Patent Publication Number: US-2022226845-A1

Title: Hybridized Shower Apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a shower head or sprayer unit. More specifically, the present invention relates a means of dispensing multiple types of fluids from a hybridized shower unit. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Showering, or personal hygiene generally, typically involved both a wash and dry process—either by hot air or towel. Separating these two processes is conventionally necessary, as the shower stall or bathtub is neither equipped for nor is particularly comfortable to rest in while drying oneself. However, combining these two processes, or any other two separate processes (e.g., lathering-and-washing, washing-and-drying, etc.), provides time-saving benefits for any user. Further, the lack of repositioning during these processes may be particularly attractive for mobility-compromised users, such as the elderly or injured, who may be receiving hygienic care from a seated position. Permanent modification of an existing bathing or showering facility may be undesirable from cost and other standpoints. However, conventional shower facilities already encompass at least one capability (washing). It is therefore proposed that a modular, retrofittable unit configured to introduce a second function may be added to existing facilities to expand their function. More specifically, a means of providing at least one additional material supply and a means of dispensing said material in conjunction with conventional plumbing fixtures may be provided with a minimum of initial cost. 
     The present invention is intended to address problems associated with and/or otherwise improve on conventional devices through an innovative shower device that is designed to provide physically challenged people with mobility and a convenient, effective means of showering while incorporating other problem-solving features. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention shown in an exemplary functional configuration using an upright shower chair. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom-front-left perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom front left perspective view thereof. 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a detail view of area  5  in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a detail view of area  6  in  FIG. 4 , wherein an exemplary fluid selection mechanism is shown with one fluid path is obstructed, and another fluid path is clear. 
         FIG. 7  is a detail view of area  7  in  FIG. 4 , wherein the exemplary fluid selection mechanism is shown in a reversed configuration from  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a top-perspective exploded view of an exemplary dispersal head. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom-perspective exploded view of an exemplary dispersal head. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of an exemplary user control wherein warm water is selected for dispersal. Fluid flow paths are indicated in dashed-line and electronic control paths are indicated in dot-dashed line. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of an exemplary user control wherein no fluid is selected for dispersal. Fluid flow paths are indicated in dashed-line and electronic control paths are indicated in dot-dashed line. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of an exemplary user control wherein hot air is selected for dispersal. Fluid flow paths are indicated in dashed-line and electronic control paths are indicated in dot-dashed line. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is to be described in detail and is provided in a manner that establishes a thorough understanding of the present invention. There may be aspects of the present invention that may be practiced or utilized without the implementation of some features as they are described. It should be understood that some details have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure focus of the invention. References herein to “the preferred embodiment”, “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, or “alternative embodiments” should be considered to be illustrating aspects of the present invention that may potentially vary in some instances, and should not be considered to be limiting to the scope of the present invention as a whole. 
     In reference to  FIG. 1 through 12 , the present invention is a hybridized shower apparatus comprising a first fluid supply  20 , a second fluid supply  21 , a first conduit  22 , a second conduit  23 , a fluid selection mechanism  24 , a first annular chamber  25 , a second annular chamber  26 , and a dispersal head  27 . The first fluid supply  20  and the second fluid supply  21  each constitute a pressurized source of fluids suitable for dispersal from a shower unit. In reasonably broad terms, ‘fluid’ refers to both liquids and gasses moving in a flow-state embodied by both liquids and gasses alike. Accordingly, the present invention is proposed as a means of both washing and drying a target region  28  through controlled, user-selectable dispensation from the first fluid supply  20  and the second fluid supply  21 . 
     As indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first conduit  22  is connected between the fluid selection mechanism  24  and the first fluid supply  20 , and the second conduit  23  is connected between the fluid selection mechanism  24  and the second fluid supply  21 . The first conduit  22  and the second conduit  23  each define a manifold pipe, tube, or similar means of conveyance individually suited to the first fluid supply  20  and the second fluid supply  21 , respectively. Likewise, the fluid selection mechanism  24  defines any means of selectably obstructing the flow of materiel from the first conduit  22  or the second conduit  23  across the fluid selection mechanism  24 , thereby enabling a user to control the type and variety of material ultimately dispersed into the target region  28 . This is typically used to combined phases of a hygienic shower without replacing the shower unit or using other equipment, e.g., washing the target region  28  with water then drying with blasts of heated air. 
