WO2023035078A1

WO2023035078A1 - Shower pod

Info

Publication number: WO2023035078A1
Application number: PCT/CA2022/051353
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-françois POISSON; Olivier GRANGER-FAFARD
Original assignee: 12163004 Canada Inc
Priority date: 2021-09-10
Filing date: 2022-09-09
Publication date: 2023-03-16

Abstract

The shower pod comprises an elongated vessel. The elongated vessel defines a base with a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base. The peripheral wall defines a top opening and the base comprises a least one drain. The shower pod further comprises a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover being sized and shaped to cover at least a section of the top opening. The shower pod further comprises a hair station defined in the top opening through at least one of the base and the cover. The shower pod includes a plurality of jets mounted to at least one of the base and the cover, the jets being fluidly connectable to at least one fluid source. The shower pod also includes a bather support structure configured to support a bather thereon, and a control system for controlling operation of the shower pod.

Description

SHOWER POD

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a shower pod. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shower pod for bathers including bathers with reduced mobility.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0002] Administering baths to persons with reduced mobility such as elderly, handicapped or otherwise physically impaired individuals has long been a tedious and difficult chore for care givers, as well as a source of discomfort and humiliation for the bathers. Showering in open spaces is neither comfortable nor pleasant due to movement of surrounding air and being completely exposed.

[0003] Furthermore, transferring a person with reduced mobility into a conventional bathtub also presents significant physical hazards and difficulties. Different devices intended to facilitate the safe transfer of a person with reduced mobility into a conventional bathtub are known. However, the known devices and equipment tend to be cumbersome and to require operational skills for the care givers. Also, most of the known apparatus provide either for only partial immersion of the bather, or for immersion by means of cumbersome hydraulic equipment. In all cases, the operation of the apparatus by the care giver is very demanding and the dignity of the bather with reduced mobility or patient is often difficult to preserve. In addition, the known devices and equipment are not configured to allow for the easy washing of the head and hair nor feet or genitals of bathers with reduced mobility.

[0004] To minimise these challenges and risks, some health care facilities (e.g. hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities) opt for bed baths. While they require less moving of the bathers with reduced mobility, bed baths tend to be messy and unpleasant for the attending care giver and as well as for the bathers, in addition to being generally less efficacious then bathing techniques in which the body is immersed in water. [0005] There is therefore a need for a shower pod which would overcome at least one of the above-identified drawbacks.

SUMMARY

[0006] In a first aspect, the present shower pod comprises an elongated vessel, a cover, a hair station, a plurality of jets, a bather support structure, and a control system. The elongated vessel defines a base and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base The peripheral wall further defines a top opening. The base comprises a least one drain. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position and is sized and shaped to cover at least a section of the top opening. The hair station is defined in the top opening through at least one of the base and the cover. The plurality of jets are mounted to at least one of the base and the cover, the jets are fluidly connectable to at least one fluid source. The bather support structure is configured to support a bather thereon. The control system controls operation of the shower pod.

[0007] In a particular aspect, the peripheral wall further comprises a lateral opening.

[0008] In another particular aspect, the fluid is selected from a group consisting of clean water, soapy water, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hydrating liquid, sanitizing liquid, mist, steam and air.

[0009] In another particular aspect, the plurality of jets is controlled in sub-groups by the control system.

[0010] In another particular aspect, the plurality of jets is controlled in the following sub-groups: base jets, cover jets and all jets, and a source controller controls the supply of fluid to the plurality of sub-groups of jets independently.

[0011] In another particular aspect, the bather support structure comprises an upwardly extending stand having a lower end mounted to the bottom of the base and an upper end, a first horizontal member having a first end pivotably mounted to the upper end of the stand, and a second end, a second horizontal member having a first end pivotably mounted to the first end of the first horizontal member and a second end pivotably supporting the bather. [0012] In yet another particular aspect, the upwardly extending stand is a telescopic stand movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and wherein movement of the telescopic stand between the lowered position and the raised position allow adjustment of a height of the bather relative to the base of the elongated vessel.

[0013] In a particular aspect, the bather support structure is reclinable.

[0014] In a particular aspect, the bather support structure is adjustable between a seating position and a reclined position.

[0015] In another particular aspect, the bather support structure comprises a backrest, a seat and a leg rest, a headrest and arm rests.

[0016] In another particular aspect, when the bather support structure is in the retracted position and in the reclined position, a portion of the reclined seat extends through the hair station.

[0017] In another particular aspect, the bather support is configured to allow the passage of the fluid.

[0018] In another aspect, the shower pod further comprises a motor to move the cover between the open and closed position.

[0019] In another aspect, the shower pod further comprises at least one motor to operate the bather support structure.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the cover of the elongated vessel is pivotably mounted to the base.

[0021] In another aspect, the shower pod further comprises at least one of an emergency button and an emergency sensor wherein actuation of the emergency button or detection of an abnormal physical or physiological fluctuation by the emergency sensor automatically stops the operation of the shower pod and raises the cover.

[0022] In another aspect, the shower pod further comprises at least one of the following: LED lights for luminotherapy, at least one speaker for musicotherapy, at least one air diffuser for aromatherapy, and the control system further comprises a luminotherapy control, a musicotherapy control, and an aromatherapy control for respectively controlling operation of the LED lights, the at least one speaker and the at least one air diffuser.

