FR2753899A1 - SHOWER-HYDROMASSAGE DEVICE IN THE FORM OF A CONVEYOR GENERATING JETS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns an ergonomic device for splashing water in the form of generating converging jets, for showering, washing or massaging the whole or part of the body. It consists of at least one open hoop (1), supplied with water by an orifice (3) and sliding along one or several fixed vertical, oblique or horizontal supports (2). The hoop has several holes in a straight line (5), regularly spaced and shaped for generating water jets converging in one single point (28).

Description

The present invention relates to a device
shower-hydromassage
in the form of an arch generating convergent jets.

A shower device generally consists of a hand shower, which is bulky because it requires handling. By spraying a large quantity of water unidirectionally onto a small body surface, with an orientation that is difficult to control, the spray system always causes splashes.

Attaching the hand shower to a wall-mounted shower bar, intended to free the user's hands, generates other drawbacks: unidirectional spray, high position compulsory, therefore compulsory watering of the whole body, etc., without limiting provided the splashes.

A significant amount of water and energy is thus lost during the shower.

The equipment allowing a massage by water jets, in the form of a column or hydromassage cabin is generally bulky and expensive. Shower heads with "massage" function (pulsed jets) are not very effective and have the same drawbacks as conventional showers.

The high pressure massage knobs installed in the cabins or on the hydromassage columns, in groups of two or four, require a high water pressure, often higher than that available in private homes, and project the water unidirectionally onto a small area.

All of this shower and massage equipment is difficult to use by people with reduced mobility, the elderly or the disabled, for whom the only existing equipment is complex and expensive.

The device according to the invention, intended for both showering and massage, makes it possible to compensate for the shortcomings of existing equipment, by providing an easy-to-use solution.

Thanks to this system, with the same power and less flow than an ordinary hand shower, showering and massaging is more comfortable. It also allows, under the control of the user, to fully water his body, at the desired height, while keeping his hands free. The feeling of relaxation is immediate because the body is enveloped by the jets at constant temperature.

Finally, the device according to the invention, simple and compact, can be made compatible with existing bathroom accessories, shower rods, hoses, connections, so as to constitute for individuals a purchase complementary to their own sanitary equipment.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:
Plate 1
Figure 1 shows in perspective a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention, supplemented with a seat and a hand shower.

FIG. 2 shows in perspective a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention adapted on a wall-mounted hand shower support bar, and supplemented with a hand shower.

Figure 3 shows in perspective the device of Figure 2 in the storage position, iliustrant the possible orientation of the hoop.

Plate 2
Figure 4 shows in perspective a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention, in operation for the shower.

FIG. 5 shows in perspective a conventional shower head in operation, with a water flow comparable to that of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 represents a side view of FIG. 4.

Figure 7 shows in perspective a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention, in operation for massage.

FIG. 8 shows in perspective a conventional shower head in operation, with a water flow comparable to that of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 represents a side view of FIG. 7.

Plate 3
FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of the point of convergence of the jets.

FIG. 11 represents a side view of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 represents a side view of a nonlimiting version of the device in which the jets are directed upwards
Plate 4
Figure 13 shows in perspective the user of a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention, illustrating the large impact surface of the jets.

Figure 13a shows in perspective a diagram of this impact surface.

Figure 14 shows in perspective the user of a simple spray, illustrating the small impact surface of the jets.

Figure 14 bis shows in perspective a diagram of this impact surface.

FIG. 15 represents a plan view of a nonlimiting version of the device according to the invention comprising a round arch.

FIG. 15 bis represents a plan view of a nonlimiting version of the device according to the invention in the form of a set of straight tube segments.

Plate 5
Figure 16 shows a cross section of a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention simply pierced with small holes.

Figure 17 shows a cross section of a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention equipped with nozzles.

Figure 18 shows a cross section of a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention split over its entire length.

Figures 19 and 20 show a cross section of a non-limiting version of the partially split hoop according to a particular drawing.

FIG. 21 represents a cross section of a nonlimiting version of the device according to the invention equipped with concealable nozzles.

Figure 22 shows a cross section of a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention simply drilled and completed with a profile to reduce its useful internal volume.

FIG. 23 represents a cross section of a nonlimiting version of the device according to the invention with low internal volume.

Board
Figures 24 and 25 show the cross section of a non-limiting version of the multifunctional nozzle.

