SHOWER HEADS AND SHOWER SPRAYERS

Abstract

The invention relates to a shower head comprising a spray face coupled with a fluid inlet pipe. The spray face comprises an inner part with numerous internal fluid outlets, and an outer part with numerous external fluid outlets. The angle of the external fluid outlets is adjustable relative to the fixed angle of the inner fluid outlets.

Description

ADJUSTABLE SHOWERHEAD SPRAYFACECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 540,354, filed September 25, 2023, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporation herein by reference.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a showerhead and, more particularly, to a showerhead including an adjustable sprayface.

[0003] Adjustable showerheads are known in the art for providing pressurized water flow to a user. However, conventional showerheads may not provide the user with an effective spray pattern and aesthetically pleasing design. Furthermore, such showerheads may require a considerable amount of repositioning for the user, and / or may not provide sufficient spray coverage given water flow or pressure limits.

[0004] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a showerhead includes a proximal inlet conduit, a body operably coupled to the inlet conduit, and a distal spray face supported by the body. The sprayface includes an inner portion, and an outer portion extending radially outwardly from the inner portion. The inner portion includes a plurality of inner fluid outlets. The outer portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer sections. Each outer section includes a plurality of outer fluid outlets positioned intermediate an inner end and an outer end. The inner ends of the outer sections are configured to selectively move relative to the outer ends of the outer sections to adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlets.

[0005] Illustratively, a longitudinal axis extends perpendicular to the inner portion, the inner fluid outlets are configured to discharge water parallel to the longitudinal axis, and movement of the outer sections are configured to adjust the direction of water discharged from the outer fluid outlets relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0006] According to an illustrative embodiment, a user interface is operably coupled to the inner portion, and a mechanical coupling is operably coupled to the user interface, wherein depressing the user interface causes movement of the outer sections.

[0007] According to an illustrative embodiment, the showerhead further includes an electronic user interface, an actuator operably coupled to the faceplate, and wherein actuation of the electronic user interface causes the actuator to move the outer sections.

[0008] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a sprayface for a showerhead includes an inner portion, and an outer portion extending radially outwardly from the inner portion. The inner portion includes a plurality of inner fluid outlets. The outer portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer sections, each outer section including a plurality of outer fluid outlets positioned intermediate an inner end and an outer end. The inner ends of the outer sections are configured to selectively move relative to the outer ends of the outer sections to adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlets.

[0009] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a showerhead includes a proximal inlet conduit, a body operably coupled to the inlet conduit, and a distal spray face supported by the body. The sprayface includes an inner portion, and an outer portion extending radially outwardly from the inner portion. The inner portion includes a plurality of inner fluid outlets. The outer portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer sections, each outer section including a plurality of outer fluid outlets. The outer sections are configured to selectively move to adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlets in response to movement of the inner portion. A piston is operably coupled to the inner portion of the sprayface. A valve is fluidly coupled to the piston. Operation of the valve causes movement of the piston and the inner portion of the spray face.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is perspective view of an illustrative embodiment showerhead of the present disclosure, the faceplate show n in a first or extended configuration;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the showerhead of FIG. 1, the faceplate shown in a second or retracted configuration;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment electronic user interface for use with the showerhead of FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, in cross-section, of an illustrative embodiment showerhead of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the showerhead of FIG. 4, the faceplate shown in a first or extended configuration;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the showerhead of FIG. 5, showing an actuating piston for moving the faceplate;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the showerhead of FIG. 4, shown in a second or retracted configuration;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the showerhead of FIG. 7, showing the actuating piston for moving the faceplate;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the showerhead of FIG. 4;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a further illustrative embodiment showerhead, the faceplate shown in a first or extended configuration;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the showerhead of FIG. 10, show ing an actuating piston for moving the faceplate;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the show erhead of FIG. 10, the faceplate shown in a second or retracted configuration;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the showerhead of FIG. 12, show ing the actuating piston for moving the faceplate;

[0025] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the showerhead of FIG. 10;

[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view, in cross-section, of a further illustrative embodiment showerhead;

[0027] FIG. 16A is a detailed view' of the showerhead of FIG. 15, showing a follower within a retainer track w hen the faceplate is in a first or extended position;

[0028] FIG. 16B is a detailed view' of the showerhead of FIG. 15, show ing the follow er within the retainer track when the faceplate is in a second or retracted position;

[0029] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment showerhead, the faceplate shown in a first or extended configuration;

[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the showerhead of FIG. 17, the faceplate shown in a second or retracted configuration;

