VERTICAL POSITIONING SHOWER ATTACHMENT
The invention is directed to a shower assembly which can be placed in a standard shower enclosure which receives pressurized water from the existing plumbing. Such shower assembly comprises a vertical assembly positioned within an outer housing. The vertical assembly includes a positioning rod which maintains a rotatable belt. A dispenser having a shower head with jet sprays is affixed to the belt and capable of moving about the positioning rod. Positioned proximate the positioning rod is a hydraulic turbine which engages the belt to move the dispenser about a user. The hydraulic turbine includes an inlet capable of receiving pressurized water and directing the pressurized water into a turbine wheel to position the dispenser. Optionally, the assembly can include a controller which directs both the hydraulic turbine but also the dispenser. The controller includes a processor, a memory device, a power supply and a display.
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This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/827,721, filed Jun. 30, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/725,138, filed Mar. 16, 2010, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties all commonly owned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention is directed to a shower attachment attachable to an existing shower enclosure for purposes of vertically positioning a dispenser about a user to deliver, through automation, soap or similar cleansing material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTraditional shower systems used over the past 50 years have primarily included a showerhead and a series of valves for regulating the temperature of the shower (as well as control the flow of water to the showerhead). Most advances in the field of showerhead design have included various showerheads that variate flow of pressurized water to effectuate a massage. Other advances have included placement of multiple showerheads in series to create an envelope or cascade of water around a user. These additional showerheads are placed along the shower enclosure wall or on the ceiling of the shower. All of these advances have focused on the same fundamental shower system of a showerhead and regulating valves.
Review of patents dealing with shower systems highlights these limited advances. U.S. Pat. No. 4,563,780 entitled “Automated Bathroom” is directed to a system for regulating bathroom activities such as showering. However, the invention primarily relates to introducing bath additives and cleaning solutions to maintain the cleanliness of the bathroom.
Showering remains a fundamental regiment to ensure cleanliness as well as reduce the spread of disease. This is especially true and important in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It is often the case that individuals being treated at these facilities have infirmities that prevent them from showering without assistance. However, assistance when showering is not only uncomfortable and embarrassing for the infirmed individual—but also requires a significant level of time and patience on the part of the professional assisting.
Very little has been done to create shower systems to assist infirmed individuals who cannot stand upright to take a shower. Moreover, there have been very little inroads to design a system to deliver a cleanser such as soap, shower gel or similar surfactant to help clean infirmed individuals.
Apart from shower systems for assisting infirmed individuals, there have also been very little advances in the field of automated shower systems for domestic use for effectuating a spa like experience. Current shower systems can optionally include a hand wand that is attached to the regulating valves. A flexible tube attaches the hand wand to the regulating valves such that the user can have greater freedom to provide direct water pressure to various parts of the user's torso. Optionally, these hand wands can include settings to allow changes in pressure. By engaging the hand wand, water is diverted from the showerhead (typically located above the wand) and thus allows for a more spa like feel.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art of shower system design for a robust attachment to an existing shower system to allow an infirmed individual to shower without need of assistance. Moreover, such attachment should provide a complete shower to those infirmed individuals with limited motor skills. Optionally, such attachment should allow delivery through automation of a cleanser (such as soap or shower gel) to the infirmed individual. In addition, there is a need in the art of domestic shower systems for an attachment that provides a spa like massage. Preferably, such device can be interchangeably used for both domestic and assisted living facilities in order to be mass-produced in a cost effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe current invention solves many of the limitations and shortcomings found in the art of shower systems. The invention is directed to a shower assembly which can be affixed in an existing shower enclosure and employ the existing plumbing. The shower assembly includes an outer housing having a back panel, a first side panel, a second side panel (parallel to the first side panel) and a front side panel having an opening. Positioned within the outer housing is a vertical assembly having a top side and corresponding bottom side. The top side includes a top positioning bracket, while the bottom side includes a bottom positioning bracket. Both positioning brackets include spindles which help maintain and rotate a belt.
A dispenser is affixed to the belt having a sleeve capable of moving about the vertical positioning rod. The dispenser includes a shower head having a plurality of spray jets which allow various settings. Optionally, the dispenser may further include a central housing containing a plurality of sensors, a fluid container which maintains a cleanser and a spindle brush powered by a rotation motor.
A power train is positioned on vertical assembly, preferably located proximate the top positioning bracket. While the power train can be manual, mechanical, or electro mechanical—it is preferably hydraulic. More specifically, the power train may be a hydraulic turbine having an inlet capable of receiving pressurized water from the existing plumbing and directing the pressurized water into a turbine wheel located within an outer casing. The pressurized water is capable of rotating the turbine wheel.
Also positioned within the outer casing is a stationary gear that connects to a crank shaft which in turn communicates (and can rotate) the belt positioned on the vertical assembly. A toggle gear is positioned between the turbine wheel and the stationary gear. When positioned proximate the turbine wheel, the toggle gear causes the stationary gear to rotate in one direction. In contrast, when the toggle gear is positioned near the stationary gear, it rotates the stationary gear in the opposite direction. An outlet is also located on the outer housing of the hydraulic turbine which supplies pressurized water to the shower head within the dispenser.
