Field

The present application relates to a shower arrangement comprising a housing and an adjustable height showerhead holder slideably mounted relative to the housing, the showerhead holder configured to operably couple with a showerhead.

Background Traditional shower arrangements typically comprise a fixed showerhead mounted on or to a wall. While these known shower arrangements provide a water spray, the showerhead cannot be adjusted to a user preference of height and are therefore not optimal. To address these deficiencies a variety of shower arrangements have been developed to enable a user to adjust the height of the showerhead. Usually, the showerhead of these shower arrangements is connected by a flexible hose to a water inlet and is slideably mounted on a riser rail fixed to the wall to allow a user flexibility in moving the showerhead up and down to suit the user height preference. The showerhead is typically mounted on a ring or collar that is arranged around the riser rail to slide up and down the riser rail. User control of the height may be facilitated by providing a lock, such as a vice controlled with a thumb screw located on the collar to lock onto the riser rail, which when activated by the user maintains the showerhead at the user preferred height. Use of these known arrangements requires a two-handed operation as the user holds the showerhead and/or the collar in one hand whilst the other hand disengages or loosens the blocking means on the collar to allow the collar to slide up or down the riser rail to the desired height and tightens the blocking means up again. This causes several problems. The friction needed to hold the showerhead in place on the riser rail often means a tight fit between the riser rail and the collar and therefore significant force is needed to slide the collar up and down. Furthermore, during the usage of the shower over time, contaminants may jam the arrangement which may increase the force needed to facilitate the movement. Other problems may be associated with the effect of high water pressure causing a flex of the shower hose and a resultant loosening of the lock between the hose collar and the riser rail with subsequent relative movement.

Some existing solutions use a button to release the collar. However such a button has its own limitations in that it requires a too high force to release for less able users, or on the contrary the button may cause the collar to slip down over time.

Patent document GB 2038176 describes a shower arrangement wherein a showerhead holder is coupled to a counterweight mechanism through a continuous chain arrangement or loop. In this shower arrangement, the showerhead holder travels along the loop and requires a coupling to the loop from above and below the showerhead holder. Additionally a second continuous chain or loop is required to support a manoeuvre grip for moving the showerhead holder up or down. This shower arrangement is therefore complex. Hence, there continues to exist a need for better shower arrangements.

Summary

These and other problems are addressed by the present teaching which provides a convenient shower arrangement in which the height of the showerhead is easily adjusted. Such an arrangement may advantageously facilitate movement on the basis of a gentle touch up or down action by the user and once a desired location has been achieved, the showerhead will remain in location without further action by the user.

Accordingly, the present teaching provides a shower arrangement comprising a housing and an adjustable height showerhead holder slideably mounted relative to the housing, the showerhead holder configured to operably couple with a showerhead, the shower arrangement further comprising a retaining device coupled to the showerhead holder from a first direction only and configured to counterbalance at least the weight of the showerhead holder suspended from the retaining device and a showerhead coupled to the showerhead holder. In one aspect, the retaining device is arranged to exert on the suspended showerhead holder a constant retaining force when the showerhead holder is slideably moved relative to the housing so as to counter balance at least the weight of the showerhead holder and showerhead during an adjustment of the height of the showerhead holder and coupled showerhead.

Based on an understanding that a counterbalance mechanism may be advantageously employed within the context of a shower arrangement, there is provided a shower arrangement comprising a showerhead holder arranged to slide relative to a shower housing such as but not limited to a riser rail, but instead of using any blocking means to maintain the showerhead holder in place on the housing, the present teaching suspends or otherwise hangs the showerhead holder from a retaining device mounted on the housing which exerts on the suspended showerhead holder a constant retaining force when the showerhead holder is slideably moved relative to the housing. The showerhead holder is not provided on a continuous loop, and in this way the force exerted on the showerhead holder from the retaining device is in one direction only. Thus, the retaining device counter balances the weight of the showerhead holder and the showerhead, so that the showerhead holder remains at the user's positioning relative to the housing absent exertion of any external user force onto the showerhead holder. Preferably, the force exerted by retaining device is sufficient to further counter balance the weight of a water hose connected to the showerhead, even during active showering when the water hose is filled with water.

Using a shower arrangement according to the present teaching, the height of the showerhead is easy to adjust as the showerhead and showerhead holder adopt a balanced configuration when the showerhead holder is slideably moved relative to the housing. The adjustment of the height of the showerhead is a simple and responsive to a quick touch adjustment and requires extremely low force and effort by the user to facilitate movement of same.

Moreover, a shower arrangement according to the present teaching obviates the need to provide an active lock to secure positioning of the showerhead relative to the house and thereby avoids the need to loosen or tighten such a lock in order to adjust the showerhead height. Such a shower arrangement therefore enables the user to move the showerhead holder using only one hand. As there are no blocking or clamping parts between the showerhead holder and the housing, the relative movement between the showerhead holder and the housing avoids traditional problems associated with contaminant ingress and the resultant jamming of the shower arrangement.

The retaining device may be further arranged to exert on the suspended showerhead holder a constant retaining force when the showerhead holder is slideably moved relative to the housing so as counter balance at least the weight of the showerhead holder, showerhead and a hose connected to the showerhead.

The retaining device may exert a force in one direction only on the showerhead holder.

The retaining device may comprise a constant force spring comprising a rolled strip having a free end coupled to the showerhead holder.

The rolled strip may comprise a rolled portion and an unrolled portion terminating at the free end, the rolled portion being at least partially located in a pocket of the housing, application of force onto the rolled portion operably inducing a friction between the rolled strip and the housing.

The constant force spring may comprise a drum rotatable relative to the housing, the strip being wrapped around the drum.

The strip may have a length greater than a length of travel of the showerhead holder relative to the housing.

The retaining device may comprise a strip or belt having a first end coupled to the showerhead holder and a second end coupled to a counterweight, the belt being passed over a bearing rotatably mounted on the housing. Within the context of the present teaching the two words belt and strip will be used interchangeably,

The belt may have a length greater than a length of travel of the showerhead holder relative to the housing. The housing may comprise a riser rail and a top bracket fixed at an end of the riser rail, and the retaining device may be coupled to or provided on the top bracket.

The shower arrangement may comprise a showerhead and the showerhead may be detachable from the showerhead holder and the showerhead holder may be further arranged to receive the showerhead.

