Recirculating shower system

The present disclosure relates to a recirculating shower system. The recirculating shower system may include a first shower outlet and a second shower outlet. The recirculating shower system may include a fresh water conduit fluidly coupled to the first shower outlet and a recirculated fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the second shower outlet. The fresh water conduit and the recirculated fluid conduit may be arranged such that warmer fresh water flowing through the fresh water conduit may heat cooler recirculated fluid flowing through the recirculated fluid conduit.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of shower systems and, more particularly, to the field of water-recirculating shower systems.

Existing showers, which may be installed in private (e.g., homes) or public (e.g., gyms, hotels) locations, may consume significant amounts of water with each use. It may be desirable in certain circumstances to reduce the amount of water consumed and the amount of waste produced from each shower, which may advantageously contribute to enhanced water conservation and reduced water pollution.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an improved shower system that can recycle and recirculate dispensed water to reduce pollution and consumption of clean, fresh water.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a recirculating shower system that includes a first shower outlet and a second shower outlet. The recirculating shower system may include a fresh water conduit fluidly coupled to the first shower outlet and a recirculated fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the second shower outlet. The fresh water conduit and the recirculated fluid conduit may be arranged such that warmer fresh water flowing through the fresh water conduit may heat cooler recirculated fluid flowing through the recirculated fluid conduit.

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a recirculating shower system that includes a first fluid chamber fluidly coupled to a first shower outlet and a second fluid chamber fluidly coupled to a second shower outlet. The recirculating shower system may include a receptacle operably coupled to the first shower outlet and the second shower outlet. The receptacle may be configured to collect fluid dispensed from the first shower outlet and the second shower outlet. The recirculating shower system may include a fresh fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the second fluid chamber and configured to provide a fresh fluid to the second fluid chamber. The first shower outlet may be configured to dispense the collected fluid and the second shower outlet may be configured to dispense the fresh fluid. The first fluid chamber may be separate from the second fluid chamber.

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a recirculating shower system that includes a showerhead including a plurality of outlets. The recirculating shower system may include a receptacle operably coupled to the showerhead and configured to collect fluid dispensed from the plurality of outlets. The recirculating shower system may include a first fluid conduit fluidly coupled to a first outlet of the plurality of outlets and a second fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the receptacle and to a second outlet of the plurality of outlets. The recirculating shower system may include a heat exchanger. The first fluid source may be configured to provide fresh fluid to the first outlet and the second fluid source may be configured to provide recirculated fluid to the second outlet. The heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between the relatively hot fresh fluid from the first fluid conduit and the relatively cool recirculated fluid from the second fluid conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, in various embodiments, a recirculating shower system includes at least one shower outlet, a shower panel fluidly coupled to the shower outlet, a shower tray, and a soap and debris management assembly. The shower panel may be configured to house water recirculation equipment within a showering space (e.g., a corner). In various embodiments, the shower panel may facilitate access to shower control components for ease of installation and/or servicing. The shower panel may also be designed to serve as an aesthetic cover to obscure potentially unsightly shower control components. In various embodiments, the shower control components may include, but are not limited to one or more pumps, motors, filters, DTV prompt, etc. In various embodiments, the shower panel may be removably coupled to the region within the shower via one or more hinges or latches.

In various embodiments, the shower tray (“receptor”) may be in operative communication with the shower panel and is configured to collect water dispensed from a water source (e.g., shower head). In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include a central controlling mechanism to facilitate operatively linking the shower tray with a sump, the shower panel, and/or other shower components. In various embodiments, the shower tray may be customizable.

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may be configured to dispense fluid collected in the shower tray at a predetermined rate. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may be configured to dispense fluid collected in the shower tray such that the water in the shower tray is fully replaced within a specified amount of time (e.g., 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.).

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include a soap and debris management assembly. The soap and debris management assembly may be configured to monitor and/or remove soap and debris from water collected from the shower tray, facilitate treatment of the collected water, and enable recirculation of the collected and treated water. In various embodiments, soap and/or debris removal may be based, at least in part, on one or more characteristics associated with a water flow from a top surface of the shower tray to a recirculation sump, and an overflow drain point. In various embodiments, the one or more characteristics may include, but are not limited to, soap content (e.g., amount of foam generation, etc.), and debris (e.g., hair, dirt, etc.). In various embodiments, the soap and debris removal assembly may be configured to minimize how much foam and/or debris is generated, how foam and/or debris can be minimized, and/or how foam and/or debris can be removed. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include a large periphery that directs soapy water to flow in a thin layer over an edge on a top surface of the shower tray and into a hidden water handling channel that subsequently directs it to the overflow sump and/or into a scavenge pump sump. The large periphery, which causes the thin flow layer, enables foam and/or bubbles to be carried out of sight of a shower user and into the overflow sump. In various embodiments, the shower tray includes a lid (i.e., standing area for a user) that may be angled to complement the hidden water handling channel.

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include an intermediate pump that is integrated between the shower tray and the shower panel. In various embodiments, the intermediate pump may be a standard pump or it may be a bespoke pump, specially configured and customized for a particular system. In various embodiments, the intermediate pump may initiate a scavenging operation to facilitate recirculating collected water. In various embodiments, the intermediate pump may initiate the scavenging operation at the bottom of the shower sump. In various embodiments, the intermediate pump may remain accessible while in use to facilitate installation and/or servicing.

