Shower column assembly

A shower column assembly includes a shower column, and first and second shower column mounts. A showerhead is fluidically connected at a first end of the shower column, and a hand shower is fluidically connected to the shower column via a hose connection at a second end of the shower column opposite the first end. A diverter is positioned within the shower column at the supply location, and a flow selection valve is positioned offset from the diverter along a fluid path defined, at least in part, by the shower column.

BACKGROUND

Shower assemblies come in a variety of forms. Typical shower assemblies will include an overhead or wall-mounted water outlet leading to an overhead showerhead. In some instances, shower assemblies will include a handheld shower sprayer as well, which is fed by the same water outlet. Control over water output through the showerhead or handheld sprayer is often provided by a series of valves that allow selection between the showerhead, handheld shower, or both.

Existing shower assemblies that include both an overhead showerhead and handheld sprayer can be complex due to various water diverting and routing solutions. For example, multiple valves may exist on the showerhead and/or handheld sprayer to control water flow. Additionally, due to the various points a valve may be located, it is not uncommon to have a plurality of water flow directions within the shower column, or tubes positioned within the column to support bidirectional water flows within at least a portion of the shower column or exterior tubing. For example, in a shower column assembly, a user control valve for selecting between water flow to the showerhead or hand shower is typically placed at a convenient location to the user, e.g., on a lower portion of the shower column or on a hand shower itself. This leads to complex, multidirectional fluid flow within the shower column itself, since water would need to flow to the valve and then be selectably rerouted to either the showerhead or hand shower. Such arrangements increase cost, probability of failure, and complexity.

Still further, because shower column assemblies are mounted in such a manner that they are exposed within a shower, they are often constructed using complex alignment features to ensure that the shower column can be mounted vertically within a shower and to ensure that the shower column is configurable to the particular desired positioning of a home user. However, the various adjustable features of shower column assemblies add complexity to the installation process, which may be confusing to the home user during installation.

Accordingly, improvements in shower assemblies, and in particular shower column assemblies, are desirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to a shower column assembly. In one possible configuration, and by non-limiting example, the shower column assembly includes a diverter that is positioned at a water inlet to the shower column, and which is usable to selectably direct water to a showerhead or hand shower based on water pressure generated based on an open or closed position of another valve within the assembly.

In a first aspect, a shower column assembly is connectable to a water supply having a supply pipe having a pipe outlet. The shower column assembly includes a shower column, as well as a first shower column mount and a second shower column mount. The first shower column mount includes a fluid conduit assembly connectable to a supply pipe, the fluid conduit assembly fluidically connected to the shower column at a supply location. The second shower column mount is positionable along the shower column at a secondary stabilization location. The shower column assembly further includes a showerhead fluidically connected at a first end of the shower column and a hand shower fluidically connected to the shower column via a hose connection at a second end of the shower column opposite the first end. A diverter is positioned within the shower column at the supply location, and a flow selection valve is positioned offset from the diverter along a fluid path defined, at least in part, by the shower column.

In a second aspect, a shower column assembly is connectable to a water supply having a supply pipe having a pipe outlet. The shower column assembly includes a shower column, as well as a first shower column mount and a second shower column mount. The shower column assembly further includes a showerhead fluidically connected at a first end of the shower column, and a hand shower fluidically connected to the shower column via a hose connection at a second end of the shower column opposite the first end. A diverter is positioned within the shower column at the supply location, the diverter including a diverter body and a valve core, the diverter body defining an interior body having an upper outlet and a lower outlet. The valve core is movable between first and second positions in response to fluid pressure in the shower column. In the first position, the valve core forms a fluid path between the supply pipe and the hand shower and a seal between the supply pipe and the showerhead, and in the second position, the valve core forms a fluid path between the supply pipe and the showerhead.

