Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the priority of provisional application Ser. No. 60/633,903, filed Mar. 21, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The current technology for massaging showerheads uses internal valves in the showerhead operated via water pressure. One design involves the use of a turbine wheel inside the showerhead which will spin when water is directed into it. The turbine is connected to or has small holes in it that cause it to act like a rotary valve that opens and closes a water passage as it spins around. The resulting water output is a pulsating stream of water, which produces a massaging action. A variation of the turbine involves connecting individual nozzles to a turbine wheel or an eccentric shape which, when water comes in contact with it, either wiggle or spin. This motion is transferred to the water tip, causing them to wiggle, thus providing a water stream that oscillates in one plane. The resulting water stream appears to be rotating or moving, providing a massaging effect to the user. The problem with these and other similar designs is that the use of water pressure or flow as the means for energy to actuate a valve or rotate a water nozzle causes the effectiveness to be dependent on water pressure. To increase the strength of the massage, the user would need to increase the pressure of water and or flow, which has the downside that high water pressure comes into contact with the user&#39;s skin, which can be uncomfortable. In addition, the valve mechanism or rotating mechanism spins faster so that the time between pulses decreases, which reduces the initial desired effect of pulsating water. If the time between pulses is reduced too much, the user effectively loses the pulsating sensation, instead sensing a regular or disturbed water flow. On the other hand, if the user wants to reduce the speed of the massager, it can only be accomplished by reducing the flow and or pressure to the driving mechanism. This reduces the rotational speed and increases the time between pulses, however, the water pressure may be reduced below an effective threshold for producing a massaging sensation. In addition, if the user has low water pressure, the overall desired effect of any water driven mechanism is reduced significantly to the point that it may not work at all.  
         [0003]     Accordingly, the need remains for an alternate drive mechanism for use in a showerhead for providing controllability of multiple components of the massaging action. The present invention is directed to such a showerhead.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The aforementioned problems are solved and improvements to the massaging effect are provided by the use of miniature battery-powered electric motors or solenoids to actuate valving, rotate nozzles, or actuate nozzles in various axes or planes of motion. Because such electric solenoids and motors are very small and operate with low power consumption, the inventive showerhead can be compact while possessing long battery life. Optionally, the device can be hardwired if desired, using a very low voltage, DC current from a converter plugged into an electrical outlet located at a safe distance from the shower stall. Among the advantages of the inventive showerhead design are that the water pressure is irrelevant to the actuation or energy required to provide the massaging action. This addresses a problem in some areas that have low water pressure, which in the past had been prevented from using massaging showerheads. In addition, the pulsing of the water can be virtually infinitely adjusted to produce the precise massaging effect desired by the user. Where a rotational mechanism is used, the rotational speed of the nozzle or showerhead can be adjusted to the desired speed regardless of water pressure or flow. In an alternate embodiment, an energy storage bladder or piston can be disposed between the water source and the valve body so that a slight pressure build-up occurs during the periods when the valve mechanism is closed. When the valve re-opens the initial release of water will have increased pressure for a more desirable massaging effect. This feature is particularly advantageous in areas that have low water pressure.  
         [0005]     In an exemplary embodiment, the pulsating spinning showerhead comprises a water inlet; a plurality of water channels for distributing water from the water inlet; a plurality of spray nozzles for receiving water from the plurality of water channels, each spray nozzle for projecting a water stream out of the showerhead; at least one valve for controlling water flow to the plurality of spray nozzles; at least one micro-motor for alternating activation of the at least one valve so that the plurality of spray nozzles receive water in cycles to produce a pulsating output of water; and at least one low voltage power source for providing power to operate the at least one micro-motor. In the preferred embodiment, the power source is one or more batteries. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of a first embodiment of a showerhead according to the present invention;  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary multi-solenoid valve arrangement within the inventive showerhead in which each solenoid is connected to a microcontroller;  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view of an alternative rotary valve embodiment;  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention incorporating a micro-controller for controller a solenoid valve;  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment having multiple valves in which each valve is driven by a single electric motor;  
         [0011]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment having gear driven valves and a spray nozzle for directing the spray pattern in a circle;  
         [0012]      FIG. 7   a, b  and  c  are diagrammatic views of alternative configurations for increasing pulse pressure from a spray nozzle;  
         [0013]      FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of the showerhead having an eccentric cam mechanism for producing a wiggle spray;  
         [0014]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly of the showerhead;  
         [0016]      FIG. 11  is perspective view of a showerhead in a housing.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0017]     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of the inventive showerhead  2  utilizes a mini- or micro-electric motor  10  to drive, either directly or through a gear reduction, by gear  12 , the face plate  14  of the showerhead causing it to rotate. As illustrated drive gear assembly  11  transfers rotational force from motor  10  to gear  12 . Water is introduced through water inlet  16  and into an interior cavity or manifold  13  within face plate  14 . A plurality of nozzles  18  is disposed in or on the outer surface of face plate  14  to release streams of water that rotate as manifold  13  and plate  14  rotate, producing a massaging action. In the more detailed illustration in  FIG. 9 , water entering through inlet  16  is directed into manifold  13  which distributes the water to nozzles  18 . The manifold  13  and nozzles  18  rotate with along with face plate  14 , as does the axial tube  15 . Axial tube  15  is connected to inlet  16  by way of a rotating joint that permits water to flow continuously while axial tube  15  rotates relative to inlet  16 .  
