Adjustable shower head spraying surface

Abstract

A showerhead includes a spray surface fluidly coupled to a water inlet. The spray face includes an inner portion having a plurality of inner fluid outlets and an outer portion having a plurality of outer fluid outlets. The angular orientation of the outer fluid outlet is adjustable relative to the fixed angular orientation of the inner fluid outlet.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 540,354, filed on September 25, 2023, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Background Technology and Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention generally relates to a shower head, and more specifically to a shower head including an adjustable spray surface.

[0005] Adjustable shower heads are known in the art for providing a pressurized water flow to a user. However, conventional shower heads may not provide an effective spray pattern or an aesthetically pleasing design. Furthermore, such shower heads may require extensive repositioning for the user and / or may not provide sufficient spray coverage under given water flow or pressure limitations.

[0006] According to an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a shower head includes a proximal inlet conduit, a body operatively coupled to the inlet conduit, and a distal spray surface supported by the body. The spray surface includes an inner portion and an outer portion extending radially outward from the inner portion. The inner portion includes a plurality of internal fluid outlets. The outer portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer segments. Each outer segment includes a plurality of external fluid outlets positioned between an inner end and an outer end. The inner end of an outer segment is configured to selectively move relative to the outer end of the outer segment to adjust the angular orientation of the external fluid outlets.

[0007] Illustratively, the longitudinal axis extends perpendicular to the inner portion, the inner fluid outlet is configured to discharge water parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the movement of the outer section is configured to adjust the direction of the water discharged from the outer fluid outlet relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0008] According to the illustrative embodiment, the user interface is operatively connected to the internal portion, and a mechanical coupling is operatively connected to the user interface, wherein pressing the user interface causes movement of the external section.

[0009] According to an illustrative embodiment, the shower head further includes an electronic user interface, an actuator operatively coupled to the panel, and wherein actuation of the electronic user interface causes the actuator to move an external section.

[0010] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, the spray surface for a shower head includes an inner portion and an outer portion extending radially outward from the inner portion. The inner portion includes a plurality of internal fluid outlets. The outer portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer segments, each outer segment including a plurality of external fluid outlets positioned between an inner end and an outer end. The inner end of an outer segment is configured to selectively move relative to the outer end of the outer segment to adjust the angular orientation of the external fluid outlets.

[0011] According to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure, a shower head includes a proximal inlet conduit, a body operably coupled to the inlet conduit, and a distal spray surface supported by the body. The spray surface includes an inner portion and an outer portion extending radially outward from the inner portion. The inner portion includes a plurality of internal fluid outlets. The outer portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer segments, each outer segment including a plurality of external fluid outlets. The outer segments are configured to selectively move in response to movement of the inner portion to adjust the angular orientation of the external fluid outlets. A piston is operably coupled to the inner portion of the spray surface. A valve is fluidly coupled to the piston. Operation of the valve causes movement of the piston and the inner portion of the spray surface.

[0012] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that are currently considered the best mode for carrying out the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings refers specifically to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a shower head according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, with the panel shown in a first configuration or an extended configuration; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the shower head, with the panel shown in either a second configuration or a retracted configuration; Figure 3 It is used with Figure 1 A perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an electronic user interface used with a shower head; Figure 4 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a shower head, representing an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the shower head, with the panel shown in either a first configuration or an extended configuration; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A detailed view of the shower head, showing the actuating piston used to move the panel; Figure 7 It is shown as being in the second configuration or the retracted configuration. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the shower head; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A detailed view of the shower head, showing the actuating piston used to move the panel; Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A diagram of a shower head; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a shower head according to another illustrative embodiment, with the panel shown in either a first configuration or an extended configuration; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A detailed view of the shower head, showing the actuating piston used to move the panel; Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the shower head, with the panel shown in either a second configuration or a retracted configuration; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A detailed view of the shower head, showing the actuating piston used to move the panel; Figure 14 yes Figure 10 A diagram of a shower head; Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a shower head; Figure 16A yes Figure 15 A detailed view of the shower head, showing the follower within the retainer track when the panel is in the first or extended position; Figure 16B yes Figure 15 A detailed view of the shower head, showing the follower within the retainer track when the panel is in the second position or the retracted position; Figure 17 This is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a shower head, with the panel shown in either a first configuration or an extended configuration; Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A perspective view of the shower head, with the panel shown in either a second configuration or a retracted configuration; Figure 19 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the shower head taken by line 19-19, with the panel shown in either the first configuration or the extended configuration; and Figure 20 It is along Figure 18 The shower head is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 20-20, with the panel shown in either the second configuration or the retracted configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0014] For the purpose of promoting and understanding the principles of this disclosure, reference will now be made to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which will be described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Rather, these embodiments were chosen and described so that their teachings can be used by others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The invention includes any changes and further modifications to the illustrated apparatus and described methods that would normally occur to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, as well as further applications of the principles of the invention.

