U.S. patent application number 14/494098 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-23 for shower head having an electric tankless water heater.
The applicant listed for this patent is DRAKKEN INDUSTRIES, LLC. Invention is credited to MARTA MARTINEZ.
Application Number | 20150108245 14/494098 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46198326 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150108245 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARTINEZ; MARTA |
April 23, 2015 |
SHOWER HEAD HAVING AN ELECTRIC TANKLESS WATER HEATER
Abstract
A combined showerhead and tankless water heater. A control panel
permits a user to adjust the temperature level of the water that is
heated. In one embodiment, the water flowing through the tankless
water heater portion can be heated up about an additional eighteen
(18) degrees.
Inventors: |
MARTINEZ; MARTA; (HIALEAH,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DRAKKEN INDUSTRIES, LLC |
Hialeah |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46198326 |
Appl. No.: |
14/494098 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13272190 |
Oct 12, 2011 |
8840041 |
|
|
14494098 |
|
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|
|
61392184 |
Oct 12, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/75 ;
239/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/0408 20130101;
F24D 17/0026 20130101; F24D 17/0089 20130101; E03C 1/044
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/75 ;
239/135 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/044 20060101
E03C001/044; E03C 1/04 20060101 E03C001/04; F24D 17/00 20060101
F24D017/00 |
Claims
1. A combined showerhead and tankless water heater, comprising: a
housing having a front end and a back end; an enclosure contained
within the housing; a heating element disposed within an internal
area of the enclosure; a water inlet path leading into and in fluid
communication with the internal area of the enclosure; a water
outlet path leading out of and in fluid communication with the
internal area of the enclosure; a first connector secured to said
housing and in fluid communication with said water outlet path,
said first connector adapted for connection to a showerhead sprayer
portion; a second connector in fluid communication with said water
inlet path, said second connector adapted for connection to a water
source pipe; and a power source to energize said heating element
when it is desired to warm water flowing through the enclosure.
2. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 1
further comprising a diverter pipe secured at a top portion of said
enclosure and in fluid communication with said enclosure at a first
end and in fluid communication with said water outlet path at a
second end.
3. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 1
further comprising a flow sensor in communication with said water
inlet path, said flow sensor determining when water is entering
into the internal area of said enclosure.
4. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 3
further comprising an onboard circuit board contained within said
housing and in communication with said flow sensor, said circuit
board including a microprocessor who receives information from said
flow sensor and determines how much power to supply to said heating
element.
5. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 4
further comprising a control panel in communication with said
onboard circuit board, wherein said control panel allowing a user
to increase or decrease the amount of power that is supplied to
said heating element.
6. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 4
wherein said control panel is located on a bottom portion of said
housing.
7. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 1
wherein said power source is an electric cord which extends out of
said housing.
8. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 3
wherein said flow sensor is a turbine flow sensor.
9. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 1
wherein said first connector is a male adaptor.
10. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 1
wherein said second connector is a nut secured to an external end
of said water inlet path extending out of said housing and adapted
for receipt and securement to an end of the water source pipe.
11. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 2
wherein said first end of said diverter pipe is disposed at the top
of said enclosure near or adjacent to an inlet end or portion of
said enclosure.
12. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 1
wherein a first end of said water outlet path is secured at the top
of said enclosure near or adjacent to an outlet end or portion of
said enclosure.
13. A combined showerhead and tankless water heater, comprising: a
housing having a front end and a back end; an enclosure contained
within the housing; a heating element disposed within an internal
area of the enclosure; a water inlet path leading into and in fluid
communication with the internal area of the enclosure; a water
outlet path leading out of and in fluid communication with the
internal area of the enclosure, a first end of said water outlet
path is secured at the top of said enclosure near or adjacent to an
outlet end or portion of said enclosure; a first connector secured
to said housing and in fluid communication with said water outlet
path, said first connector adapted for connection to a showerhead
sprayer portion; a second connector in fluid communication with
said water inlet path, said second connector adapted for connection
to a water source pipe; a power source to energize said heating
element when it is desired to warm water flowing through the
enclosure; and a diverter pipe secured at a top portion of said
enclosure and in fluid communication with said enclosure at a first
end and in fluid communication with said water outlet path at a
second end, said first end of said diverter pipe is disposed at the
top of said enclosure near or adjacent to an inlet end or portion
of said enclosure.
14. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 13
further comprising a turbine flow sensor in communication with said
water inlet path, said flow sensor determining when water is
entering into the internal area of said enclosure.
15. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 14
further comprising an onboard circuit board contained within said
housing and in communication with said flow sensor, said circuit
board including a microprocessor who receives information from said
flow sensor and determines how much power to supply to said heating
element.
16. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 15
further comprising a control panel in communication with said
onboard circuit board, wherein said control panel allowing a user
to increase or decrease the amount of power that is supplied to
said heating element, wherein said control panel is located on a
bottom portion of said housing.
17. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 13
wherein said power source is an electric cord which extends out of
said housing.
18. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 13
wherein said first connector is a male adaptor; wherein said second
connector is a nut secured to an external end of said water inlet
path extending out of said housing and adapted for receipt and
securement to an end of the water source pipe.
19. A combined showerhead and tankless water heater, comprising: a
housing having a front end and a back end; an enclosure contained
within the housing; a heating element disposed within an internal
area of the enclosure; a water inlet path leading into and in fluid
communication with the internal area of the enclosure; a water
outlet path leading out of and in fluid communication with the
internal area of the enclosure, a first end of said water outlet
path is secured at the top of said enclosure near or adjacent to an
outlet end or portion of said enclosure; a threaded male adaptor
secured to said housing and in fluid communication with said water
outlet path, a showerhead sprayer portion secured to said threaded
male adaptor and in communication with said water outlet path; a
nut secured to an external end of said water inlet path extending
out of said housing and adapted for receipt and securement to an
end of a water source pipe; a power source to energize said heating
element when it is desired to warm water flowing through the
enclosure; a diverter pipe secured at a top portion of said
enclosure and in fluid communication with said enclosure at a first
end and in fluid communication with said water outlet path at a
second end, said first end of said diverter pipe is disposed at the
top of said enclosure near or adjacent to an inlet end or portion
of said enclosure; a turbine flow sensor in communication with said
water inlet path, said flow sensor determining when water is
entering into the internal area of said enclosure; an onboard
circuit board contained within said housing and in communication
with said flow sensor, said circuit board including a
microprocessor who receives information from said flow sensor and
determines how much power to supply to said heating element; and a
control panel in communication with said onboard circuit board,
wherein said control panel allowing a user to increase or decrease
the amount of power that is supplied to said heating element,
wherein said control panel is located on a bottom portion of said
housing.
20. The combined showerhead and tankless water heater of claim 19
wherein said power source is an electric cord which extends out of
said housing.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/272,190, filed Oct. 12, 2011, which application claims the
benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/392,184, filed Oct. 12, 2010. Both applications are
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to tankless water heaters
and more particularly to a combined tankless water heater and
shower head.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides a novel combined shower head
and tankless water heater for use in with a shower to provide hot
water for as long as the user desires. With the use of the present
invention, water is heated only at the specific shower location and
only when needed, to aid with energy and water conservation.
Multiple power settings can preferably be provided to the user.
Based on the power setting selected by the user, the user is
provided with virtually instant warm water from the shower head for
as long as they want. Preferably, the present invention works with
110/120/220 Volts power source with an amperage of about 23, about
25 or about 30 amps, though such values are not considered
limiting. Furthermore, other power sources can be used and include
other electrical, battery, solar, etc. power sources. These power
sources are also considered within the scope of the invention. The
housing enclosing the tankless water heater circuitry and
components can be constructed from high strength ABS Plastic,
though such is not considered limiting and other materials can be
selected and are considered within the scope of the invention. The
heat exchanger component of the present invention can be
constructed from stainless steel and the heating elements
constructed from brass and copper, though such materials/metals are
not considered limiting and other materials/metals can be selected
and are considered within the scope of the invention. In one
non-limiting embodiment, the dimensions can be about 10.5''.times.
about 4.7''.times. about 4.3'', though other dimensions can be used
and are considered within the scope of the invention.