[0023] In another aspect, the control system further comprises a pod operation module, an interaction module, a mechanical module, a fluids control module and an immersive experience module.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the immersive experience module comprises at least one of: luminotherapy control, aromatherapy control and musicotherapy control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration example embodiments thereof:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a side view of a closed shower pod;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a top perspective of the shower pod illustrated in FIG 1 , without a cover and side door;

[0028] FIG. 3 is side perspective view of the shower pod of FIG 1 , without a cover, where the side door is in open position and a bather support structure is extending in a upright sitting position;

[0029] FIG. 4 is another side perspective view of the shower pod of FIG 1 , with a cover and side door in open position, and a bather structure extending in upright sitting position;

[0030] FIG. 5 is another side perspective view of the shower pod of FIG 1 , with a cover and side door in open position, and a bather structure extending in an elevated position;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hand-shower of the shower pod;

[0032] FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic representation of the hand-shower of FIG 6; [0033] FIG. 8 is another side perspective view of the shower pod of FIG 1, a different embodiment of bather support structure; and

[0034] FIG. 9 is a functional representation of the control system 300.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a shower pod 100 for a bather (not shown) in accordance with one embodiment. As it will become apparent below, the shower pod is well adapted to wash and/or bath individuals of various sizes and weight, and/or varying physical capabilities such as individuals with reduced mobility (e.g., elderly, handicapped or otherwise physically impaired). The shower pod 100 may be used in institutions or healthcare facilities such a hospital, long-term care facilities, nursing homes and the like, although it will be appreciated that the shower pod 100 may also be used in other types of environments, including homes and other residential buildings.

[0036] The shower pod 100 is generally comprised of an elongated vessel 110, a bather support structure 200, and a control system 300. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the elongated vessel 110 extends generally horizontally, and has a general shape of a cocoon for comfortably and securely receiving a bather.

[0037] The elongated vessel 110 defines a base and a peripheral wall 116 and includes a cover 120 and a hair station 130. The peripheral wall 116 extends upwardly from the base and forms a watertight surface inside the shower pod 100. The peripheral walll 16 defines an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface of the peripheral wall 116 may further define one or several substantially horizontal surfaces inside the shower pod 100. The exterior surface of the peripheral wall 116 is shown on FIGs 1-5 as being smooth with no protrusions and no substantially horizontal surfaces for simplicity purposes, but the exterior surface of the peripheral wall 116 could further be adapted with one or multiple horizontal surfaces to receive products or equipment used by a caregiver when assisting a bather while showering in the shower pod 100. The interior peripheral wall 116 further defines a top opening, and along extremities thereof a footrest 118 on one end, opposite the hair station 130. [0038] One side of the peripheral wall 116 between the elongated vessel 110 extremities further defines a lateral opening 122 with at least one door 124. The at least one door 124 may be opened to provide access to the interior of the elongated vessel 110 to a bather and closed to prevent water spillage when the shower pod 100 is in operation. Any type of hinge or door opening mechanism known in the art may be used to attach the at least one door 124 to the peripheral wall 116. Together, the peripheral wall 116 and the at least one door 124 define a continuous top edge 126, in sealing relation with the cover 120 in the closed position.

[0039] The elongated vessel 110, the cover 120 and the at least one door 124 may be made in any material suitable for wet environments, and safe for health care services. Alternatively, the interior surface of the elongated vessel 110, of the cover 120, and of the at least one door 124 may be made in a first material, while the exterior of the elongated vessel 110, the exterior of the cover 120 and the exterior of the at least one door 124 may be made of a different material. Furthermore, the interior of the elongated vessel 110, of the cover 120, and of the at least one door 124 may be covered with an antimicrobial protection to prevent the accumulation of germs. The elongated vessel 110, the cover 120 and the at least one door 124 may be made by means of extrusion, molding, or any other type of manufacturing process adapted to producing components for wet environments and health care products.

COVER

[0040] The cover 120 is pivotably mounted to the peripheral wall 116 of the elongated vessel 110. The cover 120 follows the shape and configuration of the upper end of the peripheral wall 116 or fits inside the upper end of the peripheral wall 116 while creating a watertight seal therewith. Alternatively, the cover 120 may be slidably mounted or hinged to the elongated vessel 110. Any known means for affixing the cover 120 to the elongated vessel 110, which is appropriate for use in wet environments, and suitable for providing health care to bathers could be used.

[0041] In a particular implementation shown on FIGs 1-5, the cover 120 does not overlap the hair station 130 which remains open even when the cover 120 is in a closed position. However, although not shown on the FIGs 1-5, the cover 120 could further extend to cover the hair station 130 of the elongated vessel 110. In such an implementation, the cover 120 is further provided with a window (not shown) to provide visual contact to a bather inside the shower pod 100 when the cover 120 is closed.

[0042] The cover 120 and the peripheral wall 116 are adapted for creating a sealed interface when the cover 120 is in contact with the peripheral wall 116, either by means of sealants, sealing members or by design. The cover 120 may be provided with an exterior and/or an interior handle for lifting and lowering the cover 120 between the open and closed positions. Alternatively, a motor (not shown) may mechanically lift and lower the cover 120 between the open and closed positions. The motor may be operated through the control system 300. The cover 120 may be made of the same material as the bottom and the peripheral wall 116, but could alternately be made of a different material, and more especially a lighter material, to reduce the weight of the cover 120. The cover 120 may be mounted directly to the elongated vessel 110 or may be mounted on a structure (not shown) adjacent to the elongated vessel 110.

HAIR STATION

[0043] The hair station 130 is sized and shaped for receiving the neck and head of the bather (not shown) when installed on the bather support structure 200, and when the bather support structure 200 is in position for operation of the shower pod 100. Although shown on the FIGs 1-5 as being inside the elongated vessel 110, the hair station 130 could alternately extend outside the peripheral wall 116 of the elongated vessel 110. The hair station 130 may be made of the same material as the elongated vessel 110 or be made of another type of material that does not react to hair products and hair treatment. The hair station 130 is positioned and sized to receive the head and neck of a bather comfortably and securely. For example, the hair station 130 may be shaped as the washing station used in hair salons. The hair station 130 may alternately consist of a depressed ledge inside the elongated vessel 110 inside the peripheral wall 116 for receiving and holding a handheld shower head and hair products (such as shampoo, conditioner, etc.) or pumps for extracting hair products from containers locating adjacent or within the base. In the implementation where the cover 120 does not overlap the hair station 130 and shown in FIGs 1 -5, the hair station 130 is accessible from outside the shower pod 100 to a caregiver.

