AU2012100105A4

AU2012100105A4 - Retractable bath tub

Info

Publication number: AU2012100105A4
Application number: AU2012100105A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Randeep Singh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-02
Filing date: 2012-02-02
Publication date: 2012-03-01
Anticipated expiration: 2020-02-02

Abstract

A retractable bath tub including a sliding mechanism, which retracts said tub into the floor, when not in use. The sliding mechanism is a simple and effective mechanism for conveniently adjusting the height of said tub to the desired height and conserving floor space.

Description

1 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority: Related Art: Name of Applicant: RANDEEP SINGH Name of Inventor: RANDEEP SINGH Address for Service and Correspondence: PO Box 2584, Rowville, Victoria -3178 Australia Invention Title: RETRACTABLE BATH TUB The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it, known to applicant: 2 INVENTION TITLE RETRACTABLE BATH TUB TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention belongs to the field of bath devices, particularly to a bath tub. More specifically, the present invention relates to a retractable bath tub for optimal use of floor space. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A bath tub is an integral part of modern bathroom. However bath tub has a minimal practical usage in daily life. A bathtub is usually selected when building the bathroom, and ultimately it is the individual user of the bathroom who decides whether there is a need for a bathtub. A bathtub typically takes up a lot of space in the bathroom; either it is moulded into the bathroom or it is freestanding. This is a problem when living space is a constraint. Thus a tub typically takes up quite some space in the bathroom, and it may be difficult to find space for it when the tub is not in use. Therefore many families have shower rooms, but do not have a bathtub. Due to floor space constraints for 3 installing a bath tub, persons thus fail to enjoy the health benefits of using a bath tub such as having a hot bath. There is therefore a need in the art to have a bath tub that is present in a room such as the bathroom for a person's use and which can later be removed from the area it occupies for maximum utilization of available floor space. The relevant prior art devices that deal with innovations in bath tubs are as follows: Australian Patent Application No: AU2003900371 claims an automated, plugless and tapless sink and bath tub. Australian Patent Application No: AU2002237250 discloses a bath tub or shower tray. Australian Patent Application No: AU2001285340 describes an adjustable portable bath tub spa. Australian Patent Application No: AU2001272025 claims an overflowing soaker bath tub.

4 Australian Patent Application No: AU1991087553 describes improvements relating to bathtubs. Australian Patent Application No: AU1988013816 is filed for a plastic, trough shaped sanitary article, in particular, bathtub. Australian Patent Application No: AU2007317057 claims a collapsible bathtub. Australian Patent Application No: AU2009341596 discloses a combination bathtub and spa. Australian Patent Application No: AU2003207803 claims a method and apparatus for installing a bathtub assembly. Australian Patent Application No: AU2002215962 describes a bathtub having a reinforced bottom. Australian Patent Application No: AU2001296905 claims a floating bathtub or swimming pool cleaning device Australian Patent Application No: AU2001042102 claims a foldable lift bathtub.

5 However the purpose and methodology of all the above inventions that are part of prior art do not envisage the unique embodiment of a retractable bath tub that can be effortlessly sunk into the floor and pulled up as per the user's convenience. The prior art inventions do not address the issue of how to better utilise floor space. The bath tubs claimed in the prior art have free standing or fixed structures which results in permanently occupying a bulk of the floor space inside a bathroom and which cannot be utilised for any other purpose. Accordingly, improvements are needed in the existing methods and structures that negate the above shortcomings. Thus it is desirable to provide a retractable bath tub that saves space. The configuration in the present invention addresses these shortcomings in the prior art by providing a retracting bath tub that retracts into the floor when not in use. The present invention thus provides a mechanism whereby the bath tub possesses sliding enclosure walls that can drop into the floor when not in use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a retractable bath tub that does not occupy any floor space, when not in use.

6 A further objective of the present invention is to provide a retractable bath tub that provides the user with easy access in and out of the tub, due to its retractable feature. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a retractable bath tub whose height can be easily adjusted. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a retractable bath tub that is easy to manufacture. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a retractable bath tub that prevents water from overflowing out of the tub. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a retractable bath tub that is not expensive to build and operate. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a retractable bath tub that can be installed in small confined space. In accordance with a first aspect there is provided a retractable bath tub that comprises of a stationary platform at the level of the surrounding floor, surrounded 7 by a movable ring, sliding up and down. An internal sealed wall of said ring acts as a container to fill up the bath tub. When not in use, the said ring can retract and be concealed into the floor, therefore the upper face of the whole embodiment flushes with the surrounding floor. The present invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following discussion of the features of a preferred embodiment. It is relevant that other embodiments of the invention may be appropriate in addition to the forms herein described. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings: 8 Fig 1 is a perspective view of a cross section of the present invention concealed into floor, when not in use. Fig 2 is a perspective view of a cross section of the present invention in elevated position. Fig 3 depicts a perspective exploded view of the parts of the present invention. Fig 4 is an enlarged view of a drain outlet in the present invention. Fig 5 depicts a a cross section of the present invention in elevated position. Fig 5A is an enlarged view of a cross section of drainage and overflow outlets in the present invention. Fig 6 is a perspective isometric view of the present invention in elevated position. Fig 7 is a perspective isometric view of the present invention in retractable position. Fig 8 is a front view of the cross section of the present invention shown in fully retractable position.

