GB2454456A

GB2454456A - Steam room or sauna

Info

Publication number: GB2454456A
Application number: GB0721458A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vincent Carl Morray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-31
Filing date: 2007-10-31
Publication date: 2009-05-13
Also published as: GB0721458D0

Abstract

The invention relates to shower cubicles and particularly to an adaptor kit for converting a shower cubicle into a sauna, steam room or aromatherapy treatment spa. A steam outlet 8 is provided coupled by a pipe 13 through a wall to a steam generator 9. By mixing essential oils with water and filling the steam generator, a shower cubicle may be used as an aromatherapy spa.

Description

Shower Cubicles The present invention relates to shower cubicles and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an adapter kit for converting a shower cubicle into a steam room, sauna or aromatherapy treatment spa.

The benefits of steam rooms or saunas are well known, particularly in that a steamy atmosphere is known to open the pores of the skin and facilitate cleansing. It is also known that steam inhalation may improve breathing, particularly when combined with aromatherapy treatments such as an infusion of aromatic oils (Eucalyptus Oil for example) in the vapour. Other aromatherapy oils are known or reputed to improve relaxation or ease painful conditions and muscular aches and pains.

Most modern homes are built to include an enclosed or semi enclosed shower cubicle and many domestic premises have had simple shower cubicles added, such cubicles usually including two or three panels for addition to one or more interior walls, each panel being approximately 2. 1 metres high and at least one having a hinged or sliding section to permit entry and subsequent closure of the cubicle area.

The cubicle includes a shower tray having a drainage unit and a shower head. Wall spray units may also be provided, the shower head and spray units (if fitted) being connected either to the domestic hot and cold water supply through a thermostatic valve or by way of a self contained heating unit and the domestic cold water supply.

Thus the area of a shower cubicle provides a self contained room which substantially prevents water from permeating other parts of the domestic premises and allows a person or people to perform their ablutions.

It is one object of the present invention to provide an adaptor kit and/or a shower cubicle having the additional functionality of a steam room, sauna or aromatherapy treatment spa.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an adaptor kit for converting a shower cubicle into a steam room, sauna or aromatherapy treatment spa, the adaptor kit comprising a steam generator, a diffuser and a pipe connecting the steam generator to the diffuser, the pipe being arranged to pass through a wall section to allow steam from the steam generator to enter the shower cubicle.

Preferably the steam generator is thermostatically controlled, such control being either incorporated in the steam generator or by a temperature sensor for inclusion inside the shower cubicle.

The diffuser and steam generator may be permanently connected by the pipe or in an alternative arrangement the pipe may be permanently coupled to the diffuser at one end and to a connector at the opposed end, the steam generator having a corresponding opposite connector for connection to the pipe to allow the steam s generator to be disconnected and stored away.

The steam generator may arranged for coupling to a mains water supply but in a preferred arrangement includes a sealable aperture through which water is introduced prior to use to enable suitable chemicals or aromatherapy treatments to be premixed to produce treating vapour.

Alternatively, the steam generator may include a second reservoir or valve through which chemical or aromatherapy treatment oils may be introduced in controlled amounts to the treating vapour.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is here noted that the term "wall section" as used herein is not limited to a permanent wall but may include side or rear panels of a shower cubicle or the side wall or base of a shower tray for example.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provide a shower cubicle including a diffuser and a connector pipe coupled to a steam generator whereby vapour may be introduced to the cubicle.

A shower cubicle incorporating the adaptor kit of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:-Figure 1 shows a schematic view of one wall of a shower cubicle; Figure 2 is a cross section plan view of a complete shower cubicle along the line 2-2 of figure 1; Figures 3a and b are front views of alternative wall face plates of figure 2: Figure 4 shows a complete coupling unit of figure 2; Figures 4a shows one type of coupler for connecting a steam generator of figure ito a pipe of figure 4; Figure 4b shows an alternative type of coupler for connecting a steam generator of figure 1 to a pipe of figure 4; Figure 5 is a schematic view of a complete installation; Figures 6a, b and c are plan views of typical shower cubicles; and Figures 7 a, b and c are respectively side, front and plan views of a unit for housing a steam generator of figure 1.

Referring first to figures 1 and 2, a typical shower cubicle comprises vertical walls or panelsi, 2 and 3, and an opening entry door 4 to permit access to the cubicle. A shower mixer 5 (or an independent shower unit (not shown)) is connected to a water supply and provides temperature controlled water to a shower head 6 to enable water flow through the shower head to provide a stream of water in which a person (or people) may stand or sit to enable them to perform washing. As thus far described the shower cubicle is of standard known design In order to provide additional functionality to the shower cubicle, the invention provides for the addition of an additional kit of parts comprising a diffuser 8 coupled to a steam generator 9 outside the confines of the shower cubicle.