[0015] First refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The shower head 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of this disclosure includes a proximal inlet conduit 12, a body 14 operably coupled to the inlet conduit 12, and a distal spray surface 16 supported by the body 14. The inlet conduit 12 defines a passage 18 having an inlet 20 configured to be in fluid communication with a conventional water supply device 22. Figure 9 The inlet conduit 12 may include an adapter 23 that defines the inlet 20 and is configured to connect (both fluid and mechanically) to a conventional fluid conduit (e.g., a fitting) (not shown).

[0016] The illustrative spray surface 16 includes a panel 24 having an inner portion 26 and an outer portion 28 extending radially outward from the inner portion 26. A fluid chamber 30 is illustratively defined between the body 14 and the spray surface 16 for receiving water from an inlet 20 via an inlet conduit 12. The inner portion 26 of the panel 24 includes an outwardly facing outer surface 31 opposite to the chamber 30.

[0017] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 The illustrative internal portion 26 of panel 24 includes a plurality of first or internal fluid outlets 32 in fluid communication with chamber 30. The illustrative external portion 28 of panel 24 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced external segments 34 positioned radially outward from the internal portion 26. Each external segment 34 illustratively includes a plurality of second or external fluid outlets 36 located between an inner end 38 and an outer end 40. Illustratively, the external fluid outlets 36 are in fluid communication with chamber 30.

[0018] The inner end 38 of the outer section 34 is configured to move selectively relative to the outer end 40 of the outer section 34 to adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlet 36. A first pivoting connection 42 or hinge is defined between the inner end 38 of each outer section 34 and the inner portion 26. Similarly, a second pivoting connection or hinge 44 is defined between the outer end 40 of each outer section 34 and the peripheral edge 46 of the body 14.

[0019] Figure 1 An illustrative first configuration of the spray surface 16 defining a first operating mode is shown, wherein the inner portion 26 and the outer portion 28 of the panel 24 are substantially parallel to each other. In the illustrative embodiment, the inner portion 26 and the outer portion 28 extend substantially in a common plane (e.g., are coplanar). Thus, water is discharged from fluid outlets 32 and 36, which are generally parallel to each other and perpendicular to the outer surface 31 of the panel 24.

[0020] Figure 2 An illustrative second configuration of the spray surface 16 defining a second operating mode is shown, wherein the inner portion 26 moves axially (illustratively inward in a proximal direction), and the outer section 34 is angled or pivoted (illustratively inwardly angled or pivoted) by the movement of its inner end 38 relative to its outer end 40. This movement adjusts the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlet 36, while the angular orientation of the inner fluid outlet 32 ​​remains fixed. Water 45 and 47 are discharged from fluid outlets 32 and 36 in non-parallel directions, such that water 47 discharged from the outer fluid outlet 36 extends at an angle relative to water 45 discharged from the inner fluid outlet 32.

[0021] More specifically, the longitudinal axis 48 extends perpendicular to the inner portion 26 of the panel 24, wherein the inner fluid outlet 32 ​​is configured to discharge water 45 in a fixed direction relative to (illustratively parallel to) the longitudinal axis 48. Movement of the outer section 34 is configured to adjust the direction of the water 47 discharged from the outer fluid outlet 36 relative to the longitudinal axis 48. Illustratively, the outer section 34 can be fixed at different angular positions relative to the inner portion 26, thereby discharging water 47 in different directions relative to the longitudinal axis 48.

[0022] In the illustrative embodiment, the angular orientation of the internal fluid outlet 32 ​​is fixed, and the external fluid outlet 36 is pivotable inward, causing water 47 to converge inward toward the longitudinal axis 48. However, it should be understood that the relative movement of the internal fluid outlet 32 ​​and the external fluid outlet 36 can vary. For example, the external fluid outlet 36 may pivot outward, causing water 47 to disperse outward from the longitudinal axis 48.

[0023] As further detailed herein, different devices can move the external fluid outlet 36 of panel 24 between a first configuration and a second configuration. Illustratively, the external fluid outlet 36 can move independently of the external portion 28 of panel 24. Additionally, the external section 34 supporting the external fluid outlet 36 can be fixed, or the external sections 34 can move together or independently of each other. As detailed above, the external section 34 can move inward or outward relative to the longitudinal axis 48.

