Abstract: A walk-in tub design that can also act as a standard bathtub via a hub that can be moved out of the way, and is capable of converting from a standard walk-in shower to a standard bathtub in the lowered position.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a user interface display panel includes a top or cover glass layer which extends to the perimeter of the panel housing. A touch-sensitive display layer is adhered to the bottom surface of cover glass layer to form a touch sensitive display assembly and is just smaller in area than that of the cover glass layer to provide a peripheral lip region for adherence to a waterproof gasket to bond the cover glass and display layer to the housing structure. The display layer is supported above the surface of the tub wall. The arrangement results in an active touch-sensitive display area significantly larger than display areas provided in the past by interface panels.

Abstract: An accelerated drain apparatus for a walk-in bathtub, in which a pump communicates water to a valve selectively in a first position to circulate the water through nozzles into the bath water therein and in a second position to a drain, with a controller configured for moving the valve selectively between the first and second positions, and during draining, stopping the pump in response to a signal from a water level sensor and after a predetermined period of gravity draining of residual water, moving the valve to the first position for subsequent filling and use of the walk-in bathtub.

Abstract: A bathtub comprising a tub having an enclosure defined by at least one sidewall for holding a water capacity, a doorway on the sidewall for providing access to the tub, a door mountable onto the doorway for holding at least two water levels in the tub; an actuator allowing a user to move the door between at least three positions; a mechanical drain for emptying the tub, a double reservoir for receiving water from the tub through the drain and the door drip, a control interface, door position sensors, water level detection sensors, a pressure sensor, and a controller configured to receive input controls signals from the control interface, receive input door lock position signals, receive input water detection signals, receive input pressure signals, send control signals to control a sealing valve of the door, and send control signals for operating a drain valve.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a bathtub closure system having a step, the step having a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform defining a cavity, where the cavity can be configured to facilitate ingress and egress into a bathtub. The bathtub closure system can include a hinged closure, where the closure can be coupled with the step and can cooperate with the step to form a substantially watertight seal when the closure is in a closed position.

Abstract: A shower door assembly includes a door panel having an inner surface to face a bathing enclosure, and a base member having an upper surface positioned between an inner side and an outer side. The base member inner side is positioned between the door panel inner surface and the base member outer side. The inner side at least partially defines a recess and is shaped to receive liquid from and divert liquid back to the bathing enclosure. A base for a moveable door has a substrate defining upper and lower surfaces extending between first and second edge regions, and a first leg section extending from the substrate lower surface and offset from the first edge region. The first leg section and the first edge region of the substrate cooperate to define a liquid diverter extending longitudinally to redirect flow away from the substrate upper surface.

Abstract: A wall-entry bathtub includes a basin, a shell defining an entryway to allow access into the basin, and an entry wall movable between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein the entry wall is substantially clear of the entryway in the lowered position and at least partially blocks the entryway in the raised position. The bathtub also includes first and second entry wall position sensors configured to sense the position of the entry wall and a controller in electronic communication with the first and second entry wall position sensors, wherein the controller is configured to control components of the bathtub based at least in part on the position of the entry wall.

Abstract: A wall-entry bathtub includes a basin, a shell defining an entryway to allow access into the basin, and an entry wall movable between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein the entry wall is substantially clear of the entryway in the lowered position and at least partially blocks the entryway in the raised position. The bathtub also includes first and second entry wall position sensors configured to sense the position of the entry wall and a controller in electronic communication with the first and second entry wall position sensors, wherein the controller is configured to control components of the bathtub based at least in part on the position of the entry wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a door for a walk-in bathtub, which comprises forming a tub door cap from an acrylic sheet, wherein the tub door cap has an outer shape defining a door for a walk-in tub; forming a channel into a surface of the tub door cap along a peripheral area thereof; forming a threshold portion configured to mate with the channel in the tub door cap and extend outwardly from the tub door cap; and the tub door cap is then adhered to the threshold portion of the door to form a walk-in tub door. The acrylic sheet that forms the tub door cap may be cast acrylic or it may be reinforced by co-extruding with thermoplastic, adding a reinforcing filler and/or fiberglass. A walk-in bathtub door made by the method described above and a walk-in bathtub assembly having a door made by the method described above are also provided herein.

