Abstract:
A showerhead has at least a first set of nozzles and a second set of nozzles for discharging water. The showerhead discharges water according to one of multiple water delivery functions, where a first water delivery function corresponds to water being discharged through only the first set of nozzles, a second water delivery function corresponds to water being discharged through only the second set of nozzles and a third water delivery function corresponds to water being discharged through the first and second sets of nozzles simultaneously. The spacing between the first set of nozzles and the second set of nozzles is carefully selected so that the third water delivery function corresponds to the integrated nozzles of the first and second sets of nozzles. As a result, the third water delivery function provides a coherent and balanced water flow resulting in a more pleasant feel.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The present application is being filed as a non-provisional patent application claiming priority/benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/793,872 filed on Apr. 20, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD  
       [0002]     The invention relates generally to showerheads and, more particularly, to multi-function showerheads.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Multi-function showerheads are known in which different sets of nozzles provide different water delivery functions, such that a user can select between the different water delivery functions. Water is discharged from the multi-function showerhead differently for each of the water delivery functions so that the user experiences a desired sensation corresponding to the selected water delivery function. The water delivery functions can include, for example, a stream function, a spray function, a pulse function, and variations thereof. The different water delivery functions can be provided by varying the number of nozzles, the size of openings of the nozzles and the like, in each of the sets of nozzles.  
         [0004]     Furthermore, it is known that by using more than one set of nozzles simultaneously, a combined water delivery function can be provided. However, because the nozzles corresponding to the individual water delivery functions are spaced apart from one another and are intended to provide noticeably distinct sensations to the user upon being selected, the formation of the combined water delivery function as the combination of these nozzles results in water being discharged from the showerhead having an incoherent and unbalanced spray pattern, which can result in an unpleasant sensation for the user.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     In view of the above, a multi-function apparatus is provided that includes at least a first set of nozzles and a second set of nozzles. The apparatus discharges a fluid according to a fluid delivery function selected from at least a first fluid delivery function, a second fluid delivery function and a third fluid delivery function. The first fluid delivery function corresponds to the fluid being discharged through only the first set of nozzles, the second fluid delivery function corresponds to the fluid being discharged through only the second set of nozzles and the third fluid delivery function corresponds to the fluid being discharged through the first and second sets of nozzles simultaneously.  
         [0006]     As described herein, the spatial arrangement of the nozzles, the number of nozzles and/or the size of the nozzles in each of the first and second sets of nozzles is carefully selected so that the first fluid delivery function and the second fluid delivery function are closely integrated. As a result, the third fluid delivery function provides a relatively coherent and balanced spray pattern, which can result in a pleasant sensation for the user.  
         [0007]     Numerous advantages and features will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     The invention as well as embodiments and advantages thereof are described below in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numbers denote like elements and in which:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a three-function showerhead according to an exemplary embodiment;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a diagram showing nozzle groupings forming exemplary first and second curves in the showerhead of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a diagram showing nozzle groupings forming exemplary third curves in the showerhead of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing all of the exemplary third curves in the showerhead of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a close-up view of a single exemplary third curve of the showerhead of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a nozzle arrangement supporting multiple functions according to another exemplary embodiment;  
         [0015]      FIG. 7  is a diagram showing nozzle groupings forming exemplary first and second curves in the nozzle arrangement of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 8  is a diagram showing an exemplary radial gap in the nozzle arrangement of  FIG. 6 ; and  
         [0017]      FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a close-up view of a portion of the nozzle arrangement of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]     While the general inventive concept is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the general inventive concept. Accordingly, the general inventive concept is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.  
         [0019]     A multi-function showerhead according to an exemplary embodiment is shown as a three-function showerhead  100  (hereinafter, the “showerhead  100 ”) in  FIGS. 1-4 . The showerhead  100  includes a face  102  in which a plurality of nozzles  104 ,  106  are disposed. For purposes of illustration, only a few of the nozzles  104 ,  106  are labeled in the drawings. In one exemplary embodiment, the nozzles  104 ,  106  extend through corresponding openings in the face  102 .  
