SAFETY SHOWER

Abstract

A safety shower including, a portable shower enclosure having a ceiling, a floor and a plurality of walls. The shower enclosure may also include a shower compartment and a water tank compartment positioned above the shower compartment. The water tank compartment may house a water tank, configured to retain water, that is fluidically connected to a showerhead that is positioned within the shower compartment, such that the showerhead can dispense water from the water tank. A heating system may be located in the shower compartment and configured to raise the temperature of ambient air within the shower compartment and raise the temperature of water stored in the water tank, and the heating system may include at least one heating element.

Claims

1. A safety shower comprising: a portable shower enclosure having a ceiling, a floor and a plurality of walls, wherein the shower enclosure also includes a shower compartment and a water tank compartment positioned above the shower compartment; wherein the water tank compartment houses a water tank, configured to retain water, that is fluidically connected to a showerhead that is positioned within the shower compartment, such that the showerhead can dispense water from the water tank; and a heating system located in the shower compartment and configured to raise the temperature of ambient air within the shower compartment, wherein the heating system includes a plurality of heating elements.

2. The safety shower of claim 1, wherein the plurality of heating elements are powered by electrical power.

3. The safety shower of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of heating elements are individually powered such that if one of the plurality of heating elements fails, the remaining heating elements will remain active.

4. The safety shower of claim 1, wherein the heating system includes at least one fan that forces air from the shower compartment across the plurality of heating elements.

5. The safety shower of claim 1, wherein the heating system includes a water container that receives water from the water tank and the water in the water container is heated by the heating elements.

6. The safety shower of claim 5, wherein the heating system includes a plurality of water tubes connected to the water container such that as water in the water container is heated, the water flows from the water container, through the plurality of water tubes.

7. The safety shower of claim 6, wherein the water tubes are connected to water tank, such that water from the water tubes flows into the water tank, thereby heating the water in the water tank.

8. The safety shower of claim 6, wherein the heating system is also configured to raise the temperature of water stored in the water tank.

9. The safety shower of claim 1, further comprising: an electrical junction box, which can provide power to the heating elements, wherein the electrical junction box is disposed on a front wall panel of the shower compartment.

10. The safety shower of claim 1, wherein the plurality of heating elements are powered by at least 6000 watts of electrical power.

11. The safety shower of claim 5, wherein the plurality of heating elements are submersed in water within the water container.

12. A safety shower comprising: a portable shower enclosure having a ceiling, a floor and a plurality of walls, wherein the shower enclosure also includes a shower compartment and a water tank compartment positioned above the shower compartment; a water tank housed within the water tank compartment, the water tank configured to retain water and is fluidically connected to a showerhead that is positioned within the shower compartment; and a heating system located in the shower compartment and configured to raise the temperature of water stored in the water tank, wherein the heating system includes a plurality of heating elements.

13. The safety shower of claim 12, wherein the plurality of heating elements are powered by electrical power.

14. The safety shower of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of heating elements are individually powered such that if one of the plurality of heating elements fails, the remaining heating elements will remain active.

15. The safety shower of claim 12, wherein the heating system includes at least one fan that forces air from the shower compartment across the plurality of heating elements.

16. The safety shower of claim 12, wherein the heating system includes a water container that receives water from the water tank and the water in the water container is heated by the heating elements.

17. The safety shower of claim 16, wherein the heating system includes a plurality of water tubes connected to the water container such that as water in the water container is heated, the water flows from the water container, through the plurality of water tubes.

18. The safety shower of claim 17, wherein the water tubes are connected to water tank, such that water from the water tubes flows into the water tank, thereby heating the water in the water tank.

19. The safety shower of claim 18, wherein the heating system is also configured to raise the temperature of ambient air in the shower compartment.

20. The safety shower of claim 12, further comprising: an electrical junction box, which can provide power to the heating elements, wherein the electrical junction box is disposed on a front wall panel of the shower compartment.

21. The safety shower of claim 12, wherein the plurality of heating elements are powered by at least 6000 watts of electrical power.

22. The safety shower of claim 16, wherein the plurality of heating elements are submersed in water within the water container.

23. A safety shower comprising: a portable shower enclosure having a ceiling, a floor and a plurality of walls, wherein the shower enclosure also includes a shower compartment and a water tank compartment positioned above the shower compartment, wherein the shower enclosure includes a base having a lift structure to aide in moving the shower enclosure; a water tank housed within the water tank compartment, the water tank configured to retain water and is fluidically connected to a showerhead that is positioned within the shower compartment; and a heating system located in the shower compartment and configured to raise the temperature of ambient air within the shower compartment and raise the temperature of water stored in the water tank, wherein the heating system includes at least one heating element.

