Abstract:
An apparatus and method for dispensing at least one fluid. A receiving section includes a first conduit and a second conduit. A dispensing section includes a faceplate, including a first plurality of recesses and a second plurality of recesses. A diameter of each recess of the first plurality of recesses is smaller than a diameter of each recess of the second plurality of recesses. The first conduit is connected to provide a flow of water for dispensing through the first plurality of recesses and the second conduit is connected to provide one of a water or soap and water solution for dispensing through the second plurality of recesses.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to showerheads and, more specifically, to showerheads able to expel water and at least one substance. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Presently the general concept of supplying soapy water and clean water through separate conduits to a common dispensing device or head, each conduit having a separate orifice or holes exists in the prior art. 
         [0003]    One patent disclosing a dual hose dispenser is U.S. Pat. No. 4,461,052 issued to Mostul which discloses a scrubbing brush having two conduits. The first conduit provides clear water and a second conduit provides soapy water. The second conduit terminates in an orifice, while the first conduit terminates in the nozzle. However, a noted drawback with the Mostul dispenser is the uniform arrangement of dispensing holes in the scrubbing brush. 
         [0004]    Another US patent disclosing a dual hose dispenser is U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,431 issued to Song. Song discloses a washing device for automobiles having a pressure head equipped with a soap water tank and a water pipe with a water nozzle. A switch on the handle controls the soap water and the fresh water openings. Similarly to Mostul, the Song dual hose dispenser also provides a uniform arrangement of dispensing holes, wherein the holes through which the water flows are the same as the holes through which the soap water flows. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,113,182 issued to Brago discloses a spray gun cleaning system having individual fluid sources connected to a mixing chamber by individual conduits. The output of the mixing chamber is connected to a spray nozzle. This apparatus includes a single set of holes from which the fluids flow. Thus, the single set of holes are not specific to a particular conduit. 
         [0006]    While these devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    An apparatus dispenses at least one fluid. A receiving section includes a first conduit and a second conduit. A dispensing section includes a faceplate, including a first plurality of recesses and a second plurality of recesses. A diameter of each recess of the first plurality of recesses is smaller than a diameter of each recess of the second plurality of recesses. The first conduit is connected to provide a flow of water for dispensing through the first plurality of recesses and the second conduit is connected to provide one of a water or soap and water solution for dispensing through the second plurality of recesses. 
         [0008]    A method for dispensing at least one fluid. A receptacle is connected to a source of water for receiving water in first and second compartments thereof. A soap solution is poured into the second compartment. A first valve is selectively pivoted between a first position allowing water to flow from the first compartment for dispensing through a first and second plurality of apertures in a showerhead. A first valve is selectively pivoted between a second position allowing a soap solution to flow from the second compartment for dispensing through the second plurality of apertures in the showerhead. A first valve is selectively pivoted between a third position allowing water to flow from the first compartment for dispensing through the first plurality of apertures in the showerhead, and the soap solution flows from the second compartment for dispensing through the second plurality of apertures in the showerhead. 
         [0009]    It is an object to provide a dual hose showerhead. 
         [0010]    Another object is to provide a dual hose showerhead having a first hose for transporting water and a second hose for transporting a soap and water solution. 
         [0011]    It is another object to provide a dual hose showerhead that includes a single compartmentalized container wherein water is retained in a first compartment and soap to form the soap and water solution is retained in a second compartment. 
         [0012]    Yet another object is to provide a dual hose showerhead wherein a first plurality of apertures having different sized openings from a second plurality of apertures in a faceplate of the showerhead. 
         [0013]    Still yet another object is to provide a dual hose showerhead having two sets of a plurality of apertures, one set larger than the other and wherein the soap and water solution flows through larger openings of the first and second plurality of apertures. 
         [0014]    It is another object to provide a dual hose showerhead wherein a user selects one of water, a soap and water solution or both water and a soap and water solution to be dispensed through the first and second plurality of apertures. 
         [0015]    Additionally, it is another object to provide a dual hose showerhead that entirely expels the soap residue therefrom and thereby prevents blockage of the plurality of apertures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0016]    In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a view of the face of the showerhead nozzle of the dual hose showerhead system; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the showerhead of the dual hose showerhead system; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a side cross-sectional view of the dual conduit hose and nozzle of the showerhead system; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the valve controlling the flow of water into the showerhead of the showerhead system; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of the dual hose showerhead system; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the dual hose showerhead system; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram detailing the operation of the dual hose showerhead system; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram detailing the operation of the dual hose showerhead system for producing a mix flow of both clean and soapy water; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a flow diagram detailing the operation of the dual hose showerhead system for providing a flow of soapy water; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a flow diagram detailing the shut down operation of the dual hose showerhead system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    The following discussion describes the present invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to that particular embodiment. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. 