BATHER SUPPORT STRUCTURE

[0044] The present shower pod 100 is adapted for use with different types of bather support structure 200. FIGs 1-5 depict a first exemplary implementation of bather support structure 200: a reclining seat. The depicted bather support structure 200 may be permanently or removably affixed to the bottom of the elongated vessel 110. The depicted bather support structure 200 shown in FIGs 1-5 reclines between a sitting position and a reclined position. The sitting position facilitates entry and exit of a bather in the shower pod 100. The reclined position provides comfortable and secure support to a bather when the shower pod 100 is in operation. The illustrated bather support structure 200 includes a seat, a backrest, a headrest, a pair of armrests and leg rest. The seat, backrest, headrest, pair of armrests and leg rest are adjustable and articulated. The depicted bather support structure 200 is further provided with a pivoting base to allow, when the reclining seat is in sitting position, rotation from a position where the reclining seat is entirely inside the elongated vessel 110, to pivot 90° and face the lateral opening 122. The depicted bather support structure 200 is further adapted to project in the lateral opening 122 when the at least one door 124 is opened to assist a bather in exiting the shower pod 100. The seat, backrest, headrest, armrests, and leg rest, as well as the mechanisms for their adjustments, articulation and rotation are provided in materials adapted for use in wet conditions and use of soaps and detergents. Furthermore, the bather support structure 200 is made of materials that are comfortable to the touch, dry quickly, and do not bruise fragile skin. Although not shown for simplicity purposes, the bather support structure 200 may be provided with apertures or be made of mesh or a mesh-type structure of material to allow showering therethrough. The bather support structure 200 may be manually adjusted, positioned, and rotated by a bather, a caregiver or by one or several motors actuated by the control system 300. The bather support structure 200 may further be provided with multiple handlebars to facilitate installing a bather thereon and facilitate movement of the bather and the bather support structure 200 in the elongated vessel 110. In operation, when a bather is installed on the bather support structure 200 shown on FIGs 1-5, the headrest is positioned over, in or in the vicinity of the hair station 130. [0045] More particularly, the depicted bather support structure 200 comprises a pivotable, telescopic stand having a lower end pivotably mounted to the elongated vessel 110 and an upper end projecting therefrom. The telescopic stand is configured to pivot about a first vertical axis R1. The telescopic stand may further be provided with a vertical adjustment to adjust the height of the bather support structure 200. Alternatively, the base of the elongated vessel 110 may be provided with a set of telescopic legs (not shown) for adjusting a height of the base of the elongated vessel 110, thereby adjusting height of the bather support structure 200 therein. In one embodiment, the movements of the telescopic stand and telescopic legs are actuated by motors and controlled by the control system 300.

[0046] In addition to pivoting about the first vertical axis R1 , the depicted bather support structure 200 of FIGs 1-5 further comprises a first horizontal member mounted at the upper end of the telescopic stand and extending transverse to the first vertical axis R1 . The first horizontal member includes a first end pivotably mounted to the upper end of the telescopic stand (for rotation about the first vertical axis R1 ), and a second end. Pivotably mounted at the second end of the first horizontal member is a second horizontal member. The second horizontal member comprises a first end pivotably connected to the second end of the first horizontal member for pivoting or rotation about a second vertical axis R2, and a second end to which is pivotably attached the seat (for rotation or pivoting about a third vertical axis R3). The second horizontal member is configured to overlap the first horizontal member when the seat is in the retracted position.

[0047] Thanks to the pivoting movement of the telescopic stand, the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member about the vertical axes R1 , R2 and R3, the extendable support assembly further allows the translational movement of the bather support structure 200 between a retracted position where the bather support structure 200 is housed inside the elongated vessel 110 (as shown in FIG. 2) and the extended position where the bather support structure 200 extends through the lateral opening 122 of the elongated vessel 110 for receiving the bather (not shown) thereon. In one embodiment, the movements of each of the telescopic stand, the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member and the bather support structure 200 are actuated by independent motors controlled by the control system 300. [0048] The components of the depicted bather support structure 200 in contact with the bather, namely the backrest, the seat, the headrest, the leg rest, and the armrests are articulated for allowing the bather support structure 200 to be moved between a seating position and a reclined position. More specifically, the lowest portion of the backrest is attached to backrest end of the seat via pivots; and the front end of the seat is connected to the leg rest via pivots. In one embodiment, the movements of the backrest, seat and leg rests are actuated by one of multiple motors controlled by the control system 300.

[0049] The headrest may also be connected to the highest portion of the backrest by two telescopic members to allow pivoting and translational movements of the headrest relative to the backrest. The headrest extends through the hair station 130 when the bather support structure 200 is in the retracted position, the bather support structure 200 is in the reclined position and the cover 120 is closed onto the elongated vessel 110. In one embodiment, the movements of the headrest are actuated by a motor controlled by the control system 300.

[0050] Although combinations of components have been described above for the depicted bather support structure 200, the present shower pod 100 is not limited to such a combination of components, and any mechanical and/or electrical components appropriate to wet conditions as known in the art, adapted to articular a bather support structure, either manually and/or electrically, in one or multiple axes separately or concurrently, could be used without departing from the scope of the present shower pod 100.

