GB2394174A

GB2394174A - Shower apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2394174A
Application number: GB0220977A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anastassios Charalam Aslanidis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-09-10
Filing date: 2002-09-10
Publication date: 2004-04-21
Also published as: GB0220977D0

Abstract

A shower apparatus comprises at least one spray nozzle and means for allowing relative rotational movement between the user space and the nozzle(s). Preferably, the apparatus comprises a dome-like frame (10) composed of a number of uprights (12) wherein each upright member comprises a plurality of spray nozzles (13) for spraying water onto a user standing within the frame. Suitably, the frame is rotatable by means of a hydro-turbine or by a low-voltage electric motor.

Description

23941 74

( - 1 - SHOWER APPARATUS

The present invention relates to shower apparatus.

5 Various types of shower apparatus are known, for example domestic bathroom showers having a single spray nozzle, and more complicated shower systems having a plurality of spray nozzles for simultaneously spraying various body areas of a user, for example for massage by hydrotherapy.

Shower apparatus is also known for use in a decontamination context, for use in removing potentially harmful substances from a user.

15 However, conventional shower apparatus can suffer from a problem that the coverage of the shower is uneven such that certain areas of the user are well serviced, whilst others remain relatively untouched by the spray. In order to try to ensure such poorly serviced areas are covered by the spray, 20 a user will often contort themselves unnaturally in the shower, which can be dangerous, and additionally will use excess water, which is ecologically not preferred.

The present invention seeks to provide shower apparatus which 25 can overcome these disadvantages of conventional shower apparatus. According to the present invention there is provided shower apparatus comprising: 30 at least one spray nozzle for emitting a spray into a user space; and rotating means for allowing relative rotational movement between said user space and the spray nozzle(s).

( - 2 - It will be understood that the term "user space", is intended to mean the space occupied by a user when in the shower apparatus. 5 With conventional shower apparatus the spray nozzle remains substantially stationary relative to the user, which can cause difficulties, for example for an elderly or disabled user who has restricted mobility, in particular when the shower floor may be wet and slippery, in that the user must move position 10 in order for all body areas to be sprayed directly. Also in a decontamination context, where several nozzles may be provided, there remains the problem that areas of the user may not be adequately accessed by the spray.

15 With the present lnventlon, the spray nozzle(s) can rotate about and relative to the user, thereby providing a uniform spray pattern. The spray nozzle(s) are in this regard preferably rotatable relative to a stationary user of the shower. The shower apparatus preferably comprises a plurality of circumferentially and/or longitudinally spaced spray nozzles.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the shower apparatus 25 comprises a plurality of sets of longitudinally spaced spray nozzles, the sets of spray nozzles being circumferentlally spaced around the axis of said user space.

For example, the shower apparatus may comprise from two to six 30 sets of spray nozzles, each set comprising from four to ten spray nozzles. A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises four sets of equally circumferentially spaced spray nozzles, each set comprising

( - 3 from six to eight longitudinally spaced spray nozzles.

The shower apparatus may alternatively comprise a single spray nozzle which is moveable both rotationally about the axis of 5 said user space, and longitudinally along the height or length of said user space; for example, the spray nozzle may be moveable along a substantially helical path.

For those embodiments of the present invention which comprise 10 a plurality of sets of spray nozzles, the shower apparatus may comprise a frame comprising a series of uprights upon which the spray nozzles are set, a single upright preferably housing a single set of spray nozzles. The uprights may conveniently meet at a point above said user space on the axis of the user 15 space. Thus, if the frame comprises three or more uprights then the frame may form a dome-like structure within which a user can stand. Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a frame having four uprights which meet at a point above said user space substantially on the axis of the 20 user space.

The shower apparatus of the present invention also comprises rotating means for providing relative rotational movement between a user and the spray nozzle(s) about the axis of said 25 user space. In use, the user may rotate relative to the spray nozzles, although, as referred to above, the spray nozzle(s) are preferably rotatable relative to a stationary user of the shower. 30 The rotating means may comprise any means suitable for causing relative rotation between the spray nozzle(s) and the user space, for example a suitable electric motor. However, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the rotating

( - 4 means is activated by fluid passing to the spray nozzle(s).

