[0001] This invention relates generally to a shower network system and, more particularly,
to a pre-fabricated and exposed shower system which can be installed and maintained
rapidly and economically in a bath room.
[0002] Currently available multi-output shower apparatuses are the type of in-wall designs.
These shower apparatuses are installed in a manner that pipes and fittings of the
apparatuses are wall embedded with only jet sprays exposed for water coming out at
an angle of 90° with respect to a surface of the wall. Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a
shower apparatus of this type, wherein all the piping network structures are installed
behind the walls of a bath room with spray spouts being exposed, and wherein the shower
heads 1 are all at an angle of 90° with respect to a surface 2 of the wall.
[0003] The in-wall shower apparatuses are associated with the following drawbacks:
- expertise and specialized consultation are required in terms of installation and maintenance
of the apparatuses, which is costly and time-consuming; and
- existing wall and furnished surface need to be destroyed at installation in order
to distribute new piping layout to the in-wall water supply, relevant cement and plumbing
work creates harassment in noise and environmental disturbance.
[0004] There are also multi-output shower apparatuses available in panel or column shape
designs, for example, in
U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0144341A and
UK Patent Application No. 2315212A. These apparatuses provide all the jet spray outputs from their panel or column shaped
surfaces. Like the shower apparatuses of in-wall designs, the shower heads 1 of this
type are all at an angle of 90° with respect to a surface 2 of the wall parallel to
the panel or column 3, as shown in Fig. 3.
[0005] U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0144341A discloses a shower system for providing automated control over both water temperature
and pressure for a plurality of shower heads or other sources of water, wherein the
shower heads are all at an angle of 90° with respect to a surface of the wall. In
this patent application, the housing for containing the electrical mechanical elements
of this system is dimensioned such that the housing will fit within the cavity of
the typical wall.
[0006] UK Patent Application No. 2315212A discloses a shower apparatus in the form of a shower column, comprising a plurality
of shower heads each attached to respective conduit means, which are in communication
with a mixing means and a diverter means for diverting water to the shower heads.
In this patent application, the shower apparatus is configured to be in the form of
a shower column in which all the elements of this apparatus is housed.
[0007] The shower apparatuses of panel or column shape designs are associated with the drawback
that they only provide a single direction jet shower environment and the user cannot
attain a two-side body shower. Due to the arrangement of the shower heads at an angle
of 90° relative to the wall surface, a lot of water is spread widely and thus wasted
during the process of showering.
[0008] While a variety of shower systems are known in the art to fulfill their respective,
particular objectives and requirements, for example, the shower systems mentioned
above, none are available which provide the user with the ease and simplicity of installation
and maintenance of the shower system and with an invigorating and refreshing shower
experience, such as is the subject of the present invention.
[0009] Therefore, there exists a need for a shower system which is able to provide a user
with the ease for installation and maintenance, a full body water therapy experience
to the face, mouth, body and foot for comfort and potential health benefits.
[0010] The present invention has been developed to fulfill the need noted above and therefore
has as a principle aim the provision of a shower system that is able to provide a
user with a cost and time effective solution.
[0011] Another aim of the invention is to provide a shower system that provides easier and
cheaper installation and maintenance.
[0012] A further aim of the invention is to provide a shower system that is water conserving
but providing an invigorating and more refreshing experience of using the shower system.
[0013] A yet another aim of the invention is to provide a shower that provides a user with
a full body water therapy experience exclusively to the face, mouth, body and feet
for comfort and potential health benefits in daily life.
[0014] These and other aims and advantages of the invention are satisfied by providing a
shower system comprising:
a main flow passage connected to a water supply;
at least two conduits which are in communication with the main flow passage and connected
in pair and horizontally to two sides of the main flow passage;
at least two shower spray spouts in communication with the at least two conduits,
and the shower spray spouts being carried at respective outer ends of the conduits;
wherein the conduits are arranged such that the shower spray spouts are in a 180°
counter sit relationship with respect to the main flow passage and are combined with
the conduits to define a shower stall.
