Patent Publication Number: US-11396740-B2

Title: Independent control free standing bath filler

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/794,087, filed on Jan. 18, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of bath and tub fillers. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a free standing bath/tub filler having two separate valves, each of which is independently adjustable to control temperature and flow rate of water to one of two separate outlets. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one embodiment of the application relates to a free standing bath filler having a body having an inlet configured to receive hot and cold water, a first outlet, and a second outlet; a first valve located within the body and configured to control at least one of a flow rate or a temperature of water from the inlet to the first outlet; a second valve located within the body and configured to control at least one of a flow rate or a temperature of water from the inlet to the second outlet; a first controller configured to control an operation of the first valve; and a second controller configured to control an operation of the second valve, wherein the each controller is operable independently of the other controller 
     At least one embodiment of the application relates to a free standing bath filler having a body and first and second valves. The body includes an inlet configured to receive hot and cold water, a first stem fluidly connecting the inlet to a first outlet, and a second stem coupled to the first stem and fluidly connecting the inlet to a second outlet. The first valve is located within the first stem and configured to control at least one of a flow rate or a temperature of water from the inlet to the first outlet. The second valve is located within the second stem and configured to control at least one of a flow rate or a temperature of water from the inlet to the second outlet. Each valve is operable independently of the other valve. 
     At least one embodiment of the application relates to a free standing bath filler having a body extending between first and second ends, the first end including an inlet configured to receive hot and cold water; a spout extending from the body and having a first outlet; and a stem extending from the body and having a second outlet; a first valve located within the body and configured to control a flow rate and a temperature of water from the inlet to the first outlet; and a second valve located within the stem and configured to control a flow rate and a temperature of water from the inlet to the second outlet, wherein the each valve is operable independently of the other valve. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bath filler, according to this application. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side cross-sectional view of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a portion of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 1  showing water flow through the portion. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the portion of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the portion of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a side partially exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a bonnet of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side cross-sectional view of the bonnet shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a handle of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of the handle shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a valve seat of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the valve seat shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a bath filler, according to this application. 
         FIG. 16  is a side cross-sectional view of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a bath filler, according to this application. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a waterway of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the waterway shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a bath filler, according to this application. 
         FIG. 23  is a front cross-sectional view of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a bath filler, according to this application. 
         FIG. 25  is a front cross-sectional view of the bath filler shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein are free standing bath/tub fillers (e.g., spouts, faucets, etc.) that include two separate (e.g., dual) valves, each of which is independently adjustable to control temperature and/or flow rate of water to one of two (e.g., dual) separate outlets. By way of example, a first outlet can be configured to fill a bath/tub for bathing and, therefore, a first valve associated with the first outlet can provide a relative high flow rate (e.g., up to around 17 gal/min) at a first temperature, while a second outlet can be fluidly connected to a hand shower and, therefore, a second valve associated with the second outlet can provide a relative low flow rate (e.g., up to around 2.5 gal/min) at a second temperature. Each valve can independently control temperature so that the two outlets can receive and supply water at two different temperatures. This arrangement is advantageous over bath fillers that include a single valve for controlling temperature and a diverter valve for directing flow between two outlets, because the latter design lacks independent temperature and flow rate control for two outputs, can provide only flow through a single outlet at any one time, and often diversion of the water occurs through tortuous routes leading to a significant reduction in flow rate (e.g., a drop from around 17 gal/min to around 8 gal/min), thereby increasing the time to fill the bath/tub. 
       FIGS. 1-14  illustrate an example of a free standing bath filler  100  that is configured to mount to a mounting surface, which can be part of a bath/tub, a floor adjacent to the bath/tub, or other suitable supporting surface. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the bath filler  100  that includes first and second handles  101 ,  102  operably mounted on a body  103 . The first handle  101  is configured to control temperature and/or flow rate of water to a first outlet (e.g., spout outlet) of the bath filler  100 , and the second handle is configured to control temperature and/or flow rate of water to a second outlet (e.g., hand shower outlet) of the bath filler  100 . 
