Adjustable sprinkler mounting system for non-invasive installation

Abstract

A showerhead mounting system is provided, typically used for mounting a showerhead positioned substantially centrally within a shower space. The system includes a support rod adapted to be disposed between and mounted to two opposing walls of the shower space. A housing is adapted to receive the support rod such that the top of the housing contacts the support rod. The housing, or at least a portion thereof, is movable along the support rod. A connecting mechanism is mounted at its first end to the bottom of the housing, such that the first end of the connecting mechanism protrudes through an opening provided in the bottom of the housing or at least a movable portion thereof. The first end of the connecting mechanism is adapted to connect to a showerhead. A water pipe is connected at its first end to a second end of the connecting mechanism. The second end of the water pipe is adapted to connect to a plumbing in the shower space. At least a portion of the water pipe includes a flexible hose that allows the housing, or at least a portion thereof, to move along the support rod, wherein the water pipe connects to the plumbing and the connecting mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bathroom fixtures, and more particularly to an adjustable deluge head installation system for non-invasive installation without altering bathroom plumbing. Background Technology

[0002] A standard shower enclosure typically includes plumbing installed in one of the shower enclosure walls and a fixed showerhead positioned close to the wall at a height determined by the building's plumbing. These fixed positions close to the shower wall may not be optimal for users of different heights and may limit the showering experience.

[0003] Numerous attempts have been made to address the limitations of standard shower configurations. For example, adjustable shower arms and rails allow for some degree of vertical movement of the showerhead. However, these solutions typically offer limited positioning flexibility and may not adequately meet user expectations for a showerhead that is not only higher but also more or roughly centered within the shower space, or movable along the length of the shower area.

[0004] In addition, installing specialized showerheads (such as rain showerheads that provide a unique and comfortable shower experience) often requires major overhauls of the existing plumbing, which is both expensive and impractical, especially in rental properties where alterations are restricted.

[0005] Furthermore, while some products have been developed to retrofit standard shower configurations to accommodate rain showerheads, these products typically require the showerheads to be positioned close to the shower wall. Users often find that these retrofit solutions fail to provide the coverage and comfort expected from a rain shower due to the close proximity of the rain showerheads to the shower wall.

[0006] Another challenge when retrofitting a standard shower setup is the risk of damaging existing plumbing when installing aftermarket equipment. Many shower retrofit solutions put significant stress on the plumbing system due to the weight and leverage of extension arms or bulky adapters. This can lead to long-term damage to the plumbing, a concern particularly for tenants who may be liable for any damage incurred during the rental period.

[0007] US 11,987,963 discloses a shower assembly including a telescopic rod assembly for arrangement between opposing walls. The rod assembly includes an outer rod having opposing open ends and a spring-biased inner rod mounted within the outer rod for axial movement relative to the outer rod, thereby enabling adjustment of the axial length of the rod assembly. A control valve can be attached to a water supply line for controlling the discharge of water from the water supply line. One end of the tubular member is connected to the valve, and the other end enters the open end of the outer rod near the valve. A main shower head is connected to the other end of the tubular member at a location away from the open end near the valve. While the telescopic rod assembly allows for easy installation of the device, it does not allow the user to easily change the position of the shower head within the shower space.

[0008] US8925747B1, US6216287B1, US8479932B2, US20120284914A1, and US20120241399A1 disclose various configurations of telescopic rod assemblies for suspending shower curtains between opposing walls. The disclosed devices are easy to install without compromising the integrity of the shower wall.

[0009] There is a need for a showerhead installation system that allows for easy installation of showerheads positioned more centrally or roughly centrally within the shower space without altering or damaging existing bathroom plumbing. There is also a need for a showerhead installation system that allows users to easily change the position of the showerhead within the shower space. Enhancing the shower experience without incurring the costs and complexities of traditional installations will meet consumers' strong demand for personalized and adaptable shower environments.

[0010] This background information is provided to provide information that the applicant believes may be relevant to this application. It is not intended to acknowledge, nor should it be construed as, any of the foregoing information constituting prior art to the technical solutions presented herein. Summary of the Invention

[0011] One aspect of this application provides a showerhead installation system that enables easy installation of a showerhead positioned approximately centrally within a shower space without altering or damaging existing bathroom plumbing, and allows the user to easily change the position of the showerhead within the shower space, for example, along the length of the shower space.

