The present invention relates to wash bowl assemblies and to a kit of parts for a wash bowl assembly. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, intended for use in hospitals, nursing homes and the like.

Patients who are confined to bed find it difficult or impossible to visit a bathroom in order to carry out basic cleaning functions such as washing the hands and face. In such circumstances, a wash bowl is brought to the patient in bed and is filled with water and cleaning agents (e.g. soap or detergent) to allow the patient to wash or to allow a nursing assistant to wash the patient. Conventional wash bowls take form of a generally planar base from the periphery of which an upstanding slightly outwardly-flaring frusto-conical wall projects upwardly. The upper end of the wall is formed into an outwardly-turned overhanging peripheral lip in order to facilitate lifting of the bowl, particularly when it is wet. Such bowls are moulded from common plastics such as polyethylene.

After each use of a wash bowl, it is necessary to clean the bowl thoroughly in order to reduce cross-contamination and cross-infection between patients. However, it is not possible to eliminate such risks completely and even with very thorough cleaning the risk of crossinfection remains.

In order to reduce the incidence of cross-infection, single-use disposable wash bowls are used. Such disposable wash bowls are typically formed from dried, moulded paper pulp which, after use, can be placed into a macerator to reduce the particles to a size where they can be discharged into the normal sewer system, in the same way as for dried moulded paper pulp urine bottles, bedpans and the like. One potential problem of using such dried, moulded paper pulp wash bowls is that the presence of soap or detergent in the water carried by the wash bowl renders the wash bowl very absorbent, with the consequence that it disintegrates very quickly, thereby rendering it unusable. The problem can be overcome by incorporating a detergent-resisting binding agent in the liquid paper pulp from which the wash bowl is formed, such as that described in GB 2439947 A. Wash bowls formed from such a paper pulp composition have an increased resistance to soap and detergent, to the extent that they can be used as wash bowls but can still be disposed of in a macerator after use.

However, different detergent-resistant wash bowls have different levels of resistance to different soaps and detergents, particularly depending upon the identity of detergent-resisting binding agent, and the proportion of such binding agent, present in the wash bowl. It is therefore important that the correct type and amount of soap or detergent is used to prevent disintegration of the wash bowl before it can be disposed of in a macerator.

In accordance with the present invention, a kit of parts comprises: a maceratable wash bowl; a detergent or soap for use with the wash bowl; and means for dispensing a known amount of the detergent or soap into the wash bowl.

In this specification, the term “maceratable” means capable of being disposed of in a macerator which reduces the particles of the wash bowl to a size where they can be discharged into the normal sewer system. The present invention facilitates the use of the correct amount of the correct type of detergent or soap which can be used with the particular maceratable wash bowl to ensure that the wash bowl does not disintegrate in use. It provides the added advantage that it allows the use of the minimum amount of detergent or soap which is necessary for cleaning purposes, which reduces wastage.

The kit of parts preferably further comprises usage instructions.

The usage instructions, if followed, will ensure that the wash bowl will not disintegrate during use.

In a preferred embodiment, the detergent or soap is a liquid or foamed detergent or soap. If the detergent or soap is foamed, it may be dispensed from an aerosol or pressurised container (e.g. Vernacare® Senset® Skin Cleansing Foam or Vernacare®/HCS™ Clinisan™ Skin Cleansing Foam) or from a dispenser that converts liquid detergent into a foam by the action of the pump (e.g. Vernacare® Vernaclean™ Foam or Waitrose® Hand Foam, both of which are used with a mechanical pump pot having a foamer nozzle).

The use of a liquid or foamed detergent or soap makes it easier to dissolve in water and reduces the likelihood of direct contact of the detergent or soap with the wash bowl.

In one embodiment, the kit of parts further comprises a single-dose container which contains said known amount of the detergent. The single-dose container may conveniently comprise a sachet, for example a tear-open sachet.

In one embodiment, the kit of parts comprises means for temporarily adhering the single-dose container to the wash bowl.

