Diverter system for shower systems
Patent Information
- Application Number
- US19/466068
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-02-26
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-24
Smart Images

Figure US20260286667A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63 / 763,690 filed on Feb. 26, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a diverter system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a diverter system that can be integrated with bathroom systems, such as shower systems.
[0003] A shower system with a diverter system that is user-friendly is advantageous to provide users with a safer and positive experience. User-friendly components can include an accessible control system, a known default position, an easy-to-use mechanism, etc. It would be advantageous for a diverter system to include any or more of these benefits.SUMMARY
[0004] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bathroom diverter system. The bathroom diverter system includes a first bathroom device and a second bathroom device. The bathroom diverter system includes a diverter valve positioned to selectively control flow from a water supply to the first bathroom device and a diverter control positioned on the second bathroom device. The diverter control includes a diverter assembly slidably positioned within the diverter control. Lateral movement of the diverter assembly switches the diverter control between a default position and a second position. The diverter control includes a bias mechanism configured to revert the diverter control to the default position. When the diverter control is in the default position, the diverter valve is subjected to hydraulic pressure to open flow to the first bathroom device.
[0005] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a diverter system for a bathroom system. The diverter system includes a diverter control including a diverter assembly slidably positioned within the diverter control. Lateral movement of the diverter assembly switches the diverter system between a default position and a second position. The diverter control includes a bias mechanism configured to revert the diverter system to the default position. The diverter system includes a diverter valve including a hydraulic cylinder. When the diverter system is in the default position, the diverter assembly is configured to create hydraulic pressure to cause the hydraulic cylinder to move in a first direction and open the diverter valve. When the diverter system is in the second position, the diverter assembly is configured to open a flow path to prevent movement of the hydraulic cylinder in the first direction and close the diverter valve.
[0006] At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bathroom system. The bathroom system includes a first bathroom device including an arm and a water outlet assembly. The bathroom system includes a diverter control positioned on the first bathroom device. The diverter control includes a diverter assembly slidably positioned within the diverter control to switch the diverter control between a default position and a second position. The arm and the diverter control form a flow path to receive water and dispense water through the water outlet assembly. In the default position, the diverter assembly is slidably positioned to prevent water from entering the flow path and to create hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic pressure is directed to a diverter valve to allow for water flow in a second bathroom device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] With reference to the drawings, the contents disclosed by the present application will be more easily understood. It should be understood that: these drawings are merely used for illustration and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application.
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a diverter system integrated with a shower system, according to an example embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a diverter control of the diverter system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows a diverter valve of the diverter system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows the diverter control of FIG. 2 in a default position, according to an example embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows the diverter control of FIG. 2 in a second position, according to an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein is a diverter system for use in a bathroom system. The bathroom system may be a shower system and / or a bathtub system. In some embodiments, the bathroom system is a sink system. The bathroom system includes a first bathroom device. The first bathroom device may be a shower device, such as a shower head, a shower panel, etc. The shower system also includes a second bathroom device. The first bathroom device and the second bathroom device are configured to dispense water (e.g., via outlets). The diverter system is configured to control and direct water flow between the first bathroom device and the second bathroom device. The diverter system includes a diverter valve and a diverter control. The diverter control is positioned on the second bathroom device to allow easy (e.g., convenient) access to the diverter control by a user of the system. The diverter control obstructs or allows water to flow through the second bathroom device. The diverter valve is positioned on the first bathroom device and has a hydraulic cylinder that utilizes water pressure to open and close the diverter valve for water to flow through the first bathroom device. In various embodiments, the diverter valve can be installed onto an existing first bathroom device. Additionally, when the diverter system is not in use, the diverter control includes a spring that reverts the diverter control back into a position where water flows through the first bathroom device. This configuration allows for ease in use by the user as the diverter system will always have a default position when turned on.
