US20110083261A1

US20110083261A1 - Bathtub comprising a bathtub seat for infants

Info

Publication number: US20110083261A1
Application number: US12/806,739
Authority: US
Inventors: Peter Goergen
Original assignee: ROTHO BABYDESIGN GmbH
Current assignee: ROTHO BABYDESIGN GmbH
Priority date: 2009-08-19
Filing date: 2010-08-19
Publication date: 2011-04-14
Also published as: DE102009037926A1; EP2286702A3; EP2286702B1; EP2286702A2

Abstract

The invention relates to bathtub comprising a bathtub seat (12) for infants, which bathtub seat can be inserted in the bathtub (11), the bathtub seat (12) comprising a lying surface (31) that has an elevation (32) at a lower end, which elevation abuts the infant's bottom and forms an anti-slip means, and comprising a retaining member (37) arranged at the upper end of the bathtub seat (12), which retaining member engages releasably with the tub edge (21) of the bathtub (11), it being possible for the bathtub seat (12) to be arranged in the bathtub (11) in a self-centring and tilt-secure manner since a retaining member (37) engaging at the tub edge (21) engages, via at least a fastening member (39), with at least a further fastening member (25, 26) moulded onto the tub edge (21), since an edge region (34) surrounding a lying surface (31) of the bathtub seat (12) is provided and comprises a terminal rim (43), the outer contour of which is adapted to an oval tub recess that comprises a tub wall (19) narrowing from the tub edge (21) to the tub base (14), since a portion (45) abutting or lying on the tub base (14) at the lower end of the bathtub seat (12) is provided, and since a retaining member (47) arranged at the lower end of the bathtub seat (12) and engaging with the tub base (16) is provided. (See FIG. 3)

