U.S. patent application number 13/632730 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-11 for modular walk-in bathtub systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is John W. Booth, III. Invention is credited to John W. Booth, III.
Application Number | 20130086739 13/632730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48041092 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130086739 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Booth, III; John W. |
April 11, 2013 |
Modular Walk-in Bathtub Systems
Abstract
A modular walk-in bathtub system may comprise a plurality of
configurable components that connect together. The configurable
components may enable: passage of the configurable components
through various sized doorways; on-site configuration during
installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide a left-hand
drain or right-hand drain orientation; on-site configuration during
installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide an in-swing
door, an out-swing door or a two-in-one door; removal and
reinstallation of the walk-in bathtub system in a different
location; and/or stackable storage of the configurable
components.
Inventors: |
Booth, III; John W.;
(Irving, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Booth, III; John W. |
Irving |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48041092 |
Appl. No.: |
13/632730 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61544925 |
Oct 7, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/555 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/006 20130101;
A47K 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/555 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/02 20060101
A47K003/02 |
Claims
1. A modular walk-in bathtub system having at least one panel with
a door through which a user may enter or exit.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/544,925 filed Oct. 7, 2011 and entitled "Modular Walk-in Bathtub
Systems," which is incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to bathtubs, and in
particular, to modular walk-in bathtub systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Walk-in bathtub systems provide users easy access, safety,
convenience, and comfort as compared to conventional bathtub
systems. A walk-in bathtub generally includes a door through which
the user enters and exits as compared to stepping over the side to
enter and exit a conventional bathtub. A walk-in bathtub also
generally includes an elevated seating area as compared to sitting
at approximately floor level at the bottom of a conventional
bathtub. Such walk-in bathtub systems may provide some independence
to injured, handicapped and/or elderly persons who have difficulty
using conventional bathtubs without assistance.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a modular
walk-in bathtub system having at least one panel with a door
through which a user may enter or exit. The at least one door panel
may be interchangeable to provide the modular walk-in bathtub
system with an in-swing door, an out-swing door or a two-in-one
door comprising both an in-swing door and an out-swing door.
[0005] A modular walk-in bathtub system according to embodiments of
the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of configurable
components that may connect together. In various embodiments, the
configurable components may enable: passage of the configurable
components through various sized doorways; on-site configuration
during installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide a
left-hand drain or right-hand drain orientation; on-site
configuration during installation of the walk-in bathtub system to
provide an in-swing door, an out-swing door or a two-in-one door;
removal and reinstallation of the walk-in bathtub system in a
different location; and/or stackable storage of the configurable
components.
[0006] Other embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a
modular walk-in bathtub system having a sled portion with a seat
portion at one end and a drain portion at an opposite end. The
modular walk-in bathtub system may also have at least one door
panel that connects to the sled portion. The at least one door
panel may comprise an in-swing door that may be sealingly connected
to the door panel and/or the sled portion when in a closed
position. The at least one door panel with an in-swing door may be
interchangeable with at least one door panel having an out-swing
door according to embodiments of the present disclosure. A modular
walk-in bathtub system according to embodiments of the present
disclosure also may include at least one end panel.
[0007] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure may provide
a modular walk-in bathtub system having a sled portion and a
two-in-one door panel wherein the user may selectively utilize
either an in-swing door or an out-swing door. The in-swing door may
be formed as part of the out-swing door. A modular walk-in bathtub
system according to embodiments of the present disclosure also may
include at least one end panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure,
reference is now made to the following description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1a depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising
a plurality of configurable components fully connected together
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the
configurable components comprise a door panel with an out-swing
door shown in a closed position;
[0010] FIG. 1b depicts the modular walk-in bathtub system of FIG.
1a, wherein the door panel is shown removed and the out-swing door
is shown in an open position;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising a
plurality of configurable components according to an embodiment of
the present invention, wherein the configurable components comprise
a door panel with an in-swing door shown in an open position, and
wherein the door panel and a side panel are shown removed;
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts the modular walk-in bathtub system of FIG. 2,
wherein an end panel and side panel are shown connected, the door
panel is shown removed, and the in-swing door is shown in a closed
position;
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system having
interchangeable side and door panels according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 5 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising a
plurality of configurable components fully connected together
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the
system has a left-hand drain and an in-swing door shown in a closed
position;
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising a
plurality of configurable components according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure, wherein the door panel is shown removed,
and the system has a right-hand drain and an out-swing door shown
in an open position;
[0016] FIG. 7 depicts the modular walk-in bathtub system of FIG. 6,
wherein the door panel is connected and the out-swing door is shown
in a closed position;
[0017] FIG. 8a depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising
a plurality of configurable components fully connected together
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the
configurable components comprise a door panel with a two-in-one
door shown in a closed position;
[0018] FIG. 8b depicts the modular walk-in bathtub system of FIG.
