GB2594715A - Portable dispensing and handwashing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile heated fluid dispensing and handwashing apparatus 100 comprising a frame 105 supporting the apparatus and in communication with a wheeled component 110. Provided is a fluid supply 115 a fluid outlet (150, Fig 2), a clean fluid inlet pipe 130, a pump (120, Fig 2), a heating apparatus 140, a basin 160, a dispenser for soap 165 and a waste fluid outlet pipe (175, Fig 2). The apparatus provides a portable handwashing station providing hot water alongside soap. The pump may be a manual pump operated by a foot pedal 121, or be electric and comprise a proximity sensor. The heating apparatus may heat a volume of fluid in a clean fluid tank. The apparatus may further be battery driven or mains powered and the heating apparatus comprising a multi-voltage heater and a thermostat. The heating apparatus may be disengaged by a switch to provide cold water. The apparatus may comprise a waste fluid tank for storing waste fluid, and the fluid supply may comprise a clean fluid tank or a plurality of clean fluid tanks.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII2006552.0 RTM Date:24 September 2020 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Ariston Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

PORTABLE DISPENSING AND HANDWASHING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile heated fluid dispensing and handwashing apparatus for dispensing heated fluid for handwashing.

Background to the Invention

In many instances, close proximity to washing facilities is vital to remove dirt, bacteria and other germs from surfaces, such as human hands. Additionally, upholding levels of cleanliness is often a requirement to meet hygiene standards, laws and regulations. Providing permanent washing facilities may be too cumbersome, expensive or impossible at many sites, for example due to the temporary nature of the site or lack of plumbing, power or space. Often, washing facilities are not mobile, as they require permanent connection to a mains water supply or are challenging to manoeuvre.

Soaps disinfects the surface onto which they are applied, such that the presence of germs on the surface is lowered, often to a safe level. Many soaps and sanitisers require combining with water, in particular hot water, to maximise the amount of disinfecting that can be achieved. It is therefore advantageous to provide hot water alongside soap in washing facilities to improve hygiene.

There are a number of problems with known washing facilities. Some portable washing facilities are cumbersome to manoeuvre, reducing the mobility of such apparatus. Often, the capacity of known portable washing facilities is not adequate for repeated use and regular refilling is required. Additionally, heated water is often not provided, limiting the level of sanitisation that can achieved.

Objects and aspects of the present claimed invention seek to alleviate at least these

problems with the prior art.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile heated fluid dispensing and handwashing apparatus for dispensing heated fluid for handwashing, the apparatus comprising; a frame arranged to support the apparatus, the frame arranged in communication with a wheeled component; a fluid supply; a fluid outlet; a clean fluid inlet pipe arranged to take clean fluid from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet; a pump arranged to urge fluid from the fluid supply to the fluid outlet; a heating apparatus arranged to heat fluid in the clean fluid inlet pipe; a basin arranged to contain clean and used waste fluid from the fluid outlet; a dispenser for storing hand washing product and arranged to dispense, in use, by a user proximate the basin; and a waste fluid outlet pipe arranged to convey the waste fluid from the basin to a waste.

Preferably, the heating apparatus is adjacent the fluid supply. Preferably, the heating apparatus is arranged to heat a volume of fluid in the clean fluid tank. Alternatively, the heating apparatus is arranged to heat a volume of fluid within the clean fluid inlet pipe. Alternatively, the heating apparatus comprises a reservoir for storing heated fluid.

Preferably, the capacity of the reservoir is 10 litres or greater. More preferably, the capacity of the reservoir is 15 litres or greater. Still more preferably, the capacity of the reservoir is 20 litres or greater.

Preferably, the fluid supply comprises a clean fluid tank. Preferably, the clean fluid tank comprises a plurality of tanks. Preferably, the clean fluid tank has a capacity of 10 litres or greater. More preferably, the clean fluid tank has a capacity of 15 litres or greater. Still more preferably, the clean fluid tank has a capacity of 25 litres or greater.

Preferably, the fluid outlet supplies a steady flow of fluid. Preferably, the fluid is water.

