WO2005094754A1

WO2005094754A1 - Treatment apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2005094754A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/001057
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terence Dinham; John W. Capper
Original assignee: Leisure Direct Network Limited
Priority date: 2004-03-31
Filing date: 2005-03-22
Publication date: 2005-10-13
Also published as: GB0407354D0

Abstract

A treatment apparatus (10, 50) for spraying a human body with treatment fluid has spaced spray nozzles (14) operable to spray an atomised treatment liquid, a reservoir (17, 18) for the treatment liquid and a pump (19) operable to pump the treatment liquid from the reservoir (17, 18) to the spray nozzles (14). A nozzle (14) disposed in one location may be opened and closed by control means (24) independently of a nozzle (14) disposed in another location. Each nozzle (14) and its associated nozzle valve (16) may be opened and closed independently of the other nozzles (14), or alternatively, a nozzle valve (16) and the nozzles (14) are movable between spaced operating positions. Preferably, the pump (19) operates continuously, and when one or more nozzles (14) is or an; closed the treatment liquid returns to the reservoir (17, 18) via a return pipe by-pass (22) for the nozzles (14). Alternatively, the pump (19) has a by-pass (28) and a pressure valve (29) is operable to direct the treatment liquid around the pump by-pass (28) when the outlet pressure exceeds a predetermined value. Two pumps (19, 30) may be provided, whereby the second pump (30) is operational when the treatment liquid flow is above a predetermined rate.

Description

TREATMENT APPARATUS

This invention relates to treatment apparatus, and in particular to apparatus for the treatment of the human body with a treatment liquid.

It is known to spray a human body with a treatment liquid for various purposes, the most common case being showering with water for washing purposes. Although such showering can take place in a bath, it is commonplace for such showering to take place in a cubicle provided exclusively for that purpose. In addition there are shower or spray devices provided for other purposes, for example in order to disinfect the person, to spray with atomised aromatic liquids or to apply a tanning liquid to the body. In such cases, a dedicated cubicle or housing may be provided, in which the person is "housed" during the spraying operation. It is also known to spray atomised aromatic liquids into restricted areas such as saunas, gymnasiums and the like. In order to provide the atomised liquid, it is conventional to use a compressed air supply. Such an arrangement can vent chemicals into the housing or its surroundings, which chemicals may enter the body and hence effective filtration and ventilation of the housing are required. To overcome this problem, it has been proposed to pressurise the liquid itself by means of a pump. However, this results in a gradual pressure build-up when the pump is started, and a gradual loss of pressure as the pump is stopped. A bladder or diaphragm tank may be incorporated in the system to overcome this problem, but this introduces other problems if the pressure in the tank falls. This results in uneven spraying of the atomised liquid, which is undesirable in certain applications such as the spraying of tanning liquid. Furthermore, the known arrangements provide a predetermined spray pattern irrespective of the size of the person being treated.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a treatment apparatus in which the above disadvantages are avoided or at least minimised.

The invention provides a treatment apparatus comprising a plurality of spaced spray nozzles operable to spray an atomised treatment liquid, a reservoir for the treatment liquid and a pump operable to pump the treatment liquid from the reservoir to the spray nozzles, wherein nozzles in differing locations may selectively be opened and closed, i.e. a nozzle in one location may be opened and closed independently of a nozzle in another location.

The treatment apparatus may be mounted in a housing, wherein the spray nozzles are operable in use to spray an atomised treatment liquid into the housing. Each nozzle may be opened and closed independently of the other nozzles. Alternatively, the nozzles are movable between spaced operating positions. In the former case, each nozzle may comprise a nozzle valve, and in the latter case, a nozzle valve may be operable to open and close the nozzles. The nozzle valve or valves may be solenoid operated. The pump may operate continuously, in which case the treatment apparatus may comprise a by-pass for the nozzles. The by-pass may comprise a return pipe and the treatment liquid is returned to the reservoir when one or more nozzle valves is or are closed. Alternatively, the pump may have a by-pass and a pressure valve operable to direct the treatment liquid around the by-pass when the outlet pressure exceeds a predetermined value. The pump may operate at a constant rate, or may operate pulsatively. The pump may supply liquid to the nozzles at a pressure of at least 100psi (6.8bar). Additionally or alternatively, the treatment apparatus may comprise two pumps, whereby the second pump may be operational when the treatment liquid flow is above a predetermined rate.

