WO2019103691A1

WO2019103691A1 - Bathing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2019103691A1
Application number: PCT/SG2017/050580
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Zev ZELEKOVITZ
Original assignee: Dreamwater Float
Priority date: 2017-11-23
Filing date: 2017-11-23
Publication date: 2019-05-31
Also published as: TW201929826A

Abstract

A dual-use bathing apparatus including a body having at least one inner side wall and inner base defining a water retaining bathing cavity, a fixture that supplies bathing water to the bathing cavity for bathing use, a drain that allows used bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity, a reservoir that stores non-bathing water, an inlet that supplies non-bathing water from the reservoir to the bathing cavity for non-bathing use, an outlet that allows non-bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity and returned to the reservoir and a pump that selectively pumps non-bathing water between the bathing cavity and the reservoir.

Description

BATHING APPARATUS

Background of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a dual purpose bathing apparatus, and in one particular example to a bathing apparatus providing a secondary non-bathing use, such as to provide for floatation.

Description of the Prior Art

[0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0003] Floatation pods/rooms are typically used to allow individuals to float in warm water as part of sensory deprivation therapy or similar. The pods typically contain a salt solution, for example including 500 kg of salt mixed with 700 litres of water, with the pod being configured to remain filled with water, which is cleaned in situ, using a filtration and/or sterilisation system. As a result, the pods tend to be bulky meaning they are too large to fit into a home without extensive remodelling. Consequently, most floatation pods are custom built to be used solely for floatation purposes and are intended primarily for commercial use, for example as part of a spa or other venue, providing floatation and/or sensory deprivation facilities. This means that people are often required to travel long distances to a spa or other venue to access float therapy and the associated benefits.

Summary of the Present Invention

[0004] In one broad form an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a dual-use bathing apparatus including: a body having at least one inner side wall and inner base defining a water retaining bathing cavity; a fixture that supplies bathing water to the bathing cavity for bathing use; a drain that allows used bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity; a reservoir that stores non-bathing water; an inlet that supplies non-bathing water from the reservoir to the bathing cavity for non-bathing use; an outlet that allows non-bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity and returned to the reservoir; and, a pump that selectively pumps non bathing water between the bathing cavity and the reservoir.

[0005] In one embodiment the bath body includes an outer side wall spaced apart from the inner side wall, the reservoir being provided at least partially between the inner and outer sides walls.

[0006] In one embodiment the bath body includes an outer base spaced apart from the inner base, the reservoir being provided at least partially between the inner and outer bases.

[0007] In one embodiment the non-bathing water includes salt water and the non-bathing use includes floatation.

[0008] In one embodiment the bathing apparatus includes a filter that filters the non-bathing water.

[0009] In one embodiment the bathing apparatus includes a heater that heats the non-bathing water. [0010] In one embodiment the bathing apparatus includes a sterilizer that sterilizes the non bathing water.

[0011] In one embodiment the pump at least one of: pumps non-bathing water into the bathing cavity from the reservoir; and, pumps non-bathing water into the reservoir from the bathing cavity. [0012] In one embodiment the drain and outlet are in fluid communication, and a valve is used to direct water from the bathing cavity to the drain or the outlet.

[0013] In one embodiment the bathing apparatus includes a controller that controls at least one of: the pump; a sterilizer; and, a heater.

[0014] In one embodiment the controller operates in accordance with signals from the sensor, the sensor including at least one of: a water temperature sensor; a water level sensor; and, a water quality sensor. [0015] In one embodiment the bathing apparatus includes a cover that can be positioned over a bathing cavity opening to substantially isolate the bathing cavity from a surrounding environment.

[0016] In one embodiment the bathing apparatus includes a pressure vent to accommodate pressure changes in the reservoir.

[0017] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction, interchangeably and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Various examples and embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0019] Figure 1A is a schematic side cutaway view of an example of a dual-use bathing apparatus;

[0020] Figure 1B is a schematic plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1 A;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of a dual-use bathing apparatus;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic side cutaway view of a third example of a dual-use bathing apparatus;

[0023] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of an example of a water supply system for a dual- use bathing apparatus;

[0024] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of an example of a controller for the water supply system of Figure 4A;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a first specific example of a dual-use bathing apparatus; and,

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a second specific example of a dual-use bathing apparatus. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0027] An example of a dual-use bathing apparatus will now be described with reference to Figure 1A and 1B.

