Spray apparatus and dispensing tubes therefore

A spray apparatus comprises a housing having a fluid inlet, a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing, and an integrating member operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member. An actuator, such as a turbine or an adjustable control ring, is employed for inducing movement of the integrating member. The dispensing tubes may be flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubes. The flexibility also facilitates amplified direction/shape changes (compared to rigid dispensing tubes) in the dispensed fluid streams, e.g., when the tubes are subjected to a lateral force on one side and an opposing pivoting force (axially offset from the lateral force) on the other side.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices for distributing liquids such as water in desirable showering streams, such as showerheads and faucets.

2. Background of the Related Art

Showerheads are commercially available in numerous designs and configurations. While many showerheads are designed and sold for their decorative styling, there are many different showerhead mechanisms that are intended to improve or change one or more characteristic of the resulting water spray pattern. A particular spray pattern may be described by the characteristics of spray width, spray distribution or trajectory, spray velocity, and the like. Furthermore, the spray pattern may be adapted or designed for various purposes, including a more pleasant feeling to the skin, better performance at rinsing, massaging of muscles, and conservation of water, just to name a few.

The vast majority of showerheads may be categorized as being either stationary or oscillating, and having either fixed or adjustable openings or jets. Stationary showerheads with fixed jets are the simplest of all showerheads, consisting essentially of a water chamber and one or more jets directed to produce a constant pattern. Stationary showerheads with adjustable jets are typically of a similar construction, except that some may allow adjustment of the jet direction, jet opening size and/or the number of jets utilized. For example, a showerhead currently used in typical new residential home construction provides a stationary spray housing having a plurality of spray jets disposed in a circular pattern, wherein the velocity of the spray is adjustable by manually rotating an adjustment ring relative to the spray housing.

One example of a stationary showerhead is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,862 (Heimann et al.). The Heimann showerhead has a body with a single fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid outlets. The fluid outlets are provided in the form of a plurality of flexible tubular extensions positioned in respective perforations of a lower elastomeric wall of the showerhead body. A movable disk or plate is provided to selectively deform or flick the flexible tubular extensions so as to “flake off” lime deposits that may have adhered to, or built up within, the extensions during operation. The movement of the disk is purely a manual operation, and the plate is not adapted to alter the direction, shape, or spray pattern of the water flow.

These stationary showerheads cause water to flow through its apertures and contact essentially the same points on a user's body in a repetitive fashion. Therefore, the user feels a stream of water continuously on the same area and, particularly at high pressures or flow rates, the user may sense that the water is drilling into the body, thus diminishing the effect derived from such a shower head. In order to reduce this undesirable feeling, various attempts have been made to provide oscillating showerheads.

Examples of oscillating spray heads include the showerheads disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,791,584 (Drew et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 3,880,357 (Baisch), U.S. Pat. No. 4,018,385 (Bruno), U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,457 (Brewer), U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,064 (Heitzman), U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,927 (Lee), U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,547 (Golan et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,967 (Schorn). U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,457 (Brewer) discloses an oscillating showerhead that uses an impeller wheel mounted to a gearbox assembly that produces an oscillating movement of the nozzle. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,064 (Heitzman) discloses a showerhead having a rotary valve member driven by a turbine wheel and gear reducer for cycling the flow rate through the housing between high and low flow rates. Both of these showerheads require extremely complex mechanical structures in order to accomplish the desired motion. Consequently, these mechanisms are prone to failure due to wear on various parts and mineral deposits throughout the structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,691,584 (Drew et al.) also discloses an oscillating showerhead, but utilizes a nozzle mounted on a stem that rotates and pivots under forces places on it by water entering through radially-disposed slots into a chamber around a stem. Although this showerhead is simpler than those of Brewer and Heitzman, it still includes a large number of piece requiring precise dimensions and numerous connections between pieces. Furthermore, the Drew showerhead relies upon small openings for water passageways and is subject to mineral buildup and plugging with particles.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,927 (Lee) discloses a showerhead with an apparatus having a plurality of blades designed to produce vibration and pulsation. One blade is provided with an eccentric weight that causes vibration and an opposite blade is provided with a front flange that causes pulsation by momentarily blocking the water jets. Again, the construction of this showerhead is rather complex and its narrow passageways are subject to mineral buildup and plugging with particulates.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,547 (Golan et al.) discloses a showerhead including a housing, a turbine and a fluid exit body, such that fluid flowing through the turbine causes rotation of the turbine. The rotating turbine can be used to cause rotation of the fluid exit body and/or a side-to-side rocking motion in a pendulum-like manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,967 (Schorn) discloses a showerhead having a turbine wheel that rotates a plurality of gear disks to induce wobbling of a plurality of nozzle elements. The turbine wheel and gear disks are rotated continuously about their axes while fluid flows through the showerhead, limiting the number of nozzle elements that can be practically employed and further limiting the incorporation of shower-adjustment features.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved apparatus that delivers water in a continually changing manner, such as wobbling, orbiting, rotating, and the like. It would be desirable if the apparatus provided a simple design and construction with minimal restriction to water flow and open conduits for reducing the possibility or extent of plugging. It would be further desirable if the apparatus employed a design that facilitated easy cleaning of the fluid discharge nozzles or jets, in the event that full or partial plugging (e.g., by mineral depositing) did occur. It would be further desirable if the apparatus could be housed within a smaller housing thereby providing a higher degree of design flexibility. Ultimately, it would be desirable to have a spin driver that would operate regardless of the extent to which the spin driver was allowed to tilt.

Most spray heads, whether they are stationary or oscillating, deliver fluids in a predetermined manner. The user is not allowed to effect changes in the fluid delivery characteristics of the spray head, except perhaps increasing or decreasing the fluid flow rate by turning the control valve that communicates fluid to the spray head. One such spray head which allows user adjustments between a vibrating (i.e., massage) mode and a non-vibrating mode is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,927 (Lee). However, spray heads that allow adjustment of other fluid delivery characteristics have not been available. Another such spray head which allows user adjustments concerning the shape of the resulting spray pattern is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,664 (Heitzman, also mentioned above). The Heitzman showerhead employs a control ring for selective rotation of a pair of cam rings, which ultimately produces twisting of bundled pluralities of orifice tubes to affect a desired spray width.

WO 00/10720 discloses a shower head comprising a water supply line, nozzles arranged in a nozzle plate, and nozzle channels extending inside said nozzles. Each nozzle channel produces a jet of water directed toward the user's body. The nozzle for producing an impingement line of the jet of water directed toward the exposed body part is connected to a propulsion device configured as a water motor. The nozzles are arranged such that they can move in relation to the nozzle plate, and the ends of a plurality of nozzles located inside the shower head are displaced in relation to the nozzle plate by the water motor which moves the nozzles together. The nozzles are an integral part of a connection plate and are held together by the connection plate. The connection plate ensures sealing of the nozzle plate against the water chamber. The nozzles of WO 00/10720 are connected and sealed together near the distal end of the nozzles.

Therefore, there is also a need for an improved spray head or showerhead that allows a user to adjust or control the delivery of fluid. Characteristics of the fluid delivery that would be particularly desirable to adjust include the spray width, the spray velocity and spray flow rate. It would be desirable if the spray head were able to deliver water in the desired manner, even at low pressures or flow rates dictated or desirable for water conservation. It would be further desirable if the spray head provided a simple design and construction with minimal restriction to water flow, and enhanced fidelity such that each of a plurality of discharge nozzles or jets could be controlled.

A need further exists for a spray apparatus that facilitates direction control of its spray stream, or shower, without the need for a ball- or swivel-mounted housing. A related need exists for fluid-dispensing tubes (suitable for a spray apparatus) having particular flexing characteristics that may be employed to advantage. A need further exists for such an apparatus that is suitable for mounting within a wall, so as to conserve space, e.g., within an enclosed shower stall.

DEFINITIONS

Certain terms are defined throughout this description as they are first used, while certain other terms used in this description are defined below:

“Nutating” means oscillatory movement by the axis of a rotating body, e.g., wobbling.

“Orbiting” means revolving in a generally circular or elliptical path.

“Oscillating” means to move or travel back and forth between two points by one or more various paths, and may include, e.g., at least one of circular, elliptical, and linear movement.

“Planar” means lying in a substantially flat or level surface, framework, or structure, and may include, e.g., plates, boards, lattices, and screens, but some degree of curvature or irregularity is allowed.

“Rotary” means characterized by turning or moving about an axis or a center, and may include, e.g., spinning, nutating, or a combination thereof.

“Spinning” means turning on or around an axis.

“Wobbling” means to move or proceed with an irregular rocking or staggering motion, and includes the motion of a circular member rolling on its edge along a surface following a circular path.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-described needs, problems, and deficiencies in the art, as well as others, are addressed by the present invention in its various aspects and embodiments.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a spray apparatus, including a housing having a fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid outlets, and a turbine carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet to one or more of the fluid outlets. An integrating member is operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the turbine, and a plurality of tubes are each disposed in one of the fluid outlets for dispensing fluid from the housing. At least a subset of the plurality of tubes are operatively-coupled to the integrating member for coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in the respective plurality of fluid outlets.

It is presently preferred that at least a portion of the housing is substantially cylindrical. In various embodiments, the fluid inlet of the housing directs fluid towards the turbine in a direction selected from axial, radial, tangential, and combinations thereof.

In particular embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus, the integrating member is operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement within the housing under rotary movement of the turbine. The rotary movement of the turbine may include spinning, nutating, or a combination thereof. The nutating of the turbine may include a wobbling motion. The oscillatory movement of the integrating member may include at least one of circular, elliptical, and linear movement.

In particular embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus, the fluid-dispensing tubes may be rigid or flexible, with the flexibility being preferably provided by manufacturing the tubes of materials including a natural polymer, a synthetic polymer, or a combination thereof.

The subset of the plurality of tubes that are operatively-coupled to the integrating member are, in some embodiments, oriented with respect to one another in a configuration that is parallel, divergent, convergent, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus, the turbine includes a head having at least two angled or angled or curved vanes on an upper surface thereof and being radially symmetrical.

In particular embodiments, the integrating member includes a first structural member, referred to frequently throughout as a planar member, having a substantially central orifice. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the integrating member need not be characterized by a planar member (i.e., curved-shape members, among others, may also be used). The turbine includes a head having at least one angled or angled or curved vane on an upper surface thereof, and a shaft depending from the turbine head and extending at least partially through the orifice in the first planar member for operatively coupling the integrating member to the turbine. The turbine shaft is preferably disposed in an opening formed through a lower portion of the turbine head, and is preferably fixed for rotation with the turbine head. Alternatively, the turbine shaft may be integrally formed with the turbine head.

In certain of the fixed-shaft embodiments, the spray apparatus further includes a second planar member sealingly mounted against rotation within the housing between the integrating member and the fluid inlet. The second planar member includes a substantially central orifice within which the turbine shaft is carried for rotation, a plurality of first orifices therein, and a plurality of second orifices therein. An upstream portion of each of the coupled tubes is affixed in one of the first orifices of the second planar member, and a downstream portion of each of the coupled tubes extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets. Thus, fluid flowing into the fluid inlet is directed through the coupled tubes via the first orifices.

In some of these certain embodiments, a second subset of the tubes are not coupled to the integrating member. Each of the non-coupled tubes has an upstream portion affixed in one of the second orifices of the second planar member, and a downstream portion that extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets. Accordingly, fluid flowing into the fluid inlet is directed through the non-coupled tubes via the second orifices. The housing preferably defines a flow passage for selectively communicating with the first and second orifices of the second planar member. Accordingly, the spray apparatus of these certain embodiments preferably further includes a valve assembly for directing fluid in the flow passage to either: the first orifices of the second planar member; the second orifices of the second planar member; or a combination thereof.

The turbine shaft may be equipped with a cam portion positioned beneath and/or opposite the turbine head such that the cam portion rotates with the turbine head. The cam portion is carried within the orifice of the first planar member. The cam portion may optionally be integral with the turbine head.

In a particular one of these embodiments, the cam portion has a sloping vertical profile, and further includes a means for adjusting the elevation of the integrating member relative to the cam portion so as to induce engagement of the integrating member with varying elevations of the sloping vertical profile of the cam portion. This permits the range of oscillating of the integrating member resulting from rotation of the turbine to be adjusted.

In certain of these embodiments, the shaft is disposed for nutation within the orifice of the integrating member.

In other of these embodiments, the turbine further includes an eccentric or cam portion carried about the shaft for rotation within the orifice of the integrating member, whereby spinning of the turbine about the axis of the shaft results in nutation of the eccentric/cam portion of the turbine.

In still other of these embodiments, the shaft is a crankshaft having a first end portion mounted to the turbine head and a second end portion rotatably carried within the substantially central orifice in the first planar member. The second end portion of the crankshaft is axially offset from the axis of the crankshaft by a bend in the crankshaft intermediate the first and second end portions. The crankshaft is supported for rotation about a central axis within the housing by a second planar member sealingly mounted against rotation within the housing between the integrating member and the turbine head. The second planar member preferably includes a substantially central orifice within which the crankshaft is carried for rotation, and a plurality of noncentral orifices therein. An upstream portion of each of the tubes is affixed in one of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member, and a downstream portion of each of the tubes extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets. Accordingly, fluid flowing into the fluid inlet is directed through the tubes via the noncentral orifices.

In a particular one of these embodiments, the inventive spray apparatus further includes an adjustable manifold disposed within the housing above the second planar member for directing fluid from the inlet to either: an outer sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member; an inner sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member; or a combination thereof.

In certain of these embodiments, the turbine includes an eccentric member carried about the turbine shaft opposite the turbine head such that the eccentric member rotates with the turbine head. The eccentric member is preferably carried within the orifice of the first planar member, and is nutated by rotation of the turbine head to induce orbiting of the integrating member.

In a particular one of these embodiments, a means for selectively pointing downstream end portions of the plurality of tubes is further provided. Accordingly, each of the coupled tubes preferably includes an elastomeric material. The pointing means preferably includes a set of spaced-apart protuberances on an outer surface of each of the coupled tubes defining a side recess between the protuberances. Each of the coupled tubes is disposed in one of a plurality of noncentral orifices formed in the first planar member, in such a manner that the first planar member is connected to the plurality of coupled tubes via the side recesses. An internally-threaded sleeve is carried for rotation about an externally-threaded sidewall portion of the housing. The sleeve has an annular groove formed in an inner surface thereof within which the first planar member is circumferentially carried. Thus, rotation of the sleeve induces vertical movement thereof that applies a vertical force to the coupled tubes at the respective side recesses.

As mentioned previously, particular embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus further include a second planar member sealingly mounted against rotation within the housing between the integrating member and the fluid inlet. The second planar member preferably includes a substantially central orifice within which the turbine shaft is carried for rotation, and a plurality of noncentral orifices therein. An upstream portion of each of the tubes is affixed in one of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member and a downstream portion of each of the tubes extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets. Accordingly, fluid flowing into the fluid inlet is directed through the tubes via the noncentral orifices.

In certain of these embodiments, the housing defines a flow passage for communicating with the noncentral orifices of the second planar member, and the spray apparatus further includes a valve assembly for directing fluid in the flow passage to either: an outer sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member; an inner sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member; or a combination thereof. The valve assembly preferably includes a stop valve having a movable stem for closing portions of the flow passage, and an actuator for moving the stem as desired to direct the fluid flow.

In some of these flow-passage embodiments, the inventive spray apparatus further includes a third planar member for removably covering the inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices of the second planar member. The third planar member has a sloped rim about at least a portion thereof. The movable valve stem is preferably equipped with a plug and a distal end, such that movement of the valve stem in a radially-inward direction results in the plug closing off a portion of the fluid passage communicating fluid to the outer sub-plurality of noncentral orifices of the second planar member. Movement of the valve stem in a radially-inward direction preferably results in the distal valve stem end engaging the sloped rim so as to remove the third planar member from the inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices of the second planar member, prior to the plug closing off a portion of the fluid passage communicating fluid to the outer sub-plurality of noncentral orifices of the second planar member.

In a particular embodiment of the inventive spray apparatus, the integrating member includes stacked complementary upper and lower plates each having a plurality of slots therein. The slots of the upper plate overlie and are conversely oriented to respective slots of the lower plate, so as to effect a plurality of common constricted slot areas through the upper and lower plates for engaging the respective coupled fluid-dispensing tubes by the extension of portions of the respective coupled tubes through the common slot areas. Preferably, at least one of the complementary plates is rotatable with respect to the other of the complementary plates for moving the coupled tubes inwardly or outwardly with respect to the central axis.