9 Fig 9 is a sectional view taken generally on Line 9 of Fig.8 showing closed assembly of the retractable bath tub of the present invention. Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of "including", "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention can be configured as follows: As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the present invention is placed on a stationary platform floor (1), and consists of a drain outlet (2), sliding ring inner wall seal (3), sliding ring (4), overflow outlet (5), overflow drain hole (6), ring hole (7), static ring (8), 10 drain pipe connector (9), drain valve (10), base plate (11), drain pipe (12), overflow drain connector (13), arm hole (14), pivot hole (15), motor (16), railing guides (17), scissor type lifting mechanism arms (18a),(18b), lead screw (19), connecting rod (20), sliding ring outer wall seal (21), relief pocket (22), supporting pillars (23), tap (24), Overflow sensor (25), seal (26) and roller (27). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig 1, the bath tub assembly of the present invention can be placed in the retractable position, and concealed into the floor at floor level (28) while not in use. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig 2, the bath tub assembly of the present invention can be placed in the elevated position, and lifted out of its concealed position in the stationery platform floor (1) while in use. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig 3, the present invention comprises of a base plate (11), preferably made of metal . This base plate (11) holds and supports the entire bath tub assembly. An outer enclosure static ring (8) is firmly mounted on the base plate (11), to encapsulate and contain all the other parts shown in Fig. 3. Attached to the upper face of base plate (11), the stationary platform floor (1) extends upwards to a floor level (28) (shown in Fig 1 & 2), mounted with multi- 11 supporting pillars (23). The upper face of the stationary platform floor (1) can have surface finish resembling the surrounding floor or can have a mechanism to mount or glue a thin layer of flooring to match cosmetic look of the surrounding floor. The entire bath assembly is encapsulated in the floor so that the top level of the stationary platform floor (1) and the sliding container ring (4) are at the level of the surrounding floor when not in use. In the retracted position as shown in Fig 1, the enclosure static ring (8) is positioned underneath the floor level (28), the top rim of the enclosure static ring (8) touching the stationery platform floor (1). During elevation of the bath tub assembly as shown in Fig 2, the enclosure static ring (8) is elevated out of the stationery platform floor (1), with the base of the enclosure static ring (8) touching the floor level (28). Therefore the existence of the bath tub is faked because no feature of the present invention protrudes above the surrounding floor and the floor of the room where the bath tub is placed, will appear to have flat floor level. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figs 3 and 5, a sliding container ring (4) is guided in between enclosure static ring (8) and a stationary platform floor (1). The vertical sliding movement of the enclosure static ring (8) is controlled by a lifting apparatus, preferably the scissor type lifting mechanism comprising of arms (18a) (18b). The sliding container ring (4) is supported by the scissors type lifting mechanism (18a) (18b). The pair of scissors arms (1 8a) (1 8b) is set on either ends of the sliding container ring (4) to balance its 12 movement. The base of scissor type lifting mechanism is guided and mounted on railing guides (17) and the base plate (11). Both arms (18a) (18b) are connected in the middle with a pivot pin to allow free swivel movement. A lifting mechanism is accommodated in a typical rectangular void relief pocket (22) hollowed into the sliding container ring (4). The lower end of arm (18b) is connected to a railing guide (17), using pivot pin connecting through pivot hole (15), thus allowing the free swivel movement of the arm (18b). The opposite end of the arm (18b) has a roller (27) fitted to allow free movement inside the relief pocket (22) to guide the sliding container ring (4). The arm (18a) is connected to the sliding container ring (4) with a pivot pin passing through the arm hole (14) and ring hole (7). The typical scissors arm assembly is fitted on either end of the base plate (11) to balance the sliding movement of the sliding container ring (4). The lower end of both identical arms (18a) is connected by a connecting rod (20), having a threaded hole in the middle, attached to a mating threaded lead screw (19). The lead screw (19) is connected to the spindle of a motor (16), mounted on the base plate (11). The motor (16) is controlled, preferably by remote control (not shown). The arms (18a) (18b) are thus connected with the connecting rod (20) which controls the traverse movement of the arms (18a) (18b) by connecting to a lead screw (19).On the side face of the stationary platform floor (1), a drain outlet (2) is connected to a drain outlet pipe (12), using a drain pipe connector (9). A drain valve (10) is connected between the drain pipe connector (9) and drain outlet pipe (12), preferably controlled by remote control to drain out water from the tank.

