Water collector for use in a circulating shower system

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a water collector for use in a circulating shower. The water collector includes a circulation pool area for collecting shower water and a drainage area. A partition wall separates the circulation pool area from the drainage area. The circulation pool area is elevated above the drainage area so that collected shower water moves from the circulation pool area to the drainage area.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 340,048, filed May 10, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Field FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure is directed generally to shower systems, and more specifically to a water collector for use in a recirculating shower system. [Background technology]

[0003] background Approximately 10% of all water required for human activities is attributable to residential consumption needs. In homes and other dwellings, 40% of the water consumed is used in the bathroom, with showers being the most water-intensive. Solutions that address water consumption issues by limiting water flow rate are becoming increasingly common. While this remains a cheap and cost-effective approach to conserve water, the reduced flow rate through the showerhead means users are forced to compromise their shower experience.

[0004] In some areas, building code regulations control water consumption, but these increased regulations have led homeowners to reconsider alternatives that allow for the reuse or recycling of shower water at the appliance (or shower) level. These are called "point-of-use devices" and may encompass circulating showers. Circulating shower technology offers an alternative to current low-flow showers and improves conservation of water, a precious resource, by reusing some or all of the shower water.

[0005] For a circulating shower to comply with legal guidelines, the shower must typically meet two requirements: first, it must comply with building code limits on showerhead flow rate, and second, it must ensure that the circulating water or circulating shower water does not "backflow" into the municipal water supply due to a pressure imbalance between the circulating shower and the municipal water supply.

[0006] Thus, a water collector for use in a circulating shower is provided that addresses some of the shortcomings of current systems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to a water collector for use in a circulating shower. In one embodiment, the water collector is used to collect water from the circulating shower. The water collector can also perform volume balancing and / or passive drainage of the circulating shower. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect of the disclosure, a water collector for use in a circulating shower is provided, comprising: a circulation pool area for collecting shower water; a drainage area; and a partition wall separating the circulation pool area and the drainage area, the circulation pool area being elevated above the drainage area such that collected shower water moves from the circulation pool area to the drainage area.

[0009] In another aspect, the divider wall includes a slot for receiving the drain plug. In yet another aspect, the system collector includes a drain plug for installation in the slot. In yet another aspect, the drain plug includes an orifice that allows collected shower water to pass through the drain plug when the drain plug is installed in the slot. In another aspect, the divider wall includes an outlet. In a further aspect, the outlet includes a form factor designed to skim soap suds from the surface of the collected shower water. In another aspect, the collector includes piping for connecting the drain area to a sewer system. In yet another aspect, the surface of the circulation pool area is elevated relative to the surface of the drain area. In yet another aspect, the collector includes a set of corrugated ridges on the exterior of the collector. In yet another aspect, the collector includes a raised back portion for mounting the collector to a wall.

[0010] In another aspect of the disclosure, a shower pan for a circulating shower is provided that includes a water collector including a circulation pool area for collecting shower water; a drainage area; and a partition wall separating the circulation pool area and the drainage area, the circulation pool area being elevated above the drainage area such that collected shower water travels from the circulation pool area to the drainage area.

[0011] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a circulating shower system. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a water collector according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b is another perspective view of a portion of the water collector of FIG. 2a. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the installed water collector. [Figure 4a] FIG. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional side view of the water collector of FIG. 4a. [Figure 5a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drain plug installed in a partition wall. [Figure 5b] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the drain plug removed from the partition wall. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a water collector. [Figure 7a] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a water collector. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7b is a top view of the water collector of FIG. 7a. [Figure 7c] FIG. 7b is a bottom perspective view of the water collector of FIG. 7a. [Figure 7d] FIG. 7b is a perspective view of the water collector of FIG. 7a with a drain plug installed. [Figure 7e] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drain plug. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present disclosure is directed to a water collector for use in a circulating shower. In one embodiment, the water collector is installed at the bottom of the circulating shower or circulating shower stall to capture or collect shower water from the shower. The water collector may provide volumetric balancing of the collected water and / or a passive drainage or drainage system for the circulating shower.

