US20100287694A1 - Bath arrangement - Google Patents
Bath arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100287694A1 US20100287694A1 US12/776,149 US77614910A US2010287694A1 US 20100287694 A1 US20100287694 A1 US 20100287694A1 US 77614910 A US77614910 A US 77614910A US 2010287694 A1 US2010287694 A1 US 2010287694A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bath
- water
- tank
- arrangement
- flow path
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 222
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 47
- 238000003287 bathing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 claims description 76
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000010797 grey water Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A47K3/006—Doors to get in and out of baths more easily
-
- 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
- A47K3/02—Baths
- A47K3/022—Baths specially adapted for particular use, e.g. for washing the feet, for bathing in sitting position
-
- 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
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a bath arrangement.
- Walk-in baths solve these problems by having a door at the side of the bath which can be opened when the bath is empty so that the user can walk into the bath without having to lift their leg over the side of the bath.
- a seat is provided within the bath. Once the door of the bath has been closed, the bath can be filled with water from the tap to the desired level. However, the bath must be empty before the user enters the bath. When the user has finished bathing, the water must be completely drained out of the bath before the user can open the door to exit the bath.
- the user During filling and emptying of the bath, therefore, the user must sit and wait for the bath to fill or empty, which is inconvenient.
- the user who is wet from having been immersed in water, may become cold while waiting for the water to drain out of the bath.
- An exemplary embodiment relates to a bath arrangement that includes a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body, a fluid connection provided between the bath body and the tank, a fluid connection valve to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank, and a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate.
- the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by means of the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate
- Another exemplary embodiment relates to a bath arrangement that includes a bath body for bathing in.
- the bath body is connected to a standard waste water pipe via at least one flow path, and the at least one flow path is configured to provide an increased volume flow rate of water out of the bath than that provided by gravity alone through the standard waste water pipe.
- Another exemplary embodiment relates to a bath arrangement that includes a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body, a fluid connection being provided between the bath body and the tank, a fluid connection valve being provided to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank, and a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate.
- the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate.
- the bath body is connected to a standard waste water pipe via at least one flow path.
- the at least one flow path is configured to provide an increased volume flow rate of water out of the bath than that provided by gravity alone through the standard waste water pipe.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bath according to the first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the bath of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the bath of FIG. 1 , including plumbing and electrical connections;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the bath of the second embodiment of the present invention, including plumbing and electrical connections;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the bath of the third embodiment of the present invention, including plumbing and electrical connections;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the bath of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, including plumbing and electrical connections;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the bath arrangement of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
- a bath arrangement comprising a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body, a fluid connection being provided between the bath body and the tank, a fluid connection valve being provided to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank, a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate, wherein the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by means of the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate.
- main bath water supply we mean an external water supply which may include, for example, the mains water, water from a heated water tank, or instantaneously heated water.
- An advantage of this invention is a reduction in the time a user must wait for the bath body to fill with water as either the tank alone produces a flow rate of water into the bath body higher than that of a standard main bath water supply, or the flow from the tank supplements the flow from the main bath water supply. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a walk-in bath, where the user must already be in the bath body before filling can start, and therefore must wait in the bath while it fills, although the invention is not limited to such a bath.
- the bath body and the tank are both supplied by the main bath water supply.
- This allows a higher flow rate of water to be provided to the bath body than if the tank alone is connected to the main bath water supply, as both the tank and the main bath water supply can be used simultaneously to fill the bath body.
- the main bath water supply to the bath body can also be used to adjust the water temperature in the bath body if the water in the tank is not at the desired temperature.
- the water in the tank may be arranged at a temperature slightly lower than desired and the main bath water supply can add hotter water to bring the bath water up to the desired temperature.
- the fluid connection valve is preferably normally closed. Therefore, water cannot enter the bath body from the tank, unless the valve is specifically positioned to allow this.
- the valve may be a three-way valve, the valve being connected to the tank, the bath body, and the waste water pipe.
- the fluid connection includes a nonreturn valve, to allow the flow of water from the tank to the bath body, but prevent the flow of water in the opposite direction.
- a nonreturn valve to allow the flow of water from the tank to the bath body, but prevent the flow of water in the opposite direction.
- grey water is prevented from entering the tank, the tank can be kept clean.
- the tank includes a water level detection device.
- the water level detection device may be arranged to stop filling of the tank when a threshold water level has been reached.
- the water level detection device is a float valve.
- a float valve is a simple arrangement to automatically ensure the tank is not overfilled.
- the tank may be positioned so that the bath body can be filled solely under the influence of gravity. Preferably, all water stored in the tank can be emptied into the bath body under the influence of gravity. Thus, emptying of the tank simply requires opening of the fluid connection means.
- the fluid connection includes a pump. Water can therefore be transferred into the bath body more quickly than may be possible using gravity alone.
- the bath body may include a seat for the user, and the tank may be located inside or beneath the seat. Therefore, the bath body and tank can be provided in a compact manner.
- the filling tank may be positioned such that hot water in the tank can be used to warm the seat. This improves comfort for the user.
- a thermostatic mixing valve may be provided between the main bath water supply and the tank. This allows the temperature of the water in the tank to be easily controlled, up to a maximum legal limit.
- a testing reservoir may be provided between the main bath water supply and the tank, the testing reservoir being accessible to a user, to enable the user to test the water temperature.
- Flow of water into the tank and from the tank to the bath body may be controlled by means of a switch.
- the switch includes an isolator with RCD. This enhances the safety of the user.
- a bath arrangement comprising a bath body for bathing in, the bath body being connected to a standard waste water pipe via at least one flow path, the at least one flow path comprising means to provide an increased volume flow rate of water out of the bath than that provided by gravity alone through the standard waste water pipe.
- the bath of this second aspect of the present invention allows faster emptying than a standard bath. This is of particular advantage for walk-in baths, as the user cannot exit the bath until the bath body is completely empty, and so reducing the amount of time taken for the bath to empty increases the convenience and comfort of bathing.
- the at least one flow path may include a pump. Use of a pump increases the speed at which water flows through the pipe, thus increasing the volume flow rate.
- the bath body preferably has at least one outlet, the or each outlet being in fluid connection with the at least one flow path.
- the total cross sectional area of the at least one outlet preferably is greater than the cross sectional area of a standard waste water pipe. Therefore, the volume flow rate of water which can flow through the at least one outlet is greater than that which can flow through the standard flow pipe.
- the at least one flow path is preferably arranged to accommodate a sufficient volume of water such that the volume flow rate of water emptying from the bath body is not limited by the cross sectional area of the waste water pipe to which the flow path is ultimately connected.
- the at least one flow path is arranged to accommodate a total volume of water substantially the same as or greater than the volume of water the bath body is arranged to hold.
- the bath body may be connected to a waste water pipe via first and second flow paths, the flow paths being arranged such that water flowing along the second flow path takes longer to reach the waste water pipe than water flowing along the first flow path.
- the bath body preferably has at least two outlets, one of the at least two outlets being connected to the first flow path and another of the at least two outlets being connected to the second flow path.
- the second flow path may be arranged to accommodate a greater volume of water than the first flow path.
