[0001] The present application relates generally to the field of showers, baths, and faucets.
The present application relates more specifically to the field of showers.
[0002] Conventional shower systems receive a pressurized supply of water and provide
substantially continuous streams of water from a showerhead by forcing the water through
nozzle holes to create streams. Some streams may break into drops via aerodynamics after the
stream has left the showerhead. These systems may use a relatively high volume of water to
produce the streams of water. Thus, there is need for a shower that produces a satisfying shower
experience at a lower flow rate.
[0003] Some shower systems provide streams of water from ceiling panels, but do not simulate
the sound and feel of rain. Some users may prefer the feel of rain to that of a shower. That is,
some users may prefer the experience of showering in the rain. Thus, there is a need for a
shower that produces a more realistic feel of rain.
SUMMARY
[0004] One embodiment relates to a shower assembly having an inlet port for receiving water
from a water source, a reservoir for receiving water from the inlet port, the reservoir not being
pressurized a line pressure of the water source; and a plurality of drop outlet ports, such that
wherein each of the drop outlet ports is configured such that water passes from the reservoir
through the plurality of drop outlet ports, forms a drop at each drop outlet port, and falls from
each drop outlet port only as discrete drops of water.
[0005] The reservoir includes a bottom wall, and each of the drop outlet ports extends through
the bottom wall and includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bore extending between the inlet and the
outlet.
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[0006] The diameter of each bore of the drop outlet ports is between approximately 0.01 inches
and approximately 0.04 inches.
[0007] The reservoir includes a bottom wall, and each of the drop outlet ports extends through
the bottom wall. Each drop outlet port includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bore extending between
the inlet and the outlet, each inlet tapering inwardly moving downward to the bore.
[0008] Each inlet is frusto-conical that defines a cistern.
[0009] Each outlet tapers outwardly moving downward from the bore.
[0010] The plurality of drop outlet ports comprise drop outlet ports having at least two different
geometries to form the discrete drops in at least two different sizes.
[0011] The different geometries include a first geometry and a second geometry, the first
geometry forming small drops and a second geometry forming drops larger than the small drops,
and a ratio of a number of the drop outlet ports having the first geometry to a number of the drop
outlet ports having the second geometry is between approximately 2:1 and approximately 3:1.
[0012] The at least two different geometries have a common bore size.
[0013] The plurality of drop outlet ports comprise drop outlet ports having at least two different
geometries to form the discrete drops having at least two different drop rates.
[0014] The shower assembly further comprising a plurality of stream outlet ports, each stream
outlet port being configured for water passing therethrough from the reservoir to form a stream
of water.
[0015] The shower assembly is configured to allow selective passing of water through the
plurality of stream outlet ports.
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[0016] The shower assembly is configured to allow selective passing of water through the
plurality of stream outlet ports simultaneous with water passing from the plurality of drop outlet
ports.
[0017] Each of the drop outlet ports includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bore extending between
the inlet and the outlet, and each of the drop outlet ports is formed of silicone. The bottom wall
comprises a substrate having a plurality of holes therethrough, each of the drop outlet ports being
formed by the silicone within one of the holes.
[0018] The inlet tapers inwardly moving downward to the bore, and the outlet tapers outwardly
moving downward from the bore.
[0019] The silicone is further coupled to a bottom surface of the substrate to form a bottom
surface of the bottom wall.
[0020] The silicone of each drop outlet port forms a protrusion extending downward from a
bottom surface of the bottom wall.
[0021] In another embodiment, the shower assembly is having a reservoir for receiving water
from a water source; a first plurality of drop outlet ports having a first geometry for passing
water from the reservoir; and a second plurality of drop outlet ports having one or more
additional geometries that are different from the first geometry for passing water from the
reservoir. The first geometry is configured to produce discrete water drops having a first size,
and the one or more additional geometries are configured to produce discrete water drops having
sizes that are larger than the first size.
[0022] A ratio of a number of the first plurality of drop outlets ports to a number of the second
plurality of outlet ports is between approximately 2:1 and 3:1.
[0023] Each of the drop outlet ports includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bore extending between
the inlet and the outlet, each inlet tapering inwardly moving downward to the bore and forming a
cistern, and each outlet tapering outwardly moving downward from the bore.
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[0024] Each inlet is frusto-conical.
[0025] Each outlet is frusto-conical.
[0026] The reservoir is not pressurized by a line pressure of the water source.
[0027] In yet another embodiment, the shower assembly is having a reservoir for receiving
water from a water source; and a plurality of drop outlet ports for passing water from the
reservoir such that each of the drop outlet ports is formed of silicone. The bottom wall comprises
a substrate having a plurality of holes therethrough and silicone lining the holes to define the
drop outlet ports, the substrate forming an upper surface of the bottom wall and the silicone
further being coupled to a bottom surface of the substrate to form a bottom surface of the bottom
wall.
[0028] Each drop outlet port includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bore extending between the inlet
and the outlet, each inlet forms a cistern for collecting collect water for subsequent passing
through the bore, and each outlet tapering outwardly moving downward form the bore for
forming discrete drops of water from the water passing through the bore.
[0029] Each inlet tapers inwardly moving downward to the bore.
[0030] The plurality of drop outlet ports comprises drop outlet ports of at least two different
geometries to provide water drops of at least two different sizes.
[0031] Another embodiment relates to a shower assembly having an inlet for receiving water
from a water source. The inlet is configured to restrict water flow from the water source to a
maximum inlet flow rate. The shower assembly has a reservoir for receiving water from the
water source from the inlet. There are also provided a plurality of first outlets configured to pass
water from the reservoir; and a plurality of second outlets configured to selectively pass water
from the reservoir. The shower assembly is configured for a user to selectively control whether
water passes through the plurality of second outlets; wherein a sum of a first collective flow rate
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of the plurality of first outlets and a second collective flow rate of the plurality of second outlets
is greater than the maximum inlet flow rate.
[0032] The second collective flow rate is greater than the maximum inlet flow rate.
[0033] The first collective flow rate is greater than or approximately equal to the maximum inlet
flow rate.
[0034] The shower assembly is configured such that when water is present in the reservoir, a
user cannot internally control whether water passes through the plurality of first outlets.
[0035] The shower assembly is configured for water to pass through the plurality of second
outlets simultaneously with water passing through the plurality of first outlets.
[0036] The shower assembly is configured such that when water is present in the reservoir, a
user cannot internally control whether water passes through the plurality of first outlets.
[0037] Each of the second outlets is configured to pass water from the reservoir as a continuous
stream.
[0038] Each of the first outlets is configured to pass water from the reservoir only as discrete
drops.
[0039] The reservoir is unpressurized by a line pressure of the water source.
[0040] Each of the second outlets is configured to pass water from the reservoir as a continuous
stream.
[0041] Each of the first outlets is configured to pass water from the reservoir only as discrete
drops.
[0042] The reservoir is unpressurized by a supply pressure of the water source.
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[0043] The reservoir includes a first tank and a second tank, the first tank including the plurality
of first outlets, and the second tank including the plurality of second outlets.
[0044] The reservoir includes a wall dividing the first tank and the second tank to limit water
flow therebetween.
[0045] The shower assembly further comprising a valve configured to be actuated by a user to
selectively control whether water from the second tank of the reservoir passes through the
plurality of second.
[0046] In another embodiment, the shower assembly is having an inlet port for receiving water
from a water source at a source flow rate; a reservoir for receiving water from the water source
through the inlet port; a plurality of first outlets configured to continuously pass water from the
reservoir, the plurality of first outlets having a first collective flow rate that is approximately
equal to the source flow rate; and a plurality of second outlets configured to selectively pass
water from the reservoir simultaneous with water being passed from the plurality of first outlets.
[0047] Each of the first outlets is configured to pass water only as discrete drops.
[0048] The reservoir is not pressurized by a supply pressure of the water source.
[0049] Each of the second outlets is configured to pass water as a continuous stream.
[0050] When water is simultaneously released from the plurality of first outlets and the plurality
of second outlets, the total collective flow rate of all water exiting the reservoir exceeds the
source flow rate.
[0051] The shower assembly is configured to restrict the source flow rate to a maximum inlet
flow rate.
[0052] In yet another embodiment, the shower assembly is having a reservoir with a first
plurality of outlet holes and a second plurality of outlet holes such that he reservoir is configured
to receive water from a water source at a source flow rate. The reservoir is configured such that
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during a first operational state, water exits the reservoir only through the first plurality of outlet
holes at a first flow rate that does not exceed the source flow rate. And the reservoir is
configured such that during a second operational state, water exits the reservoir through the first
plurality of outlet holes at the first flow rate and the second plurality of outlet holes at a second
flow rate, and a total of the first flow rate and the second flow rate of water exiting the reservoir
through the first and second pluralities of outlet holes exceeds the source flow rate.
[0053] In the first operational state, water exits the first plurality of outlet holes as individual
droplets.
[0054] The first plurality of outlet holes are configured to produce droplets of a plurality of
different sizes.
[0055] The second flow rate is greater than the source flow rate.
[0056] Water exits the second plurality of outlets holes as streams of water.
[0057] The reservoir is pressurized by gravity and not a line pressure of the water source.
[0058] The inlet is configured to restrict the source flow rate to a maximum inlet flow rate.
[0059] Another embodiment relates to a shower assembly having a panel and a stopper
movable between a first position and a second position. The panel includes a first region having
a plurality of first openings passing through the panel and a second region having a plurality of
second openings passing through the panel. When the stopper is in the first position, water
provided to the shower assembly is permitted to pass through the plurality of first openings but is
prevented from passing through the plurality of second openings. When the stopper is in the
second position, water provided to the shower assembly is permitted to pass through both the
plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings.
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[0060] The shower assembly further comprising a panel, wherein the first region and the second
region are regions of the panel, and the panel includes the plurality of first openings and the
plurality of second openings.
[0061] The stopper comprises a first portion and a seal coupled to the first portion, and wherein
when the stopper is in the first position, the seal separates the first region of the panel from the
second region of the panel.
[0062] The stopper comprises a lower wall; and when the stopper is in the first position, the
lower wall of the stopper is located adjacent the second region of the panel such that the plurality
of second openings are covered by the stopper. And when the stopper is in the second position,
the lower wall of the stopper is spaced apart from the second region of the panel such that the
plurality of second openings are not covered by the stopper.
[0063] The panel defines a tank in the second region, the tank being in communication with the
plurality of second openings, wherein after the stopper is moved to the second position, the
stopper is not moved back to the first position until the tank is substantially emptied of water.
[0064] The plurality of first openings are configured to cause drops of water to fall from the
plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings are configured to cause streams of
water to fall from the plurality of second openings.
[0065] In another embodiment, the shower assembly is having a first outlet, and a second outlet.
The first inlet is configured to provide water to the shower assembly from a water supply. A
stopper is movable between a first stopper position and a second stopper position, wherein when
the stopper is in the first stopper position, water exits the shower assembly through the first
outlet and is prevented from exiting the shower assembly through the second outlet, and wherein
when the stopper is in the second stopper position, water is permitted to exit the shower
assembly through the second outlet. There is an actuator assembly that is configured to move the
stopper between the first stopper position and the second stopper position. The actuator assembly
is having a housing; a diaphragm operably coupled to the stopper and movable between a first
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diaphragm position corresponding to the first stopper position and a second diaphragm position
corresponding to the second stopper position, the diaphragm and the housing at least partially
defining a chamber, the chamber fluidly coupled to the water supply; and a return mechanism
configured to bias the diaphragm toward the second diaphragm position. When water is
provided to the chamber, the diaphragm moves to the first diaphragm position causing the
stopper to move to the first stopper position, and when water is inhibited from the chamber, the
return mechanism moves the diaphragm to the second diaphragm position causing the stopper to
move to the second stopper position.
[0066] When the stopper is in the second stopper position, water is permitted to exit the shower
assembly through the first outlet.
[0067] The shower assembly is further having a tank configured to receive water from the inlet,
the second outlet configured to pass water from the tank. After water is inhibited from the
chamber for the stopper to move to the second stopper position, the diaphragm does not move
back to the first diaphragm positon until the tank is substantially emptied of water.
[0068] After water is inhibited from the chamber for the stopper to move to the second stopper
position, the diaphragm moves back to the first diaphragm position substantially coincident with
the tank being emptied of water.
[0069] In yet another embodiment, the shower assembly is having an inlet configured to couple
to a water source; a plurality of water outlets; a valve configured to move between an open
position and a closed position to selectively permit water to flow to the plurality of water outlets;
and an actuator for selectively moving the valve between the open positon and the closed
position, the actuator being configured to receive water from the inlet to move the valve between
the open position and the closed position. The actuator is configured to maintain the valve in the
closed position when the actuator is receiving water from the inlet. And the actuator is
configured to move the valve from the closed position to the open position when the actuator
stops receiving water from the inlet.
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[0070] The shower assembly is configured for a user to selectively control whether the actuator
receives water from the inlet for moving the valve between the open position and the closed
position.
[0071] The shower assembly is further comprising a reservoir configured to receive water from
the inlet in parallel with the actuator receiving water from the inlet, wherein the plurality of
water outlets extend through a bottom wall of the reservoir.
[0072] The valve comprises a stopper that covers the water outlets, and the actuator moves the
stopper up and down to move the valve between the open position and the closed position,
respectively.
[0073] The actuator comprises a return mechanism to bias the stopper up into the open position.
[0074] The actuator comprises a diaphragm to move the stopper down when water is provided to
the diaphragm.
[0075] The actuator is configured to move the valve to the closed position from the open
position slower than it moves the valve to the open position from the closed position.
[0076] The actuator includes a housing that defines a chamber coupled to the diaphragm for
receiving water; and a flow regulator having an orifice for receiving water into the chamber at a
first actuator flow rate for closing the valve, and a check valve for releasing water from the
chamber at a second flow rate for opening the valve, wherein the first flow rate is less than the
second flow rate.
[0077] The return mechanism comprises a spring.
[0078] The stopper includes a gasket configured to seal against a portion of the tank to prevent
water in the tank from flowing to the water outlets.
