GB2419287A

GB2419287A - Shower head mounting

Info

Publication number: GB2419287A
Application number: GB0423452A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Paul Sansum; Richard William Dauncey; Andrew Philip Dawson
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2004-10-22
Filing date: 2004-10-22
Publication date: 2006-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 2024-10-22
Also published as: GB2419287B; GB0423452D0

Abstract

A shower head 1 is removably mounted in a holder 4 and a hose 2 is securely held by retainer 8 which prevents the shower head from coming into contact with waste water in a bath or shower.

Description

241 9287

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ABLUTIONARY

INSTALLATIONS

This invention concerns improvements in or relating to ablutionary installations and in particular to ablutionary shower installations.

A common type of shower installation employs a spray head often referred to as a handset removably mounted in a holder located above a bath or shower tray and connected to a water supply by a flexible hose that allows the user to remove the handset from the holder and manoeuvre the handset to direct the spray for washing different parts of the body.

A problem with this type of installation is the risk of contamination of the water supply if the handset is lowered to a position in which it comes into contact with wastewater in the bath or shower tray. To reduce this risk, it is already known to provide a hose retainer that is mounted above the bath or shower to prevent the handset being lowered to come into contact with wastewater in the bath or shower. Usually the retainer is located at a position to maintain a gap equivalent to at least two inlet pipework diameters between the lowest permitted position of the handset and the overflow from the bath or shower tray.

Typically, the retainer has a hole through which the hose passes and the hose is releasably attached to the handset and a water supply outlet by engagement of screw threaded fittings on the ends of the hose with matching screw threads on the handset and water supply outlet. In use, the hose can slide through the hole to allow the handset to be manoeuvred into position by the user when held in the hand but which prevents the handset contacting wastewater in the bath or snower tray.

A disadvantage of this arrangement is that it relies on the hose being passed through the retainer during installation and in some cases the retainer may not be used. Even when used, it is possible to separate the hose from the retainer intentionally, for example by detaching the hose from the handset or water supply outlet and passing the hose through the hole before re-attaching the hose to the handset or water supply outlet.

In both cases, the retainer no longer restricts the position of the handset and the handset may be lowered to come into contact with wastewater in the bath or shower.

This is unacceptable for environments having a high risk of crosscontamination and in these environments it is common to employ a fixed spray head that is located at an appropriate height above the bath or shower tray and is connected to a secured water supply. This arrangement with a fixed spray head prevents cross-contamination but does not provide the same flexibility for adjusting the position of the spray as is provided with a handset and hose. This is a particular problem in healthcare institutions where it is desirable to be able to adjust the position of the spray to accommodate different requirements, for example washing a patient while standing or sitting.

It is an object of the invention to provide an ablutionary installation that overcomes or at least mitigates problems of the aforementioned shower installations.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an ablutionary installation comprising a spray head removably mounted in a holder, a hose connected to the spray head and to a water supply outlet for feeding water to the spray head, and a retainer co-operable with the hose in a non-removable manner that inhibits separation of the hose from the retainer. t

By this invention, separation of the hose and retainer intentionally or forcibly is inhibited while allowing the spray head to be moved from one place to another as required by a user without giving rise to a risk of contamination of the water supply by backflow through the handset.

Preferably, the hose passes through a hole in the retainer and is prevented from being passed completely through the hole to separate the hose from the retainer. For example, the hose may be provided with end fittings for connection to the spray head and water supply outlet that are larger than the hole and cannot pass through the hole. In this way, the hose can pass freely through the retainer to adjust the position of the spray head but cannot be separated from the retainer even if the end fittings are disconnected from the spray head and/or the water supply outlet.

In one arrangement, the retainer has an oversize opening through which the hose and end fittings can pass for assembly and the hole is formed by an insert located in the opening in a non-removable manner to prevent separation of the hose from the retainer. The insert and retainer may have co-operating formations that are engageable to locate and retain the insert in the opening in a non-removable manner. With this arrangement, the hose and retainer can be supplied separately and assembled during installation by the user. Alternatively, the retainer can be assembled with the hose during manufacture for supply pre-assembled.

In an alternative arrangement, the retainer is formed in one piece and is assembled with the hose during manufacture by passing an end of the hose without the end fitting through the hole and then attaching the end fitting to prevent separation of the hose from the retainer.

The holder may be mounted on a wall or similar support structure for locating the spray head at a fixed height above the bath or shower tray.

Alternatively, the holder may be mounted on a slide rail that allows the height of the holder (and the spray head) to be adjusted. In either arrangement, the holder preferably allows the angular position of the spray head to be adjusted.

