CN112043189A

CN112043189A - Variable flow hand-held shower and shower head

Info

Publication number: CN112043189A
Application number: CN202010511128.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·鲍尔
Original assignee: Kohler Co
Current assignee: Kohler Co
Priority date: 2019-06-07
Filing date: 2020-06-08
Publication date: 2020-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-08
Also published as: CN112043189B

Abstract

A shower device includes an elongated hollow waterway, a spray head configured to spray water, and a valve. The elongated hollow waterway extends in a longitudinal direction and has a first end configured to receive water, a second end, and an internal fluid passageway extending from the first end to the second end. The second end has a port extending from the internal fluid passageway in a radial direction through the waterway. The valve is configured to control a flow of water from the internal fluid passageway of the waterway to the spray head. The valve includes a valve body surrounding a port and a control member operatively coupled to the valve body and surrounding at least a portion of the valve body. Rotation of the control member and valve body relative to the waterway provides variable adjustment of the flow of water to the sprinkler.

Description

Variable flow hand-held shower and shower head

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. provisional patent application No.62/858,725 filed on 7.6.2019 and U.S. national patent application No.16/884,930 filed on 27.5.2020. The above-mentioned U.S. application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

The present application relates generally to the field of shower devices such as hand showers and shower heads used in bathing and showering. More particularly, the present application relates to hand held showers and showerheads with improved docking systems, valves, controls and the like.

Current low flow showerheads on the market lack the ability to adequately perform in rinsing and/or warming the bather. Several after-market adapters/devices are intended to reduce water flow, but these after-market adapters/devices present installation problems because: a hand shower cannot fit into a typical holder/cradle (tapered in shape) or becomes unstable when docked in a typical holder/cradle due to the additional offset weight caused by its size. After-market solutions for showerheads are also cumbersome in nature and are unsightly.

Disclosure of Invention

One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a shower device. The shower device includes an elongated hollow waterway, a spray head configured to spray water, and a valve. The elongated hollow waterway extends in a longitudinal direction and has a first end configured to receive water, a second end, and an internal fluid passageway extending from the first end to the second end. The second end has a port extending from the internal fluid passageway through the waterway radially with respect to the longitudinal direction. The valve is configured to control a flow of water from the internal fluid passageway of the waterway to the spray head. The valve includes a valve body surrounding a port, and a control member operatively coupled to the valve body and surrounding at least a portion of the valve body. The valve body and the waterway collectively define a fluid path in fluid communication with the spray head. Rotation of the control member relative to the waterway about the longitudinal direction rotates the valve body relative to the waterway to provide variable adjustment of water flow to the sprinkler by changing the relative alignment between the fluid path and the port in the waterway.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a shower apparatus. The shower device includes an elongated hollow waterway, a spray head configured to spray water, and a valve. The elongated hollow waterway extends in a longitudinal direction and has a first end configured to receive water, a second end, and an internal fluid passageway with the first end extending to one or more ports in the second end. Each port extends from the internal fluid passage radially with respect to the longitudinal direction through the second end. A valve operatively couples the sprinkler to the waterway, and the valve is configured to control a flow of water from the internal fluid passageway of the waterway to the sprinkler. The valve includes a valve body surrounding each port, a control member surrounding at least a portion of the valve body, and one or more seals. The valve body and the second end together define a fluid path in fluid communication with the spray head. The control member is operatively coupled to a portion of the valve body such that rotation of the control member rotates the valve body. Each of the one or more seals is associated with a port and is carried by one or more protrusions extending inwardly from the valve body toward the waterway. Rotation of the control member relative to the waterway rotates each seal between a closed position in which each seal covers an associated port to fluidly disconnect the fluid path from the internal fluid passageway and an open position in which each seal uncovers an associated port to fluidly connect the internal fluid passageway to the spray head through the fluid path and associated port.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a shower apparatus. The shower device includes an elongated hollow waterway, a spray head configured to spray water, and a valve. The elongated hollow waterway extends in a longitudinal direction and has an inlet end configured to receive water, an outlet end, and an internal fluid passageway extending from the inlet end to the outlet end. The outlet end has a plurality of ports extending through the waterway. The valve is configured to control a flow of water from the internal fluid passageway of the waterway to the spray head. The valve includes a valve body surrounding a plurality of ports, and a control member surrounding at least a portion of the valve body. The control member is operatively coupled to the portion of the valve body such that rotation of the control member rotates the valve body. Rotation of the valve body relative to the waterway provides variable adjustment of water flow to the sprinkler by changing the relative alignment between the fluid path and the plurality of ports in the waterway.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shower assembly having a hand shower slidably coupled to a holder.

Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the shower assembly shown in fig. 1, illustrating height adjustment of the hand shower relative to the holder.

Fig. 3 is a front view of a portion of the hand shower of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the hand shower of fig. 1.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shower assembly.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shower assembly.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hand shower.

Figure 8 is a detail view of a portion of the hand shower of figure 7.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a showerhead.

Fig. 10 is another perspective view of the showerhead of fig. 9 illustrating adjustment of the showerhead.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the showerhead of fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a valve for use in a showerhead and/or a hand shower, such as the hand shower shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 13 is another exploded view of the valve shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a side view of the valve shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in fig. 12 in a first position.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in fig. 12 in a second position.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in fig. 12 in a third position.

Fig. 20 is a plan view of an embodiment of a controller for a valve, such as the valve shown in fig. 12.

Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a valve for use in a showerhead and/or a hand shower, such as the showerhead shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 22 is another exploded view of the valve shown in fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in fig. 21.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a holder for a hand shower, such as the hand shower holder shown in fig. 1-4.

Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer shown in fig. 24.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a retainer.

Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer shown in fig. 26.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a holder such as the hand shower holder shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 29 is a side view of the retainer shown in fig. 28.

Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer shown in fig. 28.

Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hand shower.

Figure 32 is a detail view of a portion of the hand shower of figure 31.

Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a showerhead.

Fig. 34 is a detail view of a portion of the showerhead shown in fig. 33.

Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hand shower.

Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hand shower of figure 35.

Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hand shower of figure 36.

Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hand shower of fig. 36.

Fig. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hand shower of fig. 36.

Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a showerhead.

Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the showerhead shown in fig. 40.

Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the showerhead of fig. 40.

Fig. 43 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a holder for a hand shower.

Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer shown in fig. 43.

Fig. 45 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a hand shower.

Fig. 46 is a bottom perspective view of the hand shower of fig. 45.

Fig. 47 is a side cross-sectional view of the hand shower of fig. 45.

Fig. 48 is a side cross-sectional view of the shower head portion of the hand shower of fig. 45.

Figure 49 is a partial perspective view of the venturi portion of the hand shower of figure 45.

FIG. 50 is another partial perspective view of the venturi portion of FIG. 49.

Fig. 51 is a side cross-sectional view of the waterway portion of the hand shower of fig. 45.

Fig. 52 is a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle portion of the hand shower of fig. 45.

Fig. 53 is a top perspective view of the hand shower of fig. 45 in operation.

FIG. 54 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a showerhead.

Fig. 55 is a bottom perspective view of the showerhead of fig. 54.

Fig. 56 is a side cross-sectional view of the showerhead of fig. 54.

Fig. 57 is a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle portion of the showerhead of fig. 54.

Fig. 58 is a side cross-sectional view of the venturi portion of the showerhead of fig. 54.

Fig. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the showerhead of fig. 54 in operation.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings in general, disclosed herein are hand held showers and shower heads that allow, among other things, a user to vary the flow of water dispensed or sprayed on demand by means of an integral rotating collar built into the handle of the hand held shower or the neck of the shower head. This allows the user to determine the amount of time and water they would like to save (e.g., by turning the device down to a lower flow rate or pausing while foaming, shaving, etc.). The design of the hand shower and showerhead also allows the user to vary its effective installation height without the need for after-market components while providing improved aesthetics.

Furthermore, with less water being used (flowing) by the hand shower/showerhead, it is more effective to direct the water closer to the bather. Thus, the showerhead may have a ball joint offset from the center of the showerhead body, allowing the height of the showerhead to be adjusted by rotating the showerhead up or down. Similarly, a hand shower may have adjustability (e.g., height adjustment) by mounting the stem of a handle (e.g., a barrel handle) into a holder (e.g., a bracket) via one or more magnets that allow the handle to slide in the bracket. Thus, a user may slide the hand shower up or down within the holder, rotate the hand shower along an axis, and/or pivot the holder to provide a relatively large range of motion to position the spray from the hand shower. The hand-held shower/rose may include an integral valve that allows the user to quickly and easily adjust the flow of water through the device to ergonomically reduce the amount of water delivered from full rated flow all the way to trickle, such as with one hand (ADA mode; <0.5 gallons per minute (gpm)). The AT-shaped retainer may provide improved aesthetics because it is constructed using blind assembly techniques without visible seams, covers/caps, fasteners, or driving features.

In some embodiments, the showerhead and/or the handshower further includes an air sensor element or venturi to introduce air into and/or mix air with the water prior to injecting the water-air mixture into the shower enclosure. Among other benefits, introducing air into the flow stream may further reduce the overall water consumption of the showerhead and/or the handshower without significantly impacting cleaning performance.

Fig. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a shower assembly 100, the shower assembly 100 including a stationary portion 102, a hand shower 104, and a hose 106 fluidly connecting the hand shower 104 to the stationary portion 102. The hand shower 104 is removably and slidably coupled to the fixed portion 102 such that the height of the hand shower 104 may be adjusted relative to the fixed portion 102 in the docked or coupled position. As shown in fig. 2, the height of the handshower 104 can be adjusted by 3.5 inches, but the height adjustment can also be customized, such as based on the length of the handle of the handshower 104. According to at least one embodiment, the magnetic connection provides height adjustment (as discussed in more detail herein). In the undocked or disassembled position, the hand shower 104 is free to move to redirect the spray. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the handshower 104 further includes an actuator or control member 175, the actuator or control member 175 controlling a variable flow of water (as discussed in more detail herein).

The illustrated hose 106 is flexible such that the handshower 104, when removably coupled with the fixed portion 102, is free to move relative to the fixed portion 102 (within the length of the hose 106) to, for example, control (e.g., move, change, etc.) the direction of the spray from the handshower 104. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, a body 160 (e.g., a hollow body) of the hose 106 carries a fluid and extends between a first end 161 and a second end 162. First end 161 is coupled to fixed portion 102 by a mechanical fastener (e.g., a threaded connection) or any suitable connection; and the second end 162 is coupled to the handshower 104 by a mechanical fastening (e.g., a threaded connection) or any suitable connection. Thus, the hose 106 supplies water from the fixed part 102 to the handshower 104.

As best shown in fig. 25, the stationary portion 102 includes a generally cylindrical (fluid) body 120 having an inlet 121 in one end, and an outlet 122 extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body 120 and fluidly connected to the inlet 121 through an internal fluid aperture 123 (e.g., channel, etc.). As shown, the body 120 is internally threaded at the end with the water inlet 121, for example to be screwed to a threaded pipe. Securely disposed in outlet 122 is a connector 125, which connector 125 has a generally tubular shape with external threads proximate first end 126 for coupling to internal threads proximate outlet 122. The connector 125 also has a second end 127, the second end 127 being fixedly coupled to the first end 161 of the hose 106, and an internal fluid passageway extending between the first end 126 and the second end 127.

As shown in fig. 24 and 25, the fixation section 102 includes an outer sleeve 128 that surrounds (e.g., encircles) the body 120. Outer sleeve 128 may provide customized aesthetics (e.g., a different material/finish than body 120) as well as functionally secure other components of fixation portion 102 in place or together. For example, the outer sleeve 128 may include an annular protrusion 129, the annular protrusion 129 extending from the bottom side to receive a portion of the connector 125. For another example, the outer sleeve 128 may include an open proximal end for receiving the body 120, and a distal end for receiving a ball joint (e.g., a spherical element). The outer sleeve 128 may include an end wall extending radially inward from the distal end and defining an opening, wherein the end wall retains the ball joint and the opening allows access to the ball joint from outside of the outer sleeve 128.

As best shown in fig. 2 and 4, the fixed portion 102 includes a retainer 130 (e.g., a retaining mechanism, bracket, docking member, etc.) that slidably receives the hand shower 104 to allow height adjustment of the hand shower 104 relative to the retainer 130, such as through a magnetic connection. As shown in fig. 24 and 25, the retainer 130 includes a base 131 having a receiving surface 132, the receiving surface 132 defining a generally semi-cylindrical aperture 133, the aperture 133 having a shape that receives a handle of a hand shower (e.g., the hand shower 104). One or more docking elements 134 are provided in the base 131, wherein each docking element 134 comprises a rare earth magnet that is magnetically attracted to a ferromagnetic (or ferromagnetic) material (e.g. steel) in the handle of the hand shower to provide a height adjustable magnetic docking. One or more magnets may be located in both the handle and the docking element 134, but this solution may be more costly. Locating a powerful magnet in the handle of the hand shower 104 is not ideal as a strong magnetic field may potentially interfere with biomedical implants such as pacemakers. The retainer 130 may optionally include a material coating or layer to prevent damage (e.g., scratching) of the hand shower when sliding and/or removing the hand shower. For example, a relatively thin layer 135 may be provided on the inside of the receiving surface 132 of the base 131 to protect the hand shower facer from scratching when the hand shower is docked/undocked, slid up/down, or rotated within the holder 130. By way of non-limiting example, layer 135 may include at least one of a polymer, a silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and/or any other similar suitable material.

