Shower Hair Container

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/636,186, filed on Apr. 19, 2024; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This disclosure is directed to shower hair containers and/or receptacles.

When individuals wash or shampoo their hair in the shower, it is common for strands of hair to become detached from their heads. These loose hairs can be quite persistent, sticking to wet skin and hands. Some people stick the wet, detached hair to the shower wall. Others let the loose hair fall to the shower drain. However, the shower drain can become easily clogged.

To combat this problem, others have developed receptacles to retain loose hair while showering. One such example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 11,680,396. This reference provides a sleeve with top and bottom openings to an enclosure. The openings are covered with flaps that are selectively opened and closed by the user. Inside the enclosure, there is a rake that serves to collect or catch the hair after the user inserts their hand into the enclosure. However, in order to remove the hair that has been caught by the rake, the user must remove the entire device from the wall. This requires repeated removal and re-installation of the device. Further, this reference requires flaps that cover the top and bottom openings that must be opened each time the user desires to access the enclosure.

Although previous shower hair receptacles exists, there is room for improvement of these previous devices. For example, there exists a need to provide a shower hair container or receptacle that is easier to use while showering and one that easier to discard the retained hair therefrom. The present disclosure addresses these and other needs.

In one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a shower hair container assembly comprising: an outer container; an inner container, wherein the inner container is selectively and removably connected to the outer container; a hair removal insert; and wherein the outer container is configured to be installed on a shower wall and remain installed on the wall when the inner container is emptied.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide the shower hair container, wherein when the inner and outer containers are connected, the inner container is positioned within the outer container, and within the inner container there is a space that retains the hair removal insert. The shower hair container, wherein the hair removal insert is selectively and removably connected with the inner container. The shower hair container, wherein the hair removal insert further includes bristles. The shower hair container, further comprising a first size bristle and a second size bristle, wherein the first size bristle and the second size bristle are adjacent to one another and different in size. The shower hair container, wherein the first sized bristles and the second sized bristles are configured to remove hair from a hand of a user. The shower hair container, wherein the first sized bristles and the second sized bristles are at a downward facing angle in relation to the hair removal insert. The shower hair container, wherein the inner container further comprises a plurality of apertures along a bottom surface of the inner container, wherein the apertures are configured to provide drainage. The shower hair container, wherein the inner container further comprises a set of protrusions that extend outwardly from the inner container. The shower hair container, wherein the set of protrusions are selectively engaged with the outer container to lock the inner container in place. The shower hair container, wherein the set of protrusions are flexible and may be moved inwards to remove the inner container from the outer container. The shower hair container, wherein the set of protrusions are located on an upper portion of a first sidewall of the inner container and on an upper portion of a second sidewall of the inner container. The shower hair container, wherein the set of protrusions are located on a lower portion of the first sidewall of the inner container and on a lower portion of the second sidewall of the inner container.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method of assembling a shower hair container comprising: inserting a hair removal insert into an inner container; inserting the inner container into an outer container; and attaching the outer container to a surface inside of a shower.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure may provide the method further comprising: inserting a set of protrusions on the inner container into a set of openings on the outer container. The method further comprising: locking the inner container in place in relation to the outer container wherein the inner container is locked in place when the protrusions are inserted into the openings.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method of using a shower hair container comprising: engaging a hair removal insert into an inner container; engaging the inner container with the outer container; securing the outer container to a surface within a shower; gathering hair on a hand of a user; placing the hand inside of the shower hair container; contacting a plurality of bristles; removing the hand from the shower hair container while the plurality of bristles retain the hair in the inner container.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure may provide the method, wherein the inner container is engaging with the outer container by engaging protrusion on the inner container with openings on the outer container. The method further comprising emptying the shower hair container. The method, wherein emptying the shower hair container comprises disengaging the protrusions on the inner container from the openings on the outer container; pulling the inner container from the outer container; dumping the contents of the inner container into a trash receptacle; and reinserting the inner container into the outer container.

