Showerheads with water filter and skin treatment element and quick-release feature

Abstract

A showerhead assembly may include a base member fluidly coupled to a shower pipe configured to fluidly convey water to the base member. A stationary showerhead may be fluidly connected to the base member, the stationary showerhead including a front face defining a plurality of apertures from which the water exits. A rear wall may be coupled to the front face, where the front face and rear wall may define a cavity through which the water flows from the shower pipe into the cavity. At least one quick-release feature accessible on at least one of the front face and rear wall that, when activated by a user, causes the stationary showerhead to be physically released from the base member.

Description

Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WOSHOWERHEADS WITH WATER FILTER AND SKIN TREATMENT ELEMENT AND QUICK-RELEASE FEATURECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 714,129, filed October 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Showers are important for personal hygiene. Personal hygiene provides a variety of health and mental benefits for people. In some cases, warm or hot showers can offer pain relief by reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow, improving concentration, lessening fatigue, and making it easier to breathe, among other physical and mental benefits. Showering, of course, helps reduce bacteria on skin along with removing dead skin cells. Showering is also a social norm in most countries such that most people shower daily.

[0003] As society and technology has evolved, unfortunately the number and amount of pollutants that are in residential, commercial, and especially military water supplies, including those that are filtered by water treatment facilities, has grown significantly. Pollutants that are often found in water include harmful germs and chemicals as a result of fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals that have been applied to land near water sources (e.g., lakes, rivers, ground water, and reservoirs). In a shower, the water and steam from the heated water contacts the skin and is breathed in by the person showering. Different regions of the country and world have different pollutants, which may also shift throughout the year due to farming practices, rain events, melting snow, and so on.

[0004] Moreover, a recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that almost half of the tap water in the US is contaminated with chemicals known as “forever chemicals,” and this number may be lower than actual contamination because the tests were limited to only a small subset of 32 compounds of the total number of more than 12,000 of “forever chemicals” that are considered dangerous to human health. Forever chemicals are generally per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, chemicals. For at least these reasons, although shower water is typically not ingested, the mere fact that the heated water with harmfulAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO chemicals is contacting skin for prolonged periods of time while in the shower and steam containing these chemicals exists and are breathed in by people while showering, there is a need to treat shower water while providing for a showerhead that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally desirable.Atty. Docket No.: 136317-4030Atty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WOSUMMARY

[0005] To protect people against pollutants in showers, the principles provided herein include a showerhead assembly inclusive of a water filter. One embodiment of a showerhead assembly may include a base member that may house a water filter that is fluidly connected to a handheld showerhead that may be magnetically coupled to the base member. The base member and handheld showerhead may be configured to enable the handheld showerhead to be rotated in an elevation direction and set to a desired elevational angle. The base member may be configured to enable the water filter to be front-loaded, thereby eliminating the need to remove the base member from a shower pipe. The handheld showerhead may also include a feature that enables a user to position a water-dissolvable treatment element, such as a skin or hair treatment element, therein such that flowing water may form a solution from the treatment element.

[0006] In an alternative embodiment, the showerhead assembly may also have functionality to make the showerhead assembly easier to use and more versatile for a user. In an embodiment, the stationary showerhead may have a center portion that stores the water filter by a push-to-open / close, push-and-twist open / close, or threaded to open / close. If a handheld showerhead is provided with the showerhead assembly, magnets may be positioned in a center region of a front face of the stationary showerhead and on a rear housing of the handheld showerhead to magnetically retain the handheld on the stationary showerhead, thereby providing for ease of use of the showerhead assembly.

[0007] One embodiment of a showerhead assembly may include a base member configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a shower pipe, the base member may define a cavity in which a water filter is disposed, and at least one first magnet positioned at a front wall opposite a rear wall that is proximate the shower pipe, where the front wall may define a first physical feature positioned within a first magnetic field of the at least one first magnet. A handheld showerhead may be fluidly connected to the base member, and include (i) a rear wall and (ii) a front wall that defines a plurality of openings through which water exits the handheld showerhead. The rear wall and front wall of the handheld showerhead may define a cavity in which at least one second magnet may be positioned and arranged to be attracted to the first magnet(s) when the rear wall of the handheld showerhead is positioned against the front wall of the base member. The rear wall of the handheld showerhead mayAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO define a second physical feature configured to physically engage with the first physical feature. The second physical feature may be positioned within a second magnetic field of the second magnet(s) such that the first and second magnetic fields attract one another to assist a user in aligning the first and second physical features when engaging the handheld showerhead with the base member.

[0008] One embodiment of a method of operating a showerhead assembly may include positioning a rear wall of a handheld showerhead near a front wall of a base member that is fluidly connected to a water pipe to magnetically couple at least one first magnet of the base member and at least one second magnet of the handheld showerhead to assist a user with aligning a first physical feature disposed on the front wall of the base member with a second physical feature of the rear wall of the handheld showerhead. The first and second physical features may be engaged with one another by performing a first action. A first locking feature at the first physical feature may be interlocked with a second locking feature at the second physical feature by a second action to prevent the first and second locking features from separating from one another, thereby retaining the handheld showerhead with the base member.

[0009] One embodiment of a showerhead assembly may include a base member configured to be fluidly connected to a shower pipe, and defining a cavity in which a water filter is disposed. Magnet(s) may be positioned at a front wall opposite a wall that is proximate the shower pipe. A handheld showerhead may be fluidly connected to the base member. The handheld showerhead may include (i) a rear wall and (ii) a front face. Second magnet(s) may be positioned and arranged to be attracted to the first magnet(s). The handheld showerhead may be altered from a first elevation angle to a second elevation angle while magnetically retained by the base member. The handheld showerhead may be altered from a first elevation angle to a second elevation angle while magnetically retained by the base member.

[0010] Another embodiment of a showerhead assembly may include a stationary showerhead fluidly connected to a shower pipe, the stationary showerhead including a fluid pathway therethrough and a front face that defines a plurality of openings for water to exit therefrom, the front face defining a cavity opening and a cavity within the stationaryAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO showerhead in which a water filter is disposed, the cavity in fluid communication with the fluid pathway and the plurality of openings, the water filter arranged within the cavity such that water flowing through the cavity flows through the water filter prior to exiting from the openings of the front face of the stationary showerhead.

[0011] Methods for forming showerhead assemblies described herein may be performed to produce and / or assemble the showerhead assemblies. Moreover, kits that include the various components that form the showerhead assemblies may be constructed and distributed for consumers to install in a shower.

[0012] A showerhead assembly may include a base member fluidly coupled to a shower pipe configured to fluidly convey water to the base member. A stationary showerhead may be fluidly connected to the base member, the stationary showerhead including a front face defining a plurality of apertures from which the water exits. A rear wall may be coupled to the front face, where the front face and rear wall may define a cavity through which the water flows from the shower pipe into the cavity. At least one quick-release feature accessible on at least one of the front face and rear wall that, when activated by a user, causes the stationary showerhead to be physically released from the base member.Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WOBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures wherein:

[0014] FIGS. 1A-1N are illustrations of an illustrative showerhead assembly inclusive of a base member that directly or indirectly attaches to a shower pipe, houses a water filter, and optionally includes magnets to enable a handheld showerhead to be magnetically coupled to the base member;

[0015] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a kit including components of the showerhead assembly of FIGS. 1A-1N;

[0016] FIGS. 3A-3D are illustrations of an illustrative showerhead assembly including a stationary showerhead fluidly connected to a shower pipe and including a water filter that is front-loaded via a front face of the stationary showerhead;

[0017] FIGS. 4A-4C are illustrations at different angles of an illustrative showerhead assembly inclusive of a functional stationary showerhead and a handheld showerhead disposed on a front face of the stationary showerhead;

[0018] FIGS. 4D-4I are illustrations of the illustrative showerhead assembly of FIGS. 4A-4C inclusive of the stationary showerhead and the handheld showerhead disposed on the front face of the stationary showerhead along with a wall-mountable dock inclusive of regions in which multiple user-changeable front faces of the handheld showerhead may be retained while not in use;

