U.S. patent application number 15/496701 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-10 for walk-in tub door assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jacuzzi Inc.. Invention is credited to Raymond C. Torres.
Application Number | 20170224177 15/496701 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51206528 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170224177 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Torres; Raymond C. |
August 10, 2017 |
Walk-In Tub Door Assembly
Abstract
A walk-in tub includes a tub frame having a door frame provided
in one or more of the walls of the tub frame. The tub further
includes a door hingedly connected to the door frame and adapted
for movement between an open position into the interior cavity of
the tub and a closed position aligned with the door frame. A
sealing face is provided on the door frame facing the interior
cavity of the tub. A seal is disposed around a perimeter of the
door for sealing the door against the sealing face when the door is
in the closed position. A latching mechanism on the door is
operable between a latching position and an unlatching position and
includes a slidable latching pin that is slidable to engage a pin
receiver in the latching position when the door is locked and
disengage from the pin receiver in the unlatching position when the
door is unlocked.
Inventors: |
Torres; Raymond C.; (Moreno
Valley, CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jacuzzi Inc. |
Chino |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
51206528 |
Appl. No.: |
15/496701 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14161340 |
Jan 22, 2014 |
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15496701 |
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61755668 |
Jan 23, 2013 |
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61756698 |
Jan 25, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/006 20130101;
E05C 1/16 20130101; E05B 65/001 20130101; E05C 9/16 20130101; E05C
9/1833 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/00 20060101
A47K003/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A door assembly for a walk-in tub, the door assembly
comprising: a door having a first portion and a second portion
defining a cavity therebetween, the door being adapted for movement
between an open position opening into an interior cavity of the
walk-in tub and a closed position; a hinge for hingedly connecting
the door to the walk-in tub, the hinge being adapted for moving the
door between the open position and the closed position; a seal
disposed around a perimeter of the door for sealing the door
against the walk-in tub when the door is in the closed position;
and a latching mechanism comprising an upper latching assembly, a
lower latching assembly, and a rod positioned between and co-acting
with the upper latching assembly and the lower latching assembly,
the latching mechanism disposed between the first portion and the
second portion, the latching mechanism operable between a latching
position and an unlatching position.
22. The door assembly of claim 21, wherein the latching mechanism
includes at least one latching pin that is slidable to engage a
corresponding pin receiver in the latching position and disengage
from the pin receiver in the unlatching position.
23. The door assembly of claim 22, wherein the latching pin has a
tapered end for partially engaging the pin receiver when the door
is in a partially closed position to urge the door to the closed
position by fully engaging the pin receiver.
24. The door assembly of claim 21, wherein the latching mechanism
further comprises a handle operative for moving the latching
mechanism between the latching position and the unlatching
position.
25. The door assembly of claim 24, wherein the latching mechanism
further comprises a biasing element to bias the handle to a
position in which the latching mechanism is in the latching
position.
26. The door assembly of claim 23, wherein the tapered end of the
latching pin comprises an inclined plane to maintain the door in a
closed position.
27. The door assembly of claim 26, wherein the inclined plane
slideably engages an opening of the pin receiver to guide the
latching pin into the opening of the pin receiver.
28. The door assembly of claim 21, wherein the upper latching
assembly comprises a cam plate, the cam plate comprising a latching
pin.
29. The door assembly of claim 28, wherein the latching mechanism
further comprises a handle operative for moving the latching
mechanism between the latching position and the unlatching
position, wherein the upper latching assembly comprises a housing
case comprising a upper pin guide, wherein operation of the handle
is configured to rotate the cam plate such that the latching pin is
inserted into the upper pin guide.
30. The door assembly of claim 21, wherein the lower latching
assembly comprises a latching pin, the latching pin connected to
the rod.
31. The door assembly of claim 30, wherein the latching mechanism
further comprises a handle operative for moving the latching
mechanism between the latching position and the unlatching
position, wherein the lower latching assembly comprises a bottom
bracket assembly secured to the door, the bottom bracket assembly
comprising a lower pin guide, wherein operation of the handle is
configured to move the latching pin such that the latching pin is
inserted into the lower pin guide.
