Shower system

Abstract

An embodiment of a shower assembly is described, the shower assembly including modular components that can be removably attached and can be replaced or interchanged with corresponding components having different form factors or designs. In some embodiments, the shower assembly includes a diverter unit that is fluidly coupled to a fluid source, and the diverter unit is configured to selectively direct a fluid flow from the fluid source to one or both of a shower head and a hand shower. The shower head includes a first plurality of nozzles configured to dispense a fluid, and the shower head is configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the diverter unit. The hand shower includes a second plurality of nozzles configured to dispense a fluid and is fluidly coupled to the diverter unit by a hose, and the hand shower is configured to be removably attached to the diverter unit by a connector.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application entitled “Shower System”, with an application date of January 8, 2018, application number 201880005753.8, and international application number PCT / US2018 / 012827.

[0002] Citation of Related Applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 443,995, filed on January 9, 2017, and entitled “SHOWER SYSTEM,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to shower systems. Background Art

[0005] Shower assemblies that provide a flow of water to a person in a shower, bathtub, etc. are generally known. Some assemblies include multiple water delivery devices, including a shower head and a separate hand shower that the user can freely move. It is also known to removably mount a hand shower to a shower assembly (or elsewhere in a shower area). However, it is desirable to provide additional shower assembly structures. Summary of the invention

[0006] In general, the object of the present disclosure is to describe an embodiment of a new shower system, wherein the shower assembly includes modular components that can be removably attached and can be replaced or interchanged with corresponding components having different form factors or designs. Specifically, the shower system includes a shower head, a diverter unit, and a hand shower. The shower head can be fluidly coupled and removably attached to the diverter unit. The shower head includes a spray face defined by an opening, the opening being shaped to receive a correspondingly shaped front portion of the diverter unit when the shower head is attached to the diverter unit. The hand shower is also fluidly coupled to the diverter unit and removably attached to the front portion of the diverter unit so that when attached, the hand shower is not flush with either the diverter unit or the shower head spray face. In some embodiments, the diverter unit includes a paddle rod for selectively directing water flow to the shower head and the hand shower. The paddle rod can be positioned near the shower head for easy access by a user.

[0007] Other objects and advantages of the invention will be in part apparent and in part obvious from the disclosure.

[0008] In some embodiments, a shower assembly includes: a diverter unit that is fluidly connected to a fluid source, the diverter unit being configured to selectively direct a fluid flow from the fluid source to one or both of a shower head and a hand shower; the shower head including a first plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid, the shower head being configured to be removably fluidly connected to the diverter unit; and the hand shower including a second plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid and being fluidly connected to the diverter unit by a hose, the hand shower being configured to be removably attached to the diverter unit by a connector.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the handshower is attached to the diverter unit, the spray head portion of the handshower protrudes relative to the shower head and the diverter unit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the shower assembly includes a release mechanism that removably attaches the shower head to the diverter unit and is configured to be actuated to detach the shower head from the diverter unit. In some embodiments, the release mechanism includes a button.

[0011] In some embodiments, the showerhead is configured to be fluidly coupled to the diverter unit by coupling one or more water channels of the showerhead to one or more corresponding channels of the diverter unit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the showerhead is configured to be fluidly coupled to the diverter unit by coupling two water channels of the showerhead to two corresponding channels of the diverter unit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the shower head includes an opening shaped to permit a correspondingly shaped front portion of the diverter unit to extend through the opening when the shower head is fluidly coupled to the diverter unit, and the opening enables a front surface of the diverter unit to be exposed for removable attachment to the hand shower.

[0014] In some embodiments, the shower assembly includes a paddle bar configured to be actuated between a plurality of positions so that the diverter unit can selectively direct a fluid flow from a fluid supply source to one or both of the shower head and the hand shower. In some embodiments, when the paddle bar is actuated in a first position among the plurality of positions, the diverter unit is configured to selectively direct a fluid flow from the fluid source to the hand shower and the shower head. In some embodiments, when the paddle bar is actuated in a second position among the plurality of positions, the diverter unit is configured to selectively direct a fluid flow from the fluid source to the hand shower without directing it to the shower head. In some embodiments, the paddle bar is attached to the diverter and is configured to extend below the shower head.

[0015] In some embodiments, the handshower includes a button configured to control a spray pattern of the second plurality of nozzles.

[0016] In some embodiments, the handshower includes the connector.

[0017] In some embodiments, the shower head includes the connector.