[0019] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a kit of components of the showerhead assembly of FIGS. 4A-4I;

[0020] FIGS. 6A-6C are illustrations of an illustrative showerhead assembly inclusive of a base member and handheld showerhead that depict magnets and other internal and external features utilized to retain the handheld showerhead with the base member in which a water filter may be disposed;Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO

[0021] FIGS. 7A-7C are illustrations of an illustrative showerhead assembly that depict magnets and other internal and external features utilized to retain a handheld showerhead with a base member in which a water filter may be disposed;

[0022] FIGS. 8A and 8B are illustrations of an embodiment of a showerhead assembly may include a base member and a stationary showerhead that is removably attached to the base member; and

[0023] FIGS. 9A-9F are illustrations of a process for releasing a stationary showerhead from a base member (e.g., base member FIG. 8A).Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WODETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain illustrative embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0025] With regard to FIGS. 1A-1N, illustrations of an illustrative showerhead assembly 100 inclusive of a base member 102 that directly or indirectly attaches to a shower pipe 104, houses a water filter 106 (see FIG. 1 J), and optionally includes one or more magnets 108a to enable a handheld showerhead 110 to be magnetically coupled to the base member 102 are shown. The handheld showerhead 110 may also include one or more magnets 108b (see FIGS. 1G and 1H) that have opposite polarization facing the magnets 108a, thereby causing the two sets of magnets 108a and 108b (collectively 108) to be attracted to one another. In an alternative embodiment, rather than both the base member 102 and handheld showerhead 110 having magnets 108 configured to attract to one another, one of the base member 102 or handheld showerhead 108 may have metal to which the magnets 108a or 108b are attracted, thereby retaining the handheld showerhead 110 to the base member 102, albeit with less force than the two sets of magnets 108, and enabling tip-tilt (i.e., elevation angle rotation) functionality of the handheld showerhead 110 described herein.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1A, the base member 102 is shown to be retaining the handheld showerhead 110 using magnets 108a and 108b. A front face 112 of the handheld showerhead 110 includes multiple apertures 114a-114n (collectively 114) defined thereby to enable waterflow to exit the front face 112 of the handheld showerhead 110. In the embodiment shown, the front face 112 may be circular and the apertures may be formed in a ring surrounding a cavity access feature 116. The cavity access feature 116 may be a door or structure behind which a compartment or cavity (see FIGS. IM and IN) is positioned (see, for example, FIGS. 1L-1N). It should be understood that the shapes of the various features are illustrative and alternative shapes and configurations that may provide for the same or similar functionality may be utilized.Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO

[0027] A control lever 118 may be rotated around the front face 112, and be configured to cause water pressure to increase or decrease by opening and closing a valve or other feature disposed within the handheld showerhead 110. Alternatively and / or additionally, the control lever 118 may be configured to cause the water flow to transition from a continuous stream to a pulsating stream of water. Still yet, the control lever 114 may be configured to narrow or widen the water flow from the handheld showerhead 110. It should be understood that more than one control lever or other control device (e.g., knob that is rotated) to cause one or more functions to be performed by the handheld showerhead 110 may be provided.

[0028] The handheld showerhead 110 may further include a handle 120 that a user may hold when used in the handheld showerhead 110 in a handheld manner as removed from the base member 102, as shown in FIG. IB. The base member 102 and handheld showerhead 110 may be fluidly connected by a water conduit or hose 122 connected therebetween. As shown in FIG. 1A, an elevation angle £ is at 0° relative to an axial direction of the base member 102. As shown in FIG. 1C, the handheld showerhead 110 is at an elevation angle £ of -10°, and as shown in FIG. ID, the handheld showerhead 110 is at an elevation angle £ of +10°. In each of the different elevation angles £, the magnets 108a and 108b may magnetically retain the handheld showerhead 110 at the respective elevation angles £, as adjusted or set by the user. In an embodiment, the base member 102 and / or showerhead 110 may be configured with two or more preset elevation angles £.

[0029] With regard to FIG. IE, a rear view of the showerhead assembly 100 is shown with the handheld showerhead 110 being positioned on the base member 102. FIG. IF is a front view illustration of the illustrative showerhead assembly 100. With regard to FIG. 1G, a left side view of the showerhead assembly 100 shows the base member 102 supporting the handheld showerhead 110 using magnets 108a and 108b to magnetically retain the handheld showerhead 110 to the base member 102. The magnets 108a and 108b, of course, have magnetic poles that attract one another at a front wall 124 (FIG. IB) of the base member 102 and rear wall 126 of the handheld showerhead 110. As shown in FIG. IB, the front wall 124 of the base member 102 is curved, and in this embodiment is concave, such as a bowl shape. The rear wall 126 of the handheld showerhead 110 may be curved and be a complement shape (i.e., an inverted bowl or dome shape) of the front wall 124 such that the walls 124 and 126 are in contact with one another when magnetically held to one another. It should beAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO understood that a variety of different shapes, such as a parabola, ellipse, or other curved shape, generally symmetrical across a horizontal plane, that accommodates an elevation angle £ to be set by a user and have the elevation angle £ of the handheld showerhead 110 relative to the base member 102 be retained by the magnets 108. In other words, the shape of the front and rear walls 124 and 126 along with the strength of the magnets 108 enable the elevation angle £ to be set by a user and retained at those angles.

[0030] FIG. 1H is a right-side view of the showerhead assembly 100 showing the handheld showerhead 110 magnetically supported by the base member 102 by magnets 108. Although the showerhead 100 does not include any mechanical mechanisms beyond the magnets 108, it should be understood that mechanical mechanisms, such as clips, pins, latches, or other mechanisms to retain the handheld showerhead 110 with the base member 102 and allow for changes of the elevation angle £ to be made by a user. It should also be understood that although the configuration of the front wall 124 of the base member 102 and rear wall 126 of the handheld showerhead 110 allow for a continuous adjustment of the elevation angle £ without limitation, but alternative embodiments in which preset elevation angles may be provided.

[0031] With regard to FIG. II, an illustration of the base member 102 fluidly connected to the shower pipe 104 is shown. One or more magnets 108a are disposed behind the front wall 124. As shown in FIG. 1J, the base member 102 may have a rear housing 128a and front housing 128b that define a cavity 130 (FIG. IK) into which the water filter 106 may be positioned. In an embodiment, the water filter 106 may be secured within cavity 130 such that water that enters the cavity 130 from the shower pipe is forced through the water filter 106, thereby causing the water to be filtered prior to exiting the handheld showerhead 106. The filtered water exits through the hose 122 to the handheld showerhead 110. In an embodiment, the water filter 106 may be screwed into threads within the cavity positioned against an inside wall of the rear housing 128a. Alternative configurations may be utilized to cause water to flow through the water filter 106 flowing through a fluid pathway defined within the handheld showerhead 110. As shown, the water filter 106 may include a filter housing 132 that defines openings 134 on a front side and rear side (not shown) of the filter housing 132 to enable unfiltered water to flow into and filtered water to flow out of the water filter 106.Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO

[0032] With regard to FIGS. 1L-1N, three respective states of the handheld showerhead 110 are shown. In this embodiment, a hatch member 136 is disposed in a center location of the front face 112 of the handheld showerhead 110. The hatch member 136 may be configured to have a closed state, as shown in FIG. IL, and an open state, as shown in FIG. IM. In the closed state of FIG. IL, the hatch member 136 may be flush with the front face 112 of the handheld showerhead 110 and provide for a wall of a compartment or cavity 138 therebehind. The compartment 138 may be a defined region in which one or more structural members (not shown) that are attached to the hatch member 136 to receive and retain a treatment element 140, such as a skin or hair treatment element, are located. The treatment element 140 be formulated to create a water-based solution that performs other bodily or non- bodily functions (e.g., water coloring for Halloween). The compartment 138 may be a cavity formed within the handheld showerhead 110 for retaining the treatment element 140, and may enable water flow through a fluid pathway to pass across the treatment element 140 prior to being output via the openings 114 of the front face 112 of the handheld showerhead 110. The treatment element 140 may be a solid, compressed gel, gel, liquid, or otherwise. If in a gel or liquid form, the treatment element 140 may be contained within a container or other permeable or semi -permeable component for easy transport and handling. In an embodiment, the compartment 138 may allow for liquid or powder to be directly dispensed therein.