- the second flow path may be arranged to accommodate a volume of water no greater than half of the maximum volume of water the bath body is arranged to hold.
- the second flow path may be arranged such that water passing along it does not reach the waste water pipe until the bath body is empty and there is no water flowing along the first flow path.
- the second flow path may include a collection area, the collection area being connected to the waste water pipe and the collection area being of greater cross sectional area than the waste water pipe. Therefore, even though flow of water into the waste water pipe from the collection area may be limited by amount of water flowing along the first flow path also entering the waste water pipe, water can continue to drain from the bath at the same rate, until the collection area is full.
- the second flow path may include a second flow path valve.
- the second flow path includes a collection area
- the second flow path valve is located between the collection area and the waste water pipe. Therefore, water can be prevented from entering the waste water pipe via the second flow path until all water has emptied from the bath and through the first flow path, thus maximising the flow of water along the second flow path at all times.
- the bath may further comprise a tank for storing water separately from the bath body, a fluid connection being provided between the bath body and the tank, a fluid connection valve being provided to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank, a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate, wherein the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by means of the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate.
- a bath arrangement comprising a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body, a fluid connection being provided between the bath body and the tank, a fluid connection valve being provided to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank, a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate, wherein the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by means of the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate, the bath body being connected to a standard waste water pipe via at least one flow path, the at least one flow path comprising means to provide an increased volume flow rate of water out of the bath than that provided by gravity alone through the standard waste water pipe.
- the bath can be both filled and emptied faster than a standard bath.
- the bath body may be connected to the standard waste water pipe via first and second flow paths, the flow paths being arranged such that water flowing along the first flow path takes longer to reach the waste water pipe than water flowing along the second flow path.
- the tank may be connected to the second flow path by a second fluid connection. Therefore, if all the water in the filling tank is not used to fill the bath, the water can be emptied from the tank, without it having to pass through the bath body.
- the second fluid connection may include a valve. Therefore, flow of water from the tank to the second flow path can be prevented until the release of water from the tank will not interfere with emptying of water from the bath body.
- the second fluid connection preferably further includes a nonreturn valve to prevent waste water flowing into the tank.
- the bath is a walk-in bath, having a door.
- the bath arrangement 10 of the first embodiment comprises a bath body 12 in the form of a tub which is suitable for filling with water and for a user to bathe in.
- the tub 12 includes a door 16 which, when opened, allows access to the tub 12 without the user having to step over the side of the tub 12 .
- the tub 12 includes a seat 17 .
- the bath arrangement 10 further comprises a filling tank 18 , located behind the seat 17 .
- the filling tank 18 is connected to the tub 12 via a fluid connection 20 , the fluid connection 20 being a pipe.
- the pipe 20 includes a normally closed valve 22 and a non-return valve 24 .
- the filling tank 18 is connected to a main bath water supply (not shown), via a mixer valve 25 and a reservoir 27 .
- Hot and cold water is provided to the mixer valve 25 from the main bath water supply via hot and cold water pipes 28 , 30 .
- the mixer valve 25 includes a normally closed valve 34 . When the valve 34 is open, water flows from the mixer valve 25 into the reservoir 27 .
- the reservoir 27 is fluidly connected to the filling tank 18 by means of an aperture 29 , and thus water flows into and fills the filling tank 18 .
- the reservoir is accessible to the user so the user can test the temperature water entering the filling tank 18 and adjust the mixer valve 25 output according to the desired water temperature for bathing.
- An overflow pipe 36 is provided from the tank 18 .
- a float switch 38 which acts as a water level detection means, is operated when water enters the overflow pipe 36 .
- the float switch is connected to the valve 34 and shuts off the valve when the switch is tripped in the overflow, as described below.
- the bath arrangement 10 includes a single pole changeover switch 40 which can be switched between a first position 41 and a second position 42 .
- the switch includes an isolator with RCD (not shown), to protect the user from receiving an electric shock.
- RCD resistor-sensitive diol
- a circuit is formed to the valve 34 , via the float switch 38 .
- the single pole changeover switch 40 must be switched to the first position 41 , thus opening the valve 34 and allowing water to flow into the reservoir 27 , and hence the filling tank 18 . If the float switch 38 has been operated as a result of the water level in the filling tank 18 reaching the float switch 38 , the circuit to the valve 34 will be broken, so that the mixer valve 25 is switched off. Therefore, the filling tank 18 is prevented automatically from being overfilled.
- the single pole changeover switch 40 can be changed to the second position 42 . This will ensure that the valve 34 is closed, so that no more water can enter the filling tank 18 . Then, the valve 22 is opened, allowing water to flow through the pipe 20 into the tub 12 . As the tank 18 is positioned entirely above the highest level of the water in the tub 12 , the filling tank 18 can be emptied into the tub 12 under the influence of gravity alone.
- the tub 12 has a bath body outlet 43 connected to the waste water pipe 44 .
- the outlet 43 has a plug 45 which can seal the outlet 43 .
- the tub 12 has an overflow point 48 which allows water to flow via an overflow pipe 50 to the outlet 43 , and thus into the waste water pipe 44 in a conventional fashion.
- Plug 45 is removed from the bath body outlet 40 in the usual way, allowing the water to flow from the tub 12 into the waste water pipe 44 .
- Plug removal may be effected remotely in a known manner.
- the fluid connection is a pipe.
- the skilled person will be able to envisage other ways of providing a fluid connection, for example the tub 12 and the tank 18 may share a wall, and an aperture could be provided in the shared wall to allow water to flow from the tank 18 into the tub 12 .
- the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described. Similar features will have the same numbers as in embodiment 1 but with the prefix “1”.
- the tank 118 in this embodiment is not positioned entirely above the likely required water level in the tub 112 . Therefore, a pump 160 is provided in the fluid communication means 120 to enable all the water from the filling tank 118 to be transferred to the bath body 112 of the bath arrangement 110 .
- the pump is operated by a switch 161 .
- Three port mid-position valves 122 , 164 are positioned in the fluid communication means 120 either side of the pump 160 .
- a float switch 165 is positioned in the tub 112 , and is operated when the water in the tub 112 reaches a threshold level.
- a water detection switch 166 is located at the bottom of the filling tank 118 .
- the switch 167 in this embodiment is a two-pole 168 , 169 , three-position 170 , 171 , 172 switch.
- the first pole 168 completes the circuit to the valve 134 , and thus the valve 134 is opened, unless the float switch 138 has been operated.
- the second pole 169 provides no function in the first position 170 .
- the switch 167 should be switched to the first position 170 .
- the first pole 168 opens the valves 122 , 164 .
- the second pole 169 is connected to the water detection switch 166 at the bottom of the filling tank 118 , the float switch 165 in the tub 112 , and the pump operation switch 161 .
- the switch 161 will be operated, thus turning the pump 160 on.
- water will be pumped from the tank 118 to the tub 112 , and the tub 112 will be filled.
- the tank 118 has a tank outlet 174 which is connected to the waste water pipe 144 (not shown in FIG. 4 ).
- a normally closed valve 176 is located in the filling tank outlet 174 .