[0014] Turning now to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a circulating shower is shown. Figure 1 also provides a schematic diagram of water entering and leaving a circulating shower, system, or shower system. A water collector according to the present disclosure is installed within the circulating shower. In one embodiment, the water collector can be considered a device for short-term containment of water during operation of the circulating shower or shower system.

[0015] The circulating shower 100 includes a first water supply 102, which may be considered a water supply, and a second water supply 104, which may be considered a circulating water supply, which are connected to a showerhead 106, which in this embodiment is a dual port showerhead, although other types of showerheads are contemplated. In this embodiment, the second water supply 104 includes a reservoir 108 for collecting shower water, which includes a water collector 109. In other embodiments, the reservoir may be the water collector. As discussed further below, the water collector 109 includes a circulation pool area and a drainage area.

[0016] The shower 100 further includes a pump 110 for pumping water from the reservoir 108 (or circulation pool area) back to the showerhead 106. In some embodiments, the pump 110 is located directly above or attached to the reservoir 108. Although not shown, the pump 100 may be connected to other components to enable the pump to draw up collected shower water.

[0017] The first water supply 102 and the second water supply 104 are connected to separate ports in a dual port showerhead 106, with the first water supply 102 connected to a first port 112 of the showerhead 106 and the second water supply 104 connected to a second port 114 of the showerhead 106. The dual ports separate the two water paths and allow the two water paths to be controlled to exit at different speeds or pressures.

[0018] The first water supply 102 may include a hot water line 116 and a cold water line 118 connected to a mixing valve 120 that allows for mixing of the water from the two water lines according to the desired temperature required by the individual taking the shower. This mixing valve may be mechanically or electronically controlled. Temperature and flow control of the water from the first water supply 102 will be understood by those skilled in the art. The water from the mixing valve 120 may pass through a solenoid valve 122 before entering the showerhead 106. The shower system may also include a flow restrictor (not shown). The water from the first water supply 102 may also undergo treatment or processing while flowing from the first water supply 102 to the showerhead 106. Examples of treatment or processing include, but are not limited to, reheating, filtration, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, ozonation, and / or dilution.

[0019] In the case of the second water supply 104, the collected shower water is stored in the reservoir 108 (or the circulation pool area of ​​the collector) and pumped to the shower head 106 via the pump 110. In some embodiments, a pump intake located in the circulation pool area is connected to the pump, which pumps the collected shower water back to the shower head. In other embodiments, the pump may be located in the circulation pool area to pump the collected shower water directly to the shower head. In one embodiment, the reservoir 108 or collector 109 is located under the shower to collect the shower water from the shower. The overflow of the water collected in the circulation pool area can be self-regulated to exit to the sewer system 124 through a drain in the collector, similar to a typical shower. The collector 109 can control the flow or amount of water to the sewer such that the path of the water flow from the collector to the shower head and then back to the collector can be considered semi-closed, allowing both containment and continuous drainage at the same time. If there is an obstruction or blockage in the circulation line, the user can switch to the first water supply, i.e., fresh water provided from the water grid, until the line is cleared. The characteristics of the water flow from the second water supply 104 can also be controlled.

[0020] Shower 100 further includes a water flow controller 126 that allows a user to determine which water supply to use, the temperature of the water delivered, and / or the flow rate of the water delivered. Additionally, in other embodiments, the operation or use of the circulating shower can be controlled manually with preset inlet rates or electronically via firmware presets. In embodiments where the circulating shower is electronically controlled, the individual taking the shower can use voice commands to control the device using a human machine interface (HMI) controller.

[0021] In some embodiments, a small amount of warm water may be added from the first water supply to the second water supply to maintain a preferred shower pressure and / or water temperature. This warm water may be added via a connection between the first and second water supply lines, or may be added directly to the circulation pool area. The constant addition of water to this circulation loop (think of it as the second water supply) may aid in the removal of contaminants (i.e., soap / shampoo) through a process of gradual dilution, specifically, replacing soapy water with fresh water from the water grid.