Description

The invention relates to a bathtub comprising a bathtub seat for infants, it being possible to insert the bathtub seat in the bathtub.
DE 100 36 380 C2 discloses a bathtub comprising feet that can be attached thereto and in which a bathtub seat can be inserted. This bathtub comprises a rectangular bathtub recess with side walls that are arranged perpendicular to the bathtub base. The bathtub seat comprises a tab portion at the head end that lies on the bathtub edge as well as a wrapping lip that rests on the outer wall edge portion. In order to provide a further defined arrangement of the bathtub seat at the bath wall, a protrusion is provided at the underside of the bathtub seat, both in the pelvis region and in the foot region, in each case centrally relative to the longitudinal axis of the bathtub seat, which protrusions are inserted into recesses in the bathtub base for fixing. An edge region is adjacently moulded onto the lying surface and extends as far as the perpendicular side walls, the edge region not closing the corner region between the side wall and the base in the foot region.
This arrangement poses the drawback that, owing to the perpendicular side walls and the central fixing of the bathtub seat via the protrusions at the tub base, there is an increased risk of tilting about the longitudinal axis of the bathtub seat inside the bathtub recess. Furthermore, it is cumbersome and difficult to insert and secure the bathtub seat in the bathtub by positioning the protrusions on the bathtub seat in the recesses in the bathtub base.
The object of the invention is therefore to provide a bathtub comprising a bathtub seat for infants, a bathtub for accommodating a bathtub seat, and a bathtub seat, whereby it is possible for the bathtub seat to be arranged simply and securely in the bathtub and any risk of injury posed to the infant is eliminated.
This object is achieved by a bathtub comprising a bathtub seat for infants in accordance with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous configurations and developments are disclosed in the further claims.
In accordance with the invention the bathtub comprising a bathtub seat for infants makes it possible for the bathtub seat to be inserted and arranged in a tub recess of the bathtub in a self-centring and tilt-secure manner. For this purpose at least a fastening member arranged at the retaining member engages with at least a further fastening member moulded onto the tub edge, in such a way that a locking device is provided at the upper tub edge. Furthermore, a lying surface of the bathtub seat comprises an edge region surrounding the lying surface, the outer contour of which edge region is adapted to an oval tub recess, the tub recess comprising a peripheral side wall that narrows from the tub edge to the tub base. The oval edge region that surrounds the lying surface transitions at the lower end of the tub insert into a planar and horizontally extending portion that rests against or abuts the tub base. Once inserted into the tub recess, the bathtub seat thus completely abuts the tub recess in such a way that there is no longer a gap between the tub recess, i.e. the tub wall and the tub base, and the bathtub seat. A gap-free arrangement of the bathtub seat relative to the tub recess is thus provided and any risk of the infant's arms and legs becoming trapped is virtually excluded. In addition, a retaining member engaging with the planar tub base is provided at the lower end of the bathtub seat. On the one hand, by combining these features it is possible to easily insert the bathtub seat from above into the tub recess, self-centring being achieved relative to the tub recess as a result of the outer contour of the edge region of the lying surface. On the other hand, a tilt-secure arrangement about the longitudinal axis of the bathtub seat is provided, since fastening members engage with one another at the upper tub edge, a lower portion of the bathtub seat rests against the tub base and a retaining member also engages with the planar tub base. Single-handed operation is thus made possible in order to position the bathtub seat in a defined and secure position in the bathtub recess ready for use. Easy removal is also made possible.
In accordance with a preferred configuration of the invention a locking device is provided between the bathtub seat and the tub edge of the bathtub by the engaging fastening members, at which locking device the bathtub seat is fixed in position at the tub edge, at least in one direction. In particular, the fastening members engaging with one another are largely configured in such a way that the bathtub seat is secured in the bathtub recess against rotation or tilting about its longitudinal axis in the tub recess.
In accordance with a further preferred configuration of the invention, the fastening members can be arranged or fixed via an attaching or plug-in movement. This enables easy handling, positioning and (if configured accordingly) fixing of the bathtub seat in the bathtub. Once the bathtub seat has been placed in position for use in the bathtub, secure positioning or locking between the retaining member and the tub edge is provided, almost autonomously.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the bathtub it is provided for the retaining member of the bathtub seat to comprise a support face for providing support at the tub edge, at which the fastening member configured as a protrusion is provided and extends toward the fastening member of the tub edge configured as a recess and can be positioned between two fastening members configured as ribs that are arranged in the fastening member configured as a recess. This arrangement makes it possible to position and insert the protrusion at the retaining member of the bathtub seat into a recess in the tub edge defined by two distanced ribs in a tilt-free manner as a result of a simple attaching or plug-in movement. If a tilting movement begins, the protrusion abuts the ribs arranged laterally thereto in such a way that any rotation or tilting is prevented by these ribs. This simple fixing in position makes it possible to create a locked connection without clip or catch mechanisms. Additionally or alternatively, a clip or catch mechanism may also be provided in order to prevent the bathtub seat from being removed from the tub edge.
