GB2615787A

GB2615787A - Riser bar assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2615787A
Application number: GB2202214.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pixton David; Connolly Ian; Paul Griffiths Daniel
Original assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Current assignee: Kohler Mira Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-18
Filing date: 2022-02-18
Publication date: 2023-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2042-02-18
Also published as: EP4230812A1; GB2615787B; GB202202214D0

Abstract

A riser bar assembly 1 for use in an ablutionary setting e.g. a shower comprises a riser bar 2 having a riser bar length, a slide bar 3 having a slide bar length, the slide bar length being less than the riser bar length. The slide bar is mounted on the riser bar and movable longitudinally relative to the riser bar. A fixing element 4 holds a fluid delivery device i.e. a shower nozzle attached to the slide bar and extends from the slide bar from a first connection point. A handle 5 is attached to the slide bar and extends from the slide bar from a second connection point spaced from the first connection point along the slide bar length. The handle is located nearer the first slide bar end and the fixing element is located nearer the second slide bar end. The handle comprises a handle portion adapted to be grasped by a user, wherein a second distance from the handle portion to the first connection point comprises a distance component measured parallel to the slide bar length that remains constant during use. In use, the user can grasp the handle portion to change the height of the fluid delivery device held by the fixing element.

Description

RISER BAR ASSEMBLY

The present disclosure relates to a riser bar assembly for use in an ablutionary setting. The disclosure also relates to an ablutionary system comprising a riser bar assembly and an ablutionary setting comprising such an ablutionary system It can be desirable to be able to change the height of a fluid delivery device in an ablutionaiy setting. For instance, people of different heights may like to position a shower head at different heights. Similarly, a given user may like to change the height of a shower head, in order to direct water flow on to different parts of their body.

It is known to mount a fixing element for holding a shower head or part thereof on a riser bar. The fixing element may be movable along the riser bar and securable in position at a desired height, thereby allowing a user to vary the height of the shower head.

A first aspect provides a riser bar assembly for use in an ablutionary setting comprising: a riser bar having a riser bar length from a first riser bar end to a second riser bar end; a slide bar having a slide bar length from a first slide bar end to a second slide bar end, the slide bar length being less than the riser bar length, the slide bar being mounted on the riser bar and movable longitudinally relative to the riser bar; a fixing element for holding a fluid delivery device, the fixing element being attached to the slide bar and extending from the slide bar from a first connection point; a handle attached to the slide bar and extending from the slide bar from a second connection point, the second connection point being spaced from the first connection point by a first distance measured along the slide bar length, wherein the handle is located nearer the first slide bar end and the fixing element is located nearer the second slide bar end, and the handle comprises a handle portion adapted to be grasped by a user, wherein a second distance from the handle portion to the first connection point comprises a distance component measured parallel to the slide bar length that remains constant during use; wherein, in use, the user can grasp the handle portion to push or pull the slide bar in order to change the longitudinal position of the slide bar relative to the riser bar, thereby changing the height of the fluid delivery device held by the fixing element.

The slide bar length, the first distance and/or the distance component may be selected such that, in use, a user seated near the riser bar assembly is able to reach the handle portion whilst remaining seated even when the slide bar is at an upper extreme of its longitudinal movement relative to the riser bar.

The distance component may be at least 20 cm, at least 30 cm or at least 40 cm. The distance component may be up to 50 cm, up to 60 cm, up to 70 cm, up to 80 cm, up to 90 cm, up to 1 m or up to 1.2 m.

The riser bar length may be at least 70 cm, at least 80 cm or at least 90 cm The riser bar length may be up to 110 cm, up to 120 cm or up to 130 cm.

The slide bar length may be at least 20 cm, at least 30 cm or at least 40 cm. The slide bar length may be up to 50 cm, up to 60 cm, up to 70 cm, up to 80 cm, up to 90 cm, up to 1 m or up to 1.2 m.

The riser bar assembly may be configured such that a third distance corresponding to a maximum longitudinal translation of the slide bar with respect to the riser bar is less than, the same as or greater than the difference between the riser bar length and the slide bar length.

The slide bar may comprise a sleeve or a sheath that extends at least partially around the riser bar.

The fixing element may be pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the riser bar.

