Patent Grant
12137850
The present disclosure relates generally to showers and shower assemblies for bathing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to shower assemblies including a shower seat.
At least one embodiment relates to a shower system. The shower system includes shower frame, a plurality of nozzles, and a shower seat. The shower frame includes a plurality of substantially coplanar frame segments forming at least part of a perimeter of the shower frame. The plurality of nozzles are distributed across the plurality of substantially coplanar frame segments and configured to spray water inward from the perimeter of shower frame. The shower seat is pivotally connected to the shower frame and configured to pivot between a seated position in which the shower seat is substantially perpendicular to the shower frame and a standing position in which is substantially parallel to the shower frame.
Another embodiment relates to a shower system. The shower system includes a mounting structure, a shower frame, and a support arm. The mounting structure is configured to be mounted on a substantially vertical surface. The shower frame includes a plurality of substantially coplanar frame segments forming at least part of a perimeter of the shower frame and a plurality of nozzles distributed across the frame segments. The support arm includes a first end pivotally connected to the mounting structure and a second end pivotally connected to the shower frame. The support arm is configured to pivot about the first end to move the shower frame between a first position in which the shower frame is substantially coplanar with the mounting structure and a second position in which the shower frame is offset form the mounting structure.
Another embodiment relates to a shower system. The shower system includes a waterway and a shower seat. The waterway includes a plurality of nozzles. The shower seat includes a seat base and a seat back. The seat base is configured to support a user in a seated position. The seat base includes one or more pressable panels located behind the user in the seated position and configured to control a flow of water to the plurality of nozzles.
This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.
The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:
Before turning to the FIGURES, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the FIGURES. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. Below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and assemblies for shower systems. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of a number of ways, as described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.
Shower systems are often used to direct the flow of water and carry out a bathing experience in a bathing environment (e.g., bathroom, wet room, etc.). For applications of a shower system in a bathing environment, the shower system is often restricted to only provide water from above and restricted to standing users. Thus, it may be desirable to provide a shower system that may provide a comprehensive bathing experience that provides a user with an option to sit.
Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein is a shower system for bathing environments (e.g., bathroom, wet room, etc.). The shower system may be reconfigured to allow a user to stand and bathe or sit and bathe.
The shower system includes a plurality of nozzles in a waterway located around (e.g., above, below, left side, right side, behind, etc.) the user that may provide a comprehensive bathing experience. Various configurations of the shower system may be toggled by the user. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the shower system includes enough nozzles such that various body parts of a user may receive water directly from the shower system. The nozzles may be stationary nozzles or may be reoriented, either manually or automatically (e.g., by a controller or actuator) to change the direction in which the directed stream of water is dispensed.
The shower system may further include a system to allow the shower system to switch between a standing configuration and a seated configuration. The seated configuration may include a seat that may be folded down from the standing configuration. When reconfiguring the shower system into the seated configuration, the waterway may adjust to direct water flow toward a seated user (e.g., toward the seat). The shower system may further include a handheld showerhead, which may be able to magnetically couple to the waterway. The shower system may further include large input switches, which may be mechanical or digital, and may be used to control the operation of the shower system and toggle between different settings.
In operation, the nozzles dispense streams of water from different locations (e.g., above the user, from the left of the user, from the right of the user, below the user, behind the user, etc.) through airspace. In this way, the water streams may approach the center area from different angles (e.g., from various locations along the waterway). In the standing configuration, the nozzles point away from the waterway of shower system and towards a user. In the seated configuration, the nozzles are redirected to point inwards. Advantageously, these configurations provide a user with different bathing experiences, depending on preference. A user may also toggle different waterway configurations, such that the flow of water may only be directed from certain sections of the waterway. Advantageously, the toggle switches may be operated by a sitting user.
In various embodiments, the shower system can be wall-mounted or free-standing within a bathing environment. For embodiments in which the shower system is wall-mounted, the shower system may include a rigid mounting structure (e.g., a mounting plate, mounting brackets, a shower back, a housing, etc.) configured to be mounted on a wall or other substantially vertical surface. In some embodiments, the mounting structure is substantially rectangular having a top side, bottom side, left and right sides, a front surface that faces away from the wall when mounted, and a rear surface that faces toward the wall when mounted. In other embodiments, the mounting structure can be circular, elliptical, or have any other shape. The shower system may include support arms pivotally connected to the mounting structure. In some embodiments, the support arms have a first end connected to the left and right side surfaces of the mounting structure. The support arms may be free to rotate about a pivot point at which the first ends connect to the mounting structure. The second ends of the support arms may be pivotally attached to a shower frame.