In a third aspect, a method of installing a shower column assembly includes affixing a first shower column mount at a supply pipe location. This includes installing a wall mount at a supply adapter extending through a wall from a supply pipe, installing an escutcheon at least partially surrounding the supply adapter, and sealingly joining a supply bracket to the supply adapter to position a shower column at a fixed distance relative to the supply pipe, the shower column being fluidically connected to the supply bracket at a first position along the shower column and including a diverter at the first position, the shower column including a first end having a showerhead and a second end having a hose connection. The method further includes affixing a second shower column mount to the wall, the second shower column mount being movable along the shower column to a selected second position, the second shower column mount including a stabilization bracket being joinable to a wall mount assembly to define an adjustable distance between the wall mount assembly and the shower column. The method also includes connecting a hand shower to the second end of the shower column via a hose at the hose connection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As briefly described above, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a shower column assembly including a shower column. The shower column is mountable to a wall, and connectable to a water supply pipe. The shower column has a supply location that receives water from the supply pipe via a fluid conduit assembly. The shower column assembly includes a showerhead at a first end of the shower column and a hand shower connectable at the second end of the shower column opposite the first end via a hose connection. A diverter is positioned within the shower column at the supply location, and in a first embodiment, a flow selection valve is positioned toward the hand shower from the diverter along a fluid path defined, at least in part, by the shower column.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-5, a shower column assembly10is shown, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example shown, the shower column assembly10includes a shower column12, which is mountable to a wall using a first shower column mount14and a second shower column mount16. The shower column12is generally positioned vertically and has opposing ends, with a showerhead18positioned at a first end and a hand shower20connectable to a second end of the shower column via a hose22. The hand shower20can be retained by a hand shower mount24which clamps onto the shower column12at a user-selectable location.

In the embodiment shown, the shower column12has a generally straight, vertically oriented bar section121and a bent section122positioned at a first end (above the first shower column mount) leading to the showerhead18. In example embodiments, the bent section122, also optionally referred to herein as a showerhead extension arm, is detachable, and may be affixed in place using a hex screw. Details regarding attachment of the bar section121and bent section122are seen in further detail inFIG. 9, described below.

The shower column assembly10is generally attached to a wall (e.g., a wall of a shower) and is fluidically connected to a water supply line (not shown) which is typically positioned behind the wall to the showerhead18and/or hand shower20. The water supply line will typically be fluidically connected to a water supply by a water supply control valve (also not shown) which is typically mounted on a wall of the shower adjacent to the shower column assembly10. The water supply control valve will generally allow a user to turn on/off water supply and provide temperature control. In example embodiments, the water supply control valve can be a water supply mixing valve, as is generally known in the art. In some embodiments, the water supply can also be controlled by, e.g., a tub diverter valve included at a tub filler, in arrangements where the shower column assembly10is mounted above a tub. Other water supply control arrangements could be used as well.

The first shower column mount14mounts the shower column assembly10to a wall at a first location. The first shower column mount14also provides a fluidic connection to the water supply line positioned behind the wall. The first shower column mount14is joined to the shower column12at a supply location141. In the embodiment shown, the first shower column mount14includes a supply bracket142constructed as a collar around the shower column12with a cylindrical aperture extending from the collar. As further discussed below, the supply bracket142fluidically connects to a water supply pipe via a supply adapter143which extends through a wall. A mounting bracket144mounts to the wall and surrounds, or circumscribes, at least a portion of the supply bracket142and/or supply adapter143. An escutcheon145is then positioned over the mounting bracket144to provide a decorative appearance to the shower column assembly and obscure the mounting bracket144from view. Additional details describing the construction and installation of the first shower column mount are provided below in conjunction withFIGS. 6-9.

