GB2357418A

GB2357418A - Animal washing device

Info

Publication number: GB2357418A
Application number: GB0028195A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard John Howard
Original assignee: STANMORE CONSTRUCTION Co
Current assignee: STANMORE CONSTRUCTION Co
Priority date: 1999-11-18
Filing date: 2000-11-20
Publication date: 2001-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2020-11-20
Also published as: GB2357418B; GB0028195D0; GB9927243D0

Abstract

The device comprises an enclosure to receive an animal therein, the enclosure comprising a base (4) and a cover (6), the cover (6) arranged to have an opened and a closed condition, such that when in the closed condition a substantially sealed environment is provided in which an animal can be washed and the open condition allowing an animal to enter the enclosure, and at least one nozzle (43) being provided to supply water to wash an animal in the enclosure. The cover may be a hollow shell with holes on the interior surface providing the nozzles. The device may have heating means to heat the water and may also be provided with a drying means. The device may have access holes (26) to allow the user access to the interior. The device may have a pump to pump water into and pump water from the device.

Description

2357418 AN ANIMAL-WASHING DEVICE This invention relates to an

animal-washing device, in particular, an animal shower, especially for dogs.

It is well known from time to time for animals to need to be cleaned.

Traditionally this has involved bathing the animal which can be a messy task causing water to be spilled around the surroundings of the bathing process.

An advantage of such an apparatus is that it provides an enclosure which can retain water therein used to wash the animal thus helping to prevent spi - llage of the water. This can lead to a less messy washing of the animal.

According to the invention there is provided an animal-washing device comprising:

an enclosure to receive an animal therein; the enclosure comprising a base and a cover, the cover arranged to have an opened and a closed condition, such that when in the closed condition a substantially sealed environment is provided in which an animal can be washed and the open condition allowing an animal to enter the enclosure; and at least one nozzle being provided to supply water to wash an animal in the enclosure.

2 The cover may be a single piece structure, which is attached to the base to provide the enclosure. However, the cover is preferably provided as two portions which are adapted to come together to provide the enclosure when the cover is in the closed condition. An advantage of such a two piece cover is that it can be arranged to easily allow the animal to enter and leave the enclosure.

A fastening means may be provided to enable the portions of the cover to be releasably connected to one another. This may allow the covers to be sealed more effectively in the closed condition.

The (or each portion of) the cover may be hingedly connected to the base, providing a convenient assembly.

If the cover is provided as two portions these may be provided as substantially half hemispheres which are adapted to come together and form a hemisphere when the cover is in the closed condition.

One or more carrying handles may be provided, which may be provided on the cover. Indeed, in the preferred embodiment a carrying handles is provided on each portion of the cover.

One or more holes may be provided in the cover allowing access to the interior of the enclosure when the cover is in the closed condition. Such holes may prove beneficial in allowing a user to reach into the enclosure and wash an animal therein.

In the preferred embodiment the holes are provided with sealing means to help prevent water from escaping the enclosure. Such sealing means help to prevent the washing process becoming unpleasant for a user.

3 In the preferred embodiment the scaling means comprises cuffs (which may be elasticated) associated with each hole in the cover. Such cuffs may allow a seal to be made between a user's arm inserted, in use, through. the hole. Alternatively the scaling means could comprise flexible tubes perhaps terminated in a glove.

One such hole may comprise a head hole adapted to allow, in use, the head on an animal to protrude through the cover. Allowing the animals head to protrude in this manner may provide for a more pleasant bathing experience for the animal.

It is again advantageous for sealing means to be provided in association with the head hole.

In the preferred embodiment the head hole comprises a section of a hole on each portion of the cover, which when the cover is in the closed condition, come together to form the head hole. Such a structure may prove convenient for positioning the animal such that its head protrudes through the cover.