[0004] The heat exchanger is preferably sealed and can be monitored
by auto-resettable circuit breakers. A flow switch can be provided
for detecting the flow of water. When water flows in, a relatively
small spring loaded "bullet switch" can be provided to active the
unit which informs the onboard microprocessor to heat the elements
in the heat exchanger.
[0005] Preferably, the present invention is a 2.5 k or 3 kW unit
that can plug into a standard, grounded electrical socket. The
present invention relatively quickly converts a cold water shower
into a warm water shower, and in one non-limiting embodiment, warms
or heats the water about an extra eighteen (18) degrees
Fahrenheit.
[0006] The showerhead portion can be configured for a spray volume
of about 1 gallon per minute, or can be converted to about 1.5
gallons per minute through removal of a plastic disk at the shower
head attachment area. Other spray volumes are possible and are also
considered within the scope of the invention.
[0007] The control panel or control area preferably located on a
bottom portion of the water heater housing can be provided with a
on/off controls, and increase and decrease controls, such that the
user is provided with several heating choices to set the water
temperature to the temperature or close to the temperature desired
by the user. In one non-limiting embodiment, five (5) different
heating levels are provided and display can be provided at the
control panel so that the user can visually determine which heating
level the unit is currently set at.
[0008] The present invention self contained showering system
preferably screws onto the existing shower pipe where a traditional
shower head normally attaches. With the system preferably plugged
into an electrical outlet, the system is turned on using the off/on
control and the temperature is set use the high/low
(increase/decrease) controls.
[0009] Certain non-limiting use examples for the present invention
showering system include single family homes, homes, apartments,
condominiums, motels, hotels, pool showers, motor homes, trailers,
boats, fitness clubs, cabins, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view and side view of the
present invention shower head incorporating an electric tankless
water heater in accordance with the present invention and with a
portion of its housing removed to provide visual access to the
electric tankless water heater portion of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the invention shown in
FIG. 1A;
[0012] FIG. 1C illustrates another side view of the invention shown
in FIG. 1A again with a portion of the housing removed to show the
internal components of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment and
preferred housing design and shape for the present invention shower
head;
[0014] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the internal
components of the present invention shower head;
[0015] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the present invention
shower heard illustrating the internal components of the shower
head;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention again
illustrating the internal components of the shower head; and
[0017] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the internal
components of the present invention shower head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] As seen in the drawings, the present invention can be a
relatively small electric tankless water heater reduced to be able
to be placed on a shower nipple which comes out of an existing
shower ("Water Inlet"). The present invention small compact
tankless water heater can be preferably enclosed within a
waterproof plastic housing. The interior construction can be
preferably comprised of an insulated stainless steel enclosure to
which the electric heating element is preferably welded or
otherwise secured and can be enclosed away from any exterior
components of the present invention.
[0019] The present invention water heater can also be provided with
a circuit board, such as, but not limited to a Laminate Silicone
Circuit board, which in combination with several other components,
controls the behavior or operation of the heater. The heater can
also be provided with a power cord, such as, but not limited to, a
6 ft, water proof cord which can be attached to the electrical
poles in order to power the heating elements. Other power sources
for the invention can also be used and are considered within the
scope of the invention, such as, but not limited to, one or more
batteries, solar power, etc.
[0020] The present invention water heater can also be equipped with
a 1/2'' swivel female nut which makes it very easy to install on
any 1/2'' nipple or hose, for exterior use. Additionally, the
present invention water heater can also be provided with a
relatively small magnet at the entry way enclosed by a 3/8 male nut
and a spring at the very top of the magnet. The magnet can be used
as a flow switch, which will allow the unit to engage once it
senses water.
[0021] In use or operation, the present invention shower head
heater can be preferably installed where a conventional current
shower head is typically installed and in place of such
conventional shower head. The present invention heater easily can
be screwed on or otherwise secured, preferably with a nipple having
a 1/2'' Female thread (though such is not considered limiting).