In accordance with a further preferred configuration of the bathtub comprising a bathtub seat it is provided for a closable drain to be provided excentrically so as to remain accessible when a bathtub seat is inserted in the bathtub. The inclination and length of the bathtub seat as well as the positioning of the drain are adapted to one another in such a way that the drain is accessible despite the bathtub seat being inserted. It is thus made possible for bath water to be drained off as required during use of a bathtub seat. The contour of the edge region resting on the base therefore preferably deviates from the contour extending at the tub edge so as to create an additional clearance and to make the drain accessible.
The object of the invention is also achieved by a bathtub seat for infants for insertion in a bathtub that comprises an edge region surrounding the lying surface, the outer continuously peripheral terminal rim of said edge region comprising a contour in such a way that the terminal rim abuts the tub wall once the bathtub seat has been inserted in the bathtub, the terminal rim transitioning into a planar and horizontal portion at the lower end of the bathtub seat, which portion abuts the tub base or rests on the tub base. In this instance the outer peripheral terminal rim of the edge region is adapted to the bathtub and to the inclination of the tub wall. As a result, the risk of injury posed by the infant's arms or fingers being crushed or trapped is also prevented. At the same time a stable and secure arrangement of the bathtub seat in the tub is also obtained.
In accordance with a preferred configuration of the bathtub seat a peripheral elevation is provided between the lying surface and the terminal rim surrounding the edge region, which elevation defines the lying surface. The infant is thus retained laterally within the lying surface. At the same time, access to the region in which the terminal rim lies against the tub wall is impeded by the elevation.
In accordance with a preferred configuration of the bathtub seat a protrusion pointing towards the tub edge is provided as a fastening member at the retaining member in a support face for resting on the bathtub edge and is preferably moulded onto the retaining member. This configuration makes it possible to position and secure the bathtub seat relative to the bathtub in a simple manner once the bathtub seat has been placed and positioned in the bathtub for use.
Furthermore, a recessed grip is preferably moulded onto the bathtub seat at the end-face end of the retaining member, which recessed grip protrudes opposite the tub edge once the retaining member has been placed on the tub edge. This makes it possible to remove the bathtub seat in a simple manner since the other regions of the bathtub seat abut the tub edge or the tub recess as well as the tub base. The tub seat can thus be lifted out of the bathtub in a simple manner using this recessed grip.
Furthermore, at least a suction cup is fixed to an edge region lying in the tub base. The bathtub seat can thus be additionally secured and fixed against removal from the tub base. Alternatively to the suction cup, a rubberised support face comprising suction bumps or a furrowed surface or the like may be provided.
The object of the invention is also achieved by a bathtub for infants, in which a bathtub seat can be inserted, which bathtub comprises fastening members at the tub edge for releasable positioning or locking relative to the bathtub seat inserted in the bathtub. The bathtub seat can thus be arranged and positioned rigidly in the bathtub as well as be easily inserted and removed.
A further preferred configuration of the bathtub for accommodating the bathtub seat provides two ribs arranged at a distance from one another as a fastening member at the tub edge, which are arranged in the further fastening member configured as a recess in the tub edge and between which a protrusion arranged at the retaining member of the bathtub seat can be inserted. The bathtub seat can thus be fixed relative to the bathtub by a simple attaching or plug-in movement of the bathtub seat. The protrusion of the bathtub seat engages in the recess in the bathtub edge between the ribs, the distance between the ribs corresponding to the width of the protrusion or being only slightly wider than this. An arrangement of the bathtub seat in which it is secured against tilting is thus provided in the upper region of the bathtub seat relative to the tub edge.
In accordance with a further preferred configuration of the bathtub it is provided for the fastening members to be moulded onto the tub edge. When producing the tub as a moulded part, the recess and the at least ribs arranged transversely thereto are, in particular, deformed in such a way that they are provided integrally with the tub. The same applies to the configuration of the protrusion at the retaining member of the bathtub seat.
A preferred embodiment of the bathtub provides for the portion of the tub edge receiving the fastening members to be taller than an opposing tub portion. If of a constant size, the lying surface can thus be arranged in the bathtub at a steeper incline. In addition, it may be made possible to keep the infant's head above the water level when the bathtub is completely full.