32. A walk-in tub comprising: a tub frame having a plurality of
walls extending from a floor to define an interior cavity of the
tub; a door frame extending through one or more of the walls, the
door frame adapted for providing a doorway for ingress into the
interior cavity of the tub and egress from the interior cavity of
the tub; a sealing face provided on the door frame and facing the
interior cavity of the tub; a door having a first portion and a
second portion defining a cavity therebetween, the door being
adapted for movement between an open position away from the door
frame and into the interior cavity of the tub and a closed position
toward the door frame and away from the interior cavity of the tub;
a hinge for hingedly connecting the door to the doorway, the hinge
being adapted for moving the door between the open position and the
closed position; a seal disposed around a perimeter of the door for
sealing the door against the sealing face when the door is in the
closed position; and a latching mechanism comprising an upper
latching assembly, a lower latching assembly, and a rod positioned
between and co-acting with the upper latching assembly and the
lower latching assembly, the latching mechanism disposed between
the first portion and the second portion, the latching mechanism
operable between a latching position and an unlatching
position.
33. The walk-in tub of claim 32, wherein the latching mechanism
includes at least one latching pin that is slidable to engage a
corresponding pin receiver in the latching position and disengage
from the pin receiver in the unlatching position.
34. The walk-in tub of claim 33, wherein the latching pin has a
tapered end for partially engaging the pin receiver when the door
in a partially closed position to urge the door to the closed
position by fully engaging the pin receiver.
35. The walk-in tub of claim 32, wherein the latching mechanism
further comprises a handle operative for moving the latching
mechanism between the latching position and the unlatching
position.
36. The walk-in tub of claim 35, wherein the latching mechanism
further comprises a biasing element to bias the handle to a
position in which the latching mechanism is in the latching
position.
37. The walk-in tub of claim 36, wherein the tapered end of the
latching pins comprises an inclined plane to maintain the door in a
closed position.
38. The walk-in tub of claim 37, wherein the inclined plane
slideably engages an opening of the pin receiver to guide the
latching pin into the opening of the pin receiver.
39. The walk-in tub of claim 32, wherein the upper latching
assembly comprises a cam plate, the cam plate comprising a latching
pin.
40. The walk-in tub of claim 39, wherein the latching mechanism
further comprises a handle operative for moving the latching
mechanism between the latching position and the unlatching
position, wherein the upper latching assembly comprises a housing
case comprising a upper pin guide, wherein operation of the handle
is configured to rotate the cam plate such that the latching pin is
inserted into the upper pin guide.
41. The walk-in tub of claim 32, wherein the lower latching
assembly comprises a latching pin, the latching pin connected to
the rod.
42. The walk-in tub of claim 41, wherein the latching mechanism
further comprises a handle operative for moving the latching
mechanism between the latching position and the unlatching
position, wherein the lower latching assembly comprises a bottom
bracket assembly secured to the door, the bottom bracket assembly
comprising a lower pin guide, wherein operation of the handle is
configured to move the latching pin such that the latching pin is
inserted into the lower pin guide.
43. A door assembly for a walk-in tub, the door assembly
comprising: a door having a first portion and a second portion
defining a cavity therebetween, the door being adapted for movement
between an open position opening into an interior cavity of the
walk-in tub and a closed position; a hinge for hingedly connecting
the door to the walk-in tub, the hinge being adapted for moving the
door between the open position and the closed position; a seal
disposed around a perimeter of the door for sealing the door
against the walk-in tub when the door is in the closed position;
and a latching mechanism comprising an upper latching assembly, a
lower latching assembly, and a rod positioned between and co-acting
with the upper latching assembly and the lower latching assembly,
the latching mechanism disposed between the first portion and the
second portion, the latching mechanism operable between a latching
position and an unlatching position, wherein the upper latching
assembly comprises a cam plate, the cam plate comprising an upper
latching pin wherein the latching mechanism further comprises a
handle operative for moving the latching mechanism between the
latching position and the unlatching position, wherein the upper
latching assembly comprises a housing case comprising an upper pin
guide, wherein operation of the handle is configured to rotate the
cam plate such that the upper latching pin is inserted into the
upper pin guide, wherein the lower latching assembly comprises a
lower latching pin connected to the rod, wherein the lower latching
assembly comprises a bottom bracket assembly secured to the door,
the bottom bracket assembly comprising a lower pin guide, wherein
operation of the handle is configured to move the lower latching
pin such that the lower latching pin is inserted into the lower pin
guide.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to United States
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/755,668, filed Jan. 23, 2013,
entitled "Walk-In Tub Door Assembly" and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/756,698, filed Jan. 25, 2013, entitled "Walk-In
Tub Door Assembly", the disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to walk-in tubs.