24. The safety shower of claim 23, wherein the heating system includes a plurality of heating elements.

25. The safety shower of claim 24, wherein the plurality of heating element is powered by electrical power.

26. The safety shower of claim 25, wherein each of the plurality of heating elements are individually powered such that if one of the plurality of heating elements fails, the remaining heating elements will remain active.

27. The safety shower of claim 23, wherein the heating system includes at least one fan that forces air from the shower compartment across the plurality of heating elements.

28. The safety shower of claim 24, wherein the heating system includes a water container that receives water from the water tank and the water in the water container is heated by the heating elements.

29. The safety shower of claim 28, wherein the heating system includes a plurality of water tubes connected to the water container such that as water in the water container is heated, the water flows: from the water container, through the plurality of water tubes.

30. The safety shower of claim 29, wherein the water tubes are connected to water tank, such that water from the water tubes flows into the water tank, thereby heating the water in the water tank.

31. The safety shower of claim 30, wherein the heating system is also configured to raise the temperature of ambient air in the shower compartment.

32. The safety shower of claim 24, further comprising: an electrical junction box, which can provide power to the heating elements, wherein the electrical junction box is disposed on a front wall panel of the shower compartment.

33. The safety shower of claim 24, wherein the plurality of heating elements are powered by at least 6000 watts of electrical power.

34. The safety shower of claim 28, wherein the plurality of heating elements are submersed in water within the water container.

35. A safety shower comprising: a portable shower enclosure having a ceiling, a floor and a plurality of walls, wherein the shower enclosure also includes a shower compartment and a water tank compartment positioned above the shower compartment; a water tank housed within the water tank compartment, the water tank configured to retain water and is fluidically connected to a showerhead that is positioned within the shower compartment; and a heating system located in the shower compartment and configured to raise the temperature of water stored in the water tank, wherein the heating system includes a plurality of heating elements; an electrical junction box, which can provide power to the heating elements, wherein the electrical junction box is disposed on a front wall panel of the shower compartment; wherein the plurality of heating elements are powered by electrical power; wherein each of the plurality of heating elements are individually powered such that if one of the plurality of heating elements fails, the remaining heating elements will remain active; wherein the heating system includes at least one fan that forces air from the shower compartment across the plurality of heating elements; wherein the heating system includes a water container that receives water from the water tank and the water in the water container is heated by the heating elements; wherein the heating system includes a plurality of water tubes connected to the water container such that as water in the water container is heated, the water flows from the water container, through the plurality of water tubes; wherein the water tubes are connected to water tank, such that water from the water tubes flows into the water tank, thereby heating the water in the water tank; wherein the heating system is also configured to raise the temperature of ambient air in the shower compartment; wherein the plurality of heating elements are powered by at least 6000 watts of electrical power; and wherein the plurality of heating elements are submersed in water within the water container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a safety shower in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the safety shower of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3 is side, cross-sectional view of the safety shower taken along axis A-A in FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the safety shower of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of the safety shower of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the safety shower of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of the safety shower of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a water tank of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a top view of the water tank of FIG. 8;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a side view of the water tank of FIG. 8;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another safety shower embodiment in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a front view of the safety shower of FIG. 11;

[0023] FIG. 13 is side, cross-sectional view of the safety shower taken along axis B-B in FIG. 12;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the safety shower of FIG. 11;

[0025] FIG. 15 is a top view of the safety shower of FIG. 11;

[0026] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the safety shower of FIG. 11;

[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another safety shower embodiment in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 18 is a front view of the safety shower of FIG. 17;

[0029] FIG. 19 is side, cross-sectional view of the safety shower of the right wall taken along axis B-B in FIG. 18;

[0030] FIG. 20 is side, cross-sectional view of the safety shower of the left wall taken along axis B-B in FIG. 18;

[0031] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the disclosed heating system of the safety shower of FIG. 17;

[0032] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the heating system of FIG. 21;

[0033] FIG. 23 is a front view of the heating system of FIG. 21; and

[0034] FIG. 24 is a front view of a heating container and water tubes of the heating system of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed.

[0036] Before the present structural embodiments and methods for using and constructing a safety shower are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0037] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0038] In describing and claiming the present disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

[0039] As used herein, the terms comprising, including, containing, characterized by, and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0040] As used herein, the phrase consisting of and grammatical equivalents thereof exclude any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim.

