SNOW GENERATION SYSTEM FOR BATHROOM SYSTEMS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/724,120 filed on November 22, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a snow generation system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a snow generation system that can be integrated with bathroom systems.

Cold showers have a variety of benefits including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, improving circulation, lowering stress levels, and reducing muscle soreness and fatigue. It would be advantageous for a system that can be integrated into bathroom systems to provide one or more of these benefits.

SUMMARY

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a snow generation system for a bathroom system. The snow generation system includes a storage configured to store water and a cooling system configured to generate snow using the water. The generated snow is dispensed from the bathroom system.

In some embodiments, the bathroom system is a shower panel system, a hand shower system, or a faucet system. In some embodiments, the snow generation system further includes a filter configured to filter the water. The filtered water is used to generate the snow.

In some embodiments, the snow generation system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the cooling system and configured to control operations of the snow generation system. In some embodiments, the snow generation system includes a user interface communicably coupled to the controller. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a display configured to display information related to the snow generation system. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control operations to adjust a characteristic of the generated snow. The characteristic includes at least one of a size, a volume, or a shape of the generated snow. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control operations to adjust a rate of the generation of snow or a rate of the dispensing of snow.

In some embodiments, the snow generation system further includes at least one cycle mode communicably coupled to the controller. The at least one cycle mode includes a desired customization of the snow generation system. In some embodiments, one of the at least one cycle mode includes an automized cycle between dispensing of snow and dispensing of water.

In some embodiments, the cooling system further includes a refrigerant configured to cool an area of the snow generation system to form the snow with the water. In some embodiments, the snow generation system further includes a nucleating material configured to mix with the stored water, the cooling system to generate snow using the mixed water. In some embodiments, the snow generation system further includes a nozzle to produce the snow at a defined characteristic.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bathroom system. The bathroom system includes a snow generation system including a cooling system configured to generate snow using water received by the bathroom system. The bathroom system includes one or more snow panels coupled to the snow generation system. The one or more snow panels are configured to dispense the snow generated by the snow generation system.

In some embodiments, the bathroom system further includes one or more water nozzles configured to dispense water. In some embodiments, the bathroom system further includes a switch configured to switch the bathroom system between dispensing the snow from the one or more snow panels and dispensing the water from the one or more water nozzles. In some embodiments, the snow generation system includes a controller communicably coupled to the cooling system, the one or more snow panels, and the one or more water nozzles. The controller is configured to perform operations to automatically cycle the bathroom system between dispensing the water and dispensing the snow.

In some embodiments, the bathroom system is a shower panel system, a hand shower system, or a faucet system. In some embodiments, the bathroom system further includes a water supply line fluidly coupled to the snow generation system. The snow generation system is configured to receive the water via the water supply line.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a snow generation system for a bathroom system. The snow generation system includes a cooling system configured to generate snow using received water. The generated snow is dispensed from the bathroom system. The snow generation system includes a controller communicably coupled to the cooling system. The controller is configured to control operations of the cooling system to adjust at least one of a characteristic of the generated snow, a rate of the generated snow, or a rate of the dispensing of snow.

In some embodiments, the cooling system further includes a refrigerant configured to cool an area of the snow generation system to form the snow with the received water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a process diagram of a snow generation system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a control diagram of the snow generation system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows the snow generation system of FIG. 1 integrated with a bathroom system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows the snow generation system of FIG. 1 integrated with a bathroom system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows the snow generation system of FIG. 1 integrated with a bathroom system, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein is a snow generation system for use in a bathroom system, such as a shower system and/or a bathtub system. Snow generated may be in the form of water crystals of various sizes and uniformity. The bathroom system may include a shower head, a shower panel, a rain panel, a hand shower, a bathtub spout, a standing spout, a faucet, etc. The snow generation system is configured to generate snow and allow the generated snow to be dispensed in the bathroom system through nozzles spouts, and/or specified panels. The snow generated system can be customized and reconfigured. The snow generation system is integrated into the bathroom system in a way that allows for both water and snow to be dispensed from a bathroom system. In various embodiments, the snow generation system is located behind a wall that the bathroom system is mounted on. In various embodiments, the snow generation system is located behind a second wall that is not a wall that the bathroom system is mounted on. In various embodiments, the snow generation system is located below a deck that the bathroom system is mounted on. Snow dispensed from the bathroom system may fall on a ground (e.g., a floor, a sink, a tub, etc.) and can be collected (e.g., via a drain) and reused for the snow generation system, such as through melting into liquid and recirculating.