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a bathroom diverter system 10, according to an example embodiment. The bathroom diverter system 10 includes diverter system 100 integrated with a bathroom system, shown as a shower system 200. Although shown as the shower system 200, the bathroom system may be a number of other systems for a bathroom (e.g., bathing) environment, such as a bathtub system or a sink system. The bathroom system (e.g., the shower system 200) includes a first bathroom device 202 and a second bathroom device 204. The first bathroom device 202 and the second bathroom device 204 are configured to receive and dispense water. The first bathroom device 202 and / or the second bathroom device 204 may be a shower device, a hand shower device, a shower panel, a shower head, a faucet, or a rain panel, among other bathroom devices. In various embodiments, the first bathroom device 202 and / or the second bathroom device 204 is fixed. For example, the first bathroom device 202 may be a fixed shower head fixedly coupled to a wall or a surface of the shower system 200. In various embodiments, the first bathroom device 202 and / or the second bathroom device 204 is mobile. For example, the second bathroom device 204 may be a hand shower device removably coupled to a wall or a surface of the shower system 200. In such examples, the user may move the second bathroom device 204 depending on a desired use.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the bathroom system is the shower system 200 and the first bathroom device 202 and the second bathroom device 204 are a shower device and a hand shower device, respectively. The first bathroom device 202 includes a first water outlet assembly, shown as a shower head 206. In various embodiments, the first water outlet assembly is a faucet head or a spout, among other assemblies. The shower head 206 includes one or more outlets (e.g., nozzles, panels, etc.) configured to dispense water. The shower head 206 and the one or more outlets may have a variety of configurations (e.g., shapes, sizes, diameters, etc.) based on the bathroom environment. The first bathroom device 202 also includes an arm (e.g., a pipe, a fitting, etc.), shown as a shower arm 208. The shower head 206 is coupled to the shower arm 208. The shower arm 208 is in fluid communication with a water supply to receive water (from the water supply) and supply the water to the shower head 206 for dispensing through the shower head 206 (e.g., the outlets of the shower head 206). In various embodiments, the shower system 200 includes a hose for water supply. The hose connects to the shower head 206 and / or shower arm 208 to provide water. In various embodiments, the shower arm 208 is coupled to and / or extends out of a wall of for the shower system 200. In various embodiments, the shower arm 208 is coupled to and / or extends out of a surface (e.g., a deck for a tub or a basin).
[0016] The second bathroom device 204 includes a second water outlet assembly, shown as a hand shower head 210. The second water outlet assembly (e.g., the hand shower head 210) may have a same or different configuration as the first water outlet assembly (e.g., the shower head 206). The hand shower head 210 includes outlets (e.g., nozzles, panels, etc.) configured to dispense water. The second bathroom device 204 also includes an arm, shown as a hand shower arm 212. The hand shower head 210 is coupled to the hand shower arm 212. The hand shower arm 212 may have a same or different configuration as the shower arm 208. The hand shower arm 212 is in fluid communication with the water supply to receive water and supply the water to the hand shower head 210 for dispensing through the hand shower head 210 (e.g., the outlets of the hand shower head 210). The hand shower arm 212 may have at least a portion that is rigid or flexible. In various embodiments, the hand shower head 210 and / or the hand shower arm 212 are connected to the hose for water supply. As described herein, the first bathroom device 202 and / or the second bathroom device 204 may be movable. As shown in FIG. 1, in various embodiments, the second bathroom device 204 is movable and the hand shower arm 212 may be removed from a fixture to move the second bathroom device 204 (via movement of the hand shower arm 212).
[0017] The diverter system 100 is configured to direct water flow when in operation. The diverter system 100 interacts with the shower system 200 to direct water flow either through the first bathroom device 202 for dispensing through the first water outlet assembly (e.g., the shower head 206) or the second bathroom device 204 for dispensing through the second water outlet assembly (e.g., the hand shower head 210). The diverter system 100 is operable and can switch between a default position (e.g., a first position) and a second position to direct water between the bathroom devices. In the default position, water flows through the first bathroom device 202. In the second position, water flows through the second bathroom device 204. In various embodiments, as described herein, the diverter system 100 is configured such that after use of the diverter system 100, the system is reset to the default position.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the diverter system 100 includes a diverter control 102. The diverter control 102 is positioned within the second bathroom device 204. As described further below, the diverter control 102 may be configured to receive an input (e.g., through engagement of a switch or a button) from a user to control the diverter system 100 (e.g., switch between the default position and the second position). The second bathroom device 204 may be at a position that is lower to a ground and / or closer (e.g., easier to access) to a user than the first bathroom device 202. The positioning of the diverter control 102 at the second bathroom device 204 allows for a user to easily control the diverter system 100 via the diverter control 102.