The shower arrangement may comprise a locking device configured to lock of the showerhead holder in position on the housing when the showerhead is removed from the showerhead holder.

The locking device may be actuated by a removal of the showerhead from the showerhead holder.

The locking device may be biased in a locked position and, on receipt of showerhead in the showerhead holder, the locking device may be moveable to an unlocked position.

It will be appreciated that the function of the locking device is independent of the implementation of the retaining device, for example as a belt or constant force spring. The locking device may be implemented with any other equivalent retaining means coupled to the showerhead holder from a first direction only and configured to counterbalance at least the weight of the showerhead holder suspended from the retaining device and a showerhead coupled to the showerhead holder according to the present teaching.

The showerhead may be integral with the showerhead holder.

The housing may define a channel in a side wall of the housing, the showerhead holder being slideable in the channel.

The showerhead holder may be provided within the housing, at least a portion of the holder projecting through a side wall of the housing.

The retaining device may be mounted inside the housing.

The shower arrangement may further comprise a water heater included in the housing.

The showerhead holder may comprise a water heater. In such an arrangement, the water heater may be provided within the showerhead holder. The showerhead holder may provide a mount for at least a first and second shower head.

The shower arrangement may comprise a pair of showerheads mounted at opposite ends of the showerhead holder, optionally being directed in different directions to each other. In such an arrangement, the shower arrangement may comprise a controller configured to selectively actuate individual ones of the first and second showerheads.

The showerhead holder may comprise an articulated angled showerhead. The showerhead holder may comprise a showerhead holder sliding part arranged to slide on the housing and a showerhead holder support for holding the showerhead, the showerhead holder support arranged to rotatably engage the showerhead holder sliding part. Such an articulated angled showerhead may be configured to move from a passive position when the shower is off to adopt an active position in response to activation of the shower arrangement.

These and other features will be better understood with reference to the following drawings which provide the person of skill with an understanding of the present teaching but in no way is intended to limit the present teaching.

Brief Description Of The Drawings The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary arrangements are described and in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a shower arrangement in accordance with the present teaching;

Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the shower arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional top view of another shower arrangement to the shower arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a shower arrangement in accordance with the present teaching;

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the shower arrangement of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the shower arrangement of Figure 4 taken along the line A-A of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the shower arrangement of Figure 4 taken along the line B-B of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the shower arrangement of Figure 4 taken along the line C-C of Figure 6;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a shower arrangement in accordance with the present teaching;

Figure 10 shows the shower arrangement of Figure 9 with the housing opened and in a first position of the showerhead; and

Figure 1 1 shows the shower arrangement of Figure 9 with the housing opened and in a second position of the showerhead.

Detailed Description Of The Drawings It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary shower arrangement 1 according to the invention. The shower arrangement 1 comprises a housing or riser rail 2 and an adjustable height showerhead holder 4 arranged to receive a showerhead 3. The showerhead holder 4 is further arranged to slide up and down relative to the housing 2 parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing 2 illustrated by the arrows A in Figure 1 . In this way the height of the showerhead holder 4 may vary along a path defined by the arrows A as will be explained below. The coupling between the housing 2 and the showerhead holder 4 thus defines a path of travel of the showerhead holder 4.

The showerhead 3 may be detachable from the showerhead holder 4. In the illustrated embodiment the showerhead 3 is a hand-held showerhead detachable from the showerhead holder 4 but it will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the present teaching to such an arrangement.

The showerhead holder 4 comprises a sliding part 4a arranged to slide on the housing 2 and a support 4b for holding the showerhead 3. The support 4b may comprise a tube portion having a lumen to receive and hold the showerhead 3. The tube portion may have a C shaped cross-section and a tapered shape to facilitate engagement with or gripping of a conventionally shaped handle of the showerhead 3. This tapered shaped may form a cuff for a shower hose 8 shown in Figure 1 . In the shower arrangement 1 , the sliding part 4a of the showerhead holder 4 is integral with the support 4b of the showerhead holder 4.

As illustrated in the Figures the showerhead holder 4 may be configured with a fixed support 4b so that the showerhead 3 once mounted on the showerhead holder 4 protrudes from the housing 2 in a transversal axis of the housing 2. In such a configuration of the showerhead holder 4, the showerhead 3 once mounted to the showerhead holder will be angularly orientated relative to the housing 2 while the showerhead 3, the sliding part 4a and the support 4b of the showerhead holder 4 and the housing 2 are provided in a common plane. In this fixed support configuration, the showerhead 3 has a fixed angle with respect to the housing 2. When the housing 2 is fixed to a wall, a front of the housing 2 may be defined as being that portion of the housing opposite the wall. In such an arrangement, the support 4b is located to the front of the housing 2, so that the showerhead 3 is protruding away from the wall and projects away from the front of the housing 2.

In another arrangement, the showerhead holder 4 may be configured with an angle adjustable support (not shown) so that the showerhead 3 once mounted on the showerhead holder 4 may be moved relative to the showerhead holder 4 to allow a swivel or angle adjustment of the showerhead 3. In such a configuration of the showerhead holder 4, the showerhead 3 once mounted to the showerhead holder 4 will initially project away from the holder at a first angle but this angle may be adjusted by a user. In this angle adjustable support configuration the showerhead 3 has an adjustable angle with respect to the housing 2.

In other configurations, the showerhead 3 may be integrally formed with the showerhead holder 4 and in these configurations the degree of flexibility of orientation of the showerhead 3 relative to the housing 2 may be reduced. As shown in Figure 1 , the housing 2 comprises an elongated element 5 on which the showerhead holder 4 is arranged to slide, A top bracket 6 and a bottom bracket 7 may be fixed at respective ends of the elongated element 5, the brackets 6, 7 allowing fixation of the housing 2 to a support such as a wall of a bathroom, for example via screws. It will be appreciated that the showerhead holder 4 is preferably positioned on the housing 2 such that the support 4b is facing a user and located away from the wall. The showerhead 3 is connected by a flexible hose 8 to a water inlet (not shown) for providing water for shower purposes.