[0033] As previously described, the treatment element 140 that is in the compartment 138 may be selectively exposed or shielded from the water flow by providing a control lever or other mechanism (e.g., rotation of the hatch member 136 from an “apply treatment” state to a “no treatment” state), thereby enabling the user to have the treatment element 140 positioned within the compartment 138, but selectively use the treatment element (e.g., when washing hair, when washing face, etc.). The treatment element 140 is shown to be a thin disc having “petals” disposed along the perimeter of the treatment element 140. In an embodiment, the compartment 138 may be configured with an internal shape that is complement of the shape of the treatment element 140, thereby limiting non-treatment elements from being inserted therein. The hatch member 136 may include a slot 142 on a sidewall 144 of the hatch member 136 through which the treatment element 140 is inserted to be stored in the compartment 138. In an embodiment, the hatch member 136 may also have a shape that matches the profile shape of the treatment element 140 by having “petals,” thereby being both ornamental andAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO suggestive as to the purpose (i.e., to enable the treatment element 140 to be inserted therein) of the compartment behind the hatch member 136.

[0034] To transition the hatch member 136, a user may press the hatch member 136 to cause a push-to-open / close mechanism to be actuated. Alternatively, the hatch member 136 may have threads that allow for the hatch member 136 to be screwed in and out of the front face 112. In an embodiment, a hinge (not shown) that allows for the hatch member 136 to be rotated in and out and a latch, clasp, or other mechanism that holds the hatch member 136 into the front face 112 may be included. Because water may flow through the compartment 138, the hatch member 136, when in the closed state, is to be secure and leak-free enough to avoid unexpected opening or leaking therefrom. The hatch member 136 and handheld showerhead 110 are shown to be circular, but alternative shapes, such as square, rectangular, diamond, oval, or otherwise may be utilized. In an embodiment, the hatch member 136 may have “pedals” on the perimeter to match that of the treatment element 140. Although the embodiment presented includes a handheld showerhead 110, it should be understood that certain functions (e.g., hatch member in which a treatment element may be inserted) thereof may be incorporated into a stationary showerhead (see, for example, FIG. 3A). A stationary showerhead is configured to be pivotable in azimuth and elevation, but is not considered to be a handheld showerhead.

[0035] With regard to FIG. 2, an illustration of a showerhead assembly kit 200 including components of the showerhead assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A-1N is shown. The kit 200 includes the base member 102 with the rear housing 128a and front housing 128b, water filter 106, handheld showerhead 110, water hose 122, and optionally treatment element 140 (may be separate from the kit 200). It should be understood that the kit 200 may include additional and / or alternative components and with different configurations, but be configured to provide the same or similar functionality as described with regard to FIGS. 1A-1N.

[0036] With regard to FIGS. 3A-3D, illustrations of an illustrative showerhead assembly 300 including a stationary showerhead 310 fluidly connected to a shower pipe 304 and including a water filter 306 that is front-loaded via a front face 312 of the stationary showerhead 310 are shown. The stationary showerhead 302 may include a hatch member 336 that is a press-release mechanism. In a closed state, the hatch member 336 may be configured to retain the water filter 306 within a cavity 330. The water filter 306 may beAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO positioned within a water filter retention housing 342 into which the hatch member 336 connects. The filter retention housing 342 may be configured to secure into the showerhead 310 and have water from the shower pipe 304 pass therethrough and through the water filter 306 prior to be output via openings 314a-314n (collectively 314) defined by the front face 312 of the stationary showerhead 310. In an embodiment, the filter retention housing 344 may have threads or any other connection feature(s) that are reciprocal to connection feature(s) within or defined by the stationary showerhead 310 so as to secure the filter retention housing 344 within the cavity 330 and force the water through the water filter 306. In an embodiment, the hatch member 336 may be releasably connected to the retention housing 344 or the retention housing 344 may be releasably connected to the stationary showerhead 310. In either case, by having the water filter 306 be accessible via a front face 312 of the stationary showerhead 310, a user may be able to replace the water filter 306 in an easy and safe manner. In an alternative embodiment, the water filter 306 resides behind the hatch member 336 without the use of a retention housing 344. In such an embodiment, the water filter 306 may be configured to attach to the inside of the cavity 330 such that water flows through the water filter 306.

[0037] With regard to FIGS. 4A-4C, illustrations at different angles of an illustrative showerhead assembly 400 inclusive of a functional stationary showerhead 410a and a handheld showerhead 410b (collectively 410) disposed on a front face 412a of the stationary showerhead 410a are shown. The handheld showerhead 410b may be removably positioned on the front face 412a of the stationary showerhead 410a with a front face 412b of the handheld showerhead 410b facing in the same direction as the front face 412a of the stationary showerhead 410a. The front face 412a of the stationary showerhead 410a may define a plurality of openings 414a-414m through which filtered water may be output. Similarly, the front face 412b of the handheld showerhead 414b may define a plurality of openings 414n-414z through which filtered water may be output. In an embodiment, if the stationary showerhead 410a is operating to output water, then water may be prevented from flowing to the handheld showerhead 410b, and vice versa. Alternatively, both showerheads 410a and 410b may be configured to output filtered water simultaneously.

[0038] A cavity access feature (disposed behind the handheld showerhead 410b) 436 (see FIG. 5) may enable a user to access the cavity 430 in which a water filter 406 (see FIG. 5)Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO may be retained, such as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. The stationary showerhead 410a and handheld showerhead 410b may be fluidly connected to one another via a flexible water hose 422. In an embodiment, the handheld showerhead 410b may have magnets (see, for example, 108b of FIG. 1G) disposed at a rear wall (not shown) thereof to be attracted to magnets (see, for example, 108a of FIG. 1G) of a front wall (not shown) of the cavity access feature 436 (see, for example, FIG. 1G). The stationary showerhead 410a may include a control member 418 that may be actuated (e.g., rotated) to cause a change in the water output from the stationary showerhead 410a. The handheld showerhead 410b may have a handle 420 that a user may hold when the handheld showerhead 410b is used off of the stationary showerhead 410a by a user. In an embodiment, a control feature 446 (e.g., push button, knob, etc.) disposed on the handle 420 may be used to control function of the handheld showerhead 410b whether water is output, change mode (e.g., pulsation speed, pressure, and / or other mode) of the handheld showerhead 410b, or cause other functions to occur. In an embodiment, the control feature 446 may be alternately located (e.g., on the stationary showerhead 410a). It should be understood that non-magnetic versions of supporting the handheld showerhead 410b by the stationary showerhead 410a may be utilized by using retention features on the front face 412a of the stationary showerhead 410a and / or other features that retains the handheld showerhead 410b to the stationary showerhead 410a. FIGS. 4B and 4C are left rear and right-side perspective views of the showerhead assembly 400 of FIG. 4A.

[0039] With regard to FIGS. 4D-4I, illustrations of an illustrative showerhead assembly of FIGS. 4A-4C inclusive of a functional stationary showerhead 410a and the handheld showerhead 410b disposed on the front face 412a of the stationary showerhead 410a along with a wall-mountable dock 448 defining showerhead face storage regions 450a-450c (collectively 450) in which multiple user-changeable front faces 452a-452c (collectively 452) of the handheld showerhead 410b may be retained while not in use are shown. The stationary showerhead 410a may be connected to a shower pipe 404 directly or indirectly either using an adapter or connector. The user-changeable front faces 452 may each have a different function. For example, front face 452a may be configured to be a body exfoliator, front face 452b may be a plain face to a showerhead without specific functions for use on a human or animal (e.g. dog) body, and front face 452c may be configured to be a scalp massager. Other configurations and functions are possible. The materials of each of the front faces 450 mayAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO be plastic, silicone, metal, rubber, and / or any other material that is able to be used in wet and hot conditions without deformation or degradation over a short period of time (e.g., within a few years). In an alternative embodiment, a showerhead or another adapter may provide for female or male sensual pleasure.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4E, an illustration of the dock 448 that is storing front faces 452a and 452c while supporting the handheld showerhead 410b on which the front face 452b is retained. In an embodiment, the front faces 452 may include at least one magnet that is attracted to a magnet that is positioned on the handheld showerhead 410b disposed behind the front face 452b mounted thereon. In an embodiment, the front faces may be configured to engage with one or more mechanical features in addition to or in lieu of magnets. For example, the handheld showerhead 410b may have threads into which the front faces 452 are screwed to be secured to the handheld showerhead 410b. Alternatively, features that enable the front faces 452 to snap, clamp, or otherwise be removably connected to the handheld showerhead 410b may be utilized. The regions 450 may be shaped to enable a rear wall of the handheld showerhead 410b that may have a reciprocal shape (or at least a shape that is compatible) to be engaged and secured thereto via magnets or other securing feature(s).

