GB2509689A

GB2509689A - Portable shower

Info

Publication number: GB2509689A
Application number: GB1217506.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lyndon Prescott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-01
Filing date: 2012-10-01
Publication date: 2014-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-01
Also published as: GB201217506D0; GB2509689B; GB2519029A; GB201501178D0; GB2519029B

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable shower comprising a single unitary casing that internally houses at least one reservoir 7, an arm 2 for supporting a showerhead 1 where the arm is preferably telescopic, a pump 11, at least one heating element 10, and is equipped with a control means and a power source. The portable shower may contain a wash reservoir 7 and a rinse reservoir 6 which may comprise a detergent. The casing may comprise a fan 9 which may be mounted alongside a heating element 10 so as to generate heated air.

Description

A PORTABLE SHOWER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, to a portable shower more particularly but not especially a portable shower with an internal water reservoir.

Background

Being able to shower and wash outdoors or whilst away from home is often desirable for example whilst camping or if you wish to wash of equipment such as wetsuits or a pet.

Traditionally a hosepipe may be used however this does not provide warm water and therefore may not be desirable. Also a hosepipe must traditionally be held so a user cannot easily stand underneath it.

In order to wash outside a separate water supply may need to be provided or installed which may be expensive.

Some camping/travel equipment has been developed to include showering facilities however the water pressure and amount of water may be limited and some such systems require alternative fuels, which may further limit use.

The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with showering outdoors by providing a portable mains powered showering unit.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 7 814 586 (SAMUELS) discloses a portable shower system comprising: a base assembly having a major section with an open top, a minor section with a top panel, a cover plate with a down-turned flange, the cover plate being positioned over the major section; springs between the cover plate and * 2 the major section to hold the cover plate in an inoperative orientation above the major section and an operative orientation in contact with the major section; a J-shaped tube having a lower end operatively coupled with the minor section and extending upwardly from the top panel, the J-shaped tube having an upper end with a primary sprinkler head positioned over the major section; and a water path including an input coupling on the major section for receiving water from a hose, the water path including an output coupling on the top panel for removably receiving the lower end of the J-shaped tube.

Granted United States patent US 7 506 386 (ADRIAN) discloses a portable water heater for providing a continuous flow of hot water by heating the water as it flows to the user for immediate use, the portable water heater comprising: a fuel burner configured to produce heat as fuel is burned; a heat transfer conduit fluidly connected to a water source, said heat transfer conduit being configured to transfer the heat produced by said fuel burner to the water flowing through said heat transfer conduit; and a pump being sized and configured to pump water through said heat transfer conduit with sufficient force to allow a user to take a shower.

Granted United States patent US 6 559 380 (HARTLINE et al) discloses a portable shower apparatus, which comprises: a) a half cylindrical water supply tank with an inlet port and an outlet port, the water supply tank of a dark color to absorb the rays of the sun, the outlet port in fluid communication with a shower head supported by a top member; b) a selectively actuated supply pump in fluid communication with the outlet port on the half cylindrical water supply tank, the supply pump in electrical communication with a remote electrical power supply source; c) the top member supported from above in spaced relation above a boftom member; d) a flexible shower curtain slidably supported about the outer periphery of the top member; e) a half cylindrical disposal tank with a gray water inlet port, and a selectively actuated outlet port; 0 the: bottom member with a raised lip extending about the outer periphery of the bottom member, the bottom member sized to receive the half cylindrical water supply tank and the half cylindrical disposal water tank therein between use, for ease of storage; g) a dispdsal pump in fluid communication with the outlet port on the bottom member, the disposal pump electrically powered by a remote electrical supply source, the disposal pump selectively actuated to pump waste water from the half cylindrical disposal tank to a remote gray water disposal location.

In contrast the present invention provides a self-contained means of providing showering facilities in an easily transported and stored unit.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a portable shower comprising; a housing comprising: at least one reservoir, an arm supporting a showerhead, a pump, and at least one heating element; and equipped with a control means and a power source.

The arm is preferably telescopically extendible. The housing is preferably a single unitary casing.

In preferred embodiments the casing is a cuboid, square or rectangular box formed from a lightweight, strong durable material such as synthetic plastic, aluminum or carbon. Such externaI shaping ideally ensures that the portable shower is easy to store and transport.

Preferably the casing houses two reservoirs, a wash reservoir and a rinse reservoir.

Most preferably the wash reservoir is positioned below the rinse reservoir wherein both reservoirs are linked by a channel that allows liquid to pass from the rinse reservoir to the wash reservoir; thereby allowing water in the rinse reservoir to pass through the wash reservoir before being expelled.

