Showerhead with optical lens feature

• US 6,983,898 B2
• Filed: 05/21/2003
• Issued: 01/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Frank Clark
• Original Assignee: Frank Clark
• Inventors: Clark, Frank
• Primary Examiner(s): Scherbel, David A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BARNEY, SETH E
• Application Number:
  US10/443,300
• Publication Number:
  US 20040251323A1
• Time in Patent Office: 965 Days
• Field of Search: 239/548, 239/17, 239/18, 239/19, 239/525, 239/567, 239/556, 239/557, 239/558, 239/568, 362/96, 362/234, 362/555, 362/211, 359/591, 359/599, 359/652, 359/647
• US Class Current: 239/548
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/1645 the outlets being rotated during selection
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/185 characterised by their outlet element; Mounting arrangements therefor

Abstract

A showerhead as described herein includes a translucent hollow body having a fluid chamber, and a fluid distribution element configured to release fluid contained in the fluid chamber. The fluid distribution element includes a plurality of raised concentric rings having peaks that serve as the fluid release points. The fluid distribution element contains a number of fluid ducts that are specifically shaped to transport the fluid from the fluid chamber toward the fluid release points. The translucent nature of the showerhead creates an optical lens effect that illuminates the showerhead and the water droplets formed by the showerhead. The illumination of the water droplets creates a pleasant showering experience for the user.

Claims

1. A showerhead comprising an optical lens element configured to emit a fluid and to receive incident light rays, refract said incident light rays, and create exiting light rays that illuminate outgoing fluid emitted from said optical lens element.

2. A showerhead according to claim 1, further comprising a hollow body having a fluid inlet for incoming fluid, the hollow body in fluid communication with a plurality of fluid outlets formed in said optical lens element.

3. A showerhead according to claim 2, wherein said hollow body is formed from a translucent material.

4. A showerhead according to claim 3, wherein said hollow body is formed from a colored translucent material.

5. A showerhead according to claim 2, wherein fluid passing through said hollow body modifies the characteristics of said exiting light rays.

6. A showerhead according to claim 2, wherein said hollow body is formed from an optical grade plastic.

7. A showerhead according to claim 1, wherein said optical lens element comprises a plurality of concentric ring-shaped lenses.

8. A showerhead according to claim 7, wherein each of said concentric ring-shaped lenses has a convex external surface.

9. A showerhead comprising:

a hollow body configured to receive incoming fluid;

a fluid distribution element configured to release outgoing fluid from said hollow body; and

an optical lens element integral to said fluid distribution element, said optical lens element having integral fluid outlets for passage of said outgoing fluid, said optical lens element being configured to receive incident light rays, refract said incident light rays, and create exiting light rays that illuminate said outgoing fluid passed from said optical lens element.

10. A showerhead according to claim 9, wherein a portion of said hollow body forms said fluid distribution element.

11. A showerhead according to claim 9, wherein said hollow body is formed from a translucent material.

12. A showerhead according to claim 11, wherein said hollow body is formed from a colored translucent material.

13. A showerhead according to claim 9, wherein said hollow body is formed from an optical grade plastic.

14. A showerhead according to claim 9, wherein said optical lens element comprises at least one convex protrusion configured to transport said outgoing fluid toward a fluid release point on said fluid distribution element.

15. A showerhead according to claim 14, wherein said at least one convex protrusion comprises a plurality of concentric ring-shaped lenses.

16. A showerhead comprising:

a fluid inlet for receiving incoming fluid; and

a translucent hollow body connected to said fluid inlet, said translucent hollow body having optical lens element configured to pass a fluid, and further configured to receive incident light rays, refract said incident light rays, and create exiting light rays that illuminate said fluid gassed through said optical lens element.

17. A showerhead according to claim 16, wherein fluid passing through said translucent hollow body modifies the characteristics or said exiting light rays.

18. A showerhead according to claim 16, wherein said translucent hollow body is formed from an optical grade plastic.

19. A showerhead according to claim 16, wherein said optical lens element comprises at least one convex ring-shaped lens.