The retainer 130 may be coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled, movably coupled) to the outer sleeve 128. As best shown in fig. 25, the retainer 130 includes a threaded post 136 extending from a back side of the base 131 opposite the receiving surface 132. Threaded post 136 is threaded into a threaded opening in a ball joint 137 (e.g., a spherical or hemispherical member), ball joint 137 being retained within the distal end of outer sleeve 128, such as by an end wall within the distal end of outer sleeve 128. Ball joint 137 is free to rotate relative to outer sleeve 128 to allow positional adjustment of holder 130 relative to other components of fixed portion 102 (e.g., outer sleeve 128, body 120, etc.).

The fixed portion 102 may optionally include other components/elements. As shown in fig. 25, an optional inner sleeve 138 is located within the outer sleeve 128 and extends between the body 120 and the ball joint 137 or another element disposed between the ball joint 137 and the inner sleeve 138. For example, an optional spring element 139 (e.g., a coil spring, extension spring, etc.) may be disposed between the ball joint 137 and the inner sleeve 138 to exert a biasing force on the ball joint 137 to hold the ball joint 137 (and the retainer 130) in place (i.e., held in place at any position relative to the outer sleeve 128). The spring element 139 may apply the biasing force directly into the ball joint 137 or indirectly into the ball joint 137 through two or more separate compressible elements disposed around the ball joint 137 within the outer sleeve 128.

Fig. 43 and 44 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a securing portion 402 for removably receiving/retaining a hand shower, such as the hand shower described herein. The stationary portion 402 is configured similarly to the stationary portion 102, so the differences are discussed primarily herein. For example, the body 420 of the fixing portion 402 basically includes the body, the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve of the fixing portion 102, all of which are integrally formed as the body 420, except that one end 421 (e.g., an outlet end) of the body 420 is an open cylindrical end having threads 422. As shown, the end 421 of the body 420 extends at an angle relative to the other end of the body 420 that couples the fixed portion 402 in place. Cap 423, which is shown as cup-shaped, has threads 424, which threads 424 are threadedly connected with threads 422 of body 420 to retain ball joint 437 between end 421 of body 420 and the interior of cap 423. The retainer 429 is operatively coupled to the ball joint 437 such that the retainer 429 is free to pivot relative to the ball joint 437. The retainer 429 and/or ball joint 437 can be configured the same as, similar to, or different from the retainer/ball joints discussed herein, such as the retainer/ball joints discussed above.

As best shown in fig. 1-4, the handshower 104 includes a handle assembly 140, a spray head 148, and a valve 107 interconnecting the handle assembly 140 and the spray head 148. As best shown in fig. 7 and 8, handle assembly 140 includes an elongated body or waterway 141 extending between an inlet end 142 (e.g., a first end, etc.) and an outlet end 143 (e.g., a second end, etc.) and including inlet end 142 and outlet end 143. The illustrated inlet end 142 includes a threaded connection for coupling to the second end 162 of the hose 106; and the second end 143 is shown fluidly connected to the valve 107. An internal fluid passage 144 fluidly connects inlet end 142 and outlet end 143. One or more additional layers are disposed around waterway 141. As shown in fig. 7, the middle layer 145 surrounds the waterway 141, and the outer layer 146 surrounds the middle layer 145. One or more of waterway 141, intermediate layer 145, and outer layer 146 may include a ferromagnetic or magnetic material for magnetically interfacing with holder 130. For example, the middle layer 145 may include a ferromagnetic or magnetic material, and the outer layer 146 may define a handle or grip of the handshower 104. Referring to fig. 7 and 8, intermediate layer 145 is a tube comprising steel that is magnetically attracted to magnetic docking element 134, and outer layer 146 forming the handle comprises a material that provides durability and/or an ergonomic feel to a user holding the handle. The outer layer 146 may include a plating or coating using plastic, composite, and/or any ferromagnetic material for magnetically interfacing with the retainer 130. Outer layer 146 may also use a material that does not significantly interfere with the transmission of the magnetic field to allow intermediate layer 145 to magnetically interface with holder 130.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the nozzle 148 includes a base 149 and a head 153 mounted on the base 149. The illustrated base 149 includes an outer body 150 and an inner body 151 disposed within the outer body 150. The outer body 150 is coupled at one end to the valve 107 by an internal threaded connection, while the other end of the outer body 150 is coupled to a portion of the head 153 or defines a portion of the head 153. As shown in fig. 7, the outer body 150 includes an annular member 152 extending from an end opposite the valve 107 to define a rear portion of the head 153. The head 153 includes a spray face 154, the spray face 154 being coupled to the annular member 152 to form a generally annular head 153, the head 153 having an inwardly inclined inner frustoconical surface (moving from front to back). Spray face 154 includes one or more nozzles 155 arranged in a predetermined pattern around the ring to provide one or more predetermined spray patterns of water. The illustrated spray face 154 includes twenty-four (24) nozzles that are grouped in a halo design and are configured to direct water to form two concentric annular spray patterns at a length (e.g., about 18 inches) from the spray face. Inner body 151 fluidly connects the outlet of valve 107 to spray face 154. Accordingly, the inner body 151 is a water path (e.g., a second water path) that supplies water to the plurality of nozzles 155.

The spray head 148 may include other components/elements. As shown in fig. 7 and 8, venturi 157 is located between the outlet of inner body 151 and ring plate 158, wherein ring plate 158 is located between spray face 154 and the outlet of venturi 157. Where a venturi 157 is provided, the venturi 157 includes a converging inlet and a diverging outlet to increase the velocity of the water and cause a pressure drop to draw air into the water stream. A ring plate 158 is secured (e.g., ultrasonically welded, solvent welded, etc.) to the back side of spray face 154 to form a water circuit loop of head 153, and ring plate 158 is connected to venturi 157 (where venturi 157 is provided) or to inner body 151. The ring plate 158 may help couple or align the spray face 154 and the annular member 152 together. According to at least one example, the ring plate 158 is a snap ring or other similar device.

Valve 107 interconnects handle assembly 140 and spray head 148 (e.g., base 149), and valve 107 is configured to variably control the flow of water to spray head 148. As shown in fig. 7-8 and 12-20, the valve 107 includes a housing 170 having a first housing portion 171 (e.g., a first valve portion) and a second housing portion 172 (e.g., a second valve portion). The second housing portion 172 is separated from the first housing portion 171 and coupled to the first housing portion 171 by a mechanical fastener 173 (e.g., a screw, rivet, stud, bolt, etc.), the mechanical fastener 173 passing through the second housing portion 172 and being threaded to the first housing portion 171 to form the housing 170.

The illustrated first housing portion 171 includes a generally annular body 171a extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end 171b and a second end 171 c. First end 171b includes external threads 171d that are threaded to handle assembly 140 (e.g., internal threads of outer layer 146). The second end 171c includes a hole 17le (e.g., a threaded hole as shown in fig. 15) that receives the fastener 173, and optionally one or more holes l7lf (e.g., a through hole as shown in fig. 16), where each hole 171f receives one pin 174 (e.g., a dowel pin), which is also optional (e.g., to improve assembly). As shown in fig. 13, each of the holes 17le and 171f is concentric with one annular protrusion 171g extending from the second end 171c such that the hole extends into the associated protrusion 171 g. Each protrusion 171g extends beyond an end surface of the second end portion 171c to engage a slot (discussed in more detail below) in the control member 175. An internal through-hole or passageway 171h (e.g., a fluid passageway) extends through the body 171 a; and an inner wall 171j extends radially inward from body 171a into passage 171 h. The inner wall l7lj defines a central female keyway 171k, as best shown in fig. 12 and 13, which central female keyway 171k has a hexagonal shape (e.g., a hexagon with five straight sides and a sixth side with a concave or arcuate segment for alignment). The keyway 171k is configured to facilitate installation of the valve (e.g., insertion of the drive member 178 through the keyway 171 k), but not to drive rotation. As shown in fig. 15, the male keyway 178c of the drive member 178 is inserted into and through the female keyway 171k in the first housing portion 171 to engage the female keyway 175e of the control member 175.

The illustrated second housing portion 172 includes a generally annular body 172a extending along a longitudinal axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis of the first housing portion 171) between a first end 172b and a second end 172 c. First end 172b includes external threads 172d that are threaded to spray head 148 (e.g., internal threads of outer body 150 of base 149). When the valve 107 is assembled, the second end portion 172c approaches or abuts the second end portion 171c of the first housing portion 171, as shown in fig. 15 and 16. A first through hole 172e (fig. 13 and 15) is provided in the body 172a to receive the fastener 173, and optionally one or more second through holes l72f (fig. 13 and 16), wherein each second through hole l72f receives one pin 174 (where a second through hole l72f is provided). An internal through bore or passage 172h extends through the body 172a, and a second end 172c (or wall thereof) extends radially inwardly from the body 172a into the passage 172h defining a bearing surface 172j (fig. 12 and 16). A hole 172k (fig. 12 and 15) is provided in an end face of the second end 172c, the hole 172k receiving a stop assembly 180 (discussed in more detail below). As shown in fig. 15, the shoulder 172m projects into the hole 172k to act as a guide for the stop assembly.

The illustrated valve 107 also includes a control member 175 that controls the operation of the valve 107 by allowing a user of the hand shower 104 to variably adjust the flow of water through the valve 107 to the spray head 148. As shown in fig. 12-16, the control member 175 is operatively coupled to the housing 170. For example, the first and

second housing portions

171, 172 may hold the control member 175 between the first and

second housing portions

171, 172. The illustrated control member 175 includes a ring or collar 175a that extends along the longitudinal axis LA (e.g., the longitudinal axis of the first and/or second housing portions 171, 172) and is disposed about an exterior portion of the housing 170 (e.g., a portion of each of the first and second housing portions 171, 172). As shown in fig. 8, collar 175a is disposed between outer body 150 of base 149 and outer layer 146 of handle assembly 140. The outer diameter of collar 175a is shown to be substantially the same (i.e., within manufacturing tolerances) as the outer diameter of outer layer 146 at the end proximate collar 175a and/or the outer diameter of outer body 150 at the end proximate collar 175 a. This arrangement advantageously provides improved aesthetics (e.g., by making the valve and control member appear to be seamlessly integrated into the base of the handle assembly and spray head) and potentially reduces accidental actuation of the control member 175. The actuating protrusion or stem 175b extends from the outer diameter of the collar 175a to a predetermined height above the collar 175a (e.g., to a radius greater than the outer diameter of the collar 175 a). The lever 175b facilitates rotation of the collar 175a, such as by actuation by a user of the hand shower 104, to vary the flow rate of water, as discussed in more detail below. As shown, the rod 175b is a radial rib that extends the length of the collar 175a, but the rod 175b may have other configurations.

The illustrated control member 175 includes an inner wall 175c that extends radially inward from the collar 175a within the collar 175 a. As best shown in fig. 20, three slots 175d (e.g., slotted holes, ports, slotted ports, etc.) are provided in the inner wall 175c at a common radial distance from the center (e.g., longitudinal axis LA) of the collar 175 a. The two outer slots 175d are approximately 180 ° (one hundred eighty degrees) apart, with the middle slot 175d being approximately equidistant from each of the two outer slots 175 d. Each groove 175d is shown as having a kidney shape and adjustably (e.g., rotatably) receiving one annular protrusion 171g of the first housing portion 171 therein. Thus, rotation of the control member 175 about an axis (e.g., longitudinal axis LA) relative to the housing I70 causes each slot 175d to move relative to the associated stationary protrusion 171g, with the ends of the slots 175d acting as travel stops to control the range of relative motion, and thus the range of variable flow. Inner wall 175c defines a central female keyway 175e, which as best shown in fig. 12, 13 and 20, has a hexagonal shape (e.g., a hexagon with five straight sides and a sixth side with a concave or arcuate section for alignment). The inner wall 175c includes two stamped or cut out depressions or notches 175f formed in the inner wall 175c, but not all the way through or throughout the inner wall. As discussed in more detail below, the recess 175f cooperates with the stop assembly 180 to provide a positive stop for the control member 175 of the valve 107. It is noted that the valve I07 may comprise a different number of form-fitting stops, such as by having a different number of notches l75 f.