13 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 5-5A, an overflow drain system in incorporated in the present invention comprising of the sliding container ring (4) containing an overflow outlet (5), an overflow drain hole (6), connected to the drain outlet pipe (12) through the overflow drain connecter (13). On the upper face of the overflow drain hole (6), an overflow sensor (25) is embedded to control the fluid overflow outside the sliding container ring (4). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 5A, a sliding ring inner wall seal (3) is placed in between the sliding container ring (4) and the stationary platform (1) to protect the fluid leakage. A seal (26) is fitted in between the bottom face of the stationary platform (1), and the collar face of sliding container ring (4), to give extra leakage protection while the sliding container ring (4) is in the fully elevated position as shown in Fig. 2. A sliding ring outer wall seal (21) is fitted in between the static ring (8) and the sliding container ring (4) 6 to avoid foreign objects or liquid to enter into and be entrapped inside the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig 3, a tap (24) is preferably embedded inside the sliding container ring (4) and attached to a water inlet (not shown)passing through the sliding container ring (4). The tap (24) can be electronically controlled through remote control or wall control panel (not shown) or may be manually controlled by levers.

14 In a preferred embodiment of the working of the present invention, when the present invention is to be operated, the sliding container ring (4) is lifted from the platform floor (1) with the aid of a wall mount button or remote control. Once a lift button is pressed the sliding container ring (4) starts rising slowly above the floor level (28) and which retains its height upon releasing lift button. Once the sliding container ring (4) is in its position, fluid can be filled in the tank using the tap (24), which can be manually or electronically controlled. The drain valve (10) is closed to allow filling up the tank. The drain valve (10) is preferably electronically controlled so that the fluid in the tank can be easily drained out with a press of a button to release the drain valve (10). In a preferred embodiment of the working of the present invention, the overflow outlet (5) is always open so that the overflow fluid can drain out through the drain outlet pipe (12). As depicted in Fig. 5A, there is an overflow sensor (25) fitted above the upper surface of the overflow drain hole (6). Once the overflow sensor (25) comes into contact with liquid, it immediately shuts down the electric motor (16). The overflow sensor (25) thus has an important role of ensuring that the sliding container ring (4) is not lowered accidently while it is full of liquid. If a user attempts to lower the sliding container ring (4) while it is full of liquid then the liquid comes into contact with the overflow sensor (25). On doing so, the overflow sensor 15 (25) automatically cuts off power supply to the motor (16), resulting in the sliding container ring (4) promptly stopping its descent into the floor. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in lieu of the sliding container ring (4) moving vertically upwards and downwards, the sliding container ring (4) can slide at an angle to give a comfortable support to the user while sitting in the tub. The sliding container ring (4) can have a telescopic wall system so that it can squeeze into very little vertical space when fully retracted. The sliding container ring (4) may also be designed as capable of being lifted by aid of floating on the liquid. The floatable material may be fitted underneath the sliding container ring (4) such that it keeps the sliding container ring (4) floating on the liquid and keeps on rising or retracting in relation to the fluid level. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the base plate (11) and static ring (8) can be joined to form a single component. Further the base plate (11), static ring (8) and the stationary platform floor (1) can be joined to form a single component. Again the outer static ring (8) and stationary platform floor (1) may be joined to form a single component with a U-shape channel running in between, to accommodate the sliding container ring (4). The sliding container ring (4) may slide into this U-shape channel. Lifting system may or may not be fitted in this U-channel. Further the outer static ring (8) can be omitted for a more economical version. The whole embodiment, preferably the sliding container ring 16 (4) and the stationary platform floor (1) can also have heating or cooling system embedded to control or maintain the liquid temperature. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the lifting mechanism for the sliding container ring (4) is not restricted to a scissors type mechanism but can be any type of other mechanism available including but not limited to mechanical, hydraulic, manual, electrical, gas, pneumatic, etc, or the combination of a few of these technologies. Some of the preferred lifting systems include chain pulley, gear system, screw jack, cylinders, actuators etc. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, different materials, sizes, shapes and interconnections can be used for all the components. The whole embodiment is not restricted for a bath tub but can be easily implemented wherever liquid containment is required with endless possibilities like kitchen sink, wash basin, swimming pool, spa bath etc. The embodiment of a fluid container is not restricted to enclosed shape, and does not need to be free standing. It could be incorporated directly into the wall or corner so the wall/walls are integral part of liquid containment of liquid. The shape, size, material, position and quantity of all the tap ware, knobs and drain outlets is not restricted. Tap and knobs may be mounted free standing on floor, or wall, or connected directly onto any face of embodiment. Fluid inlet, drainage or temperature can be controlled manually or electronically or both or by any other controlling means e.g. remote controlled, 17 touch panel system, buttons or manual mechanical knobs etc. The seal shape, material, size, position and quantity is not restricted and sealing mechanism can also be altered to available numerous sealing systems. The embodiment is not restricted to contain water but can be implemented for any type of matter including liquid, gas, solid or mixture of any composition or state of matter. The liquid supply and drain, inlet and outlet, locations, sizes, shapes, and quantity is not restricted. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that various alterations, additions and / or modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the ambit of the present invention, and that, in the light of the above teachings, the present invention may be implemented in mechanical elements in a variety of manners as would be understood by the skilled person. Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends 18 to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/ or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable other skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

