GB2565372A

GB2565372A - A bath and bathing system

Info

Publication number: GB2565372A
Application number: GB1712956.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hartwell Miles
Original assignee: Splinter Works Bathrooms Ltd
Current assignee: Splinter Works Bathrooms Ltd
Priority date: 2017-08-11
Filing date: 2017-08-11
Publication date: 2019-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-11
Also published as: GB201712956D0; GB2565372B

Abstract

A bath 2 comprises an outlet 41 having a flow restrictor 40. The restrictor may have at least one outlet with a smaller cross sectional area than its inlet, and water may be channeled into a plurality of streams. The restrictor may be releasably connected to the plug of the bath, or it may be formed as part of the bath body. The restrictor may comprise a tubular member that defines a cylindrical connecting conduit that connects an inlet of the restrictor to at least one outlet. The outlet may be a cylindrical conduit that passes through a disc-shaped body located at the end of the connecting conduit. A plurality of outlet conduits may pass through the disc-shaped body. The bath, which may be in the shape of a hammock, may be suspended above a drain 20 located in the floor of a wet-room, the flow restrictor preventing the drain from becoming overwhelmed and overflowing. Alternatively, the restrictor may reduce that amount of splatter where the bath drains onto a floor.

Description

A BATH AND BATHING SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bath for a person. The present invention also relates to a bathing system for a person. The present invention also relates to a flow restrictor for restricting the flow of water from an outlet of a bath. The present invention also relates to a method of modifying a bath and to a method of modifying a bathing system. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising a bath and a flow restrictor.

Background of the Invention A known bathing system comprises a bath for a person, the bath having an outlet for passing water from the bath to the external surroundings of the bath. A floor, below the bath, is provided with a drain for receiving water that has passed out of the bath outlet.

However, in such a bathing system, the drain can become overwhelmed by the flow from the bath outlet, and overflow. Additionally, or alternatively, there can be a relatively large amount of splatter of water from the bath outlet, onto the floor around the drain. A similar problem exists when the bath is used outside, where the ground beneath the bath acts to naturally drain away the water from the bath outlet. In this case, a high flow of water from the bath outlet may be undesirable since if the water does not drain away fast enough, along the ground, then a large pool of water may form under the bath. Additionally, or alternatively, there can be a relatively large area of splatter of water from the bath outlet, onto the ground.

The present invention seeks to address or mitigate at least some of the above mentioned problems. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved bath for a person. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved bathing system for a person. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved flow restrictor for restricting the flow of water from an outlet of a bath. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide a method of modifying a bath. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide a method of modifying a bathing system. Alternatively, or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide a kit of parts comprising a bath and a flow restrictor .

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a bath for a person, the bath comprising a body that defines a volume for containing water for bathing, the bath comprising an outlet configured to pass water from the bath to the external surroundings of the bath, wherein the bath outlet comprises a flow restrictor configured to restrict the flow of water from the bath outlet.

The feature of a flow restrictor configured to restrict the flow of water from the bath outlet is advantageous in that it may restrict the flow rate of water from the outlet. Accordingly, it may prevent the flow rate of water from the bath outlet being greater than the maximum flow rate capacity of a drain, or surrounding area, thereby preventing the drain, or surrounding area, from becoming overwhelmed and overflowing.

Additionally, or alternatively, it may reduce the amount of water that passes to a floor provided with the drain, instead of directly to the drain, thereby reducing splatter. Additionally, or alternatively, it may reduce the area of splatter of water onto the ground beneath the bath outlet.

In embodiments of the invention the bath outlet is configured to pass water from the volume to the external surroundings of the bath.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow rate of water from the bath outlet.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured to limit the flow rate of water passing out of the flow restrictor to a maximum value.

In embodiments of the invention the flow restrictor is configured to provide a restricted but finite flow of water out of the bath outlet, i.e. a restricted flow that has a flow rate greater than zero.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured to channel water into at least one stream. Optionally the at least one stream is narrower than the flow of water entering the flow restrictor .

Optionally the flow restrictor has at least one outlet that has a smaller cross-sectional area than an inlet of the flow restrictor .

This may reduce the swirl of water passing out of the bath outlet, thereby reducing the extent that the water sprays radially outwardly as it leaves the bath outlet.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured to channel water into a plurality of streams. Optionally each stream is narrower than the flow of water entering the flow restrictor.

Optionally the flow restrictor has a plurality of outlets that each have a smaller cross-sectional area than an inlet of the flow restrictor.

Optionally the outlet of the flow restrictor comprises an exit orifice that has a smaller cross-sectional area than an inlet of the flow restrictor. Optionally the exit orifice has a smaller cross-sectional area than an inlet orifice of the flow restrictor .

Optionally the outlet of the flow restrictor comprises an outlet conduit and the exit orifice is an exit orifice of the outlet conduit. Optionally the outlet conduit is cylindrical.

Optionally the flow restrictor comprises a plurality of said outlets. In this respect, the flow restrictor may comprise a plurality of said exit orifices. The flow restrictor may comprise a plurality of said outlet conduits, where each exit orifice is an exit orifice of a respective outlet conduit.

Optionally the flow restrictor has an inlet fluidly connected to a least one outlet by a connecting conduit, wherein the outlet of the flow restrictor is provided in a surface that is located in the flow path of the connecting conduit.

This is advantageous in that the surface may impinge upon the flow through the flow restrictor, thereby acting to restrict the flow.

Optionally the flow restrictor comprises a plurality of outlets connected to the inlet by the connecting conduit, wherein each outlet is provided in said surface.