FIG. 26 represents an exploded view of a nonlimiting version of the device according to the invention, illustrating its possibilities of disassembly.

Plate 7
Figure 27 shows in perspective a motorized version of the device according to the invention.

FIG. 28 shows in perspective a nonlimiting version of the device according to the invention composed of several independent arches.

Figure 29 shows in perspective a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention composed of several integral hoops.

Plate 8
Figure 30 shows in perspective a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention installed on a column.

Figure 31 shows in perspective a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention intended more particularly for disabled people.

FIG. 32 shows in perspective a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention intended more particularly for the elderly.

Plate 9
Figures 33 and 34 show in perspective two positions of a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention installed on an adjustable massage bench.

Plate 10
Figure 35 shows an illustration of the splashes generated by horizontal water jets on the human body.

Figure 36 shows an illustration of the splashes generated by inclined water jets on the human body.

FIG. 37 shows in perspective four users of the same nonlimiting version of the device according to the invention, the arch of which is positioned at different heights.

Plate 11
FIG. 38 represents the section of a sink equipped with the device according to the invention in a version equipped with separate supply conduits.

FIG. 39 represents a perspective view of a sink equipped with the device according to the invention and comprising a recess to facilitate access to it.

Plate 12
Figure 40 shows a cross section of a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention comprising sets of bores of different diameters.

FIG. 41 represents a cross section of a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention composed of three levels of openings separated by horizontal compartments.

Figure 42 shows a cross section of a non-limiting version of the device according to the invention equipped with separate supply conduits.

FIG. 43 represents an "exploded" perspective view of the version of illustration 42.

With reference to these drawings, the device comprises at least one open hollow element (1), in particular an open hoop, supplied with water by one or more orifices (3), and of a sufficient size to embrace all or part of the user who takes place in the center of this hoop (1), thanks to the opening (16).

The hoop (1) has over its entire length a plurality of aligned bores (5), regularly spaced, perfectly convergent at one or more points (28) located exactly on the axis (29) perpendicular to the plane (30) formed by the hoop (1> and passing through the bending center (31) of this hoop (or the geometric center of the hoop for hoops other than round in shape), as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.

The arch (1) is held on at least one support (2) fixed to the wall, the floor or the ceiling. The hoop can remain fixed or move on this or these supports thanks to one or more sliders (4), which allows the user to easily position the hoop (1) at the location of his choice (for example at the level of his head, his neck, his kidneys, his hips ...) to wash or massage.

The hoop (1)
The hoop (1) may, in a nonlimiting manner, consist of a plastic, metallic profile or of any other composition, manufactured for example and in a nonlimiting manner by molding, bending or extrusion, of round profile (see illustrations 16 22 for non-limiting examples of round sections of the roll bar), or any other form.

According to particular embodiments, the shape of the arch (1) can be temporarily changed by the user himself, for example and without limitation by being articulated, designed in an elastic or flexible material, etc. so as to adapt to its location (shower cubicle, limited space ...) or to facilitate access to its center, for example by widening or narrowing its opening (16) according to its own measurements.

According to particular embodiments the supply orifice (3) of the arch (1) can be simply connected to a conventional tap (8) by a supply hose (7). The supply hose (7) may include a conical head (10) compatible with the slider (4) of the support (2) so that the assembly consisting of the hoop (1) and the supply hose (7), or easily removable from the cursor (4), for example to quickly install in its place a conventional hand shower (24).

The hoop (1) is shaped so that its "useful" section (section of the internal volume of the hoop containing the water in operation) is not more than 500 square millimeters. In fact, the lower the volume of water contained in the hoop (1), the less the user has to wait for the hot water-cold water mixture that he selects on his tap to appear at the outlet of the Jets.
When using a mechanical mixer, this feature makes the shower or massage more comfortable and safer, as it avoids the risk of thermal shock caused by a sudden arrival of too hot or too cold water during the adjustment.

The low water content of the arch also makes it lighter, and thus provides it with better stability on the support (2), particularly when the latter is equipped with a slider originally intended for the support of a light shower. This lightness therefore makes the device compatible with the majority of existing supports on the market or already installed at the user's place.

This small "useful" volume of water can be obtained: - Thanks to the presence in the hoop (1) of a bulky element (27), limiting its internal section and therefore its water capacity. This element (27) may in a nonlimiting manner consist of a light plastic section of round section, of the same length as the arch and introduced into said arch, as illustrated in FIG. 22.