[0041] Applicant has invented an improved safety shower that is self contained and mobile, including having the ability to use the shower with the need for a pump and means of containing and transporting contaminated water as a product of use of the safety shower. Conventionally, mobile safety showers required an external power source and had difficulty transporting sufficient water in an enclosure that is easily set up and usable a user with little training. The following detailed description of Applicant's safety shower will identify how these conventional safety shower problems are overcome by the disclosed safety shower.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, the disclosed portable safety shower 100 includes a base or mounting plate 102. The mounting plate 102 provides a structural foundation for a shower enclosure 104. The mounting plate 102 includes a plurality of mounting brackets 103 which are used to secure the mounting plate 102 to a foundation (not shown). Additionally, the mounting plate 102 can include lift structures, such as fork lift slots 105 which can be used to more easily and effectively move the portable safety shower 100 to a variety of desired locations, while minimizing the risk of damage to the safety shower 100.

[0043] The shower enclosure 104 can be constructed from self-framing modular walls 106, although conventional wall construction can also be used, such as, tubular framing and wall sheeting, for example. The self-framing modular walls 106 can be defined as wall panels that are formed with framing members integrated with wall sheeting as a single unitary piece, such that a plurality of self framing modular walls 106 can be couple and fastened together to form exterior walls of the shower enclosure 104, without having a separate framing and wall sheeting system. Many conventional shower enclosures are formed from standard tubular frame systems, with wall sheeting (often sheet metal) attached to the tubular frame. However, in contrast to the tubular framing systems, the self-framing walls 106 increase the ease of building the shower enclosure 104 because there are fewer interconnecting pieces, and the self-framing walls 106 are often stronger because the framing and wall sheeting are integrated. The self-framing walls 106 can be formed from aluminum or other corrosion resistant material.

[0044] The walls 106 also include insulation 108, as shown in FIG. 3, which can be necessary to control or regulate the interior temperature of the shower enclosure 104, as well as, the temperature of the water used in the safety shower 100. The insulation 108 can be a closed cell foam which not only aides in regulating temperature, but can also add structural strength to the walls 106. The insulation 106 can also include other waterproof materials that will not be adversely effected by moisture and become waterlogged.

[0045] The shower enclosure 104 can include doors 110. The doors 110 can be hinged, enabling substantially 360 degrees of movement, and be spring loaded, enabling a user to easily enter the shower enclosure 104 without having to use a handle. A slip 112 may be hung in the entry to the shower enclosure 104, just inside the doors 110. The slip 112 may be pliable and made of plastic, for example, which would enable a user to easily enter the shower enclosure 104 while maintaining a substantial seal against outside elements upon closure.

[0046] The shower enclosure 104 may include two compartments, a shower compartment 114, and a water tank compartment 116. Both compartments 114 and 116 can be sealed from the outside environment and both compartments can be insulated with insulation 108 as described above.

[0047] The water tank compartment 116 can house a water tank 118. The water tank 118, as also illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, can include a plurality of mounting brackets 120 which can be used to fix the water tank within the water tank compartment 116. The water tank 118 can be made of aluminum, zinc coated steel, or another desired corrosion resistant material. The water tank 118 can hold, for example, 425 gallons of water. Alternatively, the water tank 118 be hold less than 425 gallons of water or more than 425 gallons of water. The water tank 118 may have a diameter of 50 inches and a height of 52 inches. These dimensions enable the water contained therein to have enough pressure, merely through gravity, to generate 20 gallons per minute of water velocity (industry standard for safety showers) out of a showerhead 124 that is fluidically connected to the water tank 118, but positioned within the shower compartment 114. In alternative embodiments, the dimensions of the water tank may have an increased or decreased height and/or diameter.

[0048] The water tank can also include a water treatment solution dispenser 126 which can be set to dispense a predesignated amount of water treatment in order to present unwanted contamination of the water stored within the water tank 118. The water tank 118 can also include a heater 128, which can include, for example, an immersion heater or a pad heater. Depending on the temperature of the environment around the safety shower 100, the water in the water tank 118 may need to be heated in order to meet industry standards and heater 128 can be used to regulate the water temperature to ensure industry standards are met. The exterior of the water tank compartment can also include a temperature gauge 129 which identifies the temperature of the water inside the water tank 118, thus enabling a user to inspect the water temperature without directly accessing the water within the water tank 118.

[0049] The water tank 118 may also include a float 130, a water level indicator, which can be connected to a float valve 132, which can work together to ensure the water level within the water tank 118 does not exceed a predetermined level. The float 130 can also be used to identify the water level within the water tank 118 by a connection with a water level indicator mounted on the exterior of the water tank compartment 116. This water level indicator 134 makes it ease of a user or inspector to immediately identify the water level within the water tank 118 and easily determine if additional water is necessary to keep the safety shower fully functional.

