WO2011039647A2 - Shower head - Google Patents

Abstract

A shower head (100) is configured to help reduce water consumption and/or provide a user with a certain sensation. The shower head is provided with a housing (3) defining a water inlet (20) and a water outlet (24). A mixer (11) may be positioned within the housing and is configured to swirl water that passes into the housing (3) through the water inlet (20). The housing may further include at least one opening (30) configured such that air outside of the housing can pass through the opening and mix with the water within the housing before the water exits the housing through the water outlet (24). The shower head may further incorporate at least one nozzle outlet (72) having a substantially elongated shape.

Description

SHOWER HEAD

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of United States provisional application Serial Number 61/246,548, filed on September 29, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Various shower heads have been produced to provide a user with a variety of sensations, while often times designed to reduce water consumption. For example aerated shower heads aerate the water flowing through them by introducing air through an air inlet and subsequently mixing the air with the water flow by the turbulence inherent in the shower head. This aerated flow is then output from the shower head without any apparent reduction in flow and/or sensation while reducing the volume of water used. The water flow exits the shower head through an arrangement of water outlets and/or nozzles. A variety of nozzle and outlet arrangements are observed in the different shower heads available in the market. These shower heads may provide the user with different sensations when using any given shower head.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the shower head described herein are configured to help reduce water consumption and/or provide a user with a certain sensation. In one embodiment, the shower head is configured to provide a higher hydraulic pressure with less water usage by mixing air with the water flow. In another embodiment, the shower head incorporates at least one nozzle outlet having a substantially elongated shape to provide the user with a unique sensation as compared with the typical shower heads.

According to one aspect, an aerated shower head is provided. The shower head includes a housing defining a water inlet and a water outlet. A mixer is positioned within the housing and is configured to swirl water that passes into the housing through the water inlet. The housing further includes at least one opening configured such that air outside of the housing can pass through the opening and mix with the water within the housing before the water exits the housing through the water outlet. According to another aspect, a shower head with at least one shaped nozzle is provided. The shower head includes a housing defining a water inlet and a water outlet. At least one nozzle is provided that is in fluid communication with the water outlet, and includes a nozzle outlet through which the water exits the housing. The nozzle outlet has a cross-sectional area with a substantially elongated shape. The cross-sectional area of the nozzle outlet is defined as the area generally perpendicular to the flow of fluid exiting the nozzle.

These and other aspects are described below with reference to illustrative embodiments and the claims. Various embodiments provide certain advantages. Not all embodiments share the same advantages and those that do may not share them under all circumstances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like descriptor. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing.

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a shower head according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the shower head taken along line 2-2 of FIG. i;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of the shower head encircled by line 2A- 2A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of the shower head shown in FIGS. 1 -2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of the shower head shown in

FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shower head according to another embodiment; FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the shower head of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the shower head taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a mixer with three arms for use in a shower head according to one embodiment; FIG. 8A illustrates a mixer with six arms according to an alternative embodiment; FIG. 9 is a side view of a mixer according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a mixer according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the mixer taken along line 1 1-1 1 of FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a top view of a jet plate for use in a shower head according to one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the jet plate of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the jet plate of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the jet plate taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the jet plate of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a funnel for use in a shower head according to one embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the funnel taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17; FIG. 19 is a top view of a funnel according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the funnel of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a shower head according to an embodiment;

FIG. 22 is an exploded assembly view of the shower head shown in FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 23 is a top view of a nozzle plate for use in a shower head according to an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the nozzle plate of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the nozzle plate of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle plate taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the nozzle plate of FIG. 23;

FIG. 28 is a top view of a rotor for use in a shower head according to an embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the rotor of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the rotor of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the rotor of FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the rotor of FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 is a side view of a shower head according to an embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the shower head of Fig. 33; FIGS. 35A and 35B are cross-sectional views of the shower head taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36A is a cross-sectional view of the shower head taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 33 with the rotor at the same angular position as in FIG 35A;

FIG. 36B is a cross-sectional view of the shower head taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 33 with the rotor at the same angular position as in FIG 35B; and

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a shower head according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects are directed to a shower head. The shower head may aerate the water flowing through it which may limit the amount of water consumed. As mentioned above, air is combined with the water within the shower head to increase the hydraulic pressure. Thus, less water can be used to achieve a certain water pressure. The shower head may also include one or more nozzles having corresponding nozzle outlets with cross-sectional areas that are substantially elongated in shape. The elongated shape of the nozzle outlets may impart a corresponding shape to the water flow exiting the shower head.