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G, the front face 452b is attached to the handheld showerhead 410b while the front faces 452a and 452c are positioned on the dock 448 that is mounted (e.g., adhered) to the wall 454. In FIG. 4H, the front face 452b is positioned on the dock 448 in front face storage region 450b and front face 452a is positioned onto the handheld showerhead 410b (e.g., magnetically adhered, snapped in, etc.). In FIG. 41, the front face 452a is mounted to the handheld showerhead 410b and front faces 452b and 452c are positioned on the dock in storage regions 450b and 450c. It should be understood that the positions of each of the front faces 452 may be configured for specific storage regions 450 or be configured to be positioned on a specific one of the storage regions 450.

[0042] With regard to FIG. 5, an illustration of a kit 500 of components of the showerhead assembly of FIGS. 4A-4I are shown. The kit 500 may include the stationary showerhead 410a configured to be connected to the shower pipe 404 (see FIG. 4D) and support the handheld showerhead 410b utilizing magnets (see, for example, FIG. 1G) to magnetically retain the handheld showerhead 410b to the stationary showerhead 410a. In an embodiment, a hatch member 436 that is configured to connect to a filter retention memberAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO444 that collectively forms a cavity in which the water filter 406 may be disposed may also be part of the kit 500. As previously described, the filter retention member 444 and hatch member 436 may enable water to flow therethrough so as to be filtered by the water filter 406 prior to being output by the showerheads 410. In an embodiment, different front faces 452a, 452b, and 452c may be configured to be mountable to the handheld showerhead 410b and to the wall-mountable dock 448 that may be mounted to a wall utilizing an adhesive or any other attachment mechanism. The wall-mountable dock 448 makes it easier for a user to store the different front faces of the handheld showerhead 410b as well as supporting the handheld showerhead 410b in one of the showerhead face storage regions 450a-450c when the showerhead is being used or not being used. It should be understood that additional and / or alternative components and shapes of the components may be utilized to provide the same or similar functionality.

[0043] With regard to FIGS. 6A-6C, illustrations of an illustrative showerhead assembly 600 inclusive of a base member 602 and handheld showerhead 604 that depict magnets 606a and 606b (collectively 606) and other internal and external features utilized to retain the handheld showerhead 604 with the base member 602 in which a water filter (see, for example, FIG. 1J water filter 106) may be disposed are shown. The magnets 606a and 606b may be integrated into the respective base member 602 and the handheld showerhead 604. The magnets 606 may be positioned within opposing housings 608a and 608b (collectively 608) so as to magnetically couple the base member 602 and handheld showerhead 604 when engaged with one another. The magnets 606 may be arranged such that attracting magnetic poles N-S or S-N face one another, thereby causing the handheld showerhead 604 to be magnetically coupled with the base member 602. Moreover, the magnets 606 may be helpful to a user when aligning and engaging with the handheld showerhead 604 with the base member 602 so as to secure the handheld showerhead 604 to the base member 602. The magnets 606 are also helpful when the user is removing the handheld showerhead 604 from the base member 602 to allow the user to feel the magnetic force being reduced as the components are being separated from one another.

[0044] As shown, the housing 608a of the base member 602 may define a protrusion portion 610a in which the magnet 606a is centrally aligned and the housing 608b of the handheld showerhead 604 may define a recess portion 610b in which the magnet 606b isAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO centrally aligned. In an embodiment, the protrusion portion 610a may be circular and the magnet 606a may also be circular. Alternative shapes and sizes may be utilized. The protrusion portion 610b may extend 0.1 inches (0.254cm) to 0.25 inches (0.635cm) and have a rectangular, round, or other shaped profile surface. By including a protrusion portion 610a and recess portion 610b on opposing housings 608, the user may feel when the base member 602 and the handheld showerhead 604 and magnets 606 are aligned with one another when engaging the handheld showerhead 604 with the base member 602. In other words, as the protrusion portion 610a is aligned and able to be inserted within the recess portion 610b, the user will feel that the base portion 602 and handheld showerhead 604 are becoming aligned and then become aligned or matched.

[0045] In an embodiment, the base member 602 may have a continuous sidewall 612a with a circular profile and an end surface 612b that defines the protrusion portion 610a may have a smooth curved shape. The smooth curved shape of the end surface 612b may be a bowl shape from a front edge of the sidewall 612a to the protrusion portion 610a. The housing 608b may have a top surface 614 that has a reciprocal shape from the end surface 612a so that two surfaces 612a and 614 are able to engage with one another in a flush manner and also enable the protrusion portion 610a and recess portion 610b defined by respective surfaces 612a and 614 to engage with one another, thereby enabling the magnets 606 to magnetically couple with one another. It should further be understood that the protrusion portion 610a and the recess portion 610b may be defined by the opposite housings 608a and 608b (i.e., the protrusion portion 610a may be defined by the surface 614 of the housing 608b and the recess portion 610b may be defined by the end surface 612b of the housing 608a).

[0046] It should further be understood that alternative shapes of the surfaces 612a and614 may be utilized. In an embodiment, the magnets 606 may be strong enough to magnetically secure the handheld showerhead 604 to the base member 602. In an alternative embodiment, the magnets 606 may be strong enough to attract to one another and temporarily, such as from a few seconds to a few minutes, magnetically secure the handheld showerhead 604 to the base member 602 (i.e., not a long-term retention, such as two minutes or more). One or more other retention features may be utilized the secure the base member 602 and the handheld showerhead 604, such as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C and described hereinbelow. The magnets 606 are shown to be centrally aligned with one another and a single magnet isAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO disposed on each of the base member 602 and handheld showerhead 604. Alternative configurations in which multiple magnets disposed in respective multiple engagement features on both the base member 602 and handheld showerhead 604 may be utilized. Such features may also support rotation of the handheld showerhead 604 relative to the based member 602, as well.

[0047] With regard to FIGS. 7A-7C, illustrations of an illustrative showerhead assembly 700 inclusive of a base member 702 and handheld showerhead 704 that depict magnets 706a and 706b (collectively 706) and other internal and external features utilized to retain the handheld showerhead 704 with the base member 702 in which a water filter (see, for example, FIG. 1J water filter 106) may be disposed are shown. The base member 702 and handheld showerhead 704 may have the same or similar components to perform the same or similar functionality as shown and described with regard to FIGS. 6A-6C. For example, the components may include magnets 706a and 706b, opposing housings 708a and 708b (collectively 708) that respectively define a recess portion 710b and a protrusion portion 710a. The base member 702 may have a continuous sidewall 712a with a circular profile and an end surface or front wall 712b that defines the protrusion portion 710a may have a smooth curved shape. The housing 708b may have a top surface or rear wall 714 that has a reciprocal shape from the end surface 712a so that two surfaces 712a and 714 are able to engage with one another and also enable protrusion portion 710a and recess portion 710b defined by respective surfaces 712a and 714 to engage with one another, thereby enabling the magnets 706 to magnetically attract one another. Components for supporting water treatment elements, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-1N, may also be incorporated into the handheld showerhead 704.