         [0020]     The nozzles  104 ,  106  are arranged such that a first set of nozzles  108  occupies an inner region of the face  102  and a second set of nozzles  110  occupies an outer region of the face  102 . Thus, the first set of nozzles  108  is surrounded/enclosed by the second set of nozzles  110 . The first set of nozzles  108  corresponds to a first water delivery function and the second set of nozzles  110  corresponds to a second water delivery function. For example, the first water delivery function can provide a stream of water from the showerhead  100  and the second water delivery function can provide a spray of water from the showerhead  100 .  
         [0021]     Additionally, a third water delivery function is provided which uses both the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110  simultaneously. The showerhead  100  includes a grip  112  which allows the user to select one of the three water delivery functions provided by the showerhead  100 .  
         [0022]     By integrating the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110 , the third water delivery function, which uses both sets of nozzles  108  and  110  simultaneously, is operable to discharge water in a more coherent and balanced manner resulting in an improved showering experience. For example, the distance (or spacing) between the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110  is relatively small, such that the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110  are integrated. Furthermore, the number of nozzles in each of the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110 , as well as a corresponding total cross-sectional area (i.e., flow area) of the openings of the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110 , can contribute to the integration of the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110 .  
         [0023]     In one exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  108  has at least 9 nozzels  104  and the second set of nozzles  110  has at least 9 nozzels  106 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the showerhead  100  has 24 nozzels  104  in the first set of nozzles  108  and 36 nozzles  106  in the second set of nozzles  110 . The nozzles  104  in the first set of nozzles  108  may or may not have the same dimensions. The nozzles  106  in the second set of nozzles  110  may or may not have the same dimensions. The nozzles  104 ,  106  in both the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110  may or may not have the same dimensions.  
         [0024]     In one exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  104  in the first set of nozzles  108  is within 0.032 inches to 0.042 inches, inclusive. In another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  104  in the first set of nozzles  108  is within 0.036 inches to 0.046 inches, inclusive. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  104  in the first set of nozzles  108  is within 0.028 inches to 0.038 inches, inclusive. In still another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  104  in the first set of nozzles  108  is within 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches, inclusive.  
         [0025]     In one exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  104  in the first set of nozzles  108  is approximately equal to 0.034 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  104  in the first set of nozzles  108  is approximately equal to 0.042 inches. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  104  in the first set of nozzles  108  is approximately equal to 0.030 inches. In still another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  104  in the first set of nozzles  108  is approximately equal to 0.040 inches.  
         [0026]     In one exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  106  in the second set of nozzles  110  is within 0.028 inches to 0.038 inches, inclusive. In another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  106  in the second set of nozzles  110  is within 0.020 inches to 0.032 inches, inclusive. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  106  in the second set of nozzles  110  is within 0.032 inches to 0.042 inches, inclusive. In still another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  106  in the second set of nozzles  110  is within 0.028 inches to 0.035 inches, inclusive.  
         [0027]     In one exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  106  in the second set of nozzles  110  is approximately equal to 0.034 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  106  in the second set of nozzles  110  is approximately equal to 0.032 inches. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  106  in the second set of nozzles  110  is approximately equal to 0.038 inches. In still another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  106  in the second set of nozzles  110  is approximately equal to 0.035 inches.  
         [0028]     In one exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  108  has from 15 to 45 nozzles  104 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  108  being within 0.010 in 2  to 0.045 in 2 , inclusive. In another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  108  has from 19 to 42 nozzles  104 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  108  being within 0.015 in 2  to 0.040 in 2 , inclusive. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  108  has from 22 to 38 nozzles  104 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  108  being within 0.018 in 2  to 0.037 in 2 , inclusive. In still another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  108  has from 24 to 36 nozzles  104 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  108  being within 0.019 in 2  to 0.041 in 2 , inclusive.  
         [0029]     In one exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  108  has 24 nozzels  104  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  108  being approximately 0.022 in 2 . In another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  108  has 24 nozzels  104  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  108  being approximately 0.033 in 2 . In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  108  has 36 nozzles  104  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  108  being approximately 0.025 in 2 . In still another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  108  has 30 nozzles  104  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  108  being approximately 0.038 in 2 .  