- Water can flow from the tub outlet 143 to the waste water pipe along a flow path via a pipe 173 .
- the pipe 173 splits into two sections 173 a, 173 b, section 173 b passing through the pump 160 .
- the two sections 173 a, 173 b join together again after the pump 160 .
- Flow of water through the sections 173 a is controlled by a valve 178
- flow of water through the section is 173 b is controlled by the valve 164 .
- Valves 164 , 122 in section 173 b must be positioned to ensure that the grey water does not flow back into the tub 112 or into the filling tank 118 .
- the second pole 169 operates the valve 178 , so that water can flow from the tub 112 to the waste water pipe 144 , and the valve 176 , so that water can flow from the filling tank 118 directly into the waste water pipe 144 .
- the first pole 168 operates the pump 160 , so that the volume flow rate of water exiting the tub 112 is faster than if the water was emptying by gravity alone. Therefore, the tub 112 can be emptied faster than a conventional bath.
- the section 173 a ensures that even if the pump 160 is not working, the tub 112 can be drained by gravity.
- the bath arrangement of the third embodiment has similarities to both the first embodiment and the second embodiment and only the differences from those embodiments will be described.
- Features in the third embodiment similar to those in the first and second embodiments will be numbered in the same way but with the prefix “2”.
- a pump 260 in the bath arrangement 210 of this embodiment there is a pump 260 , as in the second embodiment, but this is not connected to the waste water pipe 244 .
- the pump is only used for filling of the tub 212 , and, on emptying the tub 212 , water drains out of the tub 212 solely under the influence of gravity.
- a valve 222 is provided between the tank 218 and the pump 260 , but, as the pump 260 is not connected to the waste water pipe 244 , no valve equivalent to valve 164 in the second embodiment is required.
- the overflow pipe 236 from the tank 218 is connected directly to the tub outlet 243 .
- the first tank 118 has a tank outlet 174 which is connected to the waste water pipe 144 via the valve in the tub outlet 243 .
- a single pole changeover switch 240 is provided, similarly to the first embodiment, to control filling of the tank 218 and tub 212 .
- the first position 241 of the switch 240 is the same as in embodiment 1.
- the switch 240 is also connected to a water detection switch 266 at the bottom of the filling tank 218 , a float switch 265 in the tub 212 , and the pump operation switch 261 .
- the switch 261 will be operated, turning on the pump 260 . Therefore, in the second switch position 242 , water will be pumped from the tank 218 to the tub 212 , and the tub 212 will be filled.
- this embodiment provides fast filling of the tub, but not fast emptying.
- the bath arrangement of the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described.
- Features in the third embodiment similar to those in the first embodiment will be numbered in the same way but with the prefix “3”.
- thermostatic mixing valve 332 which can be used to control the temperature of the water entering the filling tank 318 .
- a ball valve 333 is positioned between the thermostatic mixing valve 332 and the tank 318 , and this can be operated to prevent or allow flow of water into the tank 318 .
- the pipe 320 between the tank 318 and the bath body 312 of the bath arrangement 310 includes a three-way valve 370 which can be operated by means of a handle 371 .
- the portion of the pipe 320 between the valve 370 and the tub 312 is connected to the tub outlet 343 . On filling the tub 312 , water therefore enters the tub 312 through the outlet 343 .
- the outlet 343 in this embodiment has a cross sectional area larger than that used in standard baths and larger than that in previous embodiments, and so has a larger flow capacity than the standard waste water pipe 344 .
- the three-way valve 370 is also connected to a third pipe 372 .
- the pipe 372 splits into a first section 372 a and second section 372 b.
- the first section 372 a is connected directly to the waste water pipe 344 .
- the second section 372 b is connected to a collecting area or tank 374 , which is hereafter referred to as the emptying tank 374 .
- the first section therefore provides a first flow path to the waste water pipe and the second section provides a second flow path to the waste water pipe.
- the tub 312 includes a standard tap 375 connected to hot and cold water pipes 377 , 379 of a main bath water supply.
- the tub 312 can be filled via the tap 375 as well as the via the tank 318 . This increases the speed of filling over just a standard tap 375 , or just using the filling tank 318 , and also allows the temperature of the water from the filling tank 318 to be moderated by the water from the tap 375 .
- the tank 374 has a tank outlet 376 which is connected to the waste water pipe 344 .
- the tank outlet 376 includes second control means 378 which is a valve which when closed prevents flow of water from the emptying tank 374 to the waste water pipe 344 .
- the overflow pipe 328 from the filling tank 318 is connected to the waste water pipe 344 as in the first embodiment but also is connected to the emptying tank 374 .
- the overflow pipe 328 includes a non-return valve 318 , thus preventing grey water from entering the filling tank 318 via the overflow pipe 336 .
- the tub 312 is filled by positioning the three-way valve 370 to allow flow of water between the filling tank 318 and the tub 312 .
- the valve 370 can be positioned to allow water to flow from the tub 312 through the bath body outlet 343 into the pipe 372 . Water will then flow along section 372 a, directly to the waste water pipe, and also along section 372 b, into the emptying tank 374 . Therefore, even though the flow of water through section 372 a will be limited by the flow capacity of the waste water pipe 344 , the flow capacity of the tub outlet 343 will not be reduced while the tank is able to accommodate the extra flow capacity. Therefore, unless the tank 374 is full, the tub 312 will be emptied, under the influence of gravity only, faster than a conventional bath.
- the pipe 320 includes the nonreturn valve 324 which prevents flow of grey water into the filling tank 318 if the valve 370 is not positioned correctly.
- the bath of this embodiment allows fast filling and fast emptying of tub 312 compared to a standard bath.
- a single tub outlet 312 with an increased flow capacity compared with a standard outlet is used, the outlet being connected to both pipe sections 372 a and 372 b, two tub outlets could instead be used, their combined flow capacity being greater than that of the waste water pipe, one flow outlet being connected directly to the waste water pipe, the other being connected to the waste water pipe via the emptying tank 374 .
- the bath arrangements are similar to the first embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described.
- Features in these embodiments similar to those in the first embodiment will be numbered in the same way but with the prefix “4”, “5”, or “6”, respectively.
- the tank 418 is located so that its lowest point is not lower than the maximum water level (shown by the dotted line) that the tub 412 is intended to accommodate. Therefore, the tank 418 can be emptied into the tub 412 entirely under the influence of gravity.
- the tank 512 is located entirely below the maximum water level (shown by the dotted line) that the tub 512 is intended to accommodate. Therefore, the tank 518 cannot be emptied entirely under the influence of gravity.
- a pump 560 is located in the fluid connection 520 so that the tank 518 can be entirely emptied into the tub 512 .
- the tank 618 is surrounded by insulation 680 . Therefore, the tank 618 can be filled, but if the user does not want to fill the tub 612 immediately, the insulation 680 acts to keep the water warm until the user wishes to fill the tub 612 .
- the bath arrangement is similar to the fourth embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described.
- Features in this embodiment similar to those in the fourth embodiment will be numbered in the same way but instead of the prefix “3”, the prefix “7” will be used.
- the bath arrangement 710 does not have a filling tank 718 .