As discussed in greater detail below, unlike prior aerated shower heads, aspects are directed to a shower head which is configured to generate a swirling motion in the water. In one embodiment, a mixer is configured to swirl water as it passes

therethrough. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that this swirling action improves the way in which the water is able to mix with the air. In one embodiment, the mixer is configured to swirl the water to create a turbulent flow.

Another aspect is directed to a shower head having an exit nozzle configured to be substantially elongated in shape. The elongated shape may be tapered and/or substantially shaped as a knife edge on at least one of its ends. In one embodiment the shape of the water stream may correspond generally to the shape of the nozzle outlet. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the elongated shape of the water stream may provide a unique sensation for an individual during use of the shower head.

Turning to the drawings, it should be appreciated that the drawings illustrate various components and features which may be incorporated into various embodiments of the shower head. For simplification, some of the drawings may illustrate more than one optional feature or component. However, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. It should be recognized some embodiments may include only a portion of the components illustrated in any one figure, and/or may also encompass embodiments combining components illustrated in multiple different drawings.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of an aerated shower head 100. The shower head 100 includes a housing or shell 3 which defines at least one water inlet 20 and at least one water outlet 24. In this particular embodiment, there are three water outlets 24 arranged in a centered triangular pattern. It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the number, location, and arrangement of the water outlets and/or water inlets may vary, as the invention is not so limited. In one illustrative embodiment, the housing 3 has a substantially conical or bell shape. It should be appreciated that the housing 3 may be shaped differently, as the outer shape of the housing 3 may be altered based on the desired outer appearance or other characteristics of the shower head 100.

In one embodiment, the shower head 100 includes a helix or mixer 11 positioned within the housing 3. The mixer 11 is configured to swirl water that passes into the housing through the water inlet 20. Various embodiments of the mixer 11 are discussed in greater detail below, but it should be recognized that in one embodiment, the mixer 11 is fixed relative to the shower head housing 3 and the structure of the mixer 11 is configured to swirl the water as it passes through the mixer 11. As set forth in greater detail below, the mixer 11 may be configured to cause a pulsating flow of water. In particular, the mixer 11 includes blades or arms 52 which are configured to swirl the water due to the shape of the arms 52. This pulsating of the water may act to divert the flow of water through the housing 3.

As set forth in FIG. 2, the shower head includes at least one opening 30

configured such that air outside of the housing 3 can pass through the opening 30 and mix with the water within the housing before the water exits out of the housing through the water outlet 24. As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the opening 30 is adjacent the water outlet 24, and both the opening 30 and the water outlet 24 are located on the housing faceplate 2. It should be recognized that the shower head may be configured differently and that the opening 30 may be located in a different location on the shower head.

The three dashed arrows depicted in FIG. 2 represent the flow of air through the opening 30 and the housing 3. In this particular embodiment, the air passes through an air channel 40 within the housing that is positioned in between the opening 30 and the mixer 11. As illustrated, this air channel 40 is configured such that air passes through the opening 30 and mixes with the water that is swirled by the mixer. It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the air channel may be configured differently, and may for example, be configured such that air mixes with the water before the water is swirled by the mixer 11.

In one embodiment, air enters through opening 30 in the housing and mixes with the water at a location just below the helix or mixer 11 to affect the flow of water.

Applicant recognized that it is desirable for the water swirled by mixer 11 to combine with air. In one embodiment, air enters into the housing through opening 30 due to the venturi effect, causing the air to effect the flow of the water. As shown in FIG. 2A, air (illustrated as the dashed line arrows and the circles in FIG. 2A) enters into the chamber 40 and passes through a narrow passage 42 in the chamber 40 before mixing with the water (illustrated as the solid line arrows in FIG. 2A).

The shower head 100 disclosed in FIGS. 1 -4 includes a plurality of mixer structures. This particular embodiment includes a first mixer, a second mixer and a third mixer that are centered and radially spaced apart within the housing. Each mixer is configured to swirl water that passes through the housing through the water inlet 20. In one embodiment, the shower head is configured to distribute substantially equal amounts of water from the water inlet 20 to each mixer 11. As set forth in greater detail below, other mixer arrangements are also contemplated by the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the shower head 100 may also include a jet plate 10 positioned within the housing. As illustrated, the jet plate 10 includes a substantially cylindrical-shaped enclosure for each mixer 11 which is configured to receive the mixer 11. As shown in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 4, the mixer 11 may nest within the enclosure of the jet plate 10 and the area in between the jet plate 10 and the mixer 11 provides a fluid path for the water as it flows through the mixer 11.

Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, another embodiment of a shower head 200 will now be discussed. Shower head 200 includes many of the same components that are discussed above with reference to shower head 100. Unlike shower head 100 which includes a plurality of mixer structures configured to swirl the water, the shower head 200 depicted in FIGS. 5-7 includes only one mixer 11. In this embodiment, the shower head 200 includes a plurality of openings 30 configured such that air outside of the housing 3 can pass through the openings 30 and mix with the water within the housing 3 before the water exits out of the housing through the water outlet 24. The four dashed arrows in FIG. 7 represent the flow of air passing through the openings 30 and the housing 3. In this embodiment, the air passes through an air channel 40 within the housing that is positioned in between the openings 30 and the mixer 11. As illustrated, this air channel 40 is configured such that air passes through the openings 30 and mixes with the water that is swirled by the mixer. In the depicted embodiment, openings 30 are circularly arranged around outlet 24. In another embodiment, an opening 30 surrounds all or portions of the water outlet 24, and may, for example, be annular in shape. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in one embodiment, the shower head 200 may have additional water outlets 26 spaced around the housing face plate 2, and these additional water outlets 26 may or may not be in fluid communication with the mixer 11 like water outlet 24.

Turning to FIGS. 8-1 1, one embodiment of a mixer 11 configured to swirl water within the housing is shown in greater detail. In this particular embodiment, the mixer 11 includes a centrally located shaft 50 and a plurality of arms 52 outwardly extending from the shaft 50. In this embodiment, the mixer has three arms 52. It should be appreciated in another embodiment, the mixer may have fewer or more arms, as the invention is not so limited. For example, FIG. 8A illustrates one embodiment of the mixer configured with six arms 52.

It is contemplated that the mixer may either be fixed or movable relative to the shower head housing 3. In one embodiment, the mixer is fixed relative to the housing and the structure of the mixer is configured to swirl the water as it passes through the mixer 11. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-1 1 , the shape and configuration of the mixer arms 52 may be angled and/or curved to initiate the swirling motion of the water. In one embodiment, the mixer may be shaped similar to a helix.

In another embodiment, the mixer 11 is movable relative to the housing. For example, in one embodiment, the mixer 11 is rotatable relative to the housing and movement of the mixer within the housing may assist in the swirling of the water. As shown in FIGS. 8-1 1 , the shape and configuration of the mixer arms 52 may be angled and or curved such that the pressure exerted by the flowing water on the arms 52 may cause the rotation of the mixer. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the mixer may be shaped similar to a helix. It is also contemplated that movement or rotation of the mixer 11 may act to draw air from outside the housing 3 into the housing through the one or more openings 30. It should also be recognized that in another embodiment, a motor may be used to move or rotate the mixer.

In one embodiment, a jet plate 10 may be employed to receive the mixer 11. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12-16 the jet plate 10 includes three substantially

cylindrically-shaped enclosures each capable of receiving one of the three mixer structures 11. Referring to the cross-sectional view in FIG. 15, the enclosures of jet plate 10 include an upper cavity 14 for receiving the mixers 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of each enclosure below the upper cavity 14 decreases from the end adjacent the upper cavity 14 to a straight outlet channel 15 located at the bottom of each enclosure.

In one embodiment, the shower head 100 includes a funnel 1 positioned within the housing 3 and adjacent the mixer 11 such that water passes from the mixer 11 and then through the funnel 1. In the embodiment illustrated, the funnel 1 is conical in shape and has a diameter that increases from the end adjacent the mixer 11 to the end adjacent the water outlet 24. As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, portions of the jet plate 10 may nest within portions of the funnel 1. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the clearance space between the jet plate 10 and the funnel 1 may form part of the air channel 40 that extends between the opening 30 in the housing 3 and the narrow passage 42 leading to the mixer 11 so that air can mix with the water within the housing.