         [0030]     In one exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  110  has from 20 to 90 nozzles  106 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  110  being within 0.010 in 2  to 0.080 in 2 , inclusive. In another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  110  has from 23 to 70 nozzles  106 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  110  being within 0.012 in 2  to 0.060 in 2 , inclusive. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  110  has from 25 to 65 nozzles  106 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  110  being within 0.018 in 2  to 0.053 in 2 , inclusive. In still another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  110  has from 27 to 70 nozzles  106 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  110  being within 0.020 in 2  to 0.067 in 2 , inclusive.  
         [0031]     In one exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  110  has 36 nozzles  106  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  110  being approximately 0.033 in 2 . In another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  110  has 64 nozzles  106  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  110  being approximately 0.051 in 2 . In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  110  has 27 nozzles  106  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  110  being approximately 0.031 in 2 . In still another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  110  has 70 nozzles  106  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  110  being approximately 0.067 in 2 .  
         [0032]     The nozzle characteristics described herein (e.g., diameter of the openings and total cross-sectional area of the openings) are based on nozzles (e.g., nozzles  104  and  106 ) having substantially circular openings. It will be appreciated that the general inventive concept encompasses other nozzle types, including nozzles having non-circular openings. The equivalent nozzle characteristics of a nozzle having a non-circular opening can be readily determined.  
         [0033]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first set of nozzles  108  includes a plurality of first curves  114  which are each formed from a plurality of adjacent nozzles  104 . The second set of nozzles  110  includes a plurality of second curves  116  which are each formed from a plurality of adjacent nozzles  106 . For purposes of illustration, the nozzles  104  forming a few of the first curves  114  and the nozzles  110  forming a few of the second curves  116  are surrounded by a geometric shape. As used herein, a “curve” refers to a line connecting a set of points, wherein the points may be represented by openings of nozzles on a face of a showerhead. For example, the points may be represented by the openings of the nozzles  104 ,  106  on the face  102  of the showerhead  100 . The line may or may not be a straight line. The line may or may not have a constant rate of curvature. Accordingly, the first curves and/or the second curves can be linear or non-linear.  
         [0034]     Each first curve  114  passes through a center of an opening in the plurality of nozzles forming the first curve  114 . Each second curve  116  passes through a center of an opening in the plurality of nozzles forming the second curve  116 . In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first curves  114  and the second curves  116  is formed from three or more nozzles  104  or  106 , respectively.  
         [0035]     In  FIG. 2 , the nozzles  104  in the first curve  114  form a first path that is substantially aligned with a second path of the nozzles  106  in the corresponding second curve  116 . A plurality of the first curves  114  including nozzles  104  and the second curves  116  including nozzles  106  form third curves  118  including nozzles  104  and  106 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The third curves  118  are associated with the third water delivery function. As noted above, the nozzles  104 ,  106  in the third curves  118  are integrated. This means, for example, that the distance (or spacing) between the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110  is relatively small. Furthermore, as noted above, the arrangement, number and/or size of the nozzles  104 ,  106  can be selected to facilitate the integration of the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110 .  
         [0036]     In one exemplary embodiment, each first curve  114  is aligned with a corresponding second curve  116  to form a plurality of the third curves  118 , as shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 5  shows a single third curve  118  from the showerhead  100 . The third curve  118  is formed from the first curve  114  and the second curve  116 . The first curve  114  contains nozzles  120 ,  122  and  124 . The second curve  116  contains nozzles  126 ,  128  and  130 .  
         [0038]     A distance measured from a center of an opening of the nozzle  120  to a center of an opening of the nozzle  122  is denoted as a 1 . A distance measured from a center of the opening of the nozzle  122  to a center of an opening of the nozzle  124  is denoted as a 2 . The average distance (or spacing) between the center of the openings of the nozzles  120 ,  122  and  124  in the first curve  114  is denoted as a avg  and can be computed from Equation 1. 
 
 a   avg =( a   1   +a   2 )/2   (Equation 1) 
 
         [0039]     A distance measured from a center of an opening of the nozzle  126  to a center of an opening of the nozzle  128  is denoted as b 1 . A distance measured from a center of the opening of the nozzle  128  to a center of an opening of the nozzle  130  is denoted as b 2 . The average distance (or spacing) between the center of the openings of the nozzles  126 ,  128  and  130  in the second curve  116  is denoted as b avg  and can be computed from Equation 2. 
