GB2598567A

GB2598567A - Bathing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2598567A
Application number: GB2013675.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robinson Nigel
Original assignee: Macelands Ltd
Current assignee: Macelands Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-01
Filing date: 2020-09-01
Publication date: 2022-03-09
Also published as: GB202013675D0

Abstract

The bathing apparatus 100 (e.g. hot-tub) comprises a first reservoir 110 defined by a first base 102 and at least one first wall 104; a second reservoir 112 in which a person may bathe, defined by a second base 114 and at least one second wall 106 (e.g. defining a seat); a door 150 for accessing the second reservoir; and pump(s) 124,134 for selectively transferring water from the first reservoir to the second for bathing and vice versa to allow entry/exit via the door. There may be separate pumps to transfer water from the first to the second reservoir and vice versa. Optionally a controller selectively operates the pump(s), responsive to signal(s) e.g. from a door sensor, water level sensor(s) and/or a user interface. A water heater and/or filter and/or a cover 160 may be provided. The first reservoir may surround and support the first.

Description

BATHING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to bathing apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, to a hot tub for elderly or physically impaired users.

Conventional hot tubs are notoriously difficult to enter into and exit from in view of their relatively high-sided walls. It is known to use a set of steps but the user must still step over the wall of the hot tub and the risk of injury as a result of slipping on, or even missing, the seat of the hot tub when attempting to step thereon to access the hot tub is high. This process is difficult and risky for a relatively young person, and even more so for an elderly or physically impaired user.

Similar problems are experienced when stepping into or out of a conventional bath. Furthermore, a conventional bath takes a significant amount of time to fill to a desired level and the water is typically used only once before being drained away as waste water.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a bathing apparatus which is easy and safe to access and exit, particularly for elderly or physically impaired users, whilst being environmentally-friendly.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bathing apparatus comprising: a first reservoir for containing a first volume of water and defined by a first base region and at least one first wall region; a second reservoir for containing a second volume of water to bathe a person therein and defined by a second base region and at least one second wall region; at least one door to allow a person to selectively enter or exit the second reservoir; and at least one pump for selectively transferring water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir to bathe a person located therein and vice versa to allow a person to enter or exit the second reservoir via the door.

Optionally, the door is mounted in an aperture located in the first wall region and a portion of the second wall region extends inwardly from the first wall region such that the aperture communicates with the second reservoir.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a first outlet located in or proximal to the first base region and a first inlet located in an upper region of the second wall region, wherein the at least one pump comprises a first pump connected between the first inlet and the first outlet by respective conduits for transferring water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a second outlet located in or proximal to the second base region and a second inlet located in an upper region of the first wall region, wherein at least one second pump is connected between the second inlet and the second outlet by respective conduits for transferring water from the second reservoir to the first reservoir.

Optionally, the second inlet is connectable to a further conduit for filling the first reservoir with water.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a controller for selectively operating the at least one first pump responsive to at least one signal received by the controller.

Optionally, the at least one signal comprises a signal provided by a sensor to determine the door is in a closed and locked state.

Optionally, the at least one signal comprises a signal provided by a sensor to determine a level of water in the first reservoir and/or the second reservoir.

Optionally, the at least one signal comprises a signal provided by a user interface 30 operable by a user of the apparatus.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises at least one heating element located in the first reservoir to heat water therein.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises at least one filter to filter water being transferred between the first reservoir and the second reservoir.

Optionally, the second reservoir is located substantially centrally within the first reservoir such that the first volume of water substantially surrounds the second wall region.

Optionally, the second reservoir is located on and supported by the first reservoir.

Optionally, the second base region is spaced apart from the first base region.

Optionally, the second wall region defines at least one seat.