[0022] During use, the individual taking a shower can determine which water supply they wish to use via the water flow controller 126. In one embodiment, the water flow controller 126 can be a combination of a switch for selecting between the first and second water supplies and a tap for controlling the temperature and pressure of the water. In another embodiment, the water flow controller can be a digital control that allows the user to select the water supply along with the water flow characteristics. The shower system then supplies water according to the selection made by the individual and passes the water through the pipes to the showerhead 106 where the water exits the showerhead so the individual can shower or rinse. The individual can also change the water supply during the shower, so that the shower system reacts accordingly to the change in water supply. In another scenario, the individual can select to have water supplied from the first and second water supplies simultaneously.

[0023] Turning to Figure 2a, a perspective view of the water collector is shown. The water collector 200 may also be considered an underfloor reservoir positioned at the bottom of the shower stall alongside or adjacent to the plumbing associated with the permanent drain 124 or sewer connection. In one embodiment, the vessel 200 (which may also be viewed as the water collector 109) may be physically connected to the building's plumbing, septic, or equivalent drainage system. Figure 2b provides a cutaway view of the water collector of Figure 2a.

[0024] The water collector 200 includes a circulating or circulating water collection pool area or recirculation pool area 202 and a drain or drain area 204 separated by a partition wall 206. The partition wall 206 includes a slot or opening 208 for receiving a passive drain gate / plug that may provide further control over water collection and / or drainage. The functionality of the passive drain gate / plug is discussed in more detail below.

[0025] In one embodiment, shower water collected from the circulating shower in the circulating pool area 202 is pumped back to the shower head via a pump, and water collected in the drain area 204 is directed toward a sewer. The drain area 204 includes an outlet or cavity 210 that is connected to piping 212 that is connected to the building's plumbing or sewer drainage system, as described above. The outlet 210 receives a portion of the water collected in the water collector 200 from the circulating shower.

[0026] In this embodiment, the water collector 200 includes a raised bumper feature 214 upon which a circulating shower or shower stall can rest while also acting as an upper containment pedestal for shower water collected within the water collector 200. In other embodiments, the water collector 200 may house pipes that allow water to be directly supplied and removed from the circulating pool area to a remote water storage and / or water control area that controls the flow of clean water to and from the circulating pool area.

[0027] The water collector 200 may further include a corrugated edge 216 that provides rigidity to the water collector 200. The edge 216 may also provide a visual indicator to aid in leveling the water collector 200 during the installation process. In other words, the corrugated or corrugated edge 216 may aid an individual installing the water collector 200.

[0028] In one embodiment, the surface 218 of the circulation pool area 202 is elevated or angled towards the drainage area 204 so that collected water first collects in the circulation pool area 202 and then moves from the circulation pool area 202 towards the drainage area 204. When the plug is installed, the flow of water from the circulation pool area 202 to the drainage area 204 is reduced, slowed or restricted because water can still move over the dividing wall 206. In this embodiment, the drain 210 can be a passive drainage orifice or hole of a predetermined size that can be located at the lowest point of the water collector 200. In other embodiments, the surfaces of the circulation pool area 202 and the drainage area 204 can be aligned so that the water collector 200 can be installed at an angle such that water flows (by gravity) from the circulation pool area 202 to the drainage area 204. Alternatively, the water collector can include other devices to direct or cause the collected water to move from the circulation pool area 202 to the drainage area 204.

[0029] In this embodiment, the divider wall 206 is positioned to be lower in height than the raised bumper feature 214 to allow water overflow from the circulation pool area 202 into the drain 210 or drain area 204. A pipe, or piping 212, sometimes referred to as a stack, connects the drain 210 to the building's plumbing system or sewer. The pipe 212 may include a sewer drain collar 220 (located within the drain 210) that is secured or attached in place to the water collector 200 to form a watertight connection.

