GB2563195A

GB2563195A - A showering device

Info

Publication number: GB2563195A
Application number: GB1706276.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Khan Trey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-04-20
Filing date: 2017-04-20
Publication date: 2018-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-20
Also published as: GB201706276D0; GB2563195B

Abstract

A showering device 100 comprises an enclosure 1, a water supply, an electrical connection and electrical air movement apparatus to direct air from outside the enclosure to inside the enclosure. The air movement apparatus preferably comprises a plurality of internal vents 3 which may be articulated in different directions. The showering device may comprise a hand dryer 6 located upon an external surface of the enclosure. Preferably, the electrical connection enables at least one light source and an audio playback apparatus 16 (Fig 2). A touchscreen control panel 55 (Fig 2) may be provided.

Description

A SHOWERING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a showering device, incorporating a drier device.

Background

Increasing awareness of environmental and cost factors is prevalent in many societies, contemporaneous with increased wealth and infrastructure, and ageing and enlarged populations.

As a result of these increases many people enjoy showering as a means of keeping clean frequently, being efficient in space and resources.

Towelling dry however in comparison can be an inefficient and ineffective means of drying the body, using up clean towels, and becoming problematic as the user ages or where the user is overweight.

In particular in institutional settings towelling can be a serious resource wastage.

Prior Art CN 105 581 701 (LI) discloses a multi-function shower device, comprising a shower apparatus main body and an overhead shower head, characterized in shower assembly body top is provided with an air outlet, an air inlet, an electric heating element and fan or wind turbine, or provide cool air, it is possible to blow dry the dry body hair, can also be heated; device is also provided limited thermostat, a temperature sensor, toxic and harmful gas sensor, an oxygen concentration sensor, in order to ensure safety when bathing; device is also provided with a light module, able to provide illumination white light and other various colours and brightness of the colour light; device is also provided with a sound module, a local music can be played, but also connecting the handset Bluetooth enabled audio input; device is further provided with a hanging rod, -side oil shower, bathroom mirror and the drawer, the user may conveniently; device is further provided with network communication module and a control interface connected to outside communication. The present invention is realized through a multi-function shower device designed integrated, intelligent and humanized features. US 6 962 005 (KHOSROPOUR et al) discloses a dryer system for drying the interior of a shower enclosure and a person in said interior, said dryer system comprising, in combination: a dryer tower including a plurality of spaced air nozzles for directing air into the interior of said shower enclosure; an air blower; conduit structure providing air flow communication between said air nozzles and said air blower; a heater for heating flowing air produced by said air blower prior to exit of said flowing air from said nozzles into the interior of said shower enclosure; and a seat in the interior of said shower enclosure defining a chamber accommodating said air blower and protecting said air blower from water in the interior of said shower enclosure. GB 2 222 944 (GRANVILLE et al) discloses a shower apparatus that includes a cabinet and a water spray nozzle connected to a pump. A plurality of vents are provided in the walls of the cabinet connected via ducting to fans for provision of jets of air for drying a parson after showering, the vents being closabie and directionally adjustable. A one-way vent is provided in the cabinet ceiling to allow exhaustion of air therefrom. The cabinet is constructed such that the streams of air through the vents create above ambient pressure in the cabinet to provide automatic exhaustion through the vent.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a showering device comprising a shower enclosure, a water supply, and an electrical connection; wherein the electrical connection enables air movement apparatus to direct air from outside the enclosure to inside the enclosure.

In this way the device comprises an all-in-one solution for showering wherein a user, for example a user of limited mobility, may be enabled to shower and dry themselves in one enclosure. In this way the user need not utilise towelling items, and/or may contain all moisture and hair within the enclosure.

Advantageously this is hygienically better than using a towel and useful to larger users who can dry in-between creases or rolls of flesh. In addition or the alternative the device will provide sustainable benefits such as hotels and spas, helping create a more sustainable and economic solution for drying.

Preferably the apparatus within the shower enclosure contains moisture and eliminates need for towels in the bathroom.

In some embodiments the electrical connection enables audio playback.

In some embodiments the electrical connection comprises an electronic connection. For example the connection may enable docking of user-provided electronic apparatus.

In some embodiments the device comprises a local control interface, so as to control the water supply to the device or electric parts thereof.

In some embodiments the electrical connection enables wireless connectivity. For example the device or elements thereof may be controlled by an electronic handheld controller, or independently available electronic apparatus with appropriate software and wireless capability.