[0051] Reference is now further concurrently made to FIG 8 which depicts another example of bather support structure 200. The bather support structure 200 now depicted is a transportable platform which may be lifted in and out of the elongated vessel 110 when the cover 120 is in open position. This other embodiment of bather support structure 200 is lowered in the elongated vessel 110. This embodiment of bather support structure 200 may sit on the interior side of the peripheral wall 116, sit on the base of the elongated vessel 110, sit along the top edge 126, sit on the footrest 118 and hair station 130 or in any combination of the foregoing. This embodiment of bather support structure 200 is well suited for bathers with little mobility or gravely ill. This embodiment of bather support structure 200 may be used with a lifting structure for lifting and lowering in and out of the elongated vessel 110, as well as lift and lower the bather from and onto a bed. The lifting structure may be provided with wheels to allow movement of the bather support structure 200 to and from the shower pod 100. The lifting structure may further include a scale to weight the bather, and may further include a communication module for communication the measured weight to the shower pod 100. The lifting structure depicted on FIG 8 is for example purposes only, and any lifting structure used in hospitals, hospices, or nursing homes or for bathers with limited mobility could be used. The depicted bather support structure 200 is made of materials adapted to be used in wet environments and are designed to be comfortable to ill and fragile bathers, while allowing water to access the skin of the bather for showering.

PRE-WARMING

[0052] The shower pod 100 is further provided with a pre-warming functionality to prewarm the elongated vessel 110, the cover 120 and the bather support structure 200 prior to entering the shower pod 100. The pre-warming functionality is controlled by the control system 300. The pre-warming functionality may include a heater, a warm air blower or any other type of warming devices adapted to warm the elongated vessel 110, the cover 120 and the bather support structure 200.

[0053] JETS

[0054] The shower pod 100 is further equipped with a plurality jets 250 and at least one handheld shower head 260. The jets 250 are positioned on the interior of the shower pod 100. Some of the jets 250 are distributed along the base of the elongated vessel 110 for projecting generally upwardly, toward the back of the bather (not shown) on the bather support structure 200. Some of the jets 250 are positioned along an interior surface of the peripheral wall 116 for projecting water generally around the bather (not shown) on the bather support structure 200. Some of the jets 250 are positioned within an interior surface of the cover 120 for projecting water generally downwardly, toward the front of the bather (not shown) on the bather support structure 200. The plurality of jets 250 are positioned to ensure spraying or projection of water on the entirety of the bather’s body during operation of the shower pod 100. [0055] The plurality of jets 250 may comprise one or many different types of jets, such as for example broad jets, targeted jets, rain shower jets, spray jets, mist jets, air jets, steam jets, and any other type of jets known in the industry.

[0056] The jets 250 may be adjusted manually or mechanically for position and flow. For example, when the bather is larger, some of the jets 250 positioned on the interior surface of the peripheral wall 116 may be adjusted to reduce flow of water for the jets 250 located closer to the bather. Many other adjustments can be performed to the jets 250, those adjustments aiming at making the showering experience more pleasant and comfortable for the bather.

[0057] The jets 250 may be actuated separately, in groups, altogether and in a sequence. The jets 250 are controlled, adjusted, and actuated by the control system 300 to provide a fast and comfortable environment to the bather and provides fast thermal comfort.

[0058] The shower pod 100 further includes one or several feeding circuits (not shown) in the base of the elongated vessel 110 for feeding the multiple jets 250 and the at least one handheld shower head 260.

[0059] The shower pod 100 includes at least one water circuit for providing water to the plurality of jets 250. The shower pod 100 may alternatively include multiple water circuits for providing water to the plurality of jets 250. The shower pod 100 may further include an air circuit for providing air to at least some of the jets 250. Alternatively, the water and air may be mixed to create mist or steam to be provided to some of the jets 250. The water circuits may be connected to a cold-water source or to both a cold and hot water sources. The shower pod 100 may further be equipped with one or several hot water tanks or tankless water heaters to locally heat or adjust the temperature of the water to be provided to the jets 250 and the at least one handheld shower head 260. Multiple water circuits allow for providing water to some of the water jets 250 at different water temperatures concurrently or alternately, with or without the use of water mixers.

[0060] The water circuits may further be connected to one or multiple other sources of liquids such as for example soap, disinfectant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc. The other sources of liquids may be selected manually or automatically by the control system 300. Hence, in addition to spraying and projecting water, the jets 250 may be supplied with a mixture of water and soap to wash the bather. Some of the jets 250 may alternately be supplied with a mixture of water and lotion, to sooth or ail bed sores or skin problems. In a particular aspect, the jets 250 may be supplied with a mixture of water and disinfectant, to clean the shower pod 100. Although not shown on the FIGs, the various liquids and liquid source supply may be installed inside the elongated vessel 110 or in the vicinity thereof.

[0061] In yet another aspect or in combination with some of the previously provided options, the water circuits may be adapted to insert infusion pouches (like for example coffee pods), to infuse the water, steam or mist projected by the jets 250 with aroma(s).

[0062] The control system 300 controls and adjusts the liquid supply source for the jets 250, from the following: water, water and soap, water and lotion, water and disinfectant, water and shampoo, water and essential oil, water and aroma, steam, steam with essential oil, steam with aroma, mist, mist with essential oil, mist with aroma, or any combination thereof. The control system 300 controls the water and air circuits to address the needs and/or preferences of the bather.

