WO2011033312A1

WO2011033312A1 - Baby bath

Info

Publication number: WO2011033312A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/051564
Authority: WO
Inventors: Louisa Swindell
Original assignee: Mothercare Uk Limited
Priority date: 2009-09-18
Filing date: 2010-09-17
Publication date: 2011-03-24
Also published as: GB2473638A; GB2473638B; GB0916400D0

Abstract

A baby bath (10) comprises a base (12) and a side wall (14) and a flange (18) extending around a periphery of the side wall. The direction, orientation or curvature of the flange varies around the periphery of the side wall such that a first portion of the side wall has a lower rigidity than a second portion of the side wall.

Description

BABY BATH

The present invention relates to a baby bath and particularly, but not exclusively, to a baby bath which can reduce the occurrence of free surface movement of water (sloshing) whilst being carried when containing water. Aspects of the invention relate to a container, to a bathtub and to a baby bath.

A baby bath is a small-scale bathtub, similar in shape to a conventional bath but adapted specifically for the bathing of babies and infants. Baby baths take various forms but generally consist of a base or bottom surface that is surrounded by an upstanding side wall forming an open container or tub. The upstanding wall is often inclined to the vertical, particularly at the ends of the tub, enabling the adult bathing the baby to recline the baby. One form of baby bath comprises a "stand-alone" bathtub arranged to be at least partially filled with water from a separate source and placed on a level surface.

Standalone baby baths are intended to be used in areas not usually associated with washing or bathing, for example a lounge or bedroom. Thus, in use, the parent is generally required to fill the bathtub with water from a bathroom showerhead or tap and, once sufficiently filled, to carry the bathtub to the location at which the baby is to be bathed.

A problem with this method of use, however, is that oscillatory movement of the tub whilst it is being carried frequently causes significant sloshing to occur due to the free-surface effect of the water interacting with the dynamics of the tub. The natural response of the carrier to compensate for this sloshing often has the effect of exacerbating the problem, making carrying the tub increasingly difficult as the center of gravity shifts with the movement of water. This can lead to water spilling over the rim of the bathtub which is both undesirable and inconvenient.

It is an aim of the present invention to address this problem. Embodiments of the invention may provide a container or a bathtub configured to reduce or substantially eliminate liquid sloshing whilst being carried. Other aims and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, claims and drawings.

Aspects of the invention therefore provide a bathtub as claimed in the appended claims. According to another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a baby bath comprising a tub having a base and a side wall, wherein a first portion of the side wall has a lower stiffness or rigidity than a second portion of the side wall. According to another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a baby bath comprising a tub having a base and a side wall, wherein a second portion of the side wall has a greater stiffness or rigidity than a first portion of the side wall.

In an embodiment, a section of the side wall at a first end or side of the tub has a lower stiffness or rigidity than a section of the side wall at a second end or side of the tub. In other words, the section of the side wall at the first end or side of the tub has greater flexibility than the section of the side wall at the second end or side of the tub.

Advantageously, by providing a section of the side wall at one end or side of the bathtub with greater flexibility (or lower stiffness) than a section of the side wall at another end or side of the bathtub, free surface movement of liquid in the bathtub may be reduced, thereby reducing sloshing.

In an embodiment, a flange extends from an upper or edge region of the side wall at or adjacent the second end of the bathtub. The flange may locally increase the rigidity of the side wall.

In an embodiment the flange extends from the upper or edge region of the side wall at the second end of the bathtub but does not extend from the upper or edge region of the side wall at the first end of the bathtub.

The flange may be curved outwardly and/or downwardly from the upper or edge region of the side wall.

In an embodiment, the bathtub comprises a flange extending substantially fully around a perimeter or circumference of the side wall from an upper or edge region thereof.

Advantageously, at least one of the shape of the flange, the width or depth of the flange, the orientation or direction of the flange, the curvature or radius of curvature of the flange or the angle of the flange relative to the side wall varies around the perimeter or circumference of the side wall such that the section of the side wall at the first end of the bathtub has a greater flexibility and/or reduced rigidity than the section of the side wall at the second end of the bathtub. These parameters of the flange may vary substantially continuously around the perimeter or circumference of the side wall.

In an embodiment, the flange, or a portion of the flange, at or adjacent the first end of the bathtub is inverted relative to the flange, or a portion of the flange, at or adjacent the second end of the bathtub.

In an embodiment, the flange is curved outwardly and downwardly from the upper or edge region of the side wall at or adjacent the second end of the bathtub. In an embodiment, at or adjacent the first end of the bathtub, the flange is curved upwardly. Alternatively, the flange may be substantially non-curved and/or substantially coplanar with the side wall at or adjacent the first end of the bathtub.