More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a walk-in tub
door assembly and a latching and sealing mechanism for use with the
walk-in tub door assembly.
[0004] Description of the Related Art
[0005] Walk-in tubs generally have a tub portion with at least one
doorway provided on a side of the tub. The doorway may be closed by
a door that swings either into the interior of the tub portion or
away from the side of the tub. In an open position, the door
enables a user to walk into the tub without having to step over the
side of the tub, which is the case with conventional tubs. In a
closed position, the door encloses the tub portion so that it may
be filled with water. A seal is provided at an interface between
the door and the doorway to prevent water from leaking through the
doorway when the tub portion is filled with water.
[0006] In order to facilitate ingress to the tub and egress from
the tub, as well as to provide a seal for preventing water from
escaping from the tub, a variety of walk-in tub door designs have
been developed. United States Patent Application Publication No.
2010/0156120 to Luo discloses a walk-in tub having a waterproof
door and a sealing mechanism. The tub includes a frame having a
door jamb. A door is hingedly attached to the door jamb and a
handle is rotatably mounted to the door for selectively activating
and deactivating a locking mechanism having a sliding pin. In one
position, the pin is retracted within the door to allow the door to
be swung open for easy access to the tub. In a second position, the
pin is extended into an opening on the door jamb for locking the
door in a closed position. A compressible gasket is provided on the
door to seal the door against the tub. The door is adapted for
opening away from the tub interior. This design complicates the
sealing between the tub and the door because the water inside the
tub has the tendency to push the door away from the sealed
position.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,935 to Barrett, Sr. discloses a deep
bathtub with a side entrance door. The entrance door is supported
on the bathtub and is slidable to allow ingress and egress to and
from the bathtub. The bathtub includes a sidewall that abuts
against the door in a closed position to limit the movement of the
door. A seal is provided at the sidewall for defining a watertight
connection between the door and the bathtub. A plurality of latch
arms is provided for locking the door in a closed position when
control handle is actuated.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,241 to Williams discloses a bathtub
having a side door for easy access. A double-axis hinge swingably
supports the door on the bathtub. The door includes a locking
mechanism having a plurality of pins that are reversibly extendable
from the door to engage a corresponding opening on the door
jamb.
[0009] Even though a plurality of solutions exists for a walk-in
tub door assembly, the existing designs are complicated, expensive
to manufacture, and do not provide an effective seal to prevent
water from escaping from the tub. In addition, conventional walk-in
tub door designs are complicated to latch and unlatch. In view of
the foregoing, a need exists for an improved walk-in tub door
assembly that overcomes the deficiencies of the existing
designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In one embodiment, a door assembly for a walk-in tub may
include a door having a first portion and a second portion defining
a cavity therebetween. The door may be adapted for movement between
an open position opening into an interior cavity of the walk-in tub
and a closed position. A hinge may be provided for hingedly
connecting the door to the walk-in tub. The hinge may be adapted
for moving the door between the open position and the closed
position. A seal may be disposed around a perimeter of the door for
sealing the door against the walk-in tub when the door is in the
closed position. The door assembly may further include a latching
mechanism disposed between the first portion and the second portion
of the door. The latching mechanism may be operable between a
latching position and an unlatching position.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment, the latching
mechanism may include at least one latching pin that is slidable to
engage a corresponding pin receiver in the latching position and
disengage from the pin receiver in the unlatching position. The
latching pin may have a tapered end for partially engaging the pin
receiver when the door in a partially closed position to draw the
door to the closed position by fully engaging the pin receiver. The
latching mechanism may further include a handle operative for
moving the latching mechanism between the latching position and the
unlatching position. The handle may be rotatably connected to the
latching mechanism by one or more rods. Rotational movement of the
handle may cause a substantially linear movement of the rods. The
rods may actuate the latching pin to move between the latching
position and the unlatching position. The seal may include a first
portion connected to the door and a second portion extending away
from the door, the second portion having a plurality of hollow
cavities that are compressible when the door is in the closed
position.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment, a walk-in tub may
include a tub frame having a plurality of walls extending from a
floor to define an interior cavity of the tub. The tub may include
a door frame provided in one or more of the walls. The door frame
may be adapted for providing a doorway for ingress into the
interior cavity of the tub and egress from the interior cavity of
the tub. A sealing face may be provided on the door frame to face
the interior cavity of the tub. The tub may further include a door
having a first portion and a second portion defining a cavity
therebetween. The door may be adapted for movement between an open
position away from the door frame and into the interior cavity of