The diffuser 8 is coupled to the steam generator 9 by way of a pipe 10 which passes through one wall of the shower cubicle to an adjacent room indicated by continuing wall 2a. A wall plate 10 ensures that the diffuser 8 and a water proof sealer 12 (for example a rubber or plastics washer) are retained against the cubicle wall to avoid egress of water or vapour through the wall. The wall platel 1 and pipel 0 combination incorporate a fixing means to maintain their location with respect to the diffuser 8, for example by providing a screw thread on the pipelO and a nut and washer (16, Fig 3) which may be tightened against the plate 11.

The steam generator 9, typically available from the United Kingdom Company Earlex (trademark) whose registered office is at Opus Park, Moorfield Road, Guildford, Surrey, GUi 1SZ, is provided on the floor of an adjacent room and has an electrical heating element and a pressure proof screw cap through which water (and other fluids as hereinafter mentioned) may be introduced. The unit 9 also includes a safety cut off which turns the electrical heating element off in the absence of water in the heating chamber. The unit has a detachable hose or pipe 13 connected to an outlet on or near the top of the unit whereby steam produced by heating the contained fluid leaves the unit under pressure.

In the present invention, the pipe 13 is adapted and attached by a suitable connection means (for example by providing a screw threaded coupler or plug in connection valve) to the pipe 10 thereby directing steam or vapour to the diffuser 8 and into the shower cubicle. Thus the shower cubicle is infused with steam from the steam generator and may now serve as a sauna or steam room.

While the above arrangement is suitable where the steam generator can be permanently located, for example if the continuing wall 2a has a suitable cupboard in which the generator can be placed, an alternative arrangement may be provided in which the pipe 13 is detachably coupled to the pipe 10, for example by providing pipe 13 and pipe 10 with suitable male and female threads or suitable male and female couplers which can be coupled to each other while the unit is in use but enables disconnection of the steam generator 9 so that it may be removed and stored.

Thus in one example where the wall forming one side of the shower cubicle is against a hallway or landing wall, the face plate 10 may be attached to the outer wall in an attractive and unobtrusive manner, particularly if the face plate is manufactured to match existing electrical faceplates for example.

The steam generator 9 may use an existing electrical connection, for example a plug and socket if the uhit is to remain portable. However, in a preferred permanent arrangement the steam generator may be permanently wired to a ceiling or wall switch preferably by way of a residual current device (RCD) to ensure safety of the user in the event of an electrical fault developing in the system. Such an arrangement may incorporate a thermostatic control 15 to ensure that the heating element of the steam generator 9 is turned off if the temperature in the cubicle rises above an acceptable level.

Where the steam generator 9 is arranged to be connected by way of a plug and socket, so that it may be removed and stored, the socket may be coupled by way of the ceiling (or wall) switch and thermostatic control 15.

A pressure control valve (not shown) may be provided either within the diffuser 8, the steam generator 9 or in the coupling pipe 10, 13 to enable greater control of the level of steam or vapour entering the cubicle.

In use, the user adds water (if necessary) to the steam generator 9 and turns on the power supply before taking up position in the cubicle. Steam generated by the steam generator 9 then passes by way of the pipes 13, 10 and the diffuser 8 into the cubicle. For aromatherapy use, the user first mixes the user's preferred aromatherapy oil or solution (for example by shaking the combination in a container) and then adds the mixture to the steam generator 9 thereby having the desired therapeutic vapour surrounding the body. Breathing the vapour if infused with eucalyptus oil may result in relief of chest congestion for example or other personal preferred oils (lavender, rose or other known aromatic oils) may be added to the water to give a desired scent or therapeutic effect.

In alternative arrangements, the steam generator 9 may be arranged for permanent coupling a water supply. If the steam generator 9 is so permanently coupled it may be desirable to a second, accessible reservoir through which solutions or therapeutic oils or chemicals may be introduced to the vapour stream.

In a further enhancement, in addition to or instead of a second reservoir, the steam generator 9 may incorporate a valve through which oils or other solutions may be introduced or the coupling pipe work 10, 13 or diffuser 8 may incorporate a valve mechanism allowing such oils or chemical to be introduced directly into the vapour stream.