[0012] According to one aspect, this application provides a showerhead mounting system typically used for mounting showerheads that can be positioned substantially centrally in a shower space without altering existing bathroom plumbing, and allowing the user to easily change the position of the showerhead within the shower space. The showerhead mounting system includes a support assembly comprising a support rod and first and second mounting elements connected to corresponding first and second ends of the support rod. The support assembly is adapted to be disposed between and mounted to two opposing walls of the shower enclosure. A housing is adapted to receive the support rod such that the top of the housing contacts the support rod. The housing, or at least a portion thereof, is movable along the support rod. A connecting mechanism is mounted at its first end to the bottom of the housing such that the first end of the connecting mechanism protrudes through an opening provided in the bottom of the housing or at least a movable portion of the housing. The first end of the connecting mechanism is adapted to connect to a showerhead. A water pipe is connected at its first end to the second end of the connecting mechanism. The second end of the water pipe is adapted to connect to existing plumbing in the shower enclosure. At least a portion of the water pipe includes a flexible hose that enables the housing or at least a section of the housing to move along a support rod, wherein the water pipe is connected to a conduit and a connecting mechanism.

[0013] In one embodiment, a showerhead mounting system is provided, typically used to mount a showerhead positioned substantially centrally within a shower space without altering existing bathroom plumbing, and allowing the user to easily change the showerhead's position within the shower space. The showerhead mounting system includes a support assembly comprising a support rod and first and second mounting elements connected to respective first and second ends of the support rod. The support assembly is adapted to be disposed between and mounted to two opposing walls of the shower enclosure. A housing is adapted to receive the support rod such that the top of the housing contacts the support rod. The housing, or at least a portion thereof, is movable along the support rod. A connecting mechanism is mounted at its first end to the bottom of the housing such that the first end of the connecting mechanism protrudes through an opening provided in the bottom of the housing or at least a movable portion thereof. The first end of the connecting mechanism is adapted to connect to a showerhead. A water pipe is connected at its first end to the second end of the connecting mechanism. The second end of the water pipe is adapted to connect to the shower enclosure plumbing. At least a portion of the water pipe includes a flexible hose that allows the housing, or at least a portion thereof, to move along the support rod, wherein the water pipe connects to the plumbing and the connecting mechanism. The housing extends the length of the support rod and includes a plurality of telescopically movable housing sections, each having a central housing section and at least one housing extension section extending from each of a first end and a second end of the central housing section. The central housing section includes a connection mechanism for connection to a nozzle. The housing end section of each of the at least one housing extension section is mounted to a corresponding end of the support assembly.

[0014] Therefore, the showerhead installation system of the present invention allows for the easy installation of showerheads positioned approximately centrally within the shower space without altering or damaging existing bathroom plumbing. The showerhead installation system also allows users to easily change the position of the showerhead within the shower space. Thus, the showerhead installation system of the present invention provides a personalized and adaptable shower environment without the costs and complexities of traditional installations. Attached Figure Description

[0015] This document provides accompanying drawings of embodiments, which are briefly described below: Figure 1 This is a partially transparent front view of one embodiment of the nozzle mounting system described herein; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partially transparent front view showing details of the nozzle mounting system; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Front view of the housing of the nozzle mounting system; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view showing details of the housing of the nozzle mounting system; Figures 5 to 9 yes Figure 1 Top perspective view of the housing section of the nozzle mounting system; Figure 10 yes Figure 1 Exploded top perspective view of the end portion of the nozzle mounting system; Figure 11 yes Figure 1 Top perspective view of the end components of the nozzle mounting system; Figures 12 to 14 This is a partially transparent front view of another embodiment of the nozzle mounting system described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0016] This article discloses a showerhead installation system that enables easy installation of showerheads positioned more centrally or approximately centrally in the shower space without altering or damaging existing bathroom plumbing, and allows users to easily change the position of the showerhead within the shower space.

[0017] The showerhead mounting system includes a support rod for placement and mounting between and to two opposing walls of a shower enclosure. A housing suitable for accommodating the support rod has a connecting mechanism attached to the bottom of the housing, allowing a first end of the connecting mechanism to be connected to the showerhead. The showerhead mounting system also includes a water pipe connected to a second end of the connecting mechanism and a shower enclosure conduit for supplying water to the showerhead. During use, the showerhead moves easily along the support rod with the housing, thus allowing the user to easily change the position of the showerhead within the shower space. Therefore, the showerhead mounting system disclosed herein offers substantial improvements in ease of installation and the creation of personalized and adaptable shower environments.