the tub and a closed position toward the door frame and away from
the interior cavity of the tub. In one embodiment, the tub may
further include a hinge for hingedly connecting the door to the
doorway. The hinge may be adapted for moving the door between the
open position and the closed position. A seal may be disposed
around a perimeter of the door for sealing the door against the
sealing face when the door is in the closed position.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the tub may include a latching
mechanism disposed between the first portion and the second portion
of the door. The latching mechanism may be operable between a
latching position and an unlatching position. The latching
mechanism may include at least one latching pin that is slidable to
engage a corresponding pin receiver in the latching position and
disengage from the pin receiver in the unlatching position. The pin
receiver may be provided on the door and the door frame. The
latching pin may have a tapered end for partially engaging the pin
receiver when the door in a partially closed position to draw the
door to the closed position by fully engaging the pin receiver. The
latching mechanism may further include a handle operative for
moving the latching mechanism between the latching position and the
unlatching position. The handle may be rotatably connected to the
latching mechanism by one or more rods. Rotational movement of the
handle may cause a substantially linear movement of the rods. The
rods may actuate the latching pin between the latching position and
the unlatching position. In another embodiment, the seal may
include a first portion connected to the door and a second portion
extending away from the door, the second portion having a plurality
of hollow cavities that are compressible when the door is in the
closed position.
[0014] These and other features and characteristics of the walk-in
tub door assembly, as well as the methods of operation and
functions of the related elements of structures and the combination
of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent
upon consideration of the following description and the appended
claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which
form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the
purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the
specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and
"the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a walk-in tub with a
door assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of the walk-in tub illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of the walk-in tub illustrated in FIG.
1 showing the door assembly in a closed position;
[0018] FIG. 4 is top view of the walk-in tub illustrated in FIG. 1
showing the door assembly in an open position;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a front panel of the
walk-in tub illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the panel shown in FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a walk-in
tub door assembly for use with the walk-in tub illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a latching mechanism for the
walk-in tub door assembly shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a latching mechanism for a
walk-in tub door assembly shown in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the latching mechanism shown
in FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a front view of a walk-in tub door having a
latching mechanism in accordance with a second embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an upper latching assembly of
the latching mechanism shown in FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a lower latching assembly of
the latching mechanism shown in FIG. 11; and
[0028] FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of a seal in accordance
with one embodiment for use with the walk-in tub illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of a seal in accordance
with another embodiment for use with the walk-in tub illustrated in
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms
"upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top",
"bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", and derivatives thereof shall
relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.
However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume
alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the
specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply
exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions
and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a walk-in tub 10 includes a tub
frame 20 that is surrounded by a plurality of cover panels 30 for
covering the tub frame 20. The tub frame 20 is generally defined by
a plurality of upright walls 40 extending from a floor 50 to define
an interior cavity 60. The walls 40 and the floor 50 are desirably
formed to create a unitary, monolithic tub structure. A drain 70 is
provided in the floor 50 for draining water from the interior
cavity 60. A seat 80 is formed within the interior cavity 60 to
define a sitting location within the tub 10. The tub 10 is formed
from a waterproof material that is sanitary and resistant to
corrosion. In one embodiment, the tub 10 is made from acrylic. In
other embodiments, the tub 10 may be made from fiberglass, ceramic,
metal, or other material. One of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that various other materials may be used for
manufacturing the tub 10.
[0032] A faucet 90 is provided for introducing water into the
interior cavity 60 of the tub 10. A plurality of water flow
controls 100 is also provided to allow the user to adjust the flow
rate and temperature of the water. The tub 10 is also provided with
a shelf 110 for retaining various bathing accessories, such as
soap, shampoo, and the like. In some embodiments, walls 40 of the
tub 10 may have a grab bar (not shown) for providing a convenient
gripping surface during ingress into the tub 10 and egress from the
tub 10.
