Patent Publication Number: US-10787799-B2

Title: Shower and speaker assembly

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/605,587, filed Sep. 6, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/573,448, filed Sep. 6, 2011, entitled SHOWER AND SPEAKER ASSEMBLY, and to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/631,912, filed Jan. 13, 2012, entitled SHOWER AND SPEAKER ASSEMBLY, and to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/637,009, filed Apr. 23, 2012, entitled SHOWER AND SPEAKER ASSEMBLY, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to shower devices and, more particularly, to a shower and speaker assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device and a speaker. The shower device may generally include a device housing having an inlet and defining a waterway, and a face plate having a front surface defining a plurality of shower openings, the face plate defining a central opening recessed from the front surface and having a flared surface extending between the central opening and the front surface, the waterway communicating between the inlet and the shower openings. The speaker may be supported on the device housing behind the face plate and operable to output sound through the central opening. 
     In another independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device including a device housing having an inlet extending along an inlet axis and an outlet extending along an outlet axis, the device housing defining a waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet, and a speaker supported on the device housing axially between the inlet and the outlet, the speaker outputting sound along an output axis parallel to the outlet axis, the waterway being diverted around the speaker from the inlet to the outlet. 
     In yet another independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device including a device housing having an inlet extending along an inlet axis, an inlet chamber and an outlet extending along an outlet axis, the device housing defining a waterway communicating between the inlet chamber and the outlet, and a speaker supported on the device housing axially between the inlet chamber and the outlet, the speaker outputting sound along an output axis parallel to the outlet axis, water being in the inlet chamber directly behind the speaker, the outlet being axially in front of the speaker. 
     In a further independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device including a device housing having an inlet extending along an inlet axis and an outlet extending along an outlet axis, the device housing defining a waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet, the device housing defining a receptacle between the inlet and the outlet, and a speaker removably supported in the receptacle axially between the inlet and the outlet, the speaker outputting sound along an output axis parallel to the outlet axis, the speaker being movable relative to the receptacle in a direction transverse to the outlet axis. 
     In another independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device and a speaker. The shower device may generally include a device housing having an inlet and defining a waterway and a receptacle, and an outlet assembly including a back plate and a face plate having a front surface defining a plurality of shower openings, an outlet chamber being defined between the back plate and the face plate, the waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet chamber, water being discharged through the openings along an outlet axis. The speaker may be removably supported in the receptacle, the speaker outputting sound along an output axis parallel to the outlet axis, the speaker being movable relative to the receptacle axially behind the back plate. 
     In yet another independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a first shower device including a first device housing having an inlet and an outlet, the first device housing defining a waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet, the first device housing defining a first receptacle, the first shower device having a first configuration, a second shower device including a second device housing having an inlet and an outlet, the second device housing defining a waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet, the second device housing defining a second receptacle, the second shower device having a second configuration different that the first configuration, and a speaker selectively and alternatively supportable in the first receptacle and in the second receptacle. 
     In a further independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device including a device housing having an inlet and an outlet, the device housing defining a waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet, the device housing defining a receptacle, and a speaker supportable in the receptacle, the speaker including speaker components operable to output sound from a remote source and communication components operable to communicate wirelessly between the remote source and the speaker components. 
     In another independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device including a device housing defining an inlet communicating with an inlet chamber, an outlet and a waterway communicating between the inlet chamber and the outlet, the device housing further defining a receptacle having a closed end and an open end, the inlet chamber being behind the closed end, the waterway extending along the receptacle from the closed end toward the open end; and a speaker supportable in the receptacle. 
     In yet another independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device including a device housing defining an inlet, an outlet and a waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet, the outlet defining an outlet plane, the device housing further defining a receptacle; and a speaker supportable in the receptacle, the speaker including a speaker housing providing a speaker outlet, the speaker outlet being one of aligned with and positioned forwardly of the outlet plane when the speaker is supported in the receptacle. 
     In a further independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device including a device housing defining an inlet, an outlet and a waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet, the device housing further defining a receptacle; a speaker supportable in the receptacle; and a magnetic connecting structure operable to releasably connect the speaker and the shower device. 
     In another independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device including a device housing defining an inlet, an outlet and a waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet, the device housing further defining a receptacle; and a speaker supportable in the receptacle, the speaker including a speaker housing providing a speaker outlet and a grip surface formed radially of the speaker outlet, the grip surface facilitating removal of the speaker from the shower device. 
     In yet another independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device including a device housing defining an inlet and a waterway, and a face plate having a front surface defining a plurality of outlet openings and a receptacle recessed from the front surface, the waterway communicating between the inlet and outlet openings; and a speaker supported in the receptacle. 
     In a further independent aspect, a shower and speaker assembly may generally include a shower device including a device housing defining an inlet and a waterway, an outlet assembly including a back plate and a face plate having a front surface defining a plurality of shower openings, an outlet chamber being defined between the back plate and the face plate, the waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet chamber, and a receptacle; and a speaker removably supported in the receptacle. 
