U.S. patent application number 10/469942 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-10 for lining.
Invention is credited to Pleym, Viggo.
Application Number | 20040107495 10/469942 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19912226 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040107495 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pleym, Viggo |
June 10, 2004 |
Lining
Abstract
The invention relates to a lining for hard surfaces, such as in
bathtubs or pools, wherein the lining is divided into chambers by
means of inner walls and arranged to contain at least one fluid.
The lining is characterized in that at least two of the chambers
are in direct fluid communication with each other, and that at
least one resilient member is arranged in at least one of the
chambers. The lining comprises at least an external layer of a
resilient material. The external layer forms the surface of the
lining opposed to said hard surfaces.
Inventors: |
Pleym, Viggo; (Lillehammer,
NO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C.
1425 K STREET, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
19912226 |
Appl. No.: |
10/469942 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 5, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NO02/00091 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/580 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/002 20130101;
E04F 15/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/580 |
International
Class: |
A47K 003/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 2001 |
NO |
2001.1149 |
Claims
1. Lining for hard surfaces (2), such as in bathtubs or pools,
wherein the lining is divided into chambers (3) by means of inner
walls (11) and adapted to contain at least one fluid (6),
characterized in that at least one resilient member (7) is arranged
in at least one of the chambers (3), and that an outer layer (8) of
a resilient material forms the surface of the lining opposite said
hard surfaces (2).
2. Lining according to claim 1, wherein fluid communication takes
place through at least one wall (11) between at least two chambers
(3).
3. Lining according claim 1, wherein at least two of the chambers
(3) are in direct fluid communication with each other.
4. Lining according to claim 2, wherein a first aperture (11a) and
a second aperture (11b) are arranged in at least one wall (11) for
fluid communication between the chambers (3).
5. Lining according to claim 4, wherein it in connection with a
first aperture (11a) is arranged a first one-way valve (12a) which
in case of an external pressure impact on the lining opens for
one-way fluid flow in a first direction, and wherein it in
connection with the second aperture (11b) is arranged a second
one-way valve (12b) which in case of an external pressure impact
opens for one-way fluid flow in a second, opposite direction.
6. Lining according to claim 1, having a channel system (13) for
fluid communication between at least two chambers.
7. Lining according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at
least one resilient member (7) comprises a bag (7e) whith granular
material.
8. Lining according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at
least one resilient member (7) comprises a capsule (7a) containing
liquid.
9. Lining according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at
least one resilient member (7) comprises a body (7d) of a solid,
resilient material such as a spongy, soft polymer material.
10. Lining according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at
least one resilient member (7) comprises a capsule (7c) containing
a gel.
11. Lining according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at
least one resilient element (7) comprises a capsule (7b) containing
air.
12. Lining according to one of the preceding claims, having an
outer sheet (10) made of a material which exerts friction against
skin, both in wet and dry states, above and in water.
13. Lining according to claim 12, wherein the outer sheet (10) is
made of a textile.
14. Lining according to claim 12, wherein the outer sheet (10) is
made of a resilient polymer material, preferably PVC.
15. Lining according to claim 1 or one of the claims 7-11, wherein
the resilient member (7) is attached to the inner side of the inner
layer (5).
16. Lining according to claim 1 or one of the claims 7-11, wherein
the resilient member (7) floats freely in the chamber (3) in the
lining.
17. Lining according to claim 16, wherein the weight of the
resilient member (7) is neutral in relation to the fluid in which
it floats.
18. Lining according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the
fluid (6) to be used in the lining is water, a gel and/or air.
19. Lining according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an
adjustable amount of fluid (6) is present in the lining.
20. Lining according to the preceding claims, adapted for
arrangement in a bathtub (16), a spa (17) or a pool (18).
21. Lining according to claim 1-19, adapted for arrangement on
floors (19).
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a lining for hard surfaces, such
as in bathtubs or pools, wherein the lining is divided into
chambers by means of inner walls and arranged to contain at least
one fluid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Hard surfaces in various bath arrangements, such as for
example bathtubs and pools, involve a risk for personal injuries
which may occur in connection with a possible fall in such bath
arrangements. This could be unfortunate, in particular for those
who for different reasons cannot use common bathtubs. For the
disabled and those in need of nursing it may be difficult to enter
into and get out of a common bathtub.