The shower assembly can further include a controller which can communicate with both the dispenser and the power train. The controller can include a processor, a memory device, a power supply and a display.
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, in which:
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Overall Components of the Shower AttachmentThe shower attachment 100 shown in
The shower attachment 100 functions to allow vertical positioning of the dispenser 400 about the height of the user (who can be either standing within a shower enclosure or alternatively sitting to receive a shower). Such design allows the dispenser 400 to be placed at the height of a user's head and then transported to proximate the user's knees. Such shower attachments 100 can be scaled based upon whether they are used in combination shower/bath enclosures (which would require a shower vertical length) or when used in dedicated shower enclosure (which allows a longer assembly which allows a greater vertical range).
The outer housing 200 is designed for attachment with one of the various walls of the shower enclosure. Typically, the shower attachment 100 is placed on an adjoining wall of the shower enclosure to prevent blockage of the hot/cold water controls. Alternatively, the shower attached 100 and be placed in between these controls or on top. The outer housing 200 is made from a light weight and non-corrosive substance such as a plastic, composite or metal material.
Positioned within the outer housing 200 is the vertical assembly 300. This vertical assembly 300 includes a power train 310 to help vertically position the dispenser 400 about the user. Such power train 310 can be mechanical, requiring a user to rotate a crank or physically moving the dispenser 400 into a stationary position. Alternatively, the power train 310 can be electro-mechanical and include one or more electrical motors (powered by an enclosed water tight battery system). As a third and viable option, the power train 310 can also be hydraulic and employ pressurized water 110 to position the dispenser 300 about the user.
As further shown in
Attached to the vertical assembly 300 is a controller 500 which functions to operate and control various routines for the enhanced shower attachment 100. Preferably, the controller 500 includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a processor 510, a memory device 520, a power supply 530 (which can be a battery), and a display 540 (all illustrated in
As further provided in
The rigid casing 201 of the outer housing 200 preferably includes a back panel 210, a first side panel 220, a second side panel 230, and a front panel 240. Both the first side panel 220 and second side panel 230 are essentially parallel to one another. Each side panel 220 and 230 is perpendicularly attached to the back panel 210. While the back panel 210 (as well as the side panels 220 and 230) are essentially flat, it preferable that the front panel 240 is essentially outwardly curved. Such curvature helps maximize the internal cavity 202 created by assembly of the two side panels 220 and 230 with the front panel 240 and back panel 210.
The front panel 240 is essentially long and rectangular in shape and orientation having a top portion 241 and a corresponding bottom portion 242. Positioned between both portions 241 and 242 is a vertical opening 245. Such vertical opening 245 forms a slit of sufficient size and dimension so as to allow the dispenser 400 to protrude outside of the rigid casing 201.
The back panel 210 of the outer housing 200 can be affixed to the shower enclosure through a variety of fasteners. For example, a strip of waterproof adhesive can be used. Alternatively, series of hooks can be used, which requires some drilling into the shower enclosure. As a third option, the outer housing 200 can be built into a customer shower enclosure such that the front panel 240 is essentially flush.
The Vertical Assembly and Power TrainBoth
As further shown in
The stabilizing bar 320 includes a top end 321, corresponding bottom end 322, and a middle portion 323. Affixed proximate the top end 321 is a top positioning brace 330. Likewise, a bottom positioning brace 340 is positioned proximate the bottom end 322. Accordingly, the top positioning brace 330 is located proximate the top of the vertical opening 245 (shown in
Positioned proximate the end of the bottom positioning brace 340 is a bottom rotating spindle 341. Correspondingly, the top positioning brace 330 includes a top rotating spindle 231. Positioned between both rotating spindles 231 and 241 is a vertical belt 325. Such belt 325 can alternatively be a chain, cable, wire or a similar structure. Regardless of structure, the belt 325 should be sufficiently taught around both positioning braces 330 and 340 to maintain the dispenser 400.
As shown in
As shown further shown in
As further shown in
A second sensor 461 contemplated by the invention is a motion sensor 467. The motion sensor 467 functions to ascertain if the user is sufficiently close to the spindle brush 490. Such motion sensor 467 not only measures if the user is proximate to the dispenser 400, but also if there is any motion by the user suggesting comfortableness, a health risk, or any related medical issue, while a shower is being administered. As shown, the motion sensor 467 can be positioned at the top side 462 of the central housing 460.
Also illustrated in
A screw bottom 472 can be positioned at the base of the fluid container 470 which includes a check valve 473. By twisting the screw bottom 462, the entire fluid container 470 can be removed such that any remaining cleanser 451 will not escape due to use of the check valve 473. This allows another replacement fluid container 470 to be positioned and attached to the dispenser 470. Through this structure, one fluid container 470 could be used to administer soap or shower gel, while a second fluid container 470 could be attached to offer either an antibacterial treatment or a moisturizer to prevent dry skin.
