Modular multi-function showering system

Abstract

Provided herein is a modular multi-function showering system which may be customized based on a user's preferences. The showering system may be integrated via a mechanical or digital valve integration, and the showering system may include several outlets which may be positioned and placed within the showering system based upon a user's selections. The outlets may be a variety of different outlets, including, but not limited to, a red light therapy outlet, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) light outlet, dynamic outlet, directionally customizable outlet, percussion outlet, and / or aromatherapy outlet. and a user may input selections or preferences in order for the showering system to provide hydrotherapy, light therapy, and / or aromatherapy in a manner as selected by the user.

Description

MODULAR MULTI-FUNCTION SHOWERING SYSTEMCross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 572,753, filed April 1, 2024, entitled, “MODULAR MULTI-FUNCTION SHOWERING TILE5 SYSTEM,” the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.Background

[0002] Consumers in both the private and public (e.g., spas) sectors rely on set showering experiences with little customization beyond aesthetic. The bathroom industry and standard, known shower10 arrangements tend to limit a user’s ability to customize the shower experience.Brief Description of Drawings

[0003] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example showering system.

[0004] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an example installation for an example showering system.

[0005] 5 Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an example valve integration.

[0006] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an example valve integration.

[0007] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of example components in an example installation.

[0008] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an example outlet.

[0009] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an example outlet.[OOlQp Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an example outlet.

[0011] Fig. 9 is a rear view of an example outlet.

[0012] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an example outlet.

[0013] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an example outlet.

[0014] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an example outlet.

[0012] 5 Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an example motor system.

[0016] Fig. 14 is a block diagram of an example motor system.

[0017] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an example outlet.

[0018] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an example outlet.

[0019] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an example outlet.

[0020] 5 Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an example outlet.

[0021] Fig. 19 is an illustrative view of an example user interface.

[0022] Fig. 20 is an illustrative view of an example user interface.

[0023] Fig. 21 is an illustrative view of an example user interface.

[0024] Fig. 22 is an illustrative view of an example user interface.[002TP Fig. 23 is an illustrative view of an example user interface.

[0026] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof is shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but to 15 the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.Detailed Description

[0027] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like20 reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.

[0028] Turning first to Fig. 1, a showering system 1 may provide multiple functions for users and may include several outlets for delivering water, scent, and / or light to a user. The outlets may be25 installed in various locations in the showering system 1 as desired by a user. The showeringsystem 1 as described herein may use hydrotherapy, light therapy, and / or aromatherapy to create a customizable, desirable experience for a user. The showering system 1 may be customized to a user’s preferences such that the water, scent, and / or light provided via the outlets may be selected by a user.

[0029] 5 As one example, the showering system 1 may include a red light therapy outlet 5, a seasonal affective disorder (SAD) light outlet 10, and other spray outlets 15. The red light therapy outlet 5, SAD light outlet 10, and spray outlets 15 may be installed in particular locations to direct water toward a user as desired (e.g., toward the user’s back for massaging, toward the user’s feet for cleaning). The spray outlets 15 are described with respect to Fig. 1 as generic outlets, 10 but the spray outlets 15 may be any outlets as described herein or as now known or hereafter developed.

[0030] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the showering system 1 may be modular such that it may be customized prior to installation. The connections for each of the red light therapy outlet 5, SAD light outlet 10, and other spray outlets 15 may be installed prior to the installation of tile or other surround 15 in the showering system 1. Each of the outlets 5, 10, 15 may be connected to water and / or power via installation boxes 20. The installation boxes 20 may be installed using mechanical, plumbing, and electrical installation now known or hereafter developed.

[0031] Turning to Fig. 3, the showering system 1 may incorporate a mechanical valve integration. In such an integration, a faucet 25 may be fluidically coupled to spray outlets 30 and a showerhead 20 35 (or any other outlets as discussed herein or as now known or hereafter developed) via water lines 40. The faucet 25 may be turned “on” to activate water flow to the spray outlets 30 and / or showerhead 35. In such a configuration, water may flow to and out of the showerhead 35 regardless of whether certain spray outlets 30 are selected. A temperature of water flowing out of the spray outlets 30 and / or showerhead 35 may be selected via the faucet 25. For purposesthat the component number 30 is a placeholder that could represent the red light therapy outlet 5, SAD light outlet 10, or spray outlets 15 (each as described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2), or any other spray outlets as described herein with reference to Figs. 4-18. Thus, depending upon the configuration of the outlets 30, water, light, scent, etc. may be diffused or dispersed 5 via the outlets 30.