     In another independent aspect, a shower device and speaker assembly may generally include a device housing defining an inlet extending along an inlet axis, an outlet extending along an outlet axis, and a waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet, the device housing defining a receptacle between the inlet and the outlet; and a speaker removably supported in the receptacle axially between the inlet and the outlet, the speaker outputting sound along an output axis parallel to the outlet axis, the speaker being movable relative to the receptacle in a direction transverse to the outlet axis. 
     In yet another independent aspect, a shower device and speaker assembly may generally include a device housing defining an inlet and a waterway, an outlet assembly including a back plate and a face plate having a front surface defining a plurality of shower openings, an outlet chamber being defined between the back plate and the face plate, and a receptacle; and a speaker removably supported in the receptacle and movable relative to the receptacle axially behind the back plate, the waterway communicating between the inlet and the outlet chamber for discharging water through the openings along an outlet axis, the speaker outputting sound along an output axis parallel to the outlet axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is a side cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1A , taken generally along line  1 C- 1 C. 
         FIG. 1D  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view of an alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 2B  is a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a side cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 2A , taken generally along line  2 C- 2 C. 
         FIG. 2D  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a front perspective view of another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 3B  is a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is a side cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 3A , taken generally along line  3 C- 3 C. 
         FIG. 3D  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  is a front perspective view of yet another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 4B  is a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a side cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 4A , taken generally along line  4 C- 4 C. 
         FIG. 4D  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view of an alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is an exploded side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a front perspective view of another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 6B  is a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is a front view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6D  is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6E  is a side cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 6A , taken generally along line  6 E- 6 E in  FIG. 6D . 
         FIG. 6F  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a front perspective view of the shower device shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7B  is a rear perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  is a front view of the device shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7D  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7E  is a side cross-sectional view of the device shown in  FIG. 7A , taken generally along line  7 E- 7 E in  FIG. 7D . 
         FIG. 7F  is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is a front perspective view of a speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 8B  is a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8C  is a front view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8D  is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8E  is a side cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 8A , taken generally along line  8 E- 8 E in  FIG. 8D . 
         FIG. 8F  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  is a front perspective view of a yet another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 9B  is a front view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9D  is a side cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 9A , taken generally along line  9 D- 9 D in  FIG. 9C . 
         FIG. 9E  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10A  is a side cross-sectional view of a waterway of the shower device shown in  FIG. 9F , with generally the same view as  FIG. 9D . 
         FIG. 10B  is an enlarged portion of the waterway shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10C  is an exploded perspective view of the waterway shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10D  is a front perspective view of the sprayface of the shower device shown in  FIG. 9F . 
         FIG. 10E  is a rear perspective view of the sprayface shown in  FIG. 10D . 
         FIG. 10F  is a side view of a nozzle portion shown in  FIG. 9F . 
         FIG. 10G  is a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle portion shown in  FIG. 10D . 
         FIG. 10H  is an enlarged portion of the nozzle portion shown in  FIG. 10G . 
         FIG. 11A  is a front perspective view of a speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 9F . 
         FIG. 11B  is a rear perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11C  is a front view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11D  is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11E  is a side cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 11A , taken generally along line  11 E- 11 E in  FIG. 11D . 
         FIG. 11F  is an enlarged portion of the assembly shown in  FIG. 11E . 
         FIG. 11G  is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11H  is a front perspective view of a speaker body shown in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11I  is a rear perspective view of the speaker body shown in  FIG. 11H . 
         FIGS. 12A-12F  illustrate a process for assembling the shower and speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 9-11 . 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of yet another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 13B  is a side view of the shower and speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 13C  is a perspective view of the speaker shown in  FIG. 13A  removed from the shower device. 
         FIG. 13D  is a front view of the speaker shown in  FIG. 13C . 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 14B  is a side view of the shower and speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 15B  is a side view of the shower and speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 16B  is a front perspective view of the shower and speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 16C  is a side view of the shower and speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 17B  is a front perspective view of the shower and speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 17C  is a side view of the shower and speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 17D  is a perspective view of the speaker shown in  FIG. 17A  removed from the shower device. 
         FIG. 17E  is a front view of the speaker shown in  FIG. 17D . 
         FIG. 18A  is a perspective view of another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 18B  is a front perspective view of the shower and speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 18C  is a side view of the shower and speaker assembly shown in  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 18D  is a perspective view of the speaker shown in  FIG. 18A  removed from the shower device. 
         FIG. 18E  is a front view of the speaker shown in  FIG. 18D . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of yet another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. Further, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “upward” and “downward”, etc., are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 
     A shower and speaker assembly  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . The assembly  10  generally includes a shower device  14  and a speaker  18 . In the illustrated construction, the shower device  14  includes a showerhead  22 . In other constructions (not shown), the assembly  10  may include another shower device having a configuration different than a showerhead, such as, for example, a rain can, a hand shower, a wall-mounted water tile, etc., with a speaker  18 . 