The valve 107 may also include additional components/elements that help control the flow of water through the valve 107 to the spray head 148. By way of example, the illustrated valve 107 includes a movable (e.g., rotatable) disc 176, a stationary disc 177, a drive member 178, a bonnet 179, a stop assembly 180, and/or one or more O-rings 190. It is noted that the valve 107 may include fewer or additional components/elements.

The illustrated rotatable disk 176 includes two generally triangular elements 176a that are generally flat and symmetrically opposed (e.g., forming a "bowtie" shape), with two semi-circular ports 176b (e.g., voids) positioned opposite each other and between the triangular elements. Each triangular element 176a is positioned with a notch 176c on the side facing downstream (as water flows through the valve 107), wherein each notch 176c receives a feature (e.g., of the drive member 178) for driving or facilitating rotation of the rotatable disk 176. The disk 176 may comprise ceramic and/or any other suitable material.

The illustrated stationary disk 177 includes a circular and flat body 177a having two generally triangular and symmetrically opposed ports 177b, the ports 177b extending through the body 177 a. The water received by the valve 107 flows through the ports 177b in the stationary disks 177 (and through the ports 176b in the rotatable disks 176 depending on the relative rotational position between the disks). The stationary disk 177 can include one or more protrusions 177c extending radially outward from an outer diameter of the body 177a, wherein each protrusion 177c engages a notch in the bonnet 179 to prevent relative rotation between the disk 177 and the bonnet 179. As best shown in fig. 12 and 13, the disk 177 has two tabs 177c extending from two opposite sides of the body 177a, but the disk 177 may include fewer or additional tabs.

The illustrated drive member 178 transfers (e.g., translates) the motion (e.g., rotation) of the control member 175 into the rotatable disk 176 while providing a fluid pathway for the flow of water therethrough. As best shown in fig. 12 and 13, the drive member 178 includes an annular base 178a and an elongated shoulder 178b extending from a downstream facing side of the base 178 a. Extending radially outward from the shoulder 178b is a male keyway 178c, as best shown in fig. 13, the male keyway 178c having a hexagonal shape (e.g., a hexagon with five straight sides and a sixth side with a convex or outwardly bowed section for alignment). As shown in fig. 15, the male keyway 178c engages with a female keyway 175e in the control member 175 such that rotation of the control member 175 drives a corresponding rotation of the drive member 178. Passageway 178d (e.g., a fluid passageway) extends through base 178a and shoulder 178b, and when assembled, as shown in fig. 7, passageway 178d fluidly connects the fluid channel in inner body 151 to internal fluid channel 144 of waterway 141. As shown in fig. 12, two opposing ribs l78e engage two notches 176c in the rotatable disk 176 such that rotation of the drive member 178, in turn, rotates the rotatable disk 176 via a corresponding rotation.

A bonnet 179 is shown disposed in the passage 171h of the first housing portion 171 to hold the

disks

176, 177 in close proximity to (e.g., abutting) each other in the valve 107. For example, the bonnet 179 may be coupled to the first housing portion 171 to secure the

discs

176, 177 in the passage 171h between the drive member 178 and the bonnet 179. The bonnet 179 includes an annular body 179a having an internal bore 179b that extends through the body 179a to receive the disks 176, 177 (fig. 15 and 16) and allow water to flow to the

disks

176, 177. As best shown in fig. 12, two tabs 179c extend radially outward from opposite sides of the body 179a to engage recesses in the body 171a of the first housing portion 171 to prevent relative rotation between the bonnet 179 and the first housing portion 171. As best shown in fig. 13, two slots 179d (only one slot shown) are formed in the interior of the body 179a at opposite sides, wherein each slot 179d is configured to receive one tab 177c of the disk 177 to prevent relative rotation between the bonnet 179 and the disk 177.

As shown in fig. 12 and 13, the illustrated stop assembly 180 includes a spring 181 in the form of a tension or compression spring and a stop member 182. As shown in fig. 15, a first end of the spring 181 is disposed about the shoulder 172m of the second housing portion 172, while a hole in one end of the annular body 182a of the stop member 182 receives a second end of the spring 181. A stop 182b (e.g., a convex protrusion, boss, raised surface, etc.) extends from the other end of the body 182a and is configured to selectively engage the control member 175 (e.g., selectively engage one of the inner wall 175c or the notch 175f depending on the position of the valve 107).

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, the valve includes a first O-ring 190 and a second O-ring 191. A first O-ring 190 is disposed in a groove (e.g., an annular passage) around the outside of the body 179a of the bonnet 179 to seal between the first housing portion 171 and the bonnet 179. A second O-ring 191 is disposed in a groove around the outside of the base 178a of the drive member 178 to seal between the first housing portion 171 and the drive member 178.

According to one exemplary method, valve 107 may be assembled using a five-step process. The first step includes aligning the first and

second housing portions

171, 172 with the control member 175 located between the two valve portions and securing the first and

second housing portions

171, 172 with the control member 175 between the first and

second housing portions

171, 172. The first step may include aligning the three components using pins 174 and may include securing the valve portion using fasteners 173. The first step may also include positioning the spring 181 and the stop member 182 in the aperture 172k of the second housing portion 172. The second step includes inserting the driver member 178 into the housing 170 such that the male keyway 178c of the driver member engages the female keyway 175e of the control member 175. The third step includes coupling the rotatable disc 176 to the drive member 178 such that each notch 176c in the disc 176 receives one rib l78e of the drive member 178. A fourth step includes coupling the stationary disk 177 to the bonnet 179 such that each notch 179d in the bonnet 179 receives one protrusion 177c of the disk 177. A fifth step includes coupling the bonnet 179 (with the disk 177) to the first housing portion 171 such that the

disks

176, 177 are adjacent to each other within the fluid path of the valve 107.

To operate or control the valve 107, such as to variably adjust the flow of water through the valve 107 to the spray head 148, the user need only rotate the control member 175 about the longitudinal axis LA relative to the housing 170. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, rod 175b protrudes or extends beyond collar 175a and handle assembly 140 to allow a user to rotate control member 175 via rod 175 b. Also shown, the handle assembly 140 can include indicia 147, such as letters or numbers, located on a portion of the handle assembly 140 proximate the control member 175, such as the outer layer 146 (e.g., "0.5" for 0.5gpm, "1.5" for 1.5gpm, etc.). Aligning the post 175b (or a mark 175g located on the post 175 b) with one of the marks 147 indicates to the user the setting or mode of the handshower 104. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, when the marking 175g is aligned with the 0.5gpm marking 147, the hand shower 104 and valve 107 are in a first mode, which delivers, for example, a maximum of 0.5gpm of water to the spray head 148. When the marking 175g is aligned with the 1.5gpm marking 147, the handshower 104 and valve 107 are in a second mode, which delivers, for example, a maximum of 1.5gpm of water to the spray head 148. Fig. 17 and 19 are cross-sectional views showing the valve 107 in the first mode and the second mode, respectively. As shown in fig. 17, when the valve 107 is in the first mode, each protrusion 171g of the first housing portion 171 is located in (e.g., proximate to) a first side of the associated slot 175d (corresponding to the maximum clockwise rotation of the control member 175 relative to the first housing portion 171), and the stop 182b is aligned with (e.g., engaged by) one of the notches 175 f. It is also shown that the rotatable disk 176 is positioned in the first mode such that the ports 176b of the disk 176 hardly overlap with the ports 177b of the stationary disk 177, which results in a reduced or minimum flow rate (e.g., 0.5gpm) of water through the valve 107 to the spray head 148. As shown in fig. 19, when the valve 107 is in the second mode, each projection 171g is located in a second side of the associated slot 175d (corresponding to maximum counterclockwise rotation of the control member 175 relative to the first housing portion 171), and the stop 182b is aligned with (e.g., engaged by) the other notch 175 f. It is also shown that the rotatable disk 176 is positioned in the second mode such that the ports 176b of the disk 176 fully or completely overlap the ports 177b of the stationary disk 177, which results in an increased or maximum flow rate (e.g., 1.5gpm) of water through the valve 107 to the spray head 148. It should be appreciated that the length of the groove 175d and its position relative to other valve components affects the overall flow range through which the valve 107 can pass, and thus, the groove 175d can be reconfigured to provide a different range (e.g., less than 0.5gpm, greater than 1.5 gpm).

The valve 107 is further configured to provide a variably (e.g., infinitely) regulated flow of water to the spray head 148 as the control member 175 (and the rotatable disk 176) rotates relative to the stationary disk 177 between the first mode and the second mode. In this manner, valve 107 provides an approximately infinite number of operating modes. Fig. 18 shows one such mode of operation between the first mode and the second mode. As shown, each protrusion 171g is positioned toward a central portion of the associated slot 175d, and the stop 182b is located between two notches 175f (e.g., on a smooth surface portion of the control member 175). It is also shown that the rotatable disc 176 is positioned in a mode between the first mode and the second mode such that the ports 176b of the disc 176 partially overlap the ports 177b of the stationary disc 177. This results in a flow rate of water through the valve 107 to the spray head 148 between the minimum flow rate and the maximum flow rate (e.g., 1.0 gpm).

According to one exemplary method, a nine-step process may be used to assemble the handshower 14 shown in fig. 7. The first step includes assembling the valve 107, for example as described above. The second step includes assembling ring plate 158 to spray face 154, such as by welding. The third step includes assembling venturi 157 to the ring and spray face assembly, such as by welding. The fourth step includes inserting the inner body 151 (e.g., a J-shaped tube) into the head 153. A fifth step includes coupling (e.g., snapping) the ring and spray face assembly onto a head 153 containing the inner body 151. The sixth step includes sliding the intermediate layer 145 (e.g., steel pipe) over the waterway 141. A seventh step includes sliding outer layer 146 (e.g., a handle) over coupled waterway 141 and intermediate layer 145. An eighth step includes coupling outer layer 146 to valve 107, such as by threading a handle onto first housing portion 171 to couple outer layer 146 to valve 107. A ninth step includes coupling the handle and valve assembly to spray head 148, such as by threading second housing portion 172 to outer body 150 of spray head 148.

Fig. 5 shows another exemplary embodiment of a shower assembly 200, the shower assembly 200 including a hand shower 104, the hand shower 104 being removably mounted to a fixed portion 202 and receiving water from the fixed portion 202 via a hose 106. Thus, the handshower 104 and hose 106 may be the same or similar to those already described herein. However, the stationary portion 202 differs from the stationary portion 102 in several respects (discussed below).

As shown in fig. 28 to 30, the fixing portion 202 includes an inlet 203, an outlet 204, and a holder 205. The inlet 203 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 230, the body 230 having an inlet protrusion 231 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the body 230. The inlet projection 231 includes internal threads 232, the internal threads 232 being threaded to the inlet tube 90 (shown in fig. 5) and partially defining an internal bore 233, the internal bore 233 being part of a fluid passageway 234 for conveying water from the inlet tube to the outlet 204. As shown in fig. 30, two counter bores 235 are provided in the body 230 for securing the inlet 203 to the holder 205 and the outlet 204.

As shown in fig. 5, the illustrated holder 205 is configured to slidably receive the hand shower 104 to allow height adjustment of the hand shower 104 relative to the holder 205, such as through a magnetic connection. As shown in fig. 28-30, the holder 205 includes a base 250 having a first side 251 and a second receiving side 252, the base 250 having a shape complementary to the shape of the handle of the handshower 104, such as having a generally open semi-circular shape. One or more docking elements 254 are provided in the base 250, wherein each docking element 254 comprises a rare earth magnet that is magnetically attracted to a ferromagnetic material or magnet in the handle of the handshower 104 to provide a height adjustable magnetic docking. The holder 205 may optionally include the following surfaces 255: the surface 255 helps prevent damage to the hand held shower 104 when coupled together, such as by including a polymer, silicone, TPE, TPV, and/or any other similarly suitable material to prevent damage to the hand held shower 104 when coupled together. According to at least one example, the surface 255 is formed in place, such as by an overmolding process, or is formed separately from the base 250 and coupled to the base 250. The retainer 205 is shown rotatably coupled to the inlet 203. As shown in fig. 30, the bracket 206 is secured to the end of the inlet 203 (the end proximate the first side 251 of the retainer 205) using fasteners that pass through the counter bore 235 and are threaded into the bracket 206. The bracket 206 includes flanges 260 (e.g., radial flanges), the flanges 260 extending through recesses between the flanges 260 and the inlet 203, wherein each recess receives a mechanical fastener, such as the (e.g., first) snap ring 265 shown in fig. 30, each flange 260 holding the snap ring 265 in place in the recess. The snap ring 265 is secured to the retainer 205 in a first side 251, the first side 251 including an inwardly extending radial channel in an inner side surface for receiving the snap ring 265.

