Abstract: An ice bath having a receptacle section and a temperature control element adjacent thereto and arranged to adjust the temperature of the receptable section. The temperature control element is connected to a refrigeration module that reduces the temperature of the receptacle. The temperature control element is further connected to a heating module that increases the temperature of the receptacle.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for receiving the chair seat of a wheelchair and supporting the chair seat in the base of a washing enclosure. The transfer apparatus has a chair support member including a chair support track section that can be positioned in the washing enclosure base, a bridge portion with a bridge track section that is movably mounted to the chair support member. The transfer apparatus includes a lock system usable to secure the bridge portion in an in-use position and engaged with the wheelchair. A first lock inhibits rotational motion of the bridge portion. The first lock includes a retractable locking member that is biased to an extended, locking position. A second lock is usable to prevent longitudinal separation of the bridge portion and the wheelchair. The first and second lock can be automatically engaged when the bridge portion is moved to the in-use position.

Abstract: A positioning system for seat of a bathing chair comprises: a bearing assembly, which is mounted at the bottom of a seat of a bathing chair and can glide on the upper girder, wherein the bearing assembly is hold on the top pin of the upper girder; an axle, which is rotatable in the said bearing assembly; and a swing element, which is mounted on the axle and makes the top pin retracted in the upper girder; wherein at the top of the bearing assembly there is a joint groove with an upward opening; wherein the axle is set in the joint groove through the opening of the joint groove of the bearing assembly; by the combination of the joint groove with the axle it is achieved that product yield is improved and assembly is set in the joint groove.

Abstract: A sliding chair for assisting entering and exiting a bathtub provides assistance for handicapped or otherwise physically incapable persons in using a bathtub for bathing. A bathing chair is moved by a displacement mechanism from outside the bathtub to various positions within the bathtub. A chair support board supports the bathing chair in some positions, and slides along chair support rails into the bathtub.

Abstract: A transport device for a user of a wheel chair to access a pool or a lower surface that the wheel chair rests upon, the device employing a frame, a lift mechanism, gearing to operate the lift mechanism, drive wheels, stabilizing wheels, locking devices, clamping device, handle grips and holding pads. The transport device is entered by a wheel chair user from a site away from a pool. The user moves the transport device near to an edge of a pool. The lock device is deployed and the lift mechanism is operable by the user of the transport device. The lift mechanism raises and lowers the user to the surface of the pool edge. A rest pad can be deployed under the seat portion. The device to hold the transport device at or near the edge of the pool or at a surface that the wheel chair rests upon has a pivotable clamp and/or stop/hold pads under the handle grips.

Abstract: A portable commode, shower, and bath wheelchair apparatus comprising a first support frame, a second support frame, a mechanical interface interconnecting the first support frame to the second support frame thereby forming a first contiguous support member and a second contiguous support member. A seat assembly is slidingly attached to both the first contiguous support member and to the second contiguous support member.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving into and out of an enclosure having in wall has a support having a first column for disposal inside of the enclosure on a first side of the wall and a second column for disposal outside of the enclosure on a second side of the wall. A platform for straddling the wall is disposed on the support. A seat is slidingly and rotatably arranged on the platform and has a first position on the platform for loading, a second position for allowing the user to lift a leg, and a third position wherein the user is in position for washing. A lock is disposed between the seat and the platform for locking or unlocking the seat in each of the first, second and third positions.

Abstract: Toilet armrest support system comprises a removable armrest platform having a centrally disposed opening that conforms to the opening over an existing toilet bowl rim. The removable armrest platform supports detachable armrests configured to provide a wider area under the armrests for larger individuals requiring more space. The relatively thin and rigid platform slides underneath an existing toilet seat and engages a docking sub-system fastened to existing hinge openings with toilet seat fasteners on the rear of the toilet. The docking sub-system is of unitary construction comprising docking bar, docking ports at each end of the docking bar, and an anchor block between the docking ports. The removable platform easily slides into the docking ports and under the elevated anchor block. A locking mechanism on the anchor block locks the removable platform securely in place which can then be removed just as easily and quickly.