The side wall may comprise one or more carrying handles for assisting carrying of the bathtub. The or each handle may comprise an aperture formed in the side wall. The rim or edge of the aperture may be coated or trimmed in a suitable material to improve the comfort of the user when carrying the bathtub. Alternatively, or in addition, the or each handle may comprise a portion of the flange or may comprise a separate handle portion protruding from the side wall.

The free edge or rim of the flange or handle may also be coated or trimmed in a suitable material to improve the comfort of the user when carrying the bathtub. The trimming material may comprise a hard plastics material that is aesthetically pleasing. Alternatively, the trimming material may comprise a soft and/or flexible material.

The base and/or side wall may be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid plastics material such as polypropylene.

In an embodiment, the base and/or side wall has a substantially uniform thickness. The thickness may be between l-5mm. Advantageously, the thickness is between 3-4mm. Preferably, the thickness is approximately 3mm. In one embodiment, the base and/or side wall has a non-uniform thickness, with the increased flexibility section of the side wall comprising a region of reduced thickness. The base and side wall may be integrally formed. In one embodiment, the main body of the bathtub is moulded as a single, unitary piece using injection moulding.

The first and second ends may be disposed at opposite ends of the bathtub. The first end may constitute a head end of the bathtub and the second end may constitute a foot end of the bathtub.

According to a further aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a container for carrying a liquid, the container comprising a base and a side wall, wherein a first portion of the side wall has a greater flexibility and/or reduced stiffness than a second portion of the side wall.

The first portion and the second portion may comprise opposing portions of the side wall. In an embodiment, for example, a portion of the side wall at the second end of the container has a greater rigidity than a portion of the side wall at the first end of the container. Advantageously, the provision of a portion of the side wall having a lower rigidity at one end of the container permits said end to flex by a relatively larger amount whilst it is being carried. The applicants have discovered that this greater flexing reduces the occurrence of liquid sloshing in the container, thereby facilitating carrying of the container and reducing spillage. The relative difference in rigidity of the portions of the side wall at the first and second ends of the container may be achieved by providing a peripheral flange at or adjacent the second end of the container only. No flange is provided at the first end of the container. The presence of the flange locally increases the rigidity of the side wall. Portions of the side wall that are not provided with the flange are more flexible than those portions from which the flange extends.

In an embodiment, the flange extends substantially continuously around an upper edge or rim of the side wall. Parameters of the flange, such as the width, shape, direction, orientation and/or curvature, may vary around the perimeter of the side wall such that the portion of the side wall at the first end of the container has a greater flexibility than the portion of the side wall at the second end of the container.

The container may comprise a baby bath.

Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, may be taken independently or in any combination thereof.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a bathtub embodying a first form of the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the bathtub of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is an end view of the bathtub of Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a first perspective view of the bathtub of Figure 1 ; Figure 5 is a second perspective view of the bathtub of Figure 1 ; Figure 6 illustrates a plug disposed in the bathtub of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 7 illustrates a "shower cup" accessory for use with the bathtub of Figure 1.

Whilst in the following description and the Figures the present invention is described in the context of a baby bath, representing a particularly advantageous form of the invention, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that the invention is equally applicable to other forms of container or vessel for carrying liquids.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a baby bath embodying a first form of the invention is shown generally at 10. The baby bath comprises a basin or bathtub 10 formed from a suitable plastics material, such as polypropylene. The bathtub 10 is broadly similar in shape to a conventional bathtub, having a generally flat base 12 and a surrounding wall structure 14 upstanding therefrom, the base 12 and the wall structure 14 together defining an open container or tub. In comparison with a conventional bathtub, however, the baby bath 10 is appropriately reduced in size for use with babies and infants.

The base 12 is generally oval or elliptical in shape, as best shown in Figure 2, having a length greater than its width, and features raised portions 16 depending from its lower surface defining feet for providing a stable platform for the base 12 when placed on a surface such as a main bath, bath stand, floor, table or countertop.