[0024] Figures 1 to 3 An illustrative embodiment of a shower head 10 including an electronically activated device is shown. More specifically, the shower head 10 is electronically arranged, wherein an electronic user interface 48 communicates with a controller 50. The controller 50 may include a conventional processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a memory. The controller 50 communicates with an actuator 52, such as a hydraulic actuator (e.g., a water piston) and / or a motor (e.g., a servo motor). The user interface 48 may communicate with the controller 50 via wired or wireless communication. Similarly, the controller 50 may communicate with the actuator 52 via wired or wireless communication. As further detailed herein, the actuator 52 may be operatively coupled to an internal portion 26 of the panel 24 to cause pivotal movement of the outer section 34 relative to the internal portion.

[0025] Further reference Figures 4 to 9 The actuator 52 of the illustrative shower head 10 includes a hydraulically actuated piston 54 slidably received within a cylindrical piston sleeve 56. A connecting pipe 57 operatively connects the piston 54 to an interior portion 26 of the panel 24. More specifically, movement of the connecting pipe 57 causes a similar movement of the interior portion 26 of the panel 24. The connecting pipe 57 also provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit 12 and fluid outlets 32 and 36 via a chamber 30.

[0026] Control valve 58 is fluidly connected to piston 54 via piston sleeve 56. As described in further detail herein, illustratively, the movement of piston 54 is controlled by operation of valve 58. Valve 58 is in fluid communication with inlet conduit 12, atmosphere 60, and the interior 62 of piston sleeve 56. Additionally, valve 58 may be supported by the body 14 of shower head 10 or located at a remote position outside shower head 10.

[0027] Valve 58 may be an electrically operable valve that communicates (wired or wirelessly) with controller 50. An extension control line or circuit 64 and a retraction control line or circuit 66 provide fluid communication between valve 58 and the interior 62 of piston sleeve 56. More specifically, extension control line 64 illustratively includes a tube in fluid communication with the upper chamber or extension chamber 68 of the interior 62 of valve 58 and piston sleeve 56. Similarly, retraction control line 66 illustratively includes a tube in fluid communication with the lower chamber or retraction chamber 70 of the interior 62 of valve 58 and piston sleeve 56.

[0028] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 The piston 54 separates the extension chamber 68 from the retraction chamber 70. More specifically, the illustrative piston 54 includes a first surface or extension surface 72 facing the extension chamber 68 and a second surface or retraction surface 74 facing the retraction chamber 70. Illustratively, O-rings 76a and 76b seal opposite ends of the piston sleeve 56. The O-ring 78 is supported by the piston 54 between surfaces 72 and 74 and provides a sliding seal with the piston sleeve 56.

[0029] Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 An illustrative first configuration of the spray surface 16 and the associated extended position of the piston 54 are shown. In this configuration, valve 58 provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit 12 and the upper chamber 68 of the piston sleeve 56. Simultaneously, valve 58 provides fluid communication between the lower chamber 70 of the piston sleeve 56 and the atmosphere 60. Water supplied from the inlet conduit 12 to the upper chamber 68 via valve 58 causes the piston 54 to move toward the panel 24 (in the downward direction, such as...). Figure 6 (As indicated by arrow 80 in the diagram). Thus, the inner portion 26 of panel 24 is in an extended configuration.

[0030] Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 An illustrative second configuration of the spray surface 16 and the associated retracted position of the piston 54 are shown. In this configuration, valve 58 provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit 12 and the lower chamber 70 of the piston sleeve 56. Simultaneously, valve 58 provides fluid communication between the upper chamber 68 of the piston sleeve 56 and the atmosphere 60. Water supplied from the inlet conduit 12 to the lower chamber 70 via valve 58 causes the piston 54 to move away from the panel 24 (in the upward direction, such as...). Figure 8 (As indicated by arrow 82 in the diagram). Thus, the inner portion 26 of panel 24 is in a retracted configuration.

[0031] It should be understood that the number and positioning of water channels within the shower head 10 can vary. For example, a pair of water channels can be in separate and independent fluid communication with the extension control line and retraction control line or circuits 64, 66 of the piston 54. Lines 64, 66 can also be in separate and independent fluid communication with outlets 32, 36 via chamber 30. As described above, valve 58 can be positioned and controlled externally to the shower head 10. In some other illustrative embodiments, valve 58 may be omitted.

[0032] Figures 10 to 14Another illustrative embodiment of a shower head 110 is shown. Many components of the shower head 110 are similar to those detailed above in conjunction with the handheld shower head 10. Thus, in the following description, similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0033] The actuator 152 of the shower head 110 includes, in an alternative embodiment, a hydraulically actuated piston 154 fluidly coupled to a control valve 158. The piston 154 is slidably received within a cylindrical piston sleeve 156 defined by the body 14 of the shower head 10. A connecting conduit 57 operatively connects the piston 154 to an interior portion 26 of the panel 24. As further detailed herein, illustratively, movement of the piston 154 is controlled by operation of the valve 158. The valve 158 is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 12, atmospheric air 60, and the interior 162 of the piston sleeve 156.

[0034] Valve 158 may be an electrically operable valve in communication (wired or wireless) with controller 50. Retraction control line 166 provides fluid communication between valve 158 and the interior 162 of piston sleeve 156. More specifically, retraction control line 166 illustratively includes a conduit in fluid communication with the lower chamber or retraction chamber 170 of valve 158 and the interior 162 of piston sleeve 156. Connecting conduit 57 provides fluid communication between inlet conduit 12 and chamber 30.

[0035] The illustrative connecting tube 57 includes an upper surface or extended surface 172 facing the water inlet conduit 12. The illustrative piston 54 includes a lower surface or retracted surface 174 facing the retracted chamber 170. A plug 175 is received within the lower end of the sleeve 156. Illustratively, O-rings 176a and 176b seal opposite ends of the piston sleeve 156. An O-ring 178 is supported by the piston 154 between piston surfaces 172 and 174 and provides a sliding seal with the piston sleeve 156.

[0036] The surface area of ​​the extended surface 172 is smaller than that of the retracted surface 174. Thus, the water pressure acting on the upper end of the connecting pipe 57 at the extended surface 172 and on the lower end of the piston 154 at the retracted surface 174 will result in a force at the extended surface 172 being less than the force at the retracted surface 174. When the valve 158 supplies water from the inlet conduit 12 into the interior of the cylinder 156, the force from the piston 154 overcomes the force at the upper end of the connector 157.

[0037] Figure 10 and Figure 11An illustrative first configuration of the spray surface 16 of the shower head 110 and the associated extended position of the piston 154 are shown. In this configuration, the inlet conduit 12 is in fluid communication with the extended surface 172 of the connector 157. Simultaneously, the valve 158 provides fluid communication between the lower chamber 170 and the atmosphere 60. Water supplied from the inlet conduit 12 to the upper surface 172 causes the piston 154 to move toward the panel 24 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 11 (As indicated by arrow 180 pointing downwards). Thus, the inner portion 26 of panel 24 is in an extended configuration.

[0038] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 An illustrative second configuration of the spray surface 16 of the shower head 110 and the associated retracted position of the piston 154 are shown. In this configuration, the inlet conduit 12 remains in fluid communication with the extension surface 172 of the connector 157. Simultaneously, the valve 158 provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit 112 and the lower chamber 170. Because the retracted surface 174 of the piston 154 has a larger surface area relative to the upper surface 172 of the connector 157, water supplied from the inlet conduit 12 to the lower chamber 170 causes the piston 154 to move away from the panel 24 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 13 (As indicated by arrow 182 in the image, pointing upwards). Thus, the inner portion 26 of panel 24 is in a retracted configuration.

[0039] As further detailed herein, various types of actuators 52, 152 can be used with the illustrative shower heads 10, 110. While hydraulically actuated pistons 54, 154 have been described above, other electric and manual actuators can be used instead. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, a servo motor 84 ( Figure 9 It can be connected to pistons 54 and 154 to drive their movement, which is completely different from water pressure.

[0040] Now for reference Figures 15 to 16B The image shows a manually actuated shower head 210. Many components of the shower head 210 are similar to those detailed above in conjunction with the handheld shower head 10. Thus, in the following description, similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0041] Shower head 210 illustratively includes a manual start device user interface or button 212 supported near the center of the inner portion 26 of panel 24. A mechanical coupling 214 illustratively extends between body 14 and panel 24, wherein pressing button 212 causes movement of the inner portion 26 and a corresponding movement of the outer section 34. As further detailed herein, mechanical coupling 214 may be a bistable linear actuator, such as a ramp and cam mechanism (similar to a pen click mechanism) and / or a follower and track mechanism (as further detailed below).

[0042] refer to Figure 16A and Figure 16B The mechanical coupling 214 of the illustrative shower head 210 illustratively includes a releasable lock 216 for securing the spray surface 16 in a retracted configuration. Figure 15 and Figure 16A The illustrative releasable lock 216 includes a follower 218 operably coupled to the retainer 220. More specifically, a connecting tube 57 supports the follower 218, and a body 214 supports the retainer 220. The follower 218 illustratively includes a rod 222 including a lower end 224 fixed to the connecting tube 57 and an upper end 226 engaging the retainer 220. The retainer 220 illustratively includes a sleeve 228 fixed to the body 14 of the shower head 210 and in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 12. As further detailed herein, the connecting tube 57 is configured to move relative to the sleeve 228.

[0043] The retainer 220 further includes a radially outwardly extending track 230 formed within the sleeve 220 to receive the upper end 226 of the follower rod 222. The track 230 includes an upper valley 232 defining a retracted configuration. Figure 16A ) and the lower valley 234 that defines the extended configuration ( Figure 16B ).

[0044] Illustratively, water pressure acting on the upper surface 172 of the connecting pipe 57 biases the connecting pipe 57 downward toward its extended position. Alternatively, other biasing devices, such as springs, can be used.

[0045] Figure 16A The diagram shows a first configuration of the spray surface 16 of the shower head 310 and the associated extension position of the connecting pipe 57. In this configuration, water supplied from the inlet conduit 12 to the upper surface 172 causes the connecting pipe 57 to move toward the panel 24 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 16A (As indicated by arrow 180 in the downward direction). Thus, the inner portion 26 of the panel 24 is in an extended configuration, and the upper end 226 of the follower rod 222 is received in the lower valley 234 of the track 230.

[0046] Figure 15 and Figure 16B The second configuration of the spray surface 16 of the shower head 310 and the associated retracted position of the connecting pipe 57 are shown. By pressing the user interface 212 at the center of the panel 24, the connecting pipe 57 causes the follower rod 222 to move upward and counterclockwise along the angled lower right portion 236 of the track 230. The upper end 226 of the follower rod 222 passes over the upper protrusion 237 of the track 230, and water pressure biases the follower rod 222 into the upper valley 234 of the track 230.

[0047] To restore the spray surface 16 to its first configuration, the user presses the user interface 212 on panel 24 again. In response, connecting pipe 57 causes follower rod 222 to move upward along the angled upper left portion 238 of track 230. Then, water pressure drives follower rod 222 downward along the angled lower left portion 240 of track 230 toward the lower valley 234 of track 230.

[0048] Figures 17 to 20 Another illustrative embodiment of the shower head 310 is shown. Many components of the shower head 310 are similar to those detailed above in conjunction with the handheld shower head 210. Thus, in the following description, similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0049] The mechanical coupling 314 of the illustrative shower head 310 is illustratively operably coupled to the manual start button 212 and includes a release lock for securing the spray surface 16 in a retracted configuration. Figure 18 and Figure 20 ).

[0050] The illustrative releasable lock 316 includes a follower 318 slidably received within a slot 320 supported by an inlet conduit 212. The follower 318 illustratively includes a rod 322 movable between a lower and upper end of the slot 320. The rod 322, received within the lower end of the slot 320, defines an extended configuration of the panel 24. Figure 17 and Figure 19 The rod 318, received within the upper end of the slot 320, defines the retracted configuration of the panel 24. Figure 18 and Figure 20 The water pressure on the upper surface of the connecting pipe 57 causes the connecting pipe 57 and the panel 24 to be biased toward the extended configuration. A lock (such as a ratchet) can secure the follower 318 within the slot 320, and thus secure the connecting pipe 57 and the panel 24 in the retracted configuration.

[0051] Figure 17 and Figure 19 The diagram shows a first configuration of the spray surface 16 of the shower head 310 and the associated extension position of the connecting pipe 57. In this configuration, water supplied from the inlet conduit 112 to the upper surface 172 causes the connecting pipe 57 to move toward the panel 24 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 19 (As indicated by arrow 180 pointing downwards). Thus, the inner portion 26 is in an extended configuration. The follower rod 322 is received in the upper end of the slot 320.

[0052] Figure 18 and Figure 20The second configuration of the spray surface 16 of the shower head 310 and the associated retracted position of the connecting pipe 57 are shown. By pressing the user interface 212 at the center of the panel 24, the connecting pipe 57 causes the follower rod 322 to move upward within the slot 320. The follower rod 322 can be held in the upper end of the slot 320 by a locking device.