Abstract: A controller 10 suitable for controlling a bath lift. The controller 10 includes a rechargeable unit 12 and a first protection unit 14 which measures the voltage and current provided by the rechargeable unit 12. The first protection unit 14 prevents connection to the bath lift when the voltage of the rechargeable unit falls below a lower predetermined limit. A second protection unit 20 is also provided which measures the voltage from the rechargeable unit 12 and detects whether the voltage has fallen below an upper predetermined voltage, and if the voltage has dropped below this level downward movement of the bath lift is not permitted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a person in a bathtub or shower. The apparatus comprising: an elongated base, comprising a tapered yoke operably coupled to a first end of the elongated base and a stabilizer operably coupled to a second end of the elongated base. The apparatus comprising a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein the rotatable and/or slidable chair is operably coupled to the same end of the elongated base as the tapered yolk. The method comprising: providing an apparatus having a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein some of the components may be foldable, such as a foldable seat, a foldable back, foldable legs, and a plurality of arms. Folding the foldable components of the slidable and/or rotatable chair make transporting easier and safer because the apparatus is more compact when the foldable components are in the folded position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a person in a bathtub or shower. The apparatus comprising: an elongated base, comprising a tapered yoke operably coupled to a first end of the elongated base and a stabilizer operably coupled to a second end of the elongated base. The apparatus comprising a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein the rotatable and/or slidable chair is operably coupled to the same end of the elongated base as the tapered yolk. The method comprising: providing an apparatus having a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein some of the components may be foldable, such as a foldable seat, a foldable back, foldable legs, and a plurality of arms. Folding the foldable components of the slidable and/or rotatable chair make transporting easier and safer because the apparatus is more compact when the foldable components are in the folded position.

Abstract: A height adjustable seat for a bath enclosure includes a frame first portion for supporting a person in a sitting position within the bath enclosure and a frame second portion disposed exterior to the bath enclosure. A mechanism for raising and lowering said frame first portion within said bath enclosure a guide system enables adjustment of inclination of the frame first portion as the frame first portion is raised and lowered with the bath enclosure.

Abstract: A transfer bench and methods for using same to facilitate movement of a person into and out of an enclosure are disclosed. The transfer bench comprises a first seating section that at least partially lies in a horizontal plane. A second seating section rotatably coupled to the first seating section is configured to rotate between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. Each seating section can be supported by one or more legs. The transfer bench can be positioned in the enclosure. A user sits on the second seating section, moves to the first seating section, and can rotate the second seating section to a vertical position such that the transfer bench is disposed within the enclosure. The enclosure may be a wet/dry environment and can be enclosed by means such as a shower curtain, door, or other enclosure means.

Abstract: A bathtub transfer bench includes a clamp member having a first arm for engaging an inner wall of a bathtub and a second arm for engaging an outer wall of the bathtub. A support member includes a substantially horizontal bench member and a pair of downwardly extending legs for supporting the bench member adjacent to the outer wall of the bathtub. A coupling mechanism releasably couples the support member to the clamp member.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for assisting a person during entering and exiting a bathtub and shower. In one embodiment, the method comprises a bathtub chair system having a support member having a first end coupled to the first side of the bathtub, extending across and beyond the second side of the bathtub to a base member at the second end of the support member; a seating surface moveably disposed on the support member; a low voltage electric motor disposed within the base member; and a drivetrain coupling the seating surface to the low voltage electric motor.

Abstract: A seat assembly for sliding along opposing rims of a bathtub is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat member, a friction element affixed to the seat member so as to extend under the seat member, and a flexible slider affixed to the seat member so as to also extend under the seat member. The slider and friction element are positioned and configured so that in a first state, if the seat member is positioned on the opposing rims without additional weight on the seat member, the slider holds the friction element up off a rim while facilitating sliding of the seat member along a rim. In a second state, if the seat member is positioned on the opposing rims with a human weighing over 50 pounds sitting on the seat member, the friction element can contact the rim and thereby impede sliding of the seat member along a rim.

