Patent Abstract:
Output of a showerhead system is selectable between a plurality of spray modes using a control mode selector located adjacent to a shower pipe. The showerhead system also includes an adjustment mechanism located near or about the shower pipe to pivotably adjust the position of the showerhead. The showerhead system also has dual support structures in the form of arms extending between the control mode selector and the showerhead. The dual arms each house one or more hoses that may be flexible and transport water from the mode selector can be adjusted to direct water to individual hoses or simultaneously to multiple hoses.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/947,733 entitled “Showerhead system” filed on 29 Nov. 2007, which claimed the benefit of U.S. provisional application. No. 60/867,778 entitled “Showerhead System” filed on 29 Nov. 2006 and U.S. provisional application No. 60/882,441 entitled “Low speed pulsating showerhead” filed on Dec. 28, 2006, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, as though fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The technology disclosed herein generally relates to a showerhead system and more particularly to a structure for distribution of water within a showerhead system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     With an increase in the popularity of showers, the demand for showerhead assemblies has also increased. Over the years, various designs have been developed to provide different functionality in showerhead systems. For example, one design may include a control mode selector located adjacent to a head portion of the showerhead system. When a user actuates a control knob or lever to transition from a first spray mode to a second spray mode, the entire showerhead system may be inadvertently repositioned. Other showerhead assemblies may include an adjusting device used to reposition a showerhead system relative to a connecting shower pipe. For example, some showerhead assemblies allow a user to reposition the showerhead by placing the adjustment device at an elbow of a support structure or adjacent to a showerhead. However, often the locations of the adjustment devices often require adjustment of multiple pieces to reposition the showerhead or the adjustment devices are located in ergonomically unfriendly positions for a user. Other designs result in showerhead assemblies with support structures that do not maintain a fixed position of the showerhead system under high water pressures. 
     The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of a showerhead system may include a support structure and a showerhead coupled to the support structure. The support structure may be adapted to couple to a shower pipe to receive water flow therefrom. The support structure may include a control mode selector, a first fluid channel, and a second fluid channel. The control mode selector may actuate between a first position that directs the water flow to the first fluid channel and a second position that directs the water flow to at least the second fluid channel. The showerhead system may receive and distribute the water flow to a user in a first spray mode associated with the first fluid channel or a second spray mode associated with at least the second fluid channel based on a selected position of the control mode selector. Additionally, the control mode selector may be located adjacent to the shower pipe such that it may be adjustably positioned relative to the shower pipe. 
     In another embodiment, a showerhead system may include a body portion and a head portion coupled to one end of the body portion. The other end of the body portion may be coupled to a shower pipe to receive water flow therefrom. The body portion may include a first support structure and a second support structure. At least one of the first support structure and the second support may include at least one fluid channel configured to receive and transport received water flow from the shower pipe. After the water flow is transported by the fluid channel, the head portion may receive the water flow to distribute to a user. 
     In still another embodiment, a showerhead system may include a head portion and a support structure having an adjustment mechanism. The head portion may receive water flow to distribute to a user. One end of the support structure may be coupled to the head portion; the other end of the support structure may be coupled to a shower pipe to receive the water flow therefrom. The support structure may transport the water flow to the head portion. The adjustment mechanism may be located adjacent to the shower pipe to allow pivotal movement along at least one axis of the support structure at the shower pipe. The adjustment mechanism may also positively lock the support structure in a user-adjusted position relative to the shower pipe about an axis. 
     In another embodiment, a showerhead system may include a showerhead configured to receive and distribute a water flow, a body support structure including a first end coupled to the showerhead and a second end configured for coupling to a shower pipe, and first and second flexible hoses housed within the body support structure. Each of the first and second flexible hoses may have first and second ends. The first ends of the first and second flexible hoses are operatively coupled to the showerhead and configured to transport the received water flow through the body support structure to the showerhead. The showerhead system may further include a control mode selector positioned in the body support structure operatively coupled to the second ends of the first and second flexible hoses and configured to receive the water flow from the shower pipe. The control mode selector may be configured to transition between a first position to direct the water flow to the first flexible hose and a second position to direct water flow to the second flexible hose. 
