AU2004100297A4 - A Bath Assembly and System - Google Patents

Description

A BATH ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM The present invention relates to a bath assembly fixture to be mounted in a bathroom or other limited space. It is particularly related to a bath assembly and system which is particularly suitable for use in dual purpose spaces, for instance in small bathrooms, small units, and caravans. The assembly and system provide for up to a full sized bath or spa in a small area that must be used for other purposes when not being used for the bath or spa.

There is clearly a desire to save space while having a conventionally sized bath in residences and, in particular, in small units where space is at a premium but the luxuries of life are required.

For typical houses in Australia, there is enough room to have a separate full length bath and a separate full sized shower recess. Combination baths and showers are known where the shower is no more than a shower rose above the bath and a shower curtain or rigid partition is used to prevent water from spilling out of the bath. The floor space permanently occupied by the bath is often too excessive and not possible in many locations.

It is also known to have shower tubs in which a person can sit and which includes a standard shower recess but where the floor of the shower is a small bath tub with an inbuilt seat. However to enter such a unit requires either a large step over the side or for steps up to the bath or a sunken bath. Again, this is difficult to use for elderly or disabled or is quite expensive for mounting. It also loses the benefit of being able to lie in a full sized bath.

In smaller areas, for instance caravans, boats, small units and cabins, only a shower rose and small shower cavity must usually be installed as there is usually insufficient room for a full size bath.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a bath assembly and system which allows for space saving and particularly for allowing dual use of limited space.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a bath assembly which has a bath and a mounting system, with the bath being connected to the mounting system to allow change of position of the bath between a first substantially non horizontal storage position and a second horizontal in use position having a larger footprint than the bath in the first position and where the bath extending horizontally allows a person to bathe in the bath.

The mounting system of the bath assembly includes a first frame to which is attached the bath and a second non horizontal frame which can be mounted in a wall cavity or the like with hinge means connecting the first and second frames to allow the bath to move between the first substantially non horizontal storage position and the second horizontal in use position.

The bath can have an outlet plug hole leading to a drainage outlet with the outlet plug hole being located at a position spaced from the normal position of a plug hole in the lowermost point of the bath when in a horizontal in use position, the position of the outlet plug and the normal position being in a plane normal to the axial rotation of the bath from first to second position with that position being at or between the lowermost point in the first non horizontal storage position and a position adjacent the lowermost point in the second horizontal in use position to ensure complete emptying of the bath when moved from the second horizontal in use position to the first non horizontal storage position.

The invention also provides a bath assembly system including the steps of: a) providing a bath or spa b) providing a first frame to which the bath is mounted c) providing a second non horizontal frame with hinge means connecting the first and second frames to allow the bath to move between a first substantially non horizontal storage position and a second horizontal in use position d) water supply outlets mounted to internal position of the second non horizontal frame such that with the bath in the a first substantially non horizontal storage position the water supply outlets fit within the cavity of the bath and in the second horizontal in use position the water supply outlets are substantially overhanging the cavity of the bath to allow filling of the bath; e) providing bath outlet attachable to drainage outlet with the plug hole of the bath outlet being located at a position spaced from the normal position of a plug hole in the lowermost point of the bath when in a horizontal in use position, the position of the outlet plug and the normal position being in a plane normal to the axial rotation of the bath from first to second position with that position being at or between the lowermost point in the first non horizontal storage position and a position adjacent the lowermost point in the second horizontal in use position to ensure complete emptying of the bath when moved from the second horizontal in use position to the first non horizontal storage position; f) allow further sliding movement of the first frame relative to the second frame to minimise volume occupied and size of footprint in a room.

It can therefore be seen that the invention provides a bath assembly which can have a fixed frame portion which can be located adjacent a wall and includes the mounting system attached thereto. The frame can be integrated in a wall cavity or the like such that the footprint of the bath in the first position has a substantial portion in the wall cavity or the like and therefore less floor position of the room is being used.

The storage position can be in a second substantially vertical position. Preferably the storage position includes at least part of the wall or wall cavity to decrease the amount of space of the room being used by the bath or spa when in the second storage position.