Particular embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus include an additional planar member supported for limited rotation about the central axis within the housing. The additional planar member includes a plurality of noncentral angularly-oriented slots for engaging portions of the respective coupled fluid-dispensing tubes intermediate the downstream and upstream portions thereof by the extension of the coupled tube portions through the plurality of noncentral slots of the additional planar member. The additional planar member is rotatable with respect to the housing for moving the coupled tube portions inwardly or outwardly with respect to the central axis. This rotation is preferably achieved using an actuator carried on the housing.

In a particular embodiment of the inventive spray apparatus, the turbine shaft is carried in the orifices of the integrating member and the turbine such that the turbine is rotationally supported by the integrating member.

In particular embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus, the integrating member engages each of the coupled tubes at a similar location on each tube. The engagement location may be: at or near a downstream portion of each coupled tube; intermediate downstream and upstream portions of each coupled tube; or at or near an upstream portion of each coupled tube.

In the latter case, the integrating member preferably includes a plurality of orifices therein, and an upstream portion of each of the coupled tubes is affixed in one of the orifices of the integrating member. In this case, it is also preferable that a downstream portion of each of the tubes extends at least partially through one of the outlets, and that each of the outlets is equipped with an O-ring through which a portion of each of the tubes intermediate the upstream and downstream portions is pivotally carried. A plurality of sleeves are preferably each fitted about one of the tubes intermediate the integrating member and the outlet through which the tube extends.

It is further preferred that the oscillating of the integrating member effects a coordinated oscillating of the downstream portion of each of the coupled tubes. Such oscillating preferably includes at least one of circular, elliptical, and linear movement by the downstream portion of each of the coupled tubes.

In particular embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus, the tubes have downstream portions that extend at least partially through the respective fluid outlets. A plurality of flexible nozzles are preferably each carried within the fluid outlets about respective downstream portions of the tubes. The nozzles may have internal profiles that are sized and shaped to effect a desired range of nozzle movement under movement of the downstream portions of the coupled tubes within the fluid outlets. Alternatively, the downstream portions of the coupled tubes may have external profiles that are sized and shaped to effect a desired range of nozzle movement upon movement of the downstream portions of the coupled tubes with respect to the fluid outlets. Accordingly, in one particular embodiment, movement of downstream portions of the coupled tubes within the flexible nozzles results in a generally conical fluid spray pattern for each nozzle.

In particular embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus, the coupled fluid-dispensing tubes are integrally formed with the integrating member.

In particular embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus, the integrating member is planar and is supported for rotation about a central axis within the housing. The integrating member of certain of these embodiments includes a plurality of angularly-oriented slots for engaging portions of the respective coupled tubes intermediate the upstream and downstream portions thereof by the extension of the coupled tube portions through the angularly-oriented slots. The integrating member is rotatable with respect to the housing for moving the coupled tube portions. An actuator is preferably carried by the housing for rotating the integrating member.

In a particular embodiment, the inventive spray apparatus further includes an actuator for restricting oscillatory movement of the integrating member so as to restrict movement of the coupled tubes.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a spray apparatus, including a housing having a fluid inlet, and a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing. An integrating member is operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member. An actuator is also provided for inducing movement of the integrating member.

In particular embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus, the integrating member includes a plurality of angularly-oriented slots for engaging portions of the respective coupled tubes intermediate the upstream and downstream portions thereof by the extension of the coupled tube portions through the plurality of angularly-oriented slots. The integrating member is rotatable by the actuator with respect to the housing for moving the coupled tube portions. The actuator preferably includes a slidable lever extending through a slot in a side wall of the housing. The lever has an inner portion that engages the integrating member and an outer portion disposed outside the housing.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a spray apparatus, including a housing having a fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid outlets, and a plurality of tubes each exclusively disposed in one of the fluid outlets for dispensing fluid from the housing. An integrating member is operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in the respective plurality of fluid outlets in response to movement of the integrating member. An actuator is also provided for inducing movement of the integrating member.

In various embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus, the actuator includes a turbine carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet to one or more of the fluid outlets, and the integrating member is operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the turbine.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of spraying fluid, including the steps of delivering pressurized fluid to a plurality of dispensing tubes (e.g., via a housing that carries the tubes), coupling together at least a subset of the plurality of tubes (e.g., via an integrating member) so that the coupled tubes move in a coordinated fashion under an actuating force, and applying an actuating force to the coupled tubes (e.g., via an actuator, such as a turbine, carried within a housing) to effect a desired fluid spray through the tubes.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a spray apparatus, including a housing having a fluid inlet, an actuator carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet, an integrating member operatively coupled to the actuator for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the actuator, and a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing. At least a subset of the plurality of tubes is operatively-coupled to the integrating member for coordinated movement of the coupled tubes.

A still further aspect of the present invention provides a spray apparatus, including a housing having a fluid inlet, and a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing. A means is further provided for converting energy from fluid delivered through the fluid inlet into coordinated movement of at least a subset of the plurality of tubes. The converting means preferably includes an actuator (e.g., a turbine) and an integrating member in accordance with one or more of the various embodiments described herein, as well as equivalents thereto.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a spray apparatus, comprising a housing having a fluid inlet, a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing, and an integrating member operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member. An actuator is employed for inducing movement of the integrating member. The integrating member may be operatively coupled to the dispensing tubes at various positions along the tubes, such as intermediate the ends of the respective coupled tubes or near dispensing ends of the respective coupled tubes.

The dispensing tubes may be flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubes. The flexibility also facilitates amplified direction/shape changes (compared to rigid dispensing tubes) in the dispensed fluid streams, e.g., when the tubes are subjected to a lateral force on one side and an opposing pivoting force (axially offset from the lateral force) on the other side.

Many of the embodiments of the invention utilize tubes that are flexible so that they bend along their length when acted upon by an orbiting member or aiming member as described herein. It should be recognized that this degree of flexibility can be accomplished using various combinations of compositions, lengths, wall thickness, diameters, and the like. Depending upon the embodiment, it is also possible to make a tube too flexible, such that it no longer exhibits sufficient resilience to cause the tube to return to it original shape, avoid kinking and localized, unpredictable bending. Rather, it is preferred that the tubes undergo smooth arcing bends from one portion of the tube to another portion, such as from one end of the tube to the other.

Alternatively, as discussed in relation toFIG. 62A, which shows a fluid-dispensing tube employing a non-uniform distribution of ribs about its periphery (as well as along its length) for achieving non-uniform flexing of the tube, various nonuniform configurations of the tubes, such as ribs and/or changes in wall thickness or diameter, can be used to concentrate a greater or lesser amount of the bending at a particular point or portion along the length of the tube. For example, a tube having a proximal portion with a thicker tube wall than a distal portion will tend to experience more bending in the thinner distal portion.

When a tube is urged from its relaxed position so that it is smoothly bent along its length, the direction of the fluid spray from the distal outlet end will be at an even-greater angle relative to the relaxed tube position than an imaginary straight line between the tube inlet and outlet. Therefore, the flexible tubes of the invention can provide a multiplication of the spray angle relative to the angle that a rigid tube would achieve. Further still, a tube with non-uniform flexibility will concentrate a major portion of the bending in a shorter portion of the tube. A tube with the more rigid tube portion near the proximal end, for example the proximal half of the tube length, will concentrate most of the bending near the distal end, for example along the distal half of the tube length, such that the bending arc has a shorter radius and the resulting spray angle will be multiplied even more than with a tube having uniform flexibility.

Furthermore, in embodiments where the tubes extend through a fluid chamber, it is not necessary for the tubes themselves to extend the full distance between two members, such as the orbiting plate and the exit plate. Rather, a strap of the same or different material may be used for connecting the tube to, for example, the orbiting plate. Accordingly, the strap may exhibit a different degree of flexibility than the tube itself, either due to composition or dimensional differences, with the effect of more bending occurring in one or the two portions depending upon the flexibility and lengths of the two portions.

It should also be recognized that in each of the numerous embodiments of the invention detailed in this application, the tubes or straps are affixed at their proximal end and loose at their distal end. This is true whether the tubes lie within the fluid chamber or outside the fluid chamber. In this manner, the tubes are believed to be either relaxed or in slight tension, but never in compression. Furthermore, the invention includes embodiments in which the orbiting member reaches into the tubes and moves the tubes from the inside.

The flexible tubes used in the present invention are preferably made from a material such as silicone rubber or other elastomer, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. The tubes preferably exhibit a durometer hardness SHORE A of 30 to 80, more preferably to 40 to 60, and most preferably about 45. Suitable spray streams have been achieved with tubes having an internal diameter of 0.02 to 0.12 inches. Smooth arcing bends have been found in such tubes having a wall thickness of 0.015 to 0.06 inches, which may be uniform or non-uniform along a preferred length of 0.15 to 2 inches, more preferably a length of 0.15 to 1.35 inches. However, any of these parameters may be suitably changed in accordance with a particular embodiment

The smooth arcing bends of the flexible tubes provide a controlled and repeatable spray direction when acted upon by a controlled and repeatable force, such as the force of the orbiting plate. Directional control on a stationary or moving spray pattern is the achieved by changing the direction or degree of the smooth arcing bend. Therefore, using flexible tubes makes it possible to implement a large number of features that can be built into a shower nozzle to allow a user to adjust one or more aspect of the resulting spray pattern.

In order to achieve the smooth arcing bends desired, it is important that the distal end of the tube, if not the entire length of the tube extending from a secured proximal end, pass loosely around or through adjacent structure. Most particularly, the tube should extend loosely through any orbiting plate, unless the orbiting plate is securing the proximal end of the tubes, and any exit plate to avoid binding of the tube and allow for a smooth arcing bend to be achieved. Still, the clearance of an opening in an orbiting plate should be minimal so that extent of orbiting is not significantly diminished. The orbiting plate preferably has a smooth rounded point contact against the tube wall to allow arcing of the tube in all directions without binding. Embodiments having the orbiting plate positioned at the distal end may include an optional exit plate, but the tube clearance through such an exit plate must avoid interference with the tubes across their full range of intended motion and/or aiming. However, in embodiments having the orbiting plate at the proximal end or middle of the tube and requiring an exit plate to limit side to side movement of the distal end, the openings through the exit plate should provide clearance around the tubes so that the tubes do not bind across their full range of intended motion and/or aiming. Still, this clearance must not be so great that the tubes slap around within the opening. Generally, the exit plate will have a round contact point, either in the middle or top of the exit plate's thickness, to allow smooth arcing bends with minimal clearance. In certain embodiments, where the exit plate forms a wall of the fluid chamber, the clearance is even more critical because too much fluid can escape through any large gaps between the opening and the tube wall. It has been discovered that moderate amounts of water can pass through this gap and flow along the exterior of the tube before being drawn off with the fluid stream exiting the distal end of the tube. This fluid passage beneficially serves to lubricate the contact between the tubes and the opening adding to the freedom of movement. Thus, it is also found that it is not necessary or desirable for the distal ends of the tube to be sealed relative to the fluid chamber. However, certain embodiments have fluid chambers sealed at the proximal end of the tubes, providing the advantage the lateral movements of the tubes and orbiting plates are not opposed by surrounding liquid, just air.

The embodiments of the invention can produce excellent orbiting spray patterns across a wide range of speeds, including 2000 to 3000 rotations per minute (RPMs), and most preferably near 2600 RPMs, such as 2400 to 2800 RPMs. A range of RPMs about half of these ranges is desirable for massage effects.

The actuator may comprise a turbine carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet. In such instances, the integrating member may be operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the turbine. This results in coordinated oscillatory movement of the coupled dispensing tubes.

The integrating member may comprise a planar member having a substantially central orifice. In such instances, the turbine may comprise an output shaft having a cam portion that extends at least partially through the central orifice of the planar member for operatively coupling the turbine to the integrating member.

More particularly, the cam portion may have a sloping profile. In such instances, the inventive spray apparatus may further comprise a mechanism for adjusting the engagement position (e.g., the elevation) of the integrating member relative to the cam portion so as to induce engagement of the integrating member with varying portions of the sloping profile of the cam portion. In this manner, the range of oscillating of the integrating member (and, therefore, the coupled dispensing tubes) resulting from rotation of the turbine may be adjusted.

The inventive spray apparatus may further comprise one or more focusing elements that transversely engage the periphery of the dispensing tubes. The focusing elements may be displaced by the adjustment of the engagement position of the integrating member with the turbine cam so as to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the dispensing tubes in a unified converging (or diverging) manner, i.e., to focus the shape of the shower defined by the fluid streams dispensed from the plurality of dispensing tubes.

The focusing elements may comprise a flexible arm associated with one or more dispensing tubes. In such instances, each focusing element may be connected between a movable component of the spray apparatus and a fixed component of the spray apparatus. The movable component may be a movable outlet plate disposed beneath the planar member of the integrating member. The fixed component may be a planar member transversely-mounted within the housing above the integrating member.

Alternatively, each focusing element may be associated with a sub-plurality of dispensing tubes (e.g., three) that define a cluster. In such instances, each focusing element may be operable to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the dispensing tubes of the cluster in a unified converging (or diverging) manner. The focusing elements may be integrally formed with the integrating member. Additionally, each focusing element may be operable to produce a high impact spray, a soft impact spray, or a combination thereof from its associated cluster. Furthermore, a plurality of such focusing elements may be operable in a unified converging manner to produce a high impact shower, a soft impact shower, or a combination thereof from their respective clusters (i.e., the cluster outputs are collectively focused).

Each coupled dispensing tube of the inventive spray apparatus is preferably oscillated about a nominal position (e.g., a position defined by its own structural stiffness when unloaded). A mechanism may be provided for adjusting the nominal position of each of the dispensing tubes, so as to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of (i.e., point) the dispensing tubes in a unified manner.

The spray apparatus housing may be adapted for stationary mounting to a wall. In such instances, the position-adjusting mechanism may operate independently of movement of the housing (i.e., obviating the need for a typical swivel/ball housing mount).

The spray housing may be integrally formed with a handle for gripping by a user, such as in the instance of a hand-held showering apparatus.

Alternatively, the spray apparatus housing may be adapted for use in a kitchen faucet application (as opposed, e.g., to a wall-mounted or hand-held showering apparatus). One example of such a spray apparatus housing is employed in association with a spray apparatus that comprises a housing having a fluid inlet, a plurality of tubes for dispensing liquid from the housing, and an aerator for dispensing an air-liquid mixture from the housing. An integrating member is operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member. An actuator is employed for inducing movement of the integrating member. A valve assembly is employed for regulating the flow of liquid between the dispensing tubes and the aerator. The aerator is preferably located centrally with respect to the dispensing tubes. The dispensing tubes may be flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubes.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a spray apparatus, comprising a housing adapted for mounting within a wall space exposed by an opening in a wall. The housing has a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid supply conduit and an open end for alignment with the wall opening. A face plate is employed for engaging the open end of the housing so as to control the movement/direction of the fluid-dispensing tubes passing therethrough. The face plate has a plurality of fluid outlets. A plurality of tubes are employed for dispensing fluid from the housing via the fluid outlets of the face plate. An integrating member is operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member. An actuator is employed for inducing movement of the integrating member. The actuator may comprises a lever connected to the integrating member and extending through a slotted portion of the face plate for applying a sliding force to the integrating member. The dispensing tubes may be flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubes.

Alternatively, the actuator may comprise a turbine carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet to one or more of the fluid outlets. In such instances, the integrating member may operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the turbine.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a spray apparatus, comprising a receptacle box adapted for mounting within a wall space exposed by an opening in a wall. The receptacle box has a neck for receiving a fluid supply conduit in the wall space and an open end for alignment with the wall opening. A housing is employed for fitting with the receptacle box. The housing has an open end for alignment with the open end of the receptacle box, and a fluid inlet defined by a nipple adapted for sealable fitting within the neck of the receptacle box. A face plate is employed for engaging the open end of the housing. The face plate has a plurality of fluid outlets. A plurality of tubes are employed for dispensing fluid from the housing via the fluid outlets of the face plate. An integrating member is operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member. An actuator is employed for inducing movement of the integrating member. The actuator may comprise, e.g., a lever connected to the integrating member and extending through a slotted portion of the face plate for applying a sliding force to the integrating member. The dispensing tubes may be flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubes.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a spray apparatus, comprising a housing having a fluid inlet for conveying fluid to a chamber thereof, and an open end opposite the fluid inlet. A plurality of tubes are employed for dispensing fluid from the chamber of the housing. An integrating member is at least partially carried by the housing across the open end of the housing and has a plurality of orifices for passage of the plurality of tubes therethrough for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member. An actuator is provided for inducing movement of the integrating member. The dispensing tubes may be flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubes.