In yet another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include shower hair container that may include an outer container, inner container, and a hair removal insert. The outer container and the inner container may be removably connected to one another and the inner container is positioned inside of the outer container. The inner container may include a space that may retain the hair removal insert. The inner container may also include a plurality of openings along a bottom surface to provide drainage. The hair removal insert may include a variety of different sized bristles. The shower hair container of the present disclosure may provide a way for users to discard their hair without it going down a shower drain and may prevent shower drains from clogging.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

The figures depict a shower hair container assembly generally at. Shower hair container assemblymay include an outer container, and inner container, and a hair removal insert. The outer containeris configured to be installed on the shower wall and remain installed on the wall when the inner containeris emptied. The inner containeris selectively and removably connected to the outer container. When the containers are connected, the inner containeris positioned within the outer container. Within the inner container, there is a space that retains the hair removal insert. The hair removal insertis selectively and removably connected with the inner container.

When containeris assembled, and installed on the wall of a shower enclosure, a user may place their hair-containing hand into the containerto remove and deposit hair therein. Then, when it is time to empty the container, the user shall disconnect the inner containerfrom the outer containerthat remains affixed to the shower wall. The inner containerand the hair removal insertmay then be taken to a waste receptacle or trash can to enable a user to remove the insertfrom inner containerand remove the retained hair for disposal in the trash can.

throughdepict that the outer containerhas an upper endand a lower enddefining a vertical direction there between. Outer containerincludes a first sideand a second sidedefining a transverse direction there between. Outer containeralso includes a frontopposite a backdefining a transverse direction there between. The containeris formed from a hollow bodythat thereby defines the upper and lower ends,, the first and second sides,, and the front and rear,.

In one particular embodiment the bodyof containermay be a unibody. The bodymay be integrally extruded, molded, printed, or additively manufactured, removably machined, or formed as a unitary, monolithic member substantially fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid, manmade, material. In one example, a polymer material, such as plastic, may form a substantial majority of the components or elements used to fabricate the bodyand the various components integrally formed, molded, or extruded therewith. Plastics are polymeric materials with diverse properties. They can be molded or shaped due to their plasticity, which combines low density, low electrical conductivity, transparency, and toughness. Some exemplary plastics include high-volume, low-cost plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene. The bodyshould withstand typical handling from an operator pressing the bodyagainst a shower wall without damaging the body. While it is contemplated that bodyand its additional components described herein are uniformly and integrally extruded, molded, or formed, it is entirely possible that the components of the bodybe formed separately from alternative materials as one having routine skill in the art would understand. In another example, the bodymay be formed from a semi-rigid elastomeric material or rubber material configured to withstand deformation upon impact or bending by the operator (i.e., a person in the shower). Furthermore, while the components of the bodyare discussed below individually, it is to be clearly understood that the components and their corresponding reference elements of the bodyare portions, regions, or surfaces of the body and all form a respective element or component of the unitary body. Thus, while the components may be discussed individually and identified relative to other elements or components of the body, in this exemplary embodiment, there is a single bodyhaving the below described portions, regions, or surfaces.

The bodyof containermay include an outer surfaceand an inner surface. The inner surfacemay define and bound an inner spacethat is configured to receive the inner container therein as described herein.

The bodymay include a plurality of wall sections. For example, there may be a frontal wall, a rear wall, a first side walland a second side wall. The frontal wallfinds a portion of the outer surfaceand a portion of the inner surfaceof the body. Frontal wallis curved between the first side walland the second side wall. The manner in which the frontal wallis curved results in the outer surfaceat the frontal wallbeing convexly curved and the inner surfaceat the frontal wallbeing concavely curved. Thus, the frontal wallmay have a bowed appearance when viewed from the front and the containeror assemblyis installed on a shower wall.

First side walland second side wallare mirror images of each other. Each of the side walls,has a convexly curved outer surface defining a portion of outer surfaceof the bodyand a concavely curved inner surface that defines a portion of the inner surfaceof the body. The first side walldefines a first openingthat extends laterally through the thickness of the body in the first side walladjacent and upper end thereof. The second side walldefines a second openingthat extends laterally through the thickness of the body at the second side wallnear the upper end thereof. As will be described in great detail herein, the first and second openings,, are used to retain corresponding or complimentary tabs on the inner containerto provide a selective connection of the inner containerto the outer container.