     The body  103  can be a unitary (e.g., single or one piece or part) design, in which all of the elements of the body  103  are integrally formed together, or a multipart (e.g., multi-piece) design, in which the body is formed of two or more separate parts or pieces then coupled together to form the body  103 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a body  103  as a multipart design.  FIG. 3  illustrates the body  103  as a unitary design. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 12 , the body  103  includes a base stem  130  (e.g., vertical stem), which is defined by a first portion  131  (e.g., first part, lower part, lower portion, etc.) and a second portion  132  (e.g., second part, upper part, upper portion, etc.). Together, the first and second portions  131 ,  132  define a generally cylindrical outer wall  133  extending between first (e.g., lower) and second (e.g., upper) ends of the base stem  130 . For the multipart designs, the various portions can be coupled together using mechanical fastening techniques (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, etc.) or utilize other techniques. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a post extending from a bottom of the second portion  132  includes external threads that thread to internal threads in the outer wall  133  of the first portion  131  to couple the two portions  131 ,  132  together. 
     A lower end of the base stem  130  (e.g., a bottom of the first portion  131 ) defines an inlet for receiving hot and cold water, such as through hot and cold supply lines (not shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ). As shown in  FIG. 3 , first and second inlets  134 ,  135  are disposed in lower end of the base stem  130  to receive cold and hot water, respectively. Thus, cold water enters into a cold water passage or chamber in the body  130  through the first inlet  134 , and hot water enters into a hot water passage or chamber in the body  130  through the second inlet  135 . One or more internal walls  136  separate (or divide) the body  103  into various internal fluid chambers or passages, such as cold and hot water chambers or passages in the body  103 . One such internal wall is an upper lateral internal wall  136   a  (see  FIGS. 3 and 12 ), which defines a cup  137  (e.g., first cup) with the outer wall  133  of the second portion  132 . The cup  137  receives one of the two valves (e.g., a first valve, valve  161 ). The upper lateral internal wall  136   a  includes first and second openings  138 ,  139 . The first opening  138  fluidly connects the valve to the cold water associated with the cold water chamber and the first inlet  134  (in the base stem  130 ), and the second opening  139  fluidly connects the valve to the hot water associated with the hot water chamber and the second inlet  135  (in the base stem  130 ). The upper lateral internal wall  136   a  can optionally include a third opening  140  ( FIG. 2 ) to locate the position (e.g., rotational position) of a valve seat relative to the body  103  during assembly. 
     The body  103  also includes a spout  142  for directing water from an outlet of the valve  161  to an outlet in a distal end the spout  142 , such that the water exits the bath filler  100  through an outlet in the spout  142 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the spout  142  extends from an upper end of the second portion  132  of the base stem  130 . Although the spout  142  is shown (e.g., in  FIG. 12 ) as having a generally rectangular cuboidal shape, the spout can have any suitable shape (e.g., cylindrical, J-shaped, etc.). An opening  143  in the top of the base stem  130  and/or spout  142  provides access to the cup  137  that receives the first valve and the valve seat ( FIG. 2 ). 
     The body  103  also includes a lateral stem  144  extending from a side of the base stem  130 . As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 12 , the lateral stem  144  extends from a side of the first portion  131  of the base stem  130 . Although the lateral stem  144  is shown as being generally cylindrical and extending generally orthogonally relative to the base stem  130  and the spout  142 , the lateral stem  144  can have other shapes (e.g., rectangular cuboidal, etc.) and can extend in different directions (e.g., at an angle, at compound angles, curved, etc.) and/or from a different element relative to these elements, than the design shown. As shown in  FIG. 2 , an opening  145  in a distal end of the lateral stem  144  (i.e., the end opposite where the lateral stem  144  meets the base stem  130 ) defines a cup  146  (e.g., second cup), as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 12 , for receiving a valve (e.g., the second valve, valve  162 ). One or more internal walls  136  define an outlet  147  that is fluidly connected to an outlet of the second valve, such that water flowing through the second valve exits the body  103  through the outlet  147  in the lateral stem  144 . The illustrated outlet  147  includes an outlet chamber and an opening in the lateral stem  144  that fluidly connect to the outlet of the valve  162 . 