Preferably the, or each, outlet of the flow restrictor is located in the flow path of the connecting conduit. Preferably the, or each, outlet of the flow restrictor is located within the cross-sectional area of the connecting conduit.

Optionally the, or each, outlet of the flow restrictor comprises an orifice provided in said surface. Optionally the, or each, outlet of the flow restrictor comprises an outlet conduit that passes through a wall that forms said surface. The orifice may form an entry to the outlet conduit.

Preferably the outlets are provided in the same surface.

In embodiments of the invention the surface is configured to impinge upon the flow through the connecting conduit. In embodiments of the invention, the surface is located within the cross-sectional area of the connecting conduit. Optionally the connecting conduit extends from the inlet to the at least one outlet along a longitudinal direction and the surface is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Optionally the inlet of the flow restrictor comprises an orifice. Optionally the flow restrictor only has a single inlet. In this respect, optionally the single inlet of the flow restrictor is connected to the, or each, outlet of the flow restrictor .

In embodiments of the invention the bath comprises a body outlet for passing water out of the volume.

In embodiments of the invention the flow restrictor is connected to the body outlet. In this respect, in embodiments of the invention an inlet of the flow restrictor is connected to the body outlet. In embodiments of the invention the flow restrictor is connected to the body outlet, downstream of the body outlet. In embodiments of the invention the flow restrictor is a different entity to the body outlet. In embodiments of the invention the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow of water from the body outlet.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured so as to be releasably connectable to the body outlet. Optionally the flow restrictor is configured so as to be releasably attachable to the body outlet.

Optionally the flow restrictor comprises a connecting formation and the body outlet is provided with a formation for cooperating with the connecting formation of the flow restrictor so as to releasably attach the flow restrictor to the body outlet.

Optionally one of the formations is a screw-thread and the other of the formations is a complimentary screw-thread for engagement with the screw-thread.

Optionally the body outlet passes through the thickness of the body. Optionally the body outlet comprises a conduit. Optionally the body outlet comprises a plug hole and a plug mounted in the plug hole. In embodiments of the invention the plug hole passes through the thickness of the bath body. Optionally the plug is mounted in the plug hole such that it is movable between an open position in which it allows water to flow through the plug hole and a closed position in which it prevents the flow of water through the plug hole.

Optionally the flow restrictor is releasably attachable to the plug. Optionally the plug comprises a head and a stem, extending from the head. Optionally the plug stem is provided with said screw thread. Optionally the plug stem is provided with at least one conduit for passing water from the volume to the inlet of the flow restrictor (i.e. when the plug is in an open configuration).

Optionally a locking nut is mounted on the stem, so as to hold the plug in the plug hole. Optionally the locking nut is provided with a screw thread for engagement with the screw thread of the stem.

Optionally the locking nut abuts against an exterior surface of the bath body, so as to hold the plug in the plug hole .

Optionally the locking nut is mounted on the stem, between the flow restrictor and the bath body. Optionally the flow restrictor is mounted on the stem.

Optionally the stem is in fluid communication with the volume, for example by at least one orifice in the stem (when the plug is in the open configuration).

Optionally the flow restrictor is part of the bath body. In this respect, the flow restrictor may be integrally formed with the bath body. The flow restrictor may be made of CFRP.

Optionally the flow restrictor comprises a tubular member that defines a cylindrical connecting conduit that connects an inlet of the flow restrictor to at least one outlet of the flow restrictor, wherein the outlet is a cylindrical outlet conduit that passes through a disc-shaped body at an end of the connecting conduit, the outlet conduit having a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet.

Optionally a plurality of said outlet conduits pass through the disc-shaped body.

Optionally the conduits are separated from each other by the body. The conduits may be distributed circumferentially about a central longitudinal axis of the body. Alternatively, or additionally, the conduits may be distributed radially relative to a central longitudinal axis of the body.

In embodiments of the invention the, or each, outlet of the flow restrictor forms the bath outlet.

In embodiments of the invention the bath outlet is configured such that, as water passes out of the outlet, it passes to the external surroundings of the bath.

In embodiments of the invention the bath outlet opens to the external surroundings of the bath. In embodiments of the invention the, or each, outlet of the flow restrictor opens to the external surroundings of the bath.

Optionally the bath body is configured to channel water to the body outlet.

Optionally the bath body extends in a length direction between front and rear ends and wherein the height of the body increases towards its front and rear ends.

Optionally the body curves at least part way along its length. The body may curve upwardly towards its front and rear ends. The curve may be a concave curve.

Optionally the body extends in a width direction between first and second sides and wherein the height of the body increases towards the first and second sides.

Optionally the body curves upwardly as it extends towards its first and second sides.

Optionally the body curves at least part way along its width. Optionally the body curves from its first side to its second side. The curve may be a substantially continuous curve. The curve may be a concave curve. The body may have a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape.

Optionally the body extends in a length direction between front and rear ends and in a width direction, between first and second sides, wherein the height of an inner surface of the body, that defines said volume, increases from the body outlet towards the front and rear ends and from the body outlet towards the first and second sides.

The body outlet may be located at the lowest location on the inner surface of the body.

Optionally the depth of the volume increases towards the body outlet. Optionally the depth of the volume increases from the first and second ends to the body outlet and from the first and second sides to the body outlet. The depth of the volume may be a maximum at the body outlet.

Optionally the bath body is symmetrical in the length and width directions.

The bath body may have the shape of a hammock.

The bath body may comprise a composite material, preferably a composite material comprising carbon-fibre, for example CFRP.

In embodiments of the invention the bath is for a person to bathe in by sitting or lying in the bath.