The integrating member of the inventive spray apparatus may comprises a planar member, and the actuator may comprise an adjustable control ring that at least partially carries the planar member. More particularly, the control ring may be adjustably carried by the housing. A spring retainer may be releasably secured to the control ring in one or more positions with respect to the housing. The integrating member may be integrally formed with the control ring.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a dispensing tube for conducting fluid from a spray apparatus. The inventive dispensing tube comprises a tubular body, and an aerator plug for insertion in an end of the tubular body. The plug may optionally be integrally formed with a transverse planar member in which the tubes are mounted. The tubular body may be flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubular body. The plug has one or more first passages for conducting water therethrough and one or more second passages for conducting air therethrough. At least one of the body and the plug is adapted for connection to a portion of the spray apparatus. The first passages may employ a cross-sectional shape that is one of circular, axial, curvilinear, and a combination thereof. The second passages may employ a cross-sectional shape that is one of circular, axial, curvilinear, and a combination thereof. The second passages are preferably discrete from the first passages.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a dispensing tube for conducting fluid from a spray apparatus. The inventive dispensing tube comprises a flexible tubular body having a non-uniform stiffness about its periphery, whereby the application of uniform lateral force about the periphery will produce non-uniform lateral flexing of the tubular body. The non-uniform stiffness may be provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform wall thickness about its periphery. Alternatively, the non-uniform stiffness may be provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform rib distribution about its periphery.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a dispensing tube for conducting fluid from a spray apparatus. The inventive dispensing tube comprises a flexible tubular body having a non-uniform stiffness along its length, whereby the application of lateral force to the tubular body will produce non-uniform flexing of the tubular body along its length. The non-uniform stiffness may be provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform wall thickness along its length. Alternatively, the non-uniform stiffness may be provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform rib distribution along its length.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a dispensing tube for conducting fluid from a spray apparatus. The dispensing tube comprises a tubular body having an inlet for receiving fluid and an outlet for dispensing fluid. The tubular body is flexible along substantially its entire length, whereby the outlet of the tubular body may be easily pointed under the application of lateral force to the tubular body at one or more locations along the length of the tubular body. The tubular body may comprise a natural polymer, a synthetic polymer, or a combination thereof.

Each flexible dispending tube may further comprise a strap connected at or near the inlet of its tubular body for pivotally mounting the tubular body within the housing. The strap may be pivotally mounted to the tubular body. The strap may be flexible, or it may be rigid over at least a substantial portion of its length. In the later case, the rigidity of the strap may be provided by a reinforcing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now generally toFIGS. 1-68A(with “X” in the following reference numbers representing the number of the respective figure, e.g., “X10” means “1210” inFIG. 12), the present invention provides a spray apparatus X10, including a housing X12having a fluid inlet X14and a plurality of fluid outlets X16. The housing X12is preferably made of a durable material known in the art to be suitable for use in showering applications, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acetal plastic, or an equivalent. It is presently preferred that at least a portion of the housing X12is substantially cylindrical, as is shown more clearly in the housing embodiment4112ofFIG. 41B, but this is not essential as shown, e.g., by the bell-shaped housing4712ofFIG. 47, and the square-shaped housing6612inFIG. 66A.

A plurality of tubes X18are further provided, each preferably being exclusively disposed in one of the fluid outlets X16, for dispensing fluid from the housing X12. An integrating member X20is operatively coupled to at least a subset X19of the plurality of tubes X18for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes X19in the respective plurality of fluid outlets X16in response to movement of the integrating member X20. Typically, no bearings are required since the contact forces are not significant and the moving parts are designed to be self-lubricated by the water flowing through the spray apparatus X10.

An actuator X22is also provided for inducing movement of the integrating member X20. The actuator X22preferably includes a turbine X24carried for rotary movement within the housing X12under fluid flow from the fluid inlet X14to one or more of the fluid outlets X16. The fluid inlet X14of the housing X12preferably directs fluid towards the actuator X22in a direction selected from axial, radial, tangential, and combinations thereof.

The integrating member X20preferably includes a first planar member X26having a substantially central orifice X28. The integrating member X20is preferably operatively coupled to the turbine X24for oscillatory movement relative to the housing X12under rotary movement of the turbine X24. The rotary movement of the turbine may include spinning, nutating, or a combination thereof. The nutating of the turbine X24may include a wobbling motion (seeFIGS. 1-4,20,22).

The turbine X24preferably includes a head X30having at least one angled or curved vane (and preferably two or more radially-symmetrical vanes) X32on an upper surface thereof, and a shaft X34depending from the turbine head X30and extending at least partially through the orifice X28in the first planar member X26for operatively coupling the integrating member X20to the turbine X24. The turbine shaft X34is preferably disposed in an orifice X36formed through a lower portion of the turbine head X30, and is preferably fixed for rotation with the turbine head X30. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 1,45, and46-48A, the turbine shaft X34may be integrally formed with the turbine head X30.

The turbine shaft may be equipped with an eccentric or cam portion X38positioned beneath and/or opposite the turbine head X30, and affixed to the turbine shaft X34such that the cam portion X38rotates with the turbine head X30. The cam portion X38is carried within the orifice X28of the first planar member X26. The cam portion X38may optionally be integral with the turbine head X30, as illustrated inFIGS. 5-8,33,45-50,53,55-56A,63, and65A-B.

The oscillatory movement of the integrating member X20may include at least one of circular, elliptical, and linear movement. The oscillating of the integrating member X20preferably effects a coordinated oscillating of a portion (e.g., the downstream portion) of each of the coupled tubes X19. The coupled tubes X19are preferably oriented with respect to one another in a configuration that is parallel, divergent, convergent, or a combination thereof. Such oscillating preferably includes at least one of circular, elliptical, and linear movement by the coupled portion of each of the coupled tubes X19.

The integrating member X20preferably engages each of the coupled tubes X19at a similar location on each tube. The engagement location may be: at or near a downstream portion of each coupled tube (seeFIGS. 12-30,35,37-44,52,54,57-60A, and66A-67A); intermediate downstream and upstream portions of each coupled tube (seeFIGS. 33-34,47A,51, and55); or at or near (or even above, e.g., by way of an upper strap) an upstream portion of each coupled tube (seeFIGS. 1-11,45,46,48A-50,53,55-56A, and63-65B).

The fluid-dispensing tubes X18may be rigid or flexible, with the flexibility being preferably provided by manufacturing the tubes of elastomeric materials including a natural polymer, a synthetic polymer, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the tubes X18are each disposed in one of the fluid outlets X16. Some leakage around the tubes can be accommodated by the inventive spray apparatus X10.

Turning now to the particular figures,FIG. 1shows a sectional side view of one embodiment of a spray apparatus110employing an actuator122in the form of a wobble turbine124. The wobble turbine124is energized by water flowing through fluid inlet114, in a manner that is known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,739 to Clearman et al.), resulting in rotary movement of the turbine124which may include spinning, nutating, or a combination thereof about the central axis of the housing112. Preferably, the output shaft134of the turbine is nutated by the rotary movement of the turbine124within the orifice128in the first planar member126, resulting in oscillation of the integrating member120including the first planar member126.

The integrating member120engages each of the coupled tubes119at or near an upstream portion of each coupled tube. For this purpose, the integrating member120preferably includes a plurality of orifices121therein, and an upstream portion118uof each of the coupled tubes119is affixed in one of the orifices121of the integrating member120. The oscillation of the integrating member120results in streams from the tubes moving thru substantially conical patterns. Similar structure is employed in other embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus (see, e.g.,FIGS. 2-11), although the integrating member and coupled tubes are integrally formed in the embodiments ofFIG. 7-11.

It is also preferable in certain embodiments (see, e.g.,FIG. 1) that a downstream portion118dof each of the tubes118(whether coupled or not) extends at least partially through one of the outlets116in the housing112, and that each of the outlets116is equipped with an O-ring123through which a portion of each of the tubes intermediate the upstream and downstream portions118u,118dis pivotally carried. A plurality of sleeves125are preferably each fitted about one of the coupled tubes119intermediate the integrating member122and the fluid outlet116through which each tube119extends.

FIG. 2shows a sectional side view of another embodiment of a spray apparatus210employing an actuator222in the form of a “channel” turbine224to generate oscillatory movement of an integrating member220having a first planar member226. A turbine shaft234is carried in the orifices228,236of the integrating member and the turbine, such that the turbine is rotationally supported by the integrating member (see alsoFIGS. 3-4, which employ similar support structure).

FIG. 2Ashows a top view of the asymmetric turbine head230having a single angled or curved vane232for translating the energy of the water delivered through the fluid inlet214into rotary movement of the turbine224. Since the integrating member220is free to move (within constraints) vertically as well as horizontally (this freedom of movement is shared by the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-4), the integrating member undergoes fairly complex oscillating movement under the rotary movement of the turbine224. The turbine224is known as a rotating channel turbine, wherein the force of the water applied via fluid inlet214against the angled or curved vane232pushes the turbine224and its supporting shaft234“back” off its nominal position. The continuous application of such force by the water results in an oscillating movement of the integrating member220. Similar channel turbines are employed by the embodiments ofFIGS. 3-4.

FIG. 3shows a sectional side view of another embodiment of a spray apparatus that is similar to that ofFIG. 2, but employing a different turbine design. More particularly, the turbine head330is equipped with a lateral component opposite the single angled or curved vane332to reduce the imbalance during rotary movement of the turbine324, resulting in more controlled oscillation of the integrating member320including the first planar member326. This in turn results in more controlled movement by the fluid-dispensing tubes318. Alternatively, the turbine head330could employ a more conventional design shape (like that ofFIGS. 5,8, etc.), but nevertheless have a rotating imbalance (e.g., greater mass density on one side) to achieve the desired oscillation of the integrating member320.

FIG. 4shows a modified version of the spray apparatus ofFIG. 2wherein the apparatus410is equipped with a flow diverter to create a massage effect. A second planar member450is mounted across the body412of the spray apparatus410. The second planar member450is equipped with a first orifice452for conducting the turbine shaft434through the second planar member, and a second orifice454for conducting water in the upper flow chamber456to the lower flow chamber458. The first orifice452is sealed with a gasket460to prevent water from passing therethrough, thereby ensuring that water flowing into the upper chamber456of the housing412via the fluid inlet414will subsequently pass through the second orifice454.

A rotary valve assembly462directs water flowing through the second orifice454to either: the coupled plurality419of fluid-dispensing tubes418; the central massage nozzle467(via conduit463); or a combination thereof. The rotary valve assembly462includes an actuator handle464, a plug valve body466, and a shaft465connecting the two for transmission of applied torque from the handle464to the plug valve body466.

A cup assembly468is restrained loosely in a recess470of the integrating member420. A central rod418cis affixed to the cup assembly468, and is constrained so as to pivot in an integrated fashion with the tubes418. Thus, central massage nozzle467, which is affixed to central rod418c, will experience movement that preferably includes at least one of circular, elliptical, and linear movement (along with the other coupled tubes419) under oscillating motion of the integrating member420.

FIG. 5shows a sectional side view of another embodiment of a spray apparatus510having a turbine524rotating on a central shaft534and employing a cam portion538to generate oscillatory movement of an integrating member520in accordance with the present invention. The cam portion538is defined by an eccentric lower portion of the turbine524carried about the shaft534for rotation within the orifice528of the integrating member520, whereby spinning of the turbine about the axis of the shaft534results in nutation of the turbine cam538. Similar structure is employed in the embodiments ofFIGS. 6-11to achieve the camming action useful for oscillating the respective integrating members.

FIGS. 6A-Bshow examples of fluid-dispensing tubes618each having elastomeric sleeve nozzles640for focusing the water discharged through the fluid-dispensing tubes618to achieve a desirable spray pattern in accordance with the present invention. The sleeve nozzles640are preferably consistent with known rubber-tipped nozzles, but exhibit increased utility (e.g., easily deformable to dislodge lime deposits, etc.) in the inventive spray apparatus which employs sweeping sprays. The tubes618have downstream portions618dthat extend at least partially through the respective fluid outlets616. Floating disks639are optionally applied (seeFIG. 6B) to restrict the degree of non-linear flexing movement by the coupled tubes619(e.g., to reduce the vigorousness of the resulting shower).

FIGS. 7-11illustrate a plurality of flexible nozzles (X40) each preferably being carried within the fluid outlets (X16) about respective downstream portions (X18d) of the coupled tubes (X19). The nozzles (X40) are integrally formed in a web or matrix (X31), and may have internal profiles that are sized and shaped (see, e.g., the stepped internal diameter of the nozzle940ainFIG. 9) to effect a desired range of nozzle movement under movement of the downstream portions of the coupled tubes within the fluid outlets. Alternatively, the downstream portions (X18d) of the coupled tubes may have external profiles that are sized and shaped (see, e.g.,FIG. 11) to effect a desired range of nozzle movement upon movement of the downstream portions of the coupled tubes with respect to the fluid outlets. Accordingly, movement of downstream portions (X18d) of the coupled tubes within the flexible nozzles (X40) results in a generally conical fluid spray pattern for each nozzle (similar to that shown inFIG. 19).

The embodiments shown inFIGS. 7 and 8are quite similar, except for the respective turbine heads730(fewer vanes732),830(more vanes832).

Those skilled in the art and given the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate thatFIGS. 1-11employ integrating members disposed within a primary flow chamber within the housing (X12). Most of the figures that will now described, however, employ integrating members disposed beneath the primary flow chamber (unless otherwise indicated).

FIGS. 12-14show an embodiment of a spray apparatus1210wherein the turbine1224is attached to a crankshaft1234that extends for rotation through a second planar member1250. The rotating crankshaft1234drives the integrating member1220outside the flow chamber1256. The integrating member1220including the first planar member1226is oscillated within the lower chamber1258to induce movement of the coupled fluid-dispensing tubes1219and achieve a desirable spray pattern. This embodiment, as well as others employing a second planar member (e.g.,FIGS. 13-30) for carrying the upstream end of the fluid-dispensing tubes, has the advantage of imposing little or no pressure on the tubes1218. The tubes1218serve to give the discharged water direction and shape (without discrete nozzles), but require little force to move. No seal is required for the crankshaft1234, since leaks around the crankshaft1234can be absorbed into the shower streams.

The crankshaft has a first end portion1234umounted to the turbine head within orifice1236, and a second end portion1234drotatably carried within the substantially central orifice1228in the first planar member1226. The second end portion1234dof the crankshaft1234is axially offset from the axis of the crankshaft by a bend in the crankshaft intermediate the first and second end portions. The crankshaft1234is supported for rotation about a central axis within the housing by the second planar member1250which is sealingly mounted against rotation within the housing between the integrating member1220and the turbine head1230. The second planar member1250preferably includes a substantially central orifice1252within which the crankshaft1234is carried for rotation, and a plurality of noncentral orifices2351therein. An upstream portion1218uof each of the tubes1218is affixed in one of the noncentral orifices1251of the second planar member1250. A downstream portion1218dof each of the tubes1218extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets1216. Accordingly, water flowing into the fluid1214inlet is directed through the tubes1218, via the noncentral orifices1251, to produce a showering spray.

FIGS. 15 and 15Ashow sectional side views of another embodiment of a spray apparatus1510that is similar to that ofFIG. 12, but employing a camshaft1534rather than a crankshaft. The turbine thus employs an eccentric or cam portion1538carried about the shaft1534for rotation within the orifice1528of the integrating member1520. Accordingly, spinning of the turbine1524about the axis of the shaft1534results in nutation of the turbine cam1538sufficient to oscillate the integrating member1520.

The spray apparatus1510is further equipped with a flow diverter system1562for achieving a massage effect. The flow diverter system1562includes an adjustable manifold or plug valve body1566disposed within a cylindrical bore in the housing above the second planar member for directing fluid in the flow chamber1556to either: an outer sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices1551of the second planar member1550, via shower chamber1567; an inner sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices1551of the second planar member1550, via massage chamber1569; or a combination thereof. The plug valve body1566is actuated by a handle1564that selectively rotates that plug valve body1566about its axis to achieve the desired flow configuration. Thus, in the configuration depicted inFIG. 15, the plug valve body1566has been rotated to open flow chamber1556to a conduit1563in the valve body1566whereby the fluid flows into channel or chamber1567to provide pressurized water to the outer sets of fluid-dispensing tubes1518s. In the configuration depicted inFIG. 15A, the plug valve body1566has been rotated to open flow chamber1556to the channel or chamber1569to provide pressurized water to the inner sets of fluid-dispensing tubes1518m.

FIG. 16shows a sectional side view of another embodiment of a spray apparatus1610that is similar to that ofFIG. 12, but employing a semi-open turbine1624instead of an enclosed turbine design like the design of turbine1224.FIGS. 17A-Bare sequential views of the spray apparatus1610ofFIG. 16, showing the movement of the fluid-dispensing tubes1618under rotation of the turbine crankshaft1634and oscillation of the integrating member1620. In this manner, a “sweeping” shower effect is achieved.FIG. 18shows a top view of the turbine employed by the spray apparatus ofFIG. 16. The multiple angled or curved vanes1632of the turbine head1630are clearly visible.

FIG. 19shows an example of a typical conical spray pattern achievable with the fluid-dispensing tubes1618of the spray apparatus ofFIG. 16. As the integrating member1620oscillates within the housing1612, each of the conical spray patterns emerging from the downstream end portions of the coupled tubes1619will also move in an oscillating pattern (i.e., sweep).

FIG. 20shows a sectional side view of another embodiment of a spray apparatus2010employing a wobble turbine2024for oscillation of an integrating member2020positioned beneath the apparatus's flow chamber2056in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the turbine shaft2034is disposed for nutation within the flanged orifice2028of the integrating member's first planar member2026.

FIG. 21shows a sectional side view of another embodiment of a spray apparatus2110that is similar toFIG. 16, except a camshaft2134is employed instead of a crankshaft. This embodiment is further equipped with a system2170for varying the degree of oscillation by the integrating member2120and the resulting sprays from the coupled fluid-dispensing tubes2119. A cam member2138has a sloping vertical profile2138a. The system2170presents a means for adjusting the elevation of the integrating member2120relative to the cam member2138so as to induce engagement of the integrating member2120with varying elevations of the sloping vertical profile2138aof the cam member2138. This permits the range of oscillation of the integrating member resulting from rotation of the turbine to be adjusted. More particularly, the system2170includes a base plate2172that is threaded on its periphery2172p, and is prevented from rotating by one or more alignment pins2174disposed in one or more complementing orifices2175through the base plate2172. Threads2176pon the inner periphery of an adjusting sleeve2176engage base plate threads2172p, so that rotation of the adjusting sleeve2176moves the base plate2172up or down as indicated by two-way directional line2177. As the base plate2172moves up, it positions the integrating member2120higher on the cam profile2138a, oscillating the resulting spray pattern over a wider area. Conversely, downward movement of the base plate2172results in a narrower oscillating range of the spray pattern. When the base plate2172reaches its bottom position, the rotating cam2138makes no contact with the integrating member2120, and the coupled fluid-dispensing tubes2119have no movement. It will be further appreciated by those having skill in the art that this embodiment does not produce a change in the overall spray pattern, but is useful for varying the radius of oscillation by the integrating member2120so as to vary the overall shower width (i.e., oscillation area of the spray pattern).

FIGS. 22A-Bshow sectional side and top views of another embodiment of a spray apparatus2210that is similar to that shown inFIG. 20, but employing a different wobble turbine2224. The turbine shaft2234is disposed for nutation within the orifice2228of the integrating member2220, so as to oscillate the integrating member2220and induce movement of the coupled fluid-dispensing tubes2219.

FIGS. 23A-Bshow sectional side and top views of another embodiment of a spray apparatus2310that employs an integrating member2320having two stacked complementary upper and lower plates2326a,2326beach having a plurality of slots therein for pointing the coupled fluid-dispensing tubes2319to one of a plurality of nominal radial positions. The slots2327aof the upper plate2326aoverlie and are conversely oriented to respective slots2327bof the lower plate2326b, so as to effect a plurality of common constricted slot areas2327cthrough the upper and lower plates for engaging the respective coupled fluid-dispensing tubes2318by the extension of portions of the respective coupled tubes through the common slot areas2327c. Preferably, at least one of the complementary plates is rotatable with respect to the other of the complementary plates for moving the coupled tubes inwardly or outwardly with respect to the central axis.

Although the plates2326a,2326bof the integrating member2320are shown being positioned at or near the bottom of the housing2312, an alternative embodiment of the inventive spray apparatus (not shown) positions such a control member at an elevated location within the housing, much like the location for the planar member2482inFIGS. 24-26(described below). Such embodiments will employ another member to serve as the integrating member (like the integrating member2420ofFIGS. 24-26), while the member2320serves to point or focus the fluid dispensing tubes2318without oscillating (much like the additional planar member2482ofFIGS. 24-26).

FIGS. 23C-Dshow alternative embodiments of cam configurations for inducing rotation of the plates2326a,2326bin relation to each other for achieving the desired pointing function. The respective cam configurations include cams2380a,2380bfor engaging and adjusting the separation distance between respective boss members2381a-b(FIG. 23C) and 2381a′-b' (FIG. 23D). As the plates2326a,2326brotate in relation to each other, the tubes2318are moved (i.e., pointed) either toward or away from the center of the housing2312. When pointed inwardly, the steams emerging from the fluid-dispensing tubes2318are focused to a relatively narrow diameter, thereby achieving a massage effect. When the tubes2318are pointed outwardly, the resulting streams are moved outwardly to a diameter preferred by the bather.

Particular embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus include an additional planar member supported for limited rotation about the central axis within the housing. Thus, with reference first toFIGS. 24-26, the additional planar member2482includes a plurality of noncentral angularly-oriented, inner and outer slots2483,2484for engaging portions2418cof the respective coupled fluid-dispensing tubes2419intermediate the downstream and upstream portions of the tubes2419by the extension of the coupled tube portions2418cthrough the plurality of noncentral slots2483,2484of the additional planar member2482—which may also be considered an additional integrating member in view of (first) integrating member2420. The additional planar member2482is rotatable with respect to the housing2412for moving the coupled tube portions2418cinwardly or outwardly with respect to the central axis of the housing2412. Upper retaining sleeves2450adepend from the second planar member2450for constraining the motion of the tubes2418to radially inward or radially outward motion (as opposed to tangential motion) under engagement with the additional planar member2482. This rotation is preferably achieved using an actuator2485carried on the housing. The actuator2485includes a handle2486connected to a shaft2487extending through a slot2412ain the body2412and carrying a key2488. The key2488is disposed in a further slot2482sin the planar member2482, such that sliding movement of handle2486sideways along the periphery of the body2412(i.e., in or out of the page inFIG. 25) induces rotation of the planar member2482about a central axis within the housing2412.

FIGS. 25-26show the spray apparatus ofFIG. 24wherein the fluid-dispensing tubes are pointed, or focused, by selective rotation of the additional planar member2482with the actuator2485to achieve wide (FIG. 25) and narrow (FIG. 26) nominal spray widths from the tubes2418.FIGS. 27-28show the respective wide and narrow nominal spray widths WS, NS achievable with the spray apparatus ofFIG. 24.

FIGS. 29A-Bshow sectional side views, in respective wide and narrow spray positions, of another embodiment of a spray apparatus2910that is similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 24, except the fluid-dispensing tubes are not equipped with upper retaining sleeves2450aas inFIG. 24. The embodiment ofFIGS. 29A-Bis therefore adapted for applying a particular tangential force component to the fluid-dispensing tubes2918via the additional planar member2982and actuator2985for width adjustment of the resulting spray. In the nominal position, when the tubes2918have no tangential force component applied, the resulting spray exhibits its minimum width, focusing to the preferred cross section (similar to that shown inFIG. 28). Rotation of the focusing disk puts a tangential component on the nozzles, whereby the spray may be set to its maximum width as shown in the expanded view ofFIG. 30.

In a further alternative embodiment (not shown) to the embodiment described above, the additional planar member2982is eliminated and the integrating member2920is relocated to a more centrally elevated position within the housing2912(i.e., to the position of the eliminated planar member2982). In this embodiment, the outlets2916would be sized and shaped to fit snugly about the tubes2918so as to ensure that the downstream ends of the tubes are pointed in the desired direction under engagement by the elevated integrating member2920.

FIGS. 31A-Bshow sectional side and (partial) top views another embodiment of a spray apparatus3110employing an integrating member3120positioned beneath the apparatus's flow chamber3156, but having no turbine, in accordance with another aspect the present invention. The spray apparatus3110includes a housing3112having a fluid inlet3114and a plurality of fluid outlets3116. A plurality of tubes3118are each disposed in one of the fluid outlets3116for dispensing fluid from the housing3112. The integrating member3120is operatively coupled to at least a subset3119of the plurality of tubes3118at locations3118cbetween the fluid inlet3114and fluid outlets3116for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes3119in the respective plurality of fluid outlets3116in response to movement of the integrating member3120. An actuator3122is also provided for inducing movement of the integrating member.

The first planar member3126of the integrating member3120includes a plurality of angularly-oriented slots3184for engaging portions3118cof the respective coupled tubes3119by the extension of the coupled tube portions3118cthrough the plurality of angularly-oriented slots3184. The integrating member3120is rotatable by the actuator3122with respect to the housing3112for moving the coupled tube portions3118c. The actuator3122preferably includes a slidable lever3129, best shown inFIG. 31B, extending through a slot3125formed in a side wall of the housing3112. The lever3129is disposed outside the housing3112, and has an inner portion3123that engages the first planar member3126of the integrating member3120at a peripheral slot3127.

FIG. 32shows the spray apparatus ofFIG. 31Aset in a narrow spray position using the actuator3122(not shown inFIG. 32), as contrasted with the nominal (wide) spray position ofFIG. 31A. Other than movement provided by the actuator3122, the fluid-dispensing tubes3118of this embodiment are stationary since there is no other continuous actuation like that provided by the turbine of the other embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 33A-Bshow sectional side and top views of an alternative embodiment of a spray apparatus3310employing an integrating member3320disposed inside the flow chamber3356of the housing3312. The fluid-dispensing tubes3318are integrally formed, preferably by a single elastomer molding, so as to have upper wider portions3318aand lower narrower portions3318b. The thicker section of elastomer at tube portions3318aprovides sufficient stiffness to reliably move the thinner section of rubber at the tube portions3318band maintain a substantially straight centerline for each tube3318. A supplemental actuator3385employs a rotatable lever3387to selectively stop or freeze the movement of the coupled tubes3319. More particularly, the actuator3385restricts oscillatory movement of the integrating member3320so as to restrict movement of the coupled tubes3319when the bather desires non-moving (i.e., non-sweeping) shower streams.

FIG. 34shows a sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of a spray apparatus3410employing an integrating member3420disposed beneath the flow chamber3456. The turbine3424includes an eccentric member or cam portion3438affixed about the turbine shaft3434opposite the turbine head3430such that the cam portion3438rotates with the turbine head3430. The cam portion3438is carried within the orifice3428of the first planar member3426of the integrating member3420, and is nutated by rotation of the turbine head3430to induce orbiting of the integrating member3420.

A means3480is further provided in this embodiment of the present invention for selectively pointing downstream end portions3418dof the plurality of coupled tubes3419. Accordingly, each of the coupled tubes3419preferably includes an elastomeric material such as a suitable rubber material. The pointing means3480preferably includes a set of spaced-apart protuberances3418d-eon an outer surface of each of the coupled tubes3419defining a side recess3418fbetween the protuberances. Each of the coupled tubes3419is disposed in one of a plurality of noncentral orifices3484formed in the first planar member3426, in such a manner that the first planar member3426is connected to the plurality of coupled tubes3419via the side recesses3418d-e. An internally-threaded sleeve3413is carried for rotation about an externally-threaded sidewall portion3412aof the housing3412. The sleeve3413has an annular groove3415formed in an inner surface thereof within which the first planar member3426is circumferentially carried. Thus, rotation of the sleeve3413induces vertical movement of the first planar member3426that applies a vertical force to the coupled tubes3419at the respective side recesses3418f.FIGS. 34A-Bshow detailed sectional side views of a fluid-dispensing tube3418being positioned for respective widened and narrowed spray patterns.

FIGS. 35-36show an alternative embodiment of a spray apparatus3510that is similar to that ofFIG. 29, but being further equipped with a diverter system3560for achieving a massage effect. The housing3512defines inner and outer flow chambers or passages3556a-bfor communicating with inner and outer sub-pluralities of the noncentral orifices3557a-bof the second planar member3550. The diverter system3560includes a valve assembly3561for directing fluid through the flow passages3556a-bto either: the outer sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices3557bof the second planar member3550; the inner sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices3557aof the second planar member3550; or a combination thereof. The valve assembly preferably includes a stop valve3562having a movable stem3563for closing flow passage3556boff from flow passage3556a. An actuator lever3564is useful for moving the valve stem3563and stop valve3562as desired to direct the fluid flow. This embodiment uses the center tubes3518mfed by inner orifices3557afor achieving a massage effect. When the valve3561is closed, no water reaches the outer tubes fed by the outer orifices3557b. As a result, pressure builds up on the inner tubes. Accordingly, when the tubes3518are focused to achieve a narrow spray using actuator3585(as inFIG. 28) while the valve3561is closed, the inner tubes will experience relatively high water pressure to create a focused massage effect.

FIG. 37shows a sectional side view of another embodiment of a spray apparatus3710that is similar to that ofFIG. 15, but employing an alternative flow diverter system3760for achieving a massage effect in accordance with the present invention. The flow diverter system3760is analogous to that shown inFIG. 35, and includes a valve assembly3761for directing fluid through the flow chambers or passages3756a-bto either: an outer sub-plurality of noncentral orifices3757bof the second planar member3750; an inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices3757aof the second planar member3750; or a combination thereof. The valve assembly preferably includes a stop valve3762having a movable stem3763for closing flow passage3756boff from flow passage3756a. An actuator ring3764is useful for moving the valve stem3763and stop valve3762as desired to direct the fluid flow. The actuator ring3764has an inside track with a smoothly-varying radius (like that ofFIG. 40C), which forces the valve stem3763inwardly or outwardly as the ring3764is rotated. This embodiment thus uses the center tubes3718mfed by inner orifices3757afor achieving a massage effect. When the valve3761is closed, no water reaches the outer tubes fed by the outer orifices3757b. As a result, pressure builds up on the inner tubes3718m.

FIGS. 38-39show sequential, sectional side views of another embodiment of a spray apparatus3810that is similar to that ofFIG. 37, but employing an alternative flow diverter system3860for achieving a massage effect in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the inventive spray apparatus further includes a third planar member3890for removably covering the inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices3857a—interconnected by a channel3857c—of the second planar member3850. The third planar member3890has a sloped rim3890aabout at least a portion thereof. A valve system3861includes a movable valve stem3863equipped with a plug3862and a distal end3863a, such that movement of the valve stem3863in a radially-inward direction results in the plug3862closing off the fluid chamber or passage3856bcommunicating fluid to the outer sub-plurality of noncentral orifices3857bof the second planar member3850. This movement of the valve stem3863in a radially-inward direction also results in the distal valve stem end3863aengaging the sloped rim3890aso as to remove the third planar member3890from the inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices3857aand channel3857cof the second planar member3850. This occurs prior to the plug3862closing off the fluid chamber or passage3856bcommunicating fluid to the outer sub-plurality of noncentral orifices3857bof the second planar member3850, so that transition from the shower mode to the massage mode is gradual. When the third planar member3890is down, water pressure in the flow chamber or passage3856aapplies a downward force to the third planar member, preventing water from entering, whereby only the outer sub-plurality of noncentral orifices3857bare exposed to the water pressure. When the shower valve3861is closed (seeFIG. 39), the distal valve stem end3863atips the third planar member3890upwardly, opening the water supply in flow chamber3856ato the inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices3857aand the massage tubes3818mand closing the flow to outer orifices3857b. Since there are substantially fewer of the inner orifices3857athan of the outer orifices3857b, the water pressure in central tubes3818m(during massage mode) will be correspondingly higher than the water pressure in outer tubes3818s(during shower mode).