     In still another embodiment, the showerhead system may include a body portion configured for coupling to a shower pipe and operative to receive water flow therefrom. The body portion may include a first support structure housing a first hose having a first inlet end and a first outlet end and configured to transport the water flow from the shower pipe. The body portion may further include a second support structure housing a second hose having a second inlet end and a second outlet end and configured to transport the water flow from the shower pipe. The head portion may include a first pathway and a second pathway and define a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the first and second fluid pathways. The head portion may be coupled to the first and second support structures and operative to receive the water flow from at least one of the first or second hoses to distribute the water flow to the plurality of outlets. The first inlet end may be coupled to the body portion to receive the water flow and the first outlet end may be coupled to the first pathway of the head portion. The second inlet end may be coupled to the body portion to receive the water flow and the second outlet end may be coupled to the second pathway of the head portion. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary showerhead system. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the showerhead system in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a control mode selector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a global-sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 3  along line  6 - 6 . 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 6  along line  7 - 7 . 
         FIG. 8  is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 6  with the spool in a different position. 
         FIG. 9  is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 6  with the spool in a different position. 
         FIG. 10  is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 6  with the spool in a different position. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembled control mode selector of the present invention 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 11   
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view of a portion of the control mode selector in  FIG. 12  along line  14 - 14 . 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 12  along line  15 - 15  with a detent pin in a spray mode position. 
         FIG. 16  is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 12  with the detent pin in a different spray mode position. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustment device of the present invention 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded view the adjustment device in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of the adjustment device in  FIG. 18  showing a button biased outwardly in a locked position. 
         FIG. 20  is a side-sectional view of the adjustment device in  FIG. 17  along line  20 - 20  showing the button biased outwardly in the locked position. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the assembled adjustment device in  FIG. 18  showing the button in an actuated position. 
         FIG. 22  is a representative-sectional view of the adjustment device in  FIG. 21  with the button in the actuated position. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an alternative adjustment device. 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment device in  FIG. 23  along line  24 - 24 . 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded view of the adjustment device in  FIG. 23 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to the drawings, an exemplary showerhead system is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and is generally indicated by reference numeral  10 . The exemplary showerhead system may include a body support structure having dual arm support structures, a spray control mode selector located adjacent to the shower pipe, an adjustment mechanism located adjacent to the shower pipe or any combination of the above. Additionally, the showerhead system may include a control mode selector coupled to a plurality of water channels that may provide separate spray modes for a single showerhead, multiple showerheads, or a combination thereof. Still another aspect of the showerhead system may include an adjustment device coupling the showerhead system to the shower pipe such that the showerhead system may pivot in a single direction or in multiple directions. Yet another aspect of the showerhead system may include a control mode selector directing the water flow to one or more outlets, where the outlets may be arranged so that their axes lie on a single plane or multiple planes. 
     The following paragraphs provide a more detailed description of the present invention.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary showerhead system  10 .  FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the showerhead system  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the exemplary showerhead system  10  may include a head portion  12  and a body support structure portion  14 . The body portion  14  is coupled at a first end  16  to the head portion  12  and at a second end  18  to a shower pipe  20  to receive water flow therefrom. The head portion receives the water flow from the body portion to distribute to a user. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the head portion  12  may include an upper shell portion  22 , a head assembly  24 , and a connecting ring or cover  26 . The connecting ring  26  couples the head assembly  24  to the upper shell portion  22 . A surface  28  of the head assembly defines a plurality of nozzle configurations  30  for various shower modes. 
     The upper shell portion  22  may be molded from a lightweight polymeric material, such as plastic, or more specifically an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic or any suitable thermoplastic known to those in the art. The upper shell portion  22  and the head assembly  24  may be made from a plurality of molded pieces adapted to fit together. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the upper shell portion  22  of the head portion  12  and the head assembly  24  may be connected together using the cover  26 . The cover  26  may include grooves  32  that correspond to outermost edges of flat portions  33  of the upper shell portion  22  and lower shell portion  34 . The cover  26  provides for a uniform connection between the upper and the lower shell portions  22 ,  34  as well as helps to hold the upper and lower shell portions together. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the head assembly  24  may include any conventional head assembly that is configured to receive a water flow and distribute it to a user in one of a plurality of different spray modes. The head assembly  24  may include a fluid connecting inlet port  36  to receive the water flow from the body portion  14 . The inlet port  36  directs the water flow through a water pathway to a specific set of nozzles  30  to distribute in a specific spray mode or configuration. More specifically, the head assembly  24  may include a plurality of inlet ports  40 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the head assembly  24  includes four fluid connecting inlet ports  40  to receive and direct the water flow. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the plurality of nozzle configurations  30  receive the water flow and distribute the water flow to a user. The head assembly  24  may include four specific nozzle configurations  30 . Each nozzle configuration  30  may be associated with one of the inlet ports  40 . Additionally, each nozzle configuration  30  distributes the water flow to a user in a different spray mode. 
