GB2441304A

GB2441304A - An automatic cleaning device for a shower enclosure

Info

Publication number: GB2441304A
Application number: GB0619135A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Diana Kirkwood Beeny
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-04
Filing date: 2006-09-28
Publication date: 2008-03-05
Also published as: GB0619135D0; GB0617397D0

Abstract

An automatic cleaning device for a shower enclosure that sprays cleaning fluid onto the shower area and then rinses the shower area with clean water. The device prevents the build up of mildew, limescale or bacteria in the home or public areas, while protecting individuals from being exposed to potentially harmful fumes or cleaning substances. Preferably the device has a reservoir 1.1 to hold cleaning fluid, a mixing chamber 1.9 to mix the cleaning fluid with water, a pump to dispense the cleaning fluid into the mixing chamber and water 1.14 to transport the cleaning solution to at least one spray head in the shower enclosure (Fig 2), the water is controlled by a timer 1.11 operated solenoid valve. In use the user dispenses cleaning fluid into the mixing chamber and switches on the timer, the device sprays cleaning solution into the shower area, allows the cleaning solution to remain on the walls for a set time before rinsing the shower area with clean water. The spray head(s) may be fitted to the ceiling or walls of the shower enclosure.

Description

1 2441304

Description

Automatic Shower Washer This Invention Is designed to automatically wash the shower area to prevent the build up of mildew; harmful bacteria and/or limescale.

It can be used in a shower cubicle, shower area or a wet area. It is designed for either one shower or multiple showers. It can therefore be used in a domestic situation in the home or adapted for use in commercial showers, for example in a sports club or nursing home.

At present the only way to clean the shower area is by hand. Either with a hand held spray, a cloth or a scrubbing brush. This can be both time consuming and awkward. It can be very difficult to reach the back and top of the shower area without getting wet and/or covered in cleaner. Also rinsing down the walls after cleaning them can be difficult If the shower head is fixed. One option Is to take the cleaning products In with you when you have a shower. But this presents another problem. When using spray products in a confined area it Is virtually Impossible to avoid inhaling some of the chemical fumes which is obviously Inadvisable. You can of course use a brush or cloth but this can be time consuming and if it is not done regularly you soon find you have a build up of mildew and br limescale. The automatic shower washer is designed to spray the interior of the shower with a cleaning product when the shower is empty and then rinse the walls with clean cold water.

This automatic shower washer is preferably made up of two main components which are connected using standard pipe work in copper, stainless steel or plastic.

It operates using mains water or pumped tank water.

The timer works from mains electricity, battery or clockwork.

Ideally the automatic shower washer is fitted when the shower is Installed and therefore afl pipe work can be concealed In the waDs, floor or ceiling. However it can be fitted to an existing shower or showers and as it is usually made up of two separate components it can be adapted to each situation.

The automatic shower washer can be fitted Inside or outside the shower or wet area.

The automatic shower washer is adaptable and Is designed to enable the water to enter from the left or the right. 1.13 and 1.15 are interchangeable depending on direction of flow of water.

Component Details Fig 1: Timer & Cleanser Mixer 1.1 Cleanser reservoir 1.2 Reservoir cap with small valve to allow air in 1.3 Plunger tube 1.4 Slider to lift or depress plunger 1.5 Plunger 1.6 PTFE washer 1. 7 Non return valve 1.8 Non return valve 1.9 MixIng chamber 1.11 TImer 1.12 Electrical connection to solenoid valve 1.13 Solenoid valve (interchangeable with 1.15) 1.14 Cold water supply 1.15 Non return valve (interchangeable with 1.13) 1.16 Cleanser and/or water out Fig 2: Sprayer 2.1 Spray heads 2.2 Rigid or flexible pipe extension Example 1: The spray head is attached to the ceiling of the shower cubicle.

Example 2: A flexible or tigid pipe extension lowers the spray head in a cubicle where the walls and door do not go right up to the ceiling.

Example 3: The spray head is fitted to a flexible or rigid pipe extension from the wall of the cubicle. If a flexible pipe Is used the spray head can be positioned to wet a reduced area, for example over a bath.

Example 4: Several spray heads are attached to the ceiling of the shower or wet area, to enable coverage of a larger area.

In all examples the cleanser and/or water is sprayed out in a fine mist, saturating the walls and the floor of the cubicle, shower or wet area.

To operate the Automatic Shower Washer: 1. Open the lid of the cleanser reservoir FIg 1.2 and add the cleansing fluid.

Secure the lid firmly.

2. RaIse the slider at Fig 1.4 which creates a vacuum between the washer Fig 1.6 and the one way valve Fig 1.8 and sucks in the neat cleansing fluid from the reservoir.

3. Push down the slider Fig 1.4 forcing cleanser through the non return valve Fig 1.8 into the mixing chamber Fig 1.9 4. Switch on the timer FIg 1.11.

5. The timer turns on the solenoid valve Fig 1.13 allowing the water to flow through the pipe Into the mixing chamber FIg 1.9.

6. The water mixes with and propels the cleanser through the non return valve Fig 1.15 to the spray head or heads.

7. The diluted cleanser is sprayed out in a fine mist, Fig 2 saturating the walls of the shower area and running down onto the floor, from the shower head or heads, which are fitted to the ceiling or wail of the shower.

The cleanser Is sprayed for a short period and the water is then switched off to allow the cleanser to remain on the walls for a timed period.

8. The water Is then switched back on for a further timed period which washes the cleanser out of the mixer chamber, connecting pipes and the spray head or heads and rinses the walls and the floor with clean water.

The water then switches off.

Claims

Claims 1. A labour saving, low energy, cost effective automatic spray

washer powered by mains or pumped water, that sprays cleansing fluid into the shower or wet area, then rinses it off with clean cold water preventing the build up of mildew and/or limescale and killing harmful bacteria, thereby keeping shower areas clean; protecting the individual from exposure to potentially harmful fumes or cleaning substances whilst at the same time helping to eradicate the spread of verrucas in the home and public areas such as sport's clubs, hospitals, hotels or swimming pools.

2. An automatic shower washer as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a reservoir to hold cleansing fluid.

3. An automatic shower washer as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a pump to dispense cleanser.

4. An automatic shower washer as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a mixing chamber to mix water and cleanser.

5. An automatic shower washer as claimed in claim 1 further comprises water under pressure to transport the cleanser.

6. An automatic shower washer as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a spray head or heads to disperse the cleanser and cold water onto the surfaces to be cleaned and rinsed.

7. An automatic shower washer as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a timer which controls a solenoid valve which turns the water supply on or off.