Shower bathing apparatus

A shower bathing apparatus includes: a concave seat; and a water discharger provided rearwardly and upwardly to the seat and configured to discharge water in a forward direction of the seat. A water discharge direction from the water discharger and positional relationship between the water discharger and the seat are adjusted so that at least part of the discharged water directly reaches the seat with no seat occupant seated on the seat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priorities from the prior Japanese Patent Application No.2006-100279, filed on Mar. 31, 2006, and the prior Japanese Patent Application No.2006-349749, filed on Dec. 26, 2006; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a shower bathing apparatus, and more particularly to a shower bathing apparatus enabling a user to take a shower bath in a sitting posture.

2. Description of the Related Art

A shower bathing apparatus enabling a user to take a shower bath in a sitting posture is disclosed, for example, in International Publication WO 97/30619 (hereinafter referred to as “Patent Document 1”). According to this Patent Document 1, an arm extending forward from behind the user in a sitting posture over the user's shoulder has a spray nozzle, which sprays mist toward the user.

Recently, with the growing diversity of lifestyle, bathing style has been also diversified. In a conventional way of bathing, the body is washed with a shower and warmed in a bathtub. However, even for a shower, there are demands for a sense of bathing like soaking in a bathtub and a function of sufficiently warming the body.

The shower bathing apparatus is expected to also serve for warming the body in addition to simply washing the body, particularly for elderly and physically challenged users who are difficult to move into and out of a bathtub. However, in a sitting position on a seat, the water flow discharged from above the seat is obstructed by the seat and is difficult to reach the legback. Thus it is difficult to provide a high hyperthermic effect on the entire body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a shower bathing apparatus including a concave seat; and a water discharger provided rearwardly and upwardly to the seat and configured to discharge water in a forward direction of the seat, a water discharge direction from the water discharger and positional relationship between the water discharger and the seat are adjusted so that at least part of the discharged water directly reaches the seat with no seat occupant seated on the seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, where like elements are marked with like reference numerals.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a perspective view schematically illustrating the appearance of a shower bathing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The shower bathing apparatus according to this embodiment primarily comprises a back portion2provided on a wall100of a bathroom and a base portion3provided on a floor110of the bathroom. In this example, the base portion3is integrated with the bottom of the back portion2. However, the invention is not limited thereto, but the base portion3and the back portion2may be provided separately.

The base portion3protrudes forward (in the direction of arrow y inFIG. 1) of the back portion2. On the top face of the base portion3is formed a concave seat4, which is recessed toward the floor110relative to the other part of the top face. That is, as viewed in a first direction x (along the width of the base portion3) generally parallel to the bathroom wall100and the bathroom floor110, a step is formed across a wall portion6between each end of the top face of the base portion3and the seat4, and operates as a part of weirs pooling water. A slope portion4S is provided on the seat4, which is sloped with respect to the vertically upward direction from the backside to the front.

The back portion2has a concave backrest5, which is recessed toward the bathroom wall100relative to the other part of the back portion2. That is, as viewed in the first direction x, a step is formed across a wall portion7between each end of the back portion2and the backrest5.

The backrest5and the seat4are formed as a continuous recess. The wall portion7on each end of the backrest5as viewed in the first direction x (along the width) and the wall portion6on each end of the seat4as viewed in the first direction x (along the width) are also continuous with each other.

As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the seat4is concaved as viewed in the first direction x (along the width). The seat4is concaved also as viewed in a second direction y (seeFIG. 1). That is, weirs for pooling water are formed around the seat4. Among these weirs, the weir facing the backrest5, that is, the front weir is lower than the other three weirs. Hence the water pooled in the seat4falls toward the feet of a seat occupant200without leaking out laterally.

Furthermore, a pair of recesses4A may be provided as shown inFIG. 3B. These recesses4A extend in the second direction y and correspond to the thighs of a seat occupant seated on the seat4. These recesses4A serve to support the thighs of the seat occupant more stably, and allow the water pooled in the seat4to flow toward the legs of the seat occupant.

As shown inFIG. 2, the seat4is sloped down along the depth (toward the backrest5). That is, the recess of the seat4gradually deepens along the depth (toward the backrest5).

At the upper part of the back portion2and generally at its center as viewed in the first direction x (along the width) is provided a head support25for supporting the head, or a portion from the neck to the head, of the seat occupant seated on the seat4. The head support25protrudes in the second direction y (the protruding direction of the base portion3) from the back portion2.

A pair of first water dischargers21is provided on the back portion2upwardly to the backrest5. The first water dischargers21are provided on both sides, one for each side, of the head support25so as to interpose the head support25as viewed in the first direction x. When a user is seated on the seat4, the first water dischargers21are located upwardly to the shoulders of the seated user. The height between the seat4and the first water discharger21is larger than the height from the bathroom floor110to the seat4. The two first water dischargers21are spaced from each other in the first direction x so that the face or head of the seated user can be located between the pair of first water dischargers21. That is, the pair of first water dischargers21is located so as to interpose the face or head of the user seated on the seat. However, the first water dischargers21may be provided at a higher position than the head of the user seated on the seat4. The water discharge direction of the first water discharger21is configured to be a generally horizontal direction, or a slightly downward direction relative to the horizontal.

The term “generally horizontal direction” used herein is preferably within ±45°, more preferably within ±30°, and even more preferably within ±20°, relative to the horizontal.

More specifically, as described later in detail, the first water dischargers21provided upwardly to the shoulders of the seat occupant seated on the seat4discharge a shower flow falling around the legs of the seat occupant. Here, if the first water dischargers21are attached at a low position, the shower flow can be discharged nearly horizontally over the shoulders of the seat occupant and dropped around the legs of the seat occupant. On the other hand, if the first water dischargers21are attached at a high position, a horizontally discharged shower flow would fall far from the legs of the seat occupant. Hence water needs to be discharged downward relative to the horizontal. That is, water needs to be discharged nearly horizontally for a low attachment position of the first water dischargers21, and the water discharge direction needs to be made more downward relative to the horizontal as the attachment position becomes higher.

For example, if the first water dischargers21are attached at a low position and discharge water generally horizontally, the flying distance traveled by the shower flow to fall around the legs of the seat occupant decreases, and consequently the shower flow is less prone to temperature decrease. Furthermore, the shower bathing apparatus can be downsized by lowering the attachment position of the first water dischargers21. Moreover, the speed of the shower flow falling around the legs of the seat occupant decreases (because the shower flow is less affected by acceleration, which would be greater for downward water discharge). This reduces irritation and water splash of the shower flow to the seat occupant and enables the seat occupant to comfortably take a full body shower for a long time.

In this example, the apparatus includes a pair of first water dischargers21on the left and right side. However, the invention is not limited thereto, but the apparatus may be provided with a single first water discharger21. In this case, the first water discharger21may extend to both the left and right side of the head support25, and/or may be provided upwardly to the head support25.

A pair of second water dischargers22is provided on the back portion2upwardly to the backrest5and below the pair of first water dischargers21, respectively. The water discharge direction of the second water discharger22is configured to be more downward than the water discharge direction of the first water discharger21and to discharge water toward the shoulders of the seat occupant. In this example, the apparatus includes a pair of second water dischargers22on the left and right side. However, the invention is not limited thereto, but the apparatus may be provided with a single second water discharger22. In this case, the second water discharger22is provided around the center.

A pair of third water dischargers23is provided on the back portion2nearly as high as or slightly upwardly to the second water dischargers22and outside the first and second water dischargers21,22and the backrest5as viewed in the first direction x (along the width of the backrest5). The water discharge direction of the third water discharger23is configured to be more inward than the water discharge direction of the first water discharger21as viewed in the first direction x and to discharge water toward the acromia of the seat occupant.

