THERAPEUTIC BATH LINER

Abstract

A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert is provided according to embodiments of the present invention which includes a flexible sheet material bathtub liner. The bathtub liner has an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface. The bathtub insert includes an air and/or water conduit having an air and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or water outlets and a wall defining a passage for airflow and/or water flow. The air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/983,238, filed Oct. 29, 2007, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a therapeutic bath liner and in specific embodiments, to a shaped flexible bathtub insert for delivering a hydrotherapy effect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People are increasingly aware of the value of relaxation in a fast-paced modem environment. In particular, various types of hydrotherapy are a popular method of relaxation and specialized permanently installed bathtubs dedicated to providing relaxation hydrotherapy are widely available. However, permanent installation of hydrotherapeutic equipment is often costly and requires significant modification of existing structures. Further, many people are required to travel frequently and do not get the benefit of permanently installed hydrotherapy equipment in their homes.

Existing reversibly installed hydrotherapy bathtub inserts are believed to provide inadequate results. Such inserts are generally installed only in the bottom of the bathtub, require the user to sit on the bubble producing portion and deliver bubble hydrotherapy from below in order to prevent the insert from floating in a filled bathtub.

There is a continuing need for a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert which can be easily and reversibly installed for occasional use at home or at a temporary location, such as when traveling. There is an additional need for a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert which substantially covers the interior of the bathtub and delivers bubble and/or water-jet hydrotherapy from the side.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert is provided according to embodiments of the present invention which includes a flexible sheet material bathtub liner. The bathtub liner has an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface. The bathtub insert includes an air and/or water conduit having an air and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or water outlets and a wall defining a passage for airflow and/or water flow. The air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner.

In particular embodiments, a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub includes an air compressor for delivering a stream of compressed air. For example, an air compressor is used that has an air outlet for the stream of compressed air and the outlet port of the air compressor can be connected to the air and/or water inlet of the air and/or water conduit. In further embodiments, a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert includes a pump for delivering a stream of water. For example, a pump is used that has a water outlet for the stream of water and the outlet port of the water pump can be connected to the air and/or water inlet of the air and/or water conduit.

Water and air can be mixed to produce both bubbles and water-jets in embodiments of the present invention. For example, outlet ports of both a water pump and an air compressor can be connected to an air and/or water inlet of an air and/or water conduit.

Optionally, and preferably, a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert according to embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of fasteners for detachably securing the outer surface of the flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub. For example, a plurality of suction cups is attached to the flexible bathtub liner for securing the outer surface of the flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub.

In a further option, one or more inflatable cushions for providing additional comfort to a user are provided. In particular embodiments, the one or more inflatable cushions are in airflow communication with an air source, such as an air compressor. Examples of inflatable cushions include a head rest, a back rest, a seat, or a combination of any of these.

In particular embodiments, a flexible bathtub liner included in an insert of the present invention has an opening between the inner surface and the outer surface for insertion of at least a portion of a bathtub drain therethrough. Optionally, the flexible bathtub liner has an opening between the inner surface and the outer surface for insertion of at least a portion of a bathtub drain valve control therethrough.

A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert for a bathtub is provided according to embodiments of the present invention which includes a shaped flexible bathtub liner having a base, two generally opposing side walls and two generally opposing end walls. The shaped flexible bathtub liner has an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the two generally opposing side walls. At least one air and/or water conduit having an air and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or water outlets and a wall defining a passage for airflow is included. The air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the two generally opposing side walls such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner.

Methods of providing bubbles and/or water-jets to a subject are described according to embodiments of the present invention which include providing a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert for a bathtub as described herein and delivering air and/or water through a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of two generally opposing side walls of the bathtub liner of the insert such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner to a subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert and bathtub;

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert; and

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert in place in a bathtub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert is provided according to the present invention which includes a flexible sheet material bathtub liner. The flexible sheet material bathtub liner has an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface for passage of air and/or water. In particular embodiments, the flexible sheet material bathtub liner is configured to extend out of the interior of the bathtub. In preferred embodiments, a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of the present invention substantially covers the interior of the bathtub when in use.