     In reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first annular chamber  25  is selectably connected to the first conduit  22  across the fluid selection mechanism  24  and the second annular chamber  26  is selectably connected to the second conduit  23  across the fluid selection mechanism  24 . As shown, the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26  ideally constitute discrete manifold structures suitable for distributing and directing any type or variety of fluid flow throughout the dispersal head  27 . The exemplary concentric arrangement of the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26  represents a preferred embodiment, wherein the contents of first fluid supply  20  and the second fluid supply  21  are equally distributed into the target region  28  from approximately equidistant locations. However, in multiple other embodiments this arrangement may be parallel, overlapped, or angularly offset in any aesthetic fashion without departing from the original spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, as shown in  FIGS. 5, 8, and 9 , the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26  are superimposed onto the dispersal head  27  such that the interior volumes of both the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26  are exposed to the target region  28  through the dispersal head  27 . In the preferred embodiment shown. the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26  are permanently connected to the dispersal head  27  to maintain the manifold integrity of both the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26 , wherein the dispersal head  27  forms an integral wall of each component. This arrangement simplifies the geometry of the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26 , as both components are not necessarily closed, manifold shapes before being attached to the dispersal head  27 . The accordant benefits to manufacturable design are proposed as a benefit of the preferred embodiment but should not be construed as a limitation to the overall spirit and scope of the present invention. In the broadest terms, the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26  are arranged to enable a normalized dispersal pattern of fluids across the dispersal head  27  when pressurized via the fluid selection mechanism  24 . Consequently, the first fluid supply  20  and the second fluid supply  21  are dispensed through the dispersal head  27  and are in selectable communication with the target region  28 . 
     It is further considered that the unique construction of the dispersal head  27  may require an accordantly unique means of feeding fluid into such an arrangement. Accordingly, the first conduit  22  may comprise a first passage  30  and a first planar sidewall  31  and the second conduit  23  may comprise a second passage  32  and a second planar sidewall  33  as indicated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The first passage  30  and the second passage  32  define sealed, discrete tubes or pipes configured to transport the contents of the first fluid supply  20  and the second fluid supply  21 , as previously outlined. The first planar sidewall  31  and the second planar sidewall  33  each represent flattened segments of the first passage  30  and the second passage  32 , respectively. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , these geometric irregularities in a normally rounded pipe enable the first passage  30  and the second passage  32  to be arranged adjacent to each other while retaining a generally conventional external diameter. Accordingly, the first planar sidewall  31  is mounted to the second planar sidewall  33  as shown in  FIG. 3 , thereby enabling the first conduit  22  and the second conduit  23  to replace existing, conventional plumbing with a minimal of additional modification. This functionality is critical in retrofit operations, where the present invention is applied to existing infrastructure (conventional feed pipes, terminal connections, flow controls, etc.). 
     In reference to  FIGS. 5, 8, and 9 , the first annular chamber  25  may comprise a first circuit  35  and a first distributor  36 . Further, the second annular chamber  26  may comprise a second circuit  37  and a second distributor  38 . The first circuit  35  and the second circuit  37  broadly define the enclosed volumes and capacities of the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26 , respectively. The first circuit  35  and the second circuit  37  are mounted into the dispersal head  27 , proximal to the target region  28 , such that the first circuit  35  and the second circuit  37  are immediately positioned to direct the final dispensation of fluids from therein. In reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first distributor  36  is connected between the fluid selection mechanism  24  and the first circuit  35  such that the first circuit  35  is equally and completely pressurized by any incoming volume of fluid from the first fluid supply  20  through the fluid selection mechanism  24 . Likewise, the second distributor  38  is connected between the fluid selection mechanism  24  and the second circuit  37  such that the second circuit  37  is equally and completely pressurized by any incoming volume of fluid from the second fluid supply  21  through the fluid selection mechanism  24 . Further, as indicated in  FIG. 5 , the first distributor  36  and the second distributor  38  protrude from the dispersal head  27 , opposite the target region  28 , enabling the exposed sections of the first distributor  36  and the second distributor  38  to function as terminal connections to the fluid selection mechanism  24 . In at least one embodiment, this arrangement enables the modularization of the dispersal head  27 , the first annular chamber  25 , and the second annular chamber  26  as a direct functional replacement for a conventional shower head. 