Typically the reservoirs both hold water although the wash reservoir also may include detergent such as soap or shampoo to assist with washing. Alternatively or additionally other substances such as medicines or skin treatment products may be added to the water.

In preferred embodiments the reservoir(s) contains a heating element in order to preheat fluid for use. In ideal embodiments the reservoir(s) is well-insulated in order that preheated fluid may be stored for later use.

In preferred embodiments the portable shower also includes or provides a fan, which fan is situate after a further heating element, and disposed therefore to blow warmed air for drying purposes. This air may be directable through a hose or pipe.

In preferred, embodiments the casing also contains a fan mounted alongside a heating element so as to generate heated air. Preferably the heated air is forced along a separate pipe to an air outlet positioned on the showerhead so as to allow a user to dry themselves, others or an object.

Ideally the casing also includes a plurality of vents so as to allow the fan to be able to draw air which may be heated and then expelled through the showerhead.

It is envisaged that both the water and air run alongside one another in separate pipes to the shower head. Ideally both pipes are housed within a gooseneck tube so as to'protect the pipes from damage. Ideally the tube runs within or alongside the telescopic arm that supports the showerhead in use.

Advantageously the wash reservoir has a plurality of openings including a filling cap so as to allow insertion of detergent or other substances to the wash reservoir; an interconnecting channel to accept the contents of the rinse reservoir and an outlet to allow contents to exit the reservoir via the pump.

Ideally the filling cap has a water tight seal so as to prevent loss of the reservoir contents. It is envisaged the opening may be closed by a lid and preferably the lid may include a resiliently deformable seal such as a rubber or silicone 0-ring.

The rinse tank or reservoir connects to the detergent tank or wash reservoir by means of a channel. Typically the channel is an interconnecting tube that allows the controlled release of water from one reservoir to the other.

In most preferred embodiments the interconnecting tube includes a mechanism which controls the flow of water, preventing flow of water from the rinse reservoir to the detergent reservoir or wash reservoir until the detergent. reservoir or wash reservoir is empty. Typically the mechanism is facilitated by means of a stopper and a float wherein the float is positioned in the detergent reservoir or wash reservoir and the stopper acts as a bung that prevents the water from leaving the rinse reservoir until the float lowers due to exit of water from the wash reservoir.

As the water leaves the detergent reservoir or wash reservoir by the outlet the water level decreases enabling the float to be lowered. Ideally the stopper is positioned above the float so that as the float lowers the stopper is released and lowered together with the float thereby allowing flow of water from the rinse reservoir. It is envisaged that the volume of water held in the rinse reservoir will assist in releasing the stopper.

As the water level lowers sufficiently to allow water into in the detergent reservoiror wash reservoir the water from the rinse reservoir washes down the detergent reservoir or wash reservoir so that the water released has no detergent so as to rinse the user and so as to assist with cleaning the wash reservoir.

In preferred embodiments the water leaves the wash reservoir by the outlet which connects to a pump. Typically the pump is positioned alongside the wash reservoir outlet connected at the reservoir base so as be able to utilise all stored water The pump pressurises the water and directs it through a piped network to the shower head.

The rinse reservoir is positioned above the wash reservoir. Preferably the rinse reservoir is larger than the wash reservoir as typically more water is required to rinse/remove any detergent or products from items/animals or persons being washed.

Preferably the rinse reservoir has two openings; one so as to allow the water to be added. Ideally the opening is on the reservoirs upper surface so as to allow maximum filling. In some embodiments the opening may be adapted to accept a hosepipe so that the reservoir may be easily filled even if a tap cannot be easily reached. . The second rinse reservoir opening accepts the interconnecting channel that links to the wash reservoir.

Typically the casing includes a plurality of entrances so as to allow access to any reservoir openings in situ and so as to allow access to the pump and control means for repairs and maintenance. Preferably the entrances may be sliding panels or hinged doors.

When not in use the telescopic arm is collapsed and housed within or flush with the case. Ideally the showerhead includes a handle so that it may be easily lifted from the casing when required. Ideally the telescopic nature of the arm allows the showerhead to be positioned close to the user, minimizing heat loss il-i use for different sized users, Preferably the showerhead has a plurality of apertures to allow release of water and air when required.

Most preferably the power source is by means of a mains electric supply. Ideally a retractable cable and plug are provided so as enable the portable shower to be easily moved without risk of tripping over the cable or it becoming damaged in transport.