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include a water control system. The water control system may facilitate water-related measurements and automatic control of water-related metrics. In various embodiments, the control system may provide automatic responses to manage and maintain water cleanliness based on measured levels of water contamination and/or water clarity. In various embodiments, the automatic responses may be based on threshold values of water contamination and/or water clarity. In some embodiments, the threshold values may be user-defined, manufacturer-defined, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the control system may be configured to measure water turbidity. In some embodiments, the control system may be operatively coupled to a water turbidity sensor (e.g., in-line sensor, etc.) to facilitate water monitoring. In some embodiments, the control system may be configured to cause removal of soiled water from the recirculating shower system based on a water-related measurement or sample (e.g., water turbidity). In various embodiments, the control system may facilitate measurement and mitigation of various human borne contaminants (e.g., soap, gels, etc.). In various embodiments, the control system may facilitate acid testing and/or treatment of water within the recirculating shower system. In some embodiments, the control system may include one or more drain-down and/or refresh cycles, which facilitate enhanced water cycling and, consequently, enhanced user experience by reducing user need to self-monitor a condition of dispensed water during use. In various embodiments, the control system and operations may be customizable based on user and/or manufacturer preferences.

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include an ozone generator to facilitate disinfected recirculating shower system. In various embodiments, the ozone generator may be coupled to the recirculating shower system such that fresh water (e.g., from a cold water manifold, mixing valve, etc.) may be injected with ozone to facilitate disinfecting the water of bacteria, viruses, or other contaminates.

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include a self-heating unit or may have self-heating capabilities associated with one or more components. In various embodiments, one or more heaters may be in fluid communication with water collected by the overflow sump and/or scavenge sump pump. In other embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include a controllable mixer for controlling a temperature of collected and treated water dispensed from a water source (e.g., showerhead). In some embodiments, the controllable mixer and/or the one or more heaters may operate based on one or more predetermined temperature settings. In various embodiments, the predetermined temperature settings may be based on a user-defined temperature set point, a manufacturer-defined set point, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may implement self-heating capabilities (e.g., via the one or more heaters and/or the controllable mixer) during a pre-shower warm up. In various embodiments, the pre-shower warm up may cause the recirculating shower to self-heat until at least one of a time and temperature set point is reached. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower may be configured to operate in response to manual and/or automated commands (e.g., AI).

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include a plurality of shower outlets each in fluid communication with a plurality of fluid sources (e.g., via a conduit). In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include two or more showerheads for dispensing the plurality of fluid sources (e.g., via a conduits). In other embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include one showerhead that includes multiple subsets of outlets each in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid sources (e.g., via a conduits). In various embodiments, the plurality of outlets may be configured such that the fluids from the plurality of fluid sources (e.g., via a conduits) do not mix (e.g., combine, touch, etc.) upstream of the plurality of outlets (e.g., prior to dispensing from the showerhead). In these embodiments, the plurality of fluid sources may be mixed within the air of the recirculating shower system (e.g., simultaneously dispensed to a user). In other embodiments, one or more of the fluids from the plurality of fluid sources (e.g., via a conduits) may mix (combine, touch, etc.) upstream of the plurality of outlets (e.g., prior to dispensing from the showerhead). In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include two or more fluid sources (e.g., via conduits) of the plurality of fluid sources configured such that the fluid sources create a heat exchanger relative to one another at a location upstream of the showerhead. By way of example, two fluid sources (e.g., piping systems, conduits) may be configured such that a first fluid source (e.g., conduit, piping, etc.) is surrounded by a second fluid source (e.g., conduit, piping, etc.) and a first fluid of the first fluid source flows in a direction opposite a second fluid of the second fluid source. By way of example, two fluid sources (e.g., fluid within conduits, piping systems) may be configured such that a first fluid source (e.g., conduit, piping, etc.) is surrounded by a second fluid source (e.g., conduit, piping, etc.) and a first fluid of the first fluid source flows in a parallel direction of a second fluid of the second fluid source. Accordingly, the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit may be configured to exchange heat.

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include one or more mode controllers (e.g., knob, button, switch, etc.) configured for a user to switch between a first, second, or third operating mode. In these embodiments, the first operating mode may include the plurality of outlets only dispensing a first fluid, the second operating mode may include the plurality of outlets only dispensing a second fluid, and the third operating mode may include the plurality of outlets dispensing a combination of the first and the second fluids.

In various embodiments, the self-heating capabilities may include management and draw off of cold water in supply pipes (which are fluidly coupled to the controllable mixer). In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may be configured to automatically purge cold and/or tepid water within a water recirculation loop. The automatic purge causes shower outlets or water supplies (e.g., overhead showers, hand-held showers, body sprays, etc.) to be brought to a correct temperature (as predetermined by a user or based on a manufacturer setting) prior to a time when the user steps into the shower space. As the cold/tepid water is preemptively purged from the recirculation loop prior to the start of the shower, water waste is reduced as water is not unnecessarily dispensed from the shower outlet while the water is being warmed. In various embodiments, the self-heating capabilities may be determined based on one or more predetermined selections or based on a selections offered by customizable user interface (e.g., touch screen).

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may be configured for retrofitting into existing showering spaces. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may facilitate collection, treatment, and recirculation of water in conventional, single showering spaces (e.g., in a home, hotel etc.). In various other embodiments, the recirculating shower system may be adapted for larger, multiple showering spaces (e.g., in a gym, locker room, dormitory, etc.). In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include or be fluidly coupled to a hand shower, overhead spray, and/or body jets. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may be configured such that all included components are structurally integrated onto one chassis.