8a, wherein the door panel is shown removed and the out-swing door
portion of the two-in-one door is shown in an open position;
[0019] FIG. 8c depicts the modular walk-in bathtub system of FIG.
8a, wherein the door panel and side panel are shown removed, and
the in-swing door portion of the two-in-one door is shown in an
open position;
[0020] FIG. 9 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising
an open doorway according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure, wherein the system is shown behind closed shower doors;
and
[0021] FIG. 10 depicts a modular walk-in bathtub system comprising
an in-swing door according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure, wherein the system is shown behind closed shower
doors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Conventional walk-in bathtub systems are generally formed as
a unitary structure with a fastening mechanism to attach a door to
the unitary structure prior or at the time of installation.
Conventional walk-in bathtub systems are typically wider than a
standard 24-inch doorway, so extensive labor and reconstruction may
be required to install a conventional walk-in bathtub system in a
given home or facility. In addition, conventional walk-in bathtub
systems have either an in-swing door or an out-swing door, and
either a right-hand drain orientation or a left-hand drain
orientation. Therefore, if the door configuration or the drain
orientation is incorrect, an installer cannot correct such errors
on-site without bringing in another walk-in bathtub with the
correct door configuration and/or drain orientation. Further, once
a walk-in bathtub is installed, it may be difficult to remove the
bathtub for transfer to a new location if the user later moves from
one home to another. Even if the walk-in bathtub can be
transferred, it may still not have the correct door configuration
and/or drain orientation for the new location.
[0023] The present disclosure generally provides modular walk-in
bathtub systems comprising a plurality of configurable components
that may be connected together on-site to meet a user's preferences
and/or the plumbing requirements of a particular location. Modular
walk-in bathtub systems according to embodiments of the present
disclosure may include, but are not necessarily limited to, door
tubs, walk-in tubs, transfer tubs, and/or slide-in tubs. Modular
walk-in bathtub systems according to embodiments of the present
disclosure may enable: passage of the configurable components
through various sized doorways; on-site configuration during
installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide a left-hand
drain or right-hand drain orientation; on-site configuration during
installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide an in-swing
door, an out-swing door or a two-in-one door; removal and/or
reinstallation of the walk-in bathtub system in a different
location; and/or stackable storage of the configurable
components.
[0024] FIG. 1a depicts modular walk-in bathtub 10 comprising a
plurality of configurable components fully connected together
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an
embodiment, the configurable components may comprise sled portion
103, door panel 102, side panel 106 and end panels 104, 115. Since
bathtub 10 will be filled with water during operation, sealing
connections may be formed between door panel 102 and sled portion
103, between side panel 106 and sled portion 103, and/or between
door panel 102 and out-swing door 101 to retain water within
bathtub 10. FIG. 1b depicts bathtub 10 of FIG. 1a with door panel
102 shown detached from sled portion 103.
[0025] In an embodiment, sled portion 103 comprises top panel 110,
back support 111, seat area 107, leg support 112, floor area 108
with drain 109 (shown in phantom lines), vertical panel 114 and top
panel 113. In an embodiment, sled portion 103 may be formed as a
unitary component. In other embodiments, sled portion 103 may be
formed as a plurality of interconnected components.
[0026] Door panel 102 may be positioned to connect through a seal
or other fastening mechanism to the side of bathtub 10 where a user
may enter and exit bathtub 10. Door panel 102 may include out-swing
door 101 forming a portion of door panel 102 according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. Out-swing door 101 may be
shaped so as to follow the profile of back support 111, seat area
107, leg support 112, floor area 108 as well as vertical panel 114
of sled portion 103. Out-swing door 101 may sealingly connect to
sled portion 103 along the profile of sled portion 103. However, it
should be appreciated that out-swing door 101 may be formed in
another shape and may connect to sled portion 103 or to the door
panel in another manner without departing from the present
disclosure. Further, it should be appreciated that out-swing door
101 may provide the sealing means and/or door panel 102 may be
sealed. Out-swing door 101 is shown in a closed position in
vertical alignment with the remainder of door panel 102 in FIG. 1a
and in an open position at an angle relative to door panel 102 in
FIG. 1b. When out-swing door 101 is in an open position as shown in
FIG. 1b, its shape may allow the upper portion to pass over other
objects that may be present in a bathroom, such as a commode.