[0053] While the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shower head, comprising: Proximal inlet catheter; The body, which is operatively connected to the inlet conduit; as well as A distal spraying surface supported by the body, the spraying surface comprising: Internal parts, The outer portion extends radially outward from the inner portion. The internal section includes multiple internal fluid outlets. The external portion includes multiple external fluid outlets positioned between the inner and outer ends, and The angular orientation of the external fluid outlet is adjustable relative to the fixed angular orientation of the internal fluid outlet.

2. The shower head as described in claim 1, wherein: The longitudinal axis extends perpendicularly to the inner portion of the sprayed surface; The internal fluid outlet is configured to discharge water in a fixed direction relative to the longitudinal axis; The outer portion of the spray surface includes multiple circumferentially spaced outer sections supporting the plurality of external fluid outlets; and The movement of the outer section of the spray surface is configured to adjust the direction of the water discharged from the outer fluid outlet relative to the longitudinal axis.

3. The shower head as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: User interface, which is operatively connected to an internal portion of the spray surface; A mechanical actuator operatively coupled to the user interface; and Pressing the user interface causes the outer section of the spray surface to move.

4. The shower head as described in claim 3, wherein, The mechanical actuator includes a bistable linear actuator.

5. The shower head as described in claim 4, wherein, The bistable linear actuator includes: A follower, the follower being configured to move with an interior portion of the spray surface; and The track is supported by the body and receives the follower.

6. The shower head as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: User interface; An actuator operatively coupled to the spray surface; and Actuation of the user interface causes the actuator to move the outer section of the spray surface.

7. The shower head as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A piston operatively connected to an internal portion of the spray surface; A valve, which is fluidly connected to the piston; and The operation of the valve causes movement of the piston and the internal portion of the spray surface.

8. The shower head of claim 7, further comprising a controller, wherein, The valve is an electrically operable valve that communicates with the controller.

9. The shower head as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: An electric motor, which is operatively connected to an internal portion of the spray surface; as well as A controller that communicates with the motor.

10. A spray surface for a shower head, the spray surface comprising: Internal parts; An outer portion that extends radially outward from the inner portion; The internal portion includes multiple internal fluid outlets; The outer portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer sections, each outer section including a plurality of external fluid outlets located between the inner end and the outer end; and The inner end of the outer section is configured to move selectively relative to the outer end of the outer section to adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlet.

11. The spray surface as described in claim 10, further comprising: User interface, which is operatively connected to the internal portion; A mechanical actuator operatively coupled to the user interface; and Pressing the user interface causes the external segment to move.

12. The spray surface as described in claim 11, wherein, The mechanical actuator includes a bistable linear actuator.

13. The spray surface as described in claim 12, wherein, The bistable linear actuator includes: A follower, the follower being configured to move with the internal portion; and The track is supported by the body and receives the follower.

14. The spray surface as described in claim 10, further comprising: Electronic user interface; An actuator operatively coupled to the external portion; and Actuation of the electronic user interface causes the actuator to move the external section.

15. The spray surface as described in claim 10, further comprising: A piston, which is operatively coupled to the internal portion; A valve, which is fluidly connected to the piston; and The operation of the valve causes the piston and the internal parts to move.

16. The spray surface as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a controller, wherein, The valve is an electrically operable valve that communicates with the controller.

17. A shower head, comprising: Proximal inlet catheter; The body, which is operatively connected to the inlet conduit; A distal spraying surface supported by the body, the spraying surface comprising: Internal parts, The outer portion extends radially outward from the inner portion. The internal section includes multiple internal fluid outlets. The outer portion includes multiple circumferentially spaced outer sections, each outer section including multiple external fluid outlets, and The outer section is configured to selectively adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlet in response to movement of the inner portion; A piston, which is operatively coupled to the spray surface; A valve, which is fluidly connected to the piston; and The operation of the valve will cause the piston and the outer section of the spray surface to move.

18. The shower head of claim 17, further comprising a controller, wherein the valve is an electrically operable valve in communication with the controller.

19. The shower head as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The inner end of the outer section is configured to move selectively relative to the outer end of the outer section to adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlet.

20. The shower head as claimed in claim 19, wherein, The longitudinal axis extends perpendicular to the inner portion, the inner fluid outlet is configured to discharge water in a fixed direction relative to the longitudinal axis, and the movement of the outer section is configured to adjust the direction of the water discharged from the outer fluid outlet relative to the longitudinal axis.

21. The shower head as claimed in claim 17, wherein, Axial movement of the inner portion causes pivotal movement of the outer section.

Images