An air and/or water conduit is attached to the flexible sheet material bathtub liner to provide air for generation of air bubbles and/or water-jets in the bathtub. The air and/or water conduit has an air and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or water outlets and a wall defining a passage for airflow and/or water flow. The air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer surface of the flexible sheet material bathtub liner so that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the bathtub liner. Air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner and generates bubbles and/or water-jets in a liquid-filled bathtub.

The number and distribution of aligned air and/or water conduits and passageways is selected to achieve a desired bubble and/or water-jet effect in a liquid-filled bathtub.

In preferred embodiments, a nozzle is attached to each individual air and/or water outlet of the plurality of air and/or water outlets. Each nozzle protrudes through one of the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the bathtub liner. Optionally, one or more of the nozzles is adjustable to control airflow and/or water flow through the nozzle.

In particular embodiments, a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert for a bathtub includes a shaped flexible bathtub liner having a base, two generally opposing side walls and two generally opposing end walls and the bathtub liner includes a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the two generally opposing side walls. In such embodiments, the air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the two generally opposing side walls such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner.

In further embodiments of the present invention, the bathtub liner includes a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the base of the bathtub liner. In such embodiments, the air and/or water conduit is secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the base of the bathtub liner.

In particular embodiments, an electrically energized air compressor for delivering a stream of compressed air is connected to the air inlet of the air conduit. Electrical energy is delivered to the air compressor by connection to an electrical source. Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the air compressor is powered by a battery. Optionally, the battery is a rechargeable battery.

In particular embodiments, an electrically energized pump for delivering a stream of water is connected to the water inlet of the water conduit. Electrical energy is delivered to the pump by connection to an electrical source. Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the pump is powered by a battery. Optionally, the battery is a rechargeable battery. Water can be pumped from the water-filled bathtub to circulate through the pump and into the water conduit. Optionally, water is pumped from a water container or source other than the bathtub.

In a further option, both a water pump and an air compressor are used to deliver a mixture of air and water through the conduit and through the bathtub liner.

In preferred embodiments, a bubble producing bathtub insert includes a plurality of fasteners for detachably securing the outer surface of the flexible sheet material bathtub liner to a bathtub. For example, the plurality of fasteners is a plurality of suction cups attached to the flexible bathtub liner. The plurality of suction cups is attached to the flexible sheet material bathtub liner and is positioned to attach the flexible sheet material bathtub liner to a surface outside of the interior of the bathtub. Optionally, the plurality of suction cups is attached to the flexible sheet material bathtub liner and is positioned to attach the flexible sheet material bathtub liner both to the interior of the bathtub and to a surface outside of the interior of the bathtub.

Optionally, at least one inflatable cushion in airflow communication with an air compressor is included in a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert. The inflatable cushion may be a head rest, a back rest or a seat. In particular embodiments, two or more inflatable cushions are included in a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert. Further optionally, the two or more inflatable cushions are in airflow communication such that the two or more cushions are jointly inflated. In a further option, the two or more cushions are independently inflatable, allowing a user to choose a particular inflation configuration.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the flexible bathtub liner further includes an opening for a bathtub drain. Optionally, the flexible bathtub liner further includes an opening for a bathtub drain valve control, allowing a user to operate the drain control.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, a wide variety of flexible sheet materials can be used, including, for example, flexible polymer sheet materials. Non-limiting examples include thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride and polyolefin sheet materials illustratively including polypropylene, polyethylene, halogenated polyolefins such as chlorinated polypropylene and chlorinated polyethylene.

A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert 100 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. A flexible sheet material bathtub liner 102 is shown with an attached air and/or water conduit 104. The embodiment shown illustrates an air conduit having an air inlet 115, a plurality of air and/or water outlets 106 and a wall defining a passage for airflow and/or water flow. The flexible sheet material bathtub liner 102 includes a plurality of passageways 108. The plurality of air and/or water outlets 106 is generally aligned with the plurality of passageways 108 such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner into liquid in the bathtub, creating bubbles and/or water-jets. A mixture of air and water can be introduced to flow through the conduit 104.

An electrically energized air compressor 114 for delivering a stream of compressed air is illustrated connected to the air inlet 115 of the air conduit. A controller 116 for controlling the compressor is shown. The controller is effective to activate and deactivate the compressor. Optionally, the controller is configured to allow a user to control the amount and/or distribution pattern of airflow. For example, optional valves are included which allow a user to direct air to a selection of air outlets.