Each water discharger21-23discharges a shower flow of e.g. about 40 to 45° C. Note that two or more pairs of water dischargers21-23may be provided. In the example shown, each water discharger21-23separately protrudes from the back portion2. However, as shown inFIG. 5, the water dischargers (FIG. 5illustratively shows first and second water dischargers21,22) may be built in a single unit body14.

Next, the function of the shower bathing apparatus according to this embodiment is described.

FIG. 6is a perspective view schematically showing the water discharge of a shower flow from each water discharger21-23to a seat occupant200.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 6, the first water discharger21discharges a shower flow that is ejected generally horizontally and falling around the front edge of the seat4. That is, a shower flow is discharged over the shoulder of the seat occupant200along an arc extending forward of the seat occupant200under its own weight, and falls around the leg particularly centering on the thigh of the seat occupant200. Here the shower flow may fall also on the abdomen in addition to the leg of the seat occupant200. The shower flow flows on the surface of the leg from the knee toward the foot of the seat occupant200. This configuration of the water discharge direction enables the water discharge flow to reliably reach the leg without being blocked by the seat occupant200and to warm also the leg below the knee by discharging water over the shoulder of the seat occupant200, despite the configuration where the first water dischargers21are provided rearwardly to the seat occupant200and near the head, which is distant from the legs of the seat occupant200. Furthermore, the water discharged from such a high position can provide a massage effect by the shower flow acting on the legs like the so-called “Utaseyu” (water falling down on a user's body like a waterfall). Depending on the angle of the backrest5and the posture of the seat occupant200, the shower flow discharged from the first water discharger21can be dropped on the lower abdomen of the seat occupant200.

The “water discharge over the shoulder” used herein is not limited to the case where the shower flow from the first water discharger21passes directly upward to the shoulder of the seat occupant200, but also includes the case of passing near the shoulder tip of the seat occupant200. However, the shower flow passing directly upward to the shoulder of the seat occupant200can reach the leg from the first water discharger21provided on the backside of the seat occupant200in the shortest distance. That is, it can reduce the temperature decrease of the shower flow discharged from the first water discharger21during flying to the leg, and warm the leg with the shower flow at a desired temperature.

The second water discharger22discharges a shower flow toward the shoulder near the base of the neck of the seat occupant200. Part of the shower flow impinging on the shoulder flows on the front surface of the body of the seat occupant200centering on the lateral portion extending from the chest to the trunk, and the other part of the shower flow is wrapped around to the back. Thus both the front and back of the body of the seat occupant200can be warmed. Furthermore, the massage effect by the shower flow can also be allowed to act on the shoulder. When only a single second water discharger22is provided as described above, it discharges a shower flow, for example, from rearward the neck of the seat occupant200toward both the shoulders near the base of the neck to achieve the same effect.

By discharging the shower flow from the second water discharger22toward the shoulder near the base of the neck of the seat occupant200and allowing the shower flow to flow on the front and back of the upper body of the seat occupant200, the entire upper body of the seat occupant200can be efficiently warmed with only a pair of second water dischargers22provided rearwardly to the seat occupant200. That is, the number of water dischargers can be minimized to reduce cost while providing a high hyperthermic effect.

The water wrapped around to the backside of the seat occupant200continuously flows along the back of the seat occupant200or the backrest5toward the seat4. That is, a continuous flow of water discharged from the second water discharger22into the backrest5avoids occurrence of a temperature boundary layer between the back of the seat occupant200and the backrest5and facilitates conduction of heat from the water to the back of the seat occupant200. Simultaneous warming of the backside in addition to the front of the body can enhance the hyperthermic effect even at a low flow rate, and also save water and energy by saving the amount of water used.

The backrest5is partitioned by the wall portions7formed on both ends in the first direction x (along the width) and is formed in a concave configuration continued to the seat4. Hence it is possible to prevent splash and outflow of the water flowing into the backrest5and to reliably guide the water to the seat4without waste. That is, the hyperthermic effect is not compromised even at a low flow rate, and it is also possible to save water and energy by saving the amount of water used.

The third water discharger23discharges a shower flow toward the acromion (point of the shoulder) of the seat occupant200. The shower flow impinging on the acromion flows on and warms the part around the center of the arm that cannot be covered by the shower flow from the first and second water dischargers21,22. Furthermore, the shower flow can be applied also beyond the acromion toward the chest. The shower flow discharged from only a pair of third water dischargers23toward the acromia can cover the arms and other parts that cannot be covered by the first and second water dischargers21,22, and thus the cost can be reduced.

The water discharged from the first to third water discharger21-23flows along the body surface of the seat occupant200or the backrest5and is pooled in the concave seat4. In fact, weirs for pooling water are formed around the seat4. The water pooled in the seat4ensures that at least the rear side of the buttocks and thighs of the seat occupant200is in contact with water. Thus it is possible to efficiently warm the vicinity of the waist where the discharged water flow from the water dischargers21-23does not directly reach. Furthermore, warming the waist and the buttocks also serves to promote healthy intestinal motility.

The seat4is partitioned by the wall portions6formed on both ends in the first direction x (along the width) and is formed as a recess continued from the backrest5. Hence it is possible to prevent lateral leakage of water and to efficiently use the water from the water dischargers21-23without waste. That is, it is possible to save water and energy by saving the amount of water used.

Along the body surface of the seat occupant200or the backrest5, water continuously flows also into the seat4. This flow avoids developing a temperature boundary layer between the seat occupant200and the seat4and facilitates conduction of heat from the water to the buttocks and thighs of the seat occupant200. Thus the hyperthermic effect can be enhanced.

Furthermore, the water pooled in the seat4flows out forward (in the direction y inFIG. 1) and down the legs to the feet of the seat occupant200. As a result, the feet are also warmed without wasting water. In particular, the recesses4A as illustrated inFIG. 3Bincrease efficiency because the water pooled in the seat4is then easier to flow toward the legs of the seat occupant200.

Moreover, the user can take a shower flow from the first to third water discharger21-23throughout the body while soaking in the water pooled in the seat4. Thus the user can enjoy a sense of soaking in water similar to that felt at bathing in a bathtub (a sense of bathing), and a high hyperthermic effect is achieved despite shower bathing. Furthermore, water pressure applied to the body is lower than that for soaking in a bathtub and places less strain on the body. Because the apparatus can be used in a seated position without the need to move into and out of the bathtub, elderly and physically challenged users can also easily enjoy a high hyperthermic effect. Furthermore, because the user can take a shower simultaneously throughout the body rather than separately on each part of the body, the user can warm the body by taking a shower in a short time with saving water.

Each water discharger21-23discharges a continuous shower flow of water rather than mist. Hence the ambient space is not filled with an atmosphere of high temperature and humidity as in the case of spraying mist, and dizziness can be prevented. Furthermore, because the temperature decrease of discharged water due to heat of vaporization is small, there is no need to set the shower temperature higher than needed, achieving greater economy.

The shower flow discharged from the first to third water discharger21-23in the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment is discharged from a plurality of shower holes provided in each water discharger. The hole diameter is preferably in the range of e.g. 0.2 to 4 mm. In this range, a wide area can be efficiently warmed at a low flow rate.

In Patent Document 1, an arm having a plurality of water dischargers extends forward of a seat occupant. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the water dischargers21-23are integrated with the bathroom wall rearwardly to the seat occupant200. Thus the footprint can be reduced in the limited bathroom space. The compact and simple configuration eliminates annoyance in the bathroom without compromising the design. Furthermore, because the apparatus has no arm extending forward, a user in a wheelchair, for example, can be safely and easily transferred to the seat4of the shower bathing apparatus and enjoy high user friendliness.