The second shower column mount16also mounts the shower column assembly10to a wall at a second location. In example embodiments, the second shower column mount16is adjustable in position along the shower column, allowing an installing user to select a distance (e.g., a vertical spacing) between the first and second shower column mounts14,16. The second shower column mount16includes a wall mount assembly161, a stabilization bracket162, and an escutcheon163that surrounds or circumscribes at least a portion of the wall mount assembly. In the example shown, the stabilization bracket162is formed as a collar having a cylindrical extension which is adjustably supported by the wall mount assembly161, as further discussed below in connection withFIGS. 10-12. Generally, however, during installation, a user may select a desired distance by sliding the stabilization bracket to a desired location, and affixing the wall mount assembly161to a wall at the corresponding location. The stabilization bracket162and wall mount assembly161are then adjustably interconnected (as discussed below) and the escutcheon163affixed over the wall mount assembly. Details regarding wall mounting of both the first and second shower column mounts14,16are provided below.

In the embodiment shown, the showerhead18is implemented as a generally cylindrical overhead shower providing a rainfall effect. However, in alternative embodiments, the showerhead can be different shapes, or be positioned in alternative locations (e.g., mounted to a vertical portion of the shower column12and oriented outwardly, or other configurations).

As noted above, the hand shower20is fluidically connected at a second end of the shower column12via a hose22, which connects via a threaded hose connection124at the end of the shower column opposite the end from which the showerhead18extends. In the embodiment shown, the hand shower20is generally cylindrical, although other shapes could be used as well. In the embodiment shown, the hand shower20includes a valve201, shown as a push-button actuated, open/close valve (although alternative valve constructions could be used as well). The valve201can be used to selectably operate the hand shower20when water is received at the shower column assembly10from the supply pipe. Details of the valve201and hand shower20generally are discussed further below in connection withFIGS. 21-23.

The hose22is generally a flexible, pressure-withstanding fluid conduit, and in the embodiment shown, has one or more threaded connections. In the embodiment shown, when interconnected to the hand shower20and the shower column12, the hose extends axially from the shower column, to provide a streamlined appearance and omnidirectional use by way of hose flexion. The hose22optionally also extends from an end of the hand shower20, and can be connected by a threaded or crimped connection to the hand shower20as well. In example embodiments, the hose can be constructed from any of a variety of flexible materials, such as a braided metal surrounding a rubber or plastic core, or a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). Other materials may be utilized as well.

The hand shower20is joined to the hose22at a tapered end, which can be held by the hand shower mount24at a desired height along the shower column12. The hand shower mount24has a tapered aperture241sized to receive a base of the hand shower20and allow hose22to pass therethrough. The hand shower mount24also includes a clamp handle242and clamp body243, with the clamp handle being operable by a user to loosen a frictional attachment to the shower column12and slide the hand shower mount to a desired height before re-tightening the clamp body243via the handle242. Details regarding an interior construction of the hand shower mount24are provided below, in connection withFIG. 24.

It is noted that, in some embodiments, the shower column assembly10may be provided in an at least partially disassembled state, for example with the bent section122and straight section121of the shower column detached, and with the second shower column mount16, the hand shower20, the hose22, and the hand shower mount24being detached from the shower column12. In such an arrangement, during installation, the hand shower mount24will preferably be fed onto a lower portion of the shower column12prior to the collar of the stabilization bracket162of the second shower column mount16. In that way, after installation, the hand shower mount24may be repositionable at any location between the first shower column mount14and second shower column mount16without risk of the loosened hand shower mount falling off of the shower column12.

In the embodiment shown, and with particular reference toFIG. 5, it is noted that the shower column assembly10includes a diverter100positioned within the shower column12. In particular, the diverter100is positioned at a supply location141at which the first shower column mount14is fluidically connected to the shower column12. Operation of the diverter100is described in greater detail below with respect toFIGS. 13-20; generally, the diverter100is operable in conjunction with a valve located toward the hand shower20from the diverter100to selectively route water from the supply pipe, through the supply bracket142and supply adapter143, into the shower column12and either (1) to the showerhead18, (2) to the hand shower20, or (3) to both the showerhead18and hand shower20.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the shower column20is substantially hollow, forming a continuous fluid conduit between the showerhead18and hose22, only interrupted by the diverter100. Generally, the diverter100will move between first and second positions to alter water flow based on pressure experienced in the shower column12, and in particular, in the straight section121of the shower column. Such changes in pressure may be the result of adjusting a valve within the shower column assembly10that is located toward the hand shower20(including at the hand shower) from the diverter100. In some examples, as shown inFIG. 25below, the diverter100includes a flow restrictor302.