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include one or more bacterial control systems. As the recirculating shower system draws used water from a shower sump (e.g., overflow sump and/or scavenge sump), there is potential for bacterial growth within the recirculating shower system and/or its associated parts. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include a chemical dosing unit to facilitate bacterial control. In some embodiments, the chemical dosing unit may facilitate periodic cleansing of the recirculating shower system with a biocide. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may be configured to adapt to existing chemical dosing systems with existing biocides (e.g., SQ53 supplied by JVS). In various embodiments, bacterial control system may be configured to treat internal surfaces and components of the recirculating shower system. In various embodiments, the bacterial control system may include one or more filter cartridges. In some embodiments, the one or more filter cartridges may include a silver-laced filter to enhance antibiotic functionalities. In other embodiments, the bacterial control system may be configured to introduce a chemical agent (e.g., biocide, fungicide) into the shower space (e.g., shower enclosure) via a misting spray.

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may include one or more components to facilitate drainage. In some embodiments, the recirculating shower system may be configured to completely drain the shower tray of any used water once the recirculating shower system ceases operation (e.g., water turns off, pump turns off, etc.). In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system may be operated and/or controlled by software and/or control algorithms (e.g., water clarity control, etc.).

Turning now to the accompanying drawings and referring specifically toFIG.1, a schematic representation of a recirculating shower system is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.1, recirculating shower system100includes a shower outlet101for dispensing water within a shower space (e.g., shower enclosure), a shower panel105for housing recirculating equipment107within a shower space, and a shower tray110for collecting used water within the shower space. The recirculating shower system100may also include one or more sumps including, but not limited to, overflow sump120and scavenge sump125. In various embodiments, overflow sump120and scavenge sump125may be the same sump. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system100may include a separate recirculation sump fluidly connected to the overflow sump120and/or the scavenge sump125. In various embodiments, overflow sump120is disposed below the shower tray110and collects used water directed out of the shower tray110. In various embodiments, used water is directed out of the shower tray110via a periphery that causes water to flow in a thin layer over a top surface of the shower tray110and into the overflow sump120and/or the scavenge sump125.

As shown inFIG.1, the shower tray110may also include a soap and debris management assembly115, which is configured to facilitate control and management of human-borne contaminants, including soap and debris, that may be generated or introduced (directly or inadvertently) by a user within the shower space. In various embodiments, the soap and debris management assembly115may be configured to determine how much soap (e.g., foam) is generated or present and determine how it can be minimized and/or effectively removed. The soap and debris management assembly may implement one or more chemical and/or mechanical water treatments, including but not limited to, acid treatments, antibacterial treatments, filters The shower tray110may also include a channel, through which collected water may be directed to the overflow sump120and/or scavenge sump125. In various embodiments, the shower tray110may include a specialized topography—such as various angles, slopes, and/or contours—to facilitate directed collected water away from the shower tray110. The recirculating shower system100may also include a scavenge pump130to pump collected water from at least one of the overflow sump120and the scavenge sump125to the recirculation equipment107.

As shown inFIG.1, the shower panel105may include at least one motor135configured to drive at least one of the scavenge pump130and/or an intermediate pump145(to pump water through recirculation equipment107). The shower panel105may also include one or more filters140, which may remove various contaminants from recirculated water. As shown, the recirculating shower system100may also include a control system155, which is configured to manage and control operations related to recirculation of water dispensed and collected within the shower space. In various embodiments, the control system155may be operatively coupled to one or more heaters160, mixers165, and/or sensors170. In various embodiments, the one or more heaters160may be disposed within or separate from (but operatively coupled to) the shower panel105. The one or more heaters160may facilitate heating water pumped from the overflow sump120and/o scavenge sump125for eventual output through the shower outlet101. Mixer165may be controlled by the control system155and may facilitate moderating a temperature of recirculated water flowing through the recirculating shower system100. In various embodiments, the control system155may be configured to enable a self-heating operation of the recirculating shower system100, wherein at least one of the intermediate pump145and the scavenge pump130may purge cold/tepid water from within the recirculation equipment107and initiate warming of recirculated water prior to dispensing of the water through the shower outlet101. In various embodiments, control system155may control operations within recirculating shower system100based on one or more inputs from one or more communicatively coupled sensors170, which may be configured to detect a water flow turbidity, a water contamination level, a water temperature, or any other relevant metric related to water flow within the recirculating shower system100.

Recirculating shower system100may also include a bacterial control system175, which may include one or more chemical dosing units to facilitate cleansing of surfaces and components within the recirculating shower system100. In various embodiments, the bacterial control system175may include one or more biocides, fungicides, and/or other chemical agents to enable cleaning of the recirculating shower system100.

Finally, as shown inFIG.1, the recirculating shower system100may include a user interface180, which may be operatively coupled to the shower panel105, the control system155, and/or bacterial control system175. The user interface180may enable setting of operation thresholds (e.g., temperature set points, water flow ranges, etc.) within the recirculating shower system100.

FIG.2shows a perspective view of recirculating shower system100according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the recirculating shower system100may be disposed within a shower space and include shower outlet101(e.g., shower head, hand-held outputs, jets, etc.), shower panel105, and fluidly coupled shower tray110. As shown, shower panel105may be mounted within a corner or area of a shower space that may be configured to house various components related to control of the recirculating shower system100(e.g., recirculation equipment107, motor135, filters140, intermediate pump145, etc.). As shown inFIG.2, shower panel105may also facilitate access to additional controls182associated with recirculating shower system, which may include, but are not limited to, knobs and/or interfaces to facilitate changing a temperature of water. According to another exemplary embodiment, the additional controls182may include features providing the user of the shower with the ability to turn on or off the recirculating features of the shower (e.g., to toggle between a showering experience that utilizes only fresh water and a showering experience that uses both fresh water and recirculated water).