[0063] Reference is now further made to FIGs 6-7 which depict examples of a handheld shower head 260. Although the jets 250 provide overall showering of the bather, it is sometimes required to provide a localized wash of body areas or washing hair separately. For this purpose, the shower pod 100 is further equipped with at least one handheld shower head 260. For example, the shower pod 100 may include one handheld shower head 260 near or within the hair station 130. The shower pod 100 may further include a handheld shower head as shown on FIG 7 inside the shower pod 100 and within easy reach of a caregiver for providing localized washing of body area(s). The handheld shower head 260 of FIG 7 is adapted for receiving a wash glove 270 that is inserted over the handheld shower head 260. The combination of handheld shower head 260 and wash glove 270 allows a hygienic and more comfortable experience for bathers with very limited mobility to be washed in certain body areas and/or private body areas. The handheld shower head 260 may be made of any material adapted to wet environments, and may be configured to be rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, equipped with a soft surface or slightly abrasive surface for scrubbing and/or exfoliation. The handheld shower head 260 is also connected to the water and air circuits and supplied in water and air and any other appropriate liquid source as the jets 250 and controlled by the control system 300. The control system 300 may further adjust independently the temperature of the water, liquid, mist and/or steam provided to the jets 250 from the water and liquid provided to the handheld shower head 260.

[0064] The jets 250 and the handheld shower head 260 may be further controlled by the control system 300 to admit or expel air to dry the jets and the handheld shower head 260 after use, or in between bathers. The control system 300 may further admit or expel air through the various jets 250 to purge the water circuit of the shower pod 100. The air expelled by the jets 250 and the handheld shower head 260 may further be used to dry the shower pod 100 in between usages, to ensure each bather enters a dry shower pod 100 without the need for manually drying the shower pod 100. In another embodiment not shown, the jets 250 are controlled by the control system 300 to expel air at the end of the showering experience to dry the bather, or when installing the bather inside the shower pod 100 to create a warm and comfortable environment.

[0065] The flow and temperature of the air expelled by the jets 250 are controlled by the control system 300. The shower pod 100 uses ambient air that is taken from the room where the shower pod 100 is located, warmed up and pushed out through a motor as for example done in hand dryers in public bathrooms. Furthermore, the temperature of the water, mist and/or steam may be gradually increased by the control system 300 to gradually acclimate the bather into the bathing experience. Other mechanisms and devices known in the art for warming and expelling warm air through jets 250 could be used without departing from the scope of the present shower pod 100.

[0066] The base of the elongated vessel 110 comprises a drain 114 for draining the base during and/or after operation of the shower pod 100. The drain 114 may further optionally be provided with a macerator for macerating any debris in the base of the elongated vessel 110 to prevent blockage of the drainpipe. [0067] The shower pod 100 may further include a filtration system for collecting the water collected by the drainpipe. The filtered water may be recirculated through the water circuit. Recirculating water reduces water consumption and energy used for heating the recirculated water.

[0068] In addition to recirculating water, the shower pod 100 may be further equipped with a thermal energy recuperation system for recuperating the heat from the collected water and using the recuperated heat to warm water to be provided to the jets 250.

[0069] To prevent water damage around the shower pod 100, the cover 120 and the door 124 may further be provided with a locking mechanism which prevents opening of the cover 120 or the door 124 when the jets 250 are projecting water or any combination of liquid.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

[0070] The experience of the bather may further be heightened through providing of luminotherapy, aromatherapy, music, sounds, pod casts, audio books, voice-control, etc. To that effect, the shower pod 100 may further be provided with one or several of the following adapted to wet environments: LED lights for luminotherapy, essential oil diffuser(s) for aromatherapy, speaker(s) for musicotherapy or sound(s), podcasts or audiobooks, and a microphone for receiving voice controls.

SENSORS

[0071] The shower pod 100 may further include one or several sensor(s) (not shown). The sensors may be located inside the elongated vessel 110, the cover 120 and/or the bather support structure 200. The sensor(s) may detect one or several physical parameters of the bather which could assist in evaluating relative health of the bather, and/or indicate a problem with the shower pod 100, or to evaluate the bather’s experience.

[0072] The sensor(s) may measure one or several physical or physiological parameter(s) representative of the relative health of the bather and/or quality of the showering experience of the bather. Examples of physical or physiological parameters detected by the sensor(s) include weight of the bather, movement of the bather, displacement of the bather, body temperature and/or body temperature fluctuations, heart rate and/or heart rate fluctuations, breathing rhythm and/or pattern and/or fluctuations, or any other physical or physiological parameter and/or fluctuation detectable or measurable by sensors.

[0073] The control system 300 may use the physical and/or physiological parameters detected by the sensors to automatically adjust one of several of the following: the jets 250, the handheld shower head(s) 260, luminotherapy, musicotherapy, aromatherapy and sounds being played to improve the quality of the bather’s experience. The control system 300 of the shower pod 100 may further communicate with a central center, either local or remote, to report the identity of the bather, the detected physical parameters, any adjustment performed in response to the detected physical and/or physiological parameters detected by the sensors for improving the quality of the bather’s experience to store for future reference.

SAFETY FEATURES

[0074] The shower pod 100 may further include one or several emergency buttons. The emergency button(s) may be located on an exterior surface of the shower pod 100 or inside the shower pod 100.

[0075] Upon actuation of one of the emergency buttons or detection of an abnormal physical or physiological fluctuation by the sensor(s), the control system 300 may automatically stop the jets 250, the handheld shower head(s) 260, and any luminotherapy, musicotherapy, aromatherapy and sounds being played, and automatically disengage the locks of the cover 120 and the door 124 and starts lifting the cover 120. The control system 300 may further communicate with a central center, either local or remote, the actuation of the emergency button or detected abnormal physical or physiological fluctuation.

[0076] The emergency buttons and/or sensor(s) may further be used to detect any malfunction of the shower pod 100 and after the bather has exited the shower pod 100, the control system 300 may automatically perform an auto diagnostic routine to verify the proper functioning of all components and functionalities of the shower pod 100. The results of the auto diagnostic routine may be communicated to the central center, shower pod manufacturer, shower pod distributor or shower pod owner.