[0003] It is the above groups which are particularly exposed to
injuries when showering/bathing. This is also a problem for the
nurses. It is not easy being a nurse having the responsibility for
a person who for example sits on a shower chair. When the nurse
keeps the person in need of nursing in place with one hand, and
simultaneously uses the other hand for washing the person
concerned, the risk for the occurrence of an accident is great. For
the nurse it may be difficult to catch the person concerned in case
of a fall, or if the person concerned slides off the shower chair,
which could involve that the person concerned could risk hitting
his/her head on the water tap, and hitting the shower chair, and
thereafter landing hard on the floor.
[0004] If a bathtub has a soft liner layer or lining, usual
personal injuries which may occur could be reduced, or even
possibly be completely avoided. It will also be possible for those
with a weak grip ability to "grasp" the rims of the bath apparatus,
so that it becomes easier to take care of oneself with a view to
personal hygiene.
PRIOR ART
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,264,676 (Levine) describes an inner lining
for bathtubs which divided into sections with cushion elements, the
cushion elements being filled with air so that the lining becomes
comfortable to sit on during bathing. The cushion elements can in
one embodiment be filled with a resilient and compressible
material, e.g., cotton and mohair, but in another embodiment of a
spongy or blown rubber, instead of air.
[0006] Each section comprises three pockets which communicate with
each other by means of a channel between each cushion element to
facilitate for the section to lie flatly when inflated with air.
Each cushion element is provided with a small air valve in a corner
of the cushion element. The cushion elements on the bottom and on
the back rest are flexibly joined by means of flexible rubber
strips or bands. No fluid communication is present between the
sections. The sections with cushion elements cover only the bottom
and the back rest of the bathtub. The side walls consist of a
flexible lining wall without cushion elements.
[0007] The invention according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,563 (Clarke)
is a cushioned liner for a bathtub, with a cushioned back portion
which is constituted by flexible water-filled cushions which are
conformed to the back portion of the bathtub, and with left and
right cushioned side portions which are constituted by left and
right flexible water-filled cushions conformed to the side portions
of the bathtub.
[0008] The liner comprises an elongate water-filled top cushion
which is conformed to a top rim of the bathtub and which connects
the water-filled cushions on the back portion and on the left and
right side portions, passages for water between the top cushion and
the top ends of the water-filled cushions on the back portion and
the left and right side portions, and a water supply tube which on
one end is connected to the top cushion and which on the other end
is adapted for connection with the water spigot of the bathtub for
filling the cushions with water.
[0009] The elongate top cushion and left and right cushions are
fixedly connected for defining an open, elongate liner. At the ends
of the elongate liner, there are arranged means for connecting the
ends so that the liner defines a closed ring which fits into the
bathtub when the ends are connected. Means for draining the
cushions of water are also arranged.
[0010] The water-filled cushions does not contain resilient
members. Thus, there is a danger for stepping on hard bathtub
surfaces, and thus it does not represent a satisfactory
solution.
[0011] Water from the water-filled cushions is drained off directly
into the bathtub. If the water in the cushions remains for a while,
this will be somewhat unhygienic with a view to bacterial growth
and formation of biological deposits within the cushions. As
opposed to the liner according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,563, the
object of the present invention is that fluid in the lining should
not come into contact with the user of the bath arrangement. This
can take place, e.g., by circulating the fluid in a closed
system.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,132 (Rooney) discloses an interior
insert for a bathtub with a bath compartment having opposite side
walls, end walls, a bottom and a drain opening in the bottom of the
liner which can be closed.
[0013] The interior insert comprises a thin liner which is shaped
for conforming to a bathing compartment of a bathtub, with opposite
sidewalls, end walls and a bottom covering at least partially the
bottom of the bathtub. The thin liner can be inflated and has a
resilient thickness when being inflated. The outside of the liner
will generally be in contact with or co-operate with the interior
surface of the bath compartment of the bathtub. The liner can be
comprised of a plurality of inflatable subcells which are in air
communication with each other. The surface of the lining can be
made of a material which provides friction for a person in the
bathtub. An important object of the liner according to U.S. Pat.