In operation, the shower arrangement 1 is positioned in a substantially vertical position and the position of the showerhead holder 4 along the housing 2 determines a height of the showerhead holder 4. As the showerhead holder 4 is arranged to hold the showerhead 3, by adjusting the height of the showerhead holder 4, a user positions the showerhead 3 at a convenient height for a shower. The length of travel or stroke of the showerhead will determine the degree of adjustment that may be facilitated. For example, the stroke of the showerhead 3 on the housing 2 may be in the range 0.7m to 1 .2m. As the housing is already at height of for example about 0.8m above the ground, such a stroke would facilitate the user moving the showerhead 3 from a height of 1 .5 m to 2.0 m relative to the ground

As illustrated in Figure 2, the elongated element 5 of the housing 2 may be formed by a hollow tube or extrusion profile having respective ends inserted in the top and bottom brackets 6, 7. It will be appreciated that the elongated element 5 and the sliding part 4a of the showerhead holder 4 have corresponding respective external and internal cross-section shapes to allow the showerhead holder 4 to slide on the elongated element 5. Preferably the elongated element 5 is formed from an extruded tube, such as those formed from anodized aluminium which has enhanced corrosion resistance to shower gel chemicals. Such a tube may have a cross-section with a circular external shape and the sliding part 4a of the showerhead holder 4 has a corresponding internal circular cross-section to facilitate inter-engagement of the two parts. Other cross-sections or geometric profiles of each of the elongated element 5 and showerhead holder 4 that allows the showerhead holder 4 to controllably slide on the elongated element 5 may be considered without departing from the teaching of invention.

As shown in Figure 2, the shower arrangement 1 comprises a retaining device 9 coupled to the showerhead holder 4 from a first direction only. In such a configuration, the retaining device 9 is advantageously configured to counterbalance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 4 suspended from the retaining device and a showerhead 3 coupled to the showerhead holder. The retaining device 9 may exert a force in one direction only on the showerhead holder 4.

The retaining device 9 may be arranged to exert on the suspended showerhead holder 4 a constant retaining force when the showerhead holder 4 is slideably moved relative to the housing 2 so as to counter balance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 4 and showerhead 3 during an adjustment of the height of the showerhead holder 4 and coupled showerhead 3.

Preferably the retaining device 9 is configured to counterbalance both the weight of the showerhead holder 4 and a showerhead 3 coupled thereto but also the weight of a hose 8 and the associated water that is passing therethrough. Preferably, the retaining device 9 is also configured to accommodate different water pressure in the hose 8 while at the same time counterbalancing the different weights and preventing unassisted relative movement. The retaining device 9 is arranged to exert on the suspended showerhead holder 4 a constant retaining force when the showerhead holder 4 is slideably moved relative to the housing 2 so as to counter balance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 4 and showerhead 3 during an adjustment of the height of the showerhead holder 4 and coupled showerhead 3. On removal of the external force that is applied during the active adjustment, the retaining device 9 is configured to counter balance the weight of the showerhead 3 and the showerhead holder 4 such that the showerhead holder 4 remains at the location desired by the user relative to the housing 2. With a shower arrangement 1 of the present invention, adjusting the height of the showerhead 3, that is the position of the showerhead 3 along the housing 2, is convenient and requires the application of little force by the user to effect a displacement of the showerhead holder 4 up and down. In this way, the movement may be done by the user with a single hand.

Preferably the retaining device 9 together with the showerhead holder 4 and showerhead 3 are designed so that friction between the two is greater than any at least any difference in weight between the retaining device 9 and the combined weight of the showerhead 3 and showerhead holder 4. In preferred arrangements this friction is sufficient to counterbalance the combined weight of the showerhead 3, showerhead holder 4 and hose 8, and optimally at least the combined weight of the showerhead 3, showerhead holder 4 and a water filled hose 8. It will be understood that the retaining device 9 is in equilibrium with the showerhead holder 4 and showerhead 3, preferably also with the hose 8, preferably water filled hose 8, irrespective of the position of the showerhead holder 4 along the housing 2. Once orientated relative to the housing, the showerhead holder 4 thus stays in place on its own and its position on the housing 2 is easily adjusted with a gentle touch up or down of the user. Additionally the showerhead 3 and showerhead holder 4 do not move under the weight of additional water in the showerhead 3, irrespective of the water pressure in the hose 8.

In other words, the retaining device 9 compensates for the weight of the showerhead holder 4 and showerhead 3, and possibly of the hose 8 and water, so that the showerhead holder 4 is maintains its position relative to the housing 2 absent application of external force by the user. The showerhead holder 4 and the showerhead 3 therefore adopt a balanced position relative to the housing 2 and remain in that position irrespective of the passage of water during actuation of the shower at various pressure.

As shown in Figure 2, the retaining device 9 may be mounted on the housing 2. The retaining device 9 may comprise a strip or belt 10 having a first end 1 1 coupled to the showerhead holder 4 and a second end 12. The retaining device 9 may further comprise a counterweight 13 coupled to the second end 12 of the belt 10. The belt is arranged to move up and down inside the housing 2. The belt 10 may pass over a bearing 14 rotatably mounted on the housing 2. As illustrated, the bearing 14 may be mounted on a pin 15 fixed to the top bracket 6 of the housing 2 and allowed to rotate around the pin 15. The retaining device 9 in this arrangement is configured to facilitate a suspension of hanging of both the showerhead holder 4 and the counterweight 13 therefrom. It will be appreciated that with this shower arrangement 1 , the friction between the retaining device 9 (comprising the belt 10 and the counterweight 13) and the showerhead holder 4 and showerhead 3 may be greater than any discrepancy in mass between the combined showerhead 3 and showerhead holder 4 and the combined belt 10 and counterweight 13.

The belt 10 may have a length greater than a length of travel of the showerhead holder 4 relative to the housing 2. The belt 10 may formed from a cable or a strap made of a plastic material or any other suitable material. For example an extruded packaging cable, for example of a 5 mm width, may be used. This conventional cable is exemplary of a type of belt that has a textured or friction enhanced surface that in the context of the present teaching provides sufficient friction between the bearing 14 and the belt 10 of retaining device 9 to control the movement of the showerhead holder 4 relative to the housing 2.

To prevent a user having access to and tampering with the operating mechanisms of the shower, the counterweight 13 is preferably shaped to fit inside the hollow elongated element 5 of the housing 2. In the illustrated embodiment the elongated element 5 has a substantially circular internal cross- section and the counterweight 13 is a cylinder although other respective corresponding shapes may be considered without departing from teaching of the invention. The counterweight 13 may be made from a variety of materials, for example aluminium, copper or steel, preferably coated steel so as not to corrode, are suitable although it will be appreciated that other suitable material could be considered. The counterweight 13 may have a suitable weight to counterbalance at least the showerhead 3 and showerhead holder 4, and preferably also the hose 8 and a volume of water filling the hose 8 and showerhead 3.

