U.S. patent application number 12/260725 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-30 for therapeutic bath liner.
Invention is credited to Adrian Brown.
Application Number | 20090106889 12/260725 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40580940 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090106889 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Adrian |
April 30, 2009 |
THERAPEUTIC BATH LINER
Abstract
A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert is provided
according to embodiments of the present invention which includes a
flexible sheet material bathtub liner. The bathtub liner has an
inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of passageways
between the inner surface and the outer surface. The bathtub insert
includes an air and/or water conduit having an air and/or water
inlet, a plurality of air and/or water outlets and a wall defining
a passage for airflow and/or water flow. The air and/or water
conduit is secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner such
that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned
with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the
outer surface of the bathtub liner such that air and/or water
passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the
bathtub liner.
Inventors: |
Brown; Adrian; (Detroit,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE,ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C
PO BOX 7021
TROY
MI
48007-7021
US
|
Family ID: |
40580940 |
Appl. No.: |
12/260725 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60983238 |
Oct 29, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/541.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 33/6026 20130101;
A61H 2033/0008 20130101; A61H 33/02 20130101; A61H 33/0087
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/541.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/02 20060101
A47K003/02 |
Claims
1. A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert, comprising:
a flexible sheet material bathtub liner, the bathtub liner having
an inner surface and an outer surface, the bathtub liner comprising
a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer
surface; and an air and/or water conduit having an air and/or water
inlet, a plurality of air and/or water outlets and a wall defining
a passage for airflow and/or waterflow, the air and/or water
conduit secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that
the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with
the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the
outer surface of the bathtub liner such that air and/or water
passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the
bathtub liner.
2. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 1,
further comprising an air compressor for delivering a stream of
compressed air, the air compressor having an air outlet for the
stream of compressed air, the outlet port of the air compressor
connected to the air and/or water inlet of the air and/or water
conduit.
3. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 1,
further comprising a pump for delivering a stream of water, the
pump having a water outlet for the stream of water, the outlet port
of the water pump connected to the air and/or water inlet of the
air and/or water conduit.
4. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 1,
further comprising a plurality of fasteners for detachably securing
the outer surface of the flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub.
5. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 3,
wherein the plurality of fasteners for detachably securing the
outer surface of the flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub is a
plurality of suction cups attached to the flexible bathtub
liner.
6. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 2,
further comprising an inflatable cushion in airflow communication
with the air compressor, the inflatable cushion selected from the
group consisting of: a head rest, a back rest, a seat, and a
combination thereof.
7. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 1
wherein the flexible bathtub liner further comprises an opening
between the inner surface and the outer surface for insertion of at
least a portion of a bathtub drain therethrough.
8. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 1
wherein the flexible bathtub liner further comprises an opening
between the inner surface and the outer surface for insertion of at
least a portion of a bathtub drain valve control therethrough.
9. A bubble anchor water-jet producing bathtub insert for a
bathtub, comprising: a shaped flexible bathtub liner having a base,
two generally opposing side walls and two generally opposing end
walls, the shaped flexible bathtub liner having an inner surface
and an outer surface, the bathtub liner comprising a plurality of
passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the
two generally opposing side walls; and an air and/or water conduit
having an air and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or water
outlets and a wall defining a passage for airflow, the air and/or
water conduit secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner
such that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally
aligned with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface
and the outer surface of the two generally opposing side walls such
that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet
passes through the bathtub liner.
10. A method of providing bubbles and/or water-jets to a subject in
a bathtub, comprising: providing a bubble and/or water-jet
producing bathtub insert for a bathtub according to claim 9;
placing the bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert in the
bathtub; and activating an air compressor and/or water pump to
deliver air and/or water to the air and/or water conduit; thereby
delivering air and/or water through the plurality of passageways
between the inner surface and the outer surface of the two
generally opposing side walls of the bathtub liner of the insert
such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water
outlet passes through the bathtub liner to the subject.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/983,238, filed Oct. 29, 2007, the
entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a
therapeutic bath liner and in specific embodiments, to a shaped
flexible bathtub insert for delivering a hydrotherapy effect.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] People are increasingly aware of the value of relaxation in
a fast-paced modem environment. In particular, various types of
hydrotherapy are a popular method of relaxation and specialized
permanently installed bathtubs dedicated to providing relaxation
hydrotherapy are widely available. However, permanent installation
of hydrotherapeutic equipment is often costly and requires
significant modification of existing structures. Further, many
people are required to travel frequently and do not get the benefit
of permanently installed hydrotherapy equipment in their homes.
