This disclosure relates to spray heads, particularly although not exclusively for use in ablutionary installations or systems. The disclosure also relates to systems, e.g. ablutionary installations of systems, comprising spray heads.

It is known for spray heads to be employed to deliver water in shower systems. Such spray heads may deliver water in a single spray pattern. Alternatively, such spray heads may be able to deliver water in a plurality discrete spray patterns with a user being able to select between the spray patterns.

It may be desirable to provide a spray head capable of delivering a variable spray pattern.

A first aspect provides a spray head, e .g. for a shower, comprising: an at least partially flexible spray tube having a wall defining a bore for conveying fluid, e.g. water, along the spray tube and one or more nozzles disposed in the wall of the spray tube to provide a spray pattern; and a means operable to twist the spray tube at one or more points, thereby changing the spray pattern.

By twisting the spray tube at one or more points, a continuously variable spray pattern may be provided. There may be no discrete switching from one spray pattern or mode to another. The spray pattern may be varied without any change or interruption in the flow of fluid occurring. By enabling a continuously variable spray pattern, a user may for example be able to vary the spray pattern from a more-focussed spray pattern to a less-focussd (more diffuse) spray pattern and vice versa without interrupting use of the spray head. It may be for example that a user prefers a more-focussed spray pattern when washing a particular part of his/her body and a less-focussed spray pattern when washing another part of his/her body.

The spray tube may comprise any number of nozzles. The nozzles may be disposed in any suitable arrangement or pattern. The nozzles may be arranged substantially linearly along the spray tube . The nozzles may be arranged in a plurality of rows along the spray tube . The nozzles may be arranged in an irregular or regular pattern. The nozzles may be arranged along at least a portion of the spray tube . One or more nozzles may be positioned at any suitable location around the circumference of the spray tube.

One or more of the nozzles may be disposed or provided in or by an aperture extending through the wall of the spray tube.

One or more of the nozzles may comprise an at least partially flexible or rigid tube. One or more of the nozzles may protrude from the spray tube.

The or each nozzle may be made from any suitable material, e.g. a polymeric material (a plastics material) or a metal.

The spray tube may comprise one or more bends or curves. The spray tube may comprise one or more straight sections.

The spray tube may comprise a single continuous waterway. The spray tube may comprise a loop. The loop may have one or more curved sections.

The spray tube may be arranged in a substantially circular, oval, triangular, spiral or squircle formation.

The spray tube may comprise one or more spray tube sections, e.g. a plurality of spray tube sections. The plurality of spray tube sections may be arranged in flow series. Each spray tube section may be in fluid communication with one or more other spray tube sections. Two or more, e.g. all, of the spray tube sections may be similar or substantially identical to one another. The spray tube sections may not all be similar or identical to one another

The spray head may comprise a valve operable to control the flow of fluid passing into the spray tube. Alternatively, the or a valve operable to control the flow of fluid passing into the spray tube may be located remotely from the spray head at a point upstream of the spray head. The spray tube or spray tube sections may comprise, e.g. be made from, any suitable material capable of deforming elastically, such as a polymeric material, an elastomer or the like. The spray tube or spray tube sections may comprise a rubber.

The means operable to twist the spray tube at one or more points may be operable to twist the spray tube at a plurality of points. The means operable to twist the spray tube at one or more points may be operable to twist the spray tube at up to 10 points or up to six points. For instance, the means operable to twist the spray tube at one or more points may be operable to twist the spray tube at two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten points.

The means operable to twist the spray tube may comprise an actuator operably connected to the spray tube. The actuator may comprise a rotary knob. The actuator may be mechanically connected to the spray tube, e.g. by one or more mechanical linkages or lever arms.

The spray head may comprise a support frame, which supports the spray tube.

The spray head may comprise a plurality of spray tubes. The spray head may comprise two or more spray tubes. Each spray tube may be connected to a means operable to twist the spray tube. A given means operable to twist the spray tube may be operably connected to one or more of the spray tubes. The spray head may comprise a plurality of spray tubes, wherein for example the spray tubes are arranged in a concentric pattern, e.g. in concentric circles. Where more than one spray tube is present, each spray tube may be operable to twist independently of the one or more other spray tubes.

The spray head may comprise a body or casing. The body may comprise a cavity, in which the one or more spray tubes may be located at least in part.

The spray head may be provided in the form of a fixed shower head or may be provided in the form of a handheld shower head. The spray head may alternatively comprise a part of a sprayer, a sprinkler, a tap, a faucet or other fluid, e.g. water, delivery fitting, for use either indoors or outdoors in a domestic, industrial or commercial setting. The fluid may be water.

A second aspect provides a fluid delivery fitting comprising a spray head according to the first aspect.