[0031] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the showerhead taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 17, the faceplate shown in a first or extended configuration; and

[0032] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the show erhead taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 18, the faceplate shown in a second or retracted configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now7be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the claimed invention is thereby intended. The present invention includes any alterations and further modifications of the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of principles in the invention which w ould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0034] With reference initially to FIGS. 1. 2, 4 and 5, a showerhead 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes a proximal inlet conduit 12, a body 14 operably coupled to the inlet conduit 12, and a distal spray face 16 supported by the body 14. The inlet conduit 12 defines a passageway 18 having an inlet 20 configured to be in fluid communication with a conventional water supply 22 (FIG. 9). The inlet conduit 12 may include an adapter 23 defining the inlet 20 and configured to couple (both fluidly and mechanically) with a conventional fluid conduit (e.g., a pipe nipple)(not shown).

[0035] The illustrative sprayface 16 includes a faceplate 24 having an inner portion 26 and an outer portion 28 extending radially outwardly from the inner portion 26. A fluid chamber 30 is illustratively defined intermediate the body 14 and the spray face 16 for receiving water from the inlet 20 via the inlet conduit 12. The inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24 includes an outwardly facing outer surface 31 opposite the chamber 30.

[0036] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, the illustrative inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24 includes a plurality of first or inner fluid outlets 32 in fluid communication with the chamber 30. The illustrative outer portion 28 of the faceplate 24 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer sections 34 positioned radially outward from the inner portion 26. Each outer section 34 illustratively includes a plurality of second or outer fluid outlets 36 positioned intermediate an inner end 38 and an outer end 40. Illustratively, the outer fluid outlets 36 are in fluid communication with the chamber 30.

[0037] The inner ends 38 of the outer sections 34 are configured to selectively move relative to the outer ends 40 of the outer sections 34 to adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlets 36. A first pivot coupling 42 or hinge is defined between the inner end 38 of each outer section 34 and the inner portion 26. Similarly, a second pivot coupling or hinge 44 is defined between the outer end 40 of each outer section 34 and a peripheral edge 46 of the body 14.

[0038] An illustrative first configuration of the spray face 16 defining a first mode of operation is shown in FIG. 1 wherein the inner portion 26 and the outer portion 28 of the faceplate 24 are substantially parallel to each other. In an illustrative embodiment, the inner portion 26 and the outer portion 28 extend substantially within a common plane (e.g., are coplanar). As such, water is discharged from the fluid outlets 32 and 36 generally parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the outer surface 31 of the faceplate 24.

[0039] An illustrative second configuration of the spray face 16 defining a second mode of operation is shown in FIG. 2 wherein the inner portion 26 is moved axially (illustratively inwardly in a proximal direction), and the outer sections 34 are angled or pivoted (illustratively inwardly) by the inner ends 38 of the outer sections 34 moving relative to the outer ends 40 of the outer sections 34. Such movement adjusts angular orientation of the outer fluid outlets 36, while the angular orientation of the inner fluid outlets 32 remain fixed. Water 45 and 47 is discharged from the fluid outlets 32 and 36, respectively, in nonparallel directions, such that water 47 discharged from the outer fluid outlets 36 extends at an angle relative to water 45 discharged from the inner fluid outlets 32.

[0040] More particularly, a longitudinal axis 48 extends perpendicular to the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24, wherein the inner fluid outlets 32 are configured to discharge water 45 in a fixed direction (illustratively parallel) to the longitudinal axis 48. Movement of the outer sections 34 is configured to adjust the direction of water 47 discharged from theouter fluid outlets 36 relative to the longitudinal axis 48. Illustratively, the outer sections 34 may be secured in different angular positions relative to the inner portion 26, thereby discharging water 47 at different directions relative to the longitudinal axis 48.

[0041] In the illustrative embodiment, the angular orientation of the inner fluid outlets 32 are fixed, and the outer fluid outlets 36 are pivotable inwardly such that the water 47 converges inwardly to the longitudinal axis 48. However, it should be appreciated that the relative movement of the inner fluid outlets 32 and the outer fluid outlets 36 may vary. For example, the outer fluid outlets 36 are pivotable outwardly such that the water 47 diverges outwardly from the longitudinal axis 48.

[0042] As further detailed herein, different means may move the outer fluid outlets 36 of the faceplate 24 between the first configuration and the second configuration.Illustratively, the outer fluid outlets 36 may move independently of the outer portion 28 of the faceplate 24. Additionally, the outer sections 34 supporting the outer fluid outlets 36 may be fixed, or the outer sections 34 may move either together or independently from each other. As detailed above, the outer sections 34 may move inwardly or outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis 48.