[0004] Existing reversibly installed hydrotherapy bathtub inserts
are believed to provide inadequate results. Such inserts are
generally installed only in the bottom of the bathtub, require the
user to sit on the bubble producing portion and deliver bubble
hydrotherapy from below in order to prevent the insert from
floating in a filled bathtub.
[0005] There is a continuing need for a bubble and/or water-jet
producing bathtub insert which can be easily and reversibly
installed for occasional use at home or at a temporary location,
such as when traveling. There is an additional need for a bubble
and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert which substantially
covers the interior of the bathtub and delivers bubble and/or
water-jet hydrotherapy from the side.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert is
provided according to embodiments of the present invention which
includes a flexible sheet material bathtub liner. The bathtub liner
has an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of
passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface. The
bathtub insert includes an air and/or water conduit having an air
and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or water outlets and a
wall defining a passage for airflow and/or water flow. The air
and/or water conduit is secured to the outer surface of the bathtub
liner such that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is
generally aligned with the plurality of passageways between the
inner surface and the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that
air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes
through the bathtub liner.
[0007] In particular embodiments, a bubble and/or water-jet
producing bathtub includes an air compressor for delivering a
stream of compressed air. For example, an air compressor is used
that has an air outlet for the stream of compressed air and the
outlet port of the air compressor can be connected to the air
and/or water inlet of the air and/or water conduit. In further
embodiments, a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert
includes a pump for delivering a stream of water. For example, a
pump is used that has a water outlet for the stream of water and
the outlet port of the water pump can be connected to the air
and/or water inlet of the air and/or water conduit.
[0008] Water and air can be mixed to produce both bubbles and
water-jets in embodiments of the present invention. For example,
outlet ports of both a water pump and an air compressor can be
connected to an air and/or water inlet of an air and/or water
conduit.
[0009] Optionally, and preferably, a bubble and/or water-jet
producing bathtub insert according to embodiments of the present
invention includes a plurality of fasteners for detachably securing
the outer surface of the flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub. For
example, a plurality of suction cups is attached to the flexible
bathtub liner for securing the outer surface of the flexible
bathtub liner to a bathtub.
[0010] In a further option, one or more inflatable cushions for
providing additional comfort to a user are provided. In particular
embodiments, the one or more inflatable cushions are in airflow
communication with an air source, such as an air compressor.
Examples of inflatable cushions include a head rest, a back rest, a
seat, or a combination of any of these.
[0011] In particular embodiments, a flexible bathtub liner included
in an insert of the present invention has an opening between the
inner surface and the outer surface for insertion of at least a
portion of a bathtub drain therethrough. Optionally, the flexible
bathtub liner has an opening between the inner surface and the
outer surface for insertion of at least a portion of a bathtub
drain valve control therethrough.
[0012] A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert for a
bathtub is provided according to embodiments of the present
invention which includes a shaped flexible bathtub liner having a
base, two generally opposing side walls and two generally opposing
end walls. The shaped flexible bathtub liner has an inner surface
and an outer surface and includes a plurality of passageways
between the inner surface and the outer surface of the two
generally opposing side walls. At least one air and/or water
conduit having an air and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or
water outlets and a wall defining a passage for airflow is
included. The air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer
surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or
water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of
passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the
two generally opposing side walls such that air and/or water
passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the
bathtub liner.