Abstract: A wall-entry bathtub includes an entry wall movable between a raised position and a lowered position to provide convenient ingress and egress. A handle assembly is coupled to a pair of latches and brackets to selectively restrain the wall-entry bathtub in the raised position. A counterweight assembly is coupled to the entry wall and reduces the force required to move the entry wall between the lowered and raised positions. The entry wall also includes a seal member that is expandable to inhibit water from leaking past the entry wall when the wall-entry bathtub is in use. Dual drains are provided to reduce the time required to drain water from the wall-entry bathtub. And, a controller, in combination with a variety of sensors, applies predetermined logic to control the water filling, entry wall sealing, and water draining of the wall-entry bathtub.

Abstract: A drain system for a tub of the type having a tub body defining a bathing cavity, a doorway with door sill in the tub body and a door in the doorway. The drain system comprises a drain piping section adapted to be in fluid communication with a tub drain hole in a bottom of the bathing cavity for drainage of bathing liquid therethrough. A drain unit is adapted to be connected to a door drain hole in the door sill for drainage of liquid therethrough. The drain unit has an inner cavity and a check valve held releasably captive in the inner cavity. The check valve is manually removable from an exposed surface of the door sill. A pipe connects the drain unit to the drain piping section to direct liquid collected by the drain unit to the drain piping section.

Abstract: A drain system for a tub of the type having a tub body defining a bathing cavity, a doorway with door sill in the tub body and a door in the doorway. The drain system comprises a drain piping section adapted to be in fluid communication with a tub drain hole in a bottom of the bathing cavity for drainage of bathing liquid therethrough. A drain unit is adapted to be connected to a door drain hole in the door sill for drainage of liquid therethrough. The drain unit has an inner cavity and a check valve held releasably captive in the inner cavity. The check valve is manually removable from an exposed surface of the door sill. A pipe connects the drain unit to the drain piping section to direct liquid collected by the drain unit to the drain piping section.

Abstract: A closure for a bathtub is disclosed. The bathtub has a walk-through bound by a generally U-shaped structure having a central sill portion and jamb portions projecting upwardly and from opposite ends of said sill portion. The closure comprises an exterior insert and an interior insert. The exterior insert, in use, is disposed exteriorly of the U-shaped structure. The interior insert, in use, is disposed interiorly of the U-shaped structure and releasably secured to the exterior insert to seal against the U-shaped structure to permit the bathtub to be filled to a height above the sill portion.

Abstract: A bathing insert for use with a bathing space, the bathing insert comprising a body including first and second end walls, first and second side walls extending between the end walls, and a support wall connecting first edges of the end walls and the side walls. The walls define an open edge and an interior area of the body. A seat including a sit portion extending generally inward from the first end wall and a seatback portion extending from the support wall to the sit portion, wherein the sit portion and the seatback portion connect to define the seat. The body is positionable in a first orientation for use as a shower seat and a second orientation for use as a bathtub. When the body is in the first orientation, the open edge is positionable on a support surface, and when the body is in the second orientation, the support wall is positionable on the support surface such that the interior area is accessible by a user.

Abstract: A portable, walk in type bathtub includes an entrance and a door attached thereto to allow someone to walk into the bathtub without stepping over a wall. A replaceable water tank is attached to the tub such that clean water is directed from the water tank to the tub. Once the water has been used, the dirty or black water is directed to a separate tank within the water tank attachment. Once all of the clean water from the water tank has been used, the water tank is detached from the tub housing and a new tank containing clean water is attached to the tub to further facilitate bathing. The tub and water tank include wheels attached to the bottoms thereof to facilitate movement of the tub and water tank. The wheels may be raised and lowered to facilitate movement and locking of the tub in place.

