Patent Publication Number: US-2009218411-A1

Title: Water sheet showerhead

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/002,134. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     None 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
     None 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a device for issuing liquids so that they fall in a sheet. More particularly, the invention provides a showerhead that mimics a small waterfall by providing a downward water stream in a relatively broad, flat sheet so that it provides an effect that is substantially similar to a small waterfall. 
     2. Prior Art 
     Showers have long replaced baths as a more expedient and efficient means of hygiene and daily cleansing. Both the efficiency, enjoyability and aesthetic aspects of a shower depend largely on the physical charactersistics of the water as it is applied to the body. Therefore, a plentitude of shower head types have been created to produce various effects and sensations. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,328, by Delepine discloses a quiet, flat-topped, wide-mouthed liquid delivery spout. It has flat, rectangular shaped plates placed parallel to one another and curved downward for liquid delivery in sheet form. It has available separate cold and hot water delivery pipes, both of which flow in between the rectangular plates, allowing the top plate to be used as a shelf. It does not disclose a flat spillway over which liquid flows from one source through slots or holes. It also does not disclose a fragrance introducing reservoir with a closing cap, or a downward facing drainage hole. It further does not disclose a screw fitting with ball swivel and aerator to attach to any compatible liquid source. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,458, by Delepine discloses a curved sheet formed flow spout for the delivery of liquid. It has a flat sheet with the rear edge curved above the front edge. It has a flat, elongated, narrow delivery slot and chamber perched above the curved sheet mimics in one part, the shape of the concave part of the sheet and in another part, the convex portion of the rear part of the sheet. Each are connected to the other through a u-bend at the top of the chamber. It has two liquid inlets which open into the chamber to deliver liquid. It does not disclose a flat spillway and overflow slots or holes as one seamless unit with side dams running alongside the spillway. It also does not disclose an reservoir that may be accessed through a closable opening and designed to hold fragrance producing material. It further does not have a screw fitting with ball and swivel and aerator for connection to a standard water pipe. It also does not have a small drain-hole at the bottom of the liquid reservoir. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,409 by Gaffney, et al., discloses a spout for providing flow of water in the shape of a sheet. It has a screw and O-ring to provide a water tight seal around a pipe. It has an internal reservoir which spills over a weir when full. It has two sheets, both slightly convex and placed horizontally to one another creating a gap through which the water flows when it spills over the weir. It does not disclose an open, flat, spillway with side dams, nor does it disclose a reservoir with a screw cap to insert fragrance producing material with a downward facing drainage hole. It further does not have a screw fitting with ball swivel connector for attachment to an external water pipe. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,782 by Robbins discloses a fluid dispensing fixture that produces sheet like emissions. It has a curved tubular arm with a threaded end so that it can be secured to piping. It has a tubular main body connected perpendicular to the arm with outflow ports located on the top of the element. The body contains removable end caps to provide easy access for clog removal. It also has a curved guide member branching out from the top of the main body and slowly curving downward. It does not have an opening allowing for addition of fragrant emitting substances. It also does not have a downward facing drainage hole on the bottom of the reservoir. It further does not disclose a screw fitting with ball swivel and aerator for connection with an external water supply. It also does not have side-dams located on each side of the guide member, nor is the guide member a flat slope. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,744 by Ruthenberg is a device that generates waterfalls for swimming pools. It has an inlet box with four sides and an outlet box without a rear or front wall. It has an inlet water pipe which accepts water from the pool. It also has an internal spreader so that the columnar shaped water will be spread into a smooth sheet. The spreader has angular devices which separate the water as it flows in. It does not disclose a shower attachment. It does not disclose a screw fitting with ball swivel and an aerator for use with attachment to a water pipe. It also does not disclose a flat spillway with side-dams or reservoir with a screw top with space for fragrance generating material. It further does not disclose a downward facing drainage hole. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,811 by Sieth discloses a spout that provides an extended stream of water in the form of a sheet eventually producing water droplets. It has a curved shield under which sits a liquid conduit connected to a liquid source by threaded bosses. It has a channel inside a nozzle assembly through which water passes. It has an outlet port formed by the end of the liquid channel where the shield extends below the open end of the channel producing a reduced size outlet and shaping the liquid into a sheet. It does not disclose an open, flat spillway with side-dams. It also does not have overflow slots or a reservoir and cap system which allow for the introduction of fragrance producing material. It further does not have a downward facing drainage hole or a screw fitting with a ball swivel and aerator attachable to any compatible pipe. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,858 by Berry discloses a pivotable soap dispenser designed to attach to a showerhead. It contains a soap holder mounted to a showerhead using a frame with a pivot. The holder is loaded with soap through a slot. It has mesh screens which allow water to pass through after contacted the soap. It does not disclose a showerhead, it merely discloses an attachment independent of a showerhead. It does not disclose a flat spillway and side dams or a screw top reservoir for holding fragrance producing material. It also does not disclose a drain hole in the reservoir or a screw fitting with ball swivel and aerator for use with any compatible pipe or liquid source. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,374, by Winnett et al. discloses a showerhead attachment that also generates and dispenses aroma. It has a cylindrical housing with inlet and outlet ports and contains a smaller dispensing chamber which holds aroma generating material and placed perpendicular through the main chamber. The water flows through the inlet port of the housing then around the dispensing chamber, a small volume of which enters the aroma dispensing chamber. The showerhead has a small outlet port at the end of the aroma dispensing chamber through which some aroma spray is forced so that the aroma collides with the shower wall rather than flow directly onto the bather. It does not disclose a flat spillway for the creation of a waterfall outflow, screw top, or overflow slots, nor a small drain-hole at the bottom of the reservoir. It also does not disclose a reservoir with overflow slots through which the entire volume of water flows over aroma generating material. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,093,775 B1, by Bingham discloses a fragrance dispensing showerhead with a wire mesh screen. It has a central bore so that water may move from the distal to the proximal end through the wire mesh screen. It contains multiple refillable fragrance ejecting mechanisms and a plurality of reservoirs for holding different fragrances; the reservoirs are either directly attached to the showerhead or fastened to but separated from the showerhead and dispensed through a flexible conduit. If attached to the showerhead, the fragrance mechanisms are refillable through the use of a removable filler cap and ejected into the water stream through the use of spring loaded pin containing apertures through which the fragrance is channeled. It also has a threaded inner surface so that it can be removed and placed on another water supply source. It does not disclose a flat spillway for the creation of a waterfall outflow, nor a small drainage hole at the bottom of the apparatus (primarily because water travels from the distal to the proximal end rather than from the water source through a reservoir). It also does not disclose a reservoir where both the fragrance generating material and the water flow simultaneously, rather it discloses fragrance reservoirs which inject said fragrance directly into the water stream. It also does not disclose slotted overflow ports. 
     It is preferable to have a quiet operating and soothing showerhead. Showerheads typically eject water from various downward facing slots in a manner that causes a displeasing sound and generally abrasive stream. Showerheads which provide a sheet like stream of water present a more pleasing sound as well as a more soothing stream. These showerheads are generally constructed with a slotted, enclosed ejection point or spillway. The liquid flows from the output pipe through the apparatus and out of the slotted ejection point in order to provide a flat sheet of water. Water sheet producing showerheads typically are completely enclosed and use the opening from the enclosure to provide a sheet like water flow. However, this prevents easy addition of aroma generating material to provide an even more soothing bathing experience. The flow of water from existing devices is also typically regulated only by the water flow into the showerhead or spout. 
     It is therefore desirable to provide a showerhead that provides a water stream as a sheet of water that generates a pleasing sound, a soothing stream and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     It is also desirable to provide a showerhead that provides an adjustable water stream as a sheet of water. 
     It is also desirable to provide a showerhead that provides a water stream as a sheet of water to which various materials may be added. 
