It is known for an additive, such as a liquid soap, to be introduced into the water supply of a shower.

In this way, the user of the shower can clean themselves more easily and can make the experience of showering more relaxing for the user.

Generally, a reservoir of liquid or granulated soap is provided between the water inlet to the shower system and the shower head. This is disadvantageous in that it is complicated to modify existing systems and the reservoir may be difficult to refill.

Further, there may be problems with blockages in the system caused by soap scum, particulates or the like that can be difficult to remove.

It has also been proposed to provide liquid soap systems that have an input to a shower system substantially normal to a water supply pipe at some point on the shower system. The liquid soap in these systems is drawn into the water stream by a combination of capillary action and Bernoulli's effect.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a shower head attachment to fit over a shower head, the attachment comprising an additive holder and attachment means for attaching the shower head attachment to the shower head, the additive holder being disposed in use between an outlet of the shower head nozzle and the user.

The attachment means may be one or more resilient clips moveable between a first attached position and a second removable position.

Alternatively the attachment means may be straps or the like.

Preferably the additive holder is an annular bracket.

Preferably the plane of the annular bracket is substantially perpendicular to the general direction of fluid flow from the shower head.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a shower head comprising a body, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a chamber disposed within the body and between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, the chamber including an additive holder within it.

Preferably the shower head further includes a cover within the body which can be selectively moved from an open position, in which the chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and a closed position, in which the chamber is not in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet.

Preferably the cover and additive holder are attached to a fluid control member, and the fluid control member is selectively movable from an open position wherein the additive holder is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and a closed position wherein the cover prevents the additive holder from being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet.

Preferably the fluid control member is removable from the body of the shower head to allow access to the additive holder.

Preferably the body of the shower head includes control means to allow selection of the'cover between the open and closed positions.

Preferably the additive holder is an annular bracket.

Preferably the plane of the annular bracket is substantially perpendicular to a direction of fluid flow from the fluid outlet.

Alternatively the plane of the annular bracket is substantially perpendicular to a direction of fluid flow from the fluid inlet.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a water actuated additive shaped to fit and be held by the additive holder of the first and second aspects.

Preferably the water actuated additive is ring shaped. The additive may be soap, a soap substitute, aromatherapy treatment or some other material.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above of a first embodiment of a shower head attachment according to a first aspect of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the' shower head attachment of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view from above of the shower head attachment of Fig. 1 in situ on a shower head; Fig. 4 is a perspective view from below of the shower head attachment of Fig. 1 in situ on a shower head; Figs. 5a to 5d shows several views of a second embodiment of a shower head attachment according to a first aspect of the present invention; Figs. 6a to 6c show several views of an additive ring for use with the shower head attachment of Figs. 1 to 5d in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a perspective view from below of a third embodiment of a shower head attachment according to a first aspect of the present invention ; Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the shower head attachment of Fig. 7 ; Fig. 9 is a perspective view from behind of the shower head alttachment of Fig. 7; Fig. 10 is a perspective view from above of a shower head according to a second aspect of the present invention; Fig. 11 is a perspective view from below of the shower head of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a shower head according to a second aspect of the present invention; and Fig. 13 is a side cross-sectional exploded view of a third embodiment of a shower head according to a second aspect of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Fig. 1, there is shown a shower head attachment generally referred to as 10. The shower head attachment 10 comprises resilient clips 12, a facing mesh 14 and an edge wall 16.

The shower head attachment 10 is a plastic, one- piece, moulded structure. The facing mesh 14 includes a number of spokes 18. In the centre of the facing mesh 14, the spokes 18 are angled into the central cavity of the shower head attachment 10, and toward a shower head 20 (see Figs. 3 and 4) upon which the shower head attachment 10 is fitted in use.

The spokes 18 form an annular additive retaining bracket 22, which is positioned between the shower head 20 and the user.

The side wall 16 is mainly cylindrical in shape, with an inner diameter at least as large as the shower head 20 it is to fit over. The clips 12 extend from the side wall 16 in order to grip the shower head 20. Two of the clips 12 include a tab 12a. Since the shower head attachment 10 is formed from a resilient material, this allows the user to urge the tabs 12a toward the centre of the shower head attachment 10 and thereby force the respective clips 12 away from the centre. The user can therefore remove the shower head attachment when not required.

Referring to Figs. 5a to 5d, an alternative embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention is shown. Figs. 5a to 5d depict a shower head attachment generally referred to as 10'.