[0027] Bathtubs according to embodiments of the present disclosure
may be formed such that the configurable components are detachable
from one another. In FIG. 1b, for example, door panel 102 is
depicted to show how it may be detached from sled portion 103 to
enable movement of sled portion 103 and door panel 102 as separate
components, such as during installation. As such, sled portion 103
may be brought through a doorway in one piece, and the panels, such
as door panel 102, side panel 106 and end panels 104, 115, may be
connected to sled portion 103 as needed once all of the components
forming bathtub 10 are in the bathroom. Further, as sled portion
103 may be separated from door panel 102, this may assist a
manufacturer or reseller in organizing its inventory given that the
various sled portions in stock may be of the same size and may be
formed in a way that they may be stacked on top of one another
until time of sale or installation, thereby taking up less space in
a warehouse. In addition, as the various sled portions and door
panels may be similar in size to one another and may be
configurable on-site during installation, ordering of modular
walk-in bathtub systems may be simplified.
[0028] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of modular walk-in bathtub 20
formed of configurable components including door panel 202 with
in-swing door 201. A user's degree of mobility may determine the
type of door that may be included in walk-in bathtub 20. For
example, out-swing door 101 (depicted in FIGS. 1a and 1b) may be
more difficult for some users to reach to close it without
assistance once inside bathtub 10, and in that instance, a user may
need in-swing door 201. In-swing door 201 may also enable
installation of walk-in bathtub 20 inside a bathroom with
insufficient space for a user to swing a door in an outward
direction without hitting another fixture in the bathroom, such as
a commode or a sink.
[0029] In FIG. 2, in-swing door 201 is depicted in an open position
at an angle relative to door panel 202. When the door panel 202 and
side panel 205 are connected to sled portion 203, and in-swing door
201 is in a fully opened position, in-swing door 201 may be aligned
with and/or may engage vertical panel 214 of sled portion 203 while
the user is entering bathtub 20. In-swing door 201 may be opened
such that a user may enter bathtub 20 without being obstructed by
in-swing door 201. As such, the user may push in-swing door 201
open, enter bathtub 20 by stepping onto floor area 208, be seated
on seat area 204 of sled portion 203, and close in-swing door 201
without being hit by in-swing door 201 when it is opened and
closed.
[0030] In FIG. 2, bathtub 20 is depicted to show how door panel 202
and side panel 205 may be detached from sled portion 203 such that
sled portion 203 and panels 202, 205 may be moved as separate
components, such as during installation. FIG. 2 also depicts how
panels 202, 205 may be reversed in orientation, for example,
depending on the bathroom layout, the drain orientation, and/or the
door position that may be needed.
[0031] FIG. 3 depicts walk-in bathtub 20 of FIG. 2 with in-swing
door 201 shown in a closed position in vertical alignment with the
remainder of door panel 202. As in FIG. 2, door panel 202 is shown
detached from sled portion 203 to enable movement of sled portion
203 and door panel 202 as separate components, such as during
installation.
[0032] FIG. 4 depicts modular walk-in bathtub 40 formed of
configurable components including interchangeable panels 402, 405
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Arrows 420a
and 420b depict how panels 402, 405 may be interchanged depending
on the type of orientation that may be desired or needed for entry
into and/or exit out of bathtub 40. Door panel 402 may be connected
on the side of bathtub 40 used for entry and exit to provide
in-swing door 401 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. In such an embodiment, side panel 405 may be connected
on the side of bathtub 40 opposite door panel 402. In-swing door
401 also may be sealingly connected to sled portion 403. It should
be appreciated that in-swing door 401 may provide sealing means
and/or door panel 402 may be sealed.
[0033] It should be appreciated that the positioning of panels 402,
405 may be changed to retrofit the configuration of bathtub 40 at a
time following installation, such as, for example, if the placement
of bathtub 40 is changed. Panel positioning may be changed by
disconnecting panels 402, 405 from sled portion 403, interchanging
their positions, and then reconnecting in their new positions in
alignment with sled portion 403. It also should be appreciated that
when the panels are interchanged, there may be fastening mechanisms
on the door panel such that the position of a door within the door
panel may be reversed.