[0032] Further, in the mechanical valve integration, an outlet coordinator 45 may be electronically coupled to the spray outlets 30. The outlet coordinator 45 may be controlled via a remote or user device via a connection from an outlet controller 50. The outlet controller 50 may be connected to a remote or user device such that inputs may be communicated to the outlet 10 coordinator 45. Such connections and communications may be via wireless or wired connections. As such, a user, via a remote or user device, may select which of the spray outlets 30 that the user would like to be activated. That selection may be received by the outlet controller 50, which may communicate the selection to the outlet coordinator 45.

[0033] The outlet coordinator 45 may instruct the selected spray outlets 30 to turn on as desired by the 15 user. The outlet coordinator 45 may store pre-set settings, such that, when the showering system1 is turned on by the user, the outlet coordinator 45 may cause the pre-set selected spray outlets 30 to turn on. The outlet coordinator 45 may create a shower experience based on the positioning of the spray outlets 30 and based on a user’s preferences, if known. The spray outlets 30 and showerhead 35 may work together to proportion flow of water between the spray 20 outlets 30 and showerhead 35.

[0034] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the showering system 1 may incorporate a digital valve integration. In such an integration, a digital interface 55 may be electronically coupled to a digital valve 60, which may be fluidically coupled to several spray outlets 65. The digital valve 60 may include several outputs 70, which may directly tie in to each of the spray outlets 65. The outputs 70 on 25 the digital valve 60 may be coupled to a hot and / or cold water input. Some of the outputs 70may deliver hot water to spray outlets 65 via hot water lines 75 while other outputs 70 may deliver cold water to spray outlets 65 via cold water line 80. For purposes of Fig. 4, the spray outlets are provided as component number 65, but it should be understood that the component number 65 is a placeholder that could represent the red light therapy outlet 5, SAD light outlet 5 10, or spray outlets 15 (each as described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2), the spray outlets 30 as described with reference to Fig. 3, or any other spray outlets as described herein with reference to Figs. 5-18. Thus, depending upon the configuration of the outlets 65, water, light, scent, etc. may be diffused or dispersed via the outlets 65.

[0035] The digital valve 60 may be electronically coupled to an outlet coordinator 85, which may be10 electronically coupled to several spray outlets 65. When the digital interface 55 is activated for the showering system 1 to be turned on, the digital interface 55 may communicate with the digital valve 60 to turn on, which may communicate to the outlet coordinator 85 which spray outlets 65 should be activated. The digital interface 55 may include selections which may be activated by a user (e.g., temperature, which spray outlets 65 to use, flow rate, etc.). The outlet 15 coordinator 85 may cause selected spray outlets 65 to turn on as desired by the user and may cause desired water temperature to exit the selected spray outlets 65. The digital interface 55 may store pre-set settings, which, when the showering system 1 is turned on by the user, may cause the outlet coordinator 85 to cause the selected spray outlets 65 to turn on pursuant to the pre-set settings. The outlet coordinator 85 may create a shower experience based on the 20 positioning of the spray outlets 65 and based on a user’s preferences, if known. The spray outlets 65 may work together to proportion flow of water between each of the spray outlets 65.

[0036] Turning now to Fig. 5, as discussed above, the red light therapy outlet 5, SAD light outlet 10, and spray outlets 15 (which may be spray outlets 30, spray outlets 65, or any other spray outlets as described herein with reference to Figs. 6-18) may be installed via installation boxes 20.25 After the installation boxes 20 are installed, the walls of the showering system 1 may beinstalled, leaving the installation boxes 20 accessible for installation of the outlets. A motor system 90 and a control board (not illustrated) may be first installed into the installation box 20. The motor system 90 (in connection with the control board) may deliver, via valves, diffusers, and other electronics, water, scent, light, etc. to the applicable outlets. The motor 5 system 90 may be a water motor and / or a soothe module (as discussed further with reference to soothe module 185 of Figs. 13 and 14).