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[0079] The shower assembly is further comprising a tank configured to receive water from the
inlet and pass water through the plurality of water outlets when the valve is selectively moved to
the open position, wherein the actuator is configured such that after the valve is selectively
moved to the open position the actuator maintains the valve in the open position a predetermined
amount of time that is not sufficient for the tank to empty through the plurality of water outlets.
[0080] The shower assembly is further configured for a user to selectively actuate the actuator to
maintain the stopper in the open position for an extended amount of time longer than the
predetermined amount of time to release more water than during the predetermined amount of
time.
[0081] The valve comprises a stopper that covers the water outlets, and the actuator moves the
stopper up and down to move the valve between the open position and the closed position,
respectively.
[0082] The actuator includes a diaphragm configured to receive water from the inlet to bias
move the valve into the closed position, and comprises a spring to move the valve into the open
position when the diaphragm does not receive water.
[0083] Another embodiment relates to a shower system having a shower assembly that is
configured to receive water from a water source and pass water through a plurality of outlets.
There is a mounting system for coupling the shower assembly to a building structure, and the
mounting system is configured to adjust the shower assembly. The mounting system is having a
post that is configured to fixedly couple to the building structure; and fitting coupled to the
shower assembly and adjustably received to the post, such that a vertical position of the shower
assembly may be adjusted relative to the post and the building structure.
[0084] The mounting system further comprises a bracket, the post is coupled to the bracket, and
the bracket is configured to couple the building structure to indirectly couple the post to the
building structure.
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[0085] The post is a male member, and the fitting is a female member adjustably received on the
post.
[0086] The post is a female member, and the fitting is a male member adjustably received in the
post.
[0087] The shower assembly includes a chamber configured to receive water from the water
source, and the plurality of outlets are configured to pass water from the chamber. The chamber
is defined by an upper wall, the fitting extending into the chamber through the upper wall in a
region to allow vertical adjustment of the shower assembly from within the chamber.
[0088] The upper wall is sealed in the region through which the fitting extends.
[0089] The shower assembly includes a lower panel that seals the chamber and that is removable
to provide access to the fitting for adjusting the vertical position of the shower assembly.
[0090] The chamber is substantially sealed.
[0091] The panel includes the plurality of outlets.
[0092] The chamber is configured to receive water from the water source and is not pressurized
by a supply pressure of the water source.
[0093] The post is externally threaded and the fitting includes a bore that is internally threaded
for receiving the post and adjusting the vertical position of the shower assembly.
[0094] The shower assembly includes an upper wall having a hole, the fitting includes a flange
and an externally threaded shaft extending through the hole, and the mounting system further
includes a nut received on the threaded shaft, the upper wall being compressed between the
flange and the nut.
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[0095] The mounting system further includes a seal, the seal being compressed between the
upper wall and the nut to seal the hole to prevent passing of water from the shower assembly
through the hole.
[0096] The mounting system further includes a washer, the washer being compressed between
the seal and the nut.
[0097] The seal and the washer are provided as a single unit.
[0098] The nut includes a seal that is compressed against the upper wall to seal the hole to
prevent passing of water from the shower assembly through the hole.
[0099] The shower assembly includes one or more additional shower mounting features fixed in
a first non-adjustable spatial orientation on the shower assembly. The mounting system includes
a bracket, the post, and one or more additional posts, the posts being fixed to the bracket in a
second non-adjustable spatial orientation on the bracket, the bracket being configured to fixedly
couple to the building structure so as to fixedly couple the plurality of posts to the building
structure, and the second non-adjustable spatial orientation being configured to align each of the
plurality of posts with one of the shower mounting features.
[0100] The mounting system includes a plurality of fittings, each fitting coupled to the shower
assembly at one of the shower mounting features and adjustably received on the post aligned
therewith, such that a vertical position of each shower mounting feature may be adjusted along
the post on which it is received.
[0101] The shower assembly includes at least three shower mounting features and the mounting
system includes at least three posts and at least three fittings, each post and each fitting
corresponding to one of the shower mounting features, such that the shower assembly may be
adjusted to a predetermined shower assembly orientation relative to a horizontal plane.
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[0102] The shower assembly includes a panel having a plurality of outlets arranged in a plane,
and the predetermined shower assembly orientation requires the plurality of outlets to be
arranged in the horizontal plane.
[0103] In another embodiment, the shower system is having a shower assembly that is
configured to receive water from a water source and pass water through one or more outlets, the
shower assembly having a plurality of shower mounting features provided in a first nonadjustable
spatial orientation on the shower assembly; and a mounting system for coupling the
shower assembly to a building structure, the mounting system being configured to adjust the
shower assembly into a predetermined shower assembly orientation. The mounting system
includes a bracket configured to fixedly couple to the building structure; and a plurality of
bracket mounting features provided in a second non-adjustable spatial orientation on the bracket,
the second non-adjustable spatial orientation being configured to align each of the plurality of
bracket mounting features with one of the shower mounting features for coupling thereto.
[0104] Each shower mounting feature comprises a hole through an upper wall of the shower
assembly, and each bracket mounting feature is a post configured to be inserted through one of
the holes.
[0105] The mounting system further includes a plurality of fittings, each fitting being received
on one of the posts and being inserted into one of the holes for coupling each post to the shower
assembly.
[0106] In yet another embodiment, the shower system is having a shower assembly that includes
a chamber configured to receive water from a water source and pass water through one or more
outlets. The shower assembly includes an upper wall and a lower wall coupled to the upper wall
to define the chamber. The shower system also has a mounting system for adjustably coupling
the upper wall to a building structure. The lower wall is removable from the upper wall to
provide access to the mounting for adjusting a position of the shower assembly relative to the
building structure.
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[0107] The mounting system includes a fitting accessible from within the chamber.
[0108] Another embodiment relates to a shower assembly having an inlet that is configured to
receive water from a water source. There is a first tank which is associated with a plurality of
first outlets configured to pass water from the first tank; and a second tank which is associated
with a plurality of second outlets configured to pass water from the second tank. The second tank
of the shower assembly is configured to receive and collect water from the inlet and also to
distribute water to the first tank.
[0109] The shower assembly includes a reservoir that defines the first tank and the second tank,
the reservoir having a wall that divides the first tank from the second tank and limits water flow
therebetween.
[0110] The wall includes one or more first holes at a first height, and when the inlet fills the
second tank to the first height, water enters the first tank through the one or more first holes.
[0111] The one or more first holes are sized to provide a first collective flow rate of the one or
more first holes that is less than a maximum flow rate from the inlet to the second tank.
[0112] The wall further includes one or more second holes at a second height, and when the
inlet fills the second tank to the second height, waters enters the first tank through the one or
more second holes.
[0113] The one or more second holes are sized to provide a second collective flow rate of the
one or more second holes that together with the first collective flow rate is greater than or equal
to the maximum flow rate from the inlet to the second tank.
[0114] The wall further includes one or more second holes at a second height, and when the
inlet fills the second tank to the second height, water enters the first tank through the one or more
second holes.
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[0115] The reservoir includes a bottom panel, the wall is an inner wall coupled to and extends
upward from the bottom panel, and the reservoir further includes an outer wall extending upward
from the bottom panel.
[0116] The first tank entirely surrounds the second tank, the first tank being defined by the
bottom panel and between the inner wall and the outer wall, and the second tank being defined
by the bottom panel and within the inner wall.
[0117] The bottom panel includes the plurality of first outlets and the plurality of second outlets,
the plurality of first outlets being in a first region that is between the inner wall and the outer
wall, and the plurality of second outlets being in a second region that is within the inner wall.
[0118] The first tank and the second tank are not pressurized by the water source, each of the
first outlets is configured to pass water only as discrete drops, and each of the second outlets is
configured to pass water as a continuous stream.
[0119] The shower assembly further includes a valve configured to selectively release water
from the second tank through the plurality of second outlets.
[0120] The first tank includes a snorkel in non-selective fluidic communication with the
plurality of second outlets.
[01211] The first tank does not receive water directly from the inlet.
[0122] In another embodiment, the shower assembly is having a bottom panel having a plurality
of first outlets in a first region and a plurality of second outlets in a second region; an outer wall
extending upward from the bottom panel; and an inner wall extending upward from the bottom
panel, such that a first tank and a second tank are cooperatively defined by the bottom panel, the
outer wall, and the inner wall. The first tank is positioned directly above the first region and is in
fluid communication with the plurality of first outlets. And the second tank is positioned directly
above the second region and is in fluid communication with the plurality of second outlets.
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[0123] The first tank is in constant fluid communication with the first outlets, and the second
tank is in selective fluid communication with the plurality of second outlets.
[0124] Each of the first outlets release water from the first tank only as discrete drops.
[0125] Each of the second outlets release water from the second tank as continuous streams.
[0126] The first tank and the second tank are unpressurized by a line pressure of the water
source.
[0127] The first tank is in fluid communication with the plurality of second outlets.
[0128] Another embodiment relates to a shower assembly having a panel including a wall and
a first plurality of holes passing through the wall from the inner surface to the outer surface, each
hole of the first plurality of holes comprising an inlet and an outlet. The wall at least partially
defines a reservoir and has an outer surface on a side of the wall toward a showering area and an
inner surface on a side of the wall away from the showering area. When water is provided to the
reservoir, water passes through the first plurality of holes, forms a drop at the outlet of each of
the first plurality of holes, and falls from the panel as a plurality of drops.
[0129] The outlet of each of the first plurality of holes is defined by a nozzle protruding from the
outer surface of the wall.
[0130] The outlet of each of the first plurality of holes is defined by a nozzle, the nozzle defined
by a groove formed in the outer surface of the wall.
[0131] The outlet of each of the first plurality of holes has a diameter of between 0.025 inches
and 0.32 inches.
[0132] The shower assembly further includes a second plurality of holes passing through the
wall from the inner surface to the outer surface, each hole of the second plurality of holes
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comprising an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of each of the first plurality of holes has a first
outlet geometry, and wherein the outlet of each of the second plurality of holes has a second
outlet geometry that differs from the first outlet geometry.
[0133] The second outlet geometry comprises a shape other than a shape of the first outlet
geometry.
[0134] The second outlet geometry comprises a diameter other than a diameter of the first outlet
geometry.
[0135] The first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes are substantially randomly
distributed across a first region of the wall.
[0136] The outlet of each of the first plurality of holes has a first geometry configured to form a
drop having a first diameter, and wherein the outlet of each of the second plurality of holes has a
second geometry configured to form a drop having a diameter greater than the first diameter, and
wherein the ratio of the number of holes in the first plurality of holes to the number of holes in
the second plurality of holes is in the range of approximately 2:1 to approximately 3:1.
[0137] The wall includes between approximately 300 and approximately 450 holes per square
foot.
[0138] Each of the first plurality of holes comprises a bore extending between the inlet and the
outlet, and wherein the inlet extends substantially through the wall to form a cistern above the
bore, the cistern configured to store water during operation of the shower assembly.
[0139] Each of the first plurality of holes comprises a bore extending between the inlet and the
outlet, and wherein the bore has a diameter between 0.01 inches and 0.04 inches.
[0140] The diameter of the bore is between 0.025 inches and 0.03 inches.
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[0141] The shower assembly is configured such that, when water is provided to the reservoir at
an operating flow rate, water partially fills the reservoir such that water passes through the first
plurality of holes by gravitational force, forms a drop at the outlet of each of the first plurality of
holes, and falls from the wall as the plurality of drops.
[0142] The shower assembly further includes a streaming plurality of holes passing through the
wall, each of the streaming plurality of holes having an inlet and an outlet, and each of the
streaming plurality of holes configured such that, when water is provided to the inlet of the each
of the streaming plurality of holes, streams of water to fall from the streaming plurality of holes;
and a stopper movable between a first position and a second position. The wall includes a first
region having the first plurality of holes; and a second region having the streaming plurality of
holes. When the stopper is in the first position, water provided to the reservoir is permitted to
pass through the first plurality of holes but is prevented from passing through the streaming
plurality of holes. When the stopper is in the second position, water provided to the reservoir is
permitted to pass through the streaming plurality of holes.
[0143] In another embodiment, the shower assembly is having a panel. The panel includes a first
region having a plurality of first openings passing through the panel; a second region having a
plurality of second openings passing through the panel; and a stopper movable between a first
position and a second position. When the stopper is in the first position, water provided to the
shower assembly is permitted to pass through the plurality of first openings but is prevented from
passing through the plurality of second openings. When the stopper is in the second position,
water provided to the shower assembly is permitted to pass through the plurality of second
openings.
[0144] The stopper comprises a first portion and a seal coupled to the first portion, and wherein
when the stopper is in the first position, the seal separates the first region of the panel from the
second region of the panel.
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[0145] The stopper includes a lower wall such that when the stopper is in the first position, the
lower wall of the stopper is located adjacent the second region of the panel such that the plurality
of second openings are covered by the stopper. When the stopper is in the second position, the
lower wall of the stopper is spaced apart from the second region of the panel such that the
plurality of second openings are not covered by the stopper.
[0146] The shower assembly further includes a column extending upward from the panel. The
stopper comprises a guidewall extending upward from the lower wall and about a perimeter of
the column, and wherein when the stopper moves between the first position and the second
position, the guidewall translates along the column.
[0147] The stopper is moved between the first position and the second position in response to at
least one of a pull cord, a mechanical linkage, or an electric actuator.
[0148] The plurality of first openings of the first region are configured to cause drops of water to
fall from the plurality of first openings when water is provided to the first region, and wherein
the plurality of second openings of the second region are configured to cause streams of water to
fall from the plurality of second openings when water is provided to the second region.
[0149] In yet another embodiment, the shower assembly includes a top wall; a bottom wall; at
least one sidewall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall; a chamber defined by the
top wall, the bottom wall and the at least one sidewall; an inlet port configure to receive water
from a water source and to provide water into the chamber; and a first plurality of holes passing
through the bottom wall, each hole of the first plurality of holes comprising an inlet and an
outlet. The shower assembly is configured such that, when water is provided to the chamber at a
first operating flow rate, water partially fills the chamber to a first height, passes through the first
plurality of holes by gravitational force, forms a drop at the outlet of each of the first plurality of
holes, and falls from the bottom wall as a plurality of drops.