Advantageously, as illustrated in Figure 2, the belt 10 of the shower arrangement 1 of the present teaching is an open belt passing over the bearing 14 to provide a differential between showerhead 3 and showerhead holder 4 on one side of the bearing and the counterweight 13 on the other side of the bearing. The open belt 10 allows for the counterweight 13 to travel the same distance as the showerhead 3 and showerhead holder 4 when the height of the showerhead 3 is adjusted. Therefore only one bearing 14 is required at the top of the housing 2 to support the belt 10, as opposed to a pair of pulleys located at each end of the housing 2 and supporting a closed belt that would cause friction and traction between the pulleys and add considerable cost. Having only one bearing 14 and one belt 10 saves cost and complexity over prior art shower arrangements.

The bearing 14 could be a plain bearing or any other suitable bearing type, for example a ball bearing, that supports the belt 10 while allowing the belt 10 to slide on the bearing 14 to enable the respective opposite up and down movements of the showerhead 3 and showerhead holder 4 on one side and counterweight 13 on the other side when adjusting the position of the showerhead 3 along the housing 2. For example if the top bracket 6 is sealed from ingress a plain bearing 14, preferably of low friction plastic, may be preferred. If the top bracket 6 is not sealed the bearing 14 may be a deep groove roller bearing.

It is understood that the belt 10 may grip the bearing 14 or slide on the bearing 14 while the bearing 14 rotates on the pin 15, depending on the friction of the belt 10 on the bearing 14. Particularly a plain bearing may be used for additional friction.

The belt 10 may be stapled or pasted or otherwise fixed to the showerhead holder 4. Preferably the belt 10 is positioned on the shower arrangement 1 so as to be hidden from a user of the shower arrangement 1 . For example as illustrated in Figure 2 the belt 10 is attached to the sliding part 4a of the showerhead holder 4 at a location opposite to the support 4b so that the belt 10 is hidden from the view of a user when the shower arrangement 1 is fixed on a wall. In addition the belt 10 is preferably arranged to run in an external recess 17 of the elongated element 5 of the housing 2. Hence in operation of the shower arrangement 1 , the belt 10 follows a route or path as illustrated in Figure 2 that links the counterweight 13 inside the elongated element 5 to the sliding part 4a of the showerhead holder 4 outside of the elongated element 5 while passing around the bearing 14 in the top bracket 6. The belt 10 is therefore located between the housing 2 and the wall.

Preferably the bearing 14 is mounted on the pin 15 in the top bracket 6 above the elongated element 5. The bearing 14 may be positioned in the top bracket 6 so as to allow the belt 10 to extend substantially vertically along an outer diameter of the elongated element 5 on a side of the bearing 14, preferably in the recess 17. The bearing 14 may be offset with a central longitudinal axis of the elongated element 5 and/or have an external diameter larger than the outer diameter of the elongated element 5. A larger bearing 14 may advantageous. On an opposite side of the bearing 14, the belt 10 may thus extend past a central axis of the housing 2. Hence the counterweight 13 may travel in the housing 2 slightly off axis and may be in contact with an inner wall of the housing 2. This can be seen as an advantage as it avoids the counterweight 13 banging or clanging on the inner wall as it travels up and down the housing 2 which could be a distraction to the shower user.

Figure 3 shows a modification to the shower arrangement 1 of Figure 1 having a detachable showerhead 3. As the retaining device 9 is arranged to counter balance the weight of the showerhead 3 and showerhead holder 4, the equilibrium between the two may be disrupted when the showerhead 3 is removed from the showerhead holder 4. In some cases the loss of balance may cause the showerhead holder 4 to slide up to the top of the housing 2. To avoid this, a showerhead holder 100 with a locking device 20 may be provided to lock the showerhead holder 100 in position on the housing 2 during times or occasion when the showerhead 3 is removed from the showerhead holder 100. Preferably the locking device 20 is automatically actuated by a removal of the showerhead 3 from the showerhead holder 4. The locking device 20 is biased in a locked position and, on receipt of showerhead 3 in the showerhead holder 4, the locking device 20 is moveable to an unlocked position. The showerhead holder 4 is otherwise similar to the previously described showerhead holder 4 of Figure 1 , as shown in Figure 3, in that the showerhead holder 100 comprises a sliding part 100A arranged to slide on the housing 2 and a support 100B for holding the showerhead 3.

In an aspect of the present application, the locking device 20 may comprise a two-position spring loaded locking ring 21 , as illustrated in Figure 3. In a first position of the locking device 20, the locking device 20 locks the showerhead holder 100 in place on the housing 2 when the showerhead 3 is removed from the showerhead holder 100. In a second position of the locking device 20, the locking device 20 unlocks the showerhead holder 100 when the showerhead 3 is inserted in the showerhead holder 100 allowing the showerhead holder 100 with the showerhead 3 to slide on the housing 2.

As shown in Figure 3, the locking ring 21 may be received in the sliding part 100A of the showerhead holder 100, for example in a recess 22 of the sliding part 100A, and comprise a plunger 23 protruding externally from a periphery of the locking ring 21 . A through-hole 24 may be formed in the showerhead holder 100 between the sliding part 100A and the support 100B to receive the plunger 23. The locking device 20 may also comprise a compression spring (not shown) arranged to push the locking ring 21 towards the support 100B of the showerhead holder 4 and thereby enabling the plunger 23 to protrude into the lumen of the support 100B. As illustrated in Figure 3, a friction pad 25, such as a rubber surface, may be provided on an internal periphery of the locking ring 21 , for example mould with the locking ring 21 .

In operation of the locking device 20, the locking device 20 is activated when the showerhead 3 is not inserted in or removed from the support 100B. In the first position of the locking device 20 when the showerhead 3 is not in the showerhead holder 100, the compression spring pushes against the locking ring 21 causing the friction pad 25 to rest against the elongated element 5 of the housing 2 and lock the showerhead holder 100 in position on the housing 2. In the first position of the locking device 20 the plunger 23 protrudes in the lumen of the support 100B. The locking device 20 may be deactivated by the attachment of the showerhead 3 to the showerhead holder 100. Inserting of the showerhead 3 in the support 100B of the showerhead holder 100 moves the locking device 20 to adopt the second position of the locking device 20. In the second position of the locking device 20, the showerhead 3 presses the plunger 23 into the though hole 24 and moves the locking ring 21 and the friction pad 25 away from the elongated element 5 in the recess 22, thereby releasing the showerhead holder 100. The compression spring is thus compressed in the second position of the locking device 20.