The handle may be rotationally fixed with respect to the slide bar.

The handle may comprise one or more apertures therethrough. One of the apertures may be configured such that, in use, a hose leading to the fluid delivery device passes through and is retained by the aperture.

The riser bar assembly may comprise at least one motion restriction device operable to prevent the slide bar from moving longitudinally along, e.g. sliding down, the riser bar. The motion restriction device(s) may be configured to impart a retention force, e.g. a friction force, sufficient to maintain the slide bar in position. In order to move the slide bar longitudinally relative to the riser bar and thereby change the height of the fluid delivery device, a user may need to overcome the retention force imparted by the motion restriction device(s).

The fluid delivery device may be a sprayer such as a shower head.

A second aspect provides an ablutionary system comprising: a riser bar assembly according to the first aspect; and a fluid delivery device held by the fixing element.

The fluid delivery device may be releasably held by the fixing element.

The fluid delivery device may be connected to a fluid supply.

The ablutionary system may comprise a means for producing an outlet stream having a desired flow rate and/or temperature. A pipe or a hose may be configured to convey the outlet stream to the fluid delivery device The pipe or the hose may be flexible and/or extendable at least in part.

The pipe or the hose may pass through and be retained by an aperture in the handle.

The means for producing an outlet stream having a desired flow rate and/or temperature may be attached to one or more water supplies.

For instance, the means for producing an outlet stream having a desired flow rate and/or temperature may comprise a mixer valve fluidly connected to a hot water supply and a cold water supply. The mixer valve may be a thermostatic mixer valve.

The means for producing an outlet stream having a desired flow rate and/or temperature may comprise an instantaneous water heater.

The ablutionary system may be a shower system.

The fluid delivery device may be a sprayer such as a shower head.

A third aspect provides an ablutionary setting comprising: an ablutionary system according to the second aspect, wherein the slide rail is attached to a mounting surface; and at least one collecting surface arranged to collect fluid, e.g ater, emitted by the fluid delivery device.

The at least one collecting surface may be arranged to direct a flow of fluid towards a I5 waste.

The at least one collecting surface may be provided by a shower tray or a portion of a floor.

The ablutionary setting may comprise a seat. The seat may be located such that a user sat on the seat can reach the handle portion. Hence, the user sat on the seat may be able to grasp the handle portion to push or pull the slide bar in order to change the longitudinal position of the slide bar relative to the riser bar, thereby changing the height of the fluid delivery device The ablutionary setting may be bounded at least partially by an enclosure e.g a shower enclosure, comprising one or more panels and/or doors.

The mounting surface may be a wall.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a riser bar assembly; Figure 2 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the riser bar assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side-by-side comparison of two of the riser bar assemblies of Figure 1 showing the maximum longitudinal translation of the slide bar with respect to the riser bar; Figure 4 shows the slide bar of the riser bar assembly of Figure I; Figure 5 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the riser bar assembly of Figure 1; Figure 6 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the portion of the riser bar assembly shown in Figure 5; Figure 7A shows an ablutionary setting, in which the slide bar of the riser bar assembly of Figure 1 is shown in two positions; and Figure 7B shows another ablutionary environment, in which the slide bar of the riser bar assembly of Figure 1 is shown in two positions.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in particular. a riser bar assembly 1 is shown.

The riser bar assembly 1 includes a riser bar 2 having a riser bar length 20 from a first riser bar end 21 to a second riser bar end 22. In the illustrated example, the first riser bar end 21 and the second riser bar end 22 may be termed a lower riser bar end and an upper riser bar end, respectively.

A first connecting portion 9a is attached to the first riser bar end 21. A second connecting portion 9b is attached to the second riser bar end 22. Each of the first connecting portion 9a and the second connecting portion 9b comprise an aperture for receiving a fixing means (not shown), e.g. a screw, to attach the riser bar 2 to a mounting surface such as a wall. It should be appreciated that the riser bar 2 may be configured to be attached to a mounting surface in any suitable way.

The first connecting portion 9a and the second connecting portion 9b may be shaped and dimensioned to prevent, in use, the slide bar 3 from sliding off the first riser bar end 21 and the second riser bar end 22, respectively.

The first connecting portion 9a and the second connecting portion 9b may each be provided by an insert configured to be received in the first riser bar end 21 and the second riser bar end 22, respectively.