[0048] To avoid damage to the magnets 706 or other internal components, stainless steel covers 716a and 716b (collectively 716) that are configured to be integrated with the respective base member 702 and handheld showerhead 704 may be utilized. The stainless- steel covers 716 may be supported by the respective housings 708 and cover the magnets 706, thereby enabling the magnets 706 to cause magnetic suction or attraction with one another while avoiding corrosion of the covers 716 due to being stainless steel. Other materials that provide the same or similar function may be utilized, as well. In an embodiment, the stainless- steel covers 716 may configured to form an elongated tube with sidewalls and a front face,Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO but with an open rear (optionally with a retention member, such as a clasp) for insertion of one or more magnets configured to be inserted therein. In an alternative embodiment, the stainless-steel covers 716 may fully encapsulate the one or more magnets. To accommodate the stainless-steel covers 716 and respective magnets 706, the housings 708 may be configured to retain the stainless-steel covers 716 and respective magnets 706, as further described herein.

[0049] To help ensure that that handheld showerhead 704 may be retained by the base member 702, retention component(s) may be utilized. In an embodiment, the base member 702 may include a retention member 718a and the handheld showerhead 704 may include a retention member 718b (retention members 718). The retention members 718 may be positioned in cavities defined within the respective housings 708. The retention members 718a and 718b (collectively 718) may be configured to interlock with one another, thereby enabling a user to secure the handheld showerhead 704 with the base member 702 without having to worry about the magnets 706 being strong enough. The use of the retention members 718 may avoid a user unintentionally contacting a hose attached to the handheld showerhead 704, such as hose 122 of FIG. 1A. The retention members 718 may be configured to be attached or otherwise restricted or prevented from separating from the respective base member 702 and handheld showerhead 704. The retention member 718a may be configured with a locking feature 720a, and the retention member 718b may be configured with a complementary locking feature 720b that engages with the locking feature 720a. The retention members 718 may be centrally located with respective base member 702 and handheld showerhead 704 such that the magnets are positioned.

[0050] A groove 722 may be configured to enable the locking feature 720a to be inserted therein so as to enable the handheld showerhead 704 to rotate relative to the base member 702 to cause the locking feature 720a to engage the locking feature 720b so as to prevent the handheld showerhead 704 from being separated from the base member 702 without a first rotation. The locking feature 720a is shown to include an elongated portion 724a (e.g., substantially perpendicular from a base portion 726 of the retention member 718a) with a ledge or hook portion 724b that extends horizontally from and positioned at a distal end of the elongated portion 724a. The ledge portion 724b and elongated portion 724a may be configured to enter the groove 722 such that the ledge portion 724b may extend behind anAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO overhang feature (i.e., a portion of the second locking feature 720b that extends over the groove 722) of the locking feature 720b, thereby preventing the ledge portion 724b from being perpendicularly retracted from the groove 722.

[0051] The use of the configuration of the locking features 720a and 720b (collectively 720) may enable a user to retain the handheld showerhead 704 with the base member 702 by performing a short rotation, such as between about 10 degrees and about 30 degrees (e.g., about may be within + / - 10%). Other angular rotations may be utilized, as well. It should be understood that the locking features 720 are illustrative and that a wide range of locking features that include threads, portions of threads, thread alternatives (e.g., wide thread pitch with a stopping / locking feature), or otherwise. In operation, the locking features 720 along with the magnets 706 may enable the user to align the handheld showerhead 704 with the base member 702 so as to cause the magnets 706 to magnetically couple with one another to assist the user with aligning the protrusion portion 710a with the recess portion 710b.

[0052] Once the protrusion portion 710a enters the recess portion 710b and the locking feature 720a enters the groove 722, the user may then rotate the handheld showerhead (e.g., rotate to the right to tighten, left to loosen) to cause the ledge feature to slide within the groove 722 to be positioned behind the locking feature 720b. The locking feature 720b may have a protrusion or recess in which the ledge feature 724b crosses or enters so as to provide a physical indication to the user that the handheld showerhead 704 is in a locked position. Although only one set of locking features 720 are shown, it should be understood that multiple (i.e., two or more) sets of locking features 720 may be disposed on the respective retention members 718 so as to provide more strength when the handheld showerhead 704 is locked with the base member 702. The multiple sets of locking features may be the same or different structures that define the groove 722, and locking features 722 may be integrated as part of the housings 708 (i.e., monolithic) or separate components that are secured to (e.g., adhesive or fasteners) or otherwise retained with the housings 708.

[0053] In an embodiment, an ON / OFF button 726 may enable the user to transition a valve (not shown) from an ON state to an OFF state to cause water to flow from or stop water from flowing from the handheld showerhead 704. A water flow function lever 728 may be rotated or otherwise transitioned between two or more states to cause the handheld showerhead 704 to output different types of waterflow patterns, as understood in the art.Atty. Docket No.: 136317-4030Atty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO

[0054] Showerhead with Quick-Release Feature(s)

[0055] With regard to FIGS. 8A and 8B, illustrations of an embodiment of a showerhead assembly 800 may include a base member 802 and a stationary showerhead 804 that is removably attached to the base member 802 is shown. In an embodiment, the base member 802 may be configured to retain a water filter, as previously described. The base member 802 may be configured to enable the water filter to be screwed or otherwise secured within the base member 802 such that water that flows into the base member 802 from a shower pipe (e.g., shower pipe 104 of FIG. 1) passes through the water filter.

[0056] The stationary showerhead 804 may be configured with one or more quick-release (or quick-disconnect) features 806a and 806b (collectively 806), in this case buttons, that may be activated (e.g., pressed) by a user to disconnect the stationary showerhead 804 from the base member 802. Alternative configurations of quick-release features may be utilized to release the stationary showerhead 804 from the base member 802. For example, rotatable switches, cams, arms, or other features that mechanism that enables the stationary showerhead 804 to be releasably attached to the base member 802 may be utilized in accordance with the principles described herein. If the quick-release features 806 are buttons, a user may press the quick-release features 806 to transition the buttons from a retain state to a release state to cause the stationary showerhead 804 to be physically released from the base member 802. The stationary showerhead 804 may include a rear wall 808 and a front face 810, which may be similar to front face 112 (see, for example, FIG. 1).

[0057] The quick-release features 806, when in the form of buttons, may be circular buttons and have a diameter of between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches, but may alternatively be any geometric or non-geometric shape and any size. In an embodiment, the quick-release features 806 may be flush with a surface of the rear wall 808. Alternatively, the quick-release features 806 may protrude from the rear wall 808 or be recessed within the rear wall and be configured to perform the same or similar functions as described herein in terms of being able to release the stationary showerhead 804 from the base member 802. In an alternative embodiment, rather than having the quick-release features 806 on the stationary showerhead 804, the quick-release features 806 may be disposed on the base member 802 to enable a user to release the stationary showerhead 804 from the base member 802. However, by including the quick-release features 806 on the rear wall 808 of the stationary showerheadAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO804, a user may be holding the stationary showerhead 804 as he or she engages the quickrelease features 806, in this case pressing the buttons, which helps to avoid the stationary showerhead 804 from falling because the user is naturally holding the stationary showerhead 804 when releasing the stationary showerhead 804 from the base member 802.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, rather than having the quick-release features 806 disposed on the rear wall 808 of the stationary showerhead 804, the quick-release features 806 may be disposed on any portion of the stationary showerhead 804, such as on a side portion of the rear wall 808, another wall (not shown), or front face 810 of the stationary showerhead 804. In being stationary, the stationary showerhead 804 may swivel or be positioned in any orientation (i.e., the stationary showerhead 804 is not meant to be a handheld showerhead, as shown in FIG. 1A, for example).