The outlet 204 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 240, the body 240 having an outlet protrusion 241 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the body 240. When the outlet 204 is coupled to the inlet 203, the internal fluid passage 242 is fluidly connected to the fluid passage 234. An annular shoulder 243 extends from the body 240 into the fluid passage 242 on the side having the inlet. As shown in fig. 30, the shoulder 243 includes an inwardly extending radial channel in the outer side surface for receiving another (e.g., second) snap ring 265. The snap ring 265 also engages an inwardly extending radial channel in the inside surface of the body 230 that defines a portion (e.g., a larger diameter portion) of the counterbore 235 to couple the outlet 204 to the inlet 203. The shoulder 243 may include an aperture that receives a shoulder of the body 230 of the inlet 203. Mechanical connector 270 may be coupled to outlet protrusion 241, such as through a hole in outlet protrusion 241, wherein mechanical connector 270 includes a fluid passage for fluidly connecting hose 106 to stationary portion 202. Alternatively, the threaded feature of the mechanical connector 270 may be a portion of the body 240.

Fig. 6 shows another exemplary embodiment of a shower assembly 300, the shower assembly 300 comprising a hand shower 104 and a shower head 401. The hand shower 104 is detachably and slidably mounted to a retaining assembly 305, the retaining assembly 305 being adjustably (e.g., slidably) mounted on an armrest 301, the armrest 301 receiving water from a fixed portion 302, the fixed portion 302 being configured to mount to a shower wall. The fixing portion 302 includes an inlet pipe 321 and an escutcheon 322 disposed around the inlet pipe 321. The armrest 301 receives water from the inlet pipe 321, directs the water through the upper portion to the showerhead 401, and directs the water through the lower portion to the handshower 104. The retention assembly 305 may include a magnetic docking feature, such as the

retainers

205, 130, for the handshower 104, and another magnetic docking feature that slidably mounts the retention assembly 305 to the armrest 301. The hose 106 may fluidly connect the handshower 104 to the armrest 301. The handshower 104 and hose 106 shown in fig. 6 may be the same or similar to those already described herein.

Fig. 9-11 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a showerhead 401, the showerhead 401 configured to mount to an inlet tube 90' (fig. 9), an armrest (e.g., armrest 301 shown in fig. 6), or another suitable fluid transport component. Showerhead 401 is shown to include an inlet assembly 403, a showerhead 404, and a valve 407 (FIG. 11) interconnecting inlet assembly 403 and showerhead 404. As shown in fig. 10, the spray head 404 is adjustable relative to the inlet tube 90' and the inlet assembly 403. For example, spray head 404 is rotatable about a central axis of inlet assembly 403 between a vertically upward position (e.g., the "twelve o ' clock position") and a vertically downward position (e.g., the "six o ' clock position"), which is shown in fig. 10 as spray head 404 '. The illustrated spray head 404 provides a 4.0 "(four inch) vertical adjustment between the upward position and the downward position. The spray head 404 may rotate a full 360 (three hundred and sixty degrees). Also for example, the illustrated spray head 404 is freely pivotable about a spherical member 431 (discussed below). That is, showerhead 404 may pivot about a center point of spherical member 431.

As shown in fig. 11, the inlet assembly 403 includes a ball joint 430, the ball joint 430 having a spherical member 431 attached to a cylindrical connector 432. Barrel connector 432 includes internal threads that thread into an inlet tube or other fluid transport component. A fluid passageway 433 extends through the ball member 431 and the cylindrical connector 432 to supply water to the valve 407. The illustrated inlet assembly 403 also includes a flow regulator 434 and a screen that filters particles larger than a predetermined size in the fluid pathway 433.

Also shown in fig. 11, the valve bracket assembly 406 couples the valve 407 to the ball joint 430 such that the spray head 404 is free to rotate about the ball joint 430. The illustrated valve carriage assembly 406 includes a biasing member or spring 460, a first compressible member 461, a second compressible member 462, and a carriage 463. The holder 463 includes an outer wall 464 in the form of a longitudinally extending sleeve having threads 465 at one end for threaded connection to threads of the valve 407 (discussed below). The holder 463 includes an annular inner wall 466 that extends radially inward from the end of the outer wall 464 opposite the threads, wherein the inner wall 466 has an opening that receives the inlet assembly 403. A spring 460 is disposed in the bore of the valve 407 and the spring 460 applies a force that biases the first compressible member 461 towards and into contact with the front of the ball element 431. The second compressible member 462 is disposed between the rear portion of the spherical element 431 and the inner wall 466. In this way, the spring 460 biases the first compressible member 461 into the spherical element 431, which in turn loads the second compressible member 462 between the bracket 463 and the spherical element 431. This loading causes friction that can be adjusted by the user to hold the spray head 404 in any moving position. The first and second

compressible members

461, 462 may be made of or include a resilient/compressible material such as an elastomer or other suitable material.

The illustrated spray head 404 includes a base 440 and a head 445 mounted on the base 440. The illustrated base 440 includes an outer body 441 and an inner body 442 disposed within the outer body 441. The outer body 441 is internally threaded at one end to the valve 407, while the other end of the outer body 441 is coupled to or defines a portion of the head 445. As shown in fig. 11, the outer body 441 includes a ring-shaped member 443 extending from an end opposite the valve 407 to define a rear portion of the head 445. The head portion 445 includes a spray face 446, the spray face 446 being coupled to the annular member 443 to form a generally annular head portion 445, the head portion 445 having an inwardly sloped inner frustoconical surface (moving from front to back). Spray face 446 includes one or more nozzles 447 arranged in a predetermined pattern around the ring to provide one or more predetermined spray patterns of water. The illustrated spray face 446 includes a plurality of nozzles 447 having a halo design to direct water to form two concentric annular spray patterns at a length from the spray face 446. Inner body 442 fluidly connects the outlet of valve 407 to spray face 446. Accordingly, the inner body 442 is a waterway (e.g., a second waterway) that supplies water to the plurality of nozzles 447. As also shown in FIG. 11, the nozzle tip 404 further includes a venturi 448, the venturi 448 being positioned between the outlet of the inner body 442 and an annular plate 449, wherein the annular plate 449 is positioned between the spray face 446 and the outlet of the venturi 448. The venturi 448 is configured the same as the venturi 157 (described above).

The valve 407 of the showerhead 401 may be configured the same as or similar to the valve 107 of the handshower 104. As shown in fig. 21-23, valve 407 includes the same basic components as valve 107 because: the valve 407 includes a second housing portion 172, a fastener 173, two pins 174, a control member 175, a rotatable disk 176, a stationary disk 177, a drive member 178, a bonnet 179, and a stop assembly 180. Each of these elements is substantially the same as that described above with respect to valve 107. The illustrated valve 407 also includes a first valve portion 471, the first valve portion 471 being similar to the first housing portion 171 of the valve 107, but differing in the aspects indicated. For example, the first end 471b of the body 471a extends further or longer, and the thread 471d is positioned along the body 471a between the first and

second ends

471b, 471c (fig. 23). The longer first end 471b creates a longer internal aperture in the body 471a such that the internal aperture receives the spring 460 and the first compressible member 461, as shown in fig. 11. It should be noted that for ease of understanding of the elements, the elements of the first valve portion 471 (e.g., body 471a) are illustrated using the same letter convention as the corresponding elements of the valve 107 (e.g., body 171 a). Accordingly, any features described with respect to the valve 107 and/or the first housing portion 171 and not described with respect to the valve 407 and the first valve portion 471 can be incorporated in these latter elements.

Fig. 26 and 27 show another exemplary embodiment of a securing assembly 501. The securing assembly 501 includes an inlet assembly 503 for operatively coupling to a water pipe, a flow body 504 coupled to the inlet assembly 503 for directing water flow, a retainer 505 configured to slidably receive a hand shower, and a bracket 506 for securing the flow body 504 and the inlet assembly 503 together.

As shown, the inlet assembly 503 includes a ball joint 530 having a spherical element 531 attached to a cylindrical connector 532. The barrel connector 532 includes internal threads that screw into an inlet tube or other fluid transport component. A fluid passageway 533 extends through the inlet assembly 503 (e.g., ball member 531, cylindrical connector 532) to supply water to the flow body 504.

As shown, the flow body 504 includes a generally annular member 540 and a threaded shoulder 541 extending from one end of the annular member 540. Fluid passageway 542 leads into threaded shoulder 541 and out of outlet 543, outlet 543 accommodating fluid connection 545 removably coupled to a hose or other fluid conduit as shown.

The retainer 505 may be configured the same as or similar to any of the other retainers disclosed herein, such as the retainer 130, the retainer 205, the retainer assembly 305, and the like. That is, the hand shower or other shower device may be docked to the holder 505, such as by a magnetic coupling, and slid within the holder 505 to adjust the relative position of the hand shower or other shower device. The retainer 505 is rotatably coupled to the flow body 504.

As shown, the bracket 506 comprises an outer wall 560 in the form of a longitudinally extending sleeve having a thread 561 at one end for screwing to a threaded shoulder 541. The bracket 506 includes an annular inner wall 562 extending radially inward from an end of the outer wall 560 opposite the threads, wherein the inner wall 562 has an opening 563 that receives the ball joint 530 of the inlet assembly 503.

Fig. 27 also shows that a spring 570 is provided in the inlet bore of the fluid passage 542, and that the spring 570 exerts a force that biases the first compressible member 571 towards and into contact with the front of the spherical element 531. Also shown, a second compressible member 572 is disposed between the rear of the spherical element 531 and the inner wall 562 of the bracket 506. In this way, the spring 570 biases the first compressible member 571 into the spherical element 531, which in turn loads the second compressible member 572 between the cradle 506 and the spherical element 531. This loading causes friction that can be adjusted to hold the flow body 504, the retainer 505, and the hand shower supported by the retainer 505 in whatever position the retainer 505 is moved to. The first and second

compressible members

571, 572 can be made of or include a resilient/compressible material such as an elastomer or other suitable material.

Fig. 31 and 32 show an embodiment of a hand shower 600, the hand shower 600 having an internal valve that controls the flow of water from an inlet in the handle to a nozzle in the spray surface. The illustrated hand shower 600 includes a spray head 601 (e.g., a spray head assembly), a valve 603 (e.g., a valve assembly), and a handle 605 (e.g., a handle assembly), wherein the valve interconnects the spray head and the handle assembly.

The illustrated spray head 601 includes a spray face 610 and a head 620 coupled to a backside of the spray face 610. The coupled spray face 610 and head 620 complement each other to form an annular spray head 601 having a central opening. On the front side of the spray face 610, a plurality of nozzles 612 are provided through which water is discharged in one or more modes of operation of the handshower 600. Each nozzle 612 is fluidly connected to the valve 603 through an internal flow path of the spray head 601, which is defined by, among other elements, the spray face 610 and/or the head 620. The base of the spray head 601, which can be defined by the spray face 610 and/or the head 620, is coupled to the valve 603, such as by threads or another suitable fastening device/method, to the valve 603 to secure and fluidly connect the spray head 601 and the valve 603 together. As shown, the base is part of the head 620. The spray head 601 may include other components/elements, such as those discussed herein (e.g., for the spray head 148).

The illustrated hand shower 600 includes a connector 624 and a waterway cap 622 fluidly connecting the valve 603 and the spray head 601. Waterway cap 622 is coupled to spray face 610 and defines an elongated fluid aperture with a venturi that decreases in size (e.g., diameter) to increase the velocity of the water and/or provide a pressure drop to draw air into the water stream. Connector 624 is coupled to head 620 and fluidly connects plug 630 of valve 603 to waterway cap 622 through a fluid aperture.

As shown, handle 605 includes an elongated hollow waterway 650 extending between and including a first or inlet end 651 and a second or outlet end 652, the first or inlet end 651 including a threaded connection for coupling to a hose (e.g., hose 106) or other fluid conduit, and the second or outlet end 652 coupled to valve 603. As shown in fig. 31, the bore of the valve coupled to the plug 630 by the fastener receives the outlet end 652. In this manner, the waterway 650 couples and directs water to the valve 603 through internal fluid channels or apertures extending between the inlet end 651 and the outlet end 652. The flow regulator 654 is shown (in fig. 31) held in the inlet end 651 by a retaining clamp 655.

Handle 605 may include one or more additional layers disposed around waterway 650. As shown in fig. 31, an intermediate layer 656 in the form of a tube containing ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel) surrounds at least a portion of the waterway 650, and an outer layer 657 in the form of an overmolded handle grip surrounds the intermediate layer 656. In this manner, the steel tube may hold the handle 605 in place at the docking element by magnetic force from one or more magnets in the docking element, while the handle grip provides improved comfort and/or improved aesthetics in gripping the handle 605. Notably, the intermediate layer 656 and the outer layer 657 can be configured differently than the intermediate and outer layers described herein.