It is possible to provide a shower bath for efficiently warming the entire body of a seat occupant200with a small amount of water by suitably configuring the water discharge direction of the shower flow from each water discharger21-23as described above. There is no need for many water dischargers in front of the seat occupant200, but only a minimum number of water dischargers are needed rearwardly to the seat occupant. Minimizing the number of water dischargers also leads to cost reduction. Furthermore, reducing the needed amount of water also serves to save water and energy.

FIG. 7is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the seat.

In this example, wall portions26are provided upright on the upper face of the base portion3to provide a concave seat4partitioned by the wall portions26from the other upper face of the base portion3.

In the following, other embodiments of the invention are described. Elements similar to those described earlier are marked with like reference numerals and not described in detail.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 8is a schematic front view of a backrest5of a shower bathing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the backrest5has irregularity. In the example shown inFIG. 8, the backrest5has a plurality of cylindrical protrusions17, for example.

As shown inFIG. 10, the backrest5without irregularity is in close contact with the back of the seat occupant200, and water is difficult to flow on the back of the seat occupant200. In contrast, as shown inFIG. 9, the backrest5with irregularity (protrusions17) can ensure channels18for the water flowing between the backrest5and the back of the seat occupant200. Thus a flow of water flowing in contact with the back of the seat occupant200can be ensured. The flow of water can be allowed to flow into the seat4while warming the back of the seat occupant200.

The number and arrangement of the protrusions17are not limited to this example. For example, in contrast to the example illustrated inFIG. 8, the protrusions17may be placed in a staggered configuration. Then the vertical channel is interrupted, and water is easy to spread laterally. Hence the back of the seat occupant200can be warmed entirely and uniformly.

Furthermore, the protrusion17is not limited in shape and size to this example, but may be provided with various shapes such as elliptic or rectangular cylinder. Furthermore, its tip and/or corner can be suitably rounded to adjust stimuli applied to the seat occupant200. The protrusion17may be composed of a curved surface such as hemisphere. Suitable placement of such protrusions17also provides a “pressure point massage” effect.

FIGS. 11 to 13show other examples of irregularity provided on the backrest5.

FIG. 11shows an example where the backrest5has rectangular protrusions17a.

FIG. 12also shows rectangular protrusions17bas inFIG. 11. However, the vertical channel (the channel along the height of the backrest5) formed between the protrusions17bis interrupted by another protrusion17b. Thus the channel does not extend continuously from top to bottom, and flowing water is easy to laterally spread on the backrest5. That is, streams of flowing water are formed entirely on the backrest5, and the back of the seat occupant200can be warmed entirely and uniformly.

InFIG. 13, the channel between the protrusions17cis sloped with respect to the height direction of the backrest5. This configuration also facilitates forming streams of flowing water entirely on the backrest5.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 14is a perspective view schematically illustrating the appearance of a shower bathing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the base portion3has a recess28on the front portion27located on the frontside as viewed in the projecting direction (second direction y) of the base portion3. The recess28is recessed toward the bathroom wall100. As viewed in the first direction x, a step is formed across a wall portion8between each end of the front portion27and the recess28. The recess28is continued from the seat4, and the wall portion8is continued from the wall portion6formed at each end of the seat4.

Furthermore, a foot bathtub29is provided on the bathroom floor110in front of the recess28. The water discharged from the first to third water discharger21-23flows along the body surface of the seat occupant or along the backrest5and the seat4and is pooled in the foot bathtub29.

As shown inFIG. 15, the seat occupant200can soak the feet in the water pooled in the foot bathtub29to enhance the hyperthermic effect on the feet, which are most distant from the first to third water discharger21-23and where blood flow is likely to stagnate with low skin temperature. Furthermore, the feet have arteriovenous anastomoses (AVA). Soaking the feet in the water in the foot bathtub29results in opening AVA to increase blood flow, thereby further enhancing the hyperthermic effect on the entire body.

Because the recess28continued from the seat4is provided on the front portion27of the base portion3, the water overflowing the seat4can flow along the recess28and be pooled in the foot bathtub29without lateral leakage. Hence the water from the water dischargers21-23can be efficiently used without waste.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 16 and 17are perspective views schematically illustrating the appearance of a shower bathing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, an opening32continued to the space inside the base portion3is formed in the recess28of the base portion3so that the foot bathtub29can be moved into and out of the base portion3through the opening32.

When the shower bathing apparatus is not in use, the foot bathtub29can be housed in the base portion3as shown inFIG. 17. Thus the foot bathtub29disappears from the bathroom floor and does not obstruct cleaning, for example. Furthermore, the design is simplified and does not compromise the appearance inside the bathroom. Moreover, the foot bathtub29is not obstructive, for example, to the transfer of a user between a wheelchair and the seat4, thus improving transferability.

FIGS. 18 and 19show another example structure for housing the foot bathtub29.

In this example, the foot bathtub29is rotatable about a shaft34provided at its rear edge. The foot bathtub29can be housed in the base portion3and placed on the bathroom floor by rotation about the shaft34. Also in this configuration, the foot bathtub29does not obstruct cleaning and has a simplified design and superior transferability.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 20is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a shower bathing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

The recess28formed on the front portion of the base portion3serves as a guide portion for guiding water from the seat4to the foot bathtub29. Additionally, in this embodiment, a guide portion35sloped forward and downward is provided upwardly to the recess28so as to guide the water falling from the seat4to the calves of the seat occupant200. That is, the water from the seat4is allowed to flow in contact with the calves of the seat occupant200to the foot bathtub29. Thus the hyperthermic effect on the calves is enhanced, and massage effect is achieved by the flow of water sweeping the calves.

Furthermore, wall portions6as illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B, for example, can be provided on both sides of the guide portion35. Then the water overflowing forward of the seat4can be applied to the calves of the seat occupant200and guided to the foot bathtub29without lateral leakage. Any apparatus including such a guide portion35is also encompassed within the scope of the invention.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 21is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a shower bathing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, a mirror M is provided as needed on the backrest5so that the shower bathing apparatus can be used as a washstand. That is, because of the concave configuration, the seat4can pool water and serve as a washbasin. This results in space savings and cost reduction because there is no need to prepare a separate washstand and washbasin. Furthermore, the seat4can also serve as a handrail, since it is designed to have sufficient strength for supporting a seat occupant seated thereon.

EXAMPLE

TABLE 1 summarizes the results of measuring the skin surface temperature of the back of a seat occupant in taking a shower bath with the backrest5and the seat4being concave (“Recessed”) and flat (“Unrecessed”). TABLE 2 summarizes the results of measuring the skin surface temperature of the feet of a seat occupant in taking a shower bath with and without the foot bathtub29(“With foot bathtub” and “Without foot bathtub”).

According to the results in TABLE 1, the hyperthermic effect on the back is greater for the concave backrest5and seat4than for flat ones. According to the results in TABLE 2, the hyperthermic effect on the feet is greater in the case with the foot bathtub29than in the case without the foot bathtub29.

As shown inFIG. 22, the seat36may be configured as a box surrounded by wall portions37a-37con all four sides. Here, the wall portion37con the front-end side (on the side of the feet of the seat occupant) is lower than the lateral wall portions37a,37b. Then the water pooled in the seat36flows beyond the front-end wall portion37cto the feet of the seat occupant and the foot bathtub without lateral leakage. Thus the feet can be warmed without wasting water.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 23is a side view schematically showing a shower bathing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, instead of the water dischargers21-23provided on the back portion2described above, an arm76extending forward of the back portion2is provided at the upper part of the back portion2, and a plurality of water dischargers77are provided in the arm76. The plurality of water dischargers77discharge shower flows toward the shoulders, arms, chest, and legs of a seat occupant seated on the seat4.

