Abstract: A bathing tub including a bathing basket with an open front with a seating area, a back and opposing ends. The seating area can be adjusted in height and then fixed at a level approximately buttock high above a support surface so that a bather can easily slide into the seating area of the basket from a standing position through the open front. Once the bather is in the basket, a front rail is moved into a closing position to provide the bather with some support across the front of the basket and to prevent the bather from falling out of the basket. Next, a remote reservoir which has been pre-filled with a bathing liquid, usually body temperature bathing water, is raised and surrounds the bathing basket or the bathing basket is lowered into the remote reservoir to accomplish the same effect. The water will flow at a rapid pace into the bathing basket and the bather will thus be quickly immersed in water that has been pretempered to the desired temperature to any level of immersion desired.

Abstract: A portable spa is provided wherein an external axis stairway is provided within an indentation in one of the sidewalls of the tub.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus for disabled and aged is presented which allows bathing of a person in a seated position in a wheel chair. The bathing apparatus is hygienic because the caster rollers for the wheel chair are isolated from the bath water in a non-water-filled section of the apparatus thus avoiding contamination of the bath water, and can be operated with ease with one helper person. The bathing apparatus requires less water for a full bath compared with the conventional wheel chair bathing units, because the chair frames are designed to ride on the inside of the bath tub. This configuration is made possible by having a chair frame supported on a single support rod which can be pushed inside the bath tub through a cut-out provided on the bottom section of the tub unit. The support rod emerging from the bottom section into the bath water is sealed by a pair of sealing members which are pressed tightly around the support rod to eliminate leaking of the bath water from the tub unit.

Abstract: A bath (1) for use by an elderly or disabled person. The bath (1) includes a side opening (3) which extends over the full width and height of the bath (1) and is surrounded by and outwardly and downwardly extending skirt (8). A door (4) with a channel (9) on its inner surface is upwardly translatable in its own plane to bring the door (4) over the opening (3) and force the skirt (8) into sealing engagement with a seal (11, 40) in the channel (9) which may be a foamed rubber seal or a part fluid=filled flexible tube up which the fluid is squeezed to effect sealing in upper portions of the tube as closing is completed.

Abstract: A portable bathing apparatus that wheels to the patient's bed and then elevates to be even with the bed. It is equipped with a disposable tub unit, which may be sterilized for reuse and which raises and lowers. The apparatus is also provided with safety rails, an elevating back rest, a hand held shower unit, and a self-contained holding tank for used bath water. In addition, the portable bathing apparatus may be attached to a water source at the site of use, via a hose with an adapter the can be removably secured onto a standard faucet. The portable bathtub apparatus provides a satisfactory method of cleansing patients.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus for disabled and aged which allows bathing of a person in a seated position in a wheel chair. The bathing apparatus is hygienic because the caster rollers for the wheel chair are isolated from the bath water in a non-water-filled section of the apparatus thus avoiding contamination of the bath water, and can be operated with ease with one helper person. The bathing apparatus requires less water for a full bath compared with the conventional wheel chair bathing units, because the chair frames are designed to ride on the inside of the bath tub. This configuration is made possible by having a chair frame supported on a single support rod which can be pushed inside the bath tub through a cut-out provided on the bottom section of the tub unit. The support rod emerging from the bottom section into the bath water is sealed by a pair of sealing members which are pressed tightly around the support rod to eliminate leaking of the bath water from the tub unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to modifying an existing tub to form a bathtub assembly having a recessed opening in the tub apron to allow easy access to a high walled tub apron for users who are unable to step over the apron of the tub. The initial step in the method is the formation of a plug on the intact tub apron. The plug is removed and is transformed into a custom mold for the tub cap. The tub cap is formed within the mold by applying cap building material to the interior surface of the mold. The cap is allowed to cure and is then removed from the mold. A section of the tub apron is then cut out to form a rough opening upon which the tub cap is securely mounted to allow an access passage into the bathtub.

Abstract: A ramp for barrier free showers which is pivotable from a generally horizontal position for elevating wheel chairs into a shower or other location, to a generally vertical position which removes the ramp as a hazard and which uses the ramp to hold shower curtains within the shower. The ramp has a dam which extends generally perpendicularly front the top surface of the ramp and which covers a gap between the ramp and a threshold of the shower when the ramp is in the generally vertical position, to prevent water from running onto the floor.

Abstract: The bath tub (10) having side access has a main tub body (12), a door support, a tambour door assembly (16), a door seal 18 and a control system (20). The door support includes door guide assemblies (64). A tambour door (66) with a plurality of tambour slats (76 or 401) and a flexible impervious membrane (86) is guided by the door guide assemblies (64). The tambour door (66) is in a horizontal position under the floor (27) when it is open and in a vertical position closing the open side (28) of the main tub body (12) when it is closed. A seal (18) seals between the main tub body and the membrane (86). The seal (18) includes a tube (155) that is inflated to seal between the main tub (12) and the tambour door (66). The control system (20) closes the drain 46 when the tambour door (66) is closed and the seal (18) is inflated and the tambour door (66) is constrained in the closed position.