         [0028]    Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 10  illustrate a dual hose showerhead system which is indicated generally by the reference numeral  10  and which will be referred to hereinafter as “system  10 ”. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a view of the face of the showerhead nozzle of the dual hose showerhead system  10 . Shown herein is a faceplate  18  of the showerhead  12 . The faceplate  18  may include a plurality of first apertures  14  and a plurality of second apertures  16 . Herein, the second apertures  16  may each have larger openings and may be fewer in number than the first apertures  14 . The pattern, shape, and number of individual apertures of each of the plurality of first apertures  14  and the plurality, pattern, shape and number of the individual second apertures  16  are shown for purposes of example. While any number, shape, and pattern of apertures may be used, in the example provided herein, the first apertures  14  may be in the shape, size, and configuration of a typical showerhead and the second apertures are relative to the first apertures  14  significantly larger, six in number. Each of the larger apertures  16  may have a helical configuration with the wider or larger end of each aperture  16  defining an exit port from the faceplate  18 . Clean water may be able to flow through both the first apertures  14  and the second apertures  16  at selected times, as will be described hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 2 . Additionally, a solution of soap and clean water, hereinafter “soapy water” may only flow through the second apertures  16 . The larger openings of the second apertures  16  with respect to the first apertures  14  allows soap residue to be expelled entirely therefrom and thereby prevent blockage of the second apertures  16 . The manner by which water and soapy water are expelled from the faceplate  18  of the nozzle will be discussed hereinafter with specific reference to  FIGS. 2-8 . The aperture openings may take any shape such as, for example, circular, in which instance the larger openings  16  may have a larger diameter than the second set of apertures  16 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the dual hose showerhead system  10 . The dual hose showerhead system  10  may include the showerhead  12  attached to a hose sheath  26 . A first conduit  28  and a second conduit  30  may be positioned within the hose sheath  26  and extend substantially parallel thereto, shown in  FIG. 3 . The hose sheath  26  may prevent the conduits  28 ,  30  from getting tangled with one another. Clean water may flow through the first conduit  28  and soapy water may flow through the second conduit  30  as will be described hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0031]    The faceplate  18  of the showerhead may, as indicated, include the plurality of first apertures  14  and the plurality of second apertures  16 . Also as described above, each of the second apertures  16  may have larger openings and may be fewer in number and helically shaped than the first apertures  14 . Clean water may be able to flow through both the first apertures  14  and the second apertures  16  at selected times, as will be described below. Additionally, soapy water may only flow through the second apertures  16 . The relatively larger openings of the second apertures  16  allow the soapy water and the soapy residue to be expelled entirely therefrom and for preventing blockages of the apertures  16 . 