Optionally, the second wall region supports a person in a reclined position.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a closure member for covering at least the second reservoir when not in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a hot tub comprising apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference 25 to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 illustrates a cross sectional view through a hot tub according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

As illustrated in Figure 1, a bathing apparatus 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention includes a substantially flat outer base region 102 for locating on a substantially flat support surface such as a room floor, patio, decking, or the like. The outer base region may be any suitable shape such as circular, oval, square or the like. Depending on the shape of the outer base region 102, the bathing apparatus includes at least one outer wall region 104 extending up from the outer base region. If the outer base region was substantially circular, for example, the bathing apparatus would include a single and substantially curved outer wall region extending upwardly from the perimeter of the circular outer base region. Alternatively, if the outer base region was square, for example, the bathing apparatus would include four distinct outer wall regions extending upwardly from the edges of the outer base region. The outer wall region 104 extends substantially vertically from the base region 102.

The apparatus 100 further includes at least one inner wall region 106 which extends from two spaced apart ends thereof from a portion of the outer wall region 104. The inner wall region may be a single, substantially curved inner wall region or may comprise a plurality of distinct inner wall regions. For example, the inner wall region may be substantially parabolic or semi-circular in plan profile with both ends thereof extending from a portion of the outer wall region such as a distinct wall of a substantially square outer wall region having four walls.

An upper region 108 extends between the upper edge/s of the inner wall region/s 106 and the outer wall region/s 104 to close and seal the upper gap therebetween. The upper region 108 is substantially flat and horizontal and may be used as a shelf for placing items on, such as a glass or bottle, when the apparatus is in use and/or for mounting controls, such as buttons, for operating the apparatus.

The base region 102, outer wall region/s 104, inner wall region/s 106 and upper region 108 define a first reservoir 110 for containing a first predetermined volume of water. The inner wall region/s 106 defines a second reservoir 112 for containing a second predetermined volume of water in which a person can bath in.

A door 150 is provided in the outer wall region 104 and between the spaced apart ends of the inner wall region 104 to allow a person to access through the outer wall region and into the second reservoir 112. The door aperture in the outer wall region 104 is sized such that the aperture only extends into the second reservoir and not the first reservoir. The door is hingedly mounted to the outer wall region and comprises a sealing element to securely seal the interface between the door and the outer wall region when the door is closed to thereby prevent water leaking from the second reservoir in use. The door includes a lock to prevent the same being unintentionally opened when the second reservoir 112 contains water and/or is in use. The lock may be a manually operated lock or may be automatically actuated by the controller in response to a user pressing a button or in response to a signal from a sensor indicating the second reservoir is empty. For example, the controller may prevent the door from being opened when the second reservoir contains the second volume of water based on a signal from a sensor sensing water in the second reservoir, or the controller may automatically unlock the door based on a signal from a sensor sensing water in the first reservoir and/or no water in the second reservoir.

The inner wall region/s 106 is shaped to define one or more seats for a person to sit on when in the bathing apparatus, aptly such that their legs and torso are located below the level of the second volume of water whereas their head is located above the level of water. The inner wall region/s 106 may be stepped as illustrated to receive and support a person in an upright position or alternatively the inner wall region/s may be substantially curved to receive and support a person in a reclined position, such as when in a bath.

The apparatus 100 further includes a first outlet 120 located in or proximal to the outer base region 102 of the outer wall region/s 104, and a first inlet 122 located in an upper region of the inner wall region/s 106. A first pump 124 is connected between the first inlet and the first outlet by respective conduits 126,128. A second outlet 130 is located in or proximal to an inner base region 114 and a second inlet 132 is located in an upper region of the outer wall region/s 104. A second pump 134 is connected between the second inlet and the second outlet by respective conduits 136,138. A controller (not shown) is coupled to the first and second pumps to allow a user to selectively operate the same when desired via one or more buttons mounted on, for example, the upper region 108 of the apparatus. The buttons may be physical buttons or may be provided by a touch display of a user interface of the apparatus.

The apparatus further includes at least one heating element (not shown) located in the first reservoir for heating the first volume of water contained therein to a first predetermined temperature. Aptly, one or more filter elements may be provided between the first and second reservoirs to filter and clean the water as it passes between the reservoirs in use.

In use, a predetermined first volume of water is contained in the first reservoir 110. The first volume of water may be introduced into the first reservoir either directly by a hosepipe, or the like, connectable to a suitable inlet, such as the second inlet 132, or by filling the second reservoir and pumping the water into the first reservoir using the second pump 134. Alternatively, the first reservoir may be initially filled via a port or opening in the upper region 108.