[0050] If additional water is necessary of desired, the water tank 118 includes a hatch 136, which can be opened and additional water can be added to the water tank 118. A user can access the water tank 118 by opening a lid 138 which seals the top of the water tank compartment 116. The lid 138 can be removably secured to shower enclosure 104 via a plurality of latches 140 enabling a user to access the water tank 118 and then reseal the water tank compartment 116.

[0051] Often times a safety shower 100 may not be used for extended periods of time. Therefore, the water inside the water tank 118 may be susceptible to contaminants and/or increased pressure. To account for and resolve these issues a vent 142 and a pressure release valve 144 are connected to the water tank 118 and can release water and pressure build up within the water tank 118, and release such into the shower compartment 114. The pressure release valve 144 can also include a drain valve 145, for example, a 2 drain valve, which can be used to drain or depressurize the water in the water tank 118, in accordance with industry standards or according to custom need or uses of the safety shower 100.

[0052] The water tank 118 may also include a level and temperature and temperature switch 143. The switch 143 can be used to set or change the desired temperature or level of the water within the water tank 118, which can account for different preferences and situations such as low use areas or high temperature or low temperature environments.

[0053] The water tank compartment 116 can include a external light 146 which can be used to illuminate the entrance to the shower compartment 114. The light 146 can be an LED light or other desired light source. The water tank compartment 116 can also include an alarm 148 which provides a auditory signal used to announce that the safety shower 100 is in use. The alarm 148 may also include a light 150 which is another indicator that the safety shower 100 is in use. The light 150 may be colored, like red or another desired color, and may be a continuous light, flashing light, or even a strobe light.

[0054] The shower compartment 114 is sealed for the outside environment by four walls, a floor and a ceiling. Each of the walls, ceiling and floor of the shower compartment may be insulated with the same type of insulation as discussed above with respect to insulation 108, as shown in FIG. 3, which can be necessary to control or regulate the interior temperature of the shower enclosure 104, as well as, the temperature of the shower compartment 114. The insulation 108 can be a closed cell foam which not only aides in regulating temperature, but can also add structural strength to the walls of the shower compartment 114. The insulation 108 can also include other waterproof materials that will not be adversely effected by moisture and become waterlogged.

[0055] The shower compartment 114 may include a non-slip shower floor 152 which can provide additional friction for the user and reduce the likelihood of an unwanted slip during use of the showerhead 124. Additionally the shower compartment may include an activation lever 154 or push bar, which can be connected to the showerhead 124 such that a user can activate the showerhead 124 and dispense water without the need of significant dexterity, such as turning a knob, although other activation means may also be used, such as a knob or a pull chain, which are know to those skilled in the art. The shower compartment 114 may also include space heater 156 which can be used to regulate the ambient air temperature within the shower compartment 114, which can be beneficial and necessary in situation where the outside environment has cold temperatures. Because the safety shower 100 may be used in dimly lit or dark areas, the shower compartment also includes an interior light 158. The interior light 158, may be automatically activated upon entry into the shower compartment 114 or the light 158 may be activated by a manual switch or button.

[0056] In addition to the showerhead 124, the shower compartment 114 may also include an eyewash station 160. The eyewash station 160 may be fluidically connected to the water tank 118 and may be activated simultaneously with the showerhead 124 or have a separate activator switch or bar.

[0057] While a user is using the safety shower 100, either the showerhead 124 or the eyewash station 160, the used water, which is likely contaminated with hazardous material will be drained through a floor drain 162, and into a containment pan 164. The containment pan 164 may be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or any other desired non-corrosive material. The containment pan may also be recoverable from the safety shower 100 enabling a user to safely remove any contaminated water, fluid or material, and safely disposing of the same, without having to move or relocated the safety shower 100 itself. This can provide for faster and safer disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, the containment pan 164 can include a drainage outlet 166, such as a 2 stainless steel outlet (although other non-corrosive material may be used if desired), enabling a user to drain the contaminated water, fluid or material out of the containment pan 164 without removing the containment pan 164 from the safety shower 100. This drainage outlet 166 can enable a user to drain the contaminated fluid from the safety shower 100 with little disturbance to the safety shower 100 itself and can facilitate cleaning of the containment pan 164 and the shower compartment 114 without moving or removing any components of the safety shower 100.

[0058] An electrical junction box 168 is secured to the exterior of the shower compartment 114 and can be used to facilitate the input of electricity from an outside power source. In alternative embodiments the electrical junction box 168 may be connected to a self-contained power source, such as a battery. The electrical junction box can provide power to all the power-requiring components of the safety shower 100, including, but not limited to, the lights 146 and 158, and the alarm 148. Adjacent to the electrical junction box 168 is a testing lever 170 which is connected to the showerhead 124 such that a user can actuate the showerhead 124, for example, without having to enter the shower compartment 114.