[0077] Another safety feature of the shower pod 100 relates to disinfection. In addition to the mix of water and disinfectant to be projected by at least some of the jets 250, the shower pod 100 is further provided with an Ultra-Violet light disinfection system. The UV light disinfection system may be actuated by the control system 300 after each use to ensure complete disinfection of the interior of the shower pod 100 and hence reduce propagation of germs. Any UV light disinfection system known in the art and adapted to wet environments may be used.

[0078] The shower pod 100 may further be equipped with a water disinfection system such as a UV water treatment system, installed on the water circuit, to ensure that water projected by the jets 250 is UV treated prior to being projected and thus free of germs.

USER INTERFACE

[0079] The shower pod 100 further includes a user interface 280. The user interface 280 shown on the FIGs is a touch-control display, but the present shower pod 100 is not limited to such an implementation of user interface 280. The user interface 280 could consist of one or several of the following options provided separately or concurrently: a keyboard with display, voice activated control, an electronic reader (for reading one of a card, chip, digital print, face, retina, etc.), proximity detector with wireless interconnectivity to a mobile application, and/or any other type of user interface 280 known in the art.

[0080] The user interface 280 authenticates the bather and/or the caregiver. After authentication, the bather or the caregiver may select one of multiple pre-set shower routines appropriate to the bather’s particular needs. The user interface 280 further allows personalized configuration of some aspect of the pre-set shower routine and selection and configuration of one or multiple aspects of the immersive experience. The user interface 280 communicates with the control system 300 which proceeds with execution of the preset shower routine and selected immersive experience. CONTROL SYSTEM

[0081] Functioning of the shower pod 100 is controlled by the control system 300. The control system 300 acts as the brains of the shower pod 100. The control system 300 controls operation of the various aspects of the shower pod 100, while ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for bathers. The control system 300 includes a processor and memory (not shown). The processor executes a software which is adapted for controlling directly or indirectly the various components of the shower pod 100. The control system 300 further includes an input/output port for controlling the various components of the shower pod 100 as will be further described. The control system 300 may be fully located on or within the shower pod 100, or some components of the control system 300 may be located remotely such as for example in a separate part of the building where the shower pod 100 is located or in the cloud. The control system 300 may for example consist of a computer, a tablet, or any other type of electronic device or processors capable of executing programs and controlling the various components of the shower pod 100.

[0082] Reference is now further made to FIG 9, which functionally illustrates the components of the control system 300. The control system 300 comprises five separate and complementary modules: a pod operation module 310, an interaction module 320, a mechanical module 330, a fluids control module 340 and an immersive control module 350. Although shown and below described as five distinct modules, a person skilled in the art will understand that the division of the functionalities of the control system 300 in five modules is for illustration purposes only, and that the present control system 300 and its various functionalities could be implemented in many ways without departing from the teachings of the present shower pod 100. Furthermore, although not shown, those skilled in the art will understand that the control system 300 is executed on one or multiple electronic devices and/or servers, run locally, remotely or cloud-based or as a combination thereof.

[0083] The pod operation module 310 includes a pod operating system 312, a programs catalog/index 314, a database of user settings 316 and a database of operation logs 318. The pod operation system 312 may be any type of computer system operating system available on the market, an Open Source based operating system or a custom- made operating system. The operating system 312 controls and manages the hardware and other modules used in the operation of the shower pod 100. The programs catalog/index 314 is a database of pre-set showering programs that may be selected by a user and executed by the pod operation module 310. For example, the programs catalog/index 314 may list pre-set showering programs, and corresponding parameters. Examples of parameters include type of program, duration of the program, sequence of jets, sequence of fluids, type of bather, mobility level of bather, age range of bather, weight range of bather, authorized caregiver, corresponding code of practice (for example: national, individual, institutional...), etc. The catalog of pre-set programs ensures that each bather receives appropriate and quality showering care. The catalog of pre-set programs further include at least one sanitizing program which may be included before or after executing another program or separately selected for execution. For example, the catalog of pre-set programs may include two levels of sanitizing programs: a first level sanitizing program to be executed as a step either at the beginning or end of another program, and a second level sanitizing program to be executed at night to thoroughly sanitize the shower pod 100. The second level sanitizing program may be automatically executed every night by the operating system 312.

[0084] The user settings 316 is a database of users authorized to use the shower pod 100, along with their specific roles, corresponding rights and preferences. For example, when the user is a caregiver, the user settings 316 may include a list of preselected preferences in the operation of the shower pod 100 for that caregiver. Examples of preselected preferences by the caregiver may include increase duration of at least one step of a program, modifying a sequence of step of a program, modifying a height of the shower pod 100 to facilitate access to the caregiver, etc. Examples of preselected preferences for the bather include preferred program, selected temperature, increase duration of at least one step of a program, modifying a sequence of step of a program, modifying a height of the shower pod 100 to facilitate access to the bather, activation, and preferences for the immersive experience module 350, as well as any other parameter that personalizes the showering experience for comfort and enjoyment. The user settings 316 may store information on bather and/or caregiver preferences, settings, habits, sensed activity, history, and any other information to provide a comfortable, meaningful, and pleasant experience to a bather in the shower pod 100.

[0085] The operation logs 318 is a database recording for each shower program executed the particulars of the shower program. The operation logs 318 may further store the identity of the users of each program, along with sensors measurements such as weight of the bather, heart rate of the bather during each phase of a shower program, breathing pattern of the bather during each phase of a shower program, and any other appropriate measurement used for improving the pre-set showering programs available in the programs catalog/index 314. The operation logs 318 may further store detais the programs executed, the operation time of all components requiring maintenance, errors detected, actuation of emergency button and/or detection of abnormal physical or physiological fluctuation by one or multiple sensors, etc.