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[0150] The shower assembly further includes a second plurality of holes passing through the
bottom wall, each of the second plurality of holes having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of each
of the second plurality of holes located at a second height that is greater than the first height. the
shower assembly is configured such that, when water is provided to the chamber at a second
operating flow rate, water partially fills the chamber to a third height, passes through the first
plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes by gravitational force, forms a drop at the
outlet of each of the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes, and falls from the
bottom wall as the plurality of drops.
[0151] The outlet of each of the first plurality of holes has a first geometry configured to form a
drop having a first diameter, and wherein the outlet of each of the second plurality of holes has a
second geometry configured to form a drop having a second diameter.
[0152] The second diameter is greater than the first diameter.
[0153] The shower assembly further includes a third plurality of holes passing through the
bottom wall, each of the third plurality of holes having an inlet and an outlet, and each of the
third plurality of holes configured such that, when water is provided to the inlet of the each of the
third plurality of holes, streams of water to fall from the third plurality of holes.
[0154] The inlet of each of the third plurality of holes located at a fourth height that is greater
than the third height; and wherein the shower assembly is configured such that, when water is
provided to the chamber at a third operating flow rate, water at least partially fills the chamber to
a fifth height, passes through the first plurality of holes, the second plurality of holes, and the
third plurality of holes.
[0155] The shower assembly further includes a stopper movable between a first position and a
second position. The bottom wall includes a first region having the first plurality of holes and the
second plurality of holes; and a second region having the third plurality of holes. When the
stopper is in the first position, water provided to the chamber is permitted to pass through the
first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes but is prevented from passing through the
-23-
third plurality of holes. When the stopper is in the second position, water provided to the
chamber is permitted to pass through the third plurality of holes.
[0156] In yet another embodiment, the shower assembly includes a first outlet; a second outlet; a
first inlet configured to provide water to the shower assembly from a water supply; a stopper
movable between a first stopper position and a second stopper position, wherein when the
stopper is in the first stopper position, water exits the shower assembly through the first outlet
and is prevented from exiting the shower assembly through the second outlet, and wherein when
the stopper is in the second stopper position, water is permitted to exit the shower assembly
through the second outlet; and an actuator assembly configured to move the stopper between the
first stopper position and the second stopper position. The actuator assembly includes a housing;
a diaphragm operably coupled to the stopper and movable between a first diaphragm position
corresponding to the first stopper position and a second diaphragm position corresponding to the
second stopper position, the diaphragm and the housing at least partially defining a chamber, the
chamber fluidly coupled to the water supply; and a return mechanism configured to bias the
diaphragm toward the second diaphragm position. When water is provided to the chamber, the
diaphragm moves to the first diaphragm position causing the stopper to move to the first stopper
position, and when water is inhibited from the chamber, the return mechanism moves the
diaphragm to the second diaphragm position causing the stopper to move to the second stopper
position.
[0157] In yet another embodiment, the shower assembly includes a bottom wall. The bottom
wall is having a first region having a plurality of first openings passing through the bottom wall;
a second region having a plurality of second openings passing through the bottom wall. The
second wall that at least partially separates a first tank from a second tank, wherein the first tank
corresponds to the first region and the second tank corresponds to the second region. There is a
stopper movable between a closed position and an open position. When the stopper is in the
closed position, water provided to the shower assembly is permitted to pass through the plurality
of first openings but is prevented from passing through the plurality of second openings. And
-24-
when the stopper is in the open position, water provided to the shower assembly is permitted to
pass through the plurality of second openings.
[0158] The second wall defines a first hole passing through the second wall between the first
tank and the second tank, and wherein during operation, water enters the second tank from a
water source and passes through the first hole from the second tank to the first tank.
[0159] A ledge extends from the second wall, and a seal extending from the stopper sealingly
engages the ledge when the stopper is in the closed position.
[0160] The ledge is spaced apart from the second region of the bottom wall such that a space is
defined between the stopper and the bottom wall when the stopped is in the closed position. And
the snorkel extends from the second wall and defines an overflow passage into the space.
[0161] The second wall defines a first hole passing through the second wall between the first
tank and the second tank. And the snorkel extends from the second wall to an upper end that is at
a height greater than the height of the first hole such that when a water level exceeds the height
of the upper end, water may pass through overflow passage in the snorkel, through the space,
though the second openings passing through the bottom wall and out of the shower assembly.
[0162] Another embodiment relates to a shower assembly including a top wall; a bottom wall;
at least one sidewall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall; a chamber defined by
the top wall, the bottom wall and the at least one sidewall; an inlet port configure to receive
water from a water source and to provide water into the chamber; and a first plurality of holes
passing through the bottom wall, each hole of the first plurality of holes comprising an inlet and
an outlet. The shower assembly is configured such that, when water is provided to the chamber
at a first operating flow rate, water partially fills the chamber to a first height, passes through the
first plurality of holes by gravitational force, forms a drop at the outlet of each of the first
plurality of holes, and falls from the bottom wall as a plurality of drops.
-25-
[0163] Another embodiment relates to a control system for a shower assembly, comprising
processing electronics configured to control, in relation to a shower assembly of any of the above
embodiments, at least one of a flow rate of the water, a temperature of the water, a position of the
stopper, an audio device, a lighting system, a scent emitter, a disinfecting system, and a
trajectory of the drops.
[0164] The foregoing is a summary and thus, by necessity, contains simplifications,
generalizations, and omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate
that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects,
inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes described herein will become
apparent in the detailed description set forth herein and taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. Any or all of the features, limitations, configurations, components,
subcomponents, systems, and/or subsystems described above or herein may be used in
combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0165] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art showerhead.
[0166] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of rain drops of various sizes being affected by airflow.
[0167] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of large rain drop being split by aerodynamic forces.
[0168] FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of a shower assembly in an off state, shown
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0169] FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the shower assembly of FIG. 4A in an on state,
shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0170] FIG. 5 is a schematic front sectional view of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4A-B,
shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
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[0171] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4A-B, shown according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0172] FIG. 7 is a sectional elevation view of a portion of the first region of the shower
assembly of FIG. 6, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0173] FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation view of a portion of the second region of the shower
assembly of FIG. 6, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0174] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4A-B, shown according
to another embodiment.
[0175] FIG. 10 is a sectional elevation view of a portion of the first region of the shower
assembly of FIG. 9, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0176] FIG. 11 is a sectional elevation view of a portion of the second region of the shower
assembly of FIG. 9, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0177] FIG. 12 is a sectional elevation view of a portion of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4AB,
shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0178] FIG. 13 is a sectional elevation view of a portion of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4AB,
shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0179] FIG. 14 is a sectional elevation view of a portion of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4AB,
shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0180] FIG. 15 is a sectional elevation view of a portion of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4AB,
shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0181] FIG. 16 is a schematic front sectional view of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4A-B,
shown according to another exemplary embodiment.
-27-
[0182] FIGS. 17 and 18 are a bottom perspective view and a front sectional view, respectively,
of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4A-B, with the stopper in a first position, shown according to
another exemplary embodiment.
[0183] FIGS. 19 and 20 are a bottom perspective view and a front sectional view, respectively,
of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4A-B, with the stopper in a second position, shown according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0184] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a streaming apparatus for use with the shower
assembly of FIGS. 17-20, shown according to another embodiment.
[0185] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a streaming apparatus for use with the shower
assembly of FIGS. 17-20, shown according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0186] FIG. 23 is a front sectional view of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4A-B, including a
streaming apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0187] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the shower assembly of FIG. 23.
[0188] FIG. 25 is an exploded, bottom perspective view of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4AB,
shown according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0189] FIG. 26 is a sectional elevation view of the shower assembly of FIG. 25, shown
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0190] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of the shower assembly of FIG. 25, shown according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0191] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a shower assembly of FIGS. 4A-B, shown according
to another exemplary embodiment.
-28-
[0192] FIG. 29 is a sectional elevation view of the shower assembly of FIGS. 4A-B, shown
according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0193] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of the shower assembly of FIG. 29, shown according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0194] FIG. 31 is a schematic block diagram of a control system for the shower assembly,
shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0195] FIG. 32 is a schematic block diagram of processing electronics of the control system of
FIG. 31, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0196] Referring generally to Figures 4A-23, a shower assembly 100 and components thereof
are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly 100 is shown to
include a panel 102 having an inlet port 106 for receiving water from a source, a reservoir 120,
and pluralities of holes 108a, 108b, 108c for providing the water from the panel 102 to the user.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the reservoir 120 feeds the holes 108a, 108b,
108c by the force of gravity, and the holes 108 are configured to form drops 20 on the bottom
wall 110 of the panel 102 such that discrete drops 20 of water fall on the user like rain. A
streaming apparatus 150 (e.g., deluge, douse, drench, flood, etc.) allows the water in reservoir
120 to selectively access another plurality of holes 108d, which are configured to allow the water
to stream from the panel 102. The shower assembly 100 may include a control system 200,
which may include a controller 230 and/or processing electronics 262, and may be configured to
control the flow and/or temperature of the water, lights, an audio device, etc.
[0197] Before discussing further details of the shower assembly and/or the components thereof,
it should be noted that references to “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upward,” “downward,” “inner,”
“outer,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as
-29-
they are oriented in the Figures. These terms are not meant to limit the element which they
describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.
[0198] It should further be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means
the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary
in nature or moveable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity,
electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between the two members. Such
joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with
the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to
one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or
releasable in nature.
[0199] Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art showerhead 10 is shown according to an exemplary
embodiment. In a conventional showerhead 10, water is received from a pressurized source,
routed (e.g., through a manifold) to a plurality of openings that are dimensioned to create
substantially continuous streams 12 of water as water is forced through the openings. In some
cases, the streams 12 may break into drops via aerodynamics after the stream 12 has left the
showerhead 10.
[0200] Rain, however, is different than the streams 12 provided by a conventional showerhead
10. Rain looks different, rain sounds different, and rain feels different. This is because rain is
made of discrete drops 20 of water instead of continuous streams 12 of water. Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3, various sizes of drops 20 (e.g., small drops 20a, medium drops 20b, large drops
20c, very large drops 20d, etc.) of water are shown according to exemplary embodiments. Light
rain or drizzle typically has drops 20a having a diameter of less than 0.5 mm (0.02 inches).
Moderate rain includes drops 20b having a diameter of 1 mm to 2.6 mm (0.04 inches to 0.10
inches). Heavy rain (e.g. thunderstorm) includes drops 20c of up to approximately 5 mm
(approximately 0.19 inches) in diameter. The arrows of FIG. 2 represent air flowing around the
drops 20 as they fall. As shown, the falling drops 20 are deformed by aerodynamic effects.
-30-
Referring to FIG. 3, drops 20d larger than 5 mm (0.2 inches) tend to deform and split into
smaller drops 20a, 20b as they fall through the atmosphere.
[0201] Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, bottom perspective views and a schematic front
sectional view of a shower assembly 100 are shown, according to exemplary embodiments. The
shower assembly 100 includes a panel 102 (e.g., spray head, etc.) installed in, or proximate to, a
ceiling 104. The shower assembly 100 includes an inlet port 106 for receiving water from a
source and one or more pluralities of outlet ports 108 (e.g., holes, passages, etc.) for providing
the water from the panel 102 to the user. For the sake of clarity, FIG. 5 is shown with only a few
holes 108, although it should be understood that there may be many holes 108. The shower
assembly of FIG. 4A is shown in an off state, for example, in which the fluid control valve 202 is
in an off state, no water is supplied to the panel 102, and water has drained from the panel 102.
The shower assembly of FIG. 4B is shown in an on state, for example, in which water is supplied
to the panel 102 and/or water is falling from the panel 102. As shown, the panel 102 is shown to
be proud of the ceiling 104; however, is it contemplated that the panel 102 may be recessed in
the ceiling 104 and the panel 102 (e.g., a bottom wall 110) may appear to be substantially flush
with the ceiling 104 (see, e.g., FIG. 20).
[0202] The panel 102 includes a wall (e.g., first wall, lower wall, spray wall, drip wall, etc.),
shown as bottom wall 110, having a first surface (e.g., inner surface, inlet side, etc.), shown as
top surface 112, and a second surface (e.g., outer surface, outlet side, spray face, drip face, etc.),
shown as bottom surface 114 opposite the top surface 112. According to the exemplary
embodiment, the bottom surface 114 is on a side of the bottom wall 110 that is toward a
showering area, and the top surface 112 is on a side of the bottom wall 110 that is away from a
showering area. The panel 102 may further include one or more sidewalls 116 extending up
from the bottom wall 110 and a top wall 118. A reservoir 120 (e.g., chamber, cavity, etc.) is at
least partially defined by one or more of the bottom wall 110, sidewalls 116, and top wall 118.
The bottom wall 110 may be formed of any suitable material having appropriate machine-ability
or mold-ability (e.g., acrylic, silicone, polycarbonate, Lithocast®, stainless steel, etc.). Referring
briefly to Figure 12, the panel 102’’ may be formed by overmolding a second material onto a
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substrate 111 (e.g., core, etc.). For example, the substrate 111 may be a substantially rigid
plastic core that provides structural integrity to the bottom wall 110 and may have a silicone
surface 113 overmolded thereon to facilitate cleaning (e.g., hygiene, mineral buildup, etc.). The
silicone surface 113 may substantially surround the substrate 111 and form the top surface 112’’
and bottom surface 114’’.
[0203] The panel 102 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. A translucent panel may
allow light through the panel without showing mineral buildup in the reservoir. A transparent
panel may allow light and any mineral buildup to be seen through the panel 102, and a
hydrophobic pattern may be applied to the top surface 112 of the panel 102 to cause the mineral
buildup to form in an aesthetically pleasing pattern. The transparent or translucent panels may
be backlit (e.g., by one or more lights 212 shown in FIG. 23), thereby allowing the movement of
water in the panel 102 to be seen by the user, which may be aesthetically pleasing. The sidewalls
116 and top wall 118 may be formed of the same or a different material as the bottom wall 110.
According to the embodiment shown, the walls (bottom wall 110, sidewalls 116, etc.) of the
panel 102 are flat; however, it is contemplated that the walls may be curved to facilitate fluid
flow and thorough emptying of the panel 102 (e.g., to facilitate drying of the panel between
uses).