The fluid delivery fitting may be an ablutionary fitting.

The fluid delivery fitting may comprise a shower, a faucet, a tap, a sprayer or a sprinkler.

A third aspect provides a fluid delivery system comprising a spray head according to the first aspect or a fluid delivery fitting according to the second aspect.

The spray head or the fluid delivery fitting may be in fluid communication with a fluid, e.g. water, supply.

The fluid delivery system may comprise an ablutionary system. The ablutionary system may comprise a shower system and/or a bath system. The shower system may comprise an electric shower system.

The spray head may be provided in the form of a fixed shower head or may be provided in the form of a handheld shower head.

The fluid delivery system may comprise a heater or a boiler upstream of the spray head or the fluid delivery fitting. The heater may comprise an instantaneous water heater.

A fourth aspect provides a kit of parts arranged to form a spray head according to the first aspect, a fluid delivery fitting according to the second aspect or a fluid delivery system according to the third aspect.

A fifth aspect provides a method of varying a spray pattern from a spray head, e.g. for a shower, the spray head comprising an at least partially flexible spray tube having a wall defining a bore for conveying fluid, e.g. water, along the spray tube and one or more nozzles disposed in the wall of the spray tube, wherein the method comprises: supplying a fluid to the spray tube such that the fluid is ejected through one or more of the nozzles to provide a spray pattern; and

twisting the spray tube at one or more points, thereby changing the spray pattern.

The spray head may comprise a spray head according to the first aspect.

The method may comprise using the actuator to effect twisting of the spray tube at one or more points.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect. Furthermore except where mutually exclusive any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein.

Examples are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a spray head for a shower;

Figure 2 is a front view of the spray head shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the spray head shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the section of the spray head shown indicated by line A -A in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the spray head shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 6 illustrates an ablutionary system including the spray head of Figures 1 to 5.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a spray head 1 for a shower comprises a spray tube 2 comprising a first spray tube section 3a, a second spray tube section 3b and a third spray tube section 3c which are arranged to form a loop 5. In the illustrated example, the loop 5 is generally circular. However, the loop may have any other shape or form.

Each of the spray tube sections 3a, 3b, 3c is flexible at least in part. Each of the spray tube sections 3a, 3b, 3c may comprise, e.g. be made of, an elastomeric material or a rubber. Each of the spray tube sections 3a, 3b, 3c comprises a plurality of apertures with nozzles 4 disposed therein. The nozzles 4 may comprise tubes made out of any suitable material, e.g. a metal or a plastics material. As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the nozzles 4 may each be shaped and dimensioned, e.g. at least partially tapered or flared, in any suitable way, in order to deliver a fluid, e.g. water, in a desired manner.

In the illustrated example, the nozzles 4 are spaced at regular intervals along the length of each spray tube section 3a, 3b, 3c. As can be seen most clearly in Figure 2, when the spray tube 2 is in an untwisted state , the nozzles 4 are arranged along an arc line extending in an arcuate direction (i.e. along the length of) each spray tube section 3a, 3b, 3c. In the untwisted state illustrated in Figure 2, the nozzles 4 point in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the spray tube 2 generally lies. The spray tube 2 may be housed at least partially in a casing (not shown). The nozzles 4 may generally be arranged to deliver fluid, e.g. water, through an intended front side of the shower head 1. The intended front side of the shower head 1 may comprise a face plate. As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, other nozzle arrangements and/or patterns may be employed.

A first connecting member 6a connects an end of the first spray tube section 3a to an end of the third spray tube section 3c. A fluid supply pipe 10, which may have the form or an at least partially flexible hose is connected to the first connecting member 6a. The fluid supply pipe 10 delivers fluid from a fluid source to the spray tube 2. Accordingly, the first connecting member 6a provides fluid communication between the fluid supply pipe 10, the first spray tube section 3a and the third spray tube section 3c. Thus, in use, fluid may pass from the fluid supply pipe 10 into the first spray tube section 3a and/or the third spray tube section 3c, i.e. the fluid may be conveyed along the spray tube in either or both directions. At an upstream end, the fluid supply pipe 10 may be provided with a connector 32 adapted to connect the fluid supply pipe 10 to another component, e.g. an outlet from a mixer valve, a diverter or an instantaneous water heater.

A second connecting member 6b connects the other end of the first spray tube section 3a to an end of the second spray tube section 3b. A third connecting member 6c connects the other end of the second spray tube section 3b to the other end of the third spray tube section 3c, thereby completing the loop 5. The second connecting member 6b provides fluid communication between the first spray tube section 3a and the second spray tube section 3b. The third connecting member 6c provides fluid communication between the second spray tube section 3b and the third spray tube section 3c.