FIG. 1 depicts an overview of a snow generation system 100, according to an example embodiment. The snow generation system 100 is configured to generate (e.g., produce, create, form, etc.) snow that is dispensed by a bathroom system 200. Although depicted as a shower system, the bathroom system 200 may be a bathtub system. In various embodiments, the bathroom system 200 is associated with hydrotherapy or wellness systems. For example, the bathroom system 200 may be a part of or integrated with a sauna or a cold room. Additionally, the bathroom system 200 may include a shower head, a rain panel, a faucet, etc.

The snow generation system 100 includes a storage 101 configured to store water 102. As described herein, the snow generation system 100 may receive water 102 to generate snow. In some embodiments, the snow generation system 100 (e.g., the storage 101) is connected to a water supply line to receive the water 102. For example, the storage 101 may be engageable with a water source such as a hose to receive water from the water supply line. In various embodiments, water 102 is automatically and/or electronically added to the storage 101. In other embodiments, a user of the snow generation system 100 may manually add water 102 to the storage 101. In some embodiments, the water 102 is filtered before being received by the snow generation system 100 and/or the storage 101. For example, the snow generation system 100 may include a filter to filter the water 102 prior to the water 102 entering the storage 101. In some embodiments, the snow generation system 100 includes one or more filters to filter the water 102 before generating snow.

The snow generation system 100 includes a cooling system 103. The cooling system 103 is configured to aid in the generation of snow through heat transfer to reduce the temperature of water to cause formation of snow. The cooling system 103 may include a refrigerant 104 for use in a thermal exchange to cool the water sufficiently to form snow. The refrigerant 104 is configured to generate cool air to cool an area (e.g., a surface, a space, etc.). Contact of the water and the cooled area aids in generating snow 108.The snow generation system 100 uses the cooling system 103 and the water 102 (e.g., from the storage 101), to generate snow 108. In some embodiments, snow is produced with a snow nozzle 106, which may be an atomizing nozzle. In such embodiments, snow may be generated by a process where the water 102 in the storage 101 is pressurized and forced through the snow nozzle 106. The system may include compressed air or pressurized air that mixes with the water to aid in the breaking down of the water into finer droplets (e.g., water droplets, mist, aerosolized water). The configuration of the compressed/pressurized air may be adjusted to control a type of snow formed. The amount of air and pressure of air may affect a weight and feel of the snow. For example, more compressed air or a higher pressure of compressed air may result in lighter and fluffier snow. As the water passes through the snow nozzle 106 with the compressed air, the snow nozzle 106 atomizes the water 102. The outputted atomized water engages with cold temperatures (e.g., a temperature below freezing temperature, a temperature near freezing temperature, etc.) to reduce the temperature of the atomized water and form snow. The atomized water is crystallized and becomes snow 108.