Therefore it can be seen that the invention provides a bath assembly which is movable and can take less space when not in use than when in use at which time the structure allows for use of the bath in the conventional manner. In particular, the assembly provides for a more or less full sized shower and a more or less full sized bath but where the bath is pivotable and can occupy at least part of a wall cavity or the like when not in use the bath assembly allows use of substantially all the bathroom. The bath assembly can also be fabricated off-site and transported readily for complete installation on-site.

In a further aspect of the invention there is disclosed a space saving bath assembly including: a fixed framework defining a wall cavity, the cavity having an opening being a size and shape to enable a bath or spa or the like to enter for accommodation within the cavity; a moveable framework attached to the fixed framework by a hinge means to allow alteration of the bath assembly between an open condition for use and a closed condition for storage within the cavity; a bath or spa or like water receiving device supported by the moveable framework, the bath or spa being available for use when the assembly adopts an open condition; at least one actuator means mounted between the fixed and moveable frameworks such that the actuator is able to urge the moveable framework about the hinge means relative to the fixed framework so that an operator can control the condition of the assembly; wherein in a closed condition the moveable framework fits within the fixed framework so that the bath or spa can be housed within the cavity thus providing space that would otherwise be occupied by the bath or spa.

The bath assembly can include a vanity unit assembly, moveably mounted to the fixed framework, the vanity having at least a top part/surface supported on the fixed framework with mounting openings for receiving tap fittings, which extends horizontally from the fixed framework and adjacent to the bath or spa when the assembly is in the open or operating condition. The top surface of the vanity assembly can be fabricated from a number of interconnected component parts including a central body and adjacent side arm portions, each of which can be moved or folded either with respect to each other or the fixed framework as the moveable framework is urged between a closed and open condition. At least the central part of the top surface of the vanity assembly can be received within the bath or spa recess when the bath assembly adopts a closed condition. The cental body portion of the vanity assembly is slidable on a set of roller means mounted to the fixed frame within the cavity, such that when the bath assembly moves from one condition to another the central portion of the vanity slides between a rearward position of the cavity so that it can be accommodated within the bath recess in a storage position and a forward position of the cavity, forward of the storage position, when the bath assembly adopts an open condition.

The body and side arm parts of the top surface of the vanity can be interconnected to each other and/or to the fixed framework by hinged elements to enable pivoting movement of these elements with respect to each other and/or the fixed framework.

In one instance the body is fixedly mounted to the fixed framework and the arm portions are hingedly mounted to the fixed framework. In this case when the bath assembly moves towards a closed condition the rim of the bath or spa interacts with the side arm portions of the vanity assembly causing pivoting displacement within the cavity leaving the body portion of the vanity housed within the bath or spa recess.

Similarly as the moveable framework moves towards an open condition the components of the top vanity can unfold from a storage condition to adopt a condition for use. The vanity can also further include a fascia panel joined to the body and/or arm portions, which terminates adjacent the surface of the bath or spa. The fascia can include at least two hinged component panels that adopt a folded condition when the bath assembly moves towards a closed condition. When the hinged components of the fascia adopt a folded condition, the arm/side portions of the top of the vanity assembly can be pivoted upwardly by the rim of the bath as the rim engages with the arm elements.

The moveable framework can be attached to the base of the fixed framework to enable pivoting movement of the moveable framework about the base of the fixed framework.

The moveable framework can include a closure supported on the framework below the level of the bath or spa, which closes the opening to the cavity when the assembly is in a closed condition. The closure can be a panel of wall material which, in a closed condition, sits flush with internal walls surrounding the opening so that a continuous wall facade is produced. One advantage of this assembly, apart from space saving, is that the aesthetic appearance of a continuous internal wall is produced. It is generally understood that the cavity defined by the fixed framework is larger than the moveable framework to allow for a flush fitting of the closure with the wall opening. The moveable framework can also include an external facade so that the 'appearance of framework can be hidden from view.

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The bath or spa can include an outlet for egress of water positioned on an inclined slope of the bath or spa. The placement of the outlet on an up slope of the bath or spa has the advantage of providing easier access to the fitting of plumbing fixtures. At the same time because the bath or spa is able to tilt, full drainage of water can occur easily when the bath is inclined relative to the fixed framework. The outlet can be connected to a conventional domestic outlet via flexible hosing. The hosing and other plumbing fittings can be retained within the cavity when the bath assembly is in a closed condition.