[0019] In various embodiments, the diverter control 102 is located on and / or within the hand shower arm 212 of the second bathroom device 204. FIG. 2 shows the diverter control 102 of the diverter system 100 with the hand shower arm 212. As shown in FIG. 2, the hand shower arm 212 can include a lower arm portion 214 and an upper arm portion 216. A portion (e.g., an upper portion) of the lower arm portion 214 is coupled to a portion (e.g., a lower portion) of the upper arm portion 216. In various embodiments, the lower arm portion 214 and the upper arm portion 216 are integrally formed and the upper arm portion 216 extends from the lower arm portion 214. The lower arm portion 214 is fluidly connected to the water supply, such that water flows to the second bathroom device 204 from the lower arm portion 214. The lower arm portion 214 may be a supply line or may include a portion that receives a supply line to fluidly connect the lower arm portion 214 to the water supply. The upper arm portion 216 is coupled to the hand shower head 210.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the diverter control 102 is coupled to both the lower arm portion 214 and the upper arm portion 216. For example, the diverter control 102 may be positioned between or within the lower arm portion 214 and the upper arm portion 216. As a result, water can flow from the water supply to the lower arm portion 214 and through the diverter control 102 to the upper arm portion 216 to be dispensed from the hand shower head 210.
[0021] The lower arm portion 214 includes a lower arm opening 218 that leads into a space of the diverter control 102. As described, the space of the diverter control 102 may be formed between the lower arm portion 214 and the upper arm portion 216 and / or at an area in which the lower arm portion 214 and the upper arm portion 216 meet (e.g., an area in which the lower arm portion 214 extends from the upper arm portion 216. The upper arm portion 216 includes an upper arm opening 220 that the space of the diverter control 102 leads to (e.g., extends to, funnels into, etc.). The path from the lower arm opening 218, into the space of the diverter control 102, and out from the upper arm opening 220 defines a flow path P1. In the default position, as is shown in FIG. 4, the flow path P1 is blocked preventing water flow through the second bathroom device 204 (e.g., to the hand shower head 210). In the second position, as is shown in FIG. 5, the flow path P1 is opened to allow water to flow through the second bathroom device 204.
[0022] The diverter control 102 includes a diverter assembly 104 and a diverter fixture 106 for driving movement of the diverter system 100 between the default position and the second position. The diverter fixture 106 engages with the upper arm portion 216 and the lower arm portion 214. In various embodiments, the diverter fixture 106 is fixedly coupled to the upper arm portion 216 and the lower arm portion 214. As shown in FIG. 4, among others, the diverter fixture 106 has an upper surface 402 and a lower surface 404. The upper surface 402 is coupled to the upper arm portion 216 and the lower surface 404 is coupled to the lower arm portion 214. The diverter fixture 106 is configured such that the upper surface 402 of the diverter fixture 106 complements a side of the upper arm portion 216 that the diverter fixture 106 engages with (e.g., the side of the upper arm portion 216 proximal to the diverter control 102). The lower surface 404 of the diverter fixture 106 complements a side of the lower arm portion 214 that engages with the diverter fixture 106 (e.g., the side of the lower arm portion 214 proximal to the diverter control 102). For example, the diverter fixture 106 may include grooves on the lower surface 404 and the lower surface 404 that are complementary to grooves on the upper arm portion 216 and / or lower arm portion 214 to engage and / or fixedly coupled the diverter fixture 106 with the hand shower arm 212. In another example, the diverter fixture 106 and the upper arm portion 216 and / or the lower arm portion 214 may have a complementary profile such that the diverter fixture 106 can abut the upper arm portion 216 and / or the lower arm portion 214 to form the engagement.