The riser bar assembly 1 includes a slide bar 3 mounted on the riser bar 2. The slide bar 3 is movable longitudinally relative to the riser bar 2, as indicated by a block arrow 8 in Figure 1.

The slide bar 3 has a slide bar length 30 from a first slide bar end 31 to a second slide bar end 32. In the illustrated example, the first slide bar end 31 and the second slide bar end 32 may be termed a lower slide bar end and an upper slide bar end, respectively.

The slide bar length 30 is less than the riser bar length 20. For example, the slide bar length 30 may be at least 20 cm, at least 30 cm or at least 40 cm. The slide bar length may be up to 50 cm or up to 60 cm. For instance, the slide bar length 30 may be 46 cm, 47 cm or 48 cm or 47 cm ± 5 cm. For example, the riser bar length 20 may be at least 70 cm, at least 80 cm or at least 90 cm. The riser bar length 20 may be up to 110 cm, up to 120 cm or up to 130 cm. For instance, the riser bar length 20 may be 90 cm, 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm or 110 cm ± 10 cm.

A fixing element 4 is attached to the slide bar 3 and extends from the slide bar 3 from a first connection point 41. A handle 5 is attached to the slide bar 3 and extends from the slide bar 3 from a second connection point 51. The handle 5 is located nearer the first slide bar end 31 and the fixing element 4 is located neater the second slide bar end 32. The handle 5 extends away from the slide bar 3 in a substantially similar direction as the fixing element 4 extends away from the slide bar 3. The first connection point 41 is near the second slide bar end 32. The second connection point 51 is near the first slide bar end 31.

The fixing element 4 is configured for holding a fluid delivery device such as a shower head 42 (Figure 7A, Figure 7B).

The handle 5 comprises a handle portion 52 adapted to be grasped by a user. In use, the user can grasp the handle portion 52 to push or pull the slide bar 3 in order to change the longitudinal position of the slide bar 3 relative to the riser bar 2, thereby changing the height of the fluid delivery device, e.g. the shower head 42, held by the fixing element 4.

The second connection point 51 is spaced from the first connection point 41 by a first distance 11 measured along the slide bar length 30. The first distance 11 may be at least 20 cm, at least 30 cm or at least 40 cm. The first distance 11 may be up to 50 cm, up to 60 cm, up to 70 cm, up to 80 cm, up to 90 cm or up to 1 m.

The handle portion 52 is spaced from the first connection point 41 by a second distance 12. The second distance 12 includes a distance component 12 measured parallel to the slide bar length 30. The distance component 12' remains constant during usc of the riser bar assembly 1. The distance component 12' may be at least 20 cm, at least 30 cm or at least 40 cm. The distance component 12' may be up to 50 cm, up to 60 cm, up to 70 cm, up to 80 cm, up to 90 cm or up to 1 m.

Figure 3 shows a side-by-side comparison including a left-hand image and a right-hand image of two riser bar assemblies 1 showing a third distance 13 corresponding to a maximum longitudinal translation of the slide bar 3 with respect to the riser bar 2.

in the left-hand image, the slide bar 3 is at a first extreme (an upper extreme) of its range of longitudinal movement relative to the riser bar 2. In the right-hand image, the slide bar 3 is at a second extreme (a lower extreme) of its range of longitudinal movement relative to the riser bar 2. For instance, the third distance 13 may be at least 50 cm or at least 60 cm. The third distance 13 may be up to 90 cm, up to 1 m, up to 1.1 m, up to 1.2 m or up to 1.5 m. The fixing element 4 is not shown in Figure 3.

The riser bar assembly 1 may be configured such that the third distance 13 may be less than, the same as or greater than the difference between the riser bar length 20 and the slide bar length 30.

With reference, in particular, to Figure 4, the slide bar 3 comprises a handle insert 35, a sheath 36 and a slide bar cover 37. The fixing element 4 is attached to the slide bar cover 37.

A rear side of the slide bar cover 37 comprises a receiving channel 371 extending from the first slide bar end 31 to the second slide bar end 32.