Also in this embodiment, a user can take a shower flow discharged from the water dischargers77throughout the body while soaking in the water pooled in the seat4. Thus the user can enjoy a sense of soaking in water similar to that felt in bathing in a bathtub (a sense of bathing), and a high hyperthermic effect is achieved despite shower bathing. Furthermore, water pressure applied to the body is lower than that for soaking in a bathtub and places less strain on the body. Because the apparatus can be used in a seated position without the need to move into and out of the bathtub, elderly and physically challenged users can also easily enjoy a high hyperthermic effect. Furthermore, because the user can take a shower simultaneously throughout the body rather than separately on each part of the body, the user can warm the body by taking a shower in a short time with saving water.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 24is a schematic view of a shower apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the invention as viewed from the lateral side.

FIG. 25is a schematic view of the shower apparatus as viewed from the frontside.

FIG. 26is a perspective view schematically showing the main part of the shower apparatus.

The shower apparatus according to this embodiment comprises a back portion11provided on a bathroom wall and a base portion12provided at the lower part of the bathroom wall on which the back portion11is provided. The back portion11may be constituted by the bathroom wall. That is, the bathroom wall itself may be used to serve as a back portion11for receiving the back of a seat occupant.

The base portion12protrudes inward of the bathroom from the back portion11. On the top face of the base portion12is formed a seat14, which has a recessed pool portion16. The bottom face of the pool portion16serves as a seat surface18on which a user is seated with the buttocks being in contact therewith.

The seat surface18is sloped down along the depth (toward the back portion11). That is, the recess of the pool portion16gradually deepens along the depth (toward the back portion11).

As shown inFIG. 25, a pair of water dischargers20is provided on the back portion11upwardly to the seat14. The pair of water dischargers20is provided on both sides of the center C of the seat14. The user can place the head between the pair of water dischargers20with being seated on the seat14. When the user is seated on the seat4, the water dischargers20are located upwardly to the shoulders of the seated user.

Each water discharger20has a first to third water discharger21-23. The first to third water dischargers21-23are arranged in a lateral direction generally perpendicular to the height. Each of the first to third water discharger21-23has a plurality of water discharge ports.

With respect to the center C of the seat14, the third water discharger23is placed innermost, the second water discharger22is placed outside the third water discharger23, and the first water discharger21is placed outside the second water discharger22. The first to third water dischargers21-23are placed generally at the same height. Alternatively, the second water discharger22is placed slightly higher than the first water discharger21and the third water discharger23. Each water discharger21-23discharges a water shower flow of e.g. about 40 to 45° C.

The water discharge direction of the shower flow from the second water discharger22is configured to be slightly downward relative to the horizontal.

The water discharge direction of the shower flow from the first water discharger21is configured to be directed from outside the seat occupant seated on the seat14(outside as viewed laterally inFIG. 25) to the vicinity of the acromion of the seat occupant.

The water discharge direction of the shower flow from the third water discharger23is configured to be directed to the shoulder near the base of the neck of the seat occupant seated on the seat14.

The above water dischargers21-23discharge a shower flow from upward to the seat14and applies the shower flow to the frontside of the body (below the neck) of the seat occupant seated on the seat14. Furthermore, this embodiment includes a legback warming means for warming the rear side of the legs of the seat occupant where the shower flow from the above water dischargers21-23is difficult to reach.

Specifically, the legback warming means has an opening31facing the pool portion16, a legback feedwater channel32with its one end communicating with the opening31, and a legback water discharger33provided below the seat surface18and communicating with the other end of the legback feedwater channel32. The legback feedwater channel32is a piping provided inside the base portion12below the seat surface18and connecting the opening31to the legback water discharger33, for example.

As shown inFIG. 26, two openings31, for example, are provided on the bottom face (seat surface)18of the pool portion16on the back portion11side (near the boundary between the back portion11and the seat surface18). Corresponding to the two openings31, two legback water dischargers33and two legback feedwater channels32are provided. However, the number of openings31, legback feedwater channels32, and legback water dischargers33is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more.

Below the seat14, the base portion12has a sloped portion19sloped downward from the front facing the bathroom to the back where the bathroom wall is provided. Between the sloped portion19and the bathroom floor110, there is a space having a height gradually decreasing backward (toward the bathroom wall). This space enables the seat occupant seated on the seat to avoid hitting the heel against the base portion12when retracting the leg backward.

The legback water discharger33is provided at the upper part (frontside) of the sloped portion19and placed nearly as high as the seat surface18. The legback water discharger33is placed below the opening31and the level of water pooled in the pool portion16. As described later, the water head difference between the level of water pooled in the pool portion16and the legback water discharger33causes the water pooled in the pool portion to flow through the opening31and the legback feedwater channels32and to be discharged forward (on the bathroom side) of the legback water discharger33. Hence the legback water discharger33only needs to be placed below the level of water pooled in the pool portion, and may be placed as high as or higher than the opening31.

Furthermore, the legback water discharger33is placed backward (on the bathroom wall side) of the front edge15of the seat14(base portion12), and does not protrude forward (on the bathroom side) from the front edge15of the seat14(base portion12).

As shown inFIG. 25, a pair of legback water dischargers33is placed generally at the same height, and spaced in a lateral direction generally perpendicular to the height. Each legback water discharger33has a plurality of water discharge ports33a.

Next, the function of the shower apparatus according to this embodiment is described.

InFIGS. 24 and 25, the shower flow discharged from each water discharger21-23,33and the falling water overflowing the front edge of the pool portion16are shown by dashed lines.

In the pair of water dischargers20provided on the back portion11upwardly to the seat14, each second water discharger22discharges a shower flow of water that is ejected slightly downward relative to the horizontal and falling around the front edge15of the seat14. From another viewpoint, the second water discharger22discharges a shower flow over the shoulder of the seat occupant along an arc extending forward of the seat occupant under its own weight, and the shower flow falls around the leg particularly centering on the thigh of the seat occupant. Here the shower flow may fall also on the abdomen in addition to the leg of the seat occupant. The shower flow flows on the surface of the leg from the knee toward the foot of the seat occupant.

The second water dischargers22are provided rearwardly to the seat occupant and near the head, which is distant from the legs of the seat occupant. Even in this configuration, the water discharge flow can reliably reach the leg without being blocked by the seat occupant and to warm also the leg below the knee by discharging water over the shoulder of the seat occupant.

The third water discharger23discharges a shower flow toward the shoulder near the base of the neck of the seat occupant. Part of the shower flow impinging on the shoulder flows on the front and lateral portion of the body extending from the chest to the trunk of the seat occupant, and the other part of the shower flow impinging on the shoulder is wrapped around to the back. Thus both the front and back of the body of the seat occupant can be warmed. Furthermore, the massage effect by the shower flow can also be allowed to act on the shoulder.

The first water discharger21discharges a shower flow toward the acromion of the seat occupant. The shower flow impinging on the acromion flows on and warms the part around the center of the arm and the lateral portion of the trunk that cannot be covered by the shower flow from the second water dischargers22and the third water dischargers23.