[0023] The diverter fixture 106 also includes fixture sealing components 114 (e.g., O-rings, seals, etc.). The fixture sealing components 114 form a seal between the diverter fixture 106 with the upper arm portion 216 and the lower arm portion 214 to prevent leakage of water. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the fixture sealing components 114 may have a curvature and / or be circular. In other embodiments, at least one of the fixture sealing components 114 may have a linear, planar, and / or rectangular profile.
[0024] The diverter assembly 104 is disposed (e.g., positioned) within the diverter fixture 106. The diverter assembly 104 is configured to drive the movement between the default position and the second position, as is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The diverter assembly 104 is slidably positioned within the diverter control 102 (e.g., relative to the diverter fixture 106). Lateral movement of the diverter assembly 104 moves the diverter system 100 (e.g., the diverter control 102) between the default position and the second position.
[0025] The diverter assembly 104 includes assembly sealing components 116 (e.g., rollers, O-rings, seals, etc.). The assembly sealing components 116 form a seal between the diverter assembly 104 and the diverter fixture 106 to prevent leakage of water. Additionally, the assembly sealing components 116 are configured to facilitate movement between the default position and the second position as movement of the diverter assembly 104 slides the assembly sealing components 116 along the diverter fixture 106.
[0026] The diverter assembly 104 also includes major sealing components 118 (e.g., O-rings, seals, etc.). The major sealing components 118 form a seal between the diverter assembly 104 and the diverter fixture 106 to prevent leakage of water. Additionally, the major sealing components 118 are configured to stop movement of the diverter assembly 104 at the default position and the second position by engaging with the diverter fixture 106 and / or the hand shower arm 212.
[0027] In the default position, as is shown in FIG. 4, at least one of the major sealing components 118 engages with (e.g., abuts) a first side 222 of the lower arm portion 214 and at least one of the major sealing components 118 engages with (e.g., abuts) a second side 224 of the upper arm portion 216. To bring the diverter system 100 to the default position, the diverter assembly 104 is moved in a first direction towards the first side 222 and the second side 224 until the major sealing components 118 abuts the sides 222, 224. Once in the default position, the configuration of the sides 222, 224 with the major sealing components 118 prevents further movement of the major sealing components 118 in the first direction, which stops movement of the diverter assembly 104 and keeps the diverter control 102 in the default position. The first side 222 and the second side 224 are positioned, such that the position of the diverter assembly 104 in the default position prevents (e.g., blocks) access of the flow path P1. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first side 222 is positioned adjacent the path from the lower arm opening 218 to the space of the diverter system 100, such that the major sealing components 118 blocks the lower arm opening 218 and the space in the default position. This configuration blocks the flow path P1, and water cannot flow through to the hand shower head 210. The use of the major sealing components 118 to block the flow path P1 further prevents leakage of water into the flow path P1.
[0028] In the second position, as is shown in FIG. 5, the major sealing components 118 abut a side 120 of the diverter fixture 106. To bring the diverter system 100 to the second position, the diverter assembly 104 is moved in a second direction towards the side 120 until the major sealing components 118 abuts the side 120. The second direction is opposite the first direction. The side 120 is configured to prevent further movement of the major sealing components 118 in the second direction to stop movement of the diverter assembly 104 and keep the diverter control 102 in the second position. This configuration opens the flow path P1, and water flows through to the hand shower head 210. In various embodiments, the major sealing components 118 has a diameter larger than a diameter of the assembly sealing components 116 in order to ensure movement of the diverter assembly 104 is stopped.