[0015] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer end of each of the at least
two conduits is connected to an "I"-shaped tube or an "S"-shaped tube on which the
shower spray spouts corresponding to shoulders, waist and thighs of the user are arranged.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises six conduits
symmetrical about the main flow passage to horizontally form 3 pairs of conduits and
positioned at different vertical heights so as to correspond to shoulders, waist and
thighs of the user, respectively.
[0017] The shower system according to the invention preferably comprises a facial spray
spout in communication with and disposed at an upper part of the shower system, and
a mouth spray spout adjacent to the facial spray to provide mouth and gum care to
the user.
[0018] More preferably, the shower system further comprises an overhead shower spray spout,
and a foot spray spout in communication with and disposed at an lower part of the
shower system. Of course, the shower system may be used with a footbath shower tray
or a bath tray in existence, which has an adjustable overflow drainage for providing
a foot bath.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shower system comprises a diverter
means installed on and in communication with the main flow passage for controlling
the spray spouts to out-flow water individually or simultaneously and/or for controlling
a temperature of the outflow water.
[0020] Advantageously, the diverter means comprises a diverter having a plurality of outputs
for directing water to the corresponding spray spouts individually or simultaneously,
and a built-in venturi injection mechanism connected to an input of the diverter for
introducing air, health care fluids or health care powders to blend with water flowing
into the diverter, allowing for improving a pressure of water and providing a healthy
and refreshing shower.
[0021] Alternatively, at each output of the diverter is disposed a venturi injection mechanism
for introducing air, health care fluids or health care powders, and in this case,
the venturi injection mechanism can be used to direct water output individually to
one of the spray spouts corresponding to the head, the face, the mouth, the shoulders,
the waist, the thighs and the feet, or to a combination of two or more of these spray
spouts.
[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the shower system comprises a mixing
valve through which hot and cold water sources flow into the main flow passage. The
mixing valve may be included in the diverter means to keep communication with the
built-in venturi injection mechanism.
[0023] For the aesthetic appearance, a housing is provided to receive the main flow passage,
the diverter means, the mixing valve and other parts of the shower system. While the
health care fluids or the health care powders may be supplied from a dispenser arranged
on the housing where appropriate.
[0024] According to the invention, the shower spray spouts are able to rotate by 45° and
adjustable for their angles. The shower spray spouts is preferably further provided
with a massage function.
[0025] The main flow passage can be adjustable vertically for its height to satisfy the
preference of a user.
[0026] According to the invention, the connections among the conduits and the main flow
passage are accomplished in a threaded manner or in a snap-in manner.
[0027] Generally speaking, the shower system of the invention is desirably prefabricated
as one piece.
[0028] To have a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the following
detailed description of the invention and embodiments thereof in conjunction with
the drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shower system of in-wall design of the prior art
wherein all the piping network structure are installed behind the walls of a bath
room with spray spouts protruding beyond surfaces of the walls;
Figure 2 is a schematic view of the shower system of Fig. 1 showing that the spray
spouts are at an angle of 90° relative to the wall surface on which the spray spouts
are mounted in front of the user;
Figure 3 is a schematic view of the shower system of panel or column shape design
showing that the spray spouts are at an angle of 90° relative to the wall surface
parallel to the panel or column;
Figure 4 is a front view of a shower system according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
Figure 5 is a right side view of the shower system shown in Fig. 4;
Figure 6 is a plan view of the shower system shown in Fig. 4;
Figure 7 is an exploded view of the shower system shown in Figs. 4 to 6;
Figure 8 is a front view of a shower system according to a second embodiment of the
invention;
Figure 9 is a right side view of the shower system shown in Fig. 8;
Figure 10 is a plan view of the shower system shown in Fig. 8;
Figure 11 is an exploded view of the shower system shown in Figs. 8 to 10;
Figure 12 is a schematic view of an example of arrangement of a diverter means with
a built-in venturi injection mechanism utilized in the shower system of the invention;
Figure 13 is a schematic view of another example of arrangement of a diverter with
a plurality of venturi injection mechanisms disposed at various output of the diverter;
Figures 14A and 14B are enlarged views respectively showing air and health care fluids
or powders injected into the shower system through the venturi injection mechanism;
Figure 1 is a front view of a shower system according to a third embodiment of the
invention;
Figure 16 is a side view of the shower system shown in Fig. 15;
Figure 17 is a plan view of the shower system shown in Fig. 15;
Figure 18 is a front view of a shower system according to a fourth embodiment of the
invention in which upper and lower body sprays are provided;
Figure 19 is a side view of the shower system shown in Fig. 18;
Figure 20 is a plan view of the shower system shown in Fig. 18;
Figure 21 is a front view of a shower system according to a fifth embodiment of the
invention;
Figure 22 is a side view of the shower system shown in Fig. 21; and
Figures 23A and 23B are enlarged views taken from Section "A" of Fig. 11.