     It is noted that the illustrated body  103  is configurable as a unitary part, in which two or more elements of the base stem  130 , the spout  142  and/or the lateral stem  144 , among other elements, are formed together as a single part. For example, the first and second parts  131 ,  132  of the base stem  130  are configurable as a unitary part, such as shown in  FIG. 3 . Similarly, the bodies of the other embodiments of this application can have a unitary or a multipart design. According to one example, a unitary body/element (e.g., body  103 , base stem  130 , etc.) can be cast or molded, although other manufacturing processes may be used to form such unitary parts. Similarly, the multipart designs can employ the same or different processes. 
       FIGS. 4-6  show the flow paths of the cold water and the hot water through the various chambers or passages in the body  103 . As shown, cold water enters the body  103  through the first inlet  134  and flows through a vertical cold water chamber VCWC to supply the first valve through the first opening  138  in the upper wall  136  (defining the cup  137 ) and flows through a lateral cold water chamber LCWC to supply the second valve through a first opening  148  in a lateral wall  136  (defining the cup  146 ). Also shown, hot water enters the body  103  through the second inlet  135  and flows through a vertical hot water chamber VHWC to supply the first valve through the second opening  139  in the upper wall  136  and flows through a lateral hot water chamber LHWC to supply the second valve through a second opening  149  in the lateral wall  136  of the body  103 .  FIG. 4  also shows the chamber of the outlet  147 . It is noted that both hot and cold water are supplied inside the body  103  to both of the first and second valves simultaneously. 
     The bath filler  100  can include a valve seat associated with one or both of the valves. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a valve seat  105  is configured to sit within the cup  137 , where the valve seat  105  fluidly connects the first valve (e.g., valve  161 ) to hot and cold water through the first and second openings  138 ,  139 . For example, hot water from the VHWC and cold water from the VCWC flow through the valve seat  105  to supply the first valve with hot and cold water through inlets in the valve. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate an example of the valve seat  105 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the valve seat  105  includes a generally cylindrical base  150  having two inlet ports  151  (only one port is shown in  FIG. 14  since the view is a cross section; however  FIG. 12  shows both ports  151 ). Each port  151  fluidly connects to (or communicates with) one of the first and second openings  138 ,  139  of the body  103  to the first valve. For example, each port  151  can include an internal passage extending through the valve seat  105 . Thus, each inlet port  151  extends through the base  150  so that cold/hot water from the respective opening flows through the associated inlet port  151  to the valve. By way of example, the valve seat  105  can be at least partially symmetric, such that the second of the two inlet ports  151  is symmetrically opposite the first inlet port  151  (e.g., via the cutting plane or another plane in  FIG. 14 ). The illustrated base  150  also includes an outlet port  152  for directing hot water, cold water, or a mixture of hot and cold water from the valve to the spout  142 . Water enters the illustrated outlet port  152  from the valve through an opening in an upper surface of the base  150  (which also includes openings for the two ports  151 ) and water exits the outlet port  152  through an opening in a side of the base  150 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     The valve seat  105  can optionally include one or more locator holes, which can act as “poka-yokes” to control the relative orientation between the valve seat  105  and the first valve and/or the body  103  during assembly/installation. As shown in  FIG. 14 , a first locator opening  153  (e.g., bore) in the upper surface of the base  150  controls the relative orientation between the valve seat  105  and the first valve, such as through a pin or screw that engages the opening  153  and an associated opening in the valve. A second locator opening  154  in a lower surface (e.g., bottom) of the valve seat  105  controls the relative orientation between the valve seat  105  and an upper wall (e.g., upper lateral internal wall  136   a ) of the body  103 , such as through a pin or screw that engages the opening  154  and the third opening  140  in the upper wall. For example, the opening  154  can be in a bottom of the base  150  and/or in a bottom of a shoulder  156 , if provided. An annular outer wall  155  extends upwardly from a top of the base  150  and, as shown, has a common outer diameter with the base  150 . An inner diameter of the outer wall  155  defines a pocket for receiving the first valve and surrounds the ports  151 ,  152  and the openings  153  for the valve to access them. Disposed proximate a lower end of the base  150  is a first annular shoulder  156 , which can extend radially in or out relative