[0029] The diverter assembly 104 can have a variety of sizes and configuration to allow and prevent water flow through the flow path P1. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the diverter assembly 104 includes a portion, herein labelled as passage portion 122. The passage portion 122 extends from a first portion 410 of the diverter assembly 104 on a first side of the passage portion 122 and a second portion 412 of the diverter assembly 104 on a second side of the passage portion 122 opposite the first side. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first portion 410 and the second portion 412 of the diverter assembly 104 may both have a diameter that conforms (e.g., fits) with a space (e.g., a diameter) formed by the diverter control 102. This configuration may aid in preventing leakage of water (e.g., during use, in the default position, etc.). The passage portion 122 may have a diameter smaller than diameters of other portions (e.g., the first portion 410, the second portion 412) of the diverter assembly 104. In the default position, in various embodiments, the diameter of the passage portion 122 allows the passage portion 122 to fit between the diverter fixture 106 and the larger diameter of the first portion 410 aids in blocking the flow path P1. In the second position, the smaller diameter of the passage portion 122 provides an opening into the flow path P1 and allows for water to flow through the flow path P1 in the second position.
[0030] The diverter control 102 also includes a bias mechanism 108. The bias mechanism 108 ensures that the diverter assembly 104 blocks the passage between the water supply and the hand shower arm 212, and that the diverter system 100 is reset to the default position when the diverter system 100 is not in operation. In other words, the bias mechanism 108 is configured to bias the diverter control 102 to the default position when not in operation such that when the diverter system 100 is turned on (e.g., in operation again), it is known that the diverter system 100 will operate in the default position. In various embodiments, the bias mechanism 108 is a mechanism including one or more springs. Although described herein as resetting to the default position, in various embodiments, the bias mechanism 108 is configured to revert the diverter system 100 to the second position. For example, the bias mechanism 108 may be configured to ensure that the diverter system 100 is reset to the second position (e.g., the passage between the water supply and the hand shower arm 212 is open).
[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the bias mechanism 108 may be coupled to the diverter assembly 104 to reset the diverter assembly 104 at a position in which the major sealing components 118 abuts the first side 222 and the second side 224 such that the diverter system 100 is in the default position. In such embodiments, during movement to the second position shown in FIG. 5, the bias mechanism 108 (e.g., the spring) may compress as the diverter assembly 104 is moved in the second direction to abut the major sealing components 118 with the side 120. When the diverter system 100 (e.g., the diverter control 102) is not in operation, the bias mechanism 108 (e.g., the spring) may return (e.g., expand) to its default configuration and the movement of the bias mechanism 108 may move the diverter assembly 104 in the first direction such that the major sealing components 118 abuts the first side 222 and the second side 224 (i.e., the diverter system 100 is in the default position).
[0032] Referring back to FIG. 1, the diverter system 100 also includes a diverter valve 110 that is located on the first bathroom device 202. In various embodiments, the diverter valve 110 is located on the shower arm 208. The diverter valve 110 may be a mechanical valve, an automatic valve, and / or an actuated valve, among other valves. The diverter system 100 is configured such that the diverter valve 110 can be installed on currently existing shower arms. The diverter valve 110 may be installed at an end of the shower arm 208 (e.g., existing shower arms) proximal to the shower head 206 and the diverter valve 110 may be coupled to both the shower head 206 and the shower arm 208. In such configuration, the diverter valve 110 can act as an adapter positioned between the shower head 206 and the shower arm 208 to connect the shower head 206 to the shower arm 208. Advantageously with the diverter valve 110 as described herein, modifications to the shower arm 208 is not needed to couple the diverter valve 110 with the shower arm 208.
[0033] The diverter valve 110 is configured to selectively control flow of water (e.g., from a water supply). The diverter valve 110 can prevent or allow water from entering the shower head 206 to be dispensed. The diverter valve 110 utilizes water pressure (e.g., hydraulic pressure) to open and close, thereby allowing and preventing water, respectively. FIG. 3 shows the diverter valve 110 for the diverter system 100. The diverter valve 110 includes a hydraulic cylinder 112. The hydraulic cylinder 112 and / or components of the hydraulic cylinder 112 are configured to move as a result of water pressure through the hydraulic cylinder 112. In various embodiments, the diverter system 100 includes a piston and a piston rod coupled to the piston. As further described below, the prevention of water from entering the second bathroom device 204 creates backpressure, which is directed (e.g., by pipes) towards the diverter valve 110. The diverter valve 110 is subjected to the water pressure which may result in the piston rod extending therefore achieving a desired outcome (e.g., opening of the diverter valve 110) for the diverter system 100. In various embodiments, the diverter valve 110 includes other elements, such as a flap, a spring, a gate, etc. to aid in opening and closing.