The bath may be for only one person to bathe in it at a time. Alternatively, the bath may be for a plurality of people to bathe in at the same time. The bath may be for two people to bathe in at the same time. The bath may be for only one or two people to bathe in at the same time.

In embodiments of the invention the bath outlet is configured to direct water to a drain provided in a floor.

In embodiments of the invention the bath is configured to be suspended above a floor.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a bathing system comprising a bath according to the first aspect of the invention and a draining means for receiving water that has passed out of the bath outlet and draining the water away from the bath.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow rate of water from the bath outlet such that the draining means does not become overwhelmed. In this respect, optionally the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow rate of water from the bath outlet such that the flow rate of water out of the bath outlet is less than the maximum flow rate capacity of the draining means.

Optionally the bathing system comprises a floor and the draining means comprises a drain for draining water from the floor .

Optionally the drain is provided in the floor.

Optionally the bath is suspended above the floor.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow rate of water from the bath outlet such that the drain does not overflow.

In this respect, optionally the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow rate of water out of the bath outlet such that the flow rate of water entering the drain is less than the maximum flow rate capacity of the drain.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow rate of water out of the bath outlet such that the flow rate of water out of the bath outlet is less than the maximum flow rate capacity of the drain.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured to direct water towards the drain.

In this respect the, or each, outlet of the flow restrictor may be positioned and oriented relative to an inlet of the drain so as to direct water towards the drain inlet.

The, or each, outlet of the flow restrictor may be positioned and oriented relative to an inlet of the drain such that substantially all of the water from the bath outlet passes directly to the drain inlet.

In embodiments of the invention the draining means is for receiving water that has passed out of the bath outlet, to the external surroundings of the bath, and for draining the water away from the bath.

In embodiments of the invention the bath outlet is not fluidly connected to the draining means by a conduit that extends from the bath outlet to the draining means.

In embodiments of the invention the bath outlet is not fluidly connected to the draining means by a conduit that extends from the bath outlet to an inlet of the drain.

In embodiments of the invention the bath outlet is not structurally connected to an inlet of the drain.

In embodiments of the invention the bath outlet is spaced above an inlet to the drain.

Optionally an inlet to the drain is an inlet orifice in the floor, for receiving water that has passed out of the bath outlet to the external surroundings of the bath.

The floor may be configured to channel water to an inlet of the drain. The floor may be sloped so as to guide water to the drain inlet.

Optionally the bath is suspended above the draining means.

Optionally the draining means is for draining water from a surface and wherein the bath is suspended above the surface.

The bath may be mounted outside, above a surface of the ground, wherein the surface of the ground forms the draining means .

Optionally the bath is suspended above the floor.

In this respect, the bath may be spaced above the floor.

The bath may be suspended above the floor by attachment of the bath to at least one wall. An end of the bath may be attached to a wall. An upper edge of the bath may be attached to a wall.

Preferably the bath is suspended above the floor by attachment of opposite ends of the bath to a pair of opposed walls. Upper edges of the bath may be respectively attached to the walls.

The opposite ends of the bath may be opposite ends in the length direction of the bath.

It will be appreciated that the opposed walls may form part of the bathing system.

The bath may be suspended above the floor in a cradle or frame .

The bathing system may comprise a water inlet that is configured to supply water to the bath. The water inlet may be changeable between an open configuration, in which water flows from the water inlet to the bath, and a closed configuration, in which water does not flow from the water inlet. The water inlet may be a tap, for example. The water inlet may be separate to the bath. Alternatively, the water inlet may be part of the bath.

Optionally the floor is a floor of a wet-room.

The opposed walls may be part of the wet-room.

It will be appreciated that the wet-room may form part of the bathing system.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a flow restrictor comprising an inlet and at least one outlet, wherein the outlet has a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet.

In embodiments of the invention the flow restrictor is for use as the flow restrictor in the first or second aspects of the invention .

In embodiments of the invention the flow restrictor is for restricting the flow of water from an outlet of a bath that is for passing water from the bath to the external surroundings of the bath.

Optionally the flow restrictor comprises a plurality of said outlets.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow rate of water from a bath outlet.

Optionally the inlet is fluidly connected to the at least one outlet by a connecting conduit and wherein the at least one outlet is provided in a surface that is located in the flow path of the connecting conduit.

Optionally the flow restrictor is configured so as to be releasably connectable to a body outlet of a bath. Optionally the flow restrictor is configured to be releasably attachable to a plug. Optionally the flow restrictor is threaded.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a flow restrictor, for restricting the flow of water from a bath outlet, comprising a tubular member that defines a cylindrical connecting conduit that connects an inlet of the flow restrictor to at least one outlet of the flow restrictor, wherein the outlet is a cylindrical outlet conduit that passes through a disc-shaped body at an end of the connecting conduit, the outlet conduit having a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet.

Optionally the outlet conduits are distributed radially and circumferentially about a central longitudinal axis of the discshaped body.

Optionally an inner surface of the tubular member is provided with a screw thread.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of modifying a bath, the bath being for a person and comprising a body that defines a volume for containing water for bathing, the bath comprising a body outlet for passing water out of the volume to the external surroundings of the bath, wherein the method comprises connecting a flow restrictor to the body outlet.

In embodiments of the invention the method comprises connecting the flow restrictor to the body outlet such that flow from the outlet is restricted.

In embodiments of the invention the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow of water from the body outlet.

In embodiments of the invention, when the flow restrictor is connected to the body outlet, the flow restrictor forms part of an outlet of the bath for passing water from the bath to the external surroundings of the bath. In embodiments of the invention the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow of water from the bath outlet.