The lower end of the body is open and enables access to the inner space. Similarly, the top end of the body is open to provide access to the interior space. The upper end of the bodymay define a lip at a flangethat surrounds the perimeter of the opening to the inner space. The flangemay be a downwardly extending flange that extends inwardly toward the center of the opening and the center of the inner spacein a cantilevered manner from the outer perimeter of the upper end of the body. The flangeterminates at an inner terminal edgethat has a profile similar to that of the body.

With regards to the profile of the body, it is shown that the exemplary embodiment is generally oval with a plainer rear wall. The flat rear wall results in a plainer exterior surface defining a flat rear portion of the outer surfaceof the bodyand a flat inner surface that defines a portion of the inner surfaceof the body. The flat rear wallenables the outer containerto be mounted against a wall in a manner that would position the rear wallparallel to the shower wall upon which it is mounted. The rear wallmay include a plurality of aperturesthat extend transversely through the body. The aperturesmay be formed as keyhole-shaped apertures that are configured to receive suction cups there through. Namely, a suction cup ordinarily has a suction cup head and a connector defining a neck. The neck of the connector is inserted transversely through the widened portion of the apertureand then moved upwardly into the narrow portion of the keyhole-shaped aperturein order to mount or connect the suction cup to the outer container. Although the shown embodiment depicts four apertures, it is to be understood that any number of apertures could be utilized depending on the application specific needs of assembly. Additionally, in lieu of suction cups used to mount the assemblyto the shower wall, another type of connection mechanism could be utilized. For example, a mechanical connection, such as a screw, or a chemical connection, such as an adhesive, could be utilized in lieu of the suction cups.

The bodymay also include an upwardly protruding rear sectionthat defines the top endof container. The upwardly protruding sectionmay extend upwardly from flangeat the backof the outer container. The upwardly protruding sectionmay operate as a backstop or backboard to assist in guiding hair being inserted into the top opening of the bodyinto the inner spaceand downwardly along the angled or downwardly tapered surface of flange.

-depict that the inner containeris shaped generally similar to that of the outer containersuch that the inner containeris received within the inner spaceof container. Inner containerincludes a bodydefining an outer surfaceand an inner surface. Bodymay be formed as the same material and in the same unibody manner as the bodyof container. The inner surfacecollectively defines an inner spacethat is configured to receive hair therein when the assemblyis installed on a shower wall. Bodyincludes a frontal wall, a rear wall, a first side walland a second side wall. Inner containeralso includes a bottom wall. Front wallincludes a convexly curved outer surface and a concavely curved inner surface similar to that of outer container. There may be a pair of opposing flanges offset from the inner surface of the frontal wallwithin the inner spaceof the body. Flangesoperate as retention flanges to hold or secure the hair removal insertin its operating position within the inner spaceof the body. The retention flangesextend vertically from the upper end of the bodytowards the bottom wall. In one particular embodiment the flangesextend fully in the vertical direction from the upper end of the bodyto the bottom wall. Between the flanges and the inner surface of the front walla slotis formed. The slotenables the hair removal insertto be received therein such that the hair removal insertcan be slid downwardly in the vertical direction into the slotas will be described in greater detail herein. When the hair removal insertis inserted into the slotit is positioned slightly offset from the inner surface of the frontal wallwithin the inner spaceof the body. Additionally, when the hair removal insertis within the slot, it is also offset from the rear wallof the body.

The first side walland the second side wallare each formed with protrusions near the upper end thereof, respectively, that are configured to be inserted through the openings,in the outer container. More particularly, a first protrusionis formed near the upper end of the first side walland a second protrusionis formed near the upper end of the second side wall. Each side wall may be formed with slitsthat extend parallel to each other downward from the upper end of the side wall. The slitsare on each side of the protrusionand the protrusion. The slitsdefine a flexible portionon the first side walland a flexible portionon the second side wall. The flexible portions are configured to flex inwardly in towards the inner spaceof the bodyas the inner containeris moved upwardly from the lower end of the outer containeruntil the protrusions mate with respective openings,in the bodyof container. Thereafter, once the protrusions,are aligned with openings,in container, the flexible portions,will bias the protrusions outwardly in order to connect the inner containerwith the outer container. To assist with the flexing of the flexible portions,, each protrusion may include a tapered upper end. Thus, the upward movement of the containerthrough the bottom opening of the containerwill cause the protrusions,and their respective flex portions,, to flex inwardly in response to the upward movement of the container.

