Abstract:
A shower filter/diverter assembly is provided for selectively outputting filtered water to one of a plurality of output ports. The assembly comprises a shower filter/diverter body having an input port for receiving unfiltered water, a plurality of output ports for outputting filtered water, a first end for receiving a shower filter and a second end for communicating the filtered water to one of the plurality of body output ports. A diverter control assembly is engageable to the filter/diverter body second end and translatable to selectively direct filtered water to one of the plurality of body output ports.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The invention generally relates to in-line shower filters and, more particularly, to an in-line shower filter having an extractable, transverse mounted filter element and a diverter output control for selectively directing the filtered output to one of a plurality of output ports, e.g. for a shower head or a hand-held shower wand. 
         [0004]    In-line shower filters for use in conjunction with shower heads, and filtered shower heads are well known in the art. Examples of such in-line shower filters are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,742 to Farley for Shower Filter Assembly Having Reversible Filter, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,187 to Farley for Magnetic Shower Filter Assembly. In-line filters are typically connected to the ends of shower arms, with shower heads secured to the filter outputs. One difficulty with respect to use of in-line filters, is that, depending on the components used, the combination of filter and shower head may extend too far into the shower area. 
         [0005]    Alternatively, shower heads, including integral shower filters, may be attached directly to the end of the shower arm. One example of such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,930 to Farley for a Filtered Shower Head. Such filtered showerheads commonly avoid problems associated with extension of the shower head too far into the shower area. However, the selection of filtered showerheads is less than the selection of conventional showerheads, and may not suit the tastes of some consumers. Moreover, some consumers prefer the option of changing showerheads, as they may find appealing, without changing the filtering apparatus. 
         [0006]    Hand-held shower heads, or shower handles, have also been constructed to incorporate integral filters. An example of such a device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,023 to Farley for Hand Held Shower Head with Unitary Filter Housing. However, such integral filters add weight to the shower handle, which may detract from their appeal and usage. 
         [0007]    Moreover, the types and styles of filtered shower handles is again relatively limited, and may not match a persons aesthetic tastes, or the overall décor of a bathroom or shower area. As such, some consumers find it desirable to provide a shower filter which is separate from the shower head or hand-held shower arm, in order to maximize their options in available shower heads or shower arms that can be used. 
         [0008]    Transverse mounted in-line shower filters allow for the use of conventional shower heads or hand-held shower wands, without extending the shower head too far into the shower area. One implementation of such a transverse mounted shower filter is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,097,122 to Farley for Filtered Shower Arm. The transverse mounted filter disclosed in the reference additionally allows for removal and replacement of the filter without the need to disconnect the shower head from the supporting filter assembly. However, while the device disclosed in the Farley &#39;122 patent satisfies many of the needs described above, it is limited to a single output, e.g. for a shower head. 
         [0009]    Some consumers prefer the option of using either a hand-held shower wand, or a shower head in the shower. Having such an option not only accommodates the general preferences of different users, but also allows for use of an alternate output where it may be most effective, e.g. use of a shower wand to rinse sand off of the user&#39;s legs. Shower diverter valves, having a plurality of selectable output ports, may be connected to the output of an in-line filter, to allow for such dual outputs. However, the combination may again cause an undesirable extension of the shower head into the shower area, or create undesirable aesthetics. Moreover, hand-held shower handles commonly include brackets for receiving and supporting the handle when not in use. The orientation of the brackets and the dimensions of the adjacent shower head may make it cumbersome to mount both the shower head and shower handle to the diverter. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a less cumbersome, easy to install and use, combination water filter and diverter that allows for multiple shower outputs. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0011]    A shower filter/diverter assembly is provided for selectively outputting filtered water to one of a plurality of output ports. The assembly comprises a shower filter/diverter body having an input port for receiving unfiltered water, a plurality of output ports for outputting filtered water, a first end for receiving a shower filter and a second end for communicating the filtered water to one of the plurality of body output ports. A diverter control assembly is engageable to the filter/diverter body second end and translatable to selectively direct filtered water to one of the plurality of body output ports. 
         [0012]    In the presently preferred embodiment the filter/diverter assembly defines a longitudinal axis which may be transverse to the direction of water into the body input port. 
         [0013]    The filter/diverter body defines an internal filter chamber for receiving a replaceable water filter cartridge, and a filter chamber output port. 
