 308 disposed on inner handle 220 (FIGS. 16, 17, and 24B) and allows extendable handle 132 to extend 136 (FIG. 22) or retract 134 (FIG. 21). Releasing finger pressure 300 results in pawl 298 re-engaging either notch 306 or 308 (FIG. 24) and locking extendable handle 132 to inner handle 220 in either extendable handle 132's retracted disposition (FIG. 21) or its extended disposition (FIG. 22).
Such an easily extendable handle is extremely useful in any bathing situation using a handheld showerhead. As non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples: in standing showers, in sitting showers, sitting or reclining in a bathtub, washing children (FIG. 51), washing pets (FIG. 50), washing bathtubs, washing shower surrounds, washing other articles, washing other areas, etc.
Making the extension or retraction of the handle 132 as easy as the pushing a button is also very important, at least because there may be many such transitions which might be beneficial during any given bathing session.
Making the extension or retraction of the handle 132 inexpensive and easy to manufacture; as a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, by making the pushbutton 296 integrally molded into extendable handle 132, without any added parts; is vital, at least because it directly affects the economic viability of the product.
Embodiment 100 may be configured to allow a variety of cleaning, applicator, or other devices adjacent to shower face 228 (FIGS. 30-45) and/or adjacent to output cleaning jet 174.
Showerhead 102 is configured to removably mount accessory attachment 144 (FIGS. 30-35).
It does this by legs 330 and 332 on accessory attachment 144 compressing 334 toward one another (FIG. 31) as they are inserted into slots 336, 338, 340, and 342 (FIGS. 31, 32, 32A and 50A) on the back of showerhead mount 358 (FIGS. 16 and 17), and then legs 330 and 332 rebounding, thus engaging barbs 344 and 346 into slots 342 and 346 (FIGS. 31B, 32 and 32A) and securing accessory attachment 144 to showerhead 102.
Removing accessory attachment 144 from showerhead 102 is done by compressing 344 legs 330 and 332, and then lifting 348 accessory attachment 144 free of engagement (FIG. 31) from showerhead 102.
Claw 350 (FIGS. 31A, 33 and 34) is resiliently mounted to frame 352 through molded resilient flexing member 354 (FIGS. 31A, 33 and 34).
To insert an item into accessory attachment 144, a user pulls outward 356 claw 350 (FIG. 33) and inserts the item under it and releases claw 350 (FIG. 34), thus coupling the item to accessory attachment 144 (FIG. 34).
FIGS. 36 through 45 show non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples of items which accessory attachment 144 may couple to. These include loofah sponges, common sponges, brushes of all types (including ones to cleanse, scrub, apply lotion creams and fluids, etc.), scrubbing pads, scouring sponges, mesh shower puffs, shampoo brushes, washcloths, applicator sponges, applicator rollers, and many more.
Attaching such items proximate to shower face 228 (FIG. 16) and/or output cleaning jet 174, provides a synergy not found by such items and/or shower face 228 and/or cleaning jet 174 alone.
As a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, using only one hand, an embodiment user can cleanse and exfoliate themselves utilizing a loofah sponge, and then wash and rinse themselves using either shower face 228 or output cleaning jet 174.
As another non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, a user can clean their tub using cleaning jet 174 augmented with a scrubbing brush attached to accessory attachment 144 (FIG. 38).
Further, in combination with extendable handle 132 when it is extended, a user can more easily loofah sponge clean and shower virtually any part of their body.
Likewise at the end of such a procedure, a user can apply moisturizer to virtually any part of their body using lotion applicator sponge 162 coupled to accessory attachment 144 (FIG. 44) with extendable handle 132 being extended.
Accessory attachment 144 is very useful because it allows many already easily commercially available items to be attached proximate to its shower face 228 (FIG. 30) and/or proximate to its output cleaning jet 174, without forcing its users to find and pay for similarly functioning custom items which potentially are hard to find, expensive, and fitted only to a specific showerhead.