[0037] After the motor system 90 and control board are installed, a compatible spray plate 95 may be installed to cover the installation box 20. The compatible spray plate 95 may be associated with a preferred outlet (e.g., a red light therapy outlet 5, SAD light outlet 10, spray outlets 15, spray 10 outlets 30, spray outlets 65, or any other spray outlets as described herein with reference to Figs. 6-18). After the compatible spray plate 95 has been installed, a plate cover 100, which may be associated with the preferred outlet, may be installed. The plate cover 100 may be for aesthetic purposes and may be selected based on a user’s preferences for color, finish, etc. of the outlet.[0038L]5 As illustrated in Fig. 6, a user may select a dynamic outlet 105 for use, which may be represented by the spray outlets 15, 30, or 65 as described above. The dynamic outlet 105 may include several nozzles 110 such that the dynamic outlet 105 may spray in a variety of directions. As illustrated, the formed spray pattern is converging, but the spray pattern may diverge or form any other suitable spray pattern. The dynamic outlet 105 may be substantially 20 similar in structure and function to the outlets and nozzles described in U.S. Pat. App. No. 19 / 055,197 assigned to Kohler Mira Limited and / or U.K. Pat. App. No. 2417909.5 assigned to Kohler Mira Limited, the entirety of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0039] As illustrated in Fig. 7, a user may select a directionally customizable outlet 115 for use, which may represent any of the spray outlets 15, 30, or 65 as described above. The directionally 25 customizable outlet 115 may include several nozzles 120 which may be designed to spray in adirection as selected by a user. The directionally customizable outlet 115 may include at least one sensor for detecting a position of a user in order for the nozzles 120 to spray in the preferred direction. As one example, the user may select a particular type of massage to be completed via the directionally customizable outlet 115. For example, the user may select for the upper 5 left of her back to be massaged first, followed by the upper right of her back; then, using the selections as a guide, the directionally customizable outlet 115 may follow the selected path. The user may select a particular path for the directionally customizable outlet 115 to follow on her back, for example, to achieve a desirable massaging effect. The directionally customizable outlet 115 may follow a custom path based on the user’s selections, or the directionally 10 customizable outlet 115 may rely upon pre-set settings to achieve particular massaging effects (which may be adjusted based on the positioning of the user, as detected by the sensors on the directionally customizable outlet 115).

[0040] Turning to Figs. 8-10, a user may select a percussion outlet 125 for use, which may be represented by the spray outlets 15, 30, or 65 as described above. The percussion outlet 125 15 may include several outlet portions 130, each with several nozzles 135. A motor system 90 associated with the percussion outlet 125 may cause the different outlet portions 130 to be used at varying speeds and / or patterns. This may create a percussive massage for a user. Each of the outlet portions 130 may incorporate similar functionalities as those described above with reference to the dynamic outlet 105 and / or the directionally customizable outlet 115. As 20 illustrated, the percussion outlet 125 may include four outlet portions 130, each of which may activated at different times or the same time as the others. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the percussion outlet 125 may include several inputs 140, each of which feed different outlet portions 130. As illustrated in Fig. 10, water from a first input 145 of the percussion outlet 125 may feed a first outlet portion 150 while water from a second input 155 may feed a second outlet portion 160.

[0041] Turning now to Figs. 11 and 12, a user may select the red light therapy outlet 5 for use, which may represent any of the spray outlets 15, 30, or 65 as described above. The red light therapy outlet 5 may include a red light plate 165 including several red, green, blue, and white (RGBW) light emitting diodes (LEDs). The red light plate 165 may incorporate red light technology now 5 known or hereafter developed. When turned on, the red light plate 165 may emit red light to a user (which may provide certain therapeutic benefits to a user). The red light therapy outlet 5 may also include an outlet portion 170 for water to be provided to a user. The outlet portion 170 may provide the water in a misting spray or any other desirable spray pattern. The red light therapy outlet 5 may be used with or without water such that only light or light with water may 10 be directed toward a user. As illustrated in Fig. 12, the red light therapy outlet 5 may include inputs 175, which may feed outlet portions 170 of the red light therapy outlet 5. Each of the outlet portions 170 may include several nozzles 180 for providing a spray (e.g., a misting spray) to the user.

[0042] Turning to Figs. 13 and 14, a soothe module 185 may be selected as the motor system 90. The15 soothe module 185 may be designed to provide a scent experience for a user. As illustrated inFig. 14, the soothe module 185 may include a water chamber 190 for storing water and an ultrasonic atomizer 195 within the water chamber 190 for transforming the water stored into a mist. Water may be provided into the water chamber 190 via a water supply 200 that passes through a solenoid valve 205 when water is needed. The water chamber 190 may include a 20 water level sensor 210 for detecting a level of water in the water chamber 190. The water level sensor 210 may determine when water is needed from the water supply 200 and, depending on the level, permit the water to travel through the solenoid valve 205 into the water chamber 190.

