Abstract: A multilayer flat molding with a visible side and a supporting layer, for example bathtubs or shower fittings, is described, the visible side consisting of a polyurethane surface coating layer and the supporting layer consisting of a reinforced polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A support system for bath tubs or shower tubs, which are provided with a tub rim which in particular extends around the tub, comprises at least one support rail which can be secured to a wall and support members which can be provided between the tub and the floor. In this arrangement, the surfaces of the wall and/or of the support rail facing the tub rim are covered, at least regionally, with an acoustic decoupling layer. The support members have at least one acoustically decoupling insulating element and an acoustically decoupling sectional element is provided, which can be positioned between the tub rim and the region confronting it of a support wall which can be erected beneath the tub rim.

Abstract: An on-bed bath for bedridden patients made up of a flat tray sized to accommodate a patient with raised sides at a slight angle. A U-shaped anti-splattering member is attached with quick fasteners to the insides of the raised sides. The tray is provided with a drain for emptying the tray of water. A mattress is placed in the tray for the comfort of the patient. The method of bathing the patient involves rolling the patient into the tray and then attaching the anti-splattering member.

Abstract: A bathtub of integral construction especially adapted for installation in a private residence has a sump bottom spaced a sufficient distance above the floor and an opening in the apron leading to the space beneath the sump. The sump bottom spacing and apron opening enable the positioning of a portion of the undercarriage of a mobile patient lift underneath the sump bottom so that the bather supported by the lift can be positioned directly above the sump. Accordingly, the bather, who may be an invalid or other seriously physically handicapped person, may be transferred to a residential style bathtub in his home without having to disembark the lift. The invention also includes methods of making the bathtubs and using them with the mobile patient lifts.

Abstract: An overflow system for a bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A flexible diaphragm is secured to and seals the port by a plate having a center opening. The diaphragm seals the overflow port when the system is being tested for leaks with pressurized fluid. Following the test, when the fluid is removed, the diaphragm is cut or slashed to open the overflow port to provide fluid flow. A cap covering the plate and the diaphragm is secured to the drain pipe and covers the plate and the diaphragm.

Abstract: A portable, inflatable, one-person vessel for recumbent, weightless, therapeutic flotation of a sufferer features a plurality of substantially vertical inflatable compartments attached to a waterproof floor. Each of the inflatable compartments is interconnected in pneumatic communication with the other inflatable compartments. Each inflatable compartment is in contact with adjacent inflatable compartments. The portable, inflatable vessel can be erected around a person suffering from pathology such as back spasm, sciatic nerve pain, arthritis, etc., and who cannot or should not be moved, or for a person who does not have access to a therapeutic pool. The flotation vessel provides a weightless environment for relief of pain caused by weight of body, constriction of joints, pressure, muscle spasm or tension, nerve pain, and etc.

Abstract: A multi-piece tub/shower unit having a trackless shower door and a method of assembly and installation of the same wherein the multi-piece tub/shower unit is comprised of a first sidewall, having a sidewall nailing flange and a front flanged surface, and a shower door water retaining bead as an integral part of the front flanged surface and further comprising at least one point of assembly having a debossed aperture; a backwall, having a backwall nailing flange and at least one point of assembly having a debossed aperture, whereby the backwall and the first sidewall are interconnected at the point of assembly by a christmas tree clip, having a first ribbed shank, a second ribbed shank and a shank head, whereby the christmas tree clip is inserted flushly within the debossed aperture of the point of assembly; the multi-piece tub/shower unit is further comprised of a bathtub unit having a tub nailing flange and a tub top ledge wherein the tub top ledge is comprised of an apron ledge having a shower door water re

Abstract: The invention relates to composites VS comprising at least two plastic layers A and C, suitable for the production of articles which, on one surface, come into contact with water at temperatures between 0.degree. and 90.degree. C., wherein the layer A, which comes into contact with water, comprises a thermoplastic, impact-resistant polymethyl methacrylate plastic SP having a Vicat softening temperature of at least 95.degree. C. according to ISO 306 procedure B and a notch impact resistance of at least 3.0 kJm.sup.-2 according to ISO 180 1A, and layer C comprises an impact-resistant acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer VP. In a preferred specific embodiment of the invention, another layer B, made of a thermoplastic polymethyl methacrylate plastic P, is placed between layers A and C.