     The showerhead  22  includes an inlet connector  26  for threaded connection to water supply pipe (not shown) of a water supply (e.g., household/residential, commercial, etc.). The showerhead  22  also includes a housing  30 , and a ball joint  34  is provided between the housing  30  and the inlet connector  26 . The housing  30  has an inlet  38  extending along an inlet axis  42 . A waterway  46  extends from the inlet  38  to a showerhead outlet assembly  50 . 
     The outlet assembly  50  includes a back plate  54  and a face plate  58  defining an annular outlet chamber  62  communicating with the waterway  46 . Water nozzles or outlets  66  are provided on the face plate  58 . Water flows through the outlets  66  to define a curtain or envelope  70  (partially shown in  FIG. 1A ) of water. The illustrated envelope  70  of water is generally conical (extending along an outlet axis  74 ) and surrounds an open center. The envelope may have other shapes. 
     The plates  54 ,  58  define aligned central openings  78 ,  82 , respectively, such that the outlet assembly  50  has a generally annular, doughnut shape. A flared surface  86  extends from the opening  78  to a plane  90  of the face plate  58 , and a flared surface  86  is also provided on the back plate  54  (see  FIG. 1B ). In the illustrated construction, the plane  90  is aligned with a front surface of the face plate  58 , and the outlets  66  project forwardly of the plane  90 . The illustrated flared surfaces  86  curve outwardly toward the plane  90  in a horn or bell shape. In other constructions (not shown), the flared surfaces  86  may have a straight taper and a conical shape. 
     The housing  30  defines a receptacle  94  for the speaker  18 . In the illustrated construction, the receptacle  94  is provided along the inlet and outlet axes  42 ,  74 . To accommodate the receptacle  94 , the waterway  46  includes a diverted portion  98 , and the illustrated diverted portion  98  is laterally shifted relative to the axes  42 ,  74 . In other constructions (not shown), the diverted portion  98  may be laterally shifted relative to only one axis  42  or  74  or to a greater or lesser extent relative to each axis  42 ,  74  (e.g., if the axes  42 ,  74  are not aligned). In still other constructions (not shown), the diverted portion  98  may be oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the axes  42 ,  74  (e.g., extending from the inlet connector  26  toward a radially-outer portion of the outlet assembly  50 ). 
     The housing  30  defines an inlet chamber  102  behind the receptacle  94 , and the diverted portion  98  communicates between the chambers  102 ,  62 . The front wall of the inlet chamber  102  provides a back wall of the receptacle  94 . The peripheral surface around the opening  78  in the back plate  54  provides a front surface of the receptacle  94 . The outer wall of the diverted portion  98  provides a lateral wall of the receptacle  94 . A radial portion  104 , formed with the diverted portion  98 , extends radially along the back plate  54  and may provide additional strength, rigidity, etc. to the back plate  54  and/or to outlet assembly  50 . 
     The speaker  18  is supported by the showerhead housing  30  and includes a speaker housing  106  supportable in the receptacle  94 . The housing  106  supports speaker components  110  for producing an output (e.g., audio, sound, etc.) through a speaker outlet  114  along an output axis  118 . The speaker  18  is supported in the receptacle  94  with the output axis  118  aligned and co-axial with the outlet axis  74  to project sound through the openings  78 ,  82 . 
     A cover or screen  122  covers a speaker outlet  114 . The screen  122  is sound permeable and substantially water impermeable. In the illustrated construction, the screen  122  is micro-etched to provide sound permeability/water impermeability. The speaker outlet  114  is arranged in a plane  126 , and the speaker plane  126  is recessed from the plane  90  of the face plate  58  which may also limit water from entering the speaker  18 . The flared surface  86  provides an angled surface between the speaker outlet  114  and the front surface of the face plate  58 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the outlets  66  surround the output of the speaker  18 . The outlets  66  are arranged in multiple rings on the face plate  58  about the periphery of the speaker outlet  114 . The resulting envelope  70  has multiple layers surrounding the output of the speaker  18 . The flared surface  86  of the face plate  58 , alone or in cooperation with the envelope  70 , focuses sound output by the speaker  18 , much like the horn of a phonograph. The face plate  58  and other components of the showerhead  22  may be formed of a material, such as hard plastic, silicone, etc., which may also enhance the sound output of the speaker  18 . 
     The illustrated showerhead  22  is designed for use with the speaker  18  to enhance sound output by the speaker  18  and/or the audio experience of the user. For example, components of the illustrated showerhead  22  may have a shape and/or construction (e.g., the flared surface  86 , the output/pattern of the outlets  66 , etc.), may operate (e.g., the envelope  70  resulting from the water flow) and/or may be formed of materials to obtain or promote the desired output/experience. Other design factors (e.g., the combination of the showerhead  22  and the speaker  18 ) may also be considered. 
