GB2491902A - Towel heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

Leaving a shower or bath after washing can be unpleasant, particularly in colder climes, where stepping out of the bath or shower can expose a user to cold air, a particularly unpleasant experience when the user is wet and recently warm. Some users may heat their towels on radiators or other heating apparatus whilst they are in the shower or bath. This may not be possible in some environments, such as those lacking heating apparatus, communal or larger areas where heating apparatus is not accessible. The user must additionally ensure that the towel has received enough heat and will need to place the towel on or near the apparatus some time before the shower or bath is commenced. According to the invention there is provided a device for heating towels comprising an impermeable container, preferably made from PVC, and having a sealable opening which may be a zipper (7 figure 2), wherein the container is disposed to pass heat from its exterior to its interior. The device may further comprise suction cups 6 and a non return valve (5 figure 2).

Description

A DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for heating towels.

BacKground

Leaving a shower or bath after washing can be unpleasant, particularly in colder climes, where stepping out of the bath or shower can expose a user to cold air, a particularly unpleasant experience when the user is wet and recently warm.

Where towels have in addition been sitting outside the bath or shower they may also be cold, such as in larger rooms, for example in communal areas. This can make matters more unpleasant for users, where the towel is cold and serves to cool the user down as s/he is drying off.

Some users may heat their towels on radiators or other heating apparatus whilst they are in the shower or bath.

This may not be possible in some environments, such as those lacking heating apparatus, communal or larger areas where heating apparatus is not present accessible or placed nearby.

Additionally heating towels on radiators or the like involves a degree of pre-action or planning, for example to ensure that the towel has received enough heat for the purpose it is likely to place the towel on or near the apparatus some time before the shower or bath is commenced, as the heat transfer is not likely to be quick. If it is quick, it may mean that overheating is possible.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed and granted in the past in an effort to deal with this problem or similar, including the following: Chinese utility model CN 2012 11 365 (HUIQIN) discloses a warmth retention bag for intravenous infusion. The warmth retention bag is formed by sewing a towel-cloth through the following steps of folding a rectangular towel-cloth twice, sewing the narrow sides of a rectangle, providing the long sides of the rectangle with a zipper and providing a hem folded first with another zipper. The warmth retention bag has the advantages of simple structure, convenient use, low cost, easy manufacture and the like.

Granted United States patent US 7 344 308 (MEYER et al) discloses a protective sleeve comprising an elongated protective sheath including an outer surface and an inner surface defining a hollow interior adapted to receive an elongate towel therewithin, the protective sheath including opposed ends adapted to be opened to allow access to opposed ends of the towel.

Granted United States patent US 6 247 329 (RADOMSKY et al) discloses a thermal envelope comprising: a pouch and a flap that closes said pouch; and a thermal capacitance material that lines said pouch, wherein said thermal capacitance material has an initial temperature in a temperature range of -5 C to 200C, characterized by said thermal capacitance material having a thermal capacitance that maintains a temperature of said medical sample placed in said pouch within said temperature range during a period of time not more than 7 hours from the time said medical sample was placed in said pouch.

International patent application WO 9 938 469 (DER) discloses a heat transfer device for heating and cooling a surface, the device comprising: an envelope formed of first and second double-walled sheets, trie skeets having broad faces and joined together on at least all but one edge; each double-walled sheet formed of an inner and an outer panel of flexible, liquid-impermeable webbing, the panels joined together on all edges to define therebetween a volume that contains a first high thermal capacity material that is not rigid at about zero degrees centigrade; and a space: defined b-the inner panels of the two double-walled skeets, the space containing therein a second high thermal capacity material, the space being separate from said volume so that the first and second high thermal capacity materials cannot mix.

In contrast the present invention provides an easy to use, multi-location and mutli-function means to warm towels whilst having a shower or bath, to supply a hot towel for drying after the bath or shower.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for heating towels comprising an impermeable container having a sealable opening, wherein the container is disposed to pass heat from its exterior to its interior.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the container is provided with at least one suction cup, pad or sucker in order that the container may be vacuum attached to a surface.

In particular a plurality of cups will permit easy attachment to a bath or tiles.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the container is provided in a flexible material, such as silicone, wherein the container may be used comfortably for example as a seat in a bath.