[0018] In some embodiments, the connector comprises a tine.In some embodiments, the tine comprises a pair of arms extending outwardly from the diverter unit.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connector includes a magnetically attractive material. In some embodiments, the magnetically attractive material removably attaches the handshower to the front portion of the diverter unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present disclosure is discussed in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1A to Figure 1B shows a perspective view of a shower system according to some embodiments;

[0022] Figure 1C to Figure 1D shows a side view of a shower system according to some embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B shows a hand shower removably attached to a diverter unit in a shower system according to some embodiments;

[0024] Figures 3 to 6 showing various views of a shower system according to some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates removably attached components of a shower system according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 8 According to some embodiments, Figure 7 Another view of the shower system;

[0027] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B A showerhead and its associated components according to some embodiments are shown;

[0028] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B A hand shower and its associated components according to some embodiments are shown;

[0029] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B shows a diverter unit and its associated components according to some embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B shows a cross-sectional view of a shower system according to some embodiments;

[0031] Fig.13A A shower system according to some embodiments is shown wherein the paddle lever is disposed in a first position;

[0032] FIG. 13B to FIG. 13C illustrates water flow in a shower system when a paddle lever is set to a first position according to some embodiments;

[0033] Fig.14A A shower system is shown according to some embodiments, wherein the paddle lever is set to a second position;

[0034] FIG. 14B to FIG. 14C illustrates water flow in a shower system when the paddle lever is set to a second position according to some embodiments; and

[0035] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15B A cross-sectional view of a diverter unit in a shower system according to some embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figures 1A to 1D Various views of a shower system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Specifically, Figure 1A to Figure 1B A perspective view of the shower system 100 is shown, and Figure 1C to Figure 1D A side view of a shower system 100 is shown. The shower system 100 may include a shower head 110, a diverter unit 130, and a handshower 120. Figures 1A to 1DA configuration of shower system 100 is shown in which shower head 110 and hand shower 120 are each removably attached to diverter unit 130. As will be further described below, according to some embodiments, the modular system of shower system 100 improves upon standard shower assemblies by providing the user with removably attached components that can be flexibly swapped to accommodate the user's preferences.

[0037] In some embodiments, the diverter unit 130 includes a ball joint 133, which is disposed at the rear inlet of the diverter unit 130 to couple the diverter unit 130 fluid to the outlet pipe 90 to receive a fluid (e.g., water, ozone water, filtered water, etc.) from a fluid source (e.g., a water source). Although the present disclosure generally describes embodiments related to water, it should be understood that other types of fluids can be applied to the shower assembly. For example, the fluid can be a cleaning fluid used to clean a bathtub or shower room. As will be further described with respect to Figures 12 to 15, the diverter unit 130 includes one or more valves for controlling the flow of water from the outlet pipe 90 to the shower head 110 and the hand shower 120. In some embodiments, the diverter unit 130 can be configured to selectively direct the flow of water to one of the hand shower 120 and the shower head 110 or both of the removably attached components. In some embodiments, the diverter unit 130 can be configured to direct the water flow based on whether the handshower 120 is removably attached to the diverter unit 130. For example, in a coupled configuration in which the handshower 120 is removably attached to the diverter unit 130, the diverter unit 130 can be configured to selectively direct the water flow from the outlet pipe 90 through both the handshower 120 and the shower head 110.

[0038] In some embodiments, the diverter unit 130 can be operated via a paddle bar 135 to selectively direct water flow through the hand shower 120, the shower head 110, or both the hand shower 120 and the shower head 110. In some embodiments, the paddle bar 135 can be configured to extend below the shower head 110 so that it is easily accessible to the user. The paddle bar 135 can be mechanically actuated by the user, the action of removably attaching the hand shower 120 to the diverter unit 130, or a combination thereof. For example, the user can actuate the paddle bar 135 by pressing or lifting the paddle bar 135. In another example, the action of removably attaching the hand shower 120 to the diverter unit 130 can implement the paddle bar 135. In some embodiments, the paddle bar 135 can be physically connected to a rotation shaft that rotates clockwise or counterclockwise based on whether a pressing force or a lifting force is applied to the paddle bar 135. The direction of the rotation axis (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) can instruct the diverter unit 130 to selectively direct the water flow. In some embodiments, the paddle lever 135 can include a spring, the state of which (e.g., compression or tension) can instruct the diverter unit 130 to selectively direct the water flow.

[0039] In some embodiments, the showerhead 110 can have a broad, substantially flat spray face 112f that includes nozzles 112n for outputting water received through the diverter unit 130, as described above. The showerhead 110 is removably attached to the diverter unit 130 and can be selected from a group of interchangeable showerheads having different footprints and / or nozzle configurations. Figure 1A As shown and as described below, the showerhead 110 removably attached to the diverter unit 130 also fluidly couples the showerhead 110 to the diverter unit 130 .