Optionally the flow restrictor is a flow restrictor according to the third aspect of the invention.

The bath may have any of the features of the bath of the first aspect of the invention. In this respect optionally the bath, with the flow restrictor connected, is a bath according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of modifying a bathing system, the method comprising the method of modifying a bath according to the fifth aspect of the invention, wherein the bath is part of a bathing system comprising a draining means for receiving water that has passed out of the bath outlet and draining the water away from the bath.

In embodiments of the invention the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow of water passing out of the bath.

The bathing system may have any of the features of the bathing system according to the second aspect of the invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a bath and a flow restrictor, the bath being for a person and comprising a body that defines a volume for containing water for bathing, the bath comprising a body outlet for passing water out of the volume to the external surroundings of the bath, wherein the flow restrictor is connectable to the body outlet to restrict the flow from the body outlet.

Optionally the flow restrictor is a flow restrictor according to the third or fourth aspects of the invention.

The bath may have any of the features of the bath in the first or second aspects of the invention.

The features of any of the above aspects of the invention may be combined with one or more features of any of the other aspects of the invention, in any combination.

Other preferred and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the following description.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the description and drawings .

Figure 1 is a plan view of a bathing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, where a flow restrictor and plug are omitted for illustrative purposes;

Figure 2 is a side view of the bathing system shown in Figure 1, but showing the flow restrictor;

Figure 3 is a view of the bathing system shown in Figures 1 and 2, taken along the line A-A in Figure 1 (with the flow restrictor and plug omitted for illustrative purposes);

Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of a bath of the bathing system shown in Figures 1 to 3 (with the flow restrictor and plug omitted for illustrative purposes);

Figure 5 is a lower perspective view of the bath shown in Figure 4, with the flow restrictor shown;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the flow restrictor of the bath shown in Figures 1 to 5 and of a locking nut;

Figure 7 is a side view, of the flow restrictor and locking nut of Figure 6, a plug and a section of the bath at the body outlet of the bath, showing internal detail(in dotted lines);

Figure 8 is a plan view, of the flow restrictor, plug and locking nut shown in Figure 7, showing internal detail (in dotted lines);

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the flow restrictor shown in Figures 5 to 8;

Figure 10 is a side view of the flow restrictor shown in Figures 5 to 9, showing internal detail (in dotted lines);

Figure 11 is view, from above, of the flow restrictor shown in Figures 5 to 10;

Figures 12 is a perspective view of the locking nut shown in Figures 6 to 8;

Figure 13 is a plan view of the locking nut shown in Figure 12;

Figure 14 shows a side view of the flow restrictor shown in Figures 5 to 11, showing internal detail (in dotted lines), where the flow restrictor is not connected to the body outlet of the bath, and

Figure 15 shows a bath according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a bathing system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The bathing system 1 comprises a bath 2 and floor 3 provided with a draining means in the form of a drain 20.

The bath 2 comprises a body 4, in the form of a thin walled hollow shell. An inner surface 7 of the body 4 defines an inner volume 5 for receiving and containing water for bathing (described in more detail below).

The bathing system 1 further comprises a water tap 15 configured to supply water to the bath 2. In this respect, an inlet 16 of the tap 15 is connected to a water supply (not shown). An outlet 17 of the tap 15 is positioned directly above the inner volume 5 of the bath 2. The tap outlet 17 is selectively adjustable between an open position, in which water passes out of the tap outlet 17 and into the inner volume 5 of the bath 2, and a closed position in which water does not pass out of the tap outlet 17.

The floor 3 is a floor of a bathroom in the form of a wetroom 12 that comprises opposed vertical front and rear walls 13a, 13b. In the currently described embodiment the front and rear walls 13a, 13b form part of the bathing system 1.

The bath 2 is suspended above the floor 3 by attachment of its front and rear ends 6a, 6b (see below) to the front and rear walls 13a, 13b. In the currently described embodiment this attachment is by brackets 14a, 14b. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable means of attachment may be used. For example, the bath 2 may be suspended above the floor 3 in a cradle or frame.

The bath 2 is not in direct contact with the floor 3, but is suspended above it, spaced above the floor 3. In this respect, the bath 2 does not have legs via which the bath is mounted on the floor 3.

The floor 3 is configured so as to guide water, that has passed onto the floor 3 from the bath outlet 41 (see below), to the drain 20. In this respect, the floor 3 slopes downwardly (in the length and width directions) to an inlet 22 of the drain 20.

The drain inlet 22 is an inlet orifice 22, located in the upper surface of the floor 3. The drain 20 further comprises a conduit 21 that fluidly connects the inlet orifice 22 to a mains sewage outlet (not shown) (it will be appreciated that 'fluidly connects' refers to putting in fluid communication). It will be appreciated that the conduit 21 is shown as truncated for illustrative purposes and that it extends to a mains sewage outlet. In the currently described embodiment the inlet orifice 22 has a square cross-sectional shape. However, it will be appreciated that the inlet orifice 22 (and the drain conduit 21) may have other cross-sectional shapes.

The body 4 of the bath 2 extends in a length direction L from its front end 6a to its rear end 6b and in a width direction W from an upper end 18a of a first side 8a of the body 4 to an upper end 18b of a second side 8b of the body 4.

The bath 2 is for a person to bathe in. In this respect, the bath 2 is of a size and shape suitable for a person, in this case a fully grown adult, to sit or lie in the bath so as to bathe in water contained in the bath 2. In normal use, a person's head is located at one of the front and rear ends 6a, 6b, with their feet located at the other end 6a, 6b.

Alternatively, or additionally, the bath 2 may be for two people to bathe in at the same time. In this respect, the bath 2 may be for two people to lie along the length direction of the bath 2, side by side in the width direction. Alternatively, or additionally, the bath may be for more than two people to bathe in at the same time. The bath 2 may be for one or more children to bathe in.

In the currently described embodiment the bath volume 5 is suitable to hold 200 litres of water.

The body 4 has the shape of a hammock. The body 4 is symmetrical in the length and width directions. The body 4 is elongate. In this respect, the length of the body 4 is greater than its width.

In the currently described embodiment the bath 2 has a length of 2,800 mm (mm = millimetres), a maximum width, mid-way along the length of the bath, of 850mm and a maximum depth midway along the length and width of the bath (at position E- see below) of 355mm. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these specific dimensions and that the size and shape of the bath 2 may be varied.

The body 4 is concavely curved, as it extends in the width direction, from the upper end 18a of the first side 8a to the upper end 18b of the second side 8b, to form a generally 13-shaped cross-sectional shape (with the open side of the '13' shape being the upper side). The body 4 forms a concavely curved base 10 and concavely curved side walls 11a, lib that extend upwardly and outwardly (in the width direction) from either side of the base 10 (see Figure 3) .

The body 4 curves upwardly from a position mid-way along the width of the body 4 towards the upper end 18a of the first side 8a and the upper end 18b of the second side 8b.

The curve of the body 4 is substantially continuous from the upper end 18a of the first side 8a to the upper end 18b of the second side 8b.

The body 4 is made of CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced polymer). In this respect, the body 4 comprises upper and lower skins of CFRP, with a skeleton of CFRP between the skins and configured to support the skins. The skins are seamlessly bonded together to give the impression that they are formed from a single piece of material.

The body 4 is symmetrical about a plane C (see Figure 3) that is located mid-way along the width of the body 4 and perpendicular to the width direction W. The body 4 is also symmetrical about a plane B that is located mid-way along the length of the body 4 and perpendicular to the length direction L (see Figure 2) .

The body 4 is concavely curved, as it extends in the length direction L.

In this respect, the body 4 curves upwardly from a position mid-way along the length of the body 4 towards the front and rear ends 6a, 6b of the body 4. However, the front and rear ends 6a, 6b are planar, sloping in a tangential manner to the curvature of the bath body 4.

The height H of the body 4 increases from a minimum midway along the length of the body 4, to the front and rear ends 6a, 6b of the body 4.

The height of the body 4 is a maximum at its front and rear ends 6a, 6b. The front and rear ends 6a, 6b are located at substantially the same height H.

The height of the body 4 is a minimum (Hmin) at a position E (see Figure 3) mid-way along its length and width. In the currently described embodiment this minimum height is 140mm. However, it will be appreciated that the height of the bath 2 above the floor 3 may be varied.

Since the floor 3 is sloping (see below), the height H is taken as the distance above the height of the drain inlet 22 (the level of which is shown as a horizontal dotted line in Figures 2 and 3) . However, it will be appreciated that any consistent reference datum may be used.

In relation to the above, it will be appreciated that the inner surface 7 of the body 4 that defines the volume 5 is concavely curved, as it extends in the width direction, from the upper end 18a of the first side 8a to the upper end 18b of the second side 8b, to form a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape. Also, the inner surface 7 is concavely curved, as it extends in the length direction L, from mid-way along the length of the body 4, towards the front and rear ends 6a, 6b. The inner surface 7 forms a general U-shape in the length direction. The height of the inner surface 7 is a minimum at a position E (see Figure 3) mid-way along the length and width of the body 4.

Each of the upper ends 18a, 18b is concavely curved (as it extends in the length direction), and curves upwardly from a position mid-way along the length of the body 4 towards the front and rear ends 6a, 6b of the body 4.

The depth D of the volume 5 increases from each of the upper ends 18a, 18b, of the sides 8a, 8b, to a maximum mid-way between the upper ends 18a, 18b.

The depth D of the volume 5 also increases from each of the front and rear ends 6a, 6b to a maximum mid-way between the front and rear ends 6a, 6b. In this respect, the depth D is a maximum at the position E (see Figure 3) mid-way along the length and width of the body 4.

The body 4 is provided with a body outlet 23 for passing water from the volume 5 and out of the bath 2 (via a flow restrictor 40, discussed below). In this respect, the body outlet 23 forms part of the bath outlet 41. The body outlet 23 comprises a plug hole 26 in the form of substantially cylindrical bore 26 that passes through the thickness of the body 4 from an entry orifice 24 located in the inner surface 7 of the body that defines the volume 5, to an exit orifice 25 (see Figure 3).

The entry orifice 24 is located substantially mid-way along the length and width of the body 4, at the position E. In this respect, the entry orifice 24 is located at the lowest location on the inner surface 7, with the inner surface 7 extending upwardly from the orifice 24, as it extends in the width and length directions. Accordingly, the inner surface 7 acts to channel water in the volume 5 to the body outlet 23.

The depth D of the volume 5 increases towards the entry orifice 24, with the entry orifice 24 located at the position of maximum depth D of the volume 5.

The body outlet 23 further comprises a plug 50 mounted in the plug hole 26. The plug 50 comprises a plug head 51 located in the volume 5 and a plug stem 52 that extends downwardly from the plug head 51 and through the plug hole 26.

The plug stem 52 is a substantially hollow cylindrical tube, with a plurality of openings (not shown) in a section of the stem 52 above the inner surface 7, in the inner volume 5, to allow water to pass into the stem 52 (when the plug is in its open configuration- see below).

The plug 50 is movable between an open configuration (shown in Figure 7), in which the lower surface of the plug head 51 is spaced above the inner surface 7 of the bath body 4 around the entry orifice 24, so as to allow water to pass, under gravity, from the volume 5, through the openings in the plug stem 52 and out through the stem 52, and a closed configuration, in which the lower surface of the plug head 51 is in contact with the inner surface 7 of the bath body 4 around the entry orifice 24, to prevent water from passing out of the volume 5 through the stem 52.

It will be appreciated that any suitable type of plug may be used.

The plug stem 52 extends downwardly through the plug hole 26 and protrudes out of the lower end of the plug hole 26.

The plug stem 52 is provided with an external screw thread 80 (Figure 7 schematically shows an upper section of the thread 80, but it will be appreciated that the thread extends all the way, around the stem 52, to the lower end of the stem 52) .

Referring also to Figures 12 and 13, there is shown a locking nut 53. The locking nut 53 is provided with an internal screw thread 81 (shown schematically in Figure 12), provided on an inner surface 57 of the nut 53, suitable for engaging with the external screw thread 80 on the plug stem 52.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the locking nut 53 is screwed onto the threaded plug stem 52 and tightened against the lower external surface of the bath body 4, so to hold the plug 50 in the plug hole 26 (but to still allow the plug 50 to move up and down so as to open and close the plug hole 26).

The plug stem 52 protrudes below the lower end of the locking nut 53.

Referring to Figures 6 to 11, a flow restrictor 40 is mounted on the lower end of the plug stem 52 (described in more detail below).

The flow restrictor 40 comprises a hollow cylindrical tubular member 42 which has an inner surface 48 that defines a cylindrical bore 47.

The tubular member 42 has an open upper end that forms a circular orifice 43 and a lower end that is closed (apart from at a plurality of exit orifices 46 (see below)) by a disc-shaped body 44.

The disc-shaped body 44 has a circular cross-sectional shape. Nineteen cylindrical outlet conduits 45 pass through the thickness of the body 44. Each outlet conduit 45 extends from an entry orifice 49, provided in an upper surface 60 of the disc shaped body 44, to an exit orifice 46 provided in the lower surface of the disc-shaped body 44. Accordingly, nineteen exit orifices 46 are provided in the lower surface of the disc-shaped body 44. Each outlet conduit 45 (including each exit orifice 46) forms a respective outlet of the flow restrictor.

The outlet conduits 45 are distributed radially and circumferentially about a central longitudinal axis of the discshaped body 44.

The tubular member 42 and the disc-shaped body 44 are integrally formed with each other.

The inner surface 48 of the tubular member 42 is provided with a screw thread 82 ((Figure 9 schematically shows the thread 82) for engagement with the lower section of the external screw thread 80 of the plug stem 52.

In this respect, the flow restrictor 40 is attached to the lower end of the plug stem 52 by being screwed onto it. The flow restrictor 40 is screwed tight against the lower side of the locking nut 53. In this respect, the locking nut 53 is mounted on the stem 52, between the flow restrictor 40 and the bath body.

The flow restrictor 40 is releasably connectable to the body outlet 23 by releasable attachment of the flow restrictor 40 to the plug stem 52 by said screw threads 80, 82. It will be appreciated that the connection referred to is a fluid connection, i.e. when the flow restrictor 40 is connected to the body outlet 23 it is in fluid connection with the body outlet 23 for receiving water from the body outlet 23.

When the flow restrictor 40 is in this attached position, the lower section of the plug stem 52 extends part way along the length of the bore 47 but terminates, at a lower end 62, before the lower end of the bore 47. Accordingly, a section 54 of the bore 47 that extends from the lower end 62 of the plug stem 52 to the upper surface of the disc-shaped body 44 (i.e. to the entry orifices 49 of the outlet conduits 45) forms a cylindrical connecting conduit 54.

At its upper end, i.e. at the interface with the lower end 62 of the plug stem 52, the cylindrical connecting conduit 54 forms an entry orifice 61.

The entry orifice 61 forms an inlet of the flow restrictor 40, with the outlet conduits 45, in the disc-shaped body 44, forming outlets of the flow restrictor 40.

The flow restrictor 40 is part of an outlet 41 (see Figure 2) of the bath 2 that is for passing water from the bath (i.e. from the inner volume 5) to the external surroundings of the bath 2. In this respect, the exit orifices 46, of the outlet conduits 45, are open to the external surroundings of the bath 2. The exit orifices 46 are located at the interface of the flow restrictor 40 with the external surroundings of the bath 2. In this respect, as water passes out of the exit orifices 46, it passes to the external surroundings of the bath 2.

It will be appreciated that, when the flow restrictor 40 is connected to the body outlet 23, the flow restrictor 40 forms part of the bath 2, with the flow restrictor 40 forming part of the bath outlet 41.

The bath outlet 41 (i.e. the exit orifices 46 of the flow restrictor 40) is not fluidly connected to the drain 20 by a conduit that extends from the bath outlet 41 to the inlet 22 of the drain 20. It will be appreciated that a conduit is any type of flow conducting structural member, for example a pipe, tube, channel, etc. The bath outlet 41 is not structurally connected to the inlet 22 of the drain 20. The bath outlet is spaced above the inlet 22 of the drain 20.

It will be appreciated that the flow restrictor 40 is a different entity to the body outlet 23 (with the flow restrictor 40 being connected to the body outlet 23).

As will be described in more detail below, the flow restrictor 40 restricts the flow of water from the bath outlet 41.

In use, when water is contained in the bath volume 5 and the plug 50 is in its open configuration, water flows under gravity through the openings in the plug stem 52, into the plug stem 52, along the plug stem 52, through the entry orifice 61 of the flow restrictor 40 and along the connecting conduit 54 of the flow restrictor 40.

The upper surface 60 of the disc-shaped body 44 is located in the flow path of the connecting conduit 54. In this respect, the upper surface 60 is located within the cross-sectional area of the connecting conduit 54. The upper surface 60 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting conduit 54. When the water flows through the connecting conduit 54, some of that flow impacts the upper surface 60, i.e. the water that does not directly pass straight through the outlet conduits 45. In this respect, the upper surface 60 impinges on the flow.

This acts to restrict the flow rate of water from the bath outlet 41.

In this respect, it reduces the flow rate from the bath outlet 41, i.e. relative to if the flow restrictor 40 was not there, where the bath outlet 41 is the body outlet 23.

It will be appreciated that references to 'flow rate' are to the volume flow rate (also known as the volumetric flow rate), i.e. the volume of the fluid that passes per unit time (e.g. it may have units of m3/s (where m = metres; s = seconds)).

Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of each of the outlet conduits 45, and of each of the outlet orifices 46, is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the inlet to the flow restrictor 40, i.e. of the entry orifice 61. It will be appreciated that where a cross-sectional area is referred to, this is taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective conduit (or orifice).

Accordingly, the flow restrictor 40 channels the water, through the nineteen outlet conduits 45, into nineteen outlet streams that are each narrower than the flow of water entering the flow restrictor 40.

This also acts to restrict the flow of water from the bath outlet 41. In this respect, it also acts to reduce the flow rate from the bath outlet 41, i.e. relative to if the flow restrictor 40 was not there. This also acts to reduce the swirl of water passing out of the outlet 41, thereby reducing the extent that the water sprays radially outwardly as it leaves the bath outlet 41.

This restriction of the flow rate, by the flow restrictor 40, is such that the drain 20 does not overflow.

In this respect, the flow restrictor 40 restricts the flow rate of water out of the bath outlet 41 such that it is less than the maximum flow rate capacity of the drain. It will be appreciated that the maximum flow rate capacity of the drain is the maximum flow rate that can pass through the drain, without the drain overflowing.

The above described arrangement of the flow restrictor 40 limits the flow rate of water passing out of the flow restrictor 40 to a maximum value.

The flow restrictor 40 provides a restricted but finite flow of water out of the bath outlet 41, i.e. a restricted flow that has a flow rate greater than zero.

The flow restrictor 40 is configured to direct water towards the inlet of the drain 20. In this respect, the exit orifices 46 of the outlet conduits 45 are positioned directly above the drain, within the footprint of the inlet 22 of the drain 20 and the outlet conduits 45 point towards the inlet 22 of the drain 20. This is such that substantially all of the water from the bath outlet 41 passes directly to the inlet 22 of drain 20. A method of modifying a bathing system, according to a further embodiment of the invention, will now be described. The method comprises connecting the flow restrictor 40 (the flow restrictor 40 described above) to the body outlet 23 of the bath 2 of the bathing system 1 described above. In the currently described embodiment, this is by screwing the flow restrictor 40 onto the plug stem 52. Figure 14 shows where the flow restrictor 40 is not attached to the plug stem 52 and Figure 7 shows where the flow restrictor 40 is attached to the plug stem 52.

It will be appreciated that this method comprises a method of modifying a bath 2, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figure 15, there is shown a bath 102 according to an additional embodiment of the invention. The bath 102 of this embodiment is identical to the bath 2 of the embodiments described above, apart from the following differences.

Corresponding features are given corresponding reference numerals, but incremented by 100.

In this embodiment the flow restrictor 140 is part of the bath body 104. In this respect, the flow restrictor 140 is integrally formed with the bath body 104. The flow restrictor 140 is made of CFRP and is fabricated into the CFRP of the bath body 104.

The bath 102 may be used in the bathing system 1 of the embodiments of the invention described above (in place of the bath 2). A kit of parts comprises the bath 2 and the flow restrictor 40.

It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above described design may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

For example, the number and arrangement of the outlet conduits 45 (and outlet orifices 46) of the flow restrictor 40 may be varied. For example, there may be only one outlet conduit 45 (and outlet orifice 46) .

In the described embodiment the outlet conduits 45 have a circular cross-sectional shape (and outlet orifices 46 are circular). Different shapes may be used. However, it is preferably the circular cross-sectional shape is used, as this reduces losses.

In the described embodiment, the bath 2 is suspended above a floor 3 of a wet-room 12. Alternatively, the bath 2, 102 may be used outdoors, suspended above the ground. In this case, a surface of the ground may form a draining means, in that it naturally acts to drain water away from the vicinity of the bath. The flow restrictor 40 may advantageously prevent this draining means from becoming overwhelmed, thereby preventing a large pool of water forming under the bath 2. Alternatively, or additionally, it may reduce the area of splatter of water from the bath outlet 41, onto the ground.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

1. A bath for a person; the bath comprising a body that defines a volume for containing water for bathing; the bath comprising an outlet configured to pass water from the bath to the external surroundings of the bath; wherein the bath outlet comprises a flow restrictor configured to restrict the flow of water from the bath outlet.

2. A bath according to claim 1 wherein the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow rate of water from the bath outlet.

3. A bath according to either of claims 1 or 2 wherein the flow restrictor is configured to channel water into at least one stream.

4. A bath according to claim 3 wherein the flow restrictor has at least one outlet that has a smaller cross-sectional area than an inlet of the flow restrictor.

5. A bath according to either of claims 3 or 4 wherein the flow restrictor is configured to channel water into a plurality of streams .

6. A bath according to claim 5 wherein the flow restrictor has a plurality of outlets that each have a smaller cross-sectional area than an inlet of the flow restrictor.

7. A bath according to any preceding claim wherein the flow restrictor has an inlet connected to at least one outlet by a connecting conduit, wherein the outlet of the flow restrictor is provided in a surface that is located in the flow path of the connecting conduit.

8. A bath according to any preceding claim wherein the bath comprises a body outlet for passing water out of the volume and the flow restrictor is configured so as to be releasably connectable to the body outlet.

9. A bath according to claim 8 wherein the body outlet comprises a plug hole and a plug mounted in the plug hole and wherein the flow restrictor is releasably attachable to the plug.

10. A bath according to claim 9 wherein the plug comprises a head and a stem extending from the head and wherein a locking nut is mounted on the stem, so as to hold the plug in the plug hole.

11. A bath according to claim 10 wherein the locking nut is mounted on the stem, between the flow restrictor and the bath body.

12. A bath according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the flow restrictor is part of the bath body.

13. A bath according to any preceding claim wherein the flow restrictor comprises a tubular member that defines a cylindrical connecting conduit that connects an inlet of the flow restrictor to at least one outlet of the flow restrictor, wherein the outlet is a cylindrical outlet conduit that passes through a disc-shaped body located at an end of the connecting conduit, the outlet conduit having a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet.

14. A bath according to claim 13 wherein a plurality of said outlet conduits pass through the disc-shaped body.

15. A bath according to any preceding claim wherein the bath comprises a body outlet for passing water out of the volume and wherein the bath body is configured to channel water to the body outlet.

16. A bath according to claim 15 wherein the bath body extends in a length direction between front and rear ends and wherein the height of the body increases towards its front and rear ends .

17. A bath according to claim 16 wherein the body curves at least part way along its length.

18. A bath according to any of claims 15 to 17 wherein the bath body extends in a width direction between first and second sides and wherein the height of the body increases towards the first and second sides.

19. A bath according to claim 18 wherein the body curves at least part way along its width.

20. A bath according to any preceding claim wherein the bath comprises a body outlet for passing water out of the volume and wherein the depth of the volume increases towards the body outlet.

21. A bath according to any preceding claim wherein the bath body has the shape of a hammock.

22. A bathing system comprising: a bath according to any preceding claim; and a draining means for receiving water that has passed out of the bath outlet and draining the water away from the bath.

23. A bathing system according to claim 22 wherein the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow rate of water from the bath outlet such that the draining means does not become overwhelmed.

24. A bathing system according to either of claims 22 or 23 wherein the bathing system comprises a floor and the draining means comprises a drain for draining water from the floor.

25. A bathing system according to claim 24 wherein the flow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow rate of water from the bath outlet such that the drain does not overflow.

26. A bathing system according to either of claims 24 or 25 wherein the floor is a floor of a wet-room.

27. A bathing system according to any of claims 24 to 26 wherein the flow restrictor is configured to direct water towards the drain.

28. A bathing system according to any of claims 22 to 27 wherein the bath is suspended above the draining means.

29. A flow restrictor, for use as the flow restrictor in any preceding claim, the flow restrictor comprising an inlet and at least one outlet, wherein the outlet has a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet.

30. A flow restrictor according to claim 29 wherein the flow restrictor comprises a plurality of outlets that each have a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet of the flow restrictor.

31. A flow restrictor according to either of claims 29 or 30 wherein the inlet is connected to the at least one outlet by a connecting conduit and wherein the at least one outlet is provided in a surface that is located in the flow path of the connecting conduit.

32. A flow restrictor according to any of claims 29 to 31 wherein the flow restrictor is configured so as to be releasably connectable to a body outlet of a bath.

33. A flow restrictor, for restricting the flow of water from a bath outlet, comprising a tubular member that defines a cylindrical connecting conduit that connects an inlet of the flow restrictor to at least one outlet of the flow restrictor, wherein the outlet is a cylindrical outlet conduit that passes through a disc-shaped body located at an end of the connecting conduit, the outlet conduit having a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet.

34. A flow restrictor according to claim 33 wherein a plurality of said outlet conduits pass through the disc-shaped body.

35. A flow restrictor according to claim 34 wherein the outlet conduits are distributed radially and circumferentially about a central longitudinal axis of the disc-shaped body.

36. A flow restrictor according any of claims 33 to 35 wherein an inner surface of the tubular member is provided with a screw thread.

37. A method of modifying a bath; the bath being for a person and comprising a body that defines a volume for containing water for bathing; the bath comprising a body outlet for passing water out of the volume to the external surroundings of the bath; wherein the method comprises connecting a flow restrictor to the body outlet.

38. A method according to claim 37, wherein the flow restrictor is a flow restrictor according to any of claims 29 to 36.

39. A method of modifying a bathing system, the method comprising the method of modifying a bath according to either of claims 37 or 38 wherein the bath is part of a bathing system comprising a draining means for receiving water that has passed out of the body outlet and draining the water away from the bath.

40. A kit of parts comprising a bath and a flow restrictor; the bath being for a person and comprising a body that defines a volume for containing water for bathing; the bath comprising a body outlet for passing water out of the volume to the external surroundings of the bath; wherein the flow restrictor is connectable to the body outlet to restrict the flow from the body outlet.

41. A kit of parts according to claim 40 wherein the flow restrictor is a flow restrictor according to any of claims 29 to 3 6 .