SLOB, Jochem (Voordijk 255, AL Barendrecht, NL-2992, NL)
| CIAIMS 1. Shower head for providing a person with a treatment while taking a shower, the shower head compris- ing: - a liquid inlet element for admitting liquid into at least a distribution chamber of the shower head, - at least a distribution chamber for distributing the liquid through the shower head to at least one liquid discharge element, - at least one discharge element, wherein each discharge element is suitable for discharging the liquid in a manner defining a predetermined liquid sensation, such as a droplet flow configuration, wherein: - at least one of the discharge elements comprises an atomizing discharge element which is suitable for creating a discharge at a pressure drop increased relative to the water pressure for the purpose of creating an atomiza- tion, and - a treatment agent holder for holding at least one treatment agent, wherein the treatment agent holder and the atomizing discharge element are in liquid-communicating connection. 2. Shower head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the treatment agent is a compound or composition of compounds which can be applied in a treatment making use of administering by means of an atomization process. 3. Shower head as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the compound or the composition of compounds comprises vitamins, nutrients, oil, plant extracts such as aloe vera, and/or aromatic substances. 4. Shower head as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the compound or the composition of compounds is contained in a dosing unit, comprising the compound or the composition of compounds and means for bringing about a gradual release of the compound or the composition of compounds during the treatment. 5. Shower head as claimed in claim 4, wherein the dosing unit comprises a tablet and/or pouch which can be placed in the treatment agent holder. 6. Shower head as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the treatment agent holder is reclosable for the purpose of replacing the treatment agent . 7. Shower head as claimed in claim 6, the treatment agent holder comprising a substantially cylindrical element comprising a preferably lateral opening, which can be removed at least partially axially from the shower head in order to insert the treatment agent therein along the lateral opening. 8. Shower head as claimed in claim 7, wherein the substantially cylindrical element can be mounted in the shower head by means of a rotation attachment such as a bayonet fitting. 9. Shower head as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the atomizing discharge elements each comprise at least one thin channel (80) through which the liquid is guided under pressure, and which channels comprise a narrowing for the purpose of increasing the pressure so as to bring about the pressure drop. 10. Shower head as claimed in claim 9, wherein a part of the channels is arranged converging in a central space at an angle deviating from the radial, whereby during use a turbulence is brought about in a throughflowing liquid, also under the influence of the developed pressure. 11. Shower head as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising discharge elements which are suitable for one or more of the following droplet flow configurations, comprising classic shower head, massage jet, hard jet, soft jet, swinging jet, pulsating jet, wide jet, narrow jet, which can be selected by means of a preferably rotatable position control. 12. Shower head as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein a number of atomizing discharge elements are arranged substantially concentrically around a centre of an underside of the shower head. 13. Dosing unit for applying in a shower head as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising: - a treatment agent for providing a person with a treatment while taking a shower, wherein the treatment agent is a compound or composition of compounds which can be applied in a treatment making use of administering by means of an atomizing process. 14. Dosing unit as claimed in claim 13, wherein the compound or the composition of compounds comprises vitamins, nutrients, oil, plant extracts such as aloe vera, and/or aromatic substances. 15. Dosing unit as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the compound or the composition of compounds comprises means for bringing about a gradual release of the compound or the composition of compounds during the treat- ment. 16. Dosing unit as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 15, comprising aromatic substances which are bound by means of slowly soluble binders, such as soap compounds which dis- solve slowly during flow through the treatment agent holder, preferably at temperatures between 25-70 degrees, more preferably between 35-70 degrees, more preferably between 50-70 degrees, more preferably between 40-50 degrees, more preferably between 35-45 degrees, more pref- erably between 60-70 degrees, more preferably between 45- 55 degrees, and/or more preferably 40-65 degrees Celsius. 17. Method for providing a person with a treatment while taking a shower by applying a shower head as claimed in one or more of the claims 1-12 and a dosing unit as claimed in one or more of the claims 13-16, comprising steps for: - providing the shower head, - providing a dosing unit with a treatment agent, - causing water to flow through the shower head. |
The present invention relates to a shower head. The present invention also relates to a dosing unit. The present invention further relates to a method.
Known shower heads have the option , of delivering water in different ways. Such delivery methods comprise forms such as individual droplets and/or a massage jet. A combination of said forms is also possible. The user experience of the water depends on the delivery method. An advantage of such known shower heads is that, from different available water jets, the user can choose the desired water jet for the desired experience. This choice can be based on the desire for a particular sensation. This choice can however also be based on a desire for a determined functionality. The one type of jet is for instance more suitable for washing hair than another type of jet. The present invention has for its object to provide a shower head which ensures further enrichment of the showering experience.