[0034] The diverter control 102 and diverter valve 110 work together to allow water to flow through the first bathroom device 202. FIG. 4 shows the diverter control 102 in the default position (water flowing through the first bathroom device 202). In the default position, the diverter assembly 104 and the bias mechanism 108 obstruct water from flowing to the second bathroom device 204. As described herein, the diverter assembly 104 is positioned such that water flow through the flow path P1 from the water supply to the hand shower arm 212 is blocked. As water cannot flow to the second bathroom device 204, backpressure in the shower system 200 occurs and reaches the diverter valve 110. The backpressure causes hydraulic pressure (e.g., water pressure), which the diverter valve 110 is subjected to. The hydraulic pressure acts on the diverter valve 110, which causes the hydraulic cylinder 112 to move and the diverter valve 110 to open, allowing water to flow in the shower head 206 and be dispensed out. For example, the water pressure may cause a piston rod in the hydraulic cylinder 112 to extend. The extension of the piston rod can lead to a component that opens the diverter valve 110 being pushed to open the diverter valve 110.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows the diverter control 102 in the second position (water flowing through the second bathroom device 204). Switching between the default position and the second position may be engaged by the user by applying force to the diverter control 102. In other words, the diverter control 102 may receive a user input (e.g., a push of a lever, an engagement with a switch, a press of a button, etc.) to switch the position of the diverter control 102. For example, the diverter control 102 may include a toggle that is pushed in the first direction to switch to the default position and pushed in the second direction to switch to the second position. In the second position, the diverter assembly 104 is positioned such that water flow through the flow path P1 is not blocked and water can flow to the second bathroom device 204. The water flowing through the second bathroom device 204 results in little to no water pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 112. The lack of water pressure at the hydraulic cylinder 112 closes the diverter valve 110 and no water flows through the first bathroom device 202. For example, a piston rod in the hydraulic cylinder 112 may retract, leading to a component of the diverter valve 110 closing such that no water can flow through the first bathroom device 202.
[0036] Advantageously, the diverter system 100 integrated with the shower system 200 allows for an accessible method of diverting water between the first bathroom device 202 and the second bathroom device 204. The configuration of the diverter system 100 and the positioning of the diverter control 102 provides a user with a user-friendly way of controlling the diverter system 100. Additionally, the diverter system 100 can be installed on current shower systems to fit a user's current shower system.
[0037] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,”“about,”“substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
[0038] The terms “coupled,”“connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
[0039] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.
[0040] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,”“bottom,”“above,”“below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
[0041] The construction and arrangement of the elements of the assembly as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.
[0042] Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
[0043] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.
[0044] Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A bathroom diverter system comprising:a first bathroom device and a second bathroom device;a diverter valve positioned to selectively control flow from a water supply to the first bathroom device; anda diverter control positioned on the second bathroom device, the diverter control comprising:a diverter assembly slidably positioned within the diverter control, wherein lateral movement of the diverter assembly switches the diverter control between a default position and a second position, anda bias mechanism configured to revert the diverter control to the default position;wherein when the diverter control is in the default position, the diverter valve is subjected to hydraulic pressure to open flow to the first bathroom device.
2. The bathroom diverter system of claim 1, wherein when the diverter control is in the second position, the diverter assembly is positioned such that flow of water through the diverter control to be dispensed from the second bathroom device is open.
3. The bathroom diverter system of claim 2, wherein in the second position, the diverter valve is configured to close, based on the flow of water through the diverter control, to prevent flow of water to the first bathroom device.