Preferably, the waste fluid outlet pipe is arranged to remove waste fluid from the apparatus to the external environment of the apparatus. Alternatively, the waste fluid outlet pipe comprises a waste fluid tank for storing waste fluid. Preferably, the waste fluid tank has a capacity of 10 litres or greater. More preferably, the waste fluid tank has a capacity of 15 litres or greater. Still more preferably, the waste fluid tank has a capacity of 25 litres or greater. Preferably, the capacity of the waste fluid tank is equal to or greater than the capacity of the clean fluid tank.

Preferably, the heating apparatus heats the fluid to a temperature of 25 to 45 degrees Celsius. More preferably, the heating apparatus heats the fluid to a temperature of 35 to 45 degrees Celsius. Most preferably, the heating apparatus heats the fluid to a temperature of around 42 degrees Celsius.

Preferably, the heating apparatus comprises a thermostat. Preferably, the heating apparatus comprises a switch for disengaging the heating apparatus. Preferably, the heating apparatus comprises a battery. Alternatively, the heating apparatus is arranged to connect to an external power supply. Preferably, the heating apparatus comprises a multi-voltage heater. More preferably, the heating apparatus is compatible with both a 240V or 110V input.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a drying apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a waste disposal receptacle for depositing non-fluid waste.

Preferably, the pump is a foot-operated pump. Preferably, the pump is an electric pump. Alternatively, the pump is a manual pump. Preferably, the pump comprises a switch. Alternatively, the pump comprises a sensor for sensing the presence of a user. Preferably, the sensor is an infrared sensor.

Preferably, the wheeled component comprises at least one wheel. Preferably, the wheeled component comprises at least one castor. Alternatively, the wheeled component comprises caterpillar tracks. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a handle portion for manoeuvring the apparatus.

Preferably, the weight of the apparatus is counterbalanced about the wheeled component to improve stability. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus comprises a brake system.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a storage portion. In this way, storage for objects, such as soap refills for the dispenser or paper towels for the drying apparatus, is provided by the apparatus.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a deconstructed view of a mobile heated fluid dispensing and handwashing apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present claimed invention; Figure 2 depicts a second deconstructed view of the mobile heated fluid dispensing and handwashing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mobile heated fluid dispensing and handwashing apparatus of Figure 1, with an electric pump; and Figure 4 depicts a deconstructed view of the internal structure of a third alternative embodiment of the mobile heated fluid dispensing and handwashing apparatus of Figure 1.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, deconstructed views of a mobile heated fluid dispensing and handwashing apparatus 100 for dispensing heated fluid for handwashing are shown. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 100 is a soap and heated water dispensing apparatus. The apparatus 100 is shown in a 'parked position.

The apparatus 100 comprises a frame 105. The frame 105 is a rigid, supporting structure. The frame 105 comprises a front side 106, a rear side 107 and a base 108. In the parked position, the base 108 of the frame 105 is in contact with the ground.

The apparatus 100 further comprises a wheeled component comprising a pair of wheels 110, the wheels 110 having a mutual axis of rotation W. Each wheel 110 is located towards the rear side 107 of the frame 105 such that in the parked position the wheels 110 are in contact with the ground. The wheels 110 are suitably large and appropriate for navigating moderately uneven surfaces and terrain. As such, the apparatus 100 is suitable for use over a range of terrains, and is not limited to use on smooth surfaces.

The apparatus 100 is counterbalanced about the wheels 110 such that stability and safety of the apparatus 100 is maintained without the need for a brake system.

The frame 105 further comprises a handle member (not shown) located on the rear side 107 of the frame 105, which allows a user to grip onto the apparatus 100.