Abstract: A portable commode, shower, and bath wheelchair apparatus comprising a first support frame, a second support frame, a mechanical interface interconnecting the first support frame to the second support frame thereby forming a first contiguous support rail and a second contiguous support rail. A seat assembly is slidingly attached to both the first contiguous support rail and to the second contiguous support rail.

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: A bath tub lifter for seniors or disabled persons comprises a frame to rest on a portion of a bath tub, a seat plate and a backrest in connection therewith, a lifting means for adjusting the height of the seat plate and the backrest between a lowermost and an uppermost end position, the lifting means comprising a driving means mounted to the backrest and a telescopic lifting tube to be actuated by the driving means, a spindle base in connection with the lifting tube for providing support against the frame, and an automatic lock-release device coupling the backrest and the seat plate above the lowermost end position and releasing the backrest and the seat plate in the lowermost end position, the lock-release device comprising at least one lock bolt movably held at the backrest for coupling the backrest and the seat plate above the lowermost end position, and at least one sliding guide formed at the seat plate for actuating the at least one lock bolt.

Abstract: A controller 10 suitable for controlling a bath lift. The controller 10 includes a rechargeable unit 12 and a first protection unit 14 which measures the voltage and current provided by the rechargeable unit 12. The first protection unit 14 prevents connection to the bath lift when the voltage of the rechargeable unit falls below a lower predetermined limit. A second protection unit 20 is also provided which measures the voltage from the rechargeable unit 12 and detects whether the voltage has fallen below an upper predetermined voltage, and if the voltage has dropped below this level downward movement of the bath lift is not permitted.

Abstract: The present invention involves a new and improved stable and portable bath transfer system that provides a disabled person complete access to bathroom facilities without having to transfer apparatus. The invention comprises a chair portion, a connector bridge portion, and a bathtub portion. The chair portion includes a base section with two or more support members and an upper chassis section including an adjustable backrest, a collapsible chair seat, and two swing-away armrests. The connector bridge portion includes connecting members attached by a cross member. The bathtub portion includes a base and four adjustable support members that provide increased stability and fine adjustment capability to match the chair portion height. The bath transfer system includes an interlocking system containing a continuous groove and lipped brackets to prevent the upper chassis section from tipping or lifting, and anti-roll mechanisms and a volitional latch to prevent undesired sliding of the upper chassis.

Abstract: A chair to assist persons with mobility challenges, and their caregivers, with a better and inexpensive method for entering and exiting the bath tub on a chair that has a swivel seat that locks in place, and swivels outward for easy entry is provided. The chair can then be moved to the center of the bath tub, and the swivel seat can be positioned to face the shower, or rotated to face the right or the left. Upon completion of the shower, the chair can be returned to the edge of the tub, facing outward and locked in position for easy exit.

Abstract: A bathing chair with a fixing device comprises a front frame and a rear frame, shaped like the inverted letter U, reaching across a bathtub and having horizontal rods which pass over an edge of the bathtub at a distance, the front and rear frames being connected by right and left connecting rods, a seat, having a fixed base mounted on the horizontal rods, an axis mounted on the fixed base in a central position thereof, and a rotatable base, which is rotatable around the axis, a bearing assembly, comprising several gliding blocks connected with the seat and allowing the seat to glide along the horizontal rods, and a handle.

Abstract: A device for facilitating access to a sanitary fitting is disclosed. The device includes a guide mechanism adapted for connection with the sanitary fitting and a chair having a seat, front legs and rear legs, wherein the chair includes means for coupling the seat to the guide mechanism and means for moving the rear legs from a seat support position to an inactive position.