This ensures that all of the components required for washing are provided together.

In one embodiment, the single-dose container comprises an adhesive portion.

In another embodiment, the kit of parts further comprises a multi-dose container which contains the detergent or soap, the container comprising means for dispensing a known amount of detergent or soap.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a pump dispenser, for example a manually operable pump dispenser.

In a preferred embodiment, the maceratable wash bowl comprises dried, moulded paper pulp.

The maceratable wash bowl may comprise a detergent-resistant and/or soap-resistant component.

Preferably, the maceratable wash bowl comprises a fill mark indicating the recommended amount of water for use with the known amount of detergent or soap. Preferably, the fill mark is formed integrally with the wash bowl.

Preferably, the wash bowl comprises identification information.

Preferably, the identification information is formed integrally with the wash bowl.

Preferably, the maceratable wash bowl is nestable with a further, identical maceratable wash bowl.

This allows several identical wash bowls to be nested together in a stack, which significantly reduces the volume required for storage.

The kit of parts may further comprise a stand or support for one or more of the maceratable wash bowls.

Preferably, the stand comprises a base for supporting one or more of the maceratable wash bowls, e.g. a planar base.

Preferably, the base is at least partially complementarily-shaped with the undersurface of the maceratable wash bowl.

This inhibits the use of incorrect or unapproved wash bowls. Preferably, the stand further comprises a portion extending upwardly from the base, e.g. extending perpendicularly to the base.

Preferably, the stand comprises a planar portion extending upwardly from the base.

The stand also preferably comprises usage instructions, e.g. on the portion extending upwardly from the base.

The stand may further comprise a support for a container for use with the wash bowl.

In one embodiment, the support extends from the portion extending upwardly from the base.

By way of example only, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a first embodiment of wash bowl assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are front and rear views respectively of a detergent sachet which forms part of the wash bowl assembly of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a side view of the wash bowl assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a side view of a stack of wash bowl assemblies of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a stand for a stack of wash bowl assemblies such as that shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a front view of the stand of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a second embodiment of wash bowl assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 is a side view of the wash bowl assembly of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a side view of a stack of wash bowl assemblies of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a stand for a stack wash bowl assemblies such as that shown in Figure 9; and

Figure 11 is a front view of the stand of Figure 11.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, a wash bowl assembly comprises a wash bowl 10 and an elongate rectangular detergent-containing sachet 100. The wash bowl 10 of this embodiment is very similar to that disclosed in GB 2446793 A and is formed in a known manner from dried, moulded paper pulp. Preferably, the pulp from which the wash bowl is formed comprises a detergent-resistant additive which renders the bowl resistant to detergent and/or soap dissolved in water within the bowl and prevents disintegration of the bowl. An example of a pulp containing such a detergent-resistant additive is disclosed in GB 2439947 A, but other detergent-resistant pulps/additives may be used instead.

Structurally, the wash bowl 10 comprises a generally planar, rectangular base wall 12 and an upstanding slightly outwardly-flaring enclosing wall 14 extending upwardly from the periphery of the base wall and terminating in a peripheral overhanging lip 16 at its upper end. As shown in the Figures, the base wall 12 is provided with a central, inwardly-projecting longitudinally- extending elongate indent 18 and an intersecting central, inwardly-projecting laterally- extending elongate indent 20 which form inwardly-projecting reinforcing ribs 18', 20' into the bowl, to increase the strength of the base. The ribs themselves are provided with a plurality of outwardly-projecting indentations such as 24a, 24b and 26a, 26b to improve the strength of the structure still further. However, the indentations 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b may be omitted if desired.

As seen in Figure 1 , prior to use the sachet 100 is aligned with, and secured to, the reinforcing rib 20’, as will be explained.