As shown inFIG.2, shower tray110includes soap and debris management assembly115. In various embodiments, soap and debris management assembly115may include one or more channels disposed within the shower tray. As shown, the channels of the soap and debris management assembly115are disposed substantially along a perimeter of the shower tray110and surrounding a standing area184, on which a user may stand while using the recirculating shower system100.

FIG.3shows a top view of the recirculating shower system100according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, shower panel105may be mounted on a surface within a shower space that is substantially perpendicular to the shower tray110. As previously described, the shower panel105is configured to house, among other components, water recirculation equipment107. To facilitate access to such components, the shower panel105may be flexibly and/or removably coupled to the shower space. As shown, the shower panel105may be coupled to a portion of the shower space via a coupling188(e.g., latch, catch, etc.). The shower panel105may then be rotated in a direction186to enable access to the one or more components, such as recirculation equipment107, housed within the shower panel105in an access region190. In various other embodiments, shower panel105may be removed entirely.

FIG.4shows a top view of the recirculating shower system100near the shower tray110. As shown, the shower tray includes one or more channels within the soap and debris management assembly115, which may be disposed along a perimeter of the shower tray110and surrounding standing area184. Shower tray110may also include a central channel192, which is in fluid communication with the channels of the soap and debris management assembly115. Water collected within the shower tray110within the soap and debris management assembly115may flow through the central channel192and to sump and valve assembly195, as shown. Sump and valve assembly195may facilitate sending water for subsequent recirculation, draining, or further collection within the shower tray110. Water flowing through the central channel192may flow into a reservoir196, which collects and directs water to a rotary valve198. In various embodiments, rotary valve198may be manually and/or remotely controlled (e.g., via software). The rotary valve198may be fluidly connected to drain194and a pump feed chamber200.

ThoughFIGS.2-4show shower tray110as having a rectangular shape, shower tray110may have any polygonal shape.FIG.5shows shower tray110having various other shapes (e.g., circular, semi-circular or partially circular, oval, etc.), according to various other exemplary embodiments.

FIG.6shows a perspective view of the sump and valve assembly195disposed within shower tray110according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, sump and valve assembly195includes reservoir196, which is configured to collect water at an inlet203, wherein the collected water is received from central channel192and channels of soap and debris management system115. Collected water within the reservoir196remains in a return sump206and is controllably directed away from the reservoir196based on an operation of the fluidly coupled rotary valve198. Rotary valve198may be controlled to facilitate water flow through one or more ports209, which may each direct water along one or more flow paths away from the reservoir196. In various embodiments, the rotary valve198may be configured to have three positions: a first position to direct water for subsequent recirculation, a second position for directing water to drain194, and a third position for directing water for subsequent cleaning (e.g., via filters140, bacterial control system175, and/or another treatment system contained within recirculating shower system100).

FIG.7shows a top view of the sump and valve assembly195, according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG.7illustrates first, second, and third water flow paths, which correspond to each of the first, second, and third positions of rotary valve198, respectively. As shown, first flow path221directs collected water to pump inlet212, wherein water may be pumped (e.g., via intermediate pump145, scavenge pump130, and or another pump within recirculating shower system100) for subsequent recirculation through recirculating shower system100and re-dispersal through shower outlet101. Second flow path215may direct collected water to drain194, wherein water may be drained and removed from the recirculating shower system100. Third flow path218may direct collected water to one or more water treatment systems or assemblies included within the recirculating shower system100, which include, but are not limited to, the soap and debris management assembly115, bacterial control system175, filters140, an acid testing assembly, etc. In various embodiments, the position of the rotary valve198, and subsequent determined water flow path, may be based on a measured characteristic associated with the collected water (e.g., water turbidity, water acidity, water soap content, water contaminant levels, etc.).

FIG.8shows a flow diagram illustrating a method300including various operations carried out by recirculating shower system100, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, clean water may be output from shower outlet101in operation305for use by a user within a shower space. The water used by the user may be collected within the shower tray110in operation310and subsequently directed (e.g., via one or more channels) to the reservoir196and sump and valve assembly195in operation315. In operation320, used and collected water may be treated and/or filtered by the soap and debris management assembly115and/or by filters140to remove contaminants based on a position of the rotary valve198. In operation325, water is pumped (e.g., via intermediate pump145and/or scavenge pump130) and recirculated through recirculation equipment107(in shower panel105) and readied for re-dispensing through the shower outlet101. In various embodiments, control system155may initiate a self-heating operation which causes cold/tepid water to be pumped (e.g., via intermediate pump145) out of recirculation lines (e.g., within recirculation equipment107) in operation330. Newly recirculated water is then heated (e.g., via a heater160) in operation335prior to operation of recirculating shower system100by a user. In various embodiments, after a predetermined amount of time or water recirculation cycles, or after predetermined number of uses by a user, bacterial control system175may initiate cleansing of surfaces and components within recirculating shower system100.