[0018] Figures 1 to 11 An embodiment of the nozzle mounting system of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 12 Another embodiment of the nozzle mounting system of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 13 Another embodiment of the nozzle mounting system of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 14 Another embodiment of the nozzle mounting system of the present invention is shown.

[0022] As such Figures 1 to 11 An example of a showerhead mounting system is shown. The showerhead mounting system 100 typically includes a support assembly comprising a support rod 102A and first and second mounting elements 102B connected to corresponding first and second ends of the support rod 102A. The support assembly is adapted to be arranged between and mounted to two opposing walls 10A, 10B of a shower enclosure. The support rod 102A is telescopically movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Furthermore, the support rod 102A is adapted to provide sufficient force acting on the first and second mounting elements 102B for mounting the system 100 through the interaction of the first and second mounting elements 102B with the corresponding walls 10A, 10B. This support rod readily adapts to varying distances between the two opposing shower enclosure walls 10A, 10B, is easy to install, and provides sufficient stability without damaging the shower enclosure walls 10A, 10B. Various configurations of this support rod are commercially available and disclosed, for example, in US8925747B1, US6216287B1, US8479932B2, US20120284914A1, and US20120241399A1. Alternatively, mounting element 102B can be adapted to be mounted to shower walls 10A, 10B using fasteners such as adhesives or screws.

[0023] The housing 104 is adapted to accommodate the support rod such that the top of the housing contacts the support rod 102A. The housing 104 may, for example, extend the length of the support rod 102A and include multiple telescopically movable housing segments to provide a seamless and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Figure 3 As shown, the housing 104 may include, but is not limited to, a central housing segment 104A, intermediate housing extension segments 104B extending from each of a first end and a second end of the central housing segment 104A, and end housing extension segments 104C.1 and 104C.2, and may employ different numbers of housing segments. The central housing segment 104A and the intermediate housing extension segments 104B are movable along the support rod 102A, while the end housing extension segments 104C.1 and 104C.2 are fixedly mounted to the mounting element 102B, as will be described below.

[0024] The connecting mechanism 108 is mounted at its first end 108A to the bottom of the central section 104A of the housing, such that the first end 108A of the connecting mechanism 108 protrudes through the opening 116 provided in the bottom of the central section 104A of the housing, as shown. Figure 2 As shown. The first end 108A of the connecting mechanism 108 is adapted to connect to the nozzle 20, such as a commercially available rain nozzle. For example, the connecting mechanism may include a 90° elbow or straight connector, and a threaded first end 108A and a second end 108B with 1 / 2-inch BSP threads for widespread use in North America, but the connecting mechanism is also easily adaptable to standard sizes in other regions. The connecting mechanism 108 can be mounted to the central section 104A of the housing using a threaded nut 108C.

[0025] The water pipe 106 is connected at its first end to a second end 108B of the connecting mechanism 108. The second end of the water pipe 106 is adapted to connect to existing piping in the shower enclosure. The water pipe 106 includes a flexible hose for enabling the central section 104A of the housing to move along the support rod 102A, wherein the water pipe connects to the shower enclosure piping and the connecting mechanism 108. The water pipe 106 can be supplied as a commercially available steel or plastic shower hose with standard-sized connectors. While showering, the user can easily hold the shower head 20 with his / her hand and move the shower head 20 to a desired position within the shower space along the support rod 102A, such as... Figure 1 As indicated by the solid block arrow in the diagram. Movement of the shower head 20 causes the hose 106 to move through the hole provided in the housing 104, thereby lengthening or shortening the length of the hose 106 between the hole and the shower pipe, as shown. Figure 1 The dashed arrow in the image indicates this.

[0026] Housing segments 104A, 104B, 104C.1, and 104C.2 may be tubular with a flat bottom 105 to facilitate the mounting of the connecting mechanism 108 to these housing segments, such as... Figures 5 to 9 As shown. Depending on design preferences, various shell segments with different cross-sectional shapes can be used. Shell segments 104A, 104B, 104C.1, and 104C.2 can be made of corrosion-resistant metal sheets (e.g., stainless steel, anodized aluminum) or coated with a waterproof finish. Alternatively, shell segments 104A, 104B, 104C.1, and 104C.2 can be made of high-quality plastic-based materials (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or blends of polycarbonate (PC) and ABS). Adjacent shell segments have different cross-sectional dimensions so that adjacent shell segments slide over each other, as... Figure 4 The housing sections 104B and 104C.1 are shown in the diagram. To prevent the housing sections from separating from each other during movement, interlocking elements, for example made of nylon, are arranged on the outside of the smaller housing section and the inside of the larger housing section, and are installed onto the housing sections by means of a tight fit with the corresponding holes 112 arranged in the housing sections.