The treatment apparatus may comprise control means operable to open and close the nozzles, and may open the nozzles selectively according to a predetermined arrangement. In the case that the nozzles are movable between spaced operating positions, the control means may open the nozzle valve when the nozzles are in each of a plurality of operating positions. The treatment apparatus may comprise body sensing means operable to detect the presence of and determine the outline of a person in the housing, and to provide a signal to the control means in response to that detection and determination. The control means may be operable to open selected nozzles in accordance with the signals from the sensing means, or may be operable to move the nozzles to a predetermined maximum height.

The treatment apparatus may comprise instruction means operable to give instructions to a person using the treatment apparatus. The instruction means may have a timing device whereby successive instructions are given at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, the instruction means may be operable to give an instruction when a previous instruction has been complied with. The instructions may be given by pre-recorded voice messages.

The liquid reservoir may be flexible, whereby the size of the reservoir decreases as the quantity of treatment liquid therein reduces. The treatment apparatus may comprise a plurality of liquid reservoirs whereby the person using the treatment apparatus may be sprayed with differing liquids. The treatment apparatus may comprise selection valves operable to direct a chosen liquid to the nozzles and returning liquid to the respective reservoir. The control means may be operable to spray the differing liquids at different times, or from different nozzles at a given time. The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of treatment apparatus, Fig. 2 is a view on the control side of one wall of the housing of Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 is a view of an alternative control arrangement, Fig. 4 is a view of another alternative control arrangement, and Fig. 5 is a view of an alternative embodiment of treatment apparatus.

Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown a treatment apparatus 10 in the form of a cubicle or housing 11 to which there is a door 12, shown open. On one wall 13 of the housing 11 are mounted a plurality of nozzles 14 operable to spray an atomised treatment liquid into the housing 11. Nozzles 14 may be provided on the other walls of the housing 11 if desired. The housing 11 also has a control compartment 15.

In Fig. 2, there is shown the reverse side of the wall 13 within the control compartment 15. Connected to each of the nozzles 14 is a solenoid operated nozzle valve 16. One or more reservoirs 17, 18 (two being shown but a single one or more than two may be provided if desired) provide a supply of a treatment liquid. The reservoirs 17, 18 may contain, for example, preparation liquid, tanning liquid and sealing liquid. A pump 19 pumps the liquid through a supply pipe 20 to each of the nozzle valves 16. A selection valve 21 controls which of the liquids from reservoirs 17, 18 is pumped to the nozzle alves 16. The output of the pump 19 is sufficient to supply all of the nozzles 14, and creates a pressure of at least 100psi (6.8bar) in the supply pipe 20. The nozzles 14 are configured so that the pressure created by the pump 19 atomises the liquid as it passes through the nozzles 14. However, if at least one nozzle valve 16 is closed, or even all of the nozzles valves 16 are closed, the excess liquid is returned to the appropriate reservoir 17, 18 through by-pass pipes 22. A second selection valve 23, operating in conjunction with selection valve 21, directs any returning liquid to the correct reservoir 17, 18. Operation of the pump 19, nozzle valves 16 and selection valves 21, 23 is controlled through a control means 24 to which each is connected electrically. The operation of the pump 19 may be controlled by the control means 24 to be continuous or pulsed as required. Body sensors 25 are disposed around the wall 13 to detect the presence of and determine the size of a person in the housing 11. A signal from at least one of the sensors 25 to the control means 24 causes the control means 24 to operate the ptαmp 19. The signals from all of the sensors 25 causes the control means 24 to select the appropriate nozzle valves 16 to be open to spray the person in the housing 11. Nozzles 14 in differing locations may selectively be opened and closed, i.e. a nozzle 14 in one location may be opened and closed independently of a nozzle 14 in another location. This prevents excess liquid, which would not impinge on the person in the housing 11 , being sprayed. The control means 24 includes a timing device 26, whereby the operation of the nozzles 14 is controlled on a timed basis from the time of switching on the treatment apparatus 10. The timing device may also cause the control means 24 to change the selection valves 21, 23 after a predetermined time to change the liquid being supplied to the nozzles 14. The control means 24 may be operable to spray the differing liquids at different times, or from different nozzles 14 at a given time. As an alternative, the timing device 26 may be connected to an audible instruction device 27, which gives the person using the treatment apparatus 10 pre-recorded instructions at appropriate times. Such instructions may be, for example: "enter", "close the door", "press start button", "please tum round", "change treatment liquid", "press stop button" or the like. Instead of an instruction being given after a predetermined time, it may be given on completion of a previous instruction.

Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown an alternative control arrangement, in which the parts corresponding with those shown in Figs 1 and 2 are identified by the same reference numerals. In this case, the pump 19 has a by-pass 28. A pressure valve 29 is provided the supply pipe 20. The valve 29 directs excess treatment liquid around the by-pass 28 when the outlet pressure in the supply pipe 20 exceeds a predetermined level due to closure of some or all of the nozzle valves 16. With the control arrangements shown in both Figs 2 and 3, the pump 19 can be operating at its operational rate when the nozzle valves 16 are opened. This ensures substantially instantaneous spraying of the atomised treatment liquid at the operational rate. In this way, uneven spraying of the treatment liquid is avoided or minimised.

Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown another alternative control arrangement, in which the parts corresponding with those shown in Figs 1 , 2 and 3 are identified by the same reference numerals. In this case, instead of having a large pump 19 of a size capable of delivering the maximum rate of flow of the treatment liquid when all of the nozzle valves 16 are open, a second pump 30 is provided. In this case, both pumps 19 and 30 are of a size capable of delivering half of the maximum rate of flow of treatment liquid that may be required. This arrangement avoids the inefficient use of a large pump 19 when a reduced rate of flow of treatment liquid to the nozzles 14 is required. The arrangement also reduces the risk of bubbles being created in the treatment liquid when many of the nozzle valves 16 are closed and a large amount of the treatment liquid is diverted around the by-pass 28. Treatment liquid such as DHA liquid deteriorates when in contact with air, and hence such bubbling is detrimental to the quality of the liquid. As a further measure to avoid or reduce this problem, the reservoirs 17, 18 may be in the form of flexible bags so that their size can reduce as the quantity of treatment liquid therein reduces, as shown by the dotted line of reservoir 18. This minimises the risk of air ingress into the reservoirs 17, 18 as the liquid quantities reduce.

Referring now to Fig. 5, there is shown an alternative embodiment of treatment apparatus 50 that may be fitted to a dedicated cubicle or housing 11 as with the previous embodiments, or that is suitable for incorporation into a conventional shower apparatus (not shown) or the like, e.g. a shower cubicle or shower room. Parts of the apparatus 50 corresponding with those of the previous embodiments are identified by the same reference numerals. In this case however, there are provided only three nozzles 14, mounted in a spray head 51. The spray head 51 is mounted on a slider 52 that is slidable upwardly and downwardly on a stand 53. The stand 53 may be free standing as shown, or may be inc rporated in a conventional shower cubicle or other enclosure (not shown). The supply pipe 20,. the by-pass 22 and the electrical connection 54 are flexible to allow sliding of the spray head 5-1 up and down the stand 53. The slider 52 is powered to move up and down the stand 53 in accordance with the signals from the control means 24, preferably in a stepped motion. At each vertical operating positioning of the spray head 51 , the nozzle valve 16 is opened for a short period so that a short burst of spray is ejected from the three nozzles 14. The spray head 51 is then moved vertically to the next operating position. In this way, nozzles 14 in the differing locations are selectively opened and closed. Since only three nozzles 14 are operated, the size of the pump 19 is kept to a minimum, thereby reducing the cost of the apparatus. The pump 19 may be operated continuously, the treatment liquid being returned to the reservoirs 17, 18 through by-pass pipe 22 when the nozzle valve 16 is closed, or may be operated pulsatively. The maximum height to which the spray head 51 is moved may be controlled by a height sensor or operator controlled pushbutton 25.

Other embodiments of treatment apparatus in accordance with the invention will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. For example, the instructions may be provided by an appropriate one of a plurality of signs being illuminated. The nozzle valves 16 may be operated hydraulically or pneumatically, if preferred. The control of the nozzle valves 16 may be such that the flow of atomised liquid from the nozzles 14 is pulsed individually or collectively if desired. Liquids may be provided instead of or in addition to those mentioned above, e.g. an aromatic liquid or a disinfectant. Alternatively, differing tanning liquids may be provided, whereby the person using the treatment apparatus may select the tanning effect created by such use. The treatment apparatus is readily controllable to suit the person using the apparatus. Non-uniform spraying at start-up and close-dOΛΛ/n is avoided. Since only those nozzles that are aligned with the person using the treatment apparatus are opened, excess liquid is not used. In addition, spraying with differing liquids is readily achieved.