The valve 603 interconnects the handle 605 and the spray head 601 while variably controlling the flow of water from the handle 605 to the spray head 601. As best shown in fig. 32, the valve 603 includes a plug 630 (e.g., a first housing portion) and a valve body 631 (e.g., a second housing portion). Plug 630 is coupled to outlet end 652 of waterway 650 via screw 633, and plug 630 is fluidly connected to connector 624. Valve body 631 is disposed about outlet end 652 of waterway 650 to control water flow to plug 630, such as when an actuator (e.g., control member) of the valve is rotated. The valve 603 optionally includes a stop assembly, such as the stop assembly 180 described herein. Where a stop assembly is provided, the stop assembly is disposed between plug 630, valve body 631, and waterway 650.

Rotation of the actuator (e.g., control member 635) relative to the handle 605 by a user of the hand shower 600 controls operation of the valve 603. This rotation variably adjusts the flow of water through the valve 603 to the spray head 601. The illustrated control member 635 is operatively coupled to the valve body 631 and disposed about the valve body 631, with the control member 635 positioned between a base of the spray head 601 and a portion of the handle 605 (e.g., an end of the outer layer 657). Rotation of the control member 635 relative to the handle 605 regulates the flow of water by regulating the valve 603, such as by rotating the valve body 631 (and/or other elements) relative to the plug 630. For example, rotation of the control member 635 may, in turn, rotate one of the first and second disks (e.g., a movable disk) relative to the other disk (e.g., a stationary disk), such as to change the overlap area between ports in the disks, thereby adjusting the flow rate between the disks. The valve body 631 may rotate with the control member 635 or remain stationary, such as with a stationary disk. Notably, the control member 635 may be configured substantially identical to the control member 175 described above.

According to one example, assembly of the handshower 600 involves the following method/process. A first step or process includes coupling connector 624 to plug 630, such as using welding or another suitable process to couple connector 624 to plug 630. A second step or process includes coupling the coupled plug/connector to the base of the spray head 601, such as coupling a portion of the connector 624 to the base of the head 620 using welding or other suitable process. A third step or process includes inserting the stopper and stopper spring of the stopper assembly into the pocket of the plug 630. It is noted that this third step is optional, as these features may or may not be present. An optional fourth or earlier step includes lubricating O-ring 609 and installing O-ring 609 into a small gland (gland) of waterway 650, one or more of the larger two glands of waterway 650, and/or a gland of valve body 631. The fifth or earlier step includes coupling the control member 635 to the valve body 631 by aligning an alignment feature (e.g., a "U" shaped pocket) and sliding the control member 635 over the valve body 631. A sixth or earlier step includes sliding coupled valve body 631 and control member 635 onto outlet end 652 of waterway 650, and then aligning and pressing the coupled subassembly with plug 630 via the splines until waterway 650 is fully seated onto plug 630. The seventh or earlier step includes coupling plug 630 and waterway 650 together using screws 633. During this step, an optional washer (e.g., a fiber washer) may be inserted onto the threaded portion of screw 633 prior to inserting screw 633 through the hole in waterway 650 and threading screw 633 into the threaded hole in the boss of plug 630. The eighth or earlier step includes aligning the coupled middle and outer layers 656, 657 (e.g., grip grips overmolded onto steel tubing) with the waterway 650 via alignment features (e.g., polygonal, octagonal inner/outer contours, etc.). The coupled middle and

outer layers

656, 657 are then slid onto the waterway 650 until the two retention barbs 658 of the waterway 650 snap into recesses in the overmolded handle grip subassembly to retain the handle grip onto the waterway 650. A ninth or earlier step includes installing a flow regulator 654 and a retainer clip 655 into the inlet end 651 of the waterway 650. A tenth or earlier step includes coupling waterway cap 622 to spray face 610, such as using a welding or other suitable process to couple waterway cap 622 to spray face 610. An optional eleventh step includes lubricating O-ring 609 and installing O-ring 609 into the gland of waterway cap 622. A twelfth or earlier step includes assembling the spray face subassembly to another subassembly, such as by inserting the stem portion of waterway cap 622 into the outlet pocket of plug 630 and coupling spray face 610 to head 620, such as by snap features or other mechanical and/or non-mechanical fasteners (e.g., adhesive).

Fig. 33 and 34 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a showerhead 701, which showerhead 701 is capable of being mounted to an inlet (e.g., inlet tube 90' shown in fig. 9), an armrest (e.g., armrest 301 shown in fig. 6), or other suitable fluid conveying component. The illustrated showerhead 701 includes an inlet assembly 403, a showerhead 704, and a valve 707 interconnecting the inlet assembly 403 and the showerhead 704. The configuration of the illustrated inlet assembly 403 is the same as that described above with respect to fig. 11. Thus, inlet assembly 403 includes ball joint 430, ball joint 430 pivotally coupling showerhead 701 to the fluid delivery member by free rotation, including a full 360 ° (three hundred and sixty degrees) rotation about the longitudinal axis of fluid passageway 433 and pivoting about spherical element 431 of ball joint 430. A flow regulator 434 and a screen 435 are disposed in the fluid passage 433 of the inlet assembly 403, the screen 435 filtering particles larger than a predetermined size.

Also shown is bracket 463 threadably connected to the inlet end of waterway 750, thereby pivotally securing waterway 750 and valve 707 to spherical member 431 of ball joint 430 such that spray head 704 is free to rotate about ball joint 430. The illustrated showerhead 701 includes a biasing member or spring 460, a first compressible member 461, and a second compressible member 462, the second compressible member 462 being operatively coupled to a waterway 750 via a bracket 463. A spring 460 is disposed in the bore of the waterway 750, and the spring 460 applies a force that biases the first compressible member 461 toward and into contact with the front of the ball element 431. The second compressible member 462 is disposed between the rear of the spherical element 431 and the inner wall of the bracket 463. In this way, the spring 460 biases the first compressible member 461 into the spherical element 431, which in turn loads the second compressible member 462 between the bracket 463 and the spherical element 431. This loading causes friction that can be adjusted by the user to maintain the spray head 704 in any moving position. The first and second

compressible members

The illustrated spray head 704 includes a head 741 (e.g., body, rear body, etc.) and a spray face 746 mounted on the head 741. Head 741 includes an annular portion that supports spray face 746 and together define a fluid passageway for a nozzle that delivers water to spray face 746, and a base that couples spray head 704 to valve 707. Waterway cap 743 and plug 744 direct water from valve 707 to the fluid path of spray head 704. A waterway cap 743 is located in the base of the head 741 and is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway, and the waterway cap 743 includes a venturi similar to that described above. Plug 744 is located in the base of head 741 and is in fluid communication with waterway cap 743 and valve 707. A stop assembly, such as stop assembly 180 discussed herein, may be provided in showerhead 701, such as between plug 744, valve body 770, and waterway 750.

Valve 707 of showerhead 701 controls the flow of water from water path 750 to showerhead 704. As shown in fig. 34, waterway 750 includes an inlet end 751 and an outlet end 752. Inlet end 751 is fluidly connected to inlet assembly 403 and threadably connected to bracket 463. The outlet end 752 extends to a plug 744. The screw 733 secures the waterway 750 to the plug 744, such as securing a portion of the outlet end 752 to the plug 744. The valve body 770 surrounds the outlet end 752 of the waterway 750, and the control member 775 surrounds the valve body 770 and is operatively coupled to the valve body 770. Rotation of the control member 775 relative to the waterway 750 variably adjusts the flow rate of water through the valve 707 to the spray head 704. For example, rotation of the control member 775, in turn, can rotate the valve body 770 relative to the outlet end 752 to align/misalign the exit port in the outlet end 752 with the inlet port at least partially defined by the valve body 770. When misaligned (e.g., due to the overlapping area of no ports), no or little water flows from the exit port to the inlet port. When fully aligned (e.g., through the maximum overlap area of the ports), a maximum amount of water flows from the exit port to the inlet port. As the valve body 770 rotates from a full alignment, which may correspond to a first position, toward a misalignment, which may correspond to a second position, the water flow decreases. According to at least one embodiment, the valve body 770 can be infinitely configurable in any position between the first and second positions, thereby providing variable flow adjustment of water to the spray head 704. According to other embodiments, the valve 707 can be configured to have a plurality of discs, such as the discs discussed above.

According to at least one embodiment, assembly of showerhead 701 involves the following method/process. A first step (e.g., a first process) includes inserting and coupling a plug 744 into a base of the head 741. The second step includes inserting the stop and stop spring (if provided) of the stop assembly into the pocket of the plug 744. This step is optional, as the showerhead assembly may include or omit these features. An additional optional third or earlier step includes lubricating the O-ring 709 and installing the O-ring 709 into a gland of the valve body 770 and/or a gland of the waterway 750. A fourth or earlier step involves sliding the control member 775 onto the valve body 770, such as by registering (clock) the alignment features (e.g., the "U" shaped pocket) of these elements. A fifth or earlier step includes sliding the coupled valve body 770 and control member 775 over the outlet end 752 of the waterway 750, and then aligning and pressing the subassembly with the plug 744 via the splines until the waterway 750 is fully seated onto the plug 744. A sixth or earlier step includes inserting a screw 733 through a hole in the waterway 750 to secure the waterway 750 to the plug 744, with the valve member held between the waterway 750 and the plug 744. Screw 733 can be directly threaded into plug 744 or can pass through a clearance hole in plug 744 and be directly threaded into a boss (e.g., a threaded hole in the boss) in spray head 704 (e.g., the base of head 741). An optional gasket (e.g., a fiber gasket) may be inserted onto the shank of the screw 733 prior to assembly to be positioned between the head of the screw 733 and the waterway 750 after assembly. A seventh or earlier step includes inserting the wave spring 460 and a first compressible member 461 (e.g., a packing seal) into an aperture/pocket in the waterway 750. An eighth or earlier step includes placing the second compressible member 462 (e.g., a bushing) onto the ball joint 430 and then inserting them into the bracket 463. A ninth or earlier step includes coupling the coupled ball joint 430 and bracket 463 sub-assembly to waterway 750 by threading bracket 463 onto threads on waterway 750. The tenth or earlier step includes coupling waterway cap 743 to spray face 746, such as by welding or other suitable method of coupling waterway cap 743 to spray face 746. The optional O-ring may be lubricated and installed into any gland of the waterway cap 743 (two glands are shown in fig. 34). Finally, the waterway cap 743 and spray face 746 subassembly is coupled to the subassembly including the remaining elements, such as by inserting the stem of waterway cap 743 into the outlet pocket of plug 744. A snap feature or other fastener retains the spray face assembly to a subassembly that includes the remaining elements.

Fig. 35-39 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a hand shower 800, the hand shower 800 including a spray head 601 and a handle 605 (e.g., a handle assembly), each of the spray head 601 and the handle 605 being similar or identical to those discussed above, except as noted. For example, the spray head 601 includes an air intake 623, the air intake 623 introducing air into the fluid stream flowing to the nozzle, such as to provide a "catalyst" (Katalyst) spray. As shown in fig. 35, the air inlet element 623 is coupled to a connection 625, the connection 625 having an inlet fluidly connected to the outlet of the valve and an outlet fluidly connected to the nozzle in the spray head 601. As another example, the waterway 650 of the handle 605 includes at least one port for directing a flow of water. As shown in fig. 36, the outlet end 652 of the waterway 650 includes a pair of opposing ports 653a (e.g., apertures, openings, etc.) for directing the flow of water. The waterway 650 may optionally include one or more drain holes 653b, such as drain hole 653b shown in fig. 36.

The hand shower 800 includes a valve 803 having a valve body 830, the valve body 830 surrounding at least a port of an outlet end 652 of the waterway 650. As shown in fig. 36-39, the valve body 830 includes an elongated wall 831, an inner protrusion 832, and an outer shoulder 833, the outer shoulder 833 mating with a control member when provided. Wall 831 extends in the longitudinal direction and surrounds the portion of outlet end 652 having port 653 a. As shown in FIG. 36, the wall 831 includes two passages extending radially inward from the outer surface of the wall 831, with each passage receiving an O-ring for sealing the valve 803 to the spray head 601. As shown in fig. 36 and 37, the valve body 830 includes four internal projections 832, the four internal projections 832 extending radially inward along the inner surface of the wall 831 from four spaced locations. The four protrusions 832 form two pairs of protrusions 832, wherein each pair of protrusions cooperate to retain an associated seal (e.g., EPDM), which is shown as having a semi-annular shape and is located between the wall 831 and the waterway 650. Each seal rotates with the valve body 830 (e.g., relative to the waterway 650) to seal one of the two ports 653a in a closed position (e.g., a second position) and fully/fully unseal the associated port 653a in a fully open position (e.g., a first position). Thus, in the closed position, each seal is aligned with and completely covers an associated port 653 a; and in the fully open position, each seal is completely misaligned with associated port 653a and completely uncovers associated port 653 a. Rotation of the valve body 830 between these positions causes each seal to partially misalign with the associated port 653a and partially uncover the associated port 653a, allowing metered flow between full flow and no or little flow. As also shown in fig. 37, the protrusions 832, along with the waterway 650, define a fluid path 834 associated with each port 653 a. In the fully open position, each fluid path 834 is aligned with its associated port 653a (e.g., over associated port 653a, radially in-line with associated port 653a, etc.), thereby allowing water to exit port 653a into fluid path 834.