The upstanding peripheral wall comprises two generally planar longer side walls 28 which are inclined with respect to one another but which extend parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the wash bowl. The side walls merge at rounded corners 30 with two parallel shorter end walls 32. As illustrated in the Figures, each of the side walls 28 and end walls 32 is provided with an inwardly-projecting recess 34. 36 respectively which project inwardly into the interior space of the wash bowl in the form of a projection 34', 36' respectively. In particular, the uppermost part of each recess is formed into an overhanging lip 38, 40 which greatly facilitates lifting and manoeuvring of the wash bowl, as will be explained. As it projects into the interior of the bowl 10, the lips 38, 40 form shoulders 42, 44 which are designed to indicate the level of liquid which corresponds to a predetermined volume, for example 4 litres. In other words, if the level of liquid within the wash bowl reaches the level of the shoulders 42, 44 corresponding to the overhanging lip 38, 40 of the handle recesses, approximately 4 litres of liquid are contained within the washbowl.

It will also be observed that a further indentation 48 is provided towards the lower end of each of the recesses 34, 36 one of the side walls and is formed into a further overhanging lip 50 and corresponding internal projection 48, and internal shoulder 52. The height of the shoulder 52 indicates the level of liquid within the wash bowl which corresponds to a different, smaller predetermined volume, such as 1 litre.

It will also be observed that in each corner of the wash bowl, a further inwardly-directed recess 54 (and corresponding internal projection 54') is provided with an overhanging lip and corresponding internal shoulder 58. Again, the internal shoulder 58 indicates the level of liquid within the wash bowl which corresponds to a predetermined volume, for example 2 litres.

In addition, a horizontal line 70 is moulded into one of the side walls 28 and is identified by wording which in this embodiment appears as “LINE A”, which is also moulded into the side wall immediately adjacent to the line 70. As will be explained, the line 70 indicates the level of water within the wash bowl 10 which corresponds to the volume of water within the wash bowl recommended for use with the contents of the sachet 100.

As best seen in Figure 3, the side wall 28 opposite to the side wall in which the horizontal line 70 is moulded is provided with identifying wording 72 which in this embodiment appears as “BOWL A”, which identifies the wash bowl to be used with the particular sachet 100, and which is moulded into the side wall.

As mentioned previously, the enclosing walls of the wash bowl flare outwardly in the upward direction, as best seen in Figure 3. In addition, all of the recesses 34, 36, 46, 54 as described previously project inwardly into the interior volume of the wash bowl. This not only facilitates moulding of the article without the use of complicated movable dies but it also allows one wash bowl to be nestable within another whereby a stack 80 of identical wash bowls 10 may be provided ready for use in a relatively small volume, as illustrated in Figure 4.

As seen in Figure 2, in this particular embodiment the sachet 100 is a conventional rectangular sachet of approximate dimensions 70 mm x 25 mm and is formed from two sheets of laminated plastics material which are filled with detergent and heat-sealed together along their edges. The sachet 100 is a tear-top tube sachet and is provided with a tear notch 102 and a tear crease 104. The sachet 100 is flat, which does not inhibit the “nesting” of a number of identical wash bowls 10 in a stack 80.

The front face 106 of the sachet is provided with a label 108 which identifies the bowl 10 with which the contents of the sachet 100 are intended for use. The identity of the detergent and the quantity of detergent within the sachet 100 are selected so that when dissolved in a volume of warm water corresponding to a depth at which the water reaches horizontal line 70 (“Line A”) it will provide a sufficient cleaning function but will not cause the bowl to disintegrate.

As shown in Figure 2(b), the rear face 110 of the sachet 100 is provided with a rectangular patch 112 of low-tack adhesive, by means of which the sachet can be temporarily, but securely, adhered to the base wall of the bowl 10 (e.g. to the reinforcing rib 20’ which forms part of the base wall) and can be easily removed from the base wall without damaging the bowl, when required.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the wash bowl 10 (and in particular a stack 80 of wash bowls 10) may be used with a wash bowl stand indicated generally at 120. The wash bowl stand 120 comprises a planar, rectangular base 122 to a rear edge 124 of which a planar rectangular back wall 126 is secured and extends perpendicularly to the base 122.

As shown in Figure 5, the upper surface of the base is provided with a first set of identical parallel upstanding ribs 128 extending parallel to the lateral edges of the base 122 and a second set of identical parallel upstanding ribs 130 extending parallel to the front and rear edges of the base 122, and which together provide a generally rectangular recess 132 shaped to receive the lowermost bowl 10 in a stack 80 of bowls and which retain the stack 80 of bowls on the base. A cruciform-shaped projection 134 also extends upwardly from the upper surface of the base 122 within the recess 132, with its arms parallel to the lateral and front and rear edges respectively of the base. The cruciform projection 134 is sized and shaped to be received in the cruciform-shaped recess formed by the longitudinally-extending elongate indent 18 and the intersecting central, inwardly-projecting laterally-extending elongate indent 20 in the undersurface of the wash bowl (which respectively form the inwardly-projecting reinforcing ribs 18', 20' in the bowl). This helps to ensure that only the correct wash bowl is used with the stand 120.

It will also be observed that the front face of the back wall 126 is provided with a first label 140 identifying the wash bowl to be mounted on the stand 120 and a further label 142 providing instructions for using the wash bowl 10 and sachet 100. The instructions for using the wash bowl and sachet are as follows:

1. Remove one wash bowl “A” from the stack.

2. Remove sachet from the wash bowl.

3. Fill wash bowl “A” with warm water to line A.

4. Empty contents of sachet into water.

5. Agitate water to dissolve contents of sachet.

6. Dispose of empty sachet in general waste.

7. After use, dispose of wash bowl and contents in a macerator.

Thus, in use, a stack 80 of wash bowls 10 is placed on the base 122 of the stand 120. When a wash bowl is required, the uppermost wash bowl is removed from the stack and the sachet 100 is removed from the wash bowl. The wash bowl is then filled to “Line A” (corresponding to line 70 in Figure 1) with warm water and the contents of the sachet 100 are emptied into the water, which discharges a dosed or measured amount of detergent. The water is then agitated by hand to dissolve the contents of the sachet in the water. The empty sachet can then be disposed of in the general waste. The wash bowl is then ready for use and after use the wash bowl and its contents are disposed of in a macerator in a conventional manner. The first embodiment of the present invention thereby provides all of the necessary components and information required for use of a wash bowl. In particular, the provision of a sachet 100 temporarily adhered to the wash bowl 10 ensures that the correct volume (dose) of the appropriate detergent which will not cause disintegration of the wash bowl when filled with warm water to line 70 is provided in a convenient format. Furthermore, the stand on which the stack 80 of wash bowls 10 is intended to rest is provided with clear instructions which, if followed, will ensure that the wash bowl can be used without disintegrating.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 7 to 11.

The bowl 10’ of the second embodiment is almost identical to the bowl 10 of the first embodiment except that (a) the sachet 100 of the first embodiment is omitted, (b) the identifying wording 72 in one of the side walls 28 of the first embodiment, which identifies the wash bowl and which is moulded into the side wall, is changed in this embodiment to “Bowl B” and line 70 is identified in this embodiment as “Line B” instead of “Line A” in the first embodiment. Therefore, no further description of the wash bowl 10’ is provided and reference is made instead to the description of the wash bowl 10 above of the first embodiment.

As for the first embodiment, several wash bowls 10’ of the second embodiment can be nested together to form a stack 80’, as shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figures 10 and 11 , the wash bowl 10’ (and in particular a stack 80’ of wash bowls 10’ may be used with a wash bowl stand indicated generally at 220. The wash bowl stand 220 comprises a planar, rectangular base 222 to a rear edge 224 of which a planar rectangular back wall 226 is secured and extends perpendicularly to the base 222. As shown in Figure 10, the base 222 is identical to the base 122 of the first embodiment and thus the upper surface of the base is provided with a first set of identical parallel upstanding ribs 228 extending parallel to the lateral edges of the base 222 and a second set of identical parallel upstanding ribs 230 extending parallel to the front and rear edges of the base 222, and which together provide a generally rectangular recess 232 shaped to receive the lowermost bowl 10’ in a stack 80’ of bowls and which retain the stack 80’ of bowls on the base. A cruciform-shaped projection 234 identical to that of the first embodiment also extends upwardly from the upper surface of the base 222 within the recess 232, with its arms parallel to the lateral and front and rear edges respectively of the base. As for the first embodiment, the cruciform projection 34 is sized and shaped to be received in the cruciform-shaped recess formed by the longitudinally-extending elongate indent 18 and the intersecting central, inwardly-projecting laterally-extending elongate indent 20 in the undersurface of the wash bowl (which respectively form the inwardly-projecting reinforcing ribs 18', 20' in the bowl). This helps to ensure that only the correct wash bowl is used with the stand 220.

In contrast to the first embodiment, a rectangular planar support plate 250 is secured to the upper edge of the back wall 226 at one corner and extends perpendicularly to the front face of the back wall 226. The support plate 250 is intended to support a pump dispenser 252 which contains detergent, liquid soap or the like for use with the wash bowls 10’, as will be explained.

It will also be observed that the front face of the back wall 226 is provided with a first label 240 identifying the wash bowl to be mounted on the stand 220 and a further label 242 providing instructions for using the wash bowl 10’. The instructions for using the wash bowl and sachet are as follows:

1. Remove one wash bowl “B” from the stack. 2. Fill wash bowl “B” with warm water to Line B.

3. Position nozzle of dispenser B over the water and press the nozzle once.

4. Agitate water to dissolve the dispensed detergent in the water.

5. After use, dispose of wash bowl and contents in a macerator.

Thus, in use, a stack 80’ of wash bowls 10’ is placed on the base 222 of the stand 220. When a wash bowl is required, the uppermost wash bowl is removed from the stack and the wash bowl is then filled to “Line B” (corresponding to line 70 in Figure 7) with warm water. The nozzle of the dispenser 252 is then positioned over the water in the bowl and the nozzle is pressed once to discharge a dosed or measured amount of detergent from the dispenser into the water. The water is then agitated by hand to dissolve the contents of the sachet in the water. The wash bowl is then ready for use and after use the wash bowl and its contents are disposed of in a macerator in a conventional manner.

The second embodiment of the present invention thereby provides all of the necessary components and information required for use of a wash bowl. In particular, the provision of a dispenser 252 in close proximity to the wash bowl 10’ ensures that the correct volume (dose) of the appropriate detergent which will not cause disintegration of the wash bowl when filled with warm water to line 70 is provided in a convenient format. In addition, in contrast to the first embodiment it is not necessary to dispose of a sachet, which reduces waste. Furthermore, the stand on which the stack 80’ of wash bowls 10’ is intended to rest is provided with clear instructions which, if followed, will ensure that the wash bowl can be used without disintegrating.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. For example, although reference has largely been made to the use of detergent, soap or other additives may be used instead or in addition. Furthermore, the sachet 100 of the first embodiment may, if desired, contain solid (e.g. powdered) contents rather than liquid contents if desired and in the second embodiment if solid (e.g. powdered) contents are to be used instead of liquid contents, the liquid dispenser 252 may be replaced with an appropriate solids dispenser (e.g. a bowl of powder with a measuring spoon), with appropriate amendments to the instructions. In addition, the sachet 100 of the first embodiment may be replaced with a different type of container, such as a phial or bottle if desired.

Furthermore, although the sachet of the first embodiment has been described as being temporarily secured to an associated wash bowl, as an alternative the sachets (or other containers holding a known amount of detergent or soap) may be provided separately, with appropriate amendments to the instructions for use.

Moreover, wash bowls of shapes other than those described may be used. For example, a circular or oval wash bowl may be used instead of a rectangular wash bowl.