In the preferred embodiment the nozzles are provided on the cover such that when the cover is in the closed position the nozzles are inside the enclosure. A plurality of nozzle may be provided. The nozzles may be positioned over the inner surface of the cover. Such arrangements provide a convenient way of providing water to wash the animal. Nozzles may also be provided on the base.

The nozzle may be adapted, in use, to produce a spray of water. Indeed, the washing device may be thought of as a shower.

4 The cover (or cover portions) may be provided as a hollow shell with holes providing nozzles on an interior surface. The base may also comprise a hollow shell with holes therein directed, in use, to provide water to the enclosure. The hollow shell may comprise a pair of walls associated with one another such that water can pass between the walls. Alternatively, or additionally, separate nozzles may be provided on an interior of the cover/base.

The base may comprise a tray having internal side walls, providing a structure which can contain water therein.

The base may be provided with a drain to remove water from the device. An outlet pump may be provided in association with the drain to assist removal of the water. It is advantageous to remove water and dirt from the device allowing the animal to be cleaned thoroughly, and help prevent water from escaping to where it is not wanted.

Preferably a valve (which may be a float valve) is provided in association with the outlet pump so that the outlet pump is only run when there is water for it to pump.

An inlet pump may be provided to pump water to the nozzles. It will be appreciated that some areas suffer from low water pressure and assistance to generate sufficient water pressure may be required.

A filter may be provided in association with the drain. Such a filter may prove beneficial in preventing debris, such as hair, from passing down the drain. Debris falling into the drain is undesirable since, as is well known, blockages can occur due to such debris. It is particularly undesirable to have dirt entering the drain if a pump is provided since this can lead to damage to the pump and may block any float valve provided.

A heating means may be provided adapted, in use, to heat water before 5 such water exits the nozzles.

A drying mechanism may be provided adapted to dry an animal within the enclosure. The mechanism may comprise a source of air, which may be warm (heated) air. A pump (or blower) may provide the source of air. It will be appreciated that it is advantageous to provide a mechanism to dry the animal since this will help prevent the animal from wetting its surroundings on release from the enclosure.

The enclosure may be adapted, in use, to hold a dog. Indeed, the enclosure may be provided suitably dimensioned to receive a dog. The skilled person will appreciate that various breeds of dog are of different sizes and that therefore a range of different sizes of enclosure may be provided.

Further, the animal-washing device may comprise an adapter arranged to allow an animal to be washed in a device suited for a larger animal. Such an adapter is advantageous since it allows a single washing device to accommodate animals of a range of sizes.

The adapter may be removable from the animal-washing device. Such an arrangement is advantageous since it allows animals not requiring the adapter to be washed unimpeded by the adapter.

Conveniently, the adapter comprises a shelf, a stool, or similar construction.

6 According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising an animal-washing device according to the first aspect of the invention an adapter allowing animals of a variety of sizes to be washed in 5 the animal-washing device.

Such a kit is advantageous because it provides a user with a more convenient and versatile device.

There now follows by way of example only a detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a base of an animal-washing device; Figure 2 is a section along line AA of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation of the animal-washing device; and Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the animal-washing device of Figure 3 in a partially open condition.

The animal-washing device 2 shown in the Figures comprises a base 4 to which a cover 6 is attached. The base 4 comprises a circular tray with a lip 8 around a perimeter region of an upper surface.

The cover 6 comprises two half-hemispherical portions 10, 12, which can be brought together, in a closed condition, to provide a hemispherical enclosure. The circumference of the hemisphere is received on the inside 7 of the lip 8 so providing a seal between the base 4 and the cover 6. A flexible sealing strip (not shown) is provided between the two half hemispheres and between each half-hemisphere and the base to ensure a water tight joint.

Each of the two half-hemispheres 10, 12 and the base 4 is constituted as a hollow shell and the interiors of those bodies are connected together by flexible pipes 11, 13. The inner surface of those bodies 4, 10, 12 are perforated so that when closed the unit may act as a shower cubicle with water being sprayed from all directions.