[0013] Methods of providing bubbles and/or water-jets to a subject
are described according to embodiments of the present invention
which include providing a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub
insert for a bathtub as described herein and delivering air and/or
water through a plurality of passageways between the inner surface
and the outer surface of two generally opposing side walls of the
bathtub liner of the insert such that air and/or water passing
through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub
liner to a subject.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a bubble and/or water-jet
producing bathtub insert and bathtub;
[0015] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of a bubble
and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert; and
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a bubble
and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert in place in a
bathtub.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert is
provided according to the present invention which includes a
flexible sheet material bathtub liner. The flexible sheet material
bathtub liner has an inner surface and an outer surface and
includes a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and
the outer surface for passage of air and/or water. In particular
embodiments, the flexible sheet material bathtub liner is
configured to extend out of the interior of the bathtub. In
preferred embodiments, a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub
insert of the present invention substantially covers the interior
of the bathtub when in use.
[0018] An air and/or water conduit is attached to the flexible
sheet material bathtub liner to provide air for generation of air
bubbles and/or water-jets in the bathtub. The air and/or water
conduit has an air and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or
water outlets and a wall defining a passage for airflow and/or
water flow. The air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer
surface of the flexible sheet material bathtub liner so that the
plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with the
plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer
surface of the bathtub liner. Air and/or water passing through the
air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner and
generates bubbles and/or water-jets in a liquid-filled bathtub.
[0019] The number and distribution of aligned air and/or water
conduits and passageways is selected to achieve a desired bubble
and/or water-jet effect in a liquid-filled bathtub.
[0020] In preferred embodiments, a nozzle is attached to each
individual air and/or water outlet of the plurality of air and/or
water outlets. Each nozzle protrudes through one of the plurality
of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of
the bathtub liner. Optionally, one or more of the nozzles is
adjustable to control airflow and/or water flow through the
nozzle.
[0021] In particular embodiments, a bubble and/or water-jet
producing bathtub insert for a bathtub includes a shaped flexible
bathtub liner having a base, two generally opposing side walls and
two generally opposing end walls and the bathtub liner includes a
plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer
surface of the two generally opposing side walls. In such
embodiments, the air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer
surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or
water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of
passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the
two generally opposing side walls such that air and/or water
passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the
bathtub liner.
[0022] In further embodiments of the present invention, the bathtub
liner includes a plurality of passageways between the inner surface
and the outer surface of the base of the bathtub liner. In such
embodiments, the air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer
surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or
water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of
passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the
base of the bathtub liner.
[0023] In particular embodiments, an electrically energized air
compressor for delivering a stream of compressed air is connected
to the air inlet of the air conduit. Electrical energy is delivered
to the air compressor by connection to an electrical source.
Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the air compressor
is powered by a battery. Optionally, the battery is a rechargeable
battery.
[0024] In particular embodiments, an electrically energized pump
for delivering a stream of water is connected to the water inlet of
the water conduit. Electrical energy is delivered to the pump by
connection to an electrical source. Particularly preferred is an
embodiment in which the pump is powered by a battery. Optionally,
the battery is a rechargeable battery. Water can be pumped from the
water-filled bathtub to circulate through the pump and into the
water conduit. Optionally, water is pumped from a water container
or source other than the bathtub.
[0025] In a further option, both a water pump and an air compressor
are used to deliver a mixture of air and water through the conduit
and through the bathtub liner.
[0026] In preferred embodiments, a bubble producing bathtub insert
includes a plurality of fasteners for detachably securing the outer
surface of the flexible sheet material bathtub liner to a bathtub.
For example, the plurality of fasteners is a plurality of suction
cups attached to the flexible bathtub liner. The plurality of
suction cups is attached to the flexible sheet material bathtub
liner and is positioned to attach the flexible sheet material
bathtub liner to a surface outside of the interior of the bathtub.
Optionally, the plurality of suction cups is attached to the
flexible sheet material bathtub liner and is positioned to attach
the flexible sheet material bathtub liner both to the interior of
the bathtub and to a surface outside of the interior of the
bathtub.