Abstract: A bathtub step assembly for use in bathing disabled persons. The step assembly has a plurality of planar surfaces disposed in spaced, generally parallel relationship to each other, the uppermost planar surface being coplanar with the top surface of the bathtub wall or walls that it is disposed adjacent to. The uppermost planar surface is also specifically shaped to provide adequate human buttocks support when the human buttocks engages the uppermost planar surface both when the human is disposed thereon with his/her back facing the bathtub and when the buttocks are pivoted approximately one-quarter turn to be in feet-first ingress position relative to the bathtub.

Abstract: A bath overflow alarm comprised of a housing having a pair of slots formed through a lower end thereof. The housing has a waterproof battery chamber therein for active receipt of a battery. The housing is adapted for securement to a bathtub. A pair of water contacts are secured within the housing. An alarm mechanism is secured within the housing disposed above the pair of water contacts. Once water enters into the housing through the slots, the water contacts signal the alarm mechanism which will alert a person as to a dangerous water level.

Abstract: A polymeric composite structure having a polymeric shell layer with a finish-side and a non-finish side and a cross-linked thermosetting polymeric backing layer and method of manufacturing thereof is provided. The cross-linked thermosetting polymeric backing layer is simultaneously molded to conform to the shape of and bonded directly to essentially the entire non-finish side of the polymeric shell layer. The method includes forming the polymeric shell having a finish-side and non-finish side into a suitable shape, placing the shell into a mold, and introducing an uncured blended mixture of unsaturated thermosetting polymeric backing material and cross-linking promoter into the mold to force the backing material to directly coat the non-finish side of the shell.

Abstract: An old bath is renovated by selecting a new bath, e.g., a plastics bath, having a tub to fit within the old tub and a surround to extend over all the surround of the old bath, cutting the surround of the new bath to suit adjacent wall surfaces when the new bath tub is centralized in the old bath tub, cutting away the old tub around old drain and overflow fittings and removing them, installing new drain and overflow fittings to suit holes cut in the new bath tub, applying insulating adhesive filler to the bottom of the old tub and the existing surround, fitting the new bath in place and connecting the new drain and overflow fittings, and loading the bath while the filler sets and adheres between the old and new baths, any joints with adjacent wall surfaces being filled with a sealant.

Abstract: In the method of forming a spa tub, the steps that include providing a tub side wall having an inner side and an outer side, the tub having an interior to receive liquid; and providing a recess inwardly of the outer side of the tub side wall and below the top level of the side wall, to receive at least one of the following elements: edge extent of a flexible outer jacket for the side wall, the jacket extending below said recess; edge extent of a shoulder jacket that extends over the top of the side wall; edge extent of a tub top cover.

Abstract: A shaped rigid thermoplastic cradle and leveler for vessels such as sanitaryware is disclosed. The cradle and leveler are separately formed or integrally shaped from a single thermoformed sheet of rigid thermoplastic material. The rigid thermoplastic material has a flexural modulus of at least about 300,000 psi to provide sufficient rigidity in the sidewall of the cradle. The leveler includes an integral floor leveling means for providing a designed pitch so as to conform to the desired pitch of the floor region of the vessel toward the drain hole. The floor region comprises a plurality of tapering, alternating upper and lower contacting regions. Between each adjacent upper contacting region is defined unsupported span regions having the shortest distance between adjacent upper contact regions of not more than 12 inches (30.5 cm). Preferably the shortest distance between adjacent upper contact regions defining the unsupported span is from 2.5 inches to about 6 inches.

Abstract: A protective film is placed on acrylic sheet. The film has a polyethylene side and an adherent EVA side; it will survive stressful lamination procedures as well as thermoforming, and can be easily removed from a finished article after thermoforming.