Where provided, the retainer may be mounted on the slide bar. In this way, when the slide bar is mounted on a wall or other supporting structure, the retainer cannot be removed from the slide bar without detaching the slide bar from the wall or support structure. However, in another arrangement, the retainer can be fixed directly to the wall or supporting structure.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembling a shower fitting comprising assembling a hose with a retainer such that the retainer holds the hose in a non-removable manner, connecting the hose to a movable spray head and water supply, and mounting the retainer at a position above a bath, basin, shower tray or the like such that the spray head cannot be placed in contact with water in the bath, basin, shower tray or the like.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided in combination a hose and a retainer for an ablutionary installation, the retainer having a hole that allows the hose to pass through between the ends and prevents separation of the hose from retainer.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a shower fitting according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a handset, hose end and retainer of the first embodiment; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the hose end and retainer of the first embodiment; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the hose end and retainer of the first embodiment during assembly; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a shower fitting according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a handset, hose end and retainer of the second embodiment; Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the hose end and retainer of the second embodiment; and Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a retainer according to a third embodiment of the invention.

A shower fitting according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 4 and includes a handset I connected to a hose 2 for delivering water to the handset 1, a slide bar 3 to be mounted on a wall or similar supporting structure, and a holder 4 attached to the slide bar 3 for releasably mounting the handset 1 on the slide bar 3.

The slide bar 3 extends between two brackets 13 for securing the slide bar 3 to the wall or similar supporting structure. The handset holder 4 has a socket 4a for removably mounting the handset I and can be moved along the slide bar 3 to adjust the vertical position of the handset 1. The holder 4 may also be adjustable to alter the angle of the handset I relative to the slide bar 3. The handset 1 can be removed from the holder 4 for directing the spray from nozzles 16 to wash different parts of the body as desired.

The hose 2 is connected at one end 15 to the handset I via a coupling member 14 having an internal screw thread (not shown) engaged by a mating screw thread on the handset 1. The hose 2 is connected at the other end (not shown) to a supply of water, for example an instantaneous water heater or mixing valve, via a coupling member in similar manner.

The coupling members 14 are permanently fixed to the hose 2 during manufacture.

The shower fitting further includes a retainer 5 having a circular hole 10 for mounting the retainer on the slide bar 3 and a circular hole 9 through which the hose 2 can pass freely between the coupling members 14. The coupling members 14 are larger than the hole 9 and prevent the hose 2 being separated from the retainer 5. It will be understood that the hole 9 need not be circular and other shapes may be used, for example oval, provided the coupling members 14 will not pass through the hole 9.

Similarly, the shape of the hole 10 may be altered to suit the shape of the slide bar 3 on which the retainer 5 is mounted.

In this embodiment, the hole 9 is defined in part by a semi-circular cutout section 7 of an insert 8 that is mounted in a non-removable manner in an oversize opening 17 in the retainer 5 by engagement of locking clips 11,12 that co-operate with formations on the retaining member 6 to secure permanently the insert 8 in the opening 17.

The opening 17 is large enough to allow the coupling member 14 to be passed through to locate the retainer 5 on the hose 2 for assembly and the insert 8 is then mounted in the opening 17 to prevent the hose 2 being separated from the retainer 5. The hose 2 and retainer 5 may be supplied separately for assembly by the end user during installation or they may be provided pre-assembled.

To install the shower fitting, the holder 4 and retainer 5 are slid on to the slide bar 3 prior to fixing the slide bar 3 to the wall or other support structure at a desired height above a bath, basin or shower tray. Once the slide bar 3 has been fixed to the wall, the retainer 5 and holder 4 cannot be removed from the slide bar 3 without unscrewing one of the brackets 13. If the retainer 5 and hose are supplied unassembled, one end of the hose 2 can be passed through the oversize opening]7 and the insert 8 fitted to reduce the size of the opening 17 and prevent the hose 2 being separated from the retainer 5. The hose 2 can then be secured to the handset 1 and the water supply outlet. Alternatively, the retainer 5 may be supplied pre-assembled with the hose 2.

In use, the holder 4 can be moved along the slide bar 3 by the user to locate the handset 1 at a desired height. For example, the handset 1 may be located near the lower bracket 13 for washing a person sitting in a bath or located near the upper bracket 13 for washing a person standing in the bath. The hose 2 passes freely through the hole 9 in the retainer 5 to accommodate such adjustment of the vertical position of the handset 1 on the slide bar 3. l

The handset 1 may be removed from the holder 4 and manoeuvred to direct the spray from the handset l as desired with the hose 2 passing freely though the hole 9 in the retainer S. The retainer 5 limits the reach of the handset 1 when held in the hand and prevents the handset 1 being lowered to a position in which it is at or below the overflow level of the bath. In this way, the handset cannot contact water in the bath thereby preventing contamination of the water supply by back flow of water in the bath through the hose 2.