     It is also desirable to have a durable, easy to install shower spout that produces a steady sheet of water which also allows for drainage of the reservoir and the option of adding aroma producing material. It is also desirable to provide a means for easily retrofitting an existing water output pipe. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a showerhead that creates a sheet of water instead of a more typical spray. The flow of the water sheet may be adjusted both by adjusting the water flow and by adjusting the angle of the showerhead. The showerhead also includes a reservoir for applying various beneficial additives to the water sheet. This combines the efficiency and ease of showering with olfactory, tactile and other benefits previously only available while submersing in a bath. 
     The reservoir has one or more overflow slots that supply water to a spillway. Side-dams direct the water down the spillway and over the edge to create a sheet of water. The reservoir preferably includes a drainage hole to prevent water from sitting stagnant therein and promoting growth of mold and other microorganisms. A screw cap on the end of the reservoir provides access to it and allows bath beads and other bath water additives to be inserted. When in the reservoir, such bath water additives dissolve into the water flowing out of the showerhead. A ball swivel connector allows adjustment of the showerhead&#39;s angle and assist in regulating water flow. The ball cap allows for movement of the showerhead to provide the desired stream direction. The invention may be attached to any generally compatible threaded water pipe. 
     The reservoir is preferably enclosed and extends the length of the spillway. It is large enough to hold various aroma generating materials and water collected from the water output pipe. The reservoir has a removable cap through which the bather may place aroma generating material into the reservoir. The overflow slots are preferably thin so that the aroma, rather than the aroma generating material, moves into the ejecting water supply, and so that other additives dissolve in the water rather than flowing out of the showerhead. Installation is easy, requiring minimal tools, tapes, or adhesives. It preferably has a smooth, flat spillway to provide an even sheet. The showerhead is preferably constructed from a durable, solid, waterproof material, such as metal, that can withstand a steady stream of water. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an easy to install outlet that creates a broad flat stream of a liquid. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an option of adding aroma generating material to the reservoir. 
     The above broadly outlines the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. The features of the invention are more thoroughly described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded front view of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the attachment point. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     The invention provides an apparatus for producing a water sheet from a liquid spout, such as a showerhead. It creates an adjustable sheet of water suitable for a shower. It allows various water additives typically not useable in conjunction with a shower to be added to the shower water. These additives, such as bath beads, allow a bather to enjoy olfactory and other benefits typically only available during a time consuming bath in a tub. The present invention allows such additives to be enjoyed during quicker and more efficient showering. This is especially advantageous when a bather typically does not have the available time necessary for a bath. 
     The invention is especially suited for showers having a threaded spout attachment section commonly found in existing shower stalls and other showering systems. The invention is therefore well suited for retrofitting onto water output pipes already in existence. The invention may be installed by professionals or persons having little or no skill in the art. The invention provides a reservoir with a removable cap giving the bather the option of placing aroma generating or other materials inside. Anyone may use the invention to obtain a soothing and quiet water sheet flow from a standard water output pipe. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the showerhead  10  of the invention. The showerhead  10  is comprised primarily of a reservoir  12  having an end cap  24 , a spillway  14 , two side-dams  22  on either side of spillway  14 , and a ball swivel connector  18  for connection to a water output pipe  20 . Showerhead  10  may be made of any adequately rigid material known in the art and suitable for use with running water, including, but not limited to stainless steel, plastic, ceramic and the like. 
     When in use, the showerhead  10  is supplied water through the swivel ball aerator  18 , which feeds the reservoir  12 . An adjustable connector is preferred because it allows the operator to adjust the flow of water off the showerhead. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is common to use an adjustable connector with showerheads and that swivel ball connectors and other similar connectors are suitable for the invention. 
     As water flows into and through reservoir  12 , any bath beads or other dissolvable materials rapidly dissolve into the water. Water exits the reservoir  12  through overflow slots  16  in a steady and constant manner. In this embodiment, reservoir  12  is cylindrical. However, the reservoir may be of any shape so long as it provides a chamber for containing materials to be added to the shower water and has suitable volume for an adequate amount of water to dissolve the added materials. 