[0059] The quick-release features 806a and 806b are shown to be disposed on opposing sides of the rear wall 808 and a central axis of the stationary showerhead 804. It should be understood that alternative locations in configurations of the quick-release features 806 may be utilized in accordance with the principles described herein. In an embodiment, the base member 802 and the rear wall 808 may be formed of the same material. Alternatively, the base member 802 and the rear wall 808 may be formed of dissimilar materials. A retention member 813a with threads 813b (collectively threaded retention member 813) that is coupled with the base member 802 may be utilized to connect the showerhead assembly 800 with the shower pipe. The threaded retention member 813 may be swivably connected with the base member 802, thereby enabling a user to adjust direction of the stationary showerhead 800 to adjust direction of water sprayed from the stationary showerhead 800.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8B, a spray adjustment feature 812, shown in the form of a knob, may be utilized to adjust water spray being output by the showerhead assembly 800. The spray adjustment feature 812 may have any other configuration to cause the water spray being output by the showerhead assembly 800 to be selectably varied. The water spray may be adjusted by the spray adjustment feature 812 to be continuous spray, intermittent spray, higher pressure spray, lower pressures spray, narrow spray, wide spray, or any other spray in accordance with the principles described herein. 1Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO

[0061] With regard to FIGS. 9A-9F, illustrations of a process including steps 900a-900c and 900d-900f for releasing a stationary showerhead 904 from a base member (e.g., base member 802 of FIG. 8A) are shown. In an embodiment, steps 900a-900c may be performed substantially simultaneously with corresponding steps 900d-900f (i.e., step 900a and 900d, 900b and 900e, and 900c and 900f may be performed substantially simultaneously). In being substantially simultaneous, a user may perform the same actions at the same or nearly the same time (e.g., within a few milliseconds of one another) to release the stationary showerhead 904 including quick-release features 906a and 906b (collectively 906), a rear wall 908 from the base member. The stationary showerhead 904 is shown from a point of view of a base member (i.e., a rear view), such as base member 802 of FIG. 8A. It should be understood that the steps may be performed out of synchronization in the stationary showerhead 904 may still be released from the base member.

[0062] The quick-release features 906 may be configured to be transitioned from a retain state to a release state to release the stationary showerhead 904 from the base member. In an embodiment, a spring or other mechanism, as further described hereinbelow, may be utilized to provide tension to the quick-release features 906 to be normally set in the retain state and be automatically return back to the retain state after being transitioned by a user to the release state. As with FIGS. 8A and 8B, the quick-release features 906a and 906b may be buttons. Alternative quick-release features may be utilized, as previously described. The rear wall 908 may define an aperture 909 within which an aerator feature (i.e., structure with openings) 911 may be disposed.

[0063] Retention features 914a and 914b (collectively 914) may be physically engaged with the quick-release features 906a and 906b, respectively. The retention features 914 may be directly or indirectly coupled to a deformable member 915 that protrudes into the aperture 909 defined by the rear wall 908. The deformable member 915 may be plastic or any other material that enables the deformable mirror to engage with a reciprocal feature, such as a groove, and be plastically disengaged or extracted from the reciprocal feature. In an embodiment, rather than the deformable member 915 protruding into the aperture 909, the deformable member 915 may define a track or groove in which a protrusion on or defined by the base member may insert for retaining the stationary showerhead 904 to the base member (i.e., an opposite configuration of what is shown in FIG. 9A, for example). The retentionAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO features 914 may be positioned within apertures 916a and 916b (collectively 916) defined by the rear wall 908 of the stationary showerhead 904. In an embodiment, the retention features 914 may also be directly or indirectly connected to the quick-release features 906 such that when the quick-release features 906 are transitioned from a retain state to a release state, the retention features 914 transition from a retain position to a release position. In an embodiment, the retain position may be flush with an inner surface of a rear wall 908 of the stationary showerhead 904, and the release position may be pulled back into the apertures 916 of the rear wall 908.

[0064] In operation, when the quick-release features 906 are transitioned from the retain position to the release position as successively shown in FIGS. 9A / 9B, 9B / 9E, and 9C / 9F, the retention features 914 and deformable member 915 may be withdrawn from protruding into the aperture 909. In operation, the retention features 914 and / or deformable member 915 may engage with reciprocal features (e.g., indentation(s)) disposed on an inside wall of the base member such that when the retention members 914 and deformable member 915 are in a retain position, the stationary showerhead 904 may be retained to the base member, and when the retention members 914 and deformable member 915 are in a release position, the stationary showerhead 904 may be released from the base member.

[0065] FEATURES

[0066] One embodiment of a showerhead assembly may include a base member configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a shower pipe, the base member may define a cavity in which a water filter is disposed, and at least one first magnet positioned at a front wall opposite a rear wall that is proximate the shower pipe, where the front wall may define a first physical feature positioned within a first magnetic field of the at least one first magnet. A handheld showerhead may be fluidly connected to the base member, and include (i) a rear wall and (ii) a front wall that defines a plurality of openings through which water exits the handheld showerhead. The rear wall and front wall of the handheld showerhead may define a cavity in which at least one second magnet may be positioned and arranged to be attracted to the first magnet(s) when the rear wall of the handheld showerhead is positioned against the front wall of the base member. The rear wall of the handheld showerhead may define a second physical feature configured to physically engage with the first physicalAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO feature. The second physical feature may be positioned within a second magnetic field of the second magnet(s) such that the first and second magnetic fields attract one another to assist a user in aligning the first and second physical features when engaging the handheld showerhead with the base member.

[0067] The first physical feature may be defined by the front wall of the base member may include a protrusion, where the second physical feature defined by the rear wall of the handheld showerhead includes a recess configured to engage with the protrusion, thereby enabling the at least one first and second magnets to align the protrusion and recess with one another. The protrusion may have a circular profile, and the recess may have a complementary circular profile.

[0068] A first stainless-steel cover may be configured to be mounted within the base member and to protect the first magnet(s). A second stainless-steel cover may be configured to be mounted within the base member and to protect the second magnet(s).

[0069] In an embodiment, the first and second magnet(s) may be below a magnetic strength to retain the handheld showerhead with the base member. The first physical feature may be defined by a first retention member mounted to a housing that includes the front wall, and the second physical feature may be defined by a second retention member mounted to a housing of the handheld showerhead, and that includes the rear wall and the front wall. The first and second retention members may be configured to be engaged with one another so as to retain the handheld showerhead with the base member. The first retention member may further define a first locking feature, and the second retention member may further define a second locking feature. The first and second locking features may be configured to interlock so as to cause the handheld showerhead to be retained by the base member.

[0070] The first locking feature may include an elongated portion and a ledge portion extending therefrom, and the second locking feature may include a groove and an overhang extending over the groove. The first and second locking features may be prevented from being perpendicularly separated when the ledge portion of the first locking feature is positioned within the groove and behind the overhang feature.

[0071] The rear wall of the handheld showerhead may be curved and the second magnet(s) may be positioned at a center region thereof. The front wall of the base memberAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO may be curved in a complementary shape to the curved shape of the rear wall of the handheld showerhead with the first magnet(s) positioned at a center region thereof. The curves of the rear wall of the handheld showerhead and the front wall of the base member may have corresponding bowl shapes. Each of the front wall of the base member and rear wall of the handheld showerhead may be configured to retain respective first and second locking features in central locations such that the first and second locking features may be aligned with one another when the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet are magnetically coupled with one another. The first and second locking features may be retained with one another by rotating the handheld showerhead relative to the base member when the first and second locking features are mated together.

[0072] The front face of the handheld showerhead may include a cavity access feature that enables a user to gain access to a cavity in which a skin treatment element is able to be positioned when the cavity access feature is in an open state and retained in the cavity when the cavity access feature is in a closed state.

[0073] A control member may be altered to cause water to be output via the openings of the front face of the handheld showerhead to pass across the skin treatment element when in a first state and prevent the water to be output via the openings of the front face of the handheld showerhead when the control member is in a second state. The cavity access feature may be configured to be pressed to transition from the closed state to the open state, and repressed to transition from the open state to the closed state. The skin treatment element may be a water-dissolvable element configured to be inserted into the cavity when the cavity access feature is in the open state. The cavity access feature may include a slot in a side wall that is accessible to insert the skin treatment element when the cavity access feature is in the open state.

[0074] One embodiment of a method of operating a showerhead assembly may include positioning a rear wall of a handheld showerhead near a front wall of a base member that is fluidly connected to a water pipe to magnetically couple at least one first magnet of the base member and at least one second magnet of the handheld showerhead to assist a user with aligning a first physical feature disposed on the front wall of the base member with a second physical feature of the rear wall of the handheld showerhead. The first and second physical features may be engaged with one another by performing a first action. A first locking featureAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO at the first physical feature may be interlocked with a second locking feature at the second physical feature by a second action to prevent the first and second locking features from separating from one another, thereby retaining the handheld showerhead with the base member.