1. I claim: A retractable bath tub assembly comprising a drain outlet (2), a sliding ring inner wall seal (3), a sliding ring (4), an overflow outlet (5), an overflow drain hole (6), a ring hole (7), a static ring (8), a drain pipe connector (9), a drain valve (10), a base plate (11), a drain pipe (12), an overflow drain connector (13), an arm hole (14), a pivot hole (15), a motor (16), a railing guides (17), a scissor type lifting mechanism containing arms (18a),(18b), a lead screw (19), a connecting rod (20), a sliding ring outer wall seal (21), a relief pocket (22), a supporting pillars (23), a tap (24), an overflow sensor (25), a seal (26), and a roller (27), characterized in that the base plate (11) holds and supports the retractable bath tub assembly, the static ring (8) firmly mounted on the base plate (11) and forming an outer enclosure encapsulating and containing all the other parts, the sliding container ring (4) being supported on either end by the scissors type lifting mechanism (18a) (18b) and guided in between the static ring (8) and a stationary platform floor (1), the scissor type lifting mechanism (18a) (18b) accommodated in the rectangular void relief pocket (22) hollowed into the sliding container ring (4), the base of scissor type lifting mechanism being guided and mounted on the railing guides (17) and the base plate (11). 2

2. The retractable bath tub assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the scissor type lifting mechanism arms (18a) (18b) are connected in the middle, the lower end of both scissor type lifting mechanism arms (18a), (18b) being connected by the connecting rod (20), having a threaded hole in the middle, attached to the threaded lead screw (19) being connected to the spindle of the motor (16), mounted on the base plate (11), the lower end of the scissor type lifting mechanism arm (18b) being further connected to the railing guide (17) connecting through pivot hole (15), the opposite end of the scissor type lifting mechanism arm (18b) having the roller (27) fitted to guide the sliding container ring (4), the scissor type lifting mechanism arm (18a) being connected to the sliding container ring (4) with a pivot pin passing through the arm hole (14) and ring hole (7).

3. The retractable bath tub assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein on the side face of the stationary platform floor (1), the drain outlet (2) is connected to the drain outlet pipe (12), using the drain pipe connector (9), a drain valve (10) being connected between the drain pipe connector (9) and the drain outlet pipe (12), the sliding container ring (4) containing the overflow outlet (5), the overflow drain hole (6), connected to the drain outlet pipe (12) through the overflow drain connecter (13), the overflow sensor (25) being embedded on the upper face of the overflow drain hole (6). 3

4. The retractable bath tub assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the sliding ring inner wall seal (3) is placed in between the sliding container ring (4) and the stationary platform floor (1), the sliding ring outer wall seal (21) is fitted in between the static ring (8) and the sliding container ring (4), the seal (26) is fitted in between the bottom face of the stationary platform floor (1), and the collar face of the sliding container ring (4) and the tap (24) is embedded inside the sliding container ring (4) and attached to a water inlet passing through the sliding container ring (4).

5. The retractable bath tub assembly as claimed in Claim 1 and working thereof wherein the sliding container ring (4) is lifted from the platform floor (1) using any motorised or manual lifting mechanism including but not limited to the "scissor type" lifting mechanism (18a), (18b)", screw jack style, rack & pinion type, hydraulic, electric or pneumatic cylinders lifting system, and starts rising slowly above the floor level (28), fluid being able to be filled in the bath tub assembly using the tap (24) once the sliding container ring (4) is in its position, the drain valve (10) being closed to allow filling up the bath tub assembly, the overflow outlet (5) being kept always open to release and drain out overflow fluid through the drain outlet pipe (12), the overflow sensor (25) shutting down the electric motor (16) when it comes into contact with fluid, resulting in the sliding container ring (4) promptly stopping its descent into the stationary platform floor (1) which 4 extends upwards to the floor level (28), mounted with the multi-supporting pillars (23), the enclosure static ring (8) being positioned underneath the floor level (28) and the top rim of the enclosure static ring (8) touching the stationery platform floor (1) in the retracted position, the enclosure static ring (8) being elevated out of the stationery platform floor (1), with the base of the enclosure static ring (8) touching the floor level (28) in the elevated position that the top level of the stationary platform floor (1) and the sliding container ring (4) being at the same level of the surrounding floor when not in use.