Valve 803 also includes a control member 835, which control member 835 is the same as or similar to control member 635. A control member 835 surrounds valve body 830 and is operatively coupled to valve body 830 such that rotation of control member 835 relative to waterway 650 variably adjusts the flow of water through valve 803 to spray head 601. Rotation of the control member 835, in turn, rotates the valve body 830 relative to the waterway 650 to align/misalign the (exit) port 653a in the outlet end 652 with the seal and/or the fluid path 834. When port 653a is aligned with the seal (and misaligned with fluid path 834), no or little water flows from the exit port to the inlet port. "little water" generally refers to a flow rate of less than or equal to 0.5gpm at about 80psi, which is a definition of "pause mode" in a pipeline. For embodiments having an optional vent hole or holes 653b, flow rates of up to 0.5gpm can be achieved through the vent hole or holes when the seal is aligned with port 653 a. When the fluid paths 834 are fully aligned with the ports 653a, a maximum amount of water flows from the associated exit port 653a to each fluid path 834. As the valve body 830 is rotated from a full alignment corresponding to the first position toward a misalignment corresponding to the second position, the water flow decreases. According to at least one embodiment, the valve body 830 can be infinitely configured in any number of positions between the first and second positions, thereby providing variable flow regulation of water to the spray head 601. According to other embodiments, the valve 803 may include any number of hard stops (hard stops) between the first position and the second position, which may correspond to a predetermined flow rate. For example, valve 803 may utilize a stop assembly as described above to provide such a hard stop. For another example, one of the valve body 730 and the waterway 650 may include a protrusion extending radially toward the other element to engage one or more dimples in the other element in a preset neutral position.

One or more control stops may be employed to control (e.g., limit) the movement of the valve body 830 relative to the waterway 650. As shown in fig. 38, waterway 650 includes two control stops 659, the two control stops 659 cooperating with protrusions 836 extending radially inward from wall 831 to limit the rotational travel of valve body 830 relative to waterway 650. Each control stop 659 is in the form of a tab or ear that contacts the protrusion 836 in one of the first or second positions. As shown, the protrusions 836 limit rotation of the valve body 830 to approximately 60 ° (e.g., 30 ° away from top dead center in each rotational direction). Further, each protrusion 836 corresponds to a position (e.g., fully open, paused, or closed).

Fig. 40-42 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a showerhead 901, the showerhead 901 including a showerhead 704 and an inlet assembly 403, each of the showerhead 704 and the inlet assembly 403 being similar or identical to those discussed above except as noted. For example, the showerhead may optionally include an air intake element. As another example, waterway 750 includes at least one port for directing a flow of water into the valve. As shown in fig. 41, the waterway 750 includes ports 753 (e.g., exit ports, apertures, openings, etc.) that extend through the walls of the waterway 750. Waterway 750 may include more than one port, such as a pair of opposing ports 753, for directing water flow to the valve. The waterway 750 optionally includes one or more drain holes 754, such as drain holes 754 shown in fig. 41.

The showerhead 901 includes a valve 907, the valve 907 having a valve body 970, the valve body 970 surrounding at least a portion of an outlet end 752 of the waterway 750. As shown in fig. 41 and 42, the valve body 970 includes an elongated wall 971, an inner protrusion 972, and an outer shoulder 973. The outer shoulder 973 may cooperate with a control member to operatively couple the valve body 970 and the control member. The wall 971 extends in the longitudinal direction and surrounds the portion of the outlet end 752 having the port 753. According to at least one embodiment, the valve body 970 includes four inner protrusions 972 extending radially inward along the inner surface of the wall 971 from four spaced apart locations. The four protrusions 972 form two pairs of protrusions 972, wherein each pair of protrusions cooperates to retain an associated seal 979 (e.g., EPDM) having a semi-annular shape and disposed between the wall 971 and the waterway 750. Each seal 979 rotates with the valve body 970 (e.g., relative to the waterway 750) to seal one of the two ports 753 in a closed position (e.g., a second position) and fully/fully unseal the associated port 753 in a fully open position (e.g., a first position). Thus, in the closed position, each seal 979 is aligned with an associated port 753 and completely covers the associated port 753; and in the fully open position, each seal 979 is fully misaligned with associated port 753 and fully uncovers associated port 753. Rotation of the valve body 970 between these positions causes each seal 979 to partially misalign with the associated port 753 and partially uncover the associated port 753, allowing metered flow between full flow and no or little flow. The protrusion 972, together with the waterway 750, defines a fluid pathway 974 associated with each port 753. In the fully open position, each fluid path 974 is aligned with its associated port 753 (e.g., above the associated port 753, radially in-line with the associated port 753, etc.), thereby allowing water to exit the port 753 into the fluid path 974.

The valve 907 further includes a control member 975, the control member 975 being the same as or similar to the control member 775. Control member 975 surrounds and is operatively coupled to valve body 970 such that rotation of control member 975 relative to waterway 750 variably adjusts the flow of water through valve 907 to the nozzles in showerhead 901. Rotation of the control member 975, in turn, rotates the valve body 970 relative to the waterway 750 to align/misalign the (exit) port 753 with the seal 979 and/or the fluid path 974. When port 753 is aligned with seal 979 (and misaligned with fluid path 974), no or little water flows from the exit port to the inlet port. For embodiments having an optional vent hole or holes 754, flow rates of up to 0.5gpm may be achieved through the vent hole or holes when the seal 979 is aligned with port 753. When fluid paths 974 are fully aligned with ports 753, a maximum amount of water flows from associated exit port 753 to each fluid path 974. As the valve body 970 is rotated from a full alignment corresponding to the first position toward a misalignment corresponding to the second position, the water flow decreases. According to at least one embodiment, the valve body 970 can be infinitely configured in any number of positions between the first position and the second position, thereby providing variable flow regulation of water to the showerhead 901. According to other embodiments, valve 907 may include any number of hard stops between the first position and the second position, where each hard stop corresponds to a predetermined flow rate.

One or more control stops may be employed to control (e.g., limit) the movement of the valve body 970 relative to the waterway 750. As shown in fig. 42, waterway 750 includes two control stops 759, which control stops 759 cooperate with projections 976 extending radially inward from wall 971 to limit the rotational travel of valve body 970 relative to waterway 750. Each control stop 759 is in the form of a protrusion or finger that contacts the projection 976 in one of the first or second positions. The protrusion 976 limits the rotation of the valve body 970 to a predetermined rotation angle.

The design of the various components of the hand shower and showerhead described above should not be considered limiting. Many combinations and variations are possible without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. For example, fig. 45-53 illustrate a hand shower 1000 including a single piece venturi tube. The hand shower 1000 also includes a modified spray face 1046, the modified spray face 1046 being designed to improve the targeted consistency of water delivered from the hand shower 1000. The hand shower 1000 includes a spray head 1004, a handle 1005 (e.g., a handle assembly), and a valve 1003. Valve 1003 includes a rotatable valve body 1030, the rotatable valve body 1030 having a similar configuration to valve 803 described with reference to fig. 36-39. As shown in fig. 47 to 48, the head 1004 includes: a head 1041 (e.g., body, rear body, outer body, etc.); a spray face 1046 mounted on the head 1041; and a base that couples spray head 1004 to valve 1003. The spray head 1004 also includes a connection member 1025 (e.g., an inner body, etc.) that is "sandwiched" between the head 1041 and the spray face 1046 or otherwise disposed between the head 1041 and the spray face 1046 and facilitates coupling between the head 1041 and the spray face 1046.

As shown in fig. 48, the connection 1025 is welded (e.g., friction welded, spin welded, etc.) to the spray face 1046 at least two locations, thereby forming an upper weld joint 1076 and a lower weld joint 1077, the upper weld joint 1076 extending in a circumferential direction along the perimeter of the spray face 1046 near an upper end of the spray face 1046, the lower weld joint 1077 extending in a circumferential direction along the perimeter of the spray face 1046 near a lower end of the spray face 1046. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 49, the spray face 1046 further comprises at least one alignment element, shown as a tab 1026, to facilitate alignment between the connection 1025 and the spray face 1046 prior to the welding operation. In some embodiments, the tab 1026 is removed after welding (e.g., before assembling the head 1041 to the spray face 1046, etc.). As shown in fig. 48, the head 1041 engages the spray face 1046 at both the inner and outer peripheral edges of the spray face 1046 by means of a snap fit via the connection 1025. The chamfered peripheral flange of the connection member 1025 engages one or more tangs 1078 (e.g., tabs, latches, etc.) extending from the inside periphery of the head 1041.

As shown in fig. 47-48, the spray face 1046 and the connection 1025 together form an annular fluid passage 1079 extending in a circumferential direction within the spray head 1004. The connection 1025 is configured to (i) receive water from the valve 1003, (ii) introduce and mix ambient air flow into the water entering the fluid passageway 1079, and (iii) direct the air-water mixture through the fluid passageway 1079 and into the nozzle 1012 in the spray face 1046. As shown in fig. 48, the connection 1025 comprises a venturi, shown as an air intake element 1023, which 1023 is integrally formed as a single unitary body with the connection 1025. Intake member 1023 extends away from coupling member 1025 at an oblique angle relative to a central axis 1081 of spray head 1004. In other embodiments, coupling member 1025 extends away from coupling member 1025 in a substantially axial direction with respect to central axis 1081 (e.g., parallel to central axis 1081) or in a substantially radial direction with respect to central axis 1081 (e.g., perpendicular to central axis 1081).

Air inlet element 1023 fluidly connects connection 1025 to the outlet of valve 1003 and routes water from valve 1003 to fluid passageway 1079. As shown in fig. 49, the intake element 1023 defines a pellet-shaped inlet passage 1080, the inlet passage 1080 extending between an inlet of the intake element 1023 and an orifice 1082 (e.g., a restriction downstream of the inlet passage 1080). According to an exemplary embodiment, the orifice 1082 is an abrupt change in the cross-sectional diameter of the inlet passage 1080. In the embodiment of fig. 49, the aperture 1082 is a wall that includes a circular opening 1083. The wall separates inlet passage 1080 from outlet passage 1084, outlet passage 1084 has a larger inner diameter than circular opening 1083, and outlet passage 1084 passes water from circular opening 1083 to fluid passage 1079. As shown in fig. 49, each of the inlet passage 1080, the orifice 1082, and the outlet passage 1084 are positioned in a substantially coaxial arrangement. However, it will be appreciated that in various exemplary embodiments, the orifice 1082 and/or the outlet passage 1084 may be arranged off-center of the inlet passage 1080.

According to an exemplary embodiment, air intake element 1023 is configured to introduce ambient air into the water entering connection 1025. As shown in fig. 49-50, air intake member 1023 includes cross-bore openings 1085 that extend from outlet passage 1084 through coupling member 1025 in a generally radial direction relative to a central axis 1086 of air intake member 1023 (e.g., in a generally parallel orientation relative to a central axis 1081 of spray head 1004). A cross-bore opening 1085 is disposed immediately downstream of orifice 1082 and fluidly connects outlet passage 1084 to the environment surrounding spray head 1004. In particular, a cross-bore opening 1085 fluidly connects an outlet passage 1084 to a hollow space formed between head 1041 and a connection member 1025 (see fig. 48).

As shown in fig. 50, during operation, water flowing from inlet passage 1080 through orifice 1082 causes a pressure drop (e.g., below ambient pressure) in outlet passage 1084 immediately downstream of orifice 1082. The reduction in pressure draws the air 1200 through the cross-bore opening 1085 and into the outlet passage 1084 where the air 1200 mixes with the water 1202 to form the air-water mixture 1204. The air-water mixture 1204 passes through the outlet passage 1084 and into a fluid plenum 1087 (e.g., chamber, volume, etc.), the fluid plenum 1087 delivering the air-water mixture 1204 into a fluid passage 1079, where the air-water mixture 1204 is dispensed to the nozzles 1012 in the spray face 1046. Fluid plenum 1087 provides mixing space for air 1200 to more thoroughly mix with water 1202. As shown in fig. 50-51, the fluid plenum 1087 is aligned with a recess 1097 in the upper surface of the spray face 1046 to promote flow uniformity throughout the fluid pathway 1079 and reduce pressure drop through the spray head 1004. Among other benefits, incorporating a venturi into the connection 1025 improves reliability and reduces manufacturing complexity as compared to multi-component venturi assemblies that include a separate air intake element (e.g., multi-component venturi assemblies that require precise alignment of a separate air intake tube with the flow path axis through the venturi, as described with reference to fig. 35-39).