[0043] FIGS. 1-3 show an illustrative embodiment showerhead 10 including electronic activation. More particularly, the showerhead 10 is an electronic arrangement wherein an electronic user interface 48 is in communication with a controller 50. The controller 50 may include a conventional processor configured to execute machine readable instructions stored in a memory. The controller 50 is in communication with an actuator 52, such as a hydraulic actuator (e.g., water piston), and / or an electric motor (e.g., a servo motor). The user interface 48 may be in wired or wireless communication with the controller 50. Similarly, the controller 50 may be in wired or wireless communication with the actuator 52. As further detailed herein, the actuator 52 may be operably coupled to the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24 to cause pivoting movement of the outer sections 34 relative thereto.

[0044] With further reference to FIGS. 4-9, the actuator 52 of the illustrative showerhead 10 includes a hydraulic actuating piston 54 slidably received within a cylindrical piston sleeve 56. A connector tube 57 operably couples the piston 54 to the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24. More particularly, movement of the connector tube 57 causes similar movement of the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24. The connector tube 57 also providesfluid communication between the inlet conduit 12 and the fluid outlets 32 and 36 via the chamber 30.

[0045] A control valve 58 is fluidly coupled to the piston 54 via the piston sleeve 56. As further detailed herein, movement of the piston 54 is illustratively controlled by operation of the valve 58. The valve 58 is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 12, atmosphere 60 and an interior 62 of the piston sleeve 56. Additionally, the valve 58 may be supported by the body 14 of the showerhead 10 or be located external to the showerhead 10 at a remote location.

[0046] The valve 58 may be an electrically operable valve in communication (either wired or wireless) with the controller 50. An extend control line or circuit 64 and a retract control line or circuit 66 provide fluid communication between the valve 58 and the interior 62 of the piston sleeve 56. More particularly, the extend control line 64 illustratively comprises a tube in fluid communication with the valve 58 and an upper or extend chamber 68 of the interior 62 of the piston sleeve 56. Similarly, the retract control line 66 illustratively comprises a tube in fluid communication with the valve 58 and a lower or retract chamber 70 of the interior 62 of the piston sleeve 56.

[0047] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, the piston 54 separates the extend chamber 68 from the retract chamber 70. More particularly, the illustrative piston 54 includes a first or extend surface 72 facing the extend chamber 68, and a second or retract surface 74 facing the retract chamber 70. Illustratively, o-rings 76a and 76b seal opposing ends of the piston sleeve 56. An o-ring 78 is supported by the piston 54 intermediate the surfaces 72 and 74 and provides a sliding seal with the piston sleeve 56.

[0048] The illustrative first configuration of the sprayface 16 and associated extended position of the piston 54 is shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9. In this configuration, the valve 58 provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit 12 and the upper chamber 68 of the piston sleeve 56. Simultaneously, the valve 58 provides fluid communication between the lower chamber 70 of the piston sleeve 56 and atmosphere 60. Water from the inlet conduit 12 supplied to the upper chamber 68 via the valve 58 causes the piston 54 to move toward the faceplate 24 (in a downward direction as shown by arrow 80 in FIG. 6). As such, the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24 is in the extended configuration.

[0049] The illustrative second configuration of the sprayface 16 and associated retracted position of the piston 54 is show n in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. In this configuration, thevalve 58 provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit 12 and the lower chamber 70 of the piston sleeve 56. Simultaneously, the valve 58 provides fluid communication between the upper chamber 68 of the piston sleeve 56 and atmosphere 60. Water from the inlet conduit 12 supplied to the lower chamber 70 via the valve 58 causes the piston 54 to move away the faceplate 24 (in an upward direction as shown by arrow 82 in FIG. 8). As such, the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24 is in the retracted configuration.

[0050] It should be appreciated that the number and positioning of waterways within the showerhead 10 may vary. For example, a pair of waterw ays may be in fluid communication with the extend and retract control lines or circuits 64, 66 of the piston 54, respectively and independently. The lines 64. 66 in turn may also be in fluid communication with the outlets 32, 36, respectively and independently, via the chamber 30. As noted above, the valve 58 may be positioned and controlled external to the show erhead 10. In certain other illustrative embodiments, the valve 58 may be eliminated.