     It is generally preferred that the reservoir have a substantially cylindrical shape as the reservoir preferably runs the entire length of the spillway and a circular cross section maximizes volume. The reservoir may have an oval or other shaped cross section and the reservoir may or may not be uniform in shape along its length. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some situations it may be desirable to have a reservoir whose shape decreases in proportion to distance from the water source in order to maintain uniform pressure and/or flow. Other preferable shapes for the reservoir include a hexagonal or pentagonal prism optionally including a prismatic extended cupola geometry. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is common for showerheads and other bathroom fixtures to have highly aesthetic designs and that the showerhead of the present invention is highly susceptible to manipulation of its physical shape to accommodate a variety of stylistic tastes, so long as the functional aspects are not substantially frustrated or abrogated. 
     The reservoir works in conjunction with the overflow slots  16  to create a steady, constant and even flow of water onto spillway  14 . This facilitates an even and constant sheet of water flowing off of the showerhead. Overflow slots  16  may be of any of a variety of designs that allow water to flow smoothly from the upper portion of the reservoir onto spillway  14 . In this embodiment, overflow slots  16  are comprised of two long horizontal slots of equal length. However, they may be comprised of several small circular holes in a horizontal row or a single slot running the length of the reservoir. Any configuration is suitable so long as the overflow slots  16  evenly distribute the water exiting the reservoir onto the spillway  14  and are sufficiently small or narrow to prevent bath bubbles or other objects in the reservoir from exiting. 
     The use of the reservoir  12 , in addition to providing a means to dissolve water additives also creates a steady, even flow out of the overflow slots  16 . The spillway  14  is guarded on either side by side-dams  22 . Water flows from overflow slots  16  across spillway  14  and over lip  32 . As the water traverses the spillway, it spreads out into a thin sheet. Lip  32  may have any of a variety of geometries to provide different characteristics to the sheet of water as it falls off the spillway  14 . Lip  32  may be relatively sharp, or may be rounded and smooth. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the geometry of lip  32  can have a substantial affect on the flow of the water off spillway  14 . Spillway  14  is preferably substantially planar. Concavity, convexity or other curvature in the spillway is generally not preferred as such a design may hamper formation of a water sheet. However, non-planar features may be incorporated into the spillway if desired. 
     The reservoir  12  includes an end cap  24  that closes over opening  26 . Opening  26  allows for the introduction of aroma generating and other materials into the reservoir  12 . This provides the user with a relaxing aromatic sensory experience that is both soothing and easy to access for convenient replacement of various materials and bath water additives. Opening  26  also allows for easy cleaning of the reservoir. In this embodiment, cap  24  removably attaches to opening  26  by means of threaded cuff  30  and includes knurled edge  28  to facilitate screwing of the cap  24  onto and off of cuff  30 . However, any suitable method of closing opening  26  such that it is substantially water tight may be used with the invention, including, but not limited to, snap fit caps, frictionally engaging plugs, sliding screen door coverings, and the like. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the bottom of the reservoir  12  contains a downward facing drainage hole  36 . Drainage hole  36  assists with drainage of water from chamber  15  of reservoir  12  and therefore helps prevent formation of mold or other growths associated with dark, wet places. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the size of the drainage hole should be sufficiently small that water can still build inside the reservoir, yet slowly drain when water is no longer supplied to the reservoir. Alternatively, the drainage hole may be incorporated into the reservoir at a higher location and when the showerhead is not being used it may be adjusted so that the drainage hole faces downward. Inclusion of drainage hole  36  is generally preferred because it requires no action by the user to insure that water will not stagnate within the reservoir. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the downward facing drainage hole  36  may optionally be plugged with a removably attachable drainage cap. 
       FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  show a few exemplary alternative embodiments of the invention, illustrating only some of the many variations possible within the scope of the invention.  FIG. 4  shows an alternative embodiment  40  containing a series of substantially circular overflow holes  54 . Overflow holes  54  have the same functionality and purpose as overflow slots  16  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that overflow holes  54  may be circular or of any other geometry, so long as they adequately allow flow from the upper portion of the reservoir  56  onto the spillway  55 . The spillway  55  has a corrugated lip  50  and square side-dams  52 . This alternative embodiment is particularly advantageous for providing a full flow rippled effect water sheet. Squared off side-dams  52  illustrate that the side-dams may have any of a variety of geometries so long as they are capable of fulfilling their primary function of preventing water on the spillway from flowing over the sides and directing the water to the lip of the spillway. 