The first volume of water is heated by the heating element/s to a desired temperature of around 38°C. A temperature sensor may also be provided in the first reservoir and coupled to the controller to allow the same to monitor the water temperature and activate the heating element accordingly to ensure the water remains at the desired temperature. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used an ice bath or the like wherein the water temperature is significantly less than around 38°C and may be cooled instead of heated to achieve the desired water temperature. Aptly, the water temperature may be controlled via the user interface.

Aptly, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of jets located in the inner wall region/s 106 to cause jet streams and/or bubbles in the second volume of water in the second reservoir to provide a conventional hot tub experience. Aptly, the intensity of the jets may be controlled via the user interface.

When a person wishes to use the apparatus for bathing, such as a hot tub, the second reservoir is empty and the door 150 is safe to open. The person accesses the second reservoir 112 via the door and securely closes the same behind them. Responsive to a signal being received by the controller to indicate a person is in the second reservoir, such as a button being pressed by the user or a voice activation or the like, and the door is closed and locked (one or more sensors may additionally or alternatively determine the presence of a person and/or the door is closed and locked), the first pump 132 is operated by the controller to pump the water from the first reservoir 112 via the first outlet 120 and into the second reservoir 114 via the first inlet 122. The maximum volumes of the first and second reservoirs may be configured such that the second volume of water in the second reservoir is substantially equal the first volume of the water in the first reservoir. Alternatively, the second volume of water may be less than the first volume of water in which case a sensor may be provided to determine when a level of the second volume of water has reached a predetermined maximum level and the controller stops the second pump accordingly. The water is aptly cleaned and filtered as it is pumped into the second reservoir. When the user has finished bathing in the second reservoir, the user presses a button or the like on the user interface and the controller operates the second pump 134 to transfer water from the second reservoir 114 back into the first reservoir 112 via the second outlet 130 and the second inlet 132. The water is aptly cleaned and filtered as it is pumped into the first reservoir. When the second reservoir is substantially empty, the door can be unlocked, either manually or automatically, and opened to allow the user to safely exit the apparatus. The water is efficiently contained in the first reservoir 112, and aptly kept at a predetermined temperature, until the bathing apparatus is to be used again. Aptly, the volume of water in the first reservoir may be agitated and moved by suitable means, such as mechanical or hydraulic means, to prevent the water going stagnant if stored for a relatively period of time between uses of the apparatus. Additionally, or alternatively, the predetermined temperature of the water in the first reservoir may be periodically increased to around 60°C to ensure bacteria does not grow in the first reservoir.

Aptly, the volume of water required in the second reservoir for a bath is around 130-litres and for a hot tub is around 1100-2550 litres. Aptly, the first and second pumps 124,134 are configured to transfer around 250 Fitres/min meaning it would take less than a minute to fill or empty the second reservoir when the apparatus is configured for use as a bath or around 4-10 minutes to fill or empty the second reservoir when the apparatus is configured for use as a hot tub.

Aptly, the wall regions of the apparatus are made from a vinyl, rotomolded plastic, or acrylic, or the like. Alternatively, the wall regions may be constructed from cement, stainless steel, fiberglass, or inflatable PVC, or the like. The illustrated embodiment has two pumps but an alternative embodiment may comprise a single pump configured to transfer water in both directions and one or more valves to selectively transfer the water to either inlet and from either outlet depending on the direction of the water to be transferred. Aptly, the apparatus may comprise a closure member 160, such as a cover, for covering at least the second reservoir when not in use to thereby retain heat in the second volume of water therein and to prevent the ingress of debris, such as leaves or the like. Aptly, the second reservoir is located substantially centrally within the first reservoir to allow the water when in the first reservoir to surround the second reservoir and thereby heat the walls thereof. This desirably minimises any heat loss when the water is transferred to the second reservoir.