[0051] A further illustrative embodiment showerhead 110 is shown in FIGS. 10-14. Many components of the showerhead 110 are similar to those detailed above in connection with the handshower 10. As such, in the following description, similar components are identified with like reference numbers.

[0052] The actuator 152 of the showerhead 110 includes an alternative embodiment hydraulic actuating piston 154 fluidly coupled to a control valve 158. The piston 154 is slidably received w ithin a cylindrical piston sleeve 156 defined by the body 14 of the showerhead 10. The connector tube 57 operably couples the piston 154 to the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24. As further detailed herein, movement of the piston 154 is illustratively controlled by operation of the valve 158. The valve 158 is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 12, atmosphere 60 and an interior 162 of the piston sleeve 156.

[0053] The valve 158 may be an electrically operable valve in communication (either wired or wirelessly) with the controller 50. A retract control line 166 provides fluid communication between the valve 158 and the interior 162 of the piston sleeve 156. More particularly, a retract control line 166 illustratively comprises a tube in fluid communication with the valve 158 and a lower or retract chamber 170 of the interior 162 of the piston sleeve 156. The connector tube 57 provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit 12 and the chamber 30.

[0054] The illustrative connector tube 57 includes an upper or extend surface 172 facing the water inlet conduit 12. The illustrative piston 54 includes a lower or retract surface 174 facing the retract chamber 170. A plug 175 is received within the lower end of the sleeve 156. Illustratively, o-rings 176a and 176b seal opposing ends of the piston sleeve 156. An o- ring 178 is supported by the piston 154 intermediate the piston surfaces 172 and 174 and provides a sliding seal with the piston sleeve 156.

[0055] The surface area of the extend surface 172 is less than the retract surface 174. As such, water pressure acting the upper end of the connector tube 57 at the extend surface 172 and acting on the lower end of the piston 154 at the retract surface 174, will result in a force at the extend surface 172 being less than a force at the retract surface 174. When the valve 158 provides water from the inlet conduit 12 to the interior of the cylinder 156, force from the piston 154 overcomes force on the upper end of the connector 157.

[0056] The illustrative first configuration of the sprayface 16 and associated extended position of the piston 154 of the showerhead 110 is show n in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this configuration, the inlet conduit 12 is in fluid communication with the extend surface 172 of the connector 157. Simultaneously, the valve 158 provides fluid communication between the lower chamber 170 and atmosphere 60. Water from the inlet conduit 12 supplied to the upper surface 172 causes the piston 154 to move toward the faceplate 24 (in a downw ard direction as show n by arrow 180 in FIG. 11). As such, the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24 is in the extended configuration.

[0057] The illustrative second configuration of the sprayface 16 and associated retracted position of the piston 154 of the showerhead 110 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In this configuration, the inlet conduit 12 remains in fluid communication with the extend surface 172 of the connector 157. Simultaneously, the valve 158 provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit 112 and the low er chamber 170. Due to the larger surface area of the retract surface 174 of the piston 154 relative to the upper surface 172 of the connector 157, water from the inlet conduit 12 supplied to the lower chamber 170 causes the piston 154 to move aw ay the faceplate 24 (in an upward direction as shown by arrow- 182 in FIG. 13). As such, the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24 is in the retracted configuration.

[0058] As further detailed herein, a variety of different types of actuators 52, 152 may be utilized with the illustrative showerhead 10, 110. While a hydraulic actuating piston 54, 154 is described above, other electrical and manual actuators may be substituted therefor.For example, in one illustrative embodiment a servo-motor 84 (FIG. 9) may be coupled to the piston 54, 154 to drive it motion as opposed to water pressure.

[0059] With reference now to FIGS. 15-16B, a manually actuated showerhead 210 is illustrated. Many components of the showerhead 210 are similar to those detailed above in connection with the handshower 10. As such, in the following description, similar components are identified with like reference numbers.

[0060] The showerhead 210 illustratively includes a manual activation user interface or button 212 supported proximate the center of the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24. A mechanical coupling 214 illustratively extends between the body 14 and the faceplate 24, wherein depressing the button 212 causes movement of the inner portion 26 and corresponding movement of the outer sections 34. As further detailed herein, the mechanical coupling 214 may be a bistable linear actuator, such as a ramp and cam device (similar to a pen-click mechanism) and / or a follower and track device (as further detailed below).