The water wrapped around to the backside of the seat occupant continuously flows along the back of the seat occupant or the back portion11toward the seat14. This avoids developing a temperature boundary layer between the back of the seat occupant and the back portion11and facilitates conduction of heat from the water to the back of the seat occupant. Simultaneous warming of the backside in addition to the front of the body can enhance the hyperthermic effect even at a low flow rate, and also save water and energy by saving the amount of water used.

The water discharged from the water dischargers21-23flows along the body surface of the seat occupant or the back portion11and is pooled in the concave pool portion16provided in the seat14. The water pooled in the pool portion16ensures that at least the rear side of the buttocks and thighs of the seat occupant is in contact with water. Thus it is possible to efficiently warm the buttocks and the vicinity of the waist where the shower flow from the water dischargers21-23does not directly reach. Furthermore, warming the waist and the buttocks also serves to promote healthy intestinal motility.

Along the body surface of the seat occupant or the back portion11, water continuously flows into the pool portion16. This flow avoids developing a temperature boundary layer between the seat occupant and the seat surface18and facilitates conduction of heat from the water to the buttocks and thighs of the seat occupant. Thus the hyperthermic effect can be enhanced.

As shown inFIG. 26, the pool portion16is formed as a recess surrounded on three sides other than the front edge on the bathroom side. Hence it is possible to prevent lateral leakage of water and to efficiently use the water from the water dischargers21-23without waste.

Part of the water pooled in the pool portion16flows out of the front edge on the bathroom side toward the legback of the seat occupant and warms the legback. However, because this uses the water spontaneously overflowing the pool portion16, the water may fail to flow out swiftly and to reach on the legback depending on the amount of water discharged from the water dischargers21-23and the amount of water pooled in the pool portion16.

However, in this embodiment, the water head difference between the level of water pooled in the pool portion16and the legback water discharger33causes the water pooled in the pool portion16to flow through the opening31and the legback feedwater channels32and to be discharged from the legback water discharger33. This does not use spontaneous overflow of water from the pool portion16, but uses the above water head difference to actively eject a shower flow from the legback water discharger33provided at the portion facing the rear side of the legs. Thus the shower flow can reliably reach on the legback of the seat occupant.

As a result, in a sitting position on the seat14, it is possible to warm the legback (back of calves, Achilles tendons, heels, etc.) where the shower flow from upward to the seat14cannot reach because it is obstructed by the seat14. Thus promotion of blood circulation and alleviation of lymph stagnation and edema can be achieved in the legs.

In general, in sitting with the buttocks being in contact with the seat surface18, the kneeback is located nearly as high as (the front edge of) the seat surface18. Hence the legback water discharger33placed nearly as high as (the front edge of) the seat surface18allows the water discharge flow from the legback water discharger33to easily reach on the calves and to reliably warm the calves. Furthermore, if the water discharge flow reaches on the calves, the water also naturally flows down the calves to the heels and toes, which can be warmed indirectly even if the water discharge flow does not directly reach thereon. The water discharge angle (with reference to the vertical) of the water discharge flow from the legback water discharger33is preferably designed to be larger than the water discharge angle (with reference to the vertical) of the water discharge flow from the water dischargers21-23in which the shower flow is dropped from upward and reaches the frontside of the body.

From the viewpoint of preventing the interference with the legs of the seat occupant seated on the seat14, the legback water discharger33is preferably placed more backward (toward the bathroom wall) than the front edge15of the seat14.

As shown inFIG. 25, two legback water dischargers33are spaced in a lateral direction generally perpendicular to the height. The distance between the two legback water dischargers33is typically designed to correspond to the spacing between the legs of a seat occupant seated on the seat14. Hence it is possible to apply water simultaneously to both legs of the seat occupant.

Each legback water discharger33has a plurality of water discharge ports33aand discharges a diffuse shower flow. Thus various sitting postures can be supported. For example, typically, men sit in a bow-legged position where the legs are opened outward at the knees as shown inFIG. 27, whereas women sit in a knock-kneed position where the calves are diverged as shown inFIG. 28. In this respect, a plurality of legback water dischargers33arranged in a lateral direction discharge a diffuse shower flow, which allows a seat occupant to receive water at the legback not in a forced position but in a natural sitting position.

The legback water discharger is not limited to a circular head configuration. As shown inFIG. 29, it is also possible to use a horizontally oriented legback water discharger47having a plurality of water discharge ports47athat are aligned laterally.

As described above, according to this embodiment, in a sitting position while soaking in the water pooled in the pool portion16, a user can take a shower flow from the water dischargers21-23,33throughout the body except upward to the neck. Thus the user can enjoy a sense of soaking in water (a sense of bathing), and a high hyperthermic effect is achieved despite shower bathing. Furthermore, water pressure applied to the body is lower than that for soaking in a bathtub and places less strain on the body. Moreover, because the difference between the standing and sitting position is smaller than for bathtub bathing, the blood pressure variation is further decreased, which improves safety. Furthermore, because the apparatus can be used in a seated position without the need to move into and out of the bathtub, elderly and physically challenged users can also easily enjoy a high hyperthermic effect. Furthermore, because the user can take a shower simultaneously throughout the body rather than separately on each part of the body, the user can warm the body by taking a shower in a short time with saving water.

The “shower flow” described above includes both a shower flow that is discharged in a linear continuous flow and a shower flow that is discharged in droplets (mist flow) at the moment of being discharged from the water discharger21-23,33. Each water discharger21-23,33discharges a continuous shower flow of water rather than mist. Hence the ambient space is not filled with an atmosphere of high temperature and humidity as in the case of spraying mist, and dizziness can be prevented. Furthermore, because the shower flow has a smaller temperature decrease of discharged water due to heat of vaporization than mist, there is no need to set the shower flow temperature higher than needed, achieving greater economy.

The water discharged from the water dischargers21-23for warming the portions other than the legback and pooled in the pool portion16of the seat14is reused as the water for warming the legback, thus achieving greater economy.

The bottom face of the pool portion16is sloped down backward on the back portion11side from the front on the bathroom side. The opening31is provided on the back portion11side of the bottom face of the pool portion16. Hence, after use, the water remaining in the pool portion16can be drained away through the opening31, the legback feedwater channel32, and the legback water discharger33. Thus no water is left in the pool portion16after use, achieving good cleanability and avoiding water stain.

The bottom face of the pool portion16having the opening31also serves as a seat surface18. Hence the opening31is preferably provided near the boundary between the seat surface18and the back portion11so as to prevent the opening31from being occluded by the buttocks or the rear side of the thigh of the seat occupant. In this case, the above slope of the seat surface18can be used to guide the water remaining in the pool portion16to the opening31, which facilitates drainage.

As shown inFIG. 29, a laterally extending gutter38can be provided in the seat surface18near the boundary with the back portion11, and the opening31can be formed in the gutter38. Then, even if the buttocks of the seat occupant are placed upwardly to the opening31, the water pooled in the pool portion16can be guided through the gutter38to the opening31. In this case, the opening31and the gutter38may be provided other than on the back portion11side.

Ninth Embodiment

In the shower apparatus according to this embodiment, the water discharge direction of the legback water discharger33is adjustable. By suitable configuration of the water discharge direction, it is possible to warm the legback depending on the user preference.

For example, as shown inFIG. 30, the water discharge surface having the water discharge ports of the legback water discharger33can be directed obliquely upward. This allows the shower flow discharged from the legback water discharger33to easily reach the vicinity of the kneeback of the seat occupant and to reliably warm the kneeback. Because the kneeback has little fat and muscle, the water discharge flow directly applied to the kneeback easily promotes blood circulation and provides a high hyperthermic effect.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 31, for example, the water discharge surface of the legback water discharger33can be directed obliquely downward to intensively warm the calves and the feet therebelow.

