Patent Publication Number: US-2015082535-A1

Title: Adaptable shower system and method

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/832,680, filed on Jul. 8, 2010, which claimed priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/224,025, filed on Jul. 8, 2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to a shower for bath tub, stall enclosure and/or outdoor showers and more particularly to a shower for a bath tub, stall enclosure and/or outdoor shower that has one or more shower heads located overhead to provide preferably a rain shower effect where the multiple heads are installable subsequent to the installation of the existing equipment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     At the present time there are various shower systems for use with bath tubs and stall enclosures which are installed in the walls by a plumber that directs one or more spray streams of water to a user&#39;s body. These systems are normally expensive to install and require the use of a licensed plumber. One particular shower-head style that is highly desirable is the overhead rain-like shower system. However, this type of arrangement typically requires additional internal wall plumbing to allow the source of water to be channeled to the roof of the shower and thus to the shower head. This added costs can be significant and as such, most people can only enjoy this type of system while staying at upscale hotels. 
     What is needed is a shower system that has one or more overhead shower heads that can be easily installed by a home owner to an existing wall shower head which is both easy to use and can be controlled to provide a rainlike body spray pattern. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There is disclosed a rain-like shower head unit that can be connected to an existing wall shower head to provide, in combination with the existing wall shower head, an overhead shower where each of which can be selectively controlled. 
     A home owner, to install the disclosed rain-like shower head unit does not require the services of a licensed plumber nor are new internal wall pipes required. To install the preferred embodiment, the home owner only has to position the one piece combination of shower heads across the top of the bath tub, stall enclosure or outdoor shower and anchor the unit to the walls with his/her choice of screws or the adjustable end cap which is either spring loaded or is turned to wedge the unit in position between opposing walls. Thus, no remodeling or penetration is necessarily required. After the unit is installed between opposing walls of the bath tub or shower enclosure, the existing shower head is unscrewed from the existing wall pipe, and a sleeve tap having a diverter valve is then screwed onto the wall pipe. The removed shower head is then screwed to the diverter valve. To complete the installation, one end of a flexible hose is connected to the diverter valve on the existing wall pipe and the other end is connected to a nipple on the multiple shower head unit. 
     The temperature and volume of the water to the rain like shower head unit and the existing shower head is controlled by the existing shower water control unit which is used to set the water temperature and volume of water to the existing wall shower head by mixing hot and cold water. 
     The rain like shower head unit includes preferably a chrome plated copper and/or stainless steal pipe that, in addition to carrying water from the diverter valve to the various rain like shower heads, also functions as a support member. 
     Although copper or stainless steal are the preferred materials, other suitable materials such as, but not limited to, plastics may be utilized. Located in the support member is an optional diverter valve that allows a user to control the flow of water from full on to off to a rear rain like shower head while maintaining full flow to a forward rain like shower head. In addition, a diverter valve on the diverter valve allows the user to direct shower water from the existing wall shower head and the rain like shower heads on the unit simultaneously or from either the existing wall shower head or the multiple shower heads. 