- the tub 712 has a tub outlet 743 which is connected to a pipe 772 .
- the flow capacity of the outlet 743 is greater than a standard outlet in a bath, and greater than the flow capacity of the waste water pipe 774 .
- the pipe 772 splits into two sections 772 a, 772 b. Section 772 a is connected directly to the waste water pipe 744 . Section 772 b is connected to the waste water pipe 744 via a tank 774 .
- the volume of water which can be accommodated by the pipe 772 , including the two sections 772 a, 772 b, and the tank 774 is greater than the maximum volume intended to be accommodated in the tub 712 . Therefore, the rate of flow out of the tub outlet 743 is not slowed by the low capacity of the waste water pipe 744 .
- the bath arrangement of the ninth embodiment is similar to that of the eighth embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described.
- Features in this embodiment similar to those in the eighth embodiment will be numbered in the same way but instead of the prefix “7”, the prefix “8” will be used.
- the section 872 b of the pipe 872 is much longer than the section 872 a. Water collects in the section 872 b when the water flow rate out of the tub outlet 843 is too great to be accommodated by the waste water pipe 874 .
- the volume of water which can be accommodated by the pipe 872 including the two sections 872 a, 872 b, is greater than the maximum volume intended to be accommodated in the tub 812 . Therefore, the rate of flow out of the tub outlet 843 is not slowed by the low capacity of the waste water pipe 844 .
- the bath arrangement of the tenth embodiment is similar to that of the eighth embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described.
- Features in the this embodiment similar to those in the eighth embodiment will be numbered in the same way but instead of the prefix “7”, the prefix “9” will be used.
- the pipe 972 does not split into two sections. However, it does not take a direct route to the waste water pipe 974 .
- the cross sectional area of the pipe 972 is such that the flow capacity of the pipe is sufficient not to reduce the flow rate of the water from the tub outlet 943 . The flow capacity is therefore not reduced until the waste water pipe 943 .
- the volume of water which can be accommodated by the pipe 972 is greater than the maximum volume intended to be accommodated in the tub 912 . Therefore, the rate of flow of water out of the tub outlet 943 is not slowed by the low capacity of the waste water pipe 944 .
- heat from the waste water could be transferred by flowing along the pipes.
- the pipes could form part of an underfloor heating arrangement.
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Abstract
A bath arrangement includes a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body. A fluid connection is provided between the bath body and the tank. A fluid connection valve is provided to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank. The bath arrangement further includes a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath supply rate, wherein the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by means of the main bathwater supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate.
Description
- This application claims priority to United Kingdom Application No. GB 0908308.0 filed on May 14, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, including the specification, drawings, claims, and abstract thereof.
- The present invention relates to a bath arrangement.
- Standard baths are awkward for people with limited movement to get into and out from, as the user must lift their leg over the side of the bath. Walk-in baths solve these problems by having a door at the side of the bath which can be opened when the bath is empty so that the user can walk into the bath without having to lift their leg over the side of the bath. A seat is provided within the bath. Once the door of the bath has been closed, the bath can be filled with water from the tap to the desired level. However, the bath must be empty before the user enters the bath. When the user has finished bathing, the water must be completely drained out of the bath before the user can open the door to exit the bath. During filling and emptying of the bath, therefore, the user must sit and wait for the bath to fill or empty, which is inconvenient. In addition, on emptying of the bath, the user, who is wet from having been immersed in water, may become cold while waiting for the water to drain out of the bath.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved bath arrangement.
- An exemplary embodiment relates to a bath arrangement that includes a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body, a fluid connection provided between the bath body and the tank, a fluid connection valve to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank, and a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate. The fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by means of the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate
- Another exemplary embodiment relates to a bath arrangement that includes a bath body for bathing in. The bath body is connected to a standard waste water pipe via at least one flow path, and the at least one flow path is configured to provide an increased volume flow rate of water out of the bath than that provided by gravity alone through the standard waste water pipe.
- Another exemplary embodiment relates to a bath arrangement that includes a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body, a fluid connection being provided between the bath body and the tank, a fluid connection valve being provided to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank, and a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate. The fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate. The bath body is connected to a standard waste water pipe via at least one flow path. The at least one flow path is configured to provide an increased volume flow rate of water out of the bath than that provided by gravity alone through the standard waste water pipe.
- Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bath according to the first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the bath ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the bath ofFIG. 1 , including plumbing and electrical connections; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the bath of the second embodiment of the present invention, including plumbing and electrical connections; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the bath of the third embodiment of the present invention, including plumbing and electrical connections; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the bath of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, including plumbing and electrical connections; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the bath arrangement ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the sixth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the seventh embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the eighth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the ninth embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the tenth embodiment of the present invention. - According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bath arrangement comprising a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body, a fluid connection being provided between the bath body and the tank, a fluid connection valve being provided to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank, a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate, wherein the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by means of the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate.
- In this specification, by “main bath water supply” we mean an external water supply which may include, for example, the mains water, water from a heated water tank, or instantaneously heated water.
- An advantage of this invention is a reduction in the time a user must wait for the bath body to fill with water as either the tank alone produces a flow rate of water into the bath body higher than that of a standard main bath water supply, or the flow from the tank supplements the flow from the main bath water supply. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a walk-in bath, where the user must already be in the bath body before filling can start, and therefore must wait in the bath while it fills, although the invention is not limited to such a bath.
- Preferably, the bath body and the tank are both supplied by the main bath water supply. This allows a higher flow rate of water to be provided to the bath body than if the tank alone is connected to the main bath water supply, as both the tank and the main bath water supply can be used simultaneously to fill the bath body. A further advantage is that the main bath water supply to the bath body can also be used to adjust the water temperature in the bath body if the water in the tank is not at the desired temperature. For example, the water in the tank may be arranged at a temperature slightly lower than desired and the main bath water supply can add hotter water to bring the bath water up to the desired temperature.
- The fluid connection valve is preferably normally closed. Therefore, water cannot enter the bath body from the tank, unless the valve is specifically positioned to allow this. The valve may be a three-way valve, the valve being connected to the tank, the bath body, and the waste water pipe.
- Preferably, the fluid connection includes a nonreturn valve, to allow the flow of water from the tank to the bath body, but prevent the flow of water in the opposite direction. As grey water is prevented from entering the tank, the tank can be kept clean.
- Preferably, the tank includes a water level detection device. The water level detection device may be arranged to stop filling of the tank when a threshold water level has been reached. Preferably the water level detection device is a float valve. A float valve is a simple arrangement to automatically ensure the tank is not overfilled.
- The tank may be positioned so that the bath body can be filled solely under the influence of gravity. Preferably, all water stored in the tank can be emptied into the bath body under the influence of gravity. Thus, emptying of the tank simply requires opening of the fluid connection means.
- Preferably, the fluid connection includes a pump. Water can therefore be transferred into the bath body more quickly than may be possible using gravity alone.
- The bath body may include a seat for the user, and the tank may be located inside or beneath the seat. Therefore, the bath body and tank can be provided in a compact manner. The filling tank may be positioned such that hot water in the tank can be used to warm the seat. This improves comfort for the user.