If the user does not desire to directly receive the shower flow from the legback water discharger33, the water discharge direction of the legback water discharger33is directed to the bathroom floor110. Then the sole, calf, and kneeback can be indirectly warmed by the water falling on the bathroom floor110and flowing to the toes and by the steam rising from the bathroom floor110. In this case, the flow of water concentrates on the vicinity of the toes, and hence the soles can be also warmed.

The water discharge direction of the legback water discharger33is adjustable not only vertically but also laterally. For example, the lateral divergence of the water discharge direction can be adjusted to users sitting in a bow-legged position shown inFIG. 32and to users sitting in a knock-kneed position shown inFIG. 33. Thus the water discharge flow can be efficiently applied to the legback of the seat occupant.

Tenth Embodiment

In the shower apparatus according to this embodiment, the position of the legback water discharger33is adjustable. By adjusting the front-back and lateral position of the legback water discharger33, the shower apparatus can be flexibly adapted to the difference in the user's physique, sitting style, and placement of legs, and the water discharge flow can be reliably applied to the legback of the seat occupant.

For example, it is anticipated that the legback is spaced forward from the seat14(base portion12) when the seat occupant sits with the body leaned backward, sits shallow, and sits with the legs stretched forward. In this case, as shown inFIG. 34, the legback water discharger33can be caused to protrude forward of the front edge of the seat14(base portion12) to shorten the distance to the legback so that the water discharge flow can reach the legback.

Furthermore, by varying the front-back position of the legback water discharger33, it is possible to vary the flying distance of the discharged shower flow to the legback of the seat occupant. Thus the temperature of the water discharge flow at the time of impinging on the legback can be varied desirably.

FIG. 35is a schematic view showing the legback water discharger43, which is adjustable in its front-back position, for example.

The horizontally oriented water discharge surface of the legback water discharger43facing the bathroom side has a plurality of water discharge ports44that are aligned laterally. The legback water discharger43can be housed below the seat14with the water discharge ports44facing the space on the bathroom side (FIG. 35A), and can be extracted forward from this housed position as shown inFIG. 35B. It is possible to adjust the front-back position of the legback water discharger43by adjusting the extracted position of the legback water discharger43.

Eleventh Embodiment

By adjusting the flow rate of the water discharge flow from the legback water discharger33, it is possible to adjust the feeling of stimulation at the legback caused by the water discharge flow and its water discharge direction.

For example, in an example shown inFIG. 36, a flow rate regulation means (e.g. valve)41is provided along the legback feedwater channel32extending from the opening31to the legback water discharger33to make adjustable the flow rate of the water discharge from the legback water discharger33.

By adjusting the opening of the flow rate regulation means41, it is also possible to adjust the amount of water pooled in the pool portion16. For example, in summer, the pool portion16pools no water, or the amount of pooled water is decreased. On the other hand, in winter, the pool portion16pools water, or the amount of pooled water is increased. Thus the adjustment can be adapted to the user's preference.

Twelfth Embodiment

FIG. 37is a schematic view of a shower apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention as viewed from the lateral side.

FIG. 38is a schematic view of the shower apparatus as viewed from the frontside.

The shower apparatus according to this embodiment is different from the above embodiments in the water dischargers, which are provided upwardly to the seat14and apply a shower flow to the frontside of the body of the seat occupant.

More specifically, in this embodiment, an arm81extending forward is provided at the upper part of the back portion11, and a plurality of water dischargers are provided in the arm81. The plurality of water dischargers discharge a shower flow toward the shoulders, arms, chest, and legs of the seat occupant seated on the seat.

Also in this embodiment, in a sitting position while soaking in the water pooled in the pool portion16, a user can take a shower flow from the water dischargers provided in the arm81and the legback water discharger33throughout the body except upward to the neck. Thus the user can enjoy a sense of soaking in water (a sense of bathing), and a high hyperthermic effect is achieved despite shower bathing.

Thirteenth Embodiment

FIG. 39is a schematic view of a shower apparatus according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention as viewed from the lateral side.

In this embodiment, a guide portion91protruding forward is provided as a legback warming means at the front edge15of the seat14(base portion12). The guide portion91has a slope surface91asloped obliquely forward and downward from the front edge15of the seat14.

The water overflowing the pool portion16of the seat14is guided from the front edge15to the slope surface91aof the guide portion91and discharged toward the legback of the seat occupant. Thus, also in this embodiment, it is possible to reliably apply water to the legback for warming the legback that cannot be covered by the water discharger20provided upwardly to the seat14.

Fourteenth Embodiment

FIGS. 40A and 40Bare schematic views of a shower bathing apparatus according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention.

The shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment includes a pair of first water dischargers21provided at or upwardly to the head of a seat occupant200and a second water discharger22provided below the first water dischargers21. The water discharge direction of the first water discharger21is configured to be a generally horizontal or obliquely downward direction. As shown inFIG. 40B, at least part of the discharged shower flow falls around the leg centering on the thigh of the seat occupant200seated on the seat4.

On the other hand, the second water discharger22has a plurality of shower holes provided two-dimensionally rearwardly to the neck and shoulders of the seat occupant200seated on the seat4. The direction of water discharge from these shower holes is also configured to be a generally horizontal or obliquely downward direction. As shown inFIG. 40B, the shower flow discharged from the second water discharger22covers the area including the neck, shoulders, and acromia (points of the shoulders) of the seat occupant200. Because the second water discharger22extends also directly rearward to the seat occupant200, the shower flow can be evenly applied also on the neck and back of the seat occupant200from directly rearward. Thus almost the entire body below the neck of the seat occupant200can be evenly warmed.

Also in this embodiment, weirs for pooling water formed around the seat4. Among these weirs, the front weir is lower than the other three weirs. Hence the water pooled in the seat4falls toward the feet of a seat occupant200without leaking out laterally. As a result, the feet of the seat occupant200can be warmed more effectively.

The first water dischargers21may be integrated with the second water discharger22. That is, the first water dischargers21and the second water discharger22may be formed in a common substrate (not shown). It is then possible to simultaneously adjust the water discharge direction and water discharge position of the first water dischargers21and the second water discharger22by changing the angle and position of the substrate.

Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 40A and 40B, the first water dischargers21may be formed separately from the second water discharger22. That is, the first water dischargers21and the second water discharger22may be formed in separate substrates, respectively. It is then possible to adjust the water discharge direction and water discharge position of the first water dischargers21independently of the water discharge direction and water discharge position of the second water discharger22.

Fifteenth Embodiment

FIGS. 41A and 41Bare schematic views of a shower bathing apparatus according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention.

Like the shower apparatus of the fourteenth embodiment, the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment also includes a pair of first water dischargers21provided at or upwardly to the head of a seat occupant200seated on the seat4and a second water discharger22provided below the first water dischargers21. The water discharge direction of the first water discharger21is configured to be a generally horizontal or obliquely downward direction. As shown inFIG. 41B, at least part of the discharged shower flow falls around the leg centering on the thigh of the seat occupant200.

On the other hand, the second water discharger22has a plurality of shower holes arranged in a horizontal line rearwardly to the neck and shoulders of the seat occupant200seated on the seat4. The direction of water discharge from these shower holes is also configured to be a generally horizontal or obliquely downward direction. As shown inFIG. 41B, a row of shower flows discharged from the second water discharger22covers the area including the neck, shoulders, and acromia (points of the shoulders) of the seat occupant200seated on the seat4. Furthermore, the shower flow can be applied also beyond the acromion toward the chest. Also in this embodiment, because the second water discharger22extends also directly rearward to the seat occupant200, the shower flow can be evenly applied also on the neck and back of the seat occupant200from directly rearward. Thus almost the entire body below the neck of the seat occupant200can be evenly warmed.