The invention and further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof will be described and explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features to be inferred from the description and the drawings may be applied in accordance with the invention either individually or in any combination. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bathtub comprising a bathtub seat for infants arranged therein,

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the bathtub comprising a bathtub seat according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the bathtub comprising a bathtub seat according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a schematically enlarged sectional view of detail “X”,

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of a bathtub seat, and

FIG. 5 b is a schematic side view of the bathtub seat according to FIG. 4.

FIG. 1 is a perspective plan view of a bathtub 11 comprising a bathtub seat 12. FIG. 2 shows a further perspective view of the bathtub 11 comprising the bathtub seat 12 arranged therein. FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal sectional view of FIGS. 2 and 3. The bathtub 11 is preferably provided for infants and is made of plastics material. The bathtub 11 comprises a tub base 14 with a drain 16 that can be closed by a drain plug 17. A tub wall 19 abutting the tub base 14 is defined by a tub edge 21 that preferably has a U-shaped cross-section with an end face 22. The tub wall 19 is configured between the tub edge 21 and the tub base 16 so as to become narrowed toward the tub base 14, or extends in a conically tapering manner toward the tub base 14. For example the bathtub 11 is oval and may also be U-shaped, kidney-shaped, slot-shaped or slot-shaped with a central constriction. For example an accommodating recess 23 is provided at an end-face end of the bathtub 11 as a storage face. Fastening members 25, 26 are provided opposite at the tub edge 21 and, together with a fastening member 39 of the bathtub seat 12, form a secured positioning device relative to one another or a locking device 28. A fastening member 25 is formed at this exemplary locking device 28 by a recess in the tub edge 21, which recess extends along the tub edge 21. Two ribs oriented at a distance from one another and transverse to the recess 25 are provided in the recess 25 as a further fastening member 26, for example as shown in FIG. 2. These fastening members 25, 26 form a part of a locking device 28 for receiving the bathtub seat 12.
The bathtub seat 12 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b. This bathtub seat 12 comprises a lying surface 31, which preferably has a soft pad or another soft insert or support. An elevation 32 is provided at the lower end of the lying surface 31 as an anti-slip means for the infant. A trough-shaped extension 33 for receiving the infant's legs is arranged beside the elevation 32. The lying surface 31 is provided in a recessed manner relative to an edge region 34 that surrounds the lying surface and is preferably configured ergonomically so the infant can lie comfortably on the lying surface 31. The edge region 34 is configured as a preferably peripheral elevation, in such a way that the elevation is taller than an outer terminal rim 43. A retaining member 37 is provided at the upper end in the head region of the lying surface 31 and is clip-shaped. This retaining member 37 lies, at least in part, on the tub edge 21 via a support face 38. The retaining member 37 comprises a protrusion or an edge portion as a fastening member 39 and this extends towards the tub edge 21. This fastening member 39 at the retaining member 37 forms part of the locking device 28 so as to position and fix the bathtub seat 12 relative to the tub edge 19 of the bathtub 11. A curvature is provided at the outer end-face end of the retaining member 37 as a recessed grip 55 so as to make it possible to easily release the retaining member 37 of the bathtub seat 12 from the tub edge.
The edge region 34 surrounding the lying surface 31 has an outer contour with the terminal rim 43, which is adapted to the contour of the bathtub 11 and to the incline of the lying surface 21 and the contour relative to the bathtub 11 thus produced. In this instance the edge region 34 comprises portions 44 connected laterally to the tub wall 19 and a portion 45 abutting the tub base 14. The extension of the terminal rim 43 or the width of the edge region 34 surrounding the lying surface 31 is adapted to the size and contour of the bathtub 11 or of the tub recess. It is thus possible for the terminal rim 43 of the edge region 34 to abut the tub wall 19 and the tub base 14 in such a way that an almost gap-free arrangement of the bathtub seat 12 in the bathtub 11 is made possible. The terminal rim 43 of the edge region 34 preferably abuts the tub wall 19 and the tub base 14 once the bathtub seat 12 has been positioned for use. The infant's arms and fingers cannot therefore become trapped between the bathtub seat 12 and the bathtub 11. The portions 44 are elliptical in the bathtub seat 12 provided for an oval contour of the bathtub 11. The portion 45, arranged on the tub base 14, of the edge region 43 is segment-shaped. This portion 45 is planar, lies on the tub base 14 and extends as far as the tub wall 19. This poses the advantage that the drain 16 is freely accessible when the bathtub seat 12 is inserted in the bathtub 11.
At least a retaining member 47, in particular a suction cup or a support with suction bumps, is preferably provided in the portion 45 of the edge region 34, which also acts as an additional support against tilting of the bathtub seat 12, so as to prevent the bathtub seat 12 from being removed unintentionally from the bathtub base 14.
In the bathtub 11 shown in cross-section in FIG. 3 the tub edge 21 receiving the fastening members 24 is preferably taller than the opposing tub edge 21, which, for example, comprises the accommodating recess 23.
The bathtub seat 12 may easily be inserted in the bathtub 11 as required and removed again following use so as to make it possible, on the one hand, to clean the bathtub 11 and the bathtub seat 12 in a simple manner and, on the other hand, to use the bathtub 11 without the bathtub seat 12. In order to insert the bathtub seat 12 in the bathtub 11 it is provided for the fastening member 39 at the bathtub seat 12 to be inserted into the fastening member 25 configured as a recess and between the fastening members 26 at the bathtub 11 configured as ribs. The bathtub seat 12 is moved towards the tub base 14 either subsequently or simultaneously.
The fastening member 39, configured as a protrusion, of the retaining member 37 engages in the recess 26 at the tub edge 21, either before the portion 45 of the edge region 34 abuts the tub base 14 or as the edge region 34 abuts the tub base 14. This engagement between the protrusion 39 and the recess 25 between the two ribs 26 at the tub edge 21 is shown in a schematically enlarged manner in the detail shown in FIG. 4. In this instance the components cooperating with one another may also be configured in such a way that at least a small locking effect or clamping against simple removal is made possible between the protrusion 29 and the recess 25. At the same time the suction cup 47 engages with the tub base 14. In addition, the edge region 34 of the bathtub seat 12 abuts the tub wall 19 and the tub base 14. It is therefore possible to orientate the bathtub seat 12 relative to the bathtub 11 in a stable manner. An attaching and/or plug-in movement of this type makes it possible to insert and, at the same time, fasten the retaining member 37 to the tub edge 21 in a simple manner. In order to remove the bathtub seat 12, the suction cup 47 is first released from the tub base 14. The bathtub seat 12 can then be removed upwardly from the bathtub 11.
The bathtub seat is preferably configured as a bathtub reclining seat that combines the functions of lying and sitting so the infant is held comfortably and securely and can be easily removed from the bathtub.

Claims

1. Bathtub comprising a bathtub seat for infants that can be inserted in the bathtub, the bathtub seat comprising a lying surface that comprises an elevation at a lower end, which elevation abuts the infant's bottom and forms an anti-slip means, and comprising a retaining member arranged at the upper end of the bathtub seat, which retaining member engages releasably with the tub edge of the bathtub, wherein the bathtub seat is arrangeable in the bathtub in a self-centring and tilt-secure manner since a retaining member engaging at the tub edge engages, via at least a fastening member, with at least a further fastening member moulded onto the wall edge, since an edge region surrounding a lying surface of the bathtub seat is provided and comprises a terminal rim, the outer contour of which is adapted to an oval tub recess that comprises a tub wall narrowing from the tub edge to the tub base, since a portion abutting or resting on the wall base at the lower end of the bathtub seat is provided, and since a retaining member arranged at the lower end of the bathtub seat and engaging with the tub base is provided.

2. Bathtub according to claim 1, wherein a locking device is formed between the bathtub seat and the tub edge by the engaging fastening members, at which locking device the bathtub seat is fixed in position at the tub edge, at least in one direction.

3. Bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the fastening members are fixed via an attaching or plug-in movement, and are locked against removal.

4. Bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the retaining member of the bathtub seat comprises a support face for providing support at the tub edge, at which the fastening member configured as a protrusion is provided and extends towards the at least one fastening member of the tub edge configured as a recess and is positionable in the fastening member configured as a recess in the tub edge between two further fastening members configured as ribs.

5. Bathtub according to claim 1, wherein a closable drain is provided excentrically relative to the tub base and is accessible when a bathtub seat is inserted in the bathtub.

6. Bathtub seat for infants for use in a bathtub, which bathtub seat comprises a recessed lying surface that comprises an elevation at the lower end, which elevation abuts the infant's bottom, and forms an anti-slip means, and comprising a retaining member provided in the head region of the lying surface and a support face for providing support at the tub edge, wherein an oval edge region surrounding the lying surface is provided, the outer continuously peripheral terminal rim thereof comprising a contour or an extension or a combined contour and extension in such a way that the terminal rim of the edge region abuts the tub wall once the bathtub seat has been inserted in the bathtub, the terminal rim transitioning into a planar and horizontal portion at the lower end of the bathtub seat, which portion abuts or lies on the tub base.

7. Bath tub seat according to claim 6, wherein a peripheral elevation is provided between the lying surface and the terminal rim surrounding the edge region and defines the lying surface.

8. Bath tub seat according to claim 6, wherein a protrusion pointing towards the tub edge is provided as a fastening member at the support face of the retaining member and is preferably moulded onto the retaining member.

9. Bathtub seat according to claim 6, wherein a recessed grip is moulded onto an end-face end of the retaining member and protrudes opposite an outer portion of the tub edge once the retaining member has been placed on the tub edge.

10. Bath tub seat according to claim 6, wherein at least a retaining member is fixed to a portion of the edge region abutting the tub base.

11. Bathtub for infants, in which it is possible to insert a bathtub seat comprising a base, a tub wall and a tub edge delimiting the tub wall at the top, wherein fastening members are provided at the tub edge for a releasable positioning or locking device relative to a bathtub seat that is insertable in the bathtub.

12. Bathtub according to claim 11, wherein two ribs arranged at a distance from one another are provided at the tub edge as a fastening member and are arranged in the further fastening member configured as a recess.

13. Bathtub according to claim 11, wherein the fastening members are moulded onto the tub member.

14. Bathtub according to claim 11, wherein the portion of the tub edge receiving the fastening members is taller than an opposing portion of the tub edge.

15. Bath tub seat according to claim 10, wherein the retaining chamber is a suction cup or a support comprising suction bumps.