- By the use of a complex section profile for example like that shown in Figure 23; it allows (for example for an aesthetic reason) to have a large visible section containing a small volume of water.

- By installing in the hoop (1) a plurality of fine conduits (32) directly and separately connecting the water inlet hose (7) to each of the openings (5), as illustrated in Figures 42 and 43. The water inlet (3) of the hoop (1) will then be shaped so that all the water is fairly distributed between the conduits (32), for example using a joint (33) comprising as many holes as there are conduits.

The opening (16) in the arch (1) is sufficient to allow easy access and maintenance in the center of the device of a person sitting, standing, lying or in a wheelchair, entirely or in part (hands, feet ...), and to be able to get out quickly if necessary.

According to particular embodiments, the element (1) can be made up of adjoining straight profile segments, as illustrated in FIG. 41.

For reasons of space requirement of the packaging and storage of the device according to the invention, the hoop can be separable into several screwable or snap-on elements, as illustrated in FIG. 26.

According to particular embodiments, the device can consist of several hoops, identical or not, independent or integral, installed on one or more uprights common to all the hoops, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29.

The holes (5)
This point of convergence (28) can be chosen in a nonlimiting manner at 20 cm above the plane (30) formed by the arch (1), the openings (5) thus being produced in the arch (1) according to a angle of + 40 relative to the horizontal; this position allows a practical washing of the hair, as illustrated in figure 12.

This point of convergence (28) can be chosen in a nonlimiting manner 20 cm below the plane (30) formed by the arch (1), the holes (5) thus being produced in the arch (1) according to a angle of - 40 0 towards the bottom with respect to the horizontal; this position, illustrated in Figures 4, 6, 7 and 9 allows a shower (Figures 4 and 6) and a massage (Figures 7 and 9) ideal.

Inclined jets generate less splashing during showering or massage than horizontal jets, even with high water pressure, as shown in Figures 35 and 36.

The convergence of the jets at point (28) allows the user to visibly appreciate the adjustment of the flow rate for the shower or massage: - For the shower, the user will gradually increase the water inlet pressure at l 'using the adjustment valve (8) so that the jets end up at the point of convergence (28), as illustrated in Figures 4 and 6. This flow is low and the corresponding pressure required is less than 2 bars; the resulting consumption of water and energy is lower than that which would be necessary for an ordinary shower to generate a comparable covering effect. At equal pressure, the spray of the ordinary shower is not very covering (as illustrated in the comparison between Figures 13 and 14).

The superiority of the device according to the invention appears during the comparison between a hoop (1) (such as that illustrated in FIG. 13) and a conventional hand shower (24) (such as that illustrated in FIG. 14) both having 30 orifices ( 5) with a diameter of 1 millimeter.

- A massaging effect is obtained as soon as the user increases the water pressure, the jets continuing beyond point (28) as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9. The jets then massage a larger body surface than that massed by a conventional hand shower (24) at equal pressure, as illustrated in the comparison between FIGS. 13a and 14a.

- The point of convergence of the jets (28) also allows the filling of a container, even a small one (glass ...) or the rinsing of an object (sponge, glove ...), using all of the water projected by all the orifices (5) of the device according to the invention, and therefore without wasting water.

The holes (5), requiring maximum precision in their orientation to be able to create the point or points of convergence (28) can be made for example and in a nonlimiting manner thanks to a drilling column; the arch (1) already shaped being disposed on an inclined plane according to the desired piercing angle, and being maintained in the successive drilling positions.

The projections will possibly be adjustable in power, direction and shape of the jet (direct jet or spraying) by means of the insert of specific or multifunction nozzles (11) in the orifices (5), according to particular embodiments.

(see FIGS. 24 and 25 for a nonlimiting example of a nozzle whose shape of the jet varies as a function of the water pressure, for example and in a nonlimiting manner being composed of a fixed part (19) crimped on the 'hoop (1) and a movable part (20) under the pressure of water and changing the shape of the jet).

Specific nozzles with different effects can, according to particular embodiments, be arranged on the same arch and can be obscured by the user, for example and in a nonlimiting manner thanks to a system of movable covers (12) integrated into the hoop (1), as illustrated in figure 21.

