Patent Publication Number: US-11660623-B2

Title: Showerhead assembly with oscillating nozzle

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/074,412 filed on Sep. 3, 2020. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to showerheads. More particularly, the present invention relates to showerhead spray nozzles that pivot up and down or side-to-side so as to produce an oscillating spray pattern. 
     Showerheads are commercially available in numerous designs and configurations for use in showers, faucets, spas, sprinklers and other personal and industrial systems. The vast majority of showerheads include spray heads which provide constant or pulsed sprays and have either fixed or adjustable openings. Stationary spray heads with fixed jets are the simplest constructions consisting essentially of a central conduit connected to one or more spray nozzles directed to produce a constant pattern. The stationary spray showerheads cause water to flow through the construction to contact essentially the same points on a user&#39;s body in a repetitive fashion. 
     Multifunction showerheads are able to deliver water in many different spray patterns such as a fine spray, a coarse spray, a pulsating spray, or even a flood pattern providing high fluid flow but decreased velocity. Of course, many other spray patterns may also be provided. 
     Many showerhead assemblies allow users to manipulate spray nozzles into various positions and alignments to assist in the cleaning process. Advantageously, some showerhead assemblies include spray nozzles which can direct water to different locations within a shower stall, allowing water to contact desired locations on a user&#39;s body. Recently, showerhead assemblies have included settings which allow water to shift from outer and inner nozzles, causing water to project at varying directions onto the user. Unfortunately, these constructions either require the user to manually maneuver the showerhead assembly or the water to alternate between varying nozzles in order to produce a spray pattern that directs water to multiple locations. 
     Thus, it would further be advantageous to provide a showerhead assembly that included a primary showerhead with one or more oscillating nozzles so as to create a reciprocating spray pattern. 
     Further, it would be advantageous to provide a showerhead assembly that included nozzle sets containing different spray patterns and multiple nozzles so as to enable the user to create a unique shower experience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, in accordance with the invention, an improved water spraying assembly is provided which includes a gear train and at least one oscillating nozzle chamber system. The water spraying assembly has particular application for use within a showerhead. Accordingly, the preferred water spraying assembly is described as a showerhead assembly. 
     The primary showerhead can be relatively traditional in construction including a showerhead housing connected to a water source by a neck portion. Additionally, the neck portion includes a conduit having an inlet threadably affixed to a water source pipe. The inlet is in fluid connection with the pipe so as to receive water from it and allow such water to travel through showerhead housing and into the nozzle outlet for ejection. Various showerhead housing and conduit constructions can be determined by those skilled in the art. For example, the showerhead may include a simple housing affixed directly to the pipe of a water source. Alternatively, the showerhead may be of the handheld type including a handle and flexible hose that connects to the pipe of a water source. Moreover, the showerhead may include various modifications of these well-known assemblies such as a combination fixed and handheld showerhead. 
     Preferably, the conduit&#39;s inlet collects water from the water source and empties such water into the housing&#39;s water chamber that is in fluid connection with the gear train. The gear train includes three wheel portions: a propeller, toothed pinion, and large toothed gear. Specifically, the water received by the water chamber flows through the propeller portion of the gear train, whereby such water flow causes the propeller to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. The propeller, which is directly below and coupled with the pinion, continues to rotate as water passes through, thereby causing the pinion to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Additionally, the pinion, which is meshed and in tooth engagement with the large gear, causes the large gear to revolve in a clockwise direction as water flows from the rotating pinion portion and passes through the large gear. Further, a pin is seated on the outer surface of the large gear. The pin is offset from the large gear&#39;s central axis which causes the pin to rotate in a circular path as a result of the rotation of the large gear. The water then exits through the central channel housed in the left hollow shoulder arm of the nozzle chamber system. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the compound gear is mounted to a gear housing by arbors so as to allow the gear train to rotatably pivot with the passage of water. Specifically, the gear housing includes a front plate and a back plate. The front plate is affixed to and secured onto the back plate which forms the cover of the compound gear mechanism. Preferably, the front plate and back plate are circular in shape. 