To manoeuvre the apparatus 100, the user stands at the rear side 107 of the frame 105 and holds the handle member. The user tilts the apparatus 100 about the axis of rotation W of the wheels 110, such that the handle member is pulled towards the ground and the base 108 of the frame 105 is lifted off the ground. To manoeuvre the apparatus 100, the user then applies a force to the apparatus 100 such that wheels 110 rotate and the apparatus 100 is in motion. The user can push, pull and steer the apparatus 100 until it is in a desired location and facing a desired direction before ceasing the motion of the wheels 110 and bringing the apparatus 100 to a stationary position. To return the apparatus 100 to the parked position, the user lifts the handle member away from the ground such that the apparatus 100 rotates about the axis of rotation W of the wheels 110, and the base 108 of the frame 105 returns to be in contact with the ground.

The frame 105 further comprises a fluid supply comprising a clean fluid tank 115 for storing clean water. The clean fluid tank 115 has a capacity of 25 litres. The clean fluid tank 115 is removably retained on the base of the frame 105. In this way, the centre of mass of the apparatus 100 is lowered and the apparatus 100 has improved stability. The top of the clean fluid tank 115 has an aperture onto which a clean fluid inlet pipe 130 is removably retained.

The clean fluid inlet pipe 130 comprises a first elongate member 131 and a reinforced elongate member 132.

The first elongate member 131 is a watertight cylindrical tube, which is extendable for ease of attachment onto the clean fluid tank 115. The first elongate member 131 has a first end and a second end, and is connected at the first end to the clean fluid tank 115. The first elongate member 131 passes via a pump 120, wherein the second end of the first elongate member 131 is connected to a heating apparatus 140.

The pump 120 is a manual pump operated by a foot pedal 121. The foot pedal 121 is located on the front side 106 of the frame 105, proximate the base 108 of the frame 105, such that the foot pedal 121 can be easily operated by the user with their foot. The pump 120 is arranged to pump fluid through the clean fluid inlet pipe 130.

The pump 120 comprises an impeller system. When the user manually operates the foot pedal 121, the pump 120 is activated and forces water from the clean fluid tank 115 up through the first elongate member 131. This water is then pumped by the pump 120 through the first elongate member 131 to the heating apparatus 140. The pump 120 ensures that a steady water pressure, and consequently a steady flow of water, is maintained within the apparatus 100 when the pump 120 is activated.

The heating apparatus 140 comprises a heating element and a power source. In this embodiment, the heating element is an Andris 15 Lux Ariston water heater and the power source is an external power input which connects the heating apparatus 140 to a power source in the external environment of the apparatus 100, such as a mains power supply. The external power input is located at the rear side 107 of the frame 105, such that it does not interfere with the apparatus 100 in use. The heating apparatus 140 is compatible with both a 240V or 110V input. The heating apparatus 140 heats the water to a temperature of around 42 degrees Celsius.

The external power input comprises a single input aperture on the apparatus 100 through which electrical supply to the apparatus 100 can be provided. In this way, a single electrical point for powering all elements of the apparatus 100 is provided.

The heating apparatus 140 further comprises a reservoir such that a volume of heated water is temporarily stored within the heating apparatus 140. A reservoir of heated water allows instantaneous, on-demand heated water to be provided by the apparatus 100 to the user. In this embodiment, the Andris 15 Lux Ariston water heater comprises a reservoir.

The heating apparatus 140 comprises a thermostat for controlling the temperature to which the water is heated. Access to the thermostat is achieved via the opening of a panel (not shown) located on the rear side 107 of the frame 105. The heating apparatus 140 further comprises a switch to disengage the heating apparatus 140 such that the water supplied from the apparatus 100 is non-heated water. In this way, the apparatus 100 may dispense heated or non-heated water to the user.

The heating apparatus 140 further comprises a temperature safety control. The temperature safety control limits the temperature to which the fluid in the apparatus 100 may be heated. In this way, the temperature of the fluid is kept below a scalding temperature. This is beneficial in protecting the user from injury associated with scalding fluids such as burns.

The heating apparatus 140 is further connected to the reinforced elongate member 132. When the foot pump 121 is activated, the pump 120 pumps the heated water from the heating apparatus 140 through the reinforced elongate member 132. The reinforced elongate member 132 comprises a waterproof braided flexible hose, suitable for transporting high-temperature fluids, and has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the heating apparatus 140 and the second end is connected to a tap 150 located in a cleaning area 155 of the frame 105.