The bath assembly can also include a pulley system mounted to the fixed framework and being operable between the moveable framework and the vanity assembly to assist the interworking relationship between the vanity and moveable framework.

Because the vanity unit can have a number of interconnecting foldable parts, a pulley system connected between the moveable framework and the vanity unit is able to assist in retraction or extension of the respective parts as the moveable framework is moved from one position to another. The pulley system includes a cable passing through an array of pulleys interconnecting the rear of the vanity to the rear of the bath or spa. When the bath undergoes pivoting movement the pulley cable is tensioned. The cable in turn acts on or against the hinged parts of the vanity to cause the parts to fold conveniently for storage within the cavity. In an alternate aspect the pulley cable can assist in moving the top surface of the vanity back and forth to the rear of the cavity, being clear of the bath when in a closed condition. The pulley system can also act as a counter weight to help raise and lower the bath or spa in a controlled manner.

In yet a further aspect of the invention there is disclosed a space saving bath assembly including: a fixed framework defining a wall cavity, the cavity including an opening being a size and shape to enable a bath or spa or the like to enter for accommodation within the cavity; a swingable framework hingedly connected to the fixed framework, the swingable framework being able to pivot about the hinged connection so that the bath assembly can operate between an open condition for use and a closed condition for conserving space; a bath or spa or the like having a recess for receiving water mounted to the swingable framework; at least one actuator means mounted between the fixed framework and the swingable framework such that the at least one actuator means in a first actuation mode controllably moves the swingable framework from a closed condition within the cavity to an operable condition for use and in a second actuation mode the actuator controllably moves the swingable framework towards the opening of the cavity; and a vanity assembly including a top surface extending substantially horizontally from the fixed framework in an open condition, the top surface having a central body with openings therein for receiving tap fittings, the central body being mounted to the fixed framework; the top surface further including arm portions adjacent the central body and being pivotally mounted to the fixed framework, the arm portions forming a continuous top surface with the central body when the bath assembly adopts an operable condition, wherein when the swingable framework is urged by the actuator means between an open condition to a closed condition the arm portions of the vanity pivot about the fixed framework within the cavity allowing the central portion of the top surface of the vanity assembly to be received within the bath or spa recess for storage.

It is understood throughout the body of the specification that the term bath or spa can be interchangeable and can extend to any apparatus in which a body of water can be retained for washing purposes. Generally it is understood that the term spa can include openings usually submerged for ingress of air into a water environment provided by the operation of an air pump.

Generally the moveable framework, including bath or spa and operating fittings, can be fabricated off-site and transported for subsequent installation. Prior to installation a suitably sized wall cavity is prepared including a fixed framework. Thereafter the fittings can be connected in a conventional manner. The siie of the cavity can vary to fit a range of bath or spa sizes.

In order that the invention can be more readily understood an embodiment will be described by way of illustration only with reference to the drawings wherein: Figure 1 is perspective view of a bath assembly in a second in use horizontal position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a front elevation of the bath assembly of Figure 1 with the bath in a first vertical storage position; Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the internal cavity of the bath of the bath assembly of Figure 1 with the outlet plug hole; Figure 4 is a partial side elevation of the mounting system and connection system of the bath assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a photograph showing the bath assembly in an open condition including vanity unit and taps.

Figure 6 is a closer photographic view of the bath assembly according to fig. 5 from a slightly elevated position.

Figure 7 is a photographic representation of the cavity and fixed frame of the bath assembly.

Figure 8 is a photographic view in side elevation of the moveable framework with bath and vanity assembly.

Figure 9 is a front elevation of the bath assembly of Figure 1 with the bath in a first vertical storage position; Figure 10 is a photographic view of the moveable framework member from underneath the bath.

Figure 11 is a photographic view of the bath assembly from behind the cavity.

Figure 12 is a photographic view of the bath assembly from a side elevation with bath in open condition.

Figure 13 is a photograph of the bath assembly in a fully closed (stored) condition within a corresponding shaped opening, sitting flush with the internal wall structure.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures Referring to the drawings there is shown a bath assembly 11 which has a standard moulded bath 21 with an internal cavity 22 and a substantially planar circumferential rim 23. The bath assembly 11 includes a mounting system 31 to allow change of position of the bath between a first substantially non horizontal storage position and a second horizontal in use position having a larger footprint than the bath in the first position. When the bath 21 extends horizontally it is possible for a person to bathe in the bath.

