Retrofittable device for providing multiple shower heads

Abstract

The present invention includes a retrofittable apparatus adapted for retrofit installation in an existing shower arrangement having walls, a single shower head, and plumbing providing water to the single shower head. The apparatus includes wall mounts for mounting to opposing walls, and a tube defining an inner passageway for communicating water. The tube includes ends that telescopingly slidably engage the wall mounts for adjustably supporting the tube. The tube ends each include a laterally-extending pipe nipple, one connected to a water source, and the other connected to a second shower head. The mounts include a notch receiving the nipples, thus creating an adjustable but aesthetic arrangement. The apparatus provide flexibility in installation, such that it can be installed along a side wall of the shower as a grab handle, or along a raised position, such as over an open side or along a ceiling of the shower.

1 . A retrofittable apparatus for installation in a shower arrangement having walls, a single shower head, and plumbing providing a water source to the single shower head, comprising:
 wall mounts adapted for mounting to an opposing pair of the walls; and   a tube defining an inner passageway for communicating water, the tube including ends that telescopingly slidably engage the wall mounts for adjustably mounting the tube to the opposing walls; the ends each including a laterally-extending secondary passageway extending from the first passageway for communicating water to and from the inner passageway, and at least one of the ends including a retainer for securing the tube to the wall mounts, the mounts being shaped and configured to accommodate the secondary passages for lateral water flow into and out of the inner passageway of the tube.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus defined in  claim 1 , wherein the ends include a downstream end and an upstream end, and including at least one second shower head operably connected to the secondary passageway at the downstream end of the tube. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus defined in  claim 2 , including a flexible line connecting the secondary shower head to the downstream end. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus defined in  claim 3 , including a nipple connector engaging the secondary passageway in each of the tube ends, the nipple connectors each being tubular and defining one of the secondary passageways. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus defined in  claim 4 , including a supply line adapted for connection to the water source. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus defined in  claim 1 , wherein the mounts each include a notch that aligns with one of the secondary passageways. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus defined in  claim 6 , wherein the mounts each include a nipple connector that engages the tube ends and that defines one of the secondary passageways. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus defined in  claim 7 , wherein the nipple connectors each extend through the notch in the respective wall mounts. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus defined in  claim 1 , wherein the wall mounts each have a planar mounting flange for engaging a respective one of the walls and further having a tube section extending from the flange for telescopingly adjustably receiving an associated end of the tube. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus defined in  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the tube sections of the wall mounts define a socket with a cavity defining a total adjustment distance of at least 3 inches long, such that a length of the tube can vary up to 3 inches while still allowing the tube to be structurally mounted to the walls by the wall mounts. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus defined in  claim 1 , including a diverter adapted for connection to the plumbing for providing water, and including a water supply line connecting the diverter to the secondary passageway on an upstream end of the tube. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus defined in  claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a set screw. 
   
   
       13 . A retrofittable apparatus for installation in a shower arrangement having walls, a single shower head, a beam-like rail extending above an open side defined by the walls, a movable cover supported by the rail for covering the open side to prevent water leakage when taking a shower, and plumbing providing water to the single shower head, comprising:
 wall mounts adapted for mounting to the rail; and   a tube defining an inner passageway for communicating water and including ends that engage the wall mounts for adjustably mounting the tube to the rail; the ends each including a laterally-extending secondary passageway extending from the first passageway for communicating water to and from the inner passageway, and at least one of the ends including a retainer for securing the tube to the wall mounts.   
   
   
       14 . The apparatus defined in  claim 13 , including a diverter adapted for connection to the plumbing for providing water, and including a water supply line connecting the diverter to the secondary passageway on an upstream end of the tube. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus defined in  claim 13 , wherein the retainer comprises a set screw. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus defined in  claim 13 , wherein the mounts each include a notch, and including nipple connectors extending through the notches and into the ends of the tube, the nipple connectors defining the secondary passageways. 
   
   
       17 . A method of installing multiple shower heads in a shower stall having walls, a single shower head, and a water supply connected to the single shower head, comprising the steps of:
 providing a pair of wall mounts and a tube;   fitting the wall mounts slidably onto ends of the tube;   attaching the wall mounts to opposing ones of the walls;   attaching a water supply line to a first end of the tube and connecting the water supply line to a selected one of the water supply and the single shower head;   attaching a water dispensing line to a second end of the tube; and   connecting a second shower head to a free end of the water dispensing line.   
   
   
       18 . The method defined in  claim 17 , wherein the step of attaching the water supply line to the tube includes installing a diverter in the water supply and connecting a line from the diverter to the first end of the tube. 
   
   
       19 . The method defined in  claim 17 , wherein the mounts each include a notch, and including nipple connectors that engage the ends of the tube, the nipple connectors extending through the associated one of the notches.