EP0112819A1 - Improved shower unit - Google Patents

Improved shower unit

Info

Publication number
EP0112819A1
EP0112819A1 EP19820901916 EP82901916A EP0112819A1 EP 0112819 A1 EP0112819 A1 EP 0112819A1 EP 19820901916 EP19820901916 EP 19820901916 EP 82901916 A EP82901916 A EP 82901916A EP 0112819 A1 EP0112819 A1 EP 0112819A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
mixing device
shower unit
heating device
control means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19820901916
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Melville Sydney Bernstein
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kohler Daryl Ltd
Original Assignee
Kohler Daryl Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kohler Daryl Ltd filed Critical Kohler Daryl Ltd
Publication of EP0112819A1 publication Critical patent/EP0112819A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03CDOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/06Devices for suspending or supporting the supply pipe or supply hose of a shower-bath
    • E03C1/066Devices for suspending or supporting the supply pipe or supply hose of a shower-bath allowing height adjustment of shower head
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03CDOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/06Devices for suspending or supporting the supply pipe or supply hose of a shower-bath

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns improvements in or relating to shower units.
  • a shower unit including a water-heating device or a water-mixing device.
  • water- heating devices comprise comparatively large boxlike arrangements which are located within the shower area at a height convenient to the hand of the operator.
  • Such water-mixing devices are similarly located and generally include a bulky operating knob. This normally means that such devices are located at about a height of 3' to 4' above the base of the shower. Installation of such devices can be both time consuming and costly.
  • water- heating devices it is necessary for both water and electrical power to be supplied, whilst in the case of water-mixing devices, both hot and cold water supplies are needed.
  • the plumbing and electrical work can be complex since the relevant supplies are usually introduced in the region where the water-heating device or the water-mixing device is located. Moreover, since the majority of bathrooms have at least a portion of the side walls tiled, it is generally necessary for a portion of such tiling to be removed so that the various plumbing and electrical supply means can be provided therebehind.
  • the remainder of the shower unit comprises a shower head which is connected by fixed or flexible ducting means to the water-heating device or the water-mixing device. Occasionally a pillar or rod is provided to accept a sliding collar carrying the shower head, so permitting height and angle adjustment.
  • a shower unit comprising a hollow elongate support member locatable so as to extend in a vertical or substantially vertical direction, said support member being connected at or adjacent to its upper end to a water-heating device or a water-mixing device, a shower head being connected by flexible ducting means to an outlet of the water-heating device or the water-mixing device, and said support member being connected at or adjacent to its lower end to control means for controlling operation of said water-heating device or said water-mixing device, a signal from the control means being conductable through the hollow elongate support member to the water-heating device or the water-mixing device, as well as providing means for adjustably locating the position of the shower head thereon.
  • the hollow elongate support member comprises a pillar or hollow rod which has heretofor been utilised to adjustably locate the height of the shower head.
  • the water-heating device or water-mixing device is connected to the upper end of the pillar or rod and the control means is connected to the lower end of the pillar or rod.
  • Such arrangement means that the attachment of the water supply and the electrical power supply is made easier since the water-heating device or water- mixing device is now located nearer to or above the region where the ceiling meets the relevant wall against which the shower unit is located. This means that the provision of appropriate plumbing and electrical leads is made much easier, the arrangement being such that no tiles need be disturbed whether the wall is completely or partially tiled.
  • the pillar or rod is fixed to the wall as heretofor whilst the control means, which is comparatively small compared with the previously used water-heating or water-mixing devices, may be affixed to an adjacent tile, for example, by securing or adhering thereto.
  • the control means can be operated by any suitable means, e.g. mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical means and the signal generated by operation of the control means is passed up the hollow rod or pillar to the water-heating device or water-mixing device connected to the upper end of the rod or pillar.
  • suitable means e.g. mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical means and the signal generated by operation of the control means is passed up the hollow rod or pillar to the water-heating device or water-mixing device connected to the upper end of the rod or pillar.
  • control means is in the form of two slider members which are respectively connected to the hot and cold water supply of a water-mixing device. Operation of one or both of these slider members operates the flow of the hot and/or cold water to the shower head.
  • the water-mixing device connected to the upper end of the hollow rod or pillar which is also used to adjust the height of the shower head, will aslo be supplied with a solenoid valve for the hot and cold water supply and an anti-scald device. Should, for any reason, the cold water supply be interrupted then the anti-scald device would immediately come into operation and cause the solenoid valves connected to the water supplies to cut off the water flow immediately.
  • the slider members may be connected to the hot and cold water supply by any suitable means, e.g. nylon rods.
  • the shower unit of the present invention provides an arrangement whereby the water-heating device or water-mixing device is transferred from its presently located position at conventional height to a much higher location and operation of such water-heating device or water-mixing device being effected by a control device located at conventional level, and the hollow rod or pillar used for adjusting the height of the shower head is also utilised to carry signals from the control member to the water- heating device or water-mixing device.
  • the water-heating device or water- mixing device is now located at a position above the shower head and will therefore be out of contact with the water when operating the shower unit.
  • the device can be made smaller than heretofor and will be cheaper to produce than the presently utilised bulky devices; moreover, fitting of the water-heating device and/or water- mixing device is simplified and less wiring and piping will be involved.
  • a water heating device or a water mixing device 11 is connected to the upper end of a hollow rod 12.
  • a typical control means 13 Connected to the lower end of the rod 12 is a typical control means 13.
  • the rod 12 is utilised to transmit operational signals from the control means 13 to operate the water- heating device or water-mixing device 11.
  • the shower head 14 is connected to an outlet of the device 11 by means of flexible ducting means 15, the head 14 being adjustably located on the rod 12 by means of movable member 16 .
  • Schematically shown in the drawings are the water supply 17 and electrical lead 18.
  • the arrangement of the present invention achieves unexpected advantages having regard to prior art water-heating devices or water-mixing devices. Not only is the water- heating device or water-mixing device transposed to a higher position, but the hollow rod previously used to enable the height of the shower head to be adjusted, is now also used for location of means to transmit signals from the control means to the water-heating device or water-mixing device.

