Technical Field

[001 ] The present invention relates to bathroom fittings and in particular the invention relates to a shower head.

Bac kground

[002] A shower head is used to deliver water for bathing in multiple thin streams. S hower heads are particularly popular for their efficiency in utilizing water when compared to bathtubs. There are a number of types of shower heads such as, but not limited to, fixed shower heads, shower handsets, ceiling mounted faucets, adjustable shower heads, and shower panels. S hower heads are normally designed to deliver both hot and cold water, but the hot and the cold water are delivered separately, at different instances of time, using all outlet holes of the shower head. In case a mixed stream of hot and cold water has to be delivered, the hot and the cold water are premixed and the mixed stream is delivered through all the outlet holes of the shower head. However, using all the outlet holes of the shower may be inefficient when only a small amount of water is required to be supplied.

[003] The present invention seeks to provide a shower head, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art; or to at least provide an alternative.

[004] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words comprise _. , comprises _, and comprising _, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[005] Any one of the terms: ^" including _, or which includes _, or ^" that includes _, as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others.

[006] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is prior art nor that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or worldwide. S ummary

[007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shower head comprising a body having at least a first chamber and a second chamber, a first inlet for supplying one or more of a first liquid and a second liquid, a second inlet for supplying one or more of the first liquid and the second liquid and a cap having a plurality of outlet holes, wherein at least a first outlet hole, of the plurality of outlet holes, is in liquid communication with the first chamber, and at least a second outlet hole, of the plurality of outlet holes, is in liquid communication with the second chamber. In this way two separate chambers may be used for dispensing two different kind of liquids, either simultaneously or separately. P resence of two chambers also allow rapid switching between the first and the second liquid.

[008] In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of outlet holes defines a spray zone and the plurality of the outlet holes are adapted to supply the first liquid and the second liquid simultaneously to the spray zone.

[009] In one embodiment of the invention, the first chamber and the second chamber have been provided in form of concentric rings. The ring like structures of the first chamber and the second chamber allows efficiency in utilization of space and allows the shower head to be rather compact.

[010] In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of holes has been divided and arranged along a first cap ring and a second cap ring, the first cap ring being in liquid communication with the first chamber and the second cap ring being in liquid communication with the second chamber.

[01 1 ] In one embodiment of the invention, the first liquid and the second liquid have different temperatures. This feature is particularly useful in bathrooms having hot and cold water supplies.

[012] In one embodiment of the invention, the first liquid is cold water and the second liquid is hot water.

[013] In one embodiment of the invention, the shower head further comprises a first channel in liquid communication with the first chamber and a second channel in liquid communication with the second chamber. This way the first and the second liquid can be supplied separately and simultaneously in two different channels. [014] In one embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a first set of chambers and a second set of chambers, the first channel being in liquid communication with each one of the first set of chambers and the second channel being in liquid communication with each one of the second set of chambers. Multiple chambers help in reducing turbulence of the first and the second liquids while dispensing. They also allow greater volumes of the first and the second liquids to be handled by the shower head.

[01 5] In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of holes has been divided and arranged along a first set of cap rings and a second set of cap rings, the first set of cap rings being in liquid communication with the first set of respective chambers and the second set of cap rings being in liquid communication with the second set of respective chambers.

[01 6] In one embodiment of the invention, the first set of cap rings and the second set of cap rings are arranged in an alternative arrangement.

[017] In one embodiment of the invention, the shower head further comprises a valve configured to selectively direct the first liquid into one or more of the first channel and the second channel and the selectively direct the second liquid into one or more of the first channel and the second channel. T his way various different combinations may be used to direct the first liquid, the second liquid and a mixture thereof through the first channel and/or the second channel.

[018] In one embodiment of the invention, the valve further comprises a fixed disc and a rotary disc. F urther, the fixed disc comprises a plurality of first inlet ports in fluidic communication with the first inlet and a plurality of second inlet ports in fluidic communication with the second inlet Also, the rotary disc comprises a plurality of first supply ports in fluidic communication with the first channel and a plurality of second supply ports in fluidic communication with the second channel.

[019] In one embodiment of the invention, the valve further comprises an outer casing and a cylinder housed in the outer casing, the outer casing comprising a slot on a periphery of the outer casing, a first inlet port on the periphery of the outer casing and a second inlet port below the first inlet port, a first supply port and a second supply port in line with and diametrically opposite to the first inlet port and the second inlet port, respectively. F urthermore, the cylinder comprises water diverting channels drawn in the cylinder, a handle configured to rotate the cylinder and a restriction means in line with the slot on the outer casing.

[020] In one embodiment of the invention, the restriction means is adapted to be received in the slot and is configured to restrict the range of rotation of the cylinder to a peripheral length of the slot.