     In reference to  FIG. 3 , the dispersal head  27  may comprise a plurality of first apertures  40  and a plurality of second apertures  41 . The plurality of first apertures  40  is configured to enable the effective expulsion of fluid therethrough, according to the type and viscosity of material provided from the first fluid supply  20 . Likewise, the plurality of second apertures  41  is configured according to the same metrics of the material provided from the second fluid supply  21 . Accordingly, the plurality of first apertures  40  is positioned adjacent to the first annular chamber  25  and the plurality of second apertures  41  is positioned adjacent to the second annular chamber  26 . Expelling the first fluid supply  20  and the second fluid supply  21  through a differentiated set of the plurality of first apertures  40  and the plurality of second apertures  41  enables the present invention to handle vastly different fluid types, i.e., the combination of a water-washing function combined with a hot-air drier function. The gross differences in fluid viscosity between these exemplary fluids suggests that the plurality of first apertures  40  may each be constricted to optimize the outflow of water, while the plurality of second apertures  41  may each be expanded to maximize the outflow of air. 
     It is further considered that the dispersal head  27  may constitute a user-assembled, modular component of the present invention. The interchange of similar, inter-compatible components between comparable embodiments may enable a user to tailor their apparatus to suit a wide variety of use-cases. Accordingly, the dispersal head  27  may comprise a diffuser panel  43 , a plurality of first channels  44 , and a plurality of second channels  45  as indicated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The diffuser panel  43  constitutes a permeable sidewall or panel supporting the dispersal of fluid therethrough, generally embodying the nozzle-plate of a conventional showerhead. The plurality of first channels  44  is positioned on the diffuser panel  43 , with the plurality of second channels  45  also positioned on the diffuser panel  43 . The plurality of second channels  45  is arranged concentric to the plurality of first channels  44 , mirroring the preferred arrangement of the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the plurality of first channels  44  and the plurality of second channels  45  constitute a series of concave formations into the diffuser panel  43 , positioned to index and supports the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26  into operable positions in relation to the diffuser panel  43 . Accordingly, the first annular chamber  25  is mounted into the plurality of first channels  44  in fluid communication with the target region  28  through the diffuser panel  43 . Likewise, the second annular chamber  26  is also mounted into the plurality of second channels  45  in fluid communication with the target region  28  through the diffuser panel  43 . It is broadly contemplated that the first annular chamber  25  and the second annular chamber  26  may be removed from the diffuser panel  43 , thereby enabling the exchange of any detached components as modular elements of the dispersal head  27 . This includes, for example, the exchange of the first annular chamber  25  from the plurality of first channels  44  to accommodate any conceivable fluid therein, and the exchange of the diffuser panel  43  to adjust the dispersal pattern and volume. 
     As outlined above, the present invention provides a means to selectable shift between outputting from the first fluid supply  20  to the second fluid supply  21  using the fluid selection mechanism  24 . As indicated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the fluid selection mechanism  24  comprises a valve body  60 , a gate  61 , an actuator  62 , a first inlet  47 , a first outlet  48 , a second inlet  49 , and a second outlet  50 . The valve body  60  refers to the sealed structural body into which the other components of the fluid selection mechanism  24  are formed and mounted. The gate  61  constitutes a means of obstructing the flow of either the first inlet  47  or the second inlet  49  under force from the actuator  62 , as shown in a bistable configuration in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In the exemplary configuration a servomotor and sluice assembly are used for illustration purposes, but the ultimate embodiment of the actuator  62  and gate  61  may constitute any type of fluid control valve system as may be realized by a reasonably skilled individual across multiple potential embodiments. 
