Swivel receptacle for collecting water drops and splashes from shower heads

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for effectively intercepting drops of water or splashes running off a shower head (2) after the latter has been switched off. The device comprises a receptacle (1) adapted to be arranged under the shower head (2) to contain the unwanted water, and mounted on a support arm (3) fitted with a pivot (6) to enable rotation (121) of the receptacle (1) away from the shower head (2), when not in use. A bore and a groove (115) are provided in the pivot (6) to allow the water contained in the receptacle (1) to be evacuated from an orifice (110) in the receptacle (1) by gravity towards a spout (111), a pipe (112) or any other device to prevent the receptacle (1) from overflowing. The support arm (3) may be of adjustable length, such as telescopic, to adapt to the shape of different shower heads.

Description

SWIVEL RECEPTACLE FOR COLLECTING WATER DROPS AND SPLASHESFROM SHOWER HEADSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to devices in the field of bathroom accessories and more particularly to a device designed to control the cold water that often drips from overhead showers when the shower head is turned off. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for intercepting drops of water that continue to drip from the shower head once the hot and cold water control device - tap or mixer - has been closed. The present invention also relates to various fixing, operating and adjustment devices enabling the shower head receptacle to be fully effective.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When it comes to bathroom fittings, there is still no reliable solution to the problem of cold water continuing to drip from the shower head after the fitting has been turned off. This problem is often linked not only to the design and wear and tear of the fitting, but also to various other factors such as water pressure, water hardness, the internal condition of the fitting, pipes and shower heads, and in particular the build-up of limescale in these components. These problems can persist regardless of how modem, outdated or even well-maintained the equipment is.

[0003] Existing solutions consist mainly of shower jet deflection devices, but also of water jet recovery devices when the showers have no water control devices at the shower concerned (particularly communal or camping showers) or if the aim is to build up a water reserve in the event of frequent interruptions - these solutions often include fixed structures, non-adaptive or inadequate structures that have difficulty adapting to different shower head sizes or water flow directions, or offering partial coverage or bulky designs that hinder the practical use of the device. These limitations hinder their efficacy in controlling unexpected and undesirable, often cold, water drips or splashes from overhead showers after use. Consequently, the existing devices for the containment or deflection of shower jets lack universality and effectiveness, failing to address the problems associated with cold water dripping from head showers.

[0004] As a result, users face challenges with sub-optimal containment mechanisms that fail to adapt to the specific needs associated with water leakage or containment after water has been turned off. The lack of a universal, adjustable solution exacerbates this problem, leaving users with limited options for effectively mitigating the inconvenience of dripping or splashing water. Furthermore, the lack of complete and optimal support structures in these solutions compromises their ability to effectively contain or redirect the flow of water.

[0005] These shortcomings lead to a poor showering experience, increased humidity and even potential damage to surrounding bathroom surfaces. Therefore, in light of the above discussion, there is a need to overcome all the above disadvantages. Particularly, there is a need for a shower kit that provides a universal solution to the problems of cold water dripping or splashing from overhead showers.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In order to effectively solve the above-mentioned problems, a device for controlling water dripping or splashing from overhead showers, which is designed to be mounted on the exterior of the shower, has been developed according to the invention.

[0007] The present invention is set out in the appended set of claims.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for intercepting water drops or splashes from a shower head after the shower head has been switched off or closed, the device comprising: a receptacle movably mountable under the shower head and configured to receive drops or splashes from the shower head; a support arm having two ends and configured to be fixed at one of the two ends to a shower arm supporting the shower head or to a wall of a shower cubicle independently of the shower arm; and a pivot provided at another one of the two ends of the support arm and supporting the receptacle such that the receptacle is rotatable about an axis of the pivot to a position under the shower head and to a position away from the shower head, wherein the device is configured to enable draining, by gravity, the water collected by the receptacle from an orifice provided in the receptacle.

[0009] According to one preferred embodiment, the pivot is provided with a bore and a groove, which are configured to enable draining, by gravity, the water collected by the receptacle from an orifice provided in the receptacle via the bore and the groove in direction outside the pivot.

[0010] According to one preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a spout configured to direct the drained water (optionally, drained via the bore and the groove outside the pivot) to be discharged away from an axis of the shower head, wherein the spout preferably is fixed or clipped directly onto a lower part of the pivot. Preferably, a device for rotating the receptacle is further provided, more preferably in the form of a chain or a cord.