Preferred embodiments of the portable shower are capable of running on a direct current from a standard vehicle battery, and are accordingly equipped with a cigarette lighter power socket adaptor.

Ideally the casing wall houses the control means that enable the user to control the shower. Preferably the control means includes a plurality of buttons, switches and/or dials which control different aspects of the shower, namely turning the shower on and off, controlling the heating elements, turning the fan on and off and engaging the pump. In some embodiments it may be possible to mention programme the shower to be ready for a specific time, for example whereupon an alarm may be sounded or alert transmitted.

Most preferably the controls are displayed on a waterproof panel so that the shower may be safely operated in wet surroundings.

In some embodiments the casing may also include a compartment for storing grooming goods and equipment such as soap, shampoo and tools.

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.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the portable shower with showerbead in use; Figures 2 show a view from above and below of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figures 3 show two side views of the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figures 4 show two side views of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured embodiment as numbered in Figures 1 and 4 is a portable shower comprising a single unitary casing. The casing is a rectangular box. The casing houses a wash reservoir connected to a rinse reservoir wherein there is provided a single opening access slide panel 4 to put water in both the wash & rinse reservoir.

An opening access slide panel 5 gives access to extension of the showerhead 1.

Figure 4 includes the following: 5.

Rinse reservoir 6 Wash reservoir 7 Retractable cable mechanism 8 Energy efficient heating element and fan for dryer 9 Water heating elements 10 Water pump 11 Stopper and water float 12 The wash reservoir-7 is positioned below the rinse reservoir 6. Both reservoirs 6 and 7 are linked by a channel that allows liquid to pass from the rinse reservoir 6 to the wash reservoir 7; thereby allowing water in the rinse reservoir 6 to pass through the wash reservoir 7 before being expelled. The wash reservoir 7 has an outlet which connects to a pump 11. The interconnecting channel between the reservoirs 6 and 7 includes a mechanism 12 which controls the flow of water, preventing flow of water from the rinse reservoir 6 to the wash reservoir 7 until the wash reservoir 7 is empty.

The shower further includes a telescopic pole 2 supporting a showerhead 1 and a rinse pole 6, said rinse pole 6 a gooseneck tube/hose containing the water & drying pip& 25. In use, the pump pressurises the water and directs it through a piped network from the reservoir(s) to the shower head.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable shower comprising; a housing comprising: at least one reservoir, an arm supporting a showerhead, a pump, and at least one heating element; and equipped with a control means and a power source.
2. A portable shower as claimed in claim 1 in which the housing is a single unitary casing.
3.

A portable shower as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the arm is telescopically extendible.
4. A portable shower according any preceding claim wherein the casing is a cuboid, square or rectangular box formed from a lightweight, strong durable material.
5. A portable shower according to any preceding claim including two reservoirs a wash reservoir and a rinse reservoir.
6. A portable shower as claimed in claim S in which the wash reservoir further comprises a detergent.
7. A portable shower according to any preceding claim wherein the casing further comprises a fan.25.
8. A portable shower as claimed in claim 7 in which the fan is mounted alongside the at least one heating element so as to generate heated air.
9. A device for providing portable showering facilities with reference to the figures.Amended claims have been filed as follows:-Claims 1: A portable shower comprising: a housing having a wash reservoir and a rinse reservoir, a support for a showeitiead, the shower head, a pump to expel liquid from a reservoir through the showerhead, and at least one heating element arranged to heat the liquid.2. A portable shower according to claim 1 wherein the wash reservoir is positioned below the rinse reservoir.3. A portable shower according to claim 1 or 2 wherein bath reservoirs are linked by a channel that allows liquid to pass from the rinse reservoir to the wash reservoir before being expelled.4. A portable shower according to any preceding claim in which the wash *:.. reservoir is adapted to add detergent to the liquid.5. A portable shower according to any preceding claim comprising a fan : 20 mounted alongside at least one heating element so as to generate and expel * heated air through the showerhead. * .6. A portable shower according to claim S comprising an air outlet on the showerhead through which the fan is arranged to expel heated air.* .125 7. A portable shower according to any preceding claim comprising control means.8. A portable shower according to any preceding claim in which the housing is a single unitary casing.9. A portable shower according to claim 8 wherein the casing is a cuboid, square or rectangular box formed from a lightweight, strong durable material.
10. A portable shower according to claims 5-8 wherein the casing further comprises the fan.
11. A portable shower according to any preceding claim, in which the arm is telescopically extendible.
12. A device for providing portable showering facilities with reference to the figures. * . -* S. * . * . * S p * 4* * *..* * * 0SU * r