Shower

Abstract

A shower assembly comprising: an inlet for receiving water from a water source, the inlet configured to limit water from the water source to a maximum inlet flow rate; a reservoir for receiving water from the water source from the inlet; a first plurality of outlets configured to pass water from the reservoir; and, a second plurality of outlets configured to selectively pass water from the reservoir, the shower assembly configured for a user to selectively control whether water passes through the second plurality of outlets; wherein a sum of a first collective flow rate of the first plurality of outlets and a second collective flow rate of the second plurality of openings is greater than the maximum inlet flow rate.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on September 3, 2015, with application number 201510558184.8 and invention title "Shower". Technical Field

[0002] This application generally relates to the field of showers, bathtubs, and faucets. More specifically, this application relates to the field of showers. Background Technology

[0003] Conventional shower systems receive a pressurized water supply and provide a substantially continuous flow of water from the showerhead by forcing the water through nozzles to create a jet. After the jet has left the showerhead, some of it may break into droplets via aerodynamics. These systems can use a relatively large amount of water to generate a flow. Therefore, showers that produce a satisfactory showering experience at a low flow rate are desirable.

[0004] Some shower systems deliver water from the ceiling but don't simulate the sound and feel of rain. Some users may prefer the sensation of rain to the feeling of showering. In other words, some users may prefer the experience of showering in the rain. Therefore, there is a need for shower systems that produce a more realistic rain-like sensation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment relates to a shower assembly having a panel including a wall and a first plurality of holes extending from an inner surface through the wall to an outer surface, each of the first plurality of holes including an inlet and an outlet. The wall at least partially defines a reservoir and has an outer surface on one side of the wall facing the shower area, and an inner surface on one side of the wall away from the shower area. When water is supplied to the reservoir, water passes through the first plurality of holes, forming droplets at the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes, and multiple droplets fall from the panel.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a shower assembly having a panel and a barrier movable between a first position and a second position. The panel includes a first region having a plurality of first openings through the panel and a second region having a plurality of second openings through the panel. When the barrier is in the first position, water supplied to the shower assembly is allowed to pass through the plurality of first openings but prevented from passing through the plurality of second openings. When the barrier is in the second position, water supplied to the shower assembly is allowed to pass through the plurality of second openings.

[0007] Another embodiment relates to a shower assembly including a top wall; a bottom wall; at least one side wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall; a chamber defined by the top wall, the bottom wall, and the at least one side wall; an inlet port configured to receive water from a water source and supply water to the chamber; and a first plurality of holes through the bottom wall, each of the first plurality of holes including an inlet and an outlet. The shower assembly is configured such that when water is supplied to the chamber at a first operating flow rate, the water partially fills the chamber to a first height, passes through the first plurality of holes by gravity, forms water droplets at the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes, and falls from the bottom wall as a plurality of water droplets.

[0008] Another embodiment relates to a control system for a shower assembly, comprising a processing electronics device relating to the shower assembly according to any of the above embodiments, the processing electronics device being configured to control at least one of water flow rate, water temperature, position of a stopper, audio equipment, lighting system, odor diffuser, disinfection system, and water droplet trajectory.

[0009] The foregoing is a summary and therefore necessarily includes simplification, generalization, and omission of details. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that this summary is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and / or processes described herein will become apparent from the detailed description set forth herein and used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Any or all of the features, limitations, configurations, components, sub-components, systems, and / or subsystems described above or herein may be used in combination.

[0010] This application discloses a shower assembly comprising: an inlet port for receiving water from a water source; a reservoir for receiving water from the inlet port, the reservoir not being pressurized by pipeline pressure from the water source; and a plurality of droplet outlet ports; wherein each of the droplet outlet ports is configured such that water passes through the reservoir via the plurality of droplet outlet ports, forming droplets at each outlet port, and falling only as discontinuous droplets from each outlet port.

[0011] For the shower assembly described herein, the reservoir includes a bottom wall, and each of the water droplet outlet ports extends through the bottom wall and includes an inlet, an outlet, and a through hole extending between the inlet and the outlet.

[0012] For the shower assembly described above, the diameter of each through-hole at the water droplet outlet port is between about 0.01 inches and about 0.04 inches.

[0013] For the shower assembly described above, the reservoir includes a bottom wall, and each extension of the water droplet outlet port passes through the bottom wall; and

[0014] Each water droplet outlet port includes an inlet, an outlet, and a through-hole extending between the inlet and the outlet, with each inlet tapering inward to move downward into the through-hole.

[0015] For the shower assembly described, each inlet is a truncated cone and defines a water reservoir.

[0016] For the shower assembly described above, each outlet tapers outwards, thereby moving downwards from the through-hole.

[0017] For the shower assembly, the plurality of water droplet outlet ports include water droplet outlet ports having at least two different geometries to form at least two different shapes of the discontinuous water droplets.

[0018] For the shower assembly, the different geometries include a first geometry and a second geometry, the first geometry forming small water droplets and the second geometry forming larger water droplets, and the ratio of the number of water droplet outlet ports having the first geometry to the number of water droplet outlet ports having the second geometry is between about 2:1 and about 3:1.

[0019] For the shower assembly described above, the at least two different geometries have a uniform through-hole size.

[0020] For the shower assembly, the plurality of water droplet outlet ports include water droplet outlet ports having at least two different geometries to form the discontinuous water droplets having at least two different rates.

[0021] The shower assembly further includes a plurality of jet outlet ports, each configured to allow water to flow from the reservoir to form a water flow.

[0022] For the shower assembly, the shower assembly is configured to allow water to selectively pass through the plurality of stream outlet ports.

[0023] For the shower assembly, the shower assembly is configured to allow water to pass through the plurality of droplet outlet ports while selectively passing through the plurality of jet outlet ports.

[0024] For the shower assembly, each of the water droplet outlet ports includes an inlet, an outlet, and a through-hole extending between the inlet and the outlet, and each of the water droplet outlet ports is formed of a siloxane; and the bottom wall includes a base having a plurality of holes through which it passes, each of the water droplet outlet ports being formed of the siloxane within one of the holes.

[0025] For the shower assembly described above, the inlet tapers inward to move downward through the through-hole, while the outlet tapers outward to move downward from the through-hole.

[0026] For the shower assembly described above, the siloxane is further coupled to the bottom surface of the substrate to form the bottom surface of the bottom wall.

[0027] For the shower assembly described above, the siloxane at each water droplet outlet port forms a protrusion extending downward from the bottom surface of the bottom wall.

[0028] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0029] The inlet port is used to receive water from the water source; and

[0030] A plurality of water droplet outlet ports having a first geometric structure to allow water from the reservoir to pass through; and

[0031] A second plurality of water droplet outlet ports, having one or more additional geometric structures different from the first geometry, to allow water from the reservoir to pass through.

[0032] The first geometry is configured to generate discontinuous water droplets with a first size, while one or more additional geometries are configured to generate discontinuous water droplets with a size larger than the first size.

[0033] For the shower assembly, the ratio of the number of the first plurality of water droplet outlet ports to the number of the second plurality of outlet ports is between about 2:1 and about 3:1.

[0034] For the shower assembly described above, each of the water droplet outlet ports includes an inlet, an outlet, and a through-hole extending between the inlet and the outlet, each inlet tapering inward to move downward through the through-hole and form a water reservoir, while each outlet tapering outward to move downward from the through-hole.

[0035] For the shower assembly described above, each inlet is a truncated cone shape.

[0036] For the shower assembly described, each outlet is a truncated cone shape.

[0037] For the shower assembly described above, the reservoir is not pressurized by the pipeline pressure of the water source.

[0038] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0039] A storage container for receiving water from the water source; and

[0040] Multiple water droplet outlet ports are provided for allowing water from the reservoir to pass through;

[0041] Each of the water droplet outlet ports is formed of siloxane; and

[0042] The bottom wall includes a substrate having a plurality of holes therethrough and a siloxane lining the holes defining the water droplet outlet port, the substrate forming the upper surface of the bottom wall, and the siloxane further being coupled to the bottom surface of the substrate to form the bottom surface of the bottom wall.

[0043] For the shower assembly described above, each water droplet outlet port includes an inlet, an outlet, and a through-hole extending between the inlet and the outlet, each inlet forming a reservoir to collect accumulated water for subsequent passage through the through-hole, and each outlet tapering outward to move downward from the through-hole to form discontinuous water droplets by the water passing through the through-hole.

[0044] For the shower assembly described above, each inlet tapers inward to move downward toward the through-hole.

[0045] For the shower assembly, the plurality of water droplet outlet ports include water droplet outlet ports having at least two different geometries to provide water droplets of at least two different sizes.

[0046] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0047] An inlet for receiving water from a water source, the inlet being configured to limit the water from the water source to a maximum inlet flow rate;

[0048] A storage device for receiving water from the water source from the inlet;

[0049] Multiple first outlets, configured to allow water from the reservoir to pass through; and

[0050] Multiple second outlets configured to selectively allow water to pass through the reservoir, and the shower assembly is configured for the user to selectively control whether water passes through the multiple second outlets;

[0051] The sum of the first collective flow velocity of the plurality of first outlets and the second collective flow velocity of the plurality of second openings is greater than the maximum inlet flow velocity.

[0052] For the shower assembly, the second collective flow rate is greater than the maximum inlet flow rate.

[0053] For the shower assembly, the first collective flow velocity is greater than or equal to the maximum inlet flow velocity.

[0054] The shower assembly is configured such that when water is present in the reservoir, the user cannot internally control whether water passes through the plurality of first outlets.

[0055] For the shower assembly, the shower assembly is configured to allow water to pass through the plurality of first outlets while simultaneously passing through the plurality of second outlets.

[0056] For the shower assembly, wherein the shower assembly is configured such that when water is present in the reservoir, the user cannot internally control whether water passes through the plurality of first outlets.

[0057] For the shower assembly, each of the second outlets is configured to allow water from the reservoir to flow continuously through it.

[0058] For the shower assembly, each of the first outlets is configured such that water from the reservoir passes through only in discontinuous droplets.

[0059] For the shower assembly described above, the reservoir is not pressurized by the pipeline pressure of the water source.

[0060] For the shower assembly, each of the second outlets is configured to allow water from the reservoir to flow continuously through it.

[0061] For the shower assembly, each of the first outlets is configured such that water from the reservoir passes through only in discontinuous droplets.

[0062] For the shower assembly described above, the reservoir is not pressurized by the supply pressure of the water source.

[0063] For the shower assembly, the reservoir includes a first tank and a second tank, the first tank including the plurality of first outlets, and the second tank including the plurality of second outlets.

[0064] For the shower assembly, the reservoir includes a wall separating the first tank and the second tank to restrict the flow of water therein.

[0065] The shower assembly further includes a valve configured to be actuated by a user to selectively control whether water from the second tank of the reservoir passes through the plurality of second outlets.

[0066] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0067] The inlet port is used to receive water from the water source at the source flow rate;

[0068] A storage device for receiving water from the water source through the inlet port;

[0069] Multiple first outlets, configured to allow continuous flow of water from the reservoir, wherein a first collective flow velocity at the multiple first outlets is approximately equal to the source flow velocity; and

[0070] Multiple second outlets are configured to allow water from the multiple first outlets to pass through while selectively allowing water from the reservoir to pass through.

[0071] For the shower assembly, each of the first outlets is configured to allow water to pass through only in discontinuous droplets.

[0072] For the shower assembly described above, the reservoir is not pressurized by the supply pressure of the water source.

[0073] For the shower assembly, each of the second outlets is configured to allow a continuous flow of water.

[0074] For the shower assembly described above, when water is released simultaneously from the plurality of first outlets and the plurality of second outlets, the total collective flow velocity of all water leaving the reservoir exceeds the source flow velocity.

[0075] For the shower assembly, wherein the shower assembly is configured to limit the source flow rate to a maximum inlet flow rate.

[0076] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0077] A reservoir, comprising a first plurality of outlet holes and a second plurality of outlet holes;

[0078] The reservoir is configured to receive water from a water source at a source flow rate;

[0079] The reservoir is configured such that during a first operating state, water exits the reservoir only through the first plurality of outlet holes at a first flow rate, the first flow rate not exceeding the source flow rate; and

[0080] The reservoir is configured such that during a second operating state, water flows through the first plurality of outlet holes at a first flow rate and exits through the second plurality of outlet holes at a second flow rate, and the total of the first flow rate and the second flow rate of the water exiting the reservoir through the first plurality of outlet holes and the second plurality of outlet holes exceeds the source flow rate.

[0081] For the shower assembly, in the first operating state, water exits the first plurality of outlet holes as single droplets.

[0082] For the shower assembly, the first plurality of outlet holes are configured to produce water droplets of multiple different sizes.

[0083] For the shower assembly described above, the second flow rate is greater than the source flow rate.

[0084] For the shower assembly, water flows out of the second plurality of outlet holes.

[0085] For the shower assembly described above, the reservoir is pressurized by gravity rather than by the pipe pressure of the water source.

[0086] For the shower assembly described above, the inlet is configured to limit the source flow rate to a maximum inlet flow rate.

[0087] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0088] A stopper that can move between a first position and a second position;

[0089] Multiple first openings in the first area; and

[0090] Multiple second openings in the second region;

[0091] Wherein, when the barrier is in the first position, water supplied to the shower assembly is allowed to pass through the plurality of first openings but prevented from passing through the plurality of second openings; and

[0092] When the barrier is in the second position, water supplied to the shower assembly is allowed to pass through both the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings.

[0093] The shower assembly further includes a panel, wherein the first region and the second region are regions of the panel, and the panel includes the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings.

[0094] For the shower assembly described above, the blocker includes a first portion and a seal coupled to the first portion, and wherein when the blocker is in the first position, the seal separates the first area of ​​the panel from the second area of ​​the panel.

[0095] For the shower assembly described above, the barrier includes a lower wall; and

[0096] When the blocker is in the first position, the lower wall of the blocker is positioned adjacent to the second region of the panel, such that the plurality of second openings are covered by the blocker; and

[0097] When the blocker is in the second position, the lower wall of the blocker is separated from the second area of ​​the panel, so that the plurality of second openings are not covered by the blocker.

[0098] For the shower assembly, wherein the panel defines a tank in the second region, the tank communicating with the plurality of second openings, wherein after the blocker moves to the second position, the blocker does not move back to the first position until the tank is substantially emptied of water.

[0099] For the shower assembly, the plurality of first openings are configured to allow water droplets to fall from the plurality of first openings, and the plurality of second openings are configured to allow water to flow from the plurality of second openings.

[0100] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0101] First exit;

[0102] Second exit;

[0103] The first inlet is configured to supply water from the water supply system to the shower assembly;

[0104] A blocker movable between a first blocker position and a second blocker position, wherein when the blocker is in the first blocker position, water exits the shower assembly through the first outlet but prevents the water from exiting the shower assembly through the second outlet, and wherein when the blocker is in the second blocker position, water is allowed to exit the shower assembly through the second outlet; and

[0105] An actuator assembly configured to move the stopper between a first stopper position and a second stopper position, the actuator assembly comprising:

[0106] shell;

[0107] A diaphragm operably coupled to the blocker and movable between a first diaphragm position and a second diaphragm position, the first diaphragm position corresponding to a first blocker position and the second diaphragm position corresponding to a second blocker position, the diaphragm and the housing at least partially defining a chamber fluidly coupled to the water supply system; and

[0108] A return mechanism is configured to bias the diaphragm to the second diaphragm position;

[0109] When water is supplied to the chamber, the diaphragm moves to the first diaphragm position, thereby causing the blocker to move to the first blocker position. When water is prevented from entering the chamber, the return mechanism moves the diaphragm to the second diaphragm position, thereby causing the blocker to move to the second blocker position.

[0110] For the shower assembly, when the blocker is in the second blocker position, water is allowed to exit the shower assembly through the first outlet.

[0111] The shower assembly further includes a tank configured to receive water from the inlet and a second outlet configured to allow water from the tank to pass through.

[0112] After water is prevented from entering the chamber due to the blocker moving to the second blocker position, the diaphragm does not move back to the first diaphragm position until the tank is substantially emptied of water.

[0113] For the shower assembly, after water is prevented from entering the chamber due to the blocker moving to the second blocker position, the diaphragm moves back to the first diaphragm position substantially as the tank is emptied of water.

[0114] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0115] The inlet is configured to connect to the water source;

[0116] Multiple water outlets;

[0117] A valve configured to move between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow water flow to the plurality of water outlets; and

[0118] An actuator for selectively moving the valve between the open position and the closed position, the actuator being configured to receive water from the inlet to move the valve between the open position and the closed position;

[0119] The actuator is configured to maintain the valve in the closed position when the actuator receives water from the inlet; and

[0120] The actuator is configured to move the valve from the closed position to the open position when the actuator stops receiving water from the inlet.

[0121] For the shower assembly, wherein the shower assembly is configured for the user to selectively control whether the actuator receives water from the inlet to move the valve between the open position and the closed position.

[0122] The shower assembly further includes a reservoir configured to receive water from the inlet simultaneously with the actuator that receives water from the inlet, wherein the plurality of water outlets extend through the bottom wall of the reservoir.

[0123] For the shower assembly, the valve includes a stopper covering the water outlet, and the actuator moves the stopper up and down to move the valve between the open position and the closed position, respectively.

[0124] For the shower assembly described above, the actuator includes a return mechanism that biases the stop upward to the open position.

[0125] For the shower assembly described above, the actuator includes a diaphragm that, when water is supplied to the diaphragm, causes the barrier to move downward.

[0126] For the shower assembly, the actuator is configured to move the valve from the open position to the closed position more slowly than it moves the valve from the closed position to the open position.