     The speaker  18  is positioned axially between the inlet  38  and the outlets  66  of the showerhead  22 . As shown in  FIG. 1C , in the illustrated construction, water is axially behind (in the inlet chamber  102 ) and axially in front of (in the outlet chamber  62 ) the speaker  18 . Water is diverted around the speaker  18  through the diverted portion  98 . 
     In the illustrated construction, the speaker  18  is removably supported by the showerhead housing  30 . The speaker  18  is inserted into and removed from the receptacle  94  without tools. As shown in  FIG. 1D , the speaker  18  is inserted laterally (transverse to the outlet axis  74 ) into the receptacle  94 . Also, the speaker  18  is connected to the speaker housing  30  behind the back plate  54 . 
     Connecting structure  130  is provided between the speaker housing  106  and the showerhead housing  30  to removable connect the housings  106 ,  30 . The connecting structure  130  may include frictional engagement between one or more of the walls of the receptacle  94  and the speaker housing  106  (e.g., a friction fit). Material (not shown) with enhanced frictional properties may be provided on the engaging surfaces. Force-applying structure (not shown) may be provided to increase the frictional force. Such structure may include a flexible “clamping” arrangement of components of the showerhead housing  30  (e.g., the spaced-apart diverted portions  98 A of the waterway  46 A shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D ). 
     The connecting structure  130  may include inter-engaging connecting members (not shown), such as one or more projections and recesses, rails and grooves, etc. The connecting structure  130  may include positive engagement structure (not shown) to lock the speaker  18  to the showerhead housing  30 . For example, a movable locking member (not shown; e.g., a projection) may limit movement of the speaker housing  106  from the receptacle  94 . A user moves the locking member (through direct engagement, a remote actuator, etc.) to allow the speaker  18  to be removed. The locking member may allow insertion of the speaker  18  into the receptacle without movement of the locking member by the user (e.g., an angled surface on the locking member is engaged by the speaker housing  106  to move the locking member out of the way). 
     The speaker  18  may also be removably connectable to another shower component, such as, for example, a different style/model showerhead, e.g., any of the showerheads shown in  FIGS. 2A-19 , a rain can, a hand shower, a wall-mounted water tile, etc., to provide a modular shower and speaker system. In such a system, a single speaker  18  is removably connectable to the showerhead  22  and to another different shower component. The other shower component includes a housing defining a receptacle for supporting the speaker  18 . The other shower component may incorporate structure similar to the showerhead  22  (e.g., a ring-shaped shower outlet assembly  50 ). 
     For example, U.S. Design Pat. No. D565,699 illustrates a hand shower. In the modular system, the illustrated hand shower may be modified to have a housing with a ring-shaped shower outlet assembly similar to the assembly  50  of the showerhead  22 . The speaker  18  is supported in a similar manner on the modified hand shower. 
     The removable speaker  18  may also be connected separately in the shower enclosure (not shown). For example, the speaker  18  may be connected to connecting structure, similar to that described above, mounted on a wall of the enclosure. Alternatively, a suction cup (not shown) may be connected to the speaker  18  for connection to the wall or a clip (not shown) may be provided to hang the speaker  18  from a portion of the shower enclosure. 
     In the illustrated construction, the speaker components  110  receive a signal to output from a remote source (not shown), such as a phone, computer, other remotely-communicating source device, etc. (e.g., cell phone, smart phone (iPhone), desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer (iPad), MP3 player (iPod), other comparable device, etc.). 
     To communicate with the remote source, communication components  134  provide a wireless interface between the speaker components  110  and the remote source. The communication components  134  include, for example, Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11 (“Wi-Fi”) compatible devices. The communication components  134  may provide one-way communication (e.g., from the remote source to the speaker components  110 ) or two-way communication (e.g., between components of the speaker  18  and the remote source). 
     If two-way communication is provided, the speaker  18  and/or the shower device  14  may include input components (not shown) capable of generating a signal to be sent to the remote source via the communication components  134 . For example, the input components may include one or more buttons to control operation of the remote source (e.g., “ON/OFF”, “Play/Pause”, “Fwd”, “Rev”, “Volume”, “Call Answer”, “End Call” buttons, a key pad, a touch pad, etc.). The input components may include a microphone for use with a phone, intercom, etc. 
     The speaker  18  also includes power components, such as a battery  138 , for powering components of the speaker  18 . In the illustrated construction, the battery  138  is rechargeable when the speaker  18  is removed from the receptacle  94 . One or more charging terminals  142  are provided on the speaker housing  106  for connection to a power source (not shown; such as line power through a removable power cord, USB cord, etc.). The speaker  18  is removed from the showerhead  22 , and the terminals  142  are connected to the power source to recharge the battery  138 . When the speaker  18  is supported on the showerhead  22 , the terminals  142  are covered by a portion of the showerhead housing  30  (e.g., by the diverted portion  98 ). A terminal cover (not shown) may also be provided on the speaker housing  106 . In other constructions (not shown), the battery may be removable for charging and/or replacement. 