No. 5,839,132 is to keep the bathtub clean and be adapted to be
disposable.
[0014] According to the above US patent publications, no resilient
member is arranged in the compartments of the liners, which
involves that it is possible to step onto the hard surfaces of the
bath apparatuses with possible subsequent personal injury. The
cushioning is in other words not satisfactory for use in bathtubs
to be used by, e.g., persons in need of nursing and the
disabled.
[0015] The liners according to the above US patents are not
arranged for permanent installation, and will easily be movable
against the bathtub and get displaced in relation to the surface of
the bathtub in case of movement in the liner which occur when using
a bathtub with such liners.
[0016] Cleaning of surfaces of the liners according to said US
patents which face a user in the bathtubs cannot be performed in a
satisfactory manner because the surface of the liner facing the
user is uneven so that there are areas on the surfaces which may be
difficult to access.
[0017] In other respects, none of the liners according to said US
patents is arranged for control of the amount of fluid in the liner
beyond that they either are inflatable or that they can be filled
with water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] With this invention there is developed a lining for hard
surfaces, such as in bathtubs and pools, wherein the lining is
divided into chambers by means of inner walls and adapted to
contain at least one fluid. The lining can advantagously involve
that at least two chambers are in fluid communication with each
other and that at least one resilient member is arranged in at
least one of the chambers. The lining also comprises an outer layer
of a resilient material which forms the surface of the lining layer
opposite said hard surfaces.
[0019] An object of the lining according to the present invention
includes that the number and extent of personal injuries which may
occur in the case of falls when using normal bath apparatuses has
been minimized.
[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide a lining
wherein the danger for holes to occur in the lining has been
minimized.
[0021] A further object of the invention is that the lining is
adapted for containing a controllable amount of fluid.
[0022] The invention will be described in more detail below, with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a cross section
through one embodiment of a lining according to the invention, here
with an external sheet. The figure also shows schematically that
fluid communication between the chambers can take place via
apertures in inner walls between chambers in the lining. Moreover,
it is shown how fluid communication can take place in another way,
for example via apertures in the walls and wih one-way valves
associated in connection with the apertures.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows schematically an embodiment of the invention
wherein fluid communication takes place via a channel system.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows schematically a lining according to the
invention arranged in a bathtub.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows schematically a lining according to the
invention arranged in a spa bathtub.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows schematically a lining according to the present
invention arranged in a pool.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows schematically a lining according to the
invention arranged on a floor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, in which a cross section
through a lining according to the present invention is shown. The
lining is particularly adapted for arrangement on hard surfaces 2,
such as in bathtubs, pools, spas or similar, but it can also be
arranged, e.g., on floors in bathrooms. Moreover, the lining is
divided into chambers 3 by means of inner walls 11 and adapted for
containing at least one fluid 6. An inner layer 5 lies against hard
surfaces 2.
[0030] The lining according to the invention includes among other
things that at least two of the chambres 3 are in direct fluid
communication with each other, and that at least one resilient
member 7 is arranged in at least two of the chambers 3. In a
preferred embodiment, at least one resilient member 7 may be
arranged in each chamber 3. An advantage with such resilient
elements is that a resilient resistance is obtained when the lining
is exposed to an external pressure impact, e.g., from a user
entering into or moving in a bathtub, without the user stepping
completely onto and/or coming into contact with a hard surface in
the bathtub. However, because the lining is adapted to contain at
least one fluid 6, the lining will still be soft when the user
comes into contact with it, so that the risk for injuries is
reduced.
[0031] The resilient elements 7 appear in several different
variants. At least one resilient member 7 can in one embodiment
comprise a capsule 7a containing liquid, e.g., water or similar,
and in a second variant a capsule 7b containing air. In a third
variant, at least one resilient member comprises a capsule
containing a gel. In a further embodiment, at least one resilient
member may comprise a body 7d of a solid, resilient material, such
as a spongy, soft polymer material, and in another further
embodiment, at least one resilient member may also comprise a bag
7e with granular material, e.g., sand or similar. Naturally, other
materials with similar resilient properties can be used.