[0127] For the shower assembly, the actuator includes:

[0128] A housing, the housing defining a chamber coupled to the diaphragm for receiving water; and

[0129] A flow regulator having an orifice and a check valve, the orifice being used to receive water into the chamber at a first actuator flow rate to close the valve, and the check valve being used to release water from the chamber at a second flow rate to open the valve, wherein the first flow rate is less than the second flow rate.

[0130] For the shower assembly described above, the return mechanism includes a spring.

[0131] For the shower assembly described above, the barrier includes a liner configured to seal against a portion of the tank to prevent water in the tank from flowing toward the water outlet.

[0132] The shower assembly further includes a tank configured to receive water from the inlet and allow water to pass through the plurality of water outlets when the valve is selectively moved to the open position, wherein the actuator is configured to maintain the valve in the open position for a predetermined amount of time after the valve is selectively moved to the open position, the predetermined amount of time being insufficient to empty the tank through the plurality of water outlets.

[0133] The shower assembly is further configured for the user to selectively actuate the actuator, thereby maintaining the stop in the open position for an extended period of time longer than a predetermined time, to release more water than during the predetermined time period.

[0134] For the shower assembly, the valve includes a stopper covering the water outlet, and the actuator moves the stopper up and down to move the valve between the open position and the closed position, respectively.

[0135] For the shower assembly described above, the actuator includes a diaphragm and a spring, the diaphragm receiving water from the inlet to deflect the valve to the closed position, and the spring moving the valve to the open position when the diaphragm is not receiving water.

[0136] A shower system according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0137] Shower assembly configured to receive water from a water source and allow water to flow through multiple outlets; and

[0138] An installation system for attaching the shower assembly to a building structure, the installation system being configured to adjust the shower assembly, and comprising:

[0139] Columns, which are configured and fixedly connected to the building structure; and

[0140] A connector that is attached to the shower assembly and is adjustablely received by the support post, such that the vertical position of the shower can be adjusted relative to the support post and the building structure.

[0141] For the shower system described above, the installation system further includes a bracket to which the column is coupled, and the bracket is configured to be coupled to the building structure to indirectly connect the column to the building structure.

[0142] In the shower system described above, the column is a convex member, and the connector is a concave member that is adjustablely received on the column.

[0143] In the shower system described above, the column is a concave member, and the connector is a convex member that is adjustablely received on the column.

[0144] For the shower system described above, wherein the shower assembly includes a chamber configured to receive water from the water source, and the plurality of outlets configured to allow water from the chamber to pass through; and

[0145] The chamber is defined by an upper wall, and the connector extends through the upper wall into the chamber in one area to allow vertical adjustment of the shower assembly from inside the chamber.

[0146] For the shower system described above, the upper wall is sealed in the area through which the connector extends.

[0147] For the shower system described above, the shower assembly includes a lower wall that seals the chamber and is removable to provide an inlet to the connector for adjusting the vertical position of the shower assembly.

[0148] In the shower system described above, the chamber is substantially sealed.

[0149] For the shower system described above, the panel includes the plurality of outlets.

[0150] For the shower system described above, the chamber is configured to receive water from the water source and is not pressurized by the supply pressure of the water source.

[0151] For the shower system described above, the column has external threads and the connector includes a through hole with internal threads for receiving the column and adjusting the vertical position of the shower assembly.

[0152] For the shower system described above, the shower assembly includes an upper wall having a hole, the connector includes a flange and an externally threaded shaft extending through the hole, and the mounting system further includes a nut received on the threaded shaft, the upper wall being compressed between the flange and the nut.

[0153] For the shower system described above, the installation system further includes a seal that is compressed between the upper wall and the nut to seal the hole, thereby preventing water from the shower assembly from passing through the hole.

[0154] For the shower system described above, the mounting system further includes a washer that is compressed between the seal and the nut.

[0155] In the shower system described above, the seal and the gasket are provided as a single unit.

[0156] In the shower system described above, the nut includes a seal that is compressed against the upper wall to seal the hole, thereby preventing water from the shower assembly from passing through the hole.

[0157] For the shower system described above, the shower assembly includes one or more additional shower mounting features fixed to a first non-adjustable spatial orientation on the shower assembly; and

[0158] The installation system includes a bracket, the uprights, and one or more additional uprights, the uprights being fixed to the bracket in a second non-adjustable spatial orientation, the bracket being configured to be fixedly coupled to the building structure to fix the plurality of uprights to the building structure, and the second non-adjustable spatial orientation being configured to align each of the plurality of uprights with one of the shower mounting features.

[0159] For the shower system described herein, the mounting system includes a plurality of connectors, each connector being coupled to the shower assembly at one of the shower mounting features and adjustablely received on a post aligned with one of the shower mounting features, such that the vertical position of each shower mounting feature is adjustable along the post on which the shower mounting feature is received.

[0160] For the shower system described above, the shower assembly includes at least three shower mounting features, and the mounting system includes at least three posts and at least three connectors, each post and each connector corresponding to one of the shower mounting features, such that the shower assembly can be adjusted relative to a horizontal plane to a predetermined shower assembly orientation.

[0161] For the shower system described above, the shower assembly includes a panel having a plurality of outlets arranged in a plane, and the predetermined shower assembly orientation requires the plurality of outlets to be arranged on a horizontal plane.

[0162] A shower system according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0163] A shower assembly configured to receive water from a water source and allow water to pass through one or more outlets, the shower assembly having a plurality of shower mounting features provided in a first non-adjustable spatial orientation on the shower assembly;

[0164] An installation system for attaching the shower assembly to a building structure, the installation system being configured to adjust the shower assembly to a predetermined shower assembly orientation, and comprising:

[0165] A support frame, configured and fixedly connected to the building structure; and

[0166] Multiple bracket mounting features are provided on the bracket in a second non-adjustable spatial orientation, which is configured to align each of the multiple bracket mounting features with one of the shower mounting features for attachment thereto.

[0167] For the shower system described herein, each shower mounting feature includes a hole through the upper wall of the shower assembly, and each bracket mounting feature is a post configured to be inserted through one of the holes.

[0168] For the shower system described herein, the installation system further includes a plurality of connectors, each connector being received on one of the posts and inserted into one of the holes to connect each post to the shower assembly.

[0169] A shower system according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0170] A shower assembly having a chamber configured to receive water from a water source and allow water to pass through one or more outlets, the shower assembly including an upper wall and a lower wall, the lower wall being coupled to the upper wall to define the chamber;

[0171] An installation system for adjustingly connecting the upper wall to the building structure;

[0172] The lower wall is removable from the upper wall to provide an inlet to the installation for adjusting the position of the shower assembly relative to the building structure.

[0173] For the shower system described above, the installation system includes a connector accessible from inside the chamber.

[0174] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0175] The inlet is configured to receive water from a water source;

[0176] A first tank, associated with a plurality of first outlets configured to allow water from the first tank to pass through; and

[0177] A second tank is associated with a plurality of second outlets configured to allow water from the second tank to pass through.

[0178] The second tank is configured to receive and collect water from the inlet and also distribute the water to the first tank.

[0179] For the shower assembly, the shower assembly includes a reservoir defining a first tank and a second tank, the reservoir having a wall that separates the first tank and the second tank and restricts the water flow between them.

[0180] For the shower assembly, the wall includes one or more first holes at a first height, and water enters the first tank through the one or more first holes when the inlet fills the tank to the first height.

[0181] For the shower assembly, the size of the one or more first holes is configured to provide a first collective flow rate of the one or more first holes, the first collective flow rate being less than the maximum flow rate from the inlet to the second chamber.

[0182] For the shower assembly, the wall further includes one or more second holes at a second height, and water enters the first tank through the one or more second holes when the inlet fills the second tank to the second height.

[0183] For the shower assembly, the size of the one or more second holes is configured to provide a second collective flow rate of the one or more second holes, the second collective flow rate together with the first collective flow rate being greater than or equal to the maximum flow rate from the inlet to the second chamber.

[0184] For the shower assembly, the wall further includes one or more second holes at a second height, and water enters the first tank through the one or more second holes when the inlet fills the second tank to the second height.

[0185] For the shower assembly described above, the reservoir includes a bottom panel, the wall is an inner wall attached to and extending upward from the bottom panel, and the reservoir further includes an outer wall extending upward from the bottom panel.

[0186] For the shower assembly described above, wherein the first chamber completely surrounds the second chamber, the first chamber being defined by the bottom panel and between the inner wall and the outer wall, and the second chamber being defined by the bottom panel and within the inner wall.

[0187] For the shower assembly, the bottom panel includes the plurality of first outlets and the plurality of second outlets, the plurality of first outlets being located in a first region between the inner wall and the outer wall, and the plurality of second outlets being located in a second region within the inner wall.

[0188] For the shower assembly, wherein the first and second tanks are not pressurized by the water source, each of the first outlets is configured to allow water to pass through only in discontinuous droplets, while each of the second outlets is configured to allow water to flow through in a continuous stream.

[0189] The shower assembly further includes a valve configured to selectively release water from the second tank through the plurality of second outlets.

[0190] For the shower assembly described above, the first chamber includes a vent pipe that is in non-selective fluid communication with the plurality of second outlets.

[0191] For the shower assembly described above, the first tank does not receive water directly from the inlet.

[0192] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0193] The bottom panel has a plurality of first outlets in a first area and a plurality of second outlets in a second area;

[0194] The outer wall extends upward from the bottom panel; and

[0195] An inner wall extending upward from the bottom panel, such that the bottom panel, the outer wall, and the inner wall cooperate to define the first and second boxes;

[0196] The first box is placed directly above the first area and is in fluid communication with the plurality of first outlets; and

[0197] The second box is placed directly above the second area and is in fluid communication with the plurality of second outlets.

[0198] The shower assembly wherein the first chamber is in constant fluid communication with the first outlet, and the second chamber is in selective fluid communication with the plurality of second outlets.

[0199] For the shower assembly, each of the first outlets releases water from the first tank only as discontinuous droplets.

[0200] For the shower assembly, each of the second outlets allows water to be released in a continuous flow from the second tank.

[0201] For the shower assembly, the first and second tanks are not pressurized by the water source through piping pressure.

[0202] For the shower assembly, the first chamber is in fluid communication with the plurality of second outlets.

[0203] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0204] Panel, the panel including a wall, the wall at least partially defining the reservoir and having:

[0205] On the outer surface of the wall on the side facing the shower area; and

[0206] On the inner surface of the wall on the side away from the shower area; and

[0207] A plurality of holes extending from the inner surface through the wall to the outer surface, each of the plurality of holes including an inlet and an outlet;

[0208] When water is supplied to the reservoir, the water passes through the first plurality of holes, forms droplets at the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes, and falls from the panel as a plurality of droplets.

[0209] For the shower assembly, the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes is defined by a nozzle protruding from the outer surface of the wall.

[0210] For the shower assembly, the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes is defined by a nozzle, the nozzle being defined by a groove formed in the outer surface of the wall.

[0211] For the shower assembly, the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes is hemispherical.

[0212] For the shower assembly described above, the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes has a diameter between 0.025 inches and 0.32 inches.

[0213] The shower assembly further includes a second plurality of holes extending from the inner surface through the wall to the outer surface, each of the second plurality of holes including an inlet and an outlet;

[0214] The outlet of each of the first plurality of holes has a first outlet geometry, and the outlet of each of the second plurality of holes has a second outlet geometry that is different from the first outlet geometry.

[0215] For the shower assembly, the second outlet geometry has a shape that differs from the shape of the first outlet geometry.

[0216] For the shower assembly, the second outlet geometry has a diameter different from that of the first outlet geometry.

[0217] For the shower assembly, the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes are substantially randomly distributed on a first region of the wall.

[0218] For the shower assembly, the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes has a first geometry configured to form a water droplet with a first diameter, and the outlet of each of the second plurality of holes has a second geometry configured to form a water droplet with a diameter greater than the first diameter, and the ratio of the number of holes in the first plurality of holes to the number of holes in the second plurality of holes is in the range of about 2:1 to 3:1.

[0219] For the shower assembly described above, the wall includes between approximately 300 and approximately 450 holes per square foot.

[0220] For the shower assembly, each of the first plurality of holes includes a through hole extending between the inlet and the outlet, and wherein the inlet extends substantially through the wall to form a water reservoir above the through hole, the water reservoir being configured to store water during operation of the shower assembly.

[0221] For the shower assembly, each of the first plurality of holes includes a through hole extending between the inlet and the outlet, and the through hole has a diameter between 0.01 inches and 0.04 inches.

[0222] For the shower assembly described above, the diameter of the through-hole is between 0.025 inches and 0.03 inches.

[0223] For the shower assembly, wherein the shower assembly is configured such that when water is supplied to the reservoir at an operating flow rate, the reservoir is partially filled with water, such that the water passes through the first plurality of holes by gravity, forms droplets at the outlets of the first plurality of holes, and the plurality of droplets fall off the wall.

[0224] The shower assembly further includes:

[0225] A plurality of flow passages through the wall, each of the plurality of flow passages having an inlet and an outlet, and each of the plurality of flow passages being configured such that when water is supplied to the inlet of each of the plurality of flow passages, a stream of water falls from the plurality of flow passages; and

[0226] A stopper that can move between a first position and a second position;

[0227] The wall includes:

[0228] A first region having the first plurality of holes; and

[0229] A second region having the plurality of flow holes; and

[0230] When the blocker is in the first position, it allows water supplied to the reservoir to pass through the first plurality of holes but prevents it from passing through the plurality of flow holes; and

[0231] When the blocker is in the second position, water supplied to the reservoir is allowed to pass through the plurality of flow holes.

[0232] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0233] The panel includes:

[0234] A first region having a plurality of first openings passing through the panel; and

[0235] A second region having a plurality of second openings passing through the panel; and

[0236] A stopper that can move between a first position and a second position;

[0237] When the barrier is in the first position, it allows water supplied to the shower assembly to pass through the plurality of first openings but prevents it from passing through the plurality of second openings; and

[0238] When the barrier is in the second position, water supplied to the shower assembly is allowed to pass through the plurality of second openings.

[0239] For the shower assembly described above, the blocker includes a first portion and a seal coupled to the first portion, and wherein when the blocker is in the first position, the seal separates the first area of ​​the panel from the second area of ​​the panel.

[0240] For the shower assembly described above, the barrier includes a lower wall;

[0241] When the blocker is in the first position, the lower wall of the blocker is located in the second region adjacent to the panel, such that the plurality of second openings are covered by the blocker; and

[0242] When the blocker is in the second position, the lower wall of the blocker is separated from the second area of ​​the panel, so that the plurality of second openings are not covered by the blocker.

[0243] The shower assembly further includes a column extending upward from the panel;

[0244] The blocker includes a guide wall that extends upward from the lower wall and around the circumference of the post, and wherein the guide wall translates along the post as the blocker moves between the first position and the second position.

[0245] For the shower assembly, the stopper moves between the first position and the second position in response to at least one of a pull cord, a mechanical linkage, or an electric actuator.

[0246] For the shower assembly, the plurality of first openings in the first region are configured to allow water droplets to fall from the plurality of first openings when water is supplied to the first region, and the plurality of second openings in the second region are configured to allow streams of water to fall from the plurality of second openings when water is supplied to the second region.

[0247] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0248] Top wall;

[0249] bottom wall;

[0250] At least one sidewall extends between the top wall and the bottom wall;

[0251] A chamber defined by the top wall, the bottom wall, and the at least one side wall;

[0252] An inlet port configured to receive water from a water source and supply water to the chamber; and

[0253] A plurality of holes passing through the bottom wall, each of the plurality of holes including an inlet and an outlet;

[0254] The shower assembly is configured such that when water is supplied to the chamber at a first operating flow rate, the water partially fills the chamber to a first height, passes through the first plurality of holes by gravity, forms droplets at the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes, and falls from the bottom wall as a plurality of droplets.

[0255] The shower assembly further includes a second plurality of holes through the bottom wall, each of the second plurality of holes having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of each of the second plurality of holes being located at a second height, the second height being greater than the first height;

[0256] The shower assembly is configured such that when water is supplied to the chamber at a second operating flow rate, the water partially fills the chamber to a third height, passes through the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes by gravity, forms water droplets at the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes, and the plurality of water droplets fall from the bottom wall.

[0257] For the shower assembly, the outlet of each of the first plurality of holes has a first geometry configured to form a water droplet with a first diameter, and the outlet of each of the second plurality of holes has a second geometry configured to form a water droplet with a second diameter.

[0258] For the shower assembly, the second diameter is larger than the first diameter.

[0259] The shower assembly further includes a third plurality of holes through the bottom wall, each of the third plurality of holes having an inlet and an outlet, and each of the third plurality of holes being configured such that when water is supplied to the inlet of each of the third plurality of holes, a stream of water falls from the third plurality of holes.

[0260] For the shower assembly, the inlet of each of the third plurality of holes is located at a fourth height, the fourth height being greater than the third height; and the shower assembly is configured such that when water is supplied to the chamber at a third operating rate, water at least partially fills the chamber to a fifth height, passing through the first plurality of holes, the second plurality of holes, and the third plurality of holes.

[0261] The shower assembly further includes a stop that is movable between a first position and a second position.

[0262] The bottom wall includes:

[0263] A first region having the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes; and

[0264] The second region having the third plurality of holes; and

[0265] When the blocker is in the first position, it allows water supplied to the chamber to pass through the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes, but prevents it from passing through the third plurality of holes; and

[0266] When the blocker is in the second position, water supplied to the chamber is allowed to pass through the third plurality of holes.