     It should be understood that electronic components (e.g., the speaker components  110 , the communication components  134 , the power components, etc.), associated modules and logical structures are capable of being implemented in software executed by a microprocessor or a similar device or of being implemented in hardware using a variety of components including, for example, application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). Terms like “controller” and “module” may include or refer to both hardware and/or software. 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate an alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly  10 A. The assembly  10 A is similar to the assembly  10  described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , and the description above is referred to for common elements. Modified elements are discussed below and have the same reference number “A”. 
     In the assembly  10 A, the waterway  46 A includes a diverted portion  98 A which is wider than the diverted portion  98  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . The diverted portion  98 A provides an arc-shaped recess to at least partially laterally capture the speaker  18 A. The showerhead  22 A may be arranged so that the diverted portion  98 A is at the lowest point. The speaker  18 A can thus rest on the diverted portion  98 A when supported in the receptacle  94 A. 
     Also, in assembly  10 A, the face plate  58 A defines openings  144 . Nozzles  66 A are provided on a plate  148 . The plate  148  is arranged with the nozzles  66 A projecting through the openings  144  in the face plate  58 A. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly  10 B. The assembly  10 B is similar to the assembly  10 ,  10 A described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D and 2A-2D , respectively, and the description above is referred to for common elements. Modified elements are discussed below and have the same reference number “B”. 
     In the assembly  10 B, the waterway  46 B includes multiple (two) diverted portions  98 B and  98 B′. The diverted portions  98 B,  98 B′ are spaced apart on the showerhead housing  30 B by about 180°. The diverted portions  98 B,  98 B′ cooperate to capture the speaker  18 B. As mentioned above, at least one of the diverted portions  98 B,  98 B′ may be flexible to allow insertion of the speaker  18 B and/or to apply force to retain the speaker  18 B (e.g., to provide connecting structure  130 B or to supplement other connecting structure). 
     The use of multiple diverted portions  98 B,  98 B′ may also allow the flow through the showerhead  22 B to be adjusted. For example, one diverted portion  98 B provides a first flow path, and the other diverted portion  98 B′ provides a second flow path. Combined flow through both flow paths may provide increased flow through the shower outlet assembly  50 B. The flow paths may have different volumes such that flow through one flow path is greater than through the other flow path. A valve arrangement (not shown) may be provided to selectively control flow through one or both of the flow paths (e.g., minimum flow through the smaller flow path, medium flow through the larger flow path, maximum flow through both flow paths). The valve arrangement may include a user control (not shown; e.g., a button or selector). 
     In other constructions (not shown), the valve arrangement may be automatically controlled through another input (e.g., based on the output of the speaker  18 B). In such constructions, the valve arrangement may include one or more electronically-controlled valves (e.g., a solenoid valve) operated by control components (not shown). The water flow may be adjusted in relation to the intensity, rhythm, etc. of the sound output of the speaker  18 B to also provide a tactile experience from the assembly  10 B, in addition to the audio experience. The control components may be selectively activated/deactivated to add/remove the tactile experience. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate yet another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly  10 C. The assembly  10 C is similar to the assembly  10 ,  10 A,  10 B described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2D and 3A-3D , respectively, and the description above is referred to for common elements. Modified elements are discussed below and have the same reference number “C”. 
     In the assembly  10 C, the waterway  46 C includes multiple (three) diverted portions  98 C,  98 C′  98 C″. The diverted portions  98 C,  98 C′  98 C″ are spaced apart on the showerhead housing  30 C by about 120°. The diverted portions  98 C,  98 C′  98 C″ cooperate to capture the speaker  18 C. 
     As mentioned above, at least one of the diverted portions  98 C,  98 C′  98 C″ may be flexible to allow lateral insertion of the speaker  18 C and/or to apply force to retain the speaker  18 C. However, in the illustrated construction, the speaker  18 C is inserted into and removed from the receptacle  94 C the receptacle  94 C from the front of the shower outlet assembly  50 C. As also mentioned above, the use of multiple diverted portions  98 C,  98 C′,  98 C″ may also allow the flow through the showerhead  22 C to be adjusted. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate an alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly  10 D. The assembly  10 D is similar to the assembly  10 ,  10 A,  10 B,  10 C described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2D, 3A-3D and 4A-4D , respectively, and the description above is referred to for common elements. Modified elements are discussed below and have the same reference number “D”. 
     In the assembly  10 D, the speaker  18 D is inserted into and removed from the receptacle  94 D through the front of the shower outlet assembly  50 D. In the illustrated construction, the flared surface  86 D is provided on a flared portion  150  on the front of the speaker  18 D. The back plate  54 D and the front plate  58 D are generally annular, and the shower outlet assembly  50 D is in the shape of a relatively flatter ring (compared to the shower outlet assembly  50  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D ). 
     The connecting structure  130 D includes inter-engaging ramp surfaces  154 ,  158  on the speaker  18 D and the showerhead  22 D, respectively, engaging upon a ¼ turn. A first set of ramp surfaces  154 ,  158  is provided on a rim  162  of the flared portion  150  and the shower outlet assembly  50 D, and a second set of ramp surfaces  154 ,  158  is provided on the rear of the speaker housing  106 D and the front wall of the inlet chamber  102 D. The speaker  18 D is thus retained at both ends. 