These orifices (5) may be one or more slots that are sufficiently fine, straight, curved or of any other shape, spaced regularly over the entire length of the arch, horizontally or in any pattern, so as to form at the outlet of the arch one or more water curtains or one or more jets of various shapes, as illustrated in Figures 18, 19 and 20.

The orifices (5) are shaped so as to generate convergent jets with a water pressure of approximately 2 bars. This feature allows all individuals to use the device according to the invention without having to supplement it with a booster, as is the case for certain massaging devices available commercially.

According to particular embodiments, the arch (1) may comprise several sets of holes of different diameters, aligned, perfectly converging at points located on the axis (29), in order to generate sets of jets at the same time. different flow rates, speeds and pressures. as illustrated in figure 40
According to particular embodiments, the arch (1) may include several sealed compartments independent of each other, connected to a single water inlet (3) distributing a different water pressure to each of the compartments. The compartments can each have their alignment of holes (5), in order to simultaneously generate sets of jets with different flow rates, speeds and pressures, as illustrated in FIG. 41
As illustrated in Figures 35 and 36, at equal pressure, the horizontal water jets generate more splash than the inclined water jets; according to particular embodiments, and to organize the location of the different sets of holes, it will be necessary to tilt more the sets of holes of smaller diameters and the sets of holes associated with the compartments with internal pressure ia higher, as illustrated in figures 40 and 41
The support (2)
The support (2), by stabilizing the arch (1) at the desired height using the slider (4), allows the user to keep both hands free during the shower or massage, in particular for soaping or change the pressure and temperature of the water, while staying under the jets.

The sliders (4) are such that the hoop (1) can be stabilized at a given position, without continuous user intervention (for example by simple friction of the slider (4) on the support (2)) or by user intervention (screwing, pressing a control button, etc.) but while retaining the possibility of sliding later along the support (s) when the user so desires, and with the same simplicity of intervention (unscrewing, pressing the control button, etc.), as illustrated in Figure 27.

The support (2) may consist of a shower bar (9> fitted with its cursor (4), a standard commercially available assembly for supporting the showers (24>. The device according to the invention can be installed on a shower support already existing at the user's home or to be purchased as a complete kit containing for example the support (2), the slider (4y, the arch (1), the connecting zenflexible (-7>.

The device according to the invention can be complementary to a conventional hand shower (24), by the addition of a second supply cord (7) comprising a double connection (25) in order to alternately select the use of the arch. or the hand shower (the hand shower is always useful for washing the shower tray, the bathtub, etc.)
According to particular embodiments, ie or the supports {9) can be vertical (as illustrated in FIG. 1 to 3), oblique (as illustrated in FIG. 33) or horizontal (as illustrated in FIG. 34), fixed to a wall ( as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3), fixed only to the ceiling (for example and in a nonlimiting manner using cables or hangers) or fixed both to the ground and to a wall (as illustrated in FIG. 1).

The slider (s) (4) can be articulated so as to be able to orient or completely or partially fold the element (1) to adjust the temperature and pressure of the jets without getting wet before use, orienting it towards the body part desired during use or limit its size after use (see Figure 3, for a non-limiting example of the possibility of storing the roll bar).

The folded position of the hoop also makes it possible to adjust the temperature of the water, before orienting it towards the user and therefore without getting the body wet, the jets being in this case directed towards the wall.

According to particular embodiments, the support (2), the mixer (8) and the power cord (7) can be integrated in a shower column, the whole device being thus more compact and more aesthetic, as illustrated in figure & 30 and 32.

According to particular embodiments, the movement of the hoop {1} on its support (2) can be motorized, (as illustrated in FIG. 31 and 32) and obey a memorized movement program, causing the position to vary. the arch t1) along the uprights t2) as well as the power of the jets. In this case, the device will be attached to a built-in or independent control keyboard (17) connected by cable or remote control.

According to particular embodiments, the device can be completed with a vertical, honzontal or oblique bench (22) for versions where the uprights would be vertical, horizontal or oblique, in a variant intended particularly for massage illustrated in FIGS. 33 and -34, a folding seat (-1: 3) or a specific seat (for a version intended more particularly for the elderly, as illustrated in Figure 32 or for the disabled as illustrated in Figure 31.