The shower frame may include a plurality of frame segments including left and right side segments, a top segment, and, in some embodiments, a bottom segment. The frame segments may form a perimeter of the shower frame or at least part of the perimeter (e.g., the top and side edges). In other embodiments, the bottom segment of the shower frame can be omitted such that the shower frame includes only the top and side segments. The left and right side segments of the shower frame can be pivotally attached to the second ends of the support arms. The pivotal connection between the shower frame and the mounting structure via the support arms allows the shower frame to be moved between a standing position in which the shower frame is substantially coplanar with the mounting structure (e.g., the support arms are substantially parallel to the left and right sides of the mounting structure) and a sitting position in which the shower frame is offset from the mounting structure (e.g., the support arms are substantially perpendicular to the mounting structure, extending outward away from the wall). In various embodiments, the shower frame may be substantially parallel to the wall in both the standing and sitting positions, or may be angled relative to the wall in the sitting position. In the sitting position, the bottom frame segment (or feet at the bottom ends of the left and right frame segments) may rest on the floor to provide additional support for the shower frame.
The shower system may include a shower seat hingedly attached to the mounting structure. For example, the bottom edge of the mounting structure may be hingedly attached to the rear edge of the shower seat. In this regard, the mounting structure may function as a back of the shower seat (e.g., a back rest, a seat back) whereas the shower seat may function as a base (e.g., a seat base) configured to support the weight of a user. The hinged connection between the mounting structure and the shower seat may allow the shower seat to pivot between a standing position (e.g., a non-seated position, a non-use position, etc.) in which the shower seat is substantially parallel with the mounting structure and/or substantially parallel or coplanar with the shower frame (e.g., vertical, folded upward such that the mounting structure is located between the shower seat and the wall) and a sitting position in which the shower seat is substantially perpendicular to the mounting structure and/or substantially perpendicular to the shower frame (e.g., horizontal, extending outward from the bottom edge of the mounting structure, away from the wall). The left and right side edges of the shower seat may be pivotally connected to the left and right frame segments of the shower frame. Accordingly, when moving the shower frame from the sitting position to the standing position, both the support arms and the shower seat may pivot relative to the mounting structure and extend away from the wall.
The shower frame may include a plurality of water nozzles (e.g., water outlets, ports, etc.) distributed across the segments of the shower frame. In some embodiments, the shower frame includes water nozzles along the top segment, the left and right side segments, and in some embodiments, along the bottom segment. The water nozzles along the left and right side segments can be located anywhere along the side segments including, for example, a top portion of the side segments that extends between the top segment of the frame and the pivotal connection to the support arms, a middle portion of the side segments that extends between the pivotal connection to the support arms and the pivotal connection to the shower seat, and/or a bottom portion of the side segments that extends between the pivotal connection to the shower seat and the bottom segment (or the feet of the left and right side segments).
The water nozzles and/or frame segments can be configured to spray water inward from the frame segments (e.g., toward a location between the frame segments and/or within a perimeter of the frame) in a direction substantially coplanar with the shower frame (e.g., +/−10 degrees from coplanar, +/−20 degrees from coplanar, +/−30 degrees from coplanar, etc.) or angled toward the wall or away from the wall when the shower system is in the sitting position. The water nozzles and/or frame segments may be oriented to spray water toward a user sitting on the shower seat. In some embodiments, the water nozzles are located on the inside surfaces of the frame segments (i.e., the surfaces that face toward an area between the frame segments) such that the water sprayed from the water nozzles converges toward a user sitting on the shower seat. When the shower system is in the standing position, the water nozzles can be reoriented to spray water outward away from the wall toward a user standing in front of the shower system. In some embodiments, the shower system includes a first set of nozzles that are selectively activated when the shower system is in the standing position and a second set of nozzles that are selectively activated when the shower system is in the sitting position. In some embodiments, the shower system includes a set of nozzles located along the mounting structure that spray water outward, away from the wall, toward a user in the standing position and/or the sitting position.
A user can interact with the shower system via a set of controls, which can be located anywhere on the shower system or on a separate control panel. In some embodiments, the mounting structure includes pressable panels that function as large buttons which can be pressed to provide commands to the shower system (e.g., turn water on/off, change the water spray pattern, change the temperature of the water, etc.). The pressable panels may occupy a significant portion of the front surface of the mounting structure (e.g., one-third, two-thirds, at least one square foot in area, at least two square feet in area, etc.) to allow the pressable panels to be easily pressed by a user when sitting on the shower seat and/or when vision is obscured by water. For example, a user sitting on the shower seat may be facing away from the mounting structure with his/her back toward the wall. The user can extend his/her arm backward and press the pressable panels with his/her elbow. In some embodiments, the shower system includes a left pressable panel and a right pressable panel located along the front surface of the mounting structure, adjacent to the left and right side edges respectively. In some embodiments, water temperature can be controlled by a slider located along the top edge or other surface of the mounting structure. These and other features and advantages of the shower system are described in greater detail below.
