GB2586994A - Improvements in or relating water powered personal care apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A personal hygiene and care assembly 100 comprises at least one moveable head 1002, 104 attached to a support 106, a supply of water (220, figure 2) adapted to be supplied through the support to the head, wherein in use the movement of the head relative to the support is caused by the water. The head may be rotatably mounted to the support and may comprise a channel (200, figure 2) through which the water passes. A spiral vane (218, figure 2) located within the channel may be caused to rotate by passage of water, and in turn may cause the head to rotate about the support. The cylinder may be perforated with a series of holes (202, figure 2), through which water may pass to exit the cylinder. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of brush heads is located upon the support. A kit comprising a plurality of heads and a support is also disclosed.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING WATER POWERED PERSONAL CARE

APPARATUS

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to water-powered personal care apparatus for example for cleaning, exfoliating, massaging or otherwise providing personal care, particularly, but not exclusively for use in a bathroom or similar environment.

[0002] Personal hygiene and care is very important for both social, practical and health related reasons. Some of the activities are difficult to administer alone, especially if the user has physical or mobility issues. In addition, in certain environments it would be useful to have a personal care apparatus which could provide a number of different personal care processes and which is "powered" by a flow of water. For example, a water supply found in a bathroom or similar environment.

[0003] An example of an environment where such an apparatus would be beneficial is for example in the cleaning and other care of one's feet. In order to wash one's own feet it is generally necessary to bend down and apply soap and then rinse. Alternatively one can sit and bend one's leg to facilitate the washing and rinsing processes. As one grows older or is handicapped or disabled in some way the ability to carry out this simple task becomes more difficult. In addition, if the user is standing there is a risk of a fall and subsequent injury due to slipping.

[0004] At this stage people may use elongated brushes and or have someone to help them. The brushes are not ideal and may not enable full cleaning of all areas of the foot. Having assistance is often seem to be undignified and people often do not want to ask. However the need for good foot hygiene is an absolute necessity for most people.

[0005] This is similar for other types of personal care, for example hand cleaning or the cleaning, exfoliation, massage or other treatment of any other part of the body.

[0006] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the problems associated with personal care and hygiene. In addition, the invention relates to providing apparatus to enable a person to improve or undertake their own personal care and hygiene without requiring assistance.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a personal hygiene and care assembly comprising at least one moveable head attached to a -2 -support, a supply of water adapted to be supplied through the support to the head, wherein in use the movement of the head relative to the support is caused by the water.

[0008] Preferably the supply of water causes the head to move based on the pressure of the water.

[0009] Preferably the head is rotatably mounted on the support.

[0010] Preferably the supply of water causes the head to rotate relative to the support. [0011] Preferably the head is cylindrical and incudes a central channel through which the water from the water supply passes.

[0012] Preferably the central channel incudes a spiral vane passing there through which causes movement of the head.

[0013] Preferably the head comprises a brush including a plurality of bristles extending outwards from a surface of the head.

[0014] Preferably the head is a massage head including a plurality of massage elements extending from a surface of the head.

[0015] Preferably the head is an exfoliating head including a plurality of exfoliating elements extending from a surface of the head.

[0016] 10. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the surface of the head includes a plurality of holes through which water can exit from the head.

[0017] Preferably the arrangement includes a plurality of heads.

[0018] Preferably, all the head are moveable relative to the support.

[0019] Preferably the plurality of head are located on the support and arranged to receive at least part of a body for cleaning the part of the body between at least two heads of the plurality of heads.

[0020] Preferably the support is a wall mounting attaching the assembly to a surface in a shower or bath.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit including an assembly according to a first aspect and one or more head adapted to connect to the support each head providing a different function relating to personal 30 care.

[0022] Preferably the kit further comprising a stand for supporting the assembly.