- A thermostatic mixing valve may be provided between the main bath water supply and the tank. This allows the temperature of the water in the tank to be easily controlled, up to a maximum legal limit.
- A testing reservoir may be provided between the main bath water supply and the tank, the testing reservoir being accessible to a user, to enable the user to test the water temperature.
- Flow of water into the tank and from the tank to the bath body may be controlled by means of a switch. Preferably the switch includes an isolator with RCD. This enhances the safety of the user.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bath arrangement comprising a bath body for bathing in, the bath body being connected to a standard waste water pipe via at least one flow path, the at least one flow path comprising means to provide an increased volume flow rate of water out of the bath than that provided by gravity alone through the standard waste water pipe.
- Therefore, the bath of this second aspect of the present invention, allows faster emptying than a standard bath. This is of particular advantage for walk-in baths, as the user cannot exit the bath until the bath body is completely empty, and so reducing the amount of time taken for the bath to empty increases the convenience and comfort of bathing.
- The at least one flow path may include a pump. Use of a pump increases the speed at which water flows through the pipe, thus increasing the volume flow rate.
- The bath body preferably has at least one outlet, the or each outlet being in fluid connection with the at least one flow path.
- The total cross sectional area of the at least one outlet preferably is greater than the cross sectional area of a standard waste water pipe. Therefore, the volume flow rate of water which can flow through the at least one outlet is greater than that which can flow through the standard flow pipe. The at least one flow path is preferably arranged to accommodate a sufficient volume of water such that the volume flow rate of water emptying from the bath body is not limited by the cross sectional area of the waste water pipe to which the flow path is ultimately connected. Preferably, the at least one flow path is arranged to accommodate a total volume of water substantially the same as or greater than the volume of water the bath body is arranged to hold.
- The bath body may be connected to a waste water pipe via first and second flow paths, the flow paths being arranged such that water flowing along the second flow path takes longer to reach the waste water pipe than water flowing along the first flow path.
- The bath body preferably has at least two outlets, one of the at least two outlets being connected to the first flow path and another of the at least two outlets being connected to the second flow path.
- The second flow path may be arranged to accommodate a greater volume of water than the first flow path. The second flow path may be arranged to accommodate a volume of water no greater than half of the maximum volume of water the bath body is arranged to hold.
- The second flow path may be arranged such that water passing along it does not reach the waste water pipe until the bath body is empty and there is no water flowing along the first flow path.
- The second flow path may include a collection area, the collection area being connected to the waste water pipe and the collection area being of greater cross sectional area than the waste water pipe. Therefore, even though flow of water into the waste water pipe from the collection area may be limited by amount of water flowing along the first flow path also entering the waste water pipe, water can continue to drain from the bath at the same rate, until the collection area is full.
- The second flow path may include a second flow path valve. Preferably, where the second flow path includes a collection area, the second flow path valve is located between the collection area and the waste water pipe. Therefore, water can be prevented from entering the waste water pipe via the second flow path until all water has emptied from the bath and through the first flow path, thus maximising the flow of water along the second flow path at all times.
- The bath may further comprise a tank for storing water separately from the bath body, a fluid connection being provided between the bath body and the tank, a fluid connection valve being provided to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank, a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate, wherein the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by means of the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a bath arrangement comprising a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body, a fluid connection being provided between the bath body and the tank, a fluid connection valve being provided to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank, a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate, wherein the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by means of the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate, the bath body being connected to a standard waste water pipe via at least one flow path, the at least one flow path comprising means to provide an increased volume flow rate of water out of the bath than that provided by gravity alone through the standard waste water pipe.
- Therefore, the bath can be both filled and emptied faster than a standard bath.
- The bath body may be connected to the standard waste water pipe via first and second flow paths, the flow paths being arranged such that water flowing along the first flow path takes longer to reach the waste water pipe than water flowing along the second flow path.
- The tank may be connected to the second flow path by a second fluid connection. Therefore, if all the water in the filling tank is not used to fill the bath, the water can be emptied from the tank, without it having to pass through the bath body. The second fluid connection may include a valve. Therefore, flow of water from the tank to the second flow path can be prevented until the release of water from the tank will not interfere with emptying of water from the bath body. The second fluid connection preferably further includes a nonreturn valve to prevent waste water flowing into the tank.
- Preferably the bath is a walk-in bath, having a door.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 , 2, and 7, thebath arrangement 10 of the first embodiment comprises abath body 12 in the form of a tub which is suitable for filling with water and for a user to bathe in. Thetub 12 includes adoor 16 which, when opened, allows access to thetub 12 without the user having to step over the side of thetub 12. Thetub 12 includes aseat 17. Thebath arrangement 10 further comprises a fillingtank 18, located behind theseat 17. The fillingtank 18 is connected to thetub 12 via afluid connection 20, thefluid connection 20 being a pipe. Thepipe 20 includes a normally closedvalve 22 and anon-return valve 24. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the fillingtank 18 is connected to a main bath water supply (not shown), via amixer valve 25 and areservoir 27. Hot and cold water is provided to themixer valve 25 from the main bath water supply via hot andcold water pipes mixer valve 25 includes a normally closedvalve 34. When thevalve 34 is open, water flows from themixer valve 25 into thereservoir 27. Thereservoir 27 is fluidly connected to the fillingtank 18 by means of anaperture 29, and thus water flows into and fills the fillingtank 18. The reservoir is accessible to the user so the user can test the temperature water entering the fillingtank 18 and adjust themixer valve 25 output according to the desired water temperature for bathing. - An