[0086] The pod operation module 310 also verifies that the latest version of software for the operating system 312 is installed. The pod operation module 310 further handles any required security verification, authentication and wireless communication with other appropriate instances, a maintenance group in charge of maintaining the shower pod 100 as well as a cloud-based platform collecting and storing data on operation of the present shower pod 100 and similar shower pods in other premises. Although not shown, the pod operation module 310 may further include a communication interface to allow communication from and/or to the shower pod 100, wirelessly, using any known communication protocols (e.g., WiFi™, Bluetooth™, Low Energy Bluetooth™, cellular, RFid, etc.). For example, the communication interface could detect a cell phone of a user in the vicinity of the shower pod and use this information as identifying information for a user interface module 322.

[0087] The interaction module 320 oversees the various types of interactions between the users (for example caregiver and/or bather), the shower pod 10 and remote instances. The interaction module 320 includes the user interface control 322, a voice activation control 324, sensors control 326 and emergency button control 328. The interaction module 320 is not limited to such module, and many other modules could be added to expand the interconnectivity of the shower pod 100 with other instances, although not specifically shown in FIG 9.

[0088] The user interface control 322 is responsible among other things for authenticating the user. The user interface control 322 authenticates using any authentication method known in the art, such as for example through login id and password, fingerprint, facial recognition, voice recognition, electronic device, RFid card or chip, etc. The user interface control 322 allows use of the shower pod 100. The user interface control 322 is also used to select and start a shower program.

[0089] Furthermore, the user interface control 322 determines how a user of the shower pod 100 (a bather and/or a caregiver) may interact with the shower pod 100 and provides an interface for a caregiver or a bather to visualize and configure the user settings for the shower pod 100. The user interface control 322 may communicate through an interface of the shower pod 100 such as a display, through a wireless access or through a mobile application in wireless communication with the user interface module through the communication interface (not shown). The user interface control 322 allows the creation of new user in the user settings 316, as well as the selection of parameters and configurations for the shower experience from the programs catalog/index 314. The user interface control 322 also controls the actuation of a shower program for a bather.

[0090] The user interface control 322 could further communicate with other shower pods or a cloud-based shower pod data repository to assess one or many aspects of the bather’s stored information and propose improvements or adjustments to selected program for the bather for improving the bathing experience. The user interface control 322 and/or the interaction module 320 could rely on machine-learning technology, artificial intelligence and/or statistics to propose such improvements to the program. The proposed improvements may be presented through any of the control panel or through an application on a cellular of the bather or the caregiver. Such improvements may be implemented incrementally and followed-up closely through the sensors control 326 to ensure that the incrementally implemented proposed improvements do not negatively impact the experience of the bather and do improve the bathing experience in the shower pod 100. [0091] In one embodiment, the user interface control 322 may display on the control panel 280 or any other display used for communicating with the bather or the caregiver, preprogrammed set-ups for first time bathers or bathers who do not want to create a user configuration. In this embodiment, selection of one of the preprogrammed set-ups, including generic or personalized to the bather, may be performed for example via the control panel 280.

[0092] The voice activation control 324 may be activated or deactivated depending on the bather, the shower program, or as a preference of the user.

[0093] The sensors control 326 determines which sensor(s) are to be activated during the operation of the shower pod 100. The sensors control 326 also determines which parameters are to be measured, at which interval, and which measurements are to be logged in the operation logs 318. To simplify operation of the shower pod 100, the user interface control 322 may offer pre-set configurations of sensors control 326 for selection by the user of the shower pod 100.

[0094] The emergency button control 328 is automatically executed upon activation of the emergency button. The emergency button control 328 automatically stops the various components of the shower pod 100. The emergency button control 328 also add an indication to the operation logs 318 that the emergency button was activated and in which step of the program the emergency button was activated.

[0095] The mechanical module 330 includes a bather support structure control 332, a door control 334 and a cover control 336. The bather support structure control 332 controls operation of the bather support structure, as well as the lifting of the shower pod 100 to accommodate entry and exit of the bather and/or operation by the caregiver. The door control 334 controls operation of the opening and closing of the door 124 as well as locking and unlocking of the door 124. The cover control 336 controls operation for the opening and closing of the cover 120, as well as locking and unlocking of the cover 120.

[0096] The fluids control module 340 executes the program selected and if appropriate personalized for the bather. More particularly, the fluids control module 340 controls the feeding circuits (water and air), the source control 342, the jets control 344, the temperature control 346 and the pressure control 348.

[0097] The source control 342 controls the source of liquid, air or mixture thereof that is provided to the jets 250 through the jets control 344 and the feeding circuits controlled by the fluids control module 340. The source control 342 also controls whether soap, shampoo, sanitizing fluid, aroma or any other addition must be added to the water or air provided to the jets 250.

[0098] The jets control 344 controls the actuation and deactuation of the jets 250 in accordance with the executed program and the particularities of the bather, as well as the flow of fluid (liquid, air, mist, steam), and the direction of the jets 250. The jets control 344 controls operation of the jets 250 separately, in groups or altogether. The jets control 344 further controls the actuation and deactuation of the handheld shower head 260.

[0099] The temperature control 346 and the pressure control 348 respectively control the temperature and pressure of the fluid provided to the jets 250 in accordance with the program being executed by the shower pod 100. The temperature control 346 thus controls the temperature of the fluid provided to the jets 250 and the handheld shower head(s) 260. The temperature control 346 may for example control operation of a tankless water heater and mixing of hot and cold water in one more water circuit to ensure that the water in the shower pod 100 is at the desired temperature. The pressure control 348 controls the pressure of the fluid provided to the jets 250 and the handheld shower head(s) 260 either independently or concurrently.