     The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention and additional embodiments will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram showing a bath tub located in an enclosure of three walls with the rain like shower head unit located between two opposing walls and connected to the wall pipe of an existing wall shower head; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic top view of the shower head unit connected to the wall pipe of an existing shower head; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic bottom view of the shower head unit connected to the wall pipe of an existing shower head; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of the flexible pipe connected to the diverter valve which includes a diverted valve; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of the adjustable end of the water carrying support member; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the shower head unit adapted to receive two shower heads and a flexible water pipe; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of another embodiment where the shower head unit is adapted to receive one shower head and a flexible water pipe; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of the mounting brackets for the shower head unit including the preferred embodiment round mounting brackets and alternative mounting bracket shape such as square mounting brackets; 
         FIG. 9  are views of alternate embodiments of the wall mounting positions for the shower head; 
         FIG. 10  is a view of an alternate embodiment of the shower head with ceiling mounting positions; 
         FIG. 11  is a view of an alternate embodiment of the mounting brackets for the shower head unit; 
         FIG. 12  is a view of the preferred nipple position and an alternate embodiment angled nipple position; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of an upper horizontal overhead embodiment with an alternate embodiment that shows an attachable vertical member in two different positions; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of an upper horizontal overhead embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of an additional embodiment showing an upper horizontal overhead unit with alternate embodiments that shows attachable vertical members; 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of an additional embodiment of an upper horizontal overhead unit; 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of an additional embodiment of an upper horizontal overhead unit; 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of an alternate embodiment showing a single angled shower head coupled with a vertical unit; 
         FIG. 19  is a side view showing a selection of alternate embodiments of a vertical member; 
         FIG. 20  is a side and bottom view of an embodiment of an upper horizontal member; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of an embodiment of an upper horizontal member; 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of an embodiment of an upper horizontal member; 
         FIG. 23  is a side and bottom view of an embodiment of an upper horizontal member; 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of an embodiment of an upper horizontal member showing an alternate method of support; 
         FIG. 25  is a view of various mounting embodiments; and 
         FIG. 26  is a bottom and top view of an alternate arrangement; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a schematic diagram  10  of a bath tub located in an enclosure of three walls with the rain like shower head unit located between two opposing wall and connected to the wall pipe of an existing wall shower head. More specifically, a bath tub  12  is located in an enclosure having a rear wall  14  and two opposing side walls  16 ,  18  where wall  16  supports an existing wall shower head  20  threadingly connected to a wall water pipe  22  and control knobs (not shown) for controlling the pressure and temperature of water to the existing wall shower head. 
     The rain like shower head unit  24  is located above the existing wall shower head and is attached to opposing wall  16 ,  18 . It is connected to the wall water pipe  22  that supplies water to the shower heads  26 ,  28  with a flexible water pipe. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a schematic top view of the rain like shower head unit connected to the wall pipe of an existing shower head. The rain like shower head unit  24  includes a chromium plated copper and/or stainless steal pipe  30  that functions as a support member and includes three nipples  32 ,  34 , and  36 . Although Pipe  30  is preferably a pipe, it is contemplated that it could be round, square or rectangular tubing. Nipple  32  is provided to be threaded to one end of the flexible water pipe  38 . The other end of flexible pipe  38  is threaded to diverter valve  40  that contains a diverter valve. The diverter valve is located between the wall water pipe  22  and the existing wall shower head  20 . 
     The diverter valve is threaded to the wall water pipe and the existing shower head is threaded to the diverter valve. The diverter valve contains a diverter valve that has two positions. A first position passes water from the wall water pipe to the existing shower head, and a second position passes water from the wall water pipe, through the flexible pipe  38  and support member  30  to the shower heads  28 ,  26  of the rain like shower head unit  24 . Thus, the diverter valve in the diverter valve allows a user to receive shower water from the existing wall shower head or the overhead rain like shower heads  28 ,  26 . An optional diverter valve  42  is located in support member between the two rain like shower heads  28 , 26  allows a user to receive shower water from only one shower head  28  or from both shower heads simultaneously. Thus, when optional diverter valve  42  is in one position, the supply of water to the rear shower head  26  is cut off, and when diverter valve  42  is in its second position shower water is supplied to both shower heads. 
