Patent Publication Number: US-2021178410-A1

Title: Dual-head shower  assemblies

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/947,777, filed on Dec. 13, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present application relates generally to shower assemblies. More specifically, the present application relates to shower assemblies that include a fixed showerhead and a removable hand shower. Further, the removable hand showers utilize either a mechanical docking system, a magnetic docking system, or a combination of a mechanical and magnetic docking system. 
     SUMMARY 
     Implementations described herein relate to various embodiments of shower assemblies. According to an example embodiment, a shower assembly includes a stationary base and an inlet assembly configured to rotate relative to the stationary base. The inlet assembly includes a pivot rotatably coupled to the stationary base, a first arm extending radially from the pivot, and a second arm extending radially from the pivot, opposite the first arm. The shower assembly further includes a showerhead disposed on an end of the first arm having a first ball joint disposed between the showerhead and the end of the first arm, a docking member disposed on an end of the second arm having a second ball joint disposed between the docking member and the end of the second arm, the docking member including a magnet disposed within the docking member, and a removable hand shower having a ferromagnetic element configured to magnetically couple to the magnet of the docking member. 
     In another embodiment, an inlet assembly of a shower assembly includes an inlet end configured to receive a water supply, a pivot configured to rotate about the inlet end, a first arm extending radially from the pivot, and a second arm extending radially from the pivot, opposite the first arm. The inlet assembly includes a diverter valve configured to rotate within the inlet assembly and direct water between a first path and a second path, such that the first path is defined by the first arm and is fluidly connected to a first outlet of the diverter valve and an inlet of a showerhead, and the second path is defined by a flexible hose and is fluidly connected to a second outlet of the diverter valve to an inlet of the removable hand shower. The inlet assembly further includes a docking member disposed on an end of the second arm, the docking member configured to magnetically couple to the removable hand shower. 
     In yet another embodiment, a shower assembly includes a stationary base and an inlet assembly configured to rotate relative to the stationary base. The inlet assembly includes a pivot rotatably coupled to the stationary base, a first arm extending radially from the pivot, and a second arm extending radially from the pivot, opposite the first arm. The shower assembly further includes a showerhead disposed on an end of the first arm having a first ball joint is disposed between the showerhead and the end of the first arm, a docking member disposed on an end of the second arm having a second ball joint is disposed between the docking member and the end of the second arm, the docking member comprising a magnet disposed within the docking member, and a removable hand shower including a ferromagnetic element configured to magnetically couple to the magnet of the docking member. The shower assembly further includes a diverter valve configured to rotate within the inlet assembly and direct water between a first path and a second path, wherein the first path is defined by the first arm and is fluidly connected to a first outlet of the diverter valve and an inlet of the showerhead, and the second path is defined by a flexible hose and is fluidly connected to a second outlet of the diverter valve to an inlet of the removable hand shower. 
     This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. 
    
    
     
       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 shower assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the shower assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the shower assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed view of a diverter controller of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative showerhead and removable hand shower shape of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative showerhead and removable hand shower shape of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative showerhead and removable hand shower shape of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative showerhead and removable hand shower shape of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a shower assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a detailed view of a removable hand shower of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a shower assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative showerhead and removable hand shower shape of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternative showerhead and removable hand shower shape of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternative showerhead and removable hand shower shape of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a shower assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a detailed view of a docking mechanism of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is a detailed view of a docking mechanism of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of a docking member of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of a removable hand shower of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of a removable hand shower docked to a docking member of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of an inlet assembly of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of an inlet assembly of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of a removable hand shower docked to a docking mechanism of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of a diverter valve of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a shower assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  is a detailed view of a docking mechanism of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is a detailed view of a docking mechanism of the shower assembly shown in  FIG. 31 . 
     
    
    
     It will be recognized that some or all of the figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims. 