[021 ] In one embodiment of the invention, the handle is configured to operate in at least a first a second and a third configurations. In a first configuration, when the handle is turned towards left, the first inlet port and the second inlet port are configured to receive hot and cold water, respectively, divert the hot and cold water to either the first supply port or the second supply port on another side. In a second configuration, the handle is turned towards right, any one of the first inlet port operates and the second inlet port are adapted to operate at a time, such that any one of the hot water and the cold water is received at a time, respectively. In a third configuration, when the handle is at a centre of the slot is adapted to be in a neutral position the hot and the cold water from the first inlet port and the second inlet port are received separately and delivered separately via the first supply port and the second supply port; respectively.

[022] In one embodiment of the invention, the first channel and the second channel are configured to selectively receive one or more of the first liquid and the second liquid from a wall mounted valve.

[023] In one embodiment of the invention, the first channel is spiral shaped.

[024] In one embodiment of the invention, the first channel is circular or concentric shaped.

[025] In one embodiment of the invention, the second channel is spiral shaped.

[026] In one embodiment of the invention, the second channel is circular or concentric shaped.

[027] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. B rief Des cription of Drawings

[028] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment / preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[029] F ig. 1 illustrates a logical diagram of a shower head in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[030] F ig. 2A illustrates a shower head having two chambers, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[031 ] F ig. 2B illustrates the shower head of figure 2A, with a cap;

[032] F ig. 3A illustrates a shower head having a plurality of chambers, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[033] F ig. 3B illustrates the shower head of figure 3A, with a cap;

[034] F ig. 4A illustrates a logical diagram of the shower head in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[035] F ig. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a valve for the shower head, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[036] F ig. 4C illustrates an exploded view of the valve of figure 4B;

[037] F igure 4D illustrates components of the valve of the shower head, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[038] F igure 4E illustrates a cylinder of the valve of Figure 4D;

[039] F igure 4F illustrates an outer casing of the valve of F igure 4D;

[040] F igure 4G illustrates an assembly of the valve of F igure 4D;

[041 ] F ig. 5A illustrates a logical diagram of a shower unit having the shower head, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[042] F ig. 5B illustrates a perspective view of the shower unit of figure 5A.

Des cription of E mbodiments

[043] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. [044] A shower head according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 100.

[045] In one embodiment now described the shower head 100 as illustrated in figure 1 , comprises a body 1 18 having at least a first chamber 1 12 and a second chamber 1 14. F urther, the shower head 100 comprises a first inlet 102 for supplying one or more of a first liquid and a second liquid. F urther, the shower head 100 comprises a second inlet 104 for supplying one or more of the first liquid and the second liquid. Also, the shower head 100 comprises a cap 1 1 6 having a plurality of outlet holes 120. F urther, at least a first outlet hole, of the plurality of outlet holes 120, is in liquid communication with the first chamber 1 12, and at least a second outlet hole, of the plurality of outlet holes 120, is in liquid communication with the second chamber 1 14. In this way two separate chambers (1 12 and 1 14) may be used for dispensing two different kind of liquids, either simultaneously or separately. P resence of two chambers also allow rapid switching between the first and the second liquids. Also, it will be appreciated by a skilled addressee that the plurality of outlet holes 120 define a spray zone 122 and the plurality of the outlet holes 120 are adapted to supply the first liquid and the second liquid simultaneously to the spray zone 122. It should be understood that the two liquids can be liquids that are physically different (for example liquid soap, water, mud, cosmetics, shampoo, conditioner) or liquids that are the same but have different characteristics (for example, water heated to different temperatures or in another example, one liquid is tap water while the second liquid is spring water).

[046] In one embodiment the first liquid and the second liquid have different temperatures. For example, the first liquid is cold water pumped from a first source 101 such as a water reservoir and the second liquid is hot water supplied from a second source 103, such as, a water heater. In one embodiment of the invention, the shower head 100 further includes a first channel 108 in liquid communication with the first chamber 1 12 and a second channel 1 10 in liquid communication with the second chamber 1 14. The first channel 108 and the second channel 1 10 are responsible to supply any type of liquid that need to be dispensed through the first chamber 1 12 and the second chamber 1 14, respectively. In various embodiments of the invention, the first channel 108 and the second channel 1 10 may have shapes selected from a group of spiral or circular or concentric shapes. [047] F igure 2A illustrates the shower head 100 having two chambers, in accordance with a preferred embodiment 200 of the present invention. As can be seen from figure 2A, the first chamber 1 12 and the second chamber 114 have been provided in form of concentric rings. The ring like structures of the first chamber 1 12 and the second chamber 1 14 allow efficiency in utilization of space and allows the shower head 100 to be rather compact F urther, the first channel 108 is adapted to open into the first chamber 1 12 through a plurality of first ports 202. F urther, the second channel 1 10 is adapted to open into the second chamber 1 14 through a plurality of second ports 204.