The shower head attachment 10'is similar to the shower head attachment 10 of Figs. 1 to 4. The shower head 10'also comprises resilient clips 12', a facing mesh 14'and an edge wall 16'. The facing mesh 14'includes a number of spokes 18'. In the centre of the facing mesh 14'the spokes 18'are angled into the central cavity of the shower head attachment 10', and toward a shower head (not shown) upon which the shower head attachment 10'is fitted in use.

The spokes 18'form an annular additive retaining bracket 22', which is positioned between the shower head (not shown) and the user.

The side wall 16'is mainly cylindrical in shape, with an inner diameter at least as large as the shower head (not shown) it is to fit over. The clips 12'protrude from the side wall 16'and extend in an L-shape to grip the rear of the shower head (not shown). The clips 12'are formed from a resilient material which allows the shower head attachment 10'to be easily removed from the shower head (not shown).

Figs. 6a to 6c show several views of an additive ring 24 for use with the shower head attachment 10, 10'. The additive ring 24 is fitted onto the annular additive retaining bracket 22, 22'prior to use. The additive ring 24 in this case is soap, but may also be soap substitutes, skin moisturisers, aromatherapy treatments and so forth.

In use, the shower head attachment 10,10'is fitted onto a shower head 20 with the additive ring 24 in place. The additive ring 24 is water actuated, and when water is expelled from the shower head 20, the soap mixes with the water and falls onto the user.

Thus the user is provided with a supply of soapy water to clean themselves without having to use a bar of soap, shower gel or the like.

It is envisaged that additive rings 24 with different consumption rates will be provided. For example, there may be one which will last only one shower, one which will last five to six showers and one which will last a month or so. Further, there may be an extremely reactive additive ring 24 that will last for only a few minutes, allowing the user the benefit of both water containing the additive for part of their shower, and untreated water for the rest.

Turning to Figs. 7 and 8, an alternative embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention is shown.

Figs. 6 and 7 depict a shower head attachment generally referred to as 100.

The shower head attachment 100 comprises a body 102, an open end 104 and a perforated end 106. Around the open end 104 are four lugs 108. The lugs 108 are used to attach rubber straps 110 to the shower head attachment 100. The rubber straps 110 cross over each other to form a generally cross-shaped arrangement.

Within the interior cavity of the body 102 there is a generally tube-shaped reservoir 112. The reservoir 112 has a tubular outer wall 114 and an open end 116. The tubular outer wall 114 has an internal cavity 118 within it. The tubular outer wall 114 is perforated around its upper edge to allow liquid into the internal cavity 118. The tube-shaped reservoir 112 is attached to the perforated end 106 of the shower head attachment 100, and perforations are provided to allow fluid communication through the tube-shaped reservoir 112 and through the internal cavity 118.

In use, the second embodiment is used much like the first or second embodiments. An additive ring 24 of suitable size may be placed around or within the tube-shaped reservoir 112. In addition or as an alternative, the tube-shaped reservoir 112 may be filled with an additive in a fluid form. It will be understood that"fluid"used as an adjective for the additive means that the additive may be in any form that can easily flow from one container to another and will take up the shape of a container and may be for example, liquid, granular, powder, etc.

The rubber straps 110 are stretched around a shower nozzle (not shown) to hold the shower head attachment 100 in place. The open end 104 covers the shower nozzle (not shown) and the perforated end 106 is directed at the user. Again, when water is fed through the shower head attachment from the shower nozzle (not shown), it mixes with the various additives present and the mixture falls onto the user.

Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, there is shown a shower head generally referred to as 200 according to a second aspect of the present invention. The shower head 200 comprises a body 202, a fluid outlet nozzle end 204, fluid inlet end ('not shown) and a switch 208.

The shower head 200 is compatible with shower systems known in the art and can be used as a replacement for such a system. The fluid inlet end (not shown) can be equipped with a screw thread or a bayonet fixing to allow attachment to the existing shower system.

Within the body, there is an arrangement similar in general form to the first embodiment of the first aspect described above. There is provided an annular additive retaining bracket (not shown) for mounting the additive ring 24. This is disposed within a chamber (not shown) adjacent the fluid outlet nozzle end 204.

The chamber is provided with a cover (not shown).

This cover is selectively moveable from an open position, in which the annular additive retaining bracket and the additive ring 24 are in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet nozzle end 204, and a closed position, where the cover impedes fluid ingress into the chamber and more importantly the additive ring. The cover is controlled by the switch 208. Thus the user can select whether or not they wish the additive to be mixed with the water.

Referring to Fig. 12, there is shown a shower head generally referred to as 300 according to a second embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. The shower head 300 is similar to the shower head 200 of Figs. 10 and 11 and also comprises a body 302, a fluid outlet nozzle end 304, fluid inlet end 306 and a switch 308.