[0033] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-4, the tub 10 further
includes a door frame 120 provided in at least one of the walls 40.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the door frame 120 extends
through a wall 40 provided on one side of the tub 10. The door
frame 120 is desirably molded into the wall 40 such that the door
frame 120 is an integral part of the structure of the tub 10. The
door frame 120 defines a doorway for ingress into the interior
cavity 60 or egress therefrom. A sealing face 130 is defined around
the perimeter of the door frame 120. The sealing face 130 is
adapted for sealingly engaging a door 140 that encloses the
interior cavity 60 of the tub 10. The sealing face 130 is oriented
toward the interior cavity 60 of the tub 10 and provides a strike
surface that prevents the door 140 from opening away from the tub
10.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a front cover panel 210 is
provided on the exterior side of the tub 10 to conceal the tub
frame 20. The cover panel 210 includes a recess defining a doorway
220 that corresponds to the door frame 120 on the tub 10. The cover
panel 210 is desirably made from the same material as the tub 10.
In one embodiment, the cover panel 210 is removably attachable to
the tub 10 using a plurality of clips 230 provided on a back side
of the cover panel 210 that faces the tub 10. The tub 10 may
include a plurality of corresponding clip receivers (not shown) to
receive the clips 230.
[0035] Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the door 140 is hingedly
attached to the door frame 120 such that the door 140 may be moved
between a closed position (FIG. 3) and an open position (FIG. 4).
In a closed position, the door 140 is pressed against the sealing
face 130 of the door frame 120 to create a watertight connection
and prevent water from leaking from the interior cavity 60 of the
tub 10. Rotating the door 140 to the open position moves the door
140 away from the sealing face 130 and into the interior cavity 60
of the tub 10. In the open position, a user may enter the tub 10
through the door frame 120.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, and with continuing
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the door 140 is mounted to the door
frame 120 with a hinge 150. One part of the hinge 150 is fixed to
the door 140 and the other part is fixed to the door frame 120 to
permit the door 140 to swing between the open position and the
closed position. Bolts 160, or other fasteners, may be used to
secure the hinge 150 to the door frame 120 and the door 140. The
door 140 further includes a seal 170 disposed around a perimeter of
the door 140 for sealing the door 140 against the sealing face 130
when the door 140 is in the closed position. The seal 170 is
provided at the interface between the door 140 and the sealing face
130 such that the seal 170 is at least partially compressed between
the door 140 and the sealing face 130 when the door 140 is in the
closed position. The structure of the seal 170 will be described
hereafter with reference to FIGS. 14A-14B.
[0037] With continuing reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the door 140
includes a first portion 180 and a second portion 190 defining a
door cavity 200 therebetween. In one embodiment, the first portion
180 is provided on the side of the door 140 that faces the interior
cavity 60 of the tub, while the second portion 190 is provided on
the side of the door 140 that faces the tub exterior. The door 140,
including the first portion 180 and the second portion 190, is
desirably made from the same material as the tub 10. In one
embodiment, the door 140 is made from acrylic. In other
embodiments, the door 140 may be manufactured from fiberglass,
metal, plastic, or any other suitable material.
[0038] FIGS. 7 and 8 further illustrate a latching mechanism 240
operable between a latching position and an unlatching position.
The latching mechanism 240 is operated to a latching position when
the door 140 is in a closed position, thereby securing the door 140
against the sealing face 130 and preventing water from leaking from
the interior cavity 60. In an unlatching position, the latching
mechanism 240 unlocks the door 140 from the closed position,
thereby permitting the door 140 to be moved to the open position.
The latching mechanism 240 is operated by a handle 250 provided on
the first portion 180 or the second portion 190. In one embodiment,
the handle 250 may be provided on both the first portion 180 and
the second portion 190 of the door 140.
[0039] Movement of the handle 250 causes the latching mechanism 240
to be operable between the latching position and the unlatching
position. The handle 250 is rotatably connected to a plate 260
having a plurality of rods 270 pivotally connected to the plate
260. Rotation of the handle 250 causes the plate 260 to rotate such
that the plurality of rods 270 is moved in a linear manner. The
rods 270 are connected to the plate by fasteners 280 that allow the
rods 270 to pivot about a connection point with the plate 260
without being disconnected therefrom. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,
one of the rods 270 extends in a substantially vertical direction
along a first axis while the other rod 270 extends in a
substantially horizontal direction along a second axis. The rods
270 extend through the door 140 and are movable past the outside
perimeter of the door 140. In one position, such as when the
latching mechanism 240 is in an unlatched position, the rods 270
are withdrawn inside the door cavity 200 to permit the door 140 to
open. In a second position, such as when the latching mechanism 240
is operated to a latching position, the rods 270 are moved to
extend outside the door cavity 200 in order to lock the door 140
within the door frame 120.