The mounting system 31 includes a first frame 32 comprising a planar framework 33 substantially corresponding to the shape of the circumferential rim 23 and spaced therefrom by struts 34 extending near or beyond the height of the bath to engage an underneath surface of the rim 23. The planar framework thereby is able to form a flat surface below the bath and the struts 34 to allow support of the bath on the first frame 32. The bath or spa bath is of a standard moulded type, which fits into a metal frame (cage), and screwed to the underside edge of the bath. The cage is braced along the sides and front of the bath, on a slight angle outwards, forstrength and stability. The bath is a standard square shape at the bottom, and rounded at the top. The drain plug for the bath is set more into the back wall of the bath area. To secure the frame, the bath is fitted with moulded bolts along the front and sides.

The mounting system further includes a second non horizontal frame 35 which can be mounted in a wall cavity or the like and between adjacent wall supports. The second frame with hinge means connecting the first and second frames to allow the bath to move between the first substantially non horizontal storage position and the second horizontal in use position.

The second frame forms a cabinet which consists of a steel frame, covered with a steel plate for strength. The base of the second frame has a plumbed area with a drain hole for receiving water to be removed from the bath. The second frame is able to be installed through walls, and lined flush with plasterboard. The plasterboard wall or equivalent can then be fixed to the cabinet frame. The cabinet is then fixed through the frame to the foundation and to outside walls. It is bracketed from the frame to the walls. It can also be installed inside the room, fixed to wall studs and the floor, through the frame. The depth of the cabinet can be identical to or slightly greater than that of the bath and moveable frame or cage in order for the moveable frame to fit within the cavity or cabinet, defined by the fixed frame, and allow a flush fit with the external walls.

The first and second frames are joined by connecting system which are attached to both frames by a pivoting means 41. The pivoting means of the connection system is a hinged frame which is attached to a lifting unit being a L.A.28 actuator (electric ram). It can be placed along one side of the bath frame and alternatively a return spring can be used if required, on the opposite side to assist the actuator. An extension arm of the actuator has a threaded end for adjustment and is attached to the bath and doorframe, which has a welded bracket with two eyeholes. The actuator (best seen in figure 12) for this embodiment is 300mm long and can be extended to about 700mm.

The rear of the actuator (motor) is attached to a bracket welded to the frame of the cabinet, an upright which stays at the front and back, and eyeholes for adjustment.

Both ends of the actuator have eyeholes for pins to be inserted. The actuator is activated by a 6.8 amp transformer, which can be housed at the top of the cabinet, or alternatively in the ceiling. Wiring from the transformer is connected to an up-down switch on the bathroom wall.

The bath assembly has an outlet plug hole leading to a drainage outlet with the outlet plug hole being located at a position spaced from the normal position of a plug hole in the lowermost point of the bath when in a horizontal in use position, the position of the outlet plug and the normal position being in a plane normal to the axial rotation of the bath from first to second position with that position being at or between the lowermost point in the first non horizontal storage position and a position adjacent the lowermost point in the second horizontal in use position to ensure complete emptying of the bath when moved from the second horizontal in use position to the first non horizontal storage position.

It can be seen that the position of the plug hole away from the normal position provides substantial advantages. Firstly it is generally necessary to have a slope on the bottom of the internal cavity of the bath so that water drains down and exits the plug hole. This means the deepest point is the plug hole. Therefore to obtain the benefit of a deep bath and increase immersion of the user of the bath it is necessary to sit on or around the plug hole. This is not comfortable and therefore often the bath has previously been needed to be excessively deep at the plug hole such that there is acceptable depth for the user at the other end. By the positioning of the plug hole 204 to allow exit of water by tilting of the bath it is not necessary to have any slope on the bottom surface of the bath and the bath can be made with minimal acceptable depth.

This saves construction material and costs but also saves space in that the whole structure of the bath can be shallower and occupy less space in storage position.

The second advantage is the increase in bath water expulsion rates. Generally the bath water is outputted depending on the size of the outlet plug hole 203 and the slope of the bottom of the bath and the depth of the water which exerts downward pressure.