This object is achieved with a shower head for providing a person with a treatment while taking a shower, the shower head comprising:
- a liquid inlet element for admitting liquid into at least a distribution chamber of the shower head,
- at least a distribution chamber for distributing the liquid through the shower head to at least one liquid discharge element,
- at least one discharge element, wherein each discharge element is suitable for discharging the liquid in a manner defining a predetermined liquid sensation, such as a droplet flow configuration, wherein:
- at least one of the discharge elements comprises an atomizing discharge element which is suitable for creating a discharge at a pressure drop increased relative to the water pressure for the purpose of creating an atomization, and
- a treatment agent holder for holding at least one treatment agent, wherein the treatment agent holder and the atomizing discharge element are in liquid-communicating connection.
An advantage of such a shower head according to the present invention is that, instead of or in addition to the usual shower jet, a treatment can be provided using the treatment agent while applying the atomization. In other words, the energy generated by the atomization can also be used to distribute the treatment agent.
In a first preferred embodiment the treatment agent is a compound or composition of compounds which can be applied in a treatment making use of administering by means of an atomization process. An advantage of such a treatment agent is that a distribution suitable for this purpose becomes possible. Application for treating airways can hereby also be realized. The very fine distribution and atomization of the treatment agent can enable inhalation. Aromatherapies can for instance hereby also become possible by means of for instance aromatic substances.
Another application is a distribution of compounds over the skin. This latter application is for in- stance possible when the compound or the composition of compounds comprises vitamins, nutrients, oil, plant extracts such as aloe vera. An optimal treatment an/or ab- sorption by the skin can be effected by the fine distribution over the skin.
In a further preferred embodiment the compound or the composition of compounds is contained in a dosing unit, comprising the compound or the composition of compounds and means for bringing about a gradual release of the compound or the composition of compounds during the treatment. An advantage of such a preferred embodiment is that a treatment is effected for a certain period of time with a relatively small quantity of treatment agent. It is advantageous here that the water flowing along the treatment agent takes some time to distribute the treatment agent. The most desirable time periods are determined on the one hand by an optimal treatment period and on the other by an optimal comfort period for undergoing the treatment. Preferably provided time periods comprise periods of 5-30 min, more preferably 10-20 min, more preferably 10-15 min, more preferably 15-20 min, more preferably 5-10 min. In a preferred embodiment the dosing unit comprises a tablet and/or pouch which can be placed in the treatment agent holder. Such a tablet can comprise a compressed composition of treatment agent and binders for gradual release. Such a binder preferably comprises hy- drogenous compounds. An ideal tablet for application within the concept of the present invention comprises the highest possible concentration of aromatic substances and the lowest possible concentration of binders. The mutual ratio between the relative quantities of aromatic sub- stance and binder is about 1:10, one part aromatic substance and ten parts binder. This ratio is a preferred ratio which realizes an optimal relation between dissolving time and stability. The binders have the following and other functions of binding the aromatic substance, stabilizing the tablet, i.e. internal binding of the tablet which prevents the tablet from disintegrating, and determining the dis- solving time of the tablet.
The treatment agent holder is preferably reclos- able for the purpose of replacing the treatment agent. This treatment agent holder more preferably comprises a substantially cylindrical element comprising a preferably lateral opening, which can be removed at least partially axially from the shower head in order to insert the treatment agent therein along the lateral opening.
A treatment agent holder is hereby provided with a great convenience of use. It is recommended that in the location of use of a shower head there are no separate components which can fall or be lost or flushed away, or such parts are in any case at least preferably as large as possible so that flushing away with the shower water can be prevented. It is also important that the treatment agent holder can be closed in reliable manner during showering. Such a cylindrical element meets such requirements. The use of a hinge can be avoided. A high water pressure can also be withstood. Such a cylindrical element for holding the dosing unit is also consistent with the desir- ability of a relatively large component for the purpose of preventing flushing away thereof. It is further possible to make this element only partially extendable from the shower head so that the lateral opening becomes accessible for placing of a new dosing unit, while at the same time the cylindrical element is not wholly removable and therefore cannot fall.
The substantially cylindrical element can more preferably be mounted in the shower head by means of a ro- tation attachment such as a bayonet fitting. A further measure for withstanding the water pressure is hereby provided.
In a further preferred embodiment the atomizing discharge elements each comprise at least one thin channel (80) through which the liquid is guided under pressure, and which channels comprise a narrowing for the purpose of increasing the pressure so as to bring about the pressure drop. A pressure increase for the purpose of the atomiza- tion is hereby provided in effective manner.
A part of the channels is more preferably arranged converging in a central space at an angle deviating from the radial, whereby during use a turbulence is brought about in a throughflowing liquid, also under the influence of the developed pressure. Such a turbulence provides the advantage that an additional component of velocity is imparted to the outflowing liquid, thereby improving the atomization.