to size (e.g., diameter) of the base  150 . For example, the shoulder  156  can have a smaller or larger diameter compared to the outer diameter of the base  150 . Disposed proximate an upper end of the outer wall  155  is a second annular shoulder  157 , which can extend radially out or in from the outer diameter of the outer wall  155  to thereby have a larger or smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the outer wall  155  and the base  150 . Accordingly, there is a distance (e.g., gap) between the first and second annular shoulders  156 ,  157 , such that the valve seat  105  and the outer wall  133  of the body  103  define a fluid passage  158  (see  FIG. 3 ) fluidly connecting the outlet port  152  with the spout  142  (e.g., a fluid passage therein that leads to the outlet). 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a first valve  161  is received in a bore of the valve seat  105  defined by the outer wall  155  and the base  150 , with the valve seat  105  being received in the cup  137  of the base stem  130 . The first valve  161  controls the flow and temperature of water from the valve seat  105  to the spout  142 . A second valve  162  is received in the cup  146  of the lateral stem  144  for controlling the flow and temperature of water to the outlet  147  for a hand shower or other similar device. Although the first and second valves  161 ,  162  are shown as cartridge style valves, the valves can be configured differently than shown. Also, the first and second valves  161 ,  162  can be configured to provide different performance characteristics. For example, the first valve  161  can be configured to provide a higher flow rate (e.g., up to around 17 gal/min or gpm) relative to a flow rate (e.g., up to around 2.5 gal/min) of the second valve  162 , since the first valve  161  is configured to fill a bath while the second valve  162  is configured to supply water to a hand shower or other device utilizing much less water. According to another example, the high flow rate valve provides a flow rate up to around 13 gpm at 45 psi. The term “around” used in combination with a gpm denotes a typical tolerance range associated with valves for bath fillers, faucets, and the like, however, at the very least denotes a range of ten percent (10%). 
     The bath filler (e.g., bath filler  100 ,  200 , etc.) includes at least one controller for controlling operation of the first and second valves (e.g., valves  161 ,  162 ). Each controller can include mechanical actuators (e.g., handles, levers, buttons, etc.), electronic actuators (e.g., touchscreen, etc.), or a combination thereof. A first controller can control the first valve, and a second controller can control the second valve, where each controller controls its associated valve independently of the other controller and other valve. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a first controller in the form of the first handle  101  operatively couples to the first valve  161 , such as to a stem thereof, for controlling operation of the first valve  161  in response to movement (e.g., rotation, pivoting, etc.) of the first handle  101 . Similarly, a second controller in the form of the second handle  102  operatively couples to the second valve  162 , such as a stem thereof, for controlling operation of the second valve  162  in response to movement of the second handle  102 . Each handle  101 ,  102  is controllable independently of the other. As such, each valve  161 ,  162  is controllable independently of the other. The independent functionality advantageously allows the first and second valves to provide water at different flow rates and/or different temperatures to two separate outlets/devices (e.g., a bath, a hand shower) simultaneously. 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a valve nut  163  is provided to secure the first valve  161  to the valve seat  105 . The illustrated valve nut  163  is substantially annular in shape having a body that overlies a first part of the first valve  161 , a central opening in the body for receiving a second part of the first valve  161  (e.g., a shoulder through which the stem passes), and external threads provided around an exterior of the body that thread to internal threads in an upper end of the second portion  132  of the base stem  130 . For example, the portion of the upper end defining the opening  143  can include the internal threads. 
     A bonnet  165  (e.g., first bonnet) is shown in  FIG. 3  coupled to the valve nut  163  and/or the upper end of the second portion  132  of the base stem  130 . For example, the bonnet  165  can include internal threads that thread to another set of external threads around an inner shoulder of the valve nut  163 , where the inner shoulder extends upward from the body. Alternatively, the bonnet  165  can be coupled through a fastener (e.g., set screw) or in other suitable ways. The illustrated bonnet  165  includes an upwardly extending cylindrical portion that surrounds the shoulder and stem of the first valve  161  and part of the valve nut  163  (e.g., the inner shoulder thereof). An outer wall of the first handle  101  surrounds at least part of the bonnet  165  (e.g., at least part of the cylindrical portion). 
