Children's washbasin unit equipped with a self-contained water and electricity tap

Abstract

A washbasin system for children aged twelve months to seven years, offering a complete solution to the challenges encountered with standard washbasins. The system ensures accessible, safe, comfortable, easy, and independent washing / hygiene for adults. It is specially designed with dimensions and features adapted to children, equipped with adjustable feet to follow their growth. The innovative tap system guarantees the device's mobility, its autonomy in water and electricity, as well as its ease of installation and use. Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Children's washbasin unit equipped with a self-contained water and electricity tap Technical field

[0001] The present innovation relates to the technical fields of sinks and faucets. State of the art and technical problem

[0002] In today's homes, toilets and bathrooms are equipped with standardized furniture designed to meet the needs of adults in terms of size, depth, water flow, and ergonomics. For young children, this design does not take into account their specific needs. Sinks are too large, too high, and faucets are too far away for their arm length.

[0003] From the age of six months to two years, the adult accompanies the bathing by carrying the child in one arm while washing him with the other. A method unfortunately as uncomfortable for the parent as for the child.

[0004] washing is quick and approximate.

[0005] From the age of two, children use a stool or step stool to reach the tap and sink. At this age, they are still too young to wash themselves and depend on the help of adults. For the

[0006] hand washing for example, the child stretches out his arms and the adult washes his hands.

[0007] It is important to understand the visual experience of these toddlers. When viewed at their scale, the sink appears as a monumental piece of furniture, rising to a height of 2 meters, measuring 1 meter 50 long, 1 meter wide and 60 centimeters deep. For an adult, this perspective is equivalent to that of a bathtub positioned at a height of 2 meters. Faced with this imposing structure, children may feel intimidated, afraid, which can lead them to avoid hand washing, thus creating additional challenges to establish good habits.

[0008] Older children, from the age of 4, are much more independent and carry out

[0009] all hygiene tasks alone without the help of adults. Unfortunately, they are faced with difficulties of various kinds.

[0010] First, they may have difficulty reaching items on the sink rim, such as soap, toothbrushes, or other items needed for daily hygiene. They then avoid using them and end up adopting poor hygiene habits.

[0011] They also sometimes bend over or stand on tiptoe to reach faucets and objects. The child may fall or slip, which can lead to serious injuries.

[0012] Some stools can be unstable, especially if their surface is slippery or if the legs are not properly adjusted. This increases the risk of falling. Children then associate washing with a risk to their safety. They are not wrong, since according to home insurers, 73% of domestic accidents are due to falls and 64% of them occur in the bathroom.

[0013] The stool can also provide access to areas such as medicine cabinets or other objects potentially dangerous to children.

[0014] The taps, on the other hand, are far apart in relation to the length of their arms. This distance makes it difficult to control the opening and closing of the tap. It often happens that after washing, the tap remains open with a

[0015] low flow which leads to waste and overconsumption of water.

[0016] Children are also not able to adjust the water flow. Either it is weak; washing is ineffective, or it is significant and generates

[0017] resulting in wasted water. A loss of 12 liters per minute is estimated for a wash that only requires 3. Hygiene practices for very young children are not environmentally friendly.

[0018] In addition, when faced with an unexpectedly high flow rate, the child may experience a stressful or even frightening situation. Toddlers, in particular, are sensitive to this high pressure, because their skin and tactile sensitivities are still developing. Putting it on their scale again, for an adult, this sensation is equivalent to receiving the flow and pressure equivalent to water coming out of a 5-liter container. The child may also have the feeling of losing control and having no control over his actions. His stress increases, he carries out his washing as quickly as possible, neglecting the correct actions to adopt for a clean and complete wash.

[0019] Children are also unable to regulate the water temperature appropriately, which can put them at risk of burns or injuries. The child once again associates washing with danger.

[0020] Finally, the faucets are positioned high above the child. When washing, adults have their hands in the sink. The water then flows from their hands to the sink. Children raise their arms to reach the water. Once their hands are wet, the water flows to their elbows. Toddlers often end up with wet forearms and sleeves, making the experience unpleasant.