When an electric cord is used as the power source, it can be
connected through the wall, away from the standing or sitting area
in the shower, to a preferably 110V outlet with a protective GFI to
help prevent any chance of electrocution. Other Voltages and
outlets can also be used and are considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0022] As the consumer turns on the water in the shower, water
passes through the inlet side of the heater and preferably pushes
the magnet flow sensor up against its furthest point in the inlet
chamber. A REED switch (i.e. 2 fine galvanized steel parts, etc.)
can be preferably provided underneath the inlet pipe. When the
magnet positions itself just above surface of the REED switch, the
two contacts of the REED switch close, which allows for the current
to flow through the circuit and energize the heating element. As
the water travels from the inlet pipe through the opening of the
extended enclosure where the heating element is positioned, the
water then picks up the heat from the energized heating element.
The heated water then travels through the chambers of the shower
head and through its small orifices allows for the water to be
restricted in order to increase the output temperature.
[0023] The present invention water heater can also preferably have
4 or 5 different power setting (though not limiting and other
number of settings can be used and are considered within the scope
of the invention) which can be easily changed with the press of a
button on the inferior or belly portion of the shower head heater.
Additionally, a power button can also be provided which cuts off
completely the power to the heater. Control of the power setting
(i.e. how hot the water should be) can occur by pressing the arrow
up, for more power or arrow down for less power. Pressing the arrow
controls an internally disposed potentiometer, such as, but not
limited to a digital potentiometer, which can be preferably placed
on the circuit board.
[0024] The present invention heater can also monitor the surface
temperature of the enclosed preferred stainless steel housing to
make sure the operating temperature stays below a preferred maximum
temperature, which can be about 140.degree. F., though such is not
considered limiting and other maximum temperatures can be used and
are considered within the scope of the invention. With respect to
the small magnet (i.e. flow sensor), when the hot water or water
demand is at zero, the above noted spring, will push back the
magnet causing the current to stop, which in turns discontinues
power to the heater. A safety thermostat can be provided to cut oft
power where the temperature exceeds a set threshold (i.e.
140.degree. F., etc.) and can also be designed to detect other
hazards and potential hazards.
[0025] The present invention provides a total solution for point of
use hot water at the shower, with isolation of dangerous electrical
parts from the consumer. The present invention shower head can
isolate all of the electricity and associated components, and any
electrical connection to the consumer. The present invention can
preferably use water proof wire type W, and can enclose the heating
element in an insulated welded, stainless steel heat exchanger. The
present invention can use a flow sensor preferably located just
inside the inlet pipe, such that when water passes through the
first chamber it pushes the flow sensor against the spring, and a
reed switch, closes to create contact, and allows for the circuit
to pass through and allow for the Integrated circuit to perform its
job of identifying the incoming temp with the outlet temp to draw
exact power needed for the demand. The present invention can also
use several different safety devices not currently found in the
mark, such as, but not limited to, thermostats to disengage the
electricity if overheat occurs which will shut down all power to
the components. The present invention can also have a 4 power
setting that can reduce or increase the power setting depending on
the outlet temperature the consumer is looking for. Additionally,
the present invention's power connection is preferably not made
outside of the unit but rather in a safer environment of a
watertight concealed enclosure. The present invention are
preferably connected outside the shower through a wall and around
to a safe junction box outside the shower, so as to keep the
consumer safe from injury. The present invention is preferably
constructed such that it is compliant to UL/499, though such is not
considered limiting.
[0026] The present invention shower head can having the following
components, though such is not considered limiting: (a) Heater
Element; (b) Water inlet nut; (c) Water inlet fitting; (d) Reed
switch; (e) Cooling Plate; (f) Cooling Plate Fitting; (g) TRIAC;
(h) Supply Cord Fitting; (i) Heat Exchanger; (j) Thermostat; (k)
Terminal; (l) Under Casing enclosure; (m) Upper Casing enclosure;
(n) Circuit board; (o) Power setting button; (p) Shower Head upper
casing; (q) Shower head lower casing; (r) Shower bead connector;
(s) Plastic Plate; (t) Spring; and (u) Magnet flow sensor.