     Again referring to  FIG. 2 , the body support structure portion  14  may include an upper housing  42  coupled to a lower housing  44 , a gasket  46 , and a control mode selector  48 . The gasket  46  may be coupled between the upper and lower housings  42 ,  44  to seal and prevent fluid leaks and unwanted noise from occurring via the upper and lower housings  42 ,  44 . The control mode selector  48  may be coupled to the shower pipe  20 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , to receive the water flow therefrom. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the upper housing  42  may be rigid and is an upper portion of a first arm support structure  50 , a second arm support structure  52 , and a base portion  54 . Likewise, the lower housing  44  may be rigid and is a mating structure to the upper housing  42 . The lower housing  44  is a lower portion of the first arm support structure  50 , the second arm support structure  52 , and the base portion  54 . 
     The upper and lower housings  42 ,  44  are preferably made from a light weight polymeric material or the like, such as a plastic material or more specifically an ABS plastic, or any suitable thermoplastic known to those in the art. The upper and lower housings  42 ,  44  may be made from a plurality of molded pieces adapted to fit together. Additionally, the upper housing  42  and the upper shell portion  22  may be molded or welded forming a single piece or they may be separate pieces. 
     The upper and lower housings  42 ,  44  may be connected together using any coupling means including adhesives, welds, and/or fasteners. When coupled, the upper and lower housings  42 ,  44  form the first arm support structure  50 , the second arm support structure  52 , and the base portion  54 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first and second arm support structures  50 ,  52  are elongated stems that extend between the head portion  12  and the base portion  54 . The first and second arm support structures  50 ,  52  provide a dual support structure to maintain and hold the head portion  12  in a fixed position relative to the support structure. The elongated stems may be straight, curved, or segmented straight portions offset at angles, or any suitable shape. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , at least one of the first and second arm support structures  50 ,  52  may include at least one fluid channel  56  to transport the received water flow to at least one valve  40  of the head assembly  24 . More specifically, each of the first and second arm support structures  50 ,  52  may include a plurality of fluid channels  56 . For example, the plurality of fluid channels  56  may include a first fluid channel  58  and a second fluid channel  60 . 
     In one embodiment, the fluid channels  56  may be flexible water hoses or conduits that are seated within molded ribs  66  and/or gussets (not shown) of the first and second arm support structures  50 ,  52 . Alternatively, the fluid channels  56  may be molded and/or welded channels formed in the upper and lower housings  42 ,  44 . As best shown in  FIG. 2 , a first end  62  of each of the fluid channels  56  may be coupled to at least one inlet port  40  of the head assembly  24 . A second end  64  of each of the fluid channels  46  may be coupled to the control mode selector  48 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base portion  54  may be located at the second end  18  of the body support structure portion  14 . In the exemplary embodiment, the base portion  54  has an oblong-like shape; however, the base portion may incorporate any suitable shape. The base portion also includes an orifice or aperture  70  in which the control mode selector  48  resides. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3-5 , a more detailed discussion of the control mode selector will now be disclosed. In  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the control mode selector  48  is provided. In  FIG. 4  a bottom view of the control mode selector  48  is provided.  FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the control mode selector  48 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the control mode selector  48  may direct the water flow to one or more fluid channels  56  for transport to the head assembly  24 . As described herein, the control mode selector  48  forms part of the water passage of the water flow from the shower pipe  20  to the inlet ports  56  of the head assembly  24  for distribution to a user. 