[0204] The panel 102 may open to permit access to the reservoir 120 for cleaning and
maintenance. According to various embodiments, the bottom wall 110 may releasably couple to
the sidewalls 116, or the sidewalls 116 may be releasably coupled to the top wall 118. For
example, the various walls (bottom wall 110, sidewalls 116, top wall 118, etc.) may be snapped
together, latched together, or coupled by one or more hinges. According to the exemplary
embodiment shown, the bottom wall 110 and the sidewalls 116 form a unitary structure that is
rotatably coupled to the top wall 118 via a hinge 122.
[0205] The source of water may be pressurized (e.g., from a municipal water supply, well
pump, water tower, elevated water tank etc.), and the flow of water to the panel 102 may be
controlled by a control system 200, which may include one or more fluid control valves 202
-32-
(e.g., volume control valve, mixing valve, thermostatic valve, pressure balance valve, etc.). As
will be described in more detail below, it is contemplated that during an exemplary use of the
shower assembly 100, the reservoir 120 may be only partially filled (e.g., not be completely
filled) and, therefore, not pressurized. Thus, the top wall 118 may be provided to prevent
overflow, contain inadvertent splashing, facilitate cleaning, etc.
[0206] According to one embodiment, the shower assembly 100 may include a disinfecting
system 700 that disinfects portions of the shower assembly 100 to kill bacteria. For example,
another embodiment of the disinfecting system 700 may include a heater that raises the
temperature of the fluid control valve 202 to kill any bacteria therein. Exemplary disinfecting
systems are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13/797,263, entitled “Mixing Valve,” and
U.S. Patent Application No. 13/796,337, entitled “Plumbing Fixture with Heating Elements,”
both of which were filed March 12, 2013, and are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties. Operation of the disinfecting system may be controlled by the control system 200
described in more detail below.
[0207] Before discussing further details of the panel 102 and/or the components thereof, it
should be noted that elements of various sizes and geometry in the exemplary embodiment are
shown with an alphanumeric reference numeral. For the purpose of clarity, elements are
generically referred to using only the numeric reference numeral.
[0208] Referring to FIG. 6, a bottom plan view of the panel 102 is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment. As shown, a plurality of outlet ports, shown generally as holes 108, is
located on the bottom wall 110. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the plurality of
holes 108 may include a first plurality of holes 108a, a second plurality of holes 108b, a third
plurality of holes 108c, and a fourth plurality of holes 108d (e.g., plurality of streaming holes,
etc.). As will be discussed further below, the first, second, and third pluralities of holes 108a,
108b, 108c are shown to form small, medium, and large drops 20, respectively (e.g., drops 20
having a first diameter, a second diameter, and a third diameter). In various other embodiments,
the respective pluralities of holes may form any size drops 20 or combinations thereof, and panel
-33-
102 may include additional pluralities of holes 108 configured to form other sizes or rates of
drops 20.
[0209] The bottom wall 110 includes a first region 124 (e.g., outer region, dripping region,
etc.) and a second region 126 (e.g., inner region, streaming region, etc.). The first region 124
and the second region 126 may be of any suitable sizes or shapes. For example, the first regions
124 and/or the second region 126 may circular, oval, elliptical, regular or irregular polygons,
Reuleaux polygon, or any other suitable shape, which may have linear or curved sides.
According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the first region 124 has an outer periphery of 24
inches by 24 inches (approximately 60 cm by 60 cm) square, and the second region 126 is
substantially circular with a diameter of approximately 9 inches (approximately 23 cm). The
dimensions could, of course, differ in other embodiments. For example, the first region 124
could be square or rectangular having at least one dimension of 21 inches (approximately 53
cm), 32 inches (approximately 81 cm), 36 inches (approximately 91 cm), etc. According to other
embodiments, the shower assembly 100 may be modular, for example, formed of a plurality of
adjoining (e.g., contiguous, adjacent, etc.) panels. The adjoining panels may, for example, each
form a quadrant of the first region 124 and the second region 126. A modular assembly may
facilitate an increased area of drop formation (i.e., raining) to accommodate additional users and
may facilitate an increased flow rate (e.g., drops per second, volume per second, etc.), which
may provide therapy benefits to the user, for example, increasing heat transfer to the user,
increasing the temperature of the showering area, and increasing the humidity of the showering
area. According yet other embodiments, the shower may include a plurality of spaced apart
panels; for example, each panel being spaced approximately 4 inches (10 cm) from neighboring
panel, and each panel may have different patterns and distributions of holes 108 to provide zones
of different rain-type characteristics.
[0210] Further referring to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first region 124 of
bottom wall 110 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Cross-sectional views of an
exemplary embodiment of each of the first, second, and third pluralities of holes 108a, 108b, and
108c are shown. Each hole 108 has an inlet 130 for receiving water from the reservoir 120;
-34-
inlets 130 are shown to be conical to facilitate flow into the hole 108, but may be any other
shape. Each hole 108 has an outlet 136 defined by nozzle 134. According to the exemplary
embodiment shown, the nozzle 134 is defined by a channel or groove formed (e.g., machined,
molded, cast, countersunk, etc.) in the bottom surface 114 of the bottom wall 110.
[0211] A bore 132 extends between the inlet 130 and the outlet 136, providing a passageway
for water to flow between the inlet 130 and the outlet 136. The bore 132 is configured to restrict
the flow of water from the reservoir 120 to the outlet 136 such that the surface tension of water
causes a drop 20 to form on the outlet 136. The diameter of the bore 132 is a function of the
pressure of the water in the bore 132 and the inlet 130. In the exemplary embodiment shown,
water flows through the bore 132 under the force of gravity, so the maximum pressure is limited
to the height or depth of the panel 102. According to other embodiments, the panel 102 may be
pressurized by the supply of water to the panel, in which case the diameter of the bore 132 may
be narrow to further restrict the flow of water from the reservoir 120 to the outlet 136. When the
drop 20 reaches a predetermined size (e.g., critical stage), gravity overcomes the surface tension
of the water and causes the drop 20 to decouple and fall from the panel 102. The size and rate of
the drop 20 at the critical stage is a function of the material properties bottom wall 110, the
temperature of the water (which in turn affects the temperature of the bottom wall), impurities in
the water, the diameter of the bore 132, the length of the bore 132, and the geometry of the outlet
136. Applicants have determined how to regulate the flow of water to prevent streaming across
operating conditions. Applicants have determined ranges of the bore 132 diameters and the
outlet 136 geometries that provide consistent drop 20 formation across a variety of materials,
operating temperatures, and bore lengths. More particularly, the geometries of the outlets 136
affect the size of the drops 20, and the diameter of the bore 132 affects drop formation versus
streaming.
[0212] The diameter of the bore 132 is preferably less than 0.04 inches. According to another
embodiment the diameter of the bore 132 is between 0.01 inches and 0.04 inches. According to
the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of bore 132 is preferably between 0.025 inches
and 0.03 inches. While the bores 132 are shown to be of the same diameter, it is contemplated
-35-
that in various embodiments, the diameters of the bores 132a, 132b, 132c may be the same or
different. For example, the diameter of the bore 132c may be slightly larger than the diameter of
the bore 132b, which may be slightly larger than the diameter of the bore 132a. The slightly
larger bore diameter for the large outlets 136 may increase flow rate through the bore 132, which
in turn may increase the rate (i.e., drops per second) of drop formation, thereby bringing the rate
of large drop formation closer to that of the rate of medium or small drop formation.
[0213] As shown, the outlet 136 is hemispherical. However, it is contemplated that the outlet
geometry make take other shapes, for example, ovoid, pyramidical, conical (shown, e.g., in
FIGS. 12 and 13), substantially flat (shown, e.g., in FIG. 14), etc. According to some
embodiments, the diameter of the outlet 136 ranges from the diameter of the bore 132 to about
0.35 inches. According to another embodiment, the diameters of the outlets 136 range from
about 0.025 inches to about 0.32 inches. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the
diameters of the outlets 136 range from about 0.075 inches to about 0.315 inches. According the
exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of the outlet 136b is about 0.17 inches.
[0214] Further referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second region 126
of bottom wall 110 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Cross-sectional views of
exemplary embodiments of the fourth or streaming pluralities of holes 108d are shown. The
holes 108d are shown to have an inlet 130d, a bore 132d, and an outlet 136d defined by a nozzle
134d. The nozzle 134d is shown to be defined by a groove 138d formed in the bottom surface
114 of the panel 102. The diameter of the bore 132d is sufficiently large such that water may
pass sufficiently freely through the bore 132 so as to form a substantially continuous stream of
water. In other words, the mass flow rate of water through the hole 108d is great enough that the
gravitational force acting on the mass of the water continuously exceeds the surface tension force
of the water attempting to bind the water to the panel 102. According to one embodiment, the
bore 132d may have a diameter greater than 0.1 inches. According to the exemplary
embodiment shown, the bore 132d has a diameter of about 0.125 inches. As described more
below, a user may prefer a continuous stream 12 of water for some bathing activities, for
example, rinsing off soap or shampoo. The holes 108d are shown to have outlets 136d. Because
-36-
water flowing through the holes 108d forms a substantially continuous stream 12, the outlets
136d may not contribute to the formation of drops 20 during operation of the shower assembly
100.
[0215] Referring to FIG. 9, a bottom plan view of panel 102’ is shown according to another
exemplary embodiment having a bottom wall 110’. As shown, the bottom wall 110’ has a
plurality of outlet ports 108’ distributed across a first region 124’ and a second region 126’ of the
bottom wall 110’. The first region 124’ and the second region 126’ may be of any suitable sizes
or shapes. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the first region 124’ has an outer
periphery of 24 inches by 24 inches square (60 cm by 60 cm), and the second region 126’ is
substantially circular with a diameter of approximately 10 inches (approximately 25 cm);
however, it is contemplated that other embodiments may have other sizes.
[0216] The degree of randomness of the holes 108’ shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9 is
shown to be greater than the degree of randomness of the holes 108 shown in the embodiment of
FIG. 6. For example, the distribution of holes 108 of the embodiment of FIG. 6 are relatively
more ordered and relatively less random that the distribution of holes 108’. Referring briefly to
FIG. 24, the holes 308 are shown to have a greater degree of randomness than the degree of
randomness of the holes 108 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, and the density of holes 308 is
shown to be between the density of the holes 108 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9. The random
distribution of holes 108, 108’, 308 provides a greater sensation of natural rain to the user than
do ordered holes 108, 108’, 308. However, it is contemplated that holes 108, 108’, 308 may be
arranged in rank and file, circles, spirals, or other ordered regular or irregular patterns. One of
skill in the art will understand, upon reviewing this specification, that the random (e.g.,
substantially random, pseudo-random, statistically random, etc.) distribution of holes 108 may
not be truly random in all respects because, for production purposes, a single substantially
random pattern may be reproduced rather than forming a truly random distribution on each
panel. That the distribution contains no recognizable patterns or regularities may be sufficient to
be a random distribution as used herein. Furthermore, the random distribution of holes 108 may
be segregated by, or within a, region. For example, holes 108a, 108b, 108c may be randomly
-37-
distributed within the first region 124, 124’, and the holes 108d may be randomly distributed
with the second region 126, 126’.
[0217] As shown, the density of holes 108’ shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9 is greater than
the density of holes 108 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6. According to one exemplary
embodiment, the bottom wall 110 of the panel 102 includes between approximately 250 and
approximately 500 holes 108 per square foot. According to another embodiment, the panel 102
includes between approximately 300 and approximately 450 holes 108 per square foot.
According to another embodiment, the panel 102 includes between approximately 300 and
approximately 425 holes 108 per square foot. According to another embodiment, the panel 102
includes between approximately 400 holes 108 per square foot. These densities of holes 108
provide an authentic feeling of rain having enough drops to provide sufficient heat transfer to
keep the user warm.
[0218] According to various embodiments, the distribution of small, medium, and large outlets
136, 136’ may not be equal. For example, the distribution of small outlets 136a to large or
medium and large outlets 136b, 136c may be in the range of approximately 2:1 to approximately
3:1. Referring briefly to FIG. 24, the distribution of outlets 336 is shown to be biased toward
more small outlets 336a and fewer medium and large outlets 336b, 336c. Small outlets 136a
form small drops 20a, which are formed faster than medium or large drops 20b, 20c are formed.
Faster drop formation increases the rate (i.e., drops per second) of drops falling, thereby creating
greater drop density and increasing heat transfer to the user. As discussed above, increasing the
size of the panel 102 could increase the number of large outlets 136c, thereby increasing the rate
of large drops 20c; however, this would require a higher flow rate and be over a larger area, not
all of which may project onto the user. Furthermore, too many large drops may desensitize the
user to the smaller drops. It is further contemplated that the distribution of holes may be
configured to match local preferences for rain (e.g., monsoon versus shower, etc.) and to operate
under local rates of supplied water (which may be as high as 6 gallons per minute).
-38-
[0219] Further referring to FIG. 10, a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first region 124’
of the bottom wall 110’ is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The holes 108’ of the
first region 124’ may be substantially similar to the holes 108 of the first region 124 of the
embodiment of FIG. 7. For example, the first region 124’ may include holes 108a’, 108b’,
108c’, which may have different sizes and/or geometries. As shown, each hole 108b’ may have
an inlet 130b’ for receiving water from the reservoir 120, an outlet 136b’ defined by nozzle
134b’, and a bore 132b’ extending between the inlet 130b’ and the outlet 136b’ providing a
passageway for water to flow between the inlet 130b’ and the outlet 136b’. According to the
exemplary embodiment shown, nozzle 134’ protrudes from the bottom surface 114’ and has a
rounded inner edge 139.
[0220] Further referring to FIG. 11, a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second region
126’ of bottom wall 110’ is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The holes 108’ of
the second region 126’ may be substantially similar to the holes 108 of the second region 126 of
the embodiment of FIG. 8. For example, streaming holes 108d’ may include a bore 132d’
having a sufficiently large diameter such that water may pass sufficiently freely through the bore
132d’ so as to form a substantially continuous stream of water. According to the exemplary
embodiment shown, the outlet 136d’ is substantially hemispherical and the nozzle 134d’ is
formed as a protrusion from the bottom surface 114’ having a rounded inner edge 139d’.