In a further preferred embodiment the shower head comprises discharge elements which are suitable for one or more of the following droplet flow configurations, comprising classic shower head, massage jet, hard jet, soft jet, swinging jet, pulsating jet, wide jet, narrow jet, which can be selected preferably by means of rotating a position control. An advantage of this embodiment is that, in addition to applying the treatment, the shower head can also be applied for other forms of showering experience, with or without application of the treatment.
It is also possible to use the shower head only for atomization without treatment agent. A further advantage of these embodiments is that a shower head which is suitable for the treatment and various other jets can be used permanently. It is not therefore necessary to switch shower heads in order to apply the treatment.
Applying a number of atomizing discharge elements arranged substantially concentrically around a cen- tre of an underside of the shower head advantageously achieves that the liquid-communicating connection between the atomizing discharge elements and the treatment agent holder can be brought about in simple manner. This can further be combined in simple manner with the cylindrical element described in the foregoing. A further advantage of such an arrangement is that, within the geometry of the shower head, the atomizing part can be arranged close to the centre. The distribution chamber for the atomizing part can hereby take a relatively small form. This is ad- vantageous since the atomizing part requires a relatively low water flow rate. The part of the shower head providing the usual water jet requires a relatively high water flow rate, whereby it is advantageous that it can be arranged substantially annularly round the atomizing part. This part of the shower head does after all have a greater volume for the passage of the relatively high water flow rate.
A further aspect of the present invention relates to a dosing unit for applying in a shower head ac- cording to one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising:
- a treatment agent for providing a person with a treatment while taking a shower, wherein the treatment agent is a compound or composition of compounds which can be applied in a treatment making use of administering by means of an atomizing process. Within the concept of the present invention such a dosing unit provides advantages as described in the foregoing.
The compound or the composition of compounds preferably comprises means for bringing about a gradual release of the compound or the composition of compounds during the treatment. A gradual release provides advantages as specified in the foregoing.
Aromatic substances are preferably applied which are bound by means of slowly soluble binders, such as soap compounds which dissolve slowly at around human body temperature, preferably at temperatures between 25-70 degrees, more preferably between 35-70 degrees, more preferably between 50-70 degrees, more preferably between 40- 50 degrees, more preferably between 35-45 degrees, more preferably between 60-70 degrees, more preferably between 45-55 degrees, and/or more preferably 40-65 degrees Celsius.
The present invention can hereby be applied at usual temperatures of the shower water which, when it reaches the body, has a temperature slightly below or, conversely, slightly above body temperature. Tests have shown that, in the case the very fine atomization according to the present invention is applied, the temperature drop between the treatment agent holder and the positions where the droplets of the mist reach the body can lie between 5 and 35 degrees. Said temperatures are therefore higher than body temperature. At a normal shower water temperature this temperature drop is lower, whereby in the case of a combined use of vapour and shower the temperature in the treatment agent holder will of course have to be lower. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for providing a person with a treatment while taking a shower by applying a shower head according to the present invention and a dosing unit according to the present invention, comprising steps for:
- providing the shower head, providing a dosing unit with a treatment agent,
- causing water to flow through the shower head. Such a method provides advantages as described in the above.
Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of a description of several embodiments and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
- Figure 1 shows a shower head according to an embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 2 shows the shower head of Figure 1 without the hose and shower rod; - Figure 3 shows a shower head member comprising the handle and the cover;
- Figure 4 shows a spray element which can be arranged in the cover;
- Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of an atomizing body;
- Figure 6 shows a moulded interior of the atomizing body of Fig. 5;
- Figure 7 shows a tablet holder according to an embodiment; - Figure 8 shows a sealing ring for sealing the soap holder according to an embodiment; - Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional view of a shower head closing part according to an embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 10 shows an atomizing body according to an embodiment;
- Figure 11 shows a schematic front view of the conical part of the atomizing body of Figure 11;
- Figure 12 shows a three-dimensional cut-away view of a preferred embodiment in its entirety; - Figure 13 shows schematically a part of a cross-section of a shower head according to an embodiment.
Figure 1 shows a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention. Shown is a shower head 1 which is mounted on a shower rod 2 and which is connected to a water conduit via a shower hose 3. Shower head 1 comprises a handle 4 and a shower head body 5. Shower head 1 further comprises a spray element 6 in which a plurality of so-called spray nozzles 7 are arranged. In the centre of spray element 6 is a cylindrical chamber 8, referred to hereinbelow as tablet holder 8, which is arranged in extendable manner in shower head 1. Tablet holder 8 preferably takes a cylindrical form with an opening in the side wall, through which a tablet 9 can be inserted into tablet holder 8. Tablet holder 8 can then be secured in shower head 1 via a pressing and rotating movement.
In this figure description the emphasis is placed on a tablet as dosing unit. This dosing unit can however also be a pouch. The dosing unit can also be a capsule having for instance poorly soluble grains therein. An advantage of such a capsule is that an initial delay can be realized so that the scent distribution starts only after some time in the shower. Figure 2 shows shower head 1 without the hose and shower rod. Figure 2 shows that shower head 1 further comprises a number of atomizing elements 12 arranged concentrically around tablet holder 8. In Figure 2 tablet holder 8 is fully inserted into shower head 1. Shower head 1 further comprises a protrusion 14 attached to spray element 6. In this embodiment spray element 6 can be rotated in cover 5, wherein a user can push against protrusion 14 such that spray element 6, and an internal part (not shown) , is rotated through a predetermined angle.
The shower head is multifunctional, i.e. an at- omization can be realized as well as prior art forms of jet. Shower head 1 is adapted for this purpose such that in a first position of spray element 6 water comes out of spray nozzles 7 and in a second position water comes out of atomizing elements 12. The water from vapour nozzles 12 takes the form of a mist/vapour. The internal operation of shower head 1 is described in great detail in the following. Figure 3 shows a shower head member 15 comprising handle 4 and cover 5. Shower head member 15 is preferably manufactured integrally by means of injection moulding. Inside cover 5 the shower head member 15 comprises three partitions 16 and a cylindrical chamber 17 in which a threaded element 18 is situated. These partitions serve to fix position selector 73 during setting of the position selection.
Figure 4 shows a spray part 19 which can be placed in cover 5. Spray part 19 comprises an edge 20 and a plurality of passages 21. The spray part further comprises a cylindrical central part 22 in which are situated a central opening 23, a channel 24 and two recesses 25 which serve to guide water to the distribution chamber as- sociated with the respective position. In addition, there are three drilled holes 26 in the cylindrical central part 22 which serve as position indicators for adjusting the shower head in different function positions, and two water passages 27.
Shower head 1 according to an embodiment further comprises a mist generator holder, an example of which is shown in figures 5 and 6. The mist generating holder is assembled from a mist generator holder element 30 (Fig. 5} and a vapour generating holder coating 38 (Fig. 6), and comprises a central, substantially cylindrical interior space 31 and a number of cylindrical chambers 32 around interior space 31. The mist generator holder also comprises two co-axial walls 33 and 34 arranged at a mutual distance.
The mist generator holder comprises a screw thread 31 on an outer side thereof. This embodiment can be screwed into a corresponding screw thread in the cylindrical central part 22 of spray element 19. Further shown is that the mist generator holder comprises a number of manifolds 36 arranged on the underside of mist generator chambers 32. The mist generator holder coating comprises an inner surface layer of rubber in order to provide a tight fit to generator body 75. Figure 7 shows tablet holder 8 according to an embodiment which can be inserted into cylindrical interior space 31 of mist generator holder 30. Arranged in a side wall 40 of tablet holder 8 is an opening (not visible in figure 7) through which tablet 9 can be inserted, as de- scribed with reference to Figure 1.
Figure 8 shows a sealing ring 50 for sealing soap holder 8 relative to spray element 6. Sealing ring 50 comprises two upright edges 51, 52. Sealing ring 50 is preferably manufactured from rubber or a soft plastic.
Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional view of a spray element closing part 60 according to an embodiment of the invention. The spray element closing part 60 comprises a number of individual upright partitions 61 arranged in a first circle and a number of partitions 62 arranged in a second circle, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the first circle. The spray element closing part 60 is open on the inside.
According to an embodiment of the invention a generator body 75, an example of which is shown in Figure 10, is introduced into each mist generator chamber 32. Generator body 75 consists of a substantially cylindrical part 76 and a substantially conical part 77. Arranged on the outer side of generator body 75 are grooves 80, which in this embodiment run parallel in the cylindrical part of the generator body and run toward each other in conical part 77 of generator body 75. Grooves 80 in conical part 77 all run toward a circular outer end 81 of generator body 75.
Figure 11 shows a schematic front view of conical part 77. The front view shows grooves 80, wherein it can be seen that the edges of grooves 80 taper in the di- rection of outer end 81. Further shown is that, as seen from this view, the orientation of each groove 80 has an angle deviating from the radial relative to the circular periphery of outer end 81 of generator body 75.
Figure 12 shows the sequence in which shower head 1 is assembled. In addition to the above stated components, there are also shown here a rubber outlet ring 71, a spray element rubber seal 72, a position selector 73 and a fixing screw 78. If the atomizing position is used, shower head 1 according to the invention ensures a pleasant showering experience, wherein the user smells a desired scent while showering. Because tablet 9 can be placed in simple manner in extendable tablet holder 8, the user can use his or her personal scent and vary this per shower.
The present invention is described in the foregoing on the basis of several preferred embodiments. Different aspects of different embodiments are deemed de- scribed in combination thereof, wherein all combinations which can be made by a skilled person on the basis of this document must be included. These preferred embodiments are not limitative for the scope of protection of this text. The rights sought are defined in the appended claims.
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