Abstract: Structure for neck and shoulder massage in a hydrotherapy hot tub consists of a pillow element against which a person's head rests with a cavity in the pillow element through which a stream of fluid is directed toward the person's neck. The structure includes a surface interposed in the stream of fluid to deflect the stream to impinge on the person's neck downward at an adjusted acute angle thereto. Another form of the structure includes wing portions extending over the shoulders of a person whose head and neck are at the pillow element with conduits and nozzles at spaced intervals directing streams of fluid downward from the undersides of the wing portions onto the shoulders of the person.

Abstract: A bathing device for use in a hospital or nursing home environment comprises a rectangular chamber surrounded on five sides by inflatable interconnected panels. An integral head and neck support are provided at one end of the rectangular chamber. A drain unit penetrates the chamber and is connected to a hose for drainage of the bathing device. Air is provided to the interconnected panels through a resealable inlet. Air is also provided to the head and neck support though a resealable inlet. The bathing device is designed to be utilized in a hospital bed. A sloped inflated bottom panel facilitates drainage.

Abstract: A molded article is disclosed. The molded article includes a shell having a reservoir, a deck surrounding the reservoir and an apron. The shell has an exterior non-finish side and an interior finish side. The non-finish side of the shell is coated with a polymeric material. The polymeric material forms a layer on the non-finish side of the shell. The polymeric layer which is formed on the non-finish of the apron of the shell includes a rectangular area of reduced thickness and covers most of the surface of the apron. The periphery of the area of reduced thickness is surrounded by a lip having a chamfer of approximately 45.degree.. The weight of the molded article is reduced, while strength and rigidity are maintained.

Abstract: An improved bathtub, having a wall form and an adjoining base form, both of which are an integral part and made from the same material as the bathtub. The wall form extends lengthwise the full extent of the upper back bathtub planar surface and at right angles along the end planar surfaces, then at right angles down both ends of the bathtub front wall to the floor level, where, at right angles, the base form is joined at each end of the bathtub. The bathtub wall form provides the following: a secure means of attaching the bathtub to the structural wall members, an improved tapering wall or flange that eliminates the bulge where drywall and the upper flange of the bathtub meet, a means of holding the drywall edge away from the planar surface of the bathtub, and a wall tile groove. The base form provides a unique method of sliding the floor covering up and into the lower portion of the front bathtub wall, thus eliminating the normal cut or abutted joint found at the base of the bathtub front wall.

Abstract: A control device for an air-bubble massage appliance has an external housing containing an electric motor driven blower enclosed by a cover and also containing an internal housing having a horizontally aligned connecting piece which connects on one end to an opening in the external housing for an air hose and on the opposite end to air outlet slits in the blower cover. The external and internal housings have overlapping water discharge outlets in their respective floors to isolate any water which may enter the device from electrical components of the device. The housing floors also have at least one air aspirating opening. The electric motor is housed in the upper portion of an aspirating hood above a blower hood, thereby forming an aspirating chamber, and drives at least one fan wheel on a vertical shaft extending from the underside of the motor. The blower cover is sealed against the blower hood by profile packings.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus includes a bath tank formed in a casing having a bottom portion formed under the bath tank and a back portion formed rearwardly of the tank, the casing being in fluid communication with the bath tank through a plurality of apertures formed in the tank, an automatic heating starter automatically actuates a heating coil formed in the casing bottom portion for warming water in the casing, a thermostat for keeping a constant warm water temperature in the casing, a solenoid inlet valve controlled by a main switch of an electrical circuit which is opened to direct water into the tank and is automatically closed by a float switch mounted on the casing back portion and actuated by rising water level in the casing, and a solenoid drain valve which is automatically opened to drain bathed water when the main switch is automatically switched off, as pulled by a hook formed on an upper end of a guide rod having a float on a lowest end portion, when someone leaves the bath tank to lower the water level

Abstract: A combination bathtub/shower facility comprised of separately prefabricated shower and bathtub units which are structurally interconnected in such a manner as to maintain the structural, watertight, and aesthetic integrity of the facility. The bathtub and shower units are prefrably of unitary molded construction, e.g. of molded fiberglass construction. The shower unit includes a base portion, and preferably further includes vertically upwardly extending shower walls which are integrally formed with the shower base portion. Alternatively, separately prefabricated shower wall panels may be secureably mounted to the shower base portion. In a presently preferred embodiment, the interconnection of the bathtub and shower units is accomplished by connection facilities which are integral with or easily affixable to the side of the shower base portion which is disposed adjacent to a side wall of the bathtub unit.

Abstract: An improved self-cleaning bathtub having a reservoir large enough for multiple usages and an improved unitary water diversion system is disclosed.

Abstract: A light weight, durable plumbing fixture, e.g., a bathtub, sink, shower receptor, etc., is fabricated from a multilayer polymer composite structure of high impact strength and delamination resistance. The composite possesses a relatively thin polymeric cosmetic, or finish, layer, e.g., of acrylic resin, chemically bonded to a relatively thick, reinforced, cross-linked, isocyanate-modified thermosetting polyester or polyether dense foam resin substrate layer.

Abstract: In one exemplar embodiment, a contrast-healing water spa system is disclosed that includes a single monolithically formed tub having two approximately equal-sized chambers that are separated by an integrally formed insulated structural wall that will provide hot aerated water in one cabinet and cold quiet water in the other chamber. A hot water circulating pump withdraws water from the hot water chamber at a predetermined flow rate, and the water is then passed through a filter and heater before being injected into the hot water chamber through high-pressure injection ports. A cold water circulating pump withdraws water from the cold water chamber at a predetermined flow rate, and the water is then passed through a filter and cooled by a sidestream mounted chiller before being returned to the cold water chamber. A single ozone generator is interconnected between the cold and hot water lines to add disinfectant to both water circulating systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of forming a bathtub having a sloped back end in a sheet steel drawing process, wherein a steel blank is first held onto a draw ring and bed by a blank holder. A punch in the general shape of the bathtub is forced into the blank. As the punch extends into the draw ring, an air draw is made at the portion of the blank corresponding to the sloped back end in the final product of the process. This portion of the blank develops wrinkles as the drawing operation continues, until the blank contacts a die in the bed of the set-up. As the punch extends further into the draw stroke the blank is pressed into recesses in the die by corresponding bulges in the punch, thereby "ironing" out the wrinkles in the blank so that the sloped end is smooth.

Abstract: An upwardly open wallpaper wetting trough made from flexible polystyrene has a metal rod force fitted between the opposite ends of the trough and has vinyl tips fitted over the rod ends to protect the ends of the trough from puncture. An inwardly opening, outwardly extending channel is formed in each end of the trough to receive the ends of the rod in a force fit to maintain the rod in position while a sheet of wallpaper is being pulled through water in the trough guided by the rod.

Abstract: For facing a bathtube, an apron (3) of foam plastic is hooked into the tub edge (5) and secured to the adjoining structural elements (1, 20), in particular by means of assembly foam which, after introduction into the openings (9, 11), swells out through openings in the end face.

Abstract: A process is described of coating the interior wall of a mould heated at a temperature of 130.degree. to 180.degree. C. with a dry powder of an aminoplast or phenoplast resin, in particular melamine-formaldehyde, having a grain size distribution of 10 to 100.mu., whose particles gel in contact with the walls without running, then introducing into the mould a moulding composition comprising a thermosetting resin, mineral fillers and a catalyst, hardening and polymerizing by heat and pressure the contents of the mould and releasing the article whose coating is solidly anchored in the moulding composition.Sanitary ware articles of polyester-based substrate and melamine-formaldehyde-based coating, and refrigerator boxes consisting of polyurethane foam substrate and melamine-formaldehyde coating can be produced.

Abstract: A sponge bath and rinse platform on which the user (patient) lies for cleansing. The device is formed with a peripheral wall (defined by side walls, a head end wall, and a foot end wall) and a central area having a number of specially contoured areas for raising selected portions of the body above a gently sloping grade plane. The lowest region of the central area is located near the foot end wall, and defines a liquid collection area. The contoured areas define supports for the head, upper trunk, lower trunk, arms, and legs. Thus, the device includes a head support, an upper trunk support, a lower trunk support, first and second arm supports, and first and second leg supports.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting the circulating system of a whirlpool bath tub installation comprising blanking off or capping a nozzle or nozzles of the bath tub in such manner that a circulating pump and the nozzle(s) together with associated pipework form a closed path. A small supply of disinfecting solution is connected through a valve to the closed path around which the disinfectant solution is circulated by the pump during a disinfection period in order to disinfect the pump, nozzle(s) and associated pipework. A whirlpool bath tub which incorporates a nozzle or nozzles which can be blanked off or capped, thereby providing a closed path and allowing disinfection thereof, by the foregoing method. A whirlpool bath tub installation comprises a tub, nozzles which can be capped, and a disinfectant supply tank.

Abstract: The subject of the patent application is a bathtub (10) having a bathing compartment or tub (11) including front, rear and side walls (12, 18, 14 and 16 respectively) and a transparent bottom wall (20). The transparent bottom wall (20) is positioned such that it can be illuminated from below. Beneath the transparent bottom wall (20) is located a light source (26) and optionally other decorative elements (30). The decorative elements (30) can be supported on a translucent tray (32) which is positioned beneath the transparent bottom wall (20) but above the light source (26). The area (42) beneath the transparent bottom wall (20) of the tub (11) can be enclosed, and provided with a door (52) for access to the decorative elements (30) and light source (26). The tray (32) can be slidable on a track (34) for easy removal from beneath the transparent bottom wall (20).

Abstract: For water treatment in swimming pools, cooling towers, hot tubs, and other systems it is desired to feed various chemicals in small quantities but at optimum rates into the system. In several embodiments of the invention the water is recirculated through the system which usually includes a filter. It has been discovered that the chemicals can be fed by enclosing them in generally spherical plastic capsules suggestive of table-tennis balls, but about the size of a base ball. The rate of feeding depends upon the size and number of small holes which are provided, or the user pokes through the shell of the capsule, upon the solubility of the chemical, and upon the flow rate of the water through a strainer, skimmer, or other chamber in the system into which the capsule is introduced. The random orientation of the capsule tends to average out variations.

Abstract: A safety valve for automatically stopping the flow of a fluid brought by a conduit into a reservoir when the level of fluid in the reservoir reaches a maximum predetermined height. This valve is of the type comprising an obturation plate pivotally mounted in a housing provided in the supply conduit proximate the outlet of the conduit, and a control device including a float mounted at the end of a rod arranged to rock the obturation plate from an open position where it allows the fluid to flow freely to a closed position where it obturates the conduit to thereby stop the flow of fluid and consequently its arrival into the reservoir when the level of the fluid has reached the predetermined maximum level aforesaid. The pivot on which the obturation plate is mounted is provided on the outside of the housing and of the supply conduit, and is preferably made up of two aligned stub axles respectively seating into two small bearings made solid with two opposed external surfaces of the housing of the obturation plate.

Abstract: A repair laminate sheet which can bond faults in fiberglass and acrylic tubs is provided. The repair laminate sheet includes an upper fiberglass sheet ply and a lower epoxy sheet ply. The lower epoxy ply has its upper surface adhered to the lower surface of the upper fiberglass sheet ply. Both plies are substantially the same size and shape. The lower epoxy ply is juxtaposed directly below and in registration with the upper fiberglass sheet ply. The lower surface of the lower epoxy ply is attached to the upper surface of the bottom of a fiberglass or acrylic tub so that the lower ply overlies and bonds any faults in the tub bottom.

Abstract: A lightweight and highly dimensionally accurate molded resin concrete product essentially comprises an intermediate layer composed of resin concrete having a resin content of about 10 to 70%, and a thickness which is not greater than 20/1,000 of its maximum length, and a pair of reinforcing layers composed of a fiber reinforced plastic, and between which the resin concrete layer is sandwiched. The product having a very small wall thickness, and high hot water resistance is particularly useful as a bathtub, or the like. Disclosed also is a method of making such a molded resin concrete product.