[0061] With reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the mechanical coupling 214 of the illustrative showerhead 210 illustratively includes a releasable lock 216 for securing the sprayface 16 in a retracted configuration (FIGS. 15 and 16A). The illustrative releasable lock 216 includes a follower 218 operably coupled to a retainer 220. More particularly, the connector tube 57 supports the follower 218, and the body 214 supports the retainer 220. The follower 218 illustratively includes a rod 222 including a lower end 224 fixed to the connector tube 57, and an upper end 226 engaging the retainer 220. The retainer 220 illustratively includes a sleeve 228 secured to the body 14 of the showerhead 210 and in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 12. As further detailed herein, the connector tube 57 is configured to move relative to the sleeve 228.

[0062] The retainer 220 further includes a radially outwardly extending track 230 formed within the sleeve 220 receiving the upper end 226 of the follower rod 222. The track 230 includes an upper valley 232 defining the retracted configuration (FIG. 16A), and a lower valley 234 defining the extended configuration (FIG. 16B).

[0063] The connector tube 57 is illustratively biased downwardly toward the extended position, illustratively by water pressure acting against the upper surface 172 of the connector tube 57. Alternatively, other biasing means may be utilized, for example springs.

[0064] The first configuration of the sprayface 16 and associated extended position of the connector tube 57 of the showerhead 310 is show n in FIG. 16A. In this configuration, water from the inlet conduit 12 supplied to the upper surface 172 causes the connector tube 57 to move toward the faceplate 24 (in a downward direction as shown by arrow 180 in FIG. 16A). As such, the inner portion 26 of the faceplate 24 is in the extended configuration, and the upper end 226 of the follower rod 222 is received in the lower valley 234 of the track 230.

[0065] The second configuration of the sprayface 16 and associated retracted position of the connector tube 57 of the showerhead 310 is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16B. By a user pushing on a user interface 212 at a center portion of the faceplate 24, the connector tube 57 moves the follower rod 222 upwardly and counterclockwise along an angled lower right portion 236 of the track 230. The upper end 226 of the follower rod 222 passes over an upper protrusion 237 of the track 230 and water pressure biases the follower rod 222 into the upper valley 234 of the track 230.

[0066] To return the spray face 16 to the first configuration, the user pushes again on the user interface 212 of the faceplate 24. In response, the connector tube 57 moves the follower rod 222 upwardly along an angled upper left portion 238 of the track 230. Water pressure then drives the follower rod 222 downwardly along an angled lower left portion 240 of the track 230 toward the low er valley 234 of the track 230.

[0067] Another illustrative embodiment showerhead 310 is shown in FIGS. 17-20. Many components of the showerhead 310 are similar to those detailed above in connection with the handshower 210. As such, in the following description, similar components are identified with like reference numbers.

[0068] A mechanical coupling 314 of the illustrative showerhead 310 is illustratively operably coupled to the manual activation button 212 and includes a releasable lock for securing the sprayface 16 in a retracted configuration (FIGS. 18 and 20).

[0069] The illustrative releasable lock 316 includes a follower 318 slidably received within a slot 320 supported by the inlet conduit 212. The follower 318 illustratively includes a rod 322 movable between a lower end and an upper end of the slot 320. The rod 322 received within the lower end of the slot 320 defines the extended configuration of the faceplate 24 (FIGS. 17 and 19), while the rod 318 received within the upper end of the slot 320 defines the retracted configuration of the faceplate 24 (FIGS. 18 and 20). Water pressure against the upper surface of the connector tube 57 biases the connector tube 57 and thefaceplate 24 toward the extended configuration. A lock, such as a detent, may secure the follower 318 within the slot 320, and hence the connector tube 57 and the faceplate 24, in the retracted configuration.

[0070] The first configuration of the spray face 16 and associated extended position of the connector tube 57 of the showerhead 310 is shown in FIGS. 17 and 19. In this configuration, the water from the inlet conduit 112 supplied to the upper surface 172 causes the connector tube 57 to move toward the faceplate 24 (in a downward direction as shown by arrow 180 in FIG. 19). As such, the inner portion 26 is in the extended configuration. The follower rod 322 is received in the upper end of the slot 320.

[0071] The second configuration of the sprayface 16 and associated retracted position of the connector tube 57 of the showerhead 310 is shown in FIGS. 18 and 20. By a user pushing on the user interface 212 at a center portion of the faceplate 24, the connector tube 57 moves the follower rod 322 upwardly within the slot 320. The follower rod 322 may be retained in the upper end of the slot 320 by a locking device.