       FIGS. 2, 3 and 7  illustrate a valve nut  167  configured to secure the second valve  162  in the cup  146  of the lateral stem  144 . The illustrated valve nut  167  is substantially annular in shape having a body that overlies a first part of the second valve  162 , a central opening in the body for receiving a second part of the second valve  162  (e.g., a shoulder through which the stem passes), and external threads provided around an exterior of the body that thread to internal threads in the open distal end of the lateral stem  144 . 
       FIGS. 7-9  illustrate a bonnet  170  (e.g., second bonnet) received in the open distal end of the lateral stem  144  for operably coupling the stem of the second valve  162  to the second handle  102 . The bonnet  170  includes a first cylindrical portion  171  that extends between first and second ends and is configured to receive part of a splined post  175 , which can be rotatably coupled to the bonnet  170  through a bearing and/or secured to the second handle  102  through a fastener (screw shown in  FIG. 7 ). A radial flange  173  extends inwardly from the first end and includes an opening therein for receiving another part of the splined post  175  that is configured to drive movement (e.g., rotation, pivoting, etc.) of the stem of the second valve  162  in response to movement of the second handle  102 . A radial flange  174  extends outwardly from the second end of the first cylindrical portion  171 , and a second cylindrical portion  172  extends away from an outer end of the outward radial flange  174 . The portion  172  can include threads (e.g., external threads as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 ) that thread to threads (e.g., internal threads) in an end of the lateral stem  144  to secure the bonnet  170  to the stem  144 . 
       FIGS. 7, 10 and 11  illustrate an example of the second handle  102  that includes a cylindrical body  120  extending along a longitudinal axis LA. Extending in a first end of the body  120  is a bore  122  further defined by an inner shoulder  121  extending toward an opening of the bore  122 . The shoulder  121  includes a splined bore that is configured to receive a first set of splines of the splined post  175  to transmit motion (e.g., rotational motion), such that movement of the second handle  102  moves the splined post  175 , which controls the second valve  162  through interconnected splines of a valve stem of the valve  162  and the splined post  175  (e.g., internal splines). The body  120  includes a transverse bore  123  extending through a second end in a direction that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. The transverse bore  123  can be cylindrical or have another suitable shape (e.g., frusto-conical), such as to facilitate movement of the second handle  102  and/or to receive another object (e.g., a base or handle of a hand shower). Accordingly, the handle  102  includes a docking member in the end defining the bore  123 , wherein a portion of a movable hand shower (e.g., handle) detachably docks with the docking member in a docked position. The hand shower is fluidly connected to the outlet  147  in the stem  144 , such as through a hose, fluid conduit, or other similar element. 
       FIGS. 15-17  illustrate an example of a bath filler  200  that is configured the same as the bath filler  100 , except the body  203  of the bath filler  200  is a two-piece assembly and the valve seat  205  is taller. That is, the body  203  includes first and second parts  231 ,  232  that are formed separately, then are coupled together. As shown best in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the first part  231  of the body  203  includes a cylindrical base portion  233 , which includes cold and hot water inlets  234 ,  235 , respectively, and a lateral stem  237  extending from the base portion  233 . The illustrated lateral stem  237  is basically the same as the lateral stem  144  described above, so no further explanation is provided or warranted. One or more internal walls  236  divide the interior of the first part  231  into chambers (e.g., hot water chamber, cold water chamber, outlet chamber). Thus, the fluid flow from the cold and hot water inlets  234 ,  235  to the second valve  162  is basically the same as described above. 