[0040] Providing an interchangeable, removably attachable showerhead (e.g., such as showerhead 110) allows the user greater usage and design flexibility that is not provided by shower assembly designs having an integrated showerhead and diverter unit. For example, a user may select a showerhead 110 having a specific design (or form factor) that better fits the surrounding decor. In addition, a user may select a showerhead 110 having a specific configuration of nozzles 112n (e.g., a number of nozzles or nozzles of a specific diameter) to control the water flow pressure of the showerhead in the shower system 100.

[0041] The shower head 110 can be removably attached to the diverter unit 130 via one or more coupling mechanisms. In some embodiments, the shower head 110 can be released via a release mechanism 132 (e.g., one or a pair of buttons, such as Figure 1C to Figure 1D ) is removably attached to the diverter unit 130.

[0042] In some embodiments, showerhead 110 may be removably attached to diverter unit 130 by physically coupling one or more water channels of handshower 120 with corresponding one or more channels of diverter unit 130, such as with respect to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Further description.

[0043] In some embodiments, the shower head 110 can be removably attached to the diverter unit 130 via a magnetic connection. For example, the back side of the shower head 110 (eg, Figure 7 ) and the front portion 136 (as shown Figure 7 The shower head 110 may include one or more complementary magnets or magnetically attractive materials having complementary magnetic polarities. The shower head 110 is removably attached to the diverter unit 130 by magnetic attraction when the back side of the shower head 110 is brought into contact with the front surface 136. The magnetic force should be sufficient to enable the shower head 110 to be safely removably attached (e.g., attached and detached) from the diverter unit 130. Preferably, this complies with all government and industry regulations and standards.

[0044] like Figures 1A to 1D As shown, the hand shower 120 may include a spray head portion 122 for outputting water, a handle 124 for allowing a user to operate the spray head portion 122, and a hose 170 for receiving water from the diverter unit 130. The hose 170 may fixedly attach and fluidly couple the hand shower 120 to the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, the hose 170 may be at least 59 inches (i.e., about 1.5 meters) to provide a user with a wide range of mobility for operating the hand shower 120. In some embodiments, the spray head portion 122 may include a nozzle unit 126 having a nozzle 126n that fluidly couples the hand shower 120 to the hose 170.

[0045] In some embodiments, in addition to being fixedly attached to the diverter unit 130 via the hose 170, the hand shower 120 can be removably attached to the diverter unit 130 by a connector. In some embodiments, the diverter unit 130 includes a connector. In some embodiments, the hand shower 120 includes a connector. For example, Figures 1A to 1DA view of a configuration of the shower system 100 is shown in which the hand shower 120 is removably attached (e.g., mounted or magnetically attached) to the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, the hand shower 120 can be removably attached to the diverter unit 130 to protrude from (i.e., extend from) the flat front surface 136f of the diverter unit 130 and the shower head 110. This configuration can provide the user with another means to separate the hand shower 120 from the diverter unit 130. For example, since the spray head portion is not flush with respect to the flat front surface 136f or the flat spray face 112f, the user can be permitted to easily grasp the spray head portion 122 itself to separate the hand shower 120 from the diverter unit 130.

[0046] In some embodiments, the hand shower 120 can be removably attached to the diverter unit 130 by docking the removable spray head portion 122 with the flat front surface 136f of the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, the connector can be a magnet or a magnetically attractive material. For example, the spray head portion 122 can be docked to the flat front surface 136f of the diverter unit 130 via a magnetic connection. For example, the back side (e.g., Figure 7 The back side 122r) and the flat front surface 136f of the shower head portion 110 may include one or more complementary magnets or magnetically attractive materials with complementary magnetic polarities. When the back side of the shower head portion 122 is brought into contact with the flat front surface 136f, the back side is held in place by the magnetic attraction force so that the hand shower 120 protrudes from the diverter unit 130 and the spray face 112f of the shower head 110. The magnetic force should be sufficient to safely and securely removably attach the hand shower 120 to the diverter unit 130 without excessive pulling force to remove the hand shower 120. Preferably, this complies with all government and industry regulations and standards.

[0047] In some embodiments, the connector for removably attaching the hand shower 120 to the diverter unit 130 can be a fork tine. For example, the hand shower 120 can be removably attached to the diverter unit 130 via a pair of arms 131a that extend outward from the bottom portion of the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, the arms 131a can be configured to attach the hand shower 120 (particularly where the handle 124 of the hand shower 120 tapers to meet the spray head portion 122) to the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, in addition to the arms 131a, the hand shower 120 can be removably attached to the diverter unit 130 via a magnetic docking, as described above. In these embodiments, the arms 131a can prevent the magnetically docked hand shower from turning left or right or sliding downward.