     Referring the  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the control mode selector  48  may be constructed using several elements. The control mode selector  48  may include a fluid distributing assembly  72  and an attachment mechanism  74 . The fluid distributing assembly  72  may be coupled to the attachment mechanism  74 . The attachment mechanism  74  may, in turn, coupled to the shower pipe (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the attachment mechanism  74  may include a pivot ball unit  76  that has a spherical ball shaped portion  78 , a coupling portion  80  extending from the ball shaped portion  78 , and a collar that may couple the pivot ball unit  76  to the fluid distributing assembly  72 . The coupling portion  80  may include a threaded inner surface  82  configured to fixedly couple with the shower pipe  20 , while allowing the showerhead system  10  to pivot on the ball portion  78  of the pivot ball unit  76 . When the threaded inner surface  82  of the pivot ball unit  76  is screwed onto the shower pipe, the pivot ball unit  76  receives the water flow therefrom. The water flow travels through a water chamber  86  that extends a length of the pivot ball unit. 
     A seal (not shown) may be coupled between the threaded inner surface  82  and a shower pipe to prevent leaks from occurring between the shower pipe and the threaded portion  82 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the collar  88  is adjustably coupled to the ball shaped portion  78 . The collar  88  includes a first end  90 , a second end  92 , and an aperture  94  that extends from the first end  90  to the second end  92 . As best shown in  FIG. 6 , an inner surface  96  of the aperture  94  includes an angled friction edge  98  that is located at the first end  90  and a threaded surface  100  extends from about the angled friction edge  98  to the second end  92 . The angled friction edge  98  remains in contact about a lower sectional  102  of the ball shaped portion  78  of the pivot ball unit  76 . The threaded surface  100  couples to a mating threaded surface  104  of the fluid distributing assembly  72 . 
     After a user pivotally adjusts the collar  88  relative to the pivot ball unit  76  to a desired location and position, the threaded surface  100  of the collar  88  is screwed onto the mating threaded surface  82  of the fluid distributing assembly  72 . This causes the angled friction edge  98  to tightly grip and press the ball shaped portion  78  of the pivot ball unit  76  against a seal  106  and a surface  108  within the fluid distributing assembly  72  to prevent the pivot ball unit from easily moving relative to the shower pipe. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the fluid distributing assembly  72  receives the water flow from the pivot ball unit  76  and directs the water flow to at least one of the water channels  56 . The fluid distributing assembly  72  may have a generally cylinder-like shape and may snuggly fit within the aperture  70  of the base portion  54  of the body support structure portion  14 . The fluid distributing assembly  72  includes a distributor housing  110 , a distributor spool  112  rotatably coupled within the distributor housing, an end cap  114 , and a control knob  116  coupled to the distributor spool  112 . 
     Referring primarily to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the distributor housing  110  may define a central recess  120  having an exit port  118  formed through a wall of the distributor housing  110  and communicating therewith. The exit  118  may take the form of a barbed ribbed nozzle. The exit port  118  may allow fluid to pass out of the housing and into an attached water channel  56 . More specifically, the distributor housing  110  may include a plurality of exit ports  122 , and each exit port may be designated a specific spray mode position or nozzle configuration  30 . This allows the fluid distributing assembly  72  to direct water flow to one or more nozzle configurations  30 . Each spray mode position relates to a specific spray mode that will be used by the head assembly to distribute the water flow to a user. The end cap  114  fits over an end of the distributor housing to enclose the recess  120 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the distributor spool  112  may be rotatably received in the central recess  120  of the distributor housing  110 . The distributor spool  112  may have a shape that corresponds to an interior surface of the central recess  120 , but nonetheless is allowed to rotate therein relative to the distributor housing  110 . A stem  126  extends from the distributor spool  112  and through a central opening  124  of the end cap  114 . The stem  126  may provide a means of rotating the distributor spool  112  within the recess  120 . The control knob  116  may be attached to the stem  126  extending from the distributor spool  112 . The control knob  116  allows a user to turn the distributor spool  112  within the distributor housing  110  to a select spray mode. The distributor spool  112  may also include a plurality of annular seals  127  positioned around its periphery to protect against water leaking out between the distributor spool and the distributor housing. 
     The distributor spool  112  defines a central chamber  128  extending axially along its length. The central chamber  128  forms part of a water flow path extending from the pivot ball unit  76  to a second chamber  130 . The second chamber  130  may be formed to extend from the central chamber  128  to an outer surface  132  of the distributor spool  112 . The second chamber  130  may be associated with the central chamber  128  through a bore  134 . A bottom wall  133  of the second chamber in which the bore  134  is formed creates a shoulder  136 . 