Abstract: A modular walk-in bathtub system may comprise a plurality of configurable components that connect together. The configurable components may enable: passage of the configurable components through various sized doorways; on-site configuration during installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide a left-hand drain or right-hand drain orientation; on-site configuration during installation of the walk-in bathtub system to provide an in-swing door, an out-swing door or a two-in-one door; removal and reinstallation of the walk-in bathtub system in a different location; and/or stackable storage of the configurable components.

Abstract: A walk-in bathtub has an outward swinging door mounted on a door jam. The door is provided with a latching mechanism that includes an extendible latching pin for receipt within a latch receiver in the door jam. The latching pin has a contoured face for guiding the latching pin into the latch receiver, and for drawing the door close to the door jam to compress a gasket provided between the door and the door jam. A push button lock selectively locks the latching mechanism in the latched position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a door for a walk-in bathtub, which comprises forming a tub door cap from an acrylic sheet, wherein the tub door cap has an outer shape defining a door for a walk-in tub; forming a channel into a surface of the tub door cap along a peripheral area thereof; forming a threshold portion configured to mate with the channel in the tub door cap and extend outwardly from the tub door cap; and the tub door cap is then adhered to the threshold portion of the door to form a walk-in tub door. The acrylic sheet that forms the tub door cap may be cast acrylic or it may be reinforced by co-extruding with thermoplastic, adding a reinforcing filler and/or fiberglass. A walk-in bathtub door made by the method described above and a walk-in bathtub assembly having a door made by the method described above are also provided herein.

Abstract: Bather movement apparatus for use with a sidewall opening bath enclosure generally includes a chaise, a stanchion having a stirrup for supporting the chaise along with a pivot post extending exterior to the bath enclosure and a pivot arm interconnecting the pivot post and stanchion for enabling arcuate movement of the chaise between a bathing position within the bath enclosure and a doorway position outside of the bath enclosure. The movement of the chaise passes the chaise through the bath enclosure side opening.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method is disclosed including providing a first opening in a sidewall of a bathtub, the sidewall including a top wall, an inner wall, and a outer wall, where the first opening extends along a length of the sidewall and has a depth extending generally downward from the top wall of the sidewall. The method further includes providing an overlay, the overlay including a body configured to receive at least a portion of the bathtub, wherein the body defines a channel and a second opening and positioning the overlay such that the overlay substantially covers the top wall of the sidewall and the sidewall is positioned within the channel defined by the body of the overlay, where the first opening is aligned with the second opening. The overlay can include at least one assistance feature. The assistance feature may include, for example, a seat, a grab bar, or a handrail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bath and/or shower device, comprising a tub (2) with a lowered entry region (3) that can be closed in a watertight manner by a moveable door. In order to render possible a simple and material-saving production with sufficient stability, one of the sidewalls (2a) of the tub (2) is provided with a recess (2b) extending essentially over the entire length and depth of the sidewall (2a), the moveable door (4) essentially covers half of this recess (2b) and the other half of the recess (2b) is closed in a watertight manner by a further separate and fixedly mounted component (6).

Abstract: A bathtub system, including a tub with a bather access opening in one sidewall and a door mounted on that sidewall. In the closed position, the door is adjacent the access opening, and in the open position the door is substantially clear of the access opening. The system includes a gray water reservoir under the tub of approximately the capacity of the tub and which can be connected to a sewer system. A high capacity toroidal tub drain conducts water from the tub into the reservoir by gravity alone very quickly.