[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 11-16, another embodiment of a disclosed portable safety shower 200 may include a base or mounting plate 202. The mounting plate 102 may provide a structural foundation for a shower enclosure 204. The mounting plate 202 may include a plurality of mounting brackets 203 which may be used to secure the mounting plate 202 to a foundation (not shown). Additionally, the mounting plate 202 can include lift structures, such as fork lift slots 205 which can be used to more easily and effectively move the portable safety shower 200 to a variety of desired locations, while minimizing the risk of damage to the safety shower 200.

[0060] The shower enclosure 204 can be constructed from self-framing modular walls 206, although conventional wall construction can also be used, such as, tubular framing and wall sheeting, for example. The self-framing modular walls 206 can be defined as wall panels that are formed with framing members integrated with wall sheeting as a single unitary piece, such that a plurality of self framing modular walls 106 can be couple and fastened together to form exterior walls of the shower enclosure 204, without having a separate framing and wall sheeting system. Many conventional shower enclosures are formed from standard tubular frame systems, with wall sheeting (often sheet metal) attached to the tubular frame. However, in contrast to the tubular framing systems, the self-framing walls 206 may increase the ease of building the shower enclosure 204 because there are fewer interconnecting pieces, and the self-framing walls 206 are often stronger because the framing and wall sheeting are integrated. The self-framing walls 206 can be formed from aluminum or other corrosion resistant material.

[0061] The walls 206 may also include insulation 208, as shown in FIG. 13, which can be necessary to control or regulate the interior temperature of the shower enclosure 204, as well as, the temperature of the water used in the safety shower 200. The insulation 208 can be a closed cell foam which not only aides in regulating temperature, but can also add structural strength to the walls 206. The insulation 206 can also include other waterproof materials that will not be adversely effected by moisture and become waterlogged.

[0062] The shower enclosure 204 can include doors 210. The doors 210 can be hinged, enabling substantially 360 degrees of movement, and be spring loaded, enabling a user to easily enter the shower enclosure 204 without having to use a handle.

[0063] The shower enclosure 204 may include two compartments, a shower compartment 214, and a water tank compartment 216. Both compartments 214 and 216 can be sealed from the outside environment and both compartments can be insulated with insulation 208 as described above.

[0064] The water tank compartment 216 can house a water tank 218. The water tank 218, can include a plurality of trusses 220 which are attached, or integral, with a bottom surface 218a of the water tank 218, providing structural support to the water tank 218 and obviating the need for exterior supports for the water tank 218 within the water tank compartment 216. The trusses 220 can thereby reduce dead space within the water tank compartment 216 which can otherwise be utilized by a larger water tank 218. The bottom The water tank 218 may have a substantially square cross-section which can optimize the utilized space within the water tank compartment 218, although other suitable desired cross-sectional shapes can be used for the water tank 218. The water tank 218 may be attached directly to the wall panels 206 within the water tank compartment 216 utilizing wall mounts 221 which may be secured to the exterior of the water tank 218. The water tank 218 may also be secured to the wall panels by any other suitable desired securement mechanism or method.

[0065] The water tank 218 can be made of aluminum, zinc coated steel, or another desired corrosion resistant material. The water tank 118 can hold, for example, 425 gallons of water. Alternatively, the water tank 118 be hold less than 425 gallons of water or more than 425 gallons of water. The water tank 218 may be configure to enable the water contained therein to have enough pressure, merely through gravity, to generate 20 gallons per minute of water velocity (industry standard for safety showers) out of a showerhead 224 that is fluidically connected to the water tank 218, but positioned within the shower compartment 214. The bottom surface of the water tank 218 may actually serve as a ceiling for the shower compartment 214 and seal the shower compartment from the water tank compartment 216. Accordingly, the shower head 224 can be plumbed directly to the water tank 218.

[0066] The water tank 118 may also include a water level indicator 234 which can makes it easy for a user or inspector to immediately identify the water level within the water tank 218 and easily determine if additional water is necessary to keep the safety shower fully functional.

[0067] If additional water is necessary of desired, the water tank 218 includes a hatch 236, or lid, which can be opened and additional water can be added to the water tank 218. A user can access the water tank 218 by opening a lid 236, which can not only seal the top of the water tank compartment 216, but also seal the water tank 218. Therefore the hatch 236 may essential act as a lid to both the water tank compartment 216 and the water tank itself 218. The lid 236 can be removably secured to shower enclosure 204 via a plurality of latches enabling a user to access the interior of the water tank 218 and access any and all plumbing fixtures that are attached and fluidically coupled to the bottom surface 218a of the water tank 218, such as the showerhead 224, for example.

[0068] The water tank 218 may also be plumbed with a vent 242 and a pressure release valve 244 connected to the bottom surface 218a of the water tank 118 and can release water and pressure build up within the water tank 218, and release such into the shower compartment 214.

[0069] The water tank compartment 216 can include a external light 246 which can be used to illuminate the entrance to the shower compartment 214. The light 246 can be an LED light or other desired light source. The water tank compartment 216 can also include an alarm 248 which can provide an auditory signal used to announce that the safety shower 200 is in use. The alarm 248 may also include a light 250 which can be another indicator that the safety shower 200 is in use. The light 250 may be colored, like red or another desired color, and may be a continuous light, flashing light, or even a strobe light.

[0070] The shower compartment may include an activation lever 254 or push bar, which can be connected to the showerhead 224 such that a user can activate the showerhead 224 and dispense water without the need of significant dexterity, such as turning a knob, although other activation means may also be used, such as a knob or a pull chain, which are know to those skilled in the art.

[0071] While a user is using the safety shower 200 the used water, which is likely contaminated with hazardous material may be drained through a floor drain 262, and into a containment pan 264. The containment pan 264 may be made of aluminum, stainless steel, or any other desired non-corrosive material. The containment pan may also be recoverable from the safety shower 200 enabling a user to safely remove any contaminated water, fluid or material, and safely disposing of the same, without having to move or relocated the safety shower 200 itself. This can provide for faster and safer disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, the containment pan 264 can include a drainage outlet 266, such as a 2 stainless steel outlet (although other non-corrosive material may be used if desired), enabling a user to drain the contaminated water, fluid or material out of the containment pan 264 without removing the containment pan 264 from the safety shower 200. This drainage outlet 266 can enable a user to drain the contaminated fluid from the safety shower 200 with little disturbance to the safety shower 200 itself and can facilitate cleaning of the containment pan 264 and the shower compartment 214 without moving or removing any components of the safety shower 200.

[0072] An electrical junction box 268 may be secured to the front exterior of the shower compartment 214 and can be used to facilitate the input of electricity from an outside power source. In alternative embodiments the electrical junction box 268 may be connected to a self-contained power source, such as a battery. The electrical junction box can provide power to all the power-requiring components of the safety shower 200, including, but not limited to, the lights 246, and the alarm 248. By disposing the electrical junction box on the front exterior surface of the shower compartment, the effective footprint of the safety shower 200 can be reduced since the front exterior surface of the safety shower must remain unblocked because of the entrance door 210, but the remaining three side of the safety shower 200 can abut or nearly abut adjacent walls or objects without impeding any use or operation of the safety shower 200.

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 17-24, the disclosed portable safety shower 300 may include a base or mounting plate 302. The mounting plate 302 may provide a structural foundation for a shower enclosure 304. The mounting plate 302 includes a plurality of mounting brackets 303 which are used to secure the mounting plate 302 to t a foundation (not shown). Additionally, the mounting plate 302 can include lift structures, such as fork lift slots 305, which can be used to more easily and effectively move the portable safety shower 300 to a variety of desired locations, while minimizing the risk of damage to the safety shower 300.

[0074] The shower enclosure 304 can be constructed from self-framing modular walls 306, although conventional wall construction can also be used, such as, tubular framing and wall sheeting, for example. The self-framing modular walls 306 can be defined as wall panels that are formed with framing members integrated with wall sheeting as a single unitary piece, such that a plurality of self framing modular walls 306 can be couple and fastened together to form exterior walls of the shower enclosure 304, without having a separate framing and wall sheeting system. The self-framing walls 306 can be formed from aluminum or other corrosion resistant material and may include insulation and have the same construction as the self framing walls 106 disclosed above in the safety shower 100.

[0075] The shower enclosure 304 can include doors 310. The doors 310 can be hinged, enabling substantially 360 degrees of movement, and may be spring loaded, enabling a user to easily enter the shower enclosure 304 without having to use a handle, and the spring loaded doors 310 may also better ensure that the door 310 remain closed when not being actively opened.

[0076] The shower enclosure 304 may include two compartments, a shower compartment 314, and a water tank compartment 316. Both compartments 314 and 316 can be sealed from the outside environment and both compartments can be insulated with insulation as described above.

[0077] The water tank compartment 316 can house a water tank 318. The water tank 318 may be fixed or secured within the tank compartment 316. The water tank 318 can be made of aluminum, zinc coated steel, or another desired corrosion resistant material. The water tank 318 can hold, for example, 650 gallons of water, or between 400 and 800 gallons of water. Alternatively, the water tank 318 may hold less than 400 gallons of water or more than 800 gallons of water. The water tank 318 may be formed and configured to enable the water contained therein to have enough pressure, merely through gravity (without the need for a water pump), to generate at least 20 gallons per minute of water velocity (industry standard for safety showers) out of a showerhead 324 that is fluidically connected to the water tank 318, but positioned within the shower compartment 314.

[0078] The safety shower 300 can also include a heating system 500. The heating system 500 may be mounted within the shower compartment 314 and may be designed and configured to provide heat to both the water in the water tank 318 and ambient air within the shower compartment 314. Depending on the temperature of the environment around the safety shower 300, the water in the water tank 318 may need to be heated in order to meet industry standards and heating system 500 can be used to regulate the water temperature to ensure industry standards are met. The exterior of the water tank compartment can also include a temperature gauge 329 which may identify the temperature of the water inside the water tank 318, thus enabling a user to inspect the water temperature without directly accessing the water within the water tank 318.

[0079] The heating system 500 may include a plurality of heating elements 502 connected or secured to a mounting unit 504. The mounting unit 504 may include individual electrical circuits corresponding to each of the plurality of heating elements 502, such that each of the plurality of heating elements 502 may be provided with electrical power individually, in parallel, thereby eliminating the possibility that the failure of a single heating element 502 may compromise or cause failure to the remaining heating elements 502. This is a key feature of the heating system 500 because it enables the heating system 500 to continue to provide heat to the water in the water tank 318 and the ambient air of the shower compartment 314, even if one or more of the heating elements 502 fail. Electrical power may be provided to the heating elements 502 via a power port 506 which may be electrically connected to en exterior power source (not shown) or battery (not shown).

[0080] Traditional water heater elements and space heating elements used in similar safety showers often only utilize a single heating element such that if the heating element fails, no heat can be provided to the corresponding water tank or in a corresponding shower compartment, resulting in a defunct safety shower that cannot be used until the failed heating element can be repaired or replaced.

[0081] An air guide 508 may be designed and configured to be mounted to and around the heating elements 502 and may include a plurality of air holes 508a, that may facilitate or direct the flow of air across and near the heating elements 502 as a way to transfer heat to the ambient air that passes by the heating elements 502.

[0082] The heating system 500 may also include a water heater 510 that may include a water container 512 that may include an interior area that is designed and configured to receive the heating elements 502. The water container 512 may also include a flange 514 configured to mate with and create a seal with the air guide 508, such that the heating elements 502 are fully received within the water container 512 and the water container 512 is sealed water tight with the air guide 508. The air holes 508a of the air guide 508 may correspond with and align with air holes 514a of the flange 514.

[0083] The water container 512 may also include an inlet port 516 which may be in fluid communication with the water tank 318 such that water from the water tank 318 passes through an inlet pipe 319 and into the water container 512 via the inlet port 516.

[0084] When the water container 512 is filled with water from the water tank 318, the heating elements 502 are submerged in water. When the heating elements 502 are turned on or activated, the heating elements 502 may heat up, transferring heat to the surrounding water in the water container 512. As the temperature of the water in the water container 512 rises the water with rise and flow through a plurality of water tubes 518 that are in fluid communication with the water container 512.

[0085] As the water continues to heat, the heated water may flow upward through the water tubes 518 and into an outlet port 520 which is connected to an outlet pipe 522 which is connected back to the water tank 318. The heated water then flows from the water container 512 to the water tank 318, thereby providing heated water to the water tank 318 for use with the showerhead 324 and/or eye wash station 360.

[0086] The water container 512 and water tubes 518 may be mounted to an interior wall of the shower compartment 314 via a series of mounting brackets 524a, 524b, 524c, 524d, and 524e. The mounting brackets 524a, 524b, 524c, 524d, and 524e may be designed and configured to secure the water container 512 and water tubes 518, while still permitting or enabling air flow around the water tubes 518.

[0087] A lower fan 530 may be mounted at a bottom location adjacent to the heating elements 502 and the water container 512. The lower fan 530 may be designed and configured to pull air from the ambient air in the shower compartment 314 and push the air across the water container 512 and across and through the water tubes 518. As the water in the water container 512 and the water tubes 518 is heated, some of the heat may be transferred to the air being pushed across the water container 512 and across and through the water tubes 518.

[0088] A heater cover 532 may be secured to the lower fan 530 and enclose, with the adjacent interior walls of the shower compartment 314, the heating system 500, including the heating elements 502, water container 512, and water tubes 518. As the air is pushed through this enclosed space, the air passes upward and into an air duct 540 and is then pushed or forced through the air vents 542. The forcing of the air through the air vents 542 may be facilitated by upper fans 544 which can be mounted directly over air vents 542, thereby pushing or forcing the heated air through the air vents 542 and into the shower compartment 314, thereby heating the temperature of the ambient air in the shower compartment 314.