       FIG. 5  shows alternative embodiment  60  containing three oval-shaped overflow slots  62  in reservoir  64 . Reservoir cap  61  includes a tab  63  for popping cap  61  open and cord  65  permanently attaches cap  61  to the reservoir  64 . This prevents misplacement of reservoir cap  61 . Typically the reservoir  64  only includes a cap on one end. However, additional caps may be included on the reservoir if desired. It is also possible to place the reservoir cap on the top, bottom or side of the reservoir. It is generally preferred to include the cap on the end of the reservoir.  FIG. 5  also has serpentine shaped side-dams  68  along the edges of the spillway  66  that is wider at lip  69  than at the end proximate the reservoir  67 . This illustrates that the spillway does not need to be of a rectangular design but may have any of a variety of geometries as desired. 
     Embodiment  60  also includes three fins  70  that protrude upwardly from spillway  66 . These fins  70  are primarily aesthetic in nature and do not substantially alter the flow of water or other liquid over spillway  66 . However, if desired, similar fins may be included within the scope of the invention to modify the width of the water sheet flowing over the lip  69  of spillway  66  by making fins  70  adjustable and extensive across the entire length of spillway  66  from proximal end  67  to lip  69 . 
       FIG. 6  shows another embodiment  76  having a trapezoidal spillway  73  that narrows as it approaches the lip  75 . Showerhead  76  also includes a single, wide overflow slot  79  that includes a mesh screen  80  to prevent objects in the reservoir  82  from exiting through slot  79 . This design may be preferable where the showerhead is intended for use with relatively small additives or materials placed in the reservoir  82 . Embodiment  76  also includes a plug  84  at the end of reservoir  82 , instead of an end cap. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of mechanisms for removably sealing the reservoir to allow insertion of various materials to influence the properties of the water or other liquid passing through the invention. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a very large variety of items may be placed in the reservoir to add a nimiety of qualities to the water. Coloring, scented material, flavoring, therapeutic salts, pH buffers, water hardener and softeners, soaps, oils, exfoliants, moisturizers and a plethora of other materials may be used with the invention. Additionally, the invention may be used for other liquids. It may be desirable to use the invention as a fount for alcoholic beverages and additives thereto, or sundry other liquids that may or may not have substances added to them. 
       FIGS. 7-8  show the connector  18  between the invention as shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and a typical water outlet pipe typically provided in a shower stall or other water outlet. Attached to the top of the reservoir is threaded attachment point  94  for the screw fitting  98  comprising a knurled or otherwise textured body  102  and ball swivel  108 , threaded screw cap  104  and conduit  110  which may include an areator. Said threaded attachment point  94  consists of a threaded exterior and internal mechanism  118  for a water-tight seal. A particularly advantageous embodiment consists of a rubber washer  118  and a number of ribs  116  extending from the outer wall of the threaded attachment point  94  that meet and secure the rubber washer  118 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a water-tight seal may be obtained through a variety of materials including Teflon tape, metal washers, O-rings or the like. 
     The water output pipe in the embodiments has been consistently shown to connect to the invention near the top of the reservoir. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may connect to a water pipe at any desired location. Where the invention is used as a fountain or faucet, perhaps for distritbuting beverages, it may be more desirable to have the reservoir connect near the bottom. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate material such as plastic may be used and there are many such materials that could be used in place of a plastic seal such as rubber or latex. Those skilled in the art will also recognize the use of an aerator  110  is particularly advantageous in preserving the planet by aiding the reduction of water consumption and reduction of energy costs of heating water. The bather will enjoy these continued savings while also enjoying the soothing water sheet flow created by the present invention. Additionally, the cap providing access to the interior of the reservoir has been shown as being on the end of the reservoir. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a sealable opening may be included at just about any point on the reservoir and that there may optionally be more than one access point having a cap or other closing mechanism. 
     Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Descriptions of the embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting or defining the ordinary and plain meanings of the terms of the claims unless such is explicitly indicated.