AU2015258235A1 - Portable washing assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A portable washing assembly 10 comprises an upright rectangular support frame 12 having support wheels 14. A stand 16 extends from a rear portion of the support frame 12. A foldable seat 26 extends from a front portion of the support frame 12, in the opposite direction to the stand 16. A handle 40 is pivotably attached to an upper portion of the support frame 12. A housing 50 is supported by the support frame 12 and the stand 16. The housing 50 is hollow and comprises an internal housing frame 52 with waterproof outer walls 53. The walls 54 can be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid. The housing 50 houses therewithin a waste water container which can be an open top container or a container with a smaller inlet/outlet aperture. A flexible drain pipe 70 extends from the basin 60 to the waste water container. The waste water container can further include a drain valve 72 for removing the waste water therefrom. The washing assembly 10 additionally comprises a hose assembly 80 comprising a hose 82, a shower trigger head 83 at a first end of the hose 82, and a submersible pump 84 at a second end of the hose 82. The pump 84 is connectable to mains power via a cord 86. The hose assembly 80 can be stored in a pocket 54 of the housing 50. 4 >4 ~,. C' -6

Description

PORTABLE WASHING ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to a portable washing assembly which in the preferred embodiment is used for washing hair. The invention can however be adapted for other uses, such as for washing small pets or other items.

Background of the Invention [2] There are many hairdressers that provide a home visit service to their clients. Such clients may find it hard to get to a hairdresser, such as the elderly and disabled, or some clients simply prefer the comfort of their own home. This however presents a difficulty for the hairdresser in being able to wash the client’s hair in a satisfactory manner. The client’s house is not equipped with suitable hair washing equipment.

[3] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[4] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention [5] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a portable washing assembly comprising: a movable support frame, a waste water container supported by the support frame, a basin supported by the support frame above the waste water container, and a hose assembly for supplying water for the basin.

[6] Preferably, the support frame comprises wheels.

[7] Preferably, the support frame comprises support wheels at a lower end thereof and a stand.

[8] Preferably, the portable washing assembly further comprises a seat.

[9] Preferably, the seat is movable between a transport configuration at which the seat is pivoted to be close to the support frame, and an in-use configuration at which the seat extends outwardly from the support frame.

[10] Preferably, the portable washing assembly further comprises a handle attached to an upper portion of the support frame.

[11] Preferably, the handle is movable between an upwardly extended transport configuration and a downward folded configuration.

[12] Preferably, the handle in the downward folded configuration forms a back support for a seat of the portable washing assembly.

[13] Preferably, the portable washing assembly further comprises a housing supported by the support frame, wherein the waste water container is disposed within the housing.

[14] Preferably, the housing is hollow and comprises an internal housing frame with outer walls.

[15] Preferably, the basin comprises a neck support.

[16] Preferably, the basin is supported by an adjustable height support means relative to the support frame.

[17] Preferably, the adjustable height support means comprises adjustable brackets or an adjustable telescopic post.

[18] Preferably, the portable washing assembly further comprises a drain pipe extending from the basin to the waste water container.

[19] Preferably, the waste water container comprises a drain valve.

[20] Preferably, the hose assembly comprises a hose and a shower trigger head.

[21 ] Preferably, the hose assembly comprises means for attachment to a tap.

[22] Alternatively, the hose assembly comprises a submersible pump.

[23] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings [24] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [25] Figure 1 is a schematic side perspective view of a portable washing assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing assembly being in the assembled in use configuration; [26] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of a prototype of the portable washing assembly in the in use configuration thereof; [27] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the prototype of Figure 2 in the ground transport configuration thereof; [28] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the portable washing assembly of Figure 1 in the ground transport configuration thereof; [29] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the prototype of Figure 2 in the ground transport configuration thereof.