One embodiment of funnel 1 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 17-20. As illustrated, this particular embodiment includes three funnel structures configured to align with the above-described jet plate 10. Each funnel structure is conical in shape with its smaller diameter adjacent to jet plate 10. The outlet channels 15 in jet plate 10 fit into and cooperate with funnel 1. In particular, each outlet channel 15 fits within but is spaced from a corresponding funnel structure on funnel 1. The clearance between the outlet channels 15 of jet plate 10 and the funnel structures of funnel 1 define narrow passage 42 through which air passes to reach the water flow passing through mixers 11.

As previously discussed, it may be desirable to reduce the water usage of a shower head without compromising the water pressure. In one embodiment, the shower head 100 includes a flow regulator 6 positioned within the housing that is configured to limit the water flow to a certain volumetric flow rate. For example, in one embodiment, the flow regulator 6 is configured to limit the flow to approximately 2 gallons per minute. In another embodiment, the flow regulator 6 is configured to limit the water flow to approximately 1.5 gallons per minute, and in another embodiment, the flow regulator 6 is configured to limit the water flow to approximately 2.5 gallons per minute. It should be appreciated that various types of flow regulators may be used in the shower head, as the present invention is not limited in this respect.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shower head 100 may include a swivel ball 8 adjacent the flow regulator 6 which may connect the shower head to upstream water pipe components. The shower head 100 may also include various seals and other components which may be found in a conventional shower head. Such components include, but are not limited to, holder 7, flat seal 5, adaptor 4 and o-rings 9 and 12.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate another possible embodiment of a shower head 300 in which a water stream is emitted from a nozzle outlet, located on a nozzle plate 70, with a cross-sectional area having a substantially elongated shape. This embodiment may incorporate many of the features described in the embodiments above including aerating the water prior to output. However, such an aeration feature is not required.

According to an aspect of the shower head, the nozzles are integrally formed with a nozzle plate 70. Furthermore, the nozzle outlets are shaped so as to be substantially elongated, such as for example an elongated oval. The shape of the nozzle outlets may further include ends of the elongated shape that are tapered and/or substantially shaped as a knife edge.

Referring to FIGS. 23-27, the nozzle plate 70 with elongated nozzles outlets 72 will now be described. Nozzle plate 70 includes at least one nozzle 71 with a

corresponding nozzle outlet 72. Nozzle outlet 72 has a cross-sectional area with a substantially elongated shape. The cross sectional-area is defined as the area generally perpendicular to the flow of fluid exiting nozzle 71. In certain embodiments, nozzle plate 70 may optionally include a rotor shaft 73

While the currently presented nozzle outlet 72 is an elongated oval, the current invention is not meant to be limited to any particular shape. In fact, one may envision many possible shapes for the cross-sectional area. Several non-limiting examples of possible shapes include: a crescent; a polygon (i.e. a triangle, quadrangle, pentagon); or any other suitable shape that might be incorporated into nozzle plate 70. In one embodiment, the polygon is elongated. In another embodiment, at least one end of the elongated shape is tapered. In a further embodiment, the at least one tapered end forms an apex shaped substantially as a knife edge. The currently presented embodiment depicts three nozzles 71 and corresponding nozzle outlets 72 arranged in a triangular pattern centered on nozzle plate 70. The resulting pattern resembles a "cloverleaf ' arrangement. Nozzle plate 70 may include fewer or more nozzles than depicted in FIGS. 23-27. For instance, FIG. 37 illustrates a single nozzle outlet 72 integrally formed with and centered on a nozzle plate 70. One may also envision nozzles 71 being arranged in a different pattern or being located in a different portion of nozzle plate 70. It is also possible that nozzles 71 may be located on a different component of shower head 300 instead of nozzle plate 70 including, for example, the face plate 2 depicted in FIG. 22.

Nozzle plate 70 can be secured to the shower head housing 3, as illustrated in

FIG 22, using any suitable arrangement. In the embodiment shown, the nozzle plate 70 includes external threads 75 that threadingly engage corresponding threads in the outlet end of the housing 3.