[0027] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a heat exchange fastener 1, heat
exchange 2, circuit board 3, heat exchanger security bracket 4,
terminal block 5, heating element electric terminals 6. TRIAC
cooling plate 7, TRIACS 8, air diverter 9, safety thermostat 10,
shower lower enclosure 11, male adaptor for shower head 12 and
laminate control panel 13. FIG. 1-2 FIG. 1C illustrates an
insulated heat exchanger 1, air vent diverter 2, heating element 3,
heating element terminals 4, TRIAC 5, TRIAC cooling plate 6,
terminal block 7, laminate circuit control board 8, and ground
busbar 9.
[0028] The system can be provided with a dry fire/air eliminator
(air diverter 9--FIGS. 1A and 1B and air diverter 2--FIG. 1C; see
also FIG. 6), which can comprise a pipe that can be designed to
eliminate or at least substantially reduce the chance of air or air
bubbles in the incoming water pipe from entering the chamber and
dry firing the heating element due to air being in contact with the
resistance portion of the heating element. The diverter pipe is
preferably positioned at the top of the chamber since air rises.
Thus, when air or air bubbles comes into the chamber they
automatically rise and ultimately enter through the upper pipe
track of the air diverter 2 which is in communication with the
chamber. By entering air diverter 2, the air or air bubbles are
directed away from the heating resistance and out of the heat
chamber. Another pipe in communication with the internal area of
the chamber is also in communication with the air diverter pipe.
The warmed or heated water exits the chamber through this pipe and
the heated water meet up with the diverted air and air bubble and
continue together through the exit path leading to the sprayer
portion of the present invention and thus any content (air, air
bubbles, etc.) entering into diverter pipe 2 ultimately get fed
back or released into the water flow path, after avoiding the
heating resistance where the contents and heated water is permitted
to exit out of the sprayer portion.
[0029] As a general summary of the internal heating operation
described in more detail above, water passage is provided from the
entrance of the supply side through the opening of the present
invention. Water then passes through a preferred turbine flow
sensor which can be programmed to energize the element at about
0.25 gallons per minute, so that the present invention unit can
operate with the lowest of water pressures. Programming is achieved
through the onboard microcontroller unit preferably located just
above the turbine flow sensor (see FIG. 6), which reads the turbine
flow sensor data and sends it to the microprocessor unit. The
microprocessor unit can be preferably programmed to energize the
heating resistance in accordance to the power setting selected by
the user through the control panel.
[0030] The safety thermostat can be provided to cut power if there
is a surcharge, short circuit, or other type of hazard or potential
hazard detected. The heat exchanger enclosure/chamber can be sealed
for extra safety and the top and bottom housing enclosure can also
form a sealed relationship to prevent water from the shower from
entering into the housing.
[0031] Unless specifically indicated not to be available or
capable, various parts or components or features of one embodiment
of the present invention are also considered to be able to provided
with other described embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] All locations, sizes, measurements, temperatures, amounts,
weights, shapes, dimensions, degrees, values, percentages,
materials, orientations, etc. discussed above or shown in the
drawing figures are merely by way of example and are not considered
limiting and other locations, sizes, measurements, temperatures,
amounts, weights, dimensions, degrees, values, percentages,
materials, orientations etc. can be chosen and used and all are
considered within the scope of the invention.
[0033] Additionally, the shape of the housing is not considered
critical and other housing shapes could be used to house the
various internal components.
[0034] Unless feature(s), part(s), component(s), characteristic(s)
or function(s) described in the specification or shown in the
drawings for a claim element, claim step or claim term specifically
appear in the claim with the claim element, claim step or claim
term, then the inventor does not consider such feature(s), part(s),
component(s), characteristic(s) or function(s) to be included for
the claim element, claim step or claim term in the claim when and
if the claim element, claim step or claim term is interpreted or
construed. Similarly, with respect to any "means for" elements in
the claims, the inventor considers such language to require only
the minimal amount of features, components, steps, or parts from
the specification to achieve the function of the "means for"
language and not all of the features, components, steps or parts
describe in the specification that are related to the function of
the "means for" language.
[0035] While the invention has been described and disclosed in
certain terms and has disclosed certain embodiments or
modifications, persons skilled in the an who have acquainted
themselves with the invention, will appreciate that it is not
necessarily limited by such terms, nor to the specific embodiments
and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a wide variety of
alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can be practiced
without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rights to
such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *