EP0224615A2 - Bubble massage bathtub and drain control unit for use therewith - Google Patents
Bubble massage bathtub and drain control unit for use therewith Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0224615A2 EP0224615A2 EP85116522A EP85116522A EP0224615A2 EP 0224615 A2 EP0224615 A2 EP 0224615A2 EP 85116522 A EP85116522 A EP 85116522A EP 85116522 A EP85116522 A EP 85116522A EP 0224615 A2 EP0224615 A2 EP 0224615A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cable
- air channel
- shell
- poppet
- channel means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
- E03C1/22—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks
- E03C1/23—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks with mechanical closure mechanisms
- E03C1/2304—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks with mechanical closure mechanisms the actuation force being transmitted to the plug via flexible elements, e.g. chain, Bowden cable
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H33/60—Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00
- A61H33/6068—Outlet from the bath
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H2033/0008—Arrangement for cleaning the installation before or after use
- A61H2033/0025—Arrangement for cleaning the installation before or after use by connecting the air lines with the drain
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H33/02—Bathing devices for use with gas-containing liquid, or liquid in which gas is led or generated, e.g. carbon dioxide baths
Definitions
- This invention relates to bathtubs that have a bubble massage feature, and rain control units which are particularly well suited for use therewith.
- the object of the present invention is to provide a bathtub of the above kind which is relatively inexpensive to produce, permits the use of extremely thin plastic outer shells as well as covering shrouds, is light-weight, provides superior support and protection for the air channels, and which hides the air channels from view.
- the present invention provides a bubble massage bathtub comprising a first cup-shaped shell member having a bottom wall and surrounding side walls; air channel means mounted under the first shell member; and apertures extending through said first shell members in communication with said air channel means; characterized by a second shell member mounted under said air channel means and having a floor and side walls arranged so as to receive said first shell member in a nesting relationship; a hardened foam material disposed between said first and second shell members and supporting said air channel means; and a drain opening extending through both of said shell members which is also in communication with the bottom wall of the first shell member and said air channel means.
- Stopper systems have been developed for bubble massage tubs which can be remotely activated.
- One is shown in U.S. Patent 2,856,611.
- poppets of this type rely on a complex lever mechanism that is expensive and difficult to install. Further, the mechanism can be noisy to operate due to the abrupt shifting and/or have reliablity problems.
- a further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for operating a bathtub poppet valve which is relatively inexpensive to construct, has positive opening and closing, and has a relatively quiet operation.
- the present invention therefore further provides an apparatus for operating a bathtub poppet valve, of the type which is mountable in a tub drain for upward and downward movement in a vertically extending drain pipe, characterized by a bendable cable connected to said poppet for controlling its movement; a remote control unit connected to said cable which is capable of causing said cable to pull the poppet down and push the poppet up; said control unit having a housing mountable on a wall, said housing having an axial bore; a sliding member mounted in the bore for axial movement, with its rotational movement being restricted, said sliding member also being connected to the opposite end of the cable from the poppet; a rotatable knob mountable to the housing; and a spindle extending axially between the knob and sliding member having threaded end; whereby rotation of the knob in either direction causes axial movement of the sliding member, movement of the cable and resulting vertical movement of the poppet.
- a bubble massage bathtub of the present invention is very inexpensive to assemble, permits the use of extremely thin plastic outer shells, is light- weight, provides superior support and protection for the air channels and hides the air channels from view.
- there is a reinforcing rib extending below the second shell floor which is in alignment with a portion of the air channel means.
- the rib is of a generally U-shaped cross sectional configuration and the air channel means projects down into the upper inside portion of the reinforcing rib. Further, a portion of the foam is positioned between the rib and air channel, inside the rib. With this structure, the rib and foam protect and support the air channel, while the air channel adds greater rigidity to the rib.
- inlet hole in the second shell member and a nut member disposed between the first and second shell members in alignment with the inlet hole.
- a mounting pocket adjacent the nut for restricting its rotation. This permits the air supply conduit to be easily threaded to the air channel even when the second shell is so thin that it cannot support threads.
- both the air channel and the tub drain can be simultaneously opened and closed.
- air being pumped into the air channel can only go through the tub apertures so as to maximize bubbling.
- the pumping air will then help to drive any dirty water out of the air channels into the drain.
- a bearing sleeve is positioned between the sliding member and housing. Also, there can be an internal threaded bore in the sliding member that meshes with a lower threaded end of the spindle, the spindle can be mounted for rotation with the knob, and there can be a cap/bearing which connects to the housing and guides the rotational motion of the spindle.
- the bubble massage bathtub 10 includes a first Cup-ped shell 11 which is received in a second shell 12 in a nesting manner.
- the first shell member 11 has a bottom wall 13, as well as side walls 14.
- An air channel means 15 is of a generally U-shaped configuration, and includes apertures 16 which extend through the floor 13.
- the second shell member 12 also has a floor 17 and complementary side walls 18.
- Transverse ribs 19 (see Figure 2) and longitudinal ribs 19A (see Figure 3) extend from the floor 17 of the lower or second shell member 12.
- a hardened foam material 20 of the polyurethane type is positioned between the first and second shell members.
- U-shaped plastic channel member 36 is secured by an epoxy adhesive to the lower surface of the bottom wall 13 of the first shell member 11. It has a portion disposed in an inner space of longitudinal rib 19A. This rib extends below the second shell member 12 floor. A portion of the foam material 20 also extends between the U-shaped channel member 36 and the rib. The air channel can therefore provide extra support for the rib, and the rib protects, hides and supports the air channel.
- FIG 4 there is shown an optional means of providing a front decorative vertical panel or shroud 42 (for installations where it is desirable to hide the underside of the tub).
- An indented portion 38 is provided in a top rim of second shell member 12, and one or more clips 40 of a generally split T configuration are secured therein (such as by a suitable adhesive).
- Each clip member 40 includes teeth 41 which will frictionally engage an upper portion of the decorative front wall 42 to hold it securely in place.
- a remote drain control 22 (see Figures 2, 6-8), and a double stopper valve 23 (see generally Figures 2 and 5) is operable in conjunction with an overflow unit (generally 27). Note also the overflow opening 29 in Figure 1.
- Overflow pipe 90 (see Figure 2) communicates with this opening 29 and is connected to the usual T connection 28, from which laterally' extends a drain housing pipe 39.
- the remote control 22 includes an outer housing 43 and bearing sleeve 44.
- the outer housing 43 has a hollow inner channel 93 with longitudinal slots 57 to receive longitudinal projections 72 of the bearing sleeve 44.
- an inner sliding member 45 has projections 58 for longitudinal sliding in the bearing sleeve 44. This is best seen in Figure 7.
- T-shaped guide 46 has a compartment 50 for slidably receiving a bar member 76 to which is connected an end of the wire 26 of the cable 25. Another compartment 51 receives the end portion of the cable 25.
- the slidable bar 76 is in turn connected to sliding member 45 by a threaded connector 49.
- guide 46 has projections 47 for engagement in complementary grooves in outer housing 43 (so as to prevent rotation).
- a cap/bearing 52 (see Figure 6) provides rotatable guidance for a spindle or stem 53 extending from the rotatable knob 24. The spindle is affixed to the knob to rotate therewith. External threads 77 on the bottom end of the rotatable spindle 53 will threadably engage internal threads 87 of the slidable body member 45.
- a flange 54 extending from the cap/bearing 52 will snap on a complementary groove in the upper portion of the outer housing 43 so as to form a compact cartridge unit. If desired, a threaded fitting could be employed in place of flange 54. A nut 55 will engage the threads 56 on the outer housing 43 to sandwich the tub wall.
- the cable 25 is secured in the generally L-shaped guide 59 with the inner bendable wire 26 extending therefrom and attached to an H-shaped connector 60.
- a threaded T connector 61 having a large diameter portion 62 and a small diameter portion 63, is threaded to the connector 60.
- a lock disk 65 is threaded along with the larger diameter threaded portion 62 into the stopper body section 66.
- a drain housing 66A is positioned to sealably engage the drain opening 21. It includes an apertured drain cover/screen 88.
- the stopper body section 66 includes an upper flange portion 86 and a lower flange portion 86A. The lower flange portion is provided with a peripheral seal ring 67 for sealably engaging valve seat member 68 on drain housing 66A.
- a washer 70 is positioned between the drain pipe 39 and the bottom of the floor 17. It should be further noted that the U-shaped air channel extension 79 will interconnect the air channel means 15 to the drain opening 21. Lateral openings such as 80 are provided in the drain housing 66A for this purpose.
- the cable 25 is firmly secured in a side connection area 28 by an apertured nut 83 engaging a connector 84 having a conical sleeve member 85.
- the sleeve 85 frictionally engages the cable 25 upon a tightening of nut 83.
- the outer housing member 43 of the remote control unit 22 can be inserted through a suitable opening in the first and second shell members 11 and 12 (or a bathroom wall) with the nut 55 making the attachment on one side and a flange member 86 at the opposite side.
- the cable 25 will then extend between the remote control 22 and the connection area 28 (see Figure 2).
- an air conduit 30 which is connected to the air channel means 15 (also 31, 32) by a nut 33.
- Nut 33 is fixedly positioned in a non-rotatable manner in an enlarged segment 32 of the air channel means 15. This feature permits the second shell to be exceedingly thin. (Forming threading in the sides of a hole through the second shell to receive the pipe is not required).
- the air channel means 15 further includes air conduit 31 which extends down the side of the tub.
- a connector 35 extends from air supply conduit 91 and through an opening 37 in the wall 18 to assist in the connection to the nut 33 (see Figure 10). Threads 34 achieve a coupling between these parts.
- Connector 35 also has an extension portion 81 with external threads 82 for engagement with the threaded nut 33.
- a washer 71 is also positioned between the connector 35 and the side wall 18 of the second shell member 12 as well as an additional support wall 78.
- the nut 33 is secured in the enlarged passage portion 32 from the channel 36 by an insert section 73. It has a U-shaped flange 74 and a U-shaped inverted portion 75 for positioning against a portion of the nut 33 at the bottom thereof. It also has an upper support wall 78.
- the first shell member 11 will be vacuum formed from an acrylic plastic and the second shell 12 will be vacuumed formed of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadine-styrene) resin.
- shell 12 can be formed from any inexpensive plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride.
- an acrylic-fiberglass composition layer will be applied to the bottom of the first shell member 11 and opposite the bottom wall 13 .
- the nut 33 is positioned in the portion 75 prior to the insert section 73 being placed under the shell 11.
- the next step is to adhesively secure the U-shaped channel member 36 (composed of. the same materials as shell 12) by an adhesive such as epoxy resin.
- the poppet and controls are made of conventional plumbing metals and plastics.
- Adhesive will be applied between section 73 and side wall 18 as well as support wall 78 and side wall 14. With the nut 33 secured therein in a non-rotatable manner, the first and second shell members 11 and 12 will then be placed together in a nesting manner. The polyurethane foam 20 will then be injected between the two shell members and permitted to foam and harden to provide a sandwich type configuration. This secures the shell members 11 and 12 together, and supports the air channel.
- the next step is to drill a series of holes 16 through the bottom floor 13 of the first shell member 11 (along the air channel means 15). Drain opening 21, overflow opening 29, and a control mount opening are drilled through both shells.
- the overflow pipe 90 can then be connected to the overflow opening 29 by a conventional attachment to secure overflow pipe 90.
- the drain housing 66A can then sandwich the tub by connecting to the drain pipe 39. Connection 35 is then threaded into the nut 33 so as to permit later attachment to the air supply conduit 91.
- the air will then be introduced under pressure into the enlarged passage portion 32 of the air supply means. It will flow downwardly through the air conduit 31 and through the U-shaped channel 36. Air will then flow upwardly through the apertures 16 to effect a bubble action in the water of the bathtub unit 10.
- the invention provides a unique construction for reducing the required material thickness needed of expensive, relatively rigid plastic panels. It also provides a very uncomplicated, lightweight, and solid construction.
- the air channels can be protected inside reinforcing ribs, and the channels in turn support the ribs.
- provisions for easily connecting an air supply can be made, notwithstanding that the thin outside shell is too thin to support threads in a bore through it.
- a unique poppet control can be provided which is quiet in operation, inexpensive and simple in construction, easy to install, and permits positive opening and closure of the valve.
- the spindle could be rigidly attached to the sliding member with the threads at the upper end.
- the knob could then have a central bore that interacts with the spindle upon rotation of the knob.
- Another alternative would be to form insert 73 with flange 74 integral with side wall 18 or to provide suitable supporting webbing or ribs for this purpose as well as for support wall 78.
- nut 33 could be molded with the wall 18.
- Air supply tube could be supplied with a threaded bolt end to engage the nut 33.
- a transverse rib 19 could accommodate the transverse portion 94 of the air channel means 15 in the same manner and with the foam 20 as indicated in Fig. 3 with respect to the longitudinal rib 19A.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to bathtubs that have a bubble massage feature, and rain control units which are particularly well suited for use therewith.
- There are currently available several types of hydro-massage bathtubs wherein air conduits are positioned adjacent to the tub floor for purposes of bubbling air up through the water in order to provide a hydrotherapy massage. Such units, examples of which are shown in U.S. Patents 3,251,071 and 4,249,522, leave the unsightly air channels visible to the user, leave these channels poorly supported, or require the use of extra thick and expensive plastic panels for support.
- The object of the present invention is to provide a bathtub of the above kind which is relatively inexpensive to produce, permits the use of extremely thin plastic outer shells as well as covering shrouds, is light-weight, provides superior support and protection for the air channels, and which hides the air channels from view.
- The present invention provides a bubble massage bathtub comprising a first cup-shaped shell member having a bottom wall and surrounding side walls; air channel means mounted under the first shell member; and apertures extending through said first shell members in communication with said air channel means; characterized by a second shell member mounted under said air channel means and having a floor and side walls arranged so as to receive said first shell member in a nesting relationship; a hardened foam material disposed between said first and second shell members and supporting said air channel means; and a drain opening extending through both of said shell members which is also in communication with the bottom wall of the first shell member and said air channel means.
- Stopper systems have been developed for bubble massage tubs which can be remotely activated. One is shown in U.S. Patent 2,856,611. However, poppets of this type rely on a complex lever mechanism that is expensive and difficult to install. Further, the mechanism can be noisy to operate due to the abrupt shifting and/or have reliablity problems.
- There are also available in connection with conventional tubs certain cable activated drain poppets as shown in U.S. Patent 4,411, 028. However, such cables are not connected to the poppet, and simply serve to cause a lever to shift the poppet up. Closing must therefore be accomplished by gravity or by a user stepping on the valve.
- Accordingly, a further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for operating a bathtub poppet valve which is relatively inexpensive to construct, has positive opening and closing, and has a relatively quiet operation.
- The present invention therefore further provides an apparatus for operating a bathtub poppet valve, of the type which is mountable in a tub drain for upward and downward movement in a vertically extending drain pipe, characterized by a bendable cable connected to said poppet for controlling its movement; a remote control unit connected to said cable which is capable of causing said cable to pull the poppet down and push the poppet up; said control unit having a housing mountable on a wall, said housing having an axial bore; a sliding member mounted in the bore for axial movement, with its rotational movement being restricted, said sliding member also being connected to the opposite end of the cable from the poppet; a rotatable knob mountable to the housing; and a spindle extending axially between the knob and sliding member having threaded end; whereby rotation of the knob in either direction causes axial movement of the sliding member, movement of the cable and resulting vertical movement of the poppet.
- A bubble massage bathtub of the present invention is very inexpensive to assemble, permits the use of extremely thin plastic outer shells, is light- weight, provides superior support and protection for the air channels and hides the air channels from view. In the preferred embodiment there is a reinforcing rib extending below the second shell floor which is in alignment with a portion of the air channel means. The rib is of a generally U-shaped cross sectional configuration and the air channel means projects down into the upper inside portion of the reinforcing rib. Further, a portion of the foam is positioned between the rib and air channel, inside the rib. With this structure, the rib and foam protect and support the air channel, while the air channel adds greater rigidity to the rib.
- In another preferred embodiment, there is an inlet hole in the second shell member and a nut member disposed between the first and second shell members in alignment with the inlet hole. There is also a mounting pocket adjacent the nut for restricting its rotation. This permits the air supply conduit to be easily threaded to the air channel even when the second shell is so thin that it cannot support threads.
- Through the use of the apparatus for operating a poppet valve both the air channel and the tub drain can be simultaneously opened and closed. Thus, when the tub is filled with water, air being pumped into the air channel can only go through the tub apertures so as to maximize bubbling. When the drain is open, the pumping air will then help to drive any dirty water out of the air channels into the drain.
- Use of the cable, guide and remote control provide for a relatively inexpensive construction that has positive opening and closing. Also, noise is reduced due to the gradual opening and closing action.
- In preferred embodiment a bearing sleeve is positioned between the sliding member and housing. Also, there can be an internal threaded bore in the sliding member that meshes with a lower threaded end of the spindle, the spindle can be mounted for rotation with the knob, and there can be a cap/bearing which connects to the housing and guides the rotational motion of the spindle.
- These and still other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description which follows. In the following description, the preferred embodiments of the invention will be disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 is a top plan view (partially fragmented) of a bubble massage bathtub and drain control in accordance with the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a view in partial vertical section taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a view in vertical section taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1;
- Figure 4 is a view in vertical section taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 2;
- Figures 5 and 5A are enlarged views of the drain control as shown in the closed and open positions;
- Figures 6 and 6A are enlarged views in vertical section illustrating the actuator mechanism for the drain poppet, shown in two positions;
- Figure 7 is a view in vertical section taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6;
- Figure 8 is a view in vertical section taken along line 8-8 of Figure 6;
- Figure 9 is an enlarged view in vertical section of the air inlet connection means shown in Figure 2; and
- Figure 10 is an assembly view of the nut retaining member of Figure 2.
- Referring first to Figuresl and 2 of the drawings, the
bubble massage bathtub 10 includes a first Cup-ped shell 11 which is received in asecond shell 12 in a nesting manner. The first shell member 11 has abottom wall 13, as well asside walls 14. An air channel means 15 is of a generally U-shaped configuration, and includesapertures 16 which extend through thefloor 13. Thesecond shell member 12 also has afloor 17 andcomplementary side walls 18. Transverse ribs 19 (see Figure 2) andlongitudinal ribs 19A (see Figure 3) extend from thefloor 17 of the lower orsecond shell member 12. A hardenedfoam material 20 of the polyurethane type is positioned between the first and second shell members. - Referring specifically to Figure 3, U-shaped
plastic channel member 36 is secured by an epoxy adhesive to the lower surface of thebottom wall 13 of the first shell member 11. It has a portion disposed in an inner space oflongitudinal rib 19A. This rib extends below thesecond shell member 12 floor. A portion of thefoam material 20 also extends between the U-shapedchannel member 36 and the rib. The air channel can therefore provide extra support for the rib, and the rib protects, hides and supports the air channel. - In Figure 4, there is shown an optional means of providing a front decorative vertical panel or shroud 42 (for installations where it is desirable to hide the underside of the tub). An indented
portion 38 is provided in a top rim ofsecond shell member 12, and one ormore clips 40 of a generally split T configuration are secured therein (such as by a suitable adhesive). Eachclip member 40 includesteeth 41 which will frictionally engage an upper portion of the decorative front wall 42 to hold it securely in place. - A remote drain control 22 (see Figures 2, 6-8), and a double stopper valve 23 (see generally Figures 2 and 5) is operable in conjunction with an overflow unit (generally 27). Note also the overflow opening 29 in Figure 1. Overflow pipe 90 (see Figure 2) communicates with this
opening 29 and is connected to theusual T connection 28, from which laterally' extends adrain housing pipe 39. - The
remote control 22 includes anouter housing 43 and bearingsleeve 44. Theouter housing 43 has a hollowinner channel 93 withlongitudinal slots 57 to receivelongitudinal projections 72 of thebearing sleeve 44. In a similar manner, an inner slidingmember 45 hasprojections 58 for longitudinal sliding in thebearing sleeve 44. This is best seen in Figure 7. - T-
shaped guide 46 has acompartment 50 for slidably receiving abar member 76 to which is connected an end of thewire 26 of thecable 25. Anothercompartment 51 receives the end portion of thecable 25. - The
slidable bar 76 is in turn connected to slidingmember 45 by a threadedconnector 49. It will be noted in conjunction with Figure 8 that guide 46 hasprojections 47 for engagement in complementary grooves in outer housing 43 (so as to prevent rotation). A cap/bearing 52 (see Figure 6) provides rotatable guidance for a spindle or stem 53 extending from therotatable knob 24. The spindle is affixed to the knob to rotate therewith.External threads 77 on the bottom end of therotatable spindle 53 will threadably engageinternal threads 87 of theslidable body member 45. Aflange 54 extending from the cap/bearing 52 will snap on a complementary groove in the upper portion of theouter housing 43 so as to form a compact cartridge unit. If desired, a threaded fitting could be employed in place offlange 54. Anut 55 will engage thethreads 56 on theouter housing 43 to sandwich the tub wall. - Referring now to Figures 5 and 5A (the double stopper valve), it will be seen that the
cable 25 is secured in the generally L-shapedguide 59 with the innerbendable wire 26 extending therefrom and attached to an H-shaped connector 60. A threadedT connector 61, having alarge diameter portion 62 and asmall diameter portion 63, is threaded to the connector 60. Alock disk 65 is threaded along with the larger diameter threadedportion 62 into thestopper body section 66. - A
drain housing 66A is positioned to sealably engage thedrain opening 21. It includes an apertured drain cover/screen 88. Thestopper body section 66 includes anupper flange portion 86 and alower flange portion 86A. The lower flange portion is provided with aperipheral seal ring 67 for sealably engagingvalve seat member 68 ondrain housing 66A. - A
washer 70 is positioned between thedrain pipe 39 and the bottom of thefloor 17. It should be further noted that the U-shapedair channel extension 79 will interconnect the air channel means 15 to thedrain opening 21. Lateral openings such as 80 are provided in thedrain housing 66A for this purpose. - The
cable 25 is firmly secured in aside connection area 28 by anapertured nut 83 engaging aconnector 84 having aconical sleeve member 85. Thesleeve 85 frictionally engages thecable 25 upon a tightening ofnut 83. - The
outer housing member 43 of theremote control unit 22 can be inserted through a suitable opening in the first and second shell members 11 and 12 (or a bathroom wall) with thenut 55 making the attachment on one side and aflange member 86 at the opposite side. Thecable 25 will then extend between theremote control 22 and the connection area 28 (see Figure 2). - As best seen in Figures 2, 9 and 10, at the opposite end of the
bubble massage bathtub 10 is anair conduit 30 which is connected to the air channel means 15 (also 31, 32) by anut 33.Nut 33 is fixedly positioned in a non-rotatable manner in anenlarged segment 32 of the air channel means 15. This feature permits the second shell to be exceedingly thin. (Forming threading in the sides of a hole through the second shell to receive the pipe is not required). - The air channel means 15 further includes
air conduit 31 which extends down the side of the tub. In an especially preferred form, aconnector 35 extends fromair supply conduit 91 and through anopening 37 in thewall 18 to assist in the connection to the nut 33 (see Figure 10).Threads 34 achieve a coupling between these parts.Connector 35 also has anextension portion 81 withexternal threads 82 for engagement with the threadednut 33. Awasher 71 is also positioned between theconnector 35 and theside wall 18 of thesecond shell member 12 as well as anadditional support wall 78. - The
nut 33 is secured in theenlarged passage portion 32 from thechannel 36 by an insert section 73. It has a U-shaped flange 74 and a U-shapedinverted portion 75 for positioning against a portion of thenut 33 at the bottom thereof. It also has anupper support wall 78. - A better understanding of the advantages of the bubble massage bathtub and drain control will be had by a description of the operation and fabrication of the tub. While many materials are suitable, preferably the first shell member 11 will be vacuum formed from an acrylic plastic and the
second shell 12 will be vacuumed formed of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadine-styrene) resin. Alternatively, shell 12 can be formed from any inexpensive plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride. To the bottom of the first shell member 11 and opposite thebottom wall 13 an acrylic-fiberglass composition layer will be applied. Thenut 33 is positioned in theportion 75 prior to the insert section 73 being placed under the shell 11. The next step is to adhesively secure the U-shaped channel member 36 (composed of. the same materials as shell 12) by an adhesive such as epoxy resin. The poppet and controls are made of conventional plumbing metals and plastics. - Adhesive will be applied between section 73 and
side wall 18 as well assupport wall 78 andside wall 14. With thenut 33 secured therein in a non-rotatable manner, the first andsecond shell members 11 and 12 will then be placed together in a nesting manner. Thepolyurethane foam 20 will then be injected between the two shell members and permitted to foam and harden to provide a sandwich type configuration. This secures theshell members 11 and 12 together, and supports the air channel. - The next step is to drill a series of
holes 16 through thebottom floor 13 of the first shell member 11 (along the air channel means 15).Drain opening 21,overflow opening 29, and a control mount opening are drilled through both shells. Theoverflow pipe 90 can then be connected to theoverflow opening 29 by a conventional attachment to secureoverflow pipe 90. - The
drain housing 66A can then sandwich the tub by connecting to thedrain pipe 39.Connection 35 is then threaded into thenut 33 so as to permit later attachment to theair supply conduit 91. - With a suitable amount of water in the bathtub massage unit 10 (provided by conventional water supplies), the air will then be introduced under pressure into the
enlarged passage portion 32 of the air supply means. It will flow downwardly through theair conduit 31 and through theU-shaped channel 36. Air will then flow upwardly through theapertures 16 to effect a bubble action in the water of thebathtub unit 10. - It will be appreciated that when the
poppet 66 is not closed, air will flow out through theair channel extension 79 and through theair orifice 80 in thedrain housing 66A, and consequently into thedrain opening 21. However, it will not be able to do so when its passage is blocked by the engagement ofseal ring 67 and thevalve seat 68. When this occurs, water will also be prevented from flowing out of the bathtub (due to the positioning and the sealing engagement of the upper flange member). Compare Figures 5 and 5A. - When it is desired to empty the water in the bathtub 10 (as well to permit any accumulated water in air channel means 15 to drain out the air channel means) a lifting of the stopper body section or
poppet 66 is required. This is effected in a gradual and positive manner by a rotation of theknob 24. - As the knob is rotated, the
stem 53 is carried with, causing theexternal threads 77 to move into theinternal threads 87 of the slidingmember 45. Since the sliding member cannot rotate, this causes a downward movement thereof. Compare Figures 6 and 6A. This in turn will push thewire 26 of thecable 25 upwardly in theguide 59. This results in an upward motion of theflange 86 away from thedrain housing 66A, and theflange portion 67 away fromvalve seat 68. When this occurs, both the water in the air channel means 15 and the contents of the bathtub flow downwardly through thedrain opening 21 and into thedrain pipe 39. The process is of course reversed for closing the tub. Note especially that the rotation of the knob and theguide 59 permit a bendable wire to be able to push as well as pullpoppet 66. - Thus, the invention provides a unique construction for reducing the required material thickness needed of expensive, relatively rigid plastic panels. It also provides a very uncomplicated, lightweight, and solid construction. The air channels can be protected inside reinforcing ribs, and the channels in turn support the ribs.
- In other embodiments, provisions for easily connecting an air supply can be made, notwithstanding that the thin outside shell is too thin to support threads in a bore through it. Also, a unique poppet control can be provided which is quiet in operation, inexpensive and simple in construction, easy to install, and permits positive opening and closure of the valve.
- While certain preferred embodiments have been described above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that a number of other modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the spindle could be rigidly attached to the sliding member with the threads at the upper end. The knob could then have a central bore that interacts with the spindle upon rotation of the knob. Another alternative would be to form insert 73 with flange 74 integral with
side wall 18 or to provide suitable supporting webbing or ribs for this purpose as well as forsupport wall 78. If desired,nut 33 could be molded with thewall 18. Yet another alternative would be the elimination of theconnector 35. Air supply tube could be supplied with a threaded bolt end to engage thenut 33. Further, atransverse rib 19 could accommodate thetransverse portion 94 of the air channel means 15 in the same manner and with thefoam 20 as indicated in Fig. 3 with respect to thelongitudinal rib 19A.
Claims (10)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US76532385A | 1985-08-13 | 1985-08-13 | |
US765323 | 1985-08-13 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0224615A2 true EP0224615A2 (en) | 1987-06-10 |
EP0224615A3 EP0224615A3 (en) | 1988-09-14 |
Family
ID=25073245
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP85116522A Withdrawn EP0224615A3 (en) | 1985-08-13 | 1985-12-23 | Bubble massage bathtub and drain control unit for use therewith |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0224615A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS6241660A (en) |
KR (1) | KR870001810A (en) |
CN (1) | CN85109398A (en) |
BR (1) | BR8506589A (en) |
ES (1) | ES8705602A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2198346A (en) * | 1986-12-10 | 1988-06-15 | Aqua Dial Limited | Air bath |
EP0272601A2 (en) * | 1986-12-23 | 1988-06-29 | HOESCH Metall + Kunststoffwerk GmbH & Co. | Bath with an air bubble system |
EP0337213A1 (en) * | 1988-04-13 | 1989-10-18 | FISCHER & MENZE GMBH | Outlet fixture for tubs |
GB2221614A (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1990-02-14 | Hahn Abel B | Liner for bath |
DE4010976C1 (en) * | 1990-04-05 | 1991-07-25 | Martin T. 4030 Ratingen De Schydlo | |
WO1992018712A1 (en) * | 1991-04-09 | 1992-10-29 | Vico Products Mfg Co. A/S | Drain valve |
EP1540092A1 (en) * | 2002-09-18 | 2005-06-15 | Kohler Co. | Overflow and drain control for a bathtub |
GB2466309A (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-06-23 | Cavalier Marketing Ltd | A bath |
US20130227778A1 (en) * | 2010-11-15 | 2013-09-05 | Masco Bath Corporation | Use of rigid polyurethane foam to encapsulate plumbing in a therapy bath |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5013915A (en) * | 1988-05-20 | 1991-05-07 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Transmission type electron microscope |
JPH0250463U (en) * | 1988-09-30 | 1990-04-09 | ||
JP2615232B2 (en) * | 1990-01-26 | 1997-05-28 | 高木産業 株式会社 | Bath equipment |
ES2116150B1 (en) * | 1994-05-12 | 1999-03-01 | Aquatecnic S A | DRAIN SHUTTER DEVICE. |
CN100448388C (en) * | 2005-08-16 | 2009-01-07 | 宣城市银河洁具有限责任公司 | Composite compound bathtub, and fabricating technique |
KR101042550B1 (en) * | 2009-01-21 | 2011-06-20 | 서성창 | A draining apparatus for a washstand |
CN109138073A (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2019-01-04 | 北海农瑞农业技术开发有限公司 | A kind of drainer of wash basin of external control |
CN109138072A (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2019-01-04 | 北海农瑞农业技术开发有限公司 | A kind of external outlet device ontology controlled in drainer of wash basin |
CN109138078A (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2019-01-04 | 北海农瑞农业技术开发有限公司 | A kind of drainer of wash basin of the external control of block-proof type |
CN109138074A (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2019-01-04 | 北海农瑞农业技术开发有限公司 | A kind of outlet device ontology in the drainer of wash basin of the external control of block-proof type |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2044253A (en) * | 1934-11-20 | 1936-06-16 | George J Morris | Bathtub stopper |
US2856611A (en) * | 1955-07-01 | 1958-10-21 | Velonis Stamatis George | Therapeutic bath device |
US4000528A (en) * | 1975-03-10 | 1977-01-04 | Posnick Irving H | Whirlpool tub and method of making same |
FR2475181A1 (en) * | 1980-02-05 | 1981-08-07 | Geberit Ag | ARMATURE FOR REMOTE CONTROL OF THE FLOW VALVE OF A DISHWASHER TABLE |
-
1985
- 1985-12-23 EP EP85116522A patent/EP0224615A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1985-12-27 JP JP60299645A patent/JPS6241660A/en active Pending
- 1985-12-27 ES ES550471A patent/ES8705602A1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-12-27 CN CN198585109398A patent/CN85109398A/en active Pending
- 1985-12-28 KR KR1019850009925A patent/KR870001810A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1985-12-30 BR BR8506589A patent/BR8506589A/en unknown
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2044253A (en) * | 1934-11-20 | 1936-06-16 | George J Morris | Bathtub stopper |
US2856611A (en) * | 1955-07-01 | 1958-10-21 | Velonis Stamatis George | Therapeutic bath device |
US4000528A (en) * | 1975-03-10 | 1977-01-04 | Posnick Irving H | Whirlpool tub and method of making same |
FR2475181A1 (en) * | 1980-02-05 | 1981-08-07 | Geberit Ag | ARMATURE FOR REMOTE CONTROL OF THE FLOW VALVE OF A DISHWASHER TABLE |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2198346A (en) * | 1986-12-10 | 1988-06-15 | Aqua Dial Limited | Air bath |
EP0272601A2 (en) * | 1986-12-23 | 1988-06-29 | HOESCH Metall + Kunststoffwerk GmbH & Co. | Bath with an air bubble system |
EP0272601A3 (en) * | 1986-12-23 | 1989-07-26 | Hoesch Metall + Kunststoffwerk Gmbh & Co. | Bath with an air bubble system |
EP0337213A1 (en) * | 1988-04-13 | 1989-10-18 | FISCHER & MENZE GMBH | Outlet fixture for tubs |
GB2221614A (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1990-02-14 | Hahn Abel B | Liner for bath |
DE4010976C1 (en) * | 1990-04-05 | 1991-07-25 | Martin T. 4030 Ratingen De Schydlo | |
WO1992018712A1 (en) * | 1991-04-09 | 1992-10-29 | Vico Products Mfg Co. A/S | Drain valve |
EP1540092A1 (en) * | 2002-09-18 | 2005-06-15 | Kohler Co. | Overflow and drain control for a bathtub |
EP1540092A4 (en) * | 2002-09-18 | 2010-07-21 | Kohler Co | Overflow and drain control for a bathtub |
GB2466309A (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-06-23 | Cavalier Marketing Ltd | A bath |
US20130227778A1 (en) * | 2010-11-15 | 2013-09-05 | Masco Bath Corporation | Use of rigid polyurethane foam to encapsulate plumbing in a therapy bath |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPS6241660A (en) | 1987-02-23 |
ES8705602A1 (en) | 1987-05-01 |
ES550471A0 (en) | 1987-05-01 |
BR8506589A (en) | 1987-06-16 |
KR870001810A (en) | 1987-03-28 |
CN85109398A (en) | 1987-02-11 |
EP0224615A3 (en) | 1988-09-14 |
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