[0267] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0268] First exit;

[0269] Second exit;

[0270] The first inlet is configured to supply water from a water source to the shower assembly;

[0271] A blocker movable between a first blocker position and a second blocker position, wherein when the blocker is in the first blocker position, water exits the shower assembly through the first outlet but prevents the water from exiting the shower assembly through the second outlet, and wherein when the blocker is in the second blocker position, water is allowed to exit the shower assembly through the second outlet; and

[0272] An actuator assembly configured to move the stopper between a first stopper position and a second stopper position, the actuator assembly comprising:

[0273] shell;

[0274] A diaphragm operably coupled to the blocker and movable between a first diaphragm position and a second diaphragm position, the first diaphragm position corresponding to a first blocker position and the second diaphragm position corresponding to a second blocker position, the diaphragm and the housing at least partially defining a chamber fluidly coupled to the water source; and

[0275] A return mechanism is configured to bias the diaphragm to the second diaphragm position;

[0276] When water is supplied to the chamber, the diaphragm moves to the first diaphragm position, thereby causing the blocker to move to the first blocker position. When water is prevented from entering the chamber, the return mechanism moves the diaphragm to the second diaphragm position, thereby causing the blocker to move to the second blocker position.

[0277] A shower assembly according to another embodiment of this application includes:

[0278] The base wall includes:

[0279] A first region having a plurality of first openings passing through the bottom wall; and

[0280] A second region having a plurality of second openings that pass through the bottom wall;

[0281] A second wall at least partially separates the first box and the second box, wherein the first box corresponds to the first area and the second box corresponds to the second area;

[0282] A stopper that can move between a closed position and an open position;

[0283] When the blocker is in the closed position, it allows water supplied to the shower assembly to pass through the plurality of first openings, but prevents it from passing through the plurality of second openings; and

[0284] When the barrier is in the open position, water supplied to the shower assembly is allowed to pass through the plurality of second openings.

[0285] For the shower assembly, the second wall defines a first hole that passes through the second wall between the first tank and the second tank, and during operation, water enters the second tank from a water source and passes from the second tank through the first hole to the first tank.

[0286] For the shower assembly, a lug extends from the second wall, and when the stopper is in the closed position, a seal extending from the stopper seals and engages the lug.

[0287] For the shower assembly, the lug is spaced from the second region of the bottom wall such that when the stopper is in the closed position, a gap is defined between the stopper and the bottom wall; and

[0288] The vent tube extends from the second wall and defines an overflow channel into the interval.

[0289] For the shower assembly, the second wall defines a first opening that passes through the second wall between the first housing and the second housing; and

[0290] The vent extends from the second wall to the upper end, the height of which is greater than the height of the first hole, such that when the water level exceeds the height of the upper end, water can pass through the overflow channel in the vent, through the gap, through the second opening, and exit the shower assembly, wherein the second opening passes through the bottom wall.

[0291] A control system for a shower assembly according to one embodiment of this application includes processing electronics relating to the shower assembly described above, the processing electronics being configured to control at least one of the following: the flow rate of the water, the temperature of the water, the position of the baffle, an audio device, a lighting system, an odor diffuser, a disinfection system, and a water droplet trajectory. Attached Figure Description

[0292] Figure 1 A perspective view of a conventional shower head.

[0293] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of raindrops of various sizes affected by airflow.

[0294] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a large raindrop being split by aerodynamics.

[0295] Figure 4A This is a bottom perspective view of a shower assembly in the closed state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0296] Figure 4B As shown in the exemplary embodiment, it is in the open state. Figure 4A Bottom perspective view of the shower unit.

[0297] Figure 5 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B A schematic front cross-sectional view of the shower assembly.

[0298] Figure 6 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B Bottom plan view of the shower unit.

[0299] Figure 7 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figure 6 A cutaway elevation view of a portion of the first area of ​​the shower unit.

[0300] Figure 8 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figure 6 A cutaway elevation view of a portion of the second area of ​​the shower unit.

[0301] Figure 9 According to another embodiment shown Figures 4A-4BBottom plan view of the shower unit.

[0302] Figure 10 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figure 9 A cutaway elevation view of a portion of the first area of ​​the shower unit.

[0303] Figure 11 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figure 9 A cutaway elevation view of a portion of the second area of ​​the shower unit.

[0304] Figure 12 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B A cutaway elevation view of a portion of the shower unit components.

[0305] Figure 13 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B A cutaway elevation view of a portion of the shower unit components.

[0306] Figure 14 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B A cutaway elevation view of a portion of the shower unit components.

[0307] Figure 15 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B A cutaway elevation view of a portion of the shower unit components.

[0308] Figure 16 As shown in another exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B A schematic front cross-sectional view of the shower assembly.

[0309] Figure 17 and Figure 18 Each is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Figures 4A-4B Bottom perspective view and front section view of the shower assembly, with the stopper in the first position.

[0310] Figure 19 and Figure 20 Each is shown according to the exemplary embodiments. Figures 4A-4B Bottom perspective view and front section view of the shower assembly, with the stopper in the second position.

[0311] Figure 21 As shown in another exemplary embodiment, with Figure 17-20 A schematic diagram of a flow delivery device used in conjunction with a shower assembly.

[0312] Figure 22 As shown in another exemplary embodiment, with Figure 17-20 A schematic diagram of a flow delivery device used in conjunction with a shower assembly.

[0313] Figure 23 for Figures 4A-4B A front cross-sectional view of a shower assembly, which includes a flow delivery device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0314] Figure 24 for Figure 23 Bottom plan view of the shower unit.

[0315] Figure 25 As shown in another exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B A bottom perspective view showing the breakdown of the shower components.

[0316] Figure 26 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figure 25 A cutaway elevation view of the shower unit.

[0317] Figure 27 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the shower unit.

[0318] Figure 28 As shown in another exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B A schematic diagram of the shower unit.

[0319] Figure 29 As shown in another exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B A cutaway elevation view of the shower unit.

[0320] Figure 30 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figure 29 A schematic diagram of the shower unit.

[0321] Figure 31 This is a schematic block diagram of a control system for a shower assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0322] Figure 32 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figure 31 A schematic block diagram of the control system processing electronic equipment.

[0323] Figure 33 As shown in the exemplary embodiment Figures 4A-4B A cutaway elevation view of a portion of the shower unit components.

[0324] Figure 34 This is a lower perspective view of a shower assembly installed in a building structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0325] Figure 35 According to Figure 34 An exploded view of a shower assembly according to an exemplary embodiment shown.

[0326] Figure 36 A partially exploded view of a shower unit installation system.

[0327] Figure 37 According to Figure 34 A partial cross-sectional view of a shower assembly of an exemplary embodiment shown. Detailed Implementation

[0328] General Reference Figure 4A-23 The illustration shows a shower assembly 100 and its components according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly 100 includes a panel 102 with an inlet port 106, a reservoir 120, and a plurality of holes 108a, 108b, 108c (e.g., outlets). The inlet port 106 receives water from a water source, and the plurality of holes are used to supply water from the panel 102 to a user. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the reservoir 120 is gravity-fed into the holes 108a, 108b, 108c, and the holes 108 are configured to form water droplets 20 on the bottom wall 110 of the panel 102, such that discontinuous water droplets 20 fall on the user like rain. A flow device 150 (e.g., heavy rain, torrential rain, flood) allows water in the reservoir 120 to selectively enter another plurality of holes 108d, which are configured to allow water to flow out of the panel 102. Shower assembly 100 may include control system 200, which may include controller 230 and / or processing electronics 262, and may be configured to control water flow and / or temperature, lighting, audio equipment, etc.

[0329] Before discussing further details of the shower assembly and / or its components, it should be noted that the terms “front,” “rear,” “backward,” “upward,” “downward,” “inward,” “outward,” “right,” and “left” used in this specification are only for identifying the various elements when they are oriented in the accompanying drawings. These terms are not intended to limit the elements they describe, as various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

[0330] It should be further noted that, for the purposes of this invention, the term "connection" means linking two components directly or indirectly to each other. Such a connection may be inherently a static connection or inherently a movable connection, and / or such a connection may allow the flow or communication of liquids, currents, electrical signals, or other types of signals between the two components. Such a connection may be implemented using two components integrally formed as a single unit, or two components and any additional intermediate components, or using two components attached to each other, or two components and any additional intermediate components.

[0331] refer to Figure 1The illustration shows a prior art showerhead 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. In a conventional showerhead 10, water is received from a pressurized water source and sent (e.g., through a manifold) to a plurality of openings, the openings being sized to create a substantially continuous water flow 12 when water is forced through the openings. In some cases, after the flow 12 has left the showerhead 10, the flow 12 may be aerodynamically broken into droplets.

[0332] However, rain is different from the stream 12 provided by a conventional shower head 10. Rain looks different, rain sounds different, and rain feels different. This is because rain is formed from discontinuous water droplets 20 rather than from a continuous stream 12. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to exemplary embodiments, various sizes of water droplets 20 are shown (e.g., small droplets 20a, medium droplets 20b, large droplets 20c, extra-large droplets 20d, etc.). Light rain or drizzle typically has water droplets 20a with a diameter of less than 0.5 mm (0.02 inches). Moderate rain includes water droplets 20b with a diameter of 1 mm to 2.6 mm (0.04 inches to 0.10 inches). Heavy rain (e.g., thunderstorms) includes water droplets 20c with a diameter up to about 5 mm (about 0.19 inches). Figure 2 The arrows indicate the airflow around the water droplets 20 as they fall. As shown, the falling water droplets 20 deform due to aerodynamic effects. (Reference) Figure 3 When water droplets 20d larger than 5 mm (0.2 inches) fall through the atmosphere, they are easily deformed and break into smaller water droplets 20a and 20b.

[0333] refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 The illustration shows a bottom perspective view and a schematic front cross-sectional view of a shower assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly 100 includes a panel 102 (e.g., a showerhead) mounted in or adjacent to a ceiling 104. The shower assembly 100 includes an inlet port 106 and one or more sets of multiple outlet ports 108 (e.g., holes, channels, openings, etc.), the inlet port 106 for receiving water from a water source, and the outlet ports 108 for supplying water from the panel 102 to a user. For clarity, Figure 5 Only a few holes 108 are shown, but it should be clear that there can be many holes 108. Figure 4A The shower assembly is in a closed state, for example, where the liquid control valve 202 is closed, no water is supplied to the panel 102, and water has been drained from the panel 12. Figure 4BThe shower assembly is in the open position, for example, where water is supplied to panel 102 and / or water is dripping from panel 102. As shown, panel 102 protrudes from ceiling 104; however, it is conceivable that panel 102 may be recessed into ceiling 104 and panel 102 (e.g., bottom wall 110) may appear substantially flush with ceiling 104 (e.g., see [reference]). Figure 20 ).

[0334] Panel 102 includes a wall (e.g., a first wall, lower wall, spray wall, drip wall, etc.) shown as a bottom wall 110, having a first surface (e.g., an inner surface, inlet side, etc.) shown as a top surface 112 and a second surface (e.g., an outer surface, outlet side, spray surface, drip surface, etc.) shown as a bottom surface 114 opposite to the top surface 112. According to an exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 114 is on the side of the bottom wall 110 facing the shower area, while the top surface 112 is on the side of the bottom wall 110 away from the shower area. Panel 102 may further include one or more side walls 116 and a top wall 118 extending upward from the bottom wall 110. A reservoir 120 (e.g., a chamber, opening, box, etc.) is at least partially defined by the bottom wall 110, side walls 116, and top wall 118. The bottom wall 110 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., acrylic, siloxane, polycarbonate, etc.) having appropriate machinability or molding capability. Formed from stainless steel, etc. (Brief reference) Figure 12 Panel 102″ can be formed by overmolding a second material onto a substrate 111 (e.g., a core, etc.). For example, the substrate 111 can be a substantially rigid plastic core and can have a siloxane surface 113 overmolded thereon for easy cleaning (e.g., for hygiene, mineral buildup, etc.), wherein the plastic core provides structural integrity to the base wall 110. The siloxane surface 113 can substantially surround the substrate 111 and form a top surface 112″, a bottom surface 114″, or both. For example, as... Figure 33 As shown, the bottom wall 1010 includes a substrate 1011 having a hole through it, wherein a siloxane is lined into the hole of the substrate 1011 to form an outlet port 1008 (e.g., an inlet 1030, a through-hole 1032, and an outlet 1034). The substrate 1011, together with the inlet 1030 which is substantially flush with the substrate 1011, substantially forms the top surface 1012 of the bottom wall 1010. The siloxane is further coupled to the bottom of the substrate to form the bottom surface 1014 of the bottom wall 1010 together with the outlet port 1008, which projects downward therefrom. It should be noted that in Figure 33 The configuration of the bottom wall 1010 described herein and in the present document can be used with any of the shower assembly embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 1100).

[0335] Panel 102 can be opaque, translucent, or transparent. A translucent panel allows light to pass through the panel without revealing the mineral deposits in the reservoir. A transparent panel allows light to pass through panel 102 and any mineral deposits can be seen through panel 102, and hydrophobic particles can be applied to the top surface 112 of panel 102 to form an aesthetically pleasing pattern of the mineral deposits. The transparent or translucent panel can be illuminated from behind (e.g., through...). Figure 23 One or more lights 212 are shown, allowing the user to see the movement of water within the panel 102, which can be aesthetically pleasing. The side walls 116 and top wall 118 can be formed of the same or different material as the bottom wall 110. According to the illustrated embodiment, the walls of the panel 102 (bottom wall 110, side walls 116, etc.) are planar; however, it is conceivable that said walls can be flexible to facilitate liquid flow and to facilitate thorough emptying of the panel 102 (e.g., to facilitate drying of the panel during use).

[0336] Panel 102 can be opened to allow access to reservoir 120 for cleaning and maintenance. According to various embodiments, bottom wall 110 is releasably coupled to side wall 116, or side wall 116 is releasably coupled to top wall 118. For example, the various walls (bottom wall 110, side wall 116, top wall 118, etc.) can be snapped together, locked together, or connected via one or more hinges. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, bottom wall 110 and side wall 116 form an integral structure that is rotatably coupled to top wall 118 via hinge 122.

[0337] The water source may be pressurized (e.g., from a municipal water supply system, well pump, water tower, elevated water tank, etc.), and the water flow to panel 102 may be controlled by control system 200, which may include one or more liquid control valves 202 (e.g., volume control valves, mixing valves, pressure balancing valves, etc.). Liquid control valves 202 may also be configured to limit or constrain the flow rate of water received from the water source (e.g., source flow rate) to reduce their own flow rate into shower assembly 100 (e.g., maximum inlet flow rate). For example, as an alternative to or supplement to liquid control valve 202, inlet 106 may include a flow limiter that restricts the flow of water from the water source, or may be additionally configured to limit the flow rate such that the maximum inlet flow to shower assembly 100 is limited according to, for example, local regulations. As will be described in more detail below, it is conceivable that during exemplary use of shower 100, reservoir 120 may be at least partially filled (e.g., not completely filled) and therefore not pressurized. Therefore, a top wall 118 can be provided to prevent overflow, including accidental splashing, and to facilitate cleaning.

[0338] According to one embodiment, the shower assembly 100 may include a disinfection system 700 that disinfects a portion of the shower 100 to kill bacteria. Another embodiment of the disinfection system 700, for example, may include a heater that raises the temperature of the liquid control valve 202 to kill any bacteria therein. Exemplary disinfection systems are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 797,263 entitled “Mixing Valve” and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 796,337 entitled “Plumbing Fixture with Heating Elements”, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Operation of the disinfection system may be controlled by a control system 200, as will be described in more detail below.

[0339] Before discussing further details of panel 102 and / or its components, it should be noted that elements with various sizes and geometries in the exemplary embodiments are shown using alphanumeric reference numerals. For clarity, elements are generally referred to using only numeric reference numerals.

[0340] refer to Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a bottom plan view of panel 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, a plurality of outlet ports, generally represented as holes 108, are located on the bottom wall 110. According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the plurality of holes 108 may include a first plurality of holes 108a, a second plurality of holes 108b, a third plurality of holes 108c, and a fourth plurality of holes 108d (e.g., a plurality of flow holes, etc.). As will be discussed below, the first plurality of holes 108a, the second plurality of holes 108b, and the third plurality of holes 108c respectively form small, medium, and large water droplets 20 (e.g., water droplets 20 having a first diameter, a second diameter, and a third diameter). In various other embodiments, the respective plurality of holes may form water droplets 20 of any size or combination thereof, and panel 102 may include additional plurality of holes 108 configured to form water droplets 20 of other sizes or ratios.

[0341] The bottom wall 110 includes a first region 124 (e.g., an outer region, a dripping region, etc.) and a second region 126 (e.g., an inner region, a flow region, etc.). The first region 124 and the second region 126 can have any suitable size or shape. For example, the first region 124 and / or the second region 126 can be circular, oval, elliptical, a regular polygon or an irregular polygon, a Reuleaux polygon, or any other suitable shape that may have linear or curved edges. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the first region 124 has an outer perimeter of 24 inches by 24 inches square (approximately 60 cm by 60 cm), while the second region 126 is substantially circular with a diameter of approximately 9 inches (approximately 23 cm). According to other exemplary embodiments, the first region 124 has an outer circumference of approximately 19 inches by 19 inches square (approximately 48 cm by 48 cm). Of course, this size can differ in other embodiments. For example, the first region 124 can be a square or rectangle having at least one of the following dimensions: 21 inches (approximately 53 cm), 32 inches (approximately 81 cm), 36 inches (approximately 91 cm), etc. According to other embodiments, the shower assembly 100 can be modularly formed from, for example, multiple adjacent (e.g., continuous, adjacent, etc.) panels. The adjacent panels can, for example, each form a quarter of the first region 124 and the second region 126. The modular assembly facilitates increasing the area for water droplet formation (e.g., rain) to accommodate additional users and facilitates increasing the flow rate (e.g., water droplets per second, volume per second, etc.), which can provide therapeutic effects to the user, such as increasing heat transfer to the user, increasing the temperature of the shower area, and increasing the humidity of the shower area. According to other embodiments, the shower can include multiple spaced-apart panels; for example, each panel is spaced approximately 4 inches (10 cm) from adjacent panels, and each panel can have a different pattern and distribution of holes 108 to provide areas with different rainfall type characteristics.