 
 b   avg =( b   1   +b   2 )/2   (Equation 2) 
 
         [0040]     A distance measured from a center of the opening of the nozzle  124  to a center of the opening of the nozzle  126  is denoted as c, which represents the distance (or spacing) between the center of the openings of the nozzles in the first and second curves  114 ,  116  (i.e., the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110 ). To ensure the integration of the first set of nozzles  108  (including nozzles  120 ,  122  and  124 ) and the second set of nozzles  110  (including nozzles  126 ,  128  and  130 ), the value c is selected to satisfy the relationship shown in Equation 3. In Equation 3, the value x is a constant value that represents the magnitude of integration. In one exemplary embodiment, the value x is in the range of 2 to 5, inclusive. In Equation 3, min (a avg,  b avg ) means to substitute the smaller of the two values a avg  and b avg . 
 
 c≧x *min ( a   avg   , b   avg )   (Equation 3) 
 
         [0041]     For example, with a value of x equals 5, the spacing between the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110  must be less than five times the smaller of the average spacing between the nozzles  104  of the first curves  114  in the first set of nozzles  108  and the average spacing between the nozzles  106  of the second curves  116  in the second set of nozzles  110 . With a value of x equals 2, the spacing between the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110  must be less than two times the smaller of the average spacing between the nozzles  104  of the first curves  114  in the first set of nozzles  108  and the average spacing between the nozzles  106  of the second curves  116  in the second set of nozzles  110 . As the value of x decreases, the integration between the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110  is maximized.  
         [0042]     The distance c between an adjacent first curve  114  and second curve  116  (i.e., a first third curve  118 ) may differ from the distance c between another adjacent first curve  114  and second curve  116  (i.e., a second third curve  118 ). Integration of the first set of nozzles  108  and the second set of nozzles  110  on the face  102  of the showerhead  100  can be based on the distance c of the plurality of third curves  118  on the face  102  of the showerhead  100 .  
         [0043]     In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the third curves  118  has a value c that satisfies the relationship shown in Equation 3. In another exemplary embodiment, at least 50% of the third curves  118  have a value c that satisfies the relationship shown in Equation 3. In still another exemplary embodiment, all of the third curves  118  have a value c that satisfies the relationship shown in Equation 3.  
         [0044]     A nozzle arrangement  200  according to another exemplary embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 6-9 . The nozzle arrangement  200  could be used, for example, on the three-function showerhead  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . The nozzle arrangement  200  includes a plurality of nozzles  202 ,  204  for discharging a fluid. For purposes of illustration, only a few of the nozzles  202 ,  204  are labeled in the drawings. In one exemplary embodiment, the nozzles are for discharging water.  
         [0045]     The nozzles  202 ,  204  are arranged such that a first set of nozzles  206  occupies an inner region of the nozzle arrangement  200  and a second set of nozzles  208  occupies an outer region of the nozzle arrangement  200 . Thus, the first set of nozzles  206  is surrounded/enclosed by the second set of nozzles  208 . The first set of nozzles  206  corresponds to a first water delivery function and the second set of nozzles  208  corresponds to a second water delivery function. Additionally, a third water delivery function is provided which uses both the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208  simultaneously. A user can select between the first water delivery function, the second water delivery function and the third water delivery function using an actuator (not shown).  
         [0046]     By integrating the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208 , the third water delivery function, which uses both sets of nozzles  206  and  208  simultaneously, is operable to discharge water in a more coherent and balanced manner resulting in an improved showering experience. For example, the distance (or spacing) between the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208  is relatively small, such that the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208  are integrated. Furthermore, the number of nozzles in each of the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208 , as well as a corresponding total cross-sectional area (i.e., flow area) of the openings of the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208 , can contribute to the integration of the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208 .  
         [0047]     In one exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  206  has at least 9 nozzels  202  and the second set of nozzles  208  has at least 9 nozzels  204 . As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the nozzle arrangement  200  has 30 nozzles  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  and 70 nozzles  204  in the second set of nozzles  208 . The nozzles  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  may or may not have the same dimensions. The nozzles  204  in the second set of nozzles  208  may or may not have the same dimensions. The nozzles  202 ,  204  in both the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208  may or may not have the same dimensions.  