[0030] A passive drain gate / plug 220, which may be part of the water collector 200, that fits or is sized to fit within the opening 208 of the water collector 200 between the circulation pool area 202 and the drainage area 204, may be installed to restrict or reduce the flow of water through the passive drain (the lowest point of the plug). The plug 220 may also create an overflow condition (water moving or flowing over the top of the plug) to facilitate volumetric balancing of collected water between the circulation pool area 202 and the drainage area 204.

[0031] FIG. 3 provides an expanded side view of the water collector installed in a circulating shower. In this embodiment, the water collector 200 is recessed or integrated under the shower floor or shower pan surface 300, thereby allowing or enabling the collection and drainage of water from the circulating shower. In some embodiments, the water collector 200 can be fastened to the shower stall floor 304. The water collector can also be attached to a vertical wall panel of the shower stall. Fastening the water collector to the shower stall or floor components can reduce or prevent the water collector from shifting or moving during and after installation. In other embodiments, the water collector 200 can be part of the shower floor or shower pan 300, such that the water collector includes similar shape, height parameters, and design features as the shower pan, such that the shower pan can cover the entire floor surface area of ​​the shower stall. This can be considered an "integral shower pan" embodiment.

[0032] As can be seen, the shower floor 300 may be slightly sloped to assist water in flowing toward the water collector 200, effectively making the water collector 200 the lowest collection point for water in a circulating shower. The sloped or angled shower floor 300 can be positioned relative to the installation of the water collector 200 in the shower stall by adding leveling material 302 below the floor 300. The leveling material may be foam, wood, cement, or other similar material. As mentioned above, in embodiments where the water collector includes a corrugated edge 216, the corrugated edge 216 can be used by the installer as a visual indicator to determine how much leveling material is needed to align the shower floor and the water collector.

[0033] Water collected in the circulating pool area of ​​the water collector 200 can be pumped back to the showerhead via a circulating shower system 306 (which may include a pump).

[0034] To better understand the benefits and / or functionality of the water collector, the path of water through the water collector is described.

[0035] While an individual is showering, water from the shower head (or in the shower stall) falls onto the floor of the shower or shower pan and is then channeled or directed into the circulation pool area of ​​the water collector. Based on the placement or location of the water collector, the water is initially directed to collect in the circulation pool area.

[0036] Due to the positioning of the circulation pool area relative to the drainage area, collected shower water moves from the circulation pool area towards the drainage area. Collected shower water that is not actively pumped back to the circulating shower is guided towards the drainage area by the elevated / sloped surface of the collector, by the installed location of the collector, or by other devices or means.

[0037] In some embodiments, when a passive drainage plug is installed or positioned within the slot, it can prevent or slow the collected water from entering the drainage area. When a passive drainage plug is not installed, the collected water passes freely through the slot, which can also be viewed as an air gap, as the water moves from the circulation pool area to the drainage area. The slot is designed to allow independent pressures to exist between the circulation pool area and the drainage area, with one pressure zone located within the circulation pool area and a second pressure zone located within the drainage area. This is accomplished by separating the water levels by height and space via a partition between the two areas.

[0038] Preferably, during operation or use of the circulating shower, the plug is located in the slot so that more shower water can be collected in the circulating pool area for use as a second water supply. At the end of the shower session, the plug can be removed so that there is a more or less complete drainage of the collected water to the sewer via the drain cavity 210, corresponding to the grey water classification limitations. These limitations impose significant regulatory requirements on water recycling technologies that store or retain water for long periods of time (beyond one shower session). This type of system is usually referred to as a storage-based grey water system. The potential risk of water being stored in the circulating pool after a shower session provides an opportunity for active microbial growth (biofilm) in the grey water. In the absence of a multi-stage treatment of the collected water, long-term storage of the collected water should be avoided. Therefore, by removing the plug after the shower is finished, all the collected water can be drained.

