BACKGROUND Many persons, particularly disabled or elderly persons do not have the control and flexibility of their limbs that can allow them to reach all surfaces in a bath or shower, in order to clean themselves adequately. Long-handled scrubbing brushes are a partial solution. There is a particular requirement for physical devices intended to massage the skin in a useful manner in relation to bathing, and there is a growing need for such devices in a semi-public environment such as at a hospital, in a hotel, or in a public baths. Despite attempts to satisfy this requirement, there is still a need for a safe, convenient, hygienic massage device which can be used in a shower or bath and which can provide a cleaning action as well as a soothing massage.

PRIOR ART Two patents for types of back scrubbers are considered to be relevant. (A) Soderblom, US 3896796, teaches a mains-powered vibrator device that can be used in either a shower stall or a bathtub, which can be made to vibrate by direct pressure. It has a support frame for use against a wall. The specification is silent in relation to cleaning functions.

(B) Kenner US 4696068 teaches a shower wall back washer, having a pad of foam plastic and a backing plate mounted on a wall or the like by suction cups. There is no provision for a vibrator. A removable terry cloth cover, with a central pocket for soap shavings, is attached by pulling and tying drawstrings.

OBJECT It is an object of this invention to provide an improved cleaning and massage device, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION In a first broad aspect the invention provides a combined back washer/scrubber and massage device or unit for use when fixed against a surface, such as a wall, in a shower cubicle and used for cleaning and/or massage of a person's back wherein the combined unit includes a frame capable of being mounted on a surface, the frame including a support capable of adjustment in a vertical direction in order to raise or lower a massage pad fixed to the support; the massage pad presenting an active face away from the wall at a height allowing the person's back to be pressed against the active face of the massage pad so that the person experiences back scrubbing and/or back massage.

In a related aspect the invention provides a frame including at least one beam supported at a distance outwardly from the surface and (if more than one beam is provided) in parallel alignment, held at a first end on a first foot and at a second end on a second foot, each foot comprising a rigid plate capable of being securely fastened to the surface in a position permitting the at least one beam to lie in a substantially vertical direction on the surface of the shower cubicle when in use.

Optionally the massage unit may be reversibly secured against a surface (such as a side of a bath) by means of rubber suction pads.

Preferably the at least one beam extends sufficiently far in the vertical direction to permit adjustment of height of the device for use by people of any age or height.

A preferred beam length is about 600 mm.

Preferably two parallel beams are used.

In a related aspect the invention further provides that the massage pad is adjustably mounted outwardly from the at least one beam on a support capable of being reversibly clamped in place by means of at least one clamp capable of being set by the person.

Preferably the at least one beam is also capable of use as a hand-rail by a person using the shower.

Optionally, the massage pad is provided with temporary mounts such as suction pads or magnets for direct, temporary attachment to a surface so that the massage pad can be used in a bath or taken from one location to another by a user.

In a second broad aspect the invention provides a combined back washer and massage unit wherein the active face of the massage pad comprises a smoothly rounded surface; the face comprising part of an exterior of a container holding an internal vibration-generating means; the vibration-generating means including an activation means capable on application of pressure of activating an included mechanical transducer, so that the massage pad is caused to vibrate and thereby provide a massage to the part of the person pressing against the massage pad.

Preferably the container is sufficiently flexible to permit development of local vibration without coupling said vibration to the entire unit.

Preferably the internal vibration-generating means is electrically powered by means of battery power supplied from within the container.

More preferably the internal vibration-generating means comprises an electric motor having an eccentrically mounted weight supported from a shaft of the motor, and the activation means comprises a switch capable of connecting the motor to at least one battery contained within the container.

In a related aspect, the active face of the massage pad is capable of becoming capped by a replaceable cap composed of a water-absorbent flexible sheet material having a circumference and having a wet strength; the cap being capable of covering the active face and including cap retention means capable of holding the cap in place during use.

Preferably the replaceable cap is comprised of a textile such as towel, "terry cloth", or flannel.

In a subsidiary aspect, the cap retention means comprises an endless loop comprised of an elastic cord retained within the circumference of the cap.

Preferably the cap and cap retention means is capable of withstanding repeated cycles of laundering then use, so that the combined back scrubber and massage unit is able to be prepared in a hygienic state Optionally the removable cap include stiff fibrous elements like those of a brush in order to enhance an aggressive washing capability.

Optionally the outer face at least of the plastic shell is made from a resilient yet waterproof surface, sealing may be facilitated, whereupon the cap may be made of a thin disposable material still able to absorb water and act as a wiping surface in a cleaning procedure.

In a third broad aspect, the invention provides a self-driven cleansing pad for use by disabled persons on any part of the body that the disabled person finds difficult to reach.

Optionally the washing capability may be enhanced by coupling a supply of water under a pressure to the device so that it can emit water during use.

Optionally that supply of water may provide an alternative source of power for use in gener- ating a vibratory motion.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The description of the invention to be provided herein is given purely by way of example and is not to be taken in any way as limiting the scope or extent of the invention. The drawings are not to scale and, like the examples, simply indicate the principles of the invention without being definitive.

DRAWINGS Fig 1: shows a front view of the back washer/scrubber and massage device and support.

Fig 2: shows a side view of the invention with its support.

Fig 3: shows a cloth cover for the invention-in section.

Fig 4: shows a circuit diagram for the massage unit.

Fig 5: shows a temporary mount for the massage unit, at the head of a bath.

This combined back washer/scrubber and massage device (Fig 1) is particularly intended to supply a rubbing action, apply a soap or detergent, and optionally to massage a person's back when the person stands against the active surface of the massage pad 201 of the device during a bath or a shower. It may be used in a similar manner to that of a cow rubbing against a fence post. Every person finds the back a difficult area to access and a disabled person finds the back to be a particular problem. The device (200) is provided with a sturdy support frame 101-108 providing for a considerable range of vertical adjustment to suit each individual user

and capable of withstanding forceful use. The vertical beams 101,102 of the frame can also serve as a hand rail, and can be used to support accessory holders such as trays for soap or shampoo.

The invention is particularly suitable for use in public facilities such as hotels, hospitals, public baths, sports stadiums, and the like. Accordingly, a removable and easily replaceable cap (Fig 3) is provided to cover the outer side of the pad that will be contacted by the person. The used cap can be taken away and laundered so that each individual can use a fresh, hygienic, cap, which is typically made of a flannel-like material 301 such as towelling or"Terry cloth". The removable cap facility can also be used to substitute a more roughened surface (such as bristles of a brush) or other surface for enhanced skin abrasion or provide a washable, absorbent surface.

EXAMPLE 1 Figs 1 and 2 show the overall appearance of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The massage unit itself (200) is supported so that it can slide up and down the rails 101,102 of the frame in order to match the standing heights of different sized persons, and can be held in place with hand-tightened clamps or locking handles 105,106.

Although the frame appears to be utilitarian, it is the key to providing a workable back scrubber. Our preferred frame (particularly for hotel use) is made of marine grade stainless steel, although cheaper materials such as chrome-plated brass may suffice. The frame includes two vertical beams or rails 101 and 102 which are held away from the cubicle wall 205 by pillars, one at each end, such as 103, which are preferably supported upon feet 104 and 108, at least to ensure that the rail spacing, preset by the manufacturer, is maintained so that the massage unit slides properly on sliders 107. (One rail could be used alone, particularly if it has a non-circular profile, such as a hexagonal profile or a flat along one side of a round bar, and a matching aperture within so that the massage unit cannot twist. This abolishes the need for parallel rails). Rails made of pipes being into a"U"shape as in Fig 1 may be used without pillars as long as the clamps can be opened out at installation to encompass the rails. Without the feet 104,108 to locate the beams, it is unlikely that the correct spacing of parallel bars would be attained or held. Further, because frequently there is no usable timber beam behind the shower wall at the position selected for installation, the upper and lower feet can spread the load sideways and onto the nearest underlying support. A soap (or the like) holder could be attached to the frame. Sturdy rails are provided in case the person has to grab one of them if caught off balance in the shower. A person would expect something that looks like a hand- 145 rail to be a safe strong hand-rail.

The massage unit 200 is held to the pair of rails by a pair of user-adjustable clamps 105,106 that encircle the rails. (One clamp, on just one side, might suffice). Our preferred clamps retain enough friction when"open"to not crash to the bottom of the rails if the handles are both loose. A bridge, cradle or support 203 (preferably a shallow U shaped metal strip) reaches 150 across the space between the two clamps, with the base of the U lifted outward so that it can support the massage unit, conveniently by several screws passing into tapped holes in the bridging member. One reason for a"U"shape is that the support can ride over the top of most varieties of water tap, shower mixer or the like, in the event that the frame is mounted in the vicinity of the taps. The tips of the screws are preferably finished off with dome nuts in order 155 to avoid sharp edges (fig 2).

The massage unit 200 is (a) large enough to present a useful surface area to the person's back, and (b) large enough to hold a vibratory mechanism and associated power supply (preferably batteries). In the prototypes, softness (as might be obtained with a foam plastics core) has not been a particular goal although we prefer that the massage unit be generally rounded so that 160 no sharp or uncomfortable edges are presented.

The prototype massage unit 200 is encased within a pair of relatively thin concave shells 201, 202 each made of a plastics material, each having a circular outline in face view and a shallow elliptical profile in section. The part 201 is the active face or body contact surface. These shells resemble the throwing toys known as"frisbees". In fact the prototype employed two frisbees, 165 hinged so that they would clip together about their free edges.

A purpose-designed injection-moulded double shell can be made as one piece with a plastics hinge and desirably an effective watertight seal between the two halves, which (in most embodiments) would have to be opened from time to time for changing of the batteries (see below). This shape permits distortion by pressure applied from the face so that the 170 displacement-activated switch 402 can be activated by becoming pressed between the front shell and the rear shell. The inventor prefers that the unit is activated when pressure is applied against the external surface 201 of the pad so that power consumption is minimised. A preferred form of vibrating mechanism employs an internal DC electric motor. This version is economical, with two size"D"torch batteries (3 volts) lasting for 3 months of use. Clearly, 175 some give is required in the structure and action of the switch in case the person using the massage unit continues to press a lot harder. A standard momentary-action microswitch-one with a springy lever arm-was used in the prototype.

The internal works of the electrically powered massage unit are shown as a circuit diagram in Fig 4 are also shown in Fig 1; 401 is. a 3-volt battery pack and 403 is a motor with an eccentri- 180 cally mounted weight 404, wired through the switch 402 to the battery pack. The battery pack 401 is preferably secured to the rear shell 202, while the motor, the actual transducer, is preferably attached to the front shell or active face 201 by attachment plate 405 (not labelled in Fig 1). Selection of relatively flexible plastics material for the container allows the active face 201 to be vibrated locally by the attached motor so causing localised movement within the 185 surface of the front shell 201. In use, closing of the switch causes the motor to rotate and the outer surface of the shell 201 pulsates at about 5-15 Hz, causing a desired type of massage effect. In relation to example 1, the motor shaft may rotate perpendicular to the beams 101, 102 or at some other angle. Preferred motors are water-resistant and may have either bushed bearings able to withstand the relatively high loads imposed by the eccentric weight and not 190 exhibit wear.

Water entry can be a recurrent problem with light-weight shells 201,202. Use of a low-voltage electric system and selection of parts which are water and corrosion-resistant are advisable. A dependent water drain hole 204 may be provided. A version made for washing/scrubbing only, and not including a vibrator is preferably packed with a water-repellent foam and sealed 195 shut.

Fig 3 shows a section through a circular"cap"301, made of a textile fabric such as towelling, capable of being clipped over the shells from the front and held by a circular tube 302 sewn around the circumference that holds a drawstring 303 which can be pulled tight. (Fig 3 is not to scale with Fig 2). Although an inextensible cord can be pulled tight and preferably also tied 200 in place by a user, for ease of use we prefer that the drawstring is a knot-free stretchable endless loop made of the material generally known as"elastic"so that no knotting or unknotting need be done by the user. Preferably the selected elastic is resistant to moist heat and to attack by soap and is strong enough to maintain the position of the cap during use. A "Velcro" (TM) reversible attachment is an option; using"Velcro"straps in the form of a draw- 205 string or even as a surface covering on the active face or another part of the massage unit, with a complementary face attached to each cap. However it may be hard to ensure that the Velcro layer attached to the pad remains clean and hygienic. The inventor considers it particularly useful that the cap can easily be taken off and washed so that a hygienic status can be maintained even in a public facility such as a hospital, hotel, or in public baths.

210 When in place, the cap 301 significantly enhances the"feel"of the outer shell against the person's body. Every person knows what to expect from a cap made of towelling or the like.

The towelling holds water and can absorb a soap or detergent or the like, and may include (or perhaps be substituted by) an array of stiff fibres or bristles. It may be easier to offer various grades of woven-in"roughness"within the textile material of the cap itself. The cover may be 215 made of a substance capable of serving as a brush for applying a scrubbing action to a person's back. Each member of a family may have their own coloured cap to bring to the shower.

If the outer face at least of the plastic shell is made from a resilient yet waterproof surface, sealing may be facilitated. More particularly, if the surface 201 is faced with a waterproof foam, each cover 301 may be made of a thin disposable material still able to absorb water and act as 220 a wiping surface in a cleaning procedure, rather than be made from relatively expensive towelling.

EXAMPLE 2 This version is like example 1, except that the axis of rotation of the motor is now perpen- dicular to the cubicle wall 205, so that the massage or active face 201 moves in a circular 225 manner a little like an orbital sander. There may be an advantage in providing massage units which can be altered from example 1 mode to example 2 mode by the user, as well as where the vibration can be turned off altogether. Perhaps two separate motors are provided, with a switch to select one or the other, or none. It is also possible to disable the electric switch for a period, so that the device does not vibrate when pressed against. One way is to slip one of the 230 batteries 401 out of its holder.

EXAMPLE 3 See Fig 5. A temporary attachment of the massage unit to a shower wall or head of a bath 500 comprises one or more rubber suction cups 501, replacing the support 203 and the frame 101- 108 of Figs 1 and 2. This version may be of use to a traveller who wants to take a massage 235 unit about. Permanent attachment to a wall (in a fixed place and at a fixed height) by means of fasteners or an adhesive is also a possibility. Some shower cubicles are too small for the extra volume taken up by the frame.

VARIATIONS Powering the internal electric motor by batteries involves their infrequent replacement, which 240 involves some labour and opening a sealed internal compartment. These are worth-while costs for some commercial environments. The batteries may be rechargeable versions. The inventor has found that three months is a typical battery life for two long-life"D"primary cells in series.

An alternative, use of mains electricity in a bathroom environment comprises a relatively high shock risk and is unlikely to be used (though the only option described by Soderblom). One 245 solution is to rely on high-frequency (10 to 50 kHz) inductively transferred power generated as a field from a mains source behind the wall into a secondary resonant pickup coil within the pad, to recharge batteries. Because this approach may induce stray electricity in parts of the frame, and because health hazards of exposure to such fields may exist (and do exist for people having pacemakers) the power source would have to be disabled when a person is near.

250 Another solution is to externally generate low-voltage electricity at say 1 to 3 volts and pass it into the vibrator pad using the two support rails as two conductors. An earth leakage sensing device can be used as extra protection. 12 volts is generally cited as a safe low voltage but the inventor considers that, in a shower, an even lower voltage is preferable.

Means other than a simple electric motor with an eccentric weight on the shaft for generating 255 vibration include other forms of electrically driven actuator such as one based on a moving coil or moving iron loudspeaker driven by either mains-frequency AC or a controllable alternating current generated within the device at an appropriate frequency, waveform, and amplitude, or a water-energised vibration generator in which turbulence or a turbine is employed to generate vibratory movement. The water may be that being passed to the shower head so that the 260 device is independent of any source of electricity. Alternatively some or all of the water may be expressed from the front face of the device itself when pressed against, from a set of orifices about the exposed surface thereby aiding the cleansing action.

COMMERCIAL BENEFITS or ADVANTAGES The invention provides a satisfying massage to the back as well as a soaping, rubbing, or 265 scrubbing action.

For disabled or elderly persons the invention can provide for a soaping and/or scrubbing action on parts of the body that the disabled person finds difficult to reach. Indeed, every person finds their back relatively hard to reach.

The invention is easy to install and the strength of the frame may even add to the general 270 strength of some shower cubicles. The invention incidentally provides a useful hand rail for the shower and a support for soap-holders.

The invention is safe because the preferred voltage is only about 3 volts and the electric circuit

can be totally self-contained.

Having a removable towelling cap enhances hygiene because the cap can be washed after every shower, or after every occupant of a motel or hotel room.

Using either an elastic ring or a"Velcro" (TM) cap attachment means is compatible with use in a shower by even poorly sighted persons. (The draw string of Kenner is hard to tie, hard to tie well, and hard to untie unless the device is pulled off the wall by its suction caps).

Finally, it will be understood that the scope of this invention as described and/or illustrated within this specification is not limited to the preferred embodiments described herein for illus- trative purposes. Those of skill will appreciate that various modifications, additions, and substi- tutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.