[0011] Alternatively to the mentioned embodiment with the spout, the device can further comprise a rigid or flexible pipe configured to direct the water drained via the bore and the groove outside the pivot to be discharged away from the shower head, wherein one of ends of the pipe preferably is fixed or clipped directly onto a lower part of the pivot. Preferably, the pipe is further provided with a handle for rotating the receptacle.

[0012] According to one preferred embodiment, the support arm is fitted with a collar at the one of the two ends of the support arm, the collar configured to fix the support arm to the shower arm.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, the support arm is configured to be fixed to a vertical part of an L-shaped shower arm coming from a wall, a vertical shower arm coming from a ceiling, or a wall of a shower cubicle, such that preferably a longitudinal axis of the support arm is substantially perpendicular to the respective vertical part of the L-shaped shower arm, vertical shower arm, or wall of the shower cubicle, and the axis of the pivot is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support arm.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment, the support arm is configured to be fixed to a horizontal part of the shower arm coming from a wall such that preferably a longitudinal axis of the support arm is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal part of the shower arm, wherein the axis of the pivot is substantially parallel to, preferably substantially coincides with, a longitudinal axis of the support arm, allowing the receptacle to be rotatable by means of a second support arm integrally coming from the pivot in direction away from the axis of the pivot, preferably substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the pivot.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, the support arm is adjustable in length to suit size and configuration of the shower head. Preferably, the support arm is telescopic.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment, the receptacle is hollow or concave to receive and hold the water dripping or splashing from the shower head.

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment, the shape of the receptacle is adapted to the shape of the shower head. The shape of the receptacle preferably is selected from square shape, rectangular shape and round shape.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the horizontal dimensions of the receptacle are greater than the horizonal dimensions of the shower head to capture unwanted water from the shower head.

[0019] According to another preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a means for providing automatic rotation of the receptacle about the axis of the pivot. Preferably, the pivot is provided hydraulically or electrically movable for rotating the receptacle depending on the pressure of the water supplied to the shower head.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, the pivot is configured to allow the receptacle to rotate about the axis of the pivot through an angle of at least about 90 degrees.

[0021] The device can be manufactured in any material and by semi or full industrial process.

[0022] As can be seen from the above aspects and preferable embodiments of the present invention, the device according to the present invention, which is designed to be mounted on the exterior of the shower, is a sophisticated assembly of components designed to address the persistent challenge of cold water dripping or water splashing in shower systems. This innovation combines technical precision with user-centric design, aiming to revolutionize the showering experience while minimizing water dripping and dispersion issues. Its universal, adaptable, robust structure and strategic assembly and placement of components provide a significant leap forward in addressing the existing problems without compromising on durability or visual appeal.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which prominent aspects and features of the invention are illustrated.

[0024] Fig. 1A schematically illustrates a swivel receptacle device according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is mounted on a shower arm 5 of an overhead shower, with a receptacle placed under the shower head 2 in the position for collecting the water that may flow from the shower head 2 once the shower has been switched off. The receptacle is mounted on a pivot 6 allowing the receptacle to pivot and supported by a support arm 3 fixed to the shower arm 5 supporting the shower head 2. The device further comprises a spout 111 fixed or clipped onto the pivot 6 for draining, by gravity, water collected by the receptacle via a bore and a groove 115 in the axis of the pivot 6 towards the spout 111, and an operating chain 120 for rotating the receptacle.

[0025] Fig. IB schematically illustrates the swivel receptacle device shown in Fig. 1A, with the receptacle 1 in a position in which it is retracted from the shower head 2, thus allowing normal use of the shower.

[0026] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the swivel receptacle device according to another embodiment of the present invention, which comprises a flexible or rigid pipe 112 coupled to a base of the pivot 6 and acting as a drain for the water from the receptacle 1, instead of the spout 111 exemplified in Figs. 1A and IB, the pipe 112 being provided with an operating handle 113 for pivoting the receptacle 1.

[0027] Fig.3 is an exploded view showing all the components of the present invention in detail, with two alternative variants for draining water via the bore and the groove 115 in the pivot 6: the spout 111 (with the operating chain or cord 120) as shown in Figs. 1A and IB, and the pipe 112 (with the operating handle 113) as shown in Fig. 2.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the swivel receptacle device according to the present invention, with a support arm 32 having an adjustable length to suit the dimensions of the shower head 2 and the shower arm 5.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the swivel receptacle device according to the present invention, with a support arm 32 having an adjustable length and fixed to a wall of the shower cubicle, independently of the shower arm 55 supporting the shower head 2.