The cleaning area 155 is removed from the wheels 110 of the apparatus 100 and comprises the tap 150, a basin 160, a dispenser 165 and a drying apparatus 170. The features of the cleaning area 155 are easily accessible by the user of the apparatus 100. Additionally, located on the rear side 107 of the frame 105 within the cleaning area 155 is a storage portion (not shown) for storage of items by the user.

The tap 150 is a metal tap which extends vertically from the apparatus 100 when the apparatus 100 is in the parked position. The tap 150 comprises a fluid outlet 151 directed over the basin 160. The heated fluid is pumped through the reinforced elongate member 145 and exits the tap 150 at the fluid outlet 151. The water from the apparatus 100 is dispensed from the fluid outlet 151 of the tap 150 at a steady flow rate. The user may then place an object to be cleaned in the flow of the dispensed heated water. It is envisaged that the object to be cleaned may be, in particular, a user's hands or arms and dirty apparatus or objects.

The dispenser 165 and drying apparatus 170 are located on the frame 105, positioned vertically above the tap 150 and the basin 160 when the apparatus 100 is in the parked position. In this embodiment, the dispenser 165 is an automatic soap dispenser with a sensor for detecting the presence of a user. In this way, the dispenser 165 does not require user contact to activate and so a surface where germs can accumulate is not present, improving hygiene. The drying apparatus 170 comprises an automatic hand drier, which blows air towards the underside of the drying apparatus 170 when the presence of a user is detected. No user contact is required to activate the drying apparatus 170 and so a surface where germs can accumulate is not present.

The pump 120, tap 150, dispenser 165 and drying apparatus 170 are all activated without contact of a user's hand, improving the overall cleanliness of the apparatus 100.

The user may choose to first activate the dispenser 165, thus dispensing soap on the object to be cleaned, before activating the foot pump 121 and dispensing heated water on the object to be cleaned. Alternatively, the user may omit activating the dispenser 165, for example due to allergy or the nature of the material to be cleaned. Once the object to be cleaned has been cleaned by the apparatus 100, the user can then use the drying apparatus to dry the object to be cleaned. In this way, the object to be cleaned is both cleaned and dried by the apparatus 100, a requirement to meet many hygiene regulations, laws and standards. Additionally, the apparatus comprises signage to display safety information and instruction on use such as safe ways of working, warning signs and operational information.

The 'waste fluid' or 'waste water' is understood to be the fluid used by the user and consequently discarded to be contained in the basin 160. The waste fluid is the used, dirty fluid, and/or unused fluid exiting the fluid outlet 151 and contained in the basin 160.

The basin 160 is arranged to catch the waste water from the tap 150. The basin 160 comprises a waste fluid aperture 161 and the basin is arranged to direct the waste water towards the waste fluid aperture 161. The waste fluid aperture 161 is connected to a waste fluid outlet pipe 175.

The waste fluid outlet pipe 175 is a waterproof, flexible tube with a first end and a second end, which conveys the waste water away from the basin 160. The first end is connected to the waste fluid aperture 161 of the basin 160 and the second end is connected to a waste fluid tank 180. The waste fluid tank 180 has a capacity of 25 litres. The waste fluid tank 180 is removably retained on the base of the frame 105. In this way, the centre of mass of the apparatus 100 is lowered and the apparatus 100 has improved stability. The top of the waste fluid tank 180 has an opening onto which the waste fluid outlet pipe 175 may be removably retained. The waste fluid tank 180 stores the waste water from the basin 160 such that no drainage pipe to the external environment of the apparatus 100 is required.

The waste fluid outlet pipe 175 is substantially vertical when the apparatus 100 is in the parked position, such that the waste water from the basin 160 drains down the waste fluid outlet pipe 175 into the waste fluid tank 180 under the force of gravity, and no pump is required.