As non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples, loofah sponges, common sponges, scrubbing and scouring pads, mesh shower puffs, washcloths, lotion applicators and many other cleansing and personal care items are widely available now, and likely at anytime in the foreseeable future, at a wide number of retail outlets and at reasonable competitive prices.
This is because accessory attachment 144 uses a simple clamp, claw 350 (FIGS. 30-34), to grip a wide variety of items in a plurality of dispositions, instead of relying on custom-made accessories.
Likewise, alternate accessory attachment 474 (FIGS. 90, 90A, and 91) use penetrating spikes 476 and 478 to grip a wide variety of items in a plurality of dispositions.
As a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, accessory attachment 144 may be easily and economically produced through injection molding plastics such as ABS, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, nylon, and many others.
Also as a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, alternative accessory attachment 474 may be easily and economically produced through injection molding plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, and many others.
Embodiment 100 may have a powerful unrestricted waterjet which may be beneficial in cleaning bathtubs, shower surrounds, fixtures and surfaces adjacent to such locations, as well as other items and locations.
Referring to FIGS. 24 and 24A, water entering showerhead 102322 (FIG. 24) from shower hose 192 enters directly into inner handle 220 where it is channeled directly behind diaphragm 324 in float valve 230 (FIG. 24A). When float valve 230 is open 326 (dotted line in FIG. 24A), as a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, when float valve 230 is not immersed in water, and shower spray director 226 is in the disposition shown in FIG. 77, entering water is channeled past diaphragm 324 into chamber 328 (FIG. 24A) where it exits into unrestricted water exit 222 (FIGS. 17 and 24A).
Flow director 224 may be set to either exit the water through output cleaning jet 174 for cleaning, or to exit through bathtub filling port 190 for filling bathtub 106 (FIG. 24).
Water flows directly out of unrestricted water exit 222 through output cleaning jet 174 when flow director 224 is rotated 188 to open output cleaning jet 174 (FIGS. 54, 55 and 57). This provides a very powerful unrestricted stream of water to facilitate all kinds of cleaning, including, but not limited to, cleaning bathtubs, shower surrounds, bath and shower fixtures, and/or other objects or locations (FIGS. 49 and 49A).
This differs from other showerhead cleaning jets in that there are no flow restrictors or other obstructions between the showerhead water supply and the output cleaning jet, thus resulting in a substantially greater and more powerful flow rate for embodiment 100's cleaning jet 174.
When shower face 228 is outputting water, embodiment 100 may use float valve 230 to shut off water flowing out of unrestricted water exit 222 (FIG. 17) utilizing cam 360 disposed on the back of shower spray director 226 (FIG. 17) pushing on float valve activation lever 362 extension 364 (FIGS. 16, 16B, 17, 17A, 24, 24A).
As shown in FIG. 24A, float valve activation lever 362 is extended 364 out of float chamber 367 (FIG. 24A) into the back of showerhead mount 358 (FIGS. 17 and 24A) where it contacts cam 360 and rocks float valve activation lever 362 in a seesaw fashion (FIGS. 25 and 26) along float valve activation lever 362's axis 366 (FIGS. 24A and 26).
When cam 360 pushes upward 368 (FIGS. 24A and 26) on float valve activation lever 362's extended end 364 (FIGS. 16B, 24A, 26 and 71-76) activated by shower spray diverter 126 being user set in a showering mode (FIGS. 71-76), cam 360 rocks float valve activation lever 362 (FIG. 24A) to cause float valve 230 to shut off water flowing through it to unrestricted water exit 222 (FIG. 17).
With only the need to set the shower mode or bathtub filling mode by rotating shower spray director 226 (FIG. 16), a user can direct whether showerhead 102 is used, or float valve 230 controlled flow director 224 is used, or both, or neither.
Embodiment 100 may operate in a pulsing massage mode without utilizing moving parts.
Embodiment 100 utilizes naturally occurring turbulence within shower face supply chambers 370 and 372 (FIG. 24) to create a pulsing massage shower.