In some embodiments it may be envisaged that insulation or temperature retention material may be included, such as wheat.

Additionally said flexibility allows a user to compress the container when empty for transport or storage and also once the towel has been inserted into the opening, to remove excess air, and then close the opening whilst the container and towel are in a compressed state.

In preferred embodiments the material is tear resistant, and may be thin to allow quick heat transfer or thicker to hold heat for longer and consequently provide a longer period of heating in order to ensure that heat is transferred efficiently and over time.

Yet further embodiments may have a plurality of layers, including for example a thin impermeable outer surface, and an inner insulation layer, capable of retaining and transferring heat to the container contents.

The benefits of reduced air in the container are that the container contents are less in volume and consequently easier and quicker to heat.

In this way, some embodiments of the container may provide container air evacuation means, or more particularly may provide pumping means such as a one-way valve to allow escape of unwanted air, but disallows entrance of water or moisture.

In preferred embodiments the container is closed or sealed with a zipper fastener.

This zipper is preferably constructed in a manner that allows it to be at least mainly watertight when zipped, closed or sealed.

This may be by provision of a secondary mechanism, such as for example resiliently deformable sealing strips, a second zipper or flapping, either before or after the zipper.

In alternate embodiments other sealing mechanisms are preferred such as a clip seal using two strips with resiliently deformable parts forming a push seal that seals the opening in a watertight manner, particularly if combined with surrounding flaps, for example having press studs or poppers for securing the flap over the sealed opening.

Ideally at least three or four suckers are ideally provided to ensure a secure attachment, preferably to a largely planar and glossy surface.

In some embodiments a large number of small suction cups are included. However preferred embodiments may include larger cups, for example having mechanical detachment means such as tabs to break the vacuum seal of the cup.

Furthermore; provision of more than 2 cups will tend to mean that the device is stable in a plurality of axe. This aids its use as a cushion, for example in a bath. Ideally the cups are welded to the container in order that no ingress of water is possible.

In preferred embodiments the surface is provided with a dimpled or textured finish to provide a tactile non-slip finish, preferable for a seat, and in embodiments where the device is to be used as a mat before, after or during use.

Some embodiments may also or alternatively be provided with glossy finishes to repel water dirt, lime scale or calcium. Such finishes will ensure that minimal water is retained on the container, particularly preferable when the opening is unsealed and a towel retrieved.

Some embodiments may have hooks or projections to enable their use as hangers for products, such as when the device is used in a shower stall.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and alt equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fatling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Fiçjures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the device; Figure 2 shows a side view from the opening; And Figure 3 shows a reverse side view.

Detaile&Descrjption of Figures The pictured embodiment consists of the following: PVC plastic upper (1), lower (2) and inner (3) sections, heat pressed or sealed together to form one waterproof container; Polypropylene suction cup insert rings (4); Duckbill one-way valve (5); 4 suction cups (6); And A zipper (7).

The typical width of the device is that of a bath, measuring approximately 12 by 16 inches. A typical bath towel will need folding about 3 or 4 times to be fitted into the device's container.

The towel is placed inside the container by undoing the waterproof zip (7) located on its front. The container can then be zipped up to ensure a waterproof seal.

Air is then squeezed out of the case through the one way valve (5) located on the bottom of the container. This ensures good thermal contact between the hot water and the towel.

The device is then ready to use in the bath or shower. When used in the bath, the suction cups allow the device to be stuck to the bottom and the container may act as a cushion for the user.

When used in the shower the device can be stuck to the floor to stand on, or the walls to simply keep it dry. This could be a great benefit in public showers for hygiene conscious users.

The hot towel may then be used.

Claims (4)

1. Claims 1. A device for heating towels comprising an impermeable container having a sealable opening, wherein the container is disposed to pass heat from its exterior to its interior.
2. 2. A device according to claim I provided with at least one suction cup, pad or sucker in order that the container may be vacuum attached to a surface.
3. 3. A device according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the container is provided in a flexible material, such as silicone, wherein the container may be used comfortably for exam pIe as a seat in a bath.
4. 4. A device according to claims 1, 2 or 3 having a detachable container.