[0039] FIG. 4a is a top view of the water collector, and FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional side view of the water collector. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a novel approach that incorporates a complete air gap separation between the circulation pool area and the drainage area. This physical separation by an air gap (or slot) allows independent pressures to exist between the circulation pool area and the drainage area during operation of the circulating shower. The existence of two pressures reduces the possibility of "backflow" or back siphoning that occurs when there is a pressure imbalance between the circulating shower and the municipal reticulated (or primary) water supply. In other words, the elevation difference creates a hydraulic disconnect between the two zones.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4b, the surface 400 of the water collector 402 slopes from the circulation pool area 404 to the drainage area 406, with a partition wall 408 between the two areas. The partition wall 408 includes slots or gaps 410 that act as air gaps.

[0041] Turning to FIG. 5a, a perspective view of a passive drainage plug installed in a water collector is shown, and FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the passive drainage plug removed from the water collector.

[0042] When the passive drain plug 500 is installed in the corresponding slot 502 in the divider wall 504, the passive drain plug 500 reduces or stops water from moving between the circulation pool area and the sewer / drain cavity area. In some embodiments, collected shower water cannot pass through the slot 502, but collected shower water may still flow over the installed drain plug 500 if the water level in the circulation pool area is higher than the top surface of the divider wall 504 and drain plug 500. In FIG. 5b, when the drain plug 500 is removed, the flow of water from the circulation pool area to the drain area or drain cavity becomes more constant and the flow rate increases.

[0043] As seen in FIG. 5b, in some embodiments, the drain plug 500 may include an orifice 506 that is purposely sized to allow flow of collected water from the circulating pool area to the sewer drain cavity even when the plug is installed in the partition wall 504. The size of the orifice 506 has a direct relationship with respect to the corresponding drainage rate. In this manner, the size of the orifice may be selected to control different attributes of the shower water flow or drainage. These attributes may include, but are not limited to, the exchange rate of fresh water network water to the circulating water supply, the time required to achieve complete drainage of the circulating pool area at the end of a shower session, the amount of water controlled with respect to soap or foam accumulation, and / or the water efficiency and / or energy efficiency of the circulating shower. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b provide an alternative embodiment to the use of mechanical actuators to control the volume and drainage of the circulating pool area. The present disclosure provides advantages over other systems because it does not rely on electronically (i.e., float) or mechanically (i.e., solenoid) controlled actuator valves, and can reduce the corresponding risk of shower cavity flooding in the event of an electronically or mechanically controlled actuator failure.

[0044] Turning to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the divider does not include slots, but is a solid divider, whereby the water collector 600 includes a designed outflow passage 602 or designed top surface between the circulation pool area 610 and the drain cavity area 612. The designed top surface, in one embodiment, can be considered as a form factor designed to skim soap suds from the surface of the collected shower water. The outflow passage 602 balances the allowable amount of water (seen as water level 603) in the circulation pool area 610 at any given time, so that any excess or replenishment water 604 can be added to the circulation pool area to maintain the temperature of the second water supply, remove contaminants (i.e., soap / shampoo) from the second water supply, and / or maintain the volumetric requirement or threshold of the second water supply. In one embodiment, the amount of water that can be collected in the circulation pool area can be selected to be less than about 5 liters. This allows for mixing fresh water (supplied by the first water supply as 604) to improve the quality of the water supplied to the showerhead as the second water supply. Furthermore, the low volume design is an attribute for quick recovery to turn dirty circulating water back into clear water by mixing or addition in as short a time as possible. In general, the smaller the amount of water that is replenished frequently, the better.

[0045] The embodiment of FIG. 6 may also reduce the risk of overflow compared to current mechanical valve approaches to shower water drainage, due to the controlled requirement for balancing the water returned to the showerhead and the water drained to the sewer system.

[0046] Another advantage of the embodiment of FIG. 6 is that the outlet 602 can be designed to actively skim soap suds and foam from the surface of the collected shower water in the circulating pool area before it travels to the sewer cavity. In other words, the top of the divider wall and / or the top of the drain plug can include features or be shaped to facilitate or promote skimming soap suds and foam from the surface of the collected shower water as it passes from the circulating pool area to the drain area. Thus, the outlet 602 can provide for quick removal of soap suds and foam leading to improved water quality for the user during a circulating shower session.