[0048] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B A hand shower 120 is shown removably attached to a diverter unit 130 in a shower system 100 according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B 1 shows a configuration of the shower system 100 in which the hand shower 120 is separated from the diverter unit 130. It should be noted that although the spray head portion 122 of the hand shower 120 is shown as being separated from the diverter unit 130, the hand shower 120 can be connected to the diverter unit 130 by means of a hose 170 (e.g., Figure 1B ) remains fixedly attached to and fluidly coupled to the diverter unit 130. Figures 1A to 1D As described above, the diverter unit 130 may be configured to control the flow of water to the shower head 110 and the hand shower 120 based on whether the hand shower 120 is removably attached to the diverter unit 130. For example, when the spray head portion 122 of the hand shower 120 is detached from the diverter unit 130, the diverter unit 130 may be configured to simultaneously block the flow of water to the shower head 110 and selectively direct the flow of water to the hand shower 120.

[0049] In some embodiments, the spray head portion 122 of the hand shower 120 can be removably attached to the flat front surface 136f of the diverter unit 130. Figure 2A As shown, the showerhead 110 can have an opening 112c defined therein that is shaped to permit a correspondingly shaped front portion 136 of the diverter unit 130 to be received therein when the showerhead 110 is attached to the diverter unit 130. Figures 1A to 1D As described, the user can separate the handshower 120 from the diverter unit 130 by grasping and pulling the spray head portion 122 or pulling the handshower 120 via the handle 124. The handshower 120 can remain fluidly coupled to the diverter unit 130 via the hose 170 that physically connects the handshower 120 to the diverter unit 130.

[0050] In some embodiments where the handshower 120 is removably attached to the diverter unit 130 via a magnetic connection, grasping the handle 124 or the spray head portion 122 and applying a pulling force overcomes the magnetic force that removably attaches the spray head portion 122 to the flat front surface 136f of the diverter unit 130.

[0051] In some embodiments, a pair of arms 131a on the bottom side of the diverter unit 130 may be implemented to hold the hand shower 120 in place and removably attach to the flat front surface 136f of the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, the pair of arms 131a may be angled upward so that a user may detach the hand shower 120 (e.g., the spray head portion 122) from the diverter unit 130 by grasping, lifting, and pulling the spray head portion 122 or the handle 124 away from the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, the pair of arms 131a may be made of an elastic material (e.g., plastic) that holds the hand shower 120 in place via a squeezing force. In these embodiments, the user may be enabled to detach the hand shower 120 from the diverter unit 130 by directly pulling the hand shower 120 via the handle 124 or directly pulling the spray head portion 122.

[0052] In some embodiments, the hand shower 120 includes a button 141 that can be switched by the user to change the spray mode of the spray head portion 122. The spray mode can include, but is not limited to, the force of the water spray, the atomizing spray, the jet spray, the vortex massage spray, and other types of spray forms, etc. In some embodiments, in order to provide a variety of spray modes, the button 141 can be switched to control the flow rate of water flowing through the hose 170 to the nozzle (e.g., nozzle 112n) of the spray head portion 122. In some embodiments, in order to provide a variety of spray modes, the button 141 can be switched to control which nozzles of the spray head portion 122 are allowed to operate.

[0053] In some embodiments, as described above with respect to Figures 1A to 1D The diverter unit 130 includes a paddle lever 135 that can be actuated between a plurality of positions to cause the diverter unit 130 to selectively direct fluid (e.g., water) to flow to the shower head 110, the hand shower 120, or both of the removably attached components. In some embodiments, the paddle lever 135 may include a spring that can be compressed or stretched to allow the paddle lever 135 to remain in a push-up or push-down configuration, respectively. In some embodiments, the paddle lever 135 may be actuated by a user by pressing or lifting the paddle lever 135. In some embodiments, the paddle lever 135 may be configured to operate based on the state of the arm 131a. For example, the paddle lever 135 may be pressed down when a force is applied to a pair of arms 131a (e.g., when the hand shower 120 is removably attached to the diverter unit 130) and released when the force is reduced (e.g., when the hand shower 120 is separated from the diverter unit 130). Thus, according to some embodiments, the paddle lever 135 may be operated based on whether the handshower 120 is removably attached to the diverter unit 130 .