FIG.9shows a perspective view of a recirculating shower system400, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the recirculating shower system400may include a showerhead500fluidly coupled to a recirculated fluid pipe or conduit425and a fresh water fluid pipe or conduit420. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may include a shower wall410(e.g., panel, enclosure, etc.). The shower wall410may be mounted within a corner or area of a shower space and may be configured to house various components related to the recirculating shower system400(e.g., the recirculated fluid conduit425, the fresh water conduit420, controls, etc.). As shown inFIG.9, the recirculating shower system400may include a receptacle415(e.g., tray, tub, reservoir, etc.) for collecting fluid from the showerhead500. In various embodiments, the receptacle415may be operably coupled to the showerhead500such that fluid dispensed from the showerhead500is collected within the receptacle415and is expelled through a drain430. In various embodiments, the drain430may be flush with the receptacle415. In various other embodiments, the drain430may be positioned on top of or underneath the receptacle415. In various embodiments, the drain430may include one or more features to prevent blockage of fluid to the drain430. For example, the drain430may include a cover to prevent a user from blocking the drain430with their foot. In other embodiments, the drain430may be sized to prevent a user from blocking the drain430(e.g., larger than the average width of a human foot).

FIG.10shows a side view of the recirculating shower system400, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.10, the fresh water conduit420may be coupled to one or more mixers435. In various embodiments, the mixer435may be configured to receive hot water from a hot water fluid source (e.g., from a water manifold) and cool water from a cool water fluid source (e.g., from a water manifold). The mixer435may be configured to mix the hot water and the cool water to accommodate various temperatures of fluid expelled through the showerhead500. In various embodiments, the mixer435may be configured to accommodate a temperature based on a user input (e.g., via a knob, handle, user interface180, etc.). In various embodiments, the mixer435may be configured to accommodate a temperature based on one or more temperature sensors, as discussed in greater detail below. In various other embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may not include a mixer435, such that the showerhead500receives fluid directly from a water manifold system.

As shown inFIG.10, the recirculating shower system400may include a recirculating pump assembly600operably coupled to the drain430. As discussed in greater detail below, in various embodiments, the recirculating pump assembly600may be configured to receive collected fluid within the receptacle415via the drain430. In various embodiments, the recirculating pump assembly600may be configured to pump the collected fluid away from the drain430and back to the showerhead500. For instance, as shown inFIG.10, the recirculating pump assembly600may be operably coupled with the recirculated fluid conduit425such that the collected fluid received from the drain430can be recirculated back to the showerhead500.

As shown inFIG.10, the recirculating shower system400may include a portion that is configured as a heat exchanger440. In various embodiments, the heat exchanger440includes an outer fluid pipe or conduit that encloses an inner fluid pipe or conduit. In various embodiments, a portion of the fresh water conduit420(shown as outer pipe450inFIG.11) may enclose (e.g., surround, receive, etc.) a portion of the recirculated fluid conduit425, as discussed in greater detail below. Warmer water flowing through the fresh water conduit420may then be utilized to warm cooler water flowing through the recirculated fluid conduit425. It should be noted that while the embodiments shown herein illustrate a situation where the fresh water fluid conduit has a portion of the recirculated fluid conduit therein, the reverse may be true according to other exemplary embodiments (e.g., the recirculated fluid conduit may contain a portion of the fresh water fluid conduit therein).

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may be configured to completely refresh the fluid within the system400within a predetermined time. For instance, in various embodiments, the flow rate of the fresh water dispensed through the showerhead500(e.g., from the fresh water conduit420) may be less than the flow rate of the recirculated fluid pumped through the recirculated fluid conduit425and dispensed through the showerhead500such that fluid is constantly being recirculated through the system400. By way of example, the showerhead500may be configured to dispense fresh water at a flow rate of 2 liters per minute. The total volume of fluid within the system400may be about 1 liter. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the system400is configured to completely refresh the fluid within the system400within about 30 seconds. In various other embodiments, the flow rate of the fresh water and recirculated fluid may differ.

As shown in greater detail inFIG.11, the outer pipe450may be configured to receive fresh water from a fresh water source (e.g., from the mixer435or directly from a fluid manifold). The outer pipe450can completely enclose a portion of the recirculated fluid conduit425. In various embodiments, the recirculated fluid conduit425may include one or more pipes made from various metallic or non-metallic materials (e.g., copper, plastic, aluminum, etc.). In various embodiments, the outer pipe450may include one or more pipes made from various metallic or non-metallic materials (e.g., plastic, PVC, aluminum, copper, etc.). As described in greater detail below, the outer pipe450can be sealed around a portion of the recirculated fluid conduit425such that fluid flowing within the outer pipe450(e.g., fresh water) can flow between the outer pipe450and the enclosed portion of the recirculated fluid conduit425. Accordingly, the fluid within the outer pipe450(e.g., fresh water) and the portion of the recirculated fluid conduit425can be configured to directly contact (e.g., fluid surrounds conduit425) such that heat can be exchanged between the relatively hot fresh water flowing through the outer pipe450and the relatively cool recirculated fluid flowing through the recirculated fluid conduit425.

As shown inFIGS.10and11, the recirculating shower system400may be configured such that the relatively hot fresh water within the outer pipe450and the relatively cool recirculated fluid within the recirculated fluid conduit425flow in opposing directions. For instance, the relatively hot fresh water provided by the mixer435may flow through the outer pipe450and be received through the fresh water conduit420by a coupling455, as discussed in greater detail below. In these embodiments, the relatively hot fresh water flows in a generally downward direction from the mixer435(or manifold) towards bottom end of the shower system400(e.g., towards the drain430, towards the receptacle415, etc.). The recirculating shower system400may be configured such that the relatively cool recirculated fluid flows in an opposing direction of the relatively hot water flowing through the outer pipe450. For instance, as shown inFIGS.10and11, the recirculated fluid can flow from the recirculating pump assembly600towards the showerhead500. In these embodiments, the recirculated fluid flowing within the portion of the recirculated fluid conduit425enclosed by the outer pipe450can flow in a direction that opposes the flow of the fresh water within the outer pipe450. According to various other embodiments discussed in greater detail below, the recirculating shower system400may be configured such that the relatively hot fresh water and the relatively cool recirculated water flow in the same direction.