     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 in this application are shower systems which incorporate a showerhead, a removable hand shower, and an inlet assembly, wherein the inlet assembly includes a diverter valve to control the water path between the showerhead and the removable hand shower. Further, each shower system includes an articulating feature (e.g. a rotational feature), which allows the showerhead and the removable hand shower to be reconfigured between different positions over an angular range (e.g., 360 degree range), including a vertical position and a horizontal position, for at least one embodiment, or between a forward/downward and rearward/upward rotation for at least one embodiment. The removable hand showers are configured to detachably dock or mount to an arm of the inlet assembly, such as magnetically. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a shower assembly  100  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly  100  includes a showerhead  102 , a removable hand shower  104 , and an inlet assembly  106 . As will be understood from the features disclosed herein, shower assembly  100  creates a fully customizable shower for the user. The showerhead  102  is disposed on an end of a first arm  108  of inlet assembly  106 . The illustrated showerhead  102  is a multifunction showerhead with non-dynamic (e.g. not oscillating) nozzles, although the showerheads can include different functionality (e.g., a single-function showerhead). A ball joint (not shown in  FIG. 1 , but shown in  FIG. 4 ) allows a user to pivot the showerhead  102  about a point to provide a large range of motion for adjusting the spray direction of the showerhead to accommodate the user&#39;s needs. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-3 and 29-30 , the shower assembly  100  is further shown in further detail. The removable hand shower  104  magnetically docks to a docking member  112  disposed on an end of a second arm  110  of inlet assembly  106 . The illustrated removable hand shower  104  is a multifunction showerhead with non-dynamic (e.g. not oscillating) nozzles, although any showerhead can be employed. A ball joint (not shown) is included between the docking member  112  and the end of a second arm  110 , thus allowing the user to move the removable hand shower  104  in any direction to adjust the spray direction based on the user&#39;s needs. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the showerhead  102  and the removable hand shower  104  may be configured to only adjust in two directions. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 2-3 and 29-30 , the docking member  112  includes a magnet  114 . As shown in  FIGS. 29-30 , the docking member  112  does not include any mechanical feature. However, as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the docking member  112  may include a slight ridge on the surface of the docking member  112  that faces the removable hand shower  104 . The slight ridge may be a cross or “+” shape. The slight ridge may be circular along the outside of the magnet  114 . The removable hand shower  104  includes a corresponding depression  116 . For instance, the depression  116  may be a cross or “+” shape, or the depression  116  may be circular, thus allowing a user to more easily dock due to the clear alignment between the docking member  112  and the removable hand shower  104 . Further the slight ridge and corresponding depression  116  can provide additional docking support and security. Referring again to  FIGS. 2-3 and 29-30 , the magnet  114  may be a single magnet or a plurality of magnets. The magnet  114  may be a large disc magnet located in the docking member  112  which attracts a ferromagnetic element (e.g. a steel disc) located in the removable hand shower  104 . The magnet  114  may be placed within the docking member  112  such that the magnet  114  is behind the surface. This surface may not be flat or even with the outer perimeter of the docking member  112  (i.e., the circular ridge) in order to leave space for the removable hand shower  104  to be slightly inserted. For instance, the steel disc to which the magnet  114  is attracted, is located on a back surface of the spray face of the removable hand shower  104 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3  with both a cross shaped and a circular depression  116  and in  FIG. 30  with just the circular depression  116 . The circular depression  116  is sized and shaped to fit within the ridge of the docking member  112 , thus allows the magnet  114  to contact the steel disk. As such, a handle of the removable hand shower  104  is not used to dock. This allows for easy handling when removing and returning the removable hand shower  204  from the shower assembly  200  such that the inconvenience of placing a handle in a holder, tangling the hose, etc. is eliminated. The system could employ magnets in either one or both of the docking member  112  or the removable hand shower  104 . Notably, the ridges and depressions discussed above are optional features. By way of further example, the shower assembly  100  shown in  FIGS. 22-26  lacks any such ridges or depressions. 