In some embodiments the device comprises an external drying mechanism, which mechanism may be accessible from or situated on the exterior of the enclosure. In this way a user may be enabled to dry their hands for example, when using a wash basin or similar.

In some embodiments the device comprises detail dryers. For example the detail dryers may be arranged internally to focus provision of air in localised areas. Such detail dryers may be provided at hand level or foot level. Such detail dryers may comprise articulation, for example directable blowers,, for example so as to enable direction of a flow of air.

In some embodiments the enclosure comprises at least one light source. Said light source may be situated internal to the enclosure, and/or externally. For example the device may be arranged with a number of light sources illuminating the interior of the enclosure during showering. For example the device may be arranged to provide lighting for a bathroom.

The enclosure may comprise transparent or translucent panels, for example glass. The enclosure may be arranged to fit against a wall, for example in a comer, having two sides arranged to locate against a wall. In this way the device may be easily attached to electric, water and sewage supplies.

In some embodiments the enclosure comprises a door or pair of doors. These doors may be hinged or sliding, having sealing perimetrically so as to prevent or limit egress of fluid from the enclosure.

In some embodiments the enclosure may comprise venting to enable air passage out of the enclosure so as to prevent moisture accumulation or condensation. In some embodiments the device may comprise a setting for drying the enclosure, for example wherein motorised articulation of vents enables different drying configurations. In some embodiments the device comprises separate vents for separate purposes, which may be controlled separately.

In some embodiments the device comprises an air heating means, which enables the air directed within the enclosure to be heated or otherwise temperature controlled. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the showering device according to the present invention, with doors open;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with doors closed;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 from behind;

Figures 4 show front view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, doors closed and open respectively;

Figure 5 shows a view from above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and

Figures 6 and 7show sectional views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is provided a showering device 100 comprising a shower enclosure 1, a water supply (not shown), and an electrical connection (not shown); wherein the electrical connection enables air movement apparatus to direct air from outside the enclosure to inside the enclosure through a plurality of vents 2.

The enclosure is a corner segment in plan, comprising two blank sides for placement against walls.

Further embodiments may comprise square or double enclosures. Still further embodiments may be created from existing enclosure setups.

The pictured embodiment provides an all in one shower-dryer unitary device that combines a high end shower mixer with an overhead shower rose 2, with controllable warm air dryers 3 to remove the need for towels in the bathroom. The shower device includes articulated nozzles 3 which allow control over the direction of air flow.

The pictured embodiment comprises the following:

Comer enclosure 1

Room temperature display and control panel 55

Two frosted glass doors 5 sliding in a track 12

Phone shelf 7

Slip proof steps 15

Air direction controls 3

Lighting and integrated sound system 16 and Overhead shower rose 2 with overhead extended piping 11 Air temperature controller 13 > Water temperature controller 15 Hand and face drier 6

The embodiment thereby provides a controllable, programmable and personalisable smart device for showering and drying. The touch screen control panel 55 on the i front of the embodiment enables the shower to be manually controlled, allowing the user to activate pre-set specifications and turn it on before getting in.

The embodiment may also be controlled through a software application, allowing the user to personalise settings and play music while in the shower through the ί integrated sound system.

The air flow uses cyclonic technology, to give the air flow power required for the dryer. ) The device uses electronically controlled blending technology with solenoids to control the mixing of hot and cold water supply feeds, allowing the water temperature to be controlled and set to exact temperatures.

The embodiment has multiple air nozzles 3 that may be articulated using a ball and > socket construction, so as to allow the user to control the direction of drying to appropriate areas and provide a full range of movement and allow focus on body parts.

In some other embodiments the air nozzles may be preset to provide standardised I areas of focus, for example crotch, feet and hair. In some embodiments motorised articulation of vents may enable different drying configurations. In some embodiments the control panel may be enabled to control the vents.

The device also has an integrated hand and face drier 6 to remove the need for > towels in the bathroom.

The drier has a local touchscreen control panel 55 which allows the user airflow to switch between their hands and face. The device may be enabled with a plurality of preset systems or programmes.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A showering device comprising a shower enclosure, a water supply, and an electrical connection; wherein the electrical connection enables air movement apparatus to direct air from outside the enclosure to inside the enclosure

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the air movement apparatus comprises a plurality of vents.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the vents are located internal the enclosure.

4. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the vents are directable.

5. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the air movement apparatus comprises a hand dryer, located on an external surface of the enclosure.

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the electrical connection enables at least one light source.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the electrical connection enables an audio playback apparatus.

8. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a touchscreen control panel.