[0021] There are therefore real limits to the use of a conventional sink by children, which can impact their safety, comfort, independence and, more generally, their hygiene, since it is through repeated washing in good conditions that good habits will be established. State of the art

[0022] In childcare facilities such as nurseries or nursery schools, there are professional-grade hand-washing stations made to suit the size of the children. They are fixed and placed against water supply and drainage systems.

[0023] For an individual, the costs of adding a water installation to accommodate a fixed hand basin at the child's height are expensive. In addition, the solution is not sustainable given that the child grows and it will be necessary to readjust his environment again.

[0024] For several years now, there have been so-called “Montessori” washbasin units, which consist of a wooden unit at the child's height containing a movable basin and a carafe of water. While washing hands, the parent pours water from the carafe onto the child's hands, who positions them at the level of the basin.

[0025] Once finished, the adult empties the basin and refills the carafe for the next use. The so-called “Montessori” washbasin furniture secures and facilitates daily hygiene routines. However, the child will not be able to use it alone, he will always depend on an adult. In addition, according to the opinions of parents using these small installations are not suitable for all ages. The furniture is low, it is not scalable and is intended for children from 2 to 4 years old. Older children must bend over to wash themselves.

[0026] There are self-contained mobile hand wash basins on the market. These devices are often used in situations where access to running water is limited or unavailable, such as outdoor events, construction sites, festivals, or places where running water is not easily accessible. These are installations sized for adults and are not suitable for children. In addition, the assembly and installation of the 13 to 18 parts that compose them requires special tools and skills. A parent will not be able to imagine this type of assembly if they are not familiar with sink technology. The number of parts and the

[0027] Wiring complexity is a hindrance. Finally, durability and ease of maintenance are important aspects for the parent. Like any appliance, freestanding hand washes require maintenance. Pumps, faucets, and electronic components may require repair or replacement over time. If a problem occurs, it will be difficult for the adult to identify defective parts and replace them. Description of the invention

[0028] The present invention proposes the resolution of all of the aforementioned challenges to the use of standard sinks for children.

[0029] The present invention provides an innovative faucet system that makes it easier for the parent to install and maintain the system.

[0030] The present invention proposes a technical solution offering a constant water flow, accompanied by a timed automatic shut-off. It solves the potential problem of having a tap that is too open with an excessive flow rate, and prevents overconsumption resulting from children forgetting to turn off the taps. The solution is ecological and environmentally friendly.

[0031] The present invention relates to a washbasin unit specially designed for children from twelve months to seven years old to allow them to wash / hygiene in an accessible, safe, comfortable, easy, autonomous and independent way from adults. It is adapted to their size, their capacity and has furniture feet that can be added to follow the growth of the child user. It incorporates an innovative system that gives it its main characteristics: mobility, autonomy in water and electricity and finally ease of installation and use. Brief presentation of the drawings

[0032] [Fig.l] shows a children's sink according to the above descriptions.

[0033] [Fig.2] shows the interior of the washbasin cabinet according to the above descriptions.

[0034] [Fig.3] shows a front view of the faucet operating with the on / off button.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the faucet operating with the on / off button and all of its components.

[0036] Detailed description of the operating mode of the sink

[0037] To meet these requirements, according to the present invention, the children's washbasin unit comprises a box (1) with a storage space (12) and a door (2). Its dimensions (height, width and depth) are adapted to the size of children. The unit makes it easier to access water and all the items necessary for daily hygiene. By limiting the size of the unit, the washbasin offers a practical solution for installation in restricted spaces but also in different rooms such as the bathroom, the kitchen, the dining room or even the garden.

[0038] A sink (3) of the same size is fixed to the unit. Its outlet is equipped with a funnel-shaped silicone plug (11).

[0039] For the sake of simplification / efficiency of assembly and preparation by adults, the entire water pumping and control system is incorporated into a single component: the tap (4). Said tap (4) consists of a body which integrates a filter (4a) which ensures the quality of the water, a water pump (4b), a unit of control (4c), a battery (4d), an electronic card (4e), a display (4f), a USB port (4g) for recharging the battery, an anti-splash water aerator (4h), a water hose (4i), a hose insert (4j) for the water supply and a sink attachment system (not shown). The electronic card is responsible for controlling and coordinating the various electronic components of the faucet. The battery (4d) is electrically connected to the electric pump (4b) to supply it with energy.