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly  10 E. The assembly  10 E is similar to the assembly  10 ,  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2D, 3A-3D, 4A-4D, 5A-5C , respectively, and the description above is referred to for common elements. Modified elements are discussed below and have the same reference number “E”. 
     In the illustrated showerhead  22 E, several common showerhead components are shown. For example (see  FIGS. 6E-6F ), the inlet connector  26 E includes a screen washer  170  and a flow regulator  174 . A holder  178 , a flat ring  182  and a wave spring  186  are provided around the ball joint  34 E. 
     The showerhead  22 E also includes (see  FIGS. 6E-6F and 7A-7F ) a waterway assembly  190  communicating with the inlet  38 E. As shown in  FIG. 6E , cooperating threads  192  connect the housing  30 E and the waterway assembly  190 . The waterway assembly  190  includes (see  FIGS. 6E and 7E-7F ) outer and inner waterway members  194 ,  198  cooperating to define the waterway  46 E and the inlet and outlet chambers  102 E,  62 E, respectively. The waterway members  194 ,  198  are connected, for example, by welding (e.g., ultrasonic), adhesive, etc., to provide a fluid tight seam. 
     The inner waterway member  198  includes a spray face assembly  202  providing the outlets  66 E and arranged in the face plane  90 E (see  FIG. 6E ). The spray face assembly  202  includes a soft thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) overmold and the nozzles/outlets  66 E are self-cleaning. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6E and 7E-7F , a magnet  206  is supported on the showerhead  22 E (e.g., in a recess on the inner waterway member  198 ), and a cap  210  covers the magnet  206 . The illustrated magnet  206  is supported in the inlet chamber  102 E, and the cap  210  is connected to the waterway member  198  to enclose the magnet  206 , for example, by welding (e.g., ultrasonic), adhesive, etc., to seal the magnet  206 . In other constructions (not shown), the magnet  206  may be supported in another manner (e.g., molded into the inner waterway member  198 ) and/or in another location on the showerhead  22 E. 
     The illustrated speaker  18 E includes a housing  106 E connected to a face  212 , for example, by welding (e.g., ultrasonic), adhesive, etc., to seal the speaker  18 E. A screen  122 E, such as the screen  122  described above, is disposed behind the face  212  and is preferably micro-etched to provide sound permeability/water impermeability. The speaker  18 E also includes (see  FIGS. 8E-8F ) a printed circuit board (PCB)  214  connected to the speaker components  110 E. The PCB  214  provides the communication components  134 E and includes a port  216  (e.g., a mini-USB port) connectable to an external source (e.g., a power source (not shown) to charge the battery  138 E, an audio source (not shown), etc.). 
     An ON/OFF switch (e.g., button  218 ) operates the speaker component  110 E, and an indicator  222  (e.g., a LED; see  FIGS. 6C, 8A and 8C ) lights to indicate that the speaker  18 E is “ON”. In the illustrated construction, the indicator  222  is incorporated into the button  218 . 
     In other constructions (see  FIGS. 13A-13D ), the speaker  18  also includes input components (e.g., control buttons  224 ) to control operation of the remote source. In such a construction, the communication components  134  provide two-way communication between the speaker  18  and the remote source. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8E-8F , a magnet  226  is supported on the housing  106 E, and a cap  230  covers the magnet  226 . The cap  230  is connected to the housing  106 E to enclose the magnet  230  in the housing  106 E, for example, by welding (e.g., ultrasonic), adhesive, etc. 
     The waterway members  194 ,  198  include cooperating recesses to provide the receptacle  94 E. In the assembly  10 E, the speaker  18 E is inserted into and removed from the receptacle  94 E through the front of the showerhead  22 E. In the illustrated construction, the waterway  46 E is annular and extends around the receptacle  94 E. Water enters the showerhead  22 E and is directed to the inlet chamber  102 E behind the speaker  18 E. Water flows from the shower inlet  38 E to the shower outlets  66 E and is diverted around the speaker  18 E. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6D-6E  (and in  FIGS. 13-16 ), the speaker  18 E projects from the showerhead  22 E so that the speaker plane  126 E is positioned forwardly of the plane  90 E of the spray face  202 . In other constructions (see  FIGS. 17-18 ), the planes  126 ,  90  are generally aligned. In still other constructions (see, for example,  FIGS. 1-5 and 19 ), the speaker plane  126  is recessed from faceplate plane  90 . Acoustic analysis of the shower and speaker assembly  10  indicates that the “best” sound production of the speaker  18  is achieved without any geometry of the showerhead  22  (e.g., the flared surface  86  of the face plate  58 ) applied to the speaker  18 , in other words, with the speaker plane  126  aligned with or positioned forwardly of the shower outlet plane  90 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6D-6F , the illustrated showerhead housing  30 E is generally conical. In other constructions, the showerhead  22  may have a different shape, such as, for example, cup-shaped, semi-spherical (see  FIGS. 13 and 19 ), bell-shaped (see  FIGS. 14-15 ), cylindrical (see  FIGS. 16-18 ), etc. As shown in  FIGS. 6F, 8A-8B and 8D-8F , the illustrated speaker  18 E is also generally conical. In other constructions, the speaker  18  may have a different shape, such as, for example, bell-shaped (see  FIGS. 13-16 ), cylindrical (see  FIGS. 17-18 ), etc. The receptacle  94  has a shape which is complementary to the shape of the speaker  18  (e.g., a generally conical receptacle  94 E is shown in  FIG. 7E ). The receptacle  94  and speaker  18  preferably have symmetry about the output axis  118  of the speaker such that the speaker can be supported in the receptacle  94 E in a plurality of rotational orientations. 