As shown in
Both
Both the processor 510 and display 540 communicate with (are supplied electricity by) the power supply 530. Such display 540 can provide a variety of information including the temperature of the pressurized water 210 (shown in
As is further shown in
Claims
1. A shower assembly, comprising:
- an outer housing having a back panel, a first side panel and second side panel;
- a vertical assembly positioned within the outer housing having a vertical positioning rod with a top side and corresponding bottom side, wherein the top side includes a top positioning bracket while the bottom side includes a bottom positioning bracket, both the positioning brackets maintaining a belt;
- a dispenser affixed to the belt, the dispenser having a sleeve moveable about the vertical positioning rod; and
- a power train sufficient to move the belt to vertically position the dispenser.
2. The shower assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
- a controller having a processor operable with the dispenser, the processor operable with a memory device, a power supply and a display.
3. The shower assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer housing further includes a front panel having an opening of sufficient size and dimension to allow protrusion of the dispenser.
4. The shower assembly of claim 1, wherein the dispenser includes a shower head having a plurality of spray jets which allow various settings.
5. The shower assembly of claim 4, wherein the dispenser further includes a central housing containing a plurality of sensors, a fluid container which maintains a cleanser therein and a spindle brush powered by a rotation motor.
6. The shower assembly of claim 1, wherein the power train comprises a hydraulic turbine having:
- an inlet capable of receiving pressurized water and directing the pressurized water into a turbine wheel located within an outer casing, the pressurized water capable of rotating the turbine wheel;
- a stationary gear rotatable within the outer casing, the stationary gear connects to a crank shaft that communicates with the belt;
- a toggle gear positioned between the turbine wheel and the stationary gear which, when positioned proximate the turbine wheel rotates the stationary gear in one direction while rotating the stationary gear in the opposite direction when placed proximate the stationary gear; and
- an outlet capable of supplying pressurized water to the shower head within the dispenser.
7. A shower assembly, comprising:
- an outer housing;
- a vertical assembly positioned within the outer housing;
- a dispenser capable of moving about the vertical assembly; and
- a hydraulic turbine having an inlet capable of receiving pressurized water and directing the pressurized water into a turbine wheel located within an outer casing, the pressurized water capable of rotating the turbine wheel, a stationary gear rotatable within the outer casing which connects to a crank shaft that communicates with the vertical assembly, a toggle gear positioned between the turbine wheel and the stationary gear which functions to rotate the stationary gear in either a first direction or a second direction, and an outlet capable of supplying pressurized water to the dispenser.
8. The shower assembly of claim 7, wherein the vertical assembly includes a vertical positioning rod with a top side and corresponding bottom side, wherein the top side includes a top positioning bracket while the bottom side includes a bottom positioning bracket, and a belt operable with both the positioning brackets.
9. The shower assembly of claim 8, wherein the outer housing having a back panel, a first side panel, second side panel and a front panel having an opening of sufficient size and dimension to allow protrusion of the dispenser.
10. The shower assembly of claim 9, further comprising:
- a controller and having a processor operable with a dispenser, a memory device, a power supply and a display operable with the processor.
11. The shower assembly of claim 9, wherein the dispenser includes a shower head having a plurality of spray jets which allow various settings.
12. The shower assembly of claim 11, wherein the dispenser can further includes a central housing containing a plurality of sensors, a fluid container for which maintaining a cleanser and a spindle brush powered by a rotation motor.
13. A shower assembly, comprising:
- an outer housing;
- a vertical assembly positioned within the outer housing;
- a dispenser capable of moving about the vertical assembly;
- a hydraulic turbine having an inlet capable of receiving pressurized water and directing the pressurized water into a turbine wheel in order to position the dispenser; and
- a controller having a processor, a memory device, a power supply and a display, wherein the controller communicates with the dispenser and the hydraulic turbine.
14. The shower assembly of claim 13, wherein the vertical assembly includes a vertical positioning rod with a top side and corresponding bottom side, wherein the top side includes a top positioning bracket while the bottom side includes a bottom positioning bracket, both the positioning brackets capable of maintaining a belt.
15. The shower assembly of claim 14, wherein the outer housing having a back panel, a first side panel, second side panel and a front panel having an opening of sufficient size and dimension to allow protrusion of the dispenser.
16. The shower assembly of claim 15, wherein the dispenser includes a shower head having a plurality of spray jets which allow various settings.
17. The shower assembly of claim 16, wherein the dispenser can further include a central housing containing a plurality of sensors, a fluid container which maintains a cleanser and a spindle brush powered by a rotation motor.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 30, 2010
Publication Date: Sep 22, 2011
Applicant: ELIMO INTERNATIONAL, LLC (Miami, FL)
Inventor: Edgar L. Bronstein (Caracas)
Application Number: 12/895,214