[0029] In the various figures of the drawings, like reference numbers are used to designate
like parts.
[0030] Several shower systems embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention
will be described with reference to the drawings and particularly to Figs. 4-23 thereof.
While this invention is illustrated and described in preferred embodiments, the shower
system may be produced in many different configurations, forms and materials.
[0031] Referring firstly to Figs. 4-7 of the drawings, a shower system 10 constructed according
to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The shower system 10 is a completely
pre-fabricated one-piece piping network structure and comprises a main flow passage
100 connected directly to a standard water supply point, such as a water faucet (not
shown) which provides a blend of hot and cold water. The shower system 10 comprises
an overhead shower spray spout 110, a facial shower spray 120, a mouth spray spout
130, body spray spouts 140, 150, 160 respectively in pair corresponding to shoulders,
waist and thighs of a user, and a foot spray spout 170.
[0032] In this embodiment, two conduits 600 are in communication with and connected horizontally
to the main flow passage 100. Each of the conduits 600 is connected communicatively
at its outer end to an "I"-shaped tube 700 on which the body spray spouts 140, 150,
160 are carried. The conduits 600, the "I"-shaped tube 700 and the body spray spouts
140, 150, 160 are arranged so as to form a semi-surrounded body spray piping structure
to define a shower stall, which is shown in more detail in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 also clearly
illustrates that the body spray spouts are in a 180° counter sit position with respect
to the main flow passage. This design is very much different from the shower system
available in the art, such as the one shown in Figs. 2 and 3. According to the invention,
such a semi-surrounded body spray piping structure and the 180° counter sit body spray
spouts allow the user to receive water across both sides of the body in an equal manner
and greater equilibrium comfort when taking a shower.
[0033] The overhead shower spray spout 110 is carried at an outer end of a first conduit
210, the facial spray spout 120 is carried at an outer end of a second conduit 220,
the mouth spray spout 130 is carried at an outer end of a flexible hose 230 to allow
it to be pulled out to provide mouth and gum care to the user, and the foot spray
spout 170 is carried at an outer end of a sixth conduit 270. With reference to Fig
7, all the conduits 210, 220, 230, 270, 700 are in communication with different outputs
of a diverter 200. These conduits may be selected from solid pipes, or flexible pipes
of smaller sizes are installed within these solid pipes to improve water flow and
increase water pressure when necessary, as illustrated in Fig. 7.
[0034] The facial spray sprout 120 is mounted to provide the user to receive aerated hot
water in vapor and misty form directable to his face. The mouth spray spout 130 is
mounted to provide a mouth wash or gum care massage with a stronger water output,
allowing the user to have a daily potential health benefit. The mouth spray spout
130 is connected to a pull-out flexible hose that provides flexibility to the user
at different heights.
[0035] The foot spray sprout 170 is mounted to provide individual water output for foot
wash. In this embodiment, the shower system 10 is used with a shower tray 280 or bath
tub available in a bathroom at the bottom of this system to allow for a foot bath
by adding salts or other foot therapy products to soak the feet when taking a shower.
An overflow drainage 281 is elevated above from the bottom of the shower tray 280
or bath tub by 4cm to 10cm in order to lead the drainage water to the conventional
waste with a plastic tube.
[0036] A separate housing 500 of rectangular configuration made from a material selected
from stainless steel, brass, aluminum, plastic or synthetic material, for example,
is provided in the embodiment to receive the conduits directed to the facial spray
spout, the mouth spray spout and the foot spray sprout as well as the diverter 200.