Abstract: A bathtub system, including a tub with a bather access opening in one sidewall and a door mounted on that sidewall. In the closed position, the door is adjacent the access opening, and in the open position the door is substantially clear of the access opening. The system includes a gray water reservoir under the tub of approximately the capacity of the tub and which can be connected to a sewer system. A high capacity tub drain conducts water from the tub into the reservoir by gravity alone very quickly.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method is disclosed including providing a first opening in a sidewall of a bathtub, the sidewall including a top wall, an inner wall, and a outer wall, where the first opening extends along a length of the sidewall and has a depth extending generally downward from the top wall of the sidewall. The method further includes providing an overlay, the overlay including a body configured to receive at least a portion of the bathtub, wherein the body defines a channel and a second opening and positioning the overlay such that the overlay substantially covers the top wall of the sidewall and the sidewall is positioned within the channel defined by the body of the overlay, where the first opening is aligned with the second opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing and securing assembly for a bathtub and/or shower basin (2), having an entry region (3) which may be closed in a water-tight manner using a door (4) which optionally extends at least to standing height and which may be locked using a locking device (8), and having a discharge drain (9) having a closing mechanism which may be closed only in the locked state of the locking device (8). To provide the greatest possible safety while essentially completely avoiding electrical or electronic components, and which prevents bath water from escaping via the entry region (3) of the basin (2) when the door (4) is open or unlocked, and which allows the door (4) to be opened when the basin (2) is filled above the height of the entry region (3), a mechanical transfer arrangement (11) is provided for connecting a locking device (8) which operates in a strictly mechanical fashion to the closing mechanism, using a control system.

Abstract: A wall-entry bathtub includes an entry wall movable between a raised position and a lowered position to provide convenient ingress and egress. A handle assembly is coupled to a pair of latches and brackets to selectively restrain the wall-entry bathtub in the raised position. A counterweight assembly is coupled to the entry wall and reduces the force required to move the entry wall between the lowered and raised positions. The entry wall also includes a seal member that is expandable to inhibit water from leaking past the entry wall when the wall-entry bathtub is in use. Dual drains are provided to reduce the time required to drain water from the wall-entry bathtub. And, a controller, in combination with a variety of sensors, applies predetermined logic to control the water filling, entry wall sealing, and water draining of the wall-entry bathtub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bathtub comprising a tub body, said tub body comprising a bottom wall, a peripheral side wall, and a drain. The tub body comprises an upper section and a lower section attached to each other, the upper section having a bottom surface and the lower section having a top surface. The upper section and the lower section are completely detachable from each other along a detachment line between the bottom surface of the upper section and the top surface of the lower section. There is a first waterproof seal located in the peripheral side wall between the bottom surface of the upper section and the top surface of the lower section when the upper section and the lower section are attached to each other.

Abstract: An instant bathing equipment comprises a bathtub having a bathing room; a controlling means to generate an entrance formed on a bathing room to make a user enter the bathtub and close the bathtub; an isolating means to separate a store space in the bathing room so as to store water and to make the user enter a washing chamber from the entrance, the store space and the washing chamber communicating with each other so that water in the store space flows to the washing chamber, such that the bathing room is filled with water in a short time.

Abstract: A bathtub system, including a tub with a bather access opening in one sidewall and a door mounted on that sidewall. In the closed position, the door is adjacent the access opening, and in the open position the door is substantially clear of the access opening. The system includes a gray water reservoir under the tub of approximately the capacity of the tub and which can be connected to a sewer system. A high capacity tub drain conducts water from the tub into the reservoir by gravity alone very quickly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a walk-in bathtub. The method involves heating an acrylic sheet, wherein the outer perimeter of the sheet is heated to a higher temperature than the center of the sheet. The heated acrylic sheet is then placed over a vacuum mold that is shaped like a bathtub, including a seat and a foot well, and drawn into the mold by the vacuum. Vacuum pressure is manually reduced when the acrylic reaches the top of the seat in the mold, and the vacuum is shut off when the acrylic is approximately two inches from the bottom of the foot well of the mold. The acrylic is removed from the mold, reinforced with fiberglass and secured to a support frame. A door space is cut in the side of the tub and a pre-hung door assembly is then installed in the door threshold.