[0030] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the swivel receptacle device according to the present invention, with a vertical support arm 32 fixed to a horizontal part 51 of the shower arm and adjustable in length. The support arm 32 is fitted with a pivot 6 allowing the receptacle 101 to be rotated as shown in the figure, and a spout 111 is integrated directly into the receptacle 101 for draining water collected in the receptacle 101 by gravity. Fig. 6 shows an embodiment where the shape of the receptacle 101 is adapted to the shape of the shower head 2 (round shape in this particular figure).

[0031] The present figures relate to schematic drawings so that any dimension of the elements shown in the drawings may deviate from a specifically implemented setup.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention is now described in more details with reference to non-limiting examples. For example, modifications of specific elements of the preferred embodiments described hereafter may be combined with other modifications so as to provide further embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] The present invention generally relates to a device for collecting water drops and splashes from shower heads. The device can be mounted on the exterior of the overhead shower, particularly on a shower arm 5 of an overhead shower comprising a shower head 2, as shown in Figs. 1A, IB, 2, 4 and 6, or can be fixed to the shower wall, as shown in Fig. 5. In the context of the present application, the term “shower head” should be understood as a device fixed by a solid shower arm in such a way that it sprays the water above the head of an adult. In the context of the present application, the term “shower arm” should be understood as ashower inlet, a pipe that supports an overhead shower head and brings water to the shower head 2. The shower arm 5 can come from the wall (as shown in Figs. 1A, IB, 2, 4 and 6) or the ceiling (as shown in Fig. 5). The shower arm 5 that comes from the wall can be L-shaped, as shown, e.g., in Figs. 1A, IB, and can comprise a horizontal part 51 (see Fig. 6) coming from the wall and a vertical part 53 (see Fig. 1A) coming to the shower head 2. The shower arm 5 that comes from the ceiling can be a straight and vertical pipe 55, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 1A, IB, 2-6, the device for collecting water drops and splashes from shower heads can comprise a swivel receptacle 1, a support arm 3, gravitational water evacuation means, and means for rotating the receptacle 1.

[0035] The receptacle 1 is made as a drip guard or tray movable by rotation around a shaft or pivot 6 and configured to be mounted close to and under the shower head 2 and receive drops or splashes of the water from the shower head 2. When positioned under the shower head 2, the receptacle 1 is adapted to catch any water that may escape from the shower head 2 after the shower jet has been turned off. The receptacle 1 can be hollow or concave to contain and hold the dripping water. The shape of the receptacle 1 can be adapted to that of the shower head 2, such as square shape (as shown in Figs. 1A, IB, 2, 3, 4 and 5), rectangular shape, or round shape 101 (as shown in Fig. 6), or any other shape depending on that of the shower head 2. The horizontal dimensions of the receptacle 1 preferably are greater than those of the shower head 2 to effectively intercept / capture any unwanted water while allowing the receptacle 1 to rotate freely.

[0036] The support arm 3 can be fitted at one of its ends with a collar 4 (as shown in Fig. 1A and IB), half-collars (as shown in Fig. 3), or other device(s) allowing fixing or clamping of the support arm 3 to the shower arm 5, particularly to a horizontal part 51 (as shown in Fig. 6) or a vertical part 53 (as shown in Fig. 1A) of the shower arm 5, in a stable manner by any fixing or securing means, such as screws and nuts or other means allowing sufficiently rigid immobilization and adjustment to ensure a good stability and functionality of the device according to the invention. The support arm 3 may be also mountable to a base of the shower head 2, which is sometimes slightly pivoting and adjustable. Alternatively, the support arm 3 can be configured to be fixed by one of its ends to the wall, as shown in Fig. 5. For example, the support arm 3 can be fitted at one of its ends with means allowing fixing or securing the support arm 3 to the wall, for example, by screws and nuts. The support arm 3 can be ofadjustable length to suit different shower head 2 sizes and shapes. In one of preferable embodiments, the support arm 3 is a telescopic support arm 32 (see Figs. 4, 5 and 6).