     The support member  30  has two preferably adjustable ends  44 ,  46 . Located between adjustable end  44  and the nipple  32  which is connected to the flexible pipe  38 , and located close to nipple  32  within support member  30  is a water stop that prevents shower water from passing to the adjustable end  44  of the support member. Similarly, located between the end  46  and the nipple that is connected to the shower head  26  and close to this nipple and within the support member  30  is a water stop that prevents shower water from passing to the end  46  of the support member. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a schematic bottom view of the rain like shower head unit connected to the wall pipe of an existing shower head with the flexible water conducting pipe  38  that has an inside diameter of 318 of an inch. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a schematic view of the flexible pipe  38  connected to the diverter valve  40  which includes a diverter valve and is positioned between the existing wall water pipe  22  and the existing wall shower head  20 . The diverter valve allows a user to selectively divert shower water from the existing wall shower head to the rain like shower heads of the rain like shower head unit  24 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a schematic view of the adjustable end of the water conduction support member  30 . Prior to purchasing the rain like shower unit, the distance between the opposing walls of the enclosure is measured and a support member  30  that is about one inch less than the distance between the opposing walls is selected. The end  36  of the rain like shower head support member  30  supports a thread that is connected to a threaded member  48  that is connected to an end cap  50 . To attach support member  30  to opposing walls  16 ,  18  (see  FIG. 1 ) of the enclosure, the support member is positioned above the existing wall shower head and threaded member  48  is turned relative to the support member until the end cap  50  is pressing snugly against the wall  18  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     In another embodiment, member  48  can be a sleeve that slidably fits over the support member and is urged by an internal spring to move an attached end cap away from the end of the support member. To install the rain like shower head unit, the installer moves the sleeve along the support member to compress the spring. The installer now positions the support member between opposing walls  16  and  18  of the enclosure and releases the sleeve to allow the compressed spring to urge the end cap to press tightly against wall  18 . 
     In still another embodiment, the support member can be coupled to flanges that are attached to walls  16 ,  18  with screws and chrome plated end caps are then positioned over the flanges. 
     After the support member is attached to the walls, the flexible water pipe is attached to the nipple on the support member and to the diverter valve. It is understood that the outside surface of the support member  30  can have a decorative finish other than chromium such as painting, polished stainless or any other known finish. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a side view of another embodiment of the invention where the rain like shower head unit has one shower head and a flexible water pipe. The rain like shower head unit is not limited to one or two shower heads, but can include up to five rain like shower head that are either evenly or unevenly spaced apart. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , there are shown mounting bracket options including round mounting bracket  50  and square mounting bracket  60  for preferably securing rain like shower head unit  10  to wall  16  and wall  18  of bath tub  12 . As described previously and referring to  FIG. 5 , rain like shower head unit  10  was secured to wall  16 . In the preferred embodiment, round mounting bracket  50  is preferably secured to wall  18  of bath tub  12  above wall water pipe  22  with screws through screw ports  52 . The height at which the round mounting bracket  52  is secured to wall  18  can be adjusted to the installers or owners preference. Adjustable end  44  of support member  30  preferably inserts into notch  54  and preferably rests upon member support ledge  56  against wall  18 .  FIG. 8  also shows a side view  58  of support member  30  when placed and secured into round mounting bracket  50 . 
     It is understood that in an alternate embodiment, round mounting bracket  50  can be substituted for brackets having different shapes such as square mounting bracket  60  also shown in  FIG. 8 . Finally,  FIG. 8  also shows a side view of support member  30  when placed and secured into square mounting bracket  60 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , there are shown alternate embodiments of rain like shower head unit  10  include three attachment methods for securing rain like shower head unit  10  to wall  18 . The first alternate embodiment of rain like shower head unit  10  has an L-shaped mounting member  70  that preferably projects upward and toward wall  18  from near adjustable end  44  of rain like shower head unit  10 . At point  72 , L-shaped mounting member  70  angles at 90 degrees to the horizontal and projects towards wall  18 . At point  74 , L-shaped member  70  preferably angles at 90 degrees to the vertical and projects