The shower system 100 includes a waterway 102. The waterway 102 directs water from a water supply (e.g., water source in a plumbing system). The waterway 102 may be formed of various materials suitable for carrying water (e.g., polyethylene (PEX), polyvinyl chloride, (PVC), copper pipe, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), galvanized steel, cast iron, etc.). The waterway 102 includes a housing that forms a rectangular shape with rounded corners with a plurality of nozzles 104 arranged around the housing, the nozzles 104 fluidly coupled to the waterway 102. The nozzles 104 may be arranged into groups that dispense water flow in tandem. In some embodiments, the waterway 102 may include additional devices (e.g., motors, actuators, etc.) that may change the direction of the nozzles 104. In some embodiments, the nozzles 104 may include a valve (e.g., ball valve, solenoid valve, etc.) configured to open and close the nozzles 104. In some embodiments, the waterway 102 may include a magnetic component configured to magnetically couple to a showering accessory (e.g., showerhead, etc.). In some embodiments, the waterway 102 may include a pressurization device (e.g., pressurizer, etc.) to control (e.g., increase or decrease) the pressure of the water leaving the nozzles 104.
The shower system 100 includes a shower seat 106. When pulled down from the standing configuration the shower seat 106 provides the user with a sitting surface. The shower seat 106 is hingedly coupled (e.g., coupled with a rotatable hinge) to the rest of the shower system 100. The shower seat 106 may be formed from a material suitable for repeated exposure to moisture (e.g., treated wood, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, etc.) and to withstand the full weight of a user.
The shower system 100 is controlled by an operably coupled activation switch 108. The activation switch 108 either activates (e.g., directs to dispense water) the shower system 100 or turns off (e.g., block flow of water) the shower system 100. The activation switch 108 may be a mechanical switch or an electronic switch (e.g., switches an electric current). In some embodiments, the activation switch 108 may directly open and close a valve that can cut off the supply of water to the shower system 100. In some embodiments, when the activation switch 108 is an electronic switch, the activation switch 108 electrically couples to a controller. The controller is configured to control the function of the shower system 100. For example, the activation switch 108 sends a signal to the controller that in turn opens a digital valve that allows for a flow of water into the shower system 100. In some embodiments, the activation switch 108 may include a combination of mechanical and electronic components.
The shower system 100 is further controlled by an operably coupled toggle switch 110. When activated, the toggle switch 110 alters the water flow configuration of the shower system 100. For example, when the toggle switch 110 is pressed, water may flow to different nozzles 104 within the waterway 102. The toggle switch 110 may be a mechanical switch or an electronic switch. In some embodiments, the toggle switch 110 may operate valves within the nozzles 104 such that the valves open and close corresponding to some configuration. For example, when the toggle switch 110 is operated, all valves except for one may close. In some embodiments, the toggle switch 110 operates valves within a manifold that directs water to nozzles 104 within the waterway 102. The toggle switch 110 may be a mechanical switch or an electronic switch. In some embodiments, when the toggle switch 110 is an electronic switch, the toggle switch 110 electrically couples to a controller. In some embodiments, the toggle switch 110 may include a combination of mechanical and electronic components.
The shower system 100 is further controlled by a temperature slider 112. The temperature slider 112 adjusts the temperature of the water exiting the nozzles 104. In some embodiments, the temperature slider 112 adjusts the mixture of hot water and cold water entering or existing the shower system 100. In some embodiments, the temperature slider 112 may adjust the setting on a heating element (e.g., induction coil, boiler, etc.) configured to heat the water entering or exiting the shower system 100. The temperature slider 112 slides from a first position (cold water position) to a second position (hot water position). The temperature slider 112 may be a mechanical device or an electrical device. The temperature slider 112 may be a mechanical device or an electrical device. In some embodiments, the temperature slider 112 may have a combination of electrical and mechanical components. In some embodiments, the temperature slider 112 may be a dial configured to rotate from a first position to a second position.
In some embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, the shower system 100 includes a handheld showerhead 114 fluidly coupled to the rest of the shower system 100 by a showerhead conduit 116. The handheld showerhead 114 is configured to allow a user to selectively direct water flow through the handheld showerhead 114. The showerhead conduit 116 may be formed of various flexible materials suitable for carrying water (e.g., PEX, PVC, ABS, etc.). The handheld showerhead 114 may be mounted directed on the waterway 102 or on the wall.
Referring generally to
The waterway 102 rotatably couples to the shower back 900 via two supports 904. The supports 904 support the waterway 102 such that the waterway 102 stays in position once the shower system 100 is in the sitting configuration. In some embodiments, the supports 904 include a locking mechanism that prevents further rotation until a release device (e.g., switch, button, etc.) is activated. The supports 904 further includes a fluid conduit made from a material suitable for carrying water that directs water to the waterway 102. The fluid conduit fluidly couples the waterway 102 to the shower back 900. The shower back 900 is further fluidly coupled to a hot water line and a cold water line. In some embodiments, the hot water and the cold water are mixed in the shower back 900.
In some embodiments, when switching between the standing configuration and the sitting configuration of the shower system 100, the shower system 100 may automatically detect a change in configuration and adjust the nozzles 104 such that they are in correct configuration. In other embodiments, a user 200 may need to manually adjust the nozzles 104.
Referring generally to
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled direction to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structure and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included in the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the system of the exemplary embodiment described with reference to
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/247,513, filed Sep. 23, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
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| Panasonic Life Solutions India; “Breathing Life Into Bathing The Seated Shower” 17 pages. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230087947 A1 | Mar 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63247513 | Sep 2021 | US |