[0342] Further reference Figure 7 It shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a first region 124 of the bottom wall 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. Cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments of each of the first plurality of holes 108a, the second plurality of holes 108b, and the third plurality of holes 108c are shown. Each hole 108 has an inlet 130 for receiving water from the reservoir 120; the inlet 130 shown is tapered to facilitate flow into the hole 108 (see also...). Figure 33However, the inlet 130 can be any other shape. That is, the inlet 130 can taper inward to move downward to a through-hole 132 having various profiles (e.g., conical or other straight, hemispherical or other curved), and can additionally define a water reservoir, as described below. Each hole 108 has an outlet 136 defined by a nozzle 134. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the nozzle 134 is defined by a groove or recess formed (e.g., machined, molded, cast, drilled, etc.) in the bottom surface 114 of the bottom wall 110.

[0343] A through-hole 132 extends between an inlet 130 and an outlet 136, thereby providing a passage for water to flow between the inlet 130 and the outlet 136. The through-hole 132 is configured to restrict the flow of water from the reservoir 120 to the outlet 136, such that the surface tension of the water causes droplets 20 to form on the outlet 136. The diameter of the through-hole 132 is a function of the water pressure in the through-hole 132 and the inlet 130. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, water flows through the through-hole 132 under the influence of gravity, so the maximum pressure is limited by the height or depth of the panel 102. That is, the maximum pressure of the water flowing in the reservoir is not affected or pressurized by the supply pressure of the water source (e.g., line pressure). Furthermore, to achieve a desired water height and thus a desired pressure within the reservoir, the number of holes 108 can be adjusted relative to the desired flow rate into the shower assembly 102 (e.g., if constrained by the inlet). According to another embodiment, panel 102 may be pressurized with water supplied to the panel, in which case the diameter of through-hole 132 may be narrowed to further restrict the flow of water from reservoir 120 to outlet 136. When water droplets 20 reach a predetermined size (e.g., a decisive stage), gravity overcomes the surface tension of the water and causes the droplets 20 to detach from panel 102 and fall. The size and ratio of the droplets 20 at the decisive stage are a function of the material properties of bottom wall 110, the temperature of the water (which in turn affects the temperature of the bottom wall), impurities in the water, the diameter of through-hole 132, the length of through-hole 132, and the geometry of outlet 136. The applicant has determined how to regulate the water flow throughout the operating conditions to prevent flow streams. The applicant has determined a range of through-hole 132 diameters and a geometry of outlet 136 that provides consistent droplet 20 formation under various materials, operating temperatures, and through-hole lengths. More specifically, the geometry of outlet 136 affects the size of the droplets 20, and the diameter of through-hole 132 affects droplet formation and flow streams. That is, the geometry of each of the holes 108 is configured to produce discontinuous water droplets, and the geometry prevents flow when the water in the reservoir 120 is at or below the maximum pressure in the reservoir 120.

[0344] The diameter of the through-hole 132 is preferably less than 0.04 inches. According to another embodiment, the diameter of the through-hole 132 is between 0.01 inches and 0.04 inches. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of the through-hole 132 is preferably between 0.025 inches and 0.03 inches. Although the illustrated through-holes 132 have the same diameter, it is conceivable that in various embodiments, the diameters of the through-holes 132a, 132b, and 132c may be the same or different. For example, the diameter of the through-hole 132c may be slightly larger than the diameter of the through-hole 132b, and the diameter of the through-hole 132b may be slightly larger than the diameter of the through-hole 132a. For a large outlet 136, a slightly larger through-hole diameter can increase the flow rate through the through-hole 132, which in turn can increase the rate of droplet formation (i.e., droplets per second), thereby bringing the rate of large droplet formation closer to the rate of medium or small droplet formation.

[0345] As shown in the figure, outlet 136 is hemispherical. However, it is conceivable that the outlet geometry could take other shapes, such as oval, pyramidal, or conical (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 12 and Figure 13 as well as Figure 33 As shown), essentially planar (e.g., as shown) Figure 14 (as shown). According to some embodiments, the diameter of outlet 136 ranges from the diameter of through-hole 132 to 0.35 inches. That is, the diameter of outlet 136 can taper outwards to move downwards from said through-hole. According to another embodiment, the diameter of outlet 136 ranges from about 0.025 inches to about 0.032 inches. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of outlet 136 ranges from about 0.075 inches to about 0.315 inches. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of outlet 136b is about 0.17 inches.

[0346] Further reference Figure 8The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second region 126 of the bottom wall 110. A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a plurality of holes or flow-through holes 108d is shown. The shown hole 108d has an inlet 130d, a through hole 132d, and an outlet 136d defined by a nozzle 134d. The shown nozzle 134d is defined by a groove 138d formed in the bottom surface 114 of the panel 102. The diameter of the through hole 132d is sufficiently large to allow water to flow freely through the through hole 132 to form a substantially continuous flow of water. That is, the mass flow rate of the water through the hole 108d is sufficiently large that the gravity acting on most of the water continuously exceeds the surface tension of the water, thereby attempting to bind the water to the panel 102. According to one embodiment, the diameter of the through hole 132d may be greater than 0.1 inches. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of the through hole 132d is approximately 0.125 inches. As described in more detail below, for some bathing activities, such as rinsing off soap or shampoo, the user may prefer a continuous flow of water 12. The hole 108d shown has an outlet 136d. Since the water flowing through the hole 108d forms a substantially continuous stream 12, the outlet 136d does not contribute to the formation of water droplets 20 during operation of the shower assembly 100.

[0347] refer to Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a bottom wall plan view of a panel 102' according to another exemplary embodiment having a bottom wall 110'. As shown, the bottom wall 110' has a plurality of outlet ports 108' distributed throughout a first region 124' and a second region 126' of the bottom wall 110'. The first region 124' and the second region 126' may have any suitable size or shape. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the first region 124' has an outer perimeter of 24 inches by 24 inches square (approximately 60 cm by 60 cm), while the second region 126' is substantially circular with a diameter of approximately 10 inches (approximately 25 cm); however, other embodiments may be conceivable to have other sizes.

[0348] As shown in Figure 9 The randomness of the hole 108' shown in the embodiment is approximately [value missing]. Figure 6 The randomness of the holes 108 shown in the embodiment. For example, Figure 6 The distribution of holes 108 in this embodiment is relatively more ordered and less random than the distribution of holes 108'. (Brief Reference) Figure 24 The randomness of hole 308 shown is higher than that of hole 308. Figure 6 The randomness of the holes 108 shown in the embodiment is high, and the density of the holes 308 shown is... Figure 6 and Figure 9The density of holes 108 is shown. The random distribution of holes 108, 108', and 308 provides the user with a more natural rain-like feel than ordered holes 108, 108', and 308. However, it is conceivable that holes 108, 108', and 308 can be arranged in rows, columns, circles, spirals, or other ordered regular or irregular patterns. Upon reviewing this specification, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in various respects, the random (e.g., substantially random, pseudo-random, statistically random, etc.) distribution of holes 108 may not be truly random, because for production purposes, a single substantially random pattern can be regenerated rather than forming a truly random distribution on each panel. This distribution does not contain any identifiable pattern or regularity sufficient to constitute a random distribution as used herein. Furthermore, the random distribution of holes 108 may be isolated by regions or within regions. For example, holes 108a, 108b, and 108c may be randomly distributed within first regions 124 and 124', while hole 108d may be randomly distributed within second regions 126 and 126'.

[0349] As shown in the figure, Figure 9 The density of the pores 108' shown in the embodiment is greater than that in Figure 6 The density of the holes 108 shown in the embodiments is as follows. According to one exemplary embodiment, the bottom wall 110 of the panel 102 includes between approximately 250 and 500 holes 108 per square foot. According to another embodiment, the panel 102 includes between approximately 300 and 450 holes 108 per square foot. According to another embodiment, the panel 102 includes between approximately 300 and 425 holes 108 per square foot. According to yet another embodiment, the panel 102 includes approximately 400 holes 108 per square foot. This density of holes 108 provides a realistic rain sensation with enough raindrops to provide sufficient heat transfer to keep the user warm.

[0350] According to various embodiments, the distribution of small, medium, and large outlets 136, 136' may be uneven. For example, the distribution of small outlet 136a may be in the range of approximately 2:1 to approximately 3:1 compared to the distribution of large outlets, or medium outlets 136b and large outlet 136c. (Brief Reference) Figure 24The distribution of outlets 336 shown is biased towards more small outlets 336a and fewer medium and large outlets 336b and 336c. Small outlets 136a form small water droplets 20a, which form faster than medium or large droplets 20b or 20c. Faster droplet formation increases the rate at which water droplets fall (i.e., droplets per second), resulting in a higher droplet density and increased heat transfer to the user. As discussed above, increasing the size of panel 102 can increase the number of large outlets 136c, thereby increasing the ratio of large droplets 20c; however, this may require higher flow rates and, over a larger area, not all droplets may reach the user. Furthermore, too many large droplets may make the user insensitive to small droplets. It is further conceivable that the distribution of the orifices can be configured to match local rain preferences (e.g., monsoons and showers) and operate at local water supply rates (which can be up to 6 gallons per minute).

[0351] Further reference Figure 10 It shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a first region 124' of the bottom wall 110' according to an exemplary embodiment. The hole 108' of the first region 124' may be substantially similar to Figure 7 The first region 124 of the embodiment has an orifice 108. For example, the first region 124′ may include orifices 108a′, 108b′, and 108c′ that may have different sizes and / or geometries. As shown, each orifice 108b′ may have an inlet 130b′, an outlet 136b′, and a through hole 132b′. The inlet 130b′ is for receiving water from the reservoir 120, the outlet 136b′ is defined by a nozzle 134b′, and the through hole 132b′ extends between the inlet 130b′ and the outlet 136b′, thereby providing a channel for water to flow between the inlet 130b′ and the outlet 136b′. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the nozzle 134b′ protrudes from the bottom surface 114′ and has a rounded inner edge 139.

[0352] Further reference Figure 11 It shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second region 126' of the bottom wall 110' according to an exemplary embodiment. The hole 108' of the second region 126' may be substantially similar to Figure 8 The second region 126 of the embodiment has an aperture 108. For example, the flow orifice 108d′ may include a through-hole 132d′ with a sufficiently large diameter, allowing water to pass freely through the through-hole 132d′ to form a substantially continuous flow of water. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the outlet 136d′ is substantially hemispherical, and the nozzle 134d′ is formed as a protrusion from the bottom surface 114′ having a circular inner edge 139d′.

[0353] refer to Figure 12The figure shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a first region 124" of a bottom wall 110" according to another exemplary embodiment. The first region 124" may include holes 108a"", 108b"", and 108c" which may have different sizes and / or geometries. As shown, each hole 108c" may have a through-hole 132c" and an inlet 130c" , the through-hole 132c" being shorter in the axial direction than... Figure 7-8 , Figure 10-11 and Figure 13-15 In the embodiment, the through holes 132 and 132', and the inlet 130c″ are more than... Figure 7-8 , Figure 10-11 and Figure 13-15 In the embodiment, the inlets 130, 130c′ extend further in the axial direction. As shown, the through hole 132c″ forms an orifice (e.g., an orifice plate, a throttle valve, etc.), and the inlet 130c″ substantially penetrates the bottom wall 110″ to form a reservoir 131 (e.g., a reservoir, a bladder, etc.) above the orifice, which is shown as 131c. The reservoir 131 stores water so that the outlet 136″ is not short of water during operation of the flow device 150, 350 (e.g., heavy rain, torrential rain, flood) or during periods of low water levels, and water droplets can continue to form until the reservoir 131 is empty. According to one embodiment, the size of the reservoir 131 is configured to hold enough water such that when the reservoir 120 is emptied during the operation of the flow devices 150, 350, water is supplied to the outlet 136″ to form water droplets until the reservoir 120 is fully filled to the point that the top surface 112″ of the bottom wall 110″ is covered with water.

[0354] As shown in the figure, the outlet 136c″ is substantially conical and defined by the nozzle 134c″. The orifice 108c″ includes a shoulder 133, which smoothly engages the surface of the through-hole 132c″ with the surface of the outlet 136c″. This smooth transition facilitates droplet formation and avoids discontinuities that could cause water to separate from the surfaces of the through-hole 132c″, the shoulder 133, or the outlet 136c″. The through-hole 132c″ also has a radially outwardly extending wall, as said wall is axially away from the inlet 130c″. Therefore, the orifice formed by the through-hole 132c″ is point-constrained. Point constraint facilitates faster droplet formation. Further advantageously, the shortened through-hole 132c″ is responsive to the bending of the nozzle 134c″ (e.g., using a finger); thus, mineral deposits in the orifice can be cleaned (removed, broken up, and rinsed away with water, etc.) by rubbing the nozzle 134c″ with a finger. According to various embodiments, the through-hole 132c″ can be tapered or truncated conical. According to the illustrated embodiment, the sidewalls of the through-hole 132c″ have a continuous curve that smoothly engages with the surface of the outlet 136c″. According to one embodiment, the through-hole 132c″ and the outlet 136c″ have an inverted (i.e., upside-down) funnel shape.

[0355] According to some embodiments, the diameter of the through-hole 132″ at its narrowest point is preferably between 0.025 inches (about 0.63 mm) and 0.03 inches (about 0.76 mm). According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of the through-hole 132″ at its narrowest point is preferably between 0.027 inches (about 0.69 mm) and 0.029 inches (about 0.74 mm). The diameters of the through-holes 132a″, 132b″, and 132c″ may be the same or different. For example, the diameter of the through-hole 132c″ shown is slightly larger than the diameter of the through-hole 132b″, and the diameter of the through-hole 132b″ is slightly larger than the diameter of the through-hole 132a″. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of the outlets 136″ at their widest points ranges from about 0.14 inches (about 3.55 mm) to about 0.335 inches (about 8.5 mm). According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of the outlet 136b is about 0.17 inches.

[0356] like Figure 33 As shown, although in Figure 12 The water reservoir 131 depicted has a generally constant diameter, but the orifice 1008 may alternatively include a water reservoir 1301, which tapers inward (e.g., conical) from the uppermost surface of the inlet 1030 or orifice 1008 to the through-hole 1032. Furthermore, as... Figure 33 As shown, although in Figure 12 The upper surface 110″ shown has the same material (e.g., siloxane) as the geometry forming the defining hole 108, but the substrate 1011 may replace the upper surface 1012 of the bottom panel 1002 forming the shower assembly 1000, while the bottom surface 1014 is formed of the material (e.g., siloxane) attached to the substrate 1011 to form the geometry of the defining hole 1008, so as to completely cover the lower surface of the substrate 1011. Additionally, the siloxane defining the geometry of the defining hole 1008 may itself protrude downward from the bottom surface of the substrate 1011 and / or the base plate 1002.

[0357] Figure 13-15 Various exemplary embodiments of the nozzle 134 are shown, the nozzle 134 being formed as a protrusion from the bottom surface 114 of the bottom wall 110. Figure 13 The 136x outlet is basically conical. (As shown) Figure 14 The outlet 136y is essentially planar or orthogonal to the through hole 132y. (See figure) Figure 15 The 136z export is basically hemispherical.

[0358] Brief Reference Figure 5 and Figure 16It is conceivable that the shower assembly 100 is configured to prevent water entering the reservoir 120 from completely filling the reservoir 120. The partially filled (e.g., incompletely filled) reservoir 120 is not pressurized, and water exits via gravity through orifice 108. Gravity can act directly on the water (e.g., water molecules, a portion of the water, etc.) and / or indirectly on a portion of the water by acting on another portion of the water, to create a pressure head proportional to gravity and the height of the water in the reservoir 120. According to one embodiment, the total flow rate of orifice 108 exceeds the maximum flow rate (e.g., maximum inlet flow rate) of the liquid control valve 202 or inlet 106 (e.g., less than or equal to 2.5 gallons per minute). According to another embodiment, sidewall 116 or bottom wall 110 may include an overflow channel to allow excess water to flow out of panel 102 (e.g., see [reference needed]). Figure 26 (The vent pipe 465 in the shower assembly). The shower assembly 100 may include a switch (e.g., a float valve) configured to at least partially close the liquid control valve 202 in response to the water depth in the reservoir 120 reaching a predetermined depth. The switch may be operated directly on the liquid control valve 202 or indirectly by sending a signal via the control system 200, as described further below.