in the upward direction to end  78 . Close to end  78  is preferably screw port  76  allowing attachment to wall  18  above water pipe  22 . The second alternate embodiment of shower head unit  10  has a diagonal-shaped mounting member  80  that preferably projects upward and toward wall  18  from near adjustable end  44  of rain like shower head unit  10 . At point  82 , diagonal-shaped mounting member  80  preferably angles from the vertical and projects towards wall  18  upward direction. At point  84 , diagonal-shaped member  80  preferably angles back towards the vertical and projects in the upward direction to end  88 . Close to end  88  is preferably screw port  86  allowing attachment to wall  18  above water pipe  22 . The third alternate embodiment of shower head unit  10  has a diagonal shaped mounting member  90  that preferably projects downwards and toward wall  18  from near adjustable end  44  of rain like shower head unit  10 . At point  92 , diagonal-shaped mounting member  90  preferably angles from the vertical and projects towards wall  18  in the downward direction. At point  94 , diagonal-shaped member  90  preferably angles back towards the vertical and projects in the downward direction to end  98 . Close to end  98  is preferably screw port  66  allowing attachment to wall  18  below water pipe  22 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , there is shown an alternate embodiment of rain like shower head unit  10  where ceiling  120  is used for securing rain like shower head unit  10 . In this embodiment, rain like shower head unit  10  has mounting member  100  that preferably projects upward and toward ceiling  120  from near adjustable end  44  of rain like shower head unit  10 . At point  102 , mounting member  100  preferably angles at 90 degrees to the horizontal and projects to end  104 . Close to end  104  is preferably screw port  106  allowing attachment to ceiling  120 . Like mounting member  100 , mounting member  110  preferably projects upward and toward ceiling  120  from far end  46  of rain like shower head unit  10 . At point  112 , mounting member  100  preferably angles at 90 degrees to the horizontal and projects to end  114 . Close to end  114  is preferably screw port  116  allowing attachment to ceiling  120 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 11 , an alternate embodiment of the mounting brackets for the shower head unit is shown. Said embodiment comprises outer pipe mounting assembly  121 , fastening mount plate  122 , fastening nut  123 , fastener  124  and end cap  125 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 12 , nipple  36  is shown in the preferred perpendicular position. Additionally, an alternate embodiment having an angled nipple  126  is shown. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 13 , another set of alternate embodiments are shown, wherein one end  232  of the horizontal support member  231 , is threaded to be received directly into an existing shower wall pipe. Additionally, a vertical body spray section  300  is shown wherein the upper end  302  thereof is threaded to be received in nipple  234 . Nipple  234  incorporates a valve  236  for controlling the water flow between the overhead shower portion  230  and the vertical body spray section  300 . As is shown in  FIG. 14 , overhead shower portion  230  may be designed to exclude valve  236  and vertical body spray section  300  in an alternate embodiment.  FIGS. 15-16  show additional alternate embodiments, wherein the number of shower heads may vary. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 17 , an embodiment is shown wherein a standard angled shower head  400  and neck  402  are utilized in nipple  234 .  FIG. 18  is an embodiment wherein only vertical body spray section  300  is utilized with a standard angled shower head  400  and neck  402 . Coupler  420  connects angled shower head  400  and neck  402  with vertical body spray section  300 . Coupler  420  comprises male threaded end  422  to be received within an existing shower wall pipe, female threaded end  424  for receiving the threaded end of a standard angled shower head  400  and neck  402 , and a nipple portion  426  having valve  428  for receiving the threaded end of vertical body spray section  300 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 19 , there is shown a plurality of alternate embodiments for vertical body spray section  300 .  FIGS. 20-23  show support members for various alternate embodiments of the overhead shower portion  230 .  FIGS. 24-25  show alternate mounting/supporting methods, wherein hanging members  500  can be utilized and/or mounting bracket  50  and/or square mounting bracket  60  and/or wall hanging members  510  for securing rain like shower head unit  10  to a wall or ceiling. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 26 , another alternate embodiment is shown wherein overhead shower portion  630  incorporates a extension  632  wherein a flexible pipe or hose  634  extends therefrom and is connected to a coupler  636 . Coupler  636  serves to couple standard angled shower head  400  with neck  402  with overhead shower portion  630 . Valve  638  is incorporated into coupler  636  to control water flow. 
     While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes of the form and details of the apparatus illustrated and in the operation may be done by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.