Abstract: The invention is an improved bath device for patients, particularly bedridden, wheelchair dependent, and incontinent patients. The bath device is portable and provides a flow or liquid by gravity. The bath device is designed to operate independently or co-jointly which another form of incontinent equipment. The portable bath device is compact and easily carried or transported on a mobile facility. The bath device is constructed of flexible water-proof material that also has insulating qualities. The bath device has an inlet or fill port, a vent, and an outlet, each of which is sealable. The bath device has a facility for hanging the bath device on portable supports in a manner that facilitates complete use of all the contained liquid.

Abstract: A manual, in-door lock arrangement is provided for invalid bathing units and the like, of the type comprising a bathtub having a lateral opening in one side thereof for ingress and egress, and a door slidably mounted on a hinge-less track assembly for vertically translating the door between open and closed positions to selectively open and close the bathtub opening. A compression seal is disposed between the mating edges of the door and bathtub opening to form a watertight seal therebetween. The lock arrangement comprises a hand-operated actuator arm pivotally mounted on the exterior side of the door, and an elongate rod pivotally mounted within the door with latch arms attached to opposite ends of the rod. Latch plates are mounted on the track assembly at a location adjacent the latch arms when the door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A bath for use in the study of in vitro maintained human or animal tissue, comprises a body having a bath cavity provided with at least one fluid inlet port 2, and a spillway 6 formed in the wall of the bath acting as a fluid outlet. The upper edge 5 of the spillway determines the fluid level in the bath, and a pivotally mounted choke 7 co-acting with the surface of the spillway regulates the flow of fluid from the bath. The bath is also provided with at least one gas inlet port 18 adapted to form a layer of gas over the surface of the fluid so as to insulate the fluid from the surrounding air.

Abstract: A bathtub self-cleaning system includes a series of pop-out spray nozzles designed to be arranged about the confining walls of a bathtub and the like. The spray nozzles are connected by a manifold to a combined concentrate and dilutent mixing control valve. The control valve serves to initially mix the dilutent such as water with the concentrate such as a detergent to provide a diluted cleaning solution. Subsequently, the control valve discharges the cleaning solution via the manifold through the spray nozzles. The spray nozzles when popped-out are directed at the surfaces of the confining walls for their cleaning by the cleaning solution. Upon consumption of the concentrate within the mixing control valve, only dilutent is discharged therefrom to rinse the confining walls of residual cleaning solution or dirt. In this manner, a bathtub may be automatically cleaned without the necessity of any manual scrubbing thereof.

Abstract: A recreational basin having a tub with an inlet for fluids thereto. A pan is superposed in relation to the tub such that fluids can drain from the pan into the tub. A pump transfers fluid from the tub to the pan while a screening device prevents solids from moving from the pan to the tub. A regulator maintains a desired level of fluid in the tub.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus for invalids and the like, comprises a bathtub having a lateral opening in one side thereof for invalid ingress and egress, a door selectively closing the bathtub opening, and a seal positioned between the door and the bathtub. The door is slidably mounted in a pair of tracks disposed on opposite sides of the door for vertically translating the door between open and closed positions. A counterbalance for the door comprises a pair of spools mounted on opposite ends of a spring loaded axle, and a pair of flexible lines having one pair of ends wrapped around the spools, and the opposite ends attached to the door, whereby downward translation of the door tenses the spring and counterbalances the weight of the door. A lock for the door comprises a foot operated lever arrangement, which engages both sides of the door and positively pulls the same downwardly against the seal into the closed position.

Abstract: A bath tub having inner and outer front, rear and side walls, a ledge extending along the tops of these walls, a base uniting the inner and outer walls, and the whole forming a water-tight chamber extending around the tub. A cover is provided in a ledge of the tub. The cover provides an access opening, and there is also an aeration opening, for admission of air to water in the chamber and for servicing of the chamber. The chamber can be used for fish to thus provide an aquarium-tub combination.