Thus, referring back to FIGS. 21 and 22, shower head 300 includes a housing or shell 3 which defines at least one water inlet 20 and at least one water outlet 24. Nozzle plate 70 is connected to and in fluid communication with the water outlet 24 which is located on face plate 2. A rotor 68 is rotatably mounted on nozzle plate 70 and located interior to face plate 2. Rotor cover 60 is located above rotor 68 and is operatively engaged with face plate 2 through a system of slots and tabs. Active plate 56 is disposed on top of rotor cover 60. A spring 54 is provided on active plate 60 and applies a compressive force to the assembly. Adapter 4 covers the above described assembly and is operatively attached to face plate 2 by dial ring 62. Attrit plates 64 are inserted into dial ring 62 and located at the horizontal interface between adapter 4 and dial ring 62. Adapter 4 is attached to housing 3 using any suitable arrangement. In the current embodiment shown, the adapter 4 includes external threading that threadingly engages corresponding threads on the interior of housing 3. The upper portion of housing 3 is adapted to accept a holder 7 which retains swivel ball 8 at the top of housing 3 which may be used to connect the shower head to upstream water pipe components. A flow regulator 6 may be installed inside of or inline with swivel ball 8. Shower head 300 also includes multiple seals located between the various components. These seals include flat seal 5, V-seal 58, and o-rings 9, 12 and 66.

FIGS. 28-32 show one possible embodiment of rotor 68. Rotor 68 may include arms 74 and an optional shield 76. As currently depicted, the arms 74 extend outwards from the central axis of rotor 68. Shield 76 extends between adjacent arms 74. In the current embodiment shield 76 extends radially between three arms 74.

When assembled, rotor 68 may rotate about rotor shaft 73 on nozzle plate 70. Rotor 68 rotates due to a water flow exerting pressure on arms 74. As rotor 68 rotates, shield 76 may intermittently block and open the at least one nozzle 71 located on nozzle plate 70. The intermittent blocking and opening action of shield 76 causes a pulsating flow of water to be emitted from the nozzle outlets 72 of the at least one nozzle 71.

While one possible embodiment has been illustrated for rotor 68 one of skill in the art may easily envision any number of obvious variations that are meant to be included in this disclosure. For example, it is possible that arms 74 may be curved or angled. Also, while six arms 54 are shown a greater or lesser number of arms may be used. One might further envision using multiple shields 76 on rotor 68 or a single shield 76 that covers a larger or smaller area between arms 74 on rotor 68.

FIGS. 33 and 34 show the locations of the horizontal and vertical cross-sections depicted in FIGS 35A-36B. FIGS. 35A-36B depict cross-sections of shower head 300 in both a vertical and horizontal orientation with shield 76 blocking alternating nozzle outlets 72. The nozzle outlet 72 depicted in the vertical cross-sections shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B corresponds with the left most nozzle outlet 72 in FIG. 34 intersected by cross-section line 35-35. The water flow through shower head 300 is depicted by dashed lines in FIGS. 35A-36B.

During the operation of shower head 300, water enters through inlet 20. The water then flows towards rotor cover 60. The flow then enters rotor cover 60. In some embodiments a portion of the flow may be diverted to additional water outlets 26 spaced around face plate 2. These additional water outlets 26 may or may not be in fluid communication with nozzle outlets 72. The water that flows through rotor cover 60 is deflected by at least one angular channel 78. In some embodiments the deflected flow is angled with respect to the central axis of rotation of rotor 68. The deflected flow of water exerts a pressure on the arms 74 of rotor 68 causing rotor 68 to rotate. In the current embodiment two angular channels 78 are incorporated into rotor cover 60. Even though the current embodiment depicts the angular channels 78 as being integrally formed in rotor cover 60 they may be separate from rotor cover 60 or incorporated into other components. When rotor 68 rotates shield 76 intermittently opens and blocks nozzle outlets 72 in an alternating fashion. The alternating blocking and opening action of rotor 68 causes a pulsating flow of water to exit nozzle plate 70. FIGS. 35A and 36A show the left most nozzle outlet 72 open. In this case water is able to flow through the system and exit the indicated nozzle outlet 72 as depicted by the dashed arrows. FIGS. 35B and 36B show the left most nozzle outlet 72 blocked by shield 76. In this case water flows through the systems but is unable to exit the indicated nozzle outlet 72 as depicted by the dashed arrows. As can be seen in FIG. 36B, water would flow through the remaining two nozzle outlets 72 instead. The intermittent blocking and opening of outlets 72 results in a pulsating flow of water being emitted by each nozzle outlet 72. Furthermore, the elongated shape of the cross-sectional area of nozzle outlets 72 results in an emitted water stream having a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of nozzle outlets 72.

There are many variations of the above embodiment of the shower head that would be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. One might easily use a greater or lesser number of nozzle outlets than the three depicted in the current embodiment. For instance, FIG. 37 illustrates the incorporation of a single nozzle outlet 72 into shower head 300. Additionally, shower head 300 may include additional water outlets 26. Even if additional water outlets 26 are included the portion of water diverted to them might be greater or less than the portion of water flowing through the nozzle outlets 72. One might also envision an adjustable proportion of flow through additional outlets 26 and nozzle outlets 72. Housing 3 may also be shaped differently to conform to different aesthetic tastes or functional requirements.

The shower head may be formed using a variety of different types of materials and manufacturing techniques. The shower head may be made from a material such as, but not limited to, various types of plastics and metals.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present invention may be formed with one or more of the above-described features. The above aspects and features of the invention may be employed in any suitable combination as the present invention is not limited in this respect. It should also be appreciated that the drawings illustrate various components and features which may be incorporated into various embodiments of the present invention. For simplification, some of the drawings may illustrate more than one optional feature or component. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the drawings. It should be recognized that the present invention encompasses embodiments which may include only a portion of the components illustrated in any one drawing figure, and/or may also encompass embodiments combining components illustrated in multiple different drawing figures.

It should be understood that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention are intended merely to be illustrative thereof and that other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents of the invention are within the scope of the invention recited in the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. An aerated shower head comprising:

a housing defining a water inlet and a water outlet;

a mixer positioned within the housing and configured to swirl water that passes into the housing through the water inlet;

wherein the housing further includes at least one opening configured such that air outside of the housing can pass through the at least one opening and mix with the water within the housing before the water exits the housing through the water outlet.

2. The aerated shower head of claim 1 , wherein the housing further comprises a faceplate defining the water outlet and the at least one opening.

3. The aerated shower head of claim 1 , further comprising an air channel within the housing, wherein the air channel is positioned between the at least one opening and the mixer, such that air that passes through the at least one opening mixes with water swirled by the mixer.

4. The aerated shower head of claim 1 , further comprising a second mixer and a third mixer, each configured to swirl water that passes into the housing through the water inlet.

5. The aerated shower head of claim 1 , further comprising a jet plate positioned within the housing, wherein the jet plate includes a cylindrical-shaped enclosure configured to receive the mixer.

6. The aerated shower head of claim 1 , further comprising a funnel positioned within the housing, wherein the funnel is positioned adjacent the mixer such that water passes through the mixer and into the funnel.

7. The aerated shower head of claim 1 , further comprising a flow regulator positioned within the housing adjacent the water inlet, wherein the flow regulator is configured to limit the water flow to less than 2.5 gallons per minute.

8. The aerated shower head of claim 1 , wherein the mixer is stationary relative to the housing to swirl water that passes into the housing.

9. The aerated shower head of claim 1 , wherein the mixer includes a centrally located shaft and a plurality of arms outwardly extending from the shaft.

10. The aerated shower head of claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening in the housing includes a plurality of openings configured such that air outside of the housing can pass through the plurality of openings and mix with the water within the housing before the water exits the housing through the water outlet.

1 1. The aerated shower head of claim 1 , wherein the mixer is configured to cause a pulsating flow of water.

12. A shower head comprising:

a housing defining a water inlet and a water outlet; and

at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the water outlet, wherein the nozzle comprises a nozzle outlet having a cross-sectional area having a substantially elongated shape, wherein the cross-sectional area is defined as an area perpendicular to flow of fluid exiting the nozzle.

13. The shower head of claim 12, wherein the elongated shape is an oval, polygon, or crescent.

14. The shower head of claim 12, wherein the elongated shape is tapered at at least one end.

15. The shower head of claim 13, wherein the at least one tapered end forms an apex shaped substantially as a knife edge.

16. The shower head of claim 12, wherein the housing further comprises a face plate defining the water outlet.

17. The shower head of claim 12, wherein the shower head is configured to mix air with a flow of water before the flow exits the housing through the water outlet.

18. The shower head of claim 12 further comprising a rotor, wherein the rotor is configured to cause a pulsating flow of water.

19. The shower head of claim 12, further comprising a flow regulator positioned within the housing adjacent the water inlet, wherein the flow regulator is configured to limit the water flow to less than 2.5 gallons per minute.

20. The shower head of claim 12, wherein the at least one nozzle comprises three nozzles.

21. The shower head of claim 20, wherein the three nozzles are arranged in a centered triangular pattern.