[0043] A fan 215 coupled to the water chamber 190 may cause mist (formed by the water in the water chamber 190 via the ultrasonic atomizer 195) to exit the water chamber 190 via a mist funnel 25 220. The mist may then pass through a mist diverter 225, where the mist may pass through afirst scent chamber 230, a second scent chamber 235, and / or a third scent chamber 240. The scents within the scent chambers 230, 235, and 240 may be pre-loaded by a user. The particular scent chamber 230, 235, and / or 240 may be selected based on a scent desired or selected by a user. After passing through the applicable scent chamber 230, 235, and / or 240, the mist may 5 exit the soothe module 185 via the mist outlet 245 for delivery to a user.

[0044] As illustrated in Fig. 15, an aromatherapy outlet 250 may be coupled to the soothe module 185 to deliver a scented mist to a user. The aromatherapy outlet 250 may be represented by the spray outlets 15, 30, or 65 as described above. Turning to Fig. 16, the mist outlet 245 from the soothe module 185 may be coupled to an input 255 of the aromatherapy outlet 250. The mist 10 may travel into the aromatherapy outlet 250 via the input 255 and may exit the aromatherapy outlet 250 via a baffle plate 260. The aromatherapy outlet 250 may include several LED strips 265, which may provide lighting to the mist provided to the user. The light from the LED strips 265 may illuminate the mist delivered to the user to create a multi-sensory experience.

[0045] Turning now to Figs. 17 and 18, a user may select the SAD light outlet 10 for use, which may15 represent any of the spray outlets 15, 30, or 65 as described above. The SAD light outlet 10 may incorporate a SAD light plate 270 for emitting SAD light to a user. The SAD light plate 270 may incorporate any applicable lighting (e.g., via SAD LEDs), including any SAD lighting now known or hereafter developed. The SAD light outlet 10 may be coupled to a water input for delivering a fog to a user. The light emitted from the SAD light plate 270 may illuminate 20 the fog to create a multi-sensory experience. The SAD light outlet 10 may deliver a scent to a user via the soothe module 185.

[0046] As illustrated in Fig. 18, the SAD light outlet 10 may include a water chamber 275 for storing water. The water chamber 275 may include an atomizer 280 to turn the water stored in the water chamber 275 into a fog or mist. Water may be provided into the water chamber 275 via 25 a water supply 285 that passes through a solenoid valve 290 when water is needed. The waterchamber 275 may include a water level sensor 295 for detecting a level of water in the water chamber 275. The water level sensor 295 may determine when water is needed from the water supply 285 and, depending on the level, permit the water to travel through the solenoid valve 290 into the water chamber 275.

[0047] 5 A fan 300 coupled to the water chamber 275 may cause mist (formed by the water in the water chamber 275 via the atomizer 280) to exit the water chamber 275 via a mist funnel 305. The mist funnel 305 may be supplied to an input 310 in the SAD light outlet 10. The mist may travel through a mist channel 315 out of the SAD light outlet 10. The mist may be gradually directed to an edge 320 of the SAD light outlet 10 at a substantially constant speed. The mist 10 channel 315 may include several guide vanes 325, which may aid in limiting the amount of mist released at a time to aid in creating a substantially even flow. The mist channel 315 may direct mist to exit the SAD light outlet 10 surrounding the SAD light plate 270 to create a substantially 360° lighting and fogging experience.