Also in this embodiment, weirs for pooling water are formed around the seat4. Among these weirs, the front weir is lower than the other three weirs. Hence the water pooled in the seat4falls toward the feet of a seat occupant200without leaking out laterally. As a result, the feet of the seat occupant200can be warmed more effectively.

Also in this embodiment, the first water dischargers21may be integrated with the second water discharger22so that the water discharge direction and water discharge position can be simultaneously adjusted. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 41A and 41B, the first water dischargers21and the second water discharger22may be formed separately so that the water discharge direction and water discharge position thereof can be independently adjusted.

Sixteenth Embodiment

FIGS. 42A and 42Bare schematic views of a shower bathing apparatus according to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention.

The shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment includes a pair of first water dischargers21provided at or upwardly to the head of a seat occupant200seated on the seat4, a pair of third water dischargers23provided below the first water dischargers21, and a second water discharger22provided between the third water dischargers23. The water dischargers21,22,23have a plurality of shower holes provided two-dimensionally, respectively.

The water discharge direction of the first water discharger21is configured to be a generally horizontal or obliquely downward direction. As shown inFIG. 42B, at least part of the discharged shower flow falls around the leg centering on the thigh of the seat occupant200. The shower flow discharged from the second water discharger22covers the area extending from the neck to the shoulders of the seat occupant200. Because the second water discharger22extends also directly rearward to the seat occupant200, the shower flow can be evenly applied also on the neck and back of the seat occupant200from directly rearward. The shower flow from the third water discharger23is discharged so as to enclose the seat occupant200from both sides and covers the area including the acromia (points of the shoulders) and the vicinity of the arms. Furthermore, the shower flow can be applied also beyond the acromion toward the chest. Thus almost the entire body below the neck of the seat occupant200can be evenly warmed.

Also in this embodiment, weirs for pooling water are formed around the seat4. Among these weirs, the front weir is lower than the other three weirs. Hence the water pooled in the seat4falls toward the feet of a seat occupant200without leaking out laterally. As a result, the feet of the seat occupant200can be warmed more effectively.

Also in this embodiment, the first water dischargers21may be integrated with the second water discharger22so that the water discharge direction and water discharge position can be simultaneously adjusted. Alternatively, the first water dischargers21and the second water discharger22may be formed separately so that the water discharge direction and water discharge position thereof can be independently adjusted.

Also in this embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 42A and 42B, it is possible to simultaneously adjust the water discharge direction of the first to third water discharger(s)21,22,23by forming them in a common substrate150and changing the direction of the substrate150.

Seventeenth Embodiment

FIG. 43is a schematic view of a shower bathing apparatus according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 44is a schematic view of the seat4of this shower bathing apparatus.

The shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment is installed in a shower booth300. That is, the water dischargers21,22,23of each embodiment described above are installed on the wall of the shower booth300. A seat4is provided below the water dischargers21,22,23.FIG. 44Ashows a situation where the seat4is in use, andFIG. 44Bshows a situation where the seat4is retracted. Thus, because the seat4is retractable, the seat4is not obstructive when the user takes a shower in a standing position in the shower booth.

Also in this embodiment, weirs for pooling water are formed around the seat4. Among these weirs, the front weir is lower than the other three weirs. Hence the water pooled in the seat4falls toward the feet of a seat occupant200without leaking out laterally. As a result, the feet of the seat occupant200can be warmed more effectively.

Eighteenth Embodiment

FIGS. 45 to 48are schematic views of a shower bathing apparatus according to an eighteenth embodiment of the invention.

The shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment is configured as a chair having a back portion2and a base portion3. The back portion2has a backrest5, and the base portion3has a seat4. At the upper part of the back portion2, a pair of wings2W extends obliquely forward from both sides of the backrest5.

As shown inFIG. 46, the wing2W has a first water discharger21, a second water discharger22, and a third water discharger23. Each of the water dischargers21,22,23can discharge one or more shower flows. On the other hand, the seat4has a slope surface sloped downward from its front edge to the backrest5. The seat4thus formed can pool water in cooperation with the wall portions6provided at both side edges thereof and the backrest5.

Also in this embodiment, weirs for pooling water are formed around the seat4. Among these weirs, the front weir is lower than the other three weirs. Hence the water pooled in the seat4falls toward the feet of a seat occupant200without leaking out laterally. As a result, the feet of the seat occupant can be warmed more effectively.

Furthermore, an opening31is provided at the vertical bottom of the seat4. On the other hand, a pair of legback water dischargers33is provided on the front of the base portion3. The legback water dischargers33are in communication with the opening31. That is, the water discharged from the water dischargers21,22,23and falling on the seat4is guided through the opening31to the legback water dischargers33and discharged toward the rear side of the legs of the seat occupant seated on the seat4as shown by arrows D inFIG. 48. Thus the seat occupant can be warmed and enjoy a massage effect by the shower flow to the entire body including the rear side of the legs. Note that, instead of using the water falling on the seat4for water discharge from the legback water dischargers33, water supplied from a water supply may be guided to the legback water dischargers33for water discharge.

As shown by arrows A inFIG. 48, the water discharged from the first water dischargers21falls around the legs centering on the thighs of the seat occupant seated on the seat4. As shown by arrows B inFIG. 48, the water discharged from the second water dischargers22reaches the area extending from the neck to the shoulders of the seat occupant seated on the seat4. As shown by arrows C inFIG. 48, the water discharged from the third water dischargers23covers the area including the acromia (points of the shoulders) and the vicinity of the arms so as to enclose the seat occupant seated on the seat4from both sides. Furthermore, the shower flow can be applied also beyond the acromion toward the chest. Moreover, part of the discharged water is pooled in the seat4. That is, the underside of the buttocks and thighs of the seat occupant seated on the seat4is warmed by the water pooled in the seat4. Thus almost the entire body below the neck of the seat occupant200can be evenly warmed.

The shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment is configured as a stand-alone chair. Hence it can be easily installed without any work on the shower booth and the bathroom. Furthermore, it enables a user to comfortably take a full body shower in a relaxed sitting posture as in a sofa. Moreover, a vibrator can be installed on the rear side of the seat4and/or the backrest5of this shower bathing apparatus to provide a vibrating massage effect on the seat occupant. Then the relaxing and massage effect by shower bathing can be combined with the vibrating massage effect to provide greater advantage.

Working Example

Next, a working example implemented by the inventor is described.

The inventor performed experiments for measuring the warming effect of shower bathing in the shower bathing apparatus of the first embodiment, bathing in a bathtub filled with water, shower bathing with a conventional hand shower, and shower bathing in the shower bathing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1.

The experiment for the shower bathing apparatus of the first embodiment was performed in a case (case A) where the temperature of the water supplied to the water dischargers21,22,23was set to 43° C. and the total amount of water discharged from these water dischargers was set to 10 liters per minute. Bathing in a bathtub filled with water (case C) was performed by filling the bathtub with 230 liters of water at 40° C. In the case of a conventional hand shower (case D), the temperature of the water supplied to the shower head was also set to 43° C., and the flow rate was set to 8 liters per minute. In the case of the shower bathing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 (case E), shower bathing was performed by ejecting water as a mist at 10 liters per minute. In all these cases, the temperature variation on the body surface of a subject was measured using a radiation thermometer immediately before bathing and after bathing for 5 minutes.