Abstract: Provided is an installation process and product designed to retrofit an existing bathtub by cutting and removing a section of the existing sidewall of the bathtub and adding a generally U-shaped structure featuring an operational and watertight and sealable door. The surface of the U-shaped structure may also feature a skid resistant tread plate on its top surface to help prevent a user from slipping and/or falling. The door may also feature a handle for ease in opening and closing the door and a latch to secure the door in a closed position.

Abstract: A walk-in bathtub is disclosed with a minimal entry threshold height that provides enhanced convenience and safety for physically challenged and/or elderly users. The walk-in bathtub couples directly to a floor drain and does not include water jets or plumbing beneath the tub, thereby allowing the bottom of the tub to rest directly on the floor without being supported by a metal frame. The entry threshold height is less than four inches, preferably less than three inches, and more preferably less than two inches above the floor. The distribution of the tub weight over the floor surface makes it safer to use on weak or compromised floors. The reduced height of the tub allows it to easily pass through conventional doorways, and the reduced weight of the tub allows it to be easily carried and installed.

Abstract: A walk-in bathtub having a flip-up seat portion over a rearward foot well recess provides a bather with improved access to an interior bathing cavity of the bathtub by giving the bather when the bather is within the bathtub more usable floor space in the bathtub in which to stand while closing or opening a hinged door in a side wall of the bathtub. The invention further aids a bather in standing up from a sitting position in the bathtub in that the bather can place a foot or feet more directly below the bather in a rearward foot well recess under the flip-up seat portion preferably located near or at knee height and then can lift up the flip-up seat portion while the bather is rising from a sitting to a standing position.

Abstract: A bathtub for the disabled or elderly includes a tub (10) having an enclosure defined by at least one sidewall (10a), where the sidewall (10a) has a doorway therein providing access from an external side of the sidewall (10a), external to the enclosure, into the enclosure. A generally horizontal and vertically spaced apart pair of elongate guides (74, 82) are provided in the sidewall (10a). A door is slidably mounted to the guides (74, 82) on at least one pivotable linkage arm (70, 78). The pivotable linkage arm (70, 78) is pivotally mounted to both the door and at least one of the guides, and is adapted for generally horizontal translation along the sidewall (10a), in cooperation with the guides (74, 82), between a closed position wherein the door is releasably lockably mounted in watertight sealed engagement within the doorway, and an open position wherein the door is clear of the aperture and substantially parallel to the sidewall (10a).

Abstract: A bathtub 12 is supported by a movable unit 14 that vertically moves by the driving power of a motor and by rollers 13 running on a guide slope 15. When not used, the bathtub 12 is stored under a tank 11 in a close to upright position, so that the bathing aid occupies only a small space when not used. To use the bathing aid, the movable unit 14 is lowered and, accordingly, the rollers 13 roll down the guide slope 15. With this motion, the bathtub 12 changes its orientation from a position where the open top of the bathtub 12 is directed obliquely forward to a position where the open top is directed almost upward. The bathtub 12 is automatically driven by the electrical driving power of the motor; the caregiver has only to make some key operations. Thus, the workload on the caregiver is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A bathing aid is designed to reduce the workload on the caregiver in bathing the physically challenged, elderly or similar persons requiring nursing care. The bathing aid is provided with an upward-opening cover for covering the open top of the bathtub except for an opening for allowing the bather to stick their head through. The cover is supported by arms urged upward by gas springs. The upward-opening cover allows the caregiver to stand whichever side of the bathtub and opens or closes the cover without difficulty. Furthermore, the cover's upward-opening structure is advantageous for reducing the installation space because it does not require the additional side space that would be necessary if the cover is constructed to open sideward.