Extending from the first connection point 41, the slide bar cover 37 includes a hollow protrusion 372 having an internal cavity (not shown) with an open end (not shown) communicating with the receiving channel 371. The hollow protrusion 372 has a first aperture 373 (Figure 1, Figure 3) through an upper wall thereof and a second aperture (not shown) through a lower wall thereof The first aperture 373 and the second aperture are axially aligned.

Extending from the second connection point 51, the slide bar cover 37 includes a handle cover 53. The handle cover 53 comprises a loop portion 531 defining a handle cover aperture 532. A passage 533 connects the handle cover aperture 532 to the receiving channel 371 The sheath 36 extends from a first sheath end 361 to a second sheath end 362. A sheath channel 363 for receiving the riser bar 2 extends from the first sheath end 361 to the second sheath end 362. The first sheath end 361 is inclined downwardly in a direction from a front of the sheath 36 towards a rear of the sheath 36.

The sheath channel 363 is defined by: a first sheath channel portion 364 extending away from the first sheath end 361 in a direction towards the second sheath end 362: a second sheath channel portion 365 extending away from the second sheath end 362 in a direction towards the first sheath end 361; and a third sheath channel portion 366 between the first sheath channel portion 364 and the second sheath channel portion 365. The first sheath channel portion 364 includes a first sheath trough 367 configured to be received in the receiving channel 371. The first sheath trough 367 has a complementary shape to the receiving channel 371 such that the first sheath trough 367 fits snugly within the receiving channel 371. The second sheath channel portion 365 includes a second sheath trough 368 configured to be received in the receiving channel 371. The second sheath trough 368 has a complementary shape to the receiving channel 371 such that the second sheath trough 368 fits snugly within the receiving channel 371. The first sheath channel portion 364 and the second sheath channel portion 365 arc each open in a first direction. In contrast, the third sheath channel portion 366 is open in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. As illustrated in Figure 4, the first direction may be considered to be a rear-facing direction and the second direction may be considered to be a front-facing direction. The third sheath channel portion 366 includes a back plate 369. The back plate 369 includes a first cavity 7a and a second cavity 7b, each of the first cavity 7a and the second cavity 7b being configured to receive at least partially a movement restriction device 6 (Figures 5 and 6).

The first sheath trough 364 comprises a pair of apertures 401 for receiving, in use, a fixing means such as a screw.

A fourth distance 14 (Figure 5) corresponding to a length of the third sheath channel portion 366 may be at least 10 cm or at least 15 cm and/or up to 30 cm, up to 35 cm or up to 50 cm.

At the second sheath end 362, a connecting protrusion 402 extends away from the second sheath trough 365. The connecting protrusion 402 is configured to be received snugly within the internal cavity of the hollow protrusion 372. A tab 403 in an upper surface 405 of the connecting protrusion 402 is configured to engage with a catch (not shown) on an inner surface of the internal cavity of the hollow protrusion 372, to secure, in use, the connecting protrusion 402 within the hollow protrusion 372. An aperture 404 passes through the connecting protrusion 402 from the upper surface 405 to a lower surface thereof The handle insert 35 comprises a handle insert trough 351 configured to be received snugly within the receiving channel 371. Four apertures 352 for receiving, in use, a fixing means such as a screw pass through the handle insert trough 351. For clarity, only one of the four apertures 352 is labelled.

The handle insert trough 351 extends from a first handle insert trough end 353 to a second handle insert trough end 354. The second handle insert trough end 354 is inclined downwardly in a direction from a front of the handle insert trough 351 towards a rear of the handle insert trough 351 and is configured to abut, in use, the first sheath end 361. Accordingly, the handle insert trough 351 provides an extension of the sheath channel 363.

At the first handle insert trough end 353, the handle insert 35 comprises a handle insert portion 355 extending away from the handle insert trough 351. The handle insert portion 355 is shaped and dimensioned to fit snugly within the loop portion 531 when the handle insert trough 351 is placed into the receiving channel 371. The handle insert portion 355 has a first aperture 356 extending therethrough from an upper surface to a lower surface. The handle insert portion 355 has a second aperture 357 extending therethrough from the upper surface to the lower surface. The first aperture 356 is situated between the handle insert trough 351 and the second aperture 357. When the handle insert trough 351 is in the receiving channel 371, the handle insert portion 355 and the loop portion 531 together form the handle 5. A hose (not shown) leading to the shower head 42 passes through and is retained by the first aperture 356. The second aperture 357 provides the handle portion 52 that is adapted to be grasped by a user. The handle portion 52 may be adapted to be grasped by a user in any suitable way. Accordingly, for example, the second aperture 357 may not be present.