     Cross-sectional views of the docking member  112  and the removable hand shower  104 , including the magnet  114  and a magnet  115 , are shown in  FIGS. 22-24 . As described above, the docking member  112  may have the magnet  114  which attracts a ferromagnetic element in the removable hand shower  104 . However, the removable hand shower  104  may include the magnet  115  in addition to the magnet  114  in the docking member  112 . Alternatively, the removable hand shower  104  may include the magnet  115  while the docking member  112  includes a ferromagnetic element. As shown in  FIG. 23 , the magnet  115  may be a single magnet, such as shown, or a plurality of magnets. As shown, the magnet  115  is a large disc magnet located on the back of the removable hand shower  104  such that the back of the removable hand shower  104  is the side that faces/docks to the docking member  112 . Casing  117  holds the magnet  115  in place and secures it to the surface of the removable hand shower  104 . Casing  117  is sized and shaped to protrude from the removable hand shower  204  and be received by the docking member  112 , as described above. In operation, the magnet  114  of the docking member  112  attracts or is attracted to the magnet  115  of the removable hand shower  104 . No mechanical clips or fasteners are required to assist in docking the removable hand shower  104  to the docking member  112  in such a configuration. Only the magnets along with the shape of the docking member  112  and/or the shape of the removable hand shower  104  are necessary to hold the shower assembly  100  together in a docked position, as shown in  FIG. 24 . The magnets  114 ,  115 , may be, for instance, standard Neodymium magnet(s) ranging from N38-N52, but any suitable magnet may be employed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the shower assembly  100  is shown in further detail. The inlet assembly  106  includes an inlet end  120  for mounting to a wall/support and for receiving a water supply. The inlet end  120  may include a threaded portion for securing the inlet end  120  to a water pipe and a ball joint  122  that allows for rotation of the inlet assembly  106 . The shower assembly  100  includes a pivot  124 , which is a circumferential base rotatable about the inlet assembly  106 . The first and second arms  108 ,  110  extend from opposite sides of the pivot  124 , as shown, and have a fixed configuration relative to each other (i.e., the first and second arms  108 ,  110  do not rotate separately). In this way, the showerhead  102  and the removable hand shower  104  can rotate from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration about an axis of the pivot  124 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , respectively. Note that the first and second arms  108 ,  110  and the pivot  124  can be integrally formed or formed separately and coupled together. The shower assembly  100  may include a detent or other locking feature every 90 degrees, and the pivot  124  may allow continuous 360 degree rotation of the showerhead  102  and the removable hand shower  104 . During any rotation, the removable hand shower  104  may be docked to the docking member  112  and will remained docked, unless removed by the user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the shower assembly  100  is shown in further detail. A shower base  126  may remain stationary such that the arms rotate about the shower base  126 . A diverter valve  128  is located in the inlet assembly  106  to direct water between a first path, which supplies water to the showerhead  102 , and a second path, which supplies water to the removable hand shower  104 . The first path is defined by the first arm  108  and is fluidly connected to a first outlet ( 129 , shown in  FIG. 25 ) of the diverter valve  128 . The second path is defined by a flexible hose  134  that interconnects a second outlet  130  of the diverter valve  128  to an inlet  132  of the removable hand shower  104 . As shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , when water is diverted to the removable hand shower  104 , the water flows from the inlet end  120  and through a waterway  131 . The waterway  131  retains the water in the inlet assembly  106  and directs the water through the diverter valve  128 . The diverter valve  128  is configured to rotate to direct between water paths, as further explained below. Further, at an end  111  of the second arm  110  there is no outlet, so when the water is on the second path, the water that flows through the second arm  110  is channeled back down the second path of the second arm  110  to the flexible hose  134 . The orientation of the first and second arms  108 ,  110  do not affect the flow of the water, therefore water can be diverted between the two paths while the first and second arms  108 ,  110  are in any configuration. It is important to note that the diverter valve  128  rotates with the shower assembly  100 . Design in  FIG. 5  is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  except, for example, the embodiment in  FIG. 5  doesn&#39;t include a ball joint. Because the shower base  126  is stationary and the rotation happens either at the ball joint  122  and/or the pivot  124 , the flexible hose  134  remains hanging downward, toward the shower floor. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a diverter controller  136  of the shower assembly  100  is shown in detail. A diverter controller  136 , allows the user to select between water flowing to the showerhead  102 , to the removable hand shower  104 , or to both, by rotating the diverter controller  136  relative to the inlet assembly  106 . The diverter controller  136  is coupled to the diverter valve  128  such that when the diverter controller  136  is rotated, the diverter valve  128  rotates. When the diverter valve  128  rotates, the water is diverted between the first and second paths. The illustrated diverter controller  136  does not have stops and is rotatable indefinitely. If the diverter controller  136  is pointing, which may be indicated by a notch, for instance, at the showerhead  102 , then the water will be directed down the first path toward the showerhead  102 , and if the diverter controller  136  is pointing at the removable hand shower  104 , the water will be directed down the second path toward the removable hand shower  104 . If the diverter controller  136  is pointing between the showerhead  102  and the removable hand shower  104 , the water will be directed down both the first and second paths and provide water to both the showerhead  102  and the removable hand shower  104 . As such, the water may be directed entirely down the first path, entirely down the second path, or equally to them both (i.e. 50% to the first path and 50% to the second path). Alternatively, depending on the orientation of the diverter controller  136 , the proportion that the water is directed between the two paths may vary (e.g., 40% to the showerhead  102  and 60% to the removable hand shower  104 , 30% to the showerhead  102  and 70% to the removable hand shower  104 , 25% to the showerhead  102  and 75% to the removable hand shower  104 , vice versa, etc.). The notch, for instance, of the diverter controller  136  is oriented with the arms and will always point to which path the water will be directed (i.e. rotating the first and second arms  108 ,  110  does not change water pathways). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-10 , a variety of shapes for the showerhead  102  and the removable hand shower  104  of shower assembly  100  are shown. The nozzle heads for both the showerhead  102  and removable hand shower  104  may be round, square, or have any suitable shape. Further, each of the showerheads  102  and removable hand showers  104  can include a variety of water nozzles for spraying water as one or more patterns or sprays. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a shower assembly  200  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly  200  includes a showerhead  202 , a removable hand shower  204 , and an inlet assembly  206 . The showerhead  202  is fixed to a first wing  208  of inlet assembly  206 . The illustrated showerhead  202  is a multifunction showerhead with non-dynamic (e.g. not oscillating) nozzles, although any showerhead can be employed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the shower assembly  200  is shown in further detail. The removable hand shower  204  magnetically docks to a docking cradle  212  disposed on an end of a second wing  210  of inlet assembly  206 . The docking cradle  212  is fixed to the second wing  210 . The removable hand shower  204  nests in the fixed docking cradle  212 , such that there are no other mechanical mechanisms holding the removable hand shower  204  in place. The illustrated removable hand shower  204  is a multifunction showerhead with non-dynamic (e.g. not oscillating) nozzles, although any showerhead can be employed. The first and second wings  208 ,  210  provide a sleeker design solution without eliminating any benefits of the dual shower assembly. 
     The illustrated docking cradle  212  includes a magnet  214  and an opening disposed on the second wing  210  sized to receive a knob  216  on the backside of the removable hand shower  204 . The magnet  214  may be a single magnet or may be a plurality of magnets. The magnet  214  may be a large ring magnet located in the docking cradle  212  which attracts a ferromagnetic element (e.g. a steel ring (shown as a knob  216 )) located in the removable hand shower  204 . Alternatively, a magnet may be located in the knob  216  and the docking cradle  212  is a ferromagnetic element, or both the docking cradle  212  and the knob  216  are magnets. The steel ring or knob, for example, is located on a back surface of the spray face of the removable hand shower  204 . A handle of the removable hand shower  204  is not used to dock. This is advantageous in the same manner described above for docking member  112 . The system could employ magnets in either one or both of the docking cradle  212  or the removable hand shower  204 . For instance, the magnets may be standard Neodymium magnet(s) ranging from N38-N52, but any suitable magnet may be employed. 
     The inlet assembly  206  includes an inlet end  218  for mounting to a wall/support and for receiving a water supply. The inlet end  218  may include a threaded portion for securing the inlet end  218  to a water pipe and a ball joint  220  that allows for rotation of the inlet assembly  206 . The shower assembly  200  includes a pivot  222 , which is a circumferential base rotatable about the inlet assembly  106 . The first and second wings  208 ,  210  extend from opposite sides of the pivot  222  and have a fixed configuration relative to each other (i.e., the first and second wings  208 ,  210  do not rotate separately). In this way, the showerhead  202  and the removable hand shower  204  can rotate from a horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration about an axis of the pivot  222 , as illustrated between  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Note that the first and second wings  208 ,  210  and the pivot  222  can be integrally formed or formed separately and coupled together. The shower base  224  may remain stationary such that the wings rotate about the shower base  224 . The shower assembly  200  may include magnets or other locking feature every 90 degrees to lock in place, and the pivot  222  may allow continuous 360 degree rotation of the showerhead  202  and the removable hand shower  204 . This rotation provides for a fully customizable shower configuration. During any rotation, the removable hand shower  204  may be docked to the docking cradle  212  and will remained docked, unless removed by the user. 