     Referring  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a valve seal  138  may be positioned in the second chamber  130 . The valve seal  138  directs the water flowing through the distributing spool  112  into one of the exit ports  118  without leaking to an adjacent exit port or into the housing recess  120 . The valve seal  138  may have cup-shaped with an aperture  140  formed in a base of the cup. The valve seal  138  may be positioned in the second chamber  130  with the cup facing downwardly as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIGS. 7-10  show the distributor spool  112  and the distributor housing  110  of the fluid distributor assembly  72  in cross-sectional views.  FIGS. 7-10  show the distributor spool  112  and the distributor housing  110  of the fluid distributor assembly  72  in cross-sectional views. More specifically,  FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 6  along line  7 - 7 .  FIG. 8  is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 6  with the spool in a different position.  FIG. 9  is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 6  with the spool in a selected position.  FIG. 10  is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 6  with the spool in another position. 
     Shown best in  FIGS. 7-10 , a spring  142  may be positioned between the bottom wall  133  of the second chamber  130  and a base  143  of the cup-shaped valve seal  138  to bias the valve seal  138  outwardly against the inner wall of the distributor housing  110 . The valve seal  138  may be made of a compliant material capable of creating a relatively watertight seal in this scenario. 
     An annular seal member  148  may be circumferentially positioned around a wall of the valve seal  138  to create a seal with the walls of the second chamber  130  in the distributing spool  112  to reduce leakage of water into the recess of the distributor housing  110 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the second chamber  112  of the distributor spool  112  may be aligned with a specific exit port  118 . In this position, the valve seal  138  may be biased by the spring  142  around the circumference of the exit port  118  to form a seal therewith. The engagement of the valve seal  138  with the inner wall of the distributor housing  110  is sufficient to create a water seal, but not so forceful as to significantly impede the rotation of the distributor spool  112  within the distributor housing. Water can flow through the central chamber  128  of the distributor spool  112 , into the second chamber  130  of the distributor spool  112 , through the valve seal, and through the exit port of the distributor housing. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 5 , an apron structure  152  may be formed on the outer surface of the spool around the second chamber  130 . The apron structure  152  has many purposes. Referring again to  FIG. 7 , one purpose of the apron structure  152  may be to facilitate a close fit and allow the distributor spool  112  to sufficiently contact the sidewalls of the central recess  120  to support the rotation of the distributor spool  112  therein. Now referring to  FIG. 9 , another purpose of the apron structure  152  may be to form spool shoulders on opposing edges of the apron, each of which engages a corresponding recess shoulder  158  of the distributor housing  110  to limit the rotation of the distributor spool  112  within the housing recess  120  (see  FIGS. 7-10 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-10 , the valve seal  138  may be position in a plurality of positions. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the valve seal  138  may be positioned adjacent a single exit port  118  of the distributor housing  110  as stated above.  FIG. 8  illustrates the distributor spool  112  reoriented in another position, such that the valve seal may be transitioned from one exit port  118  to another exit port  118 . As best shown in  FIG. 9 , the valve seal  138  may be positioned partially out of alignment with a selected port  118  to reduce the water flow through the selected exit port  118 .  FIG. 10  shows the distributor spool  112  reoriented in the housing recess  120  to a position between exit ports  118 , which directs the water flow out of both exit ports  118 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-16 , another embodiment of a control mode selector  300  is provided. The control mode selector  300  may include similar features and/or functions of the previously mentioned embodiment of the control mode selector  48 , unless otherwise stated. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of an assembled control mode selector  300 .  FIG. 12  is a side view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 14  is a sectional view of a portion of the control mode selector in  FIG. 12  along line  14 - 14 .  FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 12  along line  15 - 15  with a detent pin in a spray mode position.  FIG. 16  is a representative-sectional view of the control mode selector in  FIG. 12  with the detent pin in a different spray mode position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-13 , the control mode selector  300  may include a detent characteristic to provide for a tactile feel to a user, which indicates to the user that the control knob has transitioned from one spray mode position to another spray mode position. As shown best in  FIG. 13 , an end cap  302  may include a plurality of recesses or detents  304 , such as one for each spray mode position. Referring to  FIGS. 13-14 , the distributor spool  112  may include a cavity  308  having a spring  310  that biases a pin  311  against one of the recesses  304  formed in the end cap  302 . In this configuration, the end cap  304  is shown attaching to a distributor housing  312  with one or more screws  314 . Any type of attachment means will do, however. 