[0221] Referring to FIG. 12, a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first region 124’’ of the
bottom wall 110’’ is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. The first region 124’’
may include holes 108a’’, 108b’’, 108c’’, which may have different sizes and/or geometries. As
shown, each hole 108c’’ may have a bore 132c’’, which is axially shorter than the bores 132,
132’ of the embodiments of FIGS. 7-8, 10-11, and 13-15, and an inlet 130c’’, which extends
axially longer than the inlets 130, 130’ of the embodiments of FIGS. 7-8, 10-11, and 13-15. As
shown, the bore 132c’’ forms an orifice (e.g., orifice plate, throttle, etc.), and the inlet 130c’’
extends substantially through the bottom wall 110’’ to form a cistern 131 (e.g., reservoir, sac,
etc.), shown as cistern 131c, above the orifice. The cistern 131 stores water so that, during
operation of the streaming apparatus 150, 350 (e.g., deluge, douse, drench, flood, etc.) or low
-39-
water levels, the outlets 136’’ are not starved for water and may continue to form drops until the
cistern 131 is empty. According to one embodiment, the size of the cistern 131 is configured to
hold enough water such that the outlets 136’’ are provided water to form drops during the period
when the reservoir 120 is emptied during an operation of the streaming apparatus 150, 350 until
the reservoir 120 is sufficiently filled to cover the top surface 112’’ of the bottom wall 110’’ with
water.
[0222] As shown, the outlet 136c’’ is substantially conical and defined by a nozzle 134c’’.
The hole 108c’’ includes a rounded shoulder 133 that smoothly blends the surface of the bore
132c’’ with the surface of the outlet 136c’’. Providing a smooth transition facilitates drop
formation and avoids discontinuities which may cause water to separate from the surface of the
bore 132c’’, shoulder 133, or outlet 136c’’. The bore 132c’’ is also shown to have walls that
extend radially outward as the walls extend axially away from the inlet 130c’’. Accordingly, the
orifice formed by the bore 132c’’ is a point restriction. The point restriction facilitates more
rapid formation of drops. Further, advantageously, the shortened bore 132c’’ may flex in
response to the flexing of the nozzle 134c’’ (e.g., with a finger); therefore, mineral buildup in the
orifice may be cleaned (e.g., removed, broken up and flushed out by water, etc.) by rubbing a
finger over the nozzle 134c’’. According to various embodiments, the bore 132c’’ may be
conical or frustoconical. According to the embodiment shown, the sidewall of the bore 132c’’
has a continuous curve that blends smoothly into the surface of the outlet 136c’’. According to
one embodiment, the bore 132c’’ and the outlet 136c’’ has an inverted (i.e., upside-down) funnel
shape.
[0223] According to some embodiments, the diameter of bore 132’’ is preferably between
0.025 inches (approximately 0.63 mm) and 0.03 inches (approximately 0.76 mm) at its narrowest
point. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameters of bores 132’’ are between
0.027 inches (approximately 0.69 mm) and 0.029 inches (approximately 0.74 mm) at its
narrowest point. The diameters of the bores 132a’’, 132b’’, 132c’’ may be the same or different.
For example, the diameter of the bore 132c’’ is shown to be slightly larger than the diameter of
the bore 132b’’, which is shown to be slightly larger than the diameter of the bore 132a’’.
-40-
According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameters of the outlets 136’’ range from
about 0.14 inches (approximately 3.55 mm) to about 0.335 inches (approximately 8.5 mm) at
their widest points. According the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of the outlet
136b is about 0.17 inches.
[0224] FIGS. 13-15 show various exemplary embodiments of nozzles 134 formed as
protrusions from the bottom surface 114 of the bottom wall 110. The outlet 136x of FIG. 13 is
shown to be substantially conical. The outlet 136y of FIG. 14 is shown to be substantially flat or
orthogonal to the bore 132y. The outlet 136z of FIG. 15 is shown to be substantially
hemispherical.
[0225] Referring briefly to FIGS. 5 and 16, it is contemplated that the shower assembly 100 is
configured to prevent the water that is entering the reservoir 120 from completely filling the
reservoir 120. The partially filled (e.g., not be completely filled) reservoir 120 is not pressurized,
and the water exits through the holes 108 via the force of gravity. Gravitational force may pull
directly on the water (e.g., water molecules, portions of water, etc.) and/or may act indirectly on
one portion of the water by acting on other portions of the water to create a head pressure
proportional to gravity and to the height of the water in the reservoir 120. According to one
embodiment, the total flow capacity of the holes 108 exceeds the maximum flow rate of the fluid
control valve 202 (e.g., less than or equal to 2.5 gallons per minute). According to another
embodiment, the sidewalls 116 or bottom wall 110 may include overflow passages to permit
excess water to flow out of the panel 102 (see e.g., snorkel 465 in FIG. 26). The shower
assembly 100 may include a switch (e.g., float valve) configured to at least partially close fluid
control valve 202 in response to the depth of the water in the reservoir 120 reaching a
predetermined depth. The switch may operate directly on the fluid control valve 202, or
indirectly by sending a signal through the control system 200, described in more below.
[0226] Referring to FIG. 16, a panel 102’’’ is shown, according to another embodiment. For
the sake of clarity, FIG. 16 is shown with only a few holes 108’’’ (e.g., holes 108e, 108f, 108g),
although it should be understood that there may be many holes 108’’’. The panel 102’’’ includes
-41-
a bottom wall 110’’’ defining a first hole 108e having an inlet 130e, a second hole 108f having
an inlet 130f, and a third hole 108g having an inlet 130g. The heights of the inlets 130e, 130f,
130g are staggered such that water in the reservoir 120 gains access to different holes 108
depending on the depth of the water in the reservoir 120. The inlet 130e of the first hole 108e is
at a first height 141 above the top surface 112’’’ of the bottom wall 110’’’. As shown, the height
of the inlet 130e and the top surface 112’’’ is substantially equal. When water is at a second
height 142, the water flows through first hole 108e. Inlet 130f of the second hole 108f is at a
third height 143 above the top surface 112’’’ of the bottom wall 110’’’. As shown, the third
height 143 is greater than the first height 141 and the second height 142 such that when the level
of water in the reservoir 120 is at the second height 142, water flows through the first hole 108e,
but not through the second hole 108f. When water is at a fourth height 144, the water may also
flow through second hole 108f. Inlet 130g of the third hole 108g is at a fifth height 145 above
the top surface 112’’’ of the bottom wall 110’’’. As shown, the fifth height 145 is greater than
the fourth height 144 and the third height 143 such that when the level of water in the reservoir
120 is at the fourth height 144, water flows through the second hole 108f, but not through the
third hole 108g. When water is at a sixth height 146, the water may also flow through third hole
108g.
[0227] The shower assembly 100 may be configured such that, when water is provided to the
reservoir at a first operating flow rate (e.g., a low flow rate), water partially fills the reservoir
above 120 the first height 141, passes through a plurality of first holes 108e by gravitational
force, forms a drop 20 at the outlet 136e of each of the plurality of first holes 108e, and falls
from the bottom wall 110 as a plurality of drops 20. At the first operating flow rate, the rate of
water exiting through the first holes 108e may be equal to the rate of water entering the reservoir
120 such that the height of the water in the reservoir 120 does not exceed the height inlets 130f.
[0228] The shower assembly 100 may be configured such that when water is provided to the
reservoir at a second operating flow rate (e.g., a moderate flow rate), water partially fills the
reservoir 120 above the third height 143, passes through the plurality of first holes 108e and a
plurality of second holes 108f by gravitational force, forms a drop 20 at the outlet of each of the
-42-
plurality of first holes 108e and the plurality of second holes 108f, and falls from the bottom wall
110 as a plurality of drops 20. At the second operating flow rate, the rate of water exiting
through the first and second holes 108e, 108f may be equal to the rate of water entering the
reservoir 120 such that the height of the water in the reservoir 120 does not exceed the height
inlets 130g.
[0229] The shower assembly 100 may be configured such that when water is provided to the
reservoir at a third operating flow rate (e.g., a high flow rate), water partially fills the reservoir
above the fifth height 145, passes through the plurality of first holes 108e, the plurality of second
holes 108f, and a plurality of third holes 108g by gravitational force, forms a drop 20 at the outlet
of each of the plurality of first holes 108e, the plurality of second holes 108f, and the plurality of
third holes 108g, and falls from the bottom wall 110 as a plurality of drops 20. At the third
operating flow rate, the rate of water exiting through first, second, and third holes 108e, 108f,
108g may be equal to the rate of water entering the reservoir 120 such that the water does not fill
the reservoir 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, the rate of water exiting through
first, second, and third holes 108e, 108f, 108g is approximately 2.5 gallons per minute. Because
of the feeling of individual drops 20, a user may enjoy a satisfying shower experience at a lower
flow rate then required by streams 12 of water. That is, the individual drops 20 of water may
cause a user to perceive a greater flow rate than is perceived from an equivalent flow rate of
streams 12 of water. Accordingly, a user may use less water while perceiving a conventional,
higher flow rate. Thus, at the third operating flow rate, the rate of water exiting through first,
second, and third holes 108e, 108f, 108g may be configured to be equal to the rate of water
entering the reservoir 120 and the capacity of the fluid control valve 202, which may be less than
2.5 gallons per minute.
[0230] According to various embodiments, the outlets 136e, 136f, 136g may have the same or
different geometries. For example, the outlet 136f may be larger than 136e such that larger drops
20 are formed on the outlet 136f. Thus, the second operating flow rate would create larger rain
drops corresponding to the medium drops 20b formed in moderate rain. The holes 108g may
have larger outlet 136g again to create even larger drops 20c in response to the third operating
-43-
flow rate, thereby simulating a downpour. According to another embodiment, the third holes
108g may be streaming holes as described with respect to holes 108d and 108d’ in Figs. 8 and
11. Thus, a high operating flow rate may cause streams of water to flow from the panel 102’’’.
[0231] Referring to FIGS. 17-20, a shower assembly 100, including a streaming apparatus 150
configured to cause streams of water to fall from the panel 102, is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment. The streaming apparatus 150 is shown to include a stopper 152
movable between a first position (shown, e.g., in FIG. 18) and a second position (shown, e.g., in
FIG. 20). When the stopper 152 is in the first position, water provided to the reservoir 120 is
permitted to pass through a first plurality of holes (e.g., holes 108a, holes 108b, holes 108c, etc.)
extending through the first region 124, but the water is prevented from passing through plurality
of streaming holes 108d extending through the second region 126 of the bottom wall 110. When
the stopper 152 is in the second position, water provided to the reservoir 120 is permitted to pass
through the plurality of streaming holes 108d.
[0232] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the holes 108a, 108b, 108c are
substantially similar to the holes 108a, 108b, 108c shown and described in FIGS. 6-7.
Accordingly, the first plurality of holes 108a, 108b, 108c in the first region 124 are configured
such that water flowing through the first plurality of holes 108 forms drops 20 on the bottom
wall 110 before falling off of the bottom wall 110. As further shown, the streaming holes 108d
are substantially similar to the holes 108d as shown and described in FIGS. 6 and 8.
Accordingly, water flowing through the plurality of streaming holes 108d falls from the panel
102 as substantially continuous streams of water. According to the exemplary embodiment
shown, the diameter of the holes 108d is sized to cause rapid emptying of water from the
reservoir 120 such the that user is deluged (e.g., doused, drenched, flooded, etc.) by the streams
12 of water. Such rapid emptying of the reservoir 120 may be beneficial for rinsing off soap or
shampoo. The plurality of streaming holes 108d may be configured such that the rapid emptying
of water from the reservoir 120 exceeds the maximum flow rate of the fluid control valve 202.
For example, the flow rate through the plurality of streaming holes 108d may exceed 2.5 gallons
per minute, while the fluid control valve 202 may have a maximum flow capacity of 2.5 gallon
-44-
per minute. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flow rate through the plurality of
streaming holes 108d may exceed 8 gallons per minute. Such rapid emptying of water from the
reservoir 120 may facilitate emptying the reservoir 120 between uses of the panel 102.
[0233] According the exemplary embodiment shown, the stopper 152 includes a first portion
153 and a seal 156 coupled to the first portion 153. As shown, the first portion 153 includes a
lower wall 154 (e.g., bottom wall, dam, etc.), and the seal 156 is coupled to the lower wall 154.
The seal 156 may be an O-ring seated in an annular groove extending about an outer periphery of
the lower wall 154. When the stopper 152 is in the first position, the seal 156 separates the first
region 124 from the second region 126. When the stopper 152 is in the first position, the lower
wall 154 is located adjacent the second region 126 of the bottom wall 110 and may cover the
holes 108d. When the stopper 152 is in the second position, the lower wall 154 is spaced apart
from the second region 126, and the holes 108d may be uncovered.
[0234] The stopper 152 is further shown to include a guidewall 158 extending upward from the
lower wall 154 and defining an inner opening 160. An outer sidewall 162 extends upward from
the lower wall 154 about an outer periphery of the stopper 152. The outer sidewall 162 defines
one or more holes 164 (e.g., slots, passages, etc.) extending through the sidewall 162, thereby
facilitating water above the stopper 152 to pour off the stopper 152 when the stopper 152 is
moved from the first position to the second position. Similarly, the holes facilitate water from
the reservoir 120 above the first region 124 to flow onto the stopper 152, thereby pushing the
stopper 152 toward the first position and increasing the sealing force on the stopper 152 and seal
156.
[0235] The exemplary embodiment of the streaming apparatus 150 is further shown to include
a column 166 extending upward from the bottom wall 110 and through the inner opening 160 of
the stopper 152. According to an exemplary embodiment, the guidewall 158 extends upward
from the bottom wall 110 and about a perimeter of the column 166. When the stopper 152
moves between the first position and the second position, the guidewall 158 translates along the
-45-
column 166, thereby guiding the motion of the stopper 152 in preventing inadvertent dislodging
of the stopper 152 from above the second region 126.