[0359] refer to Figure 16 It shows panel 102″′ according to another exemplary embodiment. For clarity, Figure 16Only a few holes 108″′ (e.g., holes 108e, 108f, 108g) are shown, but it should be clear that there can be many holes 108″′. Panel 102″′ includes a bottom wall 110″′ defining a first hole 108e, a second hole 108f, and a third hole 108g. The first hole 108e has an inlet 130e, the second hole 108f has an inlet 103f, and the third hole 108g has an inlet 130g. The inlets 130e, 130f, and 130g are staggered in height, such that water in the reservoir 120 enters through different holes 108 according to the depth of water in the reservoir 120. The inlet 130e of the first hole 108e is at a first height 141 above the top surface 112″′ of the bottom wall 110″′. As shown in the figure, the height of inlet 130e and the height of top surface 112″′ are substantially equal. When the water is at the second height 142, the water flows through the first hole 108e. The inlet 130f of the second hole 108f is at a third height 143, which is higher than the top surface 112″′ above the bottom wall 110″′. As shown in the figure, the third height 143 is greater than the first height 141 and the second height 142, such that when the water level in the reservoir 120 is at the second height 142, the water flows through the first hole 108e but not through the second hole 108e. f. When the water is at the fourth height 144, water can still flow through the second hole 108f. The inlet 130g of the third hole 108g is at a fifth height 145, which is above the top surface 112″′ of the bottom wall 110″′. As shown, the fifth height 145 is greater than the fourth height 144 and the third height 143, such that when the water level in the reservoir 120 is at the fourth height 144, water flows through the second hole 108f but not through the third hole 108g. When the water is at the sixth height 146, water can still flow through the third hole 108g.

[0360] The shower assembly 100 can be configured such that, when water is supplied to the reservoir at a first operating flow rate (e.g., a low flow rate), the water partially fills the reservoir 120 to a height above a first height 141, passes through a plurality of first holes 108e by gravity, forms water droplets 20 at the outlet 136e of each of the plurality of first holes 108e, and falls from the bottom wall 110 as a plurality of water droplets 20. At the first operating flow rate, the ratio of water leaving through the first holes 108e can be equal to the ratio of water entering the reservoir 120, such that the height of water in the reservoir 120 does not exceed the height of the inlet 130f.

[0361] The shower assembly 100 can be configured such that, when water is supplied to the reservoir at a second operating flow rate (e.g., a medium flow rate), the water partially fills the reservoir 120 to a height above a third height 143, passing through a plurality of first holes 108e and a plurality of second holes 108f by gravity, forming water droplets 20 at the outlet of each of the plurality of first holes 108e and a plurality of second holes 108f, and falling from the bottom wall 110 as a plurality of water droplets 20. At the second operating flow rate, the ratio of water leaving through the first holes 108e and the second holes 108f can be equal to the ratio of water entering the reservoir 120, such that the height of water in the reservoir 120 does not exceed the height of the inlet 130g.

[0362] The shower assembly 100 can be configured such that when water is supplied to the reservoir at a third operating flow rate (e.g., a high flow rate), the water partially fills the reservoir to a height above a fifth height 145, passing through a plurality of first holes 108e, a plurality of second holes 108f, and a plurality of third holes 108g by gravity. Water droplets 20 are formed at the outlet of each of the plurality of first holes 108e, second holes 108f, and third holes 108g, and fall from the bottom wall 110 as multiple droplets 20. At the third operating flow rate, the ratio of water leaving through the first holes 108e, second holes 108f, and third holes 108g can be equal to the ratio of water entering the reservoir 120, such that the reservoir 120 is not filled with water. According to an exemplary embodiment, the rate at which water leaves through the first holes 108e, second holes 108f, and third holes 108g is approximately 2.5 gallons per minute. Due to the sensation of individual water droplets 20, the user can enjoy a satisfactory showering experience at a rate lower than the required rate of water flow 12. That is, the flow rate perceived by a single water droplet 20 is greater than the flow rate perceived from the equivalent flow rate of water flow 12. Therefore, the user can perceive a normally higher flow rate with less water. Thus, at the third operating flow rate, the ratio of water leaving through the first hole 108e, the second hole 108f, and the third hole 108g can be configured to be equal to the ratio of water entering the reservoir 120, and the volume of the liquid control valve 202 can be less than 2.5 gallons per minute.

[0363] According to various embodiments, outlets 136e, 136f, and 136g may have the same or different geometries. For example, outlet 136f may be larger than outlet 136e, causing larger water droplets 20 to form on outlet 136f. Therefore, the second operating flow rate can produce larger raindrops, which correspond to medium-sized water droplets 20b formed in moderate rain. Orifice 108g may again have a larger outlet 136g to produce even larger water droplets 20c at a corresponding third operating flow rate, thereby simulating heavy rain. According to another embodiment, the third orifice 108g can be... Figure 8 and Figure 11The flow holes are 108d and 108d′. Therefore, a high operating flow rate allows water to flow out from panel 102″′.

[0364] refer to Figure 17-20 The illustration shows a shower assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, the shower assembly 100 including a flow delivery device 150. The illustrated flow delivery device 150 includes components that can be positioned at a first location (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 18 (as shown) and the second position (e.g., as shown) Figure 20 A stopper 152 moves between (as shown). When the stopper 152 is in the first position, water supplied to or present in the reservoir 120 is permitted (e.g., without user selection) to pass through the first plurality of holes (e.g., holes 108a, 108b, 108c, etc., in constant fluid communication with the reservoir 120) through the first region 124, but water is not permitted to pass through the plurality of flow holes 108d through the second region 126 through the bottom wall 110. That is, the flow holes 108d are in selective fluid communication with the reservoir 120. Also as Figure 20 As shown, since water can still exist above holes 108a, 108b, and 108c, water can still fall from holes 108a, 108b, 108c and from hole 108d simultaneously, even though the blocker is in the second position.

[0365] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, holes 108a, 108b, and 108c are substantially similar to those in... Figure 6-7 The holes 108a, 108b, and 108c are shown and described. Therefore, the first plurality of holes 108a, 108b, and 108c in the first region 124 are configured such that water flowing through the first plurality of holes 108 forms droplets 20 on the bottom wall 110 before falling from the bottom wall 110. As further shown, the flow-through hole 108d is substantially similar to... Figure 6 and Figure 8The orifice 108d is shown and described. Water flowing through the plurality of flow orifices 108d falls from the panel 102 in a substantially continuous flow. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the diameter of the orifice 108d is set to allow water to be rapidly emptied from the reservoir 120, causing the user to be washed by the water flow 12 (e.g., immersed, soaked, submerged, etc.). Such rapid emptying of the reservoir 120 facilitates rinsing off soap or shampoo. The plurality of flow orifices 108d can be configured such that the rapid emptying of water from the reservoir 120 exceeds the maximum flow rate of the liquid control valve 202. That is, the collective flow rate of water present in the tank flowing through the first plurality of orifices 108a, 108b, 108c and the collective flow rate of water present in the tank flowing through the second plurality of orifices 108d together exceed the maximum inlet flow rate (e.g., source flow rate) from the water source into the shower assembly (e.g., via inlet port 106). For example, the flow rate through the multiple flow orifices 108d can exceed 2.5 gallons per minute, while the liquid control valve 202 can have a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flow rate through the multiple orifices can exceed 8 gallons per minute. This rapid emptying of water from the reservoir 120 facilitates emptying the reservoir 120 during use of the panel 102. Furthermore, the collective flow rate of the first multiple orifices 108a, 108b, 108c can be additionally configured to have a maximum flow rate greater than or equal to the maximum source flow rate, so that the reservoir 120 does not overflow. These concepts regarding the relative collective flow rates of the different orifices and the water source are used in other shower assembly embodiments discussed below.

[0366] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the blocker 152 includes a first portion 153 and a seal 156 coupled to the first portion 153. As shown, the first portion 153 includes a lower wall 154 (e.g., a bottom wall, a retaining wall, etc.), and the seal 156 is coupled to the lower wall 154. The seal 156 may be an O-ring seated in an annular groove extending around the outer periphery of the lower wall 154. When the blocker 152 is in a first position, the seal 156 separates a first region 124 and a second region 126. When the blocker 152 is in the first position, the lower wall 154 is positioned adjacent to the second region 126 of the bottom wall 110 and may cover the orifice 108d. When the blocker 152 is in a second position, the lower wall 154 is spaced apart from the second region 126, and the orifice 108d may be exposed. Thus, the blocker 152 acts as a valve to prevent or allow water to flow into the orifice 108d.

[0367] The illustrated blocker 152 further includes a guide wall 158 extending upward from the lower wall 154 and defining an inner opening 160. An outer wall 162 extends upward from the lower wall 154 around the outer periphery of the blocker 152. The outer wall 162 defines one or more holes 164 extending through the sidewall 162 to facilitate the flow of water above the blocker 152 from the blocker 152 as the blocker 152 moves from a first position to a second position. Similarly, the holes facilitate the flow of water from the reservoir 120 above the first region 124 onto the blocker 152, thereby pushing the blocker toward the first position and increasing the sealing force on the blocker 152 and the seal 156.

[0368] An exemplary embodiment of the conveying device 150 shown further includes a column 166 extending upward from the bottom wall 110 and passing through the inner opening 160 of the stopper 152. According to the exemplary embodiment, a guide wall 158 extends upward from the bottom wall 110 and surrounds the periphery of the column 166. As the stopper 152 moves between a first position and a second position, the guide wall 158 translates along the column 166, thereby guiding the movement of the stopper 152 to prevent the stopper 152 from unintentionally moving out of the second region 126.

[0369] The stopper 152 is responsive to movement of an actuator (e.g., handle, lever, knob, rope, motor, etc.) between a first position and a second position. According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a pull cord 170 extends through a channel 128 that passes through a bottom wall 110 and a post 166. The pull cord 170 extends through an arm 168 and is coupled to the stopper 152, for example, to a side wall 162. The line of the pull cord 170 passes through the arm 168 such that when the proximal end of the pull cord 170 is pulled downward, the distal end of the pull cord 170 is pulled upward on the stopper 152, thereby raising the stopper 152 from the first position toward the second position. According to various embodiments, the pull cord 170 may operate over a smooth edge of the wall 168, or the pull cord 170 may operate over one or more pulleys.

[0370] According to various other embodiments, the blocker 152 may be actuated via a mechanical linkage located on the panel 102, the ceiling 104, or another shower wall 105. For example, see reference... Figure 21 The schematic diagram shows an actuator (e.g., lever, button, etc.) of a knob 172 mounted to wall 105 operably coupled to a cam 174. Actuation of the cam 174 causes movement of a push cable 176, which in turn moves a stopper 152 between a first position and a second position. According to various other embodiments, see reference, for example... Figure 22As shown in the schematic diagram, the stopper 152 can be actuated via an electric actuator 178 (e.g., a motor, solenoid, linear actuator, etc.), which can be controlled by a control system 200 described in more detail below. According to one embodiment, the stopper 152 can be hinged (e.g., at the center, at one or more outer edges, etc.) such that the stopper 152 rotates from a first position to a second position. According to another embodiment, the stopper 152 can be configured to slide laterally from the first position to the second position. According to various other embodiments, the flow device 150 and its stopper 152 can be configured to be actuated as a tank valve, rotary valve, plate valve, iris, vaporizer, electric valve, hydraulic valve, electro-hydraulic valve, or pneumatic valve. According to various other embodiments, the stopper 152 can be configured to be automatically actuated when the water in the reservoir 120 or a portion thereof reaches a certain level. For example, one of a plurality of buoys can be interconnected to the stopper 152 such that when the buoy rises to a predetermined water level, the stopper 152 moves to an open position. Buoys can be interconnected to stopper 152 via chains, mechanical linkages, lever arms, switches, etc. According to one embodiment, a low-density material (e.g., foam, inflatable container, vacuum container, etc.) can be attached to the stopper to make stopper 152 slightly heavier than neutral buoyancy, allowing one or more buoys to easily lift the stopper. According to another embodiment, the stopper can be buoyant, and a deluge feature is actuated when a downward force is removed from the stopper.

[0371] refer to Figure 18 When the blocker 152 is in the first position, water from the reservoir 120 is prevented from flowing through the orifice 108d of the second region 126. Therefore, neither the water droplet 20 nor the flow rate 12 falls from the space 180 (e.g., volume, vent, dry area) below the second region 126. Having space 180 within the falling water droplet 20 has several advantages. For example, it is easier for the user to breathe in this space 180. For example, the user can stand in (warm) water without water falling on their face, which many users find uncomfortable.

[0372] refer to Figure 23 and Figure 24 The illustration shows a shower assembly 300 according to another exemplary embodiment, the shower assembly 300 having a flow delivery device 350. The shower assembly 300 includes a panel 302 having a bottom wall 310 having holes 308a, 308b, 308c. Figure 24A bottom plan view of the bottom wall 310 is shown. The hole 308 shown is similar to the hole 108″ described above with respect to the bottom wall 110″, but in other embodiments, any one or a combination of holes 108, 108′, 108″′ may be present, as described above. The panel 302 further includes a top wall 318. One or more lamps 2112 (incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, light-emitting diodes, etc.) may be located above the top wall 318, such that the lamps 212 and any other electronic devices located there remain separated from water (i.e., dry). The top wall 318 may be transparent or translucent, allowing light from the lamps 212 to pass through it.

[0373] Panel 302 defines a reservoir 320, which can be divided by wall 358 into a first tank 321 (e.g., a drip tank, rain tank, etc.) above a first region 324 of panel 302 and a second tank 322 (e.g., a flow tank, heavy rain tank) above a second region 326 of panel 302. Wall 358 prevents or restricts water flow between the first tank 321 and the second tank 322. Holes 308a, 308b, and 308c in the first region 324 are configured to form water droplets 20, while holes 308d in the second region 326 are configured to form a continuous flow stream 12 (not shown). As described above with respect to the flow device 150, when the blocker 352 is in a first position (as shown), water flow through hole 308 is prohibited, and when the blocker 352 is in a second position (e.g., not in the first position, separated from the bottom wall 310, not sealed, etc.), water flow through hole 308d is permitted. That is, orifice 308d is in selective fluid communication with the second chamber, while orifices 308a, 308b, and 308c are in constant fluid communication with the first chamber.

[0374] Wall 358 may have a plurality of holes 364 therethrough to allow water to pass between first tank 321 and second tank 322. During operation, water enters second tank 322 from water source 306 and begins to fill second tank 322. When the water reaches the level of holes 364, the water passes through wall 358 and begins to fill first tank 321, thereby supplying water to holes 308a, 308b, 3008, which in turn causes the formation of water droplets 20. As shown, a first row (e.g., row, layer, horizontal, etc.) of holes 364a (e.g., one or more first holes) is formed at a first height above the top surface 312 of bottom wall 310, and a second row of holes 364b (e.g., one or more second holes) is formed at a second height above top wall 312. The size of the first row of orifices 364a can be set such that the flow velocity of water passing through the first row of orifices 364a (e.g., the collective flow velocity of the first orifice or the first collective flow velocity) is less than the flow velocity of water entering the second tank 322 (e.g., the maximum flow velocity from the inlet to the second tank). Therefore, even as water flows from the second tank 322 to the first tank 321, the water level in the second tank 322 can continue to rise. The size of the second row of orifices 364b can be set such that the flow velocity of water passing through the first row of orifices 364a (e.g., the first collective flow velocity) and the second row of orifices 364b (e.g., the collective flow velocity of the second orifice or the second collective flow velocity) is equal to or greater than the flow velocity of water entering the second tank 322 from the water source. Therefore, the water level in the second tank 322 can rise until it reaches the second row of orifices 364b, and then the water mainly flows to the first tank 321.

[0375] Dividing the reservoir 320 into a first tank 321 and a second tank 322, and having the first tank 321 filled from the second tank 322, has several advantages. First, they allow for rapid refilling (e.g., reducing the time required for refilling) of the second tank 322 to quickly refill the heavy rainfall feature (e.g., torrential rain, downpour, flood, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the heavy rainfall feature can release two-thirds of a gallon of water every 5 seconds and refill the feature in about one minute at an inlet flow rate of 1.9 gallons per minute. Second, the first tank 321 can act as a manifold to improve the temperature mixing of the water, thereby providing a more consistent experience for the user. Third, the walls prevent water from flowing from the first tank 321 to the second tank 322, thereby reducing water shortages at the orifices 308a, 308b, and 308c during operation of the flow device 350. Fourth, as shown in the figure, the first row of holes 364a is higher than the height of the seal 356 on the stopper 352; therefore, the second box 322 is quickly filled to a height higher than the seal 356 so that a pressure head is quickly formed on the seal 356 to help stop the flow through the flow hole 308d.

[0376] According to various embodiments, the reservoirs (e.g., reservoir 120, reservoir 320, reservoir 420, reservoir 520, etc.) and / or second tanks (e.g., heavy rain tank 622, etc.) of the present invention can function as energy storage devices. For example, in low-flow environments, the reservoirs and / or second tanks can be fluidly connected to a shower head such that when a heavy rain feature is activated, water exits the panel through the shower head. The shower head can be wall-mounted or handheld, and can be a high-flow or low-flow shower head, with the high-flow shower head emptying the reservoir relatively quickly and the low-flow shower head emptying the reservoir relatively slowly. The concentrated flow of the shower head facilitates rinsing soap, shampoo, and / or grime off the user. Therefore, the reservoirs and / or second tanks facilitate the accumulation and temporary transfer of water in low-pressure, low-flow environments to improve the bathing experience without increasing total water consumption.

[0377] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the seal 356 is a resilient seal extending radially from the blocker 352. When the blocker 353 is in the first position, the seal sealably engages with the raised sealing strip 357 on the top wall 312 and extends around the second region 326 of the panel 302. The resiliently outwardly extending seal 356 can deflect to compensate for the difference between the height of the sealing strip 357 and the height of the blocker 352 when the blocker 352 is in the first position.

[0378] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the stopper 352 can be interconnected with the electric actuator 178 via a shaft 377. The electric actuator 178, which may be part of or controlled by the control system 200, can be controlled to raise and lower the stopper 352. According to other embodiments, the stopper 352 may be... Figure 17-22 Actuation of any of the aforementioned actuation components. According to other embodiments, in... Figure 23 The electric actuator 178 can be replaced by a diaphragm connected to 377. Water flow directed towards the diaphragm will move the stopper 352 from a first position to a second position. For example, a user can control a diversion valve to divert water from flowing directly to the second tank 322 to flowing towards the diaphragm, and the water flow to the diaphragm can transmit an upward force to the stopper 352 via shaft 377, thereby lifting the stopper 352 and causing water to flow out from orifice 308d. According to one embodiment, the diversion valve can be controlled by a control system 200.

