Patent Publication Number: US-2012023656-A1

Title: Portable hot shower

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e)(1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/400,082 filed Jul. 22, 2010, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Portable Hot Shower.” 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to the field of portable shower devices, and more specifically to the field of portable heated shower devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The prior art has put forth several designs for portable heated shower devices. Among these are: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,431,565 to Robert R. Nelson describes a portable shower including a shower spray head at one end of a pair of hoses, connected at their opposite ends to a junction, one of the hoses being intercepted by a heating coil below an inverted hood placed over a stove, and the junction being connected by another hose through an electric pump to a cold water source. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,538 to Donald L. Chapman describes a knockdown, portable hot water shower and showerhead therefore is disclosed. The shower includes a gas burner, so that an adequate hot water supply is always provided. A unique showerhead permits the use of a pump that is powered by a small energy source, such as “D” cell batteries. The showerhead has a special arrangement of the apertures formed in the face thereof, so that even water delivered thereto at a low pressure by a small pump may be delivered to a user as a water spray. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,496 to Trevor Adrian describes a portable hot water heater for use during camping, boating, hunting, etc. The hot water advantageously efficiently and rapidly heats large quantities of water for hot showers, cooking and cleaning. The hot water heater includes a pump that can draw water from any suitable water source, a power source, a heating assembly that quickly and efficiently heats the water as it flows through the heating assembly. 
     None of these prior art references describe the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved portable heated shower device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational view of a portion of the device of the present invention. This Figure also shows the controlling mechanism whereby the occupant has full control of the water flow rate and temperature. 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up elevational view of a portion of the device of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     It goes without saying that when one spends an extended period outdoors, particularly when camping, a good, hot shower is a luxury that cannot be enjoyed. Outdoor enthusiasts have to find makeshift means of cleansing the body. While splashing around in a creek is refreshing, the body feels wet, not clean. Some boil water over a fire to take a hot sponge bath, but it hardly equates to the complete cleansing a shower entails. 
     The present invention, hereinafter referred as the Portable Hot Shower, offers a convenient solution to the aforementioned challenge. As the name implies, the Portable Hot Shower is just that, an operational shower stall for outdoor use. The unit, an adult sized, vertical tent-like unit, featuring a canvas covering to ensure durability as well as privacy. A series of connectable polyvinyl chloride piping, PVC, is provided to facilitate the plumbing action of the unit. This material is lightweight, weather-resistant, durable, non-corrosive, and rust resistant. The piping culminates in a showerhead, similar to the types found in home bathroom stalls. The heat source stems from a copper coil situated in a steel cylinder, which rests on a propane heater. Integrally connected to the shower assembly, water circulates through the copper coil cylinder to produce hot water. The water source for the product comes from a portable water tank, an existing body of water such as a river or creek, or a water hose with spigot, if available. The entire Portable Hot Shower unit is sold in kit form, easily assembled and disassembled as needed. 
     There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with the Portable Hot Shower. Foremost, this clever product offers outdoor enthusiasts a simple and effective means of enjoying a refreshing, cleansing bathing experience. Eliminating the need to go swimming to simulate a bath or to boil water just to feel warm liquid on the body, the Portable Hot Shower provides the comforting, immersing cascade that one enjoys in their shower at home. In this manner, consumers enjoy several days on a camping adventure feeling clean and smelling nice at all times. Copious in size, this product easily accommodates adults as well as children. Not just for campers, the Portable Hot Shower proves ideal for members of the military, who must spend days or even weeks out in the field without the needed luxury of a hot shower. Additionally, hunters who spend entire days searching for game want to shower before going home. Fabricated of durable, high quality materials and components, the Portable Hot Shower withstands years of continued use. 
     The Portable Hot Shower readily enhances the outdoor experience. Easily assembled and taken apart, this product is an invaluable addition to outdoor equipment. 
     The Portable Hot Shower will be useful for emergency responders such as FEMA workers, Red Cross workers, campers, hunters and members of the armed forces. 
     Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.