[0054] Figures 3 to 6 Various views of a shower system 100 are shown according to some embodiments, such as with respect to Figures 1A to 1D and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B described. Figures 3 to 6 Shower system 100 is shown in a coupled configuration, wherein both the removably attached components of handshower 120 and showerhead 110 are each removably attached to diverter unit 130. Figure 3 to Figure 4 As shown, when the hand shower 120 is attached to the diverter unit 130, the spray head portion 122 of the hand shower 120 protrudes from the shower head 110 and the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, a portion of the spray head portion 122 of the hand shower 120 can extend from the shower head 110 to provide an additional surface for the user to grip in order to detach the hand shower 120 from the diverter unit 130.

[0055] Figure 6 Further shown is a hand shower 120 including a button 141 for controlling a spray mode of the hand shower 120, as described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B For example, by pressing button 141, the user can control the number or type of nozzles (eg, nozzles of type 143 or nozzles of type 145) for outputting water to achieve different spraying patterns.

[0056] Figure 7 1 shows removably attached components of a shower system 100 according to some embodiments. The shower system 100 can be flexibly adapted to the needs of a user by including the following modular components: a hand shower 120 and a shower head 110, each of which can be removably attached to a diverter unit 130. Figure 7 As shown, a ball joint 133 disposed at the rear inlet of the diverter unit 130 can fluidly couple the diverter unit 130 to the outlet pipe 90. The outlet pipe 90 can be further fluidly coupled to a water source. As will be further described with respect to FIGS. 12 to 15 , the diverter unit 130 includes a paddle lever 135 that can be operated to selectively control whether water (or other fluid) from the outlet pipe 90 can be permitted to flow to the shower head 110, the hand shower 120, or both the shower head 110 and the hand shower 120.

[0057] In some embodiments, the showerhead 110 can be fluidly coupled to the diverter unit 130 via one or more water channels 114 that interoperate with one or more corresponding channels 134 of the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, the showerhead 110 can be removably attached to the diverter unit 130 by coupling the one or more water channels 114 with the corresponding one or more channels 134 of the diverter unit 130. In these embodiments, the act of coupling the one or more water channels 114 also fluidly couples the showerhead 110 with the diverter unit 130.

[0058] In some embodiments, the shower head 110 can be removably attached to the diverter unit 130 via one or more release mechanisms 132. For example, the release mechanism 132 can be one or more buttons (e.g., a pair of buttons) that mechanically and physically attach the shower head 110 to the diverter unit 130. When some or more of the buttons are pressed, the shower head 110 can be able to detach from the diverter unit 130.

[0059] In some embodiments, providing a removably attached shower head 110 within the shower system 100 can enable a user to select the shower head 110 from a plurality of shower heads to select a shower head design that best suits his or her needs. In some embodiments, each shower head from the plurality of shower heads (including the shower head 110) can have an opening 112c shaped to permit a correspondingly shaped front portion 136 of the diverter unit 130 to be received therein when the shower head 110 is attached to the diverter unit 130.

[0060] In some embodiments, the opening 112c of the shower head 110 can be shaped to permit the back side 122r of the spray head portion 122 to be coupled to the flat front surface 136f of the front portion 136 to achieve a secure but detachable attachment between the hand shower 120 and the diverter unit 130. In fact, when the shower head 110 is attached to the diverter unit 130, the opening 112c enables the flat front surface 136f of the front portion 136 to be exposed. As described above with respect to Figures 1A to 1D As described above, the removable attachment between the hand shower 120 and the diverter unit 130 can be achieved by including complementary magnets in the spray head portion 122 (of the hand shower 120) and the front surface 136 (of the diverter unit 130). In some embodiments, the removable attachment can be achieved by a pair of arms 131a of the diverter unit 130 extending outwardly from the diverter unit 130. In these embodiments, the pair of arms 131a can attach the hand shower 120, specifically the portion of the hand shower 120 where the handle 124 tapers to meet the spray head portion 122.

[0061] Figure 8 According to some embodiments, Figure 7 Another view of the shower system 100. Figure 8 As shown, the shower head 110 may include two water channels 114 for receiving water provided by the outlet pipe 90 and selectively directed by the diverter unit 130 toward the shower head 110. In some embodiments where the shower head 110 may be removably attached to the diverter unit 130 via the water channels 114, implementing two water channels 114 within the shower head 110 may facilitate a more secure coupling between the shower head 110 and the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, one or more water channels 114 of the shower head 110 may removably attach and fluidly couple the shower head 110 to the diverter unit 130.