Abstract: A collapsible bathing assembly utilizes a flexible liner housed within a cabinet. Rigid side walls for supporting the side walls of the liner are pivotally joined to the cabinet, and by pivoting action move the liner into and out of the cabinet. The rigid side walls and a rigid bottom support plate serve as the side walls and front wall of the cabinet when the liner is positioned within the cabinet and the bathing assembly is not in use. A rigid end wall is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis adjacent to the bottom of the liner to provide for the adjustable supporting of one of the ends of the liner, particularly to provide for collapsing of that liner end onto the bottom of the liner, resulting in easy access to the bathtub for an invalid. A framework is provided to support the top of the cabinet and to facilitate installation of the bathing assembly, including plumbing. The liner may be omitted, if desired, in which case the walls are provided with water-tight seals.

Abstract: An arrangement for bathing invalids, or others with impaired ambulatory ability, comprises an enclosure having a bathtub with upstanding walls which form a stall. The bathtub includes a seat having an anatomical contour and a lateral opening adjacent the seat to permit invalid ingress and egress. A door with a generally wedge-shaped contour mates with and selectively closes the bathtub opening, and includes a seal compressed between the opening lip and the door to form a seal which is sufficiently leakproof to permit immersal bathing of a seated invalid. The door is slideably mounted on a hingeless track assembly, which vertically translates the door into the closed position and pivots the door as it is raised into a horizontal, overhead storage position. Shower heads are mounted on the walls of the stall to provide both shower and immersal bathing for hygiene and therapy.

Abstract: A bathtub comprising a body having an insulated interior, preferably wood or pressed wood fibers bonded together by a suitable adhesive, an exposed exterior covering of fiberglass, plastic or the like with a non-skid impervious surface. The body comprises a uniquely configurated concavity or well adapted to comfortably receive the body of any size person and to conserve water while entirely covering the body, with the exception of the head. The well comprises opposed peanut-shaped vertical sidewalls each having an inwardly extending non-splash lip. A contoured area between the sidewalls runs from the front to the back of the tub in the well. The front of the mentioned area comprises a vertical front end wall which merges into a generally horizontal front bottom area which accommodates a standing position by the user when the bathtub is used for showering.

Abstract: This invention involves a new and unique inflatable bathtub for bedridden patients. More particularly, the bathtub includes a thin pliable sheet such as vinyl, which may be disposed of after one or more uses. The pliable sheet has a multiplicity of the first portion of attaching members located around the peripheral of the pliable sheet. In a preferred embodiment, these first portions of the attaching members are simply apertures around the peripheral of the pliable sheet. The pliable sheet is placed under the patient in the well-known manner of changing bed sheets while the patient remains in the bed. An inflatable rim member made of heavy-duty material and having the cooperating second portion of the attaching members is then placed around the patient. The second portion of the attaching members may simply be hooks which cooperate with the multiplicity of apertures.

Abstract: Apparatus for aiding in the showering of bathing of bed patients, which apparatus includes disposable non-porous sheets adapted to be fitted within a basin for collecting shower and bath water after use. The basin is removable from the bathing apparatus frame structure so that it may easily be maneuvered under a bed patient, and then used similar to a stretcher to transport the bed patient from the hospital bed to the apparatus support structure. Water collected during the bathing procedure is directed into a holding tank which includes a water pump and drain hose for draining such shower or bath water into an appropriate lavatory drain.

Abstract: A bathtub of the type having a bottom and four sides is improved by providing a smooth continuous, horizontally extending planar surface extending outwardly from the top of the four sides. A skirt member extends downwardly from this planar surface for a short distance. Located within the skirt member is a retaining member which is capable of retaining an apron panel in a fixed alignment with the tub such that the apron panel is interchangeable with the left and right sides of the tub allowing the tub to be used interchangeably in installations which previously required either a right or left handed tub. Extending along the longitudinal axis of the bottom of the tub is a runner retaining member to which is attached one or more runners which suspend the tub above a supporting surface allowing both drain and inlet pipes to be located between the supporting surface and the tub.

Abstract: A battery operated portable hydromassage appliance including control circuitry which senses the voltage level of the battery. When the battery voltage is below a predetermined level, the control circuitry automatically shuts the unit off so that the battery may be recharged before irreversible damage to the battery occurs. Also included is a low frequency oscillator which in combination with the low battery detector applies a pulsing input to the motor to turn the pump motor on and off and accordingly create a pulsing effect at the hydromassage appliance output.