[0072] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A showerhead comprising: a proximal inlet conduit; a body operably coupled to the inlet conduit; and a distal sprayface supported by the body, the sprayface including: an inner portion, an outer portion extending radially outwardly from the inner portion, the inner portion including a plurality of inner fluid outlets, the outer portion including a plurality of outer fluid outlets positioned intermediate an inner end and an outer end, and wherein an angular orientation of the outer fluid outlets is adjustable relative to a fixed angular orientation of the inner fluid outlets.

2. The showerhead of claim 1, wherein: a longitudinal axis extends perpendicular to the inner portion of the sprayface; the inner fluid outlets are configured to discharge water in a fixed direction relative to the longitudinal axis; the outer portion of the sprayface includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer sections supporting the plurality7of outer fluid outlets; and movement of the outer sections of the spray face are configured to adjust the direction of water discharged from the outer fluid outlets relative to the longitudinal axis.

3. The showerhead of claim 2, further comprising: a user interface operably coupled to the inner portion of the spray face; a mechanical actuator operably coupled to the user interface; and wherein depressing the user interface causes movement of the outer sections of the sprayface.

4. The showerhead of claim 3, wherein the mechanical actuator includes a bistable linear actuator.

5. The showerhead of claim 4, wherein the bistable linear actuator includes: a follower configured to move with the inner portion of the spray face; and a track supported by the body and receiving the follower.

6. The showerhead of claim 2, further comprising: a user interface; an actuator operably coupled to the sprayface; and wherein actuation of the user interface causes the actuator to move the outer sections of the spray face.

7. The showerhead of claim 1, further comprising: a piston operably coupled to the inner portion of the spray face; a valve fluidly coupled to the piston; and wherein operation of the valve causes movement of piston and the inner portion of the sprayface.

8. The showerhead of claim 7, further comprising a controller, wherein the valve is an electrically operable valve in communication with the controller.

9. The showerhead of claim 1, further comprising: a motor operably coupled to the inner portion of the spray face; and a controller in communication with the motor.

10. A sprayface for a showerhead, the spray face comprising: an inner portion; an outer portion extending radially outwardly from the inner portion; the inner portion including a plurality of inner fluid outlets; the outer portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer sections, each outer section including a plurality of outer fluid outlets positioned intermediate an inner end and an outer end; andwherein the inner ends of the outer sections are configured to selectively move relative to the outer ends of the outer sections to adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlets.1 1. The sprayface of claim 10, further comprising: a user interface operably coupled to the inner portion; a mechanical actuator operably coupled to the user interface; and wherein depressing the user interface causes movement of the outer sections.

12. The sprayface of claim 11, wherein the mechanical actuator includes a bistable linear actuator.

13. The sprayface of claim 12. wherein the bistable linear actuator includes: a follower configured to move with the inner portion; and a track supported by the body and receiving the follower.

14. The sprayface of claim 10, further comprising: an electronic user interface; an actuator operably coupled to the outer portion; and wherein actuation of the electronic user interface causes the actuator to move the outer sections.

15. The sprayface of claim 10, further comprising: a piston operably coupled to the inner portion; a valve fluidly coupled to the piston; and wherein operation of the valve causes movement of piston and the inner portion.

16. The sprayface of claim 15, further comprising a controller, wherein the valve is an electrically operable valve in communication with the controller.

17. A showerhead comprising: a proximal inlet conduit; a body operably coupled to the inlet conduit; a distal sprayface supported by the body, the sprayface including: an inner portion, an outer portion extending radially outwardly from the inner portion, the inner portion including a plurality of inner fluid outlets, the outer portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer sections, each outer section including a plurality' of outer fluid outlets, and wherein the outer sections are configured to selectively adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlets in response to movement of the inner portion; a piston operably coupled to the sprayface; a valve fluidly coupled to the piston; and wherein operation of the valve causes movement of piston and the outer sections of the sprayface.18 The showerhead of claim 17, further comprising a controller, wherein the valve is an electrically operable valve in communication with the controller.

19. The showerhead of claim 17. wherein inner ends of the outer sections are configured to selectively7move relative to outer ends of the outer sections to adjust the angular orientation of the outer fluid outlets.

20. The showerhead of claim 19. wherein a longitudinal axis extends perpendicular to the inner portion, the inner fluid outlets configured to discharge water in a fixed direction relative to the longitudinal axis, and movement of the outer sections are configured to adjust the direction of water discharged from the outer fluid outlets relative to the longitudinal axis.

21. The showerhead of claim 17. wherein axial movement of the inner portion causes pivoting movement of the outer sections.

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