Referring to Fig. 7, a corresponding number of openings through which the spray sprouts
pass are formed on a front panel of the housing 500. The bottom of the housing 500
is coupled to a post 510 which can be adjusted vertically for its height and thus
for the height of the shower system 10 to satisfy the preference of the user, which
would be within the ability of a person skilled in the art.
[0037] As shown in Fig. 7, the diverter 200 is installed on the main flow passage 100 for
controlling the water output of the spray spouts, which allows water output either
to the spray spouts directed to the head, the face, the mouth and the feet individually
or to the spray spouts directed to the shoulder, waist and thighs at both sides of
the user. In this embodiment, a mixing valve 400 has one end connected to the hot
and cold water sources and the other connected to an input of the diverter 200. As
illustrated, a venturi injection mechanism 300 is installed on each of the conduits
210, 220, 230, 270, 700.
[0038] The diverter 200 is of the multi-way type for controlling individual water output
of the spray spouts. Dialing the diverter 200 permits the user to select water output
from the mixing valve 400 through the conduits to the selective outlet: i.e. the overhead
shower spray 110, the facial shower spray 120, the mouth shower spray 130, the body
shower sprays 140, 150, 160, or the foot shower spray 170, with the result of receiving
a fully customizable shower experience.
[0039] The venturi injection mechanism 300 is provided to create suction of fresh air, health
care fluids or health care powders into water when the water passes through the venturi
injection mechanism. Fig. 7 shows that the venturi injection mechanisms 300 are engaged
with a dispenser 320 of health care fluids or health care powders. The dispenser 320
is arranged on the housing 500 and includes a plurality of containers, each of the
containers are in communication with the respective venturi injection mechanism 300.
By use of the venturi injection mechanisms 300, the health injection fluids or powders
can be mixed with the water to provide a refreshing shower experience.
[0040] The mixing valve 400 may be of a conventional type and is connected to hot and cold
water sources for controlling the output volume and the temperature of water to suit
the user's requirement. The mixing valve is well known in the art and not the essence
of the invention, and therefore is not elaborated herein.
[0041] As described above, the shower system 10 is prefabricated as one piece. According
to the invention, the connections among all parts of the shower system 10, including
the conduits and the main flow passage may be connected in a threaded manner or in
a snap-in manner.
[0042] Referring now to Figs. 8 to 11, a shower system 10 constructed according to a second
embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The shower system 10 is a completely pre-fabricated
one-piece piping network structure and comprises a main flow passage 100 connected
directly to a standard water supply point, such as a water faucet (not shown) which
provides a blend of hot and cold water. The shower system 10 comprises an overhead
shower spray spout 110, a facial shower spray 120, a mouth spray spout 130, three
rows of body spray spouts 140, 150, 160 respectively corresponding to shoulders, waist
and thighs of a user, and a foot spray spout 170.
[0043] The overhead shower spray spout 110 is carried at an outer end of a first conduit
210, the facial spray spout 120 is carried at an outer end of a second conduit 220,
the mouth spray spout 130 is carried at an outer end of a flexible hose 230 to allow
it to be pulled out to provide mouth and gum care to the user, the body spray spouts
140, 150, 160 are carried at respective outer ends of third, fourth and fifth conduits
240, 250, and 260 which extend in pair and horizontally from two sides of the main
flow passage, and the foot spray spout 170 is carried at an outer end of a sixth conduit
270. With collective reference to Figs. 11 and 12, all the conduits 210, 220, 230,
240, 250, 260, 270 are in communication with different outputs 181, 182, 183, 184,
185 of a diverter means 180. These conduits may be selected from solid pipes, or flexible
pipes of smaller sizes are installed within these solid pipes to improve water flow
and increase water pressure, when necessary.
[0044] The facial spray sprout 120 is mounted to provide the user to receive aerated hot
water in vapor and misty form directable to his face. The mouth spray spout 130 is
mounted to provide a mouth wash or gum care massage with a stronger water output,
allowing the user to have a daily potential health benefit. The mouth spray spout
130 is connected to a pull-out flexible hose that provides flexibility to the user
at different heights.