     The illustrated connecting structure  130 E provides a magnetic docking arrangement. In the illustrated construction, the showerhead  22 E and the speaker  18 E include cooperating magnets  206 ,  226  to releasably retain the speaker  18 E on the showerhead  22 E. 
     In other constructions (not shown), rather than a magnet, one of the showerhead  22 E and the speaker  18 E may include another type of magnetic element (e.g., an element formed of a ferromagnetic material, etc.) which is attracted to the remaining magnet. In still other constructions (not shown), the magnet(s)  206 ,  226  may be positioned in a different location on the showerhead  22 E and/or on the speaker  18 E. 
     The speaker  18 E is arranged to provide a grip surface (the rim  234 ) so that a user can overcome the force of the connecting structure  130 E to remove the speaker  18 E from the showerhead  22 E. A space  238  is provided between the rim  234  and the spray face assembly  202  to enable user to grasp the speaker housing  106 E. In the illustrated construction (see  FIG. 6D ), the space  238  is an axial space because the speaker  18 E projects from the showerhead  22 E. 
     In constructions in which the speaker  18  is aligned with or recessed into the showerhead  22 , an annular space may be provided so that the rim  234  may be gripped. Still other arrangements may be provided to allow access to the speaker  18 . For example (see  FIGS. 17A-17E ), a recess or opening  242  is provided on the showerhead  22  to allow access to rim  234  of the speaker  18 . In other constructions, portions of the speaker housing  106  may extend beyond the spray face  202 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 18A-18E , wings  246  on the speaker  18  project to the radial edge of showerhead  22 . In other constructions (not shown), the speaker  18  may include a material (e.g., elastomeric) and/or shape(s) (e.g., scallop shape) providing an improved grip surface. 
     The pattern of the showerhead outlets  66  and of the face of the speaker  18  may be coordinated. In the illustrated construction (see  FIGS. 6A, 6C, 7A, 7C ), the outlets  66 E are arranged in a generally uniform two-hole pattern for universal nesting of the speaker  18 E in the showerhead  22 E. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8B and 8D , a stop feature, such as a “flat”  250 , is molded on speaker housing  106 E to prevent the speaker  18 E from moving (e.g., rolling) when supported on a flat surface (e.g., in use on a countertop, during charging, etc.). The speaker  18 E may have another stop feature shape (e.g., a two-dot pattern texture (not shown), raised ridges  252  (see  FIGS. 13-16 )) on the housing  106 E acting in a similar manner. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13A-13D , the assembly  10  may include a light source  254  which emits light from the receptacle  94  around the speaker  18 . In the construction shown in  FIGS. 13A-13D , the light source  254  is supported on the speaker housing  106  and reflects out of the receptacle  94 . 
       FIGS. 9-12  illustrate another alternative construction of a shower and speaker assembly  10 F. The assembly  10 F is similar to the assembly  10 ,  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E described above and shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2D, 3A-3D, 4A-4D, 5A-5C, 6-8 , respectively, and the description above is referred to for common elements. Modified elements are discussed below and have the same reference number “F”. 
     The showerhead  22 F includes (see  FIGS. 9D-9E and 10A-10H ) a waterway assembly  190 F communicating with the inlet  38 F. The waterway assembly  190 F includes (see  FIGS. 9D and 10A-10E ) outer and inner waterway members  194 F,  198 F cooperating to define the waterway  46 F and the inlet and outlet chambers  102 F,  62 F, respectively. The waterway members  194 F,  198 F are connected, for example, by welding (e.g., ultrasonic), adhesive, etc., to provide a fluid tight seam. 
     The inner waterway member  198 F provides a sprayface member defining openings  260 . The waterway assembly  190 F also includes a nozzle member  264  with nozzles  268 , at least some of which have barbs  272 . The nozzle member  264  provides the outlets  66 F arranged in the face plane  90 F (see  FIG. 9D ). The nozzle member  264  may be formed as a soft thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and the nozzles/outlets  66 F may be self-cleaning. 