Abstract: A bathtub for the disabled or elderly includes a tub (10) having an enclosure defined by at least one sidewall (10a), where the sidewall (10a) has a doorway therein providing access from an external side of the sidewall (10a), external to the enclosure, into the enclosure. A generally horizontal and vertically spaced apart pair of elongate guides (74, 82) are provided in the sidewall (10a). A door is slidably mounted to the guides (74, 82) on at least one pivotable linkage arm (70, 78). The pivotable linkage arm (70, 78) is pivotally mounted to both the door and at least one of the guides, and is adapted for generally horizontal translation along the sidewall (10a), in cooperation with the guides (74, 82), between a closed position wherein the door is releasably lockably mounted in watertight sealed engagement within the doorway, and an open position wherein the door is clear of the aperture and substantially parallel to the sidewall (10a).

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable bed device comprising a horizontal bottom 26 surrounded by vertical walls 28 with an open top forming a tub 32 for holding water therein in order to wash a person. The tub 32 has a removable side panel 42 incorporated into at least one sidewall wherein a latching mechanism 44 is used to attach the removable side panel to the tub 32. An adjustable backrest/footrest 38 is provided in order to rest the patient's head thereon wherein the backrest/footrest element is attached by tongue 39 and groove 40 fastening means to the sidewalls of the tub 32. A headrest 48 may also be removably attached to the backrest/footrest element.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus comprises a bathtub having a wall with an opening formed therein and a door panel sized and shaped to conform to the opening. The door panel is movably connected to the wall by a hinge mechanism which includes a substantially horizontal bar having a first end pivotally connected to the wall adjacent to the door opening and a substantially vertical slide rail secured to the bar. A slide bracket secured to the door panel is slidably mounted on the slide rail. The bathing apparatus further includes a chair with a seat portion that is removably attached to a base portion and receivable within the bathtub. The chair includes a pair of armrests, one of which is attached to the chair portion and one of which is attached to the base portion.

Abstract: A bath for a disabled person, the bath having a body with a side opening which is closable by vertically displaceable door under the action of a door movement mechanism including a counter-weight beam (56) either end of which is linked to an end of the door by a chain. The weight of the counter-weight beam (56) is selected so as to bias the door towards its closed position. The beam (56) is connected by a pin (66) to over-centre lockable link arms (60, 62). When the beam approaches its lowermost position, as the door closes, a stub portion (72) of a pivot pin (64) connecting the link arms (60, 62) enters a locking fork (77) which is displaced by a motor (82) to effect over-centre locking of the link arms (60, 62) and thereby seal a channel on an inner face of the door against a lip disposed around the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hip bath including a rear space (1) with a seat (2) as well as a front space (3) with a door opening (5) in a front side (4) thereof, said door opening (5) being closable by a door (6), wherein the seat (2) has a seat surface (7) with a notch (8), which extends rearwardly and divides said seat surface in two portions (7a, 7b). The front space (3) has as constant or substatially constant width (VB) and the rear space (1) has a greater width (HB) than the front space (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hip bath including a rear space (1) with a seat (2) as well as a front space (3) with a door opening (5) in a front side (4) thereof, said door opening (5) being closable by a door (6), wherein the seat (2) has a seat surface (7) with a notch (8), which extends rearwardly and divides said seat surface in two portions (7a, 7b). The front space (3) has as constant or substantially constant width (VB) and the rear space (1) has a greater width (HB) than the front space (3).