[0040] With continuing reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, and with
reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, rods 270 terminate in a latching pin
290 that is slidable in a linear manner with the movement of the
rods 270. The latching pin 290 desirably has a tapered point 300
(shown in FIGS. 9 and 10). When door 140 is moved to the closed
position such that the sealing face 130 abuts the perimeter of the
door 140, the door 140 may be locked in the closed position by
operating the handle 250 to move the latching mechanism 240 in the
latching position. Such movement of the latching mechanism 240
causes the rods 270 to move in a linear manner away from the
interior of the door cavity 200. Movement of the rods 270 causes
the latching pin 290 to extend outside the door 140 and to engage a
pin receiver 310 on the door frame 120. The pin receiver 310 may be
fastened to the door frame 120, or it may be molded into the door
frame 120. The pin receiver 310 includes a central opening 320
sized to receive the latching pin 290. A corresponding pin guide
330 may be provided on the door 140 to guide the latching pin 290
toward the pin receiver 310.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the tapered point 300 of
the latching pin 310 provides a mechanical advantage in closing the
door 140 and maintaining the door 140 in the closed position. The
tapered point 300 guides the latching pin 290 into the central
opening 320 of the pin receiver 310, thereby urging the door 140 to
the closed position and compressing the seal 170 between the door
140 and the sealing face 130 on the door frame 120. The tapered
point 300 is desirably shaped as to guide the latching pin 290 into
the central opening 320 of the pin receiver 310.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 11, a latching mechanism 400 is shown
in accordance with a second embodiment. The latching mechanism 400
is operable between a latching position and an unlatching position.
The latching mechanism 400 is operated to a latching position when
the door 140 is in a closed position, thereby locking the door 140
against the sealing face 130 and preventing water from leaking from
the interior cavity. In an unlatching position, the latching
mechanism 400 unlocks the door 140 from the closed position,
thereby permitting the door 140 to be moved to the open position.
The latching mechanism 400 is operated by a handle 410 provided on
an inside portion of the door 140.
[0043] Movement of the handle 410 causes the latching mechanism 400
to be operable between the latching position and the unlatching
position. The handle 410 is rotatably connected to a cam plate 420
having a rod 430 pivotally connected to the cam plate 420. Rotation
of the handle 400 causes the cam plate 420 to rotate such that the
rod 430 is moved in a linear manner. In one position, such as when
the latching mechanism 400 is in an unlatched position, the rod 430
is withdrawn inside the door cavity 200. In a second position, such
as when the latching mechanism 400 is operated to a latching
position, the rod 430 is moved to extend outside the door cavity
200.
[0044] With continuing reference to FIG. 11, the latching mechanism
400 includes an upper latching assembly 440 (shown in greater
detail in FIG. 12) and a lower latching assembly 450 (shown in
greater detail in FIG. 13). Referring to FIG. 12, the upper
latching assembly 440 includes a housing case 460 that is secured
to the door 140. The housing case 460 supports a backing plate 470
and the cam plate 420 having an upper latching pin 480 secured
thereon. The upper latching pin 480 extends through an upper pin
guide 490 of the housing case 460. Handle 410 (shown in FIG. 111)
is connected to a shaft 500 that is operatively connected to the
cam plate 420 such that rotation of the shaft 500 causes a
corresponding rotation of the cam plate 410. A spring 510 provides
a biasing force on the cam plate 420 to return the handle 410 to
its default position. The upper latching pin 480 desirably has a
tapered point 580 at its terminal end. The tapered point 580 is
desirably shaped as to guide the latching pin 480 into the central
opening of the upper pin guide 490.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 13, the lower latching assembly 450
includes a bottom bracket assembly 520 that is secured to the
inside portion of the door 140. The lower portion of the rod 430
(shown in FIG. 11) is connected to a lower latching pin 530 by a
fastener 540. The lower latching pin 530 is disposed within the
bottom bracket assembly 520 and is movable relative to a lower pin
guide 550. The lower latching assembly 450 further includes a roll
pin 560 extending through the lower latching pin 530 to engage a
lower spring 570 when the lower latching pin 530 is extended to a
latching position. The lower latching pin 530 desirably has a
tapered point 590 at its terminal end.