[0023] Preferably the one or more heads comprise one of more of a cleaning head; an exfoliating head and a massage head.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a foot brush arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -3 -

[0025] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the brushes of the figure 1 arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a more detailed view of one of the brushes, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a rotating wand brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a multi-headed rotating wand brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a mini-headed brush, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention relates to a novel technique of enabling autonomous personal care and hygiene. The invention provides one or more moveable or rotatable brushes or other cleaning heads (as will be described in greater detail below) that are mounted to be relatively stable and which are provided with water that causes the rotation and thus enables autonomous personal care and hygiene.

[0031] As will be described in greater details below, the invention could include a number of variations. For example, the brush could be replaced with an exfoliating head, or a massage head. The apparatus could be for cleaning or caring for animals as well as humans. The apparatus may be adapted for use in medical and other procedures for animals and humans. For example, in situations where an operative needs to remove toxic waste or chemicals from body parts.

[0032] Referring to figure 1, a personal care apparatus for cleaning or otherwise providing personal care and hygiene assembly or arrangement is shown generally at 100, in this case mounted on the wall of a shower (not shown). In the example shown, the personal care assembly 100 is in the form of a brush arrangement. The assembly 100 includes two rotatable cylindrical brushes 102, 104 and a mounting 106. In the example shown there are two brushes but there could be either more or less depending on the design. Similarly, the mounting comprises 2 wall mounting elements 106a and 106b, but this is just an example as will be explained in greater detail below.

[0033] The example shown in figure 1 shows two brushes each or which are rotatable and each of which include a separate mounting. It will be appreciated that the assembly may include more or less brushes and the mounting may support one or more brushes. Each brush may be adapted to rotate as described below or some may -4 -be adapted to rotate whist others are not. The choices depend on the design and intended use. Similarly rotation is the preferred movement of the brushes, but other movement could be adopted depending on design.

[0034] The mounting includes a water pipe or channel (not shown in figure 1) which passes through the mounting. At one end, where the mounting is attached to the wall, the pipe or channel is connected to a water supply. This may either be associated with the shower or bath, if located therein or may be include a separate supply which is controlled as described in greater detail below. The pipe or channel may also be linked to a soap reservoir which can automatically or by virtue of user interaction add soap or another product to the water entering into the pipe or channel.

[0035] At the other end of the pipe or channel is an aperture and seal which attaches to one end of the rotatable brush assemblies. As will be described in further with respect to figure 2 and 3 the brushes include a channel 200 through the middle and a number of holes 202 along the length of the brush through which water can pass to wet and wash a part of the body, for example feet, in use. Any remaining water may exit from an opening 204 at the end of the brush remote from the water source.

[0036] The water can flow through both mountings or just through one or indeed may enter the brush assembly in another manner depending on the design of the assembly. The entry via another manner may include a hose or pipe for enabling entry of a water supply to the brush assembly and one or more controls which enable control of the water supply, pressure, temperature and the like.

[0037] The water supply may be an integral; part of the bath or shower assembly in which the brush assembly is located and may be controllable in conjunction with the controls for the bath or shower. For example when the tap is turned for the bath or shower water may also be automatically supplied to the brush assembly. The temperature and power settings may be similarly controlled. As an alternative the brush assembly may have its own dedicated controls. These controls whether integral with the bath or shower or dedicated can control flow of water; temperature; pressure; supply of additional products such as soap etc.; stop and start and any other appropriate control.

[0038] In any case the brush assembly may include a stop control which stops the water and associated brush rotation. This may be used for ensuring the supply is only operation when the brush assembly is in use or may form a safety mechanism for disabling the brushes if necessary. -5 -

[0039] In the embodiment shown the brush assemble is fixed to the wall of a shower or bathroom. The mounting elements may be adapted to attach to different places and in different ways. For example the mounting elements may be fixed to the bath itself via appropriate means. For a wall attachment the fixture may be via screw or other fixing, or may be via suction members or feet on the end of the element which adhere to the wall or surface of the bath or shower.