         [0014]    The diverter control assembly may include a rotatable diverter cap engageable to the filter/diverter body second end, the diverter cap being rotatable to direct filtered water from the filter chamber output port to one of the plurality of body output ports. 
         [0015]    The filter/diverter body may further define a plurality of filtered water output pathways, each of the filtered water output pathways extending from the filter/diverter body second end to a respective one of the plurality of body output ports. Each of the plurality of filtered water output pathways may define a respective pathway input aperture. 
         [0016]    The diverter control assembly may include at least one aperture sealing member, translatable in response to rotation of the diverter cap, to selectively seal at least one of the pathway input apertures to preclude filtered water flow therethrough. 
         [0017]    In the presently preferred embodiment the sealing member is selectively translatable to preclude communication of filtered water to at least one of the body output ports. 
         [0018]    The rotatable diverter cap may define a filtered water chamber intermediate the rotatable diverter cap and the body second end, the filtered water chamber being in fluid communication with the filter chamber output port and with the filtered water output pathways. 
         [0019]    The filter/diverter assembly may further comprise a shower handle support collar disposed about the filter/diverter body, proximate the body first end. The shower handle support collar includes a shower handle support bracket affixed thereto. 
         [0020]    A retaining ring may be provided about the filter/diverter body, proximate the body first end. The retaining ring may include a date selector form thereon. The date indicator ring may also be disposed about the body first end proximate the date selector ring, the date indictor ring being rotatable relative to the date selector ring, to indicate when a filter element was installed within the assembly. 
         [0021]    A filter cartridge may be disposed within the filter assembly for filtering water passing therethrough. The filter cartridge is periodically replaceable as useful to maintain filtered water quality. The filter cartridge includes a filter cartridge output port engageable to the filter chamber output port, and an input port disposed proximate the body first end. The filter/diverter body and filter cartridge define a water flow path from the input port, about the filter cartridge and through the filter cartridge to the filter chamber output port. A filter retaining cap is engageable to the filter/diverter body first end. 
         [0022]    A filter cartridge retaining member may be disposed proximate the filter cartridge, intermediate the filter cartridge retaining cap and the filter cartridge input port. The filter cartridge retaining member may define a plurality of radially arrayed passageways to facilitate the flow of unfiltered water from the filter chamber to the filter cartridge input port. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment the filter/diverter assembly includes first and second output ports and first and second filtered water output pathways. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is front perspective view of the invention, as installed; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is an end view of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a front sectional view of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a top sectional view of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the filter/diverter assembly; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the filter/diverter body; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a first end view of the filter/diverter body; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a second end view of the filter/diverter body. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, including various ways of regulating water flow through the filter/diverter assembly. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an exemplary water filter/diverter assembly  11  as installed for use. The assembly  11  is connected to a shower arm  13 , to receive the water input. Water is output from assembly  11  through shower head  15  or shower handle  17 . The output is selectable by rotation of diverter cap  19 , as explained in more detail below. End cap  21  is engageable to assembly  11  and is removable to allow for insertion/replacement of a filter cartridge within the assembly  11 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is an end view of assembly  11  shown in  FIG. 1 . Input port  23  is engageable to the shower arm  13  to receive an input water flow. Output ports  25 ,  27  communicate a flow of filtered water from the assembly to the connected devices, such as a shower head or hand held shower handle. Selection of the output is in response to rotation of the diverter cap  19 . Bracket  26  (also shown at  FIG. 1 ) functions to receive and support the shower wand  17 . 
         [0036]    The internal arrangement of parts and operation of the assembly is shown in more detail at  FIGS. 3-8 .  FIG. 3  shows a front sectional view of the assembly  11 , illustrating the unfiltered water input port  23  and filtered water output port  27  which communicate water to and from the filter/diverter body  29 , respectively. The filter/diverter assembly  11  defines a longitudinal axis  20 , which is transverse to the direct of water flow into the body input port  23 . As such, the filter cartridge  31  is disposed transverse to the input water flow from the shower arm and the extension of the assembly, in combination with shower head  15  and shower handle  17 , into the shower area is significantly reduced. 