Description of Embodiments [30] Figures 1 to 5 show a portable washing assembly 10a and a prototype 10b thereof in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. The washing assemblies 10 are substantially similar and will be described together. The same reference numerals in both embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[31] Each washing assembly 10 comprise an upright rectangular support frame 12 having support wheels 14 at a lower end thereof. The wheels 14 in the embodiment are durable rubber wheels. A stand 16 extends from a rear portion of the support frame 12. The stand 16 comprises two arms 18, each arm 18 extending from adjacent a mid-height of the support frame 12, and downwardly to respective ends of a horizontal lower bar 20. The stand section 16 maintains the support frame 12 in the upright position in use.

[32] A foldable seat 26 extends from a front portion of the support frame 12, in the opposite direction to the stand 16. The seat 26 comprises a seat frame 28 pivotably attached adjacent a mid-point of the support frame 12, and seat legs 30 pivotably attached to the seat frame 28. A textile seat material 29 extends across the seat frame 28. As shown, the seat can be moved from a transport configuration (Figures 3 to 5), at which the seat frame 28 and the seat legs 30 are pivoted generally vertically close to the support frame 12 (and locked in position), and an in-use configuration (Figures 1 and 2), at which the seat frame 28 extends outwardly and generally horizontally from the support frame 12 and supported by the seat legs 30. The client can thus sit on the seat 26 in use and the seat 26 can be folded up for transport. A pair of brace rods 32 extend from the support frame 12 to the seat legs 30 for supporting the seat legs 30.

[33] A handle 40 is pivotably attached to an upper portion of the support frame 12. The handle 40 is foldable, in that it is movable between an upwardly extended transport configuration (Figures 3 to 5), and a downward folded configuration at which it is adjacent the support frame 12 (Figures 1 and 2). In the folded configuration of the handle 40, the handle 40 forms a back support for the seat 26.

[34] A housing 50 is supported by the support frame 12 and the stand 16. The housing 50 is hollow and comprises an internal housing frame 52 with waterproof outer walls 53. The walls 54 can be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid. The housing 50 houses therewithin a waste water container (not shown) which can be an open top container or a container with a smaller inlet/outlet aperture.

[35] Both washing assemblies 10 comprise a lightweight detachable basin 60 with a neck support 62. In the assembly 10a, the basin 60 is supported by brackets 64 extending from the housing 50. The brackets 64 are adjustable in length to allow for the height of the basin 60 to be adjustable relative to the seat 26. The brackets 64 also allow the basin 60 to be removable from the housing 50 for car transport. In the assembly 10b, the basin 60 is supported by a telescopic support pole 65 an adjustment knob 67. The length of the support pole 65 is adjustable and the knob 67 is used to lock the adjusted length. Again, this allows the height of the basin 60 to be adjustable relative to the seat 26.

[36] A flexible drain pipe 70 extends from the basin 60 to the waste water container. The waste water container can further include a drain valve 72 for removing the waste water therefrom.

[37] The washing assemblies 10 additionally comprises a hose assembly 80 comprising a hose 82, a shower trigger head 83 at a first end of the hose 82, and a submersible pump 84 at a second end of the hose 82. The pump 84 is connectable to mains power via a cord 86. The hose assembly 80 can be stored in a pocket 54 of the housing 50.

[38] Use of the washing assemblies 10 will now be described.

[39] The washing assemblies 10 are moved to the required location in their transport configurations. In the transport configuration, the handle 40 extends upwardly and locked into place, and the seat 26 is folded against the support frame 12 and locked thereto. This allows the user to wheel the assembly 10 similar to trolley luggage along driveways, stairs, ramps, elevators, and the like as needed. The user can transport a washing assemblylO in the boot of their car, and the basin 60 can also be removed to minimise storage space if needed. The basin 60 is then attached prior to moving the washing assembly into the desired location.

[40] At the desired location, the stand 16 and the wheels 14 support the washing assembly 10. The seat 26 is folded down to its extended in use configuration, and the handle 40 is also folded down to form the back support for the seat 26. The client can then sit on the seat 26 with the height of the basin 60 adjusted as needed.