[0040] The brush assembly may alternatively comprise a stand and be free standing in the bath or shower, with an appropriate water supply being connected to the stand. The stand may include legs and/or wheels to enable location and movement of the assembly to a required position. The legs may include suction members or other means for preventing movement of the assembly in use. The wheels may be fitted with an appropriate barking mechanism to ensure stability when the assembly is in use. The stand may further comprise a handle for use to move the assembly and/or for the user to hold for support when using the assembly.

[0041] Referring now to figure 2 and 3 the brushes 102 and 104 of the brush assembly will be described in greater detail. The brushes are elongate with a substantially circular cross section. As described above the brush are referred to as cylindrical.

[0042] The or each brush includes an outer casing 210 in which bristles 212 are located. In addition, a number of holes 202 are positioned over the surface of the casing. As seen in cross section the brush includes the outer casing 210 and an inner spindle 216. A spiral vane 218 connects the outer casing and the inner spindle. The vane spirals down the length of the brush from one end to the other. In use the brush is attached to the mounting or other support. Water 220 from the water supply enters the brush between the outer casing and the inner spindle and is forced along the brush following the contours of the vane. This causes the brush to rotate and at the same time for water to exit from the holes. As a result the brush is rotating and water is being dispensed substantially along the length of the brush.

[0043] The cross sectional dimension of the brush could be uniform or variable along the length of the brush. In the latter case the cross sectional diameter may vary from point to point along the length of the brush to define a predetermined contour or shape.

The contour or shape may be adapted to receive different parts of the foot or for use on other body parts. For example there may be areas which are better shaped and adapted to clean the heel rather than the toes, etc...

[0044] The brushes each comprise a plurality of bristles arranged either in a random manner or in one or more predetermined patterns over the surface of the brush. The -6 -pattern may be the same throughout the brush or my take on a variety and combinations or forms. The bristles could be grouped in bristle groups having multiple bristles or may be single bristles. The bristles can be any type, shape, length, or thickness.

[0045] The brush also includes a plurality of holes through which water or water and soap may be dispensed. The holes may be uniformly or randomly distributed or in one or more patterns.

[0046] As previously suggested the brush may be replaced with a different head adapted to provide a different type of personal care. For example, the head may be an exfoliating head including one or more abrasive elements which can remove dead skin and the like. A massaging head may include massaging elements which can move to cause an effect of massage on the skin to which the head is applied. The movement of the elements on any head may also be generated by the water pressure applied through the arrangement. The head may be formed of sponge like material and may include other fabric elements which can move against a body part to provide personal care. The heads can be adapted for use on other types of water supply, for example to add to a jet washer. In this case an adapter may be necessary to ensure the water pressure is not too high to cause personal injury.

[0047] The brushes and other heads may be for single use or reusable. For example in a hotel the heads may be disposable and replaced for each new client. In a home environment each person in the house may have a reusable set of heads which are intended for multiple use. It will be clear that depending on the intended use the heads may be made of appropriate materials. For example, environmentally friendly materials, particular for single usage situations.

[0048] Referring to figure 4 an alternative brush arrangement is shown. In this case the head 400 is in the form of a wand 402 having a handle 404 through which water can enter via a hose of pipe 406. The wand head is rotatable by application of water pressure as previously described. A wall mounting 408 is shown on one of the figures.

[0049] Similarly figure 5 shows a dual headed wand assembly 500 having brushes 502 and 504 on a handle 506 supplied by water via pipe or hose 508. A wall mounting 510 is shown on one of the figures.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a miniature compact brush assemble 600 for hand held operation which include a brush 602 on a support 604 through which water is supplied through hose or pipe 606. A wall mounting 608 is shown on one of the figures. -7 -

[0051] Operation of the assembly will now be described. In use the arrangement may be connected to a water supply and optionally a source of soap or other materials that might be used for personal care apparatus hygiene and care. As water enters into the brush from the mounting or other hose or pipe, the water pressure causes some or all of the brushes or other heads of the assembly to rotate and dispense water through the holes. In the example for foot hygiene shown in figure 1, the user may hold onto a suitable support and insert one foot between the rotating brushes in the general direction of arrow 150 in figure 1. In so doing the foot is brushed and water applied (with soap as required if provided). The user continues to move the foot about in between the brushes until the required cleaning has occurred. The foot can be inserted between two brushes where there are multiple brushes. If there is only one brush or the brushes are orientated in a different manner, the user can bring their foot into a location where the foot is juxtaposed to the brush such that movement of the brush will cause the part of the foot close to the brush to be cleaned. The user may repeat the operation with the other foot.