The spray head 1 comprises a supporting frame 12, which supports the spray tube 2. The supporting frame comprises a hub 16. The hub 16 is fixedly connected to a first connecting member receiving portion 11a, a second connecting member receiving portion l ib and a third connecting member receiving portion l ie by three radial arms 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the three radial arms 14 are equally spaced from each other at intervals of approximately 120°. Other arrangements and spacings of the radial arms may be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The first connecting member receiving portion 11a receives the first connecting member 6a. The first connecting member 6a can rotate within the first connecting member receiving portion 11a.

The second connecting member receiving portion l ib receives the second connecting member 6b. The second connecting member 6b can rotate within the second connecting member receiving portion l ib.

The third connecting member receiving portion l ie receives the third connecting member 6c. The third connecting member 6c can rotate within the third connecting member receiving portion l ie.

A rotary knob 18 is operatively connected to the spray tube 2 at three points (i.e. the first, second and third connecting members 6a, 6b, 6c).

The rotary knob 18 comprises a head 20 adapted to be gripped by a user and a threaded shaft 22 extending therefrom. The threaded shaft 22 is received in a threaded aperture passing through the hub 16. In the illustrated example, the rotary knob 18 is arranged to be accessible to a user from an intended rear side of the spray head 1. Three lever arms 8 operatively connect the rotary knob 18 to the spray tube 2 at the first, second and third connecting members 6a, 6b, 6c. A resilient biasing means 30 extends between each lever arm 8 and the radial arm 14 located beneath it. Each resilient biasing means 30 acts to resist movement of a given lever arm 8 towards the radial arm 14 located beneath it. The resilient biasing means 30 may each comprise a spring.

Each lever arm 8 has a first end which abuts an underside of the head 20 of the rotary knob 18. A second end of each lever arm 8 is connected to one of the first, second and third connecting member 6a, 6b, 6c.

Operation of the spray head 1 will now be described.

Generally, a user may continuously vary the spray pattern from the spray head 1 by turning the rotary knob 18. This may enable for example a user to change the direction and/or focus of the spray pattern without any interruption in operation of the spray head 1.

Turning the rotary knob 18 in a first direction will cause the rotary knob 18 to move towards the hub 16. Consequently, the ends of the lever arms 8 abutting the underside of the head 20 of the rotary knob 18 will be displaced towards the hub 16. Consequently, the first, second and third connecting members 6a, 6b, 6c will be caused to rotate in their respective connecting member receiving portions 11a, l ib, 1 lc, thereby twisting the spray tube 2 and changing the spray pattern.

Turning the rotary knob 18 in a second direction opposite to the first direction will cause the rotary knob 18 to move away from the hub 16. Consequently, the ends of the lever arms 8 abutting the underside of the head 20 of the rotary knob 18 will be urged away from the hub 16 by the resilient biasing means 30. Consequently, the first, second and third connecting members 6a, 6b, 6c will be caused to rotate in their respective connecting member receiving portions 11a, l ib, l ie, thereby twisting the spray tube 2 and changing the spray pattern.

For instance, the first direction may be anticlockwise and the second direction may be clockwise or vice versa. The spray head may be configured such that turning the rotary knob in the first direction produces a more-focussed spray pattern and turning the rotary knob in the second direction produces a less-focussed (more diffuse) spray pattern or vice versa.

It will be appreciated that any suitable actuation mechanism may be employed to effect twisting of the spray tube at one or more points. The actuation mechanism described above, including the rotary knob 18, the lever arms 8 and the resilient biasing means 30 constitutes one example of a suitable actuation mechanism. Other actuation mechanisms may employ for example a button for a user to press, as opposed to a rotary knob for a user to rotate.

Figure 6 shows the spray head 1 of Figure 1 as part of an ablutionary system. In this example, the ablutionary system comprises a shower system 1000. The spray head 1 is attached to a valve 1002 by the fluid supply pipe 10. The fluid supply pipe 10 may comprise a flexible hose. Upstream of the valve 1002, there is a water source, which in this case is a water tank 1004. The water tank 1004 feeds a water pump 1006 which pressurises water to pass it through the valve 1002 along the fluid supply pipe 10 and to the spray head 1. The valve 1002 is operable to selectively allow or disallow flow to the spray head 1.

It will be appreciated that any spray head disclosed herein may be employed as part of any ablutionary system, e.g. shower system. For example, the spray head may be employed as part of an electric shower system.

For convenience, the preceding examples have been discussed primarily in relation to spray heads for showers. The skilled person will appreciate that other applications of the spray heads are possible, such as spray heads for use in the kitchen or on hosepipes, taps or pressurised drink dispensers. Similarly, the example embodiments are primarily discussed in terms of using water, but the skilled person will understand that the disclosure would equally apply to other fluids.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above- described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.