The upstanding wall structure 14 surrounds the periphery of the base 12 to define a substantially continuous and smoothly curved side wall 14. For ease of reference, the side wall 14 is considered to comprise left and right side wall sections (14a, 14b) and first and second end wall sections (14c, 14d) of the bathtub 10. As best seen by a comparison of Figures 1 and 3, the left and right side wall sections 14a, 14b are somewhat more upright than the first and second end wall sections 14c, 14d, the latter being inclined to the vertical by a greater angle to allow the baby to recline whilst keeping its head out of the water. The upper region or free edge 16 of the side wall 14 is rolled or turned outwardly along a portion thereof forming an outwardly directed flange 18. The shape of the flange 18, for example its depth or width, its orientation, its curvature and/or the angle at which it projects relative to the plane of the side wall 14 proper, varies around the circumference of the side wall 14. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, at the first end wall section 14c, hereafter termed the "head end" of the tub 10, and portions of the left and right side wall sections 14a, 14b adjacent thereto, the upper region or free edge 16 of the side wall 14 is not outwardly turned and effectively remains coplanar with the wall proper such that there is substantially no flange 18 at these portions.

As the side wall 14 extends towards the second end wall section 14d, the upper region or free edge 16 begins to turn outwardly to form the flange 18, the angle of which relative to the plane of the wall 14 proper increases until, at a point M on the left and right side wall sections 14a, 14b approximately midway between the first and second end wall sections 14c, 14d, the flange 18 extends substantially perpendicularly to the side wall 14.

Towards the second end wall section 14d, hereafter termed the "foot end" of the tub 10, the flange 18 becomes downwardly turned to define a curved skirt 20. The radius of curvature of the flange 18 and/or the internal angle between the flange and the wall 14 proper decreases substantially continuously from the point M to the midpoint S of the second end wall section 14d.

It can be seen that the flange 18, being that part of the upper region or edge 16 of the side wall 14 that is turned outwardly relative to the side wall proper 14, does not extend around the full perimeter or circumference of the side wall. That is to say, the upper region or edge 16 of the side wall 14 ceases to constitute a flange at points where it is no longer outwardly turned relative to the side wall 14 proper.

In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in Figures 1 and 4, the upper region or edge 16 of the side wall 14 is no longer outwardly turned along a portion that extends from a first point X on the left side wall section 14a close to the head end 14c of the bathtub 10, around the head end 14c, to a corresponding point Y on the right side wall section 14b. Between the points X, Y, around the head end 14c of the bathtub, the upper region or edge 16 of the side wall 14 generally follows the plane or contour of the side wall 14 proper.

The flange 18 is thus considered to extends around the foot end 142d of the bathtub 10 and adjacent portions of the left and right side walls 14a, 14b, effectively terminating at the points X and Y. Furthermore, it can be seen that the shape or contour of the flange 18 varies along its length. For example, at least one of the width or depth of the flange 18, its orientation or direction, its curvature or radius of curvature and/or its angle relative to the plane of the side wall 14 proper varies substantially continuously between the points X, Y. While the above description explains the geometry of the flange as extending around only a part of the side wall, in particular the side wall at or adjacent the foot end 14d of the tub 10, it could equally be considered that the flange 18 actually extends around the full circumference of the side wall 14. In this case, it can be seen that the flange 18 is turned outwardly and downwardly at the foot end 14d of the tub 10 and along adjacent portions of the left and right side wall sections 14a and 14b, but is upwardly turned, with little or no outward curve, at the head end 14c of the tub 10 and along adjacent portions of the left and right side wall sections 14a, 14b. That is to say, the flange 18 at the head end 14c of the tub 10 is inverted relative to that at the foot end 14d of the tub 10, the point of inversion occurring at respective positions M on the left and right wall sections 14a, 14b approximately midway between the head and foot ends 14c, 14d of the tub 10.

It can also be seen from the Figures that, at the head end 14c of the bathtub 10, the free edge 16 defines the rim of the tub 10, whilst at the foot end 14d, the rim is defined by the curved "apex" of the end wall 14d and the downwardly depending flange 18. Furthermore, since the flange 18 is integrally formed with the end and side wall sections 14a - 14d of the tub 10, at the head end of the tub 10, the flange 18 effectively becomes a continuance of the end wall 14c, giving the appearance that the bath is deeper at the head end 14c than at the foot end 14d. The greater effective length of the head end wall section 14c permits the baby to recline against it so that the head can be held above the water whilst the body is immersed.

The shape of the flange 18 at any given point along the side wall 14 (for example its width, orientation, direction, curvature and/or angle relative to the side wall 14 proper) determines, at least in part, the rigidity of the side wall at that point. In particular, as the width of the flange and/or the angle of the flange relative to the plane of the wall increases, or as the radius of curvature of the flange reduces, the rigidity of the corresponding section of the wall increases (i.e. the flexibility of the corresponding section of the wall decreases). The technical effect of the above-described geometry of the flange 18 is that the second end portion 14d of the wall 14, wherein the flange 18 is curved outwardly and downwardly to define a skirt and thus has the smallest radius of curvature, has a greater stiffness or rigidity than other portions of the wall, in particular the head end wall 14c, at which the flange is either absent or is turned upwardly, effectively becoming a coplanar continuance of the head end wall section 14c.

That is to say, the head end of the tub 10, being the end defined by the first end wall section 14c and adjacent portions of the side wall sections 14a, 14b, has a greater flexibility than the foot end of the tub 10, being the end defined by the end wall 14d and adjacent portions of the side wall sections 14a, 14b. In other words, the flange 18 substantially rigidifies the foot end 14d of the tub 10, but provides less rigidity at the head end 14c. Furthermore, the rigidifying effect of the flange 18 is greatest at the midpoint of the foot end wall section 14d, where the curvature of the flange is greatest, and reduces substantially continuously around the perimeter of the wall 14 to a minimum at the midpoint of the head end wall section 14c.

The applicants have found that this greater flexibility of the side wall 14 at the head end 14c of the tub 10 compared with the opposite end thereof advantageously reduces the occurrence of free surface movement of liquid, i.e. sloshing, when the bathtub is being carried.

As best seen from Figure 4, the head end wall section 14c includes a carrying handle, in the form of a generally oval or elliptical aperture 30, formed in an upper region thereof. The edge or rim of the aperture 30 may be trimmed in a suitable material, which may be a hard plastics material or a relatively flexible, resilient or soft material, to provide a comfortable gripping edge for the user, who may be required to carry the bathtub when it is filled with water. In one embodiment, the edge or rim of the aperture 30 comprises a rounded edge or beading.

At the foot end wall section 14d, the downwardly curved flange 18, being of relatively high rigidity, may be used as a corresponding carrying handle. Again, the free edge 16 of the flange 18 may be trimmed or edged in a relatively flexible, resilient or soft material to reduce discomfort whilst carrying the bathtub. The trimming material may advantageously be water resistant. In use, the bathtub 10 is arranged to be filled with water from a suitable source. Once the tub is sufficiently full, the user carries the tub by means of the carrying handles to the desired location, which may be a bedroom, lounge or kitchen. Due to the increased flexibility of the head end wall section 14c compared to the foot end wall section 14d, free surface movement of the water in the tub (sloshing) is significantly reduced, thereby reducing spillage.

The contour of the flange 18, which varies substantially continuously around the perimeter of the wall structure 14, ensures a desirable degree of rigidity of the bathtub as whole, enabling water to be contained, and the baby to be bathed, without excessive flexing or sagging of the left and right side walls 14a, 14b or the first and second end walls 14c,. However, the reduced stiffness or rigidity of the first end wall section 14c compared with that of the second end wall section 14d advantageously dampens free-surface movement of the water and thereby reduces sloshing, facilitating the carrying of the filled tub and reducing spillage. Referring to Figure 6, the tub 10 also includes a drain hole 40 formed in the base 12 adjacent the foot end wall section 14d, having a plug 42, best shown in Figure 6. The plug 42 comprises an O-ring or gasket 44, adapted to be sealingly seated in the drain hole 40, and a stopper 46 hinged thereto to plug the hole 40. The gasket 44 and stopper 46 may be integrally formed from a suitably impermeable, flexible or resilient plastics material such as rubber or polypropylene.

Referring to Figure 7, the bathtub 10 also includes a shower cup, comprising a shallow-walled container 50 having a base 52 and a side wall 54 shaped to sit in a pocket formed by an inwardly directed recess 56 disposed in the foot end wall section 14d of the tub 10. The base 52 of the container 50 features a plurality of closely spaced apertures 58 while the continuous free edge of the side wall 54 is outwardly and downwardly curved in a manner similar to the flange 18 of the bathtub 10 at the foot end wall section 14d.

In use, the shower cup is used to rinse shampoo or soap from the baby, particularly the baby's head, by filling the container 50 with water from the bathtub 10 and holding it over the baby so that the water drains through the apertures 58 in a manner similar to a conventional showerhead.

As best shown in Figure 2, the upper surface of the base 12 of the bathtub 10 may be coated with a non-slip material or may be arranged to receive a bath mat 60 to ensure that the baby is adequately supported in the bathtub 10. A non-slip coating may also be applied to the underside of the base 12, or to the lower surfaces of the feet 16, to reduce movement of the bathtub 10 on the surface on which it is placed.

The above described, non-limiting embodiment provides an improved baby bath which reduces the occurrence of sloshing, and resulting spillages, whilst being carried.

Nevertheless, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention defined in the appended claims may find application other than baby baths and the invention is not intended to be limited thereto. For example, any open containers used for carrying liquids may benefit from the present invention, such as buckets, washing up bowls or the like. Furthermore, various modifications or improvements may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the container may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. One advantageous form of the invention is formed from polypropylene (PP) having a substantially constant thickness of approximately 3mm. The stiffening effect of the rim extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the side wall 14 permits the thickness of the wall to be reduced in comparison with prior art bathtubs, thereby reducing material costs and weight. Other thicknesses may be adopted, however. The container may be molded unitarily, i.e. as a one-piece structure, using any suitable technique, such as injection molding.

The carrying handles are not essential and may be eliminated or, if desired, alternatively placed. While in the above described embodiment the flange 18 is arranged such that the foot end wall section 14d has a greater rigidity, or reduced flexibility, relative to the head end wall section 14c, this arrangement is not essential and the reverse can equally apply.

The substantially continuously varying shape or contour of the flange 18, while advantageous, is not essential and a beneficial reduction in free surface movement of liquid (sloshing) may also be achieved by the provision of any form of flange, including a simple outwardly directed, planar flange, located at or adjacent only one end of the bathtub 10. The presence of the flange 18 locally increases the rigidity or stiffness of the side wall 14, such that the end of the bathtub at which the flange is absent will have a greater flexibility than the opposite end, thereby reducing sloshing during carrying.

It is also envisaged that the desired relative difference in flexibility between opposite sides or ends of the bathtub may be achieved by varying the thickness of the side wall material, with the rigidity of the side wall increasing as the thickness of material increases.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A bathtub, comprising a base and a side wall, wherein a section of the side wall at a first end or side of the bathtub has a greater flexibility than a section of the side wall at a second end or side of the bathtub.

2. A bathtub as claimed in claim 1, wherein the section of the side wall at the second end of the bathtub has a greater stiffness or rigidity than the section of the side wall at the first end of the bathtub.

3. A bathtub as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a flange extending from an upper or edge region of the side wall at or adjacent the second end of the bathtub.

4. A bathtub as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flange extends from the upper or edge region of the side wall at or adjacent the second end only of the bathtub and does not extend from the upper or edge region of the side wall at or adjacent the first end of the bathtub.

5. A bathtub as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the flange extends around a greater portion of the circumference or perimeter of the side wall and terminates at respective points on the side wall spaced from the first end of the bathtub such that the upper or edge region of the first end wall section has no flange extending therefrom.

6. A bathtub as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the flange is curved outwardly and/or downwardly from the upper or edge region of the side wall.

7. A bathtub as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a flange extending around a perimeter or circumference of the side wall from an upper or edge region thereof, wherein at least one of:

the shape of the flange;

the width or depth of the flange;

the orientation or direction of the flange;

the curvature or radius of curvature of the flange; and

the angle of the flange relative to the side wall; varies around the perimeter or circumference of the side wall such that the section of the side wall at the first end of the bathtub has a greater flexibility than the section of the side wall at the second end of the bathtub.

8. A bathtub as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one of:

the shape of the flange;

the width or depth of the flange;

the orientation or direction of the flange;

the curvature or radius of curvature of the flange; and

the angle of the flange relative to the side wall;

varies substantially continuously around the perimeter or circumference of the side wall.

9. A bathtub as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the flange, or a portion thereof, at or adjacent the first end of the bathtub is inverted relative to the flange, or a portion thereof, at or adjacent the second end of the bathtub.

10. A bathtub as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the flange is curved outwardly and downwardly from the upper or edge region of the side wall at or adjacent the second end of the bathtub.

11. A bathtub as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10, wherein, at or adjacent the first end of the bathtub, the flange is:

curved upwardly;

substantially non-curved; and/or

substantially coplanar with the side wall.

12. A bathtub as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base and/or side wall has a substantially uniform thickness.

13. A bathtub as claimed in claim 12, wherein the thickness is between 2-5mm, preferably between 3-4mm, more preferably 3mm.

14. A bathtub as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the section of the side wall at the second end of the bathtub has a greater thickness than the section of the side wall at the first end of the bathtub.

15. A bathtub as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base and/or side wall is formed from polypropylene.

16. A bathtub as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base and side wall are integrally formed.

17. A bathtub as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base and side wall are unitarily formed using injection moulding.

18. A bathtub as claimed in any preceding claim, being a baby bath.

19. A bathtub as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second ends are disposed at opposite ends of the bathtub.

20. A bathtub as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first end constitutes a head end of the bathtub and the second end constitutes a foot end of the bathtub.

21. A container or a baby bath constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 5.