In various embodiments, the atomized water is suspended in air (e.g., via the snow nozzle 106) during the formation of snow to aid in engaging the water with cold temperatures (e.g., cold ambient air). The compressed air and the suspension of the atomized water through the snow nozzle 106 results in evaporative cooling, which allows for some of the atomized water to reduce in temperature through an exchange of heat. Further, the cooling system 103 may cool the water to form snow by operation of Joule–Thomson cooling through expansion of the pressurized air. The pressurized air and the snow nozzle 106 aids in producing a cooling effect due to the Joule–Thomson effect to aid in reducing the temperature for the production of snow. In various embodiments, the cooling system 103 includes a heat exchanger to reduce the temperature of the cooling system 103, allowing snow to form. Additionally, the cooling system 103 may include additives (e.g., nucleating additives, non-nucleating additives) to aid in the formation of snow. The additives may allow for the water to freeze at a temperature higher than freezing temperature, which results in the formation of snow from water to occur quicker. In various embodiments, the additives may take into consideration a user of the snow generation system 100 and the bathroom system 200. For example, the additive used may be biodegradable and/or non-toxic to humans. The additives may include salt (e.g., gypsum salt) and/or organic proteins (e.g., protein from a bacterium).

In various embodiments, the snow 108 is produced to a defined characteristic. The defined characteristic may include at least one of a size, shape, or volume. In various embodiments, the snow generation system 100 may include the snow nozzle 106 to produce the snow 108. The snow nozzle 106 may have defined diameters to produce the snow 108 to the defined characteristic. In other embodiments, the snow 108 is set to a defined characteristic by adjusting a temperature of the cooling system 103. Additionally, the defined characteristic of the snow 108 may be set or adjusted by adjusting a water pressure of the water 102 during the generation of snow (e.g., via pumps). In other embodiments, the snow 108 may be produced at a variety of random sizes and/or volumes. As further described below, the snow generation system 100 may be programmed to produce the snow 108 at a defined rate. For example, the water pressure of the water 102 may be adjusted to produce snow 108 at the defined rate as desired.

FIG. 2 shows a control system for the snow generation system 100, according to an example embodiment. The snow generation system 100 includes a controller 110 configured to control operation of the snow generation system 100. The controller 110 may be configured to interpret data given from a user or controls. The controller 110 may be communicably coupled to the cooling system 103 to monitor and control the generation and output of snow. Additionally, the controller 110 may be communicably coupled to the storage 101 to control the intake of water 102. The controller 110 includes one or more processor 112 communicably connected to memory 114. The one or more processor 112 is configured to process and control operations of given processes or data and the memory 114 stores data and information for operation of the snow generation system 100. For example, the controller 110 may be used to program the snow generation system 100 to generate and/or dispense snow 108 at a defined rate.

In some embodiments, the snow generation system 100 includes a user interface 116. The user interface is communicably connected to the controller 110. In various embodiments, the user interface 116 includes buttons, switches, etc. to receive an input from a user. For example, the user interface 116 can include an ON/OFF button, switch, etc. for a user to control the snow generation system 100. The user interface 116 may include a display configured to display information on the snow generation system 100. The display may display information related to a malfunctioning error, water levels of the snow generation system 100 (e.g., no water 102 in the system), etc.

In some embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 2, the snow generation system 100 includes at least one cycle mode 120. The cycle modes 120 are configured to allow for customization of the snow generation system 100. Particularly, the cycle modes 120 may include a desired customization of the snow generation system 100. The desired customization may relate to the storage 101, the cooling system 103 (e.g., the refrigerant 104) among other components of the snow generation system 100. For example, the cycle modes 120 may be used to set a defined characteristic (e.g., size, shape, texture, etc.) of the snow 108. In another example, the cycle modes 120 may be used to set a desired rate or time period of output of the snow 108. In various embodiments, the desired customization relates to the bathroom system 200 that the snow generation system 100 is within. For example, the desired customization of the cycle modes 120 may be used to customize both water dispensing and snow dispensing of the bathroom system 200.

The cycle modes 120 are communicably coupled to the controller 110. The display of the user interface 116 may display information on the cycle modes 120. For example, the display may display information on a cycle that the snow generation system 100 is running on. In another example, the snow generation system 100 may include cycle modes 120 related to hydrotherapy and the display may display information related to benefits and target of the cycle modes 120. The cycle modes 120 may be automized or customized by a user. For example, the cycle modes 120 may include preset cycle modes 122 that are automatically set (e.g., by a manufacturer). In another example, the snow generation system 100 may be configured to allow for a user to design cycle modes 120 (e.g., set a desired rate of generation of the snow 108, set a desired rate of dispensing of the snow 108, set a time for the snow generation system 100 to produce snow 108, etc.). In such example, the user may design cycle modes 120 using the user interface 116 and/or a remote device (e.g., user device 126).

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 110 may be communicably coupled to a user device 126. The snow generation system 100 may be remotely controlled with the user device 126. The user device 126 is communicably connected to the snow generation system 100 via the controller 110 and is configured to allow a user to remotely adjust the snow generation system 100. For example, the user may use the user device 126 to turn the snow generation system 100 on. In another example, the user may use the user device 126 to turn on and switch between cycle modes 120. The user device 126 may be a smartphone, remote, screen, etc. Additionally, the user device 126 may be an application installed onto a smartphone.

The snow generation system 100 can be integrated with the bathroom system 200 that dispenses water. In such integration, the cycle modes 120 can be configured to allow for a cycle between water and snow showering. The cycle between water and snow showering can be automized or manually used. In addition, one of the cycle modes 120 may be a cleaning cycle mode 124. The cleaning cycle mode 124 disinfects a water line connected to the bathroom system 200 by utilizing ozone, UV, or hot water.

FIG. 3 shows the snow generation system 100 integrated with the bathroom system 200, according to an example embodiment. In this embodiment, the bathroom system 200 is configured as a shower panel system. In various embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 3, at least a portion of the snow generation system 100 is behind a wall 210 that mounts the bathroom system 200.

The bathroom system 200 includes a shower panel 300. The shower panel 300 is positioned at an end of the bathroom system 200 and is coupled to the wall 210. The shower panel 300 includes at least one water nozzle 302 and at least one snow panel 304. The water nozzle 302 and snow panel 304 may be customized and arranged. For example, the snow panel 304 may be at a center of the shower panel 300. In various embodiments, the water nozzle 302 is a panel rather than a nozzle. In various embodiments, the snow panel 304 is a nozzle rather than a panel.

The water nozzle 302 is configured to dispense water. In various embodiments, the bathroom system 200 includes a water supply line. The water supply line may be fluidly coupled to a water source. The water nozzle 302 may receive water via the water supply line to dispense water. The snow panels 304 are coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to the snow generation system 100. The snow 108 generated by the snow generation system 100 is dispensed via the snow panel 304. In various embodiments, the snow panel 304 is connected to the snow generation system 100 via tubes, such that the generated snow is transported via tubes to the snow panel 304 to be dispensed. In other embodiments, the snow generation system 100 may be positioned directly on the snow panel 304, such that tubes and/or additional lines are not required and the generated snow 108 is directly received by the snow panel 304 for dispensing. The snow generation system 100 may dispense snow from the snow panels 304 in part utilizing pressurized air or flowing air. For example, the snow generation system 100 may utilize the snow nozzle 106 to dispense snow. In such example, the snow nozzle 106 may be coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to the snow panel 304. This may be in addition to or utilizing the pressurized air used in the Joule–Thomson cooling. As described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the snow generation system 100 may receive the water for generating snow via a water supply line (e.g., the water supply line of bathroom system 200). In such embodiments, the snow generation system 100 may be fluidly coupled to the water supply line to receive the water.

In various embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 3, the bathroom system 200 includes a switch 306, which may be a lever, a button, a switch, etc. In various embodiments, the switch 306 is coupled to the wall 210. In various embodiments, the switch is coupled to a platform and the platform is coupled to the wall 210. The switch 306 is configured to allow for the shower panel 300 to switch between snow dispensing through the snow panels 304 by the snow generation system 100 and water dispensing the water nozzles 302.

FIG. 4 shows the snow generation system 100 integrated with the bathroom system 200, according to an example embodiment. In this embodiment, the bathroom system 200 is configured as a hand shower system. In various embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the snow generation system 100 is behind the wall 210 that mounts the bathroom system 200.