FIGS. 40A-Bshow sequential, sectional side views of an alternative spray apparatus4010employing an enclosed, peripherally-driven turbine4024and an alternative flow diverter system4060for achieving a massage effect in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 40Cshows a sectional top view of the spray apparatus ofFIGS. 40A-B. The housing4012of the spray apparatus4010includes a flow chamber or passage4056athat is shaped to deliver water from fluid inlet4014to the turbine feed channels4024afor energizing the multiple angled or curved vanes4032and creating torque at the turbine shaft4034. The flow diverter system4060is analogous to that shown inFIG. 37, and includes a valve assembly4061for directing fluid through the flow chambers or passages4056a-bto either: an outer sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices4057bof the second planar member4050; an inner sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices4057aof the second planar member4050; or a combination thereof. The valve assembly4061preferably includes a valve gate4062biased by a spring arm4062a(seeFIG. 40C) towards a closed position. A movable valve stem4063is provided for selectively opening flow passage4056bto flow passage4056a(as shown inFIGS. 40A and 40C). An actuator ring4064is useful for moving the valve stem4063and valve gate4062between the open and closed positions as desired to direct the water flow for shower and/or massage effects. The actuator ring4064has an inside track4064awith a smoothly-varying radius (seeFIG. 40C), which forces the valve stem4063inwardly or outwardly (under the force of spring arm4062a) as the ring4064is rotated. This embodiment thus uses the center tubes4018mfed by inner orifices4057afor achieving a massage effect. The center tubes4018mare (nominally) slightly smaller in cross-sectional flow area than the outer tubes4018s, so as to regulate the water pressure flowing through the center tubes4018m—which might otherwise exhibit a pressure higher than desired for bather comfort. The water flowing into the center tubes4018mwould otherwise tend to be at higher pressure than the water flowing into outer tubes4018s, because of the shorter flow path and fewer frictional losses between the fluid inlet4014and the tubes4018m. When the valve4061is closed, no water reaches the outer tubes4018sfed by the outer orifices4057b. As a result, pressure builds up on the inner tubes4018m, and flexes the walls of the inner tubes4018mfrom the nominal shape shown inFIG. 40Dto the expanded shape shown inFIG. 40E.

FIGS. 41-42show sectional side and top views of an alternative spray apparatus4110that is similar to that ofFIGS. 38-39, but employing a crankshaft4134instead of the camshaft3834(seeFIG. 38) and an alternative diverter system4160for achieving a massage effect in accordance with the present invention. The crankshaft4134has a first end portion4134umounted to the turbine head4130and a second end portion4134drotatably carried within the substantially central orifice4128in the first planar member4126of the integrating member4120. The second end portion4134dof the crankshaft4134is axially offset from the axis of the crankshaft4134by a bend in the crankshaft intermediate the first and second end portions4134u-d. The crankshaft4134is supported for rotation about a central axis within the housing4112by a second planar member4150sealingly mounted against rotation within the housing4112between the integrating member4120and the turbine head4130.

The second planar member4150includes a substantially central orifice4150awithin which the crankshaft4134is carried for rotation, and a plurality of inner, intermediate, and outer noncentral orifices4157a,4157b, and4157c(seeFIG. 42) therein. An upstream portion of each of the tubes4118m,4118b, and4118cis affixed in one of the respective noncentral orifices4157a,4157b, and4157cof the second planar member4150. A downstream portion of each of the tubes4118extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets4116. Accordingly, fluid flowing into the fluid inlet4114is directed through the tubes4118m,b,cvia the noncentral orifices4157a,b,c.

The diverter system4160includes a rotating control ring4164that is useful for sequentially changing the resulting shower from a wide shower to a narrow shower, then to a shower/massage combination, then to a wide massage setting, and then to narrow massage setting. A third planar member4190removably covers the inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices4157a—interconnected by a channel4157d—of the second planar member4150. The third planar member4190has a sloped rim4190aabout at least a portion thereof. A valve system4161includes a movable valve stem4163equipped with a sealable plug4162and a distal end4163a, such that movement of the valve stem4163in a radially-inward direction results in the plug4162closing off the fluid chamber or passage4156bcommunicating fluid to the outer sub-pluralities of noncentral orifices4157b-cof the second planar member4150. More particularly, movement of the valve stem4163in a radially-inward direction results in the distal valve stem end4163afirst engaging the sloped rim4190aso as to begin removing the third planar member4190from the inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices4157aand channel4157dof the second planar member4150. This initiates the massage effect and occurs prior to the plug4162closing off the fluid chamber or passage4156bcommunicating fluid to the outer sub-plurality of noncentral orifices4157bof the second planar member4150. As the plug4162is moved towards its closing position, the shower effect is diminished and the massage effect increases. When the third planar member4190is completely opened, the massage effect via tubes4118mis maximized. When the third planar member4190is down, water pressure in the flow chamber or passage4156aapplies a downward force to the third planar member, preventing water from entering and disabling the massage effect.

The spray apparatus4110further includes a means4170for adjusting the elevation of the integrating member4120relative to the crankshaft end4134dso as to induce engagement of the integrating member4120with varying elevations of the sloping profile adjacent the crankshaft end4134d. This permits the range of oscillation of the integrating member4120resulting from rotation of the turbine4124to be adjusted. More particularly, the system4170includes a substantially cylindrical base plate4172that is fitted about the substantially cylindrical upper portion4112aof the housing4112, so as to define the lower portion4112bof the housing. The base plate4172includes a groove or recess4112cfor receiving a retaining pin4113carried in the control ring4164. The groove4112cis shaped (seeFIG. 41A) such that rotation of the control ring4164about the upper housing portion4112aimparts a force to the walls of the groove4112c, via the retaining ring4113, for selectively raising or lowering the base plate4172as indicated by two-way directional line4177. As the base plate4172moves up, it positions the integrating member4120higher on the crankshaft profile4134d, oscillating the resulting spray pattern over a narrower area. Conversely, downward movement of the base plate4172results in a wider oscillating range of the spray pattern. When the base plate4172reaches its upper-most position, the crankshaft profile4134dmakes no contact with the integrating member4120, and the coupled fluid-dispensing tubes4119have no movement. Thus, rotation of the control ring4164affects the degree of oscillation by the integrating member4120as well as the shower/massage effect produced using valve assembly4161(described above). The base plate4172is prevented from rotating by one or more alignment pins4174disposed in one or more complementing orifices4175formed in a flanged portion4172aof the base plate4172. A collar4172cis affixed to the flange4172afor preventing separation of the integrating member4120from the base plate4172under the force applied by crankshaft end4134d. It will be further appreciated by those having skill in the art that this embodiment does not produce a change in the overall spray pattern, but is useful for varying the radius of oscillation by the integrating member4120so as to vary the overall shower width (i.e., oscillation area of the spray pattern).

FIG. 41Bshows a perspective view of the housing4112of the spray apparatus4110, with a shower pipe or neck100delivering water into the fluid inlet4114(not shown inFIG. 41B) in a conventional manner. The outer control ring4164is shown being radially symmetrical and generally cylindrically-shaped, and includes finger indentions4164ffor easy gripping and rotating by a bather. The ends of the fluid dispensing tubes4118m,4118b,4118care shown extending partially through the fluid outlets4116formed in the lower portion4112bof the housing. The lower housing extension4112d(seeFIG. 41) is removed inFIG. 41Bfor clarity, thereby showing the end4134dof the crankshaft4134protruding slightly through the lower housing portion4112b.

FIGS. 43-44show sequential, sectional side views, in respective fixed and sweeping spray modes, of an alternative spray apparatus4310employing a combination of fixed and movable fluid-dispensing tubes4318f,4318mand an alternative flow diverter system4360for achieving a massage effect in accordance with the present invention. The movable fluid-dispensing tubes are those tubes4319that are coupled to the integrating member4320. In this embodiment, tubes4318mare integrally formed with the second planar member4350, e.g., by a single rubber molding.

The fixed fluid-dispensing tubes4318fare not coupled to the integrating member4320. Each of the non-coupled tubes4318fhas an upstream portion affixed in one of a second set of orifices4357fof the second planar member4350, and a downstream portion that extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets4316. Accordingly, water flowing into the fluid inlet4314, when the diverter system is positioned as shown inFIG. 43, is directed through the non-coupled tubes4318fvia the second orifices4357f. The housing preferably defines flow chambers or passages4356a-bfor selectively communicating with the first and second orifices4357m,fof the second planar member4350. Accordingly, the diverter system4360includes a valve assembly4361for directing fluid in the flow chamber or passage4356ato at least one of the first orifices4357mor the second orifices4357fof the second planar member4350. The valve assembly4361includes a plug valve body4362actuated by a handle4364(seeFIG. 44) that selectively rotates that valve body4362about its axis to achieve the desired flow configuration. In the valve position ofFIG. 44, water is directed from flow chamber or passage4356ainto the valve chamber4362afor delivery to flow chamber or passage4356b, whereby the water passes through the first orifices4357minto fluid-dispensing tubes4318mfor producing a sweeping spray. When the valve4361is moved to the position ofFIG. 43, water is directed from flow chamber or passage4356ainto the valve chamber4362afor delivery through valve orifices4362bto second orifices4357fand into fluid-dispensing tubes4318f(i.e., bypassing flow chamber or passage4356b) for producing a fixed spray. Accordingly, the bather can achieve a fixed or sweeping shower spray with this embodiment.

FIG. 45shows a sectional side view of another, simplified alternative embodiment of a spray apparatus4510employing an integrating member4520disposed within the flow chamber4556. Inside the housing4512, the first planar member4526of the integrating member4520carries the fluid-dispensing tube entrances4557. The turbine4524, cam member4538, and turbine shaft4534are all integrally formed, preferably of a plastic material. No seals are presently provided around the tubes4518at the outlets4516, although that is an option. Leakage joins the shower stream exiting the tubes4518.

FIG. 46is a sectional representation of a plastic, universal shower head ball joint4608(hereafter numbered as X08in the figures, wherein X is the figure number; e.g., the ball joint ofFIG. 47is labeled as4708) mounted in the housing4612of an alternative spray apparatus4610for delivering water to the housing inlet4614of the apparatus. The spray apparatus4610employs a turbine actuator4624to oscillate a plurality of coupled fluid-dispensing tubes4618(the coupled tubes also being referenced as4619) in coordinated fashion via an integrating member4620. Each dispending tube4618is preferably flexible and comprises a strap4618smounted at or near the inlet4618iof its tubular body4618bfor pivotally mounting the tubular body within the housing4612. The strap4618spivotally mounts the tubular body4618bof each tube4618to the planar member4626of the integrating member4620, by way of a mounting post4640.FIG. 46illustrates that pairs of adjacent straps4618smay be integrally formed by way of a common web portion4641having an aperture (not numbered) therein for engaging the mounting post4640on the integrating member. Each strap4618smay be flexible, or it may be rigid over at least a substantial portion of its length. In the later case, the rigidity of the strap may be provided by a reinforcing member, as is demonstrated by the embodiment ofFIG. 55.

The dispensing tubes4618of this and the remaining embodiments described below are preferably flexible for the reasons mentioned above. Each flexible dispensing tube comprises a flexible tubular body having an inlet for receiving fluid and an outlet for dispensing fluid. The tubular body is preferably flexible along substantially its entire length, whereby the outlet of the tubular body may be easily pointed under the application of lateral force to the tubular body at one or more locations along the length of the tubular body. The tubular body may comprise a natural polymer, a synthetic polymer, or a combination thereof.

The preferred flexibility of the dispensing tubes (and straps) allows for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape, and facilitates amplified direction/shape changes (compared to rigid dispensing tubes) in the dispensed fluid streams, e.g., when the tubes are subjected to a lateral force on one side and an opposing pivoting force (axially offset from the lateral force) on the other side. Such a flexible (and simplistic) configuration reduces the energy demands on the turbine, thereby making the spray apparatus generally more efficient than similar devices employing only rigid fluid discharge tubes. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the flexibility of the straps is particularly beneficial in embodiments of the inventive spray apparatus such as those described below in association withFIGS. 47A,51, and55-61F.

FIG. 47is a section representation of a similar spray apparatus4710to that ofFIG. 46, but employing a different engagement mechanism between the integrating member4720and the dispensing tubes4618. In this instance, each dispensing tube4718comprises an elongated flexible strap4718sformed at or near the inlet4718iof its tubular body4718bfor pivotally mounting the tubular body4718bwithin the housing4712. The strap4718spivotally mounts the tubular body4718bof each tube4718to a second planar member4750by way of apertures4751in the second planar member4750that are sized to receive upper ends of the straps4718s. The second planar member4750is sealingly mounted against rotation transversely within the housing4712between the turbine head4730and the housing inlet4714.

FIG. 47Bshows the arrangement of a subplurality of the apertures4725formed in the planar member4726of the integrating member4720for receiving the respective straps4718sof the dispensing tubes4718. The apertures4725are substantially oval or elliptical in shape, each having a major axis that is radially aligned with respect to the planar member4726. This configuration constrains the straps4718smore in the tangential direction than in the radial direction, tending to induce more tangential movement (than radial movement) in the dispensing tubes4718under rotation of the turbine head4730by water flowing into the housing inlet4814. Thus, as shown inFIG. 47C, the oscillating paths4760of the tubes4718(at least the outer tubes) is oval or elliptical in shape with the major axis being tangentially aligned.

FIGS. 48A-Bare sectional representations of an alternative spray apparatus4810that employs a lever4885that is rotatable outside the housing4812to rotate a shaft4886about its own axis within the housing4812. The resulting rotation of the shaft4886is effective for moving an isolating valve4882between positions closing (seeFIG. 48A) and opening (seeFIG. 48B) an isolating chamber4884, thereby selectively delivering water to an outer sub-plurality of fixed fluid-dispensing tubes4818f, and selectively isolating such tubes4818ffrom an inner sub-plurality of turbine-oscillated fluid-dispensing tubes4818. The induced rotation of the shaft4886is also effective for moving a transverse arm4888(secured to the shaft4886) between positions preventing (FIG. 48B) and permitting (FIG. 48A) oscillation of the inner sub-plurality of fluid-dispensing tubes4818.

FIGS. 49A-Bare sectional representations of an alternative spray apparatus4910that employs a lever4985that is rotatable outside the housing4912to rotate a shaft4986about its own axis within the housing4912. The resulting rotation of the shaft4986is effective for moving a transverse arm4988(secured to the shaft4886) between a lower position (FIG. 49A) and a lower position (FIG. 49B) to adjust the elevation of a spacer4990that rides up/down about the turbine shaft4934, and thereby induce elevation adjustments of the turbine head4930, including the profiled cam surface or portion4938thereof. Elevation adjustments of the cam4938effect adjustments of the engagement position between the cam4938and the integrating member4920, and thereby alter the degree of oscillation that the cam4938applies to the central orifice4928of the integrating member4920—and therefore the coupled dispensing tubes4918—under rotation of the turbine4934. Accordingly,FIG. 49Adepicts smaller induced oscillations in the tubes4918, whileFIG. 49Bdepicts larger induced oscillations in the tubes4918. The lever4985, shaft4986, and transverse arm4988thereby constitute an integrated mechanism for adjusting the engagement position (e.g., the elevation) of the integrating member4920relative to the cam portion4938. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the use of flexible tubes, as described herein, obviates the need for complex mechanisms that would otherwise be required to maintain rigid tubes in the proper alignment over a range of variable orbits.

FIGS. 50-53are sectional representations of alternative spray apparatuses5010,5110, and5210each employing similar mechanisms (i.e., externally-rotatable lever X85, internally rotating shaft X85, transverse arm X88, and spacer X90) for varying a cam interface so as to adjust the degree of oscillation applied by the integrating member5020,5120, and5220to the respective coupled dispensing tubes5018,5118, and5218. In the spray apparatuses ofFIGS. 50 and 53, the respective turbine heads5030and5330are freely movable up/down about the turbine shafts5034and5334, and the respective cams5038,5338are moved up/down with respect to the integrating members5020,5320. In the spray apparatus5110ofFIG. 51, the spacer5190urges the integrating member5120up/down so as to vary its engagement with the cam portion5138of the turbine shaft5134. In the spray apparatus5220ofFIG. 52, the spacer5290urges the cam portion5238up/down with respect to the integrating member5220.

The spray apparatus5310ofFIG. 53also employs an isolating valve5382having a liftable tab5383, and an isolating chamber5384, in similar fashion to the spray apparatus4810ofFIGS. 48A-B.

FIG. 54is a sectional representation of an alternative spray apparatus5410that employs a rotatable lever5485for actuating valves5462,5464, and5466that control fluid entry to respective massage chambers5452, aeration chambers5454, and shower chambers5456. The valves are moved between open and closed positions by the movement of respective valve stems5442,5444, and5446into peripheral channels5488of a barrel-cam5490that rotates with the shaft5486.

The spray apparatus5410is further equipped with a rotatable peripheral ring5460for adjusting the elevation of an integrating member5420relative to the cam portion5438of the turbine shaft5434, whereby the degree of turbine oscillation applied to coupled dispensing tubes5419is adjusted. The ring5460is equipped with internal thread, tongue, etc. (not shown) that complements an external thread, groove, etc. (not shown) of an external, cylindrical region5421of the integrating member5420, whereby rotation of the ring5460about the housing5412is translated into movement of the integrating member5420up/down relative to the cam portion5438of the apparatus5410.

FIG. 55is a sectional representation of an alternative spray apparatus5510that employs a lever5585that is disposed for rotation outside the housing5512so as to adjust the elevation of an integrating member5520, via a shaft5586that is disposed for rotation about its own axis inside the housing5512. The shaft5586comprises an eccentric transverse arm5588that is oscillated by rotation of the shaft so as to move the integrating member5520up/down by the engagement of the arm5588with an aperture5521in the integrating member5520, thereby moving the central orifice5528into engagement with differing locations along the cam5538of the turbine5534. Accordingly, the degree of turbine oscillation applied to the dispensing tubes5518coupled by the integrating member5520is selectively adjusted.

The spray apparatus5510further comprises one or more focusing elements, in the form of reinforced straps5518sconnected to or integrally formed with the dispensing tubes5518at or near the inlet5518iof its tubular body5518bfor pivotally mounting the tubular body5518bwithin the housing5512. Each strap5518spivotally mounts the tubular body5518bof each tube5518to a second planar member5550by way of apertures5551in the second planar member5550that are sized to receive upper ends of the straps5518s. The second planar member5550is mounted against rotation transversely within the housing5512generally between the integrating member5520and the housing inlet5514. The focusing elements (i.e., the reinforced straps5518s) engage the integrating member5520by way of apertures5525therein. The straps5518sare displaced by the above-described adjustment of the engagement position of the integrating member5520with the turbine cam5538so as to simultaneously adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the dispensing tubes5518in a unified converging (or diverging) manner, i.e., to focus the shape of the shower defined by the fluid streams dispensed from the plurality of dispensing tubes.

FIG. 56Ais a sectional representation of an alternative spray apparatus5610that employs a lever5685that is disposed for rotation outside the housing5612so as to adjust the elevation of an integrating member5620, via a shaft5686that is disposed for rotation about its own axis inside the housing5612. The shaft5686comprises an eccentric transverse arm5688that is oscillated by rotation of the shaft so as to move the planar member5626of the integrating member up/down by the engagement of the arm5688with a lower hub member5621beneath the planar member5626, thereby moving the central orifice5628into engagement with differing locations along the cam5638of the turbine5634. Accordingly, the degree of turbine oscillation applied to the dispensing tubes5618coupled by the integrating member5620is selectively adjusted.

The spray apparatus5610further comprises one or more focusing elements, in the form of spider-like arms5642that constituting portions of the integrating member5620(along with pin members5640), as shown in a bottom view thereof inFIG. 56B. The spider arms5642are connected to the dispensing tubes5618by way of the engagement of the arms5642with the flexible pin members5640that are mounted in sockets5641of flexible straps5618sthat are connected (i.e., integrally formed) at or near the inlet5618iof its tubular body5618bfor pivotally mounting the tubular body5618bwithin the housing5612. Each strap5618spivotally “extends” the tubular body5618bof each tube5618to one or more upper ring members5649that are slidable disposed beneath a transverse portion of the housing5612located generally between the turbine head5630and the housing inlet5614. The focusing elements (i.e., the spider arms5642) engage the pin members5640by way of apertures5643in the spider arms. The pin members5640and straps5618sare displaced by the above-described adjustment of the engagement position of the integrating member5620with the turbine cam5638so as to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the dispensing tubes5618in a unified converging (or diverging) manner, i.e., to focus the shape of the shower defined by the fluid streams dispensed from the plurality of dispensing tubes. Accordingly, a focused, narrow spray configuration with smaller turbine-induced oscillations (or none) is depicted on the left half ofFIG. 56A, while an unfocused (normal), wide spray configuration with larger turbine-induced oscillations is depicted on the right half ofFIG. 56B.

FIG. 57is a sectional representation of an alternative spray apparatus5710that employs a rotatable peripheral ring5760for adjusting the elevation of an integrating member5720relative to the cam portion5738of the turbine shaft5734, whereby the degree of turbine oscillation applied to coupled dispensing tubes5719is adjusted. The ring5760is equipped with internal thread, tongue, etc. (not shown) that complements an external thread, groove, etc. (not shown) of an external, cylindrical region5721of an outlet plate5723beneath the integrating member5720, whereby rotation of the ring5760about the housing5712is translated into movement of the integrating member5720up/down relative to the cam portion5738of the apparatus5710.

The spray apparatus5710further comprises one or more focusing elements, in the form of flexible spider-like arms5742each connected between a fixed ring member5748and the movable outlet plate5723. The ring member5748and outlet plate5723are mounted against rotation transversely within the housing5712. The focusing elements (i.e., the spider arms5742) engage the tubular bodies5718bof the dispensing tubes5718by way of apertures5743in the spider arms5742through which the tubular bodies extend. The spider arm5742are flexed and displaced by the above-described adjustment of the engagement position of the integrating member5720with the turbine cam5738so as to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the dispensing tubes5718in a unified converging (or diverging) manner, i.e., to focus the shape of the shower defined by the fluid streams dispensed from the plurality of dispensing tubes. Accordingly, a focused, narrow spray configuration with smaller turbine-induced oscillations (or none) is depicted on the right half ofFIG. 57, while an unfocused (normal), wide spray configuration with larger turbine-induced oscillations is depicted on the left half ofFIG. 57.

FIG. 58is a sectional representation of an alternative spray apparatus5810that employs a rotatable ring5860for adjusting the elevation of an integrating member5820via a movable outlet plate5823, whereby the degree of turbine oscillation applied to coupled dispensing tubes5818is selectively adjusted. This mechanism is substantially identical to that described above in reference toFIG. 57, and will not be described further.

The spray apparatus5810further comprises one or more focusing elements, in the form of flexible focusing arms or straps5842aeach connected to a second planar member5850mounted transversely across the housing5812beneath the turbine head5830. The focusing arms5842acooperate with respective focusing cams5842bto laterally displace boot portions5842cof the focusing arms5842aupon movement up/down of the outlet plate5843under rotation of the peripheral ring5860. The boot portions5842ccause flexing of the dispensing tubes5818so as to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the tubes5818in a unified converging (or diverging) manner, i.e., to focus the shape of the shower defined by the fluid streams dispensed from the plurality of dispensing tubes. Accordingly, a focused, narrow spray configuration with smaller turbine-induced oscillations (or none) is depicted on the right half ofFIG. 58, while an unfocused (normal), wide spray configuration with larger turbine-induced oscillations is depicted on the left half ofFIG. 58.

FIG. 59Ais a sectional representation of an alternative spray apparatus employing a peripheral actuator ring5964for urging a valve stem5963against a valve gate5962so as to move the valve gate between positions closing or opening an outer fluid chamber5956bfor delivery of water to outer fluid-dispensing tubes5918that fluidly communicate with the chamber5956bby way of orifices in a second planar member5950sealably mounted transversely within the housing5912. This mechanism is similar to the valve actuating mechanism described above in reference toFIGS. 40A-C, and will not be described further.

With reference to bothFIGS. 59A and 59B, the spray apparatus5910further comprises a focusing assembly, in the form of stacked, dual focusing disks or plates5942a,5942bcarried for relative translational movement about a hub portion5951depending from the second planar member5950. Each of the focusing disks5942a,5942bhas a plurality of slots therein for pointing the fluid-dispensing tubes5918coupled thereby to one of a plurality of nominal radially-oriented positions. The slots5943aof the upper disk5942aoverlie and are conversely oriented to the respective slots5943bof the lower disk5942b, so as to effect a plurality of common constricted slot areas5943cthrough the upper and lower plates for engaging the respective coupled fluid-dispensing tubes5918by the extension of intermediate portions of the respective coupled tubes through the common slot areas5943c. Preferably, at least one of the complementary focusing disks5942a,5942bis rotatable with respect to the other of the complementary disks (e.g., by one or more slide arms5945actuated by a sloped inner surface5965of the actuator ring5964) for moving the coupled tubes5918inwardly or outwardly with respect to the central axis of the housing5912. The focusing disks5942a,5942bcooperate to laterally displace and cause flexing of intermediate portions of the dispensing tubes5918so as to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the tubes5918in a unified converging (or diverging) manner, i.e., to focus the shape of the shower defined by the fluid streams dispensed from the plurality of dispensing tubes.

FIGS. 60A-Bare axi-sectional and cross-sectional representations of an alternative spray apparatus that employs a rotatable actuator ring6064for adjusting the elevation of a dual integrating member, and for actuating valves that control fluid entry to respective massage, aeration, and shower chambers, whereby the degree of turbine oscillation applied to coupled dispensing tubes is adjusted, different showering effects are achieved, and for the dispensing tubes are converged/diverged in unison, via focusing cams and rings, to achieve a focusing effect. The actuator ring6064is rotatable about the housing6012for sequentially urging three valve stems6063a(not shown),6063b, and6063cagainst respective valve gates6062a,6062b, and6062cso as to move the valve gates—in cooperation with respective closure springs6061a,6061b, and6061c—between positions closing or opening respective fluid chambers6056a,6056, and6056cfor delivery of water to respective inner (massage) fluid-dispensing tubes6018a, intermediate (aerating) fluid-dispensing tube6018b, and outer (shower/comfort) fluid-dispensing tubes6018cthat fluidly communicate with the chambers by way of orifices (not numbered) in a second planar member6050sealably mounted transversely within the housing6012. This mechanism is similar to the valve actuating mechanism described above in reference toFIGS. 40A-C, and will not be described further. The aerating tubes6018bare described further below with reference toFIG. 75A-D.

The rotatable actuator ring6064is also operative for adjusting the elevation of stacked, dual integrating members6020ab,6020cvia a movable outlet plate6023, whereby the degree of turbine oscillation applied to coupled dispensing tubes6018aand6018bis selectively adjusted by movement of the upper integrating member6020abvia the outlet plate6023. Similarly, the degree of turbine oscillation applied to coupled dispensing tubes6018cis selectively adjusted by movement of the lower integrating member6020cvia the outlet plate6023. This mechanism is similar to that described above in reference toFIGS. 57 and 58, and will not be described further, except to note the particular complexity of the turbine cam6038which is effective for various degrees of oscillation (or no oscillation) by the integrating members6020a,6020b.

The spray apparatus6010further comprises one or more focusing elements, in the form of flexible focusing arms or straps6042aeach connected to the second planar member6050mounted above the integrating members6020ab,6020c. The focusing arms6042acooperate with respective focusing cams6042bto laterally displace intermediate portions of the dispensing tubes upon movement up/down of the outlet plate6043under rotation of the peripheral ring6064. The focusing arms comprise flange portions6042cthat engage and cause flexing of the dispensing tubes5818so as to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the tubes (only tubes6018aare shown flexed, but the other tubes6018b,6018cmay be similarly flexed) in a unified converging (or diverging) manner, i.e., to focus the shape of the shower defined by the fluid streams dispensed from the plurality of dispensing tubes. Accordingly, a focused, narrow spray configuration is depicted on the right half ofFIG. 60, while an unfocused (normal), wide spray configuration is depicted on the left half ofFIG. 60.

FIG. 61Ais a plan-view representation of forty-five fluid-dispensing tubes6118that are subject to being grouped in fifteen three-tube clusters6117for achieving particular tube focusing effects.FIGS. 61B-Care sectional representations of the three-tube clusters6117ofFIG. 61Ain converged (FIG. 61B) and normal (FIG. 61C) states. The clustered tubes are converged to produce unified fluid-flow streams by upward movement of an outlet plate6123(like the above-described movement of outlet plate6023), which forces an actuator plate6160, including its central orifice6162, into engagement with a cam6152depending from a second planar member6150. Accordingly, each focusing element (i.e., the actuator plate6160) may be operable to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the dispensing tubes of the cluster in a unified converging (or diverging) manner. The focusing elements may be integrally formed with the integrating member, as described above. Additionally, each focusing element may be operable to produce a high impact spray, a soft impact spray, or a combination thereof from its associated cluster. Furthermore, a plurality of such focusing elements may be operable in a unified converging manner to produce a high impact shower, a soft impact shower, or a combination thereof from their respective clusters (i.e., the cluster outputs are collectively focused).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and given the benefit of this disclosure that the dispensing tubes as provided herein may comprise a flexible tubular body having a non-uniform stiffness about its periphery, whereby the application of uniform lateral force about the periphery will produce non-uniform lateral flexing of the tubular body. The non-uniform stiffness may be provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform wall thickness about its periphery. Alternatively, the non-uniform stiffness may be provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform rib distribution about its periphery. It will further be appreciated that the flexible tubular body may have a non-uniform stiffness along its length, whereby the application of lateral force to the tubular body will produce non-uniform flexing of the tubular body along its length. The non-uniform stiffness may be provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform wall thickness along its length. Alternatively, the non-uniform stiffness may be provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform rib distribution along its length.

Thus,FIGS. 62A-Bare side and cross-sectional representations of a fluid-dispensing tube6218employing a non-uniform distribution of ribs6217about its periphery (as well as along its length) for achieving non-uniform flexing of the tube.FIG. 62Cshows a resulting oval-shaped spray pattern6215within a general shower outline6213from the non-uniform distribution of ribs according toFIGS. 62A-B.FIG. 62Dis a cross-sectional representation of a fluid-dispensing tube having a non-uniform wall thickness about its periphery for achieving non-uniform flexing of the tube.

FIGS. 63-64are sectional representations of alternative hand-held spray apparatuses6310,6410employing rotatable control-cap members6360,5460for adjusting the elevation of turbine-driven horizontal cams6338a,6438avia the respective turbine shafts6334,6434that rotate with the control caps, splined vertical cams6338b,6438bthat are pinned for rotation with the turbine shafts, whereby the degree of turbine oscillation applied to coupled dispensing tubes6319,6419by the horizontal cams6338a,6438athat are fixed for rotation with the turbine heads6330,6430, is selectively adjusted. The spray housings6312,6412may be integrally formed (or otherwise connected) with respective handles6311,6411for delivering fluid (internally) to the housings and for gripping (externally) by a user, in conventional manners. The apparatuses6310,6410are shown employing respective axially-feed and radial-feed turbines (referenced as6324,6424).

FIGS. 65A-Bare sectional representations of a kitchen-faucet spray apparatus6510that employs a pivotal lever6585for actuating a valve6562and for adjusting the elevation of a flexible integrating member6520, whereby the degree of turbine oscillation (wider inFIG. 65A; narrower inFIG. 65B) applied to coupled dispensing tubes6518is adjusted, the dispensing tubes are converged/diverged in unison to achieve a focusing effect (converged inFIG. 65B), and fluid is diverted to either a central aerator (FIG. 65A) or the coupled dispensing tubes (FIG. 65B). Thus, the spray apparatus housing6512is preferably adapted for use in a kitchen faucet application (as opposed, e.g., to a wall-mounted or hand-held showering apparatus).

More particularly, the spray apparatus6510comprises a housing6512having a fluid inlet6514, a plurality of tubes6518for dispensing liquid from the housing, and an aerator6568for dispensing an air-liquid mixture from the housing6512. An integrating member6520is operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes6518for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member. A cammed turbine actuator6524is employed for inducing oscillatory movement of the integrating member6520.

A valve assembly comprising the lever/actuator6585, a transverse arm6584, a first valve stem portion6563a, a second valve stem portion6563b, and the valve6562, is employed for regulating the flow of liquid between the dispensing tubes6518and the aerator6568. The aerator is preferably located centrally with respect to the dispensing tubes. The dispensing tubes are preferably flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubes.