     Each nozzle  268  is received in a corresponding opening  260 , and, as shown in  FIG. 9D , the barbs  272  engage the inner waterway member  198 F to connect the members  198 F,  264 . Also, in the illustrated construction, the edge  276  of the nozzle member  264  wraps around the edge  280  of the inner waterway member  198 F. Ridges  284  on the outer surface of the nozzle member  264  fit in corresponding grooves  288  in the inner waterway member  198 F. Additional or alternative connecting arrangements (e.g., adhesive, welding, etc.) may also be provided to connect and/or seal the members  198 F,  264 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9D-9E , a magnet  206 F is supported on the showerhead  22 F (e.g., in a recess  292  on the inner waterway member  198 F), and the nozzle member  264  covers the magnet  206 F. The illustrated magnet  206 F is located out of the waterway  46 F, enclosed and sealed between the members  198 F,  264 . The magnet  206 F is held in the recess  292 , for example, by adhesive (epoxy), press-fit, welding, etc. In other constructions (not shown), the magnet  206 F may be supported in another manner (e.g., molded into the inner waterway member  198 F or the nozzle member  264 ) and/or in another location on the showerhead  22 F. 
     In the illustrated speaker  18 F, the housing  106 F includes structure (e.g., ridges  294 ) to support speaker components (e.g., the battery  138 F), in this case, in spaced relation from the wall of the housing  106 F. As shown in  FIGS. 11E and 11G , a magnet  226 F is supported and connected to the housing  106 E, for example, in a recess  295  by adhesive, (epoxy), press-fit, welding, etc. 
     The speaker  18 F includes a cover  296  to close the port  216 F. The cover  296  includes (see  FIGS. 11E and 11G ) a barbed projection  300  which is inserted through an opening  304  (see  FIGS. 11E and 11H-11I ) in the housing  106 F. In the closed position (see  FIGS. 11B and 11D-11E ), the cover  296  engages the housing  106 F to provide a water-resistant or water-tight seal. The cover  296  is moved (e.g., pivoted about the projection  300 , flexed, etc.) to uncover the port  216 F. The cover  296  may be biased toward the closed position so that, when the port  216 F is not in use, the cover  296  closes the port  216 F. 
     The waterway assembly  190 F (members  194 ,  198 ,  264 ) include cooperating recesses to provide the receptacle  94 F. In the assembly  10 F, the speaker  18 F is inserted into and removed from the receptacle  94 F through the front of the showerhead  22 F. As shown in  FIGS. 9C-9D , the speaker  18 F projects from the showerhead  22 F so that the speaker plane  126 F is positioned forwardly of the face plane  90 F. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9C-9E , the illustrated showerhead housing  30 F is generally conical. As shown in  FIGS. 9E, 11A-11B and 11D-11F , the illustrated speaker  18 F is also generally conical. The receptacle  94 F has a shape which is complementary to the shape of the speaker  18 F (e.g., a generally conical receptacle  94 F is shown in  FIG. 9D ). 
     The illustrated connecting structure  130 F provides a magnetic docking arrangement. In the illustrated construction, the showerhead  22 F and the speaker  18 F include cooperating magnets  206 F,  226 F to releasably retain the speaker  18 F on the showerhead  22 F. 
     The speaker  18 F is arranged to provide a grip surface (the rim  234 F) so that a user can overcome the force of the connecting structure  130 F to remove the speaker  18 F from the showerhead  22 F. A space  238 F is provided between the rim  234 F and the face of the waterway assembly  190 F to enable user to grasp the speaker housing  106 F. 
       FIGS. 12A-12F  illustrate an exemplary process of assembling the shower and speaker assembly  10 F. As shown in  FIG. 12A , the waterway members  194 F,  198 F are connected, for example, by welding (ultrasonic), adhesive, etc. The magnet  206 F (see  FIG. 12B ) is positioned in the recess  292  and connected to the inner waterway member  198 F, for example, by adhesive (epoxy), press-fit, welding, etc. The nozzle member  264  is assembled to the inner waterway member  198 F (see  FIG. 12C ), with each nozzle  268  being inserted into an associated opening  260 , the barbs  272  engaging the inner waterway member  198 F and the edge  276  being wrapped around the edge  280  of the inner waterway member  198 F. 
     The components of the ball joint  34 F are connected to the waterway assembly  190 F (see  FIG. 12D ), and the showerhead housing  30 F is threaded on (see  FIG. 12E ), completing assembly of the showerhead  22 F. As shown in  FIG. 12F , the speaker  18 F is inserted into the receptacle  94 F and connected to the showerhead  22 F by the connecting structure  130 F (e.g., the magnets  206 F,  226 F). 
     Thus, the invention may generally provide a shower and speaker assembly. The shower device may include a waterway which is diverted around the speaker. The speaker may be removable from the shower device. The shower and speaker assembly may be part of a modular system in which the speaker is used with more than one different shower device. The speaker may project from or be aligned with the surface of the face plate of the shower device. The speaker may be recessed from the surface of the face plate of the shower device, and the speaker may output sound through a flared surface of the shower device and into an envelope of water. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.