[0037] The pivot 6 is fitted at the other end of the support arm 3, which may or may not be vertical. The pivot 6 is configured to support the receptacle 1 under the shower head 2 and allow the receptacle 1 to rotate (as shown by an arrow 121 in Figs. 1A, IB, 2, 3, 6) about an axis of the pivot 6 through an angle of at least about 90 degrees, thus allowing the shower head 2 to be completely disengaged (as shown in Figs. IB and 6) during normal operation of the shower and cleaning of the device.

[0038] The pivot 6 can comprise bearings or bearings and stops to limit the rotation of the receptacle 1. The length and position of the support arm 3 can be adapted to enable the receptacle 1 to pivot sufficiently to ensure that it is completely away from the shower head.

[0039] A bore and a groove 115 are provided in the pivot 6 (preferably in a lower part of the pivot 6 in case the pivot 6 is vertical), along a longitudinal axis of the pivot 6, to allow the water contained in the receptacle 1 to be evacuated from an orifice 110 provided in the receptacle 1 by gravity, preferably towards a water evacuation device, to prevent the water from overflowing and to allow the water to be discharged away from the axis of the shower head 2. The water evacuation device may be a spout 111 (as illustrated in Figs. 1A, IB, 3, 4, 5 and 6), or any other device allowing the water contained in the receptacle 1 to be evacuated and preventing it from overflowing. The spout 111 can be fixed or clipped directly onto the pivot 6, preferably onto the lower part of the pivot 6.

[0040] The means for rotating the receptacle 1 is useful for people of small stature, can take many forms, and can be a cord or a chain 120 in one of preferable embodiments, as exemplified in Figs. 1A, IB. The means for rotating the receptacle 1 can even be provided with an automatic maneuvering device (not shown), for example, by making the pivot 6 of the receptacle 1 hydraulically or electrically movable for rotating the receptacle 1 depending on the pressure of the water supplied to the shower head 2.

[0041] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the device comprises a tube or pipe 112 as a water evacuation device for draining water (as shown by an arrow 114) contained in the receptacle 1 (as an alternative to the spout 111) The pipe 112 may be rigid(such as a tube) or flexible (such as a hose) and can simultaneously be used to drain water from the receptacle 1 and as a means for rotating the receptacle 1. Alternatively, the pipe 112 may be provided, preferably at its free end, with a maneuvering handle 113 for rotating the receptacle 1, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0042] According to one preferred method exemplified in Fig. 5, the device can be fixed to one of the walls of the shower cubicle by means of the telescopic support arm 32, at a suitable height in relation to the shower head 2, independently of the shower arm 5 which supports the shower head 2.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows another preferable embodiment of the device, which is fixed to the horizontal part 51 of the shower arm 5 by means of an adjustable, vertically positioned support arm, such as the telescopic support arm 32, and the collar 4. This support arm 32 includes the pivot 6 which can be located in line with or offset from a longitudinal axis of the support arm 32, enabling the receptacle 1, which in this example, has a round shape 101, be rotated by means of a second support arm 7 attached to the pivot 6 in a substantially perpendicular direction to form an L-shaped support for the receptacle 101. In this embodiment, the water can be evacuated from the receptacle 1 via the orifice 110 through the spout 111 integrally provided with the receptacle 101.

[0044] The device, which is the subject of the invention, can be produced using a variety of craft or industrial techniques, or a combination of them, depending on the chosen implementation: bending, stamping, welding and forming of various and adapted metal sheets and profiles, preferably stainless or with little corrosion; machining and shaping metals, polymers, materials or plant-based materials - wood or wood composites - in all their forms; high- or low-pressure molding of metal alloys or polymer or composite materials that are resistant to run-off and high humidity, by their very nature or through specific protection; three-dimensional printing with polymer or metallic materials for prototyping and small production runs; fasteners and fittings for fixing and operating in steel or stainless or rot-proof materials.

[0045] These various materials can be recycled from other existing products.

[0046] The device, which is the subject of the invention, is intended for all applications in the field of bathroom accessories and more particularly for shower components. Its universal adaptability allows easy installation on different types of showers, offering a versatile solution to a widespread problem. This adaptability not only allows for different shower sizes and configurations, but also for variations in the size of the shower, water pressure and flow potential.

[0047] User safety and comfort are improved by preventing unexpected water dripping from the shower head and drips or splashes of water. The invention ensures user comfort and helps to keep bathroom floors dry, thereby greatly reducing the risk of slipping, improving overall user safety. Any user, without special skills, can easily assemble the shower receptacle and attach it to the shower arm. After installation, the user can also easily rotate the receptacle from underneath the shower head and towards the underside of the shower head.

[0048] Thus, the design of the shower receptacle according to the present invention represents a holistic solution to the persistent problem of cold water drips or splashes from overhead showers. Its adaptable, user-centered design, robust construction and precisely orchestrated component layout are testament to its functional prowess, all without compromising durability or aesthetic appeal.

[0049] Beyond its immediate use in residential shower systems, the invention has potential applications in a variety of contexts. Its adaptable nature and effective water containment make it suitable for:1. Hospitality industry: hotels and resorts can benefit from this innovation to improve the guest experience and minimize the risk of accidents due to wet floors.2. Public facilities: gyms, swimming pools and communal showers can use this invention to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk of slipping.3. Healthcare facilities: hospitals and healthcare facilities could use this invention to ensure safer showering environments for patients and caregivers.

[0050] The above disclosed subject-matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and serves to provide a better understanding of the present invention set out in the appended set of claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for intercepting water drops or splashes from a shower head after the shower head has been switched off or closed, the device comprising: a receptacle (1) movably mountable under the shower head and configured to receive drops or splashes from the shower head, a support arm (3) having two ends and configured to be fixed at one of the two ends to a shower arm supporting the shower head or to a wall of a shower cubicle independently of the shower arm, and a pivot (6) provided at another one of the two ends of the support arm (3) and supporting the receptacle (1) such that the receptacle (1) is rotatable about an axis of the pivot (6) to a position under the shower head and to a position away from the shower head, wherein the device is configured to enable draining, by gravity, the water collected by the receptacle (1) from an orifice (110) provided in the receptacle.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pivot (6) is provided with a bore and a groove (115), which are configured to enable draining, by gravity, the water collected by the receptacle (1) from the orifice (110) provided in the receptacle via the bore and the groove (115) in direction outside the pivot (6).

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a spout (111) configured to direct the drained water to be discharged away from an axis of the shower head, wherein the spout (111) preferably is fixed or clipped directly onto a lower part of the pivot (6).

4. The device of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a device for rotating the receptacle (1), preferably in the form of a chain (120) or a cord.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a rigid or flexible pipe (112) configured to direct the water drained via the bore and the groove (115) outside the pivot (6) to be discharged away from the shower head, wherein one of ends of the pipe (112) preferably is fixed or clipped directly onto a lower part of the pivot (6).

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the pipe (112) is further provided with a handle (113) for rotating the receptacle (1).

7. The device of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the support arm (3) is fitted with a collar (4) at the one of the two ends of the support arm (3), the collar (4) configured to fix the support arm (3) to the shower arm.

8. The device of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the support arm (3) is configured to be fixed to a vertical part of an L-shaped shower arm coming from a wall, a vertical shower arm coming from a ceiling, or a wall of a shower cubicle, such that preferably a longitudinal axis of the support arm (3) is substantially perpendicular to the respective vertical part of the L-shaped shower arm, vertical shower arm, or wall of the shower cubicle, and wherein the axis of the pivot (6) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support arm (3).

9. The device of any of claims 1-7, wherein the support arm (3) is configured to be fixed to a horizontal part of the shower arm coming from a wall such that preferably a longitudinal axis of the support arm (3) is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal part of the shower arm, wherein the axis of the pivot (6) is substantially parallel to, preferably substantially coincides with, a longitudinal axis of the support arm (3), allowing the receptacle (1) to be rotatable by means of a second support arm (7) integrally coming from the pivot (6) in direction away from the axis of the pivot (6), preferably substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the pivot (6).

10. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support arm (3) is adjustable in length to suit size and configuration of the shower head, wherein the support arm (3) preferably is a telescopic support arm (32).

11. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (1) is hollow or concave to receive and hold the water dripping or splashing from the shower head.

12. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the receptacle (1) is adapted to the shape of the shower head, wherein the shape of the receptacle (1) preferably is selected from square shape, rectangular shape and round shape (101).

13. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal dimensions of the receptacle (1) are greater than the horizonal dimensions of the shower head to capture unwanted water from the shower head.

14. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a means for providing automatic rotation of the receptacle (1) about the axis of the pivot (6), wherein preferably the pivot (6) is provided hydraulically or electrically movable for rotating the receptacle (1) depending on the pressure of the water supplied to the shower head.

15. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot (6) is configured to allow the receptacle (1) to rotate about the axis of the pivot (6) through an angle of at least about 90 degrees.

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