[0045] In this embodiment, the third, fourth and fifth conduits 240, 250, and 260 are in
communication with an output of the diverter means and correspond to the positions
of shoulders, waist and thighs of the user. These conduits are shaped in a rectangular
configuration and arranged so as to form a semi-surrounded body spray piping structure
which defines a shower stall, as shown in more detail in Fig. 10. While Figs. 8 and
10 clearly illustrate that these conduits carry the respective spray spouts in a 180°
counter sit position with respect to the main flow passage. This design is very much
different from the shower system available in the art, such as the one shown in Figs.
2 and 3. According to the invention, such a semi-surrounded body spray piping structure
and the 180° counter sit body spray spouts allow the user to receive water across
both sides of the body in an equal manner and greater equilibrium comfort when taking
a shower. Advantageously, the body spray spouts 140, 150, 160 are configured to be
able to rotate by 45° and can adjust for their angles to provide the convenience of
the user.
[0046] The foot spray sprout 170 is mounted to provide individual water output for foot
wash. The shower system 10 may be used in combination with a shower tray 280 or a
bath tub available in a bath room at the bottom of this system to allow for a foot
bath by adding salts or other foot therapy products to soak the feet when taking a
shower. An overflow drainage 281 of the shower tray or the bath tub is elevated above
from the bottom by 4cm to 10cm., in order to lead the drainage water to the conventional
waste with a tube of plastic, stainless steel or brass material. Such a design provides
an economical way to achieve foot bath. Accordingly, the shower system 10 enables
the user to have a foot bath and take a multi-directional aerated water shower at
the same time, with a great equilibrium comfort with heating and water distribution
to be achieved in use.
[0047] A separate housing 500 of rectangular configuration made from a material selected
from stainless steel, brass, aluminum, plastic or synthetic material, for example,
is provided in the embodiment to receive the conduits directed to the facial spray
spout, the mouth spray spout and the foot spray sprout as well as the diverter means
180. Referring to Fig. 11, a corresponding number of openings through which the spray
sprouts pass are formed on a front panel of the housing 500. The bottom of the housing
500 is coupled to a post 510 which can be adjusted vertically for its height and thus
for the height of the shower system 10 to satisfy the preference of the user, which
would be within the ability of a person skilled in the art.
[0048] As shown in Fig. 12, the diverter means 180 is installed on the main flow passage
100 for controlling the water output of the spray spouts, which allows water output
either to the spray spouts directed to the head, the face, the mouth and the feet
individually or to the spray spouts directed to the shoulder, waist and thighs at
both sides of the user. It would be appreciated that directing the water output to
a combination of two or more of spray spouts of the head, the face, the mouth, the
feet and the combination of the body spray spouts at opposite angle of 180° is possible.
This is different from the mechanism of the shower apparatuses in the prior art. In
this embodiment, the diverter means 180 comprises a diverter 200, a built-in venturi
injection mechanism 300 connected to an input of the diverter 200, and a mixing valve
400 connected to the hot and cold water sources.
[0049] The diverter 200 is of the multi-way type for controlling individual water output
of the spray spouts. Dialing the diverter 180 permits the user to select water output
from the mixing valve 400 through the conduits to the selective outlet: i.e. the overhead
shower spray 110, the facial shower spray 120, the mouth shower spray 130, the body
shower sprays 140, 150, 160, or the foot shower spray 170, with the result of receiving
a fully customizable shower experience.
[0050] The venturi injection mechanism 300 connected to a flexible hose 330 is provided
to create suction of fresh air, health care fluids or health care powders into water
when the water passes through the venturi injection mechanism. Fig. 12 shows that
the flexible hose 330 has one end connected to the venturi injection mechanism 300
and the other end extending beyond a flange 310 which remains open in the case of
air suction or which is engaged with a dispenser 320 of health care fluids or health
care powders. By use of the venturi injection mechanism 300, fresh air can be drawn
into this mechanism and to the diverter 200. The capacity of air intake reduces the
capacity of water inflow while maintaining the running pressure of water that comes
into the diverter, thus improving the water pressure as well as increasing the water
flow velocity while decreasing the flow rate of water. As shown in Fig. 14A, the fresh
air is sucked into the water to produce tiny packets of oxygen bubbles that mix with
water flow in the diverter 200, thereby enabling oxygenating massage to the user's
body to give an invigorating, healthy and more refreshing shower. The aerated water
also gives a faster and better reaction with soaps, foaming baths or bath gels. Such
a design allows the user to receive a shower of better water effect while using less
water and energy.