The rear wallof the bodyof inner containermay be formed with a recessed regionaligns with the rear wallof the outer containerwhen the inner container is selectively installed. The recessed regionoffsets a portion of the rear wallfrom rear wallon the outer container. The purpose of the recessed regionis to accommodate the connectors on the suction cups that are inserted through the keyhole-shaped aperturesin the rear wallof the outer container. Thus, the recessed region ensures that the inner containerdoes not interfere with the suction cups connected to the outer containerduring installation and removal of the inner containerrelative to the outer containeras the outer container remains affixed to the wall during the selective and repeated removal and installation of the inner container. The recessed region may extend from the upper end of the exterior surfaceof rear walltowards the bottom wall. In one particular embodiment, the recessed regionextends nearly fully from the upper end of the rear wallto the bottom wall.

Bottom wallmay include a plurality of drain aperturesthat extend in the vertical direction entirely through the thickness of the bottom wall. The drain aperturespermit water and soap to drain out of the inner containerwhen it is installed on the outer container. The number of drain aperturesmay be selected by the manufacturer of assemblybased on the application specific needs thereof. Some of the apertures may form an aesthetically pleasing pattern or configuration to the observation of the user.

-depict the hair removal insert. Hair removal insertincludes a bodydefined by four perimeter edges. In one particular embodiment, the four perimeter edges define a square configuration. However, the square configuration of the perimeter of the bodyis not intended to be limiting and the shape of the bodymay take any shape depending on the application specific needs of assembly. In the shown embodiment, there is a first perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge, a third perimeter edge, and a fourth perimeter edge. Bodymay define a first surfaceopposite a second surface. There may be a plurality of fingers or bristles that extend outwardly in a cantilevered manner from the first surface. In one embodiment, there may be two different types of bristles or fingers extending in a cantilevered manner from the first surface. A first type of bristlemay be adjacent a second type of bristle. The first shaped bristlemay be smaller than the second shaped bristle.

In one particular embodiment, there may be groups of first shaped bristlesand groups of second shaped bristles. For example, as shown in, there are a plurality of first shaped bristlesthat are adjacent a plurality of second shaped bristles. In one particular example, the group of the first shaped bristlesmay be composed of three first shaped bristlesand the group of the second shaped bristlesmay be composed of two second shaped bristles.

depicts that the groups of three first shaped bristlesmay be arranged in a column thereby defining a vertical column of three-grouped first shaped bristles. Similarly, a plurality of second shaped bristlesmay be aligned in a column to form a column of two-grouped second shaped bristleson the first surface.

In their normal resting configuration, each of the bristles,are downwardly angled when the second perimeter edgeis positioned above the first perimeter edge. As such, the hair removal insertis configured to be inserted into the inner containerin the downward direction with the first edgebeing positioned lower than the second perimeter edge. When the hair removal insertis selectively inserted into the inner container, the third and fourth perimeter edges,will be inserted into the slotdefined by the flangesin the inner spaceof the bodyof inner container. The thickness of the body measured from the first surfaceto the second surfaceshould be complimentary to that of the dimension of the slot.

In one particular embodiment, the hair removal insertis a monolithic unibody member. The insertis flexible. Thus, in its normal resting state, the second surfaceis generally plainer and flat. However, when the fingers or bristles,are manipulated during the hair retention operation, a user's hand may come in contact with the hair removal insertso as to flex the bodyof the insertto be conformal with the inner surfaceof the front wallof the inner container.

anddepict that the first shaped bristlesand the second shaped bristlesmay have differing lengths. In the shown embodiment, the group of two first shaped bristlesare longer than the group of three second shaped bristles.

With continued reference to, it is shown that the bristles within a respective group may also be angled relative to each other. For example, the group of two second shaped bristlesare not parallel and define an acute anglethere between.

The bristles,cooperate to remove hair from a user's hand when the insertis installed in the inner container. The downwardly biased neutral position of the bristles,enables the terminal ends of the cantilevered bristles to grasp wet hair from the user's hand as it is removed from the assembly. The bristles will then retain the hair or water moving over the surface of the bristles will cause the hair to fall to the bottom of the inner containerand be retained on the inner surface of the bottom wallas water drains through the drain apertures.

The bodyof the hair removal insertmay be fabricated from a variety of materials. Some exemplary materials include but are not limited to silicone, plastic (polypropelene or PVC), or rubber. Silicone is a polymerized siloxane compound, consisting of chains made of alternating silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) atoms. While most industrial polymers contain carbon in their backbones, silicones are unique “inorganic” polymers. Silicones are known for their chemical inertness, resistance to water and oxidation, stability at extreme temperatures, flexibility, and heat resistance. Natural rubber, also known as latex, consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene (CH). It contains minor impurities of other organic compounds. Natural rubber is stretchable, resilient, and waterproof.

depicts the operation of assembling the assembly. The hair removal insertwill be oriented in a manner that positions the first perimeterbelow the second perimeter edge. Then the third perimeter edgewill be aligned with one of the slotsin the inner container. The fourth perimeter edgewill be aligned with the other slotformed in the inner container. Then, the insertwill be moved downward in the vertical direction as indicated by arrow. The downward movement of the insert, as indicated by arrow, causes the third perimeter edgeto slide within the slotand the fourth perimeter edgeto slide within the other slot. The downward movement of the insertcontinues until the second perimeter edgeis flush with or closely adjacent the upper end of the body of the inner container.

depicts the installed orientation of the hair removal insertrelative to the inner container. Thereafter, the inner container, which now contains the hair removal insertmay then be installed in the outer containeras indicated by arrow. Arrowrepresents that the inner containeris installed within the outer containervia an upward movement in the vertical direction, as indicated by arrow. To install the inner containerwithin the inner spaceof the bodyof the outer container, the user will align the inner containerbelow the bottom opening of the body. Then, in an upward movement, the upper end of the containerwill be contacted with the lower end of the outer container. The complimentary shape of the inner containerwill allow the inner containerto slide vertically upward into the inner spaceof the outer container. During the upward sliding of the inner container into the outer container, the protrusions,will begin to flex inwardly. More particularly, the movement with upward force causes the tapered surfaceson the protrusions,to experience a resistive force. This resistive force causes the flexible portions,on the respective sidewall,to flex inwardly into the inner spaceof the inner container. As the protrusions,are flexed inward, the inner container is able to be pushed upwardly into the inner spaceof the bodyof the outer container. The inner container is continued to be pushed upwardly until the protrusions,align with the openings,formed in the side walls,of container. When the first protrusion is aligned with the first aperture, the flexible portionwill spring or bias the protrusionthrough the first opening. Similarly, when the second protrusionis aligned with the second opening, the flexible portionwill spring or bias the second protrusionthrough the second opening. When the protrusions,extend through the openings,respectively, the protrusions,engage the edge defining the openings to thereby lock the inner containerto the outer container. This results in the fully assembled shower hair container assemblydepicted in-.

-depict the fully assembled shower hair container assembly. To use the shower hair container assembly, the assemblywill be mounted on a wall. In the preferred embodiment, the outer containerof assemblyis connected to a wall of shower enclosure via suction cups being inserted into the keyhole-shaped apertures. Suction cups can then be used to secure the container to the wall. Although suction cups are described with respect to this preferred embodiment it is to be understood that any connection mechanism is entirely possible.