It takes a long time for the latter part of the bath water to drain as the bath bottom is a large area in order to allow a user to be able to sit and stretch out and there is required a bottom surface which is sloped but does not feel to the user to be sloped and does not cause the user to slide towards the plug hole there is a large distance. Further the downward pressure has dissipated due to the shallowness of the water. However by tilting the bath the depth increases and speeds up expulsion of all water.

The door or closure 205 which is attached to the outer surface or underneath surface of the first frame is of a water-resistant type, approximately the same size and shape of the bath, which is fixed to the underside of the cage. The door and cage are both fixed to the base of the cabinet frame by hinges. When thebath is lowered, the door lies flat on the ground. The bath also has a sealed, water resistant panel around its front and sides, to prevent water from entering the cage or cabinet area. Generally it is understood that the cabinet is slightly larger than the bath section so as to allow the bath to fit wholly within the cabinet and the door to sit flush with external walls. As an alternative the cabinet can be located such that the bath section can fold out from the cabinet into a shower recess area. This has the advantage of being able to utilise existing wet areas. The bath assembly fixture can be portable in so far as it can be assembled off-site to a pre-determined shape and size and later transported and fitted.

The assembly can therefore be of itself a complete system including a power unit and water system concealed within the assembly. The bath assembly can be fitted within an existing shower recess The water inlet is connected through the middle of the rear side of the cabinet, to two flexible water hoses linked to water taps. The water taps are fixed to a sliding shelf on rollers, which are set to brackets and welded to the frame. The shelf operates by means of a spring and cable, and through movement of the bath. The spring is connected to a shelf bracket and linked to the rear of the shelf. When the bath is lowered, the spring draws the shelf forward to a stop, and the water outlet hangs over the bath area. A cable is connected from the rear of the shelf to the rear of the bath via pulleys. When the bath is pivoted it pulls on the cable, which in turn slides the shelf or vanity back and forth to the rear of the cabinet, and clear of the bath when in an upright position.

Drainage consists of a 40 mm flexible hose that runs from the rear of the bath through the side or base of the cabinet, to a standard water trap.

Referring to Figures 5 to 8 there is pictured a vanity 60 including a fascia 61 and a top surface 62 on which there is mounted a conventional tap fixture 63. As can be seen in this embodiment the top surface is divided into three sections 64, 65 and 66, a central body and two adjacent arm portions on either side, which abut each other to form an otherwise continuous top surface 62. The arm sections 64 and 65 of the top surface are mounted to the fixed frame by means of hinges 67 and the centrally located section 66 of the top surface is mounted on cross members 68 of the frame. The fascia 61 is similarly divided into three sections 69, 70 and 71, which abut with the corresponding sections of the top surface to form an otherwise intact vanity system In an open condition as shown in Figures 5 and 6 the top surface of the vanity extends outwardly from the fixed frame so that the tap overlaps with the bath recess.

The fascia as shown in Figures 5 and 6 comes to rest at or near the rim 23 of the bath to form an aesthetically pleasing bath and vanity combination. The sections 69 and of the fascia are hinged at a point adjoining the central section 71 of the fascia to allow the sections 69 and 70 to fold inwardly.

In a closed condition best seen in Fig. 9, sections 69 and 70 of the fascia are folded inwardly to expose sections 64 and 65 of the top surface. The sections 64 and 65 of the top surface are subsequently displaced upwardly in a hinged manner as the rim 72 of the bath is urged against the exposed sections. As shown in Fig 10 the central section 66 of the top surface of the vanity is retained in a fixed position within the recess 22 of the bath. Alternatively the entire vanity is mounted to the fixed frame in such a manner, which enables the central body of the vanity to either fold or move back and forth as the bath is moved towards the closed condition (not shown). The central portion of the vanity can pivot downwardly on the fixed frame thus disposing the tap fixtures in a horizontal position within the recess of the bath when the closure adopts a closed condition.

As shown in Fig 9 the tap fixture(s) 63 comprise flexible steel braid hose 73 which can adapt to accommodate a range of vanity positions in relation to the central section 66 of the top surface 62. Similarly as shown in figures 10, 11, and 12 the assembly has a flexible waste water outlet hose 74 attached to the bath outlet via a conventional steel adapter tube. The bath outlet can be positioned on the up-slope of the bath to allow for greater space for attachment of the outlet hose. The bath outlet is positioned on an inclined surface of the bath recess 22 to allow for greater room beneath the bath and to allow to be easily drained following tilting of the bath toward or during movement from an operable condition to a closed space saving condition.