The shower head 300 is compatible with shower systems known in the art and can be used as a replacement for such a system. The fluid inlet 306 can be equipped with a screw thread or a bayonet fixing to allow attachment to the existing shower system.

Within the body 302, there is an arrangement similar in general form to the first embodiment of the first aspect described above. There is provided an annular additive retaining bracket 310 for mounting the additive ring 24. This is disposed within a chamber 312 adjacent the fluid outlet nozzle end 304.

The annular additive retaining bracket 310 forms part of a fluid control member 314 which is slideably mounted within the body 302. The fluid control member 314 is selectively moveable from an open position, in which the annular additive retaining bracket 310 and the additive ring. 24 are in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 306 and the fluid outlet nozzle end 304, and a closed position, where the fluid control member 314 prevents fluid passing through the chamber 312 and over the additive ring 24.

The positioning of the fluid control member 314 between open and closed states is controlled by the switch 308.

As illustrated in Fig. 12, the switch 308 is fully depressed into the shower head body 302. In this state the switch 308 pushes the fluid control member 314 downward such that an upper portion 316 of the fluid control member 314 blocks a fluid entrance 318 to the chamber 312, and thus prevents fluid from passing over the additive ring 24.

In order to switch the fluid control member 314 to an open position, the additive retaining bracket 310 is depressed into the shower head body 302. By doing this the fluid control member 314 is pushed upward such that a middle portion 320 of the fluid control member 314 faces the fluid entrance 318 to the chamber 312. As illustrated in Fig. 12, the middle portion 320 of the fluid control member 314 is shaped such that a gap is provided between the fluid entrance 318 and the chamber 312, thus allowing fluid to flow over the additive ring 24.

Thus the user can select whether or not they wish the additive to be mixed with the water.

Referring to Fig. 13, there is shown a shower head generally referred to as 400 according to a third embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. The shower head 400 is similar to the shower head 200 and 300 of Figs. 10 to 12 and also comprises a body 402, a fluid outlet nozzle end 404, fluid inlet end 406 and a switch 408.

The shower head 400 is compatible with shower systems known in the art and can be used as a replacement for such systems. The fluid inlet 406 can be equipped with a screw thread or a bayonet fixing to allow attachment to the existing shower system.

Within the body 302, there is an arrangement similar in general form to the first embodiment of the first aspect described above. There is provided an annular additive retaining bracket 410 for mounting the additive ring 24. This is disposed within a chamber 412 adjacent the fluid outlet nozzle end 404.

The annular additive retaining bracket 410 forms part of a fluid control member 414, which is similar to the fluid control member 314 described above.

The fluid control member 414 is again slideably mounted within the body 402. Again the fluid control member 414 is selectively moveable from an open position, in which the annular additive retaining bracket 410 and the additive ring 24 are in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 406 and the fluid outlet nozzle end 404, and a closed position, where the fluid control member 414 prevents fluid passing through the chamber 412 and over the additive ring 24.

Again the positioning of the fluid control member 414 between open and closed states is controlled by the switch 408.

As illustrated in Fig. 13, the switch 408, when fully depressed into the shower head body 402, pushes the fluid control member 414 downward such that an upper portion 416 of the fluid control member 414 blocks a fluid entrance 418 to the chamber 412, and thus prevents fluid from passing over the additive ring 24.

Again, in order to switch the fluid control member 414 to an open position, the additive retaining bracket 410 is depressed into the shower head body 402. By doing this the fluid control member 414 is pushed upward such that a middle portion 420 of the fluid control member 414 faces the fluid entrance 418 to the chamber 412. As illustrated in Fig. 13, the middle portion 420 of the fluid control member 414 is again shaped such that a gap is provided between the fluid entrance 418 and the chamber 412, thus allowing fluid to flow over the additive ring 24. Thus allowing the user to select whether or not they wish the additive to be mixed with the water.

It will be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but may be varied in both construction and detail.

For example, an embodiment is envisaged similar to that of the third embodiment of the first aspect described above. The difference in the envisaged embodiment is that the tube-shaped reservoir is absent entirely and the inner volume of the body acts as the additive holder.

The clips of the first embodiment of the first aspect and the straps of the third embodiment of the first aspect described above are interchangeable and can be present on either type without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, although the embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention describe a fluid control member located at the fluid outlet nozzle ends, it will be understood that such a fluid control member or other arrangement within the scope of the invention may'be located further down the body of the shower head, toward the fluid inlet end.