A further actuator stem6563cis attached to the first valve stem portion6563afor movement therewith. The actuator stem is operable to engage the planar member6526of the integrating member6520so as to alter the elevation at which the central orifice6528of the integrating member engages the turbine cam6538, thereby providing for selective adjustment of the resulting oscillating effect of the coupled tubes6518.

The spray apparatus6510further comprises one or more focusing elements, in the form of spider-like arms6542that constitute portions of the integrating member6520, along with a ring member6541(i.e., the members6520,6541, and6542are integrally formed) that has an operating clearance about the turbine axle6534(which conducts fluid in this embodiment). The spider arms5642are connected to the dispensing tubes5618by way of the engagement of the arms5642with flexible straps6518sthat are connected (i.e., integrally formed) at or near the inlet6518iof each tubular body6518bfor pivotally mounting the tubular body6518bwithin the housing6512. The focusing elements (i.e., the spider arms6542) also engage outer hub portion6519of the integrating member6520so that the spider arms6542and the straps6518sare both constrained by the movement of the integrating member6520. The spider arms6542and straps6518s, as well as the dispensing tubes6518, are therefore displaced by the above-described adjustment of the engagement position of the integrating member6520with the turbine cam6538so as to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the dispensing tubes6518in a unified converging (or diverging) manner, i.e., to focus the shape of the shower defined by the fluid streams dispensed from the plurality of dispensing tubes. Accordingly, an unfocused (normal), wide spray configuration with wider turbine-induced oscillations is depicted inFIG. 65A, while a focused, narrow spray configuration with narrower turbine-induced oscillations is depicted inFIG. 65B.

FIG. 66A-Bare sectional and front-view representations of an alternative spray apparatus6610mounted in a shower wall W and employing actuating levers6685a,6685bfor adjusting the pointing direction of the dispensing tubes6618in a unified manner. An actuator wheel6660is also employed for adjusting the degree of oscillation applied to coupled dispensing tubes6619.

More particularly, the spray apparatus6610comprising a housing6612adapted for mounting within a wall space WS exposed by an opening WO in a wall W. The housing6612has a fluid inlet6614for receiving a fluid supply conduit run behind the wall, and an open end6613for alignment with the wall opening WO. A face plate6612c, which ideally forms a component part of the housing6612, is employed for engaging the open end6613of the housing. The face plate has a plurality of fluid outlets6616through which downstream portions of a plurality of tubes6618are disposed for dispensing fluid from the housing6612via the fluid outlets6616of the face plate6623.

An integrating member6620is operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes6618for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member6620. An actuator is employed for inducing movement of the tubes and integrating member.

The actuator preferably comprises a pair of levers6685a,6685beach pivotally connected to a direction control disk6640and extending through a slotted portion of the face plate6612cfor applying pivoting forces to the direction control disk6640. Thus, the lever6685ais slidable through a slot6686ain the face plate6612cfor adjusting the nominal orientation of each of the coupled dispensing tubes6618, so as to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of (i.e., point) the dispensing tubes up or down in a unified manner. Similarly, the lever6685bis slidable through a slot6686bin the face plate6612cfor pointing the tubes6618left or right in a unified manner. Since the tube position-adjusting mechanism operates independently of movement of the housing6612(i.e., the housing is stationary with respect to the wall), there is no need for a typical swivel/ball housing mount. As with various other embodiments of the present invention, the dispensing tubes6618are preferably flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubes.

Additionally, the actuator of the spray apparatus6610preferably comprises a turbine6624carried for rotary movement within the housing6612under fluid flow from the fluid inlet6614to one or more of the fluid outlets6616. The integrating member6620is operatively coupled to the turbine6624for oscillatory movement relative to the housing6612under rotary movement of the turbine6624. A control wheel6660extends partially through the face plate6612cand engages the turbine (e.g., by a gear train, not shown) to adjust the axial position of the turbine shaft6634, including the cam portion6638thereof, relative to a hub portion6621of the integrating member6620, allowing for adjustment in the degree of oscillation applied to the coupled tubes6619.

A receptacle box6670is mounted within the wall space WS exposed by the opening WO in the wall W for receiving the housing6612. The receptacle box6670has a neck6672for receiving a fluid supply conduit (not shown) in the wall space and an open end6674for alignment with the wall opening WO and the open end6613of the housing6612. The fluid inlet6614of the housing is defined by a nipple6615adapted for sealable fitting within the neck6672of the receptacle box6670.

FIGS. 67A-Bare sectional and side-view representations of an alternative spray apparatus6710having a variable turbine-cam interface for adjusting the degree of oscillation applied by an integrating member6720to coupled dispensing tubes6719, and a focusing mechanism for converging/diverging the dispensing tubes in unison to achieve a focusing effect. The apparatus6720is mounted closely adjacent a shower wall W without the use of a shower ball/swivel mounting, by way of a housing neck6712athat receives a conduit6711in sealed, threaded engagement. A trimming sleeve6709is employed to establish a smooth aesthetic transition between the housing6712and the wall W.

The spray apparatus6720employs a direction control disk6740for flexing the tubes6718at intermediate locations thereon to achieve desired pointing of the fluid dispensing spray nominal positions in unison. The direction control disk6740is essentially free-floating, although the inherent stiffness of the flexible tubes6718will constrain the control disk against (permanent) rotation. A rotatable control ring6760has an inner cammed profile6762for inducing applying a lateral force to the direction control ring6740when the ring6760is rotated.

A shaft6764is disposed for rotation within the housing6712about its own axis, and the rotation of control ring6760induces rotation of the crank arm6764by the engagement of a shoulder6760aof the ring with a lower end6764aof the crank arm6764. The crank arm6764engages a slidable spacer6766, such that rotation of the shaft about its axis induces a slight lift of the slidable spacer6766along the turbine shaft6734, thereby moving a flange member6768affixed to the turbine shaft6734up or down. This, in turn, effects up/down movement of the turbine cam6738, whereby the degree of oscillation imposed on the integrating member6720by rotation of the turbine6724is selectively varied.

FIGS. 68-73illustrate sectional representations of alternative spray apparatuses X10that permit near-wall mounting and unified pointing of fluid-dispensing tubes X18coupled by a free-floating integrating member X20(particularly the planar member X26thereof)—via a movable control ring actuator X22and a spring retainer element X60(e.g., molded plastic component)—without the need for a shower ball/swivel mounting. The natural self-centering properties of the coupled tubes X18resist undesirable tangential forces that may be induced by the rotation of the control ring X22. Thus, the integrating member X20is at least partially carried by the housing across the open end of the housing and has a plurality of orifices X16for passage of the plurality of tubes X18therethrough for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member. The control ring X22is adjustably carried by the spring retainer X60that releasably secures the control ring in one or more positions with respect to the housing. The spray apparatus7410ofFIG. 74is similarly equipped, except the integrating member7420is be integrally formed with the control ring7422, requiring the use of retainer assembly7470that constrains the ring7422against rotation.

FIGS. 75A-Dare sectional and cross-sectional representations of various aerator plug configurations for a fluid-dispensing tube7518of a spray apparatus. The inventive dispensing tube comprises a tubular body7518b, and an aerator plug7518pfor insertion into an upper end7518iof the tubular body. The tubular body7518bemploys a venturi effect, and is preferably flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubular body.

At least one of the body7518band the plug7518pis adapted for connection to a portion of the spray apparatus. In particular embodiments, like that ofFIG. 75, the plug7518pis integrally formed with a transverse planar housing member7550in which the tubes7518are mounted. The plug7518phas one or more first passages7518afor conducting water therethrough and one or more second passages7518bfor conducting air therethrough. The first passages7518amay employ a cross-sectional shape that is one of circular, axial, curvilinear, and a combination thereof. The second passages7518bmay employ a cross-sectional shape that is one of circular, axial, curvilinear, and a combination thereof. The second passages are preferably discrete from the first passages.FIGS. 75B and 75Cshow respective top and bottom cross-sectional views taken through the plug7518p.FIG. 75Dshows a top cross-section of an alternative plug equipped with alternative first and second passages7518a′,7518b′.

It will be understood from the foregoing description that various modifications and changes may be made in the preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention without departing from its true spirit. Thus, e.g., while several components of the above-disclosed spray apparatus embodiments have been described as separate, it will be appreciated that certain of such components may be integrally manufactured for the sake of economy. For example, the tubes4618, straps4618s, webs4641, posts4640, and integrating member4620(seeFIG. 46) may all be integrally manufactured in a so-called “over-molding” operation.

This description is intended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of this invention should be determined only by the language of the claims that follow. The terms “comprising,” “containing,” having,” and “including” are all intended to mean an open set or group of elements. “A,” “an” and other singular terms are intended to include the plural forms thereof unless specifically excluded.

The following is a listing that describes various embodiments of the invention, most of which have been previously described, and form part of the detailed description.

a housing having a fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid outlets;

a turbine carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet to one or more of the fluid outlets;

an integrating member operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the turbine; and

a plurality of tubes each disposed in one of the fluid outlets for dispensing fluid from the housing, at least a subset of the plurality of tubes being operatively-coupled to the integrating member for coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in the respective plurality of fluid outlets.

2. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oscillatory movement of the integrating member comprises at least one of circular, elliptical, and linear movement.

3. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the integrating member is operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement within the housing under rotary movement of the turbine.

4. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tubes are each sealingly disposed in one of the fluid outlets.

5. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tubes are rigid.

6. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tubes are flexible.

7. The spray apparatus of claim 6, wherein the tubes comprise a natural polymer, a synthetic polymer, or a combination thereof.

8. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupled tubes are oriented with respect to one another in a configuration that is parallel, divergent, convergent, or a combination thereof.

9. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet directs fluid towards the turbine in a direction selected from axial, radial, tangential, and combinations thereof.

10. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the housing is substantially cylindrical.

11. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotary movement of the turbine comprises spinning, nutating, or a combination thereof.

12. The spray apparatus of claim 11, wherein the nutating comprises a wobbling motion.

13. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the turbine comprises a head having at least two angled or curved vanes on an upper surface thereof and being radially symmetrical.

14. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the integrating member comprises a first planar member having a substantially central orifice; and

the turbine comprises:a head having at least one angled or curved vane on an upper surface thereof; anda shaft depending from the turbine head and extending at least partially through the orifice in the first planar member for operatively coupling the integrating member to the turbine.
15. The spray apparatus of claim 14, wherein the turbine shaft is disposed in an opening formed through a lower portion of the turbine head.
16. The spray apparatus of claim 15, wherein the turbine shaft is fixed for rotation with the turbine head.
17. The spray apparatus of claim 14, wherein the turbine shaft is integrally formed with the turbine head.
18. The spray apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a cam portion fixed about the turbine shaft opposite the turbine head such that the cam portion rotates with the turbine head, the cam portion being carried within the orifice of the first planar member.
19. The spray apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a cam portion fixed about the turbine shaft beneath the turbine head such that the cam portion rotates with the turbine head, the cam portion being carried within the orifice of the first planar member.
20. The spray apparatus of claim 19, wherein the cam portion is integral with the turbine head.
21. The spray apparatus of claim 18, wherein:

the cam portion has a sloping vertical profile; and

a means for adjusting the elevation of the integrating member relative to the cam portion so as to induce engagement of the integrating member with varying elevations of the sloping vertical profile of the cam portion, whereby the range of oscillating of the integrating member resulting from rotation of the turbine may be adjusted.

22. The spray apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a second planar member sealingly mounted against rotation within the housing between the integrating member and the fluid inlet, the second planar member comprising:

a substantially central orifice within which the turbine shaft is carried for rotation; and

a plurality of noncentral orifices therein; and wherein

an upstream portion of each of the tubes is affixed in one of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member and a downstream portion of each of the tubes extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets, such that fluid flowing into the fluid inlet is directed through the tubes via the noncentral orifices.

23. The spray apparatus of claim 16, wherein the integrating member comprises stacked complementary upper and lower plates each having a plurality of slots therein, the slots of the upper plate overlying and being conversely oriented to respective slots of the lower plate so as to effect a plurality of common constricted slot areas through the upper and lower plates for engaging the respective coupled tubes by the extension of portions of the respective coupled tubes through the common slot areas, at least one of the complementary plates being rotatable with respect to the other of the complementary plates for moving the coupled tubes.
24. The spray apparatus of claim 23, wherein at least one of the complementary plates is rotatable with respect to the other of the complementary plates for moving the coupled tubes inwardly or outwardly with respect to the central axis.
25. The spray apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a second planar member sealingly mounted against rotation within the housing above the integrating member and comprising:

a substantially central orifice within which the turbine shaft is carried for rotation; and

a plurality of noncentral orifices therein; and wherein

an upstream portion of each of the tubes is affixed in one of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member and a downstream portion of each of the tubes extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets, such that fluid flowing into the fluid inlet is directed through the tubes via the noncentral orifices.
26. The spray apparatus of claim 25, further comprising a third planar member supported for limited rotation about the central axis within the housing, the third planar member comprising a plurality of noncentral angularly-oriented slots for engaging portions of the respective coupled tubes intermediate the downstream and upstream portions thereof by the extension of the coupled tube portions through the plurality of noncentral slots of the third planar member, the third planar member being rotatable with respect to the housing for moving the coupled tube portions.
27. The spray apparatus of claim 26, wherein the third planar member is rotatable with respect to the housing for moving the coupled tube portions inwardly or outwardly with respect to the central axis.
28. The spray apparatus of claim 27, further comprising an actuator carried by the housing for rotating the third planar member.
29. The spray apparatus of claim 15, wherein the shaft is carried in the orifices of the integrating member and the turbine such that the turbine is rotationally supported by the integrating member.
30. The spray apparatus of claim 14, wherein the shaft is disposed for nutation within the orifice of the integrating member.
31. The spray apparatus of claim 14, wherein:

the turbine further comprises an eccentric portion carried about the shaft for rotation within the orifice of the integrating member, whereby spinning of the turbine about the axis of the shaft results in nutation of the turbine.

32. The spray apparatus of claim 14, wherein the shaft is a crankshaft having a first end portion mounted to the turbine head and a second end portion rotatably carried within the substantially central orifice in the first planar member, the second end portion being axially offset from the axis of the shaft by a bend in the crankshaft intermediate the first and second end portions.
33. The spray apparatus of claim 32, wherein:

the crankshaft is supported for rotation about a central axis within the housing by a second planar member sealingly mounted against rotation within the housing between the integrating member and the turbine head, the second planar member comprising:

a substantially central orifice within which the crankshaft is carried for rotation; and

a plurality of noncentral orifices therein; and wherein

an upstream portion of each of the tubes is affixed in one of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member and a downstream portion of each of the tubes extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets, such that fluid flowing into the fluid inlet is directed through the tubes via the noncentral orifices.

34. The spray apparatus of claim 33, further comprising an adjustable manifold disposed within the housing above the second planar member for directing fluid from the inlet to one of:

an outer sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member;

an inner sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member; and

a combination thereof.

35. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the integrating member engages each of the coupled tubes at a similar location on each tube.

36. The spray apparatus of claim 35, wherein the engagement location is at or near a downstream portion of each coupled tube.

37. The spray apparatus of claim 35, wherein the engagement location is at or near an upstream portion of each coupled tube.

38. The spray apparatus of claim 37, wherein the integrating member comprises a plurality of orifices therein, and an upstream portion of each of the coupled tubes is affixed in one of the orifices of the integrating member.

39. The spray apparatus of claim 38, wherein a downstream portion of each of the tubes extends at least partially through one of the outlets, and each of the outlets is equipped with an O-ring through which a portion of each of the tubes intermediate the upstream and downstream portions is pivotally carried.
40. The spray apparatus of claim 39, further comprising a plurality of sleeves each fitted about one of the tubes intermediate the integrating member and the outlet through which the tube extends.
41. The spray apparatus of claim 35, wherein the engagement location is intermediate downstream and upstream portions of each coupled tube.
42. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein oscillating of the integrating member effects a coordinated oscillating of the downstream portion of each of the coupled tubes.
43. The spray apparatus of claim 42, wherein the oscillating of the downstream portion of each of the coupled tubes comprises at least one of circular, elliptical, and linear movement.
44. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tubes have downstream portions that extend at least partially through the respective fluid outlets, and further comprising a plurality of flexible nozzles each carried within the fluid outlets about respective downstream portions of the tubes.
45. The spray apparatus of claim 44, wherein the nozzles have internal profiles that are sized and shaped to effect a desired range of nozzle movement under movement of the downstream portions of the coupled tubes within the fluid outlets.
46. The spray apparatus of claim 44, wherein the downstream portions of the coupled tubes have external profiles that are sized and shaped to effect a desired range of nozzle movement upon movement of the downstream portions of the coupled tubes with respect to the fluid outlets.
47. The spray apparatus of claim 44, wherein movement of downstream portions of the coupled tubes within the flexible nozzles results in a generally conical fluid spray pattern for each nozzle.
48. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupled tubes are integrally formed with the integrating member.
49. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the integrating member is planar and is supported for rotation about a central axis within the housing; and

wherein the integrating member comprises a plurality of angularly-oriented slots for engaging portions of the respective coupled tubes intermediate the upstream and downstream portions thereof by the extension of the coupled tube portions through the angularly-oriented slots, the integrating member being rotatable with respect to the housing for moving the coupled tube portions.

50. The spray apparatus of claim 49, further comprising an actuator carried by the housing for rotating the integrating member.

51. The spray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an actuator for restricting oscillatory movement of the integrating member so as to restrict movement of the coupled tubes.

52. The spray apparatus of claim 14, wherein the turbine comprises:

an eccentric member carried about the turbine shaft opposite the turbine head such that the eccentric member rotates with the head, the eccentric member being carried within the orifice of the first planar member and being nutated by rotation of the turbine head to induce orbiting of the integrating member; and

further comprising a means for selectively pointing downstream end portions of the plurality of tubes.

53. The spray apparatus of claim 52, wherein:

each of the coupled tubes comprises an elastomeric material;

the first planar member further comprises a plurality of noncentral orifices; and

the pointing means comprises:

a set of spaced-apart protuberances on an outer surface of each of the coupled tubes defining a side recess between the protuberances, each of the coupled tubes being disposed in the noncentral orifices of the first planar member in such a manner that the first planar member is connected to the plurality of coupled tubes via the side recesses; and

an internally-threaded sleeve carried for rotation about an externally-threaded sidewall portion of the housing, the sleeve having an annular groove formed in an inner surface thereof within which the first planar member is circumferentially carried, whereby rotation of the sleeve induces vertical movement thereof that applies a vertical force to the coupled tubes at the respective side recesses.

54. The spray apparatus of claim 22, wherein:

the housing defines a flow passage for communicating with the noncentral orifices of the second planar member; and

a valve assembly for directing fluid in the flow passage to one of:

an outer sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member;

an inner sub-plurality of the noncentral orifices of the second planar member; and

a combination thereof.

55. The spray apparatus of claim 54, wherein the valve assembly comprises:

a stop valve having a movable stem for closing portions of the flow passage; and

an actuator for moving the stem as desired to direct the fluid flow.

56. The spray apparatus of claim 55, further comprising:

a third planar member for removably covering the inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices of the second planar member, the third planar member having a sloped rim about at least a portion thereof; and

wherein the movable valve stem is equipped with a plug, and a distal end, such that movement of the valve stem in a radially-inward direction results in the plug closing off a portion of the fluid passage communicating fluid to the outer sub-plurality of noncentral orifices of the second planar member and the distal end engaging the sloped rim so as to remove the third planar member from the inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices of the second planar member.

57. The spray apparatus of claim 56, wherein movement of the valve stem in a radially-inward direction results in the distal end engaging the sloped rim so as to remove the third planar member from the inner sub-plurality of noncentral orifices of the second planar member, prior to the plug closing off a portion of the fluid passage communicating fluid to the outer sub-plurality of noncentral orifices of the second planar member.
58. The spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the turbine comprises a head that is rotationally imbalanced.
59. A spray apparatus, comprising:

a housing having a fluid inlet;

a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing;

an integrating member operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member; and

an actuator for inducing movement of the integrating member.

60. The spray apparatus of claim 59, wherein the integrating member comprises a plurality of angularly-oriented slots for engaging portions of the respective coupled tubes intermediate the upstream and downstream portions thereof by the extension of the coupled tube portions through the plurality of angularly-oriented slots, the integrating member being rotatable by the actuator with respect to the housing for moving the coupled tube portions.
61. The spray apparatus of claim 60, wherein the actuator comprises a slidable lever extending through a slot in a side wall of the housing, the lever having an inner portion that engages the integrating member and an outer portion disposed outside the housing.
62. A spray apparatus, comprising:

a housing having a fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid outlets;

a plurality of tubes each exclusively disposed in one of the fluid outlets for dispensing fluid from the housing;

an integrating member operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in the respective plurality of fluid outlets in response to movement of the integrating member; and

an actuator for inducing movement of the integrating member.

63. The spray apparatus of claim 62, wherein:

the actuator comprises a turbine carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet to one or more of the fluid outlets; and

the integrating member is operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the turbine.

64. The spray apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a second planar member sealingly mounted against rotation within the housing between the integrating member and the fluid inlet, the second planar member comprising:

a substantially central orifice within which the turbine shaft is carried for rotation;

a plurality of first orifices therein; and

a plurality of second orifices therein; and

an upstream portion of each of the coupled tubes is affixed in one of the first orifices of the second planar member and a downstream portion of each of the coupled tubes extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets, such that fluid flowing into the fluid inlet is directed through the coupled tubes via the first orifices; and

a second portion of the tubes are not coupled to the integrating member, each of the non-coupled tubes having an upstream portion affixed in one of the second orifices of the second planar member and a downstream portion that extends at least partially through one of the fluid outlets, such that fluid flowing into the fluid inlet is directed through the non-coupled tubes via the second orifices.

65. The spray apparatus of claim 64, wherein:

the housing defines a flow passage for selectively communicating with the first and second orifices of the second planar member; and further comprising:

a valve assembly for directing fluid in the flow passage to one of:

the first orifices of the second planar member;

the second orifices of the second planar member; and

a combination thereof.

66. A method of spraying fluid, comprising the steps of:

delivering pressurized fluid to a plurality of dispensing tubes;

coupling together at least a subset of the plurality of tubes so that the coupled tubes move in a coordinated fashion under an actuating force; and

applying an actuating force to the coupled tubes to effect a desired fluid spray through the tubes.

a housing having a fluid inlet;

an actuator carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet;

an integrating member operatively coupled to the actuator for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the actuator; and

a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing, at least a subset of the plurality of tubes being operatively-coupled to the integrating member for coordinated movement of the coupled tubes.

a housing having a fluid inlet;

a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing; and

a means for converting energy from fluid delivered through the fluid inlet into coordinated movement of at least a subset of the plurality of tubes.

a housing having a fluid inlet;

a plurality of flexible tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing;

an integrating member operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member; and

an actuator for inducing movement of the integrating member.

70. The spray apparatus of claim 69, wherein:

the actuator comprises a turbine carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet; and

the integrating member is operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the turbine, resulting in coordinated oscillatory movement of the coupled dispensing tubes.

71. The spray apparatus of claim 70, wherein:

the integrating member comprises a planar member having a substantially central orifice;

the turbine comprises an output shaft having a cam portion that extends at least partially through the central orifice of the planar member for operatively coupling the turbine to the integrating member.

72. The spray apparatus of claim 69, wherein integrating member is operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes at positions intermediate the ends of the respective coupled tubes.

73. The spray apparatus of claim 69, wherein integrating member is operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes at positions near dispensing ends of the respective coupled tubes.

74. The spray apparatus of claim 71, wherein:

the cam portion has a sloping profile; and

a mechanism for adjusting the engagement position of the integrating member relative to the cam portion so as to induce engagement of the integrating member with varying portions of the sloping profile of the cam portion, whereby the range of oscillating of the integrating member resulting from rotation of the turbine may be adjusted.

75. The spray apparatus of claim 74, further comprising one or more focusing elements that transversely engage the periphery of the respective dispensing tubes, the focusing elements being displaced by the adjustment of the engagement position of the integrating member so as to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the dispensing tubes in a unified converging manner.
76. The spray apparatus of claim 75, wherein each focusing element comprises a flexible arm associated with one or more dispensing tubes, each focusing element being connected between a movable component of the spray apparatus and a fixed component of the spray apparatus.
77. The spray apparatus of claim 76, wherein:

the movable component is a movable outlet plate disposed beneath the planar member of the integrating member; and

the fixed component is a planar member transversely-mounted within the housing above the integrating member.

78. The spray apparatus of claim 75, wherein each focusing element is associated with a sub-plurality of dispensing tubes that define a cluster.

79. The spray apparatus of claim 78, wherein each focusing element is operable to adjust the fluid-dispensing direction of the dispensing tubes of a cluster in a unified converging or diverging manner.

80. The spray apparatus of claim 78, wherein each focusing element is integrally formed with the integrating member.

81. The spray apparatus of claim 79, wherein each focusing element is operable to produce a high impact spray, a soft impact spray, or a combination thereof from its associated cluster.

82. The spray apparatus of claim 79, wherein the plurality of focusing elements are operable in a unified converging manner to produce a high impact shower, a soft impact shower, or a combination thereof from their respective clusters.

83. The spray apparatus of claim 70, wherein:

each coupled dispensing tubes is oscillated about a nominal position; and

further comprising a mechanism for adjusting the nominal position of each of the dispensing tubes.

84. The spray apparatus of claim 83, wherein the housing is adapted for stationary mounting to a wall, and the position-adjusting mechanism operates independently of movement of the housing.

85. The spray apparatus of claim 69, wherein the housing is integrally formed with a handle for gripping by a user.

86. The spray apparatus of claim 69, wherein the housing is adapted for use in a kitchen faucet application.

a housing having a fluid inlet;

a plurality of tubes for dispensing liquid from the housing;

an aerator for dispensing an air-liquid mixture from the housing;

an integrating member operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member;

an actuator for inducing movement of the integrating member; and

a valve assembly for regulating the flow of liquid between the dispensing tubes and the aerator.

88. The spray apparatus of claim 87, wherein the aerator is located centrally with respect to the dispensing tubes.

89. The spray apparatus of claim 87, wherein:

the actuator comprises a turbine carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet; and

the integrating member is operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the turbine.

90. The spray apparatus of claim 89, wherein:

the integrating member comprises a planar member having a substantially central orifice;

the turbine comprises an output shaft having a cam portion that extends at least partially through the central orifice of the planar member for operatively coupling the turbine to the integrating member.

91. The spray apparatus of claim 90, wherein:

the cam portion has a sloping profile; and

a means for adjusting the engagement position of the integrating member relative to the cam portion so as to induce engagement of the integrating member with varying portions of the sloping profile of the cam portion, whereby the range of oscillating of the integrating member resulting from rotation of the turbine may be adjusted.

92. The spray apparatus of claim 87, wherein the dispensing tubes are flexible.

a housing adapted for mounting within a wall space exposed by an opening in a wall, the housing having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid supply conduit and an open end for alignment with the wall opening;

a face plate for engaging the open end of the housing, the face plate having a plurality of fluid outlets;

a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing via the fluid outlets of the face plate;

an integrating member operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member; and

an actuator for inducing movement of the integrating member.

94. The spray apparatus of claim 93, wherein the actuator comprises a lever connected to the integrating member and extending through a slotted portion of the face plate for applying a sliding force to the integrating member.

95. The spray apparatus of claim 93, wherein:

the actuator comprises a turbine carried for rotary movement within the housing under fluid flow from the fluid inlet to one or more of the fluid outlets; and

the integrating member is operatively coupled to the turbine for oscillatory movement relative to the housing under rotary movement of the turbine.

96. The spray apparatus of claim 94, wherein:

the integrating member comprises a planar member having a substantially central orifice;

the turbine comprises an output shaft having a cam portion that extends at least partially through the central orifice of the planar member for operatively coupling the turbine to the integrating member.

97. The spray apparatus of claim 96, wherein:

the cam portion has a sloping profile; and

a means for adjusting the engagement position of the integrating member relative to the cam portion so as to induce engagement of the integrating member with varying portions of the sloping profile of the cam portion, whereby the range of oscillating of the integrating member resulting from rotation of the turbine may be adjusted.

98. The spray apparatus of claim 93, wherein the dispensing tubes are flexible.

a receptacle box adapted for mounting within a wall space exposed by an opening in a wall, the box having a neck for receiving a fluid supply conduit in the wall space and an open end for alignment with the wall opening;

a housing for fitting with the receptacle box, the housing having an open end for alignment with the open end of the receptacle box and a fluid inlet defined by a nipple adapted for sealable fitting within the neck of the receptacle box;

a face plate for engaging the open end of the housing, the face plate having a plurality of fluid outlets;

a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing via the fluid outlets of the face plate;

an integrating member operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member; and

an actuator for inducing movement of the integrating member.

100. The spray apparatus of claim 99, wherein the actuator comprises a lever connected to the integrating member and extending through a slotted portion of the face plate for applying a sliding force to the integrating member.

101. The spray apparatus of claim 99, wherein the dispensing tubes are flexible.

a housing having a fluid inlet for conveying fluid to a chamber thereof, and an open end opposite the fluid inlet;

a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the chamber of the housing;

an integrating member at least partially carried by the housing across the open end of the housing and having a plurality of orifices for passage of the plurality of tubes therethrough for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member; and

an actuator for inducing movement of the integrating member.

103. The spray apparatus of claim 102, wherein:

the integrating member comprises a planar member; and

the actuator comprises an adjustable control ring that at least partially carries the planar member.

104. The spray apparatus of claim 103, wherein the control ring is adjustably carried by the housing.

105. The spray apparatus of claim 104, further comprising a spring retainer for releasably securing the control ring in one or more positions with respect to the housing.

106. The spray apparatus of claim 103, wherein the integrating member is integrally formed with the control ring.

107. The spray apparatus of claim 102, wherein the dispensing tubes are flexible.

108. A dispensing tube for conducting fluid from a spray apparatus, comprising:

a tubular body; and

an aerator plug for insertion in an end of the tubular body, the plug having one or more first passages for conducting water therethrough and one or more second passages for conducting air therethrough;

at least one of the body and the plug being adapted for connection to a portion of the spray apparatus.

109. The dispensing tube of claim 108, wherein the first passages employ a cross-sectional shape that is one of circular, axial, curvilinear, and a combination thereof.

110. The dispensing tube of claim 108, wherein the second passages employ a cross-sectional shape that is one of circular, axial, curvilinear, and a combination thereof.

111. The dispensing tube of claim 108, wherein the second passages are discrete from the first passages.

112. The dispensing tube of claim 108, wherein the tubular body is flexible.

113. A dispensing tube for conducting fluid from a spray apparatus, comprising:

a flexible tubular body having a non-uniform stiffness about its periphery, whereby the application of uniform lateral force about the periphery will produce non-uniform lateral flexing of the tubular body.

114. The dispensing tube of claim 113, wherein the non-uniform stiffness is provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform wall thickness about its periphery.

115. The dispensing tube of claim 113, wherein the non-uniform stiffness is provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform rib distribution about its periphery.

116. A dispensing tube for conducting fluid from a spray apparatus, comprising:

a flexible tubular body having a non-uniform stiffness along its length, whereby the application of lateral force to the tubular body will produce non-uniform flexing of the tubular body along its length.

117. The dispensing tube of claim 116, wherein the non-uniform stiffness is provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform wall thickness along its length.

118. The dispensing tube of claim 116, wherein the non-uniform stiffness is provided by the tubular body having a non-uniform rib distribution along its length.

119. A dispensing tube for conducting fluid from a spray apparatus, comprising:

a tubular body having an inlet for receiving fluid and an outlet for dispensing fluid, the tubular body being flexible along substantially its entire length, whereby the outlet of the tubular body may be easily pointed under the application of lateral force to the tubular body at one or more locations along the length of the tubular body.

120. The dispensing tube of claim 119, wherein the tubular body comprises a natural polymer, a synthetic polymer, or a combination thereof.

121. The dispending tubes of claim 119, further comprising a strap connected at or near the inlet of the tubular body for pivotally mounting the tubular body within the housing.

122. The dispensing tube of claim 121, wherein the strap is pivotally mounted to the tubular body.

123. The dispensing tube of claim 121, wherein the strap is flexible.

124. The dispensing tube of claim 121, wherein the strap is rigid over at least a substantial portion of its length.

125. The dispensing tube of claim 124, wherein the rigidity of the strap is provided by a reinforcing member.