[0062] Fig.9A Shower head 110 of shower system 100 is shown, as described above. Fig. 9B The various components that make up the showerhead 110 are shown in accordance with some embodiments. Fig. 9B As shown in the exploded view of the shower head 110 in FIG. 1 , the shower head 110 may include a panel 112 having an opening through which a nozzle 112n of a nozzle unit 112m is at least partially disposed. The shower head 110 may also include a retaining plate 116 that clamps the nozzle unit 112m together with the panel 112, a waterway plate 118 that includes one or more waterways 114, and a rear cover 119. The rear cover 119 may include a hole through which one or more waterways 114 extend to allow the shower head 110 to receive water from the diverter unit 130, as described above.

[0063] Fig. 10A The handshower 120 of the shower system 100 is shown, as described above. Fig. 10B 1 shows various components that make up the hand shower 120 according to some embodiments. Fig. 10B As shown in the exploded view of the hand shower 120 in FIG. 1 , the hand shower 120 may include a nozzle unit 126 having a nozzle 126n and a panel 125 through which the nozzle 126n is disposed. The hand shower 120 may also include a nozzle plate 128 that sandwiches the nozzle unit 126 together with the panel 125. Additionally, the hand shower 120 may include a nozzle plate 128, a diverter ring 121r, a massage or soft spray nozzle 123, a diverter cover plate 121c, a diverter base plate 121b, a water channel unit 127 having a water channel 127w, and a rear cover 129.

[0064] In some embodiments, the massage or gentle spray nozzle 123 and the nozzle 126n can be controlled by the user to use a spray mode from a plurality of spray modes of the hand shower. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2Band Figure 6 As described above, the hand shower 120 may include a button 141 for controlling the spray mode. Fig. 10B As shown, according to some embodiments, the button 141 can be integrated with the diverter ring 121r.

[0065] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B 1 shows a diverter unit 130 and its associated components according to some embodiments. Fig.11A As shown in the exploded view of the diverter unit 130 in FIG. 1 , the front portion 136 of the diverter unit 130 includes a flat front surface 136f, a pair of arms 131a, and a plurality of channels 134. In addition to the front portion 136, the diverter unit 130 may also include a mating rear housing that, together with the front portion 136, encloses a body 137 that, among other things, houses a manifold 139 for controlling the flow of water to the showerhead 110 and the hand shower 120. A ball joint 133 may be provided at the rear inlet 130a of the mating rear housing to fluidly couple the diverter unit 130 to the outlet pipe 90, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 1A , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The lower outlet 130b in the mating rear housing can be fluidly coupled to the hand shower 120 via a hose 170, as described with respect to Figure 1B described.

[0066] In some embodiments, the diverter unit 130 can be operated via a paddle bar 135 to selectively direct water flow through the hand shower 120 and additionally through the shower head 110. The paddle bar 135 can be configured to engage with a shaft 135s ( Fig. 11B 135s) interact with each other to selectively transmit water flow to the body 137 of the diverter unit 130. Although the shaft 135s is shown as being used to control Fig.11A The mechanism of water flow selection in the embodiment of the present invention, but other types of fluid control mechanisms can be implemented. For example, the paddle-shaped rod 135 can be configured to transmit the water flow selection to a magnetic valve, an electronic value or other types of diverter elements for controlling the water flow.

[0067] In some embodiments, the water flow selection can be selected by the user by actuating the paddle lever 135. For example, the user can push down or lift up the paddle lever 135, as described above with respect to Figures 1A to 1D In some embodiments, the action of removably attaching or detaching the hand shower 120 to or from the diverter unit 130 triggers the paddle lever 135 to select a water flow, respectively. For example, the paddle lever 135 can be coupled to the arm 131a so that the weight of the attached hand shower 120 can actuate the paddle lever 135.

[0068] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12BA cross-sectional view of a shower system 100 according to some embodiments is shown. Specifically, Fig. 12A 1 shows the configuration of the shower system 100 when the hand shower 120 is attached to the diverter unit 130. Fig. 12A As shown, the spray head portion 122 of the hand shower 120 protrudes relative to the shower head 110 and the diverter unit 130. Fig.11A Said and Fig. 12A , the diverter unit 130 includes a ball joint 133 disposed at the rear inlet 130a of the diverter unit 130. In some embodiments, the diverter unit 130 may include a shaft 135s to control whether water received via the rear inlet 130a may be permitted to flow to the shower head 110. Fig. 12A In some embodiments shown, the shaft 135s does not impede the flow of water from the rear inlet 130a through the lower outlet 130b. A hose (e.g., hose 170) of the handshower 120 can be connected to the lower outlet 130b to allow water to flow from the diverter unit 130 into the handshower 120 and out of the spray head portion 122, thereby effectively fluidly coupling the handshower 120 to the diverter unit 130. For example, the handshower 120 can include a water channel 127w within the hose to facilitate the flow of water into the handshower 120.