The shape and dimensions of the various components of the device according to the invention will vary: - Depending on the intended user (elderly people using the device in a seated position, sports clubs favoring the massage function by lying users, disabled people showering with a wheelchair, etc.); - Depending on the chosen use (aimed at washing or massaging the whole body or a simple part, hands, feet, ...); - Depending on the location of the device (in the center of a room, in a bathtub, in a shower cabin, or even so as to match perfectly for aesthetic and / or practical reasons to the shape of the shower tray (6).

According to particular embodiments illustrated in FIG. 39, the device can be adapted to a horizontal, vertical or oblique sink or sink, the concentric jets allowing effective washing, rinsing and / or filling. In this application, the sink or the washbasin may have a recess on their front part (161 facilitating the access of the hands or of the object to be washed.

According to particular embodiments, the openings (5) can be supplied from the water inlet (3) by individual fine conduits (32) of the same length, as illustrated in FIG. 38, so that all the jets are form at the same time around the entire periphery of the sink or sink, for example for aesthetic and economic reasons (the user does not have to wait for water to successively supply all the openings, to wash or rinse).

By way of nonlimiting example, for the variant illustrated in FIG. 2 limiting itself to the use of the device in the form of a shower in the "standing" position, the open arch (1) will have a diameter of the order of 70 centimeters, (the opening (16) of the hoop (1) being of the order of W centimeters} and will be composed of a tube of approximately z millimeters in outside diameter, for a thickness of the order of J millimeters. The upright (2) will in this case be a standard shower bar with a length of the order of centimeters, equipped with an articulated slider (, with simple locking, by screwing.

In this version, the arch (i) will be produced by bending an aluminum tube pierced with 30 orifices (5) with a diameter of the order of 1 millimeter aligned, spaced about 40 millimeters apart and oriented towards the bottom at an angle of - 40 from the horizontal. The holes (5) and the arching of the arch (1) will be carried out with such precision that the jets coming from this arch will be perfectly convergent at a point (28).

The device according to the invention may be intended for individual or collective use (see FIG. 28 for a nonlimiting example), in the form of a complete assembly to be installed or of a complementary kit to an existing sanitary equipment.

Claims (10)

 1) Ergonomic device for spraying water in the form of jets, intended for showering or being massaged all or part of the body, characterized in that it comprises at least one element (1), which may for example be an open hoop (The opening (16) in the element (1) being dimensioned so as to allow access to its center by all or part of the body of the user, seated, standing or lying down), comprising a plurality of orifices (5) aligned, regularly spaces, shaped to allow the formation of convergent jets towards one or more points (28), all located on the axis (29) perpendicular to the plane (30) formed by the arch (1) and passing by the bending center (31) of this arch (or by its geometric center if the element (1) is not round), with a water pressure lower than 2 bars and a water flow comparable to that which is necessary to operate an ordinary hand shower (24); this or these open hoops (1) being held on at least one fixed support (2) vertical, oblique or horizontal on which the hoop (1) can be maintained ô a given position or slide ô using one or several sliders (4).  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the open hoop (1) is designed and dimensioned so as to be compatible with existing sanitary equipment, such as hoses (7) or hand shower support bars (9), so that it can be purchased in addition to sanitary equipment already existing with the buyer.  3) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all or part of the orifices (5) are completed by nozzles (11) varying the shape of the jets (diffusing, direct or ô multiple functions) while being oriented so as to generate convergent jets at one or more points (28), all located on the axis (29) perpendicular to the plane (30) formed by the arch (1) and passing through the bending center (31) of this hoop (or by its geometric center if element (1) is not round).  4) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orifices (5) are one or more narrow, straight or curved slots regularly spaced over the entire length of the arch.  5) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the section "useful of the element) (section of the internal volume of the element (1) containing the water in operation) is not greater than five hundred square millimeters.  6) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement of the arch (s) (1) along the support (s) (2) is motorized and obeys a memorized movement program, so that the jets of said hoop (1) automatically scans the portion of the user's body to shower, wash or massage, without intervention and without effort on his part.  7) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several independent or integral elements (1) can be installed on a single support (2).  8) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is embedded in sinks or sinks, to allow washing of various objects.  9) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slider (s) (4) are articulated so as to be able to orient or completely or partially fold the element (1) to adjust the temperature and pressure of the jets without getting wet before use, Orient it towards the desired part of the body during use or limit its size after use.  10) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shape of the element (1) can be modified by the user himself or that the element (1) can be separated into several parts to facilitate its access by widening the opening (16), to adapt it to a given place or to limit its size.