[0034] FIG. 4 further depicts end panel 404 that may be connected
to the front and/or back end of sled portion 403 according to
embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, end panel
404 may be connected to and work in conjunction with top panel 413
of sled portion 403 to provide covering or to extend the decking of
bathtub 40, such as for aesthetic purposes and/or to finish out the
exterior structure of bathtub 40 (i.e., to accommodate any gaps
between bathtub 40 and a wall in the bathroom). It should be
appreciated that end panel 404 may be removable so that repairs may
be made within bathtub 40.
[0035] Walk-in bathtubs according to embodiments of the present
disclosure may be formed for positioning in either a left-hand
drain orientation or a right-hand drain orientation without
altering the structure of the bathtub. This is an improvement over
prior walk-in bathtubs that required a user to specify whether the
bathtub should include a left-hand drain or right-hand drain at the
time of ordering the bathtub. Bathtub 40 of FIG. 4 comprises drain
409 in floor area 408 of sled portion 403. Bathtub 40 may be
referred to as a "right-hand drain bathtub" since drain 409 is on
the right side of bathtub 40 from the viewpoint of a user facing
the entry/exit point of bathtub 40. In this embodiment of the
present disclosure, the door used for entry to and exit from
bathtub 40 may be positioned to align with floor area 408 and drain
409 of sled portion 403, regardless whether an in-swing door,
out-swing door, or two-in-one door is being used.
[0036] FIG. 5 depicts walk-in bathtub 50 including left-hand drain
509 and in-swing door 501 shown in a closed position relative to
door panel 502 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. Bathtub 50 may be referred to as a "left-hand drain
bathtub" since drain 509 is on the left side of bathtub 50 from the
viewpoint of a user facing the entry/exit point of bathtub 50. In
this embodiment of the present disclosure, in-swing door 501 being
used for entry and exit may be positioned to align with floor area
508 and drain 509 of sled portion 503. In this embodiment of the
present disclosure, the door used for entry to and exit from
bathtub 50 may be positioned to align with floor area 508 and drain
509 of sled portion 503, regardless whether an in-swing door,
out-swing door, or two-in-one door is being used.
[0037] FIG. 6 depicts a view of walk-in bathtub 60 including
right-hand drain 609 and out-swing door 602 in an open position at
an angle relative to door panel 601 according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure. In this embodiment of the present
disclosure, out-swing door 602 being used for entry and exit may be
positioned to align with floor area 608 and drain 609 of sled
portion 603. Door panel 601 is shown detached from sled portion 603
to enable movement of sled portion 603 and door panel 601 as
separate components, such as during installation.
[0038] FIG. 7 depicts another view of walk-in bathtub 60 wherein
out-swing door 602 is shown in a closed position relative to door
panel 601 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In
this embodiment, door panel 602 has been connected to sled portion
603, such as through sealing or another fastening mechanism.
[0039] FIG. 8a depicts walk-in bathtub 80 comprising door panel 802
with a two-in-one door 801a, 801b shown in a closed position
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Door panel
802 may be connected to sled portion 803 on the side of sled
portion 803 where the user may enter and exit bathtub 80. Door
panel 802 may include both out-swing door 801a and in-swing door
801b. In an embodiment, in-swing door 801b may be formed as a part
of out-swing door 801a, and hinges or another type of pivotal
support may attach out-swing door 801a to door panel 802. However,
it should be appreciated that fasteners other than hinges may be
used to attach out-swing door 801a to panel 802 without departing
from the present disclosure. Similarly, a seal or other fastening
mechanism may be used to connect two-in-one door 801a, 801b with
sled portion 803. Such a seal or fastening mechanism may be
provided on the door and/or the door panel. Further, in some
embodiments of the present disclosure, a latch may be used to hold
two-in-one door 801a, 801b in a closed watertight or water-sealing
position.