     As a control knob  316  is turned by a user, the distributor spool  306  rotates within the distributor housing  312 . As the pin  311  leaves one detent, the spring  310  is depressed into the cavity  308 . When the pin  311  reaches another detent, the pin  311  may be biased again into a selected detent. This is best shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 .  FIG. 15  shows the plurality of detent positions  304  and the pin  311  in dashed lines, as the pin  311  is biased outwardly in one of the detent positions.  FIG. 16  shows the pin between detents where the pin is actuated into the distributor spool. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , a valve seal  318  has a different shape than that shown embodiment while performing the same function of valve seal  138 . In  FIG. 13 , the valve seal  318  is oval with a grid of openings  320  formed therethrough. An upper surface  320  of the valve seal  318  may be curved to match an inner surface  322  of the distributor housing  312  for a close, sealed fit. The grid of openings  320  found in the upper surface  322  has three (3) rows of three (3) openings. When centered on an exit port  326 , such as in  FIG. 15 , the outer two column openings on either end of the valve seal are closed. Water then flows only through a portion of the exit port aligned with the valve seal. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , a valve seal  318  has a different shape than that shown embodiment while performing the same function of valve seal  138 . In  FIG. 13 , the valve seal  318  is oval with a grid of openings  320  formed therethrough. An upper surface  320  of the valve seal  318  may be curved to match an inner surface  322  of the distributor housing  312  for a close, sealed fit. The valve seal  318  may be biased outwardly against the inner surface  322  of the distributor housing  312  by a spring  324 . The grid of openings  320  found in the upper surface  322  has three (3) rows of three (3) openings. When centered on an exit port  326 , such as in  FIG. 15 , the outer two column openings on either end of the valve seal are closed. Water then flows only through a portion of the exit port aligned with the valve seal. 
       FIGS. 17-22  disclose an alternative attachment mechanism  400  that may be substituted for the pivot ball unit  76  shown in  FIG. 1 . More specifically,  FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the adjustment device  400 .  FIG. 18  is an exploded view the adjustment device in  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 19  is a side view of the adjustment device in  FIG. 17  showing a button biased outwardly in a locked position.  FIG. 20  is a side-sectional view of the adjustment device in  FIG. 17  along line  20 - 20  showing the button biased outwardly in the locked position.  FIG. 21  is a side view of the assembled adjustment device in  FIG. 17  showing the button in an actuated position.  FIG. 22  is a representative-sectional view of the adjustment device in  FIG. 21 . The attachment mechanism  400  of the current embodiment may be included along with similar features and/or functions of previously mentioned embodiments of the showerhead system  10 , unless otherwise stated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17-18 , the adjustment device  400  may include a locking structure  404  and an attaching structure  406  coupled to the locking structure  404 . The attaching structure  406  may also be coupled to a shower pipe. The locking structure  404  may also be coupled to the showerhead system  10 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 18 , the locking structure  404  may include a locking base  408  and a locking swivel  410 . The locking base  408  includes a first leg  412  and a second leg  414 . The first leg  412  and the second leg  414  define a generally L-shaped body  411  having a central recess. An end of each leg  412 ,  414  of the body  411  defines an aperture. A first aperture  416  is an inlet aperture, which is arranged to couple with the attaching structure  406  as is described in more detail below. A second aperture  418  is a button aperture for receiving a button  420  to actuate a locking mechanism  422 , also described in more detail below. A third recess  423  may be formed at an intersection of the L-shape for correspondingly mating with the locking swivel  410 . A first annular set of gear teeth  424  are formed adjacent the button aperture  418 . The gear teeth  424  extend axially away from the button aperture  418 . An annular groove  426  may formed around the perimeter of the button aperture  418  for receiving a portion of the button  420 , described in more detail below. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 18 , the locking swivel  410  also defines a generally L-shaped body  428  having a central chamber  430 . The locking swivel may include a first leg  432  and a second leg  434 . An end of each leg  432 ,  434  of the body  428  defines an aperture. A first aperture  436  is the outlet aperture for attaching to a base portion of a showerhead system (not shown). A second aperture  438  may be used to anchor a post  440  that extends through the central bore  430 . A third aperture  439  may be formed at the intersection of the L-shape for correspondingly mating with the locking base  408 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 18 and 20 , the locking base  408  and the locking swivel  410  are rotatably engaged with one another about a sealed juncture  442 . The sealed juncture may take the form of a rim  443  on the locking swivel  410  along with an annular seal structure  444 , such as an o-ring. The rim  443  and the o-ring  444  insert into the third aperture  439  of the locking base  408  to form the rotatable sealed engagement. 
