GB2417497A

GB2417497A - Personal washing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2417497A
Application number: GB0517127A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Zahida Abbas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-24
Filing date: 2005-08-22
Publication date: 2006-03-01
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-22
Also published as: GB0517127D0; GB2417497B; GB0418811D0

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a spray head (1) attached to a flexible hose (3) for permanent connection to a water supply. A means (5) such as a receptacle is provided for retaining the flexible hose (3) when the spray head (1) is not in use. An attachment means (9, 10) is provided for a retaining a drip tray (8) in a position beneath the spray head (1) when the hose (3) is being retained by the retaining means (5). A perforated cover (12) is provided for the drip tray (8) to reduce spillage when it is being manipulated for emptying. In a preferred embodiment, the drip tray (8) is attached to a waste pipe (17) through which any water entering the tray (8) can drain away.

Description

241 7497 - 1

A PERSONAL WASHING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a personal washing apparatus for fitment in lavatories, washrooms and the like, for the primary but not exclusive purpose of ritual washing of the body.

The object of the invention is to provide a personal washing apparatus that is compact and that will not drip water over the floor after use, which may create a slip hazard.

According to the present invention there is provided a personal washing apparatus comprising a spray head attached to a flexible hose for permanent connection to a water supply; a means for retaining the flexible hose when the spray head is not in use; an attachment means for retaining a is drip tray beneath the spray head when the hose is being retained by the retaining means; and a perforated cover for the drip tray to reduce spillage when it is removed from the attachment means.

Preferably, the attachment means comprises at least one projecting 2 o runner along which the drip tray can slide and can be detached therefrom.

Preferably also, a pair of runners is provided and the drip tray defines a pair of channels in opposed sides thereof in which the runners can slide.

2 Preferably also, the attachment means comprises a bracket to enable the drip tray to be rotated between a first, substantially horizontal position ready for use and a second, substantially upright, folded-away position.

Preferably also, the drip tray is attached to a waste pipe through which any water entering the tray can drain away. Advantageously, the drip tray is preferably provided with an interior surface that is profiled to ensure that any water entering the tray drains away through the waste pipe. 2 -

Preferably also, the perforated cover is hinged to the tray.

Alternatively or in addition, the perforated cover is retained covering the drip tray by one or more hinged clasps.

Preferably also, the hinged clasp comprises a push-fit closure mechanism.

Alternatively or in addition, the drip tray is provided with an outlet 0 closed by a hinged, push-fit cover.

Preferably also, the means for retaining the flexible hose comprises a receptacle in which the flexible hose can be coiled when not in use.

Preferably also, a spring-loading is provided to retract the flexible hose into the receptacle when not under tension from a user.

Preferably also, the spray head includes a valve with a hand-operable opening mechanism.

Preferably also, the hand-operable valve opening mechanism comprises a push-button. Advantageously, the spray head preferably incorporates an infra-red proximity sensor and is adapted such that operation of the spray head is only possible when held within a 2 predetermined distance from the body.

Preferably also, the apparatus is adapted to hold an air-freshener. The apparatus is also preferably adapted to retain a supply of disposable wash mittens or wash-gloves for use by the user.

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - 3 Fig. is a perspective view from above of an embodiment of personal washing apparatus in accordance with the invention; Fig. is a vertical section through a hose retaining means forming part of the apparatus shown in Fig. I; Fig. 3 is a perspective view from above of a drip tray and attachment means therefor forming part of the apparatus shown in Fig. I; 0 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of drip tray in a first position ready for use; and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the drip tray shown in Fig. 4 when in a second, folded-away position.

A personal washing apparatus in accordance with the invention has been designed for fitment in lavatories and washrooms to extend the washing facilities available. This is particularly useful to those who require ritual washing facilities at various times of the day prior to prayers and other o religious devotions. This means that the apparatus is particularly suitable for installation in public lavatories and washrooms, such as those provided in the workplace and public buildings, for example in hospitals, government office, schools, colleges and the like. However, it will also be appreciate that the apparatus could be installed in a conventional lavatory cubicle to provide a bidet-type facility.