         [0037]    In the presently preferred embodiment, end cap  21  is threadably engaged to body  29  to allow insertion/removal of filter cartridge  31 , into body first end  42 , to filter chamber  33 . As further shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , the filter cartridge  31  includes a filter input  35  and a filter output  37 . The filter output  37  is engaged to filter chamber output port  39 , which communicates filtered water from the filter  31  to a filtered water chamber  41 , disposed intermediate the diverter cap  19  and the body second end  43 . Fastener  45  secures the diverter cap  19  to the body second end  43 . Fastener sealer  47  circumscribes fastener  45  and prevents water flow from the filtered water output chamber  41  from being discharged. Cover  49  covers fastener  45 . 
         [0038]    Filter cartridge retaining member  53  is disposed proximate the filter cartridge  31 , intermediate the filter cartridge retaining cap  21  and the filter cartridge input port  35 . As shown more clearly at  FIG. 5  the filter cartridge retaining member  53  defines a plurality of radially arrayed passageways  55  to facilitate the flow of unfiltered water from the filter chamber to the filter cartridge input port. The filtered water output from filter cartridge  31  is communicated from the filtered water output chamber  41  through pathway apertures  56 ,  58  (shown at  FIG. 6 ) to filtered water output pathways  57 ,  59  (shown at  FIGS. 4 ,  6  and  7 ), each pathway being in fluid communication with an associated output  27 ,  25 , respectively. By rotating the diverter cap  19 , one or more apertures (and associated pathways) is selectively opened/blocked to regulate the flow of filtered water to the desired fixture, e.g. shower head  15  or hand held shower handle  17 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  provides an alternate sectional view, further illustrating the construction of the assembly  11 , to an alternate output, i.e. filtered water output pathway  59  and filtered water output port  25 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the filter/diverter assembly  11 . As shown therein, filter cartridge  31  is disposable into a first end of body  29 , and engaged by to filter cartridge retaining member  53 . Filter retaining cap  21  is threadably engageable to first end  42  of body  29 , to secure the filter cartridge  31  to the filter chamber  33 . 
         [0041]    Shower handle support collar  61  is disposable about the first end of body  29 , and includes a shower handle support bracket  26 . Retaining ring  63  is also engageable about the first end of body  17 . The retraining ring  63  includes a groove  65  adapted to engage rib  69  to preclude rotation of the retaining ring  63  about the body  17 . The retaining ring  63  further includes a date selector indicia  67 , which may be implemented as an arrow or the like formed on the outer surface of retaining ring  63 . 
         [0042]    Date indicator ring  71  is also disposable about the first end of body  17 , and includes a plurality of grooves  73   a, b , which releasably engage  75 , such that the date indicator ring  71  may rotate about body  17 , but remain in a selected rotational position when rotational force is released. The date indicator ring  71  is provided with a plurality of date markers  77 , e.g. indicating the months of the year. The date indicator ring  71  may be rotated relative to retaining ring  63  until an appropriate date, e.g. installation date, is juxtaposed proximate date selector  67 , to facilitate timely replacement. 
         [0043]    The operation of the diverter control assembly  80  is further shown more clearly at  FIGS. 3-6 . As generally shown therein, the rotation of diverter cap  19  causes translation of diverter sealing member  79  to selectively seal at least one of the pathway apertures  56 ,  58 , to preclude water flow therethrough. Rotation of the diverter cap moves the aperture sealing member  79  so as to change which aperture is in fluid communication with the filtered water output from filter cartridge  31 . 
         [0044]    In the presently preferred embodiment the diverter cap  19  is provided with a pair of internal flanges  81 ,  83 , which receive diverter support member  85 , to which spring members  87  and diverter engaging member  89  are engaged. The diverter sealing member  79  is, in turn, engaged to member  89 . As a result, the diverter sealing member  79  rotates in response to rotation of diverter cap  19  to selectively block/unblock one or more of the apertures,  56 ,  58  (shown at  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ). 
         [0045]    It is understood that various alternative embodiments are encompassed within the broad spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the particular components of the diverter control assembly  80  may be implemented in a variety of different configurations, operative to selectively direct the output of filtered water to one or more outlets. Similarly, the number of outlets may be increased to 3 or more, and the output appliances may include a plurality of shower heads, hoses or other water output devices, as preferred by the user. These and other modifications and enhancements are understood to be encompassed within the scope of the claims, as set forth below.