[0069] Fig. 12B A cross-sectional view of a diverter unit 130 including a paddle bar 135 connected to a shaft 135s is shown according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a pushing force or pressing force applied on the paddle bar 135 can be converted into a rotational movement on the shaft 135s. For example, pressing the paddle bar 135 can rotate the 135s in a counterclockwise direction. Similarly, lifting the paddle bar 135 can rotate the 135s in a clockwise direction. As will be further described below, the shaft 135s can be rotated to selectively direct the flow of water into the shower head 110.

[0070] Thus, diverter unit 130 may be configured to selectively direct water flow into shower head 110 and handshower 120 based on the amount of rotation of shaft 135s. In some embodiments, paddle lever 135 may be configured to be actuated between two positions: a first position, in which water flow is selectively directed only through handshower 120; and a second position, in which water flow is directed through handshower 120 and shower head 110. In some embodiments, paddle lever 135 may be configured to be actuated between three positions: the first position and the second position as described above; and a third position, in which water flow is directed only through shower head 110.

[0071] In some embodiments, rotation of shaft 135s can be controlled via paddle lever 135. For example, movement of the paddle lever can cause shaft 135s to rotate to close or open one or more water flow channels to permit water to flow through, for example, showerhead 110. Thus, actuation of paddle lever 135 in a certain position can cause shaft 135s to rotate a specific amount to control water flow in one of the ways discussed above.

[0072] In some embodiments, the rotation of the shaft 135s can be controlled via a remote device (eg, a remote or smartphone). For example, an electronic chip can be connected to the hand shower 120 to wirelessly receive commands from the remote device and electronically control the amount of rotation.

[0073] Fig.13A Shower system 100 according to some embodiments is shown, wherein paddle bar 135 of diverter unit 130 is set to a first position. For example, the first position may be when paddle bar 135 is lifted upward, such that the gap between paddle bar 135 and the bottom portion of shower head 110 is reduced. Fig.13A 1 and 1 , the first position of the paddle lever 135 is shown as being actuated when the hand shower 120 is coupled to the diverter unit 130. However, in some embodiments, the first position of the paddle lever 135 may be actuated in an uncoupled configuration, wherein the hand shower 120 is decoupled from the diverter unit 130 (e.g., Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown).

[0074] FIG. 13B to FIG. 13C According to some embodiments, the paddle rod 135 is arranged to Fig.13A 100. In some embodiments, the paddle lever 135 set to the first position can configure the shaft 135s to open an additional water flow channel to the shower head 110. Thus, water entering the diverter unit 130 (indicated by the arrow labeled W) can flow toward the hand shower 120 through the water channel 130h in the direction indicated by the arrow labeled H. Water can also flow toward the shower head 110 through the water channel 130s in the direction indicated by the arrow labeled S, specifically around a portion of the shaft 135s, through the gap in the sealing ring 130t and into the inlet 130i (as shown in FIG. Fig. 13B shown).

[0075] Fig.14A Shower system 100 according to some embodiments is shown, wherein paddle bar 135 of diverter unit 130 is set to a second position. For example, the second position may be when paddle bar 135 is pushed downward, so that the gap between paddle bar 135 and the bottom portion of shower head 110 increases. Fig.14A1 and 12. The second position of the paddle lever 135 is shown as being actuated when the hand shower 120 is coupled to the diverter unit 130. However, in some embodiments, the second position of the paddle lever 135 may be actuated in an uncoupled configuration, wherein the hand shower 120 is decoupled from the diverter unit 130 (e.g., Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown).

[0076] FIG. 14B to FIG. 14C According to some embodiments, the paddle rod 135 is arranged to Fig.14A The second position shown is the water flow in the shower system 100. In some embodiments, the paddle lever 135 set to the second position can be configured with the shaft 135s to close the additional water flow channel leading to the shower head 110. Therefore, water entering the diverter unit 130 (indicated by the arrow marked W) can flow toward the hand shower 120 through the water channel 130h in the direction indicated by the arrow marked H. However, unlike FIG. 13B to FIG. 13C Compared to the water flow shown, the shaft 135s closes the gap in the sealing ring 130t, thereby preventing water flowing in the direction indicated by the arrow marked S from entering the inlet 130i (as shown in FIG. Fig. 14B As shown) flows into the water channel 130s and flows toward the shower head 110.