[0089] A manual valve 550 may be connected to the outlet pipe 522 and can be used to shut off or stop the flow of water to the water tank 318. If the manual valve 550 shuts off the flow of water, then the heating elements 502 will simply continue to heat the water that is in the water container 512 and the heating system 500 will only be used to heat the ambient air of the shower compartment 314. And when the manual valve 550 is open the heating system 500 is designed and configured to heat and increase the temperature of the water in the water tank 318 and the ambient air in the shower compartment 314.

[0090] Conventional or traditional heating elements are typically 750 watt heaters, utilizing merely 750 watts of power to produce heat. This limits the speed at which the heating element can heat water or surrounding ambient air. The disclosed heating system 500 may utilize 6000 watts, or at least 6000 watts, or less than 6000 watt heating elements 502 which can more quickly and efficiently heat both the water in the water tank 318 and the ambient air in the shower compartment 314.

[0091] The water tank 318 may also include a float (not shown) or water level indicator, which can be connected to a float valve, which can work together to ensure the water level within the water tank 318 does not exceed a predetermined level, in the same or similar manner as disclosed with respect to safety shower 100.

[0092] A user can access the water tank 318 by opening a lid 338 which seals the top of the water tank compartment 316. The lid 338 can be removably secured to shower enclosure 304 via a plurality of latches enabling a user to access the water tank 318 and then reseal the water tank compartment 316.

[0093] The water tank compartment 316 can include an external light 346 which can be used to illuminate the entrance to the shower compartment 314. The light 346 can be an LED light or other desired light source.

[0094] The shower compartment 314 may be sealed from the outside environment by four walls, a floor and a ceiling. Each of the walls, ceiling and floor of the shower compartment 314 may be insulated with the same type of insulation as discussed above with respect to safety shower 100, as shown in FIG. 3, which can be necessary to control or regulate the interior temperature of the shower enclosure 304, as well as, the temperature of the shower compartment 314.

[0095] Additionally the shower compartment may include an activation lever 354 or push bar, which can be connected to the showerhead 324 such that a user can activate the showerhead 324 and dispense water without the need of significant dexterity, such as turning a knob, although other activation means may also be used, such as a knob or a pull chain, which are know to those skilled in the art. Because the safety shower 300 may be used in dimly lit or dark areas, the shower compartment 314 also includes an interior light 358. The interior light 358, may be automatically activated upon entry into the shower compartment 314 or the light 358 may be activated by a manual switch or button.

[0096] In addition to the showerhead 324, the shower compartment 314 may also include an eyewash station 360. The eyewash station 360 may be fluidically connected to the water tank 318 and may be activated simultaneously with the showerhead 324 or have a separate activator switch or bar.

[0097] While a user is using the safety shower 300, either the showerhead 324 or the eyewash station 360, the used water, which is likely contaminated with hazardous material will be drained through a plumbed drainage system 362, and into an exterior containment unit (not shown). This can provide for faster and safer disposal of hazardous waste. Additionally, the drainage system 362 can enable a user to drain the contaminated fluid from the safety shower 300 with little disturbance to the safety shower 300 itself.

[0098] An electrical junction box 368 may be secured to an exterior of the shower compartment 314 and can be used to facilitate the input of electricity from an outside power source. The electrical junction box 368 may also include a plurality of relays 370 that each correspond with one of the heating elements 502 such that is any one of the plurality of heating elements 502 fails, the corresponding relay 370 will identify and create a notification of the failure, so that a user can be apprised of the failure and repair or replace the failed heating element 502. In alternative embodiments, the relay may be able to end an electronic communication to a remote electronic device indicating a failure of a heating element 502 in real-time.

[0099] In further alternative embodiments the electrical junction box 368 may be connected to a self-contained power source, such as a battery. The electrical junction box 368 can provide power to all the power-requiring components of the safety shower 300, including, but not limited to, the heating elements 502, and lights 346 and 358. Adjacent to the electrical junction box 368 may be a testing lever 372 which is connected to the showerhead 324 such that a user can actuate the showerhead 324, for example, without having to enter the shower compartment 314.

[0100] It will be appreciated that the structures and apparatus' disclosed herein are merely examples of means for providing a safety shower, and it should be appreciated that any structure, apparatus or system for a safety shower which performs functions the same as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of a shower, means for providing a safety including those structures, apparatus or systems for providing a safety shower which are presently known, or which may become available in the future. Anything which functions the same as, or equivalently to, a means for providing a safety shower falls within the scope of this element.

[0101] Those having ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate the advantages provide by the features of the present disclosure.

[0102] In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description of the Disclosure by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.