FIG.12shows a perspective view of the showerhead500, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.12, the showerhead500may include a plurality of outlets. In various embodiments, the showerhead500may include at least one recirculated fluid outlet505. In various embodiments, the showerhead500may include at least one fresh water outlet510. As shown inFIG.12, in various embodiments, the recirculated fluid outlets505may be larger in size than the fresh water outlets510. For instance, the recirculated fluid outlets505may be larger than the fresh water outlets510such that the recirculated fluid outlets505can pass (e.g., expel, dispense, etc.) debris such as soap, hair, dirt, or other various blockages. In various other embodiments, the recirculated fluid outlets505and the fresh water outlets510may be the same size. In various embodiments, the recirculated fluid outlets505may be configured to receive fluid from the recirculated fluid conduit425, as described in greater detail below. In various embodiments, the fresh water outlets510may be configured to receive fluid from the fresh water conduit420, as described in greater detail below.

In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may be configured to switch between various operating modes. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may be configured to receive a user input (e.g., via user interface180). The recirculating shower system400may be configured to switch from one operating mode to a second operating mode based on the user input. For instance, the recirculating shower system400may be configured to dispense only recirculated fluid through the recirculated fluid outlets505in a first operating mode. The recirculating shower system400may be configured to dispense only fresh water through the fresh water outlets510in a second operating mode. The recirculating shower system400may be configured to dispense both recirculated fluid through the recirculated fluid outlets505and fresh water through the fresh water outlets510in a third operating mode. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may include various components (e.g., valves, knobs or other user inputs, etc.) to facilitate shutting on and/or off the recirculated fluid conduit425(e.g., stopping flow of fluid) and/or the fresh water conduit420(e.g., stopping flow of fluid).

FIG.13shows a side view of the recirculating pump assembly600according to an exemplary embodiment. As discussed above, the recirculating pump assembly600may be configured to facilitate recirculating fluid collected within the receptacle415. In various embodiments, the recirculating pump assembly600may receive the collected fluid and other waste (e.g., soap, dirt, etc.) from the drain430. In various embodiments, waste may be expelled through a waste outlet610within a sump605, as shown inFIG.13. A portion of the fluid collected within the sump605can be distributed towards a pump615. The pump615may then be configured to pump the collected water through the recirculated fluid conduit425to be dispensed back through the showerhead500. While the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG.13includes one sump605, one waste outlet610, and one pump615, various other embodiments may include more or less sumps605, waste outlets610, and pumps615. In various embodiments, the recirculating pump assembly600may include more or less components including, but not limited to, filters, water treatments, and heaters. In various embodiments, the recirculating pump assembly600may be positioned in various other locations throughout the recirculating shower system400.

FIG.14shows a side view of a portion of the recirculating shower system400, according to an exemplary embodiment. In particular,FIG.14shows a side view of the coupling455between the outer pipe450and the enclosed portion of the recirculated fluid conduit425to form the heat exchanger440. As discussed above, the recirculated fluid from the drain430can be pumped through the recirculated fluid conduit425to flow in an upward direction (e.g., in a general direction from the drain430to the showerhead500). The fresh water can be provided by the mixer435(or through a water manifold system) to flow in a downward direction (e.g., in a general direction from the mixer435towards the receptacle415). As shown inFIG.14, the fresh water conduit420may be configured to couple to the outer pipe450such that the fresh water conduit420can receive the fresh water from the outer pipe450and dispense the fresh water through the showerhead500(e.g., through the fresh water outlets510). As discussed in greater detail below, the coupling455may include several components to seal the outer pipe450around the recirculated fluid conduit425.

FIG.15shows a perspective view of the showerhead500, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.15, the showerhead500may include a recirculating fluid portion520that may be configured to couple to a fresh water portion525. In various embodiments, the recirculating fluid portion520may be configured to couple to the fresh water portion525through one or more retaining clips530(e.g., tabs, snaps, clips, etc.). In various embodiments, the showerhead500may include a latch retainer535and a spring-loaded latch540, as shown inFIG.15. In various embodiments, the spring-loaded latch540may be configured to receive (e.g., compress, lock, attach, etc.) the latch retainer535to facilitate coupling the recirculating fluid portion520with the fresh water portion525. In various embodiments, the recirculating fluid portion520may be configured to couple to the fresh water portion525through various fasteners (e.g., screws, adhesives, etc.). In various embodiments, the recirculating fluid portion520may be integrally formed (e.g., welded, molded, etc.) with the fresh water portion525.

As shown inFIG.15, the showerhead500may include a recirculated fluid inlet515. In various embodiments, the recirculated fluid inlet515may be configured to couple to the recirculated fluid conduit425. In various embodiments, the recirculated fluid inlet515may be configured to be coupled to the recirculated fluid conduit425through various threaded components or fasteners. In various other embodiments, the recirculated fluid inlet515may be integrally formed with the recirculated fluid conduit425. As shown inFIG.15, the showerhead500may include a fresh water inlet550. In various embodiments, the fresh water inlet550may be configured to couple to the fresh water conduit420. In various embodiments, the fresh water inlet550may be configured to couple to the fresh water conduit420through various threaded components or fasteners. In various other embodiments, the fresh water inlet550may be integrally formed with the fresh water conduit420.