     A diverter valve  226  is located in the inlet assembly  206  to direct water between a first path, which supplies water to the showerhead  202 , and a second path, which supplies water to the removable hand shower  204  in a manner as explained above in reference to diverter valve  128  (i.e., diverter valve  226  may work in conjunction with the diverter controller  232 , etc.). It is important to note that the diverter valve  226  rotates with the pivot  222 . The first path is located within the shower base  224  and is fluidly connected to a first outlet (not shown) of the diverter valve  226 . The second path is defined by a flexible hose  227  that interconnects a second outlet  228  of the diverter valve  226  to an inlet  230  of the removable hand shower  204 . 
     A diverter controller  232  allows the user to select between water flowing to the showerhead  202 , to the removable hand shower  204 , or to both, by rotating the diverter controller  232 . If the diverter controller  232  is pointing, which may be indicated by a notch, for instance, at the showerhead  202 , then the water will be directed down the first path going, and if the diverter controller  232  is pointing at the removable hand shower  204 , the water will be directed down the second path. The water may be directed entirely down the first path, entirely down the second path, or equally to them both (i.e. 50% to the first path and 50% to the second path). 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a spray face  234  of the shower assembly  200  is shown in detail The spray face  234  may be a smooth canvas, providing a minimal, textured spray face. The spray face  234  may include a plurality of settings for the user to choose between. For instance, the user may choose to have a full coverage flow  236 , a massage flow  238 , or a silk flow  240 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a shower assembly  300  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly  300  includes a showerhead  302 , a removable hand shower  304 , and an inlet assembly  306 . The showerhead  302  is fixed to a first arm  308  of inlet assembly  306 . The illustrated showerhead  302  includes a single-function spray face  303  with non-dynamic (e.g. not oscillating) nozzles, although any showerhead can be employed.  FIG. 16  is a front facing view of the single-function spray face  303 .  FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate alternative multi-function spray faces  305 ,  307 . The showerhead  302  is configured with a hollow middle, wherein the user may be able customize the function of the center. For example, the center of showerhead  302  may be single-function, multifunction, KOHLER Konnect™ modules center, herein incorporated by reference is U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/605,587, filed Sep. 6, 2012, etc. Further, the user may couple a plurality of items (e.g. mini TV, lighting, etc.) in the middle. The items may be coupled with a magnet or mechanically. For example, the item may be docked to the shower assembly  300  with aligning features, hooks, clips, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the shower assembly  300  is shown in further detail. The removable hand shower  304  magnetically docks to a docking member  312  disposed on an end of a second arm  310  of the inlet assembly  306 . The removable hand shower  304  couples to the fixed docking member  312 . The illustrated removable hand shower  304  includes a single-function spray face  303  with non-dynamic (e.g. not oscillating) nozzles, although any showerhead can be employed. Similarly to the showerhead  302 , the removable hand shower  304  may include alternative spray faces,  305 ,  307  and/or is configured with a hollow middle, wherein the user may be able customize the function of the center, as noted above in regard to the showerhead  302  ( FIGS. 16-18 ). 
     The docking member  312  includes a magnet  314  and does not include any mechanical feature other than an opening disposed on the second arm  310  sized to receive the backside of the removable hand shower  304 . The magnet  314  may be a single magnet or may be a plurality of magnets. The magnet  314  may include four magnets located in the docking member  312  and two magnets located in the removable hand shower  304 . The magnets located in the removable hand shower  304  may be positioned 180 degrees from each other. Similarly to shower assemblies  100 ,  200 , a handle of the removable hand shower  304  is not used to dock. This is advantageous in the same manner described above for docking member  112 . Alternatively, the docking member  112  of shower assembly  100  may be utilized wherein a magnetic docking system is using in conjunction with a mechanical docking feature. Further, docking mechanism may be included wherein the docking member  312  is configured to cradle the removable hand shower  304 . For example, the docking member  312  may be sized and shaped to receive a protruding feature on the backside of the removable hand shower  304  which is placed and rests within the docking member  312 . 