It does this by penetrating its shower face 228 with a plurality of frustum conical holes 376 (FIGS. 17B and 17E) tapering 374 wider outwardly (FIG. 17E) at a minimum of 3° off axis and having its base smaller inside diameter 378 not exceed 0.005 of an inch.
Such outward opening frustum conical holes 376 (FIG. 17E) produce water output flows which constantly vary in power, not just from hole to adjacent hole, but among constantly varying groups of holes. This contrasts with most shower output holes which produce a constant unvarying stream of water. This random pulsing effect creates a common massaging effect as well as observably creates a more pleasant feeling spray and one that is more effective in cleansing.
Significantly such a design has no moving parts, has a long-expected lifetime, and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
As non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples, such a shower face 228 may be advantageously made from materials, including: ceramics, rigid plastics, pliable plastics, stainless steel, or other suitable materials.
Frustum conical holes 376 might be fabricated using any suitable boring machinery, or might be fabricated using laser or other beam boring technology, or might be molded, or might be fabricated using other technologies.
Embodiment 100 may couple to attachments, including attachments to help clear and clean drains, inclusive of bathtub and standalone shower drains.
Most bathtubs are prone to slow running drains, at least due to collecting debris from baths, such as hair, soap scum, etc., as well as due to their plumbing which, because bathtub drains are close to floor level, have little slope to assist in draining.
This problem is exacerbated by plumbing traps adjacent to their drains and the necessity to reliably drain large quantities of bathwater.
As shown in FIGS. 46-48, embodiment 100 is configured to mount attachments to filling output port 166 (FIG. 46) which, as described earlier, provides coupled attachments with an unrestricted flow of water from shower hose 192.
FIGS. 46-48 show a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example of one such attachment, drain cleaning dome 166.
Dome 166 is configured to fit over and force a full pressure and volume stream of water from hose 192 into, either bathtub drain 170 or into bathtub overflow 380, all while blocking the other. This forces water through coupled bathtub drainage plumbing.
Dome 166 may be of any useful form, including, but not limited to: conical, frustum conical, bowl shaped, cup-shaped, teacup-shaped, soup bowl shaped, open vessel shaped, or any other useful form.
In use, as a first non-limiting and non-exhaustive example, drain cleaning dome 166 is bayonet styled coupled (pushed down and twisted) to filling output port 168 (FIGS. 46-48).
Referring to FIG. 47, drain 170 is then held closed and drain cleaning dome 166 is placed, held, and sealed over bathtub overflow 380. Water to hose 192 is then turned on for several minutes until obstructions in the plumbing are forcefully cleared.
An alternative to this is shown in FIG. 48 where drain cleaning dome 166 is placed, held, and sealed over drain 170, and bathtub overflow 380 is blocked with blocking dome 172 which is similar to drain cleaning dome 166, except lacking a water inlet.
In either of the above examples the bathtub drain plumbing is cleared at least by the force and pressure of flowing water.
Drains in standalone showers can be cleared by drain cleaning dome 166 in a similar manner to cleaning bathtub drains, except there is no need to cover bathtub overflow 380, as standalone showers don't have an overflow. Here, drain cleaning dome 166 is simply placed over the standalone showers' drain, and water into drain cleaning dome 166 is turned on.
Drain cleaning dome 166 in conjunction with embodiment 100 can be adapted clear other drains, including, but not limited to: sink drains, floor drains, etc.
As shown by at least these examples, as well as by earlier examples attaching sponges, etc. proximate to the shower face 228 (FIGS. 30-45), embodiment 100 is configured to mount a variety of useful attachments, including, but not limited to those which perform optimally with unobstructed water flows.
Embodiment 100 is configured to completely shut off flow of water through shower face 228 by rotating shower spray director 226.
FIG. 70 is a frontal partial section view 390 of embodiment 100 taken orthogonally from showerhead mount 358 (FIGS. 23 and 24).