Rotating means activated in this way will hereinafter be referred to as comprising a "hydro-turbine". The hydro-

turbine may be conveniently positioned above said user space 5 substantially on the axis of the user space. In those embodiments of the present invention comprising a frame as described above, the hydroturbine may be positioned above the frame on an axle adjacent the meeting point of the frame uprights, the hydro-turbine rotating the frame, and hence the 10 spray nozzles, about said use- space via the axle.

In those embodiments which comprise a frame as described above, the frame is preferably rotatable about said user space, for example by a hydroturbine. This may be achieved, 15 for example, by the frame having a hooplike base for encircling a user standing within the shower, and to which the uprights are attached, the base being supported on rollers so as to be rotatable. The rollers are preferably inclined relative to the base for added stability and so as to enhance 20 alignment. The rollers are furthermore shaped to interengage with corresponding surface on the base to optimise stability.

A hoop-like base to which the uprights are attached also provides additional stability to the frame.

25 The shower apparatus of the present invention may comprise a fluid distributor unit for controlling the quantity, pressure, and/or temperature of fluid passing to the spray nozzle(s).

Such a distributor unit may be conveniently positioned above and/or below the spray nozzle(s), and is preferably 30 controllable by a controller provided within user space by a user standing within the shower. In preferred embodiments, a user standing within the shower can also use the controller to control rotation of the spray nozzle(s) by controlling the

( - 5 fluid flow to a hydro-turbine. The controller preferably takes the form of a multi-functional distribution valve, operated by a handle which allows at least two directional movement.

5 The shower apparatus of the present invention may also comprise rotation restriction means, for restricting rotation of the spray nozzles. For example, in those embodiments comprising a frame, the restriction means may comprise flexible flaps positioned on the uprights which extend within 10 the user space to a greater extent than the spray nozzles. In this way, injury of a user by the spray nozzles can be prevented, since a user approaching the spray nozzles will first engage the flexible flaps, thereby slowing rotation of the frame.

The shower apparatus of the present invention may be enclosed within an outer screen or cover, for containing fluid sprayed from the spray nozzle(s).

20 The shower apparatus of the present invention may be in kit form, for assembly by a user.

The shower apparatus of the present invention may be used for personal hygiene, massage, decontamination, or any other 25 suitable purpose, i.e. the fluid flowing the spray nozzles may be water, a disinfectant, or other suitable fluid.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in 30 which: Figure 1 shows a side view of shower apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a top view of the shower apparatus shown in

( - 6 Figure it Figure 3 shows detail A indicated in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows detail B indicated in Figure 1; and Figure 5 shows detail C indicated in Figure 1.

Referring to the Figures, shower apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame 10 which comprises four upright hollow members 12 which meet at an upper distribution unit 14 positioned substantially on the axis of 10 a user standing in the shower (hereinafter referred to as the I "central axis" of the shower apparatus), for distributing fluid to each of the upright members 12. The frame further comprises a hoop-like base 16 to which the upright members 12 are attached at their lower ends, so as to be equidistantly 15 spaced. The frame 10 thus forms a dome-like structure, a "user space" within which a user stands. Each upright member 12 comprises a number of spray nozzles 13 for spraying fluid onto a user standing within the frame.

20 The base 16 is supported by rollers 18 so as to be rotatable about the central axis. A user stands upon a platform 20 positioned within the base 16, so that the frame is rotatable about the user.

25 The shower apparatus further comprises rotating means in the form of a hydro-turbine 22, shown in more detail in Figure 3, which is rotatably attached to the distribution unit 14 via an axle 24. Thus, fluid flows through the hydro-turbine 22, and into the axle 24 causing the axle 24, and hence the frame 30 10, to rotate, and thus through the distribution unit 14 to the upright members 12 and the spray nozzles 13.