The other showerhead holder 100 may be either be configured with a fixed support for the showerhead 3, as for example described hereinabove, for example located on the front of the housing 2, or an angle adjustable support for the showerhead 3, for example located at the side of the housing 2. In the angle adjustable support configuration of the shower arrangement, the plunger 23 may preferably be centrally located in the support 100B to remain actionable by the showerhead 3 when the angle of the showerhead 3 is adjusted.

In another aspect of the present invention, the belt and counterweight of the retaining device of the shower arrangement may be replaced by a constant force spring. A shower arrangement 400 according to the invention and comprising a constant force spring is illustrated in Figures 4-8. It will be appreciated that the shower arrangement 400 achieves the same effect as the shower arrangement 1 and it will be appreciated that features of the shower arrangement 1 may be used in the shower arrangement 400.

Similarly to shower arrangement 1 and as shown in Figure 4, the shower arrangement 400 comprises a housing 402 and an adjustable height showerhead holder 404. The showerhead holder 404 comprises a sliding part 404a arranged to slide on the housing 402. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 4-8, the housing 402 is represented as made of a hollow extrusion profile having a generally rectangular cross-section. It will be appreciated that the sliding part 404a of the showerhead holder 4 has an internal cross-section to facilitate inter-engagement of the sliding part 404a and housing 402. As particularly seen in Figure 6, the showerhead holder sliding part 404a may slide on a wall 412 of the extrusion profile forming the housing 402. Other cross- sections or geometric profiles of each of the housing 402 and showerhead holder sliding part 404a that allow the showerhead holder 404 to controllably slide on the housing 402 may be considered without departing from the present teaching.

The showerhead holder 404 also comprises a support 404b arranged to receive a showerhead (not shown). The showerhead holder 404 is arranged to slide relative to the housing 402 parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing 402. It will be appreciated that the support 404b may comprise a tube portion 405a having a lumen to receive and hold the showerhead. As better seen in Figures 6-7, the tube portion 405a may have a C shaped cross-section and a tapered shape to facilitate engagement with or gripping of a conventionally shaped handle of the showerhead.

In the shower arrangement 400, the sliding part 404a of the showerhead holder 404 and the support 404b of the showerhead holder 404 are provided as separate entities. The showerhead holder support 404b is arranged to engage the showerhead holder sliding part 404a. In an aspect, the showerhead holder support 404b is arranged to rotatably engage the showerhead holder sliding part 404a. In this case, the showerhead holder support 404b may thus rotate independently of the sliding part 404a, which allows the showerhead to be operatively rotatable with respect of the sliding part 404a of the showerhead holder 404 and the housing 402.

The shower arrangement 400 advantageously comprises a retaining device 409 coupled to the showerhead holder 404, as illustrated in Figure 5. The retaining device 409 is mounted on the housing 402. A top bracket 406 at an end of the housing 402 may comprise a snap fit 426 to lock in a corresponding recess of the housing 402 and thereby maintain the top bracket 406 and retaining device 409 linked to the top brocket 406 in position on the housing 402.

As seen in Figure 5, the retaining device 409 comprises in this exemplary arrangement a constant force spring 401 . The constant force spring 401 is advantageously coupled to the showerhead holder 404 from a first direction only and is configured to counterbalance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 404 suspended from the retaining device 409 and the showerhead 3 coupled to the showerhead holder. The constant force spring 401 exerts a constant or substantially constant force over a range of motion of the contact force spring and therefore does not obey Hooke's law as a classic spring does. The constant force spring 401 may be a rolled strip that exerts a nearly constant restoring force to resist unrolling.

The constant force spring 401 may be arranged to exert on the suspended showerhead holder 404 a constant retaining force when the showerhead holder 404 is slideably moved relative to the housing 402 so as to counter balance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 404 and showerhead during an adjustment of the height of the showerhead holder 404 and coupled showerhead.

The constant force spring 401 may be further arranged to exert on the suspended showerhead holder 404 a constant retaining force when the showerhead holder 404 is slideably moved relative to the housing 402 so as counter balance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 404, showerhead and a hose connected to the showerhead.

The constant force spring 401 may exert a force in one direction only on the showerhead holder 404. The constant force spring may be mounted in the top bracket 406 of the housing 402 to suspend the showerhead holder 404.

It will be appreciated that the retaining device 409 and the showerhead holder 404 and showerhead remains in equilibrium when the relative positions of the retaining device 409 and showerhead holder 404 and showerhead are modified, irrespective of the constitution of the retaining device. Hence with this other shower arrangement, the friction on the retaining device 409 (comprising the constant force spring) and the showerhead holder 404 and showerhead may be greater than any discrepancy in mass between the showerhead and showerhead holder 404 on one hand and the constant force spring 401 on the other hand.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the strip 401 a of the constant force spring 401 may be rolled over itself, i.e. over a second end of the strip 401 a, with the first free end 401 b of the strip 401 a projecting at an external periphery of the constant force spring 401 . Preferably the first free end 401 b of the strip 401 a is coupled to the showerhead holder 404, preferably the sliding part 404a thereof. For example, the constant force spring 401 may be attached to a hook 404c of the showerhead holder 404. In operation, adjusting the height of the showerhead holder 404 and showerhead causes rotation of the constant force spring 401 and unrolling of the constant force spring 401 as the first end 401 b of the strip 401 a is moving up and down the housing 402.

The rolled strip 401 a of the constant force spring 401 may comprise a rolled portion and an unrolled portion terminating at the free end 401 b, the rolled portion being at least partially located in a pocket 427 of the housing 402, for example in the top bracket 406, application of force onto the rolled portion operably inducing a friction between the rolled strip 401 a and the housing 402. Hence the constant force spring 401 may be operationally located in the pocket 427 of the housing 402 while allowing rotation and unrolling of the constant force spring 401 . The constant force spring 401 may be slotted loosely into the pocket 427 so as to provide friction when the constant force spring 401 is rotated and unrolled. Advantageously holding the constant force spring 401 in the pocket 427 allow to ease the assembly and reduce cost while adding friction. For example, the constant force spring 401 and the pocket 427 may have corresponding respective shapes and the constant force spring 401 may be slotted in the pocket 427 and maintained therein to provide friction when the constant force spring 401 is rotated and unrolled. The strip 401 a of the constant force spring 401 may run in a longitudinal recess of the housing 402.

The constant force spring 401 may comprise a drum or bearing rotatable relative to the housing 402, the strip 401 a being wrapped around the drum. The strip 401 a may thus be rolled over itself with the second end of the strip 401 a attached to the drum and the first end 401 b attached to the showerhead holder 404, preferably to the hook 404c.

The strip 401 a may have a length greater than a length of travel of the showerhead holder 404 relative to the housing 402.

Preferably the constant force spring 401 is positioned within the housing of the shower arrangement 400 so that the strip 401 a of the constant force spring 401 may be hidden from a user of the shower arrangement 400. For example the constant force spring 401 is mounted within an internal volume of the housing 402 so that the strip 401 a is hidden from the view of a user when the shower arrangement 404 is fixed on a wall.

In another aspect of the present application, the showerhead holder 400 may be provided with a locking device 420 to lock the showerhead holder 400 in position on the housing 402 during times or occasions when the showerhead is removed from the showerhead holder 400. An example of a locking device 420 is illustrated in Figures 6-8. The same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or analogous elements among the Figures. The locking device 420 is preferably automatically actuated by a removal of the showerhead from the showerhead holder 404. The locking device 420 may thus be biased in a locked position and, on receipt of showerhead in the showerhead holder 404, the locking device 420 is moveable to an unlocked position.

The locking device 420 may comprise a two-position spring loaded locking plunger 423. In a first extended position of the locking device 420, the locking device 420 is in its locked position where the locking device 420 locks the showerhead holder 404 in place on the housing 402 when the showerhead is removed from the showerhead holder 404. In a second retracted position of the locking device 420, the locking device 420 is in its unlocked position where the locking device 420 unlocks the showerhead holder 400 when the showerhead is inserted in the showerhead holder 400 allowing the showerhead holder 400 with the showerhead to slide on the housing 402.

As shown in Figure 6, the plunger 423 is received in an internal cavity 421 of the showerhead holder sliding part 404a. The plunger 423 may extend in a cavity 422 of the hollow extrusion profile forming the housing 402. More specifically, the plunger 423 is here provided with a friction pad 425 arranged to abut against an internal surface 431 of the housing 402 in the first extended position of the locking device 420. The friction pad 425 may be made of any surfaced material providing sufficient friction to lock the showerhead holder 404 in place on the housing 402 when the showerhead is removed from the showerhead holder 404 and the locking device 420 is in its first extended position. For example, the friction pad 425 may be made of a rubber surface. As particularly seen in Figures 6-7, the plunger 423 is received in the sliding part 404a of the showerhead holder 400 so that an end 429 of the plunger 423 protrudes in the lumen of the support 404b in the first extended position of the locking device 420. A through-hole 424 may be formed in the showerhead holder 400 in the sliding part 404a and the support 404b to receive the plunger 423. When the showerhead is inserted in the showerhead holder 400, the showerhead causes the plunger 423 to retract in the direction D in to the second retracted position indicated in Figure 6.

The locking device 420 may also comprise a compression spring 428 arranged to push the plunger 423 towards the support 404b of the showerhead holder 4 and thereby causing the plunger 423 to protrude into the lumen of the support 404b in the first extended position of the locking device 420. As illustrated in Figure 6, the compression spring 428 may abut against a recess 430 formed in the plunger 423, at an opposite end of the plunger 423 with regard to the end 429.

It will be appreciated that the showerhead support 404b comprises here a generally circular base 405b connected to the tube portion 405a, as better seen in Figure 8. The though hole 424 may preferably be located centrally in the base 405b so that the plunger 423 centrally projects in the lumen. The central arrangement of the plunger ensures that when the showerhead is received in the tube portion 405a of the showerhead support 404b, the showerhead pushes the plunger 423 in its retracted position.

In operation of the locking device 420, the locking device 420 is activated in the first extended position of the locking device 420 when the showerhead is not inserted in or removed from the support 404b. In the first extended position of the locking device 420, the compression spring 428 pushes against the recess 430 causing the plunger 423 to move in an opposite direction to the arrow D of Figure 6. The compression spring 428 thereby causes the friction pad 425 to rest against the internal surface 431 of the housing 402 and lock the showerhead holder 404 in position on the housing 402. In the first extended position of the locking device 420, the plunger 423 protrudes in the lumen of the support 404b, as visible in Figures 6-7. The locking device 420 may be deactivated by the attachment of the showerhead to the showerhead holder 404. Insertion of the showerhead in the support 404b of the showerhead holder 404 causes the locking device 420 to move in the direction D shown in Figure 6 to adopt the second retracted position of the locking device 420. In the second retracted position of the locking device 420, the showerhead presses the plunger end 429 into the though hole 424 and moves the friction pad 425 in the cavity 422 away from the internal surface 431 of the housing 402, thereby removing the friction contact with the housing 402. The showerhead holder 404b is thus released and may be freely moved along the housing 402, according to the present teaching.

Although the locking device 420 is presently described in relation with a shower arrangement having a constant force spring, it will be appreciated that the function of the locking device 420 is independent of the implementation of the retaining device, for example as a belt or constant force spring. The locking device 420 may be implemented with any other equivalent retaining means coupled to the showerhead holder from a first direction only and configured to counterbalance at least the weight of the showerhead holder suspended from the retaining device and a showerhead coupled to the showerhead holder according to the present teaching.

In another aspect of the shower arrangement 400, the showerhead holder

404 may be configured with an angle adjustable support so that the showerhead once mounted on the showerhead holder 404 may be moved relative to the showerhead holder to allow a swivel or angle adjustment of the showerhead. In such a configuration of the showerhead holder 404, the showerhead once mounted to the showerhead holder 404 will initially project away from the holder at a first angle, as for example shown in Figure 4, but this angle may be adjusted by a user. In this angle adjustable support configuration the showerhead has an adjustable angle with respect to the housing 402.

It will be appreciated that in the exemplary arrangement of Figure 3, the support 100B of the showerhead holder 100 is axially aligned with the housing 2. More precisely, as seen in Figure 3, a symmetry axis of the C-shape of the support 100B is aligned with a diameter of the circular profile forming the housing 2. In this arrangement, the sliding part 100A of the showerhead support 100 is also axially aligned with the housing 2.

In the exemplary arrangement of Figure 6 however, the support 404b of the showerhead holder 400 is axially offset from, i.e. not axially aligned with, the housing 402. In this arrangement, the extrusion profile of the housing 402 is axially offset from a symmetry axis of the C-shape of the support 404b. The sliding part 404a of the showerhead support 404 is axially offset from the housing 402. The axial offset arrangement of the showerhead support with respect to the housing allows a provision of space for the locking device 420 while preserving a slim showerhead holder. Hence the locking device 420 is provided with sufficient clearance to move in the direction of the arrow D of Figure 6, notably in the showerhead support sliding part 404a and in the cavity 422 of the housing profile, to change from its first extended position to its second retracted position. With the arrangement depicted in Figure 6, the distance of travel of the plunger 423 from the first extended position to the second retracted position is increased compared to that of the arrangement of Figure 3. This may be advantageous in the type of environment where the shower arrangement is used, by preventing contaminants to jam the locking device and limiting side effects of wear and tear of the locking device.

More specifically, as better seen in Figures 6-8, the base 405b of the showerhead holder support 404b may comprise a base plate 405c having a larger diameter than the remaining body of the base 405b. The base plate 405c may advantageously be snap fitted in a corresponding recess 408 of the showerhead holder sliding part 404a. Additionally, the base 405b may comprise a plurality of radial protrusions 407 provided on an external surface of the base 405b opposite to the tube portion 405a. The radial protrusions 407 are configured to cooperate with a ratchet 440 of the showerhead holder sliding part 404a to lock the showerhead holder support 404b in an angular position with respect to the showerhead holder sliding part 404a. It will be appreciated that the ratchet 440 is arranged to provide both a snap fit to the showerhead holder support 404b and a bump at each stage of the showerhead holder support 404a angle change. The ratchet 440 may be made of a material flexible enough to allow insertion and assembly of the showerhead holder support 404a into the recess 408 of the showerhead holder sliding part 404a. Alternatively the base 405b may comprise at least one notch instead of the protrusions to cooperate with the ratchet 440.

As mentioned earlier, in this angle adjustable support configuration of the shower arrangement 404, the plunger 423 is preferably projecting centrally in the circular base 405b. The plunger 423 is hence located at the centre of rotation of the support 404b, so that the plunger 423 remains actionable by insertion of the showerhead when the angle of the showerhead is adjusted. In other words, the central position of the plunger 423 engaged in the through-hole 424 allows rotation of the support 404b of the showerhead holder 404 engaged in the sliding part 404a of the showerhead holder 404.

Figure 9 show another shower arrangement 200 according to the invention. This shower arrangement 200 achieves the same effect as the shower arrangement 1 and it will be appreciated that features of the shower arrangement 1 may be used in the shower arrangement 200.

The shower arrangement 200 comprises a housing or case 201 and an adjustable height showerhead holder 204 configured to operably couple with a showerhead 205 of the shower arrangement 200. The showerhead arrangement 200 may be comprise a water inlet pipe or hose 208 to provide water to the showerhead 205. The housing 201 may define a pair of channels 201 A, 201 B in opposite side walls 202A, 202B of the housing 201 , the showerhead holder 204 being slideable in the channels 201 A, 201 B.

In the illustrated example, the shower arrangement 200 is generally positioned in a substantially vertical position and the housing 201 has upper and lower opposite side walls 202A, 202B in which upper and lower openings 203A, 203B are formed to respectively form upper and lower channels 201 A, 201 B receiving the showerhead holder 204. Alternatively the housing 201 may define a single channel 201 A in one of the side walls of the housing 201 , preferably in the upper side wall 202A of the housing 201 .

As illustrated in the Figures 9-1 1 the showerhead holder 204 may be arranged to slide relative to the housing 201 though the channels 201 A, 201 B along a longitudinal axis B of the housing 201 . The showerhead holder 204 is thus provided within the housing 201 , a portion of the holder 204 projecting through a side wall 202A of the housing 201 , here the upper side wall 202A. Another portion of the holder 204 may project though an opposite side wall 202B of the housing 201 , here the lower side wall 202B as shown in Figure 9.

As shown in Figures 10 and 1 1 the shower arrangement 200 further comprises a retaining device 206, preferably mounted inside the housing 201 . The retaining device 206 is advantageously coupled to the showerhead holder 204 from a first direction only and configured to counterbalance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 204 suspended from the retaining device 206 and a showerhead 205 coupled to the showerhead holder 204. The retaining device 206 may be arranged to exert on the suspended showerhead holder 204 a constant retaining force when the showerhead holder 204 is slideably moved relative to the housing 201 so as to counter balance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 204 and showerhead 205, preferably the weight of the showerhead 205, showerhead holder 204 and hose 208, preferably water filled, during an adjustment of the height of the showerhead holder 204 and coupled showerhead 205. The retaining device 206 may exert a force in one direction only on the showerhead holder 204. Advantageously, the showerhead holder 204 may therefore be maintained at a position relative to the housing 201 along the axis B by the retaining device 206.

In this embodiment of the shower arrangement 200 the showerhead 205 is integral with the showerhead holder 204. Preferably the showerhead holder 204 is a curved extrusion forming a substantially linear longitudinal portion 204A, an angle portion 204B and an end portion 204C comprising the showerhead 205. As in operation the shower arrangement 200 is substantially positioned vertical, the longitudinal portion 204A of the showerhead holder 204 is substantially vertical. The end portion 204C may form an angle with the longitudinal portion 204A adapted for providing a convenient shower to a user of the shower arrangement 200.

As show in Figure 10, the housing 201 may comprise the shower 207. The shower 207 may comprise but is not limited to water inlet or a multi-entry water inlet, water heater or heat exchanger and user shower control. The hose 208 may be connected to the shower 207 through a cutout 209 in a side of the showerhead holder 204 so as to not impede the sliding movement of the showerhead holder 204 in the housing 201 . Preferably the water hose 208 may articulate to accept a range of motion of the showerhead holder 204. Slide members 210, 21 1 , for example rolls, low friction plastic drums, roller bearings or equivalent, may be provided at each channels 201 A, 201 B of the housing 201 to improve the sliding of the showerhead holder 204 in the housing 201 .