The fixing element 4 includes a fixing element body 45 having a first fixing element end 48 and a second fixing element end 47. The fixing element body 45 has a bend 46 at an intermediate point between the first fixing element end 48 and the second fixing element end 47. A first receiving formation is located at the first fixing element end 48 and a second receiving formation 44 is located at the second fixing element end 47. The second receiving forrnation 44 is oriented perpendicularly to the first receiving formation. At a location between the first fixing element end 48 and the bend 46, a countersunk aperture 49 extends through the fixing element body 45 from an upper surface to a lower surface. The countersunk aperture 49 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first receiving formation.

An example of a process for assembling the slide bar 3 and attaching the fixing element 4 will now be described. First, the handle insert 35 may be brought into engagement with the slide bar cover 37 such that the handle insert trough 351 is received in the receiving channel 371 and the handle insert portion 355 is received in the loop portion 531. As discussed herein, a motion restriction device 6 is inserted in at least one of the first cavity 7a and the second cavity 7b. The sheath 36 may then be brought into engagement with the slide bar cover 37 such that: the first sheath trough 364 and the second sheath trough 365 are received snugly in the receiving channel 371; the first sheath end 361 abuts the second handle insert trough end 354; and the connecting protrusion 402 is received in the hollow protrusion 372. The tab 403 engages with the catch to hold the connecting protrusion 402 in place within the hollow protrusion 372. The riser bar 2 may then be slid into the sheath channel 363. The first connecting portion 9a and the second connecting portion 9b may then be attached to the first riser bar end 31 and the second riser bar end 32, respectively. The riser bar 2 may then be secured to a mounting surface such as a wall at an intended site of use. Them the fixing element 4 may be attached to the slide bar cover 3. The hollow protrusion 372 is received in the first receiving formation at the first end 48 of the fixing dement body 45. The apertures in the fixing dement body 45, the hollow protrusion 372 and the connecting protrusion 405 are aligned and a fixing means such as a bolt is inserted through the aligned apertures to secure the fixing element body 45 to the slide bar cover 37. A nut is tightened on the bolt to secure the fixing element body 45 to the slide bar cover 37. The fixing element body 45 may be pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the bolt passing through the aligned apertures, to vary the angular position of the shower head 42, in use.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the motion restriction device 6 is housed within the second cavity 7b. The motion restriction device 6 is operable to prevent the slide bar 3 from moving longitudinally along, e.g. sliding down, the riser bar 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the motion restriction device 6 comprises a friction mechanism, which imparts a friction force on the riser bar 2 sufficient to maintain the slide bar 3 in position. in order to move the slide bar 3 longitudinally relative to the riser bar 2 and thereby change the height of the shower head 42, a user needs to overcome the friction force imparted on the riser bar 2 by the friction mechanism.

In some implementations, there may be a motion restriction device 6 housed in the first cavity 7a or there may be a motion restriction device 6 housed in both the first cavity 7a and the second cavity 7b.

The motion restriction device 6 may comprise any suitable mechanism for maintaining the slide bar 3 in position on the riser bar 2 such that the slide bar 3 will only move when pushed or pulled by a user. A friction mechanism is simply an example of a suitable mechanism. Other suitable mechanisms may include, for example, a screw thread mechanism, a ratchet mechanism or a magnetic mechanism.

Figure 7A shows an example of an ablutionary setting 100, in which the slide bar 3 of the riser bar assembly 1 is shown in two positions.

The ablutionary setting 100 includes an ablutionary system 10 comprising the riser bar assembly 1. The ablutionary system 10 includes a mixer valve 73 mounted on a first wall 104. The mixer valve 73 is fluidly connected to a hot water supply and a cold water supply. A controller allows a user to control the temperature and flow rate of an outlet water stream from the mixer valve 73. The outlet water stream is delivered via a hose 74 to the shower head 42. The riser bar assembly 1 is mounted on the first wall 104. A neck portion of the shower head 42 is held by the fixing dement 4. The hose 74 passes through and is retained by the first aperture 356.