In addition, the hose 2 is prevented from being removed from the retainer 5, even if disconnected from the hose 2 and/or water supply outlet, as the coupling members 14 cannot pass through the hole 9 in the retainer 5. In this way, the shower fitting is tamper proof.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 5 to 8.

Features of the second embodiment that are the same or similar to the first embodiment have been given the same reference numerals in the series 100 and will not be described in detail again.

This embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment in that the retainer 105 is formed in one piece without an insert 8. The hole 109 in the retainer 105 is sized to allow the hose 102 to pass through freely between the ends but prevents passage of coupling members 114 permanently attached to the ends of the hose 102 so that the hose cannot be separated from the retainer 105. The retainer 105 and hose 102 are pre- assembled during manufacture by passing one end 115 of the hose 102 without the coupling member 114 through the hole 109 in the retainer 105. The coupling member 114 is then permanently attached to the end of the hose 102. In all other respects this shower fitting operates in the same manner as the first embodiment.

A third embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 9. Features of the third embodiment have been given the same reference numerals in the series 200 and will not be described in detail again.

This embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the retainer 205 is designed to be mounted on the wall or support surface.

The retainer 205 may be employed with a handset mounted on a slide bar as described previously or with a handset mounted on a holder at a fixed location. In this embodiment, the retainer 205 is formed in one piece with a hole 209 that allows the hose (not shown) to pass through freely between the ends and prevents passage of the coupling members at the ends of the hose. In a modification, the retainer could be provided with an oversize opening that allows passage of the coupling members and an insert that is non-removably mounted in the opening to reduce the size of the opening and prevent passage of the coupling members.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments but includes modifications and alterations within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. An ablutionary installation comprising a spray head removably mounted in a holder, a hose connected to the spray head and to a water supply outlet for feeding water to the spray head, and a retainer co operable with the hose in a non-removable manner that inhibits separation of the hose from the retainer.

2, An installation according to claim 1 wherein, the hose passes through a hole in the retainer and is prevented from being passed completely through the hole to separate the hose from the retainer.

3. An installation according to claim 2 wherein, the hose is provided with end fittings for connection to the spray head and water supply outlet that are larger than the hole.

4. An installation according to claim 3 wherein, the retainer has an oversize opening through which the hose and end fittings can pass for assembly and the hole is formed by an insert located in the opening in a non-removable manner to prevent separation of the hose from the retainer.

5. An installation according to claim 4 wherein, the insert and retainer have co-operating formations that are engageable to locate and retain the insert in the opening in a non-removable manner.

6. An installation according to claim 3 wherein, the retainer is formed in one piece and is assembled with the hose during manufacture by passing an end of the hose without the end fitting through the hole and then attaching the end fitting to prevent separation of the hose from the retainer.

7. An installation according to any preceding claim wherein, the holder is mounted on a wall or similar support structure for locating the spray head at a fixed height above the bath or shower tray.

8. An installation according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein, the holder is mounted on a slide rail that allows the height of the holder (and the spray head) to be adjusted.

9. An installation according to claim 8 wherein, the retainer is mounted on the slide rail.

10. An installation according to any of claims 1 to 8 wherein, the retainer is fixed directly to the wall or supporting structure.

11. An installation according to any preceding claim wherein, the holder allows the angular position of the spray head to be adjusted.

12. An ablutionary shower installation in which a shower handset is connected to a water supply by a flexible hose arranged to pass through a retainer wherein the hose and retainer are configured to prevent the hose being separated from the retainer by disconnecting the hose from the handset and/or the water supply.

13. A method of assembling a shower fitting comprising assembling a hose with a retainer such that the retainer holds the hose in a non- removable manner, connecting the hose to a movable spray head and water supply, and mounting the retainer at a position above a bath, basin, shower tray or the like such that the spray head cannot be placed in contact with water in the bath, basin, shower tray or the like.

14. In combination a hose and a retainer for an ablutionary installation, the retainer having a hole that allows the hose to pass through between the ends and prevents separation of the hose from retainer.

15. The combination of claim 14 wherein one end is adapted for connection to a water supply and the other end is adapted for connection to a spray head.

16, The combination of claim 15 wherein the spray head is a handset.

17. An ablutionary installation substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

18. An ablutionary installation substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 5 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.