FIG. 71 is a detail of FIG. 70, as indicated in FIG. 70, with shower spray director 226 (FIGS. 16 and 71) set to fully cut off the flow of water from showerhead 102.
It does this by shower spray director 226 being rotated 424 to a first position shown in FIG. 71, causing cam 360 to push float valve activation lever 362 extension 364 upward 368 (FIGS. 24A, 68, 71-76) thus shutting off all flow of water through float valve 230 to unrestricted water exit 222 (FIG. 17).
This rotation 424 of shower spray director 226 concurrently causes deactivation detent 402 (FIGS. 69, 69A, and 83A) to rotate 424 over spherical plug 400 where spherical plug 400 drops into deactivation detent 402 (FIG. 83A) shutting off all water passing through chamber feed hole 398. The combination of the above two events causes complete shutoff of a flow of water from showerhead 102.
The term “spherical plug” (400) as used herein is to be interpreted as meaning plugs in general, inclusive of, but not limited to those that are: spherical, conical, frustum conical, tapered, stepped conical, tapered stepped, planner, pyramid, frustum pyramid, or of other useful form.
FIG. 72 is similar to FIG. 71 except shower spray director 226 (FIG. 72) has been turned clockwise 392, lifting spherical plug 400 out of deactivation detent 402 thus opening showerhead feed orifice 394, disposed in the forward face of tracking feed plug 490 (FIGS. 16, 16C, 17D, 24, 68, 68A, 81, 81A, 82, 82A, 83, and 83A) and directing a portion of water emanating from showerhead feed orifice 394 (FIGS. 68 and 68A) to enter chamber feed hole 398 to shower face supply chamber 370 which supplies water to shower face peripheral spray holes 396.
FIG. 73 is similar to FIG. 72 except shower spray director 226 (FIG. 72) has been turned clockwise 392, directing all water emanating from showerhead feed orifice 394 (FIGS. 68 and 68A) to flow into shower face supply chamber 370 through chamber feed hole 398 and thus to flow out of shower face peripheral spray holes 396 (FIG. 69).
FIG. 74 is similar to FIG. 73 except shower spray director 226 (FIG. 72) has been turned clockwise 392, directing a portion of water emanating from showerhead feed orifice 394 (FIGS. 68 and 68A) to flow into shower face supply chamber 370 through chamber feed hole 399 and out of shower face peripheral spray holes 396 (FIG. 79); and directing a portion of the water emanating from showerhead feed orifice 394 (FIG. 79) to flow into shower face supply chamber 372 (FIGS. 24, 25, and 68) to shower face central spray holes 404 (FIGS. 68 and 79).
FIG. 75 is similar to FIG. 74 except shower spray director 226 has been turned clockwise 392, directing all water emanating from shower feed orifice 394 to flow through chamber feed hole 399 into shower face supply chamber 372 (FIGS. 24, 25, and 68) to shower face central spray holes 404 (FIGS. 68 and 79).
FIG. 76 is similar to FIG. 75 except shower spray director 226 has been turned clockwise 392, directing only a portion of the water emanating from shower feed orifice 394 to flow into shower face supply chamber 372.
FIG. 77 is similar to FIG. 76 except shower spray director 226 has been turned clockwise 392, causing spherical plug 400 (FIGS. 68, 68A, 81, 81A, 82, and 82A) to drop into deactivation detent 406 (FIGS. 69 and 69A) resulting in no water flowing out of shower face peripheral spray holes 396 or out of shower face central spray holes 404.
In FIG. 77, cam 360 has been rotated to where it allows extension 364 (FIG. 24A) of float valve activation lever 362 (FIG. 24A) to freely rock on axis 366 upward 368 (FIG. 24A) or downward 408 at least under the influence of float 410 (FIGS. 17, 17A, 24, 24A), which allows automatic filling of bathtub 106 as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 5A.