     The nozzle chamber system includes two shoulder arms and a cylindrical nozzle housing having a central chamber. In the preferred embodiment, the nozzle chamber system comprises a right solid shoulder arm and a left hollow shoulder arm. Importantly, the two shoulder arms hold the nozzle housing in position along a longitudinal axis. Specifically, the right solid shoulder arm functions as a support arm and is connected to the cylindrical nozzle chamber by an axle. Even more specifically, the left hollow shoulder arm contains a channel and is aligned with and connected to the cylindrical nozzle&#39;s central chamber by two rotatable metal spindles and a bearing which allow the nozzle housing to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The two spindles and bearing encircle the exit of the central channel that is in fluid connection with the cylindrical nozzle chamber. 
     The cylindrical nozzle chamber includes a pin slot and a nozzle outlet. Upon rotation of the large gear, the pin, which is within the nozzle housing&#39;s pin slot, also rotates thereby pushing and pulling the nozzle housing in an oscillating movement. This, in turn, causes the axle, bearing and two spindles to oscillate. Specifically, the oscillating pin forces the nozzle chamber to pivot about its longitudinal axis while the shoulder arms hold the nozzle chamber in place, preventing horizontal rotation of the nozzle chamber thereby restricting the oscillating nozzles to an upward and downward direction. Though not shown in the figures, this entire assembly can be rotated 90° so as to have the nozzle chamber rotate about the vertical axis and thereby provide a side-to-side oscillating spray. 
     Concurrently, water continues to flow through the gear train, passing the oscillating pin, and traveling through the central channel into the nozzle chamber. Water is then ejected out of the nozzle chamber through the nozzle outlet. Specifically, and in combination with the oscillating movement of the nozzle chamber, the water is ejected from the nozzle outlet in a reciprocating spray pattern. 
     Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spray head assembly having an improved oscillating nozzle compared to previous showerheads. 
     Furthermore, it is an additional object of the present invention to provide a spray head assembly having an improved construct so as to generate an oscillating spray pattern without the need for multiple nozzles or user intervention. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description which follows with reference to the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other, further and more specific objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the Drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a left perspective view of the showerhead assembly wherein the primary nozzles are expelling water; 
         FIG.  2    is a left perspective view of the showerhead assembly illustrated in  FIG.  1    wherein the supplemental non-oscillating nozzles are expelling water; 
         FIG.  3    is a left perspective view of the showerhead assembly illustrated in  FIG.  1    wherein the oscillating nozzle is expelling water at its midpoint range of motion; 
         FIG.  4    is a left side cutaway view of the showerhead assembly illustrated in  FIG.  1    wherein the compound gear mechanism is housed within the showerhead housing, illustrating the flow of water from the conduit through the gear train, whereby water is released into the nozzle chamber system and ejected from the oscillating nozzle outlet at its midpoint range of motion; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the compound gear mechanism illustrated in  FIG.  4    illustrating gear train adjoined to the nozzle chamber system and the flow of water from the gear train through nozzle chamber system, whereby such water is ejected from the oscillating nozzle outlet at its midpoint range of motion; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective cutaway view of the compound gear mechanism illustrated in  FIG.  4    illustrating the flow of water through the gear train and nozzle chamber system, wherein water is ejected from the oscillating nozzle outlet at its midpoint range of motion; 
         FIG.  7    is a left perspective view of the showerhead assembly illustrated in  FIG.  1    wherein the oscillating nozzle is expelling water at a downward angle; 
         FIG.  8    is a left side cutaway view of the showerhead assembly illustrated in  FIG.  1    wherein the compound gear mechanism is housed within the showerhead housing, illustrating the flow of water from the conduit through the gear train, whereby water is released into the nozzle chamber system and ejected from the oscillating nozzle outlet at a downward angle; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the compound gear mechanism illustrated in  FIG.  4    illustrating gear train adjoined to the nozzle chamber system and the flow of water from the gear train through nozzle chamber system, whereby such water is ejected from the oscillating nozzle outlet at a downward angle; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective cutaway view of the compound gear mechanism illustrated in  FIG.  4    illustrating the flow of water through the gear train and nozzle chamber system, wherein water is ejected from the oscillating nozzle outlet at a downward angle; 
         FIG.  11    is a left perspective view of the showerhead assembly wherein the oscillating nozzle is expelling water at an upward angle; 