[0040] There are two variants for the control unit (4c): either an on / off button operated by a user or an infrared detector which detects the presence of hands. The control unit (4c) is configured to

[0041] control the actuation of the electric pump (4b). The display (4f) provides information on the battery charge status. When the battery is empty or does not provide enough electrical power, the indicator light on the display is red. It is necessary to connect the battery to a power source for at least 3 hours for a complete recharge of the battery via a USB port (4g).

[0042] In order to facilitate battery recharging and offer more solutions to its users, the faucet is not permanently attached to the sink like conventional faucets. It incorporates a fixing / detachment system allowing quick and easy installation and removal on the sink by an adult. It also ensures the attachment and stability of the faucet so that children cannot misalign or move it.

[0043] There are three variations for the attachment / detachment system; a bayonet system, a pressure attachment or a clamping ring system. The

[0044] bayonet type mechanism, at the base of the tap, allows for quick fixing by turning it into a locked position. The second proposes, at the insert (4j), a system where the tap is fixed by exerting downward pressure. Finally, the clamping ring system can be

[0045] loosened to detach the tap and tightened to secure it in place.

[0046] The box door opens by a bar (5) and also serves as

[0047] towel holder It has an invisible magnetic locking system (6) protecting the water system from potential unauthorised manipulation.

[0048] authorized children. Inside the box, two jerrycan-type tanks (7a) and (7b) and supply pipes (8a) and (8b) are installed.

[0049] The magnetic locking system consists (6) of a magnetic lock

[0050] fixed on the door and another fixed on the furniture, both discreetly installed inside the cabinet, making them invisible from the outside. When the door is closed, the cabinet lock remains attached to the magnetic door lock, keeping the door locked. To unlock the mechanism, simply insert a key magnetic on the door, creating a magnetic field that releases the lock from the box.

[0051] The clean water jerrycan (7a) and the dirty water jerrycan (7b) have the same capacity; 2.5 liters to 10 liters. There is therefore no risk of overfilling. They are equipped with wide handles and can be easily lifted with one adult hand.

[0052] Their caps secure their closure and ensure the passage of water pipes through a hole in their center of the same diameter as the pipe.

[0053] Under the furniture there are discreet casters (9) which allow easy movement. It is also possible to carry the furniture at the level of the ergonomic notches made for this purpose in the side parts of the box (10).

[0054] If necessary, it is also possible to add fixed anti-tip feet (13) of variable heights under the furniture to adjust the level of the furniture according to the child's growth, ensuring continuous use adapted to their development.

[0055] The assembly of the furniture is simplified, requiring the assembly of the panels according to the instructions, the fixing of the sink (3), the tap (4), the plug (11), and the installation of the jerrycans (7a) and (7b) and the pipes (8a) and (8b).

[0056] Once assembled, the system is closed, airtight, stable and ready to operate.

[0057] Before use, the user fills the jerrycan (7a) connected to the tap with water, inserts the hose (8a) through the opening of the cap. In the variant that offers the tap with an on / off button, he presses said switch. In the variant that offers the tap with infrared detection, he positions his hands in front of the sensor. He then activates the electric pump (4b) which sucks the water from the previously filled jerrycan (7a) and directs it to the tap spout (4h). The water then flows through the tap aerator (4h) and reaches the basin (3). The drain (11) then collects the water, directing it to the second jerrycan (7b) via a second hose (8b). For the variant with the on / off button, once the wash is finished, pressing the button (4c) again stops the pump.To prevent prolonged water flow or forgetting to close it, the flow stops automatically after 20 seconds. In the variant with the infrared sensor faucet, removing your hands instantly stops the pump.

[0058] When the jerrycan (7a) connected to the tap is empty and the one intended to collect the waste water (7b) is full, it is sufficient to fill the first (7a) and empty the second (7b) to prepare new cycles of use. Variations and Options

[0059] The faucet of the furniture (4) can be placed in different places, facing the child, on the right part to the left of the sink.

[0060] The sink may be equipped with a refillable soap dispenser powered by a pump mechanism. When the user presses the pump, it creates a vacuum, drawing liquid soap from the reservoir into the dispenser and dispensing it through the nozzle. This allows for controlled dosing of soap to make hand washing easier.

[0061] The furniture can be completed with options such as a mirror, soap, toothbrush holder, autonomous lighting, shelves and handles.

[0062] The cabinet may include a larger sink, larger capacity jerry cans and several taps to provide the possibility of multiple simultaneous washing operations.

[0063] The height of the cabinet can be adjusted using electric legs, which are controlled by a remote control integrated into the vanity unit. When activated, an electric motor drives a mechanism for raising or lowering the cabinet legs, which may be a worm gear or a rack and pinion system, depending on the design of the electric legs. Once the desired height is reached, the electric legs lock into place to ensure the stability of the cabinet.

[0064] In order to expand the design possibilities of the faucet, the pumping and supply system can be separated from the main faucet and integrated into another block which will be connected to the faucet. This design allows for greater

[0065] flexibility in the style and aesthetics of the faucet itself, thus providing the possibility of creating varied and personalized designs.

[0066] Different designs and models will be filed, allowing for varied faucet arrangements and choices of dimensions and colors. Benefits and Specifications

[0067] The washbasin unit is mobile, self-sufficient in water and electricity and offers many advantages for children, for parents and for the environment.

[0068] The washbasin unit is installed at the children's height and adapts to their growth by adding feet. It facilitates their access to water while guaranteeing their safety. They no longer need to be carried during the toilet or to use a stool. They no longer risk falling or slipping.

[0069] The electric feet of the furniture promote the possibility of multiple use in the case of siblings or a group of children for example.

[0070] The tap is positioned so that it can be comfortably reached by children, this proximity facilitates access to the water by preventing them from getting their hands wet.

[0071] forearms and sleeves while washing. The light pressure required on the tap on / off button allows a child as young as 12 months to easily turn the tap on and off in one easy motion. The tap off feature reduces water waste resulting from children forgetting to turn off taps. It also encourages safe use

[0072] responsible for water, thus educating toddlers about the importance of water conservation.

[0073] Washing is comfortable since the water temperature is ambient, there will never be a risk of accidental scalding or a reluctance to wash in winter with freezing water. The regular flow of the faucet coupled with

[0074] uniformity and the softness of the water jet provided by the aerator provide a soothing feeling for children.

[0075] The aerator also reduces splashing and the amount of water used, which helps maintain cleanliness around the sink and reduce water consumption by 50% to 70%.

[0076] The automatic shut-off after 20 seconds helps prevent prolonged water flow or forgetting to turn off the tap. This helps prevent water waste and promotes more responsible use of resources by limiting the amount of water used for each wash.

[0077] The magnetic locking system on the sink cabinet door is “invisible” to children. It is a safety measure that prevents them from opening the cabinet door and playing with the jerry cans. For parents, it is done in a simple gesture, simply by passing a magnet or magnetic key over the closure.

[0078] The drain installed at the sink outlet is free of plugs, allowing free flow of water without the risk of overflow. Its conical shape is specifically designed to avoid any risk of pinching fingers or trapping hands. Its silicone composition offers easy cleaning, which reduces the risk of bacterial proliferation. It is crucial to maintain a hygienic environment around the sink, as dirt accumulated in the drain could expose children to bacteria that are harmful to their health.

[0079] The installation of the washbasin cabinet is practical. It is designed for easy and intuitive installation and assembly. The faucet is removable. This

[0080] functionality offers the flexibility to remove it for convenient and easy recharging at another location. Its built-in battery can be recharged simply via the faucet's USB port. It has three types of sink attachment systems; bayonet, pressure, or clamping ring. This variety gives installers the opportunity to choose the system that best suits their installation preferences.

[0081] The washbasin unit is independent in terms of water supply. It is equipped with jerry cans that meet the needs for one to three days, depending on the capacity chosen.

[0082] The washbasin cabinet is suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. It can be installed in a dining room, bathroom, toilet, play area or even a garden. Its wheels make it easy to move.

[0083] In short, the furniture gives children control over their washing space and promotes the development of their independence, self-esteem and confidence. It encourages the maintenance and development of good manners and habits. It also allows them to perform other independent actions, such as pouring themselves a drink. For parents, it is easy to install, recharge, and maintain.

[0084] Potential industrial applications of the invention

[0085] The washbasin cabinet can be installed in all spaces and places that welcome children; such as schools, nurseries, libraries, museums, leisure centers or even amusement parks. Its usefulness goes beyond the simple functionality of hand washing; it can serve as a teaching aid in educational programs. It could serve as a support for practical demonstrations and interactive lessons to raise awareness and teach.

[0086] Combined with other children's furniture, it can even take on a playful dimension, becoming an educational toy in spaces such as children's kitchens or sandboxes.

[0087] Thanks to its limited height and ergonomic design, it would be perfectly suited to people with disabilities or limited mobility. Its use is accessible and inclusive.

[0088] The washbasin unit could also be a valuable ally in hospital wards, particularly for hospitalized patients who have difficulty moving to the bathroom for their toilet or for pediatric wards where children may require additional assistance.

[0089] to wash hands.

[0090] In the hotel industry, it improves the hospitality offering by finding its place in family rooms as well as in catering and childcare areas. It would contribute to enhancing the hospitality offering of hotels by orienting it towards welcoming children.

[0091] By raising its level, it becomes a mobile washbasin suitable for adults or a mobile water fountain, thus meeting the needs of outdoor events such as festivals and competitions, as well as construction sites where sanitary facilities are limited.

[0092] It can also be used as a means for demonstrations and testing of products such as toothpaste, toothbrush and soap in markets and fairs.

[0093] Finally, it offers an innovative solution for food trucks or converted vehicles such as vans, pickup trucks or vans, sometimes called "van life" or "van conversion".

[0094] In short, much more than just a sink, this innovation meets various needs in varied contexts, while offering educational, accessible and adaptable functionalities. It offers an alternative to traditional free-standing sinks.

Claims

1. Claims Self-contained washbasin unit with water and electricity, scalable and mobile; can be easily moved from one place to another while guaranteeing continuous access to water, characterized in that it includes: • a) a compact cabinet (1) comprising a storage space and characterized in that it is durable, easy to clean and maintain thanks to the finish in a material resistant to water and dirt, • b) a door (2) which opens by a bar (5) also serving as a towel rail, and which is equipped with a locking device (6) secured with a magnetic locking system, • b) a sink (3) fixed to the unit (1), • c) an optional refillable soap dispenser fixed to the sink, • d) a removable tap (4) which incorporates in its spout an anti-splash water aerator (4h) and is equipped at its base with a system for fixing / detaching it from the sink (3), and which groups together in its body, in miniature, all the equipment necessary for the operation of the water supply; namely a pipe insert (4j) for the water inlet from the container (7a), a filter (4a), an electric pump (4b) with a water pipe at its outlet (4i), a rechargeable battery (4d) via the USB port (4g), an electronic card (4e), a control system (4c), a visual alert and a display (4f), • e) a conical silicone plug (11) which ensures free flow without risk of overflow and which allows effective cleaning, • f) a sealed water distribution assembly comprising two jerrycans of the same capacity, one (7a) connected to the tap (4) by a water pipe (8a) and the other (7b) by a water outlet (8b) connected to the plug (11) at the outlet of the sink (3) for easy water supply and drainage, • g) fixed feet (9) or electric feet equipped with a position lock,

2. Washbasin cabinet according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises one of two control systems for the tap (4): a mechanical on / off button (4c) designed to be actuated with the pressure force typical of a 12-month-old child or an infrared sensor,

3. Washbasin unit according to claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with a tap (4) with a constant flow rate and a timed automatic shut-off,

4. Washbasin unit according to claim 1, characterized in that it provides three systems for fixing / detaching the tap (4) on the sink (3); a bayonet system, a pressure fixing or a clamping ring system,

5. Washbasin cabinet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the possible dissociation of the water supply and / or control system integrated into the tap (4).

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