     It is also considered that a common use-case for the present invention requires the retrofit of existing showerheads and facilities to support the unique functions described herein. More specifically, the user of the present invention must provide a means to trigger and moderate the output of various fluids from the first fluid supply  20  and the second fluid supply  21  that incorporates existing, conventional control schema. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 through 12 , the fluid selection mechanism  24  may further comprise a rotary dial  52 , a selector handle  53 , a mixture control element  54 , and at least one positional switch  55 . The rotary dial  52 , selector handle  53 , and mixture control element  54  ideally constitute existing fixtures for a conventional shower. As shown, the rotary dial  52  and the selector handle  53  are configured to visually guide a user in selecting an appropriate hot-cold mixture in conjunction with the mixture control element  54  that is rigidly mounted to the rotary dial  52 . The selector handle  53  is rotatably mounted to the mixture control element  54  across the rotary dial  52 , enabling the manual moderation of the mixture control element  54 . This arrangement generally defines a means of operating the first fluid supply  20 , wherein the first fluid supply  20  is presented as a residential water source for exemplary purposes. Departing from conventional structures, the at least one positional switch  55  is mounted to the rotary dial  52  offset from the selector handle  53  to enable the activation and moderation of the second fluid source, e.g., an electric hair dryer. The positioning of the at least one positional switch  55  onto the otherwise-conventional rotary dial  52  enables the otherwise-conventional selector handle  53  to be employed as a controller for both the first fluid supply  20  and the second fluid supply  21  with minimal modification to conventional shower facilities. In practice, the at least one positional switch  55  may be installed directly into existing shower controls at the limit of said existing controls&#39; adjustment range, wherein the closure of the mixture control element  54  corresponds and coincides with the activation of the at least one positional switch  55 . This functional arrangement is ideally employed in conjunction with an electronically operated embodiment of the fluid selection mechanism  24 , wherein the activation and deactivation of the at least one positional switch  55  corresponds to binary modes of operation. I.e., the first fluid supply  20  and the second fluid supply  21  are selectably applied to the target region  28  based upon the actuation of the actuator  62  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Likewise, the activation of the at least one positional switch  55  may be configured to simultaneously activate the second fluid supply  21 , pressurizing said second fluid supply  21  into the second conduit  23 . 
     It is further proposed that the rotary dial  52  may be configured specifically for use with the present invention in some embodiments, rather than utilizing existing hardware to fulfill the above-described functions. Accordingly, the rotary dial  52  may comprise a first selection zone  57  and a second selection zone  58  as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . The first selection zone  57  corresponds to the operating range of the mixture control element  54  as outlined, wherein the maximal and minimal angular positions of the selector handle  53  correspond to all-hot-water output, through all-cold-water output, and closure of the mixture control element  54 . The second selection zone  58  is positioned adjacent to the first selection zone  57 , with the at least one positional switch  55  being positioned in the second selection zone  58 . Rotating the selection lever into the second selection zone  58  actuates the at least one positional switch  55 , generating an operable command to the second fluid supply  21  to trigger and moderate functions thereof. 
     In a preferred and exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first fluid supply  20  is a mixed water tap and the second fluid supply  21  is a heated air pump. The closure of the mixture control element  54  in this embodiment corresponds to a limitation of the first fluid supply  20  indirectly, with the actuation of the at least one positional switch  55  further providing operable commands to the second fluid supply  21  to start and cease functions. The combination of fluid flow controls and electronic controls utilized in this embodiment is specifically considered to provide a retrofit capacity to existing shower facilities, wherein the control schema for the second fluid supply  21  is provided with only the installation of the at least one positional switch  55 . Further, the at least one positional switch  55  may provide operable commands to other flow-limiting components of the fluid selection device in general, whereby the flow of fluid throughout the present invention may be moderated utilizing electronic valves by any means and methods as may be realized by any reasonably skilled individual. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.