[00100] The immersive experience module 350 controls the various components of the shower pod 100 which provide an immersive and comfortable experience to the bather. The immersive experience module 350 includes a luminotherapy control 352 for controlling the LED lights inside and outside of the shower pod 100 (intensity, color, light frequency, light spectrum, light variations, light sequence, or any other parameter known in the art of luminotherapy). The showering experience module further comprises an aromatherapy control 354 for controlling air diffuser(s) included within or surrounding or in the vicinity of the shower pod 100. Aromatherapy is well known for having soothing properties and can render a showering experience more calming or energizing. To that effect, the aromatherapy control 354 is adapted for controlling multiple parameters of one or several air diffusers, namely the aroma, essential oil or blend of essential oils, the intensity of the aroma, and any other parameter(s) known in aromatherapy. The immersive experience module 350 further comprises a musicotherapy control 356 for controlling music being played on the speaker(s) of the shower pod 100, as well as the volume. The musicotherapy control 356 also provides sound control functionalities and may be used to control playing of podcasts and audiobooks through the speakers of the shower pod 100 or in the vicinity of the shower pod 100. Although not shown on Figure 9, the immersive experience module 350 may further comprise a display control for remotely controlling a display in the vicinity of the shower pod 100 or on the cover of the shower pod 100 to wirelessly control images or videos being displayed on the display and being part of the showering experience.

METHOD

[00101] Having described the main parts and assemblies of the shower pod 100, an example of method of using said shower pod will now be described.

[00102] First, the shower pod 100 is opened by lifting the cover 120 and opening the door 124. Then the bather support structure 200 is extended through the lateral opening 122, putting the bather support structure 201 in the sitting position and adapting the height of the seat to facilitate onboarding of the bather onto the bather support structure 200. Once the bather is installed on the seat, the bather support structure 200 is retracted into the elongated vessel 110. The bather support structure 200 is then reclined in the reclining position; and the cover 120 is lowered (if appropriate) and the door 124 is closed. In some applications, the drain 114 is then closed; following which the control system 300 starts the shower procedure and actives the various controls (jet controls 344, temperature control 345, pressure control 348, source control 342, luminotherapy control 352, aromatherapy control 354, musicotherapy control 356, voice activation control 324) in accordance with the selected program and preferences of the bather. Once the shower program is completed, the drain 114 is opened (if previously closed as part of the shower procedure). Once all the water has evacuated from the elongated vessel 110, the cover 120 is lifted and the door 124 is re-opened. Then the bather support structure 200 is put back in the siting position and is extended outside of the elongated vessel 110 through the lateral opening 122.

[00103] The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A shower pod comprising: an elongated vessel defining a base and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base, the peripheral wall defining a top opening, the base comprising a least one drain; a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover being sized and shaped to cover at least a section of the top opening; a hair station defined in the top opening through at least one of the base and the cover; and a plurality of jets mounted to at least one of the base and the cover, the jets being fluidly connectable to at least one fluid source; a bather support structure configured to support a bather thereon; and a control system for controlling operation of the shower pod.

2. The shower pod of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral wall further comprises a lateral opening.

3. The shower pod of claim 1 , wherein the fluid is selected from a group consisting of clean water, soapy water, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hydrating liquid, sanitizing liquid, mist, steam and air.

4. The shower pod of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of jets is controlled in sub-groups by the control system.

5. The shower pod of claim 4, wherein the plurality of jets is controlled in the following sub-groups: base jets, cover jets and all jets, and a source controller controls the supply of fluid to the plurality of sub-groups of jets independently.

6. The shower pod of claim 1 , wherein the bather support structure comprises an upwardly extending stand having a lower end mounted to the bottom of the base and an

- 26 - upper end, a first horizontal member having a first end pivotably mounted to the upper end of the stand, and a second end, a second horizontal member having a first end pivotably mounted to the first end of the first horizontal member and a second end pivotably supporting the bather.

7. The shower pod of claim 6, wherein the upwardly extending stand is a telescopic stand movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and wherein movement of the telescopic stand between the lowered position and the raised position allow adjustment of a height of the bather relative to the base of the elongated vessel.

8. The shower pod of claim 1 , wherein the bather support structure is reclinable.

9. The shower pod of claim 8, wherein the bather support structure is adjustable between a seating position and a reclined position.

10. The shower pod of claim 9, wherein the bather support structure comprises a backrest, a seat and a leg rest, a headrest and arm rests.

11. The shower pod of claim 10 wherein when the bather support structure is in the retracted position and in the reclined position, a portion of the reclined seat extends through the hair station.

12. The shower pod of claim 1 , wherein the bather support is configured to allow the passage of the fluid.

13. The shower pod of claim, further comprising a motor to move the cover between the open and closed position.

14. The shower pod of claim 1 , further comprising at least one motor to operate the bather support structure.

15. The shower pod of claim 1 , wherein the cover of the elongated vessel is pivotably mounted to the base.

16. The shower pod of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of an emergency button and an emergency sensor wherein actuation of the emergency button or detection of an abnormal physical or physiological fluctuation by the emergency sensor automatically stops the operation of the shower pod and raises the cover.

17. The shower pod of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of the following;

LED lights for luminotherapy; at least one speaker for musicotherapy; at least one air diffuser for aromatherapy; and the control system further comprises a luminotherapy control, a musicotherapy control, and an aromatherapy control for respectively controlling operation of the LED lights, the at least one speaker and the at least one air diffuser.

18. The shower pod of claim 1 , wherein the control system further comprises a pod operation module, an interaction module, a mechanical module, a fluids control module and an immersive experience module.

19. The shower pod of claim18, wherein the immersive experience module comprises at least one of: luminotherapy control, aromatherapy control and musicotherapy control.

20. The shower pod of claim 1 , further comprising an emergency button.