         [0018]     Miniature and micro-motors are commercially available and are widely used in toys, consumer electronics and vehicles, among other applications. Preferably, the motor is a DC electric motor connected to one or more small, e.g., A or AAA batteries  8 , or multiple Ni-Cad batteries or other small camera or calculator batteries capable of generating sufficient voltage to drive the motor. Motor  10  and batteries  8  are retained within a separate, waterproof chamber  17 . A button (not shown) or other appropriate switch on the side of the showerhead is electrically connected to the motor  10  so that, when activated, the face  14  of the showerhead rotates. Preferably, the button will be protected under a flexible, water-resistant cover to prevent water intrusion into the conductors of the circuitry. A speed control device may be connected, either in combination with the button, e.g., a knob or toggle switch with multiple settings, or a separate knob or switch in line with the button, to allow the user to adjust the rotations per minute to his or her own preference. The speed control device may be simply a rheostat or other voltage level controller, but is preferably a programmable microcontroller with appropriate interface microcircuitry that provides control signals to the motor. The microcontroller can be used in conjunction with different combinations of electric solenoids and motors to provide programmable variability of operation for different timing of the opening and closing of valves, rotational speed, delays and pauses, among others. Optionally, an LCD or LED display screen can be connected to the microcontroller to provide a display of selections made during programming.  
         [0019]     This same rotating gear concept can be applied for individually rotating each spray nozzle within a showerhead. The independent operations allows the creation of various patterns rotating in a different combinations. In this embodiment, a gear assembly is provided in which a single motor drives the gears for each nozzle. If desired, the gear ratios can be selected to drive each nozzle at a different rotational speed. Alternatively, a separate motor may be used for each nozzle, allowing the nozzles to be rotated separately and with different speeds or patterns.  
         [0020]     In an alternate embodiment, actuation of the nozzles and or the outer portion of the showerhead can be moved using linear actuators with either electric solenoids or electric motors and the corresponding gear sets to cause the individual spray nozzles to move back and forth and or cause the outer portion of the showerhead to move back and forth, pivoting from a central axis point and or rotating back and forth.  
         [0021]     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , solenoid valves  22  are alternately activated to release water from manifold  21  through corresponding nozzles to create a pulsing effect. Activation of the solenoid valves  22  is controlled by microcontroller  24  which is programmable to provide any number of pulsing patterns that may be selected by the user. The solenoids  22  and microcontroller  24  are powered by battery  26 . In an alternate configuration, a single solenoid valve  42  is activated to release pulsed water into manifold  41  and out through nozzles  48 . Microcontroller  44  is programmable to control activation of solenoid valve  42  to produce a variety of different pulsing actions in the water released through nozzles. Again, the solenoid  42  and microcontroller are powered by battery  26 .  
         [0022]     In another embodiment, an electric motor can be used to actuate valving that can cause a pulsing effect of the water. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , an electric motor  30  can be used to spin a rotary valve  32  to alternately open water ports  34 , causing pulsed water to be emitted from the showerhead.  FIG. 5  provides an alternate configuration to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , where motor  50  controls a separate valve  52  corresponding to each nozzle, allowing the output water streams to be alternated in various patterns to create the desired massaging effect.  
         [0023]     In the preferred version the electric motor and or valves are located within the showerheads traditional enclosure. In another embodiment the electrical components can be mounted in a casing to the exterior of a traditional showerhead enclosure, this can offer benefits to space issues and provide room for additional motors, batteries, or microcontrollers.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment with an asymmetric nozzle  68  that can create a circular spray pattern when the nozzle is rotated. Motor  60  drives gear  62 , which is disposed around the nozzle inlet side  67 . Nozzle inlet side  67  is retained within a swivel joint  63  allowing the nozzle inlet side  67  to rotate around its central axis  65 . The asymmetric nozzle  68  traces a circular pattern. Multiple such nozzle assemblies can be disposed within a single showerhead that can optionally include another motor for separately rotating the face plate. In addition, valves may be included upstream of each nozzle inlet  67  to provide pulsing action to the water. The showerhead can incorporate a combination of the same or different nozzle assemblies in which some of the nozzles rotate, wobble, move linearly, while others remain stationary. The various combinations can be applied to achieve the most desirable sensation to the user.  