     The inlet assembly  306  includes an inlet end  316  for mounting to a wall/support and for receiving a water supply. The inlet end  316  may include a threaded portion for securing the inlet end  316  to a water pipe and a ball joint  317  that allows for rotation of the inlet assembly  306 . The shower assembly  300  includes a pivot  318 , which is a circumferential base rotatable about the inlet assembly  306 . The first and second arms  308 ,  310  extend from opposite sides of the pivot  318  and have a fixed configuration relative to each other (i.e., the first and second arms  308 ,  310  do not rotate separately). In this way the showerhead  302  and the removable hand shower  304  can rotate from a horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration about an axis of the pivot  318 . Note that the first and second arms  308 ,  310  and the pivot  318  can be integrally formed or formed separately and coupled together. The shower base  320  may remain stationary such that the arms rotate about the shower base  320 . The shower assembly  300  may include detents or other locking features every 90 degrees to lock in place, and the pivot  318  may allow continuous 360 degree rotation of the showerhead  302  and the removable hand shower  304 . This rotation provides for a fully customizable shower configuration. During any rotation, the removable hand shower  304  may be docked to the docking member  312  and will remained docked, unless removed by the user. 
     A diverter valve  322  is located in the inlet assembly  306  to direct water between a first path, which supplies water to the showerhead  302 , and a second path, which supplies water to the removable hand shower  304 . The diverter valve  322  is a rocker switch diverter. It is important to note that the diverter valve  322  rotates with the pivot  318 . The first path is defined by the first arm  308  and is fluidly connected to a first outlet (not shown) of the diverter valve  322 . The second path is defined by a flexible hose  323  that interconnects a second outlet  324  of the diverter valve  322  to an inlet  326  of the removable hand shower  304 . 
     A diverter controller  328  allows user to select between water flowing to the showerhead  302 , to the removable hand shower  304 , or to both, by rotating the diverter controller  328 . If the diverter controller  328  is pointing, which may be indicated by a notch, for instance, at the showerhead  302 , then the water will be directed down the first path going, and if the diverter controller  328  is pointing at the removable hand shower  304 , the water will be directed down the second path. With a rocker switch diverter such as diverter valve  322 , the diverter controller  328  is limited to distinct left, middle and right selections, as opposed to a continuous rotational movement. Alternatively, the diverter controller  328  may be a push-button. The water may be directed entirely down the first path, entirely down the second path, or equally to them both (i.e. 50% to the first path and 50% to the second path). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-21 , a shower assembly  400  is described according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly  400  includes elements as referenced herein and thus those descriptions apply. The shower assembly  400  includes a showerhead  202 , a removable hand shower  204 , and an inlet assembly  206 . The showerhead  202  is fixed to a first arm  402  of inlet assembly  206 . In shower assembly  400 , the removable hand shower  204  mechanically docks to a docking mechanism  404  disposed on an end of a second arm  406  of inlet assembly  206 . The docking mechanism  404  is fixed to the second arm  406 . The illustrated removable hand shower  204  slide-locks to the fixed docking mechanism  404 , although a magnetic system could be employed. As is detailed in  FIGS. 20-21 , the docking mechanism  404  includes a slotted surface  405  which is configured to engage with a flanged plate  407  coupled to a back side of the removable hand shower  204 . A cross-sectional view of the docking mechanism  404  is provided in  FIG. 27 . The slotted surface  405  includes two opposing tabs  409 ,  411  which are sized to receive the flanged plate  407 , and an ending notch  413  disposed between the tabs  409 ,  411 . The flanged plate  407  includes a spring loaded pin  415  disposed on the surface configured to face the slotted surface  405 . In operation, the flanged plate  407  of the removable hand shower  204  is aligned with the slotted surface  405  of the docking mechanism  404 , and is slid between the tabs  409 ,  411  toward the ending notch  413 . The spring loaded pin  415  engages with the ending notch  413  to lock into place. To remove the removable hand shower  204 , a light upward force is required to be placed on the removable hand shower  204 , such that the spring loaded pin  415  is released from the ending notch  413  and the flanged plate  407  may be slid back up and out of the slotted surface  405 . With such a docking system, any use of magnetic elements is not necessary. 