Typical modifications which may be made to enhance the pleasure of the user or increase the efficiency of the steam room include providing an additional sealing panel above the normal shower cubicle panels to ensure that only a limited amount of steam escapes from the cubicle into the surrounding area. A folding, removable or permanent seat may be provided in the cubicle and it is preferable to provide a vapour proof covering (a plastics panel or waterproof paint) to the ceiling of the cubicle. Condensing water vapour will of course leave the unit by way of the drainage outlet 7 in the normal way.

Referring now to Figures 3 a and b, the faceplate 11 which may be of a moulded plastics material or of metal, co-ordinated to match with electrical fittings may be mounted to a standard electrical outlet backing box (not shown) through which the pipe 10 protrudes by a short distance presenting a screw threaded end for connection of the pipe 13 (not shown). The pipe may be retained either in the backing box or at the face plate by means of a corresponding hexagon nut, or if fitted directly through a backing box (which serves to retain the diffuser in place by use of the hexagon nut concealed behind the faceplate 11) by a decorative finish hexagonal or circular threaded piece.

As has been previously mentioned, rather than the pipe 10 protruding through the face plate, a male or female connector may be provided to which a corresponding female or male connector may be coupled. If a deep backing box is used then a pressure control valve may also be incorporated behind the face plate.

Turning then to figure 4, the connector and diffuser assembly (without showing the wall through which the pipe 10 passes) is shown. Primarily the diffuser 8 has the pipe 10 permanently attached thereto. The pipe 10 passes through the seal 12 and the wall (not shown) and through the face plate 11, whence it is secured by the nut 16. The pipe is manufactured with a screw thread 17 (which typically may be a 1/4 inch British Standard Pipe (1/4BSP)) which is suitable for securing by the hexagon nut 16 and also for providing a thread to which a pipe coupling may be connected.

The pipe 10, as supplied to the consumer, has an extended threaded section so that the protruding end may be cut to fit differing thicknesses of wall. As has been mentioned hereinabove, the pipe 10 may be terminated behind the faceplate 11 and fitted with a push fit coupler for ease of connection to a corresponding coupler of the pipe 13 (of figure 2).

Thus turning also to figure 4a, a coupler 18 having a corresponding female pipe coupling thread 19 (for example 1/4BSP) is fitted to the pipelO by attachment to the thread 17, to enable the presentation of a male push fit coupler 20.

A female push fit coupler 21 corresponding with the coupler 20 is suitably provided with a male pipe coupling thread 22 for connection to the female pipe coupler 23 by the pipe coupling thread 24 connected to the pipe 13 leading to the steam generator 9.

The arrangement of figure 4a then improves the portability of the steam generator 9 if it is to be used in a hallway, landing or adjacent bedroom rather than being permanently located in for example an airing cupboard.

The simpler arrangement for a permanently located steam generator, which could also be used on a portable unit, is shown in figure 4b to which reference is now made. Thus here, the female coupler 23 may be fitted directly to the male coupler 17 by means of the screw threaded section 14 leading to the pipe 13 and steam generator 9.

Now referring to figure 5, a complete installation includes a safety ceiling switch connected to the live side of an electrical power supply, preferably by way of a residual current device (RCD) (not shown). This controls power being provided to the steam generator 9, preferably by way of a socket or isolating switch 26 which may also be controlled by the thermostat 15, shown exterior to the shower cubicle and coupled to a thermostatic sensor head I 5a. Note that an electronic or preset timer (not shown) may also be included in the circuit to turn off the power to the steam generator 9 after a preset or pre-determined period of time.

A fold down seat 27 is provided, which may be folded up to enable the user to shower normally or folded down to permit the user to enjoy a period of steam or aroma therapy.

In figure 6 a, b and c there are shown plan views of typical domestic shower installations indicating on each walls 1 through which simple installation of the conversion apparatus could be fitted.

Thus we have provided for the conversion of a normal shower cubicle into a steam room, sauna or aromatherapy room at a limited cost and have enhanced user experience. A further effect of using he shower cubicle as a steam room is a reduction in the cleaning required to maintain the appearance of the cubicle since the steam tends to allow soap scum and other typical build up of unwanted accumulations to melt away and be carried through the drainage system.

It is also noted that the relaxation effect for the user is enhanced by the addition of oils to the steam generator prior to use and the user does not have to leave the cubicle to take an additional shower on completion of use of the steam room.