[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the resilient
members are formed of rubber mats, as an example having a thickness
of 5 cm. However, it should be mentioned that said mats may have
any suitable thickness.
[0033] Said resilient members can be attached to the inner side of
the inner lining 5. The resilient members can also be attached in
other suitable manners.
[0034] According to a second embodiment, said resilient members 7
may "float freely" within said chamber/chambers 3 in the lining. In
such an embodiment, the resilient member 7 may be formed of a
material or be of such a weight that these becomes weight neutral
in relation to the fluid in which they are located.
[0035] Further, the resilient members 7 may be of any suitable
shape.
[0036] The lining includes further an outer layer 8 of a resilient
material which forms the surface of the lining opposite said hard
surfaces 2, as appears from FIG. 1. The surface can advantageously
be smooth with regard to cleaning of the outer layer 8 in the
bathtub, because it will be easy to access to the complete surface
to be cleaned. For this reason, the lining according to the
invention may advantageously be used for permanent installation in
bath apparatuses such as, e.g., bathtubs. Such a permanent
installation of the lining can for example be designed as shown in
FIG. 3. The lining can for example be moulded into, glued or in
other ways be attached to an external frame 9 of aluminium, glass
fibre or other suitable composite materials, acryl or other
suitable polymer materials, possibly combinations of different
materials, with the desired impact resistance. It is possible to
arrange a sheet layer (not shown) in the interior, possibly also
along the edges, in the frame 9 before the lining is arranged in
the frame 9. The sheet layer can be glued onto, or in other ways be
attached to the frame 9. In the case wherein the sheet layer is
glued to the interior of the frame 9, the joining with the lining
may further take place by heating and cooling of the frame 9 with
the sheet layer and the lining for curing.
[0037] For reducing the possibility of occurrence of holes in the
lining, an internal protection for the inner layer 5 and the outer
layer 8 can be arranged. This can be done for example by that the
outer layer 8 and the inner layer 5 is formed of a double layer of
the same kind of material or by at least two different kinds of
materials, such as PVC. The material preferred depends among other
things of the choice of material for the bath arrangement.
[0038] The side of the inner layer 5 which faces the inner side of
the frame 9, can be embedded into the frame itself when it is
moulded. This solution involves that movements which create
friction against the frame 9 itself are minimized, because the
lining then is fastened to the frame 9 itself. This solution can be
favourable, among other things because the disadvantages which may
occur if, e.g., the lining is fastened in the corners 9a-9d of the
bath apparatus, are avoided, as such a solution could involve that
the lining may move against the frame 9 itself and get displaced in
relation to the surface of the frame 9 in case of movement in the
lining which takes place when a user utilises such a bathtub.
However, it is completely possible to arrange corner fasteners for
the lining in order to retain it in place in the frame 9, but then
the frame should be completely smooth so that damages to the lining
during movement relative to the frame 9 do not occur.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, an external sheet 10 is advantageously
arranged which is made of a material which exerts friction against
skin, both in a wet and a dry state, above and under water, as
shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the danger of personal injuries due to
falling which may occur on slippery surfaces is reduced. The
external sheet 10 may for example be made of a textile, or of a
resilient polymer material. A combination between textile and
polymer material is also appropriate, but it is also possible to
use other materials with the same or similar properties.
[0040] As mentioned above, at least two of the chambers 3 can be in
direct fluid communication with each other. In this way, fluid 6 in
the lining will be able to yield by circulation between at least
two chambers 3, e.g., if the lining is exposed to pressure impact
because the user steps onto a lining being arranged in a bathtub.
As shown in FIG. 1, such fluid communication can take place through
at least one wall 11 between two chambers 3 in one embodiment of
the invention.