A bathing apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention aptly includes a first reservoir having a base wall region, one or more side walls extending upwardly from the base wall region, and an upper wall region to close the reservoir. Aptly, the first reservoir may be substantially circular in shape to correspond in size and shape to a conventional hot tub and act as a base to the support the bathing portion of a hot tub for example. A second reservoir including a base wall region and one or more side walls extending upwardly from the base wall region may define a bathing area for a person to access and bathe, such as a seating area of a hot tub. This second reservoir may be supported on the first reservoir and include a door in its side wall to allow a user to access and exit the bathing area. The height of the first reservoir may be such that it defines a relatively small step for the user to gain access into the second reservoir via the door, or the user may simply step directly up and into the second reservoir via the door if the width/radius of the second reservoir is substantially similar to the first reservoir below. The water is selectively transferable via at least one suitable conduit between the two reservoirs to allow a person to safely access and exit the second reservoir in a similar manner as described above. In a further embodiment, the separately formed, e.g. blow moulded, second reservoir may be disposed in the centre of a separately formed and substantially annular first reservoir, e.g. a donut-shaped first reservoir, wherein a passageway defined by the second reservoir extends to a door mounted in an aperture formed in the outer wall of the first reservoir. Further alternatively, the first reservoir may comprise a blow-moulded wall which corresponds in shape and size to the base region of a domestic bath such that the second reservoir for supporting a person to be bathed is located on and supported by the first reservoir, wherein the second reservoir includes a door in a side wall thereof to allow a person to enter and exit the second reservoir. Water is selectively transferred via at least one suitable conduit between the first reservoir and the second reservoir of the bath in a similar manner as described above.

Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore provide a bathing apparatus, such as a hot tub, that is easy and safe for a person to enter and exit before and after a bathing experience, particularly for elderly or physically impaired users. The bathing apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present invention may be a bath located in a residential dwelling, a care home or hospital, or the like, which allows a user, particularly an elderly or incapacitated person, to enter and exit the apparatus without the use of a hoist or the like. The water used for bathing is used a number of times, such as for an entire family, and is aptly continuously cleaned which reduces water usage and the amount of energy otherwise required for heating new water -the apparatus is therefore also environmentally friendly.

Claims

Claims 1. A bathing apparatus comprising: a first reservoir for containing a first volume of water and defined by a first base region and at least one first wall region; a second reservoir for containing a second volume of water to bathe a person therein and defined by a second base region and at least one second wall region; at least one door to allow a person to selectively enter or exit the second reservoir; and at least one pump for selectively transferring water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir to bathe a person located therein and vice versa to allow a person to enter or exit the second reservoir via the door.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the door is mounted in an aperture located in the first wall region and a portion of the second wall region extends inwardly from the first wall region such that the aperture communicates with the second reservoir.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a first outlet located in or proximal to the first base region and a first inlet located in an upper region of the second wall region, wherein the at least one pump comprises a first pump connected between the first inlet and the first outlet by respective conduits for transferring water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a second outlet located in or proximal to the second base region and a second inlet located in an upper region of the first wall region, wherein at least one second pump is connected between the second inlet and the second outlet by respective conduits for transferring water from the second reservoir to the first reservoir.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second inlet is connectable to a further conduit for filling the first reservoir with water.
6. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a controller for selectively operating the at least one first pump responsive to at least one signal received by the controller.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least one signal comprises a signal provided by a sensor to determine the door is in a closed and locked state.
8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least one signal comprises a signal provided by a sensor to determine a level of water in the first reservoir and/or the second reservoir.
9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least one signal comprises a signal provided by a user interface operable by a user of the apparatus.
10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one heating element located in the first reservoir to heat water therein.
11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one filter to filter water being transferred between the first reservoir and the second reservoir.
12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second reservoir is located substantially centrally within the first reservoir such that the first volume of water substantially surrounds the second wall region.
13. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second reservoir is located on and supported by the first reservoir.
14. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second base region is spaced apart from the first base region.
15. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second wall region defines at least one seat.
16. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second wall region supports a person in a reclined position.
17. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a closure member for covering at least the second reservoir when not in use.
18. A hot tub comprising apparatus according to any preceding claim.