As shown in Figure 4 each of the h alf-hemi spheres is hinged to the base about a point half way around the perimeter in contact with the base 4. This allows the two portions 10, 12 to be hinged outwardly, thus allowing an animal, typically a dog, to be placed inside the enclosure.

Looking primarily at Figures 1 and 2 a drain hole 14 is provided at a central region of the base 4, which is connected to an outlet pump 16. The outlet pump 16 is connected via a 1/2 " diameter pipe to an outlet 17 remote from the base. The upper surface 18 of the base 4 is angled downwardly toward the drain hole 14 so that water can escape. The upper surface 18 of the base 4 may also be textured/patterned to provide a nonslippery surface or to provide channels 20 further aiding water to escape.

An inlet pump 22 is also provided within the base and is connected to a water inlet pipe 24.

As can be seen from Figure 3 each portion 10, 12 of the cover 6 has a hole 26, 28 therethrough. Sealing means comprising elasticated cuffs, 8 adapted to seal to a users arms, are provided in association with each hole 26, 28. Also provided in each cover portion 10, 12 of the cover 6 is a semi-circular notch 30, 32 cut into the wall of the cover portion such that when the two cover portions are brought together into the closed condition a circular hole 34 (best seen in Figure 3) is formed. This hole 34 may be thought of as a head hole allowing the head of an animal to protrude through the cover. An elasticated seal 36 (only shown in Figure 3) is provided around the head hole 34 to ensure a good seal is made to the animal neck. A single elasticated annular seal may be provided or a pair of overlapping half-annuli may constitute such seal.

A fastening means 38 is provided to securely fasten the two cover portions 10, 12 together in the closed condition. In this embodiment the fastening means 38 comprises an elongate plate pivotally mounted on one of the portions which can be rotated to engage a protrusion on the other cover portions when the portions are in the closed condition.

A handle 40, 42 is provided on each of the cover portions allowing the device to be moved and also to facilitate movement of the two cover portions 10, 12 between the open and closed conditions.

Although not easily visible in the Figures a plurality of spray nozzles 43 are provided distributed over the inner surface of the cover 6. These spray nozzles are adapted, in use, to provide a spray of water into the enclosure.

In use, the two cover portions 10, 12 are moved to an open condition and an animal (typically a dog) is placed onto the base 4. The user then moves the cover portions 10, 12 to the closed condition such that the animal head protrudes through the head hole 34 with the seal 36 seals to 9 the animals neck. The fastening means 38 is operated ensuring that the cover portion 10, 12 are securely held in the closed condition.

The water inlet pipe 24 is connected to a water supply and the outlet pipe 17 to a drain for water. The water supply is then turned on and the inlet pump 22 activated by a sensor (which may be a micro-switch) indicating that a water supply is present. The inlet pump 22 forces water to the spray nozzles on the cover 6 providing a shower of water inside the substantially scaled enclosure. The user can insert arms through the holes 26, 28 so that they can wash the animal. A float valve associated with the outlet pump 16 operates the outlet pump when there is enough waste water accumulated in the drain hole 14.

Although not shown in the Figures a blower may be provided in the base 4 in much the same way as the two pumps 16, 22 have been provided. The blower provides a.source of warm air that can be used to dry the animal. Conveniently, the air is directed through the spray nozzles, which have been used to spray the water, or alternatively separate nozzles may be provided to outlet the air. 20 An electrical plug 44 is provided which may incorporate a breaker to protect the electrical items of the washing device (generally the two pumps 16, 22 and the blower).

When the animal has been washed and perhaps dried the fastening means can be undone and the cover portions 10, 12 moved to the open position whereafter the cleaned animal can be removed.

The invention thus provides an enclosure having an openable cover for 30 enclosing the body of an animal and means for spraying washing water 1 into the interior of the enclosure and for draining such washing water from the enclosure.

Claims

1. An animal-washing device comprising:

an enclosure to receive an animal therein; the enclosure comprising a base and a cover, the cover arranged to have an opened and a closed condition, such that when in the closed condition a substantially scaled environment is provided in which an animal can be washed and the open condition allowing an animal to enter the enclosure; and at least one nozzle being provided to supply water to wash an animal in the enclosure.

is

2. An animal-washing device according to claim 1 wherein a fastening means is provided to enable the cover to be releasably secured in the closed condition.

3. An animal-washing device according to claim 1 or 2 wherien the cover is provided as two portions which are adapted to come together to provide the enclosure when the cover is in the closed condition.

4. An animal-washing device according to claim 3 wherein the portions of the cover comprise substantially half hemispheres which are adapted to come together and form a hemisphere when the cover is in the closed condition.

12

5. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover, or at least one portion of the cover is hingedly connected to the base.

6. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more carrying handles are provided.

7. An animal-washing device according to claim 6 wherein the or each carrying handle is provided on the cover.

8. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more holes are provided in the cover allowing access to the interior of the enclosure when the cover is in the closed condition.

9. An animal-washing device according to claim 8 wherein the or each hole is provided with sealing means to help prevent water from escaping the enclosure.

10. An animal-washing device according to claim 9 wherein the sealing means comprises a cuff associated with the or each hole in the cover.

11. An animal-washing device according to claim 10 wherein the cuff allows a seal to be made between a user's arm inserted, in use, through 25 the hole.

12. An animal-washing device according to claim 9 wherein the sealing means comprises a flexible tube terminated in a glove.

13 13. An animal-washing device according to any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein at least one hole comprises a head hole adapted to allow, in use, the head of an animal to protrude through the cover.

14. An animal-washing device according to claim 13 as it depends directly or indirectly from claim 3 wherein the head hole comprises a section of a hole on each portion of the cover, which when the cover is in the closed condition, come together to form the head hole.

15. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one nozzle is provided on the cover such that when the cover is in the closed position the nozzle is inside the enclosure.

16. An animal-washing device according to claim 15 wherein there are a plurality of nozzles arranged over the inner surface of the cover.

17. An animal-washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein at least one nozzle is be provided on the base.

18. An animal-washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the at least one nozzle is adapted, in use, to produce a spray of water.

19. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding 25 claims wherein the cover comprises a hollow shell with holes on an interior surface thereof providing nozzles.

20. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base comprises a hollow shell having holes on an 14 interior surface thereof arranged, in use, to provide water to the enclosure.

21. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding 5 claims wherein the base comprises a tray having internal side walls.

22. An animal-washing device according to claim 21 wherein the base is provided with a drain to remove water from the device.

23. An animal-washing device according to claim 22 wherein an outletpump is provided in association with the drain to assist removal of the water.

24. An animal-washing device according to claim 23 wherein a valve is provided in association with the outlet pump so that the outlet-pump is substantially only runs when there is water for it to pump.

25. An animal-washing device according to any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein a filter is provided in association with the drain.

26. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an inlet pump is provided to pump water to the or each nozzle.

27. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a heating means is provided adapted, in use, to heat water before such water exits the nozzles.

28. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a drying mechanism is provided adapted to dry an animal within the enclosure.

29. An animal-washing device according to claim 28 wherein the mechanism comprises a source of air.

30. An animal-washing device according to claim 29 wherein the mechanism comprises a source of warm, or hot, air.

31. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the enclosure is adapted, in use, to hold a dog.

32. An animal-washing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the animal-washing device comprises an adapter arranged to allow an animal to be washed in a device suited for a larger animal.

33. An animal-washing device according to claim 32 wherein the adapter is removable from the animal-washing device.

34. A kit comprising an animal-washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 33 and an adapter allowing animals of a variety of sizes to be washed in the animal-washing device.

35. An animal-washing device substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

36. A kit substantially as described herein.