[0379] refer to Figure 25 and Figure 26 The figures show an exploded view and a cross-sectional elevation view of a shower assembly 400 having a flow delivery device 450 according to another exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly 400 includes a panel 402 having a bottom wall 410. The bottom wall 410 shown is substantially similar to the figure shown about Figure 23 and Figure 24The bottom wall 310 is shown and described. The flow device 450 shown includes a wall 458 defining a second tank 422 (e.g., a flow tank, a rain tank, etc.), a stopper 452, and an actuator 470. During operation, water enters the second tank 422 from water sources 406, 406'.

[0380] refer to Figure 26 The flow device 450 includes an actuator 470. The actuator 470 includes a housing 472 and a diaphragm 474 operatively coupled to a shaft 477, which in turn is coupled to a stopper 452. A seal 456 is slidably engaged between the stopper 452 and a lug 459. The lug 459 extends radially inward from a wall 458 and is spaced from a second region 426 of the bottom wall 410. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the seal 456 extends radially outward from the stopper 452 and seals against the top surface of the lug 459 when the stopper 452 is in a first or closed position. Therefore, water collected in the second reservoir 422 pushes down the seal 456, thereby aiding in the seal between the seal 456 and the lug 459. The shaft 477 extends through the stopper 452, such that the lower end 479 of the shaft 477 rests against the top surface 412 of the bottom wall 410, thereby reducing some of the water load on the stopper 452 and transferring the load to the panel 402 via the shaft 477 and the bottom wall 410.

[0381] When the blocker 452 is in the first position, the gap 482 is located between the blocker 452 and the bottom wall 410. As shown, the gap 481 is at least partially defined by a portion of the wall 458 below the lug 459. A vent 465 extends from the wall 458 and defines an overflow passage into the gap 481. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the vent extends from a first end or upper end above the first row of holes 464a. If the water level in the first reservoir 421 exceeds the height of the upper end of the vent 465, water flows through the vent 465, through the holes 464 in the wall 458, through the gap 481, through the holes 408d in the second region 426 of the bottom wall 410, and exits the panel 402. Thus, the vent 465 provides non-selective fluid communication between the first tank or reservoir 421 and the holes 408d to allow excess water to freely pass from the first tank 421 to the holes 408 and exit the shower assembly 400. Therefore, the vent 465 prevents the reservoir 429 from overflowing (e.g., overflowing, pressurizing, etc.) and provides the user with an indication that the reservoir is full by releasing water from the flow opening 408d. The user can do nothing and enjoy a portion of their rain shower experience, or the user can reduce the flow to the reservoir, or can activate the heavy rain feature to at least partially empty the reservoir 420.

[0382] The housing 472 and diaphragm 474 of actuator 470 at least partially define chamber 476, which is fluidly connected to water source 406. A return mechanism, shown as spring 478, typically biases diaphragm 474 to a second position or open position, and thus biases shaft 477 and stopper 452 to a second position or open position. Actuator 470 is shown in series downstream of inlet 407; however, other arrangements are contemplated. For example, actuator 470 and inlet 407 may be arranged vertically in parallel. By moving between open and closed positions, stopper 452 acts as a valve to allow or prevent water flow to outlet 408d, respectively.

[0383] During operation, water from source 406 passes through filter 401 and enters second tank 422 via inlet 407. Water from source 406 also enters chamber 476, pressurizing chamber 476 and pressing against diaphragm 474. In turn, spring 478 is compressed and shaft 477 moves or pushes stop 452 to a first or closed position, preventing water from leaving shower assembly 400 through multiple flow openings 408d. Therefore, when water is allowed to flow from inlet or source 406 to shower assembly 400, the actuator generally holds stop 452 in the closed position. When the flow from source 406 to actuator 470 decreases (e.g., is blocked, slowed, stopped, etc.), the pressure in chamber 476 decreases, allowing spring to return to a second or selected position, thus allowing diaphragm 474, shaft 477, and stop 452 to return to the second or selected position, thereby allowing water to flow through orifice 408d. Therefore, for example, when the user selectively actuates actuator 470, by changing the water supply to the actuator (e.g., reducing it), actuator 470 moves the valve to the open position. When the diaphragm returns to the second position, water in chamber 476 is discharged from the chamber and can flow into the second tank 422, for example, via inlet 407. When the shower is turned off, the normally open arrangement of the return mechanism advantageously moves the stopper to the open position, which allows the panel to drain water quickly, thereby speeding up the drying of the panel and aiding in cleaning and hygiene. That is, when water flow to the shower assembly 400 is not permitted, the actuator generally holds the stopper 452 in the open position. Further draining the panel after use prevents dripping and prevents water that has been stored in the panel for a long time from being uncomfortably transferred to the next shower user at low temperatures.

[0384] Actuator 470 may be further configured to move stopper 452 to the open position for a predetermined amount of time, for example, an amount of time during which the second tank is not allowed to be completely emptied. For example, actuator 470 may be configured such that after actuator 470 actuates to move stopper 452 to the open position, actuator 470 moves stopper 452 back to the closed position after releasing only a portion of the water in tank 422 (e.g., releasing between 25% and 75% of the capacity of the second tank 422 with each actuation). In this way, the user can selectively release water from the second tank 422 multiple times consecutively without emptying the tank. That is, the user can actuate the valve at least twice consecutively (i.e., within about 1-2 seconds after the stopper returns to the closed position) to completely empty the tank. Optionally or additionally, actuator 470 may be configured for the user to position stopper 452 in the open position for an extended time period (i.e., longer than a single actuation) to release more or all of the water from the second tank 422. According to another exemplary embodiment, actuator 422 may be configured to move stopper 452 to the open position for a sufficient amount of time to substantially or completely empty a large amount of water from the second tank 422 through orifice 408d. For example, actuator 470 may be configured to move stopper 452 back to the closed position after it has been moved to the open position, thereby substantially emptying tank 422 of water while simultaneously completely emptying it through orifice 408d.

[0385] Furthermore, the shower assembly 400 can be configured such that, as long as the water source 406 continuously supplies water to the shower assembly 400 itself, when the actuator 470 is actuated to release water from the second tank 422, water is continuously released from the shower assembly without interruption (e.g., through the first plurality of holes 408a, 408b, 408c and / or the second plurality of holes 408d). That is, the maximum volume of the first tank 421 and the collective flow rate of the first plurality of holes 408a, 408b, 408c are configured relative to the flow rate of the water source 406 and the initial volume of the second tank 422 (i.e., the volume in which water begins to flow from the second tank 422 to the first tank 421) such that, after the second tank 422 is emptied by selectively actuating the actuator 470, water begins to flow from the second tank 422 to the first tank 421 before the first tank 421 can be emptied from its maximum volume.

[0386] refer to Figure 27This diagram illustrates a shower assembly 400 according to an exemplary embodiment. A valve, shown as a diversion valve 490, receives water from, for example, a mixing valve 492. When the diversion valve 490 is in a first state, water flows from a water source 406, fills the reservoir 420 via inlet 407, and pressurizes the chamber 476 to close the stopper 452. Therefore, water flows only through the first plurality of holes 408a, 408b, 408c to form droplets 20 that fall from the panel 402. When the diversion valve 490 is in a second state, water flows from the water source 406' into the second tank 422. Therefore, the reduction or cessation of water flow from the water source 406 decreases the pressure in the chamber 476, thereby allowing the stopper 452 to rise from the bottom wall 410 and allowing water to flow out from the second plurality of holes 408d. Supplying water from the water source 406' to the second tank 422, rather than completely stopping the flow, allows the shower to operate continuously while in a flowing state. As described, the diversion valve 490 is a two-way valve. According to other embodiments, the diversion valve 490 can be a multi-way valve (e.g., a three-way, four-way, etc.), which allows water to be diverted to other sanitary fixtures (e.g., a handheld shower, shower head 10, bathtub, etc.). According to other embodiments, the valve 490 can be a delivery valve. For example, the delivery valve can be configured to simultaneously operate the rain feature and the shower head (e.g., for a final rinse), or simultaneously operate the rain feature and the bathtub (e.g., for showering in the rain).

[0387] refer to Figure 28This diagram illustrates a shower assembly 500 according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly 500 includes a panel 502 and a wall 558 that divides a reservoir 520 into a first tank 521 and a second tank 522. The panel 502 may be similar to panel 402; however, panel 502 does not include a stopper or actuator. The shower assembly 500 may be adapted for high-flow-rate conditions (e.g., a 6-gallon-per-minute water supply system). For example, when the diverter valve 590 is in a first state, water flows from a water source 506 into the first tank 521, through a first plurality of orifices, and falls from the panel 502 as droplets 20. When the diverter valve 590 is in a second state, water flows from a water source 506' into the second tank 522 and through a second plurality of orifices to fall from the panel 502 as a stream 12. Because the water supply is sufficiently high, there is no need to store water in the second tank 522 (e.g., using a stopper) to generate heavy rainfall. Furthermore, since water is supplied directly to the first tank, wall 558 may not include a first row of holes and a second row of holes to allow water passage between the first tank 521 and the second tank 522. According to another embodiment, wall 558 may include a second row of holes or a top row of holes that allow water to pass between the tanks if the flow rate entering one of the first tank 521 and the second tank 522 is greater than the flow rate exiting from the first plurality of holes or the second plurality of holes, respectively. Water exiting from an unexpected hole (e.g., water exiting from a flow outlet when water is supplied to a drip hole) can serve as a signal to the user to reduce the water flow rate to the shower assembly 500. It is conceivable that, under high flow source conditions, panel 502 may not include a reservoir (e.g., reservoir 131) formed in the bottom wall of panel 502, because sufficient flow rate can be used to prevent water shortage in the first plurality of holes when water flows through the second plurality of holes. According to other embodiments, the shower assembly 500 may be configured with a blocker (e.g., 452) such that the tank 522 collects water and selectively releases water in the manner described above.

[0388] refer to Figure 29 and Figure 30 The illustration shows a cross-sectional elevation view and a schematic diagram of a shower assembly 600 having a flow delivery device 650 according to another exemplary embodiment. The shower assembly 600 includes a panel 602 having a bottom wall 610. The bottom wall 610 shown is substantially similar to the one described above. Figure 23-26 Bottom walls 310 and 410 are shown and depicted. The shown flow device 650 includes a wall 658, a stopper 652, and an actuator 670. The wall 658 separates the second tank 622 (e.g., a flow tank, a storm tank, etc.) from the first tank 621. During operation, water enters the second tank 622 from a water source 606.

[0389] refer to Figure 29The flow conveying device 650 includes an actuator 670. The actuator 670 has a housing 672 and a diaphragm 674, the diaphragm 674 being operatively coupled to a shaft 677, which in turn is coupled to a stopper 652. The diaphragm 674, chamber 676, and spring 678 are similar to those described above. Figure 26 Those described in actuator 470; however, flow regulator 680 is fluidly connected downstream of chamber 676. Flow regulator 680 includes orifice 682 (e.g., drain hole, etc.) and check valve 684. During operation, water from water source 606 pushes check valve 684 to close and flows through orifice 682 to fill chamber 676, thereby moving stopper 652 to a first position or closed position.

[0390] refer to Figure 30 The flow restrictor valve 694 is located upstream of panel 602. When the flow restrictor valve 694 is actuated, the flow of water from water source 606 is reduced or stopped. The reduced or stopped flow decreases the pressure on the upstream side of check valve 684, and thus reduces the pressure in chamber 676. Therefore, spring 678 pushes diaphragm 674 toward chamber 676, and water is discharged from chamber 676 through check valve 684. When the flow restrictor valve 694 de-actuates (e.g., is released), water flows again from water source 606 to inlet 617, closes check valve 684, and fills chamber 676 via orifice 682. According to various embodiments, the flow restrictor valve 694 includes a piston or diaphragm that can at least partially block the flow of water from water source 606, or may include a spring-loaded ball valve that can be rotated to a closed position and spring back to an open position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the flow restrictor valve 694 is operated as a button that can temporarily reduce (e.g., alleviate) the supply pressure.

[0391] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, spring 678 and check valve 684 are configured to allow water to rapidly escape from chamber 676, causing blocker 652 to move quickly from a closed position to an open position. Orifice 682 and chamber 676 are configured to return blocker 652 to the closed position over a period of time. For example, the orifice size can be configured to provide a desired time period based on the supply pressure of water source 606. According to an exemplary embodiment, this time period is approximately or slightly longer than the time it takes for water stored in the second tank 622 to flow out through the second plurality of orifices. According to one embodiment, this time period is substantially equal to the time it takes for water stored in the second tank 622 to flow out through the second plurality of orifices. According to another embodiment, this time period is between approximately 5 and 10 seconds. According to another embodiment, this time period is between approximately 10 and 15 seconds. According to various embodiments, actuator 670 begins to slowly move blocker 652 toward the closed position while the second tank 622 is still dripping water. When blocker 652 is closed, refilling of the second tank 622 begins.

[0392] The interaction between actuator 670 and flow regulator 680 advantageously requires only a water supply line to panel 602, enabling the second box 622 to automatically drain when the shower is turned off, allowing the user to easily actuate the button and eliminating the need to switch back to rain mode after selecting heavy rain mode.

[0393] Because the heavy rain feature is activated when the water flow to actuators 470 and 670 is interrupted, panels 400 and 600 automatically drain when the water to the shower is turned off. This allows the panels to dry between uses and prevents cold water from remaining in the panels, which could cause discomfort to the user during the next use. Furthermore, as discussed above, orifice 682 can be configured to slowly move blocker 652 toward the closed position over a period of time. Therefore, when the shower is turned on, cold water in the plumbing line can be cleared through the flow orifice until blocker 652 reaches the closed position, thus preventing initial cold water from cooling subsequent water and providing an uncomfortable shower / heavy rain experience.

[0394] According to various other embodiments, the hydraulic circuit and actuators 470, 670 can be reversed such that the flow of water into chambers 476, 676 induces an actuation of the heavy rain characteristic. For example, chambers 476, 676 can be located below diaphragms 474, 674, which in turn can be connected to shafts 477, 677 to push the stopper into a normally closed position. Thus, introducing water into chambers 476, 676 pressurizes them, causing the water to press upwards against diaphragms 474, 674, which in turn compresses springs 478, 678 and elevates stoppers 452, 652. Flow regulators with check valves and orifices can be used to allow chambers 476, 676 to slowly drain and return the stopper to the closed position. Water can be introduced into the chambers via, for example, a rotary knob or push-button diverter valve.

[0395] Other technologies can be envisioned for use, in whole or in part, with any of the above embodiments, and can be used with the control systems described below. For a first example, the vibrator may include an eccentric motor, a magnetostrictive transducer, or a piezoelectric transducer. According to one embodiment, the vibrator induces ultrasonic vibrations in the bottom wall of the panel. Instructions for controlling the vibrator may be stored in a vibration module within the memory of the processing electronic device. For a second example, at least some of the holes through the bottom wall of the panel are fluidly connected to solenoids. According to one embodiment, a solenoid field may cover the top surface of the bottom wall of the panel and propel or spray water through holes in the bottom wall. According to various embodiments, a solenoid may be fluidly connected to one hole or a solenoid may be connected to multiple holes. A group of solenoids may be fluidly connected to multiple holes. Instructions for controlling the solenoids (multiple solenoids) may be stored in a solenoid module within the memory of the processing electronic device. For a third example, a rotating foil having an opening therethrough may be located above or below the bottom wall of the panel. In embodiments where the foil is below the bottom wall, the foil can impact the water droplet to cut it from the bottom wall, or it can generate turbulence (e.g., pressure vortices, pressure bursts, etc.) that causes the droplet to break off from the bottom wall. A rotating foil on the bottom wall can provide a lateral force to the water droplet in the direction of rotation, preventing the water from falling vertically. A screen below the foil prevents unintentional contact with the foil and can correct the direction of the water droplet. In embodiments where the foil is above the bottom wall, optional channels in the foil and openings above holes through the bottom wall can generate pressure oscillations and / or cavitation, which facilitates the splitting of water into droplets. Instructions for controlling the foil (e.g., a motor for rotating the foil, etc.) can be stored in a foil module within the memory of a processing electronic device.

[0396] refer to Figure 31 The diagram illustrates a schematic of a control system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The control system 200 may include a controller 230 having control circuitry 260, which is powered by a power source 232. The power source 232 may be a battery connected to a mains power source or any other suitable power source. As shown, the power source 232 provides power to the control circuitry 260; however, in some embodiments, the power source may provide power to one or more components of the control system 200 (e.g., sensor 208, electric actuator 178, lamp 212, display 214, etc.).

[0397] The controller 230 may include one or more interfaces (e.g., liquid control interface 234, sensor interface 236, control input interface 238, lamp interface 240, display interface 242, audio device interface 244, electric actuator interface 246, fan interface 248, odor diffuser interface 250, disinfection system interface 252, etc.). The interface may include one or more ports (e.g., sockets, inlets, outlets, connectors, etc.) for communicating with various components of the control system. The interface may include any necessary hardware or software for converting (e.g., digital-to-analog conversion, analog-to-digital conversion, pulse width modulation, network protocols, wireless protocols, infrared transceivers) signals and / or data between the control components and control circuitry 260.