         [0025]     Optionally, an LED can be incorporated into the showerhead to provide visual effects for stimulation or relaxation as the showerhead is spinning, moving, or oscillating. This light may also be used to provide subdued lighting to illuminate the interior of the shower stall.  
         [0026]     Another advantage of being able to control the pulsations of water independently of the water pressure and/or flow is that an energy/water storage device can be incorporated upstream of the valve for each spray nozzle outlet to produces a capacitive effect of briefly storing the water until the volume is full and the valve is opened downstream. In one embodiment, an expandable volume is provided by way of a flexible bladder, as shown in  FIG. 7   a . When the valve  72  is closed, water continues to enter inlet  71 , filling the flexible bladder  74 . Bladder  74  expands and builds pressure so that when the valve  72  is opened, the stored water is released from nozzle  78  as a pulse at a greater pressure than would be available under a continuous flow operation.  FIG. 7   b  illustrates an second possible configuration using an expandable air bladder  75  to fill the storage volume  73 . Storage volume  73  is filled when valve  72  closes, compressing air bladder  75 . When the downstream valve  72  is opened to release water through the nozzle  78 , air bladder  75  expands to provide additional pressure. In the embodiment of  FIG. 7   c , a temporary blockage is created using a piston  77  that blocks the water stream under the valve  72  is released. In each of the embodiments of  FIGS. 7   a - c , as a microcontroller or motor causes the valves to open and close to control the water flow, the back pressure surge of water with the valve closed causes a momentary spike in water pressure causing this increase in energy to be stored in the rubber material, air bladder or air in the piston cylinder combination. As the valve opens again, the energy is released producing a sudden increase in water pressure to momentarily amplify the pulsing sensation detected by the user.  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment that can be used to generate an oscillating or wiggle spray by moving the nozzle tip  88  within the plane of the face plate. Micromotor  80 , through an eccentric cam  82 , or gears, gear reduction or linear actuator, causes the nozzle  88  to move up and down (or side to side), i.e., perpendicular to the direction of water flow  81 . Preferably, this nozzle assembly will be incorporated in showerhead with a rotating face plate so that the spray streams rotate as well as oscillate or wiggle.  
         [0028]     In an exemplary embodiment, the showerhead is retained on the wall of the shower stall by at least one suction cup. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , two suction cups  92  are shown attached to the outer back surface of a housing  94 . The water supply is introduced into the showerhead by way of water inlet  96 , which is a knurled or ribbed fitting that produces a water-tight fits within the end of a flexible tubing of appropriate diameter. Alternate connection means will be readily apparent to those in the art, including hard plumbing, screw-on attachments, and combinations thereof.  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  illustrates a manifold and nozzle assembly that is rotated by a motor, according to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 9 . As described previously, motor  10  drives gear assembly  11  which transfers force to gear  12 . Gear  12  is attached to the bottom of manifold  13  which includes arms  113  that terminate with nozzles  18 . Each nozzle  18  has a plurality of openings through which streams of water are emitted. In the preferred embodiment, the nozzle faces can be tilted by axially rotating arm  113  where it is inserted into manifold  13 , which provides for variation in the direction of the water streams.  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary production showerhead that incorporates the present invention. The assembly of  FIG. 10  is mounted within a housing  110 . The arms  113  extend through openings through face plate  14  and the nozzles  18  are attached to the ends of arms  113  by a threaded attachment. The arms are inserted into manifold  13  in a way that allows each arm, and thus, the nozzle, to be rotated around its axis. This adjustment can be selected by the user to produce a wider or narrower spray pattern. Motor  10  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) drives the rotation of face plate  14  and nozzles  18 . The showerhead is activated by depressing one or more buttons  112 ,  114  and/or  116  which turn the motor on and off and control the rotational speed of the nozzles and/or the pulse rate of a valve controlling the water stream. The motor is preferably controlled by a microcontroller that has a number of program variations for selecting different spray patterns and pulse variations. The microcontroller may also provide signals for activating an LED display. One of the buttons  112 ,  114  and/or  116 , or a separate button, may be used to turn the LED arrays  120  on or off, or to select variations in the light produced by the LEDs. The LED arrays may be used to provide illumination or as indicators of the operational settings selected on the showerhead.  
         [0031]     The spinning and pulsating mechanisms described herein may be incorporated in various combinations into either overhead showerheads or body showers mounted on a vertical wall and directed toward the bathing area.  
         [0032]     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their full scope of equivalents.

Technology Category: b