overflow pipe 36 is provided from thetank 18. Afloat switch 38, which acts as a water level detection means, is operated when water enters theoverflow pipe 36. The float switch is connected to thevalve 34 and shuts off the valve when the switch is tripped in the overflow, as described below. - The
bath arrangement 10 includes a singlepole changeover switch 40 which can be switched between afirst position 41 and asecond position 42. The switch includes an isolator with RCD (not shown), to protect the user from receiving an electric shock. In thefirst position 41, a circuit is formed to thevalve 34, via thefloat switch 38. In use, before the user wants to take a bath, the singlepole changeover switch 40 must be switched to thefirst position 41, thus opening thevalve 34 and allowing water to flow into thereservoir 27, and hence the fillingtank 18. If thefloat switch 38 has been operated as a result of the water level in the fillingtank 18 reaching thefloat switch 38, the circuit to thevalve 34 will be broken, so that themixer valve 25 is switched off. Therefore, the fillingtank 18 is prevented automatically from being overfilled. - The user does not need to enter the
tub 12 until the fillingtank 18 is filled. Once the user is in thetub 12, with thedoor 16 closed, the singlepole changeover switch 40 can be changed to thesecond position 42. This will ensure that thevalve 34 is closed, so that no more water can enter the fillingtank 18. Then, thevalve 22 is opened, allowing water to flow through thepipe 20 into thetub 12. As thetank 18 is positioned entirely above the highest level of the water in thetub 12, the fillingtank 18 can be emptied into thetub 12 under the influence of gravity alone. - The
tub 12 has abath body outlet 43 connected to thewaste water pipe 44. Theoutlet 43 has aplug 45 which can seal theoutlet 43. - The
tub 12 has anoverflow point 48 which allows water to flow via anoverflow pipe 50 to theoutlet 43, and thus into thewaste water pipe 44 in a conventional fashion. - When the user wishes to exit the
tub 12, theplug 45 is removed from thebath body outlet 40 in the usual way, allowing the water to flow from thetub 12 into thewaste water pipe 44. Plug removal may be effected remotely in a known manner. - In the above embodiment, the fluid connection is a pipe. However, the skilled person will be able to envisage other ways of providing a fluid connection, for example the
tub 12 and thetank 18 may share a wall, and an aperture could be provided in the shared wall to allow water to flow from thetank 18 into thetub 12. - The second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 4 , is similar to the first embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described. Similar features will have the same numbers as in embodiment 1 but with the prefix “1”. - The tank 118 in this embodiment is not positioned entirely above the likely required water level in the
tub 112. Therefore, apump 160 is provided in the fluid communication means 120 to enable all the water from the filling tank 118 to be transferred to thebath body 112 of thebath arrangement 110. The pump is operated by aswitch 161. Threeport mid-position valves pump 160. - A
float switch 165 is positioned in thetub 112, and is operated when the water in thetub 112 reaches a threshold level. - A
water detection switch 166 is located at the bottom of the filling tank 118. - In this embodiment, instead of being a single pole changeover switch, the
switch 167 in this embodiment is a two-pole position - In the
first position 170, thefirst pole 168 completes the circuit to thevalve 134, and thus thevalve 134 is opened, unless thefloat switch 138 has been operated. Thesecond pole 169 provides no function in thefirst position 170. Thus, when a user wishes to fill the filling tank 118, theswitch 167 should be switched to thefirst position 170. - In the
second switch position 171, thefirst pole 168 opens thevalves second pole 169 is connected to thewater detection switch 166 at the bottom of the filling tank 118, thefloat switch 165 in thetub 112, and thepump operation switch 161. Thus, provided there is water in the filling tank 118, and thewater level threshold 165 has not been reached in thetub 112, theswitch 161 will be operated, thus turning thepump 160 on. Thus, in thesecond switch position 171, water will be pumped from the tank 118 to thetub 112, and thetub 112 will be filled. - In this embodiment, the tank 118 has a
tank outlet 174 which is connected to the waste water pipe 144 (not shown inFIG. 4 ). A normally closedvalve 176 is located in the fillingtank outlet 174. Water can flow from thetub outlet 143 to the waste water pipe along a flow path via apipe 173. Thepipe 173 splits into twosections section 173 b passing through thepump 160. The twosections pump 160. Flow of water through thesections 173 a is controlled by avalve 178, and flow of water through the section is 173 b is controlled by thevalve 164.Valves section 173 b must be positioned to ensure that the grey water does not flow back into thetub 112 or into the filling tank 118. - In the
third switch position 172, thesecond pole 169 operates thevalve 178, so that water can flow from thetub 112 to the waste water pipe 144, and thevalve 176, so that water can flow from the filling tank 118 directly into the waste water pipe 144. Thefirst pole 168 operates thepump 160, so that the volume flow rate of water exiting thetub 112 is faster than if the water was emptying by gravity alone. Therefore, thetub 112 can be emptied faster than a conventional bath. Thesection 173 a ensures that even if thepump 160 is not working, thetub 112 can be drained by gravity. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , the bath arrangement of the third embodiment has similarities to both the first embodiment and the second embodiment and only the differences from those embodiments will be described. Features in the third embodiment similar to those in the first and second embodiments will be numbered in the same way but with the prefix “2”. - In the
bath arrangement 210 of this embodiment there is apump 260, as in the second embodiment, but this is not connected to thewaste water pipe 244. The pump is only used for filling of thetub 212, and, on emptying thetub 212, water drains out of thetub 212 solely under the influence of gravity. Avalve 222 is provided between thetank 218 and thepump 260, but, as thepump 260 is not connected to thewaste water pipe 244, no valve equivalent tovalve 164 in the second embodiment is required. - As in the first embodiment, the
overflow pipe 236 from thetank 218 is connected directly to thetub outlet 243. As in the second embodiment, the first tank 118 has atank outlet 174 which is connected to the waste water pipe 144 via the valve in thetub outlet 243. - As the pump is not used for emptying the tank, only a single
pole changeover switch 240 is provided, similarly to the first embodiment, to control filling of thetank 218 andtub 212. Thefirst position 241 of theswitch 240 is the same as in embodiment 1. In thesecond position 242, as well as being connected to thevalve 222, theswitch 240 is also connected to awater detection switch 266 at the bottom of thefilling tank 218, afloat switch 265 in thetub 212, and thepump operation switch 261. Thus, provided there is water in thefilling tank 218, and thewater level threshold 265 has not been reached in thetub 212, theswitch 261 will be operated, turning on thepump 260. Therefore, in thesecond switch position 242, water will be pumped from thetank 218 to thetub 212, and thetub 212 will be filled. - Therefore, this embodiment provides fast filling of the tub, but not fast emptying.