[0048] A light therapy panel (not illustrated) may incorporate the functionalities as described with15 reference to the red light therapy outlet 5 and the SAD light outlet 10. Such a light therapy panel may include both red light and SAD light and may be used for a variety of light treatments. The light therapy panel may include a light box that includes near-infrared (NIR) LEDs, SAD LEDs, RGBW LEDs, and / or any other lighting. The lighting in the light box may deliver ambient light, chromatherapy, and / or any other light therapy as desired by a user.[0049p Turning to Figs. 19-23, a user interface 330 may be provided for a user to select the type of shower experience to be delivered (as described above). The user interface 330 may include a user selection screen 335 which may allow a user to select her profile, which may be pre-loaded with her preferences and desired shower experience. As illustrated in Fig. 20, a user profile screen 340 of the user interface 330 may allow a user to adjust her preferences (e.g., water 25 temperature, water pressure, etc.) as well as provide identifying details of the user herself. Theidentifying details may include the user’s age, height, and / or gender. As one example, the height may be used when using the directionally customizable outlet 115 (as described above) in order to aid in providing the massaging sprays at the desired height. As illustrated in Fig. 21, a shower selection screen 345 of the user interface 330 may be provided for a user to select the5 type of shower experience desired. The user interface 330 may be preloaded with various shower experiences (e.g., “realign me,” “pamper me,” “power me up,” “the best of me,” “shake off the day”) or may include an option for the user to create a new shower experience. Each of these shower experiences may provide unique showering characteristics, including, but not limited to, hydrotherapy, light therapy, and aromatherapy.[005QP As illustrated in Figs. 22 and 23, an experience screen 350 for each of the shower experiences described above or a new shower experience created by a user may be selected to personalize the different characteristics of the experience. For example, using the experience screen 350, the user may select a scent to incorporate, the temperature of the lighting, the intensity of the massage provided by the outlets, etc. From the experience screen 350, a user may start the 15 showering system for such a selected experience.

[0051] As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications, applications, variations, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. Many such changes, modifications, variations, and other uses 20 and applications of the present constructions will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. All such changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present inventions are deemed 25 to be covered by the inventions which are limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

Claims1. A spray outlet configured for attachment in a showering system, the spray outlet comprising: a motor system being at least one of a water motor and a soothe module; an installation box for connecting the motor system to at least one of water and electricity; and a spray plate for delivering a preferred spray configuration to a user.

2. The spray outlet of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical valve for at least one of activating and deactivating water flow to the spray outlet.

3. The spray outlet of claim 1, further comprising a digital valve for controlling at least one of a flow rate and a temperature of water flowing to the spray outlet.

4. The spray outlet of claim 1, wherein the spray outlet is programmed to create a showering experience.

5. The spray outlet of claim 4, wherein the showering experience delivers at least one of water, scent, and light to the user.

6. The spray outlet of claim 1, further comprising a plate cover for covering the spray plate.

7. The spray outlet of claim 1, further comprising a second spray outlet, wherein the spray outlet delivers water to the user and the second spray outlet delivers a scent to the user.

8. A showering system comprising: two or more spray outlets interconnected with one another; wherein each spray outlet comprises: a motor system being at least one of a water motor and a soothe module; and a spray plate for delivering a preferred spray configuration to a user.

9. The showering system of claim 8, further comprising a mechanical valve for at least one of activating and deactivating water flow to the spray outlet.

10. The showering system of claim 8, further comprising a digital valve for controlling at least one of a flow rate and a temperature of water flowing to the spray outlet.

11. The showering system of claim 8, wherein the showering system is programmed to create a showering experience.

12. The showering system of claim 11, wherein the showering experience delivers at least one of water, scent, and light to the user.

13. The showering system of claim 8, further comprising a plate cover for covering the spray plate.

14. The showering system of claim 8, wherein a first spray outlet of the two or more spray outlets delivers water to the user and a second spray outlet of the two or more spray outlets delivers a scent to the user.

15. A kit compri sing : a showering system comprising: two or more spray outlets interconnected with one another; wherein each spray outlet comprises: a motor system being at least one of a water motor and a soothe module; an installation box for connecting the motor system to at least one of water and electricity; and a spray plate for delivering a preferred spray configuration to a user; wherein the showering system is programmed to create a showering experience.

16. The kit of claim 15, further comprising at least one of: a mechanical valve for at least one of activating and deactivating water flow to the spray outlet; and a digital valve for controlling at least one of a flow rate and a temperature of water flowing to the spray outlet.

17. The kit of claim 15, wherein the showering experience delivers at least one of water, scent, and light to the user.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the light is delivered via at least one of: red, green, blue, and white (RGBW) light emitting diodes (LEDs); near-infrared LEDs; and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) LEDs.

19. The kit of claim 15, further comprising a plate cover for covering the spray plate.

20. The kit of claim 15, wherein a first spray outlet of the two or more spray outlets delivers water to the user and a second spray outlet of the two or more spray outlets delivers a scent to the user.

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