Spray head 1004 is also designed to reduce flow noise and improve the overall target consistency of the air-water mixture exiting spray face 1046. As shown in fig. 51-52, spray face 1046 and connection 1025 form traps, shown as lower trap 1088 and upper trap 1089, on opposite ends of fluid passage 1079, lower trap 1088 and upper trap 1089 being proximate lower weld joint 1077 and upper weld joint 1076, respectively (e.g., inside the weld joint, at the lower end and upper end of fluid passage 1079, etc.). Lower trap 1088 and upper trap 1089 are configured to receive flash generated during a welding operation between connection 1025 and spray face 1046, and are configured to substantially prevent flash from interfering with nozzle operation and/or fluid flow throughout fluid passage 1079. The lower catcher 1088 is a "U" shaped channel (e.g., groove, recessed area, etc.) formed into the upper surface of the spray face 1046 located outside of the nozzle 1012. As shown in fig. 52, lower trap 1088 is spaced apart from nozzle 1012 and abuts the seam of lower weld joint 1077 such that any excess flash created by lower weld joint 1077 is directed into lower trap 1088. According to an exemplary embodiment, lower trap 1088 is sized to substantially accommodate all flash generated during a welding operation such that lower trap 1088 is substantially closed to fluid flow after the welding operation.

Additionally, weld plane 1091 (e.g., an upper surface of spray face 1046 that is located outside of lower trap 1088) is positioned to reduce an amount of flash generated during assembly of connection 1025 to spray face 1046. In particular, a height 1092 of weld plane 1091 in a direction substantially parallel to a central axis 1081 (see fig. 48) of spray head 1004 is less than a height 1093 of a nozzle inlet plane 1094 (e.g., an upper surface of spray face 1046 that defines an inlet to nozzle 1012). As shown in fig. 52, nozzle inlet plane 1094 is arranged in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to a central axis 1081 (see fig. 48) of spray head 1004 (e.g., nozzle inlet plane 1094 is substantially planar), which advantageously improves the targeted consistency of water delivered through nozzle 1012 as compared to a nozzle inlet plane oriented at an oblique angle with respect to central axis 1081 of spray head 1004.

As shown in fig. 51, an upper trap 1089 is formed into the lower surface of the connection member 1025. Upper trap 1089 abuts the seam of upper weld joint 1076 such that any excess flash created by upper weld joint 1076 is directed into upper trap 1089. According to an exemplary embodiment, upper trap 1089 is sized to accommodate substantially all flash generated during a welding operation such that upper trap 1089 is substantially closed to fluid flow after the welding operation. Upper trap 1089 is at least partially isolated from nozzle 1012 by a narrow channel 1090 extending between nozzle 1012 and upper trap 1089. According to an exemplary embodiment, the connection 1025 matingly engages the spray face 1046 along the narrow channel 1090 such that the connection 1025 contacts the spray face 1046 along an opposing surface of the narrow channel 1090. In the embodiment of fig. 51, the width between the connection member 1025 and the surface of the spray face 1046 within the narrow channel 1090 is limited by the welding operation between the connection member 1025 and the spray face 1046. In some embodiments, the width of the narrow channel 1090 is less than or equal to about 0.01 inches.

The fluid passage 1079 forms a water path through the spray head 1004 and distributes water to the plurality of nozzles 1012. As shown in fig. 51-52, the cross-sectional area (e.g., flow area, etc.) of the fluid passage 1079 orthogonal to the direction of flow through the fluid passage 1079 is reduced relative to the internal flow path through the showerhead 601 described with reference to fig. 31-32. In particular, fluid passage 1079 is substantially limited to a volume at a lower end of fluid passage 1079 in a space between nozzle inlet plane 1094 and lower planar surface 1095 of coupling 1025. Among other benefits, reducing the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage 1079 to the region directly above the nozzle inlet plane 1094 eliminates air gaps in the flow and increases the velocity of the water flowing through the fluid passage 1079. The reduction in volume of the fluid passage 1079 substantially prevents separation of the air-water mixture and associated noise (e.g., squeak, air noise, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 52, each nozzle 1012 is a flow path that extends from a nozzle inlet plane 1094 to a lower surface 1096 of the spray face 1046. The inner diameter of the flow passage gradually decreases from the nozzle inlet plane 1094 to the lower surface 1096 to a cylindrical recessed area (e.g., a depression, groove, etc.) in the lower surface 1096. The length of the nozzle 1012 in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis 1081 of the spray head 1004 (e.g., in the flow direction) is greater than the length of the nozzle of the spray head 601 of fig. 31-32. The increased length of the nozzles 1012 improves nozzle targeting and promotes more uniform flow distribution throughout the fluid passage 1079.

Fig. 53 shows the distribution of the flow exiting through the nozzle 1012 (see fig. 52) of the handshower 1000. Each water jet 1098 exiting the spray face 1046 is oriented substantially parallel to a central axis 1081 of the spray head 1004. The flow rate of water through each of the nozzles 1012 is substantially equal. Together, the plurality of nozzles 1012 produce two concentric circular spray patterns. In other embodiments, the shape of the spray head and the spray pattern produced by the spray head may be different.

Fig. 54-59 illustrate an embodiment of a showerhead 1301, the showerhead 1301 including a showerhead 1304 similar to the showerhead 1004 of fig. 45-53. As shown in fig. 56, showerhead 1301 includes valve 1303, and valve 1303 includes rotatable valve body 1330. Valve 1303 is disposed between spray head 1304 and an inlet connection assembly that pivotally secures valve 1303 and spray head 1304 to an inlet waterway.

Fig. 56-57 show cross-sectional views through spray head 1304. Similar to the spray head 1004 of fig. 45-53, the spray head 1304 of fig. 56-57 includes a head 1341 (e.g., body, rear body, etc.) and a spray face 1346 mounted to the head 1341. The spray head 1304 also includes a connector 1325 that is "sandwiched" between the head 1041 and the spray face 1046 or otherwise disposed between the head 1041 and the spray face 1046. As shown in fig. 56-57, connector 1325 is welded (e.g., friction welded, spin welded, etc.) to spray face 1046 in at least two locations, forming an upper weld joint 1376 and a lower weld joint 1377, the upper weld joint 1376 extending in a circumferential direction along a perimeter of spray face 1346 near an upper end of spray face 1346, and the lower weld joint 1377 extending in a circumferential direction along a perimeter of spray face 1346 near a lower end of spray face 1346. The head 1341 engages the spray face 1346 at both the inner and outer peripheral edges of the spray face 1346 by means of a snap fit via a connector 1325. The chamfered peripheral flange of the connector 1325 engages with one or more tangs 1378 (e.g., tabs, latches, etc.) extending from the inside periphery of the head 1341.

Similar to spray head 1004 described with reference to fig. 45-53, spray face 1346 of spray head 1304 of fig. 56-57 and connector 1325 together form a trap, shown as a lower trap 1388 at a lower end of fluid passage 1379 and an upper trap 1389 at an upper end of fluid passage 1379. Lower trap 1388 and upper trap 1389 are sized and positioned to receive flash created during a welding operation between connector 1325 and spray face 1346 and substantially prevent the flash from interfering with nozzle 1312 and/or interfering with fluid flow between connector 1325 and spray face 1346 through fluid passage 1379.

As shown in fig. 56-57, spray face 1346 and connector 1325 together form an annular fluid passage 1379 that extends in a circumferential direction within spray head 1304. Connector 1325 is configured to (i) receive water from valve 1303, (ii) introduce and mix ambient air flow into the water entering fluid passage 1379, and (iii) direct the air-water mixture through fluid passage 1379 and into nozzle 1312 in spray face 1346. As shown in fig. 57, the connector 1325 includes a venturi, shown as an air intake element 1323, the air intake element 1323 being integrally formed as a single unitary body with the connector 1325. The air inlet member 1323 extends upward from the connection member 1325, and extends upward from an intermediate position between the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the connection member 1325. Air inlet element 1323 defines a fluid passageway that extends upwardly from spray face 1346 in a substantially parallel orientation relative to a central axis 1381 of spray head 1304.

Air inlet element 1323 fluidly connects connector 1325 to an outlet of valve 1303 and routes water from valve 1303 to fluid passage 1379. As shown in fig. 58, the intake element 1323 defines a cylindrical inlet passage 1380 extending between an inlet of the intake element 1323 and an orifice 1382 (e.g., a throttle portion downstream of the inlet passage 1380). In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 58, the orifice 1382 is a wall defining a circular opening 1383, the circular opening 1383 having an inner diameter less than an inner diameter of the inlet passage 1380. The central axis of the circular opening 1383 is offset from the central axis of the inlet passage 1380, although in other exemplary embodiments the circular opening 1383 and the inlet passage 1380 may be substantially coaxial.

As shown in fig. 58, the air intake element 1323 includes a cross-bore opening 1385, the cross-bore opening 1385 extending from the outlet passage 1384 of the air intake element 1323 through the connector 1325 in a generally radial direction (e.g., in a generally perpendicular orientation with respect to the central axis 1381 of the spray head 1304) with respect to a central axis 1386 (see also fig. 57) of the outlet passage 1384. A cross-bore opening 1385 is disposed immediately downstream of orifice 1382 and fluidly connects outlet passage 1384 to the environment surrounding spray head 1304. In particular, the cross-bore opening 1385 fluidly connects the outlet passage 1384 to a hollow space formed between the head 1341 and the connector 1325. In some embodiments, the cross-bore opening 1385 may branch in multiple directions and/or to multiple regions of the hollow space.

The arrangement of the nozzles 1312 within the spray face 1346 may be the same as or similar to the arrangement of the nozzles 1012 described with reference to the spray face 1046 of FIG. 52. Fig. 59 shows the distribution of the flow exiting through nozzles 1312 of showerhead 1301. Each water jet 1398 exiting the spray face 1346 is oriented substantially parallel to a central axis 1381 of the spray head 1304. The flow of water through each of the nozzles 1312 is substantially equal. Together, the plurality of nozzles 1312 produce a spray pattern of two concentric circles. In other embodiments, the shape of the spray head and the spray pattern produced by the spray head may be different.

The handshower (e.g.,

handshower

600, 800, 1000) and showerhead (e.g.,

showerhead

701, 901, 1301) disclosed herein provide a number of advantages, some of which are as follows. A steel core handle may be provided to enable magnetic docking with a mating holder/arm (e.g., a holder/arm of a docking system). The internal valve may provide variable control of flow from a lower flow rate (e.g., ADA trickle mode (: S0.5 gallons per minute (gpm)) up to a maximum regulated flow rate (e.g., 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm)), a long-lived valve is designed, e.g., without a physical touch surface required to meter the flow, only rotating the seal to prevent external leakage. The spray head of the hand shower and/or shower head includes a weld bead to prevent weld beads generated during the manufacturing process from interfering with the flow of water through the spray head.

According to at least one embodiment of the present application, there is provided a shower assembly including a hand shower having an elongate handle body, a spray head and a valve. The handle body has an inlet end, an outlet end, and an internal fluid passageway extending from the inlet end to the outlet end. The spray head includes a base and a head mounted on the base and spraying water. The valve controls the flow of water from the internal fluid passageway to the spray head and includes a housing, a control member, and one or more discs. The housing has a first portion coupled to the outlet end of the handle body, a second portion coupled to the base of the sprayer head, and a through-hole extending through the first and second portions. The control member has a collar extending along a longitudinal axis, the collar disposed about an exterior portion of the housing and between the base and the handle body. The control member includes an inner wall extending radially inward from the collar to the through bore. The one or more discs may include a rotatable disc having a port and/or a stationary disc having a port. Rotation of the control member about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing provides variable flow regulation of water to the spray head by rotating the rotatable disc (and therefore the ports in the rotatable disc) relative to the ports in the stationary disc via the inner wall. The flow rate may be varied by varying the amount of overlap (e.g., the area of overlap) between the ports of the rotatable disk and the ports of the stationary disk.

The valve may include a drive member located within the through bore, and the drive member may include: an annular base having a bore for receiving a rotatable disc; a body extending from a side of the base; a male keyway extending radially outward from the body, wherein the male keyway is operatively coupled to a female keyway defined by an inner wall of the control member such that the drive member rotates with the control member through the keyway; and/or a fluid passageway extending through the body and the base of the drive member. Ribs may be provided on one of the base or the rotatable disc of the drive member. A slot may be provided in the other of the base and the rotatable disc, and the slot may receive the rib such that the rotatable disc rotates with the drive member.