     The second part  232  of the body  203  includes a longitudinal stem  240  having a base wall  241  configured to mount on the base portion  233  of the first part  231 . As shown in  FIG. 17  a fastener  246  (e.g., set screw) can couple the first and second parts  231 ,  232  together. The base wall  241  has openings (e.g., first, second, and/or third openings), such as described above for the upper wall  136  having the openings  138 ,  139 ,  140  therein, that facilitate water flow from the base portion  233  of the first part  231  and/or provide poka-yoke feature(s). The second part  232  includes a spout  242  extending from a top of the longitudinal stem  240 . A bore  243  extends into the top of the longitudinal stem  240  and/or the spout  242 , where the bore  243  is configured to receive the valve seat  205 . The valve seat  205  is basically the same as the valve seat  105 , except a base  250  of the valve seat  205  is taller than the base  150 , in order to position the first valve  161  at the correct height (e.g., the same height as the body  103 ), and a lower or first annular shoulder  256  is seated around a portion between the ends of the valve seat  205  rather than proximate a lower end. 
       FIGS. 18-21  illustrate an example of a bath filler  300  that includes a unitary (e.g., one-piece) body  303  having a generally cylindrical shape extending between a first end  331  and a second end  332 . Disposed at the first end  331  is a first valve  161 ; and disposed at the second end  332  is a second valve  162 . As shown best in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the body  303  includes cold and hot water inlets  334 ,  335 , which are shown coupled to a waterway  305  in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , where the waterway  305  supplies cold and hot water to the body  303 . The body  303  includes internal walls  336  that are configured to divide the body  303  into cold and hot water chambers for supplying both the first and second valves  161 ,  162 , as well as into a first outlet chamber  341  associated with the first valve  161 , and a second outlet chamber  342  associated with the second valve  162  (see  FIG. 21 ). A first outlet  343  is fluidly connected with the first outlet chamber  341  to supply water to a first device (e.g., spout) or for a first purpose (e.g., fill a bath). A second outlet  344  is fluidly connected with the second outlet chamber  342  to supply water to a second device (e.g., hand shower, shower, etc.) or for another purpose. A first handle can be operatively coupled to the first valve  161  to control temperature and/or flow rate of water to the first outlet  343  from the first valve  161 , and a second handle  302  can be operatively coupled to the second valve  162  to control temperature and/or flow rate of water to the second outlet  344  from the second valve  162 . Although the first and second ends  331 ,  332  are shown to share a common axis (e.g., longitudinal axis), the ends  331 ,  332  can be offset (e.g., set along parallel axes), orthogonally aligned, or aligned at an angle (e.g., between zero and ninety degrees). 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate an example of a bath filler  400  that provides independent control of two water outputs, such that the first output can have a different temperature and/or flow rate compared to the first output. As shown, the bath filler  400  includes a body  401 , a spout  402 , an accessory stem  403  (e.g., first stem), and a faucet stem  404  (e.g., second stem). The body  401  extends between first and second ends  411 ,  412 . The body  401  can have a generally hollow shape, such as cylindrical as shown, or another suitable shape, to define fluid passages/chambers within and/or receive other elements. The lower or first end  411  includes a base  413 , which mounts the body  401  to another object (e.g., tub, floor, etc.) and which includes an inlet  414  for receiving each of hot and cold water, such as through hot and cold water lines  415 . The spout  402  extends from the body  401  proximate the second end  412  and has an outlet  420  (e.g., first outlet), such as at an outlet end thereof to supply water for filing a bath or tub. Disposed between the first and second ends  411 ,  412 , the body  401  includes a central portion  416  that receives the stems and valves, as discussed below. The central portion  416  includes a waterway having fluid passages/chambers, such as those discussed herein, that fluidly connect the hot and cold water to each valve and that fluidly connect each valve to the respective outlet. For example, an outlet passage  417  within the central portion  406  fluidly connects an outlet of the valve  482  to an inlet  421  of the spout  402 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     The first or accessory stem  403  extends from a first side of the central portion  416  of the body  401 . As shown, the stem  403  has a generally cylindrical hollow shape, but can be configured differently than shown. The stem  403  and has an outlet  430  (e.g., second outlet of the filler) that is fluidly connected to an outlet of a valve  481  (e.g., first valve) to supply water at a set temperature from the valve  481  to a first device, such as a moveable hand shower or other suitable device. Although a hose  409  is shown having a first end, which fluidly connects to the outlet  430 , and a second end, which fluidly connects to the first device (e.g., moveable hand shower), the bath filler  400  may employ other fluid connectors. The first stem  403  includes an outer body  431  that can be integrally formed with (or formed separately then coupled to) the body  401 . As shown, the outer body  431  is generally cylindrical in shape with the outlet  430  and an open end  432  for receiving and housing the valve  481  and/or other elements. Notably, the outer body  431  and/or the stem  403  may take other shapes and/or have other configurations. 