Now turning to figure 7, there is shown a housing for the steam generator 9 having an entry through which a power supply cable for the steam generator 9 may pass and a hinged top having an aperture 31 for filler cap and the steam outlet of the steam generator 9. A carrying handle 32 is provided to facilitate portability and aeration apertures 33 are arranged to provide ventilation to the unit.

To enable the user to store items such as essential aromatherapy oils in small containers, the housing also includes a drawer 34 which may slide out to provide access to the contents.

All of the components of the system and adaptor kit are readily available or simply manufactured.

Thus the steam generator has already been identified as available from Earlex (Trademark), threaded pipe work and plumbing adaptors for coupling pipes together are known as are male and female pipe coupling connectors.

The diffuser is simply adapted from a shower wall supply elbow which is preferably mounted close to the base of the shower cubicle with its diffuser outlet pointing down or away from the user so that a hot vapour stream is not directed directly at the user.

For the avoidance of doubt it is here noted that while the invention is described as including a diffuser mounted directly on a shower cubicle wall and being coupled by a pipe passing through a wall to a steam generator (or coupler for a pipe to a steam generator) the invention should not be taken as requiring such an arrangement. Thus the diffuser could be mounted on or incorporated into a shower tray or side panel of a shower cubicle.

It is also noted that while as described herein the invention is described as for conversion of or incorporation into a shower cubicle, it could also be applied to a shower screen of the kind which may be folded across, or is slideable along the length of a bath tub to produce a an enclosed area to which steam or vapour may be introduced.

It will be further realised that the unit may be adapted to convert a shower cubicle to a dry sauna by replacing the steam generator 9 by a hot air generator.

Claims

Claims 1. An adaptor kit for converting a shower cubicle into a steam room, sauna or aromatherapy treatment spa, the adaptor kit comprising a steam generator, a S diffuser and a pipe connecting the steam generator to the diffuser, the pipe being arranged to pass through a wall section to allow steam from the steam generator to enter the shower cubicle.
2. An adaptor kit as claimed in claim 1 in which the steam generator is thermostatically controlled, such control being either incorporated in the steam generator or by a temperature sensor for inclusion inside the shower cubicle.
3. An adaptor kit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the diffuser and steam generator are permanently connected by the pipe.
4. An adaptor kit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the pipe is permanently coupled to the diffuser at one end and to a connector at the opposed end, the steam generator having a corresponding opposite connector for connection to the pipe to allow the steam generator to be disconnected and stored away.
5. An adaptor kit as claimed in claimi, claim 2 or claim 3 in which the steam generator is for coupling to a mains water supply.
6. An adaptor kit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the steam generator includes a sealable aperture through which water is introduced prior to use.
7. An adaptor kit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the steam generator includes a second reservoir through which chemical or aromatherapy treatment oils may be introduced.
8. An adaptor kit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 in which the steam generator includes a valve through which chemical or aromatherapy treatment oils may be introduced in controlled amounts to the treating vapour. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provide a shower cubicle including a diffuser and a connector pipe coupled to a steam generator whereby vapour may be introduced to the cubicle.
9. An adaptor kit as claimed in any preceding claim including a pressure control valve to control the rate at which vapour is dispensed through the diffuser.
10. A shower cubicle including a diffuser and a connector pipe coupled to a steam generator whereby vapour may be introduced to the cubicle.
11. A shower cubicle as claimed in claim 10 in which the steam generator is thermostatically controlled, such control being either incorporated in the steam generator or by a temperature sensor for inclusion inside the shower cubicle.
12. A shower cubicle as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 in which the diffuser and steam generator are permanently connected by the pipe.
13. A shower cubicle as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 in which the pipe is permanently coupled to the diffuser at one end and to a connector at the opposed end, the steam generator having a corresponding opposite connector for connection to the pipe to allow the steam generator to be disconnected and stored away.
14. A shower cubicle as claimed in claim 10, claim 11 or claim 12 in which the steam generator is coupled to a mains water supply.
15. An adaptor kit as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 in which the steam generator includes a sealable aperture through which water is introduced prior to use.
16. A shower cubicle as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15 in which the steam generator includes a second reservoir through which chemical or aromatherapy treatment oils may be introduced.
17. A shower cubicle as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16 in which the steam generator includes a valve through which chemical or aromatherapy treatment oils may be introduced in controlled amounts to the treating vapour. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provide a shower cubicle including a diffuser and a connector pipe coupled to a steam generator whereby vapour may be introduced to the cubicle.
18. A shower cubicle as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17 including a pressure control valve to control the rate at which vapour is dispensed through the diffuser.

S
19. An adaptor kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
20. A shower cubicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings