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(11) | EP 2 269 748 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A washing apparatus |
| (57) A washing apparatus (1) for washing persons comprises four portable housing members
(2, 3), two portable liquid heating trailers (4), and a crane device. Each housing
member (2, 3) comprises a base plate and a mesh plate located within the interior
of the housing member (2, 3) spaced above the base plate. The mesh plate acts as a
platform member to support one or more persons standing on the mesh plate. The mesh
plate comprises a plurality of openings extending therethrough which enables liquid
to flow though the mesh. Each housing member (2, 3) comprises a plurality of shower
members in the interior of the housing member (2, 3) for dispensing liquid for washing.
The washing apparatus (1) comprises four legs to support each housing member (2, 3)
relative to the ground. Each leg is selectively movable relative to the housing member
(2, 3) to adjust the height of the housing member (2, 3) relative to the ground. The
crane device may be employed to lift each housing member (2, 3) into a desired position.
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Introduction
Statements of Invention
[0002] According to the invention there is provided a washing apparatus comprising a portable housing member, the housing member comprising one or more liquid dispensing members for washing. Because the housing member is portable, this enables the housing member to be moved to any desired site of use, for example a music concert or other outdoor event or a campsite. The washing apparatus may be employed to wash a variety of items, such as persons, and/or food, and/or clothing, and/or animals.
[0003] In one embodiment of the invention the housing member comprises a base member and a platform member located at least partially within the interior of the housing member, the platform member being spaced above the base member. Preferably the platform member is configured to support one or more persons standing on the platform member. Ideally at least part of the platform member is selectively removable. By removing the platform member, this arrangement facilitates cleaning and/or maintenance of the base member and/or other components of the washing apparatus located below the platform member. Most preferably the platform member comprises one or more openings extending therethrough. The openings enable liquid which has been used to wash items to drain away from the platform member. In this manner build up of liquid on the platform member is prevented leading to a less slippery and more hygienic surface. The platform member may comprise a mesh.
[0004] In another embodiment the housing member comprises one or more outlet ports to facilitate exit of liquid from the housing member. Preferably the apparatus comprises means to cause exit of liquid from the housing member. The means to cause exit of liquid from the housing member may be configured to operate responsive to the liquid in the housing member reaching a pre-determined level. The apparatus may comprise means to determine the level of the liquid in the housing member. Ideally the means to cause exit of liquid from the housing member comprises a pump. Most preferably the apparatus comprises a reservoir member to store liquid which has exited from the housing member.
[0005] In one case the liquid dispensing member comprises a shower member for washing. Preferably the housing member comprises one or more partition members to at least partially partition the space adjacent to one liquid dispensing member from the remaining interior space of the housing member. In this manner a person may wash in private. Ideally the housing member comprises a plurality of partition members to at least partially partition the space adjacent to each liquid dispensing member from the remaining interior space of the housing member. The partition member may comprise a door member. The partition member may comprise a wall member. The housing member may comprise one or more partition members to at least partially partition a first interior space of the housing member from the remaining interior space of the housing member. The partitioned space may be used for changing clothing within the housing member prior to and/or after washing. Alternatively partitioning the interior space of the housing member may be used to create separate male and female washing facilities.
[0006] In another case the housing member comprises a top member and a ceiling member spaced below the top member.
[0007] In one embodiment the housing member comprises one or more outlet ports to facilitate exit of gas from the housing member. In this manner the interior of the housing member may be ventilated. Preferably the apparatus comprises means to cause exit of gas from the housing member. Ideally the means to cause exit of gas from the housing member comprises a fan. Most preferably the housing member comprises one or more duct members to connect the means to cause exit of gas from the housing member to the one or more outlet ports.
[0008] In another embodiment wherein the apparatus comprises means to illuminate the interior of the housing member.
[0009] In one case the apparatus comprises one or more leg members to support the housing member relative to the ground. Preferably the leg member is attachable to the housing member. Ideally the leg member is attachable to an exterior surface of the housing member. Most preferably the leg member is selectively movable relative to the housing member. By inclining the housing member, this arrangement may promote drainage of liquid which has been used to wash items towards the outlet ports. The distance which the leg member extends from the housing member may be adjustable to adjust the height of the housing member relative to the ground.
[0010] In another case the housing member comprises one or more wall members. Preferably a first wall member is fixedly attached to a second wall member. Ideally the wall member is fixedly attached to the top member. Most preferably the wall member is fixedly attached to the base member. The housing member may therefore be easily moved as a single element. The housing member may be substantially rectangular. The height of the housing member may be greater than 2 m. Preferably the height of the housing member is greater than 2.5 m. The length of the housing member may be greater than 5 m. Preferably the length of the housing member is greater than 7.5 m. Ideally the length of the housing member is greater than 10 m. The length of the housing member may be greater than 12.5 m. Preferably the length of the housing member is greater than 15 m. The width of the housing member may be greater than 1.5 m. Preferably the width of the housing member is greater than 2 m.
[0011] In one embodiment the apparatus comprises means to move the housing member. Preferably the moving means comprises a crane device. Ideally the moving means comprises means to attach the moving means to the housing member. Most preferably the attachment means comprises one or more hook members. The housing member may be configured to be lifted by a moving means. Preferably the housing member comprises means to attach a moving means to the housing member. Ideally the attachment means comprises one or more openings in the housing member.
[0013] The heating means may be located exterior of the housing member. Preferably the apparatus comprises a holder member for holding the heating means. Ideally the holder member is portable. Because the holder member is portable, this enables the holder member to be moved to any desired site of use, for example a music concert or other outdoor event or a campsite.
[0014] The housing member may comprise the heating means. The housing member may comprise one or more outlet ports to facilitate exit of exhaust gas from the heating means. In this manner the interior of the housing member may be ventilated. Preferably the apparatus comprises means to cause exit of exhaust gas from the heating means. Ideally the means to cause exit of exhaust gas from the heating means comprises a fan. Most preferably the housing member comprises one or more duct members to connect the means to cause exit of exhaust gas from the heating means to the one or more outlet ports.
[0015] The heating means may comprise one or more liquid boiler members. Preferably the apparatus comprises a fuel source for the heating means. Ideally the apparatus comprises a connector member to connect one or more fuel sources to the heating means.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0016] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a washing apparatus according to the invention,
Fig. 2 is a side view of a housing member of the washing apparatus of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 is an end view of the housing member of Fig. 2,
Fig. 4 is a side view of a ramp member of the washing apparatus of Fig. 1,
Fig. 5 is a side view of the housing member of Fig. 2 and two ramp members of Fig. 4,
Fig. 6 is a plan view of the housing member of Fig. 2,
Fig. 7 is a plan view of the ramp member of Fig. 4,
Fig. 8 is a cross sectional end view of the housing member of Fig. 2,
Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross sectional end view of part of the housing member of Fig. 8,
Figs. 10 to 14 are views similar to Fig. 9 of other washing apparatus according to the invention,
Fig. 15 is another cross sectional end view of the housing member of Fig. 2,
Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross sectional end view of part of the housing member of Fig. 15,
Fig. 17 is a side view of a leg member of the washing apparatus of Fig. 1,
Fig. 18 is an assembled end view of the leg member of Fig. 17,
Fig. 19 is an exploded end view of the leg member of Fig. 17,
Fig. 20 is a side view of the leg member of Fig. 17 attached to the housing member of Fig. 2,
Fig. 21 is a schematic illustration of an electronic level sensing probe of the washing apparatus of Fig. 1,
Figs. 22 to 27 are views similar to Figs. 2 to 7 of another housing member of the washing apparatus of Fig. 1, and
Fig. 28 is a plan view of a holder member of the washing apparatus of Fig. 1.
Detailed Description
[0017] Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a washing apparatus 1 according to the invention. The washing apparatus 1 may be employed to wash a variety of items such as persons, and/or food, and/or clothing, and/or animals.
[0018] The washing apparatus 1 comprises two portable communal housing members 2, two portable cubicle housing members 3, two portable liquid heating trailers 4 (Fig. 1), a reservoir storage tank, and a crane device.
[0019] Each communal housing member 2 is substantially rectangular in shape. A person may enter into the interior of the communal housing member 2 to wash. Each communal housing member 2 comprises a rigid steel base plate 5, a first rigid steel side wall 6, a second rigid steel side wall 7, a rigid steel top plate 8 (Fig. 8), a first rigid end wall 17 (Fig. 3), and a second rigid end wall 18 (Fig. 2). Suitable dimensions for each communal housing member 2 are having a height of approximately 2.7 m, a length of approximately 12.1 m, and a width of approximately 2.4 m. The base plate 5, the side walls 6, 7, the top plate 8, and the end walls 17, 18 are fixedly attached to one another to form a rigid housing member 2 which may be easily and quickly moved.
[0020] Each communal housing member 2 comprises a steel mesh plate 9 located within the interior of the communal housing member 2 (Fig. 8). The mesh plate 9 acts as a platform member to support one or more persons standing on the mesh plate 9. The mesh plate 9 is spaced above the base plate 5. In this case the area of the mesh plate 9 is substantially equal to the area of the base plate 5. The mesh plate 9 comprises a plurality of openings extending therethrough which enables liquid, such as water which has been used to wash items, to flow though the mesh. A non-slip mat is provided on the mesh plate 9. By raising the mesh plate 9 above the base plate 5, this arrangement provides for ease of cleaning of the interior of the communal housing member 2.
[0021] It will be appreciated that the mesh plate 9 may be secured in position spaced above the base plate 5 by a variety of possible means, such as a 'L' shaped bracket to attach the mesh plate 9 to the second side wall 7 (Fig. 9), or a 'C' shaped bracket to attach the mesh plate 9 to the second side wall 7 (Fig. 10), or an attachment pin inserted through the mesh plate 9 and the second side wall 7 to attach the mesh plate 9 to the second side wall 7 (Fig. 11), or an inwardly extending protrusion on the second side wall 7 upon which the mesh plate 9 may rest (Fig. 12), or a vertical column to attach the mesh plate 9 to the top plate 8 (Fig. 13), or a vertical column to support the mesh plate 9 above the base plate 5 (Fig. 14).
[0022] Each communal housing member 2 also comprises four liquid outlet ports 11 to facilitate exit of liquid, such as water which has been used to wash items, from the interior of the communal housing member 2 (Figs. 15 and 16). A liquid outlet port 11 is provided at each end of the first side wall 6, and a liquid outlet port 11 is provided at each end of the second side wall 7. The washing apparatus 1 comprises a pump 12 at each liquid outlet port 11 located exterior of the communal housing member 2. Each pump 12 may be employed to cause exit of liquid from the interior of the communal housing member 2. The washing apparatus 1 comprises an electronic level sensing probe 30 to determine the level of the liquid in the interior of the communal housing member 2 (Fig. 21). Each pump 12 is configured to operate automatically responsive to the liquid in the interior of the communal housing member 2 reaching a pre-determined level. The liquid which has exited from each communal housing member 2 is channelled to the reservoir storage tank to store the liquid.
[0023] Part of the mesh plate 9 at each corner of each communal housing member 2 is selectively removable to facilitate cleaning and/or maintenance of the base plate 5 and/or the pump 12.
[0024] Each communal housing member 2 comprises a ceiling 10 spaced below the top plate 8 (Fig. 8). The washing apparatus 1 comprises one or more lights attached to the ceiling 10 to illuminate the interior of each communal housing member 2.
[0025] Each communal housing member 2 also comprises four gas outlet ports to facilitate exit of gas, such as air and/or water vapour, from the interior of the communal housing member 2. The washing apparatus 1 comprises a fan at the centre of the top plate 8 to ventilate the communal housing member 2 by causing exit of gas from the communal housing member 2. Each communal housing member 2 comprises four ducts to connect the fan to the four gas outlet ports.
[0026] Each end wall 17, 18 comprises a door 19 and a frame 20 surrounding the door 19 (Fig. 3). In this case the door 19 is of PVC, and the frame 20 is of plywood. The washing apparatus 1 comprises a ramp 21 at each end of each communal housing member 2 for ease of access to the door 19 (Fig. 5).
[0027] Each communal housing member 2 comprises a layer of insulating material along the interior surface of each side wall 6, 7, along the interior surface of each end frame 20, and along the interior surface of each door 19 to minimise heat loss from the interior of the communal housing member 2. Each communal housing member 2 also comprises a finishing layer interior of the layer of insulating material. In this case the finishing layer is of the material available under the trade name 'Whiterock'. A plurality of water resistant tiles are provided along the interior surface of the finishing layer.
[0028] Each communal housing member 2 comprises a plurality of shower members in the interior of the communal housing member 2 for dispensing liquid, such as hot water, for washing. Fourteen shower members are provided along the first side wall 6 and fourteen shower members are provided along the second side wall 7 of the communal housing member 2. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the shower members in the housing member 2 are communal without any partitions or walls to partition the space adjacent to one shower member from the remaining interior space of the housing member 2.
[0029] The washing apparatus 1 comprises four legs 13 to support each communal housing member 2 relative to the ground (Figs. 17 to 20). Each leg 13 is attached to the exterior surface of the communal housing member 2 by means of a bracket 14 and an attachment pin 15. Each leg 13 is selectively movable relative to the communal housing member 2. In particular the distance which each leg 13 extends from the communal housing member 2 is adjustable to adjust the height of the communal housing member 2 relative to the ground. By adjusting the legs 13 this enables the communal housing member 2 to be inclined. By inclining the communal housing member 2, this arrangement may promote drainage of liquid which has been used to wash items towards the outlet ports 11.
[0030] With reference to Figs. 22 to 27, each cubicle housing member 3 is similar to each communal housing member 2, and similar elements in the cubicle housing members 3 are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0031] In the case of each cubicle housing member 3, twelve shower members are provided along the first side wall 6 and no shower members are provided along the second side wall 7. As illustrated in Fig. 26, the cubicle housing member 3 comprises a plurality of partition members 22 to partition the space adjacent to each shower member from the remaining interior space of the cubicle housing member 3. In this case the partition members 22 comprise doors and separating walls to define cubicles around each shower member.
[0032] The dimensions of each cubicle may be identical or different. For example one or more cubicles may have a larger floor area to accommodate a user with reduced mobility or a wheelchair user.
[0033] Each liquid heating trailer 4 comprises nine liquid boilers 16 (Fig. 28). Each liquid heating trailer 4 acts as a holder member for holding the liquid boilers 16. In this case each liquid boiler 16 comprises an instantaneous gas boiler. The liquid boilers 16 are employed to heat the liquid, such as water, to be used for washing. By including a plurality of liquid boilers 16, this arrangement provides the washing apparatus 1 with a degree of redundancy in the event of breakdown of one liquid boiler 16. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the liquid heating trailers 4 are located exterior of the housing members 2, 3.
[0034] For each liquid heating trailer 4, three liquid boilers 16 are connected to supply hot water to the shower members along the first side wall 6 of a communal housing member 2, three liquid boilers 16 are connected to supply hot water to the shower members along the second side wall 7 of the communal housing member 2, and three liquid boilers 16 are connected to supply hot water to the shower members of a cubicle housing member 3.
[0035] The washing apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of gas filled cylinders which act as a fuel source for the liquid boilers 16. The plurality of gas filled cylinders are contained within a cage member located adjacent to each liquid heating trailer 4. A plurality of manifold connectors are employed to connect a plurality of the gas filled cylinders to a plurality of the liquid boilers 16. In this case each manifold connector connects a plurality of the gas filled cylinders to a set of three liquid boilers 16.
[0036] The crane device may be employed to move each housing member 2, 3. The crane device comprises four chains with a hook at the end of each chain to attach the crane device to the four upper corners of each housing member 2, 3. Each housing member 2, 3 comprises four openings in the housing member 2, 3 to facilitate attachment of the four hooks of the crane device to the housing member 2, 3. An attachment opening is provided at the upper side of each end of the first side wall 6, and an attachment opening is provided at the upper side of each end of the second side wall 7. Each housing member 2, 3 may be lifted into a desired position by the crane device. The housing members 2, 3 may therefore be deployed quickly and simply using the crane device.
[0037] In use, the housing members 2, 3 are transported to a desired site of use, for example a music concert or other outdoor event or a campsite, on a vehicle such as a truck. The crane device lifts the housing members 2, 3 into the desired positions. The legs 13 are attached to each housing member 2, 3. The distance which each leg 13 extends from each housing member 2, 3 is adjusted to achieve a desired height of the housing member 2, 3 relative to the ground.
[0038] The pumps 12 are positioned at each liquid outlet port 11 of each housing member 2, 3. The reservoir storage tank is connected to each liquid outlet port 11 of each housing member 2, 3. The ramps 21 are positioned at each door 19 of each housing member 2, 3.
[0039] The liquid heating trailers 4 are transported to the desired site of use by attachment to the rear of a vehicle such as a truck. The plurality of gas filled cylinders contained within the cage member are located adjacent to each liquid heating trailer 4. The gas filled cylinders are connected to the liquid boilers 16 using the manifold connectors.
[0040] The four housing members 2, 3 and the two liquid heating trailers 4 are arranged in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 1. The liquid boilers 16 are connected to the respective shower members in the housing members 2, 3.
[0041] The liquid boilers 16 are activated to heat the liquid, such as water, to be used for washing. The washing apparatus 1 may then be employed to wash a variety of items such as persons, and/or food, and/or clothing, and/or animals.
[0042] It will be appreciated that one or more liquid boilers 16 may alternatively be located within the interior of either of the housing members 2, 3. In this case the housing member 2, 3 comprises the one or more liquid boilers 16. The housing member 2, 3 also comprises one or more outlet ports to facilitate exit of exhaust gas from the liquid boilers 16, and the apparatus comprises fans to cause exit of exhaust gas from the liquid boilers 16. The housing member 2, 3 comprises one or more duct members to connect the fans to the one or more outlet ports. In this manner the interior of the housing member 2, 3 may be ventilated.
[0043] It will also be appreciated that each housing member 2, 3 may be of any suitable dimension, for example having a length in the range of from 5 m to 15 m.
[0044] It will further be appreciated that a housing member may comprise one or more partition members to at least partially partition a first interior space of the housing member from the remaining interior space of the housing member. The partitioned space may be used for changing clothing within the housing member prior to and/or after washing. Alternatively a changing booth may be provided adjacent to a housing member for changing clothing prior to entering and/or after exiting the housing member for washing.
[0045] It will be appreciated that each housing member 2, 3 may be of any suitable material. For example the base plate, and/or the first side wall, and/or the second side wall, and/or the first end wall, and/or the second end wall may be of the material plywood with a waterproof coating applied over the plywood. A suitable waterproof coating is that available under the trade name `Rhinolining'.
[0046] It will also be appreciated that the area of the mesh plate 9 may be less than the area of the base plate 5. For example the housing member 2, 3 may comprise a first raised mesh plate 9 located along a first side of the housing member 2, 3, a second raised mesh plate 9 located along a second side of the housing member 2, 3, and a walkway along the centre of the base plate 5. A person may enter the housing member 2, 3 and walk along the walkway on the base plate 5, and then step up onto one of the mesh plates 9.
1. A washing apparatus comprising a portable housing member, the housing member comprising
one or more liquid dispensing members for washing.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing member comprises a base member
and a platform member located at least partially within the interior of the housing
member, the platform member being spaced above the base member.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the platform member comprises one
or more openings extending therethrough.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the housing member comprises
one or more outlet ports to facilitate exit of liquid from the housing member.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the apparatus comprises means
to cause exit of liquid from the housing member.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the housing member comprises
one or more partition members to at least partially partition the space adjacent to
one liquid dispensing member from the remaining interior space of the housing member.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the housing member comprises
one or more outlet ports to facilitate exit of gas from the housing member.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the apparatus comprises means
to cause exit of gas from the housing member.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the apparatus comprises one
or more leg members to support the housing member relative to the ground.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the leg member is selectively movable relative
to the housing member.
11. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the apparatus comprises means
to move the housing member.
12. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 wherein the housing member is configured
to be lifted by a moving means.
13. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 wherein the apparatus comprises means
to heat liquid.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the apparatus comprises a holder member
for holding the heating means.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the holder member is portable.