Abstract: The bath tub (10) having side access has a main tub body (12), a door support, a tambour door assembly (16), a door seal 18 and a control system (20). The door support includes door guide assemblies (64). A tambour door (66) with a plurality of tambour slats (76 or 401) and a flexible impervious membrane (86) is guided by the door guide assemblies (64). The tambour door (66) is in a horizontal position under the floor (27) when it is open and in a vertical position closing the open side (28) of the main tub body (12) when it is closed. A seal (18) seals between the main tub body and the membrane (86). The seal (18) includes a tube (155) that is inflated to seal between the main tub (12) and the tambour door (66). The control system (20) closes the drain 46 when the tambour door (66) is closed and the seal (18) is inflated and the tambour door (66) is constrained in the closed position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an accessory to a bathing system, e.g., a bathtub with a step-through access, to provide a bather of restricted mobility roll-in capability to shower. It features a ramp i.e., an inclined surface, which in this invention is fixed in position to furnish roll-in access to the tub. Associated devices cooperate to locate and secure the ramp in the access, More specifically, an insert having opposed legs and a base engages grooves on the sides of the access. In one embodiment, a splash shield extends upright from the ramp to divert shower water back into the tub.

Abstract: A Pet Bathing Apparatus has a tub, a pet drying towel, an accessories caddy and a water spray attachment. The tube has a pet entrance, for easy access to the tub interior, and a pet restraining loop adapted for attachment to a pet collar. The tub also has a rim having fasteners to which the pet drying towel which has grommets may be attached. The tub has a drain portion which can be sealed with a plug. A drain screen is located in the drain to prevent shed pet fur from exiting with the waste bathwater. The accessories caddy for holding supplies and the water spray attachment are attachable to the tub rim. The spray attachment has a spray head, hose and rim mounting bracket, and an arm which is attachable to the tub rim and has connections for an external water supply.

Abstract: The bathing tub assembly includes a removable side wall panel which is slidably engageable with a slot along the edge of an opening through the side wall of the tub. A special seal construction for the panel edge and slot prevents leakage of the contents of the tub through the slot.

Abstract: For a tub which provides access through a side door, an inflatable seal is employed with the fluid connection to the seal being provided through the door hinge structure. In one embodiment, sensors are provided in conjunction with the water level in the tub so as to activate the source of pressurized fluid to the seal as well as to deflate the seal at a desired time. In another embodiment, a latching mechanism is utilized so as to provide a secure but easy delatching of the door.

Abstract: A bathtub having one panel which slides down, allows entrance for a handicapped person in a wheelchair or on a trolley without having to climb over the side. The bathtub permits a handicapped person to be independent and not rely on others. One fixed vertical side is joined to two end walls extending up from a bottom surface to form a bathtub, a sliding panel, representing the other vertical side of the bathtub in a raised position, is mounted in tracks in the two end walls, the tracks extend down allowing the sliding panel to be lowered to a lowered position to permit entry and exit. The sliding panel can be raised and lowered between the lowered and raised positions, and a seal is provided to seal the panel in the raised position.

Abstract: A bathroom structure. The structure enables an individual in a wheelchair to readily maneuver himself into and out of a bathtub or shower. The bathroom structure minimizes the probability that an individual will accidentally drown in the bathtub.

Abstract: An invalid's bathtub includes a door that has a rail system that is movable from a first position in which it acts as a guide and safety system for the invalid as he enters or leaves the tub, into a second position in which it forms a continuation of a safety rail system located inside the tub. The rail system also operates a lock which locks the door to the tub.

Abstract: A steam sauna has a passage for circulation of air existing in a sauna booth, and is provided with a heater for heating air flowing through the passage, and a steam generator with an ultrasonic oscillator for mixing steam generated with the air heated.

Abstract: A sitting bathtub has one lateral wall almost completely open. A hatch is placed over the opening so that one of the hatch's lower corners by the weight of the hatch rests against the side wall of the tub. A movable handle is arranged to press the rest of the lower part of the hatch against the side wall to obtain an initial seal. When water is filled into the tub, the hydrostatic pressure against the hatch climbs upwards forcing the sealing function successively to climb in advance upwards over the rising water level. The handle can be operated from inside as well as from outside of the tub. The force with which the handle presses against the inside of the hatch is proportional to the turning angle of the handle.

Abstract: A bath tub (13) having side walls (15, 16), a rear wall (14), an entrance and a door (20) for closing the entrance, the entrance having a seal (39) engageable with a chamfered inner surface (41) of the door when the door is closed and water pressure is exerted on the seal for sealing the interface of the seal (39) and the chamfered surface (41) against the flow of water.