[0027] Optionally, at least one inflatable cushion in airflow
communication with an air compressor is included in a bubble and/or
water-jet producing bathtub insert. The inflatable cushion may be a
head rest, a back rest or a seat. In particular embodiments, two or
more inflatable cushions are included in a bubble and/or water-jet
producing bathtub insert. Further optionally, the two or more
inflatable cushions are in airflow communication such that the two
or more cushions are jointly inflated. In a further option, the two
or more cushions are independently inflatable, allowing a user to
choose a particular inflation configuration.
[0028] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
flexible bathtub liner further includes an opening for a bathtub
drain. Optionally, the flexible bathtub liner further includes an
opening for a bathtub drain valve control, allowing a user to
operate the drain control.
[0029] As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, a wide
variety of flexible sheet materials can be used, including, for
example, flexible polymer sheet materials. Non-limiting examples
include thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride and polyolefin
sheet materials illustratively including polypropylene,
polyethylene, halogenated polyolefins such as chlorinated
polypropylene and chlorinated polyethylene.
[0030] A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert 100
according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in
FIG. 1. A flexible sheet material bathtub liner 102 is shown with
an attached air and/or water conduit 104. The embodiment shown
illustrates an air conduit having an air inlet 115, a plurality of
air and/or water outlets 106 and a wall defining a passage for
airflow and/or water flow. The flexible sheet material bathtub
liner 102 includes a plurality of passageways 108. The plurality of
air and/or water outlets 106 is generally aligned with the
plurality of passageways 108 such that air and/or water passing
through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub
liner into liquid in the bathtub, creating bubbles and/or
water-jets. A mixture of air and water can be introduced to flow
through the conduit 104.
[0031] An electrically energized air compressor 114 for delivering
a stream of compressed air is illustrated connected to the air
inlet 115 of the air conduit. A controller 116 for controlling the
compressor is shown. The controller is effective to activate and
deactivate the compressor. Optionally, the controller is configured
to allow a user to control the amount and/or distribution pattern
of airflow. For example, optional valves are included which allow a
user to direct air to a selection of air outlets.
[0032] Optionally, an electrically energized water pump for
delivering a stream of water is connected to a water inlet of the
water conduit. A controller for controlling the water pump can be
used. The controller is effective to activate and deactivate the
water pump. Optionally, the controller is configured to allow a
user to control the amount and/or distribution pattern of water
flow. For example, optional valves are included which allow a user
to direct water to a selection of water outlets.
[0033] In a further option, water and air can be delivered in a
mixture. For example, a valve connecting a water conduit and an air
conduit can be included to provide a water/air mixture to a
water/air conduit, 104.
[0034] A plurality of fasteners 132 for detachably securing the
flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub 130 is shown. Inflatable
cushions are illustrated including a head rest 118, a back rest 120
and a seat 122.
[0035] An opening in the flexible sheet material bathtub liner 102
for a bathtub drain is shown at 110. An opening for a bathtub drain
valve control is shown at 112.
[0036] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a bubble and/or water-jet
producing bathtub insert 100 according to embodiments of the
present invention. As noted, compressor 114 can be replaced by, or
linked to, a water pump.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bubble and/or
water-jet producing bathtub insert according to embodiments of the
present invention. In this view, the flexible sheet material
bathtub liner 102 is shown along with the air and/or water conduit
104 having a wall 107 defining a passage for airflow and/or water
flow and having an air and/or water outlet 106. The air and/or
water outlet 106 is shown generally aligned with a passageway 108
in the flexible sheet material bathtub liner 102. A fastener 132
for detachably securing the flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub 130
is shown.
[0038] Methods of providing bubbles and/or water-jets to a subject
are described according to embodiments of the present invention
which include providing a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub
insert for a bathtub as described herein and delivering air and/or
water through a plurality of passageways between the inner surface
and the outer surface of two generally opposing side walls of the
bathtub liner of the insert such that air and/or water passing
through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub
liner to a subject.
[0039] The apparatus described herein is presently representative
of preferred embodiments, exemplary, and not intended as
limitations on the scope of the invention. Changes therein and
other uses will occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes and
other uses can be made without departing from the scope of the
invention as set forth in the claims.
* * * * *