The quantity, pressure, and temperature of fluid flowing to

- 7 the spray nozzles is controlled by a user by a control unit 26 positioned within the frame 10. The control unit 26 is connected to a further distribution unit 28 via a pipe 30, which is shown in more detail in Figure 5. Cold and hot fluid 5 enter the distribution unit 28 via pipes 32 and 34 respectively, and mixed hot/cold fluid leaves the distribution unit 28 via pipe 36. Mixed fluid leaving the distribution unit 28 via pipe 36 flows to the hydro-turbine 22 via supply pipe 36. A user can control not only the temperature of fluid 10 flowing to the spray nozzles 13 using the control unit 26, but also the quantity and pressure of fluid, and thus rotation of the frame 10 about the user, through hydro-turbine 24.

The shower further comprises flexible flaps 38 fixed to the 15 upright members 12. The flexible flaps 38 prevent a user from approaching and colliding with the spray nozzles 13, and thereby injuring themselves. The shower may further comprise an outer cover, as indicated in Figure 1 by reference 40.

20 It will be understood that the embodiment illustrated shows an application of the invention only for the purposes of illustration. In practice the invention may be applied to many different configurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward for those skilled in the art to implement.

Claims

( - 8 - CLAIMS

1. Shower apparatus comprising: at least one spray nozzle for emitting a spray at a user 5 spaces and rota-sing means for allowing relative rotational movement between said user space and the spray nozzle(s).

2. Shower apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the spray 10 nozzle(s) are rotatable relative to a user support.

3. Shower apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 which comprises a single spray nozzle which is moveable both rotationally about the axis of said user space, and 15 longitudinally along the length or height of said user space.

4. Shower apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 which comprises a plurality of spray nozzles which are circumferentially and/or longitudinally spaced.

5. Shower apparatus according to claim 4 which comprises a plurality of sets of longitudinally spaced spray nozzles, the sets of spray nozzles being circumferentially spaced around the axis of said user space.

6. Shower apparatus according to claim 5 which comprises from two to six sets of spray nozzles, each set comprising from four to ten spray nozzles.

30 7. Shower apparatus according to claim 6 which comprises four sets of equally circumferentially spaced spray nozzles, each set comprising from six to eight longitudinally spaced spray nozzles.

( - 9 - 8. Shower apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7 which further comprises a frame comprising a series of uprights upon which the spray nozzles are mounted.

5 9. Shower apparatus according to claim 8 wherein a single upright houses a single set of spray nozzles.

10. Shower apparatus according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the uprights meet at a point above a user space.

11. Shower apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the frame comprises three or more uprights to form a dome-like structure defining the boundary of said user space.

15 12. Shower apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the frame has four uprights which meet at a point above said user space substantially on the axis of the user space.

13. Shower apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12 20 wherein the frame has a hoop-like base to which the uprights are attached, the base being supported on rollers so as to be rotatable.

14. Shower apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein 25 the rotating means is activated by fluid passing to the spray nozzle(s). 15. Shower apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the rotating means is positioned above said user space 30 substantially on the axis of the user space.

16. Shower apparatus according to claim 14 or 15 which comprises a frame comprising uprights, above which frame the

( - 10 rotating means is positioned on an axle at or adjacent the meeting point of the frame uprights, wherein the rotating means can rotate the frame about said user space via the axle.

5 17. Shower apparatus according to any preceding claim which further comprises a fluid distributor unit for controlling the quantity, pressure, and/or temperature of fluid passing to the spray nozzle(s).

10 18. Shower apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the distributor unit is positioned above and/or below the spray nozzle(s), and is controllable by a controller provided within the user space.

15 19. Shower apparatus according to claim 18 wherein rotation of the spray nozzle(s) is controlled by controlling fluid flow to the rotation means.

20. Shower apparatus according to any preceding claim which 20 further comprises rotation restriction means for restricting rotation of the spray nozzles.

21. Shower apparatus according to claim 20 which comprises a frame having uprights, wherein the restriction means 25 comprises flexible flaps positioned on the uprights which extend within said user space to a greater extent than the spray nozzles.

22. Shower apparatus according to any preceding claim which 30 is enclosed within an outer screen.

23. Shower apparatus according to any preceding claim in kit form, for assembly by a user.

( 24. Shower apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.