Abstract

Un dispositif de chauffage de l'eau ou un dispositif de mélange de l'eau (11) est connecté à l'extrémité supérieure d'un tube creux (12) et un mécanisme de commande est connecté à l'extrémité inférieure de ce tube (12). Le tube (12) est utilisé pour transmettre des signaux opérationnels provenant du mécanisme de commande afin de faire fonctionner le dispositif de chauffage de l'eau ou le dispositif de mélange de l'eau (11). La pomme (14) de la douche est connectée à une sortie du dispositif (11) par un conduit (15) flexible, la pomme étant fixée de façon réglable sur le tube (12) au moyen d'une pièce mobile (16).A water heater or water mixing device (11) is connected to the upper end of a hollow tube (12) and a control mechanism is connected to the lower end of this tube (12). The tube (12) is used to transmit operational signals from the control mechanism to operate the water heater or the water mixing device (11). The shower head (14) is connected to an outlet of the device (11) by a flexible conduit (15), the head being fixed in an adjustable manner on the tube (12) by means of a movable part (16).

Description

IMPROVED SHOWER UNIT
The present invention concerns improvements in or relating to shower units.
At the present time there are many shower units being manufactured and offered for sale. Included as part of a shower unit is a water-heating device or a water-mixing device. Currently, such water- heating devices comprise comparatively large boxlike arrangements which are located within the shower area at a height convenient to the hand of the operator. Such water-mixing devices are similarly located and generally include a bulky operating knob. This normally means that such devices are located at about a height of 3' to 4' above the base of the shower. Installation of such devices can be both time consuming and costly. In the case of water- heating devices it is necessary for both water and electrical power to be supplied, whilst in the case of water-mixing devices, both hot and cold water supplies are needed. However, in both cases, the plumbing and electrical work can be complex since the relevant supplies are usually introduced in the region where the water-heating device or the water-mixing device is located. Moreover, since the majority of bathrooms have at least a portion of the side walls tiled, it is generally necessary for a portion of such tiling to be removed so that the various plumbing and electrical supply means can be provided therebehind.
In new properties it is necessary, after such devices have been installed, to tile therearound which can be extremely difficult. The remainder of the shower unit comprises a shower head which is connected by fixed or flexible ducting means to the water-heating device or the water-mixing device. Occasionally a pillar or rod is provided to accept a sliding collar carrying the shower head, so permitting height and angle adjustment.
We have now unexpectedly discovered an improved shower unit which avoids the disadvantages referred to above and which provides an arrangement which is extremely simple to install without incurring substantial expense in connection of the water-heating device or the water-mixing device to the water and electricity supplies.
According to the present invention, there is provided a shower unit comprising a hollow elongate support member locatable so as to extend in a vertical or substantially vertical direction, said support member being connected at or adjacent to its upper end to a water-heating device or a water-mixing device, a shower head being connected by flexible ducting means to an outlet of the water-heating device or the water-mixing device, and said support member being connected at or adjacent to its lower end to control means for controlling operation of said water-heating device or said water-mixing device, a signal from the control means being conductable through the hollow elongate support member to the water-heating device or the water-mixing device, as well as providing means for adjustably locating the position of the shower head thereon. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hollow elongate support member comprises a pillar or hollow rod which has heretofor been utilised to adjustably locate the height of the shower head. In such arrangement, the water-heating device or water-mixing device is connected to the upper end of the pillar or rod and the control means is connected to the lower end of the pillar or rod. Thus, it can be seen that the invention provides an arrangement whereby the location of the previously bulky water-heating device or water-mixing device is transferred to a much higher location than heretofor, or to the space above the ceiling. Such arrangement means that the attachment of the water supply and the electrical power supply is made easier since the water-heating device or water- mixing device is now located nearer to or above the region where the ceiling meets the relevant wall against which the shower unit is located. This means that the provision of appropriate plumbing and electrical leads is made much easier, the arrangement being such that no tiles need be disturbed whether the wall is completely or partially tiled.
The pillar or rod is fixed to the wall as heretofor whilst the control means, which is comparatively small compared with the previously used water-heating or water-mixing devices, may be affixed to an adjacent tile, for example, by securing or adhering thereto.
The control means can be operated by any suitable means, e.g. mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical means and the signal generated by operation of the control means is passed up the hollow rod or pillar to the water-heating device or water-mixing device connected to the upper end of the rod or pillar.
In one preferred arrangement, the control means is in the form of two slider members which are respectively connected to the hot and cold water supply of a water-mixing device. Operation of one or both of these slider members operates the flow of the hot and/or cold water to the shower head. The water-mixing device connected to the upper end of the hollow rod or pillar which is also used to adjust the height of the shower head, will aslo be supplied with a solenoid valve for the hot and cold water supply and an anti-scald device. Should, for any reason, the cold water supply be interrupted then the anti-scald device would immediately come into operation and cause the solenoid valves connected to the water supplies to cut off the water flow immediately.
The slider members may be connected to the hot and cold water supply by any suitable means, e.g. nylon rods.
It will thus be seen that the shower unit of the present invention provides an arrangement whereby the water-heating device or water-mixing device is transferred from its presently located position at conventional height to a much higher location and operation of such water-heating device or water-mixing device being effected by a control device located at conventional level, and the hollow rod or pillar used for adjusting the height of the shower head is also utilised to carry signals from the control member to the water- heating device or water-mixing device. It can thus be seen that the water-heating device or water- mixing device is now located at a position above the shower head and will therefore be out of contact with the water when operating the shower unit. Furthermore, the device can be made smaller than heretofor and will be cheaper to produce than the presently utilised bulky devices; moreover, fitting of the water-heating device and/or water- mixing device is simplified and less wiring and piping will be involved.
The present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawing in which the single Figure shows a shower unit in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, a water heating device or a water mixing device 11 is connected to the upper end of a hollow rod 12. Connected to the lower end of the rod 12 is a typical control means 13. The rod 12 is utilised to transmit operational signals from the control means 13 to operate the water- heating device or water-mixing device 11. The shower head 14 is connected to an outlet of the device 11 by means of flexible ducting means 15, the head 14 being adjustably located on the rod 12 by means of movable member 16 . Schematically shown in the drawings are the water supply 17 and electrical lead 18.
It can thus be seen that the arrangement of the present invention achieves unexpected advantages having regard to prior art water-heating devices or water-mixing devices. Not only is the water- heating device or water-mixing device transposed to a higher position, but the hollow rod previously used to enable the height of the shower head to be adjusted, is now also used for location of means to transmit signals from the control means to the water-heating device or water-mixing device.