         [0048]     In one exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  is within 0.032 inches to 0.042 inches, inclusive. In another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  is within 0.036 inches to 0.046 inches, inclusive. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  is within 0.028 inches to 0.038 inches, inclusive. In still another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  is within 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches, inclusive.  
         [0049]     In one exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  is approximately equal to 0.034 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  is approximately equal to 0.042 inches. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  is approximately equal to 0.030 inches. In still another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  is approximately equal to 0.040 inches.  
         [0050]     In one exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  204  in the second set of nozzles  208  is within 0.028 inches to 0.038 inches, inclusive. In another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  204  in the second set of nozzles  208  is within 0.020 inches to 0.032 inches, inclusive. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  204  in the second set of nozzles  208  is within 0.032 inches to 0.042 inches, inclusive. In still another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  204  in the second set of nozzles  208  is within 0.028 inches to 0.035 inches, inclusive.  
         [0051]     In one exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  204  in the second set of nozzles  208  is approximately equal to 0.034 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  204  in the second set of nozzles  208  is approximately equal to 0.032 inches. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  204  in the second set of nozzles  208  is approximately equal to 0.038 inches. In still another exemplary embodiment, a diameter of an opening in each nozzle  204  in the second set of nozzles  208  is approximately equal to 0.035 inches.  
         [0052]     In one exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  206  has from 15 to 45 nozzles  202 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  206  being within 0.010 in 2  to 0.045 in 2 , inclusive. In another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  206  has from 19 to 42 nozzles  202 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  206  being within 0.015 in 2  to 0.040 in 2 , inclusive. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  206  has from 22 to 38 nozzles  202 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  206  being within 0.018 in 2  to 0.037 in 2 , inclusive. In still another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  206  has from 24 to 36 nozzles  202 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  206  being within 0.019 in 2  to 0.041 in 2 , inclusive.  
         [0053]     In one exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  206  has 24 nozzels  202  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  206  being approximately 0.022 in 2 . In another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  206  has 24 nozzels  202  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  206  being approximately 0.033 in 2 . In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  206  has 36 nozzles  202  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  206  being approximately 0.025 in 2 . In still another exemplary embodiment, the first set of nozzles  206  has 30 nozzles  202  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  206  being approximately 0.038 in 2 .  
         [0054]     In one exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  208  has from 20 to 90 nozzles  204 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  208  being within 0.010 in 2  to 0.080 in 2 , inclusive. In another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  208  has from 23 to 70 nozzles  204 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  208  being within 0.012 in 2  to 0.060 in 2 , inclusive. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  208  has from 25 to 65 nozzles  204 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  208  being within 0.018 in 2  to 0.053 in 2 , inclusive. In still another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  208  has from 27 to 70 nozzles  204 , inclusive, with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  208  being within 0.020 in 2  to 0.067 in 2 , inclusive.  
         [0055]     In one exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  208  has 36 nozzles  204  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  208  being approximately 0.033 in 2 . In another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  208  has 64 nozzles  204  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  208  being approximately 0.051 in 2 . In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  208  has 27 nozzles  204  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  208  being approximately 0.031 in 2 . In still another exemplary embodiment, the second set of nozzles  208  has 70 nozzles  204  with a total cross-sectional area of the openings of the nozzles  208  being approximately 0.067 in 2 .  
         [0056]     The nozzle characteristics described herein (e.g., diameter of the openings and total cross-sectional area of the openings) are based on nozzles (e.g., nozzles  202  and  204 ) having substantially circular openings. It will be appreciated that the general inventive concept encompasses other nozzle types, including nozzles having non-circular openings. The equivalent nozzle characteristics of a nozzle having a non-circular opening can be readily determined.  
         [0057]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first set of nozzles  206  includes a plurality of first curves  210  which are each formed from a plurality of adjacent nozzles  202 . The second set of nozzles  208  includes a plurality of second curves  212  which are each formed from a plurality of adjacent nozzles  204 . For purposes of illustration, the nozzles  206  forming a few of the first curves  210  and the nozzles  208  forming a few of the second curves  212  are surrounded by a geometric shape. As noted above, “curve” refers to a line connecting a set of points, wherein the points may be represented by openings of nozzles in a nozzle arrangement. For example, the points may be represented by the openings of the nozzles  202 ,  204  in the nozzle arrangement  200 . The line may or may not be a straight line. The line may or may not have a constant rate of curvature. Accordingly, the first curves and/or the second curves can be linear or non-linear.  