As shown in the drawings, the apparatus comprises a spray head attached to one end of a flexible hose 3, for example by a conventional screw arrangement. The other end 4 of the hose is adapted in a convectional fashion for permanent connection to a water supply such as a mains water supply and/or a water tank supply. Preferably, the hose 3 is linked to both a running hot and cold water supply that can be mixed to provide water of a desired temperature. Such water supplies are generally - 4 already provided in washrooms and lavatories so that plumbing the apparatus into an existing washroom or lavatory supply should be relatively simple in most cases.

The flexible hose 3 is retained by being coiled within a conical receptacle 5 when not in use. The conical receptacle 5 is adapted to be secured to a suitable wall, for example a wall of a lavatory cubicle or above a hand washbasin, with the plumbing arrangements preferably being hidden inside it to deter tampering. In order that the hose 3 is retained within the 0 receptacle 5 except during use, preferably a spring-loading (not shown) is provided to retract the hose 3 into the receptacle 5 when it is not placed under tension by a user. This prevents the hose 3 from being a trip hazard and keeps it from being left dangling where it may allow the spray head to fall into a toilet bowl or to lie on the floor.

It is not intended that the spray head be retracted into the receptacle but project therefrom to be convenient to be gripped by a user, preferably by a rubber grip portion 6. Also, for ease of use the spray head is handoperable and includes a valve (not shown) with a hand-operable opening mechanism 7, such as a spring-loaded, self-closing push-button. The spray head may also include a temperature control switch or dial (not shown) linked to a water mixing mechanism that varies the quantities of hot and cold water being mixed within it to supply the spray together with a thermostat to ensure the temperature of the water supplied to the use remains 2 substantially constant.

In a modification and with a view to reducing drips and water spillage, the spray head could be provided with an infra-red proximity sensor (not shown) and adapted so that it will only operate when held within a predetermined distance from the body.

Located beneath the receptacle 5 is a drip tray arrangement that projects outwards to lie beneath the spray head when the hose 3 is coiled within the receptacle 5 in order that any drips of water that emanate from the spray head when not in use can be caught so they do not form a puddle on the floor. Such a pool of water would be both unhygienic and form a slip hazard.

In a first embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, the drip tray arrangement comprises a drip tray 8 and an attachment means in the form of a pair of projecting runners 9 along which the drip tray 8 can slide. The runners 9 project from an end plate to that can be attached to the wall beneath the 0 receptacle 5 so that the runners project outwards horizontally. Preferably, the tray 8 is made from a moulded plastics material and defines two channels along the length of opposed sides in which the runners 9 can slide. It will be appreciated, however, that a single runner 9 could be provided to run, for example, in a channel provided in the base of the tray 8.

The drip tray 8 is removable from the runners 9 so that it can be emptied and cleaned and is provided with a perforated cover 2 to reduce spillage during this operation. The perforated cover a may comprise a fine mesh or other suitable material which readily permits drips from the spray 2 o head to pass through it into the tray 7 but which inhibits splashing of water out from the tray 8 whilst it is being manipulated prior to emptying. The cover a may be detachable from the tray 8 or be hinged thereto along one side. It may also be fastened to the tray 8 by a catch, for example by one or more hinged clasps 3 that have a push-fit closure mechanism. If the perforated cover z is permanently fixed to the tray 8 or if an additional emptying means is required, an outlet 4 (see Fig. I) can be provided in the tray z that is closed by a cover 5, for example a hinged, push-fit cover.

In a second embodiment as shown, the attachment means for the drip tray 8 comprises a hinged bracket 6 which enables the tray to be rotated between first and second positions as shown respectively in Figs. 4 and 5. In the first position, as shown in Fig. 4, the drip tray 8 is folded down into a substantially horizontal position ready for use whereas in the second - 6 - position, as shown in Fig. 5, the tray 8 is hinged upwards into an upright, folded-away position.

Rotation of the tray 8 between the first and second positions can also be used to empty any water from the tray. Preferably, as shown in Figs. 4 and a waste pipe 7 is attached to the tray 8 through which water can be drained from the interior of the tray 8. The pipe 7 may comprise a flexible hose that is in turn plumbed into the waste water system from the lavatory or wash room. The pipe 7 is fitted to the same side of the tray 8 as the bracket i0 6 so that the action of folding the tray 8 away into an upright position enables any water it contains to drain away. It will be appreciated that this arrangement obviates any requirement to detach the tray 8 from the bracket 6 for emptying and therefore reduces the likelihood of water spillage occurring.