A shower tray 103 is arranged to collect water emitted by the shower head 42. A seat 102 is disposed at a seat height 122 above the shower tray 103. The seat 102 is attached to a second wall 101 and can be pivoted from a stowed position in which the scat 102 is adjacent the wall to a deployed position in which the scat 102 is substantially horizontal for a user to sit on it. The seat height 122 may be any suitable height for a seat and may be selected depending upon the intended use of the ablutionary setting 100. For example, the ablutionary setting 100 may be intended to be used by a given child or a given adult who needs to be seated whilst showering and the seat height 122 may be selected to suit the height of the given child or the given adult in question. The second wall 101 is perpendicular to the first wall 104.

The ablutionary setting 100 may be bounded at least in part by a shower enclosure comprising one or more panels and/or doors.

An outline of a female user 1000 is shown sitting on the seat 102. The shower head 42 is shown at a first height 71 and at a second height 72. The first height 71 corresponds to a highest possible position of the shower head 42, wherein the slide bar 3 is at the upper extreme of its range of longitudinal motion along the riser bar 2. The highest possible position of the shower head 42 may be selected such that most adult users can stand beneath the shower head 42. For instance, the riser bar assembly 1 may be configured such that the highest possible position of the shower head 42 is high enough for a UK adult male of 95th percentile height to stand beneath the shower head 42 without stooping. The riser bar assembly 1 is configured such that the length of the slide bar 3 is long enough that the female user 1000 can reach the handle 5 while sitting on the scat 102. Accordingly, the female user 1000 while sitting on the seat 102 can push or pull the slide bar 3 in order to change the longitudinal position of the slide bar 3 relative to the riser bar 2. thereby changing the height of the shower hcad 42.

The angular position of the shower head 42 relative to the slide bar 3 may be varied by pivoting the fixing element body 45 about the longitudinal axis of the bolt passing through the aligned apertures in the fixing element body 45, the hollow protrusion 372 and the connecting protrusion 402. An outline of the shower head 42 in a third position is shown in Figure 7A, in which the shower head 42 is at the second height 72 and the fixing element body 45 has been pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the bolt passing through the aligned apertures in order to direct the spray pattern from the shower head 42 towards the female user 1000 sat on the seat 102.

The ablutionary setting 100 includes a soap tray 19 attached to the riser bar 2. In some implementations, a soap tray may be attached to the slide bar 3, in which case IS the height of the soap tray may be varied at the same time as the height of the shower head 42.

Figure 7B shows another example of an ablutionary setting 200, in which the slide bar 3 of the riser bar assembly 1 is shown in two different positions.

The ablutionary setting 200 includes an ablutionary system 20 comprising the riser bar assembly I. The ablutionary system 20 includes a mixer valve 83 mounted on a first wall 204. The mixer valve R3 is fluidly connected to a hot water supply and a cold water supply. A controller allows a user to control the temperature and flow rate of an outlet water stream from the mixer valve 83. The outlet water stream is delivered via a hose 84 to the shower head 42. The riser bar assembly 1 is mounted on the first wall 204. A neck portion of the shower head 42 is held by the fixing element 4. The hose 84 passes through and is retained by the first aperture 356 A shower tray 203 is arranged to collect water emitted by the shower head 42. A scat 202 is disposed at a seat height 222 above the shower tray 203. The seat 202 is attached to a second wall 201 and can be pivoted from a stowed position, in which the seat 102 is adjacent the second wall 201, to a deployed position in which the seat 202 is substantially horizontal for a user to sit on it. The scat height 222 may be any suitable height for a seat and may be selected depending upon the intended use of the ablutionary setting 200. For example, the ablutionary setting may be intended to be used by a given child or a given adult who needs to be seated whilst showering and the seat height 222 may be selected to suit the height of the given child or the given adult in question. The second wall 201 is opposite the first wall 204.

The ablutionary setting 200 may be bounded at least in part by a shower enclosure comprising one or more panels and/or doors.