- As shown in
FIG. 6 , the bath arrangement of the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described. Features in the third embodiment similar to those in the first embodiment will be numbered in the same way but with the prefix “3”. - In this embodiment, there is no reservoir, and instead the
pipes thermostatic mixing valve 332, which can be used to control the temperature of the water entering thefilling tank 318. Aball valve 333 is positioned between thethermostatic mixing valve 332 and thetank 318, and this can be operated to prevent or allow flow of water into thetank 318. - This embodiment does not have a single pole changeover switch. The
pipe 320 between thetank 318 and the bath body 312 of thebath arrangement 310 includes a three-way valve 370 which can be operated by means of ahandle 371. The portion of thepipe 320 between thevalve 370 and the tub 312 is connected to thetub outlet 343. On filling the tub 312, water therefore enters the tub 312 through theoutlet 343. - The
outlet 343 in this embodiment has a cross sectional area larger than that used in standard baths and larger than that in previous embodiments, and so has a larger flow capacity than the standardwaste water pipe 344. The three-way valve 370 is also connected to athird pipe 372. Thepipe 372 splits into afirst section 372 a andsecond section 372 b. Thefirst section 372 a is connected directly to thewaste water pipe 344. Thesecond section 372 b is connected to a collecting area ortank 374, which is hereafter referred to as theemptying tank 374. The first section therefore provides a first flow path to the waste water pipe and the second section provides a second flow path to the waste water pipe. - The tub 312 includes a standard tap 375 connected to hot and
cold water pipes tank 318. This increases the speed of filling over just a standard tap 375, or just using thefilling tank 318, and also allows the temperature of the water from the fillingtank 318 to be moderated by the water from the tap 375. - The
tank 374 has atank outlet 376 which is connected to thewaste water pipe 344. Thetank outlet 376 includes second control means 378 which is a valve which when closed prevents flow of water from theemptying tank 374 to thewaste water pipe 344. - The
overflow pipe 328 from the fillingtank 318 is connected to thewaste water pipe 344 as in the first embodiment but also is connected to theemptying tank 374. Theoverflow pipe 328 includes anon-return valve 318, thus preventing grey water from entering thefilling tank 318 via theoverflow pipe 336. - In use, the tub 312 is filled by positioning the three-
way valve 370 to allow flow of water between the fillingtank 318 and the tub 312. When the user wishes to exit the bath, thevalve 370 can be positioned to allow water to flow from the tub 312 through thebath body outlet 343 into thepipe 372. Water will then flow alongsection 372 a, directly to the waste water pipe, and also alongsection 372 b, into theemptying tank 374. Therefore, even though the flow of water throughsection 372 a will be limited by the flow capacity of thewaste water pipe 344, the flow capacity of thetub outlet 343 will not be reduced while the tank is able to accommodate the extra flow capacity. Therefore, unless thetank 374 is full, the tub 312 will be emptied, under the influence of gravity only, faster than a conventional bath. - The
pipe 320 includes thenonreturn valve 324 which prevents flow of grey water into the fillingtank 318 if thevalve 370 is not positioned correctly. - Once the
emptying tank 374 is full the water will back-up in thepipe section 372 b, thus preventing further water entering thepipe section 372 b. If there is water remaining in the bath body 312 of thebath arrangement 310, this can still exit the bath via thefirst section 372 a. Once the bath has been emptied and all water which is passed through thefirst section 372 a has flowed into thewaste water pipe 344 thevalve 378 in thetank outlet 376 can be opened, allowing thetank 374 to be emptied. - The user is able to open the door 316 (not shown) of the
bath arrangement 310 as soon as the bath body 312 of thebath arrangement 310 is empty, even though there is still water in the system which needs to be emptied from theemptying tank 374. Therefore, the bath of this embodiment allows fast filling and fast emptying of tub 312 compared to a standard bath. - Although in the above embodiment, a single tub outlet 312 with an increased flow capacity compared with a standard outlet is used, the outlet being connected to both
pipe sections emptying tank 374. - In the fifth to seventh embodiments, the bath arrangements are similar to the first embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described. Features in these embodiments similar to those in the first embodiment will be numbered in the same way but with the prefix “4”, “5”, or “6”, respectively.
- As shown in
FIG. 8 , in the fifth embodiment, thetank 418 is located so that its lowest point is not lower than the maximum water level (shown by the dotted line) that thetub 412 is intended to accommodate. Therefore, thetank 418 can be emptied into thetub 412 entirely under the influence of gravity. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , in the sixth embodiment, thetank 512 is located entirely below the maximum water level (shown by the dotted line) that thetub 512 is intended to accommodate. Therefore, thetank 518 cannot be emptied entirely under the influence of gravity. Apump 560 is located in thefluid connection 520 so that thetank 518 can be entirely emptied into thetub 512. - In the seventh embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 10 , thetank 618 is surrounded byinsulation 680. Therefore, thetank 618 can be filled, but if the user does not want to fill thetub 612 immediately, theinsulation 680 acts to keep the water warm until the user wishes to fill thetub 612. - In the eighth embodiment, the bath arrangement is similar to the fourth embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described. Features in this embodiment similar to those in the fourth embodiment will be numbered in the same way but instead of the prefix “3”, the prefix “7” will be used.
- In the eighth embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 11 , thebath arrangement 710 does not have a filling tank 718. Thetub 712 has atub outlet 743 which is connected to apipe 772. As in the fourth embodiment, the flow capacity of theoutlet 743 is greater than a standard outlet in a bath, and greater than the flow capacity of thewaste water pipe 774. Thepipe 772 splits into twosections Section 772 a is connected directly to thewaste water pipe 744.Section 772 b is connected to thewaste water pipe 744 via atank 774. When thetub 712 is emptied, water flows along bothpipe sections tank 774 when the water flow rate out of thetub outlet 743 is too great to be accommodated by thewaste water pipe 774. The volume of water which can be accommodated by thepipe 772, including the twosections tank 774 is greater than the maximum volume intended to be accommodated in thetub 712. Therefore, the rate of flow out of thetub outlet 743 is not slowed by the low capacity of thewaste water pipe 744. - The bath arrangement of the ninth embodiment is similar to that of the eighth embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described. Features in this embodiment similar to those in the eighth embodiment will be numbered in the same way but instead of the prefix “7”, the prefix “8” will be used.
- In the ninth embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 12 , instead of a tank which acts as a collection area, thesection 872 b of thepipe 872 is much longer than thesection 872 a. Water collects in thesection 872 b when the water flow rate out of the tub outlet 843 is too great to be accommodated by the waste water pipe 874. The volume of water which can be accommodated by thepipe 872, including the twosections tub 812. Therefore, the rate of flow out of the tub outlet 843 is not slowed by the low capacity of thewaste water pipe 844. - The bath arrangement of the tenth embodiment is similar to that of the eighth embodiment and only the differences from that embodiment will be described. Features in the this embodiment similar to those in the eighth embodiment will be numbered in the same way but instead of the prefix “7”, the prefix “9” will be used.
- As shown in
FIG. 13 , in the tenth embodiment, thepipe 972 does not split into two sections. However, it does not take a direct route to the waste water pipe 974. In addition, the cross sectional area of thepipe 972 is such that the flow capacity of the pipe is sufficient not to reduce the flow rate of the water from the tub outlet 943. The flow capacity is therefore not reduced until the waste water pipe 943. The volume of water which can be accommodated by thepipe 972 is greater than the maximum volume intended to be accommodated in thetub 912. Therefore, the rate of flow of water out of the tub outlet 943 is not slowed by the low capacity of thewaste water pipe 944. - In both embodiments shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13 , heat from the waste water could be transferred by flowing along the pipes. For example, the pipes could form part of an underfloor heating arrangement.
Claims (35)
1. A bath arrangement comprising:
a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body;
a fluid connection provided between the bath body and the tank;
a fluid connection valve to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank; and
a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate;
wherein the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by means of the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate.
2. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the bath body and the tank are both supplied by the main bath water supply.
3. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the fluid connection valve is normally closed.
4. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the fluid connection valve is normally closed and the valve is a three-way valve, the valve being connected to the tank, the bath body, and the waste water pipe.
5. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the fluid connection includes a nonreturn valve to allow the flow of water from the tank to the bath body but prevent the flow of water in the opposite direction.
6. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the tank includes a water level detection device, the water level detection device being arranged to stop filling of the tank when a threshold water level has been reached.
7. The bath arrangement of claim 6 , wherein the water level detection device is a float valve.
8. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the tank is positioned so that the bath body can be filled solely under the influence of gravity.
9. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein all water stored in the tank can be emptied into the bath body under the influence of gravity.
10. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the fluid connection includes a pump.
11. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the bath body includes a seat for the user.
12. The bath arrangement of claim 11 , wherein the tank is located inside or beneath the seat.
13. The bath arrangement of claim 11 , wherein the filling tank is positioned such that hot water in the tank can be used to warm the seat.
14. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein a thermostatic mixing valve is provided between the main bath water supply and the tank.
15. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein a testing reservoir is provided between the main bath water supply and the tank, the testing reservoir being accessible to a user, to enable the user to test the water temperature.
16. The bath arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the bath body is connected to a waste water pipe via at least one flow path, the at least one flow path is arranged to allow a higher flow rate out of the bath body than can be accommodated by a standard waste water pipe, the at least one flow path is arranged to accommodate a sufficient volume of water such that the flow rate of water emptying from the bath body is not limited by the cross sectional area of the waste water pipe.
17. A bath arrangement comprising a bath body for bathing in, the bath body being connected to a standard waste water pipe via at least one flow path, the at least one flow path configured to provide an increased volume flow rate of water out of the bath than that provided by gravity alone through the standard waste water pipe.
18. The bath arrangement of claim 17 , wherein the at least one flow path includes a pump.
19. The bath arrangement of claim 17 , wherein the bath body has at least one outlet, the or each outlet being in fluid connection with the at least one flow path.
20. The bath arrangement of claim 17 , wherein the total cross sectional area of the at least one outlet is greater than the cross sectional area of a standard waste water pipe.
21. The bath arrangement of claim 17 , wherein the at least one flow path is arranged to accommodate a sufficient volume of water such that the volume flow rate of water emptying from the bath body is not limited by the cross sectional area of the waste water pipe.
22. The bath arrangement of claim 17 , wherein the at least one flow path is arranged to accommodate a total volume of water substantially the same as or greater than the volume of water the bath body is arranged to hold.
23. The bath arrangement of claim 17 , wherein the bath body is connected to a waste water pipe via first and second flow paths, the flow paths being arranged such that water flowing along the second flow path takes longer to reach the waste water pipe than water flowing along the first flow path.
24. The bath arrangement of claim 23 , wherein the bath body has at least two outlets, one of the at least two outlets being connected to the first flow path and another of the at least two outlets being connected to the second flow path.
25. The bath arrangement of claim 23 , wherein the second flow path is arranged to accommodate a volume of water greater than the first flow path.
26. The bath arrangement of claim 23 , wherein the second flow path is arranged to accommodate a volume of water no greater than half the maximum volume of water the bath body is arranged to hold.
27. The bath arrangement of claim 23 , wherein the second flow path is arranged such that water does not reach the waste water pipe until the bath body is empty and there is no water flowing along the first flow path.
28. The bath arrangement of claim 23 , wherein the second flow path includes a collection area, the collection area being connected to the waste water pipe and the collection area being of greater cross sectional area than the waste water pipe.
29. The bath arrangement of claim 23 , wherein the second flow path includes a second flow path valve.
30. The bath arrangement of claim 29 , wherein the second flow path valve is located between the collection area and the waste water pipe.
31. A bath arrangement comprising:
a bath body for bathing in and a tank for storing water separately from the bath body;
a fluid connection being provided between the bath body and the tank;
a fluid connection valve being provided to control the flow of water between the bath body and the tank; and
a main bath water supply for supplying water to the bath body at a main bath water supply rate;
wherein the fluid connection valve is operable to effect filling of the bath body from the tank either alone or supplementary to filling by the main bath water supply, so that the fill rate of the bath body is higher than the main bath water supply rate, the bath body being connected to a standard waste water pipe via at least one flow path, the at least one flow path configured to provide an increased volume flow rate of water out of the bath than that provided by gravity alone through the standard waste water pipe.
32. The bath arrangement of claim 31 , wherein the bath body is connected to a waste water pipe via first and second flow paths, the flow paths being arranged such that water flowing along the first flow path takes longer to reach the waste water pipe than water flowing along the second flow path.
33. The bath arrangement of claim 31 , wherein the tank is connected to the second flow path by a second fluid connection.
34. The bath arrangement of claim 33 , wherein the second fluid connection includes a valve.
35. The bath arrangement of claim 33 , wherein the second fluid connection further includes a nonreturn valve to prevent waste water flowing into the tank.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0908308.0 | 2009-05-14 | ||
GBGB0908308.0A GB0908308D0 (en) | 2009-05-14 | 2009-05-14 | A bath arrangement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100287694A1 true US20100287694A1 (en) | 2010-11-18 |
Family
ID=40833992
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/776,149 Abandoned US20100287694A1 (en) | 2009-05-14 | 2010-05-07 | Bath arrangement |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100287694A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2253257A3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB0908308D0 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2015202158A (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2015-11-16 | 有限会社よしおか | Hot water feeding device for bathing facility |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITMI20130878A1 (en) * | 2013-05-29 | 2014-11-30 | Maclaren S R L | HYDROTHERAPY MACHINE |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US746390A (en) * | 1903-03-19 | 1903-12-08 | Ida W Schmidt | Bath-tub. |
US3882553A (en) * | 1974-02-04 | 1975-05-13 | Joseph Louis Poiencot | Infant bathtub |
US4099272A (en) * | 1977-06-16 | 1978-07-11 | Sowder Gene F | Bathing apparatus for invalids |
US4432104A (en) * | 1982-06-28 | 1984-02-21 | Sasaki Jack S | Bathing equipment for the handicapped |
US4583251A (en) * | 1982-11-15 | 1986-04-22 | Fuerst Karl | Seat bath unit |
US4769312A (en) * | 1985-10-15 | 1988-09-06 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Method of processing silver halide color photographic material including the use of a two bath desilvering system comprising two baths |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0162103A1 (en) * | 1983-11-17 | 1985-11-27 | SWEEN, Adrian P. | Bath tub having water reservoir and entry door |
JPH0673770A (en) * | 1992-08-24 | 1994-03-15 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Bath drainage system |
CN101352320B (en) * | 2008-09-10 | 2010-08-25 | 朱正伟 | Massage bath having openable door with quick water-discharging function for old people |
-
2009
- 2009-05-14 GB GBGB0908308.0A patent/GB0908308D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2010
- 2010-05-07 US US12/776,149 patent/US20100287694A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-05-14 EP EP10162846A patent/EP2253257A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US746390A (en) * | 1903-03-19 | 1903-12-08 | Ida W Schmidt | Bath-tub. |
US3882553A (en) * | 1974-02-04 | 1975-05-13 | Joseph Louis Poiencot | Infant bathtub |
US4099272A (en) * | 1977-06-16 | 1978-07-11 | Sowder Gene F | Bathing apparatus for invalids |
US4432104A (en) * | 1982-06-28 | 1984-02-21 | Sasaki Jack S | Bathing equipment for the handicapped |
US4583251A (en) * | 1982-11-15 | 1986-04-22 | Fuerst Karl | Seat bath unit |
US4769312A (en) * | 1985-10-15 | 1988-09-06 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Method of processing silver halide color photographic material including the use of a two bath desilvering system comprising two baths |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2015202158A (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2015-11-16 | 有限会社よしおか | Hot water feeding device for bathing facility |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2253257A3 (en) | 2011-02-16 |
EP2253257A2 (en) | 2010-11-24 |
GB0908308D0 (en) | 2009-06-24 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BRISTAN GROUP LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KLEWPATINOND, BENN;REEL/FRAME:024638/0730 Effective date: 20100525 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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