depict a second embodiment of the shower hair container assembly. The second embodiment of the shower hair container assemblyis substantially similar to the first embodiment and similar numbers are used to describe the new features of the second embodiment. All elements of the second embodiment are similar to the first embodiment except the location of the protrusions. As shown in, the first side walland the second side wallare each formed with protrusions near the lower end thereof, respectively, that are configured to be inserted through the openings,in the outer container. More particularly, a first protrusionis formed near the lower end of the first side walland a second protrusionis formed near the lower end of the second side wall. Each side wall may be formed with flexible portions,that are molded as a tab that is outwardly and downwardly extended from the side walls,. The flexible portions are configured to flex inwardly while remaining outside of the inner spaceof the bodyas the inner containeris moved upwardly from the lower end of the outer containeruntil the protrusions,mate with respective openings,in the bodyof container. Thereafter, once the protrusions,are aligned with openings,in container, the flexible portions,will bias the protrusions outwardly in order to connect the inner containerwith the outer container. To assist with the flexing of the flexible portions,, each protrusion may include a tapered upper end. Thus, the upward movement of the containerthrough the bottom opening of the containerwill cause the protrusions,and their respective flex portions,, to flex inwardly in response to the upward movement of the container. The flexible portionswill then rest inside a cut outon the first side wallof the containerand the flexible portionwill rest inside a cut outon the second side wallof the container. The cut outs,are located on the lower end of the container and provide easy access to the flexible portions,to allow a user to insert and remove the inner containereasily. The inner containerhas have vertically extending ridges or ribs that are integrally formed in the outer surfaceof the bodyto provide additional support to the container.

Additionally, there may be a pair of opposing flanges offset from the inner surface of the frontal wallwithin the inner spaceof the body. Flangesoperate as retention flanges to hold or secure the hair removal insertin its operating position within the inner spaceof the body. The retention flangesextend vertically from the upper end of the bodytowards the bottom wall. In one particular embodiment the flangesextend partially in the vertical direction from the bottom walltowards the upper end of the body.

Further, there may be ridges or ribs along the inner surfaceof the outer containerto provide more stability and strength to the assembly. The ridges or ribs may be vertical or horizontal or any combination thereof as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand to be effective in providing additional strength to the assembly. Also, the ridges may all be the same width or may have various widths. The width may be any reasonable width as determined by one skilled in the art who would understand what width may be most beneficial. The ridges or ribs may also be present on the inner containeror any other portion of the assemblyto provide more strength and durability to the assembly.

When the user is showering, hair may be dislodged from their head and be present on the user's hand. The user may then insert their hand containing the strands of hair through the top opening of the assembly. When the hand containing hair is inserted through the top opening of the assembly, the hand will come in contact with the hair removal insert. The flexibility of the hair removal insertwill cause it to flex such that the second surfacewill bend to form a convex share complimentary to that to the concave shape of the inner surfaceof the front wallon the bodyof inner container. The bristles,, which operate as fingers, will contact the user's hand to grab or remove the hair from the user's hand. The hair from the user's hand will then become entangled in the bristles,such that when the user removes their hand from the top opening of the assembly, the hair will be retained therein.

The hair may be retained on the hair removal insertor water moving through the top opening of the assemblymay cause the hair to fall from the bristlesorand be trapped on the inner surface of the bottom wallas water drains out through the drain apertures. Once the user decides that it is time to dispose of the hair retained within the shower hair container assembly, the user may start the disassembly process by pushing the protrusions,inwardly into the inner spaceof the inner container. The protrusions,are continued to be moved inwardly until they clear or move past the inner surface of the outer container. Once this creates an unlocked orientation that allows the inner container to be slidably removed from the outer container. When the protrusions are unlocked and pressed inwardly, the user may push the protrusions downwardly so as to move the bottom wallof the inner containerdownward. The slight downward movement of the bottom wall will expose a lower portion of the inner container. The protrusions,will be biased inward against the inner surface of the outer container. The user may then pull down on the inner containeruntil it is completely removed from the outer container. The outer containerremains affixed to the wall during the hair disposal process.

With the inner containerseparated from the outer containerthat remains affixed to the wall, the user may then remove the insert. Removal of the insertmay be accomplished in a manner opposite of that in which it was installed. For example, the user may grasp the second edgeand pull it vertically upward to slide the insert out of the slots. With the insert removed from the inner container, the insert may be rinsed and washed to remove any retained therefrom. The hair that was retained on the insertmay then be disposed in a trash can. If any of the hair was retained on the bottom wallnear the collection drain apertures, that hair may be removed and disposed. Thereafter the installation process may repeat so the assembly may be reused within the shower.