An outline of a female user 1002 is shown sitting on the seat 202. The shower head 42 is shown at a first height 81 and at a second height 82. The first height 81 corresponds to a highest possible position of the shower head 42, wherein the slide bar 3 is at the upper extreme of its range of longitudinal motion along the riser bar 2. The highest possible position of the shower head 42 may be selected such that most adult users can stand beneath the shower head 42. An outline of a male user 1001 is shown standing beneath the shower head 42 at the first height 81.

For instance, the riser bar assembly 1 may be configured such that the highest possible position of the shower head 42 is high enough for a UK adult male of 95th percentile height to stand beneath the shower head 42 without stooping. The riser bar assembly 1 is configured such that the length of the slide bar 3 is long enough that the female user 1002 can reach the handle 5 while sitting on the seat 202. Accordingly, the female user 1002 while sitting on the seat 202 can push or pull the slide bar 3 in order to change the longitudinal position of the slide bar 3 relative to the riser bar 2, thereby changing the height of the shower head 42.

The angular position of the shower head 42 relative to the slide bar 3 may be varied by pivoting the fixing element body 45 about the longitudinal axis of the bolt passing through the aligned apertures in the fixing element body 45, the hollow protrusion 372 and the connecting protrusion 402.

The ablutionary setting 200 includes a soap tray 29 attached to the riser bar 2. In some implementations, a soap tray may be attached to the slide bar 3, in which case the height of the soap tray may be varied at the same time as the height of the shower head 42.

The riser bar assembly 1 may be configured such that the distance component 12 is selected such that, when the riser bar assembly 1 is fixed into an ablutionary setting, e.g. the ablutionary settings 100, 200 shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B respectively, a first user having a first height may move the slide bar 3 longitudinally along the riser bar 2 to adjust the height of the fixing element 4 to a first preferred height after which a second user having a second height, measured to the shoulder, is able to grasp the handle portion 52 adapted to be grasped by a user to move the slide bar 3 longitudinally along the riser bar 2 to adjust the height of the fixing dement 4, towards the lower riser bar end 21, to a second preferred height, wherein the first preferred height is greater than the second preferred height by at least a distance equal to the arm reach height of the second user.

For example, the first user may be an able-bodied adult male and the second user may be unable to stand and so be seated in the ablutionary setting such that the first preferred height is significantly larger than the second preferred height', measured when the second user is seated, e.g. on the seat 102, 202. In this example, when the first user, an able-bodied male, is taken as a 95° percentile height British male the first height is 186.9cm and the second user 1002, unable to stand, is taken as a 50th percentile height British female the second height, measured from the shoulder assuming a seat with a seating surface height of 395 mm, the second height is 96.82 cm. The difference between these heights is 90.08cm which is greater than the 50th percentile British female overhead grip reach, measured from the shoulder, of 64.38cm. Assuming the first preferred height is greater than or equal to the first height, the second user would be unable to grasp the fixing element 4 adjusted to the first preferred height and therefore be unable to operate a conventional riser bar assembly to adjust the height of the fixing element. For such an arrangement, the distance component 12' of the present invention may be selected to be 470mm ± 50mm. This may enable the second user to grasp the handle portion 52 adapted to be grasped by a user and slide the slide bar 3 along the riser bar 2 to adjust the fixing element 4 to the second preferred height, even when the second user is seated adjacent the riser bar assembly 1 and not directly underneath it.

In another example, the first user may be an able-bodied adult female and the second user may be an able-bodied minor such that the first preferred height is significantly larger than the second height. In such examples, the riser bar assembly I may allow both the first user and the second user to adjust the height of the fixing clement 4.

The riser bar 2 and the slide bar 3 may be made of the same or different materials.

Parts of the slide bar 3 may be made from different materials to other parts of the slide bar 3. Similarly, parts of the riser bar 2 may be made from different materials to other parts of the riser bar 2. The riser bar 2 and or the slide bar 3 or parts thereof may comprise plastics or metals or any other suitable materials.

The implementations discussed above and shown in the Figures in Figures 1 to 7B give example implementations. However, it will be understood that adaptation of these implementations lies within the scope of the disclosure.