[0028] In this example, the dual-use bathing apparatus 100 includes a body 110 having at least one inner side wall 111 and an inner base 112, defining a water retaining bathing cavity 113. In one example, this is provided in a shape generally similar to that of a bathtub, such as an elongate rectangular bathing cavity, or triangular corner bath shape, although it a will be appreciated that other shapes could be used. The body can be manufactured from any suitable material such as a ceramic, acrylic, moulded polymer, or the like. [0029] The apparatus 100 typically includes a fixture 121 that supplies bathing water to the bathing cavity 113 and a drain 122 that allows used bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity 113. The bathing water could be of any appropriate form and could include fresh water, rain water, potable water or the like, and in one example is supplied from a mains water supply, or the like, although this is not essential. The fixture 121 typically includes a tap and/or shower fitting and could be attached to or integrally formed with the body, or alternatively may be provided separately to the body, for example coupled to a wall, floor, or the like.

[0030] In this example, the dual-use bathing apparatus 100 further includes a reservoir 130 that stores non-bathing water. The nature of the non-bathing water will depend upon the intended non-bathing use. For example this could include salt water for floatation purposes, but alternatively could include other types of non-bathing water, such as water including added antiseptic or antibacterial agents, for example for sterilising part of a person. However this is not essential and any form of non-bathing water could be used, depending upon the preferred implementation. [0031] In the current example the reservoir 130 is located separately to the bath body 110, but this is not essential and alternative arrangements can be provided in which the reservoir is integrated into the bath body 110, as will be described in more detail below. [0032] The bathing apparatus 100 further includes an inlet 141, which allows non-bathing water to be supplied to the bathing cavity 113, from the reservoir 130, for a non-bathing use, and an outlet 142 that allows non-bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity and returned to the reservoir 130. A pump 145 is provided that selectively pumps non-bathing water between the bathing cavity 113 and the reservoir 130, allowing the bathing cavity 113 to be filled with non-bathing water and/or allowing the non-bathing water to be subsequently returned from the bathing cavity 113 to the reservoir 130 for storage and re-use.

[0033] In this particular example, the inlet 141 and outlet 142 are connected via respective inlet and outlet pipes 143, 144 to a control valve 146 and then the pump 145. The pump 145 is in turn connected to the reservoir via a pump pipe 147, allowing water to be selectively pumped into or out of the bathing cavity 113, depending on the particular configuration of the control valve. It will be appreciated however that this is not essential and other suitable arrangements could be used, such as using a gravity feed to supply non-bathing water to or remove non bathing water from the bathing cavity 113, or by using separate pumps for filling and emptying the bathing cavity. Other arrangements will be described in more detail below.

[0034] Accordingly, the above described arrangement provides a dual-use bathing apparatus in which bathing water can be supplied to the bathing cavity 113, and used for bathing in a normal manner. In addition to this however the bathing apparatus is provided with an inlet and outlet that allows non-bathing water to be supplied from and returned to a reservoir 130. This allows the non-bathing water to be reused, allowing the bathing apparatus to provide an additional non-bathing use.

[0035] In one particular example, this allows the bathing apparatus to be used both as a bath, and as a floatation tank. In particular, when used as a flotation tank, the non-bathing water typically includes highly concentrated salt water, allowing the user to float within the water filled bathing cavity 113. In this regard, it will be apparent that it would not be feasible to create suitably treated salt water for use each time floatation tank functionality is to be required. However, by recycling the water, this enables a floatation tank to be provided in a home environment, whilst using an apparatus that can be provided in a bathroom, or other similar room, of an individual’s residence. [0036] A number of further features will now be described with reference to additional example configurations.

[0037] In a further example bathing apparatus shown in Figure 2, similar reference numerals are used to denote similar figures, albeit increased by 100. [0038] In this example, the reservoir 130 is replaced by a reservoir 230 provided internally within the body 210 of the bathing apparatus 200. In particular, the bath body 210 includes outer side walls 231 spaced apart from the inner side walls 211, with the reservoir 230 being provided at least partially between the inner and outer side walls 211, 231. Similarly, an outer base 232 may be provided spaced apart from the inner base 212, allowing further non-bathing water storage to be provided between the inner and outer bases 212, 232. However this is not essential and in one example adequate non-bathing water storage can be provided between the inner and outer side walls 211, 231 only.