[0051] The shower system 10 also provides the user with the option of using health care
fluids or powders such as relaxing shower oils, distress bath and shower products.
In this case, the other end of the flexible hose 330 is engaged with the dispenser
320 which is arranged on the front panel of the housing 500, allowing for the suction
of the health care fluids or powders so as to mix with water flow in the diverter
200. This would give the user to have refreshing and relaxing spirit. In view of the
arrangement that the venturi injection mechanism 300 is located in the diverter means
180, the dispenser 320 has one bottle for containing the health care fluids or health
care powders to be connected with the flexible hose 330.
[0052] Another variant of the arrangement of the venturi injection mechanism is illustrated
in Fig. 13. At each output of the diverter 200 is positioned a venturi injection mechanism
300 having a flexible hose for suction of fresh air, health care fluids or health
care powders. In this case, the fresh air, the health care fluids or the health care
powders mix with water coming out from the diverter 200. It would be understood that
the dispenser may be provided with several bottles for containing health care fluids
or powders in engagement with the respective flexible hoses.
[0053] The mixing valve 400 may be of a conventional type and is connected to hot and cold
water sources for controlling the output volume and the temperature of water to suit
the user's requirement. In this embodiment, the mixing valve 400 is included in the
diverter means 180. It would be appreciated that the mixing valve can be provided
separately from the diverter means when necessary, which allows the user to remain
his existing mixing valve for the best benefits in cost, if desired. The mixing valve
is well known in the art and not the essence of the invention, and therefore is not
elaborated ' herein.
[0054] As described above, the shower system 10 is prefabricated as one piece. According
to the invention, the connections among all parts of the shower system 10, including
the conduits and the main flow passage may be connected in a threaded manner or in
a snap-in manner. One example of the snap-in connection is shown in Figs. 23A and
23B, in which a first piece of the conduit is fitted with a flange 601, and a second
piece of the conduit is fitted with a connection member 602 having a slot 603 formed
on its inner wall. The two pieces of the conduit are firmly connected by coupling
the flange 601 with the slot 603 of the connection member 602.
[0055] It can be seen that a significant feature of the invention is the construction of
a completely exposed type of pre-assembled shower system, which eliminates the drawbacks
of the known type of in-wall designs and panel or column designs requiring for periods
of time and skilled labors from various sectors, such as plumbing, constructional,
electrical etc... The shower system 10 is easy and rapid to install and maintain in
site without the necessity of the intervention of skilled labor, which permits a saving
in the cost of installation and maintenance because of a better management of the
costs. This was not accomplished by the prior art shower systems/apparatuses.
[0056] Referring now to Figs. 15 to 17, a shower system 10 according to a third embodiment
of the invention is shown. This embodiment is similar in structure and operation to
that disclosed in the first and second embodiments, but significantly differing in
the following aspects:
- the conduits carrying the body spray spouts are of a semicircular configuration to
define a shower stall; and
- no housing is provided in this embodiment, the diverter 200, the venturi injection
300 and the mixing valve 300 are all disposed and in communication with the main flow
passage 100.
[0057] Figs. 18-20 illustrate a shower system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
The embodiment is similar in structure and operation to that disclosed in the third
embodiment, except that two rows of spray spouts 701 and 702 respectively corresponding
to the upper body and the lower body of the user are provided.
[0058] With collective reference to Figs. 21 to 22, a shower system according to a fifth
embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The only difference between this embodiment
and the first embodiment described above is that the spray spouts corresponding to
the shoulders, waist and thighs of the user are all arranged in a "S" shaped tube
which fluid-communicates with the main flow passage 100.
[0059] Thus, the invention provides a shower system which can provide full body therapy
shower experience from head to foot with its individual output application, resulting
in enhancing the user's body and feet respectively. As the shower system of the invention
is formed with pre-fabricated piping network layout, the user is allowed to install
the system quickly and easily on a water faucet in site without the need of specialized
and skilled worker and tools. The conduits and fittings of the shower system are all
deployed and exposed, which provides convenient and friendly service and maintenance
as well as saving costs in installing and maintaining the in-wall pipes and fittings.