Claims

1. A treatment apparatus (10, 50) comprising a plurality of spaced spray nozzles (14) operable to spray an atomised treatment liquid, a reservoir (17, 18) for the treatment liquid and a pump (19) operable to pump the treatment liquid from the reservoir (17, 18) to the spray nozzles (14), characterised in that nozzles (14) in differing locations may selectively be opened and closed.

2. A treatment apparatus according to claim 1 mounted in a housing (11), characterised in that the spray nozzles (14) in use are operable to spray an atomised treatment liquid into the housing (11).

3. A treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that each nozzle (14) may be opened and closed independently of the other nozzles (14).

4. A treatment apparatus according to claim 3, characterised in that each nozzle (14) comprises a nozzle valve (16).

5. A treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the nozzles (14) are movable between spaced operating positions.

6. A treatment apparatus according to claim 5, characterised by a nozzle valve (16) operable to open and close the nozzles (14).

7. A treatment apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 6, characterised in that the or each nozzle valve (16) is solenoid operated.

8. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the pump (19) operates continuously.

9. A treatment apparatus according to claim 8, characterised by a by-pass (22) for the nozzles (14).

10. A treatment apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that the nozzle by-pass (22) comprises a return pipe (22) and the treatment liquid is returned to the reservoir (17, 18) when one or more nozzles (14) is or are closed.

11. A treatment apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that the pump (19) has a by-pass (28) and a pressure valve (29) operable to direct the treatment liquid around the pump by-pass (28) when the outlet pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

12. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the pump (19) operates at a constant rate.

13. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the pump (19) operates pulsatively.

14. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the pump (19) supplies liquid to the nozzles (14) at a pressure of at least 100psi (6.8bar).

15. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14 characterised by two pumps (19, 30), whereby the second pump (30) is operational when the treatment liquid flow is above a predetermined rate.

16. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised by control means (24) operable to open and close the nozzles (14).

17. A treatment apparatus according to claim 16, wherein each nozzle (14) may be opened and closed independently of the other nozzles (14), characterised in that the control means (24) opens the nozzles (14) selectively according to a predetermined arrangement.

18. A treatment apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the nozzles (14) are movable between spaced operating positions, characterised in that the control means (24) opens the nozzles (14) when the nozzles (14) are in each of a plurality of operating positions.

19. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18 mounted in a housing (11), characterised by body sensing means (25) operable to detect the presence of a person in the housing (11), and to provide a signal to the control means (24) in response to that detection.

20. A treatment apparatus according to claim 19, characterised in that the body sensing means (25) is operable to determine the outline of a person in the housing (11), and to provide a signal to the control means (24) in response to that determination.

21. A treatment apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein each nozzle (14) may be opened and closed independently of the other nozzles (14), characterised in that the control means (24) is operable to open selected nozzles (14) in accordance with the signal from the sensing means (25).

22. A treatment apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the nozzles (14) are movable between spaced operating positions, characterised in that the control means (24) is operable to move the nozzles (14) to a predetermined maximum height.

23. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterised by instruction means (27) operable to give instructions to a person using the treatment apparatus (10, 50).

24. A treatment apparatus according to claim 23, characterised in that the instruction means (27) has a timing device (26) whereby successive instructions are given at predetermined time intervals.

25. A treatment apparatus according to claim 23, characterised in that the instruction means (27) is operable to give an instruction when a previous instruction has been complied with.

26. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterised in that the instructions are given by pre-recorded voice messages.

27. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterised in that the liquid reservoir (17, 18) is flexible, whereby the size of the reservoir (17, 18) decreases as the quantity of treatment liquid therein reduces.

28. A treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 26, characterised by a plurality of liquid reservoirs (17, 18) whereby the person using the treatment apparatus (10, 50) may be sprayed with differing liquids.

29. A treatment apparatus according to claim 28, characterised by selection valves (21 , 23) operable to direct a chosen liquid to the nozzles (14) and returning liquid to the respective reservoir (17, 18).

30. A treatment apparatus according to claim 28 or claim 29, characterised in that the control means (24) is operable to spray the differing liquids at different times.

31. A treatment apparatus according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein each nozzle (14) may be opened and closed independently of the other nozzles (14), characterised in that the control means (24) is operable to spray the differing liquids from different nozzles (14) at a given time.

32. A treatment apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 1 and any one of Figs. 2, 3, or 4; or Fig. 5 of the accompanying drawings.