In a modification of this embodiment, the tray 8 can be adapted to foldaway into a housing (not shown) which may be wall-mounted or, where appropriate, comprise an aperture built into the wall. In this case, the housing or built-in aperture may also accommodate the receptacle 5 for the So flexible hose 3 and the spray head I. As it is desirable for the interior of the tray 8 to be washable, in all cases it is preferable if it can be easily attached and detached to and from the bracket 6 or other attachment means and to and from the waste pipe 7.

This enables the tray 8 to be thoroughly cleaned at regular intervals.

It will be appreciated that a plumbed-in water drainage arrangement as described above could also be provided for a drip tray 8 that is not rotatably mounted but that is either retained at a slight angle to the horizontal by a fixed attachment means or provided with a suitably profiled interior surface. In any event, the provision of such a surface is preferable all plumbed-in embodiments of the apparatus as it is desirable that waste - 7 water drains away immediately from the tray without necessity for any action on the part of the user.

The apparatus, for the example the drip tray 8 or the housing for it, may also be adapted by way of brackets or similar to hold an air-freshener.

The apparatus can also be further modified by the provision of a receptacle for retaining a supply of disposable wash-mittens or washgloves for use by the user. It is expected that these mittens or gloves will be both o absorbent and biodegradable so that that they can be flushed away down the lavatory after use.

Hence, it will be appreciated that a personal washing apparatus in accordance with the invention is a compact, hygienic arrangement that can be readily installed in a washroom or lavatory cubicle. The receptacle 3 for the hose 3 and the drip tray 8 ensure that use of the apparatus will not create a slip or trip hazard for users of the washroom or lavatory facilities whilst providing convenient facilities for ritual washing of the body or for adding a bidet-type facility to a conventional lavatory cubicle. - 8 -

Claims

A personal washing apparatus comprising a spray head attached to a flexible hose for permanent connection to a water supply; a means for retaining the flexible hose when the spray head is not in use; an attachment means for retaining a drip tray beneath the spray head when the hose is being retained by the retaining means; o and a perforated cover for the drip tray to reduce spillage when it is removed from the attachment means.
a. An apparatus as claimed in Claim I, wherein the attachment means comprises at least one projecting runner along which the drip tray can slide and can be detached therefrom.
3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim a, wherein a pair of runners is provided and the drip tray defines a pair of channels in opposed sides thereof in which the runners can slide.
4. An apparatus as claimed in Claim I, wherein the attachment means comprises a bracket to enable the drip tray to be rotated between a first, substantially horizontal position ready for use and a second, substantially upright, folded-away position.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims to 4, wherein the drip tray is attached to a waste pipe through which any water entering the tray can drain away.
6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the drip tray is provided with an interior surface that is profiled to ensure that any water entering the tray drains away through the waste pipe. - 9
7. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims to 6, wherein the perforated cover is hinged to the tray.
8. A personal washing apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims to 6, wherein the perforated cover is retained covering the drip tray by one or more hinged clasps.

9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the hinged clasp comprises a push-fit closure mechanism.

to. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims to 9, wherein the drip tray is provided with an outlet closed by a hinged, push-fit cover.

As. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims to to, wherein the means for retaining the flexible hose comprises a receptacle in which the flexible hose can be coiled when not in use.

An apparatus as claimed in Claim As, wherein a spring-loading is provided to retract the flexible hose into the receptacle when not under tension from a user.

t3. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims to Ad, wherein the spray head includes a valve with a hand-operable opening mechanism.

2 5 4. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the hand-operable valve opening mechanism comprises a push-button.

An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims to 4, wherein the spray head incorporates an infra-red proximity sensor and is adapted such that operation of the spray head is only possible when held within a predetermined distance from the body. -

6. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims to 5, adapted to hold an airfreshener.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims to 6, adapted to retain a supply of disposable wash-mittens or wash-gloves for use by the user.