Apparatus for Displaying Shower or Bath Water Parameters

• US 20090293189A1
• Filed: 08/11/2009
• Published: 12/03/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rein Tech, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Michael E. Klicpera
• Inventors: Somerville, Alvis
• Granted Patent: US 9,061,307 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 4/597
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/18 Roses; Shower heads with means for adding soap or the like E03C1/046; jet regulators E03C1/08
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/004 comprising sensors for monitoring the delivery, e.g. by displaying the sensed value or generating an alarm B05B12/08 takes precedence; registering or indicating the condition or the working of machines or other apparatus in general G07C3/00
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/008 integrated in or attached to a discharge apparatus, e.g. a spray gun
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/02 for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/04 Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths valves, faucets, mixing valves, taps F16K
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/0404 Constructional or functional features of the spout
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 2001/0418 having temperature indicating means
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/56 by using electric or magnetic effects G01F1/66 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/68 by using thermal effects
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/024 involving digital counting
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/063 using electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/075 using electrically-operated integrating means
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/0755 involving digital counting
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/02 for measuring temperature of moving fluids or granular materials capable of flow
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/026 of moving liquids
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 2207/00 Application of thermometers in household appliances

Abstract

The present invention is a display apparatus for affixation to a shower or bath water supply piping or incorporated within a shower, or bath or faucet head, in an aesthetically pleasing format and comprised of fabrication materials e.g., a polymeric or metallic bases with chrome, brass white or colored finishes or combination of these finishes and materials of construction. The display apparatus includes a power generation, CPU or microprocessor, temperature sensor and/or water flow sensors, timing circuits and a display means. The present invention can include a remotely located wireless receiver apparatus. Ergonomically placed buttons can be incorporated into the display means to change parameter units (e.g. metric to US), set alarm conditions (e.g. temperature over set point, lime past a set point, flow rate set points). The display means must be able to provide sufficient lighting in shower conditions. In addition, the display means must be able to sustain capability in moist wet conditions. In the embodiment defined by the attached shower display apparatus, know piping joint technology will be used for installation into both new and presently installed shower systems. In the embodiment defined by the display means incorporate into the shower head the shower head/display assembly can also be installed in both new and presently installed shower systems.

Claims

1. A water parameter display apparatus for attaching to the water supply line for a shower head, comprising:

a joint means for connecting a display means to a shower head water supply line, said union mechanism having one or more electrical communication means extending from said union to a first display means;

said first display means including a housing which contains electrical circuitry and power supply, said first display means having the capability to visually display one or more water parameters;

at least one sensor that is said sensor in close proximity to said water supply, and said sensor in electrical communication with said display means; and

a second display receiver apparatus, said second display receiver apparatus remotely in wireless communication with said electrical circuitry.

2. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication is in Bluetooth format.

3. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication is optical format.

4. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication is WiFi format.

5. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication is in a radio frequency format.

6. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 4, wherein said WiFi format comprises includes IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g or IEEE 802.11n modulation technique.

7. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication is in a IP or DHCP protocol.

8. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 7, wherein said IP or DHCP protocol allows the said apparatus to access and communication over the Internet.

9. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication has a frequency in the range of 6 MHz to 250 GHz.

10. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication is a CAN or CAN-bus protocol.

19. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication has a frequency in the range of 6 MHz to 250 GHz.

20. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication is a CAN or CAN-bus protocol.

11. A shower head incorporating a water parameter display assembly, said shower head, comprising:

a shower or bath head;

a first display means, said first display means having the capability to visually display one or more parameters from a display on a facing plate of a shower or bath head

electrical circuitry with a power source;

at least one sensor that is exposed to the supply water in said shower head;

an electrical communication means extending from said sensor to said first display means; and

a second display receiver apparatus, said second display receiver apparatus remotely in wireless communication with said electrical circuitry.

12. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 11, wherein said wireless communication is in Bluetooth format.

13. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 11, wherein said wireless communication is optical format.

14. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 11, wherein said wireless communication is WiFi format.

15. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 11, wherein said wireless communication is in a radio frequency format.

16. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 14, wherein said WiFi format comprises includes IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g or IEEE 802.11n modulation technique.

17. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 11, wherein said wireless communication is in a IP or DHCP protocol.

18. The water parameter display apparatus of claim 17, wherein said IP or DHCP protocol allows the said apparatus to access and communication over the Internet.