GB2507335A

GB2507335A - A showering device for an infant

Info

Publication number: GB2507335A
Application number: GB201219358A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stuart Keane
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-26
Filing date: 2012-10-26
Publication date: 2014-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-26
Also published as: GB2507335B; GB201219358D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a showering device for an infant and comprises at least one top bar 1 and at least one base member 2 arranged to define an enclosure. The at least one top bar and the at least one base member are arranged to define an enclosure height that is superior to the infant's shoulder height. The at least one top bar is arranged to support a water transfer means into the enclosure, preferably by means of a shower hose 100. The top bar may include a shower hose attachment 5 and a plurality of outlets 8 for the water, and be connected to the base member by telescopic legs 4.

Description

A SHOWERING DEVICE FOR AN INFANT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a showering device for an infant, more particularly but not exclusively an infant showering device that redirects water from a hose.

Background

Washing a child is an essential part of regular hygiene in order to maintain good health. Traditionally babies are bathed, often in a specific baby bath as they are unable to stand and the baby bath provides smaller controlled environment. When the child outgrows the baby bath a standard bath may be used.

However not all homes have a bath and even if they do this can take time so may not be the preferred option. Most households do have a shower, however this may not always be suitable for young children, in particular as they are not keen to have water in their eyes.

Adjustable showerheacis and holders are available although they may need to be held by a responsible person such as a parent in order to achieve the desired height.

Also some children do not like bathing so steps are taken to encourage them to wash for example by use of toys. This often requires the carer to provide specific toys that may be suitable for water use.

The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with showering an infant without having water sprayed in their eyes by providing a stands that directs water from a showerhead to the infant's body and assists in standing.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: European patent application EP 2 015 664 (SLUIJTER) discloses a baby bath, especially for use in a shower space, comprising a collapsible frame having an upper circumferential edge and at least three legs, and a flexible watertight liner attachable to the upper circumferential edge of the frame and capable of containing a volume of water in an operational position of the bath, said legs being movable between a collapsed position in which they extend maximally at a small angle to the circumferential edge and the operational position in which they extend at a larger angle with respect to the circumferential edge, the legs being provided with a locking mechanism to lock the legs in their operational position.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 406 271 (SUNJDBERG et al) discloses a child bath seat placed within and attached to a bathtub, the bath seat comprising: a seat body including both a seat and a retaining structure extending above the seat for laterally retaining a child seated in the seat body: and a bracing structure holding the seat body in an upright position, the bracing structure having a first end attached to the seat body, and a second end defining a recess receiving an upper edge of a side of the bathtub.

In contrast the present invention provides a means of safely and easily showering an infant, ideally causing minimal disturbance to the infant.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a showering device for an infant comprising: at least one top bar and at least one base member are arranged to define an enclosure: wherein the at least one top bar and the at least one base member are arranged to define an enclosure height that is superior to the infant's shoulder height; and wherein the at least one top bar is arranged to support means of water transfer into the enclosure.

The at least one top bar and the at least one base member may be arranged to extend substantially paráll& to each other.

Typically this provides an infant shower device with a hollow ring comprising the top bar, having a cavity for liquid and at least two apertures for transfer of said liquid, a base member(s) forming a base and at least one leg connecting the base and ring together, so that the ring is elevated over the base.

In some embodiments there may be provided adjustable means or portions so as to amend the top bar in response to the infants height.

Preferably the infant showering device is formed from water resistant polymers such as thermoplastic elastomer's (TPE) so as to be durable in wet conditions whilst being lightweight and strong.

In this way the infant showering device is able to be used as an addition to a bathroom including a shower tray or bath, wherein a liquid transfer means such as a shower head may be supported by or secured onto the infant showering device, and in some embodiments the top bar may allow liquid to be transferred through the top bar, such as into one aperture and out of another aperture or along a channel.

Typically in such embodiments the top bar includes a plurality of apertures, being a first aperture for at least one inlet for liquid and at least a second aperture for outlet of liquid. Ideally more than outlet is provided about the top bar.

In some further embodiments the outlets may be dispersed about the enclosure, for example wherein tubes or hollow channels may be dispersed in the leg, legs and/or base member, to allow multi-directional shower spray.

The inlet may accept a water supply, typically in the form of a shower hose, so as to allow flow of water into the cavity and out of the outlet(s). For example the inlet may include a 1/2" BSP screw-threaded nub or collar. Alternatively the inlet or shower head may accept the shower hose by means of a quick release mechanism. In some further embodiments in addition or the alternative the top bar may provide a bracket arranged to accept a shower hose or shower head.

Ideally however the top bar includes a plurality of outlets that are spaced around the top bar so as to provide a flow of water around and from the top bar so as allow the infant to be easily and effectively washed. Ideally the outlets allow restricted and diffused flow of water so as to provide non-threatening water flow for the infant.

The outlets may be of various sizes so as to alter flow of water, for example from a stream to a spray.

Advantageously some apertures may be adjustable, wherein for example size and/or number of outlets may be varied, for example by a twist mechanism, allowing a carer to adjust flow, direction and spread.

In preferred embodiments the outlets are positioned on the top bar underside so as to ensure downwards flow. Preferably the outlets are additionally directed to the centre of the top bar so as to channel water over the infant's body.

In preferred embodiments the top bar is arranged on a pair of adjustable or telescopic legs so as to allow adjustment of the height of the top bar in respect to the base member(s) or base.

The legs may be displaceable from the top bar so as to alter height, said legs further including a locking mechanism, with spring bias and/or predetermined locking points.

Preferably the legs may be fully displaced from the top bar and/or base or base member(s) so as to facilitate storage and transport.

In some embodiments the legs may be integrated with the top bar and the connectors may be integrated with the base or base member(s) so as to reduce number of parts required to form the infant showering device.

Preferably the height of the top bar is adjustable so as to be between the waist and neck of the infant therefore preventing water going into the infant's eyes.

In preferred embodiments the top bar forms a toroid so as to provide rounded edges for the infant and any carer therefore providing no sharp edges that may be knocked resulting in injury. Typically the base member(s) is circular or oval and in some embodiments includes or connects to a base formed by a circular disc on which the infant stands on in use. Preferably the disc includes anti-slip surfaces on both faces to prevent the infant slipping and the infant showering device from moving in a shower tray or bath.

Typically the anti-slip surfaces may comprise resiliently deformable materials such as rubber or silicone. It is envisaged that the anti-slip surface may include raised and lowered parts or be textured so as to enhance grip. Advantageously, the base's underside may also include at least one suction pad so as to connect with the shower or bath to prevent movement in use and minimise movement. Ideally at least three suction pads are required. In some embodiments there may be provided a surface composed substantially of suction cups or suckers.

In some embodiments the base may comprise a casing with upper and lower portions, wherein the lower includes a disc for the infant to stand on and suction pads to secure the base to the shower tray and the upper includes the legs. Typically the upper portion attaches to the lower portion to form the base and the upper portion accepts removable anti-slip pads which may be inserted in use into the upper portion to prevent slipping and be readily removed and cleaned when not in use.

Advantageously the base is arranged with lacunae, apertures or be discontinuous so as to admit or allow passage of water. In some embodiments the disc or base the infant stands on may provide raised and lowered parts so as to channel water away from the infant or more particularly, infant's feet.

In some embodiments the top bar may be discontinuous, segmented and hinged or otherwise openable so as to enable the infant to be put within the enclosure, reducing chances of injury and avoiding need for the carer to lift the infant.

The inlet may include a male screw thread standard to shower heads, wherein the infant showering device may be screwed onto the shower hose in replacement of a standard shower head. Alternatively the inlet or shower head may be adapted to receive the hose by quick release mechanism for example a push fitting.

Preferably the top bar inlet may include a seal so as to ensure water passes through and into the top bar when closed minimising leakage.

In preferred embodiments the top bar may include or support toys to entertain the child whilst showering therefore encouraging washing. The top bar may include a holder around part or all of the top bar circumference or periphery that may accept toys wherein toy may be accepted, secured or fastened onto the holder.

Said toys may be coloured cuffs that roll around the holder to help improve infant dexterity and serve to keep the infant entertained in the enclosure. Typically the toys may be formed from resiliently deformable materials such as foam.

In addition or the alternative the top bar may include a tray for holding bathing equipment such as shower gel or sponges.

In yet further embodiments the top bar may include a detachable so as to be able to wash the child's hair without having to disconnect the shower hose that supplies the water to the top bar.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the infant showering device; Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a second side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a third side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and Figure 6 shows a fourth side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the infant showering device includes a top bar 1, joined to a base member 2, which base member 2 is permanently attached to a disc 3 for the infant to stand on. Said disc 3 may be domed, sprung, deformable or perforated so as to assist in dispersing shower water.

The base member 2 and top bar 1 are joined by telescopic legs 4 which allow height of the top bar 1 to be adjusted according to user preference and infant height.

Means of water transfer is provided by a connector 5 which allows a shower hose 100 to be attached dirctly to the top bar 1. Top bar 1 provides a plurality of outlets 8.

In use, shower hose 100 is connected to the top bar 1. Water flows through the top bar 1 and out of outlets 8 flowing downwardly towards the body of the infant and away from the eyes.

The embodiment also features trays 7 for toys or products, and a sliding toy 8 for occupation of the infant whilst being showered.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A showering device for an infant comprising: at least one top bar and at least one base member arranged together to define an enclosure; wherein the at least one top bar and the at least one base member are arranged to describe an enclosure height that is superior to the infant's shoulder height; and wherein the at least one top bar is arranged to support means of water transfer into the enclosure.
2. A showering device as claimed in claim 1, in which the at least one base member and the at least one top bar are arranged to extend substantially parallel to each other.
3. A device according to either of claims 1 and 2, wherein the top bar includes a shower hose attachment point.
4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the top bar provides a plurality of outlets for water transfer.
5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the top bar provides a shower head bracket.
6. A device with reference to the figures.