[0236] The stopper 152 may move between the first position and the second position in
response to an actuator (e.g., handle, lever, knob, button, cord, the motor, etc.). According the
exemplary embodiment shown, a pull cord 170 extends through a passage 128 extending through
the bottom wall 110 and column 166. The pull cord 170 extends over arms 168 and couples to
the stopper 152, for example, for example to the sidewall 162. The pull cord 170 is routed over
the arms 168 such that when a proximal end of the pull cord 170 is pulled downward, the distal
end of the pull cord 170 pulls upward on the stopper 152, thereby raising the stopper 152 from
the first position toward the second position. According to various embodiments, the pull cord
170 may run over a smoothed edge of the arms 168, or the pull cord 170 may run over one or
more pulleys.
[0237] According to various other embodiments, the stopper 152 may be actuated via a
mechanical linkage located on the panel 102, on the ceiling 104, or on another shower wall 105.
For example, referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 21, an actuator (e.g., lever, button, etc.)
shown as knob 172 mounted to a wall 105 is operably coupled to a cam 174. Actuation of the
cam 174 causes motion of a push cable 176 which in turn moving stopper 152 between the first
position and the second position. According to various other embodiments, for example
referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 22, the stopper 152 may be actuated via an electric
actuator 178 (e.g., motor, solenoid, linear actuator, etc.), which may be controlled by a control
system 200, described in more detail below. According one embodiment, the stopper 152 may
be hinged (e.g., centrally, at one or more outer edges, etc.) such that the stopper 152 rotates from
the first position to the second position. According to another embodiment, the stopper 152 may
be configured to slide laterally from the first position to the second position. According to
various other embodiments, the streaming apparatus 150, and the stopper 152, thereof, may be
configured to actuate as a canister valve, a rotary valve, a flapper valve, an iris, a carburetor, an
electric valve, a hydraulic valve, and electro-hydraulic valve, or a pneumatic valve. According
to various other embodiments, the stopper 152 may be configured to automatically actuate when
-46-
the water in the reservoir 120, or portion thereof, reaches a certain level. For example, one of
more floats may be interconnected to the stopper 152 such that when the float rises to a
predetermined level, the stopper 152 is moved to the open position. The float may be
interconnected to the stopper 152 via a chain, mechanical linkage, lever arm, switch, etc.
According to one embodiment, a less dense material (e.g., foam, air-filled containers, evacuated
containers, etc.) may be coupled to the stopper to bring the stopper 152 to slightly heavier than
neutral buoyancy so that one or more floats may easily lift the stopper. According to another
embodiment, the stopper may be buoyant, and the deluge feature actuates (e.g., the stopper lifts
off of the panel) when a downward force is removed from the stopper.
[0238] Referring to FIG. 18, when the stopper 152 is in the first position, water from the
reservoir 120 is prevented from flowing through the holes 108d of the second region 126.
Accordingly, neither drops 20 nor streams 12 fall in the space 180 (e.g., volume, eye, dry zone,
etc.) below the second region 126. Having a space 180 within the falling drops 20 has several
advantages. For example, a user can easily breathe in this space 180. For example, a user may
stand in the (warm) water without having water fall on the user’s face, which many users find
discomforting.
[0239] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, a shower assembly 300 having a streaming apparatus
350, is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly 300 includes
a panel 302 having a bottom wall 310 having holes 308a, 308b, 308c. A bottom plan view of the
bottom wall 310 is shown in FIG. 24. The holes 308 are shown to be similar to holes 108’’ as
described above with respect to bottom wall 110’’, but in other embodiments may have any of
the holes 108, 108’, 108’’’, or combination thereof, as described above. The panel 302 further
includes a top wall 318. One or more lights 212 (e.g., incandescent bulb, fluorescent bulbs, light
emitting diodes, etc.) may be located above the top wall 318 so that the lights 212, and any other
electronics located there, may be kept separated from the water (i.e., dry). The top wall 318 may
be transparent or translucent such that light from the lights 212 may pass through the top wall
318.
-47-
[0240] The panel 302 defines a reservoir 320 that may be separated by a wall 358 into a first
tank 321 (e.g., dripping tank, rain tank, etc.), located above a first region 324 of the panel 302,
and a second tank 322 (e.g., streaming tank, deluge tank, etc.), located above a second region of
326 of the panel 302. The holes 308a 308b, 308c of the first region 324 are configured to form
drops 20, whereas the holes 308d of the second region 326 are configured to form continuous
streams 12 (not shown). As described above with respect to streaming apparatus 150, when the
stopper 352 is in a first position (as shown), water is prevented from streaming through holes
308d, and when the stopper 352 is in a second position (e.g., not the first position, spaced apart
from the bottom wall 310, un-sealed, etc.), water is permitted to stream through the holes 308d.
[0241] The wall 358 may have a plurality of holes 364 therethrough to permit water to pass
between the first tank 321 and the second tank 322. During operation, water enters the second
tank 322 from a water source 306 and begins to fill the second tank 322. When water reaches the
level of the holes 364, water passes through the wall 358 and begins to fill the first tank 321,
thereby supplying water to holes 308a, 308b, 308, which in turn causes formation of drops 20.
As shown, a first course (e.g., row, layer, level, etc.) of holes 364a is formed at a first height
above the top surface 312 of the bottom wall 310, and a second course of holes 364b is formed as
at a second height above the top surface 312. The first course of holes 364a may be sized such
that the flow rate of water that may pass through the first course of holes 364a is less than the
flow rate of water entering the second tank 322. Accordingly, the water level in the second tank
322 would continue to rise even as water flows from the second tank 322 to the first tank 321.
The second course of holes 364b may be sized such that the flow rate of water that may pass
through the first and second courses of holes 364a, 364b is equal to or greater than the flow rate
of water entering the second tank 322 from the water source. Accordingly, the water level in the
second tank 322 may rise until the water level reaches the second courses of holes 364b, and then
the water flows primarily to the first tank 321.
[0242] Separating the reservoir 320 into the first tank 321 and the second tank 322, and filling
the first tank 321 out of the second tank 322, have several benefits. First, they permit rapid
refilling of (e.g., reduces the time required to refill) the second tank 322 in order to quickly
-48-
recharge the deluge feature (e.g., douse, drench, flood, etc.). According to an exemplary
embodiment, the deluge feature may release approximately two-thirds of a gallon of water over a
5 second period, and recharge the deluge feature in approximately one minute with an inlet flow
rate of 1.9 gallons/minute. Second, the first tank 321 may act as a manifold to improve
temperature mixing of the water to provide a more consistent experience for the user. Third, the
wall inhibits flow of water from the first tank 321 to second tank 322, thereby lessening
starvation of holes 308a, 308b, 308c during operation of the streaming apparatus 350. Fourth, as
shown, the first course of holes 364a is above the height of a seal 356 on the stopper 352;
accordingly, quickly filling the second tank 322 above the height of the seal 356 enables a head
pressure to be quickly formed on the seal 356 to help stop flow through the streaming holes
308d.
[0243] According to various embodiments, the reservoirs (e.g., reservoir 120, reservoir 320,
reservoir 420, reservoir 520, etc.) and/or second tanks (e.g., deluge tank 622, etc.) of this
disclosure may act as an accumulator. For example, in low flow environments, the reservoirs
and/or second tanks may be fluidly coupled to a showerhead so when the deluge feature is
actuated, water exits the panel through the showerhead. The showerhead may be wall mounted
or hand held, may be a high flow showerhead, which would drain the reservoirs relatively
quickly, or may be a low flow showerhead, which would drain the reservoir relatively slowly.
The concentrated flow of the showerhead may facilitate rinsing of soap, shampoo, and/or dirt
from a user. Thus, the reservoirs and/or second tanks may facilitate accumulation and temporal
shifting of water use in low-pressure, low flow environments to improve the bathing experience
without increasing overall water usage.
[0244] According to the embodiment shown, the seal 356 is a flexible seal that extends radially
outward from the stopper 352. When the stopper 352 is in the first position, the seal sealingly
engages a bead 357 raised on the top surface 312 and extending around the second region 326 of
the panel 302. The flexible, outwardly extending seal 356 may deflect to compensate for
differences in height between the height of bead 357 and the height of the stopper 352 when the
stopper 352 is in the first position.
-49-
[0245] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the stopper 352 may be interconnected
with an electric actuator 178 by a shaft 377. The electric actuator 178, which may be part of, or
controlled by, control system 200 may be controlled to raise and lower the stopper 352.
According to other embodiments, the stopper 352 may be actuated by any of the actuation
assemblies described with respect to Figures 17-22. According to another embodiment, the
electric actuator 178 in FIG. 23 may be replaced by a diaphragm coupled to a shaft 377. A flow
of water directed to the diaphragm would cause the stopper 352 to move from the first position to
the second position. For example, a diverter valve may be controlled by the user to divert water
from flowing directly into the second tank 322 to flowing to the diaphragm, and the flow of
water to the diaphragm may transmit an upward force to the stopper 352 via the shaft 377,
thereby lifting the stopper 352 and causing water to stream from holes 308d. According to one
embodiment, the diverter valve may be controlled by the control system 200.
[0246] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, an exploded view and a sectional elevation view,
respectively, of a shower assembly 400 having a streaming apparatus 450, are shown according
to another exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly 400 includes a panel 402 having a
bottom wall 410. Bottom wall 410 is shown to be substantially similar to bottom wall 310 as
shown and described with respect to FIGS. 23 and 24. The streaming apparatus 450 is shown to
include a wall 458, which defines a second tank 422 (e.g., streaming tank, deluge tank, etc.), a
stopper 452, and an actuator 470. During operation, water enters the second tank 422 from a
water source 406, 406’.
[0247] Referring to FIG. 26, the streaming apparatus 450 includes an actuator 470. The
actuator 470 has a housing 472 and a diaphragm 474, which is operatively coupled to the shaft
477, which in turn is coupled to the stopper 452. A seal 456 sealingly engages between the
stopper 452 and a ledge 459. The ledge 459 is shown to extend radially inward from the wall
458 and to be spaced apart from the second region 426 of the bottom wall 410. According to the
embodiment shown, the seal 456 extends radially outward from the stopper 452 and seals against
a top surface of the ledge 459 when the stopper 452 is in the first or closed position.
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Accordingly, water gathered in the second reservoir 422 pushes down on the seal 456 thereby
assisting the sealing between the seal 456 and the ledge 459. The shaft 477 is shown to extend
through the stopper 452 such that a lower end 479 of the shaft 477 rests on the top surface 412 of
the bottom wall 410, thereby relieving some of the load of the water on the stopper 452 and
transferring the load to the panel 402 via the shaft 477 and the bottom wall 410.
[0248] A space 481 is located between the stopper 452 and the bottom wall 410 when the
stopper 452 is in the first position. As shown, the space 481 is at least partially defined by a
portion of the wall 458 below the ledge 459. A snorkel 465 extends from the wall 458 and
defines an overflow passage into the space 481. According to the embodiment shown, the
snorkel extends from a first or upper end above the first course of holes 464a. If the water level
in the first reservoir 421 exceeds the height of the upper end of the snorkel 465, then the water
flows through the snorkel 465, through the hole 464 in the wall 458, through the space 481,
through the holes 408d in the second region 426 of the bottom wall 410, and out of the panel
402. Accordingly, the snorkel 465 may prevent the reservoir 420 from being overfilled (e.g.,
overflowing, pressurizing, etc.), and may provide a user with an indication that the reservoir is
full by releasing water from through the streaming openings 408d. The user may do nothing and
enjoy the heavy downpour portion of their rain-showering experience, reduce flow to the
reservoir, or may actuate the deluge feature to at least partially drain the reservoir 420.
[0249] The housing 472 and the diaphragm 474 of the actuator 470 at least partially define a
chamber 476, which is fluidly coupled to the water source 406. A return mechanism, shown as a
spring 478, normally biases the diaphragm 474, and therefore the shaft 477 and the stopper 452,
to a second or open position. The actuator 470 is shown to be in series downstream of inlet 407;
however, other arrangements are contemplated. For example, the actuator 470 and the inlet 407
could be plumbed in parallel.
[0250] During operation, water from the water source 406 may pass through a filter 401 and
into the second tank 422 via an inlet 407. Water from the water source 406 also enters the
chamber 476, thereby pressurizing the chamber 476 and pressing on diaphragm 474. In turn, the
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spring 478 is compressed and the shaft 477 moves or pushes the stopper 452 into a first or closed
position, which prevents water from exiting the shower assembly 400 through the plurality of
streaming openings 408d. When the flow of water from the water source 406 is reduced (e.g.,
inhibited, slowed, stopped, etc.), the pressure in the chamber 476 reduces, the spring 478, and
therefore the diaphragm 474, shaft 477, and stopper 45, is allowed to return to the second or
option position, thus allowing water to stream through holes 408d. As the diaphragm returns to
the second position, the water in the chamber 476 is pushed out of the chamber and may, for
example, flow into the second tank 422 via the inlet 407. A normally open arrangement of the
return mechanism advantageously moves the stopper 452 to an open position when the shower is
turned off, which allows the panel 402 to quickly drain water, which speeds drying of the panel,
which aids cleanliness and hygiene. Further draining of the panel 402 after use prevents drips
and prevents water being stored in the panel long term from being uncomfortably delivered to
the next shower occupant at a cold temperature.
[0251] Referring to FIG. 27, a schematic diagram of a shower assembly 400 is shown,
according to an exemplary embodiment. A valve, shown as a diverter valve 490, receives water,
for example, from a mixing valve 492. When the diverter valve 490 is in a first state, water
flows from the water source 406, fills the reservoir 420 via the inlet 407, and pressurizes the
chamber 476 to close the stopper 452. Accordingly, water only flows through the first plurality
of holes 408a, 408b, 408c to fall from the panel 402 as drops 20. When the diverter valve 490 is
in a second state, water flows into the second tank 422 from the water source 406’. Accordingly,
the reduced or stopped flow of water through the water source 406 reduces the pressure in the
chamber 476, allowing the stopper 452 to lift from the bottom wall 410 and allow water to
stream from the second plurality of holes 408d. Providing water to the second tank 422 from the
water source 406’, rather than completely stopping flow, allows for continues operation of the
shower while in the streaming state. As described, the diverter valve 490 is a two-way valve.
According to other embodiments, the diverter valve 490 may be a multi-way valve (e.g., threeway,
four-way, etc.), which may allow water to be diverted to other plumbing fixtures (e.g., a
handshower, a showerhead 10, a tub spout, etc.). According to other embodiments, the valve
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490 may be a transfer valve. For example, the transfer valve may be configured to operate the
deluge feature and a showerhead (e.g., for final rinsing), or the rain feature and a tub spout (e.g.,
for bathing in the rain), at the same time.
[0252] Referring to FIG. 28, a schematic diagram of a shower assembly 500 is shown,
according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly 500 includes a panel 502 and a
wall 558 dividing the reservoir 520 into a first tank 521 and a second tank 522. The panel 502
may be similar to panel 402; however, the panel 502 does not include a stopper or actuator. The
shower assembly 500 may be suitable for use in high flow source conditions (e.g., six gallons per
minute water supply). For example, when the diverter valve 590 is in a first state, water flows
from the water source 506 into the first tank 521, flows through the first plurality of holes and
falls from the panel 502 as drops 20. When the diverter valve 590 is in a second state, water
flows from the water source 506’ into the second tank 522 and flows through the second plurality
of holes to fall from the panel 502 as streams 12. Because the supply of water is sufficiently
high, there is no need to store water in the second tank 522 (e.g., with a stopper) to create a
deluge. Further, because water is directly supplied to the first tank 521, the wall 558 may not
include the first and second courses of holes for allowing the passage of water between the first
tank 521 and the second tank 522. According to another embodiment, the wall 558 may include
the second or upper course of holes, which would allow water to pass between tanks if the flow
rate into one of the first tank 521 and the second tank 522 is greater than the rate of water
flowing from the first or second plurality of holes, respectively. Water flowing from the
unexpected holes (e.g., water flowing from the streaming holes when water is being supplied to
the dripping holes) may serve as a signal to the user to reduce the flow rate of water to the
shower assembly 500. It is contemplated that in high flow source conditions, the panel 502 may
not include cisterns (e.g., cisterns 131) formed in the bottom wall of the panel 502 because
sufficient flow would be available to prevent the first plurality of holes from being starved for
water when water is flowed through the second plurality of holes.
[0253] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, a sectional elevation view and a schematic diagram of a
shower assembly 600 having a streaming apparatus 650, are shown according to another
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exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly 600 includes a panel 602 having a bottom wall
610. Bottom wall 610 is shown to be substantially similar to bottom wall 310, 410 as shown and
described with respect to FIGS. 23-26. The streaming apparatus 650 is shown to include a wall
658 that separates a second tank 622 (e.g., streaming tank, deluge tank, etc.) from a first tank
621, a stopper 652, and an actuator 670. During operation, water enters the second tank 622
from a water source 606.
[0254] Referring to FIG. 29, the streaming apparatus 650 includes an actuator 670. The
actuator 670 has a housing 672 and a diaphragm 674, which is operatively coupled to a shaft
677, which in turn is coupled to the stopper 652. The diaphragm 674, the chamber 676, and the
spring 678 operate similarly to those in the actuator 470 described with respect to FIG. 26;
however, a flow regulator 680 is fluidly coupled upstream of chamber 676. The flow regulator
680 includes an orifice 682 (e.g., weep hole, etc.) and a check valve 684. During operation,
water from the water source 606 pushes the check valve 684 closed and flows through the orifice
682 to fill the chamber 676, thereby moving the stopper 652 to the first or closed position.
[0255] Referring to FIG. 30, a restrictor valve 694 is shown to be located upstream of the panel
602. When the restrictor valve 694 is actuated, the flow of water from the water source 606 is
reduced or stopped. The reduced or stopped flow reduces the pressure on the upstream side of
the check valve 684, and thus the chamber 676. Accordingly, the spring 678 pushes the
diaphragm 674 towards the chamber 676, and water is pushed out of the chamber 676 through
the check valve 684. When the restrictor valve 694 is de-actuated (e.g., released), water again
flows from the water source 606 to the inlet 617, closes the check valve 684, and fills the
chamber 676 via the orifice 682. According to various embodiments, the restrictor valve 694 be
include a plunger or diaphragm which can at least partially block the flow of water from the
source 606, or may include a spring-loaded ball-valve, which may be turn to a closed position
and spring-returned to the open position. According to the embodiment shown, the restrictor
valve 694 operates as a push button that temporarily reduces (e.g., relieves, etc.) supply pressure.
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[0256] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the spring 678 and the check valve
684 are configured to allow rapid expulsion of water from the chamber 676, which enables the
stopper 652 to quickly more from the closed position to an open position. The orifice 682 and
the chamber 676 are configured to return the stopper 652 to the closed position over a period
time. For example, the orifice size may be configured, based on the supply pressure of the water
source 606, to provide a desired period of time. According to the exemplary embodiment, the
period of time is approximately or slightly longer than the time for the water stored in the second
tank 622 to stream out through the second plurality of holes. According to one embodiment, the
period of time is substantially equal to the time for the water stored in the second tank 622 to
stream out through the second plurality of holes. According to another embodiment, the period
of time is between approximately 5 and 10 seconds. According to another embodiment, the
period of time is between approximately 10 and 15 seconds. According to various embodiments,
the actuator 670 begins to slowly move the stopper 652 towards the closed position while the
second tank 622 is still draining. When the stopper 652 is closed, the second tank 622 begins
refilling.
[0257] The interaction of the actuator 670 and the flow regulator 680 advantageously only
requires plumbing of one supply line to the panel 602, enables automatic draining of the second
tank 622 when the shower is turned off, enables simple push-button actuation by the user,
eliminates the need to switch back to the rain feature after selecting the deluge feature.
[0258] Because the deluge feature is actuated when water flow to the actuators 470, 670 is
ceased, the panel 400, 600 is automatically drained when water to shower is turned off. This
allows the panel to dry out between uses and prevents cold water from remaining in the panel,
which may be uncomfortable to the user during the next use. Further, as discussed above, the
orifice 682 may be configured to slowly move the stopper 652 toward the closed position over a
period of time. Thus, when the shower is turned on, cold water in the plumbing lines may be
purged through the streaming holes until the stopper 652 reaches the closed position, thereby
preventing the initial cold water from chilling the subsequent water and providing an
uncomfortable showering / deluge experience.
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[0259] According to various other embodiments, the hydraulic circuit and actuators 470, 670
may be reversed such that a flow of water into the chamber 476, 676 causes actuation of the
deluge feature. For example, the chamber 476, 676 may be below the diaphragm 474, 674,
which may be below the spring 478, 678, which in turn may be coupled to the shaft 477, 677 so
as to push the stopper into a normally closed position. Accordingly, directing water into the
chamber 476, 676 would cause water to pressurize the chamber 476, 676, pushing up on the
diaphragm 474, 674, in turn compressing the spring 478, 678 and lifting the stopper 452, 652. A
flow regulator having a check valve and orifice may be used to allow the chamber 476, 676 to
slowly drain and return the stopper to a closed position. Water may be directed in to the
chamber via, for example, a rotary or push button diverter valve.
[0260] Additional technologies are contemplated that may be used with any of the above
embodiments, in whole or in part, and that may be used with the control system described below.
For a first example, a vibrator may be coupled to the panel to cause the bottom wall to vibrate
thereby causing for facilitating drops of water to fall from the panel. According to various
embodiments, the vibrator may include an eccentric motor, a magnetostrictive transducer, or a
piezoelectric transducer. According to one embodiment, the vibrator causes ultrasonic vibrations
in the bottom wall of the panel. Instructions for controlling the vibrator may be stored in a
vibration module in the memory of the processing electronics. For a second example, at least
some of the holes through the bottom wall of the panel are fluidly coupled to a solenoid.
According to one embodiment, a field of solenoids may cover the top surface of the bottom wall
of the panel and push or spray water through the holes in the bottom wall. According to various
embodiments, one solenoid may be fluidly coupled to one hole or one solenoid may be coupled
to a plurality of holes. According to one embodiment, an array of solenoids may be fluidly
coupled to a plurality of holes. Instructions for controlling the solenoid(s) may be stored in a
solenoid module in the memory of the processing electronics. For a third example, a rotating foil
having openings therethrough may be located above or below the bottom wall of the panel. For
an embodiment with the foil below the bottom wall, the foil may impact the drops to slice the
drops from the bottom wall or may create turbulence (e.g., pressure vortices, pressure
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disruptions, etc.) which break the drops from the bottom wall. The rotating foil on the bottom
wall may provide a lateral force in the direction of rotation to the drops so that the drops may not
fall vertically. A screen below the foil may prevent inadvertent contact with the foil and may
rectify the direction of the drops. For an embodiment with the foil above the bottom wall, the
alternating passage of foil and opening over the hole through the bottom wall may create
pressure oscillations and/or cavitation, which facilitates the water breaking into drops.
Instructions for controlling the foil (e.g., the motor rotating the foil, etc.) may be stored in a foil
module in the memory of the processing electronics.
[0261] Referring to FIG. 31, a schematic diagram of a control system 200 is shown, according
to an exemplary embodiment. The control system 200 may include a controller 230 having a
control circuit 260, which is powered by a power supply 232. Power supply 232 may be a
battery, coupling to mains power, or any other suitable power source. As shown, power supply
232 provides power to the control circuit 260; however, in some embodiments, the power supply
may provide power to one or more of the components of the control system 200 (e.g., sensors
208, electric actuators 178, lights 212, displays 214, etc.).
[0262] The controller 230 may include one or more interfaces (e.g., fluid control interfaces
234, sensor interface 236, control inputs interface 238, lights interface 240, display interface 242,
audio device interface 244, electric actuator interface 246, fan interface 248, scent emitter
interface 250, disinfecting system interface 252, etc.). The interfaces may include one or more
ports (e.g., jacks, inlets, outlets, connectors, etc.) for communicating with various components of
the control system. The interfaces may include any necessary hardware or software for
translating (e.g., digital to analog, analog to digital, pulse-width modulation, network protocol,
wireless protocol, infrared transmitter-receiver, etc.) signals and/or data to and from the
components of the control and the control circuit 260.
[0263] The control system 200 may include one or more fluid control valves 202. The fluid
control valves may include a volume control valve 204, mixing valve 206, thermostatic valve,
pressure balance valve, etc., or any combination thereof. The fluid control valve 202 may be a
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manually controlled (i.e., mechanical) valve having one or more sensors 208 (e.g., position
sensor, on-off switch, flow meter, etc.) operably coupled to it. According to other embodiments,
the fluid control valve 202 may include one or more electronically controlled valves (e.g.,
solenoid valves). According to an exemplary embodiment, the fluid control valve 202 may
include both manually controlled valves and electronically controlled valves operably coupled,
for example, in series. The electronically controlled valves may be operably coupled to the
control circuit 260 via the fluid control interface 234 and may be controlled by processing
electronics 262, described in more detail below.
[0264] The control system 200 may include one or more sensors 208, which may provide
information to the control circuit 260 via the sensor interface 236. As described above, the
sensors 208 may include a valve position sensor, an on-off switch, a water flow meter, etc.
Sensors 208 may include one or more temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples, thermistors,
thermometers, etc.) which may be used to measure water temperature from the source (e.g., Thot,
Tcold, etc.), mixed water temperature (e.g., Tmixed), air temperature, etc.
[0265] The control system 200 may also receive user input from one or more control inputs
210. Control inputs 210 may include button, switches, knobs, levers, capacitive sensors, touch
sensitive displays (e.g., touchscreens), etc. The control inputs 210 may receive inputs or
commands from a user and provide electronic signals representing those inputs to the control
circuit 260, via the control inputs interface 238, for implementation of the commands.
[0266] The control system 200 may include one or more lights 212. The lights 212 may
provide general utility lighting and/or may provide ambient or mood lighting. The lights 212
may be of a single or various colors, and the lights 212 may be of various brightness or intensity.
At least one of the lights may be a strobe light. The lights 212 may be operably coupled to the
control circuit 260 via the lights interface 240.
[0267] The control system 200 may include one or more displays 214. The display 214 may
provide information to the user such as water temperature, flow rate, music selection, audio
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loudness, etc. The display 214 may be a touch sensitive display and, thus, also serve as a control
input 210. The display 214 may also be illuminated at a desired brightness or color and, thus,
also serve as a light 212. The display 214 may be operably coupled to the control circuit 260 via
the display interface 242.
[0268] The control system 200 may include one or more audio devices 216. The audio device
216 may include one or more speakers to provide music and/or sound effects (e.g., thunder,
jungle sounds, ocean (e.g., surf) sounds, etc.). The audio device 216 may also include one or
more media streaming devices, digital media receivers, media servers, portable media players
(e.g., iPod, iPhone, Zune, etc.), etc. The audio devices 216 may be connected to the control
circuit 260 via the audio device interface 244 by wire or wirelessly (e.g., IEEE 802.11,
Bluetooth, etc.).
[0269] The control system 200 may include one or more electric actuators 178, which may be
controlled by signals from processing electronics 262. The electric actuators 178 (e.g., motor,
solenoid, linear actuator, etc.) may be used to move or affect the position of an object. For
example, an electric actuator 178 may be used to move the stopper 152 between the first position
and the second position. The electric actuator 178 may be operably coupled to the control circuit
260 via the electric actuator interface 246.
[0270] The control system may include one or more control one or more fans 218. Fan 218
may be an exhaust fan controlled in order to affect the humidity of the showering area. Fan 218
may be oriented to provide a lateral force to drops 20, thereby creating a more natural, nonvertical
trajectory of the drops 20. According to various embodiments, the fan 218 may be a
bladed fan, a bladeless fan, an air compressor, etc. The fan 218 may be operably coupled to the
control circuit 260 via the fan interface 248.
[0271] The control system may include one or more scent emitters 220. Scent emitter 220 may
be an atomizer, sprayer, etc. configured to provide a scent or aroma to the showering area. For
example, the scent emitter 220 may provide aromatherapy scents, petrichor, ocean scents, etc.
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The scent emitter 220 may be operably coupled to the control circuit 260 via the scent emitter
interface 250.