Abstract: A spa apparatus includes an internal support structure having a front end and a rear end; a basin removably coupled and supported by the internal support structure proximate the front end, with the basin including a fluid circulation device; a seat coupled to the internal support structure, intermediate the basin and the rear end of the internal support structure; and at least a first and second shroud panel removably coupled to the internal support structure and configured to enclose a portion of the internal support structure.

Abstract: A bathing chair with a fixing device comprises a front frame and a rear frame, shaped like the inverted letter U, reaching across a bathtub and having horizontal rods which pass over an edge of the bathtub at a distance, the front and rear frames being connected by right and left connecting rods, a seat, having a fixed base mounted on the horizontal rods, an axis mounted on the fixed base in a central position thereof, and a rotatable base, which is rotatable around the axis, a bearing assembly, comprising several gliding blocks connected with the seat and allowing the seat to glide along the horizontal rods, and a handle.

Abstract: A bathing chair with a fixing device comprises a front frame, a rear frame, a bearing assembly with several gliding blocks, with an opening cut into at least one of the gliding blocks, a seat, a handle, and a fixing device. The fixing device is mounted at a gliding block and further comprises two lugs, each having a hole and aligned on two sides of the gliding block, a blocking piece, having an excentric hole, an axis, passing through the holes of the two lugs and the excentric hole of the blocking piece, and an arm, attached to a periphery of the blocking piece. Manual turning of the blocking piece causes the blocking piece to reach through the opening, blocking the seat from moving.

Abstract: A bathing seat assembly for mounting on a bathtub includes a seat mounted on a turntable set on rails supported by a frame with adjustable legs engaging the floor next to the bathtub and the bottom of the bathtub. The bathing seat assembly also includes an arm and back rest mounted on the seat with front mounted stirrups for leg support and spray apertures in the arm and back rest to aid in bathing. The seat is lockable in position on the turntable and the turntable is lockable in position on the rails. The turntable with mounted seat can travel on the rails from a position outside the bathtub to directly over the bathtub and vice versa. The mounted seat can rotate on the turntable allowing the person to be bathed to sit with their back to the bathtub and then rotated to be in line with the bathtub. A bathing system using the bathing seat assembly is also disclosed.

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 bathing apparatus, for use by disabled bathers, comprises a bathtub and a banister. The bathtub has a ramp and a floor. The ramp descends to the bathtub floor, which slopes gradually toward a drain. The ramp's top is approximately level with the seat of a wheel chair. The banister is coupled to the bathtub and extends over the ramp and floor of the bathtub. The banister has a sloped portion for descending into the bathtub that descends to level portion. The level portion is substantially horizontal for sitting or lying on while bathing. The level portion of the banister is over the floor and its height relative to floor increases as the floor slopes toward the drain. A bather may choose a seat height that is most comfortable by sitting on the level portion farther or closer to the drain. While bathing the bather is stabilized by the banister, feet or knees on the floor of the bathtub.

Abstract: A bath tub bathing aid includes a guide rail affixed to the bath tub and projecting beyond the perimeter of the tub substantially perpendicular thereto. The guide rail is affixed to the bath tub via mounting arms. The externally projected portion of the guide rail includes a leg that supports the guide rail by resting upon a floor surface. A bathing chair or seat is provided that travels along the guide rail as actuated by the control panel and driven by a mechanically coupled motor. A separate elevation motor is mechanically coupled to control raising and lowering the seat or chair, the elevation motor coupled to and directing extension and contraction of a plurality of cables via a pulley system. The bathing aid is connected to a power source.

Abstract: Two versions of apparatus for completely bathing oneself by users of wheelchair and elderly, infirm people are disclosed. Both versions includes a slidable up and down carriage with reciprocating belt for soaping and showering bathers back, a chair with coil under the seat for washing bottom parts of the body, a hand shower, and an appliance for washing the feet. For users of wheelchair the chair is designed for sliding with the bather from exterior of the bathtub to the interior of the bathtub. In version for elderly, infirm people the chair seat is fixed in position over the longitudinal lip of the bathtub to let the user to sit down on this chair as well as he sat on a standard chair or toilet. The users back in this case will be in area of the bathtub, while the feet will be out and the water, which coming out will be gathered by curtain in folding tray and pumped back in the bathtub.

Abstract: A bath lifting system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially covering the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The guiding assembly guides the seat from a lowered position to a raised position to facilitate ingress and egress to a bather. A composite bath embodiment and a retrofit embodiment, each with either straight up or laterally offset lifting, are disclosed. All the embodiments can use a closed self-pressurized system. A retrofit embodiment force compensation system provides both access to the bath adjacent the bath lifting system and safety while providing a hinge for alternative connections.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely, comfortably, and completely bathing oneself without aid of another person and method to operate the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame with two vertical posts on which slides a carriage with means of a reciprocating belt and showering means for soaping and showering bathers back, a chair for bathing in sitting position, a water supply system, a hand shower, a coil of hoses with numerous spout holes, mounted under said chair, for washing bottom parts of said body, and an appliance for washing and massaging the feet.

Abstract: A spa apparatus includes a chair and a basin supported by a base. The basin is movable in an up/down direction relative to a portion of the base. The chair may include actuators to tilt forward to permit easy entry and exit from the chain. The chair may also move in a fore/aft direction relative to the basin. A pair of foot rests may be located within the basin. A manicure assembly may be located within a cavity in the arm of the chair. The basin may have a narrowed front portion to allow a technician to easily fact the customer. A base may include two support frames that pivot relative to one another proximate an end of the base distal the basin.

Abstract: A transfer board includes an upper transfer surface, a lower surface, a first end and a second end. A hook extends from the first end and is removably securable around an interior rim of a toilet seat or bowl. A latch extends from the lower surface of the transfer board proximate the first end to assist in securing the transfer board to the toilet seat.

Abstract: A bath lift including an inflatable part 10 locatable in a bath to raise or lower a person sitting thereon. The part 10 comprises a seat section 12 and a support section 20. The sections 12, 20 are connected in series such that with a person sitting on the part 10 the section 12 will deflate first, and when the part 10 is being inflated with a person sitting thereon the section 20 will inflate prior to the section 12.

Abstract: A transfer seat apparatus structured for simultaneous dependent slidable translation during manual rotation, through preferably about 90° of rotation, of a seat section of the apparatus with a person seated atop the seat section. The apparatus is particularly useful for transferring a physically impaired or weakened person into a bathtub or over a collecting basin when adapted and used as a commode. Thus, as the seat section is rotated with the person seated thereon, lateral linear translation is simultaneously effected which is dependently responsive to manual seat section rotation.

Abstract: A bath lifting system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially covering the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The guiding assembly guides the seat from a lowered position to a raised position to facilitate ingress and egress to a bather. A composite bath embodiment and a retrofit embodiment, each with either straight up or laterally offset lifting, are disclosed. All the embodiments can use a closed self-pressurized system.

Abstract: A bath lifting system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially covering the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The guiding assembly guides the seat from a lowered position to a raised position facilitates ingress and egress to a bather. A composite bath embodiment and a retrofit embodiment, both with either straight up or laterally offset lifting, are disclosed.

Abstract: A new and improved bathing chair and method of using the bathing chair for positionment within a bathtub is described. The bathing chair having a generally U-shaped framework comprising a seat; a support rod; a pair of U-shaped frame members; a pair of caps; a pair of bottom support members; a pair of top support members; a base member; a yoke member; and a collar. The support rod has a generally S-shaped configuration, in which the top end of the support rod is pivotally attached to the seat. Each of the U-shaped frame members has an upside down J-shaped configuration at the proximate end and an upside down L-shaped configuration at the distal end. The pair of caps are attached to the distal ends of the pair of U-shaped frame members. The pair of bottom support members are connected the bottom portions of each U-shaped frame members together. The pair of top support members are connected to the top portions of each U-shaped frame members together.

Abstract: A bathing chair is provided that swivels on a fixed base and includes a leg support assembly. The combination of the leg support and the swiveling action of the chair allows a disabled or handicapped bather to comfortably enter and/or exit a bathtub or a shower stall without the aid of another person. The leg support also allows the legs of the bather to clear obstacles, such as the ledge of a bathtub or the lip of a shower stall, without the aid of another person. The bathing chair also includes a single support assembly that is capable of supporting the bathing chair and a bather without the need for any additional support structures. The need for only a single support assembly to adequately support the chair provides a bathing chair that is sturdy, lightweight and simple to install.

Abstract: A bath lifting system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially covering the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The guiding assembly guides the seat from a lowered position to a raised position to facilitate ingress and egress to a bather. A composite bath embodiment and a retrofit embodiment, each with either straight up or laterally offset lifting, are disclosed. All the embodiments can use a closed self-pressurized system.

Abstract: A bath lifting system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially covering the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The guiding assembly guides the seat from a lowered position to a raised position facilitates ingress and egress to a bather. A composite bath embodiment and a retrofit embodiment, both with either straight up or laterally offset lifting, are disclosed.

Abstract: An elevating bath lift seat for assisting elderly and disabled persons to safely get down into, and back out of a bathtub. it comprises a vertically moving seat surface supported by frame structure designed to be situated within most residential bathtubs. It uses household water pressure to elevate and lower the user. Lifting force is provided by a novel lifting bladder arrangement which is totally sealed without the use of sliding type seals. An integral part of the design is a novel frame structure that also serves as a linear guide system for up and down travel of the seat frame, while also providing full water immersion lubrication for linear guide bushings.

Abstract: A swivel tub and shower chair system comprising a base assembly having a pedestal in a hollow cylindrical configuration with an upper and lower end and with a plurality of radially positioned stabilizing legs having interior ends rigidly coupled to the lower end of the pedestal; and a chair assembly having a seat with an access aperture and with an imperforate floor there beneath, and with a pair of vertical side extensions coupling the floor and the seat thereby forming a front opening and a rear opening, the floor further having a lower post extending downwardly therefrom and being adapted to be received in the upper end of the pedestal of the base assembly, the chair being offset forwardly from the center of the base assembly.

Abstract: A bath lift (10), the lift (10) comprising a housing (12) locatable to a first side (18) of a bath (20). A flexible band (72) is provided which is selectively extendable from the housing (12) across the bath (20) to a second side (86) of the bath (20) such that a person can sit on the band (72). The lift (10) comprises means for selectively feeding the band (72) out or in of the housing (12) such that when the band (72) is fed out a person sitting thereon is lowered into a sitting position to the bottom of the bath (20), and when the band (72) is fed in, a person sitting thereon is raised off the bottom of the bath (20). The lift (10) is arranged to be selectively movable between an in use position with the band (72) extending from the housing (12) across the bath (20), and an out of use condition with the band (72) located at least substantially within the housing (12). The housing (12) lies in a generally flat configuration to the first side (18) of the bath (20).

Abstract: A bath lift system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially concealing the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The lifting device reduces leakage while providing straight line movement positioning of the seat from a central position to a position along side of the top rim of the bath. Also, an alternative internal lifting device that eliminates the need for openings through the wall of the bath is provided.

Abstract: A support system to support a disabled person in a bathing environment, a pole mounted between the ceiling and the floor; a vertically adjustable, padded, underarm support, attached to the pole, to fit under the arms of a user at various selected heights; and a vertically adjustable seat attached to the pole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bath system comprising a bath tub (74) which can be filled with bath water and a lifting surface (16for raising and lowering a person (18) situated in said bath tub (74). For greater ease of use by physically handicapped persons the lifting surface is embodied by a flexible lifting mat (16) which in a pressure-tight manner covers an upper tub opening (14) of a supporting tub (12) which can be subjected to an operating fluid (22). By changing the volume of operating fluid in the supporting tub (12) the lifting mat can be raised and lowered such that it can serve as bath tub (74).