[0398] The control system 200 may include one or more liquid control valves 202. The liquid control valves may include a volume control valve 204, a mixing valve 206, a thermostatic valve, a pressure balancing valve, etc., or any combination thereof. The flow control valve 202 may be a manually operated (i.e., mechanical) valve having one or more sensors 208 (e.g., position sensors, on / off switches, flow meters, etc.) operatively coupled thereto. According to other embodiments, the liquid control valve 202 may include one or more electronically controlled valves (e.g., solenoid valves). According to an exemplary embodiment, the liquid control valve 202 may include, for example, both a manually operated valve and an electronically controlled valve connected in series. The electronically controlled valve may be operatively coupled to the control circuitry 260 via the liquid control valve 234 and may be controlled by processing electronics 262, as described in more detail below.

[0399] The control system 200 may include one or more sensors that can provide information to the control circuit 260 via sensor interface 236. As described above, sensor 2008 may include a valve position sensor, an on / off switch, a flow meter, etc. Sensor 208 may include one or more temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples, thermistors, thermometers, etc.) that can be used to measure the water temperature from a water source (e.g., T). 热 T 冷 ), mixed water temperature (e.g., T) 混合 (e.g., temperature).

[0400] The control system 200 may also receive user input from one or more control inputs 210. Control inputs 210 may include buttons, switches, knobs, levers, capacitive sensors, touch-sensitive displays (e.g., touchscreens), etc. Control inputs 210 may receive input or commands from the user and provide electronic signals representing those inputs to the control circuitry 260 via control input interface 238 for executing commands.

[0401] The control system 200 may include one or more lamps 212. The lamps 212 may provide general-purpose illumination and / or provide ambient or situational lighting. The lamps 212 may have a single color or a variety of colors, and may have various brightness or intensities. At least one of the lamps may be a flash lamp. The lamps 212 may be operatively connected to the control circuitry 260 via a lamp interface 240.

[0402] The control system 200 may include one or more displays 214. Displays 214 may provide information to the user, such as water temperature, flow rate, track selection, volume, etc. Displays 214 may be touch-sensitive displays and thus serve as control inputs 210. Displays 214 may also be illuminated with desired brightness or color and thus serve as lamps 212. Displays 214 may be operatively connected to control circuitry 260 via a display interface 242.

[0403] The control system 200 may include one or more audio devices 216. Audio devices 216 may include one or more speakers to provide music and / or sound effects (e.g., thunder, jungle sounds, ocean sounds, e.g., waves). Audio devices 216 may also include one or more streaming media devices, data media receivers, media servers, portable media players (e.g., iPod, iPhone, Zune), etc. Audio devices 216 may be connected to the control circuitry 260 via audio device interface 244, either wired or wirelessly (e.g., IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0404] The control system 200 may include one or more electronic actuators 178, which are controlled by signals from processing electronics 262. The electronic actuators 178 (e.g., motors, solenoids, linear actuators, etc.) can be used to move or influence the position of an object. For example, the electronic actuator 178 can be used to move a stop 152 between a first position and a second position. The electronic actuators 178 may be operatively coupled to the control circuitry 260 via an electronic actuator interface 246.

[0405] The control system may include one or more controlled fans 218. Fan 218 may be a controlled exhaust fan to influence the humidity of the shower area. Fan 218 may be oriented to provide lateral force to water droplets 20, thereby producing a more natural, non-perpendicular trajectory of the water droplets 20. According to various embodiments, fan 218 may be a bladed fan, a bladeless fan, an air compressor, etc. Fan 218 may be operatively coupled to control circuitry 260 via fan structure 248.

[0406] The control system may include one or more odor diffusers 220. The odor diffuser 220 may be an atomizer, sprayer, or the like configured to provide odors or fragrances to the shower area. For example, the odor diffuser 220 may provide aromatherapy scents, earthy oil scents, marine scents, etc. The odor diffuser 220 may be operatively connected to the control circuitry 260 via an odor diffuser interface 250.

[0407] The control system may include one or more disinfection systems 700. Each disinfection system 700 may include a heater that raises the temperature of the liquid control valve 202 to kill any bacteria present therein. The disinfection system 700 may be operatively coupled to the control circuitry 260 via a disinfection system interface 252.

[0408] refer to Figure 32 It illustrates an exemplary embodiment. Figure 24 A detailed block diagram of control circuitry 260 is provided. Control circuitry 260 includes processing electronics 262, which includes memory 264 and processor 266. Processor 266 may be or may include one or more microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), circuitry including one or more processing units, a set of distributed processing units, a circuitry system for supporting the microprocessor, or other hardware configured to perform processing. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 266 is configured to execute computer code stored in memory 264 to perform and contribute to the activities described herein. Memory 264 may be a volatile or non-volatile memory device capable of storing data or computer code relating to the activities described herein. For example, memory 264 includes modules 272-288, which are computer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured to be executed by processor 266. When executed by processor 266, processing electronics 262 is configured to perform the activities described herein. The processing electronics includes hardware circuitry for supporting the execution of computer code by modules 272-288. For example, processing electronics 262 includes a hardware interface (e.g., output 290) for transmitting control signals (e.g., analog, digital) from processing electronics 262 to control circuitry 260. Processing electronics 262 may also include input 292 for receiving, for example, user input from control circuitry 260, sensor signals from control circuitry 260, or data or signals from other systems, devices, or interfaces.

[0409] Memory 264 includes a storage buffer 268 for receiving user input data, sensor data, audio data, etc., from control circuitry 260. Data can be stored in storage buffer 268 until accessed to retrieve the data. For example, user interface module 272, sensor module 274, audio module 282, or other processes utilizing data from control circuitry 260 can access buffer 268. Data stored in memory 264 can be stored according to various plans or formats. For example, user input data can be stored in any other suitable format for storing information.

[0410] The memory 264 further includes configuration data 270. Configuration data 270 includes data relating to the liquid control valve 202, sensor 208, control input 210, display 214, and electric actuator 178. For example, the configuration data may include liquid control valve operation data, which can be interpreted by the flow control module 276 to determine how to command the control circuit 260 to operate the flow control valve 202. For example, configuration data 270 may include information about the flow rate at various volume control valve 204 positions and information about the mixed water temperature at various mixing valve 206 positions. For example, configuration data 270 may include sensor operation data, which can be data that the sensor module 274 can interpret from the control circuit 260 into data usable by the flow control module 276. For example, configuration data 270 may include voltage-temperature curves or voltage-flow rate curves. For example, configuration data 270 may include display operation data, which can be interpreted by user interface module 272 or lighting module 284 to determine how to command control circuitry 260 to operate display 214. For example, configuration data 270 may include information about size, resolution, refresh rate, orientation, position, etc. Configuration data 270 may include touchscreen operation data, which can be used by user interface module 272 to interpret user input data from storage buffer 268.

[0411] The memory 264 further includes a user interface module 272, which includes logic for using user input data stored in the memory buffer 268 to determine a desired user response. The user interface module 272 can be configured to interpret the user input data to determine various button presses, button combinations, button sequences, gestures (e.g., drag, slam, tap), gesture directions, and the relationship between these gestures and icons. The user interface module 272 may include logic for providing input confirmation and preventing unintentional input. For example, logic for actuating a single-finger touch only at the moment and position of finger lifting may be used. The user interface module 272 may include logic for responding to input via, for example, color circles, object colors, audible tones, audio repetition of input commands, and / or haptic feedback.

[0412] The memory 264 further includes a sensor module 274, which includes logic for interpreting data from the sensor 208 and the sensor interface 236. For example, the sensor module 274 may interpret signals from the sensor interface 236 or the storage buffer 268 by combining configuration with lookup tables or curves from configuration data 270 to provide data such as temperature, valve position, and flow rate to the processor 266 and other modules.

[0413] The memory 264 further includes a flow control module 276, which includes logic for controlling the flow control valve 202. For example, the flow control module 276 may include logic for processing sensor information (e.g., temperature, valve position, flow rate, etc.) from the sensor module 274 and user input from the user interface module 272 to provide commands to the liquid control valve 202 via the control circuitry 260. For example, a user may input a desired temperature control input 210, and the flow control module 276 may be configured to receive this input and control the flow control valve 202 via an open or closed loop (e.g., using data from the sensor module 274) to achieve the desired temperature. For example, a user can input a desired flow rate or water droplet type (e.g., small droplets 20a, medium droplets 20b, large droplets 20c), and the flow control module 276 can be configured to receive this input and control one or more commands to the flow control valve 202 via an open or closed loop (e.g., using flow rate data from sensor module 274 or water depth in storage 120) to achieve the desired flow rate. According to an exemplary embodiment, the flow control module 276 can process the user input in conjunction with configuration data 270 to cause water droplets 20 of a predetermined timing pattern (e.g., periodic, sequential, etc.) to fall from panel 102. For example, the flow control module 276 may include logic that causes the shower to start with a light shower (e.g., small droplets 20a), progress to a medium shower (e.g., including medium droplets 20b), progress to a heavy shower (e.g., including large droplets 20c), and end with a light shower (e.g., small droplets 20a).

[0414] The memory 264 further includes a flow module 278, which includes logic for controlling the flow device 150. For example, the flow module 278 may include logic for processing user input from the user interface module 272 to provide a command to the electric actuator 178 via control circuitry 260. This command could cause the blocker 152 to move from a first position to a second position, from a second position to a first position, or anywhere in between. For example, the flow module 278 could provide a command to the electric actuator 178 in response to data received from the sensor module 274 (e.g., the depth or height of water in the reservoir 120). According to one embodiment, as part of a predetermined timing pattern of water droplets 20, the flow module 278 could provide a command to the electric actuator 178 in response to a signal received from the flow control module 276. For example, this command could cause the blocker 152 to move to a first position, or by moving the blocker 152 to a second position, the command could increase the periodic downpour portion of a heavy rain.

[0415] The memory 264 further includes a trajectory module 280, which includes logic for controlling the fan 218. For example, the trajectory module 280 may include logic for processing input to provide commands to the fan 218. This input may come from the user interface module 272 or the flow control module 276. For example, the fan 218 may draw in or expel air to apply a lateral force to the water droplets 20, thereby producing more realistic water droplet trajectories. The trajectory module 280 may provide commands that cause different fan speeds to produce different water droplet trajectories, thereby helping to simulate, for example, different rainfall intensities.

[0416] The memory 264 further includes an audio module 282, which includes logic for controlling the audio device 216. For example, the audio module 282 may include logic for assigning audio content received from the audio device interface 244 or audible feedback flags from another module in the memory 264 to speakers in the shower area. The audio module 282 may include logic for processing user input from the user interface module 272 to provide commands (e.g., play, stop, skip, etc.) to the audio device 216 via the control circuitry 260. According to one embodiment, in response to an instruction from the flow control module 276, the audio module 282 may provide commands to speakers in the shower area to simulate thunder while simulating a downpour.

[0417] The memory 264 further includes a lighting module 284, which may include logic for controlling the lamp 212 and the display 214. For example, the lighting module 284 may include logic for brightening or dimming the lamp 212 and / or the display 214 in response to user input from the user interface module 272. The lighting module 284 may include instructions for processing other modules in the memory 264. For example, in response to instructions from the flow control module 276, the lighting module 284 may provide commands to dim the lamp 212 or to flash the lamp 212 to simulate lightning when simulating a downpour.

[0418] The memory 264 further includes an odor module 286, which includes logic for controlling the odor diffuser 220. For example, the odor module 286 may include logic for commanding the odor diffuser 220 to provide an odor or fragrance to the shower area in response to user input from the user interface module 272 or in response to instructions from the flow control module 276. For example, the odor module 286 may include logic for commanding the odor diffuser 220 to spray a moisturizing oil in the shower area when water flows at a low rate across the panel 102.

[0419] The memory 264 further includes a disinfection module 288, which may include logic for controlling the disinfection system 700. For example, the disinfection module 288 may include logic for causing the disinfection system 700 to disinfect at least a portion of the shower assembly 100 in response to user input from the user interface module 272. For example, a user may press a button associated with a “Clean Now” label on control input 210, and the disinfection module 288 may provide a command to the disinfection system 700 in response to input received via control input interface 238 and control circuitry 260. According to another embodiment, the disinfection module 288 includes logic for actuating and controlling the disinfection system 700 on a schedule (e.g., weekly, monthly, etc.).

[0420] According to various embodiments of the shower assembly (e.g., 100, 200, 300, 400, etc.), the shower assembly is configured to be installed onto an upper structure or ceiling (e.g., rafters, joists, frames, concrete, etc.). The shower system or assembly may also be configured or include a mounting system for installation onto the upper structure or ceiling and can then be adjusted relative to a horizontal plane to a final, precise orientation. For example, the shower assembly may require a specific orientation to ensure proper orientation of the panels (e.g., 102, 202, 302, etc.) and its base walls (e.g., 110, 210, 310, etc.) are level and / or to ensure proper water flow to various outlet ports (e.g., 108, 208, 308, etc.). These installation concepts are discussed in detail below with respect to an embodiment of shower assembly 1100, but these installation concepts are similarly applicable to other embodiments of the shower assemblies disclosed herein.

[0421] refer to Figure 34-37According to various embodiments, the shower system or shower assembly 1100 includes an adjustable mounting system or mounting assembly 1140 configured to be fixedly coupled to an upper building structure (generally referred to as B) and configured to be adjustablely coupled to the shower assembly 1100. The shower assembly 1100 includes a panel 1102 similar to those described above, defining a reservoir 1120 having one or more compartments 1121, 1122. The reservoir 1120 may include, for example, an outer wall or side wall 1116 defining an outer boundary of the reservoir, and is divided into a first compartment 1121 and a second compartment 1122 by an inner wall 1158. The inner wall 1158 prevents or restricts water flow between the compartments 1121, 1122 (e.g., water received through an inlet coupled to a water source, the inlet and the water source being jointly or separately indicated by reference numeral 1106). A first tank 1121 is formed between a side wall 1116 and an inner wall 1158 and is in fluid communication with a plurality of water droplet outlets 1108a, 1108b, 1108c, thereby releasing water from the first tank in, for example, discontinuous water droplets. The first tank 1121 and the water droplet outlets 1108a, 1108b, 1108c are configured such that water present in the first tank 1121 is released without selective actuation by the user (e.g., there are no valves to restrict the release of water from the first tank 1121 through the water droplet outlets 1108a, 1108b, 1108c, so that the user cannot internally control (e.g., from inside the shower assembly 1100, such as using a valve or other mechanism) whether water passes through). A second tank 1122 is not defined within the boundaries of the inner wall 1158 (e.g., has a circular shape) and is in fluid communication with a plurality of flow outlets 1108d, thereby releasing water from the first tank in, for example, continuous water flow. The release of water from the second tank 1122 via the flow outlet 1108d can be selectively controlled by the user via an actuator of the movable stopper 1152, which acts as a valve to selectively release water from the second tank 1122. The water flow back and forth between the various tanks and the outlet as described above can be configured for various other exemplary embodiments (e.g., control, flow direction, flow rate, pressure, height, etc.). Furthermore, the configuration of the outlet 1108 as described above can be configured for various other exemplary embodiments (e.g., geometry, relative geometry, flow rate, etc.).

[0422] The shower assembly 1100 also includes an upper wall or housing 1130 (e.g., wall, cover, top, enclosure, etc.) surrounding the sidewall 1116 of the panel 1102 and substantially including housings 1121, 1122, barrier 1152, and actuator 1170 therein. The housing 1130 provides a sealed upper surface or wall to prevent moisture from the chamber from leaking upwards into the building structure. The housing 1130 may be further configured to be coupled to the panel 1102 to form a chamber with a reservoir 1120 in a substantially chamber-sealed manner (other than inlet or outlet water outlets 1106 and outlets 1108a, 1108b, 1108c, 1108d, and any intended inlet or outlet air outlet), which further prevents moisture (e.g., steam from hot water received in tanks 1121, 1122 of the reservoir 1120) from leaking into the building structure to which the shower assembly 1100 is mounted. For example, the housing 1130 may include an outwardly projecting flange 1131 (e.g., horizontally extending) that complements and is configured to mate with an outwardly projecting flange 1102a (e.g., horizontally extending) of the panel 1102. Fasteners 1133 (e.g., threaded fasteners, clips, etc.) connect the outwardly projecting flange 1102a of the bottom panel 1102 to the outwardly projecting flange 1131 of the housing 1130. Peripheral trimmings 1138 may be attached to the edges of the flanges 1102a, 1131 and / or between the flanges 1102a, 1131 (e.g., having a T-shaped or L-shaped cross-section) to cover the seam or joint between the flanges 1102a, 1131. Alternatively or additionally, the shower assembly 1100 may include a seal 1132 (e.g., preferably a gasket or optionally a curable material such as filler) positioned (e.g., compressed) between the sidewall 1116 and the lower peripheral surface of the housing 1130 to form a seal between the panel 1102a and the housing 1130. Optionally or additionally, trim 1138 may serve as or include a seal (e.g., a gasket and / or a curable material) to form a seal between panel 1102 and housing 1130. Furthermore, housing 1130 may include a centrally vertical notch 1135 configured to receive an inner wall 1158, which may extend to a height higher than sidewall 1116 and / or engage housing 1130 at a height above the sidewall 1116 engaging seal 1132 and / or housing 1130.

[0423] The shower assembly 1100 may also be configured to be integrated with a building structure in an aesthetically pleasing and / or sealing manner. For example, the building structure may include a ceiling such that a frame and / or drywall define a recess in which the shower assembly 1100 is substantially placed. A horizontal flange 1131 may be integrated with the lower peripheral surface of the ceiling and may include a seal 1136 (e.g., a gasket and / or a curable material) placed therebetween. The seal 1136 is used to seal the shower assembly 1100 against the building structure to prevent moisture (e.g., steam) from water released through outlets 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, or other moisture present in the shower enclosure or shower area, from reaching the interior of the building structure. According to other exemplary embodiments, the shower assembly 1100 may be configured to be surface-mounted to the building structure and may include a decorative shell or finish to conceal exposed portions of the shower assembly 1100 (e.g., housing 1130, plumbing, etc.).