[048] F igure 2B illustrates the shower head 100 of figure 2B, with a cap 210. As can be seen from the figure 2B, the plurality of holes 120 have been divided and arranged along a first cap ring 212 and a second cap ring 214. F urther, the first cap ring 212 is in liquid communication with the first chamber 1 12 and the second cap ring 214 is in liquid communication with the second chamber 1 14. This way the first and the second liquids may be dispensed through the first 212 or the second cap ring 214 rings selectively.

[049] F igure 3A illustrates the shower head 100 having a plurality of chambers, in accordance with a preferred embodiment 300 of the present invention. As can be seen from figure 3A, the body 1 18 comprises a first set of chambers 31 1 , 313 and 31 5 and a second set of chambers 312, 314 and 316. F urther, the first channel 108 is in liquid communication with each one of the first set of chambers 31 1 , 313 and 31 5. Also, the second channel 1 10 is in liquid communication with each one of the second set of chambers 312, 314 and 31 6. Multiple chambers allow greater volume of the first and the second fluids to be handled. F urther, dividing the fluids into multiple chambers also help in reducing the turbulence of fluids during delivery, thereby allowing the first and the second fluids to be directed to the spray zone 122 in a much controlled manner.

[050] F igure 3B illustrates the shower head 100 of figure 3A, with the cap 210, in accordance with the preferred embodiment 300 of the present invention. As can be seen in figure 3B, the plurality of holes 120 has been divided and arranged along a first set of cap rings 321 , 323 and 325 and a second set of cap rings 322, 324 and 326. F urther, the first set of cap rings 321 , 323 and 325 are in liquid communication with the first set of respective chambers 31 1 , 313 and 315 and the second set of cap rings 322, 324 and 326 are in liquid communication with the second set of respective chambers 312, 314 and 31 6. In one embodiment of the invention, the first set of cap rings 321 , 323 and 325 and the second set of cap rings 322, 324 and 326 are arranged in an alternative arrangement. For example, that one cap ring 321 from the first set of cap rings 321 , 323 and 325 is adjacent to another cap ring 322 of the second set of cap rings 322, 324 and 326. The another cap ring 322 is further in between the two cap rings 321 and 323 of the first set of cap rings 321 , 323 and 325, and so on and so forth.

[051 ] F igure 4A illustrates a logical diagram of the shower head 100 in accordance with another embodiment 400 of the present invention. As can be seen from figure 4A, the shower head 100 further comprises a valve 410. The valve 410 is placed between the first inlet 102 and the second inlet 104 on one side and the first channel 108 and the second channel 1 10 on the other side. The valve 410 is configured to selectively direct the first liquid into one or more of the first channel 108 and the second channel 1 10 and selectively direct the second liquid into one or more of the first channel 108 and the second channel 1 10.

[052] F igure 4B illustrates a perspective view of the valve 410 for the shower head 100, in accordance with the preferred embodiment 400 of the present invention and F igure 4C illustrates an exploded view of the valve 410 of figure 4B. As can be seen from figures 4B and 4C, the valve 410 further comprises a fixed disc 412 and a rotary disc 414. Further, the fixed disc 412 comprises a plurality of first inlet ports 4122 in fluidic communication with the first inlet 102 and a plurality of second inlet ports 4124 in fluidic communication with the second inlet 104. Also, the rotary disc 414 comprises a plurality of first supply ports 4142 in fluidic communication with the first channel 108 and a plurality of second supply ports 4144 in fluidic communication with the second channel 1 10.

[053] In that manner it is envisaged that the plurality of first inlet ports 4122 may be aligned with the plurality of first supply ports 4142, also causing the plurality of second inlet ports 4124 to be aligned with the plurality of second supply ports 4144. Therefore, the first liquid may be directed to the first channel 108 and be dispensed out of the first chamber 112 or the first set of chambers 31 1 , 313 and 315. Also, the second liquid may be directed to the second channel 1 10 and be dispensed out of the second chamber 1 14 or the second set of chambers 312, 314 and 316.

[054] Alternately, the plurality of first inlet ports 4122 may be aligned with the plurality of second supply ports 4144, also causing the plurality of second inlet ports 4124 to be aligned with the plurality of first supply ports 4142. Therefore, the second liquid may be directed to the first channel 108 and be dispensed out of the first chamber 1 12 or the first set of chambers 31 1 , 313 and 315 and the first liquid may be directed to the second channel 1 10 and be dispensed out of the second chamber 1 14 or the second set of chambers 312, 314 and 316. In another example, both the first and the second liquids may be directed to one or more of the first channel 108 and the second channel 1 10, resulting in a mixture of the first and the second liquids being dispensed through the shower head 100.

[055] F igure 4D illustrates components of the valve 410 of the shower head 100, in accordance, with another embodiment of the present invention. The valve 410 may be a type of a diverter valve or a mixer valve. The valve 410 comprises a cylinder 420. F igure 4E illustrates the cylinder 420 of the valve 410 of F igure 4D. As shown in the F igure 4E , the cylinder 420 has water diverting channels 4202 drawn in the cylinder 420. T he cylinder 420 further comprises a handle 4204. The handle 4204 may be a knob configured to rotate the cylinder 420 in a desired direction and within a predetermined range. The rotation of the cylinder 420 may be restricted using a restriction means 4206 such as a screw.

[056] Additionally, the valve 410 comprises an outer casing 430. Figure 4F illustrates the outer casing 430 of the valve 410 of Figure 4D. As shown in F igure 4F, the outer casing 430 may have a shape similar to, but not limited to, a hollow cylinder or a jar having an open top. The outer casing 430 is configured to house the cylinder 420. The outer casing 430 has a slot 4302 on the periphery of the outer casing 430. The peripheral length of the slot 4302 defines the predetermined range of rotation. Furthermore, the outer casing 430 includes a first inlet port 4304 and a second inlet port 4305 below the first inlet port 4304 on the periphery of the outer casing 430. A first supply port 4306 and a second supply port 4307 are also provided in line with but diametrically opposite to the first inlet port 4304 and the second inlet 4305 port respectively. [057] The cylinder 420 and outer casing 430 need to be assembled to get the valve 410 ready for implementation. F igure 4G illustrates an assembly of the valve 410 of F igure 4D. The outer casing 430 receives the cylinder 420 from the open top of the outer casing 430 such that the restriction means 4206 is received in the slot 4302. This enables the cylinder 420 to be rotated using the handle 4204, across the peripheral length of the slot 4302. The restriction means 4206 restricts the movement of the cylinder 420 once the restriction means 4206 reaches the end of the slot 4302. W hen the handle 4204 is turned to a predetermined direction, for example, towards the left, the first inlet port 4304 and the second inlet port 4305 on the left that receive hot or cold water respectively, divert the hot and cold water to either the first supply port 4306 or the second supply port 4307 on the other side (mixing of hot and cold water takes place within the water diverting channels 4302).

[058] S imilarly, when the handle 4204 is turned towards the right, either the first inlet port 4304 operates or the second inlet port 4305 operates at a time i.e. either the hot water is received or the cold water is received at a time. In a neutral position (when handle is at a centre of the slot 4302) the showerhead 100 operates normally i.e. hot and cold water from the first inlet port 4304 and a second inlet port 4305 is received separately and delivered separately via the first supply port 4306 or the second supply port 4307 (without pre-mixing). The valve 410 may have a diameter of about 45mm and the valve may be, for example, 65mm long (excluding handle). Additionally, the valve may be manufactured on a C NC machine.

[059] F igure 5A illustrates a logical diagram of a shower unit 500 having the shower head 100, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from figure 5A, the shower unit 500 comprises a wall mounted valve 510. The wall mounted wall 510 is located between the first source 101 and the second source 103 on one side and the shower head 100 on the other side. T he first channel 108 and the second channel 1 10 are configured to selectively receive one or more of the first liquid and the second liquid from the wall mounted valve 510.

[060] F igure 5B illustrates a perspective view of the shower unit 500 of figure 5A. F igure 7B illustrates the wall mounted valve 510 receiving the first and the second fluids from the first source 101 and the second source 103 respectively. The shower head 100 is displayed having the first inlet 102, the second inlet 104 and the cap 1 1 6.

[061 ] The shower head discussed above offers a number of advantages. F irst the first and the second liquids may be supplied simultaneously, through various chambers of the shower head. All or some of the chambers may be used to dispense the first the second or a mixture of the first and second liquids. The plurality of chambers helps in reducing turbulence and directing the fluid to the spray zone 122 in a controlled manner.

[062] As can be seem above various embodiments of the invention provides advantages over the prior art. While prior art shower heads premix water at a desired temperature embodiments of the invention deliver steams of water simultaneously at different temperatures. This provides differing sensations to the user when the skin receives for example hot and cold water in different areas simultaneously.

[052] The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Examples and limitations disclosed herein are intended to be not limiting in any manner, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest possible sense unless otherwise indicated.

[053] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is meant to provide the broadest scope, consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims.