GB2534358A

GB2534358A - Periodic control of shower apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2534358A
Application number: GB1500614.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Doyle Thomas; Douglas Felmeri Ian; Mark Finch Robert; Edward Self James; Wang Yanchun
Original assignee: DLP Ltd
Current assignee: DLP Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-15
Filing date: 2015-01-15
Publication date: 2016-07-27
Also published as: GB201500614D0

Abstract

A shower apparatus 10 and method for providing a shower experience (S200), the shower apparatus comprising: a housing 12 including at least a water inlet 14, a water outlet 16 for supplying water to a shower head 28, and a flow control means 20 for controlling the flow of water from the water inlet to the water outlet; a temperature adjustment means 22 for controlling the temperature of water emitted from the water outlet; and a controller 24 in communication with the temperature adjustment means. The controller automatically periodically adjusts at least one characteristic of the water output according to a predetermined profile without the specific user input, including the control of the temperature adjustment means according to a predetermined water temperature profile, the water temperature profile comprising a plurality of sequential periods of predetermined water temperature.

Description

Periodic Control of Shower Apparatus The present invention relates to a shower apparatus for providing a shower experience to a user, and in particular to a shower apparatus utilising an automatically and periodically varying water temperature profile. The invention further relates to a shower system and to a method of providing a shower experience.

Heating or cooling the body is well known as a soothing activity, particularly for muscular relief. For example, warm showers are enjoyed by many after coming in from the cold or after exercise, whilst ice baths are used by many professional athletes or sportsmen to prevent injury or improve recovery.

The concept of temperature cycling assumes that periods of heating and cooling of an individual, delivered sequentially, are particularly beneficial to said individual. The benefits include improved circulation due to sequential vasoconstriction and vasodilation, which secondarily can lower blood pressure and increase blood-flow to extremities, thus speeding up the natural healing process of the body.

The provision of sequential hot and cold baths is known as contrast bath therapy. This involves having two baths; the user immerses themselves in a firs( bath containing warm or hot water, and then in a second bath containing cool or cold water. This sequential immersion can be repeated at the user's leisure.

Ice haths, whereby a user is solely subject to cooling, are known to cause vasoconstriction which is thought by many to result in the removal of blood from the extremities. Once the user is removed from the bath, and subsequently warms up, the blood is thought to flow quickly back into the affected areas, pushing out toxins such as lactic acid and providing nutrients which can help to heal damaged areas such as torn muscle fibres. In some cases, this has been likened to massage. Benefits may include the prevention of injury, expedited recovery or muscular repair, reduced soreness, and a general feeling of wellbeing.

By providing repeated heating and cooling, it is thought that these positive effects can be improved further. Particularly, the cyclic temperature variation is thought to result in expansion and contraction of lymph vessels, thus generating a peristaltic action in an otherwise stagnant system. The pumping of the lymphatic system has been said to circulate lymphatic fluid, which can positively affect bodily inflammation.

However, contrast bath therapy requires multiple baths, and, without effective water circulation, the water within the baths will acclimatise towards the ambient room temperature, reducing the efficacy of the therapy. Furthermore, because the user must transfer themselves between baths, the user may not adequately maintain the correctly timed periods for the therapy to be effective, either losing track of time, or moving between baths too slowly.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for removing or substantially obviating the above problems, by providing periodic control of a shower apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a shower apparatus for providing a shower experience, the shower apparatus comprising: a housing including at least a water inlet, a water outlet for supplying water to a shower head, and a flow control means for controlling the flow of water from the water inlet to the water outlet; a temperature adjustment means for controlling the temperature of water emitted from the water outlet; and a controller in communication with the temperature adjustment means, the controller automatically periodically adjusting the temperature adjustment means according to a predetermined water temperature profile, the water temperature profile comprising a plurality of sequential periods of predetermined different water temperatures.

Since it is known that thermal cycling of water which is applied to an individual can have beneficial and even therapeutic effects, the aim is therefore to provide the application of the thermal variation in as simple a manner as possible, requiring minimal user input. The apparatus of the present invention therefore allows for the control of the thermal cycling to be performed by the apparatus itself, according to a predetermined profile. This beneficially allows the user to relax during the shower experience, and not he required to concentrate on anything else, such as manual control of the apparatus.

The temperature and/or duration of the water of at least one sequential period of predetermined water temperature may be user-programmable.

By permitting the user to program the water temperature, the water temperature profile can be customised prior to the shower experience, for instance, to provide a particular therapeutic or relaxing benefit.

Preferably, the plurality of sequential periods of predetermined water temperature may be cyclic. The predetermined water temperature profile may then comprise first and second periods having first and second different water temperatures, the water temperature profile cycling between the first and second periods of different water temperature.

One beneficial profile might be the repeated application of a period of cold water, followed by a period of hot water. Such a sequence can be readily accomplished using the present invention.

Optionally, the controller may be further in communication with the flow control means, the controller periodically adjusting the flow control means according to a predetermined water flow profile, the water flow profile comprising a plurality of sequential periods of predetermined water flow. The flow and/or duration of at least one of the plurality of sequential periods of predetermined water flow may be user-programmable.

Control of the flow output from the shower apparatus could also provide relaxing or therapeutic benefits. For example, alternation between a gentle water stream and a high-pressure water stream might advantageously provide a massaging effect to the user.

The shower apparatus may further comprise a memory storage device in communication with the controller for storing at least a default water temperature profile, and the memory storage device may further store historical user preference data in respect of the water temperature profile.

If a user is likely to use the shower apparatus multiple times, then it stands to reason that it would be beneficial to supply a means of remembering at least one preferred profile, to thereby reduce the time spent by the user re-programming the apparatus for each shower experience.

Preferably, the controller may be remotely controllable by a user, and the apparatus may further comprise a wireless receiver in communication with the controller, the wireless receiver being arranged to receive commands from a remote device. Said remote device may, for instance, be a personal computing device.

Remote control of the shower apparatus can have multiple advantages. Firstly, it allows a user to pre-program the water profile prior to the shower experience, meaning that they do not need to manipulate wet objects whilst taking the shower. However, the remote control also beneficially allows for third-party control of the shower apparatus. This is particularly useful for less-able-bodied individuals, who may require care or support when either sanitising themselves or undergoing therapy. Not only can a carer aid the user in selecting the relevant profile, but the privacy of the user can also be protected, if possible, as the carer can activate the profile without also entering the shower area whilst the user is in a state of undress.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a shower system comprising: a shower apparatus, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and a remote control unit in communication with the controller of the shower apparatus, the remote control unit being capable of activating at least the predetermined water temperature profile. The remote control unit may be capable of adjusting the predetermined water temperature profile and additionally or alternatively may be capable of activating and/or adjusting a predetermined water flow profile.

A shower system with remote control capability advantageously allows the shower functionality to be controlled external to the main shower apparatus, thereby allowing a user to set a profile prior to beginning the shower experience, rather than being forced to manipulate slippery controls in the shower. Additionally, such a system enables simple third-party control of the water profile, therefore permitting a carer or therapist to control the shower experience according to their expertise.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a shower experience to a user, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a water output to a shower head to he used by the user; and h] automatically periodically altering at least one characteristic of the water output according to a predetermined profile, without specific user input during the shower experience.

A characteristic of the water output may be the water temperature and/or may be the water flow rate.

The method may further comprise a step c] subsequent to step b] of stopping the predetermined profile automatically after a set period.

Optionally, the predetermined profile may comprise cycling between at least two values of the at least one characteristic of the water output.

Periodic alteration of the characteristics of water output from a shower apparatus, typically either water flow or temperature, provides for a multi-faceted shower experience for the user, providing additional relaxing or therapeutic benefits to the user beyond the mere sanitation usually provided by a shower apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, the method may utilise a shower apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a shower apparatus. in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional diagrammatic representation of the housing of the shower apparatus of Figure 1, shown with a person holding a remote control unit, forming one embodiment of a shower system in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; Figure 3 shows a graph of one example of a water temperature profile used by the shower apparatus of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a method of providing a shower experience in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown one embodiment of a shower apparatus for providing a shower experience, indicated globally at 10 in Figure 1, and as part of an embodiment of a shower system 100, shown in Figure 2.

The shower apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12 which includes a water inlet 14, a water outlet 16, a water flow path 18 defined between the water inlet and outlet 14, 16, and a flow control means 20 for controlling the flow of the water through the water flow path 18. A temperature adjustment means 22 for adjusting the temperature of the water is also provided, in addition to a controller 24 which is in communication with the temperature adjustment means 22.

The housing 12 in the depicted embodiment is preferably formed from a moulded plastics material, and contains the remaining components of the shower apparatus 10 in a waterproof manner, though any appropriately waterproof or liquid-tight material or casing could be used. An activation panel 26 is illustrated, affixed to the front of the housing 12, which controls the normal operative functionality of the shower apparatus 10, allowing the user to activate the shower and alter the temperature and flow rate of the water exiting the water outlet 16.

The activation panel 26 includes a manual and/or mechanical or electro-mechanical temperature control interface 26a and a manual and/or mechanical or electro-mechanical flow control interface 26h, although these are not strictly necessary in order to effect the subsequently described invention; the shower experience could be provided so as to be completely automated and/or solely remotely controllable.

Although not illustrated in Figure 1, the water exiting through the water outlet 16 will be immediately diverted or directed into a water conduit, such as a flexible shower hose.

which transfers water to a shower head 28. which a user can then stand underneath so as to shower effectively. The invention could, of course, also be applied to rigid and static showers, such as those found in communal shower areas.

The flow control means 20 is typically provided as an actuatable valve, capable of restricting or releasing water flow between the water inlet 14 and water outlet 16. Traditionally, the actuatable valve is a screw-threaded valve which lets water therethrough in proportion to the degree of rotation applied to a user-facing knob of the valve. Many types of flow control means are known, however, which could be freely interchanged with an actuatable valve. In the embodiment shown, the flow control interface 26b is used to alter the flow of the water via the flow control means, but this could readily be automated.

The temperature adjustment means 22 is, in this instance, an electric heating element 30, which heats water entering via the water inlet 14 prior to being emitted from the water outlet 16. This is the standard mechanism by which an electrically-operable shower varies its temperature, but it will be appreciated that other temperature adjustment means are possible. In particular, the present invention is not intended to exclude mixer showers, which adjust the water output temperature by proportionally mixing streams of hot and cold water into a single water output.

The controller 24 is in communication with at least one, or typically both, of the flow control means 20 or temperature adjustment means 22. Where the controller 24 is only in control of one, it will generally be the temperature adjustment means 22, though this is not strictly necessary. In this instance, the controller 24 is an electronic control unit including a processor capable of effecting the predetermined water temperature profile.

The controller 24 may be arranged to receive an input from the temperature control interface 26a and/or flow control interface 26b, from which, the processor may generate the predetermined water temperature and/or flow profile. In this sense, it will be clear that the water temperature and/or flow profile is predetermined before being put into effect. The predetermined water temperature and/or flow profile may he predetermined externally then communicated to the controller 24, for instance, in the case of a default water temperature profile, or may be generated by the processor of the controller 24, for example, based on user input temperature or flow data.

The controller 24 comprises a circuit arranged to periodically adjust the, for example, temperature adjustment means 22 according to a predetermined water temperature profile, such as that illustrated in Figure 3, in which a plurality of sequential periods of predetermined different water temperature is provided. In this sense, sequential refers to periods in a particular predetermined sequence according to the predetermined water temperature profile, and said periods could readily all be of the same duration, could all be of different durations, or have a mixture thereof, in accordance with the predetermined water temperature profile.

Furthei lore, the controller 24 may, as shown, be provided with a memory storage device 32 which is capable of storing at least a default predetermined water temperature profile. The controller 24, when active, is arranged to temperature-independently interrupt the temperature adjustment means 22 so as to allow the predetermined water temperature profile to he followed.

The memory storage device 32 would typically be onboard memory associated with a processor of the controller 24, and is capable of storing data thereon; other memory storage, such as flash or removable USB memory storage devices could of course be considered. In particular, a default water temperature or flow profile could be stored in the memory storage device 32, ensuring that the user does not need to specifically program the controller 28 every time that they have a shower experience. Alternatively, the memory storage device 32 could store user commands so as to provide for a user-programmable water temperature or flow profile; the user could alter the water temperature, water flow, duration of the sequential periods, or any combination thereof.

Furthermore, a historical water temperature or flow profile could be recorded by the memory storage device 32, which could, for instance, replace a default water temperature or flow profile.

In use, a user will activate the shower apparatus 10 via the activation panel 26, and may choose to engage the predetermined water temperature profile. Upon engagement of the controller 24, illustrated by line A-A in Figure 3, the predetermined water temperature profile will begin. hi the depicted profile, the water temperature is raised from a default temperature D to a predetermined warm temperature W for, for example, two minutes. Once this initial period of warm water emission is complete, the controller 24 will, preferably automatically, trigger the temperature adjustment means 22 to reduce the temperature of the water output to a predetermined cold temperature C. This cold temperature C will be maintained for one minute, after which, the controller 24 will trigger the temperature adjustment means 22 to raise the water temperature to a predetermined hot temperature H which in this case is greater than warm temperature W, for a further two minutes. The profile then alternates between the said predetermined cold temperature C and the said predetermined hot temperature H until the user either deactivates the predetermined water temperature profile, as illustrated by line B-B in Figure 3, or until the predetermined water temperature profile automatically ends, entering stand-by mode, for instance.

By way of example, a water temperature profile which could be considered an analogue to contrast bath therapy might be to provide for a first period of cold water emission, at, for example, in the range 0 to 2Ut, and more preferably at or around I Or, followed by a second period of hot water emission, for example, in the range 40 to 70C, and more preferably at or around 45 to 50r, for instance. The shower apparatus 10 is capable of maintaining such definite temperatures for such set periods. The first and second periods would typically have different durations, the second period of hot water emission lasting for longer than the first period of cold water emission. Periods of similar or identical duration would, of course, he equally possible.

The above-described water temperature profile is primarily designed for muscular relaxation as an equivalent to contrast bath therapy. However, it will be appreciated that this is merely one example of a water temperature profile, and any desired periodic sequence could be envisaged. It may, for example, be preferable to provide an endless cycle of hot and cold, which is only terminated upon user command. The respective temperatures may he pre-set and fixed, or may he user-settahle and/or carer-settable.

Whilst the shower apparatus 10 can he utilised in isolation, with the user controlling the controller 24 via an interface on the housing 14, this can be difficult to achieve for a user having a disability, for example, limited vision, mobility or dexterity. In such situations, it may he preferable that a third party, such as a carer or therapist, is in control of the controller 24.

A shower system 100 which caters for this by providing a remote control unit 34 which is in wireless communication with a wireless receiver 36 associated with the controller 24, and via which commands can be transmitted from the remote control unit 34.

The remote control unit 34 may be a bespoke controller, or may preferably be associated with a personal computing device, such as that shown in Figure 2 as a smartphone. Such a device could include a computer application which enables the carer's smartphone to activate and/or control the water temperature profile.

Such an application would be able to relay commands to the controller 24 via the wireless receiver 36 to at least activate the water temperature profile, and more preferably allow the carer to set a particular water temperature profile, either by altering the water temperature or duration of particular sequential periods within the water temperature profile. Once the carer has set the parameters of the water temperature profile, they may then activate the profile so as to effect a shower experience for the user of the shower.

Whilst the majority of the above-described invention has been cast in terms of a predetermined water temperature profile, it will be appreciated that the controller 24 could be used to control any characteristic of the water output from the shower apparatus 10.

A method of providing a shower experience to a user is illustrated in Figure 4 in terms of water temperature control, but it will be possible to control a number of water characteristics using the controller 24, such as flow rate or the form of the water output, for example, as a single or multiple jets, with or without aeration, and/or with pulsing functionality.

The method, indicated globally as S200, comprises the steps of activating 5210 a water output to the user and periodically altering S220 at least one characteristic of the water output according to a predetermined profile, without specific user input during the shower experience.

In the depicted method, the periodic alteration 5220 of the water characteristic is the cyclical periodic switching, initiated by the controller 24, between hot water output 5222 and cold water output 5224. This cycling may cease after a predetermined period, entering a stand-by mode S230, and/or may continue indefinitely until the user intervenes and deactivates 5240 the shower apparatus 210.

The method could easily be used to cycle between, for example, high and low flow rates of water output from the shower apparatus 10, or indeed any other relevant characteristic of the water output may be controlled.

It will be appreciated that the periodic variation of one or more water output characteristics can be achieved in many ways. Taking, for example, the case for a predetermined water temperature profile as illustrated in Figure 3, there is clearly a step-wise progression between hot and cold water outputs. However, it is readily possible to provide a ramped profile which scales the temperature, or other relevant characteristic, over the course of each sequential period.

It is therefore possible to provide a shower apparatus which is capable of providing a shower experience to a user, by providing a controller which is capable of periodically altering a characteristic, typically but not exclusively temperature, of the water output according to a predetermined profile.

The shower apparatus may be provided as part of a system having a remote control unit, which beneficially allows a carer or therapist to provide a soothing or therapeutic shower experience to the user, allowing remote activation of, for instance, a predetermined water temperature profile, which is akin to contrast bath therapy.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also he provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above arc provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention herein described and defined.

Claims

Claims 1. A shower apparatus for providing a shower experience, the shower apparatus comprising: a housing including at least a water inlet, a water outlet for supplying water to a shower head, and a now control means for controlling the flow of water from the water inlet to the water outlet; a temperature adjustment means for controlling the temperature of water emitted from the water outlet; and a controller in communication with the temperature adjustment means, the controller automatically periodically adjusting the temperature adjustment means according to a predetermined water temperature profile, the water temperature profile comprising a plurality of sequential periods of predetermined different water temperatures.
2. A shower apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature of the water of at least one sequential period of predetermined water temperature is user-programmable.
3. A shower apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the duration of at least one sequential period of predetermined water temperature is user-programmable.
4. A shower apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of sequential periods of predetermined water temperature is cyclic.
5. A shower apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the predetermined water temperature profile comprises first and second periods having first and second different water temperatures, the water temperature profile cycling between the said first and second periods of different water temperatures.
6. A shower apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is further in communication with the flow control means, the controller periodically adjusting the flow control means according to a predetermined water flow profile, the water flow profile comprising a plurality of sequential periods of predetermined water flow.
7. A shower apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the now of the water of at least one sequential period of predetermined water flow is user-programmable.
8. A shower apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the duration of the water of at least one sequential period of predetermined water flow is user-programmable.
9. A shower apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a memory storage device in communication with the controller for storing at least a default water temperature profile.
10. A shower apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the memory storage device can further store historical user preference data in respect of the water temperature profile.
11. A shower apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is remotely controllable by a user.
12. A shower apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a wireless receiver in communication with the controller, the wireless receiver being arranged to receive commands from a remote device.
13. A shower apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the remote device is a personal computing device.
14. A shower apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
15. A shower system comprising: a shower apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; and a remote control unit in communication with the controller of the shower apparatus, the remote control unit being capable of activating at least the predetermined water temperature profile.
16. A shower system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the remote control unit is capable of adjusting the predetermined water temperature profile.
17. A shower system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the remote control unit is further capable of activating a predetermined water flow profile.
18. A shower system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the remote control unit is capable of adjusting the predetermined water flow profile.
19. A shower system substantially as hereinhefore described, with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
20. A method of providing a shower experience to a user, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a water output to a shower head to be used by the user; and b] automatically periodically altering at least one characteristic of the water output according to a predetermined profile, without specific user input during the shower experience.
21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein a characteristic of the water output is the water temperature.
22. A method as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein a characteristic of the water output is the water flow rate.
23. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, further comprising a step c] subsequent to step b] of stopping the predetermined profile automatically after a set period.
24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the predetermined profile comprises cycling between at least two values of the at least one characteristic of the water output.
25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the method utilises a shower apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14.