         [0032]    A user may selectively determine which substance will flow through the first and second apertures  14 ,  16  by depressing one of a plurality of buttons  20 ,  22 ,  24 . Herein the buttons  20 ,  22 ,  24  may be located on the showerhead  12 . However, this is for purposes of example only and the buttons  20 ,  22 ,  24  may be located in any location that is easily accessible to the user. Depression of the first button  20  may cause clean water to flow through both the first and second apertures  14 ,  16 . Alternatively, clean water flowing through both the first and second apertures  14 ,  16  may be the default operation of the dual hose showerhead system  10 . During default operation, when the shower is turned on, clean water may flow through both the first and second apertures  14 ,  16  regardless of whether the first button  20  is depressed. Depression of the second button  22  may cause soapy water to flow through the second apertures  16  only. Depression of the third button  24  may cause clean water to flow through the first apertures  14  and soapy water to flow through the second apertures  16  simultaneously. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the dual hose showerhead system  10 . The dual hose showerhead system  10  may include the showerhead  12  attached to the hose sheath  26 . The first conduit  28  may extend within the sheath  26 . The first conduit  28  may be connected to a first channel  84 , within the showerhead  12 , via a first valve  64 , as will be described in more detail with respect to  FIG. 4 . The first channel  84  may be connected to the plurality of first apertures  14 . Additionally the second conduit  30  may also extend within the sheath  26 . The second conduit  30  may connect to a second channel  86 , within the showerhead  12 , via the first valve  64 . The second channel  86  may be connected to the plurality of second apertures  16 . The hose sheath  26  may prevent the first and second conduits  28 ,  30  from getting tangled with one another. Clean water may flow through the first conduit  28  and soapy water may flow through the second conduit  30  as will be described hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0034]    As can be seen from this figure, the faceplate  18  may include the plurality of first apertures  14  and the plurality of second apertures  16 . Each of the second apertures  16  may, as previously discussed, have larger openings relative to the first apertures  14  and may be fewer in number than the first apertures  14 . Clean water may be able to flow through both the first apertures  14  and the second apertures  16  at selected times, as described below. Soapy water may only flow through the second apertures  16 . The larger openings of the second apertures  16  may allow the soap residue from the soapy water to be expelled entirely therefrom and thereby prevent blockage of the apertures  16 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the first valve  64  that may govern the flow of water from the first and second conduits  28 ,  30  into the showerhead of the dual hose showerhead system  10 . The conduit  30  for carrying soap-water may have a smaller diameter than the conduit  28  for carrying water. In this way, the soap-water combination in conduit  30  may be under relatively greater pressure than the water in the other conduit  28 . The first valve  64  may connect the hose sheath  26  to the showerhead  12 . The hose sheath  26  may house both the first conduit  28  and the second conduit  30  and may prevent them from getting tangled with one another. The first conduit  28  may be connected to the first valve  64  at a first input port  94  and the second conduit  30  may be connected to the first valve  64  at a second input port  96 . The first valve  64  may house a control box  88  positioned between the first conduit  28  and second conduit  30  having a hinge  90  with a moveable partition  92  attached thereto. The first channel  84  may be connected to the first valve  64  at a first output port  98  and the second channel  86  may be connected to the first valve  64  at a second output port  100 . The first input port  94  may be located on a side of the first valve  64  opposite from and aligned with the first output port  98  and the second input port  96  may be located on a side of the valve opposite from and aligned with the second output port  100 . The control box  88  may control the position of the moveable partition  92  in response to depression of one of the plurality of buttons  20 ,  22 ,  24 . 
         [0036]    The user may selectively determine the substance flowing through the first and second apertures  14 ,  16  by depressing one of the plurality of buttons  20 ,  22 ,  24  located on the showerhead  12  as discussed hereinbefore. The buttons  20 ,  22 ,  24  may be located on the outer surface of the showerhead  12  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The arrangement of the buttons  20 ,  22 ,  24  and the configuration of the buttons  20 ,  22 ,  24  may be one of choice. In the example provided here, the soap button  22  is diamond shaped and disposed, relative to the other buttons  22 ,  24 , closer to the faceplate  18 . The water and mix buttons  20 ,  24 , respectively, are rectangular in shape and located rearwardly of the faceplate  18  and the soap button  22 . The shape of the soap button  22  and the relative location of the water and mix buttons  20 ,  24  may assist the user is distinguishing one button from the other while in use. 
         [0037]    Depression of the water button  20  may cause clean water to flow through the first conduit  28  and into the first valve  64  via the first input port  94 . The moveable partition  92  may move on the hinge  90  as indicated by directional arrow A to cover the second conduit  30  thereby allowing the clean water to flow from the first conduit through both the first channel  84  and the second channel  86  via both the first output port  98  and the second output port  100 . The clean water may flow from the first channel  84  and the second channel  86  through each of the plurality of first apertures  14  and second apertures  16  respectively. Alternatively, the clean water flowing through both the first and second apertures  14 ,  16  may be the default operation of the dual hose showerhead system  10 . During default operation, regardless of whether the first button  20  is depressed, when the shower is turned on, the moveable partition  92  may cover the second conduit  30  and the clean water may flow through the first and second channels  84 ,  86 , via both the first and second output ports  98 ,  100 , and may exit the first and second apertures  14 ,  16  respectively. 
         [0038]    Depression of the second or soap button  22  may cause soapy water to flow through the second conduit  30  and into the first valve  64  via the second input port  96 . The moveable partition  92  may be positioned vertically thereby dividing the first valve  64  and permitting the soapy water to flow solely into the second channel  86  via the second output port  100 . The soapy water may flow from the second channel  86  through the plurality of second apertures  16  with a turning stream caused by the helixes. 