The shower system of the invention also avoids the hassle found in extensive cement
works and the difficulties in customized in-wall plumbing which incorporates complex
piping operation done by the skilled worker.
[0060] In addition, the shower system of the invention requires less water and energy when
compared with the existing shower systems/apparatuses that need more water and energy
for taking a shower. The shower system of the invention only needs to be installed
in relatively narrow places, no matter if a bathtub exists or not.
[0061] It is to be understood that many other embodiments of the present invention are also
possible, and many corresponding modifications as well as variations can be made by
those skilled in the art according to the disclosure of the present invention and
without departing from the spirits and essentials thereof.
1. A shower system comprising:
a main flow passage connected to a water supply;
at least two conduits which are in communication with the main flow passage and connected
in pair and horizontally to two sides of the main flow passage;
at least two shower spray spouts in communication with the at least two conduits,
and the shower spray spouts being carried at respective outer ends of the conduits;
wherein the conduits are arranged such that the shower spray spouts are in a 180°
counter sit relationship with respect to the main flow passage and are combined with
the conduits to define a shower stall.
2. The shower system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer end of each of the at least
two conduits is connected to an "I"-shaped tube or an "S"-shaped tube on which the
shower spray spouts corresponding to shoulders, waist and thighs of the user are arranged.
3. The shower system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises six conduits
symmetrical about the main flow passage to horizontally form 3 pairs of conduits and
positioned at different vertical heights so as to correspond to shoulders, waist and
thighs of the user, respectively.
4. The shower system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shower system
further comprises a facial spray spout in communication with and disposed at an upper
part of the shower system, and a mouth spray spout adjacent to the facial spray to
provide mouth and gum care to the user.
5. The shower system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shower system
further comprises an overhead shower spray spout, and a foot spray spout in communication
with and disposed at an lower part of the shower system.
6. The shower system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a diverter
means installed on and in communication with the main flow passage for controlling
the spray spouts to out-flow water individually or simultaneously and/or for controlling
the temperature of the outflow water.
7. The shower system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the diverter means comprises a diverter
having a plurality of outputs for directing water to the corresponding spray spouts
individually or simultaneously, and a built-in venturi injection mechanism connected
to an input of the diverter for introducing air, health care fluids or health care
powders to blend with water flowing into the diverter, allowing for improving the
pressure of water and providing a healthy and refreshing shower.
8. The shower system as claimed in claim 7, wherein a mixing valve through which hot
and cold water sources flow is included in the diverter means, and the mixing valve
is in communication with the built-in venturi injection mechanism.
9. The shower system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the diverter means comprises a diverter
having a plurality of outputs for directing water to the corresponding spray spouts
individually or simultaneously, and a plurality of venturi injection mechanisms corresponding
to the number of the outputs of the diverter, said venturi injection mechanisms being
disposed at the respective outputs of the diverter for introducing air, health care
fluids or health care powders to blend with water coming out from the diverter.
10. The shower system as claimed in 9, wherein the venturi injection mechanism is used
to direct the water output individually to one of the spray spouts corresponding to
the head, the face, the mouth, the shoulders, the waist, the thighs and the feet,
or to a combination of two or more of these spray spouts.
11. The shower system as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the health care fluids
or the health care powders are supplied from a dispenser arranged on the housing.
12. The shower system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein a housing is provided
to receive the main flow passage, the diverter means and other parts of the system.
13. The shower system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the system further
comprises a mixing valve through which hot and cold water sources flow into the main
flow passage.
14. The shower system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the shower spray
spouts are able to rotate by 45° and adjustable for their angles.
15. The shower system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the shower spray
spouts are further provided with a massage function.
16. The shower system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the main flow passage
is vertically adjustable to satisfy the preference of a user.
17. The shower system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the connections
between the conduits and the main flow passage are accomplished in a threaded manner
or in a snap-in manner.
18. The shower system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the system is prefabricated
as one piece.