Abstract: Sitting bathtub constituted by a tub (10) provided with an opening (11) extending almost down to the bottom of the tub and a hatch (15) to close this opening. When closing the bathtub before having a bath the hatch (15) is placed on the inside of the bathtub and the hydrostatic forces of the water forces the hatch against the edges of the opening where a seal is provided on the hatch. The sides and in particular the side with the opening are inclined or sloped outwards from the bottom so that the hatch with its seal will rest by its own weight against the seal. In particular seal (16), hatch (15) and the side of the bathtub are so arranged that a good sealing effect is always certain at the bottom of the bathtub when the rising water and the resulting hydrostatic pressure enable the sealing effect to climb upwards even on a light and slightly flexible hatch. This in turn enables the hatch to be very light and easy to handle and it is thus no inconvenience to have a loose hatch.

Abstract: A seat bath unit for elderly, frail or otherwise handicapped persons is provided wherein a sidewall of the bathtub is displaceable for complete opening to the seat part for access thereto. A catchment trough beneath the bathtub is provided for receiving the total amount of water from the bathtub when bathing is complete so that the bathtub can be quickly emptied.

Abstract: The method of retrofitting a conventional tub of the kind having spaced inner and outer walls for the handicapped comprising removing a section of the wall of the tub from the rim down to a level just above the bottom to provide an opening at the side of the tub and refinishing the sides and bottom of the opening to match the contour and finish of the tub.

Abstract: A bathing unit is particularly designed for home use, and includes a bathtub with an access opening in one side for easy ingress and egress, and a vertically sliding door to close the access opening. The bathing unit has a unique, combination door guide and grab bar arrangement, an adjustable control console, and a power door lock, all of which permit the bather to readily operate the door by himself, and to adjust the water temperature, flow and whirlpool from a seated position within the bathtub. The bather can receive total bathing and whirlpool therapy in private, without the need for an assistant. The combination door guide and grab bar arrangement includes a pair of support rods located on either side of the access opening, which function both as a track on which the door smoothly and easily glides, and also as vertical grab bars, which greatly facilitate entering and exiting the bathtub, and do not interfer with the operation of the door.

Abstract: A generally rectangular open topped vessel with vertical walls around the periphery of a floor consisting of two integrally formed levels, the lower level being at one end providing a footwell and having a drain therein. Near the end of one side wall, in the area where the footwell is located, is a door opening. This door opening has a ferromagnetic faced door stop around the edge. A door is hingedly attached to the edge of the opening such that it swings horizontally inward towards the nearest adjacent end wall. The door has a flange along its two vertical edges and along its bottom horizontal edge. Mounted concentrically on the flange are two magnetic gaskets such that when the door is closed the gakets force a water tight seal with the ferromagnetic plate on the door stop. A second drain is located in the surface of the bottom door stop such that when the door is closed water in the vessel cannot reach the drain due to the sealing of the outer gasket.

Abstract: A bathing system for ambulatory or non-ambulatory patients that includes a bathing cabinet with associated showering plumbing and a patient transporter cart that is moveable into and out of the cabinet, eliminating bodily transfer of the patient into and out of the bath from a wheelchair. The bathing cabinet has water shielded channels that receive and protect the wheels and casters of the transporter cart from becoming wet during the bathing operation when the cart is locked inside the bathing cabinet. The transporter cart includes a perianal spray that has a pipe coupling element that connects automatically during insertion of the cart to a pipe fitting disposed in the cabinet. The bathing cabinet includes a foot bathing receptacle that can be emptied with a mechanical flipper valve.The arm and foot rests of the transporter cart are removeable and can be stored on the outside of the cabinet during the bathing operation so that they do not get wet.

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: An improved shower arrangement is provided for invalid bathing units and the like, such as those comprising a sit-down bathtub having a lateral opening in one side to permit ingress and egress therethrough, and a vertically slidable door to selectively open and close the bathtub opening. The shower arrangement includes a plurality of fine-spray, wide-angle nozzles mounted along the left and right-hand sides of the bathtub, which collectively produce a gentle, blanket-like mist that completely covers the front of the bather. Preferably, a separate, fan-spray nozzle is mounted on the rear wall of the bathtub, and flows a thin sheet or film of water therealong, which cushions and baths the back and bottom of the seated invalid.

Abstract: Bathing equipment includes a tub having a gate for admitting a handicapped bather who is unable to step over a rim of a tub in a normal manner. The tub is supported on a base which places the bottom of the tub near the height of a seat on a wheelchair. The tub is equipped with a bath chair for transferring a seated bather from the gate end of the tub to the opposite end. Guides in the tub support the bath chair during back and forth travel between opposite ends of the tub.

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 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: An upwardly opening receptacle is provided including a bottom and upstanding wall portions projecting upwardly from the bottom and extending peripherally thereabout. One of the wall portions has a door opening formed therein and a horizontally swingable and inwardly opening door is hingedly supported from the one wall portion for movement between a closed position closing the opening and an open position adjacent and opposing the inner surface of a second wall portion of the tub. The tub includes structure defining a seat therein facing the aforementioned second wall portion and disposed to the side of the opening remote from the second wall portion. The one wall portion and the door include peripheral portions disposed about the opening and the door defining abuttingly engageable stop surfaces for limiting movement of the door toward the closed position.

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: 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.