         [0039]    Depression of the third or mix button  24  may allow clean water to flow through the first conduit  28  and into the first valve  64 , via the first input port  94 , while simultaneously allowing soapy water to flow through the second conduit  30  and into the first valve  64  via the second input port  96 . The moveable partition  92  may be positioned within the first valve  64  so as to divide the first valve  64  and to permit the clean water to flow solely into the first channel  84  via the first output port  98  and the soapy water to flow solely into the second channel  86  via the second output port  100 . The clean water may flow from the first channel  84  through the plurality of first apertures  14  while the soapy water may flow from the second channel  86  through the plurality of second apertures  16 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of the dual hose showerhead system  10 . A water pipe  60  may extend from the shower wall and may be connected to a container  66  at an input port  78  thereof. A second valve  82  may extend from the input port  78  into the pipe  60  for governing the entrance of water from the pipe  60  through the input port  78  and into the container  66 . The pipe  60  may have an L-shape, as is well known in the art, with one leg  61  extending horizontally out of the wall (not shown) and a downward leg  63 . The second valve  82  may include a divider  65  for dividing the flow of water through the input port  78 . 
         [0041]    The container  66 , which may be further secured to the shower wall for support, may include a first compartment  44  and a second compartment  46 . The first compartment  44  may be connected to a first side of the second valve  82  allowing water to flow therein. The first compartment  44  may have an egress port  54  connected to the first conduit  28 . In the embodiment shown herein, the first compartment  44  may retain only clean water from the water pipe  60 . The second compartment  46  may be connected to a second side of the second valve  82  allowing water to flow therein. The second compartment  46  may have an egress port  50  which may be connected to the second conduit  30 . The container  66  may also include an ingress port  56  for providing access to the second compartment  46 . The ingress port  56  may be selectively covered by a cap  58 . The ingress port  56  may permit a user to add soap to the second compartment  46 . The soap can be at least one of liquid or powdered. 
         [0042]    The first conduit  28  and second conduit  30  may be connected to the showerhead  12  at ends opposite connection to the container  66  via the first valve  64 , as described hereinabove with specific reference to  FIG. 4 . The faceplate  18  of the showerhead  12  may include the plurality of first apertures  14  and the plurality of second apertures  16 . Herein, each of the second apertures  16  may have larger openings and may also be fewer in number than the first apertures  14 . Clean water may be able to flow through both the first apertures  14  and the second apertures  16  at selected times. Soapy water may only flow through the second apertures  16 . The larger openings of the second apertures  16  may allow the soap residue from the soapy water to be expelled entirely therefrom and thereby prevent blockage of the apertures  16 . 
         [0043]    The user may selectively determine the substance flowing through the first and second apertures  14 ,  16  by depressing one of the plurality of buttons  20 ,  22 ,  24 . The buttons  20 ,  22 ,  24  may be located on the outer surface of the showerhead  12 . Operation of the dual hose showerhead system  10  was described hereinabove with specific reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0044]    A showerhead holder  62  may be integrally attached to a side of the container  66  for retaining the showerhead  12  while not in use. Alternatively, the holder  62  may be secured to the downward leg  63  of the L-shaped pipe  60  with the container  66  being so dimensioned so that the showerhead  12  may be easily releasably attached to the holder  62  to the pipe  60 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of the dual hose showerhead system  10 . The dual hose showerhead system  10  may include the showerhead  12  attached to the hose sheath  26 . The first conduit  28  and the second conduit  30  may be positioned within and extend through the hose sheath  26 . The hose sheath  26  may prevent the conduits  28 ,  30  from getting tangled with one another. The first and second conduits  28 ,  30  may be connected to the corresponding first and second channels  84 ,  86  within the showerhead  12  via the first valve  64  and pass water therethrough, as described hereinabove with specific reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0046]    Shown herein the faceplate  18  may cover the showerhead  12 . Herein, a sponge attachment  68  may cover the faceplate  18 . The faceplate  18  may include the plurality of first apertures  14  and the plurality of second apertures  16 . Herein, each of the second apertures  16  may have larger openings and may be fewer in number than the first apertures  14 . Clean water may be able to flow through both the first apertures  14  and the second apertures  16  at selected times, and thereby through the sponge attachment  68  as well. Soapy water may flow through the second apertures  16 . The second apertures  16  may have larger openings than the first apertures  14  thereby allowing the soap residue to be expelled entirely therefrom and for preventing blockages of the apertures  16 . 