[0075] Engaging the first and second physical features may include engaging a protrusion defined by the first physical feature and a recess defined by the second physical feature. The first magnet(s) may be centrally located at the first physical feature and the second magnet(s) may be centrally located at the second physical feature so as to assist the user with aligning the first and second physical features.

[0076] The first action may include inserting the first physical feature into the second physical feature. The second action may include rotating the second locking feature relative to the first locking feature.

[0077] Positioning a rear wall of a handheld showerhead at a front wall of a base member may include positioning (i) the rear wall of the handheld showerhead that is curved with the at least one second magnet being positioned at a center region thereof with (ii) the front wall of the base member that is curved in a complementary shape to the curved shape of the rear wall of the handheld showerhead with the first magnet(s) being positioned at a center region thereof.

[0078] A cavity in which a skin treatment element is able to be positioned may be accessed by opening a cavity access feature. The skin treatment element may be positioned within the cavity when the cavity access feature is in an open state. The skin treatment element may be stored within the cavity when the cavity access feature is in a closed state, where the skin treatment element may be in fluid contact with water that flows from apertures defined by a front wall of the handheld showerhead to cause a mixture of the water and skin treatment element to be output onto the user.

[0079] Another embodiment of a showerhead assembly may include a base member configured to be fluidly connected to a shower pipe, and defining a cavity in which a water filter is disposed. Magnet(s) may be positioned at a front wall opposite a wall that is proximate the shower pipe. A handheld showerhead may be fluidly connected to the base member. The handheld showerhead may include (i) a rear wall and (ii) a front face. SecondAtty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Atty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO magnet(s) may be positioned and arranged to be attracted to the first magnet(s). The handheld showerhead may be altered from a first elevation angle to a second elevation angle while magnetically retained by the base member. The handheld showerhead may be altered from a first elevation angle to a second elevation angle while magnetically retained by the base member.

[0080] The front wall of the base member may have a curved surface and the rear wall of the handheld showerhead may have a complementary curved surface that enables rotation of the elevation angle of the handheld showerhead. The curved surface of the front wall of the base member may include a concave shape and the rear wall of the handheld showerhead may include a convex shape that extends into the concave shape such that the front and rear walls are in contact with one another and support setting the elevation angle of the handheld showerhead.

[0081] The front face of the handheld showerhead may include a cavity access feature that enables a user to gain access to a cavity in which a skin treatment element is able to be positioned when the cavity access feature is in an open state and retained in the cavity when the cavity access feature is in a closed state. The showerhead assembly may further include a control member that causes water to be output via the openings of the front face of the handheld showerhead to pass across the skin treatment element when in a first state and prevent the water to be output via the openings of the front face of the handheld showerhead when the control member is in a second state. The control member may be a lever positioned along a side surface of the handheld showerhead. The cavity access feature may be configured to be pressed to transition from the closed state to the open state, and re-pressed to transition from the open state to the closed state. The skin treatment element may a water- dissolvable element configured to be inserted into the cavity when the cavity access feature is in the open state. The cavity access feature may include a slot in a side wall that is accessible to insert the skin treatment element when the cavity access feature is in the open state. The base member may include a housing including a rear member and a front member releasably attached to the rear member and that define the cavity in which the water filter is disposed.

[0082] Another embodiment of a showerhead assembly may include a stationary showerhead fluidly connected to a shower pipe, the stationary showerhead including a fluidAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO pathway therethrough and a front face that defines a plurality of openings for water to exit therefrom, the front face defining a cavity opening and a cavity within the stationary showerhead in which a water filter is disposed, the cavity in fluid communication with the fluid pathway and the plurality of openings, the water filter arranged within the cavity such that water flowing through the cavity flows through the water filter prior to exiting from the openings of the front face of the stationary showerhead.

[0083] The showerhead assembly may further include a hatch member disposed at the cavity opening to enable a user to insert and remove the water filter therethrough. The hatch member may be activated to open by pressing the hatch member. The showerhead assembly may further include a retention housing to which the hatch member connects, thereby forming a housing in which the water filter is positioned when inserted into the stationary showerhead.

[0084] A handheld showerhead may further be fluidly connected to the stationary showerhead, where the handheld showerhead includes at least one first magnet disposed on a rear wall of the handheld showerhead, and configured to be magnetically coupled to at least one second magnet disposed at the front face of the stationary showerhead when the rear wall of the handheld showerhead is positioned at a location of the front face that includes at least one second magnet. The location of the front face includes a hatch member having a first curved shape. The rear wall of the handheld showerhead defines a second, complementary curved shape from the first curved shape, and the handheld showerhead may be configured to be altered in elevation while magnetically coupled with the stationary showerhead.

[0085] The showerhead assembly may further be configured to include a wall-mountable dock defining a plurality of showerhead face storage regions, and multiple user-changeable front faces may be configured (i) to be positioned on the handheld showerhead and (ii) disposed on the showerhead face storage regions, thereby enabling storage of one or more user-changeable front faces on the wall-mountable dock when not positioned on the handheld showerhead.

[0086] Each of the user-changeable front faces may include at least one magnet configured to magnetically couple the user-changeable front faces to the handheld showerhead. The handheld showerhead may further be configured to be positioned in at leastAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO one of the showerhead face storage regions with a rear wall of the handheld showerhead such that a front face of the handheld showerhead is facing away from the wall-mountable dock.

[0087] Methods for forming showerhead assemblies described herein may be performed to produce and / or assemble the showerhead assemblies. Moreover, kits that include the various components that form the showerhead assemblies may be constructed and distributed for consumers to install in a shower.

[0088] Quick-Release Features

[0089] One embodiment of a showerhead assembly may include a base member fluidly coupled to a shower pipe configured to fluidly convey water to the base member. A stationary showerhead may be fluidly connected to the base member, the stationary showerhead including a front face defining a plurality of apertures from which the water exits. A rear wall may be coupled to the front face, where the front face and rear wall may define a cavity through which the water flows from the shower pipe into the cavity. At least one quickrelease feature accessible on at least one of the front face and rear wall that, when activated by a user, causes the stationary showerhead to be physically released from the base member.

[0090] The quick-release feature(s) may include two buttons positioned on the rear wall that, when pressed, may cause the stationary showerhead to be physically released from the base member. The two buttons may be positioned on opposite sides of an opening defined by the rear wall through which water from the shower pipe flows. At least one retention feature may be physically engaged with the respective quick-release feature(s) such that when the at least one quick-release feature is activated to be in a released statement from a retain state causes the respective at least one retention feature to move from a retain position to a release position.

[0091] The retention feature(s) may be retained within at least one respective aperture defined by the rear wall. A deformable member physically engaged with the retention feature(s) that, when moved from the retain position to the release position, causes the deformable member to deform to enable the stationary showerhead to be released from the base member.Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO

[0092] The deformable member may be in the shape of a ring. A deformable element may physically engage with the deformable member such that when the at least one quickrelease feature is in a retain state, the deformable member may seal the stationary showerhead in the base member to prevent the water from leaking therefrom. A threaded retention member may be retained by the base member on an opposite end of the base member from the stationary showerhead. The threaded retention member may be configured to releasably couple the base member to the shower pipe. The base member and the rear wall may be formed of the same material. In an embodiment, a seal feature or gasket formed of a compressible material (e.g., rubber, silicone, etc.) may be utilized to seal the base member and the stationary showerhead. In an embodiment, the seal feature or gasket may be positioned in a physical relationship with the deformable element.

[0093] As utilized herein, the term “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0094] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members withoutAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above.