Claims

CLA IMS
1. A shower unit comprising a hollow elongate support member locatable so as to extend in a vertical or substantially vertical direction, said support member being connected at or adjacent to its upper end to a water-heating device or a water-mixing device, a shower head being connected by flexible ducting means to an outlet of the water-heating device or the water-mixing device, and said support member being connected at or adjacent to its lower end to control means for controlling operation of said water-heating device or said water-mixing device, a signal from the control means being conductable through the hollow elongate support member to the water-heating device or the water- mixing device, as well as providing means for adjustably locating the position of the shower head thereon.
2. A shower unit as claimed in claim 1 in which the hollow elongate support member comprises a pillar or hollow rod.
3. A shower unit as claimed in claim 2, in which the water-heating device or the water-mixing device is connected to the upper end of the pillar or rod and the control means is connected to the lower end of the pillar or rod.
4. A shower unit as claimed in claim 2 or 3 in which the control means is operated by mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical means and the signal generated by operation of the control means is passed up the hollow rod or pillar to the water- heating device or water-mixing device connected to the upper end of the rod or pillar.
5. A shower unit as claimed in any preceding claim having a water-mixing device, in which the control means comprises two slider members which are respectively connected to the hot and cold water supply of the water-mixing device.
6. A shower unit as claimed in claim 5 in which the water-mixing device additionally includes a solenoid valve for the hot and cold water supply and an anti-scald device.
7. A shower unit as claimed in claim 6 in which the slider member are connected to the hot and cold water supply by means of plastics material rod.
8. A shower unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
EP19820901916 1982-06-26 1982-06-26 Improved shower unit Withdrawn EP0112819A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB1982/000188 WO1984000184A1 (en) 1982-06-26 1982-06-26 Improved shower unit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0112819A1 true EP0112819A1 (en) 1984-07-11

Family

ID=10527450

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19820901916 Withdrawn EP0112819A1 (en) 1982-06-26 1982-06-26 Improved shower unit

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0112819A1 (en)
AU (1) AU8580682A (en)
WO (1) WO1984000184A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
HU195552B (en) * 1986-03-06 1988-05-30 Istvan Zvolenszky Combined mixing cock particularly for shower connected with solar collector
FR2647831B1 (en) * 1989-06-01 1995-06-09 Hardy Jacques SHOWER SYSTEM
GB0500224D0 (en) * 2005-01-07 2005-02-16 Kohler Mira Ltd Improvements in or relating to ablutionary installations

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1923899U (en) * 1965-02-10 1965-09-16 Forbach G M B H & Co K G WATER CONNECTION FITTINGS FOR SHOWER EQUIPMENT.
GB1320105A (en) * 1971-05-25 1973-06-13 Chadwick G A Shower units for bathrooms
GB1475585A (en) * 1975-06-30 1977-06-01 Ass Elect Ind Pipe couplings

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO8400184A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU8580682A (en) 1984-01-26
WO1984000184A1 (en) 1984-01-19

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Inventor name: BERNSTEIN, MELVILLE SYDNEY