Showerhead having structural features that produce a vibrant spray pattern

• US 9,295,997 B2
• Filed: 12/06/2013
• Issued: 03/29/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Speakman Company
• Original Assignee: Speakman Company
• Inventors: Harwanko, Jeffrey B., Neagoe, Alexandru
• Primary Examiner(s): Tran, Len
• Assistant Examiner(s): LIEUWEN, CODY J
• Application Number:
  US14/099,076
• Publication Number:
  US 20140332608A1
• Time in Patent Office: 844 Days
• Field of Search: 239/222.17, 239/223, 239/224, 239/240, 239/436, 239/548, 239/553.5, 239556-561, 239/567, 239/568, 239/601
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/083 the pulsating mechanism comprising movable parts liquid driven rotating elements, e.g. turbines, arranged upstream the outlet B05B3/04
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/185 characterised by their outlet element; Mounting arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 3/04 driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet B05B3/023 takes precedence

Abstract

A showerhead having structural features providing a vibrant spray pattern includes a faceplate, a turbine, and a water distributor, among other elements. The spray pattern is facilitated by the interaction of slots in the turbine, which overly troughs formed in the faceplate. The slots in the turbine meter the flow of water into the troughs. The rotation of the turbine is facilitated by a water distributor having sloped channels which direct inlet water against vanes in the turbine. A unique distribution and orientation of spray apertures and ramp configurations in the faceplate contribute to produce a vibrant spray pattern and a unique showering experience.

Claims

1. A showerhead emitting a vibrant spray pattern comprising

an inlet in an upstream end of the showerhead for receiving water from a water source;

an outer showerhead body sealingly connected to the inlet;

a stationary faceplate sealingly connected to a downstream end of the showerhead body wherein the faceplate includes;

multiple elongated troughs for temporary storage of water therein generally parallel to the plane of the faceplate, radiating from the center of the faceplate and formed as a recess in an upstream surface of the faceplate;

the faceplate troughs having one or more spray apertures therein extending through a downstream surface of the faceplate;

at least one faceplate ramp surface in the troughs extending from a downstream surface of the troughs to the spray apertures in the faceplate;

and a rotatable turbine with water outlets therein and with each outlet overlying an upstream edge of multiple troughs in the faceplate;

whereby rotation of the turbine delivers water to the multiple faceplate troughs for ultimate discharge from spray apertures in the faceplate.

2. The showerhead of claim 1 wherein the rotatable turbine also includes upstanding radial and peripheral walls to facilitate temporary storage of water before entering the faceplate.

3. The showerhead of claim 1 wherein the troughs in the faceplate include two or more ramp surfaces with different ramp slopes and length.

4. The showerhead of claim 1 wherein the troughs in the faceplate are curvilinear in shape.

5. The showerhead of claim 1, further comprising a water distributor with downwardly sloped channels directing water from the inlet to the turbine.

6. The showerhead of claim 1 wherein the spray apertures in the faceplate are triangular in cross section.