Preferably the showerhead holder 204 is an anodized aluminium extrusion to prevent corrosion with shower chemicals typically used in a shower, such as cleaner, shampoo.

The housing 201 is preferably a thin profile housing, preferably having a depth comprised between 30 mm and 35 mm, and having a big enough foot print to cover other showers for retro-fitting old shower. The housing 201 may also be designed to possibly accept multi-entry of water inlet pipes and electrical connections to ease retrofit ability.

In operation the shower arrangement 200 is positioned in a substantially vertical position and the position of the showerhead holder 4 along the housing 201 determines a height of the showerhead holder 203 and shower head 205. Therefore by adjusting the height of the showerhead holder 203, a user positions the showerhead 205 at a convenient height for a shower.

In a similar manner as the retaining device 9 described with respect to the shower arrangement 1 of Figures 1 -3, the retaining device 206 of the shower arrangement 200 of Figures 9-1 1 may comprise a counterweight (not shown) linked to the showerhead holder 204 via a belt passing over a bearing to counter balance the showerhead holder 204.

As shown in Figures 10-1 1 the retaining device 206 may comprise a constant force spring 212 to counter the weight of the showerhead holder 204 in a similar manner as the constant force spring of theretaining device 9 described here above. The constant force spring option may be preferred to the counterweight option in case the housing length accessible for the counterweight to travel is insufficient. Moreover in the shower arrangement 200 the showerhead 205 is preferably integral with the showerhead holder 204, therefore the showerhead 205 cannot be changed for another showerhead with different weight, and there is less weight discrepancy to deal with.

More precisely as illustrated in Figures 10 and 1 1 the constant force spring 212 comprises a strip 213 having a first free end 214 coupled to the showerhead holder 204. The strip 213 of the constant force spring 212 may be rolled over a second end 215 of the strip 213. Preferably the constant force spring 212 may be coupled to the housing 201 by being operationally located in a pocket of the housing 201 , preferably in a similar way as described with respect to the shower arrangement 1 . The rolled strip 213 may comprise a rolled portion and an unrolled portion terminating at the free end 214, the rolled portion being at least partially located in a pocket of the housing 201 , application of force onto the rolled portion operably inducing a friction between the rolled strip and the housing 201 .

The strip 213 of constant force spring 212 may be attached and wrapped on a drum 21 6 optionally coupled to the housing 201 . The constant force spring 212 of the retaining device 206 is therefore coupled to the showerhead holder 204 from a first direction only thereby suspending or hanging the showerhead holder 204, and is configured to counterbalance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 204 suspended from the retaining device 206 and a showerhead 205 coupled to the showerhead holder 204.

The retaining device 206 may exert on the suspended showerhead holder 204 a constant retaining force when the showerhead holder 204 is slideably moved relative to the housing 201 so as to counter balance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 204 and showerhead 205 during an adjustment of the height of the showerhead holder 204 and coupled showerhead 205. When the height of showerhead holder 204 is adjusted the weight of the showerhead holder 204 and showerhead 205 is therefore counter balanced. The retaining device 206 is further arranged to exert on the suspended showerhead holder 204 a constant retaining force when the showerhead holder 204 is slideably moved relative to the housing 201 so as counter balance at least the weight of the showerhead holder 204, showerhead 205 and a hose 208 connected to the showerhead 205. The retaining device 206 may exert a force in one direction only on the showerhead holder 204.

The retaining device 206 and the showerhead holder 204 are thus in equilibrium irrespective of the position of the showerhead holder 204 along the housing 201 . Figures 9 and 10 respectively illustrate the showerhead holder 204 in two various positions of the showerhead holder 204 along the housing 201 .

In a similar manner as the retaining device 9 described with respect to the shower arrangement 1 of Figures 1 -3, the retaining device 206 of the shower arrangement 200 of Figures 9-1 1 may comprise a counterweight (not shown) linked to the showerhead holder 204 via a belt passing over a bearing to counter balance the showerhead holder 204.

In another shower arrangement (not shown) components of the shower such as a water heater may be included in the housing, i.e. in a riser rail or a case of the shower arrangement. Components of the shower such as a water heater may also be included in the showerhead holder, preferably provided within the showerhead holder to save space. For example, in a shower arrangement similar to the shower arrangement 200 of Figures 9-1 1 , a water heater or heat exchanger of the shower may be integrated within the showerhead holder, preferably in a portion of the showerhead holder that stays within the housing when the showerhead holder is moved relative to the housing. Such a configuration of the shower arrangement may comprise a wider or preferably deeper extrusion than the showerhead holder of Figures 9-1 1 .

- The angle portion 204b of the showerhead holder 204 may be articulated to provide an articulated angled showerhead 205. Thus the showerhead holder 204 may direct the end portion 204c comprising the showerhead 205 at different angles. The articulated angled showerhead 205 may be configured to move from a passive position when the shower arrangement 200 is off to adopt an active position in response to activation of the shower arrangement 200. For example in the passive position of the showerhead 205 the end portion 204c may be arranged to fold flat on the longitudinal portion 204A for storage. The end portion 204c may further be arranged in the active position of the showerhead 205 to open to an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal portion 204A when the shower arrangement 200 is turned. A default angle for the active position may be based on spray of water onto a user across a range of heights and room within a shower cubicle.

Moving from the passive to the active position may be based on an electronic switch or on water pressure in the showerhead 205.

In another not shown embodiment, the shower arrangement may provide a mount for at least a first and second showerhead. Such shower arrangement may further comprise a pair of showerheads mounted at opposite ends of the showerhead holder, optionally being directed in different directions to each other. In operation of the shower arrangement the showerheads located at opposite ends of the showerhead holder are preferably facing each other and therefore facing respectively up and down. For example a shower arrangement may comprise a second showerhead in addition to the shower head 205 of the shower arrangement 200 shown in Figure 9, the second showerhead mirroring the angled end portion 204c at the bottom of the longitudinal portion 204a for intimate washing. The shower arrangement may comprise a controller configured to selectively actuate individual ones of the first and second showerheads and switch between the two showerheads. Alternatively the shower arrangement may comprise a manual dial or switch to selectively actuate individual ones of the first and second showerheads and switch between the two showerheads. With this shower arrangement more flexibility may be given to a user for personal or intimate showering whereby a single showerhead would normally be removed to hold in one hand for such purpose.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the shower arrangements described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the shower arrangements described herein may be made without departing from the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by reference to the claims.

The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.