         FIG.  12    is a left side cutaway view of the showerhead assembly illustrated in FIG. wherein the compound gear mechanism is housed within the showerhead housing, illustrating the flow of water from the conduit through the gear train, whereby water is released into the nozzle chamber system and ejected from the oscillating nozzle outlet at an upward angle; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of the compound gear mechanism illustrated in  FIG.  4    illustrating gear train adjoined to the nozzle chamber system and the flow of water from the gear train through nozzle chamber system, whereby such water is ejected from the oscillating nozzle outlet at an upward angle; 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective cutaway view of the compound gear mechanism illustrated in  FIG.  4    illustrating the flow of water through the gear train and nozzle chamber system, wherein water is ejected from the oscillating nozzle outlet at an upward angle; 
         FIG.  15    is a bottom perspective view of the compound gear mechanism illustrated in  FIG.  4    illustrating the layout of the gear train affixed to the front plate; 
         FIG.  16    is a partially exploded top view of the compound gear mechanism illustrated in  FIG.  4    illustrating the nozzle chamber&#39;s pin slot which seats the pin residing on the large gear of the gear train; and 
         FIG.  17    is a top view of the compound gear mechanism illustrated in  FIG.  4    illustrating the layout of the gear train and nozzle chamber system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, as shown in the drawings, hereinafter will be described the presently preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 17   , the oscillating nozzle  27  of the present invention is illustrated as a showerhead assembly  1  which includes three primary components including: a fluid conduit  2 , a gear train  30 , and an oscillating nozzle chamber system  80 . In addition, the showerhead assembly  1  may include a face  7  that projects primary nozzles  8  and any number of supplementary nozzles  9 . Further, the supplementary nozzles  9  may include any combination of oscillating nozzles  27  and/or non-oscillating nozzles  23 . For example, in  FIGS.  1 - 3 ,  7  and  11   , the showerhead face  7  includes primary nozzles  8 , oscillating nozzles  27 , non-oscillating nozzles  23 , and a supplemental nozzle  9  in the form of a slot nozzle  10 . Preferably, the showerhead face  7  includes various types of nozzle sets in combination with the oscillating nozzle  27  so as to provide a more unique shower experience for the user. Further, both the oscillating nozzle  27  and non-oscillating nozzles  23  are embedded in a showerhead&#39;s face  7  and are in fluid connection with the conduit  2 . 
     The showerhead may be any type as can be determined by one skilled in the art including fixed, handheld, or a combination thereof. However, for purposes of illustration only, a preferred showerhead assembly  1  includes a neck portion  6  which houses the conduit  2  and is connected to a water source  5 . Further, the conduit  2  includes an inlet  4  threadably affixed to the water source pipe. The inlet  4  receives water from the water source  5  and transports such water to the inner chamber of the showerhead face  7  so as to convey such water to oscillating nozzles  27  and non-oscillating nozzles  23 . Particularly, the inlet  4  transports water to a water passageway  11  upstream, directly adjacent to and in fluid connection with the gear train  30 . 
     The gear train  30  includes three gear portions: a propeller  32 , a toothed pinion  34 , and a large toothed gear  36 . Specifically, water flows through the water passageway  11  into a cavity  12 . The water then passes through the propeller  32 , thereby causing the propeller  32  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Even more specifically, the pinion  34  extends co-axially from the propeller  32  and rotates in a counter-clockwise direction upon counter-clockwise rotation of the propeller  32 . Additionally, the large gear  36  is in toothed engagement with the pinion  34  so as to rotate by rotation of the pinion. Specifically, the large gear  36  revolves in a clockwise direction as the pinion  34  rotates counterclockwise, and water continues to flow through the entirety of the gear train  30 . Of course, those skilled in the art would understand that the gear train may be constructed to provide clockwise rotation of the propeller and toothed pinion, and counterclockwise rotation of the large gear. Thus, the direction that the gears spin is not intended to limit the present invention. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the three wheel portions are mounted by arbors  42  onto a gear housing  100  so as to allow the gear train  30  to rotatably pivot as water passes through the compound gear mechanism  21 . Further, the gear housing  100  includes a front plate  44  and a back plate  46 . Preferably, the front plate  44  is appended to a back plate  46  which forms the cover of the three wheel gear mechanism  21 . In a preferred embodiment, the front plate and back plate are circular in shape. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  16 - 17   , the oscillating nozzle chamber system  80  includes two shoulder arms  25  and a cylindrical nozzle housing  82  having a central chamber  83 . Preferably, a pin  38  is seated on the surface of the large gear  36  and engages with the pin slot  84  located on the cylindrical nozzle housing  82  so as to work in concert with the nozzle chamber system  80 , ultimately leading to the nozzle&#39;s  27  oscillating motion. Specifically, as the large gear  36  rotates, the pin  38  oscillates 45° back and forth within the pin slot  84 . More specifically, the oscillating movement of the pin  38  causes the nozzle housing  82  to rotate. 