[0272] The control system may include one or more disinfecting systems 700. The disinfecting
system 700 may include a heater that raises the temperature of the fluid control valve 202 to kill
any bacteria therein. The disinfecting system 700 may be operably coupled to the control circuit
260 via the disinfecting system interface 252.
[0273] Referring to FIG. 32, a detailed block diagram of the control circuit 260 of FIG. 24 is
shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The control circuit 260 is shown to include
processing electronics 262, which includes a memory 264 and processor 266. Processor 266 may
be or include one or more microprocessors, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a
circuit containing one or more processing components, a group of distributed processing
components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, or other hardware configured for
processing. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 266 is configured to execute
computer code stored in memory 264 to complete and facilitate the activities described herein.
Memory 264 can be any volatile or non-volatile memory device capable of storing data or
computer code relating to the activities described herein. For example, memory 264 is shown to
include modules 272-288 which are computer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code,
source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured for execution by processor 266. When
executed by processor 266, processing electronics 262 is configured to complete the activities
described herein. Processing electronics includes hardware circuitry for supporting the execution
of the computer code of modules 272-288. For example, processing electronics 262 includes
hardware interfaces (e.g., output 290) for communicating control signals (e.g., analog, digital)
from processing electronics 262 to the control circuit 260. Processing electronics 262 may also
include an input 292 for receiving, for example, user input from control circuit 260, sensor
signals from control circuit 260, or for receiving data or signals from other systems, devices, or
interfaces.
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[0274] Memory 264 includes a memory buffer 268 for receiving user input data, sensor data,
audio data, etc., from the control circuit 260. The data may be stored in memory buffer 268 until
buffer 268 is accessed for data. For example, user interface module 272, sensor module 274,
audio module 282, or another process that utilizes data from the control circuit 260 may access
buffer 268. The data stored in memory 264 may be stored according to a variety of schemes or
formats. For example, the user input data may be stored in any other suitable format for storing
information.
[0275] Memory 264 further includes configuration data 270. Configuration data 270 includes
data relating to fluid control valve 202, sensors 208, control inputs 210 and display 214, and
electric actuator 178. For example, configuration data 270 may include fluid control valve
operational data, which may be data that flow control module 276 can interpret to determine how
to command control circuit 260 to operate a flow control valve 202. For example, configuration
data 270 may include information regarding flow rate information for various volume control
valve 204 positions and mixed water temperature information for various mixing valve 206
positions. For example, configuration data 270 may include sensor operational data, which may
be data that sensor module 274 can interpret sensor data from control circuit 260 into data usable
by flow control module 276. For example, configuration data 270 may include voltage to
temperature curves, or voltage to flow rate curves. For example, configuration data 270 may
include display operational data which may be data that user interface module 272 or lighting
module 284 can interpret to determine how to command control circuit 260 to operate a display
214. For example, configuration data 270 may include information regarding size, resolution,
refresh rates, orientation, location, and the like. Configuration data 270 may include touchscreen
operational data which may be data that user interface module 272 can use to interpret user input
data from memory buffer 268.
[0276] Memory 264 further includes a user interface module 272, which includes logic for
using user input data in memory buffer 268 to determine desired user responses. User interface
module 272 may be configured to interpret user input data to determine various buttons pressing,
button combinations, button sequences, gestures (e.g., drag versus swipe versus tap), the
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direction of gestures, and the relationship of these gestures to icons. User interface module 272
may include logic to provide input confirmation and to prevent unintended input. For example,
logic to activate single-finger touch only at the moment and location the finger is lifted may be
used. User interface module 272 may include logic for responding to input through, for example,
color halos, object color, audible tones, voice repetition of input commands, and/or tactile
feedback.
[0277] Memory 264 further includes a sensor module 274, which includes logic for
interpreting data from sensor 208 and sensor interface 236. For example, the sensor module 274
may be configured to interpret signals from sensor interface 236 or memory buffer 268, in
conjunction with look up tables or curves from configuration data 270, to provide temperature,
valve position, flow rate, etc. data to the processor 266 and other modules.
[0278] Memory 264 further includes a flow control module 276, which includes logic for
controlling the flow control valves 202. For example, flow control module 276 may include
logic for processing sensor information (e.g., temperature, valve position, flow rate, etc.) from
sensor module 274 and user input from user interface module 272 to provide commands to fluid
control valves 202 over the control circuit 260. For example, a user may input a desired
temperature into the control inputs 210, and the flow control module 276 may be configured to
receive the input and provide one or commands to the flow control valves 202 to achieve the
desired temperature, either via open-loop or closed-loop (e.g., using data from sensor module
274) control. For example, a user may input a desired flow rate or type of drops (e.g., small
drops 20a, medium drops 20b, large drops 20c), and the flow control module 276 may be
configured to receive the input and provide one or commands to the flow control valves 202 to
achieve the desired flow rate, either via open-loop or closed-loop (e.g., using flow rate data or
water depth in the reservoir 120 from sensor module 274) control. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the flow control module 276 may process user input, in conjunction with
configuration data 270, to cause a predetermined temporal pattern (e.g., cycle, sequence, etc.) of
drops 20 to fall from the panel 102. For example, the flow control module 276 may include logic
to cause the shower to begin as a light rain (e.g., small drops 20a), to progress to a moderate rain
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(e.g., including medium drops 20b), to progress to a downpour (e.g., including large drops 20c),
and to end with a light rain (e.g., small drops 20a).
[0279] Memory 264 further includes a streaming module 278, which includes logic for
controlling the streaming apparatus 150. For example, streaming module 278 may include logic
for processing user input from user interface module 272 to provide commands to electric
actuator 178 over the control circuit 260. The commands may cause the stopper 152 to move
from the first position to the second position, from the second position to the first position, or
anywhere in between. For example, the streaming module 278 may provide commands to the
electric actuator 178 in response to data (e.g., a depth or height of water in the reservoir 120)
received from the sensor module 274. According to one embodiment, the streaming module 278
may provide commands to the electric actuator 178 in response to a signal received from the
flow control module 276 as part of causing the predetermined temporal pattern of drops 20. For
example, the commands may cause the stopper 152 to move to the first position, or the
commands may augment a downpour portion of the cycle with a deluge by moving the stopper
152 to the second position.
[0280] Memory 264 further includes a trajectory module 280, which includes logic for
controlling the fan 218. For example, trajectory module 280 may include logic for processing
inputs to provide commands to the fan 218. The inputs may be from the user interface module
272 or the flow control module 276. For example, the fan 218 may draw or push air to impart a
lateral force onto the drops 20, thereby creating a more realistic trajectory (e.g., non-vertical) of
the drops 20. The trajectory module 280 may provide commands that cause different fan speeds
to create different trajectories of the drops 20 to help simulate, for example, different intensities
of rainfall.
[0281] Memory 264 further includes an audio module 282, which includes logic for controlling
the audio device 216. For example, the audio module 282 may include logic for distributing
audio content received from audio device interface 244, or audible feedback indicia from another
module in memory 264, to speakers in the showering area. The audio module 282 may include
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logic for processing user input from user interface module 272 to provide commands (e.g., play,
stop, skip, etc.) to audio device 216 over the control circuit 260. According to one embodiment,
in response to instructions from the flow control module 276, the audio module 282 may provide
commands to speakers in the showering area to simulate thunder while simulating a downpour.
[0282] Memory 264 further includes a lighting module 284, which may include logic for
controlling the lights 212 and display 214. For example, the lighting module 284 may include
logic for brightening or dimming the lights 212 and/or display 214 in response to user input from
user interface module 272. The lighting module 284 may include logic for processing
instructions from other modules in memory 264. For example, in response to instructions from
the flow control module 276, the lighting module 284 may provide commands to cause the lights
212 to dim when simulating a downpour or to cause lights 212 to flash to simulate lightning.
[0283] Memory 264 further includes a scent module 286, which includes logic for controlling
the scent emitters 220. For example, the scent module 286 may include logic for commanding
the scent emitter 220 to provide a scent or aroma to the showering area in response to user input
from user interface module 272 or in response to instructions from the flow control module 276.
For example, the scent module 286 may include logic for commanding the scent emitter 220 to
spray petrichor in the showering area while a low flow rate of water is flowing through the panel
102.
[0284] Memory 264 further includes a disinfecting module 288, which may include logic for
controlling the disinfecting system 700. For example, the disinfecting module 288 may include
logic for causing the disinfecting system 700 to disinfect at least a portion of the shower
assembly 100 in response to user input from user interface module 272. For example, a user may
press a button associated with a “Clean Now” label on the control inputs 210, and the
disinfecting module 288 may provide commands to the disinfecting system 700 in response to
receiving the input via the control inputs interface 238 and the control circuit 260. According to
another embodiment, the disinfecting module 288 includes logic for activating and controlling
the disinfecting system 700 on a schedule (e.g., weekly, monthly, etc.).
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[0285] The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown in the various
exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been
described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,
dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of
elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or
positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or
method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure.
[0286] 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, CD-ROM 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 structures and which can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor.
When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications
connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine,
the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such
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connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also
included within 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.
[0287] Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may
differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with
partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen
and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,
software implementations 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.

WE CLAIM:
1. A shower assembly comprising:
an inlet port for receiving water from a water source;
a reservoir for receiving water from the inlet port, the reservoir not being
pressurized a line pressure of the water source; and
a plurality of drop outlet ports;
wherein each of the drop outlet ports is configured such that water passes from the
reservoir through the plurality of drop outlet ports, forms a drop at each drop outlet port, and
falls from each drop outlet port only as discrete drops of water.
2. The shower assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the reservoir includes a
bottom wall, and each of the drop outlet ports extends through the bottom wall and includes an
inlet, an outlet, and a bore extending between the inlet and the outlet.
3. The shower assembly according to Claim 2, wherein the diameter of each bore of
the drop outlet ports is between approximately 0.01 inches and approximately 0.04 inches.
4. The shower assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the reservoir includes a
bottom wall, and each of the drop outlet ports extends through the bottom wall; and
wherein each drop outlet port includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bore extending
between the inlet and the outlet, each inlet tapering inwardly moving downward to the bore.
5. The shower assembly according to Claim 4, wherein each inlet is frusto-conical
and defines a cistern.
6. The shower assembly according to Claim 4, wherein each outlet tapers outwardly
moving downward from the bore.
7. The shower assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the plurality of drop outlet
ports comprise drop outlet ports having at least two different geometries to form the discrete
drops in at least two different sizes.
8. The shower assembly according to Claim 7, wherein the different geometries
include a first geometry and a second geometry, the first geometry forming small drops and a
second geometry forming drops larger than the small drops, and a ratio of a number of the drop
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outlet ports having the first geometry to a number of the drop outlet ports having the second
geometry is between approximately 2:1 and approximately 3:1.
9. The shower assembly according to Claim 7, wherein the at least two different
geometries have a common bore size.
10. The shower assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the plurality of drop outlet
ports comprise drop outlet ports having at least two different geometries to form the discrete
drops having at least two different drop rates.
11. The shower assembly according to Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
stream outlet ports, each stream outlet port being configured for water passing therethrough from
the reservoir to form a stream of water.
12. The shower assembly according to Claim 11, wherein the shower assembly is
configured to allow selective passing of water through the plurality of stream outlet ports.
13. The shower assembly according to Claim 12, wherein the shower assembly is
configured to allow selective passing of water through the plurality of stream outlet ports
simultaneous with water passing from the plurality of drop outlet ports.
14. The shower assembly according to Claim 1, wherein each of the drop outlet ports
includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bore extending between the inlet and the outlet, and each of the
drop outlet ports is formed of silicone; and
wherein the bottom wall comprises a substrate having a plurality of holes
therethrough, each of the drop outlet ports being formed by the silicone within one of the holes.
15. The shower assembly according to Claim 14, wherein the inlet tapers inwardly
moving downward to the bore, and the outlet tapers outwardly moving downward from the bore.
16. The shower assembly according to Claim 14, wherein the silicone is further
coupled to a bottom surface of the substrate to form a bottom surface of the bottom wall.
17. The shower assembly according to Claim 14, wherein the silicone of each drop
outlet port forms a protrusion extending downward from a bottom surface of the bottom wall.
18. A shower assembly comprising:
a reservoir for receiving water from a water source; and
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a first plurality of drop outlet ports having a first geometry for passing water from
the reservoir; and
a second plurality of drop outlet ports having one or more additional geometries
that are different from the first geometry for passing water from the reservoir,
wherein the first geometry is configured to produce discrete water drops having a
first size, and the one or more additional geometries are configured to produce discrete water
drops having sizes that are larger than the first size.
19. The shower assembly according to Claim 18, wherein a ratio of a number of the
first plurality of drop outlets ports to a number of the second plurality of outlet ports is between
approximately 2:1 and 3:1.
20. The shower assembly according to Claim 18, wherein each of the drop outlet
ports includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bore extending between the inlet and the outlet, each inlet
tapering inwardly moving downward to the bore and forming a cistern, and each outlet tapering
outwardly moving downward from the bore.
21. The shower assembly according to Claim 19, wherein each inlet is frusto-conical.
22. The shower assembly according to Claim 19, wherein each outlet is frustoconical.
23. The shower assembly according to Claim 18, wherein the reservoir is not
pressurized by a line pressure of the water source.
24. A shower assembly comprising:
a reservoir for receiving water from the water source; and
a plurality of drop outlet ports for passing water from the reservoir;
wherein each of the drop outlet ports is formed of silicone; and
wherein the bottom wall comprises a substrate having a plurality of holes
therethrough and silicone lining the holes to define the drop outlet ports, the substrate forming an
upper surface of the bottom wall and the silicone further being coupled to a bottom surface of the
substrate to form a bottom surface of the bottom wall.
25. The shower assembly according to Claim 24, wherein each drop outlet port
includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bore extending between the inlet and the outlet, each inlet
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forms a cistern for collecting collect water for subsequent passing through the bore, and each
outlet tapering outwardly moving downward form the bore for forming discrete drops of water
from the water passing through the bore.
26. The shower assembly according to Claim 25, wherein each inlet tapers inwardly
moving downward to the bore.
27. The shower assembly according to Claim 24, wherein the plurality of drop outlet
ports comprises drop outlet ports of at least two different geometries to provide water drops of at
least two different sizes.