[0095] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0096] While the instant disclosure has been described above according to its preferred embodiments, it can be modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the instant disclosure using the general principles disclosed herein. Further, the instant application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0097] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0098] It is noted that any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WOCLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A showerhead assembly, comprising: a base member configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a shower pipe, the base member defining a cavity in which a water filter is disposed, and at least one first magnet positioned at a front wall opposite a rear wall that is proximate the shower pipe, the front wall defining a first physical feature positioned within a first magnetic field of the at least one first magnet; and a handheld showerhead fluidly connected to the base member, the handheld showerhead including (i) a rear wall and (ii) a front wall that defines a plurality of openings through which water exits the handheld showerhead, the rear wall and front wall of the handheld showerhead defining a cavity in which at least one second magnet is positioned and arranged to be attracted to the at least one first magnet when the rear wall of the handheld showerhead is positioned against the front wall of the base member, the front wall defining a second physical feature configured to physically engage with the first physical feature, the second physical feature positioned within a second magnetic field of the at least one second magnet such that the first and second magnetic fields attract one another to assist a user in aligning the first and second physical features when engaging the handheld showerhead with the base member.

2. The showerhead assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first physical feature defined by the front wall of the base member includes a protrusion, and wherein the second physical feature defined by the rear wall of the handheld showerhead includes a recess configured to engage with the protrusion, thereby enabling the at least one first and second magnets to align the protrusion and recess with one another.

3. The showerhead assembly according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion has a circular profile, and wherein the recess has a complementary circular profile.

4. The showerhead assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a first stainless-steel cover configured to be mounted within the base member and to protect the at least one first magnet; andAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO a second stainless-steel cover configured to be mounted within the base member and to protect the at least one second magnet.

5. The showerhead assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first and the at least one second magnets are below a magnetic strength to retain the handheld showerhead with the base member.

6. The showerhead assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the first physical feature is defined by a first retention member mounted to a housing that includes the front wall; and the second physical feature is defined by a second retention member mounted to a housing of the handheld showerhead, and that includes the rear wall and the front wall, the first and second retention members configured to be engaged with one another so as to retain the handheld showerhead with the base member.

7. The showerhead assembly according to claim 6, wherein: the first retention member further defines a first locking feature; and the second retention member further defines a second locking feature, the first and second locking features being configured to interlock so as to cause the handheld showerhead to be retained by the base member.

8. The showerhead assembly according to claim 7, wherein: the first locking feature includes an elongated portion and a ledge portion extending therefrom; and the second locking feature includes a groove and an overhang feature extending over the groove, wherein the first and second locking features are prevented from being perpendicularly separated when the ledge portion of the first locking feature is positioned within the groove and behind the overhang feature.

9. The showerhead assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rear wall of the handheld showerhead has a curved shape and the at least one second magnet is positioned at a center region thereof; andAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO the front wall of the base member is curved in a complementary shape to the curved shape of the rear wall of the handheld showerhead with the at least one first magnet positioned at a center region thereof.

10. The showerhead assembly according to claim 9, wherein the curved shapes of the rear wall of the handheld showerhead and the front wall of the base member have corresponding bowl shapes, and wherein each of the front wall of the base member and rear wall of the handheld showerhead are configured to retain respective first and second locking features in central locations such that the first and second locking features are aligned with one another when the at least one first magnet and the at least one second magnet are magnetically coupled with one another, and wherein the first and second locking features are retained with one another by rotating the handheld showerhead relative to the base member when the first and second locking features are mated together.

11. The showerhead assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the front wall of the handheld showerhead includes a cavity access feature that enables a user to gain access to a cavity in which a skin treatment element is able to be positioned when the cavity access feature is in an open state and retained in the cavity when the cavity access feature is in a closed state.

12. The showerhead assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a control member that causes water to be output via the openings of the front wall of the handheld showerhead to pass across the skin treatment element when in a first state and prevent the water to be output via the openings of the front wall of the handheld showerhead when the control member is in a second state.

13. The showerhead assembly according to claim 12, wherein the cavity access feature is configured to be pressed to transition from the closed state to the open state, and repressed to transition from the open state to the closed state.

14. The showerhead assembly according to claim 11, wherein the skin treatment element is a water-dissolvable element configured to be inserted into the cavity when the cavity access feature is in the open state.Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO15. The showerhead assembly according to claim 14, wherein the cavity access feature includes a slot in a side wall that is accessible to insert the skin treatment element when the cavity access feature is in the open state.

16. A method of operating a showerhead assembly, comprising: positioning a rear wall of a handheld showerhead near a front wall of a base member that is fluidly connected to a water pipe to magnetically couple at least one first magnet of the base member and at least one second magnet of the handheld showerhead to assist a user with aligning a first physical feature disposed on the front wall of the base member with a second physical feature of the rear wall of the handheld showerhead; engaging the first and second physical features with one another by performing a first action; and interlocking a first locking feature at the first physical feature with a second locking feature at the second physical feature by a second action to prevent the first and second locking features from separating from one another, thereby retaining the handheld showerhead with the base member.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein engaging the first and second physical features includes engaging a protrusion defined by the first physical feature and a recess defined by the second physical feature, and wherein the at least one first magnet is centrally located at the first physical feature and wherein the at least one second magnet is centrally located at the second physical feature so as to assist the user with aligning the first and second physical features.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the first action includes inserting the first physical feature into the second physical feature, and wherein the second action includes rotating the second locking feature relative to the first locking feature.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein positioning a rear wall of a handheld showerhead at a front wall of a base member includes positioning (i) the rear wall of the handheld showerhead that has a curved shape with the at least one second magnet being positioned at a center region thereof with (ii) the front wall of the base member that is curved in a complementary shape to the curved shape of the rear wall of theAty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO handheld showerhead with the at least one first magnet being positioned at a center region thereof.

20. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: accessing a cavity in which a skin treatment element is able to be positioned by opening a cavity access feature; positioning the skin treatment element within the cavity when the cavity access feature is in an open state; and storing the skin treatment element within the cavity when the cavity access feature is in a closed state, the skin treatment element being in fluid contact with water that flows from apertures defined by a front wall of the handheld showerhead to cause a mixture of the water and skin treatment element to be output onto the user.

21. A showerhead assembly, comprising: a base member fluidly coupled to a shower pipe configured to fluidly convey water to the base member; a stationary showerhead fluidly connected to the base member, the stationary showerhead including: a front face defining a plurality of apertures from which the water exits; a rear wall coupled to the front face, the front face and rear wall defining a cavity through which the water flows from the shower pipe into the cavity; and at least one quick-release feature accessible on at least one of the front face and rear wall that, when activated by a user, causes the stationary showerhead to be physically released from the base member.

22. The showerhead assembly according to claim numeral 21, wherein the at least one quick-release feature includes two buttons positioned on the rear wall that, when pressed, causes the stationary showerhead to be physically released from the base member.

23. The showerhead assembly according to claim 22, wherein the two buttons are positioned on opposite sides of an opening defined by the rear wall through which water from the shower pipe flows.Aty. Docket No.: 136317-4030 Aty. Ref. No. FBBY.002-01WO24. The showerhead assembly according to claim 21, further comprising at least one retention feature physically engaged with the respective at least one quick-release feature such that when the at least one quick-release feature is activated to be in a released statement from a retain state causes the respective at least one retention feature to move from a retain position to a release position.

25. The showerhead assembly according to claim 21, wherein the at least one retention feature is retained within at least one respective aperture defined by the rear wall.

26. The showerhead assembly according to claim 24, further comprising a deformable member physically engaged with the at least one retention feature that, when moved from the retain position to the release position, causes the deformable member to deform to enable the stationary showerhead to be released from the base member.

27. The showerhead assembly according to claim 26, wherein the deformable member is in the shape of a ring.

28. The showerhead assembly according to claim 26, further comprising a deformable element physically engage with the deformable member such that when the at least one quick-release feature is in a retain state, the deformable element seals the stationary showerhead in the base member to prevent the water from leaking therefrom.

29. The showerhead assembly according to claim 21, further comprising a threaded retention member retained by the base member on an opposite end of the base member from the stationary showerhead, the threaded retention member configured to releasably couple the base member to the shower pipe.

30. The showerhead assembly according to claim 21, wherein the base member and the rear wall are formed of the same material.

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