The bathroom system 200 includes a hand shower 400. At least a portion of the hand shower 400 may be coupled to the wall 210. The hand shower 400 includes a hand shower panel 402 positioned at an end of the hand shower 400. The hand shower 400 may be removably coupled to the wall 210, such that a user of the bathroom system 200 may directly hold the hand shower 400 and manually direct the output (e.g., water, snow) of the bathroom system 200.

The hand shower panel 402 includes at least one water nozzle 302 and at least one snow panel 304. The water nozzle 302 and snow panel 304 may be customized and arranged. For example, the snow panel 304 may be positioned in a center of the hand shower panel 402. In another example, the water nozzles 302 and the snow panel 304 may have a different shape and/or a different size depended on type of hand shower 400. In various embodiments, the snow panel 304 is a nozzle rather than a panel. As described herein, the water nozzle 302 is configured to dispense water. The snow panels 304 are coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to the snow generation system 100, such that snow 108 generated by the snow generation system 100 is dispensed via the snow panel 304.

FIG. 5 shows the snow generation system 100 integration with the bathroom system 200, according to an example embodiment. In this embodiment, the bathroom system 200 is configured as a faucet system, which may be a kitchen faucet system, bathroom faucet system, etc. In various embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 5, at least a portion of the snow generation system 100 is coupled to a first end of a deck 212, opposite of a second end of the deck 212 that a portion of the bathroom system 200 is coupled to. In other words, the snow generation system 100 may be coupled under the deck 212, while the portion of the bathroom system 200 is coupled on a top surface (e.g., on top) of the deck 212.

The bathroom system 200 includes a faucet 500. A portion of the faucet 500 is coupled to the deck 212. At an end of the faucet 500 is a sprayhead 502 that is configured to allow for dispensing of snow and/or water. In various embodiments, the sprayhead 502 includes outlets configured to dispense both snow and water. In such embodiments, the outlets may be coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to both a water supply line (to dispense water) and the snow generation system 100 (to dispense snow). The faucet 500 may be configured to (manually or automatically) divert between dispensing the water and the snow (e.g., via a diverter, a switch, etc.). In other embodiments, the sprayhead 502 includes at least one first outlet for dispensing water and at least one second outlet for dispensing snow. In such embodiments, the first outlet is coupled to the water supply line and the second outlet is coupled to the snow generation system 100.

In various embodiments, the bathroom system 200 includes a button, switch, etc., shown as switch 504 that allows for the bathroom system 200 to switch between snow dispensing through the sprayhead 502 by the snow generation system 100 and water dispensing the sprayhead 502. In various embodiments, the sprayhead 502 is adjusted to switch between snow dispensing and water dispensing. For example, the sprayhead 502 may be rotated a first direction to switch to snow dispensing and rotated a second direction to switch to water dispensing. In another example, the sprayhead 502 may be pulled a first direction to switch to snow dispensing and pushed a second direction to switch to water dispensing.

In various embodiments, including at least one of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 3-5, the snow generation system 100 includes the controller 110. In such embodiments, the controller 110 is communicably coupled to the cooling system 103, the water nozzle 302, and the snow panel 304. The controller 110 may configured to perform operations to automatically cycle the bathroom system 200 between dispensing water (e.g., via the water nozzle 302) and dispensing snow (e.g., via the snow panel 304). For example, the controller 110 may be configured to control a switch (e.g., the switch 306, the switch 504) to cycle between dispensing water and dispensing snow from the bathroom system 200.

Advantageously, the snow generation system 100 allows for the integration of snow showering with bathroom systems that dispense water. The configuration of the snow generation system 100 provides a user with the ability to cycle between water and snow dispensing from a bathroom system. Additionally, the snow generation system 100 can be easily reconfigured and customized to fit a need.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting 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 alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

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

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the assembly as shown in the example embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.