[0027] Optionally, seals, such as rubber gaskets made of high-quality silicone resin, may be provided between adjacent housing segments to provide a waterproof seal.

[0028] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The nozzle mounting system 100 may include end caps 102C that cover and are mounted to corresponding mounting elements 102B, for example, via a tight fit. Each end cap 102C includes a mounting portion 103. Housing end segments 104C.1, 104C.2 are mounted to the mounting portions 103 of the corresponding end caps 102C, for example, via a tight fit. A tight fit is used to facilitate the installation of the nozzle mounting system 100, but different mounting techniques (e.g., clamping systems or screw fasteners) can be used instead of a tight fit. The mounting portion 103 of one end cap 102C includes a cutout 103A at its bottom, such that the cutout 103A coincides with a cutout 114 at the bottom of the housing end segment 104C.2 to form a hole for allowing a hose 106 to move through it. The mounting elements 102B and end caps 102C may be made of silicone rubber.

[0029] The nozzle mounting system 100 can be easily installed by adopting the following procedures: With housing sections 104B, 104C.1 and 104C.2 in the retracted position, the support rod 102A is installed onto the shower walls 10A and 10B, so that the mounting element is securely engaged with the corresponding shower walls 10A and 10B. • Place the end cap 102C onto the corresponding mounting element 102B; • Extend the housing from the retracted position and arrange the ends of housing segments 104C.1 and 104C.2 onto the mounting portions 103 of the corresponding end caps; and, • Connect hose 106 to the pipe.

[0030] Optionally, the central section 104A of the housing may be provided with a locking mechanism for securely positioning the central section 104A along the support rod 102A. Different configurations of the locking mechanism may be used, such as a twist lock system, a clamping bracket, or a push-button lock, wherein each locking mechanism provides a secure engagement with the support rod 102A and allows the user to effortlessly adjust the position of the nozzle along the support rod 102A.

[0031] Alternatively, the sprinkler mounting system 100 can be adapted to allow more than one sprinkler head (e.g., two or more deluge sprinklers side-by-side) to be connected to the sprinkler mounting system via one or more additional connecting mechanisms in the form of T-joints between the connecting mechanism 108 and the water pipe 106. The additional connecting mechanisms are interconnected, and the connecting mechanism 108 uses rigid or flexible conduits. Furthermore, one or more additional connecting mechanisms can be mounted to different housing sections and connected using flexible conduits, allowing the user to individually position each sprinkler head according to his / her preferences.

[0032] The shower enclosure may include an existing showerhead, which in most shower enclosures is fixed at one end of the shower space. The showerhead mounting system 100 can be connected to the shower enclosure's piping by inserting a T-connector between the pipe and the existing showerhead, which connects to the second end of the water pipe 106, thereby simultaneously supplying water to both the existing showerhead and the showerhead mounted to the showerhead mounting system 100. Alternatively, an L-shaped three-way valve can be used instead of the T-connector, allowing switching between the existing showerhead and the showerhead mounted to the showerhead mounting system 100; or, further alternatively, a T-shaped three-way valve can be used, allowing switching between the existing showerhead and the showerhead mounted to the showerhead mounting system 100 while simultaneously supplying water to both.

[0033] The embodiments described below are based on the same concept as the nozzle mounting system 100 described above, and generally use the same components, only with the following references. Figures 12 to 14 Minor variations in the overview. In these embodiments, where space permits, the hose 206 may be arranged as a U-shaped portion 206A inside the housing 104. Alternatively, the hose 206 may be arranged such that the hose 206 extends directly without forming a U-shape.

[0034] Figure 12 Another embodiment of the showerhead mounting system of the present invention is shown, which is similar to the showerhead mounting system 100. Here, the hose 206 is arranged in a U-shape 206A inside the housing 104 for moving the central section 104A of the housing along the support rod 102A together with the showerhead 20 by adjusting the length of the U-shape 206A. Thus, at 210, the hose 206 remains stationary at the end of the housing 104. Optionally, the hose 206 may terminate at 210 and be mounted to a universal connection mechanism, thereby enabling the user to connect a standard shower hose to the universal connection mechanism.