     Again referring to FIGS.  18  and  20 - 22 , the post  440  extends into the central chamber  430  of the locking swivel  410  and through into the central recess  418  of the locking base  408 . The post  440  may be attached to an anchor cap  448  that is anchored to the locking swivel  410  at the anchor aperture  438 . The anchor cap  448  encloses the anchor aperture  438 . The post  440  may be rotatably stable with respect to the locking swivel  410 . As best shown in  FIG. 18 , a distal end  450  of the post  440 , adjacent to and received in the locking base  408 , defines at an elongated key slot  452 . More specifically, the post  440  may include a plurality of elongated key slots  452 . 
     Still referring to FIGS.  18  and  20 - 22 , a locking ring  454  may be slidingly received on the distal end  450  of the post  440 . The locking ring  454  may be generally tubular in shape with a central aperture  456 . The locking ring  454  may include at least one key (not shown) extending radially along an inner surface of the locking ring  454  for insertion into the elongated key slot on the post  440 . This allows the locking ring  454  to slide along the post  440  for the length of the slots  452  while rotationally fixing the locking ring  454  relative to the post  440 . The locking ring  454  has two diameters. A first diameter  458  at a base  459  of the locking ring  454  may be larger than a second diameter  460  of a stem  462  of the locking ring. At the transition wall between the two diameters  460 ,  462 , a second annular set of gear teeth  464  may be formed extending axially toward the stem  462 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-20 , a spring  466  may be positioned around the post  440 . The spring  466  may engage one end the anchor cap  448  and the base  459  of the locking ring  454 . The spring  466  may bias the locking ring  454  toward the distal end  450  of the post  440 . An annular seal member  468  may be positioned around the stem  462  of the locking ring  454  to create a seal between the stem  462  and an internal wall of the locking base  408  into which the stem is received. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19-22 , the button  420  having an axially extending rim  470  fits into the button aperture  418  on the locking base  408 . The rim  470  fits into the annular groove  426  defining the button aperture  418 , which allows the button  420  to move axially in the button aperture relative to the locking base. The stem  462  of the locking ring  454  may engage an interior side of the button, so that the button and the locking ring move as one unit. 
     When the above mentioned units are assembled together, as best shown in  FIGS. 20 and 22 , the locking ring  454  may be positioned on the post  440  adjacent the button aperture  418  in the locking base  408 . The spring  466  biases the second set of gear teeth  464  into engagement with the first set of gear teeth  424  on the locking base  408  to rotationally lock the two halves of the locking structure  404  together and prohibit any rotational movement between the locking swivel and the locking base. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , in order to disengage the sets of gear teeth  424 ,  464  and allow movement between the locking swivel  410  and the locking base  408 , a user may push the button  420  inwardly into the button aperture  418 , against the force of the spring  466 . This movement disengages the two sets of gear teeth  424 ,  464  and allows the locking swivel  410  to rotate relative to the locking base  408 . When the desired position is attained, a user disengages the button and the spring biases the locking ring along the length of the post so the second set of gear teeth engage the first set of gear teeth and rotationally fix the locking swivel to the locking base, and thus the orientation of the showerhead system. 
     Still referring to FIGS.  18  and  20 - 22 , the attachment structure  406  is used to affix the showerhead system to a shower pipe. The attachment structure  406  may include a locking nut  480 , a flow adaptor and/or restrictor  482 , and a flow restrictor seal  482 . The locking nut  480  defines a central cavity  486  with one end treaded for attachment to the locking base  408 . 