[0047] Turning to Figure 7a, a perspective view of another embodiment of a water collector is shown. Figure 7b is a top view of the water collector, and Figure 7c is a bottom perspective view of the water collector. Figure 7d is a perspective view of the water collector with a drain plug installed. Figure 7e is a perspective view of the drain plug.

[0048] The water collector 700 includes a circulation pool area 702 and a drainage area 704 with a divider wall 706 therebetween. The divider wall 706 includes a slot 708 that receives a drainage plug 710 (shown in FIG. 7d) that provides the same function as the divider plug described above. The slot 708 in FIG. 7a is shorter and wider than the slot in FIG. 1. The water collector 700 further includes a raised back wall 712 that includes a hole 714 through which the water collector 700 can be secured or mounted to a wall.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7e, the plug 710 includes an orifice 716 that allows collected shower water to move from the circulation pool area 702 to the drainage area 704 when the plug is installed in the slot 708 without passing through the plug 710.

[0050] In other embodiments, the water collectors of the present disclosure may be installed in recreational vehicles and / or marine and off-grid applications.

[0051] While the present disclosure has been shown and described herein with reference to various embodiments and examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that elements of the embodiments may be combined in other ways to produce further embodiments and that other embodiments and examples may perform a similar function and / or achieve a similar result. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.

[0052] In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details may be set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that not all of these specific details are required. In other instances, well-known structures may be shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the understanding.

Claims

1. a circulation pool area for collecting shower water; Drainage area and a partition wall separating the circulation pool area from the drainage area; the circulation pool area is elevated above the drainage area so that the collected shower water moves from the circulation pool area to the drainage area; A water collector for use in a circulating shower.

2. 2. The water collector of claim 1, wherein the partition wall includes a slot for receiving a drain plug.

3. 3. The water collector of claim 2, further comprising a drain plug for placement within said slot.

4. 4. The water collector of claim 3, wherein the drain plug includes an orifice that allows collected shower water to pass through the drain plug when the drain plug is installed in the slot.

5. The water collector of claim 1 , wherein the partition wall includes an outlet channel.

6. 6. The water collector of claim 5, wherein the outlet passage includes a form factor designed to skim soap suds from the surface of the collected shower water.

7. 10. The water collector of claim 1, further comprising piping for connecting said drainage area to a sewer system.

8. 2. The water collector of claim 1, wherein the surface of the circulation pool area is elevated relative to the surface of the drainage area.

9. The water collector of claim 1 further comprising a set of corrugated ridges on an exterior surface of the water collector.

10. 10. The water collector of claim 1 further comprising an elevated back portion for mounting the water collector to a wall.

11. a circulation pool area for collecting shower water; The drainage area, a water collector including a partition wall separating the circulation pool area from the drainage area; the circulation pool area is elevated above the drainage area so that the collected shower water moves from the circulation pool area to the drainage area; Shower pan for recirculating shower.

12. 12. The water collector of claim 11, wherein the partition wall includes a slot for receiving a drain plug.

13. 13. The water collector of claim 12, further comprising a drain plug for placement within said slot.

14. 14. The water collector of claim 13, wherein the drain plug includes an orifice that allows collected shower water to pass through the drain plug when the drain plug is installed in the slot.

15. The water collector of claim 11 , wherein the partition wall includes an outlet channel.

16. 16. The water collector of claim 15, wherein the outlet passage includes a form factor designed to skim soap suds from the surface of the collected shower water.

17. 12. The water collector of claim 11, further comprising piping for connecting the drainage area to a sewer system.

18. 12. The water collector of claim 11, wherein the surface of the circulation pool area is elevated relative to the surface of the drainage area.

19. 12. The water collector of claim 11, further comprising a set of corrugated ridges on an exterior surface of the water collector.

20. 12. The water collector of claim 11, further comprising a raised back portion for mounting the water collector to a wall.

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