[0052] It will be appreciated that the water pressure depends on the supply pressure of the water and the relative dimensions of the arrangement. The pressure can be change by altering the sizes of apertures and channels in the arrangement or by means of a flow control. Similarly, other and additional arrangements can be added to change the pressure and the resulting rate of rotation or other movement of the head relative to the support for a desired operation.

[0053] The arrangement can be used for any body part and the shape, size and nature of the heads may be adapted accordingly. Different body parts and different types of personal care may need different types of head for attachment to the support. The combinations are limitless.

[0054] The user may switch on and switch off the arrangement using an appropriate control. The support may be part of the fitting in the bathroom or may be an integral part of the arrangement. This may be a handle attached to the mounting or stand.

[0055] In the arrangement described and illustrated the brushes are caused to rotate as a result of water pressure flowing through the brush, brushes or other heads. In addition, the preferred motion is rotation of a substantially cylindrical brush but the brush may be any shape and moveable in other manners. In addition the cylindrical brush may be replaced with different less preferable shaped brushes. -8 -

[0056] The arrangement may be adapted for use in other environment, for example a Jacuzzi or pool or as part of a spa. The arrangement may be used in industrial situations to remove toxic substances from a person or persons.

[0057] As will be appreciated the present invention relates to a brush arrangement for personal care and hygiene. The arrangement could also be used to provide all types of personal care and can be supplied with a variety of different heads for different functions. The support in each arrangement shown in the figure can be adapted for use with a variety of different head such as a massage head, an exfoliating head and a cleaning head. The different parts can form a single kit or be individual elements adapted for use together.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps.

[0059] Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply any specific order in which the features must be performed and in particular the order of individual steps in a method claim does not imply that the steps must be performed in this order.

Rather, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Thus, references to 'a', 'an', 'first', 'second', etc. do not preclude a plurality. In the claims, the term 'comprising' or "including" does not exclude the presence of other elements. -9 -

Claims (19)

1. CLAIMS1. A personal hygiene and care assembly comprising at least one moveable head attached to a support, a supply of water adapted to be supplied through the support to the head, wherein in use the movement of the head relative to the support is caused by the water.
2. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the supply of water causes the head to move based on the pressure of the water.
3. 3. The assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the head is rotatably mounted on the support.
4. 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the supply of water causes the head to rotate relative to the support.
5. 5. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the head is cylindrical and incudes a central channel through which the water from the water supply passes.
6. 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the central channel incudes a spiral vane passing there through which causes movement of the head.
7. 7. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the head comprises a brush including a plurality of bristles extending outwards from a surface of the head.
8. 8. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the head is a massage head including a plurality of massage elements extending from a surface of the head.
9. 9. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the head is an exfoliating head including a plurality of exfoliating elements extending from a surface of the head.
10. 10. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the surface of the head includes a plurality of holes through which water can exit from the head.
11. 11. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the arrangement includes a plurality of heads.
12. 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein, all the head are moveable relative to the support.
13. 13. The assembly of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the plurality of head are located on the support and arranged to receive at least part of a body for cleaning the part of the body between at least two heads of the plurality of heads.
14. 14. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the support is a wall mounting attaching the assembly to a surface in a shower or bath.
15. 15. A kit including an assembly according to any preceding claims and one or more head adapted to connect to the support each head providing a different function relating to personal care.
16. 16. The kit of claim 15, further comprising a stand for supporting the assembly.
17. 17. The kit of any of claims 15 or 16, wherein the one or more heads comprise one of more of a cleaning head; an exfoliating head and a massage head.
18. 18. An assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
19. 19. A kit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying 10 drawings.