         [0058]     Each first curve  210  passes through a center of an opening in the plurality of nozzles forming the first curve  210 . Each second curve  212  passes through a center of an opening in the plurality of nozzles forming the second curve  212 . In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first curves  210  and the second curves  212  is formed from three or more nozzles  202  and  204 , respectively.  
         [0059]     As noted above, the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208  are integrated. This means, for example, that the distance (or spacing) between an area encompassing the first set of nozzles  206  and an area encompassing the second set of nozzles  208  is relatively small. Furthermore, as noted above, the arrangement, number and/or size of the nozzles  202 ,  204  can be selected to facilitate the integration of the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208 .  
         [0060]     The average distance (or spacing) between a center of an opening in each of the nozzles  202  in each of the first curves  210  is denoted as a avg  and can be computed in a manner described above using Equation 1. Likewise, the average distance (or spacing) between a center of an opening in each of the nozzles  204  in each of the second curves  212  is denoted as b avg  and can be computed in a manner described above using Equation 2.  
         [0061]     A radial gap  214  separates the nozzles  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  from the nozzles  204  in the second set of nozzles  208 . The radial gap  214  is represented by a solid line in  FIGS. 6-7 . In  FIG. 8 , the radial gap  214  is defined by the distance (or spacing) between a first circle  216  and a second circle  218 . The distance (or spacing) corresponding to the radial gap  214  is denoted as d.  
         [0062]      FIG. 9  shows a portion of the nozzle arrangement  200  shown in  FIG. 8 . In  FIGS. 8-9 , it can be seen that the first set of nozzles  206  includes a ring of nozzles  220  that are closest to the second set of nozzles  208 . Likewise, the second set of nozzles  208  includes a ring of nozzles  222  that are closest to the first set of nozzles  206 . In one exemplary embodiment, the first circle  216  borders the ring of nozzles  220  by being the smallest circle that can be drawn to encompass the first set of nozzles  206  without overlapping any of the nozzles  202  in the first set of nozzles  206 . The second circle  218  borders the ring of nozzles  222  by being the largest circle that can be drawn to encompass the first set of nozzles  206  without overlapping any of the nozzles  204  in the second set of nozzles  208 . In another exemplary embodiment, the first circle  216  runs through the center of openings of the nozzles  220  and the second circle  218  runs through the center of openings of the nozzles  222  (not shown).  
         [0063]     As noted above, the nozzles  202  in the first set of nozzles  206  and the nozzles  204  in the second set of nozzles  208  are integrated. This means that the spacing between the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208 , i.e., the radial gap  214 , is relatively small.  
         [0064]     To ensure the integration of the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208 , the distance d is selected to satisfy the relationship shown in Equation 4. In Equation 4, the value x is a constant value that represents the magnitude of integration. In one exemplary embodiment, the value x is in the range of 2 to 5, inclusive. In Equation 4, min (a avg , b avg ) means to substitute the smaller of the two values a avg  and b avg . 
 
 d≦x *min ( a   avg   , b   avg )   (Equation 4) 
 
         [0065]     For example, with a value of x equals 5, the spacing between the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208  must be less than five times the smaller of the average spacing between the nozzles  202  of the first curves  210  in the first set of nozzles  206  and the average spacing between the nozzles  204  of the second curves  212  in the second set of nozzles  208 . With a value of x equals 2, the spacing between the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208  must be less than two times the smaller of the average spacing between the nozzles  202  of the first curves  210  in the first set of nozzles  206  and the average spacing between the nozzles  204  of the second curves  212  in the second set of nozzles  208 . As the value of x decreases, the integration between the first set of nozzles  206  and the second set of nozzles  208  is maximized.  
         [0066]     The above description of specific embodiments has been given by way of example. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will not only understand the general inventive concept and its attendant advantages, but will also find apparent various changes and modifications to the structures and methods disclosed. For example, although the above exemplary embodiments are directed to multi-function showerheads and nozzle arrangements that discharge water, the general inventive concept encompasses any multi-function apparatus for discharging any fluid. Furthermore, from the above disclosure, it should be obvious that three or more distinct sets of nozzles can be integrated. It is sought, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.