The user can access both the clean fluid tank 115 and the waste fluid tank 180 via a panel (not shown) on the rear side 107 of the frame 105. The clean fluid tank 115 and the waste fluid tank 180 may be removed and replaced for example for maintenance, replacement, contents treatment, refilling and emptying.

The frame 105 further comprises a rigid shell (not shown) to protect the interior of the apparatus 100 and provide a sturdy and robust apparatus. The cleaning area 155 is external the rigid shell for ease of user access. The panels on the rear side 107 of the frame allow access to the interior of the apparatus 100 such that disassembly of the frame 105 is not required and a more robust apparatus is provided.

Turning now to Figure 3, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 100 of the first aspect of the present claimed invention is shown. The features of the apparatus 200 of Figure 3 are substantially identical to the features of the apparatus 100 of Figure 1. In the following description, similar reference numerals will be used to describe similar features of the second embodiment.

The apparatus 200 comprises a handle member 206 extending from a frame 205 towards a rear side 207 of the frame 205.

The apparatus 200 further comprises a sensor 221 controlling an electric pump. In this way, the presence of the user is detected, for example by placing the user's foot proximate the sensor 221, and the pump is activated without the need for manual pumping by the user.

A drying apparatus 270 is provided in the form of a refillable paper towel receptacle, extending from the frame 105, for housing rolls of paper towel. A waste disposal receptacle 290 is also provided on the frame 105 for depositing additional waste. In embodiments of the apparatus 200 wherein the drying apparatus 270 generates waste, such as used paper towels or roll, it is preferred that a waste disposal receptacle 290 is provided. A waste disposal receptacle 290 is also preferable where such a receptacle is a requirement to meet many hygiene regulations, laws and standards. The waste disposal receptacle 290 is arranged such that the disposed waste contained within it may be emptied.

Further, the apparatus 200 comprises a storage portion (not shown), in the form of a storage compartment, located at the rear side 207 of the frame 205, for storing objects such as soap for the dispenser, paper towels for the drying apparatus 270 and waste bags for the waste disposal receptacle 290.

With reference to Figure 4, a deconstructed view of the internal structure of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 300 in accordance with the first aspect of the present claimed invention is shown. In the following description, similar reference numerals will be used to describe similar features of the third embodiment as the first embodiment.

The apparatus 300 comprises a clean fluid inlet pipe 330 having a first elongate portion 331, comprising a first end 333, and a reinforced elongate portion 332, comprising a second end 334. The first end 333 is located at the rear side 307 of the frame 305 and comprises an aperture to allow fluid to enter the clean fluid inlet pipe 330 from the external environment of the apparatus 300. An external fluid supply, such as a mains water supply, can be connected to the first end 333 of the clean fluid inlet pipe 330 to supply fluid to the apparatus 300, for example to a mains water supply via a copper pipe bracket.

The clean fluid inlet pipe 330 is connected to a heating apparatus 340. The heating apparatus 340 comprises a 15 litre reservoir for storing heated fluid within the heating apparatus 340. In this way, a supply of heated water is provided by the apparatus 300 instantaneously. The heating apparatus 340 comprises a float switch to detect the quantity of fluid within the reservoir and prevent unsafe heating if water levels are not adequate.

The heated fluid (indicated by the hashed lines on Figure 4) is pumped along the reinforced elongate portion 332 to the tap 350 at the second end 334 of the clean fluid inlet pipe 330.

The heated fluid is then deposited into the basin 360 via the fluid outlet 351.

The waste fluid contained in the basin 360 exits the basin 360 via an aperture in the bottom of the basin 360 connected to a waste fluid outlet pipe 375. The waste fluid (indicated by the dotted markings on Figure 4) travels through the waste fluid outlet pipe 375, to a waste fluid exit point 376 located where the waste fluid outlet pipe 375 meets the base 308 of the frame 305. The waste fluid exits the apparatus 300 and enters the external environment of the apparatus at the waste fluid exit point 376 via an aperture in the base 308 of the apparatus 300. The waste fluid exit point 376 is arranged to be connected to, for example, a hose leading to a drainage system and is also arranged to allow the waste fluid to flow directly out of the apparatus 300 into the external environment of the apparatus. The latter is advantageous if the apparatus 300 is in the parked position over a drainage system.