[0077] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15B A cross-sectional view of a diverter unit 130 in a shower system 100 is shown according to some embodiments. Fig.15A The paddle lever 135 is shown in a second position, as shown in FIG. Fig.14A When an upward force is applied to the paddle-shaped rod 135, the shaft 135s may be caused to rotate in a counterclockwise direction to open one or more water flow channels, close one or more water flow channels, or a combination thereof. Similarly, applying a downward force to the paddle-shaped rod 135 may cause the shaft 135s to rotate in a clockwise direction to open one or more water flow channels, close one or more water flow channels, or a combination thereof.

[0078] Fig. 15B As shown, when the paddle rod 135 is Fig.15A The cross-sectional view of the diverter unit 130 when the first position is changed to the second position as shown in FIG. Fig.13A Further description. Fig. 15B Can correspond to Fig. 13B, where water entering the diverter unit 130 can flow through the waterway 130h toward the hand shower 120. Additionally, the shaft 135s can be associated with a specific amount of rotation to additionally permit water to flow through the waterway 130s, around a portion of the shaft 135s, and into the inlet 130i of the waterway 130s through the gap in the sealing ring 130t. The waterway 130s can be connected to the shower head 110 to allow the shower head 110 to output water.

[0079] Thus, the present disclosure describes a modular shower system that includes a shower head (e.g., shower head 110) that is removably and interchangeably attached to a diverter unit (e.g., diverter unit 130); and a hand shower (e.g., hand shower 120) that is also removably attached (e.g., magnetically dockable) to the diverter unit. In some embodiments, when the shower head is removably attached to the diverter unit, selective water flow through the hand shower and the shower head can be controlled via a paddle bar (e.g., paddle bar 135) conveniently located near the shower head.

[0080] It will thus be seen that the aspects, features and advantages apparent from the foregoing disclosure have been efficiently obtained, and since certain changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained herein shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A shower assembly, comprising: a diverter unit fluidly coupled to a fluid source, the diverter unit including a paddle bar configured to selectively direct fluid flow from the fluid source to one or both of a showerhead and a handshower; the showerhead comprising a first plurality of nozzles configured to dispense a fluid, wherein the showerhead is configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the diverter unit; and the handshower including a second plurality of nozzles configured to dispense fluid and fluidly coupled to the diverter unit by a hose, wherein the handshower is configured to be removably attached to the diverter unit by a connector; wherein the shower head and the handshower are independently removably attachable to the diverter unit; wherein when the hand shower is attached to the diverter unit by the connector, a spray head portion of the hand shower protrudes relative to the shower head and the diverter unit to form an additional surface, and, wherein the paddle lever is configured to be actuated by removably attaching the handshower to the diverter unit; wherein the diverter unit includes the connector, the connector including a pair of arms extending outwardly from the diverter unit, wherein the paddle lever is coupled to the arms so that the weight of the attached hand shower can actuate the paddle lever; and the paddle lever is depressed when the hand shower is removably attached to the diverter unit and a force is applied to the pair of arms, and is released when the hand shower is detached from the diverter unit and the force is reduced.

2. The shower assembly of claim 1, comprising: A release mechanism removably attaches the shower head to the diverter unit, wherein the release mechanism is configured to be actuatable to detach the shower head from the diverter unit.

3. The shower assembly of claim 2, wherein the release mechanism comprises a button.

4. The shower assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shower head is configured to be fluidly coupled to the diverter unit by coupling one or more water channels of the shower head to one or more corresponding channels of the diverter unit.

5. The shower assembly of claim 4, wherein the shower head is configured to be fluidly coupled to the diverter unit by coupling two water channels of the shower head to two corresponding channels of the diverter unit.

6. A shower assembly as described in any one of claims 1-3 and 5, wherein the shower head includes an opening, the opening being shaped to permit a correspondingly shaped front portion of the diverter unit to extend through the opening when the shower head is fluidly coupled to the diverter unit, and wherein the opening enables a front surface of the diverter unit to be exposed for removable attachment to the hand shower.

7. A shower assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, wherein: The paddle lever is configured to be actuatable between a plurality of positions to enable the diverter unit to selectively direct fluid flow from a fluid supply source to one or both of the showerhead and the handshower.

8. The shower assembly of claim 7, wherein the diverter unit is configured to selectively direct fluid flow from the fluid source to the handshower and the showerhead when the paddle lever is actuated in a first position of the plurality of positions.

9. The shower assembly of claim 7, wherein the diverter unit is configured to selectively direct fluid flow from the fluid source to the handshower and not to the showerhead when the paddle lever is actuated in a second position of the plurality of positions.

10. The shower assembly of claim 7, wherein the paddle bar is attached to the diverter and is configured to extend underneath the shower head.

11. The shower assembly of any one of claims 1-3, 5, and 8-10, wherein the handshower includes a button configured to control a spray pattern of the second plurality of nozzles.

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