[0040] FIG. 8b depicts walk-in bathtub 80 of FIG. 8a wherein
out-swing door 801a is in an open position at an angle relative to
door panel 802 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. If the user prefers or needs to have a door that swings
outward, he/she may lock in-swing door 801b into position as part
of out-swing door 801a. Out-swing door 801a may then be unlocked
for use according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 8c depicts walk-in bathtub 80 of FIG. 8a wherein
in-swing door 801b is shown in an open position at an angle
relative to door panel 802 according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. If the user elects or needs to have a door that
swings inward, he/she may lock out-swing door 801a into position
forming part of door panel 802. In-swing door 801b may then be
unlocked for use according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0042] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, shower doors
and/or a shower curtain may be added to transform the bathtub into
a shower. FIG. 9 depicts walk-in bathtub 90 including shower doors
901 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Shower
doors 901 may be positioned perpendicularly relative to sled
portion 903 on the side of sled portion 903 where a user may enter
or exit through open area 902 between leg support 912 and vertical
panel 914. Shower doors 901 may include at least one handle 901a
such that a user may utilize handle 901a to open shower doors 901
so that he/she may enter bathtub 90. Once the user has entered
walk-in bathtub 90, he/she may close shower doors 901 by pulling on
the doors themselves and/or by using at least one handle 901a on an
interior wall of shower doors 901. Once shower doors 901 have been
pulled into a closed position and perpendicularly aligned with sled
portion 903, water may then be run into the shower as shower doors
901 may form a seal with the lower edge of sled portion 903.
[0043] FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of walk-in bathtub 90
including shower doors 901 according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. Walk-in bathtub 90 may include door 905
positioned between leg support 912 and vertical panel 914. When
shower doors 901 are in an open position, door 905 may swing
outward if an out-swing door is in use. It also should be
appreciated that door 905 may be an in-swing door or two-in-one
door that may be utilized when shower doors 901 are either in an
open or closed position. Leg support 912 and/or vertical panel 914
may include jets positioned no higher than the top edge of door
905. Accordingly, when door 905 is in a closed position--regardless
whether door 905 is an out-swing, in-swing door, or two-in-one
door--the jets may be turned on toward the user's lower leg or feet
to provide a massage when water is turned on and walk-in bathtub 90
is filled for use.
[0044] It should be appreciated that walk-in bathtub systems
according to embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for
interchangeable and/or two-in-one door panels such that a user may
move a walk-in bathtub system from one location to another and
reinstall even if the bathroom is in a different configuration.
Further, the configurability of walk-in bathtub systems according
to embodiments of the present disclosure may allow a user to
selectively use either an in-swing door or an out-swing door as the
user's preferences and/or needs change. In addition, the
configurability of walk-in bathtub systems according to embodiments
of the present disclosure may provide for more flexibility on-site
at the time of installation as the installer may adapt the walk-in
bathtub to the space (i.e., left-hand or right-hand drain, in-swing
or out-swing door, inclusion or exclusion of end panels on the sled
portion).
[0045] When a walk-in bathtub system according to embodiments of
the present disclosure is installed, a seal may be provided to
connect a door panel and/or a door to the sled portion. For
example, a flange system may be used for sealing by placing a
gasket between two flanges. However, other sealing mechanisms may
be employed without departing from the present disclosure. Once
sealed, the door panel and sled portion may be fastened together
with one or more bolts or other fastening mechanisms. However, it
should be appreciated that other fastening mechanisms may be
employed without departing from the present disclosure. Further,
other cosmetic sealing materials may be used along with or in place
of these fastening mechanisms. In some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the configurable components of the bathtubs may be
sealed through various sealing mechanisms to ensure a tight fit
between the various components of the bathtub and minimize the
likelihood of leakage when the bathtub is filled with water.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bathtub may
be formed using a 100% recyclable composite material. This may be
helpful in that if the user no longer has a need for the bathtub,
it may be reground and used in forming other products (even other
bathtubs) merely by removing the hardware on the bathtub. However,
it should be appreciated that bathtubs according to embodiments of
the present disclosure may be formed using other materials,
including but not limited to acrylic, fiberglass, porcelain and/or
any other durable rigid material, without departing from the
present disclosure.
[0047] Plumbing fixtures may be incorporated into walk-in bathtub
systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
However, it should be appreciated that in some plumbing
arrangements the fixtures may not be part of the bathtub itself but
may be located above the bathtub for discharging water downwardly
and into the bathtub.
[0048] Although the present disclosure has been described in
detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions
and alterations can be made herein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended
claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not
intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of
matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be
developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve
substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments
described herein may be utilized according to the present
disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to
include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
* * * * *