[0035] Figure 13 Another embodiment of the showerhead mounting system of the present invention is shown. Here, the housing 304 is configured as a one-piece central housing that covers only a portion of the support rod 102A. A guide structure 310 may be arranged near a first end of the support rod 102A to guide the hose through the guide structure to prevent the hose from dangling in the shower space near the showerhead 20. For example, the guide structure 310 may be configured as a ring that is mounted to the mounting element 102B and adapted to receive the hose 306 passing through the ring. The hose 306 may form a U-shape 306A or may lead directly to the guide structure. Optionally, the housing 304 may be provided with walls arranged at both ends, wherein these walls have openings for receiving the support rod 102A and the hose 306 passing through the support rod.

[0036] Figure 14 Another embodiment of the showerhead mounting system of the present invention is shown. Here, the water pipe includes a rigid pipe 406 arranged inside the housing 404 and connected to a connecting mechanism 108 and a connecting mechanism 410 (e.g., a standard-sized connector), allowing the user to connect a standard shower hose to the connecting mechanism 108 and the connecting mechanism 410. Optionally, the housing 404 may be provided with walls arranged at both ends, wherein these walls have openings for receiving a support rod 102A passing through the openings, and one of these walls has a connecting mechanism 410 mounted to that wall.

[0037] The above disclosure and accompanying drawings are illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to those skilled in the art. Other equivalents of the specific embodiments described herein will be recognized by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this document.

Claims

1. A nozzle mounting system, comprising: A support assembly comprising a support rod and a first mounting element and a second mounting element connected to respective first and second ends of the support rod, wherein the support assembly is adapted to be disposed between and mounted on two opposing walls of a shower enclosure. A housing adapted to house the support rod such that the top of the housing contacts the support rod, wherein the housing or at least a portion thereof is movable along the support rod; A connecting mechanism, wherein the connecting mechanism is mounted at its first end to the bottom of the housing such that the first end of the connecting mechanism protrudes through an opening provided in the bottom of the housing or in at least a movable section of the housing, wherein the first end of the connecting mechanism is adapted to connect to a nozzle; and, A water pipe, the water pipe being connected at its first end to a second end of the connecting mechanism, wherein the second end of the water pipe is adapted to connect to the shower pipe, wherein at least a portion of the water pipe includes a flexible hose that allows the housing or at least a section of the housing to move along the support rod, wherein the water pipe is connected to the pipe and the connecting mechanism.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a guide structure disposed near a first end of the support rod for guiding the hose through the guide structure during movement of the housing along the support rod.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The hose is arranged in a U-shape inside the housing to allow the housing to move along the support rod by adjusting the length of the U-shape.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The water pipe includes: The first part is disposed inside the housing and connected to the connecting mechanism; A second connecting mechanism is mounted to a first end of the housing and connected to the first portion; and... The second part is disposed inside the housing and connected to the second connecting mechanism.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting mechanism includes a 90° bend pipe joint.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The housing extends the length of the support rod, and the housing includes a plurality of telescopically movable housing segments.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The housing includes a central housing section and at least one housing extension section extending from each of a first end and a second end of the central housing section, wherein the central housing section includes the connection mechanism for connection to the nozzle.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The housing end section of each of the at least one housing extension section is mounted to the corresponding end of the support assembly.

9. The system according to claim 8, comprising a first end cap and a second end cap, wherein, Each of the first end cap and the second end cap covers a corresponding first mounting element and a second mounting element, and each of the first end cap and the second end cap includes a mounting portion having a corresponding housing end section connected to the mounting portion.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The mounting portion of an end cap includes a cutout at its bottom, and the corresponding housing end segment includes a cutout at its bottom such that the cutout coincides with a cutout at the bottom of the mounting portion, allowing the hose to move through it.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The first end cap and the second end cap are connected to the corresponding first mounting element and second mounting element via a tight fit.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The end section of the housing is connected to the corresponding mounting part via a tight fit.

13. The system according to claim 6, wherein, Each shell section is tubular.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, Each shell section has a flat bottom.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The support rod can extend and retract between its extended and retracted positions.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The support rod is adapted to provide sufficient force acting on the first mounting element and the second mounting element for mounting the system through the interaction of the first mounting element and the second mounting element with the respective wall.

17. The system of claim 1, comprising a rain shower head mounted to a first end of the connecting mechanism.

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