     The second or faucet stem  404  extends from a second side of the body  401 . As shown, the second side is opposite the first side of the body  401 . However, the first and second sides can have any suitable configuration including at different radial angles (other than 180°), at different elevations on the body  401 , and so forth. The second stem  404  includes an outer body  441  that can be integrally formed with (or formed separately then coupled to) the body  401 . As shown, the outer body  441  of the faucet stem  404  is generally cylindrical in shape with an open end  442  for receiving and housing a valve  482  (e.g., second valve) and/or other elements. Notably, the outer body  441  and/or the stem  404  may take other shapes and/or have other configurations. 
     The first valve  481  is received through the open end  432  of the outer body  431  and is housed within the first stem  403  by itself (or in combination with the body  401 ). The first valve  481  controls a flow rate and/or a temperature of water from the inlets  414  of the body  401  to the outlet  430  associated with the first stem  403 . 
     The second valve  482  is received through the open end  442  of the outer body  441  and is housed within the second stem  404  by itself (or in combination with the body  401 ). The second valve  482  controls a flow rate and/or a temperature of water from the inlet  414  of the body  401  to the outlet  420  in the spout  402 . 
     Notably, each valve  481 ,  482  is controllable/operable independent of the other valve. Thus, a user can fill a bath with water at a first setting (including temperature and/or flow rate), and spray water from a hand shower at a second setting (including temperature and/or flow rate), where the first and second settings can be the same or different. The bath filler  400  includes a controller for controlling each valve  481 ,  482 . As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the controller associated with the valve  481  (e.g., first valve) is a mechanical actuator in the form of a handle  405 . The handle  405  includes an annular body  450 , which is disposed at an outer end of the stem  403 , and may have an outer diameter that is the same as an outer diameter of the outer body  431  of the stem  403 . The handle  405  includes an arm  451  (e.g., finger, leg, projection, etc.) that extends radially outward from the annular body  450  to allow a user to grasp the arm  451  to rotate the handle  405  relative to the outer body  431 . The body  450  operably couples to the valve  481 , such as through a splined connector, so that rotation of the handle  405  adjusts the valve  481  (e.g., a valve stem thereof) to control a flow rate and/or a temperature of water from the valve  481  to the outlet  430  in the stem  403 . Also shown, the controller associated with the valve  482  (e.g., second valve) is a mechanical actuator in the form of a handle  406 . The handle  406  includes an elongated body  460  that is disposed at the outer end of the stem  404  (rather than on the spout). The body  460  operably couples to the valve  482  (e.g., a valve stem thereof), such as through a spline connection, so that rotation of the handle  406  (relative to the stem  404 ) adjusts the valve  482  to control a flow rate and/or a temperature of water from the valve  482  to the outlet  420  in the spout  402 . As shown, a screw  461  (e.g., set screw) secures the body  460  to the valve  482  (e.g., valve stem). Notably each controller can take the form of other types of handles, mechanical actuators, electronic actuators, or combinations thereof. 
     The bath filler  400  may optionally include a docking member/element. As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the bath filler  400  includes a docking member  409  configured to retain a portion (e.g., handle) of a device, such as a movable hand shower. The docking member  409  can be configured the same as or similar to the docking member of the other handles (e.g., handle  102 ) discussed herein. However, the docking member  409  can couple to the annular body  450  of the handle  405 , such that the docking member  409  rotates with the handle  405 , or can couple to an outer end of the stem  403  or another element fixed relative to the stem  404 , such as a valve nut (e.g., valve nut  167 ), such that the docking member  409  remains stationary while the handle  405  rotates. The handle  405  is disposed between the outer end of the stem  403  and an inner end of the docking member  409 . Thus, in a first embodiment, the handle  405  is rotatable relative to the stem  403  and/or the docking member  409  to adjust the second valve  461 . In the first embodiment, the docking member  409  can be fixed to or rotatable relative to the stem  403 . For the latter, the docking member  409  and handle  405  are able to rotate independently from the other relative to the stem  403 . In a second embodiment, the handle  405  and the docking member  409  rotate together relative to the stem  403 . Notably, the docking member  409  can be located elsewhere on the bath filler  400 ; however, locating it on the stem  403  makes it more intuitive that the handle  405  operates the flow of water to the device configured to dock on the docking member  409 . 