[0046] When door 140 is moved to the closed position, the door 140
may be locked in the closed position by operating the handle 410 to
move the latching mechanism 400 in the latching position. The
tapered points 580, 590 of the upper and lower latching pins 480,
530, respectively, provide an inclined-plane mechanical advantage
in closing the door 140 and maintaining the door 140 in the closed
position. The tapered points 580, 590 guide the latching pins 480,
530 into a central opening of the pin receiver provided on the
door, thereby drawing the door 140 closed and compressing the seal
between the door 140 and the sealing face 130 on the door frame
120. The tapered points 580, 590 are desirably shaped as to guide
the upper and lower latching pins 480, 530 into the opening of the
pin receiver. Alternatively, or in addition, the pin receiver may
have a tapered surface to guide the latching pins 480, 530.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 14A, a cross sectional view of the
seal 170 is illustrated in combination with a seal retainer 340.
The seal retainer 340 is secured to the outside perimeter of the
door 140 or it may be integrally formed with the door 140. In one
embodiment, the seal retainer is formed as a groove on the door 140
to provide a guide for the installation of the seal 170. The seal
retainer 340 is desirably provided on the side of the door 140 that
engages the sealing face 130, such as illustrated in FIG. 4. In
order to provide a watertight connection between the door 140 and
the sealing face 130 of the tub 10, the seal retainer 340 is
provided along the entire interface between the door 140 and the
sealing face 130. In one embodiment, the seal retainer may be
provided on the sealing face 130 and the door 140 may be pressed
against the sealing face 130 to compress the seal 170. The seal 170
may be secured within the seal retainer 340, such as by an adhesive
bond.
[0048] With continuing reference to FIG. 14A, the seal retainer 340
receives a first portion 350 of the seal 170. The seal 170 further
includes a second portion 360 that is compressible between the door
140 and the sealing face 130 of the tub 10. The second portion 360
of the seal 170 includes a plurality of hollow cavities that are
compressible when the door 140 is in the closed position. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 14A, a larger central cavity 370 is
flanked by two smaller lateral cavities 380 provided on the
exterior of the central cavity 370. The central cavity 370 and the
lateral cavities 380 are compressible between a fully extended
shape when the door 140 is in the opened position and the seal 170
is decompressed and a collapsed shape when the door 140 is in the
closed position and the seal 170 is compressed. In one embodiment,
the seal 170 is made from an elastic material, such as rubber or
silicone. Other flexible and resilient materials may be used to
create the watertight connection between the door 140 and sealing
face 130.
[0049] FIG. 14B illustrates another embodiment of the seal 170. The
seal 170 has a base 600 having one or more barbs 610 configured for
being received within a seal retainer 340. The seal 170 further
includes a second portion 620 that is compressible between the door
140 and the sealing face 130 of the tub 10. The second portion 620
of the seal 170 includes a hollow cavity 630 that is compressible
between the door 140 and the sealing face 130 when the door 140 is
in the closed position. The hollow cavity 630 is compressible
between a fully extended shape when the door 140 is in the opened
position and a collapsed shape when the door 140 is in the closed
position.
[0050] Having described the walk-in tub 10 and the door assembly
for the walk-in tub 10, a method of operation of the door assembly
will now be described. Prior to entering the interior cavity 60 of
the tub 10, a user first rotates the handle 250, 410 to ensure that
the latching mechanism 240, 400 is in the unlatched position such
that the door 140 can be swung open into the interior cavity 60.
After opening the door 140 to allow ingress, the user may step into
the interior cavity 60 of the tub 10. The door 140 is then moved to
the closed position by swinging the door 140 toward the sealing
face 130 of the door frame 120. As the door 140 nears the sealing
face 130, the seal 170 contacts the sealing face 130. Continued
movement of the door 140 toward the sealing face 130 causes the
seal 170 to be compressed. The user turns the handle 250 to
activate the latching mechanism 240, 400 and close the door 140 to
create a watertight connection between the door 140 and the sealing
face 130 of the door frame 120. Engaging the latching mechanism
240, 400 into the latching position causes the rods 270, 430 to
extend away from the door cavity. Linear movement of the rods 270,
430 causes the latching pins 290, 480, 530 to engage the central
opening of the pin receiver such that the door 140 is further drawn
toward the sealing face 130. This causes the seal 170 to be
compressed even further, thereby establishing a watertight
connection that prevents leakage of water from the interior cavity
60 outside the tub 10.
[0051] While various embodiments of the walk-in tub door assembly
were provided in the foregoing description, those skilled in the
art may make modifications and alterations to these embodiments
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For
example, it is to be understood that this disclosure contemplates
that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any
embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other
embodiment. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to
be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described
hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to
the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of
equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their
scope.
* * * * *