The valve may include a bonnet disposed in the through bore of the housing and coupled to the first portion of the housing to retain the rotatable disk and the stationary disk between the drive member and the bonnet. A protrusion may be provided on one of the bonnet or the first portion of the housing. A recess may be provided in the other of the bonnet and the first portion of the housing, and the protrusion may engage the recess to prevent relative rotation between the bonnet and the first portion of the housing. The bonnet may include an internal bore fluidly connected to the internal fluid passage of the handle body. The rotational position of the rotatable disk relative to the stationary disk controls the flow of water through the fluid passageway in the drive member and to the spray head.

The inner wall of the control member may include a slotted hole that receives the annular protrusion of the first portion of the housing. Each end of the slotted hole may act as a travel stop for the annular protrusion to control the range of motion of the control member relative to the housing. The valve may include a stop assembly including a stop received in a stop aperture in the housing and a spring biasing the stop toward an inner wall of the control member. The inner wall may include a recess that receives the stop in a predetermined position of the valve.

The shower assembly may include a fixed portion having a water inlet, a water outlet fluidly connected to the water inlet, and a retainer, and/or a flexible hose having a first end fluidly connected to the water outlet and a second end fluidly connected to the inlet end of the handle body. The hand shower may be movably coupled to the fixed portion by a flexible hose, and the handle body is slidably docked to the holder.

The handle body may include: a waterway having an internal fluid passage; and a cylindrical layer surrounding the waterway. The handle body is slidable within the retainer between a first position and a second position. The handle body may be retained in the first position, the second position, or any position between the first position and the second position by a coupling, such as a magnetic coupling. The magnetic coupling may include a magnetic element disposed in the holder that magnetically attracts the ferromagnetic layer of the handle body. The ferromagnetic layer disposed in the handle body may be cylindrical and comprise one or more sheets of ferromagnetic material or a single piece shaped to form a substantially closed form (e.g., cylinder/tube, C-shape, U-shape).

According to at least one embodiment of the present application, a showerhead is provided that includes an inlet assembly, a showerhead, and a valve. The inlet assembly receives water, such as from a water source. The spray head includes a base and a head mounted on the base and spraying water. The valve controls a variable flow of water from the inlet assembly to the spray head and includes a housing, a control member, and at least one disc. The housing has a first portion coupled to the inlet assembly, a second portion coupled to the base of the showerhead, and a through-hole extending through the first and second portions. The control member has a collar extending along the longitudinal axis, the collar being disposed around at least a portion of the exterior side of the housing. The control member includes an inner wall extending radially inward from the collar to the through bore. The at least one disc may include a rotatable disc having a port and a stationary disc having a port. Rotation of the control member about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing provides variable flow regulation of water to the spray head by rotating the rotatable disk and the port of the rotatable disk relative to the port of the stationary disk and the stationary disk via the inner wall.

The second portion may be separate from the first portion, such as where the first and second portions are coupled together by a fastener.

The inner wall of the control member may be sandwiched between and extend between the ends of the first and second portions. The annular protrusion may extend from an end of one of the first and second portions to contact an end of the other of the first and second portions. The annular protrusion may extend through a slotted hole in the inner wall of the control member, and the slotted hole may act as a travel stop for the annular protrusion to control the range of motion of the control member relative to the housing.

The valve may include a bonnet disposed in the through bore of the housing and retaining the rotatable disk and the stationary disk in the through bore. The valve may include a drive member located within the through bore of the housing. The driving member may include: a base located in the through hole and having a hole for receiving the rotatable disk; a body extending from one side of the base; a male keyway extending radially outward from the body, wherein the male keyway is operatively coupled to a female keyway defined by an inner wall of the control member such that the drive member rotates with the control member through the keyway; and a fluid passageway extending through the body and the base. The fluid passageway may be fluidly connected to the inner body of the head. The rotatable disk and the stationary disk may be sandwiched between a base of the drive member and the bonnet. The bonnet may include an internal bore that receives the stationary disk and is fluidly connected to the inlet assembly. Thus, the relative rotational position of the rotatable disc with respect to the stationary disc controls the flow of water from the internal bore of the bonnet to the fluid passageway in the drive member and through the inner body of the head to the spray head.

The inlet assembly may include a bracket having an outer wall coupled to the first portion of the housing and an inner wall extending radially inward from an end of the outer wall. The inlet assembly may include a ball joint having a spherical element, a connector configured to couple to a water line, and a fluid passageway extending through the spherical element and the connector. The spherical element may be held between the inner wall and the first portion.

The collar can be located between an inlet end of the base of the spray head and a bracket of the inlet assembly. The outer diameter of the collar is substantially the same as the outer diameter of each of the inlet end of the base and the outer wall of the stent. The control member may include a rod extending radially outward from an outer diameter of the collar to facilitate rotation of the control member relative to the housing by moving the rod in a rotational manner.

As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," and the like are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the ordinary and recognized usage of those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will appreciate that these terms are intended to allow description of certain features described and claimed without limiting 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 alternatives to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the application as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and that the term is not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily uncommon or the best examples).

The term "coupled" as used herein means that two members are directly or indirectly joined to each other. Such engagement may be fixed (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by: the two members may be directly coupled to each other, coupled to each other using a separate intermediate member and any additional intermediate members coupled to each other, or coupled to each other using an intermediate member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. Such components may be mechanically, electrically, and/or fluidly coupled.

As used herein, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) such that when used to connect a column of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the column. Unless expressly stated otherwise, connection language such as the phrase "X, Y and at least one of Z" should be understood to mean that the element may be X or Y or Z; x and Y; x and Z; y and Z; or X, Y and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y and Z). Thus, these connection languages are not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z, respectively, unless otherwise indicated.

References herein to the position of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are used merely to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Although the figures and descriptions may show a particular order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from that depicted and described unless otherwise specified above. In addition, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified otherwise above. All such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the shower assemblies (e.g., shower head, hand shower, etc.) and components/elements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be combined with or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, each of the valves, valve members, retainers, etc. described herein may be incorporated into any other embodiment of the present application. While only one example of elements from one embodiment that may be combined or used with another embodiment has been described above, it should be understood that other elements of the various embodiments may be combined or used with any other embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A shower device comprising:

an elongated hollow waterway extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first end configured to receive water, a second end having a port extending from the internal fluid passage through the waterway radially relative to the longitudinal direction, and an internal fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end;

a spray head configured to spray water; and

a valve configured to control a flow of water from the internal fluid passageway of the waterway to the spray head, the valve comprising:

a valve body surrounding the port, the valve body and the waterway together defining a fluid path in fluid communication with the spray head; and

a control member surrounding at least a portion of the valve body, the control member operatively coupled to the portion of the valve body,

wherein rotation of the control member relative to the waterway about the longitudinal direction rotates the valve body relative to the waterway to provide variable adjustment of water flow to the sprayhead by changing the relative alignment between the fluid path and the port in the waterway.

2. The shower device of claim 1, wherein the valve body includes a wall and a plurality of protrusions extending radially inward from the wall, and the plurality of protrusions define the fluid path with the wall and the waterway.

3. The shower device of claim 2, wherein the valve includes a seal positioned radially between the wall and the waterway and angularly between a first projection and a second projection of the plurality of projections, wherein the seal rotates with the valve body, and wherein the seal covers the port in the closed position of the valve.

4. The shower device of claim 3, wherein the waterway includes a tab extending radially outward from an outer surface of the second end, and the tab acts as a stop to limit rotation of the valve body relative to the waterway by contacting the valve body.

5. The shower device of claim 1, wherein the port is a first port, the second end of the waterway includes a second port extending from the internal fluid passageway through the waterway radially relative to the longitudinal direction, the valve body includes a wall and first, second, third, and fourth projections extending radially inward from an inner surface of the wall, and the valve includes:

a first seal carried by the first and second projections of the valve body; and

a second seal carried by the third and fourth projections of the valve body,

wherein in the closed position of the valve the first seal covers the first port and the second seal covers the second port, and

wherein in the open position of the valve, the first seal does not cover the first port and the second seal does not cover the second port.

6. The shower device of claim 5, wherein the second end of the waterway includes a drain hole extending radially relative to the longitudinal direction at a location between the first port and the second port, and wherein the drain hole is positioned at an angle between the first port and the second port.

7. The shower device of claim 1, wherein the waterway is part of a handle of a hand shower, the shower device further comprising:

an intermediate layer surrounding at least a portion of the waterway and comprising a first material; and

an outer layer surrounding at least a portion of the intermediate layer and comprising a second material.

8. The shower device of claim 7, wherein the first material of the intermediate layer comprises a ferromagnetic material configured to magnetically couple the handle to a docking element, and the second material of the outer layer comprises a non-magnetic material forming a grip of the handshower.

9. The shower device of claim 1, wherein the spray head comprises a base and a head mounted on the base, and wherein the base comprises:

an outer body extending between the head and the control member; and

an inner body disposed within the outer body and fluidly connecting the fluid path to the spray head,

wherein one of the inner body and the outer body is coupled to the valve.

10. The shower device of claim 9, further comprising an inlet assembly comprising an inlet member configured to be coupled to an inlet pipe to receive water from the inlet pipe, the inlet member having a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the internal fluid passageway of the waterway.

11. The shower device of claim 10, wherein the inlet member is a ball joint having a spherical element and a cylindrical connector configured to be threaded to the inlet tube, wherein the fluid passageway extends through the cylindrical connector and the spherical element, and wherein the inlet assembly further comprises:

a bracket having an outer wall, the bracket extending in the longitudinal direction, surrounding the spherical element, and being threaded to the waterway; and

a compressible member fitted between the spherical element and one of the first end of the waterway or the bracket.

12. A shower device comprising:

an elongated hollow waterway extending along a longitudinal direction and having a first end configured to receive water, a second end, and an internal fluid passageway extending from the first end to one or more ports in the second end, wherein each port extends from the internal fluid passageway through the second end radially relative to the longitudinal direction;

a spray head configured to spray water; and

a valve operatively coupling the sprayer to the waterway and configured to control a flow of water from the internal fluid passageway of the waterway to the sprayer, the valve comprising:

a valve body surrounding each of the one or more ports, wherein the valve body and the second end collectively define a fluid path in fluid communication with the spray head; and

a control member surrounding at least a portion of the valve body and operatively coupled to the portion of the valve body such that rotation of the control member rotates the valve body; and

one or more seals, wherein each seal is associated with a port and is carried by one or more projections extending inwardly from the valve body toward the waterway,

wherein rotation of the control member relative to the waterway rotates each seal between a closed position in which each seal covers an associated port to fluidly disconnect the fluid path from the internal fluid pathway and an open position in which each seal uncovers an associated port to fluidly connect the internal fluid pathway to the spray head through the fluid path and associated port.

13. The shower device of claim 12, further comprising a fastener coupling the second end of the waterway to an inner body of the spray head, wherein at least a portion of the fastener is disposed within the internal fluid passageway.

14. A shower device according to claim 12, wherein the rotation is about the longitudinal direction, and wherein the valve provides variable adjustment of the water flow to the spray head between a substantially closed position and a fully open position, the fully open position corresponding to a maximum water flow.

15. The shower device of claim 12, further comprising an inlet assembly comprising an inlet member configured to be coupled to an inlet pipe to receive water from the inlet pipe, the inlet member having a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the internal fluid passageway of the waterway.

16. The shower device of claim 15, wherein the inlet member is a ball joint having a spherical element and a cylindrical connector configured to be threaded to the inlet tube, wherein the fluid passageway extends through the cylindrical connector and the spherical element, and wherein the inlet assembly further comprises:

17. A shower device comprising:

an elongated hollow waterway extending in a longitudinal direction and having an inlet end configured to receive water, an outlet end having a plurality of ports extending through the waterway, and an internal fluid passageway extending from the inlet end to the outlet end;

a spray head configured to spray water; and

a valve body surrounding the plurality of ports, the valve body and the waterway together defining a fluid path in fluid communication with the spray head; and

a control member extending in the longitudinal direction and surrounding at least a portion of the valve body, the control member operatively coupled to the portion of the valve body such that rotation of the control member rotates the valve body,

wherein rotation of the valve body relative to the waterway provides variable adjustment of water flow to the sprinkler by changing a relative alignment between the fluid path and the plurality of ports in the waterway.

18. The shower device of claim 17, wherein the valve body includes a wall and a plurality of protrusions extending radially inward from the wall, and the plurality of protrusions define the fluid path with the wall and the waterway.

19. The shower device of claim 18, wherein the valve includes a seal positioned radially between the wall and the waterway and angularly between a first projection and a second projection of the plurality of projections, wherein the seal rotates with the valve body, and wherein the seal covers at least one port of the plurality of ports in a closed position of the valve.

20. The shower device of claim 19, wherein the waterway includes a tab extending radially outward from an outer surface of the outlet end, and the tab acts as a stop to limit rotation of the valve body relative to the waterway by contacting the valve body.