In some example embodiments, to provide flow control to the showerhead18and hand shower20, the hand shower20will include a valve201integrated therein, which can be manually opened or closed. When water is received from the supply pipe and the valve201integrated into the hand shower20is open, in some embodiments, the diverter will move to (or remain in) a first position which allows water flow from the diverter down through the shower column12and hose22to be sprayed by the hand shower. When water is received from the supply pipe but the valve integrated into the hand shower20is closed, diverter100will move to a position which defines a fluid path through the diverter and to the showerhead18, resulting in water flow to/through the showerhead18. In some further embodiments, when adequate water pressure is provided from the supply pipe (i.e., such that water flow through the hand shower20is not adequate to depressurize the diverter100, the diverter could be constructed to allow for output to both the hand shower20and to the showerhead18.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-9, additional details regarding the first shower column mount14, and its operation in conjunction with the shower column12, are provided. In particular, the first shower column mount includes a supply bracket142formed to include a collar146and cylindrical aperture147. The collar is sized to receive at least a portion of the shower column, such as a bent section122at a top side of the shower column and a straight section121at a bottom side. The collar also houses the diverter100at the supply location141(most clearly seen in the exploded view ofFIG. 8), and as such, the collar146also forms a portion of the shower column12, in the embodiment shown. Cylindrical aperture147extends from an opening in the collar.

The supply adapter143is, in the embodiment shown, a threaded pipe extension configured to be fluidically connected to a supply pipe. The supply adapter143has a tapered end on an opposite side to the threaded end which is sized to receive one or more fluid seals, shown as O-rings148. The supply bracket142slides over the tapered end and, cooperatively with the fluid seals, forms a sealed fluid passage149therethrough. Accordingly, the supply adapter143and supply bracket142, when installed, position the shower column12at a fixed distance from the supply pipe, and form a fluid conduit assembly between the shower column12and water supply pipe.

To hold the supply adapter143and supply bracket142in place, a mounting bracket144is slid over the supply adapter143prior to the supply adapter being joined to the supply bracket142. The mounting bracket144has a flange portion150including slots151, and is affixed to the wall using one or more toggle bolts152passing through slots in the flange portion150. A collar portion154of the mounting bracket144can include a set screw155that can be tightened to grip the supply adapter143, thereby maintaining a position of the supply adapter143relative to the wall.

Additionally, prior to joining the supply bracket142to the supply adapter143, the escutcheon145is slid over an outer surface of the cylindrical aperture147. Once the supply bracket142is joined to the supply adapter143, the escutcheon145may be slid toward the wall (i.e., away from the collar146) to cover the mounting bracket144. Additional seals and/or set screws may be used to hold the escutcheon145in place.

Accordingly, and as seen in further detail inFIG. 9, once installed, the first shower column mount14will form a fluidic connection from fluid passage149to diverter100, positioned at the supply location141within the collar146, thereby mounting the shower column12(including straight section121and bent section122affixed via set screw123) in the embodiment shown.

Referring now toFIGS. 10-12, additional details regarding the second shower column mount16, and its use in mounting the shower column assembly10to a wall, are provided. In general, the second shower column mount16includes a wall mount assembly161, a stabilization bracket162, and an escutcheon163. The wall mount assembly161, similar to mounting bracket144of the first shower column mount14, includes a flange portion164including slots165that can receive toggle bolts166for mounting the wall mount assembly161to a wall at a desired location spaced apart from the first shower column mount14. The wall mount assembly161includes a mounting protrusion167extending away from the flange portion164toward the stabilization bracket162.

The stabilization bracket162includes a collar168and a cylindrical extension169having an interior diameter slightly larger than an exterior diameter of the mounting protrusion167. As such, the stabilization bracket162can be slid over the mounting protrusion167to hold the stabilization bracket162in place. To control the distance the stabilization bracket162(and therefore the shower column12) is positioned from the wall, a compression collar170can be fitted around the mounting protrusion167at a desired location, and engaged with a flanged interior surface171of the cylindrical extension169to compress the collar170around the mounting protrusion167and frictionally retain the stabilization bracket162at a fixed position relative to the mounting protrusion167.

As with the first shower column mount, the escutcheon163is placed around the cylindrical extension169prior to joining the stabilization bracket162to the wall mount assembly161. Once the stabilization bracket162and the wall mount assembly161are interconnected, the escutcheon163can be slid into place to cover the wall mount assembly161, and optionally maintained by a set screw or other retention mechanism. The stabilization bracket162can then be affixed in place along the shower column12via a set screw128.

Referring toFIGS. 13-20, additional details regarding structure and operation of a diverter100are provided. Generally, diverter100is adapted for use within the shower column assembly10of the present disclosure. The diverter100is constructed from a diverter body200and a valve core250.

The diverter body200is seen inFIGS. 13-14, according to one example embodiment. In the example shown, the diverter body200is generally cylindrical and is seated within the shower column12, in particular in a region near the collar146at supply location141. The diverter body200has an interior chamber202, and upper and lower outlets204,206, respectively. The upper and lower outlets204,206allow water to flow toward the showerhead18and hand shower20, respectively, when the diverter is positioned within the shower column.

In the embodiment shown, the diverter body200has a lower seal208and an upper seal210. As seen inFIGS. 19-20, the lower and upper seals208,210form a seal against an interior surface of the collar146.

In the embodiment shown, the diverter body200includes one or more fluid inlet locations212. The fluid inlet locations212are positioned between the upper and lower seals208,210, and provide a fluidic connection between the interior chamber202and a fluid conduit assembly, and in particular through the fluid passage149from the water supply pipe.

Referring toFIGS. 15-18, details regarding a valve core250used in conjunction with the diverter body are now provided. In general the valve core250includes a stem portion252extending between an upper seal portion254and a lower seal portion256. The stem portion252includes a conical base section258having at least one fluid aperture260therethrough. The fluid aperture260extends between an area proximate to the stem portion252and a conical lower chamber262. When the valve core250is positioned within the diverter body200, the fluid aperture260provides fluid communication between the interior chamber202and the lower outlet206.

Interrelationships among the diverter body200, the valve core250, and other components of the shower column assembly10are illustrated in further detail inFIGS. 19-20.FIG. 19represents a state of the shower column assembly10, and diverter100in particular, either in a state where no water pressure is applied to the diverter, or where a user has selected to activate the hand shower20(e.g., by opening valve201on the hand shower). In such a circumstance, the valve core250will be positioned such that the upper seal portion254is seated within the upper outlet204, forming a seal and preventing water from flowing upward toward the showerhead18. As such, any water introduced via the fluid passage149will pass through the fluid inlet locations212to the interior chamber202, through the fluid aperture260, and into a lower portion of the shower column12, to proceed through hose22and hand shower20.

FIG. 20illustrates a second position of the diverter100in which water flow toward the showerhead18is provided. This may be the case, for example, if sufficient pressure is introduced to the diverter100, e.g., where valve201is closed and therefore a pressure differential between the interior chamber202and the upper outlet204is greater than a pressure differential between the interior chamber202and lower outlet206. In other words, water pressure introduced through the fluid passage will pressurize the interior chamber and at least partially pressurize (and optionally fill) a lower portion of the shower column12up to the valve201; however, because the portion of the shower column extending from the upper outlet204(e.g., the bent section122of the shower column12) has no valve, the interior of that portion of the shower column remains at atmospheric pressure. This pressure differential will cause movement of the valve core250from the position seen inFIG. 19to the position seen inFIG. 20. In this arrangement, water will be allowed to proceed from the fluid passage149, through the fluid inlet locations212, and out through the upper outlet204, since movement of the valve core250to the position inFIG. 20opens the sealed passage that is present inFIG. 19(as reflected by water flow arrows).

In accordance with operation of the diverter100as seen inFIGS. 19-20, and referring toFIGS. 1-20generally, the shower column arrangements according to the embodiments disclosed herein have a number of advantages. Specifically, use of a diverter at the supply location provides flexibility with respect to selectable water flow to the hand shower and/or showerhead while maintaining simplicity of internal components within the shower column. For example, because the diverter is at the supply location, there is no need for bidirectional water flow within the shower column, and instead, the entire shower column can be used as a water conduit. In other words, water in any one section of the shower column12flows in a single direction, away from the diverter100and toward either showerhead18or hand shower20. This simplifies construction of a shower column and also allows designers to control water flow rates at the diverter, showerhead, and hand shower more easily, since water flow is not constricted within the shower column. Still further, such simplification reduces the likelihood of failure of the shower column, and places the valve portions of the overall assembly (e.g., the diverter and a valve, discussed below) at readily reachable/replaceable locations on the assembly.

Referring now toFIGS. 21-23, details regarding a hand shower20are provided. Generally, the hand shower20includes a valve assembly201that is actuatable by a button205to selectively allow water flow to a nozzle assembly207. Generally, the valve assembly201is positionable in an open position (as seen inFIG. 23) and a closed position (as seen inFIG. 22) in response to a user depressing button205. The valve assembly201is spring-biased toward an open position using a spring209, in which a fluid path211is provided from a hose connection point213to the nozzle assembly. However, when the button205is depressed, the valve201is retained in the closed position seen inFIG. 22, which prevents water from flowing to the nozzle assembly207, and instead pressurizing the shower column12, and causing water flow to the showerhead18as previously described. A second depression of the button205will return the nozzle assembly to the open position.

Referring now toFIG. 24, a cross-sectional view of the hand shower mount24of the shower column assembly10described herein is shown, according to one possible embodiment. The hand shower mount24is mountable to the shower column12at any selectable location between the first and second shower column mounts12,14, and thereby provides additional convenience and customization options for a user wishing to set a convenient height for the hand shower20and/or control of valve201. In the example embodiment shown, rotation of the clamp handle242will rotate an internal camming mechanism244, which compresses (or loosens) a portion of a pipe collar246positioned around the shower column12and within the clamp body243. In example embodiments, the pipe collar246can be a rubberized or plastic anti-slip material that, when compressed against or around the shower column, affixes the hand shower mount24in a particular location and orientation along the shower column. When rotated/loosened, the pipe collar246will allow the user to reposition the hand shower mount24, so it can be subsequently affixed in a different location.

FIG. 25illustrates an alternative embodiment of a diverter body200having a flow restrictor302. In the example shown, the diverter body200is shown in cross-section with a flow restrictor302located within a valve core250. Upper and lower outlets204,206allow water to flow toward the showerhead18and hand shower20, respectively. The flow restrictor302is located within a lower seal portion256of the valve core250.

In the embodiments described herein, the diverter100functions based on differential pressure and operates when the inlet pressure is high and the outlet pressure is low. Accordingly, when the flow restrictor302is located within the valve core250of the diverter200, the flow restrictor302creates a preferable pressure environment as the pressure loss is at an area in the flow path of the water resulting in improved flow performance (e.g., as compared to when the flow restrictor is located further toward the hand shower20). In particular, the diverter100is able to function at comparatively lower operating pressures when the flow restrictor302is located within the vale core250.

Accordingly, in conjunction withFIGS. 1-25generally, the shower column assembly of the present disclosure provides advantages with respect to mounting simplicity while maintaining flexibility of mounting configuration. For example, in the embodiments discussed herein, a mounting adjustment at a second, lower mount may be used to ensure proper alignment and verticality of the shower column without having to also adjust the first (top) mount, which is a more complex mounting structure since it must also accommodate water flow. Additionally, since the valve and selection button for changing water flow is on the hand shower (in some embodiments), the quick-release clamping mechanism provided by the hand shower mount24allows a user to quickly adjust the hand shower positioning as desired. Other advantages are apparent as well, from the present disclosure.

Although operation of the shower column assembly10is described generally above with respect to certain embodiments, it is recognized that other embodiments are contemplated, consistent with the present disclosure. For example, in one variation, a valve can be located at or toward the showerhead18rather than at or toward the hand shower20from the diverter. In such an arrangement, diverter100may be inverted, such that a portion of the shower column between the diverter and the showerhead18is pressurized to provide water flow to the hand shower, rather than the opposite arrangement as noted above. Such an arrangement may be used, for example, with a gesture-controlled showerhead or other type of showerhead assembly (e.g., in which another hand shower is integrated with the showerhead).

EXAMPLES

Illustrative examples of the shower column assembly disclosed herein are provided below. An embodiment of the shower column assembly may include any one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below.

Example 1 is a shower column assembly that is connectable to a water supply having a supply pipe having a pipe outlet. The shower column assembly includes a shower column, as well as a first shower column mount and a second shower column mount. The first shower column mount includes a fluid conduit assembly connectable to a supply pipe, the fluid conduit assembly fluidically connected to the shower column at a supply location. The second shower column mount is positionable along the shower column at a secondary stabilization location. The shower column assembly further includes a showerhead fluidically connected at a first end of the shower column and a hand shower fluidically connected to the shower column via a hose connection at a second end of the shower column opposite the first end. A diverter is positioned within the shower column at the supply location, and a flow selection valve is positioned offset from the diverter along a fluid path defined, at least in part, by the shower column.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured such that the diverter is positioned offset toward the hand shower from the diverter and is adjustable between a first supply position and a second supply position, wherein in the first supply position, a first fluid path is defined through the diverter between the supply pipe and the showerhead, and in the second supply position, a second fluid path is defined through the diverter between the supply pipe and the hand shower.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 is further configured such that the diverter further includes a diverter body having an interior chamber and at least one fluid inlet location fluidically joining the interior chamber to the fluid conduit assembly. The interior chamber having an upper outlet and a lower outlet. The shower column assembly includes a valve core positioned at least in part within the interior chamber and including a base and an upper seal portion, the valve core having an outlet extending through the base and being in fluid communication with the lower outlet.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 is further configured such that the valve core is movable between the first supply position and the second supply position.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 2 is further configured to include a selector control button on the hand shower, the selector control button selectively actuating the flow selection valve.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 2 is further configured such that the flow selection valve is movable between first and second flow selection positions, and the diverter is movable between the first supply position and the second supply position in response to positioning of the flow selection valve in the first or second selection positions.

In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured such that the fluid conduit assembly includes a supply adapter fluidically connectable to the supply pipe and a supply bracket extending from the shower column at the supply location. The supply bracket is configured to sealingly join to the supply adapter to retain the shower column at a fixed position relative to the supply pipe.

In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 is further configured such that first shower column mount includes an escutcheon and a wall mount assembly. The escutcheon circumscribes at least a portion of the supply adapter and the supply bracket.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 7 is further configured such that the supply adapter is threaded to join to the supply pipe.

In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 9 is further configured such that the supply bracket includes at least one seal ring forming a fluidic seal around an outer circumference of the supply adapter.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured to include a hose connected between the second end of the shower column and the hand shower. The hose extends axially from the shower column.

In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured such that the second shower column mount includes a wall mount assembly and a stabilization bracket joinable to the wall mount assembly to define an adjustable distance between the wall mount assembly and the shower column.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured to include a hand shower mount positionable at an adjustable location along the shower column.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured to include a showerhead extension arm extending between the shower column and the showerhead.

In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured such that the flow selection valve is positioned within the hand shower.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured such that at least a portion of the shower column between the diverter and the hose connection has an interior volume forming a substantially continuous water column.

In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured such that the shower column lacks a valve positioned on the shower column between the diverter and the hose connection.

Example 18 is a shower column assembly connectable to a water supply having a supply pipe having a pipe outlet. The shower column assembly includes a shower column, as well as a first shower column mount and a second shower column mount. The shower column assembly further includes a showerhead fluidically connected at a first end of the shower column, and a hand shower fluidically connected to the shower column via a hose connection at a second end of the shower column opposite the first end. A diverter is positioned within the shower column at a supply location, the diverter including a diverter body and a valve core, the diverter body defining an interior body having an upper outlet and a lower outlet. The valve core is movable between first and second positions in response to fluid pressure in the shower column. In the first position, the valve core forms a fluid path between the supply pipe and the hand shower and a seal between the supply pipe and the showerhead, and in the second position, the valve core forms a fluid path between the supply pipe and the showerhead.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 is further configured to include a flow selection valve within the hand shower.

In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 18 is further configured such that the second shower column mount is positionable at an adjustable location along the shower column.

In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 is further configured such that the second shower column mount includes a wall mount assembly, a stabilization bracket, and an escutcheon circumscribing at least a portion of the wall mount assembly. The stabilization bracket is joinable to the wall mount assembly to define an adjustable distance between the wall mount assembly and the shower column.

Example 22 is a method of installing a shower column assembly that includes affixing a first shower column mount at a supply pipe location. This includes installing a wall mount at a supply adapter extending through a wall from a supply pipe, installing an escutcheon at least partially surrounding the supply adapter, and sealingly joining a supply bracket to the supply adapter to position a shower column at a fixed distance relative to the supply pipe, the shower column being fluidically connected to the supply bracket at a first position along the shower column and including a diverter at the first position, the shower column including a first end having a showerhead and a second end having a hose connection. The method further includes affixing a second shower column mount to the wall, the second shower column mount being movable along the shower column to a selected second position, the second shower column mount including a stabilization bracket being joinable to a wall mount assembly to define an adjustable distance between the wall mount assembly and the shower column. The method also includes connecting a hand shower to the second end of the shower column via a hose at the hose connection

Example 23 is shower column assembly connectable to a water supply that has a supply pipe having a pipe outlet. The shower column assembly includes a shower column that includes a first shower column mount that includes a fluid conduit assembly connectable to a supply pipe. The fluid conduit assembly is fluidically connected to the shower column at a supply location. The shower column assembly includes a second shower column mount positionable along the shower column at a secondary stabilization location. The shower column assembly includes a showerhead fluidically connected at a first end of the shower column and a hand shower fluidically connectable to the shower column via a hose connection at a second end of the shower column opposite the first end. The shower column assembly includes a diverter positioned within the shower column at the supply location and a flow restrictor valve positioned in the diverter.

In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 is further configured such that the diverter further includes a diverter body having an interior chamber and at least one fluid inlet location fluidically joining the interior chamber to the fluid conduit assembly. The interior chamber has an upper outlet and a lower outlet. The diverter includes a valve core positioned at least in part within the interior chamber and including a base and an upper seal portion. The valve core has an outlet extending through the base and being in fluid communication with the lower outlet, and the flow restrictor is positioned within the valve core.

In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 23 is further configured such that the diverter functions based on differential pressure and operates when inlet pressure is high and outlet pressure is low.