Abstract: A shower apparatus for a seated occupant includes a tub having a body compartment for receiving the torso of an occupant in a seated position and a foot compartment for receiving the feet of the seated occupant. A seat is provided with a through opening positionable over a through opening in the bottom of the body compartment, both through openings being positionable over the bowl of a stationary floor toilet. A shower head/sprayer is provided to introduce a flow of water into the tub for showering the seated occupant. The shower head/sprayer is attached to one end of a water conduit with the other end of the water conduit having a fitting for attaching the conduit to a source of water, such as an existing faucet. Water is drained from the body compartment by gravity feed through the body compartment through opening and into the toilet bowl. Water is drained from the foot compartment by use of a pump which moves the water along a pump conduit and into the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy pool comprising an enclosure for receiving a patient and for holding a quantity of liquid sufficient for immersing the patient so that the patient receives hydrotherapy, the enclosure having a plurality of openings for facilitating entry and exit from the enclosure; a removable door for each opening; a water tight seal for each door for sealing the door to the enclosure so that water does not leak from the enclosure; and a filling and draining system for filling and draining the enclosure of water. A seating area at a first end of the pool. The pool may have three doors, the doors being disposed with respect to the patient when seated in the seating area facing the patient, to the right of the patient, and to the left of the patient.

Abstract: An accessible bathtub apparatus for persons with disabilities, including an enclosure with an elevated bed with a seat and a foot well, a door panel, a door seal, connectors operable to pivot the door panel from an open position to a closed position, and retainers that hold the door panel in the open position until released by the user. The elevated bed allows direct lateral access by the user. The bathtub can be installed in a newly-constructed or renovated bathroom. Alternatively, it can be installed on an existing conventional bathtub, thereby avoiding the necessity of removing the old tub before installing the new one. It can be used in private homes, hotels/motels, and other locations; it can be used by persons with disabilities that would otherwise preclude them from bathing unattended or unassisted.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a method and means for modifying an existing bathtub to facilitate access by creating a generally U-shaped opening in an external sidewall of the tub and positioning in said opening a generally U-shaped insert having a step saddle with an elongated step-plate and a pair of generally parallel end plates extending from the ends of the step-plate; and a pair of a generally rectangular housings attached to the bottom of the step-plate and extending to rest directly on the floor, thus supporting said step saddle.

Abstract: A molded acrylic bathtub walk through insert to be positioned in a cut out formed in a bathtub wall and having a skirt member to surround a step through portion with raised opposite ends providing walls to engage and bond to edges of the cut out portion in the bathtub wall and with the skirt sealingly engaging the bathtub floor, the inner and outer surfaces of the bathtub wall in which the insert is positioned and the structural floor outside of the bathtub, and a method of installing the insert in a bathtub wall.

Abstract: A bathtub apparatus for persons with disabilities, including a removable front panel and an elevated bed that allows direct lateral access by the user. The bed of the bathtub is elevated above the bathroom floor, approximately at the height of a chair, toilet seat, or standard bathtub front rail. The relative movement of the front panel/wall can be accomplished in a number of different ways, as can sealing between the front panel and the stationary parts of the bathtub. In one embodiment of the invention, the bathtub can be installed above an existing conventional bathtub, thereby avoiding the necessity of removing the old tub before installing the new one. The bathtub can be used in private homes, hotels/motels, and other locations; it can be used by persons with disabilities that would otherwise preclude them from bathing unattended or unassisted.

Abstract: A bathtub walk-through insert to be positioned and bonded into a cut-out opening in a sidewall of a bathtub, the insert is generally U-shaped, with a web that will rest on a bottom of the cut out opening and legs that will fit against the opposite ends of the cut-out opening.

Abstract: A portable showering cabinet for use by non-ambulatory, aged, or other persons unable to use conventional showering and hygienic home care facilities, particularly useful for a private home, hospitality industry, residential schools, general and specialized hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and bedside care in a nursing home. The showering cabinet system provides daily hygienic care for disabled, with or without minimal assistance from a caregiver, eliminating the need for a caregiver to help a disabled person enter a shower stall and eliminating the need for a caregiver to perform the showering of the individual. The portable cabinet includes a water supply system that attaches to existing hot and cold water supply cabinets and a manually movable cabinet that has casters, allowing it to be moved easily and quickly along a floor surface to a bedside, and an improved access auxiliary seat to insure safe entrance by the patient into and out of the enclosure from a seated position on the outside of the cabinet.