FIG.16shows a perspective view of the showerhead500with the recirculating fluid portion520coupled to the fresh water portion525, according to an exemplary embodiment. A shown inFIG.16, the recirculating fluid portion520may be configured to couple with the fresh water portion525such that the two portions form the showerhead500. In this embodiment, the retaining clip530facilitates locking the recirculating fluid portion520within the fresh water portion525and the spring-loaded latch540compresses (e.g., via a spring) to receive the latch retainer535. In various other embodiments, the recirculating fluid portion520and the fresh water portion525may be coupled in various other configurations (e.g., via fasteners, welding, molding, adhesives, etc.).

FIG.17shows an underside perspective view of the showerhead500with the recirculating fluid portion520coupled to the fresh water portion525, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.17, the recirculating fluid portion520may be coupled with the fresh water portion525such that a recirculated fluid nozzle545positioned on the recirculating fluid portion520can be positioned within the recirculated fluid outlet505′ on the showerhead500. In various embodiments, the recirculated fluid nozzles545may formed with the recirculating fluid portion520(e.g., welded, fastened, molded, etc.) to the recirculating fluid portion520and configured to protrude from the recirculated fluid outlets505′, as shown inFIG.17. In various other embodiments, the recirculated fluid nozzles545may be formed (e.g., welded, fastened, molded, etc.) with various other portions of the showerhead500, such as the fresh water portion525. In various other embodiments, the showerhead500may not include the recirculated fluid nozzles545such that recirculated fluid dispenses directly out of the recirculated fluid outlets505′.

As shown inFIG.17, the showerhead500may be configured such that the fresh water outlets510′ and the recirculated fluid outlets505′ are separate and distinct from one another (e.g., spaced apart). In various embodiments, the showerhead500may include more or less fresh water outlets510′ than those depicted inFIG.17. In various embodiments, the showerhead500may include more or less recirculated fluid outlets505′ than those depicted inFIG.17.

FIG.18shows a cross-sectional view of the showerhead500according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.18, the recirculating fluid portion520may include a recirculating fluid chamber560. In various embodiments, the recirculating fluid chamber560may provide a channel (e.g., reservoir, cannel, etc.) for the recirculated fluid to flow from the recirculated fluid inlet515to the recirculated fluid nozzle545within the recirculated fluid outlet505′. As shown inFIG.18, the fresh water portion525may include a fresh water chamber555. In various embodiments, the fresh water chamber555may provide a channel (e.g., reservoir, cannel, etc.) for the fresh water to flow from the fresh water inlet550to the fresh water outlets510′. As shown inFIG.18, the recirculating fluid chamber560may be separate and distinct from the fresh water chamber555such that the recirculated fluid and the fresh water do not mix (e.g., combine, touch, etc.) within the showerhead (e.g., prior to being dispensed from the outlets). In these exemplary embodiments, the recirculated fluid and the fresh water may simultaneously dispense towards a user within the recirculating shower system400.

FIG.19shows a schematic representation of the recirculating shower system400according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.19, the recirculating shower system400may include more than one showerhead (shown as showerhead assembly700). In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may include a first showerhead within the assembly700configured to dispense the recirculated fluid to a user (shown as user1000). In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may include a second showerhead within the assembly700configured to dispense the fresh water to the user1000. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may include more than two showerheads configured to dispense the recirculated fluid and the fresh water. In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may include one or more valves (e.g., diverter valve, three-way valve, etc.) operably connected to a controller (e.g., knob, switch, actuator, user interface180, etc.) to control the flow of the recirculated fluid and/or the fresh water to the showerhead assembly700.

As shown inFIG.19, the recirculating shower system400may include one or more temperature sensors460positioned at various locations throughout the recirculating shower system400. The temperature sensors460may be configured to detect a temperature value at various locations including, but not limited to, proximate the fresh water outlets510, proximate the recirculated fluid outlets505, within the heat exchanger440, proximate the drain430, or proximate the mixer435. The temperature sensors460may be configured to send signals to a central controller system (e.g., control system155) based on the detected temperatures. In various embodiments, the temperature sensors460may be configured to facilitate accommodating a specified temperature (e.g., through the mixer435, through the heat exchanger440, etc.). In various embodiments, the temperature sensors460may be configured to facilitate accommodating a specified temperature based on a user input (e.g., via one or more shower controls, knobs, user interface180etc.). By way of example, the control system155may be configured to process the signals from the temperature sensors460and determine, based on the signals, an operating condition of the recirculating shower system400. The control system155may be configured to send one or more control signals to various components of the recirculating shower system400based on the operating condition (e.g., increase input of hot water, decrease input of hot water, increase flow rate of fresh water, decrease flow rate of fresh water, etc.).

As shown inFIG.19, the recirculating shower system400may include one or more flow meters470positioned at various locations throughout the recirculating shower system400. The flow meters470may be configured to detect a flow rate of the recirculated fluid and/or the fresh water at various locations including, but not limited to, at the fresh water outlets510, at the recirculated fluid outlets505, within the heat exchanger440, proximate the mixer435, or proximate the pump615. The flow meters470may be configured to send signals to a central controller system (e.g., control system155) based on the detected flow rates.