The apparatus 300 further comprises a foot pedal 321 connected to an electric pump 320. The foot pedal 321 acts as a switch to activate the pump 320. The pump 320 is activated when an activating force is applied to the foot pedal 321 so that the foot pedal 321 is held in an activated position and fluid moves through the system. The pump 320 is disengaged when the activating force is removed from the foot pedal 321.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention are given by way of example only, and that various modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The clean fluid tank and waste fluid tank may be a solid container or vessel, such as a jerry can, or a flexible container or pouch. The clean fluid tank and waste fluid tank may be permanently attached to the apparatus and be arranged with access to allow the user to fill or drain the tanks. The heating apparatus may employ any suitable means for heating. The wheeled component of the apparatus may comprise a roller, wheel/s, castor/s, caterpillar tracks or any suitable means for moving the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a break system for preventing and reducing motion of the apparatus. The tap may comprise a manual operated valve to prevent disposal of fluid from the tap in case of accidental actuation. The dispenser may be automatically or manually operated. The dispenser may comprise a plurality of dispensers. In embodiments where the apparatus does not comprise a heated fluid reservoir, non-heated fluid is dispensed by the apparatus. The storage portion's may comprise any suitable storage means such as a lockable or open cupboard, shelf portion, hook, compartment, drawer or any combination thereof.

It is further envisaged in some embodiments of the apparatus that the clean fluid inlet pipe is arranged to allow attachment to both a clean fluid tank and connection to an external clean fluid source, such that the clean fluid supply can be provided by either of these means within the same embodiment. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Claims (24)

1. Claims A mobile heated fluid dispensing and handwashing apparatus for dispensing heated fluid for handwashing, said apparatus comprising; a frame arranged to support the apparatus, said frame arranged in communication with a wheeled component; a fluid supply; a fluid outlet; a clean fluid inlet pipe arranged to take clean fluid from said fluid supply to said fluid outlet; a pump arranged to urge fluid from said fluid supply to said fluid outlet; a heating apparatus arranged to heat fluid in said clean fluid inlet pipe; a basin arranged to contain clean and used waste fluid from said fluid outlet; a dispenser for storing hand washing product and arranged to dispense, in use, by a user proximate said basin; and a waste fluid outlet pipe arranged to convey the waste fluid from said basin to a waste.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said heating apparatus is adjacent said fluid supply.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said heating apparatus comprises a reservoir for storing heated fluid.
4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said fluid supply comprises a clean fluid tank.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said clean fluid tank has a capacity of 25 litres or greater.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said clean fluid tank comprises a plurality of tanks.
7. The apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said heating apparatus is arranged to heat a volume of fluid in said clean fluid tank.
8. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said fluid outlet supplies a steady flow of fluid.
9. 9. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said waste fluid outlet pipe is arranged to remove waste fluid from the apparatus to the external environment of the apparatus.
10. 10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said waste fluid outlet pipe comprises a waste fluid tank for storing waste fluid.
11. 11. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said heating apparatus comprises a thermostat.
12. 12. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said heating apparatus comprises a switch for disengaging said heating apparatus.
13. 13. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said heating apparatus comprises a battery.
14. 14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said heating apparatus is arranged to connect to an external power supply.
15. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said heating apparatus comprises a multi-voltage heater.
16. 16. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said apparatus further comprises a drying apparatus.
17. 17. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said apparatus further comprises a waste disposal receptacle for depositing non-fluid waste.
18. 18. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said pump is an electric pump.
19. 19. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said pump is a manual pump.
20. 20. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein said pump comprises a sensor for sensing the presence of a user.
21. 21. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said pump is a foot-operated pump.
22. 22. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said wheeled component comprises at least one wheel.
23. 23. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said wheeled component comprises at least one castor.
24. 24. The apparatus of any one preceding claim, wherein said apparatus comprises a handle portion for manoeuvring said apparatus.