Optionally, an electrically energized water pump for delivering a stream of water is connected to a water inlet of the water conduit. A controller for controlling the water pump can be used. The controller is effective to activate and deactivate the water pump. Optionally, the controller is configured to allow a user to control the amount and/or distribution pattern of water flow. For example, optional valves are included which allow a user to direct water to a selection of water outlets.

In a further option, water and air can be delivered in a mixture. For example, a valve connecting a water conduit and an air conduit can be included to provide a water/air mixture to a water/air conduit, 104.

A plurality of fasteners 132 for detachably securing the flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub 130 is shown. Inflatable cushions are illustrated including a head rest 118, a back rest 120 and a seat 122.

An opening in the flexible sheet material bathtub liner 102 for a bathtub drain is shown at 110. An opening for a bathtub drain valve control is shown at 112.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. As noted, compressor 114 can be replaced by, or linked to, a water pump.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert according to embodiments of the present invention. In this view, the flexible sheet material bathtub liner 102 is shown along with the air and/or water conduit 104 having a wall 107 defining a passage for airflow and/or water flow and having an air and/or water outlet 106. The air and/or water outlet 106 is shown generally aligned with a passageway 108 in the flexible sheet material bathtub liner 102. A fastener 132 for detachably securing the flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub 130 is shown.

Methods of providing bubbles and/or water-jets to a subject are described according to embodiments of the present invention which include providing a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert for a bathtub as described herein and delivering air and/or water through a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of two generally opposing side walls of the bathtub liner of the insert such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner to a subject.

The apparatus described herein is presently representative of preferred embodiments, exemplary, and not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes and other uses can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert, comprising:

a flexible sheet material bathtub liner, the bathtub liner having an inner surface and an outer surface, the bathtub liner comprising a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface; and

an air and/or water conduit having an air and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or water outlets and a wall defining a passage for airflow and/or waterflow, the air and/or water conduit secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner.

2. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 1, further comprising an air compressor for delivering a stream of compressed air, the air compressor having an air outlet for the stream of compressed air, the outlet port of the air compressor connected to the air and/or water inlet of the air and/or water conduit.

3. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 1, further comprising a pump for delivering a stream of water, the pump having a water outlet for the stream of water, the outlet port of the water pump connected to the air and/or water inlet of the air and/or water conduit.

4. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fasteners for detachably securing the outer surface of the flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub.

5. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 3, wherein the plurality of fasteners for detachably securing the outer surface of the flexible bathtub liner to a bathtub is a plurality of suction cups attached to the flexible bathtub liner.

6. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 2, further comprising an inflatable cushion in airflow communication with the air compressor, the inflatable cushion selected from the group consisting of: a head rest, a back rest, a seat, and a combination thereof.

7. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 1 wherein the flexible bathtub liner further comprises an opening between the inner surface and the outer surface for insertion of at least a portion of a bathtub drain therethrough.

8. The bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert of claim 1 wherein the flexible bathtub liner further comprises an opening between the inner surface and the outer surface for insertion of at least a portion of a bathtub drain valve control therethrough.

9. A bubble anchor water-jet producing bathtub insert for a bathtub, comprising:

a shaped flexible bathtub liner having a base, two generally opposing side walls and two generally opposing end walls, the shaped flexible bathtub liner having an inner surface and an outer surface, the bathtub liner comprising a plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the two generally opposing side walls; and

an air and/or water conduit having an air and/or water inlet, a plurality of air and/or water outlets and a wall defining a passage for airflow, the air and/or water conduit secured to the outer surface of the bathtub liner such that the plurality of air and/or water outlets is generally aligned with the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the two generally opposing side walls such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner.

10. A method of providing bubbles and/or water-jets to a subject in a bathtub, comprising:

providing a bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert for a bathtub according to claim 9;

placing the bubble and/or water-jet producing bathtub insert in the bathtub; and

activating an air compressor and/or water pump to deliver air and/or water to the air and/or water conduit; thereby delivering air and/or water through the plurality of passageways between the inner surface and the outer surface of the two generally opposing side walls of the bathtub liner of the insert such that air and/or water passing through the air and/or water outlet passes through the bathtub liner to the subject.