[41] The hose assembly 80 is removed from the pocket 54 and can be used in one of two options. The first option involves the use of the submersible water pump 84. The pump 84 is plugged in to a mains power source, and the pump 84 is then submerged in a pool of clean water, such as a full kitchen/laundry/bathroom sink or other water container (e.g. bucket). The shower trigger head 83 is used to provide a wash with sufficient water pressure to wash the client’s hair over the basin 60. Waste water drains down from the basin 60 into the waste water container which has sufficient storage to complete the task. The waste water container preferably includes an indicator of water level therein such as a float indicator.

[42] Once full, the waste water container can be emptied by placing the submersible pump 84 into the bottom of the waste water container. The shower trigger head 83 is then used to pump out the waste water into a sink or drain.

[43] The second option is to use the hose assembly 80 without the pump 84. The pump 84 is disconnected from the hose 82 and replaced with a rubber tap connector for connection to a sink tap.

[44] To empty the waste water container without the use of the pump 84, the assembly 10 is wheeled outside to a drain or garden area and the drain valve 72 is opened. This is also used to flush and clean the waste water container. Another option is to have the waste water container removable from the housing 50 and tipped over a drain or sink.

[45] In the preferred embodiment, each washing assembly 10 is about 100cm in height to the top of the handle 40 when extended in the transportation mode and about 38cm wide. The basin supports allow the basin 60 to be fully removable for washing/storage needs. The current load bearing capacity of the chassis is about 50kg. The current load bearing capacity of the seat is about 120kg.

[46] The present invention thus provides a lightweight portable washing assembly that can be used anywhere for hair, small pet or general washing. The preferred embodiments are made of a strong and light metal frame that supports the interior plastic waste water container. The housing is enclosed in a waterproof liner that is easily removed and washable.

[47] The washing assemblies 10 were designed with the importance of moving the unit in mind. The washing assemblies 10 can be easily wheeled across any surface, pulled up and down staircases, lifted in and out of a car and completely foldable for storage.

[48] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described. For example, instead of having the stand 16, the support frame 12 can include four wheels which are lockable. The waste water container can alternatively be a collapsible flexible bag. The housing for example can be made collapsible to minimise the footprint of the assembly during vehicle transport.

Claims (17)

1. Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A portable washing assembly comprising: a movable support frame, a waste water container supported by the support frame, a basin supported by the support frame above the waste water container, and a hose assembly for supplying water for the basin.
2. 2. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 wherein the support frame comprises support wheels at a lower end thereof and a stand.
3. 3. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 further comprising a seat.
4. 4. The portable washing assembly of claim 3 wherein the seat is movable between a transport configuration at which the seat is pivoted to be close to the support frame, and an in-use configuration at which the seat extends outwardly from the support frame.
5. 5. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 further comprising a handle attached to an upper portion of the support frame.
6. 6. The portable washing assembly of claim 5 wherein the handle is movable between an upwardly extended transport configuration and a downward folded configuration.
7. 7. The portable washing assembly of claim 6 wherein the handle in the downward folded configuration forms a back support for a seat of the portable washing assembly.
8. 8. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 further comprising a housing supported by the support frame, wherein the waste water container is disposed within the housing.
9. 9. The portable washing assembly of claim 8 wherein the housing is hollow and comprises an internal housing frame with outer walls.
10. 10. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 wherein the basin comprises a neck support.
11. 11. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 wherein the basin is supported by an adjustable height support means relative to the support frame.
12. 12. The portable washing assembly of claim 11 wherein the adjustable height support means comprises adjustable brackets or an adjustable telescopic post.
13. 13. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 further comprising a drain pipe extending from the basin to the waste water container.
14. 14. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 wherein the waste water container comprises a drain valve.
15. 15. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 wherein the hose assembly comprises a hose and a shower trigger head.
16. 16. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 wherein the hose assembly comprises means for attachment to a tap.
17. 17. The portable washing assembly of claim 1 wherein the hose assembly comprises a submersible pump.