Having thus described some of the features of the assembly, reference is now made to some other features that could be utilized or incorporated into assembly. For example, some portions of the assemblymay contain electronics to manage the connection between an external source (e.g., smartphone) and a display screen and/or wireless speaker on the assembly. It may include a processor, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module, power supply, and any other required components. For example, a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module may establish wireless communication with the external source (smartphone) to receive data from the smartphone and transmit it to the connected devices (display screen and wireless speaker). The display screen can be equipped with a compatible receiver that can receive data wirelessly from the assembly. This receiver may be integrated directly into the display screen or connected to it via a cable. Once the display screen receives the data from the assembly, it can render the content (such as video, images, or text) for viewing. Similarly, the wireless speaker can be equipped with a compatible receiver to receive audio data wirelessly from the assembly. This receiver may also be integrated directly into the speaker or connected to it via a cable. Once the speaker receives the audio data from the assembly, it can play the sound through its built-in speakers.

To establish a connection between the smartphone and the assembly, the user would typically initiate a pairing process using the smartphone's Bluetooth or Wi-Fi settings. The assemblywould then appear as a discoverable device, allowing the smartphone to establish a connection with it. Once the smartphone is paired with the assembly, data (such as video and audio) can be transmitted wirelessly from the smartphone to the assembly. The assemblythen forwards this data to the display screen and wireless speaker, allowing the user to see and hear the content from their smartphone on the connected devices.

Assemblymay include a battery to power the display screen and wireless speaker using a battery, which may be rechargeable or replaceable. The assemblycould include a compartment or space designated for the battery. This battery could be a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or a replaceable battery, such as AA or AAA cells. Inside the assembly, there may be battery management circuitry responsible for charging (if rechargeable) and regulating power to both the display screen and the wireless speaker. This circuitry ensures that the battery is charged safely and efficiently, and it distributes power appropriately to the connected devices. The display screen and wireless speaker would each have their own connections to the battery management circuitry within the assembly. These connections would allow them to draw power from the battery as needed. The assemblymay also include features to monitor the battery life and provide notifications to the user when the battery needs recharging or replacing. This could be done through LED indicators, on-screen prompts, or notifications sent to a connected smartphone or device. To maximize battery life, both the display screen and wireless speaker should be designed to consume power efficiently. This includes using energy-saving display technologies (such as LED or OLED) for the screen and optimizing the amplifier and speaker components for low power consumption without sacrificing audio quality. Depending on the capabilities of the system, the user may also be able to control the playback and interact with the content using the smartphone or dedicated controls on the assembly. This could include functions such as play/pause, volume control, and navigating through different media files.

If a display screen is present on assembly, then it may perform other functions as well. For example, the circuitry associated with the assemblymay include a timer. This timer can function to display a countdown or count-up clock so the user knows how much time they have spent in the shower. Alternatively, the assemblymay be in wirelessly communication with a flowmeter or other sensor on a shower nozzle to display the amount of water dispensed from the shower or used during the shower. This can make the user aware of how much time they have been in the shower or how much water they have used during said shower.

The device, assembly, or system of the present disclosure may additionally include one or more sensors to sense or gather data pertaining to the surrounding environment or operation of the device, assembly, or system. Some exemplary sensors capable of being electronically coupled with the device, assembly, or system of the present disclosure (either directly connected to the device, assembly, or system of the present disclosure or remotely connected thereto) may include but are not limited to: accelerometers sensing accelerations experienced during rotation, translation, velocity/speed, location traveled, elevation gained; gyroscopes sensing movements during angular orientation and/or rotation, and rotation; altimeters sensing barometric pressure, altitude change, terrain climbed, local pressure changes, submersion in liquid; impellers measuring the amount of fluid passing thereby; global positioning sensors sensing location, elevation, distance traveled, velocity/speed; audio sensors sensing local environmental sound levels, or voice detection; photo/light sensors sensing ambient light intensity, ambient, day/night, UV exposure; TV/IR sensors sensing light wavelength; temperature sensors sensing shower temperature, ambient air temperature, and environmental temperature; radar sensors; lidar sensors; ultrasonic sensors; magnetic sensors, image sensors; and moisture sensors sensing surrounding moisture levels.