In various embodiments, the flow meters470and/or the temperature sensors460may be configured to facilitate accommodating a specified temperature (e.g., to be dispensed to the user1000) within the recirculating shower system400. By way of example, the control system155may be configured to process the signals from the flow meters470and/or the temperature sensors460and calculate, based on the signals, a required flow rate of the recirculated fluid and/or the fresh water to reach a desired temperature of fluid dispensed to the user1000. The control system155may be configured to calculate, based on the signals, a required temperature of fresh water provided from the mixer435(e.g., amount of cold fresh water provided, amount of hot fresh water provided) to reach a desired temperature of fluid dispensed to the user1000. The control system155may be configured to increase or decrease the flow rates of the fluids and/or the temperature of the fresh water within the mixer435based on the calculations. In these embodiments, the control system155may be configured to increase or decrease the flow rates and/or fresh water temperature such that the user1000“feels” (e.g., detects) the change of temperature within a short period of time, and substantially instantaneously (e.g., within 1 second, within 2 seconds, etc.). As a result, the system essentially removes the “thermal lag” that may be experienced in other systems that results in a delay from the time a user wishes to increase the temperature until the time that the water temperature change is felt by the user, which typically results from the fact that other systems introduce hot water into the bulk of the flow rather than directly to the user as in the present system. Thus, in the present system, if a user were to open the shower door and cooler air enters the showering space, the system may detect that and automatically increase the flow and/or temperature of hot water directly to the user so that the user experiences substantially constant temperature on their skin.

As shown inFIG.19, the recirculating shower system400may include an ozone generator900operably coupled with the fresh water conduit420(e.g., via the outer pipe450). In various embodiments, the ozone generator900may be configured to provide ozone (e.g., via electrolysis) to the fresh water conduit420to facilitate disinfecting bacteria, viruses, or other contaminates within the recirculating shower system400. In various embodiments, the ozone generator900may be activated by a user input. For instance, the recirculating shower system400may include an actuator (e.g., button, switch, user interface180, etc.) in which, when actuated, activates the ozone generator900. In various embodiments, the ozone generator900may activate for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.). In various embodiments, the ozone generator900may cease operation (e.g., shut off) based on a user input. In various other embodiments, the ozone generator900may be operably coupled to the control system155such that the ozone generator900may be automatically activated at predetermined times (e.g., once a day, once a week, once a month, etc.). In various embodiments, the recirculating shower system400may include one or more indicators to indicate activation of the ozone generator900including, but not limited to, a sound effect and/or visual effect, such that the user1000may be able to detect the indicator. In various embodiments, the ozone generator900may be configured to provide ozone (e.g., via electrolysis) to the fresh water conduit420when the fresh water within the fresh water conduit420is at or below a specific temperature. For instance, the temperature within the fresh water conduit420may be detected by one or more sensors (e.g., via temperature sensors460, via flow meters470, etc.). The sensors may be configured to send a signal to a controller (e.g., control system155). The control system155may be configured to send one or more control signals to the ozone generator900to activate and/or deactivate based on the detected temperature.

As shown inFIG.19, the recirculating shower system400may include a drain component465to facilitate draining the fresh water and/or recirculated fluid from the recirculating shower system400when the system400is not in operation (e.g., turned off). In various embodiments, the drain component465may include a network of pipes, channels, or the like for receiving fluid when the system400is shut off. For instance, the drain component465may be positioned at a lower point within the recirculating shower system400than the fresh water conduit420and/or the recirculated fluid conduit425such that gravity facilitates draining the fresh water conduit420and/or the recirculated fluid conduit425of fluid when the recirculating shower system400is not operating (e.g., the pump615is turned off, the system400is turned off, etc.).

FIG.20shows a schematic view of the recirculating shower system400according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.20, the recirculating shower system400may be configured such that the heat exchanger440′ includes the recirculated fluid flowing substantially in the same direction as the fresh water. As shown inFIG.20, the mixer435′ can be positioned at a lower location (e.g., in line with the receptacle415, below the user1000, etc.) such that the fresh water received by the outer pipe450′ is configured to flow in an upward direction (e.g., towards the showerhead500). In this embodiment, the recirculated fluid can be pumped through the recirculated fluid conduit425enclosed within the outer pipe450′ such that the recirculated fluid and the fresh water flow substantially in the same direction to exchange heat with one another.

FIG.21shows a cross-sectional view of the coupling455′ according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.21, the coupling455′ can include a fitting825configured to couple the outer pipe450to the recirculated fluid conduit425such that the outer pipe450encloses a portion of the recirculated fluid conduit425. As shown inFIG.21, the coupling455′ may include at least one O-ring830positioned within the fitting825to facilitate sealing the outer pipe450around the recirculated fluid conduit425to create a water-tight seal. As shown inFIG.21, the coupling455′ may include a connector805configured to couple the fitting825to the fresh water conduit420such that fresh water can flow from the outer pipe450to the fresh water conduit420, and to the showerhead500. As shown inFIG.21, the coupling455′ can include a compression nut810and a compression gland815coupled (e.g., via threads820) to the fitting825to create a water-tight seal and to facilitate compressing the fitting825around the recirculated fluid conduit425such that any fresh water from the outer pipe450flows to the fresh water conduit420.

FIG.22shows a cross-sectional view of the fitting825′, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.22, the fitting825′ may be configured such that fresh water flowing through the outer pipe450may be configured to flow in various directions, using a similar compression nut810, compression gland815, and O-ring830sealing configuration described above.

Notwithstanding the embodiments described above and shown inFIGS.1-8, various modifications and inclusions to those embodiments are contemplated and considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above.

It is important to note that any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the user interface180of the exemplary embodiment described with respect toFIG.2may be incorporated in the recirculating shower system400of the exemplary embodiment described with respect toFIG.14. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.