4. The bathroom diverter system of claim 1, wherein:when the diverter control is in the default position, the diverter assembly is positioned such that flow of water through the diverter control to the second bathroom device is prevented to create backpressure; andthe diverter valve is subjected to the hydraulic pressure caused by the backpressure.
5. The bathroom diverter system of claim 1, wherein the diverter valve comprises a hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic pressure to cause the hydraulic cylinder to move to open flow to the first bathroom device.
6. The bathroom diverter system of claim 1, wherein:the diverter control further comprises a diverter fixture coupled to the second bathroom device, the diverter assembly disposed within the diverter fixture; andthe diverter assembly is slidably positioned along the diverter fixture to switch the diverter control between the default position and the second position.
7. The bathroom diverter system of claim 6, wherein the diverter assembly comprises at least one sealing mechanism, the at least one sealing mechanism configured to engage with the diverter fixture in the second position and engage with the second bathroom device in the default position.
8. The bathroom diverter system of claim 1, wherein diverter control is configured to receive a user input to switch between the default position and the second position.
9. The bathroom diverter system of claim 1, wherein the diverter control is at a position closer to a ground or a base surface than the diverter valve.
10. The bathroom diverter system of claim 1, wherein the diverter valve is positioned on the first bathroom device between an arm and a water outlet assembly of the first bathroom device.
11. The bathroom diverter system of claim 1, wherein the first bathroom device is a fixed shower head and the second bathroom device is a hand shower device.
12. A diverter system for a bathroom system comprising:a diverter control comprising:a diverter assembly slidably positioned within the diverter control, wherein lateral movement of the diverter assembly switches the diverter system between a default position and a second position, anda bias mechanism configured to revert the diverter system to the default position; anda diverter valve comprising a hydraulic cylinder;wherein when the diverter system is in the default position, the diverter assembly is configured to create hydraulic pressure to cause the hydraulic cylinder to move in a first direction and open the diverter valve; andwherein when the diverter system is in the second position, the diverter assembly is configured to open a flow path to prevent movement of the hydraulic cylinder in the first direction and close the diverter valve.
13. The diverter system of claim 12, wherein:the diverter assembly comprises a first portion having a first diameter, a passage portion extending from the first portion having a second diameter, and a second portion extending from the passage portion having a third diameter;the first portion, the passage portion, and the second portion are laterally moveable within the diverter control; andthe second diameter is smaller than the first diameter and the third diameter.
14. The diverter system of claim 13, wherein in the default position, the first portion is slidably positioned to block the flow path, creating the hydraulic pressure and in the second position, the passage portion is slidably positioned to create the flow path.
15. The diverter system of claim 12, wherein the diverter control further comprises a diverter fixture coupled to the diverter assembly to control movement of the diverter assembly.
16. A shower diverter system comprising:a fixed shower head and a hand shower device;the diverter system of claim 12, wherein the diverter valve is positioned on the fixed shower head and the diverter control is positioned on the hand shower device; andthe diverter valve to open in the default position to dispense water through the fixed shower head; andthe diverter assembly to open the flow path in the second position to dispense water through the flow path and the hand shower device.
17. The shower diverter system of claim 16, wherein the diverter system is configured to receive water from a water supply.
18. The shower diverter system of claim 16, wherein:the diverter assembly is configured to block the flow path in the default position such that water is directed only to the hand shower device; andthe hydraulic cylinder is configured to close the diverter valve in the second position such that water is directed only to the hand shower device.
19. A bathroom system comprising:a first bathroom device comprising an arm and a water outlet assembly;a diverter control positioned on the first bathroom device, the diverter control comprising a diverter assembly slidably positioned within the diverter control to switch the diverter control between a default position and a second position;the arm and the diverter control to form a flow path to receive water and dispense water through the water outlet assembly; andwherein in the default position, the diverter assembly is slidably positioned to prevent water from entering the flow path and to create hydraulic pressure, the hydraulic pressure directed to a diverter valve to allow for water flow in a second bathroom device.
20. The bathroom system of claim 19, wherein the diverter control further comprises a bias mechanism configured to revert the diverter control to the default position.