For example, the slide bar 3 is shown as being mounted on the riser bar 2 in the IS Figures. However, implementations such as the slide bar 3 being mounted completely or partially within the riser bar 2 also fall within the scope of the disclosure. The riser bar 2 and/or the slide bar 3 may constitute or essentially consist of a flat or bent plane or a substantially enclosed pipe and may have any shape cross-section and/or may include one or more slots. The shape of the cross-section of the riser bar 2 and/or the slide bar 3 may be selected to prevent or enable a degree of rotation of the riser bar 2 with respect to the slide bar 3. As such, the slide bar 3 may be rotationally fixed with respect to the riser bar 2.

The slide bar may include one or more slide bar contact surfaces which are in confronting relation to a portion of the riser bar. Similarly, the riser bar may include one or more riser bar contact surfaces which are in confronting relation to a portion of the slide bar. The slide bar contact surface(s) may be configured to frictionally or otherwise engage the riser bar contact surface(s) and/or vice versa.

The presence of fluids from a fluid delivery device may reduce the coefficient of friction of surfaces of the riser bar assembly making them more slippery and difficult to grasp. To ameliorate this problem, the handle portion adapted to be grasped by a user may include one or more grip components that help the user to grip the handle 5. For example, a grip component may comprise a tacky material or a series of undulations or ribs.

Throughout the Figures, the slide bar 3 is shown to be positioned substantially between the first connecting portion 9a and the second connecting portion 9b. Alternatively or additionally, the riser bar assembly may be configured such that one or more connecting portions may be attached to the riser bar at points along the length of the riser bar. The extent of longitudinal movement of the slide bar along the riser bar may not be limited by the connecting portion(s).

Either or both of the handle 5 and the fixing element 4 may be rotationally fixed or rotatable with respect to the slide bar 3 in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the riser bar 2. Similarly, a portion of the handle 5 may be rotated with respect to the slide bar 3 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the riser bar 2.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing IS from the concepts described herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A riser bar assembly for use in an ablutionary setting comprising: a riser bar having a riser bar length from a first riser bar end to a second riser bar end; a slide bar having a slide bar length from a first slide bar end to a second slide bar end, the slide bar length being less than the riser bar length, the slide bar being mounted on the riser bar and movable longitudinally relative to the riser bar; a fixing element for holding a fluid delivery device, the fixing element being attached to the slide bar and extending from the slide bar from a first connection point; a handle attached to the slide bar and extending from the slide bar from a second connection point, the second connection point being spaced from the first connection point by a first distance measured along the slide bar length, wherein the handle is located nearer the first slide bar end and the fixing element is located nearer the second slide bar end, and the handle comprises a handle portion adapted to be grasped by a user, wherein a second distance from the handle portion to the first connection point comprises a distance component measured parallel to the slide bar length that remains constant during use; wherein, in use, the user can grasp the handle portion to push or pull the slide bar in order to change the longitudinal position of the slide bar relative to the riser bar, thereby changing the height of the fluid delivery device held by the fixing element.
2. The riser bar assembly of claim 1, wherein the distance component at least 20 cm and/or or up to 1.2 m.
3. The riser bar assembly of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the riser bar length is at least 70 cm and/or up to 130 cm.
4. The riser bar assembly of claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the slide bar length is at least 20 cm and/or up to 1.2 m.
The riser bar assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the riser bar assembly is configured such that a third distance corresponding to a maximum longitudinal translation of the slide bar with respect to the riser bar is less than, the same as or greater than the difference between the riser bar length and the slide bar length.
6. The riser bar assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slide bar comprises a sleeve or a sheath that extends at least partially around the riser bar,
7. The riser bar assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element is pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the riser bar.
8. Thc riser bar assembly according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one motion restriction device operable to prevent the slide bar from moving longitudinally along the riser bar.
An ablutionary system comprising: a riser bar assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8-and a fluid delivery device held by the fixing element.
10. The ablutionary system of claim 9 comprising a means for producing an outlet stream having a desired flow rate and/or temperature and a pipe or a hose configured to convey the outlet stream to the fluid delivery device.
11. The ablutionary system of claim 10, wherein the pipe or the hose passes through and is retained by an aperture in the handle.
12. An ablutionary setting comprising: the ablutionary system according to claim 9, claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the slide rail is attached to a mounting surface; and at least one collecting surface arranged to collect fluid, e.g ater, emitted by the fluid delivery device
13. The ablutionary setting of claim 12 comprising a seat located such that a user sat on the seat can reach the handle portion