As can be seen in Figure 13 the bath assembly further includes a door or wall panel closure 75 mounted to the bottom of the moveable frame 32, which closes about the opening 100 to the cavity. The external appearance of the door can be fabricated to match the surrounding walls.

The wall cavity defined by the fixed frame 35 has an opening 76 (best seen in figure which is shaped to allow a corresponding shaped bath to enter the cavity. Once the bath is received within the cavity the closure or wall panel 75 sits flush with the external wall. As stated earlier the cabinet generally provides a cavity which is slightly larger than the bath assembly so that the door can be seated flush with adjacent external walls.

According to Figures 7 and 9 the central body of the vanity assembly is able to slide on a set of rollers (not shown) which in turn are set to brackets and welded to the fixed frame. Figure 7 shows a pulley system 77 that assists the sliding movement of the central portion of the vanity from its in use position, forward of the fixed frame, to a storage position rearward of the fixed frame such that the central body portion of the vanity is received in a substantially horizontal disposition within the bath recess. At the same time when the moveable framework is urged by the actuator means towards a closed condition, the arm portions of the top surface of the vanity unit pivot upwards as the rim of the bath makes positive contact thereagainst. The pulley system can also operate as a counter balance to assist control of the opening and closing movement of the assembly.

The moveable frame can also include a vaneer consisting of side and end panels mounted to the framework to hide frame members such as cross beams and the like to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance surrounding the bath or spa.

It should be understood that the above description is of an embodiment of the invention only and is not limiting of the invention. Clearly variations which are readily understood by a person skilled in the art are included within the invention as defined broadly in the following claims.

Claims (4)

1. A bath assembly which has a bath and a mounting system, with the bath being connected to the mounting system to allow change of position of the bath between a s first substantially non horizontal storage position and a second horizontal in use position having a larger footprint than the bath in the first position and where the bath extending horizontally allows a person to bathe in the bath.

2. A space saving bath assembly including: a fixed framework defining a wall cavity, the cavity including an opening being a size and shape to enable a bath or spa or the like to enter for accommodation within the cavity; a swingable framework hingedly connected to the fixed framework, the swingable framework being able to pivot about the hinged connection so that the bath assembly can operate between an open condition for use and a closed condition for conserving space; a bath or spa or the like, having a recess for receiving water, mounted to the swingable framework; at least one actuator means mounted between the fixed framework and the swingable framework such that the at least one actuator means in a first actuation mode controllably pivots the swingable framework from a closed condition within the cavity to an operable condition for use and in a second actuation mode the actuator controllably pivots the swingable framework towards the opening of the cavity; and a vanity assembly including a top surface extending substantially horizontally from the fixed framework in an open condition, the top surface having a central body with openings therein for receiving tap fittings, the central body being mounted to the fixed framework; the top surface further including arm portions adjacent the central body and being pivotally mounted to the fixed framework, the arm portions forming a continuous top surface with the central body when the bath assembly adopts an operable condition, wherein when the swingable framework is urged by the actuator means between an s open condition to a closed condition the arm portions of the vanity pivot about the fixed framework within the cavity allowing the central portion of the top surface of the vanity assembly to be received within the bath or spa recess for storage.

3. The bath assembly of claim 2 wherein the cental body portion of the vanity assembly is slidable on a set of roller means mounted to the fixed frame within the cavity, such that when the bath assembly moves from one condition to another the central portion of the vanity slides between a rearward position of the cavity so that it can be accommodated within the bath recess in a storage position and a forward position of the cavity, forward of the storage position, when the bath assembly adopts an open condition.

4. The bath assembly according to any one of the preceding claims with the bath having an outlet plug hole leading to a drainage outlet with the outlet plug hole being located at a position spaced from the normal position of a plug hole in the lowermost point of the bath when in a horizontal in use position, the position of the outlet plug and the normal position being in a plane normal to the axial rotation of the bath from first to second position with that position being at or between the lowermost point in the first non horizontal storage position and a position adjacent the lowermost point in the second horizontal in use position to ensure complete emptying of the bath when moved from the second horizontal in use position to the first non horizontal storage position. A bath assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.