     In another embodiment of the shower assembly  400 , the removable hand shower  204  magnetically docks to the docking mechanism  404 . As is detailed in  FIGS. 31-33 , and similarly to the magnets described with reference to  FIGS. 2-3, 22-24, and 29-30 , the docking mechanism  404  includes a magnet  114 . The magnet  114  may be a single magnet or a plurality of magnets. The magnet  114  may be a disc magnet located in the docking mechanism  404  which attracts a ferromagnetic element (e.g. a steel disc) located in the removable hand shower  104  (e.g., a raised plate  417 ). The magnet  114  may be placed within the docking mechanism  404  such that the magnet  114  is behind the surface. The magnet  114  may be in the perimeter of the docking mechanism  404  (i.e., a rounded flange  419 ) in order to leave space for the removable hand shower  204  to be slightly inserted. For instance, the steel disc to which the magnet  114  is attracted, is located on a back surface of the spray face of the removable hand shower  204 , as illustrated in  FIG. 33  with the raised plate  417 . The raised plate  417  is sized and shaped to fit within the rounded flange  419  of the docking mechanism  404  and in operation, is aligned with the rounded flange  419  of the docking mechanism  404  until the magnets engage, thus allowing the magnet  114  to contact the steel disk while providing supplementary support. As such, a handle of the removable hand shower  204  is not used to dock. This allows for easy handling when removing and returning the removable hand shower  204  from the shower assembly  400  such that the inconvenience of placing a handle in a holder, tangling the hose, etc. is eliminated. The system could employ magnets in either one or both of the docking mechanism  404  or the removable hand shower  204 . [ 0067 ] The inlet assembly  206  includes an inlet end  218  for mounting to a wall/support and for receiving a water supply. A floating nut  408  is rotatably coupled to the inlet end  218  to allow some movement of the shower assembly  400  clockwise and counterclockwise. A pivot  410  operatively couples to the first and second arms  402 ,  406 , such that both arms rotate relative to the inlet end  218  in a fore-and-aft direction (i.e. front-to-back). The first and second arms  402 ,  406  extend from opposite sides of the pivot  410  and have a fixed configuration relative to each other (i.e., the first and second arms  402 ,  406  do not rotate separately). In this way, the showerhead  202  can tilt and the removable hand shower  204  may have around 10 degrees of rotation about an axis of the pivot  410 . As shown in  FIG. 19  with arrows, the removable hand shower  204  pivots rearward and upward as the showerhead  202  pivots forward and downward, and thus the removable hand shower  204  would pivot forward and downward as the showerhead  202  pivots rearward and upward. In this way, the locations of the showerhead  202  and removable hand shower  204  can be adjusted by a user. During any rotation, the removable hand shower  204  may be docked to the docking mechanism  404  and will remained docked, unless removed by the user. 
     A diverter valve  416  is located in the inlet assembly  206  to direct water between a first path, which supplies water to the showerhead  202 , and a second path, which supplies water to the removable hand shower  204 , generally in a manner as explained above in reference to other diverter valves. The diverter controller  412  is located on the side of the shower assembly  400 . A cross-sectional view of the diverter valve  416  is provided in  FIG. 28  wherein the optional water paths are illustrated. A diverter controller  412  ( FIG. 19 ) allows the user to select between water flowing to the showerhead  202 , to the removable hand shower  204 , or to both, by rotating the diverter controller  412 . For instance, when diverter controller  412  is rotated, a stopper mechanism  414  is rotated. The stopper mechanism has three opening which corresponds to the three path options. Due to openings, stopper mechanism  414  can block or release the water flow at the first and second outlets  129 ,  130 . As such, the diverter controller  412  can rotate only a set angle in either direction. Rotation of the diverter controller  412  is independent of rotation of the first and second arms  402 ,  406 . The selection the user is making may be indicated by a line or notch, for instance, lining up with indicator decals located on the shower assembly  400 . [ 0069 ] Thus, the present disclosure describes a shower assembly including a showerhead, a removable hand shower, and an inlet assembly. The shower assembly further includes a diverter valve, a rotational mechanism, and a docking member. Thus, the shower assembly can advantageously allow a user to selectively adjust the water flow path, the configuration of both the showerhead and the removable hand shower, and to have a greater range of motion by removing the removable hand shower from the shower assembly. 
     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 invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) 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. 
     The construction and arrangement of the elements as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. 
     Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. 
     Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. 
     While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. 
     Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. 
     Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. In some cases, the actions recited herein can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.