     Moreover, water passes through the nozzle chamber system  80 . The nozzle chamber system  80  is comprised of two shoulder arms  25 : a right solid shoulder arm  91  and a left hollow shoulder arm  93 . The left hollow shoulder arm  93  houses the central channel  90  which receives water from the cavity  12 . Further, the right shoulder arm  91  functions as a support arm for the nozzle housing  82 . Notably, the two shoulder arms  25  hold the nozzle housing  82  in position along a longitudinal axis so as to prevent horizontal movement as water sprays out of the oscillating nozzle chamber&#39;s outlet  86 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the nozzle housing  82  includes a first end and a second end. Additionally, two spindles  95  encircle the exit of the central channel  90  and adjoin the left shoulder arm  93  to the nozzle housing  82  by the first end. Specifically, the two spindles  95  include a bearing  97  and rotate between ten degrees and thirty degrees in an upward and downward trajectory upon movement of the nozzle housing  82  caused by the pivoting of the pin  38  in the pin slot  84 . More specifically, the pin&#39;s  38  movement causes the ten-to-thirty-degree vertical oscillation of the two spindles  95 . 
     Also preferably, the right shoulder arm  91  is adjoined to the second end of the nozzle housing  82  by way of an axle  99 . Specifically, and as a result of the pin  38  pivoting within the pin slot  84  and causing the nozzle housing  82  to rotate, the axle  99  oscillates between ten degrees and thirty degrees upwardly and downwardly upon a vertical axis. Importantly, the oscillating pin  38  forces the nozzle housing  82  to pivot back and forth with a rotation between ten and twenty degrees while the two shoulder arms  25  hinder the nozzle housing&#39;s  82  horizontal movement. Further, the pin system, in combination with the functions of the shoulder arms  25 , restricts the nozzle housing&#39;s  82  movement along a vertical axis so as to generate the reciprocating motion of the nozzle housing  82 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  5 - 6 ,  9 - 10 , and  13 - 14   , a nozzle outlet  86  extends from the nozzle housing  82 . As water from the central channel  90  enters the nozzle housing&#39;s central cavity  83 , it is ejected out through the nozzle outlet  86 . As a result of the reciprocating motion of the nozzle housing  82  caused by the oscillating pin  38 , such water disperses out of the nozzle outlet  86  in an oscillating spray pattern. 
     Preferably, and as illustrated in  FIGS.  12 - 17   , the cavity  12  is substantially larger than the diameter of the propeller  32 , pinion  34 , and large toothed gear  36 . This disparity in size provides a space around the gear train  30  through which water can flow. The additional space is provided to account for bathers who attempt to physically hold the cylindrical nozzle chamber  82  in a fixed position. Without this additional space, water flow would be completely blocked which could result in a build-up of water pressure that could damage the internal components of the showerhead. Instead, if movement of the cylindrical nozzle housing  82  is impeded, water continues to flow around the propeller  32 , pinion  34  and large toothed gear  36 , and then through the central channel  90  to the nozzle housing&#39;s central cavity  83 . Thus, even though the movement of the nozzle housing is impeded, water is still ejected out through the nozzle outlet  86 . Once the nozzle housing&#39;s movement is once again unobstructed, the oscillating motion starts again. 
     While a preferred oscillating nozzle  27  and showerhead assembly  1  have been illustrated and described, it would be apparent that various modifications of the oscillating nozzle  27  and showerhead assembly  1  can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the illustrated and described preferred embodiment is a fixed wall mounted showerhead. However, the oscillating spray assembly can be incorporated into any showerhead assembly including a hand-held construction. Moreover, the preferred embodiment has a nozzle housing  82  that rotates about a horizontal axis so as to provide a spray that oscillates up and down. However, the nozzle housing may be oriented in any direction, such as vertically to provide a spray that oscillates side-to-side. 
     Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except by the following claims. Having described my invention in such terms to enable a person skilled in the art to understand the invention, recreate the invention, and practice it, and having identified the presently preferred embodiments thereof,