[0424] As mentioned above, the installation system 1140 is configured to mount the shower assembly 1100 to a building structure (e.g., a frame, concrete, etc.) while providing adjustment therein to achieve a suitable orientation of the shower assembly 1100 (e.g., the substantially horizontal lower surface of the panel 1102), as required for suitable water flow to outlets 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d. The installation system may generally include a bracket 1141 configured to be mounted to the building structure using, for example, threaded fasteners 1142. Bracket mounting features, such as elongated studs 1143 (e.g., posts), are connected to the bracket 1141 in a predetermined, non-adjustable position, corresponding to the shower mounting features at the non-adjustable shower mounting position of the shower assembly 1100. Thus, the bracket mounting features are positioned relative to each other with the same fixed (i.e., predetermined, non-adjustable) spatial relationship or orientation, as are the shower mounting features of the shower assembly 1100 positioned relative to each other, to facilitate alignment and connection. An elongated stud 1143 extends vertically downward from the bracket 1141 and can be supplied, for example, to a customer or to an installer already attached to the bracket 1141, or can be coupled to the bracket 1141 in a predetermined position (e.g., using a hole, nut, thread, etc.). Although the bracket 1141 is depicted as generally H-shaped to extend to four mounting positions, the bracket 1141 may have other shapes (e.g., L-shaped, triangular, rectangular) and extend to more or fewer mounting positions (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 6, etc.). According to other exemplary embodiments, the post can be directly coupled to the building structure without the bracket 1141, in contrast to the previously described indirect coupling to the building structure by means of the bracket 1141.

[0425] The threaded fastener 1142 (i.e., for attaching the bracket 1141 to the building structure) may be attached to the bracket 1141 at a location that generally corresponds to the mounting location of the elongated stud 1143 (e.g., placed within it about 1″), and / or placed at other locations, for example, depending on the frame of the building structure. Furthermore, the bracket 1141 may include multiple mounting locations for the fastener 1142, for example, by providing holes at various locations for receiving the fastener 1142, wherein not all holes are available for a given mounting.

[0426] Shower assembly 1100, and specifically housing 1130, includes shower mounting features that mate with bracket mounting features on mounting assembly 1140 on bracket 1141. For example, the shower mounting features may be a hole 1133 configured to receive an elongated stud 1143. For example, housing 1130 may include a hole 1133 through its upper surface, the hole 1133 being in the same predetermined non-adjustable spatial orientation or spatial relationship as the elongated stud 1143 to facilitate alignment and reception of the elongated stud 1143 within the hole 1133. For example, the hole 1133 may be positioned in a protrusion 1134 of housing 1130 to accommodate other fastening components that allow for connection, sealing, and / or adjustment.

[0427] Fastening components may generally include a connector 1145 (e.g., a horizontal connector), a seal 1146 (e.g., a gasket), and a nut 1147. The connector 1145 generally includes an upper flange 1145a and a shaft 1145b extending downward from the flange 1145a and terminating at an end 1145c. The connector 1145 also includes a central through-hole 1145d extending from the flange 1145a through the shaft 1145b and into the end 1145c. Each connector 1145 is configured as a concave member receiving one of the studs 1143 that act as convex members therein and is adjustably coupled to the stud 1143 via complementary threads (i.e., each stud 1143 has threads on its outer surface, while the through-hole 1145d has internal threads to receive the threads of the stud 1143, such that the position of the connector 1145 is adjustable relative to the stud 1143). Since the connector 1145 is vertically adjustable on the stud 1143, the flange 1145a forms an adjustable limit against which the housing 1130 can be positioned. Each connector 1145 is additionally positioned within each of the bores 1133 in the housing 1130, with the flange 1145a positioned above the housing 1130 and the shaft 1145b extending through the bore 1133. Each stud 1143 also extends through the bore 1133 of the housing 1130 due to the through-hole 1145d extending through the connector. The seal 1146 is received on the connector 1145 and positioned against the lower surface of the housing 1130. The nut 1147 is adjustably received on the shaft 1145b (e.g., the nut 1147 has an internal thread complementary to the external thread of the shaft 1145b) to compress the seal 1146 and the housing 1130 between the nut 1147 and the flange 1145a of the connector. Seal 1146 may alternatively be provided as part of nut 1147 (e.g., as a single unit) such that seal 1146 compresses against housing 1130 around bore 1133. The mounting system may further include washer 1148, which may be provided as a separate component or as part of a single unit with seal 1146, distributing the force from the nut to the entire seal 1146. Thus, as discussed above, bore 1133 can be sealed to prevent moisture from housings 1121, 1122 from reaching the interior of the building structure. End 1145c may have, for example, a hexagonal head to allow tightening of nut 1147 onto structure 1145 using conventional tools (e.g., using a wrench to move and / or hold the hexagonal head and nut 1147). For the housing 1130 including the protrusion 1134 (not shown), the shaft 1145b of the connector, the seal 1146, the nut 1147, and the stud 1143 can all be placed within the protrusion 1134. According to other exemplary embodiments, the stud or post 1143 can be configured as a concave member (e.g., a nut, an internally threaded tube, etc.) configured to receive the connector 1145, which is alternatively configured as a convex member (e.g., an external thread).

[0428] A method for installing shower assembly 1100 (or any of the previously described shower assemblies) using installation system 1140 is conceivable. In the first step, a building structure for installing shower assembly 1100 is prepared, which may include plumbing facilities to provide water to shower assembly 1100, and, in proper installation, a ceiling is prepared to provide a recess into which the shower assembly can be placed. Furthermore, during this first step, because all additional steps for installing and connecting shower assembly 1100 occur either within the recess of the building structure or within shower assembly 1100 itself, all surface treatments of the ceiling and / or other building structures can be completed prior to the installation of shower assembly 1100.

[0429] In the second step, bracket 1141 is attached to the building structure. For example, in applications using conventional framing, threaded fasteners 1142 (e.g., drywall or wood screws) are inserted through holes in bracket 1141 at locations corresponding to suitable attachment points on the building structure (e.g., at joist locations). In applications where the building structure is concrete, other threaded fasteners 1143 suitable for use with concrete are inserted through holes in bracket 1141 to attach to the building structure.

[0430] In the third step, connectors 1145 (e.g., the four connectors 1145 corresponding to the four holes 1133 of housing 1130) are engaged to studs 1143 and then adjusted to the final height (e.g., by screwing). The predetermined orientation of shower assembly 1100 (e.g., having a generally horizontal bottom surface) requires all connectors 1145 to be generally horizontal with each other (e.g., within about 1 degree of horizontality, and / or within 1 / 2 angle of elevation). A suitable height also requires shower assembly 1100 to be positioned at a suitable angle of elevation relative to the building structure (e.g., such that seal 1136 is compressed between shower assembly 1100 (such as flange 1131 of housing 1130) and the building structure). Alternatively or additionally, connectors 1145 may be adjusted to approximately the desired height (e.g., by screwing) to allow for a greater degree of variation in the horizontal plane between connectors 1145. Regardless of whether the initial adjustment is to the final height or the approximate height, the height of the connector 1145 can be further adjusted after the shower assembly 1100 is connected to the mounting assembly 1140, as described below.

[0431] In the fourth step, the shower housing 1130 is attached to the mounting assembly 1140. During this fourth step, the panel 1102 is removed from the shower housing 1130, or the initially provided panel 1102 can be detached from the housing 1130. The shower housing 1130 is raised and positioned so that the shaft 1145b of each connector 1145 is inserted into the hole 1133 of the housing. Then, each seal 1146 is placed on one of the shafts 1145b, and then one of the nuts 1147 is screwed onto the shaft 1145b. The nuts 1147 are then tightened on the shafts 1145b to compress the housing 1130 and the seals 1146 between the flange 1145a of the connector 1145 and the nut 1147, thereby securing the housing 1130 to the mounting system 1140 and sealing the hole 1133 of the housing 1130. More specifically, the hexagonal head end 1145d is held in a fixed position (e.g., using an open-end wrench) while the nut 1147 is rotated on the shaft 1145b (e.g., using another open-end wrench). If any of the joints 1145 requires height adjustment on the stud 1143, for example because they have moved out of their final position, were initially in an approximate position, or were otherwise initially in an inappropriate position, each joint 1145 can be adjusted by rotating the joint 1145 on the stud 1143 using a wrench, for example, engaging the hexagonal head end 1145d of the joint. Before such adjustment, it is necessary to loosen the nut 1147 to reduce compression and friction between the joint 1145, seal 1146, and housing 1130 and to allow rotation therebetween. After such adjustment, it is then necessary to tighten the nut again to recompress the housing 1130 and seal 1146 between the joint 1145 and the nut 1147. During the fourth step, the seal 1136 may also be placed on the flange 1131 of the housing, such that when the housing 1130 is coupled to the mounting system 1140 and raised to its final position, the seal 1136 is compressed between the building structure and the flange 1131. During the fourth step, the inlet 1106 of the shower assembly may also be connected to the building's plumbing (i.e., water supply).

[0432] In the fifth step, panel 1102 is attached to housing 1130. Panel 1102 is raised and positioned relative to housing 1130 such that their respective outwardly extending flanges 1102a, 1131 are aligned and in contact with each other, or such that trimmer 1138 or seal is compressed therebetween. Fastener 1137 is then inserted and tightened to attach panel 1102 to housing 1130 and complete the installation of shower assembly 1100. It should be noted that inner wall 1158, stopper 1152 and / or actuator 1170 may be provided with housing 1130 and thus installed with housing 1130. When configured in this way, when panel 1102 is raised and positioned relative to housing 1130, inner wall 1158 contacts (e.g., sealing contact) the top surface of panel 1102 to divide reservoir 1120 into first compartment 1121 and second compartment 1122. Thus, since panel 1102 is connected to housing 1130, inner wall 1158 is connected to panel 1102.

[0433] The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely exemplary. Although only some embodiments have been described in detail in this invention, many modifications can be made (e.g., variations in the size, specifications, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, installation arrangements, materials used, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or varied. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, variations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0434] This invention contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable medium for implementing various operations. Embodiments of the invention may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a dedicated computer processor incorporated for suitable systems for this or other purposes, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of this invention include program products comprising machine-readable media for executing or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine having a processor. For example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical hard disk storage, disk storage, or other disk storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store intended program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures, or any other medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine having a processor. When information is transmitted or provided to a machine via a network or other communication connection (hardwired or wireless or a combination of hardwired and wireless), the machine appropriately considers that connection as a machine-readable medium. Therefore, any such connection is appropriately referred to as a machine-readable medium. The above combinations also include those within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing machine to perform certain functions or a set of functions.

[0435] Although the accompanying drawings illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of steps may differ. Furthermore, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Such variations depend on the chosen software and hardware system and the designer's choices. All such variations are within the scope of this invention. Similarly, the software implementation can be carried out using standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to implement various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

Claims

1. A shower assembly comprising: An inlet for receiving water from a water source, the inlet being configured to limit the water from the water source to a maximum inlet flow rate; A storage device for receiving water from the water source from the inlet; Multiple first outlets are located on the bottom wall of the panel of the shower assembly and configured to allow water from the reservoir to pass through; as well as Multiple second outlets are provided on the bottom wall and configured to allow selective passage of water from the reservoir; the shower assembly is configured for the user to selectively control whether water passes through the multiple second outlets. A column that extends upward from the base wall; A blocker includes an upwardly extending guide wall defining an inner opening, the post extending through the inner opening such that the guide wall can translate along the post to allow the blocker to move up and down between a first position and a second position. When the blocker is in the first position, the blocker covers the plurality of second outlets. When the blocker is in the second position, the plurality of second outlets are directly exposed to water from the reservoir, such that the sum of the first collective flow velocity of the plurality of first outlets and the second collective flow velocity of the plurality of second outlets is greater than the maximum inlet flow velocity.

2. The shower assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first outlets is configured such that water from the reservoir passes through only in discontinuous droplets.

3. The shower assembly of claim 2, wherein the reservoir is not pressurized by the supply pressure of the water source.

4. The shower assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of second outlets is configured to allow water from the reservoir to flow continuously through it.

5. A shower assembly comprising: The inlet port is used to receive water from the water source at the source flow rate; A storage device for receiving water from the water source through the inlet port; Multiple first outlets are disposed on the bottom wall of the panel of the shower assembly and configured to allow water from the reservoir to flow continuously, wherein the first collective flow velocity of the multiple first outlets is approximately equal to the source flow velocity; as well as Multiple second outlets are provided on the bottom wall and configured to allow water from the multiple first outlets to pass through while selectively allowing water from the reservoir to pass through; A column that extends upward from the base wall; A blocker includes an upwardly extending guide wall defining an inner opening, the post extending through the inner opening such that the guide wall can translate along the post to allow the blocker to move up and down between a first position and a second position; wherein when the blocker is in the first position, the blocker covers the plurality of second outlets, and when the blocker is in the second position, the plurality of second outlets are directly exposed to water from the reservoir, such that water is released simultaneously from the plurality of first outlets and the plurality of second outlets, and the total collective flow velocity of all water leaving the reservoir exceeds the source flow velocity.

6. The shower assembly of claim 5, wherein the shower assembly is configured to limit the source flow rate to a maximum inlet flow rate.

7. A shower assembly comprising: First exit; Second exit; The first inlet is configured to supply water from the water supply system to the shower assembly; A blocker that can move up and down between a first blocker position and a second blocker position, wherein when the blocker is in the first blocker position, water leaves the shower assembly through the first outlet but prevents the water from leaving the shower assembly through the second outlet, and wherein when the blocker is in the second blocker position, water is allowed to leave the shower assembly through both the first outlet and the second outlet; as well as An actuator assembly configured to move the stopper between a first stopper position and a second stopper position, the actuator assembly comprising: shell; A diaphragm operably coupled to the blocker and movable between a first diaphragm position and a second diaphragm position, the first diaphragm position corresponding to a first blocker position and the second diaphragm position corresponding to a second blocker position, the diaphragm and the housing at least partially defining a chamber fluidly coupled to the water supply system; and A return mechanism is configured to bias the diaphragm to the second diaphragm position; When water is supplied to the chamber, the diaphragm moves to the first diaphragm position, thereby causing the blocker to move to the first blocker position. When water is prevented from entering the chamber, the return mechanism moves the diaphragm to the second diaphragm position, thereby causing the blocker to move to the second blocker position.

8. The shower assembly of claim 7, further comprising a tank configured to receive water from the first inlet, the second outlet configured to allow water from the tank to pass through, wherein, After water is prevented from entering the chamber due to the blocker moving to the second blocker position, the diaphragm moves back to the first diaphragm position until the tank is substantially emptied of water.

9. The shower assembly of claim 8, wherein after water is prevented from entering the chamber due to the blocker moving to the second blocker position, the diaphragm moves back to the first diaphragm position substantially as the tank is emptied of water.

10. A shower assembly comprising: The inlet is configured to connect to the water source; Multiple water outlets; A valve comprising a stopper covering the plurality of water outlets and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the valve allows water to flow to the plurality of water outlets, and in the closed position the valve prevents water from flowing to the plurality of water outlets; as well as An actuator for moving the stopper up and down, thereby selectively moving the valve between the open position and the closed position, the actuator being configured to receive water from the inlet to move the valve between the open position and the closed position; The actuator is configured to maintain the valve in the closed position when the actuator receives water from the inlet; and The actuator is configured to move the valve from the closed position to the open position when the actuator stops receiving water from the inlet.

11. The shower assembly of claim 10, wherein the shower assembly is configured for a user to selectively control whether the actuator receives water from the inlet to move the valve between the open position and the closed position.

12. The shower assembly of claim 11, further comprising a reservoir configured to receive water from the inlet simultaneously with the actuator receiving water from the inlet, wherein the plurality of water outlets extend through the bottom wall of the reservoir.

13. The shower assembly of claim 10, wherein the actuator includes a return mechanism for biasing the stop upward to the open position.

14. The shower assembly of claim 13, wherein the actuator includes a diaphragm that, when water is supplied to the diaphragm, causes the blocker to move downward.

15. The shower assembly of claim 14, wherein the actuator is configured to move the valve from the open position to the closed position more slowly than it moves the valve from the closed position to the open position.

16. The shower assembly of claim 15, wherein the actuator comprises: A housing that defines a chamber connected to the diaphragm for receiving water; as well as A flow regulator having an orifice and a check valve, the orifice for receiving water into the chamber at a first flow rate to close the valve, and the check valve for releasing water from the chamber at a second flow rate to open the valve, wherein the first flow rate is less than the second flow rate.

17. The shower assembly of claim 10, further comprising a tank configured to receive water from the inlet and allow water to pass through the plurality of water outlets when the valve is selectively moved to the open position, wherein the actuator is configured such that after the valve is selectively moved to the open position, the actuator maintains the valve in the open position for a predetermined amount of time, the predetermined amount of time being insufficient to empty the tank through the plurality of water outlets.

18. The shower assembly of claim 17, further configured for a user to selectively actuate the actuator, thereby maintaining the stop in the open position for an extended time longer than a predetermined time, to release more water than during the predetermined time.

19. The shower assembly of claim 17, wherein the actuator includes a diaphragm and a spring, the diaphragm receiving water from the inlet to deflect the valve to the closed position, and the spring moving the valve to the open position when the diaphragm is not receiving water.

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