         [0047]    The sponge attachment  68  may enable a user to wash and exfoliate with the sponge while clean water, soapy water, or a mix thereof flows therethrough. 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram describing the operation of the dual hose showerhead system  10 . In step S 100 , a user may turn on the shower. In step S 102 , clean water may flow through the pipe  60  to a first valve. In step S 104 , the user may press the water only button  20 . Pressing the water only button  20  may cause the clean water to flow from the pipe  60  and into the first compartment  44  via the second valve  82  as described in step S 106 . From the first compartment  44 , the clean water may flow through the first conduit  28  as stated in step S 108 . As described in step S 110 , a first valve  64  in the showerhead  12  may enable the clean water to flow from the first conduit  28  through both the first apertures  14  and the second apertures  16  located in the faceplate  18  of the showerhead  12 . 
         [0049]    Alternatively, after the water may flow through the pipe  60  to the first valve in step S 102 , if the soapy water button  22  is not pressed as stated in step S 300 , the dual hose showerhead system  10  may default to step S 106 , as described above, and follows the same steps thereafter. If the soapy water button  22  is pressed in step S 200 , the steps continue as described hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 8 . 
         [0050]    Alternatively, after the water may flow through the pipe  60  to the first valve in step S 102 , if the mix button  24  is not pressed in step S 300 , the dual hose showerhead system  10  may default to step S 106 , as described above, and follows the same steps thereafter. If the mix button  24  is pressed in step S 300 , the steps may continue as described hereinafter with specific reference to  FIG. 9 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of the dual hose showerhead system  10  describing the steps following step S 200  in  FIG. 7 . After the soapy water button  24  is pressed in S 200 , clean water may flow from the pipe  60  and into the second compartment  46  where it mixes with the soap therein as discussed in step S 202 . As stated in step S 204 , the soapy water solution may flow from the second compartment  46  into the second conduit  30 . In step S 206 , the soapy water may then flow from the second conduit  30 , into the showerhead  12  and be expelled through the second apertures  16  located within the faceplate  18  of the showerhead  12 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart describing the steps involved in the operation of the dual hose showerhead  10  following step S 300  in  FIG. 7 . After pressing the mix button as described in step S 300 , clean water may flow from the pipe  60  and into the first compartment  44  as discussed in step S 302 . From the first compartment  44 , the clean water may flow through the first conduit  28  as described in step S 304 . As stated in step S 306 , the clean water may flow from the first conduit  28  through the showerhead  12  and out of the first apertures  14  in the faceplate  18  of the showerhead  12 . Steps S 302 , S 304  and S 306  occur simultaneously with steps S 303 , S 305 , and S 307 . As discussed in step S 303 , clean water may flow into the second compartment  46  and mix with the soap therein. The soapy water solution may flow from the second compartment  46  and into the second conduit  30  as stated in step S 305 . As described in step S 307 , the soapy water may flow from the second conduit  30 , into the showerhead  12  and be expelled through the second apertures  16  located within the faceplate  18  of the showerhead  12 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  is a flow diagram describing the process of turning off the dual hose showerhead system  10 . As discussed in step S 400 , the shower may be turned off. In step S 402 , a third valve may prevent the water remaining in the first compartment  44  from exiting the first compartment. As stated in step S 403 , which occurs simultaneously with step S 402 , the remaining water in the second compartment  46  may flow through the second conduit  30  and exit the dual hose showerhead system  10  through the second apertures  16  located within the faceplate  18  of the showerhead  12 . As described in step S 404 , water remaining in the first compartment  44  may flow through the first conduit  28 . The valve in the showerhead  12  may enable the clean water to flow from the first conduit  28  through the second apertures  16  in the faceplate  18 , thereby removing the soapy residue that could build-up in the second apertures  16 . 
         [0054]    The dual hose showerhead system  10  may allow users to shower with shampoo and rinse off by the push of a few buttons, rather than fumbling with a plurality of bottles. Alternatively, at least one of the compartments can be filled with a body wash, instead of a shampoo. This is especially useful in terms of the elderly, people bathing small children and people bathing pets. 
         [0055]    It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of devices differing from the type described above. 
         [0056]    While certain novel features have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0057]    Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.