FIG. 49is a graph showing the temperature variation of the entire body surface of a subject. The vertical axis represents the temperature increase with reference to the temperature immediately before bathing. Here, the average temperature of the body surface below the neck was used as the temperature of the entire body.

In comparison with immediately before bathing, the temperature increase immediately after 5 minutes' bathing was 3.5° C. for the bathtub (C), 3.2° C. for the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment (A), 2.2° C. for the shower bathing apparatus of Patent Document 1 (E), and 1.8° C. for the conventional shower (D). That is, according to this result, the temperature is highest in the case of bathtub bathing (C), and a comparable temperature is achieved in this embodiment (A). In contrast, the temperature increase is small for the shower bathing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 (E) and the conventional hand shower (D).

When 5 minutes elapsed after bathing, the temperature increase was 2.9° C. (C), 2.5° C. (A), 2.2° C. (E), and 1.7° C. (D). When 10 minutes elapsed after bathing, it was 2.4° C. (C), 2.2° C. (A), 2.0° C. (E), and 1.5° C. (D). That is, when 10 minutes elapsed after bathing, shower bathing in the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment achieves the same temperature as bathtub bathing. This is presumably because the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment provides not only a hyperthermic effect by water, but also a massage effect and an effect of promoting blood circulation by full body shower in a relaxed posture.

FIG. 50is a graph showing the temperature variation of the body surface of the subject's shoulder. Again, the vertical axis represents the temperature increase with reference to the temperature immediately before bathing.

In comparison with immediately before bathing, the temperature increase of the shoulders immediately after 5 minutes' bathing was 2.9° C. for the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment (A), 1.6° C. for the shower bathing apparatus of Patent Document 1 (E), 1.1° C. for the bathtub (C), and 0.8° C. for the conventional shower (D). That is, according to this result, the temperature is prominently high for the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment, but relatively low for the shower bathing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 (E), the bathtub (C), and the conventional shower (D). This is presumably because, in the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment, the shower flow from the second water dischargers22and the third water dischargers23(seeFIG. 1) evenly reaches and can sufficiently warm the shoulders of the seat occupant. In contrast, in the shower bathing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 (E), for example, the mist sprayed from the arm may fail to sufficiently warm the seat occupant including the shoulders. In the case of the bathtub (C), it is painful for the bather to keep the shoulders fully soaked in water for a long time, and inevitable to bathe with the shoulders being out of water. Hence it is difficult to warm the shoulders even if the body is warmed. Furthermore, in the case of the conventional hand shower (D), the shower flow from the shower head does not always reach the body of the bather, and it is not easy to evenly and efficiently warm the entire body of the bather.

When 5 minutes elapsed after bathing, the temperature increase was 2.3° C. (A), 1.8° C. (E), 1.4° C. (D), and 1.1° C. (C). When 10 minutes elapsed after bathing, it was 1.9° C. (A), 1.8° C. (E), 1.5° C. (D), and 1.0° C. (C). That is, even when 10 minutes elapsed after bathing, shower bathing in the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment (A) achieves the highest temperature. In the case of the conventional hand shower (D) and the shower bathing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 (E), the temperature was gradually increased after 5 minutes and after 10 minutes with reference to the temperature immediately after bathing. This is presumably because, in these cases, the shoulders were particularly less warmed than the other parts of the body and received heat from the other parts of the body through blood flow after bathing.

FIG. 51is a graph showing the temperature variation of the body surface of the subject's leg. Again, the vertical axis represents the temperature increase with reference to the temperature immediately before bathing.

In comparison with immediately before bathing, the temperature increase of the legs immediately after 5 minutes' bathing was 3.5° C. for the bathtub (C), which was the highest. However, it was 3.2° C. for the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment (A), which was comparable to the temperature increase for the bathtub (C). That is, according to this embodiment, the water discharged from the first water dischargers21(seeFIG. 1) and directly falling on the legs of the seat occupant and the water discharged from the second water dischargers22and the third water dischargers23, impinging on the body of the seat occupant, and flowing down from the front edge of the seat4can sufficiently warm the seat occupant including the legs.

In contrast, in the case of the conventional hand shower (D) and the shower bathing apparatus of Patent Document 1 (E), the temperature increase immediately after bathing was as low as 2.3° C. and 2.1° C., respectively. In the case of the conventional hand shower (D), it is not easy to apply water evenly down to the legs of the bather. In the case of the shower bathing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is not easy to entirely enclose the legs of the seat occupant with the mist sprayed from the arm. Furthermore, because the temperature of the mist sprayed from the arm decreases rapidly, it is considered difficult to evenly warm the entire legs of the seat occupant.

As described above, according to this working example, the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment provides a high warming effect on the entire body, shoulders, and legs. For example, for the entire body and the legs, the shower bathing apparatus of this embodiment provides a warming effect comparable to that for bathtub bathing. Here, bathtub bathing needs about 230 liters of water, for example. However, this embodiment only needs a very small amount of water, e.g. 50 liters for 5 minutes' bathing (case A). That is, this embodiment also provides a high water-saving effect. Even successive use by four bathers only needs a smaller amount of water than bathtub bathing (case C) with a comparable warming effect.

With regard to the shoulders, this embodiment provides a greater warming effect than bathtub bathing. Furthermore, this embodiment also provides a massage effect by dropping the discharged water on the body of the seat occupant. Thus it is also possible to provide an effect of alleviating stiffness and pain in the shoulders, for example.

The first to eighteenth embodiment and the working example of the invention have been described.

In the above embodiments, the height of the water dischargers from the seat4is 400 to 1400 mm, for example. To ensure the above effects, it is preferably 500 to 1000 mm, and more preferably 650 to 900 mm.

The height of the seat4from the floor is 250 to 800 mm, for example. To ensure the above effects, it is preferably 300 to 500 mm, and more preferably 350 to 450 mm.

For use in a shower booth, the height of the seat4from the floor can be in the range of about 250 to 800 mm where a user can be seated thereon.

The distance (width) between the outermost third water dischargers paired across the center of the seat4is 340 to 1200 mm, for example. To ensure the above effects, it is preferably 500 to 800 mm, and more preferably 550 to 650 mm.

In the above examples, among the shower flows discharged from the water dischargers21,22,23, the average droplet diameter of the water of the shower flow falling around the legs of the seat occupant can be larger than the average droplet diameter of the water discharged from the other water dischargers. For example, in the shower bathing apparatus described above with reference toFIG. 1, the average droplet diameter of the water discharged from the first water discharger21can be in the range of 1400 to 3000 micrometers, and the average droplet diameter of the water discharged from the second water discharger22and the third water discharger23can be in the range of 500 to 1400 micrometers. It is then possible to reduce the temperature decrease of the shower flow discharged from the first water discharger21and falling on the legs of the seat occupant and to apply water to the legs of the seat occupant. At the same time, the falling shower flow discharged from the first water discharger21can apply suitable stimuli to the legs of the seat occupant, thereby achieving a massage effect. It is possible to control the droplet diameter of the water by adjusting the size and shape of the water discharge port.

The embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to examples. However, the invention is not limited to the above examples.

For example, the above embodiments can be appropriately combined with each other as long as technically feasible, and such combinations are also encompassed within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, a flow rate regulation means and/or a pressure regulation means capable of regulating the flow rate and/or pressure of discharged water can also be provided in order to enable the discharged water to reach the legs and other parts constantly and stably irrespective of water supply pressure and its variation.

The structure, shape, function, positional relationship, and material of each element in the examples that are variously modified and/or added by those skilled in the art are also encompassed within the scope of the invention as long as they include the features of the invention.