[0041] Fluid communication between the chambers 3 may readily take
place via a first aperture 11a and a second aperture 11b arranged
in at least one wall between the chambers 3, as shown in FIG. 1. In
a preferred embodiment, a first one-way valve 12a may be arranged
in connection with the first aperture 11a, which in case of an
external pressure impact on the lining opens for fluid flow in a
first direction, and a second one-way valve 12a may be arranged in
connection with the second aperture 11b, which in case of an
external impact on the lining opens for fluid flow in a second,
opposite direction. This involves that fluid(s) 6 in the lining may
take place faster, which leads to a more appropriate distribution
of the fluid(s) 6 in the lining.
[0042] In one embodiment of the lining according to the invention,
transport of fluid 6 in the lining may take place by means of a
channel system 13 for fluid communication between at least two
chambers 3. This principle is illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0043] Fluid(s) 6 to be used in the lining can in principle be any
fluid, and include any appropriate combination of fluids, but
clearly, usable fluids in preferred embodiments are primarily
water, a gel or air, but combinations of these may also be used. In
the case wherein the fluid 6 to be used in the lining is for
example a liquid or a gel, it is not necessary to have pockets in
order to retain the liquid in the sides of the lining. As an
example it should be mentioned that as a rule, the mass of a user
and water in a bathtub would be sufficient for the liquid to be
distributed in the complete lining, also in those portions of the
lining which lie against the sides of the bathtub. Chemical
substances which impedes the formation of biological deposits and
other kinds of scale formation within the lining may of course be
added to the fluid(s) 6. A known example of this is adding algae
biocide to water for avoiding formation of biological deposits.
[0044] Among other things for maintaining a suitable temperature in
the bath apparatus, an appropriate circulation system which
provides for circulation of the fluid(s) 6 may be arranged. Such a
system may comprise required connection conduits to a forced
circulation apparatus, e.g. a pump or a compressor (not shown). By
means of a circulation apparatus, such as a pump, it is possible to
circulate and/or replace the fluid(s) 6 as required.
[0045] A lining according to the invention can be adapted for
arrangement in bathtub 16, for example as shown in FIG. 3. A
bathtub with a lining according to the invention should be soft and
comfortable to sit in, and may have a shape and size as a common
bathtub, but also other shapes of the bathtub 16 are possible, for
example circular, semicircular or circle sector shaped base, or
possibly rectangular or triangular base. As mentioned above, the
external portion, or frame 9, be a moulded form, and might be made
of an impact resistant material, may also be a conventional
bathtub. The inside of the frame 9 is attached to the portion of
the lining which is convex or adapted to face the inside 2 of the
frame 9. The lining contains fluid(s) 6 and resilient members which
makes the bathtub soft to sit on, without coming into contact with
hard surfaces 2 in the bathtub 16.
[0046] If the lining is embedded into the frame 9, the weakest part
of the lining is often the part which is arranged to face the
inside of the external form, or frame 9. This embodiment of the
invention may be suitable as lining for spa 17. For avoiding
unnecessary loads on and frictional damages to the lining, it
should be attached with its inside against the frame 9 itself. At
the same time, it will be necessary to provide openings through the
lining in order to provide air for the spa. Air can be supplied to
the spa for example through nozzles in the side walls of the spa
(not shown) by means of a compressor or a pump controlled by an
electrical motor, or in other appropriate ways. The amount of air
which is supplied to the spa 17 can be adjustable for individual
adjustment of the amount of air flow.
[0047] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, wherein a lining according
to the invention is shown arranged in a pool 18. Examples of such
embodiments of the invention are among other things exercise pools
for convalescence purposes and for exercise of the elderly and the
disabled, or pools for baby swimming. Circulation of water to the
bath water in the pool 18 can also be considered, e.g., such as for
swimming pools, among other things for hygienic reasons, or such as
for spas, so that a massaging effect occurs on that part of the
body which is immersed in the bath water of the pool 18.
[0048] The lining according to the invention may of course also be
adapted for arrangement on floors, for example as shown in FIG. 6.
The lining can be formed as mats 19 which is laid on a hard floor
surface in a room, but there are also embodiments wherein the
complete surface is covered, possibly also part of the walls of the
room.
[0049] Above it is indicated that at least some of the chambers are
advantageously in direct fluid communication with each other.
However, it should be mentioned that each chamber may constitute a
closed cell without fluid communication with the other
chambers.
* * * * *