       FIGS. 24 and 25  illustrate an example of another bath filler  500  that provides independent control of two water outputs, such that the first output can have a different temperature and/or flow rate compared to the first output. As shown, the bath filler  500  includes a body  501  and a spout  502  extending from a top part of the body  501 . The illustrated body  501  includes a lower portion  511 , which has a base  513  with inlets  514  for receiving hot and cold water, an upper portion  512  fluidly connecting and supporting the spout  502 , and a central portion  516 . The central portion  516  includes a longitudinal portion  517 , which extends along a longitudinal axis LA and has a first or lower end coupled to the lower portion  511  and a second or upper end coupled to the upper portion  512 . The longitudinal axis LA is aligned vertically in  FIG. 25 ; however, the longitudinal axis LA can be aligned obliquely (relative to vertical). As shown, the central portion  516  includes a first stem  503  extending from a first side of the longitudinal portion  517 , and a second stem  504  extending from a second side of the longitudinal portion  517 . As shown, the first and second sides are on opposite sides and the stems  503 ,  504  extend along a lateral axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis, such that the central portion  516  has a cross shape; however, these elements can form alternative shapes, such as where the stems extend obliquely or otherwise. The central portion  516  acts as a waterway for routing hot and cold water received through the inlets  514  to the first and second valves  581 ,  582 , as well as routing water from each valve  581 ,  582  to an associated outlet.  FIG. 25  shows a passage  518  (e.g., chamber) within the waterway (e.g., central portion  516 ) fluidly connecting the outlet of the valve  582  to the spout  502 ; and a passage  519  within the waterway fluidly connecting the outlet of the valve  581  to an outlet  530 , which is configured to supply water to a device (e.g., movable hand shower). 
     Each of the stems  503 ,  504  define a cavity (e.g., cup, bore, etc.) in an outer end thereof that receives the associated valve  581 ,  582 . A valve nut or other suitable element retains each valve  581 ,  582  in the associated cavity of the associated stem  503 ,  504 . 
     Disposed on an outer end of the stem  503  is an actuator or controller that operably couples to the valve  581  to control a flow rate and/or a temperature of water from the valve  581  into the passage  519 . Although the controller, as shown, is the same as the handle  102 , the controller can be the same as the handle  405  or any other suitable handle or element. 
     Disposed on an outer end of the stem  504  is an actuator or controller that operably couples to the valve  582  to control a flow rate and/or a temperature of water from the valve  582  into the passage  518 . As shown, the controller includes a handle  506  having a base  560  and an arm  561  extending from the base  560 . The illustrated base  560  is circular in shape to match the shape of the stem  504  and is disposed on the outer end of the stem  504  covering the valve  582 . The base  560  operatively couples to the valve  582 , such as using a screw  563  the secures the base  560  to a valve stem of the valve  582 , so that rotation of the controller controls the valve  582 . The arm  561  extends radially away from the base  560  to allow a user to grasp the arm  561  to rotate the controller and in turn rotate the valve stem. 
     It is noted that for each embodiment disclosed herein, the hot and cold water inlets can be reversed or swapped, which would reverse or swap the associated hot and cold water chambers, openings, ports, and so forth. The stems can be reversed, such that a movable hand shower docks and/or is controlled by a right side stem (when facing the filler), or altogether reconfigured, such that the stems are located in different locations. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. 
     The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the bath fillers as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the body, walls, openings, chambers, etc. of any one exemplary embodiment described herein may be incorporated in any other exemplary embodiment described herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.