FIG. 78 is similar to FIG. 77 except shower spray director 226 has been turned clockwise 392 causing cam 410 (FIG. 78) to hold extension 364 of float activation lever 362 (FIG. 24A) in a downward 412 disposition where water to unrestricted water exit 222 (FIG. 24) is continuous and uninterrupted.
Shower carriage 438 offers easy to fabricate pinch-controlled user interfaces to adjust showerhead height and showerhead angle.
Referring to FIGS. 84-88, shower carriage 438 is similar to shower carriage 108 (at least FIGS. 1-10B, 13, 13A and 13B) except button 260 controlling the height of showerhead assembly 210, and button 276 controlling the angle of showerhead assembly 210 in shower carriage 108, have been replaced respectively by height adjustment control 440 and showerhead angle control 442 in shower carriage 438.
Both showerhead height adjustment control 440 and showerhead angle control 442 are each molded in one piece with integral resilient hinges 454 and 455 respectively. As shown in FIGS. 84-88, resilient hinges 454 and 455 are formed by a controlled thinning out of the material they are fabricated from.
As shown in FIG. 87, showerhead height adjustment control 440 is activated by concurrently pinching 444 upper rib 446 and lower rib 448 (FIG. 87 and dotted line in FIG. 87). This lifts 450 pawl 452 out of engagement with notches 282 (FIG. 87) and allows shower carriage 438 to move up or down. Releasing upper rib 446 and lower rib 448 locks carriage 438 in place.
Upper rib 446 and fixed lower rib 448 are configured to allow single-handed raising and lowering of showerhead 102 through manual gripping.
Likewise, as shown in FIG. 88, pinching 456 rib 458 and rib 460 together causes cog 462 to disengage from orifices 464 (FIGS. 86 and 88, and FIG. 86 dotted line) releasing showerhead 102 to rotate 466 (FIG. 85). Releasing ribs 456 and 458 re-engages cog 462, locking showerhead 102 radially in place.
The forms of ribs 456 and 458 are configured to allow single-handed angle adjustments to showerhead 102.
Showerhead 102 may be configured to have a textured handle grip 468 (FIG. 89) to assist in holding and maneuvering showerhead 102 in wet soapy environments.
Textured handle grip 468 has a heavy texture at least 0.010 inches in depth to provide a firm grip.
Showerhead 102 may be configured to have tactile handle orientation indicator 470 so a user can manually feel what direction showerhead 102 is pointing. This may be a generally linear protrusion running along the handle of not less than 0.001 inches in height (FIG. 89).
The length of shower hose 192 within the bathing environment between shower bar 104 and showerhead 102 may be varied by increasing or decreasing the amount of hose contained in flexing section 472 (FIG. 6) which is disposed between hose connecting nut 120 and upper locking roller clamp 214 (FIG. 6).
Reducing the length of shower hose 192 may be desirable in bathing environment with smaller bathtubs and/or smaller showering stalls, and/or in other situations.
To accomplish this, it is necessary only to release shower hose 192 from upper locking roller clamp 214 and increase or decrease the amount of hose contained in flexing section 472 (FIG. 6) and reengage shower hose 192 with upper locking roller clamp 214.
Showerhead 102 may be adapted for use with freestanding tub fillers as shown in FIGS. 92, 92A, 93, 93A, 93B, 94, 94A, 95, and 95A. To accomplish this, adaptive mount 494 has frustum conical plug 500 (FIG. 94A), which mimics the outer form of showerhead nut 218 (FIGS. 94A and 95A) and fits securely into slotted conical plug receptor 502 (FIGS. 94A and 95A). Nut and washer 504 (FIGS. 94A and 95A) engage threads 506 disposed at the base of frustum conical plug 500 and fixedly secure adaptive mount 494 to freestanding tub filler 492.
Adaptive mount 494 has slotted conical plug receptor 508 (FIG. 94A) which is able to releasably hold showerhead nut 218 when it is affixed to the bottom of showerhead 102 and thus is able to releasably engage showerhead 102.