     Again referring to  FIGS. 20 and 22 , the adapter  482  may be received within a central cavity  486  of the locking nut  480  above its thread portion  488  and abut against a floor of the central cavity  486 . This abutment prevents the adapter  482  from existing the locking nut  480  once attached to a shower pipe. The adapter  482  also includes an aperture  490  having a thread portion  492 , such that the adapter  482  is coupled to a shower pipe via the thread portion  492  of the aperture  490 . The aperture  490  may form a water channel that defines part of a water passage for the water flow to travel from the shower pipe to the showerhead system that distributes the water flow for distribution to a user. The adapter may include a restrictor portion  494  to prevent fluids from reentering the shower pipe. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 20 , the locking nut  480  will now be discussed. The threaded recess  488  of the locking nut  480  may be received via a threaded portion  500  of the locking base  408  in order to affix the locking nut  480  to the locking base  408 . More specifically, the locking nut  480  may engage the external threads  500  on the inlet end of the locking base to secure the locking base to the locking nut and to trap the flow adapter  482  between the locking nut and the locking base. This structure effectively allows a showerhead system may be easily removed and replaced without removing the flow adapter and/or restrictor  482  from a shower pipe. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 18 , the flow adapter  482  may also have external features  506  to mate with corresponding features of the locking base  408  to keep the locking base from rotating relative to the shower pipe. For instance, the outer surface of the inner end of the flow restrictor defines a series of axial grooves formed around the perimeter of the adapter  482 . An interior surface of the inlet end  416  of the locking base  408  defines corresponding keys (not shown) to fit in the grooves  506  to keep the locking base from rotating with respect to the flow restrictor. Other structures having the same function are contemplated. 
       FIGS. 23-25  disclose a second alternative attachment mechanism  600  that may be substituted for the attachment mechanism  74 . More specifically,  FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the adjustment device  600 .  FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the adjustment device  600 .  FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment device in  FIG. 23  along line  24 - 24 .  FIG. 25  is an exploded view of the adjustment device  600 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23-25 , the attachment mechanism  600  may include a pivot ball assembly  602 , a retaining ring or collar  604 , and a regulator assembly  606 . The pivotal ball assembly  602  and the collar  604  may include similar features and functions of the pivot ball unit  76  and the collar  88 , unless otherwise stated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 24-25 , the pivot ball assembly  602  may include a coupling insert  608  and a pivot ball  610  that receives the coupling insert  608 . As best shown in  FIG. 24 , a threaded inner surface  612  of the coupling insert  608  may be couple with a corresponding thread surface  614  of a shower pipe  615 . The coupling insert may include a plurality of gear teeth  616  that may engage and correspond with a plurality of gear teeth  618  located on an inner surface of the pivot ball  610 . 
     Again referring to  FIGS. 24-25 , the pivot ball may include a spherical ball shaped body  620  that corresponds to a receiving aperture  617  of a distributor housing  619 . The distributor housing  619  may include the similar features and/or functions as the distributor housing  110  as described above. A seal  622  may be seated between a surface of the pivot ball and a surface of the distributor housing in order to provide a seal to prevent water leakage. This pivot ball assembly  602 , when compared to the pivot ball unit  76 , uses less material while maintaining all the functional benefits of the pivot ball unit  76 . 
     The regulator assembly  606  may include a filter screen  624  and a regulator portion  626 . The regulator assembly  606  may include any conventional regulator assembly that provides the functionality described above. The filter screen  624  may be a rigid or flexible member that separates contaminants and other fine particles out of the water flow. The filter screen may include a threaded portion that screws into a corresponding second inner threaded portion of the coupling insert  608 . The regulator  626  may reside within the filter screen and positioned between the filter screen and the coupling insert  608 . The regulator control the flow of fluid received a shower pipe. 
     The collar  604  may include the same and/or similar features as discussed above for the collar  88 . The collar  604  may couple the pivot ball assembly  602  to the distributor housing of a control selector mode (not shown). A seal  630  may be positioned between a surface of the collar  604  and the pivot ball assembly  602  in order to provide to prevent water leakage. The collar may include an adjusting guide that extends from an outer surface of the collar to allow a user to easily tighten or loosen the collar from a distributor housing. 
     While specific examples have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various examples is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements and/or functions of one example may be incorporated into another example as appropriate, unless described otherwise, above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1