[0039] In this example, the arrangement is otherwise similar to that described above, and includes a fixture 221 that supplies bathing water to the bathing cavity 213 and a drain 222 that allows used bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity 213. An inlet 241 and outlet 242 allow non-bathing water to be supplied to or removed from the bathing cavity 213. In this regard, the pump pipe 247 returns to the reservoir 230 inside the bath body allowing water to be added to and removed therefrom with the pump 245 operating to pump water into the bath via the inlet pipe 243 or out of the bath via the outlet pipe 244. No valve is shown in this example, with the pump operating to provide internal flow control, although it will be appreciated that a valve could be provided to allow selective pumping between the inlet and outlet pipes 243, 244. Alternatively any mechanism for transferring water between the bathing cavity 213 and the reservoir 230 could be used.

[0040] Additionally, in this example the bathing apparatus 200 includes a cover 250 that can be positioned over the bathing cavity 213. In this example, the cover acts to isolate the bathing cavity 213 from the surrounding environment so that the bathing apparatus can be used as an isolation tank. In this example, the cover 250 can be adapted to provide acoustic insulation and is typically opaque, thereby providing both auditory and visual isolation, so that the individual undergoes sensory deprivation, which can be useful for relaxation and meditative purposes. The cover may also incorporate lights and/or speakers to allow for viscid and/or audible stimulation.

[0041] A further example apparatus will now be described with reference to Figure 3, with reference numerals designating similar features being increased by a further 100. [0042] In this example, the apparatus 300 is largely similar to that shown in Figure 1 and includes a bath body 310 having side and base walls 311, 312 and a fixture 321, with an inlet 341 coupled via inlet pipe 343 to the pump 345, which is in turn connected to the cavity 347. However in this example, the outlet 142 is replaced by an outlet pipe 344 in fluid communication with the drain 322. In this example, a valve 348 is provided allowing water exiting the bathing cavity 313, via the drain 322, to be diverted to the pump 345 and returned to the reservoir 330. Accordingly, in this example, the drain 322 acts to provide both drain and outlet functionality, with the outlet pipe 344 instead being provided in fluid communication with the drain 322, thereby avoiding the need for a separate outlet within the bathing cavity 313. [0043] It will be appreciated that the features of Figures 1 , 2 and 3 can be used interchangeably, so that for example the outlet configuration of Figure 3 could be used with the reservoir 230 of Figure 2, whilst the cover 250 of Figure 2 could be used in the arrangements of Figures 1 or 3. Reference to separate examples is not therefore intended to be limiting.

[0044] A number of further features will now be described with reference to Figures 4A and 4B, which shows a water supply system for use as part of a dual-use bathing apparatus. Again similar reference numerals are used to denote similar feature albeit further increased by 100.

[0045] In particular the water supply system is provided in order to treat non-bathing water for example as the water exits and/or enters the bathing cavity 413, or while the water is stored in the reservoir 430. This can be used to maintain hygiene and in particular to ensure the non- bathing water does become contaminated rendering it unsuitable for use. In this example, the bathing apparatus includes a filter 461, a heater 462 and a steriliser 463, for respectively filtering, heating and sterilising the water. Although each of these components is shown in this example, it will be appreciated that this is not essential and alternatively any one or more of these components may be used. Operation of the water supply system is typically controlled by a controller 470, which can be connected to the heater 462 and steriliser 463, as well as the pump 445 and control valve 446.

[0046] The filter 461 can be provided in the outlet pipe 444 allowing water removed from the bathing cavity 413 to be filtered prior to being returned to the reservoir 430. This allows any solid contaminants to be removed, preventing build-up of solids within the reservoir. However, this is not essential and alternatively the filter could be provided in the inlet pipe to filter water entering the bathing cavity. The nature of the filter 461 will vary depending on the preferred implementation, and could include a mechanical mesh filter or the like, as well as a chemical filter, such as an activated carbon filter or similar.

[0047] In this example, the heater 462 is typically provided in inlet pipe 443 to heat non bathing water as it is being transferred from the reservoir 430 to the bathing cavity 413. This is effectively providing on demand heating, so that the water is only heated as it is delivered to the bathing cavity 413. However this is not essential, and alternatively the heater could be provided within or coupled to the reservoir 430, allowing water within the reservoir to be maintained at a desired temperature. The nature of the heater will vary depending on the preferred implementation and could include an electric or gas powered heater, or the like.

[0048] The steriliser 463 is used to sterilise the water, and in particular kill bacteria or other pathogens, thereby ensuring the water is safe to use. The steriliser 463 could be in the form of a UV steriliser, or could be of another appropriate form, such as a chlorine or other chemical system. In one example, the steriliser 463 is provided in the pump pipe 447 to sterilise water entering and exiting the reservoir 430, thereby minimising bacteria and/or pathogens entering the reservoir 430, whilst also ensuring water is suitably sterilised immediately before use. However, alternatively the steriliser could be provided within the reservoir 430 or in the inlet or outlet pipes.

[0049] It will be appreciated from this that the position of the filter 461, heater 462 and steriliser 463 could be altered depending upon the preferred implementation. [0050] Operation of the pump 445 and the valve 446 as well as the heater 462 and steriliser 463 can be controlled by the controller 470, and an example controller is shown in more detail in Figure 4B.

[0051] In this example, the controller 470 includes at least one microprocessor 471, a memory 472, an optional input/output device 473, such as a keypad, display, touchscreen or the like, and an external interface 474, interconnected via a bus 475 as shown.

[0052] In this example the external interface 474 can be utilised for connecting the controller 470 to the heater 462, steriliser 463, pump 445, control valve 446 and optionally one or more sensors. Additionally the external interface 474 can be used for connecting the controller 470 to one or more communications networks, or the like, for example to allow remote access by client devices, such as mobile phones, computer systems or the like. Although a single external interface 474 is shown, this is for the purpose of example only, and in practice multiple interfaces using various methods (eg. Ethernet, serial, USB, wireless or the like) may be provided. [0053] In use, the microprocessor 471 executes instructions stored in the memory 472 to allow the required processes to be performed. The instructions may form part of applications software and may include one or more software modules, and could be executed in a suitable execution environment, such as an operating system environment, or the like.

[0054] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the controller 470 may be formed from any suitable processing system, such as a suitably programmed PC, custom hardware, a microprocessor, microchip processor, logic gate configuration, firmware optionally associated with implementing logic such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other electronic device, system or arrangement.

[0055] In use, the controller 470 can operate the pump 445 and valve 446 in order to control filling or emptying of the bathing cavity 413, as well as to control operation of the heater 462 and steriliser 463 in order to ensure that the non-bathing water is suitably heated and/or sterilised. [0056] It will be appreciated that the controller can be coupled to one or more sensors to assist with the controlling process. For example, the controller 470 can be coupled to a temperature sensor in order to control the heater 462 to provide a desired degree of heating, and specifically to achieve a desired water temperature. A water level sensor can be provided in order to control operation of the pump 445 and/or a water quality sensor in order to control operation of the steriliser 463. It will also be appreciated that control could additionally and/or alternatively be performed on the basis of timing, for example to ensure the water is sterilised depending upon the length of time between use, and also using a pump flow rate and filling time in order to control filling of the bathing cavity. [0057] In another example, the controller 470 can include or be coupled to sound and/or light systems, in order to provide an overall sensory experience.

[0058] In a further example, the controller 470 can communicate with a remote client device, such as a smartphone, tablet, computer system, or the like, allowing filling and/or emptying of the bathing cavity to be controlled remotely, and/or to provide feedback to a user, for example to provide an indication of a water temperature and cavity filling status. This enables a software product in the form of an app, web page, or similar to be provided, which can be used to remotely control operation of the bathing apparatus, for example allowing the bathing cavity 413 to be emptied and/or filled as required.

[0059] A first specific example arrangement will now be described with reference to Figure 5, with similar reference numerals increased by a further 100 being used to denote similar features.

[0060] In this example, the apparatus includes a reservoir 530 contained within the bath body 510. An outlet pipe 544 is provided coupling drain 522 to the pump 545 with a filter 561 and heater 562 being used to filter and heat water before it is returned to the bathing cavity 513 via the inlet pipe 543. In this example, the water is returned to the reservoir via an outlet pipe 541 and is transferred from the reservoir to the pump 545, via the outlet pipe 544 although it will be appreciated other arrangements could be used. Again a fixture 521 is provided for supplying bathing water. [0061] A second specific example arrangement will now be described with reference to Figure 6, with similar reference numerals increased by a further 100 being used to denote similar features.

[0062] In this example, the dual-use bathing apparatus 600 includes a body 610 having at least one inner side wall 611 and an inner base 612, defining a water retaining bathing cavity 613.

A fixture 621 supplies bathing water to the bathing cavity 613, whilst a drain 622 allows used bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity 613.

[0063] Reservoir 630 is provided between the inner and outer side walls 611, 631 with an inlet 641 being provided to allow salt water to be supplied to the bathing cavity 613. An outlet 642 allows non-bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity and returned to the reservoir

630 for storage. A pump 645 is provided coupled to a filter 661 and heater 662, allowing salt water to be filtered and heated prior to transfer from the reservoir 630 to the bathing cavity 613. In this example, a steriliser 663 in the form of a UV source, is provided within the reservoir 630, allowing the stored salt water to be sterilised on a periodic basis as required. A pressure vent 681 is provided in the bath body 610 to allow pressure within the reservoir to be balanced with the ambient air pressure to accommodate pressure changes as water is pumped into or removed from the reservoir 630, or resulting from thermal expansion. Finally, a controller 670 is provided which allows operation of the pump 645, heater 662 and steriliser 663 to be controlled. [0064] Accordingly, the above described arrangement provides a dual-use bathing apparatus that allows a bathtub having a regular shape to additionally provide floatation functionality and thereby additionally act as a wellness product.

[0065] The bathing apparatus thus acts as both a regular bathing tub, and a float pod. Salt water needed for offering the floatation experience is stored either within the body of the bathtub, or in a separate storage tank. Via simple controls, a user can select whether the bath tub is to be filled with regular water or salt water. The salt water itself is not discarded after use, but pumped back into the reservoir. The salt water can be filtered, heated, and/or chemically treated, either within the reservoir or during transfer between the bathing cavity and reservoir. [0066] Thus, the above described arrangements provide an all-in-one bathtub/floatation tank that takes up less space than a normal floatation tank. A separate, dedicated room in a residence is no longer needed, and floatation can be provided for in a normal bathroom, allowing a user to soak in a magnesium sulphate bath from Epsom salt. [0067] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word“comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” or“comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. As used herein and unless otherwise stated, the term "approximately" means ±20%. [0068] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,”“an,” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a support” includes a plurality of supports. In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings unless a contrary intention is apparent. [0069] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1) A dual-use bathing apparatus including:

a) a body having at least one inner side wall and inner base defining a water retaining bathing cavity;

b) a fixture that supplies bathing water to the bathing cavity for bathing use;

c) a drain that allows used bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity;

d) a reservoir that stores non-bathing water;

e) an inlet that supplies non-bathing water from the reservoir to the bathing cavity for non-bathing use;

f) an outlet that allows non-bathing water to be drained from the bathing cavity and returned to the reservoir; and,

g) a pump that selectively pumps non-bathing water between the bathing cavity and the reservoir.

2) Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bath body includes an outer side wall spaced apart from the inner side wall, the reservoir being provided at least partially between the inner and outer sides walls.

3) Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bath body includes an outer base spaced apart from the inner base, the reservoir being provided at least partially between the inner and outer bases.

4) Apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-bathing water includes salt water and the non-bathing use includes floatation.

5) Apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the bathing apparatus includes a filter that filters the non-bathing water.

6) Apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the bathing apparatus includes a heater that heats the non-bathing water. 7) Apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the bathing apparatus includes a sterilizer that sterilizes the non-bathing water.

8) Apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the pump at least one of: a) pumps non-bathing water into the bathing cavity from the reservoir; and, b) pumps non-bathing water into the reservoir from the bathing cavity.

9) Apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the drain and outlet are in fluid communication, and a valve is used to direct water from the bathing cavity to the drain or the outlet.

10) Apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the bathing apparatus includes a controller that controls at least one of:

a) the pump;

b) a sterilizer; and,

c) a heater.

11) Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the controller operates in accordance with signals from the sensor, the sensor including at least one of:

a) a water temperature sensor;

b) a water level sensor; and,

c) a water quality sensor.

12) Apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the bathing apparatus includes a cover that can be positioned over